The Wokingham Paper, October 23 2015 by The Wokingham Paper

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

BODY FIND P4 NEAR VILLAGE 17,000 HOMES NEEDED ACROSS THE BOROUGH P9

Friday, October 23, 2015 No. 27

HEATHROW NOISE ANGER P10

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

Friday, October 23, 2015 No. 27

50p

POLICE

BODY FOUND IN LANE P4 ROADS

MAN AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH P3

Wax on, chest hair oﬀ!

Trio ‘think pink’ for breast cancer awareness. See page 4

MPs: Heathrow noise must end

Miahs September 2015.indd 1

Residents’ anger over ‘motorway in the sky’ is raised at Commons debate

SEE PAGE 10

PLANNING

17,000 HOMES NEEDED IN BOROUGH P9

01-Oct-15 4:01:09 PM

SPORT

DUO RETURN AS ROYALS GO TO FULHAM P41

2 | NEWS

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FAMILY NOTICES  Deaths McKINNON Ronald (Ron) Passed away peacefully on 17th October 2015, aged 90 years at St Nicholas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds. Funeral service to be held at West Suffolk Crematorium on 3rd November at 3.45pm. Family flowers only but donations, if desired, for St Nicholas Hospice may be sent to East of England Co-Operative Funeral Service, Cornard Road, Sudbury CO10 2XA

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

GET IN TOUCH

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

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

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

ST NICHOLAS

Star turn at launch of church’s new organ

A CELEBRITY recital will mark the refurbishment of a church’s organ. Christopher Cromer, who has performed all over the world, including Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame, as well as on BBC TV and Channel 4, will visit St Nicholas Church in Hurst tomorrow (Saturday) for the musical evening. The programme includes music by, among others, Handel, Vivaldi and Bach. Doors open at 6.30pm and the music starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and children can enjoy the night for free. Proceeds from the evening will be shared between SalGo, a charity that helps the poor of the Andhra Pradesh and the church.  For details or tickets, email organ. recital@yahoo.com or call 07912 899104.

AUTUMN

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back

IT’S nearly the end of summer and time to wind your clocks back – but at least it means an extra hour in bed. At 2am on Sunday you should turn back all your timepieces by an hour and enjoy a a slightly longer weekend. It means the mornings will get lighter but the downside is you will soon be heading home from work in the dark. For those who struggle to remember which way the changes go each year, our friends from the United States have a useful phrase – ‘spring forward, fall back’ (fall being Autumn).

FUNDRAISING

Brainiacs needed for charity quiz night

A QUIZ night in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services takes place tomorrow (Saturday) in Earley. Starting at 7pm, the evening of fun takes place at St Nicolas Church Hall in Sutcliffe Avenue. Tickets cost £6 and include a cheese platter. Guests are invited to bring their own drinks. Teams can be up to 10 per table.  For more details or to book tickets, call: 0118 987 5211.

Mark Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows, presented John Ferguson, who heads up Wokingham Citizens Advice, with a cheque for £200 as part of The Wokingham Paper’s Community Cash Tokens scheme.

COMMUNITY

Delight as Citizens Advice scoops cash award THE ﬁrst Community Cash Token for The Wokingham Paper was presented earlier this week. Mark Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows, sponsors the scheme and gave a cheque for £200 to the Wokingham and District Citizens Advice on Monday. The award delighted John Ferguson, who heads up the branch which is based

HEALTH

in Erfstadt Court, off Denmark Street in Wokingham town centre. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s marvellous. It’s not just the money, it’s being recognised by having so many supporters sending in tokens. It’s great. “The money will go into core funds. We are projecting a deﬁcit of £5,000 this ﬁnancial year and next as well. “We never ask clients to make a

HALF-TERM

Limber up for a tai chi Writing’s on the wall masterclass in Winnersh for borough’s children A WEEKEND of tai chai from a master is coming to Sindlesham next month. It starts on Friday, November 13, with a demonstration of silk reeling exercises intended to develop strength, whole body movement and spiral motion. This takes place from 7pm to 10pm. Then on Saturday and Sunday, Master Chen will give detailed tuition to the art of chen tai chi, concentrating on Laojia Yilu (Old Frame, First Form). The events have been organised by the Berkshire Tai Chi society and will be led by Master Chen Yingjun, son of grandmaster Chen Xiowang, and from a dynasty that developed the art of tai chi 350 years ago. It takes place at Winnersh Community Centre in New Road RG41 5DU. For more details, log on to www. berkshiretaichi.co.uk

THE BOROUGH’S libraries are taking part in a special drawing event next week. To mark half-term, each of the libraries will be holding a Big Draw event. Youngsters are invited to decorate a Book Wall that has been put up, between Monday and Saturday, October 31.  For more details, email libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk

BONFIRE NIGHT

Snap up your tickets for sparkling ﬁreworks show ADVANCE tickets have gone on sale for a popular annual fireworks display. The Sparks In The Park returns to Swallowfield House on Saturday, November 7.

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.

donation for our services as most are in a situation where they cannot.” The Community Cash Tokens is a free contest run by The Wokingham Paper in conjunction with TradeMark Windows. All you have to do is collect the tokens (printed at the bottom of this page) and send them in to us. Once every two months we will draw a winning charity who will then receive a cheque for £200.

Organised by the Farley Hill Schools Association, the event promises a family-friendly bonfire, a professional fireworks display, hearty food and live music. Glow sticks and other colourful, spinning and flashing fun gear will be available to buy on the night. The event has been sponsored by David Cliff estate agents, in Peach Street, Wokingham. Tickets can be bought from Lockey Farm stores, Arborfield Store, Swallowfield Parish Stores, The Crown Pub, Henry Street Garden Centre and Spencers Wood Stores and Post Office. They cost £18 for families, £3 for children and £7 for adults. If any tickets are left on the night, they will be £20 for families, £4 for children and £8 for adults. Gates open at 6pm, with the firework display at 7.30pm.  For more details, log on to www.sparksinthepark.net

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

THE

WOKINGHAM PAPER

COMMENDATION

Hero who saved girl’s life after freak accident scoops police award Jack Salzman, 28, was handed his award by the Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Francis Habgood at a ceremony for those who have gone over and above to help the community.

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Winnersh who saved a little girl’s life when she hit her head in a freak accident earlier this year has been commended for his actions. Jack Salzman, 28, who lived in Reading Road at the time of the incident on March 12, was on his way to work when he discovered the little girl in Robin Hood Lane. Mr Salzman said: “I wasn’t long into my journey, probably about two minutes, and although I didn’t see the accident happen, I was the first car to come along afterwards. “I saw a couple of people stood by the side of the road and I pulled over to see if I could help. “I checked her pulse and her breathing and there just wasn’t anything so I started CPR.” Incredibly, Mr Salzman had completed a refresher course in first aid at his workplace, Norden Farm Theatre in Maidenhead, just weeks before the accident. Mr Salzman, a theatre technician, said: “I gave her two

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Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

rounds of CPR and then she started breathing again. The paramedics soon turned up and I just stood aside and waited to give my statement to the police. “It was all such a blur that I didn’t even think to tell them what I had done, I was just more concerned in letting them know that it was a freak accident and the driver wasn’t to blame.” The little girl was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where a CT scan revealed she had suffered a fractured skull as well as shoulder and knee injuries. The police called Mr Salzman a few days later to give him an update on the little girl’s condition, and told him that he may be put forward for an award. He said: “Another witness had told the police that I administered first aid, and they told me they were going to put for me forward for a commendation, but I didn’t think anything of it until the letter arrived in September. “It was weird because I didn’t really feel like I had earned it, I just

happened to be in the right place at the right time and did what I would hope any other person would do.” Mr Salzman received his award alongside police officers, PCSOs and other members of the public being honoured by Thames Valley Police chief constable Francis Habgood during a ceremony at the police training centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading, last Thursday. Chief Constable Habgood said: “To hear the stories behind these commendations makes me feel very proud and privileged. “Not only do they recognise the courage, professionalism and skills of our police officers and staff involved, but also members of the public who have displayed exceptional courage when faced with some very difficult situations. “They all deserve to feel very proud for making a difference by going above and beyond their call of duty, or reflecting the best of human nature.”

HURST

Enjoy a night of laughter for charity

COMEDY is coming to Hurst next month. The village hall will be the venue for the rib-tickling night of humour which will take place on Saturday, November 7. Five comedians will be cracking the gags and there will also be a bar and a rafﬂe. All money raised from the event will go to Beating Bowel Cancer. Tickets cost £12 or £10 if a group of 10 or more, in advance or £15 on the door. For more details, call the organisers on 07809 148922.

FINCHAMPSTEAD

Festive theme to ﬂower club evening

EVERYONE is welcome to come along the Finchampstead Flower Club’s open evening on Friday, November 6. Visitors can enjoy a talk by Pamela Lewis entitled ‘Wishing you a Happy Christmas’ during the evening which starts at 7.30pm at Finchampstead Memorial Hall. Tickets for the event are available from club members.

POLICE

Driver airlifted after smash POLICE closed a stretch of the B3348 on Saturday after a two-car collision. The accident happened on the Bracknell Road near Crowthorne, just before 9am. The two vehicles, a blue Honda Jazz and a white Ford Focus, are believed to have been travelling in opposite directions. A man in his forties, the driver of the Ford Focus, was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, while a woman in her ﬁfties, was driving the Honda Jazz. She was taken by ambulance

to Frimley Park Hospital. Both have serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. The road was closed while emergency services attended and Roads Policing ofﬁcers investigated the circumstances but has since reopened. Investigating ofﬁcer PC Tom Roberts, from the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing based in Taplow, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision or who saw the vehicles travelling prior to the collision.”

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CRIME

Spate of burglaries are probed by police

GARAGES, vans and houses have been targeted in a spate of burglaries across Wokingham in the last week. Overnight last Thursday into Friday someone broke into a house in Pine Croft Road by smashing a the glass panel on a back door. The house was searched but it is not clear what was stolen. Elsewhere on the same night, a van parked outside a house in Mylne Street was broken into. Over the weekend, someone broke into and stole items from a garage in Peach Street after a community gate was left open. On Monday night, two men attempted to break into a garage in Chestnut Avenue, but a security light disturbed them and they made off in a white car. If you have any information relating to any of these incidents you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101. If you don’t want to speak directly to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

COLLECTION

FUNDRAISING

Can you give your time to help Poppy Appeal?

Chest hair today, gone tomorrow for charity

AS Remembrance Sunday approaches, a request for help has gone out from the Poppy Appeal. Local supermarkets have once again agreed to allow collections outside their stores but the charity urgently needs volunteers to come forward. A spokesperson said: “It’s that time of year again when the collections commence for the Wokingham Poppy Appeal. “A number of local supermarkets have kindly agreed that we may collect outside their stores over the coming weeks. The trouble is, we have a lot of gaps in our rota. If anyone would like to volunteer some of their time for this collection, it would be most greatly appreciated.” After the appeal collectors will receive confirmation of how much they helped to raise, and the Wokingham total. The Poppy Appeal is run by the Royal British Legion and has been held every year since 1921. It aims to help support those who had suffered in war, remind the nation of the human cost of war and to work actively for peace. The appeal culminates in Remembrance Sunday, which this year will be on November 8. As part of the borough’s commemorations, a civic parade and church service will be held in Wokingham from 2.30pm on that day. n To offer your help for this year’s Poppy Appeal, contact the Wokingham co-ordinator Dave Dunham on 07722 238214.

POLICE

Body of man, 41, found near Swallowfield by-pass

THE body of a 41-year-old man has been found near Grazeley. Police, ambulance and crews from Caversham Road Fire Station were called to a country road near the A33 Swallowfield bypass at around midday on Wednesday. Police spokesperson Gareth Ford-Lloyd said the death was being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious. The man’s next of kin have been informed.

THERE will be a few chilly men in Wokingham this week - after they had their chests waxed for charity last Friday. Live music, massages, makeovers and brightly-coloured cupcakes filled Brown Bear Bakery at Holme Grange Craft Village as the company held a Think Pink fundraiser in aid of Breast Cancer Care, Against Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Now. Musicians Mili and Mertie entertained the guests, local company Gilded Hair dyed visitors’ hair pink and Kokopelli Yoga and Massage provided acupressure.

Seeing red: Magnus Rolfe, Dave Beacham and Tim Brown after their chest waxing ordeal.

Three brave candidates, Tim Brown, Magnus Rolfe and Dave Beacham, volunteered to go under the hot wax and lose their chest hair for charity, adding to the fundraising total of £1,200. Organiser Michelle Lewis said: “Thanks to everyone that came and supported us, all those that donated raffle prizes and all the other businesses in the village that helped to make it a great event. “So far we have raised nearly £1,200. We’ve still got donation tins, and badges in the shops, so hopefully we’ll raise a bit more over the coming weeks.”

POLITICS

Legal challenge halts council meeting EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A COUNCIL meeting was brought to a grinding halt after detective work by Wokingham Paper columnist Tony Johnson. On Monday evening, Wokingham Borough Council’s Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee was due to hold discussions relating to the financing of the regeneration project behind closed doors. However, the meeting had to be abandoned after concerns that some of the items to be discussed fell foul of the borough’s constitution. Council projects being built on council

land should be discussed openly, as per the Local Government Act of 1972 and the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992. However, parts of Monday’s meeting was planned to be closed to the public. Mr Johnson attempted to alert the Council to this ahead of the meeting but tabled his question too late to be considered. It was then asked on his behalf by committee member and Liberal Democrat councillor Rachelle ShepherdDuBey. He said: “How can a member of the public – a numpty like me – have a look at things, and realise that there’s no basis for exclusion? “All I did was provide the trigger (or

information) for the elected members to use to mount the legal challenge which brought the meeting to a halt.” Councillor Prue Bray, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the committee did the right thing in pausing the meeting ahead of clarifying the law and that the council was not trying to cover anything up. Speaking exclusively to The Wokingham Paper she said: “We are grateful to Tony. “Some of the things you have to disclose are connected to when the council is developing on its own land. “There are number of things to do with the regeneration where we think that some information should have been made public but hasn’t been

however we have been unable to persuade them.” She added the committee had made a “genuine error” over the decision to restrict public access to the regeneration documents. “I don’t believe they have deliberately set out to keep things confidential I think they just didn’t realise,” Mrs Bray said. “I can’t tell you the things I think should be disclosed. “I think it is important that they are disclosed and I have been arguing for some of it already but have been turned down.” Cllr Keith Baker, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, told The Wokingham Paper: “We are looking into the matter further and will update you in due course.”

FAMILIES

HEALTH

Toy library’s offer adds more fun to half term

Enjoy a free fitness day as revamped gym opens

BABIES, toddlers and young children can enjoy a real ‘treat’ this October as the Lend and Play Toy Library runs a 3 for 2 promotion. Until Saturday, October 31 parents will be able to hire out three toys and only pay for two, getting the cheapest toy free, meaning children will be kept thoroughly entertained over the half-term break. Debbie Reeves, Toy Library Co-ordinator at the Lend and Play Toy Library, said: “We have a great selection of toys and games available to suit

all ages from babies up to children aged 7 years. “Parents can choose from diddicars, scooters, balance bikes and a pogo stick to enjoy the good weather or constructions kits, train sets, dressing up clothes, puzzles and story-sacks for indoor play if the weather turns. “We look forward to helping you choose and welcome visits from any potential new members too.” It costs £10 to join for a year and toys are loaned out from 50p upwards for three weeks.

A FITNESS centre in Wokingham which has undergone a major refurbishment will be opening its doors for a special launch day this weekend. Carnival Pool and Fitness Centre, in Wellington Road, will mark the completion of its new facilities with a day of free activities for the local community on Saturday. Members and non-members will get a chance to try out the dedicated new studio, which will offer a programme of 26 classes each week, as well as

the remodeled reception, cafe and pool viewing area. Taster classes of Zumba, Body Attack, Boxercise and Sh’bam will be running from 10am, as well as Watt Bike challenges, TRX and Kettle Bell tasters in the gym. In addition the centre will also be offering free family swimming in the afternoon. Booking for taster classes is not essential but is recommended. n Call the centre on 0118 977 0007 for more information.

TRANSPORT

News signs for A329M The NHS Wokingham CCG invites you to its Governing Body meeting in public from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Tuesday, 3rd November at The Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG5 4JZ. Agenda and papers will be available from Wednesday 28th October at www.wokinghamccg.nhs.uk If you would like to attend, or have a question relating to the agenda, please email ppiteam.berkshirewest@nhs.net or call 0118 982 2709 before 12 noon on Monday 2nd November.

PERMANENT signs on the A329M, warning motorists of the changes in the road layout, are due to be installed this week. Following complaints from angry drivers as well as Wokingham Borough Council, Highways England confirmed that the new signs, at the junctions with the M4, will be installed. The layout changes, which resulted in the left lane feeding off to the M4 and only the right lane continuing along with A329M, caused mass confusion among motorists. A Highways England spokesperson said: “Further permanent signs will start to be installed this week.”

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6 | NEWS STARLIGHT HIKE

See Dinton Pastures by starlight in aid of charity

A NIGHT-TIME walk will help a local charity’s work. Sue Ryder, which operates palliative care at its Nettlebed Hospice, Charles Clare Unit in Newbury and at Wokingham Day Hospice, is holding a Starlight Hike on Saturday, November 21. The aim of the event is to remember loved ones and raise funds for the charity. Due to take place at Dinton Pastures, there are two trails, one that starts at 5pm and another that starts at 7pm. The twilight trail at 5pm is a 1.8mile route suitable for families. Participants can register at 4pm and should bring a torch. Every child taking part will receive a goody bag and a medal and can have their face painted. The Starlight Hike is a 10k walk that includes a zumba warm-up, a glo station and four themed musical stations including an 80s stop and a country and western area. Participants pay a registration fee and aim to receive sponsorship for their efforts. For more details or to register, visit www. sueryder.org or call Clare Sturgess on 0118 939 4889.

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From the courts

n A MAN accused of breaking into a house in Wokingham earlier this month will appear in court in November. Dean James Bennett, 26, of Wensley Road, Reading, is charged with burglary and theft after allegedly breaking into a house in Twycross Road on October 3. Mr Bennett is alleged to have stolen an HP notebook, HP laptop, mobile phone case, credit cards, set of keys, a digital camera, two DVD players and a Volkswagen Passat. He is also charged with driving a motor vehicle on the A3290 in Winnersh without a licence. He will appear at Reading Crown Court on November 2. n A MAN from Shinfield has been fined nearly £500 for stealing wine and laundry products from a supermarket. Matthew Kenneth Monger, 34, of Drewett Close, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 7 to two counts of theft from a Co-op supermarket in Shinfield relating to incidents that took place on April 23 and April 28 this year. Mr Monger was fined a total of £150

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

for both charges, and ordered to pay costs of £338.92. n A WOMAN from Shinfield has pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman. Lisa Jane Rutter, 43, of Chestnut Crescent, appeared at Reading

Magistrates’ Court on October 7 charged with assault by beating. Miss Rutter was ordered to pay compensation of £25, a victim surcharge of £15, costs totalling £235 and issued a conditional discharge for 18 months in relation to the incident on

July 2 this year. n A MAN from Earley is due to appear in court charged with three counts of theft. Stephen Painter, 38, of Stanton Close, appeared at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Slough on October 7 charged with stealing items from three shops in Reading. Mr Painter has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and will appear at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court, in Maidenhead, on November 19. n A MAN has pleaded guilty to harassing and assaulting a woman in Wokingham earlier this year. Sam-Michael Savery, 24, of Walters Ash, High Wycombe, appeared at Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Newbury on October 8 charged with one count of harassment without violence, three counts of assault by beating and one count of criminal damage. Mr Savery pleaded guilty to all charges and was fined a total of £205 in compensation and costs, and issued a conditional discharge for 18 months.

COMMUNITY

Spread some festive cheer to village’s elderly folk

ONE of the most highly-anticipated events of Twyford’s calendar will be held in November. The village’s annual ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ tea party will be taking place on Saturday, November 21, at Colleton School, Colleton Drive. Now in its fourth year, the tea party is the brainchild of five local organisations, Twyford Village Partnership, Age Concern Twyford and District, Home Instead Senior Care, Hare Hatch Sheeplands and the David Brownlow Charitable Foundation, to provide a free event for 140 of the village’s older residents. Paul Westgarth, from Home Instead Senior Care, said: “This annual tea party is a wonderful example of the people of Twyford pulling together to stage an event that is eagerly anticipated and then thoroughly enjoyed by those who are there.” Attendance to the tea party is by invitation only, and guests must confirm their attendance by today (Friday).

CROWTHORNE

Treat yourself to an Elgar and Brahms concert

MUSIC by Elgar and Brahms will be performed by Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra at its autumn concert. The group will be conducted by Robert Roscoe and led by Joanna Lavendar at the evening of music, which will take place on Saturday, November 21. A solo will be given by Tom Hicks. He will perform Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, while the other music includes Elgar’s Overture In The South and Grieg’s lyric suite. Tickets cost £10 in advance, £12 on the door and under 16s get in free. They can be bought from Traveltime Travel Agents in Crowthorne’s High Street and from Bookends in Peach Street, Wokingham. For more details, call 0118 972 2164 or log on to www.crowthorneorchestra.com

FINCHAMPSTEAD

Visitors expected to flock to gardeners club talk

GUESTS of the next California Gardeners Club meeting will have a tweeting good time thanks to a guest speaker. Brian Clews will be visiting the club, at the California Ratepayers’ Hall, in Finchampstead Road, on November 2 to speak about the Birds of Jubilee River. The meeting starts at 8pm and is free to members, visitors are welcome for £2.

OMBUDSMAN

Health provider is rapped over handling of pensioner’s care funding By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A HEALTH ombudsman has partially upheld a complaint against a Wokingham health provider. In its ruling, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report said that the CCG’s predecessor – Wokingham’s Primary Care Trust (PCT) – made an unreasonable decision to close a request for a review of historic continuing care funding, despite there being a grieving family involved in the case. It was just one of 1,075 cases investigated by the ombudsman between February and March this year. Other cases included delays in diagnosis which meant that one woman was left with unrelenting

facial pain for more than a decade, poor end of life care and poor treatment of sepsis, commonly referred to as blood poisoning. The findings were released yesterday (Thursday). The report reveals that in the summer of 2012, Mrs B, via her solicitors, asked her Primary Care trust to review her mother’s eligibility for funding after she was admitted to a care home from spring 2010. The PCT assessed that Mrs C did not meet the criteria for a continuing care assessment from winter 2012 onwards, something that Mrs B’s solicitors disagreed with. In early 2013 the PCT asked for more information to support the claim, but prior to the cut-off date the PCT wrote

to tell Mrs B’s solicitors that the case had been closed. This letter crossed with a letter from the solicitors asking for leniency as Mrs C had recently died and they were awaiting instructions from the executors of her will. The ombudsman reported that the PCT did not respond to the solicitors’ letter. The solicitors provided the necessary information in winter 2013 and the clinical commissioning group (CCG, which had by then taken over from the PCT) declined to reconsider the case. The solicitors complained about the PCT’s decision to close the case, but the CCG deemed it had been appropriate. It was then that Mrs B asked the Ombudsman to step in and they decided to partly uphold her complaint.

In its summary, they said: “The CCG acted reasonably on the request for a current review because the PCT had made a decision and the solicitors had not given it any information to support their dissatisfaction with the decision. “As for the retrospective review, it was inappropriate for the PCT to close the claim before the agreed deadline. “The PCT should have acknowledged the solicitors’ letter informing it of Mrs C’s death and considered whether to allow any more time.” A spokesperson for Wokingham CCG said: “The case referred to is a historic case that predates the existence of the CCG and was a matter dealt with by the former PCT.”

CHILDREN

COMMUNITY

Play just got even better at Joel Park

How do you like them apples? Quite a lot!

CHILDREN in Wokingham have been having a great time playing on new equipment installed at Joel Park. The equipment, which includes balance beams, wobbly bridges and climbing frames, was officially opened by Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Philip Mirfin on October 13. Cllr Mirfin said: “I am delighted to open Wokingham Town Council’s newest play area, especially as local parents were very involved in selecting it. “I am sure it will prove very popular over the coming months and years. We must also acknowledge the funding received from the borough council via contributions from developers, which has paid for the equipment and its installation.” Cllr UllaKarin Clark, Emmbrook North ward councillor, added: “I was very pleased to receive comments and ideas from our residents and to take these forward with fellow councillors providing a new dimension to our popular play park. “Having trialled it personally I can genuinely say that it will provide great fun for the children and challenge their ability to balance and coordinate which can only be a good thing!”

