Wokingham Paper November 13

Open Evening Thursday 19th November 5.30—9.00pm www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk/f6open

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

Friday, November 13, 2015 No. 30

50p

REGENERATION

HAVE YOUR SAY ON NEW TOWN PLAN P3 POPPIES

Flame on

Torches light up night sky as Wokingham enjoys fireworks • p14

Mum’s plea to keep family together for USA cancer op 22-year-old launches fundraising bid

SEE P9

YES, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM P4-5 APPEAL

WOMAN DIES AFTER STATION COLLISION P3 SPORT

OLYMPIC CALL FOR TEENAGER AMBER P40

2 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

This is Wokingham.

We’re proud to cover it!

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

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

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

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

CHURCH

Vicar’s train of thought is unity

Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

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

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

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

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

Is your son or daughter getting married this summer?

Has someone you know recently passed their exams?

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

Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today.

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

Send us your wedding pictures

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

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

Share your bundle of joy!

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

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

For more details...

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

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

GET IN TOUCH

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

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

F: Wokingham Paper T: @wokypaper © Published by Xn Media Ltd, 2015 for the people of Wokingham Borough

APPEAL

Get crafty and help raise funds for charity

KNITTING and sewing enthusiasts are being urged to help make gifts and decorations this Christmas to support blind and partially sighted people.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are organising a number of Christmas activities and stalls over the coming months and are appealing to anyone who may be able to donate hand-made Christmas items to help raise money for the charity.

Decorations can be any size, shape or colour. All ideas and suggestions will be warmly welcomed and very gratefully received.

Hannah Duggan, RNIB Area Fundraising Manager, said: “We are delighted to be involved in a number of Christmas activities this year and hope this will be something that will be of interest to local groups and individuals. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who can help.”

To help, call Ms Duggan on 07825 865753 or email hannah.duggan@rnib. org.uk

CONCERT

Raising the roof with Faure’s Requiem

FAURE’S Requiem will be performed at Bracknell Choral Society’s autumn concert this weekend.

The group is teaming up with the Senesino Players and organist Nick Austin for the concert, which will be held at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley Walk, Bracknell from 7.30pm on Saturday.

The programme also includes two pieces by Rheinberger: Mass

The Revd Graham Theobald used a model railway track to illustrate his sermon on the contribution of congregation members. Pictures: Brian Roach

in C and Stabat Mater.

Soloists will be soprano August Hebbert, alto Rebekah Jones, tenor Richard Robbins and bass Dingle Yandell. The conductor will be Greg Hallam.

Tickets cost £15 and include a glass of wine. For more details, call Fiona Hardman on 07922 662740.

using acrylic paints will be open to members and non-members alike at the meeting at the Methodist Church in Rose Street on Tuesday.

Doors open at 7.30pm and entry is £4 for visitors. For more information call 0118 973 1556 or visit www. wokinghamartsociety.org.uk

CHURCH

Say a prayer for a lost loved one at All Saints

Visiting Canon to talk on Life Abundant

ST PAUL’S Church in Reading Road, Wokingham, will welcome a special guest speaker for its choral evensong service on Sunday.

The Revd Canon Leanne Roberts, the canon treasurer of Southwark Cathedral, will talk about Life Abundant at the service, which starts at 6.15pm.

It is part of the church’s 2015 Sermon Series called My One Prayer For The Church of England and will include musical interludes performed by the church choir.

Plans are already being made for next year’s sermon series, which has the theme Horrible Heresies: Why What You Believe Matters A Lot. For more details, call the church on 0118 979 2122.

SOCIETY

Acrylic demonstration will be rooted on trees

A TALK on trees and orchards will be the focal point of the next meeting of the Wokingham Art Society.

A demonstration by Ronnie Ireland

CHURCH

THOSE who have lost a loved one are invited to All Saints Church this Sunday.

The Wokingham church is holding its annual memorial service at 3pm.

Guests can write the name of a loved one on a prayer card, which is then placed on a special cross erected in the church.

Candles will be lit in their memory and prayers said.

Members of the Bereavement Care Group will be on hand to offer wise counsel and refreshments will be served. n For more details, call the church office on 0118 979 2797.

Get ‘Flutatious’ at next music club gig

THIS month’s gig from Wokingham Music Club will be performed by Flutatious.

The club meets at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road later this month.

The band have performed at a range of music festivals including

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.

Weyfest, Eden and Corbury and their debut album sold-out at every gig they went to.

Their sound is said to be unique, offering soaring melodic flute accompanied by flying fiddle, atmospheric guitars, jazzy vibes and groovy beats.

You can hear them from 7.30pm next Friday. Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12.50 on the door.

For more details, log on to www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

SOCIETY

Poor Law under the spotlight at meeting

The New Poor Law of 1834 will be discussed at the next meeting of the Swallowfield Local history Society.

The effect of laws on the village’s residents forms the focus for the talk

by Jennifer Highwood.

The group meets at Swallowfield Parish Hall in Swallowfield Street on Thursday from 7.45pm. n For more details, log on to www.slhsoc.org.uk

CORRECTION

WOKINGHAM

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

A VICAR was on the right track for a memorable service earlier this month.

The Revd Graham Theobald used his sermon at St James’ Church in Ruscombe as an opportunity to install a train track.

As the congregation entered the church on Sunday, November 1, they were each given a piece of the model railway track.

During the service they were invited to join the pieces up to help illustrate Mr Theobald’s sermon in which he explained that each church member made an individual contribution to the work of the church, but when those contributions were as part of a team they added up to something much bigger.

Mr Theobald said: “We hoped that people in the congregation would see that we are all working together to build the Kingdom of God and that it can be fun.”

Remembrance festival organiser

IN OUR report of the Berkshire County Festival of Remembrance (November 6), we mistakenly said that it was organised by John Cornish. It was, in fact, organised by the Royal County of Berkshire and Vale of White Horse branch of the Royal British Legion.

Apologies for our error.

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WOKINGHAM PAPER

NEWS | 3

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Friday, October 2, 13, 2015 THETHE WOKINGHAM PAPER November 2015 WOKINGHAM PAPER

DONATIONS APPEAL

SYRIA POLICE

Interserve’s gifts for trio of good causes

Man due in court after alleged incident at Remembrance ceremony

Tributes pour in for ‘fun- We’re ready for the loving’ woman who died refugees pledges MP after collision with lorry A MAN has been charged with a public order offence after an alleged incident during the two minute silence in Wokingham’s Market Place on Wednesday.

Kurk Wood, 56, of no fixed abode, was charged with one count of using threatening/abusive words/

behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Thames Valley Police said he walked through the crowd singing I Shot The Sheriff at the top of his voice. Wood appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

to embark on a dangerous journey had lots of offers from local across the Mediterranean. authorities around the

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON “It’s both unmanageable and country.” vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk dangerous because you have Mr Wilson was speaking now hundreds of thousands of a week after Wokingham READING East MP, Rob Wilson has people just coming onto land in Borough Councillors unanimously gone on record to say that the UK Greece and other parts of the passed a motion pledging to will cope with the 400 refugees a Mediterranean and it’s just not do its bit to welcome refugees month that will be brought into the manageable,” he continued. to the area. country.

“These countries are finding it He added: “We are putting Speaking to The Wokingham very difficult. all the things in place Paper, Mr Wilson said: “That’s why what we’re doing to make sure that “I’m part of the interis saying, ‘Right, you stay in the all the people are ministerial team refugee camp, we’ll come to you supported, not just that is working on there and we’ll provide the help for a week, how we manage and support you need there by or a month, and support spending a night. lot ofPicture: moneyPaul andKing or a year, but centre on Wednesday refugees.

Firefigters tackling the huge flames which ripped through the conference effort there. But also we’ll also supported on an “We’ve literally settle you properly in the UK as ongoing basis.

BLAZE just started well.

“The plans are identifying refugees “That means people should being led by the Home in the camps in Syria go to the refugee camps and Office, they are very and the countries around FIREFIGHTERS from Wokingham The fire, and thought to have 200just guests andup crews all not turn and spent take those robust I think the started country Syria. were among crews from stations in a linen cupboard in a ground floor evening tackling the fire. dangerous journeys.

So we’re will be able to cope.”

“I expect we will be 12 bringing called to tackle a huge blaze at a building at Wokefield Park Hotel at The to 18th century Mansionat House trying stop the problem The British Government about 400 [refugees] a month Mortimer on Wednesday around 5.30pm, then that spread to the was unaffected and there source rather than bringwere it tono the has taken the view it is from nowhotel onwards.

That is evening. roof. Staff evacuated around injuries. of Europe”. doorstep wrong to safely encourage people manageable because we’ve

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

on the day of the accident and subsequently.

Floral tributes have been THE family of a woman who died placed at the site of the accident, after a collision with a lorry in but the family also asked that Wokingham last week have paid donations be made to the Blue tribute to a “caring, fun-loving Cross animal charity in Helen’s and inquisitive lady” who enjoyed name. voluntary work and taking part in Thames Valley Police is probing community groups. how the accident happened at Helen Rowe, who was 69, one of Wokingham town centre’s died from her injuries after the busiest junctions and the force is accident last Thursday afternoon. appealing for witnesses to come Mrs Rowe’s family released forward with any information. a statement praising her for her Signs have been placed around Interserve’s Offi ce Services Manager Sheena Kitto, JAC’s Development Director Sam Milligan, Tony Sanders, Ralph the that would always put the ability to make anyone feel at Station Road to alert members horse and stable-hand Michaela Pickworth ease, saying she will be sorely wellbeing of everyone else before of the public to the appeal and her own and would go out of her missed.

By GEMMA DAVIDSON expandwith its learning spaces. to Our House will enable us to anyone information is asked to support others in need.

It reads: “Helen was a caring, way gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk SamPC Milligan, Development extend the use of the outdoor to call 5241 Simon Pink from “She will be fondly remembered fun-loving, inquisitive and Director at JAC said: “Interserve space and develop our facilities by all who knew her for her Three Mile Cross Roads Policing sociablecharities lady that was THREE were thetragically worthy has committed a lot of time into for disabled teenagers, giving on 101. wicked sense of humour and her taken fromofus too soon.donation recipients a £25,000 their project with them a much needed haven where planning If you do not wantwork to speak ability to make anyone returningcompany to the on UK natural by a“Since Twyford-based us and brought apolice, huge amount of directly to the you can they can chill out with friends and from Spain, Helen had established feel at ease.

Tuesday. contact the independent charity professionalism, experience and family, or just have some time to “Helen will be sorely missed by a Support strong services networkandof friends Crimestoppers anonymously on an amazing attitude with them. themselves.” and acquaintances through her children, grandchildren and 0800 555 111. No personal details construction group Interserve “It is diffi cult to express how Camp Mohawk will use the Les.” her voluntary work awarded £13,000 to Campand the husband taken, information is help not much the support, work and funds resurface its driveway Thetofamily added that they are community groups £7,500 which toshe Mohawk in Wargrave, traced or recorded and you will the IEF have provided us means to and to install drainage between would like to thank all those regularly attended.Just Around Wokingham-based not go to court. everyone involved.” the camp’s swimming pool who have offered support both of person the“Helen Cornerwas (JAC)the andtype a further Tony Sanders, chariman of and the main site to enable £5,000 to Building for the Future the IEF visited the three charities construction of a roof and (BFTF) through the Interserve earlier this week to present them changing facilities.

REGENERATION Employee Foundation (IEF). each with a cheque and to express Chris Wilcox, Centre Manager BTFT will use their grant to his gratitude of the work they do. at Camp Mohawk said: “Over the add the finishing touches to a Mr Sanders said: “The IEF has years the IEF have provided Camp community centre where disabled grown and developed a strong Mohawk with a huge amount of children can play safely and their The event follows on from interspersed with pavement to A WORKSHOP to discuss planned relationship with these local support. This generous support families meet and support last weekend’s stall held in make it easier for pedestrians changescan to Wokingham’s “town charities over the last three years has not from only been financial but as each other.

Market Place. to cross one side to square” will be held on Monday. with Interserve staff having a support Sarah Barnard, Centre The workshop the other. services organisation.

The evening event willManager give worked more than 600 “We have several projects – at BFTF said:”The support which In a statement will be heldvolunteer on the public the opportunity to days at Camp Monday Mohawk,from JAC and both small and large – on the go Interserve hasfor given for released earlier 7pm explore plans theBuilding revamp of BFTF during that time. at any one time and to have IEF the Future at Our House,looking in terms this week, to 9pm.

Market Place, including “We hope that Places the award of assisting us every step of the way of and man-power, Wokingham should at funding materials, street furniturehas these grants – and our pledge has been invaluable, and we owe transformed our outdoor area Borough Council be booked and to and signage. The same materials give at least another 150 days them“While a huge debt of gratitude.” into space said: are allocated on will abewelcoming used in theentrance new public of staff’s timeaover next JAC will use the which really Place, sets the tone will for theFinally, two projects firstthe come, first space Peach which year – demonstrates Interserve’s funds to fit out loft spaces at visiting families. are separate, they served basis. be developed in the space of the ongoing commitment these its Rehoboth Centre to make “The on-going would complement council-run Rose support Street car park n To request to a space charities, which make such themother. more It energy efficient with of not only in each is envisaged in Interserve, 2017. email to wokingham. a huge difference to the local insulation, LED lighting and maintenance, also common themes would flow The revampbut will seeinMarket environmental.improvements@ community.” heat source pumps and will also improvements andthe enhancements through the town.”

Place levelled and road wokingham.gov.uk

New-look market place workshop date

Guests evacuated as fire rips through hotel

ITALIAN WINE LUNCH Enjoy Head Chef Tom Clarke’s Michelin starred three course lunch with a glass of red or white wine

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Thinking ‘Smart’ motorwayabout about seeing about about plans go on show divorce? children Thinking divorce? divorce? divorce? a er about

Sports clubs views soughtThinking Thinking Thinking Problems REGENERATION TRANSPORT

A LEVEL playing field is being sought by Wokingham Borough Council over the future of sporting provision.

Sports clubs in the borough are being asked to help produce a pitch strategy, helping the council create a picture of current resources andtofuture demands.

A HEARING to discuss plans transform the M4 into The consultation purchase Grays Fruit a ‘smart’ motorwayfollows will bethe held in EastofReading later Farmmonth. which will be used to meet the increased demand this Call usto today arrange Call today us today toarrange arrange toto arrange forMembers outdoor sports pitches regeneration is here. of the publiconce arethe invited to discuss CallCall us us today It is expected that these pitches will be needed by free initial consultation a free aaCall initial free initial consultation us todayconsultation to and comment on the plans by Highways England a free initial consultation 2019 and Grays remains open. to upgrade the Farm stretch of motorway, which passes arrange a free Tel: 01256 584000 584000 The council says it is also committed to a major and Tel: 01256 Tel: 01256 584000 Call us today to arrange through Wokingham Borough, at an open-floor Tel: 01256 584000 initial consultation outdoor sports hub at Ryeish Green and there will also Email:Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk a free initial consultation Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk hearing at Wycliffe Baptist Church on King’s Road, be new pitches provided as part of the developmentsEmail: at Visit:info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel:01256 0118 418 1000 Reading on Monday, November 16.

Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 584000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Arborfield.

Email:info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk The scheme, which will run from junctions 3 to Email: Executive member for environment Cllr Angus Ross Visit:www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: 12, expected to cost at least people’s £614million.

Plans said:is"Sport is important in many lives and, as our submitted by Highways England involve converting borough’s population grows, we are committed to making the shoulder intoto a great running lane and using surehard people have access facilities. varied limitslocal andsports otherclubs traffic management “Wespeed know some already have longmeasures to help relieve congestion and keep traffic waiting lists and we know about some pitches that are not moving. as good as they could be – but the sports pitch strategy 26 London 26 London StreetStreet • Basingstoke • Basingstoke • RG21 • RG21 7PG 7PG Thea hearing starts at 7pm. needs comprehensive view. " Copies of the 5inLondon H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB Offices in Offices Henley on Henley Thames, on Street Thames, Woodley, Woodley, Windsor, Windsor, Basingstoke, Basingstoke, Guildford Guildford &•London & London 26 • Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke • RG21 7PG application document areinterested also available view at Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London n Any outdoor sports club in thetostrategy Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Reading Central Library in Abbey Square, Reading, should contact the council’s sport and leisure manager during normal on opening hours.

Bev Thompson 0118 974 6254.

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4 | REMEMBRANCE

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SHINFIELD

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

FINCHAMPSTEAD

HUNDREDS of people gathered round Shinfield’s war memorial on Sunday for a service of remembrance led jointly by the village’s Baptist and Anglican churches.

A parade, from Shinfield Health Centre to School Green, was headed up

by Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Parry Batth, Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor and Shinfield Parish Council leader Peter Hughes. Also taking part were the Air Cadets, Scout and Guide troops and pupils from Shinfield St Mary’s.

After the service, which including the

reading of names of Shinfield people who died in the First and Second World Wars plus the Afghanistan conflict, refreshments were served in the parish hall and pupils from Shinfield St Mary’s School Choir sang a selection of Second World War songs.

After the service, Mr Batth told The Wokingham Paper: “It’s great to remember those who who died for our freedom and I’m here to remember them on behalf on Wokingham Borough Council as the mayor. “ Pictures: Phil Creighton

FINCHAMPSTEAD took part in a parade from the village’s Memorial Centre to its War Memorial on Saturday afternoon.

Joining the procession was Bracknell MP, Dr Phillip Lee as well as church leaders, Scouts and Brownies.

The Revd Julie Ramsbottom, rector of St James Church, led the act of remembrance and wreaths were laid by Victor Montague, and Josh from the 1st St Sebastian’s Scouts.

Pictures: Kevin Sutton

WARGRAVE THE village of Wargrave came to a halt on Sunday as Saint Sebastian Brass Band led the parade of uniformed organisations and members of the British Legion down High Street to the war memorial outside St Mary the Virgin church.

The Remembrance service took place in the church at 10am and was

led

by Rev John Cook, Vicar of Wargrave with Knowl Hill, followed by a service at the War Memorial.

A lone bugler from St Sebastians Band played the last post at 11am followed by two minutes silence as flags were lowered in respect.

Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

WOODLEY

SWALLOWFIELD The Revd Chris Leslie from All Saints Church in Swallowfield led an act of remembrance around the village war memorial on Sunday morning.

Local Scouts and Beavers joined with war veterans including George Winter to place wreaths and mark the two-minute silence.

Picture: Kevin Sutton

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ROB WILSON MP joined Woodley Town Council Mayor Cllr Dave Mills and other local dignitaries to lay wreaths at the memorial in Woodford Park, Woodley on Wednesday. Other wreaths and crosses were laid by pupils from local schools in the second service to be held at the memorial this week.

A COLLECTION of hand-crafted poppies created by a local group took pride of place in Wokingham’s Market Place this week.

The poppies were the work of the Barkham Hookers crochet group.

Spokesperson Gaynor White said: “This year, to help raise some money for the British Legion, the Barkham Hookers have been busy making a range of lovely hand-crafted poppies. Each one has been created by a different Hooker, meaning that no two are the same.”

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REMEMBRANCE | 5

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Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

WOKINGHAM

Above and left: Wokingham people came together around the Town Hall for the two minute silence on Wednesday. They were led by a bugler from Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.

Pictures: Paul King

SERVICES

Borough joins to remember those who gave their lives

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S leaders joined together for the annual remembrance parade on Sunday afternoon.

A procession went from the Town Hall to All Saints Church for a civic service. It was headed up by Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band and included councillors, Wokingham MP John Redwood and members of local Scout troops.

Writing on his blog, Mr Redwood explained his part in the day’s events.

He said: “[At the church service] I read the lesson from St John 15. It is a moving passage… [and] leads on to the

famous statement ‘Greater love have no man than this, that he lays down his life for his friends’.

“This makes it a text that is often quoted on Remembrance Sunday, as we remember those others who made just such a supreme sacrifice.”

After the service, the parade then reformed and marched up Peach Street back to the Town Hall, where local leaders then laid wreaths in the REME Room.

Mr Redwood added: “I would like to thank the organisers, all those who helped in a variety of capacities, and to all who lined the route or came to the church.”

Pictures: Paul King

ST SEBASTIAN’S IN WOKINGHAM WITHOUT

ARBORFIELD AN ESTIMATED 800 people came together at Arborfield’s war memorial to remember the fallen.

Members of REME and the Scouts marched through the village from the British Legion to the war memorial to mark the start of the act of remembrance.

Taking part was 92-year-old Bernard Watkins (pictured below) who served in the 2nd East Surreys and served in D-Day and in Palestine and now lives in the village.

Photographer Paul King said: “The whole of Arborfield village fell silent for two minutes at 11am as the Last Post was played by a bugler.”

Pictures: Paul King

THE church of St Sebastian’s in Wokingham Without held an act of remembrance by the war graves in its churchyard on Sunday.

For the service, the church was joined by its Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and members of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.

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6 | NEWS

Parish noticeboard Monday November 16 Wokingham Borough Council. Health and Wellbeing Board Subcommittee meeting.

7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RB40 1BN. Shinfield Parish Council. Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm.

Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield.

Wargrave Parish Council. Full Policy and General Purposes meeting. 7.45pm. The Old Pavilion, Wargrave.

Charvil Parish Council. Full Council Meeting. 8pm.

Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane, Charvil.

Tuesday November 17 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive — Individual Members Decisions. 9am. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Arborfield Parish Council. Full Council Meeting.

7.30pm. The Pavilion, Arborfield Park, Swallowfield Road.

Woodley Town Council. Plans Committee. 7.30pm.

Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ. Wokingham Town Council. Finance and Personnel meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham.

Wednesday November 18 Wokingham Borough Council. Schools Forum meeting.

9am. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN.

Thursday November 19 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive Individual Members Decisions. 10am. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Wokingham Borough Council. Council meeting.

7-30pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN.

Saturday November 21 Wokingham Town Council. Councillors Surgery. 10am.

Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk n A MAN is due in court later this month charged with burgling a home in Shinfield.

Andew Christopher Moors, 34, from Poplar Avenue in Windlesham, will appear at Reading Crown Court on Tueday, November 24, charged with burglary and theft.

The charges relate to an alleged incident in Deardon Way on October 22.

Mr Moors has pleaded not guilty. n A MAN from Earley will appear in court next week charged with three counts of shoplifting.

Stephen Painter, 38, from Stanton Close, is charged with stealing a £50 handbang from Cath Kidston in Reading on September 29, a £115 coat from River Island in Reading on September 25 and two watches worth £420 from The Watch Shop in Reading on August 8.

Mr Painter has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. n A WOMAN from Wokingham has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 for keeping an untaxed vehicle on a public highway.

The case against Heidi Melinda Bradley, of Waller Way, was proved in her absence at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 23.

She was fined £660, ordered to pay £93.75 in vehicle excise duty and £240 in costs. n AN EARLEY woman has been ordered to pay nearly £300 for watching a television without a licence.

Chloe Lindsay, 24, of Courts Road,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

From the courts

was fined £110 and ordered to pay costs totalling £170 at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 23.

The charge relates to an incident in May this year. n A WOKINGHAM man will appear in court later this month charged with supplying Methylmethcathinone and possessing cannabis.

David James Connor, 29, of Bean Oak Road, faces charges of being in possession of 661.90 grams of the synthetic stimulant and a small amount of cannabis.

The charges relate to an incident on October 2. He will appear at Reading Crown Court on November 24. n A MAN from Woodley has been fined £440 for failing to buy a £4.25 rail

ticket.

Jake Hasledine, 21, of Headley Road, was found on a First Great Western train in Reading in May this year without a valid ticket.

The case was proved in his absence at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 23.

He was also ordered to pay £354 in costs and compensation of £4.25. n AN EARLEY man has been ordered to pay £250 compensation to a taxi driver after damaging a door on his vehicle.

Matthew Kahuni, 18, from Notton Way, pleaded guilty to criminal damage following the incident in Reading in July this year.

He was also given a conditional discharge for nine months, ordered to

pay a victim surcharge of £15 and costs totalling £235 at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 26. n A WOKINGHAM man has been banned from driving for three years after pleading guilty to driving while over the legal limit.

Luke Richard Humphries, 21, of Clifton Road, was stopped in Dorset Way, Wokingham, on October 2 and found to have 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, Humphries was also fined £255, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £25 and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. n A SHINFIELD man has pleaded not guilty to driving while disqualified.

Levi Stanley, 39, from Deardon Way, denied the charge relating to the alleged incident along A327 London Street in Reading last month at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 2.

He was bailed to reappear on January 15, 2016. n A MAN from Wokingham has been fined £220 for failing to hand over a ticket for inspection at Reading station.

Eddie Beaumont, 57, from Hughes Road, was convicted in his absence at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 2.

The charge relates to an incident on October 24.

He was also ordered to pay £2.40 compensation, a victim surcharge of £22 and £30 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

AWARD

Shinfield restaurant scoops top 20 place in UK guide

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A SHINFIELD restaurant has scooped another accolade to go alongside its Michelin star – it’s one of the country’s top 20 restaurants.

L’Ortolan, which also boasts three AA rosettes and a mention on the AA Notable Wine List, has been placed as number 20 in this year’s The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants list.

The list is compiled by The Sunday Times in association with Harden’s and is now in its sixth annual edition. It is based on 63,000 reviews from almost 7,000 diners.

The accolade comes at the end of a brilliant debut year for L’Ortolan’s head chef, Tom Clarke. He recently retained the restuarant’s Michelin Star and gained 3 AA Rosettes. He

has also been shortlisted for Chef of the Year in the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Life Food and Drink Awards taking place next Thursday.

On hearing of the restaurant’s success Mr Clarke (pictured above) said: “We were all over the moon to wake up to such amazing news

on Sunday morning. Once again the team really showed what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

“We have had an enormous amount of support this year from diners, old and new, and we’re grateful to guests for taking time to review us.”

L’Ortolan Proprietor Peter Newman added: “Having appointed Tom in January this year I have been exceptionally pleased with what he has delivered and his commitment and talent as a chef.”

Editor of The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, Karen Robinson, said: “We compile the top 100 by combining the reviews and opinions of thousands of diners, which proves that for any restaurant to be included, it must deliver consistently excellent food and service.”

COUNCIL

Mayor’s fond farewell to her deputy clerk THE MAYOR of Earley Town Council has spoken of how ‘sorely missed’ the deputy clerk will be now she has retired.

Madeleine Bristow, who has held the position for 21 years, stepped down on Friday, October 30, after being praised by town mayor Councillor Melanie De Jong.

She said: “l have really enjoyed working with Maddy and appreciated her help and guidance. She will be sorely missed but I wish her well with her very deserved retirement.”

At a meeting of the town council last month, Cllr De Jong also presented Ms Bristow with a

personal gift to thank her for her services to the Council.

Ms Bristow’s successor will be Joanna Shaw, who is currently the business manager of a school in Reading and, previously, an officer at Wokingham Borough Council’s Children’s Services department.

