The Wokingham Paper, March 4, 2016

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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

A Berry popular visitor

Friday, March 4, 2016 No. 46

50p

LITTER

IS THIS THE BOROUGH’S DIRTIEST ROAD? P8 ROYALTY

BIRTHDAY PARTY FIT FOR THE QUEEN P6

Hundreds turn out to meet Great British Bake Off star • p3

DRAMA

THREE A329M EXCLUSIVES

FEWER ACCIDENTS ON ‘DANGER’ A329M SINCE LANE SWITCH

n Road is safer stats show n Cameras to be installed n Fears road is too busy

PORN PLAY TACKLES BIG ISSUES P14 POLL

WOKINGHAM VOTES TO STAY IN EUROPE P11 SPORT

SEE P5

RUSSIAN P40 ROUBLES FOR THE ROYALS?

2 | NEWS

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This is Wokingham.

We’re proud to cover it!

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

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

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

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

SPORT

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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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

Royals women show off their silverware

NOMINATION

Alzheimer’s Café up for national award WOKINGHAM Alzheimer’s café has been shortlisted for a prestigious award run by a national radio station.

The café is one of four groups in the Work with Older People category of the Love Britain and Ireland Awards organised by Premier Christian Radio.

Andy Knight, community worker at Wokingham Methodist Church, said: “Could I say a huge thank you to you all, and others, who have given our latest initiative such a great start which has been behind this recognition.”

The winners will be notified at a ceremony to be held in Westminster, London on Wednesday, March 16.

DANCE

Shinfield hall to host Twmpath and a play A PLAY looking at homesickness and the decline of Welsh tradition will be coming to Shinfield this weekend.

Theatre company SPEG will bring Hiraeth to the Parish Hall on Saturday, March 5 from 7.30pm.

The play is a comedy that follows the struggles of a young woman who is torn between the needs of the family farm and her desire to work in the world. The show includes Welsh cakes and a Twmpath, an event similar to a Scottish ceilidh. A bar will also be available.

Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from Swallowfield Parish Store or by calling 0118 988 5989.

Reading FC Women’s players Amber Stobbs and Jade Boyo- Sayo with years 3, 4-and 5 from Westende Junior School. Inset: Amber shows off her dribbling skills Pictures: Paul King

MEMBERS of the triumphant Reading FC Women’s team kicked off their school trophy tour last week with a visit to a Wokingham school.

New signings Jade Boho-Sayo and Amber Stobbs visited Westende Junior School, in Seaford Road, to proudly show off their Women’s Super League 2 trophy from the 2015 season.

The players took questions from

the pupils, and then took part in a friendly mini-game during their visit, on Monday, February 22.

Joe Manns, marketing officer at RFCW said: “It’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm for women’s football, not just from the girls but from the boys too. “ We’re really looking forward to kicking the season off against Arsenal – Wednesday, April 27 at Adams Park

THEATRE

CLUB

Cool CATS ready for pizza and passion

Growing gardens discussed by Ian

A NIGHT that fuses pizza with theatre is on the cards in Crowthorne this Saturday.

Members of CATS, the Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society, are preparing to deliver Pizza, Passion and Pasta, an interactive murder mystery evening.

The play takes place at Politana’s, the place for a romantic meal for two … and the ultimate crime of passion – murder. The question is: can the diners solve the crime by the end of the night?

It takes place at the Morgan Centre in Wellington Road, Crowthorne from 7pm.

Places for the dinner show need to be booked in advance and cost £12.50.

Meals are fish, chicken, sausage or cheese and onion pasty with chips.

For more details, call the box office on 07756 580310 or log on to www. catswebsite.co.uk

THE California Gardeners’ Club will welcome a guest speaker at its next meeting.

Ian Gillott will deliver a fascinating talk entitled How Does Your Garden Grow on Monday The meeting starts at 8pm at the Ratepayers’ Hall in Finchampstead Road. Entry is free to members, £2 for visitors.

TRADITION

Bell tower to open at St Paul’s on Saturday A RARE opportunity to look out across Wokingham and to go like the clappers is coming to the town this weekend.

St Paul’s Church in London Road is opening its bell tower at a special open afternoon on Saturday, March 7.

Running from 2pm to 5pm, the afternoon event also gives visitors a

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.

– and introducing young girls and boys in the Reading and High Wycombe communities to elite women’s football”.

Teacher Philip Theobald said: “It was great to have top professionals, playing in the top league in the country, coming to visit our school to not only inspire the girls, but the boys as well.

“It was great listening the questions the children had for them as elite sportswomen and also a privilege for a group of girls to have a training session lead by them.”

chance to meet bellringers, learn more about the parish’s bells and have a go at bellringing.

For more details, log on to www.stpauls-wokingham.org.uk or call 0118 979 2122.

ROADWORKS

Resurfacing works will close busy road A TEMPORARY road closure will be set up in Three Mile Cross next week to enable road resurfacing to take place.

Basingstoke Road will be closed between its junctions with the A33 and Church Lane from 8pm to 6am on Monday, March 7 through to Tuesday, March 8.

During the works a diversion will be in place, via Hyde End Road B3349, and School Green B3329, A329 Hollow Lane, B3270 Whitley Wood Lane, Junction 11 and A33 – or this route in reverse.

Wokingham Borough Council say that there will be access for residents and businesses at all times.

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WOKINGHAM PAPER

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Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PROTEST

WOKINGHAM

Campaigners launch new bid to save Elms Field EXCLUSIVE

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

CAMPAIGNERS trying to save Elms Field are calling for a public debate on how the council took over the popular park.

Members of the Keep Elms Field Green campaign say a recent petition has shown how much people value the town centre space.

More than 1,500 people signed a petition in just a few weeks in January calling for Wokingham Borough Council not to build 123 homes, shops, a 95-bed hotel and cinema on the site.

Many of the comments refer to how well used the play area and surrounding green space is.

Campaigners say this flies in the face of the council's assertion in 2007 that the area was not being used as public open space.

Elms Field was bequeathed to Wokingham by the Ellison family and bought by the council in 1956, with conveyancing documents stating it would be used for "public open space purposes".

In July 2007, however, Wokingham Borough Council appropriated Elms Field after councillors decided the land was "no longer required for the purpose for which it was held".

Mel Horton, one of the administrators of the campaign group, said: "When the council appropriated the site they did everything right legally, but we don't think it was right morally.

"They said people were not using the space, but the recent petition is packed full of people saying just how much they

use this treasured space.

"People have shown Elms Field is still highly valued and used and they want it refurbished and maintained, not built on.

"We think that proves they had no grounds to appropriate it and were not justified in doing so."

The recent petition will be considered by planning officers who are currently deciding on the plans to build on Elms Field, which also include a supermarket, likely to be run by budget chain Aldi.

The plans are expected to be debated at the council's next planning committee meeting at the end of this month.

But Keep Elms Field Green has now launched another petition which it is hoped will trigger a debate at the council on the issue of the appropriation.

Mrs Horton said: "We had hoped to use the earlier petition to trigger a debate but because the planning process is open this is not allowed by the council.

"So we are opening another petition which will definitely trigger a council debate on the appropriation decision."

She thanked all those who signed the earlier petition and asked them not to give up their fight to stop the development, which has now been going on for many years.

The petition wording is "We, the undersigned, request that Wokingham Borough Council revoke their decision to appropriate the land at Elms Field and maintain the current open parkland amenity space for the use of all residents of Wokingham now and in the future."

To see the petition, go to www.change. org or look at the Keep Elms Field Green page on Facebook.

Homeless teen arrested after road collision A 19-YEAR-OLD man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of committing several drug and driving offences following a collision which closed a busy Wokingham road.

London Road was blocked in both directions following a prang involving two vehicles between the junctions for Binfield Road and Seaford Road.

Police were called to the scene just before 2.25pm and would later take a man into custody having been arrested on suspicion of driving while over the prescribed limit for drugs, careless driving, driving with no licence, no insurance and for also allegedly being in possession of cannabis. The man, of no fixed abode, has since been bailed until Monday, April 18.

Those involved suffered only minor injuries.

LOWER EARLEY

Boy needed treatment after dog bite while playing Mary Berry signs a copy of her book for fan Sarah Miall. On cover: Mary with Caoimhe Hefferon (7). Below: Woodley was packed with people wanting to meet the queen of bakes Pictures: Steve Smyth

SIGNING

Queues for Mary Berry A WOODLEY bookshop welcomed one of TV’s biggest names yesterday (Thursday) – and the town rose to the occasion, turning out in force to meet her.

Mary Berry, one of the judges on The Great British Bake Off, was in the borough to sign copies of her

MYSTERY

Burning smell with no cause A BURNING smell in Finchampstead on Tuesday remains a mystery. The alarm was raised by Thames Valley Police at approximately 7.20am, who reported a strong smell in Nine Mile Ride, to which Wokingham Fire Station answered.

A fire engine spent 20 minutes searching the road before standing down.

INVESTIGATION

SHINFIELD

Search on for cold-calling builder AN APPEAL has been launched to try and find a cold calling builder and people who have been approached or employed him are being urged to come forward.

Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Trading Standards has said they are currently investigating a man who has been cold calling on homes in the Woodley and Bracknell area.

The man they are trying to trace has been using the name ‘JC Property Maintenance’ and claims to be a specialist in all building works including roofing and driveway work.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who has been approached, or who has had work done by this man, to contact Loddon Valley Police Station CID using the 101 telephone number.”

A separate appeal has been launched for information regarding posters advertising property maintenance services.

Thames Valley Police say that these are going up on lamp posts and at junctions around the Woodley and Charvil areas. If you see any of these posters you are asked to contact the police to let

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The spokesperson added: “We are aware that elderly vulnerable people are being targeted and being quoted excessive amounts for work which often is not necessary, we recently know of traders in Woodley gravelling a driveway and returning for more money.

“People living alone and the elderly are particularly targeted for this type of crime and we need to stop people becoming victims of doorstep criminals… with your help we can do more.

“If you think a neighbour, friend or relative is having work done and you are concerned that they may be victims of unethical traders please contact either the police on 101 or Trading Standards on 01635 519930.”

THURSDAYS

latest book, Foolproof Cooking, at Chapter One Bookshop in Crockhamwell Road.

A spokesperson for the bookshop said: “It’s been massive.

“We’ve sold over 250 books and it’s probably the biggest signing we’ve ever done.”

A BOY bitten by a dog while playing football in a Lower Earley park last week has prompted a police investigation.

The 13-year-old required treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for a puncture wound following the incident in Chalfont Park at approximately 5.30pm last Wednesday, February 24. He has since been discharged.

The dog was believed to be both unaccompanied and a black and brown coloured Rottweiler.

PC Alister Little, investigating officer from Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was a very distressing and painful incident for the victim.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or think they may recognise the description of the dog involved.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Little via the 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. .

TRAVELLERS who set up camp in Shinfield have been asked to move on.

A group of caravans were reported to have arrived on Friday, February 26, setting up on land by the Black Boy roundabout.

The encampment is visible from Shinfield Road and it is understood that the travellers accessed the land via Greenwich Road.

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A team from Wokingham Borough Council has been to visit the encampment and asked the travellers to leave.

A council spokesperson said: “We visited the unauthorised encampment at Greenwich Road, in Shinfield. We found no welfare issues so a notice to leave was served on the group.”

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

INGHAM Shed theft prompts advice CRIME

CHARITY

Pancake power!

S&&LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING to avoid similar break-ins

FOLLOWING a theft from a garden shed in Binfield, Thames Valley Police have offered some guidance to help avoid similar crimes.

At some point between January 24 and February 21, a Tel: 0118 9733414 shed at the bottom of a garden in Forest Road was broken Mob: forced 07920 524500 into. Police say that someone the padlock and stole hedge cutter and chainsaw attachments. It is thought that Email:awokinghamdriveways@gmail.com the lock was probably cut off with bolt cutters. ad Road Thames | Wokingham Berks | RG40 Valley Police| said that garages and 3RB sheds are often full of expensive tools to steal or use to break into the DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING house. It advises residents not to leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. It also advises: n Fit strong padlocks and hardware to sheds and garages.

Sarin n Make sure not be in.

Tel:to0118 9733414 .Tony . that doors are solid&enough . kicked PATIOS TURFING n Fit locks orFENCING bars to windows. GATES Mob: 07920 524500 .garage n. Lock ladders inside your or shed.

SHED BASES BLOCK-PAVING Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com n Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to .

REPAIRS OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead | Wokingham the floor to secureRoad tools and equipment. | Berks | RG40 3RB . tools and machinery should be permanently n Garden GARDEN MAINTENANCE ings marked with your postcode. . PROFESSIONAL DRIVEWAY CLEANING n Install a battery or mains-powered shed alarm.

BLOOM 1 n For extra security, the screws in external DRIVEWAYS &&replace LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING hinges of your shed or garage side-door with ‘clutch-head’ tical illness & income protection plans screws&(also knownprotection as ‘anti-tamper’ or ‘coffin’ screws). tical illness income plans n the convenience of your home n the convenience your home Sarin Tel: 0118 9733414 .Tony .of . TURFING IfPATIOS you have any information& which could help police call FENCING GATES ngs & child trust funds Mob: 07920 524500 ngs & child trust funds . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. performance.analysisEmail: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com performance analysis REPAIRS Road OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB market ACCIDENT options market options . GARDEN MAINTENANCE . PROFESSIONAL pensions Life assurance, critical illnessDRIVEWAY & income protection plans CLEANING Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans pensions

By JOHN WAKEFIELD Financial reviews in the convenience of your home . . anning ys@googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Financial reviews the convenience of your524 home500 0118 in973 3414 07920 anning news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Investments, savings & child trust funds FIREFIGHTERS Bracknell were called out to a level Investments, savingsfrom & child trust funds nsfers nsfers on Monday after a analysis car broke down onadvice the tracks.

With crossing profits fund performance Independent With profits fund performance financial analysis GARDENERS in the RG10 postcode area are being Independent financial advice The was stuck on the Barkham Road level Annuities & vehicle open market options invited to enter a new competition announced this week for a secure future Annuities & open market options for a secure crossing near Wokinghamfuture Station around 11.30am – Personal & group pensions

by Hare Hatch Sheeplands in Twyford.

Personal & group pensions covering the mainline tracks between Wokingham and .

In association with Twyford in Bloom 2016, Inheritance Tax planning an wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance TaxWhen planning Waterloo. the firefighters arrived on the scene they Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Sheeplands is looking for the top front gardens in ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Authorised and regulated by the FSA that the car had already been moved off the ISAs discovered & ISA/PEP transfers Authorised and regulated byhome the FSA Financial reviews in the convenience of your the area. ents Financial reviews in the convenience of your home tracks and an accident had trust beenfunds avoided.

Investments, savings & child The garden centre’s owner Rob Investments, savings & child trust funds With profits fund performance analysis With profits fund performance analysis Scott said: “We have launched a Annuities & open market options FIRE Annuities & open market options competition which is open to Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA Personal & group pensions he amateur gardeners. We welcome Authorised and regulated by the FSA . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance Tax planning entries from individuals, couples ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers 3 Mobile 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk and families, but they must have an 3 Mobile A 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk GARDEN shed and fence at a home in Bracknell was , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS RG10 postcode. , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HSnight. destroyed by fireof on Sunday Tony Welsh Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd“It has to be all their own work, Pumps from Wokingham Fire Station raced over to an Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk regulated by the FSA with no assistance from professional Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk address in Shepherds HillAuthorised when theand alarm was raised at Tel 0118 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock,8978 Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS landscapers or gardeners. It does not Addressaround 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS 9pm after a bonfire had become out of control.

Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk matter how large or small the front Not only did the blaze spread to the fence, but also the Tony Welsh Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd garden is, you are welcome to enter.” shed, which the crews in attendance were unable to save – Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 402 4661738978 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Entrants will be contacted to arrange a time Tel 0118 Mobile 07768 320430 Address 5 Thethe Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS along with contents inside it.

Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS and date when their garden will be inspected.

Email Latertony@tonywelshifa.co.uk joined by colleagues from Bracknell, the crews “We are looking forward to meeting people and used hose reels to douse the flames. chatting about their gardens during the judging They spent around an hour at the scene. process,” said Mr Scott. nd regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority It is understood the bonfire may have been left horised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 horised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no.

447018 nville Road,unattended, Maidstone, Kentand ME14 2BJ Authorised regulated by to thehave Financial Conduct Authority which was said also been burning too no. 447018The competition winner will receive a £100 Registration Number AJW00121 Susan Fleck Maidstone, Associates LtdKent is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration nville Road, ME14 2BJ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial voucher to spend at Sheeplands with the second Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Registration Number AJW00121 close to both the fence and shed.

Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

PANCAKES raised a lot of dough for charity.

Shinfield residents came together on Shrove Tuesday for a fun event on School Green.

Organised by Shinfield Baptist Church, teams comprising school children, community groups and local businesses took part in traditional pancake races, paying a fee to enter.

Last week, the organisers presented a donation of £500 to the Royal Berks Charity.

Pictured from left: Sue Roberts clerk of Shinfield parish council, Nathan Hunt pastor of Shinfield Baptist Church, Chris Young chair of governors of Shinfield Infant School, Ian Thomson charity director of the Royal Berks charity and chair of parish council Peter Hughes.

ENCING & GATES . TURFING BASES . BLOCK-PAVING RS OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING RDEN MAINTENANCE ONAL DRIVEWAY CLEANING

WOKINGHAM

73 3414 . 07920 524 500

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Hunt is on for the best front gardens

Independent Independent financial financial advice advice for a secure future for a secure future

Car stuck on level crossing

Tony Welsh

Tony Welsh

h of Fleck Ltd dent Financial Adviser Shed destroyed in blaze h of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd 8978 Mobile 07768 320430 Independent Financial Adviser onywelshifa.co.uk

Tony Welsh

Pictured: Sheeplands plant area manager Maria Witowska and garden centre owner Rob Scott

Payback for gold bid PREPARATIONS are underway for the borough’s bid to be blooming brilliant, writes Vivienne Johnson.

Members of the Wokingham in Bloom team have said that they are taking on board feedback from the judges to improve the look of the town centre ready for their visit this summer.

The team is hoping that their efforts will be boosted by people undertaking community service.

The payback team will pick up litter and weed the town centre in preparation for the judging.

Paul Smith, Wokingham Town Council (WTC) Amenities Officer, said at a council Amenities Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 23: “Wokingham in Bloom were told [by Thames and Chiltern in Bloom judges] that they need to improve the look of the town centre to get a gold.

“We are looking at weeding the town centre streets, and across the town, regularly using community payback offenders, subject to contract, who will pick up litter and weed very two weeks and every week in June and July.

“The cost will be £100 per session for 10 people who will be supervised by Thames Valley Probation Service.”

Additional landscapes will be developed on scrubland on Cross Street and the library entrance on Denmark Street will also be revamped.

“Thames and Chiltern in Bloom pointed out last year that the area around the railway station had been missed from the judging for the last two years and are expecting to see it this year,” said Mr Smith.

Wokingham in Bloom has also received a donation of £500 from local businessman Michael Bowyer.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Registration Number AJW00121 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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placed entrant receiving a voucher for £75 and the third a voucher for £50.

There will also be awards for entries which are commended by the judges for something they see during their visit. This might be for the best basket or planter, best use of small space or a particular feature that impresses them.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands is even offering competitors a bonus to get them started. All confirmed entries will be invited to visit Sheeplands to be given free seeds to get them started.

“We are always happy to be involved with community activities,” explained Mr Scott.

“Working alongside the Twyford in Bloom organisers seemed a perfect way to add a little colour to the area and reward those people who help to make our area such a pleasant place in which to live.”

Entry forms are now available at the garden centre or can be made online until June 1 at www. harehatchsheeplands.co.uk. Judging will begin on June 15 and the judges will be announced later in the year.

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Mytchett.

On Monday, Mr Cash, of Roycroft Lane, Finchampstead, appeared at East Surrey Magistrates Court in Redhill on the charges of: n dangerous driving n failing to stop for police n driving whilst disqualified n taking a motor vehicle without consent n using a mobile phone whilst driving.

At the hearing on Monday, Mr Cash was remanded in custody and will now appear at Guildford Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 31.

Surrey Police reported that officers on patrol in Ash saw a man in a white Volkswagen Golf using his phone while driving. They alledge the driver did not stop and made off on foot following a short pursuit.

CHARITY

Rotary club helps autism group A GROUP that supports people with autism has received a donation from Wokingham’s Rotary Club.

The £500 gift will help the Action 4 All Partnership Board find a new way of sharing information online.

The money will help pay for an online moderator role, creating an opportunity for an individual with strong IT skills to utilise them in a positive way.

The role came out of a meeting held last month of 18 organisations from statutory, voluntary and community sectors and headed up by Brian Grady, Head of Commissioning at Wokingham Borough Council.

Facilitated by involve, which brings together and supports

community and voluntary groups active in Wokingham Borough and Bracknell Forest. It aimed to find innovative ways of engagement and information sharing and the new role is one of the results.

ASD Family Help will undertake the employment role and Tom Chant from Become Digital will mentor the individual and supply a working environment to create and develop a website which will share vital information and links for families.

Optalis, through their supported employment service, are providing support to both their client and the employer and involve have loaned a laptop to the project.

The Rotary Club foundation chair, Gerry Mortimore, said the club was delighted to assist in this innovative venture.

Donna Morgans, who manages the Supported Employment Service at Optalis, said: “I would like to thank the multi-agency team that have made this initiative possible. This is a way for one of our clients to gain hands-on experience in a working environment opening up future opportunities for work supported by the employment service within Optalis.” n To find out more about how involve can help voluntary and community groups in the Wokingham borough, contact Clare Rebbeck at: clare.rebbeck@ involve.community

NEWS | 5

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

DRIVING

Fewer accidents on new A329M layout EXCLUSIVE

T TH HE E G GR RE EAT AT

£ £52 528 8,,0 00 00 0

RETIREMENT

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S infamous ‘danger’ motorway is actually safer as a result of the change - but the agency behind the new layout is planning to install cameras later this month.

New figures released by Thames Valley Police reveal that there were fewer accidents on the revamped stretch of road compared to the same period the previous year.

Last autumn, Highways England opened the revamped A329M, which saw the previously two-lane motorway converted into single lane carriages - one for traffic going on to the M4 and the other for ongoing A329M traffic.

Since then, motorists have been outraged at the changes, which has seen increased journey times at rush hours, reports of several near misses and numerous accidents as drivers make last minute lane changes.

However, under the data released The Wokingham Paper as a result of a Freedom of Information request, it appears that the revamped layout is safer.

Between October 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016, Thames Valley Police attended 30 incidents recorded on the A329M. But data for October 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015 reveals that they attended 33 accidents.

The news has been welcomed

by Highways England.

Stuart Miller, spokesperson for the Government agency, said:

WAIT & WATCH For…

Figures released by Thames Valley Police reveal that fewer accidents were recorded during the first three months of the new layout over the previous year

“Safety is our top priority so we welcome these early indications.

We hope that this will remain the same, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

“To that end, we will be installing video cameras for a temporary period starting later in March.”

These new cameras will be installed to help Highways England monitor driver behaviour and traffic volumes on the new road.

The data from Thames Valley Police does come with a caveat.

Our original Freedom of Information request was turned down because it would have taken too long for the police to access.

A spokesperson told The Wokingham Paper: “Information

held on our incident reporting system is held in a format that meets operational needs rather than provide statistics.

“There is no way of searching for the stretch of road in question other than manually trawling through all the collisions listed for the time period in question to determine if any of the collisions could be identified as occurring in the appropriate section of highway.

“However, a manual trawl using the two most likely location/beat references has returned the numbers of collisions for the A329M. “This data cannot be considered as complete because incidents may have been recorded under other location/beat references.”

RESEARCH

Roads expert: scheme was flawed THE revised layout to the A329M was never going to work and doomed to failure, according to a former transport planner.

Chris Saunders, a member of the Fix The A329M Facebook group recently posted an assessment of the road based on data published by the Department for Transport (DfT). According to his research, the A329M was already over capacity before the works began, and the reduction in carriageways means that the road is squeezing in more vehicles than it could possibly take.

In his post he noted: “The capacity of motorways is determined by the DfT document TA 46/97 Traffic Flow Assessment on Rural Roads.

This document states that a dual two-lane motorway with hard shoulder has a capacity of 41,000 vehicles per day (20,500 per carriageway). A single carrigeway road, which in effect the road has become, can accommodate 13,000 vehicles per day (6,500 per carriageway).

“However a look on the DfT traffic count website shows that the A329M on the Winnersh side of J10 carried 67,195 vehicles in 2012 and 55,545 in 2014, (combined figures for both carriageways), while on the Bracknell side of the J10 the flows were 83,716 in 2012 and 78,412 in 2014 (again combined for both carriageways).

“These existing figures show that the existing A329M was already operating over capacity and,

while it is accepted traffic leaves the A329M to go on to the M4, the remaining single lane section will carry significantly more traffic than the a single carriageway can accommodate.”

However, Highways England disputes Mr Saunders’ findings, saying that the new layout increases capacity and reduces congestion at the M4 junction, even though it has increased congestion on the A329M. Stuart Miller, spokesperson for the agency, told The Wokingham Paper: “The new junction was designed in partnership with and with the agreement of Wokingham Borough Council who are responsible for the A329M. The junction was designed in accordance with current standards.

“Over the junction as a whole we have increased capacity and reduced congestion and accidents but we do acknowledge there is more congestion on the A329M link specifically. We are looking into this in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council, and will consider further modifications to the layout if they look to offer tangible benefits without compromising safety.” n A PETITION set up to force Wokingham Borough Council to debate the changes to the A329M has failed.

A total of 1,500 signatures were needed to ensure the revised road layout would be discussed at a council meeting but only 610 signed up.

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

OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5PM ON FRIDAY 4TH UNTIL 10AM ON FRIDAY 11TH MARCH TO MARK DOWN PRICES!!

ADDITIONAL HELP HAS BEEN HIRED TO HANDLE THE CROWDS!

THE REASON FOR THIS GREAT SALE

After 40 years, myself and my wife Debbie will be retiring at the end of May to focus on other interests. We are currently in talks to sell the business on and continue the good name that Furniture & Bedding Superstore has built up over the past 40 years. Further communication will be sent in due course.

