The Wokingham Paper, December 24, 2015

W NOPEN O

Freshly made • Dine in • Takeaway

Station Fish Bar Traditional Fish ‘n’ Chips

GREAT RANGE OF FISH! PLUS: Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Pies and Chinese Spring Rolls

42 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE

Try our £1 chip cone!

Tel:

0118 912 2222

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

We wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

Thursday, December 24, 2015 No. 37 On sale until January 8

50p

CRIME

WOKINGHAM P3 POLICE STATION COUNTER AXED FESTIVE

Christmas wonder

Children from St Neot’s tell the age-old story — Nativity special inside

CHANCELLOR CUTS COUNCIL CASH IN HALF

50% chop in grant funding leaves borough leader devastated SEE PAGE 4

I SAW SANTA PLAYING BASKETBALL P5 TRANSPORT

NEW YEAR ROADWORK MISERY P12 SPORT

SUMAS FACE BOXING DAY BATTLE P40

2 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

This is Wokingham.

We’re proud to cover it!

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

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

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

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

FAMILY NOTICES

Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

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

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

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

Share your family news in The Wokingham Paper

Is there a new addition in your family?

Is your son or daughter getting married this summer?

Has someone you know recently passed their exams?

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

Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today.

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

Send us your wedding pictures

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

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

Share your bundle of joy!

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

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

For more details...

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

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

GET IN TOUCH

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

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

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

There were celebrations all round to mark the final tally of £27,000 raised by the Wokingham fireworks display this year.

SPENCERS WOOD

Burglar disturbed

A RESIDENT disturbed two wouldbe burglars in Spencers Wood last weekend.

Shortly after 7pm on Saturday (19) the householder in Basingstoke Road heard a noise in the garden. When they looked out of a rear window they saw two people at a downstairs window. The resident called out to them and they ran off. There was some damage found to the window.

If you have information relating to this incident call 101.

SHINFIELD

Tools stolen

POWER tools have been stolen from a van in Shinfield.

Between 6.45pm and 9.20pm on Saturday someone went into the parked van in St Barnabas Road and stole the tools from the back of the vehicle. The front and rear doors were found open.

If you have information relating to this incident call 101.

WOODLEY

See The Snow Queen

A BIT of post-Christmas magic is coming to The Oakwood Centre in Woodley.

The theatre will be welcoming The Snow Queen, an ice-cold frozen adventure on Sunday, January 3.

The famous play will see Gerda battle her greatest fears as she seeks to save her best friend Kay from the clutches of the mysterious Snow Queen. The play will be narrated by a friendly polar bear.

There will be two performances of the show, at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets, cost £12 or £8. Call the box office on 0118 921 6919 or 0333 666 3366.

FUNDRAISING

A record-breaking effort by fireworks organisers!

A SPECTACULAR firework display has led to an equally spectacular donation to local charities.

Earlier this month, a staggering £27,000 was handed over at a special ceremony held in Wokingham’s town hall.

The Wokingham Fireworks Society made presentations to the charities nominated by its member organisations at the event which was attended by Wokingham Borough Council mayor councillor Parry Batth and Wokingham

town mayor, councillor Philip Mirfin, on Tuesday, December 8.

The nominated charities were Me2, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Topic of Cancer, The WAYZ and the Dingley Family Centre. Donations were also made to the town mayor’s charity Macmillan Cancer Support, borough mayor’s charity ARC Youth Counselling Service, the Scouts and the clubs which helped organised the event: the Lions, Rotary and Unicorn groups.

ROTAS

Chemists and the council over the festive season OVER the Christmas and New Year holidays there will be a number of changes to regular services.

Doctors surgeries All doctors surgeries in Wokingham will be closed on Christmas Day. However, the NHS Walk-In Centre in Reading’s Broad Street Mall will be open from 8am to 8pm.

The centre can be accessed via an entrance near Burger King in St Mary’s Butts.

Chemists All Chemists in Wokingham have varied hours, with all shut on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, many pharmacies keep their regular hours, even when the shops have shut. This means that Tesco’s in Finchampstead Road is open until 10.30pm.

However, if you need to visit a pharmacy on Christmas Day, the only local ones to open will be Duke’s Pharmacy in Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne (from noon to

4.30pm) and the Oxford Road Pharmacy in Reading, which is open from noon to 6pm.

On Christmas Monday, a bank holiday, Asda Lower Earley will open its pharmacy from 11.00am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Running from 10am to 4pm are Sainsbury’s Winnersh, Boots in Wokingham and Lloyds Pharmacy in Woodley.

Morrisons in Woosehill is open from 10am to 5pm and Tesco in Wokingham is 10am to 6pm.

On New Year’s Day, Morrisons in Woosehill is closed, while the other pharmacies keep the same hours as above.

Year’s Day, but an out-of-hours service operates.

The general number for emergencies during the holiday period is (0800) 212 111. Social services emergencies out-ofhours telephone number is (01344) 786 543.

The community mental health team based at The Old Forge in Wokingham will be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve, December 29, 30 and New Year’s Eve. An out-of-hours the mental health urgent care service will be available on (0300) 365 9999.

Wokingham Borough Council

All Wokingham Borough libraries will be closed on 25, 26, 28 December and New Year’s Day. Finchampstead Library and Maiden Erlegh Library will be closed from Christmas Eve until Saturday, January 2.

During the rest of the festive period the libraries will be open normal branch hours except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when they will be closing at 1pm and 4pm respectively.

The council operates normal working hours on non-festive days.

On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve its Shute End offices will be closing at 3.30pm.

They will be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Christmas Monday and New

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

David Gold, who chairs Wokingham Fireworks Society, said that the success of the fireworks - which starts with a torchlit parade from the town centre to Cantley Park - was a sign of the borough’s community spirit.

“Our Treasurer has crunched the numbers and after having paid all the bills I am delighted to inform you that 2015 was a record year and everyone involved should be proud of this achievement.”

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.

Libraries

COMMUNITY CASH TOKEN Your name:..........................................................................................................................................

Your tel no:..........................................................................................................................................

Name of nominated group or organisation:......................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................

Its address/meeting place:........................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

Name of group’s representative:.............................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

Their tel no:.........................................................................................................................................

THE

WOKINGHAM PAPER

DOLLAR

ENTERTAINMENT

A ‘Day’ to remember for care home residents AN Eighties pop star helped spread some Christmas cheer when he visited to a care home in Wokingham last week.

David Van Day, who is best known as one half of pop duo Dollar and for his appearance on ITV series I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2008, popped into Alexandra Grange Care Home in Oaklands Drive last Thursday to meet and sing to the residents.

David and his wife Sue Moxley chatted with guests before belting out hits such as Mirror Mirror and Give Me Back My Heart.

The guests, which included district nurses, community groups and the local Lions Club, then tucked into a finger buffet, mince pies and mulled wine while they enjoyed the entertainment.

Adriana Fernandes-Bowyer, lifestyles leader at Alexandra Grange, said: “It was a fantastic event and David and his wife interacted brilliantly with those who attended.”

“The event was for our residents, but also our suppliers, who we would like to thank for their continued support.”

You’re hired... local councillor’s star turn on The Apprentice

Above: David Van Day meets staff members before the show and, left, in full swing. Pictures: Paul King

REFORM

Case closed: Budget cuts mean town’s police counter will shut

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE FRONT counter at Wokingham Police Station is due to close under reforms announced by Thames Valley Police (TVP) on Monday.

TVP says budget cuts and a change in the way the public interact with the police is leading to a number of front counters closing across the county, including Wokingham, in Denmark Street, Windsor and Pangbourne.

Loddon Valley Police Station’s front counter will remain open between 8am and 10pm seven days a week, along with counters at Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead and Slough, while the counter at Bracknell station will be open between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

The changes, says TVP, are estimated to bring savings of £29million by 2021 and come as it revealed just 15 people on average use the front counter at Wokingham Police Station each week.

The public can still contact the

police by telephone, its website and social media accounts or its community alert system.

Most people use front counters for minor problems such as lost and found, with around 20,000 interactions across the Thames Valley each year, with each visit costing between £2.34 and £20.75.

The changes are scheduled to come into force on April 1 next year.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “The way people interact with the police is changing; the public want to contact us at a time and place that’s convenient to them. We have found that more people are engaging with us on the phone, online or through our social media channels rather than visiting their local police station.

M4 CRASH

Hunt continues for missing lurcher Jo

THE dog which went missing after being involved in a collision on the M4 last week has still not been found.

Jo, a dark brown and white male lurcher, fled the scene after his owner Jackey Holt’s car hit a stationary vehicle on the hard shoulder between junctions 11 and 12 last Tuesday.

Another dog, Tye, was quickly found, but Jo has so far eluded captivity despite dozens of volunteers trawling the area close to the crash site for days.

The search was initially focused around the lakes near Pingewood but he has since been spotted near Bradfield Southend.

Lesley Ford, from Banbury-based Sadie’s Stray Dog Rescue, who is co-ordinating the search, said: “I spoke to Jackey and she made me promise not to stop looking for him.”

NEWS | 3

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

“Earlier this year we undertook a review of the varying services provided at front counters, the public usage and the associated costs. Analysis of demand has shown us that fewer people are visiting our front counters, especially overnight, therefore we are revising this provision.

“We are proposing to reduce the number of front counters available to the public across the force, with all front counters now offering the same service. In order to minimise the impact in the main the public will be within ten miles of a front counter.

“Staff at our front counters have been notified of our proposed changes and are being consulted with. At this stage no staff have been put at risk.

“Bricks and mortar has little to do with policing, therefore officers and staff are being empowered to be more mobile in their work with the use of smartphones, tablets, laptops and wi-fi connection in vehicles.

“I wish to reassure the public we are by no means withdrawing from

TRANSPORT

New year, new and improved bus route WOKINGHAM’S newest bus service will be expanded in the New Year, with revised timetables and a route that takes in the train station.

Reading Buses is improving its Lion 4 and X4 services from Monday, January 4, including services that start earlier and finish later in the day.

It will also stop at Wokingham Station, meaning passengers can use the bus to catch the train.

A new timetable will, the company said, better reflect how the service works between Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell. This will include buses having more time to get from town to town as well as changing some of the departure times.

Martijn Gilbert, Reading Buses chief executive officer, said: “We took over the timetable in July from the previous operator and made changes in September to bring the route more into line with our own operations from our Reading depot, including launching a new brand and upgraded bus times.”

Timetables are now available from Reading Buses’ website and on buses.

our communities and the availability and visibility of police officers to attend incidents is not affected by front counter opening times. Across the Thames Valley we have substantial resources to deploy to any incident.”

Anthony Stansfeld Police and Crime Commissioner said: “With a smaller budget and an ever increased demand on policing, it is vital that we look at ways we can improve the way we operate.

“We don’t want to see our buildings sitting empty, unused and costing money when the funding that’s saved can go into other areas where it is needed such as new technology, protecting vulnerable people, child abuse and domestic abuse.

“A review of our estate and the reinvestment of savings from the closing of assets that are under utilised will support the delivery of a more efficient and effective service to communities across the Thames Valley.”

LORD SUGAR has a new adviser… and he’s a familiar face.

Millions watched The Apprentice final on Sunday and saw borough councillor Paul Swaddle offer his expert opinion to the show’s host.

Mr Swaddle (pictured) was there due to his day job as CEO of Pocket App, a mobile phone app company.

He told The Wokingham Paper: “The programme was filmed back in August at [London’s] City Hall when I was an expert quizzing the apprentices.

I was also there for the You’re Hired episode in the audience when I sat next to Vana [Koutsomitis] and the rest of the contestants.

“It was a really interesting experience. I enjoyed doing it and I suspect we’ll be seeing more apps on the show in the future.

“I felt that Vana had the stronger idea but Lord Sugar liked the plumber, Joseph Valente, more.

“He had outlined a great plan for a national plumbing business. I have to say that I found his proposition less exciting but Joseph put forward a very compelling and robust business case.”

CRIME

Police hunt man who exposed himself to woman in alleyway A MAN is being hunted by police after flashing at a woman in Wokingham town centre at the weekend.

At around 11.15pm on Sunday the victim, a 25-year-old woman, was walking down the alleyway between Broad Street and Elms Road when the man exposed himself.

The offender is approximately 29-years-old, over 6ft tall, slim with a stubby beard and short dark hair. He has a skinny, pale face with high cheekbones, and was wearing a white T-shirt with mid-length sleeves and a round neckline.

Investigating Officer PC Matthew Gordon based at Loddon Valley Police Station, said: “I am keen to speak to anyone that may have witnessed this offence or has any additional information that they believe can assist us with our investigation.

“Anyone with any information can contact me via the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.”

CRIME

Shopper has bank card stolen by women

A WOMAN had her bank card stolen during what police believe to be the second incident of its kind in Twyford in the space of a week.

At around 5pm on Wednesday, December 16, a woman was approached in the car park of Waitrose by two women who did not speak very good English.

They followed the woman back to her car and began unloading her shopping into it.

At some point they stole her bank card which she had used at the ATM machine. It is believed they saw the woman’s PIN number and later made 13 transactions with it.

One of the women is described as about 5ft 3in tall, around mid-30s, with brown hair in a pony-tail, and wearing brown glasses and a fawn rain coat. The other woman was taller with long blond hair.

The theft follows another incident in London Road when a woman was approached at a bus stop.

Anyone who may have seen these women, or even been approached by them in similar circumstances, are asked to call police on 101.

Call us today to arrange a free initial consultation Tel: 0118 418 1000 Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk

5 H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London

4 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

BUDGET

CRIME

Council ‘devastated’ after grant is slashed by 50%

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE borough council has been left devastated after learning its grant from the Government will be slashed by 50% – even more than first thought.

Earlier this week, the Government announced its grant settlement for the next financial year and Wokingham Borough Council will be hit harder than other local authorities, and it now needs to find another £2m of savings in the next financial year.

The reduction is in addition to the £4m of cuts that it spent months consulting on, including roadshow presentations where members of the public were invited to have their say on the plans.

The previously announced annual budget was £113 million,

with the majority to be spent on statutory services including adult social care, children’s services, waste collection and disposal, and highways.

Now plans will have to be changed as a result of the Government’s announcement in the Autumn Statement.

Cllr Keith Baker, leader of the Council (pictured), has hit out at the plans.

He told The Wokingham Paper: “We’re devastated because of what this means for the people of Wokingham, and outraged central government is unfairly penalising them in this way.

“Wokingham Borough Council will suffer a 50% cut compared to the 24 per cent average for unitary authorities and 30% for Reading Borough Council.”

Labour candidate for Wokingham

Andy Croy also blasted the plans, saying that austerity is a political choice and it will be the vulnerable that will suffer.

He said: “Wokingham’s residents who rely on council services – the very young, those at school, the elderly, the disabled, the vulnerable – all these groups who did not cause the financial crisis, these are the people who will suffer cuts to services they rely on.”

Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat candidate for Wokingham at the last General Election, wants local Conservative politicians to take action.

He said: “You can’t keep taking these big, big cuts. Really, John Redwood and Keith Baker have got to be banging on the doors of Whitehall politicians saying that enough is enough.”

UKIP are calling for voters to vote the Conservatives out at May’s local elections. n For more, log on to our website, www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

Horse owners warned after tack is stolen from stable A STABLE in Swallowfield was broken into and tack stolen during a burglary earlier this week.

Between 6pm and 11pm on Monday someone cut the locks on a perimeter gate and padlocks on the barn doors of a stable in Church Road.

The security lights were smashed and numerous items of tack, including a horse muzzle, head collars and lead ropes, were stolen.

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

Barkham Hookers Gaynor White and Claire Thomas wtih David Durham from Wokingham Poppy Appeal.

HOOKERS

SWALLOWFIELD

A crafty donation!

Horse rescued from ditch after accident

A HORSE had to be rescued from a ditch in Swallowfield on Monday morning.

Firefighters from Caversham Road Fire Station’s animal rescue unit, the heavy rescue unit from Dee Road Station and a pump from Whitley Wood station were called to aid the 35-year-old horse, which had slipped into a ditch in Lambs Lane shortly before 10.30am.

The crews managed to free the horse before handing it over to a vet for a check over.

CRAFTERS helped make Wokingham’s Poppy Appeal extra special this year.

Earlier this month, the Barkham Hookers presented a £5,038 donation to the Royal British Legion after the group crocheted hundreds of poppies for the appeal.

“Between us we probably crocheted five or six hundred poppies,” said Gaynor White, member of Barkham Hookers.

“We started back in August and made a few every day.

“The response has been unbelievable!”

Barkham Hookers is also selling a charity calendar to raise money for LINK visiting scheme and Thames Valley Air Ambulance. It can be bought from Stitchery Do, Barkham Post Office, Ashridge Manor Farm Garden Centre, Lockey Farm, Arborfield and Nine Mile Ride Dental Practice.

GET THE LATEST NEWS FIND US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER: SEARCH FOR WOKINGHAMPAPER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR

3 for 2

WE ARE SUPPORTING WOKINGHAM LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

visit our website and follow us on facebook

thelocalbarbershop.com

LUXURY HOT TOWEL SHAVE

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW

HIP

ES

E

ET RK MA PLACE

ER EH

AR

WE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 24 DECEMBER and 4 JANUARY

E

OS

WE

CHRISTMAS HOURS

RD ITR WA

O EZZ PR D ST FICE OA OF BR POST

VOUCHERS AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW

RY

CTO

RE

TH

LUXURY HOT TOWEL SHAVE

ACH

PE

ST

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 5

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BASKETBALL

POLICE

Santas Claus sent to court HE might be known as a fat, jolly fellow but last week a group of Santas proved they were also lean, mean running machines.

Twelve Santas took part in a festive basketball game at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre last Wednesday and organisers said they wanted to show that the jolly red man does not spend all his December wrapping presents.

Organiser Chris Starke said: “I’ve been running a fun, private basketball session for 25 years with a mix of colleagues from my workplace (SAS Software Ltd in

Woman dies after being hit by train in Twyford

Marlow) and friends.

“We play two hours each week at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and I currently have a group of around 20 players with 10-12 turning up each week.

“For our last session of the year, I wanted to dispel the myth that Santa and his helpers are frantically selecting, wrapping and labelling presents at this time of year.

“People need to know that these days Santa is a lot more organised, and relaxed.”

Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

A 28-YEAR-OLD woman died after being hit by a train at Twyford Station last weekend.

Emergency crews and British Transport Police officers were called to the station shortly before 11.50am on Saturday following reports of a person being hit by a train.

The woman’s death is not being treated as suspicious. Her identity has not yet been released, but her next of kin have been informed.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “We were called to Twyford rail station on Saturday, December 19, to a report of a person hit by a train.

“Our officers attended the incident with colleagues from Thames Valley Police.

“Medics from South Central Ambulance Service also attended and a woman, aged 28 and from Henley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The woman’s family have been informed and officers are now compiling a file for the coroner.”

FIRE

Swallowfield car blaze was arson say firefighters

AN abandoned car is believed to have been intentionally set alight in Swallowfield on Monday night.

Fire crews from Whitley Wood station were called to the incident in Swallowfield Road at around 10.30pm following reports of a Honda ablaze.

Firefighters tackled the flames for around half an hour using hose reels, and believe the fire was an arson attack.

DEVELOPMENT

Time capsule marks the rise of Phoenix Avenue homes

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A TIME capsule containing photographs, newspaper clippings and handwritten memories was buried to mark the first phase of the redevelopment of the old Eustace Crescent site in Wokingham.

At the official sod-cutting ceremony last week pupils from All Saints CE Primary School and members of the Norreys Community Association (NCA) buried the capsule to mark the beginning of construction on the £12million Phoenix Avenue redevelopment.