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CHRISTMAS

ST PAUL’S

Twyford’s ‘Be A Santa’ party is all sold out

THE ‘house full’ signs have gone up for one of Twyford’s biggest Christmas events.

The Be A Santa To A Senior party, which will be held at Colleton School on November 21, has now reached its capacity of 140 guests and organisers are unable to accept any more.

Peter Westgarth, one of the organisers from Home Instead Senior Care, said: “We set that target for the number of senior residents from the area who can attend in comfort and it was quickly reached.

“That’s an increase on the number we had last year and shows just how popular this annual party has become.”

The event is sponsored by the David Brownlow Charitable Trust, which is providing a feast of food for guests, and by Home Instead Senior Care, with support from local organisations Age Concern, Twyford, Hare Hatch Sheeplands and Twyford Village Partnership.

It was also announced this week that Father Christmas has confirmed his attendance.

CRIME

Home search after rear window is smashed

AN offender smashed a window to gain access to a house in Earley.

Between midnight and 3.25pm on Friday, October 30, someone threw a large stone through the back window of a house in Wilderness Road to gain access to the kitchen.

The house was searched but nothing was stolen.

If you saw or heard anything suspicious around that time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Fun for all at church’s family bazaar

Town Mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin tries his luck at the soft toy tombola watched by Ann Battersby and Fiona Albinson. Pictures: Phil Creighton

A FAMILY-friendly bazaar was opened by town mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin on Saturday.

St Paul’s Church in Reading Road welcomed the special guest along with hundreds of others for the event held in its parish rooms.

Stalls included a bottle tombola organised by the church’s clergy, children’s games, a lucky-dip, home made cakes, a tombola and bric-a-brac stalls.

The church kitchen was busy serving hot lunches and there was also face painting and a games.

The event was organised by St Paul’s and its sister churches St Nicholas Emmnbrook and Woosehill Church.

Organiser Penny Wallace was delighted with how the day had gone, despite heavy rain.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, she said: “It went very well, we were a little bit worried about the weather, but it was a good afternoon irrespective of

Mother Judi Hattaway, Father Patrick King and rector Father Richard Lamey.

the bad weather. We are so grateful for the support from the community.”

The exact total raised by the fun event was not yet known as we went to print.

POLITICS

Warning over council house waiting list if Right to Buy sell off is extended

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk MORE than 2,000 families in Wokingham are waiting for a council home, according to new figures, and their wait could get longer if plans to sell off houses go ahead.

Housing charity Shelter said the borough’s council housing stock is 2,720, while another 2,417 people are on the waiting list. Of those, 16 families are in temporary accommodation.

Now, the Liberal Democract parliamentary candidate for Wokingham says the situation will get worse if Government plans to extend Right

To Buy go ahead, giving an estimated 1.3million housing association tenants the opportunity to buy their own homes at a discount.

Clive Jones said that this will see hundreds of homes in Wokingham sold off, adding that he feels the move is “irresponsible” and will ramp up demand for housing and increase rents.

However, the council has defended its actions to tackle homelessness across the borough and says that until further notice it is “business as usual”.

The Housing and Planning Bill includes plans to force councils to sell

low rent homes in high value areas, as the Conservative Party rolls out its Right to Buy scheme.

Mr Jones added: “The Tory plans are irresponsible and will reduce the number of low rent, social homes in the places they are needed most.

“Once they are sold off to the private market, they are lost as affordable homes forever. It means more families will struggle to get a decent home.”

Responding, Conservative councillor John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said the council needs

more details before making any decisions about how to proceed.

He said: “We are waiting for the details of the new housing bill and until we know the outcome it is business as usual, with a policy of 35% of affordable homes on new developments.

“Our own housing company (Wokingham Housing Ltd) is also providing affordable housing.

“We are taking action to deal with homelessness and we believe the council has the right balance with regards to providing affordable housing and value for money for all borough residents.”

CAMPAIGN

Lilly-May defibrillator bid boosted by estate agent A WOODLEY estate agent is helping a campaign to install defibrillators into every school in the area.

Walmsley has given its backing to the Arrythmia Alliance – Lilly-May Page charity, pledging to give £250 for every sale when made quoting the campaign. And on Monday, it made the first donation as a result of its support.

The charity was set up following the death of five-year-old Lilly-May Page of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), who was a pupil at Woodley’s Willow Bank Infant School.

To honour her memory, her mum Claire launched the charity to get the life-saving defibrillators installed in schools. So far, it has funded 19 units.

And Walsmley, which also has a branch in Caversham, is delighted to add its backing to the charity.

Maxine Rendell, sales consultant for Walmsley, came up with the idea. She said: “Walmsley already supports schools in the

Maxine Rendell, sales consultant for Walmsley estate agents, Clare Page, mum of LillyMay, Oliver Parker, branch manager at the Woodley branch of Walmsley, and Katie Page.

area and when I heard of the Lilly-May Page campaign I realised we could extend it to include them.”

Oliver Parker, branch manager at the Woodley office of Walmsley, added: “We are telling people to quote Lilly-May when

they book a valuation of their house, then on completion we will donate £250 to this wonderful campaign.”

For more on the charity, log on to www. defibssavelives.org/arrhythmia-alliancelilly-may-page

WOKINGHAM

Wine festival promises to be a vintage event for charity

WINE connoisseurs will be in for a treat next month when the Wokingham Wine Festival returns to the Town Hall.

Organised by the Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, ASDW (Association of Small Direct Wine merchants) and Wokingham Round Table the festival, now in its eighth year, will feature a huge range of wines which

will all be available to buy on the day.

It takes place between 11am and 6pm on Saturday, December 12, and will give visitors a chance to explore the backgrounds of the wines on show.

Merchants already confirmed include Bela Wines, Bordeaux and Beyond, Campania, Winety, and Green Cellar,

and the event will be supported by Wokingham’s own The Grape Escape.

Tickets cost £5 per person or four for £15. All proceeds go to the Thames Valley Region of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information call Tony Hill on 07860 500112, Rosemary Tocock on 0118 9862591, or visit www.wokinghamwinefestival.co.uk

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

APPEAL

Can you help daughter stay with mum during USA cancer treatment?

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A YOUNG woman with a rare cancer has launched a heartfelt appeal to help keep her family together while she undergoes treatment in the United States.

Adele Stevens is battling Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

The 22-year-old, who works at Toad Hall Nursery in Wokingham, is due to travel to the United States to receive nine weeks of proton beam radiotherapy.

And, like all good mums, she wants her daughter and partner to be with her during the treatment. In an appeal she told a member of Wokingham Gossip Girls that “being without my daughter isn’t an option for me”.

She needs to raise £5,000 to keep the family together and cover living expenses.

As we went to press, she had raised almost half the money and members of the Wokingham Gossip Girls Facebook page are rallying together to help organise a fundraising event next week.

They are holding a curry night in a Sunninghill restaurant on Thursday, November 19, in a bid to help reach the £5,000 total.

Wokingham Gossip Girls member Jo Berman told The Wokingham Paper: “I was on Wokingham Gossip Girls and kept seeing messages about ‘I need a hairdresser urgently’, or, ‘I’m organising a holiday – it’s a nightmare’.

“Adele’s message came among all this rubbish that we worry about that really isn’t important, but this is important.

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“Her message was heart-breaking, she was embarrassed to ask, but was desperate. She needs accommodation for nine weeks for her daughter to go to America with her. She told me: ‘being without my daughter isn’t an option for me’.

Ms Stevens explained: “Wokingham Gossip Girls have helped to share my [fundraising] page and donated generous amounts.

“Some women are helping to fund raise: Jo is doing a curry night and another lady is trying to put together a raffle to raise money.

“I will be going to the States at the end of January after my first rounds of chemotherapy and hoping all goes well.”

Fellow Gossip Girl Caroline Burwood added: “I’ve never met Adele, we’ve only spoken on Facebook. Her treatment is covered but she needs living costs for her partner and daughter.

You need your loved ones with you at a time like this.”

Ms Berman said that the curry night has seen a big response from the Gossip Girls and the restaurant is playing its part.

“They said we could take our own cakes for desert,” said Ms Berman. “I asked if any of the Gossip Girls could make cakes. I got an unbelievable response. I’ve got cakes coming out of my ears! People are offering help left, right and centre.

“There’s an outpouring of help out there, it’s really lovely.” n Adele has a Just Giving webpage, which accepts donations. To help, log on to www.gofundme. com/6y5ds4cw

CRIME

Spate of car break-ins across the Woodley area

A NUMBER of vehicles were broken into in Woodley last weekend.

Thieves entered an unlocked car left on a driveway in Willowside and searched a glove box, but nothing was stolen from the vehicle.

Several cars were also broken into in Lysander Close and some cash and a bag was stolen.

Police also report that an unlocked car was opened by thieves in Welford Close, who stole some loose change and a toolbox.

The thefts all took place over night from Sunday, to Monday.

CHRISTMAS

Put your vocal chords to the test with church choir

TO HELP a church prepare for Christmas it is appealing for singers to come forward.

St Sebastian’s Church in Wokingham Without is holding a carol service on Sunday, December 20 and rehearsals will take place on Friday evenings from tonight, at 8pm.

Organisers say that no experience is necessary.

For details: call the church office on 01344 761050.

CRIME

Burglars target two homes in the Earley area

Dozens of people have rallied together to help Adele Stevens.

A BURGLAR broke into a house in Pitts Lane, Earley, between Monday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 4.

The thief entered via a window and searched the house. The householder is still compiling a list of what was stolen.

Another break-in occurred in nearby Chilltern Crescent on Thursday, November 5.

10 | BUSINESS

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Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

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

SALE

Legal eagles’ stall helps boost Daisy’s Dream

Fair is big business for local craftspeople CHRISTMAS presents were on sale from a Hare Hatch garden centre last weekend.

The gift ideas were all handcrafted by the stall holders, making them local and unique.

A spokesman for Hare Hatch Sheeplands, on the A4 Bath Road, said the craft fair had been hugely popular and goods had been snapped up by visitors taking the opportunity to buy some early Christmas presents.

Phil Watson from Slough was one of the most popular craftsmen with his range of hand painted Canal Art. He said: “It’s something I have been doing for 22 years but only as a hobby.”

Another man selling items made as a hobby was Stephen Powell from Bracknell with his range of hand turned wooden items.

“I have a workshop in the garden and spend many happy hours there,” he said.

This weekend the Twyford garden centre will stage the first of four Christmas Food Fairs including demonstrations and sampling opportunities from chef Brendon Ballantyne, fishmonger Paul Whetstone and butcher Paul Heaps, plus wine tastings.

Stallholders will be coming from all over the country with the Yorkshire firm of Cartwright and Butler travelling furthest to bring their range of tea, coffee and biscuits.

More local offerings come from Woods Wine of Henley, Thames Valley Wine School, Shemin’s of Ascot with a range of curry and pastes, Bramley Brewery and Windsor and Eton Brewery.

The food and drink festivals take place this Saturday and Sunday and again on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22, between 10am and 4pm.

Entry is free.

Phil Watson with examples of his canal art.

Madeline Young, Kim Tyler, Dave Pickup, Geoff Watts, Claire Rhodes, from Daisy’s Dream, Phoebe Hill and Sahil Aggarwal.

A SOLICTORS’ stall at Woodley Carnival has helped raise more than £1,000 for charity.

K J Smith Solicitors, which has six branches across Berkshire including its head office in Woodley, organised a stall at the June event, with the aim of raising money for Daisy’s Dream.

The charity supports children and their families who have been affected by lifethreatening illnesses or bereavement of someone close to them.

The team at K J Smith’s raised a total of £1,056.

Also raising funds at the Carnival was Woodley United FC, which is sponsored by KJ Smith.

The group had a stall that gave visitors the chance to test their striking skills with a football, using a speed gun test to measure the speed at which the ball was hit.

The stall raised a further £152 for the charity.

RESEARCH

Exports grow amid concerns over ‘weakening domestic market’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE export market is still in the pink across the region, according to new research released this month.

To mark Export Week, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has released a snapshot of export activity among the East of England’s small and medium sized businesses.

It says export levels are solid, with more than a third (35 per cent) of local firms currently selling their goods or services abroad.

And for firms already trading internationally, export activity accounts for nearly a third of

their sales turnover.

The research also reveal that to the end of the first half this year, almost half (47 per cent) of East England businesses are forecasting an increase in their export activity during this half of the year, which may in part be driven by concern over weakening domestic demand for products and services.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of the region’s businesses said this was a worry, while more than two fifths (44 per cent) predicted their export levels would remain the same, while nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) forecast a decrease.

Despite recent turbulence, the Eurozone continues to be a key target market for East England firms, with

nearly two fifths (39 per cent) of businesses increasing exports to the territory.

And going across the pond, it is estimated that sales to the US, Canada, Asia and the Pacific are also set to increase by 39 and 31 per by the end of the year.

Steve Elsom, area director for SME Banking in the East of England, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Establishing or scaling-up export activity can be a daunting prospect for businesses, but the benefits are many – as the local firms already trading overseas can testify.

“We are working with UKTI, through a strategic partnership, to support small firms’ export ambitions and provide insight,

support and introductions.

“To underline our commitment to boosting international trade, we’ve pledged to grow our provision of trade finance to SMEs by 25 per cent.

“I’d encourage all local businesses looking to develop their export strategy to get involved in one of the many excellent Export Week events being run in East England.”

Export Week, five days of events organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), aims to promote the benefits of trading internationally, supporting companies at the beginning of their export journey or looking to increase their international business. n For more information on Export Week log on to exportweek.ukti.gov.uk

APPOINTMENT

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A WOKINGHAM-based thermoforming specialist has appointed a new business development manager to help the company expand into new sectors.

Cox Wokingham Plastics Ltd (CWPL), which is based in Fishponds Road, has announced the appointment of Helen Wilde, who has a background in mechanical engineering and plastics.

Helen will build on CWPL’s existing customer base featuring automotive, rail and aircraft industries and target new sectors such as design houses and renewable energies.

She said: “I have been impressed

by CWPL’s product offer and the vast experience and expertise of the team. The company is well positioned to expand into new markets that require very large

Helen Wilde is the new business development manager at Cox Wokingham Plastics Ltd.

vacuum forms.”

CWPL has built a reputation

for producing high definition mouldings, assembly and machining of components for demanding industries such as rail, aircraft, bus and coach as well as the commercial industrial lighting, medical and automotive sectors.

CWPL’s chairman, Mark Hodgkins, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Helen’s calibre join our team.

“We look forward to exploring new markets at home and abroad and build on the success of our company that champions British engineering.”

CWPL was founded over 75 years ago and today employs more than 60 people. In 2012 the company received inward investment from Alycidon Capital Ltd and has seen continued growth in markets at home and abroad.

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 11

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From left: Ellen Goodall, Tracey Hancock, Bracknell Town Mayor Cllr Mark Phillips, Stewart Marks, the hospice director, Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin, Gina Mullis-Mangan and Fern Haynes. Picture: Phil Creighton

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CHARITY

A tea-mendous ‘silver’ party for Sue Ryder A FUNDRAISING fair and afternoon tea helped a Wokingham centre celebrate its silver anniversary.

The Sue Ryder day hospice at Wokingham Hospital on Barkham Road welcomed two mayors for the party, held on Saturday.

Visitors could enjoy refreshments, homemade cakes, buy Christmas decorations and cards and see a display charting the history of the centre.

Wokingham Town Mayor, councillor Philip Mirfin, was joined by his Bracknell counterpart, councillor Mark Phillips for the event.

Speeches were given by Mr Mirfin and some of the Sue Ryder team including community nurse specialist Ellen

Goodall and head of the hospice Tracey Hancock. The event was hosted by hospice director Stewart Marks.

Mr Mirfin said: “I would like to give a special thank you to all of you for your ongoing support and for attending this special day today to celebrate 25 years of incredible care in this community.

“I hadn’t appreciated before today just how wide a range of services are available within the day hospice.

“The services provided do not come cheap … please continue to give this excellent organisation your full support.

“A very big thank you to all the staff and volunteers for making the patients’ lives so special.”

BEFORE AFTER

SURVEY

Residents urged to have their say on key bus route

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CONSULTATION on a subsidised bus service has been launched by Wokingham Borough Council.

The 19a/c service, run by Reading Buses, links Woodley and Earley residents with Reading town centre, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Lower Earley.

The survey, which can be completed via the My Journey Wokingham website, canvasses views on how the funding Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) provides should be used on the service, including maintaining the route, frequency and the days it operates.

Another question asks users: “Given that there is no additional funding to support the bus service, any amendments to the route would require an existing part of the route not to be served or a reduction in frequency. Do you believe the route of service 19a/c should be amended in any way?”

Cllr John Kaiser, WBC’s executive member for

planning and highways, said: “There are currently no plans to reduce the funding for the 19a/c bus service in Woodley/Earley.

“The aim of the survey is to ensure that the service, that is provided by Reading Buses, is routed correctly, operates to time and delivers the service that our residents require.

“The results of the survey will be discussed with Reading Buses in early 2016.”

The consultation is open between now and Friday, December 18.

As well as the online survey, paper copies are available at Woodley, Lower Earley and Maiden Erlegh libraries, as well as Woodley or Earley Town Councils, the Earley CResCent Resource Centre or the Mobile Information Centre.

They can also be found in the leaflet section of Wokingham Borough Council’s main reception at Shute End. People can also request a paper copy is sent to them by emailing their details to: TransportPlanning@ wokingham.gov.uk

APPEAL

Can you help gardening society thrive?

A SOCIETY which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary is desperately seeking new members to join its committee.

Despite boasting more than 500 members the Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association (TRHA) is struggling to fill the various roles that are needed to keep the organisation thriving.

The association is very active and holds regular events, such as the popular Gardeners’ Question Time and a ceremonial tree planting in King George’s Field.

Together with organising the regular monthly

talks, three produce shows and the running of the shop in Loddon Hall Road, it has been a very busy year for the group of volunteers who sit on the committee, and next year promises to be no different as the group will be closely involved in the Twyford entry to Britain in Bloom.

No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm for flower, fruit or vegetable growing and a little spare time. For more information on the roles available contact Andrew Flint at trhaeditor@gmail. com or 01628 621251, or alternatively visit www. trha.org.uk

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MUSIC

CHARITY

Concert will offer an evening of harmony

A BARBERSHOP harmony featuring a wide array of songs and music will be heard across Woodley tomorrow (Saturday).

The Thames Valley Chorus is teaming up with the Bulmershe Ensemble for Sounds of Harmony.

The evening of music will see the groups perform a wide range of songs, from powerful ballads to chart classics, including a performance of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables.

Also performing at the concert will be the Liquorice Allsorts clarinet ensemble. They will showcase their repertoire of jazz, swing and classical music.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and takes place at the new Bulmershe Auditorium in Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue in Woodley.

Tickets cost £12 and can be bought by calling Philip Paine on 0118 977 4257 or log on to www.tvchorus.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Get your festive tree order in for school sale

CHARVIL Piggott School Association (CPSA) is now taking orders for its first Christmas tree sale fundraiser.

A range of high quality Nordmann Firs from 3ft through to 8ft are available via a reputable and recommended supplier, with prices starting from just £25.

All proceeds from sales of the trees go directly to the CPSA for school fundraising projects.

All trees must be preordered and buyers have until Tuesday, November 24, to put an order in.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Dancing delights Women’s Aid charity to tune of £212

Liz Terry, from Berkshire Women’s Aid, is presented with the cash raised by the Hurst Morris People throughout the year. Pictures: Paul King

A CHARITY that helps women escape domestic abuse and violence has been boosted by the efforts of a dance troupe.

Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) welcomed a donation from Hurst Morris People who had been raising funds while out dancing.

BWA chief executive Liz Terry received the donation of £212.13 from the dancers at a presentation in Hurst last Friday.

She said the donation will help the charity’s work, which has increased as a result of the housing crisis.

“In 2014-15 we gave refuge to 148 women and 47 children. That was down on the previous year because of hold ups

caused by a shortage of housing,” said Liz. The dancers’ Squire (Leader) Karen Ricketts said: “We’re delighted to help such a worthwhile charity with money collected when we danced out and at our barn dance raffle.”

Liz added: “We’re grateful to Hurst Morris. This money will make a real difference. Donations like this are used for welcome packs for women and children. They include basics like a toothbrush or toiletries or even a nightdress if the victim has nothing.” n For more on the work of the BWA, call 0118 950 4003 or visit www. berkshirewomensaid.org.uk

CHARITY

Revving up for Barnardo’s toy run

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ORGANISERS of this year’s Reading Toy Run to High Close School in Wokingham are warning of road closures.

The annual event sees thousands of motorbike enthusiasts, many in festive dress, ride from the Foster Wheeler building in Whitley Wood Lane through Lower Earley, along Reading Road and into Wokingham on their way to deliver Christmas presents to Barnardo’s children across the UK.

The run holds the Guinness World Record for the largest event of its kind and will take place from 2pm on Sunday, December 6.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the toy run.

Organiser Ben Spiller said: “Countless children have benefitted at Christmas from the toys and gifts brought by the bikers.

“We want to thank motorists for their patience and apologise for the delays that might be experienced from 2pm to 3.30pm because roads will be

closed on the route as the bikes come through.”

Roads affected are Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way between the Black Boy roundabout and the Showcase Cinema, the A329 Reading Road between the Showcase Cinema and Shute End, Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School in Wokingham.

“These closures will affect traffic on adjacent roads too.”

Hundreds of people turn out to watch the procession as it goes from Shinfield to

Wokingham and Mr Spiller is hoping this year will be no different.

He said: “If you can spare time to watch along the route, it would be great.”

Bikers are also invited to join in on the day. To take part they should bring along a new toy suitable for a child of any age, preferably un-wrapped for it to be distributed by Barnardo’s.

Participants should arrive at the FosterWheeler building ready for a 1pm start. n For more on the Toy Run, log on to readingtoyrun.blogspot.com

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14 | BONFIRE NIGHT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

NGHAM Get some festive shopping CHRISTMAS

S&&LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING done at Norreys Scout hut

THE Scout hut in Norreys Avenue will be home to a Christmas market next week.

The 3rd Wokingham ‘Mayor’s Own’ Scout Group will be holding the event on Friday, November 20, from 6pm-9pm.

Tel: 0118 9733414 There will be a variety of stalls from Mob: 07920 524500 local businesses, including handcrafted confectionery hampers, household Email:gifts, wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com gifts, jewellery and handbags. Cakes and d Road | Wokingham Berks | RG40 refreshments will be on|sale and there will be 3RB a raffle featuring donated by stall DRIVEWAYS &prizes LANDSCAPING holders.

Entry is 50p and funds raised will go to the Scout troop.

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PATIOS FENCING & GATES TURFING Prestige car stolen during Mob: 07920 524500 . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com on Email: Grazeley home dent financial advice .raid dent financial advice REPAIRS OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS A MERCEDES was stolen from a house in| Berks | RG40 3RB 436 Finchampstead Road | Wokingham S .

Grazeley earlier this week. ure future GARDEN MAINTENANCE ngs ure future Between 7.20am and 9.20am on Tuesday, . PROFESSIONAL DRIVEWAY November 3, someone smashed the French CLEANING WOKINGHAM

Wokingham borough Mayor Cllr Parry Batth with his wife Surinder and Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, at the head of the procession for the Wokingham Fireworks 2015. Left: Stella Barber, 7, holds her spinning light wheel as the procession begins. Pictures: Phil Creighton

DRIVEWAYS &&LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING .

0118 973 the 3414 before searching property. 07920 524 500 doors of the house in Grazeley Green Road

cal illness &car, income protection plans The along with the keys, were cal illness & income protection plans stolen. n the convenience of your home n the convenience your home relating Sarin If anyone has any information Tel:to 0118 9733414 .Tony .of . TURFING PATIOS FENCING & GATES gs & child trust funds Mob: 07920 524500 this incident they should call 101. If you ever gs & child trust funds . SHED .

BASES BLOCK-PAVING wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com suspect a crime isEmail: in progress you should erformance .analysis erformance analysis REPAIRS OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead Road | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB always call 999. market options . GARDEN MAINTENANCE market options SONG . PROFESSIONAL ensions Life assurance, critical illnessDRIVEWAY & income protection plans CLEANING Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans ensions Financial reviews in the convenience of your home . . nning @googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Financial reviews in the convenience of your home 0118 973 3414 07920 524 500 nning Investments, savings & child trust funds Investments, savings & child trust funds sfers sfers With ALL profits fund church performance analysishas Independent financial advice SAINTS in Wokingham With profits fund performance analysis Independent financial advice Annuities & openthat market options announced it has expanded its choir. for a secure future Annuities & open market options for a ofsecure future having just one choir, it has PersonalInstead & group pensions Personal & group pensions a treble section for ages 7-13, the Choral . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Tax planning n Inheritance wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance Tax planning Scholars for ages 14-18, the Nave Choir and Life assurance, critical illness & income protection ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Authorised and regulated by theplans FSA ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Authorised and regulated byhome the FSA Financial reviews in the convenience of your the Associates. nts Financial reviews in the convenience of your home Investments, savings & child fundswith special There is also a choir for trust children Investments, savings & child trust funds With profits performance analysis needs, whichfund meets on Wednesdays.

With profits fund performance analysis Annuities & open market options Annuities & open market For more details, calloptions the church office on Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA Personal group pensions e 0118 979 &2797.

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

In fine voice: Church choir adds new age groups

Tony Welsh

Stephen Simpson carries Joshua, 3, with Darren, Angela and 15-month-old Hugo. Left: People gathering around Wokingham Town Hall.

of Fleck Associates Ltd dent Financial Adviser Welsh of Susan Susan Fleck Tony Associates Ltd Inheritance Tax planning wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning

ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers CHURCH

CANTLEY PARK

ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers Mobile 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Crowthorne, Berkshire 6HS Fleck Associates Tony Welsh ofRG45 Susan

8978Classical Mobile 07768 320430 concert will offer Adviser Independent Financial Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Ltd nywelshifa.co.uk a sing-a-long as well Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk

Fireworks sparkle for local charities

Tony Welsh Authorised and regulated by the FSA

Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 402 4661738978 Mobile 07768 320430and tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 Mobile 07768 320430 ST MARY’S Church in Wargrave willEmail hold its Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS annual concert on Saturday, November 14.

Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk

By PHIL CREIGHTON A variety of musicians will perform range Tony Welsh of Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of Susan Susan Fleck aAssociates Associates Ltd news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ofTel/Fax light01344 classical music the evening will also 466173 Mobileand 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 Mobile 07768 320430 Address 5 Theaudience Paddock,8978 Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS include sing-a-long with favourites Address 5an The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS WOKINGHAM’S Fireworks event looks set Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk such as Rule Britannia. to be the best ever, raising a record amount The fun starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, for charity. which includes a glass of wine. Accompanied drised regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority The borough came together on children get in free. and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 risedRoad, and regulated byKent the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 ville Maidstone, ME14 2BJemail Saturday for the annual event held at Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number AJW00121 For more details, andyferguson1@ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 ville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration Cantley Park.

