The Wokingham Paper, January 15, 2016

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Friday, January 15, 2016 No. 39

HOW MUCH?

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NOT AGAIN

TEACHER GUILTY DINTON PASTURES ANOTHER WEEK, CAR PARK PRICE OVER CHILD PORN AND YET MORE RISE FRUSTRATES ACCIDENTS ON PICTURES FAMILIES • P11 A329M • P3 THE LATEST Shoestopper!

WOKINGHAM Parking FULL STORY PAGE 3

NEWS – JUST 50P

charge hike will ‘damage’ business

Backlash over council plan to abolish free parking

WEATHER

PARK & RIDE SITE FLOODS AGAIN P11 POLITICS

ANGER OVER BY-ELECTIONP5 SPORT

SEE PAGE 11

Fund launched to buy 500 pairs of boots • p8

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2 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

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

John Pettitt, Reading Buses Director of Resources, Martijn Gilbert, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, John Doughty, volunteer fundraiser, Fiona Rackham, community fundraiser Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and Linda Barnes, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

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

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

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

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

Is your son or daughter getting married this summer?

Has someone you know recently passed their exams?

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

Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today.

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

Send us your wedding pictures

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

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

Share your bundle of joy!

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

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

For more details...

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

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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 MARK MARTIN

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAMPAPER © Published by Xn Media Ltd, 2016 for the people of Wokingham Borough

CRIME

Family’s appeal for return of child’s car

A JCB Telehandler and a classic pedal car were stolen in separate incidents in Grazeley and Riseley.

Overnight on Wednesday, January 6, into Thursday morning a JCB Telehandler vehicle was stolen from a school site in Mereoak Lane. The vehicle was stolen without keys.

In Riseley, between January 3 and Wednesday someone forced the padlock on a garage door in Odiham Road. The offender searched inside and stole a child’s metal pedal car from the late 1960s which is of great sentimental value to the owner.

If anyone has any information relating to either of these incidents they should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

MUSIC

There’s no stopping Queen tribute band

A QUEEN tribute band is coming to Emmbrook tonight (Friday).

The musical legends, whose catalogue included Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and Don’t Stop Me Now, will be recreated

by Wokingham Music Club’s first gathering of 2016.

The music will come from Queen II as part of their European tour and the night promises to recreate all the emotion of a classic Queen concert.

It takes place from 7.45pm at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road.

Tickets cost £14 and can be bought from the club’s website, www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

CHARITY

All aboard for a record-breaking fundraiser!

BUS users have helped raise a recordbreaking sum for charity.

Reading Buses, which operates the Lion and Leopard bus services in Wokingham as well as services to Earley, Lower Earley and Woodley, has raised £13,750.61 for Alzheimer’s Society over the course of 2015.

This is £4,000 more than the amount they raised the year before, for Launchpad.

At the company’s Reading depot earlier this week, chief executive officer Martijn Gilbert described 2015 as an

CRIME

Van owners urged to remove tools overnight

TOOLS have been stolen from vans in two separate incidents.

Between 11pm on Sunday, January 3, and 7am on Monday someone broke into a Ford transit van which was parked on a drive in Pinewood Drive, Crowthorne.

Between 8pm on Monday, January 4, and 7am on Tuesday morning, someone broke into a parked transit van in Piggott Road, Wokingham, by forcing the rear door.

Tools were stolen in both incidents.

Anyone with any information relating to the incident should call 101.

TRANSPORT

Rail expert to speak at club’s next meeting AN EXPERT in rail infrastructure is coming to Wokingham next week.

“amazing year” when employees and customers had really got behind the charity.

He added that one of the primary aims was to raise more than £10,000 for the first time.

“Thanks to our wonderful employees and customers we have achieved that,” he said. “We have had lots of colleagues engaged in feats of endurance to test themselves and raise money for the charity in the process.”

The main fundraising effort was the company’s annual open day, which raised

more than £6,000 last year.

Linda Barnes, Alzheimer’s Society Operations Manager for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support Reading Buses have given us at Alzheimer’s Society over the past year – it’s been a fantastic partnership.

“Not only have they raised thousands of pounds for us, but they’ve really helped to raise awareness of dementia and the support that is available in the wider Berkshire area by wrapping one of their buses with support information.”

The Wokingham Methodist Railway and Transport Club will welcome Professor William Powrie to speak at its next meeting. Among his research has been the rail embankment at Pound Green near Shinfield.

He will talk on the subject Track to the Future – Research in Rail Infrastructure when the group meets on Tuesday, January 19. The meeting takes place from 7.45pm in the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street.

Prof Powrie is Dean of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 1pm and 3.30pm.

If you saw anything suspicious in the area during that time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

CRIME

Did you see thief who swiped number plate?

A NUMBER plate has been stolen from the front of a car in Spencers Wood.

Some time during the afternoon of Monday, January 4, someone stole the number plate off a car parked in a driveway in Larchside Close.

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.

ARTS

Relationship turmoil is focus of Skylight play

THE first play of the year from Wokingham Theatre is a drama that asks if a relationship can be rekindled.

Skylight, written by acclaimed playwright David Hare, was recently performed in the West End where Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy took the lead roles.

The play is performed from Thursday, January 21, until Saturday, January 30. Tickets cost £10 and can be reserved by logging on to www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk or calling 0118 978 5363.

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CHARITY

ACCIDENT

Windfall for Oxfam after rare brooch raises £300 VOLUNTEERS at a charity shop in Wokingham were left stunned after a vintage brooch sold for £300 this week.

Staff and volunteers at Oxfam, in Peach Street, were thrilled when an unknown customer spotted the Georg Jensen brooch among the shop’s jewellery.

Deputy manager Tony Pillai said: “We knew the brooch was valuable, we noticed it when it was first donated and researched it online. It is quite distinctive and had the date 1957 printed on it so we knew it would be worth a few hundred pounds.

“We had quite a few interested customers who kept coming back to have a look, but when the lady came in on Tuesday she said she wanted it straight away.

Young motorcyclist dies in collision with tipper truck

“It turns out, her mother was given the same brooch as a gift when she was a bridesmaid at a wedding back in the 1950s, the woman recognised it and bought it for her mother.

“I haven’t seen her in the shop before so I’m not sure if the customer is local, but she definitely bagged herself a bargain.”

Georg Jensen was a Danish silversmith and designer in the early 20th century. His work is displayed in the Danish Museum for Decorative Art and the Museum Folkwang in Germany, and in 2005 the Bard Graduate Center in New York staged an exhibition of his jewellery.

The money from the sale will go towards Oxfam’s work fighting poverty around the world.

A MAN in his twenties from Winnersh has died after the motorbike he was riding was in collision with a tipper truck in Binfield earlier this week.

The man, who has not yet been named, was riding a grey BMW C1 motorcycle when he collided with the Ford Transit tipper truck on the B3034 Forest Road at around 4.15pm on Tuesday.

The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he died later that day. His next of kin have been informed.

The driver of the tipper truck was not injured in the collision.

Investigating officer PC Alan Turnbull, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit in Bicester, said: “We would ask anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident or who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to us to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact PC Alan Turnbull via 101 quoting 876 of 12/1.

Tony Pillai, deputy manager at Oxfam, is pictured with staff and volunteers at the shop in Wokingham after the discovery of the rare brooch (inset).

TRANSPORT

Two more accidents at A329M ‘danger’ junction

COURT

Former Holt School science teacher found guilty of child sex offences

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A SCHOOL in Wokingham has reassured parents that child sex offences committed by a former teacher did not involve its pupils.

Daniel Fisher, 35, who used to teach science at The Holt School, in Holt Lane, was found guilty on Monday of two counts of making indecent images of children and 15 counts of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Fisher, of Merchants Place, Reading,

was found guilty by a jury at Reading Crown Court following a week-long trial.

Officers from Thames Valley Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) carried out a warrant under the Protection of Children Act 1978 at Fisher’s home on December 31, 2013.

When the officers examined his computer, sexually explicit chat logs involving children and indecent images of children were found.

Fisher was arrested on December 31, 2013, and subsequently charged with the offences on October 29, 2014.

Detective Constable Sandra Tearney, the Investigating officer from the POLIT, said: “The jury found Fisher to have been in possession of indecent images of children and guilty of attempts to engage children in sexual activity online.

“This case is a pertinent reminder of the dangers of social media – do you know who your child is speaking to online?

“Thames Valley Police works to pursue those who offend, to provide support to victims and to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

TWO more accidents along the now notorious A329M have prompted a fresh wave of anger from motorists this week.

On Monday evening there was an accident along the Reading-bound carriageway, followed by another crash in virtually the same spot on Tuesday.

Since recent changes to the road’s layout

by Highways England there have been a series of accidents which have prompted dozens of motorists to vent their anger on social media.

The Government-owned transport agency has been criticised over the changes to the junction, which sees the left lane filter off towards the M4, leaving just one lane of traffic remaining on the A329M in both directions.

Motorists have also complained that the bottle-neck effect has had a disastrous impact on journey times, with some claiming that the new structure has trebled the time of their commute each day.

Suzanne Richards, Holt School headteacher, said in a statement to The Wokingham Paper on Tuesday: “We can confirm that Daniel Fisher was a teacher but is no longer employed by the school and has not taught here since December 2013.

“I would like to reassure our parents and the wider community that none of the offences for which he has been found guilty relate to any member of The Holt community.”

Fisher is due to be sentenced at the same court on February 8.

REGENERATION

Have your say on how new Peach Place will look

The Rose Street car park is the site of the new Peach Place development and the council wants your views on the design. Picture: Paul King

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THE design of the new buildings in Peach Place will be put to a public consultation at the end of this month.

A workshop to discuss the facades and shop fronts of the new scheme, which is due to begin in early 2017, is being held by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to give residents and members of the public a say on how the new buildings, which will face onto Peach Street and Rose Street, will look.

The workshop will offer visitors the opportunity to look at details such as the type of brickwork and render to be used for the buildings, elements such as windows and a discussion about the approach to shop front design within the scheme’s units.

The workshop follows on from an initial consultation in November to discuss the functionality and landscaping of public spaces, focusing on Market Place and Peach Place.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, WBC’s deputy executive

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member for regeneration and communities, said: “It’s been really great working closely with local residents looking in more detail about the designs.

“We had some good feedback from local residents and groups from the last event.

Some exciting ideas have come out of that to shape the new spaces and how they will be used.”

The workshop has been organised for Wednesday, January 27, from 7pm to 9pm at Wokingham Town Hall. The event will start with a presentation before moving onto a participatory workshop where groups will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas. Feedback from the workshop will be used to help finalise the designs ready to start development in early 2017.

Spaces on the workshop are limited and must be booked by emailing the borough council’s regeneration team at towncentre. regeneration@wokingham.gov.uk

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4 | NEWS CRIME

Thieves target minibuses at two borough schools

TWO school minibuses have been targeted by thieves in Wokingham over the past fortnight.

Overnight Sunday, January 3, into Monday someone smashed the driver’s side window of the minibus, near Keep Hatch Primary School, in Budges Garden. The bus was searched but nothing was stolen.

Between 8.30am on Thursday, January 7, and 8am the following day, a catalytic converter was stolen from a school minibus in Luckley Road.

If you have any information relating to this incident you should call Thames Valley Police via 101.

RENOVATION

Work to repair roof at All Saints Church to begin

WORK to repair the roof of a Wokingham church will start next week.

Scaffolding and a safety fence will be erected around the east end of All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road from Monday to enable to the work to take place.

Access to the church will not be affected but the church leaders warn that extra care should be taken around the church and premises, which includes a graveyard.

CRIME

Post Office door smashed

THE Post Office in Twyford was targeted by thieves in an attempted burglary.

Overnight on Wednesday, January 6, into Thursday morning someone smashed a pane of glass on the rear door of the building and tried to force the shutters covering the door. Access was not gained and nothing was stolen.

Anyone with any information about this incident should call police on 101.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Records could fall as runners flock to enter half marathon

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk MORE than 90% of places in this year’s Wokingham Half Marathon have already been snapped up and entrants include the course record holder.

The annual road race, which starts and finishes at Cantley Park, will take place on Sunday, February 21.

Last year, more than 3,000 runners took part in a bid to beat the record set by Phil Wicks in 2012.

He ran the route in 1hr 3min and 14sec.

Organisers are offering a £500 cash prize to anyone who can run a faster time than the Belgrave Harriers runner, who will be back to defend his title.

Organisers say that he will be given a run for his money by John Beattie, from Newham and Essex Beagles and Carwyn Jones from Cardiff AC. Also contending will be two Olympic athletes: Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward who are in the Irish squad for this year’s Rio games.

A spokesperson said: “With the fast Wokingham course, and given good conditions on the day the record could be at risk.”

The record in the female race is held

by Liz Yellings, who ran the course in 1hr 11mins and 9sec.

She will be competing against runners from across the country including Caryl Mair Jones from Swansea AC and Emma Stepto from Cornwall AC. As well as the £500 prize for breaking the course record, there will be prizes for the first three men and women back, as well as trophies for the category winners. All finishers will receive a medal.

The event is not just about the big race, as fun runners will be welcomed too, with a large proportion making the entry field.

Peter Evans, chairman of the race, added: “The organisers would like to thank the sponsors David Cliff Estate Agents, Mitsubishi Motors and solicitors Herrington Carmichael for their support, together with Wokingham Borough Council for providing the use of Cantley Park on the day.”

To download an entry form, log on to www.wokinghamhalfmarathon. co.uk.

Entries can be made on line or posted to: Wokingham Half Marathon, PO Box 54. Wokingham, RG40 2JW.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

Miley Phillips, Katie Page and Sam Davey enjoying craft at the Bull & Chequers.

HEALTH

Defibrillator gift for local school A CHARITY that aims to put defibrillators into every school is celebrating after being given a generous donation.

The Lilly-May Page Trust held a fundraising event at Woodley’s Bull and Chequers Pub in Woodley before Christmas and announced their Christmas present - a new defibrillator to install in a local school, thanks to makers Heart Sine Ltd. The event was organised by Lilly-May’s mother, Claire Page, who is a regular at the pub. It was a bittersweet occasion as it came days after what would have

been Lilly-May’s seventh birthday.

Ms Page said: “It would have been LillyMay’s birthday and, with Christmas so close as well, I wanted to invite her friends for a birthday party. There were crafts for the children, Santa came and finger food.

“The Bull and Chequers is my local, they do lovely food and we used to come over.

This was the first time I’ve been here for food without Lilly-May.” In the evening there was fun for adults too, with a karaoke and some brave souls waxing their chest for the charity.

Outstanding legal service

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

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

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AND AWNINGS

WOKINGHAM

Politicians lock heads over £7,000 by-election that ‘only Labour wanted’ BLINDS AND AWNINGS DRIVEWAYS &&LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING

Sarin Tel: 0118 9733414 .Tony . TURFING PATIOS . FENCING & GATES Mob: 07920 524500 . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING EXCLUSIVE The Area’s Leading Supplier & Installer of Window Dressings Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com

By PHIL CREIGHTON Serving the Local Community The for 10 candidates: Years. news@wokinghampaper.co.uk REPAIRS Road OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB .

A BY-ELECTION has been called for a town DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING GARDEN MAINTENANCE council ward – despite a plea from a mayor .

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Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com . REPAIRS Road Liberal Democrat councillor Imogen OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB Shepherd-Dubrey raised the absence .

GARDEN MAINTENANCE The Area’s Leading Supplier & Installer of Window Dressings of Sanjay Odedra at Wokingham Town Serving . PROFESSIONAL DRIVEWAY CLEANING Council’s December meeting where the the Local Community for 10 Years town mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, said Mr DRIVEWAYS &&LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING Odedra was recovering from a triple bypass operation and had been unable to Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans attend.

Financial reviews in the convenience of your home External Shading Requirements Financial reviews in the convenience your home Sarin As a result of missing meetings due to Brent Lees (Labour) Helen Belcher (Liberal Democrats) Sanjay Odedra (Conservatives) Tel: 0118 9733414 .Tony .of . TURFING FENCING & GATES savings & childPATIOS trust funds ill-health, Mr Odedra was forced to stand Mob: 07920 524500 Helen lives in Emmbrook with her family.

Sanjay Investments, previously won the seat in 2015, Investments, savings & child trust funds . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING An Emmbrook resident, Brent is an IT Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com down from the town council. Ten electors professional with four grown-up children.

She is a school governor for Emmbrook although ill-health prevented himperformance from With profits fund analysis .

With profits fundHe performance analysis REPAIRS ORand DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead Road | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB called for a by-election to be held, despite Brent has recently been campaigning in Secondary School a member of carrying out some of his duties. is an & open market options . GARDEN MAINTENANCE Conservatory Blinds .and Curtains . WoodAnnuities Venetian both the Liberal Democrats the Wokingham as part of Labour’s campaign Wokingham Choral Society. She runs her Emmbrook resident and the Annuities & owner openofmarket options . PROFESSIONAL Personal group pensions Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plansagainst the cuts in Working Tax credits.

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Financial reviews in the convenience of your home . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com For all your Internal & External Shading Requirements Financial reviews in the convenience of your524 home500 0118 973 3414 . place 07920 Inheritance Tax planning The minutes of the Town Council to request a dispensation not to attend that will cost your Town Council £6,700.” andsavings one will& now Investments, childtake trust fundsnext month.

Investments, savings & child trust funds ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers meeting noted: “The Mayor hoped meetings due Andy Croy, spokesperson for In a letter to Emmbrook North to his ill health, if he needed ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers With profits fund performance analysis Independent financial advice With profits fund performance analysis Independent financial advice that all members would continue to it, but this was not done.

Wokingham Labour, said they felt they it residents, seen by The Wokingham Paper, Annuities & open market options for a secure future Annuities & open market options work together to www.blindsandawnings.org meet the needs of our the Conservatives expressed their was important to call the by-election.

“When the problem was initially for alocal secure future Personal & group pensions residents andthe that quality no election would be discovered, He told The Wokingham Paper: “No at the decision. on behalf Personal &displeasure group pensions To see and excellent range visit the of the Liberal . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax Conservatory Blinds . Curtains . Woodwith Venetian called in this instance”.

Theplanning letter read: “Sanjay could reason for the vacancy was given. Other Democrats, I agreed thewokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com mayor Inheritance Tax planning LARGEST SHOWROOM in. Vision the area: Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Roller that . Vertical . Roman . Awnings ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Cllr Shepherd-DuBey said Life assurance, critical illness & income protection have been co-opted to continue as a councils state the reason for the vacancy, that we would not call an election and Authorised and regulated by theplans FSA ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Authorised and regulated byhome the FSA Financial reviews in the convenience of your 90 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BH For all your Internal & External Shading Requirements Financial reviews in the convenience of your opposition home Mr Odedra had been automatically would have been willing to support councillor but Wokingham Town Council did not. two of the three Investments, savings & child trust funds savingsobjected & child trust to fundsthis although disqualified as a councillor under UK co-option. As far as I could see, the Investments, “We should all be passionate about councillors With profits fund performance analysis profits fund performance analysis law after failing to attend any council Independent Councillors were of the With they were fully options aware of Sanjay’s heart our right to vote and enthusiastic in Annuities & open market www.blindsandawnings.org Annuities & open market options meetings for more than six months. operation consequent convalescence. our practice of democracy. Wokingham same thought.”

Personal & groupand pensions Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA To see the quality and excellent range visit the Authorised and the FSA does not do ‘a nod and a wink and . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Taxof planning Because this, you will now beregulated required by Labour She added: “He and any member of However, Wokingham Labour found 10wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance Tax planning LARGEST SHOWROOM in the area: ISAs & vote ISA/PEPon transfers jobs for the boys’, we do democracy.” to February 4th in a by-election wanted a by-election to held the Conservative group had the option people who ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 90 Yorktown Road, Sandhurst, GU47 9BH Mobile 07768 Tel/Fax 01344 466173 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk

Independent financial Independent financial advice advice BLINDS AND AWNINGS for for a a secure secure future future

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Tony Welsh

Tony Welsh

Tony Welsh Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd Tel 0118 402 8978 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk

APPEAL

Tony Welsh Authorised and regulated by the FSA

Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock,8978 Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk

Turn your old dresses into firefighters’ cash FIREFIGHTERS want you to help them fight fire by giving them your old dresses.

Thames Valley Fire Control Service is raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity by recycling textiles.

Watch manager Sarah Lewis said: “Money raised from recycling textiles will go to help the Fire Fighters Charity provide a range of services for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.

This includes therapy and rehabilitation for

Tony Welsh Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk recycling banks at any time. injured firefighters.

Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 402 8978 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Textile recycling banks are situated “Recycling textiles is a really simple Address way 5 The Paddock, Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk at the Wokingham Road fire station in to help a great cause and get rid of some Reading, Crowthorne’s High Street fire unwanted clutter at the same time.” station, Station Hill in Ascot and Victoria Suitable items for recycling include Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Susan children’s Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Road in Wargrave. adult and clothing (including Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kentand ME14 2BJServices Authorised regulated byAuthority, the Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number AJW00121 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 information, visit www. underwear, socks andHouse, coats), paired shoes, Head Office: Granville Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent For ME14more 2BJ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Registration Number AJW00121 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ firefighterscharity.org.uk handbags and bed linen.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority The recycling competition runs Registration Number AJW00121 throughout January, but textile donations can be made via the Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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Flat lake had been closed for three months Adult Annual Fishing Permit will 38 Woosehill Lane, Wokingham, Berks, RG41 2TS An s 12 The Wokingham Word available.

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RESCUE

Horse pulled free from bog by firefighters

A HORSE had to be rescued after becoming stuck in a bog in Wokingham earlier this week.

Fire crews from Wokingham, Bracknell and Caversham Road stations were called to the incident in Blagrove Lane shortly before 2pm on Tuesday.

Firefighters from the Animal Rescue Unit, based at Caversham Road, spent around halfan-hour rescuing the horse, using a winch to pull the animal to safety before handing it over to a vet for a check over.

CRIME

Burglars target home over festive season

BURGLARS ransacked a home in Charvil over the Christmas period but escaped empty handed.

At some point between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, someone smashed the glass in the rear patio door of a house in Chiltern Drive. The house was searched, but nothing was stolen.

If you have any information relating to this incident you should call Thames Valley Police via 101.

SOCIETY

Hampshire’s MP attends Conservative dinner

THE MP for North East Hampshire will be visiting Wokingham this weekend.

Ranil Jayawardena MP will be the guest speaker for a supper organised by Wokingham Conservatives on Saturday.

He will be discussing Foreign Affairs at the event which includes a two-course meal.

Guests are asked to bring their own wine.

During the evening Wokingham’s MP John Redwood will be discussing Foreign Affairs.

The event takes place at Shinfield Grange in Cutbush Lane, Shinfield. Places cost £25.50 and can be booked via the Wokingham Conservatives website, www.wokinghamconservatives.org.uk

6 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Parish noticeboard

n A WOMAN from Wokingham has been fined £440 for failing to tax a vehicle.

Hayley Jones, 25, of Norreys Avenue, was proved to have failed to buy a licence for the Ford Ka on August 18, 2015, despite the tax expiring on March 31. She was fined £440, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £75, costs of £90 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Miss Jones was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4.

Saturday January 16 Wokingham Town Council councillors surgery. 10am.

Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham

Monday January 18 Wokingham Borough Council Health and Wellbeing Board sub committee. 7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham.

Wokingham Without Full Parish Council Meeting.

7.30pm. Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3BA Wargrave Parish Council Full Policy and General Purposes meeting. 7.45pm. Old Pavilion, Wargrave

Tuesday January 19

n A MAN from Wokingham has been ordered to pay nearly £800 for failing to pay for a train ticket.

Richard Brown, 29, of Lawrence Close, was fined £440 for failing to pay the £3.10 fare on May 14, 2015.

Reading Magistrates’ Court also ordered him to pay £3.10 compensation, a victim surcharge of £44, costs of £160 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Mr Brown was not at the hearing on December 4.

Wokingham Borough Council Executive Questions deadline. 10am. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Wokingham Borough Council standards committee.

7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Arborfield Parish full council meeting. 7.30pm.

Pavillion, Arborfield Park, Swallowfield Road Wokingham Town Council Full Council meeting.

7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham Woodley Town Council Community Services meeting.

8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Headley Rd, Woodley, Reading, Wokingham RG5 4JZ

n A MAN from Wokingham was handed a £90 fine after pleading guilty to travelling on a train without a ticket.

Tony John Hawker, 30, from Peach Street, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4 where he pleaded guilty to travelling in Reading on June 24, 2015, without paying a £4.30 fare.

He was ordered to pay the £90 fine, compensation of £4.30, and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Wednesday January 20 Wokingham Borough Council Schools Forum. 9am.

Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Wokingham Borough Council Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN

Thursday January 21 Finchampstead Main Council Meeting. 7.30pm.

Finchampstead Memorial Hall, The Village, Wokingham RG40 4JU

n A MAN from Woodley has been fined £440 for travelling on a train without paying.

Friday January 22 Wokingham Town Council civic awards. 7.30pm.

Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

From the courts

Dean Bennett, 26, from Drovers Way, was proved to have travelled on a First Great Western service in Reading on June 22, 2015, without paying a £2.40 fare.

Mr Bennett was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4, but was fined £440, ordered to pay compensation of £2.40, a victim surcharge of £44, costs of £160 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4. n A MAN from Shinfield is due to appear in court for driving without insurance.

Levi Stanley, 38, of Deardon Way, will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (Friday) charged with driving a Nissan Micra on November 19 without appropriate insurance.

Mr Stanley denies the charge. n A WOMAN from Shinfield has been fined £500 to travelling on a train without paying for a ticket.

Samantha Ray, 20, of Songbird Close, was found to have travelled on a train in Reading on June 19, 2015, without paying a £2.90 fare.

Ms Ray was fined £500, ordered to pay £2.90 compensation, a victim surcharge of £50, costs of £160 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

Ms Ray was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4.

tax having expired on May 31.

In Mr Bashir’s absence he was fined £220, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £34.17, costs of £90 and a criminal courts charge of £150 during the hearing on December 4.

n A 36-year-old man from Earley has been fined £440 for failing to renew his car tax.

Mohammad Kamran, of Eastcourt Avenue, was found to have kept a Ford n A MAN from Earley has been fined Transit van on a public road on August £220 for failing to tax a vehicle.

14, 2015, without appropriate licensing.

Nasir Bashir, 49, of Erleigh Court Mr Kamran was fined £440, ordered Gardens, was proved by Reading to pay a vehicle excise back duty of Magistrates’ Court to have kept £93.75, costs of £90 and a criminal a vehicle on a public road on courts charge of £150.

Offers valid from 2nd - 25th January August 28, 2015, despite the Mr Kamran was not present for the

n A WOMAN from Earley has pleaded guilty to attempting to drive a vehicle while over the alcohol limit.

Susan Smith, 51, of Binbrook Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 7 where she pleaded guilty to the charge, which related to an incident in the Asda car park in Chalfont Way on September 19, 2015.

Ms Smith was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60, costs of £85 and a criminal courts charge of £150.

She was also disqualified from driving for two years.

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8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

LOVE

Hold the front page for lovers to propose!

By Q PID news@wokinghampaper.co.uk LOVERS who want to take advantage of the Leap Year to pop the question are being offered a proposal to remember – and it’s one to hold the front page.

The Wokingham Paper is offering the use of its front page for romantics to ask one question: will you marry me?

Once every four years, tradition dictates that women are allowed to get down on one knee and ask their lover to marry them. February 29 – the extra day added in a leap year – is this day and, for our issue nearest the date, we want to give a reader the opportunity to do just that.

We will set aside space on the front page of our edition of Friday, February 26, for a romantic proposal.

It’s one that the whole of Wokingham will see, making it the ultimate gesture of love.

It may be you’ve been together for years and you’ve been waiting for your other half to get round to asking.

It could be that you’re fairly new lovebirds but you’re sure this is true love.

Whatever the reason for your proposal, we want to know… and we want to share it with the borough!

Wokingham Paper publisher Phil Creighton is excited at the plan.

He said: “I’m just an old romantic at heart. Lots of us plan extravagant proposals but often never get round to it. We want to help someone in Wokingham make the ultimate romantic gesture. We’d love to see someone use our front page to ask their loved one to marry them.

“Oh, and don’t forget to invite us to the wedding!”

Any lovebirds looking to propose via our front page

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

APPEAL

These boots are made for giving

Richard Smith with a pair of walking boots. He has launched an appeal to buy 500 new pairs for refugees living in the Calais camp Picture: Phil Creighton

THE WOKINGHAM PAP ER NEWS WITH A H E A RT F O R T H E B O RO U G H

LEAP YEAR

EXCLUSIVE:

JOHN SMITH, WILL YOU MARRY ME? must be old enough to get married.

If you’re in love and would like us to consider you for our front page proposal, then drop an email to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk or write to us at Top Secret, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. In the event of more than one person being prepared to propose, we will select one entry at random from the editor’s box of heart-shaped chocolates.

EXCLUSIVE A COUPLE who spent New Year volunteering at a refugee camp are now appealing for help to buy 500 pairs of boots.

Richard Smith and his partner travelled to Calais to help distribute aid at The Jungle, where thousands of refugees are living. The couple said that their experience moved them so much that now they want to offer more practical help and have launched an appeal to find £10,000 to fund the new boots.

Mr Smith, who is director of music at All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road, said that secondhand shoes are not an option as it is difficult to check the quality of them all.

Wellies are also useless as they get stuck in the mud and, without socks, they’re also cold.

He said: “Good, solid boots are so desirable if you're living under a tarpaulin on a cold, rain-soaked landfill site.

“Bad shoes are painful, cold, wet, sometimes dangerous, and they don't last.

“I buy new shoes for my children

without a second thought. In this small way, we want 500 people in the Calais Jungle to feel loved and cared for.”

In just over a week the appeal has raised £850. If they reach £10,000 they will be able to bulk buy the footwear.

Mr Smith added: “Buying a large consignment of men's boots not only ensures good quality, it also makes distribution infinitely easier and it means we can take the types and sizes the camp actually needs.” n For more details or to donate visit www.bootswithoutborders.org.uk.

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NEWS | 9

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HEALTH

Hospital services hit as junior doctors strike over contract

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk JUNIOR doctors from the Royal Berkshire Hospital joined thousands of colleagues across the country in a strike over a controversial new pay and hours contract on Tuesday.

The action was the first of three planned strikes over the coming weeks unless an agreement can be reached between the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA).

Dozens of doctors, many of whom live in Wokingham, gathered outside the Reading-based hospital with placards urging the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to reconsider his proposals.

Mr Hunt described the walkout as “completely unnecessary” and urged junior doctors to return to work and the negotiating table.

The chair of the BMA junior doctors committee Johann Malawana said: “Junior doctors feel they have been left with no option but to take this action.

“We have been clear throughout this process that we want to negotiate a contract that is safe and fair, and delivers for junior doctors, patients and the NHS as whole.

“This remains our goal and our door is open to talks, but the Government must address our concerns around safe working patterns and ensure the contract recognises the long, intense and unsocial

hours which junior doctors do.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust (RBFT) said in a statement that 88 planned operations went ahead and maternity services were unaffected by the strike.

The statement published on Tuesday read: “It is too early for final figures because some shifts have not yet started, but early reports from RBFT is that, of our 358 Junior Doctors, 77 were due in at work for the morning shift; 40 reported for work and up to 37 may have taken industrial action. These figures will be firmed up over the next few days.

“Junior Doctors worked really hard with teams on Monday before the industrial action to get ahead on a lot of ward tasks and to ensure that patients fit for discharge were able to leave the hospital ahead of the planned strike.

“The Trust would like to thank matrons, all staff, including clinical teams, and volunteers who have taken on extra work today. The flexibility and goodwill of our consultants and clinical teams covering for those taking industrial action over the day means we are planning to see up to 2,367 people in our outpatient clinics, carry out 20 inpatient operations (including urology and cancer procedures), 68 day case operations.

Maternity services are unaffected.

School’s out for Piggott pupils after power cut

PUPILS at a school in Wargrave had an unexpected day off yesterday when a power failure left the building without heating or lighting.

Children at The Piggott School, in Twyford Road, were turned away from the gates and parents were left scrambling to organise childcare after learning of the closure via social media.

A statement from headteacher Derren Gray on the school’s website said: “Thank you to all staff, parents and students for their understanding, help and support in dealing with the school closure today.

“The loss of power disabled our servers, e-mail and website updates. There was also difficulty in accessing our back-up communication process (mobile 3G internet tethering), possibly due to the loss of power locally through the early morning.

“The timing was also difficult given that students were travelling to school when we were informed that power would be out for a considerable amount of time. Without power we have no heating, lighting or hot food. Also, our sewerage system which pumps the waste from the toilets also stops working.

“The decision to close the school is never taken lightly and I trust that parents will understand the need to do so on this occasion.”

The school is expected to be open as usual today (Friday).

“In addition we have undertaken a range of other planned care including endoscopy procedures, eye operations and orthopaedic work.

“Our Accident and Emergency department has remained busy and under pressure following the effects of the new year and therefore, as on recent days patients may experience some long waits, for which we apologise.

“Our main focus remains ensuring that, working with our community CLOSURE partners, patients no longer requiring hospital treatment are discharged, to THE Age Concern store in Wharfedale Road, ensure we have room for our patients Winnersh, which sells donated clothes and with complex health needs who need Dr Sarah Morton, with children Robert Airey, 4, and Louise Airey, 2, joined striking furniture, is selling off its stock at reduced care.”

Families Magazine Dec15.qxp 14/12/2015 09:06 Page colleagues at the Royal87x130mm Berkshire Hospital on prices after it was announced the shop will be1 The next proposed 48-hour strike is Tuesday. Pictures: Paul King closing down in mid-February. planned for January 26.

Scholarship Opportunities at Times Top 100 Prep School

W

averley School is celebrating its ranking as a Times Top 100 Prep School for the 4th consecutive year.

The school is currently offering a limited number of scholarship opportunities for pupils in the current Year 1. Successful candidates would join the school either in Summer Term 2016 or in Year 2 in September 2016.

As well as being a Times Top 100 Prep School, Waverley is the only Prep School in the local area with a dedicated focus on 11+ entry, with no bias or affiliation to any Secondary School.

To accelerate your child’s progression into the Secondary School of their choice, we are offering limited scholarships for children born between 1st Sept 2009 and 31st August 2010.

EDUCATION

Age charity branch to shut

Waverley Preparatory School and Day Nursery

Independent School for Boys & Girls – 3 months to 11 years 6 ! ay 1 D /20 m DAY n 1 0a L /0

pe 2 .3 OO O ay 2 0-11 SCH

id 3 A Fr 09. ON US E E S

Our Secondary School succession is impressive.

Of our 18 most recent Yr 6 leavers there were 5 scholarship awards, 2 selective Grammar School places and 10 places at their chosen Secondary schools. These included Reading Grammar (Boys), Ranelagh School in Bracknell, Blue Coat School in Reading, Luckley School in Wokingham and Kendrick Grammar School (Girls) in Reading.

FIND OUT MORE: A Scholarship exam will take place on Wed 27th January 2016 at 9.30am. This will consist of Maths and English exams, followed by an interview.

Pre-registration for the scholarship exam is required by Friday 22nd Jan 2016.

Email us info@waverleyschool.co.uk to register or call 0118 973 1121.

Or visit us at our Open Day on Friday 22nd Jan at 9.30am.

YEAR 1 SCHOLARSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

A “Times Top 100” Prep School for the 4th Consecutive Year 0118 973 1121

info@waverleyschool.co.uk | waverleyschool.co.uk Waverley Way, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4YD

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educating the individual

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10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

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

PROPERTY

Scrap Council Tax plan for unbuilt homes call CASH strapped councils should look elsewhere for money, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned.

The group is reacting to proposals made by the Local Government Association to charge Council Tax on unbuilt developments - something that it says could decrease house building numbers.

Last week, the LGA revealed that planning permission had been granted for 475,647 homes in England, which had not yet been built - the highest figure ever.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The imposition of Council Tax on unbuilt homes could increase the risks of bringing forward new developments by small house builders.

“The measure could deliver the opposite of what it hopes to achieve

by reducing the number of smaller housing developments.

“SMEs already face serious challenges in terms of access to finance and scarcity of small sites.

“For small house builders to be liable for Council Tax on properties which can’t be built would add yet another layer of risk and act as a further deterrent to smaller developers.

“It is already commonplace for local authorities to start charging Council Tax on homes that are incomplete – sometimes before even the basics, such as plastering, have been finished.

“It seems there’s now a danger of Council Tax being charged if you do build and also charged if you can’t build. That can’t be right.”

Delegrates pictured at a previous training sessions run by Blandy & Blandy.

Learn to sell with confidence at Real Business seminar The session will include looking at the opening of a pitch, the right questions to ask and how to close a sale with confidence.

The event will be held at Mantle Ltd in Innovation House off Molly Millars Close in Wokingham, on Friday, February 12 .

The workshop runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm and costs £99.

For more details, or to book, log on to www.therealbusinessclub.co.uk or call 0118 968 0813.

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

Contact Us Now: wokinghaminneed@gmail.com

Mock tribunal offers key training EMPLOYERS are being offered a first-hand insight into an Employment Tribunal thanks to local law firm Blandy & Blandy.

On Thursday, March 3, the firm is hosting a Mock Employment Tribunal event in Reading, which will demonstrate how an Employment Tribunal operates in practice, including how witnesses are cross-examined on their evidence and how everyday business decisions can come across very differently when scrutinised in the context of a Tribunal Hearing, whether at a full trial or at a preliminary hearing.

Partner Sue Dowling, head of the firm’s

TRAINING

A NEW workshop will offer tips and help for people looking to improve their sales technique.

The Real Business Club will be holding the session next month and it’s aimed at businesses large and small who are looking to enhance and hone their sales skills to deliver a more confident, polished and attractive sales proposition.

The seminar will be given by Max Barbour, who has more than 20 years experience in sales.

EMPLOYMENT

Employment team, said: “We will be acting out a full hearing from start to finish with legal representatives, witnesses and ultimately a decision by the tribunal judge.

“This popular free event is aimed at business owners and directors, HR professionals and line managers who may, at some time, have to manage employment issues in the workplace.”

The event runs from 9.30am to 1pm at Reading Borough Council’s Civic Offices in Bridge Street, Reading.

Places should be booked in advance. To register, email amanda.sarson@blandy.co.uk

ECONOMY

Business leaders call for more favourable trading conditions

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE ECONOMIC recovery is stalling according to new research released by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Last week, the group revealed in its latest quarterly economic survey that most key manufacturing and services were weaker, while manufacturing firms have fared worse. This, it is said, is leading to a two-tier growth trend.

The survey is based on almost 7,500 responses from firms across the country, including the Thames Valley, where the picture is brighter and bucking the national trend - sales and turnover are on the up here.

The BCC said that most key balances for the services sector dipped slightly again on the previous quarter, with domestic sales continuing to be the main contributor to overall growth.

However the manufacturing sector continues to struggle: domestic and export sales and order balances have now fallen well below their pre-recession levels in 2007, suggesting that the sector is close to stagnation.

Firms are looking to increase prices

markedly in the next 12 months, but are also thinking about investing more in plant and machinery, suggesting that the sector is keen to make the most of low inflation and low interest rates to improve productivity.

Thames Valley Chamber members who completed the survey have reported a 60% increase in sales and a 94% increase in turnover, reflecting the strong economy in the region. There has also been an increase in employment and recruitment for fulltime jobs.

The main concern is increased inflation.

Despite the national picture on exporting, the International Trade division of Thames Valley Chamber has processed in excess of £1bn worth of goods and services for export documentation, in 2015.

Overall, the results suggest positive economic growth over the next year, albeit at a slower pace, but built mainly off the back of the services sector.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “While these latest figures demonstrate growth, it is clear that there are warning signs of potential trouble ahead.

“The declines across the board should send a message to the Government that UK firms are in desperate need of a

favourable business environment, not more administrative burdens.

“It is not enough to rely upon consumer spending and the housing market to grow the economy, nor to rely purely on services to drive export growth.

“We need a rebalanced economy if we are to continue punching above our weight on the global stage. The quality and variety of our goods and services is what gives Brand Britain its strength overseas.”

David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “Coming after relatively weak figures in our Q3 survey, the falling balances in Q4 highlight the risk that the pace of growth may slow further.

“The results also underscore the serious obstacles that the UK will face when trying to rebalance the economy towards net exports. While worsening global circumstances are the main impediment, we are not doing enough closer to home to encourage businesses to trade overseas.

“Though wage pressures are rising, inflation is likely to remain below target over the next 18 months, and the MPC should keep interest rates at their current low levels for the time being.”

NEWS | 11

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

COMMUNITY

CRIME

A bear-y special day for Ian

Computers stolen after front door is left unlocked

IT’S what the best dressed pandas are wearing!

Teenagers from a Wokingham school have created a smart outfit to help a man raise money for charity.

Year Nine students from Emmbrook School designed a waistcoat for Ian Cooke to wear on his fundraising missions.

Mr Cooke, who works as a warehouseman at Waitrose’s Wokingham branch, said: “I do a lot for charity and Waitrose support me.

I asked my daughters Nellie (13) and Maisy (11) if they would design a jacket

LAPTOPS were stolen from a house in Shinfield after the front door was left unlocked.

Between 4.30pm and 7pm on Tuesday someone went into the property in Railton Close through the unlocked door and stole two laptops.

Police are reminding residents to always ensure their properties are secure as it can take only minutes for an opportunist thief to break in.

If you have any information regarding this incident which could be helpful to police please call 101.

for when I am wearing my panda outfit.

They took the idea to school and the textiles group designed and made it.”

Jade Fox, Faith Bell and Siddhima Gupta, all year nine textile students at Emmbrook School designed the jacket.

Heidi Gray, textiles teacher at Emmbrook, said: “The jacket was made to measure using recycled uniforms from Waitrose. We went along with Waitrose’s sustainability ethos.”

The jacket received its first outing at Wokingham Winter Carnival where Mr Cooke wore the costume in aid of a bowel cancer charity.

COMMUNITY

Food for thought at church’s ‘pot luck’ event

Right: Siddhima Gupta, Jade Fox and Faith Bell being presented with a thank you gift card from Ian Cooke of Waitrose. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

PARKING 1

End of free parking could hit town trade

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk VISITORS will avoid coming to Wokingham and small businesses could be forced to close if the council scraps free overnight and bank holiday parking.

News that Wokingham Borough Council is considering introducing a £1 charge for visitors using the borough’s car parks outside of normal hours has been met with anger by residents and business owners alike.

The plans, if approved, mean that visitors to big events such as the Woodley Winter Extravaganza and the Wokingham May Fayre will be stung by the car parking charge, bringing an end to years of free parking.

Some residents also fear their roads will be clogged with visitors eager to avoid the charge.

However, the council says the charges are necessary.

Defending the proposal, Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways at Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), said the Government’s spending cuts meant there was no alternative.

He said: “We understand people are going to get upset about this, but compared to other nearby councils we’ve hung on as long as possible before introducing overnight charges. But we simply cannot afford to run free car parks in this current climate.

“If they are to survive our car parks must become more self-sufficient. These new charges have been set with best value for local people very much in mind.”

But the organisation that works with Wokingham town centre retailers said they couldn’t support the proposals as they stand.

Stan Hetherington, speaking on behalf of Wokingham Town Team, told The Wokingham Paper: “Our aim and that of both the town and Borough Council is to encourage people to use their town centre more. Pricing, location and ease of use of car parks are factors which influences people when deciding which town to visit.

“As this proposal stands in isolation of any plans to improve the attractiveness of our town and its car parks the Town Team is unable to support this proposal and we encourage the Borough Council to have a holistic approach towards our town.”

The plans have also been slated by Wokingham’s Labour party. Spokesperson Andy Croy told The Wokingham Paper: “The Tories have to pay for councillors’ pay rises somehow and I guess this will cover it.

“The Tories are sending out the wrong message – we either want people to come shopping in the town centre or we don’t. Footfall for the town’s traders may be reduced by the loss of free parking. The overnight charges are just petty.

“Tory Government cuts to council funding have pushed the council to stick their hands even further down the back of our collective sofa. The richest borough in the country has to charge a quid for parking? Something has gone very wrong with our financial management.”

The consultation runs until February 5. Visit www. wokingham.gov.uk/consultations n Editorial Page 16

ENVIRONMENT

The grass will be greener in Wokingham PARKS, pitches and play areas in Wokingham Borough will remain looking good thanks to a new grounds maintenance contract.

The new contact, provided by ISS Facility Services – Landscaping, will target grass cutting at areas of most importance to residents, while maintaining the grassland and wildflower meadows that have proved popular at Cantley Park in Wokingham, Ashenbury Park in Woodley and on the Woosehill Spine Road.

The key innovations of the contract include a flexible grass cutting service; under which grass will be cut when

necessary rather than relying on a fixed schedule; a new performance management scheme that will have a greater focus on customer satisfaction and the quality of the service provided; and a strong focus on enhancing biodiversity by providing areas of longer grass and wildflowers in which pollinators and other wildlife can flourish.

The contract has been designed with input from a public consultation held in 2014.

Cllr Angus Ross, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We listened to what people told us in 2014 and

began to put changes – such as greater flexibility and wildflower meadows – in place last summer.

“The new contract will enshrine those change.”

The joint procurement process with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is part of a drive for more efficient procurement and has led to ongoing savings of about £40,000 per year for the council.

Cllr Ross said: “I am delighted we found a way to save money during the procurement process and have found a provider committed to high levels of customer satisfaction within our available budget.”

PARKING 2

Outrage at Dinton Pastures increase AN increase in parking charges at Dinton Pastures Country Park has been branded ‘disgusting’ by local residents.

From today (Friday) visitors will have to pay £6 to park at the Hurst site and California Country Park for three-and-a half hours, rather than £2.50.

Dinton user Helen Church, from Wokingham, said: “The council are always encouraging us to use these green spaces, but I think a lot of people will avoid going now because of the amount it costs to pay.”

People have been urged to ‘vote with their feet’ and boycott the park until the council lowers the charges.

Cllr Angus Ross, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’ve looked very carefully to balance car park charges against the need to make country parks self-financing in the very difficult current financial climate.”

ALL are invited to take a chance on lunch this Sunday.

St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham, is holding its annual parish Sunday lunch – the menu is simply pot luck and pudding.

Guests should bring their own drinks and glasses to the fun event, which starts at 12.45pm.

Tickets cost £10, £5 for children or £25 for a family ticket and can be booked via the church office by calling 0118 979 2122.

CRIME

Building site targeted

A CABIN on a building site has been broken into in Shinfield.

Between 1pm on New Year’s Day and 6am on Monday, January 4, someone forced open the door of the cabin on the site in School Green but nothing was stolen.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101.

FREE! Valentine’s

Day greetings

Show your love with a FREE message

Monday, February 14 is the date for romantics everywhere to show their loved ones how much they care. Our nearest issue to the big day is Friday, February 11 and we want Wokingham’s lovebirds to be able to celebrate in style.

We’re offering everyone the chance to post their loved-up messages for FREE. All you have to do – in 30 words or fewer – is think up your romantic messages. Please, keep them clean! So, if you want to let Snugglepuss know that you want to be their Valentine, this is the place to be!

Your name (we won’t print this):

Phone number: Address:

Email: Send your completed form by Monday, February 8, 2016 to The Wokingham Paper Valentine’s Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Alternatively email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Messages will be printed in the paper – we reserve the right to edit without prior notification if we consider the message to be unsuitable for a family newspaper.

12 | NEWS CRIME

Bicycles and garden tools stolen from two garages

GARAGES in Crowthorne and Finchampstead were broken into last Friday.

In the early hours of the morning someone broke into a garage in The Brambles, Crowthorne, before making off with two bicycles.

Later that day, between 2.15pm and 3pm, someone broke the window at the back of a garage in Longwater Road, Finchampstead.

A Stihl hedge trimmer and a leaf blower were stolen.

If you have any information about either of these burglaries you are asked to call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.

ENVIRONMENT

Meeting branches out into the history of street trees A LOOK at the history of street trees, their diversity and their importance will be the focus of a meeting of the Earley Environmental Group next week.

The group will welcome Chris Hannington, the team manager of Wokingham Borough Council’s Tree Department, to talk about the trees after a short AGM. The meeting takes place from 7.30pm at Maiden Place Community Centre off Kilnsea Drive in Lower Earley on Tuesday.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

PLANNING

Speak out on where new homes are built

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on where new houses should be built in Wokingham borough.

A survey has been launched after a 2015 independent assessment of the area’s housing requirements revealed that 850 new homes need to be built every year up to 2036 to meet demand.

While plans are in place for the next 10 years, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) says it now needs to update its Local Plan, which will “set the principles of where and how the homes and other development should be provided”.

The plan, which has been dubbed a blueprint, aims to ensure new homes are built in the right places and come with the right schools, roads and other facilities to ensure the borough remains a great place to live, work, play and do business.

The borough council said that to produce the plan it is inviting a range of organisations and the public to have their say, with an initial round for land identification running until noon

on Friday, February 5. Any sites put forward in this round will then be assessed to discern suitability. Land can be put forward for uses such as housing or for employment.

Cllr John Kaiser, WBC’s executive member for planning and highways, said: “We need to be clear that the potential development sites submitted will be very carefully assessed and only those that we find acceptable will be allocated for development.

“This part of the Local Plan process is about seeing what might be available — and everybody needs to understand that nominating a site for consideration is absolutely no guarantee that it will end up being included for development.”

Anyone with any questions regarding the call for sites consultation, can contact Wokingham Borough Council’s land use and transport team on (0118) 974 6478 or by emailing: lpu@wokingham.gov. uk.

To take part in the land consultation, log on to www.wokingham.gov.uk/news-andconsultation/consultation-and-having-yoursay/current-consultations/

Staff and guest enjoyed an afternoon of fun at the Alzheimer’s Café.

