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Friday, November 27, 2015 No. 31

50p

CRIME

TOYS STOLEN BY HEARTLESS THIEVES P4

Protest at MP’s office over NHS

WHAT’S ON

PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS FUN P12 FLOWERS

Trade deal campaign – p8

‘IS-inspired terror’ planned by couple

SEE Court hears how duo plotted suicide bomb PAGE attack on busy London shopping centre 5

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2 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

We aim to be thorough as we cover the borough 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 villages mingling with market towns and hamlets. In parts industrial, in others picturesque, it is a wonderful place. The Wokingham Paper was set up to ensure that the whole borough had its own newspaper. Our team has a mission to report on events and activities from the northernmost parts, which include parts of Henley and Cockpole Green, to the south including Swallowfield and Finchampstead.

In between you’ve got Twyford, Woodley and Wokingham town itself. All have their own personalities and specialities and we aim to reflect that. Our strapline is “News with a heart for the borough” and that’s exactly what we do. We’re a truly local newspaper – we’re produced locally, printed locally and we live locally. No one else covers Wokingham the way that we do. So if you want to reach Wokingham, we’re the place to be.

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.

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

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

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKYPAPER © Published by Xn Media Ltd, 2015 for the people of Wokingham Borough

CRIME

Thieves steal number plates from two cars

NUMBER PLATES were stolen from two cars in Wokingham earlier this month. One car was targeted while it was parked in a lay-by in Wiltshire Road from Saturday, November 7, to Monday, November 9, while the other was targeted while it was parked in Holmewood Close during the day on Monday. If you have information which could help police, call the 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

WOODLEY

Tips of fitness and flu at Carers Day event

TO MARK National Carers Day a free event will be held in Woodley today (Friday). Berkshire Carers Service is holding a day devoted to learning more about how to keep fit and healthy, including information on flu jabs and a new community navigator project. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the event, which runs from 9.30am to 2pm. The event will be held at the Oakwood Centre in Headley Road. For more details, call 0800 988 5462 or email helpline@berkshirecarers.org

CRIME

Barbed wire cut to gain access to garden shed

A SHED was broken into in Hurst between Sunday, November 8, and the next day. The suspect cut their way into a neighbours’ field through a barbed

ANNIVERSARY

Sew nice of you! Tapestry gift marks 175th anniversary of the Salvation Army A WALL-hanging to commemorate the Salvation Army’s 175th anniversary has been made by the Wokingham branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild. The group, which meets in the Rose Room at the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, presented the masterpiece to the charity at its headquarters in Sturges Road on Wednesday morning.

Embroiderer Julia Little said: “Around 25 to 29 people have worked on the embroidery, some of whom have never embroidered before at all. “One woman told me she couldn’t embroider but she created a really lovely zebra. “Another lady worked on a panther which, if you look at it for long enough,

wire fence and then broke into the shed on at property in Church Hill. Nothing was stolen but Thames Valley Police are keen to trace the suspect. If you have information which could help police, call the 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Woosehill Church. Mrs Mintern currently lives in Didcot and will move to the area. Writing in St Paul’s church magazine she said: “I am excited to be part of your churches.”

CHURCH

St Paul’s to welcome curate Julie in 2016

A NEW curate has been called for St Paul’s Church in Wokingham’s town centre. Julie Mintern and her husband Keith will be moving to the borough in July next year. It will be her first curacy, and is currently undergoing training in Cuddesdon. She will be ordained as a minister next July, ahead of her licensing service at the Reading Road church and her brief will include St Nicholas Church in Emmbrook and

CRIME

Jewellery stolen during burglary in Barkham

BURGLARS forced open a sash window at a Barkham house on Monday, November 9. The home in The Woodlands was broken into between 11.45am and 10.40pm and a jewellery box was stolen. If you have information which could help police, call 101.

PETS

Jack Russells have their day at Dinton meet-up JACK RUSSELL owners are being invited go walkies tomorrow (Saturday).

WIN £200 FOR YOUR GROUP THE Wokingham Paper and TradeMark Windows have teamed up to present Community Cash Tokens. The scheme is simple – cut out the tokens we’ll print each week. Send them in to us, as many as you like, and once every two months we’ll pull one at random from the editor’s hat. One lucky group will win £200, courtesy of TradeMark Windows. The more tokens that you and your group send in, the more chance you have of your group being picked at random. The Community Cash Tokens are open to charities and other non-profit making groups within Wokingham borough and offer a great way of boosting your funds. We’re able to offer Community Cash Tokens thanks to the generosity of Mark

Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows. The Wokingham Paper’s publisher Phil Creighton said: “The Community Cash Tokens were a hugely popular ingredient of The Wokingham Times, and thanks to Mark’s support for the community of Wokingham borough, we’re delighted to be able to bring them back. “Whatever your group, charity or good cause is, Community Cash Tokens offers your supporters a fun way of helping you raise funds and awareness of your cause. “Make sure you don’t miss an issue.” Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.

looks like it could walk right off the material, it’s very good. “We decided that we wanted to give something back and do something nice for someone else. “As the Salvation Army are celebrating their anniversary we thought it would make a lovely gift. We hope they will hang it proudly.”

The meet-up will take place around Black Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures in Hurst from noon. The free event is an opportunity to meet other like-minded dog owners and give the animals a chance to play with their friends. It is open to owners of Jack Russells, Parson Russells, Jackhuahuas and everything in between.

CRIME

Four bicycles stolen during raid on garage A GARAGE was broken into in The Terrace, Wokingham, during the morning of Bonfire Night. Thieves entered the home after smashing a window in the door before stealing four bicycles. If you have information which could help police, call the 24hour Enquiry Centre on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

COMMUNITY CASH TOKEN Your name:.......................................................................................................................................... Your tel no:.......................................................................................................................................... Name of nominated group or organisation:......................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................. Its address/meeting place:........................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................. Name of group’s representative:.............................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................. Their tel no:.........................................................................................................................................

THE

WOKINGHAM PAPER

NEWS | 3

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Friday, October 2, 20, 2015 THETHE WOKINGHAM PAPER November 2015 WOKINGHAM PAPER

DONATIONS CRIME

SYRIA

CRIME

Couple lose £4,000 in We’re ready for the ‘surprise delivery’ scam refugees pledges MP The huge beams in place ready to be lifted onto the bridge supports (inset). Pictures: Phil Creighton

Interserve’s gifts for trio of good causes

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

that because the gift contained various ATM machines over the alcohol, there was a £3.50 next few days. ‘delivery/verification charge’ Police suspect that the ‘mobile A HURST resident has spoken providing proof that he had credit card machine’ which the out after being scammed out of actually delivered the package deliveryman carried had captured £4,000 by a bogus courier bearing to an adult, of legal drinking age, all the necessary information to unexpected gifts. and not just left it on the doorstep clone the couple’s card and create The anonymous victim told how where it could be stolen or taken a new card, along with their PIN she had received a phone call from by anyone, especially a minor. number. a company calling themselves “This sounded logical and I The couple contacted their Express Couriers, asking if she was offered to pay him cash. He then bank, which issued a new card and going to be home as they had a said that the delivery company closed the account, and notified package to deliver which required required payment to be by credit or the police who informed them that a signature. debit card only, so that everything several other households had been The victim said: “The caller said that the delivery would arrive at is properly accounted for, and targeted by the same scam. this would help in keeping a legal A spokesperson for Thames my home in roughly an hour. Valley Police said: “Be wary of “Sure enough, about an hour record of the transaction. who by this time Samaccepting anySanders, ‘surprise later, a uniformed delivery manSheena“My Interserve’s Office Services Manager Kitto,husband, JAC’s Development Director Milligan, Tony Ralphgift the or was standing beside me, pulled package,’ which you neither turned upstable-hand with a beautiful basket horse and Michaela Pickworth of flowers and a bottle of wine. I out his credit card, and ‘John the expected nor personally ordered, By GEMMA DAVIDSON its learning spaces. Our House enable delivery man’will asked himus totoswipe expand especially if it involves any kind was very surprised since there was to gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk Sam Milligan, Development extend the use of the outdoor the card on a small mobile card of payment as a condition of no special occasion or holiday, and JACgift said: space andwith develop our facilities machine a small screen and Director receivingatthe or “Interserve package. I certainly didn’twere expect THREE charities theanything worthy has committed a lot of time into for disabled teenagers, giving keypad. My husband was asked to “Also, never accept anything like it. Intrigued, I inquired as to recipients of a £25,000 donation workknow with or them much needed haven where planning enter ahis PIN number and a receipt if you dotheir not project personally who the sender was. by a Twyford-based company on andisbrought a huge amount ofof chillout. out with friends anda us was can printed He was given there no proper identification “The courier replied, “I don’t they Tuesday. experience and family, justtransaction. have some time copy oforthe The to guy professionalism, who the sender is. know, I’m only delivering the Support services and amazingall, attitude withtime them.you said everything was in order, and an “Above the only package.” Apparently, a card was themselves.” construction group Interserve “It is diffi cultout to express how Campus Mohawk will use the wished good day.” should give any personal being sent separately, which awarded £13,000 to Camp the support, and helpis funds resurfacethen its driveway Theto couple discovered much credit/debit card work information never arrived. There was also a Mohawk in Wargrave, £7,500 to IEFyou haveyourself providedinitiated us meansthe to and installhad drainage betweenand the thatto £4,000 been charged when consignment note with gift. Wokingham-based Just the Around everyone involved.” the camp’s swimming pool “He then went on to explain withdrawn from their account at purchase or transaction.” the Corner (JAC) and 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 TRANSPORT earlier this week to present them changing facilities. 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 EMERGENCY services were called to grown and developed a strong Mohawk with a huge amount of children can play safely and their the scene of a single-vehicle collision relationship with these local support. This generous support families can meet and support in Winnersh yesterday charities over the lastafternoon three years has not only been financial but as each other. with Interserve staff having (Thursday). a support services organisation. Sarah Barnard, Centre Manager worked than 600 crews volunteer “We have several projects – Policemore and ambulance were at BFTF said:”The support which days Mohawk, JACthe and both small and large – on the go calledat toCamp the scene, between Interserve has given Building for BFTF during that time. slip-road at any one time and to have IEF Winnersh Triangle-bound the Future at Our House, in terms “We thatand theThe award assisting us every step of the way from thehope A329M BaderofWay, of funding and man-power, has these grants has been invaluable, and we owe at around 2pm.– and our pledge to transformed our outdoor area give least them a huge debt of gratitude.” A at lane wasanother closed on150 thedays dual into a welcoming entrance space of staff’s time over the next Finally, JAC will use the carriageway while crews attended which really sets the tone for year – demonstrates funds to fit out loft spaces at the scene and made theInterserve’s vehicle, a visiting families. ongoing its Rehoboth Centre to make “The on-going support black Fordcommitment Fiesta, safe. to these charities, whichof make such and the them more energy efficient with of Interserve, not only in The condition the driver acause hugeofdiff to the local at insulation, LED lighting and maintenance, but also in theerence crash was unknown community.” heat accident. source pumps improvements andatenhancements Emergency services the scene of Thursday’s Picture:and Paulwill King also the time of going to press.

Smash on A329M slip road closes lane

REGENERATION TRANSPORT

EXCLUSIVE

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING East MP, Rob Wilson has gone on record to say that the UK will cope with the 400 refugees a month that will be brought into the country. Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Mr Wilson said: “I’m part of the interministerial team TRANSPORT that is working on how we manage and support refugees. WORK to install a new bridge over “We’ve literally the will now take place from the justM4 started end of the month. identifying refugees As part of the in the camps inShinfield Syria Eastern Relief Road project builders and the countries around will be installing Syria. 12 45 metre long beams over motorway tobe form a new “I the expect we will bringing six-lane bridge. about 400 [refugees] a month Thenow sections have been from onwards. Thatmoved is to the site ready for installation manageable because we’ve and

Church raiders steal cash from vestry safe

A CHURCH in Wokingham has been left reeling after money was stolen during a burglary earlier this week. Between 5.30pm on Tuesday and 8.40am on Wednesday, someone broke into St Paul’s Church and the to embark onReading a dangerous journey had lots of offers from local parish rooms on Road. The across the Mediterranean. authorities around the offenders managed to find the keys to “It’s both unmanageable and an country.” the church safe in the vestry, stealing dangerous because you have Mr Wilson was speaking undisclosed amount of cash and making thousands a week after Wokingham offnow withhundreds a cash box of from the hall. of people just coming onto in Borough Councillors unanimously Anyone who may have seenland anything Greece and other the passed a motion pledging to suspicious is urged to parts call theofThames Mediterranean and it’s just not do its bit to welcome refugees Valley Police enquiry centre via 101. manageable,” he continued. to the area. POLICE “These countries are finding it He added: “We are putting very diﬃcult. all the things in place “That’s why what we’re doing to make sure that is saying, ‘Right, you stay in the all the people are in Wargrave are being refugee camp, we’ll come to you supported, not just RESIDENTS warned pressured doorstep sales thereabout and we’ll provide the help for a week, byand fish sellers in the support youarea. need there by or a month, spending a lot of money and One resident reported being or a year, but the supports have supported been built on targeted people largealso amounts effort by there. Butselling also we’ll onthe an banks of the M4. ongoing basis. you prices. properly in the UK as of settle fish at high The work will be“The carried out over well. These sellers are known to target plans are five nights, weather “Thatpeople meansdoor people should to door and use beingpermitting, led by the Home vulnerable from Monday, 30.very If the go to the refugee camps and pressure to sell their goods. OﬃNovember ce, they are weather is bad, then the work may not just Valley turn up andare take those Thames Police urging robust and I think the country bewill extended. dangerous So we’re residents neverjourneys. to buy goods or services be able to cope.” Contractors Hochtief (UK) toand stop problem at at trying the door, tothe report any activity The Britishfrom Government will betaken working 6pm to it 6am source ratherto than bring it totothe that they believe be suspicious the has thefrom view that is each evening. doorstep of via Europe”. enquiry centre 101. wrong to encourage people

A fishy tale of high pressure seafood sales

M-way bridge work to start

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Sports for clubs sought Prepare townviews road closures

A LEVEL playing field is being by Wokingham TWO Wokingham roads willsought be closed next week to Boroughmaintenance Council over the future ofcarried sportingout. provision. enable work to be Sports clubs in theRoad borough being asked to help Easthampstead and are Heathlands Road will be produce a pitch strategy, helping26, theto council a shut on Thursday, November allowcreate Wokingham picture ofCouncil current resources andto future Borough contractors workdemands. in safety. The consultation follows thewill purchase Grays Fruit During the closure, there be an of alternative Farm which will be used to meet the increasedRoad demand route via Waterloo Road, Old Wokingham and Call usto today arrange Call today us today toarrange arrange toto arrange for outdoor sports thereversed. regeneration is here. Nine Mile Ride, orpitches by thisonce route CallCall us us today Call us today to It is expected that these pitches will be needed by freeconsultation initial consultation a free aainitial free initial consultation consultation Access for residents and businesses will be a free initial 2019 and Grays Farm remains open. arrange a free maintained at all times and the road will be closed Tel: 01256 584000 584000 The council saysand it is4pm. also committed to a major and Tel: 01256 Tel: 01256 584000 Call us today to arrange between 9.30am initial consultation Tel: 01256 584000 outdoor sports hub at Ryeish Green and there will also Email:Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk aEmail: free initial consultation info@kjsmith.co.uk be new pitches provided as part of the developmentsEmail: at Visit:info@kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 0118 418 1000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 01256 584000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Arborfield. POLICE Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Executive member for environment Cllr Angus Ross Visit:www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: said: "Sport is important in many people’s lives and, as our borough’s population grows, we are committed to making THE driver of a vehicle which allegedly struck a sure people have accesslast to great facilities. house in Wokingham week has been charged “We knowto some sportstest. clubs already have longafter failing takelocal a breath waiting lists and we know pitches not Lorraine Bennett hasabout been some charged withthat oneare count as failing good asto they could be – but the sports pitchfollowing strategy of provide a specimen of breath 26 London 26 London StreetStreet • Basingstoke • Basingstoke • RG21 • RG21 7PG 7PG needs a comprehensive " at around 11pm on Offices inOffices the incident in Budge’sview. Road 5inLondon H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB Henley on Henley Thames, on Street Thames, Woodley, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Basingstoke, Guildford Guildford &•London & London 26 • Windsor, Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke • RG21 7PG  Any outdoor sports10. club interested in the Tuesday, November The 33-year-old, ofstrategy Dart 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 Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London shouldincontact the council’s sport and leisure Close Finchampstead, will appear before manager Reading Bev Thompson 0118 974 6254. Magistrates onon Wednesday, November 25.

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4 | NEWS BINFIELD

Mozart on the menu at Thames Voyces concert

CHAMBER choir Thames Voyces will be performing a recital of Sacred Sounds from across the Centuries in Binfield this weekend. The 30-strong choir will perform pieces including Mozart’s Solemn Vespers’ Gounod’s Messe Solennelle de St Cecile and John Rutter’s Winchester Te Deum at St Mark’s Church in Popeswood Road tomorrow (Saturday). Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13, £11 for concessions, children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available on the door or by calling 0118 967 7319.

CHRISTMAS

Santa is on his way to school’s winter carnival

HILLSIDE Primary School PTA will be holding a Winter Carnival tomorrow (Saturday) at the school in Rushey Way, Lower Earley. Featuring Santa’s Grotto, a games and craft room, secret present room, along with a barbecue and homemade Indian cuisine, the carnival is open to anyone between noon and 3pm. Entry is £1 for adults, children go free.

MEETING

All are welcome to Royal British Legion’s AGM

THE Annual General Meeting of the Arborfield Branch of the Royal British Legion will take place on Wednesday. The meeting will take place from 8pm at the hall in Eversley Road, followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Arborfield RBL Club. All are welcome to attend.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

CRIME

Children’s toys stolen as popular farm shop is raided twice in a week EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHILD’S ride was smashed open and a collection tin plundered by “mindless” thieves who have raided a popular farm shop twice in the past week. Graham and Caroline Adams, who run Lockey Farm in Sindlesham Road, have been left devastated after thieves broke in on Sunday night and again on Wednesday night. Graham said: “It’s very worrying, we live on-site so we are worried about how far these people will go, are they going to come back and break into the house?” On Sunday night the thieves stole money from a collection box outside the farm’s play area, which is open to members of the public to enjoy with their children, as well as taking toys and sweets. On Wednesday night they struck again, this time smashing open a child’s ride-on toy and taking the money from inside. Graham said: “They’ve probably taken around £300 to £400 worth. They’ve taken pocket money toys that we had for sale and toys that we put out for children to use, they stole pick and mix, would you believe? “For the value of what they have taken, these people have caused a lot more damage and inconvenience to us.” The couple are now having to fork out

Graham and Caroline Adams inspect the damage to Lockey Farm after the latest break-in. Above: police at the scene yesterday (Thursday) and, right, with the damaged children’s ride. Pictures: Paul King

hundreds of pounds installing floodlights and extra security cameras on the site. Graham added: “This happened to us six months ago so we beefed up security, but we’re having to install more cameras which will probably cost about £1,000. “It really makes you think, we open up the farm for people to come and enjoy it, and then a small minority do something like this. It just really spoils it for everyone and makes us rethink

what we are doing here. “I don’t believe it to be the work of career criminals, these are just mindless thieves.” The collection box which was stolen in Sunday’s robbery contained donations which families make in return for using the play area. Graham said: “When this happened before the support of the local community was just phenomenal, we had

lots of messages of support from people who love to visit the farm with their children. “There could have been £50 in the box or £100, we just don’t know. We open the play area free of charge, but ask for a donation to go towards to upkeep of the area. “It’s gutting really, we love opening the farm to the public but when something like this happens it really gets you down.”

NEWS | 5

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CRIME

WEATHER

MOREARTS

It’s snow joke! The white stuff could be coming this way

All aboard for a showcase of artwork

TEMPERATURES in the borough are set to plunge this weekend and there is a risk of snow flurries as winter arrives. After a mild fortnight, caused in part by Storms Abigail and Barney, the mercury is plummeting as cold air arrives. Earlier this week, the Maiden Erlegh School weather account warned on Twitter that this weekend could see a 45% chance of snowflakes falling and some of the lowest overnight November temperatures for 30 years. Saturday could see a high temperature of 3ºC, while Sunday will be warmer, reaching 6ºC. However, a local weather expert feels that any chance of snow has thawed out. Bernard Burton told The Wokingham Paper it should be a dry weekend with the possibility of sleet showers. He said: “There will also be a strong northerly wind on Saturday – after all this mild weather it will feel bitter. “It should be mainly dry, if we do get a shower it could be sleety but I am not expecting any snow cover in this area. “The winter is too far away to predict. The weather will be changeable, with mild and cold interludes and rain at times.”

Jim Stockley and deputy town mayor Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson were on hand to greet commuters outside Wokingham Station on Thursday. Picture: Phil Creighton

COMMUTERS found waiting for their trains was as pretty as a picture thanks to a special visit from Wokingham charity Morearts. The group displayed artworks created by school pupils which can be loaned to local businesses, the hire fees then generate funds which can be used to create more art. The work was on show between 6am and 9am, and commuters could enter a draw to win a pair of First Class rail tickets, donated by South West Trains, if they signed up to the Morearts newsletter. Organiser Jim Stockley said: “It’s been really good.

It’s an interesting demographic [to reach]. “The emphasising message is we can use creativity to be part of the community and it’s also about supporting us.” Mr Stockley said that supporting Morearts is more than just looking at paintings. “It’s not just art. It’s everything that’s created: music and dance too. It’s essential - it’s about how we feel good about where we are and it’s altruistic statement. “The art on show today is a way of encouraging young people.”

Couple plotted ‘IS-style suicide attack on London’ A WOMAN from Earley and her husband were plotting an Islamic State-inspired suicide bomb attack in London before their plans were foiled by anti-terror police, a court has heard. Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, of Hutton Close, and 25-yearold Mohammed Rehman, of Radstock Road in Reading, are standing trial at the Old Bailey accused of preparing acts of terrorism. The jury heard how the couple, who were married at the Reading Islamic Centre in October 2013 but lived separately, allegedly stockpiled chemicals and bombmaking materials with the intention of carrying out a suicide attack on either the London Underground or Westfield shopping centre. The court heard how on May 12 this year Rehman tweeted under the name ‘Silent Bomber’, with a profile picture of ‘Jihadi John’ Mohammed Emzawi, asking for advice on which to target. He allegedly asked his followers: “Westfield shopping centre or London underground? Any

MOTORISTS are being urged to lock their cars and not leave items on display after a spate of break-ins in the borough. Last Friday a disability badge and glasses were stolen from an unlocked Audi in Old Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield. Between 6pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday, someone got into a parked car in Pond Head Lane, Earley, and stole a satnav from the glovebox along with some loose change. On the same night, between 6pm and 7am someone stole loose change left in the centre console of an unlocked car in Wokingham Road. At around 4.15am on Wednesday a householder in Robin Hood Lane, Winnersh, heard a noise from outside, looked out and shouted at a man stood near the vehicle parked on the driveway. The man then walked away, but it was found that a toolbox had been stolen from the unlocked vehicle. Thames Valley Police are reminding people to always lock their car, and not leave anything on display or in the glovebox. If you have any information relating to these incidents you should call 101.

MEETING

COURT

By COURT REPORTER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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advice would be appreciated greatly.” The tweet caught the attention of counter-terrorism agencies and Rehman’s online activities were monitored. On the same day as the tweet he is claimed to have repeatedly searched YouTube for footage on the 7/7 London bombings and the uncensored press release from Al Qaeda relating to the attack. Prosecutor Tony Badenoch QC told jurors: “The evidence suggests that the London Underground may well have been on his mind as a potential target as Mohammed Rehman was particularly fixated with the events of 7/7 and he referred to Shehzad Tanweer, one of the 7/7 bombers, as his ‘beloved predecessor’. “He knew all about Shehzad Tanweer, as did his wife.” Mr Badenoch went on to tell the jury how the couple also had a keen interest in IS (Islamic State), and Rehman’s online research showed he approved of their atrocities and “wished to play his own part”. The couple were arrested on May 28 and police found “substantial quantities of

chemicals and bomb-making wherewithal” when Rehman’s home was raided. Among the items recovered by police was more than 10kg of Urea Nitrate, a highly explosive chemical. Mr Badenoch said: “The funding for these chemicals came from his wife with her knowledge of what they were intended for - a bomb. “They shared a common interest – violent and extreme Islamic ideology and its methods of impacting upon the Western world.” At the beginning of the trial, Mr Justice Baker told jurors not to allow “abhorrence” for the recent Paris terror attacks to affect their consideration of the case. He said: “Those events in Paris are totally separate from the events in this case. “Please put those events on Friday in Paris to one side.” Rehman and Khan are charged with preparing terrorist acts on or before May 28 this year. Rehman is also charged with possessing an article for terrorist purposes. The couple deny the charges. The trial continues.

