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Friday, October 30, 2015 No. 28

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ELMS FIELD

CINEMA PLAN MOVES ON P8 FESTIVAL

FIREWORKS EVENTS NEAR YOU P22 APPEAL

EastEnders star Honey drops in to Wokingham — page 5

Queen of shops cash for town £300,000 makeover will help regenerate shopping precinct

SEE PAGE 6

TV STARS TO COLLECT POPPY MONEY P4 SPORT

ROYALS READY TO SWOOP ON SEAGULLS P36

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FAMILY NOTICES v Deaths PETER HARMS Passed away Saturday October 24th at Glebelands Nursing Home, aged 85 years. Leaves behind his children Pauline and Michael, and partner Barbara. A loving and kind father who will be sadly missed. Funeral at Easthampstead Park Crematorium on Friday November 6th at 3.45pm, followed by refreshments at Cantley House Hotel, Milton Road, Wokingham from 4.30pm. Donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

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

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

WRITING

COMMUNITY

Top tips for budding teenage authors

This is Wokingham. We’re proud to cover it!

TEENAGERS looking to publish their work will be given some tips at a special seminar taking place next month. Wokingham Library holds a regular Teen Writing Group on Saturday mornings aimed at helping young writers develop their talents. On Saturday, November 7, they will welcome Emily Thomson, publishing expert from book group Elsevier, to offer advice and information to help the budding authors turn their manuscripts into finished products. The session runs at the Denmark Street library from 10.30am to noon and places should be booked. n For details, call 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM borough is a large part of Berkshire. More than 156,000 of you live here - and countless more work here too. It’s a diverse area with pretty villages mingling with market towns and hamlets. In parts industrial, in other parts picturesque, it is a wonderful place to be. The Wokingham Paper was set up to ensure that the whole borough had its own newspaper. Our team has a mission to report on events and activities from the northernmost parts, which include parts of Henley and Cockpole Green, to the south including Swallowfield and Finchampstead. In between you’ve got Twyford, Woodley and Wokingham town itself. All have their own personalities and specialities and we aim to reflect that in our coverage. The Wokingham Paper’s strapline is “News with a heart for the borough” and that’s exactly what we want to do. We’re a truly local newspaper - we’re produced locally, printed locally and our team live locally. Although your newspaper is new, the team has been covering Wokingham borough for years and know the area inside out. No one else covers Wokingham the way that we do. So if you want to reach Wokingham, we’re the place to be.

HEALTH

Use your grey matter to raise funds for research

A PUB quiz will help raise funds for medical research. The Loddon Vale Practice patients’ committee is organising the fun evening at the Land’s End Pub in Charvil on Thursday November 12. Teams of up to four will battle it out to be crowned quiz champs and win four bottles of wine. All money raised from the evening will go to help the work of the patients’ committee, which provides medical equipment and facilities to the practice. Places cost £5 each and can be reserved by emailing ppg.LVP@ gmail.com

MUSIC

Catch choir’s sweet return from Germany

A CHOIR that recently performed in Germany will be returning to perform in Bulmershe later this month. The Thames Valley Chorus sang on behalf of Reading at a recent town twinning exchange in Dusseldorf. Now they are teaming up with the Bulmershe Ensemble and the Liquorice Allsorts Clarinet Ensemble for the concert, which will take place on Saturday, November 14. It will be held at the Bulmershe Auditorium in Bulmershe School, Woodley from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 and can be reserved by calling 0118 977 4257.

MEETING

Alzheimers café to welcome guest speaker A CAFÉ that helps people with dementia is preparing for its

November meeting. Held at The Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, the Alzheimers Cafe aims to provide a safe space and offer tips and advice for carers. Allyson Bartram from Berkshire Trading Standards will be the guest speaker at the meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, November 18, from 2pm-4pm. n For more details, call the office of Wokingham Methodist Church on 0118 977 6898.

FAMILY

Morning fun with the Tiger Who Came To Tea

A POPULAR children’s book will form the theme for a special storytime next week. Judith Kerr’s classic picture story The Tiger Who Came To Tea – which does exactly what it says on the tin – will be retold at Wokingham Library on Wednesday, November 4. The fun event will include themed

songs, stories and a craft activity and is suitable for children. It takes place at 10.15am to 11am and places cost £1.50. n For more details, call the Denmark Street library on 0118 978 1368.

MUSIC

Set a date for director’s FAMILY debut Elijah concert Little Nutbrown Hare A PERFORMANCE of Mendelssohn’s Elijah will mark the debut of a local to pay a visit group’s new conductor. Wokingham Choral Society will welcome Patrick Allies for the concert which will be held on Saturday, November 21. Soloists for the evening of music are tenor Andrew Dickinson and baritone Edward Grint. The singers will be accompanied by Orchestra Vitae. The concert takes place at 7.30pm at the University of Reading’s Great Hall in London Road, Reading. A bar will be opened at 6.45pm for preshow drinks.

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

Tickets cost £15 or £5 for students and under 18s. They can be bought by emailing tickets@wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk or from the Town Hall Information Centre, Newbury Building Society in Broad Streetm, Wokingham or from Bookends in Peach Street Wokingham.

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.

YOUNG fans of the popular children’s book Guess How Much I Love You? will be in for a treat later next month, thanks to a special event. Finchampstead Library will be holding a storytime craft session on Tuesday, November 17, at 2pm. The 45-minutes of fun will include rabbit-themed songs and a craft activity. Places cost £1.50 and can be booked by calling the library, which is based in the FBVC Centre in Gorse Ride North, on 0118 979 8069.

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:.........................................................................................................................................

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30,2015 2015THE THE WOKINGHAM PAPER Friday, October 2, WOKINGHAM PAPER

ACCIDENT SYRIA

DONATIONS

Interserve’s gifts for trio of good causes

Cllr John Kaiser, Cllr Tony Page, Martijn Gilbert, CEO of Reading Buses. Pictures: Paul King

TRANSPORT

Drivers get another ticket to park and ride

Interserve’s Ofﬁce Services Manager Sheena Kitto, JAC’s Development Director Sam Milligan, Tony Sanders, Ralph the horse and stable-hand Michaela Pickworth

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

expand its learning spaces. to Our House will enable us to Sam Milligan, Development extend the use of the outdoor Director at JAC said: “Interserve space and develop our facilities THREE charities were the worthy has committed a lot of time into for disabled teenagers, giving recipients of a £25,000 donation them a much needed haven where planning their project work with by a Twyford-based company on they can chill out with friends and us and brought a huge amount of Tuesday. professionalism, experience and family, or just have some time to BySupport GEMMA DAVIDSON or payment can beanmade on mobile via the services and amazing attitudephones with them. themselves.” gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk RingGo app. construction group Interserve “It is difficult to express how Camp Mohawk will use the Cllr John Kaiser, Wokingham Borough Council’s awarded £13,000 to Camp much the support, work and help funds to resurface its driveway AFTER years of planning a second brand new Park and executive member for planning and highways, said: Mohawk in Wargrave, £7,500 to the IEF have provided us means to and to install drainage between Ride finally openedJust at Winnersh Wokingham-based Around Triangle on Monday “This is a much-welcomed new facility in this area for everyone involved.” the camp’s swimming pool morning. motorists. the Corner (JAC) and a further Tony Sanders, chariman of andcar thecharging main site to enable With spaces for 400 cars, two electric “It gives people realistic and easy travel choices, £5,000 to Building for the Future the IEF visited the three charities construction of a roof and points, through cycle, motorbike and disabled parking, and will help take the pressure off our roads. (BFTF) the Interserve earlier this week toour present them changing facilities. the new facility has replaced the floodIt’s also very much part of sustainable Employee Foundation (IEF). each with a cheque and to express Chris Wilcox, Centre Manager prone Loddon site which closed travel strategy helping reduce local BTFT will useBridge their grant to his gratitude of the work they do. at Camp Mohawk said: “Over the congestion.” for good the weekend. add the fiat nishing touches to a Mr Sanders said: “The IEF hasthe The newcentre facility will be openyears the IEF have provided Camp Funding for the facility and community where disabled grown and developed a strong Mohawk with a huge amount of Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm, with recently opened Mereoak Park and children can play safely and their relationship with these local Local Reading can Buses operating an expresssupport. This generous support Ride came from a successful families meet and support charities over the lastFund three bid yearsto has not only been fi nancial but as service every 15 minutes between Sustainable Transport each other. Interservefor staffTransport, having theSarah business parkCentre and Reading Department in Barnard, Managertowna support services organisation. the with worked more 600 volunteer centre dedicated routes on “We have several projects – partnership with than Reading Borough at BFTFalong said:”The supportbus which both small and large – on the go the A329Mhas andgiven King’sBuilding Road. for Council.days at Camp Mohawk, JAC and Interserve duringReading that time.Buses chief at any one time and to have IEF costatofOur parking site is included Martijn BFTF Gilbert, theThe Future House,atinthe terms “We“This hopeisthat the award of site assisting us every step of the way in funding the bus fare, except for concessionary travellers executive officer, said: a fantastic new of and man-power, has these grants – and pledge to has been invaluable, oweand ride where a £1 parking charge, per car, is paid on the bus. forand ourwe park buses. With ourour new on-board transformed our outdoor area givescanners, at least another days them a huge debt gratitude.” Traina passengers otherspace parkers will be charged £4 ofbarcode printers and we can150 offer a great into welcoming and entrance of staff time over the next Finally, will use the for park and for thereally wholesets day.the Discounted areJAC also solution ride ’s customers. which tone for season tickets year – demonstrates funds to fit out loft spaces at available. “Whether buying from the driver orInterserve’s using one of visiting families. commitment thesevalue Automatic number plate recognition notes its(ANPR) Rehoboth Centrethe to make new ‘parksaver’ongoing smartcards, there aretogreat “The on-going support vehicle registration numbers when they enter, soenergy rail effi them more cient with fares to be had.” charities, which make such of Interserve, not only in and car parking time during n Forand more information on the new dite a huge difference tovisit the www. local insulation, LED lighting maintenance, butmotorists also in can pay at any their stay. Ticket take cashheat or credit cards community.” source pumps wokingham.gov.uk/transport/parking/parkandride and will also improvements andmachines enhancements

Colleaguesready pay tribute tothe dad We’re for who died in whale boat tragedy refugees pledges MP STAFF from the Wokinghambased offices of Microsoft have paid tribute to a fellow employee EXCLUSIVE who was killed in a boating By VIVIENNE JOHNSON accident in Canada earlier this vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk week. David Thomas, 50, who worked READING East MP, Rob Wilson has for Microsoft at Thames Valley gone on record to say that the UK Park in Earley, died alongside his will cope with the 400 refugees a 17-year-old son Stephen when the month that will be brought into the whale-watching boat they were country. aboard capsized off the west coast Speaking to The Wokingham of Canada on Sunday. Paper, Mr Wilson said: Mr Thomas, who lived in “I’m part of the interSwindon, joined the software ministerial team company in May 2011 and most that is working on recently held the position of how we manage managing architect. and support Area vice president and general refugees. manager at Microsoft UK Michel “We’ve literally Van der Bel said: “We are shocked just started and saddened by the death identifying refugees of David Thomas, a Microsoft in the camps in Syria employee, and his son in the and the countries around tragic boating accident in Canada. Syria. “Our thoughts and “I expect we will bedeepest bringing sympathies are with their family, about 400 [refugees] a month friends and David’s colleagues and from now onwards. That is we will be doing everything manageable because we’ve we

to embark on a dangerous journey had lots of offers from local across the Mediterranean. authorities around the “It’s both unmanageable and country.” dangerous because you have Mr Wilson was speaking now hundreds of thousands of a week after Wokingham people just coming onto land in Borough Councillors unanimously Greece and other parts of the passed a motion pledging to Mediterranean and it’s just not do its bit to welcome refugees manageable,” he continued. to the area. “These countries are ﬁnding it He added: “We are putting very difficult. all the things in place “That’s why what we’re doing to make sure that is saying, ‘Right, you stay in the all the people are refugee camp, we’ll come to you supported, not just there and we’ll provide the help for a week, and support you need there by or a month, spending a lot ofPark money and or aworked year, but David Thomas, who at Microsoft at Thames Valley in Earley, effort there. But also we’ll also supported on an died alongside his son Stephen settle you properly in the UK as ongoing basis. can to support them.” Canada were among the dead, well. “The plans are Mr Thomas and his son and an Australian man should is still “That means people being led by the Home were among five Britons killed missing. go to the refugee camps and Office, they are very when the Leviathan boat was Foreign Secretary Philip notBritish just turn up and take those robust and I thinkIIthe country seemingly Hammond journeys. said his thoughts dangerous So we’re will be ablecapsized to cope.”by a wave close Vancouver Island. were with thethe family and friends trying to stop problem at ThetoBritish Government British and of those affected Sunday’s source rather thanbybring it to the hasAnother taken the viewtourist that it is two British nationalspeople who lived in incident. of Europe”. doorstep wrong to encourage

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Sports clubs views sought Thinking Thinking Two injured after carThinking TRANSPORT REGENERATION

A LEVEL playing field is being sought by Wokingham Borough Council over the future of sporting provision. Sports clubs in the borough are being asked to help produce a pitch strategy, helping thefor council create a A MAN and a woman were treated non-life picture of current resources future demands. threatening injuries followingand a collision in Woodley Thethis consultation earlier week. follows the purchase of Grays Fruit Farm which will be used to meet the increased demand South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Call usto today arrange Call today us today toarrange arrange toto arrange for outdoor sportsto pitches once the regeneration is here. Police were called Loddon Bridge Road, near Coppice CallCall us us today Call us today to It isatexpected thatTuesday these pitches will following be neededreports by a freea Road, 1.30pm on afternoon ainitial freeconsultation initial consultation free initial consultation consultation a free initial 2019two andcars Grays remains open. that hadFarm collided. arrange a free Tel: 01256 584000 584000 Theambulance council says it isand also committed to a major and Tel: 01256 An crew Tel: 01256 584000 Call us today to arrange initial consultation Tel: 01256 584000 outdoor sports hubwere at Ryeish Green and there will also Email:Email: ambulance officer dispatched info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk aEmail: free initial consultation info@kjsmith.co.uk bethe newscene. pitches provided as part of the developmentsEmail: at Visit:info@kjsmith.co.uk to Tel: 0118 418 1000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 01256 584000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Arborfi eld.was treated for a chest A man Email:info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk Email: Executive for environment Cllr Angus Ross injury, while amember woman was treated Visit:www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: said: "Sport is important in many people’s lives and, as our by paramedics for a suspected borough’s neck injury.population grows, we are committed to making sure people have access great facilities. One patient was takentoby “We know some localBerkshire sports clubs already have longambulance to the Royal Hospital waiting lists andwas we know about some pitches that are not while the other treated at the scene. as good they could be – but pitch strategy Policeasofficers remained onthe thesports scene to divert traffic 26 London 26 London StreetStreet • Basingstoke • Basingstoke • RG21 • RG21 7PG 7PG needs a comprehensive and ensure the area wasview. safe"while the vehicles are 5inLondon H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB Offices in Offices Henley on Henley Thames, on Street Thames, Woodley, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Basingstoke, Guildford Guildford &•London & London 26 • Windsor, Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke RG21 7PG 26 London Street • Basingstoke • RG21 7PG n Any outdoor sportsfaced clubdelays interested thedebris strategy recovered. Motorists whileinthe was Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London should contact council’s sport and leisure manager cleared from thethe road. Bev Thompson on 0118 974 6254.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

BRADBURY CENTRE

FAMILIES

Enjoy a coffee and raise funds for vital charities

Spook-tacular show for Hallowe’en

A COFFEE morning held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care raised £329 for the charity. The event was held at Wokingham Methodist Church on Friday, September 25, and saw homemade cakes sold alongside cuppas in the Bradbury Centre. Leftovers were then sold the following day, raising an additional £31 for the charity. Two more charity coffee mornings are planned for next month at The Bradbury Centre. On Thursday, November 5, a fundraising day for cystic fibrosis research will be held. The event will include a sale of marmalade, cards and gifts. It runs from 10am. Then on Friday, November 13, the focus will be on BBC Children In Need and organisers would welcome cakes to sell on the day.

CRIME

Thieves net haul of tools during raid on outbuilding GARDEN tools have been stolen from a locked outbuilding in Wokingham. Between 11.30pm on Monday, October 19, and 7.30am on Tuesday, someone broke into an outbuilding in the garden of a property in Binfield Road. The building had been secured with a triple lock which had been forced and the frame was damaged. A steel strimmer and various garden tools were stolen. If you have any information or saw or heard anything suspicious around this time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

FUN RUN

Join this ghostly gallop around business park

A SPOOKY fun run will take place in Thames Valley Park this weekend. The Hallowe’en Night Run is a 5k race through The Land of the Green Goblins - aka the Waterside Park. The course is multisurface, with grass, track and towpath. All runners will be able to enjoy pumpkin soup at the end. It takes place from 8pm on Saturday, October 31, and last year 750 runners took part. Runners should be aged 16 or over and fancy dress is encouraged. Entries must be made in advance and runners are advised to bring a head torch. Visit: www.halloween5niterun.co.uk

MUSIC

Society to perform popular musical

A MUSICAL society is gearing up for its big autumn number. Next month, Crazy For You will be performed at South Hill Park by EBOS (East Berkshire Operatic Society). The group will take over the Wilde Theatre, which runs from Tuesday until Saturday. Tickets can be ordered from the South Hill Park website or by calling 01344 484123. n Full preview page 23

NIGHTLIFE

Town centre pub to close for refurbishment work

THE Broad Street Tavern in Wokingham’s town centre will be closed for a refurbishment from Monday. The pub will hold a Hallowe’en party tonight (Friday) and open as normal over the weekend. It will then close from Monday until Friday, November 20.

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Above: Beatrix Lewis, 6, Kayleigh Quirke, Maia Clapham, 9, and brother Owen Clapham, aged 6, with Feather, the boa constrictor. Right: Samuel Boudier, 2, meets Austin the tortoise.

A TERRIFYING tarantula, scary boa constrictor and giant tortoise were among the stars of the afternoon when an animal roadshow visited a Twyford garden centre on Saturday. Reading-based Quirks’ Animal Roadshows brought the range of creepy crawlies to Hare Hatch Sheeplands, on the A4 Bath Road, to delight young and old alike. One of the main attractions was 16-yearold Sulcata tortoise Austin who already weighs 20 kilos. Typically this type of tortoise can live for up to one hundred and fifty years and weigh 100 kilos. Children were able to hold the six-foot long boa constrictor, stroke a rabbit and hold lizards and geckos in their hands. Animal handler Luke Quirk said: “It’s a way of educating children about different creatures and we are often invited to take them into schools and chat to the youngsters. “Probably the most difficult to care for is the chameleon because it refuses to drink still water so I have to maintain a supply of running water, and yes, keeping all the animals warm does leave me with a big electricity bill.” Sheeplands owner Rob Scott said: “We thought it would be appropriate to have snakes and spiders around while we have our Hallowe’en display in place.”

Sarah Waymouth with sons Oliver, 1, and Benjamin, 3, with Austin the tortoise. Pictures Andrea Burlingham

APPEAL

Get snapped with the stars during poppy collection in town centre By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk TWO famous faces will be lending their support to Wokingham’s Poppy Appeal this year. Actors Bob Barrett and Carol Harrison will be swapping the small screen for the collecting tin as they prepare for their greatest role yet: selling poppies. The duo will be joining local collectors tomorrow (Saturday) to collect donations in Market Place, Wokingham. Mr Barrett is best known for his role as Dr Sacha Levy in BBC medical drama Holby City but has also appeared in the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love, while Ms Harrison starred as Louise Raymond in EastEnders and created the forthcoming West End musical All Or Nothing, set in the times of Mods and Rockers. They will be collecting between 10am and noon and are just part of the way in which the borough will be marking the season of Remembrance, which concludes with Remembrance Sunday on November 8. One of the organisers, Caroline Burwood, told The Wokingham Paper: “They’re big supporters of the Appeal. They’ve said for a long time now they wanted to come along and help. They have a lot of respect for The Poppy Appeal and it’s great they’re going to come down. “We’re not sure where they’ll be, it depends on the weather. If it’s nice they’ll be out and about [in Market Place] but if it’s not they’ll be somewhere a bit more sheltered.” And to make the event memorable for donors, the famous duo are also willing to pose for souvenir pictures. Ms Burwood said: “If people want to have their photos taken they can in exchange for a donation.”

Stars Carol Harrison and Bob Barrett will be joining the Poppy Appeal collection alongside local collectors. Below: The Arborfield Military Wives Choir joined other choirs to launch the national Poppy Appeal at Bluewater last weekend singing Bring Him Home and Stronger Together

Last week, we revealed that the Wokingham Poppy Appeal would welcome more collectors to help with supermarket collections across the borough. More volunteers will mean that the annual appeal will raise more funds. The collection on Saturday is just one event taking place in the run-up to Remembrance Day on November 11. Plans are being made for a civic parade in Wokingham town centre on Remembrance Sunday, November 8, while town and parish councils will also hold remembrance parades timed for 11am the same day. The civic parade starts at 2pm from Wokingham town hall in Market Place and will see Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band lead the town mayor, councillor Philip Mirfin, and other local leaders and councillors in a parade that will also include uniformed organisations including the Air Cadets, REME soldiers and Scouts and Brownies. A church service will then be held in All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road and led by the Revd Anna Harwood.

Then, on Wednesday, November 11, at a 11am, a bugler will stand on the balcony of the Town Hall to play The Last Post and Reveille, leading the borough in a twominute silence to mark Armistice Day. Cllr Martin Bishop, Chairman of the Civic Committee, said: “Maintaining traditions is one of the priorities

for Wokingham Town Council and Remembrance Sunday is a particularly important event in our civic calendar.” Cllr Philip Mirfin, Town Mayor, added: “I feel honoured to be part of the annual Remembrance parade and church service this year to help us all remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.”

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Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

FINCHAMPSTEAD

Early Christmas shoppers raise £760 for charity

MORE than 100 shoppers crowded into Finchampstead Memorial Hall earlier this month to pick up some early Christmas bargains and raise money for charity. Around 115 people flocked to the shopping event on October 16, organised by the Finchampstead Park Management Committee, to snap up handmade crafts, cards, gifts and pre-loved goods, raising a total of £760 to buy two new benches - a colourful ‘moustache’ bench and a ‘flip flop’ bench – for the local play area. One stall in particular, Friendly Finches Retirement Group, made £300 from pre-loved donated handbags, half of which was donated to the cause. Organiser Beverley Kemp said: “Thank you very much to all our stallholders, shoppers and volunteers for supporting our event - we cannot do it without you.”

THEATRE

EastEnders star Emma adds her name to Steppin Out’s patron list EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHILDREN attending a Wokingham theatre school had a sweet treat on Saturday as an EastEnders star paid them a visit. Actor Emma Barton, who is about to return to the BBC One soap as Honey Mitchell, has signed up to be a patron of Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school. She joins Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers and Game of Thrones actor Matthew Stirling as patrons of the group, which meets in Wokingham and Woodley. Ms Barton joined pupils at Emmbrook School on Saturday for a special Hallowe’en themed fancy dress session. She answered questions and watched pupils as they took part in lessons including preparations for their forthcoming Christmas show. Steppin Out’s principal Shelley Fitzgibbon said that the visit went really well. She said: “It’s been really exciting for the children and a great opportunity for them to learn about the industry, about TV acting and about how Emma started her career. “It’s been a really, really good day. “Her enthusiasm is infectious and

that’s been really nice for the children today.” Ms Barton is the school’s first female patron, something that is important to Ms Fitzgibbon. She said: “Ninety per cent of the children that attend classes are female and I thought it was important to have a female patron as well and it’s lovely that she’s agreed to do that for us.” And there is a personal reason why the pair have teamed up: they have known each other since meeting at the Guildford School of Acting. “We met at drama school and have been friends for many, many, many years,” she explained. Ms Barton is also delighted at the opportunity to support the 300-strong school, which also meets at Waingels College in Woodley. “I really truly believe it’s so important to encourage children,” she said. “I never thought I’d make a career out of what I thought was my hobby and today, to be able to support such a wonderful school like this and encourage the kids is a really rewarding thing I think. It’s wonderful – seeing them grow and learn and hopefully they’ll be the stars of tomorrow.” Ms Barton enjoyed watching the children during their sessions, which include singing, music, dancing and acting – so much so that she wanted to have a go herself.

BINFIELD

Post Office closure leaves gap in village provision

A POST OFFICE is set to close until a new site can be found. The closure of the Post Office currently based in Oakmead Stores, in Terrace Road South, Binfield, will take place on Wednesday, November 18, due to the resignation of a postmaster and the withdrawl of the premises as a Post Office. The Post Office said that the vacancy has been advertised and its representatives are talking to other local retailers about taking over the franchise. Julia Marwood, Post Office Regional Manager, said: “I would like to apologise for the inconvenience the temporary closure may cause. “I can assure you that we will continue to work to find a solution that will provide a Post Office service in Binfield.”

TOWN CENTRE

Emma Barton with Steppin Out’s principal Shelley Fitzgibbon. Pictures: Paul King

She joked: “They’ll have to restrain me as I want to get up there and sing and dance with them!” Ms Barton starred in EastEnders for several years, making a cameo last year in which it was revealed that her character was moving to Canada, however she is due to return next month. She said: “It’s going to be crazy! It’s going to be a lovely surprise for viewers. It’ll be great fun and I’ve already been filming.” To celebrate Ms Barton becoming

a patron for Steppin Out, the school is offering a free taster session to both its schools. The first takes place on Saturday, November 7, at Emmbrook School in Wokingham and the second is on Friday, December 4, at Waingels School in Woodley. Places are limited and should be booked in advance. n For more details, call Shelley Fitzgibbon on 07970 034488 or 0118 977 4258 or email shelley@steppinoutstars.co.uk

POLITICS

Council defends right to talks behind closed doors WOKINGHAM Borough Council has said it is right for parts of its meetings to be held in secret. Last week, The Wokingham Paper reported that a meeting of the Scrutiny Committee had to be abandoned due to confusion over what it could and could not discuss behind closed doors. The meeting had been due to discuss financial information relating to the ongoing regeneration project in Peach Place, Wokingham. However, as our columnist Tony Johnson pointed out, this could have fallen foul of the Local

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Government Act of 1972 on matters relating to planning on council owned land. The question was raised on Mr Johnson’s behalf by Liberal Democrat councillor Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey who serves on the committee. As there was no legal adviser present on the evening, the meeting was postponed pending a review. As we went to press last week, this had yet to occur but now The Wokingham Paper can reveal that the council does feel it can discuss aspects

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of the regeneration behind closed doors – although it will release information if it is considered appropriate. In a statement released to The Wokingham Paper, Cllr Keith Baker, leader of the council, said: “Officers believed that release of this information would harm the financial interests of those third parties. “There is a rule which states that information is not exempt if the nature of the business before the committee relates to development for which the council may grant itself planning

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permission. This does not apply in this case, because the business of the Overview and Scrutiny did not consider any aspect of planning permission. “It is the council’s view therefore that it was correct to withhold the confidential financial information of third parties. “However, if it is deemed appropriate, in due course, for certain financial information contained within the planning application to be made public, then we would include it in Part 1 of subsequent meetings.”

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A NEW charity shop in Wokingham’s town centre will be officially opened next week. The JAC Shop, a partnership between the JAC (Just Around the Corner) charity and Reading-based CCA (Christian Community Action), has opened in Peach Street on the site of a former health food shop. On Wednesday, November 4, the new shop will be blessed at a special service in the store starting at 10.30am. It will then be officially opened at 11am and to celebrate there will be a half-price opening offer and a raffle. For more details, call JAC on 0118 944 1444.

COURT

Woosehill pensioner faces child sex charges

A MAN from Woosehill is due in court next month charged with sexual activity with a boy. Michael Pledger, 69, of Sirius Close, will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 9, charged with five counts of sexual activity with a boy aged 13-17. The charges relate to incidents that took place between February 1 and June 26, 2014. Pledger has been remanded on conditional bail until the court hearing.

