The Wokingham Paper December 4, 2015

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

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

One small step School has lessons in space • p20

Friday, December 4, 2015 No. 33

50p

COURT

TERROR TRIAL: LOAN BOUGHT BOMB KIT P11 CHRISTMAS

HUGE CROWDS ENJOY WINTER CARNIVAL P4-5 REGENERATION

KICKED OUT FOR CHRISTMAS Homeless men forced from shelter in 5am eviction P3 EXCLUSIVE

NEW ELMS FIELD PLAN P12 GOES ON SHOW SPORT

BOROUGH’S SPORTS STARS HONOURED P35

2 | NEWS

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This is Wokingham.

We’re proud to cover it!

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

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

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

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

CRIME

Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

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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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

APPEAL

Can you help give church a winter clean?

TO HELP prepare for Christmas, a church is appealing for volunteers to help clean its grounds.

St Mary’s Church in Wargrave is holding a churchyard leaf collection tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am.

The church says that it needs as many volunteers as possible to help, and families are welcome. It welcomes people who have rakes and wheelbarrows. n For more details, call Bob Austen on 0118 940 3038.

CONCERT

Pupils will raise the roof at St James on Sunday A WINTER concert will see talented teenagers perform on Sunday.

St James Church in Woodley will host the Jewel Tones, a Charvil-based choir for ages 10-18.

The evening starts at 7pm and will also see pupils of teacher Andy Mullens perform in the second half. n For more details call the Kingfisher Drive church on 0118 966 2568.

PERFORMANCE

Ringing in Christmas at Norreys 50+ Group

CHRISTMAS celebrations will be in full swing at Norreys Church 50+ Group next week with a performance by a local bell-ringing group.

All over 50s are welcome to come along to hear the Crowthorne Chimes hand bell-ringers at the church in Norreys Avenue on Tuesday.

Refreshments will be provided from 2pm. For more details call 0118 961 9821.

Thieves steal laptop from local Foodbank HEARTLESS thieves broke into Wokingham’s Foodbank over the weekend.

The Rose Street building provides emergency food parcels for people in desperate need, with packages including toiletries and other essentials.

At some point between Saturday evening and Monday morning the offices were burgled and a laptop was stolen.

It is believed the break-in may have taken place while the Winter Carnival was on.

David Atkinson, who runs the Foodbank, said: “The thieves broke a small window at the front of the premises, and entered by removing the window lock and opening the casement window.

“It’s really disappointing that we would be targeted when we are here trying to help those who are struggling to feed themselves.”

However, the Foodbank was able to report some good news on Wednesday

WOKINGHAM

Adventurer Katrina to speak at town library

A WOMAN who has recently returned from exploring the other side of the world is preparing to talk about her experiences.

Katrina Barnes, newly returned from South America, will share her top tips for independent travel at Wokingham Library on Thursday, December 10.

The evening event starts at 6.30pm and lasts for 90 minutes. For more details call 0118 978 1368.

CRIME

Did you see thieves who stole Landrover?

A LANDROVER has been stolen from outside a property in Wargrave.

Between 6pm on Sunday, November 22, and 3.30pm the following Tuesday a blue Landrover Defender with a white roof was stolen from outside a property in Blakes Road. It had been parked on the road.

Anyone with any information relating to this theft should call police on 101.

GARDENERS

Christmas to blossom at California club party A LOCAL gardening club will be holding its annual Christmas

Some of the goods held by the Foodbank to help those who are struggling to feed themselves.

–one of its corporate supporters offered a replacement laptop.

The theft comes as the foodbank prepared to launch an appeal for festive food to give to its clients.

Speaking before the break-in Mr Atkinson said: “We’d love donations of Christmas crackers, mince pies, Christmas puddings, tinned hams and sausages, Christmas biscuit boxes, crackers and selection boxes. These

Party next week.

The California Gardeners’ Club, which meets at the California Ratepayers’ Hall on the first Monday of every month, will be holding the members-only party on Monday. n For more information contact Lynn Potts on slynnpotts@gmail.com.

WOKINGHAM

Festival of wine returns to Town Hall

A CELEBRATION of all things red and white will be returning to the Town Hall this month.

The Wokingham Wine Festival is back for its eighth year and will give guests the opportunity to learn more about wine, taste some special wines from around the world and receive expert advice from sommeliers and independent merchants.

The event will help raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis and will be held on Saturday, December 12, from 11am to 6pm. n Tickets cost £5 or four tickets for £15.

For more details, call 0118 986 2591.

MEETING

Flower club hold social event for Christmas

WOKINGHAM Flower Club will hold its Annual General Meeting and social evening on Wednesday.

Looking back on a year of fantastic demonstrations and guest speakers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows.

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

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

“Make sure you don’t miss an issue.”

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

are all the things that we can give to someone to make a Christmas lunch.”

Donations can be left in most of Wokingham’s churches, in supermarkets including Tesco and Waitrose and at the Rose Street branch.

For more details, call 07926 524605 or log on to wokingham.foodbank.org.uk n If you have any information on the break in, call Thames Valley Police on 101.

the meeting will be held at the Bradbury Community Centre, in Rose Street at 7.45pm. n For more information call Pat Rutherford on 0118 973 2265.

CRIME

Burglars target safe containing Asian gold

ASIAN gold has been stolen from a property in Earley.

During the afternoon or early evening on Monday, November 23, the householder of the property in Silverdale Road returned to find the front door had been forced open and a safe containing Asian gold had been stolen.

If you saw anything suspicious in the area around this time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.

If you suspect a crime is in progress, always call 999.

MEETING

Club to hold a picture perfect members event

WOODLEY Photographic Club will be holding their next members’ evening with a digital workshop on Monday.

Guests are asked to come along to the Oakwood Centre in Headley Road at 7.45pm for an 8pm start.

Entry is £2 for members, £3 for nonmembers.

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WOKINGHAM PAPER

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 3

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REGENERATION

COURT

Bridge over M4 takes shape

Drunk woman pleads guilty after hitting house

A WOMAN from Finchampstead has pleaded guilty to failing to take a breath test after the car she was driving ploughed into a house and two other vehicles in Wokingham last month.

Lorraine Bennett, 33, of Dart Close, pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis after the collision in Budge’s Road on November 11.

Appearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 25, Ms Bennett was disqualified from driving for 20 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and court costs of £40.

WORK to lay a bridge over the M4 in Shinfield got underway this week.

The motorway has been closed between Junction 10 for Wokingham and 11 at Three Mile Cross in both directions all this week to allow work on the new Shinfield Relief Road to take place in safety.

Work was delayed on Tuesday night due to winds, while on Thursday evening work started at 11pm, not 9pm, to enable football fans to leave the Madejski Stadium without delays.

A statement released by the football club said: “We wish to thank Hochtief Construction for their assistance, which will allow supporters of both Reading and QPR easier access away from Madejski Stadium following the game.”

The six-lane bridge will form part of the new Shinfield Relief Road and 12 steel beams, each 45 metres long, are being installed during the works.

Picture: Paul King

POLITICS

Election time for Evendons West after resignation A BY-ELECTION is due to be held in the Evendons West ward of Wokingham Town Council following the resignation of Matthew George.

The by-election will be held next Friday at polling stations at Wokingham Civic Offices, in Shute End, and Woosehill Community Church, in Chestnut Avenue, between 7am and 10pm.

The candidates standing for election are Liz Karakurt (IND), Tony James Lack (CON), Keith Andrew Malvern (LIB) and Annette Laura Medhurst (LAB).

To view the Notice of Election visit www. wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/ elections-and-voting/election-information

GENEROSITY

The true spirit of Christmas: Rough sleepers offered a bed by residents EXCLUSIVE

TWO homeless men sleeping under a pagoda in Lower Earley have been offered beds for Christmas after being left with “nowhere to go” when the area was fenced off last week.

The men, who give their names as Mickey and Luther, have been on the streets for around five years and had been sleeping rough in the car park outside Iceland, in The Square, Chalfont Way, for a few months.

But at 5am last Friday morning the men were woken by contractors for the car park’s landlords and told they had to move on, before erecting metal fences which were screwed to the side of the pagoda.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Mickey said: “Basically the landlord of this area said they’d had enough of me being around here, asked me to move on, so 5 o’clock yesterday [Friday] morning they started barricading the [pagoda] up.

“I haven’t done anything wrong,

they said we’ve been begging but we don’t beg, we just sit there reading and sleeping, just somewhere out of the rain and the wind, but they told us to move along.”

Mickey also said the Ford Fiesta that the men had been keeping their belongings in was due to be towed away as well.

Furious locals took to social media to complain about Mickey and Luther’s treatment, with some kind-hearted residents even offering the men a spare bedroom over Christmas.

Mickey said: “I feel completely let down, and with winter coming up I haven’t got a clue what I’m going to do.

“Half of the stuff that we had under [the pagoda] was pulled out into the rain to get soaking wet. We’ve never had any problems like this before.”

Wokingham Borough Council confirmed that the car park is privately owned.

The management company for the car park declined to comment when approached by The Wokingham Paper on Thursday.

POLITICS

FESTIVAL

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Redwood abstains from Syria vote WOKINGHAM’S MP John Redwood abstained from the vote on whether the UK should join US-led coalition airstrikes on Islamic State or ‘Daesh’ - militants in Syria on Wednesday night.

The other three MPs in the area – Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell), Rob Wilson, (Reading East) and Theresa May (Maidenhead) all voted in favour of the action.

The motion was passed by 397 to 223 votes. The first strikes were carried out soon after the result was announced at around 10.30pm on Wednesday. n To read John Redwood MP’s reason for abstaining visit www.wokinghampaper. com

Man in court charged with disturbing Remembrance

A MAN has appeared in court charged with disturbing the two-minute silence in Wokingham on Remembrance Sunday.

Kurk Wood, 56, of no fixed abode, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 12 charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The charge relates to an incident on November 11 during the Remembrance Service in Market Place.

Mr Wood denies the charge. He will appear at the same court on February 22, 2016.

INVESTIGATION

‘Smoking materials’ to blame for hotel blaze Mickey and Luther and, left, the pagoda.

Christmas trees to go on display in town centre A TOWN centre church will be starting its Christmas celebrations in style this weekend.

Fifty trees, each decorated by groups that use Wokingham Methodist Church, will be on show in The Bradbury Centre in Rose Street from today until Sunday.

“It’s quite an occasion”, said Brian Morris, a member of Wokingham Methodist Church.

“We’ve been going for at least five years. The idea was originated by Brian Coates a previous minister here.

It’s very successful.

“The trees are decorated by local schools and charities. I’m decorating a tree myself for the Air Ambulance service.

He added: “A lot of people attend,

WOKINGHAM

there are trees all over the place.

In the coffee area, the church and upstairs.

“People can then vote for the best tree, there isn’t a massive prize or anything, it’s just a bit of fun”.

As well as the trees, there will be produce and gift stalls, homemade cakes, biscuits, preserves and table decorations.

Activities for children and refreshments will be available all day.

Food includes bacon sandwiches, baked potatoes, and homemade soup.

Cakes, mince pies and cream tea will also be served in the afternoon.

The event takes place at the Bradbury Centre, Rose Street on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 between 10am and 4.30pm and on Sunday, December 6 between noon and 4pm.

Admission is free but donations are welcome in support of three charities: Keep Mobile, Musa weNkosi (a preschool near Johannesburg) and Rose Street youth and community work.

A FIRE which tore through a hotel in Mortimer last month is believed to have started accidentally. Officers from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue (RBFRS) concluded the blaze at Wokefield Park Hotel on November 11 was accidental and related to smoking materials.

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CARNIVAL

Huge crowds enjoy town’s winter wonderland

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The day’s events included a carnival parade led by Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, the switching on of the Christmas lights and carol WOKINGHAM’S big Christmas party was hailed singing led by Berkshire Maestros and Father a huge success as thousands of people turned out to Richard Lamey, the rector of St Paul’s Church. party.

There were 200 stalls and rides in Broad Street, The annual Winter Carnival was held in the town Denmark Street and Peach Street, with about half centre on Sunday and saw local charities and groups being run by local community groups and charities join forces with fairground ride owners and local including the Salvation Army, Evendons School businesses to organise one of the south east’s and Healthwatch. biggest street fairs.

MORE Scout troops and Rotary clubs offered And the bumper turnout relieved PICTURES ON sweets, cakes, mulled wine and mince organisers after weather forecasts OUR WEBSITE – pies while local restaurants, including predicted a wet and windy day. In the event, there were a few showers in ORDER YOUR PHOTO the Sultan Balti House, offered hot street food.

TODAY! the morning but the afternoon was Street entertainment came from mainly dry. www.

David Donaldson, who chairs wokinghampaper. a range of local morris dancing sides, a dixie band and the Reading Scottish the organising committee, told The co.uk Pipe Band and Circus Scene entertained Wokingham Paper: “I’m absolutely with jugglers, stilt walkers and clowns. delighted and relieved. The forecast was A snow machine next to the main stage in Market very much against but we had the crowds Place proved to be a popular attraction for children, and the atmosphere despite the windy weather. while groups including Murphy Brass Band and the “As a committee, we work so hard [to organise the Rock Choir performing. A punch and Judy show event]. You can never predict the weather – you have entertained youngsters in Erfstadt Court. to keep your fingers crossed that on the one day of Mr Donaldson added: “I’d like to thank such a the carnival you have weather that’s acceptable. marvellous committee. The proof was in the pudding “The people of Wokingham supported us again of a very successful day.” and they came in droves.”

Wokingham town mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin, with the mini mayor George Bradley and deputy mayor Gwynneth Hewetson. Below, Sabi Sabrilagoun enjoys the fun with a fiendly bear.

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Wokingham’s MP John Redwood waves to the crowds during the carnival parade.

Bottom: The Reading Scottish Pipe Band.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

Tony Welsh

CHRISTMAS

heof Susan FAMILIES h Fleck Ltd dent Financial Adviser h of Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd 3 Mobile 38978 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 07768 320430 , Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd onywelshifa.co.uk A WINTER wonderland is coming to Wokingham Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Justine Baston, a member of Kings Church who is

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Festive fun comes to Kings Church Tony Welsh Authorised and regulated by the FSA

Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 402 4661738978 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 07768 320430 organising the event, said: “The lights will be up and and it includes a session for Address 5 tomorrow The Paddock,(Saturday) Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS the music will be down. You will have to book to get children with additional needs.

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TheWelsh festive village is in Fleck the home ofAdviser Kings Ltd Tony of Associates Independent Financial Tony Welsh of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Ltd The Winter Wonderland will open from 9.30am Church in Station Road includes crafts, face Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 and 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 402 4661738978 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 Mobile 07768 Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS a320430 to noon and 2pm to 4.30pm for the general public. painting, stories, a treasure hunt visit from Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 and 6HS Email The special session for children with additional Santa.tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk needs runs from 12.30pm to 2pm.

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Two are open to everyone and the third is aimed n For more details or to book, email nd regulated by by the Financial Conduct Authority specifically aimed at families children with admin@kingschurch.org.uk or call Justine Baston horised and regulated the Financial Services Authority,with registration no. 447018 horised and regulated byKent the Financial registration no. 447018 nville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authorised and regulated byAuthority, the Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number AJW00121 additional needs. directly on 07702 505386.

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Reading Operatic Society, above, and, below, winners of the Christmas poster contest Nina Lees, 9, and Vivien Wan, 10, with Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Dave Mills.

Pictures: Phil Creighton

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Christmas

WOODLEY’S Christmas lights were turned on by winners of a poster contest as hundreds of people watched.

Vivien Wan, 10, from South Lake Primary School, and Nina Lees, 9, from Beechwood Primary School pushed the buttons to switch on the festive display in Woodley town centre on Saturday.

The event was marked with a carol concert, mulled wine and speeches and acts as a precusor to this Sunday’s Woodley Winter Extravaganza.

It was led by the Revd Sean Riordan from Emmanuel Church, with music from Woodley Concert Band and singing led by Reading Operatic Society.

Woodley town centre manager Jacques Lherbier organised the event and a gave a speech thanking those who had made the day possible.

Woodley mayor Cllr Dave Mills also spoke at the event and refreshments were served by members of the charity JAC (Just Around the Corner).

EXTRAVAGANZA

Roll up for a fantastic day of festive fun in Woodley

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THOUSANDS of people are expected to celebrate the festive season when they visit Woodley on Sunday.

The town centre will be hosting its annual Christmas Extravaganza.

Charity stalls, street entertainment and a main stage will be big draws for visitors, although younger readers will be more interested in heading to Santa’s grotto. The town centre’s shops will also be open.

The fun starts at 10am and the official opening celebration starts at 11am with a speech from Woodley town mayor, Cllr Dave Mills. Mother and Father Christmas will then arrive in a sleigh which will be pulled by reindeer and form part of a procession across the whole precinct, ending up at his grotto, which opens at 11.30am.

Jacques Lherbier, Woodley Town Centre Manager, said “The

Christmas Extravaganza is the biggest event we hold in the town centre. The Christmas lights look great, [Sunday] should be a good event. I’m really looking forward to it.

“We are building a stage, there will be a great display. We are also building a magical den for Father Christmas who will be making his arrival pulled by three reindeer. He will be giving hundreds of gifts to the children.”

The day’s live entertainment starts at 11.45am with Starlet Dance School showcasing their dances. Also performing will be Spin Theatre Academy demonstrating Zumba, singing from Beechwood Primary School choir and Bulmershe School’s award-winning ensemble: they recently won Reading’s Let’s Sing contest.

Bezerk Productions will be offering a preview of its Christmas musical Aladdin, Woodley Light Operatic Society will sing some seasonal favourite songs

and the Sainsbury Singers will showcase an old-time musical hall performance. Local singer Charis Anne will also perform.

In addition to the singing and dancing there will be juggling from the Comedy Juggling Show and international hula hoop performer Angie Mack will also be on stage.

The grand finale will be a performance by the local Rock Choir.

Circus Scene will be providing street entertainment throughout the day and Borderline Morris Dancers will be tapping their feet and jingling their bells at 11.45am and 1.30pm.

There will be refreshments available throughout the day in the library, where you can also have your face painted. A fairy tale character will also be visiting the library at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Also on offer will be a ferris wheel, children’s roundabout rides, a candy floss stall and a bouncy castle. n www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk

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PUPILS from The Coombes CE Junior School were beaming with pride after being rewarded by the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

The young collectors were presented with a certificate to mark their efforts during a ceremony at the Arborfield Cross school on Wednesday, December 2.

Chris Hall, poppy organiser for Arborfield Royal British Legion, said: “We wanted to present the school with a certificate of appreciation for the many years of poppy collecting they have done.”

Deputy headteacher Neil Lyddiatt sadded: “We have strong links with the British Legion.

They let us use their car park and we really appreciate the support they give the school.

“We also had a project at the school teaching art skills, we used the poppy as a medium for the artwork.”

Back row: Arborfield parish clerk Alison Ward, Lorna and John Cornish, Royal British Legion branch chairman, and Chris Hall, poppy organiser.

Front Row: Eddie Bass, year 4, Gabriel Loftus, Year 4, Noah Barrows, who received the certificate, Esekaia Ledua, Year 6, and Kirsten Docherty, Year 6. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

7

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

under the tree, for me...

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Parish noticeboard Saturday, December 5 Crowthorne Parish Council monthly surgery. 11am, Crowthorne Parish Hall, 48 Heath Hill Rd South, Crowthorne.

Monday, December 7 Shinfield Parish Council Finance and Staffing meeting.

7.30pm, Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield.

Hurst Parish Council full council meeting. 7.30pm, Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst Wargrave Parish Council Full Planning and Highways meeting. 7.45pm, Old Pavilion, Recreation Road, Wargrave.

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

Tuesday, December 8 Wokingham Borough Council Audit Committee. 7pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham.

Barkham Parish Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm, Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham.

Earley Town Council Planning Committee. 7.30pm, Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley.

Sonning Parish Full Council. 7.30pm, Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane, Sonning.

WTC Planning and Transport meeting. 7.30pm, Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham.

Woodley Town Council Full Council Meeting. 8pm, The Oakwood Centre Headley Road Woodley.

Wednesday, December 9 Finchampstead Parish Council Rights of Way Meeting.

7.30pm, California Ratepayers Hall, Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead.

n A MAN from Wokingham has pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Wayne Anthony Culley, 39, of William Heelas Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 charged with one count of driving dangerously and one count of driving while having 72mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Both charges relate to an incident on the A329M on September 27 this year.

Mr Culley pleaded guilty to both charges and was committed to Reading Crown Court for sentencing. n A 19-year-old man from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with assault and unlawfully damaging a car.

Jack William Godfrey, of Jupiter Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 where he pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Both charges relate to an incident on July 22 this year.

Mr Godfrey has been remanded on unconditional bail to reappear at the same court on February 10 2016. n A FINE and costs totalling £639 was handed to a man from Earley for being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a police officer.

Lewis Pryce-Jones, 29, of Easby Way,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

HURST

From the courts

Show saved

NEW VOLUNTEERS have come forward to save a popular country show.

Organisers have said that the Hurst Show and Country Fayre will definitely take place in summer 2016 – bolstered by new offers of help for important tasks.

The show team’s made the appeal for help to run the two day event and new pairs of hands offered their services at a vital meeting at The Castle Inn, Hurst.

Show chair Sue Payne said: “We now have enough volunteers to do some key tasks, like organising parking and traffic. Earlier we feared we might not be able to run the show. But we’re now confident that the show, on June 25 and 26, will go ahead.

“We are already working on making the 2016 show even better than in previous years. It will have new and exciting attractions for all the family. We raise thousands of pounds each year for many local good causes including St Nicholas Primary School and JAC (Just Around the Corner), which helps young people.

“We are very grateful to both our new and old volunteers. We would welcome still more help. Joining the team is good fun and worthwhile.

“You can contact me on: sue. payne90@yahoo.co.uk or 07850 072096.” n www.HurstShow.uk

months after driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Dominic Singh, 21, of Gloucester Road appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 where he pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit.

He was fined £210, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £21, costs of £85 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Mr Singh was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.

pleaded guilty to the two charges which both relate to an incident on October 25 this year.

Mr Pryce-Jones appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 where he was fined £120 for being drunk and disorderly in a public place, £235 for wilfully obstructing an officer in the execution of their duty, £25 compensation, a victim surcharge of £24, costs of £85, and a criminal courts charge of £150. n A MAN from Shinfield has been fined £466 and banned from driving for 18

n A MAN from Shinfield has been jailed for 12 weeks for stealing meat and alcohol, and failing to comply with a community order.

Darren Lee Akers, 40, of Wavell Close, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 to stealing meat products to the value of £100 from Marks and Spencer in Wokingham on September 22, and stealing meat and alcohol products to the value of £114 from a shop in Lower Earley on September 12.

