The Wokingham Paper, November 17, 2016 by The Wokingham Paper

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 No. 83

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INSIDE THIS WEEK

Family’s emotional appeal to catch murderer • p3 Royal visitor joins in school lessons • p6

EXCLUSIVE: Baby joy for mum who campaigned to install life-saving deﬁbrillators in every school after daughter’s tragic death • p9

Borough remembers • p4 Your guide to all the big festive events • p13

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US

From left: Dan Goddard, Kimberley Jarnak, Forest School headteacher Mary Sandell, Marjie Walker from the Link, Valerie Nye and Jonah McCafferty

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Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Publisher • Phil Creighton Chief reporter • Gemma Davidson Sports editor • Tom Crocker Sports reporter • Lewis Rudd

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BRYAN WATTS

17 years have passed. Still missed and love you always. Barbara

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A MUFTI day to raise money for The Link Visiting Scheme charity had an extremely personal poignance for one teacher at a Winnersh school. Miss Jarnak, a teacher at The Forest School, in Robinhood Lane, organised the non-uniform day at the end of last term to raise £367.13 for the Link Visiting Scheme, a charity which befriends and supports older people in the Wokingham area,

Free course to offer first aid training ON TUESDAY, a local group will be offering some tuition on first aid. Heartstart is organising the short course at the Bradbury Centre in Wokingham’s town centre from 7pm. Suitable for anyone aged 10 or over, the evening will explore a range of basic topics ensuring anyone can assist in an emergency. The agenda will include looking at how to help a conscious or an unconscious casualty, how to deal with a cardiac arrest or a suspected heart attack. Another section will look at choking and there will also be a section devoted to how to use a defibrillator. The course is delivered as a mixture of practical, theory and video so no previous experience or knowledge is required. At the end of the training, all participants who complete the sections

including her late grandmother Murcia Osborne. Miss Jarnak said: “Valerie would visit my Nan regularly, she became a dear friend. “It was lovely to have someone other than family going to see her for a chat, it was someone different for her to see. “We lost Nan earlier this year and I wanted to show my appreciation to them

by raising money however I could.” Headteacher Mary Sandell echoed her sentiments, saying: “We like to support local charities who are often overlooked, and as the Link Visiting Scheme were so close to Miss Jarnak’s family we were delighted to lend our support.”  To ﬁnd out more about the Link Visiting Scheme visit http://linkvisiting.org.

will be presented with a certificate. Training is free, although donations to the running costs will be welcomed and places must be booked in advance. Group training is available as well, and could be suitable for a youth group. For more details, or to book a place call: 07768 068270 or log on to www. heartstartswallowfield.co.uk

Then, on Thursday, November 24, they will have a visit from Jem Bowden. The watercolour artist was voted the SAA Artist of the Year for 2014. It takes place at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley from 7pm. For more details or to book a place call: 0118 969 3311.

Art group plans two meetings in a week THE Woodley and Earley Arts Group is planning two meetings this month. On Saturday, November 19, it will hold a special workshop day led by Clare Buchta, who recently exhibited her landscape paintings at the Dragonfly Cafe at Dinton Pastures. She will talk about how artists can use gouache and pastels to create images of coasts and harbours. This takes place at the Pearson Hall in Sonning from 10am.

Church organises one final walk THE final countryside walk organised by a Lower Earley church takes place this month. Trinity Church in Chalfont Way has been hosting the event for many years but have decided to put on their walking boots for the final time on Saturday, November 26. Walkers meet in the church at 10am, before taking part in a four-mile walk around the countryside including an optional pub lunch. For more details call Trinity’s church office on 0118 931 3214.

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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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20 years on: family make new appeal to catch Vera’s killer Plea for help: Andrew Bennett and his sister Dawn Reid – joined by Peter Beirne, head of Thames Valley Police’s major crime review team – launched a fresh bid to catch their mother’s killer Pictures: Gemma Davidson

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE family of a Shinfield Rise woman found dead two decades ago have made a fresh appeal to catch her murderer. Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the discovery of Vera Holland’s body, Andrew Bennett and his sister Dawn Reid, appealed to anyone with information relating to the crime to contact Thames Valley Police. The pair were at a press conference organised by the force on Friday, November 11. At around 5.30am on Saturday, November 16, 1996, the fire service received a call to a fire near a fly-tip known as ‘Two Bridges’ close to the Thames Water pumping station off the A327 between Arborfield and Shinfield. A pile of rubbish was on fire and after extinguishing the blaze the fire-fighters discovered the body of a woman faced down. The body was later identified as that of Vera Holland, aged 47, from St Barnabas Road, Shinfield Rise. A post mortem revealed that she had been strangled. Peter Beirne, head of Thames Valley Police’s major crime review team, said: “Twenty years ago, on the morning of Saturday, November 16, 1996, the body of Vera Holland was found on an illegal tip, close to the Thames Water pumping station at Two Bridges on the A327 between Arborfield and Shinfield. “Berkshire Fire and Rescue had been called to the area at about 5.30am where a member of the public had reported a fire at the tip. “While dealing with the fire, officers

discovered the body of Vera, who was partially clothed. It appears that the fire was started in an attempt to dispose of her body. “There were also reports of a fire at the same site, near the Thames Water pumping station, on the evening of Friday, November 15. “Vera had last been seen on Thursday, November 14. She had been reported missing by her husband when she failed to return after leaving home to buy a takeaway from KFC, which was situated on Shinfield Road. “This shop was only a fiveminute walk from Vera’s home in St Barnabas Road. “It is not believed that Vera actually made it to the shop, as she did not appear on the CCTV. The takeaway is still in the same location. “It is reported that she was wearing a pink coat, a green tartan shirt, a black jumper and black shoes. None of the clothes have ever been recovered. “A review of the original investigation into Vera’s murder has commenced. “The public did assist and came forward with information in 1996, however, I do feel that there are people who have some information who, for whatever reason, have not spoken to the police. “It might be that allegiances have changed in the last 20 years or you know something now that you didn’t at the time. “I would urge anyone that has any information to make contact with the police on 101 and quote reference 497 (9/11/16) or call

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. “Vera’s family have waited a long time for justice. With your help we can find out what happened and bring those responsible for justice.” Andrew Bennett and his sister Dawn Reid, two of Vera’s children, released a statement at the press conference. “Twenty years ago, someone murdered our Mum,” they said. “In doing so, they robbed us of the love and care that she brought to our family. Our children – her grandchildren – never got to know her properly, and Mum never had the opportunity to see her grandchildren grow. “Having your Mum murdered is a really awful thing to happen to anyone. “What made Mum’s death even more difficult for us was the callous way her body was dumped among rubbish and then set fire to. It robbed her of any dignity. “What adds to our anguish is not knowing who was responsible for this horrific crime, and that they have been able to carry on with their life for the last 20 years. “We have had 20 years of not knowing who did this. There must be some people that have information that could help the police. “We appeal to you to think of how you would feel if it was your mum that had been killed in such a way, and ask that you contact the police with any information, no matter how small, as it may help.” n As part of its appeal, Thames Valley Police is using the hashtag #verahollandsmurder

Allotment holders receive their prizes SOME of Shinfield’s best kept plots have been recognised in the village’s annual allotment contest. The gardeners’ efforts were recognised at the annual general meeting of the Shinfield Parish Council allotment association last month. First prize overall went to Henry Plowdon, who is pictured being

presented with the challenge cup by parish councillor Ian Clarke. Also receiving prizes were Carey Singleton, Brian Thompson, Andy and Nesta Friend, Bihan Babollah and Mark Taylor. The contest was sponsored by Frasers Retail owners of the petrol station and new Budgens store in Three Mile Cross.

Antiques Valuations EVERY Saturday Wokingham Town Hall 9am-1pm

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Insurance and Probate Valuations arranged by appointment

A Wheely good makeover AN HISTORIC pub is preparing to re-open after it received an extension for Christmas. The Wheelwright Arms in Hurst will hold its relaunch event on Monday, November 28, allowing regulars the chance to see the new extended dining area, new toilets and relanscaped and enlarged gardens. The pub has been expanded in sympathy to the traditional building, which includes low ceilings and exposed beams. It is also in the Camra Good Beer Guide for 2017. Daryl and Katie Cooper, the pub’s landlords, said they were brimming with excitement about the reopening. “The whole project from start to finish has ran very smoothly and the finished article will certainly be a treat on the eye.”

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Wokingham Remembrance WOKINGHAM

Exclusive video of the parade on our website wokingham. today

ARBORFIELD SCOUTS, soldiers, veterans and the community came together around Arborfield’s war memorial on Sunday morning to pay their respects. Organised by the Arborfield Royal British Legion, the service was well attended. Pictures: Graham Broadbeer

WOKINGHAM’S Remembrance Sunday afternoon procession started at the Town Hall, before marching down Rose Street towards All Saints Church. Dignitaries included the Mayor of Wokingham Town, Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson; Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Bob Pitts; Lady Elizabeth Godsall; and John Redwood, MP for Wokingham. Members of REME also returned for the occasion. Pictures: Gemma Davidson

TWYFORD A PROCESSION through Twyford saw community leaders and the police join with Scouts from across the village. They marched through the streets to St Mary’s Church where the war memorial is kept. After a short series of prayers from local church leaders, the troops’ colours were lowered and the 200-strong crowd fell silent to pay their respects. Pictures: Phil Creighton

WOODLEY THE memorial in Woodford Park was full of tributes placed not just at the remembrance service held at 11am on Sunday but during the weekend too. Pictures: Phil Creighton

FINCHAMPSTEAD BRACKNELL MP Dr Phillip Lee was among those paying their respects at Finchampstead's service of Remembrance. He joined hundreds of Scouts, Guides and members of the community for the short service at the village’s war memorial, situated at the crossroads of Jubilee Road and Rectory Hill. Also present was Cllr Rob Stanton, deputy mayor of Wokingham Borough. Police closed the roads to enable to service to take place, which was presided over by the Revd Canon Julie Ramsbottom, rector of St James Church. She read out names of those who came from the village and fought in world wars. Paul Speed, a teacher at Wellington College, performed the Last Post to mark the start of the silence before Dr Lee and other community leaders laid their wreaths at the foot of the monument.

Roland Cundy, chairman of Finchampstead Parish Council, also led part of the service. Afterwards, the congregation were invited to plant their poppy at the foot of the memorial before joining the procession back to St James’ Church. Pictures: Phil Creighton

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Wokingham Remembrance

Seven years for prolific burglar By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A proliﬁc burglar who caused upset to his victims has been jailed for seven years. Ashley Atkinson pictured inset) received the sentence at Aylesbury Crown Court after being convicted of burglaries in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. He had previously pleaded guilty to six burglaries, two counts of fraud, stealing a car and taking a vehicle without consent. On Thursday, November 10, the 35-year-old from Tomlin Road, Slough, learnt that he was facing seven years’ imprisonment. His charge list included:  On 1 June 2016 Atkinson forced entry to a property in Bottle Lane, Littlewick Green, and stole an Audi RS4, which has since been recovered by officers.  Four days later on 5 June 2016

Atkinson gained entry to a property in Ashley Hill Place, Wargrave, and stole a handbag and cash.  On 6 June 2016 Atkinson entered a property in Romsey Way, High Wycombe. A handbag and purse were taken, including bank cards which were used fraudulently in various locations within hours of the burglary.  On the same day Atkinson entered a property in Manor Road, Penn, through open doors while the occupant was sleeping and stole a handbag, a purse, and bank cards, which were used fraudulently within hours of the offence.  On 10 June 2016 offenders entered a property in Old Mill Lane, Bray, and cash was stolen. One of the occupants disturbed an offender, who then jumped out of a window to make his escape.

He was charged with the offences on 24 June 2016. Two further offences were also taken in to consideration – a burglary at Widmoor, Wooburn Common on 1 June 2016 in which jewellery was stolen and a burglary at Wooburn Town in Wooburn Green on the same day, in which nothing was stolen but a window was damaged. Investigating officer PC Alex Trevivian, from High Wycombe Local CID, said: “At court Atkinson has been proven to be a prolific and repeat burglar causing disruption and upset to the victims’ lives. “The sentence of seven years imprisonment handed out by the court reflects a vast investigation into a number of offences affecting the community across the Thames Valley area.”

Messiah

BARKHAM HOOKERS MEMBERS of the Barkham Hookers crochet group ‘yarn-bombed’ the centre of Wokingham with home-made poppy bunting on Saturday, in time for the parade the next day. The group also displayed a specially commissioned blanket, which proudly hung in the window of the morearts. shop in Peach Street.

by George Frideric Handel Sunday 4th December at 4.30 pm (Doors open at 4.10 pm) at All Saints Church, Wokingham RG40 1TN Ellen Boylan (treble), Michaela Parry (alto), Edward Hughes (tenor) and James Oldfield (bass) with the Gandolpho Players, led by Eleanor Harrison, Richard McVeigh (organ) and the choir of All Saints Church Wokingham. Conductor: Richard Smith

From left: Father Richard Lamey, John Cornish and Alice Burrows at The Holt School’s remembrance service Staff joined the short service, while Emily Jameson read For The Fallen Pictures: Gemma Davidson

All Saints PCC is a registered charity, number 1127585

Photograph by Hemma Mason

PUPILS at The Holt School in Wokingham paid their respects during a moving Remembrance Day service on Friday last week, writes Gemma Davidson. Year 7 pupils from the Holt Lane school gathered in the gardens to hear The Revd Richard Lamey from St Paul’s Church give a reading, and Year 8 pupil Aimee Wrixon read In Flanders Field by John McCrae, before observing the two-minute silence at 11am. John Cornish from the Arborﬁeld British Legion and Year 7 pupil Emily Jameson read an excerpt from the poem For The Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon, and Alice Burrows, from Year 8, sounded The Last Post and Reveille on the cornet. Large ceramic poppies, similar to the ones made for the Tower of London in 2014, were placed in the school’s gardens, each inscribed with the name of a soldier from the local parish who had died in conﬂict.

Photograph courtesy of Hemma Mason

THE HOLT SCHOOL, WOKINGHAM

Proceeds to All Saints Church and the Army Benevolent Fund Tickets: £12.50, from www.wokinghamconcerts.co.uk or on the door

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Shinfield’s new road will not open this year By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE contractors creating the new Shinﬁeld Relief Road have announced that the major new route through the village will not fully open until next year. And, as they prepare for the big opening date, there will be road closures in force around the junction, with the first starting on Monday. It had been due to open in the summer, but work has been delayed after builders Hochtief temporarily had their licence revoked by Wokingham Borough Council over safety concerns back in September. However, work is now back on and Hochtief said that the first closures will take place over the course of the week. The closures are, Hochtief say, vital to help protect both the workforce and the travelling public and the dates are subject to weather conditions. There will be three phases to the closures and all are planned to take place overnight. PHASE ONE – BLACK BOY ROUNDABOUT A small section of south side will be shut from Monday, November 21 to Friday, November 25, from 9pm to 6am daily. It will be closed for loop cutting to enable signal the signals, final surfacing and road markings. Westbound traffic will be diverted via Lane End Farm gyratory system and eastbound traffic will remain unaffected. PHASE TWO – A327 ARBORFIELD ROAD ROUNDABOUT FULL ROAD CLOSURE From Monday, November 28 until Saturday, December 3, from 9pm to 6am daily. There will be a full road closure in place during the above times and all traffic will be diverted.

This is to allow Hochtief to complete extensive final surfacing and road markings. The Shinfield Eastern Relief Road (SERR) is currently planned to open on Thursday, December 8, subject to the completion of supporting works and weather conditions. Once opened, Hochtief will need to install temporary narrow lanes and a 30mph speed limit on the SERR next to the new Cutbush Lane (East) junction. This is to allow the erection of an acoustic barrier and install curbing and ducting, which cannot be completed until the Cutbush Lane junction has been permanently altered. The plan for the fence has changed after Wokingham Borough Council agreed to Hochtief’s request to alter the original proposal, made at a planning meeting held earlier in the year. PHASETHREE–SHINFIELDROADFROM BROOKERSHILLTOBLACKBOY After a break for the festive period, there will be one final road closure in place from Wednesday, January 25 until Saturday, January 28. Again, the road will be closed from 9pm until 6am daily. This will be a full road closure in place northbound to complete the traffic signal loops, final surfacing and road markings on the A327. All northbound through-traffic will be diverted via the new relief road. The southbound carriageway will be closed for loop cutting for one night only and access into Shinfield for this night will be signed via the new relief road. Buses will still be able to operate during the overnight closures.  The M3 will be shut this weekend to allow a bridge to be removed at Windlesham. The diversion route sends trafﬁc along the A329m to get on to the M25.

Countess joins science experiment on school visit ONE of the borough’s primary schools has welcomed a right royal visitor – HRH The Countess of Wessex dropped into Finchampstead last week to help open new facilities at Waverley School. And as part of her visit, she played with the youngsters, read them a story and even jogged on the spot to help out with a science experiment. Waverley said that she was an instant hit with the children and delighted the pupils by spending much of her visit getting involved with them in wide variety of activities. The Countess was a natural with the youngsters, quickly putting all ages at ease, whether it was rolling cars on the ﬂoor with the babies or taking part in a Year 3 French lesson. Year 6 children were in the middle of a science experiment when the Royal visitor entered their classroom. Investigating the effect of exercise on pulse rate, the children were delighted when The Countess joined in, jogging on the spot and then measuring her and the children’s pulse rates. Reception children were also overjoyed

when they discovered they had a very special new play mate. The pupils proudly showed The Countess their writing skills in a sand tray and were thrilled when she shared her name with five-year-old Logan by writing ‘Sophie’ in the sand. Amid laughter, the children and The Countess then took part in a ‘finger gym’ to develop their fine motor skills by disentangling plastic spiders from a spider’s web using tweezers. The purpose of the Royal’s visit was to open the first phase of a programme of new facilities at the school, ranked Berkshire’s top school for under 11’s for its academic results. Midway through HRH’s visit, The Countess officially opened the new library – but only after she had enthralled Year 2 children by reading the story of Pied Piper of Hamelin with them in the new library’s story telling area. The Countess’s visit was brought to a tumultuous finale with HRH unveiling a plaque in the playground for the new

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A CHARITY dinner and dance is to be held in Sindlesham next week to help a local boy fund a new wheelchair. Liam Nazer, 14, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, a rare genetic neuromuscular condition which causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement. Having outgrown his old wheelchair which has served him since he was nine, Liam is trying to raise £17,672 for a wheelchair which will allow him more freedom and independence. Friends of his family are now holding a charity dinner and dance at Sindlesham Court, in Mole Road, on Saturday,

November 26 to help boost his funds. The event starts at 7.15pm, with dinner served at 8pm in the Flavell Suite. Music from a live band and dancing will then take over, with a live auction taking place to raise some extra cash. Tickets for the dinner and dance are £49.50, which includes a welcome drink and three-course meal. The dress code for the event is smart. For tickets please contact Cathy Breslin on 07752 044147 or cathyb40@btinternet.com, or Maria Mills on 07762 607560 or M_g_mills@hotmail.com. All proceeds will go towards funding Liam’s wheelchair.

outdoor play and learning area amid loud cheers and applause from children and staff alike. After her visit the children reﬂected on the day’s special visitor. Chloe in Year 3 said: “I enjoyed asking The Countess in French what her name was. She replied to me in French! It was amazing having Her Royal Highness join in our French lesson.” Year 3’s Elliott said: “She was just so cool!” Charlotte, in Year 6, said that she “loved The Countess’s red coat” and Kamran said “it was a real pleasure to meet someone related to the Royal family – she was so lovely to talk to”. Guy Shore, Waverley’s Head, summed up the visit from HRH The Countess of Wessex. He said: “We were overjoyed when Her Royal Highness agreed to open our new facilities. It was an unforgettable day for all the children and we feel honoured that she chose to stay twice as long at our school than was scheduled. We hope she enjoyed herself as much as the children did!”

Churches search for new vicar PLANS are well under way to find a new vicar who will serve congregations in Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst. Three churches, St Mary’s, St James and St Nicholas, have been without a vicar since the Revd Simon Howard left last month. He has taken up a new post at a Christian conference centre based in Devon. The parochial church council for Ruscombe and Twyford, together with the council for Hurst, have formed a joint working party to prepare a profile of the vacant

position and its responsibilities. This profile will be made available to anyone interested in taking up the post. It will be advertised in appropriate publications and a shortlist of candidates will then be drawn up for interview — but it will be well into the New Year before an appointment can be made. Meanwhile services at all three churches are being undertaken by a number of ordained ministers and lay preachers, all of whom are already well known to the respective congregations.

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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Villagers fear homes plot after Frying Pan sold at auction

Wokingham Borough Council planning

Riverside park and ride gets green light

Also voted on …

An artist’s impression of the light pollution at the proposed Park and Ride site in Thames Valley Park. Wokingham Borough Council said that the protesters image was not a true representation of the scheme

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON – The only journalist at the meeting news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Frying Pond in Hurst was auctioned on Monday in two lots for £80,000. Now residents are woried that homes could be built on the site after an artists’ impression showed detached houses on the site Picture: Sue Corcoran

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk VILLAGERS who clubbed together to try to protect a picturesque wooded site complete with pond are readying themselves for a potential planning battle. On Monday the site containing Frying Pan Pond near the centre of Hurst was auctioned off in two lots for a total of £80,000. The auction website showed an artist’s impression of a detached house on each site, but said the potential development was subject to obtaining the necessary consents. The identity of the owner(s) is a mystery: neither the auctioneers, Barnard Marcus of Hammersmith, or the vendor’s representative, Exclusive Property Sales of Regent Street, London, would reveal who bought the land. The one acre site containing Hurst’s “second village pond” is bordered by the A321 and Broadcommon Road. It’s just south of the better known Townsend Pond with its iconic duck house. In September villagers pledged £17,000 to help Hurst Village Society and Hurst Parish Council put together £30,000 to buy the site for the village and protect it from development. But this attempt failed and it was sold then for what Hurst Councillor Wayne Smith understands was £40,000. That buyer, a limited company, put the land up for auction on Monday. The parish council and village society decided not to bid on Monday as they felt the price would be too high, said Councillor Smith. If just one site was bought they would have ended up with half a pond. The guide price for each site was £75,000. In fact one site made £35,000 and the other £45,000, said Exclusive Property. Now the village is waiting for any moves to apply for planning permission to build there. Councillor Smith said three safeguards should help protect the land:  It was outside the “village envelope” area. He cited five proposed developments outside the envelope area which were refused planning permission.  A woodland Tree Preservation Order protected 64 trees on the site.  The pond was a feeder for Townsend Pond. The Environment Agency would have to be

satisfied any development would not affect the ponds and their drainage. Nearby resident Pat Bond, a partner in her husband’s groundworks business, said: “Every time you hear a chainsaw round here you worry. I would have loved that land to have been bought by the village. “It’s an attractive corner, absolutely lovely. I would definitely oppose planning permission being granted for building there. You’d have to chop trees down to build houses. There’s an electricity substation on the land. “Great Crested Newts are in the area: there’s every possibility of them being in the pond. Building could cause problems with the drainage of the land.” Chair of both the village society and the parish council Councillor Wayne Smith was disappointed the village could not buy the land in September. “I had a conversation with [estate agents] Simmons and Sons. I was of the impression that if the village could get to £30,000 the owners would sell it to the village … We thought it was a deal,” he said. “We had put in a bid of £28,000 and were asked if we could go to £30,000. I said I would have to go back to the villagers, parish council and village society and would need a couple of days. “I went back to him within 48 hours and said we could go to £30,000. I was told there had been a substantially larger amount, £40,000, offered. He had had to put that to the owners who had accepted it. I said I was very disappointed as I thought we had an arrangement.” Trevor Michel, of estate agents Simmons and Sons of Henley, said the sale had been agreed with a Mr Sharp, although the name on the contract was a limited company. Mr Michel said: “I can confirm that the Parish Council were informed that £30,000 would be acceptable to my clients when we were negotiating with several parties over the land. “Unfortunately in the time it took them to respond to me one of the other parties had increased their offer significantly, and when informed of this higher offer the Parish Council declined to match it, and a sale was struck. “I am not at liberty to confirm the sale price but can confirm we did inform our purchaser of the blanket Tree Preservation Order served on the site by Wokingham Borough Council.” He said it was never the case that a deal had been made with the Hurst village group.

PLANS to build a 277 car park and ride facility by the River Thames were approved despite strong opposition. At a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee last Wednesday, councillors approved the scheme which will ultimately see Reading Borough Council build a new bridge over the riverside, linking buses with Thames Valley Park and Reading’s railway station. Campaigners held a protest outside the Shute End offices ahead of the meeting, and there were several speeches against the proposals, including Bill Luck, representing Earley Town Council

and Cllr Andy Croy, who represents Bulmershe and Whitegates ward. Cllr Croy said it would increase journey times without any financial gain to the driver. Mary Bather, acting chair of ACER, also spoke at the meeting. She told the committee: “[The park and ride] will not achieve anything of any signficance to address the problems of congestion and air quality in that part of Reading. “It will cause significant harm [to] the habitates of a large number of rare, and in some cases, protected species.” It was pointed out that the park and ride is intended to operate on weekdays and Cllr Wayne Smith asked who would actually use it. The committee passed the proposal, as it did not conflict with the development plan for the borough.

Open Evening 24th November 2016

 Phase 2b of the Matthewsgreen Farm development was passed. This will see 73 homes built: five one-bed homes, 16 two-bed homes, 19 three-bed homes, 27 four-bed homes and six five-bed homes.  Six two bedroom flats, three two-bedroom houses and a threebedroom house were approved for Kentwood Farm off Warren House Road.  Despite fears from residents of new homes overlooking existing properties, 120 homes were approved for land off Beech Hill Road in Spencers Wood.  Parking fears were raised for a development of 11 homes in Tape Lane in Hurst, replacing six post-war semi-detached bungalows.  A cattle shed can be installed into Hill Farm in Farley Hill. The work will include an access track, a yard and silage clamp.  Twelve hectares of land behind Stanbury House in Spencers Wood will be turned into a SANG (a greenspace).

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8 | NEWS

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Parish noticeboard Saturday, November 19 Wokingham Town Council. Councillors surgery. 10am. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS.

Monday, November 21 Charvil Parish Council meeting. 8pm. Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane. Wokingham Borough Council. Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7.30pm. Civic offices, Shute End RG40 1BN. Wokingham Town Council. Arts and culture meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS.

Tuesday November 22 Barkham Parish Council. Planning meeting 7.30pm. Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, Barkham RG40 4PL. Winnersh Parish Council Planning Committee. 7.45pm. The John Grobler Room, Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Winnersh RG41 5DU. Wokingham Borough Council. Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee. 7pm. Civic offices, Shute End RG40 1BN. Wokingham Town Council. Finance and personnel committee. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Woodley Town Council Strategy and Resources. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ

Wednesday, November 23 Wokingham Borough Council. Licensing and Appeals Committee. 7pm. Civic offices, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Thursday, November 24 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive Committee. 7pm. Civic offices, Shute End RG40 1BN.

Monday, November 28 Shinfield Parish Council recreation and amenities committee meeting. 7.30pm. Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green.

Thursday, December 1 Shinfield Parish Council planning and highways meeting. 7.30pm. Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green.