A new community of 68 homes is to be created, with families due to start moving in from early spring 2017.

The Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) project is being managed by its company Wokingham Housing Ltd (WHL), in partnership with award-winning developer Hill, chosen by competitive tender to build the homes.

The properties will range from one bedroom apartments to four bed houses, each with their own communal or private garden, set within a landscaped area.

The new buildings replace Eustace Crescent, which was demolished and

Pupils from All Saints CE Primary School preparing to bury the time capsule at the start of the Phoenix Avenue development on the Eustace Crescent site.

renamed in a public competition ready for its regeneration.

Joining local residents at the ceremony were representatives from the borough council, WHL, Hill and WHL’s construction consultants Ridge.

Bill Flood, managing director of WHL, said: “We are very proud to be leading the redevelopment of the old Eustace Crescent flats into the new community that will become Phoenix Avenue.

“It’s fantastic to be able to show what the council can do by using its own housing company to create a vibrant new

community for both today and for future generations, where local people can live in warm, modern, affordable homes which we hope will help them achieve their true potential.”

Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways at WBC, said: “The start of building work on site is always an exciting part of any project because you can see the plans physically start to take shape.

“These are more than just homes for new families. Norreys community deserves this quality development.”

Book NOW for Christmas CHRISTMAS DAY 4 course festive menu £18.95 OPEN LET US COOK FOR YOU ON THE DAY! Price per person, available November 27-January 4. £10 supplement Dec 25 & Dec 31

Traditional & Contemporary Heavenly Indian Cuisine Est. 1980

w w w.miahs.co.uk

Award-winning Indian Restaurants

Garden Of Gulab 0118 966 7979

Spencers Wood 0118 988 8394

Saffron 0118 975 7789

Pangbourne 0118 984 3731

Wokingham Rd, Reading RG6 1JL

39 Whitley St, Reading RG2 0EG

Basingstoke Rd, RG7 1AE 26 Reading Rd, RG8 7LY

6 | NEWS NEW YEAR’S DAY

A wheely good way to shake off the hangover

ONE sure fire way to wheel away your New Year’s Day hangover is to head to Sunninghill on Friday, January 1, for its annual wheelbarrow race.

The village will once again become a racecourse for the fun, family-friendly event in aid of local charities.

Participants wear fancy dress for the route – previous years have seen people race dressed as The Simpsons and snowmen.

It starts at 11am, with the race expected to last around an hour.

Entry is £20 and teams are asked to raise sponsorship for the good courses.

It is organised by the Rotary Club of Ascot and proceeds will be shared by the club and the Ascot Day Care Centre for the Elderly.

For more details, search for the group on Facebook: sunninghillwheelbarrowrace or call 07949 813893.

GET THE LATEST NEWS FACEBOOK & TWITTER:

SEARCH FOR WOKYPAPER

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk n A MAN from Woodley has been fined £200 for failing to complete a community order.

Thomas Spires, 27, of Keats Road, admitted breaching the conditions of his order made on July 20 this year to attend an unpaid work requirement on October 4 and October 11.

Mr Spires appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 17 where he was fined £100 and ordered to pay a criminal courts charge of £100. n A WOMAN from Woodley has been given a three month suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of assault.

Kelly Stacey, 26, of Hearn Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 19 where she was found guilty of three charges of assault, and one charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour.

Ms Stacey was given the sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay compensation of £200, costs of £200, and a criminal courts charge of £520. n A MAN from Woodley has pleaded not guilty to trespassing on a railway and assaulting a community support officer.

Adam Little, 38, of Drovers Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 20 where he was

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

From the courts remanded on unconditional bail to reappear on January 28 for trial.

The charges relate to an incident at Wokingham Station on October 22. n A 21-year-old man from Finchampstead has pleaded not guilty to stealing prescription drugs and assault.

David John Guest, of Kiln Ride, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 20 charged with stealing a bag, a methadone prescription and assaulting a man on April 24 this year.

Mr Guest has been remanded on conditional bail until February 9. n A MAN from Earley has been fined nearly £500 for failing to license a car on a public road.

Dumitru Brandon Cretu, 20, of

Wokingham Road, was proved to have kept a VW Polo on a public road on June 29 this year despite the license having expired on March 31.

Mr Cretu was fined £220, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £36.25, costs of £90, and a criminal courts charge of £150 by Reading Magistrates Court on November 20.

Mr Cretu was not present at the hearing. n A MAN from Earley has been fined more than £700 for failing to license a car on a public road.

Tajinder Singh Lidder, 32, of Wokingham Road, was fined £440, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £102.50, costs of £90 and a criminal courts charge of £150 after

Reading Magistrates’ Court proved that he kept the VW Golf on a public road on August 15, despite the license expiring on February 28.

Mr Lidder was not present at the hearing on November 20. n A MAN from Wokingham has been fined more than £500 for travelling on a train without a ticket.

Mohammed Ali Elfaki, 28, of Patten Ash Drive, travelled between Wokingham and Bracknell on June 4 this year without a valid ticket.

Mr Elfaki was fined £220, ordered to pay compensation of £3.30, a victim surcharge of £22, costs of £140 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Mr Elfaki was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 20. n A WOMAN from Wokingham has been fined more than £300 for watching television without a licence.

Magdalena Novak, 32, of Rectory Road, was proved to have used a colour television receiver without a licence on June 4 this year.

She was fined £37, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, costs of £120 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Miss Novak was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

COMPETITION

Pupils were building bridges!

STUDENTS with a passion for engineering gathered at a school in Woodley on Tuesday for an interschool competition.

Year 8 pupils from Waingels College, Piggott School, Theale Green School, Little Heath School, Reading Girls’ School, LVS Ascot and Charters School came together at Bulmershe School, in Woodlands Avenue, for the bridge building challenge organised by the Rotary Clubs of Loddon Vale and Reading Maiden Erlegh.

The teams had several hours to design and construct a bridge which could allow the passage of tall ships, which were then judged by a panel of engineers.

Anne Coulson, president of the

Above: The team from Bulmershe School. Below: Wokingham Borough Council mayor, Cllr Parry Batth, Cllr Dave Mills, Woodley town mayor, and a team from Bulmershe School. Pictures: Gemma Davidson Loddon Vale club, said: “All the entries were inventive and thoughtful, but the winners were Waingels College in both the Foundation and Intermediate sections, and LVS Ascot in the Advanced.

“All the judges were experienced engineers and the event seeks to encourage interest in technology and engineering skills among students.”

WOODLEY

New ‘place for reflection’ opened at library AN OUTSIDE space at Woodley Library has been given a makeover as part of a range of improvements to the service.

A new enclosed ‘courtyard’ garden has been created at the library in Headley Road after the space had fallen into disrepair.

The space has been cleared, a new patio laid and lighting and a water feature installed. New doors from the library have also been added to make the area more accessible.

It is hoped that visitors will use the space as a quiet, peaceful area to read, along with a space to hold outdoor events.

Other improvements carried out through the summer include new modern lighting, which will make the library brighter and more welcoming and is more

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen with senior library assistants Laura de Moxom and Lesley Lowe in the new courtyard.

energy efficient.

A new meeting room has also been created within the library, which will be available for hire to a wide range of users such as

small local businesses and local community groups.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for residents’ services, said “Our libraries across the borough are much loved by their many users and increasing in popularity.

“I am pleased we have been able to improve the facilities in Woodley further and hope that this will attract even more people to drop-in and see what their local library has to offer.”

All the borough’s libraries are running events and activities this winter, including a reading scheme for children and young people.

For more information visit www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/ whats-on-in-our-libraries/libraryevents.

And may all your Christmases be pink a big

thank you to all our old and new customers for being there for us this year.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

See you in 2016!

@davidcliff_EA davidcliffestateagents

david cliff property services ltd. village office: mortimer 0118 467 7999 town office: wokingham 0118 989 9770

davidcliff.com

passionate about property

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

PARTY

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

TALK

FILM

Make New Year a special one for Sue Ryder

Rik’s final curtain in Wokingham

A WOKINGHAM pub is planning to see in 2016 in style as it hosts a fundraising party.

The Hope and Anchor in Station Road is selling tickets to its New Year’s Eve party in aid of its new charity of the year, Sue Ryder.

The event, to be held on Thursday, December 31, will include live music, complimentary buffet and a charity raffle.

Entry is by ticket only.

Hattie Gutzman, who runs the town centre pub, said: “Our New Year’s Eve Party will be a lovely evening for our locals to welcome the New Year and a wonderful way to raise some money for Sue Ryder, who provide Day Hospice services at the nearby Wokingham Hospital.

“We’re delighted to be supporting Sue Ryder locally and the incredible care they provide here in the Wokingham and West Berkshire area. We’re confident our customers will rise to the challenge and help us raise funds for this worthy cause.”

For more information on the New Year’s Party and to book your ticket in advance please call Hattie on 0118 978 0918 or pop into the pub to purchase your tickets.

THE last UK film featuring actor Rik Mayall, which was filmed on location in Wokingham, is set to be released online this Christmas.

One by One, which was filmed at various locations around the town including The Redan pub and Wokingham Hospital in 2011, is a conspiratorial drama about a cafe worker, Dion, who is jolted from her day-to-day existence when told the world may be on the brink of destruction, revolution, or both.

Directed by Bracknell-born Diane Jessie Miller, company director of Boiling Frog Films, the film was shot over the space of a month, with scenes split between Wokingham and Worthing, with the production hub located in Diane’s rented house in Wiltshire Road.

Diane told The Wokingham Paper: “It was my first ever film that I had written and directed, so I knew I needed to get a big name on board. We wanted someone who maybe hadn’t played a role like this before, and Rik Mayall immediately sprang to mind.

“I sent the request to his agent and when I got the call to say that he had agreed to do it I think I cried

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Rik Mayall’s role in One by One has been called ‘his legacy’.

uncontrollably for about 20 minutes.”

Diane admitted that she was anxious about working with her idol, but said that any nerves were quickly eased when Mayall arrived on set.

She said: “He was just incredible, he was laughing and joking with everyone, he would run lines with the other actors, he was such a giving person.

“When we were out and about shooting the scenes, people were coming up to him and asking him to do impressions of some of his characters, which he happily did. He would pose for pictures pulling silly faces and even

gave a few people a ‘woof!’ which was hilarious.

“We were on such a tight budget that I had to hand-deliver his contract to his house in London. I was expecting just to hand it to him on the doorstep, but he invited me in and we had tea and a chat, then he walked me back to the train station.

“Rik Mayall walked me back to the train station, that is probably one of the most surreal moments of my life!”

Diane said the entire cast and crew were left devastated when they heard the news of Mayall’s death aged 56 in June 2014.

She said: “We were all so upset, as well as being a huge loss to the world, we felt like we had lost a friend too.

“I want the world to see it, Rik was known for being a comedian and this is such a different role, he was an incredible actor and I want as many Rik fans to see the film as possible.”

One by One (certificate 15) will be released online on Christmas Day at 3pm via www.filmvolt.com. The film will be available to purchase for £5 which gives unlimited views for one week. n For more information, log on to onebyonethemovie.co.uk

Food for thought from the ancient Egyptians

A LOOK at banquets in Egyptian society will be the focus for a new year lecture in Woodley.

Professor John Baines will explore the subject at the first 2016 meeting of The Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society on Saturday, January 9.

In his lecture, he will explore the features of conviviality and elite settings and their eating and drinking in ancient Egyptian society.

Called Not Only With The Dead? the lecture will be held from 2pm to 4.30pm at The Oakwood Centre in Headley Road.

Entry is free for members of the society or £3 for visitors.

For more details, call 01491 838803.

WEDDING

Christmas proposal?

Then pop along to this fair ANYONE who made a proposal over Christmas can start planning by attending a wedding fair.

Taking place at the Bracknell Hilton Hotel on Sunday, January 3, the event will see a range of local exhibitors showing brides-to-be everything they need for their perfect day, for the perfect price.

The event runs from 11am to 3.30pm and entry is free. There will be bridal shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

For more details, call 01276 451498.

d! showroom e v o m We’ve visit our new and Come

Showroom Opening Hours Friday 9-3 Monday to 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays

Telephone: 0118 989 3438

Bedrooms, Home Studies and Bespoke Furniture

www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk

Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk re fitted furnitu

Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW.

Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 9

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

NORREYS

Community carols mark true spirit of Christmas

Bracknell and Wokingham College offer something for everyone, including fulland part-time courses

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHRISTMAS came to Norreys on Monday night as the Community Association held a carol service in the open air.

More than 200 people gathered for a fun social evening which saw local businesses team up with churches and the association.

It included carols from Christ Church, which meets at St Crispin’s School, and the All Saints School Choir, a visit from Santa who gave out presents to youngsters attending, and a raffle.

Prizes for the raffle and the refreshments were donated by local businesses, including Sainsbury’s which runs a store opposite the event in Ashridge Road.

Domino’s Pizza, which recently relocated to Peach Street, offered pizza slices in exchange for donations to charity.

Lisa Hookway, Community Development Worker for Norrey’s Ward, was delighted with how the busy event went and said how grateful she was for the way in which local businesses have helped make the night happen.

Above: Big crowds turned out for the carol service in Norreys. Right, Lou Baker won a jar of sweets. Pictures: Paul King

She told The Wokingham Paper: “Domino’s have come down tonight and provided slices of pizza, Sainsbury’s have donated all the refreshments: tea, coffee, hot chocolate and things like that.

“Ashridge Manor Nursery donated the Christmas tree to make a nice centrepiece.

“At the raffle, all donations came from businesses in Wokingham.

It’s a long list of supporters, people have been fantastic.”

Ms Hookway felt that the evening was important for the Norreys’ community.

“It’s been packed tonight. It’s been a really good time and we’ve

had 150 to 200 people here. I think communities are relying on each other more now. I think it’s going back to communities coming together and getting to know each other. “[Through events like this] if there is a need in the community you can identify it.”

The Norreys Community Association is busy planning future events which will include fun days and picnics.

F

We all need a healthy balance in our lives

AMILY TIME, work, chores, hobbies and leisure time activities all make for a wellrounded existence.

And where better to seek inspiration for enriching your leisure time, than at your local college.

Bracknell and Wokingham college have part-time leisure courses that take place from various centres around Berkshire. They are held in the evenings and daytimes, on single days, on Saturdays; some last a few weeks and some keep you busy all year.

Whether you’re looking for fun activities to do with friends, to pick up

an old pastime to meet new people, to learn a new skill, to keep active in body and mind, or even to increase your confidence or improve your job prospects, then we are sure there is a course here to both capture your imagination and inspire you!

We have a vast range of courses on offer. For the creative type, you could choose an art course to explore your inner Picasso, if you are looking to improve your job prospects, computing and IT can help you perfect the increasingly important computer skills that all employers look for. Or if you are an adult who

needs to top up your essential skills, we have adult maths and English courses that offer an opportunity to work within small and friendly groups, allowing you to work at your own pace.

For those adults who struggle with anxiety, stress, sleeping problems, we also offer a wellbeing course that teaches coping strategies, how to relax and how to release tension.

We really do have a course for everyone, from crafts and needlework to counselling and coaching. Enrol now and enjoy all that we have to offer, here at Bracknell and Wokingham College.

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 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

REAL ESTATE

Leading UK employer takes up office space at Winnersh Triangle A COMPANY moving into a Wokingham business park has been praised by the park’s owners.

Patrizia UK, the managing company behind Winnersh Triangle, has welcomed its latest let, Resource Experience Ltd (REL). The field marketing company is hailed as a leading employer in the UK. The company has taken nearly 13,000sq ft of office and warehouse space as its new base at the Earley business complex. The thriving enterprise was recently placed fifth in the Large Category list of UK businesses compiled by Great Place to Work Institute UK. The company is also ranked 12th across Europe.

REL is the second company in the Advantage Smollan Group to make Winnersh Triangle its base, following the relocation of Powerforce. The two companies have moved 110 of their UK employees to Winnersh Triangle in order to set up a new customer

support centre.

REL is upgrading to Winnersh Triangle from its former base in Bracknell after an 18-month search for the right location and facilities.

Will Lawrie, Patrizia UK Ltd asset manager, said: “It’s a testament to the strength of Winnersh Triangle that REL should pick us for its move.

Attracting such a highly-regarded company to our growing community shows how our investment in facilities is meeting the needs of the most discerning employers.”

John Hubner, HR director at REL, said: We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a Great Place to Work in the annual Europe-wide survey and moving our Customer Support Centre to Winnersh Triangle ensures that our office-based colleagues enjoy a great working environment, helping them do the very best they can for our customers.”

CHARITY

Pizza pullovers raise tasty £300 FREE pizza helped make a lot of dough for a charity campaign.

The Wokingham town centre branch of Papa Johns pizza raised £300 for ITV’s Text Santa campaign by handing out the sample pizzas to the first 100 people who came through its doors earlier this month. They were invited to make a donation in exchange for a Text Santa badge Now, the Easthampstead Road store’s manager wants to thank customers for their support.

Papa John’s set a minimum donation of £3 for the pizzas with all

the money going to appeal. The store is also donating 50p from all XXL pizzas sold during the festive period.

Store manager, Gurminder Bains, said: “ITV’s Christmas charity appeal, Text Santa, aims to give hope to those families facing difficult times this Christmas, so we were really proud to play our part.

“I’m also hugely grateful to our customers for their generous support and donations.”

The campaign raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-AWish UK and Save the Children.

Staff from Blandy & Blandy got into the Christmas spirit and wore jumpers to help raise funds for charity.

BLANDY & BLANDY

Staff jump in to raise charity cash TWO local charities are benefiting from the support of Blandy & Blandy, with donations made by the solicitors hitting £21,000 over the past year.

Activities included a Christmas jumper competition, a quiz night which welcomed 17 leading Thames Valley firms, Wimbledon and Hallowe’en-themed staff events, a sponsored employee survey and monthly dress-down days.

Blandy & Blandy’s Chairman, Simon Dimmick, said: “I am truly delighted that we have been able to share this sum between Younger People with Dementia and Camp Mohawk – two fantastic local charities. Thank you to everyone inside and outside the firm that has supported this amazing effort.”

Founded in 2012, Younger People with Dementia (Berkshire West) was established as a charity to provide support and practical help to people who develop a dementia at an early

age (before 65) and their families.

Four of the charity’s trustees have a background in the NHS and social services and two have personal experience of living with a family member who developed an early onset dementia.

YPWD’s Caroline Blanchette said: “Thank you to Blandy & Blandy for this wonderful news. This will certainly make a difference to the charity and its ongoing projects. We so appreciate all the support the firm is giving us, it really does help.”

Wargrave-based Camp Mohawk re-opened in 2001 as a day centre providing holiday activities for children with special needs. In term time it is a venue for special needs support groups and schools.

Throughout the year the centre provides a range of activities, facilities and natural space to encourage children with a variety of special

needs to play, socialise and learn in a secure and caring environment.

Camp Mohawk’s Chris Wilcox added: “Thank you so much to Blandy & Blandy for their fundraising efforts. It has been such a phenomenal help this past year, certainly with our capital projects, the music room being the one that we are now putting a lot of resources into. We can’t thank everyone at the firm enough.”

HARE HATCH

Garden centre owner’s plea for public to back plan fight

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A GARDEN centre that has been operating for more than 20 years is appealing to the public to show their support as it fights to stay open.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands in Twyford says it would appreciate customers lodging comments of approval as it seeks to get planning permission for a children’s farm, play area, coffee shop outdoor area and dog friendly lounge.

In addition, they are seeking approval to move the Pet Stop store from the premises in which it is currently open and trading into a different and existing location on the site.