However we must sell off all our displays of furniture and bedding, including Suites, Sofas, Armchairs, Recliners, Divan Sets, Mattresses, Bedroom Furniture, Cabinets, Dining Tables, Chairs, Occasional Furniture, Pictures, Lamps, Mirrors and Accessories and much more.

OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5PM ON FRIDAY 4TH UNTIL 10AM ON FRIDAY 11TH MARCH TO MARK DOWN PRICES on every floor sample, every one-of-a-kind, every odds-and-ends-item. Over £528,000 of famous name merchandise by G-Plan, Parker Knoll, Ercol, Stressless, Tempur, Sealy and Slumberland will be sold at drastic sale prices.

Special prices will also be given on all customer special orders.

Nothing will be held back and we will not be undersold by anyone. First come, first served... you will not be disappointed. We will open to the general public on Friday 11th March at 10am.

Andy Burgess - Furniture & Bedding Superstore

See Next Weeks Newspaper For Details!

SALE BEGINS FRIDAY 11TH MARCH AT 10AM ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

© LSC 2016

6 | NEWS CHARITY

Firefighters offer charity car wash FIREFIGHTERS from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are inviting drivers to treat their cars to a spring clean this Saturday.

Wokingham firefighters will be lending a hand and washing vehicles at the fire station in Easthampstead Road from 10am to 4pm.

The donations will go to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides a range of services for fire service personnel and their families, including therapy and rehabilitation for injured firefighters.

Alan Battman, Station Commander at Wokingham Fire Station, said: “We’re hoping that lots of people will bring their cars along on the day to help us raise as much money as possible for The Fire Fighters Charity.

“They provide a fantastic service and we wanted to do something to support the amazing work they do.

“Visitors will also have the chance to ask us any questions they may have about how to reduce the risk of having a fire in the home, so it’s well worth popping in.”

The suggested minimum donation is £5 per car.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BIRTHDAY

Town streets ahead for Queen’s big day

By SALLY BRYANT sbryant@wokinghampaper.co.uk BUNTING will go up in Wokingham in June to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday with a street party and concert.

It is hoped crowds will turn out with their picnics to enjoy an afternoon of music and family entertainment.

Broad Street will be closed for the event, which is being organised

by Wokingham Town Council.

Thousands took to the streets for a weekend of fun to mark Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee in 2012 – and hopes are high this will be another right royal occasion.

The street party will take place on Sunday, June 12. On that day 10,000 guests are expected to fill The Mall in London. That party will benefit the new Patron’s Trust, to support projects from The Queen’s charities, and Wokingham Town Council is answering the call for the merrymaking to spread across the country.

Wokingham’s birthday salute will start with pomp and ceremony at 12.30pm, when the town council will march to All Saints Church for the annual civic service.

The street party will start around 1pm. The main stage will be in front of Tudor House in Broad Street and music from Wokingham Rock Choir, Bruce O’Neil and other local acts will make the afternoon go with a swing.

Partygoers will be able to take along their own tables and chairs, together with the sandwiches, or just stand to enjoy the entertainment – and something is planned for all tastes.

Stilt-walkers will liven up the scene and there will be activities including arts and crafts and balloonmodelling to keep youngsters amused.

Wokingham Theatre will be running a family quiz,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

FUNDRAISING

Hair raising fundraiser

challenging children to pick out characters from across the last 90 years from the crowds.

Wokingham Arts Society will be displaying its magnificent diamond jubilee frieze – updated with a new panel – in the town hall. There will be an arts market around the town hall and a small food court.

And after a small teatime gap, the annual international street concert will pick up the tempo again. A Commonwealth theme will be another salute to The Queen’s big birthday.

Town clerk Jan Nowecki told The Wokingham Paper: “We are very excited about it and think it will be a fun day for everybody – and we are hoping for good weather, but that is out of our control!”

Philippa Stephens has her hair shaved off for Macmillan Cancer Care at the Dog and Duck in Emmbrook.

Picture: Vivienne Johnson

CELEBRATION

Tea party for 90-year-olds THE search is on for Wokingham town’s 90-year-olds as the country gets ready to salute The Queen’s milestone birthday.

The town council is planning an afternoon tea party to honour its residents who have reached that grand old age. The event is the brainchild of Bob Wyatt, the council’s longest-serving councillor.

The tea will be served at the WADE day centre in Reading Road on Saturday, June 25.

It is hoped guests will be able to enjoy photographs and film from the big Wokingham street party earlier in the month, as well as a cuppa and cake.

Organisers will be contacting care homes and working with churches and groups to make sure all nonagenarians are invited.

If you know someone in the Wokingham Town boundaries who has turned, or will turn 90 this year, contact the council’s civic officer Nikki Payler by emailing civic@wokingham-tc.gov.uk or call 0118 978 3185.

IT WAS a case of hair today, gone tomorrow when a woman shaved her locks off.

Last Friday, regulars at The Dog and Duck in Emmbrook watched Philippa Stephens receive the extreme haircut.

It was all in a good cause: Ms Stephens was raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, as a way of saying thank you to the charity when they looked after her family.

She said: “I’m raising money for Macmillan because I had two family members who had skin cancer.

They both thankfully recovered but

Macmillan Cancer Support were fab when they needed them.

“There was also someone I met, she was a wonderful person and was found to have ongoing, aggressive cancer. It hit her really badly, but Macmillan were there for her.”

Ms Stephens target was £1,000 but so far she has raised £1,300, with her stunt at the Matthewsgreen Road pub helping her reach the target.

She added: “Macmillan Cancer Support were there when my friends and family needed them and raising money by having my head shaved is a little thing that I can do.”

SCHOOLS 1

9 in 10 pupils get first choice schools

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ALMOST nine in 10 pupils will be starting secondary school this September in their first choice school.

Earlier this week, Wokingham Borough Council revealed to parents which school their Year Six pupils will be going to in the autumn – and according to their figures, only three per cent of families have been allocated to neither their first or second preferences.

The figure of nearly 90% of pupils obtaining their first preference is up from 86% last year.

School places for local residents are organisd by the borough council, acting on behalf of schools in the Wokingham borough and neighbouring areas.

The choice of schools has increased this year, as the Bohunt Education Trust opens its doors for the first time in September (see right). The school serves the south of the borough and is based on the former Arborfield Garrison site. Although the school will open this autumn, it is part of the ongoing regeneration of the borough and ultimately see more than 2,000 homes built on the Garrison, as well as a new community centre, shopping village and primary school.

This new school provides extra school places at a time when pupil

numbers are set to grow, and is part of a plan to ensure that the council will have enough places for children in years to come.

On Monday, the Local Government Association issued a warning saying that local authorities face a challenge delivering the necessary places.

They said: “Official figures show that 3,287,000 secondary school places will be needed in 2024, compared to 2,740,000 in 2015.”

Wokingham Borough Council said in a statement earlier this week that is well placed to meet the challenge of providing sufficient secondary school places.

Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, said: “Bringing a new school into the system is a huge team effort in itself. Operating the co-ordinated admissions system, under tight timescales, with the aim of meeting everybody’s wishes is a major task.

“We’ve managed to do that for nearly 90% of applicants and with an increase in applications.

“These figures show that the Wokingham Borough’s efforts and planning have been well worthwhile.” n Further information about school admissions in the Wokingham Borough can be found on the school admissions page, www.wokingham.gov.uk/schoolsand-education/school-admissions

SCHOOLS 2

Ben heads up Bohunt WOKINGHAM’S newest school has appointed its first headteacher.

Bohunt Education Trust (BET), which will take its first intake of pupils this September, announced earlier this week that Ben Godber will be in charge when it opens its doors.

Mr Godber joined BET last autumn as project lead and has previously been headteacher of Eggar’s School in Hampshire as well as a science teacher.

The new academy school being built on the site of the former Arborfield Garrison will specialise in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

Mr Godber has secured partnerships with local STEM companies to provide pioneering activities for the school’s new students.

Mr Godber said: “I am delighted to have been given such a wonderful opportunity. After working hard to prepare the school to open in September, I am thrilled to have the chance to lead it and ensure that our future students will enjoy the very best educational experience with the support of BET. “I am committed to making sure Bohunt School Wokingham makes an outstanding contribution to the local community and delivers a rigorous academic curriculum that equips pupils with the skills and qualities to excel in the 21st century. We are now looking forward to welcoming our first intake of students and planning some exciting activities before they arrive.”

Neil Strowger, Chief Executive of Bohunt Education Trust, said: “Like BET, Ben is committed to bringing innovation that works to the classroom. His appointment further demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional education to young people in Wokingham.”

NEWS | 7

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

APPLICATION

Plan to install gypsy caravan station dismissed

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk PROPOSALS to build a travellers site in Sonning has been dismissed by a parish council.

A plan to station gypsy caravans in Sonning has been dismissed by a parish council.

An application had been made to install the vans on land next to Model Farm Cottages on the Bath Road. Had it been approved, it would have included the formation of utility/dayrooms and hardstanding.

However, Charvil Parish Council dismissed the application at a recent meeting as there were fears that it could lead to more development on land designated as countryside.

It is not the first time that such an application has been made, each time the

applications been rejected by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) as it has refused to allow any development beyond the footprint of the old farm buildings that the present cottages and barn are built on.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, the Charvil Parish Council clerk Miranda Parker said: “Because the whole golf club complex and the fields on the north side of the A4 present a vital green gap between the settlements of Sonning and Charvil.

“To allow this application would be severely damaging to the continued existence of this green gap between the settlements, and could create a precedence for future development on land that is classified as countryside.

“WBC recently completed its consultation on traveller sites, and at present it concluded that there were

The giant egg up for grabs in the Wokingham Lions competition

enough sites up until 2019, and that it had a list of suitable sites that could accommodate the further 52 pitches that the Authority estimated as necessary by 2029, and this site was not one of them.

“Given the existence of a policy for such sites, it would be setting another dangerous precedent to allow a traveller site on this land.

“This planning application contains a number of material errors, which [Charvil Parish] Council believes make this application invalid.

“For example, there is reference to a mains sewer, and there is no mains sewer on this site; it states no development has started, but hardcore and tarmac have

been laid, and caravans are already in situ; it is claimed there is a sustainable drainage system, but there is little evidence of this.

“It is Council’s understanding that this application is a generic model used by this agent on many sites, and not taking into account the specifics of this site, and these errors are indicative of this.

“This plot was important to the biodiversity of the area; unfortunately, all the plants and wildlife were cleared from this site before the application was lodged; however, the wider area is still of importance to local wildlife, and any further development will be detrimental.

“There are no proposed parking

spaces on the plan, which would appear to contravene the local planning laws, particularly for a traveller site with spaces for mobile caravans.

“Moreover, Council is already concerned about vehicles joining the dual carriageway that is very busy, with fast-moving vehicles – this development is only going to increase this hazard.

“WBC has invested much time, energy and money drawing up its core strategy, undertaking consultations on all aspects of its development plans, and latterly adopting a policy on traveller sites, which Council applaud as it should all allow for sustainable development.

“It would be a great shame if all these efforts prove fruitless when confronted by an application such as this, which is clearly designed to abuse the systems that have been put in place.”

Marketing Suite opening 5th March 2016

A warm welcome to Abbeyfield Winnersh

CHARITY

Lions, bars in a giant Easter egg

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE Wokingham Lions Club is hoping to raise £2,000 for local causes with the launch of its Easter Raffle.

Organisations across the borough will be selling raffle tickets to win a huge Easter egg, with all proceeds going to local charities and worthy causes.

Sue Jackson, fundraising chairman of the Wokingham Lions Club said: “Twenty winners will be announced on or before Easter Saturday, March 26, and they can pick up the one kilo Easter egg in a basket, worth £20, from the participating pub or business. With 20 establishments participating, we hope to raise £2,000 with this event.

“The Easter eggs have been made especially for us, and say ‘Happy Easter from Wokingham Lions’ on them. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us this year, and look forward to working together with them on future events.”

Raffle tickets can be bought for £1 from The Broad Street Tavern, The Bull at Barkham, The Castle, The Crispin, The Crooked Billet, Dog & Duck, The Dukes Head, Emmbrook Inn, Gig House, Green Man (Hurst), Ye Olde Leathern Bottel, The Queens Head, Rifle Volunteer, The Three Frogs, Two Poplars, The Walter Arms and the White Horse. Other participating businesses are Alexander Grange, Billingbear Golf Club and Intersurgical.

Charities supported by Wokingham Lions Club include the Ollie Young Foundation, the new Alexander Devine hospice, Naomi House and Helen House. Adult hospices include the Duchess of Kent Hospice, Thames Valley Hospice and Sue Ryder.

Others charities are Help for Heroes, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, the Search and Rescue voluntary service, Starmaker Theatre school, Me2, Daisy’s Dream, Scouts, Guides, Air Cadets, Wokingham Cancer Care, The Homeless, Seaford Court and many more.

The Abbeyfield Society is a charity that has been providing the older community with housing and care accommodation for 60 years. Opening its doors in summer 2016, our specialist dementia care home development is the culmination of many years of pioneering research into providing the best possible care to those living with dementia.

For information or to book a visit to the Marketing Suite please call us on

01727 734140 or email us at

winnershcare@abbeyfield.com www.abbeyfield.com

To find out more about Recruitment dementia care at opportunities at Abbeyfield Abbeyfield Winnersh Winnersh and upcoming job opportunities, please visit us at our Marketing Suite on Saturday 5th March, 11am-3pm – Woodward Close, Winnersh RG41 5UU. We look forward to welcoming you.

Registered in England and Wales, Company 574816, Charity 200719, HCA H1046

An innovative new dementia care home in Berkshire

8 | NEWS

Parish noticeboard Saturday March 5 Crowthorne Parish Council monthly surgery. 11am.

Crowthorne Parish Hall, 48 Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne RG45 7BW

Monday March 7 Wargrave Parish Council Full planning and highways meeting. 1pm. Old Pavilion, Wargrave Hurst Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. Hurst Village Hall, School Rd, Hurst, RG10 0DR Wokingham Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7.30pm. Civic Office, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN Wokingham Town Council Civic meeting.

7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham Wokingham Without Full Parish Council Meeting. 7.30pm. Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3BA

Tuesday March 8 Barkham Parish Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm.

Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham, West Berkshire RG40 4PL Sonning Parish Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane, Sonning Wokingham Town Council Planning and Transport meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham

Wednesday March 9 Finchampstead Annual Gathering. 7.30pm.

Parish Office, FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North Finchampstead RG40 4ES

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

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with stealing two bottles of tequila.

Daniel Paul Spencer, 26, of Gorrick Square appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 18 where he denied stealing the items, to the value of £24, from Tesco in Wokingham.

Mr Spencer was remanded on bail to reappear at the same court on Monday, March 7, and prohibited from entering any Tesco supermarket or premises in the Berkshire area.

A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with assault.

Nasim Chowdhary, 54, of Norwich Drive, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 18 where he denied assaulting a man in Earley on July 23 last year.

Mr Chowdhary was remanded on unconditional bail to reappear at the same court on April 11.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

From the courts

A WOMAN from Woodley has pleaded guilty to stealing from Marks and Spencer.

Michelle Theresa Dean, 45, of Rickman Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 18 where she admitted stealing a variety of items to the value of £110 on January 3.

Ms Dean was conditionally discharged for two years, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85.

Leroy Haywood, 36, of Ashridge Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 19 where he admitted stealing three boxes of Lego, to the value of £55, from a Reading shop on October 25, and possessing a single wrap of cannabis in Market Place, Wokingham on December 3.

Mr Haywood was ordered to pay compensation of £55, a victim surcharge of £60, and costs of £40, and to undertake drug rehabilitation treatment for nine months.

obstructing or resisting a constable in execution of duty.

Ionut Irinel Panaet, 24, of Nine Mile Ride, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 19 having previously pleaded guilty to the charges, which all relate to an incident on December 23.

Mr Panaet was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work, and disqualified from holding a licence for 30 months.

A MAN from Wokingham has pleaded guilty to stealing Lego and possessing a Class B drug.

A MAN from Wokingham has pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and

A MAN from Earley has pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and two charges of assault.

Bhupinder Singh, 46, of Crawford Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 19 having previously pleaded guilty to the charges, which all related to an incident on December 25.

Mr Singh admitted assaulting two women and damaging an internal door of a property in Lower Earley.

He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85.

A MAN from Finchampstead has pleaded guilty to three motoring offences.

Anthony Gillett, 48, of Barkham Ride, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 19 having previously pleaded guilty to driving while above the alcohol limit, without insurance and without an appropriate licence.

The charges all relate to an incident in Denmark Street, Wokingham on December 12.

Mr Gillett was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60.

A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with assault.

Richard Mark Starrett, 29, of Drovers Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on January 19 where he denied two charges of assault by beating.

He was remanded on conditional bail to reappear at the same court on April 4 to stand trial.

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10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business

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

INSIGHT

SPONSOR

Apprentice open event at Shute End YOUNG people looking to become an apprentice are invited to special open evening next week.

The borough council is holding the event at its Shute End offices on Tuesday, March 8.

Organisers say it will be a chance to meet employers and working apprentices face-to-face, and hear expert views from professionals.

There will be talks from organisations such as the National Apprenticeship Service to explain what apprenticeships entail and the different levels of qualification available. Microsoft will give a presentation about what employers expect when hiring an apprentice.

“This event is a great opportunity to learn about apprenticeships as alternatives to more conventional forms of further education such as university or college,” said Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services.

“Apprenticeships are a great way of getting a foot on the ladder at some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the country.”

Cllr Stuart Munro, deputy executive member for economic development and finance, added: “An apprenticeship is a genuine job, with training, which allows young people to earn while they learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification.

“The Government has promised to deliver three million apprenticeships by 2020, so there are numerous opportunities for young people interested in all areas of work.”

The Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Parry Batth, is due to officially open the event at 6pm, and it is runs between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

DATE

MEP to speak at lunch DANIEL Hannan, Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the South East of England, will speak at a special working lunch next Friday.

Organised by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event will be held at Microsoft’s campus on Thames Valley Park.

Entry is free to Chamber members or £24 for guests.

For more details, visit thamesvalleychamber.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

Sub on the pitch A JUNIOR football team is celebrating after signing up a very special sub.

Woodley Wanderers Youth Football Club started its 45th year by announcing the biggest sponsorship deal in its history. It has teamed up with food chain Subway in a new two-year deal.

The sponsorship agreement will see the Subway logo displayed on the shirts of 13 of the club’s current sides, from U7s to U18s, and have a presence at the Woodley Wanderers tournaments planned for April and September.

“It is a fantastic time to be a part of the club, and we are hugely grateful for the generosity of Subway,” said club Chairman Richard Rodway.

“Historically we have had different sponsors help subsidise the kit of different teams, but this fantastic investment from Subway ensures that all of our 18 teams and circa 190 players, from the ages of 6 up to 18 will have high quality kit and look and feel splendid in it for the foreseeable future.”

Dina Patel, Director of Subway Reading said, “After working in the Reading area for the past 17 years, I am very pleased to be able to offer something to the children of the local community.”

Members of Woodley Wanderers in their new kit, which has been sponsored by Subway

RESEARCH

Borough’s workforce is on the rise

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S workforce has increased by 36.1% since 1997 and productivity is well above the national average.

This is more than double the national average of 18% and significantly higher than neighbouring Bracknell.

This is according to new figures released earlier this week.

In the survey, conducted for the Thames Valley LEP, the total workforce in Wokingham is calculated at 86,770, part of 573,630 people working in Berkshire. The 36.1% rise

is the largest percentage increase on 1997’s figures in the region: Bracknell Forest saw its workforce increase by 8.6%, while Reading grew by 10.6%.

The TVBLEP Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) identifies the importance of technology based activity to the Thames Valley economy and the research reveals that Wokingham is strong on computing and information service employment, while it is also significantly ahead of other Berkshire unitary authorities for employing people in the extraction, mining and fuel refining industries.

The report notes: “The high concentration of extraction, mining and fuel refining employment in Wokingham can be explained by the presence of a small number of large extraction and mining companies

being headquartered in the borough.”

The research also reveals that Berkshire’s labour force is more productive than other parts of the company.

Productivity – measured by Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker – within Wokingham’s labour force currently stands at £50,270 per worker, higher than the regional (£49,740) and national (£45,990) equivalent.

The report also reveals that just under 40% of the population live and work in the borough – the lowest figures in the borough. The Thames Valley’s LEP research reveals that Reading, Bracknell Forest, Windsor and Maidenhead are the most popular destinations for commuters to head to.

A further 13.4% of people work from home.

The Plan was written by specialist planning and economic consultants Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners working with the Thames Valley LEP and the six unitary authorities in Berkshire including Wokingham Borough Council.

A second part of the study will be published later in the year and focus on the anticipated future needs for businesses in the region.

The six unitary authorities will use the findings of the study and the SEP to inform Local Plan policy, and work with each other and neighbouring councils to plan for land use needs of the future economy. n The report can be read by logging on to www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk and searching for Berkshire Functional Economic Market Area Study.

SUPPORT

Boots on the ground 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

BERKSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) Extrication Team is celebrating after receiving sponsorship support from a well-known workwear clothing brand.

Dickies will be donating heavy duty gloves, Quebec lined safety boots, Xenon safety specs, two tone softshell jackets, Redhawk Pro Work trousers and bump caps to kit out the team.

The firefighters specialise in road traffic collisions and compete in simulated crashes, these are predominantly in the UK but have competed all over the world in various competitions.

They aim to learn and develop new techniques, which will be passed on to other firefighters. This in turn has a huge benefit to casualties involved in road traffic collisions.

Chris Baars, Delta Crew manager retained support unit, said: “We are grateful to Dickies for supporting us, by supplying the clothing and PPE items we can stay dry, warm and safe while we work.

“Due to cuts we are now self-funding and without help from suppliers like Dickies, we would not be able to keep doing what we do.”

Members of Curves celebrate the club’s 10th birthday

ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating 10 years on the treadmill A WOKINGHAM fitness centre for women has celebrated its 10th birthday with a special party.

Curves in Wokingham town centre held the event last Friday.

Bev Gellard from Curves said: “I cannot believe that 10 years ago we opened our doors for the very first time.

“I didn’t know then how much I was

going to love these last 10 years.

“For me I have been on the most wonderful 10-year journey of meeting the most amazing women and can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it.

“It was an absolute delight last Friday to celebrate this special occasion with the lovely women at Curves. Here’s to the next 10 years.”

NEWS | 11

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

COUNCIL

Social care contract awarded to Optalis

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

“The company also has a robust growth strategy as it has taken on new services, therefore proving it has the commercial acumen to prosper.

“For these reasons it was without hesitation the contract be renewed.”

Managing director at Optalis, Mette Le Jakobsen, said: “I am delighted on behalf of all of our colleagues here at Optalis that our main client, Wokingham Borough Council, has renewed our contract.

“We have proved that we can deliver high quality services, whilst increasing productivity and developing a culture of continuous improvement.”

And the deal has also been welcomed by the Wokingham Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Prue Bray said: “Having a contract with a councilowned company on the whole works. It saves money through not having to go through a huge retendering process and by not having to lose money to an external business so they can make a profit.

“It also enables a reasonable level of control over the quality of the services provided. There is huge pressure on adult social care through increasing need for services and tight controls on the money that is available to spend.

“In that context, Optalis, while not perfect, offers a good way to deliver services to people who need them.”

A NEW contract to provide care and support for older people in the borough has been awarded to the council’s own company.

Optalis, which is based in Molly Millar Lane, will provide the council's adult social care services, including extra care housing, homecare, reablement, supported employment, as well as care brokerage and social work under the new five-year agreement, which starts in June.

Wokingham Borough Council said that the company has been successfully operating these services since its formation in June 2011. It added that over the past five years, Optalis has maintained and improved the quality of services, while also delivering tangible efficiency savings to the Council by reducing operating costs and overheads.

The leader of Wokingham Borough Council, councillor Keith Baker, said: “Optalis has been entrusted to deliver some of the council’s most vital and sensitive adult social care services with a clear message to work in partnership with the council to provide good quality safe social care to our residents.

“Optalis has demonstrated its commitment to partnership working by both improving the quality of those services and actively contributing to the challenges of managing a constrained social care budget.

EUROPE

Wokingham votes to stay in … as Redwood prepares to launch local leave EU campaign

Wokingham Labour ran a stall in Market Place on Saturday, gauging people’s opinions on the European referendum

AS JOHN REDWOOD prepares to launch a local campaign to leave the European Union, an informal poll has revealed that Wokingham people would prefer to stay in.

On Saturday, the Wokingham MP will hold a Vote Leave event at the town hall in Market Place, as part of his support for the no campaign in the forthcoming referendum.

The staunch Eurosceptic MP is However, last Saturday, members hoping that he can persuade people to of Wokingham Labour asked people vote in favour of leaving the European visiting its stall in Market Place and take Union and will address the meeting part in its own referendum.

Offers valid from 2nd March - 28th March which starts at 10am. Coffee and cake Three voting booths were set up, for leave, stay and don’t know, and more will also be served at the event.

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than 350 people ended up casting a vote.

Andy Croy, spokesperson for Wokingham Labour, said that more people voted for remain than any other option.

He said: “The EU is not perfect, we know that but the benefits of remaining in Europe outweigh the risks of leaving,” said Andy Croy, Wokingham Labour spokesperson.

“There are still plenty of people who were undecided,” continued Mr Croy, “Wokingham Labour will continue to work hard to persuade residents to vote remain.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

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NEWS | 13

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

EDUCATION

Pupils given insight into world of work

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk AN INSIGHT into the world of work was given to primary school children last week, thanks to a special careers week.

Five borough schools came together for the event, which saw parents and carers share experiences about their jobs and careers.

A number of visiting speakers inspired the children and explained to them what the world of work involves and the opportunities that exist.

It also included a visit to all five schools by borough mayor Cllr Parry Batth. He talked to the children about his long career with National Grid and subsequent work as a borough councillor.

The Central Berkshire Education and Business Partnership (CBEBP) went into each school for a day, organising ‘job safaris’ for the older children. Organisations including Price Waterhouse Cooper, Reading Football Club and Thames Water also visited them and talked about opportunities in their areas of work.

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Barry Patth, with pupils at Farley Hill Primary talking ‘shop’ as part of a careers week involving four other local schools and businesses Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

The participating schools were Shinfield Infants, Shinfield St Mary’s, Lambs Lane, Farley Hill and Grazeley.