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6 | NEWS

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INGHAM Concert will raise the REMEMBRANCE

S&&LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING roof for Poppy Appeal

AN ANNUAL concert held to honour those who died in conflict will return to Wokingham tomorrow night (Saturday). Waingels College in Woodley is to be the venue for the annual festival of remembrance, Tel: 0118 9733414 held in aid of the Poppy Appeal. Mob: 524500 Organised by the Berkshire07920 British Legion, first half will feature a concert by the Email:the wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com Woodley Concert Band while the second half ad Road Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RB will |see a service of remembrance. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12. DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING They can be bought from the British Legion’s Arborfield offices in Eversley Road, by calling 0118 976 2362 or emailing berkshire@ britishlegion.org.uk

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n A MAN and a boy from Wokingham are due to appear in court charged with burgling a house in Shinfield. Jack William Godfrey, 19, of Jupiter Way, and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, are due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on November 9 charged with burglary dwelling and theft. The charge relates to an incident on August 30 this year when Godfrey and the boy are alleged to have broken into a property in Shinfield and stolen £15 and a pouch of tobacco.

n A READING man has pleaded guilty to burgling a house in Wokingham. Desmond Peter Lines, 43, of Sycamore Road, was charged with Sarin Tel: 0118 9733414 .Tony . FENCING & GATES . TURFING breaking into the house on August 24 CRIME PATIOS Mob: 07920 524500 this year and stealing two suitcases . SHED BASES . BLOCK-PAVING Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com containing clothes, a laptop, a . Kindle REPAIRS OR DRIVE EXTENSIONS 436 Finchampstead Road | Wokingham | Berks | RG40 3RBtablet, an iPad and a British Airways pilot’s uniform together with BURGLARS forced a lock on a garden shed at a . GARDEN MAINTENANCE identification documents, to the value ngs property in Twyford last week. . PROFESSIONAL of £4,000. DRIVEWAY Between 8pm on Monday, October 19, andCLEANING Lines was handed a six-week prison 8am on Tuesday, someone forced the Chubb DRIVEWAYS &&LANDSCAPING DRIVEWAYS LANDSCAPING sentence, suspended for 12 months, lock on the wooden shed in the garden of a a fine of £500, a victim surcharge of tical illness & income protection plans property in Longfield Road. tical illness & income protection plans £80 and costs totalling £265 when he The force caused the wood to split and the n the convenience of your home n the convenience of your home Tony Sarin shed was searched. It is not clear if anything Tel: 0118 9733414 . PATIOS . FENCING & GATES . TURFINGappeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court ngs & child trust funds was stolen. Mob: 07920 524500on October 12. ngs & child trust funds . SHED . BLOCK-PAVING BASES Lines also pleaded guilty to Email: wokinghamdriveways@gmail.com Thames Valley Police are urging anyone with performance.analysis performance analysis REPAIRS ORtoDRIVE EXTENSIONS 436information Finchampstead Road | Wokingham | Berks any relating this incident to call| RG40 3RBstealing baby milk from a Co-op in market options . GARDEN MAINTENANCE Wokingham, for which he was fined enquiry centre on 101. market the options . PROFESSIONAL pensions Life assurance, critical illnessDRIVEWAY & income protection plans £20 and given a suspended two CLEANING CRIME critical illness & income protection plans weeks sentence, and stealing meat Life assurance, pensions Financial reviews in the convenience of your home . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk anning s@googlemail.com Financial reviews the convenience of your524 home500 products from a petrol station in 0118 in973 3414 . 07920 anning Investments, savings & child trust funds Investments, savings & child trust funds nsfers Woodley for which he was fined £36 nsfers With profits fund performance financial analysis Independent advice and given a further two weeks With profits fund performance financial analysis Independent advice Afor WINTER fayre nextoptions month will include Annuities & open market sentence suspended for 12 a secure future Annuities & open market options for a secure the opportunity to watch afuture blacksmith at Personal & group pensions months. Personal & group pensions work. Tax planning All sentences will run concurrently. . Inheritance an wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning St Mary’s Chuch inillness Shinfield will protection be Life assurance, critical & income plans ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans Authorised and regulated by the FSA ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers holding thereviews fun event Saturday,ofNovember Authorised and regulated byhome the FSA Financial in theon convenience your n A MAN from Wokingham has been ents Financial reviews in the convenience of your home 28.Investments, savings & child trust funds sentenced to 140 hours’ community Investments, savings & child trust funds With profitsatfund performance analysis Starting noon, activities will include a With profits fund performance analysis Annuities & open market options display of farm animals, cake, craft and gift Annuities & open market options Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated by the FSA stalls and a&visit Father Christmas. Personal groupfrom pensions COMMERCE he and regulated by the FSA . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning Authorised wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance The fayreTax willplanning be held in aid of the ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers ISAs &and ISA/PEP 3 Mobile church 07768 320430 Email annual tony@independent-ifa.co.uk the transfers PCSO’s community 38978 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 07768 320430 , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS event.Mobile , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Fleck Associates Ltd Tony Welsh of Susan more details, call Ann Young on 0118 n For Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd onywelshifa.co.uk Authorised regulated by the FSA 2120. Tel/Fax 988 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Authorised and regulated by the FSA

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

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Tony Welsh

service for driving while over the alcohol limit. Dumitru Oprea, 22, of Pineridge Park, Nine Mile Ride, pleaded guilty to driving above the limit in Elms Road on August 15 this year. Oprea was also fined £60, ordered to pay costs totalling £235, and disqualified from driving for 40 months. n A SMASHED window at a Wokingham town centre pub resulted in a fine of nearly £500 for a local man. Paul Edward Gardener, 58, of Ashridge Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 14 where he pleaded guilty to damaging a glass window at The Redan pub, in Peach Street, on September 29 this year. Gardener also pleaded guilty to a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place on the same night. For the damage, Gardener was

ordered to pay £200 compensation, a victim surcharge of £60 and costs totalling £235. For the second charge he was fined £20 and banned from The Redan for 12 months. n AN Earley man has pleaded guilty to assault. Dr Jose Angel Chiesa, 71, of Wokingham Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 14 charged with assault by beating, relating to an incident on October 12. He was also charged with possessing a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place, to which he pleaded not guilty. He has been remanded on conditional bail until December 22 where he will reappear at the same court. n A MAN from Woodley has appeared

in court charged with assault. Peter William Davies, 23, of Dowding Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 14 charged with assault by beating, relating to an incident in Friar Street, Reading, on June 14 this year. Davies pleaded not guilty to the charge, and has been remanded on conditional bail to appear at the same court on February 3, 2016, until which time he is not allowed to enter the Sub 89 bar on Friar Street. n A WOMAN from Woodley has appeared in court charged with assault and criminal damage. Maria Anne Dyles-Allen, 43, of Jerome Road, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault by beating, and two charges of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 when she appeared at West Berkshire Magistrates’ Court, Newbury on October 15, which related to an incident in Reading on September 25. Dykes-Allen has been remanded on conditional bail to appear at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court, Maidenhead, on November 24. n A MAN has appeared in court charged with assaulting a woman in Wokingham. Jeffrey Graham Jones, of no fixed address, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 15 charged with assault by beating, relating to an incident on October 13 this year. Jones pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was remanded on conditional bail to appear at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Maidenhead on November 10.

Tony Welsh

h of Fleck Ltd dent Financial Adviser h of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Associates Ltd

Portas cash injection to aid Woodley makeover

Independent Financial Adviser

Welsh Tel 0118 402 8978 Tony Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk Tony Welsh of Fleck Associates Ltd Independent Financial Adviser GET THE NEWS Tony WelshLATEST of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Ltd

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Tel 0118 402 8978 Mobile 07768 320430 FACEBOOK & TWITTER: By VIVIENNE JOHNSON Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Address 5 The Paddock, Address 5 The Paddock,

Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS

Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk

Woodley town centre is to get a facelift thanks to a cash injection from Wokingham Borough Council. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOODLEY is in line for a £300,000

nd regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority facelift thanks to a cash injection by horised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 horised and regulated byKent the Financial registration no. 447018 nville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authorised and regulated byAuthority, the Financial Conduct Authority Wokingham Registration Number AJW00121 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Borough Council (WBC) nville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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and a high street regeneration fund. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority At a meeting of the Registration Number AJW00121 Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative (TCMI) on Wednesday night ideas on how to spend the money, made up of £250,000 from WBC, £10,000 from Aerial, satellite and home entertainment installations and servicing the Portas Pilot scheme, spearheaded by ‘Queen of Small Local Company Small Local Company Small Local Company Bad reception problems solved Multi television points Shops’ Mary Portas, and  Bad reception problems solved £40,000 from the TCMI’s Network/data cablesolved Flat screen TV mounting Bad reception problems Multi television points  Multi points television points Telephone installation Sky TV Home cinema reserves, were revealed. r: Network/data cable Flat screen  Network/data cable TV mounting Ideas included plans to 07787 938 818 pairs 20% OFF  SkyHome Telephone points installation Sky TV  Flat screen TV mounting TV cinema reconnect the north end 0118 948 5141 No VATinstallation of the town, where the  Telephone points www.prodigitaltvav.co.uk 41 2TS NatWest and Chequers Pub  Home cinema .com info@prodigitaltv.co.uk are located, with the rest of No VAT the area by removing the ord 12 OCTOBER 2015 www.prodigitaltvav.co.uk existing pagoda, chairs and nfo@prodigitaltv.co.uk planters to be replaced with a new structure. OCTOBER 2015 New seating to run parallel with the shops, a giant snakes and 07787 938 818 ladders board on the 0118 948 5141 ground for children and a large open area to be www.prodigitaltvav.co.uk leased to restaurants and info@prodigitaltv.co.uk cafes for outdoor dining Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated byKent the Financial Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJServices Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ

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are also planned. Councillor Keith Baker, leader of WBC, said: “This is brilliant news for Woodley. We will start at the north end of the town centre and move towards Waitrose. “We should have enough money to redevelop down to the trees near Brighton’s newsagents and deal with the trip hazards around the tree roots. “Wokingham Borough Council and Wokingham Town Council will be working together with Woodley TCMI. The Borough Council will be providing the project management and procurement for the project as they have expertise from working in other towns.” Jacques Lherbier, Woodley Town Centre Manager, said: “Woodley TCMI have been discussing the

development of the north end of the precinct for about three years so the project announcement wasn’t a surprise. “The amount earmarked by Wokingham Borough Council was a surprise though, the TCMI are very pleased.” Woodley TCMI will have the final say on designs and although a timescale has not yet been agreed it will be completed as soon as possible. Cllr Baker said: “The project started through superb work carried out by Jacques Lherbier and other members of the TCMI. “We hope the regeneration will encourage new retailers and cafes to come into the area which will in turn mean more people using the town centre every day.”

Police were still at the scene on Wednesday morning. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

POLICE

Pensioner dies after sheltered flat blaze AN ELDERLY woman has died following a fire at a sheltered housing unit in Woodley. The woman, who has not yet been named but was believed to be in her eighties, died after the fire broke out in her flat at Woodlands Court, in Norwich Drive, shortly before 10pm on Tuesday. Crews from Wokingham Road, Caversham Road, Whitley Wood and Dee Road fire stations were called out to the blaze at approximately 9.51pm, followed by police and ambulance crews. Four firefighters using breathing apparatus and a hose reel spent more than an hour fighting the flames, and the woman was taken by ambulance to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, where she died on Wednesday morning. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated, but a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said it is not believed to be suspicious. A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council, which manages the property, said: “A female tenant at Woodlands Court sheltered housing unit was taken to hospital following a fire in her home and has since sadly died. No other tenants were injured in the fire which was contained to one unit. “We would like to thank the emergency services for their prompt response and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the victim.” A file is being prepared for the coroner.

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 7

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THEATRE

Hollywood star gives local girl a surprise lesson in acting By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A South West Trains worker talks to commuters stranded at Wokingham Station on Monday evening. Picture: Paul King

TRANSPORT

Chaos as train breaks down HUNDREDS of commuters were left stranded on Monday night after a train broke down near Winnersh. The train blocked the line between Reading and London Waterloo shortly after 5pm, resulting in hundreds of travellers either stranded or having to catch alternative services. Trains between Reading and Gatwick Airport were also affected. Angry passengers were left frustrated by the apparent lack of communication from train and bus providers and spent hours trying to make their way home. A replacement bus service stopping at all stations between Wokingham and Reading was laid on by South West Trains, but many were left stranded because they could not board local bus

services with their train tickets. A spokesperson for Reading Buses said the company, which runs the X4 service, did not have an arrangement with South West Trains to accept tickets in such a situation. He said: “When the train broke down all the passengers turned up at the bus stop wanting to board the bus for free as they had obviously already paid for their train tickets. Our driver explained that the bus wasn’t a rail replacement and that they would have to purchase a bus ticket. “This is the first time we have encountered such an incident and will be talking to South West Trains to see what can be put in place in future to ensure that if there are similar incidents, the impact is minimised.”

A SCHOOLGIRL from Wokingham had her half term made extra special with a phone call from a Hollywood actor. Budding actress Milly Allen, eight, little sister Elsie, five, and parents Lucy and Dave were invited onto Matt Allwright’s BBC Radio Berkshire show on Saturday morning to chat about an upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream she is performing in with Wokingham Youth Theatre. The family, who live in Langborough Road, had no idea that Matt had arranged for Hollywood actor Michael Sheen to call Milly, who is a pupil at Westende School, and give some acting tips. The Welsh star, famous for his roles in Frost/Nixon and The Queen, recalled his time playing Snug the joiner in the Shakespearian classic, and said how envious he was of Milly’s role as Titania. He said: “The main thing [to think about] is what it is you are trying to express - the feelings you are trying to get across - and that sometimes helps you remember the words better. “If you do forget your lines, another actor on stage can always help you out. So

Mum Lucy Allen with Matt Allwright, Elsie Allen and aspiring actress Milly, who was given some tips on her performance by Michael Sheen. Inset picture: Gage Skidmore

don’t worry about it – have fun, thoroughly enjoy it.” Mum Lucy said: “Milly was thrilled to speak to a famous Hollywood actor and go through her lines. “The show was looking for families to appear and they called us a few months ago asking if we would like to go on. They asked if the children had any interests or anything they were taking part in and I told them about the play. They said they would look to get someone on to talk about it, but we had

no idea they would get someone like Michael to talk to her. “He was really, really nice and gave her some really good advice about saying her lines with feelings. “I think Milly is a bit embarrassed by the whole thing but it has certainly made her excited about learning her lines. She has really taken Michael’s advice on board.” Milly’s portrayal of Titania is sure to be a highlight of Wokingham Youth Theatre’s end of term performance for friends and families.

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CRIME

SPORT

Warning to motorists after ‘cat’ thieves strike

Hockey hero’s star turn at Cantley Park

MOTORISTS are being warned to check and secure their cars after a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle in Shinfield earlier this month. Between 7pm on Thursday, October 15, and 8am the following day, someone stole the device from a Honda Accord parked in Fairmead Road. This is the second such incident of catalytic converter thefts in recent weeks following a theft from a car in Ducketts Mead. If you have any information or saw or heard anything suspicious around this time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

CHURCH

The stage is set for theatre club’s celebration A GROUP that enjoys visiting the theatre will hold a celebration service on Sunday. The Rose Street Theatre Club, which is attached to Wokingham Methodist Church, will hold its annual church gathering from 6pm. The church’s new minister, the Revd Catherine Bowstead, will preside over the service. The group meets regularly to take in plays and concerts. Its next meeting will be on Saturday, November 21, when members will visit the Royal Albert Hall for a matinee performance of Classical Spectacular.

FAMILY

Fun day for all with Octopus story time

CHILDREN in Spencers Wood are invited to a special storytime next week. The library will be holding an Octopus’ Garden themed event on Thursday. As well as a retelling of the story there will be games and crafts to enjoy. It takes place from 10.15am to 11am and places cost £1.50. For more details, call the library on 0118 988 4771.

MEETING

The advent of Advent will be under the spotlight

A MOTHERS Union meeting will explore Advent next month. The group, which meets at The Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue, will gather on Wednesday, November 25. The meeting starts at 7.45pm and all are welcome. For more details, call 0118 978 2678.

MEETING

History group puts the poor laws into perspective SWALLOWFIELD’S local history group meets again on Thursday, November 19. The group will welcome Jennifer Highwood for a talk exploring the Poor Laws and the effect they had on Swallowfield residents. The group meets at Swallowfield Parish Hall at 7.45pm. For more deatails, log on to www.slhsoc. org.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

Hockey star Chris Langhorne (sixth from left) with Cllr Angus Ross and interested parties at the switch-on. Picture: Paul King

A FORMER Great Britain hockey player helped to switch on the new floodlights at Cantley Park earlier this month. Chris Langhorne, who competed in the 1964 and 1972 summer Olympics, visited the Wokingham ground on October 14 to switch on the new £22,000 lights at the hockey pitch. Paid for by developer contributions, it is hoped that by having access to adequate lighting this will encourage more people to get involved in the various sports offered by the clubs represented at Cantley Park. Cllr Angus Ross, executive member for environment, said: “As a result of increased demand for the use of the astro pitch, and some S106 funding that was made available, we have been able to install the new floodlights at Cantley Park. “I’d like to thank former Great Britain hockey player Chris Langhorne, in advance, for officially turning on the lights.”

REGENERATION

Elms Field anger continues to grow as council meets to decide bidders By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM residents remain concerned at plans to convert one of the town centre’s green lungs into a cinema, supermarket and hotel. The development is one of the most controversial parts of the Regeneration scheme as it will see the half of Elms Field that is next to Alexandra Court taken over by the development, likely to include a Premier Inn. The borough council’s executive met last night (Thursday) to discuss preferred bidders for the planned boutique cinema and supermarket that will be built. The council said it cannot reveal who has been identified for the pre-let stage but the discussions show the confidence in the plans. However, Wokingham Paper readers were quick to share their concerns on our Facebook page and website. Typical of the comments was this from Stuart Pester. He said: “We don’t need another supermarket, we have two cinemas 10 minutes drive from Wokingham.” Readers also queried the logic in having a new supermarket a few minutes walk from the Tesco store off Finchampstead Road. Clare Waters said: “We need the green space not yet another supermarket in the centre of town.” This was a sentiment echoed by other readers including Mark Hampshire who said: “Clearly there’s no need OR desire for a supermarket. “That seems to fall on deaf ears. But not only that, additional supermarkets continue to destroy independent traders and with it any charm that once made Wokingham great.”

These artist’s impressions show how the Elms Field development could look.

Jen Wheeler was one reader who expressed concerns over the influx of cars that the development would bring. She said: “Stupid place to put either of them; [the] road cannot be widened so traffic will be horrendous.” However, speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Councillor Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration and communities, defended the plans and said the company in the running for the planned three-screen cinema recognises the cultural benefits of Wokingham. “They’re the sort of chain that will show, for example, live opera from London as well as films. It’s not just a film place – they’ll show a wide range of cultural options,” he said. We asked Mr Mirfin what he could say to reassure residents that the Elms Field plans would benefit the town. He said: “In the next month or so, when we’ve got the chance to show the new CGIs that have been produced of the new Elms Field area I hope they’re as excited as I am and impressed by the final designs that have come out of many years of stakeholder discussions and many years of doing so, looking at all aspects. “In many respects, the loss of Sainsbury’s in 2013 has been the biggest influence in our changing some of the direction.” Mr Mirfin also cited plans for Elms Field, which will enable it to host events such as a Christmas market or erect an auditorium will benefit the borough, while Peach Place could host, for example, a winter ice rink. “The Town Council are looking at many of the opportunities that [regeneration] presents,” he said.

PETS

Paw-some day out for Jack Russell owners

JACK RUSSELL owners are being invited to go walkies. A special meet-up is being organised for Saturday, November 21, starting at noon. Dog owners are asked to bring their pooches for a social walk around Black Swan Lake in Dinton Pastures. Breeds welcome are Jack Russells, Parson Russells, Jackhuahuas and everything in between. To take part, meet in the main car park.

CRIME

Arson probe after two caravan fires in as many days TWO caravan fires at a site near Crowthorne are being treated as arson, Thames Valley Police has confirmed. Fire crews from Crowthorne, Bracknell and Wokingham fire stations were called to two separate incidents at New Acres caravan park, on Nine Mile Ride last week in what firefighters described as

suspicious circumstances. Crews were called to the site at 4pm on Thursday, October 22, following reports that a caravan had been gutted by flames. They were called out again the following day at 12.30pm following reports of a fire in a caravan and a truck.

No injuries were reported from either fire, but fire investigation officers and police were called to the scene. Police officers remained at the site collecting evidence on Monday morning. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We were called to a caravan fire in New Acres, Nine Mile Ride, on

Thursday and Friday. “We are treating the incident as arson and would appeal for any info via 101.” No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with any information relating to the fires should called the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

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10 | BUSINESS

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Business POLICE

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

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

TalkTalk customers warned after Gardening help cyber attack on firm’s website is in the bank! ADVICE has been issued in the wake of the cyber attack on telecoms company TalkTalk. The company’s website was hacked into and personal details of up to four million customers, including businesses, have been accessed. It is currently unknown exactly what data has been stolen, but the company believes it could include names and addresses, dates of birth, email address, phone numbers, account details and credit card and bank details. Many businesses use the company to provide their broadband and telecoms services. In the wake of the attack, which has seen a 15-year-old arrested in Northern Ireland and since released on bail, Thames Valley Police has issued advice to those affected. They urge customers to be wary of any emails claiming to be from TalkTalk asking for additional information such as passwords even if they are able to tell you specific account details – this could be a phishing email and sent to gain access to your account. If you have opened such an email attachment please ensure you change the passwords for all your bank, email and online shopping accounts. As well as e-mails be wary of any

Protect yourself from cyber attacks. Picture: Miguel Ugalde/freeimage.com

telephone calls claiming to be from TalkTalk that ask for additional information or want to gain remote access to your computer. Again they may give specific details about your account. If you get such a call do not give any details, terminate the call, use a separate telephone line/mobile phone and call TalkTalk back on one of their known numbers to ascertain if the call is genuine. They also advise customers to monitor bank accounts for any unusual activity that you believe may be fraudulent.

GENEROUS staff from a building society in Wokingham swapped saving accounts for secateurs last month to do a spot of gardening. Volunteers from the Wokingham branch of the Newbury Building Society visited the Westmead Centre, in Rances Lane, on September 30 to help improve the premises through weeding and bramble clearing. The Centre provides day care for adults with disabilities and staff from the Society’s Broad Street branch aim to help as often as they can. Two teams of three attended to the gardening duties, which included clearing a space to allow the centre to plant a wild-flower garden next year. Deborah Gadd, Office Manager for the Wokingham branch, said: “We were thanked for our continued support and our team’s hard work. “Everyone associated with the Centre was delighted with the results, and we were rewarded with biscuits and a supply of homegrown pears from the garden!” Susan Murgatroyd and Jac Goddard from Newbury Building Society.

TOWN CENTRE

‘Mystery’ new store to open after success of town butchers EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A POPULAR Wokingham store has just celebrated a double anniversary while also making bold plans for the future. Stefans Butchers, in Denmark Street, opened its doors a year ago while its owner, Christian Martin, has marked a decade in the trade. As part of the celebrations, the store has handed over £400 to charity. The sum was raised by customers buying its homemade sausages – 5p from every pound weight was donated to The Stroke Association and from a loose change pot left on the store’s counter. “We’ve just written the cheque,” said Mr Martin. “It’s been a good selling point.” The shop has been a successful addition to the borough’s market town and there is often a queue of people outside its doors. Meats on the menu include partridge, venison, pigeon, wild boar and traditional butcher’s staples such as beef joints, gammons, pork and lamb joints. There is also a range of pies and its unique Butcher’s Brew beer. Where possible, the store sources goods from local farms and if this is not possible, it aims to buy from within the UK. “Being local is very important to us. We always go for local and English produce,” Mr Martin said. “The customers have responded to that and are aware of what we do. “We can offer a fair price, people assume we’re more expensive than supermarkets but that’s not necessarily the case.” Mr Martin started his career in the restaurant business, but made the switch to butchery 10 years ago and has been

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

Christian Martin from Stefan’s Butchers. Picture: Paul King

determined to offer customers the best ever since. He said: “We have high standards. If pork produced down the road was not up to scratch we wouldn’t see it. Thankfully there are loads of great producers in Berkshire.” The shop is now taking orders for Christmas, with its range including free range bronze turkeys, geese and ducks to order.

But what is coming next will also whet the appetite of customers. It is looking to launch a second store early next year, within Wokingham. “We can’t say what yet,” said Mr Martin. “The butchers will stay here – the new shop will be a second unit and a new business. “There are busy times ahead and we hope to be launching in January.”

NEWS | 11

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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Above: Children from Walter Infant School and, below, from Meadow Nursery School. Pictures: Paul King

PROJECT PADDINGTON

A bear-y good day of fundraising! CHILDREN in Wokingham took their teddy bears to school last week to raise money for a refugee charity. As part of the Project Paddington initiative, children from Walter Infant School and Meadow Nursery School, both in Murray Road, brought their teddy bears to join in lessons for the day on Friday. Project Paddington began by sending teddy bears to refugee children with notes and pictures from UK children, to show their solidarity. Children involved their wider family and community by asking them to sponsor their bear’s journey to its new home and raise muchneeded funds to support refugee children and their families. More than 560 schools and groups signed up to send teddies in this way. The event was organised by Local Co-ordinators of Project Paddington – Jo Hargreaves and

Liz Conaghan. Ms Hargreaves said: “It was very successful fundraising event, which gave the children the opportunity to show how much they care about refugee children while having fun with their teddies.”

Churches launch hunt for 20 foster families CHURCHES in Wokingham are joining forces in a bid to find 20 homes for foster children across the borough. The Home For Good initiative will be launched this Sunday at Kings Church, based at Wokingham Community Centre in Reading Road. The project is expected to last two years and will be a partnership between the churches, the borough council’s fostering unit and a national charity. Plans are already being made to extend the project to other faith groups in due course. The project follows a similar

initiative within Reading borough, which churches there launched last year. It is spearheaded by Dr Krish Kandiah, from the national charity Home For Good and is a foster carer himself. Speaking at the Reading launch last year he said: “There are 6,000 children in the UK waiting for adoptive families Sadly lots of children are being left behind. “Our family has been fostering for eight years; it’s the hardest thing we do as a family but we think it’s the best thing we do as a family.” The launch on Sunday will take place during the usual service, which starts at 10am. It will include the symbolic

AFTER

CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

CARE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BEFORE

releasing of 20 balloons, to represent the 20 homes that are being sought. Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Home for Good to raise awareness in the church community of the need for us to find local carers for our children and young people. “I would like to encourage anyone who believes they could provide a safe and loving family home life to come and talk to us.” Laura Eades, Home for Good Reading project lead, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for churches to work alongside Wokingham Borough Council and demonstrate their willingness to offer a home to children in need in our community.”

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FUNDRAISING

HALLOWE’EN

Top tots raise £100 to make play even better

A GROUP of 30 toddlers in Finchampstead did their part for charity last month by doing what they are best at - toddling! The youngsters and their parents, who meet at the California Association Ratepayers’ Hall in Finchampstead Road every Tuesday morning, toddled their way to victory on September 29 to raise more than £100 for new play equipment. Steve Bromley, Secretary of the California Association, said: “The toddler group were busy toddling to raise funds for equipment so the children can continue to enjoy the new outdoor play area all the year round. “Songs, action rhymes and circle games were performed by all the children who loved the newly laid safety surface.”

CRIME

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

We’re ready for trick or treating

Above: Ghostly goings-on at the Code Boutique. Right: Annie and Betsy Neil in Elms Field. Below: Jessica Palmer from Jessy Restaurant

Garages targeted by thief who saws off locks

A LOCK was sawn off a garage door in what appears to be an attempted burglary in Remenham last week. Overnight on Wednesday a householder in White Hill heard someone trying to get into their garage, and found the door had been bent. A neighbour also reported that a lock had been sawn off their garage after someone tried to break in. If you saw or heard anything suspicious around this time you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

VISITORS to Wokingham will have noticed plenty of spooky goings-on this week in the build up to the creepiest day of the year. To coincide with half-term businesses in and around the town have been busy gearing up for Hallowe’en tomorrow (Saturday) with a series of fun events including pumpkin carving, face painting and general spooky treats. Code Boutique in Peach Street invited local children to have a go at carving pumpkins which would then be delivered to other shops in the town centre to display in their windows. A fang-tastic display of pumpkins was the main attraction at Lockey Farm Shop, in Sindlesham Road, Arborfield, and Elms Field in Wokingham was transformed into a pumpkin workshop. Town centre newcomer Jessy’s, in Denmark Street, proved they are up for some fun by dgiving the restaurant a spooky makeover. The fun will continue on Saturday with face painting between 2pm and 5pm, and a Jenson Kirby enjoying three-course Hallowe’en themed menu from 5pm. the fun in Elms Field.

n Send your Hallowe’en photos to news@ wokingham paper.co.uk

COMMUNITY

Mouth and foot artist to speak a church meeting

AN ARTIST who paints with just his mouth will be making a special visit to Wokingham next week. Tom Yendell, who paints for the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists charity, which produces Christmas cards, will be speaking about his work and life without limbs at the Bradbury Centre on Tuesday, November 3. It has been organised by MORS - the Methodists of Rose Street - friendship group and all are welcome. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

MUSIC

Baranda will entertain you with Robbie music night LIVE music and curry is on offer on Tuesday as a popular Indian restaurant hosts another evening of entertainment. Baranda in Peach Street, Wokingham, will welcome the Robbie Williams Experience, a tribute to the former Take That singer. The evening costs £30 per person which includes dinner and the entertainment as well as lots of fun. Peach Street will be closed to traffic as part of road resurfacing works, but parking will be available in Rose Street as usual. Places can be booked by calling the restaurant on 0118 977 6100 or 0118 979 2379.

