Wokingham Paper November 27

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Justin’s back... oh yes he is!

After six weeks of accidents, near misses, delays and confusion we ask…

A329M: Where are the signs?

SEE PAGE 14

Friday, November 27, 2015 No. 32

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2 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

FAMILY NOTICES v Deaths HARDING, Jill Peacefully passed away on Sunday 22nd November 2015 aged 80 years.

Much loved Wife, Mum & Granny.

All enquiries to: Miles and Daughters, Independent Funeral Directors, Isabella House, 498a Reading Road, Winnersh RG41 5EX. Tel: 0118 979 3004

POLICE

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Earley man charged with three burglaries

A MAN has been charged following a spate of burglaries across Earley, Woodley and Reading.

Jamie Banning, 22, of Barbel Close, Earley, was charged with three counts of burglary dwelling and theft on Friday.

The charges relate to burglaries in Eastcourt Avenue, Earley on October 21, London Road, Woodley on November 2, and Elmhurst Road, Reading on November 9.

Banning appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on December 21.

WOODLEY

Meet Santa at school’s Christmas fayre

RIVERMEAD Primary School will be holding a Christmas fayre tomorrow (Saturday).

Starting at noon, the two-hour fun event will include Santa’s grotto, fun and games, arts and cradft events, cake stalls, a raffle, homemade fudge and mulled wine and mince pies.

The school is off Loddon Bridge Road in Woodley.

CRIME

White van used in building material theft

BUILDING materials left by the side of a house in Wokingham were stolen in a daylight burglary last weekend.

Shortly after 1pm on Sunday, November 15, a white van with a trailer stopped outside the house in Tamar Way. The offenders loaded up the materials and then drove away.

The festive display created by Snow Windows for David Cliff estate agents in Wokingham’s Peach Street.

ART

The wonder of Christmas comes to Peach Street A DIFFERENT take on a usual Christmas window display has gone on show at a Wokingham estate agents, writes Gemma Davidson.

David Cliff, in Peach Street, brought in spray paint artist Snow Windows to create a unique display that passers-by could enjoy.

Anyone who saw the incident take place should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.

FAIR

Cake and stalls on offer at Emmanuel Church

EMMANUEL Church in Woodley will be holding a Christmas fair on Sunday.

Christmas goodies will be on sale and homemade cake can be enjoyed while you browse the many stalls.

Doors open between 2pm and 5pm.

Entry is £1 for adults, children go free.

SONG

Stretch your vocal chords with jazz carols

SINGERS in Charvil are invited to come along and try their hand at a selection of festive tunes next weekend.

The all-female singing afternoon tomorrow (Saturday) is being organised by local singing teacher and

David Cliff said: “We just wanted to do something a bit different this year that people would enjoy.

“We found Snow Windows on Facebook and liked a lot of their work, but it is far, far better than anything we could have imagined.

“They have created a mixture of snow

scenes, children and animals and Father Christmas, it looks incredible.

“The design covers the whole frontage and down the side. Even before it was finished people walking past were stopping to point and admire.

“We hope the people of Wokingham enjoy it as much as we do.”

choir director Suzanne Newman.

Anyone who likes singing is welcome to come along and have a go at singing three Jazz Carols, The Nutcracker, and Believe from The Polar Express.

The afternoon takes place between 2pm and 4pm at Charvil Village Hall.

The cost is £10, or £7 for under 18s which includes copies of the music and refreshments. Places can be booked in advance by contacting Suzanne on 0118 934 0589.

Canticles of Light concert.

The Choral Society will sing Chilcott’s Canticles of Light, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Britten’s Te Deum in C, accompanied by George de Voil on the organ and conducted by Leo Walsh.

Tickets cost £12 and £2 for Eagle House School students.

For more details, log on to www. crowthornechoral.org.uk or call the box office on 01344 778185.

CAROLS

Talk on having the best blooming Christmas

Concert will bring light to Eagle House School

BRITTEN’S Ceremony of Carols will be one of the items performed at an Advent concert tomorrow (Saturday).

The Eagle House Cantani, conducted by Leo Walsh, will sing the piece as the special guests at the Crowthorne Choral Society’s

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.

CLUB

WOODLEY Flower Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, December 1.

Featuring a demonstration entitled Christmas is Coming by Jackie Page, the meeting starts at 7.30pm.

The club meets at Coronation Hall, Headley Road on the first Tuesday of every month. For more information contact Joan Brunt on 0118 986 8545.

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WOKINGHAM PAPER

NEWS | 3

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 2, 27, 2015 THETHE WOKINGHAM PAPER November 2015 WOKINGHAM PAPER

DONATIONS

POLICE

SYRIA

Interserve’s gifts for trio of good causes

We’re ready for the refugees pledges MP

Murder probe launched after 83-year-old’s death

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.

TWYFORD Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Mr Wilson said: “I’m part of the interministerial team THE Home Secretary and Father Concern, Twyford, Twyford afterwards: a fantastic that “What is working on Christmas were the guests of Village Partnership and Hare event. The team from the David how we manage honour at a Christmas party in Hatch Sheeplands, was attended Brownlow andCharitable support Foundation Twyford last weekend. by around 120 older residents. workedrefugees. long hours, but completely Attending the annual Be a Local chef Darren Blunden transformed the school hall into a “We’ve literally Interserve’s Office Services Manager Sheena JAC’sevent Development Sam Milligan, Sanders, Santa Kitto, to a Senior at The Director produced a feastTony of food, withRalph thewinter wonderland.” just started horse and stable-hand Michaela Pickworth Colleton Primary School, in entertainment provided by The Paul identifying Westgarth, from Home refugees Colleton May MP Primary School Choir Instead,in said: was nice to see the“It camps in Syria

By GEMMA DAVIDSON expand its learning spaces. to OurDrive, HouseTheresa will enable us to Colleton chatted with took plus singer and accordionist The more people from the wideraround area, gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk and the countries Sam Milligan, Development extend theguests use ofand theeven outdoor a turn on and the dancefloor. while Father Christmas Wargrave, at the Syria. at JAC said: “Interserveparticularly space develop our facilities Duke,Director Thedisabled event, which is organised handed gifts of a hamper event. When it was time to wind THREE charities were the worthy “I expect we will be bringing hasout committed a lot ofto time into for teenagers, giving year by Home Instead everyone present. up there was universal agreement recipients of a £25,000 donation every about 400 [refugees] a month them a much needed haven where planning their project work with The David Brownlow from those that weThat mustis by a Twyford-based company on Senior from present now onwards. us andStorey brought a the huge amount among of theyCare, can chill out with friends and Gordon Charitable Foundation, Age time to Twyford Village Partnership said and do it again next year.”because we’ve Tuesday. manageable professionalism, experience family, or just have some Support services and an amazing attitude with them. themselves.” construction group Interserve “It is difficult to express how Camp Mohawk will use the CRIME £13,000 to Camp awarded much the support, work and help funds to resurface its driveway Mohawk in Wargrave, £7,500 to the IEF have provided us means to and to install drainage between Wokingham-based Just Around everyone involved.” the camp’s swimming pool 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 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 By GEMMA DAVIDSON community centre where disabled grown and developed a strong Mohawk with a huge amount of gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk children can play safely and their relationship with these local support. This generous support families can meet and support charities over the last three years only been financial but as UP toother.

30 cars had their windows smashedhas andnot windscreen each with Interserve staff having a support services wipers broken off during “mindless” vandalism spree in organisation.

Sarah Barnard, Centrea Manager worked more than 600 volunteer “We have several projects – a Wokingham neighbourhood on Tuesday evening. at BFTF said:”The support which days at Camp Mohawk, JAC and both small Cars andhas vans in Dowles Walkand andlarge – on the go Interserve given BuildingGreen, for Victoria Victoria Gardens – all in the Keephatch area – were BFTF during that time. at any one time and to have IEF the Future at Our House, in terms targeted byand a gang of five youths, to police.

“We hope that the award of assisting us every step of the way of funding man-power, has according Officers believe a BB area gun may have beeninvaluable, used these grants – and our pledge to has been and we owe transformed our outdoor to cause some ofentrance the damage, onea huge resident give at least another 150 days them debt of gratitude.” into a welcoming space while reported that the offenders used crowbars to smash of staff ’s time over the next Finally, JAC will use theThomas’ Renault which really sets the tone for Andrea Scenic had its rear windscreen the vehicles’ windows.

– demonstrates funds to fit out loftsmash spacesbyatthe vandals.year visiting families.

Picture: Andrea ThomasInterserve’s Andrea Thomas, who lives in Dowles Green, said ongoing commitment to these its Rehoboth Centreortoknow makewho they are.

“The on-going support sheInterserve, was unable drive afterenergy the effiAnyone charities, is which such PC Lee them more cient with of nottoonly in her Renault Scenic with information askedmake to contact rear windscreen a huge difference to the localor you insulation, LED lighting and P5657 via maintenance, butwas alsosmashed. in Matthews the enquiry centre on 101, She said: “There is glass everywhere including on can community.” heat source pumps andcall willCrimestoppers also improvements and enhancements anonymously on 0800 555 111. my girls’ car seats which were in the back.

“Currently the car is not secure and I can’t drive it REGENERATION like that in this weather, and it will be a week until it can be fixed, at a cost of £75 to me unless the police catch the culprits.

A LEVEL playing field is being sought

by Wokingham “It’s the inconvenience with getting to work, the Borough Council over thelike future of sporting provision. kids to clubs.

It seems mindless vandalism seeing Sports in the borough are being asked to help as no oneclubs had anything taken.” produce a pitch strategy, create Mrs Thomas said shehelping didn’tthe seecouncil the gang butaheard picturelaughing of currentas resources and future them they made theirdemands. way down the The consultation follows the purchase of Grays Fruit street.

Farm will be used to meet thethey increased Shewhich continued: “Interestingly didn’tdemand touch my Call usto today arrange Call Call today us today toarrange arrange toto arrange for outdoorcar sports pitches theto regeneration is here. husband’s which wasonce nearer the road than mine Call us us today It is expected that these pitchesthat will they be needed so our neighbour had a theory wereby leaving freeconsultation initial consultation us today to a free aaCall initial free initial consultation consultation a free initial 2019 andwith Grayssonic Farmalarms. remains open. the cars arrange a584000 Tel: 01256 584000 584000 The council says it is also committed a major and Tel: 01256 Tel: 01256 “We are also concerned that basedtoon the postcode Call us today tofree arrange Tel: 01256 584000 outdoor hubofatcars Ryeish Green and there also Email:Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk and the sports number damaged that ourwill insurance aEmail: free initial consultation initial consultation info@kjsmith.co.uk be new pitches part of the at Visit:info@kjsmith.co.uk renewal pricesprovided could beaspushed up. developmentsEmail: Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 01256 584000 Visit: Arborfi eld.innocent young children may now get Tel: 0118 418 1000 “Some less www.kjsmith.co.uk Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk member fortheir environment Ross forExecutive Christmas because parentsCllr areAngus having to use Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk said:money "Sport is many people’s lives and, as our the toimportant pay theirininsurance excess.

Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk borough’s population grows, we youths are committed to making “I would like to ask these how they would sure if people have access to great facilities. feel someone thought it was funny to smash their “We games know some local sports clubsspend alreadyhours have longprized console, let them on the waiting sorting lists and we knowand about some pitches that are phone it out then have to pay for not the as good out as they couldown be – but the sports pitch strategy repairs of their pockets?

26 London 26 London StreetStreet • Basingstoke • Basingstoke • RG21 • RG21 7PG 7PG needs " would think it so funny “I’ma comprehensive really not sureview. they Offices in Offices Henley inLondon 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 sports club interested in the strategy then.”

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 5 H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB should contact the council’s and leisure manager Thames Valley Police is sport appealing for information Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Bev Thompson 0118may 974 6254. from anyone on who have seen the youths

Theresa brings festive cheer to seniors

‘Mindless’ vandals smash 30 cars in one evening

A MURDER investigation has been launched following the death of an elderly woman in Lower Earley.

Thames Valley Police were called to a home in Elm Lane at 11.25am on Saturday where they found the body of Josephine to 83. embark on a dangerous journey had lots of offers from local Williamson, the Mediterranean. authorities around the A manacross in his eighties found at the home unmanageable country.” with injuries “It’s to hisboth stomach was taken byand air dangerous have in Mr Wilson was speaking ambulance to the Johnbecause Radcliffeyou Hospital now he hundreds ofatthousands of a week after Wokingham Oxford where remained the time The people Borough Councillors unanimously Wokingham Paperjust wentcoming to press.onto land in Greece andwho other parts of passed a motion pledging to DCI Mark Glover, is leading thethe Mediterranean it’sprocess just not do its bit to welcome refugeesinvestigation, said: “We areand in the manageable,” he continued. to the area. of determining the circumstances leading “These countries finding it He added: “We are putting up to Josephine’s death and the are man’s all the things in place injuries. very difficult. why what we’re to make sure that “However“That’s at this stage it appears to doing be isincident saying, with ‘Right, in the all the people arean isolated no you otherstay party refugee camp, we’ll come to you supported, not involvement. just there and we’ll provide the helpat for a week, “Forensic examinations are taking place andand support you by or a month, the property officers areneed likelythere to be there spending a lot of money and or a year, but for some time. effortlike there.

But the alsolocal we’ll also supported on an “We would to thank residents settle you the UK as ongoing basis. for their patience andproperly toleranceinwhile we carry well.

“The plans are out our investigation. ” “That man means shouldon being led by the Home An 88-year-old has people been arrested to the refugee camps andthe Office, they are very suspiciongo of murder in connection with robust and I think the country incident. not just turn up and take those dangerous journeys. we’re will be able to cope.”

Thames Valley Police said thatSo you trying toor stop the problem The British Government have any concerns information aboutatthis source rather than bring it toorthe has taken the view that it is incident then speak to officers on patrol wrong to encourage people call 101. doorstep of Europe”.

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4 | NEWS

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FIRST DAYS

EDUCATION

Charity’s Christmas toy appeal

Local schools feature in Sunday Times league tables A BOYS school from Berkshire is one of the best in the country according to new data released by The Sunday Times.

The newspaper released its annual league tables as part of its Parent Power programme, awarding schools marks for results in exams.

There are 2,000 schools in its tables, and a range of schools from across the borough feature in the lists, which are also separated into state and independent.

In the overall results, Waverley School, an independent preparatory school, was 46th – down on its top 10 position last year.

Reading Blue Coat School, which is based in Sonning, came 129th, up from 191st last year.

A new entry was The Hawthorns Primary School, which came in at 199th.

The Piggott School was 304th, and Maiden Erlegh School was 324th. St Crispin’s was 349th, Luckley Kouse School was 360th.

The Emmbrook School came in at 437th and Bulmershe School was 460th.

No other borough schools featured in the overall list.

Reading School, the selective boys school in Reading, came fourth in the top 500 selective schools, while girls school Kendrick came 15th.

In the list of top comprehensive and partially selected schools, The Holt School was 81st, The Piggott School was 140th - and tied with Olchfa School, Swansea; Preston Manor School, Wembley; Richard Hales School, Hertford; The Weald School in Billingshurst.

Maiden Erlegh School was 159th, St Crispin’s was 183rd and Emmbrook School was 268th, tied with the Robert Smyth Academy in Market Harborough.

Independent In the Independent Secondary category, which was won by St Paul’s Girls School in London, The Abbey School was the highest local entry. The Reading School came 53rd.

Next was Reading Blue Coat School at 129th, Queen Anne’s in Caversham at 174th, Bradfield College was 194th and St Joseph’s College was 335th.

Leighton Park School was next, at 334th, while Luckley House, which was the only Wokingham entry in this category, came in at 360. Pangbourne College was 377th, the Oratory School was 279th and LVS Ascot came in at 409th.

Just making the top 50 fee-paying schools with small or no sixth forms was the Hurst Lodge School in Ascot – they were 50th.

The Hawthorns Primary School in Woosehill was the only Wokingham borough school to feature in the top 500 state primary schools, and came in at 199th.

It also featured in the top 600 English state primary and independent preparatory schools, coming in 249th place. Ahead of it was Waverley School, which came in at 170th.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

Sisters Maeve, 3, and Sadie, 5, Gabriel donate their presents to First Days team Emma Cantrell (left) and Kathryn Tibble-Taylor. Picture: Phil Creighton

A CHARITY that helps families with baby and toddler equipment has launched a festive appeal for toys.

First Days, which collects donated baby and toddler clothes, equipment, furniture and toys so they can be redistributed to families in need, is looking for new or as new toys to give away this Christmas.

The team behind it held a collection at the Raglan pub in Denmark Street on Saturday and kind hearted families dropped in a range of new toys.

Kathryn Tibble-Taylor, the charity’s administrator, said: “We’d like new or nearly new toys. It needs to look new and look good enough to be a Christmas present.

“Kids want a proper present they can open from the box.”

The charity, which has an office in Woodley, is collecting the presents to

distribute to as many families as they can.

“We’re going to give presents to 50 families. If we get more toys we can help more people,” Ms Tibble-Taylor said.

Presents should be suitable for children aged seven or under.

The charity is also thinking about how it can expand the appeal and is already thinking to next year.

Ms Tibble-Taylor said: “I really like the idea of children giving presents to children. Maybe next year we can set up a Santa’s grotto where children can give a present to Santa – that’s very countercultural and will help children get to understand that it’s good to give.”

Presents can be donated on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9am and noon at First Days Woodley office in Hawkehurst House, Headley Road East. n For more details, email kathryn@ firstdays.net or call 0118 921 9338.

SHINFIELD

‘Exciting time’ for infant school as £1.8million revamp gets underway

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A £1.8million scheme to expand Shinfield Infant and Nursery School is now underway.

As part of Wokingham Borough Council’s (WBC) strategy to accommodate the rising number of primary school children in the borough, the scheme includes the creation of a new multipurpose hall, school meals kitchen, additional classrooms remodelled from the old hall, as well as refurbished ones from existing classroom blocks.

The expansion will also include a new hygiene room with special education needs teaching space, and a covered walkway linking the new hall to the main school building.

The grounds will be landscaped with an additional hard play area and sensory garden.

The school, in School Green, has expanded to become a three-form entry school, and the work is due to be completed by September 2016.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, WBC’s executive member for children’s services, said it is an “exciting time” for the school.

She said: “Giving our schools and

An artist’s impression of how the expanded school will look in Shinfield.

teachers the tools they need to create the best possible educational experiences for our children at an early age – that’s what this is all about.

“This is an exciting time for Shinfield Infant and we’re really pleased to be part of it.

“We’ve been working across the borough to make sure there are

enough quality primary school places for every child.”

The school’s headteacher Amanda Turner said: “We are most grateful to Wokingham Borough Council for the opportunity to expand our school and for all the lovely new teaching spaces that have so enhanced the school environment and the children’s learning.

“We are very much looking forward to a big new hall and being able to have the whole school together for assembly.”

Shinfield Infant and Nursery School joins several other schools in the borough which have undergone expansion in recent years.

The Colleton Primary, in Colleton Primary, Twyford, now has two forms of entry, and Hawkedon Primary, in Hawkedon Way, Lower Earley, now has three.

Work started last month at Grazeley Parochial CE Aided Primary School to create one form of entry, and plans are being finalised to start at Shinfield St Mary’s CE Aided Junior School to expand it to three forms of entry.

Three new academy schools have recently been built: Charvil Piggott Primary, Windmill Primary and Wheatfield Primary, and the council supported parents to open Evendons Primary, a free school.

A further academy, Montague Park, is also being built to support new homes in Wokingham town. Six further new schools will open over the next 10 years to serve the new developments around Wokingham, Shinfield and Arborfield.

CAMPAIGN

Berkshire West CCGs invite you to the Joint Primary Care Co-commissioning Committee meeting in public 9 December 13.00-16.30 at The Hall, Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR. Any member of the public is welcome to observe their discussions on the GP Primary Care Strategy.

Register to reserve your place on 0118 982 2709 / ppiteam.berkshirewest@nhs.net Registration is essential to provide correct seats and public packs.

A copy of the meeting agenda and papers can be found on www.newburyanddistrictccg.nhs.uk from 2 December 2015.

Questions related to the agenda may be submitted in advance to the email above and will be answered during the meeting where that is possible.

Limmerhill group beats funsraising target A GROUP campaigning to save a ‘village green’ is celebrating after reaching a milestone fundraising target.

The Limmerhill Walking Group wants to see the land near Ye Olde Leathern Bottel in Wokingham protected so local residents can continue to use it as public land.

To help their fight, they had been appealing for funds via JustGiving and last week they smashed the £1,000 barrier.

The group want to raise £10,000 to pay for a barrister to represent them at a hearing to decide if the land will receive village green status.

Spokesperson Lynn Forbes said: “We would like to thank everyone for their

The Limmerhill area is a popular spot with walkers. It was recently closed for maintenance.

generosity. Overall the campaign now has over £8,500.”

When the application was presented to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) 18

months ago interested parties were asked to respond to the application.

WBC are currently in the process of dealing with the application.

Ms Forbes said: “We will soon see any objections and then we will be given the right to reply.

She added: “The Limmerhill Walking Group has no party political affiliation of any shape or form.

“It may be tempting for a party to try to affiliate themselves with this application to boost their green credentials but we have never been political and we aren’t now.

“We have deliberately kept party politics at arm’s length. This campaign is for the whole community.”

NEWS | 5

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Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

COURT

Bomb plot accused tested explosives in his back garden OP CAMPFIGHT - X526 - CDR/5 - Book 4.0261 - Page 12 of 88 24 RADSTOCK ROAD, READING RG1 3PS \ DVD OF RECORD PHOTOGRAPHY CONTINUED

By COURT REPORTER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN allegedly plotting a bomb attack in London emailed a video of him testing explosives to his wife in Earley, a court has heard.

Mohammed Rehman, 25, of Radstock Road in Reading, is alleged to have tested explosives, the ingredients of which were bought by his wife Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, of Hutton Close, in the back garden of his home.

On Wednesday the couple, who are married but lived separately, appeared at the Old Bailey in London charged with preparation for terrorist acts.

Rehman also faces a second charge of possession of articles for terrorist purposes.

The court heard how Rehman allegedly carried out two tests and emailed the videos to his wife.

Rehman caught the attention of counter-terrorism officers when he became embroiled in an online argument

with a Twitter user, whose messages were not visible.

Under the account name Silent Bomber, Rehman boasted that he “makes explosives for a living” and that he was “locked and loaded,” the court heard.

The investigating officer made contact with Rehman under the name Abu Mohammed.

He said he first noticed the Silent Bomber account when it tweeted: “Westfield shopping centre or London Underground? any advice would be greatly appreciated” during an online discussion under the hashtag LondonAttack.

From behind a screen the officer told the court: “At the time I saw the tweet I thought that was an account to look at in more detail.

“I wasn’t going to take a judgement of the tweet or content at face value.

“Because of the reference to explosives and ‘locked and loaded’, combined with other tweets on the account, I couldn’t just dismiss it as a juvenile argument.”

Mohammed Rehman and wife Sana Ahmed Khan.

Pictures: Central News OP CAMPFIGHT - X526 - CDR/5 - Book 4.0261 - Page 53 of 88 24 RADSTOCK ROAD, READING RG1 3PS \ DVD OF RECORD PHOTOGRAPHY CONTINUED

TRANSPORT

Motorists warned of M4 closures THE M4 in Wokingham will be closed overnight next week to allow work on the Shinfield Eastern Relief Road to be carried out safely.

Starting from 9pm on Monday, the motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 10 for Wokingham and J11 at Three Mile Cross.

Subject to weather conditions, the work is expected to take place across five nights, starting at 9pm each evening and the road reopening at 6am the following morning.

A new six-lane bridge is being installed over the M4 which will link the Black Boy roundabout to the new Shinfield Eastern Relief Road.

The closure is needed to allow the installation of 12 steel beams, each 45-metres long.

A giant crane with a 1,000 tonne capacity will be used during the construction.

While the closure is in place, motorists wishing to use this route will instead be diverted along roads surrounding the M4, with each journey taking a mile longer than the usual six-mile journey.

The diversions are as follows:

Carols will accompany tree lighting ceremony

THE spirit of Christmas is coming to Woodley this weekend with the switch on of the Christmas lights and the Woodley and Earley Lions tree of light.

From 4.30pm on Saturday there will be a Christmas carol concert led by Woodley Concert Band accompanied by Reading Operatic Society and members of Woodley churches.

The event will be followed by Woodley’s Christmas Extravaganza next Sunday (December 6) when entertainment and stalls will run throughout the day.

Visit www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk

FIRE

Firefighters tackle blaze at Kentwood building site

A540e

Above: A knife found at Mohammed Rehman’s home in Reading and, right, equipment used to prepare for the alleged attack.

Pictures: Thames Valley Police

The couple were arrested on May 28 and police found “substantial quantities of chemicals and bomb-making wherewithal” when Rehman’s family home was raided.

WOODLEY

Pictures of equipment and recipes were shown to the jury during evidence given by an explosives expert at the trial.

The couple deny the charges. The trial continues.

A581e

AN ELECTRIC generator caught fire at a new housing development in Wokingham on Tuesday night.

A crew from Wokingham Fire Station was called out to Mulberry Grove in the Keep Hatch area of the borough at approximately 10pm where they found a generator powering floodlights in the area had blown and was alight. It is believed an electrical fault caused the blaze.

Temporary lights are currently being used while some 500 homes are being built as part of the Kentwood Farm West development.

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A special crane is in place ready to install 12 large steel beams over the M4 for the new Shinfield Relief Road. Pictures: Phil Creighton

Eastbound traffic Eastbound traffic will exit the M4 at junction 11, travelling along the B3270 to the Black Boy roundabout.

It will then continue straight ahead on the B3270 (Lower Earley Way) to the Showcase cinema roundabout.

Here, drivers will take the second exit (straight ahead) onto the A3290 Wokingham Road, then join the A329(M) and re-join the M4 eastbound at junction 10.

Westbound traffic Westbound traffic will leave the motorway at junction 10, and head along the A329(M) towards Reading, where they will join the A3290 Wokingham Road towards the Showcase cinema roundabout.

At the roundabout vehicles will take the second exit (straight ahead) and continue on the B3270 (Lower Earley Way).

Here, the diversion heads along the B3270 to the the Black Boy where the M4 can be rejoined at junction 11.

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6 | NEWS

Parish noticeboard Monday, November 30 Wokingham Borough Council Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee. 7pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Wokingham Without Parish Council Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm, Howard Palmer Room, St Sebastian’s Hall, Nine Mile Ride, RG40 3BA.

Tuesday, December 1 Wokingham Borough Council Schools Admissions Forum. 7pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Crowthorne Parish Council Meeting. 7.30pm Crowthorne Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne, RG45 7BW. Wokingham Town Council Full Council Meeting.

7.30pm Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham.

Wednesday, December 2 Wokingham Borough Council Services Overview Committee. 7pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN. Ruscombe Parish Council Meeting. 7.30pm, Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford, RG10 9JA. Finchampstead Planning Meeting. 8pm, California Ratepayers’ Hall, Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead RG40 3RL.

Saturday, December 5 Crowthorne Parish Council Monthly Surgery. 11am, Crowthorne Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South, Crowthorne, RG45 7BW.