“The children had a fantastic week and thoroughly enjoyed hearing from so many adults about their careers and their learning journeys,” said Emma Clarke, head teacher at Farley Hill Primary School.

“Everyone was inspired and

gave the children lots of ideas and knowledge about the skills they may need in the workplace. The Mayor was much appreciated.”

Head teacher at Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School, Sue Runciman, agreed.

She said: “Our children particularly enjoyed the visit from the Mayor.

They had lots of questions about his civic role and in particular it was very

useful to them to understand he’d had a previous career.

“I particularly liked the fact he explained to the children on a personal note that he’d wanted to be a pilot, but hadn’t been able to because of a bright spot in one eye. It gave the children the clear message that while there may be some things in life one cannot do, other doors will always open.”

COURTS

Man’s 12 charges over building works A MAN has been charged for 12 offences linked to building work in the borough.

West Berkshire and Wokingham Trading Standards in conjunction with Thames Valley Police and Reading Trading Standards charged 48-year-old Neil Harvey Jackson, of no fixed abode, on Thursday, February 18.

He is accused of one count of fraud by false representation, one count of a trader knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice which contravenes the requirements of prwofessional diligence, and one count of a trader engaging in a commercial practice which was aggressive – contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

These three charges relate to an incident on February 26 last year regarding building work to a porch at a property in Spencers Wood.

There is also one count of dishonestly failing to disclose information to make a gain for self/another or cause/expose other to loss, namely failing to provide homeowners with information regarding their right to cancel a contract when made in their home.

Another eight counts relate to a trader knowingly/ recklessly engaging in a commercial practice which contravenes the requirements of professional diligence.

These nine offences relate to incidents between November 17 last year and January 18 this year over proposed building work in the borough and Reading.

Mr Jackson is in custody and is due to appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, March 22.

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14 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

PLAY

COMMUNITY

Play will show impact of porn on youngsters

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW event taking place next week will investigate the impact of pornography on young people.

The evening event, taking place in the town centre, will feature a play and a discussion featuring author and broadcaster Joanna Jepson. She has first-hand experience of pressures of body image as she has been a chaplain to the fashion industry.

Called Made In Our Image, the event is organised by Soulscape, a charity that works in the borough’s schools.

Anna Adams, who is presenting the event, said: “We run projects looking at issues that affect young people.

“Two years ago we looked at pornography on social media etc. We got real feedback from young people about issues that affect them. We discovered masses of pressure on our young people and we try to create the space for them to talk about it in an authentic way. Schools don’t necessarily have the time or space to be able to do that.”

From those sessions came Object, the play which will be performed.

Mrs Adams said that much of the script are the words and thoughts of the young people.

“It’s really interesting and eye opening.

“We have already performed it in Forest and Holt schools but on Friday, March 11 at the Made in our Image event Object will be performed again,” she said.

The Revd Jepson will join a local police officer and two younger people for a panel discussion on subjects that arise during the evening.

Topics will include the statistics of sexting and pressures on young people.

“The event is being held in a church but it is a non-religious event and relevant to anybody and everybody,” Mrs Adams added.

Made in our Image will be held at Wokingham Baptist Church, on Friday March 11 from 7.30pm. Tickets are £10. n To buy a ticket or for more information call: 07464 069037, log on to soulscape.org.uk or email: tickets@ madeinourimage.org.uk

Caption to read

Neighbourhood group to meet for action All ages came together at the launch of a new Sunday lunch club, The Community Kitchen, run by antiloneliness charity The Link Visiting Scheme Picture: The Link Visiting Scheme

Sunday roast with the most

Prick up your ears and listen!

G

OOD RELATIONSHIPS depend on good listening skills.

Psychology Today tells us that good listening is nearly always absent from conflicts.

The adage says that “God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we listen more than we speak.”

But it seems human beings are not as good as dogs at using their ears. Dogs have more than 18 muscles in their ears which enable them to move their ears around to locate sound more precisely.

Depending on the breed and their age, dogs frequency of hearing ranges from 40Hz to 60Hz. By contrast, human hearing ranges from 12Hz to 20Hz. Dogs can also hear four times further than humans. So, they have more motivation and better ability to ‘prick up going to a dance. Send three and ABOVE: Carer and their ears’. fourpence.” client appreciate the We may hear but we may not be Our own lack of listening skills difference Bridges Forpart further information please contact: listening. Listening is an important of will hopefully not have such serious Home Care makes to the caring, it is more than hearing. Listening consequences. When a person is truly quality of their lives.” accurately receives and interprets listened to, they feel genuinely cared Helen Morris messages of communication and is aware for. Their dignity is restored and their m: 07879 401 383 of both verbal and non-verbal messages. own self respect built up. Of course Without listening messages T: are 020 8133 577 the opposite is true, when we are not misunderstood, communications break listened to we feel undervalued and e: helen@litchÞeldmorris.co.uk down and relationships are affected. unimportant, which can lead to health The well-known incorrect message is deterioration and relationship break down. reported to have been sent by a series of Active listening is such an important runners and radio operators during the part of caring, that it is encouraged First World War. The message started as part of the skills training course for as “We are going to advance. Send carers at Bridges Home Care. reinforcements”, and ended as “We are

New service launches for dementia sufferers

CAMPAIGN

said: “We didn’t want to run an older persons Sunday lunch club, we wanted to create a space for anyone – families, professionals, young people – anyone who would enjoy company on a Sunday, to come together and eat a home cooked meal where older people were the honoured guests.”

Peggy, 98, said: “It was wonderful to be invited out. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m so pleased I said yes.”

The charity is appealing for donations to help run the project. For more details, log on to www.linkvisiting.org

“Carer and client appreciate the difference Bridges Home Care makes to the quality of their lives.”

CHURCH

A NEW church service aimed at people with dementia will launch in Earley next week.

St Nicolas Church in Sutcliffe Avenue will hold the communion services, followed by refreshments, on the second Wednesday of the month from March 9.

Sessions run from 2.30pm and is open to people with dementia and their carers.

The church says that everyone is welcome.

For more details call the church on 0118 966 9080.

FRIENDSHIP

A CHARITY that aims to help elderly people company loneliness has launched a new Sunday club for everyone.

The Link Visiting Scheme, based in Easthampstead Road, held the first Community Kitchen event last weekend in Winnersh. The monthly event will see people come together to cook, eat and spend time together Thirty five people, aged from five to 98, gathered together at Rainbow Park Community Centre in Winnersh for the event.

Scheme manager Marjie Walker

THE Shinfield and Swallowfield Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) will meet on Wednesday, March 9 at Shinfield Parish Hall.

The meeting is an opportunity to discuss community issues with representatives from Thames Valley Police, parish and borough councillors, local businesses and churches.

The event starts at 7.30pm and all local residents are invited to come along and join in.

At the January meeting, issues discussed included parking, speeding and congestion.

Lions offer free prostate screening MEN are being invited to get their prostate checked out at a free screening event.

The Reading Lions Club is organising the event on Thursday, March 10 at the CircleReading Hospital near the Madejski Stadium.

The event is aimed at all local men aged 50 or over.

Last year, more than 700 men were tested and the Lions say that this year they’d like to test more. People who had a blood test last year are free to return for another test this year.

Are you a good listener?

Become a Home Carer Bridges is an award-winning domiciliary care service provider for the counties of Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Bonny Harrison and Wendy James, who manage Bridges Home Care, believe that listening to the client’s supporters is as important as listening to the client, ensuring their service “cares for the carers” and meets their needs too.

“Pricking up your ears” is a costly way of caring, involving genuine giving.

Learn to apply the skill of listening and see the benefits in the lives of others.

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NEWS | 15

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

MEETING

Couple to talk about their migrant camp appeal DAYS after a French migrant camp was bulldozed, a talk will take place to ask what happens next.

Last month, more than 200 pairs of new boots were taken to refugees living in “the Jungle”. The high quality footwear was bought from donations given by Wokingham people responding to an appeal made by Lizzy Rippon and Richard Smith.

At the meeting on Saturday, the pair will talk about their experiences volunteering in the Jungle and explain how they see the future of the Boots Without Borders fundraising initiative.

It will be held at Wokingham Methodist Church from 11am and will be attended by the borough Mayor and representatives from local churches and community groups.

Although the meeting will be of particular interest to those who have contributed to the project and want to see how their donations have been spent, it is also a good opportunity for you to learn more about this humanitarian crisis. n For more details, visit www. bootswithoutborders.org.uk.

The Calais Jungle refugee camp in January. Inset: the boots being handed out. Main picture: Malachy Browne/flickr.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

REPLACEMENT ROOFS

RUBBISH

Is this Wokingham’s worst road for litter louts?

By SALLY BRYANT sbryant@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE founder of an anti-litter group believes Waterloo Road could be Wokingham’s worst after 14 bags of rubbish were cleared in a weekend blitz.

Andrew Le Breuilly, who set up Wokingham Litter Heroes in July, spent six hours picking up cans and fast food wrappers.

The 32-year-old, of Gipsy Lane, also found a washing machine and four tyres, which he reported to the council for removal.

Mr Le Breuilly, a fundraising manager for Thames Hospice, collected his haul of other people’s garbage when he targeted just 830m of Waterloo Road, out of town from the level crossing, over February 20 and 21.

He said on Tuesday: “I was doing runs to the tip in Bracknell and I noticed the road was just disgusting. There were drinks bottles and cans, a lot of energy drinks and fast food.”

Mr Le Breuilly feels the area may be particularly hard-hit because people waiting on the level crossing think it is a good opportunity to clean out their cars.

Wokingham Litter Heroes, which has five or six core members, is the result of Mr Le Breuilly setting up a Facebook page after realising he wasn’t a lone crusader.

“I used to take the dog for a walk and thought if I can pick up his poo, I can pick up cans.”

Then he started leaving the dog at home and just going out with a bag for litter. The

BAND 1

Litter Heroes idea took shape when he saw someone else doing the same.

Now the Facebook page has 170 likes, showing support for the cause, and group member Nick Warren, of Sturges Road, goes out twice a day to do his bit towards keeping the streets clean.

The group’s successes include getting a town centre business to tidy unsightly bins and recruiting local traders as litter heroes. It has just passed the milestone of collecting 125 bags of rubbish since its launch.

Mr Le Breuilly, who will be setting his sights on parks in the summer, explained: “It’s really rewarding. It is horrible to see litter but when you have cleaned it up, it’s a nice feeling.

“We try to be positive, hence ‘litter heroes’.

“I just like to help out – there will always be an idiot who drops something, but we try to be positive.”

Competition joy for Saints

BAND 2

ONE of the borough’s best-loved bands is celebrating after winning a national contest.

On Sunday, members of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band competed in the UK championships held at Woodstock.

The band performed The Mermaid of Zennor by Philip Harper, a piece it is intending to play at the forthcoming area competition later this month.

They were led to victory Lee Woodward with adjudicator Brett Baker saying that he had a tough job picking a winner.

It was not the only award for the band at the contest.

MONDAY was a day to remember for members of Saint Sebastian Brass Band.

On the leap day, the musicians welcomed Brian Ireland for a special fundraising evening of music.

Mr Ireland conducted the band in a rendition of Army of the Nile in order to raise money for Longfield Hospice. The performance is in recognition of the support the hospice gave his wife, Lynn in her final months.

He is currently travelling the country, performing with as many bands as possible, donating £1 for every player he conducts.

Mr Ireland’s brother Kevin was a member of the band for several years and the pair have previously joined with the band for other performances.

The band also held their own collection for the appeal.

Soprano cornet player Llewellyn Wells took the best instrumentalist prize, with Brett commenting on his beautiful and consistent playing.

A spokesperson for the band said: “The whole band played brilliantly; playing together and making a beautiful sound which meant that the soloists had a rock-solid foundation upon which they could shine.”

The area contest takes place in Stevenage on Saturday, March 19. n The band currently has a vacancy for a front row cornet player.

For more details, log on to www. wokinghambrassband.org

Ireland tours with the Nile

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

A329M: it has to be changed

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Your views Ode to Wokingham We have a town council, Who would have guessed, When you look at our town planning, It’s a mess

CHURCH NOTES

GOOD ADVICE

“My head was buried in the sand!”

“I couldn’t even get up in the morning – didn’t want to face the world.”

“I felt so ashamed, I couldn’t even tell my family.”

These people all had one thing in common. They had unmanageable debt, and life was closing in on them.

Reasons could include redundancy, family breakdown or just wanting a good Christmas for their children.

In our consumer-driven society, so many of us have found ourselves in this situation.

It’s impossible to avoid the allure of glitzy marketing and seductive promises… which is a bit odd when it’s about selling a new kitchen. It’s effective though.

We glimpse the lifestyle that could be ours, if we just stretch ourselves a little more.

We don’t want our children to go without.

The perfect life is an illusion, but one we keep reaching for.

As he set his sights on the Cross and the painful death that awaited him, Jesus took time to spell out to his followers exactly what was at stake.

Looking at the shipwreck of so many lives, he declared: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Life “as it should be” is not a new shopping centre (apologies to Bracknell!) but life under the Lordship of Jesus, letting him call the shots. Our instinct is to stay in control … but is that really possible?

“Life to the full” is not an empty marketing slogan, it’s what Jesus alone can deliver.

For information on free debt advice and help with money management skills, visit Christians Against Poverty at www.capuk.org.

Helen Hotchkiss is a member of Christ Church Wokingham, which meets every Sunday at 10.30am at St Crispin’s School

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

COMMUTERS have known since day one of the new A329M layout that the changes are completely flawed.

Since last October we have reported on a steady stream of near misses, long delays and accidents on the new junctions that makes life easier for M4 traffic but hell for those going on the A329M. Commuters are stuck in slow going traffic, often backing up for miles, as people attempt to navigate the single lane carriageway without causing another accident.

And for every driver that can read the signs and gets into the correct lane there are always the odd one or two who switch from the M4 lane at the last minute, causing more anguish for motorists.

So, like you, we’re surprised that the first statistics for the A329M show a slight reduction in accidents on the new layout. We suspect that because the near misses are just that – misses – we’re not getting the full picture.

The plan to install cameras that will monitor driver behaviour and analyse the pinch points on the road are a welcome step. Hopefully this will provide the necessary evidence to Highways England that the plan was botched from the outset.

The single lane A329M cannot cope with the volume of traffic, especially at key commuter times.

It’s wrong to say it’s just at rush hour as the queues start building from very early in the morning.

While the cameras will provide key evidence that the changes are a disaster and just not working, it is up to us to keep the pressure up.

Highways England said every scheme takes six months to bed in. We’re coming up to that now and it has not settled down.

The changes are wrong and must be reversed.

Life as it should be

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

Decisions were made, Many years ago, Behind council doors, Now portrayed as public choice New houses to the left, New houses to the right, No space, playground or park, Is sacrosanct More houses, more people, Traffic the town’s Achilles heel, Where do cars go, Tell the council that The options were put to residents, They made their choice, But the council in its wisdom, Said no, not that You have heard of distributor roads, North and South, Straight through housing developments, Now that’s a fact Roads under the railway, Roads past sewage works, Kinks here, turns there, Chicanes, frustration to follow.

New residents don’t know, The noise, the risk, Coming from traffic, Right past their doors The solution is simple, Bypass the houses, Quite logical you say, Tell the council that

Parish councils are closest to community I was disappointed to read the editorial in the Paper regarding parish councils (Ferbuary 16).

Not only is it factually incorrect, it shows a complete lack of understanding of the Local Council sector.

There are 10,000 town and parish councils in England and Wales, forming the tier of local government closest to the community and providing a valuable interface between the community and Borough or Unitary councils.

Local councils work towards improving community wellbeing and providing better services at a local level. Their activities fall into three main categories – representing the local community; delivering services to meet local

needs; and striving to improve the quality of life and community wellbeing.

The councils have a wide range of discretionary powers enabling them to provide and maintain a variety of important and visible local services, and these powers were strengthened by the 2011 Localism Act. There is currently a move to encourage the creation of more Local Councils, recognising the importance and influence of the sector.

In Finchampstead we have 17 voluntary Councillors and are not political. We are proud of the work we do towards improving the quality of life for residents, and protecting and enhancing the local environment.

There you have it, A council run by politics, Not for the people, by the people, Time for change, no doubt of that Ron Davies, via email

Riverside is ‘under threat’ from park and ride plans Readers may not be aware that the riverside in East Reading is under threat from Wokingham and Reading Borough councils’ plans to build a park and ride car park for nearly 400 cars at Broken Brow.

This plan is the first phase of a bigger plan to push a road through to Reading town centre via Kennetmouth.

It’s a new version of the infamous cross town route.

We work with many local organisations serving the community, and also increasingly with Wokingham Borough Council, helping to ensure that in these difficult times services are maintained and essential infrastructure is provided.

I had hoped that the newsletters sent to you in recent months would have given an insight into the breadth of our work for the community.

We are holding our Annual Gathering for Parish Residents and those who work with us on Wednesday, March 9 at 7.30pm.

You are more than welcome to attend.

Katy Dagnall, Clerk, Finchampstead Parish Council

This plan would damage an outdoor space loved by many in east Reading for its tranquillity, destroy scarce wildlife habitat and create more pollution.

The proposed scheme is unlikely to reduce traffic congestion at Cemetery Junction in the long term because more people will travel as a result.

If more park and ride space is really needed, the Winnersh Park and Ride should be extended, as has been proposed by Park Ward’s Green councillor Rob White.

The petition opposing this plan is at http://bit.ly/thamesparkandride Please sign and save our riverside.

Isobel Hoskins and Brenda McGonigle Green Party candidate for Park Ward, Reading

How to deal with your debts when you don’t own a home A debt relief order is one way to deal with your debts if you don’t own a home, don’t have much spare income, and your debts are £20,000 or less. Some types of debt don’t count towards this limit, so check whether you’re eligible before you decide

I

F YOU’RE unsure about whether a debt relief order (DRO) is right for you, including whether you’re eligible, speak to a DRO adviser. You can find one at most local Citizens Advice offices.

While a DRO is in force you don’t have to make payments towards most types of debt included in your DRO and your creditors can’t force you to pay off the debts.

At the end of the DRO period, usually around a year, your debts will be written off.

You will still be responsible for paying off any that aren’t included in the DRO – this is because DROs don’t cover all debts.

To apply for a DRO there’s a fee of £90. If you can’t afford to pay the fee you may be able to get help towards the cost from some charities, ask at you local Citizens Advice. You have to go to a DRO adviser, also called an approved intermediary – you can’t submit your own application. You can find a DRO adviser at most local Citizens Advice.

You may be able to get a DRO if all of the following things apply to you: n You’re unable to pay your debts n Your debts are worth up to £20,000 n You’ve got £50 or less left over each month after you’ve paid your usual household expenses n You don’t own your home

n Other savings or things of value you own are worth less than £1,000 (some things are ignored when working out the value) n You don’t own a car worth £1000 or more, unless it’s one that’s been specially adapted because you have a disability n You haven’t had a DRO in the last six years and aren’t going through another formal insolvency procedure, such as bankruptcy or an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) n You’ve lived, had a property, or worked in England or Wales in the last three years.

You must declare if you’ve given away belongings, sold belongings for less than their value (for example if you sold a car worth £2,000 to a friend for £200) or prioritised paying back one creditor over others (for example, if you paid off a debt you owed to a relative and didn’t pay your other creditors) in the two years before your application.

Your DRO application may be refused if any of these apply to you, although the official receiver could still make a DRO. They will look at the facts of your case before making a final decision.

A DRO will cover ‘qualifying debts’. These include; credit card, loans, overdrafts, rent arrears, utility bills, telephone bills, council tax, income tax, benefit overpayments, HP, business debts and buy now, pay later agreements. If you obtained any of these by fraud you will still have to pay them when the DRO has ended.

Debts that can’t go into a DRO are: magistrates court fines and confiscation orders, Child support and maintenance, student loans, social fund loans and compensation owed for death and injury.

If you are unsure whether something is covered check with a DRO adviser.

Is a DRO right for you? It will provide a way out of debt, but will have an impact on your lifestyle and credit rating. If any of your debts are for goods bought on hire purchase, you may need to give the goods back. Your DRO will stay on your credit record for six years and this may make it difficult for you to get credit or find a new home in the future.

You’ll also have to follow certain rules, called restrictions, during the DRO year. This means that you can’t borrow £500 or more without telling the creditor about the DRO, you can’t get involved in promoting, managing or setting up a limited company, or be a company director, without getting permission from the court, if you have a business under a different name from the one under which you got the DRO, you’ll have to tell everyone you do business with the name you used when you got the DRO. While the DRO is in force, and for three months afterwards, your details will appear on the Insolvency Service’s Individual Insolvency Register, which can be viewed by anyone. If having your name on the register could lead to violence against you or a member of your family, you can ask the court to order that your name doesn’t appear on the register.

It’s important to make sure you understand the impact a DRO will have on all areas of your life before you apply.

If you still think you need a DRO, then find a DRO adviser. If they confirm that you are eligible, work with them to make your application. 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 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

NELLIE KNOWS

Celebrating your photography

Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk Thank you!

F

IRST of all a very big thank you to everyone who read my column last week.

By some good fortune I was contacted by someone who thought the guardian angel on the train could be someone she knew and kindly gave me her number.

I put in a phone call and explained that D had asked if anyone could find the kind person on the train and Jules said that yes it was indeed her! How brilliant is that?

D and Jules are now in touch and are planning to meet up at some stage so I will wait to hear how they get on.

By strange coincidence I had actually chatted to D some years ago and she is a big fan of my friend and author Lesley Pearse, so it is really a very small world!

On the pitch

February 14 is known as the day of love, thanks to St Valentine. And for lovers of the golden age of railways, there was a special Valentine’s Day treat on the day itself, as a steam locomotive powered through Twyford Station. Reader Paul Phillips caught the moment that the Tornado went through the borough recreating the Red Rose Express which ran from 1951 to 1966. It was en route from London Paddington to Worcester. Paul’s taken a powerful picture. One could almost say the power of love. Thanks Paul. 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.

In the kitchen

TONY JOHNSON Clash of opinions

R

EADERS of at least three generations will recall the Punk Rock band, The Clash.

Parents who couldn’t stand the noise and didn’t much like the lyrics.

Kids who listened to the records and sang the lyrics.

Politicians and commentators of today waxing lyrical (or satirical) on just one of their hits.

Released near the end of their initial six-year creative streak, it charted – just. But the re-release in 1991 went to Number 1 in the UK and the Top Ten in Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Sweden. It even got to Number 25 in France.

One could be forgiven at the time for wondering quite how a Number 1 hit would be relevant to the political future a quarter of a century later.

So if you’ve not guessed it by now, the hit was, of course, Should I Stay Or Should I Go. And we’re all in for a treat.

Because marking the hit’s 25th anniversary is a referendum on our continuing membership of the European Union. Only the third nationwide referendum in our country’s history. The first was to join the Common Market, while the largely forgotten second was whether to adopt the Alternative Vote system.

So far the country’s track record is balanced – Yes to the first and No to the second.

There was to have been a national referendum in 2006 on adopting the European Constitution, but it was defeated.

First in France, then a month later in Netherlands.

The UK opportunity was “postponed indefinitely”.

It was snuck back via Parliament two years later

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when the then PM finally thought that he could “win”. So much for his “not bringing it back again and again until people say yes” comment. Exactly true and very false; simultaneously – a neat political and philosophical trick if you can pull it off.

Over the years, there’s been much confusion over just what “Europe” has meant.

Pre-20th Century, right back to 1066 and all that, and the history books are pretty clear. War after war in Europe – usually squabbles over who owns what and who’s got the best bits of silver.

As a nation in the 20th Century it seemed that we’d not learned our history lessons. So we ended up doomed to repeat history. Not one, but two World Wars, our initial involvement ostensibly based on our commitments to Belgium (1914) then Poland (1939).

After the Second World War, we determined not to repeat these adventures, the cost was simply too high.

War debt from the First World War was around 30% of what we earned as a nation in a year.

At the end of the Second World War it was over 200%.

So while we may have won the war, we certainly didn’t win the peace as those debts took us over 60 years to pay off.

But the cost of war wasn’t just financial, it cost our lives too; our empire; and ultimately a lot

We had football on Saturday so we were up super early, wrapped up warm and armed with coffee, sadly we didn’t come home with a winning smile but the Under 11s weren’t too despondent.

I, of course, had a few hay fever moments as the goalie was my daughter and when two goals crept in during the first half I wanted to scoop her up – but I stayed behind the Respect Line and hugged her at half-time.

This Saturday we’ve got two games to watch so I will have a double dose of hay fever moments.

We’ve been glued to the Six Nations and are gearing up to the BIG game next Saturday, Granny Valley will be more vocal than Grandpa Valley and if you dare to listen you might hear her yelling from the Valleys!

of our energy and self-respect.

In the 21st Century, using those official government statistics that Winston Churchill pointed out were slightly less trustworthy than Lies or Damn Lies, calculations show that the UK forks out around £27M a day in real cash.

That’s around 42p for every man, woman and child in the country.

Every day.

Over a year that adds up to between £800 and £900 for each household. Or around half of what we pay in Council Tax. But while I can find out what we get for our Council Tax, I’ve absolutely no idea what we get for our tax payments to the EU, apart from more Government busy producing … something.

Probably even more government if history is anything to go by.

And as for the future, after the referendum, you might ask ?

25 years ago, The Clash’s opinions were clear: “If I go there will be trouble, and if I stay it will be double” Tony Johnson is a former business manager with experience of developing technology businesses.

He is currently learning about the strengths and weaknesses of putting logical and political arguments together. You can listen to Should I Stay or Should I Go on Youtube (GqH21LEmfbQ).

FACEBOOK.COM/WOKYPAPER

@WOKYPAPER

As Tuesday was St David’s Day I made Welsh Cakes for the hungry hordes. If you don’t know, I am not Welsh but Big Welsh is and the girls have adopted their Welsh heritage, the dog is also Welsh so it’s just easier to embrace it.

I was given some venison last week and we made venison burgers which were very tasty and incredibly lean, I used the leftovers to make bolognese which went down well until Big Welsh told Granny Valley we had eaten (insert Disney character) Bolognese.

Oh dear, some of my lot weren’t happy with me so that’s off the menu for a while!

Before Christmas I had found an old family (Chesshire, with 2 x S - very important) recipe for mince meat and made a big vat of it which I have been dipping into to make pastries, I have to say it is fantastic and I will never buy shop bought mince meat again.