CRIME

Medals and laptop taken during house burglary

MEDALS have been stolen following a burglary in Spencers Wood earlier this week. Between 12,30pm and 4.30pm on Monday someone broke into a house in Hyde End Lane by smashing the glass panel of a back door. The house was searched, and a laptop and medals were stolen. If you saw anything suspicious around this time then you should call 101.

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Lizzy Newman and Megan Averill with the Lockey Farm Shop display. Pictures: Paul King

POLICE

Horse riders urged to use artistic skills to help new safety campaign By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk MEMBERS of the equine communities across Wokingham and the region are being asked to help Thames Valley Police (TVP) in getting their message of rider safety out to the general public. As part of their equine autumn safety campaign, TVP’s Mounted Section are calling on riders to help design a safety poster for motorists and other horse riders alike. With the evenings getting darker and people still keen to get out on their horses, an increase in awareness for the safety of both riders and road users is essential. Simple safety measures such as wearing high visibility clothing not only reduces the risk of harm by making riders more visible to motorists, but also makes them more visible to other potential hazards such as low-flying aircraft, dog walkers and cyclists. Riders are being called on to submit a poster detailing three reasons why you should wear high visibility clothing and any useful safety tips. A handful of winners will get to visit the Mounted Section and meet the police horses, as well as having their posters used in the Bright Rider campaign. Submit your completed entries by Wednesday, November 4, by emailing TVPMountedSection@thamesvalley.pnn. police.uk. TVP’s Mounted Section has issued the following advice for horse riders when

riding in the dark: n Always display fluorescent/reflective clothing on both horse and rider whatever the weather or light conditions. n Have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact on both your horse and yourself. n Check that all tack is in a good state of repair and fitted correctly before riding out. n If at all avoidable, don’t ride in failing light, fog or darkness. Avoid icy or snowy roads. n If riding a horse that is not used to roads, ask a rider with a horse who is experienced and calm to accompany you. n Try to avoid riding more than two abreast on the road. If riding two abreast be prepared to go into single file on narrow roads to allow traffic to pass if safe to do so. n Always cross major crossings in a group, rather than trickling across one by one. n Leave details of your intended route and estimated time of return with a responsible person n Ensure you thank motorists for slowing down. THE following advice has been issued to assist motorists when encountering a horse and rider: n Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary. n Look out for riders’ signals to slow down or stop. n Watch out for sudden movements, unlike your motor vehicle a horse has its

TACK MARKING

Giving criminals the hoof... HORSE riders around Barkham were invited to protect their equipment at a special tack marking event earlier this week. PC Laura Wright and PCSO Suzie Carr from the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime team were on hand at the Pony Club, in Coombes Lane, to mark the various items brought in by members of

own mind and can be startled. n Do not sound your horn or rev your engine, as your actions could startle a horse. For drivers of larger vehicles beware that the sound of air brakes could also startle a horse. n Pass wide and slow when overtaking; giving the horse plenty of room. Do not accelerate rapidly once you

the public on Monday. A total of 15 saddles were marked and enquiries were made to visit a local yard to mark a further fifty saddles next week. Members of the community can request tack marking at any time. Call 07973 154 636 or Susie.Carr@ thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

have passed them. n On roundabouts, horse riders will keep to the left within the roundabout until reaching their exit, when they will signal left. They will normally signal right only when approaching exits they don’t intend to use n Above all please be patient.

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ENVIRONMENT

CRIME

Music with a message from Limmerhill campaign group

Asian gold haul taken during Shinfield break-in

JAZZ and cake in Wokingham town centre helped a campaign group raise awareness of its battle to save a green space. Members of the Limmerhill Village Green campaign group gathered in Market Square on Saturday with the Chalvey Down Jazz Band to raise awareness of the cause, which is looking to secure an area between Woosehill and Barkham Road as a public thoroughfare. The team are seeking to raise £10,000 to pay for a barrister to fight their corner at a hearing about the land use. Campaigner Lynn Forbes said: “The event on Saturday was absolutely outstanding. Our goal was to raise awareness but a bonus was that we also

raised £200. This brings our fund to just under £8,000. “Our supporters have been amazing. We want to make sure everyone knows that this is not a political act. It’s the feeling of the local people and not a political thing at all.” Earlier in the year the group held a wheelbarrow sale which was also successful. Ms Forbes added: “Our wheelbarrow sale over the summer was really successful. “We raised £200 but also found out we have a lot of talented bakers in our group. “We have decided to arrange a Bake Off challenge. I’m looking into it now.” n Letters page 14

ASIAN gold has been stolen from a house in Shinfield following a daytime burglary. Between 5.30am and 4pm on Wednesday, October 21, someone broke into the house in Westlands Avenue by breaking the glass on an external rear patio door to the conservatory and then into the kitchen. The crooks searched the house and made off with a quantity of gold jewellery. If you have any information relating to this incident you should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

CHRISTMAS

Buy your cards early and raise funds for charity

Lynn Rossi, Gill Kourentis and Lynn Forbes with a tempting array of cakes during the event to raise awareness of the Limmerhill Village Green campaign on Saturday. Pictured left is Mili Turner singing with the Chalvey Down Jazz Band. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson.

DEVELOPMENT

Help make Wokingham a great place to live Tony Penge and centre manager Martin Griffiths at the launch of the new-look Carnival Pool and Fitness Centre.

HEALTH

Even more reason to start getting fit THE newly-refurbished Carnival Pool and Fitness Centre re-opened its doors last weekend to a warm reception from members and visitors. A dedicated new fitness studio which will boast a programme of 26 exciting new group activities, a remodeled reception, cafe and pool viewing area were all unveiled on Saturday at the facility, which is run by Wokingham Borough Council in conjunction with 1Life. Existing and prospective members got a chance to burn some calories and feel the heat at one of several free taster sessions in the studio, including Zumba, Boxercise, Group Cycling and a range of Les Mills programmes including Body Attack, Body Balance and Sh’Bam at the Wellington Road facility. Families also got a chance to try free swimming sessions in the afternoon, giving parents a chance to get active with their children in a fun environment. Centre manager Martin Griffiths said: “We had 100 people visiting our free taster classes and approximately 350 people taking advantage of our free swimming programme in the afternoon. There was lots of positive feedback about the studio classes and the studio redevelopment. “We had Les Mills master instructors delivering classes in Body Attack, Body Combat and Sh’Bam, and our own instructors delivering a range of classes too.” To find out more about Carnival Pool and Fitness Centre visit www.1life.co.uk/wokingham-boroughcouncil/carnival-pool-fitness-centre/home

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk IDEAS on how to make Wokingham a great place to live will be welcomed by the town’s councils at two events next week. Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and Wokingham Town Council (WTC) are calling on residents and visitors to the town to submit their ideas on how to improve public spaces by creating great looking, high quality environments that the people of Wokingham can be proud of. With plans for new schools, more shops and new leisure facilities already in place, the councils are keen to share their emerging ideas with local residents for two of the most important areas in the town centre: the existing Market Place, and the new public square which will be created when Peach Place is redeveloped in 2017. As part of this process the councils are hosting a series of events where people can find out more and get involved in shaping the ideas going forward. The initial two events are being held on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, between 10am and 2pm where local residents can come along to a stall in Market Place. They will have the chance to view

the latest proposals for Market Place improvements, which are based on comments received to date, while taking on board site constraints. Representatives from both councils will be on hand to answer questions about the Market Place scheme. This will be followed by a workshop on Monday, November 16, between 7pm and 9pm where people will have the opportunity to get involved by looking at details such as planned materials, street furniture, and signage for both Market Place and Peach Place. Cllr John Kaiser, WBC’s executive member for highways and planning, said: “We’ve been working hard to get the right roads in place with projects like station link road and the distributor roads to ensure that we can move traffic around the area, but we also need to ensure that other users of the town centre are not forgotten. “Creating great environments for people in the town is an incredibly important part of getting the visitor experience right. “We need to create wonderful spaces for Wokingham where the balance between the pedestrian and vehicles is improved, where pedestrians feel safe, relaxed and can enjoy being in the town. We also want to continue holding great events and markets.” Cllr Peter Lucey, chairman of

Dignitaries line up to help hospice celebrate 25 years of care on Saturday, November 7, with an afternoon of entertainment. Wokingham Town Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Philip Mirfin and Kathy Mirfin, will join staff, volunteers and patients who have worked or received care at the hospice during the last 25 years. Hospice fundraiser Fern Haynes

said: “This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the care that has been and is provided here in Wokingham and say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 25 years. “We are also looking forward to our future events such as our Starlight Hike in November and the Southern

CRIME

Gems stolen during raid on house in Earley

JEWELLERY was stolen during a daylight the market development working burglary in Earley last week. party at WTC, said: “The town Between 8.45am and 11.45am on council is delighted to be working in Wednesday someone smashed the rear partnership with the borough council kitchen, study and utility room windows of a to make much-needed improvements home in Eastcourt Avenue to gain entry. The to Market Place. house was searched and jewellery was stolen. “We are looking forward to a high If you saw or heard anything suspicious quality and beautiful space that can around this time you should call 101. If you be used by the whole community; suspect a crime is in progress always call 999. we believe it will really improve ART the appearance of the town centre, complement our fully-restored Victorian Town Hall, and give Wokingham a much-improved area for markets, events and all manner A NEW display featuring artworks created by a of activities that support our local local painter will go on show next week. retailers, businesses, citizens and Wokingham Library will be hosting the visitors. exhibition of works from Madeline Hawes. “This is truly what both councils On show at the Denmark Street venue will are committed to achieve.” be watercolours, acrylics and mixed media There are limited spaces available artworks, with an emphasis on pattern, shape for the workshop and places will be and form - and all paintings will be for sale. allocated on a first come, first served Ms Hawes is the secretary of the basis. Wokingham Art Society which meets monthly To request a space on the at the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street. workshop please email: Wokingham.environmental. improvements@ Established 2006 wokingham.gov.uk . Those unable to attend We want to put a smile on your face any of the above events can find out more by visiting the Wokingham town centre regeneration pages at www.wokingham.gov. uk/planning-and-buildingcontrol/regeneration/ wokingham-town-centreSinging is not only good for your health, but it can make you feel energised and happy. We are looking for men regeneration.

CHARITY

A DAY hospice in Wokingham will be cracking out the silverware as it celebrates 25 years of providing care to the local community next week. Staff and volunteers at the Sue Ryder Wokingham Day Hospice, which is based at Wokingham Community Hospital in Barkham Road, will celebrate the milestone anniversary

IT might still be October, but Christmas cards have gone on sale. The annual cards for good causes scheme has returned to Wokingham Library. The scheme promises good causes at least 70p in every £1 of cards sold and at least 25 charities are represented in the sale, which also includes Advent calendars, calendars and gift ideas. The shop will be in the Denmark Street library until Christmas Eve, during the library’s normal opening hours. For more details, log on to www. cardsforcharity.co.uk

Women of Achievement Awards in March. All of these events aim to raise much needed funds for the Wokingham Day Hospice. It will be great to see everyone.” The event is free to attend and will run from noon-2.30pm. For more information, please contact Fern Haynes at 0118 939 4889.

Colourful new show opens at Wokingham Library

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We have a concert in Reading Concert Hall on 20 December A world premiere in March 2016 for Age UK A major fundraising concert in October 2016 To find out more visit www.singhealthy.co.uk Call: Dorian on 07825 616 759 Email: dorian@singhealthy.co.uk

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

The Elms Field plan does makes sense THIS week Wokingham Borough Council revealed that it has been talking to preferred bidders for the planned supermarket and boutique cinema for part of the Elms Field site. Of all the aspects of the borough’s regeneration, this has been the most contentious – carving up the green space between Denmark Street and Elms Road has not been a popular decision for many of you. When we announced the plans, many of you took to our Facebook page to voice your concerns about losing a green lung in Wokingham’s town centre. The area, opposite the Virgin Active gym and the entrance to Spin nightclub, is something that you’d like to keep rather than see it converted into shops, a cinema and a budget hotel. But here’s the thing: this part of Elms Field is barely used. Part of it is boarded up and pressed into use for Pistol’s sublime street art festival, another part is a car park for the Borough Council staff and the rest is used for the May Fayre and the Open Air Cinema. You can hardly fault the Council’s desire to turn a little-used resource into something that will help families entertain themselves without leaving the borough. And the plans for the rest of Elms Field are also exciting: levelling the ground, installing electrical points and maintaining the current playground means that collectively Wokingham will have a new leisure district to be proud of. While we share concerns over traffic levels – an investment in public transport is a must – the broad scope and vision of the Elms Field and the Carnival Place development is to be applauded.

CHURCH NOTES

Putting the focus on Saints FOR some weeks the shops have offered us the usual range of Hallowe’en paraphernalia, but it is a fair bet that very few of those who buy it will know what the word means. It is the Eve of the Feast of All Hallows, or as we should say All Saints, which is also the dedication of Wokingham’s ancient parish church. So we shall be celebrating what we call our patronal festival with a variety of engaging activities for all ages. But don’t expect to find any witches or pumpkins! Our focus will be on the saints of God down the ages, including our own, whose lives show us his goodness. Alongside the great saints of history most of us can point to people who have affected our lives. Above all they have demonstrated that unselfish care for others, far from making them miserable, can be a source of joy and fulfilment. In a world which seems to offer us nothing but bad news and suffering, they shine in the darkness with fresh hope. For example prosperous Wokingham ought not to need a Foodbank. But sadly it does, and the work of those who organise it or contribute the goods it distributes is an act of caring which not only feeds the hungry but is a source of inspiration. A little boy was once asked “What is a saint?” He replied: “A saint is a person the light shines through”. He was thinking of the sun streaming through a stained glass window in church. Little did he realise that he had given just about the most perfect definition imaginable. The saints are those who let God’s light shine through them to bring love and hope into the darkest places of our world. Colin James is honorary Priest at All Saints’ Church, Wokingham

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 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

We are acting on Limmerhill I write in response to Mr Rones’ letter published in this newspaper on 23 October, concerning land at Limmerhill. We [Wokingham Borough Council] are not sitting idle. It takes time to go through all of the landowner’s evidence in detail. We hope to complete this by the end of November. The applicant and landowner are fully aware how important it is to consider all the evidence very carefully to ensure the correct decision is arrived at. In the meantime, the landowner is entitled to fence off the land. If it is decided the land is a village green, the fencing will have to be removed. Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways at Wokingham Borough Council

Our MP is out of touch with ordinary working people

WORD ON THE WEB: Your views on Elms Field Earlier this week, Wokingham Borough Council announced that it had preferred bidders for the supermarket and cinema to be built on part of Elms Field. The news provoked a flurry of comments on our Facebook page. Here are just some of them.

drive (and most on bus routes) then Waitrose and M&S in town. Can someone at WBC explain why we need another food shop? It’s ridiculous- listen to your public WBC and spend money more wisely. Natalie Edwards

n Apparently we’re a nation that are getting fatter, children suffer from obesity as they do not get enough exercise - that’s not only sad but neglectful. If we lived in America there’d be a lawsuit against the council. So [Wokingham Borough Council’s] response is to build over a perfectly green space with a children’s park where we can let our children play and exercise – for free!! Instead, against the majority’s wishes we will get a supermarket and a cinema. Winnersh cinema has just been refurbished - we do not require another. We have Tesco, Morrison’s , Lidl and Sainsbury within [a few] minutes

n I avoid shopping near the town centre as it is because of traffic snarl ups and expensive parking. The town centre is dying because of WBC foul-ups. If you want the town to thrive, try free parking, free toilets, places to sit and pleasant green spaces to enjoy... Rick Daniow

IT SEEMS that John Redwood, MP for Wokingham, is totally out of touch with ordinary working people. He still cannot get it into his head that many people in the Wokingham area need social housing. He also stated on LBC radio that tax credits should be done away with and believes that the Government of the day will not let working people and the poor suffer more than they are suffering now. Many of his own party are against scrapping tax credits. It seems that he is out of touch with ordinary poor and working people who struggle from hand to mouth. Mr Redwood, if you want to help people and be the party for all, urge the Government to pay £9 per hour in April 2016 and scrap tax credits so no one is at a loss. Victor Rones, via email

Walking is free, accessible and easy to build into everyday life. Research suggests that active people are 30 per cent less likely to feel distressed and 30 per cent more likely to experience enhanced levels of wellbeing. Tompion Platt, Head of Policy and Research at Living Streets

Put your best foot forward to banish the winter blues

Raising awareness of baby loss and work of Tommy’s

FOR those who find winter a depressing time, my advice would be to get walking. Walking has many benefits for our health but less frequently discussed is how it helps us remain positive and happy. In fact, walking has been shown to reduce the risk of developing depression by 20 per cent. Walking for just part of the journey to work can significantly boost our happiness levels, which is especially important during the winter months when many of us get up, travel in the dark and can find it hard to incorporate activity into the day. It stimulates endorphins, which help to improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of stress.

n Let’s have an Aldi or Sainsbury with whatever cinema please.... that will be great as my kids think Wokingham is rubbish and they have to go to Reading

EARLIER this month was Baby Loss Awareness Week, culminating in parents who’ve experienced pregnancy or baby loss lighting candles in memory of their baby. These quiet acts of reflection and remembrance are so important. Equal to these moments of introspection is the need to talk about pregnancy and baby loss more openly. It remains one of the last remaining taboo subjects, but this past year has seen more conversations being started on the topic than ever before; the recent stillbirth storyline in Eastenders and Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement that he and his wife had experienced recurrent miscarriage being just two examples of this.

or Camberley for good entertainment. Sharon White n Put the new supermarket where the new houses are. They will be very happy about that and so will those who enjoy Elms Field. Another supermarket in the centre will not help traffic flow. Why does the planning department say it has listened to local views and then come back with a scheme that creates the same problem as the last scheme? Michael Johnson n Because they don’t listen and really don’t care about anyone’s view, they have made up their minds already and have this attitude that they will do as they like! Wokingham is already gridlocked because of their neverending building and infils Clive Winson

The baby charity, Tommy’s, funds research to prevent miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth and is working towards opening Europe’s largest miscarriage research centre in 2016. I’ve been a supporter for many years, having myself experienced the pain of miscarriage during my first pregnancy. That’s why I’m passionate about doing what I can to help and why I’m honoured to be hosting the Tommy’s Awards for the third year running next March. The event is so important, not only because it brings pregnancy and baby loss out in the open, but it celebrates special individuals who’ve helped parents through the hardest of times. Despite hearing some heart breaking stories, the event is uplifting and hopeful as it’s the kindness and empathy of friends, families and health professionals. If anyone would like to publicly acknowledge someone who has gone to great lengths to help them during a tough road to parenthood, why not put in a nomination? You can find out more at http://www. tommys.org/awards Katy Hill, via email

GOOD ADVICE

Taking a closer look at employment contracts Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer MY boss has just asked me to sign a new contract that says that I am self-employed, rather than an employee. He says it is just a technicality and that nothing will change. Is this right? Can he do this? If your employer asks you to sign a new contract which says that you are selfemployed rather than an employee, signing the contract does not mean that you then become self-employed. This is because, regardless of what your employer says, whether or not you are an employee or selfemployed depends on what happens in practice and the relationship between you and your employer. It is very important to establish your employment status. Many employment rights, such as the right not to be unfairly dismissed, and the right to redundancy pay, rely on you being an employee. Employers call people self-employed or a ‘casual worker’ or a ‘trainee’ in order to avoid having to pay tax and national insurance for their employees and to try to

avoid them having employment rights. It is irrelevant what your employer calls you, whether you are known, for example, as self-employed, an agency worker, or a casual worker. In addition, just because you pay tax and national insurance as a ‘self-employed’ person, it does not automatically follow that you are actually self-employed rather than an employee. What matters is what happens in practice about how you work, who decides what work you do and what you are expected to do by your employer. The following factors will all help you decide whether you are an employee or self-employed when you want to find out what your employment rights are: n Does your employer tell you what work to do and how to do it (even if you are left alone to actually carry out the work)? Does your employer provide you with work, or do you have to go out and find your own work to do? If your employer controls the work to be done and provides the work, you will be an employee. n How you are paid. If you are paid a regular amount of pay at regular intervals, rather than being paid per job done, this indicates you are an employee.

n Who is responsible for getting the work done? If you have to find someone else, such as a sub-contractor or a friend, to do the work if you are unable to, this would indicate you are self-employed. If your employer finds someone else to do the work if, for example, you are off sick, this would indicate you are an employee. n Who provides tools and materials to do the work? If your employer is responsible for supplying main tools and machinery and materials, with you responsible for supplying only a few of your own tools, you are likely to be an employee. If you think you are an employee, you will have a contract of employment. This does not have to be written down. A contract of employment is agreed between the employer and the employee and can be a verbal contract. If you are still not sure whether or not you are an employee, you should speak to an experienced adviser, for example, at a local Citizens Advice. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

Passport to Pimlico

H to be in England, now that cuts are here. The cuts in question are those that our Borough is having to consider as a result of the “Westminster Willies” shutting off one of the stopcocks that pipe money to local authorities. This has put everyone in a tough spot. As Mr Micawber might have observed, spend more than you earn and pretty soon the bailiffs walk in to take things away. Don’t pay back the dosh you borrowed and you’ll be meeting some very unpleasant people, set on teaching you a good lesson. As anyone who’s run a household budget will know, you need to keep income and expenditure in balance. On the face of it — simple. But the reality is far harder, which is why the Budget Consultations are an interesting development. Last week saw WBC’s permanent as well as temporary staff joining forces. Wokingham on Monday, Charvil on Thursday. Having to stand up in public isn’t easy at the best of times. Explaining yourself is even less so. Delivering a message that your audience isn’t going to like is truly daunting. Add in to that mix some questions with no advance warning and Daniel entering the lion’s den had it easy. So I salute the leaders for organising the Budget Consultation meetings. As well as for doing them in a way which was informative as well as engaging. The format of the session was well thought out, as was the layout so that people could have their say publicly as well as privately. The events were well staffed too. A good mix of the elected members (the politicians) and of most council departments (the staff). All senior figures, and for a change, all listening. Listening? Surely not. This IS Wokingham after all. Town first and borough second, as we were reminded by a Charvil resident. Better known over the past 40-50 years for its “We don’t ask. We tell” style. Yes, listening. I kid you not. Hearing, understanding and thinking all remain to be seen though. Putting the right actions in place? Hmmm, jury’s out on that one. But as the Leader of the Council explained at the start, this is new. The Chief Executive told us the structure of the evening. Both had the good sense to step aside and let the numbers guy get on with things. And while some of the numbers being predicted over the next four years might be debatable or a matter of opinion even, the fact that they were being put forward was good. All in all, a refreshing as well as genuinely innovative political meeting. The basic message being put across was that central government funds have been cut already and forecast to be cut again, year after year. The choices are simple: either increase income via taxes or new sources of revenue; or decrease expenditure by cutting services. Guided by your opinion as to which ones and how deep the cuts should be. But there’s good news! On the income side from Government, we’re already the lowest funded Local Authority in the country. So in addition to the forecast government spending cuts, our Borough only needs an additional two years of cuts… …to be financially independent of central Government entirely. So the wording on the passports is pretty obvious. “The selfdependency of Middle Berkshire”. But I’m not sure what colour those passports should be. Nor as to whether we’re going to be able to afford passport controls on the M4 as it enters and leaves our leafy borough. And the cost of modern border patrols is simply horrendous. Drat! We’re going to need to save up a few bob first. Tony Johnson is a semi-retired engineer and business manager. He continues to defer his study of drawing and photography to learn more about local politics and acts of parliament instead.

Tony Johnson

READER Colin Melhuish has sent in this splendid autumnal picture of Connaught Avenue in Joel Park, Wokingham. He took the picture on October 15 as the leaves were starting to fall. He said: “Connaught Avenue was planted by HRH the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, High Steward of the Borough, various other civic dignitaries and the school children of Wokingham to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935. The Avenue was originally planted with red oaks and Lombardy poplars but today only the red oaks remain. As can be seen they are a spectacular sight in autumn. The Avenue of trees is now 80 years old with many trees succumbing to disease, but it is now undergoing restoration and re-planting by the Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers in conjunction with Wokingham Town Council.” Thank you for sharing this great picture Colin and for the fascinating history. 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.

NTERESTING tweet this week from this very paper re the news a foodstore and cinema company have shown an interest in Elm Park. It said: Which supermarket do you think should move into Elms Field? And who should provide the popcorn at the cinema? I would be happy with anyone but the cinema company providing the popcorn. The cost of snacks at the cinema always is more than the tickets and outrageously priced. It’s shocking! And always disappointing – chewy popcorn that’s been sitting around under hot lights for hours, lukewarm floppy hotdogs, nachos with cheese sauce decorated with thick skin… ugh. So in a way I’d hope it was Aldi or Lidl interested – and then we could sneak cut-price popcorn into the flicks whoever the movie company is.

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

The bitter taste of cinema snacks

Losing the X Factor?

I might finally be over my X Factor obsession. I’ve loved it for years and luckily was presented with tickets to the final a couple of years back. But the shambles that was on telly last weekend did it for me. Caroline Flack and Olly Murs speaking over each other ALL the time, the number of times the two said “amazing”, the terrible production and the blatant fixes had me on the verge of switching off. Why even Olly’s grey polo neck annoyed me – I mean at least Dermot dressed up a bit. I’ll miss you X Factor… for a week or so.

Falling foul of the grammar Nazis

I called someone a “chair” in a report recently and they objected and wanted to be called chairman. “I like English to be used properly,”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

he said. I know, chair is an odd phrase akin to stool or pouffe – but that’s years of working on a newspaper that insisted chair was neutral and PC. Self-same gentleman used the word “loose”

twice just afterwards when he meant “lose”. What to do? Point out the error or keep schtum? Us grammar Nazis wrestle with these problems every day. I don’t want to sound pious but that particular bugbear is not hard to understand – one is a verb and the other an adjective. But of course sometimes when I had staff under me and would try to point out errors like that to anyone under 45, I could see it was hopeless to explain it this way as they did not know what a noun or verb was, far less an adverb or a preposition. Yet I was reminded recently (I’m doing a false beginners Spanish class – that’s for those who have a little and want to learn more) that many foreign language speakers have to know the differences and also the tenses of verbs. Can you imagine telling schoolchildren about present perfect, present continuous, past perfect etc etc? They’d probably feel they were loosing there mind and that your being really annoying. But what can you expect when you can’t conjugate LOL? Right, off to learn a few Spanish reflexive verbs – just remember to comfort grammar Nazis it’s best to pat us on the head and say “there, they’re, their”.

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The good life

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

How Wokingham is going Green with Vivienne Johnson

CAMPAIGN

Students urge university to ditch fossil fuel assets By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

TUDENTS from the University of Reading held a fun day with a serious message on the use of fossil fuel. Reading University Students ‘Union (RUSU) organised Fossil Free Friday to urge the university’s Investment Committee to stop investing in companies that deal with fossil fuel. The event promoted the university’s engagement with fossil fuel extracting companies and gave a voice to local campaign groups such as Sustrans, the Climate Change Centre and Reading Sustainability Centre. The day, which featured a dinosaur mascot and a pedal powered smoothie maker, also saw representations from university societies such as the vegan/ vegetarian group and live music performed by students. The campaign group People and Planet were involved in helping RUSU organise the day.

Naia Lopez, fossil fuel co-ordinator for the group, said: “I help students set up fossil free campus’. Fossil fuels are doing the most to wreck the climate. We are putting pressure on it to de-legitamise the industry. “As individuals we don’t have much power. People look up to universities as institutions. We should follow. The campaign is to get all universities to move their money to fossil free investments.” Fossil Free Friday was organised by Ben Cooper, Communications and Development Officer at RUSU. He said: “The university has invested in fossil fuels which we think are unethical. “The university Green Team have reduced the carbon footprint but we want the end result of our campaign to be a total divestment of fossil fuels.” Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said: “In July, the Investments Committee considered in detail RUSU’s paper recommending a new investment policy. “While the committee did not accept

AWARD

the proposed RUSU policy, it asked me to look at the University’s engagement with all aspects of the fossil fuels industry. “This would include research funding and partnerships, sponsorships, studentships, and other collaborations. I expect to be able to report to the Investments Committee in the spring of 2016 on this matter. “For the avoidance of doubt, my review should not be taken as an indication that the university is poised to change its policy. Rather, we need to have all the facts at our disposal before deciding what, if any, further actions that we might take. “The University of Reading has a proud record, both in taking serious action to reduce our carbon footprint, and in our commitment to climate and environmental research. “But neither would be possible without strong long-term financial foundations. So, in considering our future investment policy direction, we need to be mindful of a wide range of factors.”