Mr Akers failed to attend a rehabilitation activity requirement on September 17, and drug rehabilitation on September 21.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR

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10 | BUSINESS

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Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 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

PARTNERSHIP

REAL ESTATE

Let there be light... in Lower Earley

University completes sale of Shinfield West development

A NEW partnership has seen the light after switching on its festive display last Friday.

Shops, local businesses and community groups came together in Lower Earley for the first ever Christmas light switch-on ceremony.

Led by members of the local Baptist Church, carols were sung ahead of Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Melanie De Jong pushing the button to switch on the lights on a large Christmas tree erected in the shopping precinct.

A large crowd of people braved the rain to take part in the event, which was judged a hit by organisers.

The Revd Keith Wilson, minister of Lower Earley Baptist Church, said: “This is the first time this has been done by businesses and the church. We’re working together to support the community.

“There’s been a really good atmosphere and a terrific turnout today - I enjoyed leading the carol singing, everyone was very up for it this evening.”

Janet Whiting, who runs Pet Fayre and the Post Office in the precinct, said: “We need to get the word out there about this centre, we’re a bit tucked away.”

Will Goddard, a chiropractor who has a studio in the

THE University of Reading has sold the Shinfield West development site to a consortium of house builders, including Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Bloor Homes.

1,350 new homes will be built across the 100 acre site, which is four miles south of Reading and lies west of Shinfield village.

The sale proceeds, which will be paid over four years, will be invested in the University’s long-term capital

investment programme – teaching, learning and research facilities, as well as other projects, including the Thames Valley Science Park, which is due to open in 2017.

The site is part of a wider area, including Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, which is designated as the South of the M4 Strategic Development Location (SDL).

Outline planning consent for the Shinfield West site includes 150

homes for older residents, sheltered housing and other specialist housing, a new primary school, public open space and a new village centre.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The sale will underpin our ongoing capital investment programme – meaning we have stable funding for frontline facilities for teaching, learning and research, as well as for the Thames Valley Science Park.”

MOTORING

Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Melanie De Jong with the Revd Keith Wilson. Pictures: Phil Creighton Maiden Place development, is another of the organisers.

He said: “We will do something for the Queen’s 90th birthday next year.”

Wokingham Motors heads east to Eden Wokingham Motors has been taken on by Eden Motor Group and was rebranded earlier this week. Picture: Paul King

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A POPULAR Wokingham garage has a new owner after a takeover.

Eden Motor Group has taken over Wokingham Motors in Molly Millars Lane with immediate effect. The dealership represents Peugeot as well as Vauxhall and Renault for aftersales with new signs erected on Tuesday.

The acquisition was for an undisclosed sum and Eden already represents a number of franchises including Vauxhall, Mazda, Fiat and Hyundai.

Eden’s group managing director, Graeme Potts said: “We are really pleased to announce the acquisition of Wokingham Motors which fits extremely well with our existing dealership locations.

“As a business we are always looking for

acquisition opportunities that strategically fit and give good long term return on investment.

“The business we have acquired has a history of strong performance and has a great reputation in the local market, which will only be further enhanced as part of the Eden Motor Group.”

David Kendrick, Automotive Partner at UHY Hacker Young which brokered the deal said: “Wokingham Motors has delivered a consistent performance under the Peugeot brand for many years and will no doubt continue to flourish under the Eden ownership.

“This transaction again illustrates further consolidation in the sector as regional groups such as Eden continue to grow and pick off local competitors through acquisition. We are in a market that hasn’t been busier for transactional activity that is for sure.”

REPORT

Third runway is a ‘mile-long middle finger to our climate’ ENVIRONMENTAL groups have given their support to the findings of a new Government report about Heathrow’s proposed third runway.

Discussions are being made about whether Heathrow or Gatwick airports should be expanded and The Airports Commission Report, which was published earlier this week, revealed that any plans to approve Heathrow expansion should be turned down unless the airport operators can demonstrate that it can comply with strict conditions.

These include a night flight

ban, meeting the costs of surface transport improvements, keeping within legal air pollution limits and ensuring that it would produce less noise than a two runway Heathrow.

The report concludes: “In each case – climate change, air quality and noise – it needs to set out concrete proposals for mitigation alongside clear responsibilities and milestones against which performance can be measured.”

In response Simon Clydesdale, aviation campaigner for Greenpeace UK, said: “To the surprise of absolutely noone, the House of Commons

Environmental Audit Committee has discovered that when you build more runways and fly more planes, carbon emissions, noise and air pollution rise.

“The Davies Commission’s insistence that this is not necessarily the case is based on hot air and not facts.

“They have yet to find a mechanism for limiting emissions. Until that mechanism is tested, costed and guaranteed, any new runway is a mile-long middle finger to our climate and the local people suffering from air pollution.”

NEWS | 11

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

COURT

Wife of terror plot accused used loans to fund bomb materials

By COURT REPORTER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A WOMAN from Earley allegedly used payday loans to buy bomb-making ingredients for her husband who was plotting a terrorist attack on London, a court has heard.

Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, of Hutton Close, is accused of financing Mohammed Rehman, 25, of Radstock Road, Reading, as he stockpiled equipment and chemicals to carry out a 7/7-style attack on London.

The jury at the Old Bailey heard on Wednesday how Ms Khan had received £700 from QuickQuid on November 17 last year which prosecutors claim she used to fund Rehman’s eBay purchases of chemicals and bomb-making equipment.

The court heard how Ms Khan transferred £291 to Rehman before he set up a PayPal account and made a series of purchases on eBay later that day.

His transactions included a heatproof glass funnel, one litre of Acetone, one litre of hydrogen peroxide, one litre of hydrochloric

POLICE

Do you recognise jewellery found dumped in street?

Sana Ahmed Khan and husband Mohammed Rehman.

Still Crazies – the winning team at the Daisy’s Dream quiz night. Picture: Emily Hyland

acid, and one kilogram of aluminium powder.

The University of Greenwich English graduate is accused of sharing her secret husband’s interest in Islamic extremism, something family members denied in court.

The court heard how the couple hid their Islamic marriage from Ms Khan’s relatives as they did not approve in her choice of husband.

Following Rehman’s arrest in May this year police found nearly 11kg of a fertiliser used in explosives, hand-written recipes for explosives and a bomb-making manual called Make A Bomb In The Kitchen Of Your Mom. Both Khan and Rehman deny preparation for terrorist acts. Rehman denies a second charge of possession of articles for terrorist purposes. The trial continues.

DAISY’S DREAM

Charity quiz night is hot stuff A ‘CRAZY’ time was had by all at the annual quiz and curry night in aid of a Twyford-based children’s charity.

More than 100 people formed 15 teams for the fundraising evening at Charvil Village Hall on November 14, with more than £1,200 being raised for Daisy’s Dream, which supports children dealing with the death or serious illness of someone close to them.

Claiming victory for the second year in a row were local team Still Crazies

who underwent rigorous questioning from the quizmaster.

The evening was completed with a curry, raffle, tombola and auction.

Claire Rhodes, Fundraiser at Daisy’s Dream, said: “We are thrilled to have had such amazing support from the local community, from everyone who attended the event, volunteered on the night and all the individuals and companies who donated so generously to support the quiz.”

THAMES Valley Police is trying to locate the owners of a quantity of jewellery (pictured above) found in Earley earlier this week.

The assorted items, which include watches, earrings, a necklace and a Best Grandad in the World Ever! badge were found in a mint green box, marked Stackers, on a grass verge in Whitegates Lane on Tuesday morning.

If you have any information call Kate Devonshire on 101.

CONCERT

Add your voice to singalong A FESTIVE singalong will take place in Wokingham’s Town Hall tomorrow.

The free lunchtime concert, which starts at midday, will be given by Trinity Concert Band and include a host of favourite Christmas songs and carols.

There will also be refreshments available.

Donations will be welcomed for the Town Mayor’s charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

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12 | NEWS APPEAL

Concert will help make a poorly child’s Christmas

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REGENERATION SPECIAL

A CHARITY carol concert on Sunday will start your festive season and provide a gift for local children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

The big-hearted event will fill St Paul’s Church in Wokingham’s Reading Road from 6.30pm.

It will be in aid of The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, which is building a hospice for Berkshire children and their families. The charity also funds Alexander’s nurses, supporting families in their own homes.

Tickets for Sunday’s concert are £6 for adults, £2 for children and available from St Paul’s Parish Rooms – (0118) 979 2122 – or Bookends in Peach Street. n Fundraisers for Alexander Devine will be rattling their tins at Asda in Lower Earley between 10am and 4pm,also on Sunday. The Devine Buskers will be providing festive music for a few hours.

COLLECTION

Add an extra item to your shop for town’s needy

SHOPPERS heading to the supermarkets this weekend are being urged to put a few extra items into their trolley to donate to those less fortunate this Christmas.

The Wokingham Lions Club will be visiting Waitrose in Wokingham and Sainsbury’s in Winnersh to collect canned food, biscuits, mince pies and Christmas puddings for food parcels which will be delivered to needy and elderly before the big day.

John Cleary, organiser of the Christmas Collection, said: “It is wonderful to see the smiles on people’s faces when they receive the food parcels. Many of them write thank-you notes, which are quite heart-warming.”

The Lions will be collecting at Waitrose, in Rectory Road, on Saturday (and December 12) between 9am and 3pm, and Sainsbury’s, in King Street Lane, Winnersh, on Sunday between 10am and 3pm.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

Councillor Philip Mirfin, from Wokingham Borough Council, unveiling the plans (left, right and below) on Friday. Pictures: Phil Creighton and artist’s impressions.

New Elms Field plan unveiled to the public

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A PARK creating a gateway to Wokingham forms the backbone of new plans for Elms Field unveiled last week.

The redevelopment, which has proved to be one of the most contentious aspects of Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) ambitious regeneration plans, includes a supermarket, a cinema and a hotel, all being built on green space within the town centre.

The original plan, submitted in 2012, included a much larger supermarket but this was redrawn after a deal with Sainsbury’s fell through in 2014.

Revised plans were announced in February this year, and the council launched a consultation exercise which

came to an end last week when it submitted its planning application.

The latest plans feature a new gated park in Elms Field, with large walkways, a larger play area and many of the mature trees that currently sit in Elms Field.

The intention is that the park will form a new entrance to Wokingham town centre from the railway station and be a place where more community events can take place.

Elms Field will be shifted to the right with what is currently Elms Road being turned into green space. A new road to the planned residential development will be on the other side of the park. The intent is to create a pedestrianised area from the entrance of the new Elms Field to Denmark Street.

Councillor Philip Mirfin, WBC’s

executive member for regeneration and communities, said: “I’m really pleased to submit our application, it’s another step forward for our ambitious plans.

“We’re proposing to keep far more of the existing mature trees, and reduce the overall scale of development.

“We’ve also designed the areas around the new retail area to ensure it could support things like larger or new markets, outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants and spaces for relaxing and meeting friends.”

Mr Mirfin accepted that the original plans had not been well received. “We’ve had more criticism from the public [on this] than any other part of the scheme.

We brought in many local groups to show them what we propose to do.”

He added that meetings with some

groups, such as The Wokingham Society, over the new plans had gone well.

“They were very pleased, from the comments they made, that we have listened to what they wanted.”

When the project is completed, management of the new Elms Field park will become part of Wokingham Town Council’s remit.

The Wokingham Society’s Executive Committee says it has been involved in discussions about the plans through a series of meetings and is considering its response to the application in consultation with its members. n For more information on the Elms Field plans, including plans for the shopping precinct, log on to our website, www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

ECONOMY

Project will bring jobs bonanza to Wokingham IT is anticipated that the new Elms Field development will create more than 400 jobs.

Figures released by Wokingham Borough Council estimate there will be 151 construction jobs and 283 permanent roles on completion.

These jobs will be created at the hotel, cafes, shops and restaurants and the cinema.

CONSULTATION

Have your say on scheme which will ‘benefit town’ RESIDENTS are now being urged to have their say on the new plans, which Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) believes will benefit the whole town.

The blueprints can be viewed on WBC’s website by searching for planning application 153125 and hard copies can be viewed at the council’s offices in Shute End, Wokingham.

The deadline for comments is Friday, January 29.

Cllr Philip Mirfin has revealed that a new 250350 seater auditorium is to be built in the new Carnival Pool, creating

a performance space for the town.

“The likes of the Choral Society and Rock Choir can use the new concert hall. It’s such an exciting project to bring all these artistic events together,” he said.

Residents have been told that the part of Elms Field being converted into a new retail and leisure area will include a 95-bed hotel and a three screen cinema.

It is anticipated that the development, which is being led by WBC’s Regeneration Company, will cost £42.9m to build and yield commercial rent of £1.5m per year.

NEWS | 13

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Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Left: Santa and friends arrive at Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

Below, inset: Riley Harper with Olaf.

Pictures and words: Phil Creighton

FESTIVE FUN

All are welcome to town centre Christmas social

A CHRISTMAS social is being held by Wokingham Horticultural Association (WHA) at The Bradbury Centre in Wokingham on Thursday.

There will be a light buffet supper with entertainment from the Crowthorne Village Singers.

Tickets for the event in Rose Street are £5 each and are available from any WHA Committee member or from Pat on 0118 961 9779 or Pauline on 0118 978 9039.

Money raised at the event will go to support the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

CRIME

Bicycle thief flees after forcing communal door

Left: Bertie, 5, Jude, 3, and Brooke, 6, get in the Christmas spirit.

A WOULD-be burglar may have been disturbed after breaking into a communal bike shed in Shinfield.

Overnight on Monday, November 23, someone forced open the wooden door of the bike shed in Cirrus Drive, but nothing was stolen.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious during that time is asked to contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

Abbie Edwards with Frankie and Benny the goats wearing some unusual headgrear.

CHRISTMAS

Santa arrives in style MOVE over Rudolph – you’ve got competition! A gang of pirates pulled Santa’s sleigh as he arrived at a garden centre on Saturday.

The festive visitor has taken up residence at Hare Hatch Sheeplands until Christmas Eve and to celebrate his arrival, the garden centre held a special opening parade.

Characters from Peter Pan, Frozen and Alice In Wonderland joined him and some of the garden centre’s animals for the event, watched by lots of happy families.

After greeting children, accepting letters and posing for photographs Father Christmas settled down in his grotto and began the welcome task of

meeting excited youngsters who are keen to tell him what they’d like for Christmas.

Helping Santa is The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh and the grotto is open every weekend until December 20 and then every day between Monday December 21 and Thursday, December 24.

All the money raised will be donated to Rotary’s nominated charities.

Andrea Burlingham, the centre’s marketing manager, felt that the day was a huge success.

She said: “We’ve had a fantastic turnout and everyone enjoyed seeing characters from their favourite films including Olaf, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and Santa and his elves.”

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Santa in his grotto ready to hear present requests from children.

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14 | NEWS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

WINDOW AS STANDARD

Santa in his grotto during the church fayre. Pictures: Paul King

ST MARY’S

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FATHER Christmas helped raise a very festive £2,000 for St Mary’s Church when he visited a winter fayre held there recently.

He set up his grotto at the Shinfield church to hear the Christmas wishes of children, who along with their parents enjoyed a day of demonstrations, craft stalls, games and a raffle on

Saturday, November 28.

Visitors were also able to see the work of a blacksmith when John Loveluck, of Anvil Forge in Farley Hill, set up a mobile forge during the event.

Anne Young, one of the organisers, said: “The event raised almost £2,000 for the church. It’s the most we’ve ever made which is fantastic.”

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BARNARDO’S

Bikers revving up for a spectacular toy run

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

Blacksmith John Loveluck and (inset) Mrs Santa, aka Jill Grindall.

THOUSANDS of bikers are set to hit the streets of Wokingham this weekend as one of the staples of the Christmas calendar returns for its 30th year.

The record-breaking Toy Run, which is organised every year by the Reading Christian Bikers, will see up to 2,000 motorcyclists, decorated in festive gear, roar through Wokingham on their way to deliver toys to Barnardo’s in Wiltshire Road.

Sean Stillman, organiser and co-founder of the event, said he is continually blown away by the generosity displayed every year.

He said: “This is a huge logistical operation, 2,000 riders is a staggering statistic. The Toy Run is a right of passage for a lot of local motorcyclists.

“We have a manual an inch thick to make sure it’s run safely. We also get great co-operation from Wokingham Council and the police. We put signs up to warn people about it because we know we are a disruption.

“People are incredibly generous. As well as what is donated on the day people collect toys and gifts and deliver to High Close School by the van load.”

The event was started in 1985 by 18 friends from the local branch of the Christian Motorcycle Club

delivering presents to children in local hospitals, but last year it entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest organised toy run.

Sean said: “Our connection with Barnardo’s is very important. They are able to handle the large volume of gifts. We couldn’t make this work out without them to help us.

“Barnardo’s High Close School will keep some of the gifts there and any cash raised by the run is donated to the school to pay for specific events, art materials or books.

The rest of the gifts which include toys, electrical items and gift cards for older children are then donated to people who need them through the Barnardo’s network.”

The bikers will meet at 1pm at Foster Wheeler (formerly known as Shire Hall) RG2 9FW, before riding down Lower Earley relief road to Loddon Bridge roundabout.

The route will then take the riders down Wokingham Road, Reading Road, through Winnersh to Wokingham. At Wokingham they will turn left past Waitrose and then onto Wiltshire Road to the school.

Sean added: “We really want to give our thanks to all the local people. There are roughly 10,000 people lining the route to cheer us on every year. Thank you for your support and for your patience for the gummed up traffic.”

POLICE

Four arrests after pensioner’s cash targeted FOUR people have been arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud offences following an attempted robbery in Crowthorne last week.

At around 12.45pm on Thursday, November 26, the victim, an 81-year-old man, withdrew cash from the bank in the High Street.

The offenders followed the man and distracted him while one removed an envelope containing the cash from his pocket. The victim noticed and took the cash back before the offenders fled.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) believe this incident may be linked to a theft on November 16 when a

man had his credit card stolen and subsequently used to withdraw money.

A 33-year-old man, 44-year-old woman and a 25-year-old woman, all from Romford, and a 29-year-old man from Luton have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

The 25-year-old woman and 29-year-old man were bailed until January 9, 2016 and the 33-year-old man was bailed until January 8, 2016.

The 44-year-old woman was recalled to prison.

If anyone has any information about this incident they should call the TVP enquiry centre via 101.

15

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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

Elms Field plans are fantastic AS we’ve noted before, the regeneration project that Wokingham Borough Council is undertaking is a difficult tightrope act.

There are pressures to maintain our way of life – what makes the borough so special – while also adding 13,000 new homes with all the necessary infrastructure to ensure these new communities settle.

The plans for Elms Field have always been controversial, not least because disused green space is going and will be replaced with a hotel, a cinema, more shops and cafés.

Does Wokingham need more shops? Yes, it probably does. As you walk from Peach Street to Denmark Street you’ll see very few empty units: a stark contrast to Reading’s Friar Street. And more retail units means more opportunities for independent stores, giving Wokingham the chance to have something to shout about, a retail destination for its uniqueness, not its chain store chain gang.

The new park area looks fantastic. The enlarged play area will be hugely popular with children and parents and the attempt to retain the mature trees, including the willow, is a sound move.

While we have reservations that there will be enough space for big events such as the Wokingham Festival, we welcome the scope and vision of the development. It will enhance the cultural life of the borough no end.

Philip Mirfin, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for the regeneration, and his team should be applauded for their efforts, not just in creating these new plans but for listening to the feedback they’ve received and acting on it. Bravo.

CHURCH NOTES

Ready?

“ARE You ready for Christmas?” was a question I was asked by my dental hygienist a couple of weeks ago. With her fingers, a mirror and instrument in my mouth, I replied with some difficulty, “Naagh”, which was the nearest I could manage to “No”!

I suspect that I am not the only one unprepared, and there is so much to do. I have heard that some people already have all their presents packed and labelled and their Christmas Cards written. How do they do it?

Just as we are busy getting ready so the church has entered a period of preparation – Advent, which began last Sunday. Advent, which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ is a time of preparation in relation to two events, two ‘comings’ – the birth of Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago (his first ‘advent’) and the return of Christ yet to take place (his second ‘advent’). So we are both preparing to celebrate a great event of the past and anticipating a climactic event in the future.

As a consequence this is a time of mixed emotions. Looking back we are filled with joy as we remember the birth of Jesus. That is because God has come to us in a human body to reveal himself and, by his death and resurrection, to be the means of bringing peace to a troubled world.

Though many individuals have found peace and new life in Christ through faith, our daily news continually reminds us that we are indeed in a troubled world, afflicted by tension, strife, hatred and bloodshed.

So our gladness in recalling the first coming of Christ, is accompanied by a longing for the second. Christ’s second coming will be at an unknown future date when everyone will see him, not as a tiny baby but as a triumphant king.

He will initiate for his people and his creation freedom from all harm and eternal harmony, justice and peace. Jesus invites us all to be ready for that wonderful day. Sadly, those unprepared will miss out.

Why not share in the Advent preparations and Christmas celebrations in a church near you?

Peter Jackman is a member of Norreys Church, Wokingham

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 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

Thanks to kind passers-by who helped Mum after fall WE wish to thank all passer-bys, and a special thank you to Andrew, staff from The Flower Shop, Newbury Building Society and Michael Hardy & Sean the off duty paramedic who helped and stayed with our mum/in-law/wife Alicia Russell upon her falling and dislocating her shoulder on Friday 27th November (around 14.30-14.45) on the pathway between Michael Hardy and Newbury Building Society.

From Jim (husband), Sara & Steven (children) and Sarah Russell (daughter in-law) Sara Russell, via email

The new A329M layout ‘really isn’t dangerous’ I AM getting so bored of reading repeated reports that the new layout on the A329M is “dangerous”. It really isn’t (I drive it every day too).

Before the work started, there was a LOT of publicity about the planned changes on local news websites and radio, on the council and Highways England websites, on social media, not to mention the multiple roadside signs on the carriageway itself.

This all continued while work was ongoing too.

So ‘everyone’ using the road had more than ample opportunity to look at the plans and get in touch with the qualified civil engineers at Highways England who apparently didn’t realise they were creating a so-called potential death trap <eyeroll>.

But curiously, it was only when it was too late and the works were completed that people decided to complain.

As it stands now, there is a big sign approx 1 mile from the M4 junction. Then another sign, and on-road markings a further 1/2 mile on, followed by a big red sign warning of a new road layout. Not to mention the short broken white lines (complete with cats eyes) as the lane split approaches, which are clearly different to normal lane dividing lines.

