The Wokingham Paper, October 9, 2015 by The Wokingham Paper

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Locked out of ‘village green’ Limmerhill fenced off as fight goes on for community status PAGE 4

Quitters wanted. Apply within Superheroes take on the evil weed p17

Friday, October 9, 2015 No. 25

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

TALK

Coram Boy author to visit Woodley TO MARK Black History Month, Woodley Library will host a special meet the author event next week. Jamila Gavin, the author of Coram Boy, will talk about her written work and how multiculturalism has influenced her work. Published in 2000, the awardwinning book tells the story of a boy saved from an African slave ship and another who is the heir to a rich estate. It was adapted for the stage in 2005, also winning awards. As part of our Black History Month programme, Jamila will visit Woodley next Thursday. Places must be booked for the event which runs from 6.30pm to 8pm.  For more details or to book, call the library on 0118 969 0304.

Andrea Palfalvi and Darren Prevett opened new Peach Street gym Anytime Fitness last week, and have already signed up happy members Pictures: Paul King

FITNESS

New gym is now open

COMMUNITY

Parish Council looking for grant applications

THE latest addition to Wokingham’s high street was given a warm welcome last week. Anytime Fitness in Peach Street, a 24-hour gym run by owners Andrea Palfalvi and Darren Prevett, threw open its doors for the ﬁrst time on Thursday, October 1, and handed out goody bags to the ﬁrst members. Featuring the latest cardio and weight-training equipment, members can access the gym via their own security key 24-hours a day, seven days a week, with the centre staffed between 10am and 7pm during the week, 10am and 6pm on Saturdays, and

SHINFIELD Parish Council is now accepting grant applications for the 2015/16 financial year. Grants are available to organisations or charities serving the community as a whole take priority, and the purpose of the grant should be in the interests of, and bring direct benefit to, the parish or its inhabitants. Applications will be accepted until December 31.  For more information and to download an application form visit www. shinﬁeldparish.gov.uk, or visit the parish ofﬁce at the parish hall in School Green.

STOLEN

Bike thefts in borough BICYCLES have been stolen in two separate incidents in Wokingham and Wargrave. Between Friday, October 2)and Monday a bicycle that had been locked to a lamp post in Oxford Road, outside the train station, was stolen. In Wargrave between 7.30pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday, three bicycles were stolen, which had been locked together and placed under a cover on the driveway of a property in Victoria Road. A bicycle which had been locked around a large wooden post was stolen from another property in the same road. Anyone with any information should call 101.

CRIME

Earley home burgled

JEWELLERY, cash and a laptop were stolen from a house in Earley on Saturday. Between noon and 5.50pm, someone broke into the house in Wokingham Road by forcing a side door and windows. The entire house, including the loft, was searched and a laptop, cash and Asian gold jewellery was stolen. Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious during this time should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.

CAKES

Bake sale on Sunday

CAKES will be served after a church service on Sunday. Members of the All Saints

Fellowship will be serving the tasty treats after the 9.30am service. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Wokingham District Cancer Care Trust, based at Wokingham Hospital and the Fellowship’s cause of the year.

CHARITY

Loo twinned with Nepal

A TOILET in Beech Hill will be twinned with one in Nepal thanks to shoppers. The Village Shop, which runs out of St Mary’s Church, has been collecting tips from happy customers and has raised enough money to be able to twin the shop toilet with one in Nepal. The scheme, run by aid agency Tearfund, helps provide clean toilets in areas that previously haven’t had one. Sam Moore, the shop manager, noted in her church magazine: “Thank you to everyone who has given their change so generously.”

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

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

11am and 4pm on Sundays. Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Andrea said: “The ﬁrst week has gone really well, we have had lots of people coming in off the street to have a look around, and we have had lots of people sign up. “We were really pleased that the club was ready on time for the grand opening, it looks really good and we’ve been getting some really positive comments. “We want people to know we are now open so pop in and say hello!”  Visit www.anytimeﬁtness.co.uk and search for Wokingham.

CHORAL

Come and sing Bach

AN OPPORTUNITY to learn how to sing Bach’s motets will be coming later this month. The Reading Bach Choir is hosting the open workshop on Saturday, October 17. Starting at 10.30am, the day will give participants the chance to see Jesu Meine Freude and Komm Jesu Komm. Expert tuition will be given by the choir’s conductor, Mathew Hamilton and the day ends with an informal performance at 4.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to hear this performance, entry is £5. The cost for singers is £20, which includes music and tea and coffee.  For more details or to book a place log on to www.readingbachchoir.org.uk.

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CRIME

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

CAMPAIGN

Van stolen from driveway A RESIDENT in Wokingham was awoken by the sound of his own van being stolen last week. At around 1.30am on Thursday, October 1, the householder in Woodrow Drive was woken by the sound of an engine revving and tyres screeching. He looked out of the window to see his white transit van had been stolen. The offender had broken into the house by forcing the front door, damaging the lock, and stole the van’s keys from a box inside. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101. If you ever suspect a crime is in progress you should always call 999.

WEATHER

More than an inch of rain AROUND 30mm – more than an inch – of rainfall was recorded in the Wokingham area over the last three days. The Environment Agency (EA) are saying that river levels in the area are generally falling and are not expected to rise any further as a result of the rainfall over the last few days, and there are no Flood Alerts or Warnings in place. The weather forecast for the next few days is mostly dry with a small chance of some light showers. Members of the public are encouraged to be flood aware and sign up to the EA free flood warning service (www.gov. uk/flood) or to contact our Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

TALK

Wardrobe secrets of Edwardians AN OPPORTUNITY to explore the wardrobe of times gone by comes to Wokingham Library next week. Meredith Towne will give a special talk about Edwardian clothes at the Denmark Street venue on Wednesday. There will be costume presentations as part of the event. It starts at 2pm and runs for 90 minutes. Entry is £6. n For more details, call the library on 0118 978 1368.

Locked out – anger as popular beauty spot closed to walkers EXCLUSIVE

By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk RESIDENTS living near a popular Wokingham green space say they have been locked out – just as they are campaigning to get the land use changed to village green status. High fencing, barbed wire and gates locked by heavy duty padlocks now block access points to footpaths in Limmerhill, Wokingham, preventing people from walking on the land. The fences were erected around the 16-acre field on Friday, October 2, and handwritten signs say that the permissive footpath is closed for maintenance. It comes as local residents have been upping their fight for village green status for the land, situated between Woosehill and Barkham Road. Eighteen months ago members of Limmerhill Walking Group applied to Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to get footpaths crossing the field recognised as legal paths – it is thought they have been used for at least 40 years, if not longer. Following legal advice taken over the summer the request was changed to an application for village green status. A spokesperson for WBC said: “The land owner has responded to the application but we have not had time to consider the responses. At this stage we are still in the process of dealing with the application.” Lynn Forbes, a member of Limmerhill Walking Group who are co-ordinating the village green status application, said: “This week saw the closure of the footpath. It’s such a great loss to the community. It’s actually like a bereavement.

Have your say Tuesday 20th October 2015 You are invited to hear about our future plans to improve patient care for people in Wokingham. Join us and share your views on our plans to develop GP services in Wokingham to meet future needs.

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Barbed wire and fencing now prevents walkers from accessing the Limmerhill site. Signs suggest it could be a temporary restriction. Pictures: Paul King

“People would meet on the field and have great fun, then they were limited to the footpath and now that has gone. “It leaves a gaping chasm in our lives. Be it runners, cyclists, children riding their bikes to school and not least dog walkers. A great loss.” Local resident Edward Lane told The Wokingham Paper: “Limmerhill is a haven for flora and fauna in this increasingly choked and crowded urban area. “These unspoilt fields are free for anyone to use, for walking dogs, for children to play, for families to picnic or for us to simply savour the sounds sights and smells of countryside on our doorstep. The fields are the lungs of Wokingham. “If the closure of the Limmerhill field and footpaths is allowed to go ahead, everyone from Wokingham will lose. . “Green space is in short supply, and – to misquote Mark Twain – ‘they’re not making any more of it!’ “Let’s value beautiful natural amenities such as Limmerhill.” The site, previously used as farmland, has been

privately owned since 1992 and remained open until last year when it was sold to Monopro Ltd, based in Mayfair. There is now a tenant on the site, but we have been unable to track her down. To help fight its cause, Limmerhill Walking Group have launched an appeal to raise a fighting fund of £10,000 to pay for a barrister at a hearing relating to the land use. This will be heard under the Commons Act 2006 Section 15 (1). As we went to press last night, the fund had reached £6,550. Anyone interested in contributing to the fighting fund can do so on the LimmerhillVG crowdfunding page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/LimmerhillVG A spokesperson for Monopro declined to comment when contacted by The Wokingham Paper. n Limmerhill Walking Group will be running an awareness campaign in Wokingham Market Place on Saturday, October 24, between 10am and noon. As well as finding out more about the village green application shoppers can enjoy homemade cake and enjoy live music from a jazz band.

WOODLEY

TWYFORD

EMMBROOK

Carnival to join the wild, wild West

Bubbly launch for bathroom makeover

One Stop aims to be your first stop

ONE of the biggest events to take place in Woodley next summer is being officially launched on Tuesday. The Woodley Carnival Committee will be unveiling its Wild West theme at the carnival launch evening at the Oakwood Centre in Headley Road from 7pm. The committee will be sharing ideas and welcoming feedback on the plans for 2016’s carnival. Refreshments will be available on the evening. n To confirm your attendance email peter.jacobs@woodleycarnival.org.

A TWYFORD bathroom store will showcase the latest trends and technology at an open day next week. Fabulous Bathrooms, based on London Road, will hold the event on Thursday, October 15 from 9am to 8am. Tour maps of the showroom will be available and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the range. Visitors will be able to enjoy wine and nibbles and take part in a prize draw to win a Fortnum and Mason hamper and a bottle of

A WOKINGHAM Post Office has undergone a major makeover and will celebrate with a re-opening this Saturday. At noon, Wokingham Town Mayor councillor Philip Mirfin will cut the ribbon to the One Stop store on Reading Road. Facepainting and special offers will also be available and everyone is welcome to visit. Owner Sanjay Odedra said: “We have been trading here since 1988 and have received so much support from the local community and hope to continue for many

NEWS | 5

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

INQUEST 1

Fears epilepsy drug caused teen suicide

FOOTBALL

Royals ace Jake goes back to school

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A TEENAGE girl who was struggling with epilepsy took her own life by stepping in front of a high-speed train at Twyford station, an inquest heard on Wednesday. Jessica Ann Monks, 18, who lived in Medmenham, near Marlow, caught a train from Henley-on-Thames to Twyford on Saturday, January 24 this year. She was described by witnesses at the station as ‘appearing calm’ before stepping off the platform just before noon into the path of the oncoming train, which was travelling at around 80mph. A post-mortem examination found that Miss Monks died from multiple injuries, consistent with being hit by a train travelling at high speed. Coroner Peter Bedford heard extensive evidence from Miss Monks’ neurologist, Dr Arjune Sen, who had been monitoring her epilepsy and prescribed anti-convulsion drug zonisamide in January 2013, and altered the prescription from once daily to twice daily, while maintaining the same dosage, in November 2014. Mr Sen told the inquest that any changes in personality would be apparent ‘within the first six months’ of administering a new drug, and that Miss Monks had felt that zonisamide had been helping to control her seizures. Miss Monk’s parents Steven and Susan had become concerned that the drug had played a part in their daughter’s change of personality, as she had become ‘withdrawn’ and ‘tearful’ over the Christmas period. After taking an overdose of pills on January 9, Miss Monks was referred to psychiatrist Dr Arabella Norman-Nott, who also suspected zonisamide could be causal to Miss Monks’ low mood, and ordered her to be gradually weaned off the drug, but Miss Monks sadly took her own life only days later. When asked if anything could have been done differently in the days leading up to Miss Monks’ death

Jessica Ann Monks appeared calm before stepping in front of a high speed train at Twyford Station ealrier this year

which may have altered the outcome, Dr Norman-Nott replied: “I don’t think so, no.” Speaking at the packed-out inquest at Reading Town Hall, Mr and Mrs Monks said they felt their daughter had been ‘bounced around’ by three different healthcare organisations, owing to the fact that she lived in South Buckinghamshire, was treated at Wexham Park Hospital in Berkshire following her overdose, and was being monitored by Oxford Health. Since the tragedy, a clinic had been established to ensure better communication between the mental health and neurology departments within the organisations, which Mr Bedford was satisfied with. Speaking after the proceedings, Mrs Monks said: “Jessica was very intelligent, she had done really well in her A-levels and had been accepted to university to study law. She really wanted to be a lawyer, and had recently accepted a part-time job at a solicitor’s office. “She was a friendly girl, had lots of friends, she had everything to live for. We will just never know what was going through her mind that day.” Mr Bedford recorded a narrative verdict, stating that Miss Monks deliberately ended her life by placing herself in front of a high speed train.

Jake Cooper signs a photo for Oscar Crowley age 14 at the Forest School. His England shirt is on display in the school gym. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

READING Football Club’s ace centre-back Jake Cooper went back to school last week. The 20-year-old Jake was revisiting Forest School and meeting year seven pupils who are considering the Winnersh school as the next step in their academic career. “Sport is so good at this school,” said Jake. “The teachers really helped me, not only with my football but other areas of my life.” The Forest has a close relationship with Reading Football Club, London Irish Rugby Club and Finchampstead Cricket Club with boys from Reading FC Academy coming to the school to play sport and also study. Jake started his football career by playing football

for Forest School team when he was spotted by Reading Football Club and taken into their Academy. He graduated through Reading’s system playing for the under 18 and 21 teams until now he plays regularly in the ﬁrst team. Talking about encouragement in his life, as well as his ex-sports teacher, Mr Eagesham, Jake’s inspiration came from his own family; especially his father, Alan Cooper, who was also a footballer and played for Reading. Jake is noticing a difference playing for the ﬁrst team. “The intensity of play and also the speed and strength of the players is so much harder at this level”, he said. “You have to concentrate much harder when you play.”  Win a signed photo of Jake – Sport, p37

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

INQUEST 2

Tribunal anxiety sparked man’s death By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

bridge and heading to platform one, where he waited for 10 minutes before he was seen to step forward just as a high speed train was entering the station. Summing up the evidence, Mr Bedford said that Mr Gaines had led a “structured and ordered life”, he “played by the rules and did everything right”, which could explain why he reacted in such an “extreme” way to the conclusion of the misconduct hearing. Having reviewed all the evidence Mr Bedford concluded that Mr Gaines had taken his own life.

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A WOODLEY man who faced disciplinary action at work jumped in front of a train at Twyford station, an inquest heard on Tuesday. Matthew Gaines, 42, of Elwood Close, died on May 22 after stepping off platform one at Twyford Station, into the path of a high-speed service. Coroner Peter Bedford reported how Mr Gaines had been suspended from his job at an unnamed depot in Reading and had been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on the day he died. Union representative Sue Stevens, who worked with him for six years, said in a statement how Mr Gaines had appeared “anxious” when he had spoken to her in the days leading up to the hearing. Ms Stevens had offered to attend the hearing, which had been rescheduled from May 19, with Mr Gaines to offer support and advice. She said in a statement: “[Mr Gaines] liked order and structure in his life, and had never given cause Call usto today arrange Call today us today toarrange arrange toto arrange for concern during his employment until this point. CallCall us us today He was obviously anxious and concerned about thea freea a free initial consultation initial free initial consultation consultation a free initial consultation suspension.” Tel: 01256 584000 584000 At 1pm on Friday, May 22, Ms Stevens joined MrTel: 01256 Tel: 01256 584000 Call us today to arrange Tel: 01256 584000 Gaines at the hearing, attended by John Bickerton, Email:Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk info@kjsmith.co.uk aEmail: free initial consultation info@kjsmith.co.uk Email: part of the senior management of Mr Gaines’ team, Visit:info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk www.kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk Tel: 01256 584000 Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk which lasted around 50 minutes. Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Mr Bickerton said: “The hearing was emotionally Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk charged. Mr Gaines seemed stressed, and when the panel reconvened to deliver its statement, he got up and left the room.” According to Ms Stevens’ statement, Mr Gaines had told her “I can’t do this anymore” before running out of the depot. 26 London 26 London StreetStreet • Basingstoke • Basingstoke • RG21 • RG21 7PG 7PG The inquest heard how Mr Gaines made his wayOffices inOffices Henley in on Henley Thames, on Thames, Woodley, Woodley, Windsor, Windsor, Basingstoke, Basingstoke, Guildford &•London & London 26 London Street • Basingstoke • RG21 7PG 26 London • Basingstoke RG21 7PG Street • Street Basingstoke • RG21 Guildford 7PG to Reading railway station, where he was seen on 26 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 CCTV footage boarding a train to Twyford. He was seen again by CCTV at Twyford Station crossing the

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ROADS

Lower Earley Way roundabout closures WOKINGHAM Borough Council has issued a warning over roadworks currently taking place in Lower Earley. The Meldreth Roundabout project is coming to a conclusion and as a result faces road closures and traffic lights from tomorrow. Lower Earley Way will have traffic lights all day on Friday, October 9. The Council warns that motorists will need to allow more time if you are using this route during rush hour. Additionally, Lower Earley Way between Beeston Way and Rushey Way, will be closed overnight from 8pm to 6am on the nights of October 9, 12, 13, 14 to resurface the newly-designed junction. Access to Paddick Drive and Barn Croft Drive will remain for residents. This is the final phase of the scheme during the past few weeks to improve Meldreth Roundabout. The roundabout’s outline and levels have been adjusted for better speed management. Its central island has been made more visible to match other roundabouts along Lower Earley Way.

THEFT

Fishing equipment stolen

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

HONOUR

Abseiling Sarah scoops award for firefighting fundraising efforts By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A BERKSHIRE firefighter is celebrating after winning a national award for her work. Sarah Lewis scooped the Best Newcomer of the Year award at the Spirit of Fire Awards last Friday. The honour was presented to her by BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen, and was one of a series of awards that honour members of the fire community and the public, recognising acts of courage and bravery, as well as dedication to the Fire Fighters Charity. And, to make an extraordinary day even more special, before the ceremony Ms Lewis (pictured inset) was invited to a Downing Street reception, hosted by Greg Clark MP,

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Ms Lewis works for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. She joined them in November 2013, as a Service Coordinator with the goal of making it the leading fundraising fire service in the country. Thanks to the efforts of her and her team, a single town centre collection made almost £10,000, helping funds rise by 670% in a year. Royal Berkshire also won an award for its National Car Wash fundraising, moving from a total of £282 in 2013/14 to £15,963 in 2014/15.

And her personal dedication to the charity saw her take part in an abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. One of the runners-up in her category was colleague Andy Grist. A spokesperson for The Fire Fighters Charity, which organised the event, said: “Huge congratulations to Sarah and the runnersup for their exceptional dedication.” Awards were presented by comedian Russell Howard, actors Niamh McGrady, Bhasker Patel and John Partridge, sports presenter Diana Binks, TV gardener David Domoney

and Great British Bake Off contestant Mat Riley. Greg Clark MP, who organised the Downing Street reception, said: “I’ve been inspired by the accounts of self-sacrifice and dedication that the winners and nominees of this year’s Spirit of Fire awards have shown, both at individual incidents and in their support for the Fire Fighters Charity. “This charity provides world-class support and treatment for serving and retired firefighters, as well as their families, and it is in recognition of this that we continue to support its work. “I would like to congratulate all those involved in the awards, and to thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”

FISHING equipment was stolen from a garage in Sonning last week. Between Monday, September 28 and Sunday, October 4, someone broke into the garage in Glebe Gardens and stole the fishing equipment by cutting the locks. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101. If you ever suspect a crime is in progress you should always call 999.

MUSIC

CAREERS

But is it Art? Why, yes it is!

Fayre’s just the job

WORLD-RENOWNED jazz musician Art Themen will be giving a performance in Woodley later this month. Art Themen will be teaming up with the Ken McCarthy Trio for the night of music, which will take place at The Oakwood Centre on Saturday, October 17. Tickets cost £10 and the music starts at 7.45pm. n For more details, call the box office on 07939 210121.

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Councillor Parry Batth (left), was one of the many visitors to Wednesday’s Careers Fayre. Held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley, the event gave teenagers the chance to talk to potential employers and was a great success,

FAITH

Harvest celebration in Shinfield

A CHURCH will hold a harvest breakfast this Sunday and everyone is invited. Shinfield Baptist Church will meet in the village’s parish hall from 10am for the celebration service. Entry is free and the church will take a collection of food which will be donated to the Wokingham Foodbank. n For more details, log on to shinfieldbaptist.org.uk.

Your friendly, helpful and local sports shop

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Readers spot more Station Road wrong way drivers

SPORTS

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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TRAFFIC

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THERE have been more near misses at Station Road, as drivers are confused over changes to the road layouts. Last week, we revealed that four cars had been caught by reader Steve Ross’s dashboard camera – all had driven the wrong way up Station Road and were snapped in under 20 seconds. The road layout by Wokingham Station changed in the spring and Station Road changed from two way to one way. A large painted arrow on the road reveals that cars driving from Reading Road to the Station should turn left – but there is a lack of no entry signs so drivers can be confused. Wokingham Paper readers, commenting on our Facebook page, revealed that they too had encountered some near misses.

Ian Andrews, who saw two cars attempt to drive the wrong way up the one-way street, said: “The junction

isn’t clear and together with 99.9% of Sat Navs advising drivers to travel up Station Road, more thought should have been used. A simple painted ‘No Entry’ could save a head on crash and possibly a life.” Carol Bowers nearly had an accident as a car came towards her. She said: “[A] guy came speeding up the one way to try and do a sneaky turn into a side road. Luckily for him I was able to slam brakes on as the other lane was occupied and there was nowhere else to go.” A similar experience was encountered by Sian Davies, who revealed that someone tried to do a U-turn at Alderman Willey Close. She wrote: “We nearly had a headon with an idiot who did a U-turn after already overtaking us.” Dean Corcoran and Tessa Harris also saw vehicles make the same mistake.

Other readers called for cameras to be set up to catch drivers going the wrong way and fining them. However, not everyone was sympthatic. Mark Firmager said that “the arrow on the road tells you where you’ve got to go”, while Ian Jobson said that the arrow is “massive”. Last week, Wokingham Borough Counil’s executive member for highways, councillor John Kaiser, told the Wokingham Paper that the junction meets all safety requirements. “We will continue to monitor it to make any improvements over and above,” he added. n Have you seen people driving the wrong way up Station Road? Have you every driven up there by accident? Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk n Letters page 14

NEWS | 7

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CRIME

Thieves break into cars across the borough

Harry Miller (centre) leads the race from Jamie Pugh (left) and Daniel Arkell (right)

And we’re off! Happy faces at the start of the Girls Infant, Reception Y1 and Y2 1K race

CHARITY

Fun runners enjoy a day in the sun By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Jessica Rawlings crosses the line to win the Girls Infant, Reception Y1 and Y2 race

Lucy Mann (centre left) and Sophie Kirk (centre right) lead the way of the Girls 1k race

Sophie Kirk crosses the line to win the Young Junior Girls 1K race

TWYFORD enjoyed a day in the sun at the weekend as the village came together for a fun run. Twyford Village Partnership organised the familyfriendly event, which took place on Sunday on King George’s Field in the village. Everyone was able to join in the fun starting with a 100m toddle for pre-schoolers and 1km and 2km races for various age groups. Fun run co-ordinator Helen Ferguson told The Wokingham Paper: “We had over 400 runners and raised £3,500 for Twyford Charities Together at an event which was fantastic family fun especially as the sun shone and over 1000 villagers attended to support it. “The Scouts barbecued sausages and bacon breakfast baps for the early attenders and The Colleton primary school parents ran a refreshments stall selling out of their wonderful cakes. The Happy Hours preschool organised face painting and a bouncy castle to help their new classroom funds.” Local businesses sponsored the races, gave prizes and ran stalls on the day. For example, estate agent Mullie provided medals, water bottles and watches for every runner completing the 1km course. Waitrose and Tesco donated bananas and cereal bars to reward healthy runners. Piggott High school students were race stewards and parking attendants to keep everybody safe. Helen added: “Many families walked to the course at the King George playing fields and gives the village a great annual event where we can raise money for local charities.” Money raised from the event will be donated to Twyford Charities Together (TCT) who this year are raising funds for Daisy’s Dream, Building for the Future, Age Concern, Mohawk and The Piggott School. Pictures: Andrew Merritt

ACTIVITIES

Children’s club to fold

The start of the Young Junior Boys 1K race

There was a close finish in the Mums and Dads race, – Rieko Trees just lost out to George Enock.

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MEETING

Enjoy a friendly cuppa

A BI-WEEKLY coffee morning has been launched in Earley. Held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until 11am, the Earley Radstock Social Club is serving tea, coffees and cake at reasonable prices. Everyone is welcome for a catch-up and a chinwag. The club is in Radstock Lane.

Free bike marking event

Medal winners watch the Mums and Dads race

SUNDAYS

A CHILDREN’S club will fold next week. Wokingham Library will welcome youngsters looking to create some origami on Tuesday. The group is dedicated to the ancient art of paper folding to create new and interesting animals and other paper craft. It meets at the Denmark Street venue at 4pm for 45 minutes. n For more details, call the library on 0118 978 1368.

POLICE

Kitty Luurtsema finishes the Young Junior Girls 1K race

MON-WED

CARS have been targeted in incidents across Earley, Crowthorne, Woodley and Spencers Wood. On Thursday, October 1, someone forced the door of a parked car in Parsley Close, Earley, and searched inside. A second car was also broken into but it is not known if anything was stolen. Between 8.30pm on Wednesday, September 30 and 9am on Thursday, October 1, someone stole the rear number plate from a parked car in Hatch Ride, Crowthorne by removing it from the brackets. Between 6pm on Friday, October 2 and 7.45am on Saturday, October 3, a wing mirror was damaged on a parked car in St Andrews Close. Between Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1, a catalytic converter was stolen from a parked van in Headley Road East, Woodley. On the same night, between 10pm and 8.40am someone broke into a parked car in Rochester Avenue, Woodley, a satnav was removed from its holder but left behind. Police believe the offender may have been disturbed and ran off. Finally, on the same night between 11pm and 7am, someone unbolted a catalytic converter from underneath a parked van in Blackwater Close, Spencers Wood and stole it. If you have any information relating to any of these incidents, you should call 101.

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BICYCLES owners will be able to get their cycles marked for free at Swallowfield Parish Hall on Saturday. PC Laura Wright and PCSO Suzie Carr will be issuing free security marking at the Davies Room between 11am and 2pm. They will also be registering bikes and giving out free tack marking for all leather items during the session.

MEETING

WI to celebrate harvest

THE SHINFIELD Women’s Institute will celebrate harvest when it next meets. The group will mark the autumn food collection at its meeting on Wednesday, October 21. It will be held from 7.30pm at the Parish Hall in Church Road, Shinfield.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

COMMUNITY

Wokingham ﬁreworks theme to be a surprise By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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BEFORE AFTER

PROGRAMMES for this year’s Wokingham ﬁreworks spectacular will soon go on sale - but organisers are keeping the theme a secret. The annual event takes place on Saturday, November 7 and includes a fun fair and a bonfire as well as a visit from a local radio station. Organised by the Wokingham Fireworks Society – a consortium of local charities – the event starts at 6pm with a torchlit procession from Wokingham Town Hall in Market Place. The parade will be headed up by local Wokingham dignitaries and the Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band. As the procession makes its way to Cantley Field, off Twyford Road, the field’s fun fair will open and organisers are promising that it will be bigger than ever, with more rides for younger people as well as an increased selection for thrill seekers. Food vendors will offer hot food, while Heart Berkshire will provide music for the night and its Heart Angels will be present offering freebies around the field. Last year’s fireworks were set to a First World War theme, but organisers are remaining tight-lipped over this years. Alan Rouse, from Wokingham Fireworks Society, said: “There is a theme, but we are keeping it secret.” Entrance to Cantley Field is by programme and they cost £5 in advance or £7.50 on the night. They are available from the Wokingham Fireworks website, or from the Town Hall, Tesco, Newbury Building Society, Barclays Bank and Clarks Shoes. from Monday, October 19.

Pictured at last year’s torchlit parade are then Town Mayor, Councillor Martin Bishop and his wife Yvonne. The procession goes from Market Place to Cantley Field

On the day volunteers will sell programmes in the town centre and outside Tesco for £7.50. Wokingham Borough Council-run car parks will be free on the evening. Profits from the event will be shared among Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, Building For The Future, the Reading, Red Diamond Sports Club, Topic of Cancer, Wokingham and District MS Society and smaller donations to other local charities. The Wokingham Fireworks Society comprises Windsor Forest Unicorn Club, Thames West Unicorn Club, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Rotary Club and Wokingham Lions Club. Last year’s event was delayed by 24 hours, taking place on the Sunday, due to bad weather. If wet, the field can get very muddy.  For more details, log on to www.wokinghamﬁreworks.co.uk

ART

Uri’s spoon bends the rules FORMER Sonning resident Uri Geller left a housewarming present for newcomer George Clooney – a bent spoon. But this is not one of the mindbending spoons that made the name of the illusionist in the 1970s. This is a big red statue, on the banks of the River Thames, opposite Mr Clooney’s new home. Mr Geller, 68, has left the village to return to his native Israel. It was unveiled in torrential rain earlier this week by Mr Geller and the sculptor, blacksmith Paul Wells. But a row has erupted as it was revealed that it’s not just the spoon that Mr Geller has bent. The planning rules have also gone a little wonky. Wokingham Borough Council

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said that the statue has been erected without the necessary permission. Councillor John Kaiser, executive member for planning and highways at the council, said: “The statue needs planning permission to be erected, and we haven’t yet received a planning application for it. “So we will be writing to him, inviting him to submit an application as soon as possible.” However, Mr Geller told BBC News: “This is a totally one-of-akind piece of art which has been created for the village of Sonning on Thames. “It would seem to me to be a great shame if the red spoon should be removed due to red tape.”

FESTIVITIES

Link ready to reach out for Christmas Day A WOKINGHAM charity has already started its Christmas countdown in a bid to ensure that no one need spend the big day alone. The Link Visiting Scheme has announced that it will hold a Christmas Day meal – its fifth. Link Scheme Manager, Marjie Walker said: “We are organising a Christmas Day Lunch in Wokingham for anyone who finds themselves on their own on

Christmas Day, whether that is an older person or a single parent. “There is a full meal with entertainment and a present for everyone who comes. “Transport is available for anyone who needs a lift and the event will start at about noon and go on ‘til 3pm.” The Link Visiting Scheme befriends and supports people who are isolated or lonely and who would benefit from receiving

a regular visitor. The majority of those visited are older people, but there are no age restrictions. The Link wants people to join its Grow Your Tenner campaign, which runs from Tuesday to November 18. For every £10 donated, it will be match funded, so a £10 becomes £20.  To donate to the charity and do so via localgiving.com/charity/ linkvisiting

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CRAFTS

NEWS | 9

CRIME

Colouring craze brought to book

Help ﬁnd shoplift suspects EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Rosemary Baker and Julia White try their hand at some colouring – the duo were at Wokingham Library on Tuesday to take part in the fun craze that is sweeping the nation. The Denmark Street venue’s free session is one of a number of special events it organises – for more events, see our what’s on guide on page 26. Picture: Paul King

COMMUNITY

Grazeley Hall to host boot fair and AGM GRAZELEY Village Hall has two events coming up over the next week. On Sunday, the Church Lane venue will hold a boot sale from 7am. Pitches are available indoors and out and cost

£9 for indoors and £7 for outdoors. They can be booked by calling Vic on 0118 983 3123. A free cup of tea awaits early sellers. The committee running

the hall will hold its AGM on Monday, October 12. Starting at 7.30pm, the meeting is open to all who live in the parish or used the hall in the past year. For more details, call 0118 988 4762.

SCHOOLCHILDREN are suspected to be behind a shoplifting incident at a Wokingham town centre supermarket last week. At 9.42pm on Saturday, October 3 three males were seen entering the Wokingham Superstore in Peach Street. CCTV footage posted by the shop’s owners online shows the trio, believed to be of school age, entering the shop and looking around. One of the suspects, who is seen wearing a blue jacket with the hood up, is shown walking by the drinks chiller, grabbing several bottles, and placing them under his clothing. The three suspects then approach the counter at the front of the shop where they are seen to be exchanging words with the shop assistant, Gulraj Singh, grabbing items from the counter before suddenly running out of the door. Mr Singh gave chase but had to return as the shop was left unattended. Speaking on Thursday Mr Singh’s wife Amam Kaur said: “We have been in touch with the local schools as we think the shoplifters may be students there. “They were quite young and stole drinks and chocolate, so it was petty theft. “Everyone knows the shop, some of the customers think they might know who these boys are so we are passing on information to the police. “If anyone has any information their help would be greatly appreciated.”  Anyone with any information relating to the incident should call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101, quoting reference number 43150280589.

See the full CCTV video on our website, www. wokingham paper.co.uk

CCTV images collected by Wokingham Superstore show the suspected trio putting bottles down clothing and taking chocolate bars from the counter display

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business NETWORKING

Festival will let Woodley celebrate its businesses NEXT month, Woodley will present a showcase of its businesses with a special festival. The event aims to celebrate the strong business community of Sonning, Twyford, Winnersh and Earley through a series of presentations, networkings and an Expo. It will take place at the Oakwood Centre from 5.30pm to 8pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be ordered from the event website. Woodley-based business The Finch Group is the event’s main sponsor.

Vincent Gardner, managing director, Finch Group said: “As the largest privately owned Commercial Insurance Brokers in the area, Finch Group has a definite place in the local business community. “As main sponsors of the Festival of Business we are looking forward to meeting local business owners and decision makers.”  For more details or to book tickets, log on to www. festivalofbusinesswoodley. co.uk.

ANNIVERSARY

MP celebrates 18 years of success for local ﬁrm A LOCAL business that has grown from a staff of three to 22 celebrated 18 years of success by Bracknell MP back to see how things have changed. Quadriga Health & Safety Ltd was launched by Finchampstead businessman Ian Clements in 1998 and Dr Phillip Lee was delighted to see how the company has grown. He said: “This is a true local success story. It takes a lot of courage to give up a salaried job and branch out on own. SummerCampaign_A5_001.pdf 1 your 20/06/2015 By taking that leap 17 years ago, Ian now

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 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

Join us for a buzzing night at the Bees We’re passionate about boosting business in the borough – and we want to tell you how while you enjoy a brilliant night of ice hockey

HE Wokingham Paper and Bracknell Bees would like to invite you to a special Business Club evening for our existing customers and prospective advertisers. Twenty pairs of tickets are on offer to Berkshire business owners and advertising or marketing decision makers in companies looking to promote their brand

locally to thousands of people each week. Bracknell Bees Premier League ice hockey games attract an interesting demographic for local businesses, with a strong emphasis on family and under-18s but also a strong core of local business people and SME owners. The core of this base is from Bracknell and Wokingham. With strong community, local press and radio relationships in place as well as a large social media following and reach, the club’s sponsors also

benefit from a broader reach throughout the week to maximise their return on investment. To sample the great advertising opportunities on offer to your business from the Paper and the Bees, we would like to invite you to enjoy a game from the hospitality suite this Sunday – October 11 – as the Bees take on local rivals the Guildford Flames in the Premier League. The event runs from 5.15pm to 8.15pm and places are limited.  For details or to register, log on to www. wokinghampaper.com/event/beesevent-2/

CELEBRATION

Winnersh Triangle staﬀ mark a successful summer By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk provides 22 highly skilled and valuable local jobs. I see it as a key part of my role to ensure that the next generation of Ian Clements are helped along that path and then allowed to keep and enjoy the fruits of 14:39 their hard work.”

A BOROUGH’S business park celebrated a successful summer by inviting staff to help record a music video. Nearly 2,000 workers at Winnersh Triangle came together to mark a successful summer of thriving enterprise. Teams from the companies based across the business park enjoyed a tasty selection of international street food at the event organized by Winnersh Triangle’s owners, Oaktree Capital Management and PATRIZIA UK Ltd. The free lunchtime celebration was held at The Piazza where the crowds were serenaded by a Mariachi band and guests had the chance to reveal their own inner rock star by being filmed for this year’s Winnersh Triangle music video. Will Lawrie, PATRIZIA UK Ltd asset manager, said: “The success of Winnersh Triangle is very much shared by its tenants, so it was great to see so many people coming together to celebrate and enjoy themselves. “Over the last 12 months, we have committed significant investment into the park, taken forward two major development projects and continued to expand our diverse community of businesses.” The lunch event – held on September

A Mariachi band helped entertain 2,000 workers taking part in a celebration of Winnersh Triangle’s summer

8 – was the second celebration of 2015, following Winnersh Triangle marking a year since it was rebranded by its new owners in July. Key milestones include the topping out in May of Building 1030, a multimillion-pound speculative development of 60,000 square feet of Grade A office space, due for completion in spring 2016, and the opening of a new Travelodge at the entrance to the park. Winnersh Triangle was also shortlisted in two categories of the Thames Valley Property Awards and was awarded Commercial Property Deal of the Year

for the letting to Rockwell Collins – one of the Thames Valley’s biggest pre-let deals in several years (70,000 square foot: 40,000 square feet for high specification workshop, research and development space, plus 30,000 square feet of offices over three floors). The 85-acre mixed-use business park now has more than 1.4 million square feet of built stock with more than 60 diverse companies employing 3,000 people on site. Big names include Jacobs (UK) Ltd, Virgin Media, BMC Software, Microchip, Grant Thornton, Lloyds Bank, WH Smith, Atos and CenturyLink.

CMY

MEETING

BUSES

Get Real at club

New Lion route is a roaring success

A BUSINESS networking club will hold its next meeting on Monday. The Real Business Club will meet from 6pm at Loch Fyne in London Road, Wokingham. It is aimed at those starting in business and more established business professionals. Entry is £9 and includes a drink on arrival plus some nibbles.  therealbusinessclub.co.uk

WOKINGHAM’S new bus service is proving to be a be a roaring success. Reading Buses launched the Lion route – buses number 4 and X4 – at the end of August. The new fleet of buses are double deckers and feature mod cons including free WiFi and USB charging ports. They run from Reading town centre to Wokingham and on to Bracknell, and back again. The company says that the service is being really well received and it is looking at enhancing its services.

A spokesperson told The Wokingham Paper: “It is as well patronised as we thought it would be and the general reaction has been positive, with people loving the new branding and the extras such as greener electric hybrid buses and the free WiFi. “We are keeping an eye on the timetables as well to see if there is any scope to tweak them to improve the service even more as well as taking soundings from the drivers on the route. “We are committed to making this route even more of a success.”

Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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12 | NEWS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

PRIDE

SLEEPING

Nominate Civic heroes

Fundraising has Volume with Byte

A CAR, three DVD players and two digital cameras were just some of the items stolen from a property in Wokingham last weekend. Overnight on Saturday, October 3, someone went into the garage of a property in Twycross Road and then gained access to the house. The offenders stole a laptop, three DVD players, and an HP Notebook from the living room, along with two digital cameras and a VW Passat estate car which had been parked on the drive. Anyone with any information should call 101.

STAFF from a local marketing business enjoyed a night under the stars last week. Members of Volume, based in London Road, joined almost 180 business professionals from 30 Thames Valley businesses for the annual Byte Night. The groups slept out overnight in Forbury Gardens on Friday, October 2, in dry conditions. Simultaneous sleep outs took place in London, Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Bristol and Birmingham. Local teams included KPMG, Barclays, Vodafone, EY and RBS. Action for Children, the charity behind the event, hopes to raise more than £1.2 million nationally to support its work with vulnerable children, young people and families. The Thames Valley sleep-out is on target to raise £130,000 for services in the region, including Here4Me in Newbury, which provides vulnerable young people with independent visitors, mentors and advocates.

FUN DAY

999 day in Arborfield FIND out more about how the emergency services operate at a special fun day at Arborfield Garrison later this month. All are welcome to come along and meet representatives from the Fire Service, Army, Police, Community Responders, Search and Rescue and the Cycle Smart Foundation. The fun day takes place on Thursday, October 29 between 10am and 4pm at the Community Centre in Princess Marina Drive. Entry is free, and there will be a barbecue and food stalls.

APPOINTMENT

New sales manager THE newly-opened estate agency Martin & Co Wokingham has announced that Paul Draper has joined the company as sales manager. Paul joins from another estate agency in Wokingham and brings over 15 years of experience in the local property market. Commenting on his appointment, Paul Draper said: ”I’m really excited to be joining the new Martin & Co office in Wokingham right at the start of this new business. I’ve enjoyed a great career to date working with some excellent people. “This move represents an opportunity for me to personally make a significant impact within the new business and grow in terms of more experience and responsibility.”

THEATRE

Play will benefit CAB WOKINGHAM’S Citizen’s Advice will be the benefactors of the charity performance later this month. And Then There Were None is this month’s production from Wokingham Theatre and will be performed at the Cantley Road theatre’s base from Wednesday, October 21 to Saturday, October 31. A special preview show will be held on Tuesday, October 20 at 7.45pm, with all proceeds going to the local charity, which provides consumer advice. Tickets cost £12 and the play is directed by Nigel Lawson Dick. n For more details, log on to www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk.

FICTION

Can women write better than men? THE WOKINGHAM Literary Society meets on a fortnightly basis at the Baptist Church in Milton Road. The group meets to discuss a range of issues relating to reading and will, at its next meeting, ask if women make the best detective fiction writers. The meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15 from 7.30pm. Entry is £2.50 or £15 for the year. n For details, call Martin Hughes on 0118 978 6782.

LIBRARIES

Poets celebrated A CELEBRATION of National Poetry Day was held at Wokingham Library last night (Thursday). The evening saw local author and poet Claire Dyer present awards for a poetry competition run by the libraries and readings of verse by the Wokingham Library Poetry group. It took place at the Denmark Street library.

Sleep byte … Thames Valley businesses enjoyed a sleep out to raise funds for Action For Children

Sunningdale businesswoman and chair of the Thames Valley Byte Night board, Sally Hanson, said: “Although it was a hard night there was a strong sense of camaraderie, and the difference is we return to warm homes, full fridges and cosy beds in the morning. For many young people living in the UK this simply isn't the case. “I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of the young people Action for Children supports and hear their inspiring stories first-hand. They often run away from abusive homes but they don’t want to be on their own. “Every year, I feel proud as more and more money is raised to provide more support, which can really help put their lives back on track. One night really does make a lifetime’s difference.” Since launching in 1998, Byte Night has raised more than £7 million UK wide to support Action for Children’s work with vulnerable children, young people and families. n To donate, find out more or register to take part next year, visit bytenight. org.uk or contact the Byte Night team on bytenight@actionforchildren.org.uk

MACMILLAN

Make a Beesline for charity game By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CANCER charity will benefit from this Sunday’s Bracknell Bees derby match against Guildford Flames. The ice hockey team will be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Care when they take on the Surrey side at the Hive and is one of a number of events that the team have undertaken to support the good cause. Natalie Hill, fundraising manager for Macmillan in North East Hampshire and East Berkshire, said she is delighted that the Bracknell Bees is joining the Match 4 Macmillan event. She said: “98% of our funding comes from public donations, and so without the help of supporters like the Bracknell Bees we would not be able

to reach out and provide these desperately needed services and the practical, emotional and financial support they deliver to people affected by cancer in Berkshire.” Ben Beeching, general manager of the Bracknell Bees, said that the team was delighted to support the charity, praising its

HEALTH

“impressive and humbling” work. He said: “The Bracknell Bees and Precision Sports Marketing are proud to be continuing their support of Macmillan Cancer Support and in particular this season by being part of the Match 4 Macmillan scheme. “We are pleased to be playing our part in helping to raise funds for what is simply a fantastic charity in an effort to further assist their wonderful efforts.” Although the Bees are a professional team, Match 4 Macmillan is open to everyone. All the charity asks is that participants play a match of any

sport and help raise funds for people affected by cancer. It is appealing for anyone, be they at a school, university, business, club or league to take part. Sunday’s game is a big local derby for the Bracknell Bees and the team are hoping that as many people as possible will pack The Hive, based at John Nike Leisuresport Complex, for the game. Face off is at 6pm. Mr Beeching said he was expecting a big audience. He said: “I hope we can attract a bumper crowd for this Match 4 Macmillan to hopefully raise as much as we possibly can for the superb charity and that they all dig deep to support Macmillan as best they can.” n More Bees news in our sport section on page 33

AWARDS

Town council boxes clever Who’s your civic hero? PLANS to install a new defibrillator in Wokingham town centre have moved a step closer after the Town Council launched a bid to purchase an old red telephone box. The kiosk, outside the Post Office in Broad Street, has been designated as low usage by BT, who have removed the telephone equipment and are transferring ownership to the Town Council. As the kiosk is a listed structure, planning permission to convert its use needs to be sought. Once granted, a defibrillator will be installed. The Town Council said that the equipment is being donated by The Wokingham Community First Responders, who will also provide a vandal proof casing and offer 10-year maintenance.

The defibrillator will be simple to use and available to any member of the public who attends a medical emergency involving potentially life threatening cardiac conditions. Councillor Mark Ashwell, chairman of the Amenities Committee, is pleased that the equipment is being installed. He said: “‘Wokingham Town Council is delighted to be working in partnership with The Wokingham Community First Responders to provide this important piece of equipment, right in the heart of the town centre. “In adopting the telephone kiosk we believe anyone trying to respond to an emergency will readily locate the defibrillator and by so doing offer lifesaving support to any individual who is suffering heart problems.”

NOMINATIONS are now open for the Wokingham Town Council annual Civic Awards. Each year, the town council looks for individuals living or working within Wokingham who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the town. Recognising those who care for others in the community, give up their spare time to carry out voluntary work, those who have contributed to the community culturally or artistically, or those people who are just all-round good neighbours who go that extra mile for Wokingham, the civic awards champion the people whose good work is so often overlooked. Cllr Martin Bishop, the Chairman of the Civic Advisory Committee, said: “Wokingham Town Council takes great pride in suitably recognising those individuals who have significantly supported our Wokingham community. “I encourage you all to think of people you know who have contributed to our

town – and of course nominate them to be considered for this important award.” Nominations will be put before a panel of judges including members of the Town Council’s Civic Committee, the High Steward of Wokingham, Lady Elizabeth Godsal MBE and The Wokingham Paper publisher Phil Creighton. Taking place on Friday, January 24 at Wokingham Town Hall, the awards will then be presented by Wokingham’s Town Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin. Cllr Mirfin said: “Since I have become Mayor, I have met so many people who undertake such valuable voluntary work in Wokingham and we would like your help to nominate these people so that we can thank them. ” Nominations are open until Monday, November 30. n To find out more about the Civic Awards and the criteria for nominations, or to nominate someone visit www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/civic/civic-awards.

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ACTING

National Theatre seeks to make Connections By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE National Theatre has launched a search for Wokingham teenagers to take part in a new production from a top playwright. Budding actors aged between 12 and 18 are wanted to perform in Eclipse, a play by Simon Armitage. The cast will be chosen from an open audition being held in Wokingham later this month and organised by Stage-Fright theatre company. The challenging drama explores events leading up to the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl during a total eclipse of the sun. Taking place on a beach in Cornwall and the interrogation room of a local police station, a group of young friends face challenges, arguments and difficult questions which test their friendship and their honesty.

The play is part of the National Theatre’s Connections programme, which sees groups across the country stage a series of plays from renowned authors. Also taking part is Berzerk, which performs in Woodley’s Oakford Centre. The Stage-Fright production will be performed first in the new St Bart’s Theatre, just over Wokingham’s border in Reading, before being transferred to The North Wall Theatre in Oxford – both professional theatres. All the companies taking part will be reviewed by a director from the National Theatre and several will be specially selected to perform at the National Theatre itself in summer 2016. Stage-Fright is no stranger to daunting productions: the group has been active across the borough since 2007, notably for the Good Friday community play

in Wokingham’s Market Place. Its aim is to engage with people from all aspects of the community, giving space for many to experience a theatrical process from both on and off stage. For all its productions, Stage-Fright seeks people who want to act: no previous knowledge or expertise but a passion and drive to try something new and get stuck in. “We’re still at the beginning of this project and are very much looking forward to crafting the world of the play, and exploring the ideas the script produces, with those who choose to join us,” says James Lawbuary, Stage-Fright’s Connections Director. The open workshop take place on Thursday, October 22 from 7pm at The Bradbury Centre in Rose Street, Wokingham. Places are for school years 7-13.  For more details, log on to www. stage-fright.org.uk

Sixth Form at Reading Blue Coat School is about honing skills necessary for life beyond the school

Come and visit our dynamic Sixth Form

he Sixth Form at Blue Coat is dynamic and it needs to be. Meeting the challenges of successful applications to top universities and the careers that blossom after graduation requires solid preparation in Years 12 and 13. We believe that what we provide in our Sixth Form is the ideal blend of student-centred learning, expert guidance and support. We encourage our students to

drive their learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom and to discover the exhilaration of unearthing and then moulding their own ideas. To facilitate the development and honing of the skills necessary for life after Blue Coat, we have a Careers syllabus that adapts to the interests of the individual, and a pastoral support system that ensures that every young adult we encounter is understood to be unique and is encouraged to make a contribution.

We very much hope that we have the opportunity to meet you at some point in the future to discuss the part that the next cohort of Blue Coat Sixth Formers is going to play in the life of our vibrant school community. For details, please contact Mrs Jane Jarrett or Ms Audrey Fernandes in our Admissions Office on 0118 933 1004 or admissions@rbcs.org.uk. Further information is also available on the school’s website: www.rbcs.org.uk.

READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL An Independent Day School for Boys, with a Co-Educational Sixth Form

Dancing night away for Daisy’s Dream

Sixth Form Open Evening

DANCERS from a school in Wokingham tapped, pirouetted and shimmied their way to raising more than £2,000 for a Twyford charity earlier this year. Pupils from the Madelaine Kelly School of Dancing held three performances at Bearwood Theatre, consisting of 35 varied routines showcasing the school’s wide repertoire, to raise money for three charities, one of which was Twyfordbased Daisy’s Dream. On Friday, September 25, the school’s principal Madelaine Kelly presented the charity with a cheque during rehearsals at Charvil Piggott Primary School, saying: “We’re so pleased that we’re able to make a

Tuesday 13 October 5 - 8 pm

CHARITY

signiﬁcant contribution to Daisy’s Dream, who have supported some of our students in the past, and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this.” Claire Rhodes, Fundraiser at Daisy’s Dream, said: “The talent and professionalism of the dancers was outstanding – their efforts really paid off, in terms of a fantastic show, and the superb amount they’ve raised for Daisy’s Dream. “We receive no government funding for our services, and we’re so grateful to organisations such as this for their support, which enables us to continue our vital work supporting local children through the death or serious illness of someone close to them – thank you.”

CAMPAIGN

Redwood tackles Heathrow aircraft noise WOKINGHAM’S MP is keeping pressure on Heathrow staff about the issue of flight path noise. John Redwood said that he met with the airport’s management at this week’s Conservative Party conference in Manchester and, following his intervention, plane movements will be monitored. His intervention comes after Heathrow bosses ending a trial of the new route early. Mr Redwood said that he is still receiving comments from

constituents about the noise from the airport. Writing on his blog, he said: “I told them there are still many complaints about the more persistent and loud aircraft noise Wokingham is now suffering. “They said their records showed that once they ended the trials of new routes prematurely following our complaints, they thought air traffic movements had gone back to normal. “They now realised that people

do not agree that have to live under the flight paths. “They now think that maybe individual air traffic controllers are deciding to route more planes on the same routes, concentrating the noise over Wokingham and Bracknell. “They agreed to … to see if air traffic controls have changed and if this can be changed again to take it back to the situation prior to the trials. I too will pursue it again.”

Please register online at www.rbcs.org.uk

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

Your views Decision to let locals set THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

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

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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

business rates is ﬂawed

THIS week, the Conservatives held their annual gathering in Manchester. It’s been quite a week, with borough MP Theresa May netting headlines for her speech on immigration and Wokingham MP John Redwood speaking at several EU-inspired talks. There has also been comments and discussions about new Government policies and initiatives and, thanks to health secretary Jeremy Hunt, debates about whether computers can give better health care than doctors and nurses. The Chancellor, George Osbourne, set out the direction for the party in his address on Monday. There are concerns that the changes to tax credits will hurt families living in poverty – and research by local charity First Days reveals that across the borough 10% of children live on the breadline. Elsewhere, the business rates plan could cause the most mischief to a borough being regenerated. In his speech, Mr Osborne set out plans to allow local authorities to set their own business rates and keep all the money. At the moment, firms pay a rate set by central Government. The plans could create confusion and potential cartels. Competition could see Bracknell, for example, offer lower rates to Wokingham, meaning that Big Store Inc moves out of Peach Place plans and into The Lexicon. Big Store Inc could, in theory, launch a bidding war between the two boroughs, with the potential to create a race to the bottom. While Osbourne’s plan may sound attractive, it has the potential to do more harm than good, especially at a time when the borough is looking to attract new businesses to help families moving in. We don’t rate the rate plan.

CHURCH NOTES

Love thy neighbour

RAVELLING back from France last week, I had to pass through Calais, and could not help feeling a pang of guilt as I passed the migrant camp by the side of the road – worsened as I was in the warm and dry in the company of a loved one, while it was pouring with rain outside. On reﬂection later I thought about the hundreds of thousands of refugees in the world at present (there are more now than at any time in history). Hunger and deprivation is common despite the fact we live in an abundant world with plenty to go round if we shared . If only we all helped our “neighbours”, this would surely negate these very real problems – but who is my neighbour? Syria is a long way off, and surely there is little I can do, I mused. This set me thinking of an old TV comedy series (The Likely Lads, for those old enough to remember), where Terry, one of the two lads, started ﬁnding reasons to not like those who were different to himself. In the space of a minute or so he went from writing off whole distant nations and contrary belief systems, narrowing this down to different parts of the UK, and concluding when challenged by his friend that he had very little time for anyone other than himself. My work today reminded me of the very real problem of homelessness on our doorstep here in Wokingham. In Proverbs 31:8-9 we are counselled to “speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and outers, speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!” Our local foodbank is now collecting clothing, sleeping bags, etc for our neighbours. Could you help? Andy Knight is the community worker for Wokingham Methodist Church

Which way round? With regards to your recent article regarding cars driving up Station Road from the hospital instead of turning left into Station Link Road (October 2). I notice that, although there are, indeed, no “No Entry” signs facing these drivers, there is a sign on the approach to the station traffic lights on the Barkham Road indicating that the road ahead and the road to the right are “barred”. Also, as can be clearly seen in your photo on page seven, there is an obvious, large arrow on that lane instructing that all traffic MUST turn left. Again, in the photo, a clear sign can be seen indicating left for the M4 and the station car park, with no signs indicating directions for straight ahead, for obvious reasons. Finally, if not done deliberately to avoid the traffic lights at the top of Station Link Road, it would seem that the infringers lack any kind of road sense, in that, in order to continue straight ahead, (ie the wrong way up Station Road ), drivers would have to undertake a severe “dog leg” right and then left. This unnatural manoeuvre should be enough to indicate to anyone that going straight ahead is wrong and, therefore, not allowed. Common sense alone should tell them that. I wonder whether these drivers are the same ones who insist on turning right into Rose Street from Broad Street (just past Clarks’ shoe shop ), ignoring all the signs to the contrary or who, coming the other way on Rose Street, past M&S on their left, proceed to ignore the width restriction in place on their side of the road and drive on the other side of the road to avoid it, for easier access to Broad Street ? We can put up the signs in the world, but nothing will stop people’s stupidity or their sheer insistence on disobeying them. Ian Christopherson, via email

We need tax disc system

It now seems obvious that the DVLA had not really thought through the consequences of not having to show a valid tax disc from last October and rely on car registration identiﬁcation cameras for surveillance. The Wokingham Paper has reported stolen number plates and TV Police email alerts have frequently mentioned the same. Do the DVLA not realise that some drivers only have insurance and a valid MOT because they need to display a tax disc! It is not rocket science to explain why the theft of number plates has increased many fold since the legislation. David Arnold, Finchampstead

Make your views clear on importance of education The Chancellor, George Osborne, will announce the outcome of the Spending Review on 25 November. His decisions will be crucial to our [Bracknell and Wokingham] college’s current and future students. The Government has only promised not to cut funding for the NHS, schools and international aid. Meanwhile, education and training for 16 to 18-year-olds is not protected, leaving this age

group vulnerable to more funding cuts. I am sure that the local community would agree that providing high-quality education and training to 16 to 18-yearolds in Bracknell & Wokingham is worth investing in if we are to ensure they can all continue to an apprenticeship with a local business, a good job or university. As a member of the Association of Colleges (AoC), we are coming together

with other colleges across the country to urge the Government to fund the education of our 16 to 18-year-olds at the same level provided for the education of 14 to 16-year-olds. I would urge everyone in the community to consider this important issue and if they are against further cuts to funding in the education and training of our young people, to make their views clear to their local MP before 25 November. Campbell Christie CBE Principal / CEO Bracknell and Wokingham College

We can’t keep up best place

Make extra hour count

Again, Wokingham is listed as the best place to live but it won’t be again if the councillors have their way with their proposed urbanisation plans for the town. It was chosen, also by the residents who came to live here as it is. If Councillor Baker wants to cut our budget by £4million (Wokingham Paper, September 25), it’s simple really. Just forget the urbanisation scheme and get on with the town pavements. They are a disgrace and dangerous. Leo Hopkins, Wokingham

For many people, when the clocks go back, it means an extra hour in bed. But for those caring for a seriously ill child, that seemingly throwaway hour is incredibly precious. I am calling on people across the country to use their extra hour when the clocks go back on 25 October to make a difference to families with a seriously ill child by backing Rainbow Trust’s Big Hour campaign. Get your family, friends and colleagues involved in a teddy bear’s picnic, bake sale or round a golf or any activity that lasts just 60 minutes and make some lasting memories with those who matter while raising some much needed money for families in need. The campaign runs from 19 – 25 October. Rainbow Trust provides emotional and practical support for families with a life threatened or terminally ill child. For more or to register your event visit www. rainbowtrust.org.uk/bighour or call 01372 220013. Time is precious, make it count. Dominic West, Actor

Thank you for your support

I would like to thank the good folk of Wokingham who interupted their busy shopping on Saturday, September 26 to sign the petition - going to 10 Downing Street later in the year – calling for more NHS child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) commissioning, particularly at weekends and bank holidays for the escalating numbers of under 16s who are the victims of sexual abuse or/and rape throughout Berkshire. Whether the petition will achieve anything is more than doubtful. But at least we have shown concern and tried to get more support for Berkshire’s many troubled teens and pre-teens. Thank you all once again for signing and for your support and concern. Paul, a Berkshire NHS CAMH Campaigner

Think of the children Wokingham Borough Council are happy to take in refugees. Surely the leader of Wokingham Council should take people who are stuck in France suffering day after day. Why are these people with children being forgotten? Victor Rones, Bracknell

GOOD ADVICE

What can I do about nuisance callers? Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer I am a woman and live on my own. I am getting strange phone calls. Sometimes there is complete silence and sometimes I can hear noises in the background. I am getting fed up with this. Is there anything I can do to stop them? Your phone company should have procedures which deal with malicious, obscene or harassing phone calls. Call them and they will advise you on what to do. Some companies have a dedicated number to call for this. You could also consider changing your number. Ask your telephone service provider if this could be an option. Making a harassing, obscene or malicious phone call is a criminal offence. If you receive a particularly threatening call you should report it to your local police by dialing 101. The police can authorise the phone service to trace malicious calls. If the person who is making the calls is prosecuted, you may have to give evidence in court. Silent calls are normally caused by automated caller systems used in call centres. The automated system

dials a number but if there aren’t enough call centre staff to take all the calls, you may end up with silence on the end of the phone. Ofcom guidelines say that call centres should play an information message if a call is silent. If you receive silent calls, you should report the name and number of the company to Ofcom using their online complaints form. Companies using an automated calling system should present a Calling Line Identiﬁcation number on your telephone’s display. They should also allow you to get their telephone number by dialing 1471. If you can’t get hold of the number, contact your phone company as they may be able to help. Contact your service provider and ask them what services they offer to minimise nuisance calls. They may include the following: • Caller display. This lets you can see who’s ringing you, provided your phone has a visual display unit. You can decide not to answer a call if the caller’s number is not displayed • Caller return so you can ﬁnd out who was the last person to call you. You can usually do this by dialing 1471. It is possible for people to withhold their number by using 141 before making the call. In the case of

nuisance calls, the phone company can trace the caller’s number even if their number was withheld • Anonymous call rejection scheme. This stops you receiving calls from UK numbers that have been withheld. • Blocking certain numbers from calling you More advice on protecting yourself from malicious calls is available from the BT website, at: www.bt.com/ includingyou BT provides a directory service which lets you ﬁnd named people’s telephone numbers and addresses. They have a directory enquiries service online and over the phone. They also produce a phone book with numbers and addresses listed. You can sign up to the Ex-Directory scheme, which means your details will not appear anywhere. Or you can sign up to Directory Enquiries Only, which means your number would appear on the website and telephone service, but not in the phone book. To sign up to either scheme or contact BT on 0800 800 150.  You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK

COMMENTARY

We’re a restless lot

RITING about the change in the seasons the other week, one observed that Winter was coming, so it was time for the warm jumpers to be taken out and put on. However this is Britain, so instead of getting colder and windier, a week of sunshine and warmth followed and we went back to T-shirts and light tops. Provocative? You bet. The weather promptly turned again, this time to rain, so on yesterday’s cycle ride over to Crowthorne, one got completely soaked. Note to self. Don’t try to predict the weather! Especially in print, as reality makes you look silly. So by way of an apology for my mistake, weather forecasts are being handed back to Michael Fish and his successors. While other countries have climate, here we have weather. It’s the Brits’ favourite topic of conversation, probably because it’s reasonably safe, not under human control and it changes frequently. So if you don’t like it at present, just wait a bit. By contrast, changes in politics, religion or sport can be much touchier subjects. Especially when you’re debating with people who don’t share your point of view. Perhaps it’s because these changes are controlled by others and they don’t always go the way you want. But a welcome change for us this week was a visit from our daughter who’s been living and working in Australia. She’s come back to the UK to attend a job interview and catch up with everybody. So it was interesting to listen to her views on the contrasts. Not only between here and Oz, but also between the borough today and the one she recalled from some years back.

Tony Johnson

“Chilly” THIS week’s picture is from our chief photographer. We love printing your pictures but we wanted to bend the rules to bring you this shot of Beech Hill dusk on Monday. Mr King said: “I took this view across ﬁelds from Beech Hill Road. “It looks like there is a ﬁre in Reading, but it’s just the low rain clouds with lights from the Reading area.”

He added that there are no special effects used in this picture, it was just a natural shot. We love to showcase your photos in this space, so please send them in! 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.

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

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

“Better drivers” It turns out that we’re more courteous, letting others in from adjoining roads, not constantly cutting up others, fewer people driving too closely behind. She also commented that the average speed along the Reading Road is fast in comparison with Australian main roads. It transpires that some people there drive really slowly, thus holding up trafﬁc. A lot.

“Not that many empty shops” Perhaps this is the geography of Oz, because buying online is so much easier than driving miles and miles to get to the nearest shops.

Why, why Mr American why? Just an observation …

MERICAN tourist Scott Waters recently visited England for the fourth time and his observations on Facebook have gone viral. Some of his musings on the difference between the US and the UK are hilarious and printed here (with my observations in brackets): The pubs close too early (has Scott been to Arkansas at all?) The reason they drive on the left is because all their cars are built backwards (but at least our dashboards are dashboards and not just 36oz fizzy drink holders) Everything is generally older, smaller and shorter (but we love Her Maj despite that!) They eat with their forks upside down (manners, oh no... Don’t go there) Everything comes with chips, which are French fries. You put vinegar on them (they are CHIPS and we like our vinegar with our crisps) Obama is considered a hero, Bush is considered an idiot (because that is true) Radio is still a big deal. The BBC is quite good (because they are both good and your telly is awful, Netflix excepted) Cider (alcoholic) is quite good (the only cider is alcoholic, your drink is simply apple juice). The trains work: a three-minute delay is

What? We were in the middle of an Indian summer and were quite warm enough thank you. She pointed out that Brisbane was as far south of the equator as Cairo is north of it.

Our radio is quite good actually… Picture: Antonio Jiménez Alonso/ freeimages. com

now that really highlights the popularity of the programme these days. I have to say, like Mary Berry, it brought a tear to my eye when Nadiya won. What a lovely gracious lady with a beautiful family. But crying over cakes? I really need to get over it.

Uri’s spoon should bend the rules

I know every Tom’ Dick and Uri can’t go around breaking the planning rules, but you’d think they could be bent, ahem, for Mr Geller and his sculpture in Sonning which apparently doesn’t have planning permission.

Will we get a northern view? regrettable (er Scott have you travelled First Great Western?), Every pub has a pet drunk (and we love them!) And before anyone says I don’t like Americans, my eldest son has lived there for five years and my youngest is working there now. But you simply cannot allow an American to get away with criticising our manners!

Bake off brought me to tears I have just watched the 10 o’clock news which showed the result of the Great British Bake Off –

I missed the northern lights on a trip to Iceland a couple of years ago which was devastating mainly because I found Reykjavik expensive, unfriendly and dull. Puffin (ugh) salad washed down with £10 a pint beer (I couldn’t afford wine at around £50 a bottle), grey skies, lots of drunks and the Blue Lagoon which was the biggest tourist trap I’ve ever come across. But this week we have a chance to see the lights here in our night skies – so my advice is to get out and have a go and leave Iceland to someone else’s mum.

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“Ridiculously expensive housing” It turns out that houses in Australia are large, sprawling affairs. Even the small ones. They’re also further apart, adding to the sense of freedom and spaciousness. Plus, they cost a lot less, in absolute terms as well as relative to earnings. Maybe that’s why one of our local MPs has been addressing this topic at his party’s conference this week.

“Driving through the town is better” Those changes in Station Road have had a good effect. Gone are the jams at the old mini roundabout and this is noticeable in the traffic flow around the one way system. Adding her comments to those of the fifth Family Hotspots annual report on the best place for families to live in England and Wales, one starts to see why the borough features twice in the top five (Lower Earley as well as Wokingham). Considerate people, of above average income, able to afford more expensive housing in order to live in an area where children can be better educated. Like all comparisons, this too is subject to change. Change in the form of economic and social Darwinism where the underlying principle of Gresham’s law (bad money driving out good) continues to apply.

“Tempora mutantur” (A Yorkshire-Japanese chef’s description for “odd-shaped mimigaa in batter”). Tony Johnson is a student of writing, drawing and art history. He has led and managed change in technology companies to drive growth and profitability.

@WOKYPAPER

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Wokingham’s people

OH, MR SMITH!

With Sally Bryant

A wry look at life

Keeping Wokingham looking green

to five and had a young child, it was difficult to find the time to go out in the garden and do things. “My garden got overgrown but because of this ‘gap year’ it is now looking really lovely! But in the summer months in the last couple of years I have found the need to get out and do something, and it’s nice to meet other people.” Volunteering with Green ‘n’ Tidy has been the perfect answer. Once a week he joins a team to tidy the gardens of half-a-dozen or so elderly or disabled people – and it gives him so much pleasure. He said: “There is plenty to do in my garden, but it is nice to get out and have a chat and a laugh. “We mow the lawn, trim shrubs, do the weeding, sweep and clear patios, anything to make the garden nice and tidy. “We work as a team, all like-minded people – it’s a bit of a blitz, but it’s a well-oiled machine!” Colin says they also find the time for a cuppa and a chat with those they are helping, which is “all part of the job”. “The team members are a terrific bunch of people and I really look forward to Wednesday mornings to put something back into the community. It’s very satisfying.”  Green ‘n’ Tidy is managed by the Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

The Green ‘n’ Tidy team includes (from left) Pauline Fisher, Colin Melhuish and team leader Miguel Olgilvie. The group helps with gardening chores across Wokingham

VOLUNTEER CORNER

with Helena Badger

If you can play pool, you can be a volunteer!  EARLEYBUS is a community mini-bus operator based in Earley and provides transport for the elderly and wheelchair users. They are looking for a volunteer to help as a Scheduler for a few hours on a weekday morning (they can be ﬂexible which day.) The role involves phone and computer work as the volunteer will be scheduling drivers. Ofﬁce and IT experience is essential. They are based at the Crescent Community Centre in Lower Earley. Cruse Bereavement Care , Thames Valley Berkshire is a successful and thriving area. They support around 600 clients per

year through our 45 volunteers. As they take on more clients and extend their services, they desperately need more Management Volunteers - those who can help them maintain and expand our professional organisation which supports their Bereavement Volunteers and leaves them free to focus on their bereaved clients. They are looking for a new Committee member. The main aim of the role is to oversee and develop the provision of high quality bereavement care services in the Area according to organisational policies and identiﬁed need, and to oversee the implementation of quality assurance and evaluation systems. For a full role description, please get

Who’s pushing your buttons? WAS alarmed the other day when a television ﬁlm was interrupted by advertising. The commercial break was dominated by a charity unknown to me appealing on behalf of children in some part of Africa. The images were distressing; kids surviving at subsistent level and I was watching them with a cup of tea and slice of cake. While I was thinking about the issue my daughter grabbed her mobile and text £5. Just like that. I was surprised by this unexpected display of benevolence. But also alarmed. My luxurious life (not the tea and cake but the benefits of living in a politically stable liberal democracy with all the checks and balances), was being exposed and juxtaposed to these defenceless children who might at any moment be coerced to fight in a civil war. I asked if she had a strategy for supporting good causes but she did not and this was a spontaneous response to a short distressing appeal. I subsequently spoke to the director of a national charity enabling youth to take purposeful gap years in Latin America and he said this was an excellent tactic for boosting funds and attracting future donors if you can afford to televise your cause. Charities need to survive too. But I am suspicious. Is it good enough to shell out a small sum if it is simply an emotional response to a manipulative film? When our consciences disturb us we can sooth them with a painless £5 text. We assume the money will be well spent but how do we know if we haven’t researched the charity or become involved? Do you support an organisation that can influence governments’ policies or provide a sticky plaster approach through charities that give directly to victims. Right now various celebrities are revealing they are opening their homes to refugees – a trend sparked by the image of little Aylan Kurdi’s lifeless body being carried off a Mediterranean beach.

After being made redundant in 2013, Colin Melhuish awarded himself a ‘gap year’. The 57-year-old software engineer loves being outdoors and one of his projects has been to make everything in his garden lovely – and now he is helping to do the same for others. He is a volunteer with the Green ‘n’ Tidy scheme, which offers a basic gardening service for elderly or disabled people in the borough – and he loves it! OLIN MELHUISH is no stranger to putting his time and energy into the environment. He is a founder member and joint co-ordinator of the Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers. They work through the winter months to keep the wildlife haven, on the edge of Joel Park, beautiful for all to enjoy. And it was through this labour of love he found out about Green ‘n’ Tidy, now another passion in his life. The scheme offers a basic gardening service for elderly or disabled residents of Wokingham Borough who cannot maintain their own properties, lack a support network to take on the job and lack the financial resources to employ commercial companies. The services they offer range from grass cutting, strimming, weeding, leaf clearing and pruning. It’s a vital service for many residents who would otherwise face a jungle instead of a lawn. Green ‘n’ Tidy volunteers, who found themselves twiddling their green thumbs during the winter, got stuck into coppicing with the Holt Copse conservationists and Colin, from Clifton Road in Emmbrook, decided to return the favour. He said: “I have always been a keen gardener but never had time to do it properly – when I was working nine

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

in touch. Alexandra Place in Woodley provides social housing for the over 55’s. They are looking for a volunteer to help with activities. The volunteer will be required to help run and join in with sessions, such as arts and crafts, IT, playing pool. If you have a passion, skill or hobby and you would be happy sharing it or teaching a small group, then let us know! They particularly need help on a Tuesday and/or Friday morning from a volunteer in their Cognitive Behavioural Therapy groups. It has been shown to slow the normal deterioration expected in mild to moderate dementia.

 Finally please save the date and join us for our Annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair at the Bradbury Centre, Rose Street, Wokingham, on Saturday, 10am – 1pm. Around 30 local charities will be there to tell you about the fantastic work they do to make Wokingham Borough a better place to live – and how you can get involved. These are just three of the roles we are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books. To ﬁnd out about these or any other roles, call us on 0118 977 0749, email wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk

Philanthropic

I am amazed at this philanthropic dynamic but how will the average family manage if they follow this example? Will they become friends with a guest family sharing the kitchen and other facilities? Even if you house a cardiac surgeon and his family or a lawyer and her family how easily will you adjust your lifestyle to accommodate strong cultural differences? If this sounds heartless how much more pain will be caused if these differences lead to an acute breakdown in relationships? Why don’t we show the same charity to our own homeless young people? We are horrified by the rightwing stance of Viktor Orban closing Hungary’s borders to asylum seekers but we should also respect that this country has lived beside the bloody breakdown of the former Yugoslavia. It is interesting to compare the party speeches of Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May with regard to the realities of what Britain should do. Who is being the most honest with us? I suspect it is much more meaningful to be involved where effort has been made to build trust and commitment in advance. So what do you plan to do? Answers to: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

HEALTH | 17

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’VE ALWAYS wondered www.berkshirephysio.co.uk 0118 966 8601 The Stoptober team in Wokingham’s Market Place last Saturday. They want you to give up smoking this month – offering support materials to help you reach the 28-day goal. Picture: Paul King

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PHE estimates that by stopping smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good. Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, Wokingham Borough Council executive member for health and wellbeing, is delighted that the campaign is running. He said: “Smoking continues to be the biggest cause of preventable deaths with 80,000 people in England dying because of smoking. “Stopping smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing long-term conditions.” SmokeFree Berkshire is based out of Reading’s Broad Street Mall and has trained stop-smoking advisors on hand to offer advice on quitting. Facebook @healthatchwokingham It can also offer a free 12-week programme, Twitter @HWWokingham including free nicotine replacement therapy and Phone 0118 418 1 418 support. E-mail enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk  To sign up to the nation’s biggest mass quit attempt, Website www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk search Stoptober online or visit: www.smokefree.nhs. Walk-in via Citizens Advice at 2, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham, RG40 2YF uk/stoptober. Strudley works two days a week as the  For free support to quit smoking by contactingfor a local Established over 25 years, Nicola we offer a personalised manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. stop smoking advisor on 0800 622 6360 or text QUIT to for overand 25 years, we offer a personalised service withEstablished excellent facilities a dedicated team. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own 66777. with24 excellent We will see service you within hours. facilities and a dedicated team.

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HO will be top of the stops? This month, the country is being urged to become a nation of quitters and the borough has been playing its part. No, we’re not talking about jobs - we’re talking about smoking. October has been renamed Stoptober as Public Health England (PHE) aims to get us weened off cigarettes and on to healthier habits. To help, last weekend, a fun roadshow came to Woodley and Wokingham town centres, encouraging people to sign up to the 28-day quit challenge. Fun superheroes gave out gifts of fruit as alternatives to the evil weed, while children received balloons.

Reading East MP Rob Wilson, whose constituency includes Woodley and Earley, also visited on Friday to discover more about the campaign. The Stoptober initiative has come about after research revealed that smokers are 67% more likely to quit if their partner also stops smoking, and 36% more likely to quit if a friend stops. This year, smokers are encouraged to sign up with friends, family and colleagues, as evidence reveals this type of ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of successfully stopping. Stoptober will be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi. The comics will be sending messages of support and encouragement straight to quitters’ phones and emails throughout the month. Last year, more than a quarter of a million people signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days. This year, it is expected the campaign will welcome the millionth sign-up.

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This month, the country is being asked to give up cigarettes in favour of a healthy lifestyle – and the borough is playing its part too. JOHN WAKEFIELD ﬁnds out more

why some GP practices call themselves family practices. Surely all surgeries should be able to deal with all patients right from childhood up to old-age? Last weekend I found out. HealthWatch had a stall at the Parkside family practice’s flu clinic. These flu clinics can see hundreds of patients in just a few short hours. I felt like I was a guest at a family reunion. The practice manager greeted everybody on arrival with a friendly smile and often by first name. The patients that crossed over between going in for their vaccination and coming out, often recognised each other and stopped for a chat in the waiting room. In an age of privacy and anonymity it’s rare to see people stop and take time to talk with one another. What struck me was the warm caring friendly environment . It acted as a great tonic for emotional health and well-being. The atmosphere was contagious – I left Parkside family practice with a smile on my face and a warm sense of contentment. People being genuinely friendly to one another is good for the soul. If only Parkside family practice could bottle this joie de vivre and share it around with other GP surgeries – I am sure there would be a positive correlation on patient’s general well-being and health outcomes.

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SIMONDS REVIEW

Hop to discover brewing,our beer & banks The along past which has shaped present... Walking through any town orreviews village in This week MikE ChuRChER Berkshire between 1830 and articles 1960, you the Wokingham Remembers could not avoid the name of Simonds of the past four months and discussesand their leaf logo: Simonds Banks and, somehop of the factors which contributed especially, Simonds Beer were everywhere. to the making of Wokingham and its The name is particularly associated with environment. Reading, but as local historian DAVID FORD major impact they had on the town and VER the past months the we haveWokingham already made a start with the explains, the family were from Borough Wokingham Remembers pagereally has

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been providing anwere earlythe picture HE Simonds family of how a small market town and a personal face of a huge business few villages on throughout the edge of athe forest today empire 19thisand ranked as oneofofthe the20th country’s leading most centuries. communities. Their huge Reading-based Seven Education, religion, industry, transport, Bridges brewery, with its high billowing social structures, national and chimneys, would have beenpolitics well-known local government are all important throughout the county. Even today, many pieces in building remember it, underthe thegreat laterWokingham name of jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our Courage. The site is now the contributions to Centre date and a few ideas on Oracle Shopping and thehard nextto round of articles. it’s believe it was ever the hive of Education, industry Education, that turned out 200,000 Education barrels of beer every year. Today’s Wokingham is renowned as The family origins one of the country’s centres of excellence begin in the 13th century, for education; this is partly due to strong when Christian de school performance and the motivated Wudecride was living at parents who live in one of the most Woodcray Manor, where highly educated communities in the UK. Wokingham Family Golf is on the If we look into the history of southern edge of our town. Wokingham’s schools we can see The family took their name how education is woven into its DNA. from his son, Simon. Prior to the Great War, Wokingham The main branch was surrounded by manor houses and continued there and their members of the landed gentry who lands were eventually wanted to be close to the levers of power; inherited by the Palmers i.e. the royal households of Windsor. of Palmer School fame. In turn these upper echelons However, it was the possessed a serious sense of duty younger branches who and a responsibility to ensure their really prospered. community received at least a basic With little inheritance education. Wokingham also had a coming their way, younger sons powerful professional class, a strong had to fight to make their way in the church community (including the nonWorld, often with great success. One conformists) and together they shared younger branch of the Simondses ended a strong belief in the importance of up in Earley, renting the mansion of teaching. Erleigh Court (in the Sidmouth Grange The result was with the skills, the Close area). motivation and the finance available, The son of the house, William, there developed a culture of education managed to get himself a position at which still holds strong to this day. the Court of Elizabeth I. One can easily Wokingham transport imagine him spending his life in London Transport is money probably palaces, saving to the buysingle a small most important factorsettled in Wokingham’s estate. He eventually at Hurst, development, both its railspiritual and road which becamein the Simonds’ systems. home. His youngest grandson, Thomas, Futurehim articles will lookCourt, at thehelping followed to the Royal introduction railways the to Royal visitorsof asthe ‘Page of the and Presence’

road system by mapping out the course of James I’s queen. theLater, old Forest Road. he was Keeper of the Manor While the building of the had Walke in Windsor Forest. HeM4 lived inaa major influence on the introduction of the fine moated manor (now under Virginia high tech businesses which nowdeer. surround Water), looking after the King’s His Wokingham, is the A329M which elder brother,itWilliam, remained in Hurst in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its and Barkham. natural connections between Emmbrook His seventh son, John, moved into and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The Wokingham, so may have turned to love and hate relationship with our rail industry. Might he have been an and roads continue to this day! early brewer? Wokingham’s Johnmilitary had a family of 14 children: a busy household. heritage Instead of becoming As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the a Royal his a Battle of Waterloo, thereservant, have been youngest son, Thomas, number of articles commemorating this world changingmarried event. his fortune: the rich heiress of Thomas The area has always been noted for Webb of Arborfield. Was its contribution to the nation’s military she related to theREME, later Webb capability, with Arborfield’s ofconnections Wokingham?and the RFA andbrewers Remount Their sons, Thomas andColleges Williamall were Sandhurst and Wellington situated the veryfathers nearby.of three men of great spirit who Even theentrepreneurial Duke of Wellington took to established the Simonds’ living in Stratfield Saye, which today is Berkshire history. only 30 minutesplace awayinfrom Wokingham’s Thomas was the miller town centre. at Sindlesham Mill (now Wokingham’s the Moat House Hotel). William, as the benefactor culture younger brother, was moved The area around Wokingham surrounded bytomany remarkable Reading where he set individuals and werebusiness. instrumental up athey malting His in building the needed infrastructure son,much William Blackall Simonds, which underpinned the establishment turned this into Simonds’ Brewery of a strong (later H &community. G Simonds & Co Ltd) in 1785. We later be telling the story of the Thewill large amounts of cash he handled Walter family andtotheir contributions to encouraged him diversify into banking. the building of Wokingham but in April In 1814, he established the Simonds’ Bank first weekly issue, we told thehis story of the in King Street, Reading with cousins, much Arthur Hill, the Uncle 6th Marquess John &loved Charles, sons of his Thomas. of HeDownshire. handed over the brewery to his son, Although of Britain’s Blackall, and,one when he died, wealthiest was buried landowners, Arthur Hillplot doubled as the in the Simonds family in Hurst chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a churchyard. major financial contributor this part of William’s cousins carriedtoon at the Wokingham’s bank, naming public it J & Cservices. Simonds & Co. Their Later articles will Reading illustratewas the set up first branch outside demise of these on Market Day ingreat The manors Roebuckand pubtheir in incumbent social system the rise of Wokingham. In 1855 theyand opened proper

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

The story was told in June, and also historians, Sarah Huxford, also took commemorated the 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby in search of their graves. This story Before we believe too much in the idea Runnymede in 1215. reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a around the county of Berkshire, but solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on Above: an engraving of the old Simonds Bank in King Street, Below: Simonds affirms theReading. importance ofThomas the wars in thebusiness base was Sindlesham Mill. Top left: William told the story of the rioting in the town Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ Blackall, the founder of the Simonds’ Brewery, which was symbolised bylocal the famous hop leaf, pictured below left. of our character. centre during the time of the 1857 General development To bring us up to date the August Election. Wokingham and premises in the Market Place, when Ericare Simonds, onewho of these articles focusedthe onson theof kids are Such events were common in “Withers brought thea money bysight railway men, boughtinto up breweries across the now entering their summer holidays. the Royal Forest the and this short and bloody andtown we commenced business in thebattle new south England, themonth’s number of Looking at today’s community, it is Whatofbetter waybringing to use this between shop”. the Whigs and the Tories also pubs tothan overto 1,400. difficult to visualise just how rural the editions tell the stories of the highlighted the Bush hotels in Their family estateand wasRose at Newland As a the newlywed, hethe chose to move back area once was and in part explains the Romans, Celts and Saxons Market Place as the headquarters of these House in Sindlesham. John Simonds II to the rural idylls of before Wokingham where sometimes fragile relationship between influence on the area Wokingham two feralthe groups. enjoyed life of a country gentleman theeven family had begun. the old and new Wokingham; few was a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? Thewhilst story was also IIable to reflect there, Charles worked at the He and hisFord wifeprovided set up home areas in the UK have witnessed such David Nash a setinof upon the national scene and corrupt Reading bank. One story tellsthe how John Pensdell, Murdoch Road, where extraordinary growth and change in the articles andon puzzles which makes nature general elections and theofGarth Hunt chasedbefore a deerthe right Duncan Simonds, the head the brewery profile of its population. history fun for the young andofno doubt introduction of the private ballot. into the centre of Reading! He decided to when merged Courage, born. Although Wokingham’s history will alsoitcatch thewith interest of thewas parents Future articlesand willensure includeprofits further Emmbrook Inn, Old Leathernwith Bottle, visit his brother were early 1920, they moved to has always been intertwined whoIn will be looking over their child’s tales Crispin and Victoria Arms. there high.of anarchy and revelry in this old Mertonford, among what were then the the surrounding villages by Then providing shoulder. market town.staff were quite shocked theplace Bullsfor in Arborfield, The bank fields ofto the Easthampstead They awere market agriculturalBarkham and Here’s the next round of Road. articles! and Sonning, the George & also Dragon when he turned up full hunting pink. were very happy there for 10 years, but commercial produce, it was a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham atinWar (Swallowfield), The bank prospered under laterin then moved away. Town. The term Black ‘forest’Boy did(Shinfield), not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments Castle of (Hurst), (Loddon generations were well-known AfterRoger Eric’s Long, deathTrevor in 1953,Ottlewski his wife cluster trees, George but a system of Bridge), laws laid Huxford, history whichwho mark thealso moment of great Threeby Tuns (Earley) andprotection many others. for theirinsupport of and the Wokingham returned to the area, living ‘Handpost’ down royalty for the of change a society the Great War of and Peter Shilham for all theiratcontinuing The company became the biggest Agricultural Show. Bytime. the time it merged in Swallowfield for another 16 years. their hunting grounds. 1914-1918 is one such contributions. brewery in the county town. It thrived, with Barclay’s in 1913, there were 12 Today, the brewery andby theour bank are These onerous rules restricted local Therefore a number of centenaries All this work is provided again under the guidance of several Simonds 2014 branches, including no more, but Wokingham should from using large parts of the land between and 2018 will Crowthorne, people local historians free of charge and be proud generations ofand younger sons, brought Twyford and Wargrave. of its family who for sustenance in part led to the into can commemorate the great losses of war be connections found on thewith frontapage of the theof business as the elderand lines, living in Meanwhile, with the relaxation of brought employment towebsite thousands of rise local highwaymen general which scarred the people of Wokingham Wokingham Remembers Reading, Caversham andthe Bradfield, failed. www.wokinghamremembers.com licensing in 1830, Blackall Simonds Berkshire people for nearly 200 years. lawlessness. As a result, subsequent for the restlaws of the 20th century. They hadcame to send to heavily New York Black Acteven of 1723 down on was ableedition to openfollowed up pubsthe all over May’s storythe also totoMark AshwellFamily at nThanks Many thanks the Simonds for two of the American to return these ‘Wokingham Blacks’branch and resulted in of two brothers from Langborough TradeMark supporting the paper’s county. Archive forfor providing information & images hometheir and repopulate the family. either transportation or execution. Road in Wokingham town. One of ourthe commitment to this project. Survivors in Wokingham include for this article. its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

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ETHICAL LIVING | 19

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The good life

How Wokingham is going Green with Vivienne Johnson

FASHION

The new Code plays it again Cllr Sallyanne Steatham and John Robertson outside Norrey’s Church in Norreys Avenue on Saturday as part of the Norreys East Ward litter pick event. Pictures: Paul King

ENVIRONMENT

Litter pickers pick it up

Code Boutique manager Amy Brealey with Owner Kirsti Morrish Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

A Wokingham boutique is encouraging some upcycling with its clothes – and wants to find a space for those pretty little things. VIVIENNE JOHNSON finds out more

IKE many small independent businesses Code Boutique of Peach Street, Wokingham has been feeling the pinch. The closure of Dress Circle, another dress shop in the area left a hole in the town’s shops. “Added to the roadworks, it has been a long, hard slog just keeping the doors open,” said Amy Brealey, Manager of Code Boutique. “We had to think of something to do”. The idea that has revolutionised Code Boutique came from Olivia Squires, the shop’s 16-year-old Saturday girl, who is currently studying at Holt School.

“She is an integral part of the business,” said owner Kirsti Morrish. “Olivia came up with a new idea for the shop Re-dress. Selling pre-loved clothes. “We will see what comes in but we are looking for high end High Street [labels] such as Wallace or Next and upwards, and also designer labels, we are particularly looking out for interesting and unusual clothes. “We will also have a rail called ‘Pretty Little Things’ for none-label clothes that are too cute to turn away.” Code Boutique has spent the summer paring down its stock. “For women, we will be sticking with the Luca Vanucci range,” said Ms Brealey. “We know this range is popular. “We also have a reputation for selling funky mens shirts”. As part of Code’s new look, Ms Brealey is looking for a charity to work with. “We have a good rapport with the local community,” she said.

Quirky men’s shirts, designer labels and upcycled furniture are all available at CODE in Peach Street, Wokingham

“We want to exploit that”. As well as selling clothes, the new look shop has started to stock upcycled, shabby chic furniture from local artisan Shabby Geek. Code are looking for people in the community who have artistic skills. The team want to sell handmade and upcycled articles that you won’t see anywhere else. Ms Brealey added: “We have an open door to the community, if you have artistic skills please come in and see us. I am really interested in upcycling and ‘up-purposing’. Shabby Geek does this very well, he is looking at a project using wine bottles at the moment”. If you have any unwanted womens and childrens clothes Re-dress will sell them for a commission. New stock is taken in on Thursdays. for anyone who wants to sell their unwanted items, or book an appointment on Saturdays. n For more details, log on to www. codeboutique.co.uk or call 0118 979 8986.

MEMBERS of Norreys East Ward, Wokingham organised a litter pick last weekend. “It was the end of summer so we decided it was a good time to tidy the place up,” said Councillor Sallyanne Streatham, one of the volunteers. During Saturday morning, the group collected 16 black sacks of litter – most of which were bottles and cans. “I enjoyed it enormously, we were all given a pick-up stick and high viz jacket. It was a really nice way to spend a day,” Cllr Streatham said. “The area I was working in, there wasn’t much litter I’m pleased to say.”

n If you would like to get involved in helping to keep Wokingham litter free Wokingham Litter Hero’s would love to hear from you. You can find out more about their work on their Facebook group page https://www.facebook.com/ WokinghamLitterHeroes Wokingham Borough Council regularly organise litter picks, information can be found on their website http://www. wokingham.gov.uk/transport/streets/ litterpick/ and also sponsor the Adopt a Street scheme. To find out more email customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 6000.

Jo Robertson, Cllr Sallyanne Steatham and John Robertson with some of the rubbish they collected during their litter pick on Saturday

20 | EDUCATION

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

Calling all junior wordsmiths... HAVE you ever wanted to be a journalist? Have you always wanted to see your name in print? Have you got a burning issue you want to sound off about or someone you want to interview? Well, this is the space for you! At The Wokingham Paper we want to encourage young talent, be they three or 13. Our Press Pack section is a space where you can try your hand at writing, have fun and see your pieces get published. If you are 20 or under, we want to encourage you to write. You may have seen a film or read a book that you want to review. You may want to write

about a school trip you’ve been on or to send us an interview with someone you’ve met. Have you written a poem? Painted a great picture? We’d love to see those too. Every item on this page will be written by you. And every so often we’ll give you the chance to tackle some special assignments – interviewing big names or covering big events. We can’t wait to see what you can come up with. Send your items to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS.

LANGUAGES

Crowthorne’s cross channel croissants

FUNDRAISING

Raise funds and enjoy a night with the Bees

Some of Elm class at Oaklands Infant School enjoying their French breakfast Picture: Vivienne Johnson

CHILDREN at Oakland Infant School, Crowthorne started the day with a French language lesson recently. The pupils also experienced some French cuisine with a croissant breakfast at the special day, held on Friday, October 2. A spokesperson for the school said: “We have a number of bilingual children at our school and so we decided to celebrate their skills by introducing a ‘Language of the Half Term.’ “The first language the pupils will experience is French and we are starting with a croissant morning.”

APPEAL

Emmbrook helps refugees Head of Media Jenny Murray, Callum Downey, Rachael Lewis and Head of Sixth Form Pete Whitehouse with some of the donations collected by students of Emmbrook School

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

The Bracknell Bees is inviting PTAs, youth group leaders and fundraising managers to a fun taster evening to showcase how it can work with them to create a fun way to raise funds. Pictures: Blueline Photography/ @ccphotographic

Find out how to raise funds for your group while enjoying a brilliant ice hockey game

HE Bracknell Bees’ recentlylaunched a joint community fundraising initiative known as the Bees in the Community (B-I-C) Programme is off to a flyer with several local schools and groups already having enjoyed top class ice hockey while fundraising for themselves at the same time. To help promote the initiative and its benefits further, the Bees say it would like to invite school and group fundraising managers to a special complimentary evening as the Bees take on the Milton Keynes Lightning in the English Premier League on Sunday, October 18. At the game, guests will be entertained

in the Bees hospitality suite by the Bees management and made aware of the benefits of the initiative. The scheme gives local schools, Scout troops, Guides, Cadets, sports clubs and other youth and community groups the opportunity to fundraise for their organisation while enjoying the actionpacked family atmosphere of a Bees game. With more than 75 organisations and over 4,000 people of all ages having attended Bees games as part of group parties over the past two years, the club has formalised the programme to continue to promote the Bees while giving something back to the community. As well as the split revenue tickets, the package also includes group photos, on-ice presentations and autographs from the players. Bees Chairman Andrew Cross said “I’m really excited to launch the B-I-C programme as it will really generate excitement for ice hockey in local schools and in the wider community. “With the success that we’ve already had in attracting groups to the Bees games we felt the launch of a programme to be a logical step, and one that will hopefully pave the way for many more families to experience our great sport”. n To register your interest log on to www. wokinghampaper.com/ event/bicevent/

KIND-HEARTED students at a Wokingham school have been busy collecting donations to send to the refugees of the Syrian crisis. Pupils at the Emmbrook School, in Emmbrook Road, have been working together to collect textiles and survival necessities, such as tents and food, to be sent out to those most in need. Head of sixth form Mr Pete Whitehouse said: “Over the years the school have done plenty to help charity, but seeing the devastating media coverage we couldn’t resist but help the refugees.” Head Boy Callum Downey said: “I am delighted to be a part of such a generous and caring effort to help people who are in a situation we can only imagine.” Head Girl Rachael Lewis added: “I am so glad to be part of this campaign, it’s inspiring to know that our gestures can have such a huge impact on those who have sadly been put in this situation.”

FUN

Razzamataz students turn up in their pyjamas

Pupils from Razzamataz enjoyed lessons in their nightwear at a special fundraising day on Saturday Picture: Paul King

PUPILS of a Wokingham dance and drama school turned up in their pyjamas on Saturday. But they hadn’t slept in – they were taking part in a special fundraising event for a new charity that helps young performers get through college. Theatre school Razzamataz – which meets in St Crispin’s School in Wokingham on Saturdays – has launched the Future Fund charity to help finance a scholarship to train at a performing arts college. The charity awarded its first grant in September 2015 to Razzamataz Carlisle student Lauryn Jamieson The grant will next be presented next year to a Razzamataz student in their final year of school looking

to progress their performing ambitions. The award is judged by industry experts. “We do lots of fundraising events at Razzamataz for local charities and while we continue to support these, it is also great to raise money for our own charity,” says Denise HuttonGosney, Managing Director of Razzamataz Theatre Schools. “It is very expensive to go on to college to study performing arts and it takes real dedication, commitment and talent to secure a place so it will be an honor to support students through their training. Who knows, maybe one day in the future, one of our little Razz Minis currently aged four will be the recipient of the Future Fund Award.”

LEISURE | 21

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Leisure

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

READING

Simon helps bring dinner theatre to book

The Mill at Sonning – famous for its plays, meals and concerts – has branched out into the world of literature. And, to celebrate the launch of its new book club, actor Simon Williams dropped in. JOHN WAKEFIELD explains

NEW chapter has started in the life of The Mill. The dinner theatre in Sonning – close to George Clooney’s new home – has added literature to its repertoire of plays and concerts. On Wednesday, it welcomed the actor Simon Williams to the launch of its new book club.

Upstairs Downstairs star Simon Williams with The Mill’s creative director Sally Hughes at the launch of its new book club on Wednesday. Pictures: Paul King

The star of Upstairs, Downstairs and Don’t Wait Up was in Sonning for the meeting, which was also attended by the Mill’s artistic director Sally Hughes. Dozens of people gathered for the group which aims to help people discuss their favourite novels over a coffee and cupcakes, in the venue’s newly refurbished Waterwheel Bar. The club has been set up in partnership with Chapter One Bookshop in Woodley and members will be able to buy books at a discounted rate from the shop. Now that the first chapter of the book club has been written, the group is looking forward to the next meeting, on Wednesday, November 4. The readings will thenbe held on the first Wednesday of the month from 2pm.  For more information visit The Mill’s website www. millatsonning.com

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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 FAWN THIS six to eight-year-old female toy poodle would make a lovely addition to a family. She is a lovely, friendly girl who is eager to please. She is well-behaved and easy to live with, although can be a little timid at first. She is not yappy or naughty, and gets on really well with cats and other dogs. She is fine with children, but we would prefer she didn’t go to a home with younger children. Fawn has never lived without the company of other dogs, so preferably she would be home with one of her companions at the shelter, or into a home with an existing dog.

BUDDY BUDDY is a six-month-old shihtzu Yorkie terrier cross, and was simply too much for his elderly owner to cope with. He is a cross of two quite lively, feisty breeds, so naturally he is quite a live wire! Buddy is a good boy, but he is still quite young so could do with some more training classes to continue his education. He has not lived with young children or cats before, but is good with other dogs. Buddy is a lovely dog and we are sure he will find his forever home soon.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

MUSICAL

You’ll have the time of your life at Dirty Dancing The cult musical film is coming to the Thames Valley … and experts expect it to be such a hit that tickets have gone on sale for November next year. PHIL CREIGHTON explains

MUCH-LOVED musical has announced that it will be coming to Reading next year as part of its latest tour. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story is based on the hugely popular film starring Patrick Swayze and features a host of hit songs including I’ve Had The Time of My Life. The tour follows two blockbuster West End runs and is the third time the show has toured. Full of passion and romance, heart-pounding music and sensationally sexy dancing, this is an all-new production created by a new creative team; directed by Federico Bellone, Artistic Director of Milan’s Teatro Nazionale, choreographed by Gillian Bruce and with design reimagined by top Italian set designer Roberto Cometti. The production premiered in Milan in July, then packing out the 15,000 seat Roman Arena in Verona. It is in Rome this autumn for a season before a tour of Italy and, ultimately, its Reading date. Since its Australian debut in 2004, the show is a worldwide hit: it’s also been performed in China, Belgium and Korea. This new tour begins in Blackpool next August, performing at the town’s Opera House. Then it will

perform across the country, before hitting The Hexagon in Reading from November 21-26, 2016. Set in the summer of 1963, 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 and became the longest-running show in the theatre’s history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during a five-year run. Tickets for The Hexagon production have just gone on sale and start at £34.50. There are discounts for groups, which vary according to how large your group is. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060. n www.dirtydancingontour.com

REVIEW

Taken up the garden path Round and Round the Garden Mill at Sonning

A CLOUD AND STORM THESE beautiful silver tabbies have come to DBARC from a breeder who no longer wanted them. They are not used to going out much, and don’t have much road sense,

so will need a home in a quiet, rural area. They have lived with other cats, and have also lived around dogs, but haven’t lived with children so a child-free home would be best. They are stunning cats with lovely natures once you get to know them.

n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, and to view other animals in need of a forever home visit www. dbarc.org.uk.

S lotharios go, Norman is probably one of the most unlikeliest. Described as ‘a double-ended sheepdog’ who will maul anyone who pays him attention, the star of the latest offering at The Mill at Sonning, Round and Round the Garden, manages to have a certain way with all the ladies in his life. Part of Alan Ayckbourn’s The Norman Conquests trilogy, this laugh-out-loud comedy will have you questioning your morals and clutching your sides as every twist and turn makes you shriek with disbelief and delight. The action follows the exploits of Norman (James Wallace) who is trying to entice his wife’s sister, Annie (Nelly Harker), away on a romantic weekend to East Grinstead. When Annie’s brother Reg (Harry Gostelow) turns up with seductress wife Sarah (Susannah Harker), chaos ensues as Norman is caught between two women who neither want, nor repel, his attentions. And then his wife appears… Every character in Round and Round the Garden has their own strong personality which is evident throughout. From feisty,

over-the-top Norman, to shy wallflower Annie, timid Tom the vet (Chris Porter), who has better luck communicating with animals than he does with women, to frosty, determined Ruth (Sarah Edwardson) who knows she is too good for her husband’s womanising ways, but constantly finds herself under his spell. The stand-out performance came from Sarah, a character who should know better, but can’t help herself falling for Norman’s charms. Few blushes are spared during her drinkfuelled dalliance with Norman on the patio, but she regains her composure and swiftly

chides him with a brisk telling off. But with Norman’s parting line of ‘I only wanted to make you happy’ left ringing in your ears, you can’t help but fall for him too. The set design transforms the performance space into a beautiful garden scene. Complete with trailing roses, stainedglass windows and dusty old flowerpots, the setting transports the audience to the back garden of a tranquil Sussex home. Picturesque on the surface, but with a few weeds lurking beneath, maybe it could be seen as a metaphor for the relationships of the characters. Classic Alan Ayckbourn at his hilarious best, Round and Round the Garden leaves the audience wondering what could possibly be going on in the other two parts of the trilogy, set in the living room and the dining room. The beauty of the writing is that you can enjoy all three parts as standalone plays, but I for one am eager to know more, and will be longing for the next two instalments to (hopefully!) be staged in the not-toodistant future. n Round and Round the Garden is running until November 21. Tickets, which include dinner, start at £42.50. For more information and to book visit www.millatsonning.com.

LEISURE | 23

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

The acoustic couch

PLAY

Bond fans in for a treat with one-man 007 parody night

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Talented teen Amelie will go far

007 FANS looking forward to the release of SPECTRE later this month can have their appetites shaken but not stirred thanks to a comic play. The Swallowfield Parish Events Group will welcome Gavin Robertson for its half-term event to a one-man unauthorised Bond parody. The show sees him play everyone from James Bond to forgotten Bond girl Honeydew Melons. It will be performed at the Parish Hall on Friday, October 30 from 7pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from Swallowfield Parish Stores. For more details, call 0118 988 5989 or 0118 973 4017.

ART

Life in India on canvas WOKINGHAM Art Society will be welcoming guest speaker Tony Jackson to its next Demo Meeting on Tuesday, October 20. Mr Jackson will be giving a demonstration entitled ‘Life in India’ using pastels. The meeting will be held at the Methodist Church in Rose Street between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Entry is free for members, £4 for non-members. For more information call 0118 973 1556 or visit www. wokinghamartsociety.org.uk.

MUSIC

Treat for harpsichord fans

GED JUST 13, Amelie is simply astonishing the attention you command when you open your mouth and start to sing. You have a promising and colourful life ahead of you if you’re willing to put the work in. Singer Amelie is daughter of local Ciderniks brewery owner Nick, who both appeared (in one way or another) at our recent event back in September. Ask anyone in attendance at the Acoustic Couch’s Sunday special, held on September 13, if they remember Amelie, and I don’t think anyone will have missed this young starlet. Music pours out of her and I don’t even think she realises how naturally gifted she is. I can’t throw all that in the air without a big dose of reality. The girl is good, to the point of she’ll stop you in mid-conversation … but in a good way. She will captivate you and take

you on a journey. She certainly has it, and it comes out in sparkles throughout her performance. But, there is a whole wonderful journey ahead to learn and absorb the wonder that is music. We hope for her every single thing that she wants out of music, how ever she may choose to embrace it. In the meantime, this weekend sees theacousticcouch invite the young artist to visit local Berkshire producer Paul Carr. It will be her first time in a studio and we’re looking forward to showing her the ropes, as we record her first professional project. She is very lucky to have outstanding producer Paul Carr at the helm. A recent graduate of Royal Holloway University and now spending the next year interning with Brigid Beney at Ascot Life Church as music technology intern and assisting with the youth under the supervision of Lauren Hamill, the church’s youth coordinator.

We feel he’s the perfect person to guide us through our first studio session together. Having worked previously on an unreleased track called Merry Go Round, I have seen first hand the growth of a maestro in music production. His latest piece of excellence is available on his Facebook and is called Skateboard. The mesmerising song is so fresh and relevant to the landscape of youth I see living around me. The flow is current and I can see this track being adored by most that hear it. Writer and vocalist of the Stella song is Dan Goss. I urge you to take five minutes to check out his track Skateboard. It’s a sophisticated production mixed with real current affairs of, I’m sure many a young person’s heart. Everyone deserves a listen. Some tracks deserved to be put on a playlist. This is one such of them. n www.soundcloud.com/dangoss

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

2 5

4 3

9 8

2 2 2

9 6 7 8 5

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

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

No. 250

7 8

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

Very Hard

8 9 5 5 1

7 9 5

8 4 1

Previous solution - Tough

3 8 5 4 2 9 6 7 1

4 7 1 3 4 1 3 6 2 8 6 8 3

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.

2 1 7

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

9 8 1

6 6

Previous solution - Easy

STR8TS No. 250

2 4 9 7 1 6 8 5 3

1 7 6 3 8 5 4 9 2

4 6 3 1 5 7 9 2 8

5 9 8 6 4 2 1 3 7

7 2 1 8 9 3 5 4 6

8 5 4 2 7 1 3 6 9

9 3 2 5 6 8 7 1 4

6 1 7 9 3 4 2 8 5

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

MUSIC from the harpsichord will be heard at this month’s Candlelit Baroque concert. Terence Charlston will be performing Fugues and Fancies at All Saints Church on Wednesday, October 28, starting at 8pm. The experienced chamber musician will play music by Handel, Bach, Duphly and others. The performance will be given at the Wiltshire Road church and is part of an ongoing series of baroque concerts at All Saints. Tickets cost £12.50 and are available by logging on to www.wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.

24 | LEISURE

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

GIG GUIDE Catch some live music near you HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK Friday, October 9 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Up2NoGood. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Back2Soul Mojo Launch Night. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Brobed Stils. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Jen Merchant. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, 115 Frimley Road, GU15 2PP. Platinum Floyd CANCELLED. Details: 01276 27641. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. NRG. Details: 01252 663686. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. House Fetish. Details: 01252 873220. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Autumn real ale festival. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rob & The Retros. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Inﬂuences: The Drum and Bass takeovers. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts

centre. The Purple Zeppelins. Wokin’ Man Noise Unit LP Release Show. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Small Fakers. Details: 0118 959 5395. 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. WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG40 3JU. Wokingham Lions present Boogie Night with the Back Beat Boogie Band. Details: 0845 833 7384. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bricks Build Houses. Details: 0118 978 0918.

Saturday, October 10 BINFIELD – Binﬁeld Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. The Berries. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Dan 2as Fantasticas: The Lyric Guitar Trio. Rage Rebellionn. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – Crown Wood Community Centre, Opeladen Way, Crown Wood RG12 0PE. Murphy James. Details: 07707 681202. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lord John

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Band. Details: 01276 32691. CROWTHORNE – Crown Wood Community Centre, Openladen Way RG12 0PE. Murphy James. Details: 07707 681202. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Charlie Chandlers Little Rock. Details: 01344 530615. EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Back to the 90s. Details: 0118 973 1126. FARNBOROUGH – The Village Hotel, Pinehurst Road Gu14 7BF. 2 Pauls. Details: 0871 222 4590. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Beat Academy. Details: 01252 811311. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LP. Off The Record. Details: 0118 973 4855. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Autumn real ale festival: Baron Manfred von Landlord and His Flying Circus. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Faze 3. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – Pavlov’s Dog, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2JN. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 951 9001. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Flying Visit. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Embeepee presents Martin Luke Brown. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Robbie Williams v Kylie Minogue. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1

1PZ. World Mental Health Day event in aid of Reading Samaritans: The Texan Chainsaw Manicure and guests. Details: 0118 959 4267. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Back2Soul: Something Borrowed. Details: 01344 303333. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Sound Mined. Details: 01252 878938. SANDHURST – Wellington Arms, Yorktown Road GU47 9BN. Custard Cream. Details: 01252 872408. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Stret GU26 9PL. The Weiners present music from The Everley Brothers. Details: 01276 858501. WHITE WALTHAM – White Waltham and Shottesbroke Social Club, Hurst Lane SL6 3JJ. Midnight. Details: 0118 934 3785. WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Highside. CANCELLED. 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. WOKINGHAM – Kings Place, Kings Road. Open Mic night in aid of Wokingham In Need. £5. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Lou Taylor. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, October 11 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Wilde Sundays. Bewarethisboy. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details:

TheLandsEnd Welcome to the

0118 988 3563

facebook.com/bellandbottle14

TWYFORD – The Gaylord Tandoori. Gary Roman is Elvis. Details: 0118 934 5511.

Tuesday, October 13 PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Mind reading and magic night with Ian Raven. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – The Global Cafe, London Road RG1 4PS. Jam in Reading with the Mark Burton Quartet. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest. Details: 0118 959 4267. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Evan Christopher’s Django A La Creole. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, October 14 READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Fella + The Papers. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Black and White music, Palace, Saltwater Sun, Kill Committee. Details: 0118 959 4267.

Thursday, October 15 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. JAM Night. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Bear, Park Street GU15 3PQ. Ronan Macmanus Details: 01276

Friday, October 16 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. The Mays. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Adele Cabaret Night. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Bracknell Jazz: Vasilis Xenopoulos. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Uptown Trafﬁc. Details: 01344 307620. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents The Police Academy and Sea Of Teeth. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01252 663686. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.

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All Rugby games are shown live – plus all other sports on our big TV screens

Monday, October 12

684999. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Men Behaving Sadly. Details: 01344 772241. FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Vic Cracknell Band. Details: 01252 620198. SUNNINGDALE – Sunningdale Lounge, London Road SL5 0DG. Soul’d Out. Details: 01344 876887. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. TWOSTEP presents: Dexters/Adam and Elvis. DYESKI presents KULT. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Samuel Ford and support. Details: 0118 959 4267. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Musicians Night with Pauly Zarb. Details: 0118 979 5790.

Lands End Lane, Charvil nr Twyford RG10 0UE

Pub&Restaurant

Bell & Bottle Join us to watch the World Cup

01344 867374. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Autumn real ale festival. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Steve and Yvonne look forward to welcoming you to our friendly pub • Family friendly • Sports-free zone • Menus to suit most tastes • Excellent wine list

• Two large car parks • Large patio area • Fantastic back garden • Great for Anglers

Find out more – visit us online at www.thelandsend.co.uk

Dark Matter: Tim Sharpe. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Doors Alive. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. Third Friday Blues: Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rev Ferriday. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Hello You. Details: 0118 959 4267. WINKFIELD – The Squirrels, North Street SL4 4TF. Hype. Details: 01344 882205. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s, 90s night with DJ Pumba. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Feel Good Fridays. Details: 0118 979 5790. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Arachna. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, October 17 BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. 2 Pauls. Details: 01276 473768. BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Gigabit. Details: 01276 473640. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bustin’ Loose. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Vanquish: Imaginarium. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Malarkey. Details: 01344 422622. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Black Shot Rose. Details: 01276 32691. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Soultones. Details: 01252 811311. HURST – St Nicholas School playing ﬁelds. Hurst Rocktoberfest. 6.30pmmidnight. £15, includes hog roast. Music from The Scoundrels, Evolution, Ditbag. Details: www. hurstrocktoberfest.org.uk READING – Grosvenor G Casino, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bran Mazz 6 Piece Band. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Mielzky. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dirtbag. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Horn, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 957 4794. READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. C’Nergi. Details: 0118 376 7823. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Blunter Brothers. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – O’Neills, Friar Street RG1 1BD. Replica

Rockaholics. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Oxjam takeover - Tiny Giant, Bear and the Woods, Stevie Parker and more. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street. Caddy Cooper. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 0118 966 3305. READING – South Street arts centre. Culture Mix presents The Peace and Love Concert. Details: 0118 960 6060. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Said & Done. Details: 01252 878938. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. The Nine Mile Riders. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Backtrack. Details: 01276 858501. 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 – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood with Art Themen. £10. Details: 07939 210121. WOODLEY – The Thatchers Tavern, Fairwater Drive RG5 3RG. Charlie Chandlers Little Rock. Details: 0118 926 7846. WOODLEY – The Bull and Chequers, Church Road RG5 4QP. Gary Roman is Elvis. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. The Reﬂections. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, October 18 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Creative Control Band NIght. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Oaktoberfest: Reading Swing Jam. Details: 0118 959 4267. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Sammi Lee Bassey. Details: 01276 858501.

Monday, October 19 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Nine Below Zero. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, October 20 READING – The Global Cafe, London Road RG1 4PS. Fleur Stevenson Jazz Singers’ night. Details: 0118 958 6692. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Stuart Henderson Quartet with Nigel Price. £5. Details: 0118 969 9878.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Raise your glasses News and views from your local pubs BROAD STREET TAVERN

FRIDAY NIGHT PICTURE SPECIAL

Our photographer Paul King was out and about last Friday snapping your great night out. Here are some of his pictures THE ROEBUCK

The Grafters perform live!

Friday night party

CATCH THE RUGBY AT THE SHIP Watch EVERY Rugby World Cup game on our big outdoor screens

WE’RE SHIP SHAPE! NEW! range of ales, lagers & spirits NEW! food menu featuring fresh produce

ENGLAND v URUGUAY SATURDAY, 8pm

PLUS: the same warm welcome!

2 outdoor screens with amazing surround sound 5 large TVs inside Fantastic atmosphere

& TAKE PRIDES! WIN PRIZE

You could win Rugby World Cup prizes when you drink London Pride! • Key rings • T-shirts • Mini rugby balls • Full-size rugby balls

1 0 4 Pe a c h S t , Wo k i n g h a m , R G 4 0 1 X H

0118 978 0389

w w w. s h i p wo k i n g h a m . c o. u k

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, October 9 BRACKNELL – Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Murder Mystery Night. 7.30pm. £49. Details: 01344 303333. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Pass The Book Club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, The Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players present Geoff Bamber’s Macbeth and The Fat Lady Sings In Little Grimley (Or Is It Swallowfield?). £5. 7.30pm. Details: www. russellplayers.co.uk TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group present When We Are Married. 7.45pm. £8, £9. Details: 0118 328 2825 or log on to www. twyrusdrama.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Boogie Nights with The Back Beat Boogie Band, organised by Wokingham Lions. £15 including meal. Details: 07583 889960 or 07867 530727. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Italian Market. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.

Saturday, October 10 LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Dad and Baby Rhymetime. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 931 2150. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. Thames Valley Police bike marking event. 11am-2pm. Details: 0118 988 5929. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, The Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players present Geoff Bamber’s Macbeth

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

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

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

and The Fat Lady Sings In Little Grimley (Or Is It Swallowfield?). Details: www.russellplayers.co.uk TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group present When We Are Married. 7.45pm. £8, £9. Details: 0118 328 2825 or log on to www. twyrusdrama.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Kings Place, Station Road. Open mic night in aid of Wokingham In Need. 7.30pm. £5, bring a bottle. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Dad and Baby Rhymetime. 10.30am-11am. Teen Writing Group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Poetry Writing Group. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Walking group meets. Come dressed for the weather. 10am. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk or 0118 926 8143. WOODLEY – Waingels College. Woodley Concert Band presents Best of British. 7.30pm. £12, £10 concessions, £5 under 16s. Details: www. woodleyconcertband.org.uk WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Star Wars themed Saturday Storytime. 11am11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, October 11 EARLEY – Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club, Beech Lane RG6 5PT. Open day for all prospective bowlers. 10.30am-2pm. Free. Wear flat-soled shoes, eg trainers. Details: 0118 986 0759. GRAZELEY – Village Hall, Church Lane RG7 1LD. Boot sale. From 7am. Refreshments available. Pitches indoors and out. £9 inside, £7 outside. Details: 0118 983 3132. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Fungus Foray. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 932 1071. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Parish

Hall. Shinfield Baptist Church presents a harvest service with breakfast. 10am. Free. Details: shinfieldbaptist.org.uk. WARGRAVE – Brownlow Hall RG42 6AB. Help! My Dog’s Scared of Fireworks, a talk by Toni Shebourne on managing dog’s stress. 6.30pm. £12, includes refreshments. Details: 07747 862614. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. £10 per Car or £8 for table top pitch/Walk on, bring own tables. Details: 07861 654 674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.

Monday, October 12 CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road RG45 7PB. Autumn talk series: Genesis 1:11, Making Sense of the Mythology, a series by the Revd Canon David Holt. 8pm. Details: 01344 761521. GRAZELEY – Village Hall, Church Lane RG7 1LD. Village Hall AGM. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 988 4762. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Board games club for adults. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 908 8176. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Litwits book group. 6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 4pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit, Stitch and Natter. 2pm-3pm. First Steps in Drawing: landscapes with Lyn Ebbett. 2pm-4pm. £5. Generation X book group: for 20/30somethings. 6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

a talk by Dr Sam Wells, vicar of St Martin in the Fields. 7.30pm. Details: 01344 407407. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Knit and Natter. 4pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 2150. SHINFIELD – John Heggadon Room, Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green RG2 9EH. Shinfield and District Local History Society meeting. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 988 3580. TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Twyford Reading Group book discussion. 2.30pm-3.30pm. Details: 0118 934 0800. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB.Children’s origami club. 4pm-4.45pm. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am3.40pm. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, October 14

Tuesday, October 13

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Knitwits Knitting Group. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB.Confessions of an Edwardian Shopaholic: a costume presentation with Meredith Towne. 2pm-3.30pm. £6. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career planning. 10am-5pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

BINFIELD – Newbold College, St Mark’s Road RG42 4AN. Diversity Lecture series presents:

Thursday, October 15

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: my cleaning business. £1. 2pm. Details: 0118 931 3124. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am. Storytime for ages 3-5. 2.30pm3pm. Details: 0118 931 2150. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Rhymetime: rhymes and stories for under fives. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Swallowfield Local history Society meeting: Invasion 1940 - What If? 7.45pm. Details: www.slhsoc. org.uk. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Winnersh Book Group. 7pm-8pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Photographic Club meeting. Wildlife on your Doorstep with Tom Way. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Detective fiction debate: do women write the best? £2.50 non-members. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 6782. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Home educated book group for ages 7-14. Booking essential. 10.30am-11.30am. Art history lecture: Goya’s Portraits with Dalila Castelijn. 2pm-4pm. £5. Classics Book Group: for lovers of Dickens, Austen etc. 6.30pm7.30pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. An evening with Author Jamila Gavin. 6.30pm-8pm.

Booking essential. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, October 16 BRACKNELL – Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood RG42 1TU. Berkshire Family History Society Bracknell and Wokingham Branch meeting: The Kennet and Avon Trust with Dave Copley. 7.15pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 950 9553. EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue). Reading and Wokingham Spanish Circle meeting: Interactive discussion: life under the Franco regime. 7.45pm. £3. Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Police Academy. 7.45pm. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Scrabble club. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 931 3124. 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: drop-in for advice. 10am-noon. Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually impaired. 2pm-4pm. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, October 17 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road RG42 4H. Ladies Pamper Afternoon. 1.30pm-5.30pm. Details: 01344 421079 HURST – St Nicholas School playing

fields. Hurst Rocktoberfest. 6.30pm-midnight. £15, includes hog roast. Music from The Scoundrels, Evolution, Ditbag. Details: www.hurstrocktoberfest. org.uk MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Storytime for ages 3-5. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s and All Angels, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Auction event: viewing from 5pm, 75% to seller, 25% to church. Refreshments available. Viewing 5pm, sale 7pm. Details: 0118 988 5923. SONNING – Reading Blue Coat School. Reading Churches Men’s Breakfast meeting. 8.15am. Guest speaker: Nathan Beard: Living Dangerously, a Life of Adventure, Faith and Purpose. £10. Details: 0118 957 3879. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall. Town councillors’ surgery. 10am-noon. Drop-in. Details: 0118 978 3185 or www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre. Woodley Theatre presents Jazz at the Oakwood. £10. 7.45pm. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org or 07939 210121. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday Storytime. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Sunday, October 18 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood (Wokingham) Miniature Railway. Rides £1, buy 5 get 6th free. Under threes free. 1.30pm-4pm. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk or 07599 969 579.

AT THE THEATRE

Basingstoke – The Anvil www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Hampshire OctoberFest. Fri-Sun. Robert Cray Band. Fri. Thank You For The Music. Sat. The Rails. Sat. The Magic of Motown. Sun. Steve Hackett. Tues. The ELO Experience. Wed. Steve Earle and the Dukes. Thurs. Dresden Philharmonic. Fri 16. Hothouse Flowers. Sat 17. An Audience with Lesley Garrett. Sun 18.

Basingstoke – Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 It’s A Wonderful Life. Until Sat. Dickens Abridged. Sun. Sean Kelly. Tues. The Real Thing. Wed. Ray Quinn in Concert. Thurs. Hal Cruttenden. Fri 16. Here Be Monsters. Sat 17. Round The Horne. Sun 18.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Until Sat. Yoshio Hamano & Yuki Ito: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. Comedy Cellar. Fri. Dan 2as Fanastictas: The Lyric Guitar Trio. Sat. Rage Rebellion. Sat. Cinderella:

Ballet Cymru. Sun. Mission Improvable Comedy Night. Sun. Parkway Dreams. Mon. Absent Friends. Tues-Wed. Africarmen - Tavaziva Dance. Thurs. Simon Allen: Bracknell Jazz. Fri 16. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 16. Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Fri 16. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Sat 17. Wilde Sundays. Sun 18. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 18. FILM: Absolutely Anything. Fri-Sun. Inside Out. Sat-Sun. Concerto: A Beethoven Journey. Mon. Theeb. Tues. Me And Earl And The Dying Girl. Wed, Fri 16. Hamlet (Live). Thurs. Southpaw. Fri 16-Sun 18. The Man From UNCLE. Fri 16-Sun 18.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Baroque by Candlelight. Fri. The Box: Alice Mary Cooper. Fri. An Evening With Mungo Jerry and Band. Sat. Derek Grant presents Nicholas Nickleby. Thurs. Daughters of Davis: #NotPlayingTheGame. Fri 16. Rhydian Roberts. Sun 18. FILM: NT Live - Hamlet. Thurs.

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Simpson and Flemons. Fri. Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland: The Thinking

Drinker’s Guide to the Legends of Liquor. Sat. Pitschi, The Kitten With Dreams. Sun. Frigg (Finland). Wed. Ed Byrne: Outside, Looking In - SOLD OUT. Thurs. He Had Hairy Hands. Sat 17. Patrick Kielty: Help. Sun 18.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Sunset Boulevard. Until Sat Brian Blessed: Absolute Pandemonium. Sun. Rebecca. Mon-Sat 17.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Maskerade. Wed-Sat 17.

High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Carmen. Sun. Chris Ramsey. Wed. Blofeld and Baxter: Rogues on the Road. Fri 16. The Importance of Being Earnest. Tues-Sat 17.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Don Weller, Sax. Fri. Lucy May. Fri. Michael Law Easy To Love. Sat. The Real Thing. Sat. Sunday Stories at the Farm. Sun. Emaline Delapix. Sun. Macbeth. Tues.

Sean Hughes: Mumbo Jumbo. Fri 16. Gren Bartley Band. Fri 16. The Vinyl Frontier: Your Best of Queen. Sat 17. FILM: The Importance of Being Earnest. Fri. Vacation. Sun. 45 Years. Thurs, Sat 17. NT Live: Hamlet. Fri 16, Tues 20. Miss Julie. Sun 18.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Barb Jungr: Love Me Tender, the Songs of Elvis. Fri. Sunset Boulevard. Until Sat. Julian Dean and Gareth Richards. Sat. Bolshoi Encore. Sun. ROH Encore: Le Nozze Di Figaro. Mon. Pss Pss. Wed. Jenny Eclair: How To Be A Middle Aged Woman (without going insane). Thurs. The Irish House Party. Fri 16. Choral Spectacular. Sat 17.

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

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 The Purple Zeuppelins. Fri. Workin’ Man Noise Unit LP Release Show. Fri. The Z List Dead List with Iszi Lawrence. Sat. John Spiers. Sat. Stricly Balti by Saikat Ahamed. Tues. Frisky and Mannish; Just Too Much. Wed. Donald Robertson Is Not A Stand-Up

Comedian. Thurs. Third Friday Blues: Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt. Fri 16. Poets Cafe: Jo Bell. Fri 16. CultureMix presents The Peace and Love Concert. Sat 17.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Bill Bailey: Limboland. Wed, Thurs. Festival of the Spoken Nerd: Just For Graphs. Fri 16. Real Vintage market. Sat 17.

Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Celebrity Organ Recital: Martin Baker. Thurs.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Jazz: Gabriel Garrick’s Expansions Quintet. Fri 23. The Two Sisters with Hilary James, Janey Giraudo and Simon Mayor. Fri 30.

Reading – St Barts

www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 Jojo And Billie’s Tour De France. Fri. Not Treasure Island Nor The Odyssey. Sat 17.

Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Grease Singalong. Sat.

Playing Away. Nov 18-21.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Round and Round The Garden. Until Nov 21. Mr Laurel. Oct 20. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun. Another 100 Years of Jazz. Sun 18.

Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Absent Friends. Until Sat. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Sun. Round the Horne. Mon-Wed. Dinosaur Zoo. Thurs-Sun.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Abba Mania. Fri. The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular. Sat. Soul Legends. Wed. The Sensational 60s Experience. Thurs. Back to Bacharach. Fri 16. Michael Palin: The Thirty Years Tour. Sat 17.

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

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

Your weekly puzzle challenge PUZZLES 27 Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 12

26 12

7 11

18 16 8

23 24

7 15

20 8

9 11

3. Which early 19th century evangelical and anti-slavery sect took its name from an area of London?

4. Which political party was represented by Clement Freud when he became the MP for the Isle of Ely in 1973?

5. Who founded the Amstrad electronics company in 1968?

3 20

NONAGRAM

8 26

SO RESOLVE ALGEBRA

E T

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

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 L through openings in the walls. The B first letter may appear in any chamber. A T

N I

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: 23 Good; 27 Very Good; 32 Excellent.

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.

4 2 8

8 2 8 7 1 5

5 4 1

3 6 2

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

3 8 1 7 5 4 2

B E

O C

F E

7 8

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.

6 5 1 6

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.

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

2 7 5

EQUALISER 6 7 7 1 3 4 2 15 3 1 2 1

Hard

1 7

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.