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Hatch Farm dairies homes debate A MEETING about the Hatch Farm Dairies development in Winnersh will take place tonight (Friday). Residents are holding the event about the reserved matters applications being put forward to Wokingham Borough Council. The planned development will see more than 400 homes built as part of the borough’s ongoing regeneration project. The meeting will include a discussion on the history, the housing, the site and the planned Winnersh Relief Road. All are welcome to the event, which runs from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Winnersh Community Centre in Mole Road.

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6 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Parish noticeboard INGHAM

S&&LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING Saturday November 21

Wokingham Town Council. Councillors Surgery. 10am. Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham.

Monday November 23

Tel: 0118 9733414 . Committee. Corporate and Scrutiny ENCING &Overview GATES TURFING 7pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 Mob: 07920 524500 . 1BN BASES BLOCK-PAVING Email:Shinfield wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com Parish Council Recreation and Amenities Committee. 7.30pm, Shinfield Parish Hall, School S OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS ad Road Green, | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB Shinfield. DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING RDEN MAINTENANCE Tuesday November 24 Parish Council PlanningCLEANING Committee. 7.30pm, ONALBarkham DRIVEWAY Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham, RG40 Wokingham Borough Council, Community and

WOKINGHAM

n STEALING a £7 bottle of port from Marks & Spencer cost a Wokingham man more than £200 when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court last month. Abdelkader Aribou, 44, from Shute End, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on October 14, when he appeared on October 28. He was given a nine month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £207 in compensation and costs.

n A WOMAN from Wokingham has pleaded guilty to stealing a cardigan from a shop in Peach Street. Sabrina Soworka, 35, of Ashridge Road, admitted to stealing the clothing, 4PL. worth £49.50, from Marks & Spencer on Wokingham Council Planning and Transport Sarin Tel: 0118 9733414 .Tony . Town . TURFING November 25 last year. PATIOS FENCING & GATES meeting. 7.30pm, Wokingham Town Hall, Mob: 07920 524500 Ms Soworka was ordered to pay Wokingham. . SHED . BASES BLOCK-PAVING Email:Strategy wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com a victim surcharge of £15, and costs Woodley Town Council and Resources . REPAIRS Committee. 8pm,OR The Oakwood Centre, Headley of £85, DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead Road | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RBand handed a conditional Road, Woodley. discharge for 18 months when she . GARDEN MAINTENANCE appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court ngs Wednesday November 25 CLEANING . PROFESSIONAL on October 28. DRIVEWAY

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

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DRIVEWAYS &&LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING . 07920 524 500 Radstock Lane, Earley. n A MAN from Earley has appeared 0118 973 3414

both charges, and has been remanded on bail to reappear at the same court on February 10 next year.

surcharge of £10 and costs of £40, and handed a conditional discharge for six months.

n A TEENAGER from Winnersh has pleaded guilty to stealing a number of computer games and consoles. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted stealing 14 Nintendo Wii games, three Wii accessories, seven Xbox games, an Xbox Kinect and an accessory, 23 CDs, four DVDs, a digital photo frame, a PC accessory, and a DS Lite belonging to a family member when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 28. The boy was ordered to pay a victim

n A 78-year-old man from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with historic sexual offences. Ronald Sherwood, of Consul Close, will appear at Reading Crown Court on November 30 charged with five counts of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 16 between July 1982 and March 1985, two counts of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16 between July 1982 and November 1985, and one count of attempted rape of a boy under the age of 16 between November 1984 and November 1985.

Earley Town Council Meeting. 7.30pm, Council Offices,

in court charged with possessing an tical illness & income protection plans Thursday November 26 tical illness & income protection plans offensive weapon in public. n the convenience of your home Finchampstead Parish Council main council meeting. n the convenience of your home Tony Sarin Tel: 0118 9733414 . PATIOS . FENCING . TURFING Thomas Wilkin, 25, of Chatteris Way, Memorial Hall, The Village, & GATES ngs & childFinchampstead trust funds Mob: 07920 524500appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court ngs & childFinchampstead, trust funds RG40 4JU. . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com on October 28 charged with possessing performance.analysis performance analysis REPAIRS Road OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RBa finger mounted 2in blade in a public market options . GARDEN MAINTENANCE place, and using threatening or abusive market options WARGRAVE . PROFESSIONAL pensions Life assurance, critical illnessDRIVEWAY & income protection plans words or behaviour, or disorderly CLEANING Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans pensions behaviour, likely to cause harassment, Financial reviews in the convenience of your home . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk anning s@googlemail.com Financial reviews the convenience of your524 home500 alarm or distress. 0118 in973 3414 . 07920 anning Investments, savings & child trust funds Investments, savings & child trust funds nsfers The charges relate to an incident at nsfers With AN profits fund performance analysispeople Independent financial advice EVENING of curry will provide With profits fund performance analysis Maiden Place on September 12 this year. Independent financial advice Annuities & open market options afor chance to find out more about a Christian Mr Wilkins pleaded not guilty to a future Annuities & open market options for a secure secure future charity. Personal & group pensions Personal & group pensions St Mary’s Church in Wargrave is .organising Inheritance Tax planning an wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning theISA/PEP event, which includes a &&general knowledge Life assurance, critical illness income protection ISAs & 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 quiz, tomorrow (Saturday). ents Financial reviews in the convenience of your home Investments, childand trust fundsthere In additionsavings to the &&food Investments, savings child trustquiz, funds fund performance analysis willWith be aprofits talk about the Massai Evangelistic With profits fund performance analysis Annuities & open market options Annuities & open market options Association. Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA Personal & group pensions he The evening starts at 7pm and tickets cost and regulated by the FSA . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning Authorised wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance Tax planning £15. For more details, ISAs & ISA/PEP transferscall the church office on ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers 3 Mobile 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 940 2300. Email 38978 Mobile 0118 07768 320430 tony@independent-ifa.co.uk HEN l became the Mayor of Mobile 07768 320430

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Curry adds spice to Christian charity evening

Tony Welsh

The life of Wokingham Town Mayor

uphold and continue the traditions developed over the past 130 years. One of those traditions is to work with our first Town Mayor. our High Steward of Wokingham, Lady Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk on Monday. Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 402 8978 07768 320430 It is a very great honour to be chosen Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS Elizabeth Godsal, the first Lady High Address 5 Thenoon, Paddock, RG45 6HS over Around a Crowthorne, man wasBerkshire seen climbing Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk by your fellow Councillors to represent Steward of Wokingham in 400 years! a garden gate in Millworth Lane. When he was the town as Mayor and at times a Lady Elizabeth continues to be a strong challenged, he got on to a bicycle and rode off. daunting role to take on, but likewise supporter of our town l am pleased to If you have information which could help nd regulated by by the Financial Conduct Authority very enjoyable for both my wife and say. horised and police, regulatedcall the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 the 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101 horised and regulated byKent the Financial registration no. 447018 nville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authorised and regulated byAuthority, the Financial Conduct Authority myself. I see my role as being responsible Registration Number AJW00121 This year started out on a sad note Susan Fleck Maidstone, Associates LtdKent is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 nville Road, ME14 2BJ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ Registration Number AJW00121 to the residents of our town and to with the departure from Arborfield camp Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ 555 111.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the REME. Registration Number AJW00121 That said it was a great honour to take the salute and Established 2006 to inspect the Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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troops on parade on June 14, when 300 soldiers paraded along Broad Street. We later had the honour of being invited to the last Beating of the Retreat at Arborfield camp, which was quite an experience, when surrounded by so many soldiers and their families who had served at Arborfield. Since June we have seen the Wokingham in Bloom come and go, our annual street concert, the sunny Saturday’s entertainment in the Market Place, and we have attended numerous voluntary organisations’ events all of whom so admirably support our community.

We are now looking forward to Christmas with the Winter Carnival at the end of November, the Living Advent calendar events throughout December, the Christmas lights and the dressing of the tree in the Market Place. 2016 holds many things to look forward to including the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations. Wokingham Town Council is pleased to share that plans are in place for some family entertainment and a concert on Sunday, June 12 in our town for our residents to enjoy so please save this date in your diaries and look out for more information in the New Year.

Philip Mirfin

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n A MAN from Winnersh was handed a fine of £500 for not paying his television licence last month. Richard Hanks, 52, of Wilson Court, was ordered to pay the fine, plus a victim surcharge of £50, costs of £120, and a courts charge of £150 at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 30. The charge relates to a period between June 14 and July 14 this year when a colour television receiver was used at the address without a licence. Mr Hanks was not present at the hearing.

With Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin

Town in May this Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser CRIME Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Associates LtdWokingham onywelshifa.co.uk year, l knew that l would be Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the FSA Would beCrowthorne, burglar flees Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 Mobile 07768 320430 involved in a very traditional Address 5 The Paddock,8978 Berkshire RG45 6HS Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS and historic role that stretches back in being challenged Email after tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk Wokingham’s history to 1885 when we had Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Independent Financial Adviser ATony POTENTIAL break-in was foiled in Shinfield Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Ltd

n NOT paying for a television licence cost a man from Winnersh £215. John Basten, 51, of Rainbow Park, pleaded guilty to the charge of using a colour television receiver without a licence between June 14 and July 15 this year. Mr Basten was ordered to pay a £45 fine, a victim surcharge of £20 and court costs of £150 when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 30.

AROUND THE PARLOURS

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n FAILING to pay for a train ticket ended up costing a Crowthorne man more than £800. Philip Davies, 44, of Masefield Gardens, was fined £440 and ordered to pay costs of £360.60 after failing to pay a train fare totalling £6.60 at Wokingham on March 12 this year. Mr Davies was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 30.

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WOKINGHAM’S newest estate agents is celebrating after selling a home in just 24 hours. Martin & Co, which opened its doors in Peach Street at the end of September, sold the one-bedroom apartment in Oxford Road for the asking price. Mike Townend, the director of the agency, said: “It came on to the market on Friday and it went straight away. “It’s close to the station.

“We had three viewings on Saturday. All three people were interested in it and it went for the asking price [of £210,000] within 24 hours.” Mr Townend said that he prides himself on knowing the story behind each property that the agency has on its books, be it for sale or rental. With the Oxford Road apartment he added: “It’s an investment property in a good location for renting out.”

The apartment in Oxford Road sold within 24 hours.

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

COMMUNITY

CLUB

Plenty to Scout about after Tesco collection!

Embroiderers to meet

THE Wokingham and District Embroiderers’ Guild will be holding their next meeting on Wednesday. Featuring a talk by Judith Hammond entitled ‘It’s a plastic bag’ the group will meet at the Rose Room of the Methodist Church, in Rose Street from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome for an entrance fee of £6. For more information call 0118 973 4067.

CHRISTMAS

Smithy at winter fayre

ST MARY’S Church in Shinfield will be holding their annual Winter Fayre on Saturday, November 28. The fayre will feature a variety of craft and gift stalls, cake stalls, a tombola and a raffle, and Father Christmas will be popping by. The event is raising money for St Mary’s Church and the PCSO’s Annual Community Event. Doors open at noon.

CONCERT

Sacred Sounds at St Mark’s

A BINFIELD church will be the venue for a concert by the Thames Voyces this weekend. The group will perform Sacred Sounds tomorrow (Saturday) at St Mark’s in Popewood Road. The programme includes Mozart’s Solemn Vespers and Rutter’s Winchester Te Deum and Gounod’s Messe solennelle de Sainte-Cécile, which was first performed in 1841. The music starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12, £10 for concessions and free for accompanied under 16s.

GARDENING

Prize produce on show

WOKINGHAM Horticultural Society will be holding their Winter Show tomorrow (Saturday). Entries are being accepted in the vegetable, fruit, baking, handicrafts and flower arranging categories ahead of the show. The show takes place at the St. Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham, RG41 1EH between 2pm and 4pm.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

Members of the 1st Finchampstead Scouts during their collection at Tesco’s Wokingham store. Picture: Paul King

SHOPPERS at a Wokingham supermarket were given a helping hand with their packing on Saturday by a group of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. Members of the 1st Finchampstead troop were on hand to help customers at Tesco, in Finchampstead Road, pack their bags to raise money for new camping equipment for the group. Dozens of youngsters helped to sort frozen items, cans and vegetables for customers, who were delighted to make a contribution to their cause, helping them raise more than £1,200. Organiser Sam Wood said: “We would like to thank the

generous support of Tesco and their community champion Helen Duncan for allowing our young people to help out on one of their busiest shopping days. “It’s a great way to get out into the community to become more confident when speaking to members of the public as well as learning how to pack shopping bags. Collection buckets were placed at the end of the tills and money raised will go towards tents and camping equipment to be used on our many camping trips. “We raised over £1,275 which is amazing and I’d also like to thank Tesco customers for their generosity.”

POLITICS

MP urged to help ‘protect’ the NHS By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A COLLECTION of local political parties joined forces last Friday in a bid to protect the NHS from a transatlantic trade treaty known as TTIP. A group from The People’s NHS met with Wokingham MP John Redwood at his Rose Street offices to hand over a 1,400-signature petition. Parties represented included UKIP, the Greens and independent Kazek Lokuciewski. The petition calls on Mr

Redwood to “use his influence to persuade David Cameron to protect the NHS from the EU – US trade deal TTIP, a controversial deal which threatens the NHS with irreversible privatisation”. However, back in June Mr Redwood noted on his blog that he thought the NHS would be protected from any trade treaty. He noted: “I think they [the protestors] are wrong to conclude that the NHS will be damaged by it through offering rights to US health companies to compete in our monopoly health care in the public sector as this is expressly ruled out.” This week he told The Wokingham Paper: “I am against TTIP as I think the UK should negotiate our own trade agreements and make it expressly clear in the US one that nothing in the trade agreement will or should damage the NHS. “I am sending the petition to the Government so they can understand the strength of feeling and concerns of electors. “I am always happy to hear from constituents and work hard to stay in touch with constituency opinion.” The People’s NHS says the TTIP is an EU-US trade deal being negotiated behind closed doors between EU bureaucrats and

delegates from the United States and is the largest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated. The pressure group added that TTIP threatens to make privatisation of the NHS irreversible by giving the profits of corporations’ precedence over national lawmakers, by granting American multinationals, or any firm with American investors, the power to sue the Government if it ever attempted to take privatised health services back into public ownership. Wokingham resident and People’s NHS campaign supporter Kazek Lokuciewski said: “We are here today to make sure our MP John Redwood represents the wishes of his constituents across Wokingham. We need our MPs to accept that if people don’t want their National Health Service placed in on-going danger by this secretive and undemocratic trade deal then they should not support it. “In a previous meeting with one resident, John stated that there is no need to worry about TTIP because he would vote to leave the EU. However, since he does not have the sole authority to decide that we leave the EU, would he commit to rejecting a TTIP deal that did not remove the NHS from the deal?”

UKIP’s Phil Cunningham (left) presents John Redwood with the 1,400-signature petition to protect the NHS. Picture: Paul King

EMERGENCY SERVICES

CRIME

Do you see pub assault? A MAN was hospitalised with head, arm and hip injuries, and a woman suffered whiplash and bruising following an assault at a pub in Arborfield last weekend. Shortly after midnight on Saturday the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were assaulted inside and outside the Bramshill Hunt pub, in Bramshill Close. The man suffered injuries to his hip, arm and head and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he was treated for his injuries, but has since been released. The woman suffered bruising to

her face and whiplash to her neck and shoulders. The offender is described as white, in his 40s, of medium build and about 5ft 4in tall. He was clean shaven with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black polo shirt and blue jeans. PC Cosmin Radu, from the patrol team at Loddon Valley, said: “This assault happened as the pub was closing and there were a lot of people around who might have witnessed it. “Anyone with information can contact us via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.”

Electrical cupboard sparks fire alert in Winnersh A PROBLEM in an electric cupboard at a flat in Winnersh prompted fears of a fire on Tuesday night. A crew from Wokingham Fire Station were joined by colleagues from Wokingham Road at the address in Sadlers Court just before 11.50pm. On arrival the crews were met by an electrical engineer, who needed assistance gaining access to the cupboard. Thankfully there was no fire once leverage tools were used to open the door, although firefighters said the mains was emitting a lot of heat, which was discovered by the use of a thermal imaging camera. Firefighters remained at the scene for around 20 minutes as a precaution while the engineer isolated the switch and dealt with the issue. No-one was hurt or injured during the incident.

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10 | BUSINESS

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Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 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

FOOD

Nominate your favourite sandwich shop for award

THE search is on to find Britain’s top designer of commercially made sandwiches, and Wokingham people are invited to take part. Members of the public are invited to nominate their favourite creative sandwich maker for a contest organised by the British Sandwich Association. As part of its annual awards, the association is searching high and low for sandwich makers who have that magic touch which makes the Great British Sandwich so good. Those identified will be invited to take part in a series of competitions around the UK over the next few months and the best will be selected to compete in the final in London next May when the British Sandwich Designer of the Year will be crowned. The Association is also looking for great sandwich bars and cafes - so if you know of a sandwich maker or sandwich place that is exceptional, they would like to hear from you. A quick email is all that it takes to get them on the road to glory - just let the association know the name of the business and where it is - and the name of the sandwich maker if you know it. The association will then contact them and invite them to take part. You can either email the association at sandra@sandwich.org.uk or go to the association’s website - www.lovesarnies.co.uk and submit the information on-line. Full details of the awards can be found at www.sandwich.org.uk

Left: Kate Page and Claire Page at the Lilly-May Page stand. Above: Juliet Anderson and Peter Jacobs, from Woodley Community Carnival committee. Right: Vikki Roberts from Barnes Fitness.

SUCCESS

Pieces come together for festival of business By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The Wokingham Borough Council stand.

THE owner of a company that sells organic baby food was one of the reasons for creating a buzz about business in Woodley. Mark Cuddigan, the managing director of Ella’s Kitchen, was the keynote speaker at the third Festival of Business Woodley, held last week at the town’s Oakwood Centre. The theme of the evening event was Find The Missing Piece Of Your Business Jigsaw and also included a presentation from the leader of Woodley Town Council, councillor Keith Baker. Local business owners were also invited to give a 60-second pitch to explain what their company does. A local expo saw 30 exhibitors take part. There were more than 120 delegates and they praised the not-for-profit event, which will also raise funds for the Lilly-May Page Charity – all proceeds from the event will be donated to Arrhythmia Alliance.

Sarah Browning, from Browning York Ltd, said: “I met up with and talked to some really interesting people. I was also absolutely fascinated by the talk by Mark from Ella’s Kitchen.” Andrew Nicholls, Wokingham Borough Council’s Economic Development Officer, said: “The room had a real buzz and everyone Lydia Cashin and Woodley Town Centre I spoke to found it useful and indeed had an venues manager David Ewens. Below, free enjoyable time.” food for all was on offer. The organisers were also pleased with how the event had gone. Jacqueline Harris, who chairs the festival and runs the Woodley business Breath of Fresh Air, said: “I think that the Festival of Business Woodley was an outstanding success. We set out to celebrate our fantastic business community in Woodley and to give local businesses an opportunity to connect with each other - we definitely achieved that.” The Festival of Business is supported by members of the Woodley Business Club and 1012 Business club.

CHRISTMAS

Garden centre offers plenty of food for thought SHOPPERS visiting a Twyford garden centre were given hints and tips for their festive tables thanks to a Christmas food fair. Organised by Hare Hatch Sheeplands, the event featured free demonstrations and tastings and stalls featuring local suppliers and producers. One happy family taking part was the Blundens from Southlake in Woodley. Mum Amy and dad Steven were happy to allow daughter Charlotte – who will be one on Boxing Day – to taste the fresh fish prepared by chef Brendon Ballantyne. Brendon then took time out to show visitors Pauline and David Day how to prepare one of his speciality meals. The Days, from Norwich, were visiting friends in Ruscombe for the weekend and were quick to snap up some of the bargains on offer. Catherine Miller, who runs Chiltern Charcuterie from premises in the Hughenden Valley, was among the many stall holders who attracted attention from passers-by.

Charlotte, 1, tries a fish dish at the food event in Twyford, watched by mum Amy and dad Steven.

She said: “I work for the police force but set this business up in October last year with support from my husband John and a business partner. “Food is my passion and things have

been going really well for me so far.” The last two of this year’s Christmas Food Fairs take place at Sheeplands this weekend, between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free.

NEWS | 11

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS A+ RATED WINDOW AS STANDARD

REPLACEMENT GUARDIAN ROOFS Fit a replacement conservatory roof and use it all year round

Pomp and patriotism at the British Airways band concert on Saturday. Pictures: Andrew Merritt

CONCERT

British Airways band is flying high for charity A LAST night of the Proms style concert came to Wokingham Methodist Church on Saturday. Members of the British Airways band performed a selection of light classical music for its annual visit to the Rose Street church. The evening started with a oneminute silence for the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks. The programme included John Barry’s themes to Out of Africa and John Williams’ classic Star Wars theme. A Fiesta Mexicana allowed cornet player Paul Douglas to have a moment

in the spotlight, while Ray Northcutt gave a xylophone solo in Sparks. The evening ended with Goodwin’s famous Those Magnificent Men on Their Flying Machines. Organiser Tony King said: “It went very well, we had around 200 people there. The band has been doing this concert for 25 years annually and it’s raised quite a lot of charity.” The church organises a series of concerts over the course of the year and then meets to decide how to distribute the money. “We raised about £1,500 on the night,” Mr King added.

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Paul Douglas playing the cornet solo in Fiesta Mexicana.

CRIME

Man beaten to the ground during gang attack in church car park A MAN suffered cuts and bruises when he was attacked in the car park of a church in Woodley earlier this month. The 35-year-old man was assaulted by five men in the car park of St James Church, in Kingfisher Drive, at 6.11pm on Wednesday, November 4. The victim was knocked to the ground and sustained cuts and

bruises, but nothing was stolen during the attack. The offenders are described as Asian, wearing dark blue hoodies and baseball caps, and carrying baseball bats. There were members of the public in the car park at the time who may have witnessed the attack, and are being urged to contact Thames Valley Police on

their 24-hour enquiry line via 101 if they have any information. Alternatively, if they don’t want to speak directly to the police they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and they will not go to court.

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12 | NEWS DRAMA

Stage Fright presents a feast for the senses

ST Mary’s Church in Twyford will be the venue for a special drama afternoon. Aimed at families, local theatre group Stage Fright is presenting Sunday Roast on Sunday. No previous acting experience is required, and the event will start with a famous Bible story which participants can then retell using imagination, words and actions. The event runs from 3pm to 5pm.

DEVELOPMENT

Monitor Way is the name for new street in Woodley

THE name for a new development off Mohawk Way (opposite Catalina Close), Woodley has been announced as Monitor Way. Wokingham Borough Council are also suggesting Blackberry, Buttercup and Jasmine as names for the Sandford Farm Phase 3 development in Woodley.

CHRISTMAS

Festive gifts on offer during school’s market

A CHRISTMAS market will be held at Reddam House School in Wokingham on Saturday, November 28. Featuring more than 30 stalls, shoppers will have the opportunity to stock up on plenty of gifts and food ahead of the big day. Doors open at 12.30pm and the market runs until 4.30pm. Parking and entry is free.

ALL SAINTS

Church’s healing service

A HEALING service will be held at All Saints Church in Wokingham on Sunday. The meeting starts at 6.30pm.

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CHRISTMAS

A fun-packed festive season! By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk AS DECEMBER 25 gets ever closer, Wokingham is getting ready to celebrate Christmas. A series of special events will be taking place in every corner of the borough offering something for all ages. The fun starts today (Friday) with a Christmas charity market which also takes place tomorrow in Wokingham’s Town Hall. Local charities will have stalls offering great present ideas and there is an emphasis on local and home-made products. Woodley’s Christmas light switch-on takes place on Saturday, November 28, from 4.30pm. There will be music from Woodley churches, Reading Operatic Society and Woodley Concert Band, and there will be mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to enjoy. The lights will be switched on by the winners of this year’s poster contest for the Woodley Christmas Extravaganza. On Sunday, November 29, Wokingham town centre will become a playground for the day as the annual winter carnival returns, this year with a theme of Best of British. Starting at 11am, there will be a number of charity stalls and events during the daytime and then, from 4pm, there will be the traditional procession from Shute End, through the town centre. Thousands of people will line the streets to watch the floats go past. There are several Living Advent

FLASHBACK: Wokingham Winter Extravaganza 2014. Top right, the annual toy run for Barnardo’s. Right: Last year’s Woodley Town Centre lights switch on. Bottom: Wokingham Winter Extravaganza and The Living Nativity Advent Calendar.