Registration Number AJW00121 btinternet.com.

Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Organised by a consortium of Registration Number AJW00121 Lions, Unicorns and Rotary clubs, the evening raises thousands for local charities.

Organiser Alan Rouse said: “It will be a week or two before we know, but early indications are, Aerial, satellite and home entertainment so far, it was the best night ever. installations and servicing I won’t quote any figures, but it Small Local Company Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 SusanOffice: Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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looks like more than £20,000 was raised for charity.”

The record breaking figure comes despite heavy rain all day leading to fears the event could be postponed as it had been last year. However, thousands turned out in Wokingham’s Market Place for a torchlit procession to the Twyford Road venue.

The Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band led the procession, which was headed

by Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Parry Batth and Wokingham town mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin.

At the Cantley Park site, there was a funfair, music from Heart Berkshire and food from a range of vendors before the Rugby World Cup-themed display was started. The bonfire was shaped like a rugby pitch and formed the finale to the event.

Due to the rain, the field was muddy and Mr Rouse said: “It was a bit like a quagmire at times. Anyone who wasn’t wearing wellingtons would have had to clean their shoes when they got home.”

Charities that will benefit from

the display include Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Dingley Family & Specialist Early Learning Centres, the Me2 Club, The Wayz youth centre and Topic of Cancer.

Cllr Batth added he was delighted to have been invited to the event.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoy it and it was great to see all the community come together and support all those charities.

“All the money raised will be spread across the Wokingham borough so I was really pleased to support that.

“It was an absolutely fantastic display.

Just when we thought it would end, all of a sudden more [fireworks] would go up. It was a credit to all the organisations that were involved in it.”

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WHILE the Wokingham Fireworks event had been very successful, there have been concerns about parking around the site.

We understand that Thames Valley Police told organisers that some parking in the roads around the site was dangerous and could have prevented emergency vehicle access, had they been needed.

Residents of Matthewsgreen Road have also aired their frustrations, taking to the community forum StreetLife to voice their concerns.

And these were echoed by the group behind the Cantley Field display, who said they had asked people to park in Wokingham Town Centre.

Writing on the StreetLife website, Tim L said:

“[There was] the usual chaos in Matthewsgreen Road degenerated to total gridlock with badly parked cars on both sides reducing the road to single track with NO passing places.

“It is obvious that if Milton Road is closed then either Matthewsgreen Road has to be turned into one way or the police need to put no parking cones along both sides.”

Responding, Dave J agreed with the suggestion of cones. He added: “I don’t understand why people think it’s ok to be totally inconsiderate to others.”

RM, who lives on Matthewsgreen Road, added: “Whilst it is great to see so many people supporting this fantastic event, the chaos that comes with it

could be better managed.”

Alan Rouse, one of the organisers, said: “The police were a little bit annoyed about the quality of parking from some people.

“We asked people to park in the town centre but some were parked in the roads around the field and apparently some of the parking was dangerous, blocking the access for emergency vehicles.

“The police were issuing parking tickets for causing an obstruction. That’s not something we can control, it’s up to the public to have some respect for everybody else.”

Thames Valley Police had yet to comment as we went to press.

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BONFIRE NIGHT | 15

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

What a show: The fireworks in full swing. Below: The crowds at Cantley Park were wowed by the stunning display. Pictures: Paul King.

To order photos from this spread, visit wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk

Jake Singleton, 7, holds his light sword and procession torch.

Open Evening

Sophie McPolin and Catherine Lawrence ready for the off.

19th November 2015 5.30—9.00pm Right: Andrew, Nicola and Tim, 9, Sims ready to light their torches.

Left: Selling torches were Tim Hampton and Rebecca Brown, 10.

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16 | VIEWPOINTS

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

Make sure you see our new town squares WOKINGHAM’S regeneration is an exciting project.

Seeing the borough transform before our very eyes will be something to tell the grandchildren.

And we have opportunities to help shape the plans.

The proposed changes to Wokingham’s town centre will breathe new life into the borough.

It aims to maximise our heritage and also offer a genuine alternative to the big shopping destinations of Reading and Bracknell.

It’s very Wokingham.

On Monday, there is an opportunity for you to get a preview of the proposed plans for both Market Place and Peach Place.

Market Place’s revamp will make a huge difference to the existing open space.

The slippery bricks that comprise the current paving will be removed and in its place comes a single level, attractive paved area.

The artists impression on page 3 makes it look fantastic and it is a huge improvement on what is already there.

The changes to the road structure is interesting and will hopefully make it easier for pedestrians to cross the streets.

Peach Place is more controversial in the sense that it is taking away the much-love Rose Street car park, but the open space will give us a new, enclosed, area that will enhance those big events – an extra area for the May Fayre, a safer place for the International Street Concert and the potential to host additional events such as an ice rink or open air theatre.

The only thing that will limit its usage will be our imaginations.

Make sure you take advantage of Monday’s opportunity to see the plans for yourself and have your say.

After all, it’s our regeneration.

CHURCH NOTES

No place for discrimination AS I write I have just seen a news report that travellers arriving at one of our airports are able to be fast tracked through immigration control by paying a fee.

I had to look at the calendar to be sure that we hadn’t suddenly jumped to April Fools’ Day! Surely it is obvious that this will be to make it official that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. And the implication for families is not difficult to imagine.

I spent most of my working life as a public servant, and the golden rule was that we must never practise any sort of favouritism towards particular people coming to us for help.

I am sure that there may have been occasional lapses. But these would be sought out and, if proved, could lead to instant dismissal for gross misconduct. I have tried, but failed, to see how what has apparently been introduced is anything other than legalised bribery (though I am not suggesting that the money raised goes into any individual’s pocket).

It is a natural human characteristic to want to get ahead of others, to gain advantage over others, even to exercise power over them. A civilised and caring society recognises that such selfish behaviour must be kept under control, if we are not to descend into the law of the jungle.

It is difficult to see how a society with any claim to base its values on the teaching of Christianity can contemplate approving such obvious discrimination.

Jesus himself had problems trying to persuade his first friends not to jockey for position. And that lesson has never really been accepted and followed. We attempt to teach it to our children, but all too often neglect it ourselves.

Colin James (Honorary Priest at All Saints’ Church)

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Your views

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

David Cameron must pass the ‘Liberal test’ LIBERAL Democrats welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition that EU membership is critical to the UK’s security as well as prosperity, and that it is in our national interest to remain within the European Union - it looks like the Coalition has rubbed off on him.

In places I thought Ken Clarke had become Prime Minister.

This is a negotiation between the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party as much as between the UK and other EU countries.

The Prime Minister must now stand up to his Europhobes on his backbenches and negotiate an acceptable package of changes and persuade the British public to support it.

We recognise that there are no terms that the Prime Minister can renegotiate which will satisfy some on his right wing who are determined to leave the European Union. MP’s such as Wokingham’s MP John Redwood.

I am sure the Prime Minister recognises he won’t ever change Mr Redwood’s mind about Europe.

David Cameron’s reputation and legacy as Prime Minister, rests on his ability to negotiate a package which retains our full engagement, cooperation and membership of the European Union.

It is the liberal test and one, for all our sakes, he must pass.

Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate in the 2015 General election

More rights needed to bring partners over to the UK I HAVE been campaigning for years for men and women to have human rights in the UK so they can marry or be engaged and invite them over to be together and live a life.

No-one wants to beg from the state - we just want our rights as UK citizens and have a partner from anywhere they may be.

Many women and men suffer in the UK because their hopes are denied.

Bring back justice to all British citizens.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

WORD ON THE WEB

An artist’s impression of how Market Place could look.

HELEN Rowe died in an accident by Station Road last Thursday. It’s been an emotional week and many of you wanted to share your condolences.

Thoughts with your family at this sad time xx Kaye Gambles So sad RIP Helen. I didn’t know you but want to send my love and thoughts to all the family at this devastating time Xx Natalie Atkins So sad. Thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Sally Whitworth So sad - sorry for your loss. x Debbie Baillie Very sad thoughts to all the family x Hermione Hales-owen So very sad thoughts go to her family and friends x

Rachel Lester Tomkins WE revealed details of the plans for the new-look Market Place, showing level pavements and changes to the road layout. Here’s your initial reaction.

Some nice ideas but really not keen on losing the two big trees - they provide a real rural market town feel and it would be a crying shame for them to go IMO. Mike O’Riley I like the look of this. The pavement is quite dodgy at present and I witnessed a lady fall over last year and hurt herself badly because of it.

A resurface is definitely needed. I can’t quite see a citroen van in the picture.

Perhaps it is hiding in the usual place ;). It is good to see that they will box in the Grundon bins that are outside the Market Place cafe.

Andrew Le Breuilly

I didn’t know they were changing it. I hope they don’t change Wokingham too much, I love both the older & new part of Wokingham.

Julie Tann WOKINGHAM Borough Council has launched a consultation about the 19a/c bus service between Woodley and Lower Earley.

[We] need a bus that goes via/ from Wokingham to Lower Earley.

Jo Kalisz Vel Kalisiak ON Saturday, we ran updates on the status of the Wokingham Fireworks - it was still going ahead despite the rain. The night pleased many of you, including: So glad we wore our wellies!

Lol was a fantastic evening as usual X me and my kiddies had a fabulous time X thank you x Catherine Dean

GOOD ADVICE

When is the time to use the Ombudsman’s services?

Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer IF YOU have complained to an organisation and they have not sorted things out then an ombudsman might be able to help. An ombudsman can decide if an organisation has treated you badly or unfairly and what should happen next.

An ombudsman is a person who has been appointed to look into complaints about an organisation. Using an ombudsman is a way of trying to resolve a complaint without going to court.

Ombudsmen are independent, free of charge and impartial – that is, they don’t take sides with either the person who is complaining or the organisation being complained about.

This should help you to decide which Ombudsman you should use and how to make your complaint: n Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman - investigates complaints about Government departments and certain other public bodies. They can also look into complaints about NHS hospitals or community health services. n Local Government Ombudsman - investigates complaints about local councils and some other local organisations. n Financial Ombudsman Service – deals with personal finance matters. n European Ombudsman – deals with European

Community organisations and bodies. n Legal Ombudsman – deals with complains about legal advisers, such as solicitors, barristers, notaries, etc. n Property Ombudsman – deals with complaints about estate agents, letting agents, valuers, autioneers, etc. n Housing Ombudsman – deals with complaints about social housing landlords and some private landlords. n Prisons and Probation Ombudsman – deals with complaints about treatment of prisoners and with complaints by people on probation.

An ombudsman’s job is to investigate cases of maladministration. This means the way in which an organisation has dealt with a situation or reached a decision. Examples of maladministration include: n An organisation not following its own policies or procedures. n Rudeness. n Delay in taking action or failing to take action. n Treating someone unfairly compared to others. n Giving wrong or misleading information.

The ombudsman will only look into a case where an individual (or in some cases group of individuals) has suffered personal injustice, hardship or financial loss because of the action or lack of action of a particular organisation.

In most cases, an ombudsman cannot look into a decision made by an organisation, just because you disagree with it.

You should complain to the ombudsman only if you have given the relevant organisation an opportunity to comment on the complaint and resolve any problems.

The ombudsman will not investigate a case if it is about to go to court or if court action has been started.

In some cases, the ombudsman will not look into cases which could be dealt with by a court or tribunal.

You can find out more about which types of complaints an ombudsman can take up and what you must do before complaining to the ombudsman in the information that follows.

If you want to find out more about whether an ombudsman can take on a particular complaint, you should seek advice from an experienced advice worker, for example at a local Citizens Advice. To search for details of your nearest local Citizens Advice, including those that can give advice by email, go to: www. citizensadvice.org.uk If an ombudsman finds that your complaint is justified, they will recommend what the organisation should do to put things right. An ombudsman can’t force an organisation to go along with their recommendations, but organisations almost always do.

Investigations by an ombudsman sometimes take a long time. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Affordable?

A

T one of the Borough’s budget consultation meetings, a member of the public asked a question.

The topic was affordable housing, who can actually afford it and the consequences for buyers, borough and budget.

At the outset, those running the meeting seemed somewhat perplexed. What on earth did this have to do with the budget cuts they’d been planning? In any case, “affordables” are a commercial matter between developers and young couples - nothing to do with the council.

Those present learned that Wokingham Borough Council social housing is self funding - rental income is used to maintain the properties and this sounds like prudent fiscal management.

Until one realises that the answer only scratches the surface of some rather more intractable issues within our community.

The first is deceptively simple. Average wage in the UK is £26k.

Prices for a house with garden start around 290k for existing and 350k for new build within the borough.

Next, an ageing population in their million pound mansions, who don’t have two pennies to rub together to pay for services. They regard the minimum wage as scandalous, then criticise delivery by commenting “you can’t get the staff these days”.

This is hardly surprising - “the staff” don’t live round here any more. They can’t afford it. For those on an average wage, let alone a minimum wage, house prices and rents are utterly out of reach.

Even the so called “affordables” require mortgages of 5-7 times annual income, with monthly payments taking up to 80 percent of two average wages, let alone one.

For young couples, starting a family leads not to joy, but instead to financial disaster. However, if we fail to attract young blood into our community, it will decay and die. At the same time, who looks after the elderly? The carers, unless they already live here, won’t be housed within the borough: mortgage lenders would simply laugh and send them packing; landlords demand guarantors and go for eviction at the first signs of trouble.

Independent of seniority, there are other factors in the mix.

For the haves, savings need to be invested. Interest rates are minuscule, the stock market jittery, so property is the obvious choice. This pushes up prices, rewarding the owners, foreign and local alike.

For the have-nots, while local wages are attractive, astronomic house prices aren’t. Travel to work pressurises the transport network and the resulting costs and delays just increases everyone’s stress levels. This divides traveller’s loyalties; between their employers in one place and their homes in another.

Unfortunately, there are already local reports of staff shortages in the care sector, despite offers of above average pay.

These shortages lead to staff churn, as care workers seek better conditions. As any employer will tell you, churn increases cost and reduces quality of service.

Hmmm, costs up, quality down? That leads to unprofitability.

Left unchecked, to closure. While building flats looks like an attractive low-cost alternative, they’re a short term fix which generates future discontent. Young kids with nowhere to play are left sitting around on their own, with attendant risks of obesity, social adjustment and mental health issues.

At the same time, when built together, blocks of three storey flats in a two storey town drives social division and creates 21st century ghettos.

All of which leads back to a by-product of the original question, should the borough step in and subsidise the gap between openmarket housing and those looking in from the outside ?

Hold on a moment, we’re aiming to save money, not spend even more!

Are we that intent on developing endangered species in the borough? Carers, cleaners and cooks; gardeners, hairdressers and nursery helpers; shop staff, refuse collectors and teaching assistants; to name but a few.

Perhaps it’s time to reintroduce the tied cottage. That way if you lose your job, you lose your house at the same time.

“Capital idea Blackadder - see to it”.

“Assonantly, your majesty, I’ll get the pitchforks ready, the peasants are revolting”.

“Again”.

Tony Johnson is currently studying the seven reserved matters applications in connection with the Hatch Farm Dairies development in Winnersh, in preparation for the deadline for comments on Friday, November 27.

Tony Johnson

AUTUMNAL colour is everywhere at the moment as the leaves change colour to mark the turning of the seasons. You may have noticed the glorious golden leaves as you’ve driven across the borough, including down Lower Earley Way. Reader Ray Little has sent us this gorgeous picture of California Country Park which he took late on a November afternoon last year. It really does showcase the beauty of this time of year. Thank you for sharing it Ray. 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.

I

WAS away last week as I help organise the Pride of Reading awards.

This was our 12th year and was another fantastic day hosted by Reading’s own Chris Tarrant.

The winners were superb and in the same week Sierra Leone was declared ebola-free we honoured a man who works at Broadmoor for his amazing work in the country of his birth.

Edward Vandi was named Health Worker of the Year and the audience gave him a standing ovation after watching a film about health workers in the ebola-ridden country.

Mr Vandi, 50, was part of a 30-strong contingent of NHS workers stationed at the British-built Ebola treatment centre in Port Loko, where his medical skills and his ability to speak the Temne dialect made him an invaluable part of the team.

Speaking at the award ceremony on Friday, Mr Vandi said: “It is actually great to win this award because it recognises what the NHS has done for some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

“I look around here in this country and see that we have everything but we still sometimes grumble. But over there, I saw lots of people dying like flies in the most horrific way. I counted 22 deaths in one day.

“I am still reliving the images in my head but today is helping me. And it’s recognition that at least we are doing something to help others and not just thinking of ourselves.”

A truly amazing and selfless man.

Bah humbug John Lewis

Have you seen the John Lewis Christmas ad?

Because I haven’t. I have managed to avoid it since its release last week which means I can delay Christmas a little.

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

‘Trully amazing’ Edward is honoured Edward Vandi (centre) with wife Hawa and Chris Tarrant.

Edward, who works at Broadmoor Hospital, won a Pride of Reading award for his efforts helping Ebola victims in his native Sierra Leone.

I hate that a purely commercial ad has become part of our modern-day Christmas tradition.

I can forgive the Coca Cola truck anticipaction because after all that’s where Santa got the idea to wear red if you adults know what I mean.

But even though I love John Lewis as a store (and even went to see its penguin display a coupe of years ago in Oxford street) bah humbug to its blatant profiteering.

Competitivos!

My Spanish classes are going well, thanks for

asking. And I am now of the opinion the experts are right. Learning later in life does sharpen the brain.

I started off much slower than my 20-something classmates but can now keep up.

Or maybe that’s just that I won’t let a 20-something beat me! I think the word in Spanish is ‘competitivos’! n This may not be a blog but I do have one I made earlier if you are interested – hilarymscott.wix.com/hilaryscott

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Wokingham’s people

OH, MR SMITH!

With Sally Bryant

A wry look at life

FUNDRAISING

Lizzie’s mission to BEAT depression LIZZIE Fouracre has just turned 30 and she is making sure her milestone year is one to remember.

Since January, she has tackled a major physical challenge every month and she has just two to go to finish 2015 in high-energy style. Her herculean effort is in aid of BEAT, the charity supporting people with eating disorders – a cause very close to her heart.

A

S New Year’s resolutions go, Lizzie’s was ambitious.

Many may have vowed to step up their exercise but 12 major events in as many months is mind-boggling.

But this determined young lady, who grew up in Crowthorne, has made it work for a charity that gave her a helping hand when she needed it. And she hopes her effort will inspire others struggling with eating disorders to seize the same lifeline.

Lizzie said: “Last year in 2014, I caught a snippet on the radio of a girl who was completing 12 challenges in 12 months to raise money for charity. I was totally inspired and I knew that it was something I could do. I’ve always loved a challenge.

“It was a no brainer that I raise money for BEAT. BEAT are an incredible charity who support people suffering from eating disorders.

“When I was 24 I fell into depression and as a result formed an eating disorder to try and control something in my life. I plummeted in weight and was extremely unhappy. After two years of dealing with this on my own, I eventually chose to seek help after coming clean with my mum.

“I discovered BEAT, who provided help and support. I was pointed in the right direction for finding therapy, for reading books to help combat my problem. There was an online chat which allowed me to connect with a community suffering just as I had been.

“For so long I thought I was on my own, and that no-one would ever understand. And then suddenly I found people I could support and people who could support me.

“Six years on, after therapy and final recovery, I feel strong and happy enough to finally return the favour and thank BEAT for all it did for me.”

Lizzie, who went to Ranelagh School, is a director for a software company, Clear Books, which makes

Lizzie Fouracre is raising money for BEAT charity.

cloud accounting software for small businesses and accountants. It’s a busy life – but what she has also packed in since January will put many of us to shame.

She kicked off 2015 with a Brutal 10km extreme trail and an Ice Man 11km. Her running shoes went on again in March for the Reading Half Marathon, in April for a 10km in Richmond and in May for the Edinburgh Marathon.

Lizzie cooled down in June with the Royal Windsor River Swim, then she was back to her hometown for the Wellington Triathlon at Wellington College, followed by the London Triathlon in August. She also has the Bray Lake Swim Challenge and Huntsman triathlon under her belt – and a 10km Mo run (raising awareness of testicular cancer) and a final Brutal run to come.

The list is tiring to read, never mind tackle, But Lizzie is enjoying pushing herself to the limit to hit her £2,000 fundraising target.

“I’ve completed 10 physical challenges so far, all involving running, swimming, yoga and cycling.

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of my challenges so far.

“Some have been physically tougher than others, but that has made them all the more enjoyable!

My favourite challenge was cycling from London to Paris with my boyfriend in 24 hours and on four hours of broken sleep!

“It was a beautifully sunny weekend. The French

VOLUNTEER CORNER n The Wokingham Litter Heroes is a community group that promotes a clean and tidy Wokingham. The aim of the group is to take positive action to make Wokingham Litter free. They are currently in their early days, so they are looking to raise awareness of the group and change the culture of a few who still do drop litter.

They work with Wokingham Borough Council and the Adopt-a-street campaign.

They are looking to recruit Wokingham Litter Heroes who are willing to pick up litter in and around Wokingham, mainly in parks and public spaces.

The bags can get heavy so volunteers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

countryside was breath-taking and we had the roads to ourselves! My most rewarding challenge so far was the Edinburgh marathon, my first marathon which I competed in four hours. It was an incredibly windy and rainy route - but totally worth the pain. I’m currently completing 30 days of Bikram yoga, which sounds chilled - but I assure you it’s not!

“The whole experience has allowed me to finally realise that I can do absolutely anything if I really want it. If ever I’m having a day where everything seems like a challenge, I think to myself ‘hold on a minute, I’ve completed a marathon - of course I can do this!’

“Or sometimes if I feel tired or unmotivated to train, I think to myself, ‘imagine if I didn’t have the physical ability to train, imagine if that opportunity was taken away from me’ and that turns my mindset around.

“It’s inspired me to compete in another marathon, and I’ll be running the London marathon in April 2016.”

Lizzie’s energy seems boundless, but she admits friends and family have played a big part in keeping her going.

“They have been hugely supportive. Not only by sponsoring me, but through encouragement and kind words. What I’ve been most overwhelmed by are the strangers and old friends who read my blog, and tell me how inspiring I have been to them.

“If I can have an impact on people’s mindsets and allow them to believe in themselves, then my intention for this journey in 2015 has been surpassed.”

And the greatest driving force has been her wish to help and empower others.

“I hope my legacy is that everyone should be encouraged to be transparent and open about all problems and challenges in life. If I was not honest with myself I would never have looked for help, and I would be in a very sorry state today.

“I want people to know that everyone suffers from mental illness at some stage in their life. It is impossible to get by in life and not suffer from depression.

“We put ourselves through so much, something has to give at some stage. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but something we should all support one another in - as we have all been there. I want to inspire people to speak up and get the help they deserve.” n Lizzie’s blog can be found at: www.the12challenge.blogspot.co.uk/ n Lizzie’s fundraising page can be found at: www.justgiving.com/lizziefouracre/

with Helena Badger need to be quite physically fit. n The Rock Academy Foundation is a fully registered charity. Their objective is to help and educate young people through musical activities, so as to develop their capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society. Their aim is to educate and empower young artists and bands to play, write and perform original music. They are looking for a volunteer Band Coach.

As a Band Coach you will be given the opportunity to support our musicians on the Rock Academy Foundation’s Band Experience. Our musicians meet up weekly for a two hour session, and you

will support them with their technical, creative and performance abilities.

You will also support them through live public performance at our end of term events. As a band coach you will have a minimum level of grade five theory and / or practical experience in your specialist instrument, or equivalent experience/ skills. Working with young musicians/ people advantageous. n The Wokingham Transport Scheme provides low cost transport for the elderly to hospital, the doctors, physiotheraphy and dentist appointments. They need to recruit more drivers who live in Wokingham, Finchampstead or

Winnersh.

Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they will be required to provide transport to and from their desired destination and in many cases help them to attend their appointment. Expenses are re-imbursed.

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

University: Silk purse or sow’s ear? .

A

H, well, the summer of anticipation has long since passed and GCSE and A level results, whether celebrated or commiserated, will be a fading emotion.

Many now will be well into their courses amidst the academic spires of Oxbridge or the metaphorical ones of less renowned institutes.

There was a time when a university degree was attainable to only two percent of the population. Then in the 70s it all changed. Now a degree is a kind of universal quality standard of basic academic competency. If anyone wants to stand out from the crowd they need to gain an MSc or MA or PhD. But is this desirable in the real world; does this rarefied academic excellence help the average graduate thrive or even survive in the workplace?

It’s fine for research and other academic environments but for an increasing number it is just a £30,000 millstone around the necks of those who will experience patchy employment, low pay or both.

I am aware of one young man who gained a PhD and a few years later committed suicide because he was trapped in low paid work and unable to find an opening more suited to his qualification.

Apparently one in three graduates go into skilled work and there is an increasing number of graduates doing manual work. But at least they have a degree.

Around 26,000 students don’t make it this far.

This was the number who dropped out of their degree course during the 2013/2014 academic year.

Pressure to go to university seems to be growing and now we’re told that universities need to work more closely with schools to help improve teaching.

This suggests that many students forced into the university funnel are not suited to the academic environment, not because they are unintelligent, but because they are motivated by factors other than academic interest.

Arts and humanities students will spend most of their time working online. You could argue this type of learning could be done at home for just the price of a laptop and a much more economical subscription to a university.

Certainly some university bodies have discussed the feasibility of the first year being a home-based online learning model.

Jo Johnson, the universities minister, published a green paper this week. I believe one of the aims is to produce graduates better equipped for the workplace.

But isn’t university firstly about academic reasoning and not vocational training? People who want to carve a career in many sectors of the economy would be better off starting on the first rung at 18 and earning rather than spending £30,000 without any guarantees of arriving on a higher rung.

Surely career success in many commercial environments is as much dependent on showing a bit of character in terms of drive, maturity and interpersonal skills rather than highly honed academic skills.

You could argue these excellent character traits are better developed in the home rather than ivory tower institutions.

Send your views on university education to: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

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WokinghamRemembers

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

FIRST WORLD WAR REVIEW

The story Remembrance — part one Theincredible past which hasofshaped our present...

THIS weekMikE we start the storyreviews of remembrance This week ChuRChER with a fundamental clash of cultures. the Wokingham Remembers articles The Victorians had developed sophisticated of the past four months and discusses rituals ofthe mourning upon some of factors which which centred contributed the bodies of their loved ones.

The Great to the making of Wokingham and its War, shattered these expectations with an environment.

Army VER administration incapable major of handling impact they had on the town and the past months the have already made a start with the the enormity their losses.

Government needed Wokinghamof Remembers page hasThewe road system by mapping out the course providing an early picture to findbeen a way round this.