CRIME

Passport taken during Shinfield car break-in

A PASSPORT was stolen when a car was broken into in Shinfield earlier this month.

Between 4.30pm on Thursday and 8.50am on Friday, November 13, someone broke into the car parked outside a house in Egerton Road.

On the same night, a car was broken into in Anson Walk and a purse, bag and DVDs were stolen.

Motorists are reminded never to leave valuables inside a car, whether on display or in the glovebox.

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

From the courts

n A FINE of £350 was handed to a woman from Winnersh after she watched television without a licence.

Hayley Reynolds, 41, of Bayley Court, was ordered to pay the fine, along with a victim surcharge of £35, costs of £120 and a criminal courts charge of £150 by Reading Magistrates Court on October 30.

The charge related to a period between June 14 and July 15 this year when a colour television receiver was used without a licence at the address.

Miss Reynolds was not present at the hearing. n A MAN from Woodley has been fined a total of £799.50 for failing to buy a train ticket.

Gary Woodward, 25, of Livingstone Gardens, was proved to have travelled on a First Great Western service at Theale on April 23 this year without having paid for a ticket, costing £5.50.

Mr Woodward was ordered to pay a fine of £440, compensation of £5.50, a victim surcharge of £44, costs of £160 and a criminal courts charge of £150 at hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 30.

Mr Woodward was not present at the hearing. n A MAN who allegedly stole from his employer is due to appear in court next month.

Simon Turner, 39, of Burgess Close in Woodley, is charged with stealing money to the value of £880 from Eurodec Ltd on September 14 this year.

Mr Turner has been bailed to reappear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 4. n UNPAID community service for 150 hours, and fines and costs totalling

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

£664.95 are what a Woodley man faces after pleading guilty to three counts of theft.

Lawrence Richard James Bennett, 29, of Drovers Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 5 charged with stealing jewellery and a mobile phone in three separate incidents.

Bennett was ordered to spend 150 hours carrying out unpaid work within the next 12 months, and ordered to pay compensation totalling £519.95, a victim surcharge of £60, and a criminal courts charge of £85. n A MAN from Camberley who stole two cans of Jack Daniels mixed drink from Morrisons in Woosehill has been handed a suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay £230.

Brendan James Burton, 40, of Bridge End, pleaded guilty to the theft which took place on September 11 this year when he appeared

at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 5.

Burton was sentenced to four weeks in prison, suspended for six months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and a criminal courts charge of £150. n A MAN from Woodley has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Darren John Knight, 44, of Alderley Close, was fined £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £50, costs of £85 and a criminal courts charge of £150 when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 5.

The charge relates to an incident on August 27 this year when Knight drove a Land Rover on the A4 Bath Road in Hare Hatch without due care and attention.

He was also given four points on his licence.

n POSSESSING a knife and being drunk and disorderly in a public place landed a man from Three Mile Cross with a six month suspended prison sentence.

William Thomas Seymour, 44, of Mereoak Lane, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Broad Street, Wokingham, on October 22 this year, and also to possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in Broad Street on October 23.

He was given a six month sentence suspended for one year, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and costs totalling £265 when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 6. n A WOKINGHAM company has been fined £500 for using a goods vehicle without an appropriate test certificate.

Business Services Group Ltd T/A BSG, which is based in Eastheath Avenue, was fined £500 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £50 and costs totalling £460 at a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 6.

The charge related to an incident in Maidenhead on April 20 this year. n A MAN from Barkham has been ordered to pay a total of £505 for failing to licence a vehicle.

Piotr Skrabut, 29, of Commonfield Lane, was not present at the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 6, but was proved to have kept the Renault Laguna on a public road without correct licensing.

Mr Skrabut was fined £220, ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £45 and criminal courts charge of £150.

ANGER

Parking charges set to increase AGAIN at popular country parks EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS to increase parking charges at two of the borough’s most popular country parks for the second time in a year have been branded “outrageous”.

Visitors to Dinton Pastures Country Park, in Hurst, and California Country Park, in Finchampstead, will potentially have to fork out £1.50 per hour on Saturdays and Sundays all year, and during weekdays between March 2 and September 30 – a 25% increase on the current £1.20 charge.

Charges for a visit of over four hours are set to increase by 50%, from £4 to £6, and coach parking is set to rise from £15.50 to £16 per day.

Some of the biggest increases could be seen by season ticket holders, as a standard six-month ticket goes up from £57 to £75, and a standard 12-month ticket will be £150, up from £113 in 2015, an increase of 32%.

Concessionary ticket holders would be hit hardest with a 55% increase: a six-month pass which already costs £36 will increase to £56, and a 12-month pass will rise from £72 to £112.50.

The charges were recommended for approval at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee last night (Thursday) and, if approved, are

expected to come into force from January 1.

In April parking for more than four hours at Dinton Pastures increased from £2.50 to £4, while up to four hours increased from £2 to £2.50.

At California Country Park parking for more than four hours rose from £2.50 to £4, while up to four hours increased from £1.80 to £2.50. The one-hour rate at both parks remained at £1.20.

One resident has called the plans ‘outrageous’ claiming the over-60s are being unfairly targeted.

Paul Gallagher, who has raised his concerns online, said: “In an era of zero inflation, in fact negative inflation according to the latest Government figures, this is outrageous!

“Furthermore, even within the whole package of proposed increases, the over 60s are singled out for the worst treatment.

“Does it cost the council more to maintain the bit of car park an older person parks on – of course not. The only explanation for the percentage increase in concessionary fees being almost double that of standard fees is that the council is picking on what it considers a soft target.

“To penalise our senior citizens in this way is indefensible.”

Wokingham Borough Council executive member for environment Cllr Angus Ross said: “Our country parks are wonderful

places that bring a breath of fresh air into the lives of all their visitors and we are determined to protect them – or even to enhance them when possible.

“But country parks exist in the real world where things cost money and the fact is we are getting less and less money from central Government to pay for all our services.

“Country parks are lovely things to have but they are not a statutory service and we receive no direct Government funding for them – which is why we must ensure they pay for themselves.

“The alternative would be to subsidise them at the expense of other services (such as looking after disabled people and protecting children) and we don’t believe that would be right.

“It is in that context that we have taken the difficult decision to recommend an increase in car parking charges as one of the ways we will generate the revenue we need to keep our country parks going.

“We have made other changes such as improving the multi-activity centre, improving catering facilities, improving back-office efficiency and increasing the range of activities we offer – all of which are helping generate the vital revenue we need.

“The subsidy for concessionary season tickets has been reduced but it is still a 25% discount, which we believe is fair and reasonable.”

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

7

8 | NEWS

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WORKSHOP

CHARITY

Brighten up your home with festive flowers

THE flower guild of All Saints Church in Wokingham will be holding a Christmas workshop in December.

The group, which meets at the Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue, will host the event on the first Saturday of Advent, December 5.

They will make a door swag or a long table arrangement which could also sit on a mantelpiece or windowsill.

Offering inspiration and ideas for the festive season, the event starts at 9.30am and runs until 12.30pm.

For more details, call Hazel Matthews on 0118 978 6700 or Gail Houghton on 0118 977 5530.

CRIME

Flute and iron stolen during home break-in

AN IRON and a flute were stolen during a daylight burglary in Wokingham on Tuesday.

Between 9am and 4pm a PVC panel was removed from the back door of a property in London Road.

The whole house was searched and thieves made off with an iron and a flute.

If anyone saw anything suspicious during this time then they should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

Hundreds join Sue Ryder hike IT WAS a real family event when more than 160 people took part in the annual Sue Ryder Starlight Hike at Dinton Pastures on Saturday.

A walk for families started at 5pm, with medals for children at end, while the 10km adult hike started at 7pm.

Miriam Payne, PR and marketing officer for Sue Ryder, said: “The Starlight Hike is a challenge and a different way for people to remember their loved ones. They can also help raise money for ongoing support for other people.

“By doing it at night it’s a bit of fun. The

Above: a group of walkers ready for the off. Right: Members of the Sue Ryder Starlight team and, inset, Julie Robins added a touch of drama to the event.

Pictures: Paul King

children loved exploring the twilight trail with their torches and some people wore fancy dress.

“It can be a bitter/sweet event but we try to make it upbeat.”

The Starlight Hike is an annual event but this was the first time it was held at Dinton Pastures.

“We wanted to do the walk in Wokingham this year to celebrate the work done at the Wokingham Day Hospice,” said Ms Payne.

“It’s wonderful that so many people came out and supported us. A big thank you to you all.”

INQUEST

Death of man, 30, found in River Thames at Sonning still a mystery

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk IT IS impossible to say whether the man whose body was found in the River Thames at Sonning in June intentionally took his own life, a coroner said this week.

Keith Shane Dore, 30, who lived on his own in St John’s Hill, Reading, was discovered in the water by walkers close to Sonning Lock on the morning of June 21 after he was reported

Merry

Christmas

missing two days before.

Speaking at an inquest into his death on Tuesday, coroner Peter Bedford described how Mr Dore had received support for depression and anxiety in the months leading up to his death.

He had recently lost his job, his grandmother was ill in hospital and he was looking for a new place to live.

In February he had been admitted to hospital with cuts to his neck after he had tried to cut a cable that was around it. Mr Dore called the ambulance himself.

In April he spent time at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading after sustaining cuts to his legs and arms.

After admitting to suffering from low mood and suicidal thoughts, Mr Dore spent nearly a month at the hospital under the care of the mental health team.

Mr Dore had been prescribed anti-depressant

drugs and referred to Talking Therapies, a counselling service. When his mood appeared to improve in May, the team looking after Mr Dore began a discharge plan which would enable him to leave hospital but still receive care and support in the community.

His social worker, Debbie Riley, described how Mr Dore had complained that his medication, citalopram, was not working and had continued self-harming, but only had superficial wounds which had not required hospital treatment. Mr Dore told her how self-harm had become a ‘habit’ and that it gave him a ‘sense of relief’.

He went on to tell her how he enjoyed walking and running along the river between Reading and Sonning as part of an exercise regime. He carried weights in his backpack which is common practice for joggers.

Mr Dore’s father Shane Goswell, who was present at the inquest at Reading Town Hall, said how his son seemed “upbeat” the night before he went missing. He described how Mr Dore had spoken about his plans to start looking for a new job.

Mr Dore was reported missing by his landlady on June 19 after failing to return home. His body was discovered close to

Sonning Lock two days later by Jennifer Davis who was out for a walk with her family.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. He was discovered with his backpack containing the weights and a dagger which he carried for good luck, along with a piece of paper with his name on.

A post-mortem revealed that Mr Dore had 257mg of alcohol in his blood, three times the drink-drive limit, and his lungs were waterlogged, consistent with drowning. No other injuries were found on him.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Bedford said: “Based on the evidence in front of me, it is impossible to say whether Keith had intended to end his life.

“He often walked along the river but as we know these walkways can become very muddy and slippery, and paired with the amount of alcohol in his body he could have been off-balance.

“The family have told me that he was an able swimmer, but without any witnesses we are missing the key information.

“I appreciate this will be difficult for the family as it doesn’t offer them the closure they are looking for but I can only report on the facts in front of me.”

CHRISTMAS

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A CHURCH in Wargrave will be helping people prepare for December 25 with a special evening.

St Mary’s in Mill Green is holding a Countdown To Christmas Eve where attendees can make wreaths, enjoy festive food and hear a short talk.

The evening event starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday.

Tickets for Countdown to Christmas cost £10 and include a glass of wine.

For more details about the event call the church office on 0118 940 2300.

9

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10 | BUSINESS

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Business

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 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 AWARD

APPOINTMENT XXXXXX

Blandy & Blandy expands again Local firm cements its reputation for excellence Headline 24pt with arrival of its 19th partner A LOCAL law firm has signed up its 19th partner, adding to its corporate and commercial team.

Blandy & Blandy LLP said it is delighted to welcome corporate lawyer Jonathan Williamson from boutique London firm Oury Clark, where he was Head of Corporate and Commercial.

Highly experienced in acting for clients ranging from PLCs to SMEs, Mr Williamson will advise Berkshire businesses in relation to mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, IPOs, and other capital raisings, corporate governance and general corporate and commercial matters.

Partner and team head, David Few, said: “I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to join our team. I have known Jonathan for a number of years and he has a fine reputation and a wealth of experience as a corporate lawyer.

“With this further expansion we look forward to building on the already established reputation of the team as a significant player in the company and commercial field.”

Mr Williamson added: “I have admired Blandy & Blandy and its Corporate and Commercial team for

A HOME built by a Wokingham-based company had scooped top prize at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Trymac Construction, which is based at Farm Barn, off Blagrove Lane, won the 2015 LABC Building Excellence Award of a property it built in Marlow.

Hawkins Cottage received the accolade of Best Individual New Home after being voted on by a panel of industry experts. They judged a list of the highest quality projects from around England and Wales to reward the best in technical innovation, sustainability and design.

The home comprises four bedrooms with a detached double garage. The judges praised the use of durable and locally sympathetic materials with contemporary space planning and stylish interior finishes.

LABC Chief Executive Paul Everall said: “Without resorting to pastiche style, the build quality and attention to detail is immediately

Corporate lawyer Jonathan Williamson has joined Blandy & Blandy.

many years and so I am very excited about joining the firm.

“Its stability and reputation has provided a great platform for growth and the firm has taken advantage of this with several exciting hires over recent months.

“There is no doubt that Blandy & Blandy occupies a very strong position within the Thames Valley market and the intention is certainly to build on that.”

The winning team from Wokinghambased Trymac Construction won the 2015 Building Excellence Award for a property in Marlow earlier this month.

appealing. There was excellent coordination and contact by all concerned. High praise from the client and collaborative working in challenging circumstances which underpinned the delivery process, demonstrates the successful teamwork and excellent

craftsmanship and skill which set this project apart.”

The Grand Final of the LABC Building Excellence Awards took place on Tuesday, November 10 in London and was hosted by comedian and impressionist, Jon Culshaw.

REPORT

Skill shortage and funding are ‘barriers to expansion’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk RESEARCH and development helps grow sales but according to new research, small companies are being held back by a lack of relevant skills.

More than a third of firms (37 per cent) in the East of England say they expect to increase their investment in new products and services over the next five years, while a further 63 per cent say they will do more if they can access the right funding, according to a survey released by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

But despite the upbeat outlook, Lloyds said that 47 per cent of small firms thought their research and development (R&D) plans were being held back, with the most common cause being a lack of investment (38 per cent) and a lack of the skills (28 per cent) needed to drive innovation, including science, technology, engineering and maths.

Last month, the CBI called on the

Government to prioritise innovation and science funding in the Comprehensive Spending Review, highlighting that the UK’s research and development spending is now the lowest amongst the G8.

In September, the World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness index showed Britain had slipped to 10th place in the rankings, being overtaken by Sweden.

Steve Elsom, area director, SME Banking in the East of England, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “What we’re seeing is a growing determination amongst the East of England’s small and medium sized firms to innovate in order to drive competitiveness and secure their long-term success.

“SMEs in the region are ideally placed to lead this charge. They have the advantage of being closer to their customers and more internally flexible, which makes the process of listening to feedback and adapting products and services a shorter cycle.”

He added: “The scale of the challenge, however, is equally clear. Unless we provide access to the talent necessary to deliver that innovation, we run the risk of missing an enormous economic opportunity.”

According to the survey, small businesses said their investment in innovation over the last five years had enabled them to attract and recruit new talent (41 per cent), expand their product lines (38 per cent) and led directly to them boosting profits (34 per cent).

The region’s SMEs invested on average 8 per cent of revenue on R&D over the last five years which was responsible for 15 per cent of sales, meaning every £1 spent generated £1.87 of sales.

In total, two fifths (40 per cent) plan to raise external funding to support their innovation rather than working capital.

And 69 per cent of firms polled said innovation was vital to their growth strategy.

EXPANSION

New showroom marks company’s growth A FAMILY-RUN furniture business is moving on up.

BluePrint Fitted Furniture will open its new showroom in Wokingham’s Toutley Industrial Estate on Monday, November 29.

The company manufactures and installs fitted and bespoke furniture for bedrooms, home offices and the workplace. Its new premises will see the factory combined with the showroom so customers can see their new furniture as it is being created.

Claire Vickers, who helps run the company, said: “The showroom is on a new mezzanine level. It’s really good because both showroom and factory are coming together. For the first time customers can explore the showroom and see furniture

BluePrint Fitted Furniture has opened a new showroom at its Toutley Industrial Estate base.

being made.”

The new space will also benefit the company.

“It is bigger and there’s lots of lovely new displays going in. Customers can take their

time to talk through the options open to them and get friendly advice from us,” Mrs Vickers added.

The move has come about partly because of the regeneration which will see new houses built on Matthewsgreen Road over the next five years, but also because the company – which launched in 2012 – has been growing.

“We need more space for the workshop,” Mrs Vickers said.

And the additional space means that the company can champion people shopping locally.

Mrs Vickers added: “It reinforces that we’re a bespoke and local family-owned business.”

NEWS | 11

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Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

David Atkinson, Miss Reading 2015 Lauri Knowler, Cathy O’Neil and Chris RookeMatthews at the Wokingham Foodbank in Rose Street.

Picture: Phil Creighton

CAMPAIGN

Residents place Hatch Farm Dairies plan under spotlight

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WINNERSH residents came together on Friday night for a public meeting about the Hatch Farm Dairies scheme.

The development, which is being built on land that has flooded in the past, has proved to be controversial and the meeting attracted more than 120 people. It was also attended by all three Wokingham Borough councillors for Winnersh, Conservative Philip Houldsworth and Liberal Democrats Prue Bray and Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey. Organised by local residents for local residents, the event included an outline of the development’s history, a look at some of the issues relating to flooding, drainage and electricity and reports on the new road, which will be the first such project in the borough for more than 40 years.

Paul Robertson opened the meeting with a potted history of the scheme and outlined many of the Reserved Matters associated with The Hatch Farm Dairies planning application, featuring more

than 400 homes and the planned Winnersh relief road.

He said: “We’re concerned about things like the layout, design and the availability of affordable housing. In particular, while the design might be OK for a town centre, it isn’t for the edge of our village of Winnersh”.

Following, Phiala Mehring talked about the other reserved matters issues: aspects of the Hatch Farm Dairies plan that were not dealt with in an outline planning permission, including waste water, drainage and the consequent effects on flooding.

She said: “As far as houses and the road are concerned, construction is in and around the flood plain. The development could move the flooding elsewhere.

“It’s a risky strategy – if the water can’t go where we want it, then it will go somewhere else”.

“It does beg the question where will the displaced water go once the site is developed.”

Finally, Tony Johnson talked about the need for communication from residents to the Borough Council’s planning department and promised that there will be meetings with Winnersh locals and the project’s developers.

“We will be asking the developers technical questions about how they will better the area,” he said.

The trio encouraged residents to give feedback on the planning applications via Wokingham Borough Council’s planning website. “Be specific about what you object to,” they told them.

A question and answer session followed, where residents raised issues such as the outcome of an archaeological survey, the provision for pre-school children, the placement of electricity pylons on the site and noise pollution from the planned new road and the construction traffic.

DONATION

The Kreme of the charity crop A BEAUTY queen has helped brighten up the day of people in desperate need.

Miss Reading, aka 21-year-old Lauri Knowler, dropped in to Wokingham Foodbank on Saturday to donate some goodies.

As part of her prize, Miss Knowler receives a regular supply of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the kind-hearted queen has decided to share them with others.

She told The Wokingham Paper: “I thought why don’t I give them [the doughnuts] to people in need? It pleases me to do some good with this prize.”

David Atkinson, who chairs the Foodbank,

was grateful for the donation and spent time with Miss Knowler showing her how the food received is stored and then used. He also showed her some of the items that the foodbank needs.

He said: “We’re quite short of men’s toiletries, shampoo, size 5+ nappies and baby food. These are the sort of things we struggle to get. We have got a mountain of pasta.”

The foodbank welcomes donations, which can be left in collection points in most of the borough’s churches, in supermarkets and at the Rose Street foodbank itself. n For more details, log on to wokingham. foodbank.org.uk or call 07926 524605.

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The event helps raise thousands of pounds for charities and this year’s chosen good causes are the Macmillan Cancer Support group, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Daisy’s Dream.

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WOKINGHAM

A329M

Signs on ‘life-threatening’ road are still not in place

Nativity play turned into a drama by theatre group

AN AMUSING look at school nativity plays will be the next production at Wokingham Theatre.

Written by the author of Calendar Girls, The Flint Street Nativity follows both children and parents as they take on a festive play.

With trials and tribulations, this is the story of the hopes and fears of all the years, as the youngsters struggle with their parts and the parents fight their emotions.

It will be performed at the Twyford Road theatre from Wednesday, December 2, to Saturday, December 12. Tickets cost £10 and can be ordered via the theatre’s website, www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk

CRIME

Thieves escape with motorbike from Hurst

A MOTORCYCLE has been stolen from the driveway of a property in Hurst.

The bike, which had a steering lock activated but had otherwise not been locked or chained in any way, was taken from outside the property in Tape Lane between 8.30pm and 10pm on Sunday, November 15.

PARTY

Christmas fun in Hurst

A CHRISTMAS party and raffle will take place in Knowl Hill on Saturday, November 28.

The village hall will be the venue for the children’s event, which also features the village’s Christmas draw.

The fun starts at 2.30pm.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The Lockey Farm team celebrating their win yesterday (Thursday).

AWARD

Theft-hit farm shop scoops top accolade A FARM shop in Arborfield which has been blighted by a series of break-ins has seen a change of fortune by scooping a prestigious local award.

Lockey Farm, which is run by Graham and Caroline Adams in Sindlesham Road, has been voted the Best Farm Shop in the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Life magazine Food and Drink Awards 2015 after being nominated by a customer.

The couple picked up the award at a ceremony held at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire on November 19.

Graham said: “This is really good news, after a really rubbish couple of weeks we are so chuffed to have won, and to have been nominated by a customer as well is really lovely.”

The Wokingham Paper reported last week how the shop had been broken into twice in the space of seven days, with thieves stealing money, toys and sweets.

WOKINGHAM motorists are still fuming over “life-threatening” alterations to the A329M, and permanent warning signs are still not in place more than a month after the road layout was changed.

The Wokingham Paper first reported the layout changes, which filters traffic in the lefthand lane onto the M4 leaving the right-hand lane as A329M only, on October 16.

This paper has since been deluged with complaints from motorists who have suffered near misses or been forced onto the M4 by heavy traffic because of the changes and the lack of warning signs.

Back in October Highways England spokesperson Ed French promised that permanent signs would be installed “within two weeks” but motorists are still waiting for these to be implemented.

On October 14 he said: “We will be installing permanent signs over the coming two weeks. In the meantime we have arranged with our contractors for the current signs to be moved to give drivers better advance warning of the new road layout.”

Concerned resident Paddy Haycocks has branded the changes a “disaster waiting to happen” and has been left astounded that it has taken so long for adequate signage to be installed.

In an open letter to Highways England (published in full on page 18) he said: “The so called ‘improvements’ to the linkages between the A329M and the M4 are a disaster waiting to happen.

“Worse still, the current signage is wrongly positioned and totally inadequate. A couple of temporary signs are broken and unreadable.

They are also unlit and not visible after dark.

“Even if this new layout were deemed to be safer and/ or more efficient, which beggars

Above: The new layout on the A329M has caused lots of confusion and, inset, how we covered the story in October.

the belief of anybody who has regularly used this road, the current lack of clear, correctly sited, relevant and appropriate signage is lamentable and lifethreatening.”

Angry motorists have taken to The Wokingham Paper Facebook page to vent their frustration.

Reading Cassie King wrote: “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. 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’.”

David Rudman said: “I

commute to Bracknell and back every day from the Showcase roundabout, it’s a delight to get up to 20 mph 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.”

And Fiona Fox added: “When are they going to get BIG signs up? Even when you know it’s all changed it’s so easy for the actual spot to suddenly be upon you!!”

Highways England spokesperson Andrew Broughton said this week: “The temporary signs have been put out already and the permanent ones will be installed through December.”

SALE

A glittering Black Friday at jewellers A WOKINGHAM jewellers is looking forward to offering a glittering array of bargains this weekend as it takes part in a three-day sale.

Strange The Jeweller in Rose Street is holding a Black Friday event, where a 70% discount is being offered off the retail price of a large selection of items.

And window shoppers will be in for a treat as all the items on offer will be displayed in the shop front.

Store owner Jason Hughes told The Wokingham Paper: “Black Friday weekend is going to see the main window filled with stock at 70% discount – it will branded silver, branded watches, solid gold,

diamonds, set jewellery, rings and more.

“There’s some lovely stock going in the sale. It is obviously just selected items but there will be a window full.”

Mr Hughes added the store is taking part in the Black Friday event because so many other retailers are doing it.

He said: “We’re doing this because Black Friday has become such a huge event in the UK to participate in. It gives us a bit of a chance to turn a bit more stock over.”

It’s not the only special event taking place in the store over the coming days. It is holding a VIP sales event to showcase the Endless Jewellery range.

The preview evening will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 4pm to 8pm. Guests can preview the autumn/winter collection, enter a prize draw and enjoy some bubbly.

Mr Hughes said: “Endless Jewellery is the fastest growing jewellery brand in the world.

“The event is going to be held in the shop and we’ve got huge amounts of of freebie giveaways, there’s freebie goodie bags for the first 20 purchases, and there’s a chance to win a £200 bracelet plus they’ll be some other deals as well.

“It’s a chance for you to pop in, you don’t need to purchase anything, and have a glass of bubbly.”

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 15

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

CHRISTMAS

Families enjoy a winter wonderland at Dobbies EXCLUSIVE

By Phil Creighton news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

S Edie Patterson-Blake, 2, meets Elsa from Frozen and, below, Joshua Beenham, 3, tries his hand at being a fireman. Pictures: Phil Creighton

ANTA swapped his sleigh for a fire engine when he made his grand entrance to a Shinfield garden centre on Sunday.

The jolly red fellow has taken up residence in a magical North Pole themed grotto, complete with festive tableaux right up until Christmas Eve. To make his arrival extra special, Dobbies Garden Centre in Hyde End Lane ensured a memorable morning.

Characters from Frozen, Fireman Sam and Bigfoot the Clown entertained shoppers while festive fancy dress costumes were worn by members of the Shinfield Players as they promoted their pantomime Mother Goose.

A face painter also helped

decorate children and samples of festive treats were handed out.

Father Christmas was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Claus, and two members of Dobbies Little Seedlings club, twins Oscar and Hugo May. The four-year-olds joined in the fire engine’s ride through Shinfield before helping cut the ribbon to open his grotto.

The attraction, which is open until Christmas Eve, includes a range of seasonal scenes featuring penguins, polar bears and Christmas decorations.

It has been created by Dobbies customer assistant Colin Townhill.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper he said: “It’s my intrepretation of a story sent over by head office. You can watch a story on a TV and then walk through the tableau.

“A lot of planning went into it. You want the children to go WOW! and the adults to say, ‘It’s like how it [a grotto] was when I was young’.”

The grotto also includes a hamper worth £68 which will be raffled on Christmas Eve and children who pay to receive a present will receive Lego toys.

For twins Oscar and Hugo, being able to join Santa on a fire engine was a dream come true.