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

6 1

SUDOKU Easy

7 8

10 10

12 13

15 22

21 23

ACROSS DOWN 1. Concerning prison sentence, 2. Guest finds it hidden in the will exaggerate (11) mask (7) 3. Terry decided to include an 9. Joined together but failed to island resort (4) make a connection (5) 4. Emotional shock in Sumatra 10. Competed as well but was strangely headed off (6) unplaced (4-3) 5. Sinner, he turned to cherish (8) 11. Man to turn to (4) 6. Another trace will show you something is missing (5) 12. Susan returns holding order for retired professor (8) 7. Crazy way to score a goal (3,4,4) 14. Listener to scold the little 8. Threes? Certainly not large creature (6) numbers (4,3,4) 15. Invisible, unprepared 13. Polite Scottish lad not in the passage for translation (6) armed forces (8) 18. Well, one should not be 16. Take a look at the staying here (8) abandoned diggings (7) 20. Some gin returned (4) 17. Sarah goes with the boy, both up in Texas (6) 22. Mount Emmet? (3-4) 19. Salvation Army should beat 23. Appearance in company is this enemy (5) capital (5) 21. Look at what verse should 24. Bent in submission (2,4,5) do (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

11 13

29 29

18 19

SOLUTIONS

FIVE ALIVE CI

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

WORD PYRAMID

T R Y

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

6. What was the name of the famous album released by Mike Oldfield in 1973? 7. What term is given to a nonCommunist who sympathizes with the movement? 8. Which liqueur based on whisky has been made in Scotland since the 18th century? 9. Holiday Hit Squad co-presenter Helen Skelton formerly helped to present which long-running children’s series? 10. What surname is shared by three generation of National Hunt jockeys called Michael, Peter and Tom?

2. What name is given to the small triangular bone at the base of the human spine?

23 9

1. In which sport is the William Webb Ellis Cup presented to the World Cup winners?

22 22

12 20

22 22

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30 31 33

26. Foul, ACROSS unpleasant (5) 1. Valuable metal (8) 29. Secure (4) 6. Explosive 30. Fit to be chosen (8) device (4) 31. Newt (3) 8. In the past (3) 32. Eager (4) 9. Calm (8) 33. Unmarried 10. Male deer (4) woman (8) 12. Teams (5) DOWN 14. Jewelled 2. Traditional headdress (5) learning (4) 17. Repast (4) 3. Lymph gland (6) 18. Seemed (8) 4. Sickness (6) 20. Weapon for 5. Public walk (4) shooting bolts (8) 6. Balkan country (6) 24. Relieve (4) 7. Paltry (6) 25. Canoe (5)

11. Slap loudly (5) 12. Type of cabbage (5) 13. Item of cutlery (5) 14. Decimal number (3) 15. Imposing display (5) 16. Farewell (5) 19. Request (3) 21. Devastate (6) 22. Shiny fabric (6) 23. Elk (6) 24. Moral values (6) 27. Tame animals (4) 28. Sky colour (4)

4 2 8 6 7 1 5 9 3

5 6 1 9 8 3 2 4 7

7 9 3 2 5 4 6 8 1

6 5 4 7 1 8 3 2 9

1 3 7 5 9 2 4 6 8

9 8 2 4 3 6 1 7 5

8 7 6 1 4 5 9 3 2

2 1 9 3 6 7 8 5 4

2 3 8 5 1 7 9 6 4

3 4 5 8 2 9 7 1 6

EASY SUDOKU

14 1

15 2

16 3

CROSS CODE

6 5 1 9 4 2 7 8 3

4 9 7 6 8 3 5 2 1

7 8 3 2 5 4 1 9 6

5 4 2 1 6 9 8 3 7

9 1 6 3 7 8 2 4 5

1 7 9 4 2 6 3 5 8

8 2 4 7 3 5 6 1 9

3 6 5 8 9 1 4 7 2

HARD SUDOKU

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

WORD PYRAMID: Coffee-table book. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 5. MAGIC SQUARE: bore; oval; rags; else.

26 13

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Platinum; 6 Bomb; 8 Ago; 9 Tranquil; 10 Stag; 12 Sides; 14 Tiara; 17 Meal; 18 Appeared; 20 Crossbow; 24 Ease; 25 Kayak; 26 Nasty; 29 Safe; 30 Eligible; 31 Eft; 32 Keen; 33 Spinster. Down – 2 Lore; 3 Tonsil; 4 Nausea; 5 Mall; 6 Bosnia; 7 Meagre; 11 Smack; 12 Savoy; 13 Spoon; 14 Ten; 15 Array; 16 Adieu; 19 Ask; 21 Ravage; 22 Sateen; 23 Wapiti; 24 Ethics; 27 Pets; 28 Blue.

one’s head; 8 Ones and twos; 13 Civilian; 16 Examine; 17 Dallas; entity; eying; girn; girt; gite; gittern; grin; grit; gritty; ignite; igniter; inert; 19 Satan; 21 Scan. INTEGRITY; inter; nitre; nitrite; nitty; reign; rein; retting; retying; ring; rite; tein; tier; tiger; tine; ting; tinge; tinier; tint; tinter; tiny; tire; tiring; titi; titre; tiyin; trig; trine; trinity; trite; trying; tying; yeti.

Down – Clout; Inert; Kenya. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Overstretch; 9 Fused; 10 Also-ran; 11 Otto; 12 (2) Across – Ivory; Friar; Romps. Down – Infer; Opium; Yards. Emeritus; 14 Earwig; 15 Unseen; 18 Hospital; 20 Part; 22 Ant-hill; 23 Cairo; 24 On one’s knees. NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Visitor; 3 Ryde; 4 Trauma; 5 Enshrine; 6 Caret; 7 Off

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Rugby Union; 2 The coccyx; 3 The Clapham Sect; 4 The Liberal Party; 5 Alan Sugar; 6 Tubular Bells; 7 Fellow traveller; FIVE ALIVE: 8 Drambuie; 9 Blue Peter; 10 Scudamore. (1) Across – Clink; Odeon; Tetra.

28 | PHOTOS 24

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WOKINGHAM SPORT

Unrivalled coverage of sport in the Borough

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

Cowan and Colebeck jump to victory at the nationals By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk WILLIAM COWAN and Lucie Colebeck were among the winners at the 2015 British Tumbling Championships in Liverpool. Executing a tumble consisting of a double straight somersault with a 360-degree twist saw Pinewood Gymnastic Club member Cowan bag a national title in the 11-12 age group category at the city’s Echo Arena. Colebeck, meanwhile, went into the competition looking to retain the crown she won back in 2014. And the European Team and Individual Champion did not disappoint, racking up a score of 66.7 following a strong performance to secure the gold medal. This was after entering the final in second place. Competing alongside Lucie in the senior women’s section was club-mate and 2014 European Team Champion Yasmin Taite, who was ranked third going into the final. Looking to impress upon her recent return from injury, Taite would go on to perform two exceptional routines which yielded a fantastic score of 64.2. On what was another memorable showing by Pinewood, newcomer Sebastian Williams progressed to the final of the 9-10 age group section, where he finished in fourth, while another debutant, Beth Austin, carded 53.1 in the same category. Georgina Elliot saw her work yield a points return of 55.6 before another Cowan, Alexander, picked up 31.2 and the silver medal. In the 11-12 age group category William Cowan, the current world champion at this level, breezed into the final, where he would later become the club’s first title winner of the day. Performing two polished routines in the preliminary rounds, securing impressive execution scores, saw Dominic Mensah safely through to the final of the 15-16 men’s category, where he qualified in

AWARDS

Last call to nominate your local sport heroes of 2015 NOMINATIONS are now being accepted for the 2015 Wokingham Borough Sports Council Sports Awards. On Friday, November 27, the borough will once again honour and recognise its sporting stars, coaches, volunteers, schools and unsung heroes. And the council is now calling on you to put forward names of an individual or team who has excelled or produced an outstanding performance either individually or within a club over the past year. Awards handed out on the night at Bulmershe School will go to: Under-14 Girl, Under-14 Boy, Under-18 Girl, Under-18 Boy, Senior Man, Senior Woman, Best Primary School, Best Senior School, Service to Sport in the Community (club); Service to Sport in the Community (individual); Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Unsung Hero,

Service to Disabled Sport, Team Award – Male, Team Award – Female, Excellence in Sport, Courage Award and Spirit of Sport. Nominees must either live in the borough or belong to a club within it. As in previous years, as well as inviting along all the winners, the committee will also be inviting those unsuccessful nominees to the presentation. This is so their achievements can also be recognised by way of a medal, which will be presented at the end of the proceedings. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, October 9. Forms can either be returned by email to sport@wokingham.gov.uk or by post: ‘Wokingham Sports Awards’, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN

Wokingham Borough Sports Council 2015 Sports Awards Nomination Form Name of the person you are nominating:...........................................................................................

Clockwise, from top left: Lucie Colbeck, Zachary Middleton, William Cowan and Alexander Cowan with their British titles and medals

second place. Also at the level of competition Tom Evans, another newcomer, delivered two safe routines which took him through to the final round. Pinewood duo Tilly Nash and Eleanor Head, meanwhile, had to negotiate a tough field in the 17-18 girls’ contest, especially with it being the second world age group trials. But both performed admirably; Tilly performing two new runs in the preliminary round to a score of 58.1 and Eleanor finishing fourth overall with 30.9. This was after executing two steady runs in the earlier rounds. In the men’s section, some lovely passes from Zachary Middleton were rewarded with a place in the final, where a routine which included a double straight

transition with a double twisting double straight to finish sealed a trip to the podium and the silver medal. It was an important weekend too for the senior tumblers, as the event also doubled up as trials for the 2015 World Championships. It was a first time for Cameron Jones at the nationals, and it is likely to be an occasion he will not forget in a hurry. Delivering two nice routines on the Saturday saw him progress to the final on the following day, where he totted up a score of 66.9 to finish fifth. Lucie and Yasmin have both since been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Odense, Denmark, next month. William, Jack Williams, Dominic and Zachary will represent their respective age groups.

BASKETBALL

Unbeaten Rockets set for Warriors test READING ROCKETS and Westminster Warriors will put their respective unbeaten runs on the line when clashing in the National Trophy on Sunday (3pm-tip off) The south pool’s top two meet at the Moberly Sports Centre, where visiting Rockets will be looking to extend their winning start to the season to seven matches and end that of their rivals. The latest set of victories came last weekend, where Rockets defeated Essex

HOCKEY: It was a mixed bag of results for our local teams at the weekend — Page 34

Leopards 90-82 in the Trophy before fighting back to dispose of Greenwich Titans 98-67 in round two of the National Cup. Reward is a round three tie with Plymouth Raiders at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on October 25 at 4.45pm. In the meantime, Rockets coach Manuel Pena Garces is preparing his charges for a trip to the capital, where he insists his side still can still improve despite a winning start to the campaign. He said: We have a lot

of work to do, especially at the defensive end and it is important that, despite the wins so far this season, we analyse and continue to work at a level that enables us to be better in many areas of the game and that is what we are trying to do each practise. “Westminster has had a fantastic start to the season and Julius (Joseph – coach) has done a great job assembling a team that is competitive and now winning. “It will be possibly be our

hardest test yet and I am expecting them to come into the game full of confidence, so we will need to have made some adjustments this week and improve in certain areas to be able to match this and keep our own winning streak going.” Rockets are monitoring the fitness of Dian Ivanov (groin) but Antonio Robinson should feature having had to miss the Titans win due to rules surrounding imports and a slight knock picked up in training.

Their address............................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode:...................................................................................................................................................... Age (if under 25):........................................................................................................................................ Nomination Category:.............................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................... Sport:............................................................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................... Club/School:................................................................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................................... Nominated by:............................................................................................................................................. Your Address:.............................................................................................................................................. .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode:...................................................................................................................................................... Contact Telephone:................................................................................................................................... Reasons For Nomination (Please provide up to 150 words, from the past 12 months, in support of your candidates. Bullet points only please):................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................... * Deadline for nominations is Friday, October 9 Return to: Wokingham Sports Awards, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

ICE HOCKEY

Fowler and Smith goals not enough as Bees lose their fine Hive record Bracknell Bees 2 Manchester Phoenix 4

JAMES NEIL and Michal Satek struck to send Bees crashing to a first home defeat of the season on Saturday. The pair netted within three minutes of each other early in the second period and ultimately settled a contest which saw their hosts twice take the lead. Despite not being able to call upon Vanya Antonov, Carl Graham and Tom Annetts, a sharp start from the Bees saw them break the deadlock with less then three minutes of the fixture played. Callum Fowler was the scorer, the forward finishing off some tidy work from former Phoenix star Frantisek Bakrlik (pictured). Both sides traded powerplays, with Manchester’s Luke Boothroyd sitting out a cross-checking penalty before Bracknell captain Matt Foord was punished for hooking. The hosts were unable to capitalise with the extra man, but the opposition used the play to tie up the scores, Nico Aaltonen making it 1-1 just 12 seconds after Foord had been sent to the bin. But no sooner had they levelled things up, the Phoenix again found themselves behind. From the resulting face-off, Josh Smith guided the puck through a number of challenges before sending a shot past Stephen Fone in the visitors’ net. But the Bees were pegged back once again five minutes before the first interval; Satek picking out Robin Kovar with a pass from behind the net to beat Mettam from close range. The goal would prove to be the game’s turning point, as Phoenix went on to stun their hosts with two quick-fire goals at

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

the start of the second session. Neil fired his side in front for the first time via a long-range effort before James Archer laid on Satek to double advantage moments later. Disappointingly for Bees, sandwiched between the two strikes was a powerplay which went unpunished after Ben Russell was called up for a minor tripping offence. The home side also had to kill off a powerplay when Sam Waller was punished for boarding, but a combination of strong defending and a solid showing from Mettam kept the visitors out. It was a fast-paced start to the third stanza from the Bees, but their efforts to reduce the deficit would prove fruitless. The fixture, though, would end in an unsavoury fashion, as Manchester’s Kovar was ejected for spearing following a clash with Lukas Smital. But he was soon joined on the sidelines by Bees duo James Galazzi and Scott Spearing, who were also thrown out for their reactions to the incident. The man of the match awards went to Jan Bendik and Satek. This weekend, Bees are away at Hull Pirates tomorrow (5.30pm) before Guildford Flames visit for an eagerly -awaited local derby on Sunday (6pm). English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Milton Keynes 10 5 2 0 3 39 Peterborough 8 5 0 2 1 30 Basingstoke 8 4 2 0 2 30 Guildford 7 4 1 1 1 26 Manchester 9 5 0 0 4 32 Swindon 9 3 1 0 5 27 Sheffield 7 3 0 1 3 24 Telford 8 3 0 0 5 26 Bracknell 8 3 0 0 5 30 Hull 8 0 0 2 6 14

A 32 18 23 14 29 37 28 28 30 39

Pts 14 12 12 11 10 8 7 6 6 2

Josh Smith celebrates restoring Bees’ lead Pictures: Bob Swann

David Savage looks calm in possession of the puck Carl Thompson pushes the Bees forward

Milan Kostourek closes in on goal

Scott Spearing (right) shares a difference of opinion

Alex Mettam denies the Phoenix

Late Miller strike sends Bracknell crashing to another away-day defeat Telford Tigers 3 Bracknell Bees 2

Bracknell lost Lewis Turner to injury in Telford

JOE MILLER popped up with a lastminute goal to send Bees crashing to defeat in Shropshire, writes JOHN SLATER. A disappointing evening not only saw the visitors end the weekend with no points, but could also be without defenceman Lewis Turner for some time. The defender suffered a suspected dislocated knee when blocking a shot and subsequently left the rink needing gas and air. A visiting side missing Carl Graham and Tom Annetts from its roster fell behind with the fixture less than three minutes old. The Tigers seized the initiative through Jason Silverthorn, who finished off a neat move involving

Sam Zajac and Peter Szabo to put the home side 1-0 ahead. Tempers, though, were soon getting the better of both sides as Bees’ James Galazzi and Scott Spearing clashed with Joe Graham and Daniel Scott, but the away side stood firm during the resulting powerplay. The two teams would fall into further penalty trouble soon after, with Milan Kostourek and Max Birbraer sent to the bin for an altercation, with Telford’s Marcus Maynard also punished for holding the stick offence. But it was during this powerplay when Bees would tie up the scoring, captain Matt Foord grabbing an unassisted goal just seconds before the guests were due to be back at full strength. But Bracknell were dealt a blow

when Turner was forced off through injury, which occurred when the side were trying to kill off two further penalties. They did just that, ensuring the score remained at stalemate heading into the first interval, but they fell behind once again early in the second period when Birbraer found a way past netminder Alex Mettam. Bees did not help themselves when Frantisek Bakrlik and Jan Bendik sat out charging and interference penalties respectively, leaving those out on the ice to negotiate a tricky five-on-three situation, but through digging in deep the Tigers were kept at bay. And the home side saw their slender advantage wiped out three minutes before the buzzer when David Savage and Callum Fowler combined to set up Bakrlik for a second equaliser of the night.

The third session was a tense affair, with little clear cut chances falling the way of either team – despite the play swinging from one end to the other. Bees received a boost when slashing from Birbraer saw the player chucked in the bin for two minutes, but the Bracknell unit failed to capitalise. With no points to their name on the road this term, Bracknell would no doubt have welcomed taking the game to overtime, something which looked increasingly likely as the clock counted down the final 60 seconds of the game. However, there was still time for Miller to rattle home the winner and inflict more away-day woes on their opponents. Josh Tetlow took the man of the match award for Bees.

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WOKINGHAM HOCKEY CLUB

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

LONDON IRISH

grabs two tries, Dudley and Bennet goals in Halavatau but Quins win the series vain as the Men are beaten By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk SECOND-HALF goals from Ben Dudley and Neil Bennet proved to be in vain for a Wokingham Men side which began the new MBBO Regional Division 2 season with a 4-2 home defeat against Milton Keynes. The pair helped the side recover from 2-0 down, but it was not to be enough. Via a late penalty kick and breakaway effort, it was the Buckinghamshire side who went on to take the points. The club’s 2nd XI, however, got off to a flying start in MBBO Division 3. Ryan Caley and Duncan Clarke both struck twice as the side outscored recently-relegated West Hampstead 4s by seven goals to three. Max Bitterlin, Cameron Dunlop and Peter Tailby were also on target for Wokingham. It was a difficult opening day, though, for the 3s, who conceded seven unanswered goals away at Marlow 5s in Division 7. In the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance, meanwhile, Wokingham were 2-1 winners at Southampton Cockburns. Wokingham Ladies A PERFORMANCE inspired by Helena Bates was unable to steer Wokingham Ladies 2s to victory at Abingdon Pilgrims 1s in Division 2 of the Trysports League. Bates scored twice during the fixture, as another goal from Gina Simpson saw the visitors tie the scoring up at 3-3. Wokingham, though, were dealt a late blow when the Pilgrims secured a 4-3 victory in the last minute. Wokingham Ladies secured their first win of the campaign at the third attempt. Entertaining Bicester Ladies at Cantley Park, the hosts were 2-1 winners in the Division 2 clash. The 3s are still waiting for a first win down in Division 5. In their latest outing, at home to Maidenhead 5s, Wokingham slipped to a 2-0 defeat. Fixtures – Saturday, October 10

Cameron Dunlop holds his hands aloft after scoring for Wokingham 2s during the 7-3 victory over West Hampstead in MBBO Division 3 Pictures: Paul King

Wokingham go on the attack above and win possession (right), as the goal-hungry hosts put the guests under more pressure (below)

within 10 minutes of the second half. But that seemed to spark the hosts into life. Prop forward replacement Halavatau went over for his first of the night on the hour mark before Alex Lewington converted a well-worked team move before sprinting 40 metres for an impressive score under the posts. Rob Buchanan halted any hopes of a remarkable comeback with a try for Harlequins but with Lewis-Pratt in good form with the boot and Halavatau going over again, Coventry’s men set up a grandstand finale. But they fell eight points short on the night and finished 13 behind on aggregate. All Irish eyes are now on the Aviva Premiership opener against Leicester Tigers on October 18 at Madejski Stadium. LONDON IRISH: Fenby, Lewington, Griffin, Mulchrone, Ojo, Noakes, McKibbin, Court, Paice, Cross, Skivington, Sheriff, Narraway, Gilsenan, McCusker. Replacements: Ellis, Smallbone, Halavatau, Symons, Sisi, Steele, Brophy Clews, Lewis-Pratt, Stevens, Elrington, Curry, Fowlie, Neal. Tries: Ojo (10), Halavatau x2 (60,75), Lewington (67) Pens: Noakes (24) Cons: Lewis-Pratt x3 (60,67,75) Scoring sequence (Irish first): 5-0, 5-7, 8-7, 8-10, 8-13, 8-20, 8-25, 8-32, 15-32, 22-32, 22-37, 29-37.

Cowan tackles the Springboks, but Scotland dealt quarter-final setback

SONNING HOCKEY CLUB

Jonny is on the spot to secure a draw over in Marlow Sonning 5s were 3-1 winners at Thame 2s in Division 8 West, but in an all-Sonning affair in Division 9 West, it was the 6s who comfortably took the points, thumping their club-mates 7-1. Sonning Ladies SONNING LADIES continue to lead the way in Trysports Premier 1. But it was a bittersweet victory for the league leaders at the weekend, as the team overcame club-mates Sonning 2s to record a 2-0 success and third win in as many games this season. Sonning 3s remain without a win this season following a 2-0 reverse at Tilsey Park, where they were beaten by Abingdon in Division 1. Sonning 4s found the net twice when hosting Harlow and High Wycombe Ladies in Division 3. Yet they were outscored by their

Rob McCusker was handed his Irish debut

RUGBY WORLD CUP

MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: West Hampstead 2s v Wokingham Men MBBO DIVISION 3: Harrow v Wokingham 2s MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 7: Wokingham 3s v Milton Keynes 5s TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Wokingham Ladies v Aylesbury DIVISION 2: Wokingham 2s v Marlow 3s DIVISION 5: Bicester 3s v Wokingham 3s

A JONNY PARTENHEIMER goal secured Sonning Men a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw during their MBBO Regional Division 2 curtain opener at Marlow 2s. Having fallen behind to a deflected effort in the first half, Partenheimer levelled things 10 minutes from time when slipped in by Matt Poulton. Noel Plant and Michael Squire celebrated goals for a Sonning 2s side which began the new MBBO Division 1 season with a 2-0 victory against Wycombe 2s, but an Oli O’Mara effort was mere consolation for the 3s, who were well beaten 9-1 on the road at Oxford Hawks 4s in Division 2. There was disappointment too for the Men’s 4s, who were beaten 5-1 at Berkshire County Sports by Reading University Knights 5s in Division 4. Dirk Cannon netted for the hosts.

TWO TRIES from Leo Halavatau could not prevent London Irish from losing the inaugural Cunningham Duncombe Series against Harlequins. Trailing by five points from the first leg, Irish went down 29-37 at The Stoop as Quins sealed a 59-46 victory on aggregate. The Exiles started strongly, levelling the tie with an early try from Topsy Ojo, but Quins stormed back to lead 25-8 on the night by half time, before adding another seven points shortly after the restart. Halavatau’s contribution sparked a mini revival as Irish pulled the scores back to within eight points but it proved too little too late. Tom Coventry made six changes to his side which lost 22-17 a week earlier with Rob McCusker coming in for his debut at number eight. David Paice and Tom Court came into the front row while Fergus Mulchrone, Ojo and Chris Noakes all earned starts with Christian Lewis-Pratt, Tom Fowlie, Shane Geraghty, Tom Cruse, Tom Smallbone and David Sisi dropping out. And it was two of the new starters who combined for the first score of the match. After building some pressure inside the Harlequins 22, Noakes clipped a cross-field kick to the onrushing Ojo on the wing to crash over in the corner. But back came Quins, who were listed as the away side for the match. Luke Wallace, celebrating his 25th birthday, found space on the flank and drove over to dab down with Chris Evans converting to put Irish behind, something they stayed for the rest of the contest. Mat Luamanu, Wallace and Tim Swiel put the tie out of Exiles’ reach as they each went over to extend the lead to 32-8

opponents, who ran out 4-2 winners to leave their guests stuck at the foot of the standings after three matches. Sonning 5s were beaten 5-0 away at Thame 3s in Division 6 and are also yet to taste victory this term. Fixtures - Saturday MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: Sonning Men v British Airways MBBO DIVISION 1: Witney 1 Sonning 2s MBBO DIVISION 2: Sonning 3s v Wallingford 2s MBBO DIVISION 4: Banbury 3s v Sonning 4s MBBO DIVISION 8 WEST: Sonning 5s b Bracknell Terriers MBBO DIVISION 9 WEST: Thame 3s v Sonning 6s; Sonning 7s v Newbury and Thatcham 5s TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Bicester Ladies v Sonning Ladies; Sonning 2s v Oxford University 2s DIVISION 1: Sonning 3s v Wycombe 3s DIVISION 3: Bracknell 2s v Sonning 4s DIVISION 6: Sonning 5s v Slough 3s

BLAIR COWAN played the full 80 minutes on his return to the Scotland squad as they lost 34-16 to South Africa, writes TOM CROCKER. Fellow London Irish star Sean Maitland did not feature but flanker Cowan enjoyed a 100% tackle success rate from his 21 attempts against the Springboks, but it was not enough to seal Scotland’s passage into the quarter finals. Schalk Burger went over for the first try of the match after 13 minutes with JP Pietersen also dabbing down just before half time as South Africa took an 18-3 lead into the break. Scotland pulled one back through Tommy Seymour but it proved to be in vain, setting up a must-win clash for Vern Cotter’s side against Samoa tomorrow. Cowan and Maitland could come up against a familiar face in that encounter in Samoa captain and London Irish flanker Ofisa Treviranus. Treviranus completed all 11 of his tackles but could do nothing to prevent a 26-5 loss to surprise package Japan in Milton Keynes. Pool B’s second seed went into half time 20-0 behind after picking up two yellow cards in the space of a few minutes and only got on the scoreboard when it was too late as they bowed out of the tournament. Jebb Sinclair was part of the Canada side which made history for all the wrong reasons against Romania. Canada were in control, leading 15-0

thanks to DTH van der Merwe and Jeff Hassler tries, but Mihai Macovei went over 10 minutes after the restart to give Romania hope. The scores stayed 15-7 until the 73rd minute when Sinclair was sent to the sinbin for bringing down a rolling maul. That gave Romania the added boost they needed to complete a remarkable turnaround and seal the biggest comeback in Rugby World Cup history, winning 17-15. Meanwhile, Ben Franks has been named on the bench for All Blacks against Tonga today while Halani Aulika starts for the underdogs, having played 70 minutes in the defeat against Argentina at the weekend. Asaeli Tikoirotuma played the full match for Fiji in their 13-23 defeat to Wales and also the comprehensive 47-15 win over Uruguay but could not prevent his country exiting the tournament at the pool stage. n LONDON IRISH say they will “make an announcement in due course” regarding plans for Reading FC to develop the area around Madejski Stadium. The Exiles have played home matches at the Mad Stad since 2000 and have a contract in place to continuing using the venue until 2026 but they are now “considering the implications of the proposed development” at Royal Elm Park. For more details on the developments, see the back page.

Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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RUGBY

Rams are worthy of the win, but Tewkesbury calls for calm Redingensians Rams 28 Worthing Raiders 10 MIKE TEWKESBURY is warning his side not to get carried away after Rams recorded their first win, and points, of the season. The coach watched on as tries from Will Hopkins, Reuben Norville, Aaron Hopkins and Samir Kharbouch scored the Old Bath Road outfit a bouns-point triumph over a Worthing side who had won three of their previous four games. Tewkesbury is keen to name an unchanged starting line-up when Rams take to the field again this weekend, but with third-placed Clifton the opposition (2.30pm), the side cannot afford to get caught up with the emotions that came with recording a first-ever success at this level of rugby. “They are third in the table, have the best scoring record in the league and are no mugs,” said the coach. “It’s bound to be a tough game and we’ll have to be at our best. “Like most clubs in National League 2 South, they will play an expansive game. “Looking back, we could have got something out of all our matches so far this season. We have produced some good rugby at times. “I was delighted with our skill and focus level against Worthing, but we must maintain it.” Tewkesbury is expected to make a late call at loose head, but is boosted by the return of back-row Jamie Guttridge (head) and hooker Ben Henderson (shoulder) from injury and both will make the trip to Bristol tomorrow and will start from the bench. With as many as six first-team regulars on the treatment table for the visit of Worthing, Rams showed strength in depth. Keen to make amends following the 41-6 loss at leaders Taunton Titans last time out, the hosts started on the front foot, tearing into their Sussex opponents and putting them under intense pressure during the opening exchanges, but wasted chances prevented a

Ross Crame blocks an opponent

Aaron Hopkins barges through Prop James Baker is outnumbered

Samir Kharbouch celebrates his try with Rams defensive coach Simon Henderson (left) Pictures: Paul King

breakthrough. Yet they put that right soon after, with Will Hopkins kicking over a penalty try awarded from a fivemetre scrum in the ninth minute. It was here when Worthing scrum-half Dan Peach was sent to the sinbin – and Redingensians continued to dominate with the side showing far more enterprise in the backs, while the forwards were winning the set-piece battles. However, conceding a penalty, converted by Sean O’Hagan, saw Worthing hit back with arguably their best spell of the game. But Rams had all the answers, showing resolve in defence and shutting their guests out. And reward for digging in was a try either side of the interval; Norville picking up an interception and running for the line from some 40 yards out for a 14-3 lead before Hopkins scored under the posts just a minute into the second half. The task of scoring was a simple one as Olly Foxley, playing in the unaccustomed role of full-back, had done

all the ground work, collecting a loose pass on the Worthing 10-metre line and scything his way through numerous tackles before laying on his team-mate to dab down. The rampant hosts would cross the line twice more as they had by far the better of possession, but both were ruled out and the play called back. At the same time, Redingensians were also keeping the away side’s pacy backs under control, snuffing any isolated attempts of a break forward. And through a clever off-load from hooker Ross Crame who, like Foxley was singled out for praise, Kharbouch went on to secure the all-important fifth point. There was, though, still time for Dan Sargeant to breach the Rams’ last line of defence and grab a consolation try for Worthing, but it was never going to spoil what was a celebratory afternoon for the Sonning side.

REDINGENSIANS: Foxley: Poole, Barnes, W.Hopkins, Norville; Stapleton, Brown; Steadman, Crame, Baker, Kerschbaumer, Taylor; A Hopkins, Nightingale, Kharbouch. Reps: Whelan, Weller, Kruzycki, Amor, Harrison.

Will Hopkins goes for goal Andy Amor goes to ground

National League 2 South P W D L F A Taunton Titans 5 5 0 0 192 80 Bishop’s Stortford 5 4 0 1 159 91 Clifton 5 4 0 1 195 132 Cambridge 5 4 0 1 142 100 Old Albanians 5 3 1 1 174 91 Redruth 5 3 0 2 130 129 Worthing 5 3 0 2 128 107 Canterbury 5 3 0 2 114 93 Southend Saxons 2 2 1 2 134 142 Old Elthamians 5 2 0 3 131 140 Dorking 5 2 0 3 111 153 Bury St Edmunds 5 2 0 3 118 142 Barnes 5 1 0 4 119 139 Redingensians 5 1 0 4 75 137 Chinnor 5 0 0 5 113 174 Launceston 5 0 0 5 49 234

BP 5 4 4 4 5 3 2 2 3 4 4 3 4 1 4 0

PTS 25 20 20 20 19 15 14 14 13 12 12 11 8 5 4 0

BERKS, BUCKS AND OXON

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 LONDON AND SOUTH EAST

Lily Hill men left stunned as Guernsey take the points Bracknell 27 Guernsey 30

IT was a thoroughly miserable day all round for Bracknell. Not only were a number of those picked for the clash with the Channel Island side caught up in the tailbacks following a crash on the M4, resulting in coach Rory Greenslade-Jones having to reshuffle his back line, but the Lily Hill Stuart men also surrendered Mackay a 16-point lead to their scored for guests. Bracknell Despite the enforced changes, the hosts got off to a flying start with Dan Faamatuainu, Stuart Mackay and Ben Yates, twice, all crossing the line as Bracknell boasted a 22-6 advantage. But the good work was soon being

unravelled and losing Tom Devereux to the sin bin saw the away side take full advantage with the extra man. From a catch and drive at a line out, back row Leon Gardener forced his way over the line, Glen Waters added the extras and the lead had been cut to just six points when the halftime whistle was blown. But within as many second half minutes, Bracknell would put further breathing space between the two teams. Finishing off a fine team move was Nick Owens, which was inspired by Liam Henning and involved some great link-up play and recycling. Liam Henning had the distance with the conversion, but the ball clattered back off an upright. Now trailing 27-16, Guernsey needed

Will Hopkins stifles a Worthing attack

a quick response, and they produced exactly that when Blair Campbell chased down a kick from a scrum and crossed the line, with Waters adding over the additional two points via the boot. Momentum was now swinging the way of the away side, who were beginning to turn the ball over. And a spell of pressure would take its toll on Bracknell, who conceded once again when Campbell chased down a chipped ball over the top to touch down for a second time on the afternoon. The conversion cleared the posts and the comeback was complete. A home side now needing to produce their own recovery were unable to do so, largely due to the fact they were pegged back in their own territory. Frustration was also to get the better of them too, with Josh Webb shown the yellow card for tackling an opponent without the ball. Guernsey were presented with two further opportunities to add insult to injury via penalty attempts.

But despite both kicks being missed, Bracknell’s fate was already sealed. The Lily Hill men will be looking to put this disappointment behind them when heading east for a clash with a Colchester side they currently sit one point and one place above in the standings. Kick-off is 2pm.

BRACKNELL: Mirza (c), Silvester, Baragwanth, Bailey, Kronman, Deveraux, Rudkin, Valentine, Conway, Price, Yates, Faamatuainu, Brember, Burch, Mackay. Reps: Webb, Ovens, Hemming. National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP PTS Tonbridge Juddian 5 5 0 0 211 91 5 25 L.I Wild Geese 5 5 0 0 210 100 5 25 Westcombe Park 5 5 0 0 144 87 3 23 East Grinstead 5 4 0 1 144 56 5 21 Guernsey 5 3 0 2 173 130 4 16 Shelford 5 3 0 2 130 99 3 15 Hertford 5 3 0 2 186 104 2 14 Chichester 5 2 0 3 105 161 1 9 Wimbledon 5 2 0 3 83 121 0 8 Gravesend 5 1 0 4 101 139 3 7 Bracknell 5 1 0 4 89 145 3 7 Colchester 5 1 0 4 95 110 2 6 Westcliff 5 0 0 5 89 196 2 2 Eton Manor 5 0 0 5 51 272 1 1

Crows hoping for Tad of luck in search of first victory CROWTHORNE take their search for a first win of the season to Tadley tomorrow (3pm). Alex Stewart’s charges were not in action last weekend and missed the chance to break their duck for the campaign last time out when held to a late 35-35 draw against Slough at Arborfield Garrison. Hosts Tadley, on the other hand, head into the clash looking to extend a 100 per cent record having won all three games thus far. Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Abingdon 3 3 0 0 103 55 2 Milton Keynes 3 3 0 0 83 60 1 Gosford All Blacks 3 2 0 1 139 30 4 Tadley 3 3 0 0 147 59 2 Risborough 3 2 0 1 20 81 0 Slough 3 1 1 1 95 78 2 Alchester 3 1 0 2 74 59 4 Chesham 3 1 0 2 67 100 1 Wheatley 3 1 0 2 26 86 0 Crowthorne 3 0 1 2 67 81 2 Hungerford 3 0 0 3 34 92 2 Chipping Norton 3 0 0 3 34 108 0

PTS 14 13 12 9 9 8 8 5 4 4 2 0

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THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Baker and Bartley find their range as Winnersh end wait for league win

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Ward you believe it! Royals ace nets top Wales award By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Helen Ward nets one of the three goals she hit against Millwall last weekend Pictures:Nigel Hoyle/GoalShots

Millwall Lionesses 0 Reading Women 4

Winnersh captain Ryan Kingsbeer looks to push his side forward against Maidenhead Magpies Picture: Vivienne Johnson

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk AARON BAKER scored twice and Michael Bartley was also on target for a Winnersh Rangers side who defeated Maidenhead Magpies 3-0 to record a first win of the Division 1 season. Picking up two yellow cards at Sol Joel Park also saw Simon Fuller dismissed on what was a disappointing afternoon for the away side. WOODLEY UNITED DEVELOPMENT now prop up the standings following a 2-1 home loss against Frilsham and Yattendon. A Peter Wareing strike was not enough to stop the hosts succumbing to defeat, with Mark Foster and Marcus Guest netting for the away side. Jake Horwood, from the penalty spot, and substitute Thomas Whiteman got the goals for a HURST side who recorded a third win in four games with a 2-0 success at Unity in the Premier Division. WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES doubled their win tally for the season when defeating Rotherfield United by the odd strike in five. Aaron Brown, Ciaran Crean and Harrison Wilks notched for United at Bishopswood Sports Ground, as a Patrick Gardner double for the home side proved to be in vain. Jonathan Gosnell broke the deadlock for a BERKS COUNTY side who went on to win 4-2 at Taplow United, Gareth Evans also added his name to the score sheet before a late Joshua Dillon brace secured the points. Taplow replied through a Henry Bailey double. Clive Akem-Che struck to secure SONNING a first point of the campaign from a 1-1 draw with Imaan in Division 2. The visitors’ goal came from Yousef Younis on 21 minutes. Michael Greenwood and Roger Humphreys pounced to condemn BARKHAM ATHLETIC to a 2-1 loss when entertaining Westwood United Reserves at Cantley Park. David Zikmond was on the scoresheet for Athletic. ASHRIDGE PARK, meanwhile, remain stranded at the foot of the table on no points following a 4-0 loss to Marlow United Reserves. Christopher Davies (2), Arron Clarke and Jake Braim got the goals for the away side. There was, though, further disappointment for WARGRAVE, who conceded nine times without reply at Eldon Celtic. Leading the scoring for Eldon was

Alcides Madaleno, who bagged five times on the day. Jake Keegan hit a hat-trick and Omar Carrington also got a goal. In Division 3, FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES sit third after sweeping aside Unity Reserves in a 5-1 triumph. Chase Jacobs led the way with a hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by James Payne and Matt Philo. Perry Lewington hit a consolation for a Unity side which finished the game with nine men after Shawn Dabreo and Jonathan O’Sullivan were shown red cards. It was a weekend to forget for local rivals TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE and WARGRAVE RESERVES, who shipped in a combined 18 goals last Saturday. A Severin Geertz strike proved to be scant consolation for a Twyford side soundly beaten 9-1 at home by AFC Aldermaston Reserves (Rieo Francis 2, Oscar Manjengwa 2, Michael Porter 2, Christopher Allen, Steven Francis and Connor McNama) while Wargrave were trounced 9-0 by visiting White Eagles. Lukasz Hryniewicz did most of the damage with a five-goal salvo, as Dawid Nagoda and Bartosz Pachulski both scored twice. HARCHESTER HAWKS remain second in Division 4 after Harry Shelton and Greg Taylor secured a 2-1 victory over Berks County Reserves, who replied through substitute Tiernan Mines on 80 minutes. Also sitting on eight points and in third is HURST RESERVES. Ashley Lamb, Callum Osborn, Adam Sutton and Thomas Couchman all scored during a 4-2 success against Burghfield FC, whose goals arrived in the opening 20 minutes from Billy Margetts and Daniel Ward. Dan Ronan and Callum Fox-Spence rattled in the goals for a WOODLEY UNITED B side which won 2-0 on the road at Goring United Reserves in Division 5. Ross Latimer-Hodgson converted a penalty for SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN, but it could not prevent a 2-1 home loss against TDC Knights, who won the game courtesy of a Christopher Potter effort five minutes from time. Joseph Bradley had opened the scoring midway through the first half. The game of the day in the division, however, took place at Lodge Road, where HURST RESERVES and Taplow United A played out a 4-4 draw. Robert Medford (2), Charlie Scope and Christopher McLean found the net for the hosts, but Taplow hit back through a Seamus Stapleton hat-trick and Sam Simmonds goal in what was an absorbing encounter.

HELEN WARD says winning the Wales Players’ Player of the Year award was one of the highlights of her career, but admits it came as a shock. The forward, who is the top goalscorer in her country’s history, capped a memorable few days by picking up the award having netted a hat-trick for Reading in the 4-0 win over Millwall Lionesses to keep the club’s WSL 2 title hopes alive at the weekend. “There’s not been many better weeks that I’ve had in football myself,” she told The Wokingham Paper. “The weekend before we secured promotion with Reading and then going into the Millwall game we were looking for another three points to try and help us towards the title. “And then picking up the award for players’ player, it’s been a really good week.” It has been some year for Ward and after making her return to football following time away due to the birth of her daughter just 13 months ago, she admits she did not expect to be picking up a trophy at the awards ceremony in Cardiff. “It’s a real honour to win the award,” said Ward. “To be honest it was a complete shock. I know everyone says it but with the year I’ve had, trying to find my way back to fitness and form, it’s been a tough year but at the same time it’s been a rewarding one and winning players’ player is the icing on the cake. “I really thank the girls for appreciating what I have done to get back, voting for me and allowing me to go and collect the trophy. “It was a real privilege and something I’m really proud of. “It’s probably one of the highlights of my career and I was really shocked to

Women’s Super League 2 P W D L P Doncaster Rovers Belles17 13 3 1 P Reading Women 16 12 3 1 Everton Ladies 16 7 7 2 Yeovil Town Ladies 17 8 4 5 Aston Villa Ladies 17 7 4 6 Oxford United Women 17 7 3 7 Durham Women 17 6 2 9 Millwall Lionesses 17 2 6 9 London Bees 17 3 3 11 Watford Ladies 17 1 1 15

F 53 56 38 35 27 23 24 17 19 12

A 15 13 19 23 25 35 31 35 53 55

Pts 42 39 28 28 25 24 20 12 12 4

pick it up but delighted at the same time.” It’s not just with her country where Ward has been excelling. Her first Royals hat-trick in the rout over Millwall is the latest in a string of recent goalscoring displays with that treble taking her tally to 10 in nine matches since star striker Fran Kirby departed the club in July. And Ward admits it was down to her and the rest of the attacking force to step up when Kirby made the switch to Chelsea. “I’ve been doing alright since the mid-season break,” she said. “I’ve reached full fitness since coming back from having my daughter last September and it took a while to get that feeling back of feeling really strong and able to play at a good tempo for 90 minutes. “But since June time I’ve been up there and able to play the way I want to play and the way I used to play and thankfully the goals started flowing soon after. “Throughout my career I’ve always The Women celebrate prided myself on a

fairly good goalscoring record and when Fran left it was up to the players left at Reading to take the opportunities they were given and try and spread the goals around the team, which I think we’ve done.” Following the 4-0 success over Millwall, in which Lauren Bruton also returned to the score-sheet after returning from injury, Reading go into this weekend’s clash against Everton Ladies knowing a win is paramount to keep the WSL 2 title in their own hands. Royals currently trail Doncaster Rovers Belles by three points with two games to play, but have both a superior goal difference and a game in hand before the final day on October 18. The Toffees sit third in the table and while they can no longer break into the top two, Ward is expecting a battle on Merseyside on Sunday (2pm kick-off). She continued: “Everton had a slow start to the season, had a lot of changes having been relegated from WSL 1 and probably didn’t have the start they’d hoped for this year but since the break they’ve been on a really good run of form. “They’re not going to give us anything. Although they can’t get promotion themselves anymore they’re going to want to end the season on a high to take them into next year.” READING (v Millwall): Moloney; Jane, McGee, Davies, Scott; Roche, Walkley (Fletcher 58); Bruton (Horwood 70), Bragg (Watts 70), Rowe; Ward. Subs not used: Sansom, Jones, Giddings, Estcourt Goals: Ward x3 (13,51,71), Bruton (49) Yellow card: Davies (89) Referee: Paul Kelley

n A LATE Louise Thompson goal was unable to prevent Woodley United Ladies from slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Bracknell Town in the Premier Division of the Southern Region Women’s Football League

International honours for Davies and Estcourt KYLIE DAVIES and Charlie Estcourt enjoyed a night to remember at the FA Wales awards evening on Monday. Davies, who has been a regular at the heart of the Reading defence this season, collected the prestigious FAW Player of the Year award after breaking the 50 cap barrier during the recent qualifying campaign. Meanwhile Estcourt, 17, collected the Young Player of the Year award

having earned her first five senior Wales caps in the last few months. They joined fellow Reading team-mate Helen Ward in the winners’ enclosure after she was named Players’ Player of the Year. n GRACE MOLONEY has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their Euro 2017 qualifier against Portugal.

The goalkeeper also made Sue Ronan’s last squad and will travel in the 20-strong party in the hope of making the matchday squad this time around. Meanwhile, Molly Bartrip has been called up to England U20’s training camp at Loughborough University. The defender is set to be away between October 20th-23rd while goalkeeper Chloe Sansom has been named on the standby list.

READING FC

Promotion talk still long way off, says quick-fire Williams Reading 2 Middlesbrough 0 DANNY WILLIAMS says the season is too young to start dreaming of Premier League football, despite Reading rubber-stamping their promotion credentials with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough, writes TOM CROCKER. Williams got Reading off to a blistering start with a header after just 15 seconds before Nick Blackman sealed the win with a late penalty. And the American international hinted his first-ever Madejski Stadium strike was made possible due to his own research. “It was great to score,” he said. “I said last season I wanted to add more goals to my game. “I’ve noticed that a lot of teams don’t track runners from midfield so when I saw the space I made the run and Hal (Robson-Kanu) picked me out with a perfect cross.” Steve Clarke made two changes to his side which won 2-1 at Burnley, both coming at either end of the pitch. Jonathan Bond was a surprise omission after picking up a calf injury which is set to rule him out for around three weeks, allowing Ali Al-Habsi back in while Orlando Sa returned up front following suspension with Garath McCleary dropping to the bench. Getting off to a fast start has been a staple for Royals this campaign, scoring six goals in the opening 15 minutes of their last four league matches, but Williams took flying out of the blocks to a new level. With just 15 seconds on the clock, the midfielder arrived to meet Robson-Kanu’s pinpoint cross and power a free header past Dimi Konstantopoulos to net the third fastest goal in Reading history. Williams continued: “It was good for us that we got the early goal because it meant they had to open up and we are one of the best counter-attacking teams in the league, it doesn’t matter if we’re playing away or at home. “It is important this season that we win our games at home. Last year we struggled at home, but our away performances have been brilliant this season.” Middlesbrough’s pressure began to grow as they sought a way back in the match with only a last-ditch challenge from Chris Gunter keeping Royals in front. But the hosts came close to doubling their tally when the returning Sa fired goalwards from the edge of the box, only for Daniel Ayala to head off the line.

Danny Williams scored his first goal at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday Picture: Reading FC

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

Sky Bet Championship P W D L F 10 6 4 0 14 10 6 2 2 17 10 5 3 2 16 10 5 3 2 16 10 5 3 2 13 10 5 3 2 14 10 4 5 1 12 10 4 4 2 14 10 4 3 3 15 10 4 3 3 15 10 4 3 3 18 10 4 3 3 15 10 3 3 4 17 10 3 3 4 9 10 2 5 3 12 10 2 5 3 9 10 2 4 4 11 10 2 4 4 10 10 2 2 6 9 10 2 2 6 12 10 2 2 6 12 10 1 5 4 9 10 1 4 5 7 10 1 4 5 12

A 8 7 7 10 7 11 7 11 11 14 20 17 16 10 10 13 14 14 14 19 19 16 13 20

Pts 22 20 18 18 18 18 17 16 15 15 15 15 12 12 11 11 10 10 8 8 8 8 7 7

Al-Habsi, who’s performance in the League Cup against Everton drew some criticism, showed his class, though, with a fine stop to deny Stewart Downing just before the break. With Middlesbrough enjoying the majority of possession as the second half wore on, Reading increasingly began to play on the counter attack and they sealed a mightily impressive win with two minutes left on the clock. Williams turned provider, clipping a ball through for the Championship’s joint top scorer Blackman, who was bundled to the ground by Fernando Amorebieta.

The striker stepped up himself, sending the keeper the wrong way to bag his ninth goal of the season. But despite beating one of the pre-season title favourites, Williams insists Reading still have a long way to go before they can start thinking of promotion. He said: “We’ve had two good wins but we don’t want to get carried away, because in this division you can never rest. “You look at Derby last season: they dominated the Championship and then went on a bad run and in the end dropped out of the top six. “It’s good for us to be where we are but we just need to keep calm. “It’s too early in the season to dream, we’ll let other people do our dreaming for us. “We will concentrate on the hard work on the training ground and then we’ll see.” READING: Al-Habsi; Gunter, McShane, Hector, Obita; Norwood, Williams; Blackman, Piazon (John 63), Robson-Kanu (Tshibola 82); Sa. Subs not used: Moore, Taylor, Cooper, McCleary, Hurtado. Goals: Williams (1), Blackman (88). Yellow card: Obita (38) MIDDLESBROUGH: Konstantopoulos, Kalas (Nsue 69), Ayala, Amorebieta, Friend, Downing, Leadbitter (Adomah 81), Clayton, Stuani, Fabbrini (De Pena 69), Kike. Subs not used: Mejias, Gibson, Forshaw, Nugent. Yellow cards: Amorebieta (26), Leadbitter (66) Referee: Keith Stroud Attendance: 19,516

COMPETITION

Win this Reading team photo signed by Jake Cooper! the photo, which bears the signature of the defender and his squad number, and to be in with a chance of winning you need to answer the following question: Jake Cooper scored both goals in a 2-1 win for Reading against which club last season?

JAKE COOPER has kindly signed this Reading FC team photo – and it will soon be in the hands of one lucky Royals supporter. The Wokingham Paper is giving away

SPORT | 37

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

A: Bournemouth B: Norwich City C: Nottingham Forest Email your answer, along with your name, address and contact details, to

sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk before 5pm on Thursday, October 15. DISCLAIMER: 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 winner will be notified by telephone on Friday, October 16, so please ensure a valid telephone number is provided. There is no alternative prize and no cash value. The prize is non-exchangable and nontransferable. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Clarke pleased as Jake pens new three-year deal JAKE COOPER has signed a new contract to keep him at Reading until 2018. The young centre-back (pictured) has risen through the ranks from the academy and has gone on to make a total of 21 appearances for the first team so far. With the fine form of Paul McShane, Anton Ferdinand and Michael Hector, chances have been limited for the 6ft 6in defender this season but he has featured in the League Cup defeat to Everton and victory at Burnley. Reading boss Steve Clarke, said: “Jake Cooper is yet another product of the Reading Academy system and I’m very pleased that he has committed his

future to the club. “He has already shown that he has the ability to play in the first team here and is one of four very good central defenders we have at the club. “With the sale of Michael Hector to Chelsea, it was very important to secure Jake on a longer contract as I’m sure he will be a valued player for this club now and in the future.” Bracknell-born Cooper, 20, joined the academy aged 14 and is following in his father Andy’s footsteps of playing for the first team, having held a season ticket for the past 16 years.