The solution became the symbols ofof the old Forest Road. of how a small market town and a today’s writes MIKE CHURCHER. While the building of the M4 had a few villagesremembrance on the edge of a forestservices, is today

O W

ranked as one of the country’s leading E stand for the two minute’s communities. silence at 11am on every Education, religion, industry, transport, November 11th. In the first of social structures, national politics and those two we try to local government areminutes all important contemplate those who fought and fell pieces in building the great Wokingham during warsnow in all jigsaw.all Here iscircumstances. a summary of The our contributions tospent date and a fewabout ideasthe on second minute is thinking the next round articles. lives of those theof fallen have left behind.

How did this and other rituals emerge Education, Education, from the Great War; the Two Minute Education Silence, the Cenotaph, the Unknown Today’s renowned Warrior andWokingham Poppy Day?isThe history as of one of the country’s centres of excellence Remembrance is a schizophrenic story, forsymbols education; this ishave partlytheir dueorigins to strong its of peace school performance the motivated steeped in the mist ofand war; during those parents live in one of thewas most years of who battle, remembrance fought highly educated communities the UK. for, argued over and its generalinshape If we look into the years history of prior to hammered out in the even Wokingham’s schools we can see the carnage of the Somme in 1916. how education is woven Before the rituals of into its DNA. Prior to the Great War, remembrance could be Wokingham was surrounded by manor houses and enacted, the Army members of the was required to landed gentry who wanted to be close toits the levers of power; completely overhaul i.e. the royal households of Windsor. administration of the In The turnmayhem these upper dead. of echelons possessed a serious sense of duty trench warfare meant and the a responsibility to ensure their that bodies of men community received went missing, were at least a basic education.

Wokingham left in No Man’s Land oralso had a powerful professional their identification lost.class, The a strong church community (including families who gave their sons tothe nonconformists) and together they shared the war effort were brought up with the a strong belief in the importance of knowledge that with every loss there was teaching. at least a burial and a body to prepare The result was with the skills, the for the next world. This fundamental motivation and the finance available, expectation in life was about to be there developed a culture of education shattered. which still holds strong to this day.

The fervour of recruitment during Wokingham transport the end of 1914 made way for the Transport probably the single grim reality ofiswar in 1915.

The British most important factor Wokingham’s Army had already beeninvirtually development, destroyed and in theboth restits ofrail theand warroad was to systems. depend on the civilians from Kitchener’s Future articles recruitment drive. will look at the introduction of the the These weren’t therailways grizzledand warriors

major influence on the introduction of the who the continents, the high had techtoured businesses which nowbut surround workers fromitfarm factory whose Wokingham, is theand A329M which parents hadoff carved out what in 1975 cut the Forest Roadthey and hoped its would a different between future forEmmbrook their naturalbe connections sons.

And when of their boys were killed,The and the villages Hurst and Binfield. lovefamily and hate with our rail the didrelationship not want their bodies and roads continue to this day! discarded, they wanted them home again.

A small industry of investigators Wokingham’s military began to emerge, searching for the heritage missing or for the bodies of dead sons, As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the of digging them up in the most perilous Battle of Waterloo, there have been a circumstance and bringing them back number articles this home to of loved ones.commemorating It was the experience world changing event. of the famous Gladstone family however, The forced area has been noted for which thealways government to stop its contribution to the nation’s military further bodies being returned home to capability, their lovedwith ones.Arborfield’s REME, RFA and Remount connections and the The 29 year old Lt William Gladstone Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all was killed on the April 13, 1915; he situated very nearby. was not just another statistic Even the Duke of Wellington took to of war, but the grandson of living in Stratfield Saye, which today is one of the 19th century’s only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s most revered Prime town centre.

Ministers. The bodies of Wokingham’s some two dozen officers already been sent benefactor had culture back to Englandwas prior The area around Wokingham to Gladstone and it was surrounded by many remarkable and patronage individuals andmoney they were instrumental in that had ensured their safe building the much needed infrastructure return. the establishment of which underpinned Gladstone’s body was a strong Lt community. also returned, time was of the We will laterbut be this telling theit story with a certain amount pomp and to Walter family and theirof contributions circumstance as a resultbut there arose the building ofand Wokingham in April disquiet mutterings abuse power first weekly issue, weoftold theof story of the and wealth.

If Britain was winMarquess this much loved Arthur Hill, theto6th war it would be up to the rank and file to of Downshire.

Although Britain’s wealthiest deliver it andone theof Government were fully landowners, doubled as the aware of the Arthur need toHill keep the people chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a ‘onside’. major financial contributor to this part of There were many practical problems Wokingham’s public services.the bodies with repatriation; exhuming Later articles will illustrate the could was a dangerous activity, soldiers demisebeofwounded these great manorsOther and their easily or killed. incumbentstarted social system andIfthe rise of questions to emerge. everyone

feeding the soil.

There were though glimmers of respect for the bodies; it was in the Napoleonic Wars that national flags started to be draped over the bodies and it was in the Victorian era that the rituals of burial began to take hold. It was the Victorians who began to focus the funeral from the aspect of the needs of the dead to those of the living.

Funeral management had changed from the family organising the burial with the local clergyman, to the emergence of the ‘funeral director’. Various clothing was introduced for women, with varying colours being used to signify the various levels of mourning the family were going through.

Queen Victoria herself fully embraced this ritual following the death of her husband Albert and her actions fortified this trend. The body had become central to the mourning process and with it came the emergence of ‘Memento Mori’; the desire to have keepsakes which once belonged to their Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church. recently departed.

The story wasfrom told in June,ofand historians, Sarah Huxford, also took its replacement: local government.

This ranged a lock hairalso kept in commemorated 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields a locket, to the the more gruesome ritual of Wokingham’s wild side ofposing the Magna signed nearby in search of their graves. This story with Carta, the body in a at photographic Before we believe too much in the idea Runnymede 1215. themselves would reflects only a microcosm of the losses studio. The in bodies that Wokingham’s development was a around the county of Berkshire, but be dressedaup in their solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining light onwork clothes or affirms the importance of the wars in the Sunday best and even metal frames were told the Gladstone, story of the in theMinister town of the William sonrioting of the Prime same name, was killed aged 29. Below, left: Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ development of our local character. built to enable the dead to ‘stand up’ for centre during the time of the 1857 General ‘Waterloo Teeth’ - dentures constructed using teeth from those who fell in the eponymous battle.

Tofamily bring us up to date the August the photograph.

Election.

Wokingham and respect for the bodies. had the right to have the body returned articles are focused onaspect the kids areof Emphasising this of who the use Such a common sight inor just whoevents wouldwere receive it, the mother InRoyal earlier wars, the bodies of soldiers now entering into alleviate their summer holidays. the Forest the body to help the loss is vital the this short bloody the town wife?and Ownership of and the body laybattle with were treated appallingly.

During the Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use thisrituals month’s in our understanding of the of between Whigs theitTories also the Army,the but not soand once had been Battle oftoWaterloo, soldiers were difficult visualise 50,000 just how rural the editions than to The tell the stories of thenot remembrance.

Victorians were highlighted and Roseifhotels in returned to the the Bush family.

What only parts area once was andbodies in partplundered explains the the Celtsthe anddeath the Saxons buried and their for the Romans, only to witness of their sons to Market Place asreturned? the headquarters of these sometimes fragile relationship between of a body were on the areaGreat before Wokingham new young teeth which would be used for influence the carnage of the War; they were twoItferal groups. was bad enough that an officer’s the and new of Wokingham; few became was even twinkle inof oldcoping Wocca’s eye? theold production dentures. They going to aneed a way with their Thestained story was also able reflect to blood uniform wastoreturned areas in as the‘Waterloo UK have witnessed such David Nash the Fordreturn provided a set of known Teeth’. loss without of the body. upon the national scene and the corrupt the family, but body parts would have extraordinary growth change articles puzzles makes Even as late as theand 1860s thesein the n Nextand week: ‘Neverwhich Coming Home’. nature of awful general before been too toelections contemplate.

Inthe past profile of its population. history fun forthe theincredible young and no doubt practices were still popular, with teeth We continue story of introduction of the private ballot. times, soldiers came from the poorest Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents supplied by the barrel load from the fields Remembrance. Having decided the dead Future articles will include further classes, from families seeking relief has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s of America’s Civil War. If the removal would not be returned home, what did the tales anarchy and revelry this old fromof the destitution of theirin existence the surrounding villages by was providing shoulder. of the teeth from the dead not bad Government do to alleviate the nation’s market town. and there was some acceptance of aenough, market place for agricultural Here’s to the next round of articles! the bones would also and become suffering and therefore keep the people’s those never returning home. Kitchener’s commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War useful, being ground down and used for support for the war?

Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah volunteer army however were from There are watershed moments in all Kitchener’s cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history mark the moment of great steps ofwhich life and they would not tolerate recruits down bywere royalty for the protection of change in aof society and the Great War of and Peter Shilham for all their continuing the bodies officers being returned fromhunting all walks grounds. of their 1914-1918 is one such time. contributions. home, whilst their own sons denied a lifeThese and families onerous rules restricted local Therefore a number All this work is provided by our similar ‘decent burial’. of centenaries expected respect people from using large parts of the land between 2014 and 2018 will made local historians free of charge and The decision was therefore forsustenance their dead. and in part led to the for commemorate great of warand can be found on the front page of the that no bodies the would belosses repatriated rise of local highwaymen and general which scarred people Wokingham Wokingham Remembers website they would be the buried withofrespect in lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent for restwhere of thethey 20thfell. century. www.wokinghamremembers.com thethe place The decision Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on May’s followed thethe story Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at was alsoedition to change not only way these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in of brothers from Langborough TradeMark for supporting the paper’s thetwo Army administered its dead, but its either their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokinghamoftown.

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20 | SCHOOLS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Press pack

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

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

BRACKNELL AND WOKINGHAM COLLEGE

Open day’s window on the world SCHOOL leavers were welcomed to Bracknell and Wokingham College on Saturday for a day of advice on the options for life after GCSEs. Students were able to talk to tutors about courses run at the college including A levels, vocational BTEC courses and apprenticeships.

Existing students were also on hand to give a personal insight as to life in the college and show the prospective students around.

There was a talk given by Principal and CEO of the college Campbell Christie CBE, with a panel of

curriculum heads on hand to answer any questions from students or parents.

Saturday’s wet weather didn’t appear to dampen spirits with the college bustling all day. People made the most of the opportunity to find out more about the wide choice of courses available on their doorsteps, and the Star Café was full with students sharing information and asking questions.

The college’s next event will be held on February 27. For details and an online prospectus, log on to: www.bracknell.ac.uk

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

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

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

Oliver scales new heights for charity 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.

KILIMANJARO

By OLIVER PINK A TEENAGE pupil had a memorable halfterm - he became one of the youngest people ever to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Reading Blue Coat School pupil Oliver Pink took part in the arduous task over eight days to raise funds for the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. So far, the 13-year-old has raised £575.

It took Oliver six days to climb to the summit and two days to climb down.

The final summit climb involved leaving Base camp at midnight, climbing six hours in the dark and reaching the summit (Uhuru Peak) at sunrise.

He writes: “My thoughts on the plane to Tanzania were mixed; I was excited but also anxious about climbing the tallest mountain in Africa and tallest free standing mountain in the world.

“I was only given this opportunity because my mum summited Kilimanjaro previously.

She, in turn, was following my grandmother who had also summited many

(excludes specialist and implant treatment)

years ago. So, to me, it felt like a family tradition to do it.

“The first thing that hit me when I got off the plane was the heat of Tanzania.

However, that feeling of warmth was not going to last on my trip.

“When I began my trek, I felt very excited to be walking up this amazing mountain but also nervous about whether I could continue to complete it.

“Within an hour or so, our guides spotted monkeys and a mongoose, and I was very pleased about this as I’ve never seen anything like that before outside of a zoo.

“Unfortunately, my spirits did not stay this high as on day three I annoyingly got altitude sickness and was sick quite a lot. However, a kind dentist from Bahrain gave me some altitude sickness pills, which allowed me to plough on, still feeling very ill and tired.

“When I was starting my hike up to the summit on the final day, I could not believe I had come this far. The

regular dental visits?

Our membership scheme is ava Our membership scheme is available You do notfor need to be dentally fit to join butaa new patienta examination onlyforBMS £21 month Our membership scheme is available only £21 month is You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given.

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

• 2 Examinations x-rays) • • •

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

visit our website at www.beec You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 3 BMS but a new patient examination is Reading Blue Cost School pupil Oliver Pink at the Kilimanjaro base camp.

For more information, please contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one required before signing up. If treatment day started at midnight and the ascent local village.

Marjie Thorne,at marketing and visit ourcommunications website www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract officer of Reading member discount of 15% is given.

Blue Coat School, said: “It turned out 32a Station Beechcroft Dental Practice, Road, Wokingham, to be quite a tough climb for Oliver, as he suffered altitude sickness but RG40 2AE andfromspeak with– one of our team. managed to get to the top.”

included walking in the dark for several hours.

“At 7am, after seven hours of walking, I reached the peak at sunrise and I could see the whole world in a different light, including Moshi, the

COMPETITION

The writing’s on the wall for these talented pupils Pupils from Luckey House School in Wokingham took part in a story writing contest organised by Wokingham Borough Libraries. There were two winners from the school, Chloe German who wrote a story about being the youngest skydiver ever and Bella Keene who wrote a poem. Both were awarded copies of a signed poetry book. The rest of the Year 7 class were awarded a certificate for entering the contest.

The Youngest Skydiver Ever, By Chloe German My name is Mimi Keen I’m nine years old and my dream is to be the youngest skydiver ever. My Mum says “It’s too dangerous.”

My Dad says “Are you serious?”

My older sister says “Go on. I’d like to be an only child again.” She smirks at me. I run upstairs and slam the door.

Why are parents so unfair?

Today’s Monday so I have to go to school. Kate and I have a discussion about what we would like to be when we’re older. Kate said “I’d like to be a teacher. I said excitedly “My dream is

to be the youngest skydiver ever and get a world record!” I stopped. I stared.

Kate was laughing at me. I’ll show her and my parents. I’m going to run away and fulfill my potential.

I went home and turned on my laptop and booked a skydiving session. Only problem was it cost one hundred pounds. I tipped my money out on the floor and started counting “Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred.

Yes, I have enough.”

Next I phoned the record attempt compnay and booked an official adjudicator. I ran downstairs shouting “Mum, Kate invited me over for a

sleepover on Saturday. Can I go?”

Mum went over to check the calendar then replied “I don’t see why not.” Alibi sorted. I’d better get some sleep as it’s a big day tomorrow.

Today’s the big day. I packed my bag and headed down to the park where the helicopter was waiting. I felt so special climbing in and dressing up in important gear, but suddenly I realised what I was going to do. The helicopter lifted off the ground and my entire body was shivering with fear.

The helicopter’s doors start to open and I Mimi Keen was about to jump out a helicopter miles up in the air. I envied the adjudicator right now just sitting there with tea and biscuits not caring whether the nine year old survived or not. Then my moment came. They checked I was okay, and then I jumped. It was an amazing feeling gliding through the air I want to do it all over again. I just realised. I GOT A WORLD RECORD!!!

Around ten minutes later, the helicopter landed and gave me a certificate. I was so excited I ran home to tell everyone forgetting I was meant

to be in a sleepover. Mum was in the kitchen and said “Mimi what are you doing back?”

“It turns out the sleepover is next week,” I replied. Troubled avoided. Now to find a new adventure.

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

The World’s Biggest Liger, By Bella Keene

Hercules broke the record of being the biggest liger, He is a crazy mix between a lioness and a tiger.

He lives in Myrtle Beach safari in OurU. S.membership scheme is available for a month the of A. My gosh, does he love to play.

His favourite toy is a soccer ball, What is included?

You do not need to be dentally fit to join When he wants it his roar is his call.

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMS a new patient examination is Onebut of his trainers is called Tom, • 2 Hygienist visits A baby before bottle issigning what he required up.drinks If treatment from.

• Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract 900 pounds and 12 feet tall, • 15% member discount on treatment a member discount of 15%jump is given.

This fine specimen could a (excludes specialist and implant treatment) wall.

There are a dozen of these types, A mix of spots and stripes, Thismore creature has no mane, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, For information, It’s so big it is insane!

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

HEALTH | 21

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CAMPAIGN

Anger over hearing loss cash cuts

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NE in six people in the UK have some form of hearing loss, and a new report says that it will grow to one in five by 2035.

And in the south east there are 1,578,000 people living with a hearing impairment.

But, a charity says that hearing loss is the only area that has seen a decrease in medical research funding during the last decade.

Action on Hearing Loss, the charity formerly known as the RNID, is calling on the Government to stop hearing aid cuts and protect the provision of hearing aid services which offer a lifeline to many.

The new report, Hearing Matters, details the scale and impact of deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss, demonstrating to NHS commissioners and employers the prevalence and need to tackle it as a major public health condition, in order for them to plan to meet the needs of the increasing number of people with hearing loss so that they are not denied the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Paul Breckell, Action on Hearing Loss

with Nicola Strudley

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Chief Executive, said: “With 1,578,000 osteoarthritis (OA) and ligamentous instability, particularly for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Established for over 25 years, we offer a personalised people in the South East affected by (ACL). Recent research demonstrates that the Unloader One reduces pain, improves function and service with excellent facilities and a dedicated team. hearing loss, we need NHS commissioners decreases the use of pain medication for mild to severe uni-compartmental Osteoarthritis.

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Back and Neck Pain Massage Therapy “The Government needs to intervene The Unloader One® (pictured) is a comfortable, lightweight brace that provides excellent Arthritis Womens Health now to stop the shocking cuts to hearing E live inQuick an information suspension and unloading leverage of the affected part of the knee. Colour-coded Fit age. Information Neurological Conditions Post Op Rehab aids, which has happened in North bombards us from many sources and in many Buckles simplify application and removal, while flexible shells liners, coated with Sports Injuriesand breathable Personal Training Staffordshire already, which runs contrary formats.

Staying connected with events to NHS clinical evidence as they keep Össur Sensil® Silicone improve comfort and reduce movement. and people and getting timely, practical people in work and avoid them being manage life is vital for a healthy life. £5 off assessment wheninformation you use codeto oB13 whenyour booking socially isolated.

Benefits of the Unloader one: In order for people to have real choice “More investment is needed into about their socialRG6 care7ET they need to be able to 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Road,health Earley,and Reading researching cures for hearing loss and ● Uni-compartmental knee conditions requiring load reduction,access, suchunderstand as Articular Cartilage and evaluate information. www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 966 8601 tinnitus, as less than 1% of UK medical Defect Repair, Avascular Necrosis, OA or Tibial Plateau FractureHealthwatch Wokingham Borough regularly receive research funding is spent on this major comments from local residents about difficulty in care providers the health issue – and it is the only area that ● Suitable for all non-contact activities and sportsSome health accessing informationwill and fund how bewildering it can be, with has seen a decrease in funding over the Unloader One *Check with your medical insurer comments such as “I didn’t realise the Readibus stopped last decade. outside my flat every week – if only I had of “With proper investment, treatments known that sooner I wouldn’t have been dependant on brace that the for hearing loss and tinnitus could be For knee ligamentous injuries or instability, the CTi is an off the shelf taxis to take meprovides to the shops…. ” and “ I don’t know where available by 2020, and we believe we can ultimate combination of stability and protection. Worn by athletes from amateur professional to start to look for– information on getting extra help for my find a cure within a generation.” elderly parent. ” sports, the CTi can be used for all non-contact activities, and is particularly popular with skiers, n To read ‘Hearing Matters – why urgent People tell us that they often want to talk to another runners, wakeboarders and racket sport players. action is needed on deafness, tinnitus and human about their issue – not search an online database or hearing loss across the UK’, visit www. look at a fact sheet. actiononhearingloss.org.uk/hearingmatters Healthwatch provides suchyour information, advice and The rigid, carbon fibre frame provides maximum stabilisation of the knee joint, increasing signposting through a telephone helpline. To use a quote confidence after injury. The Cti also comes with the option fit, where specific and Phyof a custom from one of the staff on the helpdesk “A directory of reto provide detailed measurements are taken of the lower limb a bespoke service. servicesfitting is no good unless you know what you are looking for”.

A new scheme is just about to be launched in the The Cti is useful for the following conditions: Borough called ‘Community Navigators’. Starting in GP surgeries in the new year, trained volunteers will meet with you within your GP surgery to identify your ● OSTEOARTHRITIS and ligament instability community support needs. ● All activity levels So just as your GP might prescribe you some ● Standard model for medium to high impact levels medication, Community Navigators will be able to prescribe you a social prescription. ● Pro Sport model for highest impact levels This might mean signposting you to a particular community group, sorting out practical barriers such as removal, while flexible shells and provides maximum stabilisation of the childcare or transport as well as ensuring moral support breathable liners, coated with Össur knee joint, increasing your confidence (such as arranging for a buddy to introduce you to a club).

Sensil Silicone improve comfort and after injury. The Cti also comes with The Community Navigators will work closely with the reduce movement. the option of a custom fit, where GPs and practice nurses to help identify patients that Benefits of the Unloader one: specific and detailed measurements might benefit from community intervention. n Uni-compartmental knee are taken of the lower limb to provide Feeling socially connected to others and developing Established we offer ahas personalised conditions requiring load reduction, a bespoke fitting service. for over 25 years,friendships been statistically proven to improve your service excellent facilities and a dedicated team. increase your sense of such as Articular Cartilage Defect The Cti is useful for with the following general health and wellbeing, Repair, Avascular Necrosis, OA or conditions: We will see you within 24 hours. purpose, improve your self confidence and encourage you Tibial Plateau Fracture. n OSTEOARTHRITIS and ligament to avoid unhealthy lifestyle choices. n Suitable for all non-contact instability.

To find out more about the Community Navigator Back and Neck Pain Massage Therapy activities and sportsSome health care n All activity levels. scheme, if you think you might like to volunteer, please providers will fund the Unloader One n Standard model for medium to Arthritis WomensSteve Health contact coordinator McSweeny on 01344 383515 (*Check with your medical insurer). high impact levels.Neurological Conditions or e mail Steve.McSweeney@involve.community.

Post Op Rehab For knee ligamentous injuries n Pro Sport model for highest Start 2016 making a real difference. Giving just a Sports Injuries or instability, the CTi is an off impact levels. few hours toPersonal improve Training your community and the lives of the shelf brace that provides the those that live in it could be more rewarding than you n For further information on any of our ultimate combination of stability and everimagined activities, and is particularly popular off assessment code Strudley oB13 when booking Ossur products,£5 or to book a free Ossurwhen you useNicola protection. Worn by athletes from works two days a week as the with skiers, runners, wakeboarders Established over 25 years, we offer personalised knee assessment, please contactfor Ryan amateur – professional sports, the manager fora Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. and racket sport players.

2-4service Pond Head Lane, Road, Reading RG6 Opinions expressed this7ET blog are her own WhiteOssur on 0118 966 8601. rigid, carbon fibre frame CTi can be used for all non-contact ForThe further information on any of our products, or to bookWokingham a facilities free Ossur knee assessment, Established for over 25 years, we offer ain personalised with excellent and aEarley, dedicated team.

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22 | SUSTAINABILITY

The good life

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

How Wokingham is going Green with Vivienne Johnson

SCHOOLS RECYCLING Free bins and bags

Woodside Farm, Goodboys Lane, Reading RG7 1ND

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WALTER INFANT SCHOOL

School’s seed project is out of this world!

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk PUPILS at Walter Infant School Wokingham are preparing to become space biologists and embark on a voyage of discovery by growing seeds that have been into space.

In September, 2kg of rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station (ISS) on Soyuz 44S where they will spend several months in microgravity before returning to Earth in March 2016.

The seeds have been sent as part of Rocket Science, an educational project launched by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency.

Walter School will be one of the thousands of schools across the country to receive a packet of 100 seeds when they return to earth. They will be grown alongside ‘normal’ seeds to measure the differences over seven weeks.

The pupils will not know which group of seeds is which until all results have been collected by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and analysed by professional biostatisticians.

The out-of-this-world, nationwide science

experiment will enable the pupils to think more about how we could preserve human life on another planet in the future, what astronauts need to survive long-term missions in space and the difficulties surrounding growing fresh food in challenging climates.

Judy Wheeler, head teacher at Walter School, said: “We are very excited to be taking part in Rocket Science. This experiment is a fantastic way of teaching our pupils to think more scientifically and share their findings with the whole school.”

Rocket Science is just one educational project from a programme developed by the UK Space Agency to celebrate British ESA astronaut Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the ISS and inspire young people to look into careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects, including horticulture.

Applications to take part in Rocket Science are still open and will close in March next year or until all packs have been allocated. Schools The Rocket Science display at the Royal Horticultural Show earliet this year. Below, left: The Queen inspecting the project. and educational groups can apply at rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening n Follow the project on Twitter: @RHSSchools #RocketScience Pictures: UK Space Agency

PLANTING

New community orchard bears fruit for the whole community THE food for free movement campaign is gathering pace in Wokingham borough with the announcement that another community orchard has been given the go-ahead, this time in Laurel Park.

The trees will be planted on a wide grass strip next to a footpath that runs parallel with the side of the football pitches at Laurel Park.

Jean Hackett, leader of the Earley based Community Orchard Group, explained: “We will plant a double row of trees, spaced so that the area can still be mown.

“The idea is that they are available for everyone. We need to plant them in

places that are easily accessible to people, somewhere they pass all the time.”

Earley’s first community orchard was planted in Spring 2015 at Paddick Drive after Mrs Hackett, returned from a holiday in Australia.

She said: “We were on a walking holiday in Perth and were walking through Perth city centre. We could see raised beds over the railway station, outside the National Museum and the Art Gallery all full of vegetables.

“As we were looking at them we saw a gardening programme being broadcast.

There were about 300 volunteers taking out the crops and planting more.

“This inspired me to think that there must be space in Earley for us to plant something. Paddick Drive came out of our first attempt.”

The Orchard Group will plant cooking and eating apples, pears, plums, damsons, greengages, a mulberry and a walnut tree.

“Some are heritage varieties,” said Mrs Hackett. “And we have chosen them so they crop at different times of the year.

They will also be the sort of varieties that you can’t buy in the shops.”

At the moment Laurel Park is looked after by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) but officers from Earley Town

Council (ETC) have been told that WBC have no objection to the creation of a community orchard in the area.

ETC are now talking with the Orchard Group about their plans for having the trees planted before the spring.

Mrs Hackett added: “I want to compliment the Town Council on being able to achieve this positive result. The Orchard Group is very keen to move things along.”

ETC’s Town Clerk, Philip Truppin, is also in discussion with WBC officers about the possibility of ETC taking over the management of Laurel Park in the near future.

Pears trees will be planted as part of the community orchard. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson.

23

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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24 | LEISURE

Leisure SHOW

Puss in Boots is a fitting panto for CATS performers PANTO season is well and truly upon us as the Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) announce details of their upcoming performance.