The first youngsters to use the new play equipment in Joel Park gave it the thumbs up. Picture: Paul King

WOKINGHAM people were able to press their own apples during a community event on Sunday. Organised by Transition Wokingham, People were invited to bring apples and containers to the pressing day at Cockpit Path Community Garden where they could then learn how to use the apple press and take home freshly pressed apple juice. A Transition Wokingham spokesperson said: “Every year we see apples left to waste and rot, either on trees in gardens, or on orphan trees by the roadside. It bothers us. “So we started talking about how to make it easier for people to harvest and enjoy them. Then we applied

for community funding, and when we were lucky enough to be awarded, bought a press, a crusher and a pasteurizer. “The press is available for personal use for anyone who lives in Wokingham Borough. “If you have a tree but do not have time to pick your apples, we can help. Or if you don’t have any apples of your own, we’ll try to match you with a fruit-tree owner who is happy to share some of the juice in exchange for picking.” Transition Wokingham has several groups including a garden share scheme and a bee group. n More information: www. transitionnetwork.org/ initiatives/wokingham

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 7

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS A+ RATED WINDOW AS STANDARD

Above: Visitors getting ready to bid for items of interest. Below, right: Auctioneer Sue Butler gets the crowd going during one of the lots. Picture: Paul King

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FUNDRAISING

A ‘lot’ of fun had at charity auction BEFORE

A VICTORIAN wash-stand and a state of the art buggy were just two of the 200 items that went under the hammer at a charity auction in Spencers Wood last weekend. Excited bidders hoping to bag a bargain crammed into St Michaels and All Angels Church, in Basingstoke Road, on Saturday night for the third annual church auction. Around £770 was taken on the night, of which £340 will go towards the upkeep of the church. Sue Butler, church volunteer and auction organiser, said: “The auction went really well, everyone had a great time. “It was a very relaxed and friendly auction, there was lots of banter and everyone got into the spirit of the evening. “There were some very interesting items for sale, including a Victorian wash-stand, which I think went for around £40, and a buggy which is usually £400 which sold for £80. “25 per cent of the takings will go back to the church which we are really pleased with.”

AFTER

CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

FASCIAS SOFFITS & GUTTERING

DOORS

FRONT, BACK, FRENCH PATIO & BI-FOLD

AWARD

MP’s rallying call to back ‘best’ Twyford bid THE Home Secretary has thrown her support behind a campaign to get Twyford named as the country’s best village high street. Theresa May (pictured), the MP for Maidenhead, has called on local residents to vote for the village in the Great British High Street awards, which Twyford has been named as a finalist for. The village is competing against Brigg, in Lincolnshire, and West Kilbride, in North Ayrshire, for the crown of best village high street, after being nominated by the Twyford Village Partnership earlier in the year.

Mrs May said: “It’s fantastic that Twyford has been named as one of the finalists in the Great British High Street awards, meaning that it has already been judged as one of the best high streets in the country. “This is a great achievement and is a tribute to our local shops, businesses, community groups and others who work hard to support the high street. Now I hope that local residents will vote online as it would be great to see Twyford named as the overall winner.”  To vote visit www.thegreatbritish highstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

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HONOUR

BEAUTY

Law firm ranked in Legal 500

Nail bar will be Peachy THE regeneration of Peach Street is continuing with the announcement that a new salon will soon be opening. Hoardings have appeared this week around the old Sapori building, on the corner with Cross Street, advertising the new Heidi Avery salon. Speaking to The Wokingham Paper owner Heidi said that there is no specific date for the opening yet, but it is ‘very soon’. She said: “We don’t have a specific date yet, but we are excited to get the signs up and we will be holding a number of events to mark our launch very soon so watch this space!”

Dave Pickup and Madeleine Young outside KJ Smith Solictors office in Woodley

RETAIL

A WOODLEY solicitors which specialises in family law, has once again been ranked at a Leading Firm in this year’s Legal 500. Senior chartered Legal Executive Madeleine Young, who heads up the Woodley office of KJ Smith Solicitors. She has also been singled out as a Leading Individual for her “great wealth of knowledge about divorce law, excellent client management, and spot-on legal advice”. The firm is headed by founding partner Kerry Smith who attracted praise for her “relentless pursuit of her clients interests”. The Legal 500 is now in its 28th year

and is regarded as the UK’s leading guide to the UK’s best law firms. All firms and individuals are chosen purely on merit based on detailed research conducted by their team. Speaking about the accolade, Dave Pickup, head of marketing and HR, said: “We are delighted to be seen as a Leading Firm for the second year and it is great to see Madeleine being highlighted as a Leading UK Lawyer.” The firm is in its sixth year and it now has six offices in and around the Thames Valley. It plans to open a new office every year to extend the reach of its services to more and more clients.

Not gonna live forever – shop prepares for last dance EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A SHOP that has served generations is preparing to close – but the date for the falling of the final curtain has yet to be announced thanks to an encore from its customers. Fame, the ballet and dancewear specialist in Denmark Street, has been serving the borough for more than 30 years, but launched a closing down sale at the beginning of October. Proprietor Eileen Dowling has said that growth of online shopping means the business is no longer viable as a High Street shop,

although she is hoping to continue from her home in Sandhurst. Speaking exclusively to The Wokingham Paper she revealed her sadness at the decision and also the assurance she’s received from customers since revealing the plans to close the store. “It’s been an overwhelming reaction. People have rallied round and it’s been lovely – people don’t want us to go,” said Ms Dowling. “I’m not having second thoughts but it is quite emotional. I’m going to partly retire and I’m hoping to carry on from a base at home. We’ll keep it going in a small way. I’m past retirement age so I want to take it easier.” While the internet is the main reason

for the store’s closure, a sign in the shop written by Ms Dowling reveals that “in the last few years things have been difficult… making it no longer viable as a High Street shop, with the rent, rates and other business expenses”. Since opening in 1983, the shop has welcomed thousands of people for dance and ballet gear including shoes. Ms Dowling said that the response over the past few weeks has shown the support Fame has had. “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Some people have come back for the second generations. “I’d like to get the message out that I’d like to thank people for their support.” Although there is no final day announced – “I haven’t fixed the actual date,” said Ms Dowling – the sign in the store says that the store will close in November.

REAL ESTATE The Streets of Wokingham (IN Need) Have you seen the Homeless and Needy Within the streets of Wokingham “Kicking up the papers with their worn out shoes” Why is this happening to many people in our own town We need to help and provide care, shelter and a new life Join Wokingham IN Need and make a difference How can you help us to help those in need And provide the love and help they require “Let us take you by the hand And lead you through the streets of Wokingham” Wokingham IN Need will show you how to make a difference. Contact Us Now: wokinghaminneed@gmail.com

Agency does the double … again A LOCAL estate agency chain is celebrating after winning two top awards … for the second year in a row. Prospect, which has branches in Wokingham and Winnersh, scooped Best Estate Agency and Best Lettings Agency in Berkshire at the International Property Awards. The awards are said to be the most prestigious in the country and recognised by property enthusiasts across the globe. Prospect submitted a winning presentation which it said demonstrated

the level of customer service and marketing it provides, as well as its support for local community projects. The presentation was deemed to be the best in Berkshire by the judging panel that was chaired by Lord Best. The panel included: Judith Baker, Travel Writer and Editor; Peter Bolton King, Global Property Standards Director at RICS and Doreen Boulding, Founder of DMB. Winning these awards has resulted in Prospect’s nomination for Best Lettings

Agency in the UK – one of just two agencies in contention for this award, which will be announced in a ceremony later this year in Dubai Managing Director of Prospect, James May, said he was delighted that his company has been recognised as the Best Estate and Lettings Agency in the county for the second

year in a row. He said: “We were so proud and delighted to have won last year, but to win again has surpassed all expectations. In the previous 12 months, the Prospect team has continued to work tirelessly to further enhance our customer’s experience, going above and beyond expectations.”

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

REPORT

‘17,000 homes are needed by 2036’ By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk MORE than 17,000 homes need to be built in Wokingham borough over the next 20 years if the region is to secure its ongoing success, according a major new development document. The figures, released earlier this week are the second highest in the region, with only Slough Borough Council expected to build more homes in the same period. South Buckinghamshire has the fewest number of homes – 7,520 - less than half Wokingham’s target. Both of Wokingham’s neighbouring boroughs will also have smaller targets Bracknell Forest will need to build 12,700 homes and Reading will need to find space for 13,980. The figures come from the Berkshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA). It has identified a need for 2,855 homes per year up to the year 2036 across the Western Berkshire Housing Market Area (Wokingham, West Berkshire, Reading and Bracknell Forest), and 2,015 homes per year in the Eastern Housing Market Area (Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead and also the neighbouring South Bucks). The study suggests that Wokingham will need to build 856 homes a year to meet these targets – and the 13,000 homes currently being built are included in this figure.

Building more homes is on the agenda for a new Local Plan. Picture: vailiki/freeimage.com

Now, the councils will work together to identify whether the homes should be built in a different way. A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council’s Land Use and Transport Team told The Wokingham Paper that the figures announced are not a target but a starting point for discussions among local authorities. They said: “The next stage of the work will be to seek to agree a distribution for housing need across the Housing Market Area.” This will then be used to create a new Local Plan which is expected to be published in 2018. The SHMA assessment included the need for affordable housing, and how

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much specialist housing is needed for specific groups, such as older people and students. Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways, said: “It is vital that people realise that more homes are coming to the borough – and that they will come regardless of whether we carry out a SHMA, Local Plan or anything else.” Andy Croy, from Wokingham Labour, gave a cautious welcome to the plans, warning that the council must ensure there is space in the borough for all, not just the wealthy. He told The Wokingham Paper: “The challenge for the council will be to stay ahead of growth in terms of the provision of school places, the road network and

other essential infrastructure. “There is a chronic shortage of social housing in Wokingham and any new house building must aim to get low income Wokingham families, including many workers in the public sector and young families, into affordable social housing.” The assessment has been produced with the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the six Berkshire local authorities. Its authors say it is a technical assessment of the number of homes the area will need to ensure it continues to be economically successful, while providing a decent home to those who need one.

IN NUMBERS Research by the Berkshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment has revealed that Wokingham Borough Council will need to build 856 homes a year over the next 20 years. Here’s what it thinks other councils should be building: n Bracknell Forest: 635 n Reading: 699 n Slough: 927 n South Bucks: 376 n West Berkshire: 665 n Windsor and Maidenhead: 712

GRASSROOTS

Now’s the time to try out rugby THE number of children playing rugby in the Wokingham area has soared thanks to the efforts of a grassroots initiative. Stagz, an initiative supported by leisure centre operator C-Salt, Thames Valley Police and Wokingham Borough Council, has been running for nearly two years and seen weekly participation figures increase to over 120 children per week, children who would not otherwise be involved in the sport. The project, which is operated by Reading Rugby Football Club in Sonning, is designed to introduce children aged eight to 14 to the sport of rugby, providing a mix of funded sessions in local schools and free ‘turn up and play’ sessions across the local area. Jessica Potter, lead coach and player, said: “This is a fantastic way to get young children interested in playing rugby, meeting new friends and ultimately having fun. “The children can attend Stagz sessions on a casual basis and we can also help them to join one of the local clubs in the area if they wish. “There are also other opportunities open to those who are interested in the sport such as coaching and refereeing – it’s about finding something that you enjoy doing and then exploring all the opportunities it can offer.” n If you are interested in running a Stagz session in your school, would like to find out where your nearest free session is or would like to support the initiative contact Jessica at communityrugby@ readingrfc.co.uk

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

MUSIC

EDUCATION

Orchestra set to raise the roof with concert ‘triple’

Pupil’s visit to council chamber is all in order!

THE ALDWORTH Philharmonic Orchestra is back in action this weekend. The amateur orchestra, which rehearses in Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, will be performing three pieces of music: Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Overture, Mahler’s Totenfeier and excerpts from Grieg’s Peer Gynt. Andy Le Breuilly, Chairman of the orchestra, said: “Our interpretation of Grieg’s Peer Gynt will be featuring the magical voice of soprano Tania Pratt and be narrated by two local school children, Tim and William.” The music will be performed at the University of Reading’s Great Hall in London Road, Reading on Saturday from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12, £10 for concessions and £5 for children, programmes are £1.50. The orchestra also runs a Concert Virgins scheme, offering a limited number of free tickets to people who have never been to a classical music concert before. For more details, or to reserve tickets, log on to www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk

A LOCAL election and a debate on the Scottish referendum were the topics of the day when an Earley primary school visited the council chambers last week. Year 4 pupils from Hillside Primary, in Rushey Way, visited the civic offices in Shute End on Friday where they met town mayor Parry Batth and learnt all about local democracy. The children even had the chance to take part in their own election, with council officers setting up polling stations for the two ‘constituencies’ and counting the votes. Electoral services officer Julie Kent, who helped organise the day, said: “The pupils visited the chambers as part of Local Democracy Week, a national event

Top: Wokingham Borough Council Mayor Councillor Parry Batth with children from Hillside Primary and right with Brandon and Joshua. Pictures: Paul King

TUDOR HOUSE

Take a peak inside one of town’s historic buildings

AN OPEN house event for a Wokingham landmark takes place tomorrow (Saturday). Tudor House, a Grade II listed building, has been extensively renovated by local man Tony Pudner and is currently on sale with Richard Worth estate agents. The buildings used to be the Rectory Road doctors’ surgery and dates back to the 16th century. On Saturday, you can go through the keyhole and explore the charming slice of Wokingham history for yourself. The open house event takes place from noon to 2.30pm. Viewings should be booked by calling Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796.

COURT

Hampshire man facing three burglary charges

A MAN from Hampshire is due to appear in court charged with three counts of burglary in Winnersh and Crowthorne. Mark Cresswell, 38, of Caswell Close, Farnborough, has been charged with burglary and theft, relating to three separate incidents in August this year when he is alleged to have broken into three properties and stolen jewellery, cash and electrical items. Cresswell has been remanded into custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on October 26.

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which takes place every year so the school asked if they could come and visit the chambers. “The school has its own parliament so they held elections for the class representatives. We set up polling stations and counted the votes, and the two winners had their photo taken with the mayor. “They also had a debate on whether Scotland should leave the UK. Some of the reasons they were giving were really funny, one child said it shouldn’t leave because otherwise we would have to get a plane to Scotland! “It was a great day, the children were so well-behaved and asked some really interesting questions. I think we were buzzing as much as the children!”

POLITICS

MPs raise residents’ aircraft noise anger during Westminster debate By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk ANGER towards flight paths over Wokingham Borough made it to parliament on Monday night as two of the area’s MPs took their case to a Westminster debate. MP for Wokingham John Redwood joined Bracknell MP Philip Lee, who represents areas such as Crowthorne, Wokingham Without and Finchampstead, in urging ministers to take action to reduce the blight of noise caused by aircraft using Heathrow Airport. Changes to the Compton route were introduced in a trial by the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) last year but had to be scrapped in November following mass protests by residents. However, the changes have resulted in aircraft still flying over the area, causing noise and disturbance for fed-up residents. Speaking on Monday night, Dr Lee said: “Last year NATS decided to consolidate flight paths to the north of my constituency, but failed to notify the communities affected, Heathrow airport or me. “It took a year’s worth of face complaints from local people for NATS finally to admit that it had made changes to the so-called

A plane following the Compton route over Wokingham on Tuesday. Picture: Paul King

Compton route. “Its consolidation of the Compton route is supposedly for safety reasons, although in my opinion NATS has failed to fully explain its decision. I would like to know what the reasons are, and if they are not credible, the Compton route should revert to its former setting. “Late last week Heathrow published its analysis of flight path data over my constituency. It asserts that things are broadly the same as before and that my constituents and I are misled. “However, by looking closely at the published data it is possible to deduce

that Sandhurst and Crowthorne in my constituency have a higher concentration of low-flying aircraft. “My constituents, such as Ms Claire Simpson who lives in Crowthorne and Ms Lisa Davison in Sandhurst, are apparently unable to hear themselves speak in their gardens, such is the deluge of low-flying aircraft. This is unacceptable around 15 miles from Heathrow, particularly for residents not previously affected. “I have long been a proponent of Heathrow expansion, primarily based on the economic benefits it would bring for my constituency of Bracknell and

the Thames Valley region, and on its wider implications for the UK’s long-term prosperity. “Heathrow expansion offers the best prospects for stimulating the local economy by supporting and creating jobs. An expanded Heathrow would also play an important role in the continued economic success of the Thames Valley, ensuring that it retained its position as a hub of innovation, productivity and prosperity. “I am determined, however, that current usage of Heathrow airport, and any future expansion, should not come at the expense of the health and wellbeing of local communities. In particular, when Heathrow is on easterly operations, some residents in the Thames Valley can be blighted by aircraft noise for up to 19 hours a day. That has happened a lot recently.” Mr Redwood said: “We now have a motorway in the sky with much lower planes flying far more persistently. All we ask is to go back to where we were before the trials.” Have you been affected by aircraft noise? Email your comments to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk n To read more on John Redwood’s opposition, turn to page 16.

POLITICS Singing is not only good for your health, but it can make you feel energised and happy. We are looking for men and women aged 18 & over to come and sing with the BBC Berkshire Choir, Thames Valley Community Choir & Wokingham Community Choir.

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Petition to fight tax credit cuts gathers support AS the House of Lords prepares for a crunch vote on planned cuts to tax credits, a local political party has said it has had an overwhelming response to a campaign aimed at cancelling out the cuts. Chancellor George Osbourne announced in his July budget that the threshold that tax credits will begin to be withdrawn from will fall from the current level of £6,420 a year to £3,850 a year. The plan is part of package of reforms that aims to save the

Government £15 billion a year – but there are concerns that families will be worse off despite plans to introduce a national living wage. Research released earlier this week by the Labour party reveals that 71 Conservative MPs live in areas where the number of people who will be hit by the Tax Credits cut is larger than their majority. That includes Reading West MP Alok Sharma. On Saturday, representatives from Wokingham Labour visited homes in Norreys ward to raise

awareness for its Stop The Tax Credit Cuts campaign. Organisers say Prime Minister David Cameron has broken his promise to stand-up for families and that changes to the tax credits system will cost them an average of £1,300 a year. Andy Croy, who stood for Labour in Wokingham at the General Election, told The Wokingham Paper: “We went door knocking for our Stop the Tax Credit Cuts campaign in Norreys on Saturday and had a very

good response. “About 80% of those asked signed the petition.” The local party is now planning to collect more signatures to add to the petition on Saturday. MPs voted on the Tax Credits plan on September 16 – all of Wokingham borough’s four MPs were in favour of the Government’s plans. The House of Lords is planning a so-called ‘fatal motion’ to prevent the policy from being made law, expected to take place next week.

BLINDS AND AWNINGS

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Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HOLE

Residents get that sinking feeling A HOLE has opened in a Wokingham town centre road days after sewage was spotted in the same location. The sewage find was first reported to Thames Water on Friday, October 2, and contractors Laines For Drains were at the scene in Elms Road, which runs between Elms Field, on the same day. The workers cleaned the area up and cleared a blockage which was causing the problem and mended the manhole cover. However, on Wednesday, October 7, the road surface collapsed leaving a hole in the road. A Thames Water spokesperson told The Wokingham Paper that staff had been back to the site to assess the situation by running a CCTV camera down the sewer to carry out a survey. At that time they could not immediately see a problem with the sewer line. In its report, Laines noted: “There is very heavy flow in the line. There is a blockage that was causing overflow.” The area has since been fenced off and is awaiting repair.

WOKINGHAM It takes allsorts to make CONCERT

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ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 Yorktown Road,Tel Sandhurst, GU47 9BH 8978 ForEmail more tony@independent-ifa.co.uk details about the event call 0118 Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk and was left devastated when ready, I90am 0118 402 07768 320430 just not looking “She was so glamourous andMobile Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS 939 4889. her best friend lost her brave forward to the idea of not Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Fleck Associates Ltd Tony Welsh of Susan sophisticated, I am sure she Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd battle to Hodgkin lymphoma in showering for eight days!” Email POLICE Authorised wouldtony@tonywelshifa.co.uk be looking at me now like Authorised and regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk May of this year. 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Tony Welsh Fleck Ltd Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd side and focus on one of the patients and invests in research “I just can’t wait to get toTel/Fax the 01344POLICE 466173 Mobile 07768and 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk officers PCSOs will be on hand Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 402 8978 07768 320430 most gruelling physical for various blood cancers top and take a picture at the Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS top answer your questions at6HS two events in Address 5 Theto Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 challenges she has ever faced – including Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk lymphoma and of Africa and show everyone Wokingham. climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in leukaemia, said the generosity what I have achieved. I am so The Have Your Say drop-in clinics will be Africa. of the people who have excited.” held at Riseley Village Hall Tea Rooms between Planning consultant Rachel, sponsored her will keep her Authorised and by the Financial Conduct Authority n ToAssociates sponsor Rachel onregulated her Susan Fleck Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services registration no. 447018 3pm and 4pm onAuthority, Saturday, and at Spring Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial registration no. 447018 who sets off to Tanzania today going. 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POLICE

Driver of stolen car is sought WITNESSES are being sought by police after a stolen car was crashed and abandoned in Shinfield on Tuesday night. Police and fire crews were called to the incident in Shinfield Road shortly after 11.40pm following reports a silver Vauxhall Corsa had careered out of control. Officers believe the driver and possibly one passenger fled on foot after the collision, which did not involve any other vehicles. Crews from Wokingham Road fire station made the vehicle safe. Police believe the car had been stolen from a nearby street and are asking anyone with any information to call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

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12 | NEWS

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CHURCHES

Spooked by Hallowe’en? Try one of these events

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

TRAFFIC

Roadworks bring town to a halt

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

£6 per family. Hallowe’en is a corruption of the term All Hallows Eve, or All Saints Eve as it’s sometimes known. To CHURCHES across the borough will be running special celebrate, Wokingham’s All Saints Church will hold a events as an alternative to Hallowe’en, including parties, festive weekend. festivals and concerts. On Saturday, October 31, it will hold a community St James Church in Finchampstead is inviting service activity starting at 1.45pm in the Cornerstone. children to come along to a night in the jungle as it From 4pm, it will screen the rugby world cup final. hosts a Wild Things party. Then, on Sunday, November 1, there will be a day of The evening of games, crafts and food for the whole events based on the theme of listening to the saints. family takes place on Saturday from 5.30pm. Entry It starts with a church service in the Cornerstone at is £5 per family and jungle themed fancy dress is 11am, followed by a bring and share lunch at 12.15pm. encouraged. Then, from 1.15pm to 2.45pm there will be a games Places should be booked in advance and can be afternoon, with music and prayer activities for all ages. reserved by emailing jameslawbuary@yahoo.com. St James Church in Woodley will be holding a hero St Nicolas Church in Earley will be holding a holiday club on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October party on Saturday, October 31 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. 30. Running between 2pm and 4pm, the Halo event Aimed at children, this will include fun, games and food. features drama, crafts, games and more. Adults are invited to the Trick and Treat quiz night There will also be a party on Saturday, October 31, at Christ Church in Woodley. running from 3pm to 5pm. Organisers say that the trick comes from the Entry is £2 per session or £5 for all three events and they take place at the Sutcliffe Avenue church. To book trickiness of the questions, while the treat is a finger buffet. email miriam@stnicolas.org.uk. Teams of up to six are welcomed, and help can be Brookside Church, also in Earley, will be holding a family fiesta called Bright Lights. This takes place on given to help find spaces. Entry is by minimum donation of £5 with proceeds Sunday, November 1, from 3pm to 5pm. The event includes sparkles, snacks, fun, going to Christians Against Poverty. The fun starts at 3749_No_trick_or_treat_A4_square_TVP_2012.qxl 1/10/12 15:33 Page 1 festive games and cosy crafts. Entry is £3 per child or 7pm and should be concluded by 10pm.

MOTORISTS in Wokingham have been left fuming after a raft of roadworks caused traffic tailbacks across the town this week. On Monday, commuters on the Barkham Road, in Barkham, were hit by two-way traffic lights as Thames Water contractors started work on a pipe under the road. Elsewhere, SGN contactors began a week of excavation work on Biggs Lane in Arborfield to locate and repair a gas leak. Mill Lane, in Sindlesham closed on Monday for nine days to allow Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to carry out bridge maintenance, while four-way traffic lights remain in place in Meldreth Way in Lower Earley. On Tuesday, WBC started work on Nine Mile

Ride, while temporary traffic lights in Thames Street, Sonning, meant long delays for commuters. On Wednesday traffic snarled up along the A321 Finchampstead Road as BT worked to restore services, while WBC contractors carried out work on Park Lane in Finchampstead. Angry drivers took to social media to complain about the traffic, with many commenting on The Wokingham Paper’s Facebook page. Mark Hampshire posted: “Disgraceful roadworks gridlock Wokingham, one week before half term.” Claire Mear wrote: “Thanks to Wokingham Councils [sic] planning department its [sic] set to get 10 times worse over the coming years!!”