It has made the application to Wokingham Borough Council after the council decided, at the end of March, not to grant a Certificate of Lawful Use to the popular centre, forcing it to close down parts of the site.

The problems started in 2003 when Pet Stop moved over the Sheeplands into a temporary shipping container after being evicted from the Wyevale site on the other side of the Bath Road while applying

for planning permission, which was subsequently turned down.

Over the next several years planning permission for various concessions, including the coffee shop and farm shop, were turned down, appealed and approved with strict conditions, with concerns raised

by Wokingham Borough Council that too much Green Belt land was being used for business purposes.

In April, Maidenhead MP Theresa May – who serves Twyford – voiced her support for the campaign, saying: “Hare Hatch Sheeplands is a greatly value local garden centre. I have consistently urged the Council to work towards a compromise, to ensure that Hare Hatch Sheeplands can remain open. Many local residents will be deeply concerned about this.”

Now, the centre has lodged an application and is hoping shoppers will show their support before the application deadline of Tuesday, December 29.

“We know how popular these facilities are with our customers,” said centre owner Rob Scott, “but they only have until December 29 to register their support.

“They can do that by emailing planning.enquiries@wokingham.gov.uk,

or completing an online comment form at www.wokingham.gov.uk.

“They need to select Planning & Building Control>Planning Application>Comment on a planning application.

“Another way of registering support is by sending a letter to the Development Manager, PO Box 157 at Wokingham Borough Council.”

The key reference numbers for the applications are 152748 for the proposed change of an existing building to retail (for the movement of Pet Stop into this space) and 152747 for the proposed change of land and building to children’s play area and recreational farm.

The centre’s owners, who have been operating from the site since 1993, have also launched an appeal against the council’s refusal to grant a certificate of lawful use.

That appeal will be considered by a Government appointed inspector and is expected to be considered at a public enquiry in the New Year.

“We are working hard on a plan which would allow us to continue providing the facilities that our customers welcome and expect,” said Mr Scott.

Su Sta nd rts ay 1 27 0am th De c

Parker Knoll Burghley 2 Seater Sofa Was £1691, Sale Price £1352

Extra 10% Off You Pay £1034

Ercol - Romana in Oak Stressless - Skyline Ext Table & 6 Chairs - Ex Display to Clear Recliner & Stool - Ex Display to Clear Was £2299 Half Price to clear £1149 Was £4260 Half Price to clear £2130

Tempur - Foxton Bed Base only - Ex Display to Clear Was £1474 Half Price to clear £737

Extra 10% Off You Pay £1917 Extra 10% Off You Pay £1034 Extra 10% Off You Pay £663

37 Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2RU. Telephone: 0118 979 0600 www.furnituresuperstore.co.uk

Opening Times: Sun 27th 10am-4pm, Mon 28th, Tues 29th, Wed 30th, Thurs 31st Dec 9am-5pm,

12 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

CRIME

CONCERT

Warning after garages targeted across borough

A masterful fundraising night

GARAGES were targeted in two separate incidents in Woodley and Wokingham last weekend.

Between midnight and 3am on Sunday morning, the resident of a house in Marathon Close heard noises coming from their garage.

They looked outside to see someone running away, and the garage door was found to be open.

That same night, at around 2.45am a loud noise was heard coming from a garage in Green Drive.

The door was found open and hanging off its hinges, with tool boxes pulled outside the garage. It is not clear if anything had been stolen.

Elsewhere, between 4pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday someone broke into a container in Heathlands Road by forcing the lock on the door. It is not clear if anything was stolen.

Anyone with any information relating to any of these incidents should call 101.

POLICE

Police called to rave site near Broadmoor Hospital

A RAVE in Crowthorne on Saturday night led to noise complaints by local residents.

Between 100 and 200 people gathered at a site near Broadmoor Hospital for the party, which officers were called to at around 3am on Sunday morning.

Inspector Paul Bradford was reported to have said that the police did not close the rave down, and it was allowed to continue.

GET THE LATEST NEWS FIND US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER: SEARCH FOR WOKINGHAMPAPER

The Tuesday Girls performed on the night and (inset) Dr Martin Haslam thanking supporters.

A SELL-OUT Christmas concert last week held raise funds for a hospice.

Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band teamed up with Masterclef Barbershop Octet and The Tuesday Girls for the festive event, held at Wokingham Theatre.

The evening, held on Thursday, December 17, was organised by Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust in aid of Wokingham Day Hospice.

The band performed Christmas songs and then asked the audience to join in some carols.

During their set, the Masterclef Barbershop Octet sang I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas while The Tuesday Girls performed their version of Pam Ayres’ Wonderbra.

The evening closed with St Sebastian’s band performing music from the Disney film Frozen, including Let It Go. A spokesperson for the concert said: “The concert was a massive success and a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting evening raising substantial funds for Wokingham Day Hospital.”

PARISHES

Ring in the new year with road closures

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ROAD USERS across the borough will be hit by an ongoing series of road closures as a new year programme of drainage works gets underway.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) will launch the programme of maintenance in its parishes on the first day back in 2016 – Monday, January 4 – as it aims to re-cut roadside drainage channels across the whole region.

It is part of the borough council’s annual drainage scheme and roads will be closed on a rolling programme one parish at a time. It is expected to take four weeks.

The shallow channels – called grips – connect the highway edge to a roadside ditch, to help drain rainwater away and is predominantly used in rural locations.

The work will take place in the following parishes: Arborfield, Barkham, Charvil, Finchampstead, Hurst, Remenham, Shinfield, Swallowfield, Wargrave, Winnersh and Wokingham

Without.

The Council said that the narrow widths of these roads means they must be closed to ensure the contractors can work safely.

Cllr John Kaiser, WBC’s executive member for planning and highways, said: “This is routine maintenance but these channels are crucial because they help drain rainwater from roads. We do this work every year on the 5,400 of them across the borough.”

Advance notification signs will be

The closures:

Merry

Christmas

A gift from us: 50% OFF our standard sales fees.* Contact us today and we’ll get you moving into the new year. *For a limited time only. Terms and conditions apply.

Martin & Co Wokingham 52 Peach Street • Wokingham • Berkshire • RG40 1XG

0118 334 2389 wokingham@martinco.com • www.martinco.com

ARBORFIELD Carters Hill (Park Corner Lane, Greensward Lane and Castle Hill) BARKHAM Commonfield Lane CHARVIL Park Lane, Landsend Lane and Beggars Hill Road FINCHAMPSTEAD White Horse Lane, Church Lane, Lower Sandhurst Road, Dell Road and Park Lane HURST

erected on approach roads before work starts, and a diversion route signposted during it.

Vehicle access will be maintained to properties during the work; however they may be times when residents are asked to wait or use the diversion. It adds that it will make every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum.

If these works are likely to cause a major difficulty, or you have queries, are disabled or have special needs, call Eddie Napper on (0118) 974 6000.

Poplar Lane, Pound Lane, Broad Common Road, Broad Common Lane, Islandstone Lane, Nelsons Lane, Lines Road, Dunt Ave, Green Lane, Little Hill Road, Sandford Lane and Park Lane (Whistley Mill Lane) REMENHAM Remenham Lane, Aston Lane, Remenham and Remenham Church Lane SHINFIELD Croft Road, Pump Lane and Kybes Lane SWALLOWFIELD

Priest Hill (Farley Hill), Bunces Shaw (Farley Hill), Church Lane (Farley Hill), Sandpit Lane, Nutbean Lane, School Lane, Devils Highway, Trowes Lane, Charlton Lane, Bull Lane, Barge Lane, Kingsbridge Hill and Lambs Lane WARGRAVE Highfield Road and Kentons Lane WINNERSH Mill Lane WOKINGHAM WITHOUT Redlake Lane

The Mummers outside the Victoria Arms.

Picture: Paul King

WOODLEY

Vote for your community hero A SEARCH has been launched to find Woodley’s heroes.

The Town Council is inviting the community to nominate people for its annual Citizens Awards.

Over the past 15 years, the council says it has celebrated the work of more than 70 people who give their time and effort to help others who live or work in Woodley.

Nominees can be good neighbours, people who carry out voluntary work or who care for others. They can be any age and there is a youth category for nominees aged 19 or under.

The awards will be presented at a Civic Reception hosted by the Town Mayor, councillor Dave Mills, in April 2016. The closing date for nominations is Monday, January 11, 2016.

To nominate, log on to www.woodley. gov.uk and head to the About the Council section. A form can also be collected from the council offices in The Oakwood Centre on Headley Road.

MUMMERS

Santa’s epic battle...

SANTA took on a King in a pub brawl last week. And won. Four times over.

The Yateley Village Mummers performed their Mummers Play in four town centre pubs on Thursday, December 17.

The play, which is thought to date back to the late 18th century, is based on a traditional story and that sees Father Christmas tackle King George. It was performed in The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road, The Ship Inn, Peach Street, The Redan, Peach Street and finally

The Gig House, The Plaza, off Denmark Street.

It is a busy time of year for the Mummers. They will be back in action on Boxing Day, with an hour of morris dancing and another performance of the Mummers Play from noon, outside St Peter’s Church in Yateley and close to the Dog and Partridge pub.

And on Twelfth Night – January 6 – the group will embark on what it says will be an ‘epic tour’ of local pubs to perform the Mummers Play.

CHRISTMAS

COMMERCE

People trace their roots at church’s tree festival EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHRISTMAS trees mixed with family trees at a Shinfield church this weekend.

St Mary’s in Church Lane held its annual Christmas Tree festival which this year included an opportunity for families to trace relatives who served during the First World War. Each of the trees in the church sanctuary had been decorated by groups connected to the church including Shinfield CofE Primary School, Shinfield Rangers Football Team, Slimming World and Shinfield Volunteer Car Drivers.

The weekend also included a carol service on Sunday, giving guests the chance to celebrate the Christmas season.

The Trace Your Troops stall was hugely popular with guests and forms part of a project the church has launched to commemorate the First World War and its affect on Shinfield. The group decorated a broken tree with pictures of Shinfield men who served in the conflict, adding touches such as poppies and a metal helmet.

It is the first part of a year of special events that will include a turn up and sing concert in June with guest conductor

Ralph Allwood OBE, a flower festival and film evenings.

Edward Farrow, who helped the church apply successfully for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to stage the commemorations said that their presence at the Festival had been popular with visitors looking to find out more about their ancestors.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper he said: “We have had a really positive reaction to our tree. A lot of people just look at it it’s completely different and not your average Christmas tree. They asked questions about it: it works on so many levels and people will interpret it in different ways.”

He said that the tree featured pictures and replica dog tags of Shinfield people who fought in the war.

“One of people on the tree lived next door to the church,” he explained.

Helping him was Barbara Fallow, who explained about the church’s plans for the First World War commemorations next year.

“The Trace Your Troops event is part of a wider set of activities for next year,” she explained. “We’re not aiming to be

You’ll be moved by this town centre opening

A NEW estate agent will open in Wokingham’s town centre next year.

Chancellors will launch in Broad Street with a special offer – the first 50 homeowners who instruct the agency to sell their homes on a sole agency basis can do so on 0% commission.

For landlords, the first 50 in the area can sign up for six months of fee-free property management.

The agency opens on Monday, January 4.

A spokesperson for the agency said: “With the area consistently appearing in qualityof-life surveys, a number of new housing developments planned in the region and town centre improvement plans given the go ahead, Wokingham seemed like the logical next step for the Chancellors growing portfolio.”

CRIME Barbara Farrow, Barry Boulton and Edward Farrow at the St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree festival and, left and below, some of the decorations on show. Pictures: Phil Creighton

W

We are members of Resolution and we adopt their non-confrontational code of practice. We work hard to keep matters outside of court proceedings wherever possible recognising how traumatic an experience this can be.

Hangbag swiped after car window is smashed

A HANDBAG was stolen from inside a car parked in Wokingham last weekend.

Overnight between 8pm on Friday and 4.20am on Saturday someone smashed the rear window of a car parked outside the shops in Barkham Road.

A handbag left inside the car was stolen.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious during this time should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

GET THE LATEST NEWS FACEBOOK & TWITTER: jingoistic, we’re trying to respect the different nationalities and helping people make local connections.

“If we don’t remember them, future generations won’t.”

Herrington Carmichael are highly experienced and professional solicitors with a specialist Family Law Team

E ARE based within the firm’s offices in Wokingham and Camberley.

We have many years of practice and experience between us and are experts in family law.

We are a friendly team of solicitors who offer an empathetic approach to your family issues, we have your best interests at heart.

We understand that it can be daunting when seeking legal advice on personal matters this is why we pride ourselves on the advice and service we provide.

Family law is an ever changing area of law and our team has a modern and practical approach. We pride ourselves on being up to date on the law which may impact on your case.

NEWS | 13

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SEARCH FOR WOKYPAPER

Outstanding legal service

We provide advice and assistance on the following: n Divorce n Separation n Children issues n Finances upon divorce and separation n Civil partnership dissolutions n Pre- and post-nuptial agreements

n International Family Law issues such as relocating abroad with children and divorce with assets frozen n Cohabitation issues including cohabitation agreements and separation agreements

We are specialists in resolving family cases outside of court and we also offer the following services: n Family mediation

n Collaborative law

For more information and to arrange a no obligation fixed fee appointment with one of our experienced solicitors, please contact the family team on 0118 977 4045 or email us at info@herrington-carmichael.com If you would like to see the family team and learn more about them, please visit our website www.herrington-carmichael.com/people and select Family & Matrimonial from the department dropdown box.

FOR ALL BUSINESS AND FAMILY MATTERS

We listen, you talk, we act

Camberley: 01276 686 222 Wokingham: 0118 977 4045

14 | HEALTH

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Good health

You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!

ADVICE

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

Give dementia sufferers a helping hand this Christmas

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

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

ntal visits?

CHRISTMAS is a time for the whole family but the break from routine can be stressful for people with dementia.

Home care provider Helping Hands Wokingham, which is based in Denmark Street, has advice for families on how to make Christmas easier for a loved one with dementia.

Catherine Robinson, branch manager at Helping Hands What is included?

Wokingham, said: “The sights, sounds and unfamiliar routine • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) of the Christmas period can be • for 2 Hygienist stressful a person visits living with plates with a contrasting edge to dementia. make it easier to identify the food • Accident & Emergency Insurance “While it’s important to make on the plate.

• 15% member discount sure your loved one feels fully on treatment n Make your house dementia and implant included (excludes in the specialist festivities, you treatment) friendly – placing signs on should also be prepared to make cupboards showing the items some adjustments to make the inside and on doors to indicate celebrations as stress-free as which room they lead to will make possible. it simpler for everyone visiting “Christmas is a fantastic to find items around the home. time to sit down as a family and Placing plain rugs on patterned reminisce. Life story work is an carpets or on shiny floors will important part of person-centric also make it easier for your loved care for dementia and sitting one to get around the house. A down with the whole family to Dementia Toolkit including room create a box or book of Christmas cards can be requested from the memories is a great way of Helping Hands website www. including everyone in a festive helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/ activity. condition-led-care/dementia“Music is also incredibly care/dementia-tool-kit/ important in dementia care and n Make one room in the house playing nostalgic carols can a quiet room – the loud noise and bring back fond memories of hustle and bustle of Christmas Christmases gone by.” can be agitating for a person with Catherine recommends the dementia. Making one room a following tips to make it simpler quiet room in the house will give to cope during the festive season: your loved one somewhere to n Reduce clutter on the take a few minutes to relax and Christmas dinner table – vision calm down until they’re ready to problems associated with rejoin the festivities. n Close the curtains as soon dementia can make it difficult to spot objects on patterned as it becomes dark – reflections surfaces. Use a plain table cloth in windows can be intimidating when setting the Christmas for those with dementia so draw dinner table and choose plain the curtains as soon as it gets

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

in is nt ct

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

• 2 Examinations x-rays) • •

2 Hygienist visits Accident & Emergency Insurance 15%For member discount on treatment please more information,

contact us on 0118 978 3815, visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, BMS but a new patient examination is ase contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one of our team. required before signing up. If treatment •

(excludes specialist and implant treatment)

beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract member discount of 15% is given. e, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, one of our team.

udget for ental visits?

For more information, please contact us on

is available for 978 only3815 £21 a, month 0118

o join on is ment ntract n.

visit our website at What is included?

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

2 Hygienist visits or •call into • Accident & Emergency Insurance Beechcroft Dental Practice, • 15% member discount on treatment (excludes specialist and implant treatment) 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. ease contact us on 0118 w.beechcroftdental.com or call into tice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

Christmas and New Year can be a stressful time for people with dementia Picture: Christian Sherratt/ Freeimages.com

dark to avoid this. Mirrors can also be taken down or covered up to reduce reflections around the home. n Try not to break from routine too much – changes to a regular routine can be the hardest thing about the festive season for a person with dementia. Bringing reassuring items from your loved one’s home – such as a favourite mug or cushion – can help them settle in your house. n Allow more time for everything – be prepared to allow more time for regular Christmas activities and when you drop your loved one back at their own home.

It’s possible that after a few days away their own house will feel unfamiliar, so allow an afternoon to spend settling them back in and familiarising themselves with their surroundings.

Helping Hands has been working with people with dementia and their families for 26 years through a range of hourly visiting and live-in care services focused on allowing people to stay in their own home and live independent lives. n For more information Helping Hands visit www. helpinghandshomecare.co.uk.

TREATMENT

RBH tops table for stroke response times A HOSPITAL unit that helps people with strokes is ending the year on a high after coming top in a nationwide survey.

According to figures released earlier this week, between April and June this year the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) was the best performing Thrombolysis stroke service in the country, providing life saving treatment to patients in the fastest time.

The unit also appears in the top 10 across the country for the service annually.

Thrombolysis is administered by injection to suitable stroke patients and is sometimes called ‘clot busting’.

The team, based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, averaged 25 minutes for patients being seen and treated “door to needle” – that is from being admitted to A&E, assessed and treated. The fastest time recorded is just under 10 minutes.

Dr Andre Van Wyk, Stroke Consultant at the unit, is delighted with their position.

He said: “These figures are impressive. The quicker

Thrombolysis is administered, the better the outcome for patients.

“The success of this is due to the experience of the team and the effort put in by our excellent team, including our Consultants and Thrombolysis nurses and their enthusiasm and energy to deliver a safe service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“But the speed of the treatment and the impressive outcomes for our patients is also down to how we work with our partners, particularly the South Central Ambulance Service. All round, it’s a great team.”

HEALTH MATTERS with Nicolas Durman

People want to play a bigger role in their health care

H

EALTHWATCH England recently asked people what help they need to look after their health in the future.

The answer was clear – people said that they wanted to play a bigger role in looking after their own health and care and had clear views on what would support them to do that.

By analysing more than 11,000 conversations the Healthwatch network has had with the public about this issue, we found five common areas where people wanted to see improvement.

These problems – which included a lack of information and not always being listened to by professionals – are known by the health system but the solutions are not always clear.

We wanted to find out from people what they thought the way forward might be. So we commissioned our research workshops to find out.

What did people say?

With demand for care and medical costs both rising, patients told us that they recognised the pressure on services.

Individuals are worried about doctors burning themselves out and want to help ease the burden.

However, to do this people said that they want services that enable them to take on a greater role in looking after their own wellbeing.

Key themes included: 1 – More information, choice and ownership.

In an ideal world, rather than relying on GPs to translate information, people said that they would be able to get the information needed to make more decisions about their care.

2 – Services working better together.

No more having to retell your history or explain your symptoms each time you saw a different health professional. Instead, tomorrow’s services would share information effectively.

People felt this would save time and frustration for patients and professionals alike.

3 – Prompt, flexible care.

People told us that they want quicker access to a flexible range of services to help them stay well or manage any issues they face.