The people have spoken - campus is a green dream! THE UNIVERSITY of Reading’s Whiteknights campus in Earley has been voted one of the most popular green spaces in the UK for the fifth year in a row. The 130 hectares of parkland that make up Whiteknights has come seventh out of almost 1,500 green spaces entered into the 2015 Green Flag People’s Choice Award, and remains the only university campus in the top 10. The university received its fifth Green Flag Award earlier this year in recognition of its wellmaintained and wellmanaged campus. The award is the benchmark standard for parks and green spaces in the UK and is run by Keep Britain Tidy. All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were entered into the annual poll, and the public were asked to vote for their favourite. Among the most attractive parts of the campus is the Harris Garden, which boasts an orchard, woodland area, wildflower meadow, fruit trees and a circle of 20 beautiful Japanese

cherry blossom trees, covering approximately five hectares. The grounds are maintained by a group of volunteer gardeners, co-ordinated by the Friends of the Harris Garden group. The campus is also home to more than 25 different species of tree including Cretan Maples, Wellingtonia and Mirbeck Oaks, and Whiteknights Lake provides an ideal habitat for many species of plants and wildlife. Sir David Bell, the university’s vice-chancellor, said: “Whiteknights is a wonderful place to study, work and visit. We are lucky to have this beautiful landscape as our campus - it certainly sets Reading apart from other universities around the country. “It is a fantastic achievement to remain in the top 10 green spaces in the UK and I would like to thank all those who voted for us. “My huge appreciation also goes to the University’s grounds and facilities maintenance team, who work hard all year round to keep the campus looking great.”

Above: Oli Ratcliffe, Ben Cooper and Jon Gilbert with a Smart car and, right, Ben Cooper using pedal power to operate a smoothie maker to keep visitors to Fossil Free Friday refreshed. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

APPEAL

Do your bit for wildlife this Xmas IT may be a little while off yet but the local branch of the Wildlife Trust will be holding a Christmas tree sale on December 5 and 6. Sourced from Wildmoor Heath, the sustainably grown, drop-resistant trees will be freshly felled on the sale weekend at the Edgbarrow Woods nature reserve, in Sandhurst Road, Crowthorne. Mistletoe, holly, Wildlife Trust cards and calendars will also be on sale across the weekend. The sale takes place between 11am and 3pm on both days. All proceeds go to the Wildlife Trust. n For further details visit www.bbowt.org.uk/whatson or email Martin Newman, Wildlife Trust volunteer, at xmastree@martin-newman. co.uk

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

Oh, Mr Smith! A wry look at life

Time to engage in the dark side. Hurrah!

OH, it’s not the night before Christmas. It’s Hallowe’en the night before All Hallow’s Day. This originally marked the first day of the Druids’ New Year but was repurposed by the Christian Church during the Dark Ages to take the focus off its ominous meaning. I know I’m a grumpy killjoy but I don’t much enjoy it. Did you know it’s based on some pretty grim history involving first-born sacrifices and stuff I prefer not to talk about? Christmas is also based on ancient pagan practices and was hijacked by the Church for the same reason but at least it’s cheerful and people turn up in nice clothes and party dresses rather than looking a bit red and green and demonic. Ooh – red and green should never be seen. I know it’s just a bit of fun for children but all that occultist focus

on death, ghouls, witchcraft and permission to perform pranks on anybody at home including the frail and elderly leaves me feeling a bit cold. Even my favourite pub and restaurant like many others have ghoulish designs on the evening’s entertainment. I shall have to hide behind the curtains. The evidence for gruesome practices performed during Samhain, the original name of Hallowe’en, comes in the form of preserved first-century Scandinavian bodies: Tollund Man and Lindow Man. Similarly preserved bodies from the bogs of Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland and Britain all bear the same gruesome scars of ritual

VOLUNTEER CORNER n NCT is the UK’s largest parenting charity, supporting new parents and parents-to-be through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. The Wokingham branch is very active and well established, with regular social groups, nearly new sales, and support for new parents. They are looking for a new volunteer fundraiser, who can help with

applying for grants and funding from local and national bodies, either as a one off for a current project, or on an ongoing basis. The volunteer needs to be literate and willing to complete quite complex forms to apply for funding. Some experience of this would be an advantage, but a willingness to get stuck in is more desirable. Support is available from the branch committee.

sacrifice. These were considered necessary to pacifying the Devil during this inauspicious interlude. The Druids frightened people by telling them that demons wold be let loose on the earth looking to inhabit people. So to avoid having demons secreted in themselves the clever first-century Celts dressed up as demons to fool them. Those demons do not sound too bright. Lurid descriptions of gory ceremonial rites were documented by the Roman historian Tacitus and Julius Caesar but some dismiss them as propaganda designed to justify the war against the Celts. Still should we worry about this fun-based initiation of our children into unhealthy occult practices? There

are other threatening presences that wait to thwart their welfare such as those sugary treats the government is being asked to tax heavily or people on mobile phones during the school run. Fortunately the reassuringly leafy suburbs of Wokingham do not have the density of diesel pollution in the air that plagues congested urban environments. And in just a few days we can enjoy Bonfire night (forgetting that this comes from medieval English meaning bones and fire) as we enjoy fireworks to celebrate the undoing of that nasty little man Guy Fawkes. I shall celebrate quietly with the wife as, I have to confess, it is our wedding anniversary but this is an entirely different story. Suffice to say neither the bride nor any of the guests appeared in a black pointy hat. TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

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Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent (excludes specialist and implant treatment)

Need to regular dental visits?

For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.

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

required before signing up. If treatment is included? needed during the 12 month contract What is a member (including discount of 15% is given. • 2 Examinations x-rays) • • •

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

visit our website at www.beec You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 3 BMS but a new patient examination is n Hatch Ride School in Crowthorne is For more information, please contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one looking for a volunteer who can help with required before signing up. If treatment Time commitment is any day, any time, home based and completely flexible.

n Remap makes bespoke aids and adaptations for the disabled that are not commercially available to help them in their personal care, hobbies, mobility, sport etc. Remap has been operating nationally since 1965 and consists of about 80 Panels (branches) and 4,000 volunteers. The Berkshire Panel covers Berkshire. When assigned a job, the volunteer will visit the client (with medical professional is appropriate) to agree what is required, design and make it, and then hand it over to the client. Depending on complexity, several visits may be required. Jobs are assigned as they are received from clients to which ever volunteer is available, has the right skills and lives in the neighbourhood (to minimum travel). Hours are determined by the volunteer around their own and the client’s availability, and so can be arranged around a fulltime job.

visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract member discount of 15% is given. Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.

its crossing patrol. It currently needs help from 8.20am-8.50am from Monday to Friday but would be happy to have help on any of these days.

Need to budget for regular dental visits?

For more information, please contact us on

Our membership scheme is available for 978 only3815 £21 a, month 0118 These are just three of the roles we are You do not need to be dentally fit to join recruiting for, but we have more than 100 BMS but a new patient examination is different our required before signingroles up.on If treatment books.

visit our website at What is included?

• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) www.beechcroftdental.com

2 Hygienist visits or •call into • Accident & Emergency Insurance is needed during the 12 month contract Beechcroft Dental Practice, • 15% member discount on treatment To find out about a member discount of 15% isthese given. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) or any other roles, 32 Station Road, call us on 0118 977 Wokingham RG40 2AE 0749, email wok-vol@ btconnect.com or visit and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. For more www.volunteercentre information, please contact us on 0118 wokingham.org.uk visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,

WELLBEING | 19

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DENTISTS

What your dentist is looking for

The team at

Welcome to the first in a series of articles relating to the care and treatment which you might expect to receive from your dentist, written by the team at BEECHCROFT DENTAL PRACTICE. This week, they introduce the practice and also to look at the what happens at every examination

Established for over 25 years, we offer a personalised Beechcroft

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service with excellent Dental Practice facilities and a dedicated team. We will seedecades you within have of 24 hours.

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AVE ever looked at your children, Postyou Op Rehab help keep you grandchildren Sports Injuries Personal Trainingor perhaps yourself and smiling wondered what harm too much screen time is doing? £5 off assessment when youHave use code when booking you oB13 ever mis-spent hours browsing the EECHCROFT Dental Practice in Station Road, internet, updating your social networking profiles? Wokingham has been in existence for more than 2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Readingout RG6on 7ET MaybeRoad, you Earley, have missed a face to face 100 years. While it has seen many changes to www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 966 8601 conversation because you have been too busy the provision of services it has seen remarkably looking at a phone or tablet? disease at an early stage. services and we’ll soon have one of the few changes of staff. There are growing concerns about the harmful In reality we check your cheeks, gums, palate, most advanced 3D dental imaging systems in the Many will remember Gregor Johnstone and John effects of digital technology, particularly for younger tongue, lips and the floor of your mouth at every country. King who were at the practice for nearly 70 years generations. Cyber bulling or ‘trolling’ is known to examination. We’ll also look out for changes on your between them and the current partners have been at Examinations and mouth cancer have had devastating effects that have resulted in face and neck and check for swellings of any glands. Beechcroft for over 50 years cumulatively. some people taking their lives. awareness month We’re looking for areas of ulceration, roughness, Many of our older patients have been attending Young people talk about being more image You go into the surgery, open your mouth, the red patches, white patches, lumps and anything else our practice since they were children and we have conscious than ever before in our “share everything” dentist pokes around for a few minutes, utters a few which doesn’t look quite ‘right’. some who have been coming for nearly 90 years. culture. strange comments to the nurse and you’re done. So There are many different causes for all sorts We pride ourselves in being a caring, patient But what about the positive effects of digital what has actually been done? of irregularities in your mouth the vast majority orientated, relaxed practice. technology? These days there are apps for There are a whole range of things which your of which are perfectly harmless – so don’t alarm Our current team consists of five dentists, two everything from shopping to entertainment, but dentist will be checking which include looking for yourself if you find something yourself but book in to have you ever considered using an app to look after implant & gum specialists, three hygienists, five decay, leaking fillings, fractures, excessive wear and see your dentist to have it checked out. nurses, four receptionists and the glue who holds it your wellbeing and mental health? looseness of your teeth. Lots of variations in the mouth can be accounted together, our practice manager Karen. A group of teenagers recently created Memory We check the state of your oral hygiene, looking for by systemic issues, which is why we ask about We are a private practice which means we use Star app which allows users to create happy for plaque, calculus and areas where there might be your general health and any medications you might only the best materials and equipment and most memories in a virtual memory jar, which they can signs of gum disease and bone loss. How your teeth be taking, or might be due to more local issues such importantly, we can take as much time as we want revisit at any given time to give themselves a boost meet and how your jaw joints move are assessed. as diet or grinding habits. Anything which seems to fully explain all options and implications of any when they are feeling down. We will occasionally take X-rays to help spot in any way questionable we will refer for a second treatment we might suggest. One of my other favourites is Buddify which decay, infection and gum disease and, if you have opinion at a local hospital. All ages are catered for and we always are happy offers a range of short guided mindfulness based mentioned symptoms, we will often undertake other Our advice is to not scare yourself by consulting to accept new patients. Emergencies are seen on the meditations ranging from four minutes to 20. simple tests to help diagnose the problem. the internet but book in to see our expert team. day of calling. Healthwatch Wokingham Borough recently You may have heard of Mouth Cancer Awareness n Log in to our website www.beechcroftdental. We provide a wide range of treatments including surveyed 1,000 young people, they told us how Month which is taking place in November. com to find out more about the team, the practice ‘routine’ dental care, Cerec crowns, a range of quick they felt they lacked coping strategies to deal with This campaign aims to raise the importance and treatment costs or call to speak to one of our orthodontic systems, whitening, implants, advanced difficult emotions and situations. of having regular check ups to help spot the receptionists or practice manager on 0118 978 3815. gum treatments, children’s dentistry, hygiene In conjunction with pupils from our first Healthwatch School, St Crispin’s, we are designing an information, advice and signposting app for FUNDING young people experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Healthwatch aims to connect with everybody in the Borough even the digital youth of the app generation. While apps can be useful they are not a more people learn how to look after “We have worked hard to COMMUNITY groups in the Meridian including Wokingham. replacement for seeking medical advice if you have their heart health and lead healthier, spread the Healthy Heart message Funding is for original, innovative TV region have just days left to apply concerns about symptoms you are experiencing. happier, longer lives. through SUBWAY stores. To projects that promote heart health and for a grant to help local people lead “It’s great that so many customers be able to support community projects reduce the risk of developing heart Healthy Heart lifestyles. and staff have raised the money to that also place heart National charity, Heart Research UK, disease in the community. Projects can Facebook @healthatchwokingham get this up and running. Thanks to health at the top of their agenda, is address a variety of issues like healthy is urging groups to submit applications Twitter @HWWokingham everyone who has made these grants wonderful. eating, physical activity and smoking for the Heart Research UK and Phone 0118 418 1 418 possible and this is your last chance so “We really appreciate the fact that cessation but the key focus must be SUBWAY Healthy Heart Grant, as the E-mail enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk apply now.” this initiative reaches out to people heart health. deadline of November 9 is looming. Website www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Manaaz Akhtar, Head of from all walks of life, in all manner of Barbara Harpham, national director Up to £10,000 is available for Walk-in via Citizens Advice at 2, Waterford House, ways, to help improve lifestyles and at Heart Research UK, says: “The aim Marketing for SUBWAY in the UK and community groups thanks to a Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham, RG40 2YF educate people on keeping their hearts of our partnership with the SUBWAY Ireland, says: “We are delighted that partnership between the charity and Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the healthy.” brand is to encourage people to through our partnership with Heart the high street sandwich brand. Established for over 25 years, we offer personalised manager foraHealthwatch Wokingham Borough. make good healthy choices and give Research UK this funding is now Money for the grant has been raised n To apply for a grant, log on to www. Opinions expressed inpersonalised this blog are her own practical help. This grant will help even available. from the region’s SUBWAY stores, heartresearch.org.uk/grants/subwayhhg for overand 25 years, we offer a service withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team.

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Bringing you the very best in care and recovery We will see you within 24 hours. Back and Neck Pain Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Established for over 25 years, we offer a Arthritis Back and Neck Pain Womens Health personalised service with excellent facilitiesNeurologicalArthritis Womens Health Conditions Post Op Rehab and a dedicated team. Neurological Conditions Personal Training Post Op Rehab Sports Injuries We will see you within 24 hours. Sports Injuries Personal Training

£5 off assessment when you use code oB13 when booking BERKSHIRE PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT THAT’S MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

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2-4 Pond Head Lane, Wokingham Road,966 Earley,8601 Reading RG6 7ET www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 966 8601

20 | SCHOOLS

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Music out of Africa brings joy to Reading Blue Coat

Ronald Kabuye teaches Reading Blue Coat’s concert band to play Mandela.

A SCHOOL in Sonning was treated to a sound of Africa earlier this month when musicians from Uganda visited the village. In conjunction with music charity Brass for Africa Lillian Nagawa and Ronald Kabuye delighted students at Reading Blue Coat School, in Sonning Lane, on Monday, October 12, with a day of ‘joyful’ music. The visit was arranged by music teacher Lizzie Burrowes, who spent a number of weeks over the summer holidays visiting Uganda, and Brass For Africa’s founder Jim Trott, whose son Angus attends the school and is a talented trumpet player. The day also included a lively jam session in the Buttery, a lesson to the chamber choir in how to sing Malaika

in Swahili, and culminated in Ronald teaching the school’s concert band how to play Mandela ending the day on a wonderful note and showing how music can bring people together. Ms Burrowes said: “When I visited Uganda in the summer, Lillian and Ronald welcomed me into their lives and their community and their music making so it was great privilege to be able to introduce them into our school community.” Ronald said: “The most wonderful part of it was the way they received us at the school. There was an amazing crowd of about 700 children and they were all clapping and receiving us. It was strange because we were strangers but they made us feel comfortable.”

Lillian Nagawa teaches members of Reading Blue Coat’s choir to sing ‘Malaika’ in Swahili.

Kulneet Kaur, 16, Natalie Corner, 15, Hannah Preece, 18, Hannah Anderson, 17 and Rebecca Leach, 15.

HOLT SCHOOL

Students ‘take over’ school for a day Michael Rosen delighted children with his stories.

ST CRISPIN’S SCHOOL

Tales for the children from a former Laureate SCHOOLCHILDREN from around Wokingham were treated to a talk by renowned author and poet Michael Rosen earlier this month. Mr Rosen, who was the British Children’s Laureate between 2007 and 2009, visited St Crispin’s School, in London Road, to give a talk to children from year seven, as well as children from other schools including Wescott, Westende, St Teresa’s, Keep Hatch, Southfield and All Saints Schools, about his childhood and career. A spokesperson for the school said: “Through a selection of amusing, well-acted tales he entertained the pupils giving them an insight into his childhood! “His father who never shouted, the trouble he got into with his brother and his talent at procrastination at bedtime were all topics covered. “The pupils laughed with delight as he looked back fondly on his past as they could see the similarity between how they might behave now and how Michael behaved when he was a boy.”

Amy McFarlane and Jess Warren used time lapse photography while a mural was created to mark Holt School’s challenging global stereotypes day. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

STUDENTS at Holt School in Wokingham enjoyed a day of extra-curricular activities when members of the sixth form took over lessons to discuss challenging global stereotypes earlier this month. Charlotte Wood, Global Citizenship Co-ordinator, said: “The day was about giving the students a voice. They organise,

provide the time table, come up with the ideas. “This is unique to Holt, to have the whole day led by students, not teachers. Our head teacher has faith that they will do it well and she is happy to delegate.” Lauren Martin, 18, together with her colleague Aimee-Louise Chambault, 17, spoke to the school in the morning’s assembly.

Lauren said: “We have been researching media stereotypes. I have been investigating Africa. People think of it as being underdeveloped but it is a huge continent. There are 57 countries and a lot of it is built up.” Aimee-Louise added: “We have had visiting artist come to the school. She came in last week and with the pupils designed a mural.”

HARVEST

Plenty of food for thought STUDENTS at a school in Eversley immersed themselves in the spirit of harvest with a special cross-school festival earlier this month. Nursery and Lower School children, along with pupils from Year 8, at St Neot’s Preparatory School, in St Neot’s Road, gathered together with family and friends to sings songs and present the huge amount of food they had collected. Pupils from Year 2 practiced their French skills with the story of La chenille qui fait destrous (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), while Year 1 acted out the story of The Enormous Turnip, which took strenuous pulling to get it out of the ground. Reception children presented their own version

of Handa’s Surprise and, not to be outdone, the young nursery children were undaunted by performing to a large audience and sang about frisky squirrels with very bushy tails. The collected food was delivered to local residents in Eversley by the Lower School, while the Year 8 pupils took their supplies to the Trussell Trust in Farnborough, a food bank charity that supplies food and toiletries to people in need. Year 8 tutor Chris ParkesBristow said: “Thank you to everyone who donated this week. We got a huge array of things which were delivered to the Farnborough foodbank. Everyone there was extremely grateful.”

Pupils from St Neot’s with some of the food collected during Harvest Festival.

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WokinghamRemembers

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PARANORMAL REVIEW

Ghostly as shaped Hallowe’en The pastgoings-on which has ourapproaches present... Aside fromMikE the plastic pumpkins, fancy dress This week ChuRChER reviews witches, sweets and latent threats which the Wokingham Remembers articles accompany the trick or treater, there of the past four months and discusses lies beneath thefactors surfacewhich an underworld of some of the contributed darkness. It is the night when the ghosts to the making of Wokingham and its and ghouls are free to roam our surface. environment. You have been given fair warning, writes major impact they had on the town and VER the past months the ROGER LONG Remembers page has we have already made a start with the Wokingham

O D

anhelp early Obeen you providing believe? To uspicture of how a small market rediscover the essence town of and a few villages on the edge of a forest is today Hallowe’en, we seek the help of ranked as one of the country’s leading Roger Long, our local paranormal communities. historian; a man who has spent his life Education, religion, industry, transport, disproving (or otherwise) tales from the social structures, national politics and underbelly of darkest Berkshire. local government are all important “Make no mistake,” says Roger, “there pieces in building the great Wokingham are stories I have investigated which can’t jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our be explained.” contributions to date and a few ideas on Roger has a cheerful nature, quick to the next round of articles. crack a joke and follows up each sentence Education, Education, with a friendly smile. At this moment though he is deadly serious and his eyes Education shine like steel; eyes which have seen Today’s Wokingham is renowned as ‘things’ we country’s surface dwellers never one of the centrescould of excellence understand. for education; this is partly due to strong “There are places, and whether they be school performance the motivated houses, lakes ground, parentsor who liveorinjust onepieces of theof most where sixthcommunities sense createsininthe youUK. a highlyyour educated sense of look overwhelming depression and If we into the history of foreboding”. Wokingham’s schools we can see Hallowe’en one night when how educationisisthe woven into its DNA. these spirits are set freeWokingham to feed upon the Prior to the Great War, fears of the livingby and the organisation was surrounded manor houses and of parties andoffrivolity are gentry the only way to members the landed who keep these beasts thelevers underworld at wanted to be closefrom to the of power; bay. Forroyal the rest of the year they live only i.e. the households of Windsor. in the corner of your eye. In turn these upper echelons possessed a serious sense of duty and a responsibility to ensure their What then is Hallowe’en? community received at least a basic The pre-Christian Celts divided the education. Wokingham also had a year into four major holidays based powerful a strong largely on professional the changingclass, seasons. church community nonNovember 1st (as (including we know itthe today) conformists) and together they shared was the start of the winter months a strong belief in theits importance of and when nature enters longest sleep teaching. its festival, known as Samhain was a The result skills, the celebration ofwas this with greatthe cycle of life. motivation and the finance available, So how did this celebration become there developed a culture of education associated with all things spooky? When which still holds strong to this day. the Christians appeared in Britain they Wokingham had a problem withtransport removing ‘paganism’ is probably thedecided single andTransport Pope Gregory (601 A.D.) most important factorthe in Wokingham’s rather than eliminate pagan holidays, development,could in both its rail and with road missionaries replace them systems. celebrations such as ‘All Saints Christian will look at the Day’Future whicharticles is otherwise known as ‘All introduction Hallows Day’. of the railways and the

road systemknew by mapping outinthe Gregory not to get thecourse way of thea old Forest Road. of good party. Pagan rites on this day While the building of the M4 hadevil a gradually became associated with major influence on the introduction of the doings and with the help of some puritan high tech businesses which now surround spin, the perpetrators were deemed to Wokingham, it is the A329M which be witches. The old Celtic rituals and in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its stories told of pixies and fairies and natural connections between Emmbrook they too become a part of the folklore of and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The Hallowe’en Night (the night before the love and hate relationship with our rail new cycle of Winter). and roads continue to this day!

Wokingham’s military Local tales of terror and heritage madness As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the

“There was a famous Battle of Waterloo, there local havepainter been a of fairies the underworld”. When Roger numberand of articles commemorating this grins, know there world we changing event.will be a sting in his tale’s Thetail. area has always been noted for The artist’s most famous work is The its contribution to the nation’s military Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke, REME, a painting capability, with Arborfield’s which shows the fairy feller taking an RFA and Remount connections and the axe to a chestnut for the making ofall Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges Queen Mab’s fairy carriage. situated very new nearby. It is an early example of Surrealism Even the Duke of Wellington took to and weinunderstand why.which “The famous living Stratfield Saye, today is local painter wasaway Richard Dadd who only 30 minutes from Wokingham’s produced this work during the 1850s town centre. in Bedlam Asylum. Dadd murdered his Wokingham’s father and was found to be insane.” benefactor culture During the year of 1863 Dadd was The area around Wokingham was and moved to Broadmoor in Crowthorne surrounded remarkable was allowedby to many continue his painting for individuals and they were instrumental in reasons of good therapy. building the much needed infrastructure Broadmoor, although not in the whichleague underpinned the establishment same as the ultimate symbol of of a strong community. Hallowe’en as is Bedlam, does itself bear We will later be telling the story the a notorious history. The siren whichofwails Walter family morning and theirat contributions to each Monday 10am is a test thewarn building Wokingham April to us inofcase a patientbut hasin escaped first weekly issue, we told the story of the from their confines. much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess of Downshire. Ghosts exist, maybe not Although one ofbut Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur as we know it.Hill doubled as the chief of the local Firebelieve Brigadeinand a Does Roger really anywas of this major financial contributor this ghostly nonsense? “A great to deal ofpart it is of Wokingham’s services. nonsense, but public there are parts of it which I Laterrequire articlesmore will illustrate the believe investigation. demise of is these great manors andghosts their “There a difference between incumbent socialAsystem andstories the riseofof and poltergeists. lot of the

Richard Dadd, who murdered his father, produced The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church. while in Bedlam, shortly before being moved

its replacement: local government. to Broadmoor in Crowthorne.

Wokingham’s sideto water, ghosts I have noted wild to be close

Before tooand much in the idea like lakeswe andbelieve streams I question this that development was a to beWokingham’s just coincidence. solidly sedate May’s article “Heath Poolexperience, in Simons Wood told the story of the rioting in the town (Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead) centre during the of the 1857 General has a desolate feeltime about it and I know Election. of three accidental deaths there and the Such eventsof were a common sight in same number suicides”. theFollowing town and up thisonshort andline bloody Roger’s of battle between Whigsthere and the also thought, the it seems are Tories a number highlighted the Bush Rose in of investigators who and share his hotels opinion. Market as the headquarters of these Ghosts Place are interpreted as merely pictures two fromferal the groups. past and water has the ability story alsothese able to reflect in the to The retain andwas trigger pictures upon the national scene and the corrupt nature of general elections before the introduction of the private ballot. Future articles will include further tales of anarchy and revelry in this old market town.

Wokingham at War

There are watershed moments in history which mark the moment of great change in a society and the Great War of 1914-1918 is one such time. Therefore a number of centenaries between 2014 and 2018 will commemorate the great losses of war which scarred the people of Wokingham for the rest of the 20th century. May’s edition followed the story Heath Pool in Finchampstead has been the of two brothers from site of many deaths andLangborough suicides. Road in©Wokingham Picture: Andrew Smithtown. One of our

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

Wokingham and same way as the mix of chemicals and the Royal Forest light create photographs.

Looking at today’s community, it is Berkshire has a national reputation for difficult to visualise just how rural the being one of the most haunted counties area once was and in part explains the in England. Its geology therefore might sometimes fragile relationship between provide a clue for this array of haunted the old and new Wokingham; few happenings. In the Ice Age, the bergs areas in the UK have witnessed such made their way down the M1 and came to extraordinary growth and change in the a halt somewhere just north of Watford profile of its population. and Reading. Although Wokingham’s history On their travels the bergs pushed has always been intertwined with gravel and sandvillages in frontby of providing them. The the surrounding lays on for topagricultural of the underlying agravel market place and clay which itself prevents water from draining commercial produce, it was also a Forest through. result is adid plethora of murky Town. TheThe term ‘forest’ not mean a pools in area and a havenoffor gravel cluster ofthe trees, but a system laws laid raising therefore lakes. So down byand royalty for themore protection of maybe there is a connection between their hunting grounds. water and ghostlyrules apparitions aslocal a result? These onerous restricted people from using large parts of the land for sustenance and Be in part led to the Poltergeists. very afraid risePoltergeists, of local highwaymen general accordingand to Roger are a lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent completely different entity however. They Black Act of 1723 came heavily on can be something of a down menace, unlike these Blacks’ and resulted in those‘Wokingham benign ghosts and apparitions. either their transportation execution. “The doyen of all thingsorthat go bump

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

Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’

To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are in the night was Harry Price who was an now entering into their summer holidays. investigator during the first half of the What better way to use this month’s 20th Century. editions than to tell the stories of the “There was such great disturbance Romans, the Celts and the Saxons at the Old Forge in Finchampstead, that influence on the area before Wokingham Harry and representatives from the Daily was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? Mirror upon to investigate. Davidwere Nashcalled Ford provided a set of Duringand the puzzles summerwhich of 1926, a Mr Goswell articles makes and hisfun family suffered terrible history for the youngaand no doubt onslaught of flying bicycles, nails, tables will also catch the interest of the parents andwill chairs and were forced move into who be looking over theirtochild’s one room for safety. shoulder. “At one theyround awoke find the Here’s to time the next ofto articles! word ‘GO’ scratched onto the ceiling. The Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve local policeman visited theFord, family and Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Sarah gave them an awful telling Ottlewski off for wasting Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor police time. and Peter Shilham for all their continuing “As he rode away on his bicycle, he was contributions. hit thework shoulder by a flying brick with Allonthis is provided by our no one in sightfree to take the blame.” local historians of charge and can It beisfound onof the fronttopage the on typical Roger end of a story Wokingham website a whimsicalRemembers note; probably a technique www.wokinghamremembers.com he learned in order to not frighten the Thanks also toout Mark at views living daylights of Ashwell you. Roger TradeMark supporting paper’s a lot of thefor stories as the the subject of great commitment this project. amusement.to But not all of them.