If you don’t want to be disturbed by Halloween callers cut out this notice and display it in a prominent position by your front door, and use the reverse too if you’d like

Protect the elderly and vulnerable Protect unsupervised children Reduce trick or treat vandalism

A Thames Valley Police Community Safety Campaign to:

• • •

ROADWORKS

CHURCH

Peach Street and London Road to close

Pop-up cake sale to help trafficked children

ROAD resurfacing works will see two town centre roads closed next month. Peach Street will be the first to close when works take place overnight between 8pm and 6am from Wednesday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 10. During the works, a diversion will run between Binfield Road, Keephatch Road, Warren House Road, Forest Road, Twyford Road, Milton Road and Holt Lane. As soon as this work is finished, works starts on London Road between Binfield Road and Peach Street. This work will take place between Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 19, again between 8pm and 6am.

CRIME

N TRICK OR TREAT please enjoy your night without disturbing ours

Did you see burglars fleeing after raid?

TWO men were disturbed while burgling a house in Earley on Sunday night. Overnight someone broke into the property in London Road by forcing open a kitchen window. An office and bedrooms were searched, but the offenders fled before taking anything and two men were seen leaving through a front window. If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area at the time you should call 101. If you ever suspect a crime is in progress you should always call 999.

MEETING

A POP-UP cafe will help raise funds for a campaign that aims to stop child trafficking. Shinfield Baptist Church will hold the event tomorrow (Saturday). The homemade cakes will be served with coffee and sold in aid of Tearfund’s No Child Taken campaign. The aid agency wants to protect vulnerable children from trafficking, disease and disaster. The event runs from 10.30am to noon.

GARDENING

Let your imagination blossom at meeting

THE next meeting of the Finchampstead Flower Club will be held on Monday. Featuring a talk by demonstrator Jean Plaskett entitled ‘Floral Imagination’, the meeting will start at 7.45pm at the California Ratepayers’ Hall, in Finchampstead Road. Visitors and nonmembers are welcome. Cost £4.50.

MUSIC

Put on your dancing shoes for ‘Riders’ gig

ROCKERS The Nine Mile Riders will be returning to their stomping ground in Finchampstead this weekend. Billed as an ‘extravaganza’ of classic rock ‘n’ roll, vintage soul and rockabilly the gig at The Queen’s Oak in Church Lane is not to be missed. The music starts at 8.30pm on Saturday.

Guild’s talk will focus on RISELY the art of lace-making Motor on down to tea THE Wokingham branch of the Embroiderer’s Guild will be holding their room’s vintage event next meeting on Wednesday. Jo Mabbut will be giving a talk entitled Gilding the Lace during the meeting at the Rose Room, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. Visitors are welcome for an entry fee of £6. Doors open at 7.30pm. For more details call 0118 973 4067.

A TEA room will welcome vintage vehicles at the weekend. Risely Village Tea Room is hosting the gathering of Austin Enthuasists on Saturday from 2.30pm. Also at the gathering will be local PCSO for a Have Your Say session. For more details, call Pam Wright on 0118 988 7028.

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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14 | VIEWPOINTS

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

Third runway is the wrong answer OVER the next two decades, the borough will be transformed as more of everything comes our way. More homes, more cars and, if the Heathrow expansion comes, more planes over more hours. As commuters discovered on Monday, if one cog in the road network breaks down the whole system will not run like clockwork. Emergency roadworks lead to long jams. On Tuesday, Parliament debated the ongoing problem of noise generated by Heathrow. Dr Phillip Lee, MP for Bracknell (which includes parts of Wokingham borough), should be commended for bringing this debate to the House of Commons. He has suggested that Heathrow should ban flights between 9.30pm and 7.30am – a nonsense given that planes frequently cross the international dateline. It’s impossible to police. But how do you solve the problems of noise caused by what Wokingham MP John Redwood called “a motorway in the sky”? At the moment the answer our local MPs have is to expand Heathrow. This is baffling. An extra runway will mean additional planes and more noise. As with the borough’s increased housing, a plan to cope with additional traffic needs to be devised. The answer to the skies is fewer planes, not more. The answer to our roads is not more cars but more public transport. The Lion and the Leopard are great to get from Wokingham to other local towns, but until there is a system that enables us to get from close to our homes to our workplaces we will continue to endure long, frustrating journeys. Progress comes at a price, but by planning now, that cost can be reduced.

CHURCH NOTES

God will listen to you SOMETIMES you can read an article which makes you want to punch the air and shout “Yes!” in agreement. Sometimes, sadly, the opposite is true. A recent article in the Radio Times (Viewpoint, Fi Glover, RT 3 – 9 October) provoked the former reaction. It was titled ‘Open your ears’ and discussed the importance of proper listening. Fi began by pointing out that “our lives are lived among an onslaught of stuff thrown at us – visually and audibly” and went on to talk about the effects social media – Twitter, Facebook – have on our lives. One of which is that we have forgotten how to listen to each other. This is not entirely due to the electronic business of keeping track of the trivia of friends’ lives and sharing ones own; it goes back further than that. In fact I’m not sure that as whole, people have ever been very good at the art of listening. Think about various conversations: those in which you have had a story to tell, an event to recount, an experience to share. Or, more importantly, some problem for which you would like help, advice, or just a bit of sympathy. How many times have you found your listener seems to be waiting for you to finish only to tell of his or her similar experiences which were every bit as bad/ exciting/dramatic as yours? You can of course interpret this as a kind of sympathy and a bonding due to shared experiences, but somehow, lets admit it, you are left feeling a bit empty, more lonely than ever, or even misunderstood. Fi Glover ends her article with a bit of advice: “Try a bit of proper listening. Don’t formulate a reply when someone is speaking to you. Don’t have an agenda. Don’t think you know the answer to a question as soon as you are asked it.” Let’s try and be good listeners for each other for the world is full of lonely people. I would add a little more: Take your experiences and problems to God. Tell God in the same way you would tell a friend; you will find you are listened to in quietness, with love and in sympathy. You will also find, that if you listen for God’s silent voice, you will have an answer that speaks to your soul. Rosi MorganBarry, Wokingham Methodist Church

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Your views

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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Poor will be hit hardest by ‘attack’ on tax credits

Sandstone quarries can be fascinating

TORY plans to slash tax credits for those on low pay are a direct attack on everyday workers and will hit the pay-packets of hardworking families. Everyone sensible knows we need to balance the books but this should be not be done on the backs of the working poor - especially at a time George Osborne is handing tax breaks to millionaires. The IFS calculate that three million working families would be over a £1,000-a-year worse off from cuts to tax credits. Around 13 million families already stand to lose a further £260-a-year on average from the four-year freeze in other working-age beneﬁts announced in the budget, the think-tank said. We believe that people who go out come rain or shine to earn a living deserve a helping hand, but instead this Tory Government asks them to subsidise the very richest in our society. It is not fair and would not have happened if the Liberal Democrats were still in government. Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Wokingham

Sign up to be an organ donor – it saved my life I CANNOT say enough about how delighted I was to see the Mail on Saturday (October 17) including a donor card with each of their papers. To celebrate 21 years of the donor register and bring this to people’s attention is a tremendous thing to have done. I myself have had two transplants and would not be here today if this had not been the case. Due to polycystic kidney disease, I had both my kidneys removed and went on to dialysis which for me was not going very well and I became very ill. My brother then called me and volunteered to become a kidney donor for me. We had the transplant in February 2007 and Steve has been absolutely fine since. I was also well for a few years but we then found out that I also had a polycystic liver. I became very ill again and things got very desperate for me once again. On December 30, 2013, I received a liver from a most generous person who had made it known that they wanted someone else to have the life that they could not due to their terminal illness. Ever since then I have been fit, healthy and extremely happy as have my family and friends and I am making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. If it had not been for this very unselfish gesture it is extremely doubtful that I would still be here. The difference the gift of life makes goes beyond words and I hope that a lot of people who read that paper made the most of the opportunity to register

ON Saturday, October 17, Dr Sarah Doherty came to the monthly meeting of the Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley, and gave a fascinating talk on the recent discoveries at Gebel el-Silsila - the sandstone

quarries of the pharaohs. She described the delights of finding a new temple; and how she had to sort and date over 10,000 pottery pieces in just two weeks. Her slides took us into the quarries themselves, and showed us graffiti (official and unofficial)

their names. If anyone reading this paper did not happen to buy the Mail on Saturday, they can always become a donor by going to: www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-todonate Helen Wilson, Wokingham

Call for action after public is ‘locked out’ of Limmershill DEAR Wokingham Borough Council, The Wokingham Paper shows that Limmerhill site is locked out, the popular beauty spot closed to walkers. Mrs Valerie Adams by e-mail is up in arms about this but not one councillor says anything. The people and myself want to know what are you going to do about it. The longer it is closed the worse it will get with all sorts of goings-on. Also more dangerous. Victor Rones, Bracknell

written by the Ancient Egyptians. Her lively presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by the many members attending – and proved that even quarries can be fun. Francesca Jones, via email

Urgent call for crossing at Lidl after pedestrians left stranded LIDL on Molly Millars Lane is proving to be very popular, but surely we now need a pedestrian crossing from the Alexander Grange side of Molly Millars Lane to Lidl - especially with all the new houses being built on the old Guide Dog site? Obviously at one time it must have been considered as there is a dropped footpath on the Lidl side of the road. The other day I watched in horror as an elderly lady was ‘stuck’ in the middle of the road as the trafﬁc passed her on either side not stopping to let her across. The crossing would not only allow people to cross but may slow the trafﬁc down as it can be a very fast bit of road. Name and address supplied  Do you think a new crossing is needed? Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GOOD ADVICE

What do I do about leaving this abusive relationship? Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer I MET this guy a few months ago, and we get on really well. So well that when he suggested we move in together I thought it was a good idea. Now we are living together he has become really controlling and now wants all of our money to go into his account. I said I didn’t think I wanted to do that and he got into a rage. Is there any way I can ﬁnd out about his past to see if I might be at risk if I were to leave him? Yes there is. A scheme allowing police to inform individuals if their partner has a history of domestic violence has been introduced across England and Wales.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as ‘Clare’s law’, is named after Clare Wood who was killed by her partner in 2009. Under the scheme, anyone who is concerned that they or someone they know could be the victim of domestic violence can ask the police about a person’s previous history of domestic violence. The scheme also allows the police to warn an individual at risk of domestic violence. The police can disclose information where it is necessary to protect potential victims from domestic violence. If there is a risk the police can issue a Domestic Violence Protection Notice and then apply to the magistrates’ court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order to protect a victim from domestic violence. Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders immediately protect a victim of domestic violence

from further violence or abuse. The perpetrator can also be banned from returning to the home and having contact with the victim for up to 28 days. This gives the victim time to explore the options available to them. If a Domestic Violence Protection Order is breached, the perpetrator can be arrested and brought before the court. Anyone, male or female, that feels that they have been a victim of, or are at risk of domestic abuse of violence can get help immediately from the police. If they want more information on their options any local Citizens Advice can give help and advice.  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, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Last week saw the Vulacan bomber take part in a farewell tour ahead of being decommissioned. This sparked the memory of reader Bob Simpson, who took this close-up picture of the plane at last year’s Farnborough Air Show. He said: “This is my photo of a Vulcan bomber, which is quite topical with the ﬁnal public ﬂight having just taken place.” Thanks for sending it in Bob, we do enjoy seeing your pictures. 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.

BOROUGH Meeting coming to a crashing halt is not a pretty sight. Especially when it’s on a point of English Law which everyone had overlooked. Until now. To understand how and why this happened would exhaust your patience as a reader. So please accept my apology for omitting some juicy details and only sketching things in instead. It’s often hard to understand why a group of intelligent and sensible people do things. Especially things being done in the public interest. Since February, I’ve been puzzling over the future of developments in our borough. I’ve felt that I’m playing catch-up in a game whose players, process and rules I barely understand. One thing is clear. I’m not alone in feeling mystified. So it’s time to start asking some questions. On Monday this week, there were two borough meetings open to the public. A Budget Public Consultation and a Scrutiny Committee’s review of the regeneration of Wokingham’s town centre. Both interesting. Both at the same time, but on opposite sides of town. From the published outlines, I decided to go to the Scrutiny Meeting. Reading up on the rules of asking questions (yes, I should have known by now that WBC is nothing if not “Boroughcratic”), I discovered that members of the great unwashed public (i.e. me) are allowed to ask a question in advance, then to have a supplementary question on the same topic at the meeting. So in the best traditions of PM’s question time, my opening question was simple. Innocuous even. Only to establish the facts. However, as it was logged at 17:22 and the meeting started at 19:00, I wasn’t surprised to hear that it wasn’t in accordance with “Boroughcratic” procedure.

Setec astronomy

Tony Johnson

Nice one, Cyril

UMBER ONE son was home from the US where he has lived for six years last week. He found out to his cost that living across the pond and in New York where he was based for the first three years has a big downside, the American portions of food. Few Manhattan apartments in his rent bracket have full kitchens and every restaurant delivers so each night was a different cuisine until two stone heavier he went on a healthy diet plan and took up running. He’s lean and mean now but as he only gets a few weeks holiday a year, he usually indulges when on them. Back in Blighty it was Mum’s meals - spaghetti Bolognese, Sunday roast etc. And Gregg’s the bakers! A guilty secret he’s hidden from me all his life, a love of things wrapped in puff pastry. Walmart and the other big American stores may stock Ribena and HP Sauce but only Britain can do sausage rolls. Ain’t that something to be proud of?

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

You can’t beat a bit of puﬀ pastry!

Star Wars? Star bores more like …

Not a fan of the fans

I like Star Wars but save me from the fervent fans who are getting all of a dither about the new movie. I do believe they are worse than Dr Who fans and that’s saying something!

Blood and bodices

as the sneak peek of this Sunday’s episode shows Lord Grantham sitting up in bed in his pastel PJs bemoaning his mother. All is well with the world.

I have berated the actors on Downton Abbey for their hammy performances but bloody hell Hugh Manage rather than cut tax credits Bonneville should get an award for the scene across Wokingham Labour say 80 per cent of those the dinner table on Sunday. Not bodice-ripping in asked signed a petition to ask Cameron to halt case you missed it, more ulcer-ripping. his tax credit plans which will see them cut from It was like the channel suddenly switched to Alien or Game of Thrones. I am not worried though many families. Tax credits help many families but like many

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benefits for the less well-off they are not, in my opinion, managed well enough. I have a friend with a huge stash of savings and a paid-off mortgage who works minimal hours to be with her child and her income is topped up by tax credits. She’s the first to admit it is wrong. So again isn’t it better – like any family budget – to simply manage it better rather than slash?  This may not be a blog but I do have one I made earlier if you are interested – hilarymscott.wix.com/hilaryscott

FACEBOOK.COM/WOKYPAPER

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However, some of our elected members were also asking questions and enquired what mine was about. So I explained and one commented “Good one Tony, I don’t know how we missed this”. Earlier in the day, while reading the agenda for the Scrutiny meeting, I’d seen that the public were going to be excluded from the review of the Regeneration project’s finances. However, the 1972 Local Government Act is very clear – clause 9 of section 12A in case you’re interested. In a situation where the borough may grant itself planning permission to develop its own land, even the finance information (usually v. sensitive) isn’t allowed to become exempt information, and so a reason for excluding the public. Just to ram the point home, clause 10 makes it clear that there is no get-out from this condition. It’s not limited only to planning meetings either. This looked promising. Game on! The elected members duly mounted a legal challenge on the subject of not excluding the public. They pointed out that this matter, in addition to being on WBC’s website, is also part of WBC’s constitution, as well as being a matter of law. The chairman called for a time-out so that the legal status could be checked. This produced no clear answer, so discussion on the regeneration numbers was stopped. However, during the process, I was asked to share a copy of the statute which I’d printed earlier. In the heat of the moment I passed forward the wrong paper. Idiot! So it appears that this week’s humour isn’t just on me… it is me. And one didn’t get the regeneration numbers either. Bother! Then again, if it turns out that the Boroughcrats have been restricting access to information when they’ve no right do so, then some of their other activities, meetings, planning decisions even… ...might be questionable too. Oops. Tony Johnson is a semi-retired commercial negotiator with a modest understanding of complicated terms and conditions. He has temporarily postponed his studies of drawing and photography to read up on segments of English Law… and anagrams.

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John Redwood’s diary

OH, MR SMITH!

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

A wry look at life

OBfdsfdsS

It’s plainly wrong - MP ﬁghts town’s corner over increase in aircraft noise

OKINGHAM’S MP John Redwood regularly updates his blog with information about his work. Here we round-up some of his recent postings.

Meeting with Councillors from Burghﬁeld and Mortimer

On Saturday, October 17, I attended the West Berkshire Councillor policy and training day and spoke to them about what a Conservative Council can achieve, working with a Conservative government. I set out the aims of the affordable homes for sale policy and urged West Berkshire to be an early adopter. I explained the outlines of the Housing and Planning Bill and asked for their advice on how that Bill can be improved to achieve what we want. I reminded Councillors of the pinch points and other schemes to help pay for necessary road improvements. Busting traffic jams, improving flows and road safety are essential priorities for a government and a Council determined to promote prosperity and growth. I offered to take up issues for the Council with Ministers where there are problems. Immediate tasks are to work on a fair financial settlement, and to make sure Planning Inspectors reflect Ministerial and Council planning policies in their decisions.

Letter to the Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport on aircraft noise

I have sent this letter to the Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport in regard to the issue of aircraft noise. I am also making representations to NATs, Wokingham Borough Council and to the Aviation Minister: Dear Mr Holland-Kaye I am writing further to our recent meeting at which we discussed the impact of overhead noise from aircraft

travelling to and from Heathrow Airport. As you are aware, this issue is very contentious locally and has become more so in recent months. It appears that there is now a concentration of flights in narrow corridors instead of spreading them out, creating air motorways over my constituency which cause big disturbance and unhappiness. I enclose an example of correspondence I have received from local residents, which demonstrates the impact this is having. I would welcome your comments in response to this. I believe we need to return to the previous status quo whereby flights operated on a much wider corridor, which helped to mitigate much of the noise. I would be grateful if you could raise this matter with NATs and encourage them to do more to tackle this problem. It would also be helpful if planes entering and departing Heathrow adopted a steeper take-off and landing approach to enable them to fly higher.

VOLUNTEER CORNER  ABC To Read is a registered charity which recruit, train and support community volunteers to give help to primary school children who need a little extra 1-1 help with reading. Volunteers will visit a local primary school on a weekly basis and works with children individually seeing the same children on each visit, talking and reading and playing games with them. The volunteers are supported by a ﬁeld worker who is available to provide ideas and act as a link between the charity and the school.

Yours sincerely John Redwood

Church Lane in Shinfield and for Eastheath Gardens in Wokingham.

Flood prevention in Wokingham

I have received an update on progress with preventing floods in Wokingham Borough. This is now a duty of the local authority. The Council has helped with individual property protection in three vulnerable areas. It has worked with Lidl to produce a scheme of improvements on a section of the Emm brook, and will seek to do more of this through the design and works for the southern distributor road. Part of the flood alleviation on the A327 is being achieved through the new Shinfield bypass. There is also an additional scheme for the section to the east of the new by pass. The Council is working on a scheme for the Loddon roundabout on the A 329 but does not yet have the money for this. The Park and Ride has been relocated to a less exposed site. Schemes are also planned soon for

Funding for Wokingham and West Berkshire schools

I have received the briefing from Wokingham Borough Council that I requested on the case for more money for Wokingham schools, which has also gone to the Minister following my meeting with him. We now await the government’s decisions on overall public spending and the Education Department’s conclusions on the formula for distributing the money between LEAs.

Unemployment falls again in the Wokingham constituency

The latest figures show unemployment down by another 50 over the year to stand now at just 369 people. Unemployment is down 64% compared to 2010.

with Helena Badger  A scheme run from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre provides transport for the elderly or inﬁrm to hospital, the doctors, dentist and physiotherapy appointments. Drivers will be called on an ad hoc basis and they will be required to help the clients get to and from their desired destination and in most cases, help them to attend their appointment. Expenses are re-imbursed. Volunteers choose when they want to drive, so it can be a very ﬂexible role. It really does make a difference to the clients lives.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

 The Wokingham Community First Responders are a group of volunteers who are trained by and work with the South Central Ambulance Service. Its aim is to preserve life and promote recovery in an emergency situation, before the ambulance arrives. Community First Responders (CFRs) use lifesaving skills, such as the use of an automated external debriﬂlator (AED) to provide early and often vital intervention for patients suffering life threatening emergencies in the immediate vicinty of where they live or work.

Once an ambulance crew arrives at the scene, CFRs work alongside a clinically qualﬁed practitioner. They are looking to recruit more Community Responders – full training given, no experience necessary. 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

Lament for the plastic bag .

ERE I am on a windswept day watching presumably one of the last dramatic performances of swirling plastic bags dancing across the shopping precinct. OK, I’m sure few people are going to mourn the passing of this free and universally accessible shopping convenience, but it did seem to have a multitude of useful purposes. For example, temporarily wrapping up paint brushes and rollers to stop them drying out, as refuge bags for non-liquid waste or storage of knick knacks, and as a source of raw material for certain types of manufactures. But the sheer quantity of them was a plague on mankind. There have been billions produced, take centuries to decompose (although more modern ones are biodegradable) and once in the open reach every corner of every continent and ocean across the world. They have killed whales, birds, poisoned crustaceans and disintegrating particles of plastic enter the food chain to poison us. I have read that the meagre charge of 5p for shopping bags is causing bouts of petty vandalism and disgruntled behaviour in some parts of Britain but not in Wokingham I am sure.

British grime

I used to think that a disregard for litter was a particularly Anglo Saxon trait but once when driving south from Rome I was astonished to see the amount of litter collected beside motorways and roads around Naples with the Isle of Capri gleaming in a twinkling sea on the horizon. It is tempting to use this imagery to comment about personal wealth and relative concern for inhabiting a pleasant land. The French of course seem more civilised with tidy provincial towns and teams of volunteers undertaking night time cleaning duties on the streets of Paris. Now that the plastic bags are going it will be interesting to see if other street litter will follow. Common to every town, apart from Wokingham of course, is the sight of supermarket trollies and old bikes dumped in urban canals and rivers. And please, can someone deal with the plight of discarded food packaging from fast food outlets. If city and town councils find the tax from these outlets useful for filling their coffers can some of it be reassigned to fight this particular blight. Perhaps I should ask Professor Brian Cox. Bit of a random comment I know but I remember his compelling television series on the miracle of our precious planet and his call for us to take better care of it. In future programmes it would be good to see if his love of science can provide sufficient inspiration to achieve this. Somehow I doubt cold, rational reasoning will be sufficiently motivating to make enough of us care for each other’s enjoyment of our town and country habitations. If you’ve a solution we want to know. Email us at: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

WELLBEING | 17

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is far worse than a heavy cold, can really knock you off your feet, and you might need a stay in hospital. “With our mild winters in Methods recent years it’s easy to be Neurological physiotherapists use a number complacent about the vaccination, of methods to help an individual with a neurological but anyone can catch the virus.” condition to improve their quality of life and realise their As well as protecting against potential such as the stretching and flu, the NHS Stay Well This Winter strengthening of muscles, management of muscle campaign urges the public to: tone, balance re-education, gait re-education  Make sure you get your ﬂu jab if and postural exercise. eligible. The same neurological disorder can affect different  Keep yourself warm - heat your people in different ways, therefore neurological physiotherapy treatment plans and goals are speciﬁc to home to least 18 degrees C or (65F) your needs and current level of ability. if you can. Private neurological physiotherapy can be  If you start to feel unwell, even if carried out simultaneously with the physiotherapy it’s just a cough or a cold, then get you receive from the NHS, or private neurological help from your pharmacist quickly physiotherapy can be continued after you have been before it gets more serious. discharged from your NHS neurological physiotherapy  Make sure you get your services. prescription medicines It is important that physiotherapy is carried out until before pharmacies close on you reach your full functional potential. Christmas Eve. Berkshire Physiotherapy specialist service can be  Always take your prescribed provided in the clinic and in people’s homes. medicines as directed. You can refer yourself to the clinic to ask for advice and  Look out for other people who Established for over 25 to years, weappointment offer a personalised book an on 0118 966 8601. may need a bit of extra help over Carole Adkins Established for over 25 years, we offer a personalised service with excellent facilities and a dedicated team. winter. with24 excellent We will see service you within hours. facilities and a dedicated team.