A WOMAN from Woodley was given a conditional discharge for 12 months after pleading guilty to driving while disqualified. Zooey Anne Rooke, 24, of Hunters Court, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 6 where she admitted driving in Drovers Way on September 7 while disqualified. Miss Rooke was discharged conditionally for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £20, and costs of £85. She also received six points on her licence. A WOMAN from Twyford has pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in public. Kirsty Victoria Robinson, 29, of London Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 10 where she admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place on September 1. She also admitted assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty, and failing to surrender to cUstody at Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on September 16. Miss Robinson was made the subject of a community order, requiring her to undergo alcohol rehabilitation for six months, and to carry out up to five days of a supervised rehabilitation activity. She was also ordered to pay £50 compensation. A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with public order offences. Andrew Michael Blanchard,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

From the courts

32, of Tamar Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 10 where he denied one count of obstructing or resisting a constable on April 9; one count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment on the same day; and one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress on the same day. Mr Blanchard denies all charges. He was remanded on unconditional bail to appear at the same court on December 12. A MAN from Earley has pleaded guilty to public order offences. Christopher Hodge, 28, of Tamarind Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on

October 10 where he admitted one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards Thames Valley Police officers in Reading on June 28, and one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards another person on the same day. Mr Hodge was ordered to carry out a maximum of five days of supervised rehabilitation activity within the next 12 months; pay a surcharge of £85, and costs of £85. A MAN from Woodley has pleaded guilty to public order offences. Bradley Warren Roberts, 25, of Donaldson Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 11 where he pleaded guilty

to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour in a public place on June 22 this year. Mr Roberts was fined £100; ordered to pay a surcharge of £30; and costs of £45. A MAN from Lower Earley has been jailed for breaching a restraining order. Curtis Michael Kroczak, 27, of Kensington Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 11 where he was found guilty of contacting a woman via Facebook messages which he was prohibited from doing by a restraining order imposed on August 9, and of harassment. He had denied the charges, but admitted breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence order made on August 9. Mr Kroczak was committed to prison for four months and ordered to pay a surcharge of £115. A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with harassment. Peter Jarmola, 65, of Longs Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 12 where he was charged with harassing a woman in Wokingham on September 10, 15 and 25. Mr Jarmola was remanded on bail to appear at the same court on December 12. He is not to contact the woman directly or indirectly, or to attend a property in Tangley Drive.

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 9

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Baby Mitchell: ‘I think he’ll be as cheeky as Lilly-May’

Frankie’s kindest cut Frankie Carpenter shows off the hair she is donating – it will be turned into a wig for cancer sufferers Below: the before pictures show how much hair was cut

Youngsters scoop Hallowe’en prizes

Claire Page with her new son, Mitchell Flowerdew. Her daughter, Lilly-May, died after collapsing at school in 2014 and since then Ms Page has worked tirelessly to get deﬁbrillators into every school Picture: Gemma Davidson

EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE MOTHER of Lilly-May Page, the little girl who collapsed and died while at school in Woodley in 2014, is welcoming a new chapter in her life with the arrival of a baby boy. Claire Page, who has tirelessly campaigned for automatic defibrillators to be installed in every school in Woodley following the death of her fiveyear-old daughter, has spoken to The Wokingham Paper for the first time about her new arrival. Mitchell Jason George Flowerdew was born on August 12 by caesarian section at Frimley Park Hospital, weighing 7lb 6oz. Both mother and baby are doing well, but Claire and Mitchell have both undergone tests to determine whether they have the same heart condition which killed Lilly-May. “I never thought this would happen,” explains Claire. “After Lilly-May died if you were to tell me that I would have another baby, then I would have said you were crazy. “I went to see a medium not long after she died, and she told me I would have a little boy and that Lilly-May liked the name George. I thought it was impossible, but when I fell pregnant and found but I was expecting a boy, it all clicked. “It’s bittersweet. Of course, you want them to be their own person, but I see so much of Lilly in him. He has her eyes, and I think he is going to be as cheeky as her too. She would have been such a proud big sister.” Lilly-May collapsed on May 15 2014 as she was being collected from Willow Bank Infant School, in Duffield Road. She had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and Claire maintains that if the school had been fitted with an automatic external defibrillator (AED), her daughter would still be here today.

An inquest into the little girl’s death is due to take place at the end of November. Claire said: “The inquest will be painful, I will have to relive it all again, but it needs to be done. There are so many unanswered questions, but I owe it to Lilly to find out what happened that day. “I thought it was important to have the tests done to see if we have the same heart condition that Lilly had. If we do, there is medication we can take or he could be fitted with an internal defibrillator, but it is still early days.” Claire has turned her personal tragedy into a quest to help others, and has successfully campaigned to install defibrillators in every school in Woodley, and has now turned her attention to schools further afield in Wokingham. Claire and her fully qualified team not only donate the machines from money raised by the Lilly-May Page Trust, but they run training courses on how to use the defibrillators so that all the teachers and staff, and even some of the children, know how to use them in the event of an emergency. She continued: “It is definitely getting better, people are a lot more aware of AEDs than they used to be, but we are still getting our message out there.” Baby Mitchell, who is now three-months-old, is destined to grow up in a world where AEDs are commonplace in public areas, and he has his mum and older sister to thank. Claire said: “It is going to be hard, seeing him reach the milestones that Lilly never reached. But this is my life now, this is what it is like for grieving parents. You never get over it, ever. But to know that I have made a difference because of what happened to Lilly makes it a little bit easier.”  To ﬁnd out more about Claire’s work, visit www. heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/uk/lilly-may-pagecampaign.

Ho, ho, go to festive safety roadshows A ROADSHOW offering advice on how to ensure your Christmas is a safe one will be coming to the borough next month. Now in its eighth year, the Have a Safe Christmas roadshow is being organised by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and its partners in various locations throughout December. The event will offer residents

information about counterfeit goods and rogue traders, and will be attended by representatives from the emergency services, the borough council’s trading standards, public health and community safety team and others involved in keeping people safe over the festive period. The roadshow will be in the following locations between

10.30am and 1pm:  Thursday, December 1 at Sainsbury’s, Winnersh  Friday, December 2 at Woodley Town Centre (subject to weather)  Monday, December 12 at Tesco, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham  Wednesday, December 14 at Asda, Lower Earley

A KIND-HEARTED youngster decided to have a haircut that will make a difference. Frankie Carpenter visited Unique hairdressers in Binﬁeld earlier this month to see the locks she’d grown for years chopped off. But this was no ordinary visit to a hair salon: she is donating her hair to a charity that will turn it into a wig for cancer sufferers. And she’s been fundraising too – so far, she has raised more than £500 for Cancer Research. You could say she’s a cut above.

THERE were plenty of happy faces at Hare Hatch Sheeplands on Saturday as several local youngsters picked up prizes they had won in competitions at the Twyford garden centre. Winners included Amber Willoughby from Wokingham and brother and sister Tobias and Imogen Langston from Twyford. All three were successful in a Hallowe’en colouring competition. As well as prizes for colouring there were awards for the winners of a Hallowe’en Treasure Trail puzzle. All the winners received a group of family tickets for one of the upcoming Enchanted Players presentations that are taking place at Sheeplands leading up to Christmas. They also received a goody bag full of items such as colouring books, bubble blowers, sweets, stickers and much more. Other winners included Isabelle Maund, Cameron Greenwood and Grace Heywood from Charvil, Samuel Charlton from Tilehurst, Alice Parrett and Rory Harris from Wargrave and Kieran Scott from Woodley.

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10 | BUSINESS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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

Woodley Festival of Business 2016

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PROPERTY PROPERTY INSIGHT INSIGHT Erica Townend

wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk

Private renting set to grow by 700 Wokingham households by 2025

A range of businesses, community leaders and supports came together at the Oakwood Centre last week for the Woodley Festival of Business Pictures: Gemma Davidson By GEMMA DAVIDSON details. We were very pleased were also in attendance to for the event, which gave – The only journalist at the to welcome the Mayor of show their support for the entrepreneurs a chance Festival of Business Woodley, Cllr Jenny Cheng, thriving business community to peruse the stalls, share gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk who stopped by to look at in Woodley. ideas and listen to advice

THE GREAT and good of Woodley’s business community came together for the fourth annual Festival of Business last week. More than 100 representatives from companies across the area descended on The Oakwood Centre, in Headley Road, on Wednesday, November 9

from a panel of local experts including Judith Tinker from M-Four Promotions, Holly Thorne from Woodley Business Club, Claire Edwards from Clarify, and Grainne Ridge from All About Results. The Mayor of Woodley, Cllr Jenny Cheng, and the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Keith Baker,

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Guests could even sample the tasty food prepared and served by Addington School catering students, and all attendees left with a goody bag packed helpful ideas and novelty items. Organiser Jacqueline Harris said: “We have had a great turn-out yet again, and it is great to see everyone chatting and swapping

the stalls and chat with the business owners. “Woodley is a wonderful place to do business, and it is great to see so many businesses supporting one another. “Thank you to everyone who has come along and who helped to make the Festival of Business such a great success.”

New lets for Green Park SIX new companies have moved into Green Park, taking total occupancy to the business park to 93%. The new occupiers have collectively taken 22,518 sq ft in Green Park’s multi-let 100 Longwater Avenue and 250 Longwater Avenue. The new occupiers are:  Law firm Harrison Clarke Rickerbys, taking 1,875 sq ft  E2open, headquartered in Austin, Texas, which provides the largest supply chain operating network for global enterprises, has taken 955 sq ft  3Shape, headquartered in Denmark, creates 3D scanning and CAD/CAM solutions that enables dental and hearing professionals to treat people more effectively, and has taken 948 sq ft  Crowdstrike, headquartered in Orange County, California, is a cyber

security company and has taken 6,523 sq ft  Gigamon, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, provides industry leading traffic visibility solutions and has taken 4,177 sq ft  Pierre Fabre, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in France, is relocating from Winchester into 8,040 sq ft. Pierre Fabre was assisted by CBRE in its relocation. Rory Carson, Director-Asset Manager at Green Park said: “We have always known that Green Park is the best place in the Thames Valley for fast growing entrepreneurial businesses, and we are not alone. “I am delighted to welcome these businesses and wish them every success here at Green Park.”

WAS having a most interesting chat the other day with a Wokingham landlord when we were looking at a property. We got talking about the Wokingham Property Market and this landlord brought up the subject of a report he had read from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) that stated almost 1.8m new rental homes are needed by 2025 to keep up with current demand from tenants. He wanted to know what this meant for Wokingham. Well, my blog-reading friends, some commentators said last winter that buyto-let was about to die, what with the changes to stamp duty and mortgage tax relief. Others even said 500,000 rental properties would ﬂood the sales market nationally in the twelve months after the new Stamp Duty rules came into force on April 1 this year. Well, all I can say is, I wish all the landlords of those half a million properties would hurry up and put them on the market – because I have plenty of other potential landlords wanting to buy them! Back to the matter in hand.. if RICS and PwC are correct, what does this mean for Wokingham? The fact is, as a country, we are facing a precarious rental shortage and need to get Wokingham building in a way that beneﬁts a cross-section of Wokingham society, not just the fortunate few. I call on the Prime Minister to drop the higher stamp duty tax on buy-to-let purchases to ease the pressure on the rental market. Of the 17,200 households in Wokingham, currently 3,900 tenants live in 1,700 private rented properties. If we apportion those 1.8m households equally around the Country, that means

in nine years’ time, the number of rental properties in Wokingham needs to rise by 700 (i.e. 42.8%) .. taking the total number of rented properties in the town to 2,400. That means Wokingham landlords need to buy around 100 properties a year between now and 2025 to meet that demand – because according to my calculations, an additional 1,600 people will want to live in all those ‘additional’ Wokingham rental properties – so why is the government penalising landlords? Thankfully the new housing minister Gavin Barwell detached Theresa May’s new administration from the Cameron/ Osborne laser-like focus of just home ownership to solve our housing issues, saying “we need to build more homes for every single type of person needing a home and not focus on one single tenure”. The private rented sector became a stooge under David Cameron’s watch and still, with increasingly unaffordable Wokingham house prices, the majority of new Wokingham households will be relying on the rental sector in the future to house them. I can only say Westminster must put in place the measures that will allow the rental sector to ﬂourish. Any restrictions on the supply of rental property will push up rents (bad news for tenants), thus side-lining those members of Wokingham society who are already struggling. Let’s hope this new Government continues to see the contribution landlords give to the country as a whole.  If you want to ﬁnd out more about the Wokingham Property Market, visit the Wokingham Property Blog www.wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk or drop me an email to erica.townend@martinco.com 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.

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

BUSINESS | 11

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Can’t talk now, I’m on the dog and bone!

Indian restaurant up for curry ‘Oscar’

STAFF at a technology firm in Wokingham were left barking mad after 15 of their employee’s canine companions visited for the day. Volume Ltd, an artificial intelligence and cognitive computing company based in London Road, held a ‘bring your dog to work day’ on Friday morning to raise money for national charity Changing Faces. Dogs of all shapes and sizes descended on the firm’s Buckhurst Court office for the morning, raising £163 for the charity, which helps people who have disfigurements to develop high self-esteem and self-confidence, access the very best health and social services, and enjoy equal rights and opportunities throughout their lives. A spokesperson for Volume, Beth Deeks said: “This is the fourth year we have ran dog day – it is always a fun, if a bit crazy, day and is always a success. We regularly run fundraising activities and this is our favourite. Most people here love dogs, so everyone really enjoyed it. “The dogs were very well blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf behaved, although there were a few accidents.”

A WOKINGHAM town centre restaurant has been named as one of the best in the south east – but it faces an agonising wait to find out if they are a winner. The Tamarind Tree in Peach Street has been shortlisted for the Best Spice Restaurant in South East award at the coveted 12th Annual British Curry Awards. This year, 206,371 people voted in the awards, which aims to recognise industry talent and quality. The awards will highlight the growing challenges faced by the curry business. Organisers say that it is estimated that 90 per cent of UK curry restaurants are currently affected by a crippling shortage of chefs, which is causing an average of two curry restaurant closures each week. Often referred to as the curry industry’s ‘Oscars’, previous guests have included local MP and now Prime Minister Theresa May. At the time she said: “The British curry industry really is one of Britain’s greatest success stories. “From that first curry house 200 years ago has sprung a multi billion pound industry, which is modern, successful and thriving. Through hard work and innovation, you’ve built a vibrant industry, which generates wealth, promotes growth and employs tens of thousands of people.” The awards take place in London on Monday, November 28.

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12 | NEWS

Tesco to host popup station A DONATION station will be set up in a Wokingham supermarket on Saturday in aid of a local charity. First Days will be at Tesco in Finchampstead Road to accept donations of clothing for children aged six and under, toys, cots, buggies, highchairs and stairgates. All items must be in good condition and will be redistributed by the charity to those most in need. The charity will be joined by 10 Tesco managers on the stall, which will be open from 9am to 3pm. For more details, log on to www. firstdays.net

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Lions roll out the barrels for charity after beer fest success FOUR local charities have all received bumper cheques following the success of this year’s August Beer Festival, writes Gemma Davidson Representatives from the Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days, DrugFAM and Dingley’s Promise attended the Wokingham Lions Club’s business meeting on Wednesday, November 9 to receive cheques totalling £5,000. Paul Adams, the Chair of the Trustee Board, Citizens Advice Wokingham said: “A £2,000 donation from Wokingham Lions will enable Citizens Advice Wokingham, for a year, to focus on 40 people or families, and help them to solve their problems and get fair treatment. Citizens Advice Wokingham provides a free, conﬁdential, impartial and independent service of problem solving information, advice, mediation, representation and support for all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or disability. They help people with their problems in welfare beneﬁts, debt, consumer issues, employment, housing, legal, relationship, tax, utilities, community care, education, health and immigration.” Kathryn Tibble-Taylor, Operations Manager at First Days said: ”We are delighted to receive such a generous donation from the Wokingham Lions Club.

The Lions beer festival, part of the Wokingham Festival, saw the group hand out cheques to the value of £5,000 to local charities

This will enable us to help local families living in poverty. The money will be spent to help buy local families new safety equipment.” First Days is a charity dedicated to redistributing baby and toddler clothes, equipment, furniture and toys to families in need. Sarah Bromﬁeld, CEO of DrugFAM said: “We are delighted to receive such a generous donation from the Wokingham Lions Club. This will enable us to help local families living in poverty. The money will be spent to help buy local families new safety equipment.” Arti Divatia, Centre Manager for Dingley’s Promise said: “This is a brilliant donation from The Wokingham Lions Club, and will make such a difference to the life-changing work

that we do at Dingley’s Promise. We intend to use this donation to enable us to appoint a Family Support Worker who can help us to cascade our work into the homes of our children’s families. Dingley’s mission is to deliver life-changing support to families with children under age ﬁve, with additional needs and disabilities.” President of Wokingham Lions Club, Bob Westerman said: “It was another successful year with more than 55 barrels of beer consumed. The proﬁts will go to support some very worthwhile causes within the Wokingham Borough. My thanks go to all the festival goers for supporting the Lions, and in particular family, friends and club members who helped to make it all happen.”

Join Santa for a special sleigh ride AMAZING READER COMPETITION HERE’S an exciting opportunity exclusively for readers of The Wokingham Paper. Thanks to Hare Hatch Sheeplands you have the chance to be a Prince or Princess for a day and could ride with Father Christmas in his horse and carriage when he visits the Twyford garden centre later this month. Santa has told Sheeplands that he will arrive at 10.30 am on Saturday, November 26.

His route takes him through the centre of Twyford and the winners of our competition will meet him on the village outskirts and ride in his carriage the rest of the way, waving to shoppers as they pass through. On arrival at Sheeplands the winners will be able to escort Santa into his grotto and then enjoy a lunch with their family, courtesy of Sheeplands. As if that isn’t enough of a thrill they will also be given free tickets for the “Queen of the North” show at the garden centre. The competition is open to all ages and is easy to enter. Just fill in the form printed in this paper and drop it into Sheeplands, or pick up a form next time you visit them.

Alternatively you can simply send your name, age, address, including postcode, plus your telephone number to info@hhsheep.co.uk saying that you are entering The Wokingham Paper competition. Two names will be drawn at random and the winners will be notified directly by Hare Hatch Sheeplands. Even if you don’t win the prize you are welcome to be there when Father Christmas arrives and, who knows, you might even manage to get your photograph taken with him.  Postal entries can be sent to Competition, Hare Hatch Sheeplands, London Road, Hare Hatch, Reading, RG10 9HW.

NELLIE KNOWS Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk Back to health FIRST of all I would like to say a big thank you to those who have said they have missed my column and expressed concern that I was floored by the flu, especially Steve from football. Thank you. I am feeling much better than I was but am not back to full pelt so will be taking things slowly and wrapping up warm when I go out. I am useless at listening to my body but this bout of flu has reminded me that I am not invincible, super woman or that I need to do everything now (or now in a minute as Granny Valley says). Whilst I hate being ill I do take on the advice of friends who rock up and swing by with provisions so a big big thank you to Perfect Fiona, Welsh Emma, Victoria Plum, Jo Nanna Friday and of course Big Welsh and my home grown loons for nursing me. The downside is I lost a month, the upside is I have caught up with The Missing, but given up on The Fall. I did trip and fall down the stairs last week – a rude way to start the day but once again big thanks to Niki McGlynn who made everything feel much more comfortable thanks to reflexology and her Warming Balm. I foolishly gave out the wrong website last week, apologies – the correct website is nikimcglynn.com.

The Spirit of Christmas Having been to Spirit of Christmas at Olympia, The Winter Event at Brown Bear Bakery and the Mary Howard event in its new home at Newbury Racecourse I can now say that the Christmas season is upon us. I missed out on visiting Country Living in Islington and The Somerset Collective in Bruton’s At The Chapel as I was speaking on the Live Debate Panel about Social Media and judging exhibition stands at the NEC for the Farm Innovation and Country House Innovation show so I am really looking forward to a range of events local to Wokingham and over the county borders. The ever popular Wellington Farm Shop Christmas Event is today from 6pm to 8pm where you will get a chance to sample, mingle, meet the producers and shop. The ﬁrst Country Homes and Interiors event at Stonor Park is on November 25-27 . This looks to be a great event with lots of interesting and varied exhibitors, closer to home is the Holme Grange Craft Village Christmas Event on Saturday, November 26, meanwhile the Wokingham Winter Carnival on Sunday, November 27. Then it’s December.

To the end of the year Where has this year gone? Over the years I have kept all of my Dodo Pads and we have been having a giggle at our past plans and endeavours. While some people get excited about opening the advent calendar I can’t wait until December 1 to order next year’s diary and it’ll be no surprise that it’ll be a Dodo Pad. [Editor notes: A Dodo Pad is a special weekly planner with a brightly coloured cover that changes each year and has been published since 1966]. I used to be the same about the diary pages for my Filofax, wasn’t that such a thing? Nowadays I don’t have a diary in my handbag, crikey I rarely even use my handbag as I have my phone, credit card and some coins. Speaking of handbags who used to recoil in horror and panic when your mum would reach into her handbag to get a tissue out ready to dab your face?

Festive food planning With Christmas comes the food planning and storage dilemmas so I have been doing a stock take of all the bits in the fridge, freezer and cupboards and it seems that I have enough chilli ﬂakes, garam masala and Anglesey salt to last me a while. I wonder when the supermarkets will be opening up their Christmas delivery slots. Don’t get me wrong it’s not that I want to avoid going to the shops it’s just that I like to limit my Christmas songs and I always end up a bit hayfevery at Do They Know It’s Christmas and The Power Of Love as I remember them the ﬁrst time.

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 13

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Christmas countdown

Let there be Christmas lights! As we prepare for the festive season, a series of fun and special events will be taking place across the borough. Here we get the key dates for your diaries. PHIL CREIGHTON is Santa’s little helper

Tree appeal off to a brilliant start

Woodley Christmas light switch-on, Saturday, November 26 WHILE Reading’s Christmas lights are turned on this Saturday, Woodley is the first of the borough’s towns and villages to switch theirs on. The event sees hundreds of people turn out to sing carols, enjoy refreshments served by Just Around the Corner and see the winners of Woodley Town Centre Management poster contest flick the switch to turn on the tree’s lights. There are two sets of lights on the tree: one for the management team and the other for the Lions’ tree of light. Every year, people are asked to donate a minimum of £5 and the Woodley and Earley Lions will add a loved ones’ name to the tree. Money goes to Helen and Douglas House. Woodley town centre manager Jacques Lherbier said that the standard of entries to this year’s poster competition was exceptional. He added: “It’s been brilliant, the entries are always of a high standard. Children are so keen to put forward their visions. “It’s great for the town and for the promotion of the event itself. Long may it continue.” The light switch-on takes place at 4.30pm. For more details on the Tree of Light, call 0118 926 2171.

Wokingham Winter Carnival, Sunday, November 27

IT’S THE big one! The annual winter carnival takes place across the town centre from 11am to 5pm. As ever, there will be a host of stalls from local groups and charities in Denmark Street, Peach Street and Broad Street. Street entertainers will perform including morris dancers, Circus Scene and more. Live performances take place outside the Town Hall including the Sparke Band, Mozart Strings and Youth Brass. There will be a fun fair in Broad Street and, as dusk falls, the annual carnival procession will snake its way through town, delighting and enthralling thousands of visitors. Afterwards, there will be carol singing around the tree led by the Revd Anna Harwood, the town mayor’s chaplain.

Woodley poster winners: PoppyJones (10) from South Lake primary, Tristan Murray (9) from Highwood, Lewis Inglis (8) from South Lake primary and Trisha Mishra (11) from South Lake primary with Woodley town centre manager Jacques Lherbier Picture: Phil Creighton

The theme this year is Once Upon A Time and entry is free. For more details, log on to www. wintercarnival.co.uk

Twyford Christmas light switch-on, Sunday, November 27 THE Village’s Christmas lights are turned on at Bell Corner in Twyford. The fun starts at 5.30pm.

Twyford Christmas street fayre, Friday, December 2

The village is about to become a massive street fair as London Road to Jubilee Corner is closed to traffic for the annual festive event. The entertainment is varied and includes local choir singers, children from the local schools singing hymns, jugglers and morris dancers. They’re joined by fairground rides, a barbecue provided by the local scouts and face painting. It takes place from 6pm to 9pm. Entry is free.

Woodley Christmas extravaganza, Sunday, December 4 A WHOLE day of festive entertainment is coming to Woodley town centre next month. Local groups including Starlet Dance School, Beechwood Primary School, Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow and the Royal Castle Jazz Band will be

performing on a big stage for the annual event which this year celebrates its 20th birthday. The fun starts at 10am, followed by the mayor’s welcome at 11am. Father Christmas will arrive at 11.15am, pulled in his sleigh by real reindeers. New activities this year will include a mischievous mobile Christmas tree. Entry is free and the day ends at 3pm.

Bikers Toy Run, Sunday, December 4

BIKERS from across the country descend on Wokingham borough on the first Sunday in December for this annual event. Taking to the streets in fancy dress, the bighearted bikers will ride from Foster Wheeler in Shinfield to Barnado’s High Close School, bringing toys and spreading Christmas cheer. The event leaves Foster Wheeler at 2pm.

Living Advent Calendars in Wokingham & Twyford

EVERY day from December 1 until Christmas Eve there will be something exciting in Wokingham and Twyford. It could be a song, a performance, a children’s activity or something to do. We’ll list all the key dates in next week’s paper. If you can’t wait, visit twyfordtogether.org or wokylivingadvent.blogspot.com.

Festive firs to go on show at two churches AN ANNUAL festive highlight is returning to Wokingham next month – and it’s guaranteed to get your in the Christmas spirit. Wokingham Methodist Church will once again be asking the groups that meet in and use the Bradbury Centre to decorate a Christmas tree for public display. More than 50 festive firs will be on show, each one decorated by local charities, groups and schools. Throughout the three-day event, which runs from Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 4, there will

How The Giving Tree works

be other entertainment including children’s activities, crafts and gift stalls, with homemade cakes, sweets, biscuits, preserves and table decorations available to buy. A fairtrade stall will also be on offer. Refreshments are served each day, with bacon sandwiches, baked potatoes and homemade soup available over the lunch period and cakes, mince pies and cream teas served during the afternoons. Entry is free, but the church accepts donations. All proceeds will

Visit a Giving Tree

be shared between three charities: The Salvation Army, Rett Syndrome and the Rose Street Alzheimer's Café. It is open from 10am to 4.30pm on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 4pm on Sunday, December 4. Entrance is via the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street Car Park off Rose Street. For more details, log on to www. wokinghammethodist.org.uk n St Mary’s Church in Twyford is also holding a Christmas Tree Festival. This

runs from Thursday, December 1 to Sunday, December 4. Attractions include performances from handbell ringers, the Berkshire Recorder Consort, the Twyford ‘Glee Club UK’ on Saturday and Sunday, a Christmas tea on Sunday and the event concludes with carols around the trees from 4.30pm. It is open from 10am to 5pm Thursday and Friday, 10am to 9pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm nm Sunday. Entry is free and refreshments will be served.

Choose Buy the Return Congratulations! a tag present it to the You’ve just made someone’s Christmas! listed Tree

WOKINGHAM has already been giving Santa a helping hand – organisers of an appeal to ensure no child is without a present this Christmas Day said that the campaign has got off to a flying start. The Giving Tree appeal is simple: head to a tree in a range of local venues (see below), pick a tag, buy the present on it and return tag and present to the tree. Organisers will then get the gift to a child in time for Christmas Day. Gill Mckernan, from Barnardo’s High Close School, organises the appeal with a team of volunteers. She said: “The Giving Tree appeal has got off to a fantastic start with 100’s of tags already been taken off the trees by the kind and generous local people. “The gifts have already started to come back and this means that the charities will have plenty of time to wrap them and get them delivered in time for Christmas. “All the venues have now had their delivery of tags so please visit one, take a tag and bring a big smile on a child’s face this Christmas. “Thank you to everyone for their support of The Giving Tree.”

Find your nearest Giving Tree The firms hosting Giving Trees are: n Tesco – Wokingham n Tesco – Warfield n Tesco – Martins Heron n Dell – Bracknell n Wokingham Borough Council n Newbury Building Society – Wokingham n Zappas – Bean Oak Wokingham n Zappas – Peach Street Wokingham n Zappas – Crowthorne n Zappas – Twyford n Zappas – Fleet n Nirvana Spa/Pulse8 – Wokingham n Premier Research – Wokingham n RSA Security – Bracknell n YOH Solutions- Winnersh Triangle n PricewaterhouseCooper – Reading n Wokingham Library n CenturyLink – Winnersh Triangle n Artizian – Catering Services Hurst n Morrisons Wokingham

The charities The Giving Tree will help: n Barnardos – Various Projects including Young Carers n Barnardos Fostering and Adoption Project n Dingley’s Promise – Early Years Specialists n Transform Housing and Support n Home Start n Women’s Refuge – Berkshire Women’s Aid n ASD Family Help n Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice n Wokingham Crossroads Young Carers Project n Look Ahead Care and Support n Children With Special Needs Foundation n Sebastian’s Action Trust n Berkshire Vision

14 | NEWS

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Woodley woman died weeks after her husband By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOMAN from Woodley died of suspected heart failure less than a month after her husband passed away, an inquest has heard. Irmgard Erica Potter, 82, died in her sleep at her home in Leyburn Close on August 22 this year, days after her husband William George Potter’s funeral. Mr Potter, 89, died on July 25 following years of poor health which the coroner, Peter Bedford, attributed to his years of working in asbestos-riddled factories. Medical records and a statement from Mr Potter himself revealed that while in charge of maintaining mechanical and non-mechanical equipment in factories from the late 1940s, Mr Potter was regularly exposed to asbestos dust which led to a diagnosis of pleurisy and other lung conditions in later life, and suspected asbestosis. In 2003 he had an internal cardiac defibrillator fitted, and was later diagnosed with severe shingles which affected his limbs and head. He was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital following a fall in July, and after suffering from a bout of angina, he passed away on July 25. A post-mortem revealed significant quantities of asbestos in Mr Potter’s lung tissue, as well as significant fibrosis of both lungs. Mr Bedford concluded that the evidence and medical reports made it ‘graphically clear’ that Mr Potter died from industrial disease of asbestosis, contracted during the course of his employment.