If drivers still can’t manage to get in the correct lane after all that, then it suggests the fault lies more behind the steering wheel than anything - especially those who have been down the road more than once and are still struggling with it!

It’s time to re-think the A329M THE recent traffic chaos on the A329M came as no surprise to me.

I’d tried in vain to get this futile and expensive project cancelled well before the diggers arrived, but the wheels of bureaucracy were already turning.

The money could have gone to a far more useful scheme that would benefit the whole of Wokingham, but the council preferred short-term financial gain at the expense of long-term planning. The current chaos gives us a chance to re-think the A329M so that it’s truly fit for the 21st Century.

The section of A329M north of Winnersh was long since downgraded to a ‘Restricted A-Road’, with its hard shoulder converted to a bus-lane. Why should the rest of this road to Coppid Beech remain as a motorway? Does the A329M have to be a fetish symbol for the local council? Why can’t it be downgraded in a similar way?

For a start, at little cost, we would have a third lane from Coppid Beech northwards, allowing joining traffic time to merge. The slip-roads around Junction 10 don’t work properly in peak times. Traffic on the A329M is reduced to a crawl. As a quick win, why not burn-off some of the crazy white lines, thus saving money on installing road-signs and clearing up from traffic accidents?

Believe it or not, the A329 on both the London Road and Reading Road has plenty of spare capacity. However, at present, both sections are clogged up with traffic aiming for the M4 which shouldn’t be there.

Many years ago, the Woosehill Planning Inspector predicted that these roads would eventually become congested unless M4bound traffic were able to join the A329M at some point south of Junction 10. It’s not too late to look long-term; after all, our planners will now have to find locations for many more houses after 2026, so start planning the roads now.

The North Wokingham development was allowed to develop piece-meal with no real thought given to the strategic road system. But even now we have a

It seems that these armchair experts in highway construction just don’t like change and are moaning accordingly, when they had many months to make their views known to Highways England but didn’t bother.

Having contacted them with a minor query about it

chance to bypass the residential areas of Emmbrook to reach the Reading Road. Why not take it?

The Emmbrook School will lose much of its catchment once the new secondary school opens at Arborfield Garrison. Why not specialise as a sixth-fom college to rival that at Farnborough, freeingup space alongside for a link road on the flood-plain next to the Emm Brook?

In engineering terms, it would be relatively easy to fabricate a road bridge on-site to pass under the railway, as has happened at Cow Lane in Reading. Far easier than rebuilding the bridges on Finchampstead Road.

I would be happy to debate this subject at a public meeting in the New Year. Is anyone up for it?

Steve Bacon, Arborfield Cross

myself, I know exactly how easy it is to do so, and how helpful they were in responding.

Everyone complaining has made their beds, now they should just (quietly) lie in them!

Caroline Jones, Wokingham

GOOD ADVICE

Understanding the process of bankruptcy and what it means to you

Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer IF YOU have no money to pay back your debts or have so little that it will take you years, bankruptcy might be one of the options available to you.

This article explains what bankruptcy is, who is eligible and how to start working out whether it’s right for you.

Bankruptcy is a form of insolvency. These are the main points: n You don’t have to deal with your creditors yourself - The official receiver takes control of your money and property, and deals with your creditors n Things you own may be sold and used towards paying your debts, such as your house or car n Most types of debt are written off when you’re discharged from bankruptcy, normally after a year Going bankrupt involves going to court. It could cost you up to £705. This comprises an initial court fee of £180 plus a deposit of £525, which you pay with the petition. There are some circumstances where you can apply for the court fee to be cancelled or reduced.

You will pay more if you use a solicitor, although using a solicitor isn’t necessary. Your name and bankruptcy details will be published on the national register of bankruptcies, called the Individual Insolvency Register.

There’s no minimum amount of debt required to go bankrupt. If the value of your unsecured debt is

greater than the value of the belongings you own, such as property or vehicles, it may be an option for you. Unsecured debts include things like credit cards, personal loans and store cards.

If you have belongings (assets) like a house, car, savings, antiques or electrical goods, that you could sell to clear all your debts, but choose not to, bankruptcy could be refused.

As well as applying for bankruptcy yourself, someone else you owe money to can also apply to make you bankrupt, even if you don’t want to go bankrupt. For a creditor to make you bankrupt, you must owe at least £5,000.

If you’re considering making yourself bankrupt or a creditor is trying to make you bankrupt, you’ll need expert advice. You can get advice about your debt problems and bankruptcy from your local Citizens Advice office.

Bankruptcy can offer a fresh start to some people, because your debts are usually written off and your creditors can’t take action against you. You’ll also normally be allowed to keep certain things like household goods and enough money to live on during the bankruptcy period.

However, bankruptcy may have a serious impact on your day-to-day life. You have to follow certain rules called ‘restrictions’ during the bankruptcy period. The bankruptcy restrictions you’ll have to follow say that you can’t: n Get credit of £500 or more without telling the

lender about your bankruptcy. n Act as a director or get involved with setting up, promoting or running a company without permission from the court. n Carry out a business in a different name from the one under which you were made bankrupt, without telling everyone you do business with the name under which you were made bankrupt. n Act as an insolvency practitioner.

You could also lose your home, be barred from working in certain jobs and find it very difficult to get credit for several years. This means it’s extremely important to find out about how bankruptcy would affect you, in your particular situation, and what other options you may have for clearing your debts before you decide to apply for bankruptcy.

When the bankruptcy order is over, you can make a fresh start and the money you owe is usually written off. In most cases, this can be after only one year. Most types of creditor have to stop action to get their money back following a bankruptcy order.

To find out more about bankruptcy, or other options that might be open to you )particularly if you have a small amount of debt) visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk, or call or visit your local Citizens Advice. 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

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

VIEWPOINTS | 17

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

No comment?

T

HE British are a funny lot, we invent things, talk about the weather, commiserate over the latest football/rugby/cricket scores and we keep our upper lips stiff, so that our chins won’t quiver either.

Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be, we sigh for the good old days: when food had to be queued for; petrol was on ration; and we kept mum, just like dad did.

Most of the time we’re like the Stig who, some say, has almost automated Tuesday and loves to abseil down Thursday. We keep calm, tighten our belts, and carry on.

But occasionally something intrudes into our lives, at the moment it’s Syria.

I’m sure that in better times Syria’s a wonderful place. But it’s full of Syrians and to us Brits that’s a bit worrying, because they want to come here. So as John Cleese is reported on the Internet as saying, we’re raising our security level from “miffed” to “peeved”.

Where we live, some of us have gone past that. After the residents’ meeting the other week we’re upping security from the next level, “irritated”, and are headed for “a bit cross”.

As a nation, the British haven’t been “a bit cross” since the blitz.

That was when tea supplies nearly ran out and we couldn’t make our builders a cuppa.

But things have changed since 1940 and the builders have too. They’re now developers; who’ve been recategorised from “tiresome” to a “bloody nuisance”.

The last time the English reached a “bloody nuisance” level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish armada.

Here in deepest darkest Winnersh, it seems that we were looking the other way when developers ran the Hatch Farm application by the borough council’s Planning Committee. Who passed it.

So the developers are coming, like it or not.

However, we’re a resilient and resourceful lot. So as the planning juggernaut moves on and we’ve reached what is called the “reserved matters” stage, comments are actively invited again.

Although most feel a bit Marvin (“what’s the point”) about making comments, those comments CAN make a difference – as we found out on Friday, when we met with “them” – the developers.

More on that later.

The Residents Liaison Group (otherwise known as the RLG, or just “us” when the mood suits) had been preparing. We’d been gathering views since the “by the residents for the residents” session.

“Them” had asked “Us” for a meeting, ostensibly to listen to ”our” views. What came as a bit of a shock was that “they” did.

Listen, that is.

Okay, so there was also a “robust discussion”. As well as a “frank exchange of views”. But that came after “Us” had been on the receiving end and our qualities were being challenged. What stung, was that the challenge was justified.

We do so hate being told we’re in the wrong. Especially when “we” were.

Undeterred, I broke out the spare shovel. That’s the third one.

Which I hardly ever use when digging myself into a hole. After chewing up the paper that I’d prepared for a short speech, I waded in.

Yes, one can do “short”, but it takes time to prepare; “long” can be done any day of the week.

The principle of Mutuality just about demanded a bat back, but rather than bang on about “their” qualities, the plural went to the singular and the RLG feedback went from a warm simmer to a hot boil as that shovel made short work of moving the manure pile into the rotating device.

Even “our” chairman warned me “we’ve only got 30 minutes Tony”, so by the time we could both see at least one of “their” chins quivering, it was time to end. One all.

But before we finished, “they” delivered a bombshell.

The cable trench has been shifted. So there’s news - Tree 41 is safe!

Crikey – they do listen (or read) and act too.

So when it comes to giving your views on planning applications, “Regeneration” perhaps, should you give up ?

No!!!

Comment!

Tony Johnson is a member of the Hatch Farm RLG who has been wading through the detail of the 7, now 8 applications. He is learning to speak Planning and has submitted “one or two” comments on the main one 152359.

Tony Johnson

EARLIER this week, Sindlesham based reader Clive Hollingshead visited Dinton Pastures. The popular beauty spot is a haven for wildlife - and for wildlife photographers! Clive said: “I went to Dinton today for a walk and captured the grey heron having a splash around – it was the first day of winter! I call this one ‘Lunch’.” It’s a great shot that really captures the moment. Well done Clive. 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.

S

O THE vote to bomb Syria went as expected – and the world, as expected, is probably no safer.

Whatever you believe, whether it is right or wrong, it’s happening.

The first strikes apparently hit oil fields – and it’s there that the majority of IS’s money is made.

A recent report said 237 engineers and 1,107 workers help to produce the oil in those wells so they will probably be ‘collaterol damage’ you’d expect.

But who is buying these vast quantities of oil, around 33,000 barrels a day?

I hope as much effort is being put into finding that out as is being put into fuelling those RAF fighter jets.

Meanwhile the hard-Left group Left Unity today urged its supporters to deselect the 66 Labour MPs who voted with the Government.

The organisation published a full list of those backing military action on Twitter under the heading ‘warmongers’, urging members: ‘Deselect them now’.

Isn’t it sickening though to see some of the real party trolls seem to prefer taregting young female MPs?

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

Sickening to see trolls target female MPs

Parliament voted to bomb Syria this week – leading to online bullying of female MPs

A new verdict in Pistorious trial

I followed the Oscar Pistorious murder trial slightly obsessively. On given days during it I could have quoted trial judge Masipa verbatim.

So I felt like a jury member (there was no jury of course as they don’t have them in South Africa).

If I had been one I would have found him guilty of murder because I believed unlike the judge that the principle of dolus eventualis should not be discounted ie if you foresaw the possibility of your

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

actions causing the death of someone but went ahead anyway.

Of course Pistorious knew the shots he fired could kill – he fired four of them all roughly in the same place.

I am just pleased for Reena Steenkamp’s family that they have now got the verdict they wanted.

But it is going to be odd when he is resentenced by Judge Masipa.

A great Wokingham tradition Wokingham is ramping up the Christmas spirit and it’s great to see the Living Advent tradition goes on. Check out where and when at www. wokinghampaper.co.uk and get yourself along to all or some of them. n This may not be a blog but I do have one I made earlier if you are interested – hilarymscott.wix.com/hilaryscott

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18 | VIEWPOINTS

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Wokingham’s people

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

OH, MR SMITH!

Remembering two familiar faces

A wry look at life

Be miserably happy

Kat Banks with some of the girls she met in Ghana and left.

.

M

ADVENTURE

Kat strikes GOLD with guiding in Ghana Kat Banks spends her working week in one of Berkshire’s leafiest spots, Dinton Pastures in Hurst, where she is an instructor and administrator. She has just returned from Ghana, where life is very different for girls and young women. Kat headed up a team of five other Girlguiding members and worked to develop the country’s guiding – and give girls the skills and confidence they need to follow their dreams, writes SALLY BRYANT

K

AT Banks joined the Brownies when she was seven and Girlguiding has been a big part of her life for almost 20 years.

Last year she seized an opportunity to share the benefits with others overseas – and now her success has led to a second life-changing trip.

Kat, from Wokingham, joined a team to work in the Gambia last year.

She impressed organisers and so was chosen to be part of the two-and-ahalf-week project in Ghana in October.

The 26-year-old joined five Girlguiding members to take part in the Guiding Overseas Linked with Development scheme – otherwise known as GOLD. Since 1991, GOLD has been offering young women between the ages of 18 and 30 the chance to

develop their potential, improve their skills and make a long-lasting positive difference in communities as far afield as Honduras, Madagascar, Russia, South Africa and Thailand.

Kat helped to deliver exciting projects including developing the idea of a national Leadership Training qualification, training girls and young women in team work, leadership and advocacy, and sharing ideas for group activities.

And, as she told The Wokingham Paper, the experience was fulfilling and an eye-opener.

“We were working directly with the Ghanaian Girlguiding Association and I was in touch before we went.

“We were working with the training committee to help develop guiding

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Berkshire Scouts supports scouting in more than a hundred communities across Berkshire providing fun, challenge and adventure for more than 8,500 young people aged 6 to 25.

The 4th Wokingham Scout Group wants your help to create every day adventure. The group, on Rose Street in Wokingham, is looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers to help lead their Beaver Colony (ages 6-8) on Wednesday evenings.

At present there is no Beaver Leader

in their country. There are lots of members, but we were helping them to develop.

“Much of it was showing them how we run guiding, doing practical sessions to learn leadership and teamwork.

“We also did some consultation work. We asked the girls what they wanted to do, and tried to give them the confidence to say what they wanted to do – it is all about skills you don’t learn at school.”

Kat hails from Cheshire, but she moved to this area for her job, which sees her instructing on the water and leading environmental activities. Her first home was in Maidenhead, which is why she is a leader with Maidenhead Division senior section.

“I work with girls aged between 14 and 25. It is aimed at people who come through guiding, then get to 14 and think what’s next?

“Not everyone wants to go into leadership straight away, some people just want the social aspect.”

Her involvement has certainly given Kat confidence and skills she put to good use in Accra, Ghana’s capital.

“For me, it was a really good

opportunity to develop my own leadership skills, in a foreign situation.

“The biggest challenge for me was leading a team of people from across the country, who I had known for less than a year and only spent about seven days with before the trip!

“GOLD has given me such confidence in leading groups and making my voice heard.

“I am currently working on my RYA Senior Instructor qualification which means I will start leading and mentoring the instructor team at my work. I feel much more confident about this now I have lead a GOLD project!”

And as she strides ahead, the girls she met in Ghana will stay in her heart.

She said their culture is so different, everyone is so laid-back compared with our “regimented” way of life, and there are not as many opportunities for girls.

But the women of the future she met had big dreams and high expectations – and she really hopes they reach their goals. n For more information on GOLD and how to join Girlguiding – the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK – go to www.girlguiding.org.uk

with Helena Badger as work commitments led to the existing leader stepping down. With your help we can save the Beaver Colony from closing!

Beavers develops young people through fun, challenge and adventure.

The position is voluntary and primarily involves helping to run the exciting activities with the children, as well as go on fun trips and outings.

You could get involved. From abseiling to zorbing – we do it all.

We can offer you a free DBS check, free training, masses of career skills,

and a great chance to improve your CV. There’s also plenty of support from fellow volunteers and the chance to meet new people. The most important part is that it’s fun and incredibly rewarding. n The Citizens Advice Bureau gives free, confidential advice on every subject from debt, benefits, housing and employment, to law, immigration and discrimination.

It is independent and gives advice in an unbiased way.

The Woodley CAB is looking for

a volunteer to help with reception/ administration to help on Wednesday from 9.30am-3.30pm, but would be happy to accept a role share with one volunteer to cover the morning and one to cover the afternoon.

These are just two of the roles we are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books.

To find out about these or any other roles, call us on 0118 977 0749, email wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk

OST of my friends are too busy to spend any time with me or so they say. It could be me of course. What aren’t they telling me?

But friendships are a key to mental health and that elusive goal of happiness. Would you describe yourself as a contented person? Do you spend time with people?

Most people seem far too busy to fit small fun activities into their week.

According to official studies middle aged women are much more likely to suffer from stress because many juggle the demands of the paid workplace with family life including, as mentioned a week or so ago, meeting the needs of aging parents.

What do you mean you can’t afford a live-in nanny – work harder.

If you feel too stressed to enjoy life it could be because you are a people pleaser. Some of the people you’re trying to please however may not even value what you do.

Someone I know was recently hospitalised for this very reason – trying to squeeze too much into his week. He even visited someone in a hospice on Saturday mornings – the only free day in his week.

The patient asked him if he could occasionally send his wife instead. I candidly asked him why he didn’t visit someone with a life-threatening illness on Saturday afternoons too – purely for the purpose of pointing out that none of us can ever do enough.

No-one is forcing us to spend all our time doing stuff. We drive ourselves through misplaced motives. I bet the carousel of your life is just spinning faster and faster.

I hope you’ve finished your Christmas shopping. If you invite me to Christmas lunch I would expect at least a four-course meal with champagne and canapes for aperitifs plus some five star games afterwards.

Press the pause button – you need to enjoy the run up to Christmas too. The game is basically over for another year once the 25th arrives. Now is the time to enjoy Christmas.

If you think people are pushing you too hard you sometimes have to say no. We all need to pace ourselves – for the sake of the people we answer to otherwise we risk early physical or mental illness.

I recently read that the UK is the most busy but least productive country in Europe in terms of ‘GDP’ – personal productivity.

People tell me you can learn how to be happy? This involves taking physical exercise, practicing mental exercises to avert negative thoughts, acknowledging your sadness, psychoanalysing your emotions, resolving your self-esteem issues and being helpful to people outside your family.

Blimey. No wonder I’m a grump. As if I haven’t enough to do already.

The wife tells me that contentedness is all about setting yourself small achievable goals.

This might be learning something new at a pace that doesn’t stress you.

It might be small achievements each day.

Our family motto when the kids were small was ‘Be good, kind and happy’. Now they quote it back to me. “What a man sows…” etc.

Tell me what makes you happy by writing to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

19

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20 | SCHOOLS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

Press pack

We want to hear from you! Send your stories, pictures and poems to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS.

Under 20? Here’s the page that you can write!

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

The foundations of a great education CHILDREN from a school in Hurst got hands-on experience of building a real house at a development near Maidenhead last month.

Year One pupils from Dolphin School, in Waltham Road, visited a Shanly Homes development, Boulters Meadow, as part of their project on homes and houses.

The children placed bricks on the foundations and had a look around at the various build stages in the houses and apartments, as well as a finished show home.

Stewart Kirk at Shanly Homes (Thames Valley) said: “We had a fantastic day with the Dolphin School – the children had learnt a lot in school prior to the visit and were able to ask lots of questions about the house building process.

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

Site visits are a great way of getting young people interested in the construction industry and we hope that the trip to Boulters Meadow really enhanced the Dolphin Schools’ students’ learning experience.”

Alison Alderson, Lower School Coordinator said “Our topic for the term is Homes And Houses and we were delighted when we were invited to Shanly Homes’ Boulters Meadows housing development. The children were very excited to be dressed as real builders, with their high visibility jackets and hard hats and it was amazing for everyone to see all stages of modern housing construction from the foundations through to the Main picture: Phil Mason, a Shanly Homes building manager, and headteacher Alison Anderson, pictured with finished show home.” children from the Dolphin School in Hurst. Inset: Children getting their hands dirty on site.

What is included?

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

Need to regular dental visits?

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

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

Students say bonjour to assistant Max STUDENTS at a school in Sonning are enjoying a taste of France in their language lessons thanks to the expertise of a classroom assistant on a cultural exchange.

Reading Blue Coat School, in Sonning Lane, welcomed Max Graveline at the beginning of the autumn term as a French Language Assistant as part of the British Council’s Modern Language Assistant programme, which aims to bring language and culture to life for pupils in the classroom.

Max, who is from Lorient in Brittany, decided to join the programme after graduating from university.

He said: “I graduated with a degree in Foreign Languages last year, and I chose to apply as a French Language Assistant mainly because I wanted to live abroad for a time and improve my language skills before starting my working life.

“I’ve been here for only two months and I’ve already met good friends,

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

Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent

READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Our membership scheme is available for only

helpful colleagues and endearing students.

“I assist the French teachers during their classes, mainly by answering the questions and doubts of the pupils, and I also work with the Year 12 and 13 students that are studying for their AS and A2 level in French; I try to help them with their spoken French.

“I don’t know about the average French level of the other schools in England but my students are rather good, which allows me to discuss interesting subjects with them.

“It is at the same time intense and interesting because I constantly need to exercise my initiative and creativity in order to offer activities that match the level of my students and arouse their curiosity.”

Aran Maddocks, Blue Coat’s Head of French, said: “This is the fourth year that we have employed a French assistant from the British Council and, like his predecessors, Max is proving to be a real asset to the department.

“Our Language Assistants for French, German and Spanish take weekly conversation classes with Sixth Form students and this regular contact

• •

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

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

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

Cultural exchange classroom assistant Max Graveline speaking to Year 13 students Matthew Treston and Will Kay.

enables the pupils to truly develop their spoken fluency.

“Max also works alongside teachers in the classroom, where he helps to

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

deliver lessons. It is clear that our junior language learners really enjoy having a young native speaker to support them.”

For more information, please contact us on

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

An out of this world science experiment with Lego ON Wednesday the 4th November, our Evendons Lego figures, went into space! At 6am I had to go somewhere near Marlborough for the launch.

First of all I had to add helium to a large balloon, next I watched as the two men from ‘Sent into Space’ connected the parachute to the balloon. Finally the men connected the box that had the Lego figures attached to it: we called them Aaryen and Amy. The box was filled with rocket pictures that the rest of the school had drawn. Finally the men

•

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

EVENDONS SCHOOL

By AARYEN LABANA, AGED 7

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)

told me to let go after the countdown: ‘10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and let go!’ I let go and it flew up into space. The balloon went 35,000 feet high before it popped.

Later we went into the men’s truck and on the screen they showed the balloon going up into the stratosphere where the balloon popped and then they showed us where they thought it would land. I went with my Dad and followed the van as it tracked the balloon. We were headed for Fleet.

On the way back we stopped at Subway for breakfast with Patrick, our headteacher. Eventually

visit our website at

What is included?

You do not need to be dentally fit to join we approached somewhere near the destination.

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMS a new patient examination “The men told us but the balloon had landed in a field,is • 2 Hygienist visits I was given a phone which hadsigning a tracker onIfittreatment which required before up. led me to the box.

I ran to it and found the Lego men • Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract and parachute.