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complications from flu. The groups being offered the adult flu vaccine are:  Pregnant women  Those aged 65 or over  Those aged under 65 with longterm conditions  Carers Dr Johan Zylstra, Clinical Chair for Wokingham CCG and a GP at Finchampstead Surgery, said: “People should not underestimate the effects of seasonal flu; it is not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater if you have certain medical conditions. “Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from catching flu and I would urge everyone who is offered the vaccine free on the NHS to get vaccinated.” Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, executive member for health and wellbeing at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The flu

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HE annual ﬁght against ﬂu is underway and people in Wokingham are being encouraged to get the vaccination against the virus. This is part of a major drive to help people stay well this winter by Wokingham Clinical Commisioning Group, Wokingham Borough Council and partners. They will be issuing tips and advice to ensure people, especially at risk groups, understand the complications of flu and the consequences of not getting their flu jab. Parents with children, aged two to six, are also urged to ensure their child is vaccinated. This year the programme is being extended to children in years 1 and 2. For the first time, all our youngest primary school children will be eligible to receive the free nasal spray vaccine. As in previous years, the adult flu vaccine will also be offered for free to those in groups at particular risk of infection and

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Key Leanne, 20, who was key in developing the passport and video guidance (seen here on YouTube: www.youtube. com/watch?v=pUe3-SCaxls ) said: “I feel very passionate about sharing my experiences as a service user to help make changes happen. As a tool, I hope the passport can go forward to make things a little easier for other people to help them to communicate their story in their way and prevent some of the difﬁculties we experienced.” The passport is a way for young people to own the information about their time in a service and their story; it gives them a level of control they value and means they can share it with other services if they wish. My hope is that this health passport becomes more frequently used by young people than our traditional passports. NHS England is working closely with key partners on a major service transformation programme to signiﬁcantly reshape the way services for young people with mental health needs are commissioned and delivered across all agencies. Wokingham Borough Council has a Five Year Local Transformation Plan that aims to improve access to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, promote positive mental health for young people in Wokingham and greater system coordination Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own

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HEN babies are born parents get given what’s known as a “red book” which contains a record of the child’s health – detailing all the key milestones such as immunizations, weight and development. When children start school this book is practically forgotten about. The NHS has now launched a ‘passport’ style brief of key facts that children and young people using mental health services can use to help them avoid repeating their history and preferences. The ‘passport’ idea, which includes clinical information as well as key personal preferences, has been developed by young people, parents and carers and can now be used across care settings either on paper or on mobile phones. It is kept by the young person, in their preferred format, like a letter or even on their phone and can then be shown to professionals at any new service. You should only have to tell your story once, to someone who is dedicated to helping you, and you shouldn’t have to repeat it to lots of different people and the tool has been developed in line with this. Around 850,000 or 9.6 per cent of children and young people aged between 5-16 years have a mental health disorder. In an average class of 30 schoolchildren, three will suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Press pack

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EVENDONS PRIMARY

Pupils find science museum trip easy to swallow! By ROSIE ROBINSON, YEAR 2

ON Monday, October 5, Year 1, 2 and 3 from Evendons Primary went to Winchester Science Museum. We go there on a coach. It took an hour and a quarter to get there.

When we got there we went to the ‘Colon Cafe’ where we had a walk in the small intestine. After that we went through the large intestine. We took a ticket and chose a food type to be as we travelled through the digestive system.

I chose to be a red apple and we scanned our ticket as we went in. It was interesting because we learnt about what happened to the food in our digestive system and what happens to it as it goes through our body. It was interesting and funny to feel the different types of stools that are made! The most interesting exhibit was the wind tunnel which pushed the parachutes high into the air. My favourite part was seeing the science show about digestion. I learnt that a grown-up’s intestine was seven metres long! It was amazing. I would recommend the walk in the intestine to anyone because it was fun to type in, create and scan the tickets. I would recommend the museum to Key Stage 1 and 2 children. I would love to go again and I hope we can go in Year 3.

Right: Children from Evendons Primary School about to go through the giant intestine. Left: Rosie choosing to be an apple to ‘pass through’ the model digestive system.

LIBRARY

For success, read Igniting Writing By ALEX BAKER

IGNITING Writing, Wokingham Library’s creative writing group for teenagers, has had a great deal of success during the term-time – we’ve been getting attendances in the double figures, have attracted several prestigious guest speakers to come in and talk to the teens and even been provided with a dedicated area in the library to hold our sessions. But as the group is term-time only, there was always the risk that over the summer months, when sessions weren’t on, we could lose some of the momentum the group has built up, which would have been a real shame. That’s why we set up the Igniting Writing Summer Contest! The idea was to give the teens the chance to put what they’d learned and experienced over the course of the weekly sessions into practice, whilst simultaneously giving them the chance to keep their writing skills sharp over the summer break. The teens seemed enthusiastic about the idea when it was presented to them and they even got to pick the theme for the contest. After some deliberation they settled on the choice of ‘Beginnings’, which is rather fitting, since it’s the first contest the group has ever run! With the theme chosen and the ground rules laid out (sticking to the ‘Beginnings’ theme, a word

limit of 2,000 words and a prize of chocolate and a Waterstones gift voucher being the most crucial ones!), all that remained was to wait for the submissions. It was impossible to predict beforehand how much interest the contest would generate, but the teens responded to the call magnificently and over the course of the summer we had four group members submit some really highquality stories. Congratulations to all the teens who entered – every single submission had plenty of positives Perhaps most striking was how different everyone’s stories were – the genres ranged from sci-fi to children’s, showcasing the impressive range of our group. It was extremely tough to pick a winner, but after a great deal of thought Rachel Newman’s short story about a teddy bear’s touching backstory was selected as the best of the best! We’re already beginning preparations for the summer 2016 contest, so hopefully it will prove just as successful. With a new theme, new members and new ideas, next summer’s Igniting Writing contest is sure to be just as big a hit! n Teen writing Group – Igniting Writing meets every Saturday, 10.30am to 12noon at Wokingham Library, during term-time. For more information call Wokingham Library on 0118 978 1368. n We’ll print some winning entries over the coming weeks.

BEARWOOD PRIMARY

The word is ‘goodbye’ as popular librarian retires

Fond farewell: Pupils and teachers gathered to say goodbye to Rosie Wigley. Pictures: Paul King

THERE were tears of joy and happiness at a primary school in Sindlesham yesterday as a popular librarian filed her last book before retirement. Rosie Wigley has been the school librarian at Bearwood Primary School, in Bearwood Road, for the last 27 years and has been such an integral part of the school that she even had the library named after her. She was presented with flowers and

gifts by the pupils and staff at an emotional farewell assembly on Thursday afternoon. Mrs Wigley, who has seen generations of children pass through the school, now plans to spend more time with her family. Headteacher Jane Barlow said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Wigley for everything she has done during her time here and wish her the best of luck for her future adventures.

“The Wigley Library is a beautiful and calming area where all of the children are able to enjoy and share in Mrs Wigley’s passion for reading. This area will continue to enhance all of our children during their time at our school. “I have always considered the library to be the heart of the school with Mrs Wigley at the helm. She will be missed but never forgotten.”

St Nicholas CE Primary School, Hurst

First day at school 2015

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

II | First day at school

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Our photographers Paul King and Vivienne Johnson have been out capturing some precious moments as children start their educational journey. We hope you enjoy looking through this special supplement

France Class, All Saints Primary School, Wokingham

Italy Class, All Saints Primary School, Wokingham

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First day at school | III

Class RH Bearwood Primary School, Sindlesham

Class RB Bearwood Primary School, Sindlesham

Sparrow Class, Gorse Ride Infant School

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IV | First day at school

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Green Cygnet Class, Emmbrook Infant School, Wokingham

Cygnet classes together, Emmbrook Infant School, Wokingham

Red Cygnet Class, Emmbrook Infant School, Wokingham

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First day at school | V

Foundation Class 1, Farley Hill Infant School

Foundation Class 2, Farley Hill Infant School

Robin Class, Gorse Ride Infant School

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VI | First day at school

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Ash Class, Oaklands Infant School, Crowthorne

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St Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Primary School, Wokingham

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First day at school | VII

Shinfield Primary School

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Class 2, Shinfield Primary School

VIII | First day of school

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Wescott Infant School, Wokingham

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St Nicholas CE Primary School, Hurst

Your weekly puzzle challenge PUZZLES 27 Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 11

16 18

13 22

21 23

1. Which town on the French Riviera is named after a first century Roman soldier who became a Christian martyr? 2. In which Jane Austen novel does Mrs Bennet attempt to find a suitable husband for each of her five daughters? 3. Jenson Button gained his first FI victory in which country’s Grand Prix? 4. Pearl, Dinah, Rusty, Greaseball, Electra and Poppa are all characters in which Andrew Lloyd Webber musical? 5. What is the common name for a tree of the genus Quercus?

26 19

22 14

4 21

24 21

15 13

15 11

NONAGRAM

22 21

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 O through openings in the walls. The I first letter may appear in any chamber. N T

U S E

S O L

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

MISTAKE NICKNAMES

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: 32 Good; 38 Very Good; 44 Excellent.

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

Hard

2 4

4 7 2

3 1

8 1 7 9

6 1 5

R N

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.

All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services. To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com

SOLUTIONS

8 8

6. Missing, but there’s the street (4)

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.

5 7 3

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.

3 9

ACROSS 1. Have too high an opinion of the bowlers’ output (8)

EQUALISER 16 5 6 2 1 8 4 2 6 8 2 5

6 5

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

8 4 9 1

SUDOKU Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

FIVE ALIVE

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

6. What is the name for a triangle which has no two sides equal? 7. Indian actress Freida Pinto rose to fame playing the leading lady in which 2008 Danny Boyle film? 8. Which Christian festival is also known as the Feast of the Pentecost? 9. In which present-day country did the famous meeting between Livingstone and Stanley take place in 1871? 10. Who was the famous son of the American heiress Jennie Jerome?

WORD PYRAMID

R O D

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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DOWN 2. Superstitious beliefs of Victor and daughter wearing two sets of spectacles! (6) 3. I’m into another green diet (7)

8. Yearn to find name in the ship’s record (4)

4. He is father to many brothers but parent of none (5)

9. Gill takes a brief rest (8)

5. Timeless triangle (7)

10. Undertake to admit one’s guilt? (6,7)

6. Reformed slut accepts ring for a water lily (5)

11. Small wading bird is not audible (4)

7. Becoming suitable (6)

13. Some Anglo-American soil (4)

12. Reckoning cover includes nothing on paper (7)

17. Pass party speech on working together (13)

14. Not in favour of information that stimulates an antibody (7)

20. Reveal that the record will be defeated (8)

15. I’m upset, taken in by religious sermon (6)

21. Endlessly complain about the handle (4)

16. Hooded cloak used for effect? (6)

22. One not telling the truth heard on this instrument (4)

18. No end of good fortune concerning money (5)

23. Cheat a servant, that’s the rule (8)

19. Cold man getting in the drink (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

8 8

11 12

17 22

27 28

28. Pass on for ACROSS decision (5) 1. Consolation (6) 29. Crucial situation (6) 4. Swallow up (6) 30. Eye membrane (6) 8. Retrieve (6) 10. Roman emperor (6) 31. More profound (6) 32. Hit (6) 11. Memorise (5) 12. Come to terms (6) DOWN 1. Strain (6) 14. From side to 2. Lamps (6) side (6) 3. Hot pepper (6) 16. Uttered (4) 5. Subtle 17. Encounter (4) difference (6) 19. Salary increase (4) 6. Outcome (6) 22. Wounding 7. Wooded area (6) remark (4) 9. Require (4) 26. Attractive (6) 10. Pack to capacity (4) 27. White fur (6)

13. Implied (5) 15. Take weapons again (5) 18. Heavily seasoned (6) 19. Declaim (6) 20. Conflict (6) 21. Organs of sight (4) 22. Ale (4) 23. Take into custody (6) 24. Two-piece swimsuit (6) 25. Adulterate (6)

5 2 6 3 8 9 4 1 7

8 9 7 6 4 1 5 2 3

4 1 3 2 5 7 6 8 9

9 6 5 7 1 4 8 3 2

7 8 4 5 2 3 9 6 1

1 3 2 8 9 6 7 4 5

2 7 8 4 3 5 1 9 6

3 5 1 9 6 8 2 7 4

7 3 4 5 6 1 8 2 9

6 4 9 1 7 2 3 5 8

EASY SUDOKU

14 1

15 2

16 3

CROSS CODE

9 6 2 4 8 7 5 3 1

1 5 8 9 3 2 7 6 4

5 2 3 1 7 9 6 4 8

6 1 9 3 4 8 2 5 7

8 4 7 2 5 6 1 9 3

4 7 5 6 1 3 9 8 2

2 8 6 7 9 4 3 1 5

3 9 1 8 2 5 4 7 6

HARD SUDOKU

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

WORD PYRAMID: Saturation point. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; add; subtract; multiply. Total: 4. MAGIC SQUARE: cask; amen; semi; knit.

26 13

Seemly; 12 Tabloid; 14 Antigen; 15 Homily; 16 Domino; 18 Lucre; dose; doss; dosser; douse; dress; dross; druse; dulse; duress; less; lessor; loess; 19 Rheum. loose; loosed; looser; lose; loser; loss; louse; loused; lues; ODOURLESS; oodles; ousel; resold; rodless; rose; rosé; rouse; roused; ruse; serous; sled; sloe; slue; slued; slur; sold; solder; soldo; sole; soled; soleus; solo; soloed; solus; sool; sooled; sore; sorel; sorus; soul; sour; soured; souse; soused; sudser; sued; suer; surd; sure; used; user. QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Solace; 4 Engulf; 8 Regain; 10 Caesar; 11 Learn; 12 Settle; 14 Across; 16 Said; 17 Meet; 19 Rise; 22 Barb; 26 Pretty; 27 Ermine; 28 Refer; 29 Crisis; 30 Retina; 31 Deeper; 32 Strike. Down – 1 Stress; 2 Lights; 3 Chilli; 5 Nuance; 6 Upshot; 7 Forest; 9 Need; 10 Cram; 13 Tacit; 15 Rearm; 18 Spiced; 19 Recite; 20 Strife; 21 Eyes; 22 Beer; 23 Arrest; 24 Bikini; 25 Debase.

Down – Ideal; Cigar; Yarns. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Overrate; 6 Lost; 8 Long; 9 Breather; 10 Commit (2) Across – Geese; Aorta; Tweet. Down – Giant; Eerie; Enact. oneself; 11 Knot; 13 Loam; 17 Collaboration; 20 Disclose; 21 Grip; 22 Lyre; 23 Dominion. NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Voodoo; 3 Regimen; 4 Abbot; 5 Eternal; 6 Lotus; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 St Tropez; 2 Pride And Prejudice; 3 Hungary; 4 Starlight Express; 5 Oak; 6 Scalene; 7 Slumdog Millionaire; 8 Whit Sunday; 9 Tanzania; 10 Sir Winston Churchill.

(1) Across – Itchy; Eggar; Larks.

FIVE ALIVE:

28 | LEISURE

Leisure

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Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

CONCERTS

Coming to All Saints…

Candlelight music nights will delight A new series of popular concerts returns to Wokingham on Wednesday. JOHN WAKEFIELD explains

ANDLELIGHT and live music will come together in an historic church for a new season of concerts launching next week. Over the last five years, Wokingham’s baroque concert series has developed an enviable reputation for outstanding performances by world-class artists. Now, the Wokingham Candlelit Baroque series returns on Wednesday, October 28 for the first of the almost monthly musical treats. For this concert, All Saints Church in the town centre will be bathed in candlelight and filled with the sounds of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries thanks to harpsichordist Terence Charlston.

The harpsichord is a pre-cursor to the modern piano and its delicate sound is made by little quills plucking strings. Terence is one of the world’s leading harpsichordists, having made more than 80 commercial CDs and toured the world extensively. Twenty years ago, he founded the Historical Performance Department at the Royal Academy of Music and now serves as Professor of Harpsichord at the Royal College of Music – there’s little he doesn’t know about the instrument. His concert on Wednesday evening will include music by J.S.Bach and William Byrd. Originally housed in Wokingham’s Town Hall, the concert series relocated to All Saints Church in 2014 to accommodate larger audiences. The current season of six concerts will run until June next year and features a performance of Handel’s Messiah, soprano Emma

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Saturday, November 14, 7.30pm

Reading Bach Choir: Maurice Duruflé Requiem £12.50, concessions £10, Students and 16-18 £8, under 16 £5

Friday, December 4, 7.30pm Patrick Allies’ Siglo de Oro: A Christmas Passion £12 Seasonal music by Sheppard, Howells, Byrd, Lang and others.

Sunday, December 6, 4.30pm

Kirkby, lutenist Jakob Lindberg, and a showcase of the highest level students from the Royal Academy of Music. Artistic director of the Candlelit Baroque series, Richard Smith is delighted at the programme. He said: “Thanks to the support of our audiences we have put together our finest season yet. “Few towns can boast regular concerts of this quality and I would like to thank our supporters at All Saints Church for generously sharing their beautiful building. “If you haven’t tried a concert yet, do come along. You will be made most welcome. The music and the space combine to make a really unforgettable evening.” n Terence Charlston’s harpsichord concert on Wednesday starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £12.50 and are available from The Cornerstone, on the door, or online from www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. Season tickets, giving entry to all six Candlelit Baroque concerts are available for £49.

Handel’s Messiah £12.50 The Gandolpho Players return with a gala Christmas. Last year’s Messiah sold out, early booking advised.

Friday, February 5, 7.30pm

Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin £12 Winners of the BBC Radio 2 Best Duo Award.

Wednesday, February 24, 8pm Duo Dorado: Mr Purcell, Friends and Rivals £12.50 Hazel Brooks (violin) and David Pollock (harpsichord) perform.

Tuesday, March 1, 7.30pm

Ahmed Mukhtar £12.50 Iraqi classical music performed on the middle-eastern cousin of the lute, the oud.

Friday, March 4, 7.30pm

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, £14 A night with the ex-Steeleye Span violinist.

Saturday, March 12, 7.30pm

Reading A440 Choir £12. A showcase of the best choral music.

Wednesday, April 27, 8pm

Royal Academy of Music Showcase £12.50 Some of the finest talent in the Royal Academy’s Historical Performance Department.

Friday, May 6, 7.30pm

Talisk £13. Winners of the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards.

n For more details or to book visit www.wokinghamconcerts.co.uk

Animal Corner with Gemma Davidson

GEORGE

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

George found himself at DBARC as a stray so we don’t know a huge amount about his background. He had been seen around the area for about six months so he is definitely very street-wise. We think he is about three-years-old and he seems friendly. He will be neutered, vaccinated, chipped and blood-tested before he leaves the rescue. Could George be the cat for you?

STELLA

Poor Stella has found herself at DBARC not once but twice in recent months. She thought she had found her forever home, but she did not get on with the resident parrot so had to be returned. This 10-month-old neutered terrier is a total darling who is good with other dogs and just loves everyone. She has a great enthusiasm for life, loves to learn and walks well on the lead but as with any dog her age, she will need to go to dog classes to continue her education. As small terriers and children can be a rather volatile combination, we would not recommend placing her with a family with any children under 12. She will need lots of exercise and fun, lots of love and company most of the time. Can you offer Stella the home she so desperately deserves?

HONEY Ten-month-old Honey is a short-haired tabby female. She has been sharing an enclosure at the shelter with two other cats, so would ideally go to a new home with one of her companions, or with an existing cat for company. She is very sweet-natured and friendly and would make an ideal addition to any family.

. 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

LEISURE | 29

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FOOD

THEATRE

Barts Grill 21 Wokingham Road Reading RG6 1LE 0118 966 2268 or 0118 966 2233 www.bartsgrill.com

And Then There Were None Wokingham Theatre

Amazing eats for all at Barts

Perfectly crafted

F YOU’VE ever driven into Reading via the Wokingham Road, you’ll probably have driven past Barts Grill and Restaurant and wondered what it’s like. Amazing. That’s what it’s like. We recently visited one Sunday lunchtime to give its new autumn menu a test drive. With two fussy and young eaters in tow, there was no stone that was to be left unturned in this quest. First impressions are important, particularly when you’re an independent restaurant like Barts. Your reputation lives and falls on whether the place is clean and tidy - you’ll be hard pressed to find a speck of dust here and the welcome is warm. Shown to our tables, our children had a look over their menu: two courses plus a soft drink for £7.50 at weekends before 6pm. Our two chose tomato soup, served with crusty bread. Now this could have been a disaster but they lapped it up. Both chose fish goujons for their mains, which came with baked beans and exceptionally large and exceptionally fluffy chips. For children’s portions, they were huge and our two made a valiant effort to scoff the lot, but had to admit defeat. They did, however, manage to find space for some ice cream. Us adults started with a sharing platter of filo pastry nachos (£6.95 to share). Generously topped with sour cream, guacamole and tomato salsa we could have feasted on these alone. No amount of trying to convince the fussy eaters that the guacamole was like mushy peas would persuade them to try it though. My vegetarian wife chose the Roasted English Goat’s Cheese Salad (£9.85). Served on an olive oil croute, it came with a crispy mixed leaf salad, tomatoes and caramlised walnuts. It looked and tasted fantastic and is just one of several vegetarian options. Barts staff will also work

Phil sampled the rump steak (left) and the sticky toffee pudding (above) among other dishes.

with diners to create custom dishes and there are also fish options too. When it came to my main course choice I had to go for the when in Rome option ... so I tried an 8oz rump steak (£13.50) - you can also chose a 16oz sirlion or rib eye (£25.50), which you should probably get a medal if you finish. All steaks have been aged for a minimum of 28 days and provided by local butchers. Steaks come with one side, a vegetable accompaniment and sauces are an option £1.50 each. All tastes are catered for, including the intruiging red wine sauce. Surf and turf options are on offer: an extra £4.95 will get you two garlic tiger prawns. The steak was fantastic. Cooked medium rare as requested and the meat was not fatty. The cowboy fries were skinny ‘uns while the cauliflower cheese sauce was a little watery but still tasty. At just £15 for the whole main course, that’s incredible value. The menu also includes gourmet burgers, including the 10oz Barts Stack Burger (£14.95) which sounds amazing: burger with lettuce, onion jam, red onion, gherkins, chilli pickle, tomato, slice of chese and home made relish. That’s lipsmacking.

And if that’s not enough, the adventurous can try kangeroo, ostrich or camel skewers, although booking in advance for these is advised. In the interests of research, despite happy bellies, we also opted for puddings. The signature dish is a bread and butter pudding (£5.50), but we went for the sublime sticky toffee pudding (£5.95) and a delcious tart lemon tart (£5.50). The lemon compote did nothing for me, but others may enjoy its sharp, bitter taste. The tart however was a triumph. Barts is open daily for lunches and dinners and serves Sunday roasts between noon and 5pm on Sunday. A lot of people were opting for these large platefuls when we visited. Add in cocktails (half price before 9pm), mocktails, a great wine list and some intriuging beers in the fridge and you’ve got a great restaurant. Free parking is in nearby Palmer Park Stadium or, if you live within five miles of the restaurant, it offers a ‘door-to-door’ service for four people for £15, a great idea that means no one has to be the designated driver. So, don’t drive past it again without stopping. You won’t regret it. PHIL CREIGHTON

HERE is nothing quite like a murder mystery, especially when the nights are drawing in and mischief is in the air. Arguably one of Agatha Christie’s most famous ‘whodunnits’, And Then There Were None has been brought to life on the stage of Wokingham Theatre at the perfect time of year. Shaping the crime thriller genre for generations to come, the Mistress of Mystery plotted the perfect ingredients needed to keep an audience on its toes - one deserted island, a generous helping of shady characters, and a heap of grisly murders, each one tied together by a chilling children’s rhyme, Ten Little Soldier Boys. Set on the fictional Soldier Island off the coast of Devon, 10 complete strangers are brought together by the mysterious Mr and Mrs Owen: a couple none of the guests has actually met, but who seem to know plenty about their visitors’ pasts. A ghoulish recording exposes the crimes each one is alleged to have been responsible for, and one by one they start to fall, just like the tin soldiers on the mantlepiece… Creating tension in theatre can often go terribly wrong, but director Nigel Lawson Dick has worked his magic on this performance, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats by clever uses of music, lighting and props. The cast has been chosen perfectly, each one almost born to play their role. Special mention must go to Margery Jackson, who plays the rigid Emily Brent, with her clipped diction and impeccable dress the very essence of the fading 1930s upper class. Rebecca Wire is every inch the charming secretary Vera Claythorne, a new breed of feisty female who cannot possibly be the murderer ‘because she is a woman’... Or could she? The stand-out performance of the evening had to be Simon Vail as the (dis)honourable judge Sir William Wargrave. His confident stride and command of the stage, and indeed the other characters, made his character extremely believable to the point that you trust every word that comes out of his mouth. But be warned, all is not what it seems, could the judge have a nasty streak? A tremendous effort indeed by the entire cast and production crew, a performance that was thoroughly enjoyed by the packedout audience, and judging by the comments in the bar at the interval - ‘I jumped right out of my seat!’ - it was a job well done. n And Then There Were None runs until Saturday, October 31. For tickets call 0118 978 5363 or visit wokingham-theatre.org.uk GEMMA DAVIDSON

AT THE THEATRE Basingstoke – The Anvil www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 The Shires. Fri. Asian Dub Foundation: THX1138. Sat. Steve Backshall. Sun. Chris While and Jule Matthews. Sun. Paddington Bear’s First Concert. Wed. Aliens Love Underpants. Thurs-Sat 31. Vampires Rock. Thurs. Martin Carthy. Thurs. Paul Potts. Fri. 30. The Proclaimers. Sat 31. Fish and Bird. Sat 31. Flanders Symphony Orchestra. Sun 1.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Classic Ghost Stories. Until Sat. The Snow Queen. Tues.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Fawlty Towers 2. Fri-Sat. David Malusa: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. Comedy Cellar. Fri. Berkshire Wedding Fair. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. Have Fun With Fungi! Mon. Halloween Ghost Tour and Stories. Wed. Vampire and Mrs Reilly. Wed. The Borrowers. Thurs-Sat. An Evening With Michael Putland. Thurs. Will

Killeen. Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 30. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 1. Wilde Sundays. Sun 1. FILMS: Beyond The Reach. Fri-Sun. 45 Years. Fri-Sun. In Search of Chopin. Mon. Gemma Bovery. Tues. No Escape. Wed. Seven Samurai (Shichinin No Samurai). Thurs. Pixels. Fri 30-Sun 1. No Escape. Fri 30. Dracula. Sat 31. The Wicker Man. Sat 31. Hamlet (encore). Sun 1.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Comotion Theatre presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. Fri. Audition for Drama School. Mon. The Only Way Is Downton. Mon. Circus of Horrors. Tues. Irish House Party. Thurs. Techie Workshop. Fri 30. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri 30. The Counterfeit Stones. Sat 31. FILM: The Exorcist. Fri 30.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Kadia With Support from the White Horse Whisperers. Fri. Salon du Chocolat: Hips, Lips and Nibs. Sat. Death, Duck and the Tulip. Sun. Americana Sessions. Thurs. Dan Clark: Me, My Selfie and I. Fri. Dickens Abridged. Sat 31.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Home and Beauty. Until Sat. The Rubenstein Kiss. Tues-Sat 31.

Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 An Evening With Ian McCulloch. Sat. Life After Everest: The Adventure Continues with Stephen Venables. Wed. Mike Hurst and the Springfields. Sun 1.

High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 The Smallest Show on Earth. Until Sat. The Hollywood Special Effects Show. Mon. The Drifters. Wed. Elio Pace performs The Billy Joel Songbook. Thurs. Beer and cider festival. Sat 31.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Hal Cruttenden: Straight Outta Cruttenden. Fri. Daniel Koek: His West End Story. Fri. Justin Moorhouse: Destiny Calling. Fri. Old Mother Hubbard. Sun. Harry Manx. Sun. Mr

Tiger Goes Wild. Mon. Storytelling. Mon. Pinocchio. Tues. Richard Lee and the Norden Farm Guitar Club. Tues. Sam Lewis. Wed. The Elves and the Shoemaker. Thurs-Fri. Robert Newman: The Brain Show. Thurs. White Feather Boxer. Thurs. Morgan and West: Parlour Tricks. Fri 30. The Bourne Again Shadows. Fri 30. St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat 31. Mawkin. Sun 1. FILMS: Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder. Tues. Inside Out. Tues-Wed. Legend. Tues-Wed. Strange Magic. Wed. Hotel Transylvania. Sat 31.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Robert Newman: The Brain Show. Fri. Morgan and West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show. Sat. What The Ladybird Heard. Fri-Sun. Blofeld and Baxter: Rogues on the Road. Tues. Festival of the Spoken Nerd: Just For Graphs. Wed. Residents Resurrected. Fri 30-Sat 31. Skeleton Ball. Sat. FILM: Suffragette. Fri-Thurs.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 The Ladykillers. Until Sat 31.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Sitelines: Verity Standen’s HUG. Fri. Alfie Moore: The Naked Stun. Sat. Reading Comedy Festival New Act competition. Tues. Theatre of Widdershins: The Elves and the Shoemaker. Tues-Wed. Caddy Cooper and Support. Wed. Afro Drum 101. Thurs. African Night Fever presents Lokito Ya Congo. Thurs. EverHazel. Fri 30. Kala Utsavam. Sat 31. Darklands October. Sat 31.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Thank You For The Music. Fri. Sherlock Holmes and the Ripper Murders. Mon-Tues. Ruby Wax: Sane New World. Wed. One Man Breaking Bad. Thurs. Round The Horne. Fri 30. Dave Gorman. Sat 31.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Playing Away. Nov 18-21.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Round and Round The Garden. Until Nov 21. Music of the Night. Sun. The Swinging Big Band. Sun Nov 1.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Portrait of Murder. Until Sat. Marty Wilde and the Wildcats. Sun 25. SWMTC: Oliver! Tues 27-Sat 31.

Reading – Concert Hall

Woking – New Victoria

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Beardyman: One Album Per Hour. Fri. Sir Willard White. Sat 31. An Evening With Donovan. Sun 1.

www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Tues-Sat.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Jazz: Gabriel Garrick’s Expansions Quintet. Fri. The Two Sisters with Hilary James, Janey Giraudo & Simon Mayor. Fri 30. Bronte. Mon Nov 9-Sat 14.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 And Then There Were None. Oct 20-31.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Bell Book and Candle. Nov 24-28.

30 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, October 23 FINCHAMPSTEAD - Finchampstead Library, FBCentre, Gorse Ride North, Wokingham, RG40 4ES. Rhymetime. Rhymes for under fives and their parents. Drop in. 11am to 11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176. READING – Palmer Park Sports Stadium, Wokingham Road. RNIB Glow Neon 3k Fun Run. 7pm-9pm. Details: www.rnib. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB. Local History Surgery. Drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, October 24 BRACKNELL – Bracknell Leisure Centre. Comedy night with Sonia Aste, Marshal B Anderson, Zahra Barri and Chris Purchase. £10. 7.30pm. Food available. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church Hall, Sutcliffe Avenue. Quiz night in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services. 7pm. £6, includes cheese platter. Bring own drinks. Up to 10 per table. Details: 0118 987 5211. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church Centre. Wild Things party for families. £5. Jungle themed fancy dress. 5.30pm. Booking essential. Details: jameslawbuary@yahoo.com. HURST – St Nicholas Church RG10 0SN. Organ recital by Christopher Cromer. 6.30pm. £5. Details: 07912 899104 or organ. recital@yahoo.com READING – The Great Hall. University of Reading, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AQ. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra concert: Humperdinck - Hansel and Gretel Overture, Mahler - Totenfeier, Grieg - Peer Gynt (selections). 7.30pm. Details: www. aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk RISELEY – Village Tea Room. Visit by Austin Enthuasists Club. Details: 0118 988 7028. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 9BT. Cake cafe in aid of Tearfund’s No Child Taken campaign. 10.30amnoon. Details: shinfieldbaptist. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Evening Townswomen’s Guild presents

Sunday, October 25 WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. £10 per Car or £8 for table top pitch/Walk on, bring own tables. Details: 07861 654 674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.

Monday, October 26 EARLEY - Maiden Erlegh Library , Silverdale Road, Earley, RG6 7HS. Big Draw: half-term activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 966 6630. FINCHAMPSTEAD - Finchampstead Library, FBCentre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Big Draw: half-term activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 978 8069. FINCHAMPSTEAD - Finchampstead Village Hall, The Village, Finchampstead. Join the budget consultation. Wokingham Borough Council is asking residents to join in and have their say on the council’s budget at a series of public dropin sessions in October.7pm to 9pm. Details: LOWER EARLEY - Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Poetry Reading Group. 10.30am11.30am. Big Draw. Details: 0118 931 2150. SPENCERS WOOD - Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Pages in the Wood: Book group. 6pm-7pm. Mad Hats and Alice. Hear Alice’s story and create your own Alice in Wonderland themed

hat. 4pm-5pm. Storytime: Stories and rhymes for parents and children to enjoy together. For ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Big Draw: half-term activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 988 4771. TWYFORD - Twyford Library, Edward Polehampton Library, Polehampton Close, Twyford, RG10 9RP. Big Draw: half-term activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 934 0800 WARGRAVE - Wargrave Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street, Wargrave, RG10 8EP. Big Draw: half-term activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 940 4659. WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB. First Steps in Drawing. Drawing using different media Tutor Lyn Ebbett. 2pm to 4pm. Knit Stitch and Natter. Drop in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome. Adult event. 2pm to 3pm. Flash Fiction Writing workshop: write a story in 500 words or fewer. For ages 8 to 12. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOODLEY - Library, Headley RoadRG5 4JA. Big Draw: halfterm activity to decorate a book wall. Until Sat. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – Chapter One Bookshop, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JH. Chris Riddell and Ashley Harrold signing. 11amnoon. Details: 0118 944 8883.

Tuesday, October 27 HURST – Gospel Hall, Whistley Green. Epic Explorers: Holiday Bible Club for ages five upwards. Bible stories, singing, quizzes, crafts and prizes. 10am-noon. Details: www.hurstgospelhall.org FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Mad Hats and Alice: hear Alice’s story and create a hat. 2.15pm-3.15pm. £1.50. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: ages 18 months-3 years. 11.30am-noon. Details: 0118 931 2150. READING – University of Reading Palmer Building, Whiteknights RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents .Slow West (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7

concessions. Details: 0118 378 7151. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Knit Wits: knit or crochet club. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Come To The Source: space for silent meditation and prayer. 8pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Mad Hats and Alice: hear Alice’s story and make a hat. £1.50. 10.30am-11.30am. Storytime for children ages 3-5.9.30am-11.30am. Family history drop-in. 2pm-5pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crafts and Laughs: drop-in knitting, embroidery and crafts. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, October 28 HURST – Gospel Hall, Whistley Green. Epic Explorers: Holiday Bible Club for ages five upwards. Bible stories, singing, quizzes, crafts and prizes. 10am-noon. Details: www.hurstgospelhall.org SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall. Loddon Reach Mothers Union: a talk by Kevin Woods on Amethyst, a charity that deals with drug and alcohol abuse. 2.30pm. Details: 0118 988 4921. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. iHelp: help group for phones and tablets. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Candlelit Barqoue concerts: Terence Charlston on the harpsichord: Fuges and Fancies. £12.50. 8pm. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults.

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

autumn buffet with guitarist, Graeme Parsons. Half of the profits will go to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 989 2649. WOKINGHAM – Tudor House, Shute End. Open house event. Noon-2.30pm. Booking via Richard Worth. Details: 0118 979 6796. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. For ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Stories and rhymes for parents and children.Details: 0118 969 0304.

Postcode Email

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Slow West will be shown at Reading Film Theatre on Tuesday 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. Wokingham Borough Council’s Budget conversation consultation. 7pm9pm. Free. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Mad Hats and Alice: hear Alice’s story and make a hat. £1.50. 10.30am-11.30am. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, October 29 ABORFIELD – Arborfield Garrison Community Centre. Emergency Services Fun Day: displays from fire, police, community responders, search and rescue, the Army, police horses and more. Barbecue, food stalls. 10am-4pm. Free entry. EARLEY – Earley St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Halo: children’s holiday club. 2pm-4pm. Drama, crafts, games and more. £2. Details: miriam@stnicolas.org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Finchampstead Baptist Church presents Voltage holiday club. Daytime. Details: 0118 908 8155. HURST – Gospel Hall, Whistley Green. Epic Explorers: Holiday Bible Club for ages five upwards. Bible stories, singing, quizzes, crafts and prizes. 10am-noon. Details: www.hurstgospelhall.org LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: Eccentric London Part 1. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Mad Hats and Alice: hear Alice’s story, create a hat. Drop-in. £1.50. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150. READING – University of Reading Palmer Building, Whiteknights RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents Marshland (La Isla Minima) (15). 8pm . £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Details: 0118 378 7151. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Townscapes: the City in Poetry and Prose with Eileen Davis. £2.50 non-members. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6782. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Archaeology

Finds Surgery. 10am-noon. Mini Animal Models: create session for ages 8 upwards. 2pm-3pm. Home educated book group for ages 7-14. Booking essential. 10.30am-11.30am. Explore Learning session for ages 8-11. 9.45am-10.45am or 11amnoon. Teen book group for ages 11-18. 4.30pm-5.30pm. National Careers Service. Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am to 3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Reminiscence Club: discuss days gone by. 10.30amnoon. The First Editions book group. 6pm-6.45pm Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, October 30 EARLEY – Earley St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Halo: children’s holiday club. 2pm-4pm. Drama, crafts, games and more. £2. Details: miriam@stnicolas. org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Finchampstead Baptist Church presents Voltage holiday club. Daytime. Details: 0118 908 8155. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Spooky Night Paddles. 5pm-7pm, 8pm-10pm. £15, £10 children. Details: 0118 932 1071. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. Swallowfield Parish Events Group presents Bond: An Unauthorised Parody. 7pm. £10. Details: 0118 988 5989. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment. Details: 020 7219 4205. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local History surgery. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, October 31 EARLEY – The Water Meadow, Thames Valley Business Park. Hallowe’en 5 Night Run. 8pm. Details: www.halloween5niterun. co.uk EARLEY – Earley St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Halo: children’s party. 3pm-5pm. Drama, crafts, games

and more. £2. Details: miriam@ stnicolas.org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Finchampstead Baptist Church presents Voltage holiday club. Daytime. Details: 0118 908 8155. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Spooky Night Paddles. 5pm-7pm, 8pm-10pm. £15, £10 children. Details: 0118 932 1071. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Trinity walking group with optional pub lunch. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents And Then There Were None. 7.45pm. Details: www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Chuch, Wiltshire Road. All Saints weekend celebration: community service activity with refreshments. 1.45pm. Rugby World Cup Final on big screen. 4pm. Details: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Creative Writing Seminar with Narrative Drive and Publication Tutor Sara Sheridan. 10.30am-noon. £10. Teen Writing Group for ages 1118. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – FatFace, Market Place. Spooky Hallowe’en party in aid of Sunny Days Children’s charity. 2.30pm-5.30pm. Face painting, sweet contests, raffle prizes, trick or treats, family fun. Vote for your favourite superhero themed staff member and best pumpkin. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Creative writing group for adults. 10.30am-noon. Saturday Storytime. 11am11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Hero Party –an alternative to Hallowe’en. 5.30pm-7.30pm. Details: 0118 966 2568. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Trick and Treat: quiz and sipper night. 7pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

Sunday, November 1 EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close. Family fiesta: Bright Lights. 3pm-5pm. Sparkles, snaklcs, fun, festive games and cosy crafts. £3, or £6 for families. HENLEY – Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BP. Mike Hurst and the Springfields 2015. £18, concessions £16.50. Details: 01491 575698. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Spooky Night Paddles. 5pm-7pm, 8pm-10pm. £15, £10 children. Details: 0118 932 1071. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Autumn fair. Time TBV. Details: 0118 931 3124. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Loddon Reach Team Ministry presents an annual service of thanksgiving and remembrances for friends and family. 3pm. Details: 0118 988 5925. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Chuch, Wiltshire Road. All Saints weekend celebration: party, worship and activities for the family. 11am-3pm. Details: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk

LEISURE | 31

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

Sink your teeth into this enjoyable sequel

Now’s the time for you to join the ride for our brilliant new arts venue

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

It’s coming! The Acoustic Couch has some amazing news to share and we want you to be part of it. JODY Mc explains

Stars (voices): Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, Mel Brooks

HO knew that Sony’s Hotel Transylvania did well enough at the box ofﬁce to warrant a sequel? With so much stiff competition in the form of offerings from CGI animation giants Pixar and Dreamworks, it’s actually quite surprising that other studios even get a look in. But, the first film was an original and funny take on the universe of classic monsters, adapted for the younger/ family market, and incorporated characters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster and everything in between. And the second? It revisits the characters from the first for another charm-filled hit. “Adam Sandler charming?” you may well ask. Providing the voice for Count Dracula, he’s funny and likeable in a story that sees his vampire daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) marry her human boyfriend Jonathan (Andy Samberg) and quickly fall pregnant. As the baby grows into a toddler, the main concern for ‘Vampa’ Dracula is exactly when the adorable rugrat with more than a hint of his father about him is going to show vampiric tendencies. When Mavis and Jonathan threaten to move to California in search of a safe environment in which to raise their boy, Dennis, Dracula hatches a plan to hasten his grandson’s bloodsucking development. But the prejudiced Count must learn to accept his grandson for what he is if he’s to keep his daughter close… With the film and its comedy working on two levels, parents should enjoy this just as much as their smaller counterparts – it moves along at a nice pace and has plenty of visual appeal to boot. A voice cast that includes US stars of the small and big screen Kevin James and Steve Buscemi as well as comedy icon Mel Brooks alongside names like David Spade, Molly Shannon, Megan Mullally and Wayne’s World’s Dana Carvey, there’s a pool of talent to guarantee engaging delivery. Hotel Transylvania 2 is made with as much care and attention as its predecessor.

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 252

Medium

6 3

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

3 8 4

2 1 5 9

7 7 6 8

1 2 4 5 9

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

No. 252

Previous solution - Tough

1 2 3 4 7 8 9

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

9 7 6 8 4 5 1 2 3

8 9 4 7 5 6 3 2

Medium

9 7 4 3 8

7 9 2 2 8

5 1 8

8 4 2 9 3 1 7 5 6

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.

8 6 3 1 9

Previous solution - Easy

6 7

4 8 2 3

Hotel Transylvania 2 (U) 

HE past few days … let’s just say there have been some highs and lows! But in the past few days there have been some amazing stories among my friends and congregation, some reoccurring and have brought about it feels like a little revelation, or at least a massive injection of inspiration. Noah’s ark seems to be the euphemism of the month. A simple man, a hammer, some nails and some wood, (OK a lot of paraphrasing, but the hammer will fall) and a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears. The Dude built the way to a new being. The inspiration has risen from many other places people and has somehow pregnated the creative side of my being into out-the-ofbox eco-minded madness. Some research has lead theacousticcouch down some wacky roads and boy, when finished, they could look stunning. The only minor stumbling block is while the enthusiasm is rocketing out of control, well I’m gearing up to give it all I got. I’m more Bob Monkhouse than Bob the Builder. For now we’ll see how it goes but I hope to keep you up to date. Support: it’s not always about money – though we do have a kick-starter campaign live right now with rewards to suit all sorts, or if you simply want to make a donation to our mammoth project. So what are we doing?

How is it Eco? And how could we help? Well let me try summarise each question swiftly but affirmatively clears throat:  We have a shell for a venue. We need to decorate and assemble a friendly comfortable working community hub. A live arts centre. A community through music with cafe and drinks facilities, workshops and pop up ideas.  It’s Eco because we are not part of the regeneration program or supported by anything to do with it. We don’t have endless budgets, but we know there is plenty of palettes, scrap material and basically other people’s rubbish that could become our treasure.  What can you do? We need your rubbish and we need your time and skills. I’m asking for help. Call me Anneka I’m up for a challenge. I’m going to leave you with a list of things needed. All donations will be graciously appreciated. We haven’t endless pots of money to promote our cause, but I’m part of a stunning community of Berkshire. I’ll see you soon. Oh, and businesses – don’t be shy you’re welcome to join in too. What we need you to get ready:  Old unwanted clothes  Curtains  Sheets/throws/fabric  (Or insulation)  Nails  Paint brushes/rollers  Sofa/bean bags  Ofﬁce furniture  Sheet rock (fake walls,plasterboard)  Screws  Scaffolding  Scaffold boards  Bean bags For larger donations or equipment contact us through www. Join me, Jody Mc, as we seek to build a community using music and arts at our brilliant theacousticcouch.co.uk new venue, opening in December in Bracknell. Picture: David Sell Photography

Kim Taylor-Foster

1 5 3 7 4 6 8 2 9

9 7 6 8 2 5 4 1 3

7 6 4 2 5 9 1 3 8

3 1 5 6 8 4 9 7 2

2 9 8 3 1 7 6 4 5

5 8 7 4 9 3 2 6 1

4 3 9 1 6 2 5 8 7

6 2 1 5 7 8 3 9 4

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

32| LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE Friday, October 23 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funkline. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Ma Might. Details: 01276 63842. CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. The Mays. Details: 01252 616434. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. The Weathertop Preachers. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. The Barron Knights. Details: 01252 811009. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. The Turn. Details: 01252 663686. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Suspect Sound System. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Somerset Slim. Details: 0118 957 6930 READING – Concert Hall. Beardyman: One Album

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

Per Tour. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Hexagon. Thank You For The Music: Abba Tribute. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – South Street arts centre. Sitelines: Verity Standen’s HUG. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Gabriel Garrick’s Expansions Quintet. Details: 0118 384 2195. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Big Narstie. Basement Jaxx. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Saturday, October 24 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Hill SL5 9EG. 50 Years of James Bond: Denmark Street Big Band. Details: 01344 878100. BINFIELD – Binﬁeld Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. The Average Chalky White Band. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Daft. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Said & Done. Details:

HOPE & ANCHOR Good food, free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! WE LIVE MUSIC

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

This Saturday @ 9pm

The Echo

Maximum British Power Pop!

Next gig: October 24

Who Are You?

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

01344 307620. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. 4-Minute-Warning. Details: 01344 4226 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Finish On 2. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, 115 Frimley Road, GU15 2PP. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01276 27641. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. The Mays. Details: 01252 542962. FARNBOROUGH – Tradesman Arms, Cover Road GU14 0EX. The Turn. Details: 01252 376745. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LP. Nine Mile Riders. Details: 0118 973 4855 FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. RoadRunner Blues. Details: 01252 811311. FRIMLEY GREEN – Working Men’s Club GU16 6HX. Murphy James. Details: 01252 SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. The History of Rock by Revoc Rocks. Details: 01252 878938. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. The Capo Thieves. Details: 01252 873220. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Beached Boys. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Talulah Kills and support. Details: 0118 959 4267.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Best of Buble and Olly Murs. Details: 0118 968 1442. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Stret GU26 9PL. Rockin Razors. Details: 01276 858501. WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. Gigabit. Details: 01276 472210. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Who Are You?. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road. Blonde Ambition. Details: 0118 978 0590. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. The May. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, October 25 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. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Dog comedy night. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Ordinary Boys. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: singers night with Reg Meuross. Details: 0118 958 6692. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 978 0918.

Mondays: Chico. Details: 0118 973 2104. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Corn Potato String Band. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, October 28 READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Smoking Hot Comedy. BBC Introducing Live: Mickey and the Milkshake/Stupid Chief Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Caddy Cooper plus support. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Thursday, October 29 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Hill SL5 9EG. Platform live: acoustic night. Details: 01344 878100. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. An Evening With Michael Putland. Will Killeen.. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Goose, Station Road RG12 1HY. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 311629. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. JAM Night Hallowe’en special. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. The Cherries. Details: 01276 684999. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Matt Montana. Details: 01344 772241. READING –

Monday, October 26 EVERSLEY – The Golden Pot, Reading Road. Live Music

BOOKINGS: 01189 888840

The Bull - at Barkham -

Andy and Patrice Invite you to join us for

CHRISTMAS 2015 Try our delicious

3-Course Set Menu £23.95 Available throughout December ( Except 25th & 26th Dec ) Parking Available Group Bookings Welcome

Barkham Road - Barkham - RG41 4TL

Located in the small village of Barkham, The Bull is a traditional pub of unique character in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire countryside. Our food is freshly prepared by experienced chefs who take great pride in their work, using local ingredients when able.

The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios LIVE. Count Skylarkin (Trojan Records/ Disco Shed). Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. For Folk’s Sake: Alice Reay and Bear (Bear and the Woods). Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – South Street arts centre. African Night Fever presents Lokito Ya Congo. Agro Drum 101. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Delta Ladies. Details: 0118 957 1593. SUNNINGDALE – Sunningdale Lounge, London Road SL5 0DG. Gigabit. Details: 01344 876887.