Audiences are invited to come and along to boo, cheer and shout ‘He’s behind you!’ at the classic fairy tale of Puss in Boots at Crowthorne Parish Hall, in Heath Hill Road South, between November 26 and 28.

The leading roles of Puss and Princess Daffodil will be played by newcomers Sam Gillett and Ashleigh Walter, who join Arthur Allen as The Magic Cobbler, Phil Tomlin as King Bulbo, Simon Heffer as the fiendish Dr Frankenstein, and Nyck Moore as principle boy Arthur.

The show will also feature some established local performers making their debut appearance for CATS, including Lesley Richards as the evil Blackleather, Liz Brindley as Queen Tulip, and Maxine Robinson in a cameo as Tabitha, Queen of Catland.

Add to this a smattering of fluffy rabbits, scary lions and punk rock spooks and you are in for real treat.

For tickets contact the Box Office by emailing boxoffice@catswebsite.co.uk, calling 07756 580310, or visiting Playhouse Cleaners, Whimsical or Bewitched Fancy Dress.

Ticket prices are adults £10, children and concessions £8.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

SHINFIELD PLAYERS

Enjoy a bawdy night down the local

A

UDIENCES in the south of the borough are gearing up for a ‘hilarious’ trip down memory lane next week.

The Shinfield Players, who perform at the Shinfield Players Theatre in Whitley Wood Lane, welcome you to The Frog and Duck, a fictional public house set in downtown Reading in the mid-1990s.

The annual darts competition is well underway, but while the ladies’ team are sitting pretty, the lads are suffering, badly. The excitement of the competition is overshadowed, though, when a routine medical examination jeopardises the rock-solid marriage of landlord Alan and his wife Kath.

Kath is pregnant, but Alan has had a vasectomy. Could it be that someone at the pub other than the darts team has been playing away?

Meeting typical 1990s characters in the form of Danny (think Goldie Lookin’ Chain’s long-lost ninth member), Dawn and Claire (more Old Spice than Spice Girls) and Tara, a typical ‘Sloane Ranger’ socialite, and you have the recipe for a side-splittingly funny night out down the local.

With adult themes throughout, this production is possibly not for the faint hearted (I was advised by ‘Players Chairman Graham Vockins I may need to bring a dictionary for some of the naughtier words!) but as director Carol

The fictional Frog and Duck pub is the setting for the next performance by The Shinfield Players.

Vockins assures, there is something for everyone in this performance.

She said: “It’s hilarious, a really, really funny show. The cast and crew have worked really hard to bring this all together and I’m so happy with the result.

“We have a fantastic stage crew who put the sets together and they have done themselves proud. We’ve got the feel of a back street local right here on stage and it is just brilliant.”

Playing Away opens on Wednesday and runs until Saturday. Performances

start at 7.45pm. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children up to 16 years of age, and £9 for concessions. n For tickets visit www.ticketsource. co.uk/shinfieldplayerstheatre or call 0119 975 8880.

GEMMA DAVIDSON

READING BACH CHOIR The Enchanted Players Theatre Company presents...

Alice in Neverland A wonderful show for all the family to enjoy.

Hook is up to his old tricks! Will he get away with it? Come and find out!

Hear ‘the greats’ at All Saints Church

Sat 28th Nov & Sat 19th & Sun 20th Dec Show times 11am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm (approx 1 hour)

Pirate & Princesses Show Meet your fairytale friends. A fun show with an opportunity to meet Belle, Cinderella, Tink, Hook & Zarina!

Sat 5th Dec & Sun 6th Dec Show times Show times 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm (approx 45 mins)

The Snow Queen’ s Christmas Visit Come and see your favourite royal star & get in to the Christmas spirit. Singalong... you know the words & a chance to meet the characters afterwards Sat 12th Dec & Sun 13th Dec Show times 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm (approx 45 mins)

£5

SHOW TICKETS £5 per seat, from Sheeplands shop or www.enchantedplayers.co.uk Children must be accompanied.

Children under 12mths FREE

Party with Mother Christmas & Lunch with Father Christmas Wed 23rd Dec & Thu 24th Dec 10.30am to 1pm Party games & fun with Mother Christmas then meet Father Christmas at a celebratory party lunch & receive a gift.

Tickets £12.99 from Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk www.enchantedplayers.co.uk

0118 9401600

READING Bach Choir will make their first appearance in Wokingham this Saturday as part of the concert series at All Saints Church.

Renowned throughout the region, the group will be performing two of the greatest choral works of the 20th century, the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé and Benjamin Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb.

They will be accompanied by Nick Shaw, who makes a welcome return to the Wiltshire Road church – he was a child chorister.

The concert will be directed by Matthew Hamilton, who works regularly with the BBC Singers and as chorus master for the London Symphony Chorus.

This event is part of a short series of choral concerts at All Saints Church, which also include Patrick Allies’ Siglo de Oro on Friday, December 4, and Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 6.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. n Tickets cost £12.50 (concessions available) and can be purchased on the door or online from www.wokinghamconcerts.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Also showing …

Brief Encounter and From Here To Eternity

LAUNCH

Get dancing - in high definition!

AN ENTERPRISING young dancer is launching a new school today (Friday) which promises to be in high definition.

Gillian Bowman (pictured), a former Holy School pupil, will open the doors of the new High Definition Dance School at Arborfield Garrison Community Centre, offering lessons in freestyle disco, street dance and cheerleading for ages three upwards.

To celebrate the launch, she will hold free half-hour taster classes from 4.45pm.

The first session focuses on Disney Dance, 5.15pm will be freestyle disco and street dancing at 5.45pm. She will then hold a launch party at 6.45pm.

Tomorrow, she will hold a free freestyle disco and cheerleading class for children aged four upwards from 10am and noon.

She said: “The Disney Dance party class is for under fives and is a mix of genres including street, disco, cheer and musical theatre, all to a Disney soundtrack. It’s a great class for your child to just ‘let it go’.”

Ms Bowman lives in Arborfield and has been dancing since she was six, competing in Freestyle Disco and Street competitions across the country.

She has also won a string of national awards and appeared in the film Street Dance 2.

She qualified as a dance teacher in 2013 and is also a member of the Arborfield Military Wives Choir.

Ms Bowman added: “My classes at the Arborfield Garrison Community Centre are open to all and are very important to me, being a daughter of a serving officer I know the difficulties children face moving around.

“Dance is a great way to gain confidence and make new friends so hopefully allows them to make the transition into a new community easier.” n For more details, call Gillian on 07766557443 or email gillian@highdefinitiondance.co.uk

FILM

Love is in the air at South Hill Park

T

HREE classic romances are coming back to the big screen proving the festive season is the perfect time for love.

South Hill Park in Bracknell will be holding the special series of screenings as part of a nationwide BFI Love season.

First up is a 70th anniversary showing of Brief Encounter, today (Friday) at 2.30pm.

Turbulent passion and middle-class restraint combine in uniquely English style when a married woman falls for a doctor she meets at a railway station.

Then comes Gone With The Wind, on Sunday, November 22. The film has been described by Steven Spielberg as “one of the greatest American movies ever made” and has enjoyed huge influence on film-makers, popularity with generations of audiences, and impact on everyday language with phrases such as “tomorrow is another day”.

Alongside screenings of this digitally restored masterpiece, Helen Taylor - author of two books on the subject, including the new BFI Film Classic - will discuss how Gone With the Wind set the agenda for over a century’s film representations of slavery and the Civil War. Drawing on new archival material about Vivien Leigh, scholarly and popular culture references, she will discuss its particular appeal to female audiences.

Then, on Sunday, December 13,

Clark Gable and Scarlett O’Hara in the inconic clinch scene from Gone with the Wind.

the series ends with From Here To Eternity, focusing on Life and love on a Hawaiian US Army base.

Among bombings and wartime harshness two love stories prevail including a passionate, illicit love affair involving the commander’s wife. With an all-star cast and featuring – in that scene on the beach – one of the best lip-clinches in cinematic history.

Ron McAllister, chief executive of South Hill Park, is delighted to be bringing the films to the arts centre.

He said: “We’re excited to be part of the countrywide BFI LOVE season

and it’s a pleasure to welcome back such an informative and entertaining speaker as Professor Helen Taylor.

“Our historic Recital Room will provide the perfect backdrop to her talk on Gone With the Wind and the live streaming of the event is an important innovation in South Hill Park’s remit to broaden access to artistic and educational work.”

Helen Taylor said: “I’m delighted to be introducing Gone With the Wind at South Hill Park, a great venue for film and a really comfortable space to watch this ‘four-handkerchief’ weepie.

Scarlett O’Hara is probably the largest, most complex and transgressive of all female film roles.

“An intriguing three-way love affair conducted through epic historical crisis and change, the film boasts Hollywood’s finest cinematography, with visual and auditory feasts at every turn. The witty screenplay, amazing costumes and luscious miseen-scène are of the highest order.” n For more information on the BFI LOVE Season go to: www.southhillpark.org.uk/ bfi-love-season/ PHIL CREIGHTON

REVIEW

Hoff mania arrives at Reading’s Hexagon READING’S Hexagon was buzzing like the inside of a base-speaker as fans of David Hasselhoff assembled to sing and dance along with the cast of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life on Monday night.

The musical was written and directed

by Jon Conway (Boogie Nights) and is a weak, unbelievable plot on to which lots of singing and dancing is hung.

We see Ross (David Hasselhoff), a DJ in an Ibiza nightclub, trying to keep the wolf from the door. He still plays disco while the world is moving on around him and the new crowd want to hear house, garage and acid music.

He also has a relationship with a woman who is young enough to be his daughter.

(Mandy played by Kim Tiddy, from The Bill and Hollyoaks).

Meanwhile, Ross’ teenage daughter Penny (Stephanie Webber from TV’s The Voice) arrives to stay. He hasn’t seen her for many years and is surprised to see how grown up she is now.

It doesn’t take Penny long (the airport departure lounge in the UK) to fall for Rik, the holiday rep (Shane Richie Jr) with the predictable hostility between Penny’s father and her would-be boyfriend.

You could feel the floor and seats bouncing as the audience danced and stomped as the music started and the place exploded as the Hoff came on stage for the

one-off show on Monday.

Channelling Rocky Horror Show, the audience were an extension of the play. They came wearing 80’s disco gear, Bay Watch T-shirts and carrying banners of The Hoffs face saying ‘Hoff you’re mine’.

A little bit of pantomime was thrown in with interaction from the audience, in-jokes and lots of heckling and banter.

Pete Kramer (lighting) created a full-on 80’s disco vibe with lots of coloured, flashing lights and at one point conceiving a black and red drug induced hell.

A large overhead screen showed videos turning the stage from departure lounge, plane and beach to a disco dance-floor. Rick Skelton (video) has memories played out on the screen as home-made films.

This isn’t a musical to sit back in your seat; this is an evening to dance in the aisles and enjoy a bit of retro escapism singing along to hits such as The Only Way Is Up (Yazz), Spice Up Your Life (Spice Girls), Papa Don’t Preach (Madonna), Relight My Fire (Take That) or Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley).

VIVIENNE JOHNSON

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE Friday, November 13 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Solace. Details: 01276 473160.

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

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Dominic Ashworth plus support: Bracknell Jazz. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Woodcutters, Bere Road RG12 0XS. The Retros.

Details: 01344 427725.

BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Dirtbag. Details: 01344 454532.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Power of Soul. Details: 01276 32691.

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

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

FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Ash Lee. Details: 01276 34735.

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

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Steve Morano. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Echo. SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. Tony Barker and Keith Chilvers. Details: 01276 472210.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK

6BA. Undercover. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, November 14 ASCOT – Cheapside Village Hall. The Sixtees. Details: 01344 623266.

BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. Tony Barker and Keith Chilvers in aid of Cancer Research. Details: 01276 473768.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. The New Foundations. Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. The Vinyl Covers.

Details: 01344 307620.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Solace. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. The Vinyl Covers.

Details: 01344 307620.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Mays.

Details: 01276 32691.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Mike Hughes.

Details: 01252 519964.

FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Gigabit. Details: 01276 34735.

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

FLEET – The Broadway Club, Albert Street GU51 3RN. T Roze and Co. Details: 01252 613512.

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Oasis UK tribute band. Details: 01252 811009.

FLEET – Prince of Wales,

Reading Road South GU52 7SY. Custard Cream. Details: 01252 614284.

MYTCHETT – The Miners Arms, Mytchett Road GU16 6EZ. Blackspires.

Details: 01252 509088.

READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Kings ov Leon. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – South Street arts centre. The Delaware Road: an illusory soundtrack performance.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Jim Hammond Trio. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper.

Details: 0118 953 0000.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Syn City Rockers. Details: 01252 878938.

SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. Disco Steve. Details: 01252 873220.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said and Done. Details: 07946 342551.

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

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. IndisciplineD. Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Murphy James. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 15 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band NIght. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. How Sweet It Is. Details: 0118 969 8000.

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

Monday, November 16 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, November 18 READING – The Hexagon.

Queen Extravaganza.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – South Street arts centre. Kiln - A Journey Round My Skull. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Drench / Captivves Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road. Wokingham Folk and Acoustic Blues Club.

8pm. Free entry. Details: www.facebook.com/ WokFAB

Thursday, November 19 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ.

Ronan Macmanus.

Details: 01276 684999.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Open mic/jam night. Details: 01276 27641.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Matt Montana. Details: 01344 772241.

SUNNINGDALE – Sunningdale Lounge, London Road SL5 0DG. Sociology. Details: 01344 876887.

READING – The Hexagon. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Radical Dance Formation. Details: 0118 959 7196.

TWYFORD – Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. The Triple O Band (formerly Out of Order) Details: 0118 934 0456.

Friday, November 20 BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. The Lord John Band. Details: 01276 473768.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Lionel Richie Cabaret Night. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Aleksander Pavlovich: Conservatoire Concert Series. Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ.The Firm.

Details: 01276 63842.an, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Bob Thomson. Details: 01344 307620.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Flutatious.

Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Phil and Al. Details: 01252 519964.

KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, RG10 9UP. Gary Roman Elvis tribute. Details: 01628 826622.

READING – South Street arts centre. Third Friday Blues: Tyzack and Tortora. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. In Too Deep. Details: 01252 878938.

WOKINGHAM – The Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street.

Re-opening party with the Nine Mile Riders. Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. The Turn. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday November 21 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

The Spirals. Details: 01344 878100.

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

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: Folk & Roots Music. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – Crown Wood Community Centre, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Murphy James. Details: 07707 681202.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Serial Thrillers. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. NNU Music. Details: 01344 422622.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Replicant.

Details: 01276 32691.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Smoke N Fire. Details: 01252 616434.

EARLEY – Maiden Place Social Club, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Zipper Tongue.

Details: 0118 926 0850.

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

FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Lee Aaron Band.

Details: 01252 811311.

MORTIMER – The Victoria Arms, Victoria Road RG7 3SE. The Purple Zeppelins. Details: 0118 933 2624.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Showcase: Chain Gang and DJ. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Tameka Jackson and the Miracles. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper.

Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. England’s Dreaming. Details: 0118 957 6930.

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Last Night A DJ Saved My Life. Fri. Robbers, Rebels and Royals. Fri. The Nutcracker. Sat. Sam Lee and Friends.

Sat. Basingstoke Choral Society. Sun. EFDD Conference. Mon. Brit Floyd.

Wed. Lynched. Wed. Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Thurs. Joe Brown in Concert. Fri 20. Frankly Sinatra. Sat 21.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Grease. Thurs-November 28.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Shakespeare Schools Festival. Fri. Bracknell Jazz: Dominic Ashworth and support. Fri. Comedy Cellar. Fri. Craft and Design Fair. Sat-Sun. Tapathon World Record Attempt in aid of Children of Need. Sun. Aleksander Pavlovich: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri 20. Raymondo. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Artree Live; Folk and Roots Music. Sat 21. The Sitcom

Experience: Del and Rodney Dinner Show. Sat 21. Wilde Sundays. Sun 22.

FILMS: Everest. Fri-Sun. Close Encounter.

Fri. A Girl At My Door. Tues.

McFarland. Wed, Fri. Of Mice and Men. Thurs. A Walk In The Woods. Fri 20-Sat 21. Gone With the Wind. Sun 22.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Unforgettable. Fri. NVSDD Showtime 2015. Sat. Shakespeare Schools Festival. Mon. The Frank Sinatra Show.

Wed. An Evening of Clairvoyance with Lesley Carver. Fri 20.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quizote of La Mancha. Sat. Puss In Boots. Sun. Didcot Girls School and Didcot Sixth Form College. Wed-Thurs. James Acaster. Fri 20. Calan. Sun 22.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 King Charles III.Until Sat. ROH Encore Screening: Carmen/Viscera/Afternoon

of a Fawn/Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux.

Sun. A Murder Is Announced. Mon-Sat 21.

Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 National Youth Jazz Orchestra: 50 Years of NYJO. Fri. The Nutcracker Ballet.

Sat. HAODS presents Anything Goes.

Wed-Sat 21.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Oye Santana. Sat. Peppa Pig’s Surprise.

Sat-Sun. Lord of the Flies. Tues-Sat 21. The Neverland Ball. Sat. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Sun 22.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 So Comedy Live. Fri. Laurie Holloway in Concert. Sat. The Vinyl Frontier: Discovery by ELO v Breakfast In America by Supertramp. Sat. Sunday Stories. Sun. The Heath String Quartet with James Baillieu. Thurs. Stephen K Amos: The Laughter Master. Fri 20, Sat 21. Artisan Fair. Sat 21. Jig Doll. Sat 21.

FILMS: The Martian. Fri, Tues. ELO Live: Carmen. Sun. Macbeth. Sun, Wed.

WEY INdisciplineD LIVE MUSIC Live music every Saturday playing the best progressive rock covers you could ask for

Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

Cafe: David Cooke. Fri 20. Third Friday Blues: Tyzack and Tortora. Fri 20.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Beauty and the Beast. Fri. The Cecilia Consort: Celebrating 25 Years. Sat. Solid Gold 70s Show. Sat. ROH Encore Screening: Carmen/Viscera/Afternoon of a Fawn/Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux.

Sun. NT Encore: Of Mice and Men. Thurs. Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri 20.

Carols at the Corn Exchange. Sat 21.

FILM: SPECTRE. Fri 13-Thurs 19.

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Moscow Ballet: La Classique presents Sleeping Beauty. Fri. Carmen. Sun. Queen Extravaganza. Wed. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Thurs. Henning Wehn: Eins, Zwei, Diy. Sat 21.

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Christmas Fair. Fri. Gormenghast. Until Sat. Alice in Wonderland. Thurs-Jan 3.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 The Delaware Road: An Illusory Soundtrack Performance. Sat. Kiln: A Journey Round My Skull. Wed. Nish Kumar: Long Word … Long Word …

Blah Blah Blah … I’m So Clever. Thurs.

Jim Boyes with Belinda O’Hooley: Sensations of a Wound. Thurs 19. Poets

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374.

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. James Bond Concert Spectacular.

Details: 01252 811009.

This Saturday @ 9pm

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

Newbury – The Watermill

Sunday, November 22

HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out!

AT THE THEATRE Basingstoke – The Anvil

SANDHURST – Wellington Arms, Yorktown Road GU47 9BN. Charlie Chandlers Little Rock.

Details: 01252 872408.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Stret GU26 9PL. Undercovers. Details: 01276 858501.

WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Watching Wallace. Details: 01344 882205.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live music TBC. 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.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Bronte. Until Sat. Jazz at the Progress: Darius Brubeck Quartet. Fri 20.

Reading – St Barts www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Diaochan, The Rise of the Courtesan. Sat. Take Two! Sat 21.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Playing Away. Wed-Sat. Youth Group Review Evenings. Dec 4-5.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Round and Round The Garden. Until Nov 21. Tim Valentine. Fri, Sat. How Sweet It Is. Sun. Storytime: I Love You Blue Kangeroo. Wed, 10.30am.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Nutcracker. Until Sat. Frankly Sinatra.

Sun. Blood Brothers. Tues-Nov 28.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 The Shawshank Redemption. Until Sat. Ruby Wax: Sane New World. Sun. Annie. Tues-Sat 21.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Wokingham Youth Theatre presents The Canterbury Tales. Until Sat Next show: The Flint Street Nativity. Dec 2-12.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Next show: Bell, Book and Candle. Nov 24-28.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

The acoustic couch

AT THE CINEMA

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Kim Taylor-Foster

Tales of witchcraft get spines tingling

A half-baked look at the celebrity chef

Burnt (15) ««««« Stars: Bradley Copper, Sienna Miller, Emma Thompson and Matthew Rhys Spook-tacular: Spriggan Mist in action at the Rose and Crown pub in Sandhurst.

Spriggan Mist wowed the crowds at the Rose and Crown in Sandhurst when they recounted tales of betrayal and murder

storyteller Rik Knight, served up a rollercoaster of haunting songs and tales of betrayal, murder and witchcraft.

This was the penultimate date of their 2015 Ghostly Tales tour, which ended at The Boot Inn in Bracknell last Saturday.

Local legends were retold with enthusiasm, accompanied by carefully crafted vocal harmonies, musical skill and diversity. The band played a range of songs from their current and previous CDs to

I

T was indeed ghostly tales a plenty at the Rose and Crown in Sandhurst on Sunday, November 1.

The excellent Spriggan Mist, ably supported by musician and

Tough

5

Previous solution - Medium

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

3 7

2 1

7

2

4

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

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

No. 255

1

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

Easy

2 4 3 6

8 9 7 6 5 3 1 4 2

3 4 2 8 7 9 8

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

7

4

Previous solution - Very Hard

5

8

1

4 9

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

6 8

STEVE WEBB

SUDOKU

No. 255

3

bring them to life and the listener is taken along with them on the journey.

The band had played another gig the previous night in Derbyshire, but this seemed only to reinforce their energy and humour.

This was, as always a full on performance. ‘Spriggs’ delivered us a great evening’s entertainment, as always. If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure you do soon, you won’t regret it.

4 9 1 8

5 3 2

7

8

7

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

STR8TS

an attentive crowd, many of whom sang along enthusiastically to the choruses.

Spriggan Mist have developed their distinctive sound through their four CDs and several line-up changes, settling now on a five-piece format.

They clearly enjoy what they do and there is chemistry at work, which comes across in every number. Whether relating tales of highwaymen, or greedy innkeepers; witches or gods, they

2 3 4 1 9 8 6 5 7

6 5 1 2 7 4 8 3 9

7 4 6 5 8 2 9 1 3

1 2 5 3 4 9 7 6 8

9 8 3 7 6 1 5 2 4

5 7 2 8 3 6 4 9 1

4 1 8 9 2 5 3 7 6

3 6 9 4 1 7 2 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.

W

HAT do you think of when you think of top chefs?

The reported meltdowns of the charismatic yet volatile Marco Pierre White perhaps, and the vitriolic outbursts of Gordon Ramsay, no doubt. A fiery temperament is the definition of ‘chef’ for many of us – we’ve seen enough series of Kitchen Nightmares to know this.

And so Burnt, a film about a stormy yet brilliant chef, unearths no revelations. Worse, it’s cliché-packed and pointless.

Relevant some time around 1992, or whenever it was that the celebrity chef first became a big thing (and the media started declaring chefs the new rock stars), in 2015, Burnt feels very dated.

Crumbs, even Gordon Ramsay’s barely even a thing any more (which may explain his involvement as executive producer on the film).

Bradley Cooper is one-time blue-eyed American boy Adam Jones, who began to make a name for himself in the kitchens of Paris before turning to booze and drugs and throwing it all away.

We meet him in London where he’s landed to make a fresh start, act all cleaned up and determined to win a third Michelin star by taking on head chef duties at a restaurant at The Langham Hotel.

Assembling a staff, he pulls together his old team with a couple of newbies – notably talented London-based chef and single mum Helene (Sienna Miller), who’s more than a match for his temper and who sees his softer side.

With Adam sworn off women and Helene seemingly unprepared to sit back and take his bullying ways, something romantic looks bound to happen. This is Hollywood, after all – albeit set in London.

A supremely talented cast including Emma Thompson, Daniel Brühl and Matthew Rhys promises greatness but this is never delivered, despite a screenplay by Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things).

Burnt is overcooked, and lacks subtlety and depth. In comparison with other more inventive films about cheffing, such as Ratatouille, Julie & Julia and Chef, it’s soufflé-light and will leave you cold.

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

28 | LEISURE

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What’s on Friday, November 13 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives.

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Ian Raven mind reader and magic evening with singer Nicole Allen. Nonmembers £1. Details: 0118 931 3965.

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

SINDLESHAM – Winnersh Community Centre, New Road RG41 5DU. Tai Chi: an evening of silk reeling with Master Chen Yingjun.

7pm-10pm. Details: www. berkshiretaichi.co.uk WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment.

Details: 020 7219 4205.

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

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Sounds of Harmony with The Bulmershe Ensemble and the Liquoriuce Allsorts Clarinet Ensemble. 7.30pm. £12. Details: 0118 977 4257.

Saturday, November 14 BRACKNELL – St Joseph’s Church, Stanley Walk RG12 1HA. Bracknell Choral Society autumn concert with the Senesino Players: Faure’s Requiem, Rheinberger’s Mass in C and Stabat Mater. £15, including a glass of wine.

Details: 07922 662740 or www.bracknellchoral.org.uk.

EARLEY – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue RG6 1DN. Cianna’s Smile Sickle Cell fundraising £1 clothes sale.

Entry 50p. 2pm-4pm.

EMMBROOK – Village Hall.

Emmbrook Residents Association quiz night in aid of association and Alzheimer’s Society. Teams of 6-8. £10, includes fish n chip sipper. Advance booking only. Details: 0118 978 9852.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary and St John Parish Centre, Vicarage Close, Billing Avenue RG40 4JW. Messy church. 11am-1pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Dad and Baby Rhymetime. 10.30am11am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Reading Symphony Orchestra autumn concert. £15, under 16s/students £5.

Details: 0118 986 0707.

SINDLESHAM – Winnersh Community Centre, New Road RG41 5DU. Tai Chi: Laojia Yilu (Old Frame, First Form) seminar with Master Chen Yingjun. 10am5pm. Details: www. berkshiretaichi.co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Annual concert with local musicians. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road, RG40 1UE. Reading Bach Choir in concert: Maurice Duruflé Requiem. £12.50, concessions £10, students £8, under 16s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Dad and Baby Rhymetime for up to 18 months. 10am10.30am. Poetry Writing Group for adults. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. St Sebastian’s autumn clearance: help wanted with leaf sweeping, grass cutting, tea and coffee making. Bring garden tools if you can.

9am-noon. Details: 01344 761050.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Church walk. Come dressed for the weather.

10am. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Quiz evening in aid of the church’s Ecuador project. 6pm10.30am. Details: 0118 966 2568.