Calendars taking place every day from December 1 through to Christmas Eve. Wokingham’s starts at 6.15pm each evening (4pm weekends), with a different performance taking place in a shop or cafe. Acts are kept secret and not published in advance. Some special dates to note are Wednesday, December 2, when the Christmas Tree in Market Place will be decorated and Sunday, December 20, when Wokingham Theatre will host a ticket only live nativity. Henley is home to the UK’s first Living Advent Calendar. The fun starts at 6.15pm outside Henley Town Hall on Tuesday, December 1, snaking its way around the town over the next 24 days. Tywford’s Living Advent Calendar is a little different, offering a variety of special events such as a Christmas quiz, a charity football match and an X Factor-style contest. Times and places vary and it all starts with the Christmas light switch on, which takes place on Sunday, November 29, at 5.30pm. The evening of Friday, December 4, is a special one for people in Twyford. The

village’s shopping centre opens late for a street fayre featuring stalls, carol singers and a visit from Father Christmas. Other entertainment includes jugglers, morris dancers, a fairground and a barbecue provided by local Scouts. The event runs from 6pm to 9pm. On the same evening, the Crowthorne Traders Association will hold its Christmas shopping event. Running from 5.30pm to 8pm, there will be a mini-market outside the library, carol singing, free tastings, an animal nativity and, thanks to the magic of Christmas, a visit from Santa. A Christmas tree festival returns to Wokingham Methodist Church over the weekend of December 4-6, while another will be held at St Mary’s Church in Shinfield over the weekend of December 19 and 20. Wokingham will hold another Super

Sunday festive market on Sunday, December 6 – on the same day, the annual Bikers Toy Run from Shinfield to Barnardo’s High Close School will take place, bringing some festive cheer to the

borough’s roads. Sunday, December 6, is a busy day as it’s also the date for the 19th Woodley Christmas Extravaganza. Starting at 10am, the event includes the arrival of Santa at 11.15am. His sleigh will be pulled by live reindeer before stopping off in his magical grotto. During the day there will be performances from local groups including Starlet Dance School, Woodley Light Operatic Society and Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow. There will also be a wide range of carol concerts and services throughout December, with the vast majority taking place in churches on Sunday, December 20.

St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham, will hold a carol concert attended by the borough mayor, councillor Parry Batth on Friday, December 18. This starts at from 4pm and will see carols led by Berkshire Maestros Youth Brass and the Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band. On Christmas Eve, many churches will hold crib services for children around 4pm, while midnight communions will take place to see in the big day. And on Christmas Day itself, a number of groups will organise lunches to ensure that no one need be on their own for Christmas. They include The Link Visiting Scheme and the Salvation Army. You can be sure that The Wokingham Paper will bring you full details each week in the run-up to the big day and, of course, the best pictures from the big events. Make sure you place a regular order for your copy today.

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14 | NEWS CONCERT

Choir plans to raise roof

WOKINGHAM’S choral society is back for its autumn concert this weekend. The group will be performing Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah at the University of Reading’s Great Hall in London Road, Reading. The work, which will be sung in English, was first performed in 1846 and uses the story of the prophet Elijah as told from 1 and 2 Kings in the Old Testament. The society said the work has been hugely popular across the world every since, due to its melodrama and stirring choruses. Accompanying the society will be soloists soprano Alice Privett, mezzo-soprano Anna Huntley, tenor Andrew Dickinson and baritone Edward Grint, who will play Elijah. Music will come from Orchestra Vitae and the conductor will be Patrick Allies. The concert will be held on Saturday, November 21. Tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s and students. They can be bought in advance from the Town Hall in Wokingham, Newbury Building Society in Broad Street and Bookends in Peach Street. For more details, log on to www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk

CRIME

Garden equipment stolen

A GARDEN strimmer was stolen from a home in Cottesmore Road, Woodley. It was situated in a garage and the theft took place between Friday, November 6, and lunchtime the next day. If you have information which could help police, call the 24-hour Enquiry Centre on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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COURT

Gang jailed for £1m crime spree By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A GANG which terrorised Wokingham and other parts of Berkshire, Surrey, Middlesex and Buckinghamshire in a five-month crime spree has been jailed for a total of 18 years. Danny Stevens, 38, of Hayden Place, Yateley, Paul Smith, 24, of Shurlock Road, Shurlock Row, Jason Eastwood, 41, of Willow Crescent, Farnborough, and Luke Cole, 24, of Stockbridge Lane, Doncaster, were involved in a £1million spree which included blowing open cash machines using gas, and stealing trophies from the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. The gang was also convicted of burgling Twyford Convenience Store in Longfield Road, Twyford, on April 24 this year, a clothing shop in High Street Crowthorne on November 17, 2014, the Coop at School Green, Shinfield, on March 24, and Duffy’s Spar in Oakmede Place, Binfield, on March 31. The men also carried out two attempted thefts of ATM machines at the Nationwide in High Street, Crowthorne, on April 25 this year, and at Santander in Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, the following day. The gang was found guilty of 39

offences, including stealing number plates from vehicles in Finchampstead, Arborfield, Shinfield, Wokingham and Warfield. Appearing at Guildford Crown Court last Friday, Stevens was sentenced to seven years in prison, Smith was handed six years, Eastwood was given three years and four months, while Cole was sentenced to two years. Although the majority of offences involved the theft of ATMs at banks, shops, or petrol stations, the gang also targeted the headquarters of motorsports team Red Bull Racing in Buckinghamshire on December 6, 2014, where they stole £565,000 worth of unique trophies. Some of these were later recovered from Horseshoe Lake in Yateley, Hampshire. Head of Surrey Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Anderson said: “These four men left a trail of destruction in their wake and thanks to the hard work of our officers they will be off the streets of Surrey for years to come. “The public can rest assured that we are committed to tackling organised crime as it can have a direct impact on other areas of offending. By taking career criminals such as these off the streets we can put a stop to countless more innocent people becoming victims of crime.”

Duffy’s Spar in Binfield was targeted by the gang on March 31 this year.

Danny Stevens.

John Eastwood.

Detective Constable Matt Earl who led the investigation, said: “These men put others and themselves at risk in their chaotic and quite frankly dangerous attempts to access cash machines. “They are incredibly fortunate not to have seriously injured members of the public who lived near to some of the cash machines, or next to a petrol station

Luke Cole.

Paul Smith.

where they attempted to blow up one of the ATMs. “They have showed absolutely no remorse and have now deservedly been brought to justice for causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to family run businesses through their reckless actions. They have ultimately paid the price because of their greed.”

SPARKS

A spectacular display in Swallowfield SPARKS flew when a Farley Hill school organised a spectacular fireworks display earlier this month. Swallowfield Park was the venue for Sparks In The Park on Saturday, November 7. The traditional fireworks evening included a bonfire and live music from the Wise Monkeys. Food came from an organic farm in nearby Heckfield and a home-made soup of butternut squash with ginger and sweet potato. It was organised by and held in aid of the Farley Hill School Association. Organiser Claire Kirby said: “This was the best year we’ve ever had. It was fantastic.” Pictures: Andrew Merritt

NEWS | 15

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

MAIDEN ERLEGH SCHOOL

CRIME

School nets a tidy sum for Children in Need

Spate of van break-ins across Woodley area

A SCHOOL in Earley held a non-uniform day and a hotlycontested students v teachers netball match to raise more than £1,600 for Children in Need last week. Pupils at Maiden Erlegh School, in Silverdale Road, wore their own clothes in exchange for a donation to the charity, and sixth form students went headto-head with their teachers in the tense sports match. Spectators paid an entrance fee to watch the match, which was added to the grand total raised by the rest of the school. With their reputation on the line, the teachers played a hard game against the sixth formers, who were the odds-on favourites to win. Annabelle Kelly, a spokesperson for the school, said: “The game was fast paced and

from the warm up it looked like the sixth formers were going to be the favourites. However, after the first quarter the teachers took a fast lead. “After a few tactical changes for the sixth form, they pulled it back, with a very nervous Miss Davies, the Headteacher, on the side worried for the reputation of the teachers, and it looked like the sixth formers were going to win. “In the third quarter, with everything to play for, the match ended with a two goal lead to the teachers. With sweat dripping, fitness was starting to play a part. However in the final quarter the teachers connected and played well, converting the goals to give them an 18-28 victory.” The school managed to raise £1,659.41 for Children in Need, with £68.16 coming from ticket sales to watch the netball match.

Maiden Erlegh school staff took on sixth from students in a charity netball match.

Silence is golden for Nella the chatterbox A SELF-proclaimed ‘chatterbox’ has raised more than £700 for Children in Need by keeping quiet. Eight-year-old Neela Forgan-Thrower, who attends St Paul’s Junior School in Oxford Road, pledged to stay silent for an entire hour last Friday to raise money for children less fortunate than herself. Proud mum Tanya said: “Neela realises how lucky she is and we educate her to be very grateful for having a roof over her head, food on the table and a

REVAMP

Raise a glass to the new-look Tavern pub EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk LIVE music and free food will be on the menu this evening (Friday) as a popular Wokingham pub reopens after a fortnight of extensive renovations. The Broad Street Tavern now has an extended bar, a new menu and totally revamped interior as part of a major series of changes to the town centre venue. Landlady Lili Collier said she is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the celebration party, which will feature a visit from the band Nine Mile Riders. “I can’t wait to see people’s

VANS have been targeted in three separate incidents in Woodley. Overnight Thursday, November 12, into Friday someone broke into a parked Ford Transit van in Stonehaven Drive and stole tools. Between 9pm and 6.30am on the same night, someone broke into a parked transit van in Tippings Lane, stealing bank cards, credit cards and car keys. Between 5.30pm and 8.15am on the same night, someone opened both cab doors of a van in Buckden Close and tried to open the sliding door, but failed. Coins were stolen from the centre console. Also in Buckden Close, a transit van which was parked at a garage block was broken into. A motorcross bike, wallet and cash was stolen from inside the van. Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious during this time should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

faces when they see it,” she told The Wokingham Paper. “It’s a really fresh new look and we hope that customers really enjoy it. “We want to try and cater to a professional audience during the day, in the evening be more relaxed and chilled and have that liveliness at the weekends.” The interior of the pub has been completely gutted and redecorated and a new food menu will be introduced from Saturday, with tasting samples during the launch party. A new coffee machine is being installed to offer customers an alternative to alcoholic drinks and the extended bar will help

healthy body.” Tanya said Neela found the first 40 minutes relatively easy, but then struggled. She said: “Neela was wriggling around on the floor and was bursting to speak by the time the hour was up.”

COMMUNITY

Elsa and Olaf to visit nursery’s winter fayre

CHRISTMAS

Festive bargains on offer THERE will be a charity Christmas Market in Wokingham town hall today (Friday) and tomorrow. People who are nearing the end of their shopping, or those who have yet to start, are invited to browse the various items for sale while supporting local causes. Pop along to the town hall between 10am and 4pm to grab a bargain. Entry is free.

speed up service. Cocktails will be available and the pub will also enhance its soft drink range. Ms Collier said: “There will be a faster turnaround at the bar – we’ve all done lots of training. The new coffee machine will allow us to provide you with amazing coffee. We’ll be better for soft drinks, making it more suitable for everyone. “We’ll be serving canapes on Friday from our new menu. We use fresh meat from Walter Rose & Sons. A daily delivery means everything is fresh every day.” The new look pub reopens tonight from 7pm. Further enhancements to the beer garden are planned in January.

ASHRIDGE Nursery is holding a winter fayre tomorrow (Saturday). The fun event will include a visit from Elsa and Olaf, characters from the film Frozen, as well as the chance to enjoy biscuit decorating, mulled wine, hot dogs, a vintage tea stall and more. A variety of prizes can also be won during a raffle on the day. Entry is £1 for adults and children get it in free. It will be held in the grounds of Keep Hatch School in Ashridge Road from 10.30am to 1pm.

Merry

Christmas

AWARD

A bloom-ing marvellous effort by gardeners! A PROJECT to convert some derelict land into a community garden has been rewarded with a special prize in this year’s Wokingham In Bloom. A 40-metre long area of scrubland near Wokingham Superbowl, off Wellington Road, was converted by a gardening group attached to Wokingham Methodist Church with the help of some Scouts and sponsorship from local businesses. Converting the brambles and nettles took the Rose Street Gardeners three years and now the transformation is called Pavilion’s Border. Earlier this month, Wokingham town mayor Philip Mirfin presented the minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, the Revd Catherine Bowstead, with an outstanding certificate from the

Rev Cathrine Bowstead with Mayor of Wokingham Town Cllr Philip Mirfin and Gerry Higson. Picture: Paul King

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Association contributed some of the plants and 1st Finchampstead Scouts were particularly helpful moving and spreading tons of woodchips.” Councillor Philip Mirfin, Wokingham Town Mayor, said: “The judges were really impressed with the garden and how lovely it had looked when they visited earlier this summer.”

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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

Help Santa and shop local this Christmas THEY say it gets earlier every year and in some ways that’s probably true. When big London stores open their Christmas departments at the height of summer, it’s not surprising that many of us have festive fatigue way before December 25. Wokingham borough is different - our countdown is about to get under way with a series of big events in every corner of the region. Even the most curmudgeonly Scrooge will have their hearts warmed by the events coming up. There really is something for everyone: Christmas shopping events in Crowthorne and Twyford, Woodley’s fantastic Winter Wonderland (complete with a sleigh driven Santa) and, of course, Wokingham’s winter carnival. And that’s before we get to the Living Advent Calendars in Wokingham, Henley and Twyford. Every day something different that showcases the talent within our communities. These events are all diverse and also family friendly. They also come with a great message: whatever you need for Christmas presents, you can find them within the borough. In this day of internet shopping, present shopping has been replaced with click and send. But that’s nowhere near as much fun as going hunting for that perfect present from a real shop, staffed by knowledgeable experts. The borough is packed with independent stores that offer specialist services. Their ranges are fantastic and if an item you want isn’t in stock they’ll be able to get hold of it quickly or offer a suitable alternative. We have toy shops, book stores, home wares, clothes stores and even, for the bargain conscious, some fantastic charity shops too. Why not make the most of our winter wonderland by vowing to shop locally this Christmas?

CHURCH NOTES

Life and death

OUR Church, along with many others, offers an annual Bereavement Service. This is a chance for those who have lost loved ones in recent times to gather for an act of worship that is part remembrance, part celebration, part ritual of grieving, and part solidarity. In these dark November days, with Remembrance Sunday just past, it is a healthy and comforting gathering accompanied by cups of tea. I sometimes wonder if modern society has lost its way a little in the way that death is handled. Is the increase in Hallowe’en antics a sign that we have a fascination with, but inability to deal with death? A Roman Catholic friend told me that in his native Poland the All Souls ceremony involves walking around the churchyard with candles, praying for the souls of the departed. A modern variation on this is the little roadside shrines following serious accidents. Candles left at other public sites are surely a plea for some light in the darkness of an unforgettable and life shattering tragedy. There are ‘death cafes’ advertised in some towns, set up for the sole purpose of facilitating discussion about death. There is a balance to be struck between words and other symbolic actions when words are inadequate. The Christian faith has both words and symbols of light to offer, built on the strong belief that God can provide hope in dark times. This hope is not based on easy platitude nor on a denial of the difficult process of grief. It is a deep desire to affirm the value and benefit of life and love, based on God’s promise to free the whole of creation. Our role is to love and support our friends and family through grief – using words, symbols, crying and laughter, for as long as it’s needed. The Revd Helen Charlton, All Saints Church

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 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

Know your rights as a carer with national advice day EVERY day, 6,000 people in the UK begin caring for a loved one or a friend who is disabled, seriously-ill or older. For some, taking on a caring role is sudden. For others, caring creeps up unnoticed. Whether you provide round-the-clock care or look after someone for a few hours a week, whether you care for someone in your own home or at the end of the motorway, caring can have a huge effect on us, our lives and our plans. Carers tell us it can be really difficult to get the help they need when their caring journey begins or when their circumstances change. Without this support, caring can take a serious toll on a person’s health, relationships and finances. That’s why, for Carers Rights Day, we’ve created Upfront, the first online guide of its kind to help those who are new to caring get the information that is right for them and their unique caring situation. We will also be publishing our annual Carers Rights Guide, giving carers up-to-date information on their rights and signposting them to further support. With hundreds of events taking place in communities across the UK, Carers Rights Day is a fantastic opportunity to help carers learn more about their rights and the support they are entitled to. So if you know someone who is looking after a loved one, make sure they are getting all the help they’re entitled to by connecting them to Carers UK. Carers Rights Day is today (Friday). For more information, to access the online Upfront guide to caring, or to get your free copy of our Carers Rights Guide, visit: www.carersuk.org/carersrightsday Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive, Carers UK

Should us mental health campaigners simply give up? WITH Berkshire’s NHS commissioners are currently commissioning ten less community NHS child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) staff than 20 years ago and still no services and staff at weekends and Bank Holidays or any specialist services for the under

From the web: Reaction to crash at new A329(M) junction Cassie King: I wrote to the Highways Agency after seeing a car reverse back up the M4 slip road at me when he realised he was in the wrong lane. This was their reply!! “We have identified a number of areas for improvement and as a result have installed additional warning signs advising of the new road layout, advanced lane designation signage and additional road markings to give drivers greater awareness of the junction layout. Temporary local hard shoulder closures had been installed to ensure traffic uses designated carriageway lanes only until the old road markings have been removed. Early indications seem to show that these measures have greatly assisted in better informing drivers and have improved both lane discipline and the use of the junction. A full review of the signage and road markings for this new junction layout is currently being undertaken and any further improvements deemed necessary will be implemented, this will include any required”. Andy ‘Nobby’ Clark: There was a three car crash in that section east bound last Thursday evening. And

don’t even start me on the traffic that now stands at a standstill every morning and evening! Tim Marotto: Going OFF TO the M4 was always fine. They’ve now totally overcomplicated it. Getting on to the A329M from the M4 was always dicey where the slips joined together before they joined the A329M, and getting onto the A329M itself was always risky as it is a fast stretch and on a slight curve. I must say they have improved that massively with a lane for each slip. But man, the rest? A ONE lane motorway? Really? Especially as they could have put another lane in on that lovely wide central reservation and kept two lanes for straight on, and a sheltered lane for the M4. Dawn Rudman: I commute to Bracknell and back every day from the Showcase roundabout, it’s a delight to get up to 20mph most days on it now. Coming on/ off is SO dangerous especially on from Coppid Beech at night as the traffic is already queuing on the A329 and so much traffic goes onto the A329 from Coppid at once.

18 year old victims of rape or sexual abuse (from Berkshire’s specialist NHS mental health trust) and the national charity Combat Stress (which helps army veterans with mental health problems) having its Government funding cut from £2.8million to just £750,000 a year.

Lawrence Holmes: There was plenty wrong with it as it was before. Long queues back down the sliproad onto the M4 for a start! Something had to be done and the changes they have made look like they make perfect sense to me. If only people used their eyes & brains while driving there really wouldn’t be a problem. Tanya Lee: Yet another one! The new road layout is SO dangerous. It’s got to be an accident black spot now, but it wasn’t before. ‘If it isn’t broke don’t fix it!’ Craig Wingfield: Just driven past, still blue lights on scene but everything moving in all directions. Avril Acres: I’m not at all surprised, the new road layout is so dangerous! Fiona Caroline Samantha: This road is so dangerous now. Why on earth did they change it? Fiona Fox: When are they going to get BIG signs up? Even when you know its all changed its so easy for the actual spot to suddenly be upon you!!

As a totally unsuccessful Berkshire-based mental health campaigner (for over 12 years) I am undecided as to whether folk like myself should step up our campaigning or simply give up (perhaps readers would like to advise). Paul Farmer, Reading

GOOD ADVICE

How to handle a problem with your employer Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer IF you’re unhappy about something that your employer has said or done, you should always try and talk about it with them. It’s a good idea to try to sort out problems early on. If things aren’t sorted out quickly you may get angry, and this could cause bigger problems between you and your employer. We often see people who say that they are having changes to their working conditions imposed on them. Sometimes they are being told to sign a new contract giving them fewer rights – such as taking away or reducing sick pay. It’s normally better to act on things like this quickly. If you don’t, any changes to your contract or working conditions could become permanent. If you don’t do anything you may be seen to be accepting any changes, even if you protested about them. It’s a good idea to write down your concerns and anything that happens. This will be useful as a record and reminder of the situation. If you’ve been dismissed, or your employer starts formal disciplinary action against you, there is a procedure they should follow under a code produced by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas). As part of this, you should be given the chance to defend yourself in a meeting, and to appeal their decision. If you can, you should do this in writing to your employer. You should explain to them why you don’t agree with their decision. If you can, it’s often helpful to get advice so you know where you stand. Your employer may be entitled to do what they’re doing and you may not be able to do much

to change it. On the other hand, your employer may not be entitled to do what they’re doing, and you might be able to use your legal rights to change things. There are lots of places you can go to for advice. If you are in a Trade Union you could approach the local official or you could ask at your local Citizens Advice. If talking about things with your employer is not working you could think about putting in a grievance. This is a way of more formally raising your concerns, problems or complaints about work with your employer. Your employer might have a procedure for this – check your contract or staff handbook. If you can’t find anything ask your employer. Put your complaint in writing, and keep a copy of it and any responses you get. This will be important if your complaint is not resolved. Sometimes it is difficult to be objective when complaining. If you have difficulty doing this ask your local Citizens Advice for help. Even if your employer doesn’t have a grievance procedure, you can still raise anything you’re not happy about with them. This might simply be a asking for a meeting with your employer to talk things over. But it is usually still better to put your complaint in writing, give it to your employer and keep a copy. They should usually arrange a meeting with you, and give you the chance to appeal their decision if you don’t agree with it. Acas have a code of good practice in grievances, which your employer should follow. Sometimes, it’s not possible to solve the problem with your employer through the grievance procedure. If there are different stages to the grievance procedure, try, where possible, to go through all of them before taking other action. You then might want to think about

what to do next. You might want to make a claim to an employment tribunal. Compensation may be reduced if you win your case, but didn’t put in a grievance before making a claim. Making a claim to the employment tribunal should always be seen as a last resort. However, you must notify Acas before you can make a claim to an employment tribunal. This is important If you want to take your complaint to the employment tribunal, usually, you’ve only got three months minus one day to get your claim in to the tribunal. This is usually measured from the time when the last event happened. Time limits still apply even if you’re making a grievance or appeal. Make sure you know what your time limits are and don’t miss your chance to put your claim to the tribunal. Sometimes, the differences between you and your employer are so great that you don’t want to carry on working there. Alternatively, your employer may decide to dismiss you. It’s also possible that your employer may offer you some money to stop working there. Often, this will take the form of a settlement agreement. This is a legal document and you should make sure you get advice on it from a solicitor or other qualified employment adviser. By signing the agreement, you agree to the payment and any other terms in return for giving up the right to go to an employment tribunal. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

The ballad of Tree 41

ET no one mistake this week’s title. ‘Tree 41’ stands as a symbol for all the issues that surround the development of the Hatch Farm Dairies site in Winnersh. They’re many and varied, ranging from the 400+ houses and flats above ground to the line of a power cable underground. It has been a long, arduous and sometimes frustrating journey. For someone who 11 months ago knew next to nothing about politics, planning and people’s desire, there has been much to learn, listen to and observe. Mere ‘thank you’s are insufficient praise for all those who have given generously of their time and opinions in sharing insights and ideas. The real appreciation will show when their advice is put into action. Be that as it may, the words and works of a single individual, while useful, are unlikely to be enough to deflect the juggernaut. More likely is an inglorious skirmish, leaving little imprint on the wet soil of the fields that are being built on. So the challenge has been to find and work with others: friends; neutrals; opponents. All the time keeping in mind that while hundreds and thousands have trodden the planning protest path before, only singles and tens have won through. Yesterday, the preparation for a resident’s meeting was still going on. Today (Friday) the Winnersh Community Centre becomes the place to share facts, ideas and methods. Tomorrow, informed with decent insights, residents can take up arms in this sea of troubles in the battle to save Tree 41. Hey! Nobody said this was going to be simple, easy even. One’s nearest and dearest have commented thus, and many times too. To achieve the necessary focus, first setting the aim then maintaining it, one can appear somewhat odd, eccentric even. So one needs a thick skin as well as a sense of humour as one goes forwards. Optimism too as sometimes going forward results in what army generals sometimes call “an advance to the rear”. No, that’s not a pat on the bottom, it’s more often a clout round the head. Jude the Apostle, as cognoscenti would no doubt delight in telling us, is the patron saint of lost causes. So rather than worship at his shrine, the meeting this evening needs to recognise that planning permission isn’t going to be ungranted. We’ll be recapping the timeline of events, showing what has happened, what’s been decided and thus won’t change; via the planning process that is. Coming then to the topics where residents can make a difference and there are four: n Housing – layout, heights and appearance; n Site – roads, landscaping and country park; n Infrastructure – school, shops, drainage, pylons; n Planning Conditions - including the Winnersh Relief Road – phases 1 and 2. Ready to help will be advice and guidance on how to comment for maximum impact, supported by a Councillor and a small Residents Liaison Group who’ve been trying to work with the developers and others since April. Or, if you’re unable to join, there’s a Facebook group called Hatch Farm Dairies Development. This gives access to a range of information and opinions from like minded residents who wish to see the best for the area. Slides, ideas and issues for you to consider will be posted over the weekend. Not the least of which will be the topics surrounding Tree 41, an English Oak in A1 condition. Back then to the meeting which starts at 7.30pm and is open to residents, not only from Winnersh, but also from other Resident Associations within the borough. We don’t expect to have the last words on the seven Hatch Farm applications – that responsibility lies with Wokingham Borough Council’s Planning Committee. Instead, we hope that the point is made from the first words. Tony Johnson is a life-long fan of good art, architecture and entertainment. He wrote this column having just watched ITV’s programme ‘The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number One’ - a countdown of all 27 of their number 1 hits

Tony Johnson

READER Clive Hollingshead was out walking around Sindlesham Recreation Ground earlier this month and managed to capture some of the glorious colours of autumn. He said: “I hope you like them.” Yes Clive, we do - and we’re sure you do too. 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.

AM not going to comment on the rights and wrongs of tinting your Facebook profile picture with the Tricolor - or the people trying to inflame the desperate state the world finds itself in after the Paris terrorism atrocities. What I will tell you is about a little girl called Jasmine, part of my extended family as her mum is my cousin’s daughter. Jasmine is six and a beautiful little girl who has her father’s olive skin and her mother’s stunning eyes and cheekbones. Jasmine is being brought up a Muslim, as it is her father’s religon. Her mum comes from a long line of Scottish Protestants. The Monday after Friday night’s atrocity, Jasmine went in to her primary school like normal. In the playground though, another little girl said to her: ‘It’s Muslims like you that killed all those people in Paris’. Jasmine was pretty upset and told her mum when she came home. Her mum gently explained that Jasmine should feel no blame – not an easy subject or task. Her mum put it up on Facebook and most people ploughed in to share their horror. Not to blame the other girl or the school but just to say this view may have come from the other girl’s parents or friends. Most people came to the conclusion, as did Jasmine’s mum, that after talking to Jasmine she should inform the school and maybe get them to explain to all the children that this wasn’t an acceptable view, that Jasmine comes from a family which condemns terrorism. as should all decent families. The school agreed – but Jasmine’s mum also got some abuse online too and so took the post down. She’d just wanted to share a heartbreaking little

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

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

We can’t let hatred win The world has shown solidarity with Paris this week – but we must ensure that love wins, not fear. Picture: Jack Gordon / flickr.com

story about a prejudice that should never have been allowed to be aired. Yet more prejudice spewed forth. I have no solution to this at all and I wish there could be an ending to this that uplifted, like Antoine Leiris, who wrote an open letter to Isis after losing his wife Helene last week, stating that he will not gift the terrorists his hatred. He said: “You want me to be scared, to view my countrymen with mistrust, to sacrifice

my liberty for security. You lost.” Let us pray the little girl who taunted Jasmine no longer has that mistrust. Because if not, whomever that view came from has lost. And two small girls in a playground in this country may have had their views on the world tainted forever. 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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WOKINGHAM18 PAPER Friday, November 20, 2015 To advertise advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk 18 | VIEWPOINTS At 16 she met Robin who wasemail doing his National Service. They were THE married months

later and in 1968 moved to Wokingham and became the proud parents of two daughters.

Wokingham’s people

OH, MR Now with three grandchildren and two granddogs, she and Robin still live life to the full. SMITH! Remembering two familiar faces A wry look at life

VERSE

Jean has always loved writing and has previously had her poems and articles published in Ignorance, magazines and newspapers.

Jean proves you’re never to old to enter the literary world

Jean Hill’s earliest memory of writing a poem takes her back to when she was just nine. Since then, her hobby has helped her laugh, cry and rationalise her way through life’s ups and downs. Her verse has always been largely a private affair – but now her first book has been published and the 72-year-old is also heading down a new path, into the world of public speaking, writes SALLY BRYANT

‘S

OMETIMES your head becomes a highway of thought, it seems to pour out but no-one wants to listen.” Jean sums up a feeling we all know – but whereas many just let their heads go round and round, she writes. “It is just something I enjoy doing,” explains the former secretary, who lives with husband Robin in Wokingham’s Windmill Avenue. “I probably tackle most things. I started with Pam Ayres-type, funny stuff like ‘Internet Dating’ to make people laugh, but I realised I couldn’t stop there. “I now write some quite difficult poems on social issues like dementia, dealing with the sadness of the family, and domestic violence. Just because it is in rhyme doesn’t diminish the power of the story.” Jean usually writes in rhyming verse, although her debut book also contains topical short stories, and she certainly isn’t an office-hoursonly poet. “It just comes in my head, it could be after a word is spoken on television or when something happens. I try to race away and write it down – I get up in the middle of the night because I know if I wait until morning, it will be gone! Sometimes I write four or five poems in two days, then nothing for a week.” Jean has read her work, including

poems on more difficult subjects, on local radio and in Wokingham and Woodley libraries. She has also seen the occasional poem published in newspapers and magazines – but her first book, The Sting in the Tale, is a whole new stanza in her literary life. “Poetry is like painting a picture, but you hang a picture on the wall and you stuff poetry in the drawer. When my daughters saw what I had got, they said I had really got to publish it.” They all got together on the computer, the work [almost all recent] was put into publishing format – and it met all criteria and was accepted. Jean says: “It’s all over the world – I am very big in Mumbai! I’ve been rather flabbergasted, people are queueing up to buy it. I have been overawed the success of the book. When I did it, I said I would order five copies for the family, but now I have ordered hundreds!” A second book, just poems this time, is almost finished. And, as she likes a challenge – she and Robin have already climbed The Dome and hurled themselves off the highest mountain in Wales on a zip wire – she has a new target in her sights. “I have been the speaker at various WI groups and this is my way of looking forward now. I want to further my speaking to social groups.” n ‘The Sting in the Tale’ is available through publisher Lulu.com and Amazon.

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

indulgence and intolerance. Bon appetit

RRRRRGH we’re being deluged by nutritional information wherever we look. We can’t eat a free-from, organically farmed and locally sourced hamburger without a tinge of guilt. Are you eating healthily and ethically? Welcome to the guilt club. I thought keeping up with internet technology was tough. Teenagers know more about apps and social media than I know about Downton Abbey. Mind you I have just successfully applied for a photo driving licence online without taking two days to do it on the Government website – I did have a little help from the wife. But if you think keeping up with technology is tough you’ve no idea what’s happening in food. It’s a knowledge tsunami changing how we eat so quickly it’s like a sci-fi odyssey. The destination is the waste-free personalised diet, perfect in terms of health and sustainability for everyone. That won’t take long then. It’s also a war. The battle lines include ignorance, prejudice, cost, availability and waste. The weapons are genuine research and junk science, sound advice and mis-information. You will need a knowledge of psychology, genetic engineering, marketing and Government initiatives. What night of the week does television not include a food programme that comes complete with the latest expose? And of course it’s all driven by money. Health conscious consumers and the growing range of food intolerances have led to the spectacular rise of the health and wellbeing industry which is approaching £500bn in value according to one source.

Useless knowledge

Jean enjoying the view after climbing The Millennium Dome in London.

with Helena Badger install smoke alarms to some of the most at risk members of the local Wokingham Community. The commitment can be determined by the wants and needs of the volunteer. The volunteer will need to have access to their own transport and be willing to undertake training and a DBS (police check).

Citizens Advice Bureau relies upon volunteers to deliver nearly all of the front line advice service to the public. Their Woodley office is looking for a volunteer reception/administrator on a Wednesday. The volunteers would need to have good IT skills and be personable and approachable.

clients get to and from their desired destination and in most cases, help them to attend their appointment. Expenses are re-imbursed. Volunteers choose when they want to drive, so it can be a very flexible role. It really does make a difference to the client’s lives.

n The Citizens Advice Bureau gives free, confidential advice on every subject from debt, benefits, housing and employment, to law, immigration and discrimination. It is independent and gives advice in an unbiased way. Volunteer roles include - advisors and reception/admin. The

n The Wokingham Transport Scheme is run from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and provides transport for the elderly or infirm to hospital, the doctors, dentist and physiotherapy appointments. Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they will be required to help the

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

Despite this increasing knowledge of food only now are we becoming aware of the dire consequences to our health through poor diet or over indulgence. Around 30 per cent of the world’s population is over eating or under exercising or both making obesity and overweight an issue that demands Government intervention on an international scale. I too have crept into the 67% of men who fall into this category in the UK while the wife is just under the barrier that now accounts for 57% of women. The number is so large the ‘authorities’ say that obesity has become ‘normalised’. Did you know around 35% of children under 11 are obese or overweight which threaten diseases such as type 2 diabetes, infertility and some cancers later in life. Recently, sugar has been linked to dementia. Advice on healthy eating seems to contradict itself. Critics argue that the media and food industries often communicate mis-leading and mis-informed nutrition advice. You must be aware of the hoax claim that appeared in the media in recent years that eating a chocolate bar a day helps weight loss. Other useful information out there includes warnings that eating burgers, drinking caffeine, absorbing calcium, partaking of carbohydrates or being born a man or woman can cause cancer, as well as using social media. Anyway I hope you are eating food based on analysis of your genes. Tell us how you did it by emailing letters@workinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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20 | SCHOOLS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 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!

READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL

A lesson in online safety

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PANTO STAFF, parents and pupils at Reading Blue Coat School were given a lesson about staying safe while using the internet and mobile phones on Friday. Karl Hopwood, an independent e-safety expert, spoke about the good and bad points of using the internet, saying: “We have to look out for each other. The internet is a solitary event, no-one else knows what you are looking at or what is being said to you.”

He also encouraged the pupils to think about their online reputation. “Present yourself in the best possible way. Google your own name and see what others see when they search for you,” he said. Mr Hopwood is a member of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), the e advisory board for the UK Safer Internet Centre and the education advisory board for CEOP.

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

Need to budget Need to bud for regular Need to budget for regular dental visits?dent Pair are Steppin Out for star roles Amy Wilding, 13, and Isabelle Clover, 9, will be performing in professional pantos this Christmas.

Online security expert Karl Hopwood speaking to pupils.. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

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TWO talented children are celebrating after being picked for roles in local pantomimes. Amy Wilding, 13, and Isabelle Clover, 9, both attend Steppin Out Stars Of Tomorrow! and will this Christmas be seen in Dick Whittington at The Hexagon in Reading and Sleeping Beauty at South Hill Park Theatre in You Bracknell.

Isabelle will be performing alongside Justin Fletcher at the Reading panto and said “I am so thrilled to have been given this opportunity.” Amy Wilding, who will be at South Hill Park, said “It’s very exciting. Lots of people from Steppin Out and my school are coming to see me!” n For more about the theatre group, log on not need to be dentally fit to join to www.steppinoutstars.co.uk.

do 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.

EARLEY ST PETER’S SCHOOL

A picture perfect card competition

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 By VIVIENNE JOHNSON class 2ST, for her Father Christmas on the Earley vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk St Peter’s new school bus and Key Stage 2 pupil, BMS but a new patient examination is Taramore Farrelly, in class 6OH, for her ‘Jingle bells’ contactRG40 For information, please us on2AE 0118 3815, and978 speak with one A PICTURE to sum up Christmas was the lesson of the required before signing up. If treatment

Parent committee member Nicolette Evans, Earley St Peter’s executive headteacher, Hester Wooller, with Christmas card competition winners Tara Farelly KS2, Heidi Aston KS1. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

day at Earley St Peter’s C of E Aided Primary School when the school’s first festive card competition was held. The children were given a week to draw, craft or paint a winter’s scene, festive or religious picture for the competition. There were 69 colourful entries from children aged 4 to 10 including depictions of snowmen, The Grinch, Christmas trees, Father Christmas, nativity scenes and a robin. Many children also included their own Christmas messages and poems with their submissions. Two winners were chosen by Hester Wooller, executive headteacher, and Jane Peters, Chair of Governors. The winning designs will be converted into high quality Christmas cards by a print company, Art Project for Schools Limited (APFS). The school receives a donation from APFS for every pack of Christmas cards they produce. The Key Stage 1 winner was Heidi Aston, in

MAIDEN ERLEGH SCHOOL

Top marks for school’s equality work STUDENTS at a school in Earley can rest assured they are all getting a fair deal after officially receiving an EQualities Award earlier this month. Maiden Erlegh School, in Silverdale Road, was notified in July that it had scooped the prestigious award, which recognises the school’s promotion of equality of opportunity and experience for all, irrespective of disability, ethnicity, gender, religion or socio-economic background. Co-headteacher Mike Haddrell was formally presented with the award by the director of the EQualities Award, Dr Chris Derrington, on November 4. In order to achieve the award, the school had to

provide evidence against fifty-two demanding criteria in five categories including Commitment to equality, Fostering good relations, Narrowing the gap, Equality of opportunity and positive action, and Celebrating diversity. Co-headteacher Mary Davies said: “We are very proud to receive this award, which acknowledges the equality work of the school. It’s a testament to degree of respect and acceptance our staff and students show others every day and in all aspects of their work and learning. “It is also a reflection of their desire to celebrate difference as an enriching and positive aspect of our community.”

musical score and snowy winter scene.

Nicolette a parentat committee member visit our Evans, website www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract for Earley St Peter’s School Association (ESPSA), member discount of 15% is given. who organised the competition, said: “We32a Station Beechcroft Dental Practice, Road, Wokingham, thought this would be a creative and educational fundraising opportunity for the children and we RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. were delighted with the number of entries. “The ESPSA runs fundraising projects throughout the year to supplement the school’s income and the donations received from this competition will go towards helping the school purchase a new sound system for the hall.” Mrs Wooller added: “This was a brilliant idea which enabled the children to showcase their creativity and innovative designs.” All the children who entered the school competition were encouraged to re-use their designs for their own family Christmas cards, from which the school will receive additional donations. n To find out more about ESPSA’s work, visit espsareading.blogspot.co.uk/

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

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Our membership scheme is available for 978 only3815 £21 a, month 0118 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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2 Hygienist visits or •call into • Accident & Emergency Insurance Beechcroft Dental Practice, • 15% member discount on treatment (excludes specialist and implant treatment) 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. For more information, us on 0118 Mike Haddrell receives the award from Dr Chris please contact Derrington, director of the EQualities Award. visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

HEALTH | 21

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TAFF at Royal Berkshire Hospital are hoping that you’ll make a date with its new calendar. The team at the maternity unit are the stars in the fun publication, which has been inspired by the hugely popular BBC TV programme Call The Midwife. Everyone pictured works in the unit and sales from the calendar will help raise funds for the Delivery Suite and other maternity projects at the hospital. Every year, around 6,000 babies are born at the Reading-based hospital, with a majority of the mothers being cared for in the delivery suite at some stage in their pregnancy or labour. A spokesperson for the hospital said the midwives felt the environment, while functional, had become dated and was not meeting the needs of the mothers and their birth partners. The department is currently refurbishing four of the birthing rooms and it is hoped the calendar will help raise funds for the other six rooms and the required equipment. Sarah Bailey, Postnatal Ward Manager, said: “The surroundings in which a woman labours can have a direct impact on levels of anxiety, which can impede the normal progress of labour. “Our aim is to continue to provide excellent standards of women-centred care in an updated environment that promotes normality. “Our Delivery Suite will be welcoming, fresh and calming, and provide women with a sense of control over their surroundings.” The calendars are being sold for £7.50 each, with at least £5 from each calendar going directly towards the fundraising effort. They can be bought directly from maternity areas or on the Royal Berks Charity Ebay page (goo.gl/ gSY1f8) , where they are £8.99 including postage and packing.

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OVING home is one of the most stressful things that you do. It is often a protracted Sports Injuries Personal processTraining from start to finish and is not something that happens lightly. if you went into hospital living independently, £5 off assessment when youImagine use code oB13 when booking however due to a change in your medical situation you have been told thatReading it wouldRG6 be better 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Road, Earley, 7ET for you not to go home but go to a care 966 home where www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 8601more support can be provided. Now you are faced with the daunting decision as to what to do. How do you begin to think about moving from your own home into a care home when you are in hospital? What are you options? How much is this move going to cost? And to add even more pressure to the situation you are classed as “medically fit for discharge” and the hospital are waiting for your bed. If you have an elderly relative in hospital and you’re being pressured into finding a care home for them follow these tips: Your relative should be assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding before they’re discharged. This is NHS funding and it covers 100% of the costs of ongoing fulltime care if you need it primarily for health reasons. Many people are discharged without this assessment having been done effectively forcing them to pay for care before it has been properly established that they need to. Make sure the hospital knows you want to attend all assessments. Make the Discharge Team aware that you know about NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. Also, make sure you have been given the opportunity to attend these assessments and appeal any flaws in the process that has been used – before your relative is discharged. Without this process being complete, no reliable decision can possibly be made about who is actually responsible for paying for care. At the point where the hospital decides your relative is no longer their responsibility, the hospital will issue a ‘Section 2 notice’; this is a notice to Social Services that the hospital is handing over responsibility for your relative’s care to the local authority. Once your relative is ready to NHS services. As well be discharged from hospital, make sure that on the day of as reminding people to stock discharge they are still properly cared for – and not left up on winter medicines and in a Discharge Lounge for hours. Your relative should be remedies, we’re also encouraging properly dressed and fed, given enough drinks, and have people to take preventative action, any continence needs addressed throughout. such as staying active to ward off Wokingham Borough Council is trialling a couple of illnesses.” “step up, step down” beds used as a temporary place for Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, people needing support before moving on (either to home executive member for health and or to hospital), however these beds have a maximum stay wellbeing, said: “Self-Care Week is of three weeks. People need time when making big life a great opportunity for Wokingham decisions and the hospitals are fighting against time. I think Borough residents to be reminded there should be a ‘Care Home Hotel’ where people can go about preparing for winter and to for a short time before making big decisions. remain fit and healthy.” Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the n For more on how you can help Established for over 25 years, we offer personalised manager fora Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. yourself this Self-Care Week, visit: www.nhs.uk/selfcare Opinions expressed this blog are her own for overand 25 years, we offer ainpersonalised service withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team.

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n During the dark winter months, we all need more Vitamin D to keep bones and teeth healthy – if you need more advice, ask your pharmacist. n If you have a long-term condition, plan ahead to make sure you don’t run out of prescriptions and medication. n A&E is for accidents and emergencies, not colds and flu. Dr Johan Zylstra, clinical chair for Wokingham CCG and a GP at Finchampstead Surgery, said: “By supporting National Self Care Week, we are giving people the tools to look after their own health, while also easing pressure on the local

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n Beat the winter blues by eating well and being active - 30 minutes of activity a day is a key to physical health and mental wellbeing. n Read instructions on medicine – particularly if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery. n Stock up on over-the-counter medicines for winter ailments, such as flu remedies. n Coughs can last three to four weeks after an infection so you needn’t stay away from work and most sore throats last an average of eight days. n Remember that antibiotics don’t work on cold and flu symptoms.

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Care for yourself and avoid going to the GP CAMPAIGN has been launched by the borough’s GPs to encourage residents to look after their wellbeing. Self-Care Week runs until Sunday and is a national awareness campaign to remind people to prepare for winter and to understand how to take care of such common conditions as coughs, colds and sore throats. Another aim of the week is to encourage people to treat ailments in their own home rather than spending unnecessary time in A&E or at their GP surgery. The theme for the week is self-care for life and some tips include:

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22 | HERITAGE

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Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

HERITAGE | 17

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

REMEMBRANCE REVIEW

Why red and green gave way to metal The past which hastags shaped our present... Last started our fourreviews part series This week week we MikE ChuRChER on with the Government’s theRemembrance Wokingham Remembers articles decision not to bring home bodies of of the past four months andthe discusses the Fallen and to bury them at the place some of the factors which contributed of their death. Here, MIKE CHURCHER, to the making of Wokingham and its continues the story. environment.

VER the past months the were HE Victorian’s burial rituals Wokingham Remembers page has an important part of their ability providing an early picture tobeen mourn their dead, but the of how a small market town and a Government decided that it was few villagestoon the edge of a forest today impossible bring the bodies homeisdue to ranked as oneofofthe thetrench country’s leading the intensity warfare. communities. Understandably this action caused Education, religion, even more pain for the industry, families. transport, social structures, national politics and Organisations grew in the Great War and local government are allbut important lobbied for their return, whilst they pieces in building the great Wokingham were never successful, the Government jigsaw.something Here nowhad is a to summary knew be done.of our contributions to date a few ideas on If the war was to beand won on the the next round articles. battlefield, they of needed the support of

the people to continue the supply of more Education, Education, servicemen. The Government promised Education its people that while the dead would not Today’s Wokingham is renowned as be coming home, they would receive a one of the country’s centres of excellence decent burial. for education; this is partly due to strong A great debt is therefore owed to school performance and the motivated Fabian Ware, a soldier with experience parents who live in one of the most of the South African war and a witness highly educated communities in the UK. to the degradation of its local military If we look into the history of cemeteries. He was to become the driving Wokingham’s schools we can see force for the emergence of the how education is woven into its DNA. Imperial (now Commonwealth) Prior to the Great War, Wokingham War Graves Commission was surrounded by manor houses and (CWGC) and responsible for members of the landed gentry who the respectful burial of wanted to be close to the levers of power; the war dead. i.e. the royal households of Windsor. Before the CWGC In turn these upper echelons could go to work on possessed a serious sense of duty carrying out the wishes and a responsibility to ensure their of the families, the Army community received at least a basic would need to reform its education. Wokingham also had a treatment of the bodies and powerful professional class, a strong much work had to be done in church community (including the nonjust identifying who was who. conformists) and together they shared Although officers were given the a strong belief in the importance of respectful burial they deserved in past teaching. conflicts, not so the rank and file whose The result was with the skills, the bodies were placed into mass graves. motivation and the finance available, During the first two years of the Great there developed a culture of education War, the soldiers wore red identity discs which still holds strong to this day. (dog tags) which were removed on death. Wokingham transport Collecting the tag started the process Transport is probably the single which would take their name from the most important in Wokingham’s pay register and factor the notification to the development, next of kin. in both its rail and road systems. However, once the tag had been Futurehow articles willthe look at the removed, would body be introduction oflack the railways and the identified? The of an individually

major impact had on the town and marked singlethey grave ensured we have made abut start with the this was already not important, the promise road systemburial by mapping out thechanges course of of a decent now required thebeold Forest Road. to made. While of the M4 had a It was the not building until September 1916 major influence ondiscs the introduction of the however, that two were provided; highred, tech now surround the asbusinesses before for which administrative Wokingham, theirregular A329M which purposes anditaisnew shaped in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and green one to stay with the body forits natural identification. connections between Emmbrook correct The Battle of the and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. Somme, which had started before thisThe love and hate rail directive, (the relationship infamous 1stwith Julyour 1916) and roads continue to this day! had approximately 100,000 men missing

without bodies and 50,000 bodies Wokingham’s military without names. heritage If tour thebi-centenary cemeteries on Asyou 2015 is the of the the Somme, you will find walls of names Battle of Waterloo, there have been a of the ‘missing’ (names without bodies)this number of articles commemorating surrounding unknown world changing event. graves headed only ‘Known unto God’ (bodies without The area has always been noted for names). its contribution to the nation’s military As the war proceeded, theREME, soldiers capability, with Arborfield’s themselves took some control having RFA and Remount connections in and the their bodiesand identified should they be Sandhurst Wellington Colleges all it is a particularly situatedkilled very and nearby. thought. Many Even thepoignant Duke of Wellington tookoftothe bodies thatwhich lay in today no-man’s living in Stratfield Saye, is land hadfrom started to decay only 30 minutes away Wokingham’s town centre. and even the newly made cemeteries themselves Wokingham’s were being bombed, disturbing those benefactor thereby culture ‘at rest’. The identity The area around Wokingham was discs, remarkable being made of surrounded by many leather fibreinstrumental would possibly individuals and they were in andneeded therefore the equally building the rot much infrastructure decaying body would lose itsof which underpinned the establishment a strong community. identity. We will be tellingknowing the storythey of the Many oflater the soldiers, too Walterbe family their could left toand decay incontributions no-man’s landto the building of Wokingham inmade April decided to produce identity but discs first weekly issue, we told the story of the of metal, which potentially gave them loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess amuch better chance of retaining their own of Downshire. body’s identity. Although one oftoBritain’s wealthiest It is harrowing think that these men landowners, Arthurabout Hill doubled as the would be worrying their bodies chief their of thedeath, local Fire Brigade and wastoo a after believing that they major financial contributor this part of would be left un-found andto forgotten. Wokingham’s services. is that Possibly even public more upsetting Later articles will illustrate the these identity bracelets were requested demise of these by great their of and supplied themanors soldier’sand own incumbent social system and the rise of parents.

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

its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

Before we believe too much in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a solidly sedate experience, May’s article told the story of the rioting in the town Above:during Caring for graves in 1919. Right: centre thethe time of the 1857 General The dog tags - the green one, which stay with Election. theSuch soldier’s body, wasaintroduced 1916. events were common in sight in Lefttown (inset)and Identity bracelets. the this short and bloody battle between the Whigs and the Tories also The story of the Commonwealth highlighted Bush and (CWGC) Rose hotels War Gravesthe Commission is in Market Place as the headquarters of these undoubtedly uplifting and its existence two feralagroups. became source of comfort to the The story to reflect parents and was evenalso the able soldiers themselves. upon the national scene and the corrupt General Haig was a great advocate of nature of knowing general elections beforemorale the the idea, that his men’s introduction of the importance private ballot. was of the utmost in view of articles willthey include theFuture human carnage werefurther witnessing tales of anarchy revelry in this old on a daily basis. and As the instruments of market town. to wield some control over state started the care of the dead, next challenge Wokingham at the War would beare how to mark their passing There watershed moments in once hostilities hadmark drawn tomoment a close. of great history which the change a society and the Overin a million British andGreat War of 1914-1918 is one such time. had died Commonwealth servicemen Therefore a number ofwar centenaries during the course of the and only between 2014in and 2018soil will those buried home were as a result commemorate great losses of war of returning asthe either sick or injured. which scarred people Wokingham By 1919 the the CWGC wasof now assisting for the rest of 20th century. in clearing thethe battlefields and preparing edition followed the story theMay’s bodies for a decent burial in the mass of two brothers from Langborough cemeteries we see today. Thousands Road in Wokingham town.were One of our of mourners and tourists visiting

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

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

Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’

To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are now entering into their summer holidays. Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s difficult to visualise just how rural the editions than to tell the stories of the area once was and in part explains the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons sometimes fragile relationship between influence on the area before Wokingham the old and new Wokingham; few was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? areas in the UK have witnessed such David Nash Ford provided a set of extraordinary growth and change in the articles and puzzles which makes profile of its population. history fun for the young and no doubt Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. a market place for agricultural and Here’s to the next round of articles! commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah the sites were emerge;Roger the Cenotaph, the two-minute cluster of and trees,local but communities a system of laws laid Huxford, Long, Trevor Ottlewski planning their own ways of remembering silence, Tombfor of the Unknown down by royalty for the protection of and Peterthe Shilham all their continuing the dead. Warrior and the Poppy collection. their hunting grounds. contributions. nAll Next week: Four Pillars Some onerous were building hospitals,local These rules restricted this workThe is provided byof our Remembrance. Partof Three. Without memorial and monuments, butland what local people fromhalls using large parts of the historians free charge and a body to bring home British people was the national tothe do? How can for sustenance andgovernment in part led to be found onand thebury, frontthe page of the rise of local general Wokingham Remembers website focus their emotions on the great pillars of could such highwaymen an enormous and cataclysmic lawlessness. As a result, in the post war remembrance. Who though came event be encapsulated a subsequent simple, single, www.wokinghamremembers.com Black Actidea? of 1723 came down heavily on also to Mark Ashwell at know upThanks with the ideas and how did they brilliant these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in TradeMark for supporting the paper’s if they were going to be successful and not It didn’t come easily, but eventually either their of transportation orwere execution. commitment rejected? to this project. four icons remembrance to

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 23

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham WOODLEY THEATRE

A romantic comedy with a sprinkling of witchcraft

The cast of Stepping Out are ready to give audiences and uplifting evening at The Mill at Sonning.

MILL AT SONNING

Tap into this winter warmer

HE ‘alternative to the Christmas panto’ opens for its festive run at The Mill at Sonning next week, without an ‘oh no he isn’t!‘ in sight. Stepping Out, the funny and heartwarming play by Richard Harris which enjoyed a deservedly long West End run, tells the trials and triumphs of a ladies’ tap-dancing class in a north London church hall. Featuring seven women and one lone male, the group gradually reveal their stories which will leave the audience in both hysterics and tears throughout the evening. “It’s a show for the whole family,” says director Sally Hughes, who is also managing director of the theatre. “Well, maybe not for younger children as the humour is a bit grown up in places, but teenagers will definitely appreciate it. “It’s been quite challenging as there is a lot of dancing involved, some of the cast are dancers but some of them are actors who can dance, so they are picking it up at different speeds. We’ve only had twoand-a-half weeks to rehearse, and there are a lot of big dance numbers so it has been quite challenging for everyone.” Starring Richard Gibson, famed for his role as the archetypal Gestapo officer Herr Otto Flick in BBC sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo!, and former EastEnders actress Elizabeth Power, the comedy hots up as more is revealed about the characters and their personalities clash in the run-up to their climactic charity concert. “The play is very funny but it is also quite moving in places. At the start of the rehearsals we all sat down to discuss why the characters were at the dance class. Some were there for exercise, some to lose weight, some were there to meet new people, and the stories that came out were quite touching. “Every character gets their chance in the spotlight. It focuses on everyone in turn so the audience will get to know them all very well by the end of the show. “This is our alternative to pantomime, so if panto is not your thing then come down to The Mill for a different kind of show!”

Stepping Out opens on Wednesday and runs until January 16. Evening shows are Tuesday to Saturday, with Saturday matinees every week, Sunday matinees from December 6, and Sunday evenings from December 13 to January 3. Tickets start at £47.50 which include dinner, programme and show. To book tickets visit www.millatsonning.com or call 0118 969 8000. GEMMA DAVIDSON

A TALE of witchcraft isn’t what most people would consider to be a ‘Christmassy’ play. Set in New York on Christmas Eve in the 1950s, Bell, Book and Candle will be performed next week by Woodley Theatre. It follows the antics of Gillian Holroyd, played by Gemma Galliers, a young witch who sets her sights on dashing publisher Shepherd Henderson (Dan Clarke), who is engaged to an old school rival of hers, Merle. In order to cause misery to Merle, Gillian casts a love spell on Shepherd, with a little help from her familiar Pyewacket, making him fall madly in love with her, but when he discovers the truth about Gillian, her strange aunt Queeney (Wendy Huntley) and brother Nicky (Michael Beakhouse), all hell breaks loose. Director Ben May said: “I’ve loved the play since seeing the film version when I was a child, and always wondered what it would look like up on stage, so when Woodley Theatre approached me to put on a show I jumped at the chance.

“Being November I thought the play fitted in really nicely with the time of year: We get the spooky elements of Hallowe’en, and the play is set at Christmas, so it sits nicely between the two.” While the subject may be dark, Ben says it is still a comedy. He said: “The humour isn’t very black, it’s quite subtle which I have enjoyed directing. I am used to putting on farcical shows with more slapstick humour, so this has been somewhat of a challenge, to get across the innuendos and the subtleties. “What has been really interesting is seeing what the cast bring to the performance. Little nuances and double entendres that the cast have spotted in the script that I didn’t even realise were there, it’s been great.” Bell, Book and Candle opens on Tuesday, November 24, and runs until Saturday, November 28, at The Oakwood Centre in Headley Road. Tickets are £10, £8 for concessions and £5 for balcony. Book online at www.woodleytheatre.org or call 07939 210121. GEMMA DAVIDSON

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! 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

24 | LEISURE

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What’s on Friday, Nov 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. 10.45am11.30am. £1.50. Details: 0118 934 0800. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall. Christmas charity market. 10am4pm. 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. 2pm4pm. 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

Saturday, Nov 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. £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. LOWER EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Race night. 8pm. Details: 0118 931 3965. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Storytime for ages 3-5. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630. MORTIMER – St John’s Hall. Mortimer and District branch of RNLI Christmas Fair. 9.30am3pm. 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-choralsociety.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. 10am4pm. 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.wokingham-tc.gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wade Christmas fair. 11am-2pm. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30amnoon. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Wokingham Horticultural Society autumn show. WOKINGHAM – Keep Hatch School, Ashridge Road RG40 1PG. Ashridge Nursery winter fayre. Mulled wine, hot dogs, tea and cake, Winter corner. £1, children free. 10.30am-1.30pm. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime for parents and children. 11am. Children’s writing group for ages 9-12. 2pm-2.45pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, Nov 22 SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael & All Angels, Basingstoke Road. Face to Face worship evening, followed by refreshments. Details: www. spencerswoodchurch.org TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church. Sunday Roast: Stage Fright presents an acting afternoon for all ages, to retell a famous Bible story. 3pm-5pm. All welcome.

Monday, Nov 23 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Board games club. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 908 8176. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm. Pages in the Wood: Book group. 6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 988 4771.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter. Drop in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome. Adult event. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Tuesday, Nov 24 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: 45 Years (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre. co.uk. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: ages 18 months-3 years. 11.30am-noon. Details: 0118 931 2150. LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Community Centre, off Kilnsea Drive. Reading’s Red Kites: a talk by Mel Orros from the University of Reading. 7.30pm. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Come To The Source: space for silent meditation and prayer. 8pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Children’s origami club. 4pm-4.45pm. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. Family history drop-in. 2pm-5pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre. Woodley Theatre presents: Bell, Book and Candle. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org or 07939 210121. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, Nov 25 ARBORFIELD - Royal British Legion.

AT THE THEATRE

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Joe Brown in Concert. Fri. Frankly Sinatra. Sat. Dave Gorman. Wed. The Counterfeit Stones. Thurs. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Fri 27. Basingstoke Symphony Orchesta. Sat 28. The Four Seasons by Candlelight. Sun 29.

Basingstoke – Haymarket

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

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.

Basingstoke – The Anvil

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

Sands. Fri 27. Comedy Cellar. Fri 27. Sleeping Beauty. Sun 29 until Jan 3. FILMS: McFarland. Fri. A Walk In The Woods. Fri-Sat. Gone With the Wind. Sun. In Search of Mozart. Mon. Oil City Confidential. Tues. Macbeth. Wed. The Winter’s Tale. Thurs. The Intern. Fri 27-Sun 29. Legend. Fri 27. Macbeth. Sun 29.

Camberley – Theatre

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Grease. Until Sat 28. Katherine Ryan. Sun 29.

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 An Evening of Clairvoyance with Lesley Carver. Fri. An Audience with General Sir Mike Jackson. Wed. NT Live: Of Mice and Men. Thurs. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri 27.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Aleksander Pavlovich: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. Raymondo. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Artree Live; Folk and Roots Music. Sat. The Sitcom Experience: Del and Rodney Dinner Show. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. The R’n’Beatles. Thurs. Cross The Shifting

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 A Murder Is Announced. Until Sat. Flare Path. Mon-Sat 28.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 HAODS presents Anything Goes. Until Sat.

The Wizard of Oz. Mon-Sat 28.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Lord of the Flies. Until Sat. The Neverland Ball. Sat. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Sun. Nina Conti. Thurs. Jesus Christ Superstar. Tues Dec 1-Sat Dec 5.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Stephen K Amos: The Laughter Master. Until Sat. Artisan Fair. Sat. Jig Doll. Sat. The Studio Session. Sun. One Snowy Night. Nov 24-Dec 27. Hardeep Singh Kohli: big Mouth Strikes Again. Thurs. Adam Long’s Dickens Abridged. Fri 27. All Things Considered. Fri 27. Nish Kumar: Long Word … Long Word … Blah Blah Blah … I’m So Clever. Sat 28. Gimme Gimme Gimmie. Sat 28. Storytelling. Sun. Jewel Tones: Sing, Sing, Sing. Sun 29. FILMS: NT Live: Of Mice and Men. TuesWed.

Arborfield Royal British Legion AGM. 8pm.. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Guess How Much I Love you Storytime with crafts. 10.15am-11am. £1.50. Knit Wits: knit or crochet club. 2pm-4pm. iHelp: help group for phones and tablets. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. Mothers Union meeting: preparing for Advent. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 2678. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Contact friendship group meeting, with guest speaker Christine Fielding. 8pm. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Baby signing taster sessions for ages six to 24 months. 10.30am-11am. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults. 10.30am. 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, Nov 26 CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents Puss In Boots. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Details: 07756 580310. EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Mia Madre (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: Iceland - land of fire and ice and amazing geology £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ.

Storytime for ages 3-5. 2.30pm3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting. Internal print competition. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Secrets of the Box: an illustrated talk by Tony Weston about the search to discover the owner of a Regency writing desk. 6.30pm-8pm.£3. Booking essential. Archaeology Finds Surgery. 10am-noon. Home educated book group for ages 7-14. Booking essential. 10.30am-11.30am. 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. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. The Tiger Who Came To Tea storytime. 10.15am-11am. £1.50. Reminiscence Club: discuss days gone by. 10.30amnoon. The First Editions book group. 6pm-6.45pm Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, Nov27 CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents Puss In Boots. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Details: 07756 580310. WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery. Details: 020 7219 4205. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, Nov 28 BEARWOOD – Reddam House School (formerly Bearwood College). Christmas market featuring more than 30 stalls, cafe and more. 12.30pm-4pm. Free entry. CHARVIL – Village Hall, Park Lane RG10 9TR. Singing afternoon for female voices with Suzanne Newman. £10. Details: 0118 934 0589.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Andy Hamilton. Thurs.

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri. Carols at the Corn Exchange. Sat. Handel: Messiah. Sat 28.

Reading – Progress

Newbury – Watermill

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Jazz at the Progress: Darius Brubeck Quartet. Fri. Insert Title Here: A Devised Play. Dec 8-12.

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Alice in Wonderland. Until Jan 3.

Reading – St Barts

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe: David Cooke. Fri. Third Friday Blues: Tyzack and Tortora. Fri. Darklands with Fawn Spots. Sat 28.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Henning Wehn: Eins, Zwei, Diy. Sat. Sally Morgan: Psyhic Sally on the Road. Mon. Berkshire Maestros Junior Music Festival. Tues, Thurs. The Maccabees. Fri 27. Christmas carols with the Salvation Army. Sat 28.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Take Two. Sat. Silver Moon. Dec 5.

Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Playing Away. Until Sat. Youth Group Review Evenings. Dec 4-5.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Round and Round The Garden. Until Sat. Tim Valentine. Fri, Sat. Storytime:

CROWTHORNE – Wellington College RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society presents Canticles of Light and a Ceremony of Carols performed by Eagle House Cantani. 7.30pm. £12, students £2. Details: 01344 778185. CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents Puss In Boots. 2pm, 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Details: 07756 580310. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Charity quiz night in aid of the Link Visting Scheme. Teams of up to 7. £3 per person. Details: 0118 978 0544. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Elvis In Trouble, a special charity evening in aid of the ARC Information and Counselling Service. 7.45pm. £12 advance. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk. KNOWL HILL – Village Hall. Christmas party for children, plus village draw. 2.30pm. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane. Shinfield Winter Fayre. Noon-3.30pm. Details: 0118 988 2120. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Saturday storytime for ages 3-5. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30amnoon. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road RG40 3AW. Christmas event including Santa’s grotto, mulled wine and hog roast. From 1pm. Details: www. holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk WOODLEY – Town Centre. Christmas light switch-on and carol concert. 4.30pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk. WOODLEY – Rivermead Primary School, Addington Gardens off Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4BS. Christmas fayre. Noon-2pm. www.rivermeadschool.org.uk.

What The Ladybird Heard. Wed, 10.30am. Stepping Out. Nov 26-Jan 16.

Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Blood Brothers. Until Sat 28. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Annie. Until Sat. Joe Brown in Concert. Tues. The Magic of Motown. Wed. Westcoast: Music of the Beach Boys. Thurs. It’s a Wonderful Life. Fri 27. So This Is Christmas. Sat 28. An Evening with Noel Fielding. Sun 29.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Next show: The Flint Street Nativity. Dec 2-12.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Bell, Book and Candle. Tues-Sat 28.

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

AT THE Challenging play bring bawdy fun to Wokingham CINEMA YOUTH THEATRE

Kim Taylor-Foster

SET of tales first published in 1475 may at first glance seem an unusual choice for a Wokingham Youth Theatre outing. Brought up to date by Michael Bogdanov and Phil Woods, the performance begins whilst the audience are still enjoying their pre-theatre drinks with the actors entering the bar and announcing the tale-telling competition. Using only the front half of the stage gives the performance an intimate feel, and with plenty of banter with the audience – references to family and friends watching and a quick shout-out to The Wokingham Paper – the play kept everyone entertained. The bawdy content, typical of its era, is overseen by the MC who does an excellent job of controlling the players who take different parts in each of the tales. This tongue-in-cheek dramatization, interspersed with song and dance routines using modern music, was a wonderful watch. Director Lloyd White said: “The play is challenging and fun and I really saw a progress in the actors as we went on. The youth theatre also gets use of the full resources of the

Worth a bite, but monotonous a times

Wokingham Theatre. “The Canterbury Tales is not immediately accessible to the audience but this script is so good, they’ve made it modern. They [Michael Bogdanov and Phil Woods] put in other stuff, funny stuff.” Wokingham Youth Theatre currently has 60

members who meet each week at the theatre in Twyford Road, equipping young people aged eight to 18 with theatre skills in a professional environment. For more information email wyt@wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or visit www. wokingham-threatre.org.uk/youth_centre

VIVIENNE JOHNSON

Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels

Animal Corner

with Gemma Davidson

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

WILLIAM

This lovely four-yearold pointer cross was adopted from DBARC a few weeks ago, but his new family found they could no longer look after him after their working hours changed. William is a happy bundle of fun, who is very playful and always up for a game with people or other dogs. His lead manners could do with some brushing up as he can be a bit boisterous when out on a walk. If you are looking for an energetic companion William could be just the dog for you. He will need lots of walks and company most of the time. Due to his bouncy nature he probably wouldn’t suit a family with children under 10.

DAWN

PAW PAW

Dawn is a four-year-old neutered beagle who has come to DBARC from another shelter which currently has a lot of beagles, so sadly she is being overlooked. She is an ex-breeding beagle so is not used to living in a home environment. She is a very sweet girl but is a little scared at the moment. She does not walk on the lead yet and has to be carried out, but she will get there soon enough. Because she is so shy, Dawn would benefit from having at least one other dog in the home, who can show her the ropes. Dawn will not cope with children, resident or regularly visiting, we think she will find them just too scary. We are sure that with the right family who have a lot of patience and understanding she will blossom into a wonderful dog.

Poor Paw Paw was adopted by her owners approximately twoand-a-half years ago, and it took her several months to settle in. She is a very nervous girl, she gets spooked by sudden noises and movements, so will need a quieter, understanding home without young children around. She happily uses the cat flap, she is energetic and loves dashing around the garden and climbing trees so she will need a home with outside space. Paw Paw is a lovely sweet girl, and with the right family she could really flourish. n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, and to view other animals in need of a home visit www.dbarc.org.uk

RASCAL This three-year-old neutered rabbit can be homed on her own as she can be a little feisty with other bunnies. She will need someone who has a lot of time and attention to give her.

SUDOKU 2

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

6 5

2 1

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

No. 256

Previous solution - Tough

3 2 7

Medium

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

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

6 9 7 8 3 2 4 5 1

3 7 8 4 6 5

Medium

4 9 5 2 8 6 5 5 8 2 9 4

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

Previous solution - Easy

7 8 3 4 5 1 6 9 2

3 8

8 3 1 5 9 7 5 1 7 4 8 1

STR8TS No. 256

Steve Jobs (15) «««««

2 5 6 3 8 9 7 4 1

1 9 4 6 2 7 8 5 3

5 6 7 1 3 8 9 2 4

9 3 2 7 6 4 1 8 5

4 1 8 5 9 2 3 6 7

8 7 1 9 4 5 2 3 6

6 4 9 2 7 3 5 1 8

3 2 5 8 1 6 4 7 9

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.

F YOU’RE a technology geek, you probably regard Steve Jobs as rock star stock. That’s certainly the way this new film about the Apple founder’s back story portrays him, in its scenes of Mexican waves and unbridled adulation. People go nuts for Apple products. With their blend of substance and style, it’s not really surprising, and Apple’s inception is perhaps the first example of an IT company actually being perceived as cool. Crucially, Jobs saw the value in that. During his lifetime, the highachieving innovator definitely made breakthroughs and invigorated an industry; there’s no doubt he accomplished stuff. But does his story really warrant telling in movie format? You decide. The film opens and it’s 1984. We’re behind the scenes at the live launch of the Apple Macintosh – a personal computer created to be layman-friendly and design-focused, and marketed shrewdly. This sets the scene for how the rest of the film will play out – we’ll follow the backstage action through key launches in Steve Jobs’s career from this point until 1998 and the release of the iMac. The film guides us through Jobs’s sticky relationship with CEO John Sculley (Jeff Daniels), his dislike of the Apple II – a model championed by friend and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen), his unceremonious departure from the company he started, the formation of NeXT, Inc. and his subsequent return to Apple. With a three-act structure, the film is theatrical in format and feel, and adopts a Birdman-style strategy of setting most of the action backstage at the various product launches. This clever approach shows the man behind the public persona; the human being within the media construct. Just as the literal behind-thescenes depiction shows the mechanics, contrasts with any artifice and showcases what’s really going on, so it also shows Jobs as the person he really is – not only through the behaviour we see from him but also through the eyes of others. If it also feels like The Social Network, that’s because it was conceived with that front of mind – with celebrated screenwriter Aaron Sorkin on board and David Fincher originally drafted in on directing duties (before being replaced by Danny Boyle), the plan was presumably to reunite the team from the Facebook movie to build a companion piece. And to some extent it still fulfils that remit, even without Fincher’s eye. It’s funny at times and dialogue heavy. Boyle and Sorkin try to give the film heart by allowing Jobs’s relationship with his illegitimate daughter Lisa (played at different life stages by Makenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo and Perla Haney-Jardine) as much screen time as the nuts and bolts of tech history. But you wouldn’t call it a heartstring-tugging biopic as much as you’d call it a techy drama-documentary. At times, it strays into monotony. Boyle, however, brings typical showy flourishes that ignite the film at times, even if they do feel misplaced. But this warts n’ all biopic has one main standout, and that’s Kate Winslet. As Apple’s marketing manager Joanna Hoffman, she’s the film’s moral centre, and she’s also the most complex and interesting character. As Jobs, Fassbender is rarely likable and it’s only through his relationship with Hoffman that we acknowledge there’s a soft side to this hard man – she’s so loyal and forgiving. Arguably better as a stage play, it can be difficult to see the value in this film version but if you’re interested in the Apple story, Steve Jobs will fill you in – although it’s probably quicker and more accurate to check Wikipedia instead.

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

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE 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. BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Bob Thomson. Details: 01344 307620 CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ.The Firm. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Fuzz Universe.

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

Details: 01276 27641. 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 Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. O’Real and Friends presents Soul Ride. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 957 6930.

HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! WEY LIVE MUSIC

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

This Saturday @ 9pm

The Smouldering Boulders

Cool , classic R’n’B music

Saturday, November 28

The Purple Zeppelins Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress: Darius Brubeck Quartet. Details: 0118 384 2195. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dark Matter presents Iain Kemz. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Hello You. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Bohemian Showcase Night. Details: 0118 958 6692. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. In Too Deep. Details: 01252 878938. WOKINGHAM – The Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AZ. Reopening party with 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. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Neil Samuels. Details: 0118 973 4855. 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

THE BROAD STREET TAVERN

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REOPENS TONIGHT 7pm! FREE FOOD!

Try canapes from our new menu LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY NIGHT WITH THE NINE MILE RIDERS

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Live music! Free samples! Big party!

SATURDAY

New menu with fresh, local food

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Cocktails! Wines! Coffee! Friendly welcome! 29 Broad Street, Wokingham RG40 1AU 0118 977 3706

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The Purple Zeppelins will be performing at The Hope & Anchor on Saturday, November 29 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 Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. All About Frank. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Hugh Turner Heavy Quartet. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Improv Comedy: Music Box. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. England’s Dreaming. Details: 0118 957 6930. 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. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Disco Night. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 22 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. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: singers night. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readirockrevolutions. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Abbot Cook, Kings Road RG1 5DE. Sunday Jazz: Stuart Henderson Trio. Details: 0118 935 4095.

Tuesday, November 24 READING – The Hexagon. Berkshire Maestros Junior Music Festival. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Wednesday, November 25 READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Ken Thomson Trio jazz jam. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Artigiano, Broad Street. Phizz: guitar duo. Details: 0118 950 0703. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Manatee/ Avaline. Details: 0118 959 7196. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Hilary James, Simon Mayor and Richard Collins. Details: 01491 681048.