Friday, October 30 ARBORFIELD – The Bramshill Hunt, Bramshill Close RG2 9PL. Stars In Their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 976 0850. BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Jump The Gunn. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ed Sheeran Live cabaret night. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Avarice. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Crown and Cushion, Minley Road GU17 9UA. Will.I.An. Details: 01252 545253. CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Acoustic Undercovers. Details: 01252 616434. FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. Dan McHugh. Details: 01276 34735. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. Forty45. Details: 01252 663686. HOLYPORT – The Belgian Arms, Holyport Street SL6 2JR. Kaptain Krunch and the Killer Heels. Details: 01628 634468. READING – The Purple Turtle,

Gun Street RG1 2JR. Subfactory - Drum and Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Time Warped. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. World of Spleen’s Alternative Tonic. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Seth Lakeman. Tropical W/JME. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. EverHazel EP launch with Vienna Ditto, Shannon Wardrop. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. The FBB. Details: 01252 878938.

Saturday, October 31 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Hill SL5 9EG. John James Newman Band. Details: 01344 878100. BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Thunderhead. Details: 01276 473640 BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, Terrace Road North RG42 5JA. Continuum Covers Band. Details: 01344 483856. BINFIELD – Binﬁeld Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hallowe’en party with DeLorean. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 457318. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The New Ambassadors Details: 01276 32691. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Stealers Candy. Details: 01344 772241. EVERSLEY – White Hart, The Street RG27 0PJ. Charlie

Chandlers Little Rock. Details: 0118 973 2817. EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Hallowe’en Fancy Dress party: Off The Record. Details: 0118 973 1126. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. JSCDanceBand. Details: 01252 542962. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Uptown Trafﬁc. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. One Night of Elvis with Lee Memphis King. Details: 01252 811009. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens present Teasing The Turtle Red: Hallowe’en special. HALLOOOOWEEEEEN: Booka Brass Band, New Orleans style brass band. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music: Ekkah and Support. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – South Street arts centre. Kala Utsavam. Darklands October.Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. SANDHURST – Memorial Park. Sandhurst Town Council ﬁrework display with Josh Taylor and Platinum Floyd. 5pm-10pm. Free entry. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. DJ Ian Elston. Details: 01252 873220. SHINFIELD – The Bell and Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Custard Cream. Details: 0118 988 3563. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Horizon. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. In Too Deep. Details: 0118 978 0918. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01252 870648.

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QUIZ NIGHT 70s PARTY NIGHT WITH JEFF KINROSS

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WOKINGHAM DISTRICT CANCER CARE TRUST

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wokingham Day Hospice Wokingham Hospital on Thursday October 29 to be held at 8.00pm Following the formal business there will be an informative talk by Mr Stewart Marks, Hospice Director Sue Ryder – Nettlebed Hospice For further information please phone 0118 949 5030

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CARPETS CALLAGHAN CARPETS AND FLOORING. Home pattern service from a reliable family company. Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www. callaghanflooringandcarpets. co.uk or (0118) 962 8527.

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ALL CARS WANTED WOKINGHAM DISTRICT CANCER CARE TRUST Annual General Meeting Wokingham Day Hospice Wokingham Hospital on Thursday October 29 to be held at 8.00pm

Including vans & Following the formal business there will be an informative talk by motorcyles forDirector cash Mr Stewart Marks, Hospice Sue Ryder – Nettlebed Hospice

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Autobiography? Annual GeneralSpeech? Meeting Annual report? Whitepaper? Wokingham Day Hospice on – Let meWokingham do theHospital work Thursday October 29 you take the glory to be held at 8.00pm

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ACORN TUTORS. Local familyrun private tuition agency, connecting students to exceptional tutors. Currently recruiting new tutors. 0118 934 5514 www.acorntutors. co.uk

FOR SALE VASE/JUG . Kernewek pottery gurgle jug in shape of fish. Speckled brown glaze 10 ins high. £10 ono. Details: 0118 971 2952. VINTAGE PYREX GRAVY BOAT. Chelsea pattern 19x 7 cms high no damage excellent condition £7 ono Details: 0118 971 2952.

JIGSAW PUZZLE. Charles and Di. 1,000 pieces £8 ono. Details: 0118 971 2952. JIGSAW PUZZLE. Pub and shop signs of old London. 1000 pieces. £8 Details: 0118 971 2952. HAND BELL /SCHOOL BELL . Brass with wooden handle 8½ins good condition £35 ono. 0118 971 2952.

8x1 = £64+VAT

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

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

*Subject to condition of vehicle

TUITION

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today

You are cordially invited to attend the

Wokingham Day Hospice WE DO CLEARANCES Wokingham Hospital on Thursday October 29FROM HOUSES, to be held at 8.00pm GARAGES, GARDENS,

You are cordially invited to attend the

Call 0118 966 6600

MOTORING

WOKINGHAM DISTRICT CANCER CARE TRUST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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CLASSIFIEDS | 33

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

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

BASKETBALL

IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

Top county award for Berkshire and Finches ace Hodges

By DAVID WRIGHT

CRAIG HODGES was named the best young player in the county when Berkshire Cricket Club held its players’ dinner last Friday. Mark Allum, Berkshire’s director of youth cricket, said: “This award usually goes to a batsman and this is the first time for a long time it has gone to a bowler.” Chris Peploe was a predictable winner of the first team’s player of the year award. The Ealing CC leg spinner took 50 wickets – which included five or more wickets in an innings on six occasions – in the Unicorns Counties Championship last season at an average of 16.08 Peploe, 34, also scored 290 runs at an average of 32.22, while also showing a pair of safe hands in the field, taking seven catches. Skipper James Morris admitted it was a “formality” when it came to selecting the winner. He added: “Peps was such a consistent performer throughout the season with the ball in particular but there were also some very important middle and lower order runs from him. He also had hands like buckets, catching anything that came his way. “His presence proved invaluable in the dressing room and he filled the role as pro unbelievably well and without him I don’t think we would have achieved quite so much this year.” Henley paceman Tom Nugent, who took

ICE HOCKEY: Bracknell Bees left beaten as Lightning strikes three times at the Hive — Page 38

28 wickets at an average of 22.71, was named Berkshire’s most improved player. All three trophies were presented at the players’ dinner held at Henley CC. During the evening, Berkshire chairman Neil Doody paid tribute to head coach Tom Lambert and team manager Roy New. “Tom is an outstanding coach and his exceptional efforts are very much appreciated by everyone involved with Berkshire cricket, while Roy does an excellent job on the admin side,” said Doody. During the evening, the players presented a new straw hat to Mr Doody as they had noticed the one he wore last year was showing signs of wear and tear. n Six Finchampstead CC players have been selected for the Westcoast Berkshire Academy’s winter coaching programme. Hodges, Billy Rogers, Max Stevenson, Max Uttley and Callum Gregory will be returning for a second year and will now be joined by Adam Dewes. Also selected for the Academy are Datchet duo Oli Smithson and Ali Bartlett, Beaconsfield’s Joe Thomas, Mark Firth from Boyne Hill and Will Harris of Normandy. The Academy is based at Bradfield College, with 10 Saturday sessions between the end of October and early March. Several of the talented Berkshire youngsters over the past few years are also attached to a first county, playing regularly in Second XI cricket. One graduate, Brandon Gilmour, recently signed a two-year deal with Gloucestershire CC.

Craig Hodges (left) receives his award from Mark Allen, Berkshire’s director of youth cricket, while chairman Neil Doody shows off his new hat (inset)

GYMNASTICS

Southern title success for dazzling Dixie

Pinewood’s Level three and four girls with their medals and trophy

DIXIE LINDSAY swept up all before her Vindall and Johnny join Dixie in the floor, Hammond totted up an overall when becoming a southern champion in qualifying to represent team South at finish of third. Portsmouth at the weekend. the National Finals, which take place in Reddyhough was a couple of places The Pinewood Guildford next back in Gymnastic Club member month. fifth, but took first place at the South First to the efforts Regional Championships compete for of the two last weekend after Pinewood at would blaze impressing in the vault the two-day a trail the (4th), bars (1st), beam (4th) event was rest of the and floor (2nd) down in Summa club soon Hampshire. Hammond followed. Lindsay topped a Level and Nyah Further Four group which also Reddyhough. success was included a number of Performing to arrive for at Level 3 the girls at club-mates. OOA, the pair Level Three, Finishing third was had some where Helena Vindall, while new skills to Sophie Prior Annabelle Johnny was a Jess Castles was seventh in Nyah Reddyhough display and stepped place behind in fourth. the Challenge Espoir and Summa Hammond did so in style. up to the Scarlett Hutton’s In taking podium in routines saw her score second place on the vault, third on the third place. sixth place in the standings and Chloe Holt was a respectable 15th. bars, fifth on the beam and 10th out on This was after finishing seventh in the

vault, fourth on the bars and beam and sixth on the floor. Anna Browne took fourth overall, while Sasha Poole ended the competition in sixth. Both Prior and Browne also make the list of those who will perform for the south over in Surrey on November 2 and 3. Also representing Pinewood at the weekend was Jessica Castles (Challenge Espoir Level) and Georgina Pickford (age Level Two). Georgia And both did the club Pickford with proud, with Castles (vault – her Level Two awards 3rd; bars – 10th; beam – 7th; floor – 1st) ranking seventh. Pickford, meanwhile, took third place in her respective group.

Unbeaten Rockets ready for clash with Crusaders READING ROCKETS will be looking to record an eighth win on the bounce when hosting Kent Crusaders in Division 1 of the English Basketball League tomorrow (7.45pm). Despite having a rest weekend, the unbeaten Rockets still have doubts over the fitness of captain Danny Carter and Joel Keeble ahead of this game and Sunday’s National Cup third round clash with Plymouth Raiders II on Sunday (4.45pm). Carter saw his starring role with the team cut down by a knee injury which has since been subject to an MRI scan, with the results still pending. Shooting guard Keeble, meanwhile, remains sidelined with a fractured rib – but in a boost for Rockets, guard Dian Ivanov is set to return from a groin problem this weekend. One of the seven successive victories recorded by Reading to date includes the 96-66 win over Kent in an earlier round of the National Trophy. Another triumph over the same team will keep the side top of the Division 1 standings. Plymouth, meanwhile, arrive in Berkshire looking to extend their run in the Trophy, where they have so far experienced a bye and win over Bristol Academy Flyers II. “It has been good for us to have a short break but we are all really looking forward to getting back to action and hopefully building on our solid start to the season,” said coach Manuel Pena Garces. “I have been pleased with how the team has come together so far, but now is the time to kick on and further improve in the run up to Christmas. “This starts this weekend with the visits of Kent and Plymouth in what I think will be difficult games, but in different ways and with us still looking at some injuries we have, we will need to fight hard in both and make sure we take one game at a time. “I am a little concerned about a couple of players, but I think we have a good core to our squad, so I am hoping for two positive results.” Both games this weekend will be played at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley. This is because Rockets’ home of Rivermead is unavailable. National League 2 South W L V F Reading Rockets 1 0 0 99 Bradford Dragons 0 0 0 0 Derby Trailblazers 0 0 0 0 Essex Leopards 0 0 0 0 Hemel Storm 0 0 0 0 Kent Crusaders 0 0 0 0 Leicester Warriors 0 0 0 0 London Lituanica 0 0 0 0 Manchester Magic 0 0 0 0 Team Northumbria 0 0 0 0 Tees Valley Mohawks 0 0 0 0 Westminster Warriors 0 0 0 0 Worthing Thunder 0 0 0 0 Lancashire Spinners 0 1 0 95

A 95 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 99

PD 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -4

PTS 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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*Adam 1.2 Glam cash price £12,900 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1840 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £9,600 – 35 monthly payments of £139 – final optional payment £4,766 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £13471 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Corsa 1.2 Energy cash price £11,600 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £1300 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount to credit £8300– 35 monthly payments of £119 – final optional payment £4,538 – 4.5% representative APR – total amount payable £12003 - the contracted mileage over the full term Is 15,000 miles. Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv cash price £17,400 – £2000 Scrappage Allowance £3210 Eden Deposit contribution, Customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £16,112 – 35 monthly payments of £189 – final optional payment £6,345 – 2.84% representative APR – total amount payable £18170 – the contracted mileage over the full term is 15,000 miles. Astra 1.4 Excite cash price £17,940 – customer deposit £0 – amount of credit £11,940 – 60 monthly payments of £199 – 0% representative APR – total amount payable £17,940 -Swappage and £6,000 minimum part exchange vehicle must have a minimum of 90 Days Ownership. These offers supersede ant other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excess mileage will be charged on the above vehicles. This promotion is available on the above model and is available on Eden Vauxhall stock only. Cars must be registered by October 31st 2015. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Applicant must be 18 years or over. Finance by Vauxhall finance, PO Box 6666 Cardiff CF15 7YT and Black Horse finance St William House Tresillian Terrace Cardiff CF10 5BH. For further please contact your local Eden branch.

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

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BASKETBALL

IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

Top county award for Berkshire and Finches ace Hodges

By DAVID WRIGHT

ICE HOCKEY: Bracknell Bees left beaten as Lightning strikes three times at the Hive — Page 38

Craig Hodges (left) receives his award from Mark Allen, Berkshire’s director of youth cricket, while chairman Neil Doody shows off his new hat (inset)

GYMNASTICS

Southern title success for dazzling Dixie

Pinewood’s Level three and four girls with their medals and trophy

A 95 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 99

PD 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -4

PTS 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 37

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HOCKEY

Sonning hit Wokingham for six to claim bragging rights SONNING LADIES preserved top spot in Trysports Premier 1 after thrashing local rivals Wokingham 6-0. Defeat for the opposition, a fourth in five games, leaves Wokingham second from bottom in the table. A goal from Megan Watkins, meanwhile, proved to be nothing more than consolation for a Wokingham 2s side beaten 6-1 at Buckingham Ladies 3s. Watkins’ deflected effort from a corner routine involving captain Angela Nobles and Andrea Hodgson had seen the away side tie up the scores early in the second half. Buckingham, though, were soon turning up the heat, scoring five unanswered goals to record an emphatic victory. Wokingham 3s remain without a point in the standings. to their name this term following another Jamie Haworth and Huw Thomas forgettable morning when up against notched for Sonning 2s during their game Wallingford 4s, who won the contest 6-0. with Bicester in Division 1. In the Wessex Supervets Fixtures But it was not enough to steer the hosts Alliance, Wokingham Vets celebrated a away from defeat, with the opposition 1-0 victory over Amersham and Chalfont securing the points in a 4-2 victory. Vintage at Cantley Park. A Chris Roberts strike was all Sonning Wokingham Men TOM KING’S second goal in a week helped 3s had to show from a disappointing the Men’s 1s score their first win of the trip to Milton Keynes 3s, who won the fixture 4-1 to leave their guests 11th in the season with a 2-0 success over Slough. standings. Ben Dudley was also on target Sonning 4s search for a win or during this MBBO Regional point this season continues Division 2 clash. after a solitary effort from Richard Wallace helped PJ Smith saw Wootton himself to two goals when Wanderers leave Berkshire Wokingham 2s doubled County Sports with a 1-0 their victory tally for the success. season with a 4-2 triumph The loss leaves Sonning over Oxford 4s in MBBO Wokingham were left propping up the rest in Division 3. licking their wounds Division 4. Craig Atkins and Duncan Sonning 5s, meanwhile, drop Clarke also netted for the home down to second following a 2-1 side. reverse away at Oxford 7s in Division 8 Oxford replied through a two-goal salvo West – but the club’s sixth string continue from Jack Burke. to lead the way in Division 9 West after Down in Division 8, Wokingham preserving their 100 per cent start to the 3s were no match for league leaders season when defeating Newbury and Banbury Piranhas, who won this clash in Thatcham 5s by the odd goal in five. Oxfordshire 5-0. Sonning 7s are now up and running in Sonning Hockey Club AN ADAM PUSEY brace and further the same division having shared the spoils goals from Jonny Partenheimer and at Henley 4, where the game ended in a Tom Sampson saw Sonning Men to a 2-2 draw. Sonning Ladies comfortable 4-0 win at Bracknell in MBBO A SASKIA DELACAVE goal proved to be the Regional Division 2. difference when Oxford Hawks 3s defeated Victory for the visitors, a second in Sonning 2s at Banbury Road North. three games, moved the side up to second

The two local rivals tussle for possession

Sonning score from a penalty shot Pictures: Andrew Merritt and Kevin Sutton

The 1-0 reverse sees the team slip to fifth in the Trysports Premier 1 table. It is now played four, lost four for the club’s 3s, who conceded five without reply at Newbury and Thatcham 2s in Division 1. The same scoreline was witnessed during the Division 3 clash between Sonning 4s and Wallingford 3s; Angela Clements, Jo Porter, Hatty Wood, Ellie O’Hanlan and Rosie Passau all netting as the away side ran out big winners. Sonning Veterans dropped to ninth in Division 4 following a 3-0 loss at home to Newbury and Thatcham 3s, while Buckingham Ladies were awarded the mandatory 5-0 win after Sonning 5s were unable to raise a team for their Division 6 encounter. Fixtures – Saturday October 24

The away side were thwarted in their attempts to get back into the game

TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Wokingham Ladies v Oxford University Ladies; Sonning 1s v Aylesbury; Sonning 2s v Wycombe 2s DIVISION 1: Wallingford 2s v Sonning 3s DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Banbury 3s DIVISION 3: Sonning 4s v Scarlet Runners DIVISION 5: Wokingham 3s v Henley Development DIVISION 6: Sonning 5s v Bicester 4s WESSEX ALLIANCE: Winchester Wanderers v Wokingham Vets MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Phoenix and Ranelagh v Wokingham Men; Sonning Men v Banbury 2s DIVISION 1: Tring v Sonning 2s DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Newbury and Thatcham 2s DIVISION 3: Oxford 5s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 4: West Hampstead 5s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Slough Swifts

Wokingham look to clear their lines

The hosts and league leaders were just too much for Wokingham on Saturday

Sonning score again

Defeat for the visitors at Sonning Lane was the club’s fourth in five games this season

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

ICE HOCKEY

Misfiring Bees are shot down by a trio of Emersic strikes Bracknell Bees 1 MK Lightning 3

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk LUKAS SMITAL admitted “it was one of those games” after his Bees side went down to defeat at the Hive on Sunday. The player-coach saw his charges create numerous chances during their only game of the weekend, but were either denied by the ironwork or Lightning netminder Dean Skinns, who was in inspirational form between the pipes. Taking shots to both the shoulder and face mask could not unhinge the shot-stopper, either. Skinns, though, was beaten when Callum Fowler broke the deadlock on nine minutes, but would watch on as a Blas Emersic hat-trick, which included two goals in the final session, secured the points for the league leaders. Although having few complaints with the performance, Smital – who rattled a post himself – explained how his side were lacking a cutting edge on the night. He said: “It was one of those games. MK are a strong team and I know we had the opportunities to win but it just didn’t happen. “Their second goal 10 seconds into the final period killed us, it was a bit of a bad mistake from us, but we know we cannot win them all. “It just didn’t happen for us. They had that momentum from playing the night before and we didn’t, and it often slows us down having the Saturday off, it happened many times last year, but we had our opportunities and didn’t capitalise on them and lost the game.” Skinns was the busier of the two net minders during the early exchanges, thwarting Frantisek Bakrlik and Jan Bendik before a David Savage strike caused Callum Fowler panic around the crease, (left) opened the although the former scoring for Bees did well amid a clutch of bodies to deny the defenceman. MK were creating chances too during this time, one of which saw Alex Mettam in the Bracknell goal doing just enough to keep out an Emersic effort. From their next venture forward, though, Bees took the lead. Latching on to a long Bakrlik pass saw Fowler brilliantly waltz pass three opponents and confidently send the puck between the legs of Skinns for a 1-0 lead. The Lightning almost drew themselves level through Adam Carr, which would result in a moment of worry for the home faithful as Mettam lost sight of the puck – only to end up sitting on it as the hosts kept hold of their slender advantage going in to the first break. Bakrlik hammered a shot straight into the shoulder of Skinns moments into the second session, which would result in a brief break in play, but the netminder, following treatment, was okay to continue. And it was shortly after the restart when the visitors drew themselves level

Scott Spearing keeps tabs on Lightning forward Marko Luomala Pictures by Ian Coughlan

Jan Bendik grapples with an opponent

when Emersic lit the lamp via the help of a deflection. But Bracknell quickly rallied, with Matt Towalski and Bendik trading missed opportunities with opponents Emersic and Bobby Chamberlain respectively. Alex Barker was denied on the rebound from Skinns and Fowler was off target by a matter of inches after combining well with Smital as Bees cranked up the pressure once more. Then, having killed off a powerplay when Smital was sent to the sinbin for an elbow offence, the home side again went close through leading scorer Bakrlik, who this time slammed a shot on to the crossbar. It was now pretty much one-way traffic as Bracknell pressed hard to regain their earlier lead. Next to go close was Lewis Turner, but the D-man was unable to hit the target when set up by his coach. The MK goal appeared to be living a charmed life, yet keeping the hosts at bay was Skinns, who took more blows to the body for his troubles. In the same phase of play the player was hurt when denying Bakrlik on the breakaway and was also struck on the helmet as Fowler looked to bury the loose puck. Skinns suffered no serious injury from either effort, with his heroics ensuring the Buckinghamshire side would head into the final stanza on level terms. Bracknell would start the third period on the powerplay after Jordan Cownie was penalised for slashing. Yet they were to fall behind for the

first time on the evening with the session barely 10 seconds old; Emersic doubling his – and the Lightning’s – tally when breaking clear and getting the better of Mettam. Undeterred, Bees continued to go on the offensive, only to endure yet more frustration in the final third. Savage saw another attempt well saved and Fowler struck a post. And with the missed opportunities stacking up, the home side were hit by another sucker punch when an MK breakaway saw Emersic complete the hat-trick. Losing Lewis Hook to a tripping charge presented Bracknell with a possible way back into the game via a powerplay. But try as they might, it was a similar story, with Bendik, Fowler and Bakrlik unable to breach the threshold before Smital rang a shot off the pipework. Mettam was duly sacrificed late on as Bees went with the extra skater – but the move almost backfired as an interception nearly led to a fourth goal for the away side. Savage, however, got back in time to scoop the puck off the line, but the damage had already been done. Bees are back to a full programme in the EPIHL this weekend, taking on Telford Tigers tomorrow at the Hive in a game where entrance for kids is just £1 (6pm). Then, on Sunday, the side are away at Manchester Phoenix (6.30pm). Additional reporting by John Slater. English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Milton Keynes 14 7 3 0 4 55 Peterborough 12 7 1 2 2 47 Basingstoke 12 6 2 1 3 41 Guildford 12 5 3 1 3 43 Manchester 13 6 0 2 5 44 Swindon 13 5 1 1 6 46 Telford 12 4 1 0 7 36 Bracknell 11 5 0 0 6 42 Sheffield 10 3 0 2 5 32 Hull 11 0 1 3 7 21

A 41 31 37 31 44 46 39 38 49 51

Pts 20 18 17 17 14 13 10 10 8 5

Defenceman David Savage was busy at both ends of the rink on Sunday

LONDON IRISH

Paice: Irish must be more clinical against the Chiefs Exeter Chiefs v London Irish Aviva Premiership Sandy Park Stadium, 6pm

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk DAVID PAICE felt London Irish “were not quite clinical enough” after beginning the new season with defeat to Leicester Tigers. Exiles created several opportunities in and around the oppositions’ five-metre line on Sunday, but were unable to penetrate a Tigers side which went on to win the game thanks in part to the boot of Tommy Bell. They did breach the whitewash when Jebb Sinclair went over, but the Leicester fly-half clearing the posts on seven occasions would ultimately prove to be the difference. While of the opinion the side can take plenty of positives from the curtain raiser, hooker Paice explained to The Wokingham Paper how his team-mates do need to sharpen up going forward. “It was disappointing to get the loss, but there were a lot of good things to come from it,” said the forward. “The pack fronted up well and the scrum was one of the highlights. “I think we have turned it around from last season. People thought we were perhaps weak in the scrum last season and we have done a lot of training on it and we have pushed on and strengthened it this year. “Our penalty count was pretty good and we only conceded something like 10, but the problem was they were all kickable and in the centre, so we sadly didn’t make the right decisions in the right areas and maybe should have held off when pushing on at times. “But throughout the game we just weren’t clinical enough. We created a lot of opportunities, which was also one of the highlights, but it is how we finish off one those opportunities which is the difference between winning and losing. “It is difficult against one of the top

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Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

David Paice

teams because their defence is so good, and you don’t always get two or three opportunities, so it is important you take one of them. “Leicester only had the one opportunity, but took it, and they won the game.” Having presided over his first competitive game with Irish, coach Tom Coventry felt his charges “perhaps lacked game management under pressure and sloppiness in the set-piece” – comments Paice had no argument with. He added: “I agree – the opportunities were there but our game management was not good enough to finish those off. “It is a positive, I guess, that we created those opportunities, but if you don’t finish it off you lose the game.” Paice, though, is backing his team-mates to come good, in an attacking sense, down in the south west, where they are guests of an Exeter Chiefs side also beaten on the opening weekend, losing 19-17 at rivals Bath.