4 – Better use of technology.

People thought that technology could play a big role in helping to ease the burden on services while giving patients more control over their care.

There was a strong perception that NHS and care services were lagging behind when it came to technology and this was a source of frustration for patients.

The challenge ahead From the conversations we have had, it is clear that people’s desire to take greater responsibility for their care is in tune with what many NHS reforms aim to deliver.

However, our research also highlights a much deeper challenge around the changing relationship between patients and professionals. Individuals want to manage their own care more and there is a growing expectation for more tailored services.

There is also a significant technological gap between the NHS and other sectors that people find frustrating.

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

15

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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

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

nhs.uk/staywell

Richard Pile, GP

16 | VIEWPOINTS

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

Whatever you wish for, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year MANY of us have fond memories of Christmases past. Whether it’s watching Val Doonican rocking in his chair, bopping around to Slade’s festive hit or finding oranges in the bottom of a stocking in the midst of wartime rationing, there are many emotive triggers at this time of year.

As a society we put so much effort into preparing for the big day, ensuring that we feel a bit more Christmassy for wearing that festive jumper, eating that mince pie or opening that television listings magazine.

But there’s far more to Christmas — and New Year — than the parties, the feasts and the presents.

It’s a time for sharing.

It’s a time for getting together.

It’s a time of retrospection and looking forward.

And for some it’s also a time of isolation and misery.

Even in prosperous Wokingham borough there are pockets of loneliness and poverty. For some, Christmas is not a time of comfort and joy, but sad tidings.

For those who will rely on the Foodbank for their Christmas dinner and letting a selection box stand in for presents, this will be a stain on their conscience for Christmases to come.

For those who will be on their own, it will be a miserable day.

But there is hope.

Thanks to charities such as the Link Visiting Scheme, the Salvation Army and Wokingham In Need, great strides are being made to ensure no one need be left out of the celebrations.

As you celebrate this holiday time, spare a thought for those who want to but can’t, and resolve to do what you can to help them in the year ahead.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHURCH NOTES

Put Christ into Christmas I RECENTLY received a Facebook invitation to share a message… to put Christ back into Christmas and to invite Him into my home…

I accepted the invitation and added a comment… that Christ has never been out of Christmas… He is Christ mas… man has left Him out and it’s Christ that wants man back into His Christmas to celebrate His birth.

Christ gave us the gift of life with His life and that spirit of giving presents to family and friends has become the seasonal tradition.

More recently, there is a big move to also help the less fortunate in our community with food banks and night shelters.

There’s nothing wrong with Santa Claus, Christmas trees and the decorations but it’s a question of balance... priorities...

Let us show this Christmas that we accept Christ’s invitation to celebrate His birth… n Tell our children the real Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, take them to visit a nativity crib and a carol service n Attend a Christmas service at one of our local churches… n Share a meal with those with no food… n Greet a lonely neighbour… n Pray that our ever diminishing world will learn how to live together An American soldier on returning home from being injured by the Taliban was asked did he want to seek revenge on his Muslim attackers. He answered: “How can I when the doctor that treated me was a Muslim, the nurse that attended to me was Muslim and the physio that helped me walk again was a Muslim?”

Yes... Christ is also invited into my home, you should to… and may you all have a Merry Christmas and the blessings of the Christ child shower on you, your family and friends and help in 2016, make the world a better place, especially here in Wokingham.

Bernard O’Neill, For Corpus Christi Church, Wokingham

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The A329M seems ‘much safer’ after new layout THE A329M saga rumbles on and on. I use this junction in all directions every other week, and I find it is wellsignposted, you just have to approach junctions with care, read the signs and work with them.

I particularly like the fact that you don’t have to cross lanes to get where you want to go, it is all marked out, especially at night it is fantastic.

To me, it seems much safer; it has largely stopped the habitual lane-changers and speeders at junctions, who are so dangerous.

Things have changed for the better – get used to it!

Janice Frances, via email

You must act fast if someone is having an asthma attack ONE in 11 of your readers has asthma and sadly there are warning signs that more people than usual, including children, are seeking help from their GP and NHS 111 because of worsening asthma symptoms.

There is nothing as terrifying as watching a child or a loved one struggle to breathe and sadly this Christmas Day someone will be having a potentially life threatening asthma attack every 10 seconds.

Asthma UK has five top tips for managing your asthma at Christmas on our website: www.asthma.org. uk/xmastips and I want to remind your readers that they should not be afraid to call for help if they need it; if you are having an attack and your reliever inhaler is not helping, you should call 999.

I hope that you and your readers all have a very Happy, and Healthy, Christmas and New Year.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive, Asthma UK

Alexander Devine charity’s dream is becoming reality ON Sunday, November 29, I had the double pleasure of playing a very small part in the fundraising efforts of the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice services charity and of being at the Wokingham Winter Carnival.

What an amazing – if somewhat blustery – day it was.

All those involved in organising the event are to

NEXT ISSUE JANUARY 8 The Wokingham Paper team are taking a week off – we’re back on Friday, January 8. But don’t worry, we’ll be updating our website regularly over the holidays.

www.wokinghampaper.co.uk Osborne’s U-turn on police funding was ‘shameful’ PARLIAMENT broke up on Friday, December 18, for the Christmas break. In a shameful U-turn, George Osborne chose this day to unveil cuts of £200m to police force budgets in England and Wales.

Research from the House of Commons Library commissioned by the Liberal Democrats undermine George Osborne’s claim that “there will be no cuts in the police budget at all”, made by Mr Osborne in

the Autumn statement in November.

The change was set out in the Provisional Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2016/17which was released on the last day of Parliamentary business before Christmas alongside dozens of other documents.

I agree with the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman in the House of Lords, and former Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner

be congratulated as are all those at the Alexander Devine charity.

In an amazingly short time, the Devine family and their helpers (paid and unpaid) have turned a dream into a reality. The foundation and drainage work and the block and beam work have all been completed on Berkshire’s first specialist children’s hospice. It is now on track to be opened by the spring of 2017.

What a legacy the Alexander Devine charity is building out of an initial tragedy.

The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice services charity is a real inspiration and should be supported by all those living in our Royal County.

So congratulations to the organisers of this year’s Wokingham Carnival and to the Alexander Devine

Brian Paddick who said: “Just weeks after George Osborne said he backed the police he has snuck out a cut of £200m on already stretched resources.”

This is a very shabby way to conduct government business and would not have happened if the Lib Dems had still been in Government.

Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Wokingham

charity – may you both grow from strength to strength in the coming years.

I do so wish I could write as optimistically about the campaign for more/better NHS child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) provisions locally. Maybe next year … maybe not.

Paul Farmer, address supplied

The Lords should be a ‘a safety net for all people’ IN my view, the Lords should be kept but every Lord should be elected as a real second chamber and a safety net for all people. The MPs do not represent all people – the Lords would then take over and stay independent only.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

GOOD ADVICE

How to save money by understanding your energy tariffs Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer YOU could save money on your energy bills by changing your gas or electricity tariff, either with your current supplier or with a new one.

Before you compare the cost of tariffs, (tinyurl.com/cawok005) you should think about what things are important to you. For example, you might want the cheapest deal and don’t mind being in a long contract.

If you want the cheapest tariff you might want to choose a ‘fixed tariff’ or ‘capped tariff’. They’re usually energy supplier’s cheapest tariffs. The actual names of the tariffs might vary, but look out for the words ‘fixed’ or ‘capped’.

With a fixed tariff, the price of energy is fixed for the duration of a contract, meaning it won’t change. With a capped tariff, the price you pay for energy won’t go over a set limit, but it may go down. These tariffs are good for helping you to budget, as your supplier can’t suddenly charge you more than you can afford for your energy use.

They might be not so good if you’re looking for a short-term contract - you’ll have to sign a contract for a set period of time, and you’ll usually be charged a fee to leave the contract early.

The cost of your bills could still change depending on how much energy you actually use - it’s only the price that you buy energy for that will stay the same.

If you want a more flexible tariff you might want to choose a ‘standard tariff’ - you won’t be tied into a

contract with an end date, and there won’t be a charge to switch to a different tariff or supplier.

The actual name of the tariff might vary, but look out for the words ‘standard’ or ‘variable’ when you look at what each supplier is offering.

You should be aware that standard tariffs are usually a more expensive option. They might not be a good choice if you struggle to pay your bills - the price of energy can go up or down, meaning it could become too much for you to afford.

If you want an environmentallyfriendly tariff you might want to choose a ‘green tariff’. They’re not usually the cheapest tariffs, but they’re a good option if you want to reduce the environmental impact of your energy use.

When you sign up to a green tariff, the energy supplier will use renewable energies like wind or solar to generate the same amount of energy that you use.

They have to tell you how much of each kind of energy they are generating for each tariff. Alternatively, they will contribute money to environmental schemes on your behalf.

Other tariffs: There are certain situations when you’ll need to choose a particular tariff.

If you have a prepayment energy meter in your home, you can only be on a ‘prepayment tariff’. They’re usually one of the most expensive tariffs, so it’s a good idea to look at other options - for example, changing your prepayment meter to a normal ‘credit meter’.

However, it could cost you money to change, and you might not be allowed to if you’re in debt to your supplier or you’re a tenant.

If you have an electric heating storage system and heat your home using electric storage night heaters, you’ll probably have to choose a ‘dual rate tariff’ - this is because these systems normally work with a dual rate energy meter, allowing you to get a cheaper rate of electricity at night.

The main dual rate tariffs are called ‘Economy 7’ and ‘Economy 10’ - many suppliers offer this tariff, but their rates will vary. These tariffs are priced based on you using some of your energy in the cheaper period (usually overnight).

If you’re thinking about switching supplier or tariff you should think about how much you would use in the peak and cheap periods. You might find it hard to find tariffs online, so you may have to call suppliers to see what deals they offer.

If you have a ‘dynamically teleswitched’ energy meter, ( See http://tinyurl.com/cawok006) your options for tariffs might be even more restricted.

If you generate your own energy from renewable sources, for example by using solar panels or a wind turbine, you could potentially sell any excess energy you produce to your supplier through a ‘feed-in tariff’. The Energy Saving Trust has more information about feed-in tariffs (See http://tinyurl.com/cawok007) 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

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

VIEWPOINTS | 17

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Greetings, Christmas!

I

F you’d told me last Christmas what I’d be doing a year later, I’d probably have thrown something. Hot knives and sharp vegetables were both handy in this chaotic cook’s Christmas kitchen.

And in a twist on a funny and frequently broadcast short film which you’ve probably never heard of, instead of the challenges coming but once a year, mine came once a day - for three consecutive days.

Visitors were told that the kitchen door was shut to: a) keep the noise down; b) keep a wild animal out; and c) that if you were very good, you might just get an ‘ot dinner.

A dinner prepared from raw ingredients, from soup and bread via turkey and all the trimmings to Xmas pudding. But woe betide you if you came into the kitchen during the prep. Stressed? Moi? Probably safer to interrupt Gordon Ramsay.

2015 and January brought with it the shocking news of the Charlie Hebdo killings in Paris. That political wake-up was reinforced a few days later by a neighbour’s visit with a petition, along with news that the council had “snuck through” the planning permission for Hatch Farm.

February brought another surprise. Our neighbour called to find out if I meant what I’d said when I offered to help, as we’d been invited onto BBC Radio Berkshire at 7am the following day.

Gulp. Man or mouse? With barely a squeak, I said I’d be there. Good job too as it led to later meetings with others on the programme.

March, as well as bringing the first edition of The Wokingham Paper, also brought some discussions with people regarding developments in the Borough.

By April, having put my head up and taken a good look around, things seemed “a bit wonky”, locally as well as wider afield.

During one three way discussion, one’s views suddenly snapped into focus. I didn’t want to write to the paper, I wanted to write for the paper.

By the end of the day, I’d met the editor and after describing why I wanted to write, I was given a deadline and some good advice: to focus on the issues: keep things balanced; and try to keep a sense of humour. All of which I’ve tried to follow.

May brought the first column. Looking back, It seems like a lifetime ago that it was published. Originally, I’d said that I could perhaps produce “about a dozen”.

Later, when sharing the topic list, the editor counted them and commented “Crikey - this takes us to almost to Christmas”.

While May’s columns were mainly about Roads and Hatch Farm, June brought forth a need for more government (we don’t), lies, art and what’s in a name. July covered potholes, rubbish, holidays and flooding.

It also brought the first planning meeting I’d ever been to, a meeting that provided enough material for all of August !

September was technology. Its confusion and lack of security along with more pieces on roads. October brought the first of the challenges on the topics of truth, secrecy and the budget within our borough.

November saw more secrecy, that slippery word “affordable”, a plea to save a tree (it was), and finished with some well-deserved praise for staff at Wokingham Borough Council.

December brought more on Planning (your comments can count), the disappointing new face of Winnersh if plans stay as they are, along with a proposal for peace in Syria.

All of which brings us nearly to the end of this week’s column, save for that famous Freddie Flinton film which you’ve never heard of: Dinner for One. Which reminds me – must get a turkey and all the bits – ready made this year.

And that does bring us to the end. Thank you for reading these pieces, even if you didn’t find all the gags or like all the opinions. So to one and all…

Christmas Greetings. n To find out how you can make someone’s day this season, please see ‘Dinner for One’ - an online Christmas special: www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

Tony Johnson

ONE of the things that everyone looks forward to at Christmas time is the festive lights. There are some great light shows across the borough including Woodley, Twyford and Wokingham town centre. Last week, reader Ray Little took time out from Christmas shopping to take this splendid picture of the lights in Wokingham for his Christmas e-card.

He was so pleased with his work that he wanted to share them with you and we’re delighted to do so. Thanks for this Ray and we wish you a very Merry Christmas. 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.

VOLUNTEER CORNER with Helena Badger THE Volunteer Centre Wokingham recruits and places volunteers with a wide range of voluntary and community organisations around the borough and beyond.

We have over 150 local volunteering opportunities on our books. These vary greatly and include; advice and counselling, art, befriending, caring, catering, computers and technology, driving, finance, fundraising, gardening, languages, legal, marketing, PR and media, music, retail and charity shops, teaching and training, trustee or committee roles, volunteering with children, with people with disabilities, with the elderly and many more.

Please note: The Wokingham Volunteer Centre closed for Christmas on Wednesday 23rd December and will re-open on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 9.30am.

Thank you to everyone who has used our services and supports us this year. Have a great Christmas and we look forward to hearing from you in the New Year!

Call 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or you can visit the website www.volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk

THE MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Wokingham Town Mayor Philip Mirfin offers a festive reflection

I

N OUR roles as Mayor and Mayoress of Wokingham, my wife and l have attended many events in the first seven months of our term.

Many have involved children, from judging our Mini-Mayor entrants and having a tea party with them, to judging the schools and nursery entries for Wokingham in Bloom, as well as visiting schools to talk about the role of Mayor and, in turn, hosting school visits to the Town Hall.

The pleasure we have had in meeting the children has been tremendous, they nearly all want to know about the Mayor’s chain, “how heavy is it etc?”

Their interest in our town’s history and what the Mayor does is quite inspiring.

It has been an absolute privilege to meet them, their parents and their teachers.

This year’s Wokingham in Bloom competition built on our previous year’s successes, with the tremendous efforts of all our local volunteers, from businesses to individuals, gaining more points that contributed once

Wokingham Town Mayor Philip Mirfin dresses Wokingham’s Christmas tree with help from pupils from Westcott School Picture: Andrew Merritt

again to our receiving the Silver Gilt award at Oxford Town Hall.

I hope all our residents will support us in 2016 to try to get that coveted Gold award.

Indeed, we have learnt much about our local voluntary organisations and the extent of their reach into everyone’s lives and how much they contribute to the community.

On Christmas Day we shall be visiting four of those organisations; West Oak Care Home, the Link Visiting Scheme

Christmas lunch, Wokingham Hospital Patients and the Alexandra Grange Care Home residents, to wish them all a very Happy Christmas.

We would like to extend those wishes to all our residents at Christmas time, whether you are tucked up in your own homes or working, and wish you all a very happy Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year in 2016.

Philip and Kathy Mirfin, Mayor and Mayoress of Wokingham Town Council

18 | HERITAGE

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

Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

HERITAGE | 17

Inassociation associationwith with In

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

HISTORY REVIEW

Wokingham’s Memorial — choosing the right one The past which has shaped our present...

This complete the story of the This week week we MikE ChuRChER reviews building of the war memorialsarticles by taking a the Wokingham Remembers look at Wokingham’s own constructions, of the past four months and discusses writes MIKE CHURCHER. why did some of the factors which But contributed Wokingham take so long to unveil it? to the making of Wokingham and its environment.

O W

OKINGHAM’S Town Hall VER the past months the Memorial was not unveiled Wokingham Remembers pageuntil has 1924, nearly six yearspicture after the been providing an early ofend howofa the small market town and a war. fewFar villages the edge ofresponsibility a forest is today from on avoiding the ranked as onefor of the country’s leading of collecting a war memorial, the communities. local town council led from the outset. religion, industry, transport, OneEducation, would have expected with such social structures, national politics and experienced leadership, agreement would local been government are all important have decisive. pieces building great Wokingham The in delay didn’tthe come about with the jigsaw. Here now is the a summary of our difficulty of raising money, (which contributions to date and the a few ideas it could have been, given post waron the next round articles. it was an economy was inofdepression) argument over the best way to remember Education, Education, Wokingham’s fallen.

Education The arguments which abounded Today’s Wokingham is renowned as over the years were unquestionably one of the country’s centres of excellence honourable and carefully considered.

For education; this is partly due tojoined strong afor time the Comrades Club (which school performance and the motivated the Royal British Legion) argued the need parents who live in one of the most for a place where the veterans could meet highly educated communities in the UK. for social gatherings.

If we look the history of Those whointo returned were finding it Wokingham’s schools we can see of hard to return to the mundanities how education is woven into its DNA. everyday life and it had been recognised Prior to the Great War, Wokingham in the years following the end of war that wasveterans surrounded byonly manor houses the could really find and solace members of the landed gentry who with other servicemen. wanted to be to that the levers of power; This did notclose mean the club i.e. the royal households of Windsor. would be to the exclusion of others; in turnstressed these upper factInthey theirechelons vision was as an possessed a serious sense of gatherings duty opportunity for warm social and a responsibility to ensure their which included children, women and community received at least a basic people of all ages. education. Wokingham also had a Other arguments called for a powerful professional class, a strong monument, a permanent reminder of church community (including the nonthe loss and suffering experienced in conformists) and together they shared the Wokingham community. Thousands a strong belief in the importance of of monuments had spread across the teaching. whole nation and there were calls for the The result was with the skills, the Council to follow this lead. motivation and the finance available, It was though, the idea of a hospital there developed a culture of education which eventually prevailed, but what which still holds strong to this day. type? It could be one to help repair the Wokingham transport broken bodies of men who had returned Transport theor single from the war,isorprobably the elderly children’s most important factor in Wokingham’s numerous diseases. development, in which both itstroubled rail andthe road The question systems. town’s elders was how to create a Future which articlesnot willonly lookremembered at the memorial introduction of the also railways and thefuture. the past, but could look to the

What impact had these men fighting major they hadbeen on the town for, and we have already a start withto the what way of life made were they trying road system by mapping out they the course of protect and what future did die for? theLloyd old Forest Road.

George had been unable to Whilea the building of the M4 deliver ‘land fit for heroes’, thehad posta major influencedepression on the introduction of the war economic had seen to high businesses now surround that, tech but the Council which were considering Wokingham, it is the A329M which a memorial which made a statement, in off the Road andpast, its not1975 justcut about the Forest tragedy of the natural connections but an expression ofbetween hope forEmmbrook the future. and villages Hurst and the Binfield.