• 15% member discount on treatment a member discount of 15% is We then returned to school and showed thegiven. rest (excludes specialist and implant treatment) of the school the amazing video of the journey into space. It took about two hours for the balloon to go into space and about 20 minutes for it to fall back down to earth. For It wasmore an awesome day. information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, n To watch a video of the launch visit visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into http://bit.ly/1NnAHNs

www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.

Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

WELLBEING | 21

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Back and Neck Pain TheRoad, Orthotics (inserts into the7ET shoe) that are custom 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Earley, Reading RG6 Arthritis made from the0118 scans can be extremely for the Neurological Conditions www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 966 8601 helpful following conditions: Sports Injuries n Heel pain n Lower back pain £5 off assessment when you use n Knee pain n Foot / Ankle pain 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham R n Hip pain www.berkshirephysio.co Pronation of the foot can have an effect on the knee, causing an internal rotation. This can have an impact on the muscles that support the leg.

In some cases this can lead to a pain in the outside of the thigh (Ilio Tibial Band syndrome) and into the hips (Piriformis syndrome).

A still from A Good Death –Molly’s Story, a film produced to help families decide on end of life care.

Pain which is localised to the front or medial aspect of the knee is normally caused by over pronation of the foot 52% of deaths among those between 75-84 years old It’s never easy talking about death, (flat feet). take place in hospital.

The pronated foot can cause the knee to internally so our local NHS team have produced “The proportion of people dying at home or in care rotate resulting in a misalignment of the knee cap leading homes continues to increase, but there’s more to be a video about good, end of life care. to irritation of the Patella Tendon known as Patella done,” says Dr Barrie.

JOHN WAKEFIELD explains Tendonitis or Chondromalacia.

“Early conversations with patients and their Lower back pain can often be a result of poor foot carers is vital.”

TEAR jerking new film by local clinical function and can occur if a patient has a condition known Local commissioners are working hard to ensure commissioning groups shows how one as Ankle Equines. patients’ wishes are respected.

Berkshire family was able to ensure their Ankle Equines can cause a hyper extension of Alongside encouraging early discussions, doctors beloved mother could die at home and with the knees and a forward tilt of the pelvis resulting in the area are using an ‘electronic palliative care minimum pain. in the patient suffering from Sacroiliac joint pain. record’.

Commissioners are now asking families to ask Lower back pain can also occur from other This means that vital information about carer’s their loved ones about their wishes and not to be biomechanical imbalances of the feet such as pronation details, patient’s wishes on resuscitation and afraid to discuss end of life plans with their doctor. and supination. preferred location for death is available to every “Our job isn’t just about health and survival,” says Heel pain occurs when the plantar ligament beneath professional caring for someone at the end of their Dr Barrie, Thames Valley Strategic Clinical Network the foot is constantly pulled and strained due to the foot life.

End of Life Lead. collapsing into pronation or supination.

The new film, available on YouTube, tells the story “This new film is a great example of what can be This causes a condition called plantar fasciitis or of Molly and the care team that surrounded her achieved through good, end of life care.” heel spurs. towards the end of her life.

Factors most important to people at the end of There can be many different foot types that can be “Molly got to die at home, her dignity preserved their life are often; having pain and other symptoms affected by this condition and it can aggravate all areas of and with no unnecessary medical interventions. managed effectively, being surrounded by loved ones All families in Berkshire should expect the same level the foot including the heel, inner or outer arch and even and being treated with dignity. and quality of care shown in this film,” concludes Dr the ball of the foot.

Dying in a preferred place is important too.

Barrie. n For further information please contact John Established over 25 Matthews years, weatoffer a personalised In a recent survey only 3% of respondents stated n A Good Death – Molly’s Story can be seen onfor YouTube Berkshire Physiotherapy Centre on by following this link: http://bit.ly/agooddeath that they wanted to die in hospital yet, nationally, 0118 966and 9601. for over 25 years, we offer a personalised service withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team.

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Flexible So my challenge to you for 2016 is to get to know somebody new in Wokingham. If you are not connected to a group or an organisation give it a go!

Healthwatch is always looking for people to help further our reach.

We offer a really flexible volunteering scheme where you can offer as much or as little time as you wish, as frequently or infrequently as you wish – roles including being a Mystery Shopper, Healthwatcher & Doer, Healthwatch Champion or Information Postie.

We are completely dependent on you telling us about how local health and social care services are run locally. Without your stories we would not have any intelligence.

There are so many benefits to volunteering; you will meet new people, learn new skills, have a sense of purpose, be healthier physically and emotionally. There are academic studies to show that helping others kindles a sense of happiness. Did you know that people who volunteer live longer?

So this festive season make a commitment to give to your community in order to receive something great back.

Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough.

Opinions expressed in this blog are her own

Bringing you WELL the very best in BEING care and recovery

NHS

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WAS astounded by just how many of you attended Wokingham Winter Carnival last weekend despite the blustery weather (and grateful to all those who politely but begrudgingly took a Healthwatch leaflet from me!).

It made me realise why Wokingham is voted the best place for families to live in the country, it is not just about the schools, economy or green spaces – it is about the friendly and genuine community spirit that means people actually care about one another.

I saw so many people stopping to chat to one another, it was heart warming!

Dr Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness, finds in the results of a national assessment of UK values that “sense of community” makes people feel they belong to an area. Wokingham offers many opportunities for people to connect, we have an array of clubs and societies as well as community based organisations run on a shoe string and dependant on volunteers.

We recently visited the Westmead Centre, which provides support for adults with physical disabilities, primarily those who have an acquired disability through MS or a stroke.

We heard how service users felt attending the centre improved their independence and stopped them being isolated. The friendships and opportunity to meet was valued above anything else.

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22 | HERITAGE

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

Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

HERITAGE | 17

Inassociation associationwith with In

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

REMEMBRANCE REVIEW

The united first two-minute silence The country past which hasforshaped our present...

Last looked at two of the Four Pillars This week week we MikE ChuRChER reviews of The Cenotaph and The theRemembrace Wokingham–Remembers articles Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

This of the past four months and discussesweek, MIKE looks at the Poppy Appeal some CHURCHER of the factors which contributed and the first Remembrance Day of 1919 to the making of Wokingham and its environment.

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Wokingham Remembers page has EMEMBRANCE Day was complete been providing an early except for one final story,picture the Red of howItaseems small shocking market town a Poppy. to usand now, few villages ontheir the edge of from a forest is the today but on return war, exranked as one of the servicemen were notcountry’s treated asleading heroes, but communities. shunned and seen as competition for jobs.

Education, transport, The war hadreligion, ensuredindustry, that Britain’s social structures, national politics and markets had collapsed when its global local government all important customer’s soughtare alternative suppliers. pieces in building the great The result was a scrabble forWokingham jobs to feed jigsaw.

Hereatnow is aMany summary ourto the mouths home. wereofleft contributions to date and a in few ideasof on wander from town to town search the next of resentful articles. that women work andround became

had also stolen ‘their jobs’ – it was not the Education, Education, land fit for heroes as had been promised Education and the men were angry.

Today’s Wokingham is renowned as Historically, such rejection was not one of the country’s centres of excellence uncommon, the British sailors who for education; this is partly due to strong fought off the Spanish Armada were held school performance and the motivated back from port and died off shore from parents who live in one of the most starvation and disease. The nation, it highly educated communities in the UK. seems did not possess the funds to pay If we look into the history of them.

Wokingham’s schools we can see British soldiers were also the subject how education is woven into its DNA. of fear; they were hardened warriors Prior to the Great War, Wokingham now and the times were unsteady with was surrounded by manor houses and revolution becoming pandemic across members of the landed gentry who Europe. Money needed to be raised to wanted to be close to the levers of power; support the servicemen if tragedy was to i.e. the royal households of Windsor. be averted and the newly formed British In turn these upper echelons Legion, with Douglas (now Earl) Haig at possessed a serious sense of duty its helm was to become instrumental in and a responsibility to ensure their providing some of the relief required. As community received at least a basic we now know, the seeds of Remembrance education. Wokingham also had a often came from experiences of the early powerful professional class, a strong part of war and the poppy is of that ilk. church community (including the nonA Canadian officer, John McCrae had conformists) and together they shared observed the poppies during the Second a strong belief in the importance of Battle of Ypres in 1915. Wild flowers often teaching. emerged from the mud, but poppy seeds The result was with the skills, the in particular can lie under ground for motivation and the finance available, years and will not germinate until the there developed a culture of education earth is disturbed. McCrae, sickened by which still holds strong to this day. death and yet inspired by the glorious Wokingham transport colours of the poppies, then wrote ‘In Transport is probably the single Flanders Fields’. most inpublished Wokingham’s Theimportant poem wasfactor at first development, in its rail road anonymously, butboth by the timeand of his death systems. in January 1918 he was famous enough Future accolades articles will look at the one of to receive and wreaths, introduction of the railways and the which was made from poppies.

A remarkable sequence of town and major impact they had on the events tookmade place.aThe idea of the we havethen already start with road system mapping out came the course poppies sold by to raise money from of the oldMichael Forest Road.

Moina who ensured the poppy Whilewas the building had a emblem taken upof bythe theM4 American major influence on the introduction of the Legion. high tech businesses whichGuerin now surround A French woman, Anne Wokingham, is the A329M which observed thisitand used the idea to raise in 1975 to cuthelp off the Forest and money rebuild theRoad areas of its France natural connections between Emmbrook devastated by war. By 1920 the idea had and the villages to of the Hurst and Binfield. been presented British Legion’sThe love Haig and hate with our Earl whorelationship quickly declared thatrail andmembers roads continue thisaday! all shouldto wear poppy on Remembrance Day. military Wokingham’s He was held in such high esteem that heritage his words were to spread like wild fire As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the across the nation. The Legion, unsure of Battle of Waterloo, there have been a its success initially ordered 1.5 million number of articles commemorating this artificial poppies, but such was its world changing event. popularity that shortages took places and The area has always been noted for prices were soon fetching £5 a piece. its contribution to the nation’s military A total of 9 million poppies were capability, with Arborfield’s REME, eventually supplied across the country.

RFA and Remount connections and the It was a staggering response raisingallin Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges 1921, £106,000 (£4 million today). In 1922, situated very nearby. theEven Legion 41 severelytook disabled theemployed Duke of Wellington to war veterans to produce the poppies at a living in Stratfield Saye, which today is rate pieces a day. onlyof 301,000 minutes away from Wokingham’s Thecentre. appeal for 1922 however, required town not the 350,000 they could make but 30 Wokingham’s million!

By 1930, the Poppy Appeal was raising £600,000culture (£30 million) a year, benefactor using produce them Thelocal arealabour aroundtoWokingham wasand surrounded by many remarkable 90% of the net income going straight to individuals and Fund. they were instrumental in the Benevolent building much infrastructure What the makes thisneeded enterprise so which underpinned the establishment of outstanding was that this was achieved a strongone community. during of the lowest points in our We willhistory. later be telling the story of the economic Walter family and their contributions to Remembrance Day. the building of Wokingham but in April Not forgotten first weekly issue, we told the story of the The making of Remembrance is a much loved Arthur Hill, the 6thDay Marquess very human story of people from all of Downshire.

Although of Britain’s wealthiest walks of life one trying to find ways to help landowners, Arthur as the the families of then Hill anddoubled now, come to chief of the the local Fire Brigade and was a terms with shocking experience major to to this part of of war.financial Althoughcontributor it is difficult Wokingham’sinpublic services.the enormity encapsulate two minutes Later articles will the of remembrance, theillustrate 11th of November demise ofa these greattomanors andof their remains day close the hearts incumbent social system and the rise of millions.

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

its replacement: local government.

The first two-minute silence London in 1919 Wokingham’s wildinside andBefore John McCrae’s inspirational we believe too muchpoem. in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a The first Remembrance Day solidly sedate experience, May’s article of 1919 told the story of the rioting in the town Victory Daythe was an of enormous centre during time the 1857 success, General but what to do with November 11th, 1919, Election. theSuch firstevents Remembrance Day? sight in were a common was this nowshort the Cenotaph to battle act theThere town and and bloody as a focalthe point, butand what could between Whigs theevent Tories also take place which would the highlighted the Bush andsymbolise Rose hotels in Market as the headquarters of these essencePlace of remembrance and have two feral coverage? groups. One observer of the national The story was able to reflect war noticed that also when coffins of the dead upon thebynational and the corrupt passed a crowd,scene a hush would descend nature elections before the upon it,ofsogeneral why not a moment of silence? introduction of the private A letter appeared in the ballot.

Times.

Future will include further In spitearticles of the protestations of King tales of V anarchy and revelry in this olda George who thought it unworkable, market town.silence was called for on the two-minute 11th November, Wokingham1919. at War Trains,are boats and vehicles would There watershed moments in all stop and the people stilled and silenced history which mark the moment of great into contemplation; thethe firstGreat minute change in a society and Warfor of the dead and thesuch second for the families 1914-1918 is one time. still living. a number of centenaries Therefore It worked a point, but there was still between 2014toand 2018 will commemorate the great losses of war something missing; there was no grave which theto people of Wokingham for thescarred mourners visit and even if one for the rest of the 20th century. existed, it was faraway on the continent.

May’s thetype storyof act Thereedition neededfollowed to be some of two brothers from Langborough that would symbolise the final act of Road in Wokingham town. One of our coming home.

historians, Sarah Huxford, also took us on a journey to the old battlefields in search of their graves. This story reflects only a microcosm of the losses around the county of Berkshire, but affirms the importance of the wars in the development of our local character.

The story was told in June, and also commemorated the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Runnymede in 1215.

Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’

To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are now entering into their summer holidays.

Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s difficult to visualise just how rural the editions than to tell the stories of the area once was and in part explains the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons sometimes fragile relationship between influence on the area before Wokingham the old and new Wokingham; few was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? areas in the UK have witnessed such David Nash Ford provided a set of extraordinary growth and change in the articles and puzzles which makes profile of its population. history fun for the young and no doubt Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. a market place for agricultural and Here’s to the next round of articles! commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Town. term ‘forest’ did not mean a Bacon, Sarah shouldJim be Bell, bestDavid spent.Nash It is aFord, fascinating The The People’s Memorials cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski story of how the Council solved the It might be of surprise to some that the down by royalty for the protection of and Peter Shilham forupallwith theirancontinuing problem and came answer local memorials we see by the thousand their hunting grounds. contributions. that was to serve the community for the upThese and down therules county were not onerous restricted local All this work is provided by our next 60 years. organised by government. people from using large parts of the land local historians free of charge and n Next week,on wethe willfront lookpage at how They were aand local the loss can for sustenance in response part led totothe be found of the Wokingham Council thought out the of their loved ones and some Councils rise of local highwaymen and general Wokingham Remembers website best way to remember its dead. The even rejected idea. the subsequent lawlessness.

Asthe a result, www.wokinghamremembers.com solution work out, butatwhen it Not Wokingham Council Black Act of 1723 came downhowever, heavily on Thankstook alsoyears to Mark Ashwell these ‘Wokingham resulted in TradeMark for supporting the paper’s came it resonated throughout the whole who embraced theBlacks’ idea ofand a memorial, either their transportation or execution. commitment community. to this project. but became troubled by how the money

Wokingham and the Royal Forest

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

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Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 23

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

THERAPY

Let all your troubles just float away

GEMMA DAVIDSON finds an hour of ‘floating’, a new alternative therapy, at Berkshire’s only dedicated centre the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work.

F

LOATING is the latest innovation to sweep the world of alternative health and therapies and one company in Pangbourne is leading the revolution in Berkshire.

Floating Point, which is based in Horseshoe Road, is the only dedicated floating centre in Berkshire, and since opening earlier this year has welcomed the likes of the Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey Club through its doors to benefit from the healing powers of floatation.

Having never experienced floating before, I was slightly apprehensive before my first visit. Upon arriving at Floating Point, owner Michael Cordova welcomes you and explains the floating process.

Every visitor is booked into their own private room, complete with floatation pod and shower cubicle, which is lockable from the inside. Visitors are encouraged to shower before entering the pod, and to float in the nude to feel the full effects of the experience.

The futuristic-looking pod is a lot bigger than you would expect, big enough to sit

upright but contained enough that you don’t feel lost. Fully-controlled from the inside, with a panic button in case of emergency, visitors can choose from complete darkness, a steady blue light or alternating coloured lights for the duration of their float.

Once inside, gentle music is played for 10 minutes to lull you into a state of relaxation.

After that, it is just you and the water, densely-saturated with Epsom salts, for the next 50 minutes.

Closing the lid of the pod is not as daunting as it may appear, with the blue light on you can see around you while you get into a comfortable position. If you have never floated before, the sensation of floating in a gravity-free environment can seem strange at first, and the urge to keep your head above the water can be hard to overcome.

But gradually, as the minutes tick away, you find yourself relaxing more and once you realise that you really aren’t going to sink (the water is only a matter of inches deep anyway) then you start to let go.

Many people have emerged from floats

claiming to have experienced nearpsychedelic episodes, seeing colours in the darkness, hearing music that isn’t playing or just finding themselves on a meditative journey of self-exploration.

I found that I was very conscious of my movement, and felt like I was floating towards a waterfall at times, even though I hadn’t moved a centimetre. After my float, Michael explained that this is very common as the sensation is such an alien one that the mind tries to overcompensate for the lack of gravity and tries to make sense of what is going on.

After what seemed like no time at all, the gentle music returns and I know my float experience is coming to an end. When the time is up, jets automatically start inside the pod to let you know it is time to get out, and to thoroughly cleanse the water before the next person.

Expecting my skin to be entirely prunelike after being submerged in water for an hour, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my skin felt incredibly soft and moisturised, and not prune-y at all!

After exiting the pod you are encouraged to shower to wash off any excess salt from the skin, but I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing aroma of the all-natural shampoo and conditioner provided free of charge.

THE MILL

Stepping Out for an alternative to panto CHRISTMAS time is here again, and while many revel in the spectacle of the traditional panto, others can think of nothing worse.

Which is why The Mill at Sonning is offering refuge in the form of Richard Harris’ Stepping Out. Set in a North London church hall, Stepping Out follows the weekly meetings of a ladies’ – and one gent’s – tap-dancing class. Displaying various degrees of ability, the class click, clip and cluster their way through the various steps under the watchful eye of Mavis (Amber Edlin).

All of the characters have a different reason for attending the class: bold as brass Cockney girl Sylvia (Janine Leigh) wants to lose a bit of weight, wallflower Andy (Angela Sims) wants to boost her confidence, and feisty Maxine (Michelle Morris) just wants to show off her

moves! And when over-enthusiastic Vera (Elizabeth Elvin) joins the troupe no-one is safe from her tell-it-like-it-is attitude, especially not Geoffrey (Richard Gibson).

The gang is thrown into disarray when Mavis announces that they are to perform in a charity concert so they have to (literally) get their act together to put on a show their friends and family will be proud of.

The production is up to the usual high standard that one comes to expect at The Mill – a thoroughly convincing set complete with incredible detail down to the posters on the noticeboard and the scuffs on the skirting, even down to the scene changes where the characters interact with each other while striking the props and changing their costumes.

Everything has been well thoughtout and placed to keep the audience

as immersed as possible and it works perfectly.

What I particularly enjoyed about Stepping Out was not only the attention to detail, but the attention to continuity, and how every character seemed to improve as the show went on. In the first scene Andy can barely keep her arms and legs together, but over time we see her gradually gaining in confidence and skill.

You come to really love these characters, and you will them to succeed. You can’t help but leave feeling a little sense of pride in what the characters have achieved, and feel privileged to have watched them blossom. n Stepping Out runs until January 16. Tickets start at £49.50 which includes dinner and a programme. For more information visit www. millatsonning.com or call 0118 969 8000.

GEMMA DAVIDSON

Once redressed, I left the tranquility of the treatment room and emerged like a butterfly from its cocoon back into the real world.

Floating Point provides hairdryers in a separate area for customers, and a relaxation lounge where you can take a breather and enjoy some of the centre’s home-made sorbet.

Some say that floating for an hour gives you the same benefits as four hours’ sleep, and I would have to agree.

I felt incredibly relaxed, and the feeling stayed with me for a good few days afterwards. My skin also felt nourished and rejuvenated, and my hair felt soft and smooth.

Floating is recommended for those who suffer with chronic pain, or to help recover from an injury, but if like me you just fancy an hour to yourself where you can completely escape from the world, floating is an excellent way to unwind.

ROUND TABLE

Santa is coming to town... and you can track him using GPS! SANTA Claus has gone all hi-tech this year and fitted his sleigh with a GPS tracker so you can follow him online.

Thanks to Wokingham West Forest Round Table Father Christmas and his sleigh will be visiting streets across Wokingham throughout December, spreading a little festive cheer while raising money for local charities.

The annual procession started in The Brambles, Crowthorne, last night (Thursday), and residents can follow Santa’s progress through his very own ‘Santa Tracker’, a GPS locator, and can come and find him.

The sleigh will be visiting the following areas between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on weeknights, and 5.30pm to 8.30pm on weekends: n Friday 4 Heathermount Drive n Saturday 5 Edgcumbe Park Drive n Monday 7 Eastheath Avenue n Tuesday 8 Ruskin Way n Wednesday 9 Dorset Way n Thursday 10 Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh n Friday 11 Hawkedon Way, Lower Earley n Saturday 12 Northway n Sunday 13 Keephatch Park n Monday 14 Crutchley Road n Tuesday 15 Emmbrook Road n Wednesday 16 Oxford Road n Thursday 17 Clifton Road n Friday 18 Rances Lane n Saturday 19 Beanoak Road n Sunday 20 Easthampstead Road n Monday 21 Glebe Park n Tuesday 22 Plough Lane n For more information visit www. facebook.com/WWFRoundTable

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, December 4 CROWTHORNE – High Street.

Christmas shopping evening.

5pm-8pm.

EARLEY – Earley St Peters School Hall, Church Road.

Earley St Peters School mini Christmas fayre. 3.30pm5pm.

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

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

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Shared aloud reading group. 10.30am.

Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – London Road RG10 9EL. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Street fayre.

6pm-9pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Patrick Allies’ Siglo de Oro: A Christmas Passion. 7.30pm. £12.

Details: www.wokingham concerts.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Local Barber Shop, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Living Advent Calendar.

6.15pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. 10am-4.30pm.

Saturday, December 5 EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club.

Wham/George Michael tribute act: Taking The Michael. £8, no under 12s.

Details: www.ehgsc.co.uk or 0118 926 5936.

EARLEY – Network Vineyard Church, Woodley Hill House RG6 1HH. Christmas Community Fete including crafts, fun stalls, photo booth and more. 2pm-4pm.

EARLEY – URE Museum, HUMSS Building, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading.