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22 | LEISURE

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Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

DISPLAYS

Make your fireworks night go with a bang! REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. For centuries, we have been holding bonfire night parties to commemorate the thwarting of Guy Fawkes’ plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and this year is no exception. We have rounded up a list of all the big displays taking place in or near Wokingham borough over the next fortnight so you can take your family along and enjoy the displays. Next week, we’ll have a big preview of the Wokingham Fireworks Display at Cantley Park - and look out for our photographers coming to a display near you. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 ASCOT – Ascot Racecourse, High Street SL5 7JX. Fireworks and Hallowe’en Raceday. Racing from 12.40pm, fireworks from 6pm. Details: www. ascot.co.uk. READING – Reading Town Football Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Lions Reading present a Fireworks Spooktacular. Includes fun fair, food, bar, fancy dress, face painting, free parking. Wheelchair friendly. Advance: £7, £5 under 16s, under fives free. On gate: £9, £7 under 16s, under fives free. Details: www.readinglions.org.uk. SANDHURST – Memorial Park, Yorktown Road GU47 9BJ. Sandhurst Fireworks event: Sandhurst and District Corps of Drums, Sandhurst Silver Band, excerpt from comedy move Zombies In Tha Hood and more. 5.30pm. FREE entry. Details: www.sandhurstpride.co.uk. TWYFORD – King George V’s Playing Field. Twyford Round Table fireworks. Gates 6pm. Adults £6, ages 12-16 and over 65s £3, Under 12s £1. Prices +£1 on gate. Advance tickets from Hare Hatch Sheeplands and Brighton’s Newsagents. Details: www.twyfordroundtable.org WINDSOR – Legoland SL4 4AY. Lego Ninjago fireworks.Tickets from £41.40 adults, £38.25 for children, free for under threes. Details:www. legoland.co.uk/en/Book/ or 0845 373 2640.

Reading Road RG27 0BT. Famous in Sherfield fireworks display. Outside bar, barbecue and more. Fireworks from 8pm. Details: 01256 882280. WEST END – Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, Benner Lane GU24 9JQ. Firework display, including low-noise fireworks for toddlers 6pm, Bonfire 6.30pm. Main show 7.15pm. Gates 5.30pm. £5, £3 adults, £1 pre-schoolers.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 BEARWOOD – Reddam House Berkshire, Bearwood Road, RG41 5BG. Fabulous Fireworks. 6.45pm. Child (up to 10yrs) £5; Adult £7; Family (2 adult & 2 child) £20. WINDSOR – Legoland SL4 4AY. Lego Ninjago fireworks.Tickets from £41.40 adults, £38.25 for children, free for under threes. Details:www. legoland.co.uk/en/Book/ or 0845 373 2640.

THuIURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Family Fireworks Night on Thursday, 5th November. Fireworks are provided by Sonning Fireworks Ltd, who recently won the prestigious national Fireworks Champions competition in Herefordshire. The gates open at 6.30pm and the display is scheduled to begin at 7.15. Parking will be available from 5.30 on Sonning Field, opposite the school. Hot food and beverages will be available. Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 at the gate; Under 5s free. Advance tickets can be bought at Blue Coat’s Reception until 4pm on 5th November.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s School, Church Road RG6 1EY. Earley St Peter’s School Association (ESPSA) Firework display. Gates 6pm. Fireworks 7pm. Food van, sweets, drinks and glow sticks on sale. £7, students £5, children £4, family £15 (pre-booked).

Animal Corner with Gemma Davidson

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

Cats Protection Bracknell, Wokingham & Districts Branch

Winter Fair

Saturday, 7th November 2015, 1pm - 4pm Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield RG42 7PA Entrance Fee: £1 per person or a donation of cat food

Cats Protection goods including Christmas cards, calendars, diaries etc, cat collectables, toys, books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, raffle, tombola, membership stand, delicious food, free parking. There will also be cats looking for homes.

T: 03453 714 212 E: readingeastcp@hotmail W: www.cats.org.uk/Bracknell

LOTTIE

Lottie is a lovely threeyear-old labrador who has been neutered. She found herself at DBARC as sadly her owner has been evicted from their home and can no longer look after Lottie. She has lived with another dog and has always got on well with having a canine companion. Lottie has lived with children in the past but as she is a big, bouncy girl older children would be best. Lottie will need an active owner.

LOTTIE

BOBBY

Bobby’s owner is moving into a fourth floor flat so sadly cannot keep him as a pet anymore. He is a sweet little guy who is struggling to settle into shelter life, but hopefully his stay won’t be a very long one. He

SHINFIELD – Scout Hut, Hyde End Road. 1st Shinfield (St Mary’s) bonfire and fireworks party. 7pm bonfire and barbecue. 7.30pm fireworks. No

sparklers or personal fireworks allowed. £4 per person. Raffle and cake stall. SHERFIELD ON LODDON – The White Hart,

would ideally go to a home with another cat for a companion, but if he will be the only cat in the home he could do with company most of the time. Bobby is only fourmonths-old but he has a great personality and is full of mischief. He has been neutered so will be ready to go when the right family find him.

BOBBY

SMUDGE

This pretty nine-year-old female is another casualty of a change in circumstances – her owner has recently moved into retirement accommodation which sadly doesn’t allow pets. She is a very sweet and friendly girl who is used to a quieter life, so an adult-only home would suit her best. She has not lived with other animals so would really like a new home where she can have all of the attention. She is a lovely cat and we hope she finds her forever home soon. 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 visit www. dbarc.org.uk

COOKHAM – Formosa Meadow, Mill Lane SL6 9TE. Cookham Scouts bonfire night. Gates 5.30pm, bonfire 6pm, fireworks 7pm. Details:www. cookhamscouts.org.uk FLEET – Calthorpe Park. Fleet Firework Fiesta 2015 organused by Fleet Lions. Gates 5pm, show 6.30pm. £6, £3 children. Family tickets (advance only) £14. Details: www.fleetions.org. uk/fireworks LOWER EARLEY – Laurel Park, Marefield RG6 3DZ. Woodley and Earley Lions firework display to music. Gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm. Adult £7, under 14s £5, families £20. Details: woodleyandearleylions-public.sharepoint.com MAIDENHEAD – Maidenhead United, York Road SL6 1SF. The Link Foundation Fireworks night with fun fair. Gates 5.30pm. SWALLOWFIELD – Swallowfield House RG41 2FD. Farley Hill School Association presents Sparks in the Park: fireworks and live music. 6pm-8pm. Advance tickets from Swallowfield Stores, Henry Street Garden Centre, Spencers Woods Post Office, Lockey Farm Shop and Arborfield Stores. Family £17, adults £7, child £5. On gate: Family £19, adults £9, child £7. Details: www. sparksinthepark.net WINDSOR – Racecourse. The War of the Worlds themed fireworks display, set to Jeff Wayne’s music. Gates 4pm. WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park. Wokingham Fireworks. Procession from Town Hall at 6pm, fun fair, food and music at Cantley Park 6pm. Entry by programme, £7.50 on day, £5 advance. Under 7s free. Programmes: Town Hall, Tesco, Newbury Building Society, Barclays Bank, Clarks Shoes. Details: 07976 220114 or www.wokinghamfireworks.co.uk

FIRE SERVICE

Tips for staying safe this year PARENTS are being reminded to take extra care around naked flames and bonfires as one of the busiest weeks for the emergency services looms. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging revellers to celebrate safely this Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night and issuing safety advice to all, especially those with young children. Parents are reminded not to allow small children to carry lanterns lit by naked flames, and to substitute candles for LED candles where possible. Making sure that store-bought costumes are labelled as flameresistant and avoiding flammable materials when making home-made costumes can cut the risks of injury, and keeping children away from naked flames at all times is essential. If yours or someone else’s costume does catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished. Bonfires must always be built away from buildings, fences, trees and garden structures to reduce the risk of the flames spreading.

Flammable items such as aerosols, tyres, canisters, petrol, paraffin or anything containing foam or paint should never be thrown onto a fire as these may explode, and always keep a bucket of water close by. Never leave the bonfire unattended and keep children and pets away from it. Once the bonfire has gone out spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting. Fireworks are incredibly dangerous and should always be handled with care. Only buy fireworks that are marked BS 7114 or with a CE mark as this shows that it meets British or EU safety standards. Never drink alcohol when setting off fireworks and always keep them in a closed box. Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper and stand well back, and never return to a firework that has been lit as it could still explode. Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them, especially not onto bonfires and always supervise children around fireworks, keeping sparklers out of reach of children under five.

LEISURE | 23

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CONTEST

Win a night out with the Hoff

H STAGE

Go crazy for EBOS fun

Email your answer along with your name and telephone number to news@wokinghampaper. co.uk by Thursday, November 5.

The cast of Crazy For You rehearsing at Pinewood Theatre. Pictures: George Riddell

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ANS of Broadway musicals will be going crazy next week for the latest offering from the East Berkshire Operatic Society (EBOS). Crazy For You tells the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy whose dream in life is to dance, despite the best efforts of his mother and ex-fiancé. Fans of the golden age of musicals will be familiar with some of the Gershwin numbers in the show, including I Got Rhythm, Can’t Take That Away From Me and Someone to Watch Over Me which director Natalie Hayllor hopes will leave everyone in the audience with a spring in their step. “It is a high energy show,” she said. “There’s a lot of big dance numbers, which have taken a lot of work to put together but I think they have come off really well. “It is a Broadway style musical so audiences can expect a really high quality performance, we pride ourselves on producing the very best show we can and this performance will be no exception.

Special

“People sometimes have this idea about amateur dramatics, harking back to the village hall days, but EBOS is something quite special. “The set design, costumes, lighting, it’s all to a very professional standard and we hope the audience enjoys what we put on.” Crazy For You runs from Tuesday to Saturday at The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell. Performances start at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets starts from £15. n Contact the South Hill Park Box Office on 01344 484123 or visit www.southhillpark.org.uk.

E’S conquered the worlds of television, film and music, and now legendary Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff is turning his hand to musical theatre. The Hoff is visiting Reading next month as smash-hit musical Last Night a DJ Saved My Life comes to The Hexagon, and we have a pair of tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader. Featuring hit songs from the 80s and 90s, Last Night a DJ Saved My Life is sure to have audiences dancing and singing along as if they were right there on the party isle! To be in with a chance of being in the audience on Monday, November 9, just answer the following question correctly: What was the name of Michael Knight’s talking car in Knight Rider? CATT KITT MUTT

The Enchanted Players Theatre Company presents...

Alice in Neverland A wonderful show for all the family to enjoy. Hook is up to his old tricks! Will he get away with it? Come and find out! Sat 28th Nov & Sat 19th & Sun 20th Dec Show times 11am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm (approx 1 hour)

Pirate & Princesses Show Meet your fairytale friends. A fun show with an opportunity to meet Belle, Cinderella, Tink, Hook & Zarina! Sat 5th Dec & Sun 6th Dec Show times Show times 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm (approx 45 mins)

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

£5

SHOW TICKETS £5 per seat, from Sheeplands shop or www.enchantedplayers.co.uk Children must be accompanied. Children under 12mths FREE

Party with Mother Christmas & Lunch with Father Christmas Wed 23rd Dec & Thu 24th Dec 10.30am to 1pm Party games & fun with Mother Christmas then meet Father Christmas at a celebratory party lunch & receive a gift. Tickets £12.99 from Hare Hatch Sheeplands.

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

0118 9401600

Terms and Conditions The closing date is 5pm on Thursday, November 5. The competition is open to residents of the UK aged 18 and over. Staff of XN Media, their families and any associated companies are not allowed to enter. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. One entry per person. Multiple

entries will not be counted. The winners and their guests must arrange their own transportation to and from the venue, The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7UA The winner and their guest will need to collect their tickets from the Box Office on the evening of the performance. The performance starts at 7.30pm. The name of the winner will be submitted to the event’s

organisers and only those named (plus their guest) will be allowed entry. Winners will be notified by telephone on Friday, November 6 so please ensure a valid telephone number is provided. There is no alternative prize and no cash value. The prize is non-exchangeable and nontransferable. The editor’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, October 30 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176. 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 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. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Autumn fair. Time 1pm-4pm. 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

Sunday, November 1 BINFIELD – Newbold Church, Popeswood Road RG42 4AN. Berkshire 0 Gauge model railway show. Nine layouts, two test tracks, traders and more. 10am4.30pm. £6, under 16s £1. Family £12; school hall exhibition only family £5, adults £3.50. Details: www.hurleymodelrail.club/show. html HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Spooky Night Paddles. 5pm-7pm, 8pm-10pm. £15, £10 children. Details: 0118 932 1071. READING – Royal Berkshire Hospital, Craven Road RG1 5AN. Berkshire Medical Heritage centre open afternoon. 2pm4.30pm. Details: 0118 954 9371. 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. WARFIELD – Westmorland Pavilion, Westmorland Road RG42 3QP. Conservation event in Hayley Green Wood. Bring gardening gloves and sturdy clothes. 10.30am-3pm. Details: 01344 302708. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Chuch,

AT THE THEATRE

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 The Proclaimers. Sat. Fish and Bird. Sat. Flanders Symphony Orchestra. Sun. Go West and Nik Kershaw. Fri 6. Show of Hands. Sat 7. One Man Breaking Bad. Sun 8.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Shakespeare Schools Festival. Mon-Wed. The Dolly Parton Story. Fri 6. 9 Bach. Sun 8.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Blues and Boogies. Mon. Crazy For You. Tues-Sat. David Gray: Conservatorire Concert Series. Fri 6. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 6. Tapathon for Children In Need Rehearsal. Sun 8. The Snow Queen. Sun 8. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun 8. Mission Improbable Comedy Night. Sun 8. FILM: Pixels. Fri-Sun. No Escape. Fri. Dracula. Sat. The Wicker Man. Sat. Hamlet (encore). Sun. In Search of Haydn. Nov 9.

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

Chuch, Wiltshire Road. All Saints weekend celebration: community service activity with refreshments. 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. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Creative writing group for adults. 10.30am-noon. Saturday Storytime. 11am11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Basingstoke – The Anvil

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

Wiltshire Road. All Saints weekend celebration: party, worship and activities for the family. 11am-3pm. Details: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Trick and Treat: quiz and supper night. 7pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

Monday, November 2 FINCHAMPSTEAD – California Ratepayers’ Hall, Finchampstead Road, RG40 3RL. California Gardeners’ Club meeting Brian Clews: Birds of Jubilee River. Contest: a Christmas table arrangement using only natural material. 7.30pm. £2. Details: 0118 979 3730 or 0118 978 1432. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Board games club: Scrabble, dominoes, chess and more. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 908 8176. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. TWYFORD - Twyford Library, Edward Polehampton Library, Polehampton Close, Twyford, RG10 9RP. Author book group. Booking essential. 2.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 934 0800 WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime: stories and rhymes for under fives. 4pm-4.30pm. Monday bookworms book group. Booking essential. 2.15pm3.15pm. Writers forum: share ideas and inspiration. 10.30amnoon. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter: drop-in session, all abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Network Fellowship group: flowers with Jo McElveen. 2pm.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Techie Workshop. Fri. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri. The Counterfeit Stones. Sat. Fred MacAulay: Twenty Fifteen. Mon. The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes. Thurs. Doug Allan: Life Behind The Lens. Thurs. Forbidden Nights. Fri 6. Billy Joel Songbook with Elio Pace and his Band. Sat 7. Film: The Exorcist. Fri. Nightcrawler. Tues.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Dan Clark: Me, My Selfie and I. Fri. Dickens Abridged. Sat. Comedy Club For Kids. Sun. Polly and the Billets Doux. Fri 6. St Giles Orchestra. Sat 7.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Rubenstein Kiss. Until Sat. The Nutcracker. Tues. Don Quixote. Wed. Round The Horne. Thurs-Sat 7.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Mike Hurst and the Springfields. Sun. Disney’s Aladdin. Wed-Sun 8.

Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143.

Tuesday, November 3 EARLEY – Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: La Famille Belier (12A). 8pm . Details: 0118 378 7151. TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Reminiscence Club. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 934 0800. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Winnersh Readers bookgroup. 6.45pm-7.45pm. Winnersh Book Borrowers: book group for ages 7-11. Booking essential. 4.15pm-5pm. 50p. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months. Drop-in. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: 18 months-3 years. 11am-11.30am. Storytime for children ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Children’s Origami Club. 4pm-4.45pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Wednesday, November 4 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Colouring for Adults. Free. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 908 8176. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Storytime for ages 3-5. 10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. The Tiger Who Came To Tea storytime. 10.15am11am. £1.50. Details: 0118 978

1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Chess and Scrabble Club for adults. 2pm-3pm. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, November 5 EARLEY – Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: The Reluctant Revolutionary. 7pm . Details: 0118 378 7151. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: a musical interlude. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2.30pm-3pm. Knit and Natter. Drop-in knitting group for adults All abilities welcome. 3pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 2150. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Octopus’ Garden story time with songs and craft. £1.50. 10.15am11am. Details: 0118 988 4771. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Writers forum. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Coffee morning in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting. Camera Techniques: Getting It Right In The Camera. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Farmers’ market. 9am-2pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc. co.uk/services. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Bob

Thornton asks: John Ruskin - Angel or Demon? £2.50 nonmembers. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6782. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Reminiscence Club: discuss your memories of days gone by. 10.30am-noon. Board Games club. 10am-11am. Home educated book group for ages 7-14. Booking essential. 10.30am-11.30am. First Thursday book group. 6.30pm7.45pm. 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. Children’s Chess Club for ages 8 upwards. 3.30pm5pm. Book club: discuss new and favourite books. 10.30am11.30am. First Thursday evening book club. 6pm-6.45pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, November 6 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Shared aloud reading group. 10.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, November 7 COOKHAM – Cookham Rise Methodist Church, Lower Road SL6 9HJ. Family concert for children: violins at the movies with Maddy Bentley. 4pm4.45pm. EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club. High Wasters: a night of ska, two-tone and punk. £5. No under 12s. Details: www.ehgsc. co.uk or 0118 926 5936.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

Newbury – The Watermill

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Beer and cider festival. Sat. Giselle by Royal New Zealand Ballet. Fri 6-Sat 7. Dawn French. Sun 8.

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Ladykillers. Until Sat. Macbeth. MonSat 7. Gormenghast. Wed 11-Sat 14.

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Two Sisters with Hilary James, Janey Giraudo and Simon Mayor. Fri. Bronte. Mon Nov 9-Sat 14.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 EverHazel. Fri. Kala Utsavam. Sat. Darklands October. Sat. Reading Comedy Festival New Act competition. Tues. RedCape Theatre presents Be Brave and Leave For The Unknown. Thurs-Fri 6. Larry Miller. Sat 7. Shaun Bushwell’s 10-day Orchestra Challenge. Sat 7.

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Morgan and West: Parlour Tricks. Fri. The Bourne Again Shadows. Fri. St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat. Mawkin. Sun. Dick Gaughan. Wed. Art Themen. Fri 6. Sean McLoughlin: Whatever It Takes. Fri 6. Dance To The Rhythm. Sun 7. Paul Armfield: Found. Sat 7. FILMS: Hotel Transylvania. Sat.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Residents Resurrected. Fri-Sat. Skeleton Ball. Sat. Shakespeare Festival. Tues. Manmade 2015. Wed. Ministry of Science Live. Thurs. Which Board to Tread? National Drama Conference. Fri 6. Ed Byrne: Outside, Looking In. Fri 6. One Man Breaking Bad. Sat 7. FILM: Crimson Peak. Fri-Thurs. The Martian. Fri-Thurs.

Reading – South Street

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Round The Horne. Fri. Dave Gorman. Sat. Diversity Up Close and Personal. Mon. Flanders Symphony Orchestra. Tues. Al Murray, The Pub Landlord: One Man, One Guvnor. Thurs. Steve Backshall’s Wild World. Fri 6. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Sun 8.

Reading – St Barts www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Instructions For American Servicemen In Britain. Nov 6.

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. The Swinging Big Band. Sun. Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party. Sun 8.

Reading – Concert Hall

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Sir Willard White. Sat. An Evening With Donovan. Sun. Reading Community Gospel Choir. Sat 7.

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 SWMTC: Oliver! Until Sat. The Magic of Motown. Sun. The Rollin’ Stoned. Mon.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter Church, Church Road RG6 1EY. Come and Sing festive workshop and concert: Benjamin Britten’s St Nicolas. In aid of Launchpad. £5 donation. 10am. Concert at 5.30pm. Details: 07946 620560. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church Centre. Ladies breakfast. 9am-10am. Details: 0118 973 0133. HURST – Village Hall RG10 0DR. Comedy night in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer. £12 in adavnce, £15 on door. 7.30pm. Details: 07809 148922. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Saturday storytime for ages 3-5. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – From Market Place to Cantley Park. Cantley Firework Spectacular. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Day Hospice, Barkham Road RG41 2RE. Sue Ryder 25th anniversary celebration. Noon-2.30pm. Details: 0118 939 4889. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group: talk to a Publisher, tips and tricks of the publishing world with Emily Thomson from Elsevier. 10.30am-noon. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: From King To Ancestor: transition to Napata royal afterlife. £3. 2pm-4.30pm. Details: 01491 838803. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime for parents and children. 11am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, November 8

SHINFIELD – War Memorial, School Green. Act of remembrance. 10.45am. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Remembrance parade and church service. 2.30pm. Details: 0118

The Gruffalo. Tues-Sat 7. The Upbeat Beatles. Tues. The Elvis Years. Wed. Elkie Brooks. Thurs. The Everley Brothers and Friends, The Temple Brothers. Fri 6. Abba: Thank You For the Music. Sat 7. Making Memories. Sun 8.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Until Sat. Northern Ballet: The Nutcracker. Wed-Sat 7. Northern Ballet: Elves and the Shoemaker. Fri 6. Jimmy Carr: Funny Business. Sun 8.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 And Then There Were None. Until Sat. Youth Theatre presents: The Canterbury Tales. Nov 11-14.

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

Previous solution - Medium

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

9 7

Kim Taylor-Foster

Please, let this be the last of its kind

SUDOKU Easy

5 3 1 4

6 4

9 2

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

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

No. 253

Tough

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

Previous solution - Medium

3 7 6 2 5 1 9 8 4

8 9 2 4 7 7 6

2 7 8

4 3 9 5

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.

4 6

7 1

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

7 5 8

5 4 7 1 3

3 1

STR8TS No. 253

AT THE CINEMA

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

9 8 4 3 6 7 5 2 1

2 5 1 8 4 9 7 3 6

4 6 5 7 2 3 8 1 9

1 3 2 9 8 5 6 4 7

7 9 8 4 1 6 3 5 2

6 2 9 5 3 4 1 7 8

5 4 7 1 9 8 2 6 3

8 1 3 6 7 2 4 9 5

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

The acoustic couch Upcoming music with Jody Mc

We’ve got the keys to our new home, now we need you to help us build it The Last Witch Hunter (U) ««««« Stars: Vin Diesel, Michael Caine, Julie Engelbrecht, Rose Leslie

IN Diesel made his name in the Fast and Furious franchise, and – XxX aside – it’s fair to say he’s struggled to diversify. First rising to prominence in science-fiction horror Pitch Black as laconic anti-hero Riddick, he’s trodden the family-friendly route with The Pacifier and traversed other forgettable action fare but he’s rarely broken out of his F&F mould. To be fair, with seven instalments under his belt and another in production, he hasn’t had a whole heap of time to do much else. Except for The Last Witch Hunter, of course: also not the project to inject new life into the actor’s career. So, the story. Diesel is the titular witch slayer who is cursed with immortality by Witch Queen Julie Engelbrecht centuries ago. It’s now the modern day, and Kaulder (Diesel) has spent the years protecting the human race from these malevolent beings. When trouble resurfaces following the apparent breaking of a fragile truce, Kaulder enlists the help of good witch Chloe (Rose Leslie) to thwart attempts to destroy him – and humankind. Cashing in on Game of Thrones fever, the resurgence of Dungeons and Dragons and all things fantasy, The Last Witch Hunter also taps into the tweenage market thirsty for a new franchise to imbibe. But what it fails to do is offer up something engaging. A plodding plot and uninspired action sequences coupled with some ropey special effects make for an unremarkable cinema experience. As for the acting – well, it’s been a long time since you’ve seen performances this bad. And that’s despite valiant efforts from Downton’s Rose Leslie to wrestle some semblance of credibility from the clutches of a dying-on-his-feet Diesel. Oh, and what was Michael Caine thinking? Let’s hope The Last Witch Hunter is the first and last of its kind. Seriously, you wouldn’t want a sequel and as for this one, you’ll want to close your eyes and wish it away.

TheAcousticCouch needs you – and this is why

ND the countdown begins! We have the keys to our new venue and we are eager to kick start our community. You can help us – and we need as much help as we can get if our dream of creating a performance space for all to use and enjoy is to become a reality. We’re aiming to launch with a party night on December 1, but to get there we need to turn this shell of a building into our space. When it’s up and running, we’ll be able to do all kinds of amazing things. In essence, we’ll be a café and community centre by day and licensed music venue by night. As a Social Enterprise it is a profit-making venture that returns value to the community through a low-cost music venue and music production facility. As well as creating jobs, there will be apprenticeship opportunities and space for a local arts hub for musicians, writers and dramatists. At the heart there will be a live music stage, recording studio and a creative writing venue, facilities not publicly available elsewhere in the borough. It’s a big vision, as I’m sure you can imagine and if we’re to realise it we need as many friends as we can get. Our crowd funding is live and we hope you awesome bunch will give a helping hand sharing. You can find the link via our Facebook page – see the end of this article for the address The way I see it the sooner I get the venue ready and working, we can plan our next venue in Wokingham, though in the

meantime we’d love to hear from everyone about suggestions of perhaps a temporary community space, hall, or a group of individuals interested in joining theacousticcouch in a trial with home concerts. I have been hearing a lot about this rising trend and have had musicians suggest this quirky concept in recent weeks and I have to say, if the interest is there, we’ll do it. I’d like very much to pluck a few artists from our great support network and come to your couch. It’s very simple from what I can gather – you just need a couch, drinks, and an audience and you’d leave the artists or bands to us. The artists interested in the fun would be invited to put themselves forward, we would then publish everyone up for a shindig and you can get in touch with us through our page or the paper. You would also be welcome to contact us and suggest an unsigned act you’d like to hear at your home, and the best letters I’ll even publish. Oh and pssst, keep this between us! I’ve not run this by chiefy the editor yet. TheAcousticCouch is on Facebook and Twitter so come and say hi and share your thoughts. Any donations to our crowdfunding page or directly through our acoustic couch page will be very much appreciated and will hopefully contribute to a brighter future for many young musicians in your local area.

Here’s how to find us: n facebook.com/theacousticcouch n www.twitter.com/acousticcouch n www.instagram.com/ theacousticcouch

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

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

GIG GUIDE Friday, October 30 ARBORFIELD – The Bramshill Hunt, Bramshill Close RG2 9PL. Stars In Their Minds karaoke. CANCELLED. 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 – 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. 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. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s, 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790.

Saturday, October 31 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Hill SL5

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

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. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Oxjam Bracknell from noon: Babyhowl, Munkinpure, Corinna Jane, The Midnight Rambler, The Toniks, Alexander McKay, Cherry White, Pistol Kings, Micky Booty, Katie Kukla, Sophie Hastings, Jody Rule and TheAcousticCouch. Details: 01344 4226. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01276 32691. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Stealers Candy. Details: 01344 772241. EMMBROOK – The Emmbrook Inn, Emmbrook Road RG41 1HG. Hallowe’en party. 0118 978 2552. EVERSLEY – The 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, fancy dress and giveaways.

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

This Saturday @ 9pm

HALLOWE’EN FANCY DRESS SPECIAL

In Too Deep

Classic & contemporary rock covers

Live music every Saturday night

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

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. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 1 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. FLEET – Prince of Wales, Reading Road South GU52 7SY. NRG. Details: 01252 614284. READING – Concert Hall. An Evening With Donovan. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: singers night, theme: Ghost and Ghoulies. Details: 0118 958 6692. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Open mic night. Details: 01276 858501.

