THE WOKINGHAM PAPER
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Crash victim: ‘This helmet saved my life’
Friday, May 13, 2016 No. 56
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Cyclist hit by car vows to spread the word on safety EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk “I WOULD have died instantly without my helmet,” said a cyclist hit by a car last week. Chris Luff, who lives in Arborfield, sustained life-threatening injuries in the accident which took place last Wednesday. He said he had been cycling along
Barkham Road when he was hit behind by a car, forcing him off the bike and breaking his leg. Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, the 48-year-old, said that his helmet had been extensively damaged and police at the scene said that he would not have survived the crash if he hadn’t been wearing it. Now, he wants to spread the word about how important bike helmets are. n Continued on page 4
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This is Wokingham. We’re proud to cover it! WOKINGHAM borough is a large part of Berkshire. More than 156,000 of us live here – and countless more work here too. It’s a diverse area with pretty villages mingling with market towns and hamlets. In parts industrial, in others picturesque, it is a wonderful place to be. The Wokingham Paper was set up to ensure that the whole borough had its own newspaper. Our team has a mission to report on events and activities from the northernmost parts, which include parts of Henley and Cockpole Green, to the south including
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Gardeners plant sale is a sunny success
Swallowfield and Finchampstead. In between you’ve got Twyford, Woodley and Wokingham town itself. All have their own personalities and specialities and we aim to reflect that. Our strapline is “News with a heart for the borough” and that’s exactly what we do. We’re a truly local newspaper – we’re produced locally, printed locally and we live locally. No one else covers Wokingham the way that we do. So if you want to reach Wokingham, we’re the place to be.
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Silver anniversary for Forest Singers THE Forest Singers is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations, the group will perform a special concert at Wokingham Methodist Church on Saturday. Starting at 7.30pm, the programme features light-hearted musical entertainment for all ages, with a selection of songs, solos and humorous readings. Tickets cost £8 and include refreshments. For more details, or to book, call Eileen Goode on 0118 973 6554.
Jewellery stolen in home raid JEWELLERY, a mobile phone and a laptop have been stolen from a property in Shinfield this week. Between 9am and 3.45pm on Monday someone smashed a window of a house in Hillside Park before searching the property and stealing the items. Anyone with any information should call 101. If you ever suspect a crime is in progress, always call 999.
THE WOKINGHAM PAPER
A cappella and accordions concert
GET IN TOUCH
AN EVENING of a cappella singing and accordion playing will be coming to Twyford on Saturday, May 21. Reading Accordion Group (RAG) will be joined by The Barberettes from 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church for the Springtime concert, raising money for Christian Aid.
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The Wokingham Horticultural Association plant sale was held in the Ormonde Road allotment on Saturday. Above: Nigel Booth sells to Sandra. Right: Mary Jenno and Rachael Norwood
SUNSHINE meant that a plant sale was blooming marvellous. Members of the Wokingham Horticultural Association held the annual event in Saturday’s glorious sunshine. It was conducted at its trading store on Ormonde Road allotment. The venue has been recently refurbished and, as well as the plants, volunters sold tea, coffee and biscuits to thirsty visitors. The event was originally suggested
in 1986 by WHA Life member Jenny Gilbert, so this year’s event marks its 30th anniversary. A steady stream of visitors to the familiar WHA yellow gazebo meant that almost £200 was raised for WHA funds. Pat Chinneck, who organised this year’s event, was pleased with the many donations of plants for the sale. She said: ‘’Everyone was very generous with their spare seedlings and some had
Tickets are £8 when bought in advance, or £10 on the door, £3 for children 16 and under. Tickets are available to purchase from Brighton’s newsagent, via the RAG website www.raggroup.co.uk or by calling 0118 9340795.
Jonathan Wood and accompanist Liz Collins. They will be conducted by Ian Westley. Proceeds from the evening will be shared between the church and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12, £10 for concessions, £5 for students and £3 for under 18s. For details, call Maggie Nunn on 07946 620560 or log on to www.earleystpeter.org.uk
Chamber choir goes all mystical A CHAMBER choir from Earley will be performing a mixture of music from Italy and England at its next concert. The Erleigh Cantors will be performing at Earley St Peter’s Church on Saturday, May 21. The group will perform Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, John Rutter’s Birthday Madrigals and music by Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Palestrina and Verdi. To make the concert extra special, they will be joined by baritone
Walkers wanted for charity event WALKERS are wanted to help with this year’s Christian Aid week. The aid agency, which works in developing countries across the world to fight poverty, will be hosting its annual sponsored walk from Bix on Saturday, May 21.
WIN £200 FOR YOUR GROUP THE Wokingham Paper and TradeMark Windows have teamed up to present Community Cash Tokens. The scheme is simple – cut out the tokens we’ll print each week. Send them in to us, as many as you like, and once every two months we’ll pull one at random from the editor’s hat. One lucky group will win £200, courtesy of TradeMark Windows. The more tokens that you and your group send in, the more chance you have of your group being picked at random. The Community Cash Tokens are open to charities and other non-profit making groups within Wokingham borough and offer a great way of boosting your funds. We’re able to offer Community Cash Tokens thanks to the generosity of Mark
Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows. The Wokingham Paper’s publisher Phil Creighton said: “The Community Cash Tokens were a hugely popular ingredient of The Wokingham Times, and thanks to Mark’s support for the community of Wokingham borough, we’re delighted to be able to bring them back. “Whatever your group, charity or good cause is, Community Cash Tokens offers your supporters a fun way of helping you raise funds and awareness of your cause. “Make sure you don’t miss an issue.” Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.
taken cuttings, particularly fuchsias and salvias. “Others had divided perennials to bring along, so there was a good variety.” Now the group is preparing for its summer show, which will be held at St Paul’s Parish Rooms from 2pm on Saturday, June 25. Entries are accepted until 4pm on Thursday, June 23. For more information, visit www.w-h-a.org.uk
There are three routes to tackle – five, 10 or 15 miles – all around the countryside near Bix Village Hall. It is suitable for walkers of all abilities. Entry is via sponsorship or a donation or at least £20 on the day. Registration starts at 8.30am to 10am. For more details or to register, log on to www.christianaid.org.uk/walks or call 01865 246818.
A329M road closure for works MOTORISTS are being warned that a section of the A329M is to be closed on Monday for roadworks. Traffic loops – markers that count traffic flow – will be intsalled between Winnersh Triangle and Coppid Beech rounadabout in the Bracknell direction. The work is scheduled from 11pm, finishing by 5am on Tuesday.
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Woman’s death in Station Road was an accident says coroner By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOMAN who died after being struck by a lorry in Wokingham town centre is not thought to have acted deliberately, an inquest has heard. Helen Rowe, 69, of Lily Court, Havelock Road, Wokingham, died on November 5 last year after she was struck by a heavy goods vehicle close to Wokingham train station. The collision happened shortly before 2pm at the crossroads between Wellington Road and Station Road. A statement from a witness sat two cars behind the lorry described seeing Mrs Rowe standing on the central island before stepping out into the side of the lorry as it pulled away from the lights. Mrs Rowe’s son, Robert, tragically witnessed the collision as he was driving into Wokingham to collect his mother. When interviewed by police, Mr Rowe described his mother’s history of depression and alcohol problems, dating back to 1974, which included several medication overdoses and self-harm. But Mr Rowe said that his mother had been attending support groups and that she had brought her drinking under control, until she was diagnosed with pneumonia and spent time in hospital in the months leading up to her death. He said she had become ‘fed up’ with her ill health, and had started drinking again. On the morning of November 5, Mr Rowe said he received a call from his mother and that it was clear she had been drinking. She said she was sitting on a bench in Wokingham town centre, but due to the weather and her poor health, Mr Rowe said he would come and pick her up. It was while he was driving towards the station that he saw his mother heading in the direction of her home. He described how he saw his mother step out into the road just as the lorry was starting to pull away from the traffic lights, but that he didn’t believe her actions to be deliberate. He said: “She was fed up and sad, but I don’t believe she wanted to harm herself. I could not imagine in a million years if she wanted to do something she would do it like this. I just see this as a terrible accident.” CCTV footage from The Molly Millar pub in Station Road showed Mrs Rowe approaching the lorry, but the view was obscured and did not show the direct point of the collision. A thorough examination of the lorry, a Volvo
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Double road closure for house works TWO roads in Wokingham will be closed for three weeks from Monday to enable highway improvements to take place. On Wednesday, Wokingham Borough Council announced the closures of Twyford Road between its junctions with Matthewsgreen Road and Forest Road and Bell Foundry Lane between its junctions with Twyford Road and Wiltshire Road. The closures will allow Bovis Homes to conduct some improvements to the roads ahead of its new housing development opening. During the works, diversions will be in place. For those using the Twyford Road northbound, use Milton Road, Glebelands Road and Rectory Road. For southbound use Forest Road, Warren House Road, Wiltshire Road, Wiltshire Road, Peach Street, Broad Street, Rectory Road, Glebelands Road and Milton Road. For Bell Foundry Lane eastbound the diversion goes via Forest Road, Warren House Road and Wiltshire Road. On the westbound use Wiltshire Road, Wiltshire Road, Peach Street, Broad Street, Rectory Road, Glebelands Road and Milton Road Access for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. The roads will be closed from 9.30am on Monday until 1pm on Monday June 6.
Shute End shut on Sunday
Flashback: emergency crews on the scene of the accident in which Helen Rowe died. An inquest this week recorded the death as the result of a road traffic collision.
FH-480 articulated vehicle, found it was in a good condition and that the view of the driver or his mirrors were not obstructed at the time of the collision. The driver, Jake Collins, gave evidence through a statement but was not invited to attend the inquest at Reading Town Hall on Wednesday. He was not made the subject of any police prosecution relating to the incident. Mrs Rowe was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where she passed away at 4.39pm. A post-mortem examination found that she had suffered multiple injuries consistent with an impact with a heavy goods vehicle. A toxicology report showed 107mg of alcohol in Mrs Rowe’s blood, above the drink-drive limit, but a level that Mr Bedford described as ‘not particularly
high’ and that people who drink regularly become tolerant to such levels of alcohol. No other health conditions were found which could have caused Mrs Rowe to collapse. Summing up, Mr Bedford said that he acknowledged the fact Mrs Rowe had a history of alcohol use and referred to feeling low but said that there was no evidence to show that she had deliberately intended to end her life, and said that several factors, including her ill health and the poor weather, may have distracted her and led her to become confused, and she may not have been alerted to the risk of the lorry pulling away. He said: “The suggestion that I could find that she took her own life is a non-starter. I cannot say without doubt that that is what she did. “It seems to me that it was a awful combination of events that led to a terrible outcome. Mr Bedford recorded a verdict of road traffic collision.
M4 tree collision
Man dies after lorry overturns on motorway
A WOMAN from Middlesex was killed when her car collided with a tree on the M4 on Saturday. The eastbound carriageway of the M4, between junctions 11 and 10, was closed for several hours while emergency services, including two air ambulances, attended the scene. At around 2.10pm, the silver Ford Focus C-Max the woman was travelling in left the carriageway and collided with a tree. There were no other vehicles involved. The woman, aged 37, died at the scene, while a man in his thirties and two girls, aged three and five, were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. They have since been discharged. Det Sgt Ashley Hannibal from the Thames Valley Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet been spoken to by police to get in touch please. “This was a single vehicle collision in which, sadly, a woman in her thirties died. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many members of the public who stopped and helped immediately after the collision prior to the emergency services’ arrival.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Sgt Hannibal on 101 quoting URN 870 7/5.
A 49-year-old man from Essex was killed when the lorry he was driving overturned on the M4 on Wednesday morning. At around 4.50am, the lorry crashed into the central reservation and ended up on its side, shedding its load across the eastbound carriageway, leaving all three lanes between junctions 13 (Chieveley) and 11 (Reading) closed for nearly 24 hours, and two lanes on the westbound side shut for several hours. The eastbound carriageway required resurfacing and the barriers needed repairing. Highways England confirmed the works were completed shortly after midnight on Thursday morning. Thames Valley Police is appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision to come forward.
PAVEMENT works in Shute End will see the road closed to vehicles this Sunday. The borough council is shutting the road from 8am to 4pm to allow contractors installing new pavement slabs to work in safety. The new pavement will replace the existing brick clad one. During the works, a diversion will run via Rectory Road, Glebelands Road, Milton Road and Holt Lane, or by this route reversed.
Royal fete planned A ROYAL themed fete will take place in Swallowfield on Saturday, June 11. The event will include a children’s fancy dress parade with a royal theme, a ride-on royal train and live entertainment, all to honour the Queen’s 90th birthday. There will also be traditional attractions including a Punch and Judy show, tombolas, raffles, children’s races, magic shows and stalls. Mary Baylis, former Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, will be the guest of honour. The event, organised by Swallowfield Church, takes place at Mead House in Church Road, Swallowfield from 2pm to 5pm. Donations for stalls can be left at Swallowfield Medical Practice from 10am to noon.
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The overturned lorry blocked the M4 on Tuesday. Picture: Thames Valley Police
Senior Investigating Officer, Ashley Hannibal of the serious collision investigation unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said; “Our thoughts are with the family at what must be a very difficult time for them. “We are investigating this
incident and would like to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision itself to come forward”. “If you have seen this collision please contact TVP enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference 124 11/05/16”.
Tel: 0118 418 1000 Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Beware of council tax refund phone call scam
Bike helmet saves crash victim’s life
A WARNING has gone out over a phone call scam over council tax refunds. A poster on the Wokingham Guys and Girls Facebook group said that a Ruscombe resident had nearly been taken in by the caller. They reported the scam as thus: “Yesterday lunchtime I was phoned by a very positive young lady who told me that I had been paying the wrong Council Tax (my heart missed a beat). Did I know that my property was in the wrong Council Tax band? Could I provide her with a few (personal) details and she would “sort it out” for me? “Although I was in a bit of a pickle I managed to ask her to repeat her name and who she was. At this point she put the phone down. “I thought she might ring back but she didn’t and I concluded it must be a scam. “I phoned the Council Tax people at WBC (Wokingham Borough Council) who told me that they had heard of this scam and usually people were asked for £69.99 to carry out the searches. WBC will provide the same information for nothing.”
n From front page The accident took place on the evening of Wednesday, May 4, causing Mr Luff serious injuries. He said: “There was an enormous impact, I’ve never known anything like it in my life. I was separated from my bike and landed with my foot the wrong way round. “There was searing pain in every part of my body. “I knew I was in a bad way.” The ambulance arrived within 10 minutes and treated Mr Luff’s cracked ankle. He also had broken teeth, heavy bruising and cracked ribs. He is expected to be in a leg cast for nine weeks, making work very difficult. “There’s a lot of bolts and screws in there,” he said of his leg cast. “I also have to inject myself every day with Tinzaparin which is to prevent blood clots from the trauma and open wounds.” Although the cause of the accident is not known, it is thought that the driver of the car was doing around 40mph. She was uninjured but in a state of shock at the scene. Police on the scene told Mr Luff that it was that it is “virtually impossible” for cyclists to survive in an accident of this nature. The keen cyclist added that he bears no malice to the driver, adding: “She was mortified and in a bit of a state, but it was an accident and the insurance will sort it out.” Now Mr Luff is keen to get the message out there that bike helmets save lives. “For me, it’s second nature to wear as much safety equipment as I can,” he said. “My head was hit very hard – it took a real whack, but it’s OK. I would have died instantly without a helmet. “I want to make sure that people have the conversation with their children about wearing helmets. “If a child comes off their bike and bangs their head it could change their personality and affect the whole family. “If we can get a parent to get their child to wear a helmet, that’s a good thing.” Mr Luff also wants parents to get into the habit of
Bakers wanted for a feast fit for the Queen WOKINGHAM’S star bakers are being asked to put on their pinnies and get baking for the Queen’s birthday. The Town Council is organising a special Bake Off contest – and all cakes entered will then be auctioned off for charity. Entrants are asked to register now and, on Thursday, June 2, bring six biscuits, six small cakes or one large cake – all decorated with a Queen’s 90th birthday theme – to the Town Hall for judging. There are categories for children and aduts and prizes will be presented at noon. For more details, or to register, email civic@ wokingham-tc.gov.uk by Thursday, May 20.
Chris Luff holds the cycle helmet that saved his life. Inset: the damage to his bike Main picture: Emma Sheppard
wearing a cycle helmet themselves. “I’ve got on a bit of a soapbox about it. What if a Dad doesn’t wear a helmet and has an accident himself? What if the injuries happen to him?” Local charity Headway Thames Valley works with people who have brain injuries and also want to encourage cyclists to always ride with a helmet. Jamie Higgins, spokesperson for the charity, said: “Cycling is such a great way to keep fit and also a good mode of transport. At Headway Thames Valley, we promote safe cycling, while supporting calls to make it safer for people of all ages to get on their bikes.
“Brain injury can happen at any moment - all it takes is just one fall and you will regret it for the rest of your life. “At Headway Thames Valley we often use the statement, ‘Use your head – use a helmet’ “Sustaining a life changing brain injury as the result of a cycling accident is not uncommon. Indeed, several of our clients at Headway Thames Valley have been referred to the charity following such an accident. In some cases, the client has been wearing a helmet and the consequences of their accident could have been much more severe, whilst other clients haven’t been wearing helmets and perhaps wouldn’t have ever needed our support if they were.” n For more on Headway Thames Valley’s work, log on to www.headwaythamesvalley.org.uk or call 01491 411469.
Zumba superclass will help diabetes charity
Minion Dave entertained youngsters in Wokingham town centre on Saturday, including Elliot and Madison Torsteinsen Picture: Phil Creighton
Minion magic for a sunny day WOKINGHAM’S annual Sunny Saturdays programme returned to the town centre last weekend with a visit from a Minion. The comical character is seen in the hit movie Descipable Me and entertained youngsters in Market Place. Organised by Mountain Entertainment, the fun morning saw Minion Dave, assisted by Shelley Mountain, lead children in a range of songs and dances. Bubbles, games and inflatables ensured there was much audience partcipation.
Afterwards, Dave posed for photos with his young fans before enjoying a well earned banana. There will be different acts and entertainments every Saturday in Market Place during the summer. This week, between 11am and 1pm, children can meet Captain America and Princess Belle thanks to the Enchanted Players. Then, in the afternoon, Danny Mountain presents his Strictly Showtime musical extravaganza between 2pm and 4pm.
YOU can shake, shimmy and salsa your way to raising money for charity at Bulmershe Leisure Centre in Woodley next weekend. Members and non-members will be taking part in a two-hour Zumbathon at the Woodlands Avenue centre on Saturday, May 21 to raise as much money as possible for Diabetes UK. Participants will also be able to enter a raffle to win a free one-month membership at the centre, with three memberships up for grabs as well as a onehour Personal Training session. There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 549,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it. General manager Tara Cerniauskaite said: “Everyone is invited to just show up and donations will be collected on the day. “The superclass will be lead by Nicky Johnston – our current and very popular Zumba Instructor with bags of knowledge and passion. “There has been quite a bit of publicity lately about importance of exercise for those who are affected and even case studies of people who managed to beat Type 2 through diet and exercise. We would like to spread the knowledge and awareness, help fight it and involve community in contributing towards research.” The Zumbathon starts at 11am and runs until 1pm in the Sports Hall. There is no need to register, just turn up ready to dance.
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LA PECHE
PEACH STREET: WOKINGHAM A DEVELOPMENT OF THREE MODERN APARTMENTS AND ONE UNIQUE HOUSE Located at the epicentre of Wokingham town. La Peche comprises three individual apartments and one unique house, ready to move in, with all the modern conveniences you would expect for 21st century living. All three apartments benefit from one allocated parking space. Both first floor apartments have their own terrace area whilst the garden apartment has its own private courtyard style garden. The unique town house has two allocated parking spaces and enjoys its own large courtyard style garden. Want to find out more about La Peche or arrange a viewing? Contact David Cliff the sole letting agent.
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david cliff lettings village office: mortimer 0118 467 7999 town office: wokingham 0118 989 9770
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Best foot forward for walkers A GROUP of Wokingham women have put on their walking boots to help parents in need. So far, their efforts have raised more than £2,300 for First Days by walking the Just Walk charity challenge. The 30km route started and finished at Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex and took in the South Downs National Trail. Kathryn Tibble-Taylor, one of the seven walkers, said that the money will provide much needed funds to provide new mattresses for children living locally. She said, “We’ve been walking in the
dark two to three times a week since January in preparation. We’ve been committed for the challenge knowing the money we raise will be used to improve the lives of living in poverty locally. “We really believe that every child deserves the same start in life. The local charity helps more than 500 families a year who are are living in poverty. We work to offer practical support to these families offering everything we can to help raise their young families.” n To donate, visit localgiving.org and search for First Days Sole Survivors
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Hit and run drunk driver jailed for eight months By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A 26-year-old man from Shinfield has been jailed for dangerous driving following a Christmas Eve collision on the M4. Harjeevan Randhawa of Salmond Road, pleaded guilty to the offences at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, May 5 and was sentenced on the same day. The charges related to an incident at around 4pm on December 24 last year when the Audi that Randhawa was driving collided with the rear of a Renault Clio on the M4, between junctions 10 and 11. The Renault, which was carrying a man and a woman from London who were on their way to visit relatives for Christmas, left the carriageway and ended up overturned in a ditch off the hard shoulder. The married couple, aged 35 and 36, suffered cuts and bruises, while the woman suffered a pain in her left arm for which she is still receiving physiotherapy. Randhawa left the scene of the collision and was arrested at his home address later. His car was parked on the drive with substantial front damage. He was sentenced to eight months in prison for dangerous driving and disqualified from driving for five years and four months, requiring an extended test to regain his licence after that time. He was also sentenced to two months’ imprisonment for driving whilst over the prescribed limit of alcohol, to run concurrently. His licence was also endorsed for failing to stop after a road traffic collision. PC Matt Cadmore from Three Mile Cross Roads Policing Unit said “I would like to thank all the witnesses for coming forward and providing key evidence to the investigation and for stopping and assisting
Shinfield man Harjeevan Randhawa was driving an Audi (below) that was involved in a hit and run collision with a Renault Clio on Christmas Eve
the injured parties. “It was very fortunate, judging by the damage to the vehicles, that the occupants were not more seriously injured. However the collision did mean their plans for Christmas with their family were affected. “The other driver left the scene of the collision and showed no regard for welfare of the other injured parties. The sentence imposed by the courts shows that these types of offences will be dealt with robustly.”
Model railway exhibition attracts large crowds
Above left: Loddon Vale Model Railway Club President Brian Lee shows Matthew, Edward (3) & Benjamin Rogers (10 months) his layout, which is also pictured inset. Above right: Visitor Colin Derry and club members Keith Steel and Chris Marsh with the Loddon Road layout. Pictures: Steve Smyth
A MODEL railway exhibition in Swallowfield on Saturday was a runaway success, writes Sally Bryant. More than 200 people visited the parish hall to see layouts featuring trains new and old, and from home and abroad. It was the main exhibition of the year for the Loddon Vale Model Railway Club (LVMRC) and the first at the venue – previous May shows have been held in Arborfield. Club secretary David Guthrie said numbers were up, more family groups attended and feedback had been positive, so the move seems to have been on the right track.
Some of the layouts on display were the handiwork of LVMRC members, including a
trophy winner – ‘Loddon Road’ - which took years to build. Others were carefully delivered by clubs across the country for the big day. Mr Guthrie said: “It went extremely well, it was a very good day. “We were about 20% up on numbers coming through the gate. We had the weather and the venue seemed to work.” LVMRC meets every Tuesday at Grazeley Village Hall and members are keen to welcome anyone who wants to join them, whatever their background in the hobby. n www.lvmrc.co.uk
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
NEWS | 7
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Man of the match Nathan walks it By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A READING FC fan who walked more than 220 miles to Blackburn has raised almost £4,000 for charity. As reported in last week’s paper, Nathan Saleh, 33, from Bracknell, took up the challenge to walk to Reading FC’s final match of the season after losing a bet. He decided to use the challenge as a way of raising money for Twyfordbased charity Daisy’s Dream, a children’s bereavement support charity. He set off from the Madejski Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday and arrived at Blackburn Rover’s Ewood Park stadium in time to walk the teams out at the beginning of the match. Dad-of-two Nathan, who is now nursing a ruptured tendon in his right foot, said: “It was amazing. I knew quite “But both teams were fantastic to me Nathan said walking out with the early on that I was going to and my family on the day, Blackburn let teams was ‘the closest I’d ever get to make it on time because me walk out at the beginning of the match, representing Reading FC’, and one I kept beating my daily and I got to meet the Reading FC players website even named him Man of targets, but I actually beat with my kids in the dressing room, it was the Match. my friends and family to amazing. He said: “It was a Blackburn so I had to hold “To know that I have raised £4,000 for disappointing season, I was back for a little while! Daisy’s Dream is amazing, I didn’t even glad the walk was over but I was “It was very painful, expect to raise £2,000 so to double that is also glad the season was over, it walking 14 hours a day has just incredible. wasn’t great and it’s hard to keep the blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf 1 22/03/2016 18:14 caused damage to my tendon so I “I have now officially retired from motivation when you have nothing to am on crutches for now, but it will be fine.” play for anymore. walking though.”
Showroom Opening Hours Friday 9-3 Monday to 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays
Nathan Saleh (right) with Reading captain Paul McShane, match officials and Blackburn’s mascot and captain at the Ewood Park stadium. Mr Saleh walked from Reading to the ground in aid of Daisy’s Dream
Claire Rhodes, fundraiser at Daisy’s Dream said, “We’re delighted that Nathan made it safely up to Blackburn, and are incredibly grateful for all he has done to help raise much-needed funds for our vital work. I also want to thank all the people who have sponsored and supported him on the way. He certainly had us on tenterhooks at times!” n To sponsor Nathan, visit www.justgiving. com/M2BNath or text “READ 98 £5” to 70070.
Letterbox thieves take laptop and cash RESIDENTS are being warned to always double-lock their front door after a burglary in Woodley this week. Between 9.30pm on Sunday and 5am on Monday, an offender poked something through a letterbox of a property in Buckden Close in order to open the front door. The offender got inside the house and searched the living room and kitchen, before making off with a laptop, mobile phone, driving licence, credit cards and cash. Thames Valley Police is reminding residents to always double-lock their front door and to never leave keys lying around or somewhere easy to find. Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101.
Bike taken from shed A BICYCLE has been stolen from inside a locked bike shed in Shinfield. Between 4pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday, someone broke into the bike store in Aphelion Way. The bicycle had been locked to a rack but the offender removed the frame from the wheel. Anyone with any information should call Thames Valley Police on 101.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Making a splash is George Smith, splatted by his son JJ
The entrants to the fancy dress contest at the Meadow Nursery School fun day on Sunday. The contest was judged by mini mayor George Bradley and town mayor Philip Mirfin Pictures: Phil Creighton Above: Willow Wyatt (3) shows off her winners medal, while Daniel Lawrence (3, left) poses in his spaceman uniform. Pictured inset is Hazel Tani (3), who enjoyed having her face painted
Parish noticeboard Friday, May 13 Wokingham Borough Council: Henley Swim, licensing and appeals hearing sub-committee. 2pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN
Monday, May 16 Charvil Parish Council meeting. 8pm. Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane. St Nicholas Hurst parish council meeting. 7.30pm. Hurst Village Halls, School Road, Hurst RG10 0DR. Wargrave Parish Council Annual Parish Council. 7.45pm. The Old Pavilion, Recreation Road, Wargrave RG10 8BG
Tuesday, May 17 Arborfield Parish Full Council Meeting. 7.30pm. Pavilion, Arborfield Park, Swallowfield Road Earley Town Council planning committee. 7.30pm. Earley Town Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. Wokingham Borough Council. Executive question deadline. 10am. Overview and scrutiny committee. 7.30pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN Woodley Town Council Planning Committee. 7.45pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ
Wednesday, May 18 Earley Town Council amenities and leisure committee. 7.45pm. Earley Town Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. Finchampstead Planning Meeting. 8pm. California Ratepayers Hall, Finchampstead Wokingham Borough Council: Schools forum. 9am. Executive: individual member decision. 11am. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN
Thursday, May 19 Wokingham Borough Council. Annual council meeting. 7.30pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN
Space age fete is out of this world! By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CHILDREN at a Wokingham nursery enjoyed an epic space voyage on Sunday, thanks to a summer fete. The youngsters from Meadow Nursery School in Wokingham were invited to don space apparel for a fancy dress parade, judged by the town mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, and mini-mayor George Bradley. First prizes were awarded to Willow Wyatt and Daniel Lawrence. The runners-up were Aadi Sarda and Iyla Shah. Other attractions included a bouncy castle, face-painting, a treasure hunt and a Beat the Goalie competition. Visitors could also meet local police
A 20-year-old man from Wokingham has been handed a conditional discharge after stealing a case of alcohol. Daniel George Smith, of Frederick Place, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 21 where he pleaded guilty to stealing the alcohol, worth £9.99 from My Local in Market Place. Mr Smith was given a conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs. A MAN from Wokingham has been found guilty of a public order offence. Gary Gardiner, 39, of Lockwood Court, denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress towards a child on August 20 last year. Mr Gardiner appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 23 where he was found guilty, ordered to pay compensation of £200, a victim surcharge of £60 and costs of £100. A WOMAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with failing to stop after an accident. Helen Rosemarie Marsh, 29, of Colemansmoor Road, denies being involved in a collision in Palmerstone Road, on November 6 which resulted in damage to a Peugeot 207 and failing to stop. Ms March also denies a charge of driving while above the alcohol limit on the same date. Ms March appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 24 where she denied the charges, and was remanded on unconditional bail to appear at the same court on May 20 for the trial.
officers and explore inside a police van. A silent auction which raised £400, was one of the main attractions for adults who bid on a range of services and goods donated by local businesses and individuals. In total, £1,800 was raised on the day, which will be used for building maintenance at the nursery in Murray Road. Chair of Meadow Nursery School, Annette Medhurst said: “Meadow Mayhem is always a very popular event enjoyed by all the children and their families and this year we were particularly fortunate with the glorious weather. The children had a wonderful time and it was great to see so many of them in their space-themed character costumes.”
PC Jo Bromley, PC Leigh Matthews and PCSO Hanna Braughan were on hand to show children how a police van works
A tug-of-war saw dads and lads do battle on the school field
From the courts
A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with fraud and theft. Eddie Beaumont, 59, who gave his address as Victoria Gardens, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 29 where he pleaded not guilty to one charge of stealing a bank card on January 18 this year, and one charge of dishonestly making a false representation with a stolen bank card to gain £174.49 on the same date. Mr Beaumont was remanded on unconditional bail to appear at the same court on June 7 for the trial. A MAN from Shinfield has been given a suspended jail sentence for trespassing. Levi Stanley, 38, of Deardon Way, was found guilty at Reading Magistrates’
Court on March 29 of trespassing at a property in Waterloo Road, Wokingham, with intent to steal on June 23 last year. Due to a previous record, committing the offence while serving a community order and previous breaches, Mr Stanley was handed the six-month sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to carry out 230 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months; ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80, and costs of £620. A MAN from Wokingham has been fined £60 for stealing magazines from WH Smith. Stephen Michael George James, 59, of Norreys Avenue, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 31 where he pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.
The charges relate to incidents on October 12, November 2 and November 10 last year. He also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to Loddon Valley Police Station on December 12, having been released on bail, and failing to surrender to Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on March 21. Mr James was fined £20 for each theft charge; ordered to pay compensation of £15.50; a victim surcharge of £20; and costs of £85. No separate penalties were issued for the two charges of failing to surrender. A MAN from Wokingham has been fined £80 for fishing without an appropriate licence. Ashley Daniel Whatley, 25, of Bean Oak Road, was proved to have fished or took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence by means of a rod and line at New Farm Fishery, in Maidenhead, on September 13 last year. Mr Whatley was fined £80, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £127. He was not present for the hearing at reading Magistrates’ Court on April 1. A 26-year-old man from Twyford has been fined £440 for failing to tax his vehicle. Jake Okeefe, of Polehampton Close, was proved to have kept his vehicle in Blenheim Gardens on February 1 this year, despite the tax having expired on October 31 last year. Mr Okeefe was fined £440; ordered to pay a vehicle excise back duty of £75.00, and costs of £80. He was not present for the hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 1.
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10 | BUSINESS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Business
Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
PROPERTY INSIGHT
Fashion store opens
Erica Townend
wokinghamproperty.wordpress.com
Wokingham Property Values rise by 0.6% month-on-month Are we moving to a more European way of renting and buying property? We might not be in the Euro, but we might be more European than we think
I
DO like to have a coffee or light lunch at Jessy’s on Denmark Street in Wokingham. While in there, a suited gentleman approached me and asked if I was the person who wrote the newsletters about the Wokingham property market. We ended up having an interesting chat about the local property market, as he was concerned his daughter would never be able to buy her own property a place in Wokingham she can call home. My latest analysis,using the Land Registry and Office of National Statistics, shows that overall, month on month, Wokingham property values increased by 0.6%. The year-on-year figures showed the value of residential property in Wokingham has increased by 11.1% in the year to the end February 2016, taking the average value of a property in the borough council area to £368,200. It gets even more interesting when we look at the last few months’ figures and see the patterns that seem to be emerging: • January 2016 - a rise of 0.6% • December 2015 - a rise of 1.3% • November 2015 - a rise of 0.1% We have talked in recent articles about the lack of properties being built in Wokingham over the last 30 years. This lack of new building has been the biggest factor that has contributed to Wokingham property values still being 265% higher than in 1995. At the risk of repeating myself, until the Government addresses this issue and allows more properties to be built, things will continue to get worse as the UK population grows at just under 500,000 a year (which is a combination of around 226,000 people because of higher birth rates/people living longer and 259,000 net migration) whilst the country is only building 152,400 properties a year – no wonder demand is outstripping supply. Another reason intensifying the current level of property values in Wokingham is the fact that people aren’t
moving home as much as they used to, meaning fewer properties are coming onto the market for sale. In consequence, there is a lack of choice of property to buy meaning people thinking of moving are discouraged from putting their property on the market ... thus perpetuating the problem, as the scarcity of possible properties to buy in order to move also deters people from offering their home for sale. This unevenness between demand from would-be purchasers and the number of properties coming on to the market for sale is causing pressures in Wokingham (and the rest of the UK). So what of the future of the Wokingham property market and this man’s daughter? I firmly believe the property market in Wokingham and the country as a whole is changing its attitude about homeownership. Back in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, getting on the property ladder was everything. Since the late 1990s, we as a country (in particular, the young) have slowly started to change our attitude to homeownership. We are moving to a more European model, where people choose to rent in their 20s and 30s (meaning they can move freely and not be tied to a property), then inherit money in their 50s when their property-owning parents pass away, allowing them to buy property themselves... just like they do in Germany and other sophisticated and mature European counties, meaning his daughter will end up owning property, just later in life than we did. So, whatever the vote on June 23, if you think about it, we might be more European than we think! n For more advice and opinion on the Wokingham property market, visit the Wokingham Property Blog at www. wokinghamproperty.wordpress.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.
Joe Browns shirts are just part of the range being offered in Jess & Jake, a new clothes store opened in Peach Street Picture: Phil Creighton
A NEW fashion store opened its doors in Peach Street on Monday – and its mix of vintage dresses and funky men’s shirts is already proving to be a hit. Jess & Jake is on the site of the old Code building and is run by Linden Reader, who also owns the Dollshouse Boutique in Rose Street. “We’ve invested in ladies fashion and menswear, especially men’s shirts,” she said. “We opened on Monday and we’ve done quite well so far. We’ve got some lovely stock.” The labels in store include Joe Browns, Fanco Gilberto, Oscar Banks and Collective Vintage. “Some ranges have sold out already and I’ve had to reorder,” Ms Reader said. The name of the store, Ms Reader added, is simply because they are names that she liked. The new store will be operational until January next year, when the regeneration of Peach Street gets under way. To celebrate the store’s opening, it is currently offering a 20% discount.
20 years on and David is up for Thames Valley challenge By ALAN BUNCE news@wokinghampaper.co.uk TWENTY years after joining Vail Williams for the first time David Thomas is about to become its regional managing partner for the Thames Valley. Mr Thomas joined the firm in the mid1990s after training with Stimpsons then starting his career as a graduate with Hicks Baker. He later spent seven years with agents in London before returning to Vail Williams in Reading 2007. At Hicks Baker he was the instigator of Reading Young Professionals, a group where newly qualified surveyors, accountants, solicitors and bankers could network. His new role, starting June 1, comes at a time when Vail Williams, based at Thames Valley Park, is on the up in the region, despite market uncertainties like the EU referendum, causing a general slowdown. However Mr Thomas says it is important to look beyond the next few months. He said: “The element of uncertainty in financial markets is something that’s out of everybody’s control. Everybody looks for excuses for uncertainty. “Over the years I’ve sat in marketing
meetings and heard everything from the slowdown for Christmas to the summer holidays, Easter, elections in the US or some other country. “But because we are living with uncertainty at the present time, no-one really knows what the impact will be (of the referendum) – it will naturally have some impact on the market – but on the whole the market is just finding its natural market cycle.” In his time in the Thames Valley he has followed the technology highs and lows of the region from the days when hardware dominated to the software revolution, to the current trend of storage moving to the cloud, with all the property implications along the way. But Mr Thomas admits that is no indicator of the future. He said: “There has been such a fundamental change in the Thames Valley over the last 20 to 30 years that we just don’t know what is going to come round the corner.”
He added: “It’s important to realise Reading and the Thames Valley is a fundamental part of the wider south east market within the UK. “There’s such an incredible skills and employment base within the area that for recruiting the right type of staff with the right skills and knowledge, companies gravitate to this region.” Matthew Samuel-Camps became Vail Williams chief executive last year and the firm is just going into its business planning cycle for the next three years while its range of services widens. Mr Thomas added: “The company is growing within the region, based on the breadth of service we offer to clients. “I don’t think there is any other practice which has the same number of disciplines represented in one site.” Last month Mr Thomas supported a charitable property concern in the Thames Valley, running the London Marathon for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Appeal which funds its new facility at Maidenhead.
£40million tourism fund open for applications IN JANUARY, we revealed that tourists visiting the borough spend more here than anywhere else in the country – and twice as much as Reading. Now, VisitEngland has announced it is opening applications for a £40 million fund to drive tourism growth across England. The Discover England Fund is a three-year staged fund from 2016-19. It has been set up to build ‘world-class’ tourism products and experiences so that international visitors boost their spending to the benefit of
the domestic tourism market. The bidding criteria for the fund’s first year calls for applications for projects up to £250,000, which can be completed by March 31, 2017. Destinations and businesses of all sizes are urged to bid. VisitEngland/VisitBritain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: “Tourism is a major job creator and latest figures show that visitors are coming here in record-breaking numbers. However it is also a fiercely competitive global industry. “To fight for our market share and stay competitive in
this fast-moving, fast-growing industry we need to be able to offer world-class tourism products to the right customers at the right time.” Ms Balcombe added that the fund would also tackle challenges in getting more international visitors out exploring England. “While London continues to have global appeal, with more than half of international visitor spend in London, there are a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy beyond the capital. “Our transport connections
don’t always make this exploration easy, and customers now expect to book online, use distributors and comparison websites, and see availability at short notice, so we need to be tech and digitally savvy,” she said. Tourism Minister David Evennett said: “The Discover England Fund will help develop exciting new experiences and trips for tourists to enjoy and make sure the whole country can share the benefits from our booming tourism industry.” n For more details, log on to www.discoverenglandfund.org
NEWS | 11
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
June 6: D Day for new multi-storey car park By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS to build a controversial new car park in Wokingham town centre moved a step forward this week, after the borough council announced the start date. Wokingham Borough Council said that the existing car park at Carnival Pool will be closed to allow work to start on the new 529 space multi-storey car park and bowling alley. Work is expected to be completed by spring next year and create new parking spaces for the town centre. The closure overlaps with works currently taking place at Wokingham train station, where a decked car park is being built. When completed in July it will offer commuters an additional 200 spaces. The council has turned parts of Elms Field into temporary car parking spaces, including the tennis courts, to accommodate the overflow. The Carnival Pool car park is part of the council’s plans to regenerate Wokingham and also forms a key part of the its overarching approach to town centre parking. Ultimately, it will be used by people visiting the new Elms Field development including the cinema, hotel and supermarket. However, the project has not been without its critics. Last year, the Wokingham Society said that the new car park creates an excessive number of spaces. Peter Must, the society’s chairman, said at the time: “This surplus is, of course, quite expensive
unused space, especially when provided within a multi-storey car park, and one is bound to ask whether such extra provision is absolutely vital. “We are highly sceptical that it is needed in this particular location, at such a cost per space” The Society also urged the council to make it smaller. “It it would be far better if it were a floor lower for the sake of its appearance on the south Wokingham landscape.” However, the scheme was approved last year and the work will start next month. The council said that the new car park will help meet the needs of visitors to the town centre and leisure facilities for years to come. Cllr Philip Mirfin, executive member for regeneration and communities, said: “The closure of the existing car park is a real milestone in the regeneration project and kicks off the major projects at the Carnival Pool, Peach Place and Elms Field. “The new car park will help serve the town centre with its location right next to the proposed larger sports centre, and close to the new Elms Field development with facilities such as the new Everyman cinema, shops, park and play area.” Existing businesses on the Carnival Pool site including the swimming pool, gym, Superbowl and Burger King are unaffected and will remain open throughout the construction period. The additional short stay car parking on Elms Field are pay and display and offer a maximum stay of three hours.
Hunt for best and worst car parks THE hunt is on for the most and least parking friendly car park in Wokingham. Kevin Wood owner of local vehicle paint specialist Revive! Wokingham said that he had the idea for the awards following a marked increase in the number of customer cars with car park related damage he has been asked to repair. Mr Wood said: “Car park damage is one of the most common causes of the scuffs and scrapes I see. “I thought it would be a good idea to have a closer look at parking facilities within the
area. There’s awards for car park security and safety but none for the parking experience itself. “We want to recognise those car parks that have got it right and highlight ones that could do better.” Whilst some car parks are purpose built, many have been converted from other buildings or set up on waste land. Mr Wood added that some older car parks were designed in the days when cars were much smaller, and todays cars struggle to fit in. Tight angles, low perimeter walls and concrete pillars all make parking difficult for drivers and a
significant amount of paintwork damage is caused by other motorists opening doors out onto adjacent vehicles and trying to squeeze through to get out. Judging will take place next month, and Wokingham’s winners will go on to a regional final. And then, in September, the top three best and worst car parks in the country will be named. To nominate a car park for the best or worst award visit www. revive-uk.com/carparkawards/ or email carparkawards@revive-uk. com with the name of the car park, its address, and the reason for the nomination.
Natasha Povey and Kate Haines. admire some artwork on show at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Spencers Wood on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth
All art bright and beautiful A CHURCH filled with all things bright and beautiful drew crowds to Spencers Wood, writes Sally Bryant. The 10th annual Art for All exhibition was held at St Michael and All Angels on Saturday. Brilliant sunshine may have tempted some in other directions, but organisers were delighted with the number who did support the popular community event. Art for All allows everyone to show their handiwork, with no fee and no selection process. This year 160 artists and craftsmen grabbed the opportunity. As well as paintings and drawings, there were exhibits from cross stitch to ceramics. There were also stalls selling jams, cards, jewellery and plants. Ian Clarke, one of the organisers, said: “The café did very well and there were a lot of new faces. Overall, we’ve been going 10 years and once again it was a very successful day – and the helpers pulled out all the stops and did a thoroughly good job.”
Julie McKenzie, Janice King, Rabiya Sharma and Pamela Patman with some of the craft items on sale.
READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL Independent Day School • Boys 11-18; Girls 16 -18
New mayor for Earley EARLEY has a new mayor. The first meeting of the new political year took place on Wednesday, and saw Cllr Jackie Rance JP installed as the new mayor of Earley Town Council. She takes over from Cllr Melanie De Jong and her deputy will be Cllr Michael Firmager. The meeting took place immediately after the annual Earley Town Electors meeting, which included a report on Cllr De Jong’s year as mayor as well as presentations to residents who were nominated for the service to the town. A number of other appointments were made during the evening, including representatives to other bodies such as the Campaign Against Waste, the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre and the Queen Victoria Institute Fund. Left: Melanie De Jong congratulates Jackie Rance, the new mayor Right: Cllr Rance presents Michael Firmager with his badge of office as deputy mayor. Pictures: Pauline Jorgensen
ROWING COURSES 18-22 July 25-29 July 22-26 August
Open to 11-16-year-old boys and girls of all abilities http://www.rbcs.org.uk/community/rbcs-rowing-courses/
WINDOWS & DOORS
12 | NEWS
localElections Elected candidates are listed in bold type
Bulmershe & Whitegates
CONSERVATORIES
Election of two councillors AHMED, Munir Mohammed Liberal Democrat 518 ASHFORD, Chris Conservatives 905 CROY, Andy Labour Party 1,111 GILLMAN, John Murray Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 43 HARMAN, Nigel Stuart Liberal Democrat 522 SKUSE, Tony Labour Party 955 SWADDLE, Alison Claire Conservatives 982 WINDISCH, Adrian Green Party 222 21 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 42%
Charvil
REPLACEMENT ROOFS
HOBBS, Emma Antoinette Conservatives 493 RAY, Nick Independent 481 SCOTT, Brian Michael Labour Party 73 4 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 45%
Emmbrook CLARK, Ullakarin Vilhelmina Conservatives 1,235 LEES, Brent Labour Party 260 SHEPHERD-DUBEY, Imogen Lisa Liberal Democrat 1,222 WORLEY, David Robert Green Party 119 19 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 43%
Evendons BELCHER, Helen Clare Liberal Democrat 839 KING, Dianne Maureen Conservatives 951 LOKUCIEWSKI, Kaz 115 MEDHURST, Annette Laura Labour Party 294 11 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 32%
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Finchampstead North BARRACLOUGH, Stephen Robert Labour Party 182 DOYLE, Martin Colin Liberal Democrat 182 FOSS, Martyn Graeme Green Party 135 MARGETTS, Charles William Conservatives 1,143 12 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 38%
Liberal Democrats take Hawkedon IT’S BEEN a long 13 years, but the Liberal Democrats have regained the Hawkedon seat. Clive Jones, who stood for the party in last year’s Parliamentary elections, won the ward from sitting councillor Guy Grandison, the first time the seat has been yellow since 2003. The new Cllr Jones was delighted to be elected and said that it was his campaigning that saw him win the seat. He said: “I have led the campaign to have a quieter M4 motorway and the electorate have recognised this. I have got a quieter road surface coming and an acoustic fence by the motorway. We want the fence to be higher and longer. “The Conservatives plans to spend £139m on the town centre in Wokingham was very unpopular. Residents saw it as a waste of money. This was the case in other parts of the Borough as well where the Lib Dems came close to winning. “Primary and Secondary school pupils not getting their first choice of school and the awful under funding of schools in Wokingham were big issues.” In a post on the Earley Residents Discussion Board on Facebook, Mr Grandison thanked his supporters. He said: “It has been a pleasure to serve as one of the elected members for Hawkedon Ward in Lower Earley
Finchampstead South CARROTT, Neil Geoffrey Labour Party 132 MAY, Jim Liberal Democrat 294 MURDOCH, Jason UKIP 175 PITTOCK, Ian Michael Conservatives 706 VALLER, Matthew James Green Party 86 13 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 31%
Hawkedon GRANDISON, Guy William McLaren Conservatives 832 JONES, Clive Richard Liberal Democrat 1,063 WAITES, Neville Herbert Labour Party 287 13 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 32%
Hillside JORGENSEN, Pauline Alison Conservatives 1,224 RUPERT, Jacqueline Earla Labour Party 402 SCARROTT, Steven Liberal Democrat 730 18 papers rejected Turn out: 37%
Hurst SMITH, Wayne Conservatives TANG, Peter Whitton Labour Party
611 86
TROTT, Paul Liberal Democrat 8 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 36%
105
Loddon DOBRASZCZYK, Linda Christine Labour Party 368 DOLINSKI, Richard John Conservatives 1,071 McCANN, Thomas Diamond Liberal Democrat 589 12 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 29%
Maiden Erlegh DORAN, Carl Gavin Labour Party 587 HARE, David Andrew Liberal Democrat 602 MIALL, Ken Conservatives 1,010 16 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 32%
Norreys CUNNINGTON, Philip David UKIP 322 GILMOUR, James Paul Liberal Democrat 384 HIGNELL, Yvonne Emma Labour Party 332 RICHARDS, Malcolm Llewellyn Conservatives 991 ROBERTSON, Bruce Neil Independent 105 WEST, Anthea Helen Green Party 114 15 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 32%
First preference
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ALDER, Martin George Liberal Democrat 226 BLACK, Kezia Alexandra Green Party 116 CRAINER, Stuart George Labour Party 168 HALSALL, John Anthony Sydney Conservatives 930 13 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 34%
Shinfield South BLOMLEY, Thomas Nils Kjolsen Green Party 183 HAITHAM TAYLOR, Charlotte Jacqueline Louise Conservatives 952 SPRATLING, Elaine Liberal Democrat 176 WOODWARD, John Labour Party 210 14 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 27%
Twyford BONIFACE, Merv Conservatives 705 FERRIS, Lindsay Thomas Herbert Liberal Democrat 1,173 WICKENDEN, Charles Labour Party 179 14 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 46%
CHAPMAN, David Victor Green Party 189 MAHIR, Tahir Liberal Democrat 283 MASSERON, Nadine Labour Party 224 WHITTLE, Oliver John Conservatives 808 10 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 33%.
Winnersh LLOYD, Stephen Andrew Green Party 122 SHEPHERD-DUBEY, Rachelle Suzanne Liberal Democrat 1,303 SIGGERY, Liz Conservatives 888 WELLINGTON, Max Joseph Labour Party 186 11 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 35%
Wokingham Without HELLIAR-SYMONS, Pauline Elizabeth Conservatives 1,301 NEWMAN, Ian Robert Labour Party 253 NEWTON, Alison Isobel Liberal Democrat 163 WIDDOWS, Graham UKIP 297 11 ballot papers rejected Turn out: 33%
PoliceElections How the Thames Valley voted
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for the last four years and I have enjoyed speaking to thousands of local residents on their doorsteps and will continue to do so as an Earley Town Councillor. “I am still a Town Councillor so I will continue to work hard for Earley all year round as I have done ever since I moved to the Town.”
Anthony Stansfeld Conservatives 164,554 – 39.93% Laetisia Carter Labour 138,084 – 33.5% John Howson: Liberal Democrats 59,575 – 14.45% Lea Trainer: Greens 49,942 – 12.12% Spoilt papers 15,584 Anthony Stansfeld and Laetisia Carter went on to the second round of counting, and John Howson and Lea Trainer were eliminated.
Second preference Anthony Stansfield: 37,842 – 52.21% Laetisia Carter: 34,633 – 47.79% Spoilt papers 11,706
How Wokingham voted Total votes (first and second preference) Anthony Stansfeld: 202,396 Laetisia Carter: 172,717
CONSERVATIVE candidate Anthony Stansfeld has been re-elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley. The count went to a second round. After second preferences had been counted, Stansfeld won with 54 per cent of the final votes. Laetisia Carter was in second place with 46 per cent. Around 430,000 votes were cast. Turnout was 25.6 per cent.
First Preference Anthony Stansfeld Conservatives 17,605 – 48.92% Laetisia Carter Labour 7,297 – 20.28% John Howson: Liberal Democrats 7,362 – 20.28% Lea Trainer: Greens 3,721 – 10.34% Spoilt papers
2,732
Second preference Anthony Stansfeld Conservatives 4,280 – 43.42% Laetisia Carter Labour 3,430 – 34.60% Elminated candidates 2,147 – 21.78% Spoilt papers 993
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
NEWS | 13
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localElections
Blue is the colour as Tories make a gain
Loddon: Tory gain
Green reaction:
Richard Dolinski said he is ‘relived’ to have won Loddon. He said the result was ‘very much an endorsement of the support that I have had from right across the ward and Woodley.”
Anthea West: It’s beginning to be quite exciting here – we’ve been getting a lot of new members. It’s a slow build, but I think we’ll get there. I think there’s been some tactical voting that may have affected our vote.
By PHIL CREIGHTON & GEMMA DAVIDSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM has remained blue after a very good election for the Conseveratives. The party won the Charvil ward from an independent candidate and successfully, if narrowly, saw off a challenge in Emmbrook. However, it was not all one way traffic. The party lost Hawkedon ward to the Liberal Democrats (see panel left) and also drew honours even in Bulmershe and Whitegates where two seats up for election were shared between the party and Labour. This was the only seat won by Labour, although they came within 27 votes of beating Alison Swaddle in the same ward. The new councillor, Andy Croy, said that he was delighted to win. For more see the panel right. The Liberal Democrats lost Loddon to the Conservatives, meaning that Tom McCann is no longer a councillor. Cllr Keith Baker, the leader of Wokingham Conservatives, said that the night had been good for the party. He said: “I’m very pleased with overall situation we’ve got a net gain of one seat, I’m very sad we’ve lost a really good young councillor in Guy Grandison and I know he will come back – his time will come. “I’m very pleased we have held on: Sespite some very heavy activities by Labour in Bulmershe and Whitegates and the Liberal Democrats in Emmbrook,
Bulmershe & Whitegates: Labour win
Charvil: Tory gain
Andy Croy: I’m pleased and excited and I’m also desperately sad that Tony Skuse didn’t get the result he wanted by 27 votes. He’s worked just as hard as anyone. I’ve been working very hard for many months to get this result.
Emma Hobbs said she was ‘ecstatic and chuffed to bits’ to win Charvil. She said: “The hard works starts now.” Votes are counted at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre last Thursday night
we still managed to retain our seats.” The election took place last Thursday and during the Count parties said that the warm weather during polling day had helped them get the vote out. When the polls closed at 10pm, the ballot boxes were taken to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre for the count, overseen by the borough council’s electoral officer Andrew Moulton. The final result was declared just before 4am. You can relive all the action in our live blog, featuring audio interviews, photos and reaction from the Count. Find it at www.wokinghampaper.com/live-bloglocal-elections-2016
UKIP reaction Phil Cunnington said: It’s been very hard work, it’s been a disappointing result. My only hope is that the efforts being put into referendum pays dividends. I can’t put my finger on why people haven’t voted UKIP. It’s now full steam ahead for the referendum. That’s the target as far as I’m concerned.
Emmbrook: Tory Hold: UllaKarin Clark: I am proud of the positive and issue-focused campaign I ran and grateful to be returned as the councillor for Emmbrook to continue standing up for and working constructively for the ward.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Sunday June 26
Rodger Duckworth Physiotherapy Practice Verney Grange, 15 Rectory Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1DJ
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Beechwood pupils ready for the day of the bike Date of media release: 19/05/2015
The Wokingham Bikeathon is looking for its 1000th rider! Could it be you?
Entries are open for the 2015 Wokingham Bikeathon taking place on Sunday 21 June. Last
year the event attracted over 800 riders of all ages and abilities and this year organisers are
By SALLY BRYANT sbryant@wokinghampaper.co.uk BEECHWOOD Primary School will be getting the wheels on those bikes going round and round for the Wokingham Bikeathon. The school, in Ambleside Close in Woodley, has a fine reputation for sport across the county. It is campaigning hard to get youngsters out of cars and cycling to school. Gordon Davies, sports director and headteacher of Beechwood, highlights the concern over how much time today’s children spend indoors, huddled over smart phones and gadgets, instead of playing outside and going for bike rides. And the Wokingham Bikeathon on Sunday, June 26, is the perfect opportunity for Beechwood to pedal up and set the right example. Mr Davies said “We will be entering a child’s team, a staff team and a team made up from parents and friends of the school. “Our school will be raising money through sponsorship. “This cycling experience is an opportunity for our children to take part in a large organised event where they can enjoy a scenic route.” The school puts a lot of energy into getting everyone in the saddle. It has an after-school cycling club and each school year takes part in the Wokingham Borough Cycling Proficiency Scheme. Six staff have trained to the level of national cycling instructors. The youngest pupils have received
Bikeability Balance training, thanks to My Journey Wokingham – the initiative which advises on getting around the borough. And Beechwood showed its creative flair when it won a Wokingham Borough Council competition to design a sustainable mode of transport, worth £5,000, to accommodate 20 bicycles. The push to see fewer cars at the school gates isn’t stopping with the pupils. Beechwood has agreed to be a pilot school for Wokingham to launch the idea of educating parents, of children as young as foundation stage two, to car share or walk to school. Year Six pupils and their parents will be surveyed about giving the children more independence to walk, cycle or scoot to school by having workshops. With help from My Journey and the council, the school has received support in bike mechanics and discounted accessories. And it is going to be an exciting summer for Beechwood – plans are afoot to set up a grass velodrome and hold interschool pursuit races. Pupils at this active school are a lucky lot. Alongside the cycling opportunities, they can enjoy roller hockey and skating, archery, lacrosse, boccia ( a ball sport related to bowls), new age curling, a climbing wall, tri golf, forest walking, adventure training and swimming, as well as traditional team and individual sports. The school has built up its core skills base for cycling, adventure and niche sports over the last two years to get all those little legs moving – but it promises Sunday, June 26, will be the Beechwood day of the bike!
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Contact Us at: Contact@TwyfordBeerFest.co.uk https://facebook.com/ItsTBF
Our 7th year and still free to enter! This year we are doubling the size of the marquee to make sure we have more space for our thirsty customers! All of the team that put on this charitable event are volunteers even the bands work for free. This simply means we can give more of the profits to Orchid the mens cancer charity. We always need more helpers so should you want to help please contact us via the website: hhtp:\\twyfordbeerfest.co.uk There is no entry fee and all the beers and ciders are just £3 per pint or £1.50 a half. There will be some exceptional food available as well. Last year our visitors helped us raise over £6000 for the charity so lets see if we can do even better this year! Ian Wisdom - Festival Organiser
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hoping to attract 1000 riders. The event registration opens at 08:45 in Wokingham Town Centre with the first riders crossing the start line at 9:15am. The riders head north out of the town centre and complete either a 15 mile or 35 mile circular route finishing back in Wokingham town centre. Everyone who completes either route will receive a medal and goodie bag which has been generously sponsored by local business, Roger Duckworth Physiotherapy. Drinks stops are being provided by ARC Counselling and The Physio Studio. Organiser Stan Hetherington said, “The Bikeathon has been an inspiration to many people over the past 7 years it has been running - individuals and families alike. It’s a great opportunity to get out on your bike and enjoy the countryside with friends, family and people from across the community. The buzz at the start line, the thrill of the cycle itself and the enormous sense of achievement at the finish line are all great reasons to join in! We are also very proud that so many of the riders take part, not just for the fun of it, but also to raise money for local and national charities through sponsorships. Riders have already entered this year who will be fundraising for local charities including Down2Us and The Link Visiting Scheme and national charities like Cancer Research and the MS Society.” If you are worried that your bike hasn’t been out for a while – don’t let that stop you! Wokingham’s very own Dr Bike, Steve Johnson of Cycle Services, will be on hand at the start to provide essential bike maintenance and bike safety checks for those who need it
Cyclists preparing to set off at last year’s Bikeathon – the event returns to Wokingham town centre on Sunday, June 26
Bikeathon: a day for everyone WOKINGHAM’S residents are being encouraged to get on their bikes as a hugely popular family-friendly event returns for its ninth year. Entries are now open for this year’s Wokingham Bikeathon on Sunday, June 26. It’s an event that offers 15- and 35-mile routes through the borough, all starting and finishing in the town centre. The courses have been designed for riders of all abilities and ages to enjoy.
While the 800+ riders are exploring the beautiful countryside around Wokingham, spectactors in the town centre will be able to take part in a wide range of activities that will amaze, challenge and amuse. These include a brand-new and thrilling Rollapaluza challenge. Static bikes pitch friends, family, colleagues or complete strangers to compete head-tohead in short, timed races that will get the excitement and adrenalin flowing whatever your age or riding ability.
Council appeals for homes land By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE COUNCIL has relaunched an appeal to find suitable land for new homes. Earlier this week, Wokingham Borough Council revealed that it is updating its Local Plan. This will be used to decided where new homes will be built over the next 20 years – and it is asking residents to help. The Local Plan sees the borough council working with other Berkshire councils to agree a way of assessing what land should be set aside for new homes, businesses and other uses. It said that this is known as a Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA). The council said that a draft HELAA methodology has been produced and residents can comment on it, between now and June 6. It sets out the way the council proposes to compare the suitability of land put forward for development, including its availability and if the development could realistically be built in the timescale expected. It also includes potential community benefits, and any adverse impacts on the environment. Land to be considered for
development are those put forward in a ‘Call for Sites’ consultation. One was run in January and February this year and invited individuals and organisations to submit sites to be considered for development. This call has been reopened for further sites to be put forward. The consultations on the HELAA methodology and the Call for Sites are available on the council’s consultation website page. “We’re inviting residents to help us decide how we agree what land should be allocated for development, because the criteria needs to reflect local values as far as we possibly can,” said Cllr Keith Baker, leader of the council. “We are also re-opening the Call for Sites to give everyone the opportunity to submit sites for potential development. “Only those sites we find acceptable will be allocated for development. This part of the Local Plan process is about seeing what is available, and agreeing how we assess it. “It is important to note that a site being submitted does not mean it will be accepted for development. Many such sites will be deemed unacceptable.”
In keeping with the two-wheeled theme, there will be an amazing 30-minute show from the UK’s best two wheel extreme sports entertainment team, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show. They will be astounding and inspiring riders and spectators alike. Entries for this year’s Wokingham Bikeathon on Sunday, June 26 are now being accepted. For more details and to sign up, log on to www. wokinghambikeathon.co.uk.
Mums are Moonwalking
A GROUP of mums from Wokingham will be helping to brighten up the night sky in London on Saturday at the annual Moonwalk. The 15 mums, whose children all attend Evendons Primary School, will be joined by two pals for the 26.2-mile walking marathon in aid of breast cancer research. The group has already raised an astonishing £9,000 for the charity and hope they can boost the total after the walk. Kirsty Lyons, who has organised the group known as the Purple Prosecco Posse, said: “We all have our own reasons for walking – some are on health kicks like me, some have lost friends and family to breast cancer and others just fancied the challenge.” n To sponsor the group visit moonwalklondon2016. everydayhero.com/uk/purple-prosecco-posse
Town centre plant sale THE Green ‘n’ Tidy charity is holding a plant sale in Wokingham’s town centre next week. The charity will be offering a wide variety of high quality ornamental and vegetable plants as well as shrubs and other items for the garden. The stall will be in Market Place on Wednesday, May 18 from 10am to 3pm.
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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER N E W S W I T H A H E A RT F O R T H E B O RO U G H
The count is over, the watch has begun THERE is something journalists love about an election count. Unfolding in front of our eyes is a breaking news story, with tragedy, triumph and drama at every turn. Last Thursday’s election count at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre saw the shaping of the new Borough Council: 18 seats decided through crosses on paper. Some contests closer than others, some politicians’ faces more of a grimace than a smile. Defeat weighed heavily on some while for others a victory brought delight. As with any election, it is the voice of the people that has been heard. And in Wokingham that has meant an increase in the share of the vote for the Conservatives, a close call for a second Labour seat and a win for the Liberal Democrats. The make-up of the council remains pretty much the same, but there will be some new faces in the chamber when it meets later this month. On Friday morning, BBC Radio Berkshire DJ Andrew Peach was interviewing Keith Baker and alleged that Wokingham didn’t have its own newspaper to scrutinise the borough’s politicians. It’s an insulting comment not just to you and to us but to our colleagues at newspapers such as the Henley Standard and the Maidenhead Advertiser. We all aspire to hold anyone in power to account. As we start a new cycle in our political process, and with the next election two years away, we affirm our commitment to fearless reporting, for the benefit of the borough. The count is over, the watch has begun.
CHURCH NOTES
Hope in the darkness “A PICTURE is worth a thousand words,” or so goes the old adage. In these days of digital photography and high speed connections, pictures are used, more than ever, to tell stories and instantly relay news from around the world. When previously, sketches would be sent back, or film returned home to be developed ready for the next edition of the newspapers – now images can immediately be wired around the world and accessed online. Now, news stories break faster than ever. The power of such an image-driven world was clearly seen in the heartbreaking case of Aylan Kurdi washing up on the beach in Turkey. Prior to that, many were attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Greece, and many were dying; but that photo, of the lifeless child lying in the shallows, changed the mood of the debate and shaped the response of the rest of Europe to the growing refugee crisis. More recently, Pope Francis, on his visit to Greece, was handed a drawing made by a child, depicting a family struggling in the water by an overturned boat. “Don’t fold it”, he is reported to have said, “I want it on my desk.” The power of images is undeniable. The photo of Aylan Kurdi reframed the debate about the refugee crisis in Europe – and a child’s drawing now, presumably, sits on the desk of the Bishop of Rome; inspiring and challenging him. When we walk into a church we are often confronted with many images – and almost certainly images of Jesus Christ, who lived on earth and went about among us. Images of Jesus carry great potency. They inspire and challenge, they might cause controversy, they might bring comfort. But ultimately, when we walk into a church and see an image of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that God so loved the world that he chose to live a human life, alongside us. That love was born, dwelt among us, and suffered and died, before rising again and giving us new hope – hope of eternal life with God. Hope that tells us that even in the darkness of news stories from around the world, God is present. The Revd Patrick King is associate priest of St Paul’s in Wokingham
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Your views
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters
Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Mr Cameron, don’t erode the nurses’ pay Once again, the Government is eroding nursing pay. Despite the 1% pay rise awarded by the Government earlier this year, nurses’ pay has dropped to about 14% behind the cost of living from the time when David Cameron came to power in 2010. Announcing their decision to keep nursing on the shortage occupation list following lobbying by the Royal College of Nursing the Migration Advisory Committee said “The restraint on nurses’ pay instituted by the Government was presented to us, and in the evidence to the pay review bodies, as an immutable fact. It is not. It is a choice.” It is a choice and one the Government have chosen not to make. We do not have enough nursing staff to give the care our communities need in no small part because they are not valued by this Government. It’s just not good enough, which is why we’re asking members of the public to support the RCN’s campaign for fair pay for nursing staff. If you would like to show your support for fair pay for nurses, please either visit www.rcn.org.uk/ nursingcounts or tweet @Jeremy_Hunt or your local MP direct using the hashtag #nursingcounts. Let’s tell the Government that they need to value nursing staff more. 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. Maria Nicholson, South East Council Member, Buckinghamshire and Sylvia Simmonds, South East Council Member and South East Board Chair, Southampton and others including Juliet Millar Mental Health Nurse, Bracknell, Berkshire
Become a Heart Foundation runner I am writing to invite your readers to sign up to be a British Heart Foundation (BHF) Heart Runner and help fight back against heart and circulatory disease. I signed up to become a Heart Runner last year as I have such a close link to the BHF. I have a history of heart conditions in my family. My grandmother died from a ruptured aorta, my uncle had a double heart bypass surgery, and my dad was diagnosed with a weak heart muscle in 2006. My dad and uncle are just two out of seven million people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK today. In the South East, there are an estimated
Victor Rones is not happy with the local election results
920,000 people living with heart and circulatory disease and it is responsible for nearly 22,000 deaths each year. But the BHF is fighting back through its life saving research. The BHF has funded decades of research to make sure more people survive heart surgery. I was so proud to run the London Marathon in 2015 to help the BHF push the fight against heart disease onwards Alongside thousands of amazing Heart Runners, who either ran for the BHF or took part in a BHF running event, we helped raise around £3.5 million for the BHF’s vital research into heart and circulatory disease. The BHF has a wide range of events for you to choose from, whether it’s a 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon, so you can easily find a challenge to suit you. By becoming a Heart Runner, you can feel proud to know that with every mile you run, you are helping fund the BHF’s life saving research. To find your perfect running challenge and run for research this year, visit bhf.org.uk/runs or call the events team on 0845 130 8663. Oliver Proudlock BHF Supporter
Election results I see the people have voted for the same people that have done nothing for housing and children, also decent care homes in the Wokingham area, also nothing to improve transport. Victor Rones, Bracknell
Changes to Reading FC This week, Reading FC released 17 players including Hal Robson-Kanu. Here’s what you said on our Facebook page Good. Now let the Big Mac build his own squad. Jason Woods Good. HRK has ideas way above his ability. Duncan Wooldridge
Pavement works in Shute End And now they’re due to shut the A321 (Wokingham to Hurst road) next Monday 16th May - the same day as the GCSEs start! The only routes for those coming into Wokingham from Hurst are the Reading Road or Milton Road and round the town centre, both of which are currently badly jammed up with the Shute End roadworks. Great planning … not! Jane Carr, via Facebook
GOOD ADVICE
My pet is faulty, what can I do? What happens if your newly purchased pet becomes ill or dies? You do have rights
I
F you recently bought a pet and it soon becomes ill or dies you may have a right to get a refund or replacement from the person you bought it from. When you buy a pet from a pet shop your consumer rights are the same as if you bought any item or product. This means, if you buy the pet and it quickly becomes ill or it dies, you may be able to get a refund from the shop or a replacement pet. If you have to spend money taking your pet to the vet soon after you bought it, you should ask the person you bought it from to cover the cost of the vet’s fees. If you bought the pet from a private seller, you have less consumer rights than if you bought from a shop or organisation. You can only get a refund for the cost of the pet if it didn’t match
the description the seller gave to you. So if the seller described the pet as healthy, you have a right to a refund. If you didn’t ask the question about health and they didn’t describe its state of health to you, there is nothing you can do. Ask for a puppy contract Over the past few years there’s been a big increase in puppies becoming ill or dying soon after being bought from private sellers. Often these puppies have come from ‘puppy farms’, where they haven’t been bred or looked after properly. If you’re planning to buy a puppy, you can ask a private seller to sign a ‘puppy contract’, which can be downloaded for free from the RSPCA website: www. puppycontract.rspca.org.uk The seller must provide a detailed description of the health and history of the puppy in the contract, so you can feel confident that your puppy is fit and well. The contract is legally binding, so it gives you better protection as a consumer. Because you’ll have a
detailed description of the puppy in writing, you can ask for a refund if the puppy doesn’t meet that description. If you bought from a private seller you only have rights if the pet isn’t as it was described. It should be true to any advert and what you were told by whomever you bought it from. You won’t be entitled to anything just because the seller failed to mention something in the advert. You’re only entitled to a refund if something goes wrong within a ‘reasonable’ time of purchase. If you’re confident in your approach you should be entitled to a refund within the first two months or so. The seller might not agree with what you’re asking for – so let them know you understand what you’re entitled to. You can say something like this: “Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, this pet should be as described. My rights have been breached because the pet you sold me became ill very quickly after you told me it was healthy. I would
like you to put this right by giving me a refund.” If you don’t get anywhere with this try the following steps: Fill in and send a complaint letter for faulty goods to the seller - it contains legal terminology and may help them realise you know your rights. You can get this from www.citizensadvice.org.uk, search on ‘faulty goods letter’. Take your case to a small claims court. This is a last resort and can be expensive and time-consuming, so take advice from your local Citizens Advice or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 if you need more help a trained adviser can give you advice over the phone. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www. citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk
VIEWPOINTS | 17
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
NELLIE KNOWS
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Celebrating your photography
This Sunday sees the very first Wokingham Walk take place – families are invited to come together and explore some of the beautiful countryside on the route. Andy Croy couldn’t wait and has been testing the paths you’ll be covering and stopped to snap this fantastic picture of a duckling with some spring daisies. Fantastic! You can join the Walk from 9am to 11am on Sunday at Elms Field. We love to showcase your photos in our Picture of the Week feature. If you have a picture – landscape in format, not portrait – email it to news@ wokinghampaper. co.uk. Pictures should be hi-res, landscape, 300dpi and taken by yourself, preferably within the Wokingham borough.
TONY JOHNSON Partly Political Broadsides
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OLITICS means War! Although it’s bloodless, with strict rules and a respected impartial umpire overseeing things, triumphs and disasters come just the same. For the general public, the battlegrounds are our streets and houses, ultimately our hearts and minds. 2016’s local election battles were for 19 seats in 18 wards around the borough. At the outset, the Blue army C-in-C held 47 of the 52 seats on the Council. On paper they’re the strongest team, so the war is theirs to lose. For the Yellow army, the C-in-C has faced the blues for years, a team of just five freedom fighters. Needing to consolidate what little they hold but hoping to win new seats. Meanwhile the new leader of the Red army has to rally his troops around the one or two seats that they can realistically win, especially the former seat of a colleague who’d been rendered “hors de combat” by illness. What of the single general of the white team – holding their seat as the sole independent? As we were to see, his fate would lay more in the hands of others than in his own hands.
Battlegrounds - the Brook of Emm
As the evening wore on, it was clear that there had been an almighty battle at the Brook of Emm. One time Major, now gazetted to Lt Colonel was looking to hold on. Meanwhile the Yellows led by local-born Oxygène de Biscay released a powerful (if inaccurate) battlefield tactical newsletter. Recognising his highly decorated colleague’s dilemma, the Blue army’s C-in-C honourably came
HAVE YOUR SAY:
to her aid, launching a counter-strike letter of equal accuracy on footed but un-headed paper. The letter was promptly “sent up” to the Umpire for adjudication but when it was declared a “fair shot” a more accurately worded opposition rebuttal was sent round just in time for the postal vote. In the end, the Lt Col not only had held her nerve, she’d held the seat by just 13 votes as exhausted combatants were stretchered off the field at around 3.30am.
Battlegrounds – the fight for Crimpy-Crisps
Crimpy-Crisps territory is the often boggy bit between Woken ‘em and Slower Lately – two of the country’s most desirable places to live. Things were looking tough for the Yellows. The Blues were deploying the big guns in support, Captains a-plenty. After action reports indicate that even “Ron” had been spotted. He’s a Jedi-ward knight, a Major General from an entirely separate campaign. At the final count the Yellow army delivered a psychological blow to the Blues. They’d scooped “winner of the count”. Credit to “She sells sea shells by the heck, She sore” – Victoria Ludorum with 1,303 votes.
Battlegrounds – B&W and that “driving machine”
In B&W territory, the Red Army Faction were out in force in the only two horse race of the night. Faces of the contestants were at first jolly, then perplexed and finally exasperated as the count ground on.
It appeared that the official tellers in charge of the count were having a hard time with their piles. There were up to 36 of them, all over the place, given the one or two votes on the single ballot paper. Blue team faces were drawn, holding their breath. Could their incumbent Captain make it over the line in second place? Finally the umpire announced the results when it became evident from a loud bellow that the Red team leader had taken the seat in place of his unwell comrade. Sighs of relief and quiet hurrahs were heard from the Blue team as faces relaxed and broke into smiles – their captain was in! But only by a margin of just 27 votes. As it turned out that some Red on Red fire had struck badly. An outsider from far left field had scooped the vital votes that made all the difference.
And the final results?
The 2016 result showed that only around 35% of us went out to vote. If your end-of-term school report had marks of three or four out of 10, the kindest comment you could expect is “could do better”. Yet again, our politicians have failed to engage with much of the electorate at a local level. Overall, the seat count is now Blues 48, Yellows 5, Reds 1. I make that “one up” to the Blue team – well done! Congratulations to all those who stood and to those who now sit, the real battles have just commenced.
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Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk
I
’M back! I was so busy with the four day week and painting everything outside I took a break from writing and now that the weather is warmer all I want to do is be outside. I love it when the weather is clear, dry and bright because everyone is happier and the world seems a friendlier place. Now that I have a cupboard by the back door filled with sun cream there is no excuse not to slap it on before going outside. I feel very strongly about sun protection and yes I do tut when I see people who are burnt because they have not used any or adequate sun protection factor. We all love a healthy glow but when your skin is damaged it’s damaged. I could have ended this section with lecture over but I’m going to go off on one as I heard recently that a small and independent business that I have supported for years is closing its doors, which both angered and saddened me. I applaud anyone who has an idea and creates an original product, markets it, sells it, reinvests and grows the business bigger. These are the people we should be supporting, they invest time, creativity and positivity. Whilst something may be cheaper and look like the original it isn’t and someone’s designs are being mugged off. I’ll take a deep breath now and move on.
Fruit Shoot Mini Mudder Over the Bank Holiday weekend Laree and her friend Molly did the Mini Mudder and had a brilliant time. We were worried that the traffic to Henley would be manic but we passed over the bridge in record time and headed to the Fruit Shoot Mini Mudder to get numbers and a start time. After a warm up they set off with a group of 7-12 year olds over hay bales, across monkey bars, through chicanes, under nets, up a ramp and through the mud – not once but four times, totalling a mile. They had happy faces under the mud and it only took one long soak and a 60ºC wash to get all the mud out. They raised a whopping £250 for The Alzheimer’s Society, so we were all very proud of them. Of course it was hard work watching them so we all headed off to Shiplake College for Henley on Food and treated ourselves to some Gower Cottage Brownies, which are our favourites.
Reading FC Women On Bank Holiday Monday we went to Adams Park in High Wycombe to watch Reading FC Women play at home to Sunderland. This was the first time we had seen them in play at their new ground and I can confirm the important things such as plenty of parking and good chips. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the game and Laree’s friend, who had never met a player before, was in her element. Laree, of course, was blasé as has been a mascot at a number of games and is one of the faces on the poster for Sister Clubs. Poor Mook is desperate to get back to football but her knee repair and rehab is more important so she is happily watching every game she can.
Football and fun in the sun On Sunday the Wokingham & Emmbrook Girls U11 took part in the Marlow FC Youth Annual Six-a -side tournament and they won. With the temperature rising I was sure to put adequate sun protection on everyone before they left. They all had a great time, big thanks must go to the Sumas U11 Management Team Will and Sarah Graham for all the arranging, emails and encouragement. We’re so lucky to have such a friendly club, supportive coaches, great teams and a community asset like the club house on Lowther Road. If you’ve been thinking of youth football then do look them up.
School’s nearly out We had mocks last week and SATs this week so we’ve become something of a revision zone. Thankfully they’ll all be done by halfterm so there’s no panic revision during half-term. I can’t recall exactly when in the term we did exams but I remember doing my O levels and longing for the summer holidays to begin. Not that I am wishing any time away and I will now admit that I had a touch of hay fever at the prospect that this really is the home straight to my youngest leaving junior school. Having done school run for 14 years it’s all change in September when she heads off to secondary school. Yikes! But until then it’s the here and now, so I will love you and leave you and rustle up some Coronation Chicken and potato salad as befits this glorious sunny weather.
18 | VIEWPOINTS
OH, MR SMITH!
A wry look at life
Ah ha. Reader feedback
T
HANK you Ms O. Yes, I did imply using the illustration of Leicester Football Club last week, that with regard to our journey through life and any success we achieve on the way, that this often comes through suffering at some point. You say it isn’t the suffering but the courage in the midst of those hard times that makes the difference because it produces the resilience of hope and this leads to a positive outcome. The alternative being to indulge in self-pitying behaviour, complaining and adopting a victim mentality and ultimately giving up. I agree. But it is in the nature of hardship that by choosing to confront it that we achieve the greatest results and victory. I think we are saying the same thing. As far as I am aware there can be no fulfilment of any vision without courage, determination and lots of hard work. I also agree that this perseverance enables us to realise other benefits. Those who overcome reach a point in their lives where that process of achievement enables them to look differently at the world. They no longer feel the desperately empty need to continually receive acknowledgement and material reward for themselves and so become more aware of the world around them.
Meaning
From this point, because we have become fully aware of and have fully embraced our purpose and identity we are freed from the need to work hard simply to reinforce personal significance. We can be generous and it doesn’t matter if anybody knows we are being generous. That is the point of generosity. Yea. Of course, there are those who argue that when we insist on meaning in life this is the moment we veer off in the wrong direction. But I leave it to you to decide. If, in the annuls of eternity your anonymous life has no meaning, does that make you feel better than thinking you are not anonymous and your life has purpose no matter how difficult it is to perceive that meaning in chaos of existence. It also helps of course if we have nice people around us who are predisposed to encourage us along the way. Mind you, I don’t think Leicester City FC think too much about meaning. They simply became aware of a door opening and decided to go through it without worrying whether the door would close in on them or what might be on the other side. Dear Reading FC manager may I suggest…? What do you think? Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Wokingham people Aiden’s masterminded his first book A talented teenager has written his debut novel, a sci-fi thriller. SALLY BRYANT finds out more
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HE year is 2112 and humankind has spread across the galaxy, colonising other worlds and solar systems. The imperialistic Valrians pose a threat, so the Human Republic on Earth orders all systems to recruit reservists in case of war. The Sandra System is short of adults, so it has to recruit teenagers. Gina is in command of HRS Phantom, an interplanetary transport ship crewed by Sandra’s worst teenagers aged 15 to 18. They assume they will never see combat anyway, until… HRS Phantom: Invasion is an e-book based on a fascinating idea, or recipe for disaster, from the mind of 18-year-old Aiden Francis Luke. He says the writing process helped lift his depression, gave him a sense of purpose – and was probably the most fun he has ever had. HRS Phantom: Invasion is the first novel Aiden has published, but his second attempt at writing one. Some time ago, his head was filled with characters taking shape and a storyline. But the muse left him when he realised the plot had nothing new and could become a cliché. It was months later he dreamed up the bones of a new direction for the characters still in his head – and the writing began in earnest. Aiden, of Basingstoke Road in Spencers Wood, explains how he came to spend his break from college last summer typing all day, every day. “In terms of thinking about it, I had a new idea for a sci-fi story, but of a very different type [from HRS Phantom: Invasion]. A dystopian world after a disaster and a worldwide search by humanity for other planets to colonise. I had ideas for some of the characters and I had ideas for Gina.
Aiden Francis Luke has written and published his first book, a thriller set in the year 2112 Picture: Phil Creighton
“There are artificial intelligences, I was thinking how would that work? “Because I was suffering from depression, my thought for Gina was as a counsellor for depression. I had an idea that a depressed teenager had a device installed in his phone, and half an idea about how people had gone to another planet – but I didn’t write that story, because it had nothing new and I didn’t feel right about it. I couldn’t see how a story about a teenager was anything new.” But the characters stayed in his head, despite the weaknesses of the plot. Months later, Aiden started toying with the idea of the type of fairy tales where a protagonist sets off along the road and gathers other people with many talents – Grimm’s Six Soldiers of Fortune is one of his favourites. “I was inspired by that concept, which was in a computer game I was playing. I thought I should write a story about it, but it has been done about 100,000 times! So what if it
VOLUNTEER CORNER n Are you aged 16-24? Do you enjoy reading? Do you enjoy helping and supporting children and want to volunteer? Then helping with the Summer Reading Challenge in Wokingham Borough Libraries may be for you! They are looking for young people who can encourage and support children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, the Big Friendly Read and help out with other activities in the library. The volunteering opportunities will take place on various days from Monday, July 25 to Friday, September 2 at Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley libraries. n Woodley Girlguiding is looking for adult
were a raggle taggle group of people who are incompetent? I spent a year thinking up ideas and planning it, but it only took me two months to write the first draft. I wrote the prologue and first chapter in April [last year], then realised I had three months of summer holiday coming up.” Over the summer, Aiden got up at 9.30am and typed continuously until 4.30pm, when his 16-year-old brother Elliot came home and wanted the computer! The resulting e-book was selfpublished on Kobo and Amazon during February half-term, but Aiden is waiting to hear back from publishers and would love to see books on shelves. “It was a very enjoyable experience, I have never had any doubts, except when I edited the first draft. My Granddad helped with the grammar and I felt doubt over whether it would be liked. But the feedback has been good, everyone has said it was really enjoyable and they liked it and
friends, who would be honest, have said the same thing.” Aiden, who was home-schooled, is at Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke studying for AS levels in politics, sociology, English language and media. When he isn’t writing, his hobbies are “gaming, consuming art and drawing, and critiquing works of art”. He likes reading “good sci-fi” and any genres with strong plots. But it is the writing that is becoming his passion – he is halfway through the sequel to HRS Phantom: Invasion and has high hopes of making his living as an author. And it seems the creative process has given him much more than the satisfaction of seeing his work available online. He said: “My depression is significantly better now. Counselling was the effective factor, but over the summer holidays this gave me a sense of purpose – and it was probably the most fun I have ever had.”
With Helena Badger helpers to help at various groups across the Woodley area. Being an adult helper involves helping to plan and run activities for the girls, going on trips and generally having fun! Volunteers will need to enjoy supporting children and young people, have a great sense of humour and have some ideas of activities. They also need help with administration such as treasurer, minutes secretary, craft organisers etc. Do contact us if are interested in helping with this. n DEBRA is the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). They are looking for Fundraising
Volunteers. The role will involve helping to sell raffle tickets, assisting with competitions and children’s activities and also holding a bucket for money collection. These activities will take place at The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading on various dates during 2016. Dates are as follows; 13th-19th of June 2016, 14th to 16th of September 2016, 10th to 16th of October 2016, 27th to 29th of October 2016, 14th to 20th of November 2016, 19th to 24th of December 2016. Volunteers should be sociable and enjoy getting involved, enthusiastic, polite and personable, perseverance, good listening skills and physically able to stand for periods of time.
n The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is holding a brand new event, the Earley & Woodley Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Saturday 28th May 2016, at the Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ, from 10am-1.30pm. It’s a free event open to public to drop in where you will be able to meet over 20 local organisations. We look forward to seeing you there! These are just three of the roles we are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books. To find out about these or any other roles, call us on 0118 977 0749, email wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www.volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk
WELLBEING | 19
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Good health
You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!
HEALTH MATTERS with Nicola Strudley
Would you pay your pharmacist for a test that is free at the GP?
C
OMMUNITY pharmacists are the first port of call for minor ailments. Pharmacies already offer a range of services such as medicine usage reviews, stop smoking service, cholesterol checking, minor ailments services, flu jabs and travel vaccinations. We have heard how Wokingham residents would like more “MOT” style check ups to be offered, possibly sleep clinics. Some of you have told us you would rather go to the pharmacist instead of the GP for antibiotics or sexual health services. Boots wants to offer in-store skin cancer checks and diabetes treatments to ‘take the pressure off’ GPs. The high street chemist plans to offer treatments traditionally provided in surgeries as patients face longer waits to see family doctors. But the proposal has alarmed doctors and patients’ groups, who fear adults may end up paying for treatment in shops they could get free on the NHS. Proposed treatments by Boots, which has 2,500 stores in the UK, are a £7.50 ‘sore throat check’ and a £35 service where scans of patients’ moles are sent to a dermatologist. The company’s chief pharmacist Marc Donovan said it now wanted to offer more complex care to meet some of the ‘challenges’ facing the NHS. But Katherine Murphy, of the Patients Association, said:”‘I agree that pharmacists are an underutilised resource… but we’ve got to be careful and scrutinise private providers creeping into the NHS. When they see an opportunity, is the opportunity for the patient or for their own gain?”
Concerns Concerns have been raised about competition between pharmacists and GPs, particularly in relation to the funding of services. It seems there is a need for pharmacists to improve transparency in this area, for example with regard to the money they receive for flu jabs and Well Man checks. It would appear that there is a need for pharmacists to be part of multidisciplinary teams and to work more closely with other healthcare professionals such as GPs, care home staff and hospitals. All of this comes at a time when the Department of Health are consulting about the future of pharmacy. It is believed they would like to see a reduction of about 3,000 pharmacies in England out of a total of 11,674 pharmacies. The consultation is open until Tuesday, May 24 and you can find it : www.gov.uk/government/ publications/putting-community-pharmacy-at-theheart-of-the-nhs or you can e mail directly england. communitypharmacy@nhs.net We are holding two sessions on the evening of Tuesday, May 17 at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley (7pm-8.30pm) and Tuesday, May 24 (Wokingham Town Hall, 7-8.30pm) to hear the views of patients and pharmacists. You are welcome to pop in to either listen or make your views known.
How to contact us : Facebook @healthwatchwokingham Twitter @HWWokingham Phone 0118 418 1 418 Website www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk E-Mail enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Walk in via Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark St, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own
A week of activities to raise awareness of dementia
A
WEEK dedicated to raising awareness of dementia is taking place from Monday. Between Monday and Saturday, May 21, the Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to confront dementia, a condition that affects around 850,000 people in the UK, head on. The charity estimates that within ten years more than a million people will be living with some form of dementia, reaching two million by 2051. Alzheimer’s Society aims to tackle the myths and misunderstandings surrounding dementia, and show people that life doesn’t end where dementia starts. To find out more about dementia visit www. alzheimers.org.uk. Here is a list of just some of the Dementia Awareness Week events taking place across the borough:
Sunday n Craft Sale - Alexandra Grange Care Home, Oaklands Drive, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, 11am to 4pm
Monday n Contented Dementia presentation, Twyford Waitrose meeting room, 6pm to 7pm. A talk aimed at those who support people with dementia or suspect a friend or family member might have the condition.
Tuesday n Awareness raising stand, Zenith in Crowthorne, Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne n Introduction to dementia, St. Thomas More church hall, London Road, Twyford, 6.30pm. Talk aimed at those who support people with dementia or suspect a friend or family member might have the condition. n Screening of ‘Still Alice’, St. Thomas More church hall, London Road, Twyford, 7.45pm to 9pm.
Wednesday n Art class for people with dementia, La Fontana, Wargrave Road, Twyford, 10am to 11.30am. Artistled session exercising cognitive skills whilst having fun.
n Aromatherapy hand massages, Halcyon, High Street at Bell Corner, Twyford 11.30am to 12.30pm. Therapeutic and de-stressing aromatherapy hand massages for carers and anyone living with dementia. n Dementia Friends session for business people, Twyford Waitrose staff canteen, 6.30pm. Gain an insight into living with dementia, register as a Dementia Friend and convert that understanding into action.
Need to budget for regular dental visits? Our membership scheme is available for only You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given.
£21 a month
What is included? • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) • 2 Hygienist visits • Accident & Emergency Insurance • 15% member discount on treatment
Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent (excludes specialist and implant treatment)
Need to regular dental visits?
Thursday
n Hands on Puppet Show, The Piggott School, Wargrave Road, Twyford, 9am. Theatre workshop using puppets and actors to raise dementia awareness. (For Piggott School pupils only). n Afternoon Tea - Alexandra Grange Care Home, Oaklands Drive, Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, 2pm. n Sing along with Julia George, Bridge House Nursing Home, High Street, Twyford, 2pm. Fun session in a welcoming environment enabling people with dementia to engage with through and You do not need to beothers dentally fit song to join reminiscence.
For more information, please contact us on 0118 978 3815, visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.
Our membership scheme is ava Our membership scheme is available You do notfor need to be dentally fit to join butaa new patienta examination onlyforBMS £21 month Our membership scheme is available only £21 month is
BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment n The Great Memory Bake-Off, Age Concern Day Polehampton Close, to isCentre, needed during the 12Twyford, month3.30pm contract 5pm. Villagers are invited to bake cakes, cupcakes aormember discount of 15% is given. biscuits from an old, family recipe and bring Friday
required before signing up. If treatment is included? needed during the 12 month contract What is a member (including discount of 15% is given. • 2 Examinations x-rays) • • •
2 Hygienist visits Accident & Emergency Insurance 15%For member discount on treatment please more information, (excludes specialist and implant treatment)
visit our website at www.beec You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 3 BMS but a new patient examination is For more information, please contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one required before signing up. If treatment them along to the Age Concern Day Centre. The entries will then be judged in two categories (children aged 4-16 and adults age 16 and over) by anyone and everyone present! Costs £2 per entry and all profits go to Twyford and District Age Concern. Tea and coffee will be served along with your cakes!
visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract Saturday member discount of 15% is given. Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, n Dementia Friends session, Alexandra Grange Care Home, Oaklands Drive, Molly Millars Lane, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team. Wokingham, 10.30am n Dementia awareness information tent, Twyford Waitrose, 10am to 2pm. Leaflets, information and signposting for people wanting to know more about dementia.
Tips for organising a day out for a loved one with dementia As the warmer weather approaches, thoughts turn to dreams of holidays and sunny days out with loved ones. Helping Hands, a home care specialist which has a branch in Wokingham, has put together a guide on organising a day out for a loved one with dementia. Tiffany Smith, dementia specialist at Helping Hands, recommends the below tips to ensure you have a fun day out that benefits the whole family. n Research your destination Before planning any day out with a loved one with Dementia, research your destination to ensure that it is Dementia friendly. As a general rule, you should look for quieter, more scenic places to visit as opposed to cities. Cities can be quite loud and the long walking distances can be tiresome. n Consider a trip down memory lane Consider taking a trip to somewhere that will evoke fond
memories for your loved one, you don’t have as long to wait for whether it’s somewhere they lived your meals. n Stay within the comfort zone - It previously or somewhere they is sometimes best to avoid any played as a child. This is great activities that take your loved one activity for all generations of the out of their comfort zone, such family as they can share memories as shopping, or activities that and learn about their family require them to remain stationary history. n Remember you don’t need to for a long period of time, like the travel far - Look out locally for cinema. These activities may activities that are Dementia increase anxiety, and therefore friendly if your loved one is unable will not be enjoyable for your to travel long distances. There are loved one. OurTiffany membership scheme is available for a month plenty of local activities, such as a said: “Meeting family at busy picnic in the park, that make great restaurants and other activities you What is included? days out. as days outdentally can be stressful You associate do not need to be fit to join n Plan meals carefully and in for a person living with Dementia. • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) BMS but a new patient examination is advance - If you’re planning a meal It’s important to make sure your • 2 Hygienist visits signing up. If treatment out, make sure you find a quieter required lovedbefore one feels fully included in • Accident & Emergency Insurance during the pub or restaurant, as increased is needed the celebrations of 12 themonth day andcontract be • 15% member discount on treatment noise can be disorientating. Make a member prepared to make some adjustments discount of 15% is given. (excludes specialist and implant treatment) sure the pub or restaurant has to make the day as calm and stressplenty of room to allow your loved free as possible.” one to walk about while waiting n For support and information, visit for the meal – we can all become the Helping Hands website and restless whilst waiting. You could download the dementia toolkit: even notify the pub in advance, so www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk
Need to budget for regular dental visits?
For more information, please contact us on
only3815 £21 , 0118 978
visit our website at
www.beechcroftdental.com
or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AE and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. For more information, please contact us on 0118 visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,
20 | WOODLEY 10k
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Woodley 10k
Picture special by Steve Smyth
RESULTS Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
No. 114 568 258 330 474 540 374 447 4 205 536 350 462 584 321 357 478 399 365 421 85 48 217 13 126 369 255 583 58 251 102 193 577 497 578 325 517 560 322 87 294 290 170 331 268 359 224 412 440 316 76 532 5 131 94 284 480 473 81 431 187 282 259 222 72 511 319 417 520 101 496 252 512 83 570 59 561 67 364 354 271 291 261 231 262 3 28 571 75 586 404 134 164 272 220 460 95 355 442 500 409 35 37 587 588 429 305 88 149 483 376 552 395 71 580 173 430 432 390 278
Name Rob Corney Mark Worringham David Hudson David McCoy Andrew Stay Ben Whalley Ryan O'Brien Colin Seymour Scott Alex Andrew Grenville Michael Weeks Dave Mills Andrew Smith Andrew Gow Phil Marshall Duncan Mollison Oliver Stevenson Andrew Poole Chris Moseley Gavin Rennie Daniel Burton Jeff Bird Richard Hallam-Baker Edward Dodwell Chris Cutting Melissa Neal Nigel Hoult Henry Stapley Stuart Bradburn Nick Hopper Amelia Churnside Ian Giggs Russell Robinson Alan Thomas Ralph de Mesquita Richard Mason Nathan Vurgest Robin Wise Diego Martin Ben Butcher-Bigley Richard King Paul Kerr Gary Farrell Penelope Mccrabbe Sharkie Jaggard Greg Moore Matthew Harwood Chris Ramsden Richard Rutkowski Michael Mahoney Chris Buley Nick Watts David Allen Adam Dart David Caswell Stuart Jones Sean Stewart Rich Starr Ian Burnett Nick Robinson Jeremy Galpn Kevin Jones Zoe Hudson Jeremy Harmsworth Charley Bryant Christopher Tynan Claire Marks Jeremy Read Patrick Wadsworth Chris Chapmqn Sandy Thain Thomas Hopper Dean Valler Ida Burrows Hannah Wright Simon Bradbury Aaron Withers Martin Broome Paul Morrissey Paul Milnes Mary Janssen Matt Killick Iain Humphries Roy Head Stuart Humphries Nicholas Adley Steve Barry Lizzie Wright Pawel Buda Richard Alan Mark Pratt Geraint Davies Chris Evans Sebastian Janssen Ivan Harding Alex Smith Aaron Chai Daniel Minns Matthew Sarjent Paul Tincknell Martin Proctor Jonathan Belson Darren Bennett Daniel Turner Phillip Wood Sean Riordan Julian Lewis Philip Byrne Martin Douglas James Sullivan Ginika Okoye Vincent Williams Thomas Plank Jonathan Bryan Adam Tyler Neil Fenwick Marie Robinson Steve Robinson Javier Perez-Amoros Ian Johnson
Chip time 0:34:13 0:34:53 0:35:20 0:35:49 0:36:02 0:36:45 0:36:56 0:36:58 0:37:04 0:37:28 0:37:34 0:37:53 0:37:58 0:38:10 0:38:16 0:38:33 0:38:38 0:38:09 0:38:54 0:38:55 0:39:23 0:39:36 0:40:01 0:40:23 0:40:17 0:40:51 0:41:07 0:41:17 0:41:27 0:41:29 0:41:31 0:41:49 0:41:52 0:41:56 0:41:57 0:41:54 0:41:51 0:42:16 0:42:23 0:42:34 0:42:33 0:42:38 0:42:42 0:42:42 0:42:47 0:42:44 0:42:49 0:43:01 0:43:07 0:43:01 0:43:19 0:43:22 0:43:26 0:43:19 0:43:25 0:43:41 0:43:50 0:43:51 0:43:50 0:44:00 0:44:04 0:44:11 0:44:10 0:44:13 0:44:29 0:44:30 0:44:39 0:44:49 0:44:58 0:45:00 0:45:29 0:45:40 0:45:38 0:45:43 0:46:08 0:45:50 0:46:10 0:45:55 0:46:24 0:45:55 0:46:24 0:46:32 0:46:19 0:46:03 0:46:37 0:46:44 0:46:34 0:46:49 0:46:51 0:46:48 0:46:48 0:46:43 0:46:39 0:46:49 0:46:46 0:47:27 0:47:15 0:47:30 0:47:39 0:47:39 0:47:51 0:47:48 0:47:59 0:48:13 0:48:13 0:47:44 0:48:17 0:48:48 0:48:51 0:48:27 0:49:06 0:48:46 0:48:55 0:48:50 0:48:57 0:49:18 0:49:09 0:49:10 0:49:10 0:48:56
Mark Worringham came 2nd
Ben Whalley
The race is back on! People power for the 10k By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOODLEY’S streets were pounded as the 10k returned – on the hottest day of the year so far. On Sunday, more than 500 people took part in the fun event which started and finished in Woodford Park. The race has been taken over by a previous Woodley 10k winner, Ellie Barnes, and took runners on a circuit of the town, including Western Avenue, Reading Road, Loddon Bridge Road and Butts Hill Road before returning to the park. Temperatures on the day hit 26ºC, meaning the water stations were much appreciated by the runners. The race was won by Rob Corney, who completed the course in 34 minutes and 13 seconds – 40 seconds ahead of Mark Worringham in second place. Melissa Neal was the first female athelete back, running a time of 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139
119 39 285 216 286 527 21 120 148 117 186 254 541 547 210 419 20 342 185
140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152
312 292 174 535 121 545 25 277 380 426 196 279 17
Damian Cox 0:49:02 Mark Bennett 0:49:25 Celine Jouan 0:49:36 Patrick Hall 0:49:39 Siwan Kalatzi 0:49:24 Sally Waterman 0:49:39 Josh Aylott 0:49:12 Ros Crawford 0:49:47 Antonio D'Onofrio 0:49:59 Benjamin Coulson 0:49:33 Sergio Gallego-Schmid 0:49:54 Robert Houghton 0:49:41 Samantha Whalley 0:49:52 Joseph Whittall 0:49:37 Will Guest 0:49:35 Louise Reid 0:49:48 Michael Ayerst 0:49:50 Katy Mead 0:50:28 Alejandro Gallego Schmid 0:50:16 Tony Long 0:50:27 Mike King 0:51:11 Michael Few 0:51:11 Frances Weeks 0:51:14 Michael Creech 0:51:19 Neil White 0:51:05 Luke Ballard 0:51:06 Glenn Johnson 0:50:57 Sarah Pachonick 0:51:11 Daniel Rickett 0:50:56 Philip Gill 0:51:17 Steve Johnson 0:51:35 Vikki Aust 0:51:32
153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185
16 274 288 46 361 543 236 166 349 451 581 269 418 180 97 457 247 484 558 156 64 427 392 227 266 410 43 347 265 44 250 62 24
40 minutes and 51 seconds. The event raised more than £1,200 for DrugFAM, the charity of the year chosen by the Mayor of Woodley, Cllr Dave Mills. Mrs Barnes said that the revived race attracted runners of all abilities. She said: “On the hottest day of the year, 515 runners took on the revived Woodley 10km. “Some of them had recently run the London Marathon in amazingly quick times alongside those who had never taken part in a 10km event before as well as group of runners running the event for Sarcoma.” Ed Whitesmith, Leisure Services Manager for Woodley Town Council, was pleased that the race is back in Woodley. He said: “On behalf of Woodley Town Council I would like to thank Barnes Fitness for all of the hard work that went into planning, organising and coordinating the return of the greatly missed Woodley 10km. Leo Ashton Nigel Jenkins Joanne Kent Don Bigley Louis Morley Richard Whitaker Linda Hern Matthew Evans Claire Mills Simon Shildrick Ross Barnes Matt James Kirsty Reeman Lauren Ford Matthew Champion Patrick Slaughter Cindy Holland Andrew Sumner David Winkle Samantha Edgington Simon Brimacombe Nicole Rickett Graham Philp Stuart Hawkes Matthew Jacobs Geoff Pummell Andy Best William Middleton Lesley Izzard Andrea Bickford Jill Hopkins Dominic Brierley Geoffrey Baker
0:51:12 0:51:09 0:51:34 0:51:36 0:51:45 0:51:29 0:51:39 0:52:04 0:52:08 0:51:53 0:52:04 0:52:00 0:52:41 0:52:49 0:52:52 0:52:55 0:52:56 0:52:38 0:52:42 0:52:41 0:52:53 0:52:31 0:53:18 0:53:22 0:53:13 0:52:54 0:52:53 0:53:04 0:53:04 0:53:21 0:53:13 0:53:27 0:53:17
186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212
482 468 334 86 53 551 310 557 470 576 453 490 370 493 283 345 396 99 398 184 298 340 226 393 385 386 89
213 214 215 216 217
521 539 151 136 507
“It is always pleasing to see the local community pull together and put on such a large scale event and special thanks must also be passed onto all of the volunteers and staff that gave up a scorching Sunday morning in May to ensure everything ran smoothly.” Mrs Barnes, who runs Barnes Fitness, said that the race was only possible thanks to the support of local businesses. She said: “We were very grateful to our sponsors MCH Vehicle Hire & Mizuno for supporting this event yet again alongside Lexus Reading, Waitrose Woodley and Woodley United FC who were crucial for the runners at 5km as they were manning the water station.” And plans are already in place for the 2017 event. “We’re already looking forward to next year - Sunday 7 May and hoping there will be a children’s event too,” Mrs Barnes said. n www.barnesfitness.co.uk
Tony Streams 0:53:13 Lee Snow 0:53:42 Ray Mcgroarty 0:53:23 Aleid Busser 0:53:48 David Bowes 0:53:17 Michael Williams 0:53:47 Simon Lock 0:53:40 Stewart Wing 0:54:02 Rhona Southerton 0:53:46 Rob Hele 0:53:51 Caroline Shrimpton 0:54:00 Jade Taylor 0:54:22 Claire Neech 0:54:11 Peter Taylor 0:54:22 Sean Jones 0:54:19 James Meston 0:53:43 Ade Podbury 0:54:13 Colin Chapman 0:53:48 Helen Pool 0:54:08 Karen Gale 0:54:32 Des Knowles 0:54:17 Alan McMullan 0:54:11 Emily Hawkes 0:54:42 David Pink 0:54:32 Joanne Pedley 0:54:28 Rob Pedley 0:54:28 David Campbell-Montgomery 0:54:31 David Walker 0:54:47 David Wetherilt 0:54:51 Chris Drew 0:54:13 David Dawkins 0:54:47 Jack Turner 0:54:41
Michael Weeks
Dave Mills
Daniel Burton
Edward Dodwell
227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236
178 176 414 207 377 394 569 111 528 150
237 171
218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226
118 215 275 74 519 66 93 108 142
Chris Coulson James Hall Sahan Jinadasa Robert Buckland Adrian Wadham Paul Brooks Blue Caswell Alan Collins Mike Dimmick
0:54:26 0:54:59 0:54:22 0:54:26 0:54:55 0:54:47 0:55:02 0:54:49 0:54:57
238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257
179 124 443 375 353 344 348 10 41 159 280 463 533 437 45 146 566 158 297 181
Kerry Flynn 0:54:47 Martin Fisher 0:54:56 Nicola Randall 0:54:56 Ian Griffiths 0:55:19 Claire Osborn 0:55:13 Justin Plaistow 0:54:59 Charlotte Wright 0:55:21 Richard Coop 0:55:03 Paul Watkins 0:55:03 Suzanne Drakeford-Lewis 0:55:04 Franz Feichtenschlager 0:55:02 Nick Flynn 0:55:13 Andrew Curd 0:55:27 Chris Scott 0:55:05 Kevin O'Hara-White 0:55:44 Yvonne Mills 0:55:43 Paul Mellor 0:55:49 Chris Mills 0:55:37 Dean Allum 0:55:40 Amie Benton 0:55:56 Joanne Edwards 0:55:57 Joanna Jones 0:55:33 Andrew Smith 0:55:45 David Wayne 0:55:42 Fiona Roxburgh 0:55:48 Stephanie Smallman 0:56:37 Jessica Dolan 0:56:06 Damien Woolmer 0:56:04 Duncan Edwards 0:56:27 Bradley Kite 0:56:26 Lee Forward 0:56:33
258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290
31 585 82 371 332 401 90 368 362 514 206 242 105 413 387 8 18 554 270 461 195 1 190 152 189 9 232 128 287 32 537 389 544
Becky Bateman Vlad Dekic Nick Burrage John Newton Kevin McDaniel Laura Potter Sally Carpenter Rizwan Nazir Paul Morris Kathryn Vickers Jenny Griffin Peter Higgs Rachel Clempson Melvin Randall Pamela Peers Paul Allen Clare Austin Nicola Wilson Wesley James Amelia Smith Aimee Gill Marnie Absolom Ian Gascoigne Nora Drinan Hayley Gardener Zara Allen Danny Hearn Kerri Dalling Spencer Kemsley Kate Bates Elliott Weiss Kelly Penfold Catherine White
0:56:55 0:56:58 0:56:30 0:56:40 0:56:42 0:56:55 0:57:09 0:56:58 0:56:49 0:57:18 0:57:10 0:56:53 0:56:51 0:57:24 0:56:41 0:57:21 0:56:59 0:57:19 0:57:07 0:57:07 0:57:45 0:57:27 0:58:03 0:57:30 0:58:13 0:58:19 0:58:17 0:58:07 0:58:07 0:58:13 0:58:33 0:57:57 0:58:29
WOODLEY 10K | 21
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Melissa Neal was the first female runner home
Adam Dart
Mayor of Woodley, Cllr. Dave Mills presents the trophies to the winners in the Mens Race as Jeff Cahill (right, MCH Vehicle Rental) looks on. Spectators cheer the runners as they return to the finish line
Ginika Okoye
The drinks team at the finish Ida Burrows
Rob Corney
Paul Crisp-Mayne and Andrew Eckles
291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323
324 325 326 327
358 548 188 425
328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355
416 91 466 582 397 84 135 60 589 379 130 238 264 523 244 351 12 301 198 229 155 122 498 406 510 92 273 169
47 378 383 408 38 203 317 360 54 559 534 494 51 339 382 137 356 438 335 422 423 550 467 201 299 70 384 6 381 65 579 68 213
Gordon Bird 0:58:20 Stephen Outen 0:58:01 Stephanie Parker 0:58:21 Roger Pritchard 0:58:17 Jenny Bennett 0:58:44 Alyx Gregory 0:58:51 Heather Manford 0:58:55 Kerry Moore 0:58:55 Jenny Boxwell 0:58:49 Anthony Wise 0:58:17 Petra Weber 0:58:50 Colin Tennant 0:58:50 Salwa Boon 0:59:01 Nick Mckie 0:59:04 F Parkar 0:58:51 Mary Carol De Zutter 0:59:08 Elizabeth Mitchell 0:58:59 Veronika Royle 0:58:40 Ian McGuinness 0:58:32 Hilary Rennie 0:58:42 Peter Rennie 0:58:43 Michael Williams 0:58:54 Tom Smith 0:59:12 Alison Goodall 0:58:50 Miriam Knox 0:58:47 Zoe Browne 0:58:47 Phillip Patey 0:58:41 Moira Allen 0:58:58 Alice Papierowski 0:59:33 Kayleigh Brooks 0:58:57 Andries Steenkamp 0:58:57 Ian Brown 0:59:03 Elena Gutierrez-Lopez 0:59:25
Nick Moody 0:59:25 Rob Widdis 0:59:36 Silvia Garcia Garcia 0:59:40 Sarah Richmond Devoy 0:59:25 Samantha Ratcliffe 0:59:58 Alison Cartwright 0:59:38 Suzanne Smith 1:00:09 Russell Prentice 1:00:04 David Pollard 0:59:38 Aaron Burton 0:59:52 Jo Davies 1:00:23 Andrew Brennan 1:00:22 Nelka Goonawandone 1:00:15 Jenny Owen 1:00:24 Venkata Dandu 1:00:26 Judy Hicks-Davies 1:00:20 Margaret Husein 1:00:21 Rosemary Walles 1:00:57 Lawrence Hill 1:00:21 Steve Mills 1:00:54 Joe Appleby 1:01:04 Andrew Lenaghan 1:00:36 Peter Glass 1:00:37 Kaylie Haynes 1:00:53 Andrew Eckles 1:00:52 Paul Crisp-Mayne 1:00:52 Des Tidbury 1:01:07 Fiona Price 1:01:23 Matt Tye 1:01:07 Carla Cashley 1:01:14 Isobel Jenkin 1:01:23 Chris Farnath 1:01:15
356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388
Runners enjoy the spring sunshine in Woodford Park
Clare Austin, Holly Slater and Natalie Smith
Warming up ahead of the race 63 157 477 323 318 165 214 495 127 329 56 191 183 328 153 388 52 293 549 526 590 204 405 219 106 115 256 530 263 33 267 230 49
Stephen Briggs Cindy Edwards Claire Stemp Katy Martin Samantha Mansfield David Evans Joanna Hackett Tuty Melaky Guy Dakin Pauline McCormack Craig Boyles Emma Geddes Paul Foulds Amy-Jane McConnell Sarah Durrant Tori Pellow Karen Bowers Ralph King Robert Wiles Peter Warren Kim Waters Emma Grenside Christopher Price Robert Hansford Sean Coleman Susanne Corney Dan Howard Kate Watson Simon Hunt Karen Bath Peter Jacobs David Head Natalie Bishop
1:01:50 1:01:37 1:01:03 1:01:43 1:01:43 1:01:23 1:01:48 1:01:40 1:01:43 1:01:39 1:01:43 1:01:48 1:02:19 1:01:54 1:02:34 1:02:12 1:02:19 1:02:38 1:02:39 1:02:28 1:02:22 1:02:26 1:02:45 1:02:38 1:02:40 1:02:51 1:02:54 1:02:52 1:03:06 1:02:54 1:03:17 1:02:54 1:02:53
389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404
145 567 42 218 504 366 141 168 140 289 363 7 309 327 22 29
405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420
508 175 26 337 439 57 228 487 144 302 314 2 23 138 162 420
Sue Doe 1:03:19 David Worn 1:03:28 Phyll Berger 1:03:56 Chizuru Hamasaki 1:04:11 Christine Trim 1:03:33 Jenny Mulhearn 1:03:46 Juliet Dimmick 1:03:56 Leanne Falgowski 1:03:53 Gurmit Dhendsa 1:04:15 Alice Kerr 1:03:59 Peter The Train Morris 1:03:59 Nikkie Allen 1:04:19 Chloe Lloyd 1:04:08 Theresa McConalogue 1:04:22 Amy Baatz 1:04:25 Teresa Bastiman-Davies 1:04:06 Laura Turner 1:04:12 Rachel Few 1:04:51 Samantha Barnes 1:04:55 Andrew Mckay 1:04:38 Annette Russell 1:04:28 Natalie Bradburn 1:04:47 Matthew Hawkins 1:05:01 Kim Swanborough 1:04:56 Kelly Doe 1:04:42 Moira Lenaghan 1:05:02 Stuart Lunn 1:05:22 Tony Absolom 1:05:35 Rachael Bailey 1:05:41 Lynne Denton 1:05:14 Andrew Emberson 1:05:56 Steve Rendell 1:05:45
421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430
433 260 77 197 78 257 525 531 469 499
431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452
14 11 15 465 456 501 113 446 306 313 481 476 373 167 333 239 132 428 372 112 320 415
Elizabeth Rogan 1:05:44 Dean Humphrey 1:05:25 James Bunce 1:05:52 Jane Gillott 1:05:37 Jacky Bunch 1:05:37 Stephen Hoy 1:05:57 Robert Ward 1:06:19 Sharon Watt 1:06:43 Michael Southerton 1:06:19 Madeleine Tidbury Thorne 1:06:42 James Arnott 1:06:39 Lewis Anderson 1:06:29 Simon Arthur 1:06:40 Natalie Smith 1:06:53 Holly Slater 1:06:55 Dave Tindall 1:07:19 Kelly Corder 1:07:25 Lorraine Sellwood 1:07:26 Lorraine Liming 1:07:42 Alistair Lucocq 1:07:45 Catherine Stobie 1:08:00 Emma Stead 1:07:52 Jenny Oakley 1:07:43 Tracy Evans 1:07:54 Robbyn McGreogor 1:08:18 Gemma Higgins 1:08:17 Susan Dart 1:08:32 Helen Riordan 1:08:27 Sebastian Nice 1:08:33 Nikki Corbishley 1:09:13 Nicola Marshall 1:09:13 Mandy Rankin 1:09:26
453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463
492 324 241 281 400 177 125 161 245 133 235
464 465 466 467 468 4 69 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484
315 303 326 346 563 212 562 208 192 233 403 486 407 311 524 50 104 194 441 100 538
Lisa Taylor 1:09:26 Emily Mason 1:09:22 Vicky Higgins 1:09:05 Joanne Jones 1:09:46 Emma Poole 1:09:18 Tracy Fitchett-Bowen 1:09:51 Clodagh Curtis 1:09:33 Deborah Eley 1:10:04 Sarah Hilling 1:09:49 Clare Davies 1:10:10 Joanne Hendrie-Henderson 1:09:46 Tim Lynam 1:09:55 Stephanie Lewchenko 1:09:55 Dawn McCallum 1:10:00 Sarah Middleton 1:10:09 Clare Woodham 1:10:12 Joanne Gunn 1:11:06 Michael Wood 1:10:25 Anthony Grimshaw 1:10:23 Tanya George 1:10:44 Katherine Heaton 1:10:31 Nicole Pownall 1:10:38 Amanda Sutton 1:11:09 Mariska Prior 1:11:29 Esme Long 1:11:28 Kerrie Walsh 1:12:15 Katie Bonar 1:12:19 Jessica Clarke 1:12:15 Ron Gilbert 1:12:16 Alison Sargeant 1:12:35 Marlene Chapman 1:12:23 Joy Wellstead 1:12:25
485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515
276 479 139 411 98 338 79 40 555 491 529 352 505 391 475 574 116 575 336 367 304 503 343 30 556 448 449 553 459 209 243
Clare Johnson Karen Steventon Dhananjay Desai Martha Rafferty Laura Chandler Sara McKay Kelly Burchmore Pam Bennett Julie Wing Karina Taylor Tracy Watkins Wendy Mills Peter Trott Beki Philp Abi Stead Jean Young Alison Coulson Paul Porter Letitia McInally Katie Mulley Lisa Lewendon James Treherne Sue Medlycott Christine Batchelor Stephen Wing Huma Shaikh Zia Shaikh Helen Williamson Lou Slocombe Nicola Grimshaw Sheryl Higgs
1:14:15 1:14:15 1:13:51 1:13:57 1:14:33 1:14:41 1:14:40 1:14:55 1:15:29 1:15:05 1:15:18 1:15:47 1:16:13 1:18:43 1:19:03 1:18:50 1:19:14 1:19:44 1:19:47 1:19:52 1:19:51 1:21:37 1:20:54 1:21:23 1:22:23 1:23:45 1:23:45 1:24:52 1:29:53 1:29:53 1:36:00
22 | EDUCATION
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Press pack
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
We want to hear from you! Send your stories, pictures and poems to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS.
The amazing African astonishing dance workshop
J
from Ivory Coast in West Africa visited and his name was Gaspard Zamble. He made a shock to an outstanding school (they didn’t expect it). The name of this school was St John’s CofE Primary School in Reading. The children at this school announced that they had a lot of fun and it was a great opportunity for them. There was one child from this school that decided to say…, “I was nervous at first I didn’t know what was going to happen for I have never done it before. But then I started to like it, it was fun and a great opportunity for us like the others said.”
UST before Easter, I spent a couple of days with Year 3 and 4 pupils at St John’s Primary School in east Reading, talking about my work as a journalist. During the visit, we explored the history of newspapers and how they used to be printed including the old hot metal days. We also looked at how journalists write concisely and use attention grabbing headlines. From this, the pupils were challenged to write a news story based on a recent visit the school had received from an African dancer. Teachers from each of the four classes visited chose one story, and we print them for you to enjoy today. Remember, we love receiving your stories and ideas for our Press Pack page - submissions can be any piece of creative writing. You can email your pieces to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk Phil Creighton Publisher
Birds of a feather - in Swallows dancing! By ASHTON MWANZA
ON Wednesday 16th March, Swallows Class got to move with the grooves. They went on an amazing adventure, whilst dancing. Gaspard Zamble, a man from Cote D'ivoire (the Ivory Coast) taught some smooth moves. It was so good, even
Dazzling dancing at St John’s! By THEO WILD FLYNN
the teachers joined in! They had a blast. That hour really paid off. Ashton said, “I adored it. It was a great way to get active.” Swallows learnt all about West Africa and The Ivory Coast. Swallows and Gaspard were extremely enthusiastic. Gaspard didn’t have to tell them to love to sing! Their bodies maintained a lot of confidence during the dance. Everyone loved to contribute to the African dancing. It was phenomenal. Ezekiel said, “It was lots of fun. My favourite was the singing.”
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we love Emily A PUPIL from a local theatre school is preparing for the drive of a lifetime after scooping a role in a leading musical. Emily Highams has been cast in a touring version of the West End smash hit show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She will appear alongside Lee Mead, the winner of a BBC talent show search for the title role of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat. Also in the cast is former Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp, who is appearing as the Childcatcher. “I am so excited. It is a dream come true” said Emily who lives in Lower Earley. Emily attends classes at the Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow stage school, which is based in Wokingham and Woodley. School principal Shelley Fitzgibbon praised the young actor. She said: “Emily is a casting director’s dream. She is talented, pretty, extremely hard working and is fantastic on stage- We will certainly be doing a school trip to go and see her perform.” This is another credential for the
school having also had children in West End shows Billy Elliot, Matilda and Les Miserables. n The school is offering free trial lessons. To apply, call 07970 034488/ 01189 774258 or e mail shelley@ steppinoutstars.co.uk and quote WOKINGHAM PAPER.
Let’s dance, dance, dance Words & picture by NICOLE DJANIE
ON the 16th of March at St John’s CE Primary School, pupils were taught to dance the African way. Years four were taught how to really boogie by Gaspard Zamble. At the end of the session the students could do the dance themselves! Gaspard Zamble achieved teaching other young people how to dance wonderfully.
Year 4 student Ruby said, “The dance lesson was spectacular and I loved every bit of it!” Hanna said, “I loved it, it was very fun!”
The amazing African astonishing dance workshop By TISHANA TUDOR
ON Wednesday 16th March 2016 a man
ON Wednesday 16th March 2016 St John’s School (Reading) were visited by an exciting, rhythmical man named Gaspard Zamble. He taught African dancing to the children which they thoroughly enjoyed. The children had to copy eight different dance moves and then include them all in the big dance at the end. “It was one of the best workshops I have ever done, very fun, but very tiring!” said schoolchild Noah Kelly. The school has workshops in once a month, and this was probably one of the best. The teachers joined in as well. The children look forward to more exciting workshops in the future. Everyone loved it.
Fire crew visits school By GEORGE (age 7), SOPHIE (age 7), NIAM (age 7), ELLIOTT (age 6) and RORY (age 6) in Year 2, Waverley School, Wokingham.
THE children at Waverley School in Wokingham enjoyed a fun-filled, somewhat wet visit from Wokingham fire brigade last week! With the aim to be both fun and educational, children from Foundation to Year 6 enjoyed slightly different visitors to the school. Some of the Year 2 children (age 6-7 yrs) wrote down their thoughts afterwards. ‘We got to squirt water from a fire hose, this was really fun. The playground got very wet!’ ‘The Fire Crew came to show us what they do when people get injured or discover a fire.’ ‘I was really excited to hear what the siren sounded like and to find out how the hoses are used.’ ‘We were shown what a smoke alarm does and where they get all the water from they need to put fires out. They get it from a big metal piece that’s stuffed in to the ground. There is a handle they can use to pull the metal out of the ground so they can use their hoses to get water out. We were told about the different hoses they have on a fire engine – black, red, orange, blue and white. The coloured hoses were bigger than the black hose.’ ‘We were shown the different cutting equipment they have. I liked the look of the largest cutter. It looked really sharp and had rusty claws. I also liked the crusher cutter.’ ‘I liked it when we got to do ‘Stop, drop and roll’ in the playground to show us how to put out a fire if we catch alight.’ ‘We got to go inside a REAL fire engine! This was awesome.’ ‘At the end we got to have our photo taken in front of the fire engine.’
Pupils from Waverley School enjoyed a visit from Wokingham Fire Station – and even got to try their hand at a fire hose
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer
WokinghamRemembers
HERITAGE || 17 23 HERITAGE In association association with with In
Exploring Exploringour ourheritage heritagewith with wokinghamremembers.com wokinghamremembers.com
The restoration of the Wilts & Berks canal The past which has shaped our present... REVIEW
The waterways were once vital business routes, but as trains and cars took over This week MikE ChuRChER reviews their role diminished. STEVE BACON looks the Wokingham Remembers articles at how campaigners have protected the of the past four months and discusses Wilthisre andfactors Berkshire canal some of the which contributed
A O
a station built at Fools’ Day 1974 marked to thePRIL making of Wokingham and its Swindon, in 1841. the end of the old Berkshire. The environment. The GWR’s symbol of the county was the
ancient Horse carved VER theWhite past months the on the hill south of Uffington, Remembers and its county town Wokingham page has was Abingdon, from that day onwards been but providing an early picture Berkshireof became thin market strip and not and much how a asmall town a more. few villages on the edge of a forest is today We gained but lost leading the Vale of ranked as oneSlough, of the country’s the White Horse that had set the scene communities. for so long. Education, religion, industry, transport, Morestructures, than anything, transport social national politics and networks define a county; everyone local government are all important understands what is meant the ‘M4 pieces in building the great by Wokingham Corridor’. jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our Two hundred ago,aafew different contributions toyears date and ideas on mode of transport the next round of opened articles.up the countryside of the old Berkshire. To the Education, south it was the Education, Kennet & Avon (K&A) Canal linking Bristol and Reading via Education BathToday’s and Newbury, but the north hadas its Wokingham is renowned own well – the ‘Wiltsof&excellence Berks’. one canal of theas country’s centres at Semington, west forStarting education; this is partly dueoftoDevizes strong on the K&A, the Wiltsand & Berks (W&B) school performance the motivated Canal wove through the countryside parents who live in one of the most near Melksham, highly educatedChippenham, communitiesCalne in theand UK. Wootton Bassett reaching If we look intobefore the history of its summit level. schools we can see Wokingham’s It then passedisthrough the village how education woven into its DNA. ofPrior Swindon, Shrivenham, to the then Greataround War, Wokingham Uffington and Wantage to Abingdon on was surrounded by manor houses and the Thames. members of the landed gentry who The bigger ofthe Chippenham, wanted to be towns close to levers of power; Calne and Wantage had toofbe served by i.e. the royal households Windsor. branches. Company was proposed at In turnThe these upper echelons apossessed meeting ina the hilltop town Wootton serious sense of of duty Bassett in 1793, and the main line was and a responsibility to ensure their finally completed in 1810, witha abasic branch community received at least north to Cricklade in 1819. education. Wokingham also had a The K&A and the W&B were in powerful professional class, a strong competition, the larger canal taking most church community (including the nonofconformists) the trade because it was they on a shared more and together direct route from to London, a strong belief inBristol the importance ofand it could take 14ft wide barges. teaching. The Berks was limited TheWilts result&was with the skills, to the narrow-boats of 7ft because its motivation and thewidth finance available, main was coal, and the theretrade developed a culture of Somerset education Coal Canal most of the which stilland holds strong to waterways this day. were built to the 7ft standard. Wokingham Its heyday didn’ttransport last too long although Transport the single it did continueistoprobably pay dividends until the most important factor in Wokingham’s 1870s before serious decline set in. development, in bothRailway its rail and road The Great Western stimulated systems. much canal traffic when it was built west Futurereaching articles will at just the east of of Didcot, Haylook Lane, introduction of the railways and thewas Wootton Bassett, in 1840. Only later
Locomotive Superintendent Daniel major impact they had on the townGooch and wrote to Brunel Swindon we have alreadystating made athat start with the would be a suitable location road system by mapping outfor theits course of engineering base, saying, “The Wilts and the old Forest Road. Berks canal would While thethere building of allow the M4coal hadand a coke be obtained at aintroduction moderate price, majortoinfluence on the of the the its reservoir also highcanal techand businesses whichwould now surround serve in the last as a water supply”. Wokingham, it isresort the A329M which was gradually in Old 1975Swindon cut off the Forest Road eclipsed and its by New Swindon, built aroundEmmbrook Swindon natural connections between Station, theof railway to the The and the with villages Hurst works and Binfield. north of the railway and the railway love and hate relationship with our rail cottages tocontinue the southtoand canal and roads thisthe day! crossing under the tracks in tunnel. Wokingham’s military In June 1843, the Wilts & Berks made heritage an agreement with the GWR to sell Aswater 2015 isfrom the bi-centenary of the them the summit level for Battlehouses of Waterloo, thereathave been and a their and works Swindon number of articles commemorating this for condensing steam which was then world changing to be returned toevent. the canal. The Canal The area has always noted fora Company received £200been per year plus its contribution to the increased nation’s military variable charge which from capability, with Arborfield’s £190 in 1844 to £640 in 1867.REME, RFA and Remount connections and the However, although boat traffic through Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all Swindon stayed fairly constant for some situated verytolls nearby. years, canal had to be drastically cut Even to thecompete. Duke of Wellington took to in order living in Stratfield Saye,was which today is Meanwhile, the K&A bought-out only minutes Wokingham’s by the30GWR. Tollsaway werefrom increased; nighttowntraffic centre. time was stopped by order, and other restrictions gradually caused the Wokingham’s canal to decline. benefactor Other railway culture companies employed area around Wokingham was theThe same tactics by buying-up competing surrounded by many remarkable canals. individuals andGWR theyattempted were instrumental In 1926, the to close in building the much needed infrastructure the Kennet & Avon but was prevented by which underpinned law from doing so. the establishment of a strong community. After the Second World War, when the We will later be telling the storycanals of the railways were nationalised, many Walter family and their contributions to the building of Wokingham but in April first weekly issue, we told the story of the much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess of Downshire. Although one of Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a major financial contributor to this part of Wokingham’s public services. Later articles will illustrate the demise of these great manors and their incumbent social system and the rise of
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 nature of general elections before the introduction ofto the privateGovernmentballot. just happened become Future will include further owned as articles well, and it struggled to make tales ofofanarchy and waterway revelry in this old sense its decrepit system. market town. changed completely after The world
the Second World War. Wokingham at War Paidmoments holidays meant There are watershed in more for leisure, history which mark thetime moment of great andand activists formed change in a society the Great War of the Inland 1914-1918 is one such time. Waterways Association to fight any Therefore a number of centenaries canal between 2014 and 2018closures. will Although commemorate the great lossesthe of K&A war badly which scarred thewas people ofneglected, Wokingham for the rest of theevery 20th century. Easter holiday May’s edition followed the story from 1948 onwards, of two brothers from Langborough a determined band of Road in Wokingham town. One of our the canoeists overcame
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 profile of its population. broken lock Wokingham’s gates by taking their boats Although history out always of the water locks on the Devizes– has been at intertwined with Westminster Canoe Race.by providing the surrounding villages Westminster was both the winning a market place for agricultural and post and theproduce, politicalittarget, piling commercial was also a Forest pressure the ‘forest’ Government protect Town. Theon term did nottomean a the waterways. Canal societies cluster of trees, but a system of ignored laws laid officialdom and repaired structures, down by royalty for the protection of enforcing their right of navigation. their hunting grounds. Over the years,rules the British Waterways These onerous restricted local Board turned fromlarge beingparts Public Enemy people from using of the land No.sustenance 1 to becomeand theinfriend of the for part led to the canal and is now a charity rise of restorers, local highwaymen and general lawlessness. a result, subsequent known as theAsCanal andthe River Trust. Its Black Act of 1723are came down heavily paid employees outnumbered by on these ‘Wokingham resulted in volunteers, who’veBlacks’ tackledand everything either their transportation execution. from strimming and scrubor clearance to
Pictured above: Uffington Wharf in action atand the turn The story was told in June, alsoof the 19th century. The commemorated the 800th anniversary waterways were ini of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Runnymede in 1215. constant demand, as seen pictured left. Shining a light on However, the rise of the railways meant Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ thatthe their use fell To bring us up to date August favour in the articles are focused onout theofkids who are early part ofholidays. the 20th now entering into their summer the What better way tocentury. use thisBelow: month’s former symbol of editions than to tell the stories of the was the Romans, the Celts andBerkshire the Saxons white horse, but that influence on the area before Wokingham wheneye? the was even a twinkle in changed old Wocca’s David Nash Ford provided a setaltered of in boundaries articles and puzzles which 1974 makes
history fun for the young and no doubt rebuilding locks, aqueducts. will also catch thebridges interestand of the parents the Wilts & Berks in all whoWhere will bewas looking over their child’s this? It had stayed independent but lost shoulder. the last of in 1906. Here’s toits thetraffic next round of articles! By 1914 it could officially closed Thanks go out to ourbecontributors: Steve – and forgotten. WithNash all the attention Bacon, Jim Bell, David Ford, Sarah focused on theLong, K&A, Trevor it took Ottlewski a local Huxford, Roger historian, Jack Dalby, to research this and Peter Shilham for all their continuing abandoned waterway and document its contributions. rise, possible restoration. Allfall thisand work is provided by our It historians didn’t helpfree thatofthe ‘Berks’ part local charge and wasbe now all in butofpiece can found onOxfordshire, the front page the by piece the canal is returning to life, and Wokingham Remembers website in a couple of decades, it’s hoped that www.wokinghamremembers.com Thanks totravel Mark from Ashwell at boats will also again Semington to TradeMark forCricklade, supporting the paper’s Abingdon or creating a whole commitment to thisRings’. project. series of ‘Cruising
Windows doors and conservatories that last a lifetime and beyond www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
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24 | LEISURE
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What’s on Friday, May 13 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road. Wokingham Music Club presents Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Pass The Book Club. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents God Of Carnage. 7.45pm. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crime and Thriller book club. Noon-1pm. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Woodley Theatre presents audtions for Be My Baby. 7.30pm. Details: 07939 210121.
Saturday, May 14 EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Photography exhibition: Monochrome. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 0800 028 7338. EARLEY – Alfred Sutton Primary School and Wokingham Tools Shop, 97-99 Wokingham Road RG6 1LH. Wokingham Tools annual sale day event. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 966 1511. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Dad and Baby Rhymetime. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118
Sunday, May 15 EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park
At the theatre Basingstoke – The Anvil
www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Ronnie Spector CANCELLED. Fri. Moscow State Symphony Orchestra. Sun. Dancing In The Streets. Wed. Kronos Quartet. Fri 20. Malcolm Holcombe. Fri 20. Nigel Kennedy. Sat 21.
Tues. Frankenstein Live. Wed. Renoir: Rebered and Reviled. Thurs. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Fri 20-Sun 22. High-Rise. Fri 20-Sun-22.
Camberley – Theatre
www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Swap! Fri-Sat. Legally Blonde. Tues-Sat 21.
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 CAMUS presents Kiss Me Kate. Until Sat. Les Choristes. Tues. The Country Superstars Experience. Wed. Open Mic Night. Wed. NT Live: A View From The Bridge. Thurs. Camberley Youth Wind Orchestra. Fri 20-Sat 21.
Bracknell – South Hill Park
Didcot – Cornerstone
Basingstoke – The Haymarket
www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Artree Live Specia: Gilmore and Roberts. Sat. Swan Lake. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. What Would Spock Do? Tues. Stig of the Dump. Wed-Sat 21. Labels. Wed. What I Learned From Jonny Bevan. Fri 20. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 20. Wilde Sundays. Sun 22. FILMS: Risen. Fri. Truth. Fri-Sun. The Big Short. Mon. Marguerite.
www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Eliza and Martin Carthy. Fri. Dinosaur Park (The Jurassic Parody). Sat. Café Scientifique. Tues. Richard Herring: Happy Now?. Sat 21. Curious. Sun 22.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Merry Wives. Fri-Sat. Sweet Charity. Wed-Sat 21.
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk
The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough
931 2150. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Children’s Writing Group for ages 9-12. 2pm-2.45pm. Details: 0118 966 6630. RISELEY – Memorial Hall, Odiham Road RG7 1SD. Plant sale. 10am4pm. In aid British Red Cross. Details: 0118 935 8221. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Rose Street Gardeners plant sale. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 977 6898. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. The Link Visiting Scheme friendship week: An Evening With Phil Parkes, Alan Devonshire and Tony Gale. Doors open 6.45pm. £20, VIP tickets £50. Details: 07968 822468 or linkvisiting.org/ friendshipweek. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Theatre presents God Of Carnage. 7.45pm. Details: www. wokingham-theatre.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presents: Meet the Princess Belle and Captain America. 11am-1pm. Danny Mountain. 2pm-4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Saturday storytime for parents and children. 11am. Madhatters Tea Party for ages 4-10. 2.30pm-3.30pm. £2. Poetry Writing Group. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood presents: Jimmy Hastings on saxophone and flute. 7.45pm. £10. Details: 07939 210121.
Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Photography exhibition: Monochrome. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 0800 028 7338. EMMBROOK – Village Hall, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JN. Pentecost afternoon tea. 3.30pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – Elms Field, Elms Road RG40 2AG. The Wokingham Walk: five or 15 mile walks. £15 adults, £5 ages 12-17, free under 11s. Details: www. wokinghamwalk.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Choral Evensong sermon series: Horrible Heresies: Why What We Believe Really Matters. Guest speaker Hannah Higginson from St James Finchampstead. 6.15pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. The Link Visiting Scheme friendship week: High Society. 2.30pm. £6.. Details: 07968 822468 or linkvisiting.org/friendshipweek. WOKINGHAM – Howard Palmer Gardens RG40 2BX. Theatre In The Park: My Friend Peter. 2.30pm-4pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Pentecost Sunday/Christian Aid Week interchurch service organised by Churches Together in Wokingham. 6pm. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway Society, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway. 1.30pm-4pm. £1 per ride, buy 5 get 6th free. Details: www.pinewoodrailway.co.uk
Monday, May 16 BRACKNELL – Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane RG12 7GR. Bracknell Camera Club meeting: Creating An Image. 7.30pm. Details: www.bracknellcamera-club.co.uk. EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2
Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 Lights Camera Dance. Sat. Shakespeare and His Women. Wed. A Royal Concert For The Queen’s 90th Birthday. Thurs. Kast Off Kinks. Sat 21.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Jackie The Musical. Until Sat. The Total Who Show. Sat. Pasha. Mon. Tom Stade. Thurs. Mark Steel: Who Do I Think I Am? Thurs. Shazia Mirza. Sun 22.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Croft and Pearce Show. Fri. U2Baby. Fri. The Eurovision Song Contest. Sat. Police Dog Hogan. Sat. Sunday Stories at the Farm. Sun. Stones In His Pockets. Wed. Rant. Thurs. Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. Fri 20. St John’s Chamber Orchestra Summer Concert. Sat 21. ROH Live:
(TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Photography exhibition: Monochrome. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 0800 028 7338. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Jack in the Books book club. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Writers forum. 10.30am-noon. Woodclyffe book group. 5.30pm6.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter. Drop-in for knitting, sewing and a chat. 2pm-3pm. Children’s Book Group: Kate Greenaway Shadowing Group. For ages 6-9. Booking essential. 3.45pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Lacemaking Open Evening with the Wokingham Lacemakers. 7.45pm-9.15pm. Details: 0118 973 3129.
Tuesday, May 17 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Victoria (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre. co.uk. EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Photography exhibition: Monochrome. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 0800 028 7338. TWYFORD – Library, Polehampton Close RG10 9RP. Knit and Natter. Drop in knitting group for adults. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 934 0800. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Little Bugs Story session with author Tona Stubbs. For ages 7 and under. 4pm-4.45pm. Children’s origami
Frankenstein. Sun 22. FILMS: Eddie The Eagle (PG). Sun, Tues. Dheepan (15). Sun, Tues. The Man Who Knew Infinity. Sun 22.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Newbury Spring Festival. Until Sat 21. Moscow State Symphony Orchestra. Fri. Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Fri. Alexander Bone Trio. Fri. Thumbelina. Sat. Tenebrae: Russian Treasures. Sat. National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Sat. Bach’s Coffee Cantata. Sat. Tales In Music. Sat. Quator Cambini Paris: French String Quartet. Sun. Sing Your Heart Out. Sun. The Sheepdrove Piano Competition Final. Sun. The Sheepdrove Piano Competition Winner. Mon. Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Tues. Opera at Combe: Verdi’s Rigoletto. Tues. The Duke of Devonshire: Chatsworth Past, Presetand Future. SOLD OUT. Tues. The Escher Quartet. Wed. ROH Ballet Live: Frankenstein. Wed. Savitiri Grier. Wed. The Marian Consort: Breaking The Rules. Thurs. Elaine Paige Talks To Edward Seckerson. SOLD
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
club. 4pm-4.45pm. Third Tuesday Book Group: discuss new books, bestsellers and favourites. 10.30am-11.30am. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. UK Online: Help with computers. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. Noon-2pm. £4. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Wednesday, May 18 EARLEY – Thames Valley Park 2 (TVP2), 300 Thames Valley Park Drive, Thames Valley Park RG6 1PT. Photography exhibition: Monochrome. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 0800 028 7338. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Book group. 10.30am-11.30am. Colouring for Adults. Free. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 908 8176. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults. 2.15pm3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am-1.15pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokigham Folk and Acoustic Club. 7.30pm. Details: Facebook. com/WokFAB. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Illustrated talk about Jack Tar and his life in Nelson’s Navy with Roy and Lesley Adkins. £3. 2.30pm3.30pm. Rhymetime for Babies. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers. 11am-11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.
Thursday, May 19 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH.
OUT. Thurs. 4 Girls 4 Harps. Thurs. Anoushka Shankar: An Evening of Classical Indian Ragas. Fri 20. Mirthful Mish Mash. Fri 20. Palisander. Fri. London Brass With Martin Baker. Fri 20. Rainer Hersch: Classic Greats, Comedy Gold. Sat 21. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman. SOLD OUT. Sat 21. Flights of Fancy. Sat 21. FILM: Demolition (15). Fri-Thurs. I Saw The Light (