The hosts could include the trio of Geoff Parling, Henry Slade and Toby Nowell in their starting XV, as the latter two were rested last Friday upon returning from England duty at the World Cup. And while admitting the three are talented players, the Exiles No.9 believes the visitors can ill afford to focus all their attentions on keeping the starlets quiet. He said: “Exeter is a great team and it is a really well run club playing really powerful rugby. They were really unlucky, I felt, against Bath and this is a first home game for them, so they will want to put on a show. “They will also have a couple of players back from international duty and will want to make a statement and it will be a tough game, but we will need to be as powerful as we can.” Paice added: “Exeter’s attack is very good and their defence is full on, so we will need to keep them back from the baseline, and our pack and defence will need to do a job to keep them back, but our attack is strong and we can cause them problems too. “(Parling, Slade and Nowell) are great players, but I’m not sure what they will do with their team, because they played pretty well against Bath. “But they are too good players to be left out and we know what they bring to the table. “However, we cannot put too much emphasis on those three because Exeter have great players who are always a handful.” Irish, however, could be boosted by the return of their own World Cup stars in Blair Cowan and Sean Maitland, who were part of a Scotland side cruelly and dramatically beaten by Australia in the quarter-finals last weekend. And Paice is hoping Exiles can use such a disappointment to their advantage. “They are great players who were unlucky with the result and they will be hurting. But hopefully they can come back here and do great things for us.”

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP

Handling errors prove costly for an Exiles side hurt by the boot of Bell London Irish 16 Leicester Tigers 28

HANDLING errors proved costly as London Irish lost their Aviva Premiership opener against Leicester Tigers, writes TOM CROCKER. Just two tries were scored in the contest at Madejski Stadium with Jebb Sinclair crossing for the Exiles after Peter Betham had dabbed down for the visitors. But it could have been plenty more had Tom Coventry’s men kept composure at the vital moments in attack. Halani Aulika and Sinclair came straight into the side on the back of their World Cup exploits with Tonga and Canada respectively while Rob McCusker, Brendan McKibbin and Matt Symons were all handed London Irish debuts. Taking on a side who have reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last 11 seasons, giving away an early penalty was far from the ideal start for the Exiles. Just two minutes were on the clock when Tommy Bell slotted the first of his seven successful kicks of the afternoon following Irish being penalised for not rolling away at the breakdown. The hosts responded brightly, carving out an opportunity to level but Chris Noakes failed to convert between the posts. And they were punished in the extreme with the first try of the match, against the run of play, after just 10 minutes. With Irish building pressure, Australian Betham intercepted a Noakes pass and charged 50 metres to score under the posts and mark his debut in style. Things went from bad to worse when Topsy Ojo was sent to the sinbin for a high challenge on Laurence Pearce but this seemed to spur Coventry’s men on, pulling back a try through Sinclair. And the big Canadian nearly went over for his second of the day, only

to be denied by former Exile Adam Thompstone. As a pulsating first half drew to a close, Irish had a try disallowed but Noakes converted from the penalty advantage as Tigers led 19-13 at the break. Eoin Griffin came close to scoring a try shortly after the restart but exemplary kicking from Bell proved to be the difference between the two sides as he scored all his team’s second half points to end with a personal haul of 23. Coventry will take charge of his first competitive Irish away match next week when the Exiles travel to face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (6pm), who also lost on the opening day.

LONDON IRISH: Fenby, Lewington (Geraghty 65), Fowlie, Griffin, Ojo, Noakes (Mulchrone 73), McKibbin (Steele 60), Court (Smallbone 55), Paice, Aulika (Halavatau 57), Skivington (Sheriff 70), Symons, Sinclair, Narraway, McCusker (Sisi 70). Rep not used: Ellis Try: Sinclair (23) Pens: Noakes x3 (16,38,46) Con: Noakes (23) LEICESTER TIGERS: Tait, Thompstone, Betham, Bai (O. Williams 66), Catchpole, Bell, Harrison, Mulipola (Brugnara 53), Bateman (Thacker 57), Balmain, M. Williams (de Chaves 68), Fitzgerald, Croft, McCaffrey, Pearce (Fonua 58). Reps not used: Pasquali, White, Odogwu Try: Betham (10) Pens: Bell x7 (2,19,25,39,60,74,80) Con: Bell (10) Referee: Matt Carley Attendance: 6,596 Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-3, 0-10, 3-10, 3-13, 10-13, 10-16, 13-16, 13-19, 16-19, 16-22, 16-25, 16-28.

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

Aviva Premiership P W D L 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1

F 41 39 28 26 19 13 12 17 21 27 16 3

A 3 27 16 21 17 12 13 19 26 39 28 41

BP 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0

PTS 5 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 0 0 0

LOCAL RUGBY

Kruzycki set to start for a Rams side left paying the penalty in last-gasp defeat to Elthamians Redingensians Rams 24 Old Elthamians 27

KACPER KRUZYCKI is in line to make his first Redingensians start of the season when Barnes are the visitors to Old Bath Road tomorrow (2pm). The Poland lock, 21, should be named in coach Mike Tewkesbury’s starting XV having made several impressive appearances from the bench. Kruzycki, who had turned out for French Division 2 side Stade Aurillacois and Ulster outfit Banbridge before arriving in Sonning over the summer, is expected to fill in for the unavailable Ollie Taylor. The player stepped up from the replacements last Saturday, but was unable to steer the side away from a narrow reverse against Old Elthamians. Despite outscoring their guests by four tries to three, poor discipline would result in the Rams slipping to a sixth loss in

seven games, although the club do climb up a place in the standings with the two bonus points picked up during the defeat. “It was disappointing,” admitted captain Andy Amor (pictured). “We had two yellow cards when we were on top. We gave away too many penalties at the breakdown. “But we have injured players coming back and can pick up more points in the next few matches against clubs in the bottom half of the table.” It is easy to see why the skipper has reasons to be optimistic, especially after helping his side recover from 17-7 down to lead Elthamians 24-17 at one point last weekend. However, losing Ollie Poole and Amor to the sin-bin saw momentum swing the visitors way, with replacement Jon Webber running through late on to secure victory for the away side. A great start from Rams saw Samir

Kharbouch cross the line after just 36 seconds. The score, however, was quickly ruled out. Yet the hosts did not let it bother them, crossing the line again in the third minute, with Dieter Kerschbaumer touching down for his first try for the club. Sam Brown added the extras. Elthamians, though, began the fight-back when Tom White kicked over a penalty. Their back division looked dangerous throughout and it was no surprise they would nudged themselves ahead when Jamie Cullen dabbed down, with White slotting the first of three conversions on the afternoon. The same player stretched the advantage soon after with a try of his own. Far superior in the line-out yet under pressure in the scrum, the guests looked to be cruising towards an easy victory. Yet that scenario was wiped out during a devastating eight-minute spell of rugby produced by Redingensians either side of the interval, where a three-try

revival blew the outcome of the fixture wide open. Going over for the Rams, also for the first time, was Ollie Taylor, where Brown added a brilliant conversion from the touchline. He was soon joined on the scoresheet by backs Ollie Foxley and Poole early in the second half. The tries came about following good work by the forwards, one of which came from a Elthamians scrum and the other from loose play. But hopes of going on to double their win tally for the campaign began to fade when White cleared the posts with a penalty. Losing Poole and Amor then saw a visiting try scored on 67 minutes before Webber dashed through the home defence to finish off an attack from deep as victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat. REDINGENSIANS: Foxley: Poole, Bryant, Amor, Drury, Barnes, Brown; Steadman, Crame, Baker, Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Kharbouch, Nightingale, Guttridge. Reps: Knowles, Weller, Kruzycki, Morrison, Harrison.

n BRACKNELL return to action in

National League 2 South P W D L F A Taunton Titans 7 6 0 1 237 134 Cambridge 7 6 0 1 207 136 Old Albanians 7 5 1 1 246 119 Clifton 7 5 1 1 270 173 Bishop’s Stortford 7 5 0 2 221 126 Redruth 7 5 0 2 187 178 Old Elthamians 7 4 0 3 207 175 Southern Saxons 7 3 2 2 188 187 Barnes 7 3 0 4 189 189 Bury St Edmonds 7 3 0 4 165 179 Worthing 7 3 0 4 150 152 Canterbury 7 3 0 4 144 174 Dorking 7 2 0 5 147 213 Redingensians 7 1 0 6 106 205 Chinnor 7 0 0 7 159 258 Launceston 7 0 0 7 91 316

BP 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 6 5 2 2 5 3 6 0

PTS 30 30 28 28 25 25 21 20 18 17 14 14 13 7 6 2

National League 3 London and South East on Saturday. Beaten 24-21 at Colchester last time out, the Lily Hill men will be looking for a response on home soil, but standing in their way of victory is an unbeaten London Irish Wild Geese side (1pm). n CROWTHORNE take on league leaders Abingdon at Arborfield Garrison in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division (3pm).

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

Great Scott! Harriet sets Women on way to dramatic title success

Manager Kelly Chambers (left) and captain Kirsty McGee proudly hold the WSL 2 title aloft

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

READING survived a late Aston Villa fightback to cap an historic season by clinching the WSL 2 title on goal difference. Going into the final day level on points with Doncaster Rovers Belles, Royals knew victory was a must to keep hold of top spot and they looked to be sailing towards three points. The deadlock was broken just before half time through full-back Harriet Scott with in-form Helen Ward (pictured right) doubling the advantage on the hour mark. And when Bianca Bragg netted a third with 10 minutes to play, it appeared to be another impressive away display. But there was to be a grandstand finale. Alicia Robinson pulled back what appeared to be a consolation with only two minutes to play, but when Tash Baptiste added another seconds after, the trophy was threatening to be taken away from Kelly Chambers’ charges. But Reading held on to end their season in style with a 14th victory from their 18 league games to win the title by

virtue of scoring four more goals than Doncaster across the season. “I’m absolutely over the moon with the win and it feels brilliant to finally have my hands on the trophy,” said captain Kirsty McGee. “We’ve already shown this season that we can compete with the best up there and I think with the squad that we have got we can only go one way and get better and better.”

READING: Moloney; Jane, McGee, Davies, Scott (Jones 59); Fletcher (Follis 59), Rowe, Walkley (Horwood 45), Roche; Ward, Bragg. Subs not used: Sansom, Bartrip, Estcourt. Referee: Shaun Berry Attendance: 509 Women’s Super League 2 P W D L C Reading Women 18 14 3 1 P Doncaster Rovers 18 14 3 1 Everton Ladies 18 8 7 3 Yeovil Town Ladies 18 9 4 5 Aston Villa Ladies 18 7 4 7 Oxford United 18 7 3 8 Durham Women 18 6 2 10 London Bees 18 3 4 11 Millwall Lionesses 18 2 6 10 Watford Ladies 18 1 2 15

F 61 57 43 36 29 26 24 19 17 12

A 15 15 24 23 28 40 32 53 39 55

Turning professional with Reading the dream - Roche Mailer and Jenkins doubles

Pts 45 45 31 31 25 24 20 13 12 5

THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

put United in seventh heaven

LOIS ROCHE admits it would be a “dream come true” if she were to be offered a full-time contract with Reading. With the WSL 2 title sewn up following a 3-2 win against Aston Villa on the last game of the season on Sunday, Royals attentions can now turn fully to planning for life in the top tier of the Women’s Super League. Included in those plans are the possibility of introducing full-time training for some members of the squad rather than the two nights a week system currently in place, something Roche would relish. “I think if anyone in the team got offered that they would rip the manager’s hand off,” the midfielder told The Wokingham Paper. “It’s a dream come true ever since I’ve been a little girl and ever since I can remember, being a professional footballer is a dream and to be offered that would be a proud day for me and my family. “It would be brilliant for the club as well. We made history this season and for some of us to become full-time would be brilliant. “I don’t even know what to say, it’s emotional just thinking about it. It would be amazing, it really would. “A dream come true.” Promotion has been confirmed for Kelly Chambers’ charges since a 3-1 win at Watford Ladies last month but focus never wavered as the Royals went on to win three more matches, all away, to end the season with a faultless record on the road with nine victories from nine. While Reading spent the whole campaign swapping positions with Doncaster at the top of the WSL 2 table and despite the two finishing level on points, Roche can recall the exact moment she knew the title would be heading to Berkshire. She said: “It was brilliant to get promoted in the way that we did. “We had two tough away games (to finish) but in the camp we always believed that we would win the league.

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Lois Roche (left) celebrates the Royals’ title win with Bianca Bragg, who was on target during the victory at Aston Villa Pictures: Nigel Hoyle/GoalShots

“There was a point in the season where Doncaster drew to Everton away (last month) after a late goal so that put us both on the same points. “I knew as soon as they slipped up there, the league was ours. “There was no doubt in my mind that once the league had come back into our hands and we were in control, there was no way we were going to lose it. “The Aston Villa game was a 90 minute cup final. We were all so excited and we just knew it was our time.” With promotion and the league trophy in the bag, many would be forgiven for thinking the squad would be given a few months off before preparations for the new season in March. But Roche, 22, says there would be no such luxury. “I wish!” She said. “It’s actually three or four weeks off and we go into a six-week training period over Christmas and then I think we get two weeks off and are back again. “We have three pre-seasons a year

which is tough but it gets us results so I don’t think the manager will be changing that!” As well as the league form, Reading have shown their ability to mix it with the best during clashes against WSL 1 sides during their run to the Continental Cup quarter-finals and Roche says being in the top flight to play these sides week in, week out, is where the club belongs. “I don’t know if it’s sunk in,” she said. “But it’s just amazing for the club. This season it’s been such a brilliant club to be a part of. “I’m so proud of all the girls and we couldn’t have better people involved. The staff, our fans are brilliant. “We rarely have away games. Our fans are so good, they come out in numbers. They’re the loudest in the league. “Whatever ground we’ve played at this season was like a home game anyway so that majorly helped us win the league. “Reading is a brilliant place and it’s got brilliant people around it and it just deserves to be in the top league.”

JOHN MAILER and Matt Jenkins both bagged braces as Woodley United B thrashed Taplow United A 7-1 in Division 5. Having fallen to defeat last week, Woodley bounced back in style and wasted little time in opening up a 2-0 lead through Mailer and Harry Turner. The points looked safely in the bag by half time with Jenkins, Jake Brown and Mailer again finding the net to fire their side 5-0 ahead. Jenkins added his second after the restart with Goran Olsson also on target with Sam Simmonds firing in a consolation. The win sees Woodley climb up to fourth in the table. In the same league, BERKS COUNTY FC ROVERS picked up a 2-2 draw at home against Goring United Reserves. Christopher Searle scored twice for the hosts while Jonathan Hurrell and Chris Purnell netted for Goring, who had Quentin Ham sent off for two yellow

cards. Daniel Pearson’s goal was not enough to prevent HURST from falling to a 3-1 defeat at home to Newbury FC in the Premier Division. Second placed Newbury had Carl Jenner and Callum Thomas to thank as Hurst stay 9th. Meanwhile, Berks County struggled, going down 4-0 to runaway unbeaten leaders Reading YMCA. WINNERSH RANGERS lost for the third time in their four Division 1 games with a 2-1 defeat against Westwood United, despite Jamie Broadley’s strike. WARGRAVE RESERVES had an afternoon to remember as they stormed to a 6-1 win over WOODLEY UNITED A in Division 3. With just three points from their first four games going into the contest, Wargrave produced their finest display of the season as Matt Tanner bagged a hat-trick with Jason Heath also among the scorers. Nathan Bingham netted a consolation for the visitors.

READING SUNDAY LEAGUE

Hot-shot Cialis keeps his cool to fire Woodley to first win of season SAM CIALIS’ cool finish secured Woodley United a first win of the Premier Division season courtesy of a 2-1 success away at DC Steamers. The visitors started the contest slowly and were lucky not to have fallen behind during the early exchanges when one attack saw the Steamers skim the outside of an upright. But after finding some composure, it was United who went on to break the deadlock on 36 minutes. Rob Timbers was the scorer, sweeping a shot home following good link-up play between Cialis and Jono Malone after man-of-the-match Arran Wells had driven over a low cross from the right.

Timbers, though, was later deemed to have handled the ball and DC were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time, but the spot kick hit a post and Woodley would go in at the break boasting a slender advantage. The lead, however, was wiped out on 70 minutes when the hosts netted on the rebound after United ‘keeper Stephen Brearley had parried the initial strike at goal. The visitors, though, were not to be left disappointed, as Cialis, with his back to goal, turned his marker well before finishing confidently into the corner when one-on-one with the Steamers goalkeeper to settle the contest.

Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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READING FC

Boost for Clarke and Royals as Bond and Ferdinand return to training Fulham v Reading Sky Bet Championship Craven Cottage (1.30pm)

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk ANTON FERDINAND and Jonathan Bond are set to return to Reading’s squad for the trip to Fulham tomorrow (1.30pm kick-off). The injured pair have been missing since last month but Steve Clarke confirmed that both have now returned to full training after a spell on the sidelines. This news softens the blow of losing Hal Robson-Kanu and Stephen Quinn to long-term injuries and the manager is content with the overall fitness of his squad. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Clarke said: “Coming out of the treatment room are Jonathan Bond and Anton Ferdinand and, fingers crossed, Aaron Tshibola, who missed the game in midweek with a groin strain. “I hope to get at least two or three back on the training pitch (ahead of Fulham) which makes the injury situation quite good.” Royals will go to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side with no wins from their last four matches and sitting in the bottom half of the Championship, but Clarke is fully aware of the threats they can pose. “I think it can come all over the pitch,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of good footballers in their team. They can play through midfield and their attacking full backs are good. “I like the look of (Moussa) Dembele and Ross McCormack I know very well. He’s a terrific footballer, Ross, if he gets the ball in and around the box he’s dangerous. “They’ve also got some big lads in their team so they can be a threat at set pieces as well. Pretty much like

every other team in the division, they’re capable of causing us problems.” With the return of Bond, Ali Al-Habsi’s place could be under threat again but the Omani keeper is relishing the challenge. “This competition takes us very far,” he said. “It’s not just keepers, it’s every single player in the team. We have a big squad and great experienced players. “This competition is good for us. Bondy has played nine games and did very well for the team but got injured. I went in and helped the team to keep doing what they’ve been doing. “When the team wins it’s not Ali winning, it’s we are all winning. “The decision is with the manager.” While Bond, the summer arrival from Watford started the campaign as the first choice, Al-Habsi feels he is just starting to find his own form as he looks to keep hold of his place in the side. And the stopper says there was one moment in particular which sparked his upturn in fortune after a difficult Madejski Stadium debut against Everton in the Capital One Cup. “When you are a goalkeeper and you don’t play regularly, you are missing that feeling of the goal and now I have it all,” he explained. “I played against Middlesbrough, went back home and played two games with the national team and I played Charlton and Rotherham. “As a goalkeeper you need five games to be back to your best and have that feeling of the games. I have it now and I’m pleased. “It does not take me a long time. “Sometimes you need one big save to bring the confidence and I think I had that save against Middlesbrough in the first half with the free kick (from Stewart Downing). “That’s what I needed.” Reading’s starting XI (predicted): Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Hector, Obita; Norwood, Williams; Vydra, Piazon, Blackman; Sa.

Ali Al-Habsi says he is back to his best ahead of Reading’s trip to Fulham, where Steve Clarke (inset) could welcome Anton Ferdinand and Jonathan Bond back into his squad

Stacey signs new contract

JACK STACEY says he is relishing the chance to learn off Reading’s in-form stars having penned a new contract extension until the summer of 2019. Academy graduate Stacey made his Royals debut in August last year and has gone on to make five more appearances for the first team, but has been absent since being forced off injured during the win at Derby County on the final day of last season. Stacey, 19, is now closing in on a return to fitness and says he cannot wait to get back into training. “I’ve been at this club since I was nine years old and to get another three-and-a-half years here is a dream come true for me,” said the winger. “I’ve just come back from injury now, so I want to get back into training and learn from the players that are doing so well at the moment, as well as showing the manager what I can do myself and

hopefully continue the success of the club.” Brighton Birmingham Reading Hull Burnley Middlesbrough Derby Cardiff Sheff Wed QPR Ipswich Wolves Fulham Huddersfield Brentford Nottm Forest Blackburn Leeds Preston MK Dons Bristol City Charlton Rotherham Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L F 12 8 4 0 18 12 7 3 2 19 12 6 4 2 18 12 6 4 2 17 12 6 4 2 17 12 6 3 3 17 12 5 6 1 16 12 5 5 2 15 12 4 5 3 16 12 4 4 4 19 12 4 4 4 15 12 4 3 5 17 12 3 5 4 18 12 3 5 4 12 12 4 2 6 16 12 3 4 5 10 12 2 6 4 12 12 2 6 4 11 12 2 5 5 10 12 3 2 7 12 12 2 4 6 15 12 2 4 6 11 12 2 3 7 14 12 1 5 6 9

A 10 11 8 8 12 8 9 11 15 22 20 17 17 14 20 13 13 16 13 16 22 18 22 19

Pts 28 24 22 22 22 21 21 20 17 16 16 15 14 14 14 13 12 12 11 11 10 10 9 8

Bauer sees red as goal Addick Blackman seals victory over Charlton Reading 1 Charlton Athletic 0

CHARLTON boss Guy Luzon says the red card shown to Patrick Bauer “changed the game” as Reading edged out the Addicks at the Madejski Stadium, writes TOM CROCKER. Steve Clarke’s men dominated for large spells but struggled to find a breakthrough until Charlton were reduced to 10 men after 68 minutes. And the hosts finally got the goal through in-form Nick Blackman, who headed in Lucas Piazon’s cross with just 14 minutes to play. “We had a game plan and prepared well for the game,” said Luzon. “Reading is a team with a lot of quality and we knew it before. “When we played with 11 players, we really gave everything. We organised well and didn’t let them create easy chances. “I think the red card changed the game and gave them the advantage. With 11 v 10 it was difficult to hold them.” Clarke made two changes to the side which beat Middlesbrough just before the international break. Ola John came in for his first league

marauding Blackman. Clarke’s men made the most of the extra space as Blackman ghosted in at the back post to head a fine Piazon cross back across goal and into the corner for his ninth goal in as many games. “It was the kind of game that we were expecting,” said Clarke. “We prepared the team a little bit in the manner to expect that type of game. “We knew that if we couldn’t get the early goal, which we’re not going to get every week, it would be a test of patience. “For me it was a really important win but also a very good win.”