The The the answer wasofjust around corner, love and hate relationship with our rail literally. and roads continue to this day!

Wokingham’s military The Council make a plan – heritage 1922

As the bi-centenary the The2015 RedisCross had recentlyof opened Battle of Waterloo, there have been a small clinic in the Town Hall, but a number of articles commemorating needed larger premises to cope withthis the world changing event. increasing demand. What if the memorial The area has always been noted for money could be used to help them find a its contribution to the nation’s military larger home? capability, with Arborfield’s REME, It was the perfect symbol; if there RFA and Remount connections and the was hope for the future, then it would Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all come through the development and situated very nearby. health of the community’s children. The Even the Duke of Wellington took to men fought in a war selflessly and sois living in Stratfield Saye, which today too did teamsaway of nurses and doctors only 30 the minutes from Wokingham’s who worked town centre. tirelessly to repair the local

Wokingham’s benefactor culture

The area around Wokingham was surrounded by many remarkable individuals and they were instrumental in building the much needed infrastructure which underpinned the establishment of a strong community.

We will later be telling the story of the Walter family and their contributions to the building of Wokingham but in April first weekly issue, we told the story of the much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess of Downshire.

Although one of Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a major financial contributor to this part of Wokingham’s public services.

Later articles will illustrate the demise of these great manors andattheir Above: The old Memorial Clinic sits the incumbent social system bottom of Denmark Street. and the rise of

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

historians, Sarah Huxford, also took us on a journey to the old battlefields inalso search graves.

Above: The names on the All Saints memorial were givenoftotheir the Town HallThis Warstory Memorial.

Before we believe too much in the idea reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s was a children’s sick anddevelopment injured bodies. inscription reflecting the sensitivities of around the county of Berkshire, but solidly experience, May’s article Thesedate symbols went even deeper; the the time: affirms the importance of the wars in the told of themen rioting in themselves the town sickthe andstory wounded gave The people of Wokingham have of our local character. centre time of the 1857 General development to the during doctors,the nurses and surgeons given this building to be used as an Election.

Wokingham and who were then able to build a bank of Orthopaedic Clinic in memory of the Such events common sight in knowledge andwere skillsa in the following men who gave their lives for their the Royal Forest the town andbetter this short bloody battle years.

What wayand to use those skills country inat the Great community, War of 1914-1918 Looking today’s it is between the Whigs and the Tories also than on helping Wokingham’s broken and in thankfulness to Almighty difficult to visualise just how ruralGod the highlighted Rose hotels in children to the liveBush betterand lives? for those whoand came in safety,the area once was in back part explains Market asthe thecouncil headquarters of these sometimes The Place men of were inspired confident that therelationship memory of between their fragile two groups. andferal the initial decision was to support the old and Wokingham; service andnew sacrifice can bestfew be The story was also able to reflect both a ‘Comrades Club’ and a children’s areas in theinUK such honoured thehave fightwitnessed against disease upon nationalbyscene theGeneral corruptSir extraordinary growth and change in the clinic.the However 1922,and Major and Deformity. nature general the Walterof Cayley onelections behalf ofbefore the Comrades profile of its population. introduction of the private ballot.

Club withdrew from the scheme, leaving Although Wokingham’s history Final thoughts Future articles include sole funding for awill larger clinicfurther for the has always been intertwined with tales of anarchy and revelry in this old This is as much as webyknow about children’s Red Cross. the surrounding villages providing market town. building Wokingham Town A site had already been found, an athe market placeoffor agricultural and Hall’s War Memorial story is not old Methodist chapel at the bottom of commercial produce, itand wasthe also a Forest Wokingham at War quite The as we had‘forest’ expected.

Some of the Denmark Street and in July 1922, in the Town. term did not mean a There are watershed moments namesofare of men neveroflived cluster trees, but who a system lawsin laid deeds were duly presented at a ceremony history which mark the moment of great the area. down by royalty for the protection of change in a society and the Great War of in the Town Hall. Using materials donated are also composed from a group theirThey hunting grounds.

1914-1918 is one such time. by local tradespeople, the town’s skilled ofThese peopleonerous who have a link with the local rules restricted local Therefore a numbertoofconvert centenaries artisans volunteered the churches only one What people fromofusing largedenomination. parts of the land between 2014 and 2018 will would meet chapel into a facility which of sustenance those who were Catholic for and in part ledortoJewish the or commemorate the great losses of war the demands of a modern Orthopaedic rise of simply local highwaymen and general which even atheist?

Clinic.scarred the people of Wokingham a result, subsequent for the rest of the 20th century.

The menAs came from the homes not always With some pomp and undoubted pride, lawlessness.

Actclustered of 1723 came down on May’s followed the story closely around theheavily town itself; the Clinicedition was opened in April 1923 by the Black Blacks’ andareas, resulted of two brothers Langborough they ‘Wokingham spread into some outer butin Marchioness offrom Downshire.

A stone tablet these their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokingham town.

One of our the either not into others.

We have unsurprisingly was fixed to the front of the building, its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

The story was told in June, and also commemorated the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Runnymede in 1215. discovered a number of local men who Shining light on died in theafighting and are not named on the memorial.

Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ of these observations ToAlthough bring us some up to date the August might are make uncomfortable reading, our articles focused on the kids who are town memorial these traits with now entering intoshares their summer holidays. thousands of other from all What better way tomemorials use this month’s over the nation. editions than to tell the stories of the Statethe departments holding databases Romans, Celts and the Saxons with electoral national influence on therolls areaand before Wokingham insurance numbers did not exist was even a twinkle insimply old Wocca’s eye? during we areaable to see David this Nashtime Fordand provided set of just how was tomakes collect the articles anddifficult puzzlesitwhich namesfun of the local dead.and no doubt history for the young Whatcatch we see is the a council will also thehowever, interest of parents taking localchild’s community who willleadership be looking and overatheir pulling together to build something for shoulder. the future at anext timeround whenof the rest of Here’s to the articles!

Europegowas itself apart. Steve Thanks outtearing to our contributors: The Orthopaedic in Denmark Bacon, Jim Bell, David Clinic Nash Ford, Sarah Huxford, Roger Long, Trevorsuccess Ottlewski Street was a tremendous and and Peterthe Shilham their continuing served healthfor of all Wokingham people contributions. right up to the early 1970s.

All is time provided by ourits It this tookwork a long to deliver local of charge and ownhistorians version offree Remembrance, but can found on the front of the bybe choosing a plaque andpage a clinic, Wokingham website WokinghamRemembers found the perfect www.wokinghamremembers.com balance between respecting its Thanks to Mark Ashwell at past and also investing in the people TradeMark for supporting the paper’s of the future. commitment to this Those people ofproject. the future? That’s us.

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

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

CALL 0800 30 50 30 TODAY TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CALLSURVEY. 0800 30 50 30 TODAY CHECK

TOCALL BOOK A 50 FREE CALL 0800 30 TODAY 0800 3030 50HEALTH 30 TODAY CHECK SURVEY. TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CHECK SURVEY. CHECK SURVEY.

GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER!

GET A FREE ONLINEESTIMATE ESTIMATE AND AND SAVE THIS FLYER! WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK GET A FREE ONLINE SAVE10% 10%WITH WITH THIS FLYER! GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER! D A

ST EA

D A

HEAD LE Y

EAST AD ROAD EAST Y RO EY L E DL EAST AD EA AD H RO

AD HE

RRKK PAPA YY L E LE A D AD HE HE

HEAD LE Y

R O

AD

ST EA

ST EA

R O

R O

HEADHEAD LE LE Y Y

R O

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK W W. T30 RTODAY ADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK CALLW 0800 30 50 WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CHECK SURVEY. D A

ST EA

HUR HURRIC RICAN

AN E EW WA AY Y

Y LE

H

EY DL EA

RAEY WAY IRFEIW TFIT SP SIP

ST EA

Y E0 1 DKL AAR HPE

100

GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER! EY DL EA

EAST AD RO

HUR RIC AN

EW AY

HUR RIC AN

ST EA

Y LE AD HE

WE ARE HEREWE ARE

AD RO

ST EA

R O

AD RO

ST EA

HEAD LE Y

HERE WE ARE HERE

D A

EW AY

SPITFIRE WAY

WE ARE DLEY A HERE HE

H

SPITFIRE WAY

ST EA

10

AD RO

K

Y LE AD HE

AD RO

R PA

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK EY DL HEA

A HE

SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: 9-5, SAT: 10-4 Tel: 0118 969 9322 ( N e x t t o S c r e w fi x ) E DL

EAST AD RO

HUR RIC AN

Y

Unit 20, Headley Park 10, Headley Road East, Woodley RG5 4SW R PA

K

10

H

EY DL EA

EW AY

SPITFIRE WAY

SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: Tel: 0118 0118969 9699322 9322( N( eNxet xtto tSocSr ecwr efiw SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI:9-5, 9-5,SAT: SAT: 10-4 10-4 Tel: x )fi x ) SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: 9-5, SAT: 10-4 Tel: 0118 969 9322 ( N e x t t o S c r e w fi x ) U nU i tn2i t02, 0H, eHaedaldelye yPP aar k Rooaadd EEaasst ,t ,WW odolde lye R y GR5G45S 4 r k 1100,, H Heeaad l e yy R oo WS W

windoc_flyer_A4_C.indd 1 Y LE AD HE

AD RO

ST EA

02/07/2012 22:06:04

Unit 20, Headley Park 10, Headley Road East, Woodley RG5 4SW

WE ARE windoc_flyer_A4_C.indd 1

02/07/2012 22:06:04

20

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

++ NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ++ NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ++ NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN ++

It’s not just our splashbacks that get great feedback

We are proud of our overall Replacement patio door score being double glazed unit

10/10

“Excellent service.”

average

Tidiness: 10 Reliability:

10

Courtesy: 10 Workmanship: 10

Colin Glenister based in Reading, 5 September 2015

For more feedback visit our website

NE

W

VIS

SH

IT

OU

OW

R

RO

OM

Unit 3, Toutley Industrial Estate, Toutley Rd, Wokingham, RG41 1QN

0800 999 5599 or 0330 999 5599 www.allderglass.co.uk

tails. Always looking for enthusiastic hardworking individuals to join our team. Currently looking for various roles to be filled. Call for details.

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 21

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham OPERA

A rousing start to the new year in Winnersh OPERA at Bearwood are starting the new year with a concert of favourite choruses and arias including music from La Traviata, Il Trovatore, Nabucco, Die Fledermaus,and William Tell.

There will be three performances at Reddam House School Theatre in Winnersh – 2.30pm and 7.30pm on January 9, and at 2.30pm on January 10.

Pippa Walton, of Opera at Bearwood, said: “We run a concert every year in January to raise funds for the full opera that we put on in the summer.

“Serena Kay is our visiting Musical Director for January.

She has been a professional mezzo soprano for many years and waves her baton for Kennet, Spotlight and Park opera. We are thrilled to have Serena on board.

“Staging and direction is by Ken and Catherine Wilkins, who are long standing members and experienced performers who have created a fun and entertaining concert for us to kick-start the New Year.”

The full opera, which will take place on June 30, July 1 and 2 (dates tbc), will be Macbeth by Verdi.

Tickets for the January show cost £16 and £14 for concessions and are available by emailing box office manager Tony Welsh at tony@operaatbearwood.org.uk

THEATRE

Girl group’s take on Nativity HUNDREDS of people crowded into Wokingham Theatre on Sunday for the Living Advent Calendar performance of the Live Nativity.

Taking a different musical twist on the traditional Christmas story, the show featured performances from a 1950s-style girl group, an Elvis-soundalike and a barbershop trio of shepherds.

Due to incredible levels of demand, the show was performed three times at the theatre’s

Cantley Park venue, with those unable to get a ticket still kept entertained with mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine, a visit by Father Christmas and a real donkey.

Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin (pictured left) and Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson attended all of the performances between them and thanked the cast and crew for their hard work.

Wokingham Theatre

spokesperson Hedda Bird said: “The terrific singing, wonderful costumes and magical storytelling were a hit with parents and children alike.

“Overall nearly 400 people came to the theatre, where they were able to join in carol singing, meet the donkey and enjoy hot chocolate and mince pies before and after the performances.

“Stewarding was provided by the Lions Club of Wokingham, and all donations go towards the Living Advent Calendar three charities this year: Macmillan Cancer Support, Just Around the Corner, and Dingley Family and Specialist Early Years Centres.”

REVIEW

Berzerk’s Aladdin will keep you spellbound The play, in case you’ve never seen the film, concerns a street kid called Aladdin (Alfie Bamford) and Princess Jasmine (Millie Broder). A chance meeting in the marketplace is love at first sight, but how can they cross the class divide and live happy ever after?

Thankfully, the answer is down to the evil Jafar (James Woolaghan) who wants to marry Jasmine and oust her father, the Sultan (Ashton Kemp). With the help of his guard Razoul (Travis Whitelock) he arrests Aladdin and sends him to rescue a lamp from a cave in the desert. But the lamp is more than just a light: it is prison to the Genie (Kara Jehan). A battle ensues to prevent Jafar from winning the throne and ensuring Aladdin and Jasmine can marry.

As always, everyone on stage has a role, even if they are in the chorus. They all shine and they all look as if they want to be there.

Credit must go to director Scott Jenkins and his team Sherridan Povey and Charlie Greenaway for encouraging the young talent so much.

Robyn Ayers plays Iago, Jafar’s pet pesky parrot. The bird is a puppet, but she mimics its every move, creating a convincing depiction of a scheming helper.

Woolaghan’s Jafar knows when to chew scenery and when to hold

on, making a convincing baddie.

His role is aided by the stunning make-up he and the Sultan (Kemp) receive.

Millie Broder presents a perfectly innocent and wide-eyed Jasmine, selling the love story with Aladdin so well, particularly during their stunning duet on the magic carpet.

It is Alfie Bamford as Aladdin that delivers the standout role.

In a production like this, where everyone gives their all, it seems unfair to pinpoint anyone, but Bamford has such stage presence and a superb voice. His Aladdin is caring and kind, while also feisty and funny.

Packed with laughs, action and big musical numbers, the hour flies by.

Bravo Berzerk, bravo.

Aladdin was performed at The Oakwood Centre from Thursday, December 17 to Sunday, December 20. n There’s no rest for the team: on Sunday, January 3, the group is holding open auditions for its next play. In the spring it will perform the National Theatre Connections 2015 project, Citizenship.

It takes place at St Edwards School from 12.45pm and any teenager aged 14 upwards can try for a part for £3.

Phil Creighton

OPERA AFTER DARK Come and join our ensemble for a party of favourite choruses and arias Saturday, 9 January 2:30 and 7:30pm

Reddam House School Theatre

Sunday, 10 January

(formerly Bearwood College) Winnersh, Wokingham

2:30pm £16.00 full | £14.00 concessions

O P E R A AT B E A R W O O D

operaatbearwood.org.uk

Charity No: 1111518

TALENTED teenagers are once again showing how it’s done.

Yes, Berzerk’s Christmas production is a masterclass in festive shows: a sumptuous set, fantastic lighting, gorgeous costumes, great sound and brilliant direction. They’re all here, but they’re nothing without a fabulous cast.

That’s exactly what you’ve got with the youth theatre’s Christmas production of Disney’s Aladdin.

The Oakwood Centre has been cleverly transformed into Agrabah, the city of enchantment, in this magical tale that includes songs from the 1992 Disney film including Friend Like Me, Prince Ali and Arabian Nights.

If you’ve been to the Oakwood Centre, you’ll know the stage is quite small so squeezing in a three-tier set complete with a flying carpet, magic cave and a palace is a challenge. Add in more than 30 young actors and you’ve got a tight fit.

But each of the cast, particularly the townspeople, hit their marks every time. Those complicated all-singing, alldancing numbers are met with aplomb and not even an over enthusiastic palm tree can stop these teenagers from bringing Agrabah alive.

22 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on & gigs CHRISTMAS EVE Thursday, Dec 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. Open 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 – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street. Christmas party from 7pm. Details: 0118 977 3706.

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

Morris Men Mummers play from noon.

YATELEY – Frog and Wicket. Yateley Mummers play. 1.15pm.

CHRISTMAS DAY Friday, Dec 25

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Back2Soul Christmas Special. Details: 01344 303333.

LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Open 12.30pm-7pm.

Details: 0118 931 3965.

Church services on our website, www.wokinghampaper.co.uk 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, Dec 26 WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers Woodley Green, Woodley Green Church Road RG5 4PQ. Broken Stones: Slade, Bryan Adams, The Monkees, Ed Sheeran.

YATELEY – Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Yateley

Sunday, Dec 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.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Games afternoon. 2pm. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org. uk or 0118 926 8143.

Holiday Monday, December 28

Wednesday, Dec 30 READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Live: Twostep Takeover! Flash Fires and Poor Michael. Details: 0118 959 7196.

New Year’s Eve Thursday, Dec 31 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Evil Puppies. Details: 01344 303333.

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk BRACKNELL – Bowling and Social Club, New Club House RG12 1EH. Frankie The Fish. Details: 01344 423494.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. DJ night. Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. The Blue Beatles. Details: 01276 27641.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Lainey King. Details: 01276 63842.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Gigabit.

Details: 01252 616434.

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

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

FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. Malarkey. Details: 01252 663686.

LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Open 1.30pm until early hours of New Year’s Day. Details: 0118 931 3965 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. NYE Big Bash 2015. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. N.Y.E. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Dance to the Movies. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. New Year’s Eve party with Party Express. Details: 0118 968 1442.

SHINFIELD – The Bell and Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Zipper Tongue. Details: 0118 988 3563.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. John Coghlan’s Quo. Details:

01491 681048.

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

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Ash Lee. Details: 0118 978 0307.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. New Year’s Charity night with Bricks Build Houses. From 7.30pm.

Tickets only. In aid of Sue Ryder.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. DJ and disco, donations to charity.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Games evening. 7pm. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org. uk or 0118 926 8143.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. The Turn.

Details: 01252 870648.

New Year’s Day, Friday, January 1 LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Open 12.30pm-11.30pm.

Details: 0118 931 3965.

SUNNINGHILL – Village SL5 0QS. Sunninghill fancy dress Wheelbarrow Race from 11am.

Teams of four, entry £20. Details: 07949 813893

Sunday, January 3 WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre.

Pantomime: The Snow Queen.

2pm, 6pm. £12, concessions £8.

Details: 0118 921 6919.

Monday, January 4 FINCHAMPSTEAD – California Ratepayers’ Hall, Finchampstead Road, RG40 3RL. California Gardeners’ Club meeting Paolo Arrigo: Franchi Seeds. Contest: an arrangement of winter flowering heather or an indoor plant. 7.30pm. £2. Details: 0118 979 3730 or 0118 978 1432.

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

DEEFOR Poor Deefor was given up to a dog pound after his family decided they didn’t want him anymore. This one-year-old neutered collie is a beautiful, bright and happy boy, full of energy and eager to learn.

ROY Two-year-old Roy was found wandering in a remote area with the remains of a rope around his neck, and was never claimed. His fosterers say that he is a lovely

chap who gets on with other dogs.

He will need an active lifestyle and someone around most of the time.

POPPY Poppy’s owner could sadly no longer look after her, so made the tough decision to give her up for re-homing.

She is a sweet eightyear-old cat and would make an ideal addition to any family. 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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

AT THE CINEMA

Kim Taylor-Foster

Star Wars is a force to be reckoned with

Star Wars: The Force Awaken (12A)

«««««

Stars: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max von Sydow

I

T’S NOT so easy to write a review of a film that’s critic proof.

Star Wars is the biggest film franchise in the world: every single one of those fans will see it and form their own opinion regardless of what the critics say. And if responses so far are anything to go by, the vast majority of those opinions will be positive.

But, let’s face it – this sequel, which comes a full 32 years after the close of the original saga, didn’t have a particularly rigid barometer against which to be measured. With the three prequels universally detested, there was really only one way reviews were going to go.

A franchise close to the hearts of so many, it seems fitting that any follow-up should pay homage to the original beloved trilogy, and The Force Awakens is packed with references to the past, as well as being dotted with a smattering of familiar faces.

We pick up the story 30 or so years on from the conclusion of the events of Return of the Jedi. The Jedi are now all but a myth – as they were at the start of A New Hope – and a new generation is intrigued by tales of the Rebellion and the past.

When a scavenger girl by the name of Rey (Daisy Ridley) gets mixed up with a little orange and white droid and a fugitive named Finn (John Boyega), they become the galaxy’s most wanted. To survive, they must team up with faces old and new and help the Resistance track down legendary Jedi master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), to help battle a dangerous new threat.

Star Trek helmer J.J. Abrams takes on directing duties for this first in the new Disney-owned franchise and does a sterling job with a screenplay written by Michael Arndt and adapted by himself and legendary Star Wars writer/producer Lawrence Kasdan.

A self-confessed Star Wars fan, Abrams’s love for the saga manifests itself in his sensitive treatment. This sequel, with its careful attention to tone and scale to match the original trilogy and plentiful references to the original story, gives the fans what they want. Abrams has made loyalty to the saga paramount, ahead of pleasing the marketing team’s intangible audience, ticking boxes on a spreadsheet or appeasing investors.

The plot and structure follow a similar path as A New Hope – but a sense of familiarity is key for audiences worldwide who hated prequels that bore little resemblance to George Lucas’s original films.

The humour that was unwisely sucked out of the prequels is re-injected here and we’re treated to more of Han Solo’s quips, courtesy of the deliciously dry Harrison Ford, and a sparky relationship between the film’s two leads – both Ridley and Boyega do great jobs in bringing to life three-dimensional characters who have both depth and personality.

With a careful balance of costumed characters and CGI, there’s a far more seamless integration of actors, scenes, props and special effects than any of Lucas’s tinkering with the saga through the nineties and noughties achieved. And while there could have been more tension, and a few pressing questions answered, this new addition to the Star Wars story leaves aficionados more than satisfied, and looking forward to the films to come.

IN A BAND? HOLDING A GIG? HEARD SOME GREAT MUSIC? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! E-MAIL NEWS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SCHOOLS | 23

Christmas plays 2015

Christmas is a time for celebrating and schools across the borough have been busy presenting their fabulous festive productions. Here is the second week of our very own Nativity Special! Pictures: Paul King,

Vivienne Johnson & Gemma Davidson

Radstock Primary School Nativity

Our Lady’s Preparatory School Nativity

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

24 | SCHOOLS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas plays 2015 St Dominic Savio Primary School - Years 1 and 2 Nativity Play

St Dominic Savio Primary School - Years 1 and 2 Nativity Play

St Dominic Savio Primary School Reception Class Nativity

Holme Grange School - Years 1 and 2 Nativity Play

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SCHOOLS | 25

Christmas plays 2015 St Neot’s Preparatory School Nativity Play

St Teresa’s Primary School Reception class Nativity Play

St Teresa’s Primary School Years 1 and 2 Nativity Play

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

26 | SCHOOLS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas plays 2015

Walter Infant School Wokingham Larch, Oak and Beech Class Nativity Play

Finchampstead Infant School Nativity This photo is not available to purchase

Waverley School Years 1 and 2 Nativity Play

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SCHOOLS | 27

Christmas plays 2015

Wescott Infant School foundation stage The Gigantic Star

Windmill Primary School

The Nursery Rhyme Nativity

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

28 | SCHOOLS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas plays 2015 Rivermead Primary School, Woodley Nativity

Reddam House School The Nutcracker

Order your souvenir photos today at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

Get your business seen!

Classifieds Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

PUBLIC NOTICES

Call 0118 327 2662

Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Notice is hereby given that a meeting will be held at 10am on Wednesday 20th January 2016 at 10 Denton Road Wokingham for members to Receive and Approve the final Report and Accounts of Wokingham Volunteer Centre (registered Charity 275933) for the period 1 April 2014 - 30 September 2015.

David Vaughan Chairman Trustees

DECORATING

If You're Looking For A Professional, Reliable, Friendly Mobile Disco & Dj Service, Then Look No Further..

Our Dj's Can Cover Any Event, Playing Music From The 1950's To Today!

Call Phil Now On 07855-191068

www.hotspotproductions.co.uk

Ghostwriter available

Autobiography? Speech?

Annual report? Whitepaper?

Let me do the work – you take the glory I’ll create a compelling read and memorable message.

MOTORING

quality decorators We are proud to support The Wokingham Paper A local family business established for 30+ years, we guarantee customer satisfaction with our highly professional and personal service.

We provide all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating, domestic and commercial, plus artexing, coving and tiling.

Also general building and allied work.

Free estimates and advice Mobile: 07966 551698 Phone: 0118 973 3537 Email: trevor@quality-decorators.co.uk Website: www.quality-decorators.co.uk

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today

Making Your Night One To Remember.

MAKE £250!

Reach local people

SERVICES

Extraordinary General Meeting

CLASSIFIEDS | 29

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash

A discrete and discerning service.

Over 30 years experience from an award-winning writer.

For initial discussion email: annonymousep5@gmail.com

Get your business seen!

Email advertising@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

WE DO CLEARANCES FROM HOUSES, GARAGES, GARDENS, OFFICES AND SHOPS

Don’t get your hands dirty!

Call us today

07789 122100 Sell your items for free JAPANESE CHINA NORE TAKI trio with stand £12 ono.

Details: 07702 139721.

MUSIC FOR SALE: Rod Stewart: A Night on the Town; Atlantic Crossing; Foolish Behaviour. Police: LPs. Barbara Streiseand 2 Queen 2, plus many, many more. Details: Ken Marshall on 07960 270246.

Minimum *£200 cash for scrap cars.

Call 0118 966 6600

Same day service.

The Wokingham Paper Family Notices

Will not be beat on any prices.

JIGSAW PUZZLE. Charles and Di. 1,000 pieces £8 ono.

Details: 0118 971 2952.

JIGSAW PUZZLE. Pub and shop signs of old London. 1000 pieces. £8 Details: 0118 971 2952.

VASE/JUG . Kernewek pottery gurgle jug in shape of fish.

Speckled brown glaze 10 ins high. £10 ono. Details: 0118 971 2952.

VINTAGE PYREX GRAVY BOAT. Chelsea pattern 19x 7 cms high no damage excellent condition £7 ono Details: 0118 971 2952.

Write your message here Use block capitals and check your spellings. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

07429 122 712 *Subject to condition of vehicle

Sell your goods with a free adverts for items under £250

Having a clear out? Why not turn your treasure into cash with our free adverts? Sell your items without any fee with the aid of this coupon.

Items* valued at up to £250 can be sold in these columns for free! Simply send us the details –maximum of 30 words – and post or email it and we’ll do the rest

Your name: Phone number: Address:

Email: Send your completed form to The Wokingham Paper free ads, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Alternatively email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Adverts will appear in the next available issue Standard terms apply. *No firearms or pets, cars, motor spares, boats, motor cycles, caravans, property or investments, illegal goods or services.

Classification (please tick) Births Birthdays Engagements Weddings Anniversaries Other Death In memory

Your contact details Name Address

Advert sizes 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 inc VAT Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only)

Deadline is Wednesday at 5pm for that week’s paper

Postcode Email Phone number Send your forms to: Family notices, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper

32

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

33

Your weekly puzzle challenge

34 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

23

22

6

18

19

13

19

21

11

4

11

1

1

12

7

21

5

23

11

21

24

11

11

1

23

6

11

6

26

13

19

7

13

7

19

13

9

19

13

16

22

18

23

22

13

19

10

23

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

21

22

23

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 Thursday, December 24, 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

GENSIANS’ GLEE: Late drama sees the Rams hold out to claim historic win over Chinnor — Page 36

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

Contact the sports desk: sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk | Log on the for latest sports news www.wokinghampaper.co.uk ICE HOCKEY

Bees swatted by Baston on a frustrating night at the Hive Bracknell Bees 0 Basingstoke Bison 4 A BRACE of goals from Aaron Connolly and further strikes by Joe Rand and Stuart Moog condemned Bracknell to a ninth straight defeat on Sunday.

The local derby had remained at stalemate for around 30 minutes before Connolly nudged the Bison in front, with the goal acting as the catalyst for the side to go on and take the points.

The contest started at a frantic pace, with the hosts finding themselves on an early powerplay when Ciaran Long was penalised for charging.

Import duo Jan Bendik and Milan Kostourek went close, but both were foiled by Jon Baston in the Bison goal.

This would set the tone for what was to be a frustrating night for Bracknell.

The latter would also go close again later in the period, which came moments after Lewis Turner tried his luck.

Vanya Antonov, fresh from winning bronze with the Great Britain Under-20s, then tipped a Lukas Smital strike narrowly wide.

From another powerplay, awarded when Miroslav Vantroba was punished for hooking, further chances arrived for Kostourek and player-coach Smital, but Baston stood up to the siege.

Josh Smith and Antonov also had sightings of goal as the session neared a close, but both teams remained at deadlock.

The onslaught continued in the second period, with Matt Foord and Bendik the next to be thwarted by Baston.

But counterpart Alex Mettam was also called into action, getting behind a Connolly drive and deflecting the opportunity away.

Connolly, however, would fall into

Bees defenceman Jan Bendik closes down an opponent during Sunday’s game with Basingstoke Bison Pictures: Bob Swann

in finishing would continue in the third penalty trouble, first for high sticks and period. then for jumping back into action too early, meaning Bees had four minutes While Carl Graham, Waller, Smital, with the extra man.

Kostourek and Antonov all tried, and Smital, Bendik, and Alex Barker would failed, to light the lamp, a Basingstoke all open up, but were either off target or side looking to keep up the heat on denied by a netminder Baston, who league leaders Peterborough would was certainly earning his crust go 2-0 ahead when Rand rung in between the pipes. a shot via the crossbar.

Despite playing on the A third arrived soon after offensive, Bracknell were when the guests made almost caught out when the most of a powerplay, Joe Rand stole in, only to Connolly finishing off a be stopped in his tracks slick passing move while

by Mettam.

Scott Spearing sat out an The netminder then interference call.

Jon Baston got his pads in the way of a It was a sucker punch Long attempt as a Basingstoke to a side who were having side now back to full strength a night to forget on the penalty began to grab a grip of the contest. calls, something which was epitomised But they fell under the cosh once more when Bison’s Moog was binned for cross when Joe Baird fell foul of the referee’s checking. whistle, this time for kneeing, and Bracknell, following a time out, opted Bracknell duly camped themselves in the to pull Mettam for the extra skater, but Bison end zone.

Baston continued to win this particular Yet they once again lacked the clinical battle – even keeping out one chance edge, with the returning Sam Waller, with his head.

Bendik and Smital all unable to find A miserable night for the hosts was a way past further compounded late on when Moog, the stubborn now back on the ice having served his Baston. charge, grabbed an empty-net goal to It was during leave Bees beaten by a rather unflattering this powerplay scoreline. when the Bees Additional reporting by John Slater. were cruelly English Premier Ice Hockey League punished by the P W OW OL L F A Pts Peterborough 27 16 3 5 3 113 62 43 away side, who Basingstoke 27 15 3 2 7 107 72 38 burst up to the Milton Keynes 30 12 4 4 10 109 90 36 other end and Swindon 27 11 5 2 9 101 96 34 went ahead via Guildford 28 12 4 1 11 96 93 33 a short-handed Telford 27 14 2 0 11 110 78 32 goal, which Sheffield 26 12 1 2 11 99 116 28 was scored by Manchester 27 9 1 5 12 79 101 25 Connolly.

Bracknell 26 7 0 2 17 85 115 16 Milan Kostourek sizes up a Bison The lesson Hull 27 2 3 3 19 57 133 13

JOIN US AT THE HIVE Games played at John Nike Leisurecomplex, Bracknell

Bracknell slayed by Tigers as Smital brace not enough Telford Tigers 7 Bracknell Bees 3

TWO GOALS from player-coach Lukas Smital proved to be in vain for a Bracknell side which fell to a come-back defeat in Shropshire on Saturday night, writes JOHN SLATER. Milan Kostourek had given the side an early lead which they held going into the second stanza, but it was here where Telford hit back with seven goals of their own to stun the opposition and leave them heading towards another reverse.

Having traded early chances with their hosts, Bees went and broke the deadlock in the eighth minute with Kostourek continuing his recent rich vein of scoring when turning home good work

by Tom Relf.

Bracknell would kill off a penalty when Smital was penalised for tripping, but then failed to capitalise from their own powerplay awarded when Rick Plant of the Tigers had to sit out two minutes for kneeing.

The away side would hold on to their lead going into the first interval, only to be pegged back just seconds after the restart.

Martin Ondrej would not just hit the equaliser, either, as the floodgates duly flung wide open for Telford.

Only 25 seconds had passed when Max Birbraer fired the Tigers in front, with two more goals arriving five minutes later.

The quick-fire double saw Peter Szabo make it 3-1 before Blahoslav Novak added a fourth, with the strikes separated by just 20 seconds.

The shocked Bees, however, refused to go into panic mode and would cut the arrears on a powerplay, where Smital would open his account for the evening as Telford fell into penalty trouble for having too many men on the ice.

SHOW YOUR GENEROUS SIDE

Teddy Bear Toss will take place on Boxing Day TAKING along a cuddly toy is the bear necessity of Bracknell Bees fans attending the Boxing Day clash with Guildford Flames.

Officials have chosen the local derby clash to hold its annual Teddy Bear Toss in support of local charity partners.

A popular and trademark occasion throughout the game, those present on

Lukas Smital added two more goals to his season’s tally up in Telford

But normal service for the session soon resumed, with Szabo popping up to hit his second of the evening and further diminish hopes of a Bees comeback.

And the gap between the two sides became five goals moments later when Jonathan Weaver struck the seventh for Telford.

There were still seven minutes of the period remaining, and although those supporting the back and gold were probably fearing the worse, Bracknell did manage to find some resolve.

Telford would be shut out for the rest of the game, but the damage had already been done.

Yet the visitors did have something to cheer about when Smital would grab the only goal of the third stanza, which again arrived on the powerplay.

Binned on this occasion was Novak, who was pulled up for high sticks.

And he could only watch on as the forward rattled in another consolation for the away side.

Saturday will be asked to throw their bear on to the ice either when Bees score their first goal or when the buzzer sounds to signal the end of the first period.

Both sets of fans are encouraged to bring along new or good quality soft toys and get involved, with all the donations chucked on to the rink being donated to local causes.

An impressive amount of bears and soft toys were handed over when the toss was last held by Bees, and those behind the idea are hoping fans are just as generous this time around.

Supporters are asked to place all items in a bag to avoid them getting wet or stuck to the ice. Face-off is 6pm.

BOXING DAY – Saturday, December 26

BRACKNELL BEES v Guildford Flames Face off 6pm

Box office: 01344 789000 bracknellbees.co.uk

36 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

‘The one that got away’ says Rouse after Edinburgh claim Cup boost Edinburgh 18 London Irish 15

NIC ROUSE admits Friday night’s defeat to Edinburgh was “one that got away” after a late try saw Irish beaten at Murrayfield, writes TOM CROCKER. Exiles topped their European Challenge Cup pool after thrashing the Scottish side at Madejski Stadium the previous week but the return fixture proved to be a far more difficult challenge.

Irish got off to the perfect start, taking the lead on eight minutes through a Gerard Ellis try, but Edinburgh snatched the initiative before half-time.

The visitors again went in front on the hour mark thanks to a Tom Smallbone try

but, nine minutes from time, John Hardie crossed for the vital score to snatch victory.

“We are a bit disappointed because with 10 minutes to go we were in a position to win the game and we didn’t really control the game very well,” Rouse told The Wokingham Paper.

“They came back at us and scored a good try. The lads are a bit disappointed and I think that’s definitely one that got away.

“Obviously we have to learn from that quickly and eradicate those sort of mistakes.”

Tom Coventry made five changes to the side which beat Edinburgh at home with Rouse making his first appearance

of the season while Blair Cowan, Topsy Ojo, Darren Allinson and Tom Fowlie all earned recalls.

It did not take long for Irish to pick up where they left off in Berkshire six days earlier.

Alex Lewington and Conor Gilsenan did well to press Greig Tonks into kicking out to touch, a position from which Coventry’s men forced their way over the line with Ellis applying the finishing touch.

Edinburgh fought back soon after with Tom Brown crossing before a brace of successful kicks from Sam Hidalgo-Clyne put the hosts 10-5 ahead.

The lead stayed in the hands of the Scottish side until 60 minutes when

LONDON IRISH

I’m back to help Exiles try and Nic a win over Saints LONDON IRISH V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS AVIVA PREMIERSHIP MADEJSKI STADIUM SATURDAY – 2.30PM

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk RETURNING Nic Rouse hopes his addition to the squad can help London Irish move away from the foot of the Aviva Premiership table.

Rouse, 34, was voted the club’s Players’ Player of the Season in his debut year with the club in 2013/14 and made his first appearance of this campaign in last Friday’s 18-15 defeat to Edinburgh following a shoulder injury.

And while the veteran lock admits he was not at his best at Murrayfield, he was pleased to be able to put the Exiles shirt on again.

“I got 60 minutes so it was nice to get that under my belt,” he told The Wokingham Paper.

“If it wasn’t for a blood injury I would’ve got a bit more time.

“I’m not overly pleased with what I did, I found it quite hard to get into the game but to be honest I’m just happy to be back.

“It blew off the cobwebs last week and hopefully now I can move on, crack on and get to where I’ve been previously.”

It has been a difficult season for Rouse

Nic Rouse is back on the scene having recovered from injury

both with injury and also having to watch his side fail to register a point in the league after six games so far under new head coach Tom Coventry.

But, from a watching brief, the former Sale Sharks man feels the side are not far off getting that first win, with it ideally coming in front of a big crowd against Northampton Saints on Boxing Day at Madejski Stadium (2.30pm).

“It has been frustrating but I’ve seen the lads working extremely hard and how disappointed they are after the performances,” said Rouse.

“Obviously I did my bit helping them out as much as I can in the analysis but a lot of the games have not actually been that far off.

“We just need to get a few wins on the board.”

He continued: “It will be great on Boxing Day. “You get the families out for a good family day.

“If we can get all the supporters behind us it should be a good spectacle.

“It’s being televised as well but if we can get as many people down there as possible it would be great for us.”

By the end of this weekend, Exiles will have faced all of the Premiership’s current top six and fifth-placed Northampton come into the game on the back of a mixed season results wise, winning three and losing three of their league matches and failing to win either of their European clashes in the last two weeks.

Many London Irish players have expressed how different the coaching methods are under the new management regime, and while Rouse agrees it has been a change, he is convinced results are just around the corner.

“It took a while,” admitted the forward.

“I think it’s just a bit of understanding and boys actually understanding what the coaches are expecting of us.

“It’s suddenly coming to fruition and hopefully we can show that on Boxing Day and going forwards that we can put in those performances that they expect from us.”

BERKS, BUCKS AND OXON PREMIER DIVISION

Crows follow Redpath to victory thanks to Greg’s try Hungerford 12 Crowthorne 13

CROWTHORNE will begin the New Year in fifth place after a try from Greg Redpath helped the side to a fourth win in five games at Priory Road.