Parents Stuart and Lucy May said the boys, who attend the Coombes CE School, were overjoyed.

“They got selected from the Little Seedlings Club run by the garden centre,” they said. They are big fans of Fireman Sam and were leaping with joy when they heard the news.

They were very excited and were wearing their own fireman helmets and jackets.” n More pictures online at www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

Santa and a host of colourful characters welcomed families to Dobbies Garden Centre.

Pictures: Phil Creighton

16 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

CRIME

Paperwork taken during burglary in Twyford

TRAINERS and paperwork were stolen during a burglary in Twyford earlier this week.

Between 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Monday someone broke into the house in Orchard Estate.

Police are not sure how the offenders gained entry to the house, but the only thing that appears to have been stolen are trainers and paperwork.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident should call 101.

CRIME

Handbag thief flees after being caught by owner

A HANDBAG was stolen after a man entered a house in Finchampstead through an unlocked door.

At around 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 19, the man, who is described as white and wearing a light top and dark jeans, entered the house in Arnett Avenue through the kitchen door.

He stole a handbag before being disturbed by the householder and making off.

Thames Valley Police is reminding residents to ensure all windows and doors are secure.

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

Above: Elizabeth Draper’s ‘Christmas Spirit’ won top prize. Below: Josie Lawrence scooped second place with her mince pies. Below, right: Alice Fisher’s seasonal arrangement and, bottom, an knitwear exhibit.

Shelagh Dennis, Ann Eggleston and Mollie Cleary selling raffle tickets during the Wokingham Horticultural Association’s winter show. Pictures: Paul King

HORTICULTURE

A festive feast for the senses is served up at winter show

CHARITY

Elvis will be in the building for ARC

AN ELVIS impersonator will be coming to Emmbrook on Saturday to help raise funds for a local charity.

The Wokingham Music Club is organising the night of music at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road from 7.45pm.

The event will raise funds for ARC Information & Counselling Service and the music comes from Elvis In Trouble.

Tickets cost £12 and can be reserved by logging on to www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Kathleen Lambert won first prize for this festive door arrangement. Below: Brian Chinneck scooped first with his photograph. Right, inset: Elizabeth Draper won first prize for her soft toy entry.

GIANT cabbages and massive leeks were among the exhibits that wowed visitors to Wokingham Horticultural Association’s (WHA) annual winter show on Saturday.

There was something for all the family during the event, which also featured a photographic display, Christmas-themed flower arrangements, baked goodies and festive gifts.

Young exhibitors demonstrated creativity and imagination with models using fir cones and Christmas cards, with Amelia Lawrence-Perry scooping the Southfield Cup for the best exhibit in the Young Exhibitors’ Section.

Sheila McKeand, show manager, told The Wokingham Paper: “The vegetable and flower judge was particularly impressed by the quality of the vases of ornamental foliage, finding it difficult to choose a winner between them.

“There was strong competition between the gentlemen in the domestic section as the ‘gentlemen only’ Victoria sponge category attracted several entries.

“Gentlemen also entered in other domestic categories, with Kelvin Reader being very pleased to win first prize for his cheese and onion tear-and-share loaf.”

Skill and creativity was also on show in the

handicraft section with beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts, table decorations, needlework and painting. Jean Phillips won the prize for the most points in this section.

This year there was also a rise in the number of flower arrangement entries.

“The floral art judge was impressed with the originality and quality of the floral arrangements, with themes such as Jingle Bells and Christmas Spirit brightening up the room with the red and gold of the season,” said Ms McKeand.

“A seasonal foliage arrangement by Elizabeth Draper was voted the best exhibit in the show by the more than 100 visitors.

“A relaxed atmosphere allowed visitors to enjoy a catchup over tea and homemade cakes to the accompaniment of pianist Peter Barnett.

“Local produce of eggs, honey and home-made cakes were for sale, and this year a stall raising funds for muscular dystrophy sold handmade scarves and soft toys.”

Sid Hatcher, the recently retired manager of the WHA Store in Ormonde Road, was warmly welcomed prior to presenting the cups and certificates of merit to the winners in this show.

The WHA hold four shows a year organised by a group of volunteers. The committee is looking for a new show manager as Ms McKeand is retiring from the role.

If you would like to join a group of keen gardeners please contact Pauline MacBrayne on 07941 352411.

WOKINGHAM HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION — CUPS FOR WINTER SHOW 2015 Piggott Cup - most points in Vegetable Section: Graham Talbot Sarnia Trophy - most points in Flower Section: Graham Talbot Goodchild Cup – most points in Domestic Section: Gwyneth Rowlands Iris Lush Cup Class 27, Winter Store Cupboard: Jenny Gilbert Flannigan Cup - most points in Handicraft Section: Jean Phillips

Knowles Cup - best exhibit in Flower Arrangement Section: Elizabeth Draper Southfield School Winter Cup best exhibit in Young Exhibitors’ Section: Amelia Lawrence-Perry

Annual performance awards for aggregate performance Loddon Cup: most first prizes: Graham Talbot

Catherine S Banker Trophy - most points in Pot Plant Classes: Kevin Beautement Staniland Jug – most points in Flower Sections: Graham Talbot Bennett Cup - most points in Domestic Sections: Rachael Norwood R& J Smith - most Points in Flower Arrangement Sections: Ann Blakeman

Michael Bowyer Trophy - most points in Young Exhibitor’s sections: Amelia Lawrence-Perry

Certificates of merit were awarded to: Vase of chrysanthemums: Graham Talbot Cactus or succulent: Terry Davies

Visitors’ choice: Flower arrangement ‘Christmas Spirit’: Elizabeth Draper

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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Your views

A329M saga must come to an end now

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE recent changes to the A329M have caused nothing but chaos.

Many of you have been in touch to complain about the new lane layout, which sees a motorway reduced from two lanes to one – surely the only one-lane motorway in the country.

The idea is to filter traffic heading to the M4 and then coming on to the A329M from the M4, making it safer for motorists and avoiding accidents. Well, that’s the theory.

Over the past six weeks there has been an almost daily onslaught of accidents, prangs and near misses.

Our postbag – well, its electronic equivalent – has bulged with stories from readers who have been tailgated or just avoided a serious injury as people have missed the small, obscured and dangerous roadsigns alerting them to the changes.

Many of you have also accidentally driven on to the M4 because you missed these signs or the volume of traffic was so great you couldn’t turn into the A329M lane.

It is simply not good enough, six weeks in, for Highways England not to have installed the correct signs in the correct place.

It beggars belief that it will take two months, rather than the promised two weeks, for this to be done.

It is also unacceptable that a motorway should be reduced to a single lane for no good reason. If a filter lane from the M4 to the A329M was needed surely making use of the slip road was the easier – and cheaper – option.

Highways England must make resolving the poor signage a priority, but they should return the road layout to the way it was.

I AM writing to you to express my concern about the fact that the Liberal Democrats seem to have taken it upon themselves to use the closure of Limmerhill Field as an issue in their latest electoral campaign.

I recently received a copy of Focus magazine in which they ask ‘What is going on at Limmerhill?’ and suggest that they will get answers. This is interesting as they are not involved with Limmerhill Walking Group in any way and have obtained no information from them as far as I am aware. Limmerhill Walking Group has, over the past 20 months, campaigned tirelessly to obtain support from all those affected by the sale and recent closure of the field, both financial to fund the cost of legal representation, and also in the collection of evidence, on the express understanding that this group is ‘apolitical’ and has no affiliation with any political party whatsoever.

The concern of the group is that the field obtains Village Green Status so that it can be enjoyed by residents of Wokingham for many years to come, as it has been for at least the last 40 years to my knowledge.

I moved to Wokingham as a teenager in 1973, living in Walter Road, and the whole area that is now Woosehill was farmland, most of which was unfenced – an area to ‘explore’, pick blackberries etc.

I have lived in Woosehill since 1981 and have always been able to walk from home to the Ye Olde Leathern Bottel public house, through the woods at Fox Hill and across that field, despite the lack of a formal footpath, as many other residents have done. In the next few weeks, the Limmerhill Walking Group will have the opportunity to present their evidence that the field should be given Village Green Status – the culmination of many months of effort by a small number of dedicated volunteers.

This could be endangered if the Liberal Democrats adopt this cause as their ‘own’ as it may mean that those who have the power to influence this decision at council level, are swayed by their own political affiliations. It would also infer that the Limmerhill Walking Group have misled all those who took time to fill out evidence questionnaires and donated money in support of a cause which they believe overrides all political boundaries, acting purely in the interests of the inhabitants of the area.

I’m not sure what we can do as individuals to encourage the Liberal Democrats to drop this, or at least admit that they have jumped on a bandwagon for political capital, yet the campaign may now fail because of this. It is frustrating, as it has come so far, and is now so close to potential success. Perhaps you could contact the Limmerhill group and bring to their attention the fact that the Lib Dems seem to have hijacked this apolitical cause, a community project to which they have contributed nothing, for their own ends – a cheap shot in an effort to enhance their party’s flagging ‘green’ credentials before the upcoming election?

Rosie Billing, via email

CHURCH NOTES

An anniversary for Norreys

AN anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate and, at Norreys, that’s just what we have been doing. It is 75 years since a small group of people, forced by wartime petrol rationing and blackout restrictions, left their place of worship in Bracknell and began to meet in the home of one of the members.

So many things have changed since that day. We now have a church building in Norreys Avenue, a building which has been added to and developed since it first opened in 1957. The photographs from that time remind us how different things were in those days. Fashions have changed, as has the way people spend their leisure time; vehicles have evolved and multiplied; where there was bare land, now there are mature trees, hedges and buildings.

Our photographs show a changing church population. Children from the local area flocked in to enjoy Sunday school and midweek activities; now numbers, particularly on Sunday, are smaller. People have moved in and people have moved away. Faces that were young are now older; we see young faces now that weren’t around back then, and of course some people are no longer here having passed away - we believe to something better.

So many memories have been shared, as we browsed our photographic record with former members, who joined us for the party and the special commemorative service. There was much laughter and some sad reflections.

With all these changes in the forefront of our minds, it is good to know that some things do remain constant. The Bible reminds us that ‘the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.’ Throughout Norreys’ 75 year history each member has experienced the unfailing love of God. It is a love that inspires us not only to love and care for those within our church but also those who attend our many activities. It is a love that we rejoice in during the good times, that enables us to keep going during the bad times and gives us a hope for the future.

It is a love available to all.

Sue Shaw is a member of Norreys Church

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

Limmerhill is not political

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

Improve A329M junctions ‘before someone is killed’ YOU simply have to do something before someone is killed.

The so called ‘improvements’ to the linkages between the A329M and the M4 are a disaster waiting to happen.

Worse still, the current signage is wrongly positioned and totally inadequate. A couple of temporary signs are broken and unreadable.

They are also unlit and not visible after dark.

On the westbound carriageway, two lanes suddenly, and without adequate warning, become designated as a through lane and an M4 motorway access lane. The result is that cars travelling at 70 mph discover, all too late, that they are unwittingly trapped in the M4 motorway access lane rather than a through lane.

The majority of motorists have little time to correct this and are forced to pull across into a fast moving lane on their offside to avoid being funnelled down on to the motorway. Similar but different issues challenge motorists joining the A329M from the M4.

Even if this new layout were deemed to be safer and/or more efficient, which beggars the belief of anybody who has regularly used this road, the current lack of clear, correctly sited, relevant and appropriate signage is lamentable and life threatening.

For a month now we have seen only temporary yellow and black signs; partially obscured by vegetation, broken into pieces with parts of the signs missing (which renders them worse than useless) far too close to the point at which the two lanes change into two separate options, and simply not visible after dark.

Along with thousands of other regular users of this road, I deplore the new layout and am left speechless by the planners or designers who have seen fit to recommend this. More mind

blowing is the fact that the signage and road markings fail to give safe and timely information to unsuspecting motorists.

If such a disastrous new layout is to remain (and I’d urge a rapid and considered rethink) then the signage should, at the very least, be similar to that on the M3 where the function of a lane changes and it is appropriated and designated as the exit lane to the A 303. Here, there is sufficient warning, backed up by huge blue and white motorway signs and well advanced changes to the lane markings.

Nothing like this accompanies the changes to the A329M. I cannot understand why you have allowed this to happen (it’s worth noting that there is also confusion between the exits for Wales and London).

Even those motorists choosing and positioned in the outside through lane to Woodley and Reading are challenged by hundreds of incomprehensible cones and confusing road markings. Subsequently, there is complete bewilderment at when the two lanes finally both assume a role as through lanes and it’s safe again to travel in either. The words dogs and dinner simply don’t go anyway near to describing the current changes to the A329M.

So, we have ‘improvements’ which, in my view, significantly ramp up the likelihood of accidents on this road and we have information, road markings and signage which fails to adequately alert motorists to what awaits them on the road ahead.

In a world where health and safety regulations prevent and limit so many common sense everyday behaviours, does anyone else find it ironic that Highways England seems to have engineered road changes which, in the eyes of many, increase the chances of us being involved in a serious road accident?

I would conclude by reminding you that what is at stake here is human life. The current situation renders accidents and near misses much more likely than was previously the case.

How many regular users of the road did you consult before drawing up the current plans?

How many of those involved in the implementation of the current changes have regularly driven along it in the past month or so? I’m afraid a computer screen and modelling technology are no substitute for hands-on knowledge and daily access.

I finish as I began. You simply must do something before someone is killed.

Paddy Haycocks, via email

GOOD ADVICE

What to do when your rented house needs repairs...

Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer THE problem that some tenants have with disrepair (this is the term used that means your home is in need of repair) is quite common. One definition is that your home is in a worse condition that it was in at an earlier point in time – such as when you moved in.

The disrepair happens when your landlord has not done repair work that they are responsible for.

In some cases, poor housing conditions are caused by the bad design of a building. For example, poor insulation, a lack of ventilation and inadequate heating can cause condensation and dampness. If a problem is caused by a design defect then it may not count as disrepair.

Sometimes, whether something is disrepair or not, will depend on the circumstances of the case.

If you’re renting furnished accommodation, your landlord must make sure that your home is fit to be lived in on the day they let it to you.

This would also apply where the unfitness isn’t obvious when you first move in, but it becomes clearer during your tenancy.

Examples of a property being unfit to live in include: n Being unsafe. n Being infested with pests. n Having defective drainage or sewerage systems. n Having an inadequate water supply.

Unlike furnished accommodation, there are no requirements about the condition of unfurnished accommodation on the day that it’s let to you.

So, if you rent and your home needs a repair then you need to let your landlord, or his agent, know.

Landlords often deal with repair problems as soon as

they become aware of them, but some do not, which creates problems for tenants.

Reporting repairs is often a term in tenancy agreements, so it doesn’t matter if the problem is quite small or if you’re not too concerned about getting it fixed. If you don’t report the repair when you notice it, it could get worse over time and cost more to put right.

If you live in private rented accommodation and you don’t report a repair promptly, your landlord may try to claim some money out of your tenancy deposit when you move out.

If you have caused the problem, you should also tell your landlord this. They may agree to do the repair work themselves and then recharge the cost to you, or they may agree to you fixing it yourself. 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 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

The road to Damascus

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HERE are times in life when one has to admit that one’s views on things might not be quite correct.

In this case, “not quite correct” would perhaps be more accurately described as wrong. As in dead wrong.

And it involves Wokingham Borough Council (WBC).

Bother!

Most of us when we visit Shute End, go there for one of three reasons: to find things out; to pay a bill; or to complain.

In this case, it involved the first of these - finding out all about the seven applications for the Hatch Farm Dairies development in Winnersh.

One of the applications – the Planning Application – is all about what’s called “Reserved Matters”. In any development which has Outline Planning, this is all of the drawings and documents which define the proposed layout, appearance, landscaping and scale of the development.

At first glance it’s a fairly daunting read too - about half an A4 box of paper.

But that box proved easy in comparison with the other pair. Each of these was full. Heavy too, both in weight and going. These boxes contained the other six applications to show how the developers propose to meet the conditions set out by the Outline Planning Permission from November 2014.

If the boxes were likened to a mediaeval map, the first one would be the coast, cities, towns and villages. The second two would be shown as darkest forest with a label warning “Here be dragons”.

All three boxes are well looked after, not by dragons, but by the nicest and most supportive group of people you could ever wish to meet.

The challenge then was first for one resident to learn the material, all the material. Second to explain to other residents what’s there and what it means.

Then what’s open for comment and the way in which comments should be made so that they can be put into action.

And the explanation was to be given in public - to an audience of residents, friends and neighbours.

Fortunately not solo. Others in the Residents Liaison Group did most of the work. Putting everything together. So in the end, the public meeting was organised: by the residents - for the residents.

Back to Shute End, day after day after day. Reading through the boxes. Making notes, comparing, contrasting and examining things – partly in detail, partly superficial.

Asking lots of questions too, which led to the second big discovery. The staff one met at WBC are really knowledgeable, helpful and patient too.

Working at a table between the lift and the coffee machine on the second floor, when the headache from “the boktheth, the boktheth, marthter” got a bit much, it was a good place to chat.

This was a delight too. Having seen us at the table for some time, one discovered that everyone was really pleasant and interested in what one was up to. As a visitor, I knew that people had jobs to do, so tried (and probably failed) to keep the chats short.

But by describing what I was trying to do; admitting my lack of knowledge; and asking for advice, one’s understanding slowly got better and better.

Over a period of nine working days, I came to realise that in all my career, I’ve never met a team that is so unfailingly pleasant and polite. Not just one or two, not even the majority. It was everybody.

So on behalf of residents, I’d like to express our appreciation to all at WBC who helped get us ready for that residents meeting last week. It went well.

This week, we’re meeting with the developers.

Shields up – phasers set to stun.

Tony Johnson is a member of the Hatch Farm Residents Liaison Group. He is currently writing up all his comments about the main Planning Application 152359 for submission to WBC by today (Friday).

Tony Johnson

A GLORIOUS dawn on a cold, frosty November morning proved the inspiration for Peter Kendall. Our reader was up early on Monday to capture this splendid sunrise. It may have been a chilly start to the day - with temperatures well below zero - but Mother Nature more than made up for it with this spectacular lightshow. And for once shepherd’s warnings fell on deaf ears as it was a fine day. Peter’s picture was taken in Howard Palmer Gardens in Wokingham town centre. Thank you for sharing it with us. 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.

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FRIEND’S birthday means braving London this Saturday afternoon and evening. Normally I avoid the capital at Christmas but needs must.

See you on the other side!

Meanwhile, after saying a couple of weeks ago that I had managed to miss the John Lewis man in the moon TV ad I have finally seen. Seems you can’t avoid the John Lewis Christmas ad forever here on earth.

So I can appreciate the spoof JL ad Aldi has done which is very clever.

I think John Lewis need a new marketing agency for next year don’t you?

Twittering on

Twitter conversation with a news website recently.

Website: blah bah bah, we took a peak Person A: I hate to be pedantic but think it should be peek Website: You’re correct. Dofs peak of cap Me (can’t help myself): Hell’s bells it should be doffs Website: Your right again Me: *cries

Giving with one hand and taking with the other?

I must admit to being flabbergasted that George Osborne’s spending review saw the Arts Council budget protected.

The organisation was bracing itself for a severe hammer blow. Instead Arts Council England’s grant is expected to rise by between 1-2% over the next five years.

The settlement means it can continue to fund its 684 theatres, museums, galleries, dance, opera and ballet companies and other cultural organisations at current levels until 2018.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

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

George has left me flabbergasted!

National museums will also remain free to enter.

“Deep cuts” to the department would be a “false economy”, Mr Osborne said, telling the House of Commons that £1bn a year in grants adds £250bn to the economy.

“One of the best investments we can make as a nation is in our extraordinary arts, museums, heritage, media and sport,” he said.

Along with the U-turn on tax credits, it was some good news.

Not so good news was the council tax rises to pay for elderly care. Am I right in thinking this is the first time our council tax has had a very specific new levy? One that perhaps the Tories think will be hard for people to rail against?

It seems very much like emotional blackmail to me. Elderly care is vital but let’s not pretend to fund it this way.

Next, despite the overall council tax budget paying for it, we may well see a spending review that asks us to pay more council tax for, say, books in schools. Then it could be bobbies on the street, then a sliding scale of payments for how often would you like your bins emptied.

A dangerous precedent and a path I don’t like at all. 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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20 | HEALTH

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Good health

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

In association with

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

BERKSHIRE PHYSIOTHERAPY

TREATMENT THAT’S MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

www.berkshirephysio.co.uk

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Bringing youHEALTH the very best in MATTERS care and recovery

WHITLEY DAY UNIT

New ‘send home’ policy at heart unit is changing patients’ lives

with Nicola Strudley

Established for over 25 years, we offer a personalised service with excellent facilities and a dedicated team.

We will see you within 24 hours.

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N INNOVATIVE cardiology unit at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is improving services for people suffering from heart failure.

The Whitley Day Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) allows patients with symptoms of severe fluid retention, resulting from their heart failure, to go home after each daily course of treatment.

The alternative would be spending several days in hospital – but this new move is a boon for patients.

With emergency heart failure admissions on the increase nationally, and lasting on average 10-14 days, going home after treatment each day not only improves quality of life for patients, but also reduces the risk of complications associated with lack of mobility and sleep deprivation, which are often associated with long hospital stays.

Patient representative Richard Corder said: “I have been enthusiastic about this project from the first time that I heard about it, partially because as a heart failure patient myself, I may well need it in future.

“As a member of the project group for this

DENTAL MATTERS

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option to see an orthodontist and have braces.

It’s an acceptable option to only a very few people, and unacceptable to most adults. The patient then asks what else can be done.

The dentist then offers to veneer the front teeth thereby making them appear straighter from the front. This option involves some removal of healthy tooth to make space for the veneers. Once again this is acceptable to some people but not to most.

What happens to those who don’t want either option is they go away, still unhappy with their crooked front teeth.

But times have changed…

Today your dentist or orthodontist should be offering you tooth straightening with “adult friendly” options.

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E ALL want straight, white teeth but just mentioning the word “orthodontics” conjures up images of metal braces.

That’s certainly not something most adults would consider.

Having said that there has been an increase in adult orthodontics across the country and indeed worldwide. So what’s changed to explain this new trend?

Lets go back 15 years or so and imagine a scenario.

An adult patient comes into to their dental practice and says that they are unhappy with their crooked front teeth. The dentist then gives them the

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Forget images of braces, you now now straighten your teeth without any one realising. BEECHCROFT DENTAL PRACTICE explains

General Practice in crisis

conditions programme board for the Berkshire West Massage Therapy CCGs, said: “Having to stay in hospitalBack canand be Neck a Pain Womens Health stressful time for anyone. We GPs areArthritis pleased that we can now refer heart failure patients to Conditions Neurological Post Op Rehab the Royal Berkshire’s Whitley Day Unit for Injuries Sports Personal Training NE of the top issues Healthwatches across treatment. the country hear about is the difficulty people “The introduction of the unit means patients can haveoB13 in making appointment to see their off assessment when you use code when an booking continue to receive the same great£5standard of care GP – whether it is the phoning in at 8am in the without having to worry about spending too much morning andEarley, getting a continuous 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 7ETredial tone or trying time away from home, providing a better experience to find an appointment that8601 fits around work or family www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 966 for our patients.” commitments.

The Whitley Day Unit is an adaptation of Healthwatch Wokingham Borough, whilst championing an impressive admissions prevention model the voice of the patient, wants to share the view from originally established by the University of North the other side. David Shakeshaft, general manager of Staffordshire NHS Trust. North Staffordshire’s Wokingham Medical Centre, is able to highlight some outstanding work paved the way for RBH, allowing of the issues and frustrations of working within General it to further develop the award-winning heart failure Practice. care model.

Over the past few years successive governments William Orr, consultant cardiologist at RBH, said: have reduced the investment in General Practice from “The opportunity to bring about this change has around 10% to 7%. In spite of this reduction in funding made a significant difference to the quality of life for GPs still provide 90% of consultations carried out in the our patients and their families.

NHS. “It gives the team both in the community and in There is access to the GP services 24 hours, seven days the hospital great pleasure to be able to adapt our a week and the demand to see a GP is rising dramatically. services in such a way to the benefit of not only There are currently 340 million GP consultations a year – those with heart failure, but all cardiology patients an increase of 40 million in the last five years. who use our services.”

If you have ever watched the fly-on-the-wall Channel 5 SALLY BRYANT Programme GPs: Behind Closed Doors you will appreciate the vast range of issues that GPs have to deal with on a daily basis.

David explains that this increase in demand has not been matched by an increase in GP and staff numbers or an expansion in the infrastructure. Added to this GPs are expected to take on more work previously carried out in hospitals and are obliged to attend meetings with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) who are now in charge of the health budget for Wokingham Borough People are motivated to improve These could involve traditional style or preparing for Care Quality Commissioning (CQC) their smiles for many reasons but here braces but with tooth coloured wires, inspections. are some of them: elastics and brackets.

All of this means less time to see patients.

However there is another option n A significant event such as a wedding In addition General Practices across the Thames Valley called Invisalign which gently moves n To attract a partner the teeth into position. are faced with huge difficulties in recruiting new doctors n Improve their job prospects It’s all rather high-tech and involves n Straighten teeth that were once and nurses to work in General Practice. Currently there digitally aligning the teeth on a corrected but relapsed is a shortfall of about 10,000 GPs across the country. It computer before fabricating a series of n Look younger is impossible to see how this shortfall can be addressed clear aligners to take the patient from So if it’s one crooked tooth or many when it takes a minimum of 10 years to train a GP. In short, where they are now to where you want that are detracting from your smile General Practice is in crisis and Wokingham is not immune them to be.

Invisalign may be the answer for you. from its effects.

Each aligner is worn for two weeks Why not take advantage of our free Wokingham GPs are forced to consider new ways of before progressing to the next one. consultation to discuss your smile? working, including increased use of technology, utilising They can be removed at any time Call us on 0118 978 3815, we’ll be the community pharmacist in general practice and for eating or cleaning (or for a special happy to discuss how Invisalign can introducing new roles such as ‘physicians assistants’ occasion) but must be worn between change your life. and ‘community navigators’. So next time you reach for 20 and 22 hours a day minimum.

Invisalign treatment costs from the phone to book a GP appointment take a moment to The aligners are thin and £1,500 and payment can be spread consider if there are alternative sources of support. comfortable and almost invisible – over 12 months interest free.

Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the Established over we offer a personalised your friends wouldn’t even know you n Beechcroft Dental Practice isfor based at 25 years, manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. had them in.

32 Station Road, service Wokingham. for overand 25 years, we offer ainpersonalised withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team.

Opinions expressed this blog are her own

initiative, I have been given the opportunity to interview all the patients who have used the service so far, and never before have I seen the level of appreciation that this unit has generated.

“Every single patient was pleased with their experience. Every patient was more than happy to come in on a daily basis and much preferred it to being treated as an inpatient.

“I have never before been involved in an NHS project that has had such universal praise from the people who have experienced it.”

On consecutive visits to the day unit, patients can expect to be weighed and have a specialist clinical assessment each day, have blood samples taken and be treated with intravenous diuretics (medicines that help the body off-load excess fluid).