WOODLEY – Bulmershe

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. The Thames Valley Chorus in concert with the Bulmershe Ensemble and the Liquorice Allsorts Clarinet Ensemble. £12. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 4257.

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

Sunday, November 15 KNOWL HILL – St Peter’s Church. Myricles Quintet Concert: light music from films and shows. Free entry, donations welcomed. 4pm.

SINDLESHAM – Winnersh Community Centre, New Road RG41 5DU. Tai Chi: Laojia Yilu (Old Frame, First Form) seminar with Master Chen Yingjun.

10am-5pm. Details: www. berkshiretaichi.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Choral Evensong sermon series: Life Abundant with the Revd Canon Leanne Roberts. 6.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road, RG40 1UE. Annual memorial service for those who have lost a loved one.

3pm. Details: 0118 979 2797.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride RG40 3AT. Hospitality Sunday lunches.

Contact church office for details: 01344 761050.

Monday, November 16 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Board games club. 2pm3pm. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the Books book club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

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

Details: 0118 988 4771.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Village Hall Committee AGM. 8pm. Details: 0118 988 3483.

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

Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

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

Drop-in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Network Fellowship group: visit to Henry Street Garden Centre. 2pm.

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

Tuesday, November 17 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: The Second Mother (Que Horas Ela Volta?) (15).

7.45pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre. co.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Guess How Much I Love you Storytime with crafts.

2pm-2.45pm. £1.50. Details: 0118 908 8176.

TWYFORD – Library, Edward Polehampton Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Knit and Natter. Drop in knitting group for adults.

2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 934 0800.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society Meeting: Ronnie Ireland: Trees/ Orchard in acyrlics.

7.30pm. £4, includes refreshments. Details: www.wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Evening Townswomen’s Guild presents Bob Whelpton about the History of Continental Chocolates.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 989 2649.

WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Third Tuesday Group.

Group meets to discuss new books, bestsellers and favourites. Adult event.

10.30am to 11.30am.

Storytime for children ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. National Careers Service: Advice

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

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groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

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Time of event: Contact number for readers:

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Send your forms to: What’s On, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

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, November 18 FINCHAMPSTEAD Finchampstead Library, FBCentre, Gorse Ride North, Wokingham, RG40 4ES. Finchampstead Library Book group. Book group meet to discuss new books and favourite books.

Adult event. 10.30am to 11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

SHINFIELD – Parish Hall, Church Lane. Pound Green Shinfield Women’s Institute meeting: The Great Train Robbery. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 988 2648.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road, RG40 1UE. All Saints Fellowship meeting: Shopping with the Victorians. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 977 0223.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street.

Alzheimer’s Café: guest speaker Allyson Bartram, Berkshire Trading Standards. 2pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road.

Wokingham Folk and Acoustic Blues Club. 8pm.

Free entry. Details: www. facebook.com/WokFAB WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months.

10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: for ages 18 month to 3 years. 11am11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

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

National Careers Service.

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

Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, November 19 BEECH HILL – St Mary’s Church. The Village Shop Christmas shopping evening featuring local goods. 6pm8.30pm. Details: 0118 327 2645.

EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: London Road (15), followed by Q&A. 7.30pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

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

EMMBROOK – Village Hall.

Emmbrook Pre-School fundraising Pampered Chef Party. 7.30pm.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: daily living without sight. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am.

Storytime for ages 3-5.

2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Rhymetime: rhymes and stories for under fives.

2.30pm-3pm.Crafts and Laughs. 3pm-4pm. Details: 0118 988 4771.

SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Swallowfield Local history Society meeting: The Poor Laws: How Did It Work For Swallowfield Residents? with Jennifer Highwood 7.45pm. Details: www. slhsoc.org.uk.

WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Prayers for parish and world. 8pm. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting.

Landscapes for all Seasons with Robert Harvey. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670.

WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Home educated book group for ages 7-14.

Booking essential. 10.30am11.30am.

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. Classics Book Group: for lovers of Dickens, Austen etc.

6.30pm-7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road.

Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Julian Barnes: A Sense of Ending, a talk by Professor Michael Hattaway. £2.50 nonmembers. 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 978 6782.

WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Book chat: book recommendations and coffee. 10.30am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

Friday, November 20 BRACKNELL – Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood RG42 1TU. Berkshire Family History Society Bracknell and Wokingham Branch meeting: The Almshouse Association by Sue Turner.

7.15pm. Free entry.

Details: 0118 950 9553.

EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue).

Reading and Wokingham

Spanish Circle meeting: Flores Silvestres De La Patagonia y EL Norte De Argentina: a talk by Ricardo Sussman. 7.45pm. £3.

Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Flutatious.

7.45pm. £10 advance, £12.50 on door. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk.

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

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

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Scrabble club.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 931 3124.

TWYFORD – Library, Edward Polehampton Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Guess How Much I Love you Storytime with crafts. 10.45am-11.30am. £1.50. Details: 0118 934 0800.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Christmas charity market.

10am-4pm. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon.

Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually impaired. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Scout Hut, Norreys Avenue Rg40 1TA. 3rd Wokingham ‘Mayor’s Own’ Scout Group Christmas market. 6pm9pm. 50p.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. National Carers Rights Day. Learn more about keeping fit and well, including information on flu jabs, SHaRON and the the New Community Navigator project. Lunch and Refreshments provided.

9.30am-2pm. Booking: 0800 988 5462 or helpline@ berkshirecarers.org WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Flower Club Christmas special demonstration: By Candle Light with Graham King. Non-members £10. Details: 0118 969 5697.

Saturday, November 21 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road RG42 4AH. Thames Voyces presents Sacred Sounds: Mozart, Rutter and Gounod. £12, £10 concessions, under 16s free.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 967 7319.

CROWTHORNE – The Old Gym, Wellington College RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra in concert: Elgar Overtune In The South, Brahms, Grieg. £10 advance, £12 on the door,

under 16s free. Details: 0118 972 2164.

HURST – Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Jack Russell Meet-up: a social walk round Black Swan Lake. Noon-2pm.

Details: thefonzjrt@gmail. com HURST – Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike and Twilight Trail. 7pm. £10, under 16s £5. Details: 0118 939 4889.

MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Storytime for ages 3-5.

10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630.

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road Campus, Reading RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society presents Mendelssohn’s Elijah. £15, under 18s £5. From 6.45pm. Details: tickets@ wokingham-choral-society. org.uk TWYFORD – Scout Hut, London Road RG10 9JA. 1980s Disco organised

by Polehampton Junior School PTA. Cash bar. £10.

Details: pjspta@hotmail. co.uk.

WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Curry evening with quiz and talk about Massai Evangelistic Association. £15. 7pm. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Christmas charity market.

10am-4pm. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall. Town councillors’ surgery. 10am-noon.

Drop-in. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wade Christmas fair. 1 1am-2pm.

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

10.30am-noon.

Wokingham Writers Group for adults.

10am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Keep Hatch School, Ashridge Road RG40 1PG. Ashridge Nursery winter fayre.

Mulled wine, hot dogs, tea and cake, Winter corner. £1, children free. 10.30am1.30pm.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime for parents and children.

11am. Children’s writing group for ages 9-12. 2pm2.45pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, November 22 TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road.

Sunday Roast: Stage Fright presents an acting afternoon for all ages, to retell a famous Bible story.

3pm-5pm. All welcome.

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Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, notice is hereby given that any persons having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the above named, late of 106 Acorn Drive, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1EU, who died on 04/06/2015 are required to send written particulars to the undersigned on or before 07/01/2016, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice.

H Robinson, 213 Cambridge Road, Hitchin, SG4 0JP GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Mr R Christmas & Mrs S Christmas trading as Time Marquees of Magnolia House, Fleet Lane, Finchampstead RG40 4RN is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To keep an extra 1 goods vehicles at the operating centre at Magnolia House, Fleet Lane, Finchampstead RG40 4RN Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD, HEATHLANDS ROAD, WOKINGHAM WITHOUT) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2015 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along Easthampstead Road between its junctions with Waterloo Road and Old Wokingham Road and to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along Heathlands Road for its entirety.

The reason for the prohibition is to enable Wokingham Borough Council contractors to carry out essential highway maintenance works in safety.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by the restriction applying to Easthampstead Road travelling north shall be via Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham Road, and B3430 Nine Mile Ride or by this route reversed.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these closures will be maintained at all times.

The restrictions to vehicular traffic will only be in effect whilst the necessary signs are displayed.

The Order will come into operation on 26th November 2015 and will continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed whichever is the earlier. It is, however, anticipated that the works will be carried out between the hours of 09:30 hours and 16:00 hours and will be completed on the 26th November.

Dated this 13th day of November 2015.

Andrew Moulton Head of Governance & Improvement Services Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 151, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

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PUBLIC NOTICES Betty Evelyn Robinson (Deceased)

CLASSIFIEDS | 29

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Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

MOTORING

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FOR SALE SIX JOHN LEWIS PERSPEX & CHROME CHAIRS in two ‘colours’; 3 transparent & 3 translucent green. £180 for complete set of 6 chairs. Tel. 07427 026598 SET LADIES GOLF CLUBS. Yonex Nanospeed driver, 3 and 5 woods. Ping Rhapsody irons. Odyssey 2-ball putter.

Powerkaddy bag with covers. Ball retriever. Suit lady 5’3”. £225 ono. Details: 0774 777 1949.

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

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

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

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

Details: 0118 971 2952.

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

HAND BELL /SCHOOL BELL .

Brass with wooden handle 8½ins good condition £35 ono. 0118 971 2952.

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*Adam 1.2 Glam cash price £12,900 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1840 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £9,600 – 35 monthly payments of £139 – final optional payment £4,766 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £13471 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Corsa 1.2 Energy cash price £11,600 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1300 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount to credit £8300– 35 monthly payments of £119 – final optional payment £4,538 – 4.5% representative APR – total amount payable £12003 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv cash price £17,400 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £3210 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £16,112 – 35 monthly payments of £189 – final optional payment £6,345 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £18170 – the contracted mileage over the full term is 15,000 miles. Astra 1.4 Excite cash price £17,940 – customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £11,940 – 60 monthly payments of £199 – 0% representative APR – total amount payable £17,940 -Swappage and £6,000 minimum part exchange vehicle must have a minimum of 90 Days Ownership. These offers supersede ant other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excess mileage will be charged on the above vehicles. This promotion is available on the above model and is available on Eden Vauxhall stock only. Cars must be registered by October 31st 2015. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Applicant must be 18 years or over. Finance by Vauxhall finance, PO Box 6666 Cardiff CF15 7YT and Black Horse finance St William House Tresillian Terrace Cardiff CF10 5BH. For further please contact your local Eden branch.

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Your weekly puzzle challenge

32 | LEISURE

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Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 1

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2. What creature in Australian rhyming slang is known as a noah?

7. Actress Celia Imrie played a flirtatious older woman in which hit 2012 film set in India?

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NONAGRAM

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9. The kingcup is another name for which British flower?

R

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

AGE-RELATED IDLING

I

B

I

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 G through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber.

E S

D

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.

GL

IL

6 3 9

IA

AR

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

OI

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8 2 7 3 7 9

5

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

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

DY

EQUALISER 4 8 14 2 1 2 2 4 2 1 4 1

9

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.

8

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.

7 4 1 6

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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ACROSS 1. It more than covers a Mexican (8)

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DOWN 1. One enjoying cruelty is unhappy first (6)

5. Recognise the sound of a refusal (4)

2. Some other name for a short-lived particle (5)

8. One planning to be a draughtsman (8)

3. Normal rule (10)

11. One t-shirt? (7)

BE

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

5 9 4 4 6 1

2

21

FIVE ALIVE

SUDOKU Easy

1

9. Chieftain seen in the mirror (4)

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.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

10. Who wrote Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea?

WORD PYRAMID

A G E

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

8. In myth, Melpomene was the Greek muse of what?

5. Which French physicist gave his name to the SI unit of electric current?

24 7

6. In which Canadian city is the CN Tower?

4. What nationality is the former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali?

13 15

1. Which pan-African body was founded in 1963?

3. The Beatles had their first UK hit single on which record label?

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

13. Hearing check (5) 14. Saw Richard, that’s sweet (7,4) 18. Despicable person has one ring, an unusual item (5) 19. Revolutionary observed showing signs of crying (3-4)

4. Deer eggs! (3) 6. Wandering from riotous manic do (7) 7. Short month after hostilities open in heated fashion (6) 10. Worker at eastern docks transferred (6,4) 12. Belonging to them in the Inland Revenue (5)

21. Cricket match trial (4)

15. Reading gives endless new pleasure (7)

22. Vine crop cultivated in Quebec perhaps (8)

16. Frustrate the spirit (6) 17. Stick poster in this place (6)

24. Limp to a standstill (4)

20. Pulls Americans (5)

25. Game gets the French angry with Spain (8)

23. Drowned valley to dry up (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Pouched mammal (9) 9. Female monarch’s title (6) 10. Cooking appliance (4) 11. Notion (4) 12. Downright (6) 13. Makes beloved (7) 16. Projecting knob (4) 17. Rescue (4) 18. Garland (3) 20. Hail (3) 21. Study (4)

23. Rugged rock (4) 25. In no place (7) 26. Large aeroplane (6) 29. Piquancy (4) 30. Central Asian prince (4) 31. Detestable (6) 32. Cobbler (9) DOWN 2. Coming (6) 3. Felt (6) 4. Gripping tool (6) 5. Region (4) 6. Erudite (7) 7. Prima donna (4)

8. Game bird (9) 13. Moving staircase (9) 14. Deceive (4) 15. Devil (5) 18. Entice (4) 19. Evergreen shrub (7) 22. Computer security device (6) 23. Period of polo game (6) 24. Mysterious, secret (6) 27. Precipitation (4) 28. Waistband (4)

5 3 1 7 6 9 8 4 2

9 4 2 5 3 8 7 1 6

8 6 7 2 1 4 3 5 9

4 2 5 3 9 7 6 8 1

7 1 3 8 5 6 2 9 4

6 9 8 1 4 2 5 7 3

3 7 9 4 2 5 1 6 8

1 5 4 6 8 3 9 2 7

7 9 2 4 6 1 5 3 8

2 8 6 9 7 1 4 3 5

EASY SUDOKU

X

H

C

J

14 1

15 2

P

16 3

CROSS CODE

A

6 3 1 8 5 2 9 7 4

5 4 8 7 3 9 6 2 1

8 6 5 9 1 3 7 4 2

3 7 9 2 4 5 8 1 6

2 1 4 6 8 7 3 5 9

9 5 3 1 2 8 4 6 7

1 8 6 3 7 4 2 9 5

4 2 7 5 9 6 1 8 3

HARD SUDOKU

M

17 4

Z

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18 5

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19 6

O

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20 7

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21 8

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22 9

B

WORD PYRAMID: Queen’s Messenger.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; subtract; multiply; add. Total: 6.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Marsupial; 9 Regina; 10 Oven; 11 Idea; 12 Arrant; 13 Endears; 16 Stud; 17 Save; 18 Lei; 20 Ave; 21 Read; 23 Crag; 25 Nowhere; 26 Airbus; 29 Tang; 30 Khan; 31 Odious; 32 Shoemaker.

Down – 2 Advent; 3 Sensed; 4 Pliers; 5 Area; 6 Learned; 7 Diva; 8 Partridge; 13 Escalator; 14 Dupe; 15 Satan; 18 Lure; 19 Arbutus; 22 Dongle; 23 Chukka; 24 Arcane; 27 Rain; 28 Sash.

Warmth; 10 Handed over; 12 Their; 15 Perusal; 16 Scotch; 17 abridge; abridger; aged; badge; MAGIC SQUARE: badger; barge; barged; begad; Adhere; 20 Yanks; 23 Ria. tale; arid; ling; edge. berg; brag; bridge; brig; brigade; BRIGADIER; debag; dirge; drag; egad; garb; garbed; gear; gibe; gibed; gird; girder; grab; grad; grade; grader; grid; rage; raged; rager; regard; ridge; rigid.

K

23

L

10

U

24 11

I

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25

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12

F

26

N

13

Down – Gilts; Enter; Needy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Sombrero; 5 Know; 8 Designer; 9 Emir; 11 Singlet; 13 (2) Across – Libra; Roach; Oiled.

Down – Largo; Brawl; Ached.

Audit; 14 Spotted dick; 18 Curio; 19 Red-eyed; 21 Test; 22 Province; 24 Halt; 25 Lacrosse.

NONAGRAM: Down – 1 Sadist; 2 Meson; 3 Regulation; 4 Roe; 6 Nomadic; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Organisation of African Unity; 2 Shark; 3 Parlophone; 4 Egyptian; 5 André-Marie Ampère; 6 Toronto; 7 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; 8 Tragedy; 9 The marsh marigold; 10 Jules Verne.

(1) Across – Glean; Litre; Stray.

FIVE ALIVE:

WOKINGHAM SPORT

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

Contact the sports desk: sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk | Log on the for latest sports news www.wokinghampaper.co.uk IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

THE ALL BLACKS ARE BEATEN! Rams run out comfortable winners in basement battle — Page 35

BASKETBALL

must learn from Ruel Britannia! Boccia ace Rockets loss to Thunder – Garces Tia handed England call-up

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk A BOCCIA fanatic from Finchampstead has double reason to celebrate having been called up to represent her country and also selected to attend a talent camp.

Being named in the England Lions for the 2015/16 season was followed up by the news 18-year-old Tia Ruel has been chosen to attend a Youth Sport Trust Talent Camp next month.

Similar to bowls, Boccia is a precision ball sport contested at all levels by athletes and participants with severe physical disabilities.

Former All Saints Primary School pupil Ruel, who also lists winning the Get Berkshire Active’s Junior Sports Personality of the Year Award back in 2013 among her triumphs, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, but this does not interfere with her love of sport.

And her progression through the game’s ranks – Tia currently boasts a national ranking of fifth in the BC1 category – has been helped by SportsAble.

The Maidenhead-based club specialises in sports from grassroots to Paralympic levels with, to date, exactly 46 members going on to represent Team GB. These have all competed across the last 10 Paralympic Games.

Through hard work and SportsAble’s help and support, Tia has seized many opportunities to improve herself, not just as an athlete – but both independently and socially too.

She may need round-the-clock care and assistance, but when it comes to Boccia, she excels, with her efforts also landing her a place in the England team

Tia Ruel has been named in the Boccia England Lions squad

which participated at the Czech Open in Prague back in May, where she reached the quarter-finals.

Tia’s mum, Melissa Paulden, is also marketing manager at SportsAble, which attracts members from not only across Berkshire, but also London, Oxfordshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

She said: “Tia has gone from being

GYMNASTICS

Pinewood Gymnastic Club’s Level 4 girls celebrate victory in Wiltshire

Quattro success for Pinewood’s Level 4 girls over in Wiltshire PINEWOOD Gymnastics Club was among the winners at the Quattro Cup in Wiltshire.

The three-day competition saw the girls competing at Level 4 go on to take top spot in their respective category.

The combined scores of Dixie Lindsay (third overall), Helena Vindall (4th), Scarlett Hutton (13th), Chloe Holt (14th) and Annabelle Johnny (17th) helped put Pinewood top of the team standings.

Taking to the floor at Level 3, meanwhile, Anna Browne and Sophie Prior were ranked 12th and 14th respectively, while a great routine from Georgia Pickford saw her placed fourth overall at Level 2.

Also turning out at the event was Nyah Reddyhough and Summa Hammond, who both competed in the out of age

good at Boccia to being a regional champion with a national ranking of fifth in her category.

“I joined SportsAble a few years ago with my daughter, and it is the best thing we have ever done.”

Tia returns to action at the BE Cup in Guildford, with the first round taking place on December 6.

MANUEL Pena Garces hopes lessons will have been learned by his Reading Rockets side following back-to-back defeats.

The coach saw his side go down to a narrow 70-68 reverse to Worthing Thunder in the National Trophy, a result which saw the side finish fourth in their respective pool, meaning a quarter-final date away at Lancashire Spinners awaits the side in the New Year.

Defeat came just a week after Rockets saw their 11-game winning streak ended

by Hemel Storm.

Garces is now preparing his side for the visit of Westminster Warriors to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre tomorrow night (7.45pm), where a third loss on the spin would see Reading lose their unbeaten start to the new NBL Division 1 season.

And the Spaniard has made it very clear his charges need to show more discipline during the important stages of a game.

“We did not deserve to win the game on Sunday because we made a lot of bad errors and were not disciplined in the parts of the game that required us to be and this is something we need to put right during this week of practice,” said Garces.

“Credit to Worthing, they played a good game but we need to be accountable for our mistakes and that will be our main focus – as well as

continuing to put in the hard work that we have already done so far this season.”

He added: “Having lost back-to-back games will, in fact, help us, I think, and get us prepared for the tough test we are to face this Saturday against Westminster, a team that has also started the season off really well but lost a few games in recent weeks.

“I think this is an ideal game for us because we play an opponent that will give us a really good test, an opponent that plays physically and an opponent that we have beaten, meaning we can take some confidence from that but, at the same time, be in the knowledge of their threats.

“A really good game is in store and I am really hoping we can get back to winning ways and maintain our unbeaten start to Division One.” Rockets go into the Warriors clash with no new injury concerns.

Having returned to the court with a 10 minute cameo appearance last time out, a fit again Joel Keeble will be hoping to return to Garces’ plans having recovered from a fractured rib.

Captain Danny Carter, meanwhile, was unscaythed after returning from a knee complaint with a 20-point salvo during the loss to Worthing, while forward David Ajumobi will be hoping to maintain the form which saw him rack up 21 points and eight rebounds in the same game.

SNOOKER

each contest lasts just one frame of a maximum of 10 minutes, with a shot clock of 15 seconds in place before reducing to just 10 seconds as the game draws to a dramatic close.

“We are delighted to bring the Shoot-Out to The Hexagon for the first time,” said World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn.

“It’s a fabulous venue and one which was renowned on the snooker circuit for many years when it hosted the Grand Prix (between 1984 and 1993).

“There are few events which can match the Shoot-Out for sheer exhilaration. For the players, it’s all about who can handle the pressure when the clock is ticking.”

The event takes place from February 12-14 and will be televised on ITV4.

Witness a Shoot-Out at the Hexagon next year READING is to host one of snooker’s most hotly contested tournaments on the calendar when the Snooker Shoot-Out visits The Hexagon next year.

The event first began in 2011 and has been held in Blackpool every year, but will make its Berkshire debut in February.

The best players from across the world are invited to the unique competition, which includes reigning world champion Stuart Bingham, world number one Mark Selby and current Shoot-Out holder Michael White, which is based on a 64man knockout format.

Unlike regular snooker matches,

CYCLING

Closed golf club to host popular race

Level 3 section. And both performed admirably, with Hammond fifth overall and Reddyhough a few places down the standings in 10th.

In the same pool, but representing the club at Level 2, was Jessica Castles.

A very bad fall on the beam, however, was not going to deter the member, who recovered brilliantly as she not only went on to take second place, but also received the special award for her artistry on the floor.

THE DEFUNCT Hurst Golf Club will be the venue for a cycle race taking place on Sunday, November 22.

The brainchild of Cycle Sport and organised by the GS Henley Club, the 22 hectare, nine-hole course, which closed last year, will host a cyclo course race meeting for riders of all ages and standards.

Starting at 11.15am, up to 200 competitors are expected to attend.

The programme will begin with an Under-12s competition and will cover every age group for males and females up to adults and veterans, who will push off in the main event at 2.15pm.

Prices are charged at £2.50 (children), £6 (U16s), £9 (novice men and women), £10 (junior men/women) and £12 for veterans if bought in advance.

These will rise to £5, £10, £15 and £20 if admission is paid for on the day.

The cost also covers the price of insurance needed for the competition.

The aim of the organisers from this particular event is to encourage and promote participation in cycling for all, especially cyclists of a youth age, but every ability and age group.

To sign up visit www.britishcycling. org.uk/events/details/138295/CentralCyclo-Cross-League-Round-9-(GS-Henley).

34 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

HOCKEY

Goal King Tom nets again but Wokingham are beaten

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Wokingham celebrate one of the goals scored by Tom King (right) Pictures: Paul King

Despite their best defensive efforts, the hosts fell to a narrow defeat

TWO GOALS from Tom King could not prevent Wokingham Men from slipping to defeat by the odd goal in five when hosting Aylesbury in MBBO Regional Division 2.

The hosts were beaten in a 3-2 defeat

by Austin Greenlee, Jake Hodgins and James Penson strikes.

On an individual note, however, King’s efforts moved him up to joint third in the leading goalscorers this term on six goals.

Wokingham 2s, meanwhile, were sadly no match for Division 3 leaders Gerrards Cross.

Cameron Dunlop netted twice, but his strikes did little to soften the blow from a 6-2 reverse.

Led by the braces scored by Greg Causer and Marcus Wilson, the visitors wrapped up a fifth win in six games courtesy of further strikes from Charlie Newell and Michael Thompson.

Defeat leaves Wokingham eighth in the standings.

Away at Maidenhead Magicians in Division 7, Wokingham 3s were brushed aside in a 5-0 loss.

The club’s Veterans XI were away at Horsham Hobblers in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance.

But they would return to the borough

Aylesbury are outnumbered as Wokingham attack

empty handed following a 4-2 defeat.

Wokingham Ladies A 4-0 loss at Oxford Hawks Ladies 3s saw Wokingham 1s slip to 11th in the Trysports Premier 1 table.

The same scoreline was witnessed during the Division 2 clash between Reading Ladies 3A and Wokingham 2s – but it was to be more disappointment for the club.

Defeat was Wokingham’s seventh in a row in the league and leaves the team rooted to the foot of the table.

Hannah Miles and Jo Young were among the goalscorers for a South Bucks Ladies side which ran out 3-0 winners over Wokingham 3s in Division 5.

For the latter, it was a fourth loss in five games this term.

Fixtures – Saturday, November 14

MBBO Regional Division 2: Marlow 2s v Wokingham Men DIVISION 3: Wycombe 3s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Witney 3s.

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Wokingham Ladies v Wycombe 2s DIVISION 2: Oxford 5s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 5: Oxford Hawks 6s v Wokingham 3s

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

ICE HOCKEY

Jonny shows off his six appeal

Smith and Steeldogs bite back to defeat the Bees

JONNY PARTENHEIMER notched his sixth goal of the season to help Sonning Men edge out Milton Keynes 2s in a seven-goal thriller.

Ian Gallagher, Jack Mason and Adam Pusey also hit the back of the net during a 4-3 triumph in Buckinghamshire.

Hosts Milton replied through Martin Kavanagh, twice, and Mark Sibson, but Sonning held out to take the points.

A win on the road keeps Sonning second in the MBBO Regional Division 2 table, where they sit just two points behind leaders Banbury 2s.

Noel Plant, Huw Thomas and Olly Tonks were all on target for a Sonning 2s side which outscored Ashford 2nd by three goals to one in Division 1.