Monday, November 2 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Blues and Boogies. Details: 01344 484123. READING – South Street arts centre. Diversity: Up Close and Personal. Details: 0118 960 6060. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Catfish Keith. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 3 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk November SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON

– The Four Horseshoes, Reading Road RG27 0EX. Equinox with Chris Ford. Details: 01256 882296. WOKINGHAM – Barunda, Peach Street. The Robbie Williams Experience. Details: 0118

Wednesday, November 4 READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: FlashFires/Cousin Kula. The Night That FUNK Built: The Snitch, Andrew Carlin, Whitehouse Studio DJs. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Milk Bar, Merchants Place, off Friar Street RG1 1DT. No Room For Squares: jazz night. 7pm. Details: www.milkreading. com. WINDLESHAM – The Half Moon, Church Road GU20 6BN. Gavin Thomas: Live and Acoustic, Details: 01276 473329.

Thursday, November 5 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. JAM Night Hallowe’en special. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. The Holt Brothers. Details: 01276 684999. CAMBERLEY – So Asia, High Street GU15 3RB. The Blue Beatles. Details: 01276 29078. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, 115 Frimley Road, GU15 2PP. Open mic/ jam night. Details: 01276 27641. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Inspiral Carpets. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, November 6 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Congakeyz. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. The Turn. Details: 01344 454532. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Murphy James. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Fab Beatles. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. David Gray: Conservatoire Concert Series. Details: 01344 484123. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Tony BarkerKeith Chilvers. Details: 01276 63842. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. The SwanLock Duo. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Lost Roberts. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. The Lindisfarne Story (folk/. blues). Details: 01252 811009. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP.

The Firm. Details: 01252 663686. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Deep Fat Fridays: Pure House Music. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Ska Britannia. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Nicole Allen. Details: 0118 957 6930. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Creme Freche. Details: 01252 878938. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s, 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790.

Saturday, November 7 BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Frankie The Fish. Details: 01344 307620.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. In Too Deep. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Replays. Details: 01344 303333. CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Gigabit. Details: 01252 616434. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. NRG. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Fat Men In The Bathtub. Details: 01344 772241. EMMBROOK – The Emmbrook Inn, Emmbrook Road RG41 1HG. The Voice of Emmbrook. 0118 978 2552. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Zak. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Mushrooms. Details: 01252 811311. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wonder Stuff. Blackalicious. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar

Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Shaun Buswell’s 10 Day Orchestra Challenge. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. No Way Out. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Reading Community Gospel Choir. Details: 0118 960 6060. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. Kylie. Details: 01252 873220. SWALLOWFIELD – Swallowfield House RG41 2FD. Sparks In The Park with Section8. Details: www. sparksinthepark.net WEST END – West End Social Club, High Stret GU26 9PL. Soul Rites. Details: 01276 858501. WINDLESHAM – Windlesham Club, Kennel Lane GU20 6AA. Soul’d Out Details: 01276 472210. WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Elvis Tribute night with Ben. Details: 01344 882205.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOODLEY – The Bull and Chequers, Church Road RG5 4QP. The Imposters. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Kieran Acoustic. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 8 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 – RISC, London Road RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Jody Kruskal. Details: 0118 958 6692. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party. Details: 0118 969 8000.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Raise your glasses News and views from your local pubs CHARITY

Bull’s classic day of fun

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

CUSTOMERS of The Bull at Barkham enjoyed a fantastic family day when steam and vintage vehicles filled the car park on Saturday, October 17. “We had two steam engines and two baby steam engines,” said Mike Cobb, proprietor of The Bull. “There were a variety of vintage tractors, a lorry, three E type Jaguars a Morris Minor Traveller and a Triumph Spitfire. All these vehicles are locally owned. The tractors and steam engines

The Bull - at Barkham -

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.

come from a local farm owned by Jack French. “The day was a great success. Families came along, children blew the whistles on the engines, the chef ran the barbecue and in the evening we had live music with Dr Busker and the Dorset Rats. It was a fabulous evening. “We ran the day as a trial to see what would happen, see if people would come along. We had about 180 people turn up so it was great. “We will be running another event on April 2, 2016 when we will nominate a charity.”

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS MENU ON-LINE

LIMITED SPACES — BOOK NOW

There’s always something going on at The Bull at Barkham

QUIZ NIGHT 70s PARTY NIGHT WITH JEFF KINROSS

Mondays 8pm Saturday, November 21

Limited spaces available

Motown in Binfield

Hallowe’en at The Redan

NEXT Friday, the Binfield Club will hold an evening of Motown music in aid of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. The event will see DJs play a mixture of soul, Motown and Northern Sound. The fun starts at 8pm and continues until 11.30pm. Entry is by a donation of at least £2, which will go to the Air Ambulance. The Binfield Club is in Forest Road in Binfield. n For more information call 07795 683399.

TOMORROW night, a Wokingham town centre bar will be frightful. The Redan in Peach Street will be holding its annual Hallowe’en party, and is asking customers to come in fancy dress. Called The Redan Horror Story, to help promote the night the pub’s team has created a suitably scary horror video of its own, which can be viewed on its Facebook page. The evening of the macabre starts from 7pm. n For more information, visit www.theredan.bar.

BOOKINGS: 01189 888840

CHRISTMAS 2015 Try our delicious

3-Course Set Menu £23.95

0118 976 2816

thebullbarkham.com facebook.com/ bull.barkham

HORROR

Andy and Patrice Invite you to join us for

CHRISTMAS PARTIES DECEMBER 1-24

MUSIC

Available throughout December ( Except 25th & 26th Dec )

THE PERFECT PLACE TO ENJOY YOURSELF WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS

Parking Available Group Bookings Welcome

Your weekly puzzle challenge

28 | PUZZLES

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 2 2

18 24

12 19

8 4

9 9

1 15

14 15

12 12

15 17

11 11

1. Who defeated Martina Navratilova in the 1991 Wimbledon quarter-final to become the youngest woman semi-finalist in Wimbledon history? 2. Which scientist voyaged for five years in HMS Beagle? 3. Which pantomime hero is the lazy son of a poor Chinese tailor? 4. Which cult TV and later film series was created by Gene Roddenberry? 5. Which Christian holy day, the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, is also the name of a city in southern Texas?

17 11

18 10

17 10

25 25

20 21

7 10

16 15

23 18

NONAGRAM

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 S through openings in the walls. The T first letter may appear in any chamber. R E

P E G

H A M

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

LIST ACE LIBRARIES

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: 24 Good; 28 Very Good; 33 Excellent.

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

9 6 5

7 2 7

4 1

4 4 2 9

7 6

9 8

2 9

10 13

13 15

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

8 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.

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.

ACROSS 1. Work to squeeze gold from tyrant (9)

EQUALISER 2 12 10 2 4 2 2 9 2 6 1 1

Hard

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

SUDOKU Easy

9. 10.

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, in 1976, was shared by Northern Irish women Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams? 7. Singer Michael Ball made his West End debut in 1985 playing Marius in which musical? 8. The Colorado beetle is particularly destructive to which crop? 9. In the 17th century the Rye House Plot was a plot to assassinate which English monarch? 10. How many years of marriage are celebrated by a pearl anniversary?

WORD PYRAMID

C A N

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

11. 13. 16.

18. 20. 22. 23.

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

11 13

18 22

22 23 29

29 31

SOLUTIONS

DOWN 1. Lout is something of a judo aficionado (3) 2. Fairy left in danger (5) Go down for a swim (3) 3. Impose compliance with The most popular member measure for church (7) of the company? (4,9) 4. Taste – it is endlessly salty (6) 5. Arguments reportedly Whiter variety of pearl (5) stimulate (5) Vain conservationist’s plea (7) 6. Urge along to fashionable Shellfish discovered in type of cinema perhaps (5-2) Troyes (6) 7. Journalists force men to enlist? (5,4) Man taken in by one woman 9. Copy of tooth spat out (9) or another (6) 12. Anna’s back with Virginia on Prevent old boy from level ground (7) meeting with a vet I 14. Malcolm has the fat for arranged (7) duck .... (7) Deceptively recumbent? (5) 15. .... and Melvyn throws in your old chemical (6) Like a lettuce perhaps, full 17. A ray of light at the side of a of compassion (6-7) ship (5) Plant going to pot? (3) 19. Miserable monitor loses a second in opening passage (5) Mother takes boy right round it, being awkward (9) 21. Girl shortly gets the point (3)

30 31

23. Views (4) ACROSS 26. Urn (4) 2. Nasal mucus (7) 28. Personal (7) 7. Sagacious (4) 29. Act wordlessly (4) 8. Metallic element (4) 30. Orderly (4) 9. Floated along (7) 31. Come down (7) 10. Hollow in a rock (4) DOWN 12. Compass point (4) 1. Passport endorsement (4) 15. Arbour (5) 2. Yield (4) 17. Strolled (6) 3. Camera support (6) 18. Recount (6) 4. Cad (6) 19. Forms (6) 5. Keep secret (4) 21. Peak (6) 6. Tasks (4) 22. Roofing materials (5) 10. Vehicle frame (7)

11. Shake, tremble (7) 13. Blood deficiency (7) 14. Playhouse (7) 15. Soft, flat hat (5) 16. Picture puzzle (5) 20. Dogstar (6) 21. Legislative assembly (6) 24. Way out (4) 25. Hurried (4) 26. Sell (4) 27. Luncheon meat (4)

2 9 7 4 1 5 6 3 8

8 5 4 6 3 2 9 7 1

1 6 3 9 8 7 4 2 5

5 1 9 3 7 6 2 8 4

4 2 8 5 9 1 7 6 3

3 7 6 8 2 4 1 5 9

6 8 2 1 4 3 5 9 7

9 4 5 7 6 8 3 1 2

2 7 5 8 1 4 9 3 6

7 3 1 2 5 9 8 4 6

EASY SUDOKU

14 1

15 2

16 3

CROSS CODE

8 3 4 6 5 9 1 7 2

1 6 9 2 3 7 8 4 5

9 5 2 3 7 6 4 1 8

3 4 7 1 8 2 5 6 9

6 1 8 9 4 5 7 2 3

4 8 3 5 2 1 6 9 7

7 2 6 4 9 8 3 5 1

5 9 1 7 6 3 2 8 4

HARD SUDOKU

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

WORD PYRAMID: A hard taskmaster. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; divide; subtract; add. Total: 5. MAGIC SQUARE: bail; acre; iris; lest.

23 10

Press gang; 9 Photostat; 12 Savanna; 14 Mallard; 15 Methyl; 17 ache; acme; acne; agape; ahem; amen; apace; apeman; apnea; Abeam; 19 Intro; 21 Dot. cage; came; canapé; cane; cape; CHAMPAGNE; change; chape; cheap; each; encamp; game; ganache; gape; gean; haem; heap; hemp; mace; mache; mage; manage; mane; mange; mean; mega; name; nape; neap; pace; paean; page; panache; pane; peach; pean; pecan; phage. QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Catarrh; 7 Wise; 8 Iron; 9 Drifted; 10 Cave; 12 East; 15 Bower; 17 Ambled; 18 Relate; 19 Shapes; 21 Summit; 22 Tiles; 23 Sees; 26 Vase; 28 Private; 29 Mime; 30 Neat; 31 Descend. Down – 1 Visa; 2 Cede; 3 Tripod; 4 Rotter; 5 Hide; 6 Jobs; 10 Chassis; 11 Vibrate; 13 Anaemia; 14 Theatre; 15 Beret; 16 Rebus; 20 Sirius; 21 Senate; 24 Exit; 25 Sped; 26 Vend; 27 Spam.

Down – Paves; Lysin; Tired. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Oppressor; 6 Dip; 8 Firm favourite; 9 Paler; 10 Useless; (2) Across – Dewar; Blini; Tatty. Down – Debit; Whist; Rainy. 11 Oyster; 13 Amanda; 16 Obviate; 18 Lying; 20 Tender-hearted; 22 Tea; 23 Maladroit. NONAGRAM: Down – 1 Oaf; 2 Peril; 3 Enforce; 4 Savour; 5 Rouse; 6 Drive-in; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Jennifer Capriati; 2 Charles Darwin; 3 Aladdin; 4 Star Trek; 5 Corpus Christi; 6 The Nobel Peace Prize; 7 Les Misérables; 8 Potato; 9 Charles II; 10 Thirty.

(1) Across – Pilot; Visor; Synod.

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NOTICE S27 TRUSTEE ACT 1925 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any person having a claim against or an interest in the estate of the under mentioned deceased person is required to send written particulars of their claim or interest to the undersigned Solicitors by particulars of their claim or interest to the undersigned Solicitors by 23rd December 2015, 2015, after which date the personal representatives will distribute the estate among the persons entitled having regard only to the claims and interest of which they have had notice. JOHN CALE FORMERLY OF 60 CLARES GREEN ROAD, SPENCERS WOOD, READING, BERKSHIRE, RG7 1DX WHO DIED ON THE 16TH JANUARY 2014 Executor – JENNIFER PRICE

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

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Watkins’ Olympic bid is to begin with data challenge By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM-BASED Anna Watkins is set to begin her rowing comeback in a sensational bid to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Watkins, 32, won gold at London 2012 alongside partner Katherine Grainger but has been away from the sport after taking time off to have two children. However, she faces a battle to earn a place in the squad with this weekend a key milestone to her potential return. The GB rowing team are due to gather at the Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston, Lincolnshire to prove their fitness to the sport’s performance director Sir David Tanner with the aid of new data from analytics leader SAS. But Watkins is not daunted by the upgrade in technology since she stepped away from competition. “Before SAS our data was a little bit lacking in cohesion,” she said. “Your coach might have had access to data for the boat in general, whereas now the crew has this super-flashy database where individual rowers can press a button and compare all sorts of facts about their performances.” She continued: “I think there is a big breakthrough to be had in rowing by using data. “Rowing is a funny sport because the scores we achieve on the indoor rowing machines don’t translate perfectly to what happens on the water. So it’s not straightforward. “There’s a technical aspect, but to define what is perfect technique is almost impossible.” Watkins spent most of 2015 watching Tanner’s squad from afar as they enjoyed successful World and European Championships, but decided observing was not enough and is now determined to force her way into contention for Rio.

Anna Watkins will begin her efforts to secure a place at the Olympic Games in Rio next year at the Princess Royal Sports Arena this weekend

To do so she will have to prove herself in a 2k ergometer test in Boston, which calculates the amount of energy put in and required to reach the target on the indoor rowing machine. “I really like using the technology we have now to assess how well the blade of the oar strikes the water, and the angle goes in,” she added.

“You can read detailed analysis of your blade through the water and even through the air, it’s amazing. “The magic of that is that you can record it for a session and then go away and try and change it.” n Full results of this weekend’s tests for the GB rowing squad will be available at www.britishrowing.org.

BASKETBALL

Boost for Rockets as Carter is set to return from injury DANNY CARTER could return to the Reading Rockets side for their double header this weekend following a knee injury. The 6ft 9in captain missed out on Rockets’ wins over Kent Crusaders and Plymouth Raiders II last weekend but his injury is thought to be better than first feared and he could be back in contention for tomorrow’s league clash at Leicester Warriors or the home cup tie with Hemel Storm on Sunday. Unbeaten Rockets head into the trip to the East Midlands on the back of nine straight wins in all competitions this season and will be fancied to beat a side with just one victory to their name so far. But head coach Manuel Pena Garces says his charges will need to raise their game if they want to extend their winning run. He said: “We won two games last weekend which was good. “We remained unbeaten and advanced

Langhorne lights up Cantley Park CANTLEY PARK welcomed a famous face to help officially switch on the new hockey pitch floodlights earlier this month. Former Team GB player Chris Langhorne visited the Twyford Road grounds on October

Generous Bearwood gets a Royal visit IT HAS been a busy few weeks over at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club. Not only has the award-winning course welcomed royalty in the name of George Ivar Louis Mountbatten for a round, but generous members have also handed over a cheque totalling £4,000 to the Samaritans. Mountbatten, the Fourth Marquess of Milford Haven, arrived at the club in some style, giving those present a spectacular sight as he flew in on a personal helicopter, which landed in the rough to the left of the first tee. Although royalty, George is also known for finding consumer website uSwitch back in 2000. The company was sold to American media firm EW Scipps back in March 2006 for a fee of £210million ($400m).

Prior to his visit, the course held its seventh Seniors Team Invitational Classic for the Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascots and Districts branch of the Samaritans. Twelve different clubs took part, with each team made up of 12 golfers. The individual and team prizes were handed out by chairman and Lakes owner Gary Holloway, with the presentation taking place ater a three-course lunch. The final total was boosted through the generous support of sponsored holes, along with a raffle. “Our grateful thanks go to all involved and to Bearwood Lakes Golf Club for hosting the event,” said a Samaritans statement. “It is tremendous to know members support us so well, as this is a key fundraising event in out annual calendar and helps ensure we are always there for those who need us.”

to the National Cup quarter final so that is obviously very pleasing. “However, we need to improve our performances and some players must step up whilst we recover from the injuries we have had to captain Danny Carter and Joel Keeble.” He continued: “This week will be about making some adjustments in our play as well as managing our loads and making sure we have all of our players ready for what will, for sure, be a tough weekend.” Victory over Hemel Storm on Sunday at the Rivermead will secure Rockets position at the top of their National Trophy group and Garces is wary of the threat they have posed to his side in previous meetings. “I expect a tough and physical game against Leicester on Saturday before facing a Hemel team that is always a danger to any opponent and that has given us problems in the past, especially at the point guard position with the threat of Bode Adeluola,” he said.

SPORT

GOLF

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ICE HOCKEY: Bracknell Bees see comeback go up in Flames after late loss in Guildford — Page 33

Bearwood Lakes chairman and owner Gary Holloway (left) and Derek South, event organiser (right) with Samaritans staff at the competition as George Ivar Louis Mountbatten lands at the course (inset)

14 to christen the new £22,000 illuminations, which are hoped to encourage more people to use the pitches during the darker months. n For the full story turn to page 8

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 33

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ICE HOCKEY

Comeback goes up in Flames after Eriksson hits late winner Guildford Flames 3 Bracknell Bees 2 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Frantisek Bakrlik and Callum Fowler (inset) got the goals which had drawn Bracknell Bees level at the Spectrum Pictures: Bob Swann

BRACKNELL hearts were broken on Wednesday night when a late Jens Eriksson strike sent the side crashing to defeat at the Spectrum. In overcoming a 2-0 deficit in Guildford, Bees looked set to pick up at least point from taking a rare midweek game to overtime after Callum Fowler and Frantisek Bakrlik netted to level up the scores. This was after Matt Towe and Matic Kralj had given hosts and fierce rivals Flames an early advantage. But such hopes, however, were dashed when Eriksson sent the majority of the capacity 2,000-plus crowd home when hitting the winner on a powerplay with less then two minutes of the local derby remaining. Guildford were quickest out of the traps on home ice – and it did not take them long to break the deadlock. And in a similar manner to a goal conceded during Saturday’s loss to Telford Tigers, Bracknell fell behind on their own powerplay. Scoring the breakaway goal was Towe in just the third minuted. The one goal would continue to separate the two sides as the first session

neared a conclusion. And with just seconds left in the period, Guildford were awarded a penalty shot. Responsibility belonged to Kralj, who was also on target when the teams met earlier in the month, a game which the Bees won 4-3. And the forward made no mistake, slipping the puck past Alex Mettam in the Bracknell goal for a 2-0 lead. Have regrouped during the interval, the visitors began the second stanza with a sense of purpose – and it would reap rewards. This is because on 24:50 player-coach Lukas Smital and Jan Bendik combined to set up Fowler to light the lamp for a second goal in three games. Things remained tight as the fixture progressed, although Fowler did fall into penalty trouble in the 29th minute for holding an opponents stick. Those team-mates he left on the rink, however, were able to kill off the two-minute powerplay. Bracknell also had the extra man when former Bee Danny Meyers was binned for tripping, but they too were unable to capitalise. But with just a minute of the period remaining, the visitors were back on level terms. Bendik was again heavily involved, this time teaming up Vanya Antonov to present Bakrlik with a sight of goal.

The summer signing duly took full advantage, beating netminder Stephen Wall to make it 2-2. Both teams continued to cancel one another out in the final frame, although Bees’ penalty kill unit did manage to see off a further powerplay when Lewis Turner was charged with tripping. But it was while Smital sat out a holding offence when Guildford settled the contest through Eriksson, whose one-timer got the better of Mettam and hit the cage. Bracknell, though, did have the chance to tie things up when Kristoffersson left the game early for hooking, but with little over a minute remaining, were unable to grab the goal needed to force overtime or a penalty shootout. Bees will be looking to end a run of three defeats when up against bogey side Peterborough Phantoms tomorrow at the Hive (6pm). The club then travel to basement boys Hull Pirates on Sunday (5.30pm). English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Milton Keynes 16 8 3 0 5 67 Peterborough 14 8 1 3 2 56 Basingstoke 14 8 2 1 3 49 Guildford 15 6 3 1 5 52 Swindon 15 6 1 1 7 54 Telford 14 6 1 0 7 45 Manchester 14 6 0 2 6 47 Bracknell 13 5 0 0 8 45 Sheffield 12 4 0 2 6 39 Hull 13 0 2 3 8 23

A 44 36 40 45 55 41 52 47 54 63

Pts 22 21 21 19 15 14 14 10 10 7

Salem leads the mauling as Tigers hit Bees for six Bracknell Bees 1 Telford Tigers 6

The forward got his shot on target, but a big pad save from Murdy ended the chance to make it 2-0. With the game continuing to open up CONCEDING four unanswered second both Nathan Salem and Blahoslav Novak period goals saw Bees slip to another tried their luck for Telford, but to no defeat on home ice, writes JOHN SLATER. avail, while Smital was next to feel the In a similar scenario to their previous frustration of Murdy’s antics before the outing against the MK Lightning, returning Milan Kostourek was narrowly Bracknell took an early lead – only to see off target. the opposition hit back The period would end and comfortably take with Phil Hay falling the points. into trouble for tripping, And again the hosts meaning Bees would not had the chances to only start the second put the fixture out of stanza boasting a 1-0 reach, but could not find lead, but also on the another way past Tom powerplay. Murdy in the Tigers’ But the only effort goal. of note during these Just seconds of the two minutes came contest had passed from Kostourek, with when player-coach Murdy again up for the Lukas Smital was only challenge. inches wide with a shot And once back up before James Galazzi to full strength, the tested Murdy soon after, Shropshire side began with the latter doing just turning the screw, with Max Birbrear and enough to scramble the Matt Foord clashed Birbraer and Jason puck away. Silverthorne keeping Opposite number Mettam busy. Alex Mettam was then called into action, Their next attack, however, would see keeping out a Joe Miller wrist shot. the scores tied up; Dale White latching on The score was to stay at stalemate to a Daniel Rose pass and firing home. until midway through the first period, Bees killed off a powerplay when when the deadlock was eventually Towalski was sin binned for delaying the broken. game, during which time Kostourek was The goal was engineered by Callum unlucky not to regain the lead for Bees Fowler, who forced a turnover and played when spearheading a breakaway, but the in Frantisek Bakrlik to bury the puck floodgates were soon to be blown wide beyond Murdy’s reach. Max Birbraer went close as the visitors open. Telford stunned their hosts with went in search of an equaliser, but a two goals in as many minutes, which Bracknell break saw Vanya Antonov arrived from Nathan Salem and Macauley presented with a sight of goal.

Heywood efforts. Bracknell promptly called a time-out but fell further behind only two minutes later when Salem hit his second of the night. Up the other end of the rink and late chances came and went for Smital, Jan Bendik and David Savage, but Bees had their work cut out as the third session neared. The task, however, would become even harder just a minute after the restart. Combining with Dan Davies saw Miller effectively kill off the game when tipping a shot past Mettam to extend the deficit to four goals. From here on the Tigers were happy to consolidate their position, controlling possession and limiting their hosts to the odd half chance here and there. And what was another disappointing night in front of their own fans was to get even worse when Fowler sat out a penalty. Telford naturally went for blood, only to find the opposition doggedly defend their own goal. But the ironwork was living a charmed life once more as Mettam and his team-mates were peppered by the Tigers’ powerplay unit, and the persistence would soon pay off. Popping up to score goal number six was Rick Plant, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net amid a goalmouth scramble and add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings. The man of the match awards went to Bakrlik for the Bees and Telford’s Nathan Salem. n Bracknell were due to take on Manchester Phoenix in Deeside on Sunday, but the game was cancelled the night before due to ice plant failure at the rink.

Vanya Antonov closes down an opponent Pictures: Ian Coughlan

Player-coach Lukas Smital saw his side beaten on Saturday

Bees’ Sam Weller in action

34 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Ravi Patel in action

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

‘No excuses’ says Henderson after Rams squander the lead once more Barnes 19 Redingensians Rams 13

Ben Dudley wins possession for Wokingham Men during their game with Phoenix and Ranelagh

HOCKEY

Goal King Tom scores again – but Wokingham are held By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM KING’S third goal of the season earned Wokingham Men a share of the spoils in their MBBO Regional 2 trip to Phoenix and Ranelagh. On the back of a first win of the season last time out, Wokingham were looking to inflict a second straight defeat on the hosts. However, despite King’s strike, in-form Jack Rooney struck his fourth goal of the campaign, the joint second highest in the league, to ensure Tom King Phoenix came out with a 1-1 draw. The draw sees Wokingham rise up to eighth in the table ahead of a trip to unbeaten Banbury 2s on Saturday. Wokingham 2s were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Oxford 5s in MBBO Division 2. Duncan Clarke’s fourth goal of the season, as well as an Alex Ekins strike for Wokingham were pegged back by Josh Cowen d’Arcy and Matt Neville as Oxford earned their first point of the campaign. There was better fortune for Wokingham 3s in Division 7 as they saw off Slough Swifts 4-3 while Wokingham Vets completed an unbeaten week for the men’s side, picking up a point away to Winchester Wanderers in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance. After battling back from falling behind on two occasions, Wokingham took a 3-2 lead but fell to a late corner routine as the scores ended level.

Chris Fifield shields the ball Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

Wokingham Ladies WOKINGHAM 1s bounced back from the thrashing they received against Sonning by picking up an important point against Oxford University Ladies 2s in the Trysports Premier 1. Having lost 6-0 last time out and with just three points all campaign, Wokingham climbed up a place after sealing a 2-2 draw. But it was more misery for the 2s as they remain rooted to the foot of the Division 2 table with no points after a 2-1 loss to Banbury 3s. Wokingham 3s slipped to the bottom of the Division 5 table despite picking up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Henley Development. Sonning Men JACK MASON and Matt Poulton found the net as Sonning 1s battled back from 2-0 down to earn a draw against Banbury 2s in MBBO Regional 2. A much changed Sonning squad struggled early on against a side who went into the game top of the league with three wins out of three and they went 1-0 behind in the first minute through Max Grosmith. Moments after Ian Gallagher had seen an effort controversially ruled out for Sonning, Banbury doubled their lead with Grosmith on target again. But the hosts rallied, pulling one back through Poulton following a short corner routine before Mason earned a draw to take Sonning into 4th. Sonning 2s remain in mid-table of

The Phoenix are thwarted by the visitors

Division 1 after an entertaining 3-3 draw with Tring 1s. Jamie Haworth, Callum Richardson and Huw Thomas all netted for Sonning but a brace from Bruce Alexander and a Chris Cox strike ensured the spoils were shared. The 3s remain pointless in Division 2 after going down 1-0 at home to leaders Newbury and Thatcham 2s, Christian Randall with the goal, while the 4s were soundly beaten 4-0 by West Hampstead 5s in Division 4. It was a good weekend for the Sonning sides in Division 9 West. Leaders Sonning 6s kept up their perfect start to the campaign with a 3-2 win over Newbury and Thatcham 5s while the 7s picked up their first point of the season with a 2-2 draw at Henley 4s. Sonning Ladies SONNING 1S are still flying high at the top of Trysports Premier 1 after a 7-0 rout of Aylesbury Ladies 1. Now with six wins from their first six games, Sonning are three points clear at the top having not conceded a goal all season. The 2s remain well placed in 5th after seeing off Wycombe Ladies 2s 2-1 but the 3s are struggling to find similar form in Division 1. Stuck at the bottom of the table with no points, they fell to their heaviest loss of the campaign with a 7-0 defeat at Wallingford Ladies 2s. In Division 3, the 4s picked up their first points of the campaign with a 1-0 win over Scarlet Runners Ladies 1s while the 5s game against Bicester Ladies 4s was abandoned due to failing lights while they were frustratingly leading 4-0.