Young Archaeologist Club launch event for ages 6-16.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 378 6990.

GRAZELEY – Village Hall, Church Lane RG7 1LD. Christmas Icing concert with Belle Canto, includes posh Christmas tea in interval. 2.45pm. £12.50. Details: 0118 988 8051.

LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Midnight: a night of R&B, rock n roll and soul.

8pm. Non-members £10.

Details: 0118 931 3965.

SPENCERS WOOD – One Stop stores, Basingstoke Road. Grand opening event with face painter, raffle and

prize for 100th customer.

11am-2pm.

SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall.

All Saints Church Christmas market and coffee morning with children’s activities and gift stalls. 10.30am-1pm.

TWYFORD – URC Church Hall, Church Road RG10.

Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Twyford Studios Christmas Fair.

10am-5pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Churchyard and Mill Green leaf collection. From 9am, all ages welcome, wheelbarrows and rakes welcomed. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Saturday storytime for ages 3-5.

10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Christmas singalong, led by town mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin. 11am-noon. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. All Saints Flower Guild presents a Christmas workshop. 9.30am12.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6700.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – The Grape Escape, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Station Road. Christmas wonderland for special needs children. 12.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. 10am-4.30pm. Carols for Christmas with the Forest Singers. 7.30pm. £8.

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

Sunday, December 6 FARLEY HILL – Entrance to King George’s field, Castle Road, RG7 1UB. Mid Berks Ramblers five-mile walk.

Come dressed for the weather. 10.30am-1pm.

Details: 07784 627247.

TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow, Stanlake Lane RG10. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015:Twyford Comets’ Charity Football Match.

11am. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – From Foster Wheelers to Barnardo’s High Close School. Bikers toy run. 2pm.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Handel’s Messiah performed by the Gandolpho Playets. £12.50.

4.30pm - note time. Details:

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough MUSIC

Hallelujah! Celebrate Advent with Messiah ONE of the most famous Christmas musical pieces will be performed in Wokingham on Sunday.

Handel’s Messiah returns to All Saints Church following last year’s sell-out performance.

Once again the Gandolpho Players and the award-winning robed choir of All Saints choir will lead the concert, which starts at 4.30pm.

Messiah is probably the best-known and best-loved piece of classical music ever written and makes a perfect start to the Christmas season. It tells the story of the nativity, crucifixion and resurrection, and includes the great Hallelujah Chorus.

This gala performance will be led by violin virtuoso Beatrice Scaldini and soloists Philip Salmon (Royal Opera House, New York www.wokinghamconcerts. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Wokingham Town Team Christmas market. Details: www.wokinghamtownteam. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Sanpa, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm.

Details: www.wokingham-tc. gov.uk/advent WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. Noon-4pm.

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

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

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Christmas Extravaganza.

10am-3pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Winter Extravagnza: Enchanted Players and facepainting from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Refreshments available to purchase 10.30am-3pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Winter concert with the Jewel Tones. 7pm. Details: 0118 966 2568.

Monday, December 7 FINCHAMPSTEAD – California Ratepayers’ Hall, Finchampstead Road, RG40 3RL. California Gardeners’ Club meeting Christmas party. 7.30pm. £2. Details: 0118 979 3730 or 0118 978 1432.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm.

Details: 0118 988 4771.

TWYFORD – Bridge House Nursing Home, High Street RG10 9AQ. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: carol singing with Colleton School. 4pm5pm. Free. Details: www.

The Gandolpho Players will perform with All Saints Choir

Opera), Miles Horner (Opera North, Impact Opera) and Marie-Anne Hall (Deutsche Oper Berlin).

Richard Smith, director of Music at All Saints Church, said: “Our December performances of Messiah seem to be establishing themselves as an essential part of Wokingham’s Christmas.

“It’s great to see more and more

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

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Writers forum. 10.30am-noon.

Monday Bookworms book group. 2.15pm3.15pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit, Stitch and Natter.

2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent

Tuesday, December 8 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: The Lobster (15).

8pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Knit and Natter. 4pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Reminiscence Club.

10.30am-noon. Twyford Reading Group book discussion. 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 934 0800.

TWYFORD – Buratta’s at The Royal Oak, Ruscombe Lane R10 9JN. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Festive bell ringing with Shiplake Handbell Ringers.

7.30pm. Free. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Chatterbooks for ages 7-11.

people are enjoying the church as a concert venue, and this is the perfect time to share mulled wine and immerse ourselves in some excellent music.”

The concert is expected to last around two hours. Tickets cost £12.50. To order visit www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk or on the door. Admission is free to under 19s.

4.15pm-5pm. Details: 0118 979 7519.

SHINFIELD – John Heggadon Room, Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green RG2 9EH. Shinfield and District Local History Society meeting.

7.45pm. Details: 0118 988 3580.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Horticultural Association Christmas Social. Light buffet supper with entertainment from the Crowthorne Village Singers.

Tickets £5. 7.30pm. Details: Pat on 0118 961 9779 or Pauline on 0118 978 9039.

WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Storytime for children ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm.

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

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

WOKINGHAM – H2O, 5 Old Row Court, Rose Street RG40 1XZ. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am.

Crafts and Laughs. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, December 9 TWYFORD – URC Church Hall, Church Road RG10.

Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Twyford XFactor Christmas special.

6.30pm. Free. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Coffee morning. 10am-noon.

Knitwits Knitting Group.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Hope & Anchor, Station Road

RG40 2AD. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents HMS Pinafore. 7.45pm. £14, £15, concessions available. Details: woodleylightoperatic. ticketsource.co.uk or 0333 666 3366.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Shared aloud reading group. 10.30am.

National Careers Service.

Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, December 10 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Suffragette (12a). £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

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

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2.30pm-3pm.

Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – Costa, High Street RG10 9AB. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Father Christmas at Costa. 3pm5pm. £5. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Winnersh Book Group. 7pm-8pm.

Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Film Society presents: Trash. £6.50. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys

Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting. Christmas social. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670.

WOKINGHAM – TG Art Gallery, Peach Street RG40 1XJ. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Arts and crafts market.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place. Lunchtime concert: Cameo Singers.

Free entry, noon-1pm.

Donations to Mayor’s charity, Macmillan Cancer Care. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Beading Group. 10.30am12.30pm. Home educated book group for ages 7-14.

Booking essential. 10.30am11.30am. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. Teen Book Group for ages 11-18. 50p.

4.30pm-5.30pm. Travellers Tips and Tales with Katrina Barnes. 6.30pm-8pm.

National Careers Service.

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

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents HMS Pinafore.

7.45pm. £14, £15. Details: woodleylightoperatic. ticketsource.co.uk or 0333 666 3366.

Friday, December 11 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5.

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

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

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

Details: 020 7219 4205.

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

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

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

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

HARE HATCH – Hare Hatch Sheeplands, London Road RG10 9HW. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: The Enchanted Players presents The Snow Queen’s Christmas Visit. 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm. £5. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Baptist Church, Maiden Place.

A Christmas With C S Lewis, a play. 7pm. From £12.

Details: www.lowerearley baptistchurch.org.uk MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 2pm-2.45pm.

Details: 0118 966 6630.

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

Christmas window display exhibition.

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

Details: 0118 901 6176.

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Church ramble. 10am.

Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

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

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Pyramids in Britain and Ireland with David Winpenny. 2pm-4.30pm. £3.

Details: 01491 838803.

A trully rewarding piece of filmmaking

Carol (15) ««««« Stars: Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett and Kyle Chandler

P

LENTY of us love a big, dumb blockbuster – the box office statistics are testament to that. But once in a while, a thoughtful, intelligent and – in some ways – low key film breaks into the mainstream and reminds us how exhilarating it is to watch an exceptionally rich, well made and well-presented piece of screen literature.

That’s precisely what Carol is. It’s so beautifully and masterfully constructed that you can actually read it in the way cinema was always meant to be read, with every filmic decision deliberate, and imbued with meaning. You devour every symbolic nuance and signifier, whether it’s the eponymous Carol’s warning-flag penchant for red or the way in which our view of her is at choice moments obscured.

Director Todd Haynes has previous with this kind of work.

Adept at not only constructing period pieces that reflect the time, he also painstakingly recreates the filmmaking methods and techniques of the era.

Proving himself with the 50s-set Far From Heaven, where – as with Carol – he deals with forbidden love and holds a magnifying glass up to the social norms of the day, he cemented his reputation with TV mini series Mildred Pierce (based on the 30s-set 1945 Joan Crawford cinema classic) before turning his attention to Carol.

Taking its inspiration from the Patricia Highsmith novel, The Price of Salt, the story concerns a love affair which blossoms between a well-to-do woman of some social standing and a down-at-heel shop girl. It explores familiar Haynes subject matter – of strong, progressive women who fall victim to the unenlightened times they’re living in.

We come to learn as the film progresses that Carol (Cate Blanchett) is seeking divorce from her husband following revelations of romantic entanglements with another woman – Abby (Sarah Paulson). But the couple have a daughter and Carol wants custody. However, the courts, having got wind of her ‘immoral activity’, and her husband have other ideas.

Could this newfound love with Therese (Rooney Mara) – a woman some years her junior – be doomed from the outset?

A Douglas Sirk-soaked melodrama, Carol also has notes of film noir, just as Mildred Pierce does, while looking at it through a modern lens bestows it with a satirical edge.

Restrained and moody, Haynes injects a Brief Encounterstyle feeling throughout – beginning at the beginning, when we see Carol and Therese interrupted during a tete-a-tete in a restaurant. This is a moment that comes around again later in the film, after the back story is filled in, bringing with it a greater resonance. Looking back, there are hints at what is to come – or what has been, rather – and sadness pervades.

A tender touch on the shoulder which is at first puzzling, innocuous even, and yet tonally somehow melancholic becomes deeply sorrowful and touching.

Blanchett as Carol – signalled in early scenes as the noirish femme fatale – is sultry, sassy, enigmatic, yet unhappy – a feeling that’s mirrored in the younger, confused Therese.

With perfectly measured doses of dialogue, there’s not an ounce of flab in this wonderfully executed, meticulously balanced film. Treating audiences with the respect they deserve, Haynes affords us the privilege of doing a lot of the work for ourselves. The result? An extraordinarily rewarding experience.

Set sail for a comedy classic in Woodley Featuring a fantastic musical score with some uplifting chorus numbers and inventive duets and trios including the famous For He Is An Englishman, HMS Pinafore by the Woodley Light Operatic Society is not to be missed!

The show opens on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, December 12, at the Oakwood Theatre in Headley Road, Woodley.

Performances start at 7.45pm with a Saturday matinee at 3pm. n Tickets start at £14 and are available from woodleylightoperatic. ticketsource.co.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366.

AN all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy is ready to dock at the Oakwood Theatre as HMS Pinafore sails into Woodley.

The Gilbert and Sullivan classic tells the tale of Ralph, a lowly seaman, and Josephine, the Captain’s daughter, who struggle to control their feelings for one another while Josephine’s father, Captain Corcoron promises her hand to General Sir Joseph Porter.

The Captain manages to upset his crew, his daughter and the General all in the space of one day, how can it possibly end happily?

The cast of Woodley Light Operatic Society’s production of HMS Pinafore

The acoustic couch Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Talented teenager Aaron can play!

Here at the Couch, we’re always looking to encourage musical journeys. Here, JODY Mc looks at one talented teenager

His parents are part of a band and one of my favourites at that.

The band in question? Spriggan Mist.

This means that Aaron has been around musicians and bands all his life, so it’s no wonder that he started playing the drums when he was just four. Start early and an instrument can really help in so many ways.

Now he’s 14, and has already played with several bands, even deputising for Spriggan Mist.

He also played the drums on a track on their debut album Caught In A Spell, and bass for a track on the album Ghostly Tales. He’s even performed with them live.

Not enough? OK, Aaron plays bass in an ‘adult’ band called Pixiephonic.

And it does not stop there! Are

I

LIKE to keep my eyes open for unsung heroes in and around music.

Here’s one such talent. The young man goes by the name of Aaron and, like any youngster, he gets up weekday mornings and attends school, has a curfew and, I’m sure, he undertakes chores around the house to earn a bit of pocket money.

Something tells me he rather enjoys his chores.

Let me step back a little and elaborate.

Aaron is from a musical family.

STR8TS Medium

4 3

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

5 6 5

9 9 1

6

1 8 5

3 2 4

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

No. 258

Previous solution - Easy

9

3 4

made the full time sound “man “ when he turned 13.

Self-taught, he films and produces Spriggan Mist TV (a YouTube channel all about Spriggan Mist).

He also recently won Garth’s Got Talent playing drums for a band he has formed with his school friends at Garth Hill College called The Undecided and he has also produced a demo recording for the group, using his parents’ home recording studio.

His photos of live gigs have been commended by professional photographers (we’ve even used a picture in the paper).

Any money he earns from his sound or gigs gets ploughed back into his kit, he’s always upgrading, always trying to improve his work.

I did say he is only turning 15 on his next birthday didn’t I? Wow what a role model, and quite a find for my occasional unsung hero segment.

I like this one.

What a lad.

SUDOKU

No. 258

2

you breathless yet?

This talented teen can also play the mandolin, bouzouki, keyboards, a bit of guitar and owns a 1903 harmonium pump organ.

The lad’s got more going on in his life than they’ve got prizes on The Gadget Show.

In between all his music responsibilities Aaron has been lighting and creating back slide shows for Spriggan Mist for a number of years.

He started doing sound for Spriggan Mist on their Ghostly Tales tour and, because of his knowledge of the songs, being around Mum and Dad and the band meant, with his amazing yet casual ability to turn his hand to anything creative he puts his mind to. With the band enjoying the way he mixes, he was

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

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

Very Hard

9

9 8 5 3 2 4

2 5 3 4 7 9 8 1 6

6 4 7 1

5 9

1

5 8 3

2

4

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

2 1

5

Previous solution - Tough

3

4 1 8 9 7 3 6

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

Kim Taylor-Foster

HMS PINAFORE

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

AT THE CINEMA

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

7 8 9 1 2 6 5 4 3

1 4 6 3 8 5 9 7 2

8 6 5 9 4 1 2 3 7

9 3 1 7 5 2 6 8 4

4 7 2 6 3 8 1 9 5

6 2 4 8 1 3 7 5 9

5 1 7 2 9 4 3 6 8

3 9 8 5 6 7 4 2 1

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

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

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

26 | PHOTOS 24

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THETHE WOKINGHAM PAPER Friday, December 4, 2015 WOKINGHAM PAPER Friday, August 7,

Keep those special moments forever

NOW YOU CAN ORDER PHOTOS ONLINE

Over the past few weeks, we have been out and about at numerous events across the borough and in the process taken thousands of photographs – only a few make our pages every week.

Now we’re delighted to say – due to the popular demand – that you can now buy a copy to keep forever.

We’ve teamed up with industry experts newsprints.co.uk to offer you the ability to order prints and digital copies of the pictures that we take. So far, more than 1,400 pictures have been uploaded and that figure is growing daily.

Have look through, browse our archive, place an order with our secure checkout and wait for the pictures to be delivered to your door.

wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

Get your business seen!

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Evendons Primary School are consulting on their Admissions policy Closing date 31st December 2015.

For further details please see the website: http://www.evendons-primary.co.uk/ ?page_id=1172 or contact the school office on 0118 9791054.

DECORATING

Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Reach local people

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

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

Also general building and allied work.

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

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today

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 Making Your Night One To Remember.

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

MAKE £250!

Call 0118 966 6600

SERVICES

Notice of Statutory Consultation

CLASSIFIEDS | 27

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Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash

A discrete and discerning service.

Over 30 years experience from an award-winning writer.

For initial discussion email: annonymousep5@gmail.com

Get your business seen!

Email advertising@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

Don’t get your hands dirty!

Call us today

07789 122100 Sell your items for free DINING TABLE with two benches. All solid pine 113cm long, 58cm wide.

Excellent condition. £100 ono. Details: 0118 977 6277.

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

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

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.

VINTAGE PYREX GRAVY BOAT. Chelsea pattern 19x 7 cms high

no damage excellent condition £7 ono Details: 0118 971 2952.

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.

HAND BELL /SCHOOL BELL .

Brass with wooden handle 8½ins good condition £35 ono. 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

30

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

WE WANT YOUR CAR THINK YOU CANT AFFORD A NEW CAR? £2,000 We’ll Give You

Scrappage for your old car to put towards a BRAND NEW Eden Vauxhall

PLUS ZERO DEPOSIT ON ALL NEW CARS IN STOCK

CORSA ENERGY

£129 Per Month For 36 Months

ADAM GLAM

MOKKA EXCLUSIV

£0

Deposit

£189

Per Month For 36 Months

£0

Deposit

£169

£139

Per Month For 48 Months*

BRAND NEW ASTRA EXCITE

£216 City Steer, Fog Lights, Electric Windows

Per Month For 36 Months

£0

Deposit

0% APR

Per Month For 48 Months*

0%

NEW GENERATION APR ASTRAAlloys, 1.4 SRI USB, Bluetooth Reading 38 Portman Road, Berkshire, RG30 1JG Tel: 01189 606223

www.edenvauxhall.com *Adam 1.2 Glam cash price £12,900 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1840 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £9,600 – 35 monthly payments of £139 – final optional payment £4,766 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £13471 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Corsa 1.2 Energy cash price £11,600 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1300 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount to credit £8300– 35 monthly payments of £119 – final optional payment £4,538 – 4.5% representative APR – total amount payable £12003 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv cash price £17,400 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £3210 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £16,112 – 35 monthly payments of £189 – final optional payment £6,345 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £18170 – the contracted mileage over the full term is 15,000 miles. Astra 1.4 Excite cash price £17,920 – customer deposit £0

–E e

R

?

all

sit

31

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

EDEN VAUXHALL

ALL USED CARS

0% £0

UP TO 5 YEARS

DEPOSIT

NOTHING TO PAY

UNTIL 2016 £0 £139

£0 £139

£0 £139

Air Conditioning Alloys

Air Conditioning Cruise Control

Air Conditioning Seven Seats

2014 CORSA

2013 ASTRA

2012 ZAFIRA

Deposit

Per Month

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

%

R

nergy 7,400 – osit £0

Reading 38 Portman Road, Berkshire, RG30 1JG Tel: 01189 606223

www.edenvauxhall.com – Eden Discount £3,818 - amount of credit £8,112– 48 monthly payments of £169 – 0% representative APR – total amount payable £14,102 – Based on 24,000 miles for the term. Scrappage vehicle must have a minimum of 90 Days Ownership. £2,000 scrappage allowance on your part exchange regardless of condition, mileage or age. Offer also excludes Viva, Corsa Sting, Corsa Sting R and previous generation Astra. These offers supersede ant other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excess mileage will be charged on the above vehicles. This promotion is available on the above model and is available on Eden Vauxhall stock only. Cars must be registered by December 15th 2015. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Applicant must be 18 years or over. Finance by Vauxhall finance, PO Box 6666 Cardiff CF15 7YT and Black Horse finance St William House Tresillian Terrace Cardiff CF10 5BH. For further please contact your local Eden branch.

Your weekly puzzle challenge

32 | PUZZLES

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 6

4

17

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7 25 14

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NONAGRAM

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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

OH! CHEESECAKE SANK

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.

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.

AE

LI

YO

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).

VT

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C C

A P

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5

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.

YE

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.

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.

3 2 1

R

S

9 2 4

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 6 8

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ACROSS 1. In a panic and showing no flexibility? (6,5)

EQUALISER 6 12 6 2 6 2 2 5 2 1 3 5

Hard

7

4 3

S

DL

AO

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

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

D

RI

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SUDOKU Easy

A

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7

32

N

AB

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AE

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FIVE ALIVE DW

3

10. Martinique is part of which islands?

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 P through openings in the walls. The M first letter may appear in any chamber.

I R

B A G

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

2

14

WORD PYRAMID

R O E

1

1

13

9. What is the name of Sigourney Weaver’s action heroine character in the Alien films?

5. What is the country of origin of Chihuahua dogs?

20

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8. In archaeology, what is a robber trench?

4. What name is given to a temperature of minus 273.15 degrees C?

8

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

10

7. What are members of the family Phasmidae with an elongated cylindrical body better known as?

3. In 1996, at which track did Frankie Dettori ride all seven winners at a single meeting?

17 17

6. What is the name of the fourth book in the Harry Potter series?

2. By what names were Robert LeRoy Parker and Henry (Harry) Longabaugh better known?

25 1

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1. What colour is the adult beluga whale?

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

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DOWN 2. Swear about revolutionary body’s leather covering (7) 3. Tool used by a dissolute 9. Fast living (5) person? (4) 10. Discover one is not at 4.

Change shape of French home (4,3) mould (6) 11. First man to construct a 5. Stubbornness of very small barricade (4) urban population? (8) 12. Cry aloud that the golfer 6. State I’d removed plants (5) has the title (8) 7. Boringly traditional 14. Hesitates at using last letter sequence of steps – as substitute (6) definitely not performed at a ball! (6-5) 15. Still crackling (6) 8. Endure pain, although it is 18. Add eleven back at the end enough to make one sick (11) of the book (8) 13. Champion to put up with (5,3) 20. Mountain in Sicily or in 16. Ancient god I see, say, on Vietnam (4) ill-fated ship! (7) 22. Cautious with vehicle 17. Oil mixed in foreign wine? needing fuel adjustment (7) It’s a fiddle (6) 23. Start off without a meal (5) 19. Covered entrance for Spanish church (5) 24. Not much warning from a terse placard (5,6) 21. Strip of wood to remove last (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

5

7

6

9

10

10

11

11

12

11 13

17

14

15

16

21

22

22

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25

24

26

23

28

29 29

14

13

18 19

20

7

8

27

28

30 31

32

SOLUTIONS

4

ACROSS 1. Publican (8) 6. Step (4) 8. Health resort (3) 9. Instrument played against the teeth (4,4) 10. Break off (4) 12. Pivoting bar (5) 14. Drunkard (5) 17. Fruit tree (4) 18. Pull apart (8) 20. Protective clothing (8) 24. River mud (4) 25. Burdened (5)

33

26. Vertical line on graph (1-4) 29. Stereo equipment (2-2) 30. Widespread outbreak (8) 31. Loose carpet (3) 32. Change course (4) 33. Nazi emblem (8) DOWN 2. Piece of news (4) 3. Christian festival (6) 4. Musical lines (6) 5. Catch sight of (4) 6. Clergyman (6) 7. Alpine house (6)

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

19.

21.

22.

23.

24.

27.

28.