David Eastbury bagged a goal for the away side, but it would not stop the opposition celebrating a third win of the campaign.

Will Green and Will Trigg struck to send Sonning 3s to a 2-0 loss on home soil against fellow Division 3 strugglers Abingdon.

Defeat saw the two sides swap places in the standings, with Sonning slipping to 11th.

Sonning 4s remain bottom of the Division 4 table following a defeat by the same score at Amersham and Chalfont 2s.

Sending the side crashing to a sixth successive loss was Chris Newton and William Tomlinson.

Routing Oxford Hawks 7s saw Sonning 5s preserve top spot in MBBO Division 8 West, but the club’s sixth XI would better that result, putting double figures on Bicester Development in a 10-0 victory in Division 9 West.

Keeping Bicester off the foot of the table, though, is Sonning 7s, who were narrowly beaten 2-1 when hosting Thame 3s.

Sonning Ladies OXFORD University Ladies 2s were taught a lesson in finishing by Sonning 1s, who secured a seventh win on the spin through a 6-0 triumph.

The win keeps the side two points clear at the top of Trysports Premier 1, where they sit above Reading 2s.

The second XI, though, fell further off the pace of the leading pack as a solitary strike was enough to see the side beaten

by Bracknell Ladies at Birch Hill Recreation Ground.

They slipped a place to sixth following the loss.

Sonning 3s’ miserable run of form continued when they clashed with Reading 3s.

A 4-0 loss, the seventh of 2015/16, keeps the team bottom of the table, where they now sit six points adrift of those above them in the league ladder, Wycombe 3s, Oxford 4s and Abingdon Ladies.

Things get no easier for the side on Saturday either, where they are away to thirdplaced Windsor (3pm).

Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s rattled in six uncontested goals against Sonning 4s to leave them propping up the rest in Division 3, but the Veterans, however, doubled their win tally for the season when edging out Wycombe 4s in a 3-2 success.

Sonning 5s, though, saw their search for a first win of the season continue.

The team were unable to stop the leak of goals away at Newbury and Thatcham 4s, either, where they were well beaten 6-0.

Fixtures – Saturday:

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Sonning Men v West Hampstead 2 DIVISION 1: West Hampstead 3s v Sonning 2s DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Eastcote 3s DIVISION 4: Bicester 2s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 8 WEST: Oxford 8s v Sonning 5s DIVISION 9 WEST: Sonning 6s v Abindgon 3s, Wallingford 5s v Sonning 7s TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Sonning Ladies 2s v Reading Ladies 2s; Sonning 1s v Oxford Hawks Ladies 3s DIVISION 1: Windsor Ladies v Sonning 3s DIVISION 3: Sonning 4s v Abingdon 2s DIVISION 4: Marlow 5s v Sonning Veterans

Sheffield Steeldogs 7 Bracknell Bees 3

with the extra man.

And their work would become that little bit harder soon after when TWO goals from Tim Smith led Sheffield Lascek made it 2-0.

Determinedly chasing a loose puck Steeldogs to a comeback victory over would reap its reward as the Slovakian Bees in south Yorkshire on Sunday. winger went on to squeeze home a It was a frustrating return to the ice shot at the second attempt. for the visitors following an enforced The guests, though, rallied back in break of some two weeks due to impressive style. postponements, as Bracknell had Kostourek cut the gap brilliantly fought back from before Jordan Smith forced 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead, the puck home from only to conceded five close range to tie up the uncontested goals in the scoring. final session.

Both sides were It was a nervous now trading chances start to the fixture as the game began Vanya Antonov put by both teams, who to open up, with Bees 3-2 ahead started the day sitting Sedlar twice thwarting Picture: Bob Swann eighth and ninth in the Kostourek. table respectively, although But the ‘keeper was beaten Milan Kostourek did test Dalibor for a third time moments later as Sedlar in the Sheffield goal early on.

Bracknell turned the match on its While at the other end, opposite head. number Alex Mettam could only watch Vanya Antonov came close to on as Andrew Hirst flashed a shot past joining the Steeldogs during the an upright. summer – and he gave the home However, 12 minutes into the faithful a timely reminder of what they contest and with Bees’ Josh Smith are missing when lighting the lamp sitting out a penalty, Sheffield nudged with a tipped effort. themselves in front on the powerplay.

Smital’s men were now asking all Netting the opening goal was Smith, the questions, but the chance to put who beat old friend Mettam following further breathing space between the some patient build-up play. two teams was to elude them.

The latter was now the busier of the Bees would take the lead into the two netminders, and it was his fine third and final period – but only just. stop which prevented Stano Lascek This is because Sheffield thought doubling the advantage soon after. they had equalised minutes before the Yet only a sliding stop from Steve interval.

Duncombe prevented Bracknell But the ‘goal’ was met by lengthy player-coach Lukas Smital with a discussions between match officials, strike at goal late on in the period. where it was eventually decided the The away side would find strike would not stand, much to the themselves with a powerplay during the opening stages of the second oppositions relief. session, but were unable to capitalise But the joy was short-lived.

Having killed off a five-on-three powerplay, it was when back up to four skaters when the Steeldogs equalised through Tom Squires.

Again, both sides continued to attack one another in what was an absorbing final 20 minutes, but it was a home side with momentum on their side who would produce the games pivotal moment.

A stroke of fortune saw Lascek wrong-foot Mettam and put his side 4-3 ahead - and the floodgates were duly opened.

Kostourek, returning to the action following a 10-minute misconduct charge, almost levelled the scores once more, but little did Bees know what was about to hit them.

Bosas added his name to the list of scorers to secure a two-goal advantage before Liam Charnock opened his account for the season for a 6-3 lead.

Now chasing the game but with the opposition two men light following a five-plus-game penalty (spearing) given to Lewis Bell and the ejection of Callum Pattison for roughing, Bracknell sacrificed Mettam for the extra skater.

But it was to have the opposite effect, as Smith wrapped up the scoring with eight seconds remaining when firing into an empty net.

Bees have two games this weekend, away at Basingstoke Bison tomorrow (6.30pm) before leaders MK Lightning visit the Hive on Sunday (6pm). n VANYA ANTONOV has been named in the Great Britain Under-20s squad for next month’s World Championships in Megeve, France.

Tom Relf is among the reserves.

GB face Japan, Poland, Slovenia, Ukraine and the hosts in the Division 2A competition.

SPORT | 35

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Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

CROWTHORNE RFC

Liam crosses the line as Bracknell finally break victory duck on the road Chichester 5 Bracknell 10

Tony Lawless slotted over a second-half penalty

LIAM HEMMING’S try proved to be enough to help Bracknell claim a first away win of the season, surviving a late scare to end a run of defeats.

With only four victories between them this season, both sides looked edgy during the early stages, knowing how crucial this game could be to kick-start their respective seasons.

But it was the visitors who enjoyed the better of the play in the difficult conditions, earning a penalty chance for Tony Lawless, but his kick just missed the posts.

Bracknell continued to push for the opener only for some fine Chichester defending to deny them.

However, the resistance was finally broken. After a lengthy spell camped around the five-metre line, full back Hemming broke through to dab down in front of the club house.

Lawless added the extras to give the travelling side a 7-0 lead.

The second half was largely one to forget before Lawless extended the advantage with a penalty, but Chichester would not go down without a fight.

With 10 minutes to go, the hosts suddenly found a burst through former Bracknell man Ken Dowling, whose carry created space for No.8 Chris Johnson to score.

The conversion was missed, meaning the home side still needed to find another try to take a share of the spoils, and it looked as though they would do exactly that.

Bracknell could not get out from their own defensive third with a number of scrums and penalties going Chichester’s way – and they even managed to cross the line, only for the ball to be held up.

The win looked to be in the bag when the ball was cleared for a line out, but Bracknell lost the possession, which allowed for one final chance.

But when the referee blew for not releasing the ball in the tackle, the game was over and the visitors picked up four vital points ahead of a home clash with bottom placed Eton Manor tomorrow (2.15pm kick off).

BRACKNELL: Mirza (c), Silvester, Williams, Barry, Bailey, Milligan, Devereux, Valentine, Lawless, Hemming, Mackay, Faamatuainu, Higgins, Burch, Yates.

Reps: Wright, Price.

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 8 8 0 0 281 162 6 Tonbridge Juddian 8 7 0 1 289 137 7 Westcombe Park 8 6 0 2 193 134 5 East Grinstead 8 5 0 3 199 117 6 Guernsey 8 5 0 3 223 176 4 Shelford 8 5 0 3 175 163 4 Hertford 8 5 0 3 237 148 3 Colchester 8 4 0 4 158 168 2 Wimbledon 8 4 0 4 147 172 1 Chichester 8 3 0 5 163 211 3 Gravesend 8 2 0 6 169 195 5 Bracknell 8 2 0 6 147 204 5 Westcliff 8 0 0 8 137 258 4 Eton Manor 8 0 0 8 77 350 2

PTS 38 35 29 26 24 24 23 18 17 15 13 13 4 2

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

Rams win big – but need to relax more Redingensians Rams 30 Launceston 10

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk MIKE TEWKESBURY wants his Rams to start enjoying their rugby after watching the side win their basement battle with the Cornish All Blacks.

Tries from Luke Flower, captain Dan Barnes and Samir Kharbouch, along with the 11 points kicked over by James Brooks saw the Old Bath Road outfit double their win tally for the season.

With Flower and replacement Sam Brown also clearing the posts with conversions, it was the first time Redingensians have had three different players add the extras in a match.

Yet despite the side winning the fixture comfortably, coach Tewkesbury wants his players to lose the tension which is currently gripping the squad.

“We must go out there and relax,” he said.

“We were too anxious early on.

“Mistakes affected our first-half performance.”

Tewkesbury, however, was pleased with some aspects of the performance, adding: “The lineout functioned well and we showed some aggressive defence when necessary.”

With just the one win and 15 defeats between the two teams prior to kick-off, it was always likely the encounter would be a tight but nervy affair.

But forward play would lead the Rams to victory against a Launceston side who had no answer to the scrummaging of the heavier home pack on an afternoon where wet and windy conditions ruled out any skilful play from the back.

Despite edging a scoreless opening quarter, where Rams served notice of their forward power with two strikes against the head, the All Blacks fell behind on 20 minutes when Flower charged down a clearance in the opposition ‘22 and touched down.

Brooks added the extras for a 7-0 lead.

A kick from the visitors’ Fraser Honey

reduced the deficit – but Launceston fell into penalty trouble either side of the interval and Brooks duly capitalised.

The same player again had the range from the tee soon after, knocking over a penalty awarded when Chris Swash was sin-binned for obstruction.

The points kept on coming for the Rams, who scored try number two when Barnes snuck over the line on the blindside. Fowler slotted the conversion and the advantage was stretched to 23-3.

But with a mistake-ridden game now in danger of petering out, Ollie Foxley began to lighten up the contest through a number of scintillating runs.

And it would pay dividends, as Kharbouch took advantage of another strike to the head when dabbing down the third try of the afternoon.

Substitute Brown hurriedly punted the ball between the sticks as Redingensians desperately tried to clinch a try-scoring bonus point.

The game, now in its latter stages, did witness another score, but unfortunately for the majority of those watching on, it went to the away side, who remain rock bottom following a ninth straight loss Breaching the whitewash was prop Robbie Dugard, yet it would do little to dampen the celebrations of a Redingensians side who will be looking to climb further up the table when entertaining Dorking tomorrow (2pm).

The Surrey side finished fourth last season, but are failing to follow up such an achievement this time around, and a win for the hosts could see the two teams sitting level on points come the full-time whistle.

Changes, though, will be necessary for Tewkesbury, who brings in Jack Steadman at loose-head, while a decision will be made as to whom will start in the second row between Dieter Kerschbaumer and Owen Root.

Hooker Ben Henderson, meanwhile, is back to full fitness and will take his place among the replacements.

REDINGENSIANS (v Launceston): Drury; Poole, Bryant, Barnes, Foxley; Flower, Brooks; Weller, Knowles, Baker, Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Kharbouch, Nightingale, Guttridge.

Reps: Crame, Steadman, Root, Amor, Brown.

Rams’ Jamie Guttridge (centre) powers his way past a couple of Launceston tackles National League 2 South P W D L F A Cambridge 9 8 0 1 274 156 Taunton Titans 9 8 0 1 282 172 Old Albanians 9 7 1 1 304 142 Clifton 9 6 1 2 303 219 Bishop’s Stortford 9 6 0 3 261 156 Redruth 9 6 0 3 227 222 Old Elthamians 9 5 0 4 262 222 Southend Saxons 9 4 2 3 240 231 Barnes 9 4 0 5 214 225 Bury St Edmonds 9 4 0 5 191 226 Dorking 9 3 0 6 175 253 Canterbury 9 3 0 6 165 214 Worthing 9 3 0 6 177 206 Redingensians 9 2 0 7 149 234 Chinnor 9 1 0 8 117 294 Launceston 9 0 0 9 117 366

Craig Nightingale looks for an escape route

BP 8 7 8 6 7 6 7 5 6 5 5 3 2 4 7 3

PTS 40 39 38 32 31 30 27 25 22 21 17 15 14 12 11 3

The hosts win this lineout Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

George Drury looks to make the pass

Charman kicks Crows to a first win of the season Alchester 13 Crowthorne 16

A JAMES HUCKLE try and 11 points from the boot of Dougie Charman secured Crowthorne a first win of the season.

Both sides started the afternoon still looking to break James Huckle their ducks for the campaign, and with this in mind, the two teams had a right good go at one another from the off.

But seizing the all-important initiative were the visitors.

A simple move starting out on the right wing saw the Crows swiftly move the ball inside to fly-half Alex Stewart who, in turn, played a pass to Huckle.

Weaving his way through a number of attempted tackles presented the inside centre with a clear run for the line –and he duly snapped up the invitation to score.

Charman soon added the extras for a 7-0 lead.

With the wind on their backs, Crowthorne were proficient with their kicking in order to gain territorial advantages, a tactic they combined with carrying the ball in hand.

The lead was extended when Charman found his range from distance.

Yet although camped in their own half for much of the opening 40 minutes, the hosts did put three points of their own on the board from the tee –but two more successful set-pieces from Charman ensured Crowthorne went in at the break holding a 16-3 advantage.

Now playing into the wind, the guests would need to exercise some discipline in the second half.

But it could not prevent an Alchester fightback, which began just seven minutes after the restart.

Crowthorne continued to find themselves under the cosh as the opposition launched wave after wave on the opposition try line.

And despite their defensive qualities coming to the fore, the back line was breached once more with just seven minutes left to play as the hosts pulled themselves to within three points of the Crows.

But the late rally to try and win the match never arrived.

This is because the visitors began to express themselves at the opposite end of the pitch, running down the clock by keeping the ball in Alchester territory and holding out for a narrow, but vital, triumph.

The man-of-the-match award went to No.6 Gregory Redpath.

Crowthorne will now be looking to double their win count for 2015/16 when hosting the team directly above them in the standings, Chesham, at Arborfield Garrison tomorrow (2.30pm) Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP MIlton Keynes 6 6 0 0 212 110 4 Gosford All Blacks 6 5 0 1 219 87 6 Abingdon 6 5 0 1 195 105 5 Tadley 6 5 0 1 245 80 4 Risborough 6 4 0 2 79 165 0 Alchester 6 2 0 4 102 90 6 Slough 6 2 1 3 145 160 2 Chesham 6 2 0 4 108 123 4 Crowthorne 6 1 1 4 93 113 4 Chipping Norton 6 2 0 4 67 181 0 Wheatley 6 1 0 5 63 175 1 Hungerford 6 0 0 6 66 205 4

PTS 28 26 25 19 17 14 12 12 10 8 5 -1

36 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

READING FC

Hard work will help pull Royals out of this winless slump, insists Gunter Cardiff City 2 Reading 0

Fleetwood snap up Fosu on loan TARIQE FOSU has joined Fleetwood Town on loan until January.

The young winger has struggled for first -team opportunities with Reading this campaign, despite impressing during pre-season, as is now targeting regular League One football with the Cod Army.

“I’m delighted to be here as it seems like a good set-up,” said Fosu.

“I just want to kick on now and play as many games as possible.

“I’ve been at Reading for about six years and it’s good to get out and get some experience elsewhere.”

Fosu, who came through the academy with Reading, made his first team Royals debut on the final day of last season as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Derby County but after the summer arrivals of Paolo Hurtado, Matej Vydra, Lucas Piazon and Ola John his chances have been limited.

And boss Steve Clarke is pleased to see the 20-year-old offered a chance for first team football.

“This is a good opportunity for Tariqe to play regular competitive football in the Football League, which will be an important part of his development,” said the manager.

“We are grateful that Fleetwood are offering him this experience and of course we will be keeping a close eye on how he is progressing.”

“Tariqe did very well to earn an opportunity in the first team at the end of last season, and he has performed well for the Under-21s this year.

“This will offer a new challenge and learning opportunity, and I hope it is a successful spell for him.”

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHRIS GUNTER insists Reading will become stronger for a tough run which extended to five games without a win after defeat in the Welsh capital.

The full-back continued his record of starting every game for Steve Clarke’s men this season when he lined up against his former club in south Wales but could do little to prevent Kenwyne Jones and Matthew Connolly heading in either side of half time.

But Gunter feels luck will soon turn again for the Royals.

“It’s a tough run at the minute,” admitted the Welshman.

“We’re in a run where we’re not playing fantastic, but I don’t think we’re playing really poorly.

“Sometimes when you’re in a little bad run, those rebounds and the bounce of the ball don’t go for you.

“There’s only one way to turn that around and that’s to work hard.”

Clarke made five changes to his side which drew against Huddersfield Town with Orlando Sa, Alex Fernandez, Ola John, Andrew Taylor and Michael Hector all coming in.

The manager said a number of players were struggling for fitness ahead of the clash but it was only captain Paul McShane who missed out altogether with Jordan Obita, Danny Williams, Garath McCleary and Lucas Piazon all left out for tactical reasons.

Nick Blackman, who came into the game with no goals in three games, went close to putting Reading ahead as the first half drew to a close when he was found by Matej Vydra, but his powerful shot across goal was well parried by David Marshall.

And with the opening period set to end goalless, a lapse in concentration handed the hosts the lead.

A free kick on the right was delivered into the heart of the penalty area for Jones to plant a free header past Ali Al-Habsi.

Sa could have equalised almost immediately when he did well to wriggle away from two challenges but again Marshall was in the way.

The mountain was made even greater to climb shortly after the restart.

While marking was poor for the first goal, the second was more about the brilliance of the header as former Royals defender Connolly rose above Anton Ferdinand to powerfully find the top corner.

Royals never gave in but found a goalkeeper in inspired form with Blackman, Oliver Norwood and Hector all denied by Scotland international Marshall.

There was one positive for the visitors, however, as youngster Rowan Liburd was handed his debut as a substitute for the last half an hour.

“You’re not going to go every week and play fantastic and have everything fall your way,” continued Gunter.

“We want to be successful come the end of the season and the teams that are, especially in this league, are the ones that can work through these runs and come out stronger on the other side.

“The sooner you do that the better.”

Gunter is among those set to travel away with their countries during the upcoming break from club action with Reading’s next game at home to struggling Bolton Wanderers on November 21.

“Now we’ve got a break to refresh,” he said.

“There are no international breaks coming up after this one so it’s all guns

LONDON IRISH

Controversial loss Fowlie’s motivation LONDON IRISH v AGEN EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP MADEJSKI STADIUM, SATURDAY (3pm)

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

TOM FOWLIE says London Irish can use last season’s disappointment against Edinburgh to spur them on in this year’s European Challenge Cup. Exiles get their campaign underway against French side Agen at Madejski Stadium tomorrow bidding for a first win under Tom Coventry after four defeats from as many league games so far.

After struggling for form in the Aviva Premiership last year, European form came as a real saviour for Irish before they were knocked out by eventual runners-up Edinburgh 23-18 in a controversial quarter-final where the hosts had a last minute try disallowed.

“It was a really tough one to take,” Fowlie told The Wokingham Paper.

“We really had the belief to go on and if we got through that game we were only two games away from achieving something really big at this club.

“That gives us confidence with how far we went last year and on another day we might’ve got that try over the line, I think it was (David) Paice that didn’t get the decision. It’s small margins.

“Last season definitely gave us confidence in that competition so hopefully we’re looking to go one step further this year.”

First up is newly promoted Agen, who are finding life difficult themselves this season, sitting bottom of the French Top 14 with just two wins from their eight matches.

But Fowlie feels they will provide a good test for Irish.

“We know they’re going to be a very good side,” said the winger. “They’re playing the likes of Toulon and Stade Francais, week in, week out so they’re going to be a very good side.

“They’ll probably look to throw the ball around quite a bit, have a go away from home.

“But we’re trying to really focus on ourselves this week and get our game right and hopefully everything will fall into place.”

Alongside Irish and Agen in Pool 5 are Edinburgh and Grenoble, two sides Exiles faced last season.

But Coventry will be without scrum half Brendan McKibbin for the first two matches after he was suspended for three weeks (until December 1) for the red card he received for stamping against Bath, something far from ideal in a tricky looking pool.

Fowlie continued: “It is a difficult looking group but we believe in ourselves.

“We weren’t too far off beating Edinburgh last year at home and they went on to reach the final.

“Grenoble is going to be a real tough battle as well but we did well last year against them so yeah, it’s going to be tough but these competitions are tough.

“There’s no easy games so if you want to go far in them you’ve got to front up and you’ve got to beat the best to be the best.”

Chris Gunter believes it will not belong before Reading’s fortunes change for the better Picture: Vivienne Johnson

blazing for the next few months.

“We’ll get back to where we were and we’ll look back and say that we came out of that tough little spell as a better team and better for it.”

READING: Al-Habsi, Gunter, Hector, Ferdinand, Taylor, Norwood, Fernandez (Williams 63), John (Liburd 63), Vydra (Hurtado 77), Blackman, Sa. Subs not used: Bond, Cooper, Obita, McCleary.

Yellow card: Williams (90+5) CARDIFF: Marshall, Peltier, Connolly, Morrison, Malone, Mason (Ameobi 63), Noone, Gunnarsson, Ralls, Pilkington (O’Keefe 87), Jones (Saadi 77).

Subs not used: Moore, Dikgacoi, Tamas, Kennedy.

Goals: Jones (43), Connolly (52) Yellow cards: Noone (36), Peltier (75), Morrison (88) Referee: Keith Stroud Attendance: 15, 414

Hull Brighton Burnley Middlesbrough Derby Birmingham Cardiff Reading Sheff Wed Ipswich Brentford Fulham QPR Wolves Leeds Blackburn Preston Nottm Forest Huddersfield Bristol City MK Dons Charlton Bolton Rotherham

McKibbin off as Bath clean up London Irish 14 Bath 45

A RED CARD for Brendan McKibbin proved costly as London Irish remain point-less in the Aviva Premiership following a heavy defeat to Bath, writes TOM CROCKER. The game was well in the balance before the scrum-half was given his marching orders for stamping on the head of Henry Thomas after 21 minutes and from there Bath never looked back.

Scott Steele and Fergus Mulchrone went over for the hosts but Bath crossed six times, with as many different scorers, to secure a bonus point win and leave Exiles still searching for a first win under Tom Coventry.

The head coach made five changes to the side which pushed Saracens close last week with Alex Lewington, Shane Geraghty, Leo Halavatau, Tom Guest and David Sisi coming in for Scotland international duo Blair Cowan and Sean Maitland,

Chris Noakes, Halani Aulika and Jebb Sinclair respectively.

Wales international Rhys Priestland gave Bath an early lead on his first start for the club with a seventh minute penalty before Leroy Houston drove over for the first try of the match.

However, Irish battled back and looked well in contention when Alofoti Faosiliva was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle.

It looked as though Bath had been reduced to 13 men shortly afterwards when a penalty try was awarded and Matt Garvey was shown a yellow, but play was pulled back by the Television Match Official to review an incident earlier in the move.

And, after recommendation from the TMO, the penalty try and yellow card were rescinded with McKibbin instead shown a red card for stamping on Thomas at the back of the maul.

The visitors took a 17-0 lead when Ollie Devoto went over before Exiles got on the board through replacement Steele,

Sky Bet Championship P W D L F 16 10 4 2 26 16 9 7 0 21 16 9 5 2 23 16 9 3 4 24 16 8 6 2 22 16 8 4 4 24 16 6 7 3 17 16 6 6 4 23 16 6 6 4 20 16 6 6 4 23 16 6 3 7 21 16 5 5 6 29 16 5 5 6 22 16 5 4 7 20 16 4 7 5 16 16 3 8 5 15 16 3 8 5 11 16 4 5 7 12 16 3 6 7 16 16 3 6 7 17 16 4 2 10 14 16 3 4 9 14 16 1 8 7 10 16 2 3 11 17

A 8 12 14 12 11 17 12 17 19 23 23 28 24 21 19 15 13 16 23 26 23 26 22 33

Pts 34 34 32 30 30 28 25 24 24 24 21 20 20 19 19 17 17 17 15 15 14 13 11 9

who wriggled through to dab down. Bath did end the half with 14 men after Devoto was sin-binned for a late tackle on Geraghty, but they wasted little time to extend their 17-7 half time lead with both Faosiliva and Kyle Eastmond crossing within five minutes of the restart to all but end the game as a contest.

Mulchrone reduced the arrears once again but late tries from Priestland and Niko Matawalu, combined with a brace of penalties from George Ford secured a maximum point win.

Irish are back in action tomorrow at Madejski Stadium against French side Agen (3pm) in the European Challenge Cup with the next league clash coming against Wasps on November 28.

LONDON IRISH: Ojo, Lewington (Steele 22 (Noakes 31)), Fowlie, Mulchrone (Waldouck 56), Tikoirotuma, Geraghty, McKibbin, Smallbone (Court 37), Paice, Halavatau (Aulika 54), Skivington (Sheriff 66), Symons, Guest (Narraway 56), Sisi (G. Ellis 66), McCusker.

Tries: Steele (28), Mulchrone (54); Cons: Geraghty x2; Red card: McKibbin (21); Yellow cards: Faosiliva (19), Devoto (34); Referee: Thomas Foley; Attendance: 6,641; Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-3, 0-10, 0-17, 7-17, 7-24, 7-31, 14-31, 14-38, 14-45.

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Moloney leads the list of winners at awards night GRACE MOLONEY was a double winner at the Reading FC Women awards night held at the Grosvenor Casino.

It has been a record-breaking year for the Royals as they reached the quarter-finals of the Continental Tyres Cup and achieved promotion to the Women’s Super League 1 as champions.

And a big part of that success was goalkeeper Moloney, who has become a regular in the Republic of Ireland squad in the second half of the season.

The stopper picked up the Fans’ Player of the Year award and also shared the Players’ Player of the Year crown with right-back Becky Jane.

Elsewhere, Emma Follis collected a trophy for ending the season as the top goalscorer with 13 goals from her 20 games and Kylie Davies was named Player of the Year, following up on a similar honour for the Wales national team.

SPORT| 37

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Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Not the Day for Bacon as Barkham suffer home loss

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Grace Moloney picks up one of the two awards she won on the night.

Pictures: Nigel Hoyle Emma Follis (left) took home the top goalscorer award having netted 13 times last term, while boss Kelly Chambers and Jon Horton discuss a memorable season, below

GOALS from Thomas Day and Matt Bacon proved to be in vain for a Barkham Athletic side beaten 4-2 on home soil by Goring United.

Day had opened Athletic’s account for the afternoon on seven minutes, but United hit back with strikes from William Jaycock (2), Thomas Heslop and Jack Purser.

Bacon notched on the hour mark, but Barkham were beaten for the fourth time in seven games.

The fixture was one of only nine to take place across all competitions on Saturday.

This is because a shortage of available referees put paid to a further 20 scheduled matches across the board.

“Given the unprecedented situation, the league officers reluctantly decided to postpone all TVPL league fixtures for November 7, where no County FA affiliated referee was appointed either by the league or through the effort of clubs,” said a league statement.

A full programme of fixtures, however, is planned to take place tomorrow.

Elsewhere, two goals in the space of five minutes from Joshua Dillon saw BERKS COUNTY take control of their clash with Taplow United in the Premier Division.

United, though, were to hit back after the break, with Simon Murtagh and James Murdoch netting to secure the

Barkham Athletic (in orange) shipped in four goals during the loss to Goring United in Division 2 Picture: Paul King

visitors a point from a 2-2 draw.

A solitary strike from substitute James Edwards, meanwhile, saw AFC Aldermaston Reserves inflict a first defeat of the Division 3 season on FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES. The loss means Finches missed the chance to move level on points with second-placed S.R.C.C, although they do still have a game in hand on their rivals.

It was another disappointing afternoon too for WARGRAVE RESERVES, who succumbed to a 4-0 reverse away at league leaders White Eagles.

Lukasz Hryniewicz, twice, Bartosz Pachulski and Mateusz Krochmal were all on target for the hosts.

Both HURST A and HARCHESTER HAWKS saw their involvement in the Maidenhead Norfolkian Junior Cup come to and end at the weekend.

A Charlie Scope effort was nothing more than consolation for a Hurst side beaten 5-1 at FC Leisure, while Earley side Harchester exited the competition following a 3-0 defeat at Buckinghamshire outfit Penn and Tylers Green A.

READING SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Shone scores again, but Woodley crash to late defeat

ACADEMY ROUND-UP

Three and easy as U18s down Saints THREE first-half goals guided Reading Under-18s back up to second in the table with a comfortable 3-1 win over Southampton.

Royals took the lead on 21 minutes through Tom Holmes, who converted following a Josh Barrett corner.

The advantage was doubled just past the half-hour mark when striker Sam Smith met a low cross from the left and turned in from close range.

And the first half rout was completed just before the break when captain Barrett dinked the ball over goalkeeper Jake Hallett.

Things could have got even worse for Saints but Barrett was denied from the penalty spot.

The visitors pulled back a stoppage time goal through Stuart Wilkin but it proved to be mere consolation.

David Dodds’ side are back in action at home to Swansea City tomorrow (1pm).

A LATE Pierce Sweeney goal could not prevent READING UNDER-21S from exiting the Premier League Cup at the first hurdle with defeat to Brentford.

The 2014 winners went into the game as favourites at Adams Park but a goal either side of half time proved to be enough for the Bees to upset the odds and

triumph 2-1.

Tariqe Fosu came closest during the early stages, firing wide before seeing a shot well saved by goalkeeper Nik Tzanev.

With Royals beginning to assert their dominance on proceedings, the visitors took the lead.

A long ball found Jermaine Udumaga on the edge of the box and he smashed a fine effort into the top corner.

Reading pushed for an equaliser before the break when Jack Stacey burst down the right and cut the ball back for Shane Griffin, but the defender fired over.

Fosu, Dominic Samuel and Andrija Novakovich all carved out openings but Martin Kuhl’s men were hit by a sucker punch when the Bees doubled their advantage on 78 minutes as Herson Rodrigues Alves converted following a swift counter attack.

Royals did set up a grandstand finish, though, as Sweeney netted a rare goal, curling into the top corner.

But despite a late red card for Brentford’s Josh Laurent, the visitors held on to move into the last 16.

READING: Moore, Stacey, Griffin, Shaughnessy, Hyam, Sweeney, Semedo (Owusu), Novakovich (Fridjonsson), Samuel (Cardwell), Kelly, Fosu.

Subs not used: Ward, Rinomhota Goal: Sweeney (86)

TWO late goals saw Woodley United come crashing back down to earth with a bang in the Premier Division, writes LEWIS RUDD. It was a return to domestic duties and the quest for points for a United side which dumped Senior Division outfit Whitley Tavern out of the Tilehurst Charity Cup the weekend before in a 4-2 triumph.

Woodley enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the early exchanges, but struggled against the high line deployed by opponents Tilehurst and, as a result, were caught offside on countless occasions.

But from one attack, however, the hosts were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box.

Responsibility from 12 yards belonged to Jack Shone, but his effort crashed back off the crossbar and away to safety.

Woodley continued to ask the majority of the questions, and their perseverance was finally rewarded in the 50th minute when Shone made up for his earlier miss; this time sweeping home a Chris Timbers free-kick pumped into the penalty area.

Just a second league win of the campaign was now on the cards – provided they were able to hold out, of course.

But they were overcome by a bout of complacency as the game neared a conclusion and were duly punished.

Capitalising on two defensive efforts saw Tilehurst steal in to grab

an equaliser and then win the game outright through two strikes which arrived within five minutes of each other.

A United side who sit 10th in the standings travel to second-placed Burghfield on Sunday (10.30am).

Selected results

THE INDUSTRIAL CUP: AFC Burghfield 2 Athletico Forest 0, Charvil Rangers 0 Emmbrook Inn 3; Mortimer 2 Arborfield 5; Warwick Arms v Loddon Valley Rangers – home walkover victory.

TED CAMBRIDGE CUP: AFC Basildon 4 Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 1; Forest FC 0 Tilehurst Club 4.

JOHN LUSTED CUP: Woodford Park 3 Kennet Valley 2.

PREMIER DIVISION: Purley 3 D.C Steamers 2.

DIVISION 1: WS Hobnob 1 Wokingham and Emmbrook 2

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Amir is at the double for five-star Wokingham Blacks TWO goals from man-of-the-match Amir Idjer helped Wokingham and Emmbrook FC Blacks Under-15s secure the points from a 5-2 triumph at Whitegrove in the East Berkshire Football Alliance.

The Sumas flew out of the traps and took the lead through Calum Woodfield with the fixture barely two minutes old.

With the slope in their favour, Whitegrove levelled things up before half-time – but were hit by a storm of Wokingham goals after the break.

Michael Valdambrini stroked the

visitors back in front on the rebound before Idjer cracked home a free-kick from 25 yards to extend the advantage.

Rhys Williams won and duly converted a penalty to make it 4-1, with Idjer netting his second, and the away side’s fifth, following a mazy run.

Whitegrove would score late on from a corner, but Wokingham were comfortable winners. n WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Girls were 4-1 winners at Woodley in the Berkshire County League, where Rebecca Greig and Lily Thornhill both netted twice.

A stroke of fortune saw the guests take the lead; Thornhill’s cross to the back post was diverted over the line by a Woodley defender attempting to hook the ball away from under the crossbar.

But the hosts rallied and forced an equaliser – only to fall behind again after the interval.

And there was no help needed on this occasion, as Greig opened her account for the game with a thumping strike from some 30 yards.

The same player hit the side’s third when latching on to a pass from the tireless Olivia Darke, with Dionne Hodges crossing for Thornhill to wrap up the scoring.

Wokingham’s player of the match was Yasmin Green.

38 | SPORT

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COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

HELLENIC CHALLENGE CUP

High fives for majestic Medford as he fires Eversley top of the league Eversley and California 5 Sandhurst Town 2

LORENZO MEDFORD struck his first goals in Eversley colours as the club stormed back to the top of the Division 1 table with a thumping victory over their local rivals.

Brad Smith also netted at Fox Lane on Tuesday night – as did Matt Griffiths, who notched twice to maintain his recent run of form in front of goal.

But the hosts had to work hard to secure the points which took the club back to the summit of the standings on goal difference.

This is because visiting Town broke the deadlock via a Ben Pyle chip.

The Fizzers had further chances to build on their lead, but were unable to capitalise.

And they would be left to rue these missed opportunities, as a home side missing Cameron Blackie, Will Neville and Craig Smith through suspension hit back with aplomb.

Having opened his account for both the club and the evening, Medford was soon joined on the scoresheet by Smith and Griffiths, with the three goals arriving within the space of five minutes.

Medford doubled his tally early in the second half before Griffiths put Neville Roach’s men out of reach.

The contest, however, was to end on a disappointing note for Eversley, who lost James Osler for a foul on former Boar Mark Thomas, who went on to cut the deficit from the subsequent free kick.

EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA: Giles, Benn,

Eversley go on the attack Picture: Paul King

Fine home form Rolls on: Gavin’s brace sinks Town Finchampstead 2 Fairford Town 1

Medford, Massaquai, Osler, Douglass, Taylor, Griffiths, Allston, Smith, Stamp, Hogston, Hoptroff, Elmore, Voller, Lynch

Eversley will be looking to preserve top spot when they entertain Dorking on Saturday (3pm) Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F Eversley & California 13 10 1 2 44 Worcester Park 13 10 1 2 39 CB Hounslow United 12 10 1 1 29 Bedfont & Feltham 9 8 1 0 33 Cobham 13 7 1 5 30 Staines Lammas 13 6 1 6 27 Abbey Rangers 12 6 1 5 19 Sandhurst Town 13 5 2 6 27 Dorking 12 5 0 7 19 Frimley Green 9 4 2 3 13 Epsom Athletic 13 4 1 8 22 Dorking Wanderers Res 12 3 3 6 13 Banstead Athletic 10 3 2 5 16 Ash United 11 2 2 7 17 Sheerwater 10 2 1 7 15 Farleigh Rovers 11 2 1 8 8 South Park Reserves 12 1 1 10 13

A Pts 19 31 14 31 5 31 7 25 29 22 23 19 16 19 36 17 19 15 13 14 38 13 21 12 21 11 28 8 26 7 34 7 35 4

the restart, but hopes of a 2-0 lead were dashed by a save.

Finchampstead continued to pile on GAVIN ROLLS struck an injury-time the pressure, yet they were pegged back winner to book Finchampstead a place in on 31 minutes when Town equalised on round three of the Bluefin Sports Hellenic the counter attack.

Profiting from the Challenge Cup. move was Smith, It was the who met a cross midfielder’s second at the far post and goal of the game, lashed a thumping having fired the hosts shot past Bryant. in front earlier in the Fairford tied up tie at The Memorial the scoring with just Ground, only for 10 men on the pitch, Fairford’s Lee Smith as a team-mate was to cancel out the receiving treatment effort minutes later. to a blow to the foot.

A clash between Momentum two in-form teams had now swung from Divisions 1 East the way of the and West saw the Gloucestershire side, visitors shade the who had the ball in early exchanges, the net once more with host ‘keeper Greg Alexander (right) had when Danny Hale Tom Bryant getting chances for Finchampstead turned home a loose a safe pair of hands ball. behind one strike Any celebrations, however, were met before having to watch on as a Matt by a linesman’s flag and the ‘goal’ was Boucher attempt whistled just inches ruled out. past an upright.

Town went close again either side of A first opportunity of note for Finch the interval, but one chance cleared the saw Greg Alexander slip in Rolls, but his crossbar and Josh Skeates was wide with shot at goal was blocked. another attempt.

But Rolls would break the deadlock Amid the pressure Finch found soon after, driving into the box and themselves under, Luke Axton-Hall and stroking the ball beyond the reach of Rolls combined to set up Greg Alexander, Fairford shot-stopper Ben Mitchell and but the striker put too much leverage into the back of the net. on the strike, which failed to trouble The same two players would come face-to-face again just seconds after Mitchell.

BiNFIELD FC

No Kidding: Binfield suffer heavy defeat Kidlington 5 Binfield 0

CONCEDING four unanswered second half goals saw Binfield slip to their heaviest defeat in almost two seasons at Yarnton Road.

Two strikes apiece for Henry Owen and Anaclet Odhiambo, along with a Lewis Coyle effort ensured the Moles were well beaten in Oxfordshire.

The scoreline, however, was perhaps a touch harsh on the visitors, who created enough chances to take something from the game themselves, only to rue the lack of a clinical edge in the final third.

Binfield went into a third successive away trip to Oxfordshire buoyed by wins at both Oxford City Nomads and Milton United.

But boss Roger Herridge, on this occasion, was forced into a reshuffle, as Jack Gibbs and Danny Horscroft were absent for this Hellenic Premier Division fixture.

But having returned from a recent injury as a second-half substitute at Milton, Liam Ferdinand started from the off.

And the away side, boasting a better points return on the road than home soil this term, started brightly, with Josh Howell impressing down the left wing during the early exchanges.

The same player was also unlucky not to open the scoring from a free-kick, while a number of other shots following driving runs lacked the necessary

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 13, 2015

conviction.

Working himself into space, team-mate Jemel Johnson then saw a strike at goal blocked by Kidlington No.1 Sam Warrell, with James Knight only able to drag the rebound wide.

Knight would again go close following good work from Ferdinand to dispossess Mark Flanagan of the ball over by the corner, but the chance was ended by a block.

The best chance during this spell of possession, though, would fall to Johnson, who did well to meet a Howell cross with his head, but was unable to keep the opportunity down.

Kidlington, who won the reverse fixture between the two teams last month via a contentious goal, would soon start looking a threat, though.

Looking lively down both flanks, only the quick reactions of Nathan Silver in the Binfield goal denied the home side from breaking the deadlock.

But on the half-hour mark the initiative was seized.

A Tom Castle free-kick hung up in the wind long enough for Owen to position himself to head Kidlington in front.

This came just seconds after Howell again went close, shooting into the side netting after bursting into the box.

The hosts would hold the lead going into the break, but would again find themselves under the cosh early in the second half.

And they were extremely unfortunate not to concede an equaliser when Warrell

let a Ferdinand strike slip through his grasp.

The ball was now heading towards an empty net – but was eventually cleared away by Mark Flanagan, who nipped in between both Ferdinand and Johnson, who were ready to pounce.

With the game now opening up, a block from Knight was enough to divert a Castle shot away from goal, while Silver was again needed to rush off his line to keep Kidlington at bay, this time thwarting Odhiambo.

At the other end, meanwhile, Binfield continued to push for an equaliser, but a number of free-kicks and corners swung into the box went unpunished.

Their work, however, was to be made even harder soon after when Odihaimbo opened his account for the afternoon, lobbing Silver for a 2-0 lead.

Lewis Leonetti was just inches away from meeting an Alex Luis set piece at the far post as the Moles looked to halve the deficit, yet their afternoon was to get much worse.

Owen grabbed his second, and the home side’s third, when burying Odhiam’s squared pass as the guests were left chasing shadows.

Coyle would put the result beyond any doubt when finding the back of the net from a free-kick some 25 yards out before Odhiambo wrapped up the scoring late on as Binfield leaking in five goals for the first time since the 2012/13 campaign, BINFIELD: Silver, Walton (Carlisle), Luis (c), Leonetti, R.Brown, Withers (Rowland), Howell, Dean (B.Brown), Ferdinand, Knight, Johnson.

Further chances for the away side, though, saw one strike fail to hit the target before Hale was unable to convert at the far post and Luke Cordery sent an effort over the bar.

The contest was now swinging from one end to the other with Harry Swabey forcing Mitchell into a save before Fairford again failed to trouble Bryant when well placed.

Scott Chilcott then tried his luck from range, but to no avail.

Axton-Hall bravely got in the way of more attempts as Town stepped up their efforts to find a winner – but they were soon heading out of the competition.

With extra time looking the most likely outcome, up popped Rolls to settle the match.

With space in front of him, the eventual matchwinner stormed into the penalty area, where he skipped past an outrushing Mitchell and sent the ball into an empty net as Finches 100 per cent record on home soil this season was preserved.

The hosts will be out to protect this winning streak tomorrow, where they entertain Shrivenham of the Premier Division in a Berks and Bucks FA Intermediate Cup clash.

Kick-off is at the earlier time of 1.30pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, Abbott, Winship (Blatchford), Axton-Hall, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, J.Wright, Swabey, Alexander, Rolls.

Subs not used: Wing, Perry, Onreat-Wells

n IN the same competition, Woodley United’s trip to Brimscombe and Thrupp will have to be rescheduled after the tie was hit by the bad weather.

Binfield’s Josh Howell looks to skip past this challenge during the loss to Kidlington

Nathan Silver (left) challenges for the ball

Chris Dean tussles for possession above as the hosts go close (right) Pictures: Colin Byers

SPORT | 39

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Friday, November 13, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BERKS AND BUCKS SENIOR TROPHY

Herridge happy as his battling Moles set up a tasty clash with Ascot Abingdon United 1 Binfield 2

Liam Ferdinand was Binfield’s matchwinner Pictures: Colin Byers

ROGER HERRIDGE praised Abingdon United’s performance after his Binfield side edged past them in the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy.

Having cruised to a 4-0 win against Abingdon in the league last month, Herridge’s men were given a far sterner test on Tuesday night with early goals from Carl Withers and Liam Ferdinand just enough to see Binfield into the quarter-finals, where they will meet local rivals Ascot United.

“Abingdon are a young side but compared to the side that we’d beaten a month or six weeks before, they were miles apart,” Herridge (pictured) told The Wokingham Paper.

“They certainly had some good technical players, they had plenty of pace in the side and they worked really, really hard.

“They’re certainly a side that’s

improving and although we weren’t at our best, they certainly made us work hard for the win.”

Binfield started brightly in their fourth away game in succession, taking the lead after just eight minutes when Withers converted a Josh Howell cross.

Winger George Reid soon equalised but what proved to be the winner arrived on 17 minutes when Ferdinand, recently returned from injury, latched onto Chris Dean’s through ball to slot home.

Despite the tight score-line, Herridge does feel his side were good value for the win as they bounced straight back from the weekend disappointment of losing 5-0 to Kidlington.

He continued: “I’ve got to be honest, I think on the balance of play we probably deserved to win a little bit more

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

‘Not good enough’ Sumas are simply left High and dry

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk Wokingham and Emmbrook 0 Highworth Town 5 A SECOND half Highworth Town rout condemned Wokingham and Emmbrook to a 13th straight Hellenic Premier League defeat on Tuesday.

Sumas were well in the game trailing 1-0 at half time, but four goals in the final 22 minutes took Highworth up to fourth in the table with a goal difference boosting 5-0 victory.

Joint manager Dan Bateman (pictured), commented: “Not good from us tonight. Too many off days against a good side.

“We need to lift ourselves for Saturday now and get something from the game.”

After a scrappy start, Sumas fell behind with nine minutes on the clock.

TJ Bohane collected possession on the right hand side of the penalty area and drove to the by-line before picking out Dan Drewett to net from close range.

With Wokingham playing mainly

on the counter attack, Josh Pearson carried the ball around 30 yards into the Highworth box but he could not find a way through to test goalkeeper Kurtis Sharkey.

His opposite number Sean Woodward was in fine form to keep the scores down in the first half, pulling off a brilliant double stop to deny Bohane and Jon Davoile.

It was the hosts who started the second half with confidence and threatened an equaliser.

But the sucker punch arrived on 68 minutes when a fine passing move was rounded off by Bohane to double the advantage and give Wokingham a mountain to climb.

Highworth got their tails up and rattled in three more late goals.

Nathan Gambling added a third with a close-range header before completing a brace soon after with a classy chip.

And the win was wrapped up by Gambling, who secured a fine 11-minute hat-trick by tapping in Callum Pearson’s cut back.

Joint manager Matt Eggleston felt for the supporters after another loss.

He said: “Thanks to the fans who have

comfortably.

“I’m not one to knock referees, especially young ones, but there were certainly a couple of interesting decisions that weren’t given in and around their penalty box which another referee may have pointed to the spot.

“They certainly made us work hard but cup games at the end of the day it’s all about the result and making sure you progress to the next round.”

While Ferdinand is back to fitness and back among the goals, Binfield did suffer a blow when fellow scorer Withers was forced off with a groin injury which is set to rule him out of action for the next couple of weeks.

Jack Broome is also unlikely to feature in the next three matches due to work commitments leaving Herridge with a few selection headaches ahead of a difficult looking clash with sixth-placed

Highmoor Ibis tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

“You never know what you’re going to get at the moment with Highmoor Ibis,” said Herridge.

“Every time I look at their team sheet it changes about five names every week!

“Highmoor have obviously built on the excellent season they had last year.

They’ve had a little bit of a change of personnel as well as we have.

“You’re going to come up against a hard working side with some very good technical players and there’s a sense of unpredictability about them.”

He continued: “They’ve got players that can make that happen in a flash and we know they’ve got some good players we’ll have to be wary of on the day, but I’d be very surprised if there’s an awful lot in it come full time on Saturday.

“I certainly expect it to be quite a close affair.”

BINFIELD: Silver; Walton, R. Brown (Senussi 60), Leonetti, Luis; Howell, Dean, Knight, Withers (Rowland 25), Gibbs; Ferdinand.

Sub not used: Carlisle

Luke Scope looks to drive Wokingham and Emmbrook forwards Pictures: Andrew Merritt

supported us through this tough time and to the committee for sticking with us.

“Not good enough tonight and I apologise.”

Sumas are back in action tomorrow, travelling to mid-table Longlevens (3pm kick-off).

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Broadhurst, Charlton, Day (Wanklyn), Parsons, Butler (Payne), Whiting (Rushforth), Scope, Pearson, Duffelen.

Subs not used: Carter, S. Bateman Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Thatcham Town 16 13 2 1 Flackwell Heath 17 13 2 2 Kidlington 17 12 3 2 Highworth Town 17 12 1 4 Ascot United 20 11 4 5 Highmoor-Ibis 18 10 3 5 Brimscombe & Thrupp 15 9 3 3 Binfield 17 9 3 5 Thame United 17 9 2 6 Oxford City Nomads 17 9 1 7 Longlevens AFC 18 9 1 8 Lydney Town 17 5 6 6 Royal Wootton Bassett 16 6 2 8 Tuffley Rovers 17 4 4 9 Milton United 19 3 5 11 Abingdon United 20 4 2 14 Ardley United 18 4 1 13 Brackley Town Saints 18 3 2 13 Bracknell Town 15 2 4 9 Wokingham 19 1 1 17

F 51 56 45 46 32 38 27 30 24 33 29 26 26 27 19 24 20 25 20 15

A 20 26 17 15 21 22 16 22 20 28 28 29 35 36 33 56 44 55 34 56

Pts 41 41 39 37 37 33 30 30 29 28 28 21 20 16 14 14 13 11 10 4

Josh Pearson carried a threat on the counter attack

Sam Duffelen takes possession of the ball for the beaten hosts

Highworth Town ‘keeper Kurtis Sharkey finds himself under pressure, but manages to clear his lines

WOKINGHAM SPORT Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

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The awards keep on coming for young Finch ace Rogers RENOWNED FOR

Billy Rogers has already won numerous awards during his time with Finchampstead

HELPING Finchampstead to promotion earlier this summer has landed Billy Rogers a prestigious accolade.

For the 17-year-old top or middle order batsmen (pictured) has been named Young Player of the Year by the All Out Cricket magazine.

Blasting 114 against Datchet on the final day of the season, Rogers’ innings helped Finch recover from 6-2 to defeat the Buckinghamshire side and clinch promotion to Division 1 of the Home Counties Premier League.

A successful campaign for the teenager also saw him captain the club’s Under-19s to glory in the Berkshire NatWest U19 Club T20 final.

Rodgers was also named Finchampstead’s Young Player of the Year.

His efforts with the bat did not go unnoticed, either, with Billy capturing the attention of Gloucestershire CCC, from whom he turned out in a second XI fixture against Somerset on the final game of the season, where he racked up 37 runs at the crease.

It has been quite a week too for the Rogers family, as Billy’s cousin is none other then Amber Hill who, as you can read below, has been selected to represent Team GB at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

OUR STEAKS

SHOOTING

Binfield teen’s hard work pays off after being selected for 2016 games

Top gun Amber is on target for Rio

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk BINFIELD shooter Amber Hill says being selected to represent Team GB at next summer’s Olympics Games is a dream come true.

Hill, 18, was this week named among the six selected athletes in her sport to compete in Rio de Janeiro next year and will shoot alongside British team-mate Elena Allen in the women’s skeet.

The former pupil at Claires Court School in Maidenhead was widely expected to make the cut having won gold at this year’s European Games in Baku while also sitting top of the world rankings.

And she could not hide her excitement at the announcement.

“It’s been a dream for a few years now,” she told The Wokingham Paper.

“But the fact that it’s all confirmed and actually happening is just amazing.

“All the effort and sacrifices that I’ve had to make in the last few years, I definitely think have all paid off now.

“The fact that I’ve made these sacrifices and that I’ve got a result at the end of it, that I am actually going to the Olympics, is fantastic and I really can’t wait to get out there.”

This selection has been eight years in the making for Hill, who first started shooting with her grandad when she was aged just 10.

And while it is not considered a mainstream sport, the teenager admits she was hooked right from the start.

“I was really sporty throughout school,” she continued.

“I did all the normal sort of girly

sports like netball and hockey. I even managed to get to county hockey when I was in Year 8.

“I then decided I would go shooting with my grandad when I was 10 years old and I just fell in love with it.

“It was just the adrenaline rush that I got from it and it was just completely different and no-one had heard of it so I thought why not see where it can take me.”

Where it took Hill was to numerous titles and broken records, including the youngest ever skeet World Cup gold medallist and the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2013.

But Hill, who trains at EJ Churchill in High Wycombe, does not have her schedule completely filled up with her sport.

Despite considering herself a full-time shooter, Hill will also be on the panel to decide this year’s Young Sports Personality of the Year and is in the process of training to be a beauty therapist at The Beauty Academy in Reading.

However, the main focus is on the Olympics and Hill admits she is already eager to get to Brazil and try to become the first British female to win shooting gold.

“I really can’t wait to get out there and see what it’s like because I’m really unsure of what to expect,” she said.

“I’ve got the Rio testing event in April so we’ll be able to test the grounds and see what everything’s like and get used to the environment out there before we go back for the Olympics.”

She continued: “I’m doing everything in my power to

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Amber Hill has been selected to represent Team GB in the women’s skeet.

make it (winning gold) happen.

“I’m putting in the hours and as long as I do my best, I’ll be happy.”

Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Newbury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW . © Xn Media Ltd, 2015

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