SPIKE HENDERSON offered no excuses after the Rams squandered another winning position in west London. The Sonning side fought back from 5-0 down to lead this National League 2 South clash 13-5 – only to fritter away the chance of picking up a valuable victory for the second time in as many games. “It was deja vu,” said forwards coach Henderson. “It happened against Old Elthamians last week. It’s no use making excuses. “We have to be patient when we have the opposition under pressure. “We make too many mistakes when we get in front.” Redingensians saw their five-metre line under siege during the opening 15 minutes, so it came as no surprise when flanker Ciaran Smyth scored for the home side. The try appeared to galvanize the Rams, but the wrong option saw a number of clear-cut chances go begging. Barnes continued to hold a five point lead at half time, where a change of personnel and tactics within the opposition camp would prove dividends. Among the replacements introduced were Luke Flower at No.10 and last season’s top scorer James Brooks. Pick-and-go tactics, more line-out ball and superiority in the scrum forced Barnes on the defensive. And they were to fall behind in the 47th minute when Redingensians were awarded a penalty try following a number of scrummage offences, which Brooks duly slotted over. A searing break from Craig Nightingale almost saw the visitors increase the lead, but the final pass was a wayward one. Soon after, however, and Brooks was again clearing the posts, this time via a penalty from out wide after a lineout offence.

He would make no mistake again from a closer range when earlier try scorer Smyth was shown a yellow card for an aerial tackle. But Rams were unable to capitalise further with the extra man and would actually see their lead pegged back on the hour mark. Going over was Jack Franklin after some good mauling play, with Tom O’Toole adding the extras. Just the one point would separate the sides as the fixture neared a conclusion. However, with only four minutes remaining disaster struck for the away side. On their own line they turned over Barnes’ line-out ball but, surprisingly, lost the resultant scrum. From the ensuing play, O’Toole’s chip deceived the Rams defence, where Chris Lewis was on hand to grab the winning score. Defeat saw Rams drop a place to second bottom in the standings. They are not in action this weekend, but face two crunch basement battles next month against bottom side Launceston on November 7 and lowly Dorking a week later.

REDINGENSIANS: Foxley, Poole, Bryant, Amor, Horsham; Barnes, Brown; Steadman, Crame, Baker, Kerschbaumer, Kruzykci, Vooght, Nightingale, Guttridge. Reps: Banks, Weller, Root, Brooks, Flower National League 2 South P W D L F A Cambridge 8 7 0 1 236 153 Taunton Titans 8 7 0 1 257 149 Old Albanians 8 6 1 1 280 134 Clifton 8 6 1 1 300 181 Bishop’s Stortford 8 5 0 3 236 146 Old Elthamians 8 5 0 3 245 204 Redruth 8 5 0 3 202 212 Barnes 8 4 0 4 208 202 Southend Saxons 8 3 2 3 217 225 Bury St Edmonds 8 3 0 5 173 209 Dorking 8 3 0 5 167 229 Canterbury 8 3 0 5 155 189 Worthing 8 3 0 5 167 181 Chinnor 8 1 0 7 174 269 Redingensians 8 1 0 7 119 224 Launceston 8 0 0 8 107 336

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

PTS 35 34 33 32 26 26 25 22 21 17 17 15 14 10 8 3

BERKS, BUCKS AND OXON PREMIER DIVISION

Tristan’s try cannot stop Crowthorne slipping to defeat against leaders Crowthorne 10 Abingdon 12

NEW RECRUIT Tristan Coles grabbed his first try for Crowthorne – but the celebrations were short-lived. This is because visiting Abingdon held off a spirited second-half showing from their hosts to secure the win and preserve top spot in the standings. Keen to secure a first victory of the season at the fifth attempt, the Crows were quickest out of the blocks and looked the most likely side to score during the opening exchanges. However, falling into penalty trouble was the undoing of the home side, who soon found themselves 12-0 down as the Oxfordshire side punted four penalties between the posts. The deficit, though, was reduced somewhat when Crowthorne won a penalty of their own, which Doug Charman slotted over just before the break. Coach Alex Stewart introduced some changes during the interval – and they had the desired effect.

In cranking up the pressure yielded a try for Coles, with Charman adding extras. This moved Stewart’s charges to within two points of previously unbeaten Abingdon, but their battling qualities would shine through. Crowthorne would continue to pour forward until the bitter end, but were unable to turn this dominance into further scoring and had to settle for a losing bonus point. The team take a break this weekend but return to duty on November 7, where they make the trip to mid-table Alchester. Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Abingdon 5 5 0 0 169 77 3 Milton Keynes 5 5 0 0 174 90 3 Gosford All Blacks 5 4 0 1 191 61 5 Tadley 5 4 0 1 169 77 3 Risborough 5 3 0 2 57 146 0 Alchester 5 2 0 3 89 74 5 Slough 5 2 1 2 125 122 2 Chesham 5 2 0 3 96 110 3 Crowthorne 5 0 1 4 77 100 4 Wheatley 5 1 0 4 44 153 0 Chipping Norton 5 1 0 4 53 117 0 Hungerford 5 0 0 5 63 129 4

PTS 23 23 21 14 13 13 12 11 6 4 4 4

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

LONDON IRISH

We know what it Bracknell push leaders hard, Sinclair: takes to beat the Saracens but Geese waddle to late win By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Bracknell 27 London Irish Wild Geese 30 A TRY scored five minutes from time saw Bracknell narrowly beaten by the National League 3 London and South East leaders. It was another frustrating afternoon for the Lily Hill men, who let slip a 13-3 advantage yet more than played their part in an enthralling game of rugby. Not only did those present witness a delayed kick-off, but had to watch the visitors play with their shirts inside out due to a kit clash. But they also saw Bracknell go close to taking an early lead when Liam Hemming broke free, but his pass was short and the ball went to ground with the try line in sight. It was however, the Geese who put the first points on the board, Ben Kitching securing three points from a penalty kick. Yet the lead was wiped out just 60 seconds later when Joe Price went over to finish off a fine move involving both backs and forwards. Tony Lawless, playing at scrum-half, added the conversion. The same player had the range from the tee twice after, kicking over a pair of penalties as Rory Greenslade-Jones men extended the advantage to 13-3. The Amateurs arrived in Bracknell boasting a winning streak of six games, and they soon started to demonstrate the attacking prowess which has taken them to the Division’s summit in recent weeks. Through a series of breakdowns and recycling the ball each time, cranking up the pressure saw the Geese eventually cross the line through winger Matt Killen. Kitching failed to grab the extra two points but quickly made up for the miss when clearing the posts from a penalty. Further persistence saw the Irish capitalise from a Bracknell turnover, which would yield another try, with the conversion putting the away side 18-13 in front when the half-time whistle was blown. Missing tackles during this phase of play did not help Bracknell either, but a

Bracknell look to put the Geese under pressure Picture: Andrew Merritt

blistering start to the second session saw the scores tied up when George Milligan linked up with his fellow back rowers to play in Hemming, who ran on to score a converted try under the posts. The lead, however, was again snatched back by the Irish, who would cross the whitewash once more via a kick and chase. A number of visiting players appeared to be in an offside position, but the referee was still happy to award the try. The conversion was this time kicked on to an upright, meaning the Geese’s advantage was a mere three points, 23-20. Irish’s 100 per cent start to the campaign, though, was placed under serious doubt soon after. This is because, from a line out, No.8 Lachlan Valentine drove over the line to nudge the home side in front for a third time during this absorbing contest. Lawless’ subsequent kick was again good and the scoreboard now read 27-23 in favour of Bracknell, who were looking to double their win count for the season. But they would end the fixture nursing a sixth loss in seven games. Defeat was cruelly snatched from the jaws of victory; the guests clinching

both the victory and bonus point when bundling the ball over the line amid a scrum. Bracknell naturally pushed men forward in an attempt to salvage something other than a losing bonus point and would spend the final few minutes encamped in opposition territory – but they were unable to find another way through a stubborn defence. The club return to action a week tomorrow, where Bracknell make the trip to Chichester (3pm). BRACKNELL: Mirza (c), Silvester, Baragwanth, Bailey, Barry, Rudkin, Deveraux, Valentine, Lawless, Hemming, Mackay, Higgins, Price, Burch, Yates. Reps: Milligan, Faamatuainu, Williams. National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP PTS L.I Wild Geese 7 7 0 0 264 149 6 34 Tonbridge Juddian 7 6 0 1 261 134 6 30 Westcombe Park 7 6 0 1 180 118 4 28 East Grinstead 7 5 0 2 182 99 5 25 Shelford 7 5 0 2 172 135 4 24 Guernsey 7 4 0 3 207 163 4 20 Hertford 7 4 0 3 212 134 3 19 Colchester 7 3 0 4 140 151 2 14 Chichester 7 3 0 4 158 201 2 14 Wimbledon 7 3 0 4 135 162 1 13 Gravesend 7 2 0 5 155 170 5 13 Bracknell 7 1 0 6 137 199 5 9 Westcliff 7 0 0 7 124 241 3 3 Eton Manor 7 0 0 7 67 338 1 1

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP

Start spreading the news, the Exiles are going to New York LONDON IRISH will head to New York next year to compete in the first ever Aviva Premiership match outside the United Kingdom. The match will see Exiles face reigning champions Saracens at the 25,000 capacity Red Bull Arena, home of Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls. Taking place on Saturday March 12, the game has been arranged in the build-up to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a number of Irish fans living in the New York region. Canadian international, Jebb Sinclair, feels this is the next step to boost the increasing appetite for rugby on the other side of the Atlantic. He said: “Everyone is pretty excited to get to New York and play some exciting, enterprising rugby in a different country and try to grow the game that way and maybe get it a new fanbase. “With all the American Irish that are over there, especially in the North East, it should be a lot of fun and that Red Bulls Stadium is

London Irish and Saracens will battle it out at the Red Bull Arena in New York next March

a cracking place to play as well. “In the last two years USA have played Australia and New Zealand in the Bears’ stadium in Chicago to a huge turnout so obviously it’s growing there. “Hopefully we can tap into that and I definitely think with the Irish roots a

lot of those North Easterners like to talk about, hopefully they come out and wear a bit of green and give us some good support and we’ll get some new fans.” n Tickets go on general sale this afternoon with more information available at www.london-irish.com.

JEBB SINCLAIR says there is no tougher task than the one facing London Irish this weekend – a trip to reigning Aviva Premiership champions Saracens. Exiles go into tomorrow’s game at Allianz Park (1pm) with no points to their name following defeats to Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs and will be seen as huge underdogs having not won away from home since February. But Sinclair was part of the Irish side which stunned Saracens in 2014 with a 22-13 win against the odds and while he acknowledges the difficulty of the test ahead, he is convinced it is not a lost cause. “Saracens at home is probably as tough as it gets,” he told The Wokingham Paper. “Those guys rarely get turned over on their home patch. Probably because their field is so much different from everyone else in the league and they really get an advantage from playing on it most weeks. “We still have quite a few guys on our team that turned them over in 2014 so we know what it takes and the thing about playing Sarries and teams like that is there is not a whole lot of skill needed.” He continued: “There’s not a whole lot you need to do other than make your tackles, get off the ground and keep doing it. “They’re obviously a big work rate team that sends big runners around the corner again and again so we know what we have to do. “On paper the job seems simple. Just tackle those guys around 150 times a game!” Irish currently sit bottom of the table after the first two rounds of fixtures and with seemingly no whipping boys like London Welsh last year, who picked up just one point all season, Sinclair, 29, feels the standard has never been higher. “The Premiership is the hardest league in the world,” he said. “All 12 teams are quality I think.

Last year with Welsh was a bit of an aberration on just how tough this league is but we’re not thinking about the bottom of the league or the standings at all right now. “We’re just trying to play some good rugby and perfect our systems and get all our players back from the World Cup. “With the coaching staff and the players we have, we know that we’ll start ticking over a few wins and turning over some top teams. “No-one has really thought about the fact we don’t have a point yet.” Fresh from his own World Cup exploits with Canada, Sinclair, who has been with the Exiles for four years, has slotted straight into Tom Coventry’s side and he feels last week’s poor showing at Exeter is the perfect ammunition to cause a shock this weekend. “We’re stinging a bit from the weekend still,” he admitted. “We were pretty soft, especially in our tackles. We weren’t happy with how we performed last Saturday so that will give us a lot of motivation to want to play better this week. “We were pretty much written off totally (ahead of the clash in 2014) and I think our squad, and their squad, is a lot better than they were then. “Last year when we played (Saracens) at home we were within three points of turning them over as well so we know what it takes to play Sarries close.”

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

Aviva Premiership P W D L 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2

F 58 50 55 54 54 45 37 28 30 26 43 27

A 18 35 30 29 44 43 35 33 54 39 81 66

BP 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

PTS 9 8 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 0 0

Chiefs hand out a thrashing LONDON IRISH had an afternoon to forget as Exeter Chiefs ran in six tries to claim a bonus point win at Sandy Park. Exiles came into the game on the back of a fine showing against Leicester Tigers on the opening day, albeit in defeat, but they could not repeat the display and were soundly beaten 38-11 to leave them still pointless in the new season. Tom Coventry made two changes to the side which started on the opening weekend with Tom Smallbone and Aseli Tikoirotuma replacing Tom Court and Andrew Fenby while Scotland’s World Cup stars Blair Cowan and Sean Maitland were named among the replacements. Fly-half Gareth Steenson broke the deadlock after a well-worked lineout with little over 10 minutes on the clock but Chris Noakes reduced the arrears with a penalty. But a quick-fire double from Don Armand and Luke Cowan-Dickie gave Coventry’s men a mountain to climb at 19-3 with less than half an hour on the clock. Former Exile James Short increased the misery shortly after the restart, going over in the corner before things went from bad to worse as Noakes’ cross-field kick was picked off by England international Jack Nowell, who ran the length

of the pitch and held off the challenge of Tom Fowlie before going over. The brightest moment for the visitors arrived on 54 minutes when Cowan crashed over for Irish’s only try and his countryman Maitland almost added another, only for Nowell to produce a last-ditch stop. Exiles improved as the second half wore on but the game was already won with Nowell adding some gloss to the victory after he picked off another Noakes kick to nip in. LONDON IRISH: Ojo, Lewington, Fowlie, Griffin (Tikoirotuma 63), Tikoirotuma (Maitland 54), Noakes (Geraghty 61), McKibbin (Steele 61), Smallbone (Court 59), Paice (Ellis 61), Aulika (Halavatau 54), Skivington, Symons, Sinclair, Narraway (Cowan 40), McCusker (Sheriff 53). Try: Cowan (54) Pens: Noakes x2 (16,35) EXETER CHIEFS: Dollman, Nowell, Slade, Whitten, Short (Woodburn 68), Steenson, Chudley (Lewis 53), Moon, Cowan-Dickie (Yeandle 59), Francis, Lees, Welch (Parling 55), Ewers, Armand, Waldrom (Salvi 15-27, 53). Reps not used: Hepburn, Low, Hill. Tries: Steenson (12), Armand (23), Cowan-Dickie (27), Short (42), Nowell x2 (50,77). Cons: Steenson x4 Referee: Andrew Small Attendance: 7,130 Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-5, 3-5, 3-12, 3-19, 6-19, 6-26, 6-31, 11-31, 11-38.

36 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

ROYALS

‘Championship is survival of fittest – you can’t let your guard drop’ By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk PAUL MCSHANE says Reading must not dwell on the “10 minutes of madness” which cost them victory at Fulham as unbeaten league leaders Brighton and Hove Albion come to town tomorrow (3pm kick-off). Royals appeared to be sailing towards a win at Craven Cottage which would have extended their unbeaten league run to six games, but three quick-fire goals completely changed the complexion of the match and left Steve Clarke’s men empty handed. But the captain insists the visit of the Championship’s pace-setters is exactly what Reading need. He said: “You’ve got to learn from the lessons and move on quickly because if you’re down in the dumps for a few days it’s hard to pick your head back up. “The lads have been disappointed but I think it’s a good game for us. We can go from that low on Saturday to a high this Saturday. “We’re not far off the top two, just three points off second and we can really suck (Brighton) back in if we beat them. “The lads are looking forward to the challenge. They have the unbeaten record this season so it’s going to be a tough game but I think we’re confident as a group.” McShane has history when it comes to a promotion challenge from the Championship and he feels this Reading squad has got the same qualities as the Hull City side which reached the top flight in 2013. “I think it’s physically demanding but it’s also mostly mentally demanding as well,” the defender explained. “You’ve got to be at it every single game and concentrating every single minute and I think it is survival of the fittest really. He added: “This league is a long season and I think you’ve got to have a mental resilience and I think that’s what we need. We need that throughout the whole season. “We need to be at it every single minute in every single game or like in that 10 minutes of madness against Fulham, we’ll end up getting punished. “The last game was disappointing but we had many disappointing games with Hull City when we

A 10 8 12 9 10 13 12 11 16 22 19 20 21 20 16 14 17 14 13 22 19 21 24 20

Pts 29 25 25 24 24 24 22 21 20 19 17 17 17 15 14 14 13 12 12 11 11 10 9 9

UNDER 18s

League leaders give Reading the Blues Chelsea 2 Reading 0

Royals captain Paul McShane says that the Royals can suck Brighton back into a title race if they beat them at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Vivienne Johnson

went up that year so it’s just one of those games and you’ve got to pick yourself up quickly.” Many people have been surprised by the rise of Brighton this season, given their 20th placed finish in the league last season, three points below Reading, but manager Steve Clarke says the Seagulls have the ingredients needed to stay up near the top. “They are looking like a really good side,” said the boss. “They are looking like a side that will be up there all season. “Maybe a surprise package to a lot of people but with the manager and the coaching staff they’ve got it’s not really a surprise to us.” He added: “They are very good and very well organised. “I like Chris Hughton as a manager, I like him as a person. His teams are always well organised.

“He understands the division and he knows what it takes to get a team out of this division and you can see that with the way Brighton have started this season.” Despite the defensive capitulation against Fulham, Clarke insists he will not alter his philosophy going forwards. “I’m not going to change our style,” he said. “As a group our strengths will be our attacking instincts so we have to stay on the same path. “We have to stay positive and we have to play every game to win. “Maybe it will cost us some points along the way because we are so positive but this is what we want to try and do.” Predicted starting line-up: Al-Habsi; Gunter, Hector, McShane, Obita; Williams, Norwood; Blackman, Vydra, McCleary; Sa.

MATCH REPORT

Fulham loss is a reality check for Royals Fulham 4 Reading 2 STEVE CLARKE said the capitulation at the hands of Fulham came as a “reality check” to his in-form side. Reading looked to be cruising towards victory at Craven Cottage, going 2-0 up thanks to Lucas Piazon and Orlando Sa strikes but three goals in a crazy six-minute spell completely turned the game on its head before a fourth goal killed the game late on. And Clarke admitted he struggled to explain exactly what had gone wrong. “It is still quite difficult to get my head around because for most of the game we were in control,” he said. “We had a crazy spell and Fulham scored three goals in five or six minutes. It turned the game on its head and we went from being a team that looked very assured and playing good attacking football to suddenly looking very weak. “It went from 2-1 to 2-2 and then to 2-3 very quickly and it is

Brighton Hull Burnley Middlesbrough Derby Birmingham Reading Cardiff Sheff Wed QPR Fulham Brentford Ipswich Wolves Huddersfield Nottm Forest Leeds Blackburn Preston Bristol City MK Dons Charlton Rotherham Bolton

Sky Bet Championship P W D L F 13 8 5 0 18 13 7 4 2 19 13 7 4 2 18 13 7 3 3 20 13 6 6 1 18 13 7 3 3 19 13 6 4 3 20 13 5 6 2 15 13 5 5 3 18 13 5 4 4 22 13 4 5 4 22 13 5 2 6 19 13 4 5 4 16 13 4 3 6 18 13 3 5 5 13 13 3 5 5 11 13 2 7 4 12 13 2 6 5 12 13 2 6 5 10 13 2 5 6 15 13 3 2 8 12 13 2 4 7 11 13 2 3 8 15 13 1 6 6 10

uncharacteristic.” Clarke made two changes to the side which drew at Rotherham United in midweek with Jordan Obita and Matej Vydra coming into the starting XI in place of Andrew Taylor and Garath McCleary. And the changes seemed to have the desired effect as Royals dominated the early stages, taking the lead following a fine team move culminating in Vydra picking out Piazon to tuck in his second goal of the season. Nick Blackman, Piazon and Sa all went close while Fulham failed to work Ali Al-Habsi for the whole first half and the pressure was rewarded shortly after half-time. Sa robbed Tom Cairney and found

the bottom corner for his first goal since returning from suspension. But that proved to be the moment which sparked the hosts’ resurgence. Ross McCormack beat Al-Habsi from the edge of the box less than a minute later and before Reading knew it the scores were levelled when Moussa Dembele tucked in from close range. The remarkable comeback was complete just two minutes later as substitute Alex Kacaniklic latched onto Dembele’s pass to calmly slot home. And the win was sealed as the game drew towards a close when captain Paul McShane’s attempted clearance was worked to Dembele to net his third goal in two games.

Clarke added: “Nobody that has watched Reading this season could have said they would see a game where we would concede four goals. “It was completely unexpected and out of the blue. But sometimes it is a little wake-up call and a reality check.” Reading: Al-Habsi; Gunter, Hector, McShane, Obita; Williams (Fernandez 86), Norwood (Tshibola 70); Blackman, Piazon (John 70), Vydra; Sa. Subs not used: Bond, Cooper, Hurtado, McCleary. Goals: Piazon (13), Sa (49) Yellow cards: Obita (30), Gunter (39), Blackman (90) Fulham: Lewis, Richards (Kacaniklic 37), Stearman, Ream, Husband, Fredericks, Cairney, Tunnicliffe, Christensen, McCormack, Dembele. Subs not used: Lonergan, Burn, Garbutt, Parker, Woodrow, Smith. Goals: McCormack (50), Dembele x2 (54,74), Kacaniklic (56) Yellow cards: Fredericks (76), Christensen (86) Referee: Fred Graham. Att: 18,618

READING Under-18s slipped to their third defeat of the season, going down 2-0 to Premier League South leaders Chelsea. With just one point separating the two in-form sides going into the game, Royals knew victory would take them back top of the pile but they could not find a way through the resilient Blues defence. Charlie Wakefield’s goal just before half-time gave Jody Morris’ charges the lead before Harvey St Clair doubled the tally on 74 minutes. Captain Josh Barrett came closest for the visitors with a free kick brilliantly saved while Sam Smith’s effort was blocked. Reading were given hope when Chelsea were reduced to 10 men when Ali Suljic was shown his marching orders with 15 minutes to play, but the hosts held on to take all three points at Cobham. The defeat leaves Royals third in the table, four points off the top ahead of a trip to Arsenal on Saturday (11am). READING: Southwood, Akinwunmi, Richards, Bennett, Medford-Smith, Andresson, Frost, East, Smith, Barrett, Davis. Subs: Howe, Debois, Shokunbi, White, Denton. Yellow card: Richards

UNDER 21s

Duo return from injury to net a win Reading 2 Norwich City 0

DOMINIC SAMUEL and Jack Stacey stepped up their return from injury to help the Under-21s to a win over Norwich City. The pair have featured just twice between them this season but both started for Martin Kuhl’s side at Madejski Stadium on their first action since coming out of the treatment room. After a month since their last fixture, the U21s started brightly, taking the lead through American striker Andrija Novakovich after being played through by Samuel. Stacey did well to deny Norwich an equaliser before Samuel himself went close to doubling the tally, only for goalkeeper Ben Killip to make the save. Tariqe Fosu, Lisandro Semedo and Rowan Liburd all went close to finding the net before the win was eventually sealed with 10 minutes to play when substitute Sammi Fridjonsson headed in from close range. The win sees Royals move to within two points of leaders Sunderland with a game in hand. READING: Moore, Stacey (Hyam 63), Griffin, Shaughnessy, Cooper, Sweeney, Samuel (Semedo 63), Kelly (Fridjonsson 61), Liburd, Novakovich, Fosu. Subs not used: Ward, Owusu. Goals: Novakovich (14), Fridjonsson (79)

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THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Captain Kingsbeer helps Winnersh double win tally By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Players from Hurst Reserves and Harchester Hawks challenge for the ball during Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash in Division 4 Pictures: Vivienne Johnson Referee Ben Wiltshire reduces Hurst to 10 men

Gibbons enjoys one of his two goals during the 4-0 triumph

Above: Harchester defender Ethan Wells (left) closes down an opponent

Dan Leather (No.7) makes the tackle

Harchester score again

CAPTAIN Adam Kingsbeer, Jason Palmer and Daniel Watkiss were all on target for a Winnersh Rangers side which doubled its win tally for the season at Sol Joel Park. The hosts were 3-1 victors over AFC Corinthians in Division 1. Daniel Huggins pulled a goal back for the away side. The result moves Rangers up to seventh in the standings, where they sit on six points from five games. A Daniel Pearson effort was all HURST had to show from their trip to Cookham Dean, who were 3-1 winners in the Premier Division. The villagers were beaten for a second successive match by strikes from Scott Jackson, twice, and George Bond. BERKS COUNTY, meanwhile, scored their fifth win of the season away at Newbury. Jonathan Gosnell’s 15th minute strike and an own goal 11 minutes later secured a 2-1 triumph. Newbury replied through Scott Bowers, but it was not enough. ASHRIDGE PARK are up and running in Division 2 after securing a point from a 2-2 draw at Marlow United Reserves. In avoiding a sixth straight loss, Park secured a share of the spoils thanks to goals from John Hughes and Rick Swiatek. They were, however, denied the win as Neil Austin and Arron Clarke notched for home side Marlow. SONNING, though, were no match for Goring United, who left Pound Lane celebrating a 4-1 success. In condemning their hosts to a third reverse in five outings, Toby Briggs, Matthew Ploszynski, John Ramsay and Richard Skidmore all found the back of the net for United. Sonning’s goal was scored by Clive Akem-Che. BARKHAM ATHLETIC continue to languish in midtable following a heavy 5-0 defeat to FC Imaan Lions at Cantley Park. The Lions led by just the one goal at half-time, which was struck by Ben Lyden, but a second-half Athletic collapse saw the away side run riot. Usman Tariq, substitute Sean Stanbridge and Aqeel Butt, twice, all notched as Imaan ran out comfortable winners. The local result of the day in the division, however, belonged to WARGRAVE, who ended a run of defeats

Harchester’s Callum Gibbons (No.5) celebrates a goal

by hitting three goals without reply at Woodcote Stoke Row Reserves. John Rimmer, Shaun Kitzinger and replacement Thomas Bray helped the side to just a second win of the campaign. FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES maintained their unbeaten start in Division 3 in some style, thrashing TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE 5-1. And there were five different scorers for the hosts, who secured the points through Matthew Linehan, James Payne, Nicholas Payne, Alex Woodhead and Liam Yelland. Aaron Carter popped up with a goal for visiting Twyford in just the 15th minute, but it would prove to be scant consolation for the Division’s bottom club. The win for Finchampstead, a fourth of the term, keeps the third-place side within touching distance of early pacesetters SRCC and White Eagles. WOODLEY UNITED A played out a six-goal thriller with AFC Aldermaston Reserves, for whom Steven Francis, Nerere Skeete and Carmel Tonna were on target. Tom Barratt, Nathan Bingham and Alex Ray though, ensured United of a point. Daniel Tegg added his name to the list of goalscorers when WARGRAVE RES took on Baughurst AFC in an early-season basement battle. His effort would prove to be nothing more than consolation as a Neil King hat-trick kept the points in West Berkshire. The result saw the two teams swap places in the standings. HARCHESTER HAWKS have opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Division 4 standings following a

thumping 4-0 victory at closest rivals HURST RESERVES. Callum Gibbons and Dan Leather had the Hawks 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes, and there was to be no looking back for the Earley side. Gibbons doubled his tally for the afternoon on 65 minutes before Gareth Turk came off the bench to wrap up the scoring 10 minutes from time. Hurst, who were tasting defeat for just the second time in 2015/16, also had a man sent off during this top-of-the-table clash. A local derby between WOODLEY UNITED ‘B’ and SONNING SPORTS in Division 5 went the way of the visitors. In what was also a third playing fourth fixture, second-half strikes from Daniel Fletcher and Kevin Pitt secured a 2-0 win for the Sports. An own goal was not enough to stop BERKS COUNTY FC RESERVES from slipping to a 2-1 reverse on home soil against The Hop Leaf, who took the points. CUP ROUND-UP CHRISTIAN BROOKER led the scoring with a brace of goals as Berks County Reserves breezed through to the quarter-finals of the Berkshire Trophy Centre Junior Cup. Joshua Stefanini, Ben Harris, Connor Banks and Mike Shields also scored during the 6-1 demolition job of Baughurst AFC Reserves at the John Nike Stadium. Jake Thain’s effort was scant consolation for the visitors. Reward for the win is a last-eight tie with either AFC Corinthians Reserves or Hurst Reserves.