The inquest then heard how Mrs Potter, who herself had suffered years of ill health, died shortly after her husband’s funeral in August. The couple’s sons Marty and Gary, who were both present at the inquest at Reading Town Hall on Tuesday, explained how their parents both took large amounts of medication for various conditions, but would often hoard prescriptions and would pick and choose which they took. Mrs Potter had suffered from osteoporosis for years, which had led to several fractured vertebrae, and had also survived breast cancer in 2012. She had been prescribed Oramorph, a painkiller containing morphine sulphate. The inquest heard that both Mr and Mrs Potter lived in their son Marty’s house in Leyburn Close, which he used for work. When Mr Potter died, Marty started to look after his mother a lot more, buying her groceries and taking control of her medication. He explained, in a statement, that his mother had seemed ‘in relatively good spirits’ following her husband’s death, but complained of ‘a bubbly chest’ on the day of his funeral, which she visited her GP for. He said she then appeared to feel better and on Friday, August 19, he bought her groceries to last the weekend and left her at home as usual. Marty then went on to describe returning to the house on Monday, August 22, and noticing the post piled up by the door which he said was unusual. His mother was not up and about, which he thought nothing of, but when he saw the food in the fridge hadn’t been touched, he went up to check on her.

WOKINGHAM IN NEED

Christmas album to be launched by local choir A LOCAL choir is getting ready for the launch of their Christmas album. Members of the Arborfield Military Wives Choir will be queueing up to get the new CD, which is released on Friday, November 25. Called Home For Christmas, the album is a collaboration between the 65 Military Wives Choirs across the UK and is a follow-up to their 2012 Christmas number one single Wherever You Are. And the Arborfield choir’s recording caps an amazing year which has seen them sing with Lulu, perform in Carnegie Hall in New York and take part in the Welsh Proms. The Arborfield choir joined more than 1,000 other women to record the album. They have also joined eight other local choirs to record their version of the carol In The Bleak Midwinter. Isobel Bowman, the choir’s co-ordinator, said: “As the Album release is getting closer we are getting very excited and obviously very proud of not just this but everything we have done this year. “On the upcoming album we sang and recorded Home for Christmas along with the 1,006 ladies from 65 MWC Choirs, from both UK and

abroad. We also recorded along with eight local choirs from the South, In the Bleak Midwinter.” The group, which rehearses in the Garrison Church of St Eligius in Arborfield on Monday nights, will be performing these songs and other festive numbers over the coming weeks. On Saturday, November 26, they will be outside Specsavers in Reading’s Broad Street from 2pm. On Sunday, December 4, between noon and 2pm, they can be heard at Basildon Park. They will then help switch on Arborfield’s Christmas lights on Thursday, December 8 and lead a carol concert at the Garrison Church on Thursday, December 15. n Home for Christmas will be released as a single on Friday, December 2.

Care home given £870,000 makeover

WOKINGHAM- WE NEED YOU!

WOKINGHAM’S newest registered charity

He found his mother lying in bed, ‘as if she were asleep’, but cold to touch. He called the police and paramedics, who confirmed that she had passed away. One of the paramedics who attended, Steven Lee, said in a statement that he noticed a recently opened, but empty, 100ml bottle of Oramorph on a trolley by Mrs Potter’s bed, and the packaging still in the waste bin. Other open bottles of the medication were found in the house, but still had quantities of the drug inside. A post-mortem carried out at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and found that the levels of Oramorph in Mrs Potter’s blood were not particularly high, something, as Mr Bedford explained, you would not expect to find of someone who had taken an overdose. But the examination did find that three of Mrs Potter’s coronary arteries were severely narrowed, one as much as 90 per cent, which could have caused a significant heart attack. Summing up, Mr Bedford said that he was not convinced ‘beyond all reasonable doubt’ that Mrs Potter had intended to take her own life, and that given the length of time that she had been taking Oramorph, she may well have built up a tolerance to the drug. Addressing the family, he said: “I would love to give you a black and white answer, but on this occasion I cannot. “She died in her bed, peacefully, which fits with someone who suffered a cardiac episode. I think there is evidence to suggest a natural cause, and a heart related death.” Mr Bedford concluded that Mrs Potter died from natural causes.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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.

Woodbury House has been given a complete refurbishment, with new furniture, fittings and a café

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.” The reason for supplying you with this information? ..We would like your support.. 

As an individual - Your donations, no matter how small



As a business - Your donations, no matter how small

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

RESIDENTS of a care home near Swallowfield have been enjoying their new surroundings thanks to an £870,000 refurbishment. Woodbury House, in Jouldings Lane, which is run by brighterkind, has undergone a complete refurbishment of the 37 bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges, dining room and communal areas, and a cafe with

kitchenette has been installed where residents can meet up with relatives and friends. The home has also been redecorated throughout, with new furniture, fittings and soft furnishings to complete the new look. Home manager Samantha Bell said: “This is a beautiful big country house and the refurbishment has rejuvenated

it as a welcoming and comfortable place to live. “We never forget that for our residents this is their home and we want them to feel at home, so they were consulted about the project, just as they are about other aspects of how we run Woodbury House, such as the menus and activities programmes. “An important part of the

project was to give each resident the opportunity to select colours and fabric patterns for their bedroom that they like, so that it really does feel like home. “There is still work to be done outside to repaint the windows and resurface the driveway and we have an acre of lovely gardens that are being spruced up, but inside our residents are comfortable.”

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16 | VIEWPOINTS

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Park and ride is not the answer LAST week, despite almost unanimous opposition, the planning committee passed plans to build a 277 car park and ride on a local beauty spot. Few people realise that Thames Valley Park is in Wokingham, but this tranquil spot next to the River Thames offers a pleasant break from the routine of real life. Building a park and ride here is an act of vandalism that offers little solution to the growing traffic problem. Taking 277 cars off the roads into Reading is like rubbing one ‘m’ off one sweet in a large family bag of M&Ms: pointless. Building a single track bus lane to link up Thames Valley Park with Reading’s train station is also a dreadful act. It’s not a third bridge over the Thames by stealth: it’s ruining a popular beauty spot that is much-loved and well used by a local community. When so many people queue up in a planning meeting to say this is a bad decision, there must be something to what they’re saying. This park and ride plan must be parked.

CHURCH NOTES

Churches attack benefit cap GOVERNMENT statistics on the Benefit Cap reveal that over a quarter of a million children have been affected by the Cap since it was introduced in April 2013. Additionally, the majority of families affected were accepted as not being able to work due to illness, disability or caring responsibilities. The Baptist Union, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have spoken out against the Benefit Cap. Speaking on behalf of the joint Churches, Paul Morrison, Policy Adviser said: “It is clear that the Benefit Cap overwhelmingly targets children – 19 out of every 20 families whose benefits had been capped have children.” The current Benefit Cap – the limit on the total amount of benefits a family can receive - is set at £26,000 per year. For a family to need such high levels of benefit they tend to live in a region where high rents drive up the Housing Benefit bill. Currently around half of capped households are in London. From earlier this month the Benefit Cap was reduced to £23,000 in London and £20,000 for the rest of the UK. This will increase the number of families affected and spread the impact of the cap more widely throughout the UK. Paul said: “The lower Benefit Cap could be disastrous for tens of thousands more children throughout the country. We know, from our experience on the ground and the Government’s own research, that the Benefit Cap drives people into rent arrears, debt and hunger.” Only 14% of families capped were unemployed and claiming Jobseekers Allowance. The same number of families received benefit because they were assessed as being unable to work due to illness or disability; others are unable to work due to caring responsibilities for children or disabled adults. The Government claims that the Benefit Cap is designed to get people into work, but it also acknowledges that most families affected have illness or caring responsibilities that prevent them from working. Paul added: “It cannot be morally acceptable to leave children without enough to live on in order to pressurise their parents into work. This is doubly true if those parents have no prospect of moving into work because they are sick or caring for family members.”

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to 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

When plumbers can only park for 20 minutes … I speak as a long time resident of Barkham Road In the last four weeks I have had at least four visits from plumbers, one of whom insisted that even if my house was flooded he could not park for longer than the legal 20 minutes. He had already had a parking fine in Woodley and did not wish to incur another. So my house should flood!!! My neighbour needs a completely new roof. That takes several days at least four to five hour per day. Is he going to be fined? My other neighbour is having her house completely re-decorated, at least four to five hours per day. To keep my garden tidy , and to prevent it from being an eyesore to my neighbours, I have a gardener who comes once a month. It takes usually an hour or depending on the season, two hours. He risks incurring a fine if he goes over 20 minutes. This 20 minutes depends on the goodwilll of the local shop and the availabilty of parking spaces outside his shop, detrimentally affecting his business. My house was purchased in 1980, when there was parking available behind the back garden (now bought out by several industrial firms). There was also available parking in Latimer Road, now built up with Association Housing. My husband in his 80s, has limited mobiltlity. He can still drive but it takes at least seven minutes to walk to Latimer Road. (There are double yellow lines outside all our houses, and a very small pavement in parts.) We now rarely take out our car for fear of losing one of the very few residents’ parking spaces. We do not make the necessary Doctors’ visits. I appreciate that parking is a major problem throughout the UK, but surely we should be allowed to upkeep our houses and prevent floods, leaky roofs, overgrown garden etc etc.. Surely it is within the means of the intelligence of Wokingham Borough Council, who I am assured are soon to be taking over this problem, to provide, the residents with necessary tokens, or signs to say that they are for that day or days, exempt from parking fines. I do hope you will provide me with the space to express my views and, I am sure, of many residents and frustrated tradesmen. Francine Twitchett, Wokingham

A different approach to building Ref your November 10 front page story ‘More homes on the way’: Mega housing development driven by mass immigration , insane council policy and those fleeing London means we must accept that the environmental quality of life in Wokingham will be rapidly destroyed dominated by blocked roads, tacky multi storey car parks, and more destruction of architectural and environmental heritage. The solution is not more destruction of green land but instead enforce all new housing location to minimise more traffic impact. This means platforming over railway lines at and any existing and new rail stations to enable multistorey high density flats above with roof gardens and shops with direct access to platforms for commuting to Reading and London etc. A start could be made at the tacky Wokingham station site including a much needed bridge to replace the level crossing. Actually with a long needed new frequent rail direct link to an expanded Heathrow via Staines Wokingham station could be moved to straddle the Gatwick/Watererloo lines to create more train paths , provide a huge platform for housing and free up a large area around the present inadequate station . P Williams, Sindlesham

Is there a problem with Wokingham’s doctors? I recently rang my central Wokingham doctor’s surgery to arrange for some holiday travel vaccinations only to be told that they no longer

Councillors expenses With reference to David Anderson’s letter ‘Councillors and their expenses’ (letters, November 10): May I say I agree with every word he writes and offer the above cartoon for your consideration. J W Blaney, Wokingham

provided this service. They directed me to a commercial company in Reading. According to the NHS, most of the vaccinations I required are supposed to still be free. I found that the company in Reading would be charging me around £300 a person for this medication. For two of us, this is over 10% of the cost of our holiday. I also found that several other surgeries in Wokingham still provide travel vaccinations free of charge but cannot give this service to people not registered with the practices. Apart from these travel vaccinations, some surgeries are only able to give appointments several days to a week in advance. Some do not even allow that, requiring the patients to ring in at 8.30am and join the queue to get an appointment on that day. If you are too late you have to try the following day. Are we now seeing a crisis in the medical provision for Wokingham, which has been under severe strain for a few years? Derek Harding, Wokingham

We don’t want to be in Bracknell! The community of Finchampstead strongly objects to becoming part of Bracknell. This illogical proposal will impact our civic costs, investment and we have no affinity for Bracknell as our local council. Having moved from London to Finchampstead Wokingham was the choice of residence not Bracknell. I urge people of Finchampstead to make their voices heard and protest against this proposal which is neither wanted or a viable option. Tania Schulz, Finchampstead

Cycle lanes are not fit for purpose Once again a member of the anti-cycling brigade has written a letter to the Wokingham Paper which is full of rhetoric but devoid of facts. Brian Wedge claims the majority of cyclists illegally use footpaths rather than roads or designated cycle paths. Clearly this is not true. He adds that the problem for many people is not cars but cyclists on the pavement. Is he not aware that the Department for Transport statistics for 2009-13 show 1% of pedestrian deaths are caused by cyclists and 68% by car drivers? (Other motorised vehicles caused the other 31%). Of course it is indisputable that a minority of cyclists do travel on the pavement, but why? Maybe the answer can be found in the 2013 DfT survey on ‘Public Attitudes to Transport’ which found that 61% of respondents felt that it is too dangerous for them to cycle on roads.

A lot of cycle routes are simply not fit for purpose, designed by highways engineers who have never ridden a bike and are potentially more dangerous than cycling on the road. If Mr Wedge is up for a challenge I can show him many examples. Many local authorities have designated stretches of pavement as shared use for both pedestrians and cyclists. If cyclists are the danger Mr Wedge claims then surely the health & safety police would close such pathways. There has been much media coverage of accidents being caused by motorists using mobile phones. Pedestrians are equally distracted by their mobiles and those wearing headsets are unable to hear cyclists ringing their warning bells and thus likely to cause easily preventable accidents. All road and pavement users have a duty of care which if exercised by all would produce a sharp drop in the accident statistics. Peter Humphreys, via email

Scrap the 1% pay cap Nurses across the South East are calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to scrap the 1% pay cap when he delivers his Autumn Statement on November 23rd. The 1% cap on pay increases for public sector workers has meant that some nurses have seen their pay fall by up to 14% in real terms since 2010 – a massive impact. In the South East some NHS Trusts are facing a recruitment crisis which could mean Trusts will soon lack the staff needed to provide safe patient care. Nurses are telling us they struggle to cope on their current pay levels and feel undervalued which leads to low morale and staff leaving the profession for good. Unless the Chancellor takes urgent steps to ensure nursing pay reflects the complexity and value of the role, the nursing profession is being led into crisis. Members of the RCN are calling for the Chancellor to scrap the 1% public sector pay cap for NHS staff, award NHS staff with an above-inflation pay increase and return to UK-wide pay rate in the NHS. If you would like to show your support for fair pay for nursing staff, visit www.rcn.org.uk/nursingcounts to find out what we are doing and to sign the petition on nursing pay. Let’s tell the Chancellor that this is his opportunity to show that the Government does indeed value nurses. Thousands of nursing staff across the South East region are dedicated to caring for you, 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, whatever your illness or condition. Please show your support for us. Patricia Marquis, Regional Director and Maria Nicholson, South East Council Member

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

VIEWPOINTS | 17

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TONY JOHNSON The cunning, plan ahead! Resistance is Useless … was the Vogons’ battle cry as their ships destroyed planet Earth to make way for a intergalactic construction project. If you believe development is inevitable, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve neither choice nor voice in the matter of construction projects around the borough. But you’d be wrong. So we’ve included a handy guide to help you understand Vogons, as well as ‘the plan’. No, that’s not a ‘cunning plan’ (no turnips here). it’s the Local Plan, currently undergoing a mid-term review and the reason it’s important is that you’ve a chance to influence that review.

Simple Choices – Hard Decisions Make no mistake, this is about population growth, from reproduction as well as migration and there are some tricky questions to consider. On housing, should the new houses be spread evenly across the Borough or lumped together on one or two sites? On services, be it care homes, childcare, dentists, doctors, hospitals or schools, should they be built into the borough or sourced from outside? On Shops, Offices and Industrial areas, where should they be located and how much do we want (or need)? On green spaces and leisure activities, can we afford to keep and sustain them, or are they simply places that some future Local Plan will have to gobble up? On infrastructure, be it travel (by road or rail); water (wanted or not); or utilities; what should we be doing so that we can enjoy our lives without being jammed or deafened, flooded or powerless?

The borough council’s map of potential sites shows where housing estates and developments could be placed between now and 2036

Problems, like the population, have grown

The “Thin End – Long Wedge” option

Back in the 1960’s, despite howls of protest at the time, the one way system was introduced into Wokingham’s town centre because it was jammed solid. By the early 70’s there was a plan to introduce an Inner Distributor Ring road – the IDR. Luckily, it never went ahead. There were a few industrial buildings along Molly Millars Lane. They’ve grown and grown into a whopping great industrial estate – right in the middle of the town. Access is “problematic” as huge trucks have to use a mix of residential streets or the town centre to get there and residents have to put up with the consequences. Currently, there’s a plan which calls for over £19M to be spent making access easier by building a road and a new railway bridge and removing the car dealership from the junction of Molly Millars Lane and the Finchampstead Road. Meanwhile in the town, Retail in Wokingham’s town centre has been “challenging” for at least five decades. Despite the difficulties of lack of parking; high rents and rates; a move to out of town retail parks; the internet’s influence on buying habits; the Borough Council has bravely embarked on a £100M Regeneration project to rectify things. Whether or not you agree with the decisions, credit where it’s due – the current administration is trying to fix the historic problems.

This option is to make a ‘democratic’ spread of houses among the 150 to 200 sites capable of taking them. Limiting the maximum number of houses on any one site to 200, 100, 50, 20 or 10 (proportional to the size of the site) gives a total of around 12,000 to 16,000 new houses. However, there’s a couple of headaches that immediately arise. Locally we average over two cars per house, so all the Borough’s key roads would get jammed and by spreading the money so thinly, we won’t be able to afford all the road improvements needed. Similarly, new residents will need more primary and secondary school places than we’ve got, but because they’re all spread out, there isn’t enough dosh to build schools for every site. It’s democratic in that it spreads the pain of new houses equally, but plain dumb because it causes the maximum inconvenience to everyone - new and existing residents alike. Democratic intent, “Dumbocratic” result.

The shape of things to come

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The “Fork Handles” option Trying to apply 21st century

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At the other end of the spectrum, one picks one location to develop a new town of 12,000 to 15,000 houses. For everyone who doesn’t already live on or near that site, this is great! Unless it affects you on the way to work, or you live there already, then it’s ghastly! It solves the “spreading money too thinly” problem, giving enough to build or upgrade roads, plus some brand new schools. Affordable housing aplenty. Shops, doctors, and so on. Except that the developer contributions don’t actually pay for everything that’s needed. Even if the developer contributions to WBC are alleged to be the “second highest in the country” (hah!), they don’t pay for all the infrastructure that a new town needs. Guess who pays? Central government? – perhaps, but that’s a “big ask”. Local government? – difficult, we’re already £19M off the pace. You get the idea – it’s the taxpayer who pays and the developers & new home owners who benefit. As this is a family paper, let’s call this answer “Unicratic”. Between these two extremes, there’s hundreds of options and it’s unlikely that one answer will please everyone. So, with this in mind, here’s the third option as to how we might move forwards.

Wokingham Borough Council’s recent ‘Call for Sites’, along with an ‘Expression of Interest’ for a new village in Grazeley have triggered criticism and much wailing and gnashing of teeth. The map shows where approx. 250 suggested places for possible development are located, resulting from the Call for Sites. Of these, 85% are for housing and site sizes vary; from a dozen small plots each with space for just one new house; to three huge areas, each capable of taking six to seven thousand. At the moment, all the sites are coloured orange, so one can’t easily tell which ones are for Leisure; Industrial; Retail; or mixed development. Also for now – nothing has been decided and it certainly isn’t the case that every one of the sites on the map will get developed, creating Chokingham into the bargain.

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The “Lump Hammer” option

Despite anything you’ve read to the contrary, at this stage in the process Borough Councillors don’t have the new Local Plan for housing and other developments. However, they do have a project plan with a timetable, published in September 2015 as the ‘Local Development Scheme’ which describes the key stages to create a Local Plan. Work on this continues and WBC are currently asking Parish & Town councils for local knowledge to help form an overall assessment of the around 250 possible sites. This consultation runs until mid December. When the local knowledge is in, an assessment as to the Sustainability of the sites can be made and a “long list” of all the (un !) reasonable options will be published for public comment in 2017, so that a “short list of the preferred options can be published a bit later. To understand the scale of the challenge, as well as to get your creative thinking going, here’s some ideas as to what should (or shouldn’t depending on your point of view) be used as options for the Local Plan:

So what’s WBC doing?

The shape of things to come?

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planning to an historic town or village is much like putting lipstick on a pig. The end results aren’t pretty and the pig doesn’t like it. So, instead of the Wedge or Hammer option, perhaps a four pronged approach might share the gains as well as the pains:  Expand the capacity of chosen main traffic routes with graded developments alongside, allowing room for future expansion.  Plan the graded developments. Feeder roads go next to the main traffic routes; then heavy industrial & large retail; then light industrial, storage & research; then a linear park, shops, doctors & dentists; lower cost residential, lastly medium to high cost residential served by arterial as well as capillary travel routes.  Design the infrastructure that support & service the communities one wants to build.  Move the Molly Millars Industrial estate to alongside a main traffic route. Replace with a mix of residential and retail/indoor leisure (“no-cost-to-park” to attract business). There are very few places in the Borough where this can be made to work. North of the A329M; A33 south of the M4; M4 junction 9 (not 8/9). The sharing might be labelled “Partocratic”, so expect factions ahead.

So what do YOU want? Having a Local Plan gives us the benefit of some local choices as to

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how many houses of which type go in where, also that the relevant infrastructure can go in the right place at the right time. In the absence of a Local Plan, Developers have an almost free rein to do what they like. This will be worse than today’s situation. The Local Plan is probably the most important and emotive topic that we face, short of natural or inflicted disasters. It needs to be sustainable into the generations to come. The options above may be anywhere from great to awful, passing daft along the way. Our Councillors, be they Parish/ Town or Borough are elected to represent our views, but in order to do this, they need to know what those views are. Your opinion matters – now would be a good time to make contact.

Resistance is pointless? No! Not quite the Vogons’ battle cry when they destroyed planet Earth to make way for a intergalactic construction project, but close. If you believe development is inevitable, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve neither choice nor voice in the matter of construction projects around the Borough. But you’d be wrong. We’ve put a handy jargon buster online at wokingham.today to help you understand Vogons, as well as ‘the plan’.

18 | VIEWPOINTS

OH, MR SMITH!

A wry look at life

The art of imprisonment

ON’T put me in prison. I am quite capable of making my own. This explains, perhaps, why I was a bit equivocal about visiting; ‘INSIDE. Artists and writers in Reading Prison’. The eponymous event is open until December 4 – it’s well worth taking time out to go and see it. The organisers, Artangel, explained that it was the popular association of Oscar Wilde with Reading Prison that led them to invite artists and writers from around the world to present works in the now vacant building. Artworks and letters written from prison were donated by artists as famous as Ai Wei Wei and Steve McQueen and writers such as Gillian Slovo and Jeanette Winterson. In 1882 Oscar Wilde embarked on a nine-month lecture tour of America. In Lincoln, Nebraska, he visited the local prison and he wrote that the faces of inmates “were mean-looking” and this seemed to him appropriate because he wrote in a letter “I should hate to see a criminal with a noble face.” Little did Wilde know at this time that his noble face would experience prison life for two heartbreaking or character-forming (however you choose to look at it) years. Immediately leaving prison and unable to return to London where he had enjoyed such adoration and notoriety he lived out the remainder of his life in France, self-exiled and divorced never to see his children again. Amongst the exhibits was a series of disturbing, disfigured portraits. I wasn’t sure whether they reflected ‘Dorian Grey’ like consequences of selfish living or the pain inflicted by the penal system? The punishing routine in Reading Gaol was not exhausting physical work but the ‘Separate System’ devised to deprive inmates of contact with others – even when attending chapel services. Could you live with yourself 24x7?

The confinement of freedom Visiting prison was a strange experience. On the one hand a free light-hearted jaunt with friends on a sunny afternoon, on the other an opportunity to reflect on the miserable existence of people constrained at Her Majesty’s pleasure. Many critics think Reading Gaol remodelled Wilde as a romantic figure able to speak to all ages not just his own. Certain passages of De Profundis (Out of the depths) seem to suggest this. In an earlier letter of 1886 to a young companion Wilde wrote that “there was no such things as a romantic experience; there are romantic memories, and there is a desire for romance – that is all… And strangely enough, what comes of all this is a curious mixture of ardour and indifference” The most poignant image in the exhibition however was not a painting, sculpture or letter but a concrete slab erected in the chapel from which extracts of De Profundis were read by Ralph Fiennes and others. I watched people wander in and out on a day when sunlight through the windows illuminated glints of dust in the air. Yet this cheerful light and airy atmosphere became sombre and oppressive around the central slab with Wilde’s prison door standing at the far end like a gravestone. The juxtaposition of these two images and the emotions they triggered made me wonder how frequently we make a prison of our own lives when we ignore the true freedom we inhabit and allow circumstances to incarcerate us. We turn life into a drudge plodding out a dreary treadmill of existence isolating ourselves from others. At such times although we exist somewhere outside the prison our hearts are firmly captured inside it – willingly submitting to a ‘Separate System’ of our own making. What is your prison? Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Wokingham people Purple patches to combat Polio

OCAL charity groups have been busy battling a killer disease. And they’re getting closer to wiping it out for good. Thirty years ago, 350,000 children around the World were diagnosed with Polio every year. Last year there were only 74 new cases of Polio reported and these were in Pakistan and Afghanistan. So far, in 2016, there have been only 21 cases reported – two of which were in Nigeria. Many people in the UK do not remember – or even know – about the terrible problems that Polio caused. Polio is a horrible disease which affects children in such a way that they may be crippled for life. Unable to walk or play and some children had to live in a metal machine caller an iron lung to help them to breathe. Children here at home are lucky to have been vaccinated against polio so there are now no youngsters in Britain with Polio. Why are there so few children in the world now suffering from Polio? Because all the Rotary Clubs in the World, together with other organisations, donated money to buy vaccines for all children everywhere. Since 1985 Rotary has contributed £1.25 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. As a result hundreds of thousands of children will not get Polio. This is, the charity says, a real success story. However there is more to be done to achieve the total worldwide eradication of Polio. “Rotary will not stop its efforts to ensure that every child is born into a Polio free world where they are safe from this paralyzing disease” said Michael K McGovern, Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee. The Rotary Club of Easthampstead has given crocus bulbs to a number of schools in the Wokingham and Bracknell area to plant in the grass in the school grounds. A total of 5,000 bulbs have been shared among the schools. During the winter and spring the small purple flowers will appear in the grass to remind us all how lucky we are that Polio has been eliminated in Britain. The flowers are purple because that is the colour of the temporary mark put on a child’s finger to show that he or she has been vaccinated. As part of the campaign, on Saturday, November 5, Wokingham in Bloom received help from Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from 4th Wokingham, Rotary International, Wokingham Club 41, local Norreys residents and members of Christ Church, Wokingham to plant bulbs at St Crispin’s School in London Road. The town council planting wouldn’t have

Above and below left: crocus planting at St Crispin’s School in Wokingham. Below right: more planting at High Close School in Wokingham. In the spring, the purple ﬂowers will raise awareness of the ﬁght against Polio

been possible without the generous help of a team from ISS, the Borough Council’s grounds maintenance contractor. Very early on Saturday morning they made thousands of planting holes. ISS also kindly donated 2,000 crocus bulbs. In all, more than 4,000 bulbs were planted in circular beds outside St Crispin’s. Town Mayor, Councillor Gwynneth Hewetson, played her part in the planting.

VOLUNTEER CORNER  Wokingham Carers Hub is a conﬁdential support service for Carers of all ages across the Wokingham Borough area. The organisation runs a dementia Carer support group once a month at Winnersh Community Centre. Some of the Carers bring their loved ones they support who have dementia to the group. We would like to ﬁnd two volunteers to spend time with a small group of people with dementia. The people with dementia who attend the group enjoy playing board

She said: “It was heart-warming to see so many people on a cold morning on their hands and knees planting the crocuses. But this is typical of the enthusiasm and support of the whole community in Wokingham. We can all look forward to a carpet of purple in 2017 and beyond.”  www.wokinghaminbloom.org.uk  For more on the Polio campaign, visit www.easthampsteadrotary.co.uk/

With Helena Badger games, chatting, reminiscing and a good cup of tea and cake. No assistance with any personal care is required. Volunteers who are enthusiastic, calm and have an understanding of people with dementia would be great. Anyone who feels they would enjoy spending two hours once a month supporting a small group of people with dementia to engage in meaningful activities.  Age UK Reading provide services to older people in the greater Reading

area and beyond. They are setting up a new club in Woodley which will offer people an opportunity to meet up with friends, participate in activities and have a nourishing meal! They need volunteer help at their Lunch Club with setting up, welcoming clients, preparing hot and cold meals, clearing up and ensuring the elderly clients are well cared for. Volunteers are needed on Fridays from 10am-2pm.  Earleybus is a community minibus

operator for the elderly, wheelchair users and local voluntary organisations. They are looking for minibus drivers, who have a full, clean driving licence and the relevant driving experience. Volunteers will need to have a first aid certificate or be prepared to attend a First Aid course.  To find out more about the event and volunteering in general, please visit our website www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk or call us on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

PROPERTY | 19

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Cleaver shows off its circus skills The fun of the big top came to Woodley, and children were able to see the show thanks to Cleaver Property Management

A CIRCUS with a purpose put a smile on children’s faces earlier this month - and its visit was helped by Wokingham-based Cleaver Property Management. The not-for-proﬁt troupe Circus Starr performed two shows at Woodford Park in Woodley for schools and colleges across the borough, with an emphasis on disadvantaged or disabled children who might not otherwise get the chance to enjoy the magic of the big top. The group was ﬁrst established in 1987 and features world-class artists from across the globe. Acts included the internationally renowned Mexican Clown, Chico Rico and his stunning daughters, Las Chicas Morales who took on the rolling globes to everyone’s delight.

The Tangier Brothers troupe had a jawdropping space wheel act, while Romy had a high wire act to amaze. And also appearing where the daredevil Serik Brothers on the Chinese straps and pole, showcasing their steely strength and entertaining all involved. Circus Starr asks local companies to sponsor the performances and buy tickets that can be given to children who would otherwise miss out. Cleaver Property management, which is based in Ascot House off Finchamsptead Road in Wokingham’s town centre, was one of the companies that got behind Circus Starr, saying it did so with great delight. Managing Director of Cleaver Property Management, Martin Cleaver, said: “It is great to be helping to bring fun and laughter

to disabled children and their families and we are very proud to be supporting this great event.”  Cleaver Property Management is an independent, family-owned specialist Property Management and Residential Letting Agent for a wide variety of properties throughout Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and Wiltshire. If you are looking for a property management company, Cleaver says you should visit its website for its report How To Hire A Property Management Company. This provides you with the things to look out for and questions to ask. For more details, call 0844 499 3411 or www.cleaverproperty.co.uk

Pedal power for charity MEMBERS of Cleaver Property Management will be taking part in an epic cycle ride next year –and to prepare they’re planning an evening ﬁlled with wine. The team, which includes friends and families of the company’s staff, will cycle 135 miles to Amsterdam in May to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, Help For Heroes, Terrence Higgins Trust and Children with Cancer UK in May. To help fundraise they are hosting an auction at 7pm on Thursday,

December 1 at The Grape Escape in Denmark Street. Cleaver is asking local businesses if they would kindly donate an item or a service to auction off. Nothing is too small or too big . You are also invited to join in, tickets cost £10. To donate prizes, buy tickets or to help, call Susan Cleaver on 0118 467 1573 or email susan@cleaverproperty. co.uk  www.justgiving.com/teams/ Cleaver

Fleur de Lis to open next autumn Sales manager Matt Smith joins site manager Barry Pumfrey in the basement parking area of the new retirement site, Fleur de Lis, which is being built on Wiltshire Road

Cleaver Property Management

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properties for both leasehold and freehold

the town and we plan to grow this over the comingCleaver years. the town and we planistoangrow this over theproperty coming y properties. Property Management independent, specialist managing and residential letting agent, operating for over 20 years. As

Susan and MartintoCleaver This service is provided Residentshave welcomed a recent move a Cleaver family run business, Management most of our clients have come to us byspecialist personal p CleaverworkProperty Management anreservations independent, property Property is an independent, CONSTRUCTION on a new retirement site just taking is off plan early in the newspecialist year. Associations, Flat Management Companies, to new offices strengthening the continuing relationship recommendation due to the outstanding personal service our local team off Wokingham’s town centre is on schedule to open “We believe we have the number one location for managing and residential letting agent, operating for over 20 years. managing Asand Freeholders. and residential letting agent, operating for over 20 ye Landlords for next year says developers Renaissance Retirement. retirement in Wokingham. It’s a stunning site and the in Wokingham. We manage a number of properties in of highly trained experts provide. run which business, most of our will clients have come toﬁnish. us by personal a family run business, most of our clients have come to us by p Thea 33 family luxury apartments, will be known as apartments be a very high speciﬁ cation and the town and we plan The aim of the company is: to grow this over the coming years. Fleur de Lis, are being built on Wiltshire Road and the Naturally we’ve had a very strong interest for the

Offering management services for freehold and loc recommendation due to the outstanding personal service our local recommendation teamnumerous property due to the outstanding personal service our

company said that they have already sparked a good apartments and we will shortly be releasing prices.” leasehold residential properties support; Residents Associations, interestof from buyers. trained experts provide. Renaissance Retirement has a distinguished highly of To highly trained experts provide. provide high quality Cleaver Property Management is –anweindependent, specialist property The company said that the luxurious properties will history; the company was handpicked by HRH Prince Flat Management Companies, Developers, Landlords and Freeholders. management service managing and residential letting agent, operating for over 20 years. As provide an exceptional standard of independent living Wales to build a landmark collection of retirement Offering numerous propertyof management services for freehold property management for freeho a Offering family run numerous business, of our clients have come toservices us by personal toand multi tenantedmost properties for those considering downsizing from a larger family apartments in the heart of Poundbury, Dorchester. For more information and to book a personal appointment please contact us Assoc home. leasehold residential properties Noticing a demand for luxury retirement housing, Associations, – we support; Residents leasehold residential – we support; Residents recommendation due to the properties outstanding personal service our local team Located five minutes’ walk from the centre of town, Renaissance Retirement design, build and manage Cleaver Property Management provide Telephone: 0844 499 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk of highly trained experts provide. FlatoneManagement Companies, Developers, Landlords and Freeholders. Flat Management Companies, Developers, Landlords and Freeho the spacious and two-bedroom apartments will luxury retirement developments, with communal the service of a Managing Agent to a be impeccably finished with contemporary interiors, areas meticulously cleaned and maintained to ensure Offering numerous property management services for freehold and wide variety of properties throughout while owners will also have access to an owners' a level of comfort that one would expect in a four-star more book a personal appointment please contact For us moreresidential information and to book personalResidents appointment please contact leasehold properties – we asupport; Associations, loungeFor and guest suite,information available to visitingand friendsto and hotel. Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, relatives. The company offers a number of added Telephone: 0844 499 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk Telephone: 0844 499Ascot 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk Flat Management Companies, Developers, Landlords Freeholders. Cleaver Property Management, House, Finchampstead Road,and Wokingham RG40 2NW Buckinghamshire and Middlesex. Some of the apartments will also feature stylish owner incentives and benefits, and Renaissance’s mezzanine levels providing up to 1,500 sq ft of living complementary SmoothMove Service – which is For more information and to book a personal appointment please contact us space. offered to all owners at no extra cost – has proven It is anticipated that the Grand Opening will be in Telephone: 0844 499 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk particularly popular. This bespoke service includes a the autumn of 2017. dedicated SmoothMove Consultant, who can offer Interested buyers will have the first opportunityAscot to advice and Finchampstead assistance with downsizing, theWokingham planning Cleaver Property Management, House, Road, RG40 Cleaver 2NWProperty Management, Ascot House, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG reserve off plan around the completed development and setting up of their new home, and administrative and reserve in the new year. tasks. Matt Smith, sales manager at Renaissance  For more details, call 0800 625 0026 or log on to Cleaver Property Management, Ascot House, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG40 2NW Retirement, said: “We are on schedule and will be www.renaissancegroup.co.uk

Property Management Services for Wokingham and beyond.

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20 | PROPERTY

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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PROPERTY | 21

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22 | HEALTH

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Everystepcounts

HEALTH MATTERS

Personal ﬁtness with Chris Hunt with Nicola Strudley

Set the right rules CHRIS HUNT wants to make the programme work for you

How do you devise the right exercise routine for you? It’s one that’s got to ﬁt in with your lifestyle, not be unrealistic

E have identiﬁed the pillars to success, we have also touched on NUTRITION last week but this week let’s talk above MOVEMENT…most of you will know this as ﬁtness and exercise. “You need to do three full body workouts every week.” “HIIT Workouts rock, they literally melt fat off you.” “I love Boxing, the higher reps and intense sweating really makes you fit.” “Why bother with Xtrainers, bikes and a treadmill…real cardio is lifting weights at speed.” You here it all the time from various people, clients, celebrities and anyone that has an interest in getting fit. The beauty of this game is that there are so many OPTIONS when it comes to fitness and exercise. Just thinking of Wokingham itself…you have 1Life, Anytime Fitness, Nuffield Health, The Fitness Clinic, Strength box and a few other facilities that all offer fitness related services. I run The Hub, a predominantly one-on-one private coaching venue that also is the home of the Hub-X class that runs every Tuesday and Thursday night. If you are a male then the Alphas group sessions may be something that takes your fancy… whatever your preference, there is an abundance of service offerings in the local area. With that in mind, it is clear to see that there is no restriction on places to keep fit, get stronger and move forward on your journey. What this does leave us with is how do we go about improving our fitness and how can we utilise all these OPPORTUNITIES to change for the better. Now clearly if you really wanted to take your fitness and current situation to the next level then I would encourage you to take that first step

today and find a solution that suits your GOALS. Taking that leap of faith really could be the difference between doing what you’ve always done; getting the results you have always had and actually instead changing for the better and being in the best shape of your life. If you really want to make that change then we have proven today that there are so many options available to you.… Just last month Paul Guinane, director of SoftEgg in Wokingham won “The Hub Hotshot client” of the month… this time next year it could be you loving life, feeling great, happy, motivated and energised every single day. For now, however, let’s give you some easy to implement tactics you can deploy right now, today, that will sky rocket your results:  Daily Movement is key – get your body moving whether it’s a walk, workout or even a spot of gardening. Don’t be sedentary.  Always warm-up – This doesn’t mean go on the treadmill for 60 seconds and then start lifting one rep maxs on the Bench Press. It means mobilising the joints, getting the blood flowing, getting your heart rate up and signalling to your brain that you are ready for action.

 Make sure you fit your exercise programme to your current situation – A new client started with me just before the summer that had two kids, worked in London running a successful IT company and was time restricted. His previous trainer gave him a training programme with five days down at the gym for 90 minutes each time. We quickly changed this to 30 minute workouts done every other day with a 20 minute walk thrown in on non-training days…guess what? He is still on his journey and fitting his exercise regime in with his busy schedule. Do a finisher at the end of every workout – Finish every workout knowing that you have given your all… time is precious, make every second count. Finally, the best advice I can give is to be open, be adventurous and try new things. If you have never used the TRX (a suspension trainer) before then jump on a class or find someone to show you what to do. You never know what you might like unless you give it a go. If you want something you’ve never had then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.

Dog therapy charity looks to expand its work A CHARITY in Lower Earley which helps people living with autism and aspergers to lead independent lives has launched a partnership with a similar organisation in Oxfordshire. Kingwood, which is based in Chalfont Close, has spent the last three years working with Dogs for Good, a dog therapy charity, to design personalised and engaging programmes of activity for their adult clients to help them meet their individual needs, such as self-care, social inclusion, road safety, anxiety reduction, conﬁdence in new and busy places, and reducing a fear of dogs. The partnership has proved so successful that the initiative has teamed up with Style Acre, a charity which works to enhance the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism and provides supported living, day opportunities and

Dogs For Good provides personalised programmes of activity for their clients to help them meet their individual needs

work development across Oxfordshire. The new partnership aims to help address the developmental needs of Kingwood and Style Acre clients in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. By working together, Kingwood and Style Acre believe they can achieve the best outcomes for the people they support. The charities are now working together to make

joint funding applications to enable them to extend their partnership with Dogs for Good for three years from January 2017, and to enable dog handlers to work with them over four days a week. Kingwood chief executive, Kate Allen said: “Kingwood has seen ﬁrst-hand the positive impact that dogs can have in the lives of adults with autism. It has been an inspiring project to be a part of and widening

the collaboration to enable more people to beneﬁt is terriﬁc. “Kingwood and Style Acre are both strong supporters of partnership working on shared goals that help people with autism and/or a learning disability. Hayley Stimpson, Animal Assisted Intervention Development Advisor at Dogs for Good said: “Our work with Kingwood has highlighted the

significant potential of our Community Dog programme. Through the combination of a specially trained dog and skilled handler, we are able to help people with a range of individual needs to develop their skills and confidence and to become more confident.”  For more information on Kingwood visit www. kingwood.org.uk. To learn more about Dogs for Good visit www.dogsforgood.org.

What to do about a problem like DNA

HEN a patient misses an appointment (known as “Did Not Attend” – DNA) it can cause considerable disruption to surgeries and hospital outpatient departments alike and can prevent other patients from accessing much-needed appointments. When a patient misses a number of appointment the issue becomes even more pertinent. But there are medico-legal consequences to consider – not least, who assumes responsibility when a patient fails to attend an appointment, the doctor or the patient? National figures have suggested that more than 12 million GP appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing in excess of £162 million per year. A further 6.9 million outpatient hospital appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing an average of £108 per appointment in 2012/13. A competent patient is clearly responsible for ensuring their own attendance at an appointment, but this is not to say that doctors have no responsibility in cases of nonattendance. Patients may not fully understand the need to attend an appointment or how the appointment systems work. It should be easy for a patient to cancel an appointment well in advance if necessary. Additionally, there may be health and social problems that are not immediately apparent but might contribute to a patient’s failure to attend. GP responses to multiple DNAs vary in terms of the parameters before a letter is sent, the tone of the letter, and the number of missed appointments before a practice considers removing the patient from the register. The British Medical Association (BMA) offers guidance on removing a patient from a practice’s register. It does not explicitly address non-attendance, but instead offers the following parameters before removal should be considered: “The removal of patients from practice lists should continue to be an exceptional and rare event, and a last resort in an impaired patientpractice relationship. “When trust has irretrievably broken down, it is in the patient’s interest, just as much as that of the practice, that they should find a new practice… normally the sole criterion for removal should be an irretrievable breakdown of all or part of the patient-practice relationship, usually that between patient and doctor.” The General Medical Council (GMC) offers similar guidance on removing a patient from the register, but does not offer specific advice on non-attendance: “You should end a professional relationship with a patient only when the breakdown of trust between you and the patient means you cannot provide good clinical care to the patient.” As the BMA and GMC guidance suggest that removal from a practice should be a last resort and both state that a breakdown in trust must be irreparable before this is considered, it is difficult to see how any but the most chronic culprits could be removed from a patient register for nonattendance.

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 is manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions are her own

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

EDUCATION | 23

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Presspack

At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

News from schools | stories from pupils

Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Bob Pitts with Holt School headteacher Suzanne Richards at the opening of the school’s new sixth form block Picture: Gemma Davidson

Members of Waingels School PTA committee on their raffle stall at a fundraising Christmas fayre they organised on Sunday Picture: Phil Creighton

Christmas Fayre is a hit A school’s Christmas fayre welcomed early seasonal shoppers on Sunday. The parents association (PTA) of Waingels College in Woodley held the fun event to help raise funds for the school. There were 55 different stalls, showcasing the best in small businesses including jewellery, clothing, sweets and decorations. Some budding painters were also taking commissions for some unique festive present ideas. The event raised more than £1,900 for the school as well as helping people buy locally made gifts. Julia Warriner, vice chair of the PTA, told The Wokingham Paper: “It’s twice the size of last year. There are 55

stalls with everything from jewellery to Christmas decorations, food stalls, clothes, dog food and more. “It’s massive and there’s quite a range of stuff.” The school PTA organised three big fundraising events a year. The next is a Prom Fayre in February when Year 11 students will take part in a catwalk show to help prepare for the leavers ball in the summer. They also hold a boot sale in the summer. “The money raised goes to the PTA equipment fund,” Ms Warriner said. “Previous purchases have included a chocolate vending machine and a trophy cabinet.”

School place expansion meeting PLANS to expand a primary school in Woodley will go on show to the public next week. Due to the number of new housing developments in the area, and the rising birth rate in the area, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is proposing to expand Beechwood Primary School, in Ambleside Close, to provide 105 additional places from September 2017.

For these numbers to be achieved, the school will need to build four new classrooms on the existing site. A consultation on the plans will take place on Wednesday, November 23 between 3pm and 8pm at the school. Members of the public are invited to come along to see the plans, and have any questions answered by WBC staff and the architect.

School looks at earth’s oil usage A FREE lecture will be held at a school in Hurst next week. The environment will be on the minds of the panel taking part in the evening. Guest speaker Professor Chris Rhodes will talk on the theme Using Planet Earth. He will explore issues concerning our current dependency on oil and is a member of Transition Town Reading. Afterwards, there will be a question and answer session

featuring an panel of environmental experts. The evening will then be wrapped up by Joanna Bodimeade from Friends of the Earth. It takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 23 at the Dolphin School in Waltham Road, Hurst. Places are free and it is open to the public, not just for school pupils and they should be booked. For more details or to reserve a space email headspa@ dolphinschool.com

Sixth form block opened by mayor By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk STUDENTS at a school in Wokingham are celebrating after their brand new sixth form block was officially opened last week. Pupils past and present at The Holt School, in Holt Lane, gathered with staff, governors, parents and local dignitaries last Friday for the opening of the new purpose-built block. The Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Bob Pitts, had the honour of cutting the ribbon on the new building, which features a large common room with modern kitchen facilities, state-of-theart computer rooms and dedicated private study areas. The new block will provide a base for the 230 girls and boys who make up the

school’s sixth form. Headteacher Suzanne Richards thanked the mayor and the guests for helping to officially open the block, and the construction workers and fundraisers who helped to make its building possible. She said: “The school has undergone yet another transformation, and I really think it looks better than it has done before. The school is looking fabulous, and that is down to the enormous hard work by so many people and the support of so many organisations within the school. The governors have supported it; The Holt PTA have contributed enormously so we can have a lovely terrace outside; Chris Cottam, one of our governors, walked from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money that we could put into this project; we have received a

great deal from many, many people for this, and we should be grateful.” Ms Richards also read out an excerpt from a school newsletter from 1961/62, which featured an article on a new sixth form common room opening. One of the guests of honour Pauline Wynne, who was head girl at the time of the original sixth form common room opening, said: “We worked so hard to get the common room in place, and it was somewhere where we could go that was separate from the rest of the school. Before, we had nowhere to go, so to have our own space was a revelation. “This new building is so wonderful, it makes me want to come back and have another go at education! I am sure that the students will do very well here, if they have somewhere comfortable to go then that will be reflected in their work.”

Jewel Tones sparkle in mini-concert tour By SAM GILLARD Jewel Tones member

HIS weekend, Jewel Tones, a girls choir from Charvil, went on a very short ‘tour’ to do two concerts, one in Wootton Bassett and one in Neath. On Friday, we set out for the trip with 18 choir members, two parents, our pianist Judith Creighton and our choir director, Suzanne. After a mercifully short coach journey, we arrived at the church in Wootton Bassett for a short practise before going to our hotel for an evening meal before the concert with the two choirs. Our audience was fairly small, but it just added to the thoroughly friendly feel of the concert, especially when the town crier got up to announce the start of the concert. Cantantini was a smaller choir with children as young as four years old, and Cantini was a lot larger, but it was obvious that they all enjoyed what they were singing regardless of age. Our second day was full of travel,

St Bartholomew's Church, Wootton Bassett where the Mayor came to watch the Charvilbased teenage choir the Jewel Tones perform in a concert

first across the Severn to Neath for our second concert of the weekend. The concert was with the Sound of Voices and Tonna Male Voice Choir, the former being a choir we had a concert with last summer. The concert was a lot of fun, split into two halves with an interval of half the church queueing for a single toilet, and

was ended with Jewel Tones and Sound of Voices singing together like we did in our summer concert. After the concert was finished, we began a much longer coach trip home, back across to England and finally back to the hall at the usual time we would have finished a weekly choir practice!

24 | SOCIETY

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Inthecommunity News from your clubs and societies

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

If you are in a WI, Mothers’ Union, a friendship group or an action group then send us a report of your meetings and we’ll print them in here! Share your reports by emailing news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Tree society invites you to turn over a new leaf GENEROUS members of the public donated more than £2,500 by purchasing poppies from a local Rotary Club this year. Members of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh sold poppies in Reading town centre on November 5 and 6, as well as helping the Woodley and Earley Lions to run their charity ﬁreworks show in Laurel Park. More than £2,500 was raised through sales of poppies over the two days, which will all go directly to the Royal British Legion. Rotarian Brian Hunt who coordinated the support said: “Although it was a very cold weekend we were impressed with the generosity and wide age-range of those making donations for the opportunity of wearing a poppy. “Rotarians are proud to carry out this support in the memory of those who made sacriﬁces in service for their country.”

REES are in the news for all sorts of reasons. Wokingham residents have displayed their love of our local trees in their concern for Elms Field. At WDVTA we are regularly contacted about concerns for horse chestnut trees throughout the Borough. Pests and diseases are causing ash dieback and sudden oak death. It is not all gloom and doom, if you care about our trees come along and join us to hear the latest news on tree health. Non-members are very welcome. Our next meeting is a talk entitled How the Pest Was Won and will be given by Dr Glynn Percival. Dr Percival manages the Bartlett UK Research Laboratory based at the University of Reading. Some of the recent studies there have included work on novel methods of pest and disease control and the effects of environmental stress upon tree physiology. As well as being asked to talk about trees on Radio 4 he has presented papers on his work at the International Society of Arboriculture and Arboricultural Association annual conferences. In addition he has contributed to the International Society for Horticultural Science, 1st International Symposium on Urban Tree Health. He is the author of over 100 scientific papers, magazine articles and book chapters and is also on the editorial board for the Journal of Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Urban Greening. Apart from all that his talks are very entertaining; his slides of the Queen’s corgis investigating him working on her trees made us smile. This takes place on Tuesday, November 22, doors open at 7.15pm with the talk running from 7.30pm to 9pm. It will be held at St Paul’s Parish Rooms Hall, Reading Road in Wokingham. Entry is £4 and include refreshments, free parking. To book a place, email honsec@wdvta.org.uk to book a place. For more details, visit our website: wdvta.org. uk KERRY CLISSOLD

Wokingham Horticultural Association OUR Winter Show takes place on Saturday, November 19, at St Paul’s Parish Rooms in Reading Road. Once again St Paul’s Parish Rooms will provide the setting for displays of locally grown vegetables (including giant pumpkins), fruit and flowers, along with handicrafts, photography,

flower arranging and domestic entries. For the young exhibitor there are Christmas cards to be made amongst other classes and ‘gentlemen only’ are asked to bake a lemon drizzle cake. The sales tables will have plants, cakes, preserves, honey and eggs, with other stalls selling Carolee Strong’s exquisite jewellery, Phoenix cards and one raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy selling knitted hats, scarves, hedgehogs and owls. Refreshments will also be on sale during the afternoon. Town Mayor, Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson will

present the prizes at 3.45pm, after which the afternoon will conclude with the drawing of the raffle and auction of donated flowers and produce. If you wish to enter any of the classes, please visit www.w-h-a.org.uk or phone Rachael on 0118 978 6131. Entries sent by email (to wokhortass@ hotmail.co.uk, with subject ‘Winter Show Entries’) will be accepted up until noon on Friday, November 18, with payment on the day. Doors open at 2pm, entry is £1 and children get in free. If you require any further information please

email wokhortass@hotmail.co.uk

Wokingham & Bracknell branch Berkshire Family History Society THE next meeting takes place on Friday, November 18 at Priestwood Community Centre. Bracknell RG42 1TU. The topic will be Researching Tudor Berkshire, a talk by David Peacock. Doors open at 7.15pm for 7.45pm. For more details, log on to www.berksfhs.org.uk

GOOD ADVICE

Finding a trustworthy trader

F YOU have a complaint about the condition of a street or pavement, you should contact the highways department of your local authority. Here are some suggested ways to find a trader that you should be able to trust.  find a trader through word of mouth if you can, or from a recommendation through a website that rates traders  Use the TrustMark scheme to find a trader in your area. TrustMark is the Government endorsed quality mark that signposts people to reputable local traders. All firms’ technical skills have been independently checked through on-site inspections to ensure a high quality of workmanship and trading practices  Find a trader in the Trading Standards Institute Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). Go to www.

citizensadvice.org.uk and search on ‘Find a trader’. Traders in this scheme display the TSI approved code logo. When you see the logo it means that the trader has agreed to provide good standards of service including clear information before a contract is signed, a clear complaints procedure and access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme for settling out of court  Find a trader through the Trading Standards Buy with Conﬁdence scheme, if it exists in your area – www.buywithconﬁdence. gov.uk  Find a trader through the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme Network. This links together schemes run by different local authorities to attract small businesses  Find a trader who is a member of

a trade association. Trade associations have codes of practice and schemes that can help resolve problems. If a trader says they’re a member of a trade association, you should check this is true.  If you’re doing major structural building work, you may need planning permission or have to meet building regulations. For example, you may need the help of a surveyor, architect or quantity surveyor, to draw up plans to submit to the local authority. You can get advice on employing specialists from the Chartered Surveyor’s Voluntary Scheme run by the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors, or from other organisations representing surveyors and architects.  The Green Deal allows you to get energy efﬁciency improvements to

your property without having to pay up front. Find out more about the Green Deal on www.gov.uk – search on ‘green deal’.  If you’re looking for a digital installation or service engineer you can search for members of the Registered Digital Institute on their getmedigital website, at www.getmedigital.com. For example, you can find engineers to install a satellite dish or cable or fix your TV, to get an alarm fitted or broadband fixed, or to get renewable energy services. .  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

Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

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WokinghamRemembers To advertise call 0118 966 6600

Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

HERITAGE | 25 In association with

HERITAGE | 17

WokinghamRemembers Remembering Felix: comic, actor and family man Exploring our heritage with wokinghamremembers.com

In association with

Exploring our heritage with wokinghamremembers.com

You have been watching … Hi De Hi’s ensemble cast REVIEW included Felix Bowness as jockey Fred Quilley – but there was more to the comedian than holiday camps. PHIL CREIGHTON explains the local connection with the popular TV personality who died in 2009

The past which has shaped our present...

This week MikE ChuRChER reviews the Wokingham Remembers It was a natural fit of a role for him URING the 1980s, one the most articles sitcoms was Hi-De-Hi. as his uncle owned stables, giving the of thepopular past four months and discusses Written by the team behind young Felix a taste of the equine live. some Dad’s of the factors which contributed Army, it chronicled life for Felix, who died at the age of 87 in to the making of Wokingham and its staff working in a 1950s holiday camp. September 2009, lived in Woodley and Run by Maplins, the staff were had a long and varied career outside of environment.

known as Yellowcoats due to their VER the past months the staff uniform, and expected to page has Wokingham Remembers entertainbeen andproviding amuse their guests, an early picture staying in shabby of rundown how a smalland market town and a chalets: a true post-war few villages on the edge of aexperience. forest is today ranked one of the leading The as comedy wascountry’s a smash-hit, communities. spawning a stage show, numerous Education, industry, books, recordsreligion, and videos, andtransport, ran for socialyears structures, national nine on BBC One. politics and local important It’sgovernment so popular are thatallit’s currently pieces in building the great Wokingham being repeated on BBC Two as part of jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our its afternoon classic comedy block. contributions to date and a few ideas on the reasons for its success, theOne nextofround of articles. as with every comedy series devised Education, by Jimmy PerryEducation, and David Croft, is the Education strength of its ensemble cast. While Today’s renownedcamp as there wereWokingham main roles,isincluding one of theBovis country’s excellence host Ted (Paulcentres Shane),ofcomic for education; this is partly dueatoregular strong Spike Dixon (Jeffrey Holland, school performance and the motivated at The Mill at Sonning) parents who live in one of the most and potty chaletmaid highly educated communities in the UK. Peggy (Su Pollard), it was If we look into the history of the supporting cast that Wokingham’s schools we can see made the showissparkle. how education woven into its DNA. And of those Prior to one the Great War, Wokingham sparklers was a by local man:houses and was surrounded manor comedian Felix Bowness, members of the landed gentry who wanted to bedisgraced close to the levers of power; who played i.e. the royal households ex-jockey Fred Quilley of Windsor. In turn these throughout the upper series’echelons run. possessed of duty He was ainserious chargesense of Joe and a responsibility to ensure their Maplin’s horses, offering community received at least a basic riding lessons and horse education. Wokingham also had a rides to visitors to the powerful professional class, a strong camp. one episode, he learnt churchIncommunity (including thethat nonhis horses were be soldthey off and conformists) andto together shared the staff belief decide up a home a strong into theset importance offor retired horses instead. teaching. Throughout the show, character The result was with the his skills, the motivation and the to finance available, is also attempting get his jockey’s there developed culture of at education licence back anda is always odds whichhis still holdsmate, strongthe to this day.and with chalet Punch Judy man, originally played by Leslie Wokingham transport Dwyer and latterly by Kenneth Connor. Transport is probably the single most important factor in Wokingham’s And his trademark gesture, at the development, in both its railto and road to end of every episode, was appear systems. be ranting something in the montage Future willbeen look at the known asarticles ‘You have watching’. introduction of the railways and the

the fictional major impact holiday they hadcamp. on the town and 1922 in Harwell which weBorn have in already made a start– with the was part Berkshire – ascourse Felix of road then system by of mapping out the Harvey Talbot-Bowness, he was an the old Forest Road. apprentice a carpenter-joiner before While thetobuilding of the M4 had a major influence onRoyal the introduction serving with the Berkshire of the high tech businesses which now War. surround Regiment in the Second World Wokingham, it is theveteran, A329M which He was a D-Day but didn’t in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and like talking about his service. Theits natural connections between Emmbrook craft he was in sank in the Normandy and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The landings and he is reported to have love and hate relationship with our rail said that he remembered walking into and roads continue to this day! a French convent thinking he was Wokingham’s military dead. heritage After the war, he managed to get As 2015lesson is the bi-centenary of while the a singing off Vera Lynn Battle ofon Waterloo, there have been a getting the post-war comedy numberHis of articles commemorating this circuit. lucky break came when world changing event. he won a talent contest at the Palace The area has always been noted for Theatre in Reading’s its contribution to the nation’s military Cheapside, next to the now capability, with Arborfield’s REME, demolished Odeon Cinema. RFA and Remount connections and the His early days sawall Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges working at a Pontin’s situated veryhim nearby. Even the Duke of Wellington took to holidaycamp, where the living in Stratfield Saye, bluecoats, which todaynot is staff wore only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s yellow ones! town centre. During his career, he worked alongside many Wokingham’s of the greats including benefactor culture Morecambe and Wise, The area around Wokingham was The Tworemarkable Ronnies and Sir surrounded by many Terry Wogan – but you in individuals and they were instrumental building the didn’t much needed alwaysinfrastructure see him on which underpinned establishment camera. He acted asthe a warm-up man,of a strong in community. settling audiences before filming We will later be that telling the were story ready of the started, ensuring they Walter family their contributions to to provide theand laughter track to many the building of Wokingham but in April plays wot Ernie wrote or Terry’s thricefirst weekly issue, we told the story of the weekly chatArthur show.Hill, the 6th Marquess much loved It was his of Downshire.warm-up role that led to hisAlthough casting in Hi-De-Hi. one of Britain’s wealthiest He once said: “I’m chap behind landowners, Arthur Hillthe doubled as the the the audience ina chiefscenes of the who local gets Fire Brigade and was contributor to this part of amajor goodfinancial mood before the real show Wokingham’s public[Perry] services. begins. But Jimmy and David Latersaw articles illustrate [Croft] me, will talked to me the when of warm-up these greatfor manors and their Idemise was the their shows, incumbent social system and the rise of

Felix Bowness, star of Hi-De-Hi, had a long and varied comic career – and he also lived in Wokingham borough for much of his life Below left: the final scene of a classic episode where horses overan Maplins. Below right: the original cast for the popular sitcom Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church.

its replacement: local government.

Wokingham’s wild side

Before we believe too much in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a solidly sedate experience, May’s article told the story of the rioting in the town centre during the time of the 1857 General Election. Such events were a common sight in the town and this short and bloody battle between the Whigs and the Tories also highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in Market Place as the headquarters of these two feral groups. The story was also able to reflect upon the national scene and the corrupt natureI’d of done general elections before the knew a lot of riding in my introduction of the private ballot. time, and actually wrote the part of Future articles will include further Fred with me in mind. I’m a ‘turn’, not tales of anarchy and revelry in this old an actor, but they’ve been marvellous market town.

to me. Jimmy and David, and all the Wokingham at lessons, War laugh at cast, give me acting There are watershed me and encourage me.”moments in history which mark the moment of great Felix also appeared in guest roles in change in a society and the Great War of Are You Being Served?, Porridge and 1914-1918 is one such time. The Goodies,aas well as a stooge Therefore number ofbeing centenaries for Benny Hilland in his show, between 2014 2018 will which at the time was the rated commemorate the highest great losses of comedy war on thescarred box. the people of Wokingham which hethe was20th thecentury. surprise guest forIn the1985, rest of edition story forMay’s This Is Your followed Life, onethe of the shows of two from Langborough he wasbrothers the warm-up act for. The Road in Wokingham town. One of our

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

Wokingham and the Royal Forest

Looking at today’s community, it is difficult to visualise just how rural the area once was and in part explains the sometimes fragile relationship between the old and new Wokingham; few areas in the UK have witnessed such extraordinary growth and change in the show surprised celebrities as they profile of its population. Although history were going Wokingham’s about their business, has been intertwined with andalways original host Eamonn Andrews the surrounding villages by providing would appear brandishing the Big aRed market agricultural and the Book.place For for Felix’s appearance, commercial it was also a Forest production produce, team tampered with his Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a watch, making it run slow so he hadn’t cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid realised that the show, which was down by royalty for the protection of broadcast live, had started. their hunting grounds. Eamonn Andrews on stage These onerous rulescame restricted local to chat with before pulling book people fromFelix using large parts of the the land outsustenance from a shopping bag led belonging for and in part to the to a lady on the front row. and general rise of local highwaymen Away from camera, he was lawlessness. As the a result, the subsequent Black Actto of Mavis 1723 came downfor heavily on married Dungey 59 years these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ resulted in and the couple had a son,and Robert. either their transportation or execution.

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

Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’

To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are now entering into their summer holidays. What better way to use this month’s editions than to tell the stories of the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons influence on the area before Wokingham was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? David Nash Ford provided a set of articles and puzzles which makes He retired showbiz in 2003 history fun for from the young and no doubt will also catch the interest of the parents after being diagnosed with dementia. whoAtwill looking over their Robert child’s thebetime of his death, shoulder. said: “He was a joker who didn’t like Here’s to people the nextaround round of articles! miserable him. He Thanks go outjoking. to our He contributors: was always doted on Steve his Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarahup grandchildren, who are now grown Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski themselves. and Peter Shilham for all their continuing “When he retired, he devoted his contributions. lifeAlltothis them. Myis son described work provided by ourhim as his second father was just local historians freebecause of chargehe and always thereonfor them. can be found the front page of the Despite fame and fortune, Wokingham Remembers websiteFelix Bowness was a grounded family man. www.wokinghamremembers.com Thanks Mark Ashwell Robert also said:to“He was just anatordinary TradeMark for supporting paper’s man who lived life to thethe full.” commitment to this project.

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Sing a song of retirement blues?

Get ready for the time of your life …

ET ready to have the time of your life as smash hit musical Dirty Dancing hot-steps to The Hexagon next week. Adapted from the classic 1987 film starring the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the stage show promises to be every inch as breathtaking and foot-stomping as the original. In the summer of 1963, Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, is vacationing with her well-to-do family at a mountain resort when she meets

Charlie: Still a force to be reckoned with Charlie Dimmock will be at the Whitty Theatre next Thursday to talk about her life and work

Woodley Theatre is preparing to present musical-themed drama Quartet next week

PLAY made famous on the big screen by Dame Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly is coming to Woodley Theatre next week. Set in a retirement home for musicians, Quartet is a bittersweet mellow study of age, friendship, alienation and reconciliation. Three elderly former opera singers, who often worked together, are about to be joined by newcomer Jean, a major star in her day and to whom Reginald was once – unhappily – married. Can the residents put their differences aside to perform a piece from Verdi’s Rigoletto, or are they just too set in their ways? Director Frank Augur explains: “The show deals with many themes, one of those being the problems of aging and the different ways the characters come to terms with this time of their lives. Some embrace the aging process, while others seek to attack it with full force. “You also have the situation of the formerly married couple, of them having to move past their differences and come to an agreement. I think a lot of people can relate to this in one way or another.” The play centres around the lives of

opera singers, which inevitably means that some of the cast may be pushed out of their comfort zone. Frank says: “I think the play has been a new development for some members of the cast. They are all very experienced with amateur acting but they are not musicians, and the approach is different between standard acting and opera characters. But the rehearsals have gone well, you’ll have to come along and see if they actually get to sing in the end!” The play first opened in the West End in 1999 to rave reviews before being adapted for the silver screen in 2012. Frank continues: “I’ve always liked the play, we wanted to put it on a few years ago but then the film came out and the amateur rights were changed. “The treatment of the play is quite different from the film, so even if the audience have seen the film they will get a completely different experience seeing it on stage. For example, the film introduced a lot more characters, whereas the play only focuses on the four lead roles.” And Frank knows the play inside out,

having performed in a production at Henley Theatre several years ago. He says: “I have been part of local theatre for more than 60 years, so have had the chance to try both acting and directing. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite out of the two, but it is nice to be able to switch back and forth when I need to.” n Quartet opens at 7.45pm on Tuesday, November 22 at the Oakwood Theatre in Headley Road and runs until November 26. Tickets are £10, £8 for concessions. For tickets visit www.woodleytheatre.otg. n TWO females and two males are required for roles in Woodley Theatre’s next production. Groping For Words, by Sue Townsend, is set in an evening class for adult literacy in the 1980s. It is an amusing but touching portrayal of the consequences of being illiterate. Auditions take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 7.45pm at The Oakwood Centre. Rehearsals start from February 13, with performances taking place between April 4 and 8. n www.woodleytheatre.org. GEMMA DAVIDSON

ONE of the country’s most popular gardeners will be coming to Wokingham next week to talk about her life and work. Charlie Dimmock, who shot to fame on the BBC show Ground Force, will be at The Whitty Theatre in Luckley House School on Thursday, November 24. The evening will raise funds for the Sandhurst Counselling Service and see the TV star present an entertaining session looking at her experiences on the small screen and sharing some great gardening ideas. As well as talking about her life, she will present a series of hints, tips and ideas, with an opportunity to answer questions from the

audience, supported by her private photographic collection. Charlie can currently be seen on BBC Two’s Garden Rescue series, so this evening is bound to be a hit with her fans. And as it’s a fundraiser for the counselling charity, it’s all in a good cause. The counselling service covers the Sandhurst area and has helped more than 300 clients since it became an independent charity. The event takes place from 7.30pm next week and tickets cost £12. There will be refreshments and a raffle. For more details, log on to www. thewhittytheatre.org

REVIEW

Another triumph for Wokingham Choral Society

dance instructor Johnny Castle, and discovers the secret after-hours parties in the staff quarters which feature plenty of ‘dirty dancing’. When she offers to step in for Johnny’s dance partner at a neighbouring resort, Baby is given a whirlwind dance lesson and romance starts to bloom. Will Baby be able to master the moves, and will her strict father accept the couple’s relationship? And, most importantly, will she conquer *that* lift?

At the theatre Basingstoke – The Anvil

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Bowie Experience. Thurs. Nish Kumar. Thurs. Professor Brian Cox. Fri. Edwina Hayes. Fri. Philharmonia Orchestra. Sat. The Shires. Sun. Beyond the Barricade. Wed. Steve Tilston and Jez Lowe. Wed. Killer Queen. Thurs 24. Simply Gershwin. Fri 25. Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band. Sat 26. Basingstoke Choral Society. Sun 27.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 The Full Monty. Until Sat 26.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Bouncers (Remix). Until Sat. Katy Hurt. Thurs. Marina Koka: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Dane Baptiste. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Creative Control Band

Featuring 35 hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Dirty Dancing is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. Dirty Dancing opens at The Hexagon, in Reading on Monday at 7.30pm and runs until Saturday, November 26, with matinee performances on Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at £34.50, with concessions and group tickets available. For more information and to book visit www.readingarts.com/hexagon. GEMMA DAVIDSON

Night. Sun. Yoon-Seok Shin: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri 25. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 25. The Virtuoso Guitar. Sat 26. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 27. FILMS: Southside With You. Thurs-Fri. Bridget Jones’ Baby. Fri-Sun. Christmas With Andre. Sat. Courted (L’Hermine). Tues. The Australian Ballet: Cinderella. Wed. The Beatles: Eight Days A Week. Thurs 24, Sun 27. The Magnificent Seven. Fri 25-Sun 27.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Farnham Rep presents: Triple Exposure. Fri. Phillip Dyson: Piano. Fri. Vox Skool. Sat. Shakespeare Schools Festival: All The World’s Our Stage. Mon. His Way: The Frank Sinatra Story. Fri 25. Comedy Club. Fri 25.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Swan Lake. Thurs. Sleeping

LEISURE | 27

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Beauty. Fri. Elégie: Rachmaninoff - A Heart In Exile. Sat. Dead Sheep. MonSat 26.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Spamalot. Until Sat. Peter Pan. Mon-Sat 26. Romeo and Juliet Ballet. Sun 27.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Oye Santana. Thurs. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Oh! Carol. Fri. Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll 2016. Sat. Aida. Sun. The Phil Collins Experience. Tues. Brendan Shine 2016. Wed. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 24. Tropicana Nights. Fri 25. Gangsta Granny. Thurs 24-Sun 27.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Into the Autumn. Thurs. Jarlath Regan: But You Can Call Me Jarlath. Thurs. Latin

WOKINGHAM Choral Society maintained its customary musical excellence at a concert in the Great Hall of Reading University on Saturday, November, 12. The programme consisted mainly of works by Mozart but also included two Classic FM favourites by Haydn, his Insanae et Vanae Curae and Te Deum for the Empress Marie Therese. This gave the audience the opportunity to compare Mozart, who flashed like a meteor across the musical firmament occupied by Haydn both before and after Mozart's tragically short life span. The concert began with a spirited performance of Mozart's Overture to the Magic Flute by the polished Hampstead Chamber Orchestra, under the Society’s musical director, Patrick Allies. Besides the works by Haydn the first part of the concert also included Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, a wonderful gem exquisitely sung by the choir. The second half of the concert consisted of Mozart’s incomplete Mass in C Minor (The Great Mass), with the Society’s accompanist, Benedict LewisSmith, on continuo. The orchestra and choir handled the contrasts between the dramatic and reflective passages in the score with consummate ease. As the Society's following has come to expect the four young soloists were also superb, the soprano, Nia Coleman, and the mezzo-soprano, Amy Lyddon, in particular seizing the opportunity to display outstanding purity of tone and vocal dexterity in their solos and duets. At the end the entire evening was deservedly acknowledged by the audience with rapturous applause. n The Society’s Christmas Carol Concert will be held on Saturday, December 17, in St Paul’s Church, Wokingham, at 6.30 pm. RJE

From The North. Fri. Artisan Fair. Sat. Clare Teal and Her Trio. Sat. Ellie Taylor: Infidelliety. Sat. The Elves and the Shoemaker. From Tues until Dec 30. Rory Bremner: Party Political. Wed. Nine Lives. Thurs 24 The London Conchord Ensemble. Thurs 24. Peter Knight’s Gigspanner. Fri 25. An Evening With Rosemary Shrager. Sat 26. Robert Havermann: His Way - The Life and Songs of Frank Sinatra. Sat 26. Sing! Sing! Sing! with Jewel Tones, Time 2 Sing and Waverley School Choir. Sun 27. FILMS: The First Monday in May (12a). Tues. The Girl on the Train (15). Fri 25.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Russell Howard: Work in progress. Thurs. Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri. Gin Club. Sat. Carols at the Corn Exchange. Sat. FILMS: Inferno. Fri-Wed. A Street Cat Named Bob (12a). Fri-Thurs. Nocturnal Animals.

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

RICKY Two-year-old labrador Ricky found himself at the pound after his owner experienced a change in circumstances. He is a typical, bouncy lab, and although he loved the children in his foster home, we wouldn’t like to place him in a home with children under the age of 12 as he is likely to knock smaller children over in his enthusiasm to play. He is very good with other dogs, but is not good with cats. Ricky is looking for a home where his new owner is used to lively, larger dogs and loves to walk, as he will need plenty of regular exercise. He is very happy and outgoing, and loves to be about and about. As with any dog, he will need company most of the time.

LACEY Beautiful chocolate labrador Lacey was rescued from a dog pound and has been living with a foster family. She is super friendly and has proved to be good with other dogs, as well as with people of all ages therefore we would be happy to place her in a family with children over the age of 10.

Fri 25-Thurs 1.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 Sleeping Beauty. Until New Year’s Day.

Reading – South St www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Jonathan Pie: Live. Thurs. Third Friday Blues: Giles Hedley and The Aviators + support. Fri. Poets’ Cafe - Jennifer A. McGowan. Fri. Angelos and Barry: The New Power Generation. Sat. Chris Dobrowolski: Antarctica. Tues. Neon Dance: Empathy. Wed. Mark Thomas: Red Shed. Thurs 24. Nish Kumar: Actions Speak Louder Than Words, Unless You Shout The Words Real Loud. Fri 25. Spiro 2016. Sat 26.

Reading – Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Whitney: Queen of the Night.

Thurs. Ellen Kent Presents La Boheme. Fri. BalletBoyz present Life. Sat. Dirty Dancing. Mon-Sat 26.

Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Paul Lewis, Piano. Sat 26.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 11th Annual Write Fest. Until Sat.

Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Ladies Day. Until Sat.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Blithe Spirit. Until Sat. High Society. Thurs 24-Jan 14.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Two-year-old Lacey has never lived with cats as far as we know, so would be unsuited to a home with feline residents. Lacey loves her walks, and just loves to be around people. She has had some basic training, and although she is learning to walk on the lead, this will need further work. She is an active, happy girl who will need company most of the time.

CARLA Little Carla came to DBARC as a stray, and was never claimed. Although she is a terrier type, she has a very friendly and sweet disposition. She loves her walks, and is good on the lead, but what she really loves are cuddles. Carla is good with other dogs, but we don’t know what she is like with cats. She is very friendly with everyone she meets, but we wouldn’t wish to place her in a family with under 12s as she has no long-term history. We think she is around oneyear-old, so as with any dog of her age, she will need further training, but she is a bright little girl and will really enjoy learning new skills She will need lots of walks as well as cuddles. n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, visit www.dbarc.org.uk

01753 853888 Pride and Prejudice. Until Sat. Jackson: Live In Concert. Sun. Jake and Elwood’s Christmas Party. Mon. Christmas Classics With Blake. Tues. Oh What A Night. Wed. Swinging Into Christmas. Thurs 24. Supreme Queen Live in Concert. Fri 25. Abba Forever. Sun 26.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Trelawany of the Wells. Nov 29-Dec 10.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.luckleyhouseschool.org 0118 978 4175 FILM: Wokingham Film Society presents Our Little Sister. Thurs. Charlie Dimmock. Thurs 24.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Quartet. Tues-Sat 26.

28 | LEISURE

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What’son Friday, November 18 EARLEY – Radstock Primary School, Radstock Lane RG6 5UZ. Friends of Radsctock present a Christmas Shopping and pamper evening. 6.30pm10pm. £3, includes drink. EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents The Faces Experience. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk HENLEY – Market Place, Henley on Thames, London RG9 2AA. Christmas market. 9-7pm. Details: 01832 281274. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Coffee and Chat: listening ears, hot drinks, a chance to chat, friendly faces and more. 2pm-4pm. 0118 979 2122 SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Ladies Day. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Let’s Get Creative: card making with Helen Cook. 2pm-4pm. £5. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Saturday, November 19 BARKHAM – Village Hall, Off BarkhamStreet. Christmas market: children’s arts and crafts, family photo booth, refreshments and more. In aid of Barkham PreSchool. Noon-4pm. CROWTHORNE – The Old Gym, Wellington College RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra Autumn 2016 Concert, 7.30pm. £15, under 16s free. Details: www. crowthorneorchestra. com EASTHAMPSTEAD – St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church RG12 7ER. Age Concern Bracknell Winter Fundraising Concert. 2pm-4pm. £10. Details: 01344 862916. EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane, Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 5UL. Christmas market,

with Santa. 10am-4pm. Free entry and parking. Details: www.ersc.club EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Creativity Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details: 0800 028 7338. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. 4Bones in concert: music spanning the Renaissance to the 21st century. Suggestion donation of £5. In aid of St Nicolas building project. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 966 9080. EMMBROOK – Village Hall. Emmbrook Residents Association Quiz Night. Fish and chip supper, quiz, prizes, raffle. £10. Details: 0118 978 9852. HENLEY – Market Place, Henley on Thames, London RG9 2AA. Christmas market. 9-7pm. Details: 01832 281274. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. Woodford Singers and The Reading Male Voice Choir concert in aid of Parkinson’s UK Reading branch. £10. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 375 7818. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Five Minute Peace storytime. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630. READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Bracknell Choral Society Concert: Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony. £15, under 18s free. Details: 07922 662740. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Ladies Day. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 975 8880. TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Station Road RG10 9NT. Wings: new group for single parents and their children. 10am-2pm. Crafts, snacks, cakes and more. Details: 07856 754465. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Gaming club for teenagers. 10.30am12.30pm. £1. Details:

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough

0118 979 7519. WINNERSH – The Pheasant Inn, Reading Road. Ladies Night: pampering, dancers, personal trainers and more. 8pm. Details: 0118 978 4529. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Christmas fair. 11am-2pm. Raffles, tombolas, gifts, a visit from Santa. Details: 0118 978 7025. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. The British Airways Concert Band: Last Night of the Proms. 7.30pm. £10. Details: 0118 978 5185. WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Girls’ Brigade winter fayre: face painting, knitted products, Christmas stockings, cards, lucky dip, books, crafts and more. 2pm5pm. Details: 0118 978 7174. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley and Earley Arts Group present: Clare Butcha: using gouache and pastels for coasts and harbours. £4. 7pm. Details: 0118 969 3311. WOODLEY – The Bulmershe Auditorium, Bulmershe School, RG5 3EU. Thames Valley Chorus in concert with youth choir The Bulmershe Ensemble, a cappella group Perfect Fifth and ladies chorus Harmony InSpires. 7.30pm.Tickets £12. Details: (0118) 9774257 or www.tvchorus.co.uk YATELEY – St Swithun’s Catholic Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society Autumn Concert: Mozart Requiem. £12, students £5, under 16s free. Details: 01276 682749.

Sunday, November 20 ARBORFIELD – Arborfield Cross Recreation Car Park, Recreation Road RG30 4UE. Parish walk from 2pm. Come dressed for the weather. EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock

Lane, Earley, Reading, Berkshire RG6 5UL. Christmas market, with Santa. 10am-4pm. Free entry and parking. Details: www.ersc.club EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Creativity Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details: 0800 028 7338. HENLEY – Market Place, Henley on Thames, London RG9 2AA. Christmas market. 10am5pm. Details: 01832 281274. SHINFIELD – Dobbies Garden Centre, Hyde End Road RG2 9ER. Santa’s arrival. 11am. Details: 0118 988 4822. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Dads and Kids morning, includes bacon butties. £1.50 for Dads with children aged 11 and under. 10amnoon. Details: www. loddonreach.org.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Choral Evensong sermon series: Horrible Heresies: Why What We Believe Really Matters. Guest speaker Graeme Fancourt from St Luke’s and St Bart’s in Reading. 6.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Memorial Service to give thanks for the life of someone dear to your heart. 3pm. Followed by refreshments. WOODLEY – Shopping Precinct, Crockhamwell Road. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre. co.uk. WOODLEY – Willow Bank School, Duffield Road RG5 4RW. Car boot sale. Sellers 10am, £7, Buyers 11am. Entry 50p. Children free entry. Details: willowbankpta@ gmail.com

Monday, November 21 EARLEY – Harborne Building, Harris Gardens, University of Reading RG6 6UD. Friends of the Harris Gardens talks:

Capability Brown, by Dawn Collins. 7.15pm. £1. Details: 0118 935 8221. EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Creativity Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details: 0800 028 7338. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the Books. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Community Centre. Earley Environmental Group: The Uses of Pollen in Forensic Science, a talk with Dr Michael Keith-Lucas. 7.30pm. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: rva. org.uk/organisation/ earleyenvironmentalg

Tuesday, November 22 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Captain Fantastic (15). 7.45pm. Details: 0118 378 7151. EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Creativity Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free entry. Details: 0800 028 7338. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Rhymetime for ages five and under. 10.30am11am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Five Minutes Peace Storytime. For ages 7 and under. 4pm-4.30pm. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. WI Stitch and Chatter. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Free heartstart training. Free, booking essential. 7pm9.30pm. Details: www. heartstartswallowfield.

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

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

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk co.uk or 07768 068270. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm4pm. Christmas charity quiz. £3. 7pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, November 23 HURST – Dolphin School, Waltham Road RG10 0BP. Lecture: Using Planet Earth with Professor Chris Rhodes from Transition Town Reading, followed by Q&A session with a panel of environmental professionals. Free. 7.30pm. headspa@ dolphinschool.com SHINIFELD – Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green. Shinfield and Swallowfield Neighbourhood Action Group meeting and AGM. 8pm. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Rhymetime for babies. 10.15am-10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOODLEY – Beechwood Primary Schol, Ambleside Close RG5 4JJ. Exhibition on proposed expansion of primary school. 3pm-8pm. Details: www.wokingham. gov.uk

Thursday, November 24 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: The Commune (Kolletivet) (15). 7.45pm. Details: 0118 378 7151. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley and Earley Arts Group present: Jem Bowden watercolour. £4. 7pm. Details: 0118 969 3311. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Reminiscence Club: discuss topics from days gone by. 10.30am-noon. First Editions book group. 6pm-6.45pm. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Art History Talks with Dalila Castelijn: James Ensor and the Belgian Avant-Garde. 2pm-4pm. £5. Let’s Smile Again: a talk by Local poet and writer Jean Hill. 6.30pm-7.30pm. £2. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Carers Hub launch event. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 324 7333 or www. berkshirecarershub.org WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Talk in the Town Hall: 400 years of William Shakespeare. £5. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. An Evening With Charlie Dimmock. 7.30pm. £12. Details:

www.thewhittytheatre. org. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club: Lightroom plug-ins. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, November 25 TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. There’s a Bear on my Chair Storytime with the Bookstart Bear. 4pm. Details: 0118 934 0800. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Free adult storytelling sessions for adults with learning disabilities.1.45pm2.45pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Coffee and Chat: listening ears, hot drinks, a chance to chat, friendly faces and more. 2pm-4pm. 0118 979 2122 WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Let’s Get Creative: card making with Helen Cook. 2pm-4pm. £5. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Saturday, November 26 EARLEY – Earley Day Centre, 1 Kenton Road. Christmas fayre: raffle, cakes, gifts, bric a brac, decorations and much more. 11am-1pm. Details: 0118 966 1010. EARLEY – Loddon Primary School, Silverdale Rd, Earley RG6 7LR. Christmas fayre. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 926 1449 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. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Christmas Fayre: farm animals, cake stall, crafts, gifts, Father Christmas and more. In aid of St Mary’s and PCSO’s annual community event. Noon3.30pm. Details: 0118 988 2120. SHINFIELD – Parish Hall, School Green RG2 9EH. Development exhibition. 2pm-5pm. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Gaming club for teenagers. 10.30am12.30pm. £1. Details: 0118 979 7519. WINNERSH – The Pheasant Inn, Reading Road. Ladies Night: pampering, dancers, personal trainers and more. 8pm. Details: 0118 978 4529. WOKINGHAM – Library,

Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road RG40 3AW. Christmas event including Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine, children’s entertainment and more. 1pm onwards. Free entry. Details: www. holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk WOODLEY – Shopping Precinct, Crockhamwell Road. Christmas light switch on and carol concert. 4.30pm5.30pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre. co.uk. WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive. St James Church’s pre-school christmas fair. Tombola, crafts, food and more. 10am-noon. YATELEY – Yateley Library, School Lane GU46 6NL. Getting Started with Family History: a pratical workshop with Hampshire Archives and Local Studies . 10.30am. Details: 01252 875728.

Sunday, November 27 READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Reading Symphony Orchestra: Brahms | Beethoven | Sibelius. 3pm. £15, £12.50 concessions, £5 students. Details: 0118 986 0707. TWYFORD – Bell Corner. Christmas tree light switch on. 5.30pm. Carol singing, drinks, nibbles, festive drawings and more. WOKINGHAM – Across town centre. Wokingham Winter Carnival. 11am-5.30pm. Parade at 4pm. Details: www.wintercarnival. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Wokingham Winter Carnival Special: Home Start Santa’s Grotto 11am-3pm. Berkshire Maestros workshops: 11am-noon, noon-12.20pm and 2.30pm-3.20pm. The Queen of the North Mountain Performed by The Enchanted Players. 11.30am-12.30pm. £5. Coffee shop open 11am3.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Shopping Precinct, Crockhamwell Road. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre. co.uk. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation club. Drop-in. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

LEISURE | 29

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

A stunning ﬁlm

Come and support our ﬁre ﬁghters



Stars: Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal

OM Ford is a man of many talents. Well, two at any rate. Starting off as a fashion designer before progressing to creative director at Gucci, in latter years he’s turned his hand to film directing. The two aren’t as disparate as you might think, since both disciplines depend upon the aesthetic. His first feature, 2009’s A Single Man, was a critical and commercial success. Seven years later, in 2016, he’s following up with his sophomore feature, Nocturnal Animals – an ambitious dual-narrative effort that’s as stylish as it is packed with substance. Based on Tony and Susan, a 1993 novel by Austin Wright, the film latches on in its powerful opening sequence with a vice-like grip, Paul Thomas Andersonstyle, and never loosens its hold. It’s in these impactful shots that we’re introduced to several of the film’s major underlying themes – some, such as the ageing process in women and how we view it are more obvious; others, such as what we find unpalatable about human nature, less so. This opening scene lays out bare what is to come: a stripping down of women to their essence, and a detailed examination of what it is to be a contemporary woman. It’s not an altogether rosy picture, and while it’s sympathetic, it’s also cautionary. Amy Adams is Susan Morrow, a once-successful art dealer and gallery owner whose finances are now in trouble, along with her marriage to the handsome but detached Hutton (Armie Hammer), who she’s known since college days. One day, she receives a package from her exhusband, Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal). It’s the manuscript for a novel he’s been working on, and he’s dedicated it to her. As the college sweetheart she wed then left in a “brutal” way, she’s prompted to look back over their life together and confront what she did. She considers her feelings for him and examines the mistakes she’s made. Through a complex yet precise weaving together of two stories – the compelling, violent and harrowing revenge narrative within Edward’s novel is brought to life on screen within the modern-day framework of Susan’s present merged with flashbacks to her relationship with Edward – a profoundly moving, seductive and evocative morality tale is drawn. A psychodrama with a difference, mood is everything in Nocturnal Animals and its unsettling score is key to building tension and a sense of fatalism. It’s addictive, like a drug and its brooding tone, which echoes that of the films of Nicolas Winding Refn, permeates both stories. We care deeply about both: the framing narrative and also the story within the story brought to life by a character named Tony Hastings. Tony is clearly a version of Edward and is also played by Gyllenhaal; he’s a character we hold immense empathy for. Michael Shannon’s brilliant performance as Bobby Andes, the jaded yet angry – and very sick – detective investigating the case of the kidnapping of Tony’s wife (Isla Fisher) and daughter (Ellie Bamber), allows us to invest in the interior story further. The film is beautiful – looks are important for Ford – but they’re never there just for show. Red features throughout: Classically representing a warning, red here also indicates repetition, anchoring both stories to one another and also supporting the notion that daughters eventually turn into their mothers. With impressive scene-snatching performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Laura Linney and memorable turns from Andrea Riseborough, Jena Malone and Michael Sheen, there’s quality and depth seeping into every pore of this affecting, meditative film.

HE Acoustic couch is a new live music venue up Market street in Bracknell, sporting live stage, dance floor, rehearsal time, recording studio on the way and last but not least, cafe and bar. It’s hosting a brilliant event on November 26 to pay homage to our brave local heroes in the fire services. The day will be seeing donations going to charity through door entry and optional donations throughout the night. Everyone is invited to dress up as a superhero or villain in acknowledgement of the brave individuals who risk themselves on a daily basis and are always on alert to help protect all of us in whatever emergency, Be it a fire or road traffic incident, its these people who will be there to help (or save) you and those around you that you love and care for. Helping host the day’s festivities will be Matthew Harman who entertained us on Britain’s Got Talent final (as Meat Diva) and for years locally in Berkshire. Featured live acts include Blues Brothers tribute, Streetfight Silence (headlining the evening), Morrison, The Undecided, Abi Powell, Frayed, Oliver Marsh and Burnt Tomorrow. And I know already it will prove to be a day of good laughs and witty banter, live music and well-intended giving. The Acoustic Couch is a registered charity, presenting itself as a community Centre, bringing something to Bracknell and the surrounding area, that it desperately needs. Run by a very hard working team of owners, managers and volunteers like myself is what keeps the dream alive, and event nights such as this can only be put on and continue to be put on, with people on social media sharing and networking pages for a few days or even a few hours a week getting active and getting involved. This is a beautiful dream and should not be forgotten about. Be the volunteer if you have time or be the subtle supporter that pops in for a sup from our coffee cup. PHILLIP ALLEN PEARSON

A Blues Brothers tribute act will be one of the entertainments at a special charity night to be held at the Couch on November 26

Get the taste for performing live THE Acoustic Couch’s mission statement is “Community through music”. And that is very much the intention through its new Sunday Karaoke Nights. Giving anyone and everyone opportunity to strut their stuff and demonstrate simply their love of music, or truly have the ‘X-Factor’, by getting up on stage and singing there favourite songs in a super relaxed environment. Nobody is left out at the couch; everyone gets their chance to shine. Performing live should be an experience that everyone should taste at least once, and once you have that taste you

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Previous solution - Easy

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it is and shall remain is focused on bringing something special to the people of Bracknell and the local area. Made possible by hard work, volunteers and donations from all of you, kind enough to give and faithful enough to belief that such places and nights, are what is missing from our growing community. PHILLIP ALLEN PEARSON

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will ﬁnd yourself craving it even more. All of this is made possible by a team of dedicated volunteer sound technicians who go unnoticed as they ensure you have the best experience possible. The Acoustic Couch is a warm and welcoming experience without prejudice and without any remorse for doing so. The charity and community Centre that

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in a BanD? hoLDing a gig? hEaRD SomE gREaT mUSiC? WE WanT To hEaR FRom YoU! E-maiL nEWS@WokinghamPaPER.Co.Uk

30 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Livemusic Friday, November 18 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333. EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road

RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents The Faces Experience. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – South Street. Giles Hedley and the Aviators and support. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Global Cafe,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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

RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Edd Keane. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kazabian. Details: sub89.com READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Phenomenon. Details: 0118 959 4267. SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. Frankie The Fish. Details: 01252 872444. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Deja Vu. Details: 0118 988 3563. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Fat Men In The Bathtub. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – 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.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Cobbles. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Mosound Sisters. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Hugh Turner Heavy Funk Quartet. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam Special – MC VAPOUR. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Turks Head, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Funk Soul Rebels. Details: 0118 957 6930 READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave St RG1 1PZ. Black & White Music: Flamingods + La Trappistine. Details: 0118 959 4267. SANDHURST – Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. In Too Deep Details: 01252 878 938. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said & Done. Details: 07889 226309. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Back Track BINFIELD – Binﬁeld Club, Band. Details: 01276 Forest Road, RG42 4DU. 858501. Blue Haze. Details: 01344 WOKINGHAM – Victoria 420572. Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. So Real. Details: 0118 978 3023. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Regrade. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 3325.

Saturday, November 19

YATELEY – Dog & Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Steve Brookes. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 20 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, Market Place. Couch Karaoke. Details: facebook.com/ theacousticcouch READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dreading Poetry Slam. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Reading Swing Jam. ReadiRockRevolution. Details: 0118 959 4267. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Open mic and jam night. Details: 0118 988 3563. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Lynette Francis. Details: 01276 858501.

Monday, November 21 NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Jackie Oate’s Invitation Evening: Lady Maisery, O’Hooley and Todow, Jack Hogsden and Megan Henwood. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, November 22 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, Market Place. Showcase Sessions: Apache Kites, James Brady, Wolf Hote, Ron Beckinsdale. Details: facebook.com/ theacousticcouch READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Mark T: folk, blues and roots. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. JFK – Director’s Cut. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Wednesday, November 23 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic

The BROAD ST TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT FRI NOV 18

FAT MAN IN THE BATHTUB

TUESDAYS

PUB QUIZ

TEST YOUR WITS IN OUR FUN QUIZ

FRI NOV 25

GRAFFITI CHILD

Couch, Market Place. Jam on the Couch. Details: facebook.com/ theacousticcouch READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London St RG1 4PS. Ken Thompson Jazz Jam. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Tempesst / Fabrics + support. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black & White Music - Death By Unga Bunga + Baby Howl + Dinosaur Crush. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Laurence Jones and Backbone Blues Band. Details: sub89.com STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Mirth and Music with Dave Pegg and Anthony John Clarke. Details: 01491 681048.

Thursday, November 24 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Platform Live jazz night. Details: 01344 878100. READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jamie Howell’s Evidence Bass. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Perks Acoustic. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios. Details: 0118 959 7196. SHINFIELD – Magpie and Parrot, Arborﬁeld Road RG2 9EA. Jazz: Peter Jones. Details: 0118 988 4130. WOKINGHAM – Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 978 3023.

Friday, November 25 BINFIELD – Binﬁeld Club, Forest Road, RG42 4DU. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Inﬂatables. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – Social

Club, Wellington Road Rg45 7LD. The Originals. Details: 01344 773389. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Korn Again / Stiff Bizkit: The Family Values Tribute Tour. Details: sub89.com READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Groove Lab. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade Dub Roots. Kamakazi Test Pilots. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SubFactory vs SubKulture. Details: 0118 959 7196. SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. Force 10. Details: 01252 872444. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Flat Top Band (Rock and Roll) and the Triple Aces. Details: 01276 858501. 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 – 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, November 26 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. The Spirals. Details: 01344 878100. BRACKNELL – Bracknell Bowling & Social Club, New Club House, Church Road RG12 1EH. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 423494. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pop Rockin’ 80s. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. 4 Minute Warning.

Details: 01344 422622. EASTHAMPSTEAD – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road RG12 7DL. NRG. Details: 01344 423667. EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Jukebox Junkies. Details: 0118 973 1126. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Funklab. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Kick Flip. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Gentings Casino, Richﬁeld Avenue RG1 8PA. The Capo Thieves. Details: 0118 939 1811. READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dyn’o’mite. Details: 0118 958 6692. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. The Rigbys. Details: 0118 988 3563. SUNNINGDALE – The Royal Oak, Station Road SL5 0QL. Kindred Spirit. Details: 01344 623625. SPENCERS WOOD – The Farriers Arms, Old Basingstoke Road RG7 1AE. Retro Spin. Details: 0118 988 3132. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Weiners (Everley Bros Tribute Rock n Roll). Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Cody. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Deltas. Details: 0118 978 3023. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01252 870648.

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Your weekly puzzle challenge Your weekly puzzle challenge To sponsor this page, call Phil on 0118 327 2662

November 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, October 13,17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, October 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER | LEISURE 30 26

CROSS CODE CROSS CROSS CODE CODE CROSS CODE 26 12 26 7

714 4 4

11 16 12 8

924 9

16 7 17 22

24 10 8 2

979 22 8

18 12

25 24 26 9

5 24

19 3 5 18

26 13 6 2

215 21 17

10 17 13 6 13

6 15 9 14

12 22 10 10 26

7 5

914 5 21 7

6 8

13 2 9 18

24 7

21 2 18 2

6911 10 2

21 17 10 5

312 2 5 24

6922 15

10 14 1 25 12

918 26 6

53 10 3 10

7 23 4 4 25

17 9 2

322 12 21

7 4

913 25 3

1 8

6 1 13 12

20 15 23 25

6 1 22 26

1 23 4 5 18

5 13 10 14

318 25 8 17

10 24 21 14

6417 6 12

15 21 17

521 10 8

3 15

18 12 18 5

20 17

510 16 21 14

9616 21 17

20 24 19 25

11 23 23 3

522 20 6 25

21 20 22 23

9713 15 25

9613 18 11

775 17 8

26 13 24 7

912 20 8

16 23 22

659

15 13

924 19

7 19 4

226 24 6 20

720 20 8

9125 13 1

815 13 15

926 18 13 6

12 16 24 10

12 24 23 6

10 26 5 1

23 24 11 4 15

21 1 25 19

25 10 4 12

220 17 16

10 24 25

513 22 8

916 13 17 12

616 23 8 4

12 13 10 1

513 10 25 8

18 12 10 26 15

926 5 9

25 17 13 24 9

523 20 25

18 14 16 2 22

3 21

18 17 8

10 15

513 15 12

3820 13 9

26 10 25 8

20 16 11 26 6

113 15 12

10 15 23 25 8

13 13 16 21 22

14 25 9 3

10 18 1

20 18 11

2 9

25 12 4

10 16 15

910 10 8

618 23 10

925 18 8 10

324 14 3 15

10 10 8 24

94 21 20 24

616 5 9

20 10 13 14

18 17 23 23 15

10 19 24 13 4

610 8 6

10 8

12 16 15 22

2 8

414 10 8

22 25 14

959 8 5

519 23 6

7723 26 12

3 24

99 20 15 22

85 12 14

221 24 13 7

25 16 7 1

12 16 11 15 1

26 24 5 6

25 17 11 12

21 16 25 6

510 16 17

120 13 10

59 8 26

619 25 13

10 8

16 26 25 8

9 12

9 17

17 17 23 10

7 17

218 13 22

24 13 24

25 21 13 25 12

120 13 20 8

935 5 22

812 23 15

925 19 8

54 12 23 9

120 13 6

66 19 12

Quiz Quiz Challenge Challenge

1. Which prime minister’s won the won 1988 Best 1. Yorkshire market a Which British player 1.A What was the nametown, of wife 6.6.6. InGeena whichDavis 1994 romantic comedy Whicha225 of Henry VIII’s What nationality is Oscar the singer 1. London Nikkei is the stock market 6.Supporting Which famous singer also an wrote history of the PM’s Actress for suburb and a wives city mixed titles atisby Nelson’s flag captain on in film doesdoubles Gareth, played Simon was born in Dusseldorf? Shakira? accomplished artistand painting index for which city’s country house which fi lm? Virginia all share what stock name? Wimbledon 1983 1984? HMS Victory atChequers? Trafalgar? Callow, die of in a heart attack? under the name exchange? 7.What Whatname in Benedetto? 2000 but 2. The road between 7.7. isstage given to the 2. is supermarket the name ofJerusalem the liquid 2. The Open University’s What isopened the name ofwas 2.What Which chain 7. Which Irish playwright won immediately closed for 19the sprayed by skunks when in and Jericho is the setting for California cheese fi rst marketed 7. What was the name of Henry administration centre is based Gary Oldman’s sister, who 2. What is the name of the sheath used to feature Prunella Nobel Prizebecause for Literature in 1969? months danger? which ofinJesus’s by businessman David Jack? VIII’s warship which sank in in which town? plays Mo Harris inof EastEnders? from which a hairparables? grows? Scales a TV Synchronous Lateral the Solent inactor 1545? 3. Which US CQR president was 8.8.8. Which city located on the 3. Danforth, and Stockless Which comic died on advertisement? Who presents the television 3. Which car company Excitation? called 3. sometimes In which lm does‘The windGreat from a Mississippi is the making stateSean are typesficountry of which item of inRiver 1988 while quiz programme Only 8.location Which 1996 film, starring manufactures thewould Copen 3.Communicator’? In which you subway grate blow up Marilyn 8. Which character did Rupert capital of Louisiana? maritime equipment? the fi lm The Return of the as a Connect? Bean, has the same name model? find the Taurus Monroe’s white Mountains? dress? farm Grint play in the Harry Potter 4. Which Buckinghamshire Musketeers? monthly football magazine? 4. What was the subject of the 9. In Italy, who is known as “Ilform 9. A haiku is a short poetic 4.was Which Hunt trainer films? used a hideout by the 4. Who is National theasRoman equivalent best-selling book Eats, 9.Sommo Infirst which work -of“The literature does Poeta” Supreme developed inof which 4. Great Which cloaked figure wielding saddled a record 12 winners Train robbers? 9. Which member Spandau of Ares, the Greek god of war? 9.the Which cosmetic is Shoots and Leaves? historic Tabardproduct Inn appear? Poet”? country? a scythe is a traditional on Boxing Day, 1982? Ballet was actress Sadie 5. AWhich statueformer of which fictional also the title of a 2007 film 5. Which Bluethe Peter personifi cation death? 5. member That’s 10. Which cricketer holds the fi rst husband? 10. AFrost’s violent earthquake in 2011 can beoffound outside 10. 5.character Who was the Republican Which TV presenter used the starring John Travolta? presenter married satirist and Life team for created the TV record of playing in Test killed 185 people in133 which New the English church in the Swiss nominee the 1964 US catchphrase; “I mean that most 5. series In which English county is in 10.matches Which Italian hardischeese is ‘La Serenissima’ a nickname broadcaster Charlie Brooker for England? town ofBallykissangel? Meiringen? Zealandfolks”? city? presidential election? sincerely Cartmel racecourse? made fromItalian ewe’scity? milk? for which July 2010?

NONAGRAM NONAGRAM NONAGRAM NONAGRAM

O R G T E O II S H N A IT A C B O L

19 19 19 19

20 20 20 20

999 9

A E 22 22

21 21 21 21

22 22

10 10 10 10

11 11 11 11

12 12 12 12

23 23 23 23

24 24 24 24

25 25 25 25

N R

13 13 13 13

E T 26 26 26 T 26A N

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents different letter Each Eachnumber numberin inour ourCross CrossCode Codegrid gridrepresents representsaaaadifferent differentletter letter grid represents different letter Each number in our Cross Code of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start 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, you youoff. off.Enter Enterthem themin inthe theappropriate appropriatesquares squaresin inthe themain maingrid, grid, squares in the main grid, you off. Enter them in the appropriate then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters then thenuse useyour yourknowledge knowledgeof ofwords wordsto towork workout outwhich whichletters letters words to work out which letters then use your knowledge of should go in the missing squares. should shouldgo goin inthe themissing missingsquares. squares. should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number As Asyou youget getthe theletters, letters,fill fillin inother othersquares squareswith withthe thesame samenumber number other squares with the same number As you get the letters, fill in in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of in inthe themain maingrid gridand andcontrol controlgrid. grid.Check Checkoff offthe thealphabetical alphabeticallist listof of grid. Check off the alphabetical list of in the main grid and control letters as you identify them. letters lettersas asyou youidentify identifythem. them. letters as you identify them.

MAGIC MAGIC SQUARE SQUARE MAGIC SQUARE

ENGAGED GRIME TOURISTS, I PRESUME INANE DEMAND ON KID GAME LONGSHOREMAN OK, LET USAMID KEEP NOUNS

How many words of four How Howmany manywords wordsof offour four How many words of four letters or more can you letters lettersor ormore morecan canyou you letters or more can you make from this make makefrom fromthis this make from this Nonagram? Each word Nonagram? Each Nonagram? Eachword word Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, must use the central letter, must use the central letter, must use the central letter, and each letter may be and andeach eachletter lettermay maybe be and each letter may be used only once. At least used usedonly onlyonce. once.At Atleast least used only once. At least one word using all nine one oneword wordusing usingall allnine nine one word using all nine letters can be found. letters letterscan canbe befound. found. letters can be found. Guidelines: Guidelines: Guidelines: Guidelines: 24 25 Good; 29 Very Good; 20Good; Good;28 23Very VeryGood; Good; 23 Good; 27 Very Good; 29 34 33 Excellent. 34 Excellent. 27 Excellent. 32 Excellent. 40

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O E

FIVE ALIVE FIVE FIVE ALIVE ALIVE FIVE ALIVE RI LE GA AR IO

AE IN AE GA UR

SA NU YN OP AV

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481 19 68 5 3 38 7 3 9 7 5 223 74 592 4 871 16 89 987 68 2 2 483 941 9 3 6 31 1 98 638 7

1 9 2 75 86 8 1 97 1

4 253 8 61

18 6 45 9 2

ET ND GK NA AR DI IG IE VG GI

YR SD RW OE OT OU AO SK RS SE TM EO SH TU LE

Hard Hard Hard Hard

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C G

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SUDOKU SUDOKU SUDOKU

25 46 8 2 3 11 68 75 2 77 65 67 7 8 57 31 79 91 7 4 6 97 46 324 7 9 55 1 623 3 735 9 49 45 94 1 7 9

5 9 4 1 98 7 4 48 9 38 562 3 2 262 1 6 441 55 4 93

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EQUALISER EQUALISER EQUALISER EQUALISER 2698 14 559 12 12 3977 43125 71212 18 23235 4343 10 6155 41733 21313 10 10857 21642

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All Allpuzzles puzzleson onthis thispage pageare are All puzzles on this page are All puzzles on this page are supplied suppliedby bySirius SiriusMedia MediaServices. Services. supplied by Sirius Media Services. supplied by Sirius Media Services. To try more of To try more of To try more of To try more of our ourpuzzles puzzles our puzzles our puzzles interactively interactively interactively interactively online onlinego goto to online go to online go to www.puzzledrome.com www.puzzledrome.com www.puzzledrome.com www.puzzledrome.com ©©©Sirius SiriusMedia MediaServices ServicesLtd Ltd Media Services Ltd © Sirius Sirius Media Services Ltd

HARD SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU HARD HARDSUDOKU SUDOKU

WORD PYRAMID: WORD PYRAMID: WORD WORDPYRAMID: PYRAMID: The Double indemnity. Pelican crossing. Castles theafter. air.ruin. On morning the in road to EQUALISER: EQUALISER: EQUALISER: EQUALISER: Clockwise from top Clockwise from top Clockwise Clockwisefrom fromtop top left divide; left divide; left divide; left––––add; multiply; subtract; multiply; subtract; multiply; multiply; subtract; multiply; subtract;subtract. divide; add. 14. add. Total: 2. Total: 6. add.Total: Total:8. 5.

MAGIC SQUARE: MAGIC SQUARE: MAGIC MAGICSQUARE: SQUARE: oust; user; semi; tusk; upon; sole; hang; aloe; norm; mind; idea; game; arid;neon; ming; trip. knee. gems. dank. edge.

THEWOKINGHAMPAPERThursday, Thursday,November October 20, THEWOKINGHAMPAPER 3, 2016 2016

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD CRYPTIC CRYPTIC CROSSWORD CROSSWORD CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

111 1

12 1

22 2

5 7 998 89

11 11 10 11

9 10

12 13 14

13 13 13 11 14 15

14 13 16 1415 16

17 18

13 13

4 4 888

15 15 22

16 16 17

18 18 19

77 77 8

10 13

11 13

14 14 13 15

1616 16

19 19 19 26

21 21 23

1716

17 17

21 23

22 19

66 6

6 5 8

10 10

12 12

555 5

20 21 22

22 24 32

33 3

20 20

2123 25

ACROSS DOWN ACROSS DOWN ACROSS DOWN ACROSS DOWN 1.1.Be Measure of the mercy (7) 1.2.Book InIt’s which onewith isthe followed by 2. successful with endless 1. rascal a rascal marked Applauding thunder before clear had 1. Dance through hoops? (4-4) 1. Prime timethat for making Small movie Edward made 2. an Sequentially tidy? (2,5)dried identical three (13) supply ofofdrink (3) (8) accent (6)cover fi rst half ball game broken (6) 8. One who conveys type of grass, it might be said (6) for showing on a larger 5. Girl who is spotted in squares 2. 3. A Lady found in Beirut, waywho to be taking 2. very angry inour bomb could (7) One works laboriously screen (11) 5.6.Type bridge player 2.3.Dragon Light beam coming from Scotofrevised theLaurie price (4) following the be band (4)who heartbroken (4) enthusiasm (6) outskirts of Warrington (6) to repair old red piano (7) requires careful handling? (6) Arles (5) 9. being aware? (7) 9. Perch a hen house (5) 8. Andy’s one to provide non-(4) 3. Bone, a single piece coming 8. Soundly A mobin vandalised the adesk 4. German composer takes 3. What the worker gathered had 4. Some complain offi cially about 3. Prophet from Cana committal answer (3,3,2) 7. Is near development up (5) 10. Gateman turned red that (7) 10. Shakespearean hero in Florence to the West (6) been chosen carefully a hazard at billiards (2-3) thankfully included (6)(4-6) 9. Spectator, does he never had come into view (6) 9. A bird doing something (2,2) 4. Comes to a similar American resort (7) 4. Glenda’s man? (3)is (7) offside? (8) 5. Money, said Dad, sweet (8) 11. Awatch louderthe concoction in the 5.Another Courageous lover 4. disheartened conclusion soundly (6)collier 11. Poor sap rebuilding, by the 9. Most valuable greeting for 11. melodic Out of gear (4) 6. will Without a back visibleinsign in the embellishment (7) shrink horror (6) 6.Dug Angry (5) 6. Indication of aperhaps low interest 10.new Transient outmule, endless information way (7) creature member of staffmaking (6,5) a 5. absence of an athletics 12. Sign Made changes if I appeared rate (5) flyingarachnid visit (4,2,7) on the freshwater fish (7) is 12. had lostas itsa 6.7.State in(2,5) which something Snow transport from event 13. Stop sailor having TV 10. He or is third in fourth (8) (6) tail (7)sheform aside temporarily –toinbea 6. Seize young second town nearhaving 7. put Bird sent carchild around Shrewd interpretation of 11. diversion He’s a bit(5) of a maverick (4) refrigerator? (4,7) sleep (6) Manchester (6) 11. old reformed simpleton 14.One Persuasive vegetable? copied out (11) 14. Depending upon one’s statue (6) 14. Exchange where cattle (6) are(6) 13.inclination It is won and lost before 7. Fog Go back onIand promise put 8. whistle repaired the perhaps (7) 12. Live together – Iit’s ato fion rm Maria arranged auctioned? 15.Strange, Lifts this so (6) 10. 8. aAunt Totally unabashed 13. our(5,6) story (6) play up begins (4) violently hyphen in?(4,2,5) (5,4,4) south custom (7) to visitcoast African country (10) musicians? (4,2,5) Ghostly of English 18. Woman parts lake (7) (5) 13. Sack one tomilitary 18. Still about 16. victory before 17.Promising Ringundecided for legal aid? (4,3,6) 12. Review when total has 14.One I come inwho to join the 10. out of two isgoes average (3) 19. being Fit to in drink, according to flying (2,3,3) 13. blazes What might be left in the fire (7) 20. Language that debt (6)is written risen (3,2) man (7) river board (7) Food 20. Father’s is adequate (8) 12. after the fifth ofby thebeggars month!(3) (8) (7) fur In theconsumed plan I must have 15. Rum I removed 20. down Main road dry and withered (4) 15. 15.hostility Winelot vessel from aduring service 18. illuminate (11) 21. Look Pennytohad no work beam on deck (4) 14. (6) (7) Depose from offi ce – or a commotion 16. Extra particular (7) 21. I can become a Peruvian 21. Crazy, ran in Swiss in church (6) 22.Accept Ten out to round be back to back 16. saddle talk ofcondiment some 19. one should 22. Tries to abandon dreadful Indian (4) 16. It’s Go the for (6) each (6) town (7)that 17. Hebrew doingover badly in Uganda (7) 16. Two billsjudge one(6)gets a Highlanders resume (4,2) Christian name to make 15. Piecemeal instructions? (6)(6) 17. Key 4 Down bent eagerly going round the east (6) tree (6) 22. See about river that has 22. Man coming back in suit on fiTunis eld (8) 17. Messenger holding the 23. delivery Items from (5) 20. Against Lamb ambitiously trapping 20. Lure another ten with dried up by (4) tidal engulfed wave (7) 16. the(6) Spanish having 18.standard? I sell warped thread (5) (5) 19. satellite near Saturn 24. Revolutionary loaf? (4) aGiant deer (5)such (6)one’s 24.diamonds Because of moral to screen material (6) 23. 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QUICK QUICK CROSSWORD QUICK CROSSWORD CROSSWORD QUICK CROSSWORD

111 1

1 2

222

2 3

3 4

444 5

77 9

10 10

11 11

12 12 13 11

14 12

17 16 17

16 16

911 9 11 11 11 11

13 13 15 13

15 13

21 21 21

19 19

17 18

23 26 23 29 29 29 29 29 31 29

6 77

777 8

10 10

13 13

14 14

14 16 14 14

15 15 15

20 20 21 25 25 21 22 23 23 20 21 25 22 21 23 25 26

28 28 28 28

28 27

23 24

24 26 26 25 25 24 24

27 27 26

30 30

27 28

666 7

22 22 22 22

26 26 25

5 6

18 17 17

19 18 18 20

565

8988

8810 98

31 31 31 32

S B G X E U LS J H O V R M D X B I R U A V E N L F T M Z D VI S B O Y J A C FC M W G T U D C A H Q X X B W F G E A V Q N E M 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 14 14 15 16 18 19 21 23 24 P Y ZL 17 K D F 20L N I 22K Q W JT 25D TJ 26Y A Q S P J Y C K G R O Z H U L Q S I M P XZ K R H E N F B IW N Y Z O T R P H G V U W P O K

CROSSCODE CODE CROSS CROSS CROSSCODE CODE

6666

7777

8888

9999

10 10 10 10

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31 LEISURE | 27

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32 32

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QUIZCHALLENGE: CHALLENGE:111Thomas Norma 222The Good Samaritan; 3 Anchor; 4 Punctuation; 5 Kieran Prendiville; 6The The Accidental Tourist; of2Major; Cleves; 34Itch; Daihatsu; 4Grim Mars; 5Farm; Huq; 6 Colombian; 7John London QUIZ Tokyo; Follicle; 3Milton The Seven Year The Reaper; 55 Cumbria; 6Holmes; Tony Bennett; 7Lloyd; The Mary Rose; 87When QUIZ Hardy; Tesco; 3Keynes; Turkey; Michael Dickinson; 5Konnie Barry Goldwater; 6 Four and Funeral; Samuel QUIZCHALLENGE: CHALLENGE: 1Anne Richmond; 2 Musk; 3 Ronald Reagan; 44Leatherslade Sherlock 6Weddings 7 aMillennium Laila Morse; 7 Monterey Jack; Roy Bridge’); Kinnear; 98 The Canterbury 10 Alec Stewart. Footbridge (the ‘Wobbly Ron Weasley; 9 Tales; Hairspray; 10 Venice. Saturday 98 Gary 10 Pecorino. Beckett; 8Comes; Baton Rouge; 9Kemp; (Alighieri); 10 Hughie Green. 8 Victoria Coren Mitchell; 9Dante Japan; 10 Christchurch.

NONAGRAM: NONAGRAM: NONAGRAM:

(1) Across Across – Gates; Valid; Agave; Ninny; Sworn. Latin; Hulls. Stout. (1) Night; Oasis. (1) Across––Tramp; Month;Ounce; Spews; Rusty. Down Venus; Lingo;Neeps. Doyen. Loach; Trail; Gross; Tango; Spent. Down Putts. Down–––Tango; Miser; Aegis; Needs; Hussy. (2) Across Feint; Under; Dregs. Hyper; Virus; Stein. Miaow; Prawn; Emend. (2) Torte. (2) Across Across–––Earth; Cable;Yokel; Aitch; Yokes. Down Fluid; Hives; Purge; Rosin. Maple; Agave; Waned. Down Raker; Halve. Down–––Egypt; Crazy;Indie; Batik;Terms. Ethos. FIVEALIVE: ALIVE: FIVE FIVE ALIVE:

32 | CLASSIFIEDS

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

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Reach local people

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today DECORATING

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TUITION 11+ (CEM) Tutor

quality decorators

Cleaver Property Management

We are proud to support The Wokingham Paper

We are a ﬁrm of Managing Agents based in Wokingham with a fast-growing

Susan and Martin Cleaver haveValley. welcomed a recent move portfolio of properties throughout the Thames Our expansion means we are offices looking to recruit a Property Manager Book Keeper. relationship to new strengthening theand continuing in Wokingham. We manage a number of properties in the town and weProperty plan to grow this over the coming years. Manager

Cleaver Property Management Cleaver Property Management is an independent, specialist property

A local family business established for 30+ years, we guarantee customer satisfaction with our highly professional and personal service.

We provide all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating, domestic and commercial, plus artexing, coving and tiling. Also general building and allied work. Free estimates and advice

The right candidate will have a Property Management background, be responsible for a portfolio of properties throughout the Thames Valley managing and residential letting agent, operating for over 20 years. As including some of ourCleaver ﬂagship sites. This role means a close withmove Susan and Martin have welcomed a liaison recent a familyboth run business, most of our clients have come to us by personal residents and contractors. You the will be supported in thisrelationship role but to new offices strengthening continuing recommendation duea real to the outstanding service expected to take hands on approach topersonal deliver a high qualityour of local team in Wokingham. We manage a number of properties in of highly trained experts provide. management to our clients. We are seeking someone who can deliver this the town and we will plan grow over thecompromising coming years. Mobile: 07966 551698 Phone: 0118 973 3537 service and who lookto to grow thethis portfolio without Offering numerous property management services for freehold and Email: trevor@quality-decorators.co.uk service levels. leasehold residential properties – support; Residents Website: www.quality-decorators.co.uk Cleaver Property anwe independent, specialist Associations, property ThereManagement is a competitiveissalary and package available.

Flat Management Companies, Landlords and managing and residential lettingDevelopers, agent, operating for over 20Freeholders. years. As a family run business, most of our clients have come to us by personal For more information to book a personal appointment please contact us recommendation dueand to the outstanding personal service our local team Accounting skills experience are desirable but so is the ability to work Telephone: 0844 499and 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk of highly trained experts provide.

Book Keeper

in a small and friendly team. You will have responsibility for all accounting Offering numerous property management services and aspects of a portfolio of properties and be expected to deal for with freehold clients, Solicitors–&we Accountants. leasehold residential properties support; Residents Associations,

Property Management Services for Wokingham and beyond.

ELECTRICAL David Elgood Electrical Services Father-and-son business established for 40 years

• Seven-day call-out service • No job is too small Flat Management Companies, Developers, Landlords and Freeholders. • Part P registered with NAPIT and a JIB approved electrician Cleaver Property Management, Ascot House, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG40 2NW In the ﬁrst instance please email your CV to: susan@cleaverproperty.co.uk • Age Concern registered and CRB checked

or alternatively send to to Mrs Susan Cleaver, Cleaver Property Management For more information and book a personal appointment please contact us Ltd, Ascot House, Road, Wokingham, RG40 2NW Telephone: 0844 499Finchampstead 3411 or Email: info@cleaverproperty.co.uk

Property Management Services for Wokingham and beyond. Cleaver Property Management, Ascot House, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG40 2NW

MEMORY GIVING ADMINISTRATOR (PART TIME) We are looking to recruit a part time Administrator to work alongside our current Administrator to promote our service to new funeral directors and account manage existing funeral directors. The individual must be dynamic, energetic, organised and selfmotivated with the ability to communicate and work on their own initiative. Must be able to provide full administrative office duties which include handling incoming communications via email or telephone, ensuring queries are met in a timely manner and monitoring all email communications. Applicants to be of smart appearance and be able to work within a team. Full training will be given. Must hold a clean driving licence. For an application form and job description please email: jobs@ abwalker.co.uk or call 0118 957 3650 Strictly no agencies please. Closing date for applications: 18th November 2016 WWW.MEMORYGIVING.COM

SERVICES

Ghostwriter available

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For Reading, Kendrick and Slough Grammar Schools. Structured approach, track record. Based in Wokingham. www.11plustutor.education 07906 387368

SERVICES If You're Looking For A Professional, Reliable, Friendly Mobile Disco & Dj Service, Then Look No Further..

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FOR SALE VICTORIAN ginger beer bottle, Headingtons of Wokingham with pictorial head transfer. Excellent condition. £40. Details: 0118 966 7940 FULL SET of golf clubs, trolley bag, balls, tees, glove, 14 clubs. Ill health forces sale. £45. Salzenger. Details: 07990 880827. COLLINSON Rocking Horse. Good condition but needs TLC. Dappled, 40 years old. 46in 117cm high. 54in 137cm base. £250 ono. Details: 0118 978 2342. BUILDERS Metal metre level. £8. Details: 0118 926 7497. Ladders: full, double length. Alumininium 14 rung x2. £45 ONO. Details: 0118 926 7497. LPs and EPs varied, oldish, offers. Details: 0118 926 7497. Children’s DVDs, many favourityes. All U certiﬁcates. Approx 15 in total. £10 the lot. Details: 0118 926 7497. MENS and ladies bikes, working condition, £15 each. Details: 0118 926 7497. CHOCOLATE fondue set, as new. £9. Details: 0118 926 7497. PICNIC hamper,

‘Lifestyle’ make, top quality never used. Six of everything including champagne glasses and cooler section. Ideal Christmas present. Luxury bargain. £90. Details: 0118 926 7497. SKY dish. £5. Details: 0118 926 7497. DOOR furniture, black metal matching letter box, handle, knob. £8. MENS and ladies bikes, working condition, £15 each. Details: 0118 926 7497. Makita Hedge Trimmer. 480mm. Blade in good working order. Lead cut and repaired. Hence only £20. Phone for details: 0118 934 0488. MEN’S formal dinner suit, Harbarry of England. Jacket 44” double breasted, long ﬁt black trousers 34” by 33”. Used once, excellent condition. Includes two shirts. £50 Details: 0118 979 7523 MAKITA hedge trimmer 480mm blade. Good working order, lead cut and repaired hence only £20. Details: 0118 934 0488. Bicycle for sale. Good condition. £20. Details: 0118 979 0289.

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER pr HOLIDAYS A satisfied customer is a good advert. See our reviews at www.littlegreenbook.co.uk

Corralejo, Fuerteventura Canary Islands LAS FUENTES 105

Two bedroom ground ﬂoor holiday apartment (sleeps 4 plus sofa bed). Peaceful location situated a short walk to local amenities and beaches. Facilities — shared communal pools with gardens, air conditioning, open plan lounge with dining area, fully equipped kitchen, free live English TV, Wi-Fi and private terraces. Prices from £280 per week. All payments secured by PayPal. For booking enquiries please contact - email: lasfuentes105@mail.com or Mobile: 07952 947348.

7x2

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

EDEN HYUNDAI

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Sales opening hours 08.30-19.00, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 08.30- 21.00 Tuesday and Thursday Hyundai i10 1.0 SE cash price £8,995 – Customer deposit £0 – Amount to credit £8,995 – 42 monthly payments of £139 – 0% APR – Total amount payable £8,995. Final payment £3,176. Based on 10000 miles per annum. Hyundai i20 1,2 S cash price £9,995.– Customer deposit £0 – Amount to credit £9.995– 47 monthly payments of £149 Final payment £2,992– 0% APR – Total amount payabl £9,995. Based on 6000 miles per annum. Hyundai Tuscon GDiS Pre Registered Price - £17,400. Customer deposit £0 – Amount to credit £17,400. – 47 monthly payments of £239 – 0% APR – Final payment £6,167. Total amount payable £17.400. Based on 10000 miles per annum. Finance is subject to approval with Black Horse Finance. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Subject to availability. Offer is subject to status, terms and conditions. Applicants must be 18 years or over. Offer applies to private individuals. A guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Finance provided by Black Horse Finance, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. For further details please contact your nearest branch. Offer ends October 31st 2016.

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Sales opening hours 08.30-19.00, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 08.30- 21.00 Tuesday and Thursday Pre-reg Corsa Sting Eden Cash Price £9,019 - Customer Deposit £99 – Total amount of credit £8.920– 48 monthly payments of £99 – Optional final payment £3,656 - based on 6,000 miles per year. Viva Cash Price £ 8,595 – Customer Deposit £99 - Total amount of credit £8,496 – 48 monthly payments of £99 – Optional final payment £3,744 - based on 6,000 miles per year. Mokka X Cash Price £19,600 – Part exchange allowance £3,000 - Customer Deposit £99 - Total amount of credit £16,501 –47 monthly payments of £259.89 – Optional final payment £6,080 - Representative APR 4.0% - total amount payable £21,393.83 based on 5,000 miles per year. Astra SRI Cash Price £18,200 – Part exchange allowance £3,000 - Customer Deposit £99 - Total amount of credit £15,101 –48 monthly payments of £219.99 – Optional final payment £6,698 - Representative APR 4.9% - total amount payable £20,356.52 - based on 6,000 miles per year. Corsa Energy Cash Price £13,050 – Part exchange allowance £3,000 - Customer Deposit £99 - Total amount of credit £9,951 –47 monthly payments of £149.90 – Optional final payment £4,014 - Representative APR 5.1% - total amount payable £14,158.30 based on 5,000 miles per year. Part exchange allowance regardless of condition, age, or mileage. Other mileage totals are available. The 2 years free servicing must be carried out at Manufacturer recommended intervals and is to be redeemed only at an Eden dealerships. This promotion is available on the above models and is available on Eden Vauxhall stock only. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. Applicant must be 18 years or over. Finance by Black Horse finance St William House Tresillian Terrace Cardiff CF10 5BH. Excess mileage will be charged on the n the above vehicles. These offers supersede any other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For further details, please contact your local Eden branch.

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WOKINGHAMSPORT Unrivalled coverage of sport in the borough

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

— Page 38

ICE HOCKEY

Heartbreak as Wildcats win

Six appeal for Sonning Ladies By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk IT WAS quite the weekend for Sonning Ladies, who now sit six points clear at the top of the Trysports Premier 1 table. A 3-1 win on the road at Wallingford Ladies saw the side preserve their 100 per cent start to the season, although their grip on first place was strengthened after closest rivals Oxford 2s suffered a 4-1 reverse at Amersham and Chalfont. The table, however, makes pretty reading for our local teams as a 4-0 victory over struggling Oxford Ladies 3s moved SOUTH BERKSHIRE up to fifth. The visitors lead at the break courtesy of a Laura Mawhinney strike. But they upped the ante in the second half and improved the scoreline through Yellie Powley-Williams, Holly Bentley and Katie Oliver goals. The club’s 2ND XI also secured a decent result, sharing the spoils with a Marlow 2s side which began the day sitting second in the Premier 2 standings. This 2-2 draw at Birch Hill was unable to pull the team out of the relegation zone, but it did see them move to within a point of safety. A pair of Kelly Corder goals, meanwhile, ensured SONNING 3s remain among those setting the pace in Division 3. Jordy Swanborough was also on target for the thirdplaced side, who were 3-1 winners at Wallingford 3s. The victory is made all the more impressive by the fact at 0-0, Sonning showed great resolve to see out a period of play with just nine players after two team-mates were shown green cards. The 3s remain just a point off the top two. SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s had an afternoon they will want to forget in a hurry. They were sadly no match for Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s, who went top of the table with an emphatic 10-0 triumph. A particular scourge was Liz Mcmenamin, who rattled in no fewer than four goals.

Bracknell Bees 1 Swindon Wildcats 2

Sonning Ladies - MaiPo Wan Picture by Steve Smyth

A borough derby took place at Birch Hill, where an Elodie Hargreaves brace helped SONNING 4s to a 4-2 success at SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s. Gemma Mitchell and Sarah Atkin also netted against the Terriettes as the away side moved up to fifth. Defeat for Berkshire, however, saw them slip to the foot of the standings. SONNING VETERANS and struggling Maidenhead 5s played out a 2-2 draw, with results elsewhere seeing the former drop a place to sixth in Division 5, but SONNING 5s are on the up. Because opponents Aylesbury 4s cancelled the fixture, the hosts were awarded the mandatory 5-0 win, with the points enough to pull the team away from the bottom of the pile in Division 6.

MEN'S HOCKEY

Littleboy makes his mark as Sonning thrash Tring TWO GOALS from Alex Littleboy helped SONNING MEN to a comfortable 5-1 victory over Tring in Regional Division 2 of the MBBO League, writes Lewis Rudd. He was joined on the scoresheet by Ian Finlayson, James Lockhart and James Manser, who continues to lead the way this term after netting for the fifth time. Victory moved the club up to fifth in the standings. In Division 1, Sam Fox-Harvey struck his ninth and 10th goals of a profitable season - but these could not stop SOUTH BERKSHIRE from slipping to a 3-2 loss at Newbury and Thatcham 3s. Nick Barrett, Matt Burnett and Ben Cook were all on target for the hosts, who inflicted a first defeat of the season on the opposition. Because of this, along with Witney’s 4-2 success at OMT 2s, Berkshire have been knocked off top spot and now sit second on goal difference. The club’s 2ND XI, meanwhile, remain bottom of the pile on zero points following a 4-2 reverse against Ramgarhia. Craig Atkins and Mike Baylis netted for the home side, but a

Hat trick for Evans in thrilling 8-0 thumping

Prabjot Hunjan hat-trick and Rohan Chana effort ensured the visitors left with the points and leave South Berkshire nursing a seventh successive loss. SONNING 2s packed too much punch when up against another struggling side, West Hampstead 3s. The villagers ran out 4-0 winners, with Tim Preston helping himself to a pair of goals. Ben Allday and Elliott Wise improved the total for the sixthplaced side. Tom Pullen now sits on nine league goals after hitting two more during SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s’ triumph at West London in Division 3. Also striking the backboard twice was team-mate Duncan Clarke, with the pair helping the side seal victory in a seven-goal, 4-3 victory. Jack Harris, Waleed Iqbal and Imran Mann replied for the capital club, but these strikes would prove to be in vain. There were no goals to report on from the game between SONNING 3s and West Hampstead 4s, who played out a goalless draw. In Division 5, SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s moved up a place to fifth after

Mark Peel and Matt Taylor sealed a 2-0 success over Phoenix and Ranelagh 2s. Both appear to be regulars on the scoresheet in 2016/17, as these latest goals were the pairs fifth and fourth of the season respectively. Jon Warbey was also hitting the target, although his strike turned out to be nothing more than consolation for struggling SONNING 4s, who went down to a 3-1 defeat at Leighton Buzzard 2s. It is now played seven, lost seven for the team, who remain without a point at the foot of the table. Also holding the same unwanted record and league position is SOUTH BERKSHIRE 5s. They slipped to a 2-0 loss away at Oxford 7s. SONNING 5s doubled their tally of wins in Division 8 West in some style, thrashing Witney 3s 6-1, but their was disappointment for SOUTH BERKSHIRE TERRIORS. They were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Reading Rascals, missing the chance to keep up with the leading pack. A first win of the Division 9 season arrived for SONNING 7s at the weekend. This came after the team edged out Harrow 2s by the odd goal in five.

IT WAS heartbreak for Bracknell Bees on Sunday as they were stung by an overtime Swindon Wildcats winner in a tight tussle at The Hive. And to make matters worse, Tomasz Malasinksi’s strike arrive with just seven seconds left to play of the additional period. But Bees can take plenty of positives from their response to the embarrassment at Telford the previous night with man-of-the-match Olegs Lascenko cancelling out a Max Birbraer strike to earn a point from the 1-1 regulation time tie. Bees came into the game at full strength while Wildcats had a number of absentees which set the scene for a potential local derby upset. A tight and tense first period saw very few clear cut chances for either side with the hosts having to defend well to see off a power play after eight minutes as Scott Spearing was forced to sit out.

The cagey affair continued into the second stanza with a number of penalty misdemeanours before the deadlock was finally broken via a Birbraer wrist shot past Alex Mettam. But moments later the game was level again after Jan Kostal picked up a holding minor allowing Bees in on the power play. And it was Lascenko who profited, following in on a rebound to slam past Stevie Lyle. Defences continued to be on top as the time wound towards a close and with neither side committing a penalty offence, nobody could find a breakthrough. Alex Barker came close for the Bees to try and snatch the extra point, but it was in fact Wildcats who took it. Shortly after Mettam had denied Matt Selby on a breakaway, Swindon got the win via Malasinski’s last gasp attempt. Lukas Smital’s men face another double header this weekend with a trip to Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday before hosting Guildford Flames on Sunday night.

ICE HOCKEY

Tenacious Tigers make toast of Bees Telford Tigers 11 Bracknell Bees 2 AFTER an encouraging weekend last time out, Bracknell Bees had a Saturday to forget in Telford. The rampant league leaders rattled in 11 goals to blow Bracknell away, with James Galazzi and Alex Barker strikes turning out to be nothing less than consolation for the visitors. Telford took the lead after just three minutes when Milena Kolena found the net. However, it did take until the second stanza for the goals to start flowing after Bees came in at the first break only 1-0 behind. That advantage was doubled during a period when Tigers were in fact a man

short, with a breakaway goal rounded off by Jason Silverthorn. Galazzi quickly reduced the arrears before Barker sensationally equalised as the game approached its halfway mark. But a tripping penalty on Galazzi saw Tigers take full advantage to lead once again through Kolena and from there his side never looked back. And two goals in just 18 seconds completely swung the game Telford’s way courtesy of Silverthorn and Adam Jones strikes. The third period was less than two minutes old when Michael Satek made it 6-2 to kill any slim Bracknell hopes of a revival. And further scores from Kolena, Rick Plant, Daniel Rose, Silverthorn and Daniel Scott secured the thumping 11-2 success. CORRECTION: Last week we printed this photo of Wokingham and Bearwood Riding Club duo Amy Dale and Katie Neill with Katie’s surname incorrectly typed in the caption. We apologise for this error.

SPORT | 37

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BOXING

Rockets overcame Essex Leopards on Saturday

Sniper Smith is ready to go 10 rounds EXCLUSIVE

Ready to rumble: Sam Smith

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk FORMER Pinewood Starr amateur Sam Smith is gearing up to headline a big night of boxing in just his fourth professional fight later this month. Smith, who goes under the nickname ‘Sniper’, is set to face Lithuanian veteran Kiril Psonko at the Talk Is Cheap event run by Neilson Boxing at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon on November 26. And Sniper, 23, who still has family in the Wokingham area and is sponsored by Wokingham business A1 Group, is confident of continuing his rise up the rankings with a fourth straight professional victory. “I really can’t wait,” Smith told The Wokingham Paper. “I’m really looking forward to this one. “It’s my first time as a pro headlining a big show like this in my adopted home town of Swindon. “It’s a huge achievement, especially after only three fights and it’s a big statement in some sense to my division as well.” But Smith’s rise dates way back to his successful years as an amateur, training at Wokingham’s Pinewood Starr Boxing Gym. And Sniper acknowledges it is those experiences which gave him any chance of making his way as a professional. “I boxed as an amateur for 10 or 11 years,” he explained. “I had 40 plus fights, boxed for England twice, went to the European Games, won three national titles as a junior. “I achieved a lot as an amateur, not so much as a senior but more as a junior.” Now training in Swindon, Smith is coached by the well renowned Paddy Fitzpatrick. The Irishman has been in boxing for decades and is a popular face across the circuit, perhaps most notably as the trainer for George Groves for his Wembley Stadium super-fight with Carl Froch in front of 80,000 people. And Sniper says his progression has been rapid since teaming up with Fitzpatrick. “That was a massive step,” said Smith. “My old coach Tim De Meyer introduced me to Paddy nearly two years ago now. “It sort of went from there, sparring with the likes of George Groves, Nathan Cleverly and Enzo Maccarinelli, all these big names. “My first week in Swindon I was sparring professionals and I learned a lot from that.” While Smith has lofty ambitions, he is well aware that the result of the Psonko bout will play a key role

BASKETBALL

Blasting past Leopards Essex Leopards 73 Reading Rockets 90

in where he goes next beyond November. Despite this being Smith’s first ever 10-round fight, the orthodox light-heavyweight will go in as big favourite against the Lithuanian, who comes in with a record of 16-40-2, but did shock home favourite Kelvin Young during his last outing to Swindon. “He’s a dangerous opponent,” said Sniper. “Last time he was out in Swindon he knocked out Kelvin Young but every fight we expect to win. “We train to win but we’ve got to be on our game because if we don’t then it only takes one punch in this game for it to be all over. “Going up to 10 rounds is a big jump. “I’ve been training for 10 to 12 rounds ever since I’ve turned professional really, even when I’m doing four round fights. “It’s a box I’ve not ticked yet, doing 10 rounds in an actual fight. “Sparring and actual boxing is two different things but I’m really looking forward to it as I normally warm up as a fight carries on.” He added: “We take it one fight at a time. “We have got a plan set. “We would like to break the top 20 and then into the top 15 by next year. “Really this time next year we want to be either challenging for a British title or even a British title eliminator or even be champion, boxing for the title, that is our plan.” n Tickets are still available for the Talk Is Cheap event in Swindon next weekend from £35 at neilsonboxing.co.uk or from any of the boxers themselves.

RUGBY

Rams maintain impressive run at Old Elthamians Old Elthamians 5 Redingensians 22 A SOLID defensive display provided the foundation for Redingensians to pick up an impressive victory against in-form Old Elthamians. Rams, who now boast the third best defensive record in National League 2 South, frustrated the promotion chasers and thanks to accurate kicking from Jacob Atkins and a Sam Guttridge try climb up to sixth in the table. A poor first half from the hosts was punished by young fly-half Atkins with the former Forest School pupil kicking three

successive penalties to put Rams 9-0 ahead after 25 minutes. And Atkins (pictured) was again in action before the half was out, clipping a kick out for Guttridge to dab down in the corner for the visitors’ only try of the contest. Old Elthamians’ fly half Tom White created the only score for the Kent side all day with a clever kick over to full back Chris Surman. But Atkins ensured Rams kept

pulling further clear, ending the afternoon with a 17-point haul and 100% record while centre Dan Sanders was named man-of-thematch. Rams host Canterbury at Old Bath Road on Saturday. n BOTH BRACKNELL and Crowthorne had weekends off but are back in action this weekend away to Launceston and Didcot respectively. London Irish also return to action with a league trip to Cornish Pirates on Sunday.

READING ROCKETS battled back from a slow start to beat Essex Leopards 90-73 in Brentwood. The struggling Leopards pounced early on to take a 28-16 lead after the first quarter. But Manuel Pena Garces' men, who lost twice last weekend, battled back to lead 43-42 at half-time before powering through to victory thanks in no small part to Craig Ponder’s 34-point haul. Rockets were slow out of the blocks against a side with no wins all season

and were made to pay as Essex rattled in a number of three-pointers during an impressive first quarter showing. But the trio of Ponder (pictured), Chris Hooper and captain Danny Carter kept the visitors in touch before Paulin Jardim and academy star Ibu Demba Jassey both opened their personal accounts. And the young Reading side regrouped to go on a 10-0 run to put the game to within one score, edging just ahead at the interval courtesy of 10 and eight points respectively from Ponder and Hooper. Ponder began to run the show after the restart

with 20 points as well as a number of assists to help his side assert their authority but only after sitting 53-58 behind with three minutes to play in the third quarter. An 11-0 run swung the tables and Rockets never looked back, going 64-58 ahead when young American Ponder wowed the crowd with a huge buzzer-beating treble. And a strong third quarter with yet more successful three-point attempts gave Rockets a comfortable margin of victory. Rockets top scorers: Ponder 34, Hooper 27, Carter 17.

BASKETBALL

Rockets back to Bohunt BOHUNT SCHOOL will this weekend once again play host to Reading Rockets as they take on Leicester Warriors. The Wokingham School is a temporary home for Manuel Pena Garces’ men with their regular venue of Rivermead Leisure Complex currently unavailable. And Reading will be expecting to come out on top on Saturday evening (6pm) against a side with a 1-5 record this season. It has been a mixed start to the season for Rockets with two wins and three defeats and assistant coach Alan Keane admits the side must start picking up more victories soon. “We have much work still to do and a lot of areas need to be better for us to be challenging the top teams,” said Keane. “Is this something we can do? Yes for sure. “We need to be accountable for our mistakes and speed up the learning process whilst putting the components we have together and improving every time we practice. “It is an exciting place to be and I think all the good stuff is still to come.” After facing Leicester, Reading then travel to play Kent Crusaders in the National Cup on Sunday and Pena Garces is relishing the double header. “The games are now coming thick and fast and it is important we keep working

hard to perform in each one of them,” said the head coach. “After Friday’s win (against Essex Leopards), I feel we have taken one step forward but now we immediately focus on this weekend. “The game against Leicester is now our focus but after this game we will be looking forward to the cup game against a talented Kent team who were unfortunate to get relegated from Division One last season.” Reading Rockets Women are also in action at Bohunt this weekend, facing Southwark on Saturday (3.15pm). n GREAT BRITAIN international Elvisi Dusha has joined Reading Rockets. The young but experienced guard has only recently returned to England from playing basketball in Kosovo, but Manuel Pena Garces moved quickly to secure his services. “We’ve been looking to strengthen our young and inexperienced team,” said Rockets chairman Gary Johnson. “When Elvisi was available, I was most hopeful that we could secure his signature. “To have done that and begun his European clearance within 12 hours is most pleasing.” Dusha, who spent three years playing for local rivals Surrey Scorchers, could debut this weekend.

38 | SPORT

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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, November 17, 2016

UNDER 11s

Zac’s hat trick maintains 100% start WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Housebuilder gets behind Woodley ladies team A LADIES’ football team in Woodley are sporting a new look thanks to the support of a local housing developer. Woodley United Ladies have new branded sweatshirts just in time for winter training thanks to a donation by builders Taylor Wimpey. WUFC chairman Colum Moon said: “I am grateful for the interest Taylor Wimpey has shown in the club and the support given

that allows the team to have a recognisable identity when arriving for games and training sessions.” The ladies team is currently unbeaten in Division One South of the Southern Region Women’s Football League, playing home matches at Bulmershe Pavilion in Woodley and train on Thursday evenings at the new 3G facility at Woodford Park, Woodley.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES are back in action this weekend when they travel to face Stony Stratford Town. Sumas, who won their first competitive match as a senior side last month in defeating Bracknell Town Reserves 4-3, will make the trip to Milton Keynes on Sunday for the quarter-finals of the Berks and Bucks FA County Trophy.

READING FC WOMEN

Van Den Berg signs up By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING WOMEN have made their first signing of the winter, bringing in Holland national team captain Mandy Van Den Berg. After wrapping up their debut FA WSL 1 campaign last week, manager Kelly Chambers cited more experience as a key factor to boost her side’s chances next year and the club have wasted little time in bolstering their squad. Van Den Berg, who joins from Liverpool Ladies upon her contract expiry, made 14 appearances during her only season with the club. And the centre-back arrives with bags of experience including 75 caps for her country, which included a run to the last 16 at the 2015 World Cup, and also Champions League games with ADO Den Haag. “It’s great that we are attracting players of Mandy’s calibre to the club,” said manager Chambers. “It shows what a good season we

have just had but also that the club is going in the right direction. “I am really excited to bring Mandy on board here. “She joined the WSL last season and has great international experience but is still wanting to learn and develop as a player. “Mandy will add to our young squad in many different ways and will fit right in with our style of play so I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Van Den Berg, 26, is preparing to captain her country for games against Belgium and England later this month and is eager to meet with her new teammates in January. And she says Royals’ style of play is what attracted her to make the switch. “To build from behind, starting from the goalkeeper is how we play in the national team as well,” said the defender. “I was very pleased to see a team in the WSL playing the way we want to play in the national team. “As soon as we arrived here in Reading with Liverpool, the atmosphere of the whole club, the group of players and the staff, was so positive.” n ROYALS goalkeeper Mary Earps has been called up to the England senior squad. Reading’s Player of the Season Earps will battle it out with Karen Bardsley and Siobhan Chamberlain for the number one jersey for a friendly against Holland on November 29. Fellow Royals Lauren Bruton and Molly Bartrip are on standby as part of the Next Gen squad.

SUNDAY LEAGUE

Wargrave’s Moss leads by example CAPTAIN Stuart Moss led by example with a hat-trick as WARGRAVE beat BARKHAM ATHLETIC 6-3 at Cantley Park. The two sides were separated by just four points at kick-off in the Division 2 table, but a treble from Moss as well as strikes from Matt Belcher (2) and Ryan Tye powered Wargrave up to fourth. Andy Sharp (2) and Shane Slattery netted for the hosts. Up in the Premier Division, Jonny Gosnell scored the only goal as BERKS COUNTY edged past Wraysbury Village 1-0. The skipper’s strike pushes Berks up to fifth with a trip to lowly HURST on Saturday. And they will play a Hurst side still yet to register a point this season after they

lost again at the weekend, this time 2-0 to WOODLEY UNITED RESERVES. An early Adam King strike set Woodley on their way before Luke Blakebrough sealed the win with five minutes to play. An 87th minute goal from Dan Lockwood was enough for HARCHESTER HAWKS to beat Brimpton in Division 3 while HURST RESERVES were beaten 2-0 by Newbury Reserves. In Division 4, Daniel Tegg bagged a hat-trick to help WARGRAVE RESERVES to a thumping 6-0 win over HARCHESTER HAWKS RESERVES. Jason Heath (2) and substitute Ernesto Gomes were also on the scoresheet for the visitors.

BERKS COUNTY ROVERS lost 2-0 at Braybrooke while a host of other games were rained off. Reading Sunday League - Results:November 13 Division 1: Eldon Celtic 6-3 116 Exiles, Polonia Reading 7-0 Athletico Forest, Woodley United 3-9 Le Galaxy Division 2: Arborfield 2-3 Pangbourne and Basildon Barbarians Division 3 East: 116 Exiles Res 1-9 Berkshire Rovers, Park Villa 4-1 Forest Division 4 East: Shinfield Rangers 1-5 AFC Lowfield Green, Twyford Comets 5-0 Delta Vigo Tilehurst Charity Cup: Kidmore End/The Mod 2-5 Woodley Wanderers Industrial Cup: Wokingham and Emmbrook 2-3 FC Woodley (aet)

ZACKARY WAIGHT bagged a hattrick as Wokingham Under-11s continued their unbeaten start with a 4-2 victory over Hemel Hempstead side Dacorum. Fresh off the back of a 6-0 win against Portsmouth last time out, Wokingham started brightly and took the lead when Waight fired across goal and into the bottom corner. An end-to-end half saw the visitors have a goal chalked off for offside while Dacorum rattled the crossbar, but the hosts did level just before the break.

And Dacorum started the second half brightly and took a 2-1 lead after a fumble from goalkeeper Max Hitchings in the wet conditions led to an own goal. The Berkshire side had to dig deep to find a way back and they did exactly that, in a charge led by Waight. First he turned in a Max Smith free-kick to level before a quickfire double from Scott Morgan and Waight sealed the win. Wokingham are back in action on Saturday when they face Woking in the Shires Cup quarter-finals.

UNDER 18s

Royals head to top of the table READING UNDER-18s moved joint top of Premier League South with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur U18s. Teddy Howe gave Royals the lead and thanks to a late Joy Mukena own goal, David Dodds’ men completed the double over Spurs. In difficult conditions at Hotspur Way, Reading broke the deadlock when Howe’s shot deflected off Mukena and flew past goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman. Dylan Duncan struck the post while Kazaiah Sterling was denied by Reading goalkeeper Liam Driscoll twice in quick succession but the hosts did level when Duncan found the net. Ben House’s diving header came back off the post for the Royals but the visitors did grab all three points just before the hour mark when Ademola

Shokunbi’s cross was turned into his own net by the luckless Mukena. READING: Driscoll, Howe, Medford-Smith, Coleman, Odimayo, Balogun, Shokunbi, Rollinson, Holsgrove, Loader, House.

n READING will face Manchester City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup. The tough looking draw was made on Friday and sees Royals paired with last year’s finalists with the game set to take place at Madejski Stadium next month. Meanwhile, Reading U21s will face Southampton U21s in the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy. Despite losing 2-0 to Yeovil Town at Madejski Stadium last week, Royals progressed from their group and will now battle Saints, away from home in December.

UNDER 14s

Oranges hit Royals for eight A KAI EVANS treble helped Wokingham and Emmbrook Oranges Under-14s to a thumping 8-0 victory over AFC Reading Woodley Royals. Evans was one of five different scorers on the day for Sumas to boost their East Berkshire Football Alliance Division 6 challenge. Both central strikers Matt Rogers and captain Milo van Vliet found the net to put Wokingham 2-0 up after just seven minutes and the hosts never looked back. Oliver Vickers netted a third just before the half hour mark but Reading did show some fight before the half was out, seeing a goal disallowed and also striking the woodwork. But the second half very much belonged to Wokingham with Evans

(picured) stealing the show, bagging a hat-trick while Nathan Mulvaney and Rogers rounded off the win. SUMAS: Watkins, Bridges, Hamblin, Williams, Gofton, Vickers, Mulvaney, Lamberton, Evans, Rogers, van Vliet (c). Subs: Turner, Mohr.

n UNDER-STRENGTH Wokingham U16s lost 2-0 at Burnham Junior Lynx Blues in EBFA Division One. Sumas started brightly but fell behind on 12 minutes. Lucas Coudevylle was excelling in a new defensive role to keep Burnham at bay again before the break with in-form Ellis Wisdom also impressing between the sticks. But the hosts doubled their tally on 62 minutes when a cross-cumshot found the bottom corner.

HELLENIC PREMIER

HELLENIC DIVISION ONE

Sumas make a point at the top

‘We were in it to win it’ Binfield 1 Oxford City Nomads 1 By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

ROGER HERRIDGE feels a lack of confidence contributed to Binfield letting a lead slip to draw at home with struggling Oxford City Nomads. The Moles took the lead on 70 minutes through defender Grant Kemp, but were pegged back eight minutes when substitute Deon Gallacher fired home. And Herridge, who has now not overseen a league victory in seven attempts since September 12, believes that poor run could have had an influence against Oxford. “I wouldn’t have said it was a great game,” the manager told The Wokingham Paper. “It was certainly a game we went into wanting to win. “It was a pretty tame affair in the first half and in the second half we got our noses in front eventually. “I’d hoped we’d go on and win it but we got done by a ball over the top and the lad had a lot to do but he’s hit a quality finish. “I suppose from our point of view we’ve just got to look at the positives. “It’s another game we’ve not won in the league but having said that we’re unbeaten in three. “Some of our approach play in the second half was very, very good and maybe on another day with a bit more confidence we possibly

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Scorer: Grant Kemp earned the Moles a point

would have won that two or three one but that’s football for you.” Binfield came into the game on the back of two successive cup victories but made three changes from the victory against Windsor, most notably in goal with new stopper Munoda Nyamunga getting the nod over Garry Aulsberry. And Herridge hopes the arrival of the former Alton Town stopper can trigger a resurgence in form for Aulsberry. “I’ve got a lot of time for Garry,” said the Binfield boss. “Garry is a good goalkeeper but over the last few weeks I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him. “We’ve got a very good young goalkeeper in our reserve team,

Bicester Town 1 Wokingham and Emmbrook 1

Liam Vaughan, who played for us in a game the other week and has got a bright future. “Garry is still there as our number one goalkeeper but maybe a little bit of competition may push him to regain the form I saw in previous years.” Next up for Binfield is a trip to fourth placed Highworth Town on Saturday, the first in a string of tricky looking fixtures against top half sides. But Herridge insists his squad are relishing the test. “We certainly need to get back to winning ways in the league sooner rather than later that’s for sure,” he said. “We’ve got some interesting challenges coming up in the next few league games as well in the likes of Highworth, Thame, Flackwell Heath and Bracknell Town. “But we just need to first and foremost make ourselves hard to beat.” He added: “I went to watch Highworth the other week and they’re a formidable outfit. “They’re big, they’re strong and they’ve got all the right players in all the right types of places and they’ve got a real goal threat. “We’ll go down there and be resolute in our defending but I see no reason why we can’t go down there and get some sort of result.”

BEN FINDLAY’S second half equaliser earned Wokingham and Emmbrook an impressive point at title challengers Bicester Town. Following on from becoming the first side to topple Woodley United last time out, Clive McNelly’s men grabbed a point from second placed Bicester to jump up to ninth in the Hellenic Division One East table. Despite the impressive nature of the win over Woodley, McNelly shuffled his pack for the trip with four changes including James Charlton coming back in following his transfer from Binfield. Fit again captain Will

Day, Elliott Rushforth and Jake Wheeler also got starts with last week’s goalscorers Jack Gibbs and Ben Broadhurst among those to drop out. Rushforth had the game’s first chance but shot straight at the keeper before Bicester took the lead when a cross from Kieran Scott went all the way in. Findlay, Tom Skidmore and substitute Broadhurst all came close to levelling before the break, but the scores did eventually get tied up again when Findlay powered in. Charlton was in fine form at the back to thwart some late Bicester attacks while Sean Woodward also made a smart save. There was some drama in the closing stages when both Sumas’ Sam Lawrence

and Bicester’s Gavin Kidd were sent off as the game ended in a stalemate. Things get no easier for Wokingham this weekend as they travel to face unbeaten league leaders Penn and Tylers Green. SUMAS: Woodward; Carter, Charlton, Day (c) (Broadhurst), Bailey, Goddard; Skidmore (Duffelen), Findlay, Lawrence; Rushforth (Booth), Wheeler. Subs not used: Gibbs, Douglas.

n FINCHAMPSTEAD and Woodley United will try again this Saturday after their Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup clash was washed out at the weekend. The pair were due to lock horns at Finch’s Memorial Ground but the game has now been moved back to Woodley’s Rivermoor with a spot in the last 16 up for grabs.

SURREY PREMIER CUP

Boars score perfect 10 in penalty chase Lingfield 3 Eversley and California 3

EVERSLEY AND CALIFORNIA are through to the second round of the Surrey Premier Cup after a thrilling 10-9 penalty shootout win over Lingfield. The Boars, who saw their weekend league fixture

BINFIELD: Nyamunga; Lock, Kemp, A. Walton, Luis (c); White, Jones (Pagliaroli 70), M. Walton (Suarez 20), Knight, Broome (Hayden 72); Ferdinand. Subs not used: Aulsberry, Wiggins

against Cobham rained off, made a fine start against their Southern Combination League opponents. A first Eversley goal for Connor Allston as well as strikes from Ali Kamara and Sam Hutchings cancelled out Nathan Hull’s strike to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. But Lingfield rallied and took the game to penalties

thanks to a Sam Bell penalty and late TJ Stead strike. However, Phil Ruggles’ men kept their nerve during an elongated round of spot kicks to book their spot in round two. n Eversley travel to play Dorking on Saturday before hosting Ash United on Tuesday night.

Results and fixtures Saturday, November 12 FOOTBALL Hellenic Premier Division Binfield 1-1 Oxford City Nomads Hellenic Division 1 East Bicester Town 1-1 Wokingham and Emmbrook B&B Intermediate Cup Finchampstead P-P Woodley United Combined Counties Division 1 Eversley and California P-P Cobham Thames Valley League, Premier Division Berks County 1-0 Wraysbury Village; Hurst 0-2 Woodley United Reserves RUGBY National League 2 South Old Elthamians 5-22 Redingensians HOCKEY MBBO Regional Division 2 (Men’s) Sonning 5-1 Marlow 2s Division 1 Newbury and Thatcham 2s 3-2 South Berkshire; South Berkshire 2s 2-4 Ramgarhia; West Hampstead 3s 0-4 Sonning 2s Trysports Premier 1 (Women’s) Wallingford 1-3 Sonning; Oxford 3s 0-4 South Berkshire; Maidenhead 2s 2-0 Sonning 2s ICE HOCKEY EPIHL Telford Tigers 11-2 Bracknell Bees

Sunday, November 13 ICE HOCKEY EPIHL

Bracknell Bees 1-2 Swindon Wildcats (After overtime)

Tuesday, November 15

FOOTBALL Surrey Premier Cup Lingfield 3-3 Eversley and California

FIXTURES Saturday November 19

All fixtures 3pm, unless stated FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Burton Albion Hellenic Premier Division Highworth Town v Binfield Hellenic Division 1 East Penn and Tylers Green v Wokingham and Emmbrook (2.15pm) B&B Intermediate Cup Woodley United v Finchampstead (2pm) Combined Counties Division 1 Dorking v Eversley and California Thames Valley League, Premier Division Hurst v Berks County (2pm) Cup: Finchampstead Reserves v Woodley United (2pm) RUGBY IPA Championship Cornish Pirates v London Irish (1pm) National League 2 South

Redingensians v Canterbury (2pm) National League 3 South West Launceston v Bracknell (2.30pm) BB&O Premier Division Didcot v Crowthorne (TBC) HOCKEY MBBO Regional 2 (Men’s) Oxford Hawks 3 v Sonning (11.30am) Division 1 Ashford 2s v South Berkshire 2s; Sonning 2s v Newbury and Thatcham 2s (4.30pm); South Berkshire v Bicester (TBC). Trysports Premier 1 (Women’s) Sonning 2s v Oxford 3s (10am); South Berkshire v Maidenhead 2s (12pm); Sonning v Oxford 3s (1.30pm). ICE HOCKEY EPIHL Sheffield Steeldogs v Bracknell Bees (7.30pm)

Sunday, November 20 ICE HOCKEY EPIHL Bracknell Bees v Guildford Flames (6pm) Old Elthamians v Redingensians (2pm).

Tuesday, November 22 FOOTBALL RPM Records Division 1 Cup Eversley and California v Ash United (7.45pm)

Championship Newcastle Brighton Huddersfield Reading Norwich Leeds Birmingham Fulham Bristol City Sheff Wed Preston Brentford Barnsley Aston Villa Ipswich Derby QPR Burton Wolves Nottm Forest Cardiff Wigan Blackburn Rotherham

P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

WD 12 1 10 4 9 2 8 4 8 3 8 2 6 7 6 6 7 3 7 3 7 2 6 4 6 3 4 9 5 6 5 5 5 5 4 6 4 5 4 4 4 3 3 5 3 4 1 4

L 3 2 5 4 5 6 3 4 6 6 7 6 7 3 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 8 9 11

Hellenic Premier

F A 34 13 25 9 17 18 20 18 28 27 19 17 21 18 23 18 23 19 17 19 22 20 21 16 27 24 17 16 14 15 12 13 17 22 18 20 19 21 25 30 14 25 14 19 16 25 17 38

Pts 37 34 29 28 27 26 25 24 24 24 23 22 21 21 21 20 20 18 17 16 15 14 13 7

Thames Valley League P Reading YMCA 12 Marlow United 12 Woodcote SR 13 Newbury 11 Berks County 12 Cookham Dean 12 Mortimer 12 Woodley Utd Res 14 Highmoor Res 10 Wraysbury 13 Unity 11 Taplow United 9 Rotherfield Utd 13 Hurst 10

W 10 9 7 7 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 1 0

D 2 1 3 1 2 3 2 1 2 2 2 0 5 0

L F 0 43 2 45 3 30 3 27 4 14 4 26 5 20 8 12 4 21 7 17 6 9 6 15 7 13 10 6

A 8 15 19 15 15 21 28 25 22 34 12 19 27 38

Pts 32 28 24 22 20 18 17 16 14 14 11 9 8 0

P W D Thatcham Town 19 12 2 Thame United 15 11 4 Flackwell Heath 17 10 3 Highworth Town 17 9 3 Tuffley Rovers 16 8 3 Bracknell Town 13 8 2 Ardley United 16 7 4 Binfield 16 7 2 Longlevens AFC 16 7 2 Wootton Bassett 18 8 2 Lydney Town 16 7 2 Ascot United 16 7 1 Brimscombe 14 6 2 Highmoor-Ibis 14 5 2 Oxford City Nom 19 3 5 Brackley Saints 16 4 2 Henley Town 18 3 3 Burnham 18 3 0 * Denotes points decudtion

L 5 0 4 5 5 3 5 7 7 8 7 8 6 7 11 10 12 15

F A 58 28 62 23 48 19 41 32 35 26 40 17 32 30 27 21 38 33 36 33 27 31 32 37 24 23 23 30 24 46 15 52 26 49 23 81

FA WSL 1 Pts 38 37 33 30 27 26 25 23 23 23* 23 22 20 17 14 14 12 9

Hellenic Division 1 East Penn & Tylers Green Bicester Town Headington Ama Woodley United AFC Aldermaston Didcot Town Res’ Rayners Lane Chalfont Wasps Wokingham Finchampstead Chinnor Sandhurst Town Holyport Wantage Town Res’

P 10 11 9 8 11 10 11 11 11 11 10 8 8 13

WD 8 2 7 2 7 0 7 0 5 0 4 2 4 2 4 2 3 3 4 0 3 3 3 2 3 0 0 0

L 0 2 2 1 6 4 5 5 5 7 4 3 5 13

F 39 21 34 20 24 25 16 14 19 16 12 15 19 11

A 5 12 14 6 24 19 21 19 22 20 22 13 16 72

Pts 26 23 21 21 15 14 14 14 12 12 12 11 9 0

Manchester City Chelsea Arsenal Birmingham City Liverpool Notts County Sunderland Reading Women Doncaster Belles

P WD 16 13 3 16 12 1 16 10 2 16 7 6 16 7 4 16 4 4 16 2 4 16 1 6 16 1 0

L 0 3 4 3 5 8 10 9 15

F A 36 4 42 17 33 14 18 13 27 23 16 26 17 41 15 26 8 48

Pts 42 37 32 27 25 16 10 9 3

IPA Championship

P London Irish 8 Yorkshire 8 Ealing Trail 8 Doncaster 8 London Welsh 8 Nottingham 8 Cornish Pirates 8 Jersey 8 London Scottish 8 Rotherham Titans 8 Bedford 8 Richmond 8

W 8 7 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 0

D 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 8

F A BP 284 95 7 242 207 5 215 181 3 191 155 4 182 149 6 174 201 4 208 190 6 175 185 6 187 255 5 181 224 4 179 190 7 91 277 0

PTS 39 33 25 24 22 20 20 18 17 16 15 0

EPIHL P Telford 21 Milton Keynes 21 Hull 20 Basingstoke 19 Peterborough 20 Swindon 20 Sheffield 20 Guildford 21 Bracknell 20 Manchester 20

W 12 12 14 12 9 8 7 7 4 2

OW OL 4 3 3 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 0 3 0 1 1 1

L 2 5 5 6 8 9 10 11 15 16

F 82 82 95 69 71 70 69 70 49 50

A 52 59 63 47 59 67 78 80 98 104

Pts 35 31 30 25 23 21 18 17 9 7

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WOKINGHAMSPORT

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ROYALS

Moles boss: we’re getting stronger

Swift could be out until Christmas

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

“IT’S THEIR loss!” That is the defiant message from Roger Herridge, who feels his Binfield squad is now stronger than before after overseeing a host of changes over the last couple of weeks. James Suarez, Munoda Nyamunga, Bradley Pagliaroli and Jeff Brown have all been brought in to the Hellenic Premier Division club while James Charlton and Jamie Connor have departed for Wokingham and Emmbrook and Highmoor-Ibis respectively. And Herridge admits he was both disappointed and surprised by first team regulars Charlton and Connor choosing to move on. “I’ve got to be honest, I’m very disappointed by James Charlton,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper. “For me, we’re in the first step of proper non-league football and you can’t flit in and out of it. “I was gutted and speechless about James leaving because he has done well for us. “We’ve treated him well and for him to say out of the blue ‘Rog, I want to go back to Wokingham’ I was disappointed and I felt let down. “I’m not going to knock him as a person – he’s a great lad, but that’s an area of the pitch we’re not blessed with cover at the minute and he knew that.” He continued: “The timing of it hasn’t helped me but I know a lot of those Wokingham boys are friends, they want to play together and it’s their little comfort zone over there so it’s entirely up to them. In my opinion he could’ve handled it a little bit differently. “Jamie Connor I believe has gone to HighmoorIbis which is another surprise. “I’ve got to be honest, I’ve been left bemused by both of their decisions to leave. But one thing’s for sure, Binfield is a good club. “There are always people who want to come and play for Binfield so as one door closes, another one opens. “But certainly neither James nor Jamie leaving was my decision or of my making. Both of them were, in my eyes, strange decisions.” Binfield extended their unbeaten run to three games with a 1-1 draw against Oxford City Nomads on Saturday. But after Grant Kemp’s opener was cancelled out by a late Deon Gallacher equaliser, the Moles are still without a league win since defeating Thatcham Town in mid-September. Despite the recent struggles, Herridge feels his squad is well placed to rise up the table soon. “It’s fine margins in football,” said the Moles boss. “One thing is for sure, I need to get a settled squad and I think we’re working towards that. “Some of those players that have played earlier in the season are all good lads but maybe their commitment level could be questioned. “When you’re making three or four changes every game it becomes very, very difficult as little partnerships can’t form.” He added: “If I look at my squad now compared to what it was at the start of the season, I’d probably say I’ve got a stronger squad now. “The lads that have moved on, it’s their loss, not mine.” n For more local football news, turn to page 39.

— Page 37

BOXING

Sniper Smith: ready for his big fight Exclusive interview on page 37

JAAP STAM has called on the rest of his squad to step up after he confirmed that John Swift could be out of action until Christmas with ankle ligament damage. The midfielder has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Reading on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer, scoring four goals and twice being named as the club’s player of the month. But the 21-year-old (pictured right) is now set for a spell on the sidelines after hobbling off injured in the first half of England Under-21s victory over Italy U21s in Southampton over the international break. And Stam could not hide his frustration when he saw his star man leaving the field at St Mary’s. “I just switched off the television immediately,” said the Royals boss. “We don’t need to talk about Swifty like he’s the saviour of Reading but everybody knows that he is important in the way that we play. “He’s shown this season the quality that he has at being creative, scoring goals, creating chances for somebody else and being a threat for the opposition. “You need those players in your team. “But you know this can happen so you need to think about other players who can play in that role in that position. “Now somebody else needs to do it.” He added: “I’m not going to give you any names but we are working on it and thinking about what we can do to be a threat to the opposition. “Maybe a lot of teams are thinking now Swifty is out that makes it easier for them, but hopefully the plan that I have is still going to be a puzzle for them in how they need to play against us.” It was not all bad reports on the injury front with the positive news that Deniss Rakels could return to the squad before the end of the year. The Latvian striker broke his ankle during the EFL Cup clash with Milton Keynes Dons in August but Stam revealed his recovery is on track. “Deniss is doing some jogging so that’s progress,” said the manager. “He’s feeling a lot better but you still have to look at December or January before he’s match fit. “He could play again this year – that would be nice for him as he’s a great guy, Deniss.” Stephen Quinn (knee) is still a couple of weeks away from a return but Liam Kelly, Yakou Meite, Jake Cooper, Joseph Mendes and Roy Beerens and all available for the visit of Burton Albion on Saturday (3pm). Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Trinity Mirror Watford © Xn Media Ltd, 2016