Patients are then monitored for a maximum of two hours following their daily dose, before going home. After the last administration of intravenous diuretics, patients are provided with a discharge letter and have their care transferred either to their GP, or to a community heart failure nurse.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 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!

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Above: Aulin Barton Brown dressed as a Masai and (left) teaching in the village school.

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Masai Village in Kenya called Olasiti. We were on the side of a mountain away from everything.

It is a one-hour drive to get to the nearest town called Ngong, but the road is very uneven, dusty and can be very hard to drive on. Olasiti is a village with a very low population but they own a lot of the land as it is old Masai Land and the people are still Masai today. I will remember it forever as it was very different from my normal life.

I went with my mum to do voluntary work. We planned, funded and helped install a new water tank to collect water from a spring up a mountain so that more people in the village would have accessibility to a water source.

We had to dig into the mountain to sink in a tank. We helped out at the childrens’ home, cleaning the dorms and beds and helped our host family.

We also funded a chicken coop so our host family can have more chickens so they can sell the extra eggs. I also took a lesson in the school one day.

We stayed with a Masai family, The Elder called Backson, his wife, two daughters and their grandson lived in one house and we stayed with his son Daniel and his wife Millicent and their seven-month-old, Alice. It was a compound, which had a shed that was used as a kitchen (where the herdsman slept). There were two small tin houses.

They had cows and goats, a few chickens and guard dogs. The family was really kind and caring because they gave us a bedroom and taught us about how they live and their culture.

The house had a living room just large enough to seat the family. There was a very squashed and dark shower room and two bedrooms, and there were no doors, just fabric curtain. The house had tin walls so when, on most days, it got very hot, the inside of the house was even hotter and at night it was very cold.

Aulin Barton Brown with his Kenyan hosts, Backson and his wife.

It was very dark; they only had solar-powered lights, which really were not very good. There was no floor, just the ground so it got very dusty so they would pour leftover water on the mud to keep the dust down. The ”shower” was just a large plastic bucket filled with boiled water and you had to lean over the bowl and try to splash yourself with the water; it’s much harder than it sounds!

Because there is so much land, the houses are very far apart so the nearest house was about a quarter of a mile away. To get to the nearest shop, we would have to walk about 40 minutes over rough ground (they have a lot of land slides) to where a car could get to, then an hour along a very rough and dusty journey to the nearest small town, Ngong. We did not have any shops in the village.

The village had churches, a primary school, and an orphanage. A health centre has been built and will open in two years’ time – we attended a celebration for this on our second day, which was a Sunday; they slaughtered five goats, had local dignitaries and lots of speeches, a feast, and lots of singing and dancing.

We met a few of the other volunteers

that day, too. We also attended one of the church services; everyone dresses smartly and there is a lot of singing and dancing. The church was like a large shed. Everyone was very happy.

The tribe spoke Masai, Swahili and English – a lot of the tribe spoke really good English. The weather was very hot during the day and very cold at night.

The stars at night were amazing.

We ate lots of potatoes, rice and cabbage. It was quite tasty – and we all helped prepare the food at night. It took a long time to cook because it was done on an open fire and the room was full of smoke – it hurt your eyes.

If they cooked inside the living room it was on a single charcoal-fuelled stove on the floor. They did make something called Ugali, made from cornmeal – a cheap way of padding out a meal, not tasty. We did have goat at the village celebration but my host family could not afford meat and we did not buy any because it looked horrible.

The best part of the trip was living such a different way of life. I look back and miss it. The views were amazing.

They don’t have a lot but were very happy. We went on a short Safari when we were there and that was amazing seeing the animals in the wild.

One day when we were working on the project I wandered off on my own and climbed higher up the mountain from where we were working. My Mum and the Masais were worried about me because where I went there could have been snakes, baboons and buffalo, but I enjoyed it.

The worst parts for me were the flies, no shops near by, no running water or proper toilets, no cold drinks (no fridges), no connection to anything, being asked for money all the time, and not feeling safe in the nearest town.

Different things that I noticed were: people walking around with machetes, the community is very close, no cinemas or activity clubs or swimming pools or bowling alleys. Their social life revolves around the village and the church. The way they cook, do washing up and washing clothes, with no machines or sinks. Chickens running around the house.

The water situation is very sad; this village was lucky as they did have springs but some people still had to walk a long way to collect it. As young as six-year-old boys had to carry 10 litres of water. I wish that every house in the village could have clean water.

The dogs were very thin. You greeted everyone with a smile and a ‘Supaa’.

When I met an Elder I had to bow my head and they touched it.

They were very grateful for all the clothes, toys and books we took over with us that kind people from here donated.

We are lucky that secondary education is compulsory here, so we can get good jobs; over there they struggle to earn money. We are very lucky to be able to go to the doctors when we want to for free.

Overall, it was a good experience; it had its ups and downs but I will remember it and appreciate my life how it is from now on. I’m glad I was able to help them. They gave me the Masai name Loishorua – it means bringer of gifts.

22 | VIEWPOINTS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

John Redwood’s diary

OH, MR SMITH!

A round-up of blog posts from Wokingham’s MP

A wry look at life

MEETING

Flying higher over Wokingham is a ‘win win’ and will help cut noise WOKINGHAM’S MP John Redwood regularly updates his blog with information about his work. Here we round-up some of his recent postings

Heathrow Airport

Meeting with Minister on aircraft noise On Monday, November 23, I chaired a meeting with the Aviation Minister, Mr Goodwill in my room at Westminster. Also present were Philip Lee, MP for Bracknell, and John Howell, MP for Henley, and two officials from the Transport department.

I explained the background to the change of air routes over the three constituencies represented at the meeting. I asked the Minister to require NATs and Heathrow to go back to the position before the trials of new routes.

In particular I asked that he requires planes to fly considerably higher over our part of the world, and to disperse both take off and landing approach routes as used to happen.

All agreed that slowing planes on their way in to the UK to cut the number of planes stacked over built up areas would be a win win, saving fuel and reducing noise and risk. It is possible to remove the need for stacking any planes over built up areas. All agreed flying higher would help cut noise.

I will follow up with the Minister when he has time to consider our submissions.

Last week I held a meeting with an experienced airline pilot captain who has flown many times into and out of Heathrow.

He confirmed what many of us have worked out. NATs changes have meant there are more flights that are concentrated along the same route. The old dispersal pattern has been ended. There are also many

more flights that are lower over the Wokingham area.

There are several simple ways this problem can be remedied, if only the airlines, Heathrow and NATs will seek to do so.

Planes taking off should use fuller power for a bit longer to get higher sooner. This does not mean burning more fuel overall, as fuel use decreases sooner when the plane is higher. Getting planes higher sooner will spare many more homes beneath.

Planes coming in to land during easterly operations should stay higher for longer. They should also avoid lowering their undercarriages prematurely as many do today, to both save fuel and cut noise.

NATs should revert to asking planes to take diverging pathways out so no one line of route is subject to continuous noise all day and evening.

Heathrow and NATs should plan arrivals better to avoid large stacks of planes flying and turning corners at relatively low altitudes over built up areas.

I am going to put these and related points again to Ministers, Heathrow and NATs.

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Wokingham Borough Libraries provide services and resources to inspire and support learning and knowledge for all. Story times for under fives and their carers creates links with the local community and builds a firm foundation for learning to read. Volunteers are required to select stories to read aloud.

Story times include reading stories, singing, rhymes and a simple craft activity.

Story time volunteers are required for several libraries in Wokingham borough.

Volunteers must be confident reading

Noise mitigation for M4 Smart motorway I submitted requests for better noise mitigation for the M4 when the Government consulted on their scheme for a Smart motorway between Junctions 3 and 12 at the end of last year. I wrote to them, attended the local consultation, and talked to Ministers.

The Planning Inspectorate is now consulting on the scheme, and is rightly considering whether more should be done to offer better noise reduction.

The scheme now incorporates noise reducing surfaces, and some noise barrier. I wish to see more use of noise barriers, and am sending in further representations to reinforce that request. I will also follow it up with representations to Ministers.

The Planning Inspectorate following representations are considering additional barriers for Lower Earley, Sindlesham and Winnersh, as the current and planned barriers do not extend as comprehensively as we wish.

There are further deadlines for all those wishing to make submission in favour of more noise reduction, or other relevant matters concerning the motorway scheme.

Deadline V is January 8. I encourage all those concerned about present and future motorway noise to add to the voices asking for better noise protection. Councillor Norman Jorgensen attended the recent local consultation to represent the Council and local community, to make the same points.

I have put the case to Ministers for more noise abatement on the M4, and am doing so again in conjunction with Wokingham Borough representations to the Planning Inspector.

I am asking for noise barriers as well as lower noise surfaces on all sections of the M4 running past affected residential areas in my constituency, including Earley, Winnersh and Sindlesham.

I have put in new anti noise submissions to the Planning Inspector, following past representations, and am also putting them again to Highways England.

with Helena Badger aloud to a group of children and their parents/carers, be enthusiastic and able to make a regular commitment.

Experience of pre-school children is desirable but not essential. n Elevate is part of Wokingham Borough Council. It helps bring together organisations who help young people and adults to find employment and training by providing careers advice and guidance, IT support, workshops and work experience.

They are looking for Employment

Support Volunteers. The role will involve volunteering alongside an unemployed young person or adult at Elevate Hub, searching the internet, local papers, business websites, local town centre shop windows for job vacancies including apprenticeships and traineeships, supporting them to learn how to do this for themselves and referring them to Elevate Hub support for more specialised careers advice and guidance, CV writing and interview skills workshops. They are also looking for volunteers as Vacancy

Search Support Volunteers who will be responsible for finding potential opportunities for the clients. There are slots available Mondays-Fridays.

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

Living long.

Dying young .

I

REMEMBER reading Virginia Woolf’s novel ‘The Waves’ a very long time ago. I was fascinated because it tried to capture an awareness of mortality through a sequence of introspective monologues. Essentially it was about being aware of being alive - which brings me to the point.

Many people now seem so concerned about retaining their youthful health and beauty that it has become an obsession robbing them of any meaning of what it is to be alive – retaining that spontaneity of experience as it happens.

If you are an older reader do you remember colours being more intense and tastes and smells more vibrant when you were a child because every moment was a moment of discovery?

This of course changes as we get older.

The lessons we learn when growing up trick us into living a lazy adult existence on autopilot; living outside of consciousness where life can become dull and so drive us to other stimulants.

These days the wellbeing sections of the media whether offline or online swamp us with features and advertising that are preoccupied with the physical characteristics of youth – retaining good looks and a healthy body.

Dangerous

This can become a dangerous preoccupation that sends us to the gym at 6am in the morning while squeezing in a frenetic day of career building and family responsibilities. You probably have little time to reflect on anything.

Many people report being constantly exhausted as they flit from one episode of their lives to another. Some live in the sole perspective of looking forward to the next ‘thing’ and missing out on the existing ‘thing’.

The classic example being Christmas. We have such high hopes and when it has passed with all its disappointments and pain we look forward to the next thing; the future holiday that should provide the happiness and escapism many of us crave. Did you know the highest proportion of divorces are triggered by the stress of Christmas?

These thoughts assailed me the other night when watching the Alan Yentob programme Imagine on BBC. The title was The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson.

The Rock guitarist reflected on his approaching death having being diagnosed with an incurable cancer. He had months to live. It is not a programme for the fainthearted as he describes how awareness of approaching death paradoxically heightened his sense of being alive.

I remember one thing he regretted was taking offence when the cause in retrospect was trivial compared to the approaching end of life. Incidentally, there is a surprising end to the story but I will not give that away – especially if you have access to catch-up television.

Experience should be the reward of expectation. I don’t think it can be the continual experience described by Virgina Woolf for many of us but, the opposite, a constant lust for expectation will leech out of us any capacity to be positively spontaneous and alive and genuinely youthful when we are old.

Are you alive? Please tell us why at news@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

23

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

HERITAGE | 17

Inassociation associationwith with In

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

FIRST WORLD WAR REVIEW

The of Remembrance the spotlight Thepillars past which has shapedunder our present...

Last we looked at how the government This week, week MikE ChuRChER reviews acknowledged the need for action once it the Wokingham Remembers articles had decided the bodies of the Fallen of the past four months and discusseswould not beof returning home.

They promised some the factors which contributed atodecent burial and delivered the making of Wokingham on andthis its commitment via the establishment of the environment.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

In had on the town and major impact they VER the past months the we have already madelooks a start with the the first of a two part series, CHURCHER Wokingham Remembers page hasMIKE road system by mapping out the course of providing an early picture at twobeen of the Four Pillars of Remembrance: The Cenotaph the old Forest Road. of how a small market town and a andvillages Theon Tomb ofofthe Unknown Warrior.

While the building of the M4 had a few the edge a forest is today

O A

ranked as one of the country’s leading LTHOUGH we recognise November communities.

11th asreligion, the dateindustry, of remembrance, Education, transport, it was in fact an armistice; time social structures, national politicsa and when fighting was halted, but local government are all important victory complete. endWokingham of the war pieces not in building theThe great was only declared after the signing the jigsaw. Here now is a summary ofon our Treaty of Versailles on the June 1919 contributions to date and28th a few ideas on (the day and when Archduke the exact next round ofmonth articles.

Ferdinand was murdered five years earlier).

Education, Education, Education The Cenotaph

Today’scelebrations Wokingham in is renowned as Victory London needed one of the country’s of excellence to have a focal point centres and Lloyd George for education; this Lutyens is partly to due to strong called upon Edwin offer some school performance and an theidea motivated advice.

He came up with during parents whowas live to in one the mosta lunch.

There be aof Cenotaph, highly educated communities the UK. temporary structure, erected ininWhitehall, If we look into the history of London.

Wokingham’s schools we can from see The word Cenotaph comes how education is woven its DNA. kenos, one meaning beinginto “empty”, and Prior to“tomb”. the Great War, Wokingham taphos, The Empty Tomb was an was surrounded byofmanor houses and acknowledgement the many families members of the landed who who mourned the loss ofgentry their son wanted to be close to give the levers of power; without being able to his body home i.e. the royal households of Windsor. burial.

In turn these upper echelons possessed a serious sense of duty and a responsibility to ensure their community received at least a basic education. Wokingham also had a powerful professional class, a strong church community (including the nonconformists) and together they shared a strong belief in the importance of teaching.

The result was with the skills, the motivation and the finance available, there developed a culture of education which still holds strong to this day.

Wokingham transport

Transport is probably the single most important factor in Wokingham’s development, in both its rail and road systems.

Future articles will look at the introduction of the railways and the

major influence on the introduction of the It also the sense loss high tech symbolised businesses which nowofsurround and the vacuum had been left behind Wokingham, it isthat the A329M which following The Cenotaph was in 1975 cuthis offdeath. the Forest Road and its designed specificallybetween to be a secular natural connections Emmbrook monument and placed atand Whitehall, and the villages of Hurst Binfield. The not Westminster Abbey, but possibly love and hate relationship with our rail unwittingly, the Empty Tomb and roads continue to this day!is also a symbol of the Resurrection.

Wokingham’s military Being at the centre of the Victory Day celebrations, the cenotaph became an heritage instant success; million visitors paid As 2015 is theabi-centenary of the their respects and laid wreaths around Battle of Waterloo, there have been a this empty tomb. commemorating this number of articles Thechanging uncorking of such human emotion world event. didThe notarea go un-noticed the road has alwaysacross been noted forin Parliament and MP’s called upon the its contribution to thesoon nation’s military temporarywith structure, then made of wood capability, Arborfield’s REME, and plaster, to become permanent RFA and Remount connections andand the rebuilt in stone.

Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all situated very nearby.

Even the Duke Wellington took to The Tomb ofofthe Unknown living in Stratfield Saye, which today is Warrior only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s Back in 1916, the Revd David Railton town centre. had seen a grave marked as containing an Wokingham’s ‘Unknown Soldier’ and it gave him an idea benefactor culture which he retained for the rest of the war.

The area around Wokingham was An unknown soldier should be brought surrounded by many remarkable home who would represent all soldiers individuals andburied they were unknown and milesinstrumental from home. in building much Not untilthe June 1920needed did hisinfrastructure idea finally which underpinned establishment connect, following athe copious amount of a community. ofstrong correspondence with politicians and We will later be telling the story of the fellow clergymen.

Walter and British their contributions Fourfamily unknown soldiers fromto the building Wokingham in April battles ofofYpres, Somme,but Aisne and first issue, we and told presented the story of Arrasweekly were exhumed tothe much loved ArthurL Hill, the 6th Brigadier General J Wyatt, whoMarquess was of Downshire. blindfolded and taken to the coffins Although of Britain’s wealthiest where he laidone a hand upon one of them. landowners, Arthur Hill doubled the The chosen soldier was takenas through chief of passing the localby Fire Brigade and was a France, thousands of French major financial contributor to one this part of mourners and led by a line of Wokingham’s public services. thousand school children.

The carriage Later will illustrate the both was the articles same one which brought demise of these manors and their home both Edithgreat Cavell and Charles incumbent social the for riseeasy of Fryatt and its roofsystem paintedand white

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

its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

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

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

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

Wokingham and articles are focused on the kids who are Such events were a common sight in now entering into their summer holidays. the Royal Forest the town and this short and bloody battle Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s between the Whigs and the Tories also difficult totake visualise just how rural theat villageeditions than toand tellinthe of the Wokingham continues to gather to remember – ceremonies place across the borough war memorials thestories town centre. highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in area once was and in part explains the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons Market Place as the headquarters of these sometimes identification during its journey. fragile relationship between influence on the area before Wokingham two feral groups. heavily symbolism theThe old and newladen Wokingham; few was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye?

The story was also able to reflect continued it have was placed aboard HMS areas in theasUK witnessed such David Nash Ford provided a set of upon the national scene and the corrupt Verdun, named after the which was articles and puzzles which makes extraordinary growth andbattle change in the nature of general elections before the profile ofto itsan population. history fun for the young and no doubt brought end by the British attack introduction of the private ballot.

Wokingham’s will also catch the interest of the parents at Although the Somme.

The cortègehistory continued Future articles will include further has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s throughout the November 7, attracting tales of anarchy and revelry in this old the surrounding villages en-route by providing shoulder. thousands of mourners to market town. aWestminster market placeAbbey for agricultural and laid to Here’s to the next round of articles! where he was commercial produce, it Day, was November also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War rest on Remembrance 11, Town.

Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments in 1920. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a cluster trees, but a system of laws laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history which mark the moment of great One of hundred winners of the Victoria down royalty for wounded the protection of and change in a society and the Great War of and Peter Shilham for all their continuing Cross,by one hundred nurses their hunting grounds.

1914-1918 is one such time. one thousand mothers and wives of those contributions.

These onerous rules restricted localwas Therefore a number of centenaries All this work is provided by our fallen attended the service.

His body people from the using large parts of the between 2014 and 2018 will laid among kings and queens ofland Great local historians free of charge and for sustenance and in part ledoftoBelgian the commemorate the great losses of war can be found front page the Britain, beneath a black slab of the men toonallthe mothers and of wives rise of local general which scarred the people of Wokingham Wokingham Marble and highwaymen the only tomband upon which throughout Remembers the country,website some even lawlessness.

AsAbbey a result, for the rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com visitors to the arethe notsubsequent allowed to believing that it was their own loved one Above: Children gather at the Tomb of the Black May’s edition followed the story Thanks also tomb. to Mark Ashwell at stand.Act of 1723 came down heavily on placed in this Unknown Warrior.

Bottom left: An early these Blacks’ and resulted in of two brothers from Langborough TradeMark foronsupporting the continues paper’s in The‘Wokingham impact of his arrival was n Our series remembrance sketchinofWokingham the Cenotaph. either their transportation execution.

Road town. One of our commitment to thisOrder project. immediate.

He symbolisedor the return next week’s issue. your copy today.

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26 | LEISURE

Leisure

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR

Christmas countdown is a cracker!

PHIL CREIGHTON takes a peek through the Wokingham windows that are about to be opened

A

Flashback: Last year’s Living Nativity was part of the Living Advent Calendar project. Pictures: Phil Creighton

N IMPORTANT ritual for any child counting down to Christmas is to open the door each day on an Advent Calendar.

And for the past few years, Wokingham has had a very special calendar to open - and it’s alive!

Every day at around 6.15pm (4pm at weekends) from Tuesday through to Christmas Eve there will be a special live performance and, like all good Advent calendars, the doors are opened in a scattered pattern all through the town.

The organisers of this year’s event are promising some new acts and old favourites all for free. But what they won’t say is what you’ll find behind each

window. You’ll have to turn up and find out.

All they will reveal is that the programme includes live bands, choirs, dance groups, musicians, a capella groups and much more, including The Rock Choir, Military Wives Choir and local musician Bruce Neil.

There’s also a heart to the calendar: it’s in support of three local charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Just Around the Corner and Dingley Family and Specialist Early Years Centres.

Wokingham Town Council and ‘more arts’ said they would like to thank all the venues, businesses, organisations, charities, performers and volunteers who are joining us to put on this year’s event.

Councillor Gywnneth Hewetson, Deputy Town Mayor, said: “We are grateful to all the volunteers, the performers and the businesses who host the event.

“Wokingham Living Advent Calendar once again demonstrates the power of the community. No wonder we are consistently voted one of the best places to live.”

And also supporting the event is councillor Maurice Monk.

He said: “It’s a privilege to have this opportunity in and for Wokingham. We lose count of how many people give their free time to make Wokingham a better place.” n For more details, log on to www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/advent

YOUR GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S LIVING ADVENT CALENDAR Performances at 6.15pm or 4pm at weekends Tuesday, December 1 – Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place Wednesday, December 2 – Dressing the Christmas Tree, Market Place to 7pm Thursday, December 3 – Marks & Spencer, Peach Street Friday, December 4 – The Local Barber Shop, Broad Street Saturday, December 5 – The Grape Escape, Denmark Street Sunday, December 6 – Sanpa, Peach Street Monday, December 7 – Methodist Church, Rose Street Tuesday, December 8 – H2O, 5 Old Row Court, Rose Street Wednesday, December 9 – Hope & Anchor, Station Road Thursday, December 10 – TG Art Gallery, Peach Street Friday, December 11 – Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End Saturday, December 12 – Rococo, Bush Walk Sunday, December 13 – The Art House, Broad

Street Walk Monday, December 14 – Brown Bag, Alexandra Court, off Denmark Street Tuesday, December 15 – The Ship Inn, Peach Street Wednesday, December 16 – Martin and Pole, Broad Street Thursday, December 17 – Electric Tattoo Parlour, Broad Street Friday, December 18 – Maison Rustic, Bush Walk Saturday, December 19 – Kaanaanmaa, Denmark Street Sunday, December 20 – Live Nativity at Wokingham Theatre (booking essential) Monday, December 21 – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street Tuesday, December 22 – The Dukes Head, Denmark Street Wednesday, December 23 – Dollshouse Boutique, Rose Street Thursday, December 24 – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road

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

CHAY

Poor Chay was found as a stray and taken to a dog pound, but he has not been claimed so has come to DBARC to find a new loving home. This eightyear-old neutered terrier is a friendly, steady dog who loves nothing more than a comfy, warm bed. He is good with other dogs and people, but as we don’t know much about his history we wouldn’t wish to place him with children under 10 years. Could he be the dog for you?

ROBIN

Like most Pomeranian types, three-

year-old Robin has a cheeky, outgoing nature and sees life as a super fun experience.

He would need an owner with a similar outlook on life and preferably who has owned dogs before as Poms can be a bit of a handful at times. Robin has not lived with young children, cats or small animals, so we would not wish him to be placed with any of these, and will need an owner who can be around most of the time.

STRIPEY

This gorgeous sixmonth-old neutered female rabbit will need to live with a neutered male for company. She will need a large hutch which can be brought indoors, into a shed or garage, in the winter months, and a fresh supply of vegetables every day. An ideal family pet.

SPATULA AND SPOON

These one-year-old brothers found themselves at the shelter as their previous owner simply didn’t have the time to care for them anymore. They are a lovely, handsome pair who get on so well we would like them to go to their new home together. They are very friendly and have been used to living with other cats, but they haven’t lived with dogs before. They have both been neutered and are ready to go to their forever home. 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

27

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

WHAT’S ON IN WOKINGHAM For details of other events this December visit

www.whatsoninwokingham.co.uk

Lunchtime Concerts Christmas Sing-a-long

Cameo Singers

featuring Trinity Concert Band

10th December 5th December Free events, both 12 Midday - 1pm at Wokingham Town Hall

Wokingham Markets A great place to find those unusual & creative gifts for Christmas

Farmers’ Market General Market

9am - 2pm

3rd Dec

8am - 5pm Tuesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday

Sunday 6th December Wokingham Town Team’s Christmas Market

Wokingham Living Advent Calendar A FREE performance each day 1st to 24th December 2015

Performances in venues around the Town: Weekdays at 6:15pm

Weekends 4pm

Details of the day's performer will be released that morning on the website and social media.

Performers include: singers, bands, dancers, theatre, choral groups and much more.

1 6:15pm Wokingham Town Hall

9 6:15pm Hope & Anchor

2 6:15pm Dressing the Christmas Tree 10 6:15pm TG Art Gallery

17 6:15pm Electric Tattoo Parlour 18 6:15pm Maison Rustic

3 6:15pm Marks & Spencer

11 6:15pm Wokingham Borough Council 19

4pm

Kaanaanmaa

4 6:15pm The Local Barber Shop

12

4pm

Rococo

20

4pm

Live Nativity Wokingham Theatre

4pm

The Art House

21 6:15pm Broad Street Tavern

5

4pm

The Grape Escape

13

6

4pm

Sanpa

14 6:15pm Brown Bag

22 6:15pm The Dukes Head

7 6:15pm Methodist Church

15 6:15pm The Ship Inn

23 6:15pm Dollshouse Boutique

8 6:15pm H2O

16 6:15pm Martin and Pole

24 6:15pm Wokingham Baptist Church

28 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, November 27 BINFIELD – Newbold School, Popeswood Road RG42 4AH. Sale in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Noon-2pm.

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.

LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place shopping centre.

Christmas light switch-on with carols, mince pies and hot chocolate. 7pm.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre. Woodley Theatre presents: Bell, Book and Candle. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org or 07939 210121.

WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment.

Details: 020 7219 4205.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local history surgery.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, November 28 BEARWOOD – Reddam House School (formerly Bearwood College). Christmas market featuring more than 30 stalls, cafe and more.

12.30pm-4pm. Free entry.

BRACKNELL – Bracknell Drama Club, Charles Square Car Park, The Ring. Stand up comedy night. 7.30pm. £8.

Details: 07743 552594.

CHARVIL – Village Hall, Park Lane RG10 9TR. Singing afternoon for female voices with Suzanne Newman. £10.

Details: 0118 934 0589.

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: blacksmith demo, stalls, Father Christmas, farm animals.

In aid of church funds and PCSO's annual community event. 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. 10.30am-noon.

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 WOKINGHAM – Hawthorns Primary School, Northway RG41 3PQ. Christmas fair.

Noon-3pm.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Creative writing group for adults.

10.30am-noon. Saturday storytime for parents and children. 11am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Christmas light switch-on and carol concert. 4.30pm.