Thursday, November 26 ARBORFIELD – The Royal British Legion Club, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. H-bar-C Country presents 3rds and Lindsley. Details: 0118 989 1354. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. The R’n’Beatles. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Goose, Station Road RG12 1HY. Frankie The Fish. Details: 01344 311629. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. Kieran Acoustic. Details: 01276 684999. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Flick. Details: 01344 772241. READING – The Hexagon. Berkshire Maestros Junior Music Festival. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Silver Heels. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. OSP Music Presents. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios. DJ Andy Smith’s Fish Fry. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, November 27 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Platinum Floyd. Details: 01344 878100. BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. In Too Deep. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Soul Mates. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01344 454532. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. The Sideshowbob Experience. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Eddie and the Redheads. Details: 01276 27641. CAMBERLEY – The Crown and Cushion, Minley Road GU17 9UA. Live music night. Details: 01252 545253. CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Smoke N Fire. Details: 01252 616434. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Murphy James. Details: 01344 772241. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. CJ Edwards. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Rd GU51 4BY. Abba Fever. Details: 01252 811009. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. Arachna. Details: 01252 663686. READING – The Hexagon. The Maccabees. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Jim Hammond Trio. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. FreeZCompany. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Suspect Sound System. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. High Grade Dub and Roots. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Subfactory: Drum and Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196. SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01252 872444. SHINFIELD – The Bell and Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Section8. Details: 0118 988 3563. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Caddy Cooper. Details: 01252 872105.

Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Forty45. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. The Silver Beatles. Details: 01252 811009. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Party Express. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – South Street arts centre. Darklands with Fawn Spotsl. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Crafty Glances. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens: Burlesque. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. Kieran Acoustic. Details: 01252 873220. WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. 3am. Details: 01276 472210. WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Rod Stewart – Chris. Details: 01344 882205. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Mays. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Purple Zeppelins. 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. WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 3325. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Off The Record. Details: 01252 870648.

Saturday, November 28

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Leech. Details: 01344 307620. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Steve Turner. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Dog Comedy. Details: 0118 959 4267. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Manhatten Music presents An Evening With Abba. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Hank Williams and Johnny Cash tribute. Details: 01276 858501.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Whozdrivin. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Back To The 80s tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01276 32691. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Elvis in Trouble charity gig. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk. EVERSLEY – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Charlie Chandlers Little Rock. Details: 0118 973 1126. FLEET – The Falkners Arms,

Sunday, November 29

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RECRUITMENT

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Our expansion and fast growing portfolio means we are looking to recruit an Account Manager, accounting skills and experience is desirable but so is the ability to work in a small and friendly team. You will have responsibility for all accounting aspects of a portfolio of properties and be expected to deal with clients, Solicitors and Accountants. If this interests you please email your CV to susan@cleaverproperty.co.uk or send it to Mrs Susan Cleaver, Cleaver Property Management Ltd, Keepers Cottage, Bearwood Road, Wokingham RG41 4SJ

(EASTHAMPSTEAD ROAD, HEATHLANDS ROAD, WOKINGHAM WITHOUT) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2015 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on 16th of November 2015 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made the above-named 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 affecting 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.

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The restrictions to vehicular traffic will only be in effect whilst the necessary signs are displayed.

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL

CLASSIFIEDS | 27

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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 20th day of November 2015. Andrew Moulton Head of Governance and Improvement Services, Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 151, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 READING ROAD, WINNERSH) (CYCLE LANE) ORDER 2016 Take notice that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order, under Sections 1(1)(a) and (c) and 2(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which shall be to prohibit any vehicles other than non-mechanically propelled vehicles from entering or proceeding along the length of road in the Schedule below. Copies of the draft Order, statement of reasons and plan may be inspected free of charge during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm, Mondays to Fridays, at the offices of Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham (Environment) from 20th November to 13th December. These documents are also available to view online at www.wokingham.gov.uk/tro Any objections to the proposals, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management Section in the Neighbourhood Services P.O. Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or traffic.management@wokingham.gov.uk no later than 13th December 2015. Dated this 20th day of November 2015 Andrew Moulton Head of Governance and Improvement Services Wokingham Borough Council PO Box 150, Shute End Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH SCHEDULE I — PEDAL CYCLES ONLY — WITH FLOW CYCLE LANE A329 Reading Road, Winnersh Measured along its northern kerb line from a point approximately 48metres east of the centre of its junction with Pheasant Close in a south-easterly direction for a distance of approximately 396 metres for a width of 1.5 metres. Measured along its southern kerb line from a point approximately 82 metres west of the centre of its junction with Pheasant Close in a south-easterly direction for a distance of approximately 378 metres for a width of 1.5 metres.

your goods with a free MAKE £250! Sell adverts for items under £250 Having a clear out? Why not turn your treasure into cash with our free adverts? Sell your items without any fee with the aid of this coupon. Items* valued at up to £250 can be sold in these columns for free! Simply send us the details –maximum of 30 words – and post or email it and we’ll do the rest

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Email: Send your completed form to The Wokingham Paper free ads, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Alternatively email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Adverts will appear in the next available issue Standard terms apply. *No firearms or pets, cars, motor spares, boats, motor cycles, caravans, property or investments, illegal goods or services.

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

We provide all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating, domestic and commercial, plus artexing, coving and tiling. Also general building and allied work. Free estimates and advice Mobile: 07966 551698 Phone: 0118 973 3537 Email: trevor@quality-decorators.co.uk Website: www.quality-decorators.co.uk

MOTORING

ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash

Minimum *£200 cash for scrap cars.

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07429 122 712 *Subject to condition of vehicle

FOR SALE BOOKCASE / BUREAU tall cupboard 6ft 3in depth 16in. Great for homework books, toys. Space needed. Bargain £30. Phone 0118 988 4327. JOHN LENNON WEDDING ALBUM BOX SET. 1969 with all inserts. On USA Apple label. Minor box damage. £90. Details: 0118 966 7940. 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.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

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

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

PLUS ZERO DEPOSIT ON ALL NEW CARS IN STOCK

CORSA ENERGY

£129 Per Month For 36 Months

ADAM GLAM

MOKKA EXCLUSIV

£0

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£189

Per Month For 36 Months

£0

Deposit

£169

£139

Per Month For 48 Months*

BRAND NEW ASTRA EXCITE

£216 City Steer, Fog Lights, Electric Windows

Per Month For 36 Months

£0

Deposit

0% APR

Per Month For 48 Months*

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

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

–

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

EDEN VAUXHALL

ALL USED CARS

0% £0

UP TO 5 YEARS

DEPOSIT

NOTHING TO PAY

UNTIL 2016 £0 £139

£0 £139

Air Conditioning Alloys

Air Conditioning Cruise Control

Air Conditioning Seven Seats

2014 CORSA

2013 ASTRA

2012 ZAFIRA

Deposit

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

Energy £17,400 – posit £0

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

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

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

THINK YOU CAN’T AFFORD A NEW CAR? U

WE WANT YOUR OLD CAR

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£99 Per Month

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Hyundai I10 cash price £8,560. Customer Deposit scrappage allowance. Amount to credit £6,560. 48 monthly payments of £99. Final optional payment £2,936. 5.9% representative APR. Total amount payable £9,688. Based on 6,000 miles per annum. Hyundai Tucson cash price £16,700. Customer Deposit scrappage allowance. Amount to credit £14,700. 48 monthly payments of £239. Final optional payment £6,871. 8.7% representative APR. Total amount payable £20,433. Hyundai I30 cash price £12,600. Customer Deposit scrappage allowance. Amount to credit £10,600. 48 monthly payments of £179. Final optional payment £4,100. 7.2% representative APR. Total amount payable £14,717. Based on 6,000 miles per annum. Half price MOT, and £99 service available at Eden Reading dealership ONLY.

Reading

Basingstoke

Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, RG2 0jZ

London Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7JD

Tel: 01189 145471

Tel: 01256 866999

www.edenhyundai.com

Exclu Finance

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

R? UP TO 5 YEARS 0% ON ALL USED CARS

nt to yable

3 GREAT USED CARS 3 GREAT EDEN EXCLUSIVE OFFERS Per Month For 60 Months

64 Plate i10 1.0

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64 Plate i40 Active

Deposit £129 £129 Per Month

Deposit £139 £139 Per Month

Deposit £209 £209 Per Month

Air Conditioning - Low Miles

Air Conditioning - Alloys

HALF PRICE MOTs ONLY AT EDEN HYUNDAI

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£99

Excludes Eden Basingstoke. Scrappage vehicle must have a minimum of 90 Days Ownership, MOT and tax. Vehicle may not necessarily be scrapped. These offers supersede any other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This promotion is available on the above model and is available on Eden Hyundai stock only. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Deposits may vary. Applicant must be 18 years or over. A guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Finance provided by Hyundai Finance, a trading style of Santander Consumer Finance Ltd, 3 Princess Way Redhill Surrey RH1 1SR. Car must be registered before November 30th 2015. For further details please contact your local Eden branch.

Reading

Basingstoke

Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, RG2 0jZ

London Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke, RG24 7JD

Tel: 01189 145471

Tel: 01256 866999

www.edenhyundai.com

WOKINGHAM SPORT

DREAM DEBUT FOR WILLIAMS: Former Rams colt Johnny stars as London Irish break duck — Page 35

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...

Gaelic pride as Irish Guards meet young Setanta stars By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ASPIRING Gaelic footballers spent an afternoon learning more about the game with members of the Irish Guards Regiment. At the invitation of Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr Dave Mills, those representing Setanta GAA spent Saturday afternoon with members of the British Army at The Oakwood Centre in Headley Road. The Guards belong to the Gardai Eireannach Gaelic Football Club and, for the first time, will play in the London League and its cup competitions next year. It is the first time a team from the British armed forces have been welcomed into the GAA. It was fitting the Guards made there way over to the borough, as they got to meet staff and players of a club which was only launched this year. And they were present to witness the unveiling of Setanta’s new emblem. Adapted from the Wokingham Town Council coat of arms, officials have designed a badge which bears the inscription ‘E Glande Quercus’ which has been translated from Latin into Gaelic.

“The children really liked the Wokingham crest and the parents liked the motto ‘E Glande Quercus’, which means ‘from the acorn, the oak’,” said Derek Gannon, a founding member of Setanta who revealed the emblem along with Cllr Mills and Cllr Philip Mirfin, Wokingham Town Mayor. “We weren’t allowed to use the motto in Latin, but could translate it into another language. We translated it into Gaelic. “We also simplified it greatly, but we are really pleased with the result.” Inclusive off all boys and girls across the borough, Setanta currently works with children between the ages of six and eight. However, a 10-year plan to have a team competing in every age category from U6 to U18 in the London Championships and All Britain Championships is in place. A reception was later held at the centre for parents, local residents and councillors to meet with the soldiers.

The Coombes proudly hold aloft the Tag Rugby Festival Cup.

The Setanta youngsters say hello to the soldiers Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

TAG RUGBY

Cup and Plate joy for Coombes and St Dominic’s THE COOMBES and St Dominic Savio schools were among the winners at the inaugural Under-11s Tag Rugby Festival held at Reading Blue Coat. Schoolchildren from across the borough made their way to Sonning for the 16-team competition. A cold wind and the rain failed to dampen the expectations of those involved, with the boys and girls

producing some brilliant rugby, making all their hard work in training prior to the event well worth it. Arborfield school The Coombes saw off stern opposition to beat Churchend School of Reading to get their hands on the Cup, while in the Plate, those from the classrooms of St Dominic in Woodley defeated Crazies Hill CofE (Wargrave). Officials for the Festival were plucked from Blue Coat’s Year 10 and 11 PE students, many of whom have completed refereeing courses and knowledge and understanding of the game is at a high level. The standard of the officials was complimented by several of the schools involved, too. St Dominic Savio saw off the challenge of Crazies Hill to win the plate

Derek Gannon, left, and Cllr Mirfin with the new logo

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Hat-trick for Lack as former Bees also score in drubbing Basingstoke Bison 10 Bracknell Bees 2

BRACKNELL BEES’ return to action following an enforced two-week break was a thoroughly miserable one. Led by the hat-trick hit by former Bee Alan Lack, the Bison, undefeated at The Herd this term, stretched this run even further with a comfortable victory in Hampshire. A forgetful night for Bracknell was compounded even further by former Hive favourite Shaun Thompson, who netted twice on the night, while Ryan Watt, who was with the club until his contract was terminated midway through last season, also scored. Things, however, started promising for the away side, as they were the first to go close in this clash between the two M3 rivals, with Frantisek Bakrlik trying his luck early on. Basingstoke, though, were soon starting to warm up, and only saves from the recalled Tom Annetts denied both Ciaran Long and Aaron Connolly the chance to open the scoring. But just seconds after the clock passed the two minute mark, the hosts nudged themselves in front through Lack, who turned home a pass from Watt after Kurt Reynolds’ initial effort had been blocked. Yet Bees hit back immediately, as only two minutes had passed when netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky was unable to swallow up a loose puck, which left Scott Spearing with the simple task of tapping into an empty net. This would only appear to spur the home side on, and the lead was regained once more when Tomas Karpov avoided two challenges before finishing well in the 11th minute. Losing Lewis Turner to the first penalty of the evening saw Bees fall further behind on 13.55; Thompson opened his account for the night from an acute angle after receiving the puck from Joe Rand for a powerplay goal. It was from similar circumstances when the rampant Bison went on to notch goal number four. With Bakrlik sitting out an elbows call, Watt added his name to the scoresheet. A save from Annetts left his team-mates waiting for a whistle which never arrived – but the puck had spilled out of the goaltender’s grasp and the forward, as those around him stood still, duly pounced. The second session would start with Bees boasting the extra man because Joe Baird had been sin-binned for hooking. Try as they might, the powerplay bore no fruit for the away side and, as a result, normal service resumed. Joe Greener and Vanya Antonov traded missed opportunities respectively, but from their next surge into opposition territory, Long added goal number five. The lamp was lit amid a scramble and was initially awarded to Lack, only for later replays to prove it was actually Long who had the final touch. A second powerplay came and went for Bracknell – where a poke-check from Reynolds brought a Bakrlik run at goal to an end – and little did they know just how bad their night was going to get. The Bees’ defensive unit was breached once more when Connolly managed to

SPORT | 33

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ICE HOCKEY

‘Phenomenal’ Milan stuns MK with four-some display Bracknell Bees 7 Milton Keynes Lightning 2 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Scott Spearing had equalised for Bracknell on the night

strike while in the process of falling over. The effort had enough power to beat Annetts for a sixth time and bring his evening to an early end. Replacement Alex Mettam was soon finding himself under attack, but Long could only fire over, while at the other end, rare chances saw player-coach Lukas Smital ring a shot off the pipework and then go close again, but was this time foiled by Hiadlovsky. Bracknell also started the third stanza with a five-on-four after Rand was punished for slashing, but another powerplay went without reward. The rout was confirmed soon after, too, with Lack and Greener strikes arriving within 28 seconds of each other, taking the scoring to 8-1. Bison also decided to make a change of personnel between the posts, with Hiadlovsky making way for Dan Weller-Evans. The youngster did well to thwart Spearing via a glove save, but was robbed of a shutout when Bracknell finally made the most of a powerplay, where Jan Bendik (pictured below) rattled home a goal from the point and double his side’s tally for the night. Tempers flared when Greener took issue with Bakrlik, who played on after a whistle, shooting at an unsighted Weller-Evans. Whether or not the import heard the referee’s call, the two became involved in a tussle, while in another incident, Watt was keen to drop the gloves with David Savage. Greener and Bakrlik were promptly issued with 2+2 for roughing, although the latter was also hit with an additional 10 minute penalty. Watt was also told to sit out for four minutes, but then handed 10 more for incitement, with Savage getting just the two for his involvement. Unfortunately for Bracknell, the nightmare was not over, with Thompson slotting home goal number nine before Lack completed his treble, and the scoring, just 38 seconds later. Frustration within the visiting camp was there for all to see, none more so than when Lack’s latest effort saw Lewis Turner angrily throw away his stick, which resulted in the defenceman having to leave proceedings with a 10-minute misconduct call.

MATT FOORD labelled Milan Kostourek “phenomenal” after the forward struck four times against his former employers on Sunday night. Matt Towalski, Vanya Antonov and Frantisek Bakrlik were also on target for the Bees, who ended a run of five straight defeats with this emphatic victory at the Hive. The win, along with a polished performance, also saw the hosts produce the perfect response following the 10-2 mauling suffered at Basingstoke Bison the night before, and captain Foord was quick to provide his team-mates with a ringing endorsement. He said: “Things just seemed to click on Sunday. Smits (player-coach Lukas Smital) was talking after the game and said the minute we got to the rink things just felt different, perhaps not a different approach but the guys felt hungry and everyone jumped on the rope and fought and played with each other. “The guys worked hard and played well, which is good. “It was a really difficult night in Basingstoke and obviously things did not go our way and that was frustrating, but on Sunday I think we played really well. “We have played well at home this year and we wanted to really get back on track, try and win tonight and see if we can get some momentum and climb the table. “I don’t think anyone had a bad game. If we work hard, work smart and play to our potential every night then we can beat anyone in the league, but we have got to find a way of doing that night in, night out.” A bright start from Bees, which saw Bakrlik and Smital both go close before Towalski was denied by Lightning netminder Dean Skinns at his near post, was rewarded in the sixth minute. Kostourek and Antonov combined well to set up fellow forward Towalski, who broke the deadlock when placing a crisp shot into the corner. The lead was doubled on 15 minutes when Towalski and Lewis Turner neatly worked the puck through the middle, where Kostourek produced a composed finish. The same player then brilliantly carved out an opportunity of his own making, but having skipped past a Frantisek Bakrlik (left) celebrates making it 5-0 with captain Matt Foord

Milan Kostourek had a night to remember, scoring four times, as Alex Mettam makes a save against his former club (inset) Pictures: Bob Swann

number of MK challenges, his deft chip dropped the wrong side of a post. With Lightning’s Edward Knaggs sitting out hooking call, however, Antonov bundled the puck home for a 3-0 lead. The assists went to David Savage and Kostourek, but it did appear as though an opponent may have got the decisive touch to beat Skinns. Either way, Bracknell were now in control of proceedings, but that was also in no small part down to Alex Mettam. Standing as the hosts’ last line of defence, the ‘keeper produced several smart stops during the opening 20 minutes to deny Michael Farn and Bobby Chamberlain before getting a glove behind a Leigh Jamieson strike when the D-man looked certain to score. Despite being a man light at the start of the second session after Turner picked up a tripping penalty, Bracknell should have extended their lead to four goals when Bakrlik sent Kostourek on his way, but Skinns would have the final say on this occasion and did well to deny his former team-mate. Yet when he was put clean through once more in the 22nd minute, this time by Towalski, Kostourek made no mistake, showing great composure to fool Skinns with a deke before stroking the puck under his grasp. The Lightning goal continued to live a charmed life, and just 54 seconds later goal number five arrived. And it was another effort to come straight out of the Czech Republic. Smital’s rasping drive from over on the right wing was too hot for Skinns to handle, and he could only palm the puck in the direction of an unmarked Bakrlik, who swept home at the far post to put Bees out of reach. This proved to be Skinns’ final involvement in proceedings, as he was replaced by Jordan Marr – much to his frustration. Now only playing for pride, MK were able to produce a spell of possession in Bracknell territory, and would find themselves on a five-v-three powerplay when Savage (boarding) and Jan Bendik (hooking) were sent to the sin-bin respectively.

Despite holding out for some 53 seconds, Bees’ resolve was broken when captain Adam Carr found a gap between Mettam and his near post. The scoreline would remain at 5-1 going into the final stanza, where Mettam was the busier of the two keepers during the early exchanges, keeping out strikes from Lewis Hook, Markku Tahtinen and Jamieson as MK sought to work away at a four-goal deficit. But just like it was back in the second period, the visitors were once again undone by two more quick-fire goals. Putting the result beyond any doubt was Kostourek, who latched on to a Bendik pass to complete the hat-trick in clinical fashion on 45:28. And if a dream night for the Czech was not already going well enough, the import took his individual tally for the evening to four when finishing with aplomb after Bracknell had neatly worked an attack down the left flank minutes later. MK did have the puck in the net once more when Glenn Billing produced a first-time finish when the Buckinghamshire side managed to turnover possession behind the hosts’ goal, but the night belonged to Bees – and Kostourek in particular. “I thought Milan (Kostourek) was phenomenal,” added Foord. “It was meant to be for him and he was absolutely incredible. I thought that whole line of Milan, Towalski and Vanya Antonov played really well. “Another guy who I thought played well was Mettsy (Mettam). In the first and second period he kept us in it and really did make some key saves which allowed us to go on and win – and win like we did. “I think, individually, everybody put a shift in, but obviously Milan’s was the standout tonight. “He played really well tonight and it is good to see him putting the puck in the net and it makes him a better player when he is playing with that confidence and a smile on his face.” n Bracknell have just the one game this weekend, hosting Swindon Wildcats at the Hive on Sunday (6pm). English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Peterborough 18 11 1 4 2 80 Basingstoke 20 11 2 2 5 77 Milton Keynes 22 9 4 1 8 84 Guildford 20 8 4 1 7 69 Swindon 20 8 3 1 8 73 Manchester 20 8 0 4 8 64 Telford 18 8 2 0 8 66 Sheffield 18 7 0 2 9 62 Bracknell 16 6 0 0 10 57 Hull 18 1 2 3 12 35

A 44 58 66 62 72 70 49 87 66 93

Pts 28 28 27 25 23 20 20 16 12 9

34 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 RUGBY

Tewkesbury gives beaten Rams a vote of confidence Redingensians Rams 19 Dorking 20

DESPITE suffering a last-gasp defeat on home soil, Mike Tewkesbury believes his Rams are now starting to find their feet in National League 2 South. The club’s baptism of fire following promotion last season continued on Saturday, where the coach saw his charges let slip of a 16-3 lead as they were unable to build on victory over bottom side Launceston last time out. Yet despite another frustrating afternoon, Tewkesbury remains optimistic, saying: “It was a disappointing result, but I believe we are not far behind many of the clubs in this league. “A victory and three bonus-point defeats in our last four matches show that. “I felt we were overawed by the opposition early in the season but now we are narrowing the gap and settling down. “We have to persevere and continue to make progress week by week, improving our skills and game management.” Through quality scrummaging, Rams enjoyed the better of the territory against visiting Dorking, and duly took the lead when James Brooks kicked over a penalty in just the third minute. The away side, however, soon levelled things up when impressive full-back Matt Noble also cleared the posts – but constantly being penalised at the set scrum would result in Redingensians going on to regain the lead, with Brooks making no mistake with two more three-pointers to put the hosts back in control. And they would head into the break well on top. This is because a clever chip forward from Luke Flower was touched down by skipper Dan Barnes.

Olly Foxley skips past a challenge

guests the chance to attack. Several phases of play duly followed, but the pivotal moment was to arrive when Matthew Higgins managed to force his way over the line five minutes from time, with Noble going on to secure the additional two points as Dorking snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

REDINGENSIANS: Drury: Poole, Bryant, Barnes (c), Foxley; Flower, Brooks, Steadman, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Root; Guttridge, Nightingale, Kharbouch. Reps: Crame, Knowles, Kerschbaumer, Amor, Brown

Brooks added the extras and the advantage was stretched to 16-3. Rams, however, were guilty of losing focus after the restart, where a number of missed tackles allowed Cameron Pimlow through to cut the deficit via a converted try. Brooks and Noble exchanged further penalties soon after, but Rams looked better equipped to handle the wet and windy conditions and, therefore, appeared to be the more likely winners. Still well on top, the former had the chance to put Redingensians two scores up at 22-13, but his latest attempt from the tee was caught in the gusts and diverted wide of an upright. Surrey outfit Dorking were now relying heavily on a sharp back division in order to make any sort of progress, along with long kicks into opposition territory. And on one occasion they were to benefit from a knock-on by Rams inside their own 22-metre line, which gave the

n MATT WELLER, away on business, and Jake Knowles (suspected broken finger) will be absent for Rams’ trip to Southend Saxons tomorrow (2.30pm). Coach Tewkesbury will be naming a squad of 22 for the game with midtable opposition, which will be the first fixture between the two sides in exactly 77 years. There were regular meetings between the clubs during the 1930s. The Saxons needed a late converted try to snatch a share of the spoils from a 17-17 draw with basement boys Launceston at the weekend, so Redingensians will be keen to inflict further disappointment on the Essex outfit as they look to climb the table. National League 2 South P W D L F A Taunton Titans 10 9 0 1 301 188 Old Albanians 10 8 1 1 327 161 Cambridge 10 8 1 1 288 170 Clifton 10 7 1 2 323 236 Bishop’s Stortford 10 6 0 4 278 176 Old Elthamians 10 6 1 3 277 235 Redruth 10 6 0 4 243 241 Southend Saxons 10 4 3 3 257 248 Barnes 10 4 0 6 232 246 Bury St Edmonds 10 4 0 6 211 245 Dorking 10 4 0 6 195 272 Worthing 10 4 0 6 200 221 Canterbury 10 3 0 7 184 237 Redingensians 10 2 0 8 168 254 Chinnor 10 1 0 9 212 317 Launceston 10 0 1 9 134 383

BP 7 8 8 6 8 6 7 5 7 6 5 2 4 5 7 3

PTS 43 42 42 36 32 32 31 27 23 22 21 18 16 13 11 5

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

BERKS, BUCKS AND OXON CHAMPIONSHIP

Bailey and Burch are lords of the Manor Bracknell 18 Eton Manor 3

SECOND-HALF tries from Leo Bailey and Ian Burch saw Bracknell dispose of struggling Eton Manor to record back-to-back league victories. A first-ever meeting between the two teams was hampered by the wet and windy conditions to begin with, which resulted in numerous knock-ons and penalties conceded. But it was an Eton side arriving at Lily Hill Park propping up the table who exerted the early pressure, yet they were unable to capitalise on this dominance, with several attempts to put three points on the board all missing the target. The stalemate would continue until to 20th minute, where Liam Hemming made no mistake with a penalty to put Bracknell in front. The narrow margin would separate the sides going into the second half, where the hosts would go on to extend their advantage through a catch and drive try scored by Bailey. The conversion, however, was put wide. Eton eventually got off the mark with

Rams’ Olly Poole is stopped in his tracks by a tackle (above) as Oliver Taylor looks to drive the hosts forward, below Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

put the result beyond any doubt. Picking up a loose ball saw George Milligan throw a long pass over to No.8 Lachlan Valentine who, following a great one-handed take, played in winger Burch to crash over the line under the posts – right in front of the clubhouse. Hemming punted over the conversion and the four points were all wrapped up.