Bobbin (5) Idled (5) Answer (5) Knock (3) French capital (5) Right-hand page (5) Hurried (3) Conceit (6) Go to bed (6) Mouth secretion (6) Soundless (6) Barrels (4) Flat circular plate (4)

2 8 6 9 5 1 3 4 7

5 1 7 4 8 3 6 2 9

4 3 9 7 6 2 1 8 5

1 4 2 3 9 5 7 6 8

6 9 8 2 4 7 5 3 1

7 5 3 8 1 6 4 9 2

8 7 4 5 3 9 2 1 6

9 2 1 6 7 4 8 5 3

6 8 4 5 9 3 7 2 1

3 6 5 1 2 8 9 7 4

EASY SUDOKU

W

14 1

L

15 2

J

Y

X

16 3

CROSS CODE

E

1 2 3 6 4 7 8 5 9

7 9 5 1 2 8 3 4 6

3 5 9 8 1 4 6 7 2

8 7 1 3 6 2 5 9 4

2 4 6 7 5 9 1 8 3

5 6 2 9 7 1 4 3 8

4 3 7 2 8 6 9 1 5

9 1 8 4 3 5 2 6 7

HARD SUDOKU 17 4

I

H

O

18 5

Z

A

19 6

C

G

20 7

R

U

21 8

N

Q

22 9

F

WORD PYRAMID: Scrimp and scrape.

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

Total: 9.

MAGIC SQUARE: cask; ache; shoe; keen.

K

23

M

10

P

24

B

11

S

25

V

12

D

26

T

13

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Licensee; 6 Pace; 8 Spa; 9 Jews harp; 10 Snap; 12 Lever; 14 Toper; 17 Pear; 18 Separate; 20 Overalls; 24 Silt; 25 Laden; 26 Y-axis; 29 Hi-fi; 30 Epidemic; 31 Rug; 32 Gybe; 33 Swastika.

Down – 2 Item; 3 Easter; 4 Staves; 5 Espy; 6 Pastor; 7 Chalet; 11 Spool; 12 Lazed; 13 Reply; 14 Tap; 15 Paris; 16 Recto; 19 Ran; 21 Vanity; 22 Retire; 23 Saliva; 24 Silent; 27 Kegs; 28 Disk.

dance; 8 Stomachache; 13 Stand for; 16 Titanic; 17 Violin; 19 aerobe; agree; akee; arbor; bake; baker; bare; barer; barège; barge; Porch; 21 Slat. bargee; bark; barker; barre; beak; beaker; bear; bearer; begorra; boak; boar; bora; borage; brae; brag; brake; break; breaker; BROKERAGE; eager; eagre; garb; gear; gerbera; grab; kora; okra; orra; rage; rager; rake; raker; rare; rear; roar.

Down – Dykes; Llano; Abide.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Scared stiff; 9 Quick; 10 Find out; 11 Adam; 12 (2) Across – Waive; Rider; Heady.

Down – Worth; India; Early.

Proclaim; 14 Ersatz; 15 Static; 18 Appendix; 20 Etna; 22 Careful; 23 Lunch; 24 Short notice.

NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Cuirass; 3 Rake; 4 Deform; 5 Tenacity; 6 Flora; 7 Square-

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 White; 2 Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; 3 Ascot; 4 Absolute zero; 5 Mexico; 6 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; 7 Stick insects; 8 Where the original stone foundations of a wall have been removed; 9 Ellen Ripley; 10 The West Indies.

(1) Across – Delta; Khaki; Stone.

FIVE ALIVE:

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 IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

Hawkedon defend schools title HAWKEDON saw off stiff competition from Beechwood to successfully defend their Wokingham Primary Schools’ Hockey Tournament crown.

In taking the honours the Lower Earley establishment will once again represent the borough at the School Games, which take place at Bisham Abbey in Buckinghamshire next March.

Third place at the competition, which was held at Sonning Hockey Club last Thursday, went to Winnersh Primary, with Shinfield St Mary’s CofE finishing fourth.

Played for the first time under floodlights, some 120 schoolchildren battled it out against rival classmates, which was a record number for the event.

“There were a few schools who attended who are new to playing hockey matches and this was great to see,” said Gwenda Lappin, Wokingham Schools Games Organiser and tournament chief.

“As this competition has grown in popularity over the past few years, the intention next season is to allow even more schools to compete.

“The tournament is a fantastic way for these young players to take part in an afternoon of hockey fun and hopefully to encourage them to join local clubs.

“For many of these players, this was their very first hockey match, so it is

Hawkedon celebrate winning the tournament

Pictures: Paul King

great they are to experience this at such a family friendly club such as Sonning.”

Mrs Lappin went on to praise Chris Manning, the director of junior development at Sonning, for his help and support.

He recruited a number of volunteers at the club to help with umpiring, time keeping and any other necessary jobs on the day.

“I am extremely grateful for their (Sonning’s) continued support,” added Lappin.

The competition was one of several School Games events which take place across the academic year in Wokingham.

Boccia, new age kurling, tag rugby, football and sportshall athletics have already taken place so far this term.

Exactly 120 children took part

It was a record attendance for the event

UNITED IN VICTORY!: Woodley take bragging rights in the Thames Valley League — Page 38

WOKINGHAM HOCKEY CLUB

Atkins and Patel goals are in vain

GOALS from Craig Atkins and Ravi Patel could not prevent Wokingham Men from slipping to a narrow 3-2 defeat at local rivals Bracknell.

The hosts took the points at Birch Hill Recreation Ground courtesy of strikes from Bracknell and Wokingham locked the Fox-Harvey duo of Alex and Sam and horns Pictures: Andrew Merritt Ciaran Ryan. move above Henley Ladies 3s via a better A disappointing afternoon for Wokingham was compounded even further goal difference.

With little separating the two teams, with the news Oxford Hawks 3s were 2-1 both will be going out to try and grab a winners over fellow strugglers Slough, meaning the Men drop to the bottom of the first victory of the season when they meet in a basement battle at Cantley Park on MBBO Regional Division 2 table.

Saturday.

Away at Windsor in Division 3, Duncan Push-back is 3pm.

Clarke and Matt Taylor were on target for In Premier 1, WOKINGHAM LADIES were WOKINGHAM 2S, who shared the spoils in no match for table-toppers Reading 2s, a 2-2 draw. who ran out 6-1 winners to remain above Hitting the backboard for the home side Sonning at the summit via a better goal was Danny Knowles and Sean Wright. difference.

The point moved Wokingham up to A second successive defeat saw ninth in the standings.

Wokingham drop a place to 10th.

It was a difficult trip to Abingdon 2s for Fixtures - Saturday WOKINGHAM 3S, however.

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Wokingham Men Guests of one of the early pacesetters in v Sonning Division 7, the away side went down to a DIVISION 3: Wokingham 2s v Oxford Hawks 5s heavy 6-1 loss, leaving them eighth in the DIVISION 7: West Hampstead 8 v Wokingham 3s WESSEX ALLIANCE: Windsor v Wokingham Vets table.

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Amersham and Chalfont In the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Ladies v Wokingham Alliance, WOKINGHAM VETS slipped to a DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Henley 3s 3-0 home defeat against Havant Cavaliers, DIVISION 5: Wokingham 3s v Wychwood 2s from whom John Mansell, Nick Roberts and Barry Bradley added their names to the scoresheet.

Wokingham Ladies WOKINGHAM 2s hurled themselves off the foot of the Division 2 table in the Trysports League with the point secured from a 3-3 draw at Bicester Ladies 2s.

The side remain winless after 10 games, but picking up a second draw of the Bracknell edged the local derby in a five-goal thriller campaign saw Wokingham

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Four-some Ladies thrash Bracknell ahead of top-of-the-table clash SONNING LADIES ran out 4-0 winners over Bracknell to keep up the heat on leaders Reading 2s in Trysports Premier 1.

The top two, who are separated by just one goal, clash at Sonning Lane tomorrow (11.30am), where identical records will be put on the line.

Both rivals have won nine of their 10 games this term, and neither have yet to suffer defeat in 2015/16.

A solitary strike from Meg Scott, meanwhile, was enough to condemn SONNING 2S to a narrow 1-0 defeat when up against Oxford 2s at Berkshire County Sports.

SONNING 3S remain rooted to the foot of the Division 1 standings following a 10th straight defeat.

The Ladies, on this occasion, were outscored by Oxford 4s, who won the encounter 3-1.

There was no joy either for the struggling 4S, who too prop up the rest in Division 3 following a 2-1 reverse when entertaining Thame 2s.

The club’s VETERANS were also beaten at the weekend, where Margot Nicholls and Anna Mortimer struck in a 2-0 success for opponents Marlow 4s in Division 4, while in Division 6, SONNING 5S were on the wrong end of a heavy 5-0 scoreline at second-placed Witney 3s in Division 6.

The Ladies also sit rock bottom and remain without a win – or point – after six matches.

Sonning Men JONNY PARTENHEIMER hit a hat-trick to help Sonning keep up their pursuit of top spot in MBBO Regional Division 2 following a 4-2 victory over Phoenix and Ranelagh.

Tom Sampson was also on target for the Men, who sit level on points with leaders Banbury 2s after nine games.

Phil Browne and Martin Newell replied for the beaten Phoenix.

Sonning will be looking to rack up a seventh win of the campaign when away at local rivals and basement boys Wokingham on Saturday (12pm).

Also celebrating a trio of goals for the club was Colm Hanlon, who led the scoring when SONNING 2S defeated Thame 5-3 in Division 1.

Jamie Haworth and Callum Richardson were also on target for the visitors.

Thame hit back through Cliff Brown, Ben Clarke and Neil Rimmington, but it was not to be enough.

Chris Roberts’ effort, however, was scant consolation for a SONNING 3RD side which had a day to forget.

Hosting near neighbours Henley 2nd in Division 2, it was the away side who took the points in a commanding 11-1 success.

Richard Woolfrey rattled in four goals for the guests and John-Joe Cottam hit a hat-trick, while Tony Gaze, Sam Hall, Fred Newbold and Terry Pollard also notched for Henley.

It is now played nine, lost nine for SONNING 4S in Division 4 after the side went down to goals from Will Briggs and Mike Godwin in a narrow 2-1 loss at Witney 2s.

Division 8 West leaders SONNING 5S were held to a 2-2 draw by Reading Rascals. With closest rivals Oxford 7s thrashing bottom side Phoenix and Ranelagh 3s 7-0, the gap at the top has been cut to just a single point.

In Division 9 West, SONNING 7S

doubled their points tally for the season following a 2-2 draw with the team directly above them in the standings, Oxford 9s.

Fixtures - Saturday

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Reading 2s v Sonning Ladies; Aylesbury Ladies v Sonning 2s DIVISION 1: Sonning 3s v Milton Keynes Ladies 2s DIVISION 3: Maidenhead 4s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 4: Sonning Veterans v Oxford Fireflies DIVISION 6: Abingdon 3s v Sonning 5s.

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Wokingham Men v Sonning DIVISION 1: Sonning 2s v Amersham and Chalfont DIVISION 2: Maidenhead 2s v Sonning 3s DIVISION 4: Sonning 4s v Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s DIVISION 8: West: Phoenix and Ranelagh 3s v Sonning 5s DIVISION 9: West: Sonning 7s v Abingdon 3s; Wallingford 5s v Sonning 6s

34 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

THE 2015 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH SPORTS COUNCIL SPORTS AWARDS

Leonard on hand to honour borough’s sporting stars

By DAVID WRIGHT sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ENGLAND rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE and England women’s rugby player Hannah Field were the star guests when Wokingham Borough Sports Council held their annual awards evening last Friday.

A whole host of individual and team champions, successful clubs and willing volunteers who go the extra mile were honoured in front of an audience of more than 300 at Bulmershe School, Woodley.

Other guests included David Bertie, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, John Miller, a deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Cllr Parry Batth, the Mayor of Wokingham, local councillors and Keith Hunt BEM. Roland Mear, the WBSC chairman, said: “It was an excellent and very enjoyable evening.

“This was a new venue for us and we

were delighted to see the hall packed.”

Leonard, who is now president of the RFU, said: “I was honoured to be a part of it. There were so many sports represented.

“Sport breaks down barriers; it is a great way to make friends meet people, gain confidence and be healthy.

“That’s what we want of our young people.”

And the 2003 World Cup winner had this special message for the many youngsters in the audience: “It doesn’t matter where you come from, or what school you go to, play sport for the fun and the enjoyment as it brings you in friends. You can do anything you want to, so don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise.”

Those views were echoed by Hannah Field, the England international who played for Wasps and Richmond before joining Henley.

Hannah Evans is handed the Under 14 Girls award from Wokingham Borough mayor Cllr Parry Batth

“I love the sport, as I have made some fantastic friends along the way and it helped to drive me to the level where I am now,” said the former Maiden Erlegh School pupil who was taught the game

by Kevin Rackley and other coaches of Reading RC. Hannah and Leonard handed out 20 awards, assisted by representatives from those who sponsored the trophies.

There was a special cheer for little Molly Kingsbury when she went up to collect the award for Service to Disabled sport. Molly, who has cerebral palsy, is a champion long jumper.

The Bracknell AC member received the BT2000 Cup from sponsor Stan Bembenek, one of the country’s top one-legged golfers.

The main sponsors of the evening were Global Knowledge and 1Life, while the master of ceremonies was Jack Sulman.

Excellence in sport winner Jamie Liu receives his award from RFU president Jason Leonard

Pinewood Gymnastics Club’s Carol Gregory collects the Courage Award on behalf of Yasmin Taite

THE ROLL OF HONOUR

Christopher Bennett was named Coach of the Year

Pictures by Stewart Turkington

Woodley United’s Mark Rozzier receives the Service to Sport award from David Wright (right)

Best Primary School (1Life Shield): The Coombes CE Primary School Best Senior School (1Life Shield): The Bulmershe School Under 14 Girls (Ivor Baker Cup): Hannah Evans Under 14 Boys (Hurst Bakery Cup): James West Under 18 Girls (Richard Worth Cup): Phoebe Fenwick Under 18 Boys (St Paul’s Cars Cup): Sean Whyte Senior Woman (BT 2000 Cup): Rebecca Keating Senior Man (Simpson Springs and Pressing Cup): Lewis Jones Female Team Award (Global Knowledge Cup): Bulmershe Gymnastics Club Male Team Award (Reading Rugby Club Cup): Reading Blue Coat School Cross Country Team Coach of the Year (Pinewood Starr Boxing Club Shield): Christopher Bennett Service to Sport (Individual): Lindsay James Service to Sport (Club): Woodley United FC Unsung Hero Award (Chris Evans Trophy): Sarah Norville Volunteer of the Year (Wokingham Town Council Cup): Maria Willmott Service to Disabled Sport (BT 2000 Cup): Molly Kingsbury Excellence Award (Woodley Town Council Cup): Jamie Liu Courage Award (John Cunningham Cup): Yasmin Taite Spirit of Sport (Earley Town Council Cup): Sonning Hockey Club Men’s Over 40s Chairman’s Award (WBSC Chairman’s Cup): Berkshire Barbarians U18s squad 2014/15

The Under 14 Boys trophy went to Albatross Diving Club’s James West (not in photo)

Winners of the Female Team award was Bulmershe Gymnastics Club

Maiden Erlegh School’s Sarah Norville took home the Unsung Hero Award

Holt School pupil Phoebe Fenwick was named Senior Woman for 2015 Lewis Jones picked up the Senior Man award

The cross country team at Reading Blue Coat School proudly stand with the Male Team accolade

Sonning Hockey Club’s Maria Willmott was Volunteer of the Year

SPORT | 35

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Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ICE HOCKEY

Battling Bees fall to defeat Bracknell Bees 3 Sheffield Steeldogs 4

The Spirit of Sport award went to the men’s over-40 team at Sonning Hockey Club

The Best Primary School gong went to the Coombes CofE Primary

The Senior School shield was presented to Bulmershe

The deputy Lord Lieutemmamt of Berkshire with Keith Hunt MBE

Stan Bembenek presented Molly Kingsbury with the Service to Disabled Sport award

BRACKNELL BEES suffered their third loss in four days despite a late rally against Sheffield Steeldogs at The Hive.

After back-to-back defeats to Peterborough Phantoms, Bees fell behind to an unfortunate Sam Waller own goal before strikes from Steve Duncombe and Tom Squires put Sheffield 3-0 ahead.

Vanya Antonov pulled one back only for Lewis Bell to restore the three goal cushion.

But Bees refused to give in, getting back to within two through Milan Kostourek and when Matt Foord found the net, the hosts had hope again only for time to run out on their dramatic bid to send the clash into overtime.

Bracknell were without Callum Fowler, David Savage and Matt Towalski at the end of their busy week for a contest which took mere moments to burst into life.

With only 24 seconds on the clock, Steeldogs’ Callum Pattison made a beeline for Scott Spearing. The forward was caught off guard and Pattison was handed a penalty for roughing and a further 10 minutes for misconduct.

Just seconds later, Jan Bendik was caught with a high stick by Steeldogs import Arnoldas Bosas as the tone for the fixture was set immediately as he was handed a five-minute game penalty.

However, despite the five on three powerplay, Bees failed to find an early breakthrough.

Lukas Smital, Bendik and Antonov piled on the pressure but none of the shots could find a way past netminder Dalibor Sedlar.

Steeldogs were not without attacking threat of their own and Bees had Foord called up for hooking as he tripped the advancing Stanislav Lascek.

With the powerplay over, the game settled into a rhythm and it was the visitors who took the lead in fortuitous

Lewis Turner (right) steals in to win the puck from Steeldogs’ Liam Charnock Picture: Ian Coughlan

circumstances as Lubomir Korhon’s shot was smartly saved by Alex Mettam, only for the puck to ricochet off Waller and into the net.

The goal spurred Bees back into life but after failing to convert from their spell of pressure, they were hit by a sucker punch as a long range Duncombe effort flew in shortly before the end of the first period.

Mettam had to be on hand to thwart a number of Sheffield attempts to further extend their lead but he could do nothing to stop Squires from forcing home after a goalmouth scramble.

With less than 30 seconds left in the second period, the hosts did show some signs of life again as Smital’s saved shot was turned in by Antonov.

Bees sensed a comeback and tried their luck from distance with Waller, Kostourek and Smital all denied before Bell fired a quick wrist shot past Mettam.

Kostourek brought the scores back to 4-2, flicking the puck over Sedlar’s shoulder to give the home fans hope again.

The early hostilities returned as the game entered its final few minutes with

officials required to separate Korhon and Spearing with the Steeldogs forward shoving Spearing to the ground before punching him the back of the head.

He was duly ejected for roughing and is now banned for the return trip this weekend.

And Bees set up a grandstand finish, raining a number of shots in on goal and finally finding a way through for their third score of the evening as Foord diverted a Waller effort past Sedlar.

Bracknell threw on an extra forward in place of Mettam to try and save the contest but it proved fruitless as the game ended 4-3 to leave them ninth in the EPIHL table.

English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Milton Keynes 26 11 4 3 8 101 Peterborough 21 12 2 5 2 90 Basingstoke 22 12 3 2 5 87 Swindon 24 10 3 2 9 89 Guildford 23 9 4 1 9 73 Telford 22 11 2 0 9 94 Manchester 24 8 1 4 11 74 Sheffield 22 9 1 2 10 78 Bracknell 20 7 0 1 12 68 Hull 22 1 3 3 15 47

A 77 51 62 87 72 61 93 102 81 115

Pts 33 33 32 28 27 26 22 22 15 11

The Phantom menace: Bogey side Peterborough celebrate 15th straight win over Bracknell Peterborough Phantoms 5 Bracknell Bees 2

CONCEDING four goals in just nine third period minutes saw Bees crash to a 15th successive defeat against bogey side Peterborough on Saturday.

The contest, at this point, was evenly poised at 1-1, but the Phantoms, who topped the EPIHL table following a 3-2 overtime victory at the Hive last Thursday, secured the points through Tom Norton, on the powerplay, Craig Scott, Darius Pliskauskas and Ales Padelek.

Tom Beesley scrambled the puck home late on to cut the deficit, but the goal was of little consolation for a Bracknell side whose rotten luck against their Cambridgshire counterparts continues.

Bees went into the fixture missing David Savage, Matt Towalski and Callum Fowler, while player-coach Lukas Smital

remained on the bench.

And the visitor’s found themsleves under the cosh from the off as the Phantoms encamped themselves in opposition territory.

They went close to breaking the deadlock when Alex Mettam struggled to get rid of the puck. Fortunately for the netminder, Jan Bendik was on hand to sweep up any danger.

But in the sixth minute the home side did sieze the initiative.

With captain Matt Foord sitting out a tripping minor, Peterborough nudged themselves in front on the powerplay through an unmarked Ales Padelek, who slotted home from close range.

Falling behind appeard to spring Bees into life, with Vanya Antonov and Milan Kostourek beginning to threaten down the wings.

They would, though, go in at the first interval trailing, but were giving a boost

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

just seconds before the buzzer when Peterborough were hit by a too many men on the ice call, meaning the visitors would start the second session with a powerplay.

Bracknell took full advantage of having the extra man, levelling up the scores when Kostourek picked out Sam Waller (pictured), who sent the puck high into the top shelf.

Bees were beginning to grow in confidence, with Antonov and Kostourek continuing to cause the hosts problems - as too was Jan Bendik, but he was sent crashing to the ground by Lloyd Gibson, with the defenceman drawing blood.

Because of this, Gibson was initially ejected with a match penalty, which was later reduced to a game.

Regardless, Bracknell had a five minute powerplay, where they would pepper the Phantoms goal, but were unable to find a way past the impressive Janis Auzins.

The netminder was twice beaten as the session neared a conclusion, but the pipework came to his rescue, as both

Antonov and Kostourek sent shots on to a post.

Bees started the third stanza brightly, with line-mates Antonov and Kostourek again leading the charge, only to run out of ice and the opportunity passed.

Losing Bendik to a tripping offence, however, was to be the unravelling of the away side, as Norton finished off good work between Padelek and Marc Levers to put the Phantoms 2-1 up on the powerplay.

Scott would give the side a two-goal cushion when scoring from close range five minutes later before Pliskauskas rattled in a fourth quickly after.

Further misery was to hit Bracknell soon after when Padelek made it 5-1. The strike again came as Bees were a player light, with referee Andrew Miller banising Josh Tetlow to the penalty box for a delay of the game charge.

Although stunned, Smital’s charges remained undeterred and managed to claw back some pride when, from a Kostourek effort which stuck the crossbar, youngster Beesley managed to

find the net amid a melee of players.

The game, however, was to end on a sour note, as Bracknell’s Scott Spearing and Auzins clashed followng an interference by the former.

Both were duly penalised, but the grievences would continue after the final whistle, where team-mates and officials had to break up another altercation.