The flanker went over in the second half, making a dart for the line following a deft pass from James Delacki.

Victory wrapped up what has been a memorable year for the Crows on a satisfactory note.

Not only has 2015 witnessed the side secure promotion to the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division, but also relocate to a new home at Arborfield, while changes have been made to the coaching personnel over the past 12 months.

Such successes are in stark contrast to when the club was on the brink of collapse just four years earlier, with such triumphs ensuring the team continues

to climb an upward curve in its efforts to re-establish itself at this level of competition.

Captain Sam Short led a patched up away side into the game knowing a win would keep up the heat on those above them in the standings, but securing the points against a side currently propping up the rest was not so straight forward.

The cold and damp conditions prevented any exhibition or open style of rugby, but it was the hosts who opened the scoring when moving the ball through hands saw the phase finished off out wide.

But they were pegged back by a Crowthorne side playing with the wind on their back during the first half, as the scoring of two penalties saw them go in at the break holding a slender 6-5 advantage.

But that was extended when the guests profited from a breakdown in

midfield, where the ball was quickly shifted out to the left, which allowed Delacki to benefit from a lack of Hungerford cover and play in Redpath to cross the whitewash for a converted try.

This came after referee Nick Curtain had to address the players following a number of spats which had broken out during the contest.

A questionable tackle, however, ended Short’s afternoon prematurely soon after, while the away side were dealt another setback when the west Berkshire side reduced the arrears via a late score to set up a tense finish.

But they would not have the necessary time to force the issue further, with Crowthorne securing a hard-earned four points.

Crowthorne will be looking to keep up the good form when they make their 2016 bow away at Risborough on January 9 (2pm).

Allinson span the ball out to replacement prop Smallbone to crash over and level with Shane Geraghty’s kick putting Irish 15-13 ahead.

However, the topsy-turvy encounter had one final twist when, after winning a penalty, Edinburgh went for the corner and eventually converted through Hardie’s burst.

Coventry threw on final replacement Leo Halavatau with five minutes to play for his 100th Irish appearance but he could not prevent defeat.

The loss leaves Exiles second in Pool 5, two points behind leaders Grenoble and ahead of Edinburgh on points difference with two matches to play.

“The Challenge Cup last year went

down to the last game and I think we got the bounce of the ball against Grenoble at home,” said Rouse.

“We’ve got Grenoble at home and Agen away so it will be a big couple of games in a few weeks.”

LONDON IRISH: Ojo, Lewington, Fowlie (Mulchrone 61), Williams, Fenby, Geraghty (Noakes 71), Allinson (Steele 70), Court (Smallbone 55), Ellis (Stevens 39), Franks (Halavatau 75), Sheriff, Rouse (Sisi 57), Cowan, Gilsenan (Trayfoot 57), Treviranus.

Tries: Ellis (8), Smallbone (60) Con: Geraghty (60) Pen: Geraghty (29) EDINBURGH: Tonks (Cuthbert 57), Hoyland, Allen, Scott (Strauss 40), Brown, Burleigh, Hidalgo-Clyne, Sutherland, Ford, Nel, Bresler (Ritchie 39), Toolis, Coman, Hardie, Du Preez.

Tries: Brown (16), Hardie (71) Con: Hidalgo-Clyne (16) Pens: Hidalgo-Clyne x2 (20,35) Referee: David Wilkinson Attendance: 3,551

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 SOUTH

Dramatic Rams survive a late scare to claim historic triumph Chinnor 39 Redingensians Rams 41

RAMS’ wait for a first-ever win at Kingsey Road is over following the most dramatic of victories in Oxfordshire.

A late try, which arrived in the eighth minute of injury time, scored by the hosts left the result in the balance, as the resulting conversion would have ensured a share of the spoils for Chinnor.

But Bertie Hopkin shanked the kick wide – only to be awarded a retake after an opponent was punished for shouting.

The player, however, was unable to hold his nerve, this time missing to the right of the posts having over compensated, leaving Redingensians to celebrate a memorable victory.

This relegation battle had everything, 12 tries, numerous yellow cards and late drama, but after the game, Rams coach Mike Tewkesbury confessed: “I don’t think we played territory well in the first half.

“But after the break we did far better and scored a couple of nice tries through counter attacks.”

Included in the visitors squad was Robbie Stapley, who completed his return to the club earlier in the week when signing on from Henley Hawks.

And he was to have an eventful afternoon too, as he became the first player to take a seat in the sin-bin.

But upon his return to proceedings the player would play a vital role at No. 8, taking his spot in a lively back row which also included Samir Kharbouch and man-of-the-match Tom Vooght.

The lead would change hands on no fewer than five occasions during a lively opening quarter, but it was the away side who held a 22-21 advantage going in at the break.

Leading the scoring was winger Sean McDermottroe, who crossed the line twice, with one of the tries coming via a pin-point cross kick from Luke Flower.

Olly Foxley also put a further five points on the board, with Flower landing two conversions and a penalty.

Chinnor would cross the line three times themselves, and should have bagged a fourth, but Greg Goodfellow would hit a post protector amid the act of scoring, dropping the ball in the process.

Rams stretched the lead just four minutes into the second half when Vooght finished off a Foxley break, but the joy was cut short soon after when Ben Henderson was shown the yellow card, with the hosts using the extra man to cut the gap to three points.

Sean McDermottore bagged two tries for the Rams Picture: Paul Clark

Yet the numbers were soon evened up when Chinnor’s Joe Vandermolen was sent for a 10-minute breather, and it was here when Stapley added his name to the scoresheet, breaching the whitewash from a catch-and-drive.

Flower kicked over his fourth conversion, with Henderson then making up for his earlier misdemeanour when starting and finishing off a fine attacking move in style.

Now leading 41-26 the five points looked to be heading back to Berkshire, but the home side had other ideas.

A late try and penalty moved Chinnor to within seven points, but they would receive a boost moments later when Vooght fell foul of the referee.

The pressure was duly cranked up, and Redingensians were unable to hold out, with Jamie Townsend running in to set up a grandstand finish.

The boot of Hopkin would twice try and determine the outcome of the fixture, but he was unable to divert the ball between the posts, meaning the relieved Rams would hold out to end the year on a victorious note.

It was a gutsy display by the visitors, especially in defence, with the determination produced on the day securing a bonus-point win which pulls the club away from the danger zone.

They were also indebted to some solid work from Ollie Smith, who replaced injured Matt Weller during the break.

REDINGENSIANS: Duffelen; Foxley, Bryant, Barnes, McDermottroe, FLower, Hill, Weller, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Kruzycki, Kharbouch, Vooght, Stapley.

Reps: O.Smith, Knowles, J.Smith, Amor, Drury.

Rams begin the New Year on January 2 with a home game against Old Albanians (2pm).

Thursday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 37

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

READING FC

Dan the man has McDermott drooling Reading 1 Blackburn Rovers 0

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk “I can’t wait to see it again” said Brian McDermott after a stunning Danny Williams strike ensured his return to the club was a winning one.

The midfielder would settle the contest at Madejski Stadium in just the 11th minute, firing a half volley across Jason Steele in the Blackburn goal and into the top corner from an outrageous angle.

Victory not only saw McDermott enjoy a triumphant start to his second spell as Royals boss, but also helped the hosts end a run of four straight defeats.

It was also a first win for Royals over Rovers since 1986, so it had to be something truly special which ended such a wait.

“We were talking about Danny making runs – and not too many – and now and again picking the right run,” said McDermott.

“And when you make a run like that and timing it and smashing it in the top corner like that, that is some goal.

“That is an incredible goal.”

Williams broke the deadlock just moments after Reading were fortunate not to have fallen behind themselves, with an unmarked Foder Koita heading over from six yards when meeting a Craig Conway free-kick.

A hopeful punt forward by Chris Gunter was flicked on by Hal Robson-Kanu, where instinct from Williams saw the American international steal a yard on his marker, running on to the loose ball and allowing it to sit up before letting fly.

Robson-Kanu was one of two enforced changes made by the returning boss from the 2-1 defeat at Hull City last time out, with the forward filling one of the voids left by injured duo Andrew Taylor and Anton Ferdinand.

The other was taken by Stephen Quinn,

recalled to the side having returned from a lengthy injury absence, although the midfielder had to slot into an unfamiliar role of left back.

“He hasn’t played for three months and is playing in a position which looked, and was, on paper alien to him,” added McDermott.

“But he was outstanding.”

One of two former Royals named in the Blackburn line-up, Hope Akpan, saw a half volley from distance palmed away by Jonathan Bond while Williams saw another drive deflected for a corner as first half chances were at a premium.

It was during the break when the Reading manager made a change, introducing Lucas Piazon for the ineffective Matej Vydra, and the switch proved to be a wise one as the home side went on the offensive after the restart.

Robson-Kanu and Garath McCleary both saw efforts kept out by Steele, who also thwarted Ola John as the substitute for Garath McCleary almost made the perfect introduction.

Nick Blackman, fresh from ending

his goal drought in midweek, was also presented with an opening, but his curling effort lacked the necessary conviction.

Although possessing the greater attacking threat, Royals were subject to a few nervy moments as Blackburn looked for an equaliser, but the usually prolific Jordan Rhodes was over with one attempt on what was a quiet afternoon for the striker.

Quinn then had to be alert at the far post, snuffing out a cross as an opponent tried to turn the ball home.

Piazon saw appeals for a penalty waved away when he went to ground in the box following a challenge from Grant Hanley after a determined run, yet hopes of a welcome win would hang in the balance late on as Rovers threw players forward.

No more so then when the ball was hung up to the back post, where Koita looked ready to steer home the equaliser – only for Bond at full stretch to get down low and divert the strike away.

“Bondy has made a great save right at the end there which was a match-winning save, so it was a good day

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

Hemming’s hat-trick ends Bracknell’s year on joyful note Bracknell 29 Shelford 21

LIAM HEMMING celebrated a hat-trick of tries which helped Bracknell sign off 2015 with a third win in four games.

Winger Sakeasi Yabia also went over for the second time in as many games during a victory which yielded the Lily Hill men a bonus point.

Shelford arrived in Berkshire having enjoyed a 52-17 success when the two sides last clashed back in September - and they would get off to the perfect start last Saturday when breaching the whitewash inside the opening 60 seconds.

Capitalising on a dropped pass by the hosts allowed Warrick Anderson to steal in and put the first points on the board, with the lead soon extended with the conversion.

But Bracknell rallied back and were level 10 minutes later.

Dabbing down was Hemming, who saw the ball worked to him after the home side took a scrum against the head, with the full-back making a break for the line and scoring under the posts.

But Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men were not on level terms for long, as a spell of pressure from the visitors would eventually result in winger Vuli Velkune

for us,” said the manager, who received a rapturous applause upon taking his place in the dugout.

“It did feel like a homecoming. It has been sort of building up, but in my own mind I didn’t want to build it up too much.

“I wanted to concentrate on what we had to do, which was the most important thing, to get a result and we have done that, so we can be happy.”

Garath McCleary gets away from Rovers’ Adam Henley Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

doubling his side’s Sakeasi Yabia dives over the try count, with Josh line to extend Bracknell’s lead Simmons slotting over Pictures: Andrew Merritt the extras.

It was an advantage they would hold going into the break, although a forward pass would deny Bracknell another burst for the line when Joe Price, Ben Yates and Yabia showed some hosts, but a number of attacking scrums slick hands as they were held up, but Shelford’s resolve was worked the ball into space. eventually broken when Hemming nipped The interval would allow coach in and completed the treble.

Greenslade-Jones to galvanise Dennett again added the additional two his troops, and it would not points and the scoreboard read 26-14, but take the side long to draw level for a second time on the lead was soon cut when Andy Scott the afternoon. exploited a gap within the Bracknell back A neat show and go line to touch down under the posts, with would see Hemming the conversion setting up a nervy finish (pictured) double his tally with 15 minutes left to play. for the afternoon, although But any tension which had crept into Lewis Dennett put the the fixture was extinguished when the conversion wide. away side conceded a penalty in kicking And there was to be no stopping range, which Hemming punted over to the home side, who went ahead almost ensure the hosts end the year ninth in immediately when full back Yates broke National League 3 London and South East away and played and inside pass to Yabia, — but also on a high. who broke a number of tackles when BRACKNELL: Pickett, Silvester, Mirza (c), Barry, running into space and scoring in the Bailey, Richardson, Devereux, Valentine, Dennett, corner.

Hemming, Yabia, Nowak, Price, Burch, Yates.

Reps: Baragwanath, Rudkin, Slade.

Dennett this time had the range and n BRACKNELL begin 2016 with an away Bracknell were now in control. date at Hertford on January 9 (2pm).

All the pressure was coming from the

READING: Bond, Gunter, McShane (c), Hector, Norwood, Quinn, Williams, McCleary (John 69), Robson-Kanu, Blackman, Vydra (Piazon 46).

Subs not used: Al-Habsi, Keown, Sa, Fernandez, Cooper.

Goal: Williams 11.

Booked: Robson-Kanu BLACKBURN ROVERS: Steele, Henley, Hanley, Koita, Marshall (Lawrence 69), Rhodes, Olsson, Akpan, Duffy, Guthrie (Williamson 70), Conway (Brown 85).

Bookings: Akpan, Duffy, Henley, Hanley.

Subs not used: Spurr, Kilgannon, Eastwood, Taylor.

Attendance: 16,529 (795 away).

Referee: Peter Bankes

Middlesbrough Derby Brighton Hull Burnley Ipswich Sheff Wed Birmingham Cardiff Brentford Reading QPR Leeds Blackburn Nottm Forest Preston Wolves Fulham Huddersfield Bristol City MK Dons Rotherham Charlton Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L 22 14 4 4 22 12 8 2 22 11 10 1 22 12 5 5 22 10 8 4 22 9 7 6 22 8 9 5 22 9 6 7 22 8 9 5 22 9 5 8 22 8 6 8 22 7 8 7 22 7 8 7 22 6 10 6 22 7 7 8 22 5 10 7 22 6 7 9 22 5 9 8 22 5 6 11 22 4 8 10 22 5 4 13 22 5 3 14 22 4 6 12 22 1 11 10

F 33 33 31 31 30 31 32 27 27 34 28 27 22 22 22 17 28 36 24 21 18 24 19 18

A 12 13 23 16 20 29 27 23 23 32 25 28 24 19 21 18 32 39 34 38 30 38 38 33

Pts 46 44 43 41 38 34 33 33 33 32 30 29 29 28 28 25 25 24 21 20 19 18 18 14

Danny Williams lets fly

Winner is best goal of my career — Williams DANNY WILLIAMS says his winning goal against Blackburn Rovers was the best he has ever scored.

USA international Williams broke the deadlock in Brian McDermott’s first game in charge after 11 minutes as he smashed a stunning half volley into the top corner from a tight angle and it proved to be enough to earn all three points.

“When I received the ball I knew I had only one of two options because there was no-one running with me,” explained Williams.

“It was either keep the ball and hold it up, or smash it in. I only had one thought in my mind.

“I’ve been practising shots like this in training with Steven Reid, it was bouncing nicely and sat up well so thankfully it went in.”

He continued: “I think it was the best goal of my career so far.

“The one against Brazil was good but this was better.

“I’m glad we won and that’s the most important thing.

“I’m glad that strike helped us to win because we haven’t won that many in the last month.”

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Stannard strikes to leave 10-man County beaten JOSHUA DILLON’S early goal came in vain as Berks County suffered a late collapse to lose 2-1 against Rotherfield United in the Thames Valley Premier Division, writes TOM CROCKER. Berks took the lead against the strugglers through Dillon’s 10th minute strike but Guy Bickerton levelled matters 20 minutes from time.

Things went from bad to worse for Berks County as they were reduced to 10 men on 86 minutes as Ashley Hewlett was handed his second yellow of the contest to leave the hosts with a tough ask to grab all three points.

And there was time for some late drama as Rotherfield pounced in

stoppage time to pick up just a third win of the campaign with substitute Stephen Stannard applying the finishing touch.

In the same division, HURST climbed to eighth in the table with a 2-0 win over sixth placed Woodcote Stoke Row. On the back of two straight victories, Hurst made it three on the spin with goals from Daniel Townson and Shaun Bannon.

Elsewhere, WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES had a day to forget as they were thrashed 5-0 at home by Cookham Dean.

The loss leaves them ninth in the table going into the Christmas break.

Woodley’s Joseph Danelian tries to work his way out of trouble Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

United were beaten 5-0 by Cookham Dean

38 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

SUNDAY LEAGUE

Another big day for Matt as double sinks Green Frimley Green 0 Eversley and California 2

would go close not long after the deadlock was broken, as did Craig Smith.

But the visitors were Combined Counties League Division 1 MATT GRIFFITHS struck in dealt a blow when Connor P W D L F A Pts both halves to get Eversley’s Allston had a problem with CB Hounslow United 18 14 3 1 41 13 45 promotion aspirations back on Worcester Park his hamstring and had to 18 13 2 3 48 18 41 track at Frimley Green Recreation Bedfont & Feltham 15 12 1 2 45 17 37 be replaced by James Osler.

Eversley & California 17 12 1 4 49 26 37 Ground.

His first contribution was to Abbey Rangers 18 10 2 6 31 23 32 Victory for the Boars ended a produce a clumsy challenge Cobham 19 8 3 8 41 43 27 run of three straight defeats, two Staines Lammas and concede a penalty.

18 8 1 9 36 34 25 of which had come in the league, Frimley Green Matt Bello took the spot 14 7 2 5 21 17 23 Dorking 17 7 1 9 28 26 22 and keeps them fourth in the kick, but the strike was kept 17 5 4 8 34 37 19 standings, where they remain on Ash United out by Adrian Giles, with Rob Banstead Athletic 13 5 3 5 29 27 18 the heels of the leading pack.

Webb blocking the follow up Sandhurst Town 16 5 2 9 30 48 17 Griffiths was playing his first and taking a painful blow for Epsom Athletic 15 4 2 9 25 43 14 14 4 1 9 25 34 13 game back since getting married, Sheerwater his troubles.

Dorking Wand Res 16 3 4 9 17 29 13 and needed little time to get Bello would remain South Park Reserves 15 2 1 12 16 41 7 in the groove, with the game a particular threat and Farleigh Rovers 16 2 1 13 14 54 7 just three minutes old when he came close to grabbing the chipped the Frimley ‘keeper and equaliser moments later, but his header clipped the crossbar and bounced opened the scoring. out of play.

Matt Stamp provided the assist, and he

Bicester blast has Woodley crashing to a heavy defeat Woodley United 0 Bicester Town 5

Woodley’s Peter Wareing attmpts to thwart a Bicester attack Picture: Peter Toft

FALLING 3-0 behind inside the opening 15 minutes had a lack lustre United side crashing to another heavy defeat.

It was a fifth successive loss for the hosts, who have conceded 25 goals in their last four outings, scoring only the once.

Woodley went into the game with promotion-chasing Bicester hurting from the 10-1 thrashing at Binfield in the Reading Senior Cup last time out.

But the defensive frailties witnessed in recent weeks were there for all to see once again, with the fixture just two minutes old when a mistake by Oli Bridges allowed Kieran Scott a free run at goal.

And the player made no mistake, planting the ball beyond Pete Davies in the United goal to open the scoring.

In looking for a response, Woodley won a free-kick, but the set-piece was driven straight into the hands of Bicester ‘keeper Ryan Watt by Matt Leigh.

The visitors, however, surged forward once again, and only a stop from Davies denied Scott a second.

Yet he was unable to prevent Jordan Weaver from making it 2-0, who finished off a well-worked move within the home side’s penalty box.