BRACKNELL: Mirza (c), Silvester, Williams, Bailey, Barry, Deveraux, Milligan, Valentine, Conway, Hemming, Mackay, Price, Higgins, Burch, Yates. Reps: Challenor, Wright, Faamatuainu.

Bracknell will be looking to secure a third straight win when they make the short trip to Wimbledon tomorrow (2pm).

Leo Bailey (right) scored Bracknell’s first try of the afternoon against Eton Manor

a penalty, but with the opposition doing likewise, the eight-point gap was still in tact – and it looked for long periods as though this was going to be the scoreline which secured the Lily Hill men a third success of the season. But a brilliant phase of play to light up what was otherwise a dismal day of rugby saw Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 9 8 1 0 297 178 6 Tonbridge Juddian 9 7 0 2 300 153 8 Westcombe Park 9 7 0 2 211 137 5 Shelford 9 6 0 3 202 188 4 East Grinstead 9 5 1 3 215 133 6 Hertford 9 6 0 3 253 159 3 Guernsey 9 5 0 4 248 203 5 Wimbledon 9 5 0 4 186 177 2 Colchester 9 4 0 5 161 186 2 Bracknell 9 3 0 6 165 207 5 Chichester 9 3 0 6 173 229 3 Gravesend 9 2 0 7 174 234 5 Westcliff 9 1 0 8 155 268 4 Eton Manor 9 0 0 9 70 368 2

PTS 40 36 33 28 28 27 25 22 18 17 15 13 8 2

Dougie’s Charm offensive seals improving Crows another victory Crowthorne 8 Chesham 3

DOUGIE CHARMAN scored a try and kicked over a penalty as Crowthorne secured back-to-back victories with this narrow triumph at Arborfield Garrison. Played in testing conditions, this was more a war of attrition as attacking philosophies were ditched in favour of hard graft as the wind and rain made life difficult for both sides. But it was the hosts who were winning the territorial battle, and spent the majority of the opening 40 minutes entrenched in the Chesham half. Yet they would only breach the game line on the one occasion. A punt forward from fly-half James Bailey appeared to be dropping into the arms of an opponent, but he was to spill in the ball in the wet conditions, which allowed Charman to pounce. The resulting conversion was missed, but the same player soon made amends when slotting over a penalty awarded for offside. The weather continued to have an affect on proceedings after the break,

leaving both teams struggling to get a real foothold on the game as a slender margin of victory looked likely. The score remained at 8-0 as the fixture headed into the final 10 minutes, where Chesham won, and converted, a penalty of their own to close the gap. The visitors duly went in search of the score needed to pull themselves level, but were met by stern resistance from the youthful-looking Crows, who held out for a win which moved them up to sixth in the standings. Crowthorne make the trip to Chipping Norton on Saturday (2.15pm) looking for a third straight win. Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP MIlton Keynes 7 7 0 0 225 112 4 Gosford All Blacks 7 6 0 1 263 87 7 Abingdon 7 6 0 1 235 112 6 Risborough 7 5 0 2 109 172 1 Tadley 7 5 0 2 248 93 4 Crowthorne 7 2 1 4 101 116 4 Alchester 7 2 0 5 102 134 6 Chipping Norton 7 3 0 4 94 181 1 Chesham 7 2 0 5 111 131 5 Slough 7 2 1 4 152 190 2 Wheatley 7 1 0 6 63 202 1 Hungerford 7 0 0 7 73 245 4

PTS 32 31 30 22 19 14 14 13 13 12 5 -1

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Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BASKETBALL

LONDON IRISH

Williams wary of Grenoble backlash Grenoble v London Irish European Challenge Cup, Pool 5 Stade des Alpes, 8.45pm By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk LOCAL BOY Johnny Williams expects Grenoble to come out fighting as they bid to bounce back from the loss to Edinburgh by beating London Irish to kick-start their European Challenge Cup campaign. Exiles picked up their first win of the season with a 48-10 success against Agen last weekend, while the other Pool 5 clash saw Grenoble lose out 28-10 in Edinburgh to add extra significance to this clash. And Williams, who made a try-scoring debut for Tom Coventry’s side last time out, is anticipating a tough test in the south of France. “We are expecting an incredibly typical side that will bring lots of line speed but also be organised as well,” he told The Wokingham Paper. “The French are known to be quite magical at coming up with things out of nowhere, but these guys will be physical and organised at the same time. “It will be a close game this weekend. “They’ll come out fired up after that loss (to Edinburgh). “We’re expecting a physical match and it will be a really tough 80 minutes on Saturday.” Williams, 19, burst into the headlines on Saturday after being handed his first Irish start, going on to play a key role in the win over Agen.

And the academy product and former Redingensians man admits the call came as a shock. “I found out the squad on Tuesday,” he explained. “I was incredibly nervous and excited at the same time. “It was a huge surprise. It was a strong squad announced and I was incredibly grateful for the coach’s call having that trust in me as well and I’m glad. Johnny Williams, a former Redingensians colt, crashes over for a debut “The main point London Irish try during the victory over Agen Picture: Paul King is that we got the win and I did what I career, Williams is aware that he has had to do for the team.” plenty more hard work ahead of him to Saturday was a poignant day at achieve his next milestone moment. Madejski Stadium, just hours after He said: “It was a huge moment for terrorist attacks hit Paris, and home me when I told the family (about playing supporters showed their support for their against Agen). French counterparts. “I had a big crew come down to watch “It was incredibly emotional,” admitted the game. Williams. “On a personal note there’s obviously “It was a fantastic gesture that Agen still work to do that I’m seeing in my sang the national anthem. game but I carried well and defended “We had a minute’s silence as well well. and it gave us time to think about what “But I think the whole team did that happened, but we had to crack on with so it’s not just about me. It was a good rugby and get back into that frame of performance from the team to get the W mind.” (win) as well. “As soon as I scored I heard the family Despite a blistering start to his Exiles

Fidel in line to make Rockets debut up north

right at the top going mental celebrating! “I celebrated well with my family after the game, we went out for a meal so it was a fantastic day.” He continued: “Playing in the Premiership is my next goal. “I wrote that down as a personal goal of mine from the beginning of the season, so hopefully this is just another step towards that.” European Challenge Cup – Pool 5 P W D L F A London Irish 1 1 0 0 48 10 Edinburgh 1 1 0 0 28 10 FC Grenoble 1 0 0 1 10 28 Agen 1 0 0 1 10 48

BP 1 0 0 0

PTS 5 4 0 0

Irish duo enjoy dream debuts as wait for a win is ended The two sides compete for a lineout ball

London Irish 48 Agen 10

JOE TRAYFOOT and Johnny Williams both celebrated their debuts with a try each as London Irish defeated Agen to register their first win of the season, writes TOM CROCKER. Exiles came into the European Challenge Cup opener with four defeats from four in the Aviva Premiership under new head coach Tom Coventry, but they stormed to an eight-try win over their French opponents to secure a bonus-point victory. Aside from the debutants, Alex Lewington, Sean Maitland, Rob McCusker and Gerard Ellis also crossed the line during the rout. It was an emotional occasion at Madejski Stadium with fans and players observing a minute’s silence to show their support for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris the Halani Aulika looks to previous evening. All were shrug off a challenge keen to show their support to the French Top 14 league side. Coventry made nine changes for the clash from the defeat against Bath with Williams and Trayfoot among those to come in while Darren Allinson replaced the suspended Brendan McKibbin at scrum half. It was the out of form French side, sitting bottom of their league, who took the lead on just four minutes when Francois Bouvier kicked over. But that proved to be as good as it got for the visitors.

Rob McCusker touches down for his first try in Exiles’ colours Pictures: Paul King

Williams got the ball rolling for Irish on his first appearance for the senior side, collecting possession from the marauding Aseli Tikoirotuma to dab down with 11 minutes on the clock. Hooker Gerard Ellis then crashed over for the first of his two tries before the score was extended to 17-3 on the half-hour mark after Trayfoot profited from a driving maul to follow Williams’ lead and score on debut. Ellis extended the advantage to seal the bonus point before the half-time whistle had even blown with Chris Noakes converting to send Exiles into a convincing 24-3 lead. But the hosts refused to let up. Lewington was the next to cross the line just three minutes after the restart, charging through to meet a Noakes kick. McCusker and Maitland then sealed their first tries for the club following summer moves before the hour mark but the visitors did get something to take across the Channel. A rare spell of possession inside Irish territory was converted when Felicien Vergnon drove over from close range with Clement Darbo adding the extras to take

his side into double figures. But Exiles would have the final say, matching their 24 points from the first half as Lewington crossed for the second time late on. Next up for Coventry’s men is a trickier looking clash away to Grenoble on Saturday (8.45pm), who themselves lost to last year’s finalists Edinburgh in their pool opener.

LONDON IRISH: Maitland, Lewington, Tikoirotuma, Williams (Waldouck 56), Ojo, Noakes (Brophy Clews 60), Allinson, Court (Smallbone 58), Ellis (Cruse 50 (Murphy 60)), Aulika (Halavatau 55), Sheriff, Symons (Sisi 60), McCusker, Trayfoot, Guest (Narraway 20). Tries: Williams (11), Ellis x2 (23,38), Trayfoot (30), Lewington x2 (43,67), McCusker (58), Maitland (60). Cons: Noakes x4 (30,38,58,60) AGEN: Tardieu, Nakosi, Heriteau, Roux, Deschamps, Guemes, Abadie, Bethune, Barthomeuf, Chocou, Roidot, Marchois, Miquel, Gal, Baget. Reps: Morlay, Afatia, Ryan, Bastien, Vergnon, Darbo, Bouvier, Sicart. Try: Vergnon (64) Pen: Bouvier (4) Con: Darbo (64) Referee: Gary Conway Attendance: 4,162 Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-3, 5-3, 10-3, 17-3, 24-3, 29-3, 36-3, 43-3, 43-10.

FIDEL GOMEZ de Enterria Lopez could be in line to make his Reading Rockets debut this weekend. The 16-year-old Spaniard obtained international clearance last weekend, but was not included for the NBL Division 1 clash with Westminster Warriors, a game Rockets eventually won 87-84 following double overtime and some 50 minutes of play. However, with an away-day double header up in the north east against Tees Valley Mohawks tomorrow (3pm) and Team Northumbria on Sunday (4pm), Lopez could well join the nine senior players who will be looking to extend the club’s unbeaten league campaign to six games. And with the epic contest against the Warriors still in the memory, Rockets coach Manuel Pena Garces expects his charges to be worked hard once again. “Saturday’s game showed me two really clear things: we have a lot of character in our team but we still have a lot of work to do to become the best we can,” he said. “I thought Westminster played a great game, especially in the second half and were really physical and knew exactly what to do to try and beat us. “But we also did a great job combatting that and came out, eventually, with a well-deserved victory. “We need to work this week on some of our execution on offence and some things that will help us defensively, as with two games this weekend this will need to be really good if we are to get some wins. “We are also working really hard on some personal things and making steps forward to be the best team we can be. “Lots of challenges, but some important progress is being made, I feel.” Garces has no new injury worries ahead of the lengthy trip up north. Shooting guard Joel Keeble got some more game time under his belt last time out, while both captain Danny Carter and Dian Ivanov should be fit for the two fixtures. The coach added: “Two different teams await us this weekend, but both provide threats in their own respects. “Tees Valley is yet to win and will be hungry to do so – we have had many tough games at their court in recent years, so I expect that to be no different. “Team Northumbria, who have started very well this season will be, on paper, the more difficult test, especially after we will have already played the previous day, so I think both games throw up their own challenge and that is what we will be working towards this week in practice.” English Basketball League Division 1 W L V F A Manchester Magic 5 0 0 397 293 Derby Trailblazers 4 0 0 353 301 Reading Rockets 4 0 0 329 288 Lancashire Spinners 4 2 0 555 497 London Lituanica 3 0 0 258 212 Team Northumbria 3 1 0 319 295 Hemel Storm 3 2 0 421 415 Essex Leopards 2 2 0 324 281 Worthing Thunder 2 3 0 380 422 Leicester Warriors 1 4 0 341 382 Kent Crusaders 1 4 0 290 392 Westminster Warriors 0 5 0 380 436 Tees Valley Mohawks 0 4 0 265 324 Bradford Dragons 0 5 0 323 397

D 104 52 41 58 46 24 6 43 -42 -41 -102 -56 -59 -74

Pts 10 8 8 8 6 6 6 4 4 2 2 0 0 0

36 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

READING FC

Clarke is staying put, but he has plenty of work to do OPINION By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk AFTER 24 hours of intense speculation, Steve Clarke is set to continue as manager of Reading after rejecting the advances from Fulham. The Scot, 52, emerged as the front-runner for the Craven Cottage job on Wednesday night and The Wokingham Paper understands he travelled to west London on Thursday to discuss a move before opting against the switch. A deal appeared imminent when Clarke’s pre-match press conference for tomorrow’s clash with Bolton Wanderers was called off just an hour before it was scheduled to take place on Thursday morning. The news certainly divided the opinion of fans with many taking to social media to vent their frustration. @NathStPaulBAWF - A committed manager wouldn’t go and speak to another club. Surely there cannot be a single fan who still wants him at the club? #ReadingFC @maffff - By now even if Clarke doesn’t go he’s at a stage I can’t see him win us back. Best option now is he leaves. #ReadingFC @Jamie_Hodder21 - SC started to convince fans who weren’t totally on his side, but he has ruined that and will have to start again. #ReadingFC But others did have sympathy for Clarke. @joegregson - I’m glad that it looks like Paul McShane could be back for Reading this weekend Picture: Vivienne Johnson

he’s staying as it makes sense that he would want to work with a squad he assembled and knows #readingfc While this fan summed up the situation nicely... @thesimpsonRFC - What a crazy crazy day for everyone connected to Reading Football Club While Clarke attended an interview for the vacant Fulham job last year before taking over at Madejski Stadium, the fact he entertained their approaches again at this juncture certainly came as a huge surprise. He may well have been handed a bigger budget to work with at Craven Cottage than he is afforded at Reading, but given the overhaul Clarke has overseen, a departure now would have left a bitter taste in the mouth. Clarke called his Reading side a “team in decay” following a 2-1 defeat to Rotherham United towards the end of the 2014/15 campaign and called on the Thai owners to back him heavily in the transfer market. Experienced players such as Adam Federici, Alex Pearce and Jem Karacan, boasting a combined total of more than 550 Reading appearances between them, all left the club on free transfers. After a slow start to the transfer window, the green light eventually arrived from Thailand with 11 players brought in to boost the squad including international stars Paolo Hurtado, Matej

Vydra, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn and Orlando Sa as the owners allowed Clarke to begin moulding his own side. And it was not just the playing squad which was given a revamp. Many fans were left miffed by the decision to sack the hugely popular goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo, among further members of the backroom team, with Dave Beasant and Steven Reid introduced to the new-look coaching set-up. While there is no room for sentiment in football, Clarke’s job at Reading had the feel of a project to try and get Royals back into the Premier League. The feel good factor continued to grow as Reading soared to as high as second in the Championship table earlier this campaign before the current five game winless run. While it appears Clarke is set to stay where he is, for now, he has some bridges to build with fans especially, who will feel let down that a manager who has been given everything he’s asked for, would consider leaving for a club below Royals in the Championship table. But a week is a long time in football and a few wins can quickly help repair the damage. Clarke has built a strong squad at Reading and while right now there will be a few dissenting voices, he can still achieve something memorable at the Mad Stad this season.

Steve Clarke will no doubt have bridges to build with some of those Reading fans unhappy he entertained the advances of Fulham Picture: Vivienne Johnson

PREVIEW

After the furore, league duty resumes Reading v Bolton Wanderers Sky Bet Championship Madejski Stadium, 3pm By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WITH all the speculation surrounding the future of boss Steve Clarke, it is easy to forget Reading have a Championship clash with Bolton Wanderers to prepare for. The Trotters travel to Madejski Stadium tomorrow (3pm) with just one solitary win from their 17 matches in all competitions this season, a 2-1 success against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September, and are winless on the road since April.

Despite that, Neil Lennon’s side have only lost one of their last four, drawing three, but they have failed to score in their last three matches and they have slipped to second bottom of the Championship table. Reading come into this game in poor form themselves. After back-to-back wins over title chasing Burnley and Middlesbrough, Royals sat in the top two. But a string of five games without a win, including disappointing defeats to Fulham and Cardiff, has seen Clarke’s men drop out of the top six. Royals will hope to welcome back captain Paul McShane, who missed the club’s last match, a 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City, and he is expecting a

difficult test from Bolton. “The games are tough in this league,” said the skipper. “I think people expected us to roll over Huddersfield with no problems, but we weren’t at our best. “We gave away bad goals and gave them a bit of a head-start in the game. “We can’t be doing that against any team in the league, otherwise we’ll drop points. We have to be ready for Bolton on Saturday. It is another tough game, but we’re at home and we expect to win every game at home.” Three of the last four games between these sides have ended level but the other clash saw Royals run out rampant 7-1 winners in January 2014 thanks to an Adam Le Fondre hat-trick.

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

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

TRANSFER NEWS

UNDER-18s

Smith hits treble to sink the Swans Goal for Samuel on Gills debut following loan switch SAM SMITH fired in a hat-trick as Reading Under-18s came from behind to beat Swansea City U18s 3-2 at Hogwood, writes TOM CROCKER. Liam Cullen, 16, put the Swans ahead on the half hour mark, cutting into the box from the wing to fire into the bottom corner. And the striker could have doubled the tally minutes later only to see his shot come back off the crossbar. Tyler Frost was denied an equaliser by a fine Alex Lang save while captain Josh Barrett fired into the side netting as it looked like the visitors would go into half-time ahead. That was until Smith popped up to

head in shortly before the break. And the striker scored again 10 minutes after the restart, latching onto a through ball to tuck in his second. Brandon Griffiths levelled matters midway through the second half, but the win was sealed when Smith completed his hat-trick and took his tally of goals into double figures for the season, tapping in 15 minutes from time. Royals, currently sitting in second place, are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Aston Villa (12.30pm). Meanwhile, the U21s are also on the road, taking on Leicester U21s on Monday (1.30pm).

Dominic Samuel

DOMINIC SAMUEL scored on his first appearance for Gillingham after sealing a loan switch on Friday. The striker enjoyed a lively pre-season and featured in Reading’s first two games this campaign, but his progress with the first team was halted by a knee injury during the Capital One Cup clash at Colchester United. And Samuel wasted little time in introducing himself to the Gills fans, scoring just six minutes into his debut a day after signing for the club to help them move top of SkyBet League One with victory over Bury. Royals boss Steve Clarke said: “Dominic had a really good pre-season

with the first team but picked up an injury early in the season. “He worked very hard on his rehabilitation to get himself to a really good level of fitness and now the next stage for him is to play competitive matches. “He will get that opportunity at Gillingham, which will be good for Dominic, good for Gillingham and ultimately good for us.” Samuel is set to stay with the League One side until December 10 and he is no stranger to that league having scored six goals in 13 appearances on loan at Coventry City last season.

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Jake Brown (left) came off the bench and scored twice to help Woodley Town B to a 3-2 victory at Taplow United A in Division 5

United in victory: Trio net Woodley A all three points By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk GOALS from Nathan Bingham, Colin Philips and Alex Ray secured Woodley United A a 3-1 victory over Unity in Division 3. Dean Bright replied for the visitors at Woodford Park, but it would not stop the hosts from moving a place up the standings to fifth. FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES immediately bounced back from a first league loss of the season last time out when defeating borough rivals WARGRAVE RESERVES 2-1. Simon Copps was among the scorers for the away side, who now sit just two points off top spot and with a game in hand. Daniel Tegg was on target for Wargrave, who sit just a place above TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE at the foot of the table. A season of struggle thus far continued when up against Taplow United Reserves, who were 4-1 winners at Cantley Park. A Lee Mills strike in the 43rd minute proved to be nothing more than consolation for Twyford, who went down to Matthew Hiller and Jack Shea doubles. Jack Waller, twice, and Harrison Wilks found the back of the net for WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES, but the side was outscored by Marlow United in the Premier Division. Two quick-fire Liam Bushay goals within the last 10 minutes saw Marlow triumph 5-3 at the University of Reading. Oliver Flint, from the penalty spot, and substitute Robert Crawford also added their name to the scoresheet for Marlow, who also benefitted from a United player

putting the ball into his own net. Local rivals ASHRIDGE PARK and BARKHAM ATHLETIC clashed at Cantley Park. Both teams were looking to end a run of defeats in Division 2, and it was Athletic who did exactly that. Thanks to a Thomas Day hat-trick and Matt Bacon effort, the away side took the points, and bragging rights, in a 4-2 success. On target for Ashridge, who remain rooted to the foot of the table, was Adam Shoosmith and substitute Ian Gerrard, who was later dismissed having picked up two yellow cards. Iain Murray also saw red, meaning Park finished the match with nine men. Also languishing in the wrong half of the standings in SONNING, who were thrashed 9-1 by Westwood United Reserves at Pound Lane. Chris Bark led the scoring for the guests with a hat-trick. George Bullion, Nikos Chrysikopoulos, Tom Clark, Michael Greenwood, Roger Humphreys and Thomas Bullion also notched for league leaders Westwood. A strike from Tony Turner was scant consolation for Sonning. There was no better news for WARGRAVE, either, who went down to a heavy 7-0 loss against Woodcote Stoke Row Reserves on home soil. James Elderton and Andrew Taylor fired Woodcote into a 2-0 lead before a Jake Dillon hat-trick and further goals for Michael Stroker and Tom Brownlow condemned the villagers to a miserable afternoon. There was disappointment too for local clubs in Division 4. A 36th minute strike from Liam

WOKINGHAM HOCKEY CLUB

Diment could not prevent HARCHESTER HAWKS from suffering a first reverse of the season. And it was a surprise loss as well, with the second-placed outfit succumbing to a 4-1 defeat against Theale, who sit seventh in the table. They took the points courtesy of two goals apiece for Daniel Priest and Garry Trussler, with one of the strikes from the latter coming via the penalty spot. An Alan Hasler brace and further efforts from David Olver and Ajith Prabha, meanwhile, saw Maidenhead Magpies Reserves run out 4-0 winners against BERKS COUNTY RESERVES. The clash between Highmoor Knights and HURST RESERVES was postponed. Arron Burch bagged four goals and Christopher McLean two more for a

HURST A side which recorded a 7-3 victory at Sonning Sports in Division 5. Peter Jones also added his name to the scoresheet for the away side, who moved to within two points of the opposition with this impressive win. Sports hit back through a Daniel Fletcher double and Lee Evans strike, but it would prove to be in vain. Sonning would also finish the contest with 10 men. This is because Sam Goldberg was given his marching orders in the 73rd minute. Super subs Jake Brown (2) and Jamie Cole fired WOODLEY UNITED B to a 3-2 win away at Taplow United A. Sean McDowell and Harun Abdullah struck for Taplow, but it was the three goals scored in just 15 minutes which secured Woodley the points.

A waterlogged pitched forced the players off during the game between SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN and BERKS COUNTY FC ROVERS, which was subsequently abandoned. Reading and District Sunday Football League Results – Sunday, November 15

INDUSTRIAL CUP: Woodley Wanderers 2 Le Galaxy 3 (after extra time) PREMIER DIVISION: D.C Steamers 0 Tilehurst YM 2 DIVISION 1: Charvil Rangers 2 Polonia Reading 1; FC Woodley 3 AFC Burghfield 2 DIVISION 2: AFC Pangbourne 11 Wokingham and Emmbrook 0; Imaan 2 Athletico Forest 2. DIVISION 3: Forest FC 0 Just Play United 5; Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 1 Spencers Wood 10. DIVISION 4 EAST: Woodford Park 3 Henley YMCA United 4

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Ladies double win count for season Goals for Gallagher and Pursell, but the Men are beaten WOKINGHAM LADIES saw off their Wycombe counterparts to double this season’s win count. The hosts ran out 3-1 victors at Cantley Park last Saturday, with the two sides swapping places in the Trysports Premier 1 standings as a result. Wokingham now sit ninth on seven points ahead of a local derby at Bracknell Ladies on Saturday. But the 2nd XI’s struggles continue in Division 2. A 4-1 loss on the road leaves Wokingham propping up the rest, with the side yet to pick up any points from eight games. The 3s also faced opposition from Oxford last weekend – and fared no better, either. Guests of the Hawks’ 6s, Wokingham shipped in five goals without reply. They too are languishing at the wrong end of the table. Wokingham Men A RAVI PATEL (pictured above) strike was not enough to stop Wokingham from falling to a narrow 2-1 loss at Marlow 2nd in MBBO Regional Division 2.

The side were beaten in Buckinghamshire by two Josh Morgans goals. Neil Bennett, Ryan Caley and Duncan Clarke were all on target for Wokingham 2nd during their Division 3 clash at Wycombe 3s. But it was the hosts who prevailed in a 6-3 triumph, with Andy Burroughs, Jason Jarvill, Hashim Sheikh, Raza Sheikh (2) and Paul Stinchcombe securing the win. Wokingham 3s, meanwhile, were edged out by the odd goal in five when hosting Witney 3s, who took the points from a 3-2 victory. The game between Wokingham Vets and Guildford Gondoliers in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance was postponed. Fixtures – Saturday, November 21 TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Bracknell Ladies v Wokingham DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Oxford Hawks Ladies 5s DIVISION 5: Wokingham 3s v Oxford 6s MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Wokingham Men v British Airways DIVISION 3: Wokingham 2s v West London DIVISION 7: Abingdon 2s v Wokingham 3s

SONNING MEN’S unbeaten start to the MBBO Regional Division 2 season is over following a 3-2 loss against West Hampstead 2nd. Ian Gallagher and Neil Pursell hit the backboard for the hosts, but it was visiting Hampstead who were celebrating come the full time whistle after Geoff Ho, Ollie Redwood and Jonty Woods secured the win. Defeat saw Sonning drop to third in the standings. A solitary strike from Lucas Birrell-Gray was enough to see West Hampstead 3s defeat SONNING 2ND 1-0 in Division 1. SONNING 3S, however, were 2-1 winners over Eastcote 3s in Division 3, where Colin Singleton and Adrian Trueman fired the home side to the points. Joe Snell replied for the away side. SONNING 4S remain rooted to the foot of the MBBO Division 4 – but they did run opponents Bicester 2s close. Jon Jessop found the net for the villagers, but CJ Birtles and Trevor Joseph helped Bicester to 2-1 victory. SONNING 5S lead the way in Division 8 West via goal difference following a 2-0 victory on the road at Oxford 8s, but there was to be disappointment for the club’s 6S and 7S in Division 9 West.

Ian Gallagher netted for Sonning

A first defeat of the season for the sixth string came during a 3-1 loss to Abingdon 3s at Berkshire County Sports. They now sit three points adrift of leaders Wallingford 5s, who were 3-0 winners over the 7s, who remain rooted to the foot of the table. Sonning Ladies THE UNBEATEN start to the season and stay at the top of the Trysports Premier 1 table is over for Sonning Ladies. The side, who went into the fixture with Oxford Hawks Ladies 3s looking for an eighth straight win, were held to a 2-2 draw.

They have been replaced at the summit by Reading 2s, who thrashed the 2s 6-1. In Division 1, SONNING 3S were no match for Windsor Ladies, who scored a 5-1 success to leave their opponents firmly stuck to the foot of the table. There was, though, some joy for the 4S, who picked up a useful point from a 2-2 draw with Abingdon Ladies 2s, which saw them move level on points with Bracknell 2s at the bottom end of the Division 3 standings. SONNING VETERANS were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Newbury and Thatcham 3s in Division 4. The result keeps them ninth in the table. Fixtures – Saturday

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Slough Men v Sonning DIVISION 1: SONNING 2 v OMT 2 DIVISION 2: Staines 3s v SONNING 3S DIVISION 4: SONNING 4S v Eastcote 4s DIVISION 8 WEST: SONNING 5S v Reading Rovers DIVISION 9 WEST: Oxford 9s v SONNING 6S; Wallingford 5s v SONNING 6S TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Amersham and Chalfont Ladies v SONNING 2S; Wycombe 2s v SONNING LADIES DIVISON 1: SONNING 3S v Gerrards Cross DIVISION 3: Aylesbury 3s v SONNING 4S DIVISION 4: SONNING VETERANS v Reading 4s DIVISION 6: SONNING 5S v Aylesbury 4s

38 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20, 2015

BERKS AND BUCKS INTERMEDIATE CUP

On cloud nine: Barron blasts Finchampstead to another home win Finchampstead 1 Shrivenham 0

A SOLITARY strike from Freddie Barron secured Finchampstead a ninth straight win on home soil and also booked the side a spot in the next round of the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup. The midfielder hit what proved to be the winner in just the 15th minute, firing low into the corner to set up a tie with Lambourn Sports of the North Berkshire League in the New Year. “We made quite hard work of it to be fair, but the conditions were a leveller” said boss Jon Laugharne after seeing his side dispose of opposition from Hellenic Division 1 West. “We should have had a penalty after 30 seconds, and that set the tone for some of the things that happened with the decisions. “First half they (Shrivenham) didn’t threaten and we had chances but didn’t score, and at 1-0 you are never home and dry. It was one of those games where a second goal would have settled us down, but we’re through to the next round.” With the rain falling and the wind brisk, conditions caught one or two players out during the early exchanges. It was during this time when Finch created a chance for Greg Alexander, but the striker was wide with his effort. The same player was denied by Shrivenham ‘keeper Will Henry moments later, but from their next attack the deadlock was broken. Taking aim, Barron flashed a strike beyond the reach of Henry and inside the far post for a 1-0 lead. Daniel Blatchford went close to doubling the advantage soon after before Garry Callaway was required to thwart a move up the other end of the field. A tackle from Blatchford then ended another phase of play from the visitors, who were now beginning to exert a spell of pressure, with Finchampstead

No.1 Tom Bryant sweeping up the loose ball. The same player was required to keep out a Joe Grant effort before getting a leg behind another chance and keeping out what looked a certain equaliser. Solid work from both Luke Axton-Hall and captain Adam Barnard also ensured the hosts went in at half-time protecting a narrow advantage. Both ‘keepers were called into action soon after the restart as the tie began to open up. Another chance of note for Finch fell to Harry Swabey, but he was unable to find the target. A last opportunity for Shrivenham arrived from a corner, but it would come to nothing as the opposition held out to preserve their 100 per cent record on home soil this season. “That’s nine games won at home this season,” added Laugharne. “It’s good, because winning your home games always gives you a good chance of staying in the league and cups.”

Aaron Voller marked his return with a goal

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Eversley stay top thanks to Voller and Griffiths Eversley and California 2 Dorking 0 Captain Adam Barnard (left) and Paul Abbott (No.3) celebrate with matchwinner Freddie Barron Pictures: Andrew Merritt

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Abbott, Callaway, Axton-Hall, Barnard (c), Barron, J.Wright, Swabey, Alexander, Blatchford, Wing, Winship, Green.

Finchampstead return to Hellenic Division 1 East duty tomorrow, hosting Bicester Town. Kick-off is 2.15pm. n WOODLEY UNITED also return to action following a lengthy break. They take on Wantage Town Reserves at Scours Lane (3pm). Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Penn & Tylers Green 10 8 1 1 Finchampstead 12 7 2 3 Headington Amateur’s 10 6 2 2 Henley Town 10 6 1 3 Bicester Town 10 5 3 2 Holyport 9 5 0 4 Didcot Town Res’ 11 4 2 5 Chinnor 8 4 1 3 Rayners Lane 9 4 1 4 Chalfont Wasps 6 3 1 2 Wantage Town Res’ 12 3 1 8 Woodley United 9 2 1 6 Old Woodstock Town 9 2 0 7 Reading Town 9 0 0 9

F 36 24 23 29 24 18 25 18 20 12 18 10 5 9

Harry Swabey goes up for the aerial challenge Goalscorer Barron goes on the attack above, and gets away from his man (left) Below: Daniel Blatchford

A Pts 7 25 10 23 8 20 18 19 18 18 20 15 25 14 11 13 16 13 14 10 31 10 21 7 31 6 41 0

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Brilliant Boars rack up the goals and record biggest-ever win in 15-0 triumph

Wokingham’s Casey Starke

EVERSLEY and California Under-16s prolific form in cup competitions this season continued with the 15-0 thrashing of Ryde Saints Youth. This Hampshire County Cup clash was over as a contest by half time, with Ethan Pinnock, George Armstrong, Paolo Giamattei, Brett Gardner and a Joe McDonagh brace putting the Boars, returning to action for the first time in almost a month, 6-0 ahead. The goals continued to fly in for Eversley after the break too, with Pinnock, Armstrong and Giamattei all doubling their tally for the game. With George Higgins netting twice and Gardner completing his hat-trick, along with further efforts from Yasin Amin and Joe Romanski, Eversley were celebrating their biggest-ever win.

Under-15s WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Blacks found themselves with work to do when conceding three early goals against Burnham Junior Lynx Blues in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance. But Amir Idjer set up top scorer Calum Woodfield to reduce the arrears before captain Ben Cook picked out Casey Starke to finish well as the Sumas fought back strongly. However, a goal on the counter attack put Burnham 4-2 ahead – only for a left-footed drive from Woodfield to peg the visitors back once again, but it would not be enough, as the Lynx held out to win 4-3. Starke, who excelled in midfield, was named man of the match. n WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Girls saw their recent winning streak end at

EVERSLEY continue to sit top of the Division 1 table on goal difference after Aaron Voller and Matt Griffiths struck to secure an 11th win of the season. The victory also saw the Boars secure a first clean sheet in eight games, which means they now lead closest rivals Worcester Park via a greater number of goals scored. Visiting Dorking started the fixture well, but were unable to turn their possession into goals. Eversley, though, began to take grip of the game and were soon exerting some pressure of their own. And on 37 minutes they broke the deadlock. Voller returned to the centre of defence having missed the midweek win over Sandhurst Town, but it was up the other end of the field where he was to make an impact, flicking home the free-kick Simieon Howell had swung into the box. The hosts would hold the lead going in at the break, but the scoreline did not reflect the control Neville Roach’s men now had on the contest. Eversley would also start the second half the stronger side, so it came as no surprise when Griffiths doubled the advantage through his third goal in two games. The midfielder pounced when the opposition ‘keeper let the ball slip from his grasp. Dorking protested Griffiths had impeded, but the referee waved away their disgruntlements and the goal stood. The home side continued to dictate the play, but were unable to build on their tally, nor were they really troubled by the opposition as the game neared a conclusion. EVERSLEY: Giles, Voller, Medford, Massaquai, Osler, Howell, Taylor, Griffiths, Allston, Smith, Elmore, Hogston, Hoptroff, Douglass, Kiesel.

Westwood Wanderers, where they suffered n Eversley are away to bottom club South Park Reserves tomorrow (3pm). a heavy 7-0 defeat in the Berks County Girls U15s League Cup. Combined Counties League Division 1 The Sumas were sadly no match for P W D L F A Pts a side chasing the title in Division 1, and Eversley & California 14 11 1 2 46 19 34 Wanderers were out of reach by half time Worcester Park 14 11 1 2 42 15 34 having notched three uncontested goals. CB Hounslow United 13 10 2 1 31 7 32 Bedfont & Feltham 10 8 1 1 34 10 25 Despite cranking up the pressure after Cobham 14 7 2 5 32 31 23 the break, things would get no better for Abbey Rangers 13 7 1 5 21 17 22 Division 2 side Wokingham, who conceded Staines Lammas 14 6 1 7 28 25 19 four more times in what was a difficult Frimley Green 10 5 2 3 17 13 17 clash for the Girls, who only had 12 players Sandhurst Town 13 5 2 6 27 36 17 available for the game, compared to Dorking 13 5 0 8 19 21 15 Westwood’s 16. Epsom Athletic 14 4 1 9 23 41 13 Despite shipping in the seven goals, Dorking Wand ReS 13 3 3 7 14 23 12 Rebecca Greigs had actually helped keep Banstead Athletic 10 3 2 5 16 21 11 the scoring down, and her performance Ash United 12 3 2 7 19 29 11 between the posts drew admiration Sheerwater 11 3 1 7 18 27 10 from both sets of managers, players, and Farleigh Rovers 12 2 1 9 8 38 7 parents. South Park Reserves 12 1 1 10 13 35 4

Friday, November 20, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 39

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HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

Sumas left heartbroken as Sausman hits late winner Longlevens 3 Wokingham and Emmbrook 2

ELLIS SAUSMAN broke Wokingham and Emmbrook hearts when hitting a stoppage time winner at Sawmills End. The Sumas looked set to end a run of 13 straight defeats in the Hellenic Premier Division after Elliott Rushforth had cancelled out a Jake Butler own goal and Craig Martin’s strike following Sam Bateman’s first-half opener. But they were to leave Gloucestershire empty handed when, in the sixth minute of time added on, Sausman popped up to volley home from five yards and snatch all three points for Longlevens. Wokingham started the game brightly and went close to opening the scoring through Josh Pearson, whose left-footed strike at goal crashed back off the crossbar. But they did seize the initiative soon after through Bateman, who netted for a 1-0 lead on the half-hour mark. The visitors continued to ask all the questions during the opening half, but appeals for a penalty five minutes before the break were to fall on deaf ears. Rushforth, having stolen the ball from an opponent in the box, was to then go down under a challenge he and the away side thought was illegal, but the referee was having none of the protests. Wokingham were unable to build on the momentum from the first half and

found themselves under the cosh after the restart. And it was during an intense 20 minute spell by the hosts which saw them level up the scores before going ahead. The equaliser came in rather fortuitous circumstances. In attempting to cut out a cross from the left, a backpedaling Butler, stand-in captain for the day, could only turn the ball past ‘keeper Sean Woodward for an own goal. Another slice of luck would see Longlevens then take the lead. In trying to deal with a miss-judged Pearson header, Will Day slipped on a treacherous surface, which provided Martin with the time and space needed to find the back of the net. Only two smart stops from Woodward prevented the home side from putting Wokingham out of reach. But clearly spurred on by this, the guests began to rally back, with Butler unlucky not to equalise when his goal-bound header from a corner was hooked off the line. But with just seconds of normal time remaining, Rushforth pounced. Receiving the ball from Dan Collier, the striker produced a calm, curling effort in the corner to make it 2-2. Yet once the celebrations had finished, the Sumas had an extra six minutes accumulated from stoppages to negotiate. Both teams had a real good go at one another, but with the clock almost run

down a foul by Ben Broadhurst saw Longlevens awarded a free-kick and the defender dismissed for a second yellow card. The set piece was floated over to the far post, where Sausman was on hand to settle the contest from close range and leave the opposition crestfallen. WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, Wanklyn, Broadhurst, Day (c), Butler, Rushforth, Pearson, Duffelen, Wheeler, S.Bateman (Pearce), Collier.

Wokingham’s quest for the points needed to pull away from the foot of the table continues on Saturday, where they host fellow strugglers Abingdon United in a rearranged fixture (3pm). Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Kidlington 18 13 3 2 Thatcham Town 17 13 2 2 Flackwell Heath 18 13 2 3 Ascot United 21 12 4 5 Highworth Town 17 12 1 4 Binfield 18 10 3 5 Highmoor-Ibis 19 10 3 6 Thame United 18 10 2 6 Longlevens AFC 19 10 1 8 Brimscombe & Thrupp 16 9 3 4 Oxford City Nomads 17 9 1 7 Royal Wootton Bassett 17 7 2 8 Lydney Town 18 5 6 7 Abingdon United 21 5 2 14 Tuffley Rovers 18 4 4 10 Ardley United 19 5 1 13 Milton United 20 3 5 12 Brackley Town Saints 19 4 2 13 Bracknell Town 16 2 4 10 Wokingham 20 1 1 18

F 50 52 58 35 46 36 38 26 32 29 33 28 26 27 28 26 19 32 24 17

A 17 22 29 21 15 22 28 21 30 23 28 36 32 58 38 48 38 57 40 59

Pts 42 41 41 40 37 33 33 32 31 30 28 23 21 17 16 16 14 14 10 4

Elliott Rushforth, above, and Sam Bateman, below, were on target for Wokingham and Emmbrook at Sawmills End Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

BINFIELD

Josh Howell fires Binfield into a 2-0 lead against Highmoor Ibis Pictures: Colin Byers

Herridge on a High after Binfield hit six Binfield 6 Highmoor Ibis 0

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MICHAEL WALTON has been named Binfield’s Player of the Month for October. The 19-year-old has been a mainstay in the side since grabbing his chance back in September, where he has formed a solid partnership with Lewis Leonetti in the heart of defence. Despite preferring to play in midfield, Walton is making the most of missing much of last season through injury, and started the month with successive man-of-the-match awards. He was also on target during the game with Kidlington

Michael Walton with Alex Lloyd

Binfield players celebrate Jemel Johnson’s (second from left) goal

ROGER HERRIDGE is hoping his Binfield side can build a consistent run of form after bouncing back from defeat to Kidlington with the thrashing of Highmoor-Ibis. Just one week separated the Moles’ heaviest loss of the season, 5-0 at Kidlington, and putting six past Highmoor to leapfrog them up to a season high of sixth in the table. Kensley Maloney, who is dual-registered with Slough Town, stole the show with a hat-trick while Josh Howell, Jemel Johnson and debutant Mark Jordan also all found the net in the rout at Hill Farm Lane. “Football’s a funny old game and seven days is a long time in football,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper. “To be fair to Highmoor-Ibis, they actually started the game quite well in the first 10 or 15 minutes and if they’d have scored a goal who knows what might have happened. “Once we got our noses in front there only looked like there was going to be one winner. “In the end 6-0 didn’t flatter us and it probably could’ve been a couple more. “But we’d have certainly taken 6-0 at the start of the game so I’m not going to complain about the score-line.” Binfield took the lead with their first shot on target when Johnson picked out Maloney on the left and the forward tucked away his chance. The advantage was doubled on 20

Kensley Maloney was the hat-trick hero

minutes when Howell received the ball from Johnson and converted from a tight angle. The game was seemingly out of the visitors’ reach just minutes after the restart when Maloney again, playing because he was cup-tied for Slough’s FA Trophy clash, showed fine feet before smashing the ball beyond goalkeeper Mike Cadle. Johnson added a fourth before substitute Jordan, who previously played for Team Solent, was introduced for his debut and within minutes found the net before teeing up Maloney for a memorable hat-trick. But Herridge is refusing to get carried away with the impressive display. “We are obviously looking for a bit of consistency,” he said. “Football games at the end of the day can hinge on a few key decisions and if they go for you, you tend to go on and win the game and if they don’t you may go on and lose it. “I certainly wasn’t going to beat

myself up after getting beat 5-0 by Kidlington and I’m certainly not going to be going out partying on the back of a 6-0 win against Highmoor-Ibis.” Binfield now have a break from league action with a trip to Hellenic Division 2 West side Moreton Rangers in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup second round tomorrow (3pm). But the Moles boss admits he is not entirely sure what to expect from the clash. “The only thing I know about them is that Moreton is in Gloucestershire,” he admitted. “I know absolutely nothing about them to be honest. “I don’t know, it could be a banana skin but we certainly won’t be taking a team of reserve team players down there and taking them for granted, that’s for sure. “You’ve just got to go to these places and get a job done and get in, get out, get the win and move on. “We’ll be travelling down there with as strong a squad as we possibly can and looking to get the job done. “They’re obviously doing OK in their league and for teams that win regularly, it’s quite a nice habit to have. “We certainly won’t be taking them for granted but it’s certainly a game that we would expect to come through with a victory in.” Carl Withers (groin) is not likely to be risked for the trip but Liam Ferdinand is set to return. BINFIELD v Highmoor-Ibis: Silver; Walton (Carlisle 82), Luis, Leonetti, Gibbs; Howell, Knight (Jordan 76), Rowland, Dean; Johnson (Senussi 76), Maloney. Sub not used: R. Brown

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Kostourek dedicates four-goal salvo to late father EXCLUSIVE

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MILAN KOSTOUREK dedicated his four-goal salvo against Milton Keynes Lightning last Sunday to his late father who recently passed away. The Czech forward was in inspirational form against his former employers, and gave those travelling MK fans a reminder of what they are missing when scoring more than half of the hosts’ final tally in a resounding 7-2 success. Matt Towalski, Vanya Antonov and Frantisek Bakrlik were also on target during a victory which ended a run of five straight defeats for Bracknell, but the night belonged to man-of-the-match Kostourek. “I’m very happy, especially after the 10-2 loss at Basingstoke on Saturday,

and I’m glad to have scored these goals for my father, who recently passed away,” said the import. “I’m very pleased that we beat them, and if I could add any bonuses for the team (on Sunday) then I would have done. “The first goal was through great teamwork. I wouldn’t have been able to put it in the net without those other guys out on the ice with me, obviously. “All the guys played phenomenal tonight.” Bracknell went into the fixture at the Hive with no win since the 4-3 triumph over Guildford Flames on October 11 and hit by recent postponements due to ice issues at home and games at Manchester Phoenix and Hull Pirates respectively. But against a Lightning side who currently sit third in the standings, Bees blew all recent disappointments

aside, with summer signing Kostourek hoping the bad run of form has now been put to bed. He added: “We played a different hand on Sunday, and whatever the coach asked for we did. “We did a special thing on Sunday where every single player rolled on the board did everything asked of him tonight and they all did it, and it was good. “It was a difficult stretch we went through without ice and without training and with all the games cancelled and hopefully everything is back to normal and we can start plugging away, just like we did earlier in the season.” n THE postponed fixture between Bees and Peterborough Phantoms will now take place at The Hive on Thursday, November 26 at 7.45pm n FOR more Bees news, turn to page 33.

RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS

Milan Kostourek scored four times on Sunday night Picture: Bob Swann

FOOTBALL

Royals boss looked set for Fulham switch, only to have a change of heart...

Clarke completes dramatic U-turn By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

Steve Clark appears to have made a dramatic U-turn and is now willing to stay on as Reading manager

STEVE CLARKE looks set to remain at Reading after completing a dramatic u-turn and rejecting a move to Fulham. The Scotsman, 52, looked on the verge of quitting the Royals after less than a year in charge having becoming the front-runner for the job at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting that Clarke was on a three-man shortlist to take over at Fulham alongside former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson and Exeter City’s Paul Tisdale, but was still seen as an outsider for the role. Fulham have been looking for a new boss since sacking Kit Symons earlier this month and Clarke saw his odds tumble from 25/1 to as low as 1/12 with SkyBet before most bookies stopped taking bets on Thursday as the deal looked set to be confirmed. He was interviewed by the Cottagers last year, before they chose Symons instead. Clarke, along with defender Anton Ferdinand, were due to face the media in his weekly pre-match press conference on Thursday morning ahead of this weekend’s clash with Bolton Wanderers at Madejski Stadium. But when the club called off the briefing at 8.30am, speculation intensified as to the future of the Reading boss. Despite taking training at Hogwood as normal on Thursday, The Wokingham Paper understands Clarke did travel to speak with Fulham about the vacancy after they officially approached Reading, only for him to opt against the switch.

This is not the first managerial vacancy Clarke has been linked with this season having guided Reading to Championship safety and reached the FA Cup semi final after replacing Nigel Adkins in December 2014. The former West Brom boss was named among the favourites for the Sunderland job when Dick Advocaat left the Premier League outfit in October but was quick to bat away the speculation. Following Thursday’s cancellation, Clarke is now due to speak to the media this morning (Friday) at Hogwood. He is also set to be in the dugout when struggling Bolton visit the Mad Stad tomorrow (3pm). Clarke, synonymous in west London for his time with Chelsea, took on the hot-seat following Nigel Adkins’ departure in December 2014. He steered the club away from the threat of relegation and to a 19th place finish in 2014/15. He also took Royals to an FA Cup semi-final date at Wembley, where his heroic charges went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Premier League side and eventual competition winners Arsenal after extra-time. During the summer Clarke, through the support and financial backing of the club’s Thai owners, was allowed to overhaul his squad, bringing in 13 new faces on permanent transfers and loans, as well as his own backroom staff. Talk of a premature exit was met with mixed reaction from Reading supporters, and Clarke may have work to do in winning these back over in the coming weeks and months. n For more Reading news, turn to page 36

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