Gunter and Robson-Kanu out to make historic point CHRIS GUNTER and Hal Robson-Kanu could seal an historic qualification for Euro 2016 with Wales tomorrow, writes TOM CROCKER. The Royals duo have been regulars in Chris Coleman’s side throughout the campaign and know they will book their spot at the finals in France if they can get a point away to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Failing that, they will have another glorious opportunity against whipping boys Andorra in Cardiff on Tuesday. Oliver Norwood and Paul McShane will also be hoping to seal their passage to Euro 2016 with wins in this international break. The pair were both in action last night, Norwood with Northern Ireland as they hosted Greece while McShane and the Republic of Ireland were at home to world champions Germany. Republic of Ireland wrap up their qualification campaign away to Poland on Sunday while Northern Ireland travel to Finland. Away from Europe, Michael Hector and Garath McCleary have both travelled to join the Jamaica squad for a friendly against South Korea

on Tuesday. Ali Al-Habsi is likely to feature in Oman’s double header at home to Iran and India while Paolo Hurtado’s Peru begin their elongated World Cup qualifying group with a trip to Colombia before hosting Chile. Hurtado’s involvement in Reading’s game against Charlton Athletic next weekend could be in question with Peru’s clash with Chile not kicking off until 3.15am UK time on Wednesday morning. Danny Williams has also travelled across the Atlantic for a crunch clash with Mexico. With USA and Mexico winning the last two Gold Cups, this winner-takes-all clash will see the victors qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup. USA then host Costa Rica in New Jersey on Thursday evening in a friendly. Youth team players Sean Long and Shane Griffin (Republic of Ireland U21), Dominic Hyam (Scotland U21), Zak Jules (Scotland U19) and Axel Andresson and Sindri Scheving (Iceland U19) are also away representing their country.

Fine reduced, but disappointment lingers READING “remain disappointed” despite seeing their fine imposed by the FA reduced from £100,000 to £40,000 upon appeal. Royals were charged with misconduct regarding supporter behaviour after a number of spectators entered the field of play at Madejski Stadium after Reading’s FA Cup quarter final replay victory over Bradford City in March which sealed a Wembley semi-final showdown with Arsenal. Despite the reduced fine, the club are still dissatisfied with the outcome. A statement from Reading, said: “After a total of 16 other celebratory pitch incursions took place at other

stadia across the country last season, we were the only club penalised. “Reading Football Club are regularly among the club with the lowest numbers of arrests and banning orders in the division and we are also very proud of our supporters’ reputation for good behaviour, both at home and away. As a club we remain disappointed by the decision and feel that the process undertaken by the Regulatory Commission in these situations need to be reviewed in the future.” As well as being forced to pay £40,000, the FA say they have “warned Reading as to its future conduct.”

UNDER-18s

of Chelsea on goal difference but now sit third and trail the Blues by three points after Idris Kanu’s goal proved to be enough for the Hammers to take a 1-0 win. Reading are back in action tomorrow, hosting sixth placed Fulham (11am).

Youngsters’ Hammer blow READING UNDER 18S have been knocked off the top of the Barclays Premier League U18 South Group after losing at West Ham United. Royals went into the weekend ahead

38 | SPORT

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Mowat gets off to winning start, with Prince the hero! Reading Town 1 Woodley United 2

BEVAN VAN DYK and Prince Alozie struck in both halves to secure United a second league win of the season. Victory not only bagged Woodley the bragging rights against their Scours Lane landlords, but also United’s Lemay Maycock bursts forward Pictures: Peter Toft saw interim boss Jock Mowat enjoy a perfect would separate the two teams going in at start to his tenure in the the break. hot-seat following the recent departure Poor defending, though, almost gifted of predecessor Phil Norville. the home side the lead soon after the And Mowat saw his charges start the restart, but a strike from the edge of the contest brightly, with Van Dyk narrowly post flashed just past an upright. failing to connect with a Rupen Limbu Yet stealing possession from a throw cross before Lemar Maycock beat the in almost yielded a second Woodley goal, Town offside trap, only to be denied but Van Dyk was off target over on the by a last-ditch Joseph left-hand side. Richardson challenge. But not long after The same player was the visitors did nudge to burst forward again themselves back in front moments later and this through Alozie, who time unleashed a shot at netted amid a crowded goal, but Reading ‘keeper penalty box after Town Nicky Slatcher was equal were unable to clear to the effort. their lines from a corner. However, on seven Back in the minutes United took the ascendency once more lead, Maycock teeing and United were looking up Van Dyk to net via for goal number three, the underside of the bar but a block prevented Rupin Limbu gets stuck in from just inside the box. Alozie from bagging a The goal was to second when Slatcher shake the home side into life, and horribly miss-kicked, while Van Dyk was only an interception from Matt Leigh, over with the rebound. making his first United start of the Mowat threw on Seun Odusanya with season, prevented Luke Richardson from 12 minutes remaining – but he was not equalising at the back post. on the pitch for long. Van Wyk, after exchanging passes Clashing with Levi Lawrence resulted with Maycock, saw a low effort saved in both players being dismissed. by Slatcher as Woodley surged forward But both players were soon joined once more. However, this was to be the for an early bath by Town duo Luke last involvement from the latter, who Richardson and Trenall Richardson, who hobbled off with an injury. also saw red following another incident. Omar Cofie was his replacement. Amid the unsavoury end to Losing the striker took a little sting proceedings, though, Cofie was sent out of Woodley’s threat going forward, clean through by Alozie, but was unable and a lull was to follow. to get the better of Slatcher. But on 38 minutes they were pegged United will be looking to make it back; Town levelling up the scores when three league wins on the spin when Richardson buried a shot into the far entertaining Chinnor tomorrow (3pm). right corner from some 20 yards. WOODLEY UNITED: Smith, Phillip, Leigh, Cox, Lance Barlow, for the hosts, and Bridges, Titcombe, Alozie, Creegan, Maycock Limbu would trade missed chances as (Cofie), Van Dyk, Limbu (Odusanya). Sub not used: Ingram. the half neared a conclusion, but nothing

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, October 9, 2015

HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST

Alexander hits the spot as Finches continue to fly high Finchampstead 1 Wantage Town Reserves 0 A SECOND-HALF Greg Alexander penalty saw Finchampstead preserve top spot and their winning start to the season at the Memorial Ground. Jon Laughanre’s men have now played four, won four on home soil this term, with the latest victory coming from the spot when Freddie Barron was bundled over in the box illegally in the 56th minute. Problems on the M4 meant the visitors would start the fixture short benched, and on the pitch Town found themselves under some early pressure too, but were able to defend an early corner conceded with relative ease. Finch continued to ask the questions with Alexander, fresh from a hat-trick the last time out, working his way through a stretched defence, but his shot at goal was kept out by Wantage ‘keeper Andy Beddow. Harry Swabey and Matt Wright were then both involved as the home side launched several more attacks, all of which were dealt with by the opposition. Josh Baker in the Finchampstead goal was rarely troubled during the opening 45 minutes, although he was required to cut out a number of crosses pumped into the box. It was the hosts who continued to do most of the pressing, but failure to find the target from numerous opportunities ensured the scoreline remained at stalemate. Swabey was the next player to go close before team-mate Matt Wright was thwarted by Beddow during a move he started and finished. Finch captain Adam Barnard then flashed a strike clean over the Wantage bar. Yet for all their dominance, it was Wantage who went close to breaking the deadlock just before half time when former Woodley United midfielder Adam Cashin-Murray broke away – only for Baker to snaffle up any danger. Finch, who had now switched to a 4-4-2 formation, would also carve up another chance before the interval, but Greg Alexander was unable to convert with a header from a corner. The opening stages of the second half

Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Finchampstead 9 5 2 2 Penn & Tylers Green 6 5 1 0 Headington Amateur’s 7 4 2 1 Henley Town 7 4 1 2 Bicester Town 7 3 2 2 Rayners Lane 6 3 0 3 Wantage Town Res’ 9 3 0 6 Didcot Town Res’ 7 2 2 3 Chalfont Wasps 4 2 1 1 Woodley United 6 2 1 3 Chinnor 5 2 0 3 Holyport 4 2 0 2 Old Woodstock Town 6 1 0 5 Reading Town 5 0 0 5

F 16 21 10 19 13 13 13 11 8 8 11 10 4 7

A 9 4 6 15 15 9 20 12 6 9 10 11 19 19

Pts 17 16 14 13 11 9 9 8 7 7 6 6 3 0

Freddie Barron won the penalty which Greg Alexander converted for Finchampstead last Saturday Picture: Vivienne Johnson

were pretty nondescript, with the only chance of note during the opening 10 minutes coming via a Wantage free-kick, which was of little trouble for Baker. But a pivotal moment of the contest was to arrive moments later. Receiving the ball out on the right flank, Barron surged forward, beating two opponents before driving into the box, where a run to goal was ended by a foul, which resulted in the referee pointing to the spot. Penalty responsibility belonged to Alexander, who confidently dispatched a strike low past Beddow for a 1-0 lead. Naturally, a Town side now chasing the game pushed numbers forward, but their hosts were seldomly panicked, although Wright had to produce a timely interception to prevent a certain strike at goal.

YOUTH FOOTBALL

Laugharne swapped Ben Winship for Gavin Rolls late on, and the replacement was one of three Finch players who saw chances to put the result beyond any doubt go begging late on, with Alexander and Danny Wing also going close. Thankfully for the home side the opportunities went unpunished, with Finchampstead holding out to record a fifth victory of the season. The Memorial Ground will host its fifth first-team fixture in a row tomorrow when attentions turn to the Berks and Bucks FA Intermediate Cup, where AFC Corinthians of the Thames Valley Football League are the visitors for this second round clash. Kick off is 3pm. FINCHAMPSTEAD: Baker, M.Wright, Winship (Rolls), Callaway, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, Blatchford, Swabey, Alexander, Wing. Subs not used: Abbott, Perry, Axton-Hall.

COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Rampant Boars rack up a perfect 10 and march on in the Cup Smith scores again for Eversley EVERSLEY and California Under-16s are comfortably through to round two of the Surrey County Cup after thrashing Guildford Saints 10-2 George Higgins, Alfie Andrews, Paolo Giamattei and Brett Gardner all scored twice for the Boars, who bagged three goals in as many first half minutes following a slow start to the tie. Jordan Edwards and Harry Sage were also on target for Eversley, who rattled in five more goals after the break. Tayte Brown was man of the match. Under-15s WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Blacks fell at the first hurdle in the East Berkshire Football Alliance League Cup (EBFA) following a 3-2 defeat against Langley Galaxy.

Berkshire County League. Barton took The Sumas fell behind to a free-kick, but the lead against the run of drew themselves play, but equalised when a level on 28 minutes Briony Watts clearance from when captain and inside her own half caused man-of-the-match confusion and ended up Ben Cook (pictured) inside the opposition’s net. set up Joe Jones to Rovers would go on to equalise after an re-take the lead just before individual run. half-time, but Rebecca Greig Langley regained made it 2-2 soon after the the lead through restart when latching on to a fine finish, but Tayte Brown a Watts through ball and were pegged back finishing confidently. once more when However, with just five minutes of Alb Davies turned home a Calum Woodfield the contest remaining, Barton nudged cross. themselves in front once more, albeit in However, late drama saw Wokingham controversial circumstances. exit the competition, as an own goal sealed Despite the ball appearing to be forced Langley’s passage. out the hands of Wokingham ‘keeper n WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Abigal Leather, the goal was allowed to Girls’ slow start to the season continued stand and the home side took the points. when up against Barton Rovers in the

Eversley and California 1 Staines Lammas 0

A SOLITARY strike from Brad Smith moved Eversley level on points with league leaders CB Hounslow United, writes LEWIS RUDD. Smith settled the contest at Fox Lane in the 50th minute, driving home from 25 yards. It was the player’s 17th goal in just nine games for the Boars, who took their points tally for the season to 21 with this win – but rivals Hounslow do have a game in hand. Eversley will be looking to notch an eighth win in 10 game when entertaining Farleigh Rovers tomorrow (3pm). Neville Roache’s charges are then in Challenge Cup action on Tuesday,

making the short trip to Camberley Town of the Premier Division. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F CB Hounslow United 8 7 0 1 20 Eversley & California 9 7 0 2 26 Worcester Park 8 6 0 2 20 Staines Lammas 9 5 1 3 23 Sandhurst Town 8 4 2 2 16 Abbey Rangers 8 4 1 3 13 Bedfont & Feltham 4 4 0 0 18 Cobham 8 4 0 4 18 Epsom Athletic 9 4 0 5 20 Dorking 8 3 0 5 13 Frimley Green 5 3 0 2 5 Sheerwater 8 2 1 5 11 Dorking Wanderers Res 8 2 1 5 9 Farleigh Rovers 8 2 0 6 8 Ash United 7 1 2 4 13 Banstead Athletic 7 1 2 4 8 South Park Reserves 8 1 0 7 10

A 5 12 7 12 16 10 4 18 31 14 7 18 18 22 20 17 20

Pts 21 21 18 16 14 13 12 12 12 9 9 7 7 6 5 5 3

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Friday, October 9, 2015 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BERKS AND BUCKS SENIOR TROPHY

Grant treble sends Sumas crashing to early cup exit

FA VASE

Scope is the hat-trick hero as sorry Shrivenham are hit for six

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk Ascot United 4 Wokingham and Emmbrook 0 MATT EGGLESTON felt his Wokingham and Emmbrook side opened themselves up “too much” when looking for a way back into this Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy tie. The joint boss saw his Sumas concede four second-half goals as their involvement in the county cup came to an end at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday night. This included a 15-minute hat-trick from Yellamen striker Joe Grant, with Joe Jarra completing the scoring late on. “As this was a cup game we thought it would be right to give game time and minutes to some of the players who have been away, injured or whatever,” said Eggleston. “We went 1-0 down after 65 minutes so we decided to go on a little bit. We opened up in searching for an equaliser, but we probably opened up too much to be honest. “The desire to win was there and me and Dan (Bateman – co-manager) decided to go for it, we kept it tight for long but were eventually undone. “It’s disappointing, but it is a cup where we know there is a long way to go, but the league is our priority at the moment and we are in three other cup competitions as well.” The only real chance for the visitors during a quiet opening half fell to Luke Scope, but the in-form striker could only drag a shot wide following a trademark surging run. Ascot, though, began to crank up the pressure after the break and would break the deadlock on 63 minutes when Grant hooked the ball home. A deflected effort saw the player grab his – and Ascot’s – second soon after

Luke Scope was on target three times during the victory over Shrivenham Pictures: Vivienne Johnson

Wokingham and Emmbrook 6 Shrivenham 1

Jake Butler gets back to deny Ascot’s hat-trick hero Joe Grant

before completing the hat-trick two minutes later with a curling effort. Now searching for a consolation, Jake Butler could only fire off target when well placed. And that was as good as it got for the away side, who conceded two minutes from time when Grant turned provider, laying on Jarra to slot home the fourth as Ascot booked their place in the competition’s quater-finals. For Wokingham, the result represented a third-straight loss against United this term following previous defeats in the league and Hellenic Challenge Cup. And Grant has been a real nemesis for the Sumas in these fixtures, having netted four of the seven unanswered goals Ascot have scored in these games. “He is a good lad and he took the goals well,” admitted Eggleston. “They (Ascot) probably had a little bit more quality on the night if I’m honest.”

Picture: Mark Pugh

WOKINGHAM: Woodward, Broadhurst (Duffelen), Rowland, Day, Wanklyn, Parsons, Butler (c), N.Bateman (S.Bateman), Scope, Sargeant, Rushforth.

Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Flackwell Heath 13 9 2 2 Oxford City Nomads 13 9 1 3 Ascot United 14 9 1 4 Thatcham Town 10 8 1 1 Kidlington 11 7 3 1 Highworth Town 11 7 1 3 Binfield 10 6 2 2 Highmoor-Ibis 13 6 2 5 Thame United 12 6 1 5 Longlevens AFC 12 6 0 6 Brimscombe & Thrupp 10 5 2 3 Royal Wootton Bassett 12 5 2 5 Lydney Town 11 4 3 4 Ardley United 13 4 1 8 Milton United 13 2 5 6 Brackley Town Saints 14 3 2 9 Tuffley Rovers 11 2 2 7 Abingdon United 14 2 2 10 Bracknell Town 9 1 2 6 Wokingham 14 1 1 12

F 44 29 24 30 25 25 18 26 17 16 18 22 17 17 13 22 15 17 11 13

A Pts 22 29 13 28 14 28 12 25 11 24 11 22 9 20 19 20 15 19 16 18 14 17 25 17 19 15 27 13 21 11 38 11 25 8 46 8 23 5 39 4

LUKE SCOPE led the scoring with a hat-trick as Wokingham and Emmbrook put their recent worries behind them with this comfortable victory at the Investec Perpetual Triangle. In ending a run of nine successive defeats, the Sumas will be hoping this fixture could be the turning point in what has so far been a difficult campaign. Wokingham have also been handed a further boost with the news George Parsons and James Charlton are nearing a return to full fitness, while Dan Collier, Darren Thorne and Jake Butler all returned to the squad having missed the midweek game with Thatcham Town. But the afternoon would belong to Scope. Having returned to the goal trail during that forgettable 6-1 reverse last Tuesday, the forward got the scoring underway when played in by Collier, who later doubled the advantage courtesy of

a strike from some 25 yards. Good work from the returning Butler saw him set up Scope for his second of the game early in the second half. Hopes of a welcome clean sheet, though, were dashed when Jamie Prictor popped up with what would prove to be a consolation for Shrivenham, who are now plying their trade in Hellenic Division 1 West. The three-goal cushion was restored when Jordan Rowland, who impressed at left back, clipped home a well-taken free-kick from 25 yards, with the set piece dipping into the far corner. Goal number five arrived through persistence from Garry Sargeant, who forced an opponent to turn the ball into his own net. An encouraging 90 minutes for the hosts saw Scope add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings when completing his treble late on. WOKINGHAM AND EMMBROOK: Woodward, O’Connell, Rowland, Day, Thorne, Wanklyn (Smillie), Butler (S.Bateman), Yeatman (c), Scope, Duffelen (Sargeant), Collier. Subs not used: Mustafa, Broadhurst.

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

Abingdon are no match for four-some Binfield and free-scoring Horscroft Binfield 4 Abingdon United 0

DANNY HORSCROFT came off the bench to hit his third goal of the week for a Binfield side which cruised to victory at Hill Farm Lane. Liam Ferdinand, Lewis Leonetti and Josh Pearson were also on target for the Moles, who moved up to seventh in the standings with this win. The intentions of the home side were clear from the off with Binfield going close on three occasions early on, but none were on target. With United struggling to get any foothold on the game, you could sense a first goal of the afternoon would not be long in the waiting. And the breakthrough duly arrived on 11 minutes, Ferdinand picking up where he had left off in midweek, having scored twice during the 4-1 victory over Brackley Town Saints, by tapping home following good work between Jemel Johnson and James Knight. Binfield continued to attack their hosts, with any opportune response from Abingdon comfortably dealt with by the hosts and Michael Walton, in particular, who impressed at the back. United’s best chance would arrive

Lewis Leonetti pounces to make it 2-0 as Binfield celebrate Danny Horscroft’s goal (inset) Pictures: Colin Byers

midway through the half, but Jamie Essex’s dipping volley from 25 yards was well held by Nathan Silver in the home side’s goal. Binfield would go in at the break leading by just the solitary goal, but it should probably have been more, with Josh Howell twice going close. Had it gone in, his first attempt would have been a contender for goal of the season, but a first-time volley from a Jack Broome cross was kept out of the top corner by a fine save from Abingdon shot-stopper Tom Plum. Another opportunity for the same player

was scrambled off the line. But any worries about a lack of goals during the first 45 minutes, however, were eradicated during a clinical half from Binfield. The lead was doubled on 53 minutes when Leonetti beat the offside trap, stole in to win the ball from Plum and slot a shot into an empty net. It was, however, to be the player’s final contribution, with Leonetti leaving proceedings soon after due to a back strain. Josh Pearson, along with Horscroft, was introduced to proceedings just after the

hour mark, and he didn’t need long to put his stamp on the fixture, twice shooting over before making it 3-0 in the 79th minute, running on to a Johnson pass and firing low into the far corner from the edge of the box. With the points now in the bag, Binfield were soon celebrating goal number four. Stooping to meet a Josh Howell cross, Horscroft, on for the injured Ferdinand, kept up the goalscoring habit through a header, turning the ball into the top corner, adding to recent strikes against Brackley and Henley Town. He went close again soon after, but was denied on this occasion by a Plum save at his far post. This was after Walton had raced back to block another attempt from Essex. Unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet, though, was Johnson. Having been off target with three efforts, he also saw the same number kept out by Plum, one of which being a smart stop at full stretch to block a shot from the penalty spot. Binfield are at home again tomorrow, welcoming high-flying Kidlington for a 3pm kick-off. BINFIELD: Silver, Broome, Luis (c), M.Walton, Leonetti (Withers), Rowland (Pearson), Howell, Dean, Knight, Ferdinand (Horscroft), Johnson. Sub not used: A.Walton.

PRODUCING several impressive performances has landed James Knight the Moles’ Player of the Month award for September. The summer arrival from Marlow (pictured) has started every game for Binfield this term, and came close to his first goal in the club’s colours when rattling the bar during an FA Vase tie to Royal Wootton Bassett, which the side lost on a reply. Knight has brought an extra touch of quality on the ball to the club, with his displays seeing him win the accolade following a strong month for Binfield on the pitch by just the one vote.

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Royal Elm Park proposals to go on public display from next week

PLANS to redevelop a section of land close to Madejski Stadium in to an area boasting new homes, leisure facilities and a convention centre will be unveiled next week, writes LEWIS RUDD. Reading Football Club Prop Co Ltd, a partly-owned subsidiary of the Royals, is to push out proposals for Royal Elm Park at a number of public consultation exhibitions across the town. On the table are plans to regenerate an area close to the stadium and fill it with homes, a world-class convention centre and facilities such as an ice rink, restaurants and a large public square. More than 1,000 new jobs are expected to be created through the development. The convention centre will look to bring together year-round business and cultural events which, hopefully, will benefit Reading and the local economy. It is designed to meet existing market demand and act as a catalyst

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Reading Football Club Prop Co Ltd want to regenarate land around Madejski Stadium

for growth both locally and across the county. Designed to accommodate up to 3,000 delegates, the centre will provide flexible, adaptable spaces capable of facilitating a range of events from business meetings, conferences and exhibitions to live entertainment including music, sport and comedy. More than 600 homes are also proposed for the site, many of which

will overlook a public park some 10,000 square metres in size, which is approximately the size of one-and-a-half football pitches. Four public consultations will take place in relation to Royal Elm Park, where members of the project team will be on hand to discuss the proposals, further details of which will soon be available at www.RoyalElmPark.com

These will take place on: Thursday October 15: Royal Berkshire Conference Centre,

Madejski Stadium (3pm - 8pm) Wednesday, October 21: The Concert Hall, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street (2pm 6pm) Thursday, October 22: The Concert Hall, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street (2pm 8pm) Saturday, October 24: South Reading Community Centre, 252-260 Northumberland Avenue (10am - 4pm).

Questions can also be put to the team either by email, consultation@ royalelmpark.com, or by calling 0207 630 3819.

FOOTBALL

Eggleston’s praise for senior Sumas ahead of huge trip to Abingdon

‘You can lead us away from trouble’ By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MATT EGGLESTON is backing Wokingham and Emmbrook’s returning senior players to help pull the club away from trouble. The joint-boss is preparing his charges for a pivotal game at the foot of the Hellenic Premier Division table at Abindgon United tomorrow (3pm). But boosted by the return of several regular faces from injury or suspension and having ended a run of nine defeats with the 6-1 thrashing of Shrivenham in the FA Vase last Saturday, Eggleston believes the side can head to the United Stadium for a proverbial six-pointer in confident mood. Despite a midweek 4-0 reverse at Ascot United in the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy, things do appear to be looking up for Wokingham on the pitch. Having scored four times in his last three games, Luke Scope appears to be back on the goal trail again, while George Parsons has returned from injury and defender James Charlton is expected to be back in the side next weekend following a lengthy spell on the treatment table. And with the spine of the team almost back in place, Eggleston is calling on his leading lights to help drag the club away from the foot of the table. “The players are starting to come back and players are becoming aware their shirt is not safe anymore,” said the manager.

Matt Eggleston Picture: Vivienne Johnson

“Last Saturday we had 18 players and by the end of October we should have 25 to choose from, so the competition is back. “Luke Scope is a big positive and he is back scoring goals. He is getting to where we want him to be, a leading player for us.

“James Charlton should be back next weekend and is another player full of confidence and a big voice and Nick Bateman is back from suspension and holiday and is another big voice in the side. “We have been missing this leadership in recent weeks and the players have been under pressure. “We have missed that bit of light heartiness you need in the side. “Having senior players out injured or suspended does not help, but I cannot question the commitment from those senior players. “They have stuck it out when I know other clubs are trying to talk to them, even though they are not allowed to do that, but they have told us they are staying with us and want to get us out of the slump we are in. “I am delighted with their attitude and loyalty.” Eggleston went on to describe the clash with Abingdon as ‘huge’, as a gap is starting to now appear between Wokingham and those clubs immediately around them in the standings. Defeat in Oxfordshire would leave the Sumas seven points adrift of their opponents. Despite admitting the campaign has been a big learning curve for everyone, the boss believes Wokingham’s fortunes will soon change. “Four points is not

good enough and there have been times when we have dropped points and let ourselves down, he said. “But look at the recent game at [Royal] Wootton Bassett, where we lost 2-1 but had two perfectly good goals disallowed – even their chairman said both goals should have stood. “If we win there and then again on Saturday, all of a sudden that’s two wins in three and we’re putting pressure on the teams above us. “In the last two seasons we have been the team to beat, so this is unknown territory for us; we are all learning, and this is new to me in my management career because we have lost more games this season than in the last two. “Our ambition is to climb up the table, but we do need a little rub of the green. “Okay, we have made some mistakes that have cost us and we have had some bad decisions from match officials and the injuries and suspensions haven’t helped, but we are going there (to Abingdon) full of confidence and expecting a positive result.” 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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