Another opportunity for Woodley saw Pete Wareing and Dan McLeod-Walker combine to set up Rupen Limbu, but his effort was cleared.

There was, though, to be no letting up

by Town, who grabbed a third through Weaver on the quarter-of-an-hour mark to all but consign the opposition to defeat.

It was here when United began to show a bit more fight.

Limbu saw a follow-up from an indirect free-kick blocked, with Wareing rattling an upright, although his was in an offside position.

Watt would also twice deny Ryan

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, December 24, 2015

Szram as Woodley continued to probe for a way back in to the contest - but any feint hopes of a comeback were dashed in first-half stoppage time.

From substitute Charlie Bateman’s pass, Murray Nicholls turned home goal number four.

Woodley were now only playing for pride, and they looked to try and restore some in the second half, but Watt got in the way of a Wareing attempt before McLeod-Walker put a free-kick wide.

Bicester, however, remained a threat too, with a Davies save denying Weaver the hat-trick.

But the custodian would be beaten once again soon after, Dan Bone running on to Jason Prpa’s through ball to wrap up the scoring.

They almost netted a sixth, too, but only a goal-line clearance from Chris Burt stopped another Scott effort in its tracks.

With the game effectively over, United proceeded to play expansively, but this was only after Sam Skehan was introduced up front.

This would create two further openings for the hosts, but one strike bounced back off the crossbar, while the other was put well over from distance.

WOODLEY UNITED: Davies, Brookling, Leigh, May, Bridges (Odusanya), Burt, Szram, Titcomb, Wareing, McLeod-Walker (Ingram), Limbu (Skehan). Subs not used: Pearce, Mowat.

FESTIVE FIXTURES – WOODLEY UNITED: December 26: Finchampstead (A) – 2pm (TBC) January 5, 2016: Old Woodstock Town (H) – 2pm

But his team-mate, George Bennett, was lucky to escape with only a yellow card when being a little over-zealous with one tackle.

The game remained an open affair after the break, but an Eversley side with an already busy treatment table suffered yet another setback when Brad Smith limped off, although his prognosis is not said to be too serious.

Stamp, Will Neville and Smith all had chances to wrap up the points, but it was the returning Griffiths who did exactly that when slotting home his and the away side’s second in the last minute.

EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA: Giles, Gigg, Neville, Blackie, Griffiths, Voller, C.Smith, Webb, Allston (Osler), B.Smith (Kiesel), Stamp.

Subs not used: Hogston, Medford, Wilder.

Festive fixtures - Eversley and California December 28: Sandhurst Town (A) –11.30am January 2: CB Hounslow United (H) – 3pm

Jack Shone as United pick up a useful point JACK SHONE produced a man-of-the-match performance for a Woodley United side which held Premier Division leaders Richfield Rovers to a goalless draw.

Shone was part of an experimental back four consisting of Harvey Detenon, Rob Timbers and Sam Cialis due to absences.

United also received a boost when Rovers were reduced to 10 men early in the second half following a red card, but despite the tireless work of Kevin Finlay up top, were unable to capitalise.

Boss Ed Hill pushed Cialis in to an attacking position, and

the move nearly paid dividends when he went close with a header, but the attempt was well saved by the Richfield ‘keeper.

Woodley too would end the game with 10 men when Shone went off injured and with the hosts having already used up all of their substitutions.

The competition returns on January 3.

Results - December 20 PREMIER DIVISION: Burghfield v D.C Steamers – home walkover victory DIVISION 1: AFC Burghfield 5 Charvil Rangers 1; FC Woodley 2 Polonia Reading 1; S.C United 1 Woodley Wanderers 5 DIVISION 2: AFC Pangbourne 11 Arborfield 0; Imaan 2 Wokingham and Emmbrook 2; Loxwood Park Rangers 1 Athletico Forest 4 DIVISION 3 EAST: FC Berksalona 1 Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 1; Forest FC 2 The Grosvenor 5; Spencers Wood 3 Mapledurham 5 DIVISION 4 EAST: Woodford Park 1 Six Bells 7

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Greg grabs Finches a point Finchampstead 1 Henley Town 1

GREG ALEXANDER struck an equaliser 10 minutes from time to secure Finchampstead a share of the spoils from an entertaining game at the Memorial Ground.

Another goal in what has been a productive season thus far for the striker arrived only minutes after Asa Povey had prodded visiting Henley in front.

Freddie Barron had an opportunity to snatch all three points for the home side late on, but was unable to connect with a low cross on the slide.

The contest started at a frantic pace, with Richard Bennett testing Tom Bryant in the Finch goal before Ryan Tye was wide with an effort up the other end.

Bennett would again go close for Town, but this time was unable to steer his header on target, while host captain Adam Barnard also nodded wide amid a flurry of players.

Finch would lose Gavin Rolls to what looked like a hamstring injury, with Harry Swabey his replacement.

And the substitute was involved as the side poured forward in search of the opening goal, only to be snuffed out by the visitors or lack the end product.

Henley too had their moments, and only a last-ditch tackle from Sam Green presented the side with a sight of goal late in the half.

There was still time, though, for the side to go even closer, with Richard Thomas unleashing a shot which struck the crossbar, hit the ground and then bounced back up and hit the frame of the goal once again before Bryant was able to swallow up the loose ball.

The best two chances after the break would both fall to Alexander, but he was unable to capitalise, giving Town ‘keeper Kyriatzis Dimitirios easy pickings with one shot before failing to net from a hooked effort minutes later.

Matt Wright looks to stop a cross for a Finchampstead side which equalised through Greg Alexander (inset) Pictures: Paul King

Another attack led by Barnard saw the defender move the ball along to Alexander, but somewhere in between was an interception from Jordan Goddard, but in trying to divert a header back to Dimitiros, his flick hit the crossbar.

Garry Callaway was then over from the resulting corner.

The game was now approaching the final quarter, and it was here when the deadlock was broken.

Unable to clear their lines saw Henley crank up the pressure in the Finchampstead area, with Povey eventually turning the ball home amid a scramble of players.

But they would not be in front for long, although Dimitiros did prevent Sam Green from equalising sooner having saved his header.

Alexander, however, would finally make a chance count when working his way into space and netting via a shot on the turn from the edge of the box.

The momentum was with Finch as the

fixture neared a conclusion, but the hosts were unable to make some late pressure count.

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Winship, Callaway, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, J.Wright, Rolls (Swabey (Axton-Hall)), Alexander, Blatchford.

FESTIVE FIXTURES – FINCHAMPSTEAD: December 26: Woodley United (A) – 2pm Jan 2: Lambourn Sports (Cup, A) – 1.30pm Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Bicester Town 15 10 3 2 Penn & Tylers Green 13 9 3 1 Henley Town 14 8 3 3 Finchampstead 15 7 4 4 Headington Amateur’s 14 7 2 5 Chinnor 12 7 1 4 Holyport 13 6 3 4 Rayners Lane 13 5 4 4 Didcot Town Res’ 14 5 2 7 Chalfont Wasps 9 4 2 3 Wantage Town Res’ 14 3 2 9 Woodley United 13 2 2 9 Old Woodstock Town 11 2 0 9 Reading Town 14 1 1 12

F 44 49 40 29 33 31 25 28 36 16 19 12 7 14

A 23 9 22 16 18 16 26 20 34 21 37 34 38 69

Pts 33 30 27 25 23 22 21 19 17 14 11 8 6 4

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Blacks victorious thanks to Woodfield hitting a treble CALUM WOODFIELD’S hat-trick led Wokingham and Emmbrook FC Blacks Under-15s to the points when up against Maidenhead Magpies Whites in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance.

Wokingham started well on the 3G pitch, with Rhys Williams hitting the bar and Woodfield seeing a shot turned

away for a corner.

But they would fall behind on the stroke of half time – yet there was still time for the Blacks to tie up the scoring when Woodfield nodded home a Casey Starke cross.

The visitors would take the lead after the break and then extend it in

similar circumstances, with Cam Davies providing the crosses which man-of-the-match Woodfield buried to complete the hat-trick.

A late Magpies goal, though, would set up a nervy finish, where a string of crucial saves from ‘keeper Ellis Wisdom ensured Wokingham held out for victory.

Friday, December 24, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Luke Scope shields the ball from an opponent

SPORT | 39

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

Missed chances and errors cost Sumas, says Bateman Wokingham and Emmbrook 0 Brimscombe and Thrupp 4

Wokingham’s Josh Pearson charges down a clearance Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Scope also brings down the high ball

Jordan Roland battles for possesion

Elliott Rushforth

Matt Eggleston and Dan Bateman (left) give out orders

DAN BATEMAN rued missed chances as his Wokingham and Emmbrook side collapsed to a 4-0 defeat at home against Brimscombe and Thrupp.

With the scores level at the break, Sumas fell behind and after hitting the post and failing to convert some good opportunities, two more quick-fire goals ended the game as a contest.

“It was a disappointing score-line but it was never a 4-0 game,” Bateman told The Wokingham Paper.

“It was nip and tuck in the first half.

“We had a goal disallowed for offside and we were pushing, they had a few chances and it was very even.

“We got to half time and we were really pleased. Second half we didn’t start particularly great and they scored to go 1-0 up and then after the goal it was all us really.”

He continued: “We hit the post, we missed a couple of chances we really should’ve taken. Then it was just our usual issue that we’ve had this year in individual mistakes.

“We made a couple of poor decisions that cost us a couple of goals in quick succession and then from being 1-0 down we were 3-0 down and out of the game.”

Sumas thought they had taken the lead on 21 minutes when Luke Scope got in behind goalkeeper Steve Sparrow to tap in, but he had strayed offside.

The deadlock was broken 10 minutes after the restart when David Woodfield picked out Simon Clarke to convert from close range.

Sean Woodward had to be at full stretch to deny Sam Blackie a superb strike as his overhead kick was clawed away by the Sumas stopper.

Blackie could not be stopped for long though, scoring soon after before going on to complete his hat-trick.

“We’re disappointed to lose 4-0 but the performance in the game was good,” said Bateman.

“Individual mistakes are getting punished and we haven’t learnt so far.

We’ve played 30 odd games this year and we still haven’t learnt.

“It’s harsh on the lads because from the outside it looks like we’ve lost 4-0 and we’ve got another hiding but certainly no-one from Brimscombe and everybody who was at the game will know it was a completely different story.”

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward; Carter, Day, Giles, Rowland; Rushforth, Collier, Whiting, Duffelen; Scope, Pearson.

Subs: Dance, Broadhurst, Watson, Bateman,

Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 22 16 2 4 Kidlington 20 15 3 2 Thatcham Town 20 15 3 2 Ascot United 24 14 5 5 Highworth Town 20 14 1 5 Longlevens AFC 22 12 2 8 Binfield 22 11 3 8 Highmoor-Ibis 24 11 3 10 Thame United 20 11 2 7 Brimscombe & Thrupp 18 10 3 5 Oxford City Nomads 22 9 3 10 Royal Wootton Bassett 21 9 2 10 Lydney Town 20 6 6 8 Milton United 25 6 6 13 Brackley Town Saints 24 7 2 15 Ardley United 23 7 2 14 Tuffley Rovers 20 5 5 10 Bracknell Town 20 4 5 11 Abingdon United 27 5 2 20 Wokingham 26 2 2 22

F 66 55 57 44 54 38 40 41 27 33 37 32 30 32 45 31 31 30 31 25

A 32 18 22 23 18 33 33 37 23 25 36 4 3 45 65 51 38 44 80 79

Pts 50 48 48 47 43 38 36 36 35 33 30 29 24 24 23 23 20 17 17 8

FESTIVE FIXTURES WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: December 26: Binfield (A) - 1pm January 2: Highmoor Ibis (H) - 3pm

BINFIELD FC

Herridge kicks sentiment into touch as date with Wokingham looms Brackley Town Saints 2 Binfield 0

ROGER HERRIDGE says Binfield’s Boxing Day clash with Wokingham and Emmbrook is a bigger game for their opponents than themselves, describing it at Sumas’ “cup final”, writes TOM CROCKER. Herridge coached youth sides at Wokingham before working his way up to manage the first team, eventually stepping away from the club in 2013.

But the Binfield boss is refusing to let sentiment cloud his judgement as he looks to guide the Moles to a first league win in three attempts this Saturday when rock-bottom Sumas come to Hill Farm Lane (1pm).

“I’ve long forgotten my 17 years at Wokingham to be honest,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper.

“It’s just a local derby and it’s no different from playing Bracknell or Ascot.

“I’m looking forward to catching up with some people at Wokingham, they’ve got some really good people there, I’ve got a real affinity with the majority of the people there.

“I’m sure they’ll look at me in the other dugout, they’ll look and see two or three Wokingham players in our squad and it will be their cup final but as far as we’re concerned it’s just a local derby.”

He continued: “It’s probably a bigger game for them than it is for us really in terms of where they’re going.

“As much as I’d like to see them stay in the league at the end of the season, their league position tells you they’ve already got one foot in the trap door.

“Obviously a lot of the players in their team know me and a number of players in our team have played for Wokingham in the past but from our part we just take the emotion out of the game and we’ll just get on with it.

“Our recent form tells that we certainly need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later if our aspirations of finishing in the top six are to come to fruition but for their part they’re running out of games.”

After losing to high flying duo Highworth Town and Thatcham Town, December hit a new low for Binfield as they were made to rue missed chances on their way to a 2-0 defeat against bottom half Brackley Town Saints thanks to two goals in the final 20 minutes.

But Herridge is refusing to dwell on recent struggles and feels his side are still on the right track.

He said: “The result (against Brackley) was more disappointing than a lot of the performance really.

“If it had been a boxing match the ref

would’ve stopped it at half time, such was our dominance and amount of chances that we had.

“We could’ve comfortably at half time been three or four nil up without any stretch of the imagination.

“We created an awful lot of good opportunities and ultimately our downfall came because we were wasteful in front of goal which was disappointing.”

He added: “Out of those three (recent) defeats, Saturday would’ve been the most disappointing that’s for sure.

“Especially as for 70 minutes I couldn’t see them scoring. It is what it is.

“You can’t change what’s happened, we can only look forward and we’ve got some really difficult games coming up over the next month.

“I’ve got the utmost belief in this group of players.

“We’re at the halfway stage of our season and I suppose considering all the changes in the summer and the lack of experience I think we’ve done OK, but we could certainly do better.”

BINFIELD; Silver, O’Connell, Gibbs, Luis (capt), Reid Brown, Withers (Brad Brown 58), Howell, Knight, Ferdinand (D’Cruz 75), Johnson, Maloney.

Subs not used; Carlisle, Jordan, Horscroft FESTIVE FIXTURES – BINFIELD: December 26: Wokingham and Emmbrook (H) – 1pm January 2, 2016: Ascot United (A) – 3pm

Roger Herridge is preparing his Binfield side for a Boxing Day clash with Wokingham and Emmbrook Picture: Colin Byers

WOKINGHAM SPORT

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

Contact the sports desk: sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk | Log on the for latest sports news www.wokinghampaper.co.uk READING FC

Win seals emotional homecoming for McDermott

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BRIAN McDERMOTT admits being back in the dugout at Madejski Stadium felt “like a homecoming”.

McDermott took charge of the Royals for the first time since a 2-1 home Premier League defeat against Aston Villa in March 2013 having been reappointed last week following the sacking of Steve Clarke.

And he got off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers thanks to a Danny Williams wonder-goal.

Back for his second spell in charge, McDermott was happy by the fans’

Brian McDermott

reaction to his return.

“It was a great welcome and I really appreciate it,” he said.

“It did feel like a homecoming. It’s been sort of building up, but in my own mind I didn’t want to build it up too much.

“I wanted to concentrate on what we had to do, which was the most important thing, which was to get a result and we have done that, so we can be happy.”

McDermott sprung somewhat of a surprise with his first team selection, opting to bring Stephen Quinn in at left-back for his first game since September while also recalling Hal Robson-Kanu.

And the manager was quick to point out that if the club want to make a play-off charge, it will need to be a whole squad effort.

“It is not about an individual, it’s never about an individual, it’s all about the team,” he said.

“It’s all about the group and it is not just about the 18, it is about everybody.

“We need everybody, and all the staff, all the players and the fans really got behind the boys.

“All the egos, we have to put them aside because your egos are not useful.

“You need to do whatever you have to do to get the right result on a Saturday, and that is everybody, 20 odd players and staff and everybody.”

RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS

FOOTBALL

Sumas boss focuses on the positives upon tough return to Premier Division

‘It’s the future that counts’

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

DAN BATEMAN says Wokingham and Emmbrook’s long-term future is more important than avoiding relegation from the Hellenic Premier Division as he prepares his side for a Boxing Day clash with rivals Binfield.

Sumas’ 4-0 home defeat by Brimscombe and Thrupp on Saturday left Bateman and Matt Eggleston’s men nine points adrift at the foot of

the table with just 12 games to play, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to avoid dropping back out of the top flight.

But despite losing 22 of their 26 matches so far this campaign, Bateman is trying to focus on the positives.

“I believe that I’ve got some players that are good enough to be able to play at this level but we need to learn,” he told The Wokingham Paper.

“If it means that we learn this

Dan Bateman, right, says the future is more important than relegation. He is pictured with join Sumas boss Matt Eggleston.

Picture: Vivienne Johnson

season and we’re better for it next, that’s the most important thing.

“We’re about developing this group of players and if we develop this group of players and ultimately get relegated then so be it.

“But if the players learn and the players are better for it then we’ve learnt something.

“That’s the ultimate goal at this club, we want to develop footballers.”

As well as the players learning from the mistakes they have made over the course of a difficult season, Bateman admits that while it has been a struggle, this experience will stand him in good stead for his future career in management.

“This season has been harder than I could’ve imagined,” he admitted.

“But this is what we’re here for, to be tested.

“I want to be a better manager and I’ve certainly learnt an awful lot this season and I’ve learnt a lot of lessons and I’ve learnt a lot about the way to treat certain situations that come up.

“It’s hard to take. No-one wants to be the manager of a side that’s getting beat every week.”

He continued: “I’m doing the best I can. Myself and Matt, we’re doing the best we can for the club and ultimately if it’s not good enough we might end up getting relegated but we are doing the best we can.

“We’ll keep trying, keep training hard, keep putting on different sessions and bringing in players and that’s all we can do.

“The players that are still with us and have stuck with it, they’re giving their all for the club.

“And the most important thing is that Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club keeps going and we keep getting sides out and we keep getting players that want to be playing for the club.

“A lot of clubs in this situation would be folding games and not turning up because they haven’t got enough players.

“The club is still going strong, even if the performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.

“The most important thing is the club.”

Next up for Bateman is a clash with his close friend and former Sumas boss Roger Herridge and the current Wokingham and Emmbrook joint-manager admits Binfield away is a clash his squad will be wanting to win more than most.

He said: “We’ve got no pressure on us now. The situation that we’re in, we’re expected to lose every game.

“At some point we’re going to get a result where it all clicks for us.

“It’s happened a couple of times and I’m hoping it will happen on Boxing Day. “If there’s one game the lads will be up for, it’s that one.

“There’s so much linking the two clubs, Roger’s got an awful lot of old Wokingham boys there as well as being Wokingham himself so it will be a game we’re definitely up for and hopefully we can get a little bit of a rub of the green with a few decisions as well.”

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

DRIVEN BY QUALITY At Barts, we specialise in steaks of the highest quality from top butchers, aged for a minimum of 28 days, flame grilled for taste.

Visit us and find out just how good our food is!

21 Wokingham Road (Corner of St. Bartholomew’s Rd), Reading RG6 1LE 0118 966 2268 | 0118 966 2233

WWW.BARTSGRILL.COM Special offers on our website