Once calm was restored, Antonov went on to pick up the man-of-the-match award.

Bracknell Bees 2 Peterborough Phantoms 3 EDGARS BEBRIS broke Bracknell hearts last Thursday night when hitting the overtime winner which sent Bees crashing to a narrow defeat at the Hive.

Carl Thompson and Vanya Antonov had twice given Bracknell the lead, only for Pliskauskas and Robson to tie up the scores and send the game to an additional five minutes, where Bebris settled the contest with an unstoppable shot from deep which flew into the top corner.

Picture by Bob Swann

Sunday, December 6

BRACKNELL BEES v Sheffield Steeldogs Face off 6pm

Box office: 01344 789000 bracknellbees.co.uk

36 | SPORT

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LONDON IRISH

Coventry only focused on Quins and not league table

Irish lock down Lloyd for season

LONDON IRISH have drafted in Will Lloyd to bolster their options in the second row.

The 25-year-old lock arrives from Auckland and will remain with the Exiles for the rest of the season.

Lloyd has represented the Blues in Super Rugby and Auckland in the ITM cup.

It was impressive performances in the 2014 IYM competition which yielded him a place in this year’s Blues squad.

Standing in excess of two-metres tall, the new signing played the sport at junior levels in the North Harbour region before making the switch to Auckland in 2012.

Lloyd said: “Moving to London Irish presents me with a great opportunity to continue to play in one of the toughest leagues in the world.

“The facilities at Hazelwood are first class and there is a real ambition to push on in the competition.

HARLEQUINS v LONDON IRISH AVIVA PREMIERSHIP THE STOOP SATURDAY, 3pm

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Glenn Delaney, head of rugby operations at Irish, added of Lloyd: “It is great to have Will on board for the remainder of the season.

“He is a tough lock forward who will add further depth to our forward pack and push hard for a starting position.”

BASKETBALL

Rockets add GB under-20 star Allison to the roster Ben Allison has signed on with the Rockets

READING ROCKETS have completed the signing of Team GB Under-20s star Ben Allison.

Having spent the past five years competing in Spain and USA, Allison has recently returned to the country to begin a financial career in London and Rockets were quick to pounce to secure his services.

Explaining why he chose to join Reading, the 6ft 9in centre said: “The coaches at Reading take their jobs very seriously and help players develop their games, stay healthy and have fun on court.

“That stuff really motivates you to win games.”

He added: “Growing up in England I always heard good things about the Reading program.

“It’s been around for a long time and consistently produces strong teams so I’m very pleased to join them.”

And Rockets director of coaching Matt Johnson feel this signing is massive news for the club.

“Our squad needed strengthening as well as needing cover for injuries and inevitable sickness that befalls any team in the most packed of fixture lists known to us since we joined the National League back in 1997, so such a signature is a real coup for us,” he said.

Allison’s arrival comes as a much needed boost for Rockets after they were dumped out of the National Trophy at the quarter final stage by Worthing Thunder.

With key man Joel Keeble failing a late fitness test and David Ajumobi playing on despite nursing a sickness bug, Rockets knew they had a big task on their hands, and so it proved.

Good early running from the visitors

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

saw Antonio Robinson, Ajumobi, Danny Carter and D’Montre Edwards all find the target but a 7-0 run from Thunder saw them take a 20-18 lead into the first break.

Four trebles in a match defining second quarter saw Thunder take control.

Despite a 13-point first half haul from Edwards, a 13-1 run just before the buzzer saw the hosts take a commanding 45-35 half-time lead.

Four quick points from Rockets were quickly cancelled out by back-to-back threes from Worthing shortly after the restart as they eased 71-57 ahead by the end of the third stanza.

Rockets did get the better of the contest in the fourth quarter, winning it 23-20, but it proved mere consolation as Thunder ran out 91-80 victors to take their place in the quarter finals.

Reading now have a two week break before hosting London Lituanica on December 13.

Rockets top scorers: D’Montre Edwards 23 pts, Antonio Robinson 14 pts, Danny Carter 13 pts, Wayne Yeboah 11 pts, Jordan Nicholls 10pts.

English Basketball League Division 1 W L V F A Manchester Magic 6 0 0 488 367 Derby Trailblazers 5 0 0 428 372 READING ROCKETS 5 1 0 485 437 Team Northumbria 5 1 0 481 451 London Lituanica 4 0 0 341 290 Hemel Storm 4 2 0 501 486 Lancashire Spinners 4 3 0 629 588 Essex Leopards 2 3 0 395 356 Worthing Thunder 2 4 0 458 505 Leicester Warriors 1 4 0 341 382 Kent Crusaders 1 4 0 290 392 Westminster Warriors 0 6 0 451 516 Tees Valley MOhawks 0 5 0 338 407 Bradford Dragons 0 6 0 406 483

D 121 56 48 30 51 15 41 39 -47 -41 -102 -65 -69 -77

Pts 12 10 10 10 8 8 8 4 4 2 2 0 0 0

TOM COVENTRY says he is not focussing on the league table despite London Irish slipping to the foot of the Aviva Premiership following a fifth straight defeat last weekend ahead of tomorrow’s clash with rivals Harlequins.

New Zealander Coventry took over as head coach of the Exiles in the summer but is still seeking his first point in charge after a 15-33 loss to Wasps at Twickenham, the latest in a string of recent domestic disappointments.

Despite the poor results, Coventry is aware that it was always possible his new methods could take some time to come to fruition.

“I knew that the Premiership was a pretty tough competition and the club are desperate to be successful within it so that hasn’t changed,” he told The Wokingham Paper.

“You would like change to happen quickly but in reality it takes time and there’s lots of new ideas and new philosophies that we’re coming to terms with and expectations and that’s all part of it.

“There’s no doubting we all want to be winning and be at the top of the table but that’s not reality at the moment, we’ve just got to continue to hold our course and continue to work hard.”

One major positive of Irish’s season so far has been the performances of academy product Johnny Williams, who has scored tries in each of his three appearances so far since making his debut in the European Challenge Cup victory over Agen last month.

Exiles’ head coach Tom Coventry

And Coventry feels the exciting young centre is setting the perfect example to the rest of his team-mates.

“He was one of the stand-out players through the pre-season,” explained the head coach.

“He’s worked really hard, he’s super fit, his skill level is right up there and he’s been a delight to coach.

“He really takes things on board, is very coachable, very positive and he’s a 19-year-old boy with a huge future in front of him and he’s taken his opportunities very well.

“I think he’s relished playing outside Chris Noakes and inside Aseli Tikoirotuma so he’s got some pretty good players around him and he’s been a real catalyst for change in our squad.

“We are using him as a bit of a pin-up boy really. If you work hard, concentrate on your role, look what happens.

“He’s actually been a good role model for some of our senior pros.”

Next up is Quins at the Stoop, with

scrum half Brendan McKibbin available again following suspension, and Coventry is hoping the local rivalry with this weekend’s opponents can add the bit of extra spice needed to get a first league win of the campaign.

He said: “They’re our biggest rivals really and I know the boys have been speaking about their relationship with Harlequins and that’s been good, that’s a bit of motivation.

“But we understand how good they are. We need to be at our very best in this competition every week so hopefully we can take a step forward and put a performance on the field the public would like to see and that also we’re proud of.”

With fellow strugglers Newcastle Falcons picking up a draw against Sale at the weekend, Exiles slipped to the foot of the table as they still seek a maiden point, but Coventry insists that is not his primary focus.

“What can you do? Worrying about the table, that’s not going to help us at all is it?,” he said.

“We’ve just got to concentrate on our skill level and getting a complete package so we can perform with these teams in this competition.

“Dwelling on the results isn’t going to help at all so it’s all about performance focus and making sure that we remain positive and hold true to what we’re trying to do at the club.”

He added: “We’ve just got to keep working hard, keep growing our game, make sure the guys’ skill development continues to grow and not sitting on our hands waiting for things to happen.

“The boys are working hard on improving. That’s all they can do really, there’s not a lot else you can do.

“There’s no magic formula. Sport is about working through the tough times and I’m pretty sure these boys are working hard enough.”

Williams’ joy is shortlived as Exiles are stung by Wasps London Irish 15 Wasps 33

TWO JOHNNY WILLIAMS tries could not prevent London Irish from falling to their fifth straight Aviva Premiership defeat, going down to Wasps at Twickenham, writes TOM CROCKER. In the second game of the traditional London Double Header, Exiles battled well in the first half with their defence coming out on top to keep Wasps at bay.

Just three points separated the sides at the break but a late flurry saw Dai Young’s men claim a bonus-point victory and plunge Irish to the foot of the table.

Tom Coventry made six changes to the side which suffered late heartbreak against Grenoble with Ben Franks coming in for his Premiership debut while Blair Cowan, Tom Fowlie, David Paice, Ofisa Treviranus and Scott Steele also earned recalls.

The boots of Chris Noakes and Ruaridh Jackson traded blows in the early stages with the half dominated by the impressive work of the Irish defence.

Wasps retook the lead through another Jackson penalty but the first real breakthrough took until the 39th minute

to arrive.

After some dogged defensive work, Exiles were eventually breached when a quick pass from Joe Simpson found Frank Halai to dive over in the corner.

However, Coventry’s men responded almost immediately to keep the contest well alive at half time.

In the last play of the first period, Alex Lewington darted in to the opposition 22 and the ball was worked wide for Premiership debutant Williams (pictured) to crash over for his third try in as many games since earning his first start for the side last month.

But when Elliot Daly went over to helps Wasps open up a 10 point lead on 50 minutes, Young’s charges never really looked back.

Replacement Jimmy Gopperth kicked Wasps further in front but there was hope for Exiles when Williams yet again crossed the line, reacting quickest to Topsy Ojo’s smart kick to reduce the deficit to just six with little over 20 minutes to play.

And that is how it stayed until the killer third try in the 70th minute when Wasps’ rolling maul led to Thomas Young adding his name to the score-sheet.

Some gloss and a bonus point was added to the win in the closing stages when Halai went over again to seal the contest.

LONDON IRISH: Ojo, Lewington, Tikoirotuma, Williams (Brophy-Clews 70), Fowlie (Mulchrone 62), Noakes, Steele (Allinson 65), Court (Smallbone 66), Paice (Ellis 50), Franks (Halavatau 70), Sheriff (Narraway 55), Symons, Trayfoot, Cowan, Treviranus (Sinclair 50).

Tries: Williams x2 (40,57) Pen: Noakes (8) Con: Noakes (57) Wasps: Piutau, Tagicakibau, Daly, Jacobs (Macken 70), Halai, Jackson (Gopperth 50), Simpson (Robson 63), Mullan (McIntyre 62), Johnson, Cooper-Woolley (Cittadini 50), Gaskell, Myall (Davis 63), Haskell (Jones 55), Young, Hughes.

Rep not used: Shervington Tries: Halai x2 (39,75), Daly (50), Young (70) Pens: Jackson x2 (5,19), Gopperth (55) Cons: Jackson (50), Gopperth (70) Referee: Wayne Barnes Attendance: 42,680

Saracens Exeter Leicester Harlequins Wasps Northampton Sale Sharks Bath Worcester Gloucester Newcastle London Irish

Aviva Premiership P W D L 5 5 0 0 5 4 0 1 5 4 0 1 5 3 0 2 5 3 0 2 5 2 0 3 5 2 1 2 5 2 0 3 5 2 0 3 5 2 0 3 5 0 1 4 5 0 0 5

F A 142 56 141 64 101 81 124 111 109 77 88 64 79 98 112 106 94 131 84 104 81 165 70 168

BP 2 3 0 3 2 4 2 2 2 1 0 0

PTS 22 19 16 15 14 12 12 10 10 9 2 0

Friday, December 4, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

RUGBY

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

Rams rally back to move out of the relegation zone Redingensians 32 Bury St Edmunds 18 SCORING four tries in the final 20 minutes saw Redingensians secure a comeback victory which pulled the side out of the National League 2 relegation zone.

James Baker, Olly Foxley, Samir Kharbouch and replacement Matt Weller all crossed the line as the Rams would eventually run out comfortable winners, securing a second successive bonus-point triumph in the process.

“Each week the lads are showing more and more they can compete at this level,” said club CEO Gary Reynolds.

“They are beginning to believe in themselves.

“The return of key players from injury is helping. There is more good news with the likelihood of lock Tom Bryson being back by Christmas.

“However, there are still areas in which we can improve such as decision making and concentration.

“Lapses cost us 12 points in a five-minute first half spell.”

It was a rampant start to the contest by the hosts, where sharp back play created opportunities for centre Steve Bryant and full-back George Drury to go over inside the first nine minutes.

Scott Lyle put Bury on the board through a penalty, but all the pressure was coming from the hosts, yet they were unable to make their dominance count.

And Redingensians would be left to rue not taking advantage, as the visitors stormed back into the contest courtesy of two tries from winger Matt Hema, which came within five minutes of one another.

His first score came via a 60-yard run before feeding off good work from the forwards to put Bury in front.

Another penalty from Lyle further extended the lead shorty after the break, but things appeared to be going from bad to worse when hooker Ben Henderson

Hemming helps Bracknell return to winning ways Bracknell 34 Gravesend 10

Having grappled back the lead, replacement Matt Weller went on to add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings, trotting over the game line just as the referee was about the bring the fixture to an end.

REDINGENSIANS: Drury; Poole, Bryant, Barnes, Foxley; Flower, Brown; Steadman, Henderson, Baker, Kershbaumer, Taylor, Guttridge, Vooght, Kharbouch.

Reps: Weller, Crame, Morrison, Norman, Duffelen.

Olly Foxley went over for Rams Picture: Vivienne Johnson

was sent to the sin bin in the 53rd minute.

But despite being down to 14 men Rams, following the introduction of Joe Duffelen for a first appearance after injury, began to rally back.

Duffelen was Player of the Year during the title-winning campaign of 2014/15, and his return would help spur the side on to victory.

Redingensians began the fight back on 62 minutes when prop Baker, who was enjoying an outstanding afternoon, rounded off a series of pick and drives.

Bury’s defence was now beginning to stretch, and it was breached twice more when Foxley and Kharbouch touched down to secure the extra point as the hosts superior fitness levels began to show.

SPORT | 37

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n TOM VOOGHT, man-of-thematch last Saturday, will be absent for tomorrow’s game at league leaders Cambridge (2pm).

Samir Kharbouch is also unavailable.

Taking their place will be the experienced duo of Andy Amor and Craig Nightingale, while Matt Weller starts at loose head.

Coach Mike Tewkesbury, however, has a late decision to make as to who will be on the bench, where Jake Knowles and Kacper Kruzycki possibilities.

The two teams are yet to meet one another in any form of competition, but Rams will be up against opposition who have won 10 of their 12 fixtures this term, with their only setbacks coming via an early defeat at Bishop’s Stortford and a draw with Old Elthamians.

National League 2 South P W D L F A Cambridge 12 10 1 1 383 193 Old Albanians 12 10 1 1 393 209 Taunton Titans 12 10 0 2 393 244 Bishop’s Stortford 12 7 1 4 328 220 Redruth 12 8 0 4 277 264 Old Elthamians 12 7 1 4 324 280 Clifton 12 7 1 4 347 277 Southend Saxons 12 4 3 5 287 307 Bury St Edmonds 12 5 0 7 258 303 Barnes 12 4 1 7 271 332 Dorking 12 5 0 7 233 318 Redingensians 12 4 0 8 237 284 Canterbury 12 4 0 8 233 321 Worthing 12 4 0 8 240 276 Chinnor 12 2 0 10 262 361 Launceston 12 0 1 11 168 445

BP 10 10 9 10 7 8 7 6 7 8 5 7 5 3 8 5

PTS 52 52 49 40 39 38 37 28 27 26 25 23 21 19 16 7

LIAM HEMMING scored two tries in a 24-point salvo as Bracknell returned to winning ways at Lily Hill Park.

Ian Burch opened the scoring and Harry Challenor wrapped it up as Rory Greenslade-Jones’ charges racked up a third win in four National League 3 London and South East games, securing an important bonus point in the process.

Gravesend arrived in Bracknell as one of only four teams sitting below their opponents in the table, but they were to enjoy the better of the opening phases of play, only to be unable to make a breakthrough.

And they would soon find themselves behind.

From a quick-tap penalty by Jack Conway, the ball was worked across the line to winger Ian Burch, who ran into space and dived over the line.

Hemming (pictured above) opened his account for the afternoon with the conversion and the hosts led 7-0.

The full-back would kick over two more penalties soon after, with Jacob Berthelsen grabbing three points for Gravesend to take the scoring to 13-3 after 20 minutes.

Bracknell were now doing the majority of the pressing, and it would reap its rewards when Hemming went over for a fine individual try to extend his, and the home side’s, tally.

Receiving the ball some 15 metres out, Hemming charged through a number of attempted tackles before dabbing down in the corner.

The same player added the two extra points and the Lily Hill men would go in at the break boasting a commanding lead.

The bonus point was secured early in the second half, with Challenor being

credited with the score when Bracknell powered their way to the whitewash through a catch and drive by the forwards from a lineout.

Hemming again had the range and his 100 per cent record from the boot for the afternoon remained in tact.

The home side were now sitting comfortably, but they were unable to prevent Gravesend from breaching the game line late on.

Scoring in the corner was Gary Gray, with Berthelsen notching the conversion.

BRACKNELL: Challenor, Silvester, Mirza (c), Kron, Bailey, Deveraux, Milligan, Valentine, Conway, Hemming, Mackay, Faamatuainu, Price, Burch, Yates.

Reps: Williams, Dennet, Goodison Another positive for Bracknell, however, was the debut handed to former academy graduate Liam Goodison from the bench.

He will be hoping to retain his place in the squad when another struggling side, Westcliffe, visit Lily Hill Park on Saturday (2.15pm) n CROWTHORNE return to action in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier, where they will be looking to record a fourth win on the spin when hosting Wheatley at the New Nest, Arborfield Garrison (2.15pm).

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 11 10 1 0 356 222 6 Tonbridge Juddian 11 9 0 2 381 175 10 Westcombe Park 11 8 0 3 262 177 6 East Grinstead 11 7 1 3 308 162 8 Shelford 11 7 0 4 258 233 7 Hertford 11 7 0 4 312 210 5 Wimbledon 11 7 0 4 293 195 4 Guernsey 11 6 0 5 296 258 6 Bracknell 11 4 0 7 212 274 6 Colchester 11 4 0 7 197 248 2 Chichester 11 3 0 8 202 292 3 Gravesend 11 2 0 9 187 317 5 Westcliff 11 2 0 9 195 347 5 Eton Manor 11 0 0 11 121 470 4

PTS 48 46 38 38 35 33 32 30 22 18 15 13 13 4

EQUESTRIANISM

Maddison, 11, produces a first-class performance at Finchampstead show

FUNDRAISING

Girls’ Night In raises £660 for Wokingham Netball Club NETBALL vests were swapped for onesies and pyjamas during a fundraiser at Luckley House School last month.

Nearly 80 members of Wokingham Netball Club came together for the first ever Girls’ Night In to enjoy an evening of hair styling, karaoke, dancing and a

movie while raising more than £660 for the team.

Fundraiser Sarah Humphreys said: “It was a lovely evening and all the girls had a lot of fun. Members of the Under 16s teams helped to organise it for the younger teams as a way of getting

together for some fun off the court.

“It was really nice to see the girls socialising and getting to know each other, and it was great to see the older girls setting such a good example.”

All the money raised goes back into funding coaches and umpires for the club.

THE youngest member of Maddison Peries Wokingham and Bearwood in action at the Riding Club (WBRC) stole the Festival of the day at the Festival of the Horse Horse competition.

Maddison Peries, 11, gained an individual first in the 90 Challenge at the event held at Wheatlands Farm, Finchampstead last month, along with Abigail Leather (3rd), Alice Day (4th) and Izzy Hopkinson (5th), giving the team the placing they required to win the section and qualify for the Championships next year.

The club also competed in the Riding Clubs Winter Novice Dressage Qualifier at Berkshire College.

WBRC sent three senior while Lillie Brown with Petarco finished teams and one junior team to the qualifier, which was dogged with third, and Charlotte Payne on White awful weather leaving many competitors Smoke finished fifth in their arena. riding in monsoon-like conditions.

The senior teams did well with the Alice Beauchamp riding Rayid Heart Blue Team placing third and the White Breaker and Megan Day with Cluain Caoin Mirah both won their arenas, Team coming fourth out of 31 teams.

38 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, December 4, 2015

READING FC

Oliveira double adds to Royals’ woes Nottingham Forest 3 Reading 1

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk NELSON OLIVEIRA bagged a brace as Reading slumped to their third straight away defeat, this time at Nottingham Forest.

Steve Clarke’s side made a bright start, taking the lead through the returning Matej Vydra, but Chris O’Grady quickly levelled matters.

And Portugal international Oliveira put Forest ahead just past the half hour mark with a stunning effort from outside the box before adding his second minutes after the restart.

Royals were handed a lifeline with 24 minutes to play when centre-back Jack Hobbs was shown his marching orders for two yellow cards, but the visitors failed to take advantage of their extra man, not severely testing Dorus de Vries in the Forest goal as Reading slipped to 10th in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Clarke made just one change to his side which beat Bolton Wanderers last weekend with the impressive Garath McCleary missing out due to a slight hamstring problem, allowing Vydra back in to start following a recent knee complaint.

And it was Royals who created the best opportunities during a scrappy opening few minutes between the two sides with Nick Blackman’s effort from range comfortably held by de Vries.

But Clarke’s men did strike first with little under quarter of an hour on the clock, their 10th goal in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season.

Norwood wound up a shot from around 25 yards and let fly but the ball kindly ricocheted into the path of

Matej Vydra opened the scoring for Reading at the City Ground Picture: Vivienne Johnson

Vydra and the Czech forward composed himself before calmly tucking into the bottom corner.

The hosts responded well, immediately taking the initiative to try and put pressure on the Reading goal.

Danny Williams was forced to head away from a dangerous looking scramble in the box before O’Grady dragged an effort harmlessly wide.

But, after struggling to find his shooting boots in the opening exchanges, Brighton loanee O’Grady levelled up the contest.

Winger Ryan Mendes cut the ball across the face of goal for O’Grady to powerfully sweep towards the corner and, via a strong hand from Al-Habsi, the ball crept over the line to mark his first goal for the club.

Forest had their tails up with Reading’s defence coming under increasing threat so it was no real surprise to see the hosts turn the game on its head.

The fact it came from a Royals corner will undoubtedly frustrate Clarke as

Mendes broke away from a challenge from Piazon before doing well to find Oliveira on the far side.

The Portugal international cut onto his stronger right foot to curl a superb 20-yard effort into the top corner, giving Al-Habsi no chance.

Reading created a couple of chances to pull level before an entertaining first half drew to a close, first Norwood seeing a long range free kick brilliantly clawed out of the top corner by Dorus de Vries before Danny Williams was also denied.

And things went from bad to worse just minutes after the restart. Forest took a quick throw to O’Grady on the left and he found a low cross for Oliveira to come steaming in and tap in at the back post.

It looked difficult to see a way Clarke’s men could get back in the match and the contest would have been as good as over had it not been for a crazy minute which saw the pendulum swing in Reading’s favour.

First, David Vaughan fired a low cross to Mendes at the back post but the

midfielder inexplicably fluffed his lines and failed to connect with the tap in.

And as Royals broke, they were handed a lifeline when centre-back Hobbs slid in on Vydra for the second time in the contest, receiving his second yellow card and with it his marching orders.

Clarke immediately through on Ola John and Paolo Hurtado to try and salvage something from the contest with 20 minutes to play while Dougie Freedman replaced two-goal star Oliveira with defender Kelvin Wilson.

While Reading may have sensed a route back into the match, they failed to turn that into shots on target.

Norwood tried his luck from range on numerous occasions while John showed good feet to pick out Vydra but his shot was charged down.

There was further woe for Clarke as the clock ran down with captain McShane leaving the field injured to be replaced by Rowan Liburd on what was a largely forgettable afternoon for the visitors.

Reading were back in action last night, taking on Queens Park Rangers at Madejski Stadium in the Championship.

READING: Al-Habsi; Gunter, Hector, McShane (Liburd 85), Taylor; Norwood, Williams; Blackman, Vydra, Piazon (John 69); Sa (Hurtado 69).

Subs not used: Bond, Ferdinand, Cooper, Obita.

Goals: Vydra (14), Williams (86) Yellow cards: Hector (54), Williams NOTTINGHAM FOREST: de Vries; Lichaj, Mills, Hobbs, Pinillos; Mendes (Mancienne 79), Lansbury, Vaughan, Osborn; O’Grady (Trotter 89), Oliveira (Wilson 69).

Subs not used: Evtimov, Williams, Grant, Blackstock.

Goals: O’Grady (20), Oliveira x2 (31,49) Yellow cards: Hobbs x2 (42,66), Vaughan (90+6) Red card: Hobbs (66) Referee: Keith Hill Attendance: 18,128 (972 away)

UNDER-18s

Barrett stars in victory over Gulls

READING UNDER-18s stayed second in the Barclays Premier League U18 South Group with a hard fought 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Coming into the game on the back of three straight victories, Royals took the lead on 25 minutes when Daniel Akinwunmi found space on the wing and crossed for Tyler Frost to convert.

With chances missed at either end, the win was sealed with 15 minutes to play when Josh Barrett’s corner was volleyed in by centre-back Gabriel Osho.

And captain Barrett also got his name on the score-sheet in the closing seconds to boost Royals goal difference and keep them two points behind leaders Chelsea.

David Dodds’ men face Tottenham Hotspur at Hogwood on Saturday (12pm kick-off) while Martin Kuhl’s U21s are back in action this weekend, travelling to Sunderland on Sunday (2pm kick-off).

CELEBRATION

Madejski’s milestone

SIR JOHN MADEJSKI hailed the Reading supporters after celebrating 25 years as chairman of the club this week.

Taking over on December 1 1990, just a week after 3,927 fans watched Reading lose 4-2 to Southend United at Elm Park to drop to 15th in Division Three, the rise under Madejski has been massive, culminating in an 8th placed finish in the Premier League in 2007.

“All I can do is thank each and every fan from the bottom of my heart, for the support they’ve given me and the support they’ve given Reading Football Club,” said the chairman.

The club dedicated last night’s matchday programme for the clash against Queens Park Rangers to Madejski with his picture on the front cover and tributes from the fans inside.

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Mallows blossoms as Woodley edge out Finches in a seven-goal thriller SAMUEL MALLOWS scored twice to help Woodley United A edge out Finchampstead Reserves in a seven-goal thriller at Woodford Park.

Tom Barratt and Tom Green were also on target for the hosts in this Division 3 local derby.

All three Finchampstead goals were score by Nicholas Payne, who celebrated a hat-trick, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from slipping to just a second defeat of the season.

The result moves Woodley level on points with the opposition in the standings, with both now four points adrift of leaders White Eagles.

TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE and WARGRAVE RESERVES met in a basement battle at Cantley Park, but neither side was able to bolster their respective league positions, with the fixture finishing in a goalless draw.

Twyford remain bottom, where they remain two points behind Wargrave.

Joe Wigmore and Tom Williams struck to secure WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES a 2-1 victory at BERKS COUNTY, for whom Sean Graham hit what proved to be a consolation.

The win moved United above their guests in the Premier Division table.

HURST crashed to a second defeat in three league games when beaten 3-1 by AFC Aldermaston at East Park Farm.

Kai Butler, Jamie Porter and substitute Michael Porter netted the points for the away side, as a Shaun Bannon strike

Woodley A’s Dominic Woodruff (left) and Brandon Jules battle for the ball

proved to be in vain for Hurst.

WINNERSH RANGERS remain sixth in Division 1 after they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at second-placed Mortimer Reserves.

ASHRIDGE PARK, meanwhile, hurled themselves off the foot of the Division 2 table with the points picked up at Goring United.

Scoring for Goring was Edward Ardill.

Park have been replaced at the foot of the standings by SONNING, whose season of struggle hit a new low when thrashed 10-0 by Woodcote Stoke Row Reserves at Pound Lane.

Andrew Taylor, James Elderton and Adam Burgess all notched twice for the away side, who led 6-0 at the break, with Will McDonald, David Rook and

Jonathan Clark all adding their name to the scoresheet.

A Sonning player also put the ball through his own net during the defeat.

In another meeting of two sides from within the borough, BARKHAM ATHLETIC squeezed past WARGRAVE in a 3-2 success. Wargrave’s goals came from Stuart Moss and John Rimmer, but it was visiting Barkham who took the points thanks to Matt Bacon (2) and Thomas Day efforts.

HARCHESTER HAWKS kept up the heat on Division 4 leaders Burghfield with the 2-1 win on the road at AFC Corinthians.

Securing the victory was Dan Leather, who netted twice in the second half.

Max Jennings put Corinthians on the scoreboard, but the hosts remain bottom of the table.

With Burghfield slipping to a 3-1 loss against Maidenhead Magpies Reserves, just a point separates the two sides ahead of their top-of-the-table clash on December 12.

Connor Banks hit a hat-trick for a BERKS COUNTY RESERVES side which won a fierce encounter with FC Reading Dons 4-2 at Prospect Park.

Mike Shields also found the back of the net in a game where four players were sent off.

Three of these were Dons players, with Albert Klosi, Emanuel Korriku and replacement Marcus Begrave all receiving their marching orders.

County’s Callum Shields was also sent for and early bath.

In between all the dismissals, the Dons hit back through a brace of goals from Oltian Mezhika.

HURST RESERVES remain third after picking up three points from the fixture with Theale, who scratched the game.

Arron Burch, Dean Cherrett and Charlie Scope all helped themselves to two goals each for a HURST A side which ran out 6-4 winners over Goring United Reserves in Division 5.

A high-scoring affair saw Jamie Taylor bag a treble for Goring, with Jonathan Nicholas also scoring as the visitors ran Hurst close, but were unable to take anything from the fixture.

SONNING SPORTS dropped down to fourth following another bad-tempered encounter with struggling Taplow United A, who won the game 4-1.

Sports went down to a Seamus Stapleton hat-trick – who was one of three players sent off by referee David Bridle – and a Shaun Gray effort.

Lee Dean found the net for the hosts on the half-hour mark, but it was a consolation for Sonning, who lost Derek Clarke and Ieuan Davies to red cards.

BERKS COUNTY FC ROVERS were beaten 3-1 by leaders TDC Knights, who secured a ninth win in 10 games through Christopher Potter (2) and Jamie Kingston.

Rovers’ solitary goal came from Dave Amey.

Nicholas Payne, who scored a hat-trick for Finchampstead, gets away from Paul Rodderick

Payne closes down Woodley’s Woodruff Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Boars fall off the pace following a disappointing trip to the Abbey Abbey Rangers 3 Eversley and California 0 EVERSLEY slipped to third in the Division 1 standings and now sit four points off top spot following defeat at the ESA Sports Ground.

Boars ‘keeper Adrian Giles prevented an early scare when touching a strike on to a post.

The game would settle down, but on 35 minutes Paul Hodges raced on to a through ball and fired past Giles for a 1-0 lead.

Abbey, who sit fifth in the table, were now cranking up the ante and would score a second just seven minutes later; Ryan Thorpe heading the hosts 2-0 ahead from a corner.

The points were wrapped up early in the second half when up stepped Hodges to net his second of the afternoon.

Rangers were in complete control of a match against a lackluster Eversley side missing several players through injury.

Neville Roach’s men have only lost

three times in the league this term, and two of them have been against Abbey, who went on to celebrate the double.

Eversley are on the road again on Saturday, where they are guests of Bedfont and Feltham, who sit directly below them in fourth place.

Kick-off is 3pm.

Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F CB Hounslow United 15 12 2 1 35 Worcester Park 16 11 2 3 43 Eversley & California 15 11 1 3 46 Bedfont & Feltham 12 9 1 2 37 Abbey Rangers 15 9 1 5 25 Staines Lammas 16 8 1 7 34 Cobham 16 7 2 7 34 Frimley Green 12 6 2 4 19 Dorking 14 6 0 8 23 Sandhurst Town 14 5 2 7 28 Ash United 14 4 3 7 24 Banstead Athletic 11 4 2 5 21 Epsom Athletic 14 4 1 9 23 Dorking Wanderers Res 14 3 3 8 14 Sheerwater 13 3 1 9 21 Farleigh Rovers 13 2 1 10 10 South Park Reserves 12 1 1 10 13

A Pts 9 38 17 35 22 34 15 28 17 28 27 25 37 23 15 20 22 18 41 17 30 15 23 14 41 13 24 12 32 10 43 7 35 4

READING AND DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE

Whitley storm back to take points GOALS from Dan Blatchford and Jack Shone were in vain for a Woodley United side beaten 5-2 by Whitley Wood in the Premier Division of the Reading and District Sunday League.

United needed just four minutes to break the deadlock.

Meeting a Shone cross captain Blatchford, on the edge of the penalty box, swept a shot into the top corner.

Both sides struggled to put together any sort of constructive football on a heavy pitch and playing amid a driving wind.

But in the 15th minute hosts Whitley pulled themselves level when a forward weaved his way through the United defence before giving Stephen Brearley no chance with his strike.

A defensive error then allowed the home side to go 2-1 ahead, with the contest reaming at this scoreline until the 70th minute.

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It was here when a free-kick from outside the Woodley area flew into the back of the net to give Whitley a two-goal cushion.

United, though, cut the arrears when man-of-the-match Graham Dew played in Brodie Davies to cross for Shone to turn the ball home.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors, who shipped in two further goals late on as Whitley took the points.

Woodley will be looking for the perfect response when the two sides meet again at Woodlands Avenue this Sunday (10.30am).

Results - Sunday, November 29

BERKS AND BUCKS SUNDAY JUNIOR TROPHY: Forest FC 3 Bracknell Manics Reserves 1; Emmbrook Inn 4 The Pub 2 DIVISION 1: FC Woodley 4 116 Exiles 2 DIVISION 2: Athletico Forest 3 WS Hobnob 1 DIVISION 3: Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 1 East Reading Royals 6

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

Trouble at Milton as Sumas slip to a crushing defeat Milton United 5 Wokingham and Emmbrook 0

TOM AUSTIN and substitute Daniele Piscopo both scored twice as Wokingham crashed to a heavy defeat at The Heights.

Nial Hodgkins was also on target against a Sumas side missing eight players from the squad which thrashed Abingdon United by the same scoreline the weekend before.

Conditions in Oxfordshire were wet and windy, and it was the visitors who had to negotiate the gales in the first half.

But they also had to weather a Milton storm during the opening 20 minutes as chances fell to Hodgkins, Harry Dalton and Connor Forster, but none of the trio were able to break the deadlock.

Wokingham, however, were soon starting to get a grip on proceedings, and were presented with a glorious opportunity to opening the scoring.

Elliott Rushforth and Luke Scope were two of three players to find themselves in a three-on-one situation with the Milton ‘keeper.

Yet instead of shooting, the visitors tried to walk the ball into the net with Scope squaring to Rushforth, but the latter was in an offside position and the move came to an abrupt and frustrating end.

The away side would go close again, but United shot-stopper Craig Griffiths did well to keep out a strike which took a deflection en-route to goal.

Milton almost nudged themselves in front when the wind nearly blew home a corner, but just moments later they did exactly that.

Putting United 1-0 ahead on the stroke of half-time was Hodgkins, who beat Sumas ‘keeper Kyle Lennon with a header from Taylor Janes’ cross from the left.

Austin opened his account for the afternoon early in the second half.

Breaking away down the left, the ball was knocked over to Austin arriving from the right side, who took a touch before netting with the outside of the foot.

Wokingham would now have to open up as they looked for a way back into the

One of Wokingham’s chances at Milton fell to Elliott Rushforth (right), who hit the crossbar Picture: Vivienne Johnson

game, which would leave them vulnerable to counter attacks.

And it was in such a manner when the away side were dealt the hammer blow.

Exploiting the visitors right side once again, it was another cross which found its way to Austin, who this time made it 3-0 with the help of a deflection, with the strike bouncing up and over the helpless Lennon.

The Sumas continued to venture forward, and their bravado attitude led to openings for Jordan Rowland and Rushforth, but both saw their attempts crash off the crossbar.

At the other end Lennon, deputising for the absent Sean Woodward, did well to twice thwart Josh Beech in one-on-one situations.

But he would be beaten for a fourth time when replacement Piscopo nipped past Rowland and made a burst for goal, where the Italian would open his account for the club when rolling the ball inside a post.

A second goal in Milton colours would arrive late on, where Piscopo added a fifth on the rebound.

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Lennon, Carter, Rowland, Day (c), Giles, Wanklyn (McNelly),

N.Bateman (Piatrasik), Rushforth, Butler, Scope, S.Bateman.

The Sumas are away at Oxford City Nomads on Saturday (3pm) n BINFIELD saw their game at Lydney Town postponed at the last minute.

They will be hoping to return to action when Highworth Town visit Hill Farm Lane tomorrow (3pm).

Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 19 14 2 3 Ascot United 22 13 4 5 Kidlington 18 13 3 2 Thatcham Town 17 13 2 2 Highworth Town 18 13 1 4 Thame United 19 11 2 6 Longlevens AFC 20 11 1 8 Binfield 18 10 3 5 Highmoor-Ibis 21 10 3 8 Brimscombe & Thrupp 17 9 3 5 Oxford City Nomads 18 9 1 8 Royal Wootton Bassett 19 8 2 9 Lydney Town 18 5 6 7 Milton United 22 5 5 12 Tuffley Rovers 19 5 4 10 Brackley Town Saints 20 5 2 13 Abingdon United 24 5 2 17 Ardley United 20 5 1 14 Bracknell Town 17 2 4 11 Wokingham 22 2 1 19

F 60 36 50 52 50 27 34 36 38 29 33 30 26 26 31 37 28 26 25 22

A 29 21 17 22 15 21 30 22 32 25 30 39 32 38 38 58 72 49 42 64

Pts 44 43 42 41 40 35 34 33 33 30 28 26 21 20 19 17 17 16 10 7

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Limbu grabs a goal, but Scott double sees United beaten in Bicester Bicester Town 3 Woodley United 1

A KIERAN SCOTT double and Chris Burt own goal saw United beaten at The Playing Fields.

If having to play on a blustery and wet afternoon was not bad enough, the away side also found themselves with a slope to negotiate during the first 45 minutes.

Not that the incline stopped the side from enjoying the better of the early exchanges, however, where Woodley piled on the pressure.

But chances at goal were limited to just the one, which fell to Rupen Limbu, who could only fire straight into the hands of Town ‘keeper Ryan Watt.

A positive start, though, was dealt a blow when injury forced Oli Bridges off in the 10th minute and was then wiped out when Bicester took the lead moments later.

A cross pumped into the Woodley box was flicked on to an unmarked Scott, who planted a header past Pete Davies in Rupen Limbu (right) netted Woodley’s goal the visitors’ goal. in Bicester Picture: Peter Toft Just two minutes later and the

advantage was doubled, albeit in rather fortunate circumstances.

An initial shot at goal crashed back off the crossbar, and with Kriss Hemmings slow to react to the loose ball, up popped Scott to net his second of the afternoon with a simple finish.

Undeterred, Woodley were soon on the offensive once again, where Limbu was a threat down the left and midfield duo Conor Creegan and Tyrone May drove the side forward.

This yielded opportunities for both Limbu and Ryan Szram, but neither were able to capitalise.

United, however, were lucky not to go in at the break three goals down, as Hemmings did well to clear a Bicester chance off the line.

With the slope on their side after the interval, the away side were keen to continue attacking their hosts, but struggled to venture into opposition territory as Town asked the questions, although Davies was equal to anything thrown at him.

Burt was then a relieved man when a strike which deflected off him and flew

towards goal was also kept out by the shot-stopper.

But he was not so lucky shortly after when the centre-half, attempting to clear a cross in a swirling wind, could only turn the ball into his own net and put Bicester further ahead.

Woodley were now staring at a seventh league defeat of the season – but they were handed a lifeline just two minutes later when Limbu pulled a goal back, beating Watt with an effort from just outside the penalty box.

Watt was to be beaten again as Woodley poured forward in search of a way back into the contest, but the ball was held up on a sticky surface and eventually cleared.

It was Bicester, though, who would finish the game on top, working Davies with a number of awkward crosses as they comfortable held out to pick up three points which moved them up to second in the standings above Finchampstead, whose game at Wantage Reserves was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

WOODLEY UNITED: Davies, Phillip, Pearce,

Bridges, Burt, Szram, Limbu, Creegan, May, Mowat, Skehan, High, Hemmings, Cofie.

Woodley put league matters to one side tomorrow when they travel to Premier Division side Brimscombe and Thrupp for a Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup second round tie (2pm). n FINCHAMPSTEAD host Holyport at the Memorial Ground looking to avenge the 1-0 loss suffered over at Summerleaze earlier in the season.

Finch defender Danny Wing has left the club to join Hellenic Premier Division side Bracknell Town.

Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Penn & Tylers Green 12 9 2 1 Bicester Town 12 7 3 2 Finchampstead 13 7 2 4 Henley Town 11 7 1 3 Headington Amateur’s 11 6 2 3 Holyport 11 6 1 4 Rayners Lane 11 5 2 4 Didcot Town Res’ 12 5 2 5 Chinnor 9 4 1 4 Chalfont Wasps 7 3 2 2 Wantage Town Res’ 13 3 2 8 Woodley United 11 2 2 7 Old Woodstock Town 10 2 0 8 Reading Town 11 0 0 11

F 47 30 26 32 24 21 25 33 19 12 19 12 5 10

A 7 21 13 19 11 22 17 26 13 14 32 25 35 60

Pts 29 24 23 22 20 19 17 17 13 11 11 8 6 0

WOKINGHAM SPORT

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The borough’s best: Awards night honours sports stars

Picture: Stewart Turkington

RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS

The Wokingham Borough Sports Council Sports awards took place at Bulmershe School in Woodley on Friday.

For the full story and pictures, turn to pages 34 and 35.

ICE HOCKEY

Having shown enormous generosity to help Bees’ plight, the fans are told...

Your support is keeping us going EXCLUSIVE

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Bees chairman Andrew Cross has described the club’s fans as the “most passionate I have ever seen” Picture: Bob Swann n FOR more Bees news, turn to page 35 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

BRACKNELL BEES fans have been thanked for their unquestionable loyal support in the wake of the club’s financial situation.

Since news broke regarding the lack of funds needed to cover ice rink bills, players’ wages and to purchase new equipment, those backing the Bees and beyond have shown tremendous generosity to the cause.

A 20 per cent decline in season ticket sales, two temporary closures of the Hive due to ice plant failure and an issue with incorrectly manufactured replica shirts mean financial projections for the season are down on what were expected.

Because of this, owners Precision Sports Marketing (PSM) encountered severe difficulty in meeting its weekly or monthly salary obligations for October, while those for November and December could also be a struggle to comply with.

However, since PSM went public with details of the club’s finances, the response to those up in the stands has been positive.

Last weekend alone five season tickets were snapped up, while companies have also been enquiring about potential sponsorship leads.

A new golden stick raffle launched in the past week raised in excess of £130 alone, with it hoped the competition could rake in as much as £250 before a winner is drawn.

Launched during Sunday’s game with Sheffield Steeldogs and with a £2 entry, half the fee is stuck to the stick which, once full, will be handed to the fan with the winning raffle ticket.

This is on top of existing initiatives such as the 50/50 draw, shirt off a players back and the ‘chuck-a-duck/puck’ game which accompany every home match.

While this will no doubt boost club coffers, support has also come in the way of volunteers willing to help out on match nights, and chairman Andrew Cross is keen to express his gratitude to those happy to roll their sleeves up

for the cause.

He said: “Just over a week ago I issued a statement on finances. Why? Because we believe that being honest with players and fans alike is the best course to take.

“So let’s be clear. It’s an honest statement and a rallying call - not an obituary! During the week and on Thursday night (v Peterborough Phantoms), we saw what makes a true Bracknell Bees supporter.

“The fans of this club are some of the most passionate sports club fans I have ever seen.

“The messages of support, the offers of help, the ideas as to how to enhance our match night fundraising and so on are some of the reasons why Ben (Beeching, general manager) and I keep going.

“Those people who do not hide behind keyboards, Facebook and Twitter who will ask the most difficult questions because they care passionately about this club are another reason why Ben and I keep going.

“For those of you who have donated funds, bought season tickets, purchased merchandise online, buy a SlapShot (beer) on match night; your financial support is very much appreciated and I thank you.

“The unselfish support shown by most fans is another reason why Ben and I keep going.”

Cross went on to say how exactly £334,000 is needed to meet a £4,000-a-week salary budget across the season.

This is said to be the third lowest in the league.

A revised plan has since been created which will see all costs paid up by the end of the season.

Yet while working hard to see the club through these difficult times, Cross is more determined than ever to have the Bees competing financially with those in the upper echelons of the EPIHL table.

“If we added another £45,000 of income we would be on a par with most of the teams in the top half of the table,” he added.

“There’s the challenge.

“The dream of being able to do that is another reason while we keep going.”

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