FOOTBALL EXTRA

READING SUNDAY LEAGUE

Arran and Neal net, but United beaten Tallentire returns to Bracknell after Pennicott-Bowen is axed GOALS from Arran Wells and Neal Robinson proved to be nothing more than consolation for a Woodley United side beaten 5-2 by Roebuck in the Premier Division. Losing the Timber brothers Chris, James and Rob to injury meant Woodley finished the fixture with just nine men. But the contest did not start great for the side, either, with Roebuck winning a penalty in just the third minute. ‘Keeper Stephen Brearley saved the spot kick, however, the referee noticed an infringement and ordered a re-take, which was this time slammed into the roof of the net.

The opposition doubled their lead midway through the half from the edge of the box, but were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time when Ryan Kinsgbeer saw red for violent conduct. United, though, were unable to capitalise after the break and fell further behind, although they were not helped by the mounting number of injuries. They did close the gap through fine strikes from Wells and Robinson, but Roebuck held out to take the points. n Woodley are in Tilehurst Charity Cup action this weekend, where they are away at Whitley Tavern. Kick-off is 10.30pm.

MARK TALLENTIRE has returned to the Bracknell Town hot-seat, replacing Keith Pennicott-Bowen. The latter was relieved of his duties on Monday evening after a poor run of results left the Robins languishing in 19th position in the Hellenic Premier Division. This was after guiding Town to their highest-ever finish in the league last term upon replacing the axed Ed Carpenter. And the club were swift to secure his successor, with former Binfield and Burnham manager Tallentire picking up

the reigns he once held some 15 years ago. A former Bracknell player under Steve McClurg, Mark and brother Clive jointly took on the role of manager in 1999-2000 and remained in charge until 2001. During this time the pair took Town to the first round proper of the FA Cup, where they were beaten 4-0 by Lincoln City, then of the Football League. Since then Tallentire has gone on to take local rivals Binfield into Step Five football, winning countless trophies in the process. Chris Day, Bracknell chairman, said: “Mark Tallentire is a proven manager at

this level of football and is exactly what we need. “He matches the ambition of the club and we hope his appointment generates a positive buzz around the club and can drive up attendances.” Tallentire will take charge of the club for the first time at Longlevens tomorrow. Responsibility on Tuesday night, however, belonged to first-team coach Lee Simpson, who saw Shane Cooper-Clark score twice in a 3-1 basement battle victory at Abingdon United. Dan Money was also on target.

38 | SPORT

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Finch Rob-bed of top spot as Boyd wins it for ‘Port Holyport 1 Finchampstead 0

FINCHAMPSTEAD’S five-game winning streak and stay at the top of the table is over after a Rob Boyd goal saw the side beaten at Summerleaze. Boyd settled the contest in the 36th minute, arrowing a shot into the far corner of Tom Bryant’s net following a fine counter attack by the hosts, with Adam Wyatt providing the assist. Finchampstead made the short trip to east Berkshire in the buoyant mood that a run of wins brings, and they went Adam Barnard (right) saw close early on through an several chances go begging Adam Barnard free-kick, but the captain off target. was unable to trouble Kyle Bradley in the Chances for Holyport to double their Holyport goal. lead included a header and a strike which At the opposite end, it needed a bounced back off the crossbar, but it was well-timed tackle from Sam Green to the away side who continued to do the deny Norbut Avery a shot on target as majority of the pressing. the hosts began asking questions of their Up next in the search of an equaliser own. was Daniel Blatchford, who too failed The next opportunities all went the to find a way past former Finch No.1 way of the visitors, but in-form Greg Bradley. Alexander was unable to convert with a Now laying siege on the hosts shot from the edge of the box. goal, Freddie Barron and replacement They went even closer from a corner Luke Axton-Hall were prevented with won following good link-up play between opportunities to score, but both failed to Danny Wing and Freddie Barron down hit the target. the left, with Bradley dropping the ball With 10 goals from his previous nine which was whipped into the box. games, Alexander was always going to be Finches, though, were unable to a danger in the final third. capitalise, with the shot-stopper quickly And his chance to keep up this rich catching the ball as it popped back up. vein of form arrived late on, but his strike Both teams then traded chances to was to sum up Finches’ day, missing from break the deadlock; Avery flashing a close range as Jon Laugharne’s men were free-kick past a post before Barnard was resigned to just a third reverse of the unable to net from close range. season. The time for cancelling each other out, But with Penn and Tylers Green though, was to end soon after with Boyd thrashing Wantage Town Reserves 6-1, shooting across Bryant for a 1-0 lead Holyport would hold going into the break. Finchampstead drop a place to second in the standings. The two sides continued to have a The club, though, will be looking good go at one another in the second half. to make it six wins on the bounce at Wing saw his goal-bound effort the Memorial Ground tomorrow when palmed over the bar by Bradley, as Chalfont Wasps are the visitors. Barnard tried his luck once more, this time driving an effort straight into the arms of the ‘keeper. Gavin Rolls, a substitute for Swabey, was next to go close, but was narrowly

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Marlow hit five and dump Woodley out of the Cup Woodley United 1 Marlow 5 CONCEDING four first half goals saw Woodley United crash out of the Southern Region Women’s League Cup following a heavy reverse to rivals Marlow. Abi Canvin broke the deadlock in the eighth minute – only for United’s Jess Grimmett to tie up the scoring via an upright not long after. A good spell of Woodley pressure followed, but Rhea James struck from distance to restore the visitors’ lead and the floodgates opened, with Natalie Barrette and Grainne McNally taking the scoring to 4-1 on the stroke of half time. Grimmett shaved the crossbar after the break, but Canvin wrapped up the scoring four minutes from time with her second goal of the game. United return to league action on Sunday, hosting Milton Keynes City (2pm).

FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Wing, Callaway, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, J.Wright (Axton-Hall), Swabey (Rolls), Alexander, Blatchford. Sub not used: Winship.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 30, 2015

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Limbu scores a brace but United are stung by Wasps Chalfont Wasps 4 Woodley United 2

A RUPEN LIMBU double secured United’s first goals in three games – but it could not steer the side away from a third straight defeat. Boss Jock Mowat handed Graham High a first start of the season at right back, with Kris Hemmings also making his first appearance of the campaign. The centre-back, though, would finish the fixture in goal after ‘keeper Harry Stiff picked up a knee injury. Despite the changes, the visitors almost fell behind inside the opening 10 seconds at The Playing Fields. Winger Simon Dent was sent on his way down the right, but his cross into the box was scooped up by Stiff and the danger was averted. Chalfont were the team on top during the early exchanges, with High getting in the way of a Danny Gray effort from a tight angle on the left in another chance for the hosts. Yet from their next attack of note, the Wasps took the lead. Breaking the deadlock was Gray, who beat Stiff when turning home a ball from out on the right. In searching for an equaliser, Woodley’s Matt Leigh saw his inviting cross from the byline evade all United players in the box, while Limbu had the ball taken off his toe by Paul Hyde when presented with a sight of goal by Sam Skehan. The away side’s work, however, was made that bit harder just past the half-hour mark when Fred Tripp struck twice within the space of a minute to put Chalfont 3-0 ahead. His first goal of the afternoon came when burying a ball played in from the right before latching on to a threaded pass through the middle and confidently beating Stiff just seconds later. The striker almost competed a hat trick on 40 minutes, but his well-executed volley crashed back off the crossbar. Although rocked by the two strikes and almost conceding a fourth, all was not lost for United, who would grab themselves a lifeline on the stroke of half time when Limbu fired into an empty

Rupen Limbu’s (right) two-goal salvo proved to be nothing more than consolation for beaten United Picture: Peter Toft

net after a blocked Skehan effort kindly dropped his way. Not only did the break allow Woodley to regroup, but reshuffle the pack – although it was an enforced one with Stiff unable to play any further part. The shot-stopper was replaced by Tim Green, with Hemmings picking up the gloves and captain Connor Creegan dropping into the centre of defence. Green, therefore, slotted into the midfield alongside Fraser Mowat and Mark Ingram. The changes appeared to benefit the side, who began the second half with a sense of purpose. And a chance would fall the way of Green, but the replacement could not keep his header down when meeting a cross from Leigh. Hemmings, though, was soon called into action, thwarting Dent and gathering up the rebound. Up the other end and the deficit was nearly halved when Leigh saw his set piece turned onto his own bar by a Wasps player. Woodley were now on top. With Ingram pulling the strings, the guests were outplaying their opponents in all areas of the pitch. But they could not make the pressure count, Ryan Szram firing wide before

being withdrawn for Adam King. Temporarily losing defender Matt Brookling for treatment to a knock, however, was to put paid to any comeback. This is because Chalfont made the extra man count; a superb through ball found Dent, who out-muscled his marker before supplying a cool finish. The scoreline was perhaps a touch harsh on Woodley, who had shown more grit and determination after the break, although they did reduce the arrears once more when Limbu pinged a free-kick into the top corner of Jamie Hill’s net from 25 yards. WOODLEY UNITED: Stiff (Green), High, Leigh, Ingram, Hemmings, Brookling, Szram (King), Creegan, Mowat (Wareing), Skehan, Limbu. Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L F A Pts Penn & Tylers Green 9 7 1 1 33 6 22 Finchampstead 11 6 2 3 18 10 20 Headington Ama 9 5 2 2 15 8 17 Henley Town 9 5 1 3 25 16 16 Rayners Lane 8 4 1 3 18 12 13 Holyport 7 4 0 3 14 15 12 Bicester Town 8 3 3 2 14 16 12 Didcot Town Res’ 9 3 2 4 15 20 11 Chalfont Wasps 5 3 1 1 12 8 10 Chinnor 7 3 1 3 14 11 10 Wantage Town Res’ 11 3 1 7 17 29 10 Woodley United 9 2 1 6 10 21 7 Old Woodstock Town 7 2 0 5 5 19 6 Reading Town 7 0 0 7 7 26 0

CUP FOOTBALL

Griffiths provides the Matt finish to secure Eversley a fine comeback win Eversley and California 3 Walton Casuals 2

EVERSLEY are through to the next round of the Southern Combination Cup after Matt Griffiths sealed a fine comeback victory at Fox Lane. The Boars started the tie well and went close on four minutes when Brad Smith was played in, only to fire wide. Ryman League side Walton, however, soon had a firm grip on the game as Scott Day and Liam Collins pounced to give the Surrey side a 2-0 lead inside the opening 13 minutes. Eversley were now facing the possibility of crashing out of the competition via a heavy defeat. But Neville Roache’s men were up for the fight, although the side did lose ‘keeper Louis Hoptroff to injury midway through the half.

He was replaced by Adrian Giles. Although failing to trouble the Casuals’ defence before the break, Eversley did manage to breach the threshold soon after when Matt Stamp crossed for Smith to half the arrears. And just six minutes later the latter tied up the scoring, turning home a Cameron Blackie free-kick with his head. Momentum was now with the Combined Counties Division 1 side, and Smith was in to score again not long after, but the celebrations for a 3-2 lead were cut short by a linesman’s flag. With nothing to separate the two teams after 90 minutes, the contest went into extra time, where only a fine stop from Giles prevented Luke Medley from

putting the away side back in front. Yet with the half time interval approaching, Griffiths found himself in sight of goal, and the forward used his experience to finish coolly and put Eversley in front for the first time in the match. Walton duly cranked up the pressure during the final 15 minutes, but the opposition defended doggedly – none more so than when William Neville (pictured) made a last-ditch tackle to stop the guests from equalising late on.

EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA: Hoptroff (Giles), Webb, Massaquai, Osler, Neville, Lynch, B.Smith, Stamp, Griffiths, Blackie, Medford, Kiesel, Sayer, Elmore.

Eversley can return to the league summit with a win over Frimley Green on

home soil (3pm). The two teams met in Aldershot Senior Cup on Tuesday night, where Eversley booked their place in round three following a 5-3 victory at Fox Lane. Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F CB Hounslow United 11 9 1 1 23 Eversley & California 11 9 0 2 36 Worcester Park 11 8 1 2 35 Bedfont & Feltham 8 7 1 0 23 Staines Lammas 12 6 1 5 27 Abbey Rangers 11 6 1 4 17 Sandhurst Town 11 5 2 4 23 Cobham 11 5 1 5 24 Frimley Green 8 4 1 3 10 Epsom Athletic 12 4 1 7 21 Dorking 10 4 0 6 15 Banstead Athletic 9 3 2 4 15 Dorking Wand Res 11 2 3 6 10 Ash United 10 2 2 6 16 Sheerwater 10 2 1 7 15 Farleigh Rovers 11 2 1 8 8 South Park Reserves 11 1 1 9 11

A Pts 5 28 14 27 12 25 5 22 17 19 13 19 28 17 25 16 10 13 35 13 16 12 19 11 20 9 25 8 26 7 34 7 25 4

Friday, October 30, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

HELLENIC PREMIER LEAGUE

Improved Sumas avoid the Flack despite another loss Wokingham and Emmbrook 1 Flackwell Heath 3

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk ENCOURAGED was the verdict of Dan Bateman after his Wokingham side slipped to defeat against league leaders Flackwell Heath on Tuesday night. Despite the reigning Premier Division champions condemning the Sumas to a 14th loss in 16 league games, the joint boss saw no reason to be downbeat given the performance produced by his charges. Bateman said: “Their (Flackwell) manager came to me after the game and said how the hell are you bottom of the league? “It was a much better performance from the lads and we had a couple of new players in the squad who have done really well and have given us some fresh ideas. “We gave away a sloppy goal just before half time which made it 2-0 and they caught us out as we were pushing for an equaliser and they went and made it 3-1 in injury time. “I’m disappointed to lose but really pleased with the effort. They have got some real quality in that side and are the best in the league, but we put in a good performance.” The two new faces named in the starting line-up by Bateman and fellow manager Dan Eggleston at the Investec Perpetual Triangle needed no introduction to the Wokingham faithful. Sam Whiting, who left the club upon its voluntary demotion to Division 1 East back in 2013, has rejoined from Southern League outfit Fleet. While on the morning of the match it was also announced Josh Pearson had completed the switch from league rivals Binfield. And the midfielder, who has spent spells with Badshot Lea and the Moles since his last stint with Wokingham and Emmbrook, marked his return with a goal, cutting the deficit early in the second half directly from a corner. This was after Dan Rapley and Jon Bennett had fired the Heatherns into a 2-0 lead. The goal would prove to be nothing more than consolation for a side who fell further adrift at the foot of the table

Josh Pearson marked his return to Wokingham and Emmbrook with a goal Pictures: Andrew Merritt

following Bracknell Town’s 3-1 win at Abingdon United on the same night, with James Harding sealing the win late on. But Bateman believes their involvement is already showing benefits, adding how the duo can give the side a real lift. “I have been speaking to them over the past seven days, but they needed little persuasion to be honest,” added the manager. “Both have come through the youth section here and I was proud with both of their attitudes – they don’t care we are bottom of the league and want to help us get out of that position. “These are players with that extra bit of quality and goal threat we need. “We have been trying to get players in over the past few weeks and now we have got two in, and you can tell it is already affecting the rest of the squad, because they know their shirt is now not safe, so it has been a boost for the team and it produced a better performance.” Both teams ended the fixture on Tuesday with 10 men, with the red cards shown for exactly the same offence – dissent. Given his marching orders for the hosts was Jordan Rowland late on, and while disappointed to now lose the player to a suspension, Bateman could understand the defender’s frustrations. He said: “It happens. “The referee sent off one of their players earlier for the same offence, so he

had already set the precedent and there was no way he was going to not send Jordan off. “Football is a passionate game and unfortunately it has got the better of both, but I don’t think either player should have been sent off.” Wokingham put their league struggles to one side tomorrow when making the short trip to Hartley Wintney of the Combined Counties League for a first round proper tie in the FA Vase (3pm). WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Rowland, Day (c), Parsons (Broadhurst), Pearson, Rushforth, Whiting, Scope, S.Bateman, Payne (Duffelen) Subs not used: Carter, McNelly, Eggleston.

BRETT JAMES scored twice for a Tuffley Rovers side which heaped yet more misery on the struggling Sumas. Jordan Fletcher and Niall Morgan also netted for the hosts at Glevum Park. For bottom-side Wokingham, the result represented a 15th loss in 17 Hellenic Premier Division games this term, but the trip to Gloucester was difficult for more reasons than one. Stuck in traffic on the M4 resulted in the kick-off time being pushed back by 15 minutes, although not all the squad made it for the start. And, as a result, Tom McNelly began the afternoon in goal, with joint-manager Matt Eggleston starting in defence. The patched-up side were under the cosh from the start too, with Glenn Gittins twice going close for Rovers with headers.

Wokingham, though, had a chance of their own on 12 minutes, but ‘keeper Aaron Taylor was equal to Elliott Rushforth’s strike, which he palmed away. Visiting No.1 Sean Woodward had now arrived and took up his place between the posts, with Eggleston withdrawing from the action and McNelly moving to centre-half. And he was soon called into action, tipping a Fletcher header away for a corner as Tuffley upped the ante. Woodward also thwarted James following a surging run, but on the stroke of half time he was beaten; Fletcher lashing the ball into the top corner when set up by Morgan. The goal was enough to put another dent in the away side’s fragile confidence, which would be shattered even further just minutes after the break. Morgan, having collected a pass from Warren Mann, doubled the lead with

Johnson and Howell at the double as Binfield win again on the road Oxford City Nomads 0 Binfield 4

JEMEL JOHNSON and Josh Howell both scored twice for a Binfield side which racked up a sixth win in seven games on the road this season. All four goals came during a devastating opening 45 minutes produced by the away side. Two of these arrived with barely five minutes on the clock and went to Johnson (pictured), who latched on to a Carl Withers pass and finished well past Christian Lawrence in the Nomads’ goal to break the deadlock. The striker’s determination would double the lead shortly after; Johnson charging down Lawrence’s attempted clearance, which resulted in the player going on to tap into an empty net. Johnson was also heavily involved in the away side extending their lead further on 30 minutes, with the third arriving from the penalty spot. He played in James Knight, who was sent crashing to the ground inside the box by Liam Talboys. The collision looked more of a tangle of legs, yet the referee pointed to the spot, while Talboys was also dismissed for the challenge.

Responsibility from 12 yards belonged to Howell, who would make no mistake in netting a second penalty in three games. The winger then went on to end the game, as a contest, five minutes before the break, cracking home a volley on the rebound after Danny Horscroft saw his initial shot charged down. Binfield continued to lay siege on the City goal after the break, and only the fingertips of Lawrence denied Aaron Rowland a fifth, with the keeper impressively diverting the ball on to the crossbar. In searching for the hat-trick, Howell saw one attempt foiled by Lawrence before shaving a post with another from a free-kick some 25 yards out. Oxford, however, did have chances of their own to take something from the fixture, but ‘keeper Nathan Silver palmed one chance away, with defender Jack Gibbs blocking a second as the guests secured both the three points and a clean sheet. The Moles will be looking to preserve their fine run on the road when travelling to Milton United tomorrow (3pm). BINFIELD: Silver, Walton, Luis (c), Leonetti (Carlisle), Gibbs, Withers, Howell (Brown), Rowland, Knight (Dean), Johnson, Horscroft.

Hill Farm pain: Dugmore and Lynn send Moles crashing to home defeat Binfield 0 Thame United 2

a combination of Hercules and Dugmore managed to divert the attempt away F A Pts from goal. 56 26 41 And the miss would prove pivotal, as FIRST-HALF goals from Nick Dugmore 48 19 38 just five minutes later Thame were two and David Lynn resigned Binfield to 32 21 36 goals to the good. 41 15 34 another frustrating afternoon at Hill In similar circumstances to their 37 17 33 Farm Lane. opener, Silver did well to clear a 38 22 33 From the possible 27 points up 27 16 30 cross via a punch, but the ball for grabs on home soil to date 24 17 29 was quickly recycled and this term, the Moles have 33 28 28 lofted back towards the picked up just 12, which 28 17 27 far post, where Lynn was is some contrast to their 26 27 25 this time unchallenged efforts on the road, which 26 35 20 and headed home. have yielded 12 from 15. 23 28 18 Binfield almost went 27 36 15 Changes to the starting 19 31 14 in at the break trailing XI from the one which Nathan Silver had a 23 53 14 by just the one goal, but secured a 2-2 draw with 19 41 13 busy afternoon an Alex Luis free-kick was Bracknell Town the Monday 25 55 11 blocked and the rebound before saw Reid Brown replace 19 31 10 swallowed up by Farrow. Jack Broome at right back, while the 15 51 4 Yet they could have also been 3-0 player who salvaged that late point, Jack down too, but Ben Gray failed to connect Gibbs, was handed his first start for the with a Luke Ricketts pass across goal club in midfield. But the hosts found themselves and Silver was at full stretch to keep out a tidy finish before James opened his on the back foot from the off, Thame Callum Evans’ follow-up effort. account for the afternoon in confident winning a corner and then a second flag The hosts rallied after the break, but fashion. The hosts were now laying siege kick when Ellis Hercules burst through failed to create the clear-cut opportunity on the opposition’s goal with James on goal only to be denied by Binfield needed to breach a Thame side which again going close before the same player ‘keeper Nathan Silver. looked comfortable throughout. completed the scoring on 66 minutes. The home side cleared their lines Josh Howell, though, was looking Played in by Tristan Haswell, the player from the set-piece, but the ball was a threat, twice firing at Farrow before slipped past his marker and rolled a shot quickly pumped back into the box, flashing a centre across the face of goal beyond Woodward and into the corner. where an unmarked Dugmore had the which unfortunately evaded any red Wokingham and Emmbrook did create simple task of nodding into an empty shirts in the box. a chance to grab a consolation – but not net. The opposition were always a danger before a smart Woodward stop prevented Binfield duly went in search of going forward, and one such foray saw Stuart Griffith from hitting a fifth. an equaliser, but Carl Withers saw a Ricketts skip past Silver and bear down The opportunity fell to Scope, who powerful effort charged down, with on goal. This time, however, it was Reid showed his marker a clean pair of heels as United shot-stopper Lee Farrow rarely Brown and captain Luis scrambling back he raced towards goal. tested as his defence won the aerial to hook the ball to safety. Unfortunately for the striker, Rovers’ battles. Binfield would continue to enjoy stopper Taylor had spotted the danger, The home side carved up arguably plenty of possession, but ran out of time racing off his line to close the gap and their best chance to level the scores on and ideas, meaning a sixth home loss of deny Scope in the process. 20 minutes. the campaign was the outcome. WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: McNelly, Farrow made a complete hash of BINFIELD: Silver, R.Brown, Luis (c), Leonetti, Carter, Rowland, Eggleston (Woodward), Day his clearance, which saw Brad Brown M.Walton (Rowland), Withers (Suarez), Howell, (c), Giles, Payne, Wheeler (Scope), S.Bateman, Knight, Johnson, B.Brown, Gibbs (Horscroft). attempt to steal in – he did just that, but Rushforth, Sargeant. Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 17 13 2 2 Thatcham Town 15 12 2 1 Ascot United 19 11 3 5 Highworth Town 16 11 1 4 Kidlington 15 10 3 2 Highmoor-Ibis 18 10 3 5 Brimscombe & Thrupp 15 9 3 3 Thame United 16 9 2 5 Oxford City Nomads 17 9 1 7 Binfield 15 8 3 4 Longlevens AFC 17 8 1 8 Royal Wootton Bassett 16 6 2 8 Lydney Town 16 4 6 6 Tuffley Rovers 16 4 3 9 Milton United 18 3 5 10 Abingdon United 19 4 2 13 Ardley United 17 4 1 12 Brackley Town Saints 18 3 2 13 Bracknell Town 14 2 4 8 Wokingham 18 1 1 16

A Tuff afternoon for Wokingham as James bags a brace Tuffley Rovers 4 Wokingham and Emmbrook 0

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Royals rocked by news injury will rule Tshibola out until New Year

Aaron Tshibola picked up “a really nasty injury” during Reading’s defeat at Fulham Picture: Vivienne Johnson

AARON TSHIBOLA is set to be ruled out until the new year with an ankle injury. The youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Reading midfield but picked up a knock during the defeat at Fulham which looks like adding him to the list of long-term absentees. Royals are already without Hal Robson-Kanu (ankle) and Stephen Quinn (knee), leading Steve Clarke to admit losing Tshibola too comes as a huge disappointment. “Aaron picked up a really nasty injury at the end of the game at the Cottage,” explained the manager. “We are waiting on the specialist report but it doesn’t look good and it looks as though he will be out for a number of weeks, possibly running into months. “It’s terrible news for him and also a

big blow for the squad because he’s been a key member of the squad this year.” Tshibola, 20, enjoyed a successful spell on loan at League Two Hartlepool United last season and came straight into Clarke’s plans for the first game of this campaign with a start on the opening day against Birmingham City. He has since gone on to play on 14 more occasions and the captain Paul McShane says he has been impressed with the academy product. “It’s disappointing for us and Aaron,” he said. “Every time he’s played he’s been very good. “I didn’t know Aaron before I came in. He’s really impressed me and this is part of the game. “He will be disappointed but I think now he will focus on his rehab and come back a bigger and stronger player.”

RENOWNED FOR OUR STEAKS

FOOTBALL

As Sumas put league struggles aside for FA Vase clash, Bateman says...

‘Give us something to shout about’ By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk DAN BATEMAN has challenged his Wokingham and Emmbrook squad to “give the club and fans something to shout about” when they travel to Hartley Wintney in the FA Vase tomorrow (3pm). A difficult season for the Sumas continued on Tuesday night when the side fell to a 3-1 defeat against Hellenic Premier Division leaders and reigning champions Flackwell Heath, resulting in the team suffering a 14th reverse in 16 league games. And because of results elsewhere on the same night, Wokingham and Emmbrook now find themselves cut further adrift at the foot of the table. However, all but one of the club’s victories this term have come in cup competitions, and league matters will be put to one side when Bateman and fellow joint manager Matt Eggleston take their charges to Hartley of the Combined Counties Premier Division for this first round proper clash. The two teams met back in pre-season, where Wokingham triumphed by the odd goal in nine at Cantley Park, but both have gone on to endure contrasting seasons thus far. And with Hartley Wintney sitting second in their respective competition and yet to taste defeat in the league this season – winning all 10 games – Bateman is under no illusions of the task his players will face in Hampshire. However, buoyed by an improved performance in midweek, the boss wants his players to try and give both the club and its suffering supporters something to smile about. He said: “Looking at the draw I don’t think we could have got a harder tie.

“(Hartley Wintney) have won 10 out of 10 in the league and have had a great run in the FA Cup, but competition football is all about the best team on the day. “Okay, we have had a dreadful start to the season, and they might look upon that favourably, but we can easily go there and cause a surprise. “I am still expecting a tough game, but we are looking forward to it. “We are a team under pressure in the league, but we put that to one side on Saturday. “Hopefully we can go there and give something back to the club and the fans and give them something to shout about.” Bateman and Eggleston gave their depleted squad a much-needed injection earlier this week with the signings of Sam Whiting and Josh Pearson from Fleet and Binfield respectively - two players who started out with the Sumas’ youth section before going on to turn out for the first team, only to move on to new challenges in recent times. Although Pearson is cup tied on Saturday, Bateman explained how both are up for the fight, praising their “brilliant attitudes”. And in another boost for Wokingham and Emmbrook, defender James Charlton will make his return from a lengthy injury lay off tomorrow, with Jake Butler and Dan Collier also set to play a part in the game having recovered from knocks. “With these three coming back we are getting closer to having our strongest 16,” added Bateman. “This is the 16 we should expect to have every week. “We have been really struggling for numbers this season, but we are now

Dan Bateman is expecting a tough afternoon at in-form Hartley Wintney Picture: Vivienne Johnson

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Visit us and ﬁnd out just how good our food is! starting to come through that and getting players back from injury and those who have not played a lot due to work commitments and stuff are also becoming more available, but we will stick to our guns and do things the right way. “If we do that I’ve no doubt we will start picking up points and climbing the table.” Work and family commitments, however, have unfortunately resulted in both long-serving player Nick

Bateman and Chris Yeatman having to quit the game indefinitely. Although admitting it is a blow to lose “two good guys” Bateman explained how both players leave on good terms and will be welcomed back to the club should they wish to return in the future. n FOR more local football news, turn to pages 38 and 39. Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Newbury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW . © Xn Media Ltd, 2015

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