The Wokingham Paper, March 25, 2016 by The Wokingham Paper

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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

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Friday, March 25, 2016 No. 48

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EASTER

MASSIVE EASTER EGG GIVEAWAY P11 RACE

Court hears how man used social media to prey on young teens

EARLEY 10K PICTURE SPECIAL P20-22 ELMS FIELD

CRUNCH VOTE FOR GREEN SPACE P8

SEE PAGE 6

SPORT

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BOSSES VOW TOUGH STANCE P7

Hoppy Easter! Traditional fun to mark the big weekend • p3, 11, 12

FIGHTING TALK FROM BEES COACH P40

2 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 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

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.

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AWARD

Scouts honoured for their carnival float

Don’t forget clocks go forward this weekend! CRIME

More cars targeted by thieves MORE cars have been damaged in Woodley, days after a similar spate of incidents. Kingfisher Drive was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday, March 16. A resident was woken by a car alarm going off and, on checking the car, discovered that the front passenger side window had been broken and a satnav stolen. In Rickman Close over the same night, someone had smashed the front passenger window of a parked car to steal the car stereo. It follows on from last week’s report of similar raids in Kingfisher Drive where parked cars were damaged and satnavs were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ON BEHALF of Wokingham Winter Carnival Committee Peter Lucey presented an engraved salver and a cheque for £100 to the 1st Emmbrook Scouts at a special ceremony last week. The youngsters won the best float

GREEN

Village partnership for in bloom contest TWYFORD Village Partnership (TVP) and the Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association are joining forces with Twyford Parish Council towards this year’s entry into the Thames and Chiltern village in bloom competition. The Partnership will be involved with the hanging baskets planned for the summer, while the parish council is working out the baskets’ locations. The hedge surrounding Hurst Road allotments and plots will also be given a tidy up.

CLUB

Jealott’s Hill landshare explored at talk THE California Gardeners’ Club will welcome a guest speaker at its next meeting. David Plutt will deliver a talk on Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare on Monday, April 4.

in the children’s category for last November’s Winter Carnival parade. Peter and Sue Brooker, who organised the Parade, said that they would like to thank all those who entered and who worked so hard to

The meeting starts at 8pm at the Ratepayers’ Hall in Finchampstead Road. Entry is free to members, £2 for visitors. The group will also be holding their Spring Show on Sunday April 10 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the Ratepayers’ Hall.

MUSIC

Choral Society to team up with orchestra WOKINGHAM Choral Society has announced the date of its next concert. It is teaming up with the orchestra Solistes de Musique Anciennes for the evening event, which will be held on Saturday, April 2. The programme will include music by Vivaldi, Handel, Mozart and Bach and have a spring theme. It will take place at the University of Reading’s Great Hall in London Road from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15, £5 for students and under 18s and can be bought from the Town Hall, Newbury Building Society, Bookends in Peach Street and from tickets@wokingham-choral-society. org.uk.

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.

make the Parade so memorable. They added: “We will be in touch very soon to ask for your entries for the 2016 parade.” Incredible Edible won the equivalent award in the adult category.

CRIME

Charity clothes set on fire outside home CLOTHES left out for a charity collection were set on fire outside a house in Wokingham earlier this week. Conifers were also set alight outside the property in Rances Lane on Monday morning before a passerby noticed the flames and called the emergency services. This incident followed a similar report of rubbish and a recycling bin being set alight in Elizabeth Road on Thursday, March 17. If anyone has any information relating to either of these incidents they should call the police on 101.

CORRECTION

It’s Keephatch Road IN LAST week’s Wokingham Paper we reported on an accident in Keephatch Lane. It’s actually Keephatch Road and the editor has been sent out to get a new A-Z. Apologies for our error.

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THE

WOKINGHAM PAPER

NEWS | 3

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Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PLANNING

Controversial Elms Field plans up for vote By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk CONTROVERSIAL plans for the future of Elms Field are set to be considered by Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) planning committee this Wednesday. Despite 1,600 people signing a petition urging the council not to build on the green space, and a public consultation on the plans not ending until April 6, the committee is set to plough ahead with a decision on the development. The plans for the mixed use development, which include a new retail and leisure space, a medium sized supermarket, a boutique cinema, a 95-bed hotel, and 126 new homes, follow years of negotiations, petitions and withdrawn applications. Campaigner Mel Horton, who has spearheaded the latest petition, said Elms Field is ‘the jewel in Wokingham’s crown’ and should be preserved. Writing on the petition’s website she said: “The petition continues to gather momentum as we sign and comment, sending a very clear message to Wokingham Borough Council that we do not want Elms Field park built on. “You continue to build a picture of what you value in the heart of your town... Play space for children, football, tennis and basketball, fresh air, birdsong, natural surroundings, facilities for adults, a community centre and cafe, events space. In short, the jewel in Wokingham's crown. Somewhere that will attract visitors to the town for a whole day. “How different Elms Field will be if, on the 30th of March, the planning committee decide to approve the monstrous development that’s been proposed. We must stop this from happening by showing how unpopular the appropriation of

n Elms Field for other purposes is. “We do need to keep building signatures, especially from within the borough. We are aiming at 2,000 at least by the planning meeting.” A council spokesperson admitted that there had been an error on the original application advertisement, which did not make it clear that the plans would affect a conservation area and listed buildings, despite this information being included in the application, meaning that the consultation period needed to be extended past the meeting date. They said: “We originally advertised it as a major application, but due to an administration error it should have also stated that it affected a conservation area and listed buildings. We apologise for this oversight. “However, the application documents do say the site affects a conservation area and listed buildings, so anyone looking at them should have been aware of this. “The application will still be considered by the planning committee on March 30; and the recommendation is for conditional approval subject to

no new and substantive planning issues being raised during the remainder of the consultation period which ends on April 6.” Cllr Philip Mirfin, WBC’s executive member for regeneration and communities, said: “The regeneration proposals have continued to come together to create a town centre that meets local needs. We have continued to talk to local residents and businesses, as well as those businesses interested in locating to the town centre to get the balance and mix right. “We believe that getting a better variety of shops, along with leisure facilities like the new cinema, pedestrianised areas and a fantastic town park with improved facilities will really help attract people to the town centre and stop people going elsewhere.” If the plans are approved on Wednesday, work on the development is expected to start in spring 2017 with completion in 2019. n To sign the petition visit chn.ge/22EUv9b or search ‘Keep Elms Field Green’ on Facebook. n The planning committee will meet at Wokingham Borough Council offices in Shute End at 7pm on Wednesday.

VIEWPOINT: ‘The plans have more pluses than minuses’ WHAT makes a great town? In my view a great town is one that provides a good range of shops, commercial businesses, both paid for leisure and free leisure as well as a good proportion of residential accommodation. It is a place that people naturally go to. Wokingham’s heart once beat strongly but over the last 40 years its pulse has slowed and it’s heading for the critical list. Other towns which were once spoken about in the same breath as Wokingham such as Henley, Marlow, Farnham have fared much better. Why is this? Those towns have seen a lot more development and inward investment. These developments have attracted new retailers. These changes have given those towns vibrancy. Our town centre needs investment and the Elms Field and

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Peach Place proposals will deliver the required amount of investment. In reality these developments are 20 years overdue. Wokingham could have had some of the top retailers who have signed up to go to Bracknell and Reading if only we had got on with things 20 years ago. No development is perfect but the Elms Field proposal has more plus points than minus ones so it gets my vote. It will deliver new retail and commercial space to meet the demand from occupiers who want to come to our town. It will deliver us a Town Centre park to be proud of. We can all wish that things could and perhaps should have been done differently in the past but we live in the here and now and it is time to put some vibrancy back into Wokingham. STAN HETHERINGTON

THURSDAYS

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All the fun of the Easter fayre! On Saturday, the church of St Michael’s & All Angels in Spencers Wood held a celebration for spring, turning the building into a palace of fun. The church, which is home to the community café Caf’Active, organised the fun event for all ages. Activities included an Easter bonnet competition which was entered by five-year-old Natasha Boyer, pictured left wearing her entry and holding her younger sister’s. Austin (4) and Olivia Rourke (7) enjoyed checking out the prizes on some of the stalls, including this cuddly bunny (pictured above). And on our cover this week is Ann Young, who was serving Hot Cross Buns to hungry visitors. Pictures: Steve Smyth

DRAW

Supermarket sweep for one lucky shopper ONE lucky shopper in Woodley will get to feature in their very own Supermarket Sweep as part of a charity fundraiser on Easter Monday. Members of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh have been

Crockhamwell Road, giving the lucky ticket holder three minutes of free shopping, up to the value of £275, in the store on Monday morning. Waitrose hampers to the value of £50 and £75 will be awarded to the runners-up.

ACCIDENT

Scooter man in skip crash A MAN was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a crash in Arborfield on Tuesday morning. The man was riding an electric scooter when it was involved in a collision with a skip lorry in Langley Common Road, at the junction with Biggs Lane, at around 11.20am. The man was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with what have been described as serious injuries. The driver of the skip lorry stopped at the scene. Langley Common Road was closed while Roads Policing officers investigated the circumstances of the collision. Thames Valley Police (TVP) is now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the collision to come forward. PC Simon Nelson, from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision or who witnessed the vehicles travelling prior to the collision as they may have information which could assist the investigation.” Anyone with any information about the incident should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101. If you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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4 | NEWS CRIME

Thieves target two homes TWO properties Hurst were targeted by thieves earlier this week. Overnight Sunday into Monday morning, someone broke into a garage at a house in Hogmoor Lane and stole a chainsaw, lawn edger and a can of petrol. On the same night in Lodge Road someone had cut the padlocks on a garden gate and search around the back garden, but nothing is believed to have been stolen. Anyone with any information should contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

THEFT

Bike stolen from garage A BICYCLE has been stolen from a garage in Crowthorne. Overnight on Thursday, March 17, someone went into the garage in Lower Wokingham Road via the up-and-over door and stole the bicycle. Anyone with any information relating to this theft can call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.

POLICE

Power tools swiped in raid THIEVES stole power tools from a garage block in Arborfield earlier this week. In the early hours of Monday morning two men were seen breaking into garage in Swallowfield Road. Three other garages had also been broken into, with the padlocks being forced on the doors. Tools including a drill and a multi-tool were stolen. Anyone with any information, been offered tools for sale recently, should contact Thames Valley Police via 101.

GARDENING

Trimmer and tool box taken A HEDGE trimmer and a tool box have been stolen from a garage in Finchampstead. Overnight Sunday (21) into Monday someone forced the lock on the door of a garage in Church Lane before stealing the items. Police are advising residents to ensure their garages and outbuildings are kept secure at all times, and marking valuable items with their postcode.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

COMMUNITY

A dartboard, a bag of shopping and a keyboard collected during litter pick By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE Borough is looking a lot tidier thanks to hundreds of volunteers taking part in community litter picks last weekend. Every parish organised a spring clean event, offering residents the opportunity to collect rubbish left in roads, streets and verges. The annual initiative is organised by Wokingham Borough Council alongside neighbourhood action groups, town and parish councils, resident and environmental groups and aims to make the borough a cleaner and brighter place to live and create a sense of community civic pride as well as raise awareness that litter is unacceptable. Ken Rowlands, chair of Wokingham Town Centre and Evendons Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG), was grateful to everyone who helped in Evendons. This collection took in busy streets including Evendons Lane, Finchampstead Road and Molly Millars and Mr Rowlands said that those helping scooped up a full bag of shopping and various parts and components belonging to a Ford Fiesta, including a bumper, wheel discs and a rear headlight. He said: “Thank you to all the helpers for last weekend’s litter pick around the area - and to Evendons Lane School as well. We had a good turnout and 39 bags of rubbish were collected in total.” A similar success story was had in Shinfield where more than 70 bags were collected, thanks to local people including the 1st Shinfield St Mary’s Scouts and members of Shinfield Baptist Church. And the event was music to the ears of Wokingham’s very own Wombles - the Litter Heroes who work hard all year round to keep the borough’s streets and parks clean and tidy.

Left: Litter Heroes including town and borough councillors outside the Town Hall on Saturday morning. Below: Members of the 1st Shinfield Scouts ahead of their litter pick and inset: Adrian Stroud with some of the litter he collected in Evendons. Pictures: Steve Smyth and Phil Creighton

In Wokingham town centre, around 20 intrepid volunteers including town councillors Mark Ashwell, Martin Bishop, Peter Lucey, Gwynneth Hewetson, Tony Lack and Imogen Shepherd-DuBey and borough councillor Dianne King collected 32 large bags of recyclables and rubbish. Among the items removed were a skateboard, a computer keyboard, an estate agent’s board, a bread board, a cheese board, a small blackboard, a child’s dartboard, a clipboard and lots of cardboard. Andrew Le Breuilly said: “We had a great time at the The Big Tidy Up on Saturday, It was great to see so many people out and about picking up litter. “I think many were shocked at how much they found and it was great to see the volunteers really getting into it and enjoying themselves. It is really satisfying when

you fill a bag of litter and then look back and see the clean road or park. “Since the event we’ve had a several requests on our Facebook page asking when we are going out again. There tends to be at least one of us picking each day so anyone can get in touch with us if they want to become a litter hero too!” Facebook.com/Wokinghamlitterheroes

HERITAGE

Society re-releases DVD charting town’s history A popular DVD chronicling Wokingham town’s history over 120 years is on sale again, writes Sue Corcoran. The Wokingham Society is re-issuing Wokingham Past and Present, the DVD produced by the late Ken Goatley, the distinguished local Wokingham historian, and his wife Edna. The DVD, taken from the slide and film presentation that Mr and Mrs Goatley gave to many local groups, shows Wokingham over 120 years, comparing street scenes

extensive research. and buildings with the same The Wokingham Society Peter Society location a century or more Regist ered as aMust, Charity (No. 274988) Chairman, ‘We are proud apart. WOKIN GHAM PASsaid: T AND PRESENT to make available once The society says The Wokingham Society is proud to announce the reissueagain of Wokingham this Mr Goatley’s Past wonderful and Present, the essential DVD produced by the late Ken Goatley, distinguishevisual d local Wokiaccount commentary, based ngham historian, and his wife Edna. on a lifetime of the many The DVD, taken from the slide and film presentation that Ken and of living in changes Edna gave to any number of local groups and meetings, chronicles the town of Wokingham Wokingham and experienced over 120 years, comparing street scenes and buildings with the same location a century his incomparable or more by the town of apart. Ken’s commentary, based collection of Wokingham in the on a in Wokingham and his incom life time of living parable collection of photographs, film and other photographs, 20th Century. records, is a wonderful mixture of person al reminiscence and information garnered from film and other “Viewers extensivewho research. records, is a mixture know the town today Peter Must, Chairman of the Society, said: ‘We are proud tothat again this wonderful visual will of personal reminiscence make availa see much isble once account of the many changes experienced Wokingham in the 20 Centu by the town of ry. Viewers who know the that isfrom town and information garnered familiar but will befamiliar will be fascinated today will see much fascinated to seebut buildings and

ATTACK

out of all recognition. It locations that have chang could be said that Wokin ed gham Past and Present does last 100 years what our recent for the publication Late Victorian Century”. Wokingham does for the th 19

to see buildings and locations that have changed out of all recognition.” Copies of the DVD are on sale for £5 in the Town Hall Information Centre, Market Place, on weekday mornings. They can be ordered from The Wokingham Society, 8 Albert Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AL. Details from: 0118 9781671. Cheques for £5, payable to The Wokingham Society, should be sent with orders. Postage is free within the UK.

Copies of the DVD are on sale for £5.00 in the Town Hall Market Place, every weekd ay morning, or may be ordere Information Centre, Society, 8 Albert Road, d from the Wokingham Wokingham, RG40 2AL; tel: 0118 9781671. (Cheq £5.00, made payable to 'The ue for Wokingham Society', to accompany order; post free within the UK).

Police seek trio following assault in town centre AN APPEAL for witnesses has been made after a man was assaulted in Wokingham town centre. Four arrests have been made as a result of the attack, which took place around 10.30pm on Saturday, March 12. Thames Valley Police said that the victim was punched and kicked to the ground by a group who walked off when witnesses intervened. The 24-year-old victim has serious bruising and swelling to his head, face and body, and a suspected fractured eye socket.

He was treated for his injuries at Frimley Park Hospital and was discharged the following morning. A 16-year old girl from Wokingham, a 19-year-old man of no fixed abode, a 20-year-old man from Wokingham and a 20-year-oldman from Finchampstead have been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on police bail until 9 April. However, Thames Valley Police has launched an appeal to trace three witnesses at the scene. Investigating officer, Det Con Nicola Wright of Local CID at Loddon Valley police

station, said: “We would like to speak to witnesses, two men and a woman, who helped the victim to The Gig House pub where he received first aid treatment and an ambulance was called. “They might hold valuable information to help with the investigation. “If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101. “If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

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6 | NEWS

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CAMPAIGN

SCHOOL

WOKINGHAM Borough Council has responded to an ongoing campaign against a pet shop in Hare Hatch. Protesters want Linton Pet Shop to stop selling puppies that it says have come from puppy farms and over the past few months have organised an ongoing petition, attracting thousands of signatures, and protests outside of Ladds Garden Centre, where the store is based. However, the pet shop owners insist that they are doing everything by the book and as such have no case to answer. Now Wokingham Borough Council has issued a statement, explaining that the application for a licence to sell pets from Linton had been carefully considered before being granted. It added that it has taken any complaints regarding licences seriously, talking to experts such as the RSPCA. Through this, the Council added that it backed Linton’s claims it had done nothing wrong. The statement said: “Careful thought is always given to the ways the Council operates its licensing service, and how it ensures animal welfare is protected, by attaching conditions to licences which involve the sale or breeding of puppies. “The Council takes its responsibilities very seriously. It has always investigated complaints concerning licenses it has issued, and this includes seeking advice from other experts such as the RSPCA and local vets. “We have found no evidence of illegal activity at any licensed pet shop operating within Wokingham Borough, and all licences issued for the sale of puppies are carefully monitored. If concerns are expressed about businesses outside the Borough, this information is passed onto the local licensing authority for them to deal with; it is not a matter this Council can pursue. “The Council is also aware campaigners are implying it has the ability to revoke or amend current pet shop licences. This is incorrect. The Council refutes any association linking the issue of a legitimate pet shop licence, which may include the sale of puppies, to the illegal and unlicensed breeding of dogs under poor welfare conditions. We are not aware of such operations in Wokingham Borough and if any information to the contrary is presented to the Council it will be investigated as a matter of priority. “Finally, all licences issued by the Council must be in line with legislation, and unreasonable restrictions cannot be placed upon legally trading businesses without the risk of being challenged in the courts and the public purse bearing the brunt of legal costs.”

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Council responds to Linton Pets petition

ROADWORKS

A3290 roadworks start this weekend MOTORISTS face four weeks of road closures from this weekend as part of a major revamp to the A3290. The Suttons Flyover, which leads to Thames Valley Business Park, needs urgent repairs and Wokingham Borough Council has warned residents of the plans to shut the roads from Saturday, March 26. During the works the western (northbound) carriageway on the flyover will be closed and traffic will be directed onto the southbound side, which will temporarily be turned into two single lane roads. Lane restrictions and temporary speed limits of 30mph and 50mph will be established and an emergency breakdown service will operate. The four sliproads feeding the Suttons Roundabout on the A4 London Road will remain open. A letter sent out by the council reveals that the work is being carried out on the 26-year-old road as a result of “wear and tear now beyond the scope of ongoing planned maintenance”. The letter adds: “The northbound carriageway surfacing will be removed to reveal the waterproof membrane and replaced, as well as the flyover joints. The work will also improve drainage and give the road a low noise surface. This will mean that the bridge shouldn’t need significant maintenance for some time.” n Roadworks on Shute End and Rectory Road to repair pavements has been causing traffic jams in the town centre. The work continues until April 24 and will see two lanes reduced to one during the works.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

Popular headteacher to retire A HEADTEACHER who helped raise a Wokingham secondary school’s Ofsted rating from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘good’ is set to retire this week. Nigel Matthias, who is headteacher at The Emmbrook School will be leaving the school at Easter to spend more time in his native Wales. During his time at the Emmbrook Road school Mr Matthias has overseen the construction of a £2million English block, celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary with a host of special events including a reunion for past students and staff, and steered the school from a ‘satisfactory’ Ofsted rating to a ‘good’ rating in 2013. During a special ceremony on Tuesday, the outgoing head was presented with a signed Wales rugby shirt by the school’s Chair of Governors, Dave Whiting, before praising the work of his teaching colleagues over the years.

Mr Matthias said: “I am proud to have had the privilege of leading an exceptional teaching team here at The Emmbrook School. They have ensured our students consistently achieve academic results well above national average, and our sixth form is now one of the top 10% in England. “The young people we have sent into the wider world are a credit to themselves and the rounded education The Emmbrook provides”. He now plans to devote some of his retirement to advising schools in Wales, as well as spending more time with his wife and family. Mr Whiting spoke of Mr Matthias’ ‘unwavering dedication’ to the school, especially during the flooding crisis of July 2007 which saw ground floor classrooms and computer suites destroyed after

the Emm Brook river burst its banks. He said: “It has been a privilege for me to Chair the Governing Body for the majority of Nigel Matthias’s time as Headteacher of The Emmbrook School. He leaves us at the end of this term to start a well-deserved retirement. “Nigel’s dedication to the school, the staff and most importantly, the education of our students, has never wavered, despite many challenges, including the infamous 2007 flood and the “will we, won’t we be relocating?” period. With the school’s future secured, more recently Nigel has overseen the construction of our new English block and the design of our new Maths block, which will be built over the coming year. He was at the heart of achieving a “good” Ofsted rating for the school, and ensuring it

remains highly respected within our community. “As Nigel leaves us to begin his retirement, he should be immensely proud of everything he has achieved over the last 10 years, and in particular all of the young people who have benefitted from his commitment and passion for education and The Emmbrook School. “I am sure that you will all join me in thanking Nigel, and wishing him every health and happiness for the future.” The new headteacher, Paul O’Neill, will join the school in June. He is currently headteacher at Prendergast Vale All-Through Foundation School in the London Borough of Lewisham and previously held senior leadership roles at four inner London schools in Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Newham and Hillingdon. Mr O’Neill originally studied mathematics at The University of Durham before commencing his career as a mathematics teacher.

PROPERTY

Explore the Orchard A NEW showhome for another of the borough’s regeneration developments has just opened. Orchard Grange comprises 15, four- and five-bedroom detached homes on Barkham Road. Built by CALA Homes, the show home gives purchasers the chance to explore the new development. Home of the Month at Orchard Grange is The Oakleaf – a spacious five-bedroom detached family home. It includes two ensuites, a luxurious family bathroom and a double garage. Katie Hunter, sales manager for CALA Homes Thames, said: “We’re delighted to open the doors to our stylish showhome at Orchard Grange, showcasing the lifestyle on offer here at this exclusive development. “This intimate collection of homes is ideal for families seeking luxury living in the popular location of Wokingham.” For further information about the homes available at Orchard Grange, visit the marketing suite and showhome open daily from 10.30am to 5pm, call 0118 979 8912 or visit www.cala.co.uk.

COURTS

Paedophile guilty of underage sex A PAEDOPHILE from Sonning who groomed his victims on social media was convicted on Wednesday (23). Nicholas Faithfull, 20, of Glebe Gardens, was found guilty of seven charges of of an offender over 18 years engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, and one count of an offender over 18 years engaging in non penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15. At the start of the trial at Reading Crown Court, Faithfull pleaded guilty to one count of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child. Faithfull was arrested on January 15, 2015 before being charged on June 1, 2015. The charges relate to offences involving five victims carried out between January 1 2014 and June 1 2015. Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bosley of Force CID in Berkshire,

said: “Faithfull took advantage of young girls, grooming them through social media before arranging to meet them and commit these crimes. “I hope that today’s outcome will give the victims some comfort and enable them to rebuild their lives and move forward. “I would ask anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offence to make contact with the police who can offer specialised support throughout the criminal justice process. “The easiest way to contact police is by calling 101, or if you would prefer to initially talk to someone in person then you can do this at your nearest police station. “If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Faithfull will be sentenced on April 22.

SERVICE

A welcome cut A NEW grass cutting service launches in Wokingham next Friday – April 1. The borough council has employed a new grounds maintenance contractor who will offer a flexible service, seeing grass cut when necessary rather than a fixed schedule. It also includes a performance management scheme and a focus on enhancing biodiversity. The company will also

maintain the grassland and wildflower meadows that have proved popular at Cantley Park in Wokingham, Ashenbury Park in Woodley and on the Woosehill Spine Road. Wokingham Borough Council said that due to a joint procurement with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the new contract will save the council approximately £40,000 per year.

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

REGENERATION

Lorries will drive by the rules vows construction boss By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE boss of a construction firm behind some of the borough’s biggest regeneration projects has vowed to dismiss rogue drivers. The pledge, from Bovis Homes, came in a public meeting about the second phase of the Matthewsgreen development, held at the Emmbrook School on Monday night. The event was an opportunity for local residents to hear about the plans to build wheel washing facilities and dust control 84 new homes that back on to the A321 measures. Twyford Road and the new Northern Charlie Collins, a town planner from Distributor Road (NDR) and also ask Savills, said: “There is no correct solution questions to the developers. to this … the plan is to get the NDR built as While some of the residents focused on quickly as possible.” issues such as green space, flooding and This, he added, would mean that it the impact of the new NDR on pedestrians, would become the “predominant” route for many chose to vent their frustrations at construction traffic. construction traffic. Concerns included Also responding to concerns was speeding, driving through areas at the Simon Wakerley from Bovis. Speaking to wrong time of day and contractors ignoring The Wokingham Paper, he said: “We are agreed routes, instead driving down committed to being a good neighbour in residential areas. This is thought the community, and working with to be one of the contributing residents to deliver these new Phase factors behind the accident homes and infrastructure in 2 plans involving two construction the best way possible. On Monday, developers lorries in Keephatch Road “We always look revealed plans for the second last week. to communicate and phase of the Matthewsgreen This is despite educate our workforce development. 84 new homes will the developers with regards to following be built on land between the A321 having established a the correct procedures in Twyford Road and the new Northern CEMP [Construction and around site. However Distributor Road. They will also Environmental if, for whatever reason, back on to the new country park Management Plan] individuals repeatedly fail – work on which will start which includes rules to comply then they will be later this spring. such as the hours of work, asked to leave the site.

NEWS | 7

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

“We will continue to work closely with residents as construction continues, and keep them updated with progress. “We apologise for any temporary disruption but work is moving forward and the first property fronting out on to Matthewsgreen Road, our show home, should be completed and ready for viewing by June. This will be a major milestone for the development, which will be called Emmbrook Place at Matthewsgreen.” Paul Gallagher, chairman of the Emmbrook Residents Association, said that locals had been monitoring the situation. He said: “In the main so far it’s not been too bad, but it’s a very early stage of the construction and we know it will get a lot worse in terms of volume. There has numerous instances where lorries have gone the wrong way, residents have been very vigilant and reporting everything they see, we’ve reported those to Bovis and Bovis have tried to control it but it’s a daily battle at the moment.” Mr Gallagher renewed calls for residents to keep reporting any rogue drivers. “Residents if possible should get registration number of vehicle, get the name of the company involved, even take a photograph on their mobile phone if they can and if they go on to Bovis website, they can report it in that way. We’d actually like them to report it to ourselves the residents’ association and to the ward councillors so we can keep a track of the overall picture.” n A website has been set up by the developers for residents to keep track of the plans. Log on to www.matthewsgreenfarm.co.uk

CHARITY

Women weigh in with healthy donation Curves Wokingham’s circuit coach Donna Haisman with some of the food already donated to WADE. Words & picture: Sue Corcoran

WOMEN working out in a Wokingham fitness centre have an extra glow of satisfaction – thanks to their charity work. Members of Curves fitness centre have so far amassed a huge collection of more than 400 items of non-perishable food weighing in at over 450lbs. On Friday, April 1 the generous, and healthy, women will hand over the completed collection to Wokingham and District Association for the Elderly. Curves owner Bev Gellard said: “This is our 11th annual food collection for different charities, we’ve done it since we opened here. We ask all our ladies to bring in a carrier bag full of food which we pile

into trolleys kindly lent by Waitrose. “The collection is right in the middle of the centre surrounded by ladies working on their fitness. It’s a good encouragement for them to bring in contributions. They are very kind. “We’d like to thank the firefighters from the fire station next door who are coming in to help bag up the food and take it to the WADE day centre.” WADE manager Jane Porter said: “This will be absolutely amazing. “A lot of our members can’t get out to go shopping and they are so grateful for something like this. Seeing their faces light up is something else.”

POLICE

Man’s body found in nature reserve car park THE death of a man whose body was discovered in woodland in Crowthorne earlier this week is not being treated as suspicious, police have said. Thames Valley Police (TVP) were called to

Edgbarrow Woods Local Nature Reserve car park in Sandhurst Road at 6.47am on Monday following a report of a fear for welfare. As we went to press, no more details of the man’s

death or his identity have been released, but his next of kin have been informed. A spokesperson for TVP said officers were not treating the man’s death as suspicious, but it is being called unexplained.

It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it Whatever you’ve done

his popular song was made famous by Bananarama and Fun Boy Three in 1982 . It was originally written in 1939. The lyrics are just as true today as they were then. Good results (as the lyrics assure us) come from doing things the right way, at the right time, with the right tools. We all have a range of skills that we use in every day life, sometimes without thinking, such as preparing a meal, cleaning our teeth and visiting the shops. For the elderly, infirm or vulnerable these simple every day tasks can seem like insurmountable mountains to climb. England has by far the most numbers of people who need help with daily life and are in receipt of home care services, because of its larger population, and its accurate current statistics. 25% of our population are over 60 and, of these, approximately one third need some kind of care in their home. Age Concern has recently surveyed those in receipt of home care, and describes what is most important about the care they receive. When asked in which ways care and support services helped them, the most common answers were, in order of priority: personal care, feeling safe and secure, meal provision, a clean and comfortable home, having control over daily life and social contact with people ‘I like’. In skill terms these important things are relatively simple, yet “the way that you

do it” makes such a difference to those on the receiving end. At Bridges Home Care our aim is to “bridge the gap” for those who need domiciliary care, and their families, so that they can live independently and enjoy staying in their own home with pride, self respect and dignity. At Bridges, our care workers are sensitively trained to high professional standards, not only to learn new skills that may be required, but also to apply every day skills with kindness and respect for each individual. We are aware of the needs of each client, logging and recording them noting any changes and meeting the clients where they are. In this way, we build up their confidence and encourage their self esteem. Whether our clients are suffering a debilitating illness, recovering from surgery or a life changing event, or even just getting older and losing physical and mental strength, our approach to “how we do it” is the same. Some of our team have unusual skills from previous careers and have been high fliers working in roles such as air stewardess, prison officer, rally driver, chef and musician. But they are enjoying a new role in a satisfying career in care, delivering results to people in need, so why not join them? In the words of the song “Take it easy and then your jive will swing!”

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8 | NEWS

Parish noticeboard Wednesday, March 30 Wokingham Borough Council Planning Committee. 7pm. Civic Office, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Thursday, March 31 Wokingham Borough Council Executive meeting. 7.30pm. Civic Office, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Saturday, April 2 Crowthorne Parish Council monthly surgery. 11am. Crowthorne Parish Hall, 48 Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne RG45 7BW

Monday, April 4 Hurst Parish Council. 7.30pm. Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst, RG10 0DR Wokingham Without Full Parish Council Meeting. 7.30pm. Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3BA. Wargrave Parish Council Full Planning and Highways meeting. 7.45pm. Old Pavilion, Wargrave

Tuesday, April 5 Arborfield Parish Committee Meeting. 7.30pm. Pavilion, Arborfield Park, Swallowfield Road Crowthorne Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. Crowthorne Parish Hall, 48 Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne RG45 7BW Woodley Town Council Leisure Services Meeting. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ

GET THE LATEST NEWS FACEBOOK & TWITTER: SEARCH FOR WOKINGHAM PAPER

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Winnersh has been fined £220 for driving his car without tax. Matthew Higgins, of Green Lane, was found to be driving the Alfa Romeo on the A4 Bath Road on November 20 last year after the licence had expired. Mr Higgins was fined £220, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £5.00, and costs of £90. Mr Higgins was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 5. A MAN from Wokingham has been fined for driving his car without tax. Ian Phillips, of Quartz Close, was fined £220, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £24.17 and costs of £90 for driving an unlicensed Honda Accord on the B3270 Lower Earley Way on November 19 last year, despite the tax expiring on September 9. Mr Phillips was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 5. A WOMAN from Woodley has been fined £440 for driving a car with no tax. Gemma Barclay, of Fairwater Drive, was found to be driving a Vauxhall Astra on the B3270 Lower Earley Way on November 19 last year, despite the tax expiring on July 31. Miss Barclay was fined £440, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £36.67, and costs of £90. She was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 5.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

From the courts

A MAN from Woodley has pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and assaulting a police officer. Mark John Soutter, 27, of Players Green, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 8 charged with assaulting a constable on January 16 this year, and causing damage to a police vehicle. Mr Soutter was given a conditional discharge for 18 months, ordered to pay a total of £225 compensation, a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85. A MAN from Earley has pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug. Darrell Karl Leer, 30, of Anderson Avenue, was found in Donaldson Way,

Woodley on January 6 with a small amount of cannabis resin, worth approximately £2. Mr Leer was given a conditional discharge for two years, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs of £85 when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 8. The cannabis was confiscated and destroyed by police. A 25-year-old man from Wokingham has pleaded guilty for driving offences. Victor Nicolae, of Emmbrook Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 10 charged with driving while over the alcohol limit, driving

without insurance and driving while disqualified. All of the charges related to an incident on the A329M on February 9. Mr Nicolae was committed to prison for 18 weeks, banned from driving for five years, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80. A MAN from Earley is due to appear in court charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and using threatening or abusive language or behaviour. Thomas Wilkin, 25, of Chatteris Way, first appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 28 where he denied possessing a concealed finger mounted 2in blade in Maiden Place, Earley and using threatening/abusive words/ behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress on September 9 last year. At the hearing at the same court on February 10, Mr Wilkin was remanded on conditional bail until April 20 when he will stand trial at the same court. Mr Wilkin is not to enter the Seven Red Roses Public House in Lower Earley until that time. A WOMAN from Spencers Wood has been fined £100 for watching television without a licence. Tanya Stroud, 38, of The Square, was proved to have watched a colour television between November 2 and December 3 without a licence. Miss Stroud was fined £100, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £120. She was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 12.

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10 | BUSINESS

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REGNERATION

RETAIL

Warren Close is topped out!

Consultation over new Aldi A CONSULTATION has been launched over a plan to build an Aldi and a Costa Coffee drive-through at Suttons Seeds Business Park. Standard Life Investments said it intends to submit two planning applications to Wokingham Borough Council in April and June this year and is canvassing Earley residents’ views. In a leaflet delivered to homes around the business park on the Wokingham/Reading border, the company said the the scheme would deliver up to 300 jobs and “forms part of a wider redevelopment plan for the Business Park which involve the demolition of existing industrial units and building four new modern industrial units”. The supermarket would be built on the existing units 27 and 28 on the

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A NEW development of affordable apartments for over 55s has moved a step closer to completion after a topping out ceremony. Warren Close is being built in Finchampstead by the Wokingham Area Housing Society (WAHS), on the site of 15 former bungalows. The new development will provide 24 onebedroom apartments to rent and are being built in a partnership between WAHS and Housing Solutions, an affordable housing provider which owns, manages and maintains 7,500 homes. John Petitt of Housing Solutions said: “We are delighted that, through our partnership with WAHS, we have been able to invest in this site and help to deliver much needed new affordable housing in Finchampstead.” The topping-out ceremony was performed by Maureen Atkins, Chair of WAHS, John Petitt, group chief executive of Housing Solutions, and Simon Lampard, special works construction director of Feltham Construction and marked the completion of the external fabric of the buildings at Warren Close. Maureen Atkins of WAHS said: “I am thrilled at the progress being made on the new development and would like to thank everyone involved for being so committed to deliver these high quality new homes.” Warren Close was the first site for affordable homes built by WAHS in 1947. The previous 15 bungalows offered bedsit accommodation, and were demolished to make way for the new apartments, which have been built in four small two-storey blocks, with a communal garden. The apartments are fully self-contained and offer an open plan kitchen/living room, separate bedroom and bathroom. People wanting live in an apartment at Warren Close need to be over 55, able to live independently, have a connection to the local area and be in need of the benefits offered by affordable housing. There is a show flat on the site which is available to view by appointment. Call 07816 590537 for more details.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

business park, which is off London Road. A second project would see unit 21 demolished and replaced by three new industrial units with ancillary office accommodation, car parking and landscaping. Craig Thomson, Fund Manager of the Standard Life Investments Heritage With Profits Fund, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create new jobs, both in the long term and during the construction phase, as well as complement the existing food retail offer in the local area. “We’re very keen to listen to local views, including from those living further afield who may benefit from the jobs created and discount retail, before finalising our plans. n For more details, visit www. suttonsbusinessparkretail.com, or call 01225 422243.

PROPERTY

Rental market grows 154%

John Petitt, group chief executive of Housing Solutions, Simon Lampard special works construction director of Feltham Construction and Maureen Atkins chair of the Wokingham Area Housing Society at the topping-out ceremony of Warren Close in Finchampstead Picture: Steve Smyth

THE PARENT company of a Wokingham estate agent has released a report detailing the change in rental prices over the past 30 years. The Market Intelligence Report, celebrates Martin & Co’s 30th anniversary of working in the private rental sector and reveals that there has been a 154% increase in rents in Central Southern England (primarily Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire). This is higher than the national average of 135% - with an average rent of £861 per calendar month. In 1986, just 10% of UK houses were in the private rental sector. Today that number has almost

doubled. 19% of property is now being rented from a private landlord. Mike Townend, Director at Martin & Co Wokingham said: “The prediction from the report is that upwards of 100,000 households a year, perhaps even 200,000 a year, will join the private rental sector every year for the next five years. “In our region of England, the 154% increase in the private rental sector means that our specialisation in lettings is becoming more and more valuable to customers looking to live in the area.” n You can read the report in full at www.martinco.com/askmartin.

REAL ESTATE

New tennant Subsea lets at Winnersh Triangle 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

A GLOBAL provider for the oil and gas industries has set up shop in the borough. Subsea Components is moving in to Winnersh Triangle, having secured the use of 310 Wharfedale Road. The premises provides the company with more than 50,000 sq ft of combined office and warehouse space enabling its continued growth, following the company’s decision to relocate and upsize from its existing 35,000 square foot site in Maidenhead. “Subsea Components is the latest international name based at Winnersh Triangle,” said Will Lawrie, comercial director of PATRIZIA which owns Winnersh Triangle. “Our compelling offer of a great location and ease of access, with high quality accommodation and on-site facilities, make Winnersh Triangle an excellent base for companies seeking to expand and grow.” 310 Wharfedale Road features a warehouse and reception area of more than 40,000 square feet, with a first-floor office of 12,000 square feet and car parking for 100 cars.

David Clark from Aker Solutions, Will Lawrie from PATRIZIA UK and Graham Sanson from Subsea Components celebrating the oil and gas solutions company’s move to Winnersh Triangle

“We are delighted to have opened our new facility in Winnersh,” said Graham Sanson, Vice President of Subsea Components. “The strategic location of the park gives us access to an excellent talent pool and will serve as a great location to help us realise our global ambitions moving forward.” The new facility will act as a research and development hub for subsea equipment as well

as the main manufacturing centre for the organisation’s global client base. Subsea Components’ move to Winnersh Triangle follows the recent arrival of field marketing and Great Place to Work company Resource Experience Ltd and the opening of a new centre of excellence for global high-tech organisation Rockwell Collins in December 2015.

NEWS | 11

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CHARITY

Bikers ready to play Easter Bunny By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk GENEROUS shoppers at a supermarket in Lower Earley have been praised for their eggs-ellent spirit after hundreds of Easter eggs were donated to an annual appeal. The Thames Vale Vultures Motorcycle Owners Club, which organises the annual Easter Egg Run every year in Reading, were at Asda in Chalfont Close last weekend to collect donations which will be distributed to needy children around Berkshire. Organiser Helena Hawkins, who came up with the idea of the egg run 10 years ago with her husband Colin, said the continued support from the people of Wokingham was ‘overwhelming’. She said: “So far we have collected more than 8,000 eggs which is just incredible. There are still a few days to go and donations are still coming in, I think we will top 10,000 eggs this year. “Like the Christmas Toy Run, the Egg Run has grown and grown each year. “We are expecting around 400 bikers to join us on the day and they will all bring more eggs with them. “It’s a great event for the local biking community, and it shows everyone what softies they all are. The bikers are so generous, and they really get into the spirit of the occasion by

dressing up as bunnies and chicks, and decorating their bikes.” The Egg Run, which takes place on Good Friday, delivers chocolate eggs to disadvantaged children across the county who may otherwise not receive any Easter eggs. Helena said: “We work in partnership with various charities, including the Loddon Vale Rotary Club who will help to collect the eggs on the day and deliver them around the area. “Some of the children we deliver to may not have ever had an Easter egg before so we just want to be able to give them a special treat. “We’d like to say a massive thanks to the people at Asda Lower Earley who let us collect the eggs over the last two weekends, but also to the people who donated, the hundreds of shoppers who year after year continue to support us, it really is overwhelming.” The Berkshire Egg Run starts at AutoTech in Norcot Road, Tilehurst at noon on Friday before the bikers make their way through Reading to the Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green where the eggs will be collected. Helena said: “We always really appreciate people lining the streets to watch us go by, it gives everyone a real boost and it is quite a spectacle to see the bikers all dressed up. “It’s always a really fun day and we hope everyone has a great time.” n Search Berkshire Egg Run on Facebook for more information.

Thames Vale Vulture members Rob Pounds and Tom Taylor collecting eggs at Asda Lower Earley

Waverley School Takes Silver in Regional Maths Challenge

POLITICS

New mayor honoured and delighted to be selected THE Mayor Elect of Wokingham Town has described how ‘honoured and delighted’ she is at being selected for the role. Councillor Gwynneth Hewetson, who has represented the ward of Emmbrook South as a Town Councillor since 2011, was chosen as the Town Mayor for 2016/17 at the council’s Mayoral Selection meeting on March 1. Cllr Hewetson has also chaired the council’s Arts & Culture Committee since its inception, helping to introduce popular annual events such as the Living Advent Calendar, the International Street Concert and Cultural Month which are enjoyed by hundreds of Wokingham residents and visitors every year. Cllr Hewetson and the committee will also be steering the upcoming community event to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday on Sunday, June 12. Cllr Hewetson will be officially appointed as mayor at the Council’s Annual Meeting, locally known as Mayor Making, on Tuesday, May 17. Cllr Hewetson said: “I am honoured and delighted to have been nominated as Mayor for Wokingham Town 2016/17. “I have volunteered in this community for more than 10 years and, in that time, have made hundreds of connections with residents and organisations. “I am proud to be able to claim many of them as friends. “I want to continue building that network during my Mayoral Year and use the opportunity to ensure that Wokingham really is a safe, successful and welcoming place for all.” n For more information on Wokingham Town Council’s upcoming events visit www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

Waverley Preparatory School and Day Nursery Independent School for Boys & Girls: 3 mths- 11 yrs

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upils at a top Berkshire school demonstrated their outstanding mathematical prowess in the annual Wellington College Mathematics challenge. With pencils and brains sharpened, Waverley Preparatory School pitched its Year 5 pupils against a host of the region’s best Prep and primary schools. This hotly contested competition involved talented young mathematicians working together in a team and pitting their wits against other schools. The childrens’ problem solving skills were put to the test with a range of mathematically based questions. It was fast-paced and exciting with 6 rounds of short 8-minute activities! The Waverley team narrowly missed out on 1st place in this regional challenge but secured an impressive second position.

Embracing the Talented

At Waverley, our small class sizes and family feel, mean that every pupil can achieve to his or her maximum potential. With specialist subject teachers across the curriculum for Reception age children onwards, we offer the optimum environment for children’s talents to be discovered, nurtured and developed.

Scholarships for the Naturally Gifted

If you feel your child has a natural talent – academic and/or music – we have a number of scholarships available. Please contact us for more information. Tel: 0118 973 1121 Email: info@waverleyschool.co.uk www.waverleyschool.co.uk

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12 | NEWS COMMUNITY

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

EASTER

New social secretary wanted A VILLAGE residents’ association is on the look-out for a new Social Secretary. Following the departure of Judith Collins from the parish, the Barkham Village Residents’ Association (BVRA) is appealing for a volunteer to help coordinate events such as Sunday’s popular Easter Egg Hunt . The BVRA is also looking for volunteers to join the social committee. For more, email Judith on social@barkham.org.uk.

Commuters enjoy hot cross buns Christine Morgan and Rosi Morgan Barry handing out hot cross buns at Wokingham Station on Tuesday Picture: Phil Creighton

CRIME 1

Lock forced on garden shed A GARDEN shed in Finchampstead was targeted by thieves last Friday. Between 10am and noon, would-be thieves forced the lock on the shed in Arnett Avenue before searching inside, but nothing was stolen. Anyone with any information, or who saw anything suspicious around the time, should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

COMMUTERS were given an Easter treat on Tuesday morning thanks to members of a town centre church. More than 800 hot cross buns, a traditional eat at this time of year, were handed out at Wokingham CRIME 2 Station. This is the third year that members of Wokingham Methodist Church TREE climbing equipment was stolen from a car in Hurst have taken part in the early morning this week. In the early hours of Monday morning (21) the giveaway. rear and side door of a parked car in Barker Court were It has been co-ordinated by the forced open and the tools taken. Rose Street church’s community and If anyone saw anything suspicious around this time, or blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf outreach worker, Andy Knight. has any information relating to this incident, they should He said: “It is an important and call the police on 101.

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established part of the church’s calendar. People look forward to it. The reaction seems to get better every year. People say they wonder what day we will be here – it’s been very, very positive. “The station seems to be getting busier - the earlier trains seem to have doubled in volume.” The buns, which are packed with a napkin telling the Easter story, were prepared by 16 volunteers on Monday and Mr Knight said that it was a fast activity. “We broke our own record for assembly with a time of just 1 hour 35 1 22/03/2016 18:14 minutes. It knocked an hour off the previous best.”

Wokingham’s churches marked the start of Holy Week – the days leading up to Easter – with a series of processions. Both St Paul’s (above) and All Saints (below) in Wokingham Town Centre marched around their neighbourhoods on Sunday morning to re-enact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. On Good Friday, Churches Together in Wokingham will hold its annual passion play in Market Place from noon and in the evening Wokingham Baptist Church in Milton Road will hold a reflective service featuring readings and monologues from 8pm. On Easter Sunday, All Saints will hold a Dawn Eucharist at 6am. Pictures: Phil Creighton

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NEWS | 13

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HORTICULTURE

Spring colours go on show

WINDOWS & DOORS

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Town Mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin admires daffodils at the Wokingham Horticultuaral Society spring show on Saturday. Pictures: Phil Creighton

Richard Gillings receives the Ballylin Cup for his daffodils A Simnel Cake saw Lesley Brown scoop the Eve ScottHorniman Cup

Ann Blakeman won the Staniland Goblet, given for the most points in the flower section excluding daffodils

A SPRING display impressed the town mayor on Saturday, as a local gardening club held its first show of the year. Members of the Wokingham Horticultural Society met at St Paul’s Parish Rooms to showcase items they had grown, baked or created. And on hand to present the awards was town mayor councillor Philip Mirfin. In his speech, he praised the participants for their efforts. “I’ve been really impressed with the quality of flowers and the produce today,” he said at the start of the prize giving. “There’s some really good work on display, it is really, really impressive.” After a round of applaud, Cllr Mirfin then encouraged the society’s members to get behind this year’s royal-inspired Wokingham in Bloom campaign. “It’s the Queen’s 90th birthday and the theme is red, white and blue. Anyone willing to assist, it’s appreciated – we’re trying to get the gold award,” he said. He then presented the trophies to the winners before witnessing the raffle take place. For more on the society, log on to www.w-h-a.org.uk

Mandy Lawrence collects the WHA Novice Challenge award on behalf of husband Paul

The Clifford Rawlings Cup, for handicrafts, was given to Jean Phillips

The Heelas Cup, for the most points in the flower Arrangement section was shared by Ann Blakeman and Alice Fisher

CONSERVATORIES

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BI-FOLD DOORS

The winners • Ballylin Cup Class 1, daffodils Richard Gillings • WHA Novice Challenge, best exhibit classes 15-19, daffodils Paul Lawrence • Roy Austin Daffodil Goblet Best exhibit classes 20-23, daffodils Martin Collis • Daffodil Society Bronze Medal Best exhibit in daffodil classes Richard Gillings • Philip Sale Cup Winner class 36, Mixed Flowers Not awarded • Staniland Goblet, Most points in flower section excluding daffodils Ann Blakeman • Eve Scott-Horniman Cup, Winner Class 55, Simnel Cake Lesley Brown • St Kilda Cup, Most points in domestic section Lesley Brown • Clifford Rawlings Cup, Most points in Handicraft Section Jean Phillips • Heelas Cup, Most points in Flower Arrangement Section Ann Blakeman and Alice Fisher • Southfield School Spring Cup, Best exhibit in Young Exhibitors’ Section Georgia Eggleston • Daffodil Society diploma Terry Miller Certificates of Merit: • Flowering Pot Plant Graham Talbot • Simnel Cake Lesley Brown • Visitors choice: Flower arrangement Easter Basket Mollie Cleary

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Graham Talbot’s daffodils attracted the judges’ attention, winning the Flowering Pot Plant category

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WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

HERITAGE | 17

In association association with with In

Exploring Exploringour ourheritage heritagewith with wokinghamremembers.com wokinghamremembers.com

WATER REVIEW

The – once a navigable waterway TheRiver past Loddon which has shaped our present... The area surrounding Wokingham is usually This week MikE ChuRChER reviews considered to haveRemembers been a secluded region until the Wokingham articles the development of the road and rail networks. of the past four months and discusses provides evidence that the area STEVE some BACON of the factors which contributed was in fact serviced by another transport to the making of Wokingham and its medium

environment. S THE years go by, the borough’s

roads under the onslaught of VER groan the past months the commuters, shoppers, lorries and Wokingham Remembers page has delivery vans. an early picture been providing Aroundof100 years ago, it wastown the and a how a small market railways thaton carried most the goods few villages the edge of aof forest is today and longer distance while ranked as one of the passengers, country’s leading the roads were only used for the shorter communities. trips. Some, such as Barkham Road, Education, religion, industry, transport, wouldn’t get a tarmac surface for and social structures, national politics many local years. government are all important Go back anotherthe 100great yearsWokingham and, pieces in building apart from the turnpikes financed jigsaw. Here now is a summary of by our tolls, roads were contributions tovery datepoor and aand fewrutted. ideas on Progress painfully slow. What did the nextwas round of articles. we do before the turnpikes? Where an Education, area was blessedEducation, by rivers, our ancestors used them as much as they could. The Education Thames wasWokingham a major highway – but itas Today’s is renowned was to the northern onerestricted of the country’s centres of excellence fringes around Remenham, for education; this is partly due to strong Wargrave, Sonning and school performance and the motivated Earley. The market parents who live in one of the most town of educated Wokingham highly communities in the UK. wasIfserved only we look into the history of by the Emm Brook, Wokingham’s schools we can see surely too small is forwoven into its DNA. how education trading Prior toboats. the Great War, Wokingham If you look at by manor houses and was surrounded John Speed’s of members of map the landed gentry who 1611, there’s another wanted to be close to the levers of power; waterway given almost of Windsor. i.e. the royal households as much prominence In turn these upper echelons as the Thames – the River possessed a serious sense of duty Loddon, passing through Swallowfield, and a responsibility to ensure their Arborfield, Winnersh Twyford (or community received and at least a basic ‘Two Fords’).Wokingham The old village education. alsocentre had a of Arborfield was clustered around the river, powerful professional class, a strong while Swallowfield has a ‘Barge church communityeven (including the nonLane’. conformists) and together they shared Go backbelief 300 years that and a strong in thebefore importance of you’ll see that Swallowfield was of teaching. national importance; here nowthe find The result was with thewe skills, the ruins of Beaumys Castle available, just off the motivation and the finance A33, not far from athe Loddon. The castle there developed culture of education was replaced by Swallowfield Park, which still holds strong to this day.where the Blackwater River joined the Loddon. Wokingham transport It was used by royalty, most notably by Transport is probably the single the wives of Henry VIII. most important factor in Wokingham’s How did they get to Swallowfield? development, in both its rail and road It’s likely that the royal party came systems. upstream from Windsor to Wargrave and Future articles will look at the then up the Loddon, disembarking at introduction of the railways and the

Kingsbridge near Barge Lane. Queen’s majorThe impact theyDiamond had on the town and Jubilee Barge gives us an idea with the we have already made a start of how they would have travelled. road system by mapping out the course of historian theThe oldlocal Forest Road. Lady Constance Russell lived Swallowfield House While theat building of the M4 had a in late Victorian times, and wrote major influence on the introduction of the Swallowfield And Its Owners in 1901. high tech businesses which now surround This book (downloadable for which free on the Wokingham, it is the A329M internet) gives plenty of information in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and itson the Riverconnections Loddon. Shebetween describes how natural Emmbrook her ancestor remodelled theThe andhusband’s the villages of Hurst and Binfield. parkland follows: love and as hate relationship with our rail “Amongst other alterations, and roads continue to this day!Sir Henry Russell filled up the canal which appears Wokingham’s military in the old prints of Swallowfield; it ran heritage from the Lock Pool near the church to 2015 is theand bi-centenary of the theAs Bow Bridge; he also built the Battle of Waterloo, there a two bridges outside thehave parkbeen and the number of articles commemorating this Church Lodge.” world changingAevent. ‘Lock Pool’? This was The area hasnoalways been canal noted–for decorative it its contribution to the nation’s was a short cutmilitary from capability, with Arborfield’s REME, the Blackwater to RFA and Remountthe connections and the Loddon, on Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges three levels. The all situated very nearby. Swallowfield Enclosure Even the Duke of Wellington took to Map (downloadable living in Stratfield Saye, which today is from the Web) clearly only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s shows this waterway town centre. on three levels. There Wokingham’s is evidence that the Blackwater was once much benefactor culture bigger than it is now, but itwas silted up The area around Wokingham and some of by themany waterremarkable now flows into the surrounded River Wey further east. individuals and they were instrumental in There’sthe another Pool further building much Lock needed infrastructure downstream on the Loddon, and is shown which underpinned the establishment of on the Arborfield Title Apportionment a strong community. MapWe near Arborfield Mill. The remains willtolater be telling the story of the of the lock stilland exist, hidden on privateto Walter family their contributions land among the trees opposite site of the building of Wokingham butthe in April Arborfield Hall. first weekly issue, we told the story of the Another poolHill, is evident to much lovedlock Arthur the 6thnear Marquess Sindlesham Mill. The river flowed under of Downshire. MillAlthough Lane at the of cottages onehamlet of Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur Hillon doubled as the known as ‘Brick Bridge’ old maps, with of the local FireThe Brigade was ais achief Boathouse nearby. river and crossing major financial contributor to this part of now a metal bridge. Wokingham’s services. It’s difficult public to imagine the Loddon articles will illustrate the an as aLater navigable waterway now, but demise thesequite greatclearly manorsa and old printofshows largetheir incumbent social system andBridge the rise boat downstream of Loddon at of

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

its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

Before we believe too much in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a solidly sedate experience, May’s article told the story of the rioting in the town centre during the time of the 1857 General Election. Such events were a common sight in the town and this short and bloody battle between the Whigs and the Tories also highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in Market Place as the headquarters of these two feral groups. The story was also able to reflect upon the national scene and the corrupt nature of general elections before the introduction of the private ballot. Future articles will include further tales of anarchy and revelry in this old market town.

Wokingham at War

There are watershed moments in history which mark the moment of great change in a society and the Great War of 1914-1918 is one such time. Therefore a number of centenaries between 2014 and 2018 will commemorate the great losses of war which scarred the people of Wokingham for the rest of the 20th century. May’s edition followed the story of two brothers from Langborough Road in Wokingham town. One of our

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

Wokingham and the Royal Forest

Looking at today’s community, it is difficult to visualise just how rural the area once was and in part explains the sometimes fragile relationship between the old and new Wokingham; few areas in the UK have witnessed such extraordinary growth and change in the profile of its population. Although Wokingham’s history has always been intertwined with the surrounding villages by providing a market place for agricultural and commercial produce, it was also a Forest Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid down by royalty the ofmap Top:for Part ofprotection John Speed’s their hunting of grounds. 1611, showing Okingham. These onerous rules restricted local Above: A diagram of the canal people from using large partsDid of Henry the land at Swallowfield. VIII for sustenance and part to the ride onin it to getled to his country rise of local highwaymen general retreat? Left: and The bridge over lawlessness. As result, the subsequent theaRiver Loddon in 1849, while Black Act of 1723 came down heavily (inset left) the bridge as it ison these ‘Wokingham and resulted in today, Blacks’ at Winnersh either their transportation or execution.

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

Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’

To bring us to when date the Winnersh in up 1849 theAugust new railway articles are focused on the kids who are from Reading to Guildford opened. Well now entering into their summer holidays. into the 20th Century, The George pub What better way to use this month’s used tothan hire to rowing boats here. editions tell the stories of the The Loddon nowthe much shallower Romans, the Celtsisand Saxons than it was in Tudor times.Wokingham influence on the area before was even a twinkle old Wocca’s eye? In October 1972,indisaster struck when David Nashwas Ford provided a set of A the A329M under construction. articles andbuilt puzzles which makesinto the partially bridge collapsed history fun for the young no doubt river downstream of theand railway bridge. will also catch the interest of the parents Three workers were killed; many others who will be looking over their child’s were injured – and hundreds of tons of shoulder. concrete into the river, helping to Here’s topoured the next round of articles! cause go flooding wet weather. Steve Thanks out to in our contributors: Recent legalDavid opinion states on Bacon, Jim Bell, Nash Ford,that Sarah Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski rivers that once carried trading vessels, and for all still theirexists. continuing thePeter rightShilham of navigation Will contributions. we ever see the River Loddon restored All this work is provided by our as a waterway? I doubt it! local historians free of charge and n Following his retirement from South can be found on the front page of the West Trains,Remembers Steve Baconwebsite recently moved Wokingham to Royal Wootton Bassett where his house www.wokinghamremembers.com backs on to thetoWilts Berks at Canal. We Thanks also Markand Ashwell TradeMark for supporting theallpaper’s all wish Steve and his family the very commitment this project. best in their to new home.

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16 | VIEWPOINTS

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

One year on, we’re still committed to you THIS issue marks our first birthday. Set up to step into the gap left by the closure of The Wokingham Times, our special pilot issue hit the streets on March 26 last year. Here we are a year on and we are today reaffirming our commitment to serving you, our readers. There has never been a more crucial time for local newspapers. Everywhere you go, big multinational companies are cutting back and cutting back, looking at ways in which they can maintain profits at the expense of you the reader. It might shock you to learn that some local newspapers are partly produced hundreds of miles away from their base – or in India in some cases. Our mantra is different. No one owns us but you. If you don’t buy us, read us or advertise in us, we won’t exist. That means we have to be fully committed to serving you, and putting Wokingham borough first in all we do. As we reach our first milestone, it’s a good time to reaffirm that commitment. We will always ensure that your Wokingham Paper features news and views from across the borough. You won’t find Wokingham news relegated to a half page, nor will you read news several weeks out of date. We won’t always get things right, but where we go wrong, we’ll put it right as quickly as possible. We will hold the powers-that-be to account. We will celebrate all the good things in the borough and report on the bad, without fear or favour. We are The Wokingham Paper. Thank you Wokingham for allowing us to be.

CHURCH NOTES

Be still and know ‘BE still and know that I am God.’ The famous words of the Psalmist. Many of us know those words well, but how many practice the command given? Amidst the blur of modern life do we ever just be? Take time to be in the presence of something bigger than us? To watch the trees in motion and the water flow ever onwards. To simply watch fellow humans go about their everyday lives. To sit and be still and be made aware of our own bodies … our own breathing and flowing. To allow time to simply be, is not something we are always very good at. There is always something that feels imminent and impending. Essays to write, meetings to plan for, social media to stare at, news to be watched, books to be read…the list is never ending. But I challenge you, I challenge myself, to be still. To just be, for 10 minutes. To lay the phone and laptop aside, to turn the TV off and our minds on. How much more would we be aware of ourselves if we just allowed ourselves room to just be, for a few fleeting moments? If it is God you seek, ‘be still and know that I am God.’ If it’s not God you seek, be still and know that you, simply, are. You are unimaginably significant and no amount of outward distraction can take that away from you. Look to the night sky and breathe deep from the ebb and flow of time. The entire universe exists only in your mind’s eye. Your very soul cries out to eternity. Let it have quiet to do that. Slow your heart, your mind and know that you are loved. You are important. You are you. ‘Be still and know that I am God.’. Adam Couchman is a deacon of Wokingham Baptist Church in Milton Road

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 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

Support me on my walk I was concerned, but not surprised, to read your article last week reporting the accident involving two lorries on Keephatch Road. For several years local residents around Norreys have become increasingly concerned about the volume and speed of traffic. With hundreds of new houses being built, the challenges we are currently facing are highly likely to worsen. Added traffic means people are less likely to walk and cycle, affecting our health and well-being, not to mention the environmental impacts of car fumes and noise. Keephatch Road is lined with housing estates and has been highly developed over the last two years. The pavements are narrow and cars invariably ignore speed limits. Many of those living off Keephatch have children attending schools within Norreys. As a mum of two small children, I know the perils of crossing the road and have seen, on two occasions, children running out in front of vehicles. It’s no wonder young families, cyclists or people who have mobility issues would rather drive the short distance into the town centre. On average around 20% of all car journeys are under a mile and around 65% under five miles (National Travel Survey). Making our roads, walkways, and cycle routes safer could ease congestion and get people exercising more. We need to take action before another accident occurs; implementing 20mph zones in and around the town centre and built-up areas, developing more pedestrian crossings and improving pavement barriers are all proven methods. There is a national campaign, ‘20s Plenty for Us’ which has seen major Towns and Cities across the UK implement 20mph zones. As a result of this scheme, 300 areas including; Brighton, Sheffield and Croydon have seen a reduction in traffic, more people walking and cycling, reduced accidents and people reporting they feel safer out and about in their communities. Wokingham Borough Council have consistently failed to invest in road safety; as a result of the accident last week there were calls for Cllr Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways, to resign. I am calling for the Council to consider implementing 20mph zones in all built up areas in Wokingham. I intend to stand as a Labour candidate for Norreys in the Borough Elections in May and will be campaigning on this issue. We need to do something now before someone is seriously injured. Yvonne Hignell, via email

Roadwork woes

Am I the only one who is in despair at Wokingham Borough Council and the intolerable road works that keep blighting our town? The Finchampstead Road, surely the most dug up road in Europe, is once again subject to weeks of works causing endless chaos. This road, over the last five years, has been subject to disruption from all the utility companies. Now we

Why are they chopping down our trees? I read with interest a letter stating Wokingham Council cutting down healthy trees for the temporary car park (in Elms Field, during Station car park works which start on Monday). That didn’t surprise me. Their plans to chop down trees that are hundreds of years old, some bordered the Windsor Great Forest and put down paving slabs and so-called mature saplings, ie Wokingham Station, Bluebell Meadow – these saplings are 36in high and no replacement for chopping down beautiful trees having been

here for hundreds of years. Also, with the flooding on Elms Fields, it has now been understood that a lot of flooding in the north was not helped by chopping down mature trees, these trees drink a lot and keep the water down. I have written to the Tree Preservation officers and said their job is to protect all healthy trees under threat as they are on Elms Field, of being chopped down. They have a duty of care to protect them that is their job. To not do so they have failed in their duty of care and

have the council starting roadworks on Shute End (at the same time as the Finchampstead Road works) for seven weeks causing severe traffic disruption. Thanks a lot! It took me 45 minutes to drive into Wokingham this morning coming to a standstill at The Carnival Pool. This was the tailback from Broad Street. I feel sorry for the retailers in the town, already struggling to keep their businesses going. Already the footfall is significantly down, one major retailer informed me that they monitor this and were 289 people less coming into their shop from the equivalent month last year. Regeneration? Fancy ideas when the council can’t even get the basics right. John Read, via Facebook

On John Redwood warning the Prime Minister over EU Earlier this week, Wokingham MP John Redwood blogged about the Prime Minister ignoring Eurosceptic Tories in favour of spending time in Europe. On Facebook you have your views. I would vote for the UK to stay in Europe if it meant you would resign. Murray Heslin I think maybe the only thing I agree with David Cameron with is staying in the EU. Jade Burrell

On John Redwood voting for the £30 ESA cut Earlier this month, Conservative MPs, including John Redwood, Rob Wilson and Dr Phillip Lee voted to axe £30 from a benefit given to disabled people. It provoked a lively debate on our Facebook page. Now there is an upswell of dissent at these cruel policies he’s trying to put himself in the camp of

should be dismissed. I remember Bracknell as a lovely little village, I went to see the plans for what has turned out to be a disaster time. The whole area is alive with wildlife, birds of every kind singing away and nesting. Hedgehogs roaming and to stand first thing in the morning to listen to such bird activity and song is difficult to describe. Together we could make hopefully somebody listen to the people of Wokingham and save some of this. H Boyed, Wokingham

moral Tories. Well Mr Redwood you can’t rewrite the history of your voting for these cuts and errors in your expenses claims. If you now feel your original decision was wrong resign. That WOULD be honourable. Neil Hodgson Disabled people can also include ESA? Strictly speaking if you have a mental illness you are partly disabled in the mind. Can’t see how any cuts is worth while at all. While every parliament member earns an absolute fortune. Things that matter are homelessness, affordable housing. I’m 20 and just can’t understand how this is making it any easier for the younger generation Ryan Furlong If only the people in real need claimed benefits then there would be less of a problem unfortunately that’s not the case It’s the parasitic scum who are to blame for stealing the money from hard working people and make it a problem not the people who are trying to sort out the mess. Alex Thomson Millionaire John Redwood voted FOR the £30 benefit cut. There is a full list of the MPS who did the same on Streetlife /Wokingham..... Rick Daniow

On Cargo branches closing Last weekend, the Woodley and Wokingham branches of Cargo Home Furnitures closed for the final time. It’s not a popular decision with you by the sound of things. Such a shame, cant understand why they are closing their stores? Nothing much in Wokingham now except charity shops! Pauline Lewis Such a shame Yvonne James

GOOD ADVICE

Problem with an app? You might be entitled to a replacement, repair or part-refund if something’s gone wrong with software, a download or an application you bought on or after 1 October 2015

OU have rights if there’s a fault with digital products such as; games, ringtones, e-books, in-game purchases, film, music and TV and software you’ve downloaded. The fault could be that it’s not compatible with your device, even though it said it would be. Email the company and tell them the product’s faulty. Include screenshots, and mention the date you bought the product. If the company won’t fix the problem, you can ask for a refund. You can still keep

the digital product even if you get your money back. You could try asking for a full refund, but the law doesn’t give you the right to one like it does with faulty goods. How much you’re entitled to depends on how long you’ve had it, how much you’ve used it and what the problem is. You’re legally entitled to compensation if the fault has caused a problem with your device. The compensation should make up for the problem caused. Take the following steps: Find out how much it’ll cost to fix the problem then write to the company, with a copy of the quote and an explanation of the problem. Include screenshots and any other evidence you may have that the damage was caused

by it. You can mention that you’re entitled to compensation under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you paid by card contact your bank and say you want to use the ‘chargeback’ scheme. If you’re still not getting anywhere, try contacting any trade association the company is a member of. If this does not work contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06. They can give you detailed advice over the phone. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvice. org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham, RG40 2YF. Tel: 03444 111 306. email: public@wokingham-cab.org.uk

VIEWPOINTS | 17

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Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

NELLIE KNOWS

Celebrating your photography

Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk Term ends

FTER the excitement of last week and my birthday this week has been a quieter one but good fun nonetheless. The calendar is marked with those two words that make exhausted children whoop with joy and parents both whoop and weep. I am, of course, referring to “Term Ends”. I always find the Easter break to be a strange one as the schools finish the day before Good Friday and while it’s a fortnight’s break it’s got weekends and Bank Holidays, but I am not complaining. I’m looking forward to having my lot at home and not having to dash out at school run times – the alarm clock will be taking a break too. I’ve not looked at the weather for the weekend as there’s nothing worse than making plans and being scuppered by the weather. Besides I can’t bear umbrellas.

The last term

Caroline Bennell, a member at the Wokingham and East Berks Camera Club, has sent in this splendid picture that she took in California Country Park. With spring here and birds starting to nest, it’s a great reminder of the sunny days that lie ahead. 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.

TONY JOHNSON

Books and magazines

Highways fit for purpose?

N Thursday, two lorries have a minor collision on an old and narrow road. On Friday, MP’s call for the Minister of Transport to resign. It’s an understandable reaction to a situation which has been building up for a long time. But it isn’t reasonable - nor is it appropriate, as I’ve been discovering. The road in question is Keephatch Road & the “minister of transport” is Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for Highways & Planning, a post held by John Kaiser since mid 2014, Keith Baker before then. During the past 12 months I’ve been studying most of the Highways Department’s proposals and projects, both in private and in public, in order to assemble a picture of what’s going on round here. I’m no expert and that picture is far from complete, but the studies, along with insights from Councillors as well as Borough Officers, show that what’s emerging doesn’t bode well for the future. At first, I had the impression that the Councillors ran the show, led by the Executive. All ably supported by the Borough’s CEO, Department Directors and their staff. And a lot of things that we rely on for our everyday services work just like that. Even with a complex activity such as Planning, I’ve great respect for a team who work hard on our behalf, negotiating with Developers who have the upper hand and who often won’t give an inch. Particularly when central government changes the rules in their favour, then tilts the playing field for good measure, so that absolutely everything is an uphill slog for our side.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

All of what you and I would consider as reasonable objections have long since been kicked out, over-ruled, or worked around. No wonder that we the public don’t appreciate the results. We hardly understand what the game is, let alone the number of players or whether we’re going for goals, wickets or pies in the sky. Or all 3. At once. It’s hard work too. If we start from NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), we’re not going to last long, achieve much or be happy, whereas IMBY’s (In My Back Yard’s) recognise that a win is a “win”, big or small. While most of us don’t have so many interactions with Planning, Highways is a different matter. We wrestle with the Borough’s roads twice a day on our way to and from work. We expect our journey to be safe, not take too long, and that we’ll arrive in the same condition we set out in. So what happened last Thursday then? Two heavy goods vehicles, each just under 3 metres wide approach each other at 30mph on a curving stretch of road that’s just over 5 metres wide. 3+3 = 6, not 5. There’s going to be a crash. Fortunately, Thursday’s collision only involved wing mirrors. Even so one driver was injured by flying glass so I wish them a full and speedy recovery. Some might claim it’s all due to construction traffic, but it isn’t. Other HGVs, along with Buses, all use this road. The difference is that the Bus companies have put together a solution, whereas the Borough hasn’t. Sadly, this is the latest in a sequence of blunders which have resulted in a tragic death, a one-lane

Not that I am wishing my life away but come April my youngest goes back to her final term at Junior School and the dreaded SATS. Having done the Junior School run for 14 years I won’t miss it, but I will miss the funny chats in the morning with the bizarre questions and observations. They’re all very “had to be there/time and place” conversations but they’ve been amusing over the years. It will be all change soon as my eldest is thinking about learning to drive which is a very sobering thought, I have so far resisted taking her out for a drive but it won’t be long. I remember my driving lessons and tests (yes plural) but they’re much changed from those days.

motorway, needless jams, wrong resurfacing … the list goes on. I won’t. If Keephatch were the sole issue, no matter how much time had elapsed between the original complaint and today, it wouldn’t be the cause of so much concern. But it isn’t - as many Councillors and road users are all too keenly aware. From disbelief in the future via Wokingham Strategic Transport Model (WSTM)’s forecasting, down to day-to-day traffic lights and signage, supporters have lost confidence that our Borough Highways team will deliver. As to responsibility, Executive Members set the strategy, policy and priorities; but they’re reduced to hollow words if the Director fails to or is not allowed to implement them. Our Borough isn’t a cheap place to live and taxpayers know when they’re getting a raw deal, especially on Highways. Today’s issues can be traced back to policies and priorities set before June 2014. If all they can afford to do is fix potholes and replace bulbs, then as taxpayers we aren’t getting the value we deserve. At minimum, changes in Highways attitude and behaviour is called for, restoring motivation, teamwork and effective solutions to today’s problems. Otherwise, someone at, or very near the top, might be getting one of Kruschev’s three letters. “Blame your predecessor”; “Reorganise”; “Prepare 3 letters”.

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@WOKYPAPER

I have been a complete glut when it comes to magazines at this time of year, being a keen gardener I like to read articles that I gain inspiration and ideas from. Last year Naomi Slade (The Plant Lover’s Guide to Snowdrops, Timber Press 2014) did an article on my garden for Berkshire Life and she has said she will return, so I must crack on with my plans and her suggestions. As well as being happy in the garden I like nothing more than decluttering and rearranging things in the house, then sitting down in the newly calm area to read an interiors book or blog only to think I could make one more change. One area I have not changed is my reading corner. I have an old chair from my grandmother’s house in Rowington next to my grandfather’s trunk and I can curl up there and lose myself in books. I’ve got so many books in my to be read pile but I would like to recommend After I Left You by Alison Mercer, The Kindness by Polly Samson and The Perfect Gift by Emma Hannigan. There’s more book reviews on my website (www.nelliepompoms.co.uk) and there will be a pile going on during the holidays (when I am not doing school run!).

Socials As I share a birthday with Rocio, whose daughter also plays for Wokingham & Emmbrook Girls, we decided to have a birthday bash/team social at the club house which was brilliant fun. We cooked up a feast of Stroganoff, Chicken Dhansak and Mango Curry which was devoured, the children were outside kicking a ball and having a great time, Rocio and Neil showed off their table tennis skills, the support was divided for the rugby and everyone raised a glass and wolfed down a very tasty chocolate cake made by Sarah. With a fully licensed bar and a little kitchen it’s a great place to hire should you be looking for somewhere to hold a gathering.

Gatherings Speaking of gatherings I must crack on and start cooking for my Easter gathering. I’m doing lamb stuffed with garlic and Rosemary slow roasted, with Dauphinois potatoes, a big bowl of Spring greens and red currant gravy then a Pavlova and quite possibly a Tiramisu. After that I will curl up in the corner and start a new book. Hope you have a pleasant weekend and if you’re not doing school run then ENJOY!

18 | VIEWPOINTS

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Wokingham’s people

OH, MR SMITH!

A wry look at life

I’m gonna walk 1,000 miles … and tackle the three peaks

Raw hide. Raw treatment

Chris Cottam, centre, has 1000 miles and three peaks to conquer. With him is his wife Hazel, who has successfully battled breast cancer twice and his brother Dave Cottam from Wokingham whose wife Ruxi died from cancer

A Wokingham man is preparing for an epic walk … and climb. SUE CORCORAN finds out why Chris Cottam wants to climb every mountain with the help of Sir Ian Botham

GRUELLING 1,000 mile walk isn’t enough for father-of-two Chris Cottam. He’s adding climbs of the UK’s highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to his mega journey. Pushing him on for this amazing feat is his family’s experience of cancer. He aims to raise a total of £30,000 for two cancer charities and for the new sixth form centre at The Holt School, Wokingham. A Holt School governor, he wants to help educate those working on cancer in the future. Chris, 56, is an IT business consultant of Winnersh and has leading cricket players cheering

him on. Former England captain Sir Ian Botham, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott have all recorded online messages of support. Sir Ian’s many charity walks helped inspire Chris to do his Big JOGLE. It’s Big because he added the three peaks to his JOGLE, John O’Groats to Land’s End, trek. Chris explained his support for Breast Cancer UK and Cure Leukaemia: “My fabulous and unbelievably strong wife, Hazel, has successfully battled breast cancer twice. “Throughout my life I’ve lost family, friends and associates to blood cancers, culminating in 2014 in the passing, aged just 52, of my wonderful sister-in-law, Ruxi, after a long battle with myeloma. “The charities are two of many wonderful organisations researching cures and providing care. But we also need to ensure we have educated people coming through to carry on the great work.”

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Home Start is a national voluntary organisation offering informal, friendly support to parents with at least one child under the age of five. Home Start knows how hard being a parent can be, particularly during the early years, and that any additional pressures can make things seem overwhelming. Homestart Wokingham District is the local branch of Homestart. Volunteers come from all walks of life, and are parents themselves. They are carefully selected for their friendliness, practical approach and understanding. Volunteers attend a course of preparation and are then matched with a family. They then visit families in their own homes to offer support, friendship and practical help.

His daughters Samantha, 22, and Sophie, 21, both former Holt School pupils, are studying dentistry and neuroscience respectively. Chris is due to start his journey on April 15, finishing on June 15. Hazel, 57, a retired classroom assistant at the old White House School, Wokingham, is his one woman support team masterminding accommodation, meals and other essentials. “I’m nervous, but very confident I can do the trek. I’ve been doing 20 mile a day walks, some with our Beagle dog Merlin,” he said. Chris is keen for company on his big peak climb days: May 1, Ben Nevis; May 15, Scafell Pike; May 29, Snowdon. Email chrisbigjogle@outlook.com to join him. n To donate to Chris’s cause go to www.ChrisBigJogle. com.

With Helena Badger n Short Break Carers Scheme aims to link disabled children with carers who can provide them with regular short breaks. The Scheme provides a vital support service to families of disabled children, and benefits the children by enabling them to enjoy new experiences. Most of the children who use the service have a learning disability and/or physical needs. Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and can be working, retired, unemployed, single or with a partner, with or without children. They will need enthusiasm, energy and some spare time to commit to becoming a regular carer for a disabled child. Training is given in order to help prepare for the individual needs of the child the volunteer will be looking after.

n Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) aims to contribute to securing a safe society by reducing the incidence of death, injury and damage to property from fire and other emergencies. They are looking to take on some new volunteers to be based at the Wokingham Fire station. Community Engagement Volunteers are required to operate as part of a volunteering group delivering Home Fire Safety Checks to vulnerable people in the community. This role helps people live independently and safely in their own homes. Once the volunteers are trained, they can offer advice on how to keep the home safe and install smoke alarms to some of the most at

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

risk members of the local Wokingham Community. The commitment can be determined by the wants and needs of the volunteer, so it is an extremely flexible role that could fit around work, family and other commitments. The volunteer will need to have access to their own transport and be willing to undertake training and a DBS (police check.) 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

HERE’S not much in the way of meat that I don’t enjoy eating – provided I don’t think about it too much. You name it; chicken, duck, rabbit, beef, lamb, turkey, venison. I was even given offal in a Melbourne Chinese restaurant recently and it was tasty. Eating meat was never a problem until one year I took my daughters to see the film Babe and this made me think. If you don’t know what I’m talking about don’t worry – just don’t watch this film if you like meat – even if you love Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. Anyway, as I was saying, I’ve never really thought too much about the plight of farm animals. Then, around 20 years ago through an odd act of the conscience, I wrote to the then Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) which is now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about the treatment of livestock being shipped inhumanly to Spain. This also triggered a letter to the charity Compassion in World Farming. My general impression used to be that our mainland European counterparts were not as sympathetic to the plight of livestock as the English but I don’t know if this is true anymore. Some grim things seem to be happening in the so-called farm-to-fork food chain but don’t worry, since it’s Friday night and you may be going out to a restaurant, I won’t spoil your weekend by describing them. I will however draw your attention to a recent article in the Meat Trades Journal which reports on the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) concern that around “two thirds of food companies have no information on their commitment to stunning animals prior to slaughter”. Pre-stunning is supposed to render animals senseless to pain prior to slaughter. Slaughter houses operate on different principles and some do not pre-stun for various reasons. Given that 900 million animals are slaughtered every year in the UK according to the RSPCA you might think the industry is so big you can’t possibly have any influence. Well you can provided sufficient numbers of you write to retailers to voice a concern. You should ask your supermarket to confirm that all meat in their supply chain is humanely slaughtered with proof of method used. If there is a dispute or confusion the retailer should include meat from sources that pre-stun to assuage your conscience and enable you to shop ethically if this is important to you. After the so called ‘Horsegate’ scandal two or so years ago supermarkets should have tightened up their ‘traceability’ systems and be able to identify the source and journey of meat to the individual outlet. I should say however this is not always easy because food can change ownership many times between the farm and food retailer and the paperwork trail can become confusing so I am informed. Apart from writing to supermarkets, if you have concerns, write to caring organisations such as the RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming as well as regulatory bodies such as the Food Standard’s Agency and DEFRA. I still enjoy meat but I eat far less now, probably once or twice a week because Mrs Smith sources protein from a more diverse range of foods such as beans and fungi. This is about following a healthy diet rather than shopping ethically. But, you know, if we callously mistreat animals today it will be ourselves tomorrow. If you have questions write to letters@ wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

WELLBEING | 19

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Good health

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

HEALTH MATTERS with Nicola Strudley

AIR AMBULANCE

How a country walk turned into a dramatic rescue

Trust

How to contact us : Facebook @healthwatchwokingham Twitter @HWWokingham Phone 0118 418 1 418 Website www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk E-Mail enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Walk in via Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own

£21 a month

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

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

Need to regular dental visits? Gillian Matthews, with her helicopter heroes: Paramedic Andy Colledge (left) and Dr Ed Norris (right).

People told us that there are two major reasons as to why they are open to having pharmacies play a greater role in their health and care are trust and convenience. People like and trust their pharmacists. During our research we spoke to a range of people, including young mums and people aged over 65, who told us about times when they felt their pharmacists had gone above and beyond their role, for example, in advising them to buy cheaper medication. People told Healthwatch that they really appreciate the convenience offered by their local pharmacies. However, there’s still more that can be done to ensure the service meets people’s need. There is real potential for far greater use of community pharmacy and pharmacists: in prevention of ill health; support for healthy living; support for self-care for minor ailments and long term conditions; medication reviews in care homes; and as part of more integrated local care models. There is a need for better information to allow people to make informed choices about their healthcare needs, as well as the potential additional benefit that pharmacists can offer to patients and to the NHS. If you would like to share with Healthwatch your experience of community pharmacy, we will ensure it gets fed into the consultation.

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.

Would you use your pharmacist instead of visiting your GP? N A RECENT poll Healthwatch England commissioned, 33% of people in England said they would consider using a pharmacist instead of visiting a GP for advice, while over half would go to a pharmacist with a minor complaint. From our own research the public understand the current pressures Wokingham GPs face. Individuals have told us that they are worried about doctors burning themselves out and want to help ease the burden. The Department of Health have proposed a 6% contractual cut (which equates to £170 million in 2016) in community pharmacists funding for the upcoming financial year. They are currently consulting on The Future of Community Pharmacy. As part of our work to understand people’s experiences of primary care services, we have explored the role that community pharmacists play in meeting people’s healthcare needs. Polling by YouGov and Healthwatch England in 2015 found that: • Three quarters of people say they would go to a pharmacist, rather than a GP, to get medication for a minor illness. Only 1 in 10 say they wouldn’t. • Over half would go to a pharmacist to seek advice for a specific minor illness or injury. • A third of people would consider using a pharmacy instead of visiting a GP for general medical advice.

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

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

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

A keen walker’s ideal day out turned into a drama after an accident – but thanks to the Air Ambulance, the day was saved. SUE CORCORAN explains

KEEN walker’s countryside day with friends ended with her being knocked out – and the air ambulance coming to her rescue. Gillian Matthews’ airborne rescue was, coincidentally, a big thank you to her for the 10 years she has fundraised for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Gillian was with Twyford Singers friends who walk together on Tuesdays before their weekly choir practices in Twyford village. Gillian’s partner tripped and fell into her, making her fall over. And Gillian was knocked out briefly, as well as dislocating and breaking her elbow. Due to the remote location, the air ambulance was sent to her rescue. The charity-funded service discovered she was their volunteer on landing near the accident in a wood north of Henley. They believe it is their first rescue of one of their own volunteers. “I never thought I would be the one using their services,” said Gillian. “They were absolutely amazing, wonderful. I am very, very grateful. They put my elbow back into its joint in the wood where I fell.

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.

required before signing up. If treatment is included? needed during the 12 month contract What is a member (including discount of 15% is given. • 2 Examinations x-rays) • • •

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

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

visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract member discount of 15% is given. Apparently there can beDental long term damage it isn’t Beechcroft Practice, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, done quickly.” Gillian was2AE taken by a roadspeak ambulancewith for further RG40 and one of our team. treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. She later visited her helicopter heroes at their RAF Benson base to thank them and give them cakes to keep them going between call outs. Gillian serves teas at air ambulance garden open days and helps with collections. She has vowed to carry on volunteering. During the summer a number of homes will open their gardens to visitors, raising funds for the Air Ambulance in the process. Wokingham area gardens open days include: May 8, Lower Cottage, Finchampstead; May 15, three gardens in Glebelands Road, Wokingham; May 22, Scotlands, near Wargrave. Full details at www.tvairambulance.org.uk

Need to budget for Join in a bid to create local autism archive regular dental visits? VOICES

A BID to create a record of autism in Berkshire has been made by a local charity to mark its silver jubilee. The project aims to collect as many oral and written reports of life for austic people living in the Royal County, including Wokingham borough. The finished piece will form an archive that shows how our understanding of autism has changed over the past 25 years. The project is the brainchild of Autism Berkshire, which was founded as the Berkshire Autistic Society in 1981. . The charity said it wants to hear individuals’ own stories and those of family members, relatives and friends,

For more information, please contact us on

both in recent years and from the past. ordinary people with extraordinary These could include experiences experiences. Please do get in touch.” of life in the community or in medical As part of the research process, facilities. From the charity’s initial open forum meetings will be is available for Ourtwo membership scheme a month research it would appear that people held in Reading in the spring. The first with autism spectrum conditions may forum will focus on older people’s What is included? You experiences do not needand to will be involve dentallyfacilitated fit to join have been sent to the former Fair Mile Hospital, near Cholsey, which BMSstory-telling, • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) gathering stories and but a new patient examination is was founded in 1870 as the County memories of living with autism in • 2 Hygienist visits required before signing up. If treatment Lunatic Asylum for Berkshire, and the county. It will take place at RISC • Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract closed in 2003. (Reading International Solidarity • 15% member discount on treatment The project is also looking to gathera member Centre),discount in Londonof Street, on Tuesday, 15% is given. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) stories from older special schools such April 19, from 10am to 1pm. as The Avenue, in Reading, which was Anyone who would like more founded more than 100 years ago. information about the project, or Autism Berkshire trustee Rachel wants to attend the forum should Cotton said: “We think this is a really email ssnow@autismberkshire.org.uk exciting project to record the lives of or call 0118 959 4594..

only3815 £21 , 0118 978

visit our website at

www.beechcroftdental.com

or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. For more information, please contact us on 0118 visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

20 | EARLEY 10k

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

The Earley 10k 2016

Picture special by STEVE SMYTH

Runners ready to set off on the Earley 10k. The start and finish of the race was in Laurel Park, Earley

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Roy MacNeil dressed as the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland

A RACE round Earley has been dubbed awesome after another successful Sunday. The Earley UrbanX took place from Laurel Park last weekend and saw more than 300 runners of all ages take part. Children enjoyed a 2.5k race while adults in the 10k enjoyed a route that took in everything from road, gravel and grass. The chip-timed race was won by Alex Sutton from Reading Athletics Club, who ran the course in 37:15.1, just over 40 seconds faster than second places Alex Harris. Fourth placed Natalie Plummer, from Reading University Knights Athletics, was the first female runner home, in a time of 39:32:0. Jemma Fullbrook was the first veteran back, with a time of 44:44:07. Ben Rollings from Reading Athletic Club was the first back in the Junior 2.5k, running the course in an impressive 9:06.3. In second place came Adam Dart from Reading Rascals, while Renee Whalley was the first female runner back, in third place. Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, race director John Thompson said that people were delighted

with the race, which is now in its third year. “This year the feedback from texts and social media, everyone said it went pretty awesome,” he said. “It was a much slicker, well organised event this year. “We had over 300 entries, it’s a little down on last year. Next year we’re back to our original date at the end of April and we’re expecting 600.” Mr Thompson praised Roy MacNeil who ran dressed as a rabbit. “He really got into the spirit of it. He was born in 1942,” Mr Thompson explained. “He’s 75 and still running a 10k.” And the event is part of a wider initiative to help Earley celebrate itself. “We’re trying to create some small local events that are good value for people. “It’s very much a case of onwards and upwards. The race has momentum now and the sponsors this year all came good.” The event raised funds for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. A small donation was added to every entry fee and during the day there was a raffle and other opportunity to donate. “The entry fee has raised at least £500 alone,” Mr Thompson said.

William (7) and Jessica Humm (9) with Noah (9) and Phoebe Horton (7)

Female Veteran Winners including Julie Hughes presented with awards by the Mayor of Earley, Cllr Melanie DeJong.

Chris Rock flies the flag for Wales

Natalie Plummer (centre), Jemma Fulbrook and Julie Hughes Friends check their times on their phones

Julie Hughes comes home

James Mortimer celebrates his run

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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EARLEY 10k | 21

Runners set off (above) on the Earley 10k, taking in the route before heading back to Laurel Park for the finish line (below)

From left to right: Alex Sutton, Alex Harris, Gavin Harper and female winner Natalie Plummer

Earley Mayor Cllr Melanie DeJong with John Thompson race director, Kirsty Scott director and Julia Philipson community fundraiser, Alexander Devine Hospice Service

Someone enjoys a snooze while Dad runs

Red Watch Fire Fighters from the Wokingham Road fire station in Earley

The Mayor of Earley, Cllr. Melanie DeJong present awards to the male winners, from left, Alex Harris , Alex Sutton and Gavin Harper

Spectators (right) lined Laurel Park to watch the runners head home

22 | EARLEY 10k

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

From left: Chris Evans, Colin Cottel, Sharkie Jaggard and Nigel Hoult

Wokingham Road fire fighters en route to the finish line

From left: Jemma Fulbrook, Andy Barlow, Martin Judd and Paul Caswell

From left: Sara Mayhew with Esther Rock, Sharon Watt and Elizabeth Mitchell and, on the right, Nicky Thompson

From left: Christine Trim, Jane Goodey and Pauline McCormack

Hannah Appleby with Ethan Bradley took part in the 2.5k

SCHOOLS | 23

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Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Press pack

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

VISIT

Holt Pupils join in Queen’s service Pictured from left: Jasmine Millard, Emma Dodds, Charlotte Wood (teacher), Charlotte Munro and Divya Bhagavathula

Emma Lainsbury holds her offer letter from The Read College with Steppin Out’s principal Shlley Fitzgibbon

TRAINING

Top drama school place for Emma PUPILS from a Wokingham School joined former United NatIons Secretary-General Kofi Annan, singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding and The Queen to celebrate Commonwealth Day earlier this month. The Holt School students joined nearly 1,000 young people from all corners of the UK for the star-studded service held at Westminster Abbey in London. The event is the UK’s largest annual multi-faith service and celebrates the Commonwealth nations. The celebration was attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duke

and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry. This year’s theme was an Inclusive Commonwealth and aimed to celebrate the unity, diversity and linkages of the modern Commonwealth and foster greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s achievements and role. Speakers included Mr Annan and leaders from a number of major faiths. The audience also enjoyed a performance by singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding and the event was broadcast live on BBC One for the first time.

Commonwealth Day is marked annually on the second Monday in March. Celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day take place around the world. The Service at Westminster Abbey in London is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, on behalf of the Council of Commonwealth Societies. For their place, the Holt School Pupils entered an essay writing competition on the theme of Commonwealth. Jasmine Millard, Emma Dodds, Charlotte Munro and Divya Bhagavathula were winners, enabling them a ticket to the service.

PLAY

FOR Sasha’s little brother’s birthday party I was invited [to Kids n Action in Winnersh Triangle]. Me, Hannah and Sasha had lots of fun. My favourite thing was the drop slide. First I was terrified, but then I just had a go and it was great! The drop slide was pink with green down arrows on. My second favourite thing was the ball pit. I liked diving in from the yellow block, then

get in,” said Emma. “It is all I have ever wanted. I couldn’t have done it without Steppin Out.” Emma has attended performing arts classes run by local entrepreneur Shelley Fitzgibbon at Emmbrook for six years. Now she’s preparing to take the two-year course at the Read College which is just down the road in Reading. The talented youngster also gained places at Henley and Reading college. Steppin Out offers weekly classes in Dance, Drama and Singing. For more details, call Shelley on 07970 034488 or 0118 977 4258.

EASTER

Kids n Action is a fun day By Sarahjane, aged 8

IT WAS jazz hands and high kicks for a Wokingham teenager when she learnt she had been accepted to a top drama school. Holt School pupil Emma Lainsbury (16) has been accepted by top Drama School Read College. To get in to the school, Emma endured a full day of auditions which included a ballet class, jazz class, two songs and a drama piece. These were all things she had learnt while attending Wokinghambased Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow. Naturally, the talented teen is delighted that she has been accepted. “I am so happy that I managed to

looking through the see-through curtains. We also went in the play bits. A dress-up room, bakery, vets, doctors, building site and a supermarket. Me, Hannah and Sasha went to the shop areas and went into the building site. Inside the building site we made a bouncy castle out of bouncy and foam rocks and bricks. Finally we went to have supper. We all had Slush Puppies and a hot dog.

The hunt is on…

Sarahjane’s drawings of her going down the drop slide and playing in the ball pool

EXCITED pupils from Luckley House School in Wokingham setting off for the Easter Egg Hunt in the school’s grounds. The event was organised by the school’s PTA and the eggs were kindly donated by Tesco’s Wokingham branch.

24 | LEISURE

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What’s on Good Friday, March 25 BEECH HILL – Beech Hill Baptist Church, Chapel Lane, off Wood Lane RG7 2BH. . Good Friday service and 292nd church anniversary meeting. Guest speaker: Andrew Wigham from Yateley Baptist Church. Followed by afternoon tea. 4pm. Details: 0118 956 0620. CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, 10 Duke’s Ride RG45 6LT. Churches Together all-age Good Friday event followed by walk of witness and hot cross buns. 10am. Details: 01344 411417. CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Meditation at the Cross. 2pm. Olivet to Calvary: A Sacred Cantata sung for the choir. 6pm. Details: 01344 761521. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church. Family service. 9.30am. Good Friday meditations. Noon-3pm. Details: 0118 973 0133. HURST – St Nicholas Church. Holy hour for Good Friday. 2pm. Details: www.thruchrist.org.uk HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Easter Bunny hunt. 10.30am-4.30pm. £3. Details: 0118 932 1071. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Outside service. 11am. Holy hour. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. The Big Top Circus for children aged up to 8. 1pm and 3pm. £8, £7.50 seniors, £7 ages 3-15, under 2s free. Details: 0118 932 6444. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Stations of the Cross. All

day. Musical devotion. 7pm. Details: 0118 988 5923. SINDLESHAM – Wokingham Cricket Club, Sadlers End RG41 5AW. Berkshire Events comedy night with Robin Morgan, Wayne Shakespeare, Claire Nelson and Nabil Abdul Rashid. £10. Over 18s. Advance booking only. Details: 0118 973 7823. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael and All Angels, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Quiet Hour. 2pm. Details: 0118 988 5923. SONNING –St Andrew’s Church. The Last Hour service for Good Friday. 2pm. Details: 0118 969 2428. TWYFORD – Twyford URC, Church Street RG10 9DR. Service of reflection followed and coffee. 10.30am. Details: www. thru-christ.org.uk TWYFORD – St Mary’s, Station Road RG10 9NT. That Friday Night Thing. 7pm. Details: www.thru-christ.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. The Meeting Place coffee morning. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Easter journey for children. 10am. Good Friday service. 2pm. Watching at the Cross. 2pm5pm. Good Friday Service. 3.30pm.. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Churches Together Wokingham Good Friday play. Noon. Parade from Corpus Christi before hand, then to Wokingham Methodist Church afterwards. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Good Friday Prayers. 9am. Solemn Liturgy. 9.30am. Family Service. 10.30am. Evening Prayer. 5pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM – Baptist

AT THE THEATRE

Church, Milton Road. The Servant King: a service of music, monologues and reflection for Good Friday. 8pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct. Churches Together in Woodley Good Friday service. 11am.

Saturday, March 26 HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Easter Bunny hunt. 10.30am-4.30pm. £3. Details: 0118 932 1071. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Church walk - around four miles, with optional pub lunch. Come dressed for weather. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124. SONNING –St Andrew’s Church. Easter Saturday family fun day: tower tours, Easter egg hunt, barbecue and more. From 2pm. Free. First Communion of Easter including lighting of the Easter fire. 7pm. Details: 0118 969 2428. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Service of Readings. 9pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Creative writing group for adults. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Annual Countdown tournament. 11am. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143. WOODLEY – Chapter One Bookshop, 136 Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JH. Easter Storytime for under 7s, craft and an Easter egg hunt. 10am. Details: 0118 944 8883.

Easter Sunday, March 27

DON’T FORGET — CLOCKS GO FORWARD TODAY!

BEECH HILL – St Mary the Virgin, Beech Hill Road RG7 2BB. 10.30am. Holy Communion. Details: 0118 988 5923. CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Service of light with Sun Eucharist. 8am. All-age eucharist, blessing of Easter garden and Easter egg hunt. 10.30am. Details: 01344 761521 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church. Dawn service. 6.30am. Holy Communion. 8am. Family Communion. 9.30am. Parish Communion. 11am. Details: 0118 973 0133. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Easter Bunny hunt. 10.30am-4.30pm. £3. Details: 0118 932 1071. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Sunrise service. Holy Communion. 8am. Family worship. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124. SWALLOWFIELD – All Saints, Church Road RG7 1TH. 9am. Holy Communion. 10.30am. Family Communion. Details: 0118 988 5923. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Easter Sunday dawn service. 6am. Easter service. 10am. Tea service for children and families. 4.30pm. Details: 0118 988 5923. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael and All Angels, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Family communion. 10am. Details: 0118 988 5923. SONNING –St Andrew’s Church. Easter communion. 8am. Parish Eucharist. 10.30am. Details: 0118 969 2428. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm-3pm.

Camberley – Theatre

High Wycombe – Swan

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 An Evening With Lulu. Tues. Ray Mears. Wed. Bella Hardy. Wed. The Wizard of Oz. Fri 1. Philharmonia Orchestra. Sat 2.

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Comedy Club. Fri. Chenyin Li. Sat. Russell Howard: Work In Progress. WedThurs. The Searchers. Fri 1. Saturday Morning Children’s Theatre: Alice In Wonderland. Sat 2. The BBC Big Band. Sat 2.

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Heartbeat. Until Sat. Flare Path. Tues-Sat 2.

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Rob Beckett SOLD OUT. Thurs. The Songs of Hollywood. Fri 1. How Lion Became King of Tinga Tinga Land. Sun 3.

Bracknell – S Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Aesop’s Fables. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. Oliver Easter School. From Mon. The Birds of South Hill Park. Wed. Community Litter Pick. Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 1. Wilde Sundays. Sun 3. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 3. FILM: The 33. Fri-Sat. Spotlight. Fri-Sun. A War. Tues. Room. Wed. Macbeth. Thurs. Dad’s Army. Fri 1-Sun 3.

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The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

Basingstoke – The Anvil

Basingstoke – The Haymarket

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Toast. Until Sat. The Father. Tues-Sat 2.

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Omid Djalili: live. Fri. Louise The Bubbleman. Mon. Stig of the Dump. Tues-Thurs. Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar. Tues. Alec Danworth’s Spanish Accents. Thurs. James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids. Fri 1. I Got Gershwin. Fri 1. Ruby Wax: Frazzled! (work in progress). Fri 1. Flash: A Tribute to Queen. Sat 2. PerKelt. Sun 3 FILM: Goosebumps (PG). Wed. Rams (15). Wed. Capture The Flag (PG). Thurs. Oddball and the Penguins (U). ThursFri. Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Road Chip (U). Sun 3. Janis: Little Girl Blue (15). Sun 3. Trumbo (15). Sun 3.

Henley – Kenton Theatre

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Alice in Wonderland. Thurs-Sun

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Three Degrees. Sat. Tap Factory. Sun.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio. Thurs. Bella Hardy. Fri 1. Gyles Brandreth: Word Power. Sat 2. Leaper: A Fish Tale. Sun 3.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

Details: 0118 969 0304. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Easter communion. 8.30am. Morning Worship. 10.30am. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. First Mass of Easter. 6.30am-7.30am. Low Mass. 8am. All Together Mass. 9.30am. Easter Day Service. 11am. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Dawn Eucharist. 6.30am. Holy Communion. 8am. All ages parish communion. 9.30am. Baptism. 3pm. Festal Evensong. 6.30pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway Society, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway . 1.30pm-4pm. £1 per ride, buy 5 get 6th free. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk 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. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Easter Sunday service. 10.30am. Games Afternoon. 2pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

Easter Monday MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults. 2.15pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630.

Tuesday, March 29 BEECH HILL – Beech Hill Memorial Hall, Wood Lane, Reading RG7 2BE. Beech Hill Cinema: Argo (12a). 7.30pm.

THREE MILE CROSS – The Swan Inn, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AT. Knit and Natter. 7pm. Details: 0118 988 3674. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. Family history drop-in. 2pm-5pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Wednesday, March 30 SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Loddon Reach Mothers’ Union meeting: the work of Riding for the Disabled. 2.30pm. Details: 0118 988 3819. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am1.15pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Alzheimer’s Cafe. 2pm. Details: 0118 977 6898.

Thursday, March 31 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Get Arty: rabbit themed crafts for ages 4-12. 2.15pm3.15pm. £1.50. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Get Arty: rabbit themed crafts for ages 4-12. 2.30pm-3.30pm. £1.50. Details: 0118 931 2150. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Keep Calm and Fly Casual: Club

Easter Storytime. Tues. Easter Bonnets. Wed. The Railway Children (encore). Wed. Mercury. Thurs. Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho. Fri 1. Debra Stephenson: Night of 100 Voices. Fri 1. Rumpelstiltskin. Sat 2. New: Music Showcase. Sat 2. FILM: Hail, Caesar! (12a). Until Thurs. Marguerite (15). Until Thurs. Rams (15). Sat 2-Wed 6. High-Rise (15). Fri 1-Thurs 7.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Romeo and Juliet. Until Apr 2.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Richard Herring: Happy Now? SOLD OUT. Sat. Berzerk Easter school: You Can Fly. Tues-Fri 1.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Ashley and Pudsey: Mission ImPUDSEYble. Mon-Tues. Bear

for players of the X Wing Miniatures Game, Star Wars and Armada. Age 16 and over. 5.30pm-7.45pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: American Novels, a talk by Ray Stagles and Rosemary Hughes. £2.50 non-members. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6782. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Get Arty: rabbit themed crafts for ages 4-12. 10.30am-11.30am. £1.50. Teen book group for ages 11-18. 50p. 4.30pm-5.30pm. Archaeology Finds Surgery. 10am-noon. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Reminiscence Club: discuss days gone by. 10.30amnoon. The First Editions book group. 6pm-6.45pm Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, April 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Craft time for ages 2-5: rabbit theme. 11.30amnoon. £1. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Shared aloud reading group. 10.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. West End star Glyn Kerslake and singer/ guitarist Elaine Glover in the Watermill Bar.. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. National Young Writers Creative Writing group for ahes 7-10. Free session with Explore Learning. Booking essential. 10am-11am.

Behaving Badly: The Jam Sandwiches and Ice Cream Tour. Sat 2-Sun 3.

Reading – The Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 The Nash Ensemble. Wed

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Stones in his Pockets. Mon April 11-Sat April 16.

Reading – St Barts www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Next shows TBC.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Actin, Singing and a Shot of Whisky. April 28-30.

Sonning – The Mill

Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Downshire Golf Complex, Easthampstead Park, RG40 3DH. Town mayor’s charity golf day. From 1pm. £200 per team of four, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Details: 0118 974 0882.

Saturday, April 2 MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 2pm-2.45pm. Details: 0118 966 6630. READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society concert: pre-concert talk from 6.30pm, concert at 7.30pm. £15, £5 students. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Trace Your Troops event: find out what your relatives did in the First World War. 1pm-4pm. Details: 0118 988 5923. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Saturday storytime for ages 3-5. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Code Club for ages 9-11. Booking essential. 10.15am11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment. Details: 020 7219 4205.

Sunday, April 3 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.

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Until May 7. Glyn and Elaine. April 1-May 6. The Bourne Again Shadows With Cliff. Sun 3.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 End of the Rainbow. Until Sat. Shadowlands. Tues-Sat 2.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Let It Be. Until Sat. The Bodyguard. Tues-Sat 9.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Next show: Hactivists/Chatroom. April 12-16.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Next show: Raving. April 19-23.

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 25

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Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

MUSIC

Rewind back to the 80s

STAGE

Gudgeon’s alive! Brian Blessed to direct Mill’s murder mystery

Working together –daughter and father Rosalind and Brian Blessed will be at The Mill at Sonning this summer

Rewind South’s organiser David Heartfield is looking forward to recreating the sounds of the 80s when it comes to the borough later this summer

Think music was better back in the 80s? Here’s your chance to find out. GEMMA DAVIDSON get the lowdown on the borough’s big music festival, Rewind South

OR one weekend every summer, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d spotted Madonna chatting with George Michael down by the river in Henley. Every year the South Oxfordshire town plays host to the nostalgia-fest that is Rewind, a music festival that specialise in 1980s throw-back artists, and fancy dress is almost compulsory. “We didn’t come up with the fancy dress idea,” explains organiser David Heartfield, who has been running the festival for the last eight years. “The costumes just came organically from the people who keep coming back time and time again.” Having grown from humble beginnings in August 2009, the festival has now spawned two off-shoot events in the UK, Cheshire and Perthshire, and since 2012 it has expanded even further to South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Attracting big names from the 80s heyday of glam punk and synth pop, along with around 20,000 revellers each year, Rewind has established itself as one of the core festivals of the summer, competing with the likes of Reading Festival,

Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival. David said: “What sets Rewind apart is not only the nostalgia – we see people attending who wouldn’t have been been born in the 1980s – but the fun, party atmosphere. It all kicks off on the Friday night with a funfair and a few secret shows, and the fun just continues right the way through until Sunday. “The whole fancy dress thing grew organically from the people, we didn’t plan it at all. A lot of people see Rewind as an excuse to pretend their teenagers again for the weekend.” This year’s line-up boasts Adam Ant,

Rick Astley, Erasure’s Andy Bell, Marc Almond from Soft Cell, and Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet, to name but a few of the 27 stellar acts who will perform on the main stage at the Temple Island Meadows site between August 19 and 21.

David said: “We have around 14 acts who have never appeared at Rewind before, so there are lots of new people to look forward to. You will always get people who complain about the line-up but we are always really proud of the acts we get together. “Some of them aren’t strictly 1980s, some of them are actually from the 1970s or snuck into the 1990s, but they have that 80s feel to them, so we include them.” Given the popularity of the ‘retro’ festival, are there any plans to start up a 1990s-themed festival in a few years time? David said: “It’s a good question, people have asked this before and the answer is: I don’t know. Whether we start a standalone 90s festival, or just expand Rewind to include all things nostalgic, I just don’t know. “What I think stands Rewind aside from your Glastonburys and your V Festivals is that it is quite niche, those are the kinds of festivals that seem to do so well these days. “We are always looking for new ideas, last year we had an inflatable church where people could get ‘married’, which some people took quite seriously. “Last year we even had a birth, the mother went into labour on the site and the baby was born a little later on, they even called the baby Henley!” n Weekend tickets start at £107.50 for adults, £53.75 for children, and day tickets start at £59.50 for adults, £29.75 for children. To book tickets and see the full line-up visit www.rewindfestival.com.

HE’S SCALED Everest, hosted Have I Got News For You, married Doctor Who’s assistant and helped deliver a baby on Richmond Park … but now one of Britain’s best-loved actors is preparing to tackle an all-new challenge. This summer, Brian Blessed will heading to The Mill at Sonning to make his debut as a director. He will be presenting a new production of Agatha Christie’s The Hollow, which itself is based on a book of the same name. However, unlike the novel, it sees Detective Inspector Colquhoun solving the case, not Hercule Poirot. The play is set in The Hollow, a country house belonging to Sir Henry Angkatell and about18 miles from London. It’s close enough to almost be at Sonning itself. Audiences will be asked to work out whodunit when Dr John Christow is shot. Was it the butler? His wife, mistress or ex-mistress? Or maybe the maid? Along the way there will there laughter and clues galore. The cast of 12 includes Brian’s daughter Rosalind as Henrietta and returning Mill favourite Hildegard Neil as Lady Angkatell. This isn’t the first time that father

and daughter have worked together: last year Rosalind was Goneril in King Lear, with the titular role played by her Dad) with the Guildford Shakespeare Company in 2015. Hildegard was in Enchanted April directed by Sally Hughes,the Mill’s Artistic Director, two years ago. This will be the first time Brian has directed a stage production. He has been in many of Kenneth Branagh’s films including As You Like It, Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, and as The Ghost/King in Hamlet. He was the original Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, and has been in many RSC productions. In his role as Vultan in Flash Gordon, his line “Gordon’s alive!” remains the most repeated quotation from the film and his career. The Hollow is performed at The Mill at Sonning from July 7 through to August 27, from Tuesdays to Saturdays. There will be Saturday matinees every week and Sunday matinees on July 17, 24 and 31. A Thursday matinee is held throughout the run. Tickets are already on sale and cost from £45.50, which includes a preshow meal. n For more details, click here or call 0118 969 8000.

LIVE MUSIC

Hear The Merry Widow FRANZ Lehár’s The Merry Widow is the next play to be performed by Woodley-based company Mostly G&S (Gilbert & Sullivan). The Ambassador, Baron Zeta, is desperate for the wealthy widow Anna Glavari to marry a Pontevedrian man so that her fortune remains in the country, so he attempts to match her and his handsome attaché, Danilo, without knowing that the pair have had a love affair in the past. Nevertheless, Danilo now refuses to say he loves her because he doesn’t

want it to look like he is just after her money. Meanwhile Zeta’s wife, Valencienne, is being pursued in a dalliance by the Count de Rosillon leading to near discovery, much confusion and inevitable twists in the plot. Will there be a happy ending? You’ll have to watch and find out. The Merry Widow is at The Oakwood Centre, in Headley Road, between Thursday, March 31 and Saturday, April 2. For tickets enquiries visit www.mostlygands.co.uk/contact or call 0118 988 2526.

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26 | LEISURE

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Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 8

11 14

2 18

5 12

13 23

10 22

3 24

6 7

12 2

11 22

1 13

1. Which fictional Chinese detective was created by Earl D. Biggers? 2. Singer Isaac Hayes voiced which character in the animated series South Park? 3. The holder of which office is second in line to the US presidency after the vicepresident? 4. Who invented the Bully Proof Vest, the Tellyscope and the Autochef? 5. Who played Daniel Cleaver opposite Renée Zellweger’s character in the first two Bridget Jones movies?

15 16

19 21

6 17

6 22

13 22

7 12

NONAGRAM

14 5

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 H through openings in the walls. The E first letter may appear in any chamber. H A

O O U

G O M

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

LEMMING LED UP HIGH

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: 18 Good; 21 Very Good; 25 Excellent.

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

L Y

F L

5 4 6 2 5

2 8 9 7

3 4 9 6 8 7 8 1 1 9 5

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

EQUALISER 5 5 8 8 1 5 2 4 0 3 0 9

Hard

1 2

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

SUDOKU Easy

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. 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

7 8

10 10

12 13

15 22

21 23

ACROSS DOWN 1. Take-off in an aeroplane? (6,5) 2. An oil prepared in outskirts of Lincoln from fat (7) 9. Messy substance on arm 3. Article I encountered on the coming back, for example (5) way up (4) 10. Have the edge in front of 4. Shut up about the point of curtain, we hear (7) staring open-mouthed (6) 11. Associate not starting to be 5. Giving medical care at friendly (4) someone else’s expense? (8) 12. Curse a man, hate 6. Study English author (5) abominably (8) 7. We run until we drop in this 14. Hard interior of shabby boat (6) race (3-3-5) 15. Sneak found it in tin church! (6) 8. Showing good 18. Might reduce interruption in understanding, not having electrical supply (5,3) catarrh? (5-6) 13. Cleaner, one’s mother, has 20. Going from Georgia to Los special charm (8) Angeles for a festive occasion (4) 16. Deal in a lot of cars (7) 22. Against work being set up (7) 17. Expert made a play on words, so to speak, with it (6) 23. Make an unauthorised search and annoy the fellow 19. It’s swinging in the rain inside (5) when driving (5) 24. Bite her cake carelessly to 21. Price is about right, but it’s make a start (5,3,3) not fixed (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

11 13

29 29

18 19

30 31

SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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.

6. According to Karl Marx, what is ‘the opium of the people’? 7. In 2003 the Met Office moved its HQ from Bracknell to which English city? 8. If all the US Presidents were listed alphabetically by surname, who would be last? 9. Actor Jeremy Renner reprised his role as Hawkeye for which 2015 sequel film? 10. Bank of England governor Mark Carney was previously governor of which other country’s central bank?

WORD PYRAMID

N E L

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

ACROSS 1. Impede (8) 6. Dropping sound (4) 8. Self-importance (3) 9. African republic (8) 10. Look for (4) 12. Roofing material (5) 14. Gourd (5) 17. Sheet of glass (4) 18. Isolate (8) 20. High acidity of the blood (8) 24. Castrate (4) 25. Governed (5) 26. Of the same value (5)

29. Disappear gradually (4) 30. Briskness, eagerness (8) 31. Charged particle (3) 32. Singlet (4) 33. Fragrant climbing plant (5,3) DOWN 2. Edible seed (4) 3. Boy soprano (6) 4. Submarines (1-5) 5. Canvas shelter (4) 6. Large printed notice (6) 7. Wild cat (6)

11. Long pointed weapon (5) 12. Gastropod (5) 13. Weird (5) 14. Spoil (3) 15. Part of collar (5) 16. Destitute (5) 19. Incline head (3) 21. Paralysing poison (6) 22. Fraud (6) 23. Four-sided shape (6) 24. Attic (6) 27. Cooking pots (4) 28. Eye infection (4)

4 8 2 9 1 6 5 3 7

7 3 5 2 8 4 6 1 9

6 1 9 7 5 3 2 8 4

5 9 7 8 6 1 4 2 3

8 6 3 4 7 2 9 5 1

1 2 4 3 9 5 7 6 8

2 5 8 1 4 9 3 7 6

9 7 6 5 3 8 1 4 2

7 8 9 1 2 6 4 5 3

3 4 1 6 2 7 8 9 5

EASY SUDOKU

14 1

15 2

16 3

CROSS CODE

6 5 1 3 4 7 9 8 2

2 4 3 8 5 9 6 7 1

3 2 5 7 6 1 8 4 9

4 9 6 2 8 3 7 1 5

8 1 7 5 9 4 3 2 6

1 7 4 6 3 5 2 9 8

9 6 2 4 1 8 5 3 7

5 3 8 9 7 2 1 6 4

HARD SUDOKU

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

WORD PYRAMID: Fly off the handle. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; multiply; subtract; add. Total: 1. MAGIC SQUARE: nigh; idle; glum; hemp.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Obstruct; 6 Plop; 8 Ego; 9 Cameroon; 10 Seek; 12 Slate; 14 Melon; 17 Pane; 18 Separate; 20 Acidosis; 24 Geld; 25 Ruled; 26 Equal; 29 Fade; 30 Alacrity; 31 Ion; 32 Vest; 33 Sweet pea. Down – 2 Bean; 3 Treble; 4 U-boats; 5 Tent; 6 Poster; 7 Ocelot; 11 Spear; 12 Snail; 13 Eerie; 14 Mar; 15 Lapel; 16 Needy; 19 Nod; 21 Curare; 22 Deceit; 23 Square; 24 Garret; 27 Pans; 28 Stye.

and-spoon; 8 Clear-headed; 13 Charisma; 16 Traffic; 17 Pundit; 19 glom; gloom; gluon; gnome; golem; gone; goon; lemon; leno; loge; Wiper; 21 Free. logo; logon; lone; long; longe; loom; loon; lounge; melon; meno; mogul; mole; mongo; mongol; mono; MONOLOGUE; moon; moue; mungo; muon; nome; ogle; oleum; omen; oolong.

Down – Cased; Overt; Earns. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Flying start; 9 Gunge; 10 Prevail; 11 Ally; 12 Anathema; (2) Across – Panda; Tulip; Hence. Down – Pitch; Nylon; Apple. 14 Dinghy; 15 Snitch; 18 Power cut; 20 Gala; 22 Opposed; 23 Rifle; 24 Break the ice. NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Lanolin; 3 Item; 4 Gaping; 5 Treating; 6 Reade; 7 Egg-

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Charlie Chan; 2 Chef; 3 The Speaker of the House of Representatives; 4 Wallace (of Wallace and Gromit); 5 Hugh Grant; 6 Religion; 7 Exeter; 8 Woodrow Wilson; 9 Avengers: Age of Ultron; 10 Canada.

(1) Across – Close; Steer; Dotes.

FIVE ALIVE:

Gig guide Good Friday, March 25 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Odyssey. Details: 01344 878100. ASCOT – The Stag, High Street SL5 7HP. Remix. Details: 01344 621622. BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. Happy Daze. Details: 01276 473768. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, Market Street RG12 1JG. Thank You Great Ormond Street. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Lionel Ritchie Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Ash Lee. Details: 01344 867374. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. The Firm. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Carpenters Arms, Park Street GU15 3PE. After The Masons. Details: 01276 63676. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Power of Soul. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. The SwanLock Duo. Details: 01252 519964. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall RG40 4JU. Stuart Henderson’s Remix Jazz Orchestra. Details: www.remixjazzorchestra. co.uk READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Pauly Zarb. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade Dub and Roots. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Skints. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Junction Music: Tanch/ Osiris/Rez/Tizzy J/Atilla.

Vinyl Only Night. Details: 0118 959 7196 READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. African Easter Party: IGOOUK. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Fab Fish Fry: DJ Jack Hollywood and live guests. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Jim Hamond Trio. Details: 0118 957 6930. SHINFIELD – The Sportsman, Shinfield Road RG2 7DS. Matti Fantasi: Ages of Rock. Details: 0118 975 2089. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. In Too Deep. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Live in the Watermill Bar: Glyn and Elaine. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Emma Kennedy. Details: 07946 342551. WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01276 472210. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Graffiti Child LIVE. 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 – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056. WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Uptown Traffic. Details: 0118 969 3325. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. The Broken Stones. Details: 01252 870648. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46

LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK 6BA. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, March 26 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Evil Puppies. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 454532. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Mollys Jam. Details: 01344 457318. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Mays. Details: 01276 32691. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Red Aztek. Details: 01344 530615. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. Trackbax. Details: 01252 542962. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. The Blue Beats. Details: 0118 973 4855. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Undercover Function Band. Details: 01252 811311. HURST – The Wheelwright’s Arms RG10 0TR. Cockney Knees Up with Gordon Bennett. Details: 0118 934 4100. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dy’n’omite. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196 READING – .The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Groove Lab. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Jukebox Jets. Details: 0118 402 7800. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. In Too Deep. Details: 01252 878938. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Live in the Watermill Bar: Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Flick. Details: 07946 342551. WEST END – West End Social

The Jukebox Junkies are coming to The Hope and Anchor on Saturday, April 2

Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Back Track Band. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wise Monkeys. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road. DJ and disco night. Details: 0118 978 0590. 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 – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Church Road. Ska night with Rankin Robbie J. Details: 0118 969 9756. WOODLEY – Bosco Lounge, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. The Presidents. Details: 0118 969 6293. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Okie Dokie Karaoke. Details: 01252 870648.

Easter Sunday, March 27 BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Gigabit. Details: 01276 473640 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Karaoke. Details: 01252 519964. READING – The Abbot Cook, Kings Road RG1 5DE. Sunday jazz: Hugh Turner Trio. 2.30pm. Details: 0118 935 4095. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readirock Revolutions. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Singers Night. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Dog comedy. 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. Shakin’ A Round. Details: 01276 858501.

Easter Monday, March 28 EVERSLEY – The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Pauly Zarb. Details: 0118 973 2104.

Tuesday, March 29 READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Open Mic NIght. Details: 0118 958 2797.

Wednesday, March 30 FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Soul Star. Details: 01252 620198. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet

RG9 5PU. The Budapest cafe Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Novana - a Nirvana tribute. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing: La Trappistine and the Alibis. Details: 0118 959 7196. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Open Mic night with Damian Delahunty. Details: 07946 342551.

Thursday, March 31 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Funkline. Details: 01344 878100. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night. Details: 01276 32691. FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Fuzz Universe. Details: 01252 620198. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios. Andy Smith’s Fish Fry. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music: Siv Jakobsen and Support. Details: 0118 959 4267.

Friday, April 1 BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. Grant Chambers. Details: 01276 473768. BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. The Congakeyz. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Dan McHugh.

Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bon Giovi Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. In Too Deep. Details: 01276 63842. CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Arachna. Details: 01252 616434. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Fat Men In A Bathtub. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. The Turn. Details: 01252 663686. FARNBOROUGH – The Tradesmans Arms, Cove Road GU14 0EX. Ma Might. Details: 01252 376745. HENLEY – Lovibonds Brewery, Market Place RG9 2AA. Jukes Blues. Details: 01491 576596. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd Tribute and The Doors of Perception, a Doors tribute band. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Crime Scene Improvisation. Deep Far: The Bass House Addition.. Details: 0118 959 7196. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Live in the Watermill Bar: Glyn and Elaine. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Steve and Megan. Details: 07946 342551. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Shelf Side. 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 – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056.

Road GU14 0HF. DisCover. Details: 01252 542962. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Graeme. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH – The Plough and Horses, Fleet Road GU14 9RG. Taking The Mic with The Dead Hand Gang. Details: 01252 545199. FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. The Serial Thrillers. Details: 01276 34735. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Old Soul and Motown Night. Details: 0118 978 0544. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Forty45. Details: 01252 811311. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hungarian Night: Andrewboy with Coronita Classic Party. Details: 0118 402 7800. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Live in the Watermill Bar: Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Horizon. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jukebox Junkies. 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 – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Brodie. Details: 01252 870648.

Saturday, April 2

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. EMBEEPEE: Dignan Porch and Peter Hefferan. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Theme night - These Foolish Things. Details: 0118 958 6692. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. The Bourne Again Shadows With Cliff. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Open Mic and Jam Night. Details: 01276 858501.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. The Berries. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. In Too Deep. Details: 01344 454532. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Force Ten. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Wellington College, Dukes Ride RG45 7PU. In Too Chic. Details: 01344 444000. EARLEY – Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Charis-Anne. Details: 0118 9313965. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove

Sunday, April 3

28 | LEISURE

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

London’s burning

You’ll be a mug to miss the T’s

Kim Taylor-Foster

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Next month is going to be a corker at The Acoustic Couch –you’ve got to come and join us! JODY Mc explains

IRECTOR Ben Wheatley likes humour and gore. Kill List was the film that first made his name. Its exciting, unsettling mash up of genres made it a wrong-footing curiosity, compelling to watch right the way through to its horrifying, unpredictable climax. Next came Sightseers in which Wheatley’s treatment of the Alice Lowe/Steve Oram-scripted dark comedy brought out the film’s horror. Wheatley was making a name for himself as an adventurous director with a strong independent voice and a penchant for the visceral. A Field in England was next – a foray into the experimental – before his latest, an adaptation of the apparently ‘unfilmable’ JG Ballard novel from 1975. Wheatley brings his signature style to Ballard’s story, adapted for the screen by wife Amy Jump. An uneasy throb of comedy spliced with murkiness is apparent from the opening scenes that see Reece Sheersmith’s orthodontist examining Tom Hiddleston’s decaying teeth, whose character Dr Laing is also seen gnawing on a dog’s leg, through the film’s chaotic middle to its closing scenes which bring us full circle. Dr Laing has just moved into a London tower block: he quickly finds himself seduced by the irresistible allure of the brutalist building. With a supermarket, gym, pool and in-built lively social scene, there’s never a reason for anyone to leave, save to go to work, if they have an outside job. Laing does – but it’s rare we see him in that environment as the high rise takes hold. With the poor – mainly families – living at the base of the building, and the rich occupying the top, the hierarchy is blatant. The building’s architect, Anthony Royal (Jeremy Irons) is ensconced in the plush penthouse. Along with a team of privileged high-level dwellers, he expects the lower floors to dance to his merry tune. When a power cut incites the lower floors to revolt – led by Richard Wilder (an animalistic Luke Evans) – chaos reigns and the insular society breaks down. Any pretence of a moral existence goes out the window; immorality and disorder take over. Exploring the diktat that absolute power corrupts absolutely, High Rise recalls controversial Seventies films like Caligula and The Devils in theme but and feel. It also echoes The Shining – the building has a malevolent presence and corrupting influence. Set in the 1970s when the book was both set and written, High Rise looks back on a past that has imagined an alternate near future. Through the lens of the present, the film becomes an even more powerful allegory about society, the way things panned out and the way things are heading. Though it presents a microcosm of society, it’s interesting that no part of the film ever feels like it has the potential to be a real scenario – it always feels like an extended metaphor. It feels like you’ve been plunged into a claustrophobic nightmare, looking through a mindbending kaleidoscope that distorts, mirrors, obscures, shifts and magnifies: it simultaneously makes no sense and total sense. Characters fit types and have names that signpost their roles – Wilder is the base, feral, instinctive one; Royal is the supercilious Freudian superego. The building itself is a metaphor for the brain, representative of a mind in crisis. The top of the building visually is jagged and unbalanced and juts off on a tangent, and brain symbolism is all around. Both surreal and naturalistic (there are notes of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter and Terry Gilliam juxtaposed with strains of Bertolt Brecht and Mike Leigh), this nightmarish tale will stay in your head and play with your mind.

We hear you! MY list of unsigned music is building up and my CD collection is growing as new discs arrive daily. We’ve been asking fans and artists alike to send us copies of albums, EPs or singles, (address is below so keep them coming) and the response has been great! We even received a CD from overseas this week. Thank you ‘sharp bone’ #overwhelming We’ll be checking out your album along with Lewis Bear And Friends, Speak Brother and many more. We will also be finding out some more about homegrown talent in the coming weeks. First up will be a young musician hailing from Wokingham, she loves creative collaborative music and as I check out her sounds I’m left excited at the prospect of welcoming her to the couch venue to hear her live. If you haven’t checked out Nicky Booty then you should. We certainly will be soon, keep your eyes peeled... You can send your CDs and demos to The Acoustic Couch, 11 Market Street, Bracknell RG12 1JG.

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 274

Medium

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

7 7 4

1 2 9 1 2 2

5 7 1

5 7 7 6

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

No. 274

Previous solution - Easy

4 1 2 5 3 9

1 2 3 4

7 8 6 5 7 6

2 3 1 6 9 8 7 4 5

3 4 7 8 6 9

3 4

Very Hard

6 5

4 8

Previous solution - Tough

6 7 5 3 1 2 8 9 4

1 2

6 8

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

4 1

6 9

7 2

Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans

High Rise (15) «««««

Live music is the best way to experience bands – and we’ve got a great line-up coming up next month

WON’T lie to you, I’m a little excited. I’ve been sat down and schooled about punk and prog rock in the past few weeks and heard interesting stories of why it’s such an oddity to have the respective genres sharing a weekend. Well we like to do things a l’il different at the acoustic couch. Coming soon hopes to be another hugely successful night, dipping into our bonkersly big pool of unsigned talent again. On Friday, April 8 we welcome our friends T & The Mugs who are joined by Geeza Punx and 5 Go Mad. If you love punk and are over 18 you are welcome. Entry is free and a donation bucket will be passed round in good spirit. Talking of spirit ... The bar will be open, operating a humble bottle and spirits service. Door open at 8pm and if T’s’ last visit is anything to go by then I can’t wait! Saturday, April 9 will be like welcoming back family. Spriggan Mist return to host the first official Four Play Prog Rock festival at our place. The hard work being put on by most the guys involved is extreme, they’re a dedicated bunch. Sharing the stage at this year’s prog rock fest will be Quiet Wish, Kindred Spirit and The Far Meadow. They will complete the quadruple header at Theacousticcouch venue Bracknell (find us on the Ring Road) and will serve up an evening of proggy delights with four very different styles all on one billing.

8 9 2 7 4 5 6 1 3

4 3 1 8 9 6 5 7 2

2 4 7 6 5 9 3 8 1

3 8 9 1 7 4 2 5 6

5 1 6 2 8 3 7 4 9

1 2 4 5 6 7 9 3 8

7 6 8 9 3 1 4 2 5

9 5 3 4 2 8 1 6 7

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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We’ve put together an amazing offer for you – a free linage advert of up to 30 words for your vacancy. There’s no strings and no catch. Just email your wording to advertising@ wokinghampaper.co.uk and we’ll insert your job vacancy in our next available issue. Please note, we can only accept these adverts by email. You can pay a little and include your company logo, a box or convert it into a bigger advert – for more details email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Please note: offer is limited to one advert per company and is only open during March 2016. We will place your advert only when there is space. For upgrade prices, please contact us. For multiple inserts or vacancies there will be a charge. We reserve the right to decline an advert. Homeview Windows & Conservatories are looking for a part-time accounts assistant. 15 hours over 3 days per week Salary £25,000.00 pro rata To apply send your CV to sales@ homeviewwindows.co.uk

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

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

Job is almost Dun as Clarke nets the Men a vital point A DUNCAN CLARKE goal ensured Wokingham Men 2s keep a three point cushion above the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 to Oxford Hawks 5s in MBBO Division 3, writes TOM CROCKER. Now sitting ninth, Wokingham know victory in either of their final two matches is likely to see them avoid slipping into the bottom three thanks to Clarke’s goal cancelling out James Edmonton’s effort for Oxford.

Wokingham 2s secured a point from a draw with Oxford Hawks Picture: Steve Smyth

The league is incredibly tight with just one point separating Wokingham and West London in fifth as the fixtures draw to a close. The 1ST XI had another afternoon to forget, slipping to a 4-0 loss against Sonning 1s with Ian Gallagher netting a hat-trick in Regional Division 2 to leave them rooted to the foot of the table. In Division 7, the 3S climbed a place to ninth with a 1-1 draw against West Hampstead 8s and in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance, WOKINGHAM VETS beat Sunbury Red Lions. WOKINGHAM LADIES WOKINGHAM 1s missed the chance to end the season off the bottom of the league after a 9-0 loss at home to Amersham and Chalfont 1s. It has been a season to forget for the team in TrySports Premier 1 and the campaign ended in similar fashion with a heavy loss to the eventual runners-up ensuring they won just twice in 22 league matches. WOKINGHAM 2s also end with just two victories all season but they picked up the second of those last weekend, seeing off hapless Henley 3s 2-0. Henley ended the season bottom of Division 2 with only two points, nine behind Wokingham in 11th. The 3s game against Bicester 3s in Division 5 was called off with no new date confirmed.

BASKETBALL

A crunch weekend awaits Rockets and Pena Garces SECURING as high a league position as possible will be the aim for Reading Rockets this weekend. A run of nine straight victories in Division 1 of the English Basketball League (EBL) came to an abrupt end when the side went down to a 76-74 loss against Essex Leopards last Thursday. Things got no better for Rockets in their following game, either, as Hemel Storm took the points in a narrow 76-75 triumph. Both fixtures were settled in the final few seconds. Successive defeats mean Reading could finish anywhere between second and sixth when the regular season is wrapped up. But standing in their way is second-placed Derby Trailblazers, who visit Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday (6pm), before Rockets head to champions Manchester Magic on Sunday (5pm). Securing the runners-up spot would require the team to defeat Derby by a points margin of 16. Coach Manuel Pena Garces, however, is focused solely on getting back on the victory path. He said: “We improved over the two games but the mistakes we made leading to both losses were not ones we can see again.

“I am naturally disappointed to lose both these games, but we can still finish in a good position in the league table and finish the season strong heading into the play-offs. “I believe in my players a lot and know this week is a really important one for us all. “With Derby beating Manchester last Sunday it makes this weekend extra difficult if we want to finish second but we will be looking for two wins and then seeing what happens from there. “The league is really tough and there have been many upsets along the way so we just need to see by the end of Sunday how things stand.” Any defeat will leave Rockets relying on results elsewhere to determine their final league position and opponent in the play-offs. They will, however, be able to call upon the services of captain Danny Carter. Having recovered from a back injury, the forward played 20 minutes of the game with Hemel and came out it unscathed. Fidel Gomez De Enterria Lopez, meanwhile, will not travel with the Under-18s side heading to Cherbourg in France for a tournament and teams up with the senior side instead.

Don’t forget clocks go forward this weekend!

Sonning’s Kathryn Petch attempts to lead the side on an attack during their title decider with Reading 2s Pictures: Emma Sheppard

XXXXXX

Headline 40pt SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Katie keeps out Sonning to hand Reading 2s the title Ladies’ late push for top spot is ended by stalemate By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk SONNING LADIES agonisingly failed in their bid to be crowned TrySports Premier League champions after drawing 0-0 with Reading Ladies 2s, a result which instead saw them top the table. Sonning went into the final weekend knowing victory would see them take the title while anything less would hand the crown to their opponents and it was a predictably tense affair. A healthy crowd watched on as the pair traded blows during a tight first half before hosts Sonning stepped up the pressure after the break. Chasing the goal they craved, a number of penalty corner opportunities came and went as Reading keeper Katie Goddard won the day with a shut-out. The result was not even enough for Sonning to finish as runners-up, missing out to Amersham and Chalfont on goal difference. And there was further disappointment for Sonning on Sunday as they fell to Formby in the semi-finals of the England Hockey Vase. Goals from Anneliese Churchill and Katie Patterson twice gave Sonning the lead, only to be pegged back by the Merseysiders on each occasion, sending the contest to penalties where Formby triumphed 3-2. Meanwhile, the 2S wrapped up their season with a 1-1 draw against Aylesbury 1s and in Division 3 SONNING 3s finished a forgettable campaign second bottom after a 5-2 loss against Milton Keynes 2s. The 4S and 5S both saw their games called off but the SONNING VETERANS were in action, going down 1-0 to Oxford

Wendy Doolan (right) looks for an opening

Fireflies in Division 4. SONNING MEN IAN GALLAGHER bagged a treble as Sonning 1s heaped further misery on bottom placed Wokingham 1s with a 4-0 win. Jon Sharp was also on target for a Sonning side who stayed fourth with just one more game to play in MBBO Regional Division 2. A draw was not enough for the ladies

A Tim Preston brace was not enough to prevent further embarrassment for the 3S as they were thrashed 10-2 by Maidenhead 2s in a Division 2 relegation scrap. On the back of losing 11-0 the previous week, Sonning fared no better on home ground, as their relegation was confirmed with Mark Bromley (3) and Nick Lloyd (2) the main protagonists for Maidenhead. The 2S stay sixth in Division 1 after a 2-1 defeat to unbeaten leaders Amersham and Chalfont 1s while the 4S were beaten 3-0 at Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s in Division 4. However, the 5S fared considerably better, retaining their spot in the promotion places of Division 8 West with a 3-1 win over Newbury and Thatcham 4s while SONNING 7s also won, getting the better of Banbury 4s 5-0 in Division 9 West. The 6S had no game so stay third in the same division.

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ICE HOCKEY

Markov quality: ‘Great’ Bees push Tigers hard Bracknell Bees 5 Telford Tigers 6

Smital went close to doubling the lead later in the session, but put just a touch too much leverage on a clever By LEWIS RUDD back-handed effort which whistled over lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk the crossbar. Telford arrived in Berkshire looking to ANDREI MARKOV was to break Bracknell sure up a top four finish and secure home hearts when netting the overtime winner advantage in the second leg of the which saw Telford Tigers edge a thoroughly play-offs, which start this weekend. entertaining game at the Hive. Yet they were sluggish, below par and The Estonian forward would settle a soon two goals behind. contest which was to witness 11 goals The opposition continued to look the when flashing a first-time effort past host more purposeful and packing a greater netminder Alex Mettam over on the left punch going forward, therefore, would side with just a minute of the additional result in the accurate Antonov making it session played, with the puck being 2-0 on 25 minutes. helped home via a post. It was a tidy finish from the forward, Bees were extremely unlucky not to who would drill a low effort between have won the game – their last home Murdy and his near post when cutting in fixture of the season – but having let slip from the left. of a two-goal lead on no fewer than three The latter probably should have done occasions was to take its toll on the side. better, but his team-mates were quick to It was another performance full of cancel out the strike. vigour, energy and determination, and Just two minutes had passed when although disappointed to be on the Jonathan Weaver and Peter Szabo wrong end of the result, player-coach combined to construct a move through Lukas Smital was more than satisfied the middle which would eventually result with the effort shown by his roster. in Jason Silverthorn coolly stroking the “I thought we played really well and puck into the far corner of Mettam’s net. scoring five goals at home was good to It was a blow to concede so soon see,” he said. after doubling the advantage, but back “Again it was a lottery at the end came Bees, with Smital again over with a and they (Telford) scored a sixth and it chance which fell his way. happens. I have said it many times before However, when Jan Bendik, who had that is sport. not long been back on the ice having needed treatment to a cut lip, stole in and sent James Galazzi on his way, Bracknell were once again back in control. Galazzi would show great composure to commit Murdy, who was sold by a quick deke, and then have the simple task of finishing into a relatively unguarded goal. Yet whatever Bracknell could do, the Tigers now had a Tom Relf stops Joe response, with Szabo Miller in his tracks quickly reducing the arrears when “But to make it into overtime against hammering a shot into the top shelf after a team like that I thought it was great exchanging passes with Sam Zajac on character and a result for the team.” 32:08. Smital was to hit the go-ahead goal for The goal-fest witnessed during the Bracknell, who saw an encouraging start second session, though, was showing rewarded when the Czech sent a shot no signs of letting up, with number five beyond the reach of Tigers’ shot-stopper of the period arriving as many minutes Thomas Murdy and into the corner on 12 before the interval. minutes. Lighting the lamp on this occasion, and for the second time on the night, was Vanya Antonov and Carl Thompson Smital. provided the assists.

James Galazzi opens his account to put Bracknell Bees 3-1 ahead against the Tigers Pictures: Bob Swann

Frailties at the back once again hurt Telford, who just could not clear their lines as opponents swarmed the crease. Murdy and co did well to keep out the first few shots which came their way, but could do nothing to stop Smital producing the telling touch at the far post. Bracknell were now just 20 minutes away from victory, but seeing games out has been something of a problem for the side in recent times. Leads had been surrendered during the last stanza against both Hull Pirates and Sheffield Steeldogs in recent weeks, and such a scenario threatened once again. Failure to end a marauding Macaulay Heywood run would see the player squeeze his way past two attempted challenges and nudge the puck over Mettam’s left shoulder and into the top corner. This was to arrive on 46:01 – but just moments later Bees were presented with the chance to regain a two-goal cushion when Antonov was sent crashing to the ground when bursting forward, resulting in a penalty shot being awarded. Responsibility would belong with the same player, although Murdy would win this particular battle and thwart his counterpart down low. Although unfortunate not to make it 5-3 and through no fault of his own, the miss was a costly one because not long after the game was all square. Hitting the equaliser was Dale White, who was on hand to prod home when meeting a Weaver pass from the right. It was now anyone’s game for the taking as the contest entered the final 10 minutes, but tempers were to flare when Smital and Zajac had a coming together, with the pair binned for cross-checking

Player-coach Smital celebrates his second goal and making it 4-2 to the hosts

and roughing minors respectively. Rick Plant would soon join Zajac in the box for a holding call, but Bees, with the extra man, could not capitalise. It was when both sides were back to full strength, though, when they would steal back the lead, which was to arrive on 56:32. A trademark blue line drive from Bendik was too hot to handle, as is most often the case, and Galazzi was on hand to sweep home the rebound. As it had been for long parts of the night, the atmosphere was once again electric as those in the stands were sensing victory. The mood, however, was doused somewhat when Bracknell failed to track the run of Makrov, who was on hand to tie up the scoring once more when a blocked Szabo effort kindly fell his way. It was the third of 21 shots on goal the Tigers would make count during the period and took the game into an extra

five minutes. It was only the third time Bees have taken a game this far in 2015/16, and both previous occasions had ended in defeat. There was little to separate the sides during the first 60 seconds, although Telford were predominantly encamped withing enemy lines. And frustratingly for the home side, it was the Shropshire side who went on to claim the win and put all previous scares behind them when Makrov competed the comeback. English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Basingstoke 52 33 6 2 11 202 Peterborough 52 31 3 7 11 207 Guildford 52 25 8 5 14 197 Telford 52 30 3 1 18 211 Milton Keynes 52 24 6 5 17 190 Swindon 52 21 7 5 19 181 Sheffield 52 20 4 4 24 193 Manchester 52 16 3 8 25 167 Hull 52 6 5 5 36 128 Bracknell 52 9 0 3 40 142

Phoenix plucked as Antonov helps Bracknell end season on a high Manchester Phoenix 2 Bracknell Bees 6

VANYA ANTONOV led the scoring for a Bees side which brought the season to a close with an impressive and deserved win on the road in Deeside. The forward netted twice, with James Galazzi, Carl Thompson, Matt Foord and Lukas Smital also on target as the visitors racked up a first victory over the Phoenix this term. It was also a first triumph in 10 matches and ensured a difficult season for the club ended on a positive note. Antonov needed only three minutes to get the scoring underway, stealing in to take the puck from Gareth O’Flaherty before breaking the deadlock.

Bees were two goals to the good moments later, Galazzi grabbing a third goal of the weekend when producing the decisive touch amid a scramble within the crease. Although struggling to find any fluency to their play, Manchester were able to reduce the deficit through a deflected Robin Kovar strike just 11 seconds before the first interval. They would level things up early in the second session too through Ben Wood, who saw his shot at goal squeeze under the grasp of Bees netminder Alex Mettam and over the line. Phoenix, though, were only on level terms for just two minutes as hopes of the revival continuing were dashed when Thompson fired the visitors back in front.

Vanya Antonov scored twice in Deeside

Captain Foord was to stretch the advantage on the half hour mark before

Smital waded in with a goal moments later, also striking his third of the weekend in what was a profitable period for his team. And things would get even better for Bees when Antonov popped up with the sixth. It was now a case of damage limitation for Tony Hand’s Manchester side, but clawing back four goals was always going to be a tall order, even for his side’s standards. Given the exploits of the previous 20 minutes, it would come as a surprise no further goals would be witnessed during the fixture, with Bracknell standing firm and killing off a number of power plays awarded to the opposition. The closest either side would come to

A Pts 120 80 132 75 162 71 140 67 146 65 187 61 227 52 208 46 266 27 230 21

adding to their tallies was when Kovar rung a shot off the crossbar. It was through the generosity of both sets of supporters which was to see this game go ahead, as those loyal to each club chipped in to help raise the £1,200 Bracknell needed to fund a coach to take the players to north Wales. “Without fans you cannot function,” said player-coach Smital. “It shows how much heart they have themselves to help us with the bus, not just Bracknell fans, but Manchester fans too. “We’re privileged to play in front of a crowd like that, especially when we have lost and been pretty much written off this season. “We’re very humbled.”

36 | SPORT

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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON PREMIER DIVISION

Walton’s debut Jake’s joy as brace of tries helps Crowthorne to victory and top four spot marred by loss Wheatley 19 Crowthorne 29

Bracknell 19 Wimbledon 38

AN IMPRESSIVE debut from Bracknell’s Aly Walton was overshadowed by defeat. The scrum half, promoted from the club’s Under-17s for this National League 3 London and South East clash, was to make an immediate impact. For it was his quick break from the base of a ruck which allowed Neil Higgins to play in Ian Burch to score under the posts. Lachlan Valentine added the extras and the hosts were 7-0 up inside the first five minutes. Neil Higgins would later go over, as would captain Jonny Mirza. However, two tries from Tommy Moore and further efforts from Aaron Lowe, Bryan Croke, Alex Kane and former Lily Hill favourite Neil Hallet saw Wimbledon fight back from 14-7 down to run out comfortable winners. Centre Lowe found himself exploiting a large hole in the hosts’ defence to cancel out Burch’s opening score, with Hallett, who struck some 500 points during his time with the opposition, levelling things up from the conversion. Continuous pressure on the away side’s line, however, would eventually see Higgins dab down following a driving maul to put Bracknell back in front. Valentine again improved the try. A Wimbledon side boasting former England No.8 Nick Easter among their coaching ranks, though, would turn the game on its head through fly-half Croke and Hallett, with the latter converting both for a 21-14 lead. But back came Bracknell, and the gap was cut when Mirza charged over in the corner just seconds before the break. The conversion would have ensured Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men went in to the interval with the score all square, but the kick drifted wide of a post. Falling foul of the referee would see the guests concede a number of penalties to their opponents, but Wimbledon’s defence stood firm and frustrated Bracknell. And their work in the rearguard would reap rewards at the opposite end of the pitch, too. Growing in stature, the side would stretch their advantage to 14 points through Moore’s brace, the second coming via an interception. It was more than enough to wrap up the win and a bonus point, but the scoring was not yet finished. Wimbledon would add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings when Kane darted over the whitewash. Ben Yates would hold up Moore in the first instance after the pair became involved in a foot race covering almost the full length of the field. The latter, though, had back-up, who helped recycle the ball and allow Kane to go over. BRACKNELL: Pickett, Silvester, Mirza (c), Wright, Bailey, Rudkin, Goodison, Valentine, Walton, Conway, Burch, Higgins, Brember, Mackay, Yates. Reps: Williams, Deveraux, Dennett

Bracknell continue to sit comfortably in 11th despite the loss. They return to action at Gravesend on April 2. National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 22 18 3 1 671 322 14 Tonbridge Juddian 22 18 1 3 698 304 17 East Grinstead 22 16 1 5 563 300 14 Westcombe Park 22 15 1 6 606 345 15 Hertford 22 15 0 7 615 374 12 Guernsey 22 14 0 8 556 490 11 Shelford 22 12 0 10 499 441 15 Wimbledon 22 10 0 12 543 438 10 Colchester 22 10 0 12 477 506 8 Chichester 22 9 0 13 402 510 8 Bracknell 22 7 0 15 410 598 10 Westcliff 22 4 0 18 361 691 7 Gravesend 22 3 0 19 315 695 6 Eton Manor 22 0 0 22 235 910 5

PTS 92 86 80 77 72 67 63 50 48 44 38 23 18 5

Crowthorne’s Dougie Charman

TWO TRIES from Jake Lovelock helped Crowthorne storm to victory at Holton Playing Fields – and up to fourth in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division. Alex Stewart’s men were clearly unfazed by the favourites tag they held going into the fixture with the league’s bottom club and would dominate the opening exchanges. This would yield a first try of the afternoon, which was scored by Rick Frost and converted by Dougie Charman. The lead was extended when Frost this time played in Laye to dot down, which Charman again improved. Although well on their way to a third successive win, the Crows would not

have it all their own way and would find themselves pegged back when Wheatley grabbed a try of their own, punishing mistakes made by the visitors Lovelock, who was enjoying a profitable first start out on the wing, however, would restore parity when smashing his way over the line and open his account for the game. Charman was this time off target with the conversion and back came the hosts, who pulled themselves to within five points of the opposition thanks to a second score and the extras. The scoreboard would continue to read 19-14 in Crowthorne’s favour until Charman knocked over a penalty after the break before Lovelock went over again, which the former bettered from the tee. All five points were now in the bag, and

Wheatley would score again late on, but it was never going to alter the outcome of the fixture. Crowthorne have a rest this weekend, but up next for the side on April 2 is a trip to league leaders Gosford All Blacks. Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Gosford All Blacks 19 18 0 1 696 194 16 Milton Keynes 18 16 1 1 709 220 12 Tadley 18 15 0 3 669 262 12 Crowthorne 19 11 1 7 287 257 8 Abingdon 18 11 0 7 494 338 11 Chesham 19 7 0 12 227 452 7 Chipping Norton 18 6 2 10 282 430 5 Slough 18 5 1 12 403 516 8 Alchester 19 4 0 15 229 432 9 Risborough 18 6 0 12 186 539 2 Hungerford 19 5 1 13 271 505 9 Wheatley 19 4 0 15 188 496 6

PTS 88 79 67 56 55 35 33 30 30 22 21 12

LONDON IRISH

Greig Tonks Irish to important win London Irish 23 Gloucester 18

A CROWD of almost 18,000 saw a Blair Cowan try 10 minutes from time secure London Irish a vital victory. The biggest crowd of the season to date not only turned up at Madejski Stadium for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, but were also treated to a much improved display from the Exiles. The win, only a fourth in the Aviva Premiership for Tom Coventry’s side this term, moved them on to 17 points for the season, with the team now only five behind their nearest rivals at the bottom of the table, Newcastle Falcons. Blair’s score was improved by Greig Tonks, who was to kick over 13 points on what was his home debut. “It was nice to get a good win in front of a great crowd in what is a huge day for the club,” said the Scotland international Tonks. “Every year this is a big day for London Irish so it was good to run out and hear the support and experience the brilliant atmosphere. It was never going to be easy, Gloucester are a good team with some great players. “At certain times in the game we let ourselves down and gave them the ball back a little too easily, which kept them in the game. “The boys kept the faith and stuck to the game plan and thankfully we got the win.” Irish went in to the fixture against seventh-placed Gloucester on the back of five successive defeats. But they would not get off to the best of starts and looked to have fallen behind early on when Billy Twelvetress stolled over the line. The move, however, was referred to the Television Match Official (TMO), who spotted an offside in the build-up and scratched the score, much to the relief of the home support. Yet just minutes later and those backing Irish would be celebrating the opening try. No second opinion was needed on this occasion, as Johnny Williams and Topsy Ojo carved open the visitors’ rearguard, which allowed Halani Aulika to crash over from the base of a ruck. Tonks was to open his account with the conversion and the home side led 7-0. James Hook was quick to reduce the advantage from the tee, only for Tonks to bang over a penalty and restore parity. The recent arrival from

Irish’s Halani Aulika opens the scoring against Gloucester Pictures: Steve Smyth

Greig Tonks lines up a kick for the posts

Edinburgh was to set up another kick at goal soon after, but could only drag this particular effort wide of a post. Although the better team and deservedly ahead, Irish were dealt a blow just minutes before the break when Gloucester’s No.8 Lewis Ludlow wriggled his way over the whitewash. Hook’s accurate conversion meant there would be nothing separating the sides when referee Matt Carley blew his whistle for half time. Coventry’s charges, though, would come out at the restart undeterred and went on to produce 40 minutes of rugby which can only breed fresh optimism within the side going forward. Tonks and his Welsh counterpart Hook would trade more successful penalties early on, but the hosts found themselves with work to do when Henry Trinder ran on to a chipped kick over the top before crashing down in the corner. The TMO was asked to check the winger was in play as he dived over the whitewash, and no foul play was confirmed.

The hosts go on the charge

Hook would set the ball up over on the left touchline, but his 100 per cent record was ended when his attempt fell wide of the posts. They say in times of adversity you need characters, and although things have been far from easy for Exiles on the field this season, those wearing the club’s colours would step up to the plate on this particular afternoon. And they boast a real weapon in the scrum – as the opposition were about to find out. Gloucester simply had no answer in the set piece, and were lucky to have four attempts to try and get it right before Carley had enough and sent both Yann Thomas and Tom Savage to the sin-bin. With two extra men to call upon, Irish went for the jugglar, and would see a prolonged spell in opposition territory rewarded when Cowan powered through a rolling Maul to tie up the scoring before the Tonks nudged them ahead. Fittingly, it was the same player who would seal the win when slotting

over his third penalty of the game four minutes from time. “We were very honest at half time, we knew we missed opportunities but we knew we would get more in the second half, so it was about continuing to do what we had done in the first half and eventually the points would come,” added Tonks. “Everyone knows where we are in the league and the run of games we have got, so it was great to come out and perform in the second half in what was a must-win game. “The main thing for us was that we got the win and we now turn our focus to next week.” Irish now have just five games to try and pull themselves off the foot of the table. Up next is a trip to a side also with aspirations of finshing higher up the standings, Worcester Warriors, which takes place on Saturday (5.30pm). Exiles won the last encounter 20-13 back in February, but in order to complete the double and keep up the great escape, they must put an end to a winless run on the road in the league this term. “They (Worcester) are in good form at the moment with a couple of wins, so they will be tough, especially away, so we will have to do our analysis and throw everything at them on Saturday.”

LONDON IRISH: Maitland (Mulchrone 57), Lewington, Hearn, Williams, Ojo, Tonks, Steele (McKibbin 75), Court (Smallbone 40), Cruse (Paice 45), Aulika (Halavatau 13, 22, 54), Lloyd (Sexton 54), Symons, Narraway (c), Cowan, McCusker (Sinclair 54). Rep not used: Brophy Clews Tries: Aulika, Cowan; Conversions: Tonks x2 Penalties: Tonks x3 GLOUCESTER: Marshall, Sharples (Cook 43), Meakes (Atkinson 34), Twelvetrees (c), Trinder (Atkinson 43), Hook, Braley, Wood, Hibbard (Dawidiuk 25), Afoa (Dorran Jones 62), Thrush (Savage 49), Galarza, Kalamafoni, Kvesic, Ludlow (Evans 63) Reps not used: Thomas, Randall Tries: Ludlow, Trinder; Conversion: Hook Penalties: Hook x2 Referee: Matt Carley Attendance: 17,752

Exeter Saracens Wasps Leicester Northampton Harlequins Gloucester Sale Sharks Bath Worcester Newcastle London Irish

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP P W D L F 17 12 0 5 422 17 12 1 4 426 17 11 0 6 441 17 11 0 6 366 17 9 0 8 353 17 8 1 8 410 17 8 1 8 339 16 7 2 7 312 16 6 0 10 307 17 6 0 11 325 17 4 1 12 270 17 4 0 13 264

A 270 303 300 339 277 420 323 348 321 413 426 495

BP 11 7 9 5 10 10 5 6 9 6 4 1

PTS 59 57 53 49 46 44 39 38 33 30 22 17

READING FC

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

Chandler hits milestone on Spiky afternoon for Rams

Dan Barnes runs in to extend Rams’ lead as Spike Chandler prepares to kick over his 1,000 point, below Pictures: Emma Sheppard

Redingensians Rams 26 Southend Saxons 21

SPIKE CHANDLER racked up his 1,000 league point for the Rams. But it was a bittersweet afternoon for the fly-half, who would improve Robbie Stapley’s sixth minute try to reach the milestone, but had to watch the remainder of this National League 2 South fixture from the sidelines having picked up a calf injury. Things were looking very good for the hosts, who raced into a 26-0 lead and were in the territory of building up a score often seen in a cricket match. However, Rams would become a touch complacent, and in taking their foot off the gas would allow the Essex side back into the game and find themselves subject to a mighty scare. “We were all over them in the first 20 minutes, played some really good rugby, then seemed to relax,” said coach Mike Tewkesbury, whose side did manage to hold out and record a sixth win on the spin. “We made uncharacteristic errors, became lazy in defence and that gave them confidence.” Stapley got the scoring started when running in under the posts following a 30-yard burst. Chandler kicked over the conversion and would surpass the four-figure mark in the process. “To reach a thousand points is a nice personal achievement, but it’s not about me, it’s about the team,” he said afterwards. “It would have meant nothing if we had lost against relegation rivals. I could hardly bear to watch the final quarter-of-an-hour.” Three more touch downs would follow Stapley’s earlier score. A blistering sixminute period saw Jamie Guttridge drive over, skipper Dan Barnes finish off good work by Joe Duffelen and Steve Bryant before the hosts were awarded a penalty try following a five-metre scrum offence. Southend hooker Marcus Bloomberg was sin-binned for the infringement. Kicking responsibilty now belonged with George Drury, and he would land the second of his conversions soon after. It had been a punishing start for the Saxons, but the 14-men were provided with some pain relief when man-of-the-match Brad Burr went over and then added the extras from the touchline. Rams would also lose Keiran Ball to a yellow card, meaning the numbers would be evened up for the next few minutes.

SPORT | 37

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Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Burr’s try would provide Saxons with the tonic needed to kick-start a comeback, and the gap was decreased again early in the second half when Hayden Smith forced his way over the whitewash. A yawning gap in the Redingensians defence then allowed Burr in again, with two more conversions from the same player bringing the Saxons right back into contention and leaving the opposition with a job on their hands. The minutes would pass by tentatively as the contest hung in the balance, but Rams somehow were better defending a five point lead than the one of 26 held earlier in the afternoon. But it was some desperate and last ditch stuff which saw them home – but only just.

REDINGENSIANS: Duffelen; Foxley, Bryant, McDermottroe; Chandler, Drury; Weller, Henderson, Ball, Kerschbaumer, Guttridge, Kharbouch, Vooght, Stapley Reps: Steadman, Crame, Amor, Nightingale, Richardson

The Rams are not in action this weekend, but return on April 2, where they are guests of Bury St Edmonds. Both sides sit level on points in the standings, but victory for Tewkesbury’s charges would all but ensure safety with four matches left to play. National League 2 South P W D L F Cambridge 25 21 2 2 761 Old Albanians 25 20 1 4 791 Bishop’s Stortford 25 17 1 7 691 Redruth 25 18 0 7 582 Taunton Titans 25 17 0 8 755 Barnes 25 10 4 11 592 Old Elthamians 25 12 2 11 540 Clifton 25 11 1 13 634 Bury St Edmunds 25 11 0 14 594 Redingensians 25 11 0 14 552 Worthing 25 10 1 14 521 Canterbury 25 10 0 15 559 Chinnor 25 9 0 16 586 Dorking 25 8 0 17 474 Southend Saxons 25 7 3 15 492 Launceston 25 0 1 24 260

A 448 406 385 438 500 628 586 603 601 578 557 729 651 665 670 939

BP 20 21 21 15 18 16 10 14 14 14 12 13 17 13 10 8

PTS 108 103 91 87 86 64 62 60 58 58 54 53 53 45 44 10

Yann: Royals deserved Mor Reading 1 Cardiff City 1

YANN KERMORGANT and the rest of the Reading side were left cutting disappointed figures after being held by promotion-chasing Cardiff City at Madejski Stadium. A stunning first-half strike from substitute Garath McCleary was cancelled out on 65 minutes by Lex Immers as the Welsh side fought back to secure a point which keeps them in the hunt for a top-six finish. The goal, however, was surrounded by controversy, as it looked as though Sammy Ameobi had handled the ball during the build up. It was not the only reason for the hosts to be left agitated, with three shouts for a penalty all being waved away by referee Darren Drysdale. The Royals also saw a string of opportunities to win the game come and go, meaning they head into the international break with no win in four league games. “It is a big disappointment because I think we had the possibilities to win the game and we concede a goal we should avoid and could have scored one or two more, but it is a game we should have taken three points,” bemoaned Kermorgant afterwards. “I saw it (the equaliser) from the bench. I didn’t see the finish, I just saw the striker get the ball and I think he did handle it, but I don’t want to talk about the referee. “We tried to win, but unfortunately we didn’t. The most important thing is to finish the season as strong as we can. “Saturday was a big disappointment because we wanted to take the three points to go into the international break with a good win, so we have to learn from every mistake we do and come back strong for the next game.” The Frenchman would play a key role in helping break the deadlock, for

Reading’s Garath McCleary celebrates his goal Inset: Yann Kermorgant Pictures: Steve Smyth

it was his flick-on from an Ola John cross which McCleary took in his stride, rolling past a marker before sending an unstoppable half volley into the top corner from 10 yards. McCleary, who opened the scoring on 37 minutes, was only on the pitch because of a calf injury picked up by Hal Robson-Kanu. Injured in a tackle, the attacker tried to run the problem off, but was unable to do so and is now doubtful for the Wales friendlies with Northern Ireland tonight (Thursday), and Ukraine on Monday. Prior to the replacement’s effort, it was City who had come closest to going ahead, with Craig Noone hitting the bar with a free header from a Joe Ralls cross. John was also foiled by Cardiff ‘keeper Simon Moore and then went close just seconds after the break, but was wide with a curling effort. The lead, however, was cancelled out just past the hour mark. Russell Slade’s men had been pretty toothless going forward, but received a slice of luck when Ameobi, who had only

been on the pitch a matter of seconds, got away with controlling the ball with his hand – and then another when his strike bounced back off a post. Quickest to pounce on the rebound was Immers, who had the simple task of nodding into an empty net with Ali Al Habsi stranded on the floor. Drysdale was now a target for the boo-boys having failed to spot the infringement, and he was feeling their wrath again when dismissing two spot-kick appeals for handball as Reading went on the offensive. A third penalty shout came and went when Paul McShane pushed up to chase a free-kick pumped into the box. The captain was to end up on the floor, and looked to have been manhandled to the ground, yet the man in the middle was not interested. A glorious chance to snatch the win late on would fall to substitute Simon Cox, who had peeled off to the far post to meet a John cross, but the striker was unable to keep his effort down. The point leaves Royals eight above the drop zone in 17th place with nine games left to play. Although not in a relegation battle, Kermogant is of the opinion the team need to put a few more wins on the board to avoid being dragged into such a scrap. . “I can’t say fear but of course we need to be careful,” added the striker. “I think the maturity is good, the spirit is good and we played with a good attitude and wanted to win. “Unfortunately we couldn’t get one more goal and conceded a cheap goal. “We have to work harder to get better and hopefully come back after the break feeling fresh and stronger.” READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, McShane (c), Cooper, A.Taylor, Hector, Williams, Quinn (Cox 79), Robson-Kanu (McCleary 22), Kermorgant (Vydra 62), John. Subs not used: Bond, Norwood, Obita, Ferdinand Booked: John Goal: McCleary 37 Referee: Darren Drysdale Attendance: 17,407 (1,810 away).

WOMEN’S FA CUP

Debut delight for Jade as goal helps tame Lionesses Reading FC Women 2 Millwall Lionesses 0 By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

JADE BOHO SAYO netted on her debut as Reading set up an FA Cup quarter-final date against Sunderland with a 2-0 win over Millwall Lionesses at Adams Park Following promotion to WSL 1, the Royals made the switch from Farnborough to Wycombe Wanderers’ stadium and they christened their new home with victory thanks to second half strikes from Boho Sayo and Emma Follis. In what was a first competitive

UNDER-21S

Fosu earns share of spoils TARIQE FOSU bagged a last minute penalty to rescue a point for Reading Under-21s in a 4-4 thriller against Norwich City. Royals enjoyed a fine first half at Carrow Road, taking the lead on 10 minutes when Harry Cardwell connected to Jack Stacey’s cross.

game since October for Kelly Chambers’ charges, the contest took some time to catch light until Boho-Sayo (pictured), an off-season signing from Bristol Academy, connected with Lauren Bruton’s cross to break the deadlock on the hour mark. WSL 2 side Millwall battled hard but were left with a mountain to climb when Follis rounded goalkeeper Sarah Quantrill before tapping in. “It was nice to start with an FA Cup game and build into the league,” said manager Chambers. “Millwall came here to frustrate us but I think after half time we changed a few things tactically and we managed to get a

win at the end of it.” She continued: “It’s going to be an exciting season. “We want to keep our WSL 1 status so that’s our aim and it’s important this club is part of that top league and that’s what we’re aiming for. “We want to make sure we are a sustained club in that top division.” n READING were back in action last night, kicking off the WSL 1 season away to Arsenal Ladies at Boreham Wood and follow that up with a trip to Sunderland Ladies on Sunday, the first of two consecutive weekend treks to Wearside.

The scores were quickly levelled, however, when Glenn Middleton sweetly volleyed past goalkeeper Lewis Ward. But it was the visitors who pushed on before the break, opening up a 3-1 lead through a clinical Cardwell strike and a stunning George Evans effort from around 25 yards. The Canaries reduced the deficit through Benny Ashley-Seal before levelling the contest from the penalty

spot with Ashley-Seal again on target. And the comeback was complete after a third goal in a crazy six-minute spell as Reece Hall-Johnson poached from close range to put City 4-3 up. That was how it stayed until the game entered its final minute when, after Tennai Watson was tripped in the box, Fosu calmly stepped up and dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.

READING: Moloney; Jane, Hines (Walkley 79), Bartrip, McGee; Follis, Bruton, Roche (Estcourt 74); Boho Sayo, Ward (Scott 81), Rowe. Subs not used: Earps, Jones.

Picture: Nigel Hoyle/GoalShots

38 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk United ‘keeper Stephen Brearley was caught off guard by a speculative strike from just outside the box, with the ball ending up in the top corner of his net. Woodley would begin taking the game to the opposition as they pushed for an equaliser, but were unable to convert any of the chances which fell their way. The best of these would go to Brodie Davies, but he would shoot wide when a neat touch presented him with an opening. The away side continued to control

READING SUNDAY LEAGUE

Tilehurst are just two hot to handle WOODLEY UNITED remain just a place off the bottom in the Premier Division following a 2-0 loss at Tilehurst YM. The game at Pangbourne Recreation Ground was just four minutes old when the hosts broke the deadlock.

possession after the break, but would fall further behind when Tilehurst bagged a second on the counter attack. United again went on the offensive, but chances of the clear cut variety were few and far between as YM comfortably held out to take the win. Results - Sunday, March 20

PREMIER DIVISION: DC Steamers 2 Burghfield 5 DIVISION 1: Charvil Rangers 1 116 Exiles 3; FC Woodley 0 Woodley Wanderers 3; DIVISION 2: AFC Burghfield Reserves 7 Emmbrook Inn 3; Athletico Forest 1 Arborfield 0 DIVISION 3 EAST: FC Berksalona 1 Forest FC 4

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Johnson has the goals on Tap By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

RICHARD JOHNSON bagged a brace as Finchampstead Reserves kept their Division 3 promotion hopes alive with a 4-1 win over Taplow United Reserves. Finch went into the weekend in third place, 15 points off leaders White Eagles but just two behind second placed SRCC and they kept the pressure on with three goals inside nine first half minutes. Johnson netted the hosts’ first on 39 minutes before doubling his tally moments later, as a third goal from James Payne in stoppage time gave Finch a comfortable lead. The win was sealed with one minute to play when Colin Phillips found the net. But Finch remain third after SRCC overcame bottom side TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE 4-2. Jordan Sawyer proved to be the thorn in Twyford’s side as he bagged a hat-trick while Liam Lewendon also netted for SRCC with goals in either half from Shane Westell and Richard White unable to prevent the hosts from falling to their 11th defeat of the campaign. WARGRAVE RES were handed a home walkover victory against AFC Aldermaston Res. A late Joshua Dillon goal helped BERKS COUNTY to a shock win over third-placed Mortimer in the Premier Division. Liam Chalmers found the net for the visitors but, after a first half own goal, County netted their second of the game when Dillon popped up with 10 minutes to play to lift them up to ninth.

Action from Sonning’s 2-0 loss to Marlow United Reserves in Division 2 Pictures: Emma Sheppard

In the same division, WOODLEY UNITED RES suffered an afternoon to forget as they fell to a 4-1 defeat against rock-bottom Highmoor Ibis Res thanks to goals from Courtney Lawrence, Luquan Small, Devonn Reid and Shane Small. HURST remain stuck in mid-table after going down 2-1 to Woodcote Stoke Row with early goals from Toby Newell and Tommy Chapman enough for the win. SONNING remain at the foot of the Division 2 table after losing 2-0 at home to Marlow United Res. Level on points with second-bottom Ashridge Park, Sonning could not get the point they needed to jump up a place as Neil Austin and Christopher Davies strikes moved Marlow up to second. Goals from Andrew Taylor and Adam Wheeler saw Woodcote Stoke Row inflict BARKHAM ATHLETIC’S third straight

defeat, running out 2-0 winners, while WARGRAVE came out on the right side of a seven-goal thriller against ASHRIDGE PARK with George Evans, John Hughes and Elliott Poulter strikes in vain. A brace from Callum Fox-Spence helped WOODLEY UNITED B to an impressive point with a 3-3 draw against newly crowned Division 5 champions TDC Knights. Woodley, sitting seventh, netted twice through Fox-Spence, while Matt Jenkins also found the net but goals from Jason Agate and late Simeon Edwards and Kobby Duodu strikes earned Knights a point. Meanwhile, Taplow United A played out a goalless draw with HURST A and SHINFIELD RANGERS MENS were handed a walkover win against Goring United Res. In Division 4, HARCHESTER HAWKS kept their title hopes alive with a 3-2 win over Rotherfield United Res.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 25, 2016

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Tripp has unlucky United falling to last-gasp loss Woodley United 1 Chalfont Wasps 2

FRED TRIPP handed United a cruel blow when hitting a stoppage time winner at Scours Lane. The hosts looked set to pick up a first point in the league since a 1-1 draw with Wantage Town Reserves back in November, but would finish the game with nothing to show from a battling performance following Tripp’s late intervention. Defeat leaves Jock Mowat’s side bottom of the table and eight points behind closest rivals, Old Woodstock Town. And unless they are able to pick up a string of victories from their four remaining games look likely to finish the season propping up the rest. Despite their lowly position, United were more than a match for the Wasps, but once again struggled to defend set pieces. Yet Chalfont would enjoy the better of the first half, with Stephan Bignall in particular causing problems. It was the same player who, unsurprisingly, fired the away side in front on 22 minutes, showing a turn of pace to break away from the Woodley defence before firing past ‘keeper Ben Hitchins with aplomb. The one goal would continue to separate the sides at the start of the second half, although a change in tactics would bring some benefits to the home side. Pushing Tyrone May into a more advanced role would allow the midfielder to start dictating the play. This, in turn, saw Tim Green and debutant Luke Nicols see more of the ball, and the pair would combine to set up United’s equaliser, which was scored on 75 minutes. Rupen Limbu (pictured above) was

the man on target, following up on Nichols’ saved effort to net on the rebound. Nichols and May would both be denied by the woodwork as Woodley were now pushing for a winner. It would, however, look as though they would have to settle for a share of the spoils, but such hopes were dashed when Tripp capitalised on their hosts’ Achilles heel. The striker lurked in the penalty area unmarked when a corner was swung in. Failure to clear their lines would result in the ball falling his way and, with more than 100 goals to his name, Tripp was adding another to his impressive count from close range. Conceding so late was a touch harsh on the home side, who up until this point had been asking the majority of the questions, with Hitchins rarely troubled. n FINCHAMPSTEAD will be looking to secure a first win in seven league games when hosting Headington Amateurs at The Memorial Ground on Saturday (3pm). Jon Laugharne’s men, who were not in action last weekend, also have a match on Bank Holiday Monday, away at Chalfont Wasps in a rearranged fixture (3pm). Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Bicester Town 19 13 3 3 Penn & Tylers Green 17 12 3 2 Henley Town 18 11 3 4 Headington Amateur’s 21 10 3 8 Rayners Lane 19 9 5 5 Chinnor 17 9 2 6 Finchampstead 18 7 7 4 Holyport 20 8 4 8 Didcot Town Res’ 18 5 2 11 Wantage Town Res’ 18 5 2 11 Chalfont Wasps 14 4 3 7 Old Woodstock Town 16 3 1 12 Woodley United 19 1 2 16

F 44 50 50 44 44 38 35 36 28 23 25 13 12

A 30 10 24 28 27 26 20 38 49 44 40 48 58

Pts 42 39 36 33 32 29 28 28 17 17 15 10 5

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Hive-fives for brilliant Boars after Hampshire Cup win

Jamie Moody and Jonathon Rabin from 3T (back centre) with the team

Picture: Emma Sheppard

3T Soccer sponsorship for Hurst U10s HURST FC Under-10s proudly showed off a new sponsor before defeating local rivals Wokingham and Emmbrook at the weekend. 3T Soccer is a county-wide coaching company set up two years ago to help improve players at all youth levels. Its programmes are tailored according to ability, attitude and background to ensure players develop to full potential. All coaches are FA qualified and DBS checked, with 3T on of only a few

companies across the country offering Functional Integrated Soccer Training to its players. And its work with the village club appears to be having the desired affect, as they outscored the Sumas to take victory in this White Division fixture of the Berkshire Youth Development League. n HURST are looking for players of all age ranges to join the club next season. For more information call Alan Street on 07753 822 834.

EVERSLEY and California thrashed Portchester 5-0 to lift the Hampshire Under-16s County Cup. The Boars were quick to get the scoring stared through George Higgins after just three minutes and would not look back. Brett Gardner doubled the advantage, with Paolo Giamattei stroking a penalty into the corner early in the second half for a 3-0 lead. Eversley continued to crank up the gears, but adding to their total would have to wait as the Porchester ‘keeper pulled off a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game. But such resistance was ended late on when George Armstrong popped up with a fourth, as Jordan Edwards struck 60 seconds later to wrap up an emphatic victory. Giamattei was man of the match. Under-13s WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Oranges put Fleet Town Colts to the sword in Division 6 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance

Eversley and California Under-16s

(EBFA), with Matty Rogers scoring his first goals of the season in a 4-0 rout. It was centre back Charlie Williams who broke the deadlock, heading home a Kai Evans corner on the 10 minute mark. It was his first goal of the campaign, too. Rogers doubled the lead when picking up a loose ball on the edge of the box and burying it with aplomb just before the break, with captain Ben Alderman winning - and converting- a second-half penalty to make it 3-0. Rogers, who was named man-of-the-

match, would wrap up the scoring with another long-range strike. Under-15s CASEY STARKE set up Calum Woodfield to break the deadlock when Wokingham and Emmbrook Blacks took on Flackwell Heath in Division 1 of the EBFA. But the 15th minute strike would later prove to be nothing more than consolation, as fourth-placed Flackwell hit back to secure a 4-1 victory. Captain Ben Cook saw a tireless performance in midfield yield the man of the match award (pictured above left).

Friday, March 25, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 39

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HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

Wheeler nets, but Sumas are Thamed Thame United 5 Wokingham and Emmbrook 1 WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook’s contrasting form in the league and cup continued at the ASM Stadium. Although buoyed by securing a place in the next round of the Bluefin Sport Supplementary Cup just days earlier, the Sumas’ bubble was emphatically burst on Tuesday night. The club are now without a win in 10 Hellenic Premier Division games and continue to prop up the rest on nine points, but an encouraging start to the fixture was once again overshadowed by shortcomings seen all too often this season. It was the Oxfordshire side who opened the scoring through Ken Feyi on nine minutes, only for Jake Wheeler to level things up on the quarter-of-an-hour mark. Wokingham and Emmbrook, however, would concede again when Andy Gledhill notched on 30 minutes, with the strike sparking a collapse which would eventually see the visitors go in at the break trailing 4-1. Joining Feyi and Gledhill on the scoresheet was Ben Gray and Luke Ricketts. Their goals would arrive within four minutes of one another and would change the complexity of the fixture, with the away side now in damage limitation mode. To their credit, the guests would shore up things in the second half, but were breached again on 80 minutes when Feyi

Action from Wokingham and Emmbrook’s 5-0 victory over Stokenchurch Pictures: Emma Sheppard

The local derby with Bracknell Town, scheduled for Thursday, March 31, meanwhile, has been switched to Larges Lane. Town have agreed to host the fixture due to the Sumas reportedly not having the necessary personnel to stage the game. Kick-off is 7.45pm. doubled his tally.

WOKNGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter, Rowland, Duffelen, Day, Pearson, N.Bateman, Stewart, Broadhurst, S.Bateman, Wheeler, Greenough, Eggleston, D.Bateman

Wokingham host Tuffley Rovers at The Invesco Perpetual Triangle on Saturday before travelling to sixth-placed Highworth Town on Monday (both 3pm).

Wokingham and Emmbrook 5 Stokenchurch 0 BLAKE STEWART scored twice as Wokingham and Emmbrook sealed their passage through the third round Hellenic Supplementary Cup with a 5-0 win over Stokenchurch. Despite their troubles at the foot of the Hellenic Premier Division, the Sumas

were heavy favourites against a side two leagues below them and, after a tight first half, the floodgates opened following the restart for a comfortable victory. After surviving a couple of early scares, Wokingham took a 1-0 lead into half-time when Jake Butler won and scored a penalty. With around an hour on the clock, the lead was doubled when Butler headed in his second from a Jordan Rowland cross. And the contest was out of Stokenchurch’s reach when Stewart, who was plying his trade in the Spanish second division a year ago, bagged a brace before James Charlton added a fifth. WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter (Rushforth), Broadhurst (Rowland), Day, Charlton, Stewart, Wheeler, Duffelen, Butler, Pearson, S. Bateman. Subs not used: D. Bateman, Scope.

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Boars left Wandering after postponement EVERSLEY and California saw their attempts to keep up the heat on the leading pack in Combined Counties Division 1 held up by a postponement. The Boars were due out at Dorking Wanderers Reserves, but the fixture was called off. Phil Ruggles’s men remain fifth in the table on 49 points. Up next for the side is a trip to South Park Reserves on Saturday. They then head to Worcester Park for a crunch match on Monday (both 3pm)

Ehiu and Rapley goals add insult to injury-hit Binfield Binfield 0 Flackwell Heath 2

AN INJURY-RAVAGED Binfield suffered their first defeat in three games, going down 2-0 to title-chasing Flackwell Heath at Stubbs Lane. The Moles came into the contest on the back of two straight victories but they could not make it three in seven days as a goal in each half condemned them to defeat. The task always looked like a difficult one for Binfield. Facing a Flackwell side on a four match unbeaten run, sitting third and just seven points off top spot as well as beating the Moles less than two weeks ago in the Berks and Bucks Cup semi-final, the Heathens were a tough prospect. And that was made all the more difficult by Moles’ ever increasing selection problems. After Jemel Johnson, Carl Withers and Josh Howell all joined the injury list

Roger Herridge saw three more of his Binfield players sidelined by injury in midweek

during the weekend victory over Royal Wootton Bassett Town, Binfield were forced into fielding a young side with no player over the age of 25, including youth team player Tom Adams who made his debut from the bench. Manager Roger Herridge did welcome back Lewis Leonetti, however, an added boost to the central defence for his first appearance since November. But that was not enough to prevent Flackwell from taking the lead on 15 minutes when former Fulham striker Ismael Ehui broke the deadlock. Teenager Adams was introduced before the break in place of Danny Horscroft as Herridge’s side took on an even younger look. The lead was doubled midway through the second period when Daniel Rapley, who also scored in the cup meeting earlier this month, found the net again. Youngsters Jamie McCarthy and Ethan Jerome were also thrown on by Herridge during the closing stages but Binfield could find no way back and stay eighth

in the Hellenic Premier League ahead of Saturday’s long trip to mid-table Lydney Town. BINFIELD: Silver, Broome, Gibbs, M. Walton (McCarthy), Leonetti, Luis, O’Connell, Dean (Jerome), Ferdinand, Knight, Horscroft (Adams). Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Thatcham Town 34 25 5 4 Kidlington 31 25 3 3 Flackwell Heath 33 24 4 5 Ascot United 34 20 7 7 Thame United 36 18 7 11 Highworth Town 30 18 3 9 Brimscombe & Thrupp 30 17 3 10 Longlevens AFC 35 17 2 16 Binfield 31 16 4 11 Highmoor-Ibis 32 14 3 15 Oxford City Nomads 32 13 5 14 Lydney Town 32 11 9 12 Royal Wootton Bassett 35 12 5 18 Ardley United 33 11 2 20 Brackley Town Saints 35 10 5 20 Bracknell Town 30 8 8 14 Milton United 35 6 8 21 Tuffley Rovers 30 6 7 17 Abingdon United 35 6 3 26 Wokingham 31 2 3 26

F A 94 42 102 29 89 41 68 37 57 43 74 31 55 44 59 63 64 51 50 48 53 58 55 59 50 80 53 74 60 83 49 61 43 84 51 72 41 103 30 94

Pts 80 78 76 67 61 57 54 53 52 45 44 42 41 35 35 32 26 25 21 9

Dan is the star man as Bassett are hounded out by five-star Moles Royal Wootton Bassett Town 2 Binfield 5

DANNY HORSCROFT added a goal to a man-of-the-match performance as Binfield recorded a second league win of the week. The midfielder (pictured) made it 2-0 to the Moles at the Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground in the 26th minute, with

his powerful strike following up Liam Ferdinand’s opener for the away side just moments earlier. Ferdinand can not stop scoring at present, and the striker was to add another notch to his impressive tally in 2016 with a composed finish. Sent on his way by Josh Howell, the player would calmly take the ball around Curtin Meare in the Bassett goal before tapping into an empty net.

Horscroft then doubled the advantage with a shot from the edge of the box, but the lead was cut when Steve Yeardley scored from close range on the turn just two minutes later. Any hopes of a comeback from the Wiltshire side, however, were dashed early in the second half. Jemel Johnson went into the fixture on the back of the hat-trick he netted in last Monday’s 4-2 victory over Oxford City Nomads. And the striker was back among the goals on Saturday, making it 3-1 on

49 minutes when turning home a Jack Broome pass from the edge of the box before burying a Ferdinand cross and put Binfield firmly in the driving seat soon after. Volleying home from 10 yards would see Dan Bailey pull a goal back 10 minutes from time, but this was cancelled out when a burst into the box from Horscroft was ended illegally, with Josh Howell converting the resulting penalty. BINFIELD: Silver, Broome (O’Connell), Horscroft, A.Walton, Luis (c), Withers, Howell, M.Walton (Knight), Ferdinand, Johnson (Gibbs), Dean

SUPPLEMENTARY CUP

Nichols strike in vain as Woodley are hit for six Bracknell Town 6 Woodley United 1

WOODLEY’S involvement in the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup is over following defeat at Larges Lane on Tuesday night. A fine strike from Luke Nichols was mere consolation for the visitors, whose sole focus now is to try and improve on their points tally of five in Hellenic Division 1 East. A run in the cup offered a welcome distraction from a season of struggle on the domestic front, but this was ended by a Town side who were just too strong for their guests on the night. The in-form Premier Division side took the lead on eight minutes through Ben Poynter, who sent a curling shot from the edge of the Woodley penalty area beyond the reach of Ben Hitchins in the visitors’ goal. Nichols would see a strike blocked in what was United’s first real opening on 15 minutes, yet not long after they would fall 2-0 behind. Stretching the advantage was Declan Kirby, who headed home a James Suarez corner. The home side would then put a firm foot in the next round when Adam Cornell opened his account for the evening eight minutes later. Picking up knocks forced both Tyrone May and Rupen Limbu off the field for the away side during the break, with Andy Herbert and Tom Peterson taking their places for what was their debuts for the club. But their introductions could not stop normal service on the night resuming when Cornell was tripped up inside the box, with a penalty awarded. Responsibility for the spot kick fell to former Woodley man Carl Davies, who stroked the ball into the bottom corner for a 4-0 lead. Jock Mowat’s men were now facing a second round exit, but would leave a mark on the game when Nichols pulled a goal back just past the hour. It was some goal, too, from the forward, who ran on to a Tim Green through ball before beating Town ‘keeper Garry Aulsberry with a powerful effort from the edge of the area. Bracknell’s Lee Rushe clipped the crossbar with a header and Peterson put a shot over the bar as the two sides traded chances. But when Cornell stooped to nod home a right wing corner unmarked on 69 minutes - his second of the tie - it was game over. Poynter would inflict more misery on United when beating Hitchins to a loose ball and net a sixth for Bracknell and, like team-mate Cornell, improve his scoring tally in the process. A late chance would fall the way of United’s Green, but he was unable to provide the necessary contact when meeting an Ollie Bridges flick-on to trouble Aulsberry. WOODLEY UNITED: Hitchins, Ahmed, Ingram, May (Herbert), Bridges, Brookling, Lambert, Douglas, Nicholls, Green, Limbu (Peterson). Sub not used: Mowat

United’s attentions now turn to the visit of Didcot Town Reserves in the league on Saturday. They are in action again on Monday, where they entertain Henley Town at Scours Lane.

WOKINGHAM SPORT

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I would consider extending stay with Royals – Taylor EXTENDING his stay at Reading is something Andrew Taylor would happily consider - should the opportunity arise, writes LEWIS RUDD. The left back, who is currently on a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic, was thrust back into the first team in one of three changes made by boss Brian McDermott for Saturday’s game with Cardiff City, a match which ended in a 1-1 draw. Taylor (pictured) has had to be patient having seen his game time limited following the return from injury of Jordan Obita, yet says he is happy and settled in Berkshire and would give serious consideration to any offer to remain at Madejski

the team just before Christmas and was probably a surprise one among Stadium. Nothing has yet been put to HOW IT ALL STARTED stayed in the team and I was little bit those who follow the club. the 29-year-old by the club – but not My first job was helping out in a local steak restaurant where I learned how to select and cook what I think is the perfect steak. disappointed to be left out when he And while explaining he knew full thatI the player is in any rush to do moved to Reading 30 years ago and to my disappointment was not able to find a restaurant that served the food I loved most. back, that’s football. when signing on of forsteak then boss anything quickly, My dream was toeither. open a steakhouse in Reading well that would serve the quality I had experiencedcame all those yearsbut back. Finally, I had the opportunity to buy on Colleys Supper Rooms, a restaurant beenbe established Reading for over years inhas a beautiful “He20(Obita) come in and done Steve Clarkethat he had would fightinginwith “I’m just focused getting Victorian building admired. I knew chance mybirth, dream.he I opened 2011 and help of butwith likethe I said tomy the manager, I’ll Obita for toa achieve starting hopesBarts he in Febwell, tothat theI had endalways of the season andI had the fantastic team we have been serving exceptional steaks in a great environment ever since. The décor and atmosphere is continually evolving myhas head keep working hard enough against former toquality get mypatrons. main The aimmenu washas getting thanks to our loyal grown sincedid we first opened and I amhis proud to say club that the of food only down, got better. in training and whenever you need me keep his place when Royals return to back into the team and Here at Barts,Iwe bringmanaged together dishes cuisines all over renowned will try to steaks be there and ready to put action onfrom April 2. the world but centered around Iour have to doinspired by and seafood. We specialise in offering you the steaks of the highest quality, provided by local butchers, in a shift for him.” “That’s what I want to do, play, and that,” said Taylor. aged for a minimum of 28 days, flame grilled for superior taste and succulence. n FORMER Reading manager Jack I have not been involved for a few “Hopefully I can Mansell has died aged 88. trained hard and got the keep my place and Jamshed Miah weeks, welcomesbut youIto Barts Grill & Restaurant Mansell took charge of the club in nod on Saturday,” added the defender. come the end of the 1969 and spent two and a half years at “I feel like I played well, but it is just season I can sit down Elm Park, which included a Watney’s important now to keep working hard with my agent and see Cup tie against Manchester United in training, keep performing well and what’s what. watched by more than 18,000 fans hopefully I can keeping place in the “I have enjoyed my time here although the latter won the game 3-2. team. and have really taken to the place, He was also responsible for “It has been difficult, but when I the players, fans and staff and should reintroducing the blue and white first came here I knew I was going to the opportunity come to stay I would hoops on the Royals’ home kit. be fighting for a place with Jordan. definitely look at it.” n More Reading news on page 37. He has done really well, but I got into Taylor’s inclusion at the weekend

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By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk LUKAS SMITAL has vowed to fight tooth and nail to keep his Bracknell Bees team together. The player-coach is facing a potentially difficult few weeks as he awaits news on the club’s financial future, but has reassured both players and supporters alike he intends to be here for the long haul, and says the rebuilding work has already begun. Bees’ cash-flow problems this season are well documented, with cancelled games, a drop in season ticket sales and a lower than anticipated budget leaving the coffers short in recent times. Precision Sports Marketing (PSM), who run the club, have proposed setting it up as a charity, which would allow the ownership to be extended through a committee tasked with off-ice activities. Although such approval would need rubber-stamping by the relevant authorities, a committee has been assembled, but is yet to be revealed. All this, however, still leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over The Hive, especially as now is the time teams start making their plans for the new season. Smital, though, only has one thing on his mind. “My plan is to save this team,” he said. “Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not, but I will do my best with my

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knowledge and experience to save it. “The budget is the last thing I will worry about. “The first thing is to save this team and if we are going to have a green WWW.BARTSGRILL.COM light from all the parties, such as the 0118 966 2268 Lukas Smital has vowed to be relentless rink and the EIHL (English Ice Hockey in his work to try and keep his Bracknell League), then we will worry about Bees team together next season budgets. Picture: Bob Swann “If it has to be the lowest budget possible, I don’t care as long as we “All that experience those The coach, however, is concerned have got a team. youngsters got this year will carry on. those already on his books could be “I’m not too sure if the fans will be They are going to get stronger and snapped up by rivals in the coming happy if we have low budget team hungrier, so it’s a plus for us.” weeks, so is determined to try and and struggle again, but we have to Such is his commitment to the rebuild everything and heal this and it resolve the matter sooner rather than cause the forward, who has just later in order to avoid an exodus. will take a few years and patience.” completed his eighth term with the Although admitting the signs Bees brought a season largely club, is willing to sacrifice his place in within his camp are promising, Smital of struggle on the ice to an end on the side in order to save the team. is only too aware they will start a positive note last weekend when He said: “I promised all these boys wanting some answers. following up the point picked up from I’m going to lead them and support “I hope not (players will be leaving) the 6-5 overtime loss to Telford Tigers them as much as I can. but it is hard to say. Obviously there by securing an impressive 6-2 victory “If someone told me you can play are a few good players here, but I up at Manchester Phoenix. for another two months I would under won’t leave – I’m too old for that,” he Although having to play large these conditions, but I’m not relieved added. parts of the campaign without the season is over. “I’m pretty sure they will get offers, two import forwards following the “But if it takes for me not to play to but whether they are going to take it departures of Frantisek Bakrlik and save this team, then I won’t.” or going to be hanging on for us to be Milan Kostourek, one thing the club is n FOR more Bees news, see page 35. making a final decision I can’t tell. blessed with is home grown talent. “Most of them Young British players is something Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown ISSN 2058-5268 I would like to Smital has in abundance, and the House, 231 Kings 12 keep and they numbers at his disposal could only Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at are up for it, they get bigger should plans to create a Newbury Weekly have already Made in Bracknell programme come News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, spoken and are to fruition. Newbury, Berkshire going to support Through this, it is hoped all Brits RG14 2DW .© Xn Media Ltd, 2016 that, so fingers representing the club would be 9 772058 526009 crossed. Bracknell Ice Hockey Club trained.

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