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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US
David Pickard, Henry Wickens, Oria Attride, Nicola Wright and Ted Hodby at Waitrose Wokingham last week Picture: Phil Creighton
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Share your family news in The Wokingham Paper Is there a new addition in your family? Is your son or daughter getting married this summer? Has someone you know recently passed their exams? Maybe a work colleague is retiring and you would like to wish them well in the future. Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today. We offer a range of packages designed at helping you share your news without breaking the bank.
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Have you heard the pitter patter of tiny feet? Has the stork brought you a special delivery? We’d love to share your good news with our readers. Simply send us a photo of the new arrival and tell us a little about them and we’ll print it free of charge, when space permits.
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CUSTOMERS of a local supermarket offered a token of thanks to the Wokingham Community First Responders. Waitrose Wokingham had the charity as one of the three that shoppers could vote for via its green tokens scheme – every time customers visit the store they can use the small green disc to vote for the charity they want to back.
The First Responders were in the March scheme and, last Friday, received a cheque for £340 from the store in Rectory Road. The Community First Responders use life-saving skills including defibrilliators to provide early help for patients suffering life-threatening emergencies. Henry Wickens, community matters champion at Waitrose, said: “It’s a very
good cause and a local charity. To be supporting something local to us is fantastic. “We do the token scheme every month and the customers decide who gets what share of our cash pot.” n The group always welcomes volunteers. No experience necessary and training is provided. Visit www. southcentralambulance.nhs.uk.
Men spotted acting suspiciously
where caravans are kept in Heathland Road, and stole items from inside. Anyone with any information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101.
of Women’s Institutes the programme will feature music from shows and films such as Grease and Guys and Dolls, as well as medleys from The Beach Boys and Hoagy Carmichael. It starts at 7.30pm and takes place at Woodley Baptist Church in Hurricane Way, Woodley. Tickets cost £10.
TWO men have been seen acting suspiciously in Wokingham. Overnight Monday into Tuesday, the men were seen around the outside of a building in Toutley Road. They were seen near surrounding buildings before going to a rear door and forcing it open. The men had gone inside, but nothing was stolen. A white saloon car was also seen in the area. Police are concerned as this is the second night someone has been seen acting suspiciously in the area, and are urging anyone who may have any information to contact 101.
Family fiesta fete THE threat of a shower or two won’t put the dampeners on an Earley school’s summer fete this weekend. Loddon Primary School, in Silverdale Road, will be hosting a Summer Family Fiesta on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm, featuring a bouncy castle, face painting and a live performance by the school orchestra. Entry is free and the festivities can be moved inside if the weather turns.
Hear the sounds Storage area raided of summer A STORAGE area has been broken into in Wokingham. At some time between May 30 and June 13, someone broke into the area
WOODLEY Concert Band is back in action tomorrow night for its summer concert. Hosted by the Berkshire Federation
Garden showcase NEXT weekend, five village gardens will be opened up for people to visit. All in Wargrave, the green spaces will welcome visitors to raise funds for the British Red Cross. Entry costs £4 per garden and under 12s get in free. The gardens are: Herons Creek, Station Road; Orchard Close, Station Road; Aylestone, Station Road; 63 High Street and The Little House, 65 High Street. These five gardens offer a variety of styles and sizes and are all within easy walking distance. Tea and home made cake served at Herons Creek.
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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 supporters 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. Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.
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Dinton Pastures musical festival gets green light despite concerns By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE Marvellous music festival at Dinton Pastures has had official permission to go ahead. But residents claim their fears about the tribute festival on July 23 and 24 on the Hurst/Winnersh border have been dismissed. They claim solutions have not been found for traffic, late night noise on Sunday and other potential problems. They warned the organisers will be on trial to see how they run this year’s festival. The festival for 4,500 music fans and up to 500 artists and staff was approved by Wokingham Borough’s licensing sub-committee. Residents raised their concerns at the hearing. Cllr Angus Ross, executive member for environment, said: “Whilst being sympathetic to the residents’ concerns, the Licensing and Appeals (Hearings) SubCommittee felt there wasn’t sufficient evidence to refuse Marvellous Festival a licence under the four licensing objectives (crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and protection of children from harm). “Events like these are popular around the country and this is an opportunity to increase the use of the former Hurst Golf Course and offer something exciting and new for our residents and visitors. “Of course, as this is the first year, we will be working
hard with Marvellous to ensure that the family friendly festival runs as smoothly as possible and doesn’t cause disruption to the neighbours of the country park.” Jo Newbold, an events manager of Barber Close, Hurst, who had pleaded for a 10pm finish on Sunday instead of 11pm, said: “I’m disappointed. The licensing subcommittee seemed to dismiss our concerns. People have to get up for work the next day.” Traffic in narrow Sandford Lane, festival entrance for cars, would be “horrendous”, she said. She added: “I’m all for giving it a shot and let’s see how it goes. I’m hoping it will be a really good festival. But they haven’t addressed residents’ concerns at all. Unless it goes very, very well there will be representations next year.” Jeremy Carpenter of Dunt Lane raised concerns about the licence being ongoing, not restricted to one year, and about inadequate bus and train services. “It was clear any sort of objections we had were going to be dismissed … I am not surprised,” he said. Geoff Manning, 73, a retired flight engineer, of Wards Cross said: “The result is disappointing. The festival is an intrusion on us.” He is concerned about limiting numbers of festival goers and “chaos in the dark” if cars get stuck in the parking area.
Man arrested over drug offences
“They will be very much on trial this year to see whether they can do the festival well.” Gordon Lee of Davis Street claimed: “The outcome was pre-determined. They didn’t concede anything after the residents gave their views.” He is worried about traffic and parking which he fears may stop him driving away from his home. Marvellous director Steve Stanton said: “We do take on board concerns of locals. We are meeting highways staff and our plans are still improving. He added that AA signs to the festival car entrance in Sandford Lane would direct drivers from the Hurst/Twyford/ Winnersh direction, avoiding the long, bridged section from Woodley. Marvellous is intended to be a familyfriendly festival, not a big one, and Mr Stanton feels that once people had experienced having it at Dinton their fears would be calmed. Marvellous were very sensitive that if they got it wrong the festival would not be allowed again. and would work to ensure traffic and sound would be within reason. The licence was granted subject to Environmental Health conditions and residents being given an organisers’ contact number so any concerns could be dealt with during the festival
Former councillor becomes first honorary Alderman in surprise ceremony
A MAN in Crowthorne has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences. The 24-year-old man was arrested shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday, June 9 at Hatch Ride on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and class B controlled drugs. Shortly before the arrest, a plainclothes officer observed a man making an exchange with another man in a vehicle, believed to be drugs related, in Oaklands Lane. The vehicle involved was stopped by officers and a large quantity of what is believed to be herbal cannabis was found. A subsequent search at a nearby property uncovered a number of bags of what is believed to be a class A drug, MDMA, which were found and seized. The arrest follows increased patrols in the area carried out by the neighbourhood policing team in Crowthorne, responding to calls from members of public about suspicious behaviour in the area, believed to be related to drug dealing. The 24-year-old man was released on bail until August 8.
Bus panel stolen A PANEL of a bus has been stolen from a yard in Wokingham. At some point over last weekend someone went into the yard in Evendons Lane, and stole the side panel off of the bus.
Gadgets theft AN iPad, Macbook, a DAB radio and a drill have been stolen from a van in Earley. Overnight Sunday (12) into Monday morning, someone broke into the van parked in Treeton Close. A small hole on the door suggests that the lock may have been forced.
Wheelbarrow taken Alderman Bob Wyatt was given a standing ovation for his years of service to Wokingham and presented with his new title by Cllr Bob Pitts, the borough mayor. Pictures: Tony Johnson
A COMMUNITY stalwart was honoured for his many years of service to Wokingham last Thursday when he was made the first honorary alderman of the borough. The role offered is a titular one, awarded to those who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of that Council, but are not councillors. Bob Wyatt was surprised by the accolade, which was presented to him at a special council meeting. He had been led to believe that it was just another date in his calendar – but instead, he was showered with tributes from fellow councillors.
Leader of the council, Keith Baker, said that the process had started in December, including a change in constitution, all of which had been kept secret from the new Alderman Wyatt, who retired from the borough council at the May elections. Cllr Baker added that Alderman Wyatt had been a great friend to the council and “most of all, all of the residents of Wokingham. In every aspect of your tremendous and lengthy public service, you have always acted with the highest ethical and moral values. “Everyone of us in this chamber ... should aspire to reach the standards you set.”
A host of tributes from other councillors followed including Mark Ashwell who said he used Bob instead of Google when he wanted to get information about the council. Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Prue Bray added: "It has always been clear that Bob cares about people, especially those who find themselves struggling through life." After the special meeting, Alderman Wyatt posed for photographs with his family before enjoying a reception.
Teenager sexually assaulted on train
Bike theft at Triangle
A 16-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted on a train to Twyford. Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident which took place on the 1.24pm service from Henley on Sunday, June 12. The teenager was travelling on the train when she was approached by a man who began asking her personal questions. The man, who is described as white, in his early 30s and 6ft tall, wearing a black jacket and grey shorts, then asked to kiss her before touching her inappropriately. Both the girl and the man then got off the service at Twyford. Sergeant Rebecca McDonald from British Transport Police (BTP) in Reading said: “The girl was not hurt in any way but was left shaken by what happened.
A NUMBER of bicycles have been stolen or stripped of parts in Winnersh Triangle. Between 6pm on Monday and 7.50am on Tuesday, bicycles left in the covered racks near the station car park had items stripped from them, including wheels and saddles. One of the bicycles even had one good wheel removed and replaced with a poorer quality one in its place. Elsewhere, a bicycle was stolen from Station Road in Earley on Tuesday. The black and gold mountain bike, which had a grey and red child seat, had been left in the train station bicycle rack during the day, and was gone when the owner returned to collect it. Anyone with any information on any of these incidents is urged to call 101.
“We are committed to reducing unwanted sexual behaviour on trains and we are doing all we can to establish the identity of the man, including examining any available CCTV evidence. “Our enquiries so far suggest there were a number of people on board at the time and that several other girls in the carriage may also have been made to feel uncomfortable by the same man. “I would urge anybody who was on that train and witnessed the incident to contact us and help us find the person responsible for this assault.” Anyone with information can call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference 253 of 12/06/16. Alternatively, details can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A WHEELBARROW has been stolen from an allotment in Earley. Between Saturday, May 28 and Monday, June 6, someone went into an unlocked shed on the allotment site in Church Road and stole the wheelbarrow. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
The Queen at 90
Debut art fest is a hit THE FIRST ever ArtsFest has been hailed as a great success and proved to be a fantastic addition to Wokingham’s big street party. On Sunday, the Town Council organised a massive street party in Broad Street, combining it with the evening’s annual International Street Concert and the inaugural ArtsFest. The event saw artists from the region come together to showcase their talents, through a range of workshops and displays. Visitors could also buy artworks from the artists and talk to them to find out more about it. A special exhibition area was erected in Market Place and attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, despite the mixed weather – although it stayed drier than the forecasts had predicted. And in the Town Hall, members of Wokingham Art Society displayed the frieze they had created to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, with an additional panel created to mark her 90th birthday. One of the organisers, Connell McMenamin, was delighted with how the day had gone. The Woosehill man said: “We had a crazy idea to put on an arts festival, originally the idea was for a month-long festival, then it became a weekend then we said let’s do a day. “We have had a lot of help from the artists.” He added: “People have been very supportive and the feedback has been great. People have been looking round and are really interested. I’m really happy. “We wanted one big long run [of artworks] in the high street so it looks different and feels different. I think it’s worked really well. “We’re hoping to do this every year, that’s our plan.” n www.artfest.org.uk
John Nike and Cllr Peter Lucey admire the Queen’s frieze
Harriet Rose Mahony (7) with Karen Richardson, admiring some of the art for sale at ArtFest! Pictures: Tony Johnson
Jo Nahum helps Heidi Spencer (7) with some colouring
Fred Bennett showcases some of his paintings
WOKINGHAM IN NEED
Visitors try their hand at drawing in a special exhibition event
Civic parade for mayor’s service
WOKINGHAM- WE NEED YOU!
WOKINGHAM’S newest registered charity
Life model Abbey poses for a demonstration class
was
launched in September 2015 with the grand opening of new kitchen facilities (following the successful wet room installation), at the Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, Sturges Road, Wokingham. Founded by local resident Sue Jackson, the aim of
WOKINGHAM IN NEED
is to assist in the relief and prevention of poverty - assisting the homeless and vulnerable in Wokingham by providing support, grants, items and services to Individuals and other charities working in this field.
REME paraded, as did Lady Elizabeth Godsal (pictured right)
WOKINGHAM IN NEED
are currently raising funds to provide a drop-in centre at the Church and Community Centre. This will provide one-to-one support and workshops. “This is just the beginning though”, said Sue Jackson, “and we want to include the whole community’s needs as we progress with this project and others. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in helping people in your community.”
Town Mayor Gywnneth Hewetson leads the councillors
The reason for supplying you with this information? ..We would like your support..
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Anything would be gratefully received. Please donate : by cheque made payable to Wokingham In Need which can be sent/ delivered to Prospect Estate Agents, one of our valued sponsors, at their Broad Street Office in Wokingham. Alternatively you can donate by JustTextGiving. Text: WOKY15 - State : the amount you wish to donate—Send To: 70070.
WOKINGHAM IN NEED –Look forward to hearing from you. Sue Jackson WOKINGHAM IN NEED Telephone Number: 07340 301770 wokinghaminneed@gmail.com www.wokinghaminneed.com
The councillors file into All Saints Church
AN IMPORTANT part of the day was the annual civic service, organised by Wokingham Town Council. A parade, headed up by the Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band, marched town councillors and local digniatries and Scouts up Rose Street to All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road. A short service that fused a blessing for the new Town Mayor, Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, with a celebration of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday was led by the Revd Canon David Hodgson, before the parade returned to the Town Hall where the councillors derobed and enjoyed a civic reception.
The Revd Canon David Hodgson at All Saints Church and the Scouts and Guides
Pictures: Tony Johnson Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band and borough mayor Cllr Bob Pitts
Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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The Queen at 90
Left: Mike Tait from Circus Scene shows off one of his tricks. Top: Children having fun on the Wokingham Town Council arts stall Below: Members of Wokingham Theatre strolled Broad Street to entertain visitors
Navpreet, Zoravar, Simran and Amrit Sandhu meet Mary Poppins from Wokingham Theatre – the family had also enjoyed face painting, sweets and got stuck in to some of the many artistic stalls set up along Broad Street Pictures: Phil Creighton
Partying in the streets of Wokingham SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
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Circus Scene delighted and amused all ages not just on the stage but performing on Broad Street as well
Broad Street was packed as hundreds of people came out for a day of fun to celebrate the Queen’s birthday
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Herrington Carmichael handed out balloons from a stall outside their Broad Street offices
Wokingham’s Rock Choir was one of the many acts that entertaineed on the main stage
Kriss Turner and Julie Ross from the Wokingham Tangent Club raise a glass to Her Majesty
HOW else do you celebrate a birthday? It has to be a party! Broad Street in Wokingham’s town centre was closed to traffic on Sunday to enable the borough’s biggest street party to take place. During the afternoon, thousands of people turned up, brought picnics, enjoyed street food and partied in honour of Her Majesty. Members of Wokingham Theatre, wearing fancy dress, toured the street, while face paining and artistic endeavours were on offer from a range of stalls. A main stage – which would become the base for the International Street Concert – was home to a range of performances including the Rock Choir and Circus Scene.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
The Queen at 90
A happy night was had by all
All ages had a fun time
What else can you wear but a crown?
Lots of people showed their appreciation
60s rock band Marmalade rocked Broad Street for the International Street Concert on Sunday. Pictures: Phil Creighton
Marmalade, jam and a lot of rock ‘n’ roll A rousing chorus of Happy Birthday for the Queen
Many attendees got into the spirit of the occasion
Youngsters enjoyed dancing in the streets
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Pauly Zarb performs a number on the flute
AS DAY turned to night, Wokingham’s street party became a street concert. Pauly Zarb once again curated an amazing selection of bands for his international street concert, organised by Wokingham Town Council. Capturing happy memories Held in Broad Street on Sunday night, the evening saw a wide range of music including a Bob Marley tribute act, a popular 60s band and a fusion of Australian and Irish tunes. With such a mixture, it wasn’t long before there was dancing. An area by the main stage proved to be a focal point first of Dancing to the beat all for the youngsters and then for the more grown-up visitors. With big grins on their faces and toes tapping, it was almost impossible not to dance. Local pub The Broad Street Tavern, along with resturants and specially erected takeaway Clapping along to the music stalls, did a brisk trade during the evening. Left: Playing on the night were dancing Marmalade, party band FoxxUK, shoes Trenchtown Experience and are on! Australinairish – Pauly Zarb Right: and Frank Doherty working Blowing together. bubbles Although weather Far right: forecasters had predicted A happy heavy rain, it actually turned out night for to be a dry, sunny and all warm evening.
All smiles as the party goes on
A tender moment during the concert
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
The Queen at 90 INGHAM
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Birthday boys and girls celebrate in Shinfield
Blowing out the birthday candles at Shinfield Infant School on Friday were pupils about to celebrate their own special day. Joining them for the street party was former headteacher Ann Nolan, who stood in for the Queen. The school enjoyed a street party on the playground on tables arranged to form an ‘ER’ when viewed All ages c from above. Picture: Phil Creighton
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With profits fund performance analysis Annuities & openSheeplands market options Hare Hatch visitors sit down to enjoy a special birthday tea Annuities & open market options Personal & group pensions Personal & group pensions . wokinghamdriveways.co.uk Inheritance Tax planning an wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com Inheritance Tax planning Life assurance, critical illness & income protection plans ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Life assurance, critical illness & income protection Authorised and regulated by theplans FSA ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers Authorised and regulated byhome the FSA Financial reviews in the convenience of your
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Goody bags and treasure trails
Tony Welsh
Financial reviews in the convenience of your home THERE was more than the Queen’s Woodley. John Wild from North Woodley Investments, savings & child trust funds Investments, savings & child trust funds birthday to celebrate at a “street party” and Jason Elliott from Crockhamwell With profits fund performance analysis With profits fund performance analysis held in Hare& Hatch Sheeplands Road were presented with the beer and Annuities open market options on Annuities & open market options Personal & group pensionsAuthorised and regulated Saturday. burgers theyFSA had won in a treasure trail by the Personal & group pensions he Authorised and regulated by the FSA Inheritance Tax planning wokinghamdriveways@googlemail.com The Twyford garden centre was. wokinghamdriveways.co.uk also competition. Inheritance Tax planning ISAs & ISA/PEP transfers out prizes to guests who had won Their sons Calum Wild, aged 8 ISAs &320430 ISA/PEP transfers 3 Mobile handing 07768 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk 3 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk competitions for and a treasure and Jayden Elliott, aged 9, received , Crowthorne, Berkshire colouring RG45 6HS , Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Fleck Associates Tony of Ltd trailWelsh hunt. “goody bag” prizes Tony Welsh of Susan Susan Fleck Associates Ltd they had won After the prizes were presented in a junior version of the trail Authorised and regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430and Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Authorised regulated by the FSA Tel/Fax 01344 402 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 8978 Mobile 07768 320430 children and their families enjoyed Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS contest. Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS from circus skills performer The fathers had to go round the farm Email entertainment tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk Oojamaflip and then sat down to a shop seeking Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Independent Financial Adviser Tony Welsh of Susan Fleck Associates Ltd Ltd out the letters that spelled celebration ending rousing “beer” and the sons had to find letters to Tel/Fax 01344 tea 466173 Mobilewith 07768a320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel/Fax 01344 466173 Mobile 07768 320430 Email tony@independent-ifa.co.uk Tel 0118 402Birthday. 8978 07768 320430 Address 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne,Mobile Berkshire RG45 6HS chorus Happy spell “penaltea”, linking the start of the Address of 5 The Paddock, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6HS Email tony@tonywelshifa.co.uk Throughout the afternoon children European football championships and the were accompanied by “Princess” Janine tea party. Tonkin, who made sure everyone was well “It was a wonderful afternoon,” said nd regulated by by the Financial Conduct Authority Dicks from Sheeplands. “There was horised and looked regulatedafter. the Financial Services Authority, registration no.Andy 447018 horised and regulated byKent the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 nville Road, Maidstone, ME14 2BJ Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number AJW00121 Among prize winners were two Services fun and games, plenty to eat and I am sure Susan Fleck Maidstone, Associates LtdKent isthe authorised and regulated by the Financial Authority, registration no. 447018 nville Road, ME14 2BJ Susan Fleck Associates Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, registration no. 447018 Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ Number AJW00121 lucky father andRegistration son combinations from our guests all went home happy.” Head Office: Granville House, Granville Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2BJ
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Tony Welsh
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
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90 year olds cut the cake MEMBERS of Wokingham Methodist Church came together on Sunday for a special afternoon event. The Rose Street venue welcomed guests for a Queen’s birthday tea party as part of its regular Church@4 series of events. To cut the cake made to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, the church asked three of its nonagenarians to do the honours. The trio – pictured right – were Jean Meyers, Heather Lee and Liz Dearling.
Holt School pupils rise to the occasion with a bake off challenge A WOKINGHAM school came
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each tutor group enter a tray of commemorative cupcakes. The cakes were judged by a ‘royal’ visitor – the aptly named and regally attired assistant headteacher Kate Rees Royle. She was assisted in this by her ‘ladies-in-waiting’, led by catering manager Vicky Jones, and someone who looked remarkably like HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The Holt’s headteacher, Suzanne Richards, gave a speech in which she paid tribute to our longest reigning monarch, and to its longest serving governor Lynne Griffith. who is stepping down after 36 years of service to the school. Students contributed £1 each to the school’s nominated house charities in order to wear red, white and blue in place of their normal uniform – raising nearly £800 in the process. Year 7 students Sylvie, Julia and Sasha said, “It was really fun. We liked the fact that the whole school was celebrating together and raising money for charity.”
Kate Rees Royle (far left) judges some of the entries in the Holt School’s bake off
NEWS | 9
Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
The Queen at 90
All ages came together for Lower Earley’s celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday
Red, white and phew! as party held indoors RAIN proved to be no problem for Lower Earley residents – they simply moved their street party indoors. On Sunday, Lower Earley Baptist Church and the Maiden Plaice shops teamed up to host a fun event to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s big birthday. However, the showers that fell at lunchtime meant that rather than hold the event in Maiden Plaice, it was moved to the Baptist church. More than 100 people came together to enjoy a celebration that included cakes, food and music. Earley Town Council’s deputy mayor, Cllr Michael Firmager, got proceedings off to a great start by cutting the official birthday cake and welcoming people.
Earley town council’s deputy mayor Cllr Michael Firmager cut a special anniversary cake
During the event guests were presented with a copy of the book The Servant Queen, looking at the life of Her Majesty. “'This has been a great event,” said the Revd Keith Wilson, minister of Lower Earley Baptist Church. “The community has come together to celebrate the life and faith of our Queen. “The Queen often brings her Christian faith into her speeches and actions. It was really great that the weather led to us celebrating her birthday inside the church. We want to thank everyone who attended and the shops at Maiden Lane who supplied the decorations, cakes and support for this royal celebration.”
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THREE generations came together in Arborfield to help celebrate the Queen’s 90th on Sunday. Residents of Anderson Crescent held a street party, enjoying food, games and craft activities. The event attracted a Dad and a Granddad who lived on the Crescent as children, as well as lots of children that currently live there. To take into account the wet weather, organisers erected gazebos for people to rest under. Games included a sack race, while children could decorate paper crowns and cup cakes.
Theresa May cutting the cake with help from organiser Pam Bromley Picture: Tony Phillips
MP makes another cut – to the cake! THE Home Secretary cut the birthday cake at a celebration party for the Queen at a Twyford Church on Sunday. It was the culmination of a day of activity in the village, which began with a church service at St Mary’s in the morning followed by an afternoon
of entertainment. Acts included performances by Reading Central Band of the Salvation Army, the Reading Accordion Group and the High Voltage Singers. Children were entertained by Charley the Clown and a Punch and Judy show.
Theresa May, the village’s MP, was the guest of honour and on hand to ensure that the carefully made cake was perfectly cut. All proceeds from the day will be shared between Age Concern, The Salvation Army and the St Mary’s church roof repair fund.
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To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Rhys Griffiths is facing an uncertain educational future after the borough council announced plans to close a specialist unit for deaf children at Emmbrook infant and junior schools
Mum launches campaign to save deaf unit A MUM has launched a race against time to try and save a specialist school unit that works with deaf children. Last week, Faye Griffiths launched an online petition to try and protect the hearing impaired unit that works from Emmbrook infant and junior school. It was set up after the existing specialist teaching staff retired and resigned, leaving Wokingham Borough Council a headache trying to fill the staff vacancies. So far, more than 1,700 people have backed her. The council admits that it had been looking to close the unit once the existing children had moved up to secondary school, but these plans may be brought forward if they can’t replace the teaching staff for the new academic year. It means that children attending the unit will either be sent to local mainstream schools with ‘bought in’ support from a local sensory consortium, or being sent to specialist schools such as Mary Hare in Newbury. Ms Griffiths, a mum of three, said that the borough council has a legal obligation to meet her son’s statement needs and it is vital that the local community fights to keep the resource going. “My son Rhys is six and profoundly deaf. He has spent his early education years at Emmbrook Infant School. He’s a statemented child. He is loves it there, he’s got so many friends and things have been going well. “The council believes that it’s OK for all deaf children to go into mainstream school and have support brought into them. In theory that sounds OK, but it’s a compromise. “A Hearing impaired unit school is sympathetically equipped for children with this disability - it’s acoustically friendly and low ceilings and right sound systems.” However, the council said it is working with parents to help them make the best plans regarding the facilities. Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, said: “Following fewer referrals of hearing impaired pupils to Emmbrook Infant and Junior Schools, and retirement of one of the specialist teachers, we were talking to governors and staff about proposals to close the unit once its current pupils had moved to secondary. “But the remaining specialist teacher has now resigned. Hearing impaired teachers are highly specialised and very rare, so it’s unlikely we can recruit in time for the autumn term. We’ve advertised the vacancy and looked across Berkshire for hearing impaired teachers who could help. “We’re working with parents and have brought forward annual reviews of those pupils due to stay at Emmbrook, so we can make the best plans for them. “Consultation on our original proposals is now on hold because you need specialist staff for a phased closure. Our primary focus at this moment is meeting the needs of pupils affected by this resignation.” n To sign the petition, visit https://goo.gl/QtGcQk
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
Family left afraid after thieves break in and steal two Audis EXCLUSIVE
By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A SINDLESHAM family have been left traumatised after their house was burgled and cars were stolen at the weekend. Sara and Stewart Harris’s home was broken into in the early hours of Monday morning, and after the burglars searched their kitchen and study for valuables, made off with their two Audis which were parked on the driveway. The burglary happened at around 1am, but Mrs Harris said that neither her or her husband heard anything. She said: “It was a muggy night so we decided to put the fan on, and it’s quite noisy. Our bedroom is right above the kitchen, so if the fan hadn’t been on we would have definitely heard something. “Our six-year-old daughter Poppy stirred at around 2.30am, so I went in to comfort her and put her back to sleep, but that was it until the morning when my husband got up for work that we realised something had happened.” The couple noticed their cars were missing from the driveway and immediately called the police, who arrived within 30 minutes. The burglars had used a crowbar to prise open the wooden sash window in the kitchen, and carefully climbed up and through the window before searching the downstairs of the house. “They also made off with a laptop, various items of jewellery and a silver pen before taking the keys to the
Stewart Harris with his car, which was stolen from his driveway early on Monday morning
black SQ5 Audi and grey S5 Sportback Daytona Audi and making off with the cars. Mrs Harris said: “We know there must have been at least two of them because they stole two cars. The police can’t say for definite but we are sure that we were targeted. They must have scoped out the house first to see where they could get in and out. “It is horrible but the materialistic things can be replaced, but we haven’t slept or eaten since Sunday and our daughter is terrified. She has to sleep with the light on now which is something she never did before. “It broke my heart when she said: “Mummy, if the bad men come back will
they take me?” How do you tell a child that they definitely won’t come back when you don’t even know yourself? “We don’t feel safe in our own home, the violation and intrusion into our privacy is sickening and we are even considering moving.” Mrs Harris posted an appeal for help finding the cars on Facebook and has been overwhelmed by the response she has received from the community. She said: “The post has had around 700 shares, not just locally but across the UK. It has been shared on pages that I didn’t even know existed, like Audi pages and stolen car pages. “We have received a lot of messages of sympathy and support from people
who have been in the same situation. You never think it will happen to you. “Loddon Valley police have been fantastic, they have been really supportive and thorough, and Camberley Audi have said they will support us however they can. Poppy’s school Crosfields have also been really good, keeping an eye on her and making sure she is OK. “We know we probably won’t get the cars back, I’ve had to pay for a hire car because we never thought that both of our cars would be stolen, so it’s the hassle of getting all the paperwork sorted that’s really annoying. “We have fitted a security light just for extra peace of mind, and Poppy even offered to help the man install it. The neighbours are petrified because it is such a quiet and exposed area, when the traffic dies down you still hear the noise from the M4, but you can hear everything around you. “I’m trying to remain positive, I am one of these people who believes that everything happens for a reason, and it could have been much worse, I dread to think what could have happened if we’d woken up and confronted these men. I don’t want to be suspicious of everyone, and I feel sad that my daughter has been exposed to this at such a young age. “At the end of the day we are OK, but we just don’t feel safe anymore and that is the worst thing.” Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously around the time, or who may have seen the cars since Sunday
Pictures from the procession…
Raymond Vass brought along his 1968 E type Jaguar to the Woodley Carnival Picture: Jon Nikol
Woodley’s new frontier is fabulous! THE Wild West came to Woodley on Saturday as the annual carnival took place. It started with the traditional procession around the town centre, before ending up in Woodford Park where a day of fun was held. During the afternoon, the arena hosted a range of acts for spectators to enjoy including perofrmances by Bulmershe Gymnastics and Starmaker theatre Company. A music marquee saw
Woodley Light Operatic Society perform, along with the Jazz Relics. There was also a classic car show and a flower festival as well as fairground rides and stalls featuring local businesses. Then, in the evening, there was a music festival to enjoy, with performances coming from bands including Madison Heights and the Bulmershe Ensemble. The Carnival raised funds for
four charities: Camp Mohawk, MS Therapy Centre Berkshire, Me2 Club and Woodley PreSchool. The event was well received and organisers said on Facebook: “Thank you to everyone who supported the carnival on Saturday, June. 11 This year saw the return of the evening concert and firework finale. “It was a fantastic evening concert with a firework finale.”
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Parish noticeboard Saturday, June 18 Wokingham Town Council meeting. Councillor surgery. 10am. Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS.
Monday, June 20 Charvil Parish Council meeting. 8pm. Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane. Finchampstead Planning Meeting. 7.30pm. Parish Office, FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead RG40 4ES Wokingham Borough Council Community and corporate overview and scrutiny committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.
Tuesday, June 21 Wokingham Borough Council executive questions deadline. 10am. Wokingham Borough Council civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.
Wednesday, June 22 Wokingham Borough Council Bulding Control and Shared Services Fees executive meeting. 6.45pm. Planning Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.
Monday, June 27 Shinfield Parish Council recreation and amenities committee meeting. 7.30pm. Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green.
Tuesday, June 28 Barkham Parish Council. Planning meeting 7.30pm. Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham RG40 4PL. Woodley Town Council Full Council. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ Winnersh Parish Council Planning Committee. 7.45pm. The John Grobbler Room, Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Winnersh RG41 5DU. Wokingham Town Council meeting. 7.30pm. Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham RG40 1AS. Wokingham Borough Council Children’s Services Overviews and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with handling stolen goods. Daniel Brian Storrar, 30, of Rowan Drive, is due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on August 4 charged with dishonestly undertaking or assisting in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen number plates and a Mercedes CLK. Both charges relate to incidents on July 25 last year. Mr Storrar denies both charges. A MAN from Shinfield has admitted driving without insurance. Levi Stanley, 39, of Deardon Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 18 where he admitted driving a vehicle on Cutbush Lane on October 8, 2014 without appropriate insurance. Mr Stanley was fined £50, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £100 to the Crown Prosecution Service. He was also disqualified from driving for 10 months. A MAN from Woodley has been imprisoned after pleading guilty to criminal damage and public order offences. Damion De-Burgh, 57, of Howth Drive, admitted damaging a mobile phone belonging to someone else with the intent to damage or destroy it on April 13 this year, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour in Wokingham on the same day. Given the vulnerability of the victim, the nature of the offence and the defendant’s previous record, Mr De-Burgh was sentenced to four weeks in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
From the courts
Mr De-Burgh was present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 19. A MAN from Finchampstead has been made the subject of a community order after failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in circumstance. Darren Gear, 42, of Whittle Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 19 where he admitted to receiving income from sub-letted property, and to being outside of the UK for more than 28 days on several occasions, both of which would affect his entitlement to Employment Support Allowance. Mr Gear was made subject to an electronic monitoring order and curfew, requiring him to reside at his address in Whittle Close between the hours of 7pm and 7am for 20 weeks. He had a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £85.
A WOMAN from Wokingham has been fined £440 for travelling on a train without a ticket. Rosie Devlin, 19, of Waterloo Crescent was found to have travelled on a train in Reading without paying a fare of £6.40 on October 5 last year. Ms Devlin was fined £440, ordered to pay compensation of £6.40, a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £160. Ms Devlin was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 20. A MAN from Wokingham has been fined for travelling on a train without a valid ticket. Paul Sanchez, 27, of Lockwood Court, was proved to have travelled on a Great Western Railway service in Wokingham on October 6 last year without having paid a fare of £3.40.
Mr Sanchez, who was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 20, was fined £440, ordered to pay compensation of £3.40, a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £160. A 24-year-old man from Wokingham has been fined £660 for jumping a ticket barrier and travelling on a train without a ticket. Callum Sturgess-Eighteen, of Clare Avenue, was proved to have entered Wokingham station without passing through the ticket barrier in the correct manner, and then travelled on a Great Western Railway service without paying the £4.30 fare. Mr Sturgess-Eighteen was fined a total of £660, ordered to pay compensation of £4.30, a victim surcharge of £44 and costs of £160. Mr Sturgess-Eighteen was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on May 20. A MAN from Reading is due to appear in court charged with stealing make-up, sunglasses and a handbag from three shops in Wokingham. Lloyd Samuels, 41, of Arthur Place, will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on June 28 where he is charged with three counts of theft and two counts of failing to surrender to custody. Mr Samuels admits stealing sunglasses to the value of £149 from Specsavers on February 11 this year, but denies stealing make-up brushes and lip balm to the value of £21.98 from Superdrug, and a handbag to the value of £19.99 from Helen and Douglas House Charity shop, also on February 11
Hunt on for flasher with lisp & Tesco bag By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A LISPING man carrying a Tesco carrier bag flashed a young boy earlier this week – now police are attempting to track him before he strikes again. He first talked to the boy, before exposing himself and making sexual comments. Thames Valley Police said that the attack took place on Monday night between 6pm and 7pm in Woosehill. The 10-year-old boy was approached by a man on a pathway by the wooded area behind Camellia Way and Foxglove Close. The offender has been described as white with a slight tan, around 5ft 10ins, medium build, with brown hair that was across his face but shorter at the back. He also had a brown beard and moustache. He spoke with a lisp. He was wearing a brown coloured jumper with a hood, lighter brown trousers with lines on and black shoes and was carrying a Tesco carrier bag. Investigating officer, Det Con
A flasher targeted a young boy in woodland area behind Camellia Way and Foxglove Close Picture: Gemma Davidson
Amy Hickman-Holden from Force CID at Reading police station, said: “The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and a thorough investigation is underway. “Officers are making enquiries in the area and have spoken to local schools so that they can inform parents about what has happened and give appropriate advice. There is an increased police presence in the area and I would urge anyone who has any concerns to speak to officers in the neighbourhood or call 101. “I would like to speak to anyone
who has any information about the incident – whether you saw a man matching this description in the area or witnessed the incident, or have any other information which could help with our investigation. “Please contact me via the 101 number as soon as possible. If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”
Daleks make it a fete worse than death DALEKS, a mini steam train and a treasure hunt are just some of the attractions heading to Charvil this weekend. On Sunday the Village Hall, in Park Lane, will play host to the annual village fete, organised by the Charvil Parish Committee. Children will be entertained with a magic show, a circus workshop and a performance by Uncle Charley, ‘the clown without make up’., while the grown ups can enjoy the beer tent and a performance by local singing group, Jewel Tones. Local MP The Rt Hon Theresa May will also be on hand to help with the raffle draw and prize giving. The fete starts at noon and runs until 5pm. Entry is free.
NEWS | 13
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Cyclist’s eye injury after egging attack
The beer tent was packed with thirsty visitors
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A cyclist who was struck by an egg thrown from a car has suffered a serious eye injury – now police have launched an appeal to trace the attackers. The 37-year-old cyclist was on the B3348 Bracknell Road, making his way from Crowthorne towards Bracknell around 8.30pm on Tuesday, June 7. He told police that an egg was Twyford Beer Festival organiser Ian Wisdom (right) and Chris Cormano toast a successful thrown from a grey Peugeot 205 or 305. Rain didn’t stop play event. Pictures: Jon Nikol It hit him, causing the injury. The victim was then treated at Frimley Park Hospital, but will also require follow up treatment and A BEER festival returned last weekend and birthday celebrations. appointments. help raise thousands for charity. As well as the drinks, there was live Thames Valley Police is appealing The King George V Memorial Field music from bands including The People’s for information. “I am appealing to anyone who has in Twyford become a beer garden on Front of Judea, and plenty of food. Investigating officer, PC Ben any information about this incident to Saturday as hundreds turned up to sample All money raised will go towards Orchid, Eastment based at Bracknell police come forward, especially if you know a host of beers, ciders and perries. a charity that fights male cancers. station, said: “This was a cowardice act who was driving that Peugeot vehicle The event sold an impressive 62 Ian Wisdom, festival organiser, said: that caused an extremely serious eye or know who threw the egg. If you have casks worth of real ale, mainly from local “We were busy, despite the rain, footy, injury to the victim, who was treated any information whatsoever please call brewers – up from 55 last year. And the rugby and the grand prix. We sold almost at hospital but will now have to attend police via 101.” blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf 1 22/03/2016 18:14 increase came despite competition from all the beer and cider and made lots of new follow up appointments to improve his You can also contact Crimestoppers The Bare Blues Band a busy sporting weekend and the Queen’s friends.” eyesight. anonymously on 0800 555 111. performed at the event
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Bear lost in space … can you help find him? AN URGENT search has been launched to find a space travelling bear. He’s not lost in space but lost on earth and the hunt for the furry friend is now on. Pupils from Hawkedon School in Lower Earley took part in an exciting project to launch a bear into space and, true to the adage what comes up must go down, the bear returned to earth. It is known that the bear’s rocket touched down in a field in Basingstoke Road, Shinfield but the school can’t find him and are now hoping you can help locate him. We don’t know if he’ll respond to jars of honey or Nutella but he is friendly and will not bite, unless he caught a space plague on his travels. A poster on Facebook told the story of the school’s project: “Okay need some help, please feel free to share: This morning at 4.45 Hawkedon school Yr 1 and Yr6 launched a Bear into space it was all very exciting watching him rise up and get smaller and smaller as he climbed higher and then we all had breakfast while we tracked him floating high up over various parts of Reading. “He eventually came to rest in a field just of the Basingstoke Road in Shinfield….but Teddy is missing! “He has managed to come loose at some point during his exciting early morning jaunt and is now somewhere in the Reading area if anyone finds him year 1 and year 6 would really appreciate his safe return (especially the little ones) and it would be really great to know where he ended up!” The searchers have created a special hashtag for spotters to use – #findthehawkedonbear
Ice creams and sweets swiped from business ICE creams and sweets have been stolen from a business in Earley. At some time between Monday (13) and Wednesday, someone broke into the premises in Pond Head Lane through a window by forcing it open. Boxes of ice creams and sweets were stolen. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
Grassgate: Concerns include hay fever, dogs’ mess, play areas and ticks
Residents turn on council over new grass cutting policy
EXCLUSIVE
Harrison Close residents Jane Sherwill and Isobel Jenkin demonstrate the height of the grass as a result of the council’s new policy on grass cutting Pictures: Gemma Davidson
By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk FURIOUS Twyford residents took to the streets on Wednesday morning to air their frustration at the ongoing grasscutting fiasco. Around a dozen people turned out for the walkabout with Pete Baveystock, services manager at Cleaner and Greener Services, which oversees the grass-cutting contract, and Liberal Democrat Councillor for Twyford Lindsay Ferris, with more joining as the group moved through the village. The group met on Broad Hinton at 11am before setting off through various overgrown green spaces to show Mr Baveystock the extent of the problem. He said: “It was decided by a public consultation in 2014 that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to grass-cutting just wasn’t working, so when the new contractors, ISS, took over in January it was decided that the service would be flexible and cut grass only in areas where it was needed. “In some areas, people really like the long grass and the wildflowers, it encourages a lot of biodiversity and wildlife to the area, but of course there are areas where people are not in favour. “The point of this walkabout today is to talk to people to understand which areas they want to be cut, and I imagine that around 80 to 90% of what we see today will be cut.” Cllr Ferris said: “It is a very poor implementation, I would go far as to call it a shambles. “I don’t think I have ever received more complaints about a single topic
during my time as councillor. “I have received around 20 emails and phone calls, but I can’t count the amount of people who have spoken to me in person about this issue. “There are a lot of issues here, people are concerned about the lack of green spaces for children to play, but from a health and safety point of view the grass is starting to obscure road signs and roundabouts, it isn’t safe.” Local resident Jane Sherwill, who lives in Harrison Close, said her family was suffering as a result of all the pollen from the grass. She said: “I have a family of hay fever sufferers and they just can’t go outside at the moment, it’s very annoying. “The big issue for me is that the children can’t play football on the grass, it’s too long and it’s not safe.” Neighbour Isobel Jenkin said: “I like
to run along these paths and do interval training, but it’s impossible now as it is so overgrown. “People tend to have smaller gardens now so rely on these green spaces to get out and walk their dogs, or for the children to run around and play, it’s ridiculous.” Dog walker Sundip Mace, who lives in Hurst Park Road, joined the group with her dog Sidney. She said cleaning up after the one-year-old Fox Red Labrador had become a lot more difficult since the grass was left to grow. She said: “We love living in Twyford because it is such a dog-populated area, Sidney and I have made a lot of friends while walking around, but people have
started avoiding the area now because of the grass. “From a practical point of view, picking up his waste is a lot harder because I not only have to look for it, but it sticks to the grass. I don’t want to leave it for a child to walk in, but there is only so much I can do. “Sidney loves running around in the grass, he’s not a small dog but sometimes I struggle to see him. I am a big fan of bees, I have a beefriendly garden and the hotel where I work has rooftop bee hives, so I am in favour of encouraging the wild flowers, but this seems like a cost-cutting exercise to me.” n Letters, page 18
Inflatable marquee taken by thieves AN INFLATABLE marquee has been stolen from a yard in Grazeley. At some point between June 1 and 15, someone has broken into a barn inside the locked yard in Grazeley Green Road and stolen the black, 10m-wide Inflatable Dome Marquee. When deflated, the marquee can appear to look like a pile of tarpaulin and truss work. The marquee is quite large and would require a number of people to move it. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101.
LET’S TALK HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IN WOKINGHAM BOROUGH Join your NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and the local Council to learn about and discuss plans for services this year. Hear about proposed changes to GP practices and give us your views. Hear how we plan to work together to support older people. Tell us about issues that concern you.
Thursday 23 June, 3pm to 5pm The Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG5 4JZ To register, call 01189 822 709 or, email ppiteam.berkshirewest@nhs.net
Members of St Mary’s Church in Shinfield organised a flower festival
Somme recalled in flowers A CHURCH’S flower festival recalled the dark days of the First World War last weekend. A special altar display featured floral tributes to the men who, 100 years ago, went from Shinfield to fight in the war but didn’t come home. It took place at St Mary’s Church in Shinfield and is part of a two-year programme focusing on the First World War, courtesy of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Other activities include a Trace Your Troops service, enabling people to find out more about ancestors who fought in the Great War, and – tomorrow – a special choral day culminating in a performance of Faure’s Requiem led
by Ralph Allwood and the University of Exeter Chapel Choir. Ann Young, PCC Secretary of St Mary’s, said: “Two years ago we had a flower festival to commemorate the beginning of the war and, as a consequence of that, we were given a heritage lottery grant which we have to spend on various aspects of things to do with the First World War so this is our next big flower festival. Because it’s the Battle of the Somme on July 1, we decided to focus on the Somme for this particular flower festival. “Visitors have been overwhelmed by the flowers. It’s been a moving experience.” nfacebook.com/stmarysshinfield 94-year-old Elsie Clark with her display The Messenger
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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16 | BUSINESS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
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Peach Place plan integrates poorly says property expert
Erica Townend
wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk
1,105 properties empty– an injustice for the 1,622 families on the council house waiting list? How do we get boarded up properties back into the market? Picture: Dora Mitsonia/ freeimages. com
A LOCAL property expert said she has reservations about how Peach Place will fit in with the regeneration of Wokingham town centre. Fiona Brownfoot from Hicks Baker revealed her thoughts in a blog post on the Thames Valley Property website. Looking at 10 different retail developments taking place across the royal county, she revealed that the borough council consulted her on the plans back in the 1990s. She told the blog that she had made it known that she felt big retailers would not be attracted to a market town location and disagreed with the council’s view that new residents would shop
in Wokingham town centre. She said: “These thousands of people will not go and spend their money in Wokingham. “Wokingham has got Reading to compete with, they’ve got Bracknell to compete with. People are not going to spend their money in market town that has hardly any of the shops they want to spend their money in.” Work on Peach Place will start in January and feature a mix of retail and residential. Plans to revamp Elms Field start in the spring and work is already underway on Carnival Pool’s new leisure and car park complex. Ms Brownfoot said: “I still think Peach
Place integrates poorly into the town.” Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for planning and regeneration, said: “We’re surprised by these comments as they have not had any involvement in our regeneration plans for Wokingham, which were started in 2008. “Our proposals have always focused on Wokingham as a market town to offer something completely different to nearby larger towns such as Reading and Bracknell, and look to develop the town’s strength as a more intimate local destination with a stronger niche and community offer. “We believe what we’re delivering is right for Wokingham n tvproperty.co.uk
A la car and a la carte on the menu at Shinfield restaurant By SALLY BRYANT sbryant@wokinghampaper.co.uk
E
ASY problems should have easy solutions - shouldn’t they? Problems like Wokingham’s housing crisis, where we have a basic numerical problem of too few homes for too many people ...the answer clearly is to build more property in Wokingham – but that, unfortunately for those desperately seeking to purchase or let a property, takes a lot of time and huge amounts of money. So what of other solutions? While at a dinner with friends recently, the subject of property was mentioned, as I am sure it does at most dinner parties up and down the country. Normally someone always mentions empty properties as the solution to the problem. On the face of it, it seems so obvious. Quite interestingly, I had recently done some research on this topic, which I want to share with you, as I did with those at the dinner table. The most recent set of figures from 2015 state there are 1,105 empty homes in the Wokingham Borough Council area. So it begs the question ... why not put them back onto the system and help ease the Wokingham housing crisis? Whilst they stand empty, 1,622 Wokingham households (not people – households) are on the Council House Waiting List for council houses. Surely, we can undoubtedly all agree that property left empty for years and years isn’t morally right with the burgeoning Council House Waiting List, not to also mention the issue of homelessness. But a different story emerges when you look deeper into the numbers. Of those 1,105 homes lying empty, only 305 properties were empty for more than six months. The local authority has to report a property being empty, even if it’s for a week. So many of the Wokingham properties are either awaiting new homeowners or, in the case of rental properties, new tenants. Also most certainly, some properties are being refurbished and renovated, while others properties have homeowners who
are anxious to sell but cannot find a buyer. This is where its gets even more interesting. Of the 305 long-term vacant properties (those empty more than six months), 19 belong to the council. Before we all go Council-bashing, anecdotal evidence suggests these empty council houses are habitually in need of so much restoration that it’s not worth the Council’s while to do and are in the roughest parts of the council estates. They are properties that even the Council find difficult to fill. The fact is that the number of genuinely long-term empty properties is only a tiny drop in the ocean of the 60,332 properties in the area covered by Wokingham Borough Council and, even if every one of those empty homes were filled with happy cheerful tenants tomorrow, it would only meet a small fraction of Wokingham housing needs. So what does this mean for all the homeowners and landlords of Wokingham? Well it means with demand being so high, especially for rental properties, the certainty of the rental market growing is an inevitability because young people cannot buy and councils don’t have the money to build new council houses. This in turn bolsters property prices as landlords continue to buy at the lower end of the market (starter homes, etc.), which in turn sustains the rest of the market as those sellers move up the property ladder, releasing others in turn to buy on again. These are interesting times in the Wokingham property market! n If you want to read more articles on the Wokingham property market, whether you are a Wokingham landlord, Wokingham homeowner, first time landlord or a first time buyer – then visit the Wokingham Property Market Blog wokinghampropertyblog. co.uk Erica Townend is a director and co-owner of the Martin & Co estate agency in Wokingham and has been aligned closely to the world of property for almost 20 years. Opinions express in this column are her own.
L’ORTOLAN has something new on the menu for those who drive the most up-to-the-minute cars. The Michelin-starred restaurant in Shinfield has teamed up with Tesla Motors to serve up a winner for owners of electric cars. L’Ortolan is now offering Tesla Destination Charging, which means Tesla drivers can plug in and fill up while they dine – and there is also a universal charger for other makes of electric car. The facility is only for patrons of the restaurant, who need to book in to recharge when they book in to eat. But hopes are high it will whet the appetites of foodies, who want to savour the finest dishes and leave the restaurant truly refuelled for their journey ahead. Peter Newman, L’Ortolan’s owner, said: “L’Ortolan is constantly striving to find new ways to heighten the guests’ experience. “By combining leading-edge technology and the forwardthinking of Tesla with our commitment to providing outstanding cuisine and exemplary service, we now have the ability to offer guests
a seamless and convenient charging experience whilst they dine with us.” L’Ortolan is a quintessentially English old red-brick building, a former vicarage, but its eye is on the future. Thames Valley Science Park is being developed nearby and it is hoped the recharging service will attract custom from innovative and forward-thinking companies there. David Gillham, director of Thames Valley Science Park, was at L’Ortolan on Monday to cut the ribbon and officially launch the plug-in facility. He paid tribute to the restaurant, where chefs are always coming up with
new ideas, as an “innovative business” and looked forward to links between it, like-minded companies who will be based at the science park and Tesla. Then, as the proof of the pudding is in the eating, we were treated to a ride in a Tesla model S car and a taste of head chef Tom Clarke’s superb food. The ride was an eye-opener. Pulling off in a high-powered car with no noise and a computer screen instead of a dashboard takes some getting used to! But the Tesla is beautiful and elegant, the ride is smooth and having a huge storage space under the bonnet instead of an engine – you are sitting on the battery – is a real bonus.
Petrolheads will miss the roar of an engine but boy, does it go. And the food? Equally beautiful and elegant. The canapes were featherlight crisps topped with pickled herring and zinging with cucumber and lemon, and beef tartare. There were also delicious little rolls bursting with goats cheese and beetroot. Tom Clarke well and truly trounced the beetroot’s former humble image with a confit of salmon served with carpacchio of beetroot, pickled beetroot and a mouth-watering bite of horseradish softened by crème freche. We finished with what the chef called his “take on a Bounty bar”, little chocolate balls oozing creamy coconut laced with Malibu and rolled in toasted coconut, and heavenly, heavenly strawberry and elderflower Turkish delight. Dining at L’Ortolan is a delight and it will recharge your batteries – and if you can recharge the car’s at the same time, it’s got to be a bonus. It seems set to be a recipe for success, and I don’t think I need to apologise for the cliché.
Developer showcases plans for new retirement complex PLANS for a new retirement development in Ruscombe went on public display last week. McCarthy and Stone, which has two further sites under development in Wokingham and Crowthorne, unveiled its plans to develop land at 134-142 London Road at a public exhibition on Tuesday, June 7. Invitations were sent out to more than 2,000 local residents, business and stakeholders to come along and view the proposals for 31 two-bedroom age-exclusive apartments, along with landscaped gardens and resident parking.
Members of the developer’s project team were on hand to answer any questions and provide additional information on the application, which is due to be submitted soon. A spokesperson for McCarthy and Stone said: “The public exhibition was an excellent opportunity for us to understand the views of the local community and to receive their feedback on the proposals. I would like to take this opportunity to thank people for their constructive feedback. “Our consultation with the community is an on-going process and we have already
made amendments to these proposals following initial meetings by reconfiguring the building, resulting in the loss of two apartments. “A community needs to meet the housing needs of all its residents. “This development would improve the choice in accommodation for local older people and provide the opportunity to downsize while still remaining in the area, which will free up family homes for the younger generation.” n To find out more about the proposed development visit www.mccarthyandstoneconsultation.co.uk/ruscombe.
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NEWS | 17 1,061 miles later, Chris arrives at Land’s End Chris Cottam at Land’s End on Wednesday
Celebrating the goal at the Broad Street Tavern
Raising their glasses at the Emmbrook Inn
Ready for kick-off at the Dog & Duck
Watching the game at the Hope & Anchor
Football fever hits Wokingham
Game on at the Rifle Volunteer
Dressed up at The Crispin
WOKINGHAM went football crazy on Saturday night for England’s first game in the Euro 2016 championships. The borough’s pubs were packed with people wanting to watch the biggest game of the year so far, as England took on Russia in their opening match. The Ship Inn’s new outdoor beer garden was full of fans, while The Molly Millar also organised outdoor screens. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, fans praised England’s gutsy performance. England’s final group game is against Slovakia on Monday at 8pm.
Cheering England on at the Molly Millar Pictures: Phil Creighton The Ship Inn’s beer garden was packed due to the good weather
The Victoria Arms was packed for the big game
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Playwright Jessica joins theatre as patron Jessica Swale’s play Blue Stockings is currently being performed at Wokingham Theatre
WOKINGHAM Theatre’s new patron is Winnersh playwright Jessica Swale, recently awarded an Olivier award for her West End hit comedy Nell Gwynn, writes Sue Corcoran. Jessica, who went to St Nicholas Primary School, Hurst, is about to make her first official visit to the theatre as its patron. Her play Blue Stockings opened there last night. She is holding an “audience with” event to discuss the play and her work on Saturday, June 25 at 5.30pm. People with tickets for the matinee or evening performance that day can go. Matinee tickets are still available but the evening show is returns only. Hedda Bird, Wokingham Theatre chairman, said “We are honoured that Jessica has accepted our invitation to be our patron. We are proud that such a successful member of the theatre profession has chosen to be involved with Wokingham Theatre. “We are especially delighted that we will have the chance to present her award winning play Nell Gwynn at the theatre next year.” Earlier this year Jessica led acting workshops for the theatre, passing on her experience as writer and director in the professional theatre. n The swinging 60s musical SHOUT! will be staged at Wokingham on August 12 at 7.45pm and August 13 at 3pm and 7.45pm. The theatre box office is at www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk
Still time to get on your bike and enter! By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THERE’S just over a week to go until this year’s Wokingham Bikeathon and entries are coming thick and fast. More than 800 riders of all abilities are expected to take part in the event which has two courses, one at 15 miles, the other at 35 – but there’s still room for more entries. In addition to hundreds of cyclists taking to the countryside to enjoy the rides, organisers have booked a series of additional attractions located in Wokingham Town Centre to amaze and entertain spectators and riders returning from the course. They include Rollapaluza who will be bringing their unique brand of cycle sport to the Wokingham Bikeathon. Their static cycling activity combines sporting competition with music and entertainment – two riders battle it out over sprint distances on the specially designed equipment to the sound of pumping music and an MC. “We’re looking forward to our visit,” says Rollapaluza’s Paul Churchill. “These kind of community events designed to get people involved in cycling really excite us and we hope we discover some new talent.” Royce Murphy of Velocity Sports Cycling will also visit. The British Cycling certified coach, helps people
get the most comfort and performance out of cycling. be you? 1000 rider! Could it thon is looking for its The Wokingham Bikea If you’re interested in bike maintenance or concerned your bike needs some TLC, Halfords are Dr Bike this year as Steve Johnson (www. cycleservices.co.uk) is in China advising a Chinese bike manufacturer. Call in and see the very helpful chaps from Halfords and get your bike checked over before you set off. For younger cyclists, My Journey and Sustrans will be running a balance bike track where they can try out a balance bike in a designated area. Organiser Stan Hetherington is looking forward to the big pedal off. He said: “It is always a fabulous sight to see streams of riders leaving Wokingham town centre on Bikeathon day to enjoy the ride and experience the buzz generated by hundreds of cyclists all participating in this huge community event. “If you haven’t entered, now is the time to do it! “Online entries are still open but if you happen to miss the deadline, don’t worry, the team will still take your entry on the day.” n www.wokinghambikeathon.co.uk : 19/05/2015 Date of media release
th
21 June. Last on taking place on Sunday 2015 Wokingham Bikeath Entries are open for the this year organisers are ages and abilities and d over 800 riders of all year the event attracte riders. hoping to attract 1000 the first riders ham Town Centre with opens at 08:45 in Woking The event registration centre and complete head north out of the town at 9:15am. The riders ne crossing the start line ham town centre. Everyo Woking in back g mile circular route finishin either a 15 mile or 35 has been generously and goodie bag which route will receive a medal who completes either . Drinks stops are being therapy Physio orth ss, Roger Duckw sponsored by local busine lling and The Physio Studio. provided by ARC Counse many people been an inspiration to said, “The Bikeathon has ington Hether Stan Organiser It’s a great als and families alike. it has been running - individu over the past 7 years , family and people friends with side the country on your bike and enjoy itself and the opportunity to get out line, the thrill of the cycle nity. The buzz at the start from across the commu join in! are all great reasons to ment at the finish line enormous sense of achieve fun of it, but also take part, not just for the that so many of the riders We are also very proud Riders have already through sponsorships. and national charities and The Link to raise money for local s including Down2Us charitie local for sing will be fundrai entered this year who Society.” Research and the MS l charities like Cancer nationa and e Schem Visiting let that stop you! out for a while – don’t your bike hasn’t been If you are worried that be on hand at the n of Cycle Services, will Dr Bike, Steve Johnso Wokingham’s very own for those who need it checks safety bike ial bike maintenance and start to provide essent
FUNDRAISING hero Chris Cottam finished his incredible 1,061 mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End on Wednesday, writes Sue Corcoran. Mr Cottam, 56, a Holt School governor, called it his Big JOGLE because on the way he threw in climbs of the British Isles’ three big peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. He did over two million steps on his 60 day journey and finished the walk on the exact day planned. The Winnersh man said about his final day: “The weather reflected the good fortune of the whole trip; forecast thunder and lightning with torrential rain; actually mixed cloud and sun with a cooling breeze. We have been truly blessed with the weather. “Have I lost any weight? I’ll let you know when I get home.” He added: “The walk was 1,061 miles or 1,982,746 steps, but if I add in the three peaks (which seems fair) then we have 1,089 miles or 2,034,530 steps. In summary; over 1,000 miles, three peaks, and over 2 million steps.” Driving him on was his family’s experience of cancer. Funds will be split between Breast Cancer UK, Cure Leukaemia and the new sixth form centre at The Holt School. His total so far is over £14,700. He was greeted at Land’s End by his wife Hazel, his support driver and logistics organiser, who has successfully battled breast cancer twice. In 2014 his sister-in-law, Ruxi, died aged 52 after a long battle with myeloma. n For more, visit: www.ChrisBigJogle.com.
18 | VIEWPOINTS
THE WOKINGHAM PAPER N E W S W I T H A H E A RT F O R T H E B O RO U G H
A decision for the generations to come BACK in the 1970s, the nation was asked a question: do you want Great Britain to be in the European Economic Community? It led to heated discussions – and if you watched the BBC Parliament’s repeats of the 1975 referendum results, you’ll seen that the same arguments we discussed then are being brought up again now. Harold Wilson was our prime minister and he had taken the country into the EEC in January 1973, after signing the treaty of Rome. It was Labour’s manifesto commitment in the 1974 election that led to the referendum a year later. Wilson’s cabinet was split – seven of his 23 ministers voted no to the EEC. Plus Ça change! Next Thursday, we all have a duty to decide our nation’s future. It’s not just about where we stand in Europe, it’s about where we stand in the world. There has been a lot of passionate campaigning over the past few weeks. There’s been a lot of claims, counterclaims and accusations of lying on both sides. The simple fact is we simply don’t know what life will be like for us if we leave the European Union. It could be fantastic – Vote Leave’s promised land, with Boris as PM, could deliver the riches that some think we’ll see. But it could also be the single biggest disaster we’ve made as a country, with Boris as PM. We all must decide if we want to be brave and leave, or brave and stay. It’s a decision that each us must make according to our own consciences – not letting someone else tell us what to think. It’s a decision that will affect us all not just this year or next, but in the decades to come. The weight of history is on us all.
CHURCH NOTES
A royal welcome…
O
VER the last few days we have seen people all over the country join together to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. The streets have been decorated with balloons, bunting and Union Flags, families have joined together for street parties, people have donned fancy dress or worn their best clothes all to unite as a nation to celebrate our monarch’s magnificent birthday. It is a fantastic time, but can you imagine the efforts that we would go to if we were to welcome the Queen herself to one of our parties? What additional measures and celebrations would we make to ensure that the Queen could enjoy a very special party hosted by us! What then would we do to welcome the King of Kings – Jesus to celebrate and share with us? Would Jesus expect balloons and bunting, would we wear our best ‘bib and tucker’ or would he invite us to ‘come as we are’? As Christians, we believe that God is ever present through the Holy Spirit, dwelling among us and within us, indeed Psalm 139 tells us ‘O, Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you understand my thought from afar.’ Unlike the Queen, our God knows every hair on our head and every thought, word and deed that we commit. I know that I for one would make a very special effort to welcome Jesus to my home, but is this what he expects? Would Jesus love me more? Jesus’ love for us is unconditional but maybe, just maybe we should always consider our actions, mindful of the fact that he knows our every action and not once a week when we make a special effort to meet with him in Church. Claire Knight is the Youth and Family Worker of Wokingham Methodist Church
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
Your views
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters
Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Views on the European referendum The Viewpoint column in last week’s issue seemed to imply we should follow Elizabeth I’s example in withstanding ‘mighty Europe’. The comparison is misleading. England then and later resisted ambitious rulers whose actions threatened our freedom or national interests: Philip of Spain, Louis XIV, Napoleon, the Kaiser, and Hitler. In each case we worked with continental allies to defeat those rulers’ ambitions. Today’s EU is something new:an association of free and sovereign states, each of which has APPLIED to join the club, pooling some sovereignty in pursuit of common interests. All member countries are represented in key EU institutions. The idea that the EU is a sort of dictatorship insults the countries that now enjoy democracy within the EU after suffering from REAL fascist or Communist dictatorship in the recent past. Neither inside nor outside the EU will life be risk free. The brave choice – in accordance with British tradition - is to stay in there and help the EU to sort out its present problems, not back out. Of course EU membership doesn’t mean being ‘inward looking’ as many Brexiteers pretend. Over half of our immigrants come from outside Europe. We also trade globally – though not as successfully as Germany. Although in the heart of Europe, Germany exports more goods than we do to all the major countries of the world (including the English speaking ones). Perhaps the Brexiteers would like to explain how leaving the EU would enable us to compete more effectively? Ralph Houlbrooke, Earley
Let’s leave the United Nations I was disturbed by a comment in Wokingham’s Market Place on Saturday, the day of our beloved Monarch’s official birthday, by a local member of UKIP promoting leaving the EU saying that she was not a “European” just English? I am sure that the Queen with her German ancestry would not be pleased with such negative comment towards Europeans. But does this comment reflect the true agenda of the Brexiteers? Let the UK cut itself off from our greatest trading partner and become increasingly a low wage economy run and owned by Asians. This may be acceptable as most of these likeable folks are from the Commonwealth. Unlike the feared “hoards” of immigrants from eastern Europe. Given a vote for Leave the future of the UK would appear to be grim, isolated from the continent that we
on grounds of age, sexual orientation or religion from the workplace. As a UK worker, I feel safer knowing that there is EU legislation that protects my rights, no matter who is in power in the UK. That’s why we’re making the case for a vote to remain in the EU. Rob White, Reading East Green Party, candidate in 2015 general election Brenda McGonigle, Green Party councillor, Reading
Vote for Brexit
Peter Humphreys thinks that Shute End looks like napalm has been dropped on it sacrificed so much for in two world wars. There has been a succession of bloody conflicts on mainland Europe over the centuries and we are fortunate to live in a time where visionaries saw that armed conflicts had to be stopped for ever. The roots of the European project lay in the bonding of sovereign nations by trade, social laws and environment issues to make the notion of war a distant memory. If the remain vote succeeds to save our economy will the Brexit mob then turn to another issue? With the UK still linked to the continent of Europe by a tunnel maybe a campaign to exit the UK from the United Nations could exercise the minds of little England Ukippers? Brian Morris, Wokingham
Green machine for remain In these remaining EU referendum campaign days, Green Party activists will be campaigning relentlessly to make sure voters know exactly how positive an influence the European Union is having on workers’ rights including employment rights. It is EU legislation agreed with our European partners that gives us maternity and paternity rights at work. It’s also laws we created alongside other European countries that gives us our robust health and safety rules which go a long way in reducing injuries and deaths. As the fight for gender equality continues, I want the EU in my corner. EU laws go much further than the UK’s original Equal Pay Act and enshrines the right to equal pay for equal work between men and women. Similarly, it’s European legislation that prohibits discrimination
I sincerely hope people will vote out in the referendum, to keep us free. Your families and mine fought two wars to keep our country safe and free of Germany. Don’t let our families who fought for this be for nothing. I was in the thick of bombing and lucky to be alive. If we stay in, we shall be ruled by European Union whose plans are to make Europe more unified and lose our currency. Young people would not remember before going into Europe – we did very well, trading all over the world at this time. I have had information that the world is queuing up to do trade with us. We shall be fine and our borders will be safer. So please vote out and keep us free. H Boyed, Wokingham
Grass cutting is a ‘smoke screen’ Wokingham Borough Council’s claim that the new grass cutting regime is designed to assist biodiversity has finally been proven to be a smokescreen for a cost cutting exercise. Council staff finally got fed up looking at the weeds growing outside their office windows and took the drastic measure of dowsing them in the world’s strongest weedkiller. The result looks like napalm has been dropped on the former green space at the junction of Shute End and Station Road. I doubt that the Britain in Bloom judges will be too impressed. Peter Humphreys, Wokingham
Your views on the Street Concert n Just got home. Lovely day! Kerry Hussey, via Facebook n Brilliant show! Clare Waters, via Facebook n Marmalade excellent! Roger Holdsworth, via Facebook
GOOD ADVICE
If you work you are entitled to paid holiday
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T doesn’t matter what type of work you do – for example full-time, part-time, agency or casual work. The only situations where you won’t be entitled to paid holiday is if you’re self-employed, or in the armed forces, police or civil protection services (such as the fire brigade, coastguard, etc.) – although your employer should still give you holiday pay, called ‘contractual holiday’. You can choose when you take your holiday, although your employer might make you take it at certain times. Your statutory holiday entitlement depends on how many days you work a week. Your employer might give you more, but the standard rate is 5.6 days per annum for every day a week that you work up to a maximum of 28 days per annum Contact your local Citizens Advice if you don’t think you’ve been given contractual holiday. Sometimes an employer will try to
get around paying holiday pay by telling you that you’re self-employed, when actually you’re not. So, it’s important to know your employment status. You’ll be paid the same rate as you’re normally paid. For example if you get paid £280 a week, you’ll still be paid £280 when you take a week off. If your pay or your hours of work vary from week to week, the amount you’ll get will be based on the mean average amount you earned in the past 12 weeks. If you have a problem with holiday pay it’s generally best to try to resolve an issue with your employer directly. Take the following steps: Try having an informal chat with your employer – you might be able to sort the issue out by talking. Explain to them that you understand your entitlement to paid holiday.
Check if your employer has a formal grievance procedure you can use. Even if they haven’t, you can still raise a grievance – for example by writing a letter. Explain why you think you’re entitled to holiday pay, and why you think you haven’t been paid enough. Include copies of any evidence. If your grievance doesn’t get the result you want, you can take your employer to a tribunal. You’ll have to notify Acas first. Acas provides independent support to help sort out employment disputes. They’ll see if your employer will agree to a process called ‘early conciliation’ – a way to resolve disputes without going to a tribunal. The quickest way to start is to fill in the early conciliation form on the Acas website. Or you can call their early conciliation team on 0300 123 1122. Your last resort is to take your
employer to an employment tribunal – think carefully before you go ahead, as it could be expensive and stressful. There are specific time limits for making a claim. For example, if you’re making a claim for unpaid holiday pay, you must do so within three months. Before you do this, it’s important to get advice from an employment specialist about whether your case is likely to be successful. If you visit your local Citizens Advice, make sure you take along your employment contract, if you have one, and any correspondence you’ve had with your employer. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www. citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk
VIEWPOINTS | 19
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
NELLIE KNOWS
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Celebrating your photography
All things bright and beautiful this week – the amazing light show of the Wokingham International Street Concert was quite the spectacle and reader Harry Atkinson caught it on camera while Trenchtown Experience performed their Bob Marley tribute act. Thanks Harry. We love to showcase your photos in our Picture of the Week feature. If you have a picture – landscape in format, not portrait – email it to news@ wokinghampaper. co.uk. Pictures should be hi-res, landscape, 300dpi and taken by yourself, preferably within the Wokingham borough.
TONY JOHNSON EU voting?
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T last! – a definitive guide to the referendum. The debate; the news; Britain’s future; the EU in simple language; and finally – how to vote. So – should we stay or should we go ?
Facts – what facts ? In the worst political campaign ever, “the facts” have been ripped to bits and counter-facts put forward. These get shredded in their turn, so assessing our current situation in the fog of rhetoric and polemic is darned difficult. In one of the debates on telly, the harpies clawed one speaker for his political ambition. Quite how this was relevant to the referendum was questionable, perhaps some found it entertaining, funny even. Prime ministers crept out from their crypts and indulged themselves in slagging off people & their campaign. Do they think we’ve forgotten how they misled cabinet colleagues and the general public over their extra-marital affair, dossier of mass “distraction” and failure to regulate the financial gambling dens of the day ? Whether the scandals were about sex, lies or money, only those with the attention span of a goldfish will have forgotten the blunders that they were responsible for. After one TV debate, the continued interruptions by one vexatious nitwit were irritating, irrational, irrelevant – even the fast forward button didn’t help so I switched it off. My previously firm “Don’t Know” had changed to “Don’t Care”. But the issue wouldn’t go away and from the weeks of research, days of reading and hours of watching and listening, it took literally seconds to distill the true facts: n We’re in the club n It costs money n We’re voting next Thursday That’s it – the only facts that everyone agrees on – all three of them.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Good News! No – not James May’s bit about some obscure eastern European car. Instead we’ve had advice from foreign leaders. Resident O’Barmy criticised our PM, then flew in to “clarify” and “explain” to our top team here in Britain as to what the consequences would be. He then told us on telly how we should vote. The effect of O’Barmy’s visit was that the heads of our secret intelligence services all appeared in public to tell us how to vote too. Errr … makes one wonder as to who’s running the country, doesn’t it? Back in 1773 before the Boston Tea Party, if our PM had visited and told them not to chuck everything overboard, how would Americans have responded ? Foreign relations is always a tricky area. When a country’s record over the last 50 years includes bombing Syria (refugee crisis); deposing foreign leaders (regional instability); rescuing hostages (failed in Somalia and Iran); invading Grenada (a British Commonwealth Realm – oops); saving the world for democracy (Vietnam – started by the French, lost by the Americans); one starts to wonder what that “special relationship” really means. However, tit for tat is schoolyard politics, as is bullying. Instead, we politely suggest that foreigners “butt out” – particularly if their country’s track record isn’t quite the “good news” that their publicity agents would have us believe.
There may be trouble ahead The vision from both sides isn’t so much myopic as non-existent. Looking beyond the EU debate at recently published figures from our Office of National Statistics, two sets of numbers stand out. The first is the trade deficit and deficit financing that’s been going on since the coalition government was elected. If you tried to run your
household or your business in the same way, you’d soon be bankrupt. Or in jail. Or both. The second is trade “with Europe”. Exports & Imports have been falling for over 30 years but are still substantial. But imports still exceed exports, so if continentals want to cease trading with us, their exporters would be hit harder than ours. Hardly a recipe for success is it ? So here’s the vision. Whether we vote Remain or vote Leave on Thursday, if the ONS numbers are accurate, Britain is in for some hard times.
Bad language English dictionaries show that over 1,200 words have been infiltrated by the EU grouping. Here’s some examples dEUce state of going nowhere – no longer advantage Dave (or Boris) EUphonium instruction to call the boss EUreka someone needs a bath fEUd long standing hostility between ‘F’ and ‘D’ (think about it) mausolEUm resting place for unwanted EU legislation ? pasEUrise how that EU legislation was created quEUe Spanish for what ? but with EU influence – hardly British any more. tEUtonic a couple of glasses of German beer It’s enough to drive one nEUrotic ! All of which brings us to the close this week …
How you should Vote Hold the ballot paper steady with one hand & the pencil with the other, then place a single X next to your selection: n Remain if you prefer to go European n Leave if you prefer to stay British Simple ! I apologise for the error in last week’s article. There was a national shortage of capital E’s and the last line should have read: Lt Col Robert John William Wyatt, MBE TD – now “Honorary Alderman Bob Wyatt” of our Borough.
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Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk
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T’S been a mixture of non-week and go go go having been floored by a migraine over the weekend which resulted in Big Welsh calling 111 when my heart rate went tonto. Having never had a migraine before I also experienced a major panic attack which was a combination I never wish to repeat. There I was lying on the sofa when I don’t quite know what happened and I felt myself feeling helpless and in excruciating agony, thankfully my eldest witnessed the sharp decline and after checking if I was having a heart attack, she got Big W who stepped in. I’ve had to call 111 on a number of occasions with the children and Big W and could possibly repeat the recorded message word for word. Within four minutes the paramedic thundered through the door and obviously all is well as I’m here to tell the tale.
Rest & Relaxation
As a result I’ve done very little, which for me is hard, but I was feeling so wretched that I had to listen to my body (and my great friend Plum who regularly tells me to slow down). I’ve slept a lot (little pockets of snoring which I do enjoy, there’s something so comforting about a nap), read some magazines (gazing at photos of houses that inspire me to do something in mine, oohing at interesting gardens and drooling over tasty food), glanced at the telly (daytime telly doesn’t do it for me), listened to some music which was my normal eclectic mix plus an amazing cover album called She Will Have Her Way a compilation of Neil and Tim Finn (The Finn Brothers and Crowded House) songs by Australian and New Zealand female artists and musicians. I was introduced to this album years ago by Mike Churcher of Wokingham Remembers and it always reminds me of when our children were small.
BBC Radio Berkshire
I also listened to BBC Radio Berkshire and heard the new voice on the Andrew Peach show which belongs to none other than Mandy O’Neale who, among other things doesn’t put butter or marge on toast. Discuss. I can only do that in pâtè circumstances, don’t get me started on butter instead of cream with a scone. I assure you there are people out there who don’t do it and besides I heard it with my own ears and her Twitter bio (@mandyonair) says “Broadcaster, voiceover and generally busy person!!! Lover of new challenges, live music and un-buttered toast”. I caught up with Mandy who has been a presenter and voiceover for over 15 years and her voice pops up in weird places, including on the phone system for a big travel company, not only that but her super power is reverse parallel parking (mine too but I do favour reversing in from the passenger side, I’m now kicking myself for not asking which is her preferred reverse but with a super power there’s probably no favourite). She’s also a petrolhead with a particular love for classic British sports cars, I have a fondness for Morris Minors but I keep being talked out of getting one… one of these days. And she used to have a racing licence years ago, I did wow at that as it took me five attempts to get my driving licence.
Firing on all cylinders
So now I’m back to full throttle and firing on all cylinders, see Mandy has already made an impression, and am working hard to get the garden ready for Loops’ 18th, Mook had her knee operation and is recovering well and Laree is learning her lines for the Year 6 play so as you can imagine it’s manic (and loud) in our house and there’s never enough food because they’re all growing, and they eat toast with spread then whatever topping. However I can always find some ingredients to turn into something delicious, like this twist on Eton Mess that I recently shared on Wokingham Gossip Girls’ Facebook page – meringues, white chocolate cookies, soft fruits and cream – bash the meringues and biscuits, whip the cream and splodge on top with the soft fruits and a sprig of mint.
Here’s hoping for a quieter and less fraught weekend Speak next Friday, until then do take a look at www. nelliepompoms.co.uk for more recipes and other ramblings, or you can find me on Twitter @nelliepompoms where this week I’ll be rattling on about insomnia, hedges and food.
20 | VIEWPOINTS
OH, MR SMITH!
A wry look at life
The glue of life
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KNOW why I’m a grumpy old man. I lack the resilience gene. This is what you need to stick at things during the difficult times - according to latest thinking. If only I had known this years ago I wouldn’t have grumbled so much and become an old grump. It never occurred to me when I was young that far from being a series of pointless, haphazard events life is a journey. The difficulties are to our advantage toughening us up to endure even more. School would have seemed so much more purposeful. I suppose that is why even times of ease still present problems. Even holidays, which many of us look forward to for most of the year only present more problems when the supposed heavenly escape arrives. More divorces are triggered by family holidays than any other set of circumstances. Now, I’m told that cognitive therapy is the way for us all to be able to deal with life’s difficulties and it is so effective it is likely to become available on the NHS. Apparently, cognitive therapy treatment may also become available in schools to help youngsters take the focus off their own lives and focus on the needs of others.It helps them realise that their angst isn’t caused by their outward circumstances but the state of their inner selves. Wow, now there’s a revelation. If only this had been available years ago perhaps I could have escaped languishing in an angry wilderness.
Encouragement
As a word of encouragement if cognitive therapy treatment isn’t available to you for whatever reason perhaps the same positive outcomes can be achieved by simply (but fundamentally) easing off the view that we need to live in an over protective, risk averse materialistically driven environment. We don’t need to provide the latest gadget to keep our children happy. And we need to escape the thought police. The thought police is that ethereal presence on social media that emerges when we obsess about what others are doing (which always seems more exciting) and, more disturbingly, our concern about what ‘they’ are saying about us. As has so often been said by the experts we need to invest more energy in real social interactions instead of chasing our perceived needs. Then we can escape the relentless quest for something new and live a life shared with others. In this way we not only help ourselves but those around us. Their sense of need is diminished by your healthy denying presence. In a stroke we neutralise the angst that comes about when we can’t achieve everything we crave and take the frustration out on those around us. So should you listen to those powerful but invisible voices that insist you need psychological help or do you help yourself by simply taking stock of who you are (limitations and all) and spending time in the presence of others? Do the latter and any friends that draw around you are likely to be more genuine friends in the real sense. Not only that you’ll stick with them and support them even when the going occasionally gets rough.
Do you have any friends? Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
EU referendum focus A case for Brexit
A case for Remain
JOHN REDWOOD has long argued that the UK would be better off out of Europe. Here he explains why
DR PHILLIP LEE made a speech at the Frontline Club declaring his support. Here are some extracts
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HEN we remove the hated tampon tax and VAT on fuel, we boost family incomes and help tackle fuel poverty. In the EU we are not allowed to do that, as they control some of our taxes. We need to take back control over taxation. The European Court has made us pay back huge sums of company tax we have collected from large companies, as they can override Parliament’s wishes on how much tax companies should pay. Out of the EU we will avoid this unhelpful interference. Last Parliament we had to pay back £7,000 million, and the Treasury forecasts the same again this Parliament – or more. We need that money for the NHS. Our trade is not at risk. They sell us more than we sell them. Germany has no wish to see higher tariffs and barriers against her cars, nor France against her food and wine. As they do not want to stop their trade with us, they understand they cannot impose new tariffs against our sales to them. We are constantly asked what model of trade arrangements will we have on leaving. Our campaign has never wanted the Norwegian or any other foreign option. We will have the British model. It will be very similar to current arrangements, as Germany and the other leading exporters to the UK have no wish to damage their trade. We are told we will lose the main advantage of the single market, that it offers common standards and specification making it easier to supply. On the contrary, that remains true whether we are in or out. The USA and other exporters to the EU benefit from the common standards without being members and without having to pay the fees for belonging. We are told we will lose global influence if we leave. On the contrary,
we will gain. The UK will retake her seat at the top tables of the world where the EU has replaced us. Instead of having to compromise and agree our position on trade matters or climate change issues with 27 other EU countries, the UK will be a full member of the global body with our own vote and voice. It is not unusual for the main global bodies and the UK Treasury to all agree the same or similar forecasts – they rely on common data and common assumptions, and often copy from one of the other’s models. Nor is it unusual for their group think to be wrong. They failed to predict the recession and huge damage done to the UK economy by the European Exchange Rate Mechanism, they failed to see the Great Crash of 2008 coming, and they recommended the Euro. With a forecasting record like that I see why many people do not now believe their long term forecasts for the UK out of the EU. Out of the EU we can take back control of our borders. With controlled immigration we can cut the downwards pressure on UK wages and ease some of the pressures pushing up house prices. We need to relieve the pressures on our public services brought on by uncontrolled immigration. Out of the EU the government will no longer have to dissemble over Turkish visas and Turkish membership of the EU. n johnredwoodsdiary.com
VOLUNTEER CORNER n Alexandra Place provides social housing for over 55s in Woodley. They need help from a volunteer on Reception on Thursdays. The role involves; interacting with residents at Alexandra Place, answering telephone, dealing with enquiries, passing on messages to members of staff at Alexandra Place, updating weekly information boards for residents – using notice boards and an interactive screen in reception and occasionally assisting with the arranging of events held at Alexandra Place. Volunteers must have good communication and interpersonal skills and at least basic IT skills.
E cannot answer that question without first considering who we are as a country and what we want our future to look like. This is about a decision that affects our country, our world and our children’s future. This is a decision that will reverberate for generations. It is about deep, fundamental matters – which neither campaign has done justice. It is about who we are. It is about our values, our ideals, our strength of purpose, and our duty to do good in the world as one of its leading nations. It is about co-operation in a world that is more connected than ever before, more conscious of its differences and of what we have in common. It is about our generation growing up – and deciding the legacy we leave the next. It is about being better able to deal with challenges we face in the future. No country – however powerful – can tackle future migration pressures, nuclear proliferation, pandemics, climate change and avert possible financial crises on its own. Problems that cross boundaries have to be addressed by solutions that cross them too. We will only ease pressures that drive migration by spreading the prosperity and security that we enjoy. For all its flaws, the EU created out of the post-war chaos the foundations for our unprecedented prosperity today. Foundations that won’t be there if we leave. It has achieved much for us and can achieve so much more. But there are flaws. So our decision to remain must be more than that. We, too, must knuckle down and work for a better future. And we must recognise that the EU did not cause the problems we face. It did not make our country a secondorder power. Leaving is not a silver bullet that will solve everything we
have got wrong. The opposite. A decision to Leave would save very little, if anything. What we give the European Union is the equivalent of approximately 1.5% of annual public expenditure – or what it costs to run the NHS for about a month. By the way, that much-criticised Brexit bus figure of £350 million would pay for just one day of NHS costs. Not that we could spend this rebate just on healthcare. What of farming, universities and other sectors that [need] EU funding? The EU needs the UK, and the UK needs a better EU. This union we have helped to create may be flawed. But it is what we have got to work with. Destroying even an imperfect union now would be an act of strategic vandalism – at the worst possible time. By 2030, we will likely be the largest economy in Europe and will possibly have its biggest population. Europe’s control and direction, its security and its economic stability, will always be a vital British national interest. If my daughter follows the same career path as me, in 20 years’ time it could well be her that is walking out of those hospital gates opposite. I want her to inherit the same opportunities, the same prosperity, the same peaceful continent, the same global outlook that I looked out on 20 years ago. I can only give her that legacy, that future, if Britain is an active member of the European Union. For my daughter, for my constituency and for my country I will be voting Remain and appeal to everyone else to do likewise.
With Helena Badger n The Me2Club offers support to families who have children, between the ages of 5 to 19, with special needs to enable them to access mainstream social activities, mainly after school or at weekends. They provide trained volunteers to offer one to one support to children in need. The Me2 Club links volunteers with children with additional needs to enable to take part in activities with other children. These include brownies, scouts, music lessons, drama clubs and a wide variety of sports clubs. They are looking for volunteers with a few hours to spare each week to support these children to get involved.
No previous experience is required. Training for new volunteers is taking place on 25th June 10am-5pm and 28th June 5pm-9pm. Please contact us ASAP if you are interested. n The Wokingham Transport Scheme provides transport for the elderly or infirm to hospital, the doctors, dentist and physiotherapy appointments. Volunteer Drivers/Befrienders are called on an ad hoc basis and they will be required to help the clients get to and from their desired destination and in most cases, help them to attend their appointment.
All expenses are re-imbursed. Volunteers choose when they want to drive, so it can be a very flexible role and can fit around work and family commitments. It really does make a difference to the client’s lives. 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
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer
WokinghamRemembers
HERITAGE||17 21 HERITAGE In association with In association with
Exploring our heritage with wokinghamremembers.com Exploring our heritage with wokinghamremembers.com
Deltiologists are ready to share the old times REVIEW
The past which has shaped our present...
A chance to see images of life a century ago will be on offer this Sunday – and it’s all in a space no bigger than a 6x4. it? And who are the deltiologists? ThisWhat weekis MikE ChuRChER reviews the Wokingham Remembers articles JOHN WAKEFIELD licks the stamp and reveals ofin the past four months and discusses all this fascinating article some of the factors which contributed a hundred years ago and you’ll find LASH, bang, wallop, what a picture! to the making of Wokingham its that postcards often were the only What a picture, what a photograph! and way to send pictorial greetings to The song dates back to the environment.
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music hall and instantly evokes VER the past months the the age of photography long before Wokingham Remembers page has selfies and Snapchat were even blinks in been providing an early picture the mind’s eye. of how a small market town and a The early days of photography are to few villages on the edge of a forest is today come under the microscope this Sunday ranked as one of the country’s leading and it’s all thanks to a special meeting of communities. local cartophilists and deltiologists. Education, religion, industry, transport, The two groups are, as any Trivial social structures, national politics and Pursuit buff will know, collectors of local government are all important cigarette cards and postcards - a bygone pieces in building the great Wokingham age that now reveals much about our jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our social history. contributions to date and a few ideas on While cigarette cards went the way the next round of articles. of the dodo a long time ago, the preEducation, Education, Second World War cards are now highly collectable and featured little gems of Education artwork, complete with aiswealth of as Today’s Wokingham renowned facts. Originally designed to boost the one of the country’s centres of excellence sales of cigarettes, the cards are still for education; this is partly due to strong eagerly after by the mainly older school sought performance and the motivated generation to collect for their rarity, parents who live in one of the most fascination, and as nostalgic reminders highly educated communities in the UK. of an era of a century more If we look into the and history of ago. But it is the picture that Wokingham’s schoolspostcard we can see ishow of more interest to followers of education is woven into its DNA. Wokingham’s history. Prior to the Great War, Wokingham While mobile have all butand was surroundedphones by manor houses replaced sending holidaygentry postcards members of the landed whoto friends and family, go back just wanted to be close to the leversover of power; i.e. the royal households of Windsor. In turn these upper echelons possessed a serious sense of duty and a responsibility to ensure their community received at least a basic education. Wokingham also had a powerful professional class, a strong church community (including the nonconformists) and together they shared a strong belief in the importance of teaching. The result was with the skills, the motivation and the finance available, there developed a culture of education which still holds strong to this day.
Wokingham transport
Transport is probably the single most important factor in Wokingham’s development, in both its rail and road systems. Future articles will look at the introduction of the railways and the
correspondents. major impact they had on the town and There was even a craze associated we have already made a start with the with them, seeing all ages vie to have road system by mapping out the course of the largest collection of the best the old Forest Road. postcards. While the building of the M4 had a It is this that The Reading & District major influence on the introduction of the Cigarette Card & Postcard Club will be high tech businesses which now surround celebrating when it meets at Rivermead Wokingham, it is the A329M which Leisure Centre on Sunday. While there in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its will be examples from the UK, Europe natural connections between Emmbrook and even America, there will also be and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The more local examples on show. love and hate relationship with our rail Roy Sheppard, the group’s publicity and roads continue to this day! officer, said: “The heyday period of Wokingham’s military this ‘collecting craze’ began in 1900, and lasted until 1912 approximately, heritage and waned WW1. It was not As 2015after is the bi-centenary of just the seaside thatthere were have popular, Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church. Battle pictures of Waterloo, been a but all theof year around postcards werethis number articles commemorating historians, Sarah Huxford, also took its replacement: local government. sent for changing birthdays,event. festive periods, world us on a Cosway journey(1742-1821)/Private to the old battlefields Portrait of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, c.1770-75, by Richard Wokingham’s localThe events, purposes, by,ingiving as to how the pictures did not appear wild in dailyside areaadvertisement has always been noted for searchanofindication their graves. This story Collection/Bridgeman Image Before we believe too much in the idea entertainment andtosport, perhaps borough and town centre has changed its contribution the nation’s military newspapers, the cinema was only just reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a showing Aunty Ethel riding her tricycle, inaround just a short period of of Berkshire, time, whilebut also beginning, but the local photographer capability, with Arborfield’s REME, the county solidly sedate experience, May’s article orRFA other family photos. maintaining the same landmarks. and Remount connections and the was flourishing, leaving a legacy of affirms the importance of the wars in the told the story the rioting in the town “Today’s collectors of vintage Mr Sheppardof added: “Thecharacter. centenary of photographic andofprinted postcards Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all development our local centre during the time of the 1857 General postcards local historians, family showing the social history of national and the start of the First World War has now situated can verybe nearby. Election. Wokingham andand interest in old history enthusiasts, people interested brought the importance Even the Duke oforWellington took to local events, places and people.” events wereshow, a common sight in inliving sports, aircraft, thetoday topics postcards of thatForest period into prominence, AndSuch as our pictures Mr Sheppard the Royal inshipping StratfieldorSaye, which is the town and this short and bloody battle containing collected limitless. messages and pictures ofitthat Looking at today’s community, is only 30 are minutes away from Wokingham’s is right: these fascinating images show between the Whigsin and thegone Tories also “In the early 1900s, photographic grim time,to and are being usedthe as scenes of Wokingham days difficult visualise justwidely how rural town centre. highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in area once was and in part explains the Wokingham’s Market Place as the headquarters of these sometimes fragile relationship between two feral groups. benefactor culture the old and new Wokingham; few The story was also able to reflect The area around Wokingham was areas in the UK have witnessed such upon the national scene and the corrupt surrounded by many remarkable extraordinary growth and change in the individuals and they were instrumental in nature of general elections before the profile of its population. introduction of the private ballot. building the much needed infrastructure Although Wokingham’s history Future articles will include further which underpinned the establishment of has always been intertwined with tales of anarchy and revelry in this old a strong community. the surrounding villages by providing market town. We will later be telling the story of the a market place for agricultural and Walter family and their contributions to commercial produce, it was also a Forest Wokingham at War the building of Wokingham but in April Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a There are watershed moments in first weekly issue, we told the story of the cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid history which mark the moment of great much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess down by royalty for the protection of change in a society and the Great War of of Downshire. their hunting grounds. 1914-1918 is one such time. Although one of Britain’s wealthiest These onerous rules restricted local Therefore a number of centenaries landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the people from using large parts of the land between 2014 and 2018 will chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a for sustenance and in part led to the commemorate the great losses of war rise of local highwaymen and general major financial contributor to this part of which scarred the people of Wokingham lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent for the rest of the 20th century. Wokingham’s public services. Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on May’s edition followed the story Later articles will illustrate the these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in of two brothers from Langborough demise of these great manors and their either their transportation or execution. Road in Wokingham town. One of our incumbent social system and the rise of
The story was told in June, and also commemorated the 800th anniversary sources of informative material.” of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Sunday’s Annual Runnymede in 1215.Fair & Exhibition is the biggest of its kind in the UK with 65 Shining a light postcard dealers and on 28 cigarette card dealers exhibiting. The club isAges’ hoping that Wokingham’s ‘Dark people will come and about the To bring us upalong to date thelearn August “living while also up some articlespast, are focused onsnapping the kids who are bargains - prices start atsummer 10p, withholidays. some now entering into their costing £50 or more. What better way to use this month’s The event from editions thanruns to tell the9.30am stories to of 4.30pm the Sunday at Rivermead Romans, the Celtson and the Saxons Leisure Centre in influence on the area before Wokingham Richfield avenue.eye? was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s nFor more details, David Nash Ford provided a set of call 0118 948makes 1350, or visit articles and puzzles which history fun for thewww.readingpostcards. young and no doubt will also catch thecom interest of the parents who will be looking over their child’s shoulder. Here’s to the next round of articles! Thanks go out to our Top:contributors: Wokingham Steve Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash the Ford, Sarah celebrates coronation Huxford, Roger Long, TrevorVOttlewski of George by boiling and Peter Shilhampotatoes for all their continuing and puddings contributions. behind the Town Hall in All this work isJune provided 1911 by our local historians free charge and Farof left: Wokingham can be found on the front enjoying page of the children a Wokingham Remembers website Coronation Tea, also in www.wokinghamremembers.com June 1911 Thanks also to Left: MarkAAshwell at horse drawn TradeMark for supporting theFire paper’s Wokingham Brigade commitment to this andproject. pump in 1908
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
Good health
You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!
HEALTH MATTERS with Nicola Strudley
If you are Appy and you know it….
H
EALTHWATCH Wokingham surveyed 1,000 young people about their emotional health and wellbeing last year. We heard that almost 10% of young people felt they had caring responsibilities and that a significant number of young people did not know what to do if they felt stressed, depressed or anxious or know where to turn for help. As a direct response, in partnership with a working group from our Healthwatch School St Crispin’s, we decided to build a smartphone app to share top tips, information, advice and signposting details. Many young people use technology for lots of aspects of their lives from socialising, micro blogging, live streaming, learning and fitness trackers. When people say, “There’s an app for that,” they’re not kidding! Appyness is a FREE app available from both the App Store and Google Play aimed at young people between the ages of 12 to 21 (but adults can use it too). It allows you to scale your mood each day and write some notes. Scores can be seen in a graph that can be emailed to a person of your choice (GP, social worker, counsellor for example). We know how hard it is to start conversations about mental health so this is a great ice breaker. The App can proactively ping a notification or reminder to the user, to ask about their moods, thoughts and overall well-being. Keeping a record of your mood also helps people realise it is often not as bad as they think, at times their mood does increase. Appyness provides top tips and YouTube videos on how to deal with feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. Healthwatch has liaised with various clinicians and mental health experts to ensure the information we are giving is correct and has some evidence of having a positive impact. It is common that people do not know what services exist in Wokingham until they are at a time in their life when they need to find out. Health and social care can be a complex and confusing system to navigate at the best of times, let alone if you are in some sort of crisis. Appyness provides a list of local and national organisations, allowing the user to make contact with a range of support organisations The App has been developed with the help of young people in Wokingham Borough. Youth Champion Conor Eldred-Earl said: “I really hope that Appyness will be able to help people find support in a way that I didn’t have. It’s so important that young people have access to really good health services and are able to access the service that is right for them”. If young people are not quite ready to reach out to an adult for help our Appyness App is a way of imparting information and supporting young people to develop their coping strategies, resilience and capacity to better manage the challenges that life throws us. With more and more pressure on the NHS the way forward is digital health, with mobile phone based interventions a key way to support people manage their health and wellbeing. Download Appyness and let us know what you think!
How to contact us : Facebook @healthwatchwokingham Twitter @HWWokingham Phone 0118 418 1 418 Website www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk E-Mail enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Walk in via Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own
How to make dad’s day, even if he has dementia Father’s Day is this Sunday – and it can be stressful if your Dad suffers from dementia. Here’s some great advice to help
Father’s Day doesn’t need to be stressful if you plan ahead Picture: Janet Burgess/ Freeimages. com
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ATHER’S Day is the perfect opportunity to spend time with the whole family, but the celebration can be stressful for people living with Dementia. Simple, everyday activities, such as going to a restaurant or on a day out, could trigger a whole host of symptoms, like anxiety, for someone living with Dementia and many families are unaware of this. Home care provider Helping Hands has some helpful advice for families on how to make Father’s Day more enjoyable for a loved one living with the condition. Catherine Robinson, branch manager at Helping Hands Wokingham, said: “Busy restaurants and other activities you associate as classic Father’s Day plans can be stressful for a person living with Dementia. It’s important to make sure your loved one feels fully included in the celebrations of the day and be prepared to make some adjustments to make the day calm and as stress-free as possible. “Listening to music and enjoying a nice home cooked meal are just a few easily achievable examples of things which can really make a positive difference for father or grandfather living with Dementia on Father’s Day.” Catherine recommends the below tips to create a calming, yet fun filled, Father’s Day for a loved one living with dementia: Plan meals carefully and in advance If you’re planning a meal out, make sure you find a quieter pub or restaurant, as increased noise can be disorientating. Make sure the pub
£28,000 award for Cystic Fibrosis project
or restaurant has plenty of room to allow your loved one to walk about while waiting for the meal – we can all become restless whilst waiting. You could even notify the pub in advance, so you don’t have as long to wait for your meals. Always allow plenty of time to travel to and from the venue, as rushing will add to your loved one’s anxiety. Consider activities at home There are so many Dementiafriendly activities that can be fun and enjoyable for the family at home. If the weather is nice, why not try a spot of gardening? This activity can be very therapeutic and it can also help evoke joyful childhood memories of playing outside. If your Dad doesn’t have particularly green fingers, you can always cook a meal together and ask him to get involved by preparing some of the ingredients. Choose activities that involve everyone If you have any old photographs that need some organising, consider spending the afternoon creating a family photograph album together. This activity will have the whole family reminiscing over fun times they have had together and enable your
Dad to relive some of his favourite moments. Create a playlist Select some of your father’s favourite songs from when he was growing up and put together a playlist. Music can provide a calming and soothing atmosphere. Individuals with dementia can respond positively to songs they connect with, giving them the chance to sing along and reminisce. Stay within the comfort zone It’s best to avoid any activities that take your loved one out of their comfort zone, such as shopping, or activities that require them to remain stationary for a long period of time, such as the cinema. These activities may increase anxiety, and therefore will not be enjoyable for your loved one. Make it personal Although there are many activities that are beneficial for people living with Dementia, everything depends on personal preference – from the activities you do together to the gift you choose. n For more information and inspiration on how to make special occasions more enjoyable for a loved one with Dementia visit www.alzheimers.org.uk or www. helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
A PROJECT that provides state-of-theart equipment to help people with Cystic Fibrosis is celebrating after winning an award and a cash grant. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust has announced Frimley Park Hospital’s CF Unit has received a Clinical Excellence and Innovation Award. The funding will allow the development of individually tailored exercise programmes for people with cystic fibrosis to improve health and well-being. The project will initially start with inpatients and those with advanced cystic fibrosis who need a lung transplant or who have recently received one, the study will then expand to cover the whole CF population. There is clear medical evidence that suggest exercise and high activity levels for people with cystic fibrosis is associated with better lung function and improved quality of life. Frimley Park Hospital CF Unit Centre Director, Dr Alexandra Higton, said “We aim to appoint exercise practitioners to work alongside our physiotherapy team, designing individually tailored exercise programmes for both in patients and out patients, supervising, monitoring and progressing their exercises to enable them to undertake the exercises independently at home at an intensity which will benefit their health.” The project is scheduled to run over two years and is match funded by Cystic Fibrosis Care at Frimley Park. The charity was set up at Frimley Park Hospital by parents of people with cystic fibrosis to support those with the condition. Dr Keith Brownlee, Director of Impact at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said “This project is a great example of what our Clinical Excellence and Innovation Awards are all about. “This innovative project will have dramatic impact on the health outcomes of people with CF and we look forward to seeing this project develop over the next two years.”
Lions can see your support for its annual spectacular AN ANNUAL drive to improve the eyesight of people living in developing countries has been launched by a local charity. Wokingham Lions have kick-started their SpecTrek appeal, encouraging local people to donate any unused or unwanted glasses which can then be sent to sight projects in Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Every year, the Wokingham Lions collect around 2,000 pairs of glasses which are delivered to the Chichester Lions Club, who collect glasses from all of the UK Lions Clubs. Wokingham Lions president Alan Rouse said: “SpecTrek is an important glass recycling scheme for people in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe who cannot afford eye glasses. We encourage everyone who has unwanted glasses to donate them to this very worthy cause.” Glasses in good condition can be donated at the following locations: Wokingham Medical Centre, Wokingham Library, Wokingham Hospital, Wokingham Town Hall, Boots in Market Place, and Finchampstead Surgery.
SCHOOLS | 23
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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Luckley pupils vote to remain By SOPHIA RIOS LUCKLEY HOUSE PUPIL THE big question on everyone’s mind is should Britain leave the EU or not? Not only does this massive decision affect adults but it also affects children – probably more, because we’re the ones who will have to live with whatever decision is made for the longest. At Luckley House School we have been discussing the facts and opinions of the referendum. We asked the pupils at our school ‘would they like to stay or leave?’ and 74% of pupils at our school said they want to stay, but why is this? Immigration has a large impact on our decision. What will happen to EU citizens currently living here? What will happen to British citizens living in Europe? The answer to all these questions seem uncertain but our school agrees with the fact that we should do our duty as a country and take in refugees. The ‘Leave’ campaign does not always differentiate between economic immigration and refugees from war-torn
What Luckley pupils think about EU
Luckley House pupils count the votes
countries but immigration can be good for the economy. Another thing that impacted our decision was terrorism and the security of our country. The ‘Leave’ campaign say that being in the EU makes it easier for terrorists to come to the UK but on the other hand Britain doesn’t have open borders. This is one of the agreements that Britain have made with the EU: we can shut the borders if we like. And what about the fact that being in the EU means that all of our security services
LVS pupils enjoy a picnic with the Queen
share information with each other? Will this still happen if we leave? Not only will leaving the EU make it harder to leave and enter the country but it will also have a big impact on farming, trade, defence with other countries, jobs, and the economy. Everyone has their personal opinion and consider both sides of the argument before you vote. The majority at Luckley have said they want to stay but what do you think: stay or leave?
PUPILS from LVS Ascot school enjoyed a day out they will never forget on Sunday when they took part in the world’s biggest street party at The Patron’s Lunch on The Mall. Seven pupils, including representatives from the juniors, seniors and sixth form at the independent all-ability school, cheered The Queen as her procession moved past Amy Wilding and Susie Stevens will star in South Hill Park’s pantomime this Christmas
Skye: ‘I would vote to Stay because if we leave, then the country is likely to go into recession.’ Sri: ‘I would vote to Stay because I think we need immigrants to do the jobs British people don’t want to do.’ Lucy: ‘I voted Stay because there are too many uncertainties with leaving.’ Elizabeth: ‘I voted Leave, because we put more money into the EU than we get out at the moment, which doesn’t seem right. I also think there has been unequal amounts of migration across Europe and Britain has just had too much.’ V: ‘I would vote for you to leave. My parents work and earn money in another European country. I think it will be good for us if Britain leaves, because economically the value of the pound will drop in comparison to what my parents are earning, so my school fees will cost my parents less.’ Sacha: ‘I know that if we leave our country will be a mess at the beginning, but I think long term it will be better. ‘I think it will be good for us to make our own laws and be independent.’
them and enjoyed a special lunch to celebrate her 90th birthday and 63 years as patron of a host of organisations including LVS Ascot. The lucky pupils were selected to represent LVS Ascot as recognition for their contribution to school life and taking leading roles both academically and pastorally.
Your chance to be a VIP and open a show! CELEBRITY culture is being turned on its head by a village which is holding a draw to discover who will open their big annual show. Anyone of any age is being encouraged to enter the draw to open Hurst Show and Country Fayre on June 25 and 26. Show chair Sue Payne said: “Everyone in this village is extraordinary and special in their own right. To celebrate this, we want to find just one of those people – and ask them to do us the honour of opening the show on Saturday June 25. “St Nicholas Primary School’s Construction Club made us great replicas of Hurst village pond and its iconic duck house. These are in the school and Hurst shops and pubs waiting for people to post in their slips offering their services. You can nominate a willing friend. “No opening speech or fancy hat are required, though feel free if you wish. The winner will be picked in a random draw and the name announced before the show.” The Construction Club recorded their project methodology: “First we got a tin and covered it with black paper. Then we got a circle of orange paper, put a slit in it and
rolled it up into a cone. We put sticky tape on it so it stayed. Then we put it on the tin. “We got a box and made a hole in the top for the pieces of paper. We stuck blue paper on the box to make it look like the pond. We made the ducks on separate bits of paper. Sometimes we see a heron on the pond but we didn’t put that on. We stuck the duck house on the pond. “It was good because we remembered things like tabs and cones we’ve done before. We did it working together. It was a team. We didn’t have one house and pond each.” The clever builders were: Harry Davis Redshaw, Jake Harris, Kye Marre, Yvie Hardy, Albert Piggins, Ben Midworth and Joshua Wilson, all seven; Zenna Keen, Sophie Randles, Olivia Turner, Sammy Jaworski, Rosalyn Campbell, Sean Lilford, all six; and William Burrows and Rebecca Cummings, both five. The show has a bumper weekend of arena events, dog show, classic cars display, pony rides, farmyard animals, ferret racing, food fair, and craft displays and stalls planned. A first is a portable belfry for everyone to try bellringing. n Details at www.HurstShow.uk
Talented teens plan to have a ball with Cinderella TWO teenagers are already looking forward to Christmas, even though it’s mid June. The pair have been chosen to appear in South Hill Park’s new Christmas pantomime, Cinderella. They will join a cast of professionals for the show which runs throughout December at the Bracknell arts centre. Amy Wilding (14) and Susie Stevens (15), both members of Steppin Out Stars Of Tomorrow! Theatre school, are delighted to have been chosen for the junior
chorus of the pantomime and can’t wait for rehearsals to begin. Susie has attended the awardwinning school since it opened. She said: “I am so thrilled to have been given this opportunity!” Amy added: “It’s very exciting. Lots of people from Steppin’ Out and my school are coming to see me.” And the theatre school’s director, Shelley Fitzgibbon, said she was quick to spot their potential, suggesting that both girls audition. “We have had children perform
in both local pantomimes for several years now. It is a great experience for them.” It’s not the first big event this year for the stage school. So far this year, its pupils have performed on a West End stage, appeared at Disneyland Paris and sung at Wembley Stadium. The approach, Mrs Fitzgibbon said, comes from her experiences as a former professional musical theatre performer. She said she is constantly on the lookout for new openings for her students.
She said: “Several children are appearing in West End shows such as Billy Elliot, Matilda and Les Miserables and we have two down to final recalls for Christmas adverts. “Another is on the national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” The school runs classes on Fridays in Woodley, Saturday in Wokingham and is launching a new adult choir on Thursdays in Wokingham. n For more details, log on to www. steppinoutstars.co.uk
Your weekly puzzle challenge
24 | LEISURE
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Quiz Challenge
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1. The historic heart of which English city is the Grainger Town area? 2. Conjunctivitis is an infection affecting which part of the human body? 3. Which Radio 4 musical general knowledge quiz is hosted by Paul Gambaccini? 4. In which sport have Rex Williams, Mark Wildman and Ray Edmonds all been world champions? 5. What is the name of the French national daily newspaper devoted to sport?
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
RANT AHEAD AND REAR
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: 15 Good; 17 Very Good; 20 Excellent.
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9. Person of little importance had ninety-ton monstrosity (9)
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Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
6. Which Norfolk town lies at the other end of the A12 from London? 7. What is the primary vegetable ingredient of coleslaw? 8. Briton Max Whitlock won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in which sport? 9. Who preceded Colin Powell as US Secretary of State? 10. Which American physician lends his name to a first-aid technique of abdominal thrusting to stop choking?
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
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. 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 © Sirius Media Services Ltd
10. Half a pair of braces (3)
4. Somehow tried to put nothing into the valve (6)
11. In Moscow her date proved to be a cattleman (7)
5. Crazy rural type of metal thread? (7) 6. Right name (5)
12. Tribe in twice nightly appearance (5)
7. Being quick at seeing the note (7,5)
13. Open distress? (6) 15. Bloodsucker’s an object of terror behind Rose’s place (6) 18. Edict about skua to the east (5) 20. Comment on late news? (7)
8. Unprincipled one in Paris is very conscientious (12) 14. Reduce by ha’pence perhaps (7) 16. Boasting of cupholder Virginia at the party (7) 17. Confusion where servicemen eat at university (4-2)
22. Frequently poetical (3)
23. Propel seat of baby’s vehicle (9) 19. Old Greek room (5) 24. You are possibly the runnerup (6,6)
21. At home despicable person will bring it on himself (5)
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ACROSS 1. Risky venture (8) 6. Anti-aircraft fire (4) 8. Cereal (3) 9. Baby bird (8) 10. Cleansing agent (4) 12. Fake (5) 14. Christmas hymn (5) 17. Deceiver (4) 18. Pudding ingredient (8) 20. Unbalanced (3-5) 24. Unit of heredity (4) 25. Social customs (5) 26. Watercourse (5)
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Bread maker (5) Effluent drain (5) Food fish (3) Part of stair (5) Beer (5) Belonging to him (3) Nine-day devotion (6) Sofa (6) Frogmen (6) Mild (6) Study (4) Flowerless plant (4)
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WORD PYRAMID: Brought into play. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; add; divide; multiply. Total: 12. MAGIC SQUARE: hand; area; near; dart.
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QUICK CROSSWORD: naga; ngaio; taiga; taint; tang; tanga; Across – 1 Escapade; 6 Flak; 8 Rye; 9 Nestling; 10 Soap; 12 tango; tanto; tian; titan; toga; tonga. Bogus; 14 Carol; 17 Liar; 18 Semolina; 20 One-sided; 24 Gene; 25 Mores; 26 River; 29 Neat; 30 Election; 31 Era; 32 Rage; 33 Disperse. Down – 2 Suez; 3 Author; 4 Animus; 5 Ergo; 6 Festal; 7 Amazon; 11 Bloom; 12 Baker; 13 Sewer; 14 Cod; 15 Riser; 16 Lager; 19 His; 21 Novena; 22 Settee; 23 Divers; 24 Gentle; 27 Read; 28 Moss. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Private hotel; 9 Nonentity; 10 Two; 11 Cowherd; 12 Iceni; 13 Unlock; 15 Bedbug; 18 Ukase; 20 Epitaph; 22 Oft; 23 Pushchair; 24 Second person. Down – 2 Renewal; 3 Vince; 4 Triode; 5 Haywire; 6 Title; 7 Looking sharp; 8 Unscrupulous; 14 Cheapen; 16 Bravado; 17 Mess-up; 19 Attic; 21 Incur.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Newcastle upon Tyne; 2 Eyes; 3 Counterpoint; 4 Billiards; 5 L’Equipe; 6 Great Yarmouth; 7 Cabbage; 8 Gymnastics; 9 Madeleine Albright; 10 Henry Heimlich.
again; agin; agio; AGITATION; agitato; anatto; anoa; anti; attain; gain; gait; gaita; giant; gnat; goat; gotta; iota; NONAGRAM:
(1) Across – Faint; Madam; Sixty. Down – Fumes; Index; Tummy. (2) Across – Throb; Timer; Yearn. Down – Totty; Rumba; Baron. FIVE ALIVE:
Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Leisure
LEISURE | 25
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Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham
Nothing odd about this. Honest
Laughter on the high seas
It’s something from the girls as The Odd Couple gets a makeover, GEMMA DAVIDSON finds out what a Crowthorne are planning
Rough Crossing Woodley Theatre, The Oakwowod Centre, Headley Road
A
Wokingham
PLAY which was adapted into a film and a television series is coming to Crowthorne next week. Crowthorne Amateur Theatre Society (CATS) will stage a female version of The Odd Couple, written by Neil Simon, to audiences at the Parish Hall from Wednesday. Olive, played by Jo Heffer, has invited her friends over for a game of Trivial Pursuit and putting the world to rights, but becomes concerned for the welfare of Florence (Susanne Lee) who is rumoured to have split from her husband. Olive invites her friend to stay, before the Constanzuela brothers Jesus (Bill Hill) and Manolo (Stuart Nicklin), who live in a neighbouring apartment, call in to try and woo the ladies. As the drama unfolds to reveal the characters’ true feelings, the question remains: do they ever finish that game of Trivial Pursuit? Director Angie Chitty and assistant Trudie Hart take the reins for the sharpwitted comedy classic, with Angie also appearing as Renee. “I love acting, but directing is a whole different kettle of fish,” she said. “I think I prefer acting because you can immerse yourself in that character, but you definitely have a lot of fun directing and seeing your ideas all come together. “The show features experienced actors as well as a few newcomers so we’ve really enjoyed seeing them come into their own. “We are always looking for new members to join so hopefully this play will show how simple it can be.”
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Kirsty Beagley, Jo Heffer, Susanne Lee, Angie Chitty, Sarah Hill and Sarah Van der Veken star in The Odd Couple, the latest show from Crowthorne Amateur Theatre Society
Trudie agrees: “The cast have had a lot of fun putting this show together, and I think that fun and laughter will translate to the audience.” Angie said: “The rehearsals have gone very smoothly, we haven’t had any problems so far. “The only thing that is getting in the way is this small thing called the referendum, and as the hall is a polling station we will have to miss a day of
Animal Corner
performing, but I’m sure we will all meet up to run through lines and keep the energy going.” n The Odd Couple is at Crowthorne Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South on Wednesday, June 22, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 at 7.45pm. Tickets are £10, £8 for concessions and are available to buy from Playhouse Cleaners, Whimsical and Bewitched, or by calling the box office on 07756 580310. For more information visit www.catswebsite.co.uk.
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
NIGEL AND NEVAN These one-yearold neutered male Bichon Frises are both former breeding dogs and came to DBARC when they were no longer needed. They have probably never lived in a proper home, so will need caring and patient adopters while they settle into home life.
They have both always had the company of other dogs, so are looking for a home either together, or with a doggy companion to be their friend. Going to a home with another confident resident dog would be by far the best thing for both these dogs so they learn the ways of the world. Nigel and Nevan are not for the first-time dog owner, and will need experienced adopters who will understand that it will take time and patience for them to settle into their new environment. Can you offer these charming boys their forever home?
SMUDGE Nine-year-old Smudge was adopted from DBARC six years ago but has sadly found her way back as her family now has children and Smudge isn’t too keen on the new living situation. She is now looking for a new home where there are no young children, where she can live out her days being lavished with love and attention.
She is fully house-trained, neutered and not destructive. She is a very sweet cat, she’s just not keen on noisy children! We hope she finds her loving forever home soon.
FUN DAY DBARC will be holding their annual Fun Day on July 3 at their centre in Hurst. The day will feature a dog show, with classes for Best Puppy, Best Rescue Dog, Happiest Dog and many more, a dog scurry, cake stalls, tombola and lots of fun and games. The festivities kick off at 10am and run until 5pm at the centre in Nelsons Lane. Admission is £1, entry to the dog show is £2 per class with registration starting from 9am. Free parking is available. For more information visit www. dbarc.org.uk/funday. n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, and to view other animals in need of a home visit www. dbarc.org.uk
A PLAY on a boat about a play on a boat may not sound like the easiest thing to follow, but Woodley Theatre’s latest offering, Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard, is a rollercoaster ride which keeps the audience gripped throughout. Directed by Ben May, Rough Crossing follows the metaphorical, emotional and physical journey of playwrights Sandor Turai (Barrie Armstrong) and Alex Gal (Frank Kaye) as they struggle to complete their latest musical, which happens to be opening in New York in four days’ time. Joined by genius composer Adam Adam (Benjamin Gray) who has been struck down with a speech impediment caused by his mother’s release from prison, his beautiful fiancée and leading lady Natasha Navrátilova (Nanette Naudé), and her co-star and secret lover Ivor Fish (Chris Pett) aboard the SS Italian Castle, the pair battle against writer’s block while struggling to keep their company from literally going overboard. The action takes place within Turai’s stateroom on the cruise liner, where he, Gal and Adam overhear Natasha and Ivor’s flirtations in the next room. In a bid to save heartbroken Adam from throwing himself in the sea, Turai comes up with the brilliant plan to work the clandestine couple’s amorous words into the ending of the play, convincing Adam that what he overheard was simply a rehearsal.
Chaos ensues as the characters attempt to stay afloat amid the murky waters of their deceit. For an amateur production, Rough Crossing has all the hallmarks of a professional show. From the incredible acting and singing skills of South Africanborn Naudé, who keeps up a perfect Russian accent throughout, to the sharp timing of Armstrong and the hilarious expressions of Kaye, this is a cast who dwarf the Oakwood Centre stage. Chris Pett’s Fish, complete with dodgy hairpiece, is a lovable rogue of a character, while Gray’s Adam is sweet and vulnerable yet able to turn a speech impediment into a hilarious comic aide. The star of the show has to be Ashleigh Wells as cabin steward Dvornichek, otherwise known as Murphy. From the moment he steps onstage, each time with an ill-fated cognac meant for Turai but destined for his own lips, Dvornichek keeps the audience in stitches with his lightning-speed one-liners and incredible ability to summarise the plot. Swaying around while the boat is still, yet maintaining his balance when passing through a storm (brilliantly choreographed by the cast and crew), he is the perfect addition to every scene. If all the talk of referendums and grass-cutting is dragging you under, then hop aboard the SS Italian Castle for a onenight cruise that you won’t forget. n Rough Crossing is at Woodley Theatre until Saturday. Tickets are £10, or £8 for concessions, £5 for balcony seats. For more visit www.woodleytheatre.org. GEMMA DAVIDSON
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26 | LEISURE
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What’s on Friday, June 17
Saturday, June 18
BRACKNELL – Priestwood Community Centre, Priestwood Court Road RG42 1TU. Bracknell & Wokingham branch of Berkshire Family History Society meeting: A Stroll In The Park with Peter Halman. 7.15pm. Details: www.berksfhs.org.uk EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue). Reading and Wokingham Spanish Circle meeting:Fiesta de Verano with music. Bring a dish for buffet. 7.45pm. £3. Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road. Wokingham Music Club presents Steve Summers Band and Mark Harrison. £10. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Local history surgery: drop-in advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually impaired. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Emma Kirkby and Jakob Lindberg. 7.30pm. £15.00. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk
MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 10.15am11am. Storytime for ages seven and under. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630. READING – The Great Hall, London Road campus, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Reading Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and Mahler. £15, £13 concessions, £5 under 18s and students. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 986 0707. TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford, Reading RG10 9JA. Salsa Party night. 8pm-1am. £10. Details: www. incognitodance.com. WINNERSH – Bearwood Recreation Ground, Mole Road. Winnersh Summer Fete. 1pm-4pm. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Wokingham Choral Society presets Heroes and Villains: choruses from musicals and operas. 7.30pm. £15, £5 under 18s. Details: www. wokingham-choral-society. org.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. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Woodley Concert Band summer concert, hosted by the Berkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes. 7.30pm. £10. Details: 01628 633463. WOODLEY – Chapter One Bookshop, Crockhamwell Road. Father’s Day storytime: My Dad is Brilliant by Nick
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk
The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough Butterworth. 10.30am. Suitable for under fives. Details: 0118 944 8883.
£1 per ride, buy 5 get 6th free. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk
Sunday, June 19
Monday, June 20
BINFIELD HEATH – Kiln House, Kiln Lane RG9 4ES. Tamesis Chamber Choir concert: Midsummer Music: A medley of medleys. £12, £6. 5.30pm (note start time). Details: 0118 946 2990 or www.tames.is CROWTHORNE – Griff’s Cycle Lab, Duke’s Ride RG45 6DS. Carnival Cycle RIde: 35-mile marshalled route. 9am. £17.50. Details: www. bewitchedfancydress.com. CROWTHORNE – Christopher Lee Theatre, Wellington College RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society Concert: Monteverdi: Beatus Vir, Handel: Acis & Galatea, Vivaldi: Gloria. 7.30pm. £12, £2 students. Details: 01344 778185. READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Cigarette Card and Postcard Club annual fair and competition displays. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: 0118 969 5155. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Vigil to remember victims of Orlando shootings. 3pm. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Wokingham Music Festival holy communion service featuring a setting of Missa Luba. 9.30am. Choral Evensong featuring the choir of St Paul’s Wokingham. 6.30pm. Free entry to both. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Choral Evensong sermon series: Horrible Heresies: Why What We Believe Really Matters. Guest speaker Bob Armstrong. 6.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway Society, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway . 1.30pm-4pm.
EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Village Hall. Wokingham West Forest Townswomens’ Guild. Talk: diamond. Women welcome. 7.30pm10pm. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Bridge and Table Games Club. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 908 8176. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the Books book club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime: stories and rhymes for under fives. 4pm-4.30pm. Writers forum: share ideas and inspiration. 10.30amnoon. Woodclyffe book group. 5.30pm-6.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit, Stitch and Natter. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.
Tuesday, June 21 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Nicky’s Family (panel discussion). 8pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk. TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Knit and Natter. Drop in knitting group for adults. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 934 0800. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Come To The Source: space for silent meditation and prayer. 8pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Third Tuesday Group.Group meets to discuss new books,
bestsellers and favourites. 10.30am-11.30am. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. Noon2pm. £4. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Road RG5 3EU. Learn to Sing with Thames Valley Chorus. 7.30pm-10pm. Details: 0118 977 4257.
Wednesday, June 22 CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents: The Odd Couple. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Tickets from Playhouse Cleaners, Whimsical, Bewitched, and the CATS Box Office. Details: www.catswebsite. co.uk or 07756 580310. FLEET – Views Meadow, Harlington Way GU51 4AE. Circus Wonderland. 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: www. circuswonderland.co.uk or 07531 612240. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults. 2.15pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning. Storytime: Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam. £3.50 per child. 10am. For pre-school children. Details: 0118 969 8000. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Knit Wits: knit or crochet club.
2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am1.15pm. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Contact friendship group presents: Coffee, cake and accordions with RAG (Reading Accordion Group). 8pm. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk WOODLEY – Chapter One Bookshop, Crockhamwell Road. Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman from Pointless book signing. 3.30pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 944 8883.
Thursday, June 23 FLEET – Views Meadow, Harlington Way GU51 4AE. Circus Wonderland. 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: www. circuswonderland.co.uk or 07531 612240. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Book Group for ages 11-18. 50p. 4.30pm-5.30pm. National Careers Service. Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am to 3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk
Friday, June 24 CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne
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Amateur Theatrical Society presents: The Odd Couple. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Tickets from Playhouse Cleaners, Whimsical, Bewitched, and the CATS Box Office. Details: www.catswebsite. co.uk or 07756 580310. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. FLEET – Views Meadow, Harlington Way GU51 4AE. Circus Wonderland. 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: www. circuswonderland.co.uk or 07531 612240. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount, Christchurch Road RG1 5HL. Jazz at the Progress: Theo Travis’ Double Talk. 7.30pm. £15, £13 concessions. Details: www.jazzinreading.com WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Local history surgery: dropin advice with a local expert. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Charlie Dore, singer of Pilot of the Airwaves. 7.30pm. £12.50. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk.
Saturday, June 25 FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Wokingham baby and children’s market. 2pm-4pm. £1. Children free. Details: www. babyandchildrensmarket. co.uk FLEET – Views Meadow, Harlington Way GU51 4AE. Circus Wonderland. 2pm, 5pm. Details: www. circuswonderland.co.uk or 07531 612240. CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents: The Odd Couple. 7.45pm. £10, £8 concessions. Tickets from Playhouse Cleaners, Whimsical, Bewitched, and the CATS Box Office. Details: www.catswebsite. co.uk or 07756 580310. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Church walk - around four miles, with optional pub lunch. Come dressed for weather. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124. TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Singers summer concert. 7.30pm. £7, £3.50 concessions. Details: 07762 738384. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place. Armed Forces Day. 11am. Details: 0118 978 3185. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.
WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE.Tashi Lhunpo Monks of Tibet. 7.30pm. £12.50. Workshop from 3.30pm in the Cornerstone. £5. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. A Celebration of 400 Years of Sacred Choral Music: with guest organist David Pether, St Paul’s Choir and director of music Louise Turner. To include works by Victoria, Stanford, Parry, Bairstow and Gjeilo. 7pm. £10. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings. Details: www.wokingham-theatre. org.uk WOODLEY – The Pagoda, Crockhamwell Road. Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group awareness event. WOODLEY – Chapter One Bookshop, Crockhamwell Road. The Gruffalo visit. 10.30am. Details: 0118 944 8883.
Sunday, June 26 FLEET – Views Meadow, Harlington Way GU51 4AE. Circus Wonderland. 2pm. Details: www. circuswonderland.co.uk or 07531 612240. READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfonia: Orchestral Concert. Bax: Tintagel, York Bowen: Viola concerto (Giles Wade - viola), Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3 ‘Organ’. £15, £14 concessions, £2.50 concessions and under 18s. Details: 0118 978 6189. SWALLOWFIELD – Swallowfield Horticultural Society RG7 1QY. Open gardens across village in aid of NGS. £6, children free. Light lunches at Brambles & tea, coffee & cakes at Hornbeams. 11am-5pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk WARGRAVE – Across village. Five open gardens in aid of British Red Cross Herons Creek, Station Road; Orchard Close, Station Road; Aylestone, Station Road; 63 High Street and The Little House, 65 High Street. £4, under 12s free. Tea and cakes at Herons Creek. 2pm-5pm. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street. Wokingham Bikeathon. 15 miles or 35 miles. From 9.30am. Details: www.wokinghambikeathon. co.uk WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. What The Floyd: a Pink Floyd tribute. 7.30pm. £12.50. Details: www. wokinghamconcerts.co.uk. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm3pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.
LEISURE | 27
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
FESTIVAL TICKETS MUST BE WON!
A mighty 200 bands will be at Reading
M
ORE than 200 acts have now been named to headline the biggest festival in Berkshire this summer. Reading Festival, which takes place in Richfield Avenue over the August bank holiday weekend, will see Red Hot Chili Peppers, Biffy Clyro, Foals, Disclosure and Fall Out Boy headline the main stage across the weekend, with The 1975, Courteeners, Good Charlotte and Frank Turner among the hundreds of acts also appearing. Earlier this month, 15 more acts were added to the already bursting line-up, including Third Eye Blind (Festival Republic Stage), Deaf Havana
(NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage) and Big Narstie (BBC 1XTRA Stage), meaning this year’s festival will be one of the busiest and eclectic weekends in the 2016 festival calendar. With headliners from the worlds of rock, indie, hip-hop, dance and RnB, Reading Festival surely has something for everyone and, come rain or shine, the thousands of festival-goers who will descend on Berkshire for the weekend will be in for a real treat. Weekend tickets are £205 (plus £8 booking fee), day tickets are £50.50 (plus £7 booking fee). To buy tickets and to see the full line-up so far visit www.readingfestival.com.
WIN A PAIR OF WEEKEND CAMPING TICKETS WORTH £426 THE Wokingham Paper has teamed up with Reading Festival to give one lucky reader the chance to experience the whole festival for free! To be in with a chance of winning a pair of weekend camping tickets, with full access to the festival, just answer the following question correctly:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS 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
When did the Red Hot Chili Peppers last headline Reading Festival? 2007, 2008 or 2009 To enter send your answer, name, address, telephone number and email address to contests@wokinghampaper. co.uk by 5pm on Friday, August 12.
these Terms and Conditions. One entry per person. Multiple entries will not be counted. The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, August 12 2016. The winner will be notified by telephone on Monday, August 15, so please ensure a valid telephone number is provided. The prize is for a pair of
Weekend Camping Tickets to Reading Festival 2016. Winners must be able to make their own way to the festival site. There is no alternative prize and no cash value. The prize is non-exchangeable and non-transferable. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Hot young band Spring King will be performing at Reading Festival this year for the first time
Reading is really special for Spring King ONE of the hottest young bands in the UK will be appearing at Reading Festival this summer. Manchester outfit Spring King, which is made up of Tarek Musa, Peter Darlington, James Green and Andy Morton, will be heading to Reading as one of their final summer appearances after a busy few months of touring and supporting the Kaiser Chiefs. Guitarist Peter said Reading Festival is the highlight of their year as it always brings back fond memories for the band. He said: “Reading and Leeds were always
the festivals you would go to when you were growing up, and you’d always say that one day you’d love to play them. “We played the Festival Republic Stage last year, and will be on the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage this year, so it’s great to be moving up the bill each time. “We’ve been doing this for around four or five years so we’ve worked really hard, we’re not one of these bands who has just had everything handed to them. But I think that is better in a way because you learn the industry and you get to know other bands.
“Reading Festival is really special because you get to play and then check out some of the other bands. “I’m really looking forward to seeing The 1975, they grew up just down the road from us so it’s great to see another Manchester band doing so well.” Spring King will play the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage on Sunday, August 28. Their debut album Tell Me If You Like It is out now through Island Records. n For more information visit www. springkingband.com.
At the theatre
Basingstoke – Anvil www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Fri. Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra. Sat. Sam Carter. Sat. Basingstoke Primary Schools Music. Tues-Wed. Russell Watson. Fri 24. Rock Choir. Sat 25. Hampshire County Youth Bands. Sun 26.
Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs. Fri. Swing Unlimited All Stars Big Band. Sat. The Railway Children. WedSat 25. Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders. Sun 26.
Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 On A Lighter Note. Fri-Sat. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Sat. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Sun.
Wilde Sundays. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. My Favourite Summer. Wed-Sat 25. Purple Zeppelin. Fri 24. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 24. South African Cultural Gospel Choir. Sat 25. Dare To Dream. Sat 26. Creative Control Band NIght. Sun 26. FILMS: The Finest Hours. Fri. Eye In The Sky. Fri-Sun. Zootropolis. Sat-Sun. The Grump. Tues. Anomalisa. Wed. Miles Ahead. Thurs. The Jungle Book. Sat 25-Sun 26. I Saw The Light. Fri 25-Sun 26.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 NT Live: The Audience. Fri. Andrew Lawrence: Uncensored. Fri. Dr Feelgood and Eddie and the Hotrods. Sat. Spotlight Dance Presents: Fairytale High and Music from the Movies. Sun. La Vie En Rose (12). Tues. Farnham Rep presents Tantalus by Ian Cullen. Fri 24. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri 24. Dance:
Make Your Move. Sat 25. Meet Tommy Atkins. Wed. The Real Thing. Fri 1. Somme Study Day. Sat 2. Bootleg Shadows. Sat 2. FILM: To Have and Have Not (PG). Tues.
Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Argentine Tango. Fri. Black Is The Colour Of My Voice. Sat. Cafe Scientifique. Mon. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Fri 24. Old Mother Hubbard. Sun 26.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Main stage closed until Sept 16.
Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Bad Girls The Musical. Until Sat. Annie’s On The Run. Sun. Mixed Doubles. Fri 24. Marti Webb in
Concert. Sat 25.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Ladies Night 2016. Fri. Mark Watson. Sun. Jamie Raven Live. Thurs. The Gruffalo’s Child. Sat 25-Sun 26.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Small Fakers. Fri. Gyles Brandreth: Word Power! Sat-Sun. Christine Bovill’s Piaf. Sat. Glyndebourne: Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville). Tues. Susan Calman: work in progress. SOLD OUT. Wed. Kathron Sturrock (Piano) and Daniel Pioro (violin). Thurs. Tiff Stevenson and Julian Deane: Edinburgh Preview. Thurs. Summer Song with Martin Speake (sax). Fri 24. The Vinyl Frontier: Live Aid Vinyl. Sat 25. A Night of ELO. Sat 25. Carnival of the Animals. Sun 26. Ross
Couper and Tom Oakes. Sun 26. FILMS: Florence Foster Jenkins (PG). Sat, Wed. Elvis and Nixon (15). Sun.
www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 An Audience with Nadiya Hussain Sun. Milos, Guitar. Wed.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
Reading – Progress
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri. The Elvis Years. Sat. High School Musical. Thurs-Sat 25. Barb Jungr and John McDaniel peform The Beatles. Fri 24. Sacred Italian Baroque. Sat 25.
Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 Watership Down. Until Jul 23.
Reading – Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 The Proclaimers. Fri. Bill Bailey: Limboland. Thurs-Fri 24.
Reading – Concert Hall
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Humble Boy. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: Daisy Pulls It Off. July 5-9.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOWS: Youth Theatre presents The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. July 9-10. Senior Youth Group presents: A Slice of Saturday Night. July 15-16.
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 It Runs In The Family. Until July 2. Jazz In New York: The 1930s. Sun. Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Count Basie at Carnegie Hall 1939. Sun 26.
Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Deadly Nightcap. Until Sat. Al Murray: The Pub Landlord. Sun. Bedroom Farce. Tues-Jun 25.
Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 The Proclaimers. Sun. The Rocky Horror Show. Mon 27-Sat 2.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Blue Stockings. Until Sat 25. An Audience With Jessica Swale. Sat 25.
Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Rough Crossing. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: Be My Baby. Sept 27-Oct 1.
28 | LEISURE
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Gig guide EURO 2016!
England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland are all in action again this week. Depending on how the teams are doing, gigs may be re-arranged at short notice. If in doubt, check with venues before heading out. Friday, June 17 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Mirroball. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01276 27641. CAMBERLEY – The Carpenters Arms, Park Street GU15 3PE. Lady Blackwell. Details: 01276 63676. EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents The Steve Summers Band and Mark Harrison. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Will.i.an. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. The Looters. Details: 01252 663686. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. TWI Friday. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Jammed. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Queens Arms, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HL. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 957 6858. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hello You. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dark Matter: Stone Collins and Sam Red. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Bright Shadows. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6692. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Red Aztek. Details: 0118 988 3563. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn and Elaine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000. WINNERSH – The Pheasant Inn, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 978 4529. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. King Loud. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Uptown Traffic. Details: 01252 872105.
Saturday, June 18 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Bad Girls Groove. Details: 01344 878100. BARKHAM – The Bull at Barkham, Barkham Road. Beer Festival with live music. Details: 0118 976 2816. BLACKWATER – Hawley Bridge Working Men’s Club, Willows Lane GU17 9DL.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK Off The Record. Details: 01276 31037. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Park Opera presents On A Lighter Note. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !daft! Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Stone Thorn. Details: 01344 454532. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Finish on 2. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01252 542962. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Keely and the Dealers. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Comedy night. Details: 01252 811009. FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Lady Blackwell. Details: 01252 835322. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 90s Rewind. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Dance Yourself Clean. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Hugh Turner Heavy Funk Quartet. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jesus and the Gravy Train with Pack of Theives. Sounjame: Major Kaos, Artwear, Darkie and guest MCs. Details: 0118 959 7196. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. In Too Deep. Details: 01252 878938. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000.
TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said & Done. Details: 07946 342551. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Undecided. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Fat Men In The Bathtub. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, June 19 BARKHAM – The Bull at Barkham, Barkham Road. Beer Festival with live music. Details: 0118 976 2816. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Dog Day Afternoon in aid of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – Community Hall at Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk: Peter and Barbara Snape. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Reading Swing Jam presents Sunday Swing. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS.Dreading Poetry Slam. Details: 0118 958 6692. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Open mic and jam night. Details: 0118 988 3563. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Jazz In New York. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26
The BROAD ST TAVERN
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT JUNE 17
KING LOUD
A GREAT BAND & A GREAT SOUND!
TUESDAYS
PUB QUIZ
TEST YOUR WITS IN OUR FUN QUIZ
JUNE 24
GRAFFITI CHILD SONGS TO GET YOU DANCING!
COME AND JOIN US! 29 Broad Street, Wokingham RG40 1AU 0118 977 3706 WWW.BROADSTREETTAVERN.CO.UK
9PL. Darren Jones. Details: 01276 858501.
Monday, June 20 EVERSLEY – The Golden Pot, Reading Road. Reflections. Details: 0118 973 2104. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Movie Club. Details: 0118 953 0000.
Friday, June 24
Tuesday, June 21 READING – Speakeasy Cocktail Bar, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LG. Open mic night with Scott Lewis and guests. Details: 0118 957 3500. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Fleur Stevenson: Jazz Singers’ Night. 9pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Augustines and special guests. Details: 0118 959 5395. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Dean Friedman. Details: 01491 681048.
Wednesday, June 22 READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Live: Junction Music Special! OSP/ Three Letter Agency/ Nemmy. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Concert Hall. Milos, Guitar. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Karaoke. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Live: Junction Mysic Special: OSP, Three Letter Agency and Nemmy. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Ken Thompson’s Berkshire Jazz Jam. Details: 0118 958 6692. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Peter Howarth. Details: 01491 681048.
Thursday, June 23 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night. Details: 01276 32691. CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. NRG. Details: 01344 772241. FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51
3BU. Live music. Details: 01252 620198. HENLEY – Magoos, Hart Street. Stars In Their Minds karaoke. Details: 01491 574595. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jamie Howell’s Evidence Bass. Details: 0118 958 6692.
BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Slim-Pickings. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Purple Zeppelin. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Soul Mates. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Tony Barker and Keith Chilvers. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Green-Haze. Details: 01276 27641. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. DJ Sting. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH – The Swan Inn, Farnborough Road GU14 6TL. Adam Isaac. Details: 01252 510920. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Samtana. Details: 01252 811009. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress: Theo Travis Double Talk. 7.30pm. £15. Details: 0118 384 2195. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Flashback Band. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Green Haze. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. TWI Friday. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Anyone Can Play Guitar with DJ Michael Wingfields. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade Dub Roots. Details: 0118 958 6692. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn & Elaine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – Hope and
HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! SATURDAY @ 9pm
THE GAS TRICK BAND It’s felt like forever, but they’re back!!!
WEY LIVE MUSIC
Sat June 25
THE PURPLE ZEPPELINS
PLUS: Watch Euro 2016 here!
Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk
Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Nursery Cryme – Genesis Tribute Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Graffiti Child. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056.
Saturday, June 25 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Groove Company. Details: 01344 878100. ASCOT – The Sunninghill Comrades Club, Bagshot Road SL5 9NZ. Bluehayz. Details: 01344 621547. BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. The Toledos. Details: 01276 473768. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. South African Cultural Gospel Choir. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Evil Puppies. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 454532. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. In Too Deep. Details: 01344 457318. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Tetnus Jab. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Colin Santana. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH GREEN – The Fox, Chapel Lane GU14 9BN. The Serial Thrillers. Details: 01276 34735. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Decade Shuffle. Details: 01252 811311. FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Lady Blackwell. Details: 01252 835322. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Kitty Malinski. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Retro Party with Amber and the Professors. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Three Tuns, Wokingham Road RG6 1LT. FreeZCompany. Details: 0118 926 2170. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Start. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.
Scarlet Vixens: Teasing the Turtle Red. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Global Sound Clash with DJ Dom v Sound Movement. Details: 0118 958 6692. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Said and Done. Details: 01252 878938. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Buddy Holly tribute band with Spencer Jordan. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Purple Zeppelins. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Paul Strouble. Details: 01252 870648. YATELEY – Yateley Green, Firgrove Road GU46 6AR. Gig on the Green: Mollie Bylett and Spotlite Dance, Henry Fricker, Sour Kix, Jasmine, Lucina, The Ed Sheeran Experience, England’s Dreaming, Trenchtown Experience, Ultimate Elton, One Step Behind. Gates from noon. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley.co.uk
Sunday, June 26 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Dare To Dream. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123. HENLEY – Bandstand. The Roy Bailey Big Band. 2pm-4pm. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Dog Comedy Night. Details: 0118 959 4267. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Open mic and jam night. Details: 0118 988 3563. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Count Basie at Carnegie Hall 1939. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Joe Henderson Band. Details: 01276 858501. YATELEY – Yateley Green, Firgrove Road GU46 6AR. Gig on the Green: Gospel on the Green at 10am, then from 1pm: Yateley Choral Society, Junction 4 Big Band, So Close… The Voice of Karen Carpenter by Toni Lee, Finn Bradley, Take 4, The Alter Eagles. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley.co.uk
LEISURE | 29
To advertise call 0118 328 2959
Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
AT THE CINEMA
The acoustic couch
Seen it all before
Getting to The Point…
Upcoming music with Jody Mc
The Acoustic Couch is going to let you see what we mean by ‘community thru music’ – by putting on a festival. JODY Mc explains
Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis, Britt Robertsonl
I
N Pretty Woman, director Garry Marshall struck upon a magic formula that he’s been trying to recreate ever since. The 1990 rags-to-riches, knight-in-shining-armour tale about a down-on-her-luck call girl rescued from a life of vice by a millionaire businessman was a hit with audiences. It brought the right amount of chemistry between the leads – a top-of-his-game Richard Gere and a newly discovered Julia Roberts – and combined them with a great soundtrack and spot-on supporting cast including Laura San Giacomo, Larry Miller, Jason Alexander and Hector Elizondo. Almost every movie Marshall has made since has been at pains to harness that – and he’s never achieved it. Mother’s Day is the latest in his series of romantic comedydramas based around minor dates of the calendar. It started with Valentine’s Day in 2010, which was followed by New Year’s Eve in 2011. Now here we are in 2016 with a story based around Mother’s Day. The film, like its forerunners, takes an ensemble cast and several stories and weaves them together into a whole. This one even casts Julia Roberts and Hector Elizondo, for goodness sake, and gives them a scene that directly references the 1990 classic. Roberts is Miranda, the steely TV star-cum-jewellery designer in Atlanta for a meet and greet, where young couple, new mum Kristin (Britt Robertson) and struggling stand-up comic Zack (Jack Whitehall), live. He’s desperate to marry her but there’s something stopping her and she’s not saying what.
Accept
Fellow mum Jesse (Kate Hudson) meanwhile is estranged from her bigoted Texas-based parents who she’s afraid won’t accept her mixed-race marriage. Her sister Gabi (Sarah Chalke) is guilty of hiding her same-sex marriage for similar reasons. Jesse’s friend Sandy (Jennifer Aniston) on the other hand finds herself struggling to accept the situation when exhusband Henry (Timothy Olyphant) announces his marriage to the children’s new twentysomething stepmum, and single father Bradley (Jason Sudeikis) finds it difficult to come to terms with his wife’s death. The film’s tone is horribly patronising, thinking it’s doing the opposite to what it actually does: at best, this is pigeonholing two-dimensional characters and reinforcing stereotypes. Aniston is the woman still holding a torch for her ex-husband who’s traded her in for a younger model while Julia Roberts is the woman who’s traded her private life for a career. It’s casually racist and homophobic despite featuring a storyline that outwardly conveys a message of acceptance. Some of the film is sweet in its manipulative, Hollywood way but while there are elements of Richard Curtis territory trodden here, Marshall isn’t able to channel the British director’s influence with anything near the same amount of charm. How much longer Garry Marshall is able to carry on getting away with churning out the same film over and over is anybody’s guess but with them getting progressively worse, audiences will most likely make their feelings known soon enough.
P
be sharing from his new album Confessions. We could not have a party without Mellotronanism turning up
Live music at Sunday’s free fun day ASCOT LIFE CHURCH are a busy bunch throughout the summer, most recently some of them returning from India where they introduced themselves to the local families with a dance native to the town’s folk (you must check out the YouTube – seeing is believing). Next up is the church’s annual family fun day. It takes place this Sunday and is packed with a host of ... well, fun! It starts at 2pm, includes all the
STR8TS
SUDOKU
No. 286
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No. 286
Previous solution - Easy
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
Mother’s Day (12a) «««««
ICTURE a child that has a nose that turns into a bubble machine, with that little bit of dribble hanging from his lip because they can’t contain excitement and with eyes the size of a large screen TV and it’s as if someone’s pressed pause on channel adulation. Got that in your mind’s eye? Well, that is me right about now. I can barely contain my excitement at present. It’s been a week since the surprise was released and we at The Acoustic Couch are so proud to be launching a fabulous day of community activities in the heart of Bracknell’s town centre and just minutes away from good old Wokingham. Something needs to distract us from the day-to-day chaos that is the regeneration programme and we think we have found just the remedy. Community thru music is what we stand by as our slogan at The Acoustic Couch: we are bringing the music so you can help us with the community. On Saturday, July 23, our ball of bounciness, bonkers, fabulously free spirited artist (and part of our writing team) Natalie Gauci will be taking to the stage joined by my good friends Spriggan Mist and their son Aaron, who will feature in two different bands, I told you before this lad is instrumental to the future of music (such a talent), his band The Undecided with fellow Garth Hill students and the bright, fun and wonderful Pixiaphonic. Jadoo Tribal return to support with their gorgeous and stunning Middle Eastern dancing, then there’s Matt Merry aka Horizon, which will be a great treat, as he will no doubt
up a friendly neighborhood super hero and DJ Aces High to help co-host the whole day, help us unwind and keep us informed of any updates throughout the day’s antics. He’ll be offering up chilled out vibes; perhaps some reggae and wound down EDM beats. Starting at 10am, we will host for you a day and evening (split into to two events) of live music and great revelations and plans of what The Acoustic Couch is and what we’re planning. You can discover the future we envisage as a community centre in Bracknelle. There will be stalls with information of promotions/events already alive and booked in. This will all take place at the epiCentre of entertainment of Bracknell: The Point complex, home of our friend Hollywood Bowl and across the road from our huge 5,200sq ft venue on Market Street. I cannot wait to announce more information over the coming weeks. Being so close to Bracknell train station (which is only one stop from Wokingham) and being seconds away from the bus station and with our venue (underneath a multi-story car park), we feel we are in a great location for all to attend the first of many colourful community days. to entertain. It does not stop there If you want any more information though… To bring all this crazy community get in touch with us or The Wokingham Paper and we will get cacophony together we have lined back to with all the answer where possible. If you are an act that might be usual family fun such as bouncy castles interested in supporting a great and ice cream, plus sports and games. event or a volunteer or promoter There’s also an afternoon of live that thinks they may want to get music from unsigned artists including involved then please do get in touch young talents Livvy Beer and Rebecca with us. Shaw. With the influx of interest from Then, at 5pm, it’s Church In A musicians and other entertainers we Tent with musicians Jo, Eliz, Bronte, are considering extending the July Kevin and Paul all helping out with the 23 event to either Friday, July 22 or church service. Sunday, July 24. Exciting! It’s all free. Yes, that’s right, free. n Find us on Facebook: www.facebook. It’s on Ascot Heath School Field com/theacousticcouch, or email me at hope to see you there. jody@theacousticcouch.co.uk
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6
1 9
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.
8
Previous solution - Tough
4 5 1 9 1 4 6
7 © 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
Kim Taylor-Foster
3 1 4 2 9 7 8 6 5
7 8 9 5 6 1 2 4 3
4 5 2 3 8 6 7 1 9
9 3 7 1 2 4 5 8 6
1 6 8 7 5 9 3 2 4
8 9 3 6 1 2 4 5 7
6 4 5 9 7 8 1 3 2
2 7 1 4 3 5 6 9 8
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.
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WOKINGHAM SPORT
ROUND-UP: Find out how our local cricket teams fared over the weekend — Pages: 36-39
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Winning on the road at Reading brings much Joy to skip Holmes and Wokingham Ladies By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk
JOY HOLMES skipped the standout rink for a Wokingham Ladies side which secured a hard-earned 48-44 victory away at neighbours Reading in the Thames Valley League. Marshalling Marion Evans and Teresa O’Connor, the trio scored an individual success by a margin of 15 shots. n WOKINGHAM OAKAPPLES, however, were unable to complete a clean sweep of league wins for the club last week. They went down to a 58-37 loss when hosting University of Reading in a Division 3 clash at Reading Road. A solitary rink win on the day went to skip Joy Deeves, who had Lucy Nathan
and Jean Balkwell in tandem. Wokingham Men A FINE start to the Kennet League Division 1 season continues for Wokingham A, who were comfortable 84-65 winners over Royal Household. The team triumphed on three of the four rinks, one of which witnessed a hot shot after the oppositions’ bowls were knocked away from the jack. Neil Jones’ rink of Alan Symondson, Andy Franklin and Ron Swan were victorious by 19 shots. n AN 84-65 reverse at Great Hollands was the first defeat inflicted on Wokingham B this season. Claiming just the one win, recorded by Bob Hales-Owen (skip), John Evans, Kevin Walter and Mike Drinkwater would not
suffice in this Division 2 contest. n A 24-SHOT win for the rink skipped by Paul Dollery, who was flanked by Keith Roberts, Joe Strange and Ken Martin, was scant consolation for a Wokingham C side well beaten 89-68 when up against University of Reading in Division 3. Over-60s A HEAVYWEIGHT battle between Wokingham and Suttons in Division 1 of the Kennet LX League would go the way of the opposition. Suttons proved too strong on the day, winning comfortably 72-35. The one winning triple for the club was skipped by Trevor Gilmour. n WOKINGHAM C, however, saw off Suttons in Division 2, where a determined performance yielded a 62-58 success.
Winning by seven shots, Claude Linnell, Robin Harding and Eric Nathan (skip) made up the highest triple. n THERE were celebrations within the Wokingham B team, too, after they outscored Palmer Park by 48 shots to 41 in Division 1. Ted Melber took the honours of skipping the best performing triple on the day. n IN DIVISION 3, Wokingham D were unable to get the better of Three Mile Cross, who took the points after running out 57-36 winners. Friendlies WOKINGHAM enjoyed a comfortable 60-46 victory when the Ladies took on Royal Household. Pat Boswell would preside over the
best performing rink during the fixture. Teaming up with Lucy Nathan and Jean Balkwell, the trio disposed of their counterparts by 14 shots. n THE MEN also packed too much punch when up against Great Hollands, who won on four of the five rinks and went on to secure a 107-83 success. Gerry Deeves would skip the hosts’ top triple. n HOPES of securing a third friendly triumph of the week, however, were spoiled by Hurst. Some glee would go the way of former Hurst player Martin Brailey, who was alongside Gerry Deeves (skip) and Ann Taylor in a rink which was the top triple, but it was his former team-mates who won overall, 74-70.
FOOTBALL
Two top Sumas awards for Sean GOALKEEPER Sean Woodward got his hands on two awards when Wokingham and Emmbrook held its end of season Presentation Evening at the weekend. The shot-stopper produced a number of impressive performances during what was a difficult year for the Sumas, and his efforts between the posts did not go unnoticed by players and supporters alike. Woodward (pictured) was named first-team Players’ Player of the Season, with Dan Carter the runner-up, and he was soon back up on the podium again when revealed as the winner of the Supporters’ Player gong. The club held the event for both first team and Reserves’ at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road on Saturday night, and it would turn out to be an emotional occasion, too. This is because the club was saying goodbye to joint-managers Dan Bateman and Matt Eggleston, whom both decided to step down following Wokingham and Emmbrook’s relegation from the Hellenic
Premier Division. The pair had been in the hot-seat for the past three years, where they guided the club back to the top flight and twice won the Reading Senior Cup. They were each presented with a signed framed shirt for their efforts and hard work, while Bateman was also to receive a glass ball From left: Matt Eggleston, Will Day (Managers’ Player of the Year/Clubman) and Dan Bateman in recognition of his 20 years with the club. Notching double figures saw Luke Scope take home the Top Goalscorer award, with Will Day getting the vote when it came to the Managers’ Player of the Year. He was also named Clubman of 2015/16, meaning he matched Woodward in picking up two accolades on the night. Craig Haylett, meanwhile, led the way in the Reserves, and it is his name which adorns the Manager’s Player, Top Goalscorer and Players’ Player awards for the last campaign, of which Tom McNelly was the runner-up in the latter category. Jake Wheeler, meanwhile, was the Above, left: Craig Haylett (Reserves’ top goalscorer) and Clive McNelly; centre: Matt Eggleston fans’ pick for the Supporters Award. and Dan Carter; right: Jake Wheeler (Reserves’ Supporters Award) and McNelly
TABLE TENNIS
Kingfisher ace Liu Hopes to build on Doha experience TABLE TENNIS protégé Jamie Liu secured a sixth placed finish at the World Hopes Week and Challenge in Doha. The 12-year-old (pictured), who represents Woodley club Kingfisher and attends Shiplake College, was one of 32 boys and girls invited to Qatar through the International Table Tennis Federation programme. The aim of the challenge is to help support national associations identify young players and enhance their chances of future success through working with young players and coaches from around the world. At the competition itself, Liu won
his qualification group and marched into the main knockout rounds, overcoming stern contests against opponents from Egypt, Australia and the host country. He would, though, suffer a setback in the quarter-final, where he went down to a deciding set defeat to Hungary’s Erik Huzsvar, meaning Jamie now needed to beat Carlos Fernandez of Peru in a classification match in order to reach a fifth and sixth place play-off.
Liu would do just that – and then some – overcoming a first set deficit to seal a 3-1 victory. But the youngster would have to settle for sixth after being edged out by India’s Vishwa Deenadayalan. “It was a tough week with all that physical training, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself,” said Jamie. “I’ve made new friends from all over the world and I’ve
learned so much from great coaches like Dan Basterfield and Dirk Wagner (head coach at Werner Schlager Academy and at the World Hopes Week).” The respective winners of the event were Navid Sharms of Iran and Elena Zaharia from Romania. Coach Basterfield, a former Junior National Champion, added: “I’m delighted with how the week has gone for Jamie – he trained very hard and listened well to coaching instructions in his first world event – we have both learned something valuable from this experience and I hope we’d have more chances to work together in the future.”
Josh Smith
Picture: Bob Swann
ICE HOCKEY
Smith is staying with the Bees JOSH SMITH has become the latest player to commit his future to the Bracknell Bees. The 18-year-forward enjoyed an encouraging breakthrough year with the team last season, scoring eight times and producing the same number of assists during 53 appearances. Frimley-born Smith is Bracknell through and through, having skated for the Under-16 Stingers, U18 Drones and the Hornets before making his bow for the senior side. He was also part of the Championship-winning Drones side of 2013-2014 and has twice represented the South West region at the Nationals, whom he captained in 2014-15. “Josh stepped up to the Bees squad on numerous occasions a couple of seasons ago and had his first full season with us last campaign,” said head coach Lukas Smital. “He is a good addition to the line-up having impressed last season. “With a great work ethic and the correct mindset he still has potential to fulfil, but can be a momentum-changing player on his night.” Smith follows Alex Mettam and captain Matt Foord in re-signing for Bees, who were last week accepted into the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) for next season.
SPORT | 35
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READING FC
LOIS ROCHE
Jaap arrives by Royals appointment
The Reading FC Women’s midfielder writes exclusively for The Wokingham Paper
By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk JAAP STAM has vowed to do everything he can to bring the good times back to Reading Football Club. The 43-year-old was unveiled on Monday as successor to the sacked Brian McDermott and has signed a two-year contract at Madejski Stadium, which comes with a possible extension. Stam arrives in Berkshire following a trophy-laden career as a player, with the no-nonsense and tough tackling defender winning trophies across Europe with PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Lazio, which included lifting the Champions League crown with the Red Devils back in 1999. Yet while becoming the first manager from overseas to take on the Royals’ hot seat, the former Netherlands international is also something of an unknown quality when it comes to being the boss with this, spare an interim spell at PEC Zwolle back in 2009, his first jaunt as head honcho. But Stam is now keen to sample yet more success from the dugout and wants to do this with Reading. “As everybody knew, I played on a high level of football and when I started my career as a player I started in a smaller team, and my success was wanting to play at the absolute top in Europe,” he said. “When you become a manager you have to start thinking as a manager and you have to go to a club that wants you and has the same ideas you have as well, and that is what Reading has.
Stam has my support
T
Jaap Stam was sworn in as Reading manager on Monday, signing a two-year contract
“They are very ambitious, like I am, and they want to go back to the Premier League and eventually I want to do that as well, and together I hope we can have a very good partnership and get there.” Despite the instant success craved by owners and chairman these days, Stam refused to put a time frame on how long it could take to get Reading back in the top flight. Reading have finished a disappointing 16th and 19th in the past two seasons, so some may feel they
One Hal of a day for Robson-Kanu CHRIS GUNTER played the whole game as Wales kicked off their Euro 2016 campaign in style with a 2-1 win over Slovakia. Gunter lined up on the right of a five-man defence as a wing back and Chris Coleman’s men took the lead in Bordeaux through a Gareth Bale free kick. Ondrej Duda equalised but substitute Hal Robson-Kanu (pictured), who left Reading this summer, tucked in a dramatic winner. Oliver Norwood also got 90 minutes but could not prevent Northern Ireland from slipping to a 1-0 opening loss against Poland.
Michael O’Neill’s side struggled to get a foothold in the game and eventually conceded to Arkadiusz Milik’s close range finish. Stephen Quinn was an unused substitute for Republic of Ireland as they drew 1-1 against Sweden. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Garath McCleary played 73 minutes of Jamaica’s final game of the Copa America Centenario. The Reggae Boyz had already been eliminated after losing to Venezuela and Mexico and they ended with three losses and no goals scored, going down 3-0 to Uruguay.
are way off competing in the upper echelons of the Championship at the moment. The new manager, though, has vowed to give everything to the cause, saying honestly: “I can’t guarantee them success. “I can’t tell them to sit here and tell them all we are going to be fifth in the league. “The message for them is everybody over here is very confident in what we want to achieve for next season and everybody is working very hard to build a team and make a team that is going to have success eventually and I know that, for the fans, is frustrating for a team that is not up to the standards they want them to be. “But they have to believe that we are doing everything in our power that we can to get success.” Stam will be assisted by familiar faces from his time at Ajax, where he was a coach before leaving at the end of last season in order to pursue a career in management. Andries Ulderink and Said Bakkati will both flank the Dutchman on the sidelines, as will Steven Reid and Dave Beasant, who keep their positions as first-team coaches. Stam had long been tipped to fill the vacancy left by McDermott, whose second stint in charge was ended in May when he was axed.
This was after being appointed to replace Steve Clarke just six months ago. It had been reported in some circles club officials had been talking with Stam while Brian was still at the club, but chief executive Nigel Howe denied this was the case. He also explained how Stam’s credentials stood out among a list of 14-15 candidates sought out by a football committee which included shareholder Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth. “We are all extremely excited to have Jaap Stam as the new manager of Reading,” he said. “I have spoken to Jaap abut his hopes and ambitions for Reading and it is clear to see he is a man with a real passion for football and a lot of energy and enthusiasm ready to put into his new role as a Royal. “From this moment onwards we will sit down together and help put his plans into action to build a strong squad capable of rising to the challenge of the Championship in 2016-17. “He has achieved the very highest honours as a player and has already won a title in his coaching career (with PEC Zwolle), so now he can begin what we believe will be a very successful journey in management at Madejski Stadium.”
‘McDermott should have been given more time’
n Club play down Sir John’s remarks on former boss By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
SIR JOHN MADEJSKI says Brian McDermott should have been given more time as Reading manager. McDermott, whose second spell in charge of the club came to an abrupt end in May after just five months, was replaced by Jaap Stam earlier this week. And the co-chairman opted to use Stam’s unveiling as the moment to reveal his disagreement with the decision made by the Thai owners of
Sir John Madejski
the club, something which disappointed chief executive Nigel Howe. “I welcome Jaap to Reading Football Club and I wish him every success,” said Madejski. “I wish that Brian had been given a bit longer but the shareholders decided it was time for a change. “I respect the shareholders decision, although I didn’t agree with the decision that Brian shouldn’t have stayed longer. “But that is in the past now and we have to move forward and I’d like to wish Jaap Stam every success for the future and I really mean that. “And of course the Thai owners, who are very anxious to see success at Reading Football Club on the football pitch and that’s what we all want.”
And after the press conference, Howe expressed his surprise at the timing of Madejski’s unscripted comments during an interview with BBC Radio Berkshire. “I thought that was a remarkable statement even by Sir John’s standard,” said Howe. “We know Sir John has a tendency to be a bit off the wall at times. “But, I think because he wasn’t involved in the selection process and isn’t involved in the day-to-day running of the club, he probably felt he might want to vent himself. “He was given a platform to do so. “Certainly I’d have hoped he’d have picked a different forum.” Howe also denied reports that Stam was contacted while McDermott was still employed by Reading.
HERE WAS big news this week for Reading fans with Jaap Stam announced as the new manager, signing a two-year deal at the club. Jaap previously spent two years as the assistant coach of Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie and this will be his first managerial position. However, he is no stranger to English football. He only won the Premier league three times, secured an FA Cup medal and of course was part of the famous Manchester United treble-winning side in ‘99. A true United legend in our household and being massive United fans this news has been greatly received, mostly from my dad. Yes, I am from London but aren’t we all? My dad has already made me promise to hunt him down to get his shirt signed for him. So Jaap, if you’re reading this have your sharpie at the ready! Let’s hope he’s a little more friendly off the pitch than he ever was on it. Depending on your nationality, the Euros couldn’t have got off to a better start for some. And don’t we know it. The Welsh contingent at Reading Women have made themselves heard this week throughout our training sessions. Annoyingly, we had to play them (on Thursday) and were relying on the national side to hopefully shut them up and wipe the smug looks off their faces for us. Unsure of who’s bright idea this was but we all decided to watch the match together as a team event. So, just a heads up for when the season comes back round and we haven’t got a fully fit squad, you’ll know the reason why. Initially I thought it could be Belgium’s year but having seen their opening game against Italy, I’m starting to doubt myself. – Which is very unlike me, may I add! With their squad; a proven goal scorer in Romelu Lukaku, a solid backline with a pairing of Tottenham centre halves and not forgetting the player of the year in 2014/15, Eden Hazard, it’s about time they performed on the big stage. Fellaini has not been mentioned for obvious reasons. I suppose it is hard to look past Germany and everyone knows what happened in France in 1998. Although I was only five so I doubt I knew what was going on but I did hear about it. Sorry if that makes you feel old. Evidently, France are always strong as the home nation and Italy love a tournament. Then there’s Spain who have gone a little under the radar this competition due to their poor form in the World Cup. The experience and quality in that squad, surely you cannot rule them out. With this being said I fail to lose faith just yet and should we have won on Thursday and get another three points against Slovakia (on Monday) we can still top the group and go into the following stages of the competition off the back of some solid wins. On a side note I am happy to say I’m now back in full training with the team – much to Callum the physio’s delight. With just over three weeks left until our first game back I intend to train as hard as possible, regain fitness and be available for selection. As always thanks for all the support, I hope you are all enjoying reading the column as much as I am writing them. n Got a question or topic you’d like to put to Lois? Tweet us @WokinghamSport or email sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
BERKSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE
Timms and Sheridan star for Farley – again! DIVISIONS 2 AND 3 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk NICK TIMMS and Michael Sheridan were the stars of the show for a Farley Hill side which strengthened its grip on top spot in Division 2 after a comprehensive victory at Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd. Both made telling contributions the weekend before during the win over Waltham St Lawrence, but the roles reversed on this occasion as the villagers preserved their 100 per cent start to the season with this 131-run triumph. Timms was top scorer on the afternoon, hitting 64 of the 242-5 Farley posted, while Sheridan claimed an impressive 4-8 to restrict Emmbrook’s reply. There was plenty of support too for Timms, with Ross Ditchburn (48), Akeesh Khokhar (45), Sheridan with 33 and Gregory Coney (30) all scoring well for the side, which was inserted into bat after captain Simon Longfield won the toss The efforts of Luke Wayborn to try and stifle Farley would yield three wickets for the Emmbrook bowler, but the hosts had work to do during the chase. But with Sheridan showing clinical form with the ball, the task proved an impossible one. Andy Webb would run up 38 during a counter-attacking innings, but eventually fell as one of Sheridan’s victims. In swinging the bat hard, Matt Mead scored 18 down in the tail and would finish not out, but a disappointing response from Emmbrook was ended in the 36th over. Also among the wickets for Farley was Craig Jorey, who finished with a healthy 3-27. Borough rivals SHINFIELD are currently their closest challengers in
Farley Hill’s Akeesh Khokhar, who struck 45, flicks the ball away during the Division 2 game with Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd at Lowther Road. Right: Keith Woodman celebtares a wicket Pictures: John Nikol
second, but were unable to capitalise on some bit hitting from Prashant Gandhi and Suneet Basra during their match with Sandhurst 2nd and had to settle for a winning draw. Gandhi hit exactly 100 and Basra 51 for the guests, as further useful knocks further down the order from Atiq Javed (39) and captain Shashank Garg, unbeaten on 40, helped the side to a commanding 277-7. Javed would follow up his earlier efforts by leading the attack with 3-30. Garg picked up two more and Sudhair Nair, Gandhi, Pramul and a run out combined to have Sandhurst nine down, but the final dismissal would prove elusive, with Simon Coxwell and Michael De Villiers, who led the reply with an
unbeaten 35, negotiating the draw. The stuttering form of EARLEY shows no sign of letting up after they were comfortably dispatched by Peppard Stoke Row at Bulmershe Leisure Centre. Knights’ captain Gary Shacklady won the toss and elected to bat, only for the decision to backfire, with the line up shot out in the 41st over for a hard-earned 81. Having slipped to 13-2, Vinod Aduri (10), Curt Watts (13) and Oliver Johnson (14) tried to lead a recovery, but with the trio gone, so were any hopes of taking a competitive score into the field. The session, in particular, was unravelled by Ian Jackson, whose commanding work saw the Peppard
bowler almost take the same number of wickets as runs conceded. He would finish with 5-7. Earley, though, were quick out of the traps with the ball, and it looked game on when Gary Shacklady, twice, and Prasad Gore picked up some early wickets to leave the visitors in a potential mess on 5-3. Gore would strike again soon after, but the unbeaten 50 made by Simon Gozzard and Richard Walker’s 20 not out curtailed the fight back, with the winning runs knocked off in the 27th over. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE were due to host Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall 2nd, but the opposition scratched the fixture, meaning 30 points were awarded to the home side. KNOWL HILL now appear to have picked up a winning habit after outscoring Welford Park 2nd by 74 runs to seal successive victories in Division 3. But they would again need a stellar bowling performance to double their win tally for the season, with Jordy Duffy the lynchpin on this occasion. He would remove five opponents for the cost of just 24 runs, with his return helping inspire the side to bowl out Welford in just the 26th over for a meagre 65. Duffy was well backed up by Adam Brookman, whose entrusted nine-over spell brought about another three dismissals. Knowl, who broke their duck for the year the weekend before when defending a lean-looking total of 130, again were far from spectacular, with openers Noel Darvell (33) and Dave Gordon (23) holding up an innings which witnessed just 139 runs – of which 38 came via extras. But it once again proved to be more
than enough and Knowl are now out of the relegation zone. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE continue to lead the way despite being on the wrong side of the draw when hosting Warfield. The visitors were put into bat and would tot up an impressive 150 runs for the opening wicket, of which Ashley Gander made 104. Yet they were unable to push on as four wickets for Ashish Darekar reined the opposition in, with Warfield closing on 185-5. He would then go and strike up a top score of 31 in what was a decent all-round performance. Spence Nichols (25), Simon Burr (23) and Pete Schofield, who ran up 21 from just 17 balls, all chipped away at the target, but the reply would run out of time, with Twyford some 42 runs adrift come the close of play. They finished on 143-8. Watchful innings from Emad Khan and Tajdar Jawaid helped WOODLEY 2ND to a competitive score of 243 – but it was toppled by Sulhamstead and Ufton 3rd, who celebrated a six-wicket success. Woodley have been involved in some high-scoring affairs this term and this would turn out to be another, with Khan whacking 15 boundaries during a knock of 89, but Jawaid did not score any during a well-earned 64 batting at six. Protecting this total, however, proved more than difficult on a good wicket, while failing to remove Shiva Aruna proved costly. He would carry his side to a comfortable win via a swashbuckling stand of 139 not out, which included six boundaries. And he would play the chase brilliantly, too, with the winning runs coming with just two balls to spare.
Regal work from Arshad downs Victoria PREMIER DIVISION AND DIVISION 1
CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD made an immediate return to winning ways in the Premier Division after defeating Ruislip Victoria by a margin of 48 runs, writes LEWIS RUDD. And they would secure 32 points having defended a modest score of 144 at St Sebastian’s, with the hosts indebted to some fine bowling from Muhammad Shakeel Arshad (pictured), who picked off four opponents for the loss of just 12 runs. This form would rub off on Jeff Cluett, Sinith Chandran and Ravi Godbole, too, with the remaining six wickets shared equally between the trio. Between the four of them, the attack did its job to great affect, with Ruislip rolled out for 96. Crowthorne began the game at the crease having lost the toss and looked to be heading towards a mediocre score with the top and middle order – spare the 29 made by opener and captain Anthony Cluett – failing to produce the goods. It was Robert Crook who would accelerate the scoring somewhat, leading the charge down at eight and moving the hosts towards a match-winning position with a pivotal 42. EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD
returned from Mortimer West End nursing a heavy 101-run reverse. Captain Richard Cole inserted the opposition to bat and saw Matt Howarth get to work on the line up, of which he removed half during a profitable nine-over spell (5-36). He would eventually put paid to Steve Audsley, but the Mortimer batsman had propelled the side to a commanding position through a top score of 66. Cole himself bagged a brace of wickets and Matt Smart claimed a scalp, but the home side still went on to make 208-8. The reply, however, would get off to a dreadful start, with Emmbrook three down and just 12 runs on the board. All three wickets were taken by Andy Trott. Phil West and Matt Smart tried to spark the innings into life, hitting 30 and 17 respectively, but losing the latter would start another flurry of batsmen to fall. Matt Howarth nudged the side into treble figures, but asking the No.9 to try and play out for a draw was too big an ask. He was the last man to go in the 27th over, with Emmbrook bowled out for a sorry-looking 107. Faisal Ahmed’s half century 55 proved to be in vain for a WOODLEY side
beaten by five wickets when up against Woodcote at Woodford Park. Some timely strokes from Usman Ghani Asif (38) and Zain Raja (35) helped push Woodley to a decent score of 241 when stuck into bat, but the visitors’ firepower on the day was just that bit more clinical. Naveed Asghar, Kashif Ali and Abdul Khaliq all took a wicket, as did Ahmed, who removed Ryan Lennard, but he had already guided Woodcote along the victory path with a hit of 87 before playing a catch to Adnan Riaz. At the opposite end, Micky Molloy Ross Ditchburn added 48 to Farley’s total nudged the side closer to victory through a knock of 53 before being run out. The win was eventually secured with three balls remaining, with defeat pushing Woodley into the bottom two, In Division 1, Berkshire County Sports DIVISION 4 (BCS) strengthened their early grip on top spot after running out five wicket HASSAN SAFDAR celebrated a winners at Goring-on-Thames. half-century and Sandeep Bharat picked A successful run chase at The Gardiner up a brilliant 5-25 during Shinfield 2nd’s Recreation Ground was built around the game with Bradfield. innings’ of Mubashar Aftab and Kashif But the pair’s efforts were tarnished Mehmood, the No.3 and No.4 striking 41 a little after the opposition held out to and 47 respectively. secure a draw. Sohail Abbas contributed 22, while Shinfield were inserted into bat at Salman Hamidi secured the win with an the toss and would go on to make 181 all unbeaten 32. out, with Safdar producing the standout Earlier in the day, Barbar Butt and knock, whacking 59 from 73 balls. Basat Ali contained Goring to a reachable But the total looked under increasing score after disrupting the innings by threat as the away side put on 76 for the taking seven wickets, of which four went opening wicket, only to see the removal to the former (4-56).
Emmbrook’s Luke Wayborn celebrates one of his three wickets (3-63)
Hassan hits a half century and Bharat takes five wickets, but Shinfield are held of Will Nevill (45) result in a momentum shift. With Bharat now taking charge, Bradfield were all of a sudden 126-6 and in trouble of losing the game. This would become 144-7 as Safdar and Kiran Alluri got it on in the act, but the contest would run out of overs, with Shinfield shading the contest and taking 25 points from a winning draw, which is enough to keep them top of the table. EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 3RD and CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 3RD were due to lock horns at Great Hollands Recreation Ground, but the contest was declared a washout after a heavy downpour flooded the outfield.
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
FINCHAMPSTEAD CRICKET CLUB
Marles: Win over Henley best yet n Stunning performance ruins opponents’ perfect start to the season By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk DAN MARLES says the weekend win over Henley is the best result recorded during his spell as Finchampstead captain. But he has urged his side to ensure it was not a one-off and that it instead sets a benchmark they must try to match for the remainder of the season. After a slow start to the campaign, Finch have now produced three dominant wins on the spin, culminating in a stunning 141-run thrashing of previously unbeaten Henley, away from home, to lift them up to fourth in the table. And the skipper says this victory topped everything he has achieved in the role so far. “It’s my best win as captain, definitely,” he told The Wokingham Paper. “It’s the best all round performance I’ve seen at Finch for five or six years. “A really top, top performance and hopefully that’s a bit of a mark which we try to hit every week now. “That’s where we go from here. It’s a top win but we’re really concentrated on Saturday to keep progressing.” After losing the toss and being put in to bat by the joint league leaders, Finch produced a solid batting display throughout, albeit after losing two early wickets with openers Matt Jones (10) and Adam Dewes (20) dismissed. Dan Lincoln (30) and Billy Rogers (37) produced a steady partnership to settle any early nerves while Marles (31) and Andy Rishton (38) also helped tick the score along. And a late power surge from Sukhi Kang (35) and Matt Carter (28), with the latter plundering three sixes, saw
Andy Rishton (left – 38) and Billy Rogers (37) helped Finchampstead to a competitive total of 253-6 at Henley last Saturday
Finch take the score over 250, closing on 253-6. “We were going to have a bowl,” admitted Marles. “The pitch looked like it would do a bit but obviously getting stuck in (to bat) we were pretty positive and I thought 250 was a pretty good score. “We batted out the overs, making sure they didn’t have too many overs to bat and when we came to bowl we just bowled in the right areas and picked up the wickets. “A few of us, including myself, should go on and get 70 to 100 but it’s good everyone is chipping in getting 30s and 40s.
“It shows we’re all in pretty good form and to get 250 against probably the best bowling attack in the league is a really good effort.” This was the first of a series of timed matches as opposed to 50/50 games, a format Finch struggled to get wins in last season, but after 34 without loss, Coetzee and fellow seamer Matt Carter began to chip away at the order with a wicket apiece to remove openers David Barnes (15) and Matthew Rowe (22). Richard Morris (0) was quickly clean bowled by Carter before Coetzee took over to dismiss Ziafat Ashraf (0), Euan Woods (0), Bjorn Mordt (14) and
Tom Nugent (2) to end with figures of 5-25 to take his season record to an astonishing 16 wickets at the cost of just 66 runs. And the win was sealed in the 41st over as Henley were bowled out for 112. Despite the storming successes in recent weeks, Marles insists mid-table is still the primary focus. “We’re still thinking about mid-table,” he said. “All this is a five-year plan of youth coming through and maybe two or three years down the line maybe we will have a title chance. “We said that last year about how realistic was it and we ended up coming second so it’s a really good effort. “We’ve just got to keep winning game by game. “These youths are getting better and the lads are stepping up, so anything can happen but mid-table is what we’re looking for.” Finchampstead host Reading this weekend, a side second bottom of the table with just one win this season, but Marles is keen to play down the favourites tag. “I think we’ve got to stay on the ground and think, look lads we’ve just come up,” he said. “We’ve got to play strong positive cricket and the first hour and a half of the game is really important. “The first hour and a half has been ours in the last three games so it’s just another game of cricket. “We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the mental side, so we’ve just got to do what we’ve been doing and I’m sure we’ll get a good result on Saturday.” Marles confirmed there will be one change to the team for this week with Greg Smith rewarded for his fine form in the 2nd XI with a call-up to replace the absent Adam Dewes.
GOLF
CHILTERNS CRICKET LEAGUE
Rain intervenes, but Binfield draw
BINFIELD held out to avoid defeat at Pinkneys Green in what proved to be a fixture affected by the rain. The visitors’ reply was reduced to 38 overs, during which time the side reached 174-9 in reply to the 215-7 struck earlier in the day by Pinkneys. Opener Chris Morgan and Alex Jackson down in the middle order helped lay the foundations for a successful run chase, with the pair sharing a top score of 42. Adam Marshall also made a useful contribution of 36, but Binfield were unable to kick on and soon became at threat of losing the contest after Imran Tariq, the pick of the Pinkneys attack with 4-25, and Ardeel Akhtar began chipping away at the line up. Despite failing to score, Max Mitchell and Tim Vines blocked out the final few deliveries to secure a share of the spoils before the former was dismissed on the very last ball of the day. The hosts has been stuck into bat at the start of play, where a standout innings from Jagsit Dhillon helped guide Pinkneys to a competitive total. The No.3 led the way with a top score of 74 before he was one of three victims for Max Mitchell. He would share six of the seven wickets to fall with Ian Goddard. Mike Staves picked up the other. The result leaves Binfield fifth in the Division 1 table ahead of a clash with Denham on Saturday (1pm). n KAMAL GUPTA and James Wright were the stars of the show for a Binfield 2nd side which got the better of Taplow 2nd in a five-wicket triumph. Clearly buoyed by the win handed to them the weekend before due to a cancellation, the team would claim their first triumph outright when knocking off a modest target of 111. Choosing to filed proved to be the correct call, with destructive work from Gupta and Wright returning figures of 3-35 and 3-33 respectively for the pair. With Steve Andrews (2-13), Gary Chippendale and James Collett also making breakthroughs, Taplow were heading towards defeat. But they did make a first of things when in possession of the ball, with Matt Roberts claiming a four-wicket haul, although Binfield were never in any trouble. This is because the 32 made by Joe Scully, Matt Humphrey’s 24 and the unbeaten 17 from captain James Wright saw them to victory in the 23rd over. The second XI are away at fifth-placed Hurley on Saturday (1pm).
RUGBY
Robertson aces his unique 18-hole challenge, raising £2,500
Harris now Scottish after leaving Irish
WOKINGHAM’S Graeme Robertson has helped raise £2,500 as part of a unique golf challenge, writes TOM CROCKER. Robertson, 53, has primary progressive MS and is unable to walk unaided across a room, but became the first man to complete the DRIVE2DRIVE challenge, helping raise money and awareness for MS and the Disabled Golf Association. Across three counties, Robertson took part in 18 holes of golf at 18 different golf clubs in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire while fellow disabled golfer Peter King completed the same challenge in Kent and East Sussex. Robertson, who has been the non-playing captain of the England disabled golf team for the past five years, travelled around with wife Sue and an army of helpers to complete the day-long event. “I managed to play all 18 holes!” he said. “I even got a par three at Sonning GC and just missed a par four at Goring and Streatley GC. “A special thanks to all the golf clubs and it was incredible to have support of the members and staff, as well as those playing in society matches at Bearwood Lakes, Royal Ascot, Goring and Streatley and Donnington Valley. “It was a chilly, windy early start and
JONNY HARRIS has left London Irish to join Championship rivals London Scottish. Prop Harris, who struggled for game time under Tom Coventry last season, becomes the latest player to leave the club following relegation from the Aviva Premiership. Norfolk-born Harris, 25, joined Exiles in 2013 from Leicester Tigers, where he picked up a Premiership A winner’s medal in 2010/11. He also earned caps for England at Under-19 level but failed to make an impact for Irish in recent months. n ALEX LEWINGTON started for England Saxons as they won their first tour match against South Africa 32-24 in Bloemfontein. The London Irish winger was part of the side which opened up a 19-point first half lead and they staved off a second half fightback with Danny Cipriani ending the match with 12 points to his name. Lewington was absent for the second match against South Africa, missing out through injury. n JOHNNY WILLIAMS scored a try as England U20s thrashed Scotland 44-0 in their World Rugby Championship pool match.
From left: Graeme Robertson, Holly Robertson, Helen Tucker, Alison Hall, Ashley Harris and John Cousins. Below: Robertson on the course with caddy Ashley Harris
we didn’t see many golfers out too early but a warm welcome from my family on the 18th at East Berks which was a great surprise. “Between Peter and myself and all our helpers so far we have raised an incredible £2,500.” For information on how to donate, visit disabledgolf.org.uk/drive2drive.
Robertson went on to thank his wife, Sue, and daughter Holly, caddie Ashley Harris, fellow Wokingham golfer Stan Bembenek. Lesley Bain, his sister Helen and her fiancée John, and Jamie Bullock
The 18 clubs visited were: Sand Martins, Donnington Valley, West Berks, Goring and Streatley, Badgemore Park, Hennerton, Sonning, Castle Royle, Bearwood Lakes, Sunningdale Ladies, Royal Ascot, Mill Ride, Winter Hill, Stoke Park,
Exiles youngster Williams scored the third try and was also in action later in the week against Australia. Club-mate Theo Brophy Clews was forced out of the England squad through injury.
Santos returns BRACKNELL have appointed a new head of strength and conditioning – and it is a familiar face which has taken up the role. Wesley Santos, who has previously played for the club, returns to Lily Hill Park as part of a close season restructure which is aiming to help the club enjoy a successful 2016/17 season in the South West section of National League 3. “We are delighted Wes is joining our coaching team and wish him luck in his role,” said a club statement. “We have no doubt he will be a huge part of building the winning environment.” Bracknell, meanwhile, will kick off the new season on Saturday, September 3, away at Old Redcliffians. The reverse fixture will take place on the final day of the season - April 22.
38 | SPORT
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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE
Malik puts Wargrave back on track n Imran’s century knock helps villagers seal first victory since the opening day DIVISIONS 2–5 By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk IMRAN MALIK struck a century to guide Wargrave to their first victory since the opening day of the season. Wargrave, who have struggled for results since a dominant eight-wicket success against Chiswick and Whitton, got back on track with an impressive batting display to see off Beaconsfield by 61 runs. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Wargrave lost just three wickets in this Division 2B clash, led by Malik (107) while Neal Robinson (63no) and Luke Taylor (43) also produced good knocks. Kam Hanif also ended the innings unbeaten with 36 to help the score along to 276-3 before the hosts declared. Jack Clark and Martin Smith took charge with the ball, picking up four wickets each to dismiss Beaconsfield for 215 in the 43rd over to seal the win. In the same league, three wickets from Lewis Smith saw HURST pick up a narrow 19-run win over Burnham 2nd. Batting first, Hurst reached 193-8 before their overs ran out with Phil Higgs (46no) and Alex Kayser (39) top scoring. But Burnham appeared to be closing in on the winning line thanks to a fine innings from Omar Siddique (74no), but he eventually ran out of batting partners as his side fell just short. Zahid Mohammed continued his impressive start to the season with 97
This reverse sweep was one of many confident strokes played by Zahid Mohammed during the 97 he made for Sonning against Reading 2nd in Division 3A Pictures: Jon Nikol
runs and three wickets as SONNING earned a winning draw against Reading 2nd in 3A. In a high scoring contest, Sonning batted first and declared on 260-5 with Duncan Parr (92) and Peter Dean (42) supporting Mohammed’s score. But Asim Zaka went one better in the second innings, reaching a century, while a knock of 71 from Tom Holmes gave Reading hope of an unlikely chase, despite the best efforts of Raja Rafaqat (6-54) with the ball. Time eventually ran out on Reading with them sat on 241-9, but in clinging
Parr, however, narrowly avoids being run out during a game which ended in a draw
on to their final wicket, the points were shared 15-7 in Sonning’s favour. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3RD were also left frustrated as EVERSLEY 2ND held on to claim a draw. Ben Fisher (51no) and Kwame Appiah (51) both reached half centuries while Marcus Bazeley made 41 as Finch declared on 251-8. Aftab Habib (75) proved difficult to shift in reply and despite fine bowling from Josh Lincoln (4-62) and Sam Taylor (3-50), Eversley kept a wicket in tact to close on 197-9. Greg Smith has earned a recall to the
Finchampstead first team after another impressive show for table-topping FINCHAMPSTEAD 2ND in 2A. Still unbeaten, Finch swept aside EVERSLEY by seven wickets thanks in no small part to a 62 from Smith to follow up his 130 the previous week. Eversley batted first and set a target of 217 to win thanks to solid knocks from Chris Last (48no), Shane Green (69) and James Magowan (52) but figures of 3-20 from Russell Lane got them nine down. Finches made light work of the chase, picking up the win in the 37th over with Andrew House (66), Smith and Simon Bell (54) the big hitters. WOKINGHAM 2ND remain top of 4B after a four-wicket win over Stoke Green 2nd. Three wickets apiece from Luca Wade and Rakesh Patel helped the Oaks bowl out Stoke Green for just 152 and Wokingham got over the line with relative ease. Matthew Loxton top scored with 38 while Simon Carter (29) and Craig Beales (36no) secured victory after 33.4 overs. SONNING 2ND’S struggles in 5B continue after a six-wicket defeat against Bagshot 2nd. High-flying Bagshot went into the contest top of the pile and made their authority show as Derek Budd (5-51) led the bowling to dismiss Sonning for 154 with Dave Rintoul (32) and Khuram Akram (31) top scoring. Ryan Blake (66) led the chase to seal victory and leave Sonning third from bottom.
Duncan Parr, seen playing a textbook front-foot drive, also impressed at the crease for Sonning, scoring 92
Reading’s Salman Khalid looks for a breakthrough
MINOR COUNTIES
Berkshire recall Rishton and Kang will keep wicket when Wales head to Henley BERKSHIRE commence their home fixtures in the Unicorns Championship when they meet Wales Minor Counties at Henley CC in a three-day game starting on Sunday at 11am, writes DAVID WRIGHT. They will be looking to follow up their 269-run win over Herefordshire last week. That was an impressive performance, but it hasn’t stopped Berkshire making three changes to their team. All-rounders Martin Andersson and Andy Rishton, who were unavailable for the visit to Colwall due to university commitments, replace batsmen Dan Lincoln and Billy Rogers. Andersson is in good form, having scored 81 not out in Reading’s win over Harefield on Saturday and then 138 off 150 balls on Monday to help Leeds Bradford University beat Loughborough by four runs in the semi-finals of the BUCS 50-over competition. There is also a switch behind the stumps with Sukhi Kang taking over from
Finchampstead’s Sukhi Kang will be Berkshire’s wicket-keeper
Stewart Davison. Henley wicket-keeper Davison is assistant coach to the Oxford MCCU
squad and has helped them reach the final of the MCC Universities Challenge against Loughborough at Lord’s, which is taking place next Tuesday. It was a tough decision for Stewart to make and Berkshire head coach Tom Lambert has no issues with him deciding to be with Oxford. Lambert said: “I’m happy with the call he’s made. Stewie has put in a lot of work at Oxford and is moving his coaching career forward.” The game against Wales will see a home debut for Ollie Wilkin, who made an unforgettable first appearance for Berkshire against Herefordshire, scoring a total of 322 runs in the match, just 19 short of the record which Ernest Garnett set back in 1908. Wilkin also became the 10th Berkshire player to make a century on his debut. The previous batsman to achieve it was Waqas Hussain, who will open the innings with Wilkin against Wales. Skipper James Morris said: “We made
a fantastic start against Herefordshire and we will be looking to build on that momentum against Wales. We came close to winning the (Western Division) title last season and we are determined to win it this year.” Wales also made a successful start to their campaign last week, defeating Devon by seven wickets. BERKSHIRE: Waqas Hussain (Slough), Ollie Wilkin (Ealing), Martin Andersson (Reading), Richard Morris (Henley), James Morris (Datchet), Andy Rishton (Finchampstead), Euan Woods (Henley), Chris Peploe (Datchet), Sukhi Kang (Finchampstead), Matt Carter (Finchampstead), Tom Nugent (Henley).
n BERKSHIRE Women’s county championship fixture against Middlesex at North Maidenhead last Sunday was rained off without a ball being bowled. The Beavers have completed the signing of experienced New Zealand international Rachel Priest, 31, and she is set to make her debut on Sunday, June 26, when Berkshire play T20 games against Kent and Lancashire at Wokingham CC.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, June 17, 2016
Finch win is fuelled by Cole DIVISIONS 6–9
BEN COLE took six wickets as Finchampstead 4th continued their perfect start to the Division 7A season with a 10-wicket thumping of North Maidenhead 3rd, writes TOM CROCKER. Maidenhead, who are yet to win this term, batted first but only Bhavik Patel (31) really troubled the scorers as Cole (6-34) tore through the order to help bowl them out for 134. That target was never likely to be enough to concern Finch and so it proved in dramatic fashion with opening duo Matthew Etheridge (57no) and Chris Wood (73no) getting the job done themselves to secure victory after 27 overs. In the same league, EVERSLEY 3RD slipped to their first defeat of the season, going down by four wickets against Thatcham Town 3rd. Paul Ager (31) top scored during a disappointing Eversley innings as they were bowled out for 142. Tom Owen (4-15) and Ben Denton-Powell (3-24) did their best in the reply but Thatcham cleared the winning post in the 30th over. Six wickets from Tim Everitt were not enough to earn HURST 2ND victory over Cove 3rd in 6B. Batting first, Cove reached 209 before being bowled out, down in no small part to Everitt (6-43), with Nilanka Kodithuwakku top scoring on 88. But Hurst completely crumbled in reply, being skittled out for a meagre 44 with Matt Farr (7-26) and Tom Woodhouse (3-17) tearing through the order. WARGRAVE 2ND against WOKINGHAM 3RD was abandoned. EVERSLEY 4TH remain winless at the bottom of 8A after a 114-run defeat against SONNING 3RD. Batting first, Sonning reached 221-8 before declaring with Waqas Tahir (53) and Arbab Ubaidullah (49) top scoring as Aamir Tahir (3-22) did his best with the ball. But Eversley got nowhere near chasing them down as Tony Critchley (3-46) and Colin Webb (3-34) enjoyed fine spells with the ball to dismiss the hosts for 107. Ben Pickbourne hit an unbeaten 82 as WOKINGHAM 4TH cruised to a 10-wicket win over Royal Ascot 4th. Ascot batted out their overs but only reached 165, losing nine wickets in the process with Jamie Cable (4-42) and Alex Crowder-Johnson (3-29) doing most of the damage. And Pickbourne, alongside John Barker (66no) got the Oaks over the line after 31 overs. FINCHAMPSTEAD 5TH climbed up to fourth in 9A with a 44-run win over Cove 5th. Finch struggled to get any rhythm during their batting innings with Paul Clayton top scoring on 29 as they closed on 168-9. But some fine bowling from Ed Hartless (4-25) and Ahmet Tuney (4-34) saw Cove dismissed for 124 to clinch victory and leapfrog their opponents. WARGRAVE 3RD’s clash with Yateley 4th was cancelled while WOKINGHAM 5TH had an afternoon to forget, being bowled out for just 47 as they lost by 110 runs to Maidenhead and Bray 4th.
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Friday, June 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
WOKINGHAM CRICKET CLUB
Inconsistency is costing Oaks, but we will come good says Housego n No wins in three after draw at Cove By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk DAN HOUSEGO was disappointed to see Wokingham fail to chase down a target of 228 at Cove. The Oaks’ winless run now stands at three matches after the visitors could only reach 212-7 in reply to the total set earlier in the day by their Hampshire hosts. “It was a very good wicket, although we should have got them to a lower total than 228,” said the player-coach (pictured). “We backed ourselves to chase it down on what was one of the better wickets we have played on so far this season, but it wasn’t to be. “We are confident chasing any total down with the line-up we have, we’re not firing at 100 per cent at the moment, but we will get there. “A few of the guys, myself included, but I won’t mention any names, have not been making enough runs and it is not happening at the moment, but it will do.” To the contrary, Stuart Parsons once again produced a watchful innings. Fresh from the 84 hit during the loss to Stoke Green the weekend before, the opener looked to have laid the foundations for a successful run chase with a successive top score of 69. Support would come from Michael Bates, the No.3 and wicket-keeper who fell just a solitary run shy of a half century, but the next best return after that was the 21 totted up by captain Stuart Hayter. Jack Turner, with 18, and Dan Reddyhough (16), back in the first team fold following some impressive hits for the 2nd XI, made stands, but Wokingham would finish the session, and the day, 16 runs short of victory. Najeeb Bashir Malik was the biggest nuisance with the ball, with his 4-72 including the wickets of both Parsons and Bates. Tom Redhead would pick up two more, but the visitors never looked in any danger of losing the contest. The results mean Wokingham arrested a run of two straight defeats, yet the eight points picked up was not enough to keep
them third in the Thames Valley Cricket League Division 1 table, and they have slipped to sixth. Housego, who took on responsibility for coaching alongside Bates back in the close season, has put the recent wobble down to a lack of consistency following a strong start to the campaign, although he did come away from the Cove fixture with some positives. “I thought we bowled really well for the first 15 overs, with some great stuff from Cameron Spence (1-38) and Tom Wood (1-39),” said the former Middlesex and Gloucestershire professional. “But we let it slip between overs 15-35 and that cost us really. “We would have wanted to try and peg them to around 180, and that would have made things a little easier, but it was a good game of cricket and we have come up short. “Stuart Parsons is also playing excellent. He is being aggressive and positive and that is how the game should be played, and he is really imposing himself.” Paul Dewick and Jack Fisher would lead the attack after Hayter won the toss and elected to field, picking up two wickets each, with the former removing Malik on 56. It was Housego’s good work in the field, however, which would end the innings of lead bat Nicholas Farr, who was run out on an agonising 99, but the pair between them had steered Cove into control. Despite showing praise to the bowling department, Housego also admitted there is more work to be done, adding: “I don’t think we are bowling well enough. We bowled really well at Chesham (earlier in the season), but against Stoke Green I thought we were quite poor, being honest, and all the guys will probably agree with me. “This week we bowled really well but didn’t back it up, but then bowled really well at the end, so it is an inconsistency issue. “The batting can be better too. “It is all about consistency and we will
YOUTH CRICKET
Pawar leaves Sandhurst in a spin as Yellow Oaks preserve perfect start WOKINGHAM Yellow Oaks Under-13s outscored Sandhurst by 56 runs to preserve their winning start to the new season. Rotating the stroke play to good effect would see Safwan Toqir and Will Carpenter lift the visitors to a competitive total of 120-4 after they were kindly allowed to bat first due to some players
arriving late for the game. And they would go on to emphatically protect this score thanks to some impressive returns from leg-spinner Aaryan Pawar, who took four wickets in as many overs for the cost of just nine runs and Finley Newman, whose two scalps came from just 12 deliveries. Carpenter would help move
The Borough Honours board The team each player represents is listed first Batsmen
Michael Bates was agonisingly denied a half century when dismissed on 49
Jack Turner’s 18 down in the lower order was unable to help steer Wokingham to victory
Dan Reddyhough was back in action for the first team and would make 16 runs during the game at Cove
Tom Wood (left – 1-39) and Cameron Spence (1-38) were both praised by coach Dan Housego, but Wokingham are not bowling well enough, according to the player-coach
get through this because we all know what we can do.” Wokingham are back on home soil this Saturday, where the visitors to Sadlers End are the team who sit directly above them in the standings, Falkland (1pm). Housego hinted at changes for the
fixture, too. He said: “There will be a couple of guys coming back who haven’t played yet and I think there maybe some unavailability, but it is about getting the right team out for Falkland.”
Wokingham away from a cautious start with a quick-fire 30 before retiring. Alongside Toqir, the pair would put on a partnership of 66. He would go on to make an unbeaten 34, saving his best shot until last – a glorious maximum over mid-wicket before retiring to the pavilion. If the target facing them was not already imposing enough, Sandhurst’s work would become that even bit harder when another Toqir, Anushay, made a breakthrough with the final ball of her opening over. Further wickets for Archie Wright
(1-12) and Shaurya Chauhan (1-11) pegged the hosts back to 38-3 and put the Oaks in control. Pawar and Newman were then introduced to the fold and Sandhurst simply had no answer to either bowler. Tearing through the rest of the line-up, the opposition were able to just about double their tally of runs before the last man was gone with the score on 63 at the end of the 14th over. The Yellow Oaks will be looking to record a third win on the spin when up against Shinfield on Wednesday.
IMRAN MALIK: Wargrave v Beaconsfield – 107 PRASHAT GANDHI: Shinfield v Sandhurst 2nd – 100 ZAHID MOHAMMED: Sonning v Reading 2nd – 97 DUNCAN PARR: Sonning v Reading 2nd – 92 EMAD KHAN: Woodley 2nd v Sulhamstead and Ufton 3rd – 89 BEN PICKBOURNE: Wokingham 4th v Royal Ascot 4th – 82* CHRIS WARD: Finchampstead 4th v North Maidenhead 3rd – 73* HASSAN SAFDAR: Shinfield 2nd v Bradfield 2nd – 73 STUART PARSONS: Wokingham v Cove – 69 SHANE GREEN: Eversley v Finchampstead 2nd – 69 JOHN BARKER: Wokingham 4th v Royal Ascot 4th – 66* NICK TIMMS: Farley Hill v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd – 64 TAJDAR JAWAID: Woodley 2nd v Sulhamstead and Ufton 3rd – 64 NEAL ROBINSON: Wargrave v Beaconsfield – 63* GREG SMITH: Finchampstead 2nd v Eversley – 54 MATTHEW ETHERIDGE: Finchampstead 4th v North Maidenhead 3rd – 57* FAISAL AHMED: Woodley v Woodcote – 55 SIMON BELL: Finchampstead 2nd v Eversley – 54 JAMES MAGOWAN: Eversley v Finchampstead 2nd – 52 BEN FISHER: Finchampstead 3rd v Eversley 2nd – 51* SUNEET BASRA: Shinfield v Sandhurst 2nd – 51 KWAME APPIAH: Finchampstead 3rd v Eversley 2nd – 51 * Not out BOWLERS: BEN COLE: Finchampstead 4th v North Maidenhead 3rd – 6-34 TIM EVERITT: Hurst 2nd v Cove 3rd – 6-43 RAJA RAFAQAT: Sonning v Reading 2nd – 6-54 JANDRE COETZEE: Finchampstead v Henley – 5-25 SANDEEP BHARAT: Shinfield 2nd v Bradfield 2nd – 5-25 MATT HOWARTH: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Mortimer West End – 5-36 MICHAEL SHERIDAN: Farley Hill v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd – 4-8 MUHAMMAD ARSHAD: Crowthorne and Crown Wood v Ruislip Victoria – 4-12 ED HARTLESS: Finchampstead 5th v Cove 5th – 4-25 ASHISH DAREKAR: Twyford and Ruscombe v Warfield: 4-25 JACK CLARK: Wargrave v Beaconsfield – 4-32 AHMET TUNEY: Finchampstead 5th v Cove 5th – 4-34 JAMIE CABLE: Wokingham 4th v Royal Ascot – 4-42 MARTIN SMITH Wargrave v Beaconsfield – 4-55 BARBAR BUTT: BCS v Goring-on-Thames – 4-56 JOSH LINCOLN: Finchampstead 3rd v Eversley 2nd – 4-62
Crowthorne’s Muhammad Arshad claimed 4-12 against Ruislip Victoria
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ACED IT: Robertson completes unique 18-hole golf challenge, raising £2,500 — Page: 37
READING FC
Ambitious Stam is tipped to make Reading a force once again By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
READING co-owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth says Jaap Stam’s passion and ambition made him an attractive proposition to replace Brian McDermott. The former Manchester United defender was unveiled as Royals’ new boss on Monday to replace McDermott, who was sacked in May after just six months in charge. And the Dutchman has penned a two-year deal with an option for a third. “I think he is a guy full of passion,” said Thanakarnjanasuth, also known as Tiger. “He is very ambitious and I think he is one of the best motivators. “I believe he can make the club very strong.” Stam, 43, arrives for his first job in management aside from a brief spell as interim boss at PEC Zwolle and has recently left his role as a coach at Ajax. He brings with him Andries Ulderink
and Said Bakkati, who both worked with Stam in Holland, while Steven Reid and Dave Beasant will remain as part of the coaching staff. And Stam hopes to bring the attractive and famous Dutch philosophy of playing football to his role with Reading. “I am a defender, but I like to attack as well,” said Royals’ first-ever overseas boss. “I am brought up in the Dutch way of playing and of course you want to do that as well. “On the other side, you don’t want to attack all the time and concede a lot of goals, but attractive football is one of my philosophies.” He added: “You have to do your homework, so I spoke to (Ronald) Koeman and spoke to (Guus) Hiddink as well as some other managers about what to expect. “Of course as a player you know what to expect on the pitch and a bit outside as well, but as a manager it is a totally different thing.
Jaap Stam is the new Reading manager
“I will keep their advice to myself. “I think it is very important for us to talk to different people who have been working on the top level and especially over here in the UK as well.” Stam was well known for his aggressive, no-nonsense playing style on the pitch during his spells with the likes of Man Utd and Lazio, where he became one of the most fearsome centre backs in the world. But he says his coaching style is completely different. “When everybody looks at me they probably think that I am a bit too serious or grumpy,” he said. “But people who know me think I am quite friendly, to be fair. “When you are in management you need to know what you can tell players in certain situations and sometimes you need to be friendly because you need to expect certain things and what the players need to do. “If they don’t do it, we have to deal with them in a certain way.
“It is their job as well and they need to work for it.” Some Reading fans are concerned that Stam’s lack of experience or knowledge of the Championship could have a detrimental affect to their chances of ending a poor couple of years in the league. But Stam feels his new exuberance could be exactly what the club needs to take it forwards. “A manager twice the age with experience is not a guarantee as well,” he said. “Sometimes you need to make a change. Sometimes you need to dare to do something different and that can be a success as well, it’s proven at other clubs. “I know clubs want to do well again after a bad period, that’s normal. “I think it’s proven in the past at many clubs not only here in the UK but also in Holland, Italy and Spain that if you take an experienced manager, it’s not always a guaranteed success.” n MORE Royals’ news on page 35.
JUDO
Brazil bound: Our Judo star Ben is off to the Olympics! n Fletcher heading to Rio after inclusion in Team GB squad By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Ben Fletcher ‘cannot put into words’ what it means to finally be competing at the Olympic Games Picture: Sam Farr/Matchtight
WOKINGHAM will have its very own Olympian to cheer on this summer after Ben Fletcher was named in the Team GB squad which is heading off to Brazil. The 24-year-old local lad, a product of the hugely-successful Pinewood Judo Club and a former Emmbrook School pupil, had his place at Rio confirmed on Thursday. Fletcher, who will compete in the Men’s U100kg, is one of seven judoka off to represent GB at the games – and it will be the first time he has competed on the elite stage. While clearly a momentous moment, Ben is refusing to get too carried away, and it is understandable too given a knee injury forced him out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow two years ago. “It’s fantastic to be selected for Rio, he said. “I can’t get too excited just yet because I’ve been selected for championships in the past and it’s not quite happened for me further down the road, but this is what I’ve been working towards for the past four years. “When I finally get there and set foot in the Olympic Village, I will definitely feel excited.” His call-up for the games, which run from August 5 to August 21, is just desserts for Fletcher, who has spent the past two years putting himself through a gruelling qualification period that took
“They have performed at a high him all around the world. This saw him secure a continental standard and medalled and placed at qualifying place and a long-awaited European Championships, Grand Slams Olympic debut is now only weeks away. and Grand Prix with consistent wins “The last two years in particular have against players in the world top 10. been very stressful, with loads of travel,” “We profiled the world’s best over the added Ben, who also turned out for Team last cycle to understand what it takes GB at the inaugural European Games in to win at an Olympic Games and we Baku last year. wanted to qualify athletes who have a “So to actually go after such a difficult real chance of performing and potentially goal and achieve it is amazing. medalling. “I can’t really put into words what it “We are ready for the games and means.” believe in this team and that every one Fletcher’s inclusion, however, is likely of them can produce their best possible to be bittersweet, given his sister and performance in Rio with the support of fellow judoka, Megan, saw her qualifying their coaches and world-class support campaign curtailed by a cruel series of team.” events. Under the tutorage of Juergen Klinger, Struck down by illness and then a back Fletcher becomes the ninth University of problem, she has had to put her dream on Bath-based athlete to be selected for Rio. hold, with making the 2020 competition Ben has been based in Bath for the in Tokyo now the aim. past six years and is part of the High Ben joins Ashley McKenzie, Colin Performance training group. Oates, Nekoda Smythe-Davis, Alice “For all of us here in Bath, it is an Schlesinger, Sally Conway and Natalie absolutely exciting thing that Ben has Powell in being named as the judoka who been selected for the Olympic Games,” will take to the mats in South America. added Klinger. “The team have earned their place at “We have been trying really hard for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games over a tough a couple of years now to get someone to and intensive two-year qualification Rio, and he has succeeded.” period and have produced Published by Xn some fantastic results,” said ISSN 2058-5268 Media Ltd, Crown Nigel Donohue, British Judo 24 House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 Performance Director and 4LS. Printed at Judo Team Leader for Rio Newbury Weekly 2016. News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, “They have performed at Newbury, Berkshire a high level and produced RG14 2DW .© Xn 9 772058 526009 Media Ltd, 2016 some fantastic results.