Book Launch As my friend and author Amanda Jennings is fond of mince pies I thought I should take some along to her book launch last week.

The mince pies were very tasty if I may say so myself but the evening truly belonged to Amanda whose third book In Her Wake was published in hardback by Orenda Books and I can tell you it’s worth a read.

I often describe Amanda as the high priestess of twists and turns, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Amanda gave a very witty speech and we all toasted her success, there might have been a bit of hay fever.

At the Book Launch I also met up with Claire Dyer another local author and I promised her I would start reading her book The Perfect Affair which I had on the Kindle – I’ve started it now and it’s great.

I also met author Iona Grey who is a mutual follower on Twitter and Instagram which was very funny as we had chatted like old friends before meeting.

Talking of old friends March is a very busy month with Mothering Sunday, lots of birthdays including mine and Easter so I must crack on and post off some cards, how fortunate that Barkham Village Stores and Post Office on Bearwood Road are open from 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday so I can nip along, park outside and not have to tussle with heaps of parcels.

I see they’re on Twitter and Facebook so give them a like and follow.

See you next week.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

Wokingham’s people

OH, MR SMITH!

A wry look at life

Swim like a fish, run for George Kirsty Scott is a woman on a mission to get children fit and healthy through sport and loving it as much as she does. She was one of the founders of a now-thriving junior triathlon club and has just launched a swim school. It isn’t only children she inspires – Kirsty is one of the organisers of the Earley UrbanX 10k event.

SALLY BRYANT finds out more

W

HEN it comes to practising what you preach, Kirsty Scott leads the field.

A former competitive swimmer, she now regularly does 100 lengths and is finding success in sprint triathlons.

For the uninitiated, these events comprise a 750m swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5k run without a pause for breath in between. But sport gives this 37-year-old mum, from The Crescent in Earley, so much pleasure she wants everyone to get out there and discover the benefits for themselves – especially children, who can set a healthy course for the rest of their lives.

“As a kid, I was a competitive swimmer at a high level and I was a PE student, I did a BTEC in sports science. Now I have my own little girl and I get fed up with some of today’s children being ‘housebound’ with their tablets and games – I used to be out playing, but in this day and age it is difficult for kids to get enough exercise. But I want them to enjoy sport as much as I do, to keep them fit and healthy.”

Kirsty’s main passion is swimming teaching. She qualified seven years ago and teaches in primary schools.

Her latest venture is KC Swimmers, which she launched in January with Catrin Smith and holds Sunday afternoon lessons at Kendrick School.

And she is driven on by her belief every child should learn to swim, not only for exercise but because it could save their life.

“I teach in several Reading primary schools, where many of the children have never set foot in a swimming pool before, so it is a very fulfilling job when I am able to build up a child’s confidence to allow them to swim and enjoy the water.”

Kirsty says her nine-year-old daughter, Harriet, “swims like a fish” and will complete 50 lengths alongside her 100.

This dynamic woman is as fervent about getting youngsters running and on their bikes as she is about getting them in the water.

She runs a triathlon club at Aldryngton Primary School in Earley and, with fellow coach Ellie Barnes, founded Reading Rascals Junior Triathlon Club in 2013.

It now has more than 65 members, aged between eight and 15, and they are learning from the best – Ellie has represented Great Britain in the triathlon.

Kirsty says: “Training has included swims at Blue Coat School [in Sonning] and at Olympic-sized pools in Aldershot and Stratford. We cycle at the BMX track in Earley and at the Look Out in Bracknell and last weekend we were at the velodrome at Palmer Park.”

And as if all this were not commitment enough, Kirsty is part of

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Arthritis Care is the UK’s largest organisation working with and for all people with arthritis.

It is a membership organisation with a network of local branches and groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has a really exciting opportunity for people who have experience of arthritis whether personal or via family and friends – and for those willing to learn – to provide peer support to others living with arthritis.

The role is a Community Champion Volunteer and commitment is for a few hours each week – or less regularly if required. The volunteers will be helping in the Wokingham area. The volunteer can choose the area most local to them and they will be adding

Kirsty Scott wants to get everyone off their sofas and taking part in activities such as the Earley UrbanX 10k or learning to swim.

the Incurro team, a group of people passionate about the positive benefits of sport and motivating everyone, children and adults, to ‘go on, give it a try’ by organising local community events.

Incurro was born after a successful triathlon fundraiser for Aldryngton School and runners will be on their marks in Laurel Park for its third annual Earley UrbanX 10k and Kids 2.5k Fun Run on Sunday, March 20.

For the first time, charity will be benefiting and a proportion of every entry fee will go to the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

If you want to get your trainers on and give it a boost, go to www. runearley.co.uk as there are still places.

And if you need more encouragement, already signed up are George Major and his younger brother,

Noah. Aldryngton pupil George has raised more than £50,000 for charity with grandma Julia Eversham, of Loxwood, since he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2009.

He was honoured with a Pride of Britain award in 2011. The superfundraisers now champion Alexander Devine, set up in memory of a little boy diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of four and who lost his fight when he was eight.

Julia says the cause is close to her heart because “there but for the grace of God”. Now she celebrates every time George takes part in sport – Kirsty taught him to swim after his recovery – and seeing him run is “a joy”.

You can bet she will be cheering the loudest when the runners are off next month. n www.runearley.co.uk

with Helena Badger new areas, so please do get in touch.

Volunteers should have experience with arthritis whether personal or via family of friends and must be friendly, helpful and approachable. n The Sue Ryder Befriending Service supports people with life-limiting illnesses who are in their last year of life.

It covers Wokingham, Reading, Newbury and Nettlebed. People who are in their last year of life can often become isolated, feel lonely and need some extra support.

Befriending volunteers can help by providing company, taking someone out, offering practical support with everyday tasks or giving carers a break. This support means that people aren’t left to face the

challenges of a life-limiting illness alone and can spend the time they have left in the way they choose.

The charity is looking to take on befrienders. This can include any of following; provide support, companionship and conversation, help with an activity or interest (e.g. craft, films ‘Being there’ while the carer takes a break, provide company on short trips (e.g. shopping, coffee, cinema, helping with light housework (e.g. hanging washing out) helping with gardening (e.g. mowing the lawn) picking up shopping and picking up prescriptions. n Thames Hospice is an independent local charity offering people living with a life-limiting illness the best possible

care and support. Their shop, based in central Wokingham, is essential to their fundraising efforts. They are looking for volunteer retail assistants to help with sorting donations, customer service/till work, implementing gift aid and sales.

They have various shifts available from Monday to Saturday. Volunteers must be aged 16 and over.

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

Retirement.

Heaven or hell?

I

’M FIT and healthy – well these are relative statements. One person’s rating of OK-fit is another’s slouch.

My waist may be marginally larger than my chest and I can’t see my shoes when I stand up but hey-ho, I can swim, play tennis and do football, well, watch Match of the Day on Saturday night anyway, so I reckon that is sufficiently fit.

I could easily go on for another 40 years before I up stumps and retire to the pavilion.

Which brings me to the point. These days many reasonably fit people find themselves out of work before they ever reach retirement age and find it impossible to replace the job they lost. It comes to us all sooner or later.

Career cessation is hoisted upon us for a host of reasons, health, age, obsolescence, family responsibilities.

If you are of retirement age or approaching it, for whatever reason, what are your feelings?

In a matter such as this feelings might be more revealing than thinking. Are you waiting to embrace retirement or dreading the thought of it?

You could view the troisième âge as the start of something new and exciting opening up new opportunities the paid workplace always denied you.

There was a time I wanted to take part in Gilbert & Sullivan productions but commuting and working in a London ad agency disrupted normal life to make this a distant dream. But even in my 20s the voice would never have been up to it.

Energises

What energises your mojo? You could support a charity in some unpaid but responsible role that draws on abilities acquired over a lifetime, or take up a hobby that might lead to fame and fortune such as photography, astronomy, golf, amateur dramatics and performance. This does of course assume the mortgage is paid off, children finished education and you have a modest income stream that covers the essential bills.

It doesn’t take much money to enjoy a rich and fulfilled life but it does demand a little surplus income.

It surprises me that many who could slow down drive themselves harder to achieve pension pots whose acquisition might be damaging their health. The Dali Lama made this point recently in a rare magazine interview.

The biggest challenge is not about money – every week the media provides articles on financial advice, but no one gives much advice as far as I can see about relationships and the most important one being with your spouse or partner.

Whether you are divorced and starting a new relationship or have been in the same partnership for the last 40 years, if you are suddenly around the home every day for the first time this presence can have a huge impact on your lives. Gradually you may discover that the person you’ve lived with for decades is a stranger because you’ve grown apart and in the business of life never realised it.

I recently spent some weeks in Melbourne and decided that if I were required to drive I would pay for some driving lessons to acquaint myself with local conditions. I think some marriage or relationship enrichment sessions would likewise be highly beneficial.

What will I do when the times comes? I fancy having a go at film script writing.

Do you know the way to San Hosea?

TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

WELLBEING | 19

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Good health

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

HEALTH MATTERS with Nicola Strudley

How do you pick a care home?

CAMPAIGN

Don’t miss symptoms of ovarian cancer

Robust CQC’s ratings are based on its robust and specialised inspection regime, which is led by experts, driven by intelligence and based around what matters most to people who use services – are the services safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.

Healthwatch Wokingham Borough have a team of lay visitors (volunteers) that go into care homes around the Borough to talk to residents about what it is like to live there. We have started to find that what CQC looks for when inspecting (policies, operating procedures etc) do not necessarily reflect how the residents feel about a place.

We listen to the people that matter most – the residents.

We then share our findings with providers and commissioners, and use our seat on the health and wellbeing board and overview and scrutiny committee to challenge them to respond.

Healthwatch visiting care homes has resulted in numerous changes, particularly around increased training for staff, environmental layout and residents choices being taken into consideration. Crucially the evidence collected by Healthwatch is also starting to inform the work of the CQC, helping inspection teams to target and prioritise which services to inspect next.

Find Healthwatch Care Home reports on our website.

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

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

£21 a month

What is included?

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

Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent Women are being urged not to be too busy to check for warnings that they could be suffering from ovarian cancer.

Picture posed by model and taken by Valerij Zhugan/ freeimages. fit to join com

(excludes specialist and implant treatment)

Need to regular dental visits?

T

HE new Care Act, which came into force on 1 April 2015, gave carers rights on a par with the people they care for, which includes an entitlement to an assessment of their own needs.

If your loved one can’t live at home any more and you know it makes sense for them to move into a care home but you’re confused about which sort of home they’ll need. How can you trust what they say in their brochures? What if you make the wrong choice?

Choosing somewhere for your loved one to live is a massive responsibility – it’s no surprise many carers feel overwhelmed. But with the right information and support you should find it a bit easier.

This month the regulator Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched a new online resource to make it easier for people to see which care homes have been rated as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate.

CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: “Everyone has a right to experience really great care and I hope this resource will help people and families learn more about the thousands of services we have identified as meeting the Mum Test along with those where we are tackling poor care – and ultimately help in choosing the right services for them.”

Check out CQC’s care home ratings map at www.cqc.org.uk/carehomeratingsmap

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 You do not need to be dentally BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment so easy to dismiss symptoms as being Women are being urged to look out for warning is needed during the 12 month contract par for the course because, as women, signs that they may have ovarian cancer – aand help discount member of 15%toisexpect given. we’re programmed our is at hand thanks to a new app. JOHN WAKEFIELD finds out more about advice that could save a life

W

OMEN are putting their health on hold because they’re too busy to take potentially lifethreatening symptoms to the doctor, reveals new research released earlier this week by charity Ovarian Cancer Action.

More than a quarter of women (25.3%) say they prioritise work over going to see a doctor and more than a third (38%) say looking after their family takes precedence. 14% feel that spending time with their partner is more important than seeking medical help and a small proportion (8.3%) say socialising is a priority.

One in five of the 2,000 participants (23%) are worried about wasting a doctor’s time and 20% feel that other patients’ needs are more important than their own.

More than a third (37%) of the women who took part reported finding it difficult to speak to a doctor. Of those, top reasons cited for keeping quiet about their health included being embarrassed (55%), worrying about being judged as overreacting (44%), feeling as though they’re not taken seriously (35%), and not feeling understood (26%).

Aside from feeling busy or reluctant to speak up, more than a third (34%) of participants reported feeling dismissed when they do speak up about their health.

Physical problems were the most oft dismissed, with 36% of women saying they’d not felt heard when discussing a problem with a doctor.

The numbers for mental health and sexual health fell to 30% and 27% respectively.

Even after visiting a doctor, almost one in five women said they would

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 Beechcroft Dental Practice, 3 For more information, please contactRG40 us on2AE 0118 3815, and978 speak with one

bodies to change. Yes changes might happen but don’t just accept them.

Learn to listen to your body. Speak up You do not need to be dentally fit to join doubt their instincts if a doctor if something doesn’t feel right and be BMS but a new patient examination is contradicted them and more than persistent with your doctor. After all, 10% said they’d accept a diagnosis you know yourself better than they required before signing up. If treatment without question. do.” is needed during the 12 month contract To coincide with Ovarian Cancer Katherine Taylor, chief executive Awareness Month, the charity has of Ovarian Cancer Action, said: “The a member discount of 15% is given. launched a new campaign, Speak Up, reluctance for women to seek help Listen Up! and speak up about health issues is The aim of the campaign is really worrying but it’s not hard to to explore complexities around understand. From being too busy diagnosing ovarian cancer, to or feeling too shy, to prioritising the needs of our families or our jobs – encourage women to listen to their every woman is different and there bodies and speak up about their are myriad reasons that health issues health, and to encourage doctors to may not take precedence in the busy ‘think ovarian cancer.’ lives we lead.

Alison McGoff is 46 and was “However, in diseases like ovarian diagnosed with ovarian cancer in cancer – in which symptoms can be 2013. vague and diagnosis is tricky – we, as “Before I was diagnosed with women, need to listen to our bodies, ovarian cancer, I thought changes in keep a close eye on our health and be my body were simply harbingers of persistent with doctors if we think the menopause. I also felt stressed something is wrong. and hugely tired but I just chalked that “That’s why we’ve launched up to working hard,” she said.

Speak Up, Listen Up. We need to “I did speak up, but not enough. It’s spread awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms far and wide. We need to Ovarian Cancer: encourage women to feel empowered The symptoms to speak up; and be persistent. And n Persistent stomach pain we need to ensure women are heard n Persistent bloating or increased by asking doctors to ‘think ovarian stomach size Our membership scheme is available for a month cancer’ .” n Difficulty eating or feeling full When asked to identify a symptom quickly cancer more than a third What is included?

You of doovarian not need to be dentally fit to join n Needing to urinate more (32%) said they couldn’t and almost frequently • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMSone butin a10new is said patient there areexamination none.

The key features of the symptoms • 2 Hygienist visits In fact, thesigning symptoms required before up.are If treatment of ovarian cancer are: persistent bloating, needing to pee • Accident & Emergency Insurance n Their persistency – they don’t is needed during the 12 month contract more often, persistent tummy pain • 15% member discount on treatment go away a member discount of quickly.

15% is given. and feeling full more (excludes specialist and implant treatment) n Their frequency – they occur Women experiencing symptoms most days should keep a diary of symptoms to n The symptoms are new – they take with their doctor as this will help started in the last 12 months with a diagnosis. n The symptoms are unusual – n For more or to download an app to they are not normal for you help, log on to www.ovarian.org.uk

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.

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

For more information, please contact us on

only3815 £21 , 0118 978

visit our website at

www.beechcroftdental.com

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 | HERITAGE

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Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

HERITAGE | 17

Inassociation associationwith with In

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

ANCESTRY REVIEW

How to explore … for free The past whichyour has family shapedheritage our present...

Discovering yourChuRChER ancestors can be one of the This week MikE reviews most rewarding journies into history the Wokingham Remembers articlesan individual can make, but where to start? of the past four months and discusses thecontributed Wokingham MICHAEL WOOD some of the factorsfrom which Library offers some tips and shows you just to the making of Wokingham and its what you can find out about your family. environment.

IO

VER the past months the F YOUWokingham are readingRemembers this, there ispage a strong has possibility are interested in local been you providing an early picture history. of how a small market town and a I find on that people who are is today few villages the edge of a forest interested in history are also interested ranked as one of the country’s leading in family history. So I have been asked to communities. write down a few tips and thingstransport, about Education, religion, industry, my family that I have found through social structures, national politics and researching my family history. local government are all important The one thing that family pieces in building the makes great Wokingham history much more accessible jigsaw. Here now is a summaryinofthe our last few years to is the It really contributions dateinternet. and a few ideas on is exciting to make discoveries about the next round of articles. your own family, especially if they were Education, famous or were Education, involved with famous Education people. is renowned IToday’s decidedWokingham to investigate my familyas one of the country’s centres excellence history a couple of years agoof and quickly for education; this is partly duenames to strong developed the bug.

I had a few school performance andtothe and dates passed down memotivated and so I got parents to work. who live in one of the most highly educated communities in the the UK. I glanced at a few websites about we look into the history of bestIfway to approach family history and Wokingham’s we cantosee discovered theschools main tip was how education is everything. woven into its DNA. check and record Prior to the Great War, Wokingham So, I decided to record was surrounded manor information on a by series of houses and members of the landed gentry who spreadsheets.

I set myself be close awanted goal ofto seeing howto the levers of power; i.e. Ithe royal far could gethouseholds without of Windsor.

In turnany these upper echelons spending money possessed a serious (must be my Scottishsense of duty and a becoming responsibility to ensure their genes active!). community received The first two pagesat least a basic education.

Wokingham of the spreadsheet werealso had a powerful professional quite easy. I got all the class, namesa strong church community (including back four generations without the nonconformists) and together shared too much difficulty.

(I usedthey Ancestry a strongin belief in the importance of me website Wokingham library to get teaching. to this stage). That took me back to the The result was19th withcentury the skills, the beginning of the (1800). motivation and the finance available, After that I started to struggle on my there side developed a culture education Dad’s of the family.

Myofancestors which still holds strong to this day. on this side of the family were mainly Wokingham transport traders in London or farm workers in the Transport is –probably the single Home Counties no doubt hard working most important factor in Wokingham’s but not very interesting. development, both itson railmy and road It was quitein different Mum’s systems. side of the family. Her dad – my granddad Future articles lookhe atemigrated the – was in the Britishwill Army, introduction the railways andthe the to the United of States and joined

major impact they had on the town and American Army and then came back we have already made a start with theto Britain in 1914 join up out to fight in the of road system byto mapping the course Firstold World War. the Forest Road.

A few of relatives andM4 immediate While thehis building of the had a forebears were in the Army and hadof the major influence on the introduction travelled world towhich help build the high tech the businesses now surround British Empire.

Wokingham, it is the A329M which My grandad’s was “Herbert in 1975 cut off thename Forest Road and its Aufrere connections Baker”. This was pretty unique, so natural between Emmbrook using Google I was able toand find a number and the villages of Hurst Binfield.

The websites referring to him and further love and hate relationship withaour rail two roads generations back and continue to bearing this day!his middle name.

Wokingham’s military This took me back to Sir Robert Baker heritage (a London Magistrate) who married As 2015 is the(who bi-centenary of the Harriet Aufrere came from a French Battle of Waterloo, Huguenot family). there have been a number of articles The Bakers werecommemorating a rich merchantthis world event. familychanging residing in London (Bakers Thewas areanamed has always noted for Street after been Robert’s Uncle). its contribution to the nation’s military Unfortunately Robert fell out of favour capability, with Arborfield’s with the government in 1821REME, for allowing RFA and Remount connections and the the popular Queen Caroline’s funeral to Sandhurst and Wellington go through the City ofColleges London all after a situated very riot,nearby. instead of reading the Riot Even the Act Duketoofthe Wellington crowds. took to living in StratfieldI discovered, Saye, whichfrom todaya is few only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s other websites, that other town centre. members of the Baker Wokingham’s family had emigrated the States in the 17th benefactortoculture Century to escape the The area around Wokingham was religious persecution surrounded by many remarkable under Stuarts. individuals and theythe were instrumental in A father andinfrastructure son had building the much needed been forced out of the Churchof which underpinned the establishment of England in 1662 following the a strong community.

Restoration of the We will later be Stuarts. telling the story of the The Aufrere family an interesting Walter family and theirhad contributions to history. the building of Wokingham but in April Inweekly 1490 Etienne Sainterre first issue, we told theD’Aufrery story of the (eight loved generations from Harriet) much Arthurback Hill, the 6th Marquess was the President of the parliament in of Downshire.

Toulouse.

At one the of Reformation many of Although Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the the merchants and students of Toulouse chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a became Protestants. major contributor to this part of Thisfinancial led to riots, so the Aufrere family Wokingham’s public services. unrest moved to Paris, and following Later articles will illustrate the there moved to Normandy. demise of these great escaped manors and their In 1685 the family to Holland incumbent social system and the rise of and finally moved to England in 1700.

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

its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

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

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

Before we believe too much in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on told the story of the rioting in the town Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ centre during the time of the 1857 General To bring us up to date the August Election.

Wokingham and articles focused on the kidsof who are Above: Baker Street as it once was.

The street was named after one of Michael Wood’s ancestors.

Tracing his are family tree with the help Such events were a common sight in nowIsrael entering into their summer holidays. the Royal Forest Wokingham Library has enabled Michael to discover his family’s links to Thomas Cromwell (below) and Aufrere (left) the town and this short and bloody battle Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s between the Whigs and the Tories also Theythan brought with many skills Israel Aufrere (Greatjust Grandfather difficult to visualise how rural of the editions to tell the them stories of the highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in and crafts became anSaxons important part Harriet) Huguenot area oncewas wasaand in part Minister explains in the Romans, theand Celts and the Market Place as the headquarters of these sometimes of the preonand society.

London and his eldest son became a fragile relationship between influence thepost-industrial area before Wokingham two feral groups.

France’s was England’s gain! eye?

Church of England clergyman. the old and new Wokingham; few was even aloss twinkle in old Wocca’s The story was also able to reflect Though theFord Huguenots family The themselves married areas inAufreres the UK have witnessed such into David Nash providedmy a set of was upon the national scene and the corrupt linked and to some famous middle and upper the De Gastinegrowth family.and Major Matthew extraordinary change in theDe articles puzzles which makes nature of general elections before the class families.

Oneyoung of myand most Gastine come over to England in the profile ofhad its population. history fun for the nofamous doubt introduction of the private ballot. andalso intriguing forebears Thomas army of William of Orangehistory (William III).

Although Wokingham’s will catch the interestwas of the parents Future articles will include further Cromwell.

Huguenots hasFortunately always beenmany intertwined withkeep who will be looking over their child’s tales of anarchy and revelry in this old He was a bit of a rough diamond, who meticulous notes of their history the surrounding villages byfamily providing shoulder. market town. became Henry VIII best fixer.

His life and much of this can now aand market place for history agricultural and be Here’s to the next round of articles! character are to certainly worth studying found on the internet. commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War further.

TheThe Aufreres and the Denot Gastines Town. term ‘forest’ did mean awere Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments in No doubt areTrevor many Ottlewski other people wealthy managed to getof much cluster of and trees, but a system lawsof laid Huxford, Rogerthey Long, history which mark the moment of great who haveShilham the same as me, but their wealth outfor of France.

They married down by royalty the protection of change in a society and the Great War of and Peter forancestors all their continuing it is fascinating to think that you are into hunting well-to-do English Society. their grounds.

1914-1918 is one such time. contributions. related manyisheroes or villains Israel onerous Aufrere’srules second son, a second These restricted local Therefore a number of centenaries All thistowork provided by our of our past.historians free of charge and generation people from immigrant, using large became parts of the MP land between 2014 and 2018 will local forsustenance Stamford. Israel would asof a great for and inhimself part ledspoke to theFrench can Ibe commemorate the great losses of war foundrecommend on the frontthis page the way andofGerman but did not speak English to study history, but beware it can easily rise local highwaymen and general which scarred the people of Wokingham Wokingham Remembers website very well. As a result, the subsequent become too time consuming. lawlessness. for the rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com In Act factof Huguenots so on Why not come into Ashwell the Wokingham Black 1723 cameintegrated down heavily May’s edition followed the story Thanks also to Mark at well that few people todayand realise that in library in Denmark Streetthe andpaper’s see what these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ resulted of two brothers from Langborough TradeMark for supporting England took in 40,000 Huguenots. you can findtoout? either their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokingham town. One of our commitment this project.

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

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

SCHOOLS | 21

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Friday, March 4, 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.

AUSCHWITZ

Visit was unforgettable reminder of horrors of war

By KATE PARTRIDGE, ELLIE ANGUS and SIAN LARSEN Reading Blue Coat School

A

T THE beginning of the February half-term break, we were part of a group of 46 Reading Blue Coat School Sixth Form Psychology students who set off on a four-day trip to Kraków, Poland.

Our trip consisted of cultural and historical elements, including a tour around the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Birkenau Nazi concentration camps, and having the opportunity to listen to the last Auschwitz survivor in Kraków.

On our arrival at Auschwitz I, we were met by the harrowing words Arbeit Macht Frei, translating as ‘Work Sets You Free’.

Throughout our tour around the barracks we stayed silent as the enormity of what we were seeing and hearing set in. One of the barracks was filled with photos of some of the prisoners; what looked like thousands of people to us, in reality made up only a very small portion of the number of prisoners who actually spent time in Auschwitz.

Our tour guide told us the story of a woman on one of her tours who asked if she could have a photo from the exhibition because it was of her mother, of whom she had no other

photos as she had died in Auschwitz when her daughter was just five.

This exhibition also included piles of old suitcases, shoes, even human hair – the remains of the victims of these two death camps. These harrowing images are ones that will stay with us forever.

For many of us, it was walking through the dark, empty gas chamber where thousands had died, that really hit home. Scratches on the wall reminded us quickly of the terrors experienced only two generations ago.

The tour of Auschwitz Birkenau gave us an even more horrific idea of the brutality of the daily life of a person living in such conditions.

This was further reinforced by what was told to us by a Holocaust survivor who had spent two years in Auschwitz Birkenau, from 1943 until the camp’s liberation in 1945. This was truly an unforgettable and unique opportunity, for which we were all extremely grateful.

The survivor gave us incredible insight into the reality of the situation, as, because she was so young in the camp, her life there became normality.

The children in the camp were experimented on while being subjected to starvation and extremely unsanitary surroundings; she believes the only way she survived was

because her mother managed to sneak food into the children’s barracks at night.

One of the saddest parts of this brave lady’s story was that, due to tremendous exhaustion, she never remembered her mother’s face or name or even her own name and date of birth so, on release, she had to start afresh, attempting to put her terrible experiences behind her. She does, however, still bear the mark of a survivor: her tattoo of her prisoner number, which she received on entry to the camp 73 years ago.

This trip was an eye-opening and enlightening experience. It made all of us consider how such horrific things could occur within our human race and, as the Auschwitz survivor urged us, we resolve to remember this experience to ensure that such monstrosities never occur again.

VISIT

The day I became a racing driver at Brooklands

By MAX COOPER, AGED 6 From Evendons Primary School

E

VENDONS Primary School went on the bus to Brooklands Museum on Wednesday February the 3rd.

When we got there we were told it was the first banked racing car circuit in the world. First of all we saw the early grand prix cars and onto the modern formula 1 cars next.

There was a man who guided us through Brooklands Museum.

There were warplanes and old cars. I enjoyed seeing a very old biplane which was very similar to the Wright Brothers plane. The man said that the guy who built it was trying to fly, but he was rubbish!

Brooklands was the first ever race track and it was an airport.

We got to go on a Concorde, it was the first and only supersonic airliner. We also got to climb

aboard the Sultan’s private airliner.

We went to see old London buses from the Second World War. We also looked at one of the first English Electric buses. We saw the first bikes which were balance bikes. We also saw a Penny farthing bike and a modern light weight bike that was faster than a historic racing car.

Next we went to see the aeroplanes. We saw the sultan’s private airliner, inside it was very cool. It had a bedroom, bathroom and a TV. One of my favourite planes was the Concorde. It was the first and only supersonic airliner. We also saw a First World War biplane and a Hurricane fighter plane from the Second World War. There is also a Wellington Bomber being restored which was found in Loch Ness.

All the kids had lots of fun and got a souvenir to take home.

Your weekly puzzle challenge

22 | LEISURE

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Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 1

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1. Which novel by Graham Greene describes how a deputy commissioner of police falls for a 19-year-old widow?

2. Which English National Park borders Scotland?

3. With which song would you associate the lyrics: “Bathgate no more, Linwood no more, Methil no more, Irvine no more”?

4. In which country is the tip of the Horn of Africa?

5. ‘I have keys that open no locks, space but no room, and you can enter but not go inside.’ What am I?

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NONAGRAM

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

SHE HIRES LARGE PIG

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

H T

D E B V R E

T

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 18 Good; 22 Very Good; 25 Excellent.

OJ

RA

RD

AI

ES

ET

7 3 5 6 4

8 7 5 9 4 8 7 1 1 5 6

5 2

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

YE

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

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DOWN 1. Stare at only one of the glasses? (6)

5. Bade stranger to go when retired (4)

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.

5 8 6

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ACROSS 1. Merry mêlées go awry (8)

EQUALISER 14 10 6 2 5 2 8 12 3 3 4 5

Hard

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

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

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SUDOKU Easy

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2. Heather, I can include her! (5)

8. Man heard to take steps to obtain advice (8)

3. Place pot in different position (10)

9. Fellow with a useless tooth (4)

4. Machine part worn out in rain (3) 6. Showy display of boldness about now, well done (7)

13. Not much to detect (5)

EO

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11. Hero worshipper (7)

PB

UO

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

21

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. The Arab Spring demonstrations of 2010 started in which country?

7. Which objects would you find in an ossuary?

8. Which island’s inhabitants are largely descendants of the mutineers from the Bounty?

9. What is the name of the multinational food packaging and processing company founded by Ruben Rausing in 1951?

10. Jeff Bridges starred in which 2010 remake of a Western starring John Wayne?

WORD PYRAMID

E E L

22

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

14. News of where the class is at first coming back (11)

7. Employee of mine is found down under (6)

18. Round number in a tin (5)

10. Corresponding material (10)

19. Sell now it has become inflated (7)

12. Twin uncle (5) 21. Play with a jaunty rhythm till 15. Perplex no more in France (7) rearranged (4) 16. Got up like a fish (6) 22. Could it bear fruit just over a 17. Reported how patients wait foot in length? (8) for the doctor (6) 24. Powder produced by 20.

I’d left ancient city first, it crushing stud (4) was ghastly (5) 25. Continued batting but did 23. Headwear that is topless (3) not go outdoors (6,2)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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SOLUTIONS

26. Worked out (6) ACROSS 29. Food fish (4) 1. Unfeeling (9) 9. Item of jewellery (6) 30. Employs (4) 10. Close (4) 31. Rough-edged (6) 11. Faithful (4) 32. Journal (9) 12. Repaired by DOWN sewing (6) 2. Breathe out (6) 13. Evidently (7) 3. Ceremonial (6) 16. Cure (4) 4. Small (6) 17. Every one (4) 5. Move along 18. Gear (3) swiftly (4) 20. Rug (3) 6. Envelop (7) 21. Low dam (4) 7. Thin outer surface (4) 23. Rip (4) 25. Confidentiality (7) 8. Rapacious (9)

13. Science subject (9) 14. Compass point (4) 15. Vertical line on graph (1-4) 18. Leg joint (4) 19. Add sugar (7) 22. Passes along (6) 23. Emotional shock (6) 24. Assent (6) 27. Symbolic design (4) 28. Fop, dandy (inf.) (4)

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5 1 4 9 2 8 7 3 6

8 5 3 4 7 1 9 2 6

EASY SUDOKU

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CROSS CODE

X

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9 6 3 7 8 2 4 1 5

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HARD SUDOKU

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WORD PYRAMID: The powers that be.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 7.

MAGIC SQUARE: prig; rash; isle; ghee.

U

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QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Heartless; 9 Choker; 10 Shut; 11 True; 12 Darned; 13 Clearly; 16 Heal; 17 Each; 18 Kit; 20 Mat; 21 Weir; 23 Tear; 25 Secrecy; 26 Solved; 29 Tuna; 30 Uses; 31 Ragged; 32 Newspaper.

Down – 2 Exhale; 3 Ritual; 4 Little; 5 Scud; 6 Sheathe; 7 Skin; 8 Predatory; 13 Chemistry; 14 East; 15 Y-axis; 18 Knee; 19 Sweeten; 22 Relays; 23 Trauma; 24 Accede; 27 Logo; 28 Dude.

Digger; 10 Stationery; 12 Remus; 15 Nonplus; 16 Scaled; 17 Intern; bedel; beer; BELVEDERE; bevel; bled; bleed; bleeder; bred; breed; breve; 20 Lurid; 23 Hat. deer; dele; delve; delver; derv; dree; elder; elver; ever; leer; leered; levee; lever; levered; rebel; rede; reed; reel; reeled; reeve; reeved; revel; veer; veered; veld; verb.

Down – Ought; Bears; Tipsy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Gleesome; 5 Abed; 8 Guidance; 9 Fang; 11 Leander; 13 (2) Across – Japan; Idler; Store.

Down – Joins; Polio; Nerve.

Trace; 14 Information; 18 Canon; 19 Swollen; 21 Lilt; 22 Shoetree; 24 Dust; 25 Stayed in.

NONAGRAM: Down – 1 Goggle; 2 Erica; 3 Standpoint; 4 Mac; 6 Bravado; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Heart of the Matter; 2 Northumberland; 3 Letter From America, by The Proclaimers; 4 Somalia; 5 A computer keyboard; 6 Tunisia; 7 Human bones; 8 Pitcairn Island; 9 Tetra Pak; 10 True Grit.

(1) Across – Orbit; Grasp; Testy.

FIVE ALIVE:

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

COMEDY

Kane is able to change Stand-up comic Russell Kane is back … but as you’ve never seen him before. BRIAN DONALDSON finds out why

R

USSELL KANE is a changed man.

For his Right Man, Wrong Age tour, you may encounter someone with a new look, fresh perspectives and a different approach to his comedy.

“In the last year I’ve been married and had a baby,” he said. “I’ve changed my hair, I’ve changed my look, I’ve thrown all my eyeliner in the bin. I literally went to my wardrobe one day and got all my ridiculous clothes and took them to the Sue Ryder shop for some other man having a midlife crisis then bought the four exact same suits in different colours from Topman.

“Then I got my hair as flat as it can go and I thought, ‘that’s it: this is me now’.”

Russell can pinpoint the exact moment when he needed to alter his outlook and write a new show. It started with somebody at the door: “I’m always looking for the moment that can make me look ridiculous in a way that is compelling. I was in the middle of spray-tanning myself upstairs in these tiny pants when the doorbell went. I went downstairs in my dressing gown and this window cleaner was touting for work.

“He leaned in and said, ‘I’m really sorry to disturb you: is your mum or dad in at all?’ You might have thought this was a compliment, but it’s really not. He could be talking about how I’m putting myself across so I thought: ‘clothes in the bin’. And at that moment, there was Right Man, Wrong Age.”

In the world of stand-up, acts are continually expected to evolve and grow and turn over a significant amount of material every one or two years. For some this burden might prove too much, but for Russell Kane this is a challenge he relishes.

He said: “I’ll keep changing, and I don’t really ever want to stand still. I don’t care if it confuses people about where I’m coming from. I’m protean; I don’t want to be recognisable in five years’ time; that’s what keeps my writing going. One day I’m learning Spanish, the next I’m learning survivalism. I might do my maths GCSE next week: who knows?”

For now, though, Russell is focused on making Right Man, Wrong Age the best show it can possibly be. His topic is how we never quite feel the life-stage that we’re in and the age that we’re at, whether we’re 80 or 18.

“When you’re 18, you look in the mirror and think ‘I know what I want to do, so why am I trapped in this 18-year-old body?’ while the 80-year-old is still waltzing and dancing around in her head.

“That’s going to be my jumping off point and from there I’ll do lots of accessible observations as well as the odd thinky bit.

But I don’t want to disappear up my own bum with this show, I just want to go on in my suit and just be funny and have lots of big laughs.”

If you’ve seen Russell on stage, you’ll know there is a physicality to his act which matches the blizzard of ideas and words.

So, how does he wind down after a show?

“Nothing exotic, just a glass of red wine.

I would like to get to bed earlier, but I need a good movie or, if I’m feeling particularly tired, something like Towie or Take Me Out; something that lobotomises me. I’m always reading good stuff, but now and again you need a burger because you can’t live on quinoa all the time.”

Kane also has ambitions to tap into the online market with his stand-up.

“I’ve not really seen other stand-ups doing it; I’ve seen some using their social media and doing bits of sketches but I haven’t seen many take the risk of doing stand-up down the barrel of a camera, posting it and seeing what happens,” he said. “I did a thing recently, which I called The Kaneing, where I looked at a celebrity news story and put it on my Facebook wall. I was worried it might seem a bit embarrassing and desperate, but it got 64,000 views overnight.”

The popularity of Russell Kane is in little doubt, but he’s keen to make the most of his time at the top of the British stand-up tree. His sense of gratitude for the job he’s doing is palpable and he confesses that touring the country and making people laugh is something he will never tire of.

“I love it. If I ever have a bad day and feel miserable, I think about the things my family have done for a living. The fact that I can walk into a hotel, lie on the bed, watch a sci-fi movie, go and do an hour’s work on stage is incredible.” n Russell Kane will perform in the Town Hall, Reading on Wednesday, April 6. Tickets cost £18 and the show is for over 18s only. For details, call 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. readingarts.com

Animal Corner with Gemma Davidson

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

JESTER

THESE fivemonth-old puppies were handed in to the rescue with another puppy who has since found a new home.

Jester was recently adopted through DBARC, but very sadly brought back because he was getting very excitable in his new home, especially when people were eating – he would bark at his owner and nip her ankle.

He was perfect for the first five days, but as he settled in his feisty terrier temperament came out and his adopter did not feel confident to cope with him.

Jester is a cheerful, friendly little dog who was found straying and taken to a dog pound but was never claimed.

Fortunately, he avoided a grim fate and was taken into care until he could come to

DBARC to look for a loving new home.

Jester is a lively little chap, just as all terriers are.

He likes people, and wants to learn to please.

He has probably not had a lot of early training, but is a willing student.

He just needs someone to teach him all the life skills, and to give him all the exercise, fun and cuddles that a young dog like him needs.

As there is no long term history for Jester, we would not wish to place him with children under 12, and as he is after all a terrier, he is unlikely to be compatible with cats or small animals.

He is good with other dogs.

Jester is looking for an experienced terrier owning home, where they will understand his needs and deal with any ‘terrier moments’.

DAPHNE NEUTERED female cat, aged five.

This sweet girl has come into DBARC due to her owner dying.

She is very sweet natured and we hope she finds a home soon.

LEISURE | 23

POPPET A six-month-old neutered male rabbit looking to live with a neutered female rabbit.

n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved.

The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm.

For more information, and to view other animals in need of a home visit www.dbarc.org.uk

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, March 4 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5.

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

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment.

Details: 020 7219 4205.

WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Peter Knight’s Gigspanner. 7.30pm. £14. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM– St Paul’s Chuch, Reading Road.

Women’s World Day of Prayer service. 2pm. – open to both men and women.

Saturday, March 5 BARKHAM – Village Hall RG40 4PL. Skittle evening, teams of up to six. Primary school children £5, £9, family ticket £26. Includes ploughman’s supper. 7pm-10pm. Details: 0118 977 1579.

CROWTHORNE – Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. CATS (Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society) presents Pizza, Passion and Pasta.

7pm. £12.50. Details: 07756 580310.

EMMBROOK – Village Hall, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JN. 1st Emmbrook Scouts presents Tea Prepared tea party. 3pm-5pm. Details: www.1stemmbrook.com.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or

www.pauloscircus.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Patchwork Workshop - 1: Make your own mug cosy, cushion and iPad cover. £5. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 931 2150.

READING – The Great Hall, London Road. University of Reading Symphony Orchestra and University of Reading Chorus and Chamber Choir in concert: Yellow River Piano Concerto. 7.,30pm. £10, £6 concessions. Details: 0118 378 8518.

SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall RG7 1QX. Hiraeth: a play with a Welsh ceilidh.

7.30pm. £10. Details: 0118 988 5989.

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

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

WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Quiz night in aid of Action For Children. £10, includes fish and chip supper. Under 11s £5. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Code Club for ages 9-11. Booking essential.

10.15am-11.30am. Teen Writing Group - A Slice of Life with Author Andy Robb.

10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Boots Without Borders public meeting: what happened when boots went to Calais.

11am. Details: Search Facebook for Boots Without Borders.

WOODLEY – Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Baby and children’s market.

2pm-4pm. £1. Details: www. babyandchildrensmarket. co.uk

Sunday, March 6 BEARWOOD – Reddam House, Bearwood Road. 5k and 10k fun run. 9.30am. £12.

Details: 07426 234584.

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

Life in Myanmar will be talked about at the Norreys Church Over 50s group on Tuesday.

Picture: Jaime Lopez/ freeimages. com

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Finchampstead Memorial Hall RG40 4JU. Crowthorne Rotary race night. 7.30pm. £12.50 includes a very good ploughmans supper and bar for drinks.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 9BT. Messy Church for families: make stained glass windows and other craft, includes tea.

4-6pm.

SHINFIELD – Parish Hall.

Shinfield Baptist Church presents a Mother’s Day breakfast cafe. 10am-11am.

All welcome. Free. Details: www.shinfieldbaptist.org.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.

Monday, March 7 BRACKNELL – Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane RG12 7GR. Bracknell Camera Club meeting: Nine Clubs Competition. 7.30pm.

Details: www.bracknellcamera-club.co.uk.

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

2.15pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630.

TWYFORD – Twyford Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Author book group.

Booking essential. 2.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 934 0800 WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime:

stories and rhymes for under fives. 4pm-4.30pm.

Monday bookworms book group. Booking essential.

2.15pm-3.15pm. Writers forum: share ideas and inspiration. 10.30am-noon.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

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

Drop-in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. First Steps in Drawing with Lyn Ebbett: Session 2: Teatime.

2pm-4pm. £5. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Tuesday, March 8 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Room (15). 7.45pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Knit and Natter. Drop-in knitting group for adults All abilities welcome. 3pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Twyford Reading Group. 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 934 0800.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. Noon2pm. £4. Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Lent Course 2016: The Psalms: Prayers

For Today’s Church. 8pm9.30pm. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. Norreys Church 50+ Group: Myanmar – Country of Dreams Colourful impressions of this country will be presented

by Allen Cooper. All over 50s welcome. Refreshments provided from 2pm. Free admission. Details: 0118 961 9821 WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Storytime: stories and rhymes for parents and children to enjoy. For ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm.National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm.

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

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

Wednesday, March 9 BRACKNELL – Bracknell and Wokingham College, Church Road RG12 1DJ. Apprecenticeship open day.

4pm-7.30pm. Free entry.

Details: 01344 766450.

EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: ENO: The Magic Flute. 7.30pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151

What’s on event submission form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Please note this service is for community

Name Address

groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 6, 2016

Postcode Email

Send your forms to: What’s On, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Wednesday Space: communion and refreshments especially for people living with dementia and their carers. 2.30pm.

Details: 0118 966 9080.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk SHINFIELD – Parish Hall, School Green. Shinfield and Swallowfield Neighbourhood Action Group meeting. 7.30pm.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Two Plays – One Evening The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter and Something Unspoken

by Tennessee Williams.

7.45pm. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Knit Wits: knit or crochet club.

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

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am1.15pm. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. Willing Spirit Exercise classes: Work that Tummy 1.30 pm-2pm. £2.50, Simple Circuits, 2.15pm3pm. £4. First timers arrive 5 minutes early to register.

Details: 0118 979 2797 or willingspirit.exercise@ gmail.com WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Director of Global Justice Now speaking about Fairtrade and TTIP. Free/donations.

7.30pm. Info: Jackie Oversby 07745 310794 / globaljusticereading@ gmail.com

Thursday, March 10 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Vampyr: Der Traum Das Allan Grey (silent film with live accompaniment) 8pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

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

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: Easter Praise with the Revd Jon Salmon and Graham Iles. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931

3124.

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

Craft time for ages 2-5.

11am-11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 931 2150.

SHINFIELD – Henry Street Garden Centre. Shinfield Allotyment Holders and Gardeners Association meeting: Gardeners’ Question Time. £1. 7.30pm.

Details: gardenyoung@ aol.com WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Keep Calm and Fly Casual: Club for players of the X Wing Miniatures Game, Star Wars and Armada. Age 16 and over. 5.30pm-7.45pm.

Winnersh Book Group.

7pm-8pm. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Film Society presents: Far From The Madding Crowd (12a). £6.50. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club (WEBCC) meeting: Photoshop demonstration.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Beading Group.

10.30am-12.30pm. Teen Book Group for ages 11-18.

50p. 4.30pm-5.30pm.

National Careers Service.

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

Friday, March 11 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives.

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Pass The Book Club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Made In Our Image: Pornography, Body Image and Young People. Includes live performance of Object and a panel discussion featuring the Revd Joanna Jepson. £10. 7.30pm. Details: soulscape.co.uk or 07464 069037.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local

expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, March 12 FARLEY HILL – Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Farley Hill Bowls Club race night. 7pm. £6. Details: 01344 772130.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus.

Details: 0702 1125454 or www.pauloscircus.co.uk HENLEY – Christ Church, Reading Road RG9 1AG. Tamesis Chamber Choir: Six Sacred Songs. £12, £8 concessions. Details: 0118 934 3200.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Dad and Baby Rhymetime.

10.30am-11am. Patchwork Workshops - 1: Make your own mug cosy, cushion or iPad cover. 10am-noon. £5.

Details: 0118 931 2150.

WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents The London Cuckolds. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. The A440 Choir in concert. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.

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

Poetry Writing Group for adults. 10am-11.30am.

Book binding workshop.

10am-3pm. £3. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society Lecture.

Foreign Connections : Egypt and the outside world before the New Kingdom.

Dr Garry Shaw on new insights into warfare, trade and diplomacy. Members free, visitors £3. 2pm4.30pm. Details: 01491 838803.

Sunday, March 13 GRAZELEY – Village Hall. Car boot sale. 9am-1pm, £7 outside sellers, £9 inside stalls, Free parking. Details: 0118 983 3132.

HARE HATCH – Floral Mile RG10 9SW. Paulo’s Circus. Details: 0702 1125454 or www. pauloscircus.co.uk SINDLESHAM – Bearwood Lake Golf Course, Bearwood Lakes RG41 4SJ. Wedding Showcase noon-3pm. Details: 0118 979 7900.

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 – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm-3pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

and £12 on Friday and Saturday evening. A Saturday matinee costs £10.

For more details, log on to www. kentontheatre.co.uk or call 01491 575698.

CONCERT

Get dreaming about Henley Choral Society

CONCERT

TOMORROW night, a Henley based choir will perform in Reading for its spring concert.

The Henley Choral Society will sing Elgar’s dramatic choral masterpiece: The Dream of Gerontius at The Concert Hall.

Under the direction of Benjamin Goodson, they will join with his chamber choir, The Lea Singers, and be accompanied by stunning tenor, Joshua Ellicott as Gerontius, for what will be a powerful performance.’

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £18. For more details or to reserve them, call the box office on 01491 572795 or log on to www.readingarts.com.

Cameo Singers ready to give a lunchtime show WOKINGHAM town hall will be the venue for a lunchtime concert later this month.

The Cameo Singers will perform at the event, which takes place from noon on Thursday, March 17.

Entry to these concerts is free, but donations towards the Town Mayor’s charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, are welcomed.

The Singers will be conducted by Ian May. For more details, call 0118 974 0882.

CONCERT

Tamesis to perform Six Sacred Songs

CONCERT

PERFORMANCE

A CHOIR from Reading will next week perform a concert in Henley.

Tamesis Chamber Choir will be at Christ Church in Reading Road on Saturday, March 12 for their performance of Six Sacred Songs.

The programme includes Bach’s stunning motet Singet dem Herrn, Buxtehude’s glorious Magnificat, Finzi’s Lo, the full, final sacrifice, Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, Barber’s ever-popular Agnus Dei (set to his Adagio for strings), and Walton’s joyous Coronation Te Deum, written for the Queen’s Coronation.

The performance starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 or £8 for concessions and can be bought by logging on to www. tamesischamberchoir.co.uk

PLAY

A journey to Canterbury PUPIILS from The Abbey School will be bringing to life one of the most famous collection of stories in the English language when they perform at South Street next week.

The teenagers will be performing The Canterbury Tales: the Knight, the Wife of Bath, The Nuns’ Priest and the Pardoner.

The modern reworking will be performed at the Reading-based arts centre on Tuesday.

Curtain up is at 7.30pm.

For details, call 0118 960 6060.

A gig that spans the musical genres A CONCERT taking place in Wokingham tonight will showcase the talents of one of the folk/roots scenes greatest performers.

Peter Knight, formerly of Steeleye Span, will be performing at All Saints Church in Wiltshie Road from 7.30pm.

The advent of Gigspanner has introduced a whole new audience to the extraordinary musicianship of Peter Knight, a violinist

whom many consider to be in a league of his own. Classically trained at The Royal Academy of Music in London, Peter discovered Irish music via the flourishing folk scene in 1960s London.

He now performs with Gigspanner, and the evening aims to present music that embraces a range of influences so it reaches out beyond the folk scene and instead hits

MUSIC

COMEDY

STAGE

Simon has sax appeal

Enjoy Gary time from Mock The Week comic

Henley Players ready to showcase their wit

A COMEDIAN who regularly appears on Mock The Week will be cracking the gags at South Street Arts Centre in Reading on Thursday.

Gary Delaney will bring his near-theknuckle performance to the Thames Valley, promising fans a night that’s great for people who like jokes and fun for people who enjoy getting offended by jokes too.

The Chortle Award Nominee will perform There’s Something About Gary from 8pm on Thursday.

Tickets cost £16 and can be bought by logging on to www.readingarts.com or calling the box office on 0118 960 6060.

A COMEDY of martial manners will be performed at the Kenton Theatre this/next month.

The Henley Players are presenting their latest production, The Constant Wife.

The witty drama was written by Somerset Maugham and is set in the changing world between the First and Second World Wars.

When Constance discovered, via her friends, that her husband is having an affair, she considers divorce, only to meet resistance from her mother. What should she do?

The show is performed from Wednesday, March 9 to Saturday, March 12 at the Henleybased theatre. Tickets cost £10 or £9 for concessions on Wednesday and Thursday

A SAXOPHONIST will perform jazz when he appears at South Hill Park next Friday.

Simon Allen will be at the regular Bracknell Jazz meeting. He has played with the likes of Art Themen, Jamie Cullum and Peter King and is also a member of the Laurence Cottle All Star Big Band.

He has recorded with artists such as Robbie Williams, Beverley Knight, Katie Melua and features on the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. He has also taken part in the Strictly Come Danicng 2014 tour.

The performance takes place in the recital room of the Bracknell-based arts centre from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and can be bought by calling the box office on 01344 484123 or logging on to www.southhillpark.org.uk

AT THE THEATRE

Basingstoke – The Anvil www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Paul Carrick. Fri. A Night of All That Jazz and Sensational Soul. Sat. Frankie Boyle. Sun. Ghandi Comes To Mind.

Tues. Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Wed. The Moscow State Circus. ThursFri 11. Sean Taylor. Fri 11. 80s Invasion Tour. Sat 12. Philharmonia at the Movies. Sun 13.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Ballaké Sissoki and Vincent Segal. Fri. West Side Story. Tues-Sat 12.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Hairspray. Until Sat. The Irwell Duo: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Creative Control band Night. Sun. Crowthorne Musical Players present Calamity Jane. Tues-Sat. Bracknell Jazz: Simon Allen. Fri 11. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 11. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music.

Sat 12. London Military Band. Sun 13.

audiences who just love to hear beautiful music played with passion and consummate skill.

2016 has got off to a fine start for the trio, with Peter receiving Fatea Magazine’s Instrumentalist of the Year, and Best Musician at the folking.com annual awards.

Tickets £14, available on the door or online from www.wokinghamconcerts.co.uk

Mission Improbable. Sun 13.

FILMS: Suffragette. Fri-Sun. The Lady In The Van. Fri-Mon. The Dressmaker.

Sat-Sun. Red Army. Tues. Mad Max: Fury Road. Wed. Victor Frankenstein.

Thurs-Fri. The Danish Girl. Fri-Sat. Spectre. Sat-Sun.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 NT Live: Les Liasisons Dangereuses (encore). Fri. Barb Jungr. Sat. The Savoy Singers Present WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s Princess Ida. Wed-Sat 12.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Hiraeth. Fri. Lady Connie and the Suffragettes. Sat. Orion and the Dark.

Sat. Cornerstone’s Open Mic. Tues.

Skerryvore. Fri 11. Jenny Eclair: how To Be A Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane). Sat 12.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 FILM SEASON: The Danish Girl (15).

Fri. Macbeth (15). Fri. Youth (15).

Fri-Sat. Doctor Zhivago (PG). Sat. The Dressmaker (15). Sat.

Our House. March 12-19.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 The Constant Wife. Wed-Sat 12.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Derren Brown: Miracle. Until Sat. Lulu.

Mon. RPO 2016: Beethoven Symphony No 7. Tues. Horrible Histories: Incredible Invaders. Wed-Sat 12. Mark Beaumont - Africa Solo. Sun 13.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Christian O’Connell: You’ve Ruined My Morning and other fan mail - SOLD OUT. Fri. A Laurie Holloway Special.

Sat. NT Live: Hangham. Sun. Austen’s Women. Wed. The Blue Room. Thurs. Rory McGrath Remembers (or is it forgets).

Fri 11. The Dime Notes. Fri 11.

Dane Baptiste: Reasonable Doubts. Sat 12. George Egg Anarchist Cook. Sun 13.

FILM: Room (15). Sun, Tues.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age. SOLD OUT. Fri. UK Pink Floyd: Classic Floyd Collection. Sat. Patrick Monahan: The Disco Years. Sat. The Wicthes. Tues-Sat 12. Bolshoi Encore: Spartacus. Sun 13.

FILM: Carol (15). Tues-Sat 12. The Martian (12a). Wed-Sat 12. Room (15). Until Sun 13. Amy (15). Tues-Sun 13. 45 Years (15). Until Sun 13. Steve Jobs (15). WedTues 15. Mad Max: Fury Road 2D (15).

Thurs-Tues 10.

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

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 John Robins:. Fri. Faustus. Sat. Eternal Sunshines. Sat. The Canterbury Tales.

Tues. Joan Shelley with Nathan Salsburg, Red River Dialect and Kevin Wheeler. Wed. Craig Campbell: Don’t Look Down. Thurs. Gary Delaney. Fri 11. Adem + Support. Sat 12.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060

A440 on the Wiltshire Rd A CHOIR that aims to showcase choral music in a fresh way will be performing a concert at All Saints Church in Wokingham on Saturday, March 12.

The Reading A440 Choir will bring its spring concert to the Wiltshire Road church on Saturday, March 12.

The programme includes original cantatas that tell stories through choral music blended with other storytelling elements such as narration, visual presentation, or other nonchoral arts.

It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12.

For details, lvisit wokinghamconcerts.co.uk

MUSIC

Get ready to jig to The Jigantics THE next act to perform at the Wokingham Music Club will be The Jigantics.

The group perform a fusion of blues, rock, folk and Amerciana and have been hailed as a “highlight act” by the Daily Telegraph.

The band perform all over the world and this year they will perform at the Broadstairs Folk Week, and, in November, appear in Holland.

The gig takes place from 7.45pm on Friday, March 18 at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road.

Tickets cost £19 and ordered from www.wegottickets.com/wokinghammusicclub

Let’s Sing Reading!. Fri. The Bootleg Beatles in Concert. Sat. Wokingham Children’s Concert. Sun. Children Helping Children. Wed. The Sensational 60s Experience 2016.

Thurs. Fascinating Aida’s Dillie Keane.

Fri 11. Next Level: Christian youth conference. Sat 12. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Sun 13.

Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Henley Choral Society. Sat.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Marat/Sade. Mon 14-Sat 19.

Reading – St Barts www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Standby For Tape Back-up. Sat. Eclipse. Sat 12-Sun 13.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Two Plays — One Evening: The Dumb Waiter and Something

Unspoken. Wed-Sat 12.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The Perfect Murder. Until Sat 12.

Stars of British Jazz. Sun. Storytime: Tabby McTat. Wed.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Joe Longthorne. Sun. Coppelia. Tues-Sat 12. Kevin’s Gert Big Laughter Show.

Sun 13.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Rambert: The 3 Dancers. Until Sat. Ray Mears. Sun. The Last Tango.

Mon-Sat 12.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 The London Cuckolds. Until Sat 12.

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

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Gig guide Friday, March 4 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Purple Zeppelin tribute night. Details: 01344 878100.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pop Rockin 80s. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Starmaker presents Hairspray. Details: 01344 484123.

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

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. The Reflections.

Details: 01276 27641.

FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Dan McHugh. Details: 01276 34735.

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

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Special Kinda Madness. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Hexagon. Let’s Sing Reading!. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. DJ Dubious. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation.

Deep Fat. Details: 0118 959 7196 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Steve Morano. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Jason Hendrix Experience. Details: 0118 958 2797.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. The Jason Hendrix Experience. Details: 0118 979 5790.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Jukes Blues. Details: 01252 878938.

SANDHURST The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01252 872444.

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.

Saturday, March 5 BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. White Light. Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, Market Street RG12 1JG. Oil City Kings. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road RG12 7DL. In Too Deep. Details: 01344 423667.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Partners in Crime. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Starmaker presents Hairspray. Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01276 32691.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Undercovers. Details: 01252 616434.

FARNBOROUGH – The Tradesmans Arms, Cove Road GU14 0EX. Riff Raff.

Details: 01252 376745.

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

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. David Hamiltons Rock n Roll Back

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK The Years. Details: 01252 811009.

READING – South Street.

Eternal Sunshines. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Hexagon.

Bootleg Beatles. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Limpopo Groove. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Denny Sands: Comedy Illusionist and Magic Cabaret Show.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196 SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Dukes of Rock. Details: 01252 878938.

SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Section8.

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

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live music 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. Blonde Ambition.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, March 6 BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

BRACKNELL – Crown Wood Community Centre, Openladen Way, Crown

Wood RG12 0PE. Murphy James. Details: 07707 681202.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123.

FLEET – Prince of Wales, Reading Road South GU52 7SY. NRG. Details: 01252 614284.

HENLEY – The Three Tuns, Market Place RG9 2AA. Laura Williams. Details: 01491 410138.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Johnny Coppin. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Abbot Cook, Kings Road RG1 5DE. Sunday jazz: Stuart Henderson Trio. 2.30pm.

Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Peter Hook and the Light. Details: 0118 959 5395.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Stars of British Jazz. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Open mic/jam night.

Details: 01276 858501.

Tuesday, March 8 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. The Mark Burton Quartet. Details: 0118 958 6692.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Micky Moody and Papa George. Details: 01491 681048.

WINDLESHAM – The Sun, Chertsey Road GU20 6EN. Bracknell Folk Club presents: Jinski. Details: 01276 472234.

Wednesday, March 9 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, Market Street RG12 1JG. Jam On The Couch. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Flick. Details: 01252 620198.

Nicky Booty will appear at the Hope and Anchor on Saturday, March 12 READING – South Street.

Joan Shelley with Nathan Salsburg and Red River Dialect. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Folk At Global. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Sister Gracie/Forget Gravity/ Goldn. Details: 0118 959 7196

Thursday, March 10 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Platform Live acoustic night with Celia Barrett. Details: 01344 878100.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Acoustic Evening.

Details: 01276 27641.

FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Gravity Wins. Details: 01252 620198.

HENLEY – Magoos, Hart Street.

Stars In Their Minds karaoke.

Details: 01491 574595.

READING – O’Neills, Friar Street RG1 1BD. Open mic night. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Hexagon. The Sensations 60s Experience.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Fusion 6.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Sounds of Soul: The Fab Fish Fry. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Slug and Lettuce, The Oracle Riverside RG1 2AG. Laura Williams. Details: 0118 957 1839.

Friday, March 11 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG.T Roze and Co. Details: 01276 473160.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John

Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hidden Agenda. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Bracknell Jazz: Simon Allen plus support.

Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Mays. Details: 01344 422622.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Ma Might.

Details: 01276 63842.

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

GORING – The Village Hall, High Street. Gap Gig: jazz night featuring Alec Dankworth’s Spanish Accents. Details: 01491 874492.

LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Novello, Bath Road SL6 3RX. Lea Lyle Quartet.

Details: 01628 825753.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Greg Mayston Trio. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Sundara Karma and Beach Baby. Wiley.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Influences: A night of bass music. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Gli Avanzi. Details: 0118 958 2797.

SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Cherries. Details: 01252 872444.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Nine Mile Riders.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays.

Details: 07415 354056.

YATELEY – Blackwater Valley Golf Centre, Sean Deveraux Park GU46 7SZ. Poppy’s Folk & Acoustic club presents: Alison Frosdick and Jack Burnaby. Details: www.poppyfolk.co.uk

Saturday, March 12 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Frank The Cat. Details: 01344 878100.

BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Chris Banderas. Details: 01276 473640.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Whozdrivin. Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Beat Goes On. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Airtree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Serial Thrillers. Details: 01344 457318.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Replicant.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01276 27641.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Daryl Gould. Details: 0118 973 4855.

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

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. King of Pop: The Legend Continues, starring Navi. Details: 01252 811009.

FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Murphy James. Details: 01252 835322.

READING – South Street.

Adem Returns. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. DJ Dom. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Ed Sheeran Songbook with Jack

HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out!

WEY LIVE MUSIC

Coming next Saturday, March 11

Nicky Booty

Playing originals and covers

Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

Sunday, March 13 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Sunday lunch jazz: Alison Neal with the Leon Greening Trio. Details: 01344 878100.

READING – The Abbot Cook, Kings Road RG1 5DE. Sunday jazz: Stuart Henderson Trio. 2.30pm.

Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. American Old Time Picking. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Theme Night - Fish and Ships. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Section Boyz.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

The BROAD ST TAVERN

This Saturday @ 9pm

ROB JAMES Classic anthems from the 50’s to present day

Bowater. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Alan Clayson and the Argonauts.

BattleActs: Improv Comedy five-star show. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Third Lung. Details: 0118 958 2797.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Said and Done.

Details: 01252 878938.

SANDHURST – Wellington Arms, Yorktown Road GU47 9BN. The Miller Family. Details: 01252 872408.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Scallywags.

Details: 01276 858501.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Nicky Booty. 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. Leech. Details: 01252 870648.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT MARCH 4

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MARCH 11

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LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

A biting, brilliant satire of Hollywood

Make a noise about Quiet Wish

Kim Taylor-Foster

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

We wished and we got …

Here’s a band that we’re exciting about hearing

Q

Y

OU couldn’t accuse the Coen brothers of lacking a strong personal voice.

Whichever of the films made by this maverick directing entity you choose to watch, it’s all but guaranteed to be characterised by goofiness and irreverence – True Grit is a notable exception – although both aren’t always there in equal measure.

Hail, Caesar! has both in spades. A farce and a satire knitted together with a film noir thread drawn by Josh Brolin’s stern and beleaguered studio ‘fixer’ Eddie Mannix, Joel and Ethan’s latest pulls together elements of their previous work in one brash – and, at times, bawdy – pertinent satirical pastiche of the movie industry.

Focused on the 1950s-era studio system and named after the epic film within the film featuring movie star Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), its set-up allows it to layer on the genre references and parodies.

We see a B Western being made, an overblown drawing-room melodrama directed by the highfalutin Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes) as well as a lavish water-based musical starring America’s sweetheart-cum-brusque strumpet DeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson) and a Gene Kelly-style song-and-dance number featuring Channing Tatum springing around a bar as a sailor bemoaning – or celebrating – the prospect of eight months at sea away from ‘dames’.

As is typical of many of the Coen’s films, the action centres around a kidnapping.

When Clooney’s Baird Whitlock is snatched right off the set, it’s up to Mannix to uncover what’s happened and bring him back so filming can continue without a hitch. Hit with a ransom demand, he doesn’t hesitate.

At the same time, he’s trying to keep the rest of the studio’s stars in line, while fending off the attentions of sociopathic twin gossip columnists Thora and Thessaly Thacker (Tilda Swinton). He’s also attempting to keep DeAnna’s reputation intact and switching western star Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich in scene-stealing form) from wrangling horses to strangling vowels in Laurence Laurentz’s latest.

Co-inciding with the releases of both Spotlight and The Big Short – both currently in cinemas – it bolsters both and gives credence to the idea that we’re entering a more honest era of filmmaking. All three films strive to reveal the truth.

As Spotlight tells the factually correct story of child abuse within the Catholic Church, The Big Short is at equal pains to point out elements of the film that didn’t actually happen. So Hail, Caesar! strips away the glitzy façade of Hollywood to lay its artifice bare.

There is no such thing as a ‘movie star’, we’re shown – every star is a persona created by the studios and the sum of the characters they play.

Compare Deadpool, too – a self-referential comic book game changer. Each film seeks to inform and entertain a cinema-savvy internet generation.

Also lightheartedly pitting communism against capitalism, the Coens don’t pull any punches when it comes to tackling heavyweight topics – doing so with humour is particularly powerful.

With plenty of cameos to keep you star-spotting for the duration, Hail, Caesar! is an ambitious, enjoyable and clever film that will no doubt reveal more of its riches on multiple viewings.

and a prospective audience. This in turn will promote and make visible the quality of local music venues that have the same aim of connecting musicians with you, the audience.

One such venue is our very own, The Acoustic Couch in Bracknell. Quiet Wish will be playing here with three other bands on Saturday, April 9 as part of the Four Play Prog Fest – a full evening’s entertainment by four eclectic bands playing original music within (or on the fringes of) the “prog” genre, for just £10 (advance ticket price). Bear in mind, this is a modern definition of “prog”.

Modern prog encompasses many aspects. The music in the genre can have many influences and is perhaps best described as not being restricted by artificial constraints such as song length, instrumentation, arrangement or subject matter, and can take the listener into undiscovered areas of music. Come along and hear for yourself. n More information on Quiet Wish can be found on their website: www.quietwish. com. n Info on the Four Play Prog Fest can be found at: www.sprigganmist. co.uk/Progfestival.html or through theacousticcouch’s Facebook page.

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 271

Tough

Previous solution - Medium

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

8 2 9 6

4 6 5

3 6

1 3

1

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

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

No. 271

Easy

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

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.

Previous solution - Very Hard

7 2 8 1 6 5 3 9 4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

Stars: George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton

Quiet Wish in the studio and performing.

Bottom pictures: tomado photography

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

Hail, Ceasar! (15) «««««

UIET WISH are a duo from Woking who play original music, often with environmental and humanitarian themes underlying the tracks.

It’s a sophisticated and subtle style influenced by ambient, triphop, floyd-esque prog and rock genres.

Their unique approach to making dynamic sounds, when playing live and using guitar synthesisers, loopers, drum pads and keyboards help to build layers of sounds to back the warm, sensitive voice of Carola Baer.

Their songs can be gently acoustic, they can rock out with the best, or can be trance-like with evolving soundscapes, taking them into the fringes of the progressive, trip-hop genres. It’s a joy to hear.

The songs can sometimes seem like tales of lost love, but read between the lines. That love may be between mankind and the environment, or it could be a plea to everyone to take care of each other, and of the world in which we live and love.

These lyrics are strengthened by a variety of idyllic sounds provided live by both band members, Carola and partner David J Lambert.

The band have also been supporting local music in West of London. This is soon to culminate in the launch of a regular TV programme OWT, which will feature quality live performances from the best of local bands, filling the gap at a local level left by the absence of amazing programs like The Old Grey Whistle Test - long lamented by many.

This is aimed to utilise the growing number of homes with Smart TVs, and is aimed at providing a connection between local music

6 9 5 4 3 8 7 2 1

1 3 4 9 2 7 5 6 8

9 5 3 7 8 1 6 4 2

2 4 1 3 9 6 8 5 7

8 7 6 2 5 4 1 3 9

5 6 9 8 1 2 4 7 3

3 8 7 5 4 9 2 1 6

4 1 2 6 7 3 9 8 5

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

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

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

28 | CLASSIFIEDS

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ELECTRICAL

SERVICES

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( 7 2 1 7 5 $9 ( / One of the leading independent business travel management companies in the Thames Valley are seeking an experienced

Senior Business Travel Consultant

(French or German speaking preferred, but not essential)

to join their Wokingham office Reporting to the Business Travel Manager this position offers an excellent salary you would expect from an agency of our status.

Ideally, the candidate should have at least 5 years business travel experience.

You will need to have expert GDS skills, Sabre preferred and a good knowledge of GBP and Euro fares and ticketing.

Please forward your CV to the address below: Dianne Saunders Company Administrator Eton Travel Agency Ltd 104-105 High Street Eton Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6AF or e-mail to DianneS@eton-travel.co.uk www.etontravel.com

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

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

Also general building and allied work.

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

AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER!

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During March, you can advertise your recruitment posts for FREE in The Wokingham Paper.

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.

Toad Hall are recruiting!

We are looking for qualified staff to join our friendly team at Toad Hall Nursery in Winnersh We are recruiting for Level 2-3 Nursery Nurses and Bank staff!

Our amazing benefits include: • 3 days’ company sick pay in a rolling 12 months • 28 days’ paid holiday

(full time and part time positions available)

• Savings at your favourite shops, including New Look, Primark, Top Shop

For more information or to apply, email:

• 25% discount on a nursery place

recruitment@toadhall-nursery.co.uk

• Excellent training opportunities

Could you be our next apprentice?

We are looking for someone with a passion for working with young children to join our friendly team at Toad Hall Nursery in Winnersh.

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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 CRICKET

Habib is named new Berkshire Women’s coach AFTAB HABIB has been appointed the new head coach of the Berkshire county women’s team, writes DAVE WRIGHT. He replaces Nick Denning, Aftab Habib the former Finchampstead and Henley player, who has taken up the role of head coach of the new Hampshire-based Women’s Cricket Super League team, in which Berkshire are one of the participating partners Reading-born Habib, 44, made two Test appearances for England in 1999, while also playing county cricket for Essex, Middlesex and Leicestershire.

The former Reading CC and Berkshire player coached the Hong Kong national team and has done a lot of coaching at club level in the Berkshire area.

He once worked as the women’s and girls’ development officer for Buckinghamshire.

He will be assisted with Berkshire Women by two of their former players Emma Boswell and Hannah Burr.

Boswell has skippered the Royal Navy team and has done a lot to promote cricket in the Armed Forces, while Hannah has played for Rubes in the Super Fours and for Western Australia.

In addition to the senior squad, Emma and Hannah will help coach the Berkshire junior girls teams.

WOKINGHAM HOCKEY CLUB

King’s 10th goal of season is overshadowed by defeat

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM KING’S 10th goal of the season could not prevent Wokingham Men slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Marlow 2s at Cantley Park.

This is because strikes from Lewis Goodman and Josh Morgans secured the Buckinghamshire side all three points, with the result leaving the hosts 11th in the MBBO Regional Division 2 table.

The club’s second XI continue to hover just above the relegation spots following a 5-0 reverse to Wycombe 3s.

Joe Daly led the scoring with a hat-trick, with further efforts from Tom Ripper and Hashim Sheikh bagging the promotion-chasing visitors an impressive win on the road.

Also sitting uncomfortably is Wokingham 3s following defeat at Marlow 5s.

They slipped to 10th place after a 4-0 loss against a side with an outside chance of gatecrashing the promotion places.

In the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance, Wokingham Veterans were beaten for the fifth game in a row, this time narrowly going down 3-2 to Oxted Vintage Moonshiners.

Fixtures - Saturday MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: British Airways v Wokingham Men DIVISION 3: West London v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Abingdon 2s WESSEX ALLIANCE: Havant Cavaliers v Wokingham Veterans TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Wokingham Ladies v Bracknell DIVISION 2: Oxford Hawks 5s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 5: Oxford 6s v Wokingham 3s

Craig Atkins on the pitch Picture: Vivienne Johnson

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Gallacher and Sharp put Sonning back on the victory path

TWO GOALS apiece for Ian Gallagher and John Sharp fired Sonning Men back to winning ways in Regional Division 2 of the MBBO League.

The villagers enjoyed a 4-0 triumph on the road at West Hampstead 2s and were three goals to the good before the break thanks to a Gallagher brace and Sharp’s first of the game.

The latter, who was also on target the week before during a 1-1 draw with leaders Milton Keynes 2s, wrapped up the scoring after the break as Sonning consolidated fifth spot, where they sit five points off the promotion places.

Adding two more to his tally of goals for the season moved Sharp on to nine, where he now sits among the top scorers in the division.

James Manser struck twice for a Sonning 2nd side which won a midtable clash with West Hampstead 3s, 4-2.

Matt Poulton and Elliott Wise were also on target for the hosts, who sit sixth on 24 points after this success.

Tom Padden and Piers Walters hit back for Hampstead, but the strikes would prove to be in vain.

Jon Atterbury hit the back board for Sonning 3s during their Division 2 clash at Eastcote 3s.

But they remain second bottom in the standings after a Jas Nijhar four-goal salvo and Harry Cox effort secured the opposition a 5-1 victory.

Goals from Matt Price and Ian Ta were nothing more than consolation for a Sonning 4s side beaten 4-2 by Bicester 2s at Berkshire County Sports.

The team remain rooted to the foot of the Division 4 ladder after two goals each from Will Hartley and Luke Smith secured Bicester the points.

A surprise 1-0 reverse when hosting lowly Oxford 8s – along with a 2-0 win for closest rivals Oxford 7s – saw Sonning 5s’ lead at the top of the Division 8 West table cut to two points.

While in Division 9 West, a 3-0 triumph at Abingdon 3s moved Sonning 6s up to second, but there was yet more disappointment for the 7S, who continue

propping up the rest following a 4-1 defeat against leaders Wallingford 5s.

Sonning Ladies MAI-PO WAN, Bryony Pusey and Sammi Petch were among the scorers for a Sonning Ladies side who continue to keep up the heat on the leading pack in Trysports Premier 1.

A 4-0 success away at Oxford Hawks 3s keeps the team third in the table, where only a point separates them from second-placed Amersham and Chalfont.

They remain five behind leaders Reading 2s, too, who put three goals without reply past Sonning 2s.

Windsor were the opponents for struggling Sonning 3s in Division 1, and they were to make the short trip home carrying the points from a 2-0 success – but there was finally something for the Veterans to shout about.

This is because a narrow 1-0 win over Marlow 5s pulled the side off the foot of

the Division 4 table.

Sonning 4s, meanwhile, were unable to end a run of defeats when up against Abingdon 2s, who racked up six uncontested goals at Tilsey Park.

Although not in action last weekend, Sonning Ladies no longer find themselves holding up the rest in the Division 6.

This is because a heavy 14-0 defeat at Buckingham 4s saw Aylesbury 4s go bottom on goal difference.

The bottom two clash in Buckinghamshire this weekend.

Fixtures - Saturday

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Sonning Men v Slough DIVISION 1: OMT 2s v Sonning 2s DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Staines 3s DIVISION 4: Eastcote 4s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 8 WEST: Reading Rovers v Sonning 5s DIVISION 9 WEST: Bicester Development v Sonning 7s; Sonning 6s v Oxford 9s TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Sonning Ladies v Wycombe Ladies; Sonning 2s v Amersham and Chalfont DIVISION 1: Gerrards Cross v Sonning 3s DIVISION 3: Sonning 4s v Aylesbury 3s DIVISION 4: Reading Ladies 4s v Sonning Veterans DIVISION 6: Aylesbury 4s v Sonning 5s

A SCOPE FOR SUCCESS: Luke at the double secures Sumas victory in the Senior Cup — Page 39 BASKETBALL

Rockets ‘must improve’ says Pena Garces READING ROCKETS will be looking to extend their winning run in the league to five games when up against Worthing Thunder and Bradford Dragons this weekend, writes LEWIS RUDD. And they look set to receive a boost too with news Antonio Robinson is expected back in training this week and could return to the court.

The American point guard pulled up with calf and achilles problems ahead of the National Trophy Final with Manchester Magic two weeks’ ago and missed the dramatic 81-80 victory over Lancashire Spinners last time out.

Victory in the north west moved Rockets to within six points of second place in the English Basketball League Division 1 table and keeps them very much in the hunt to secure a top four finish.

Despite being pleased to edge out the Spinners, coach Manuel Pena Garces, however, believes much work is still to be done.

He said: “I am really pleased we won the game against Lancashire against a team that has a lot of talent and a team we have had very close games against.

“The response after last weekend’s disappointment against Manchester was good and we made some good steps. However, we still have a lot of work to do and having Tony (Antonio Robinson) out has exposed some of these areas that we will be sure to work on this week in practice.”

Up first for the side is a trip to Worthing on Saturday (7.30pm tip-off).

The two sides have already met three times this season, but it is the Thunder who hold the egde having won 70-68 in the pool stages of the Trophy and then taking victory 91-80 in a National Cup quarter-final.

The sides met again in the league at the turn of the year, where Rockets took the points in an 82-75 triumph.

Bradford then head south to Rivermead on Sunday (5pm) for what will be just the second meeting of the teams this season, with Rockets comfortable 88-71 victors back on the opening league weekend.

“The team is really trying to be better but there were periods in the Lancashire game where we were bad and need to learn and focus better so these mistakes are eliminated and that is what this week at practice must be about,” added Pena Garces.

“We are about to take on two teams who are both very capable indeed and can offer us some problems, so we must be ready for these tests.”

The coach is also hoping Under-18 duo Ali Sbai and Fidel Gomez De Enterria Lopez can recover from an eye problem and illness respectively ahead of the weekend’s matches.

SPORT | 35

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Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

ICE HOCKEY

ICE HOCKEY

Three-minute hat trick fire Barker goal in vain as powers Phoenix to victory Bees lose on the road Manchester Phoenix 5 Bracknell Bees 1

Bees netminder Matt Smital spreads himself to foil a Phoenix opportunity Pictures: Bob Swann

Bracknell Bees 2 Manchester Phoenix 6

By STEVE MERRY sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk JACOB CORSON-HERON struck a three-minute hat-trick to ensure Manchester Phoenix left The Hive on Saturday with the two points.

The forward hit his treble at the beginning of the third period, with the contest having been a much tighter affair up until this point.

Corson-Heron was joined on the scoresheet by Michael Satek, who netted twice, and Stanislav Gron.

Bees went into the contest, which doubled up as both an Armed Forces Appreciation evening and Red Hockey Cup fixture, still missing the injured Lewis Turner.

He was joined on the treatment table

by Carl Graham, leaving the hosts a little lightweight in defence, but Harvey Hind-Pitcher was called up from the

Bracknell Hornets.

There was a change of personnel between the pipes, too, with Matt Smital handed a start instead of Alex Mettam.

And the young netminder was kept busy during the first 20 minutes, but more than held his own when producing a sting of fine saves.

Because of this, it was Bees who went up the other end and opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Lighting the lamp was James Galazzi, who received the puck from Alex Barker before sending it over the shoulder of Phil Spanswicks in the Phoenix goal.

It was a lead Bracknell would hold until the midway point of the second session, where a Manchester side shortbenched themselves would pull level through Satek.

The goal would arrive on a five-v-three power play, where the Slovakian fired high beyond Smital and into the roof of the net.

Five minutes later and the visitors had turned the game on its head.

James Galazzi (top right) is congratulated after opening the scoring at The Hive

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

Poking the side in front was Gron.

Bees duly cranked up the pressure as they looked for an equaliser, but both the rearguard and Spanswick stood firm through all that was thrown at them.

The one goal would continue to separate the sides as the third period began, but it was here when the Phoenix – and Heron – put the result out of reach within the blink of an eye.

Heron made it 3-1 on 41:24 through an unassisted strike and then took his side’s scoring to five when striking twice more within the space of just 40 seconds.

Both sides were to call time outs soon after, and the words said within the Bracknell camp were to have some affect on proceedings, as Galazzi and captain Matt Foord combined to set up Alex Barker, who duly reduced the arrears.

But the effort would prove to be nothing more than consolation, as Tony Hand’s men were soon taking grip of proceedings once more – and would not only run down the clock, but also put another score on the board.

Manchester were to have the final say when Satek completed the scoring with a little over 30 seconds of the contest remaining.

The scoreline, some may argue, was a touch flattering on the away side as Bees peppered Spanswick and the Manchester goal with some 21 shots in the final session, although it was the away side who packed a far greater punch going forward.

English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Basingstoke 49 30 6 2 11 182 Peterborough 47 26 4 6 11 184 Guildford 48 23 8 3 14 179 Milton Keynes 48 22 5 6 15 167 Telford 46 27 2 1 16 190 Swindon 47 20 6 5 16 165 Sheffield 48 19 4 4 21 182 Manchester 47 15 2 7 23 150 Hull 47 5 4 5 33 110 Bracknell 47 9 0 2 36 130

A 114 121 149 137 123 168 210 184 231 202

Pts 74 66 65 60 59 57 50 41 23 20

A FINE strike from Alex Barker was scant consolation for a Bees side beaten for a second time at the weekend by Manchester Phoenix, writes JOHN SLATER. Michal Satek and Stanislav Gron, who had netted for the opposition the night before, were on target once again for the hosts.

They would be joined on the scoresheet by Robin Kovar, who bagged a brace of goals, and Gareth O’Flaherty.

Bracknell made the trip to Deeside with netminder Matt Smital, Brandon Miles and Harvey Hind-Pitcher, who were all on duty with the Hornets, and the injured duo of Lewis Turner and Carl Graham.

Alex Mettam returned between the posts, but was beaten for the first time on the night when the game was just two minutes old.

Breaking the deadlock was Kovar.

The visitors did well when killing off a penalty awarded to the Phoenix after defenceman Jan Bendik was pulled up for tripping.

Such good work, however, was undone in the 17th minute when Satek netted from distance for a 2-0 lead.

The two goals would continue separating the sides at the beginning of the second stanza, which was to become disrupted when no fewer than three players followed one another into the sin-bin for the same offence – hooking.

The first offender was Manchester’s Luke Boothroyd, who was back in the box soon after returning to the ice for the same infringement.

He was quickly joined in taking a breather by Bendik and Ben Russell for the Phoenix.

Despite having an extended power play, the visitors were unable to capitalise.

And with the way things have gone for Lukas Smital’s charges this season, it was not long before the opposition were celebrating goal number three.

This was to arrive via Gron, who got the better of Mettam via a backhanded strike.

A lifeline, however, would fall the way of Bracknell early in the third stanza.

Shortly after retuning from a tripping minor, Barker appeared to get the side back into the game when finishing well past Phil Spanswick in the Phoenix net.

A spell of pressure was to follow, but would go without reward.

And to add further insult to an already tough evening on the road, Kovar would go up the other end and re-establish a three-goal lead.

The game was now over as a contest, but the scoring had not yet been wrapped up.

A break away by Manchester would result in O’Flaherty rattling in goal number five, and with some 12 minutes of the contest remaining, it was now very much damage limitation for the visitors.

However, they would not concede again, but Smital will no doubt be wanting to see an improvement when the two sides meet again for a league and Red Hockey Cup fixture at the Hive on Sunday (6pm).

Prior to that, Bees are away again on Saturday, where they are guests of MK Lightning. Face-off is 7pm.

Alex Barker was on target for the visitors in Deeside

Fans forum takes place this Monday A fans forum will be held on Monday in Honies Restaurant at John Nike Leisuresport Complex.

The Bracknell Bees management will welcome fans to come and listen to their plans for next season including the Made In Bracknell strategy.

The management of the Bracknell Bees

will also explain in more detail the finances the Bees are challenged with, the steps they are taking to meet that challenge as well as a Q&A session.

Results from the recent online survey will also be unveiled and discussed.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome.

THIS SUNDAY – March 6 BRACKNELL BEES v Manchester Phoenix Face off 6pm

Box office: 01344 789000 bracknellbees.co.uk

36 | SPORT

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LONDON IRISH

LOCAL RUGBY

Spike eyes up a milestone as Rams head to Dorking SPIKE CHANDLER will head into Redingensians Rams’ game at Dorking on Saturday just nine points shy of a thousand (3pm).

The fly-half missed the crushing 34-0 victory over the Cornish All Blacks last time out, but has since recovered from a thigh injury and will replace Jamar Richardson for the game in Surrey.

Despite a run of four successive wins pulling Rams away from danger in National League 2 South, the club are entering a defining part of the season.

Following the game with Dorking, who sit six points adrift of Redingensians in the table, is a home clash with Southend Saxons, who are a further 10 behind the Old Bath Road outfit at present.

Although refreshed from a weekend’s break, coach Mike Tewkesbury believes this gap in the schedule and a blank Easter is not necessarily helpful to the cause.

He said: “We have a good run going, are fairly free from injury and it could affect our momentum.

“But looking at it another way, perhaps it will be good to have a break after eight successive Saturday’s of action – as long as we manage our preparation properly.”

Rams lost out by just a single point, 20-19, when the two sides first met back in November.

Tewkesbury, though, is backing his side to turn the tables on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m pleased with our recent form,” he added. “We’ve played with intelligence, used territory well and shown strength in the set piece and defence.”

Chandler is just the one change to the side which comfortably won down in Launceston two weeks ago. n BRACKNELL will be looking to rid a run of six straight defeats when they visit struggling Eton Manor on Saturday (3pm).

The Lily Hill men were narrowly defeated 10-9 when up against

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

Chichester last time out, where Lewis Dennett missed a late penalty. n CROWTHORNE welcome Chipping Norton to Arborfield Garrison on the same afternoon in a fifth-plays-sixth encounter in the BB&O league (3pm).

National League 2 South P W D L F Cambridge 23 20 1 2 701 Old Albanians 22 17 1 4 665 Bishop’s Stortford 23 15 1 7 622 Taunton Titans 22 16 0 6 655 Redruth 22 16 0 6 516 Old Elthamians 23 12 2 9 514 Barnes 23 10 3 10 530 Clifton 23 10 1 12 602 Worthing 23 10 1 12 505 Redingensians 23 9 0 14 513 Bury St Edmonds 23 9 0 14 480 Canterbury 23 9 0 14 490 Chinnor 23 8 0 15 522 Dorking 23 8 0 15 428 Southend Saxons 23 6 3 14 452 Launceston 22 0 1 21 242

A 391 350 377 431 398 519 557 551 509 550 575 619 614 600 531 765

BP 18 19 19 16 14 9 14 14 11 13 12 12 15 11 9 7

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 20 17 2 1 631 322 14 Tonbridge Juddian 20 16 1 3 609 282 16 East Grinstead 20 15 1 4 516 262 13 Westcombe Park 20 14 0 6 546 305 241 Hertford 20 14 0 6 559 350 10 Guernsey 20 13 0 7 519 421 11 Shelford 20 12 0 8 450 383 11 Colchester 20 9 0 11 429 444 7 Wimbledon 20 8 0 12 473 414 8 Chichester 20 8 0 12 366 460 8 Bracknell 20 6 0 14 374 547 10 Gravesend 20 3 0 17 302 591 6 Westcliff 20 3 0 17 306 654 6 Eton Manor 20 0 0 20 203 848 4 Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Gosford All Blacks 16 15 0 1 574 167 14 Milton Keynes 15 14 1 0 598 157 10 Tadley 16 13 0 3 590 225 10 Abingdon 17 11 0 6 486 278 11 Crowthorne 17 9 1 7 245 228 8 Chipping Norton 17 6 3 8 281 416 5 Chesham 17 6 0 11 207 378 7 Slough 17 5 2 10 377 468 6 Alchester 17 4 0 13 200 380 8 Risborough 17 6 0 11 173 501 2 Hungerford 17 4 1 12 245 475 8 Wheatley 17 3 0 14 138 441 5

PTS 100 89 81 80 78 61 60 56 53 49 48 48 47 43 39 9 PTS 86 77 75 70 66 63 59 43 40 40 34 18 18 4 PTS 74 69 57 55 48 35 31 30 29 22 16 7

Irish need to start picking up the Paice – and points BATH v LONDON IRISH AVIVA PREMIERSHIP THE RECREATION GROUND SATURDAY - 3.15pm

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk HOWEVER ugly they may come, London Irish need to start picking up wins and points quickly, David Paice has said.

Exiles remain bottom of the Aviva Premiership table and five points adrift of closest rivals Worcester Warriors following Sunday’s heavy 47-20 reverse at Leicester Tigers.

The struggling side are yet to pick up any league points on their travels this term, an issue the hooker admits needs to be addressed if they are to stave of the very real threat of relegation.

Irish make the short trip west this weekend to face a Bath side also going through tough times of their own at present, as a run of seven defeats in eight games has seen the club drop down to eighth.

The form of the two sides, then, should make for an interesting afternoon.

The visitors, however, are not helped by fellow basement boys Newcastle Falcons and Worcester locking horns tonight (Friday), meaning Tom Coventry’s men could find themselves further cut off at the foot of the table come kick-off.

Paice, however, insists Irish will only focus on the task at hand.

“We know the position we are in and we really need to start picking up points,” the 32-year-old told The Wokingham Paper.

“Even if Newcastle and Worcester weren’t playing this weekend the pressure to pick up points is still there, so the players have got to start thinking smart.”

When asked why Irish are having a hard time on the road, Paice added: “It’s a combination of things. We are making

David Paice Picture: London Irish/Pinnacle

a lot of mistakes, giving away a lot of penalties and not picking up some of the decisions from the referee.”

Paice scored the first of three tries run in by the visitors during a much improved second half performance at Welford Road.

The damage, however, had already been done during the first 40 minutes, with the player admitting the team contributed to their own downfall.

“After the first half the game was probably gone, so it gave us licence to attack and go forward,” said Paice.

“It was very disappointing. We went up there after we didn’t get the result against Exeter (the weekend before) and putting on a good performance, but things didn’t improve.

“We made a few mistakes in the first 20 minutes and they got their first try in the first four minutes, and you cannot go to a place like Leicester and give a great team three easy tries.

“It is very hard to come back from

that and we made a lot of mistakes and Leicester capitalised from our errors.

“Leicester played well and were very clinical and took their chances.

“But we were kicking ourselves because of the tackles we missed and the errors we made, but the good thing about rugby is there is always another game next week.”

That next game for Irish comes against a side coached by a man well known to the club in Toby Booth, whom Paice played under while in charge of the Exiles.

“I’m very surprised where they are in the ladder,” admitted the player.

“I know the team quite well and they have great players, great coaching staff and their team is a lot better then where they are.

“The team may be low on confidence but will still be very dangerous, but if we can go and put some early points on the board and put them under pressure, who knows what can happen.” n LONDON IRISH have signed Greig Tonks from Edinburgh.

The 26-year-old fly-half joins the club immediately and could be involved against Bath. n SCRUM-HALF Scott Steele and second-row Will Lloyd have signed two-year extensions with Exiles, but hooker Tom Cruse is to leave and join Premiership rivals Wasps at the end of the season.

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

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP P W D L F 14 11 1 2 372 14 10 0 4 343 14 9 0 5 356 14 9 0 5 290 14 7 0 7 295 14 7 1 6 337 14 7 1 6 288 13 6 2 5 260 13 4 0 9 233 14 4 1 9 220 14 3 0 11 261 14 3 0 11 208

A 246 210 251 263 231 342 262 260 250 358 364 426

BP 6 9 6 4 9 7 4 6 7 2 6 1

PTS 52 49 42 40 37 37 34 34 23 20 18 13

Mistakes the difference says Coventry after Tigers maul the Exiles Leicester Tigers 47 London Irish 20

MISSED tackles and individual mistakes cost London Irish dear at Welford Road, admitted Tom Coventry.

The head coach saw his side handed another heavy defeat on their travels, with the rampant Tigers putting seven tries on the opposition on Sunday afternoon.

Leicester, however, were subject to a late rally from the Exiles, with David Paice, Joe Trayfoot and Andrew Fenby all crossing the line after the break, but it was not enough to secure the away side a losing bonus point.

“I thought Leicester were pretty good today,” said Coventry, whose charges remain five points adrift at the foot of the Aviva Premiership table.

“They played a real through-the-middle style of football, at times we contained their drive well.

“But missed tackles at vital times and individual mistakes were probably the difference.

“We’re just going to have to be better against Bath and prepare for them to do a pretty comprehensive job.”

Despite welcoming both Sean Maitland and Blair Cowan back to the fold after

Tom Coventry

both withdrew from the Scotland squad for the Six Nations clash with Italy through injury, Irish found themselves trailing after just four minutes.

Going over was Adam Thompstone, with the winger dabbing the ball down in the corner. Freddie Burns, though, was unable to add the conversion.

Theo Brophy Clews would cut the lead

up the other end with a penalty minutes later, but Thompstone’s earlier score was to set the tone for what was to be a punishing 40 minutes of rugby produced by the home side.

With the Tigers continuing to crank up the pressure, an opportunity to go over would arise for Harry Thacker, and he made no mistake when crashing down under the posts after collecting a low pass.

Burns this time had the range and the extras stretched the advantage to 12-3.

Leicester were now smelling blood and try number three was not far in coming, where Lachlan McCaffery finished off good work from Tom Croft at the lineout.

The bonus point was then secured on the stroke of half-time when Jonno Kitto, helped by Mike Fitzgerald, celebrated try number four.

With Burns drilling over the conversion, the Tigers would go in at the break boasting a 23-point advantage.

The majority of those in the 23,000-plus crowd were now in party mood as a three-game losing streak was all but over.

The celebration levels, however, would crank up a notch on 52 minutes when Croft, off the back of a free-flowing move, powered his way over for a score which

Burns once again improved.

The gain line was breached again too just three minutes later when Kitto raced clear – only to see his second try of the afternoon wiped out when an earlier phase was refereed to the Television Match Official (TMO), who confirmed a forward pass was made by Thompstone during the build-up.

Despite falling further behind, the second half performance produced

by Irish did offer some encouragement, and would eventually yield a try when Paice burrowed his way through a clutch of bodies for a deserved five points in the corner.

Replacement fly-half Shane Geraghty, however, was off target from the tee and the conversion was missed.

Normal service was to resume shortly after, though, when Jean de Villiers strolled through a gap and touched down for a converted try which was to bring up the magical 40-point mark.

The TMO was again needed, this time to check for a suspected crossing, but nothing was witnessed and the score stood.

Unfortunately for Irish, the onslaught was to continue, with Thompstone completing a brace of tries moments later, and the extras were added to the board.

But to their credit, the guests never gave up and such endeavour was rewarded with two late tries.

An emphatic sweeping move was rounded off by replacement Trayfoot gliding in to score under the posts before Ciaran Hearn (pictured left) broke the line to set up Fenby, who squeezed his way over and dotted down in the corner.

LEICESTER TIGERS: Tait, Thompstone, Tuilagi, de Villiers, Veainu (Goneva 52), Burns (Bell 68), Kitto (Harrison 62), Ayerza (Brugnara 62), Thacker (Van Vuuren 62), Balmain (Mulipola 62), Fitzgerald (Williams 54), Barrow, Croft, McCaffrey (Pearce 72), Slater (c).

LONDON IRISH: Maitland (Williams 57), Ojo, Hearn, Mulchrone, Fenby, Brophy Clews (Geraghty 47), Steele (Allinson 69), Smallbone (Court 69), Paice (Cruse 68), Aulika (Halavatau 54), Lloyd (Sexton 62), Stooke, Narraway (c), Cowan, Treviranus (Trayfoot 54).

Referee: Ian Tempest Attendance: 23,173

Picture above taken by Warwick Gastinger/ Wikipedia

ACADEMY

Axel goal is not enough as U18s suffer cup Blues READING Under-18s’ run in this year’s FA Youth Cup is over following a 2-1 quarter-final loss at defending champions Chelsea.

All three goals arrived during the second half at Stamford Bridge, with Jay DaSilva and Tammy Abraham firing the hosts into a two-goal lead before Axel Andresson headed Royals back into the contest last Friday.

The contest, which was witnessed by first-team boss Brian McDermott and his staff, also saw three penalties awarded – and all missed.

Reading ‘keeper Luke Southwood denied Abraham from the spot in the first half and then thwarted Mukhtar Ali in injury time following a challenge which saw Daniel Akinwunmi sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Tyler Frost, meanwhile, ratted the crossbar from 12 yards when substitute Danny Loader was bundled over by Chelsea’s Clarke Salter in the box.

The deadlock was broken just before the hour mark when DaSilva pounced to net the rebound after Southwood had saved from Dujon Sterling.

The west London club pulled further ahead on 70 minutes through an Abraham header, but Royals gave themselves a lifeline when Andresson climbed highest to nod home from a corner.

Try as they might, the youngsters pushed hard for an equaliser, but it was the opposition who hung on to book a spot in the semi-finals. n THE club’s Under-21s, meanwhile, were due out against Tottenham Hotspur in Division 1 of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League last night (Thursday).

Their next scheduled fixture is against Chelsea at Madejski Stadium on March 7 (7pm).

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Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

READING FC

Patient John out to make his mark READING v FULHAM SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP MADEJSKI STADIUM SATURDAY – 3PM

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk OLA JOHN is hoping Reading fans can finally start to see the best he has to offer.

The Dutch winger has had to be patient since arriving at the club on a season-long loan from Benfica, but finally appears to be reaping the rewards.

Having impressed when coming off the bench, boss Brian McDermott handed John a start during the recent 1-0 win over Rotherham United, where he did enough to keep his place in the side for last Saturday’s 4-3 victory over Charlton Athletic, where he scored one and set up another at The Valley.

As the player pointed out, it is the first time he has started successive games for Royals since making the switch from Portugal – but he is now hoping to nail down a place in the starting XI. He said: “I’m not quite there yet. I just played two games and hope I can stay in the team.

“I have to show myself every week and every day, of course, and I have had to be patient because this is this first time I have played two games in a row, so if I can keep playing games I can prove myself because I know I can do more.”

John will be hoping his name is on the team sheet once again when Fulham come to town – a team he knows only too well as it is the former club of his brother, Collins John, who is now his sibling’s agent.

“We have already played against

Burnley Hull Middlesbrough Brighton Derby Sheff Wed Cardiff Birmingham Ipswich Preston QPR Reading Wolves Brentford Nottm Forest Blackburn Huddersfield Leeds Bristol City Fulham MK Dons Rotherham Bolton Charlton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L 34 18 11 5 33 19 7 7 33 19 7 7 34 17 12 5 34 15 12 7 34 14 13 7 34 13 13 8 33 14 9 10 33 14 9 10 34 12 12 10 34 10 14 10 33 11 10 12 34 11 10 13 34 12 7 15 33 10 12 11 33 9 13 11 34 10 9 15 33 8 14 11 34 9 10 15 34 8 12 14 34 8 8 18 34 8 5 21 34 4 13 17 34 5 10 19

F 53 48 45 49 45 50 45 39 41 33 41 38 42 47 32 33 44 30 31 51 28 38 32 30

A 27 19 19 34 30 35 38 32 40 32 40 36 47 53 30 31 46 39 53 56 48 59 56 65

Pts 65 64 64 63 57 55 52 51 51 48 44 43 43 43 42 40 39 38 37 36 32 29 25 25

them this season and it was not a great experience,” added John.

“We were 2-0 up, but they scored three goals in six minutes, so we have to make up for that and I think we can.

“We are playing at home and I hope it is going to be OK.” Royals also head into the game looking to record a third straight win in the Championship, while also preserving an unbeaten run on home soil which now stretches to eight games.

John said: “I think we have a good team, great players and the atmosphere (within the camp) is always good.

“And if you win games things are only going to be better.

“I hope we can stay winning like this.”

Despite the majority of his 24

Ola John scored one and set up another in Reading’s 4-3 victory at Charlton last Saturday Picture: Vivienne Johnson

appearances coming as a substitute, John revealed he is happy at the club, and would be willing to extend his stay in Berkshire should the opportunity to do so arise.

“I only have one year left at Benfica,” the player explained.

“I don’t know what Benfica wants from me but I didn’t talk with them about next year, I think we will do that in the summer and have to see what happens

and what Reading can do, of course.

“I’m happy here – also now because I’m playing, but it is a nice club, Reading, I like the fans and everything is positive.”

Boss McDermott will most likely have to do without Matej Vydra once again.

The striker is still struggling with a hamstring problem and returned to parent club Watford earlier in the week, where he was assessed by the Hornets’ medical staff.

McDermott dedicates win to the fans as Rakels settles dramatic clash Charlton Athletic 3 Reading 4

BRIAN McDERMOTT dedicated Saturday’s dramatic victory to the 3,000-plus Reading supporters who turned up at The Valley.

Those who had packed out the Jimmy Seed Stand would watch on as substitute Deniss Rakels settled an absorbing encounter in stoppage time to secure the visitors successive wins in the Championship.

It was an afternoon of firsts for the Royals too, who not only notched up a first win on the road since September, but also saw Yann Kermorgant, against his former club, and Rakels both open their accounts for the away side.

It was Kermogant’s two-goal salvo and an Ola John effort which had Reading boasting a commanding 3-1 at half-time.

But through a Yaya Sanogo hat-trick, bottom side Charlton came roaring back into the contest and were just minutes away from securing a useful point, only to see Latvia international Rakels send the hoards of visiting fans behind the goal home happy.

“We play for them – I didn’t want to lose that game or draw it – I wanted to win it for those people behind that goal today. That’s for them,” said boss McDermott.

“The fact that we’ve got the win is great – we’d have lost that match a few months ago. We’ve been really tight at the back and I’ve been banging on about

Brian McDermott saw substitute Deniss Rakels hit a stoppage-time winner last Saturday

clean sheets, and we’ve been saying the same in the dressing room – but we conceded three today.

“I loved the first half. I thought we played some fabulous football and scored three great goals.

“We talked at half-time about

controlling the game and making sure we didn’t do anything rash. We didn’t do that – it was end-to-end. It was we have a go, they have a go.

“We have to learn from that.

“But Deniss got us out of trouble right at the end – that was a fabulous finish and the goals were top, top drawer.”

McDermott named an unchanged line-up to the one which started Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Rotherham United at Madejski Stadium, although there was some movement on the bench, with Danny Williams taking his place among the substitutes having recovered from injury.

And it was a pulsating start from his charges, who went close early on when a Stephen Qunn drive was turned on to the crossbar by Charlton ‘keeper Stephen Henderson.

Just two minutes later, however, and they were ahead. It was a familiar face in these parts who broke the deadlock, too.

Kermorgant struck 29 times during a four-year stay in south London, and the former fans favourite was to give the Athletic faithful a timely reminder of his finishing abilities when heading home a John cross from the left.

Royals went into the game looking to record a fourth straight clean sheet in the league, but hopes of a shut out were dashed minutes later when Sanogo saw off Jake Cooper before producing a powerful finish.

The contest was just seven minutes

old – and more was still to come.

Kermorgant thought he had put his new side back in front when finding the net from some 40 yards – only for play to be pulled back for a hand ball by the Frenchman in the build-up.

He also saw another effort, a header from a Oliver Norwood corner, chested off the line by the hosts’ Simon Makienok.

Kermorgant was clearly enjoying being back at his old stomping ground, and he was not to be denied a second goal, either, which was to arrive on 35 minutes.

It was another smart finish too, with the striker, having received a pass from Hal Robson-Kanu, turning on to his right foot and sending the ball into the top corner.

The player would follow up his brace by turning provider when laying on John to make it 3-1 minutes before the break.

For it was his threaded pass which allowed the on-loan winger to run on and slide the ball beyond Henderson to secure a two-goal advantage.

John would then clip the crossbar early in the second half as Reading looked to extend their advantage.

While Charlton are languishing at the bottom of the table and look destined for the drop, they did not go down without a fight.

And some hope was restored when Sanogo, on loan from Arsenal, reduced the arrears with a close-range header.

Ali Al Habsi in the Royals’ goal did get

something on the effort, but was unable to keep it out.

Robson-Kanu and Sanogo traded further chances before a miscommunication at the back presented Charlton’s Zakarya Bergdich with a sight of goal – only for Al Habsi to make himself big and deny the full back.

But in keeping out another opportunity, this time from Johann Berg Gudmundsson, the Omani shot stopper could only diver the ball into the path of Sanogo, who made no mistake in completing the hat-trick and tieing up the scores.

Both teams would continue to have a good go at one another as the fixture neared a conclusion and entered stoppage time.

And there was still enough left on the clock for Jordan Obita to pump a free-kick into the box from deep, where replacement Rakels was on hand to nudge the ball into the far corner from a tight angle to send those standing in front of him into delirium.

CHARLTON ATHLETIC: Henderson (c), Fanni, Teixeira, Johnson, Motta (Harriott 77), Ba (Bergdich 46), Diarra, Suk-Young, Gudmundsson, Makienok, Sanogo (Ghoochannejhad 88).

Subs not used: Pope, Fox, Lookman, Poyet.

Booked: Gudmundsson READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Obita, McShane (c), Cooper, Hector, Norwood (Williams 65), Quinn (Rakels 84), John (McCleary 70), Robson-Kanu, Kermorgant.

Subs not used: Bond, Ferdinand, Piazon, Cox. Booked: Williams Referee: Nigel Miller

38 | SPORT

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READING SUNDAY LEAGUE

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Woodfield and slick Sumas hit sorry Magpies for six

Wokingham and Emmbrook U16s’ Joe Jones produced a man-of-the-match performance

GOAL-MACHINE Calum Woodfield added two more to his tally for the season when helping Wokingham and Emmbrook Under-16s Blacks to an impressive 6-1 victory over Maidenhead Magpies Whites in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance (EBFA).

He was joined on the scoresheet by Michael Valdambrini, Joe Jones, Amir Idjer and Alb Davies.

Jones, who was later named man of the match, set up Valdambrini to break the deadlock and then laid on Woodfield to make it 2-0 with a left-foot drive.

Maidenhead pulled a goal back after the break, but things would not stay interesting for long as Jones deservedly made it 3-1 soon after.

It was the first of four strikes the Sumas would rattle in during the next 17 minutes.

Woodfield turned home a Rhys Williams pass for his second – and Wokingham’s fourth of the game – before Idjer buried a loose ball from a corner.

Davies would wrap up the scoring when Woodfield this time turned provider.

Under-13s STAN HANBLIN had a debut to remember

when securing Wokingham and Oranges a point from a 1-1 draw with Curley Park Rangers in Division 6 of the EBFA. Hamblin found himself leading the line after striker Milo van Vliet was forced off with an injury midway through the second half.

And he would not disappoint, finding the back of the net when set up by Jack Copeland to secure his side a share of the spoils.

Not only did he mark his first appearance for the Oranges with a goal, but was named man of the match too.

There was nothing to separate the two sides during the first half, but a slip from Harry Johnson soon after the restart proved costly, as it was from here when Curley took the lead.

Falling behind, however, appeared to galvanize the opposition, with the work rate, commitment and quality of football all improving.

A change in formation to an unorthodox 3-3-4 also helped matters, and with an extra man in attack, Wokingham would grab an equaliser.

In making up for his earlier mishap, Johnson would engineer the move, passing to Copeland, who slipped in Hamblin to tie up the scores.

Stan Hamblin grabbed a debut goal

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

It’s the long and winding Road for United as trio fire Mansfield to win LUICE BOWDEN and Sarah Collins struck within three minutes of each other to send Woodley United crashing to defeat against Mansfield Road in the Premier Division of the Southern Region League.

Celia Deer was also on target in this 3-0 victory for the away side, who produced the perfect response having suffered a 5-2 reverse at the hands of the same opposition just a week earlier.

Despite dominating the opening exchanges, Woodley were dealt a sucker punch when Deer broke the deadlock on 15 minutes from Mansfield’s first attack of the game.

Falling behind appeared to suck some of the life out of the hosts too, as tempo levels dropped against a side happy to soak up the pressure and hit United on the counter. And one such break presented Deer with another sight of goal following good work by Holly Bridge, but the player was to put the chance wide.

Dannielle Perryman then hooked an effort off the line as the visitors looked to double their lead from a corner.

Woodley, however, would also have their moments before the break, but Rosie Page-Smith was off target with

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, March 4, 2016

one opportunity before sending another straight into the hands of Zipora Carapeto in the Mansfield goal.

Bowden and Woodley’s Ellen Surtees, when set up by Page-Smith and Jess Grimmett, both traded missed chances shortly after the restart.

Yet for all their endeavour in trying to grab an equaliser, the home side were to concede a second when failure to close down Bowden saw the player net from distance.

Just seconds later and it was game over.

Mansfield had been a particular threat from flag kicks, and it was from a corner where Collins was on hand to head home and make it 3-0.

With their work cut out, United threw on both Morgan Merryweather and Nicole Haines, with the pair injecting some additional pace into the contest.

And while on the pitch the pair would see Page-Smith twice rattle the woodwork and have another strike at goal stopped on the line. Sab Kulan also drove a shot into the side netting.

Ninth-placed Woodley are away at bottom side Banbury United on Sunday (2pm).

Srodawa bags a brace, but Woodley suffer cup Roe WOODLEY UNITED bowed out of the Tilehurst Charity Cup following a 3-2 quarter-final defeat to Roebuck.

It was United’s Premier Division rivals who took the lead midway through the first half and were then two goals to the good just three minutes later.

Doubling the advantage was a touch unfortunate on Woodley, with ‘keeper Stephen Brearley wrong footed by a wicked deflection.

But the hosts soon rallied back and it was game on when, in the 28th minute, Jack Shone slipped in Loic Srodawa, who calmly sent the ball into the back of the net.

Roebuck, though, had one foot in the semi-final again when hitting a third on the stroke of half-time.

This would arrive via a goalmouth scramble and was a tap in for the grateful player.

The tie, however, was not yet over, as a Sam Cialis through ball sent Srodawa on his way to grab his second of the game and set up an interesting finish.

Woodley were now pushing hard for an equaliser and extra time, and were agonisingly unlucky not to get back on level terms when Cialis struck a post late on as Roebuck squeezed into the semi-finals.

Woodley return to league action this Sunday, where they are guests of league leaders Burghfield (10.30am).

Results – February 28

PREMIER DIVISION: The Mod 2 D.C Steamers 1 DIVISION 1: Mortimer 7 FC Woodley 4; The Pub 2 Woodley Wanderers 6; S.C United 2 Charvil Rangers 2 DIVISION 2: AFC Burghfield Reserves 3 Arborfield 2; Athletico Forest 5 Pangbourne and Basildon Barbarians 0; Loxwood Park Rangers 2 Imaan 2; WS Hobnob 0 Emmbrook Inn 4; Warwick Arms 0 Wokingham and Emmbrook 4 DIVISION 3 EAST: Berkshire Rovers 2 Mapledurham 2; Eldon Celtic 1 Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 0; FC Berksalona 0 Just Play United 6

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Knights belted by Leather

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk HARCHESTER HAWKS ended a wait for a win in style after Dan Leather led the side to a 5-0 victory over Highmoor Knights.

He hit a hat-trick, with Carl Pyne grabbing the other two goals as the Earley outfit put the visitors to the sword at Laurel Park.

The win keeps Harchester fourth in the Division 5 standings, where they remain seven points off the top two.

Ryan Jansen (right) pulls a goal back for Twyford and Ruscombe during their game with HURST, meanwhile, saw White Eagles in Division 3. The villagers lost the game 7-1 Pictures: Vivienne Johnson their winless run continue in the Premier Division, where consolation for Hurst, who remain White had both found the back of the net a James Hollidge strike could not prevent seventh in the standings. for the former. the villagers falling to a 2-1 reverse when TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE stay two The game, however, was brought to taking on Mortimer at East Park Farm. points adrift at the foot of the Division an abrupt halt in the second half and Goals either side of the break from 3 table after they were no match for was subsequently abandoned by referee Dominic McKenzie and Dane Kirby leaders White Eagles, who won this Jamie Desouza secured the away side all three points. contest 7-1.

Cup round-up WARGRAVE were unable to build on The away side had opened up a 2-0 WOODLEY UNITED A are the team to beat the impressive 3-0 success at Barkham lead inside the opening 14 minutes at in the cup this season.

Athletic the weekend before when Cantley Park through Lukas Hryniewicz A 3-2 victory at The Pin of the East hosting FC Imaan Lions in Division 2. and Tomasz Jakubowski – only for Ryan Berks league saw the side book their spot This is because a four-goal salvo from Jansen to cut the gap moments later. in the semi-finals of the Norfolkians Cup. Ben Lyden helped the visitors to an But that was as good as it got for the This comes just a week after the emphatic 9-2 triumph. home side.

Division 3 side reached the last four of Also getting in on the scoring act With Hryniewicz scoring three more the Berkshire Trophy Centre Junior Cup. was George Dallarda, who came off the and Bartosz Pachulski and Mariusz United progressed thanks to a brace bench and netted a brace, with Ateeq Zienkiewicz adding their names to the of goals from Alex Ray and a Nathan Butt, Sabeel Asghar and Usman Tariq also scoresheet, a comfortable victory moves Bingham strike. hitting the target. the Eagles six points clear at the top of BERKS COUNTY RESERVES set up a Marc Jones’ double was scant the standings. date with Harchester Hawks in the semi-final of the Junior Cup after Sitting just above Twyford outscoring Hurst Reserves by four goals is WARGRAVE RESERVES, who to two at the John Nike Stadium. went down to a 4-1 loss against The free-scoring Connor Banks needed Taplow United Reserves. only a minute to break the deadlock and Mark Bennett grabbed a then made it 2-1 on the half hour mark consolation for the home side, when cancelling out James Taylor’s who were beaten by a Matthew equaliser for Hurst.

Hiller brace and further strikes Dean Caffell put through his own net from Guy Coles and Jason to tie up the scoring on 75 minutes, only O’Connor. to be left relieved as late strikes from WOODLEY UNITED picked up Christian Brooker and Jonathan Gosnell a useful point from an absorbing sealed County’s safe passage.

3-3 draw at promotion-chasing The club’s FIRST TEAM, however, are The Hop Leaf in Division 5.

Callum Fox-Spence, twice, and out of the Senior Cup following a 3-1 loss at league rivals Reading YMCA. John Mailer from the penalty Two goals for Jordan Cox fired the spot got the goals for United, hosts to victory, with Daniel Donegan who were pegged back by an sealing the win.

Andrew Brennan spot kick and Kintbury Rangers Reserves, however, Dwayne Clarke strike seven put paid to WOODLEY UNITED minutes from time.

RESERVES’ hopes of reaching the Berks Alan Wardrope had netted for and Bucks Junior Cup. the Leaf earlier in the game.

Harrison Wilkes had pulled Woodley Borough rivals HURST A and on level terms, but it was the opposition SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN met Twyford’s Mikey Jones attempts to win the ball from an who will be competing for silverware at Cantley Park, where Dean opponent at Cantley Park Cherrett and substitute Richard following a 4-1 success.

Friday, March 4, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CHALLENGE CUP

Finch downed by Ferdinand’s brace Finchampstead 1 Binfield 3 “WE GAVE a good account of ourselves” was the opinion of Jon Laugharne after his Finchampstead side exited the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. A late Liam Ferdinand brace proved to be the difference between the two sides at the Memorial Ground, where the in-form striker struck in the 72nd and 77th minutes to seal the Moles’ progression to the next round.

And while not begrudging the Hellenic Premier Division side victory Laugharne, who saw Freddie Barron quickly cancel out Ethan Jerome’s first-half opener, was left incensed by a controversial decision not to award his side a penalty for handball.

The incident arrived after the break and with the scores still level.

Amid a goalmouth scramble a shot appeared to be cleared off the line by an outfield player using his hand, only for the referee to deem the movement accidental and dismiss any protests.

“We did OK but we lost, and you never get any satisfaction when you lose,” said the Finchampstead manager.

“But I’m more disappointed with the second half decision not to award us a penalty for handball. The referee and linesman say they didn’t see it, so sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t or sometimes they don’t see them – I thought it was blatant.

“But Liam Ferdinand is on fire and they (Binfield) were good value for the win and the next round.

“This was our first game in six weeks and we came up against a top Premier Division side in my opinion with good players and good young players, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves.”

SPORT | 39

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COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Not a Brad start for Ruggles as Eversley run riot Eversley and California 6 South Park Reserves 0

Ethan Jerome fires Binfield in front at The Memorial Ground Pictures: Colin Byers and Phil Creighton

Winship to set up the phase of play which Finchampstead celebrate would result in claims for a penalty being Freddie Baron’s equaliser waved away by the match official. as boss Jon Laugharne Bryant was called into action to (inset) looks on swallow up a tame effort, while at the other end both Greg Alexander and Winship saw routes to goal blocked by the opposition.

Finchampstead’s Dan Blatchford was then able to get a shot away – and was not too far away from putting the hosts in front, either, but the ball would curl wide of an upright.

Gary Callaway, lining up against the club he had captained for many years before making the switch to Laugharne’s men last summer, produced a timely header to sniff out a Binfield attack, but the guests were now beginning to crank up the pressure.

And it was not long before they regained the lead.

Ferdinand went into the game Mark O’Connell set up all three having scored four in his last two Binfield goals on Saturday outings, which included a hat-trick of the match.” with a 7.45pm kick-off. during the 5-2 victory at Tuffley Fixtures – Saturday Finchampstead can now focus on Rovers the previous weekend.

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION: Wokingham and league matters and attempts to secure a So it was to come as no surprise Emmbrook v Bracknell Town (3pm). top six finish in Division 1 East resume when the striker was adding to HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST: Wantage Town with a trip to Old Woodstock Town on this impressive tally, nodding his Reserves v Woodley United (3pm) side in front when meeting another Saturday (3pm).

Hellenic Premier Division O’Connell cross from the right.

Binfield host Tuffley Rovers in the P W D L F A Pts The goal proved to be the doing of return league fixture at Hill Farm Lane Thatcham Town 29 22 4 3 83 34 70 Flackwell Heath 28 21 3 4 79 36 66 Finchampstead, who would conceded (3pm).

Kidlington 25 19 3 3 74 24 60 FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Abbott, a third just moments later, with Ascot United 31 17 7 7 59 33 58 Callaway, Green (c), J.Wright, Barron, S.Hunter, Ferdinand again profiting from an Highworth Town 26 17 2 7 70 2 53 Rolls, Alexander, Blatchford.

O’Connell cross to secure victory.

Subs: Onreat-Wells, Axton-Hall, Winship, Pople.

Thame United 30 16 4 10 43 36 52 “They started well and we knew BINFIELD: Silver, O’Connell, Gibbs, Luis (c), Brimscombe & Thrupp 26 15 3 8 49 36 48 Binfield would try and get a goal A.Walton, Withers, (M.Walton), Knight, Howell, Longlevens AFC 30 15 2 13 50 50 47 in the first 20 minutes,” added Ferdinand, Jerome (Horscroft), Dean (Broome 65).

Binfield 26 13 4 9 51 41 43 Subs not used: Carlisle, Senussi.

Laugharne.

Highmoor-Ibis 30 13 3 14 47 46 42 n BINFIELD saw their Berks and Bucks “They press you all around the Oxford City Nomads 29 12 5 12 47 50 41 Royal Wootton Bassett 31 12 3 16 45 71 39 pitch and make things difficult and Senior Trophy semi-final with league Lydney Town 28 9 8 11 49 53 35 are a very well organised and a real rivals Flackwell Heath postponed on It was Binfield, following a spell of Ardley United 30 11 2 17 50 65 35 good team – but we responded straight Tuesday night due to a waterlogged pitch.

Brackley Town Saints 32 9 3 20 55 80 30 early pressure, who would take the lead in away.

The tie at Wilks Park has been Bracknell Town 27 6 7 14 39 57 25 this third-round tie on 22 minutes.

“Maybe the equaliser was against the rescheduled for this Tuesday, March 8, Milton United 31 6 7 18 37 66 25 Tom Bryant in the Finchampstead goal run of play, but I Tuffley Rovers 25 6 6 13 42 54 24 had thwarted Ethan Jermone earlier in don’t care about that Abingdon United 33 6 3 24 41 94 21 the contest, but he was unable to stop the because I though we Wokingham 29 2 3 24 29 87 9 player netting his first goal for the club were good value for when turning home a Mark O’Connell the equaliser in the Hellenic Division 1 East cross from close range. end.

P W D L F A Pts The full back would lay on all three Penn & Tylers Green 16 11 3 2 47 10 36 “But their quality goals for the visitors on the afternoon Henley Town 18 11 3 4 50 24 36 came through in in what was a man-of-the-match Bicester Town 17 11 3 3 39 28 36 the end and I’d be Rayners Lane 18 9 4 5 43 26 31 performance from O’Connell. very surprised if Headington Amateur’s 20 9 3 8 40 27 30 But he was part of a back line which they don’t finish the Finchampstead 16 7 5 4 33 18 26 was breached just six minutes later. season with a trophy.

Chinnor 14 8 1 5 32 23 25 A ball pumped out to the left flank “They are a Holyport 17 7 4 6 32 33 25 would find an unmarked Barron, who had young team which is Wantage Town Res’ 15 4 2 9 20 37 14 the time required to steady himself before starting to flourish Chalfont Wasps 12 3 2 7 17 36 11 coolly send the ball past Nathan Silver in Didcot Town Res’ 15 3 2 10 19 42 11 and James Knight the away side’s goal.

Old Woodstock Town 13 3 0 10 10 38 9 was exceptional.

Matchwinner Liam Ferdinand goes close for the visitors Barron would then combine with Ben Woodley United 17 1 2 14 12 52 5 “He was my man

PHIL RUGGLES enjoyed a dream start to his tenure as Eversley manager.

The new boss watched on as Brad Brown netted a hat-trick Brad Brown and the Boars rout basement boys South Park at Fox Lane, with the win moving the promotion-chasing hosts back up to third in Division 1 of the Combined Counties League.

Eversley, playing their first game since thrashing Sheerwater by the same scoreline on January 23, were well on their way to all three points inside the opening 10 minutes.

This is because Brown needed just seconds to open his account before another Brad – Smith – doubled the lead soon after.

Two further strikes from former Binfield forward Brown saw him complete the hat-trick and take the scoring to 4-0 after 65 minutes.

Matt Stamp then chipped in with a goal, with the effort moving the striker on to 99 goals for the Boars.

Matthew Griffiths would add an extra coat of glass to a polished and clinical performance when hitting the sixth late on. n EVERSLEY and Ruggles can expect a much sterner examination when away at Cobham on Saturday.

The Surrey side sit sixth in the table and will no doubt be smarting following a 3-0 reverse at midtable Dorking last weekend.

Kick-off is 3pm.

Eversley and California 3 Alresford Town 4 (After extra-time)

EVERSLEY exited the Aldershot Senior Cup on Tuesday night after Alresford edged this seven-goal thriller on Tuesday night.

The home side appeared to be heading into the semi-finals after Matthew Griffiths fired the Boars into a 2-1 lead on 79 minutes.

Wessex League side Alresford, however, snatched an equaliser in the 90th minute to force extra-time, where they would score twice more and secure their spot in the last four.

Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F A CB Hounslow Utd 23 17 4 2 55 19 Abbey Rangers 25 16 3 6 54 29 Eversley & Calif 21 15 1 5 64 31 Worcester Park 22 14 4 4 54 22 Bedfont & Felt 20 13 2 5 52 30 Cobham 26 11 3 12 49 56 Frimley Green 23 10 3 10 38 34 Banstead Athletic 18 9 4 5 45 32 Dorking 21 10 1 10 37 31 Staines Lammas 24 10 1 13 45 47 Ash United 22 7 5 10 41 47 Sandhurst Town 22 7 4 11 38 63 Sheerwater 22 6 1 15 37 52 Farleigh Rovers 20 5 1 14 22 59 Dorking Wand Res 20 3 5 12 20 41 Epsom Athletic 17 4 2 11 28 51 South Park Res 20 3 2 15 25 60

Pts 55 51 46 46 41 36 33 31 31 31 26 25 19 16 14 14 11

WOKINGHAM SPORT

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

McDermott ‘knows nothing’ about Russian investment BRIAN McDERMOTT admitted he knows nothing about speculation linking Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev with buying a stake in the club, writes LEWIS RUDD. The Royals manager, however, did say he would welcome any fresh investment, provided it suited everybody involved.

A report in French sports newspaper L’Equipe over the weekend suggested Rybolovlev is eyeing up a move into English football through the Championship outfit.

Worth an estimated £6billion, the potash magnate is the majority shareholder at AS Monaco, where his fortunes have helped the Ligue 1 side buy star players such as Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho.

Reading officials remain tight-lipped on the matter, but when asked about the rumours, McDermott said he knew

HOW IT ALL STARTED some scepticism by those who follow “I don’t know anything about it,” he the club.

My first job was helping out in a local steak restaurant I learned how big to select and cook what I think is the perfect steak. said.where “If there is any money coming I moved to Reading 30 years ago and to my disappointment was not able togood find afor restaurant that served the“Ifood I loved have hadmost. a Russian owner before, into Reading, that’s Reading My dream was to open a steakhouse in Reading that would serve the quality of steak I had experienced all those years back. an Italian owner before (Massimo and I’m happy with that.

Finally, I had the opportunity to buy Colleys Supper Rooms, a restaurant that had been established in Reading for over 20 years in a beautiful atwith Leeds United), we have investors coming inBarts to in FebCellino Victorian building that I had always admired. I knew I had the “If chance to achieve my dream.

I opened 2011 and the help of my so what I will fantastic team we have been serving exceptional steaks help in a great everthe since.

The décor continually evolving say is is let’s see what happens. theenvironment owners and owners areand atmosphere thanks to our loyal patrons. The menu has grown since we first opened and I am proud to say that the quality of food has only got better.

“I have no idea where the story has happy with the person that is going to from and if it’s true or isn’t true,” invest with I’mbuthappy.”

Here at Barts, we bring together dishes inspired by cuisines fromthem, all overgreat, the world centered aroundcome our renowned steaks and seafood. We specialise in offering you the steaks of the highest provided butchers, McDermott.

Should Rybolovlev goquality, on and buy aby localadded aged for a minimum of 28 days, flame grilled for superior taste and succulence.

“If there is investment coming in chunk of the club from current owners and the owners are happy to work Narin Niruttinanon, Sasima Srivikorn Jamshed Miah welcomes you to Barts Grill & Restaurant with the people who are wanting to or Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, then invest then great. he would not be the first Russian to Dmitry Rybolovlev “If it is good for the team and good join the board.

Picture: Wikipedia for the club and there is a whole going Back in 2012 Anton Zingarevich forward then it’s good news.” purchased the club – only to sack “nothing about it at all”. n READING’S FA Cup quarter-final McDermott a year later as the club While speaking to the media ahead with Crystal Palace will be played at battled in vain to avoid relegation to of Saturday’s clash with Fulham Madejski Stadium on Friday, March 11, the Championship. at Madejski Stadium on Saturday, with a 7.55pm kick-off.

He would leave himself under however, the boss did suggested The game will also be televised on a cloud not long after – and with people wishing to put money into BBC television.

Reading in debt, too, so it is the club would be invited to do so – n FOR more Royals news, turn to understandable talk of Rybololev’s page 37. reported interest has been met with provided it ticks all the right boxes.

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Sumas boss remaining defiant asSUNDAY local derby

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By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk “WE’RE not down until we’re mathematically down” was the defiant message from Wokingham and Emmbrook manager Matt Eggleston ahead of Saturday’s local derby with Bracknell Town (3pm).

The Sumas continue to sit bottom of the Hellenic Premier Division table, where they are some 14 points from safety with nine games to play.

Eggleston and fellow co-manager Dan Bateman have presided over just two wins in the league during what has been a difficult return to Step Five football.

Yet they welcome the Robins to the Invesco Perpetual Triangle looking to record successive victories over their near neighbours and former landlords.

Thanks to two goals from Craig Haylett – who struck four times for the Reserves earlier in the week – and a Jake Butler effort, Wokingham and Emmbrook recorded their first league victory of the season when celebrating a 3-0 success at Larges Lane back in August.

Such a triumph seems all too long ago, and the opposition will be very much different to the one soundly beaten by the Sumas on that summer’s evening.

Bracknell are now managed by Mark Tallentire who, through the help of several new signings, is starting to guide the club away from trouble themselves.

Eggleston, however, hopes his charges can put a dent in this revival and possibly start one of their own.

“We are not down until we mathematically go down,” he told The Wokingham Paper.

“We have now got quite a few games in hand and we have still got some of those around us still to play like Bracknell Town and Tuffley Rovers.

“If we can put six points on the board it

could put us closer to those about us and give Roast Lamb 8.95 us a chance. Overnight marinated lamb, served with sauté mixed vegetables (Baby Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans), oven roasted potatoes, honey glazed roasted parsnips, Yorkshire “It has been apudding, disappointing season, we topped with Barts homemade mint gravy. Accompanied by mint sauce. can’t deny that, but I’m convinced if we weren’t hit by the injuries we had at the start TAKE THE DAY OFF FROM COOKING THIS WEEK AND TREAT YOURSELF, FAMILY OR of the season and the unavailability, we would SUNDAY ROAST FRIENDS TO A SUPERB not be where we are.

“But I don’t want to finish bottom of the league, especially after the last two seasons we had (in Division 1 East), and I have told the players that.”

WWW.BARTSGRILL.COM The hosts can go into the game buoyed by 0118 966 2268 the 6-3 victory over bogey side Reading YMCA last time out, which set up a quarter-final date with Binfield in the Reading Senior Cup. But they will be once again without long-term absentees Chris Newlove and Adam Cooke, while midfielder Sam Whiting will miss the game against his former club too with the knee injury he picked up while playing Sunday League football.

The Sumas have no other suspensions or unavailability to deal with, but whatever XI takes to the field on Saturday afternoon will be more than a match for the opposition, insists Eggleston.

“Whatever 11 players we put on the pitch, those 11 are good enough,” added Eggleston.

“Morale maybe low, admittedly, but I’ve never lost a game against Bracknell Town as a manager – and how can you not be up for a local derby?

“Obviously it is a completely different side to when we last played them. Tally (Tallentire) is in there now and has bought in a few players and looks to be getting them out of trouble, but there is still a lot of things to play ISSN 2058-5268 for in the league and two cups.

“We know we only have ourselves, as a squad because we are all in this together, to blame for the position we are in, but injuries and unavailability of players has not helped, but these things happen.” n FOR more local football news, turn to 9 772058 526009 page 39.

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Wokingham and Emmbrook manager Matt Eggleston Picture: Vivienne Johnson

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