Details: 0118 921 6920 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre. Woodley Theatre presents: Bell, Book and Candle. 7.45pm. £10, £8

Sunday, November 29 TWYFORD – Bell Corner, Wargrave Road RG10 9NY. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: . Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOODLEY – Emmanuel Church, Southlake Crescent RG5 3QW. Christmas fair with lucky dip, raffle, tombola and more. £1 adults, children free. 2pm5pm.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Winter Carnival. 11am5.30pm. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Advent Carol Service.

6.15pm.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Parish Church, Wiltshire Road. All Saints Choir presents a candlelit Advent carol service. 6.30pm.

Monday, November 30 BRACKNELL – Bracknell & Wokingham College, Church Road RG12 1DJ. Ladies only basic vehicle maintenance course organised by Citroemech. £15, in aid of Brain Tumour Charity. Details: 0118 979 4204.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church Centre. Fruitfulness On the Frontline: exploring faith in the every day.

7.45pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

LOWER EARLEY - Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Poetry Reading Group. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm.

Details: 0118 988 4771.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter. Drop in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome.

Adult event. 2pm to 3pm.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Network Fellowship group meeting with Nancy Quinnell. 2pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Fairytale Fashion: the story of the princess dress with The History Wardrobe.Booking essential. 6pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Tuesday, December 1 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (12a).

8pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Dressing the Christmas Tree. 6.15pm. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. MORS friendship group meeting: the history of Pinewood Studios with Mike Payne. 8pm. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for Babies.

10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers. 11am-11.30am.

National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews.

9.40am-3.40pm. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet

for beginners. 2pm-4pm.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Winnersh Readers bookgroup.

6.45pm-7.45pm. Winnersh Book Borrowers: book group for ages 7-11.

Booking essential. 4.15pm5pm. 50p. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Flower Club demonstration: Christmas with Jane Oxford. Doors from 7pm. £5. Details: 0118 969 5697.

Wednesday, December 2 BINFIELD – Jack O’Newbury, Terrace Road North RG42 5HX. Skittles night in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

7pm. £15. Details: 01344 454881.

TWYFORD – Haa Hoos, Church Street RG10 9DN. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Decopatch. 3.30pm5.30pm. £5. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Countdown to Christmas: wreath making, festive food and a short talk. £10, includes a glass of wine. Details: 0118 940 2300.

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Storytime for ages 3-5. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Colouring for Adults. Free.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Dressing the Christmas tree.

6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Chess and Scrabble Club for adults.

2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – St John Ambulance Hall, Church Road RG5 4QN. Ladies singing evening with the Barberettes. 8pm. Details: 07570 651836.

What’s on event submission form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Please note this service is for community

Name Address

groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough concessions. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org or 07939 210121.

WOODLEY – Rivermead Primary School, Addington Gardens off Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4BS. Christmas fayre. Noon-2pm. Details: www.rivermeadschool. org.uk.

WOODLEY – Addington School, Woodlands Ave RG5 3EU. Christmas and craft fayre. 1pm-4pm.

Postcode Email

Send your forms to: What’s On, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

Thursday, December 3 CROWTHORNE – Wellington College RG45 7PU. Thames Hospice Christmas concert hosted by Tim Brooke Taylor. Details: 01753 848947 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Mikado: English National Opera live broadcast. 7.30pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Colouring for Adults. Free.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am.

Storytime for ages 3-5.

2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Knit and Knatter. 3pm-4pm.

Details: 0118 988 4771.

TWYFORD – St Thomas More RC Church, London Road RG10 9EL. Twyford Living Advent Calendar 2015: Christmas quiz for ages 5-11. 5.30pm7pm. Free. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Farmers’ market. 9am-2pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtc.co.uk/services.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting. Ten Minutes of Fame. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road.

Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Chris Davies presents A Winter Miscellany. £2.50 nonmembers. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6782.

WOKINGHAM – Marks & Spencer, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Reminiscence Club.

10.30am-noon. Home educated book group for ages 7-14. Booking essential. 10.30am11.30am. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm.

First Thursday book group.

6.30pm-7.45pm. National Careers Service: Advice with CVs and interviews.

9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley

Road RG5 4JA. Children’s Chess Club for ages 8 upwards. 3.30pm-5pm.

Book club: discuss new and favourite books.

10.30am-11.30am. First Thursday evening book club.

6pm-6.45pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, December 4 CROWTHORNE – High Street. Christmas shopping evening. 5pm-8pm.

EARLEY – Earley St Peters School Hall, Church Road.

Earley St Peters School mini Christmas fayre. 3.30pm5pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5.

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

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Shared aloud reading group.

10.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150.

TWYFORD – London Road RG10 9EL. Living Advent Calendar: Street fayre.

6pm-9pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am Local history surgery. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Patrick Allies’ Siglo de Oro: A Christmas Passion.

7.30pm. £12. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Local Barber Shop, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Living Advent Calendar. 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. 10am-4.30pm.

Saturday, December 5 EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club. Wham/George Michael tribute act: Taking The Michael. £8, no under 12s. Details: www.ehgsc. co.uk or 0118 926 5936.

EARLEY – Network Vineyard Church, Woodley Hill House RG6 1HH. Christmas Community Fete including crafts, fun stalls, photo booth and more. 2pm-4pm.

SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall.

All Saints Church Christmas market and coffee morning with children’s activities and gift stalls. 10.30am-1pm.

TWYFORD – URC Church Hall, Church Road RG10. Living Advent Calendar: Twyford Studios Christmas Fair.

10am-5pm. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church, Mill Green off Station Road RG10 8EU. Churchyard and Mill Green leaf collection. From 9am,.

Details: 0118 940 2300.

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

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

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall.

Christmas singalong, led by town mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin. 11am-noon. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. All Saints Flower Guild presents a Christmas workshop. 9.30am12.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6700.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – The Grape Escape, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ advent WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Station Road. Christmas wonderland for special needs children. 12.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. 10am-4.30pm. Carols for Christmas with the Forest Singers. 7.30pm. £8.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime. 11am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, December 6 TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow, Stanlake Lane RG10. Living Advent Calendar 2015:Twyford Comets' Charity Football Match. 11am. Details: www. twyfordvillagepartnership. co.uk WOKINGHAM – From Foster Wheelers to Barnardo’s High Close School. Bikers toy run. 2pm.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Handel’s Messiah performed by the Gandolpho Playets. £12.50.

4.30pm. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Sanpa, Peach Street RG40 1XG. Living Advent Calendar. 4pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk/advent WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Festival of Christmas Trees. Noon-4pm.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood (Wokingham) Miniature Railway Santa Special.

1.30pm-4pm. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk or 07599 969 579.

WOODLEY – Town Centre.

Christmas Extravaganza.

10am-3pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Winter Extravagnza: Enchanted Players and facepainting from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Refreshments available to purchase 10.30am-3pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Winter concert with the Jewel Tones. 7pm. Details: 0118 966 2568.

LEISURE | 29

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

REVIEW

Elijah

Heavenly chorus uses energy to retell Mendelssohn’s Elijah Elijah Wokingham Choral Society, The Great Hall, University of Reading November 21

A

HEAVENLY chorus of voices rang out around the University of Reading’s Great Hall last weekend as the Wokingham Choral Society performed the highlight of their 2015 programme.

Tackling Mendelssohn’s epic Elijah as the first performance of the society’s new musical director Patrick Allies was no mean feat, but after months of rehearsals and a last-minute change it all came together beautifully.

Supported by the Orchestra Vitae, a relatively new outfit which debuted at the Royal Albert

Hall in March this year, and joined by soloists William Morgan (tenor), Michelle Daly (mezzosoprano), Alice Privett (soprano), Edward Grint (baritone) and Zoe Farrow (soprano), the 100-strong society performed to hundreds of classical music connoisseurs, including Wokingham Town Mayor Philip Mirfin and the High Steward of Wokingham Lady Elizabeth Godsall at the Reading town centre venue on Saturday night.

A spokesperson for the society, Julie Primarolo said: “We all felt it went very well and was a great start to our 2015-2016 season with Patrick. We were also very pleased with all the soloists who managed to accommodate the last minute changes seamlessly.”

Patrick said: “We've only been working together for a couple of months, but I already feel quite a strong musical connection to the

by Felix Mendels sohn

Wokingham Choral Society

Alice Privett, Sopra no Michelle Daly,

M ezzo-soprano

Andrew Dickinson

, Teno r

Edward Grint, Barit one as Elijah

Patrick Allies, Cond uctor With Orchestra Vitae The Prophet Elijah in the Desert by Dieric Bouts the Elder

Saturday 21st

November, 2015 at 7:30

Great Hall, Unive London Road Camp rsity of Reading, us, Reading RG1 5AQ

Tickets: Available from:

£15 (£5 under 18s & studen

p.m.

ts)

tickets@wokingham Information Centre -choral-society.org.uk , Wokingham Town Newbury Buildin g Society, Wokin Hall gham Bookends, Wokin gham www.wegottic kets.com

Bar available from

6:45 pm

R egiste red Charit y Num ber 27485 3

@WokChoralSoc

choir and I was so pleased with the commitment and energy they displayed. I didn’t want the evening to end.” n Wokingham Choral Society’s next performance will be a Christmas Carol Concert at All Saints’ Church in Wiltshire Road, Wokingham on Saturday, December 19. Tickets are £10, £5 for students and under 18s, free for under fives, and are available from the Information Centre at Wokingham Town Hall, Newbury Building Society in Broad Street, Bookends in Peach Street or by emailing tickets@wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk.

Gemma Davidson

AT THE THEATRE Basingstoke – The Anvil

Didcot – Cornerstone

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Fri. Basingstoke Symphony Orchesta.

Sat. The Four Seasons by Candlelight. Sun. So This Is Christmas. Wed. Jack and the Beanstalk. Dec 10-Jan 3.

www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Disco Pigs. Sat. Up In The Attic. Sun. Festival of the Spoken Nerd. Thurs.

Flights of Helios. Fri 4.

Stephen K Amos: The Laugh Master. Sat 5.

Stringfever. Sun 6.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Grease. Until Sat. Katherine Ryan. Sun. The Snow Dragon. Wed-Dec 12, relaxed performance Dec 10.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Cross The Shifting Sands.

Fri. Comedy Cellar. Fri. Sleeping Beauty. Sun until Jan 3. Rob Beckett: Mouth of the South.

Wed. Beverley Craven: Live in Concert. Thurs.

Bracknell Jazz: Gareth Lockrane in Support. Fri 4.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 4.

Father Christmas’ Grotto.

Dec 5-Christmas Eve (not Mondays).

FILMS: The Intern. Fri-Sun. Legend. Fri. Macbeth. Sun. The Treatment. Mon. The Second Mother. Tues. The Martian. Wed. The Mikado.

Thurs. Pan. Fri Dec 4-Sun Dec 6. High Society. Fri Dec 4. The Martian. Sat, Dec 5-Sun, Dec 6.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Camberley Comedy Club. Fri. Aladdin. Mon Dec 7, until Jan 3.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Flare Path. Until Sat. Jack and the Beanstalk. Dec 4-Jan 3.

Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 The Wizard of Oz. Until Sat. The Snow Queen Ballet.

Sun. Christmas Classics with Blake. Wed. Ben Portsmouth: The King is Back. Fri Dec 4-Sat Dec 5.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Jesus Christ Superstar.

Tues-Sat Dec 5. Peter Pan. Dec 11-Jan 3.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 One Snowy Night. Nov 24-Dec 27. Adam Long’s Dickens Abridged. Fri. All Things Considered. Fri. Nish Kumar: Long Word … Long Word … Blah Blah Blah …

I’m So Clever. Sat. Gimme Gimme Gimmie. Sat. Storytelling. Sun. Jewel Tones: Sing, Sing, Sing. Sun. Exhibit This! Tues. Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two with June Carter.

Wed. Danny Buckler’s Magic Salon. Fri 4.

Friday Night Flamenco.

Fri 4. The Karen Sharp and Nikki Illes Group. Fri 4.

Christmas Ceilidh. Sat 5.

Song of the Season with the Thames Valley Gay Chorus. Sat 5. Storytelling.

Sun 6.

FILM: Macbeth. Tues. 99 Homes. Tues-Wed. Suaffragette. Sun 6.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Handel: Messiah. Sat.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Alice in Wonderland. Until Jan 3.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Darklands with Fawn Spots. Sat. Matt Forde: Get the Political Party Started. Thurs. Sarah Nicolls: Moments of Weightlessness. Thurs.

AF Harrold’s Lovely Cabaret. Sat 5.

Duffy and John Sampson.

Dec 6.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Youth Group Review Evenings.

Dec 4-5. Mother Goose: A Pantomime. Jan 15-17, 22-24.

Sonning – Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Stepping Out. Thurs-Jan 16.

Tim Valentine. Fri, Sat. Storytime: One Snowy Night. Wed, 10.30am. An Evening With Abba. Sun. The Rat Pack at Christmas.

Dec 6-7.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Blood Brothers. Until Sat. Cinderella. From Wed until Jan 10.

Woking – New Victoria

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Dick Whittington with Justin Fletcher. From Sat Dec 5-Sun Jan 3.

www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 It’s a Wonderful Life. Fri. So This Is Christmas. Sat. An Evening with Noel Fielding.

Sun. Glyndebourne: Die Entfuhrung aud dem Serail.

Tues-Sat 5. Glyndebourne: Don Pasquale. Wed-Fri 4.

Sleeping Beauty. Fri Dec 11-Sun Jan 10.

Reading – Progress

Wokingham – Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Insert Title Here: A Devised Play. Dec 8-12.

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

Reading – St Barts

Woodley – Theatre

www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Silver Moon. Dec 5. An Evening with Carol Ann

www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Bell, Book and Candle. Until Sat.

Reading – The Hexagon

30 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE

REFURBISHMENT

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK 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 - CANCELLED. 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. Arachna. 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 Road 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. Caddy Cooper. 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.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Caddy Cooper. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, November 28 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, 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.

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

WEY LIVE MUSIC

This Saturday @ 9pm

The Purple Zeppelins

All your favourite Deep Purple & Led Zeppelin songs

Coming next Saturday, December 5

The Deltas

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

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.

Sunday, November 29 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. Manhattan 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.

Monday, November 30 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Chris Jagger and Friends. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, December 1 READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Greg Mayston. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Azekel.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

Wednesday, December 2 READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Bohemian Night. Details: 0118 958 6692.

WINDLESHAM – The Half Moon, Church Road GU20 6BN. Gavin Thomas.

Details: 01276 473329.

Thursday, December 3

Saturday, December 5

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Acoustic open mic night. Details: 01276 27641.

CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. Ruairi McManus. Details: 01276 684999.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Greg Winters. Details: 01344 772241.

FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. The Retro-Beats.

Details: 01252 620198.

READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Ella MorettiChambers. Details: 0118 958 6692.

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

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. From The Ashes.

Details: 01276 32691.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Gigabit. Details: 01252 616434.

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

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Murphy James.

Details: 0118 973 4855.

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

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Comedy night. Details: 01252 811009.

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

Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930.

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

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Deltas. 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.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Danny Lee Band. Details: 01276 858501.

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

Friday, December 4 BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. Gary Roman. Details: 01276 473768.

BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. The Bluescasters. Details: 01276 473160.

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

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Joe Wilkinson.

Details: 01276 63842.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Bitter Blues.

Details: 01276 27641.

CAMBERLEY – The New Inn, Hawley Road GU17 9ES. Jamie Sinatra. Details: 01276 32012.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Miss Lady Blackwell. Details: 01252 519964.

FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Mainly Madness. Details: 01252 811009.

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

READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. DJ Dubious.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Deep Fat Fridays: Pure House Music. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rev Ferriday.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Funk Lab. Details: 0118 968 1442.

SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Cherries. Details: 01252 872444.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790.

Back in Broad Street again

A POPULAR Wokingham pub reopened its doors last Friday after an extensive refurbishment.

The Broad Street Tavern, in the town centre, now has an extended bar, a new menu and serves a new range of drinks including coffee and real ales.

The relaunch took place last Friday night with a party at which local band The Nine Mile Riders performed.

Pictures: Phil Creighton

Sunday, December 6 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 Prince of Wales, Reading Road South GU52 7SY. NRG. Details: 01252 614284.

READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: singers night, theme: Winter Draws On. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Dreading Poetry Slam. Details: 0118 958 6692.

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

MUSIC

Bull’s sound of the 70s

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE sounds – and the sights – of the 70s were brought back to life, thanks to a local pub.

Last Saturday, the Bull at Barkham dug out the glitterballs and flares for the fun evening which was a follow-up to a 60s night held earlier in the year.

Mike Cobb, the pub’s proprietor, said: “We’d had a 60s evening earlier in the year. It was such a great night that the majority of our customers asked for a 70s night.

“It was really well supported with 95% of the people dressed in 70s clothes, even the DJ.” During the evening, Shinfield DJ

Scott Lewis play music from the decade using his retro disco set.

“Scott had all his original equipment: retro lights, a glitter ball even those traffic light disco lights. He got them out of the back of his garage.”

Mr Cobb said.

As well as the music, there was a special buffet put on.

And, Mr Cobb said, he may bow to demand to put on 80s and 90s nights.

But for now, the focus for The Bull is its Christmas parties.

Mr Cobb said: “We have a Christmas party menu and there will be music too.

“We are having a great New Year’s party on New Year’s Eve. It’ll be quite a bash.”

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

LEISURE | 31

RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS Paul Morse (Sarah The Cook) and Justin Fletcher (Idle Jack) and Jamie Sheerman (King Rat) and Kerry Newell (Dick Whittington) check their costumes. PIctures: Phil Creighton

PANTO

Justin’s ready to walk to London CBeebies legend - and local lad - Justin Fletcher is back for the local pantomime this year. PHIL CREIGHTON slaps his thigh and finds out more

R Above: The principal cast of this year’s Hexagon pantomime Dick Whittington. Below: Kerry Newell

EHEARSALS have started for a pantomime that the cast say is the biggest and best yet.

Dick Whittington opens at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, December 5, and features CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher - aka Mr Tumble.

The show promises to be a swashbuckling family show with lots of laughs, dancing and fun.

This is the sixth year that Imagine Theatre has produced the show, and follows on from last year’s fun production of Cinderella.

Mr Fletcher, who lives locally, has performed in four of the six shows and is returning after two years away.

He said: “I am back at The Hexagon playing Idle Jack in Dick Whittington.

This is a new storyline so it’s very exciting – and a new cast as well. We started rehearsals yesterday and it’s just great, fantastic cast, lots of funny gags already, great storyline I think we’re gonna have a fantastic year.

“I’ve been away for a couple of years and I’ve been warmly welcomed.

I’ve been blown away by the reception and can’t wait to get stuck in and start the run.”

Also returning is Paul Morse, back for his third year as the dame, which this year is Sarah the Cook.

He said: “She’s feisty, she’s a lovely mummy but she’s not a very good cook.

Everyone likes her she’s quite tired of her son Idle Jack, but she’s a lovely mummy really.”

The pair will team up for all the traditional parts of a pantomime – from hiding from the ghost to the messy ‘slosh’ scene where custard pies and shaving foam are flung around with gay abandon.

Paul is looking forward to the pantomime, which opens on Saturday, December 5, and runs until Sunday, January 3.

He said: “The shows at The Hexagon are very, very good and this one is their biggest ever. It’s very funny and it’s packed full of effects. Justin is great with the kids and the show is packed with songs and dances. Children, mums and dads, they’re all going to enjoy it together as a family.”

Also returning is Kerry Newell, who appeared as Aladdin in 2014’s show. She said she’s very excited to be back and there’s a huge bonus for her: her family live in nearby Swindon.

“It’s really close to home and all the family will come up and watch me,” she said.

That aside, she knows the Imagine ropes well and thinks that Dick Whittington will be excellent.

She said: “It’s a really good show with a really good cast. It’s going to be fun and there’s some really good songs in there.”

Trying to stop Dick from finding fame and fortune is the villainous King Rat, this year played by Jamie Sheerman.

He said: “I love playing the baddie, getting booed, and getting up to mischief with my idiotic sidekick Stinky, which I’ve played before.

“I don’t mind scaring children – I love it. I’ve been practising my scary laughs and my moans and groans.”

But above all, the cast all want to ensure that Dick Whittington is a magical theatrical experience for everyone who comes along.

Kerry said: “I’m looking forward to having a live audience and seeing their faces and they get really involved. I love that!

“It’s just amazing to be in panto, it’s like being a child again.” n A special signed show will take place on Tuesday, December 29, and an audio described show is on Wednesday, December 30. There is a special relaxed performance, aimed at children with special needs, on New Year’s Eve at 10.30am.

For more details or tickets, which cost £12, log on to www.readingarts.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY THEATRE

A show that will cast a spell on audiences AUDIENCES were left spellbound by Woodley Theatre’s latest production this week.

Set in New York City in the 1950s, Bell, Book and Candle focuses on the exploits of Gillian Holroyd (Gemma Galliers), a modern-day witch. After discovering that the object of her desire, Shepherd Henderson (Dan Clarke), is engaged to an old college rival, Gillian casts a spell to make him fall madly in love with her. Gillian’s aunt Queenie (Wendy Huntley) encourages her to ignore the old wives’ tale that witches lose their powers if they themselves fall in love...

Gillian’s plan comes tumbling down when her mischevious brother

Nicky (Michael Beakhouse) teams up with author Sidney Redlitch (Jim McClure) to write an exposing book on the witches of Manhattan and she is forced to reveal her true identity to Shepherd. Can he still love her knowing that his initial feelings were all a lie? And will Gillian realise that she is falling for him, and her powers are weakening?

Clarke and McClure bring their characters to life perfectly: you feel sorry for Shepherd and will him to escape Gillian’s grasp. McClure encapsulates a Redlitch who is out of his depth and tries everything he can to prevent Gillian from turning on him.

Beakhouse brings comic relief

to the proceedings: his energy and enthusiasm is infectious and breaks up the often drawn-out dialogue with some much-needed action.

Special mention must go to the

production crew who designed an incredibly convincing apartment, using lighting to create mysterious silhouettes which add to the spooky nature of the play. Nicky uses his ‘magic’ to control the lights with almost perfect timing, and the green light used when Gillian cast her spells adds to the atmosphere.

All in all Bell, Book and Candle is an enjoyable night out, ground-breaking theatre is not to be expected but some light-hearted fun is most certainly delivered.

The show runs at The Oakwood Centre until Saturday. n www.woodleytheatre.org GEMMA DAVIDSON

DRIVEN BY QUALITY At Barts, we specialise in steaks of the highest quality from top butchers, aged for a minimum of 28 days, flame grilled for taste.

Visit us and find out just how good our food is!

21 Wokingham Road (Corner of St. Bartholomew’s Rd), Reading RG6 1LE 0118 966 2268 | 0118 966 2233

WWW.BARTSGRILL.COM Special offers on our website

32 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

This plodding bore won’t leave you hungering for more

We need you to help tell our story

Kim Taylor-Foster

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Now it’s time to talk about us – we’re busy building our community thru music and we need your help. JODY Mc explains more

I

F

ANS of teen fiction series The Hunger Games have been feverishly awaiting the cinema drop of the fourth and final instalment.

The franchise’s legions of adoring Katniss Everdeen worshippers will love it (no doubt); plus, it’ll rake in the cash, and the studio’s job will be done. But is it a good film? The short answer is no.

In this conclusion to the dystopian saga, we basically see the war of Panem get way worse, with the Capitol ordering the destruction of other districts, while reluctant rebel leader Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) attempts to rally an army to topple President Snow (Donald Sutherland) – but all is not what it seems; and what price must Katniss pay?

Messily told, the film is also a plodding bore with buckets of perfunctory, humourless dialogue delivered by a disengaged cast in am-dram mode.

The film never seems sure of itself and responds to its brief as if it’s scared to be adventurous. Compelled to play it safe, even action scenes are infused with seen-it-all-before tedium.

It’s actually shocking that a film that includes acting greats such as Donald Sutherland and Julianne Moore can’t elicit better performances from its talent – and the less said about the criminal waste of Philip Seymour Hoffman (in his final film role) the better.

While the series explores some relevant themes around democracy, dictatorships, war, media, propaganda and terrorism, they’re topics better explored elsewhere – although some of the scenes in the wake of recent events do pack a visceral punch.

The Hunger Games, for the most part, is derivative and unoriginal, with muddled messages that lack any real impact.

The way the film leaves Katniss is also problematic. A strong, independent female lead, she’s a character that draws praise, and rightly so.

But the ending – spoiler alert – sees our butt-kicking hero reduced to a tea-dress wearing yummy mummy role; sitting in a meadow and viewed through a Vaseline-smeared lens.

Katniss would surely never settle for this stereotypical gender role. Where’s her spirit? Oh, there it is… crushed by soft focus.

the work in progress photos on this page.

We’ve also had a new addition to our new home: we have kindly been donated a beautiful upright piano.

She is striking and will live in our main arena area, centre stage with a brief illustration of her history scribbled to the walls – which is where you come in.

We are all about #communitythrumusic – creating spaces for people to create and building people up through arts.

We need your help.

Theacousticcouch is looking for a volunteer with handwriting skills and time to spare to transfer the story of this fantastic piano to the wall.

If anyone is interested in meeting the family to write the story and be part if the community spirit growing in Berkshire get in touch.

By sending a story into us no more than 350 words, tell us a

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 257

Easy

7 9

Previous solution - Medium

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

4 5

3

9 6 1 5 3

3 6 7 9

1

community thru music story, an act, song, an album or perhaps an event.

Please, keep the music unsigned as Theacousticcouch promotes and supports unsigned talent.

And, once we’re open, we’ll have a creative writing space in addition to our musical area.

Some of our favourite articles sent in might, over the Christmas month, get published in this very slot.

And one entry will get the opportunity to write the piano’s history.

Theacousticcouch is looking to promote writers of all age and genre, so don’t be shy – get in touch.

Just like The Wokingham Paper we only do what we do because of you. So get in touch today and be part of this magical and musical experience. n To find out more about this exciting project, please visit our website at theacousticcouch.co.uk

6

3 1 2 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

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

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

No. 257

Tough

2

Previous solution - Medium

8 1 7 5 3 4 2 9 6

4 4

9 7 8 2 5

1 1

6 3

4 1

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.

9 6 5 1

4

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1

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman (in his final film role)

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (12A) «««««

It doesn’t look like much yet but TheAcoustic Couch is going to be a fantastic creative arts and music venue when it opens.

Pictures: Theacousticcouch

T’S been an interesting few weeks at The Acoustic Couch.

As some of you will know, we’re in the process of building an amazing new live arts and music venue in the heart of Bracknell town centre.

It’s gonna be fantastic and I can’t wait for you to see it.

We are going to be running a community minded project by the day giving back to our #communitythrumusic and art, through workshops and a recording studio (the more we make the quicker the studio can be built and the better it can be.

This week, I want to update you on what’s happening at the venue and explain ways in which you can help.

In order to celebrate some of the support, we at Theacousticcouch have been finding interesting and subtle ways to thank certain individuals.

We’re adding some touches around the place to signify solidarity.

There’s loads I can tell you about.

We’ve had kind donations left, right and centre including a new bar and cellar being built with the help of Greene King Brewery.