Reading players celebrate Nick Blackman’s winner Picture: Vivienne Johnson

start for the club while Aaron Tshibola also returned to the team with Danny Williams dropping to the bench and the injured Hal Robson-Kanu beginning a spell on the sidelines. Young striker Rowan Liburd was named on the bench for the first time following scintillating form with the Under-21s after his arrival from Billericay Town. And it was Reading who made the

bright start with Piazon denied by a smart Nick Pope save. John and Norwood also tried their luck as the Royals racked up a total of 23 shots on the day compared with Charlton’s two. But it looked like it could be an afternoon of immense frustration until centre-back Bauer was shown his marching orders with little over 20 minutes to play after scything down the

READING: Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Hector, Obita; Norwood, Tshibola (Williams 70); John (McCleary 70), Piazon (Fernandez 87), Blackman; Sa. Subs not used: Moore, Cooper, Taylor, Liburd. Goal: Blackman (76) CHARLTON: Pope, Solly, Diarra, Bauer, Bergdich, Berg Gudmundsson (Fox 62), Jackson (Ba 70), Cousins, McAleny, Ahearne-Grant, Moussa (Watt 56). Subs not used: Henderson, Sarr, Holmes-Dennis, Kennedy. Yellow cards: Berg Gudmundsson (10), Bauer x2 (51,68), Bergdich (66) Red card: Bauer (68) Referee: Robert Lewis Attendance: 17,614

Second half ‘like playing FIFA’ says Hector Rotherham United 1 Reading 1

MICHAEL HECTOR says the second half against Rotherham United was like watching a video game. Reading looked comfortable for the first 45 minutes and took the lead through a stunning Nick Blackman strike, but they were pegged back immediately after the restart thanks to Danny Collins. And while that is how the scores stayed, both sides has plenty of chances to take all three points. “In the first half we controlled the ball really well,” said the Chelsea loanee. “After the goal especially we kept the ball well, but in the second half we conceded early from a set piece which let their crowd get into it. “They were very flat first half, but second half it was very end-to-end, like FIFA! “It was pretty scrappy and it played into their hands. “Rotherham played really well and if they play like that they won’t be in the bottom three this season, that’s for sure.” Steve Clarke shuffled his pack again following the win over Charlton at the weekend with Andrew Taylor preferred to Jordan Obita at left-back for his first league appearance since August while Danny Williams and Garath McCleary replaced Aaron Tshibola and Ola John. Neil Redfearn was taking charge of his first home game as Rotherham boss but Royals looked like spoiling the party. After Ali Al-Habsi had done well to thwart Matt Derbyshire’s curling effort, the visitors soon took the advantage through Blackman. Oliver Norwood picked out the forward, who took the ball on his chest and lashed in a superb 25-yard effort which flew into the top corner to score for the sixth game in a row. Lucas Piazon came close to doubling the tally only to be denied by Lee Camp but the scores were levelled shortly after the restart when defender Collins peeled off at the back post to volley in a Tony Andreu corner. Chances came and went at both ends in a breathless second half with the returning Matej Vydra going closest but neither side could find the breakthrough as Reading slipped to third. READING: Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Hector, Taylor; Williams, Norwood; McCleary (Vydra 62), Piazon (Hurtado 62), Blackman; Sa. Subs not used: Moore, Cooper, Obita, Fernandez, Liburd. Goal: Blackman (26) Yellow card: Taylor (69) ROTHERHAM: Camp, Buxton, Rawson, Collins, Toffolo, Thorpe, Ward, Green, Andreu (Maguire 85), Clarke-Harris, Derbyshire (Bowery 80). Subs not used: Collin, Richardson, Broadfoot, White, Ledesma. Goal: Collins (48) Yellow cards: Collins (58), Toffolo (72) Referee: Jeremy Simpson Attendance: 9,071

Michael Hector

42 | SPORT

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COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Eversley Stamp their authority on top spot Sheerwater 2 Eversley and California 4

EVERSLEY moved two points clear at the top of the Division 1 table after Matt Stamp guided the side to victory at Blackmore Crescent. The forward struck twice for the Boars in Surrey, taking his goals tally for the club to 95 in the process. But in securing victory on the road, Eversley had to do it the hard way, as Robbie Jones broke the deadlock for Sheerwater in the 40th minute. Stamp’s first goal of the afternoon drew Neville Roache’s side level just minutes into the second half. The visitors then received a boost when host ‘keeper Andy Rider saw red for handling the ball out of the area, with Eversley taking advantage of having the extra man when Matt Griffiths fired the side in front for the first time in the game soon after. Sheerwater, though, dragged themselves level through Jack Dethridge on 72 minutes – only to fall behind again soon after when William Neville added his name to the scoresheet. Sheerwater were now beginning to tire, and it was from a corner when the game was put out of their reach; Stamp doubling his tally for the game and making the points safe for an Eversley side who now lead CB Hounslow United in the standings, but have played a game more than their closest rivals. Eversley put their league campaign to one side this weekend, with the club welcoming Walton Casuals to Fox Lane for a cup clash (3pm). EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA: Hoptroff, Webb, Blackie, Neville, Osler, Hodgson, Stamp, B.Smith, Douglass, Griffiths, C.Smith, Giles, Kiesel, Medford, T.Smith, Lynch.

n THERE was, however, disappointment for the club in the RPM Records Challenge Cup on Tuesday night. Eversley raced into a 3-1 lead against fellow promotion rivals Worcester Park at Fox Lane, but a stunning comeback saw the visitors progress via a 4-3 success.

Will Neville hit Eversley’s third Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F Eversley & California 11 9 0 2 36 CB Hounslow United 10 8 1 1 21 Worcester Park 10 7 1 2 29 Bedfont & Feltham 6 5 1 0 20 Staines Lammas 11 5 1 5 26 Abbey Rangers 9 5 1 3 15 Cobham 10 5 1 4 23 Sandhurst Town 10 4 2 4 19 Epsom Athletic 11 4 1 6 21 Dorking 9 4 0 5 15 Frimley Green 7 4 0 3 10 Banstead Athletic 8 2 2 4 12 Ash United 9 2 2 5 16 Dorking Wanderers Re 10 2 2 6 10 Sheerwater 9 2 1 6 13 Farleigh Rovers 10 2 1 7 8 South Park Reserves 10 1 1 8 11

A Pts 14 27 5 25 12 22 5 16 17 16 11 16 22 16 26 14 33 13 15 12 10 12 18 8 23 8 20 8 22 7 28 7 24 4

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 23, 2015

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Five straight wins for Finch, with Greg on target again Finchampstead 2 Reading Town 0

Finchampstead goalscorer Freddie Barron gets away from his marker Pictures: Paul King

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk GREG ALEXANDER’S 10th goal in nine games and a second-half Freddie Barron strike saw Finchampstead preserve top spot in the division. Victory over basement boys Reading Town was also the club’s fifth straight success at the Memorial Ground, yet despite sitting pretty at the league’s summit, boss Jon Laugharne is still refusing to get carried away. “Reading Town are better than bottom of the league but winning does make the weekend more enjoyable,” said the manager. “It’s okay, but we do not get carried away with it. “The players’ have a tremendous attitude and it is unbelievable, but a man didn’t fall on top of the mountain – you have got to appreciate hard work and we just need to keep going. “The last couple of years have been difficult but we have just kept on going and it is about doing the same thing.” Finchampstead went into the fixture sitting in first place, a point clear of Penn and Tylers Green, courtesy of a four-game winning streak. And they looked odds on to stay there when Alexander broke the deadlock in the opening minute, running on to a pass and beating Nick Slatcher in the Town goal with aplomb.

Tom Bryant shows a safe pair of hands

The latter tipped over another effort from the same player later in the half before Alexander fired over the bar soon after. Finch had the ball in the net a second time, only for the ‘goal’ to be ruled out and then won a penalty when Harry Swabey was sent tumbling in the box. The same player took the spot kick, but the strike was palmed away by Slatcher. For all their first half dominance, the hosts would lead by just the solitary goal at half-time, but that soon changed shortly after the restart when Barron doubled the advantage on 53 minutes. Alexander, Swabey, captain Adam Barnard and Barron all went close to grabbing a third, but either failed to hit the target or were thwarted by Slatcher.

Town, though, did have their moments, going close amid a goalmouth scramble, where Tom Bryant in the Finchampstead goal produced a handful of saves to keep the away side at bay. Finch take their unbeaten run on the road tomorrow, where they will be up against another team relegated from the Hellenic Premier Division last season, Holyport (3pm). “This will be a real tough game for us,” added Laugharne. “They are going to be good, being an ex-Premier League team and they are a good football club, but we want to keep up the standards we have been setting.”

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

Finch captain Adam Barnard puts the pressure on an opponent as fellow defender Luke Axton-Hall watches on Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Finchampstead 10 6 2 2 Penn & Tylers Green 8 6 1 1 Headington Ama 8 4 2 2 Rayners Lane 8 4 1 3 Henley Town 8 4 1 3 Didcot Town Res’ 8 3 2 3 Bicester Town 7 3 2 2 Wantage Town Res’ 10 3 1 6 Chinnor 6 3 0 3 Holyport 6 3 0 3 Chalfont Wasps 4 2 1 1 Woodley United 8 2 1 5 Old Woodstock Town 7 2 0 5 Reading Town 6 0 0 6

F 18 27 10 18 19 15 13 16 13 13 8 8 5 7

A Pts 9 20 5 19 8 14 12 13 16 13 14 11 15 11 23 10 10 9 15 9 6 7 17 7 19 6 21 0

No rub of the Green for Woodley as sorry United are hit for six Woodley United 0 Penn and Tylers Green 6

CONCEDING five uncontested goals after the break saw United slip to a heavy defeat at Scours Lane. Danny Jordan led the rout for the Buckinghamshire side with two goals. He was joined on the scoresheet by Adam Harman, Casey Bacarro, Callum Coull and George Weller. Despite what was to be a disappointing afternoon for Woodley, the hosts actually started the game well, with Sam Skehan unlucky not to break the deadlock when firing wide from just outside the box. The next chance of any note arrived some 20 minutes into the fixture and fell to Penn; Jordan unable to convert from a header when losing his marker. Ryan Szram, meanwhile, was off target from the right and Nathaniel Robinson was unable to keep a free-kick down as United went on the offensive once more. However, the hosts found themselves trailing on 37 minutes when Jordan pinged an effort into the top corner when teed up by Lee Thompson. A great save from Harry Stiff then only

United’s Oli Bridges and Ryan Szram (left) look to thwart a Penn attack Picture: Peter Toft

prevented the visitors from extending their lead from a well-worked set piece soon after. Penn thought they had made it 2-0 early in the second half, but Bocarro saw his ‘goal’ met by a linesman’s flag. But when United failed to deal with a free-kick pumped into the box from deep, the visitors did score a second; Harman finishing with aplomb from 10 yards. The floodgates had now been swung

wide open – yet another fine intervention from Stiff, tipping a Harman header over the bar, denied the away side a third. But he was beaten again on 64 minutes when Bocarro this time got his goal via a lofted effort. Penn were now on top and attacking at will as with Woodley simply no match for their second-placed guests. And it was from more poor defending which allowed the side in for a 4-0 lead,

Jordan sweeping the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the box. With damage limitation now the only option, the home side threw on Fraser Mowat and Graham High for Robinson and Mark Ingram respectively. And the changes almost paid dividends at the other end, but Mowat was wide when trying his luck from distance. But that was as good as it got for Woodley, with a third successive defeat all but confirmed when Calum Coull netted on the rebound. The strike was again the result of yet more suspect defending by United; George Weller swallowing up a loose ball played out from the back and driving into the box, where Stiff kept out the first strike but was beaten at the second attempt. A miserable afternoon for the hosts was then wrapped up when Weller stroked the ball home amid more questionable defensive work. Woodley will be looking to end a run of consecutive defeats when away at Chalfont Wasps on Saturday (3pm). WOODLEY UNITED: Stiff, Ingram (High), Leigh, Bridges, Brookling, Szram, Limbu, Titcombe (c), Creegan, Skehan, Robinson (Mowat)

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Two more goals for O’Leary help Wokingham Girls defeat rivals Woodley ANNA O’LEARY struck at both ends of the match to secure Wokingham and Emmbrook Under-15 Girls a 2-0 success over local rivals Woodley in the Berks County League. Having got both goals during a 2-1 success the previous weekend, O’Leary doubled her tally when

netting five minutes into the fixture and then with the same amount of time left at the end of the second half. Wokingham also had to be thankful to Abi Rhys Leather, who made Williams a number of crucial

saves in what was only her third game back following a few years away from the game. n WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Blacks endured a dream start to their clash with reigning champions Ash United when Calum Woodfield fired them into a ninth minute lead.

But the Sumas were soon blown away by their opponents, who scored four times before the break and once more after it to record a 5-1 victory in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance. Rhys Williams, who had set up Woodfield for the opening goal, was named man of the match.

SPORT | 43

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Friday, October 23, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BINFIELD FC

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK

Cup defence begins with Gibbs makes a point in derby Senior David offering some Payne relief day draw Wokingham and Emmbrook 3 Berks County 0

Binfield 2 Bracknell Town 2

A GOAL from substitute Jack Gibbs two minutes from time rescued Binfield a point from Monday’s local derby with Bracknell Town. The full back nodded home a free-kick pumped into the box from another replacement, Josh Howell, to secure a share of the spoils and leave boss Roger Herridge relieved. “We are very happy with a point,” said the Moles manager. “We put an awful lot of effort into Saturday’s game (at Highworth Town) and got a great result, and Monday was a bit after the Lord Mayor’s Show really. “But credit to them, they kept on going to the end. I thought we were particularly poor in the first half and I thought our distribution was poor from the back. We didn’t pass the ball very well and I think a few of them out there looked a bit tired following their excursions on Saturday. “I thought they (Bracknell) passed the ball better, whereas we looked a little disjointed at times, but we have obviously got something about us because we have scored an awful lot of late goals this season that have either got us a win, or in that case on Monday a draw. “I think they played good and we didn’t play as good as we could have done.” Jemel Johnson curled a shot wide and Josh Pearson saw a goal-bound effort blocked by Town’s Luke Hanley before turning the rebound over the bar via an overhead kick as Binfield created the better chances during the early exchanges. Yet it was a visiting side scrapping for points at the foot of the table who took the lead on 24 minutes; Dan Money planting a header into a corner following an Andre Kelly flick on from a set piece swung into the box from out on the right. The Robins held on to the lead going into the break, but were pegged back

Jack Gibbs nods home Binfield’s equaliser and celebrates his goal (left) Pictures: Colin Byers

early in the second half when Jack Broome saw a surging run into the box end when he was barged over by Sean Hanley. Howell, a replacement for Josh Pearson during the break, confidently drilled the resulting penalty into the bottom corner. Town, though, nudged themselves back in front just minutes later – and in some style, too. A punt forward from Bracknell ‘keeper Gary Aulsberry caught out Binfield defender Michael Walton, who could only divert the ball in the direction of an unmarked Jake White. With Nathan Silver rushing off his line to close the gap, the Town captain brilliantly lobbed the shot-stopper, with the ball dropping perfectly into the bottom corner. Howell fired over and saw another strike blocked by Kelly before Brad Brown was off target on the turn as the hosts camped themselves in Bracknell territory. But when it looked as though Town would hold out to secure a vital win and the bragging rights, up popped Gibbs to ensure the honours finished even. The game was a milestone for Binfield’s Carl Withers, as it was his 500th appearance for the club. The midfielder was welcomed on to the pitch by a guard of honour from both

sides. Boss Herridge also handed a debut to Kensley Maloney, while a familiar face in James Suarez was introduced from the bench late on. Both have signed on dual-registered papers from Burnham. Binfield are at home again tomorrow, where Thame United are the visitors (3pm). BINFIELD: Silver, Broome (Suarez), Luis (c), Withers (Gibbs), M.Walton, Leonetti, Pearson (Howell), Knight, B.Brown, Maloney, Johnson. Subs not used: A.Walton, Senussi Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 15 11 2 2 Thatcham Town 13 10 2 1 Kidlington 13 9 3 1 Ascot United 17 9 3 5 Highworth Town 14 9 1 4 Oxford City Nomads 15 9 1 5 Highmoor-Ibis 16 8 3 5 Brimscombe & Thrupp 13 7 3 3 Binfield 13 7 3 3 Thame United 14 7 2 5 Longlevens AFC 15 7 1 7 Lydney Town 14 4 6 4 Royal Wootton Bassett 14 5 3 6 Milton United 16 3 5 8 Ardley United 15 4 1 10 Tuffley Rovers 14 3 3 8 Abingdon United 17 3 3 11 Brackley Town Saints 16 3 2 11 Bracknell Town 12 1 4 7 Wokingham 16 1 1 14

F 50 37 32 26 33 31 32 25 24 21 21 21 26 18 18 23 21 23 15 14

A 25 16 13 18 14 20 21 16 15 17 23 23 30 26 36 31 50 45 28 44

Pts 35 32 30 30 28 28 27 24 24 23 22 18 18 14 13 12 12 11 7 4

Cavalier stuff from Binfield as Knight hits the winner Highworth Town 2 Binfield 3

JAMES KNIGHT’S first goal in Binfield colours saw the side edge a five-goal thriller at The Elms. Jemel Johnson and Brad Brown were also on target as the away side twice came from behind before Knight (pictured) secured a fourth win on the road in five games. The Moles, however, were also indebted to a string of fine saves from Nathan Silver as Roger Herridge’s men held out for a hard-earned victory. A Binfield side missing Liam Ferdinand, Josh Howell and Danny Horscroft through injury found themselves under the cosh during the early exchanges, with Lewis Leonetti nipping in to steal the ball off the toe of Highworth’s Callum Parsons as he surged into the box. And having weathered the storm two chances would fall for Josh Pearson, with the midfielder firing straight into the hands of Town ‘keeper Kurtis Sharkey before heading a Knight cross over the bar. But on 27 minutes Highworth opened the scoring. Amid a number of blocked

shots and failure to clear their lines saw the ball lofted back into the Binfield box, where Parsons beat Silver with a lob. Knight forced Sharkey into a save and Alex Luis rattled a post as Binfield pushed for an equaliser before Pearson was off target with an overhead kick. But their determination would reap its reward just two minutes later when Johnson lashed home the rebound after his initial strike bounced back off an upright. The scoreline remained at stalemate going in at the break, but Highworth nudged themselves back in front on 50 minutes. Although the circumstances leading up to the goal were harsh, Binfield failed to deal with a questionable free-kick properly, which resulted in former Ascot United midfielder Sam Wadieh pouncing to net from close range. The response from the away side was again immediate; Brown tieing up the scoring at 2-2 when latching on to a ball over the top, squeezing past Wadieh and beating Starkey with a toe poke. This came after Luis was off target with one effort and Pearson failing to trouble Starkey with another. Momentum had now swung the Moles’

WOKINGHAM’S bid to lift the Reading Senior Cup for a fifth successive season began with victory at the Investec Perpetual Triangle on Tuesday night. The reigning champions were not one of the teams to receive a bye into the second round, so begun their quest for another end-of-season trip to Madejski Stadium with a home tie against opposition from the Thames Valley Premier League. And despite frustrating their Hellenic Premier Division hosts for long periods, County were eventually beaten by second-half goals from David Payne, Elliott Rushforth and Mark O’Connell.

way and they would soon take the lead. Scoring at the near post was Knight, the former Marlow man driving a shot into the roof of the net on 61 minutes. The same player went charging into the box soon after and squared for Brown, but the pass eluded the forward and the chance went begging. Naturally, Highworth threw men forward in an attempt to get back into the game – and appeared to have levelled matters when Aaron Maximen struck on 75 minutes. The substitute’s celebrations, though, were cut short as the referee pulled the play back for a foul on Michael Walton. The hosts continued laying siege on the Binfield goal, but Silver was up for the challenge, denying Lee Bowen from six yards and saving a Parson shot down low in stoppage time. It was during this time he was also at full stretch to keep out a Liam Edmundsen header. In between all this, the guests should have made the points safe when a break led by replacement Aaron Rowland saw Johnson played in. Sharkey, though, was equal to the effort, stealing in to deny the striker what looked a certain goal.

BINFIELD: Silver, Broome, Luis (c), M.Walton, Leonetti, Withers, Knight, Dean (Rowland 84), Brown, Johnson, Pearson (Senussi). Sub not used: McCarthy

Elliott Rushforth was on target for Wokingham

Having broken the deadlock midway through the half, midfielder Payne was heavily involved in helping the Sumas extend their lead, laying on Rushforth to double the lead before combining with Garry Sargeant as O’Connell made it 3-0 late on to end a recent run of defeats. Reward for victory is a second round clash with another team from Step Seven, as they will be away to the winners of Reading YMCA and Hurst on a date yet to be announced. Wokingham and Emmbrook, though, will be keen to avoid a game with the latter, as they have lost their last two fixtures with the Young Men, which included a 4-2 defeat in the final of the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup back in March. The winners of that tie will meet either Binfield or Woodley United in the quarter-finals.

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Rowland, Day, Smillie, Carter, Rushforth, N.Bateman, Payne, S.Bateman, Duffelen

Mark O’Connell wrapped up the scoring

Bateman grabs a goal, but Sumas are left Town and out in Thatcham Thatcham Town 3 Wokingham and Emmbrook 1

A SECOND-HALF Sam Bateman strike proved to be nothing more than consolation for Wokingham and Emmbrook at Waterside Park. Despite falling to a 14th defeat in 16 Hellenic Premier Division games, it was a performance full of heart, determination and courage from the visiting side. The Sumas, however, once again went into a game missing several players through injury or unavailability – and their cause was not helped either when captain Jake Butler required eight stitches following an accidental clash of heads with Town’s Mark James midway through the first half. Unfortunately for the captain, the injury occurred on what was his 100th appearance for the club. A milestone afternoon for the visitors also saw Luke Scope make his 300th appearance for Wokingham, while Nick Bateman was turning out for the 250th time. It was an even opening to the game, with Wokingham coping admirably with everything the opposition threw at them. But their resolve was broken on the quarter-of-an-hour mark when a clever chip to the far post saw Marc Thompson break the deadlock.

Sam Bateman forced Chris Rackley into a save as the away side mounted a response, but they were unravelled twice more before the break as Thatcham racked up a 3-0 lead. On target for the hosts – who put six past the same side just last month – was Yoshua Romeo and Adam Morris, with the goals arriving in the 33rd and 42nd minutes respectively. Yet all was not lost for Wokingham, who saw a battling display after the break yield a goal when a blocked Nick Bateman strike fell kindly for bother Sam to stroke into a corner. Both sides were now trading chances, but Sean Woodward in the Sumas’ goal was arguably the busier of the two respective shot-stoppers, although he was well supported by defenders George Parsons, Cameron Smilie, Mark O’Connell and Jordan Rowland. Woodward would later leave the field to a warm round of applause from both sets of supporters, and although on the losing side on the day, both the player and his team-mates should take encouragement from what was an improved performance. The Sumas are on the road again tomorrow, where they are guests of Tuffley Rovers (3pm)

WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Smilie, Rowland, Parsons, Butler (C) (Carter), Rushforth, N.Bateman, Duffelen, Payne, S.Bateman (Broadhurst)

Sam Bateman netted for the Sumas during the loss at Thatcham Town Picture: Vivienne Johnson

WOKINGHAM SPORT

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Smital: Things are looking up for my improved Bees By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Bracknell Bees player-coach Lukas Smital is of the opinion his side will continue to surprise people this season Picture: Bob Swann

LUKAS SMITAL believes his Bracknell Bees side will be a tough proposition this season. Despite suffering a 3-1 reverse to English Premier League (EPIHL) leaders Milton Keynes Lightning on Sunday the player-coach, after 11 games, has now had the chance to gauge the opposition this term and is of the opinion his team will be more of a match for anyone as the campaign progresses. And the Czech has every reason to feel optimistic this term, given that just eight points separate Bees in eighth and the team in second, Basingstoke Bison. “MK are top of the league because they have played three games more than anybody else,” said Smital. “They are going to be up there, but so can anybody else – if we win our three games in hand we can go four points behind them. “We have played everybody now and I am confident we are going to have some good results this year.” Victories for Bracknell this season have come against Sheffield Steeldogs, Hull Pirates twice and local rivals

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Basingstoke Bison and Guildford Flames. Bees were denied back-to-back victories, though, when going down to the Lightning in a game where Smital felt his side “was not clinical enough” having spurned numerous opportunities. Things do not get much easier for the side this weekend, either, where Telford Tigers visit the Hive tomorrow (6pm) before the club head up to Manchester Phoenix on Sunday (6.30pm). In reverse fixtures with both sides earlier in the season, Bracknell lost both, so Smital is looking for a change in fortunes this time around. He said: “Every weekend is tough, but in the last Telford game we were so close to beating them at their place, so they are a team we can beat this year. “Against Manchester I thought we threw that game away at home, it was absolutely horrendous, so we will need to be better and that is the way we have to look at it.” Milan Kostourek is expected to be back with Bees this weekend having missed the MK fixture. This was due to having to return to his native Czech Republic for an unspecified reason

FOOTBALL

Still Withers after 500 games - Binfield honour milestone man Carl CARL WITHERS made his 500th appearance for Binfield on Monday – and is keen to make many more for the club, writes LEWIS RUDD. The central midfielder was already the longest-serving player at the Hellenic Premier Division club prior to Monday night’s local derby with Bracknell Town, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Before kick-off both teams formed a guard of honour as he took to the pitch at Hill Farm Lane before former managers Mark Tallentire and Steve McClurg joined current boss Roger Herridge and chairman Bob Bacon in presenting Withers with a commemorative shirt and cake. The player then played 68 minutes of the game before being withdrawn for Jack Gibbs – who would head home a late equaliser to secure a share of the spoils. “It was a weird one and a bit surreal and I never thought I would hit 500 games to be honest,” confessed Withers after the game. “To actually hit that milestone is nice and fair play to the club because they have done an awful lot to recognise that and Colin Byers (press officer) has been fantastic. “They (Binfield) are a great club to play for and you only need to look around the place and look at the great facilities, management and committee, everything about them is so professional. “That is what has kept me at the club. “I have seen a lot of manager come and go and Roger Herridge is a great manager and I have the utmost faith that he can turn this club around and evolve the team to be better.” At 33 Withers, who has been with the

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club the last 14 seasons, is one of the elder statesmen within the squad, but he is backing his younger generation of team-mates to take Binfield to the next level – and hopes to be around to help them. He added: “There is a lot of young players in the team with massive potential and I have no doubt they are going to get better. “I’m not yet ready to hang up my boots and still feel I can do a job, and as long as I

Carl Withers (centre) receives a Binfield shirt and cake from (left): chairman Bob Bacon, former Binfield bosses Mark Tallentire and Steve McClurg and current manager Roger Herridge. Picture: Colin Byers

keep getting picked for the team and Roger believes in me then I have no reason to quit just yet.” n More football news on pages 38 and 39.

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