Picture: Paul King

HEALTH

Party marks more meetings A POPULAR meeting place for people with dementia held a Christmas party ahead of switching its meetings to a fortnightly basis to meet demand.

The Wokingham Alzheimer’s Café provides a safe space for people with the disease and their carers to come together, hear a speaker, chat and enjoy some fun.

On Wednesday, December 16, the group welcomed a special visit

from Father Christmas, enjoyed some karaoke and enjoyed food supplied by Gabriel’s Angels.

The group meets on alternate Wednesdays at the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, from 2pm to 4pm.

On Wednesday, there will be a guest speaker from Wokingham borough library, while on Wednesday, February 17, Wokingham Methodist Church lay preacher Dr Rosi MorganBarry will speak. Everyone is welcome.

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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NEWS | 13

Spring Lane, between the A4155 Henley Road and the B478 Playhatch Road in Sonning Eye, was closed yesterday due to flooding. The road is a popular cut-through for motorists travelling from Henley towards Woodley. It is not clear when the road is expected to re-open – keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest. Pictures: Paul King

WEATHER

What a difference a day makes …

P

ARTS of the old Park and Ride site at Loddon Bridge started to flood on Tuesday – but despite more heavy rain overnight on Wednesday, water levels receeded.

Wokingham Paper columnist Tony Johnson visited the site on Tuesday and yesterday (Thursday), revealing that the River Loddon burst its banks and then went down again.

Small areas of the Showcase Cinema car park were flooded.

Elsewhere, the River Loddon is over the banks under the A329M flyover and the old Park & Ride car park was flooded in two separate places.

The Environment Agency flood warning for the River Loddon is as follows: “Levels on the Lower River Loddon remain high, especially in the Sindlesham area.

Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected.

“Levels are forecast to stabilise and then start to fall. Property flooding is not currently expected.”

As you can see from our photos, the flooding was not that bad – and, as we go into the weekend, there will be dry spells.

There is no snow currently forecast, although temperatures will remain chilly at maximums of 4ºC and lows of -2ºC. Pictures: Tony Johnson

On Tuesday, the water levels were blocking the footpaths (above left), but by Thursday the water had gone back into the Loddon (above right)

Once, this level of flooding would have been enough to close the old park & ride site, but now it’s no longer in use it doesn’t matter. The Loddon has burst its banks on Tuesday (left), but gone down by Thursday (right)

Although there was some flooding of the car park on Tuesday (left) it had gone by Thursday (right) – by all accounts, Wokingham had had it easy in this round of flooding, but winter is not over yet.

14

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NEWS | 15

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

COMMUNITY

Car and computers stolen during Shinfield burglary

A CAR, laptop and a tablet computer were stolen during a burglary in Shinfield.

Overnight on Tuesday, January 5, into Wednesday someone went into a house in Halls Lane through the front door which had not been double-locked.

The offender stole a set of car keys left on the side before stealing the car, a Ford Fiesta, which was parked on the driveway.

Inside the car was an HP laptop, a Kindle, a Toshiba tablet and a pink MP3 player.

Thames Valley Police is reminding people to always double-lock their front door, not to leave valuables such as car keys on view, and to never leave valuables inside cars, even if they are out of sight.

If anyone has any information relating to this burglary that could be helpful to police, they should call the enquiry centre via 101.

A happy ending to JoJo’s very own shaggy dog story

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

DOG lovers from around the world are rejoicing after a lurcher who went missing following a crash on the M4 near Three Mile Cross finally came home after four weeks on the run.

Jo, or JoJo as he is affectionately known, escaped after his owner Jackey Holt’s car overturned after colliding with a stationary vehicle between junctions 11 and 12 of the M4.

A desperate search commenced for the MUSIC black and white lurcher, which caught the attention of hundreds of people locally, nationally and even as far away as Canada. on Tuesday morning.

Humane traps containing food and Mr Jeffrey, who lives in Hertfordshire items of Jackey’s clothing had been set but had been staying with his grandmother THE new year is always a chance to look back at numerous times following sightings by in a camper van on a well-wishers’ land in what has gone and that is exactly what Trinity volunteers, and JoJo was finally caught Tutts Clump, West Berkshire during the Concert Band will be inviting you to do. on Tuesday morning, exactly four weeks search, said he had been overwhelmed by For its January concert it is asking regular after the crash. audience members to pick the programme, the kindness of the volunteers.

It is understood he was found in the based on 2015’s performances.

He said: “It’s just incredible how many Tutts Clump area, some 10 miles away people have given up their time to help The most popular choices will be performed from the crash scene. search for a dog that they don’t even on Saturday, January 30, at Trinity Church in More than 800 people joined in the know, just so he can be reunited with my Lower Earley from 7.30pm. search for JoJo as the story captured the grandmother.

Half the proceeds from the concert will go hearts of local dog-walkers and residents “My family is incredibly grateful for the to Brass For Africa, as well as donations from a who ventured out every day in a bid to overwhelming support and generosity homemade cake stall served at the interval. find the missing dog. that has been shown to us.

Tickets are now on sale and cost £10 in The happy news was posted by Jackey’s “I’d just like to say a massive thank advance or £12 on the door. Under 16s are grandson Aaron Jeffrey in a Facebook you to everyone, the support has been free. group set up to co-ordinate the search, overwhelming. From the people who have For more details, log on to www.trinity F_BAR_10578 Austen House WOW open day advert - Wokingham Paper - 284x170mm V2.qxp_Layout 1 11/01/2016 17:50 Page 1 entitled Search For Jo, shortly after 8am been there since day one on foot, to all band.co.uk

Look back to decide the future Trinity concert

JoJo is pictured on the left with owner Jackey Holt, who has now recovered after the crash and Tye . Picture: Aaron Jeffrey

WOKINGHAM

Leading theatre man Brian Kettlewell dies ONE OF the leading lights of Wokingham Theatre has died.

Brian Kettlewell, who has been involved with the Twyford Road theatre for decades, passed away on Wednesday at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Friends described him as a larger-thanlife character who had been unwell for a while.

During his career at the theatre he appeared on and off stage. In 1987, he produced the set design and appeared in a production of Joe Orton’s Loot, and acted in a 1994 production of Ray Cooney’s Out of Order. He also appeared in a 2000 production of Twelfth Night.

Funeral arrangements were not known as we went to press.

WOODLEY of you following and sharing the page, this is a massive thank you to each and everyone of you.

“JoJo thanks you all and says sorry for the delay, he didn’t realise you were all looking!”

Jackey, 76, rescued JoJo four years ago from Sadie’s Stray Dog Rescue in Banbury, where she volunteered as a fosterer.

She suffered broken ribs, cuts and bruises in the crash, which also caused her other dog, Tye, to escape, although he was found in a garden shortly afterwards.

A spokesperson for the rescue, Lesley Ford, said: “Thank you to everyone that has been a massive part of catching Jo after he escaped from a traffic accident. Fabulous people too numerous to mention.”

Work gets underway on new all weather pitch A NEW all-weather pitch is about to be installed in Woodley.

It is part of an ambitious plan to enhance facilities at Woodford Park Leisure Centre.

The state-of-the-art pitch uses artificial grass and can be used in nine-aside games or divided into three smaller pitches for training. It will have a secure enclosure, boasting acoustic board fencing, LED floodlighting and six new trees are being planted alongside it.

The 12-week project will also see a tennis court refurbished while other tennis courts will be removed from service and converted into 59 car parking spaces.

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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

It must be quid ditch – keep car parks free IT IS with some surprise that we report on plans to start charging for overnight, weekend and bank holiday parking in the borough.

On first glance, it seems so reasonable: a quid for parking at these times. That’s hardly anything.

But the reality is different.

The borough is already facing a squeeze on retail and leisure from its two neighbours, Bracknell and Reading.

While Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford all benefit from High Streets that are packed with independents and delicious home-spun restaurants and cafés, once you start imposing a charge you impose a reason for people not to come to town.

The borough’s nightlife needs free parking. It’s an incentive for people to come in and spend more money than they would do sitting at home.

Equally concerning is the plan to impose the charges on bank holidays and Sundays. Woodley’s car boot sales will suffer if people cannot park for free.

Crucially, for the thousands of visitors who come in for the May Fayre, Winter Carnival and Woodley’s Winter Extravanganza, the car park fees will turn them off.

These big attractions are major events in our borough’s life. To start charging for them is wrong.

When parking metres were introduced in Reading, on street parking levels have plummeted and have yet to recover: people don’t want to pay.

As the saying goes, you rob Peter to pay Paul. This plan, while being attractive for the revenues it could generate, but it is very short-sighted.

Sign up to the consultation and let the borough council know these plans are a bad move.

CHURCH NOTES

Let’s learn to trust...

THIS Sunday is Peace Sunday and the theme of this year’s day of prayer is to overcome indifference and win Peace.

Pope Francis urges us to reflect on how we can challenge the causes of injustice and violence in today’s world.

One of the foundations of Peace is trust… having firm belief in the character, strength and truth in a fellow person and/or leader.

Nelson Mandela said “it always seems impossible until it’s done” and again “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner with trust”.

The lack of trust is based on several factors including dishonesty, discrimination and insufficient knowledge of the facts. Being human, it takes time to be able to trust, relatives, friends, work colleagues… people you can meet and speak to.

As Christians we are told to learn to trust in the Lord who we cannot see but can speak with… Solomon wrote “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

St Francis wrote this prayer for Peace, very appropriate for this Sunday: Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith Where there is despair, hope Where there is darkness, light O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love For it is in giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

Bernard O’Neill is a member of Corpus Christi Church in Struges Road

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

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

Vulnerable children must be the number on priority OFSTED have rated Wokingham’s Childcare services as requiring improvement.

Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, spent the early part of 2015 campaigning in the North of England in an attempt to win a seat at the General Election.

Concerns raised at the time as to how she could perform this vital position effectively whilst campaigning at the other end of the country were brushed aside.

People were clearly right to be concerned and Ofsted found that Leadership, Management and Governance require improvement.

I think it is a great pity, particularly for some of the most vulnerable children in our Borough that their welfare plays second fiddle to an ambitious politician’s career.

Phil Ray, via email

‘Lightning report’ ordered over child mental health care ENGLAND’S Children’s Commissioner (Anne Longfield) is currently so alarmed about the lack of adequate/appropriate NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) commissioning that she is compiling a ‘lightning report’ on the issue (to be published by May 2016).

As a Berkshire NHS CAMH campaigner I have sent Ms Longfield a copy of the petition (signed by the good folk of Wokingham and other towns in the Royal County) sent to Number 10 Downing Street over a month ago (but not yet acknowledged) on this very issue.

By doing so I hope that (after 12 unsuccessful years of campaigning) our local troubled teens and pre-teens will (finally) get the help they need/ deserve (but, sadly, I am not about to hold my breath).

Paul Farmer, Wensley Road, Reading

Free booklet offered for those with M.E. diagnosis YOUR readers may be familiar, some at first hand, with the considerable challenges faced by those affected by the chronic disabling condition myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

That’s why our booklet, Newly diagnosed with ME, shares key information and advice about the diagnosis, symptoms and management of M.E. Endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), it empowers patients to be an active partner in their own care.

Developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and our patient and carer reference group, the booklet is designed to be shared with your GP and can be downloaded for free at www.actionforme.org.uk or ordered by calling Action

The new A329M signs are doing nothing to cut congestion THERE is absolutely no way this is reducing congestion. I’ve been travelling this road every day from the centre of Reading and from Woodley.

From the centre of Reading it used to take me 30 minutes either at 7.30am or 9.30am, slightly outside of peak times. Now it takes over 45 minutes. From Woodley via the Bader Way, my commute used to take around 12 minutes.

This morning it took me 30.

There are a lot of heavy goods lorries travelling towards Bracknell. They are either merging from the M4 or coming from Reading. They are forced into a single lane, and are speed limited to 56mph.

This forces all the traffic from Reading to slow to around 45mph.

In addition, there are no overhead signs, so people realise they are about to go to the M4 and change at the last minute. Undertaking is prevalent as people want to get ahead of slower vehicles and there is a lot of tailgating for people who want to do 70 or 80mph.

People change lanes at the last minute across chevrons. As the slow lorries trundle down the single lane , they then have to

merge with the two lanes of traffic coming from the M4. This slows them down to around 20-25mph.

This forces the traffic behind to then slow to around 15mph or come to a complete standstill while cars in the outside lane try to compete with large lorries merging from the right.

Even when they were working on the temporary layout it was free flowing. Now there is rarely a day where I don’t come to a complete standstill on the A329M. It’s a complete joke. It shouldn’t take me 30 minutes at 9.15am, to get from Woodley town centre to the John Nike Leisure Centre.

There will be an accident. If you have lorries merging from the slip

for M.E. on 0117 927 9551.

Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive. Action for M.E., Temple Street, Keynsham

We need to raise awareness of Changing Places toilet I AM a director of CLASP (the Caring Listening And Support Partnership) a self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham borough.

I am writing to ask you if you could please give the Changing Places toilet in Wokingham town centre a mention in your lovely newspaper as not many people know about it to the point that only two people use it.

The Changing Places toilet is in Alexandra Court in Denmark Street opposite the Brown Bag cafe and has equipment for people with

in the left lane, and lorries merging from the right from Reading. A car will be crushed. Highways England are just trying to cover their terrible mistake at this stage.

I think the motorists who travel this road every day are just as well equipped or better equipped to comment on this shambles.

Frances, via website

New layout ‘makes me feel unsafe’ THE road changes to the A329M have made it very dangerous and I feel very unsafe – it’s like dodgems and it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

David, via website

profound and multiple learning disabilities or had severe strokes or even head injuries and some older people and their carers to use in a safe and clean facility.

It is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm.

Steven Allen, CLASP Wokingham

On lurcher Jo being found safe and well - from Facebook FACEBOOK is rejoicing this morning that Jo has finally been caught, everyone was worried about the bad weather coming. Well done to all the volunteers who searched for him, to DogLost for their help and to Ray Dedicoat for his invaluable advice. Welcome home Jo. Victoria Thomas SO very pleased to wake up to the news that JoJo is safe and back with owner Jackie. Although I couldn’t personally join the search for Jo I and others helped spread his missing details over social media and am over the moon he’s back in the arms of his loving mum.

Hazel Jones, via website

GOOD ADVICE

What to do if you’ve received a gadget for Christmas that doesn’t work Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer PROBLEM presents and faulty sale items can cause headaches over the festive period, but there’s lots you can do to resolve issues with your purchases.

Whether an online order isn’t what you were expecting or you’ve received a gadget that doesn’t work, you can use your consumer rights to get problem items fixed, or get your money back.

Here are some top tips that should help you resolve your problem: n Faulty goods? If you’ve bought something which turns out to be faulty, poor quality or not fit for purpose, you can return it within 30 days and get an exchange,

repair or a refund. It doesn’t matter if you bought it online or shopped in-store; your rights remain the same. n Changed your mind about a purchase? If you shopped in-store, you’ve got no legal right to return an item because you’ve had second thoughts. However some stores have their own policy allowing you to do this, so ask in store or check their website. If you’ve bought something online, the law does allow you to return an item you’re not sure about within 14 days. n Problem with a present? The right to return a faulty product lies with the person who bought it. They’ll need proof of purchase, and should return it within 30 days. If you can’t tell the giver that there’s a problem, it’s still worth checking with the retailer if they’re able to accept your return. n Returning a gift? If you’ve been given a present which isn’t faulty but you don’t want to keep, you have

no legal right to return it. However, some shops have their own policy on this and will offer you a refund, exchange or credit note. n Buying faulty items in the sales? Christmas sales can include products which are marked down because they’re faulty. If you’ve bought a faulty item, you can’t return it because of the fault that was pointed out to you. If there’s a different problem, your usual rights apply and you can return it within 30 days. n Second thoughts on sale shopping? Shops which accept goods you’ve changed your mind about can alter their policy during the sales. For example, they may reduce their return period from 28 days to 14 days, or not accept returns at all. Ask before you buy.

If you’re struggling to resolve a problem with a purchase Citizens Advice can help. Go online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk, visit your local Citizens Advice or call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Don’t dally, Dilley on the way

E

NVIRONMENT Agency (EA) chairman, Philip Dilley, has ‘been resigned’. Like being fired, but with noughts on and as a knight, he’s entitled to be called ‘Sir’.

Perhaps the EA forgot to issue flood warnings to him, so Sir Dilley was caught with his feet up on holiday.

In departing, Sir Daily commented that media scrutiny was “unacceptable”.

Much like the stinky water in flooded homes up north.

So it now appears that Sir Deli is free to do a bit of “light gardening”, not unlike the EA does on our rivers and waterways.

However, as Sir Direly discovered before he left, Yorkshire folk don’t appreciate EA’s “light gardening”. Especially with floods threatening their bridges and houses. During the downpour they got farmers into tractors, builders into JCBs and dredged the muck out. Saved their homes, but committed a heinous crime, much to any jobsworth’s dismay : Doing something useful.

Mind you, Sir Dully’s Agency have been preparing flood leaflets and they’ll be really useful.

They can be wadded up and shoved in cracks to stop water coming in. But you’ll have to find them and get some in beforehand, just like the flood defence kits they describe.

Are these kits in your local DIY store or garden centre ?

No, they’re flooded with stuff that will sell, rather than stuff that won’t. Until it’s too late.

So now he’s free, Sir Dolly might want to found a new business.

Making, distributing and selling flood defence kits. After his deliveries really get going, he could change his name to Sir Trolley Dolly.

Not so fast.

Thanks to O. Green Boogers’ budgets, our national unreadiness on flooding means a re-think, so Sir Trolley Boat might be a better name. That’d guarantee getting deliveries through, wouldn’t it?

Maybe not, because getting under the bridges is difficult. Water levels are so high because we’ve blocked the 100+ flood defence arches put in by the (mainly Victorian) engineers.

Enough of the past, what of the future?

“Sir Dryly”, his permanent replacement at EA is going to have to know what they’re about. Two candidate names are in the running – Sir Lamb and Sir Goat.

The Lamb Family are furious. They like naming their kids Sacrificial, but they’ve lost too many to past bonfires of political vanities.

Meanwhile Sir Goat, christened Scape, keenly awaits the call. As long as the pension and parachute on exit are good, he’s resigned to “being resigned” yet again (after all, his knighthood was for services to redundancy). He’s also OK with being Truss-ed up while on the job.

But the River Loddon isn’t waiting for politicians or their appointees. It was quietly and steadily rising to threaten our roads, houses and livelihoods. Mill Lane and Sandford Lane were closed.

Pathways at Dinton Pastures submerged. The old Park & Ride was appearing again in pantomime as a boating pond.

Local EA Wallingford HQ’s 2016 plans for the Loddon include cutting back vegetation to below water level. It won’t all be removed and it’s the underwater bit that blocks the flow anyway — so clearly that’s the useful bit, otherwise they’d get rid of it. No mention of dredging.

Anyone for King Canute?

Measured flow rates during floods are 400% above nominal, not 40% as some claim, so we need a proper engineering solution. One that first drains, then stores and later discharges the flood waters.

But don’t expect quick action from Westminster. At least, not until those stinky waters are lapping at Parliament’s doors. Come to think of it, the last time Parliament was in a hurry was in the summer of 1856.

Back then it took 10 days, to write, debate and pass a new bill into law, AND get the money in place to fix the Great Stink.

Wonder if Sir Joseph Bazalgette is free?

Sir Philip Dilley graduated as a structural engineer and is experienced at taking drawings and plans into reality. He led construction of an artificial island and the subsequent building of Japan’s Kansai International Airport on it and was knighted for services to engineering in the 2014 Birthday Honours List.

Acting chair of the EA is Emma Howard Boyd.

Sir Joseph Bazalgette was a 19th-century English civil engineer.

Tony Johnson

As heavy rain falls across the borough, a number of places have been flooded, as you’ll have seen from our pictures on page 11. Reader John Edwards, who lives in Three Mile Cross, has also witnessed the flooding and took this picture of flooded fields beyond his back garden. He said that a number of houses are planned to be built in the field, which continually floods. Thanks for your picture John. 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.

More trains on the tracks

IF you fly over England at the time of the morning peak you will see busy main roads into cities and towns with cars often bumper to bumper.

You will also see near empty railway lines, with a couple of miles gap between trains. Hundreds of cars an hour pour into our urban areas, whilst just 27 trains an hour make it over our main line tracks.

So why do we need such large gaps between trains? After all, trains on the main lines are all going in the same direction on any track, so there is no danger of a head to head crash. They all have drivers and brakes, so they should all be capable of closing the gaps without endangering passengers.

The main reason is Network Rail still uses an old fashioned signalling system based on fixed block. This means that signals keep a second train out of a section of track all the time the first train remains in it. Because there has been a history of train drivers passing red signals there are various automatic warnings and braking devices to try to stop trains ending up close to each other.

There are now new systems based on radio links, computers and satellite positioning that enables an individual train to know where it is and how far it is away from the train in front. As these systems become more commonly adopted it should be possible to run 30 or even 33 trains on the same piece of track, providing a 10-20% increase in capacity.

All of this is still far from ambitious. It should be possible with new computer aids to run up to 40 trains an hour safely over the same track. It is clearly easier to do that if all the trains have good braking systems and similar speeds. As soon as you introduce slower trains into the system you need by pass track and better controls.

These new systems offer us the best way to a

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JOHN REDWOOD’S DIARY The word from Wokingham’s MP

safer railway with more capacity.

Don’t carry on dredging

The Environment Agency has issued a topical paper. Entitled ‘River maintenance pilots. Findings Report’ the EA this January tells us how and why the pilots to dredge, weed and cleanse nine pilot areas have not worked well. This was something initiated by Ministers in the wake of the Somerset levels disaster, when Ministers required the Agency to do more to increase the capacity of rivers in areas prone to flooding.

The Report tells us these pilots have told farmers and landowners more of what the EA does do, and told them how to carry out work “in an environmentally sensitive way”. They say that some 61km of river maintenance work has been done or is planned as a result.

However, they also report that in two areas no work was carried out. There were objections from landowners and farmers in pilot areas because they were restricted to working on only 20% of the river on their land.

Several reported that because there had been no dredging for so long there was too much silt to remove in a normal private sector maintenance operation. Rules on methods of clearing and disposal of silt are worrying, complex and expensive for landowners.

The Report demonstrates that the EA remains opposed to much dredging. The pilot areas were areas where they had discontinued dredging

themselves, and where they did not plan to reinstate their dredging programmes.

They then impeded the private sector’s wish to see these areas dredged by offering no cash and help, and or by issuing strict guidelines about how to do the work, and or by limiting the work to only one fifth of the affected river.

As a result many farmers and other landowners concluded they could not do sufficient work to improve the position, were under some duress over how to do the work, and had a large inherited expensive and difficult task thanks to the EA’s abandoning dredging some time ago.

This was a masterly performance of Yes Minister. Elizabeth Truss should call them in and ask them to do better in future.

Financial settlement for Wokingham and West Berkshire On Monday, I met the Secretary of State for Communities and local government. I put to him the need for a better financial settlement.

I reminded him that West Berkshire and Wokingham won a judicial review over the issue of care costs, and is still awaiting the extra money they are due for this purpose. The two Councils also need more flexibility over total care costs than the proposed formula and system allows.

I also raised the issue of the scale and speed of the reduction in grant, seeking a dampener in the formula.

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Wokingham’s people

OH, MR SMITH!

From the borough to the world!

A wry look at life

ADVENTURE

World trip family’s ‘best decision ever’ A Winnersh family has spent the last four months travelling across North America on the first-leg of their round-the-world trip. Nick, Nicola, John, Teddy and Alex Jones, who rented out their home before jetting off for 10 months on the road, have already covered thousands of miles during their once-in-a-lifetime trip across America, Canada, Australasia and Asia. Here, Mum Nicola checks in to give us an update on their travels so far…

W

E ARE currently in Sydney, having arrived just before Christmas and spent a lovely couple of weeks with my parents and Nick’s brother and family over Christmas and New Year.

I have been trying to catch up with the blog but it is still currently almost two months behind. Since then we have been to Niagara Falls, taken the train across to Vancouver (four nights on the train which was a brilliant experience, the highlight being the Rockies, of course), explored Vancouver and Victoria before crossing back into the US. We stopped in Seattle and Portland and then drove all the way through California – seeing the giant Redwoods in the north before coming inland to Yosemite National Park.

Then we went south to San Francisco where we spent Thanksgiving with an old University friend and cooked

the traditional turkey. We then celebrated Alex’s fifth birthday in Disneyland, before seeing Vegas, The Grand Canyon and skiing at Mammoth Mountain before flying out of Los Angeles to the Cook Islands where we spent a week on Rarotonga.

From there we flew to Sydney, via Auckland and over the next few weeks we have trips to Canberra, Brisbane, Fraser and Lady Elliot Island (the most southern point of the Great Barrier Reef) to look forward to.

The boys have been to countless museums, science centres and nature reserves. In the US we took them to five national parks and they saw three of the four space shuttles still in existence in America. They are studying Spanish in their spare time and keeping their journals, which I am sure they will cherish when they are older. We have met up with another British family travelling the world

VOLUNTEER CORNER n The NHS Audiology department at the Royal Berkshire covering a large area, including Wokingham and Bracknell.

They offer a volunteer service to provide basic yet essential maintenance for those patients who may not be able to access its drop-in clinic.

The volunteers either visit patients in their homes or arrange a booked session in a local hospital for patients to attend.

Volunteers change the tubes and clean the hearing aids in order to ensure good performance.

The role will involve cleaning the

I’m hooked on buying strange fish... .

I

The Jones family - mum and dad Nicola and Nick with sons John, Teddy and Alex at Mammoth Mountain in California. Below left, at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC and, below, in a giant Redwood forest in Califonia.

and they have all shared their experiences.

So far it has exceeded our expectations in every way and

without doubt is proving to be the best decision we have ever made.

Warmest wishes, The Jones Family.

with Helena Badger hearing aids, replacing tubing or domes, practising insertion of hearing aid with patient, delivering replacement hearing aids and new moulds.

Full training is provided and is available whenever the volunteer has any queries.

The volunteer would receive a list of patients to see based on location and they can arrange a time to visit that is convenient for themselves and the patients.

It is an extremely flexible role and would be ideal for someone who maybe has some medical experience or have

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

volunteered with the elderly before or would like to gain experience in this area. n The Wokingham Transport Scheme provides low cost transport for the elderly to hospital, the doctors, physiotheraphy and dentist appointments. They need to recruit more drivers who live in Wokingham, Finchampstead or Winnersh.

Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they will be required to provide transport to and from their desired

destination and in many cases help them to attend their appointment.

Expenses are reimbursed. Volunteers choose when they want to drive, so it can be a very flexible role. It really does make a difference to the client’s lives.

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

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

FIND myself trapped in Melbourne, the cultural and culinary heart of Australia according to the travel guides, on account of the Great Ocean Road being closed by forest fires.

Now I don’t normally do the food shopping but when the wife asked me to buy some fish from the local Queen Victoria Market, this seemed a reasonable request.

The ‘Queen Vic’ is not simply the city’s premier fresh produce market, it is largest open -air market in the southern hemisphere located, strangely enough, on Victoria Street.

Fresh food shopping for the uninitiated provides a number of challenges if the buyer is to procure food in good condition at the right price.

Queen Vic provides a few more.

Firstly there are around 600 traders and then there is the temperature in January.

The climate varies a lot here. Yesterday it was around 25ºC – today it is rising to 41ºC. The market attracts huge crowds with many people pulling dark coloured trollies hidden within the tight knit community of heaving shoppers which makes them easy to trip over as I discovered several times as I tried to focus on my wife-given mission.

In the meat and fish section I was confronted by dozens of highly animated vendors making it a little daunting to assess quality and best prices at close quarters.

I take my hat off to the wife who does the shopping every week but not quite in these extreme conditions.

The Queen Vic fishmongers obligingly provide a wide variety of strangely named fish most of which are strangers to me.

I thought I would simply rock up and buy Cod. I would simply check it was fresh and not smelly and reasonably priced and, hey presto, head off home to impress Mrs Smith.

I never found the Cod. I could choose from Snapper, Founder, King George Whiting, Swordfish, Barramundi and Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon.

The plain, predictable Cod was nowhere to be seen as I searched amongst exotically named Coral Perch, Blue Grenadier and Flatheads.

I was beginning to feel like a flat head.

What do these other fish taste like and how do you cook them?

I’m told that shark and swordfish are similar textures to steak.

The fishmongers looked at me quizzically as I searched from one end of the kiosk to the other.

Alas a familiar name did come to the rescue – Rainbow Trout. I thought this would be nicely followed by some South Australian Camembert until I arrived at Queen Vic’s cheese section.

Anyone prefer amuse bouches?

TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

WELLBEING | 19

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Good health

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

HEALTH MATTERS

DONOR SCHEME

Save up to nine lives when your times comes

with Nicola Strudley

Would the sugar tax be another tax on the poor?

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

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

£21 a month

What is included?

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

Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent Organ nurse Rory Collier is urging people to become organ donors to give other people the gift of life.

(excludes specialist and implant treatment)

Need to Need to budget regular dental visits?

Need to budget for only £21 only £21 for regular Need to budget for regular dental visits?dental visits? only £21 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 available for only £21 a month OOR diet is now officially the UK’s most What is included?

You do not need to be dentally fit to join significant public health crisis. It is the nation’s • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMS but a new patient examination is • 2 Hygienist visits required before signing up. If treatment biggest premature killer, ahead of drinking and • Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract smoking.

• 15% member discount on treatment a member discount of 15% is given. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) One in three children is overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. The number You do not need to be dentally fit to join of obese primary school children in Wokingham For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, BMS but a new patient examination is Borough has rocketed by 16% in the last year. visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into The figures, from the Health and Social Care Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, required before signing up. If treatment Information Centre (HSCIC), show 13 per cent of from being able to donate.”

RG40 2AE andyour speak with exclude one of ouryou team.

There’s still time to make adding is included? needed during the 12 month contract year six pupils in Wokingham Borough were obese Donor havetoincreased by 50% What is You dofigures not need be dentally fit tosince join a name to the donor scheme a New in 2014/15, an increase from 11.4 per cent the national task force was introduced seven years ago but a member (including discount of 15% is given.

• 2 Examinations x-rays) BMS butstill a new patient examination is previous year. people die every day waiting for a transplant Year’s resolution. JOHN WAKEFIELD three The costs are devastating; for individuals’ lower and demand always outstrips supply.

• 2 Hygienist visits required before signing up. If treatment explains why the need in Berkshire life expectancy and poorer quality of life; for Rory’s job includes choosing the appropriate time to • Accident & Emergency Insurance society poor diet costs the NHS around £6 billion has never been greater the possibility of donation with lovedcontract ones ifisthe is needed during month What included?

You do notraise need to be dentally fithe t to12 join a year. patient is unlikely to recover.

• 15% member discount on treatment aHemember discount is given.

•diplomacy 2 Examinations (including x-rays)and implant treatment) Councillor Julian McGhee Sumner, executive THERE are 10 people living in Berkshire who have beenbut a new said: “Itexamination calls forof 15% tact BMS patient is and (excludes specialist member for health and wellbeing at Wokingham waiting more than five years for a transplant. because relatives are overwhelmed with• what has 2 Hygienist visits required signing up.last If treatment Borough Council, said: “We have one of the lowest A further 20 have been waiting for more than two before happened and the thing I want is to be seen as an • Accident & Emergency rates of childhood overweight and obesity in the years while there are 86 people in total awaiting help, during You do notInsurance need to be dentally fit to join opportunist. is included? needed the 12 month contract What this is You numbers do not need to be dentally t to joinreleased earlier UK, but as a small borough with small according to newfistatistics week “We encourage everyone to join the NHS Organ • 15% member discount on treatment BMS but a new patient examination is a member Donor discount of 15% given. you sometimes see marginal increases the a new patient

by NHS Blood and Transport.

Register and toistell their loved ones, so that they • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) (excludes specialist and implant treatment) BMSinbut examination is Rory Collier is a specialist nurses responsible for are aware of their wishes. Often families are not aware stats. required before signing up. If treatment • 2 Hygienist before signing If treatment matchingup. those waiting for a transplant with potentialvisits “Notwithstanding this, we takerequired a whole council which can make it difficult for them.” is needed during the 12 month contract donors admitted to A&E and intensive care units&at approach to help influence and educate children Gaining consent from the family is just the start.

• Accident Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract the Royal Berkshire Hospital and other hospitals in the Once granted, a full physical assessment of the donor in their eating habits; from planning permissions a member discount of 15% is given.

• 15% member discount treatment Thames Valleyisarea. for takeaways to creating cycleways, from kids’ discount needs to on take place, followed by organ matching via a member of 15% given. (excludes specialist implant treatment) He said: “One donor can save or transform up to and activities across the borough to programmes in the national database, organising a specialist surgical nine lives and many more can be helped through the schools, as well as tailored support for families - to team to perform the organ retrieval and making donation of tissues. If you want to help people after arrangements to transport the organs to the recipients name but a few.”

You do not need to be dentally fit to join you have passed away there is no greater gesture than anywhere in the country.

Responsibility for improving nutrition used to becoming an organ donor.

BMS but a new patient examination is from retrieval to transplant can The time frame sit with the independent Food Standards Agency “People often think you have to be a perfect physical be as little as four hours for a heart and lungs. A liver (FSA), the coalition government transferred required before signing up. If treatment specimen which isn’t true. You can donate up to the transplant can take place up to eight hours later while responsibility for action on sugar and fat to the age of 85 and just because you have some long-term is needed during the 12 monthhave contract kidneys a 20-hour window. For more information, industry itself. medical problems or drink in moderation it doesn’t visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk This has been compared to allowing the a member discount of 15% is given. pharmaceutical industry to decide which drugs WHITENING should be available on the NHS; why should regulation of nutrition be any different? Is it dangerous to leave industries to regulate themselves voluntarily? dentist can provide is often called power or laser MORE and more people want brighter, whiter teeth Public Health England, along with the British whitening. This is where a bleaching product is to improve their smile and self confidence. But does Medical Association, has proposed a tax of up to 20 painted onto your teeth and then a light is shone on tooth whitening work and is it safe? Here are the per cent on soft, sugar laden drinks and similarly them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes answers to common questions about the treatment. sugary products. Would a sugar tax reduce obesity about an hour and is then usually followed up with n What is tooth whitening? and make Britain thinner? the same whitening trays as above.

Tooth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to To blame everything on sugar does not make make them lighter. Tooth whitening can’t make your n Are the results permanent? sense. You could have a sugar free diet and still be teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing Tooth whitening isn’t permanent but it is quite overweight if you ate too many carbohydrates and colour by several shades. safe to reapply the gel from time to time for a ‘top up’. fats. n Who can perform tooth whitening? n What are the risks of teeth whitening?

Regardless of what government does our diet Our membership a month Tooth whitening is a form Tooth whiteningscheme if done is available for should be our own responsibility and we should of dentistry and should only be correctly will cause no harm to ensure a balanced, moderate diet that includes performed by a dentist or another your teeth or gums and can be regular physical activity. Get in touch if you would What is included?

You do not need to be dentally fit to join regulated dental professional. used repeatedly. Some people like to find out about some of the local campaigns • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMSexperience but a new an patient examination is Some beauty salons offer tooth increase in to support Wokingham Borough residents stay • 2 Hygienist visits whitening, but this is illegal if sensitivity their teeth required before of signing up. If whilst treatment healthy. there’s no dental professional present, and it may put going through the process but this is temporary and • Accident & Emergency Insurance How to Contact us: Facebook @ is needed during the 12 month contract your oral health at risk. your teeth will return to normal afterwards. Some healthwatchwokingham, Twitter @HWWokingham, • 15% member discount on treatment a member discount of 15% isfor given. patients might not be suitable for whitening, n What happens during tooth whitening at the dentist? (excludes specialist and implant treatment) call 0118 418 1418, email enquiries@ example those with gum disease or with certain Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth healthwatchwokingham.co.uk or walk in via crowns or veneers. to make a thin scheme whitening tray and will instruct Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Our membership is available for you a month how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your n How do you go about getting tooth whitening?

Court, Denmark Street, Wokingham RG40 2YF whitening tray at home, you regularly apply the gel Contact Beechcroft Dental Practice on 01189 Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the What is included?

You do not need to be dentally fi t to join for a week or two.

783815 to arrange a free consultation to discuss how manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. typeexamination of tooth whitening system that a tooth whitening can improve your smile.

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) new patient is Opinions expressed in this blog are her own BMS but a Another

P

Our membership scheme is ava Our membership scheme is available for a month a month Our membership scheme is available for

Our membership scheme is available for Our membership scheme is available for onlyfor£21 a month Our membership scheme is available only £21 a month

a month

For more information, please visit our website at www.beec Beechcroft Dental Practice, 3 For more information, please contactRG40 us on2AE 0118 3815, and978 speak with one

visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Road, For moreBeechcroft information,Dental please Practice, contact us32 onStation 0118 978 3815,Wokingham, 2AE and speak with one of ourorteam. visit our RG40 website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into

Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, For more information, please contactRG40 us on2AE 0118 3815, and978 speak with one of our team.

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.

Give your smile a new year makeover

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

For more information, please contact us on

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

visit our website at

www.beechcroftdental.com

or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE only3815 £21 , 0118 978 and speak with one978 of 3815, our team.

For more information, please contact us on 0118 visit our website at visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into www.beechcroftdental.com 2 Hygienist visits Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, or •call into For more information, please contact us on

required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract

only3815 £21 , 0118 978

•

Accident & Emergency Insurance

20 | HERITAGE

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

Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

HERITAGE | 17

Inassociation associationwith with In

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

AUCTION REVIEW

Bearwood Estate has - theshaped sale of our the century...

The past which present...

Huge swathes ofChuRChER the boroughreviews were put up This week MikE for after the Remembers death of Arthur Fraser thesale Wokingham articles Walter in 1910 led to the Bearwood of the past four months and discussesEstate being up intowhich lots for auction. Here, some broken of the factors contributed STEVE BACON examines the to the making of Wokingham highs and itsand lows of the three-day sale. environment.

TO

VER the past months the HE death of Arthur Fraser Walter in Wokingham Remembers page has February 1910 triggered breakbeen providing an earlythe picture upofofhow theamassive Bearwood small market townEstate, and a covering well over square few villages on the edge of10 a forest is miles. today First as toone go to were leading the outlying ranked ofauction the country’s portions, on three days in March 1911. The communities. estate was so large thatindustry, the auction took Education, religion, transport, place property owned bypolitics the Walter socialinstructures, national and family – the Drill Hall Denmark local government are behind all important Street. pieces in building the great Wokingham The Reading Mercury gave a of blowjigsaw.

Here now is a summary our by-blow account of theand auction’s 124 on contributions to date a few ideas lots, described ‘freehold the next roundas ofcomprising: articles. properties in the parishes of Wokingham, Education, Education, Arborfield, Barkham, Finchampstead, Education Newland, Sandhurst, Winnersh and Today’s Wokingham is renowned as Yateley, of every description and one consisting of the country’s centresestates, of excellence size of attractive for education; thisextensive is partly due to strong residences, farms, woodlands school performance and theland motivated at Finchampstead, building and parents who live inthe oneDrill of the licensed premises, Hallmost at highly educated in the UK. Wokingham, the communities hotel at Wellington If weand lookpolo intoground, the history of College numerous Wokingham’s schools can see cottages, enclosures ofwe pasture and how education island, woven accommodation &c.’into its DNA. Prior to theor Great War, Wokingham A dozen so lots had been sold was surrounded by manor houses andland privately before the auction, plus the members of the landed who previously leased to thegentry Army for the wanted toDepot. be close the levers of power; Remount As to it happened, only 31 i.e. the royal households of Windsor. lots were actually sold during the auction, turn these upper butIn several others wereechelons sold privately possessed a serious sense of duty soon after. and a responsibility to ensure their Day one was focused on Wokingham, community received at least a basic Barkham, Winnersh and Newland. education. also had a Huge tractsWokingham of land on the then-rural powerful professional a strong Oxford Road were sold,class, including one church community (including the nonfor the Board of Guardians to build two conformists) and they shared Cottage Homes fortogether the accommodation a strong belief of in the of the children the importance Workhouse,of teaching. with the remainder to be let off or be The with the skills, the used forresult givingwas employment to men motivation and the finance available, in the Workhouse. It’s all built-up therebut developed a culture of still education now, the Cottage Homes exist. which still holds strong to this day.

Other lots bordering Oxford Road and Wokingham Reading Road weretransport sold, plus others Transport is probably theand single along Finchampstead Road around most important factor in Wokingham’s Emmbrook. development, in both its railGrove and road Further north, Winnersh failed systems. to reach the reserve price, but other land Future articles will look atRoad, the plus on the other side of Reading introduction of the farmed railwaysbyand land at Sindlesham Mrthe Allnatt

major impact they had on the town and did sell —already and Mrmade Allnatt announced he we have a start with the would make by a claim under the Market road system mapping out the course of Gardeners ActRoad. as compensation for loss the old Forest of 1,500 trees. of the M4 had a Whilefruit the building Several acres on of land in Newland of the major influence the introduction Parish near Arborfieldwhich Crossnow did sell. high tech businesses surround However, in Wokingham the which Drill Hall Wokingham, it is the A329M and fourcut brick cottages were in 1975 off the Forestadjacent Road and its withdrawn.

Others failing to sell included natural connections between Emmbrook Shute End Lodge,ofBarford House, offices and the villages Hurst and Binfield.

The in Broad shops and with houses love and Street, hate relationship ourinrail Denmark plus and roadsStreet, continue toEmmbrook this day! House with its 23 acres of arable and grass land.

Wokingham’s military Day two covered Wokingham Without, heritage Barkham, Finchampstead, Wellington As 2015 is the bi-centenary of theand College, Easthampstead, Sandhurst Battle ofOf Waterloo, there have a Yateley.

40 lots offered, onlybeen 16 sold. number of articles this Of greatest interestcommemorating was the Wellington world opposite changingCrowthorne event.

Hotel Station, plus area has“Old always beenBottle” noted (sic) for twoThe pubs: The Leather its contribution to the nation’s military in Barkham and the “Greyhound” in capability, with Arborfield’s REME, Finchampstead.

RFA and Remount and the Whole stretchesconnections of land along School Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all Road in Barkham did sell, including situated Pond very nearby.

Langley Farm and Hand Post Farm, Evenas the Duke of Wellington as well the original Barkham took Post to living in Stratfield Saye, which today is Office in the centre of the village opposite only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s Barkham Manor. town centre.

Many acres of land in Wokingham Wokingham’s Without and Finchampstead were sold, including Lot 75 culture in Longwater Lane. Many benefactor years wasWokingham bought by Major Thelater, areathis around was Brian Shone.by Hemany became a familiar sight surrounded remarkable driving his coach andwere horses around thein individuals and they instrumental village, heneeded was a thorn in the buildingand thelater much infrastructure flesh the local council, demanding of whichofunderpinned the establishment that the right of way along the ‘Devil’s a strong community.

Highway’ kept in the accordance We willbe later beopen telling story of the with the title deeds passed down to allto Walter family and their contributions purchasers Walter family. the buildingby of the Wokingham but in April Day threeissue, was awe disaster.

Ofstory 35 lots first weekly told the of the offered, onlyArthur four were outright – much loved Hill,sold the 6th Marquess and at knock-down prices. These were of Downshire.

Church Farmone in Sandhurst, the Although of Britain’swith wealthiest landowners, Hill doubled as the remainder inArthur Finchampstead including chief ofFarm, the local Firemore Brigade andcottages was a Manor several small major financialand contributor to this part of in the village, “The Cottage” (actually Wokingham’s services. rather a grandpublic building).

More properties Later articles will illustrate in Finchampstead had alreadythe been demise of these great manors and their sold privately including the Queen’s Oak incumbent social system and the rise of pub.

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

The story was told in June, and also historians, Sarah Huxford, also took commemorated the 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby in search of their graves. This story Before we believe too much in the idea Runnymede in 1215. reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a around the county of Berkshire, but solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on the Oak importance of the wars in the Included in theof sale ofrioting the Bearwood Estate were affirms the Queen’s (above) and North Court, both in Finchampstead. told the story the in the town Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ development of our local character. centre thereported time of the Theduring Mercury that1857 fourGeneral major To bring us up to date the August Election.

Wokingham and lots didn’t sell including Ambarrow articles are focused on the kids who are Such events were a common sightofin and Sandhurst Lodge, plus ‘an area now entering into their summer holidays. the Royal Forest the and this short andland bloody battle overtown 143 acres of building on the Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s between the Whigs andwith the Tories Finchampstead Ridges timberalso valued difficult to visualise just how rural the editions than to tell the stories of the highlighted thethe Bush and Rose hotels in at £1,600; and “King’s Mere”, another area once was and in part explains the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons Market Placeand as the headquarters of 303 these sometimes fragile relationship between well known picturesque site of influence on the area before Wokingham two feral groups. acres, with timber valued at £4,866, on the old and new Wokingham; few was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye?

The story was also able to reflect the Ridges, etc.’ Building land? areas in the UK have witnessed such David Nash Ford provided a set of upon the national and the corrupt Luckily, land atscene Finchampstead Ridges extraordinary growth and change in the articles and puzzles which makes nature of general beforeprivately the was spared whenelections it was bought profile of its population. history fun for the young and no doubt introduction of the private ballot. and presented to the National Trust. Later Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents articles further on,Future Simons Wood will andinclude Heath Pool were has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s tales of anarchy and revelry in this old also saved. the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. market town. family were an inestimable a market place for agricultural and The Walter Here’s to the next round of articles! influence on our landscape, commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War having amassed such huge areas and planted Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments in so grandly,which including cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history markWellingtonia the momentAvenue. of great Major Shone helpfully down by royalty for the protection of change in a society andpublished the Great aWar of and Peter Shilham for all their continuing their hunting grounds.

1914-1918 oneshowing such time. contributions. colourful is map just how much of These onerous rules restricted local Therefore a number of centenaries All this work is provided by our Finchampstead had been owned by the between 2014 and–2018 local historians free of charge and Bearwood Estate and will is now sub-divided people from using large parts of the land for sustenance and in part led to the commemorate great losses ofwith war can be found on the front page of the into hundreds the of long thin plots which scarred the people ofhidden Wokingham Wokingham Remembers website increasingly-grand houses among rise of local highwaymen and general lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent for rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com thethe trees.

May’s edition theof story Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at Overall, manyfollowed thousands houses are Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in of twobuilt brothers fromland Langborough TradeMark for supporting the paper’s now on Walter – with several either their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokingham town. by One2026. of our commitment to this project. thousands more to follow its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

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

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

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 21

To advertise email call 0118 328 2959

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

INTERVIEW

Louise is ready to spring The Mousetrap It’s one of the world’s best-known plays, but don’t let on how it ends.

Now actor Louise Jameson is swapping Albert Square for The Hexagon as The Mousetrap comes to the Thames Valley.

PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

I

The cast of the 2016 tour of The Mousetrap, including Louise Jameson (pictured front, centre) Picture: Hugo Glendinning

T’S THE ultimate in whodunits.

For more than 60 years, Agatha Christie’s infamous play The Mousetrap has been a West End hit.

Night after night after night hundreds of people have been pouring in to St Martin’s Theatre in London to watch one of the best murder mysteries going.

So far there have been more than 25,000 performances and, with bookings already being taken for next year, it looks like there will be many more to come.

Part of the show’s mystique is that it has never been adapted for television or film and Agatha Christie asked that a book adaptation never be published while the West End stage play was running. And to add to the fun, audiences are asked not to reveal the identity of the murderer to anyone outside of the theatre.

It’s also rarely gone on tour – but this year it’s undertaking a diamond anniversary tour that will come to the Thames Valley early next month.

The Hexagon theatre in Reading is to be the opening venue for the show, which stars Louise Jameson – one of the country’s most talented actors, who shot to fame as Doctor Who’s warrior sidekick Leela in the 1970s, then appeared in Japanese prisoner of war drama Tenko, before taking on a regular role in EastEnders.

She’s no stranger to the borough, having also appeared regularly at The Mill, the dinner theatre in Sonning, most recently in last autumn’s production of Love, Loss and What I Wore. She loved working at the Mill, praising the gorgeous countryside that surrounds it.

“It’s just such a beautiful part of the country,” she said. “It’s like stepping back in time. There are some beautiful riverside walks.”

Louise is going straight on tour after a busy Christmas period, where she played a fairy godmother in Tunbridge Well’s production of Cinderella.

She was opposite local lass Dani Harmer, best known for her role as Tracey Beaker in the BBC TV series.

There was just a week’s break between Cinderella finishing and the Mousetrap tour starting.

“It’s feast or famine in this job,” Louise said of the tight turnaround – although she’s not complaining about the workload.

She’s delighted to be appearing in

this special anniversary tour in what is also a special year for her too – she celebrates her 65th birthday while on the road.

“Christie is iconic, particularly The Mousetrap. It’s become part of London and it’s something you have to do,” she said.

Ever the actor worrying about that next pay cheque, she also reveals that the tour means “solid work”. It’s not the only reason for her to take part in the tour: “[The play’s] great and it’s one of the best Christies. I’m just delighted,” she said.

The touring life is hard – The Hexagon is the first stop on the tour, from there Louise and the company will go on to Poole and Cheltenham before returning to Woking. The crisscrossing of the country continues until mid-August, when Louise will enjoy a fortnight off before the next project begins.

“Touring is where you earn your money,” Louise jokes. “1am in the morning on the motorway in the pouring rain!

“That said, it keeps the play fresh.

The acoustics and the audiences change. It’s always slightly different each night – that’s more of a challenge. I do enjoy the different venues.”

Louise’s milestone birthday this year is something that is still a bit of a surprise to her.

“How did it happen?” she asked, “I’ve been so blessed, it’s quite a life.”

An actor’s life though is so important to her, and her roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders have probably opened doors, not just for her but for her audiences: a selection of fans of each show will go and watch her in The Mousetrap because it’s Leela or Rosa di Marco.

It does please Louise to meet her fans in this way, and she’s looking forward to meeting them on the tour this year.

But more than anything, she’s looking forward to helping audiences work out whodunit, whether they’ve seen The Mousetrap before or not. “[The ending] is partly why I adore it. You play to different audiences,” she says, recounting the time when a woman sitting beside her screamed and gasped when the play’s denouement came.

“How wonderful she was so into the story,” she says.

“Please don’t give away the plot,” she adds with a smile.

No chance. n The Mousetrap is performed at The Hexagon in Reading from Monday, February 1 to Saturday, February 6.

Curtain up is at 7.30pm nightly and there are matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £28.50, with concessions avaialble. All seats at the Wednesday matinee are £25. School groups of 10 upwards pay £12 each (Monday and Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee only). For more details, log on to www.readingarts.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

22 | LEISURE

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

THEATRE

A dark tale of infidelity and murder... with a few laughs

I

T IS sadly a well-known fact that more people choose to divorce in January than any other month.

So it is perhaps no coincidence that the latest offering from The Mill at Sonning is an adaptation of Peter James’ dark comedy The Perfect Murder.

Husband and wife Victor and Joan, played by Andrew Paul and Sonia Saville, have been married for 20 years, but both have dark secrets to hide. Victor would rather be with his mistress Kamila (Aneta Piotrowska), while Joan longs to escape with her new love Don (Adam Morris).

With the marriage at crisis point, Victor decides there is only one solution, but he is about to get a nasty surprise.

When young detective Roy Grace (Nick Lawson) starts to investigate his very first homicide case, dark forces intervene and he begins to realise that nothing is quite as it seems. Is there such thing as a perfect murder?

Director Keith Myers said: “Rehearsals for Peter James’ tense drama, The Perfect Murder, are now in their third week and are really starting to take shape.

“It’s not an easy piece for the actors because although it is a murder mystery there is a lot of comedy too, and finding the balance between thrills and chuckles is very tricky. Luckily the highly experienced team of five actors are all as adept at getting laughs as they are at playing for shocks!

“Andrew Paul, who plays Victor, was recently seen playing a psychotic baddie in TV’s Coronation Street and brings a real sense of menace to this ‘who-donewhat-to-whom?‘ comedy thriller.”

The Perfect Murder opens on Thursday, January 21, and runs until March 12, with evening shows Tuesday to Saturday, Saturday matinees every week, and Sunday matinees from January 31.

Tickets start at £43.50 which include dinner and a programme. For more information visit www.millatsonning.com or call the box office on 0118 969 8000.

GEMMA DAVIDSON

Derren Brown will be at the Wycombe Swan next month.

ILLUSIONIST

The Miracle man returns with a captivating show The cast of The Perfect Murder at The Mill at Sonning are, above back row, Adam Morris, Aneta Piotrowska and Nick Lawson.

Front row Andrew Paul and Sonia Saville.

“I AM often dishonest in my techniques but I’m always honest about my dishonesty,” says the multi-award winning master of psychological illusion Derren Brown, who is returning to the Wycombe Swan next month.

Back with his most provocative show to date, Derren Brown: Miracle, audiences can prepare themselves for an evening of mind-altering genius and extraordinary events unfolding before their very eyes.

Never one to shy away from controversy, Brown hit the headlines this week over his latest Channel 4 programme in which he seemingly convinced people to push a man from the top of a building.

While no-one was actually hurt during the illusion, 14 complaints were made to Ofcom following the screening of Derren Brown: Pushed to the Edge on Tuesday night.

Amongst a varied and notorious career he has played Russian Roulette live, convinced middle-managers to commit an armed robbery in the

street, led the nation in a séance, stuck viewers to their sofas, successfully ‘predicted’ the National Lottery, motivated a shy man to land a packed passenger plane at 30,000 feet, exposed psychic and faith-healing charlatans, and hypnotised a man to assassinate Stephen Fry. Brown’s live shows have won his two prestigious Olivier Awards for Something Wicked This Way Comes in 2006 and Svengali in 2012, and played to packed houses across the country every year since 2003.

Co-written by Brown and the show’s directors Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor, Derren Brown: Miracle guarantees to entertain and baffle.

Derren Brown: Miracle is at the Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe from Monday, February 29, to Saturday, March 5. Tickets cost between £31 and £42. To book visit www.wycombeswan. co.uk or call the Box Office on 01494 512 000.

GEMMA DAVIDSON

AT THE THEATRE

Basingstoke – The Anvil www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Fri. Sarah Millican. Sat, Sun. The Hut People. Sun. Philharmonia Orchestra.

Sat 23. Johann Strauss Gala. Sun 24.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Next show: Secondary Cause of Death.

Jan 27-30.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Yasmin Rowe: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. Comedy Cellar. Fri. Mission Improvable. Sun. The Trials of Galileo.

Tues. At The Mountains of Madness.

Thurs-Fri 22. Alexandra Legouiz and the Sunflowers. Thurs. Atushi Imada: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri 22.

The Comedy Cellar Fri. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Sat 23. Wilde Sundays. Sun 24. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 24.

FILMS: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. Fri-Sun. Steve Jobs. Fri-Sun. Fidelio: Alice’s Journey. Tues. The Lobster. Wed. Burnt. Thurs. Carol. Fri 22-Sun 24. The Good Dinosaur. Fri 23-Sat 24.

The Full Monty: The Musical. Until Sat. An Evening with Psychic Tony Stockwell.

Tues 26.

Camberley – Theatre

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 New Jersey Nights. Until Sat. Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake. Sat 23.

HMS Pinafore in Concert. Sun 24.

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Open Mic night. Wed. FILM: Amelie. Tues 26.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 The Chairman’s Charity Concert. Sat. Cafe Scientifique. Tues. Songs of Separation with Eliza Carthy. Fri 22. The Noise Next Door: Noise In The Hood. Sat 23.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Confusions. Until Sat 23. Hero’s Welcome.

Until Sat 23.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel. Fri. The Vinyl Frontier: The 2016 Album Championships. Fri. Ed Byrne: Outside Looking In. Sat. Isy Suttie: The Actual One. Sun. London Klezmer Quartet. Thurs. Tiff Stevenson: Mad Men. Thurs. Alex Garnett (sax). Fri. 22. Gary Delaney: There’s Something About Gary. Sat 23.

FILM: Steve Jobs. Fri, Sat. The Dressmaker.

Sun, Tues. Bridge of Spies. Wed. Carol.

Wed, Sun 24.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri. Les Miserables: School Edition. ThursSat 21.

FILM: Sunset Song. Until Tues. The Danish Girl. Until Thurs. The Lady In The Van. Until Thurs.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk.

01635 46044 NEXT SHOW: Tell Me On A Sunday. Jan 28-Feb 20

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe with Kate Behrens. Fri 15.

Third Friday Blues: The Julia Titus Pigfoot Band. Fri 15.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Joe Brown In Concert. Sat 16. Jethro: 40 Years The Joker. Thurs. Beyond The Barricade. Fri 22. Paul Sinha: Postcards From The Z List. Fri 22. The Elvis Years.

Sat 23. American Superslam Wrestling.

Sun 24.

Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 An Audience with Sir Roger Bannister.

Mon. Katherine Ryan: Kathnum. Fri 22.

Aldworth Philharmonic. Sat 23.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Until Sat 23.

Reading – St Barts www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 NEXT SHOW: Standby For Tape Back-up.

March 5.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Mother Goose. Jan 15-17, 22-24.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Stepping Out. Until Sat. The Perfect Murder. From Thurs to March 12.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Rehearsal For Murder. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: New Jersey Nights. Mon Feb 1-Sat Feb 6.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Private Lives. Fri-Sat. Cirque Berserk 2016. Mon-Wed. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri 22. One Night of Rock.

Sat 23.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Skylight. From Thurs until Jan 30.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 NEXT SHOW: 2016 programme preview.

Fri 22. Jazz at the Oakwood. Sat 23.

REVIEW

A clever re-imagining of the classic ‘monster within’ story The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Progress Theatre Tuesday, January 12 PROGRESS Theatre has once again pulled out all the stops with an uncanny period melodrama that they do so well.

Dr Jekyll, the brilliant scientist, is living a dull and respectable life in Victorian London, working on his theory that inside each of us is an impulsive, violent version of ourselves that we suppress. Using a chemical formula he manages to release his inner, demonic nature.

The story is so well-known that to keep the audience’s attention the production needed a new twist: Noah Smith’s script does just that.

Gareth Saunders does a fantastic job of transforming from Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde. In films we have seen actors such as Spencer Tracey changing character with the use of theatrical makeup: in this rendition Saunders removes his glasses, tousles his hair and uses his acting ability to convincingly change from Jekyll to Hyde.

Tara O’Connor and Kevin Copping are excellent as the maid and butler who act as the audience’s guides: commenting on the tale, explaining scene changes, expressing thoughts and acting as an angel and a devil on the character’s shoulder.

At the start of the play Dr Jekyll is indeed ‘a mouse in a waistcoat’ and in a conversation with friends asks “When did we ever do anything more adventurous

LEISURE | 23

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THEATRE

Skylight marks the new season WOKINGHAM Theatre is kicking off its 2016 programme with a tale of passion and politics.

On a bitterly cold London evening, schoolteacher Kyra receives an unexpected visit from her former lover Tom. As the evening progresses, they rekindle their once passionate relationship, but alongside desire comes, cruelty, comedy, politics, devastation and, finally, breakfast. Can we love each other when we can’t forgive?

David Hare is one of Britain’s leading playwrights and Skylight is widely considered his masterpiece.

It was recently revived in the West End with Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy, picking up seven 2015 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Play.

You can look forward to an utterly engrossing, great night out.

Directed by Hedda Bird, Skylight runs from Thursday, January 21 to Saturday, January 30. Most nights are now sold out so please check before arriving at the theatre. n For more information visit www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk or call 0118 978 5363.

MUSICAL

Elvis is in the building Gareth Saunders gives a spellbinding performance in Progress Theatre’s latest production . Pictures: Aidan Moran

than lace up our boots?” With the administration of the chemical concoction we see his dark side emerge and grow stronger, taking over the gentle and altruistic Jekyll until Hyde has control (or does he?)

Louise Banks plays Cybel, the brothel keeper who falls for the misfit Edward Hyde, to perfection. A diamond hard exterior hiding a brave and honourable heart. The other female lead of Helen (played by newcomer, Hollie Coghlan) is an educated woman, knowledgeable in the sciences. It is interesting that the character was

written as an American as a British woman of the same era would not be expected to have been educated to such a high standard.

Director Steph Dewar said: “When I was looking for my next directing adventure, I took a very long time to find a script I liked. Luckily I came across this little known, rarely performed version by American playwright Noah Smith. Within the first two pages I was already planning how I was going to stage it.

“What I love about this take on the classic is that it focuses not only on the results of Jekyll’s experiments but on the journey of the man himself, exploring what makes him do what he does. We share his turmoil, his ideas, his thoughts and doubts,

successes and failures.”

Special mention must go to the stage management (Caroline Sketchley) and Set Design (Martin Noble). Progress Theatre has a small stage and the simplistic design and use of doors makes admirable use of the space available.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is running at Progress Theatre, The Mount, Christchurch Road, Reading, RG1 5HL until Saturday, January 23.

Tickets £12, £10 for concessions.

Saturday matinees January 16 and 23, at 2.30pm.

To book tickets visit www. progresstheatre.co.uk or call 0118 384 2169.

MUSIC

Emily plays her way to a prestigious place

Emily St Clair has won a place at a national youth orchestra.

A TALENTED schoolgirl from Wokingham has triumphed over tough competition to win a seat in a national youth orchestra.

Emily St Clair, 11, who attends St Crispin’s School in London Road, has been selected to play with one of the world’s finest children’s orchestras, the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain (NCO) in the Under-12s section.

Emily, who has only played the violin for four years, will take part in two week-long courses with the orchestra which culminate in a performance in Birmingham at the end of the summer.

Emily says she is thrilled about taking up her place with the orchestra.

The Year Seven pupil said: “I am looking forward to performing with the NCO because I love playing my violin.

It will be wonderful to look

around and know that the 100 people I am with all share my love of music.”

This year the NCO auditioned a record number of applicants with more than 1,130 talented youngsters, aged from seven to 13, vying for a coveted place in one of their six age-banded orchestras, making Emily’s selection all the more special.

Her mother, Emma Scammell, a pianist and piano teacher, said: “It’s wonderful, Emily deserves this as she has worked so hard.

“We enjoy performing together but Emily loves orchestral performance with like-minded musicians of her age too.”

Head of Music at St Crispin’s Jamie Hudson said: “We are really proud of Emily’s achievements and hope that she enjoys this fantastic opportunity.”

VIVIENNE JOHNSON

A CRITICALLY acclaimed Elvis tribute show is set to take Reading by storm next week.

The Elvis Years, starring Mario Kombou as The King, will shimmy and swivel its way to The Hexagon next Saturday as part of a 10th anniversary tour.

The Elvis Years is a concert production telling the story of Elvis through the years, charting the musical and emotional highs and lows of Elvis’ amazing journey from poor truck-driving teenager from Tupelo, Mississippi through the army, Hollywood and finally the legendary Las Vegas concerts.

With a world-class cast, authentic costumes and rare film footage, The Elvis Years features more than 50 of the King’s greatest hits including Hound Dog, and The Wonder Of You. This feelgood show will instantly transport you back to the golden years of rock’n’roll, as you witness Elvis audition for the very first time at Sun Studios, then become part of the TV audience for the '68 Comeback Special. n The Elvis Years is at The Hexagon on Saturday, January 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £24.50, £22.50 for concessions.

All tickets are inclusive of booking fee. For more visit www.readingarts.com.

24 | LEISURE

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

Tarantino goes back to his glorious roots

Swords, Spriggan and Wassail

Kim Taylor-Foster

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Blues and rockers The Oil City Kings performed during one of the inaugural events at the new acoustic couch venue.

Pictures: Aaron Cilia

The Hateful Eight (18) ««««« Stars: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, Samuel L Jackson

Y

OU have to admire Quentin Tarantino. He’s not getting pushed around by anyone. He’s made a success of himself in a cutthroat industry on his own terms – even if that’s meant making (self-confessed) mistakes, like splicing films together for a final edit that’s way too long. He’s said in the past that if he could go back and re-edit Kill Bill, he’d make it one film.

But if there’s anyone working in Hollywood today that you’d allow the luxury of putting out a lengthy director’s cut, it’s Tarantino.

A man with the apparent freedom of this maverick auteur should be permitted the chance to indulge himself and express his vision in the way he needs to express it. And if you’re giving cinema fans more of the types of stories, characters, scenarios, stylised violence, offkilter humour and narrative style that Tarantino has to offer, then the response from audiences ought to be a resounding: “Yes, please”.

That said, the first half of The Hateful Eight is something of an endurance if you’re not a big fan of the high-energy director: it’s dialogue heavy and action light.

Slowing his pace dramatically, Tarantino focuses the first segment of his film on a stagecoach and its journey into the frontier town of Red Rock as a blizzard starts to take hold. The coach has been commissioned by John ‘The Hangman’ Ruth (Kurt Russell), who is transporting his latest bounty, Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), to deliver her into the hands of the law and collect his payment.

Picking up fellow bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson) along the way after he pleads for carriage during the storm, the group bicker and swap stories as they decide whether or not they can trust each other and whether there’s more to each other than meets the eye, or ear.

Coming across another man out alone in the storm, they decide to bring him aboard too, and all end up taking refuge at a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Here, they find a gaggle of nefarious guests already occupying the abode, and the film steps up a gear as it starts investigating who’s who, and what’s what.

Tarantino’s eighth film, The Hateful Eight is theatrical in approach. It’s reliant on dialogue with the vast majority of the action taking place in just two locations: if we’re not inside the stagecoach, we’re within the confines of the log cabin, with a few outside intervals set amid the snowy, barren landscape.

In this way, it harks back to Reservoir Dogs – but it also shares other parallels with his first feature. There are obvious stylistic comparisons to be made, in humour and violence for example, and there’s also a focus on an ensemble cast and a group of untrustworthy characters trying to work out who’s crossed who. It also skips back in time to fill in the gaps for the audience.

Less showy and experimental than some of his previous films, Quentin Tarantino pays homage to scenes in some of his other films – notably the opening sequence of Inglourious Basterds. Walton Goggins is the film’s surprising highlight, with Jennifer Jason Leigh matching his A-game and proving she’s been off the radar for far too long.

Assured and stripped back, The Hateful Eight marks Tarantino coming full circle in his career – leaving fans to wonder where he can possibly go next. We’ll look forward to finding out.

It’s great having TheAcousticCouch as a venue for live music.

Here JODY Mc looks at the first gig of 2016

Y

OU CAN forgive me for starting the evening off a little nervous. You see, the belly dancers had swords.

Only at a Spriggan Mist gig will you find the dancers brandishing swords.

I feel I should elaborate a little more.

Last Saturday, Theacousticcouch toasted the New Year quite magnificently as we welcomed Spriggan Mist and friends (I say friends but they feel like a community or family), to celebrate wassail.

Wassailing is the ancient English custom of visiting orchards in cider-producing regions reciting incantations and singing to the trees to promote a good harvest.

Performed just after New Year’s Day for the coming year, people would also go door-to-door, singing and offering a drink from the wassail bowl in exchange for gifts. Some historians believe this is where the tradition of carolling began.

Opening the show was a man that gives even the thickest skin goosebumps, my uber-talented and elegant friend Michael Tuffery. You have to check out his EP –I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The place filled and the crowd

made themselves at home quickly thanks to Michael’s calming, hypnotic tones.

Then, from nowhere, came them swords. Four beautifully dressed ladies floated elegantly wafted into the centre of the room, met with a sublime light show and they danced like the stories of ancient times.

The venue had chills as the music blended in and enchanted everyone.

I want to tell you how much fun I had: Even myself and my staff joined in the merriment with a little cameo dancing. But this was a lot more than just fun for a lot of guests: with Wassail being a long standing tradition for the pagan community, it was an honour to be asked to host something for such a lovely group of people and some dear friends.

Back to the music...

Spriggan Mist!

Oh my gosh, I have seen them play before sure, but this time, oh wow, did they perform?

Years of dedication shined on our community arts venue stage this evening. I was blown away.

The banter between the band and audience was charming. Every detail of this show was classy.

OK, they can be a bit crazy kicking over drinks mid-song and sitting on me while I try to clean up, and our friendly police officers popping by were made to dance by Baz, the bonkers bassist.

But, you know what? Spriggan Mist, you’ve set the bar for other bands that come and perform at the Couch.

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

What’s on Friday, January 15 BRACKNELL – Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road RG42 1TU. Bracknell & Wokingham Family History Society meeting: sharing family memories. 7.15pm9.45pm. Details: www. berksfhs.org.uk EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue).

Reading and Wokingham Spanish Circle meeting: La Historia de la Region Vinicola de La Rioja, a talk by Elia Polydorou.7.45pm. £3.

Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Queen II. 7.45pm. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk.

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

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 975 8880.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Grange, Cutbush Lane RG2 9AH. Wokingham Conservatives present a political supper with Ranil Jayawardena MP. £25.50. Details: www. wokinghamconservatives. org.uk.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall RG10 9JA. TWYRUS presents The Wizard of Oz. 7.45pm. £8, £9, concessions £7, £8. Details: 0118 328 2825.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice.

10am-noon. Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually impaired. 2pm-4pm.

Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, January 16 MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 10.15am11am. Storytime for ages seven and under. 10.15am10.45am. Craft time for ages two to five. 10.45am11.15am. £1. Details: 0118 966 6630.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Open church: coffee and cake 11am-2pm.

Lunches Noon-2pm. Bring and buy stall. In aid of Home Start. Table Tennis. Details: 0118 931 3124.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm and 6pm.

Details: 0118 975 8880.

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road. Shinfield St Mary’s Bellringers quiz night. 7.15pm for 7.30pm.

Includes two-course supper. £10 adults, £6 under 18s.

Teams of up to six. Bring your own drinks. In aid of church funds. Details: 0118 988 2158.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall RG10 9JA. TWYRUS presents The Wizard of Oz. 2pm, 7pm. £8, £9, concessions £7, £8. Details: 0118 328 2825.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Town councillors’ surgery.

10am-noon. Drop-in.

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

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Teen writing group for ages 1118. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Market. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

WOODLEY – Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Men’s breakfast with Dave Partington: The internet today. 8am. £3.50, includes breakfast. Details: 0118 969 9956.

Sunday, January 17 BEECH HILL – Trunkwell Mansion House, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Trunkwell Manor wedding fair.

11am-3pm. Details: 07790 711444.

KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Quiz night. 8pm. Details: 01628 826622.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm. Details: 0118 975 8880.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Sunday lunch in the parish rooms. 12.45pm. £10, £5 children, £25 families. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Christianity Explored course. 6,.45pm8.45pm, includes free evening meal. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA.Charity Coffee Morning in aid of Parkinsons UK, organised by the Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh.

10.30am-1.30pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Monday, January 18 LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place community Centre, off Kilnsea Drive. Earley Environmental Group: a talk on street trees presented

by Chris Hannington, team manager of Wokingham Borough Council’s tree department. 7.30pm. Free entry, donations welcome.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the

LEISURE | 25

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough Books book club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults.

2.15pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Writers' Forum: share ideas with others. 10.30am-noon.

Woodclyffe book group.

5.30pm-6.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.Details: 0118 940 4659.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter: drop-in session, all abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Alpha course launch night.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 966 2568.

Tuesday, January 19 BRACKNELL – Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride RG12 7QW. Toddler day: art, craft, playdoh, face painting, story telling and more. £6.80 per adult, £1.55 additional child. Fancy dress welcome. £2 parking. Details: 01344 354400.

EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Macbeth (15).

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

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

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Clubbercise launch party night. 6.45pm. £10. Details: 07787 516650.

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

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

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for Babies. 10am-10.30am.

Children’s origami club.

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

Third Tuesday Group.Group meets to discuss new books, bestsellers and favourites.

10.30am-11.30am. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners.

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

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society Meeting: Ben Manchip: Boats using watercolour.

7.30pm. £4, includes refreshments. Details: www.wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crochet

Members of Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club –the group will hold an open day on Sunday, January 24, inviting visitors to come and explore the facilities and try the game Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. Noon2pm. £4. Crafts and Laughs.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, January 20 BRACKNELL – Look Out Discovery Centre, Nine Mile Ride RG12 7QW. Toddler day: art, craft, play-doh, face painting, story telling and more. £6.80 per adult, £1.55 additional child. Fancy dress welcome. £2 parking. Details: 01344 354400.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Book group. 10.30am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 908 8176.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am1.15pm. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. All Saints Fellowship: AGM and a talk by Heide Fowkes from Wokingham District Cancer Care. Entry: £1.50. 7.45pm Details: 0118 977 0223.

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

11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Farmers’ Market. 9am-4pm.

Details: 0118 921 6920 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.

Thursday, January 21 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Dans La Cour (In The Courtyard) (15) . 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

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

Storytime for ages 3-5.

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

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: From Ireland to Greek Islands: Interesting Things in Both Places, a talk

by Gwen Barton. £1. 2pm.

Details: 0118 931 3124.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Crafts and Laughs: drop-in for knitting, embroidery or other crafts. 3pm-4pm.

Details: 0118 988 4771.

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood

Lane RG41 5ND. Keep Calm and Fly Casual: Club for players of the X Wing Miniatures Game, Star Wars and Armada. Age 16 and over.

5.30pm-7.45pm. Winnersh Book Group. 7pm-8pm.

Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road.

Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Alice! A 150th Birthday Celebration with Sydney Treadgold. £2.50 non-members. 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 978 6782.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road.

Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Classics Book Group: for lovers of Dickens, Austen etc. 6.30pm-7.30pm.

National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

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

Friday, January 22 KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details:

01628 826622.

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

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 975 8880.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road.

Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363.

WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment.

Details: 020 7219 4205.

Saturday, January 23 HENLEY – Holy Trinity Church RG9 1SE. Henley Choral Society presents a choral workshop: Dream of Gerontius. 10.30am5pm. Ages 16 upwards, under 25s free. £20, score hire £3. Details: www. henleychoralsociety.org.uk.

KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm and 6pm. Details: 0118 975 8880.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road.

Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Quiz night with fish n chip supper in aid of The Children’s Society. 7.30pm. £12.

Details: 0118 978 1044.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30amnoon. Knitting classes for beginners with Rachel Freeguard. 10am-noon. £5.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Market. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Greek night: food, music, dancing, quizzes, games and plate smashing. Details: 0118 966 2568.

Sunday, January 24 EARLEY – Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club, Beech Lane RG6 5PT. Open day for all prospective bowlers.

10.30am-2pm. Free. Wear flat-soled shoes, eg trainers.

Details: 0118 986 0759.

KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm. Details: 0118 975 8880.

SONNING – Golf Club, Duffield Road RG4 6GJ. Wedding fair. 11am-3.30pm. Details: 07464 613500.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Churches Together in Woikingham service for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: youth-led Taize service.

6.40pm. Details: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Christianity Explored course. 6,.45pm8.45pm, includes free evening meal. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm-3pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – Town Centre. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. £10 per Car or £8 for table top pitch/ Walk on, bring own tables.

Details: 07861 654 674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.

What’s on event submission form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Please note this service is for community

Name Address

groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Postcode Email

Send your forms to: What’s On, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Gig guide

Gigabit return to The Hope & Anchor on Saturday

Friday, January 15 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Cobbles: Keller Auditions.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Hog Wild. Details: 01344 457318.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01276 27641.

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

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Queen 11. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Two Dead Hands. Details: 01252 519964.

LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Novello, Bath Road SL6 3RX. Lea Lyle Quartet.

Details: 01628 825753.

READING – South Street arts centre. Third Friday Blues: The Julia Titus Pigfoot Band.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Smyths.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Lisa Henriksson-Macauley.

Details: 0118 958 6692 READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Canal Way RG1 3HJ. Ade Holland Trio.

Details: 0118 956 0432 READING – Oakford Social

Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hello You. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s Rewind DJ. Details: 0118 402 7800.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. The Capo Thieves.

Details: 01252 878938.

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

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

Details: 0118 979 5790.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Nine Mile Riders.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Redan, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Weekend tribute to Lemmy and David Bowie: tribute beer, cocktails and wine.

Details: 0118 989 1177.

Saturday, January 16 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Mushrooms. Details: 01344 303333.

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

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

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

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 957

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

This Saturday @ 9pm

GIGABIT Rock & roll to the best rock & pop!

WEY LIVE MUSIC

Coming next Saturday, January 23

BRICKS BUILD HOUSES

Acoustic guitars & strong vocals

Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK 6930.

READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Replica Rockaholics. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Hexagon. Joe Brown in Concert. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Hugh Turner Heavy Quartet.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights: Ultimate Tribute: Live 10 piece soul and Motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. PopWork. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music.

Details: 0118 959 4267.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said and Done. Details: 07946 342551.

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

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

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

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

Details: 0118 979 5790.

WOKINGHAM – The Redan, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Weekend tribute to Lemmy and David Bowie: tribute beer, cocktails and wine.

Details: 0118 989 1177.

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

Sunday, January 17 BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Reading Swing Jam presents Sunday Swing.

Details: 0118 959 4267.

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

WOKINGHAM – The Redan, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Weekend tribute to Lemmy and David Bowie: tribute beer, cocktails and wine.

Details: 0118 989 1177.

Tuesday, January 19 FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Chris Biscoe’s Mingus Profiles Quintet. Details: 01252 811009.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Stuart Henderson Jazz Quartet. Details: 0118 969 9878.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jazz singers night with Fleur

Alexandra Legouix and the Sunflowers will be at South Hill Park on Thursday

Stevenson. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cancer Bats. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Wednesday, January 20 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Bohemian Night: open mic. Details: 0118 958 6692.

Thursday, January 21 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Alexandra Legouix and the Sunflowers.

Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

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

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jamie Howell’s Evidence Bass.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Open mic night. Details: 0118 960 6580.

Friday, January 22 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG.

Stealers Bluff. Details: 01276 473160.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Mighty Playhouse, Gigabit: The Keller Auditions.

Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. In Too Deep.

Details: 01276 63842.

CROOKHAM VILLAGE – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. The Mays.

Details: 01252 616434.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Eddy & Tom. Details: 01252 519964.

READING – The Hexagon.

Beyond The Barricade.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade dub and roots with The Majestic. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Anyone Can Play Guitar. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Mod, Ska and Reggae Night.

Details: 0118 958 2797.

READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Funk Lab. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Grosvenor Casino

Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s Rewind DJ. Details: 0118 402 7800.

SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Vinyl Covers.

Details: 01252 872444.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Nine Mile Riders.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

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

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

Details: 0118 979 5790.

Saturday, January 23 BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Daved and Confused.

Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Late Late New Year’s Eve Party. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lee Aaron Band Details: 01276 32691.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Colin Santana.

The Nine Mile Riders are returning to The Broad Street Tavern tonight

Details: 01252 519964.

FARNBOROUGH – The Plough & Horses, Fleet Road GU14 9RG. Gigabit. Details: 01252 545199.

FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01252 835322.

READING – The Hexagon. The Elvis Years. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Concert Hall.

Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Luke Paolo and Grapefruit, the Pink Diamond Review and Buildings on Fire. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Baby Jane’s Baby Voodoo Blues Show. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s live band Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Salsa and Incognito Dance. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Rivermead, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. The 33rd Rockers Reunion Winter Party: Joe Clay, Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers, The Rapiers, The Spunyboys, Shane and the Korrados, Vintage, Peter Bruce, Wilde Cat Pete, Stu Wild Wax and Steve Stack of Wax. From 5pm. Details: 01494 672605.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Start.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

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

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. Blonde Ambition. Details: 0118 978 0590.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bricks Build Houses.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

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

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

Details: 0118 979 5790.

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

Sunday, January 24 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays and Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123.

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

READING – Concert Hall.

Readipop presents: Urban Orchestra. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readirock Revolutions. Details: 0118 958 6692.

Monday, January 25 Burns Night FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Burns Night three-course supper. £20.

Details: 0118 973 4855 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Burns Night: Top Ceildih Band, Kippers and Kilts. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Ye Olde Leathern Bottel, Barkham Road RG41 4BY. Burns night taster menu. £19.99.

Details: 0118 978 4222.

Your weekly puzzle challenge LEISURE 27 Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 6

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1. An Archangel Cat is an alternative name for which breed?

2. For what do the initials DVD stand?

3. Libreville is the capital of which African country?

4. What is the more familiar name of the 16th century Italian artist Tiziano Vecellio?

5. In medieval England a person who chased debtors was known as a catchpole. What is the literal meaning of the word?

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NONAGRAM

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S

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

WATCH THE FINE SWAN

N T

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: 14 Good; 17 Very Good; 20 Excellent.

WF

9. Who designed and flew a plane called Spruce Goose?

OI

RO

OB

CS

UY

UA

UT

SUDOKU Easy

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8 4 7

4 2 1

7 8 9 8 3 4 6

7 5 1 9

9 4 5 7

2

D I

E

R

R U

C C

T

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.

ES

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

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

To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com

6

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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.

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EQUALISER 8 6 12 6 2 7 2 10 1 1 6 3

Hard

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

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

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MH

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10. Who played Victoria Wood’s mother Petula in the BBC sitcom dinnerladies?

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HT

1

8. Which European country is divided into 16 voivodeships or provinces?

LH

AT

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

11

FIVE ALIVE

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

7. What is a coralroot?

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 E through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber.

T R

L Y A I

6. Britain’s Got More Talent and Catchphrase presenter Stephen Mulhern started his entertainment career as what?

WORD PYRAMID

B H R

4

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 1. Not in time! Found dead in bed (7)

DOWN 1. Warship foundered without a Baltic treasure (6-7)

8. Spoon later found in the drink (7)

2. Musician is right out after second half of July (6)

9. Twisting or is not turning (7)

3. Square arena in Hertfordshire (5)

10. Grant me new item of clothing (7) 11. In the narrow road, go down the middle for a dish of pasta (7)

4. There’s a risk in tearing up garden (6) 5. Our being confined in prison shows bravery (7)

12. Best part of soldiers’ diet (7)

6. Master new channel (6)

14. Acknowledged that the salesman was dishonest (7)

7. Advancing by degrees towards the answer (7,6)

18. Greek wine returned in canisters (7)

13. Wild and disorderly South American city’s holding out perhaps (7)

20. Still one article on sluggishness (7)

15. Rather attractive (6)

21. Poser for child? This child 16. What one sells is material (6) sets a poser for teachers (7) 17. Remove bones from the 22. Become keen when thus steak (6) exposed within (7) 19. Right to solicit outside for 23. It revolves to and fro (7)

fish (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 8

9

10

11 12

13

14

16

15

17 22

18

21

19

20

26

21

25

22

23

24

26

25

27 28

29

30

31

32

ACROSS 1. Outbuilding for car (6) 4. Balancing device (6) 8. Relating to bone (6) 10. Possibility (6) 11. Tenth part (5) 12. Dissertation (6) 14. Apprehend (6) 16. Coarse file (4) 17. Lifeless (4) 19. Land measure (4) 22. Fate (4) 26. High regard (6)

27. Sudden (6) 28. Not heavy (5) 29. Neckwear (6) 30. Madness (6) 31. Small finch (6) 32. Protect, guard (6) DOWN 1. Cave (6) 2. Preferably (6) 3. Without payment (6) 5. Stick together (6) 6. Yearned (6) 7. Lissom, graceful (6)

9.

10.

13.

15.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Speech defect (4) African republic (4) Food dressing (5) Shaving device (5) Writing implement (6) Reach (6) Recount (6) Give out (4) Pigeon-pea (4) Dull-witted (6) Change genetically (6) Remained (6)

8 3 4 7 2 5 6 9 1

7 6 2 4 9 1 3 8 5

9 5 1 6 8 3 7 2 4

4 1 8 2 7 6 9 5 3

2 9 3 5 1 4 8 7 6

6 7 5 9 3 8 4 1 2

3 2 6 8 5 9 1 4 7

5 4 9 1 6 7 2 3 8

9 3 2 1 8 4 5 6 7

1 8 7 3 4 2 5 6 9

EASY SUDOKU

Y

L

A

P

14 1

15 2

Z

16 3

CROSS CODE

G

6 4 8 7 5 2 3 9 1

1 5 7 6 3 9 4 8 2

8 7 1 2 9 3 6 5 4

4 2 3 5 6 1 9 7 8

5 9 6 4 7 8 2 1 3

2 6 4 9 1 7 8 3 5

3 1 9 8 2 5 7 4 6

7 8 5 3 4 6 1 2 9

HARD SUDOKU

W

17 4

T

R

18 5

E

U

19 6

C

F

20 7

I

H

21 8

O

22 9

J

X

WORD PYRAMID: Indirect current.

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

Total: 9.

MAGIC SQUARE: fawn; ache; whit; nets.

N

23

D

10

S

24

Q

11

M

25

B

12

K

26

V

13

QUICK CROSSWORD: linty; liny; litany; nary; rainy; riyal; Across – 1 Garage; 4 Scales; 8 Osteal; 10 Chance; 11 Tithe; 12 thinly; tiny; tray; trilby; yarn.

Thesis; 14 Arrest; 16 Rasp; 17 Dead; 19 Acre; 22 Doom; 26 Esteem; 27 Abrupt; 28 Light; 29 Cravat; 30 Lunacy; 31 Linnet; 32 Defend.

Down – 1 Grotto; 2 Rather; 3 Gratis; 5 Cohere; 6 Longed; 7 Svelte; 9 Lisp; 10 Chad; 13 Sauce; 15 Razor; 18 Pencil; 19 Attain; 20 Relate; 21 Emit; 22 Dahl; 23 Obtuse; 24 Mutate; 25 Stayed.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Belated; 8 Apostle; 9 Torsion; 10 Garment; 11 Lasagne; 12 Regimen; 14 Replied; 18 Retsina; 20 Inertia; 21 Problem; 22 Enthuse; 23 Rotator.

Down – 1 Battle-cruiser; 2 Lyrist; 3 Tring; 4 Danger; 5 Courage; 6 Stream; 7 Getting warmer; 13 Riotous; 15 Pretty; 16 Draper; 17 Fillet; 19 Trout.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Russian Blue; 2 Digital Versatile Disc; 3 Gabon; 4 Titian; 5 Chicken-chaser; 6 A magician; 7 A type of leafless orchid; 8 Poland; 9 Howard Hughes; 10 Julie Walters.

ably; airy; arty; aryl; bialy; binary; brainy; bray; briny; hairy; hiya; hyalin; inlay; inly; LABYRINTH; lairy; laity; NONAGRAM:

(1) Across – Whoop; Tokyo; Humus.

Down – Witch; Oakum; Proms.

(2) Across – Flirt; About; Taste.

Down – Feast; Irons; Tithe.

FIVE ALIVE:

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ool Nursery class

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St Crispin’s School ng The Play That Went Wro schools for celebrating and Christmas is a time senting their have been busy pre across the borough k This wee and next s. tion duc pro ive fabulous fest cial! very own Nativity Spe we present to you our & Gemma Davidson

School Sonning CofE Primary Year One Nativity ool, Crowthorne Oaklands Infant Sch World Christmas Around The

ool Year 3

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nts.co.uk ghampaper.newspri photos today at wokin ir ven sou r you er Ord

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

Vivienne Johnson & Gem Davidson

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

HARRY THE HERO: Late Swabey goal seals dramatic win for Finchampstead — Page 39

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...

Pinewood pair enjoy silver medal success in Denmark

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk THERE was silver medal joy for Pinewood Gymnastics Club duo Lucie Colebeck and Yasmin Taite at the Trampoline and Tumbling Senior World Championships in Denmark.

The duo were part of the Great Britain squad which flew out to Scandinavia for the annual competition and returned having secured a podium finish in the team event.

Colebeck also overcame a mental block to take second place in the individual section, where she finished behind winner and two-time world champion Jia Fangfang of China.

The Pinewood pair are no strangers to the championships, having racked up five appearances between them over the years.

The duo would perform two preliminary runs consisting of a straight pass and a twisting pass, with the performances resulting in Team GB qualifying for the team final in first place, leading both China and Russia, who progressed in second and third respectively.

This also doubled up as qualification for the individual final too, where Coleback secured third place, with Taite back in sixth.

Because of the two-per-country rule, however, Colebeck was unable to compete in the final.

Back in the team event, the pressure was on all the finalists as each participant had just the one run.

Yasmin, though, would feel it more as she was carrying an injury, yet battled through the pain barrier to produce a double straight transition to a double pike somersault, which yielded a score of 33.1 for her efforts.

Yasmin Taite (left) and Lucie Colebeck hold aloft the silver medals they won with Team GB in Denmark

Up next was Lucie, whose impressive double straight transition to a full twisting double pike somersault was a hit with the judges, who scored it 34.7.

Rachel Davies of the Deerness Valley Club completed the routine, keeping her focus to secure a return of 35.2 and the silver medal for GB, who finished an agonising 0.5 points behind eventual winners China.

Davies and Colebeck would represent their country in the individual final, where both had two routines to compete.

Any skill was acceptable, provided the discipline was not repeated.

In order to succeed, Coleback would need to address the struggle with a twisting element which had been troubling the ace during the months leading up to the competition.

Starting the final in sixth, a slight error did not help proceedings, either, but Lucie soon rectified the issue and would receive

an opening score of 33.7.

There was still work to be done, but a nervous Colebeck stuck at it, producing a second run which consisted of a double straight transition through to a doubling twisting double tuck.

And the scoring panel was impressed, rewarding the tumbler with a score of 35.4, which saw Lucie jump up the leaderboard and into second position.

“After I had made that mistake in the first routine I knew I had to complete the move I hadn’t been able to in order to get on the podium,” Colebeck admitted afterwards.

“It was so overwhelming. I knew in my head that if I committed to going for the move I would land on my feet.

“It was a huge relief and was extremely emotional.”

Colebeck and Taite are now in training ahead of the European Championships, which takes place in Spain in March.

BASKETBALL

Scorchers pounce to send unwell Rockets crashing out of the Trophy A READING Rockets side riddled by a sickness bug exited the British Basketball League (BBL) Trophy following a 82-72 loss to Surrey Scorchers on Wednesday night.

A determined third period fight-back at Rivermead had sparked hopes for a comeback, with Rockets going on a 16-4 run as they attempted to cut back a 20-point deficit, but the effort would sadly prove to be in vain as Surrey held out and progressed to round two.

D’Montre Edwards led the scoring for Reading with 22 points and seven assists.

Captain Danny Carter added 16 more to the board, with Antonio Robinson contributing eight points and six rebounds.

Rockets will be looking to put this disappointment behind them when they continue with what has been a gruelling week for the club with games against second-placed Derby Trailblazers and Worthing fixtures.

A trip to the East Midlands to take on a Trailblazers side currently second in the NBL Division 1 standings on Saturday (7.15pm) before Worthing head to Rivermead on Sunday (5pm), will be Reading’s fourth and fifth fixtures in the space of just eight days.

Prior to the match up with the Scorchers, Rockets began the year with

the 88-71 victory at Bradford Dragons before securing a place in the semi-finals of the National Trophy when disposing of Lancashire Spinners in an 80-71 success.

While delighted with the performances produced by his charges last weekend, coach Pena Garces will be hoping his players can get shake off the illness which has hit the camp ahead of what will be another important weekend in the club’s calender.

“The weekend’s games see us return to NBL Division One action and Saturday’s visit to Derby will be one of the kost difficult games of the season,” said the Spaniard.

“They have done really well so far and have arguably two of the best players in the league with the Watts brothers (David and Dan), but also have a lot of good personnel around them, so we are expecting that to be tough - as well as Sunday’s game against Worthing as they have already beaten us twice.

“However, I am pleased with the steps we have taken and I know with continued work and discipline, this group can achieve good things, but it’s very important that we take it game by game.”

Rockets will be boosted by the return of Fidel Gomez de Enterria, who missed the games at the weekend as he was away on Under-18 duty.

SPORT

NIGEL PARSON, the Vice President of both the Finchampstead football and cricket clubs, has died aged 72.

A familiar figure supporting both teams over the years lost his battle with illness on January 5.

Nigel was the father of Finchampstead opening bowler Anthony Parson, who also plays football locally.

He also leaves behind wife Daphne and daughter Janine.

‘Familiar figure’ and Finchampstead Vice President Parson dies aged 72

HOCKEY

High fives for Sonning Ladies as Wokingham at routed WOKINGHAM Ladies were no match for borough rivals Sonning 2s, who cruised to a 5-0 victory at Cantley Park.

The result of the local derby saw the visitors climb up to sixth in the Trysports Premier 1 standings, while Wokingham crashed to the foot of the table following a 4-1 victory for Aylesbury at Bicester.

The win also set the 2s up nicely for their showdown with the club’s first XI on Saturday, who began the year with a 2-1 reverse against Oxford 2s at Berkshire County Sports.

Beth Williamson and Meg Scott struck the goals which secured the points for the away side, with the loss moving the hosts down a place to third.

Push-back for this clash is 10.30am.

In Division 1, Sonning 3s remain without a point and continue to prop up the rest following a thumping 7-1 defeat

away at promotion-chasing Oxford Hawks 4s, while Wokingham 2s saw their four-game unbeaten run ended at Kidlington.

Ellie Desmond, Danielle Walker and Lynda King were among those hitting the backboard for the hosts in a 5-2 success.

Sonning 4s, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the Division 3 table and had an afternoon to forget when entertaining Milton Keynes 3s, who ran out comfortable 9-0 winners.

Banbury 4s and Sonning Veterans swap places in the standings after the former won the fixture between the two sides in Division 4, 4-1.

Goals from Nigel King and Graham Lee were nothing more than consolation for a Wokingham Veterans side which went down to a 4-2 loss against Southampton Cockburns in the Wessex Supervets

Fixtures Alliance.

Friendly results: Wallingford 2 Sonning Men 2; Sonning 2s 1 Wokingham Men 3; Sonning 3s 2 Leighton Buzzard 6; Sonning 4s 2 Reading 3s 2; Sonning 7s 3 Abingdon 3s 2

Fixtures - Saturday, January 16

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Sonning 2s v Sonning Ladies; Bicester v Wokingham Ladies DIVISION 1: Sonning 3s v Abingdon Ladies DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Abingdon Pilgrims Ladies DIVISION 3: Harlow & High Wycombe Ladies v Sonning Ladies 4s DIVISION 4: Banbury 4s v Sonning Veterans DIVISION 5: Maidenhead 5s v Wokingham 3s DIVISION 6: Sonning 5s v Thame 3s MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Milton Keynes 2s v Wokingham Men; Sonning v Marlow 2s DIVISION 1: Wycombe 2s v Sonning 2s DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Oxford Hawks 4s DIVISION 3: West Hampstead 4s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 4: Reading University Knights 5s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Marlow 5s DIVISION 8 WEST: Sonning 5s v Thame 2s DIVISION 9 WEST: Sonning 7s v Sonning 6s WESSEX SUPERVETS ALLIANCE: Oxford Hawks Falcons v Wokingham Vets

Wokingham’s Abi Clark tries to give Sonning 2s’ Clare McEwen the slip Pictures: Vivienne Johnson Kirsty Thompson makes the pass

Mary King (right) and Ruth Purdy battle for the ball

SPORT | 35

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Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ICE HOCKEY

Flickering Flames snatch victory in feisty derby Bracknell Bees 1 Guildford Flames 2 A THIRD-PERIOD strike from Jens Eriksson saw Guildford Flames take the points from an action packed local derby at The Hive.

The Swedish forward would settle the contest just two minutes into the session, firing a shot across Alex Mettam in the Bees goal and into the corner after the puck had spilled loose at a face off.

Jez Lundin had earlier opened the scoring for the Flames, who were pegged back when Carl Thompson swept the puck home on the powerplay.

While the defeat was a 17th in succession for Bracknell, the scoreline failed to reflect a full-blooded and often ill-tempered encounter between the two fierce rivals.

Scuffles, fights and penalties were aplenty on a night when emotions ran high, although the two fully-committed rivals did play out some fast paced and entertaining hockey in between.

Yet the game was a relatively slow burner to begin with, as the first period passed by with few clear cut chances or incident for either side.

Although the match had barely started before it came to a halt after Lewis Turner took a puck to the face and subsequently required treatment for a split lip.

Of the opportunities which did arise during the first 20 minutes, however, Eriksson was wide for the Flames before Alex Barker, who hit a hat-trick the weekend before, fired a strike into the hands of Guildford netminder Gregg Rockman.

He also thwarted Vanya Antonov as Bees broke on the counter and then showed great reflexes to keep out Milan Kostourek, who stole in as Guildford were caught out at the back, but the import forward could only fire his effort from close range straight at the netminder.

Jan Bendik was off target when letting fly from the blueline and Thompson dragged a shot wide over on the left as Bracknell continued to ask questions, but were unable to make the breakthrough.

But Guildford had their moments too, with Mettam twice denying Rupert Quiney.

The same player also palmed away an Erik Piatak strike before Ben Campbell put another chance over the bar.

The visitors, though, had arguably

James Galazzi (left) scraps with Guildford’s Andy McKinney

the best opportunity to open the scoring early in the second period.

Returning from the penalty box having sat out a holding minor, Lee Esders immediately found himself one-on-one with Mettam, but the latter was equal to the attempt.

Kostourek and Danny Meyers traded missed chances before the opening goal eventually arrived on 24.54.

Lundin was the scorer, but the strike was engineered by Janis Ozolins, who took off down the left wing and skipped past the attempted challenge of Turner before squaring for his unmarked team-mate, who took a touch before finishing with aplomb.

The Flames immediately went on the offensive once again, but a Meyers drive was flicked away by Mettam, who also tipped over a Piatak shot as Bees’ defence

became stretched.

All the penalties awarded up until now had been cancelled out by either side, but when former Bee Meyers was punished for hooking after Kostourek had given him the slip, the hosts finally capitalised.

And it was a goal which came straight from the training ground; Scott Spearing and Turner combining to pick out Thompson, both of which were first-time passes, with the forward lighting the lamp from over on the left via a post.

Bracknell would remain on level terms for just four minutes, although it was during this time when the game started to spill out of control, with James Galazzi and opponent Andy McKinney dropping the gloves and exchanging numerous blows early in the third stanza.

But both would watch on as Eriksson went on to hit the winner, sweeping home a first-time strike from just inside the blue line.

Meyers again went close as Guildford went in search of a third, while Spearing and Kostourek were unable to make the most of opening which came their way for the home side.

A tussle then saw Spearing binned for roughing, with the incident providing the spark which lit the blue touch paper soon after.

When back on the ice, the forward became involved in an incident directly in front of the respective benches – and almost sparked a clear out.

Many of those out on the rink, however, became involved in an angry exchange which would result in the penalty box becoming standing room only on both sides.

MK Lightning 4 Bracknell Bees 1

Numerous fights broke out during the game

stages of the season have hit the coffers, but both Cross and director of hockey Ben Beeching, along with the unquestionable help of loyal Bees fans, have been working hard behind the scenes to rectify the problem.

“We are actively pursuing sponsorship and advertising opportunities, although I suspect we will see benefit from these discussions next season, not this,” added the chairman.

“What we can achieve off-ice during the second half of the season immediately helps financially and also helps us plan cash inflows for next season.”

Cross went on to explain how efforts are being made to ensure Bees remain

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

This is because Tom Duggan, Ozolins, Eriksson, Quiney and Sam Godfrey for the Flames and Bees’ Josh Tetlow, Spearing, Kostourek and Galazzi were all punished for offences ranging from roughing to cross checking and abuse of officials.

Tempers were to boil over once more when Galazzi this time traded punches with Quiney, with the pair having to sit out yet more penalties.

Once order had been restored Bracknell tried in vain to snatch an equaliser, with Rockman saving from both Bendik and Kostourek, who also fired wide amid a clutch of bodies around the crease.

The netminder also thwarted Thompson late on, but had to rely on a

team-mate having initially dropped the puck, although there was no Bee in range to pounce.

Bracknell are away at Telford Tigers this Saturday (5.30pm) before Hull Pirates visit the Hive for a basement battle on Sunday (6pm).

English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Basingstoke 34 21 4 2 7 133 Milton Keynes 36 16 5 4 11 126 Peterborough 33 17 3 5 8 123 Guildford 34 16 5 2 11 121 Swindon 33 14 5 3 11 113 Telford 33 18 2 0 13 134 Sheffield 32 14 2 3 13 118 Manchester 31 10 1 5 15 91 Hull 34 4 3 4 23 77 Bracknell 34 7 0 2 25 103

A 79 100 81 108 111 93 136 115 165 151

Pts 52 46 45 44 41 40 35 27 18 16

Antonov breaks deadlock, but the Lightning strike back to beat Bees

Cross: We’re making progress with the off-ice issues THINGS are beginning to look up for Bracknell Bees off the ice, chairman Andrew Cross has said.

“It’s tough but we take steps forward every day,” he said in a statement issued to supporters earlier this week.

“There is no financial wand to wave so we focus on maximising match night revenues, keep costs as tight as they can be and prioritise where the incoming cash goes.”

Bees have been left beleaguered in recent weeks due to a cash flow problem which has resulted in a number of the players leaving the Hive.

Issues relating to the rink, a drop in season ticket sales and the majority of home fixtures taking place in the latter

Lewis Turner celebrates Carl Thompson’s (No.2) equaliser for the Bees Pictures: Bob Swann

in existence next season, going on to say how the fans could one day have a controlling stake in the club.

He said: “The players know you (the fans) are there and your support is very important to them.

“The festive period demonstrated this commitment and effort fully when everyone mixed ice hockey responsibilities with family life.

“We will continue to offer club supporters ways to contribute to the clubs finances. I intend to run a forum for all fans and interested parties to discuss the options, as some of the options under consideration would offer a greater controlling involvement from our passionate fans.”

VANYA ANTONOV’S opening goal would proved to be nothing more than consolation as MK Lightning fought back to secure victory, writes JOHN SLATER. Bees’ young forward broke the deadlock in Buckinghamshire on the powerplay, firing over the shoulder of host netminder Dean Skinns and into the top shelf after receiving a pass from Milan Kostourek.

The visitors, though, would boast the go-ahead goal for just 40 seconds, as an MK side back to full strength tied up the scoring through Jordan Cownie.

The Lightning then nudged themselves in front just four minutes later when Blaz Emersic found a way past Alex Mettam in the Bracknell goal.

A coming together of Bees duo James Galazzi and Carl Graham and MK’s Leigh Jamieson and Bobby Chamberlain saw the opening period end on a rather unsatisfactory note, but no penalties were handed out for the altercation.

Frantisek Bakrlik, who left Bees for MK earlier in the season, and Milan Kostourek traded early missed chances, but the second stanza was a relatively quiet affair devoid of many clear cut chances.

Bobby Chamberlain, however, did have the puck in the net for a third time, but the ironwork was adjudged to have been

removed from its moorings during the build up, so referee Dan Boardman ruled out the strike.

Bracknell’s Tom Relf (interference) and Markku Tahtinen (roughing) for the home side both fell into penalty trouble, but neither team was able to capitalise on the powerplay.

Carl Graham also had to take a seat in the box for holding, with the offence carrying over in the third stanza, but his team-mates stood firm.

Yet the full strength Bees were unable to stop the opposition racking up goal number three, which arrived just 45 seconds later.

It was scored by Bobby Chamberlain, with James Griffin providing the assist.

A call for tripping by Kostourek later saw MK awarded a penalty shot.

Responsibility fell to Cownie, but he was unable to find a way past Mettam on this occasion.

He was, though, not to be denied a second goal of the night, which arrived five minutes from time and wrapped up the scoring for the third-placed hosts.

An adjudged goaltender interference saw Glenn Billing sent to the sin-bin moments later and the Bees were given a powerplay, but they could not double their tally for the evening.

The man of the match awards went to Jan Bendik, for the Bees, and Lightning’s Cownie.

THIS SUNDAY – JANUARY 16

BRACKNELL BEES v Hull Pirates Face off 6pm

Box office: 01344 789000

bracknellbees.co.uk

36 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

LONDON IRISH

Geraghty-inspired Irish scrap it out to secure vital victory Shane Geraghty swung the game in Irish’s favour when stepping up from the bench

Aseli Tikoirotuma, above and below, leads the Exiles on the charge at Madejski Stadium

Contract extension for Brophy Clews THEO Brophy Clews has signed a contract extension with London Irish.

The fly half, 18, is in his first season with the club’s senior Academy having joined the Exiles at the age of 13.

Last season Brophy Clews also became the club’s youngest-ever try scorer when dabbing down just minutes after coming on as a substitute during a LV=Cup fixture against the Scarlets.

He is now competing with Shane Geraghty and Chris Noakes for a place in the Irish matchday squad.

“Over the last few years the club has really helped me develop as a player and I think this is the perfect place to continue that development and strive to play more games,” said Brophy Clews, who has made five senior appearances to date this season.

“I am also incredibly excited by the ambition of the club, coaches and players.

“I’m really grateful to be given this opportunity to continue to be part of London Irish over the next few years.”

The former Abingdon School pupil has also been named in the England Under-20s squad for the Six Nations and Junior World Championships this summer.

Team-mate and fellow Academy star Johnny Williams has also been called up.

London Irish 20 Newcastle Falcons 15

“I WAS squirming in my seat with a couple of minutes to go,” said Tom Coventry after his London Irish side held out to secure a vital victory in the Aviva Premiership.

Exiles would eventually edge this basement battle at Madejski Stadium thanks to second half Alex Lewington and Topsy Ojo tries, both converted

by Shane Geraghty, and a pair of Chris Noakes penalties, moving off the foot of the table in the process.

Looking to secure a fourth home win on the spin, Irish found themselves in a commanding position having opened up a 20-point lead.

Yet they were made to sweat after Nili Latu and Marcus Watson went over for the Falcons, who also saw Andy Goode, who had signed for the home side during pre-season only to leave without having played a game, knock over a penalty and conversion.

Newcastle laid siege on the Irish game line as the contest neared a conclusion, but impressive rear guard action from the hosts saw them hold out to pick up four vital points.

“It was a tough game, both teams probably played with a lack of confidence,” said head coach Coventry.

“We all played probably to not lose rather than go out there with a positive attitude and compete with the ball.

“It ended up being a bit of a dire spectacle even though we had a 20-point lead at one stage. We’re still not managing those big

moments well enough.

“I think it was our own doing that put us under pressure in the closing moments.

“We got the win, but we still need to be much better than that.”

Only two penalties from the boot of Noakes, awarded following a high tackle on Will Lloyd and a scrum offence respectively, separated the sides during what was a scrappy first 40 minutes.

Newcastle did cross the whitewash, but the celebrations having appeared to grab the opening try were cut short when the Television Match Official (TMO) called play back following a knock on, meaning the score was ruled out.

Noakes was to be withdrawn at half time because of an injury, but Irish had a more than capable replacement in Geraghty among the replacements.

And the fly half was to have an immediate impact, as his restart was claimed by Lewington, who duly sprinted off before diving over the line in the corner.

The conversion was tight on the touchline, but was no trouble for Geraghty, who made it 13-0.

Just minutes later and Ojo, recalled to the starting XV for the clash, justified his selection when taking control of another high ball from Geraghty before crashing over the line.

The latter again made no mistake with the extras and Irish had a strong grip on proceedings.

A Newcastle side fresh from securing their first league win of the season when defeating Sale 19-14 last time out, however, would soon begin to slowly unravel the home side’s control.

The Exiles went on to conceded four penalties, all of which were lofted out to a corner.

The first three were dealt with, but on

Irish double up to prevent Newcastle’s Chris Harris (No.13) from going over for a try Pictures: Paul King

the fourth occasion Latu broke away from the maul and put Falcons on the board.

The conversion was missed, but the lead was cut again on the hour mark.

A high tackle from David Paice resulted in a yellow card and a penalty for Newcastle, which Goode, who had retired from both Irish and the game because of injury – only to sign on with the opposition just weeks later – put between the posts.

The visitors were sensing a comeback, which would become more of a reality when Watson slid over in the corner having a run on to a chipped pass forward.

Goode ensured the try was a converted one and Newcastle moved to within a score of their hosts.

And they were now smelling blood, but an Irish side short on confidence somehow managed to find some late resolve – none more so then when Luke Narraway secured a crucial turn-over, with Brendan McKibbin slamming the penalty into the stands to spark jubilant – yet relieved – scenes among the Irish

faithful.

LONDON IRISH: Ojo; Lewington; Hearn; Williams (Mulchrone 66); Tikoirotuma; Noakes (Geraghty 40); McKibbin; Court (Smallbone 70); Paice (Cruse 71); Franks; Symons (c), Lloyd (Trayfoot 77); Sinclair; Narraway; Treviranus (Cowan 66).

Reps not used: Aulika, Allinson.

NEWCASTLE: Hammersley; Tait; Harris; Socino; Watson; Willis (Goode 55); Young; Vickers; Lawson (McGuigan 45); Ryan (Vea 18); Wilson; Robinson; Welch (c); Latu, Hogg Reps not used: Rogers, Botha, Clever, Booth, Agulla.

Referee: JP Doyle Attendance: 5,558

Saracens Exeter Harlequins Leicester Northampton Wasps Gloucester Sale Sharks Bath Worcester London Irish Newcastle

Aviva Premiership P W D L 9 8 0 1 9 7 0 2 9 6 1 2 9 7 0 2 9 4 0 5 9 4 0 5 9 4 1 4 8 3 1 4 8 3 0 5 9 2 0 7 9 2 0 7 9 1 1 7

F A 255 110 237 126 254 200 188 164 159 133 193 181 183 195 130 163 158 152 170 237 136 271 128 259

BP 5 6 5 1 6 4 2 3 4 4 0 1

PTS 37 34 31 29 22 20 20 17 16 12 8 7

PREVIEW

Ojo: Winning was sweet, but we must find killer instinct LONDON IRISH V GRENOBLE EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP - POOL 5 MADEJSKI STADIUM SATURDAY, 3PM

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

LONDON IRISH must learn to better close out games, Topsy Ojo has warned.

Ojo marked his return to the Exiles starting XV with a try during Sunday’s vital victory over Newcastle Falcons at Madejski Stadium, but the side were left hanging on having let slip of a commanding 20 point lead.

Irish, despite finding themselves under siege during the dying moments of the Aviva Premiership basement battle, showed impressive rear guard action to hold out for a win which pulled them off the foot of the table.

While delighted to help the side record just a second league triumph of the campaign, winger Ojo believes lessons need to be learned.

He said: “Obviously it was great to get the win because we knew how important the game was and everything going off around it, but there was probably a bit of frustration on our part because things didn’t play out the way we wanted them to in the end.

“We had an amazing start to the second half but then Newcastle hit back.

“We were working hard on our defence in training during the week, but that was a real test for us on Sunday as they (Newcastle) practically sat on our line, but we managed the situation well

because we could have easily given a penalty away, but the resolve was really pleasing to see.”

Ojo added: “This win does give us a bit of a building block because there is a big stretch of Premiership games coming up after the European break and with the season reaching the halfway point we do really need to start picking up some momentum.

“But we do need to close out games better – something which will be important come the business end of the season.”

Already the club’s record top scorer, 30-year-old Ojo added to his account when dabbing down having collected a high-bomb kick from replacement Shane Geraghty, who also laid on Alex Lewington for the opening try of the afternoon early in the second half.

“Shane is capable of producing moments of magic and he came on and did that in the second half,” said Ojo. “It is great to have a fly-half stepping up off the bench and hurting teams like that.

“He is dangerous on the ball, but that is not a surprise to us because we know what he is capable of.”

Victory was Exiles’ third on the spin at Madejski Stadium, and a fourth this weekend would have the club in pole

position to reach the quarter finals of the European Challenge Cup. But in order to snatch the driving seat Irish must first overcome a Grenoble side who sit top of Pool 5 and took the points after securing a dramatic 27-20 victory when the two teams met at the Stade des Alps back in November.

A last-gasp try from Clement Gelin, who profited from an Irish overthrow at a line out, saw the hosts snatch victory, so Ojo and Co will only be too aware of the threat the Top 14 outfit could pose on Saturday afternoon.

He said: “It was a really tough game and they shell shocked us in the first 20 minutes, but we fought our way back into the contest.

“They are a physical side and will come here and play rugby. They are attack-minded so we will need to try and starve them of the ball.

“We will need to take account of the simple things – that could be a really good thing for us, but if we lose the ball then we know Grenoble are going to come at us.

“They are strong up front and can run with the ball.

“But if we can do the simple things right and continue building up the momentum then I’m sure we will be a step closer to the quarter-finals.”

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 37

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NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 SOUTH

BB&O PREMIER DIVISION

Tales of woe in Canterbury as beaten Rams slip into danger zone Canterbury 27 Redingensians Rams 23 GRABBING a late bonus point through Robbie Stapley was not enough to prevent Redingensians slipping back into the National League 2 South relegation zone.

“The difference between the two sides was that Canterbury used the elements better than us,” said CEO Gary Reynolds, who saw the visitors fail to profit from having a fierce wind in their favour during the first half.

“I’m afraid it is part of the learning process for our young side.”

Despite producing one of their least impressive first 40 minutes of the season, Rams did manage to go in at the break on level terms at 10-10, but failing to take advantage of the conditions would prove costly.

The half was littered by ill discipline, missed tackles and poor decision making by the away side.

Canterbury put the first points on the board in the 12th minute. With the Rams defence stretched, Harry Sayers went over the line, with Tom Best adding the extras.

Luke Flower, for the visitors, and Best later exchanged penalties before Jim Green was sin-binned for the hosts following a mauling offence.

And the away side quickly capitalised through a pushover try scored by Tom Vooght, which was improved by Flower.

But second halves have become something of a bogey for Redingensians

this season, and the restart was just two minutes old when a number of missed tackles allowed Will Farris to cash in.

A penalty awarded for offside saw Best extend the Kent side’s lead to 18-10, but Rams’ response was effective; George Drury adding the finishing touches to a move crafted by the backs.

Best, though, remained deadly accurate from the tee, knocking over another penalty, but this was quickly cancelled out by Flower.

Yet Rams would still find yet another way to transgress, this time for crossing, which Best duly punished.

Although the clock was now reaching the 80 minute mark, there was still enough time for Ollie Foxley to produce a mazy run and platform for his team-mates to pound the oppositions line, where Stapley would eventually force his way over.

Despite outscoring Canterbury by three tries to two, defeat nudged Rams back into the dreaded drop zone.

REDINGENSAINS: Foxley; McDermottroe, Bryant, Barnes, Drury; Flower, Hill; Weller, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Guttridge, Vooght, Stapley.

Reps: Knowles, Steadman, Kharbouch, Amor, Richardson.

n RAMS head coach Mike Tewkesbury has demanded a much improved performance when his side welcome Taunton Titans to Old Bath Road on Saturday (2pm).

He said: “Our first half against Canterbury last weekend was terrible

Risborough are bitten by Frost Risborough 7 Crowthorne 27

CROWTHORNE’S impressive season continued with the four-try blitz at Risborough, where Ricky Frost led the scoring with a brace.

The No. 8 was also unfortunate not to grab a hat-trick late on when the ball was snatched from his grasp as he tried to dab down.

Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Gosford All Blacks 11 10 0 1 405 110 10 Milton Keynes 11 10 1 0 414 145 7 Abingdon 12 9 0 3 345 180 9 Tadley 12 10 0 2 482 146 9 Crowthorne 12 6 1 5 171 165 6 Risborough 12 6 0 6 151 343 1 Alchester 12 3 0 9 158 308 8 Chipping Norton 11 3 2 6 148 282 2 Slough 11 3 1 7 220 307 3 Chesham 12 2 0 10 142 289 6 Hungerford 12 3 1 8 146 287 6 Wheatley 12 2 0 10 104 324 3

George Drury was among the tryscorers for the Rams in Kent Picture: Vivienne Johnson

and there are several areas to work on in training this week.

“Taunton looked a good side when we played them in September. That was our heaviest defeat this season (41-6) and although they’ve had a few blips since then, they cannot be taken lightly.”

Tewkesbury is to hand academy product Jamar Richardson a first league start having impressed when introduced as a replacement over in Canterbury, with the coach saying: “We need to give him a run in the side. He’s a good footballer and deserves his chance.”

George Drury takes Richardson’s place on the bench, while Samir Kharbouch and Jamie Guttridge also swap places.

National League 2 South P W D L F Old Albanians 17 15 1 1 570 Cambridge 17 14 1 2 519 Bishop’s Stortford 17 12 1 4 503 Taunton Titans 17 12 0 4 475 Redruth 17 12 0 5 405 Old Elthamians 17 9 1 7 402 Clifton 17 8 1 8 450 Barnes 17 6 2 9 383 Dorking 17 7 0 10 337 Bury St Edmunds 17 7 0 10 333 Worthing 17 6 1 10 357 Southend Saxons 17 5 3 9 356 Canterbury 17 6 0 10 331 Redingensians 17 5 0 12 360 Chinnor 17 4 0 13 396 Launceston 15 0 1 14 185

A 269 285 279 317 331 391 415 462 453 408 393 467 426 446 487 533

BP 15 14 15 11 10 8 11 11 9 8 7 6 7 10 13 5

PTS 77 72 65 59 58 46 45 39 37 36 33 32 30 30 29 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

Bracknell are left Hert-broken following crushing loss Hertford 50 Bracknell 18

TWO tries from Ben Yates proved to be scant consolation for a Bracknell side which suffered a heavy defeat at Hoe Lane.

The full-back had engineered a comeback for the Lily Hill men, who had fallen behind to a Stuart Smart penalty and James Solomon converted try before Jack Elston went over later in the half.

But Hertford, who have claimed the scalps of leading sides Tonbridge Juddians and London Irish Wild Geese this season, cranked up the gears after the break, with Louis Castiglione, Solomon, James Keen, Paddy Kelly and Brett McNamee all going over to secure a bonus-point victory.

A score from Bracknell’s George Milligan was sandwiched in between, but the visitors began the New Year with a bump.

Hertford opened the scoring through the boot of Smart early doors, with winger Solomon grabbing the first try of the afternoon soon after.

Smart, who was to miss just one opportunity all afternoon, added the extras and the lead was stretched to 10-0.

The away side, who went in to the game boasting three wins from their previous four matches, replied when Yates crossed the whitewash to cut the gap, but the conversion was missed.

Yet Hertford’s reponse was also swift,

Ben Yates (carrying the ball) helped himself to two tries during Bracknell’s game with Hertford Picture: Andrew Merritt

The score was an unconverted one, but the potential to flee with a bonus point was now within their grasp – albeit temporarily.

This is because further misery was inflicted on Bracknell when McNamee bundled himself over late on, with Smart bringing up a half century of points from the tee.

BRACKNELL: Pickett, Silvester (c), Williams, Barry, Bailey, Milligan, Deveraux, Valentine, Dennet, Hemming, Yabia, Nowak, Price, Burch, Yates.

Reps: Baragwanth, Goodison, Conway.

with Jack Elston of the second row racing off to the corner to put 10 points between the sides, but Smart was unable to add the extras.

A sustained period of pressure from Bracknell, however, was to follow, with Liam Hemming slotting over a penalty before a second try for Yates over on the right sparked hopes of a comeback.

The conversion would have pulled Rory Greenslade-Jones side level, but the kick failed to clear the posts.

Bracknell, therefore, would go in at half time trailing by just two points, but the interval would prove to be a hinderence.

The restart was just eight minutes old when prop Castiglione emerged from

under a pile of bodies to celebrate a try, with Smart’s conversions moving the score along to 22-13.

Hertford were now beginning to turn the screw, with the opposition unfortunately buckling under the pressure.

Now doing all the attacking, Hertford celebrated further tries from Solomon, James Keen and Kelly, leaving Bracknell resigned to defeat at 43-13.

The visitors, though, were not helped when Rob Baragwanath was sin-binned for a tip-tackle in the 67th minute, yet the short-handed side did go on to grab a third try of the afternoon when Milligan dabbed down.

n THINGS get no easier for ninth-placed Bracknell on Saturday, either, who welcome National League 3 London and South East leaders Tonbridge Juddian to Lily Hill Park.

Kick-off is 2.15pm.

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP Tonbridge Juddian 15 12 1 2 486 208 12 L.I Wild Geese 15 12 2 1 443 208 9 Westcombe Park 15 12 0 3 418 217 8 East Grinstead 15 10 1 4 415 207 11 Hertford 15 11 0 4 436 264 8 Shelford 15 10 0 5 367 295 9 Guernsey 15 9 0 6 405 322 8 Wimbledon 15 7 0 8 336 288 4 Bracknell 15 6 0 9 309 402 8 Colchester 15 5 0 10 243 351 2 Chichester 15 4 0 11 278 383 6 Westcliff 15 3 0 12 249 473 6 Gravesend 15 2 0 13 220 433 5 Eton Manor 15 0 0 15 145 641 4

PTS 62 61 56 53 52 49 44 32 32 22 22 18 13 4

PTS 50 49 45 44 33 26 20 18 17 14 10 1

Victory was Crowthorne’s sixth in their last seven games, and with Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division rugby already assured for next season, coach Alex Stewart is beginning to prepare for next term.

He made two changes to his starting line-up in Buckinghamshire, where debuts were handed to William Barham in the back row and No.10 Josh Roberts.

But with plenty of experience around them, a Crows side told the pressure is now off fell behind in just the third minute to a converted try.

The response, however, was immediate, and only a knock on prevented a charge for the line.

Crowthorne, though, were strong in the scrum, and they used such a weapon to great affect, driving the opposition back beyond their own 10-metre line, where man-of-the-match Frost would eventually drop on the ball as it crossed the line.

Kicking responsibility belonged to Dougie Charman, but his conversion attempt was blown wide by the gusts which blew through Merton Road.

The away side would go in at half-time trailing 7-5, although the scoreline was probably a fair reflection on a Risborough side who had been the stronger team in testing conditions.

But they were put to the sword after the break by a visiting side who soon rediscovered their mojo following the festive holidays.

A penalty awarded after an infringement in the scrum was popped over by Charman for an 8-7 Crowthorne lead.

With the hill now in their favour, the advantage was soon extended when James Jarvis ran in under the posts for a try which points-machine Charman improved.

Exploiting holes which were now beginning to appear within a tiring Risborough defence yielded an opportunity for Watson to cross the line for the first time this season.

Poor discipline was beginning to get the better of the hosts, which only allowed the Crows to further exert their dominance on proceedings.

With the scrums now uncontested due to a lack of Risborough front-row forwards, Frost would break away to score under the posts and secure the bonus point.

Crowthorne are away at near neighbours Slough in a Berkshire derby on Saturday (2.15pm).

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READING FC

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 15, 2016

FA CUP

secures a replay as ‘MK will be up for the fight’ Wells Royals pay the penalty MILTON KEYNES DONS V READING SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP STADIUM MK SATURDAY - 3PM

READING can expect to face “wounded” opposition this weekend and must be prepared to fight, boss Brian McDermott has warned.

Royals make the short trip to Buckinghamshire to take on a Milton Keynes Dons side scrapping for points at the wrong end of the Championship table, and are set to be well back too, with more than 2,000 supporters also making their way to Stadium MK. While the visitors will be buoyed from an impressive performance during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Derby County, the Dons were getting rolled over by Burnley, who ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.

But boss McDermott is warning against complacency as his side look to stretch their unbeaten run to three games, and believes things will not be easy on Saturday afternoon.

“You’ve got to be aware that they’ll be wounded after the other night,” he said.

“They’ve got a really good manager (Karl Robinson) who has been there a long time. It’s great to see a club with a young manager doing well, as far as bringing players through and working with good young players and playing football and being successful.

“Karl has done that at Milton Keynes Dons, and I’ve got an awful lot of time for

Oliver Norwood is expected to remain as captain

him.”

McDermott added: “You get bad results – that’s football.

“He’ll come back from that and look to fight in the next game – and we are the next game.

“We have to make sure that we fight, that we’re ready and we get the job done to the best of our ability and make sure

that we perform for our fans.”

With Paul McShane still struggling with a calf injury, Oliver Norwood is expected to retain the captain’s armband in the defender’s absence.

Aaron Tshibola (hamstring) and Jordan Obita (ankle) also remain doubts, although the latter has returned to training.

“Jordan Obita is doing a bit of training today (Thursday), which is good, he’s on his way back,” added the manager.

“Aaron Tshibola is getting there slowly as well but is not yet fit, but Paul McShane is not ready.”

Middlesbrough Hull Derby Burnley Ipswich Brighton Sheff Wed Birmingham Cardiff Wolves Brentford Reading Preston Nottm Forest Leeds Huddersfield QPR Blackburn Fulham Rotherham MK Dons Bristol City Charlton Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L 25 17 4 4 26 15 5 6 26 13 10 3 26 12 9 5 26 12 8 6 26 11 11 4 26 11 9 6 26 11 7 8 26 9 10 7 26 10 7 9 26 10 6 10 26 9 7 10 26 8 10 8 26 7 11 8 26 7 11 8 26 8 7 11 26 7 10 9 25 6 11 8 26 6 9 11 26 7 3 16 26 6 5 15 26 4 9 13 26 4 8 14 26 2 11 13

F 37 38 38 39 36 31 39 31 30 35 37 31 23 26 27 35 31 23 42 32 21 23 21 21

A 12 18 18 23 31 27 30 28 28 34 36 29 23 25 30 36 34 22 46 44 38 46 47 42

Pts 55 50 49 45 44 44 42 40 37 37 36 34 34 32 32 31 31 29 27 24 23 21 20 17

Williams Rams home Reading’s attacking qualities Derby County 1 Reading 1

Stephen Quinn making way for Lucas Piazon, while a fit-again Ola John took a spot on the bench.

DANNY WILLIAMS praised Royals’ work And the manager saw his charges rate and commitment after securing a get off to a positive start, with Vydra well-deserved point from the iPro hooking a volley over the bar Stadium on Tuesday night. following a bursting run from America international McCleary.

Williams cancelled out Derby, who began the Jason Shackell’s opener evening sitting second for the promotion-chasing in the table, had barely Rams when heading home troubled their guests until a Hal Robson-Kanu cross now, but it was a familiar late in the first half. face in Nick Blackman, A dominant and making his Derby debut Danny Williams controlled performance after following his switch last week, the break could have yielded who first went close for his new all three points for the away side, but employers.

Reading comfortably held out to become ‘Keeper Ali Al-Habsi, however, helped only the sixth team to take something off his strike into the side netting.

County on home soil this season.

Yet from another corner in the 11th “It was a great team goal,” said minute, the home side went ahead. Slack Williams, who netted his sixth of the defending from the flag kick allowed in season up in the East Midlands. defender Shackell, who fired a first-time “We kept the ball well and everyone effort into the ground and over Al-Habsi. wanted to have the ball as well. I think But Reading rallied, with Oliver that is important when you play a team Norwood, who retained the captain’s like Derby – nobody was hiding.” armband, and Williams going close before On his equaliser, the midfielder added: Vydra went over under a challenge from “I can’t remember exactly how the goal Shackell in the box, only to see appeals built up – the only thing I can remember for a spot kick dismissed by the referee. is that Hal got the ball, and I know that Chris Martin and Richard Keough also from Middlesbrough that when he has saw chances go begging for the hosts, the ball I always run into the box because who found themselves pegged back soon the midfielders often don’t look over their after. shoulder.

Slipped in by Vydra, Robson-Kanu held “I love to make those runs in behind the ball up well before hanging up a cross when no-one is watching, and I just tried which Williams, who had timed his run to to get a contact. perfection, headed back across Lee Grant “I knew that if I get some contact there in the Derby goal and into the corner. that it would be a goal.

The same player would go close again “I’m just happy I could help the team before the break, but Grant was this time with a goal, and more important was that able to get something behind his powerful we got a point.” drive.

McDermott made just the one change Grant would also thwart McCleary to the side held at Huddersfield Town early in the second half following a in the FA Cup three days earlier, with counter attack expertly led by Piazon and

Robson-Kanu, who was also unlucky not to pick out Vydra as Royals continued to pose the biggest threat.

Blackman, meanwhile, would start and finish an attack of his own, but his strike towards the near post was dealt with by Al Habsi.

It was a vital stop up the other end from Grant, however, which prevented the visitors from going ahead late on, with the shot-stopper diverting a drive on to a post.

Chances to snatch the win late on fell to Vydra and Jake Cooper, while County’s Jeff Hendrick was wide from a corner as the two sids had to shake hands on a draw.

Goalscorer Williams went on to laud the club’s attacking quartet of Vydra, Piazon, McCleary and Robson-Kanu, whom he believes make up “one of the best offensive four in the league”.

He said: “Of course when the results are not there, people question you – we have to get that out of our head.

“Lucas (Piazon) was my man of the match because he occupied their two players in midfield and they couldn’t live with him. He showed his quality on the ball.

“Vyds (Vydra) is great at link-up play and Hal Robson-Kanu and Garath McCleary had great games as well.

“They all worked hard and played brilliantly, and that makes life easier for me and Ollie Norwood as well.”

DERBY COUNTY: Grant, Christie, Keough, Shackell, Warnock, Butterfield, Johnson (Hendrick 65), Blackman, Ince, Russell (Camara 76), Martin.

Subs not used: Bent, Baird, Weimann, Shotton, Mitchell.

Goal: Shackell 11.

READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Ferdinand, Cooper, A.Taylor, Williams, Norwood, McCleary, Piazon, Robson-Kanu, Vydra.

Subs not used: Bond, Sa, Hurtado, John, Quinn, Cox, Keown.

Goal: Williams 38 Referee: David Coote Attendance: 28,175 (297 away)

Huddersfield Town 2 Reading 2 NAHKI WELLS struck a last-minute penalty to secure Huddersfield Town an FA Cup third-round replay at Madejski Stadium, with Royals boss Brian McDermott admitting the draw was a fair result.

The striker netted from the spot when team-mate Harry Bunn was upended in the box by Oliver Norwood, meaning the two will have to battle it out again next Tuesday, where the winners will go on to meet Walsall of League One in round four.

“The referee’s had an interesting game,” said McDermott, who saw strikes from Matej Vydra (pictured) and Hal Robson-Kanu cancel out Jamie Paterson’s 57th-minute opener for the Terriers.

“To be fair, he has got it right with Ali (Al-Habsi), and he’s got it right with their penalty at the end. It’s a penalty in my opinion.

“Having looked at the game and how it went, you have to take the draw.

“We’re trying to find the right way for us.

“I’m pleased we’ve got a result after being 1-0 down.”

Town’s Joe Lolley saw a rising effort palmed away by Ali Al-Habsi during a first half devoid of clear cut chances at the John Smith’s Stadium, while only an interception from Jason Davidson prevented a Robson-Kanu tap in from a Vydra pull back.

But the contest, a repeat of the tie which began Reading’s historic run to the semi-finals in last year’s competition, sprung to life early in the second half when Paterson climbed highest to head home an inviting cross from the left.

It was the on-loan winger’s second goal in as many games against the Royals, having also netted during the 2-2 draw at Madejski Stadium in the league back in November.

Screams for a penalty from the home faithful were then waved away when Wells appeared to go over under a

challenge from Al-Habsi.

Referee Jeremy Simpson, however, felt the Town player had dived and promptly booked the forward for simulation.

Wells went to ground again moments later, this time when challenged by Danny Williams, but play continued, with Royals going up the other end and grabbing an equaliser.

The loose ball was pumped forward by Jake Cooper and found the Czech Republic international in the channel, who wriggled his way into space before unleashing a curling effort which found the back of the net via a deflection.

The same player then had a penalty shout of his own when barged over in the box, but Simpson was not interested in the claim.

Yet with just minutes remaining of the tie, which now appeared to be heading towards a replay, Robson-Kanu took a touch when set-up by Lucas Piazon before stroking the visitors in front.

Any hopes of completing the turnaround, though, were dashed not long after when Dunn’s burst into the box was ended by Norwood’s clumsy challenge, with the official this time pointing to the spot.

Tickets for Tuesday night’s replay (8pm) are now on general sale.

Only the East and West lower stands will be open for the fixture, with prices ranging from £1 - £10 if purchased in advance.

These will rise to £5 - £15 if brought on the night.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Murphy, Smith (Dempsey 27), Hudson, Lynch, Davidson (Miller 89), Hogg, Paterson, Scannell (Husband 84), Lolley, Bunn, Wells.

Subs not used: Cranie, Holmes, Allinson, Billing.

Goals: Paterson 57, Wells 90 READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Ferdinand, Cooper, A.Taylor, McCleary, Norwood, Williams, Quinn (Piazon 68), Vydra, Robson-Kanu.

Subs not used: Bond, Sa, Hurtado, Fernandez, Cox, Keown.

Goals: Vydra 71, Robson-Kanu 87.

Referee: Jeremy Simpson Attendance: 9,236

UNDER-21s

Keane’s treble nets United the win A WILL KEANE hat-trick sent Reading Under-21s crashing to a 3-1 loss against Manchester United at Adams Park on Monday night.

Keane, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Preston North End, rattled in the opening goal from the penalty spot, which was awarded when the same player was bought down in the box by Royals’ Dominic Hyam.

A surging run through the middle from Devonte Redmond set up United’s second, which arrived when his shot at goal was diverted into a corner by Keane, who was also celebrating his 23rd birthday.

A Reading side containing Alex Fernandez and players who have recently returned to the club following loan spells, such as Tarique Fosu and Aaron Kuhl, fell further behind on the hour mark.

Keane would complete the treble with another penalty, which this time came about when Josh Harrop was fouled in

the box, with the former producing a cool finish to beat Stuart Moore in the Royals goal.

A host side who began the day sitting above United in the Division 1 table did pull a goal back late on when Fernandez and Harry Cardwell combined to set up Fosu to score via a sliding finish, but the result means the two sides swap places in the standings.

Reading, who dropped to fourth, return to action on Sunday, January 31, when taking on Liverpool in Chester (2pm). n THE CLUB’S Under-18s, meanwhile, consolidated second place in the Barclays Premier League Second Division thanks to a 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

Victory moved the side up to 38 points, where they now sit just five behind leaders Chelsea, but the Blues do have a game in hand.

Reading are away at Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup on Monday. The game is to be played at Motspur Park and kicks-off at 7pm.

Friday, January 15, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 39

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SUNDAY LEAGUE

‘We Just keep going from strength to strength’ — United prepare to celebrate anniversary JUST PLAY United return to action this weekend with a cup clash at AFC Basildon on Sunday.

The Reading and District Sunday League side are one of the many success stories from the FA Mars Just Play scheme and this year will be celebrating their fifth anniversary.

Back in 2011 Bulmershe Leisure Centre took up the opportunity to host the initiative.

Linked in with both the league and Woodley Town (now United), the aim was to engage players who had dropped out of the game due to reasons relating to family commitments, injuries or lack of confidence.

Funding generated through the scheme allowed organisers to purchase kit and equipment for sessions.

Promotion to Division 3 East and reaching a cup final later, the success of

this team can hopefully provide a beacon of light for others to follow.

Ed Whitesmith, who doubles up as Leisure Services Manager at Bulmershe and Just Play manager, said: “We were just a bunch of guys looking for a kick about to begin with.

“We decided to put together the Just Play United team, as we all wanted to play 11v11 football.

“What is so great is that we have come

BERKS AND BUCKS INTERMEDIATE CUP

Hero Harry leaves it late to net Finch quarter-final spot Lambourn Sports 3 Finchampstead 4

HARRY SWABEY pounced in the sixth minute of stoppage time to secure Finchampstead a Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup quarterfinal spot in dramatic circumstances at Bockhampton Road.

The striker popped up to head home his second goal of the game and set up a last-eight showdown with either Abingdon Town or Letcombe on January 23.

But Jon Laugharne’s men looked to be heading out of the competition after Matt Pedder fired Lambourn of the North Berks League into a 3-2 lead in the 88th minute.

It was some comeback too for the home side, who had twice fallen behind against their Hellenic Division 1 East opponents.

There was, however, still time for Freddie Barron to level up the scoring before Swabey won the tie for a Finchampstead side reduced to 10 men earlier in the afternoon when Luke AxtonHall was dismissed in the second half.

The contest had been called off the previous weekend due to a waterlogged pitch, but was given the go-ahead despite the rain which had fallen during the week and on the morning of the game itself, but the surface was extremely soggy.

The better of the opportunities during the early exchanges all came from free-kicks, where John James, twice, and Chris Hogan were off target for Lambourn.

Freddie Barron, Paul Abbott and Dan Blatchford also tried their luck from set pieces, but either failed to trouble Craig Payne in the hosts’ goal or saw their attempts saved.

The deadlock was broken on 27 minutes, and it was the visitors who seized the initiative through Gavin Rolls,

Harry Swabey

who found the back of the net with a header.

Finch would hold the lead going in at the break, but only after ‘keeper Tom Bryant, at full stretch, kept out a Lambourn chance before another free kick was diverted away for a corner.

The second half was a much more livelier affair – and was just five minutes old when the home side were awarded the chance to equalise from the penalty spot following an infringement by Blatchford as the ball bounced around the box.

James stepped up and pulled Lambourn level.

Barron and Hogan traded chances to put their respective sides in front, but both were unable to convert.

A potential game-changing moment then arrived in the 65th minute when Axton-Hall saw red for a bad tackle.

Yet it was the 10-men of Finch, who were soon regaining the lead.

Rolls, following a surging run, hung up a cross which Swabey turned home with his head.

Finchampstead were fortunate not to be pegged back once more when James went close, but were unlucky not to hit

a third when Blatchford let fly from 30 yards.

But losing Axton-Hall was to take its toll on the visitors, who conceded a second when Matt Hendred beat Bryant with a prodded shot and then fell behind when Pedder, via a deflection, completed the turn around.

Something Finch have not experienced too often this season, though, is losing matches.

And their resolve, along with a little bit of luck, ensured they avoided defeat once again on Saturday afternoon.

With the clock striking the 90 minute mark, Barron continued the flurry of goals when making it 3-3 through a lobbed finish to at least ensure extra time, which looked more inevitable as the additional time passed.

However, with just seconds remaining Swabey, who has often cut a frustrated figure in front of goal this campaign, sparked jubilant scenes among the visiting camp when doubling his tally for the afternoon with the winner.

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, Green (c), Abbott, Callaway, Axton-Hall, M.Wright, Barron, J.Wright, Swabey, Rolls, Blatchford.

Sub: Winship.

n THE WET weather put paid to a number of local fixtures for a second successive weekend.

Bluefin Sport Supplementary Cup ties between Letcombe and Wokingham and Emmbrook and Woodley United v Shrivenham were among those to be postponed.

Binfield were also not in action.

Fixtures — January 16 (Kick-off 3pm unless stated) HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION: Binfield v Flackwell Heath HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST: Finchampstead v Rayners Lane (2.15pm); Woodley United v Headington Amateurs.

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Wokingham & Emmbrook Girls are Futsal champions DEFEATING Tilehurst B 4-2 saw Wokingham and Emmbrook Under-12 Girls win the Berkshire County Football League 2016 Futsal Tournament.

The team of Poppy Evans, Elizabeth Freeney, Esme Jenkins, Emily Jones, Bethan Graham and Lily Haylett (pictured) comfortably defeated Tilehurst A and Thatcham A 7-2 and 6-2 respectively before a goalless draw with Maidenhead secured a spot in the final.

Wokingham raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening five minutes – only to find themselves pegged back as Tilehurst rallied.

But the girls showed great character and would go on to win the competition thanks to two more well-worked goals.

Reward for victory is a spot in the regional finals.

Under-15s A BRACE of goals from Amir Idjer saw Wokingham and Emmbrook FC Blacks defeat Langley Galaxy 2-0 in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance.

Wokingham had ‘keeper Ellis Wisdom to thank for three big saves during the early exchanges of a fixture played in testing conditions.

And having kept the hosts at bay, the Blacks went and broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time; Idjer firing a freekick into the bottom corner after Calum Woodfield was brought down on the edge of the box.

Idjer would secure a second successive win on the road for the side on the hour mark, netting from some 20 yards having run on to a Jake Gibson pass.

Wisdom was named man of the match.

from the Just Play programme.

“We have a varied age range with our youngest players being 16, and our oldest in their mid-forties.”

The programme remains popular across the county, while additional players continue to attend the sessions held at Woodford Park, meaning the aim is now to create a second team for the 2016/17 season.

For more information about the

programme, email Lewis.Dancer@ Berks-BucksFA.com Fixtures - January 17

PREMIER DIVISION: DC Steamers v Richfield Rovers Reserves; Woodley United v Burghfield DIVISION 1: SC United v FC Woodley DIVISION 2: Loxwood Park Rangers v AFC Pangbourne; Wokingham and Emmbrook v Emmbrook Inn DIVISION 3 EAST: Berkshire Rovers v Spencers Wood; Forest FC v East Reading Royals DIVISION 4 EAST: Woodford Park v Fox and Hounds

Finchampstead’s Matt Linehann looks to swing over a cross Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Baughurst beat Reserves FINCHAMPSTEAD Reserves’ promotion aspirations suffered a setback when slipping to a 2-1 defeat against mid-table outfit Baughurst AFC. This Division 3 clash was the only league game to go ahead across all six divisions in the Thames Valley Premier League - and it eneded with the hosts missing the opportunity to climb up to second and move to within a point of leaders White Eagles.

Neil King and Andy Miller struck in both halves for the away side Finchampstead have now played the same number of games as the table toppers, but second-placed SRCC have a fixture in hand on both.

The Reserves are at home again on Saturday, hosting Woodley United A at the Memorial Ground. Kick-off is 2pm.

The only other game to beat the wet weather saw Cookham Dean of the Premier Division exit the Wycombe Senior Cup following a 2-1 loss at Aylesbury Dynamos.

Fixtures - Saturday, January 16 BERKS AND BUCKS JUNIOR CUP: Compton v Woodley United Reserves (1.30pm) BERKSHIRE TROPHY CENTRE INTERMEDIATE CUP: Barkham Athletic v Marlow United Reserves BERKSHIRE TROPHY CENTRE JUNIOR CUP: Goring United Reserves v Shinfield Raqngers Men PREMIER DIVISION: AFC Aldermaston v Hurst;

Brandon Jules (right) closes down an opponent Rotherfield United v Berks County FC DIVISION 1: Maidenhead Magpies v Winnersh Rangers DIVISION 2: Ashridge Park v Eldon Celtic; Wargrave v Goring United DIVISION 3: Taplow United Reserves v Twyford and Ruscombe DIVISION 4: Berks County Reserves v Hurst Reserves; Harchester Hawks v Rotherfield United Reserves DIVISION 5: Woodley United B v Baughurst AFC Reserves

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Boars are hit by floodlight failure Cobham A Eversley and California A EVERSLEY’S attempts to close the gap on the leading pack in Division 1 of the Combined Counties League were thwarted by failing floodlights.

Away at The Leg O Mutton Field, the Boars had seen a first-half lead wiped out before a row of lights went out in the 75th minute.

Despite attempts to power the floodlights back up, the game was later abandoned.

An Eversley side looking to record their first win of the year started well and went ahead when Ross Kisiel produced a composed finished after the

visitors created an opening from a throw in.

But they were unable to protect the lead, as failure to stop a jinxing run into the box and the subsequent low cross saw Cobham equalise with a tap in before proceedings were called to a halt.

Neville Roche’s men remain fourth, where they remain four points behind second-placed Worcester Park.

Only one other fixture was played at the weekend, where Banstead Athletic were 3-2 winners at Frimley Green.

Eversley will be hoping to complete the full 90 minutes when hosting Staines Lammas at Fox Road on Saturday.

Kick-off is 3pm.

WOKINGHAM SPORT

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

McDermott hints at transfer activity, but cools talk of move for Sidwell HOW IT ALL STARTED

My first is jobthat was if helping out in to a local where Ithe learned how towindow. select and cook what I think is the perfect steak. we were signsteak a restaurantduring January BRIAN McDERMOTT has moved to cool feeling I moved toplayer Reading years ago and to my disappointment was not able to find at30this stage it would be “There may also beaarestaurant case forthat served the food I loved most. speculation regarding a move for former midfield My dream was to open a steakhouse in Reading that would serve the quality of steak I had experienced all those years back. a younger one we can develop as well. bringing in an older head like we have for over 20 years in a beautiful Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Finally, I had the opportunity to buy Colleys Supper Rooms, a restaurant that had been established in Reading “But Siddy (Sidwell) is a topIman hemy added.

Rumours linking the club with Victorian building that I had always admired. knew and I had thedone chancebefore,” to achieve dream. I opened Barts in Feb 2011 and with the help of my fantastic team weat have been serving steaks in a great environment ever since.

Thegive décorwould and atmosphere is continually evolving a legend Reading.

To beexceptional honest, we “The best example I can a loan move for the 33-year-old to our really loyal patrons.

The menu opened and I am proud to say that the quality of food has only got better. haven’t discussed it.” has grown since webefirst Jason Roberts. midfielder, now at Premier League side thanks Former Arsenal trainee “Hefrom came atthe a time when we were Stoke City, have been growing recently, Here at Barts, we bring togetherSidwell dishes inspired by cuisines all in over world but centered around our renowned steaks made well and overseafood.

150 appearances the you doing wellofand added something but the Royals boss has cut such talk We specialise for in offering the steaks the he highest quality, provided bytolocal butchers, aged for2007, a minimum of 28 days, Royals between 2003 and helping theflame mix.grilled for superior taste and succulence. down to size. the side reach the Premier League for “If a player like that becomes “I love Steve Sidwell, he’s a good Jamshed Miah welcomes you to Barts Grill & Restaurant the very first time back in 2006. available and we think is right for us, friend of mine and I’ve known him a But the former Chelsea, Fulham and long time,” said McDermott.

I would certainly take him.

Aston Villa enforcer does not look set “He’s a good player but I look at that “We haven’t got anyone in yet, to be adding to his appearance count department of the team and it’s strong but we will see what happens, but at Madejski Stadium any time soon, in my opinion. there are plenty of days left in the although McDermott has not ruled “We’ve got players like Aaron window.”

Brian McDermott Tshibola to come back, so my gut out dipping into the transfer market n For more Royals news, turn to page 38.

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

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ICE HOCKEY

Fighting talk from the Bracknell Bees coach ahead of basement battle...

‘We can still make the play-offs’

By LEWISROAST RUDD SUNDAY lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

need to keep going until the season is over and we are going to do what AVAILABLE 12:00 - 17:00 is best.

BRACKNELL BEES must win their “We will take the same approach Roast Beef 8.95 basement battle with Hull Pirates on Overnight marinated beef, served with sauté mixed vegetables (Baby Carrots, Broccoli, when we go to Telford. if theyhoney are to have anyparsnips, realistic Cauliflower, Green Beans), oven Sunday roasted potatoes, glazed roasted “We know we can play against Yorkshire pudding, topped with Barts chance homemadeof gravy.

Accompanied horseradish this sauce. reaching thebyplay-offs these guys and we know what it season, Lukas Smital has said. takes to win.

Roast Lamb 8.95 enduring something Overnight marinated lamb, served with The sauté club mixed are vegetables (Baby Carrots, Broccoli, “It is not the best place to play Cauliflower, Green Beans), oven roasted roastedout parsnips, of apotatoes, torridhoney timeglazed of things on Yorkshire hockey, but we will be ready for the pudding, topped with Barts homemade mint gravy. Accompanied by mint sauce. the ice at the moment having lost battle. their last 17 games on the bounce, “Sunday is a big game for us TAKE THE DAY OFF FROM COOKING THIS WEEKbottom AND TREAT FAMILY OR occupying spotYOURSELF, in the EPIHL (against Hull) and we need to beat FRIENDS TO A SUPERB SUNDAY ROAST table as a result. them if we are to have any hopes for Bees put up a resilient display the play-offs.” during a rough and tumble local The two strugglers only met at the derby with Guildford Flames at The turn of the year, with Pirates taking Hive last Sunday, but finished the the points in a 6-3 success – a result WWW.BARTSGRILL.COM fixture on the wrong end of a 2-1 which sent Bees bottom.

0118 966 2268 defeat.

Smital’s charges were unlucky They have the chance to end the not to take something from the rotten run of defeats when they make game with Flames, having pushed the trip to Telford Tigers on Saturday their local rivals hard on a night of (5.30pm), but it is the clash with Hull numerous stoppages due to the the following day which carries extra ill-discipline of both sides. significance.

The forward, who remains touch At present, just two points and go for this weekend, however, separate the sides at the foot of the believes his team can soon turn the table – although there is currently a corner should they keep up the levels significant gap of 11 points between of performance witnessed during Bracknell and the play-off spots, a that game. deficit which would need to be cut “The intensity was there, the back sooner rather than later. desire was there and the heart was This, however, could all change there,” said Smital. before Sunday, as a round of fixtures “Unfortunately we couldn’t get the will be played before the crunch result. clash.

“We just need a little bit of luck, But player-coach Smital, currently maybe, and a bit of momentum, but sidelined with a broken finger, has every game is different. seen enough from his roster in recent “We just need to keep going.” weeks to remain convinced his side n More Bees news can be found on can still break into the top eight page 35. before the

Lukas Smital is busy preparing his Bracknell Bees side for games with Telford Tigers and Hull Pirates this weekend Picture: Bob Swann

end of the season, saying: “These guys are good, that is why I have signed them.

“We just

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, 2016

DRIVEN BY QUALITY At Barts, we specialise in steaks of the highest quality from top butchers, aged for a minimum of 28 days, flame grilled for taste.

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