The walls have been given a fresh coat of paint thanks to Community RePaint.

Elsewhere, we’ll be installing a stage, and couches for the audience (we are The Acoustic Couch, after all!)

Our supporters have already given us a mixing desk and amplifiers – so it’s all coming together nicely, as you can see from

4 5 3 6 9 2 1 8 7

6 2 9 8 1 7 4 5 3

9 4 1 2 7 8 6 3 5

2 8 5 9 6 3 7 1 4

7 3 6 4 5 1 9 2 8

1 6 4 3 2 5 8 7 9

5 9 2 7 8 6 3 4 1

3 7 8 1 4 9 5 6 2

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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

Your weekly puzzle challenge LEISURE 33 Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 26 8

2

11

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7 19

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1. What is the name of the FBI agent played by Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs?

2. Killed in the same plane crash that claimed the life of Buddy Holly, by how was J. P. Richardson better known?

3. Known as the Dog Star, what is the name of the brightest star in the night sky?

4. What is the name of a poker hand with the Ace King Queen Jack and 10 all in the same suit?

5. Which bird was also nicknamed the gooney?

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NONAGRAM

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

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

MAGIC SQUARE

ABUSES ARMY NUMBER

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed I through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber.

T H

T O M

H

I

D

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

Guidelines: 14 Good; 17 Very Good; 20 Excellent.

FB

LO

MU

AE

BN

GU

NU

LU

RA

MT

AY

TR

HD

7 9 3 4 2

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

6

1 2 4 9 8

8 5 7 2

5 8 6

3 4

5 7 9

H

E

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L E

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

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

SY

EQUALISER 8 5 3 3 5 3 3 6 3 2 6 2

Hard

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

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

9

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

2 8 1

All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services.

To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com

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7

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PE

SUDOKU Easy

W

DP

EN

1

O

UI

CA

1

19

SG

EL

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

21

FIVE ALIVE

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

6. In 1995, at which soccer ground did Eric Cantona launch himself into the crowd to attack a spectator?

7. Which military decoration is awarded to any member of the U.S. armed forces wounded in action?

8. Willy Loman is the central character in which play by Arthur Miller?

9. In which year did the first steamship cross the Atlantic: 1819, 1829 or 1839?

10. U.S. film producer Harvey Weinstein co-founded which successful film production company with his brother Bob?

WORD PYRAMID

C O Y

9

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

|

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

ACROSS 2. Pull towards source of water (3) 5. Instrument theorizers played after Rose left (6) 7. Play part of union leader Alan – it is real (6) 9. Record brief is held in area of Washington (7,4) 10. Money brought back for apple (6) 11. Match gold leaving hot line towards east (6) 13. Doctor Kelvin ordered jelly outside (6) 16. Fellow hurried to church in country (6) 18. A vinegar pot mysteriously disappearing (11) 19. Be deprived by two unknowns of sugar (6) 20. Materially backing (6) 21. Uninteresting fourth-rate lines (3)

2. Played by one out of form (6) 3. What will shortly sound like Australian acacia? (6) 4. Plump Tom, thought to have gained excessively (3,3) 6. Being Monday, unhappy with person of exceptional energy (5,6) 8. One of the afflictions that follows trials? (11) 10. Upturned vessel working to rule (3) 12. See the yellow section (3) 14. Evenly distributed for a lady (6) 15. Turned to dole when sacked (6) 16. Evenly? Categorically (6) 17. Powerful info gained in company time (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

1

2

2

3

4

5

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11 13

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22 23 29

24

25

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27

28

29 31

SOLUTIONS

DOWN 1. Not the right thing for snooker player to do (6)

30 31

21. Illusion (6) ACROSS 22. Pasted (5) 2. Deprive by death (7) 23. Expires (4) 7. Meat substitute (4) 26. Look suggestively (4) 8. Small ball or 28. Colonnade (7) drop (4) 29. Scottish isle (4) 9. Edible red leafstalks (7) 30. Unwell (4) 10. In a frenzy (4) 31. Beats soundly (7) 12. Scorch (4) DOWN 1. Froth (4) 15. Mixture of rain and snow (5) 2. Dog’s sound (4) 17. Child care 3. Russian currency facility (6) (6) 18. Agile (6) 4. Arouse (6) 5. Wanes (4) 19. Lavish (inf.) (4-2)

6.

10.

11.

13.

14.

15.

16.

20.

21.

24.

25.

26.

27.

Information (4) Charged (7) Control (7) Take in the arms (7) Female hoofed animal (3,4) Gesture of indifference (5) Faint-hearted (5) Numbering more than one (6) Breed of sheep (6) Very black (4) Vomit (4) Deprivation (4) Every one (4)

7 6 9 5 3 8 4 2 1

1 8 5 7 2 4 9 3 6

4 3 2 1 9 6 8 7 5

6 4 3 8 7 5 2 1 9

9 7 8 6 1 2 3 5 4

5 2 1 9 4 3 7 6 8

2 9 6 4 5 7 1 8 3

3 5 4 2 8 1 6 9 7

3 8 6 9 2 7 5 4 1

8 1 7 3 6 9 5 4 2

EASY SUDOKU

C

Z

S

A

14 1

15 2

O

16 3

CROSS CODE

V

5 2 4 3 6 1 7 9 8

7 9 1 4 5 8 6 2 3

1 3 9 8 7 6 4 5 2

2 4 8 5 1 9 3 7 6

6 7 5 2 3 4 1 8 9

9 5 7 6 8 3 2 1 4

8 6 2 1 4 5 9 3 7

4 1 3 7 9 2 8 6 5

HARD SUDOKU

Y

17 4

N

18 5

I

T

G

19 6

B

L

20 7

D

W

21 8

P

F

22 9

R

WORD PYRAMID: Throw in the towel.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 4.

MAGIC SQUARE: numb; user; mesa; bray.

E

23

H

10

K

24

U

11

Q

25

X

12

26

J

M

13

QUICK CROSSWORD: hoody; hoot; hyoid; mooch; mood; Across – 2 Bereave; 7 Soya; 8 Bead; 9 Rhubarb; 10 Amok; 12 moody; moot; moth; mothy; ohmic; Sear; 15 Sleet; 17 Crèche; 18 Nimble; 19 Slap-up; 21 Mirage; 22 omit; otic; toco; tody; tomcod.

Glued; 23 Dies; 26 Leer; 28 Portico; 29 Skye; 30 Sick; 31 Wallops.

Down – 1 Foam; 2 Bark; 3 Rouble; 4 Awaken; 5 Ebbs; 6 Data; 10 Accused; 11 Operate; 13 Embrace; 14 Roe deer; 15 Shrug; 16 Timid; 20 Plural; 21 Merino; 24 Inky; 25 Spew; 26 Loss; 27 Each.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Tow; 5 Zither; 7 Actual; 9 Compact disc; 10 Rennet; 11 Equate; 13 Jekyll; 16 France; 18 Evaporating; 19 Xylose; 20 Lining; 21 Dry. Down – 1 Miscue; 2 Truant; 3 Wattle; 4 Fat cat; 6 Human dynamo; 8 Tribulation; 10 Raj; 12 Eye; 14 Evelyn; 15 Looted; 16 Flatly; 17 Cogent.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Clarice Starling; 2 The Big Bopper; 3 Sirius; 4 Royal Flush; 5 The albatross; 6 Crystal Palace; 7 Purple Heart; 8 Death of a Salesman; 9 1819; 10 Miramax.

coho; comity; coot; dhoti; DICHOTOMY; dicot; dohyo; doit; doom; doomy; homo; homy; hood; NONAGRAM:

(1) Across – Flung; Uncap; Tardy.

Down – Fault; Ulcer; Guppy.

(2) Across – Bombs; Guard; Myths.

Down – Begum; Meant; Sides.

FIVE ALIVE:

34 | CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Get your business seen!

Classifieds Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

DECORATING

Call 0118 966 6600

Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Reach local people

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

SERVICES

ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash

Minimum *£200 cash for scrap cars.

Same day service.

Will not be beat on any prices.

07429 122 712 *Subject to condition of vehicle

Sell your items for free BLACK LEATHER RECLINER, on wooden circular base.

Perfect condition. Ideal christmas gift. £50 ovno.

Details: 0118 979 5388.

DINING CHAIRS [6] - as new, brown faux leather – buyer collects. £50. tel. 0118 9967 398

SITE GRANITE SAFETY BOOTS – size 10, as new. £20. tel. 0118 9967 398 VASE/JUG . Kernewek pottery gurgle jug in shape of fish.

Speckled brown glaze 10 ins high. £10 ono. Details: 0118 971 2952.

MAKE £250!

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.

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today

MOTORING

quality decorators

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

JIGSAW PUZZLE. Pub and shop signs of old London. 1000 pieces. £8 Details: 0118 971 2952.

HAND BELL /SCHOOL BELL .

Brass with wooden handle 8½ins good condition £35 ono. 0118 971 2952.

WE DO CLEARANCES FROM HOUSES, GARAGES, GARDENS, OFFICES AND SHOPS

Don’t get your hands dirty!

Call us today

07789 122100

Ghostwriter available

Autobiography? Speech?

Annual report? Whitepaper?

Let me do the work – you take the glory

If You're Looking For A Professional, Reliable, Friendly Mobile Disco & Dj Service, Then Look No Further..

Our Dj's Can Cover Any Event, Playing Music From The 1950's To Today!

Call Phil Now On 07855-191068

www.hotspotproductions.co.uk

I’ll create a compelling read and memorable message.

A discrete and discerning service.

Over 30 years experience from an award-winning writer.

For initial discussion email: annonymousep5@gmail.com

Making Your Night One To Remember.

Get your business seen! Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Call 0118 966 6600

The Wokingham Paper Family Notices Write your message here Use block capitals and check your spellings. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

Sell your goods with a free 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

Your name: Phone number: Address:

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.

Classification (please tick) Births Birthdays Engagements Weddings Anniversaries Other Death In memory

Your contact details Name Address

Advert sizes 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 inc VAT Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only)

Deadline is Wednesday at 5pm for that week’s paper

Postcode Email Phone number Send your forms to: Family notices, The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper

Av 18 aila ye ble ar ol for ds

THE

PEUGEOT 108 ACTIVE

with insurance and servicing for only £199* a month with Just Add Fuel® YEARS

3

INSURANCE* WARRANTY SERVICING CAR TAX ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Why pay for expensive insurance as well as the cost of your car? The Peugeot 108 Active now comes with Just Add Fuel ® for over 18s, the only package to include comprehensive insurance, servicing, car tax, roadside assistance and warranty.

Well, there’s no point designing a beautiful car if you can’t afford to run it.

For a test drive, give us a call.

Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham Nobody competes like we do...

Tel: 0118 978 0380

e-mail: peugeot@womo.co.uk www.womo.co.uk

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 108 range are: Urban 32.8 – 78.5 (8.6 – 3.6), Extra Urban 54.3 – 88.3 (5.2 – 3.2), Combined 44.1 – 83.1 (6.4 – 3.4) and CO2 149 – 87 (g/km).

MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. To finance your [lease/purchase] we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. A guarantee may be required. Over 18's only. Written quotations available on request from Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. Passport Personal Lease contract examples. 108 Active 1.0 68hp 3dr, customer initial payment £690. 35 monthly rentals of £199. Final rental of £4,927. Annual mileage 8,333 miles. Excess mileage charges may apply. Vehicle shown for illustration purposes only.

36 28

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20,

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

Deposit

£189Per Month For 36 Months

£0

Deposit

£169

£139Per Month For 36 Months

Per Month For 48 Months*

BRAND NEW ASTRA EXCITE

£216 City Steer, Fog Lights, Electric Windows

£0

Deposit

0% APR

Per Month For 48 Months*

0%

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

–

R

?

all

0

sit

37 29

To advertise call 0118 966 6600 To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER 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

£0 £139

Air Conditioning Alloys

Air Conditioning Cruise Control

Air Conditioning Seven Seats

2014 CORSA

2013 ASTRA

2012 ZAFIRA

Deposit

Per Month

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

Per Month

For 36 Months* Deposit Per Month

%

R

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.

38 30

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20,

THINK YOU CAN’T AFFORD A NEW CAR? U

WE WANT YOUR OLD CAR

3

£2,000

We’ll Give You

Scrappage for your old car to put towards a BRAND NEW Hyundai

Brand New

Hyundai i10

£99 Per Month

Brand New

Brand New

A

Hyundai Tucson Hyundai i30

£239 Per Month

£179 Per Month

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

39 31

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 20,

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

64 Plate i20 1.2 Active

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 - Low Miles

Air Conditioning - Alloys

HALF PRICE MOTs ONLY AT EDEN HYUNDAI

All Makes And Models Servicing Now From

£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

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

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Caitlin is Taylor made: A win on debut for Thai Boxing ace

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

PEUN Tann Thai Boxing Academy is celebrating once more after Caitlin Taylor fought her way to a debut win.

The 15-year-old outclassed Molly Mason of the Fighter Factory in Newcastle when the two clashed at the Kiss Boxing Show held in Erith, Kent.

Showing calmness personified, the St Crispin’s School pupil landed more punches and kicks than her opponent, executing perfect knee strikes when winning each round with ease.

And through this, the youngster went on to score an unanimous decision with the judges.

Also representing the Matthewsgreen Road Academy was Callum Lawrence, who too met opposition from the north east.

Lawrence looked in complete control of his bout with Paul Morris.

However, an accidental elbow to the face left Callum with a cut to the eye, which resulted in the judges declaring the match a ‘no contest’.

Also on the bill in Kent was Charlie Butler, who is the twin sister of professional Thai boxer Danielle.

Butler, 15, was dominating her contest against a rival who came into the ring swinging with her head down – but it was still enough to secure victory.

Elsewhere, Peun’s Tom Kenny got his hands on a silver medal at the K1 World Championships in Spain.

From left: Caitlin Taylor, Charlie Butler and Paul Morris at the Kiss event in Erith

n DANIELLE BUTLER, meanwhile, is now preparing for her second professional contest, after the protégé agreed to fill in at a competition in Southampton at short notice.

The 15-year-old, who won her first

bout as a professional last month, can expect a stern test, as she is up against an opponent 10-years her senior.

This takes place at the town’s Oceana night club on Sunday.

RAM RAID!: Redingensians produce clinical performance to defeat the Southend Saxons — Page 42

BASKETBALL

Injury set to keep Keeble out of Rockets’ cup clash

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

JOEL KEEBLE is set to miss out again as Reading Rockets prepare to travel to Worthing Thunder in the National Cup quarter final on Sunday (5pm tip-off).

Rockets enjoyed mixed fortunes last weekend, seeing off Tees Valley Mohawks 83-73 on Saturday, but slipped to their first league defeat of the season after going down 76-73 to Team Northumbria on Sunday, a loss which left them third in the table.

And they will have to try and bounce back without the services of shooting guard Keeble, who is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, having already missed six weeks with a fractured rib earlier this campaign.

The extent of the 22-year-old’s knee problem is still unclear but the remaining eight first team players are fit for selection.

Having beaten Rockets earlier this month, Thunder will fancy their chances of reaching the last four of the National Cup, and Reading head coach Manuel Pena Garces admits his side are still trying to develop their own style of play.

He said: “I think we are still working on finding the identity of our team as

well as the areas we need to focus on to maximise the potential we have.

“I am hoping we can keep working towards this alongside preparing for the trip to Worthing this weekend.”

He continued: “Sunday will be a really tough game for us because Worthing has a lot of talent, they have the confidence from beating us earlier this month and they are playing at home.

“But that does not stop us believing we can win the game, far from it!

“I believe in my players and I know that the many lessons we are learning about ourselves, what we need to work on, and how we need to beat teams will really put us in a good position for this weekend’s knock out game.”

English Basketball League Division 1 W L V F A Manchester Magic 6 0 0 488 367 Derby Trailblazers 5 0 0 428 372 READING ROCKETS 5 1 0 485 437 Team Northumbria 5 1 0 481 451 London Lituanica 4 0 0 341 290 Hemel Storm 4 2 0 501 486 Lancashire Spinners 4 3 0 629 588 Essex Leopards 2 3 0 395 356 Worthing Thunder 2 4 0 458 505 Leicester Warriors 1 4 0 341 382 Kent Crusaders 1 4 0 290 392 Westminster Warriors 0 6 0 451 516 Tees Valley MOhawks 0 5 0 338 407 Bradford Dragons 0 6 0 406 483

D 121 56 48 30 51 15 41 39 -47 -41 -102 -65 -69 -77

Pts 12 10 10 10 8 8 8 4 4 2 2 0 0 0

ICE HOCKEY

A goal-scoring send-off for Bakrlik as the forward makes switch to MK Bracknell Bees 4 Swindon Wildcats 3

FRANTISEK BAKRLIK signed off his short time in Berkshire with a goal to help Bees record successive wins on home ice.

The 32-year-old turned home a Milan Kostourek pass in the final minute of the first period at The Hive on Sunday night to open the scoring.

On Wednesday, however, it was announced the 32-year-old Czech forward, who only joined Bracknell from Manchester Phoenix in the summer, was leaving the club to join EPIHL rivals Milton Keynes Lightning.

It is not yet known if Bakrlik’s departure has anything to do with the financial issues currently handicapping the club, but the loss of import is clearly a blow for Bees’ aspirations this term.

“Frankie has conducted himself with the utmost professionalism throughout his time at Bracknell,” said chairman Andrew Cross.

“His reasons for leaving are honourable and well intentioned.

“We depart on excellent terms and he will play in a Bracknell shirt again!”

He leaves the club having racked up 15 goals and as many assists from 17 matches wearing the black and gold.

Frantisek Bakrlik has left Bees to join league rivals MK Picture: Bob Swann

Bakrlik’s switch to Buckinghamshire came just days after club officials issued a statement in relation to finances this season.

Although describing the medium and long-term finances as “promising

and strong” Cross admitted Bracknell had encountered “severe difficulty” in meeting weekly and monthly salary obligations for October, and could struggle to meet agreed payment dates in November and December too.

Bees, this season, have been hit by a string of issues which have interfered with revenue streams.

Not only have the owners had to deal with season tickets sales being considerably down on last year, resulting in a 20 per cent loss of income, but problems with the ice plant and shirt manufacturers have also left the coffers short of cash.

The first temporary closure of the rink during pre-season, which saw scheduled games played at Slough, cost the club around £8,000, while the second only a few weeks ago left Bracknell receiving just £441 in ticket sales and £800 in match night fund-raising.

During this period salary and rink rental costs alone amount to more than £28,000.

Having a third of Bees’ home fixtures taking place in the final weeks of the regular season have not helped either and, as a result of these issues, there is no money available at present to purchase player equipment.

The chairman, though, did explain how a revised financial plan has been created, which will see all ice rental charges paid in full by the end of February.

“Running an EPIHL team financially is tough enough without the challenges we have faced this season,” added Cross.

“This season’s finances were carefully constructed using previous seasons results.

“We did not anticipate the disruptions to the ice rink and the drop in season ticket sales over last year.

“Our intention is to meet our fixture obligations and reach the play-offs.”

Between these announcements, however, Bees secured back-to-back wins when edging out the Wildcats by the odd goal in seven.

Two goals from Kostourek, arriving within 80 seconds of each other, had Bees in control at 3-0 midway through the second period – but Swindon were soon clawing their way back into the contest.

Through Carlo Finucci, on the powerplay, and Aaron Nell four minutes later, Swindon had reduced the arrears to a single goal – only to fall 4-2 behind when Bracknell captain Matt Foord scored on the rebound.

With Alex Barker sitting out a penalty,

Swindon struck again on the powerplay, this time through Jonas Hoog in the third session, but despite cranking up the pressure, were unable to force an equaliser as Bees held out for an important win.

“The result last Sunday evening is a testament to the player’s strength of character who played that night,” said Cross.

“If the result is a barometer of our future performances, I will need to set my sat nav to CV1 3AZ (Coventry, where the play-off finals are held) in April.

“Ben (Beeching, general manager) and I are determined to do everything within our powers to make funds available for salaries and equipment and we will need the fans’ help to achieve that.

“The challenges we are faced with this season are challenging, but not insurmountable.

“We remain with the objective of taking this club to the Elite League, where it rightfully belongs.”

Bees were in action last night, taking on Peterborough Phantoms in a rearranged fixture at The Hive.

The two teams meet again in Cambridgeshire tomorrow (7pm) before Bees entertain Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday (6pm).

SPORT | 41

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Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HOCKEY

Kaley goal not enough as West London defeat Wokingham Men A RYAN KALEY strike was not enough to prevent Wokingham Men’s 2s slipping to a narrow 2-1 loss against West London in MBBO Division 3.

Goals from Umair and Tauseef Nazqui secured a win for London which keeps them on the heels of second-placed Harrow.

Wokingham remain 10th with seven points from eight games.

Jaspal Dhamrait and Aman Matharu were on target for a British Airways side which recorded a 2-0 victory over WOKINGHAM MEN at Cantley Park.

Defeat leaves the hosts in the relegation zone, where just the one point separates the team from bottom club Oxford Hawks 3s.

It was a disappointing day too for WOKINGHAM 3S, who were edged out by the odd goal in five when up against midtable side Witney 3s.

Seb Crebolder hit a consolation for WOKINGHAM VETERANS, who were beaten 3-1 at Oxted Vintage Moonshiners in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance.

Wokingham Ladies THERE was more local derby disappointment for Wokingham Ladies Already beaten by both Sonning

Ladies and Sonning 2s this term, Wokingham this time went down to a 3-0 defeat away at near neighbours Bracknell.

Despite the defeat, the Ladies remain unmoved in ninth place, but can expect to have their work cut out when up against unbeaten Trysports Premier 1 leaders Reading 2s on Saturday.

The 2S, meanwhile, ended a run of nine straight defeats when picking up a first point of the Division 2 season when holding second-placed Oxford Hawks 5s to a 1-1 draw.

A decent result for the side means they are now just a point behind Henley 3s at the wrong end of the table.

A disappointing morning for WOKINGHAM 3S saw the side suffer a sixth reverse in seven games when going down 3-1 to Oxford 6s in a bottom-of-the-table clash in Division 5.

Fixtures – Saturday

Wokingham Men 2s are stopped in their tracks during the MBBO Division 3 clash with West London at Cantley Park Pictures: Paul King and Kevin Sutton West London look to swing over a cross

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Bracknell Men v WOKINGHAM DIVISION 3: Windsor v WOKINGHAM 2S DIVISION 7: WOKINGHAM 3S v Windsor 2s TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: WOKINGHAM LADIES v Reading 2s DIVISION 2: Bicester 2s v WOKINGHAM 2S DIVISION 5: Amersham and Chalfont 4s v WOKINGHAM 3s

Local rivals Bracknell Ladies and Wokingham locked horns at Birch Hill

Wokingham went down to a 3-0 loss in this Trysports Premier 1 clash

The visitors hold a pre-match huddle

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Ladies are in seventh heaven after routing Wycombe to remain joint top Jonny Partenheimer was on target for Sonning Men during the 2-0 win over Slough in MBBO Division 2

SONNING LADIES thumped Wycombe 2s 7-0 to remain joint top of the Trysports Premier 1 table.

The team also remain unbeaten after nine matches, with Saturday’s success in Buckinghamshire the eighth win of the season to date.

They now sit level on points with leaders Reading 2s, who occupy first place having found the back of the net more times than their closest rivals.

SONNING 2S, however, continue to fall down the league ladder.

In their latest outing, away at third-placed Amersham and Chalfont Ladies, the side shipped in seven goals without reply, with defeat seeing the side drop to eighth place.

The 3S, meanwhile, sit six points adrift at the foot of the Division 1 table following a ninth successive defeat.

Hosting Gerrards Cross Ladies, the visitors left Berkshire County Sports with the points following a 4-0 triumph.

SONNING 4S also prop up the rest in Division 3 having missed the chance to close the gap on those around them last weekend.

Away at Aylesbury 3s in an early season basement battle, the home side ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.

There was plenty of goals witnessed when the club’s VETERANS took on Reading 4s. Unfortunately for Sonning, all six went the way of the opposition, who moved up to second.

Sonning Men GOALS from David Painter and Jonny Partenheimer saw Sonning Men claim a 2-0 win on the road at Slough to keep up the heat on MBBO Regional Division 2 leaders Aylesbury.

Sonning now sit on 17 points from eight games – level with Banbury 2s in second – with the two sides just a point off top spot.

Matt Poulton hit both goals as SONNING 2S defeated OMT 2s 2-1 in Division 1.

Mylo Wilkin replied for the visitors, but it was not enough to stop their hosts recording a fourth win of the campaign.

SONNING 3S were also celebrating a win last weekend. Thanks to strikes from George Allner, Alex Littleboy and Steve Workman, the side were 3-1 victors at Division 3 strugglers Staines 3, for whom David Sloan was on target.

A solitary strike from Nihal Shah saw Eastcote 4s narrowly beat SONNING 4S in Division 4.

The 1-0 loss leaves the club stuck at the foot of the standings.

Outscoring midtable outfit Oxford 8s in a 2-0 success keeps SONNING 5S top of the Division 8 West table, while in Division 9 West, SONNING 7S’ winless run stretched to seven games following a heavy 6-0 reverse when entertaining Bicester Development.

Fixtures - Saturday

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: SONNING LADIES v Bracknell Ladies; SONNING 2S v Oxford 2s.

DIVISION 1: Oxford 4s v SONNING 3S DIVISION 3: SONNING 4S v Thame 2s DIVISION 4: Marlow 4s v SONNING VETERANS DIVISION 6: Witney 3s v SONNING 5S MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: SONNING MEN v Phoenix and Ranelagh DIVISION 1: Thame v SONNING 2S DIVISION 2: SONNING 3S v Henley 2s DIVISION 4: Witney 2s v SONNING 4S DIVISION 8 WEST: SONNING 5S v Reading Rascals DIVISION 9 WEST: Oxford 9s v SONNING 7S; SONNING 6S v Banbury 4s

42 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

BB&O PREMIER DIVISION

Rams conquer the Saxons – but must ‘continue to make progess’ Southend Saxons 12 Redingensians Rams 37 MIKE TEWKESBURY insists his Rams “must continue to make progress” despite pulling off arguably the result of the weekend at Warners Bridge Park.

The coach watched on as his side ran in five tries and Luke Flower kicked over 12 points during a comfortable bonus-point victory against the midtable Saxons.

Although happy to record a third win of the National League 2 South season, Tewkesbury is refusing to get carried away, saying: “There are still areas we need to improve on.

“We made mistakes and wasted chances, but on the plus side we played the game at a brisk tempo.

“We turned over ball and defended well, but we’ve still a long way to go and we must continue to make progress.”

Visiting Rams showed grit and determination throughout their trip to the Essex coast, where they took the lead in just the third minute when Flower slotted over a penalty.

This was increased not long after when hooker Ben Henderson touched down from an overlap out on the wing.

A moment of indiscipline saw Southend’s Chris Vaughan shown the yellow card, with Flower converting the resulting penalty to extend the lead to 10-0.

Although good value for the advantage, Redingensians had to produce some desperate defending at times as the hosts threatened a comeback.

Yet further breathing space was

secured when a clever chip saw George Drury put winger Ollie Poole in for the second try of the afternoon, with Flower adding the extras.

With 18 points now on the board and none conceded, things were looking great for the away side.

However, losing Jamie Guttridge to the sin-bin allowed the Saxons to capitalise, with captain Mark Billings going over just before the break.

Chris Shields, following a number of missed tackles, then crossed the line six minutes after the restart to cut the gap even further.

With Dieter Kershbaumer impressing at the line-out Rams, now playing against the wind, needed not panic.

The yellow card was pulled out of the referee’s pocket for a third time, with it being shown to Southend’s Dylan Day-White on this occasion, and his temporary departure allowed the guests to take control.

Three further tries would fall Rams’ way in the final quarter of the fixture as a vital five points were secured in style.

Two of these were scored by home-grown players stepping up from the bench; Tom Vooght adding to the lead via a catch and drive try before Ross Crame finished off good work by both forwards and backs.

There was still time for Foxley to add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings too, breaching the game line with Flower adding the additional two points on the stroke of full time.

Despite holding a 13-point lead going in at the interval thanks to the help of a strong northerly wind, skipper Dan

Stuart Lays down a marker as the Crows win again Chipping Norton 10 Crowthorne 17

Ollie Poole crossed the line for Rams in Southend Picture: Vivienne Johnson

Barnes spoke of his reservations after the match.

“I was worried,” he said.

“The previous match (which Rams lost 20-19), we had thrown away a 13-point half-time lead against Dorking.

“But this time round our game management was much better.

“We varied our game, kept them guessing and their morale dropped.”

RAMS: Drury; Poole, Bryant, Barnes, Foxley; Flower, Brown; Crame, Henderson, Baker; Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Guttridge, Nightingale, Kharbouch.

Reps: Steadman, Whelan, Morrison, Vooght, Harrison.

n REDINGENSIANS welcome back Joe Duffelen to the squad for Saturday’s game with Bury St Edmonds at Old Bath Road (2pm).

The full-back, who was Player of the Year last season, is to make his return following surgery on a shoulder injury in the summer.

Duffelen, a key member of the championship-winning team of 2014/15, is named on the bench alongside young back-row Joe Norman, who is the son of former first-teamer James.

Norman Jr, who came through Rams’ academy ranks, is taking a break from

studies at university in New Zealand and is back in Berkshire on holiday.

Loose head Matt Weller returns following a fortnight’s absence through business commitments, but Craig Nightingale will be away on work duty, with his place in the side being taken up by flanker Tom Vooght.

It will be the first time Bury have visited Sonning and, like Southend, they currently sit midtable and are also new to the division following promotion last term.

National League 2 South P W D L F A Old Albanians 11 9 1 1 362 185 Cambridge 11 9 1 1 350 165 Taunton Titans 11 9 0 2 325 223 Bishop’s Stortford 11 7 0 4 304 196 Clifton 11 7 1 3 340 267 Redruth 11 7 0 4 265 257 Old Elthamians 11 6 1 4 297 261 Bury St Edmonds 11 5 0 6 240 271 Southend Saxons 11 4 3 4 269 285 Barnes 11 4 0 7 247 308 Canterbury 11 4 0 7 212 253 Dorking 11 4 0 7 211 300 Worthing 11 4 0 7 216 243 Redingensians 11 3 0 8 205 266 Chinnor 11 2 0 9 243 334 Launceston 11 0 1 10 160 412

BP 9 9 8 9 6 7 7 7 5 7 5 5 3 6 87 5

PTS 47 47 44 37 36 35 33 27 27 23 21 21 19 18 16 7

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

Hallett hurts old club Bracknell as Barry is dismissed Wimbledon 57 Bracknell 13

BRACKNELL’S disappointing season continued after hopes of recording a third win on the spin were blown away in south west London.

In what was a first-ever league meeting between the two teams, it was the hosts who asked all the early questions, winning a penalty which former Lily Hill man Neil Hallett kicked over for a 3-0 lead.

With a slight slope on their side during the opening 40 minutes, Wimbledon would extend their advantage when No.8 Gary Crowe touched down, with Hallett slotting over the conversion.

The rocked visitors found themselves standing under the posts once more when Campbell Tait intercepted a pass and raced on to score his side’s second try of the afternoon.

With the two extra points added, the scoreboard now read 17-0 with just 15 minutes played.

A rout looked on the cards, but with another former Bracknell player, Joe Clapson, being sent to the sin-bin, the

Ben Yates scored the first of two tries for beaten Bracknell Picture: Andrew Merritt

away side received some respite, with Liam Hemming reducing the arrears somewhat through a penalty.

The visitors charged forward once

more from the restart and enjoyed the better passages of play.

But they would soon be subject of a game-changing decision.

Although awarded another penalty by the referee, the official came to the conclusion some stamping had taken place within the Bracknell camp.

And not only was the penalty decision reversed, but Kenny Barry, man of the match during the victory over Eton Manor the previous weekend, was shown the red card.

Trailing by 14 points and now down to as many men, Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men had their work cut out, and so it proved.

In making the numerical advantage count, Wimbledon racked up two more tries before the break to secure the bonus point and three more after it.

A late rally from the visitors did yield some consolation on a freezing afternoon when Ben Yates finished off some swift moves among the backs to cross the try line before Lachlan Valentine did likewise moments after.

But it was not the end of the scoring, nor Hallet’s memorable afternoon either.

He ran in the final score under the

posts to wrap up a convincing victory for Wimbledon, with the result leaving Bracknell sitting precariously in 10th place.

BRACKNELL: Challenor, Silvester, Mirza (c), Barry, Bailey, Wright, Rudkin, Valentine, Conway, Hemming, Mackay, Faamatuainu, Price, Burch, Yates, Reps: Miranda, Deveraux, Dennet.

Bracknell will be looking to pull themselves away from the threat of trouble when they host fellow strugglers Gravesned at Lily Hill Park on Saturday.

Kick-off is 2.15pm.

National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP L.I Wild Geese 10 9 1 0 325 192 6 Tonbridge Juddian 10 8 0 2 349 156 9 Westcombe Park 10 7 0 3 225 165 5 Shelford 10 6 1 3 228 202 5 East Grinstead 10 6 1 3 241 150 7 Guernsey 10 6 0 4 277 226 6 Hertford 10 6 0 4 276 188 4 Wimbledon 10 6 0 4 243 190 3 Colchester 10 4 0 6 175 212 2 Bracknell 10 3 0 7 178 264 5 Chichester 10 3 0 7 190 255 3 Gravesend 10 2 0 8 177 283 5 Westcliff 10 2 0 8 190 297 5 Eton Manor 10 0 0 10 109 403 4

PTS 44 41 33 33 33 30 28 27 18 17 15 13 13 4

STUART LAYE notched up two tries at Burford Road to help Crowthorne record a third straight victory.

With a chilling north easterly wind blowing across the pitch, the early exchanges were tentative.

But the deadlock was broken through a penalty, awarded to the hosts when visiting No.8 Ricky Frost was adjudged to have to have manhandled the referee as he burst out of the Crowthorne 22-metre line.

The away side’s response to falling behind was a positive one, and some neat phases of play saw full-back Tom Dawkes play in winger Josh Roberts over in the corner.

An opportunity to score, however, was denied by a forward pass call.

But the Crows would nudge themselves in front on the stroke of half time.

A five-metre lineout would turn into a driving maul, where hooker Laye dropped over the line to secure an 8-3 advantage.

The guests picked up where they had left off after the restart and soon had Norton pegged back into their own half.

But they were dealt a blow when points machine Dougie Charman was forced off the field with a cut above the eye which required hospital treatment.

Taking his place was head coach Alex Stewart, but his kicking from the tee was unsuccessful.

Try number two for Crowthorne arrived when Frost made a charge down the left, evading a number of tackles and going on to cross the line out wide.

This was after Chipping tried to run around the Crows’ outside defence, only to be cut down and lose possession.

Roberts, though, was unable to add the extras. His side, however, remained in control of proceedings and would extend their lead even further 15 minutes later when Laye went over for a second time.

This was the result of more sustained pressure from the visitors – but some great interchange play from the Oxfordshire side saw them reduce the deficit on 66 minutes.

With now just a score between the two sides, a grandstand finish had been expected.

Yet it was Crowthorne who looked most likely to add to their total, but would fall short of securing a bonus point in conditions akin to those experienced in Siberia.

In picking up 10 points, Lyle was named man of the match.

Crowthorne are without a game this weekend, but will be looking to stretch their winning streak to four matches when hosting Wheatley at the New Nest, Arborfield Garrison, on December 5 (2.15pm).

Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP MIlton Keynes 8 8 0 0 242 113 4 Gosford All Blacks 8 7 0 1 306 87 8 Abingdon 8 6 0 2 235 129 6 Tadley 8 6 0 2 322 98 5 Risborough 8 5 0 2 114 246 1 Crowthorne 8 3 1 4 118 126 4 Chipping Norton 8 3 0 5 118 198 2 Alchester 8 2 0 6 102 144 6 Chesham 8 2 0 6 111 174 5 Slough 8 2 1 5 173 222 2 Wheatley 8 2 0 6 95 223 2 Hungerford 8 1 0 7 83 245 4

PTS 36 36 30 24 22 18 14 14 13 12 10 3

LONDON IRISH

World Cup winner Franks is ready to take on the Wasps LONDON IRISH V WASPS AVIVA PREMIERSHIP TWICKENHAM, 5.30PM

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk BEN FRANKS says playing for London Irish is “like starting my career all over again” after finally making his debut last weekend.

World Cup winner Franks joined Exiles in the summer but only made his first appearance for the club in the 27-20 defeat to Grenoble after arriving late due to his successful exploits with New Zealand.

The prop, 31, is experiencing life in England for the first time having spent the rest of his career playing in his homeland and he could be set for his first taste of Premiership action against Wasps in the Twickenham double header this weekend.

“I always get nervous before every game so it’s going to be a tough one,” Franks told The Wokingham Paper.

“Wasps are one of the form teams at the minute so it’s going to be a good gauge to see where I am and what I need to prove to make it over here in the Premiership.

“I don’t know what to expect to be honest. I’ve just come over here with a clean slate.

“I haven’t come over here with any preconceived ideas. I haven’t come over here to try and do it the way I’m used to.

“I really just turned up to training and am embracing the things we are trying to do here and I’ve been leaning on team-mates a bit to let me know what it’s like.”

He continued: “It seems like every team has their own style of play from what I’ve seen.

“Wasps look quite expansive, they have some really good attacking players so I’m sure if it’s a nice day, it will be a fairly quick, physical game.”

It has been almost a month since the All Blacks triumphed over Australia in the World Cup final, in which Franks played the final 22 minutes to help seal a 34-17 win after the Wallabies threatened an unlikely comeback.

SPORT | 43

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Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Ben Franks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup with New Zealand at Twickenham just last month

But the former Crusaders man admits it could take a while for the achievement to sink in.

“It’s a hard one in rugby because you move from challenge to challenge fairly quickly,” explained Franks.

“I had a few good days celebrating after it and then got back into normal family life for a bit and now I’ve got the excitement of starting a new challenge with London Irish. It’s sort of rolled on.

“I think the World Cup stuff might not even hit me until I’ve finished playing I suppose but it was a pretty special moment.

“That’s the exciting thing about sport, there’s always new challenges around the

corner and I’m just focussed on what we’re trying to do here at London Irish.”

New Zealand rugby was again in the spotlight last week but for a much different reason after the tragic death of legend Jonah Lomu, and countryman Franks feels the 40-year-old leaves a great legacy behind.

“He was definitely one of the favourite sons of New Zealand,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to meet him a good handful of times and he was a great guy.

“Everyone knows how good of a person he was on the field but he was equally good off the field and I think the stuff he did after his playing days is what he’s going to be remembered for.

“He did a lot of good to spread the word of rugby and did a lot of good stuff for the communities around the world and definitely in New Zealand.”

Franks now has his mind firmly fixed on his latest adventure and, ironically, his first taste of English club rugby action could take place at the scene of one of his greatest triumphs, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).

“Twickenham is becoming a pretty familiar place for me now!,” he admitted.

“For me all these games are exciting because I’ve never played these teams before, never played a lot of these players before and so every week it’s brand new for me.

“It’s the reason why I’m here, that excitement. It’s like I’m starting my career all over again so I can’t wait to get out there.”

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

Aviva Premiership P W D L 4 4 0 0 4 3 0 1 4 3 0 1 4 3 0 1 4 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 4 2 0 2 4 1 0 3 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4

F A 94 38 115 39 99 85 80 70 101 85 76 83 64 83 76 62 81 89 73 61 55 135 66 150

BP 1 3 1 0 2 2 2 1 1 4 0 0

PTS 17 15 13 12 10 10 10 9 9 8 0 0

Smallbone is staying put: Irish protege Tom pens a new contract TOM SMALLBONE has committed his immediate future to London Irish, signing a two-year contract extension.

A product of the Exiles’ Academy, the loosehead prop joined the London Irish Amateur Club at the age of four before moving on to the club’s Elite Player Development Group 10 years later.

Since then the 22-year-old has represented England at Under-18 and U20 levels, where he was part of the squad which won the Junior World Championships back in 2013.

With 12 senior appearances to his name, Smallbone has been an everpresent in the Irish squad this term following an impressive pre-season campaign.

“I am delighted to have committed my future to London Irish,” he said.

“I have had a very long association with this club and I am very excited for the future and the direction the club is heading.”

Glenn Delaney, head of rugby operations, added: “Tom is a quality young English player who is one of a number of our former Academy players currently playing for the first team.

“It’s a unique achievement in professional rugby to be a one-man

All aboard! VIP testimonial bus tour for Topsy TICKETS are available for fans to take part in a VIP bus tour during this weekend’s double header at Twickenham to celebrate Topsy Ojo’s (pictured) testimonial event.

London Irish are set to face Wasps on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off) in the second of two Aviva Premiership matches at England’s national stadium, looking to pick up their first league win of the campaign.

And now, in connection with Irish’s partnership to support Cancer

Tom Smallbone has penned a two-year contract with the Exiles Picture:Gary Bowden/Pinnacle

club and he is a key part of the future of this club.

“We are thrilled he has extended his contract.”

Research UK, fans are invited to join Topsy himself after the match, from 8.30pm, and enjoy complimentary drinks, music from an on board DJ and the chance to meet more Exiles stars.

Academy product Ojo, 30, came through the youth ranks at London Irish before making his first team debut against Wasps in 2005 and has gone on to feature over 200 times and score a club-record 70 tries.

The winger also featured twice for the England first team and has again been a regular in Tom Coventry’s side during the early weeks of this campaign, starting in all six matches so far.

Tickets cost £50 which also includes free entry to the Grace Bar in London, will all money going straight to Cancer Research UK.

Gelin breaks Exiles hearts with late winner in Grenoble Grenoble 27 London Irish 20

Jebb Sinclair ran in his second try of the season at Stade des Alpes, where London Irish were beaten late on by Grenoble

LONDON IRISH suffered last minute heartbreak as Grenoble snatched victory in the second match of the European Challenge Cup, writes TOM CROCKER. Exiles came into the contest buoyed by a first win of the season against Agen the previous week, but were handed a mountain to climb by the Top 14 side.

Having fallen 14-0 behind inside 11 minutes, Irish showed great character to rally and even briefly took the lead during the second half thanks to tries from Johnny Williams and Jebb Sinclair and a brace of Theo Brophy-Clews penalties.

But the pair looked to be heading towards a well fought 20-20 draw, only for Clement Gelin to nick the ball at a line out and charge over the line for victory in the closing seconds.

“It was really disappointing,” admitted Ben Franks, who came on as a replacement for his Irish debut.

“We let some early points slide in at the start of the game but then I thought the boys played really well, just made a mistake at the wrong time and they scored

pretty much in overtime.

“We did all the hard work but didn’t get the reward.”

Quick early thinking from both Arnaud Heguy and Gio Aplon saw the hosts race into a 14-0 lead with barely 10 minutes on the clock.

But Tom Coventry’s men responded immediately through young centre Williams, bagging his second try in as many games after debuting last weekend.

And by half-time they were within three points thanks to Canadian international Sinclair crashing over for his second try of the campaign.

Brophy-Clews’ boot was then at the forefront, making two kicks to put the visitors 20-17 ahead for a minute, only for Gilles Bosch to equalise.

With the game entering its final minutes, Alex Lewington appeared to have broken away to complete a memorable win, only to be caught five metres from the line by Aplon.

And Exiles were handed the sucker punch in the final few seconds when Gelin reacted quickest to a line-out and sprinted away.

The defeat leaves Irish second in Pool 5

ahead of back-to-back clashes with leaders Edinburgh next month.

LONDON IRISH: Maitland (Steele 59), Lewington, Tikoirotuma, Williams, Ojo, Noakes (Brophy-Clews 29), Allinson, Court (Smallbone 75), Ellis, Aulika (Franks 48), Sheriff (Sisi 54-61), Symons, Sinclair (Sisi 68), Trayfoot (Gilsenan 64), Narraway (Treviranus 54).

Rep not used: Cruse Tries: Williams (13), Sinclair (40) Cons: Noakes (13), Brophy-Clews (40) Pens: Brophy-Clews x2 (44,49) GRENOBLE: Aplon, Dupont, Estebanez, Hunt (Mignot 72), Kilioni, Bosch (Gelin 65), McLeod (Loustalot 65), Barcella (Taumalolo 52), Heguy (Jammes 14), Edwards (de Klerk 52), Hand, Roodt (Marie 52), Kimlin, Alexandre, Grice (Vanderglass 62).

Tries: Heguy (7), Alexandre (11), Gelin (80) Pen: Bosch x2 (15,50) Con: Bosch x2 (7,11), Loustalot (80) Referee: Ian Davies Attendance: 9,832 Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-7, 0-14, 7-14, 7-17, 14-17, 17-17, 20-17, 20-20, 20-27.

European Challenge Cup – Pool 5 P W D L F A Edinburgh 2 2 0 0 55 16 London Irish 2 1 0 1 68 37 FC Grenoble 2 1 0 1 37 48 Agen 2 0 0 2 16 75

BP 0 2 0 0

PTS 8 6 4 0

44 | SPORT

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PREVIEW

Forest test will be a tricky one, warns ex-Red Gunter NOTTINGHAM FOREST v READING SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP CITY GROUND, 3PM

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHRIS GUNTER has warned against looking too much into Nottingham Forest’s lowly league position ahead of Reading’s trip to the City Ground tomorrow.

Promotion-chasing Royals will travel to the East Midlands as favourites against a side languishing in 18th in the Championship table, aiming for back-to-back wins after seeing off Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

But despite Forest only managing one win from their last 10 matches, Gunter insists his former club have the potential to be challenging at the right end of the league.

“I’m expecting a tough game,” he said.

“Their last home game they played really well against Derby and got a massive win.

“It’s a strange one because they’re such a big club and it’s strange to see them around that area of the table but they’ve still got some very good players and I’m sure once they find their level of consistency they’ll shoot back up the league.

“I think there’s a lot of things going on at Forest off the pitch, the embargo and stuff like that which haven’t helped.”

Gunter, 26, played over 150 times during a three-year spell at Forest before he moved to Reading in 2012, but he admits things are not quite the same as when he was at the City Ground.

“It’s nice to go back,” he said.

“I had some real good years there. The club’s changed a lot in all honesty since I was there.

“There’s not that many players left now, a couple of members of staff.

He added: “You don’t know what type of reaction you’ll ever get from supporters but it will be nice to go back.

“It’s a very nice stadium to play in but

Chris Gunter spent three seasons at Forest

the main thing is the chance to get back-to-back wins which is very important for us.

“We need to come away and build on what we did last weekend.”

Reading are set to continue with the same squad which beat Bolton last weekend after a clear week with no additional injuries.

And manager Steve Clarke had good news as he issued an update on the trio of players currently enduring long-term spells out of the side.

“Aaron Tshibola got the boot off his foot this week so he’ll be doing pool work and light jogging,” he explained.

“Stephen Quinn is improving well, hopefully he will be outside working on the grass next week.

“Hal Robson-Kanu is already outside working on the grass so those three are progressing really well.

“Fingers crossed if everything goes well we should have them all back before the turn of the year.”

He added: “At the moment it looks as though Hal Robson-Kanu will be the first one back, maybe looking at the week we play Hull City (December 16), just before Christmas.

“Stephen shouldn’t be too far behind that and then obviously Aaron is a little bit later.”

Despite Forest’s shortcomings, only one of their matches this season has been settled by a greater score than a one-goal margin, a 2-0 loss to Bristol City, and having known Forest boss Dougie Freedman for a number of years, fellow Scot Clarke is expecting a battle on Saturday.

“Normally Dougie’s teams are well organised and hard to break down,” said the Royals manager.

“They’ve got a solid back four and we this season have defended by and large quite well so it might be a game of few goals.

“But sometimes when you say that you get the complete opposite.”

He continued: “I know him quite well.

“I spoke to Dougie a few times when I was working at Liverpool, he came in to see us for a day which was good.

“I always have a good chat with him and catch up but on Saturday we’ll be the best of enemies for 95 minutes.”

Hull Brighton Middlesbrough Derby Burnley Birmingham Reading Sheff Wed Cardiff Ipswich Brentford Fulham Blackburn Wolves QPR Leeds Preston Nottm Forest Bristol City Charlton Huddersfield MK Dons Rotherham Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L F 17 10 5 2 27 17 9 8 0 22 17 10 3 4 25 17 9 6 2 24 17 9 6 2 24 17 8 4 5 24 17 7 6 4 25 17 7 6 4 23 17 6 7 4 17 17 6 7 4 25 17 7 3 7 23 17 5 6 6 30 17 4 8 5 17 17 5 5 7 22 17 5 5 7 22 17 4 7 6 16 17 3 8 6 12 17 4 5 8 13 17 3 7 7 18 17 4 4 9 15 17 3 6 8 17 17 4 3 10 15 17 3 3 11 18 17 1 8 8 11

A 9 13 12 11 15 18 18 20 14 25 24 29 16 23 25 20 15 18 27 26 26 24 33 24

Pts 35 35 33 33 33 28 27 27 25 25 24 21 20 20 20 19 17 17 16 16 15 15 12 11

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

CAMPAIGN

Loyal supporter being sought to help build on the success of #RyansRoyals READING are reaching out to supporters to help create a new legacy project to build on the huge success of #RyansRoyals last season.

Teenager Ryan Duval, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, won the hearts of the Royals fanbase earlier this years when he was visited by first team players at the town’s Avenue School.

Duvel then went on to design a Reading home shirt which was worn during the draw with Blackburn Rovers in April.

Ryan also went on to mascot the side at their historic FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley before his self-designed shirts received £15,000 in auction which was given back to The Avenue School Special Needs Academy.

And now Reading are looking to hand another fan the chance to experience a unique dream come true community-based project.

The club would like supporters to nominate a deserving a loyal Royal, regardless of age or gender.

To put forward your case, simply send the full name of the nominee, and in less than 106 words explain why you have nominated this person and what makes them so special and also your suggestion of what sort of project would be best suited to your nominee.

These can be sent in either via email to darathomas@readingfc.co.uk or by post to Dara Thomas, Reading Football Club, Madejski Stadium, J11, M4, Reading, RG2 0FL.

ACADEMY FOOTBALL

Barrett blasts U18s to win over Villa JOSH BARRETT bagged a brace as Reading Under-18s kept the heat on leaders Chelsea with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Royals took the lead before half-time thanks to in-form Barrett, who also got a call-up to play for the Under-21 side this week.

Mid-table Villa levelled up from the penalty spot thanks to Jake Humphries but Barrett was on hand again to capitalise on a mistake from goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem, who spilled a corner kick over the line.

Royals stay second in the South Group, two points behind Chelsea, and are on the road again this Saturday to take on struggling Brighton and Hove Albion (12pm kick off).

READING: Southwood, Akinwumni, Richards, East, Osho, Holmes, Frost, Bennett, Smith, Barrett, Davis.

n ROWAN LIBURD’S goal came in vain as a strong Leicester Under-21 side saw off Reading 2-1 in the East Midlands.

The Foxes took the lead shortly after half time through Nathan Dyer before Jak McCourt quickly doubled the tally with Liburd pulling one back a minute from time.

Premier League table topping Leicester

allowed a handful of first team players including record signing Andrej Kramaric and experienced winger Nathan Dyer to turn out for their second string against a young Royals outfit.

But it was Martin Kuhl’s men who had the better of the early chances with Sami Fridjonsson and Andrija Novakovich both trying their luck.

The deadlock was finally broken on 52 minutes when former Swansea City winger Dyer made a good near post run and smashed past Stuart Moore.

McCourt soon added a second, winning the ball deep in Royals territory before slotting home.

In-form Liburd, who has been involved with the first team in recent weeks, pulled one back before Jake Cooper came close to grabbing a dramatic stoppage time equaliser but he fired over as Leicester held on.

Reading sit third in the Premier League U21 table ahead of a trip to leaders Sunderland on December 6.

READING: Moore, Keown (Owusu 70), Griffin, Shaughnessy, Cooper, Sweeney, Barrett (Hyam 70), Fridjonsson, Liburd, Kelly, Novakovich (Semedo 75).

Subs not used: Ward, Rinomhota.

Goal: Liburd (89)

Piazon and Williams strike to secure Reading ‘important’ three points Reading 2 Bolton Wanderers 1 FIRST-HALF goals from Lucas Piazon and Danny Williams secured Reading an “important” victory at Madejski Stadium.

Not only did the success end a winless run which had stretched across five league games, but also eased some of the pressure on boss Steve Clarke, who had come under fire form some sections of the club’s supporters for talking with Fulham about their vacant manager’s position.

Clarke described the reception he received from those present as cool but, more importantly, was relieved to pick up three much-welcomed points which moved Royals back up to seventh in the Championship table.

“In the context of our season it was an important game to get three points in,” he said.

“We want to stay in touch and we want to stay challenging at the top end.

Bolton had gone very direct and brought on a few big ones (players) and just as I counter that by bringing Jake Cooper on we concede a penalty, which made for a nervous last 10 minutes.

Lucas Piazon celebrates his opening goal Picture: Vivienne Johnson

“It is the sort of result we needed.”

It was a Bolton side who arrived in Berkshire with one win to their name all season and struggling to score goals who started the contest better.

And had it not been for Ali Al Habsi producing three fine saves to deny Shola Ameobi, Mark Davies and captain Darren Pratley, they could have been 3-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes.

But having settled down, it was the hosts who went on to break the deadlock on 28 minutes through Piazon, who was one of four changes to the side which was beaten away at Cardiff City last time out.

The on-loan Brazilian did well to charge down Prince Gouano’s attempted clearance and then nip in between the full back and outrushing Bolton keeper Ben Amos, where Piazon found the back of the net with a dinked finish.

Just six minutes later and another player brought back into the side, Danny Williams, made it 2-0.

Winning everything in midfield and a threat going forward, the United States international, in receiving a pass from Oliver Norwood, ran into space before

curling a shot past Amos from an inside left position, some 20 yards out.

Reading would hold a two-goal advantage until the 80th minute, although Wanderers did go close to reducing the deficit earlier in the half when Ameobi saw a header crash back off the crossbar.

A rash challenge from Norwood on Pratley as he attempted to make a pass in the box had referee James Linnington point to the spot.

Responsibility from 12 yards belonged to Liam Feeney, and he finished with aplomb.

Despite throwing on both Emile Heskey and Gary Madine in an effort to snatch an equaliser, it was the hosts who held out to pick up a first three points since defeating Charlton Athletic at Madejski Stadium on October 17.

“I was impressed with the way they (Bolton) started,” added Clarke.

“When you think that they have struggled for goals and struggling at the bottom of the table this year, they started really well and we were grateful to our goalkeeper from some really important saves.

“After the saves we managed to get a foothold of the game and get in a comfortable position and until we conceded the penalty we were always quite comfortable, but we could have done with a third goal to kill it off.”

He added: “It (the game) was always going to be a little bit strange for me, but I have got to say I thought the crowd got it quite right.

“The reaction was cool, but nothing more than that. They got right behind the team which is all we asked for.

“In the context of our season we’re desperate to stay at the top and the upper levels of the league this year and challenge for promotion, and it was a big win for us – a difficult one after five games without a win, so it was important to get it.”

READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, McShane (c), Hector, Norwood, Williams, Piazon (Obita), McCleary (Cooper), Blackman (Vydra), Sa Subs not used: Bond, Hurtado, John, Liburd.

BOLTON: Amos, Gouano, Vela, Feeney, Spearing (Clayton), Davies (Heskey), Danns, Casado, Pratley (c), Ameobi (Madine), Wheater Subs not used: Rachubka, Dervite, Wilson, Twardzik.

Referee: James Linington.

Attendance: 16,420.

SPORT | 45

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Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Hayter bags a brace to help Ashridge pick up a first win

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

TWO goals from Chris Hayter and an Alex Malinov strike secured Ashridge Park a first win of the Division 2 season.

The side took the points and the bragging rights when defeating fellow strugglers Sonning 3-2 at Cantley Park.

Victory moved bottom club Park level on points with Sonning, beaten for the fifth time in seven games, in the standings.

BARKHAM ATHLETIC conceded their game away at Eldon Celtic, who were awarded a home walkover victory.

HURST climbed up to ninth in the Premier Division after Shaun Bannon and Jake Horwood scored the side a 2-0 success against BERKS COUNTY at East Park Farm.

In Division 3, Nathan Bingham, Colin Philips and Samuel Mallows were on target for a WOODLEY UNITED A side which outscored league leaders White Eagles by the odd goal in five.

Jacek Bojda and Dawid Nagoda replied for the Eagles, who slipped to a first loss of the season.

Basement boys TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE ended a run of defeats by picking up a point from a 2-2 draw at AFC Aldermaston Reserves.

Two goals in as many minutes from

The hosts go close from a set piece

SONNING SPORTS fell off the pace in the Division 5 promotion race after they slipped to a 4-0 loss on the road at SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN. Substitute Shaman Goswell opened the scoring on 55 minutes before further goals from Blair Christie and a Danny Young double claimed Shinfield a third successive league win.

The game of the day, however, took place in Bracknell, where third-placed HURST A and BERKS COUNTY FC ROVERS played out a contest which witnessed 11 goals.

Netting for visiting Hurst was Brendon Buckley, twice, Christopher McLean, Paul Novell and replacement Asher Price.

But it was the efforts from Richard Cumner (2), David Parrott, Christopher Searle and replacement James Balfe (2) who saw County run out 6-5 winners.

The goals flew in too at Woodford Park, where WOODLEY UNITED B played host to The Hop Leaf.

Jake Brown helped himself to a brace and Samuel Kalro also scored for Woodley, but it would not be enough.

Keith Dickens, Andrew Brennan from the penalty spot, Aaron Barber-Hill and Dwayne Clarke five minutes from time won the game for the second-placed Leaf, who celebrated a 4-3 victory.

Michael Buckle helped earn the side a share of the spoils.

James Edwards and Carl Allen had found the back of the net for Aldermaston.

The game between Unity Reserves and WARGRAVE RESERVES was postponed.

HURST RESERVES sit third in Division 4 after Callum Osborn and Chris Tanner struck in a 2-1 victory over Rotherfield United Reserves, for whom Darren Scott hit what proved to be a consolation goal.

The villagers now sit just a point behind HARCHESTER HAWKS, who had to settle for a 2-2 draw with FC Reading Dons.

Harchester, beaten 4-0 at Maidenhead Magpies Reserves last time out, got off to a flying start, with Greg Taylor breaking the deadlock in just the first minute.

A brace of goals from Marcin Swierk, however, swung the tie in favour of the visitors, who looks set to leave Laurel Park with all three points.

But with just two minutes of the contest remaining, Dan Leather popped up with the equaliser.

A 7-0 triumph for leaders Burghfield over Highmoor Knights, though, means the gap between the two sides has stretched to four points.

Akem-Che tussles for possession at Cantley Park

Sonning’s Terry Batley looks in trouble (above) during the Division 2 clash with Ashridge Park as the two teams compete for the loose ball (right).

Pictures: Paul King

Park won this basement battle 2-1, securing a first league win of the season in the process

READING AND DISTRICT SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Bonnie nets United all three points Srodawa scores twice as Purley are put to the sword Woodley United 2 Bracknell Town 1

A SECOND-half Bonnie Messit goal saw United beat fellow strugglers Bracknell Town to record just a second win of the Southern Region Women’s Premier Division.

The hosts, however, were breathing a sigh of relief come the final whistle as a strike two minutes from time by Town’s Tina Leahy was ruled out for a handball during the build-up to the disallowed goal.

Bracknell, who arrived at Woodlands Avenue sitting about their opponents in the table, started brightly, with an early chance flying over Emily Sherwood’s crossbar in just the third minute.

But only moments later they were ahead. The deadlock was broken from a corner, where Woodley defender Sarah

Devern could only divert the ball into her own net.

It took United some 20 minutes to find some rhythm, and it was during this time when the scores were levelled.

A cross into the Robins’ box only got cleared as far as Danielle Perryman, who swung over another centre which this time found Jess Grimmett, who had the time to take a touch before firing past former Woodley ‘keeper Lisa Phillips in the Bracknell goal and a defender on the line.

The home side completed the comeback seven minutes after the break, where Louise Thompson squared for an unmarked Messitt to hit what proved to be the winner.

Woodley, who moved up to sixth in the standings with this victory, return to action with a cup game at Chairman’s Cup clash at Ascot on December 6 (2pm)

LOIC SRODAWA and Brodie Davies both scored twice as Woodley United returned to action with a 5-2 victory at Purley in the Premier Division.

Chris Timbers was also on target to help the club double their win count in the league this term.

United broke the deadlock early on.

A burst forward from Davies would see the player square for Sradawa, who produced a calm finish to put the visitors ahead.

Arran Wells, later named man of the match, laid on the away side’s second.

The wing-back slipped past the Purley full-back before whipping over a cross which Davies headed home.

The same player was heavily involved as United made it 3-0 in the 37th minute, winning the corner which ended up in the back of the net thanks to a powerful Timbers header.

Purley, though, grabbed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time when a miss hit shot wrong-footed Woodley goalkeeper Chris Harris, with the strike looping up and over the shot-stopper and into the net.

The goal gave the hosts an injection of energy and determination, but Woodley soon went further ahead early in the second half.

Scoring on this occasion was Srodawa, who managed to nip in between a defender and the Purley keeper to convert Timbers’ forward pass.

He would lay on Davies for his second of the morning on the hour mark.

Srodawa’s pace would not only cause the home side problems, but also take him to the byline, where his centre was coolly converted by his team-mate.

Woodley are away at Whitley Wood on Sunday (10.30am)

Results – Sunday, November 22 BERKS AND BUCKS SUNDAY JUNIOR CUP: FC Woodley 4 AFC Kintbury 3; Athletico Forest 1 Richfield Rovers 3; Bracknell Celtic 1 Ashridge Park 0; PREMIER DIVISION: Purley 2 Woodley United 5; Roebuck 3 D.C Steamers 1 DIVISION 1: Mortimer 2 Charvil Rangers 1 DIVISION 2: Arborfield 2 Imaan 2; Wokingham and Emmbrook 1 Warwick Arms 5 DIVISION 3 EAST: Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves 0 Forest FC 3; Spencers Wood 4 East Reading Royals 2 Fixtures - November 29 (Kick-off 10.30am unless stated) BERKS AND BUCKS JUNIOR CUP: Emmbrook Inn v (The) Pub; BERKS AND BUCKS SUNDAY JUNIOR TROPHY: AFC Follyhill v Spencers Wood; Forest FC v Bracknell Manics Reserves DIVISION 1: FC Woodley v 116 Exiles; S.C United v Charvil Rangers DIVISION 2: AFC Burghfield Reserves v Loxwood Park Rangers; Athletico Forest v WS Hobnob DIVISION 3 EAST: Loddon Valley Rangers Reserves v East Reading Royals

46 | SPORT

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COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Bansbury brace knocks Eversley out of the cup Dorking 3 Eversley and California 1

EVERSLEY’S involvement in this season’s Southern Combination Cup is over following defeat at their fellow Division 1 rivals on Tuesday night.

The Boars fell behind to a Daniel Bansbury strike in just the first minute and would also miss a penalty later in the half.

Neville Roche’s men, however, did level things up after the break when Aaron Voller struck an equaliser, but would eventually be beaten when Jimmy Brazil restored Dorking’s lead before Bansbury hit his second of the evening in stoppage time.

Eversley saw their league fixture at South Park Reserves last Saturday postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

And with CB Hounslow winning 3-2 at Sheerwater on the same day, the club drop to second in the standings, Up next in the league for Eversley is the visit of sixth-place Abbey Rangers to Fox Lane on Saturday.

Kick-off is 3pm.

Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F CB Hounslow United 14 11 2 1 34 Eversley & California 14 11 1 2 46 Worcester Park 15 11 1 3 43 Bedfont & Feltham 11 8 1 2 35 Abbey Rangers 14 8 1 5 22 Cobham 15 7 2 6 33 Staines Lammas 15 7 1 7 32 Frimley Green 11 6 2 3 19 Dorking 14 6 0 8 23 Sandhurst Town 14 5 2 7 28 Banstead Athletic 11 4 2 5 21 Ash United 13 4 2 7 24 Epsom Athletic 14 4 1 9 23 Dorking Wand Res 14 3 3 8 14 Sheerwater 12 3 1 8 20 Farleigh Rovers 13 2 1 10 10 South Park Reserves 12 1 1 10 13

A 9 19 17 14 17 35 26 14 22 41 23 30 41 24 30 43 35

Woodley’s Bevan Van Wyk makes the pass

Pts 35 34 34 25 25 23 22 20 18 17 14 14 13 12 10 7 4

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Town and out: Finchampstead’s fine home form ended by Bicester Finchampstead 3 Bicester Town 2

attempts blocked as they began knocking on the door once again.

Yet they would find themselves pegged back moments later.

FINCHAMPSTEAD’S 100 per cent record A surging run forward saw Paul on home soil this season is over after Kieran Abbott eventually play in Alexander, who Scott, Gavin Kidd and Dan Bone struck to fired low across Watt and into the corner. secure the visitors all three points.

Finch, however, would go in at Jon Laugharne’s men remain second half-time behind. in the Hellenic Division 1 East table, This is because Kidd, having but have played two games latched on to a free-kick, beat more then leaders Penn and both a defender and Bryant Tylers Green, who moved to restore the Oxfordshire three points clear having side’s lead. been held to a goalless The hosts’ task draw by midtable outfit became even harder too Chalfont Wasps. minutes after the restart.

Finch enjoyed the Bryant did well to Adam Barnard was sent better of the early keep out on effort, but off after the final whistle chances at the Memorial in attempting to clear the Ground, where defender rebound, a Finchampstead Garry Callaway was unlucky player could only clatter the ball not to open the scoring with a into Bone, who went on to prod the header, which was tipped over by Town visitors 3-1 in front. ‘keeper Ryan Watt.

The response from the home side was Bicester saw one shot blocked and a positive one, but Swabey was unable to another fly over the bar before Greg find a way past Watt.

Alexander was just off target at the other Boss Laugharne decided to use all end. three substitutions at the same time, Possession continued to swing from with Luke Axton-Hall, Ben Winship and one side to the other, but meeting a cross Gavin Rolls all entering the fray. sent over by Bone saw Scott fire the away The changes would have a positive side ahead on 34 minutes. affect, with Winship going on to cut the In looking for a response, in-form deficit with eight minutes of the game Freddie Barron, from a Harry Swabey left when finishing well. centre, forced Watt into a save.

It was to spark a tense end to the Bicester saw Murray Nicholls contest, and the nerves clearly got shoot straight at Tom Bryant in the the better of Bicester’s Scott, who was eventually booked following a number of Finchampstead goal and another three

Greg Alexander (right) had equalised for Finchampstead against Bicester last Saturday

tangles with opponents.

Finchampstead tried gallantly to force an equaliser, but were left frustrated as they were unable to find another way past a stubborn Town defence, who would push the hosts back into their own half and comfortably hold out for a victory which moved them to within two points of Finch in the table.

A disappointing afternoon for the side was to go from bad to worse come the final whistle, where captain Adam Barnard, who had picked up a yellow card earlier in the day, received a second caution and was dismissed for dissent, meaning he will now have to sit out a suspension.

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Abbott, Callaway, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, J.Wright,

Swabey, Alexander, Blatchford, Winship, Axton-Hall, Blatchford

n BOSS Laugharne takes his side to Alfredian Park tomorrow for a game with Wantage Town Reserves. Kick-off is 3pm.

Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Penn & Tylers Green 11 8 2 1 Finchampstead 13 7 2 4 Bicester Town 11 6 3 2 Headington Amateur’s 10 6 2 2 Henley Town 10 6 1 3 Didcot Town Res’ 12 5 2 5 Holyport 10 5 1 4 Rayners Lane 10 4 2 4 Chinnor 8 4 1 3 Chalfont Wasps 7 3 2 2 Wantage Town Res’ 13 3 2 8 Woodley United 10 2 2 6 Old Woodstock Town 9 2 0 7 Reading Town 10 0 0 10

F 36 26 27 23 29 33 19 21 18 12 19 11 5 10

A 7 13 20 8 18 26 21 17 11 14 32 22 31 49

Pts 26 23 21 20 19 17 16 14 13 11 11 8 6 0

Skehan strikes to secure United a share of the spoils at Scours Lane Woodley United 1 Wantage Town Reserves 1

High closes down another opponent

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, November 27, 2015

SAM SKEHAN’S second-half strike secured United a share of the spoils at Scours Lane.

Returning to action for the first time in over a month, Woodley handed a debut to goalkeeper Pete Davies, while Tyrone May returned to the centre of midfield.

United went into the fixture sitting a place and three points behind the visitors in the standings.

But they started the contest well, trading opportunities with Wantage, where Bevan Van Wyk, having exchanged passes with Rupen Limbu, was off target with a strike from just inside the opposition’s penalty box.

Ant Martin then went close for Wantage when meeting a cross from the left with a header before Skehan, having shaken off his marker, saw an attempt at goal saved.

The only other opportunity of note for Town at this stage came via an opportunist shot from some 22 yards, which was dragged wide of a post.

Yet the Oxfordshire side were now beginning to take a grip of proceedings, and they went even closer to breaking the deadlock when Martin was sent on his way via a perfectly-weighted through ball.

Davies rushed off his line to close the gap and leave the player with limited options.

The one Martin took saw him attempt to loft the shot-stopper, and did so, but his effort also cleared the crossbar.

James Thomas then sliced a chance wide and Martin forced Davies into another save as Wantage began to turn the screw.

But on the stroke of half-time their persistence was finally rewarded.

Losing possession in their own box was to have consequences for Woodley, who found themselves behind when Mauro Esteves squared for Martin to slot home the opener.

United needed the interval to regroup and would begin the second half with a sense of purpose – and came close to netting an equaliser with the session barely a minute old.

Missing the target, though, was Skehan with a looping header.

But some 10 minutes later and Wantage had the ball in the back of the net once again, but the ‘goal’ was met by a linesman’s flag and ruled out for offside.

The hosts would use the let off to their advantage and began taking the game to their guests.

Woodley were now beginning to look dangerous in the final third, too, where Van Wyk curled an effort wide when

Woodley full-back Graham High looks to thwart this Wantage attack Pictures: Peter Toft

picked out by a Conor Creegan free-kick.

From their next attack, however, the scores were levelled.

A corner swung over by May found its way to substitute Ryan Szram at the far post.

The winger helped send the ball goalwards, where Skehan got the decisive touch.

Another replacement almost made an immediate impact too as the home side pushed for a winner.

Breaking at pace saw Pete Wareing play in Omar Cofie, who had been introduced for Skeham, but the forward

was wide with a toe-poke at full stretch.

With just minutes of the game remaining Woodley’s Mark Ingram found himself with a sight at goal and duly went for glory.

The midfielder, though, was unable to add a winning goal to his man-of-the-match performance, with his shot from the edge of the box clearing the crossbar.

WOODLEY UNITED: Davies, High, Creegan, Bridges, Phillip, Wareing, Limbu (Szram), Ingram, May (Mowat), Van Wyk, Skeehan (Cofie).

Sub not used: Burt.

United are away at Bicester Town on Saturday (3pm).

Friday, November 27, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 47

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HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

High fives for the Sumas as Josh treble ends winless run Wokingham and Emmbrook 5 Abingdon United 0

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Wokingham and Emmbrook’s Shaun Wanklyn steals in to take possession of the ball

James Charlton (above, left) keeps tabs on an opponent as fellow defender Ben Broadhurst closes down an advancing Abingdon full back Pictures: Andrew Merritt Luke Scope, centre, celebrates his fourth-minute opener with Will Day and Elliott Rushforth

DAN BATEMAN was unable to hide his relief after his Wokingham and Emmbrook ended a run of 14 straight defeats in the Hellenic Premier Division with this emphatic victory at the Investec Perpetual Triangle.

Led by a Josh Pearson hat-trick and further strikes from Luke Scope and Dan Collier, the Sumas not only doubled their win count for the season, but also celebrated a first triumph in the league on home soil for the campaign.

Beating a side also scrapping for points at the wrong end of the table – who stunned reigning champions Flackwell Heath the weekend before – means the hosts moved to within a point of neighbours Bracknell Town at the foot of the standings, with joint-boss Bateman hoping the club’s season can finally begin in earnest.

“It has been a long time coming, that is for sure,” he said.

“I’m really pleased and we have been threatening that kind of result for weeks, but have come up against some good sides and we were unlucky the weekend before (at Longlevens) where we lost in the last minute and didn’t really deserve to.

“On Saturday is was another good performance and everything went for us and we scored the goals at the right time – and they were really good goals, so we’re well pleased.”

Bateman added: “It has been a long hard slog this season, so let’s not get carried away; one Swallow doesn’t make a summer, but we need to build on this.”

A problem for Wokingham this season has been scoring goals, yet they were to break the deadlock in this encounter in just the fourth minute through Scope and never looked back.

Collier seized on an opportunity to put the hosts two goals to the good going in at the break, with Pearson wrapping up a welcome win after the restart.

The pick of his treble came when putting the side 3-0 ahead on 69 minutes when flashing a strike into the top corner.

Wokingham’s Sam Duffelen holds off a challenge during the 5-0 win over Abingdon, where Josh Person (inset) hit a hat-trick

“We know what Josh (Pearson) is all about,” said Bateman of the midfielder, who recently returned to the club from league rivals Binfield.

“He came through the youth section here and all three goals were really well taken, not one of them was a gimme.

“We went in at half-time 2-0 up, but that is a dangerous lead and we needed a third to kill the game off, and the goal was pretty special, as there was a good bit of work down the left.

“It was a great finish and from that moment on we never looked back. We could have scored more but we’re happy with five goals and a clean sheet.

“Scoring the first goal was important, and scoring early doors relaxed us.

“The problem we have had this season is when we have conceded the first goals, you can see that psychologically our heads drop and the performances suffer as a result.

“Hopefully we can build on this.”

Boosted by this victory, Wokingham and Emmbrook will now be looking to take more points off another team around them in the standings this weekend, where they are away at 15th-placed Milton United.

Co-manager Bateman, though, is still looking at things with a great deal of perspective, saying: “I have said to the lads the pressure is off now.

“We are still bottom of the league and people are expecting us to go down and many teams expect to beat us, but hopefully Saturday has shown we can cause a surprise.

“We will be looking at Saturday as a game where we need to try and get the three points if we are to increase our chances of staying up, and we will be going there with a strong squad.”

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Broadhurst, Day, Charlton, Wanklyn, Rushforth, Pearson, Collier, Scope, Duffelen, Whiting, Carter, Rowland.

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 20 10 3 7 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 18 7 2 9 Lydney Town 18 5 6 7 Tuffley Rovers 19 5 4 10 Milton United 21 4 5 12 Abingdon United 22 5 2 15 Ardley United 19 5 1 13 Brackley Town Saints 19 4 2 13 Bracknell Town 16 2 4 10 Wokingham 21 2 1 18

F 50 52 58 35 46 36 38 26 32 29 33 28 26 31 21 27 26 32 24 22

A 17 22 29 21 15 22 31 21 30 23 28 38 32 38 38 63 48 57 40 59

Pts 42 41 41 40 37 33 33 32 31 30 28 23 21 19 17 17 16 14 10 7

BINFIELD

Herridge swoops for O’Connell as hat-trick hero Brown keeps Moles marching on in the cup

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BINFIELD have completed the signing of defender Mark O’Connell from Wokingham and Emmbrook and the defender is set to go straight into Roger Herridge’s squad to face Lydney Town this weekend.

O’Connell, who initially came through Sumas’ youth system, has been a key figure for the club for a number of years including featuring 31 times during their title-winning campaign last season, and was in Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston’s side which won 5-0 against Abingdon United last weekend.

But the right-back is now set to leave the Hellenic Premier Division’s bottom placed side to link up again with Herridge, who left as boss of the Sumas first team in 2013.

“We’re looking to get Mark into the

squad for Saturday,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper.

“Mark is one of the boys who played for me at Wokingham from seven years of age and went all the way through and played in a successful Allied Counties side that I had for a couple of seasons.

“He went off to university, came back and he’s found his feet in men’s football and he’s done really, really well.

“He fits the bill in terms of what we’re looking for at Binfield.

“He’s versatile. In the modern day I suppose you want your full-backs to get up and down the pitch and be an attacking threat as well so I know he can do that and I know when he gets into good areas he can put good quality in the box as well.

“It’s more than likely he will be in the squad for the weekend if we can get all the paperwork sorted out in time.”

O’Connell has an in-form side to try and force his way into after Binfield sealed their third successive win by beating Hellenic Division 2 West side Moreton Rangers 3-0 in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup. Brad Brown broke the deadlock in the first half and added two more after the break to mark his return to the side with a hat-trick.

And Herridge admits the result never looked in doubt.

“With all due respect to them, I think there was obviously a gulf in class between the two sides,” he said.

“They were honest and in the first half had the conditions in their favour and they might’ve given us the odd anxious moment but rarely troubled us.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful to them but it was a bit like a training game.

“It was probably a case of not

whether we score but how many we score.”

Binfield return to league action tomorrow (3pm) with a trip to mid-table Lydney Town, knowing victory will ensure the Moles reach the halfway mark in sixth position.

And Herridge is expecting a tough battle in Gloucestershire.

“I think it’s about a 240 mile round trip so the journey itself will probably be a test for us,” joked the boss.

“We know that they’re certainly a capable team. From what I’ve been told they’re a big team and a physical side so that’s something we’ll have to contend with and deal with but we’ll go down there in good form.”

Carl Withers (groin) is set to return but Danny Horscroft is still two weeks away from fitness after feeling some discomfort following his 30 minute cameo for the reserves.

Mark O’Connell had left Wokingham for local rivals Binfield

Christmas

Join us to celebrate All Saints Church, Wokingham Sunday 29th November

Norreys Church

Sunday 20th December

6.30pm Carols by Candlelight

6.30pm Advent Carols by Candlelight

Christmas Day

4pm Christingle service

Sunday 27th December

Sunday 13th December Sunday 20th December 11am Family service with Children’s Nativity

Christmas Eve

2pm & 3.30pm Crib Service 6.30pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 11.15pm First Communion of Christmas

10.30am Christmas Praise

10.00am ‘Named Jesus’ with speaker Peter Jackman

St Bartholomew’s Church, Arborfield Sunday 20th December 7pm Carols by Candlelight

Christmas Eve

Sunday 3rd January

11am Epiphany Eucharist

Sunday 31st January

4.30pm Christingle Service

St Paul’s Wokingham Sunday 29th November 6.15pm Advent Lessons and Carols

Thursday 10th December

9.15am First Steps’ Christmas Service, for pre-school children & their carers

Sunday 20th December

6.15pm Nine Lessons and Carols

10am All-age Christmas Celebration

8am BCP Mass for Christmas 9.30am All Together Mass for Christmas

Christ Church Wokingham St Crispin’s School

St James’ Church, Barkham

Christmas Day

Sunday 6th December

Wokingham Salvation Army

Christmas Eve 4pm, 6pm and 9pm Mass

Christmas Day

7pm Carols by Candlelight

Christmas Eve

4pm Children’s Carols 11.30pm Midnight Carols

Christmas Day

Sundays 29th November, 6th, 13th & 20th December 10.30am Advent Sunday Services

13th December

3pm Community Carol Service

Christmas Eve

6pm Carols by Candlelight

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10am Christmas Day All Age Service

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11am Mass

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Sunday 20th December

Kings Church, Wokingham Wokingham Community Centre Sunday 20th December 10.30am-12 Family Christmas Service

Christmas Day

10.30am-11.30am Family Service

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Christmas Day

10-10.45am All Age Christmas Celebration

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Christmas Day

Sunday 20th December

Christmas Eve

Sunday 13th December

8am Holy Communion 9.30am Parish Communion for All Ages

Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Wokingham

6.30pm Carols by Candlelight

4pm Christingle 11pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day

3pm A Time to Remember – for those who have been bereaved

Sunday 20th December

Christmas Eve

4pm Family Carols 11.30pm Midnight Carols by Candlelight

10.30am Christmas Morning Celebration

Wokingham Baptist Church

Emmbrook Village Hall

10.30am All-Age Nativity Play 6.30pm Carols by candlelight

Sunday 6th December

10am All-Age Christmas Morning service

Christmas Day

11am Patronal Festival Eucharist

Christmas Eve

‘Beer & Carols’

9pm First Eucharist of Christmas

Sunday 20th December From 8pm, Broad Street Tavern

10.30am Nativity Service

5pm Christmas Tea, followed by 6pm Christmas Carol Service

Christmas Eve

4pm Christingle Service. Please come from 3.15pm to join us in making Christingles 11.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Communion

Christmas Day

10.30am Christmas Morning Worship

Woosehill Church Saturday 12th December 4pm Christingle Service

Monday 14th December From 8pm Beer & Carols at Ye Olde Leathern Bottel, led by our music group

Wednesday 16th December

10am Toddler Christmas Service

Sunday 20th December

7.30pm Candlelit Carol Service

Christmas Eve

4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Candlelit Midnight Communion

Christmas Day

10am Christmas Communion with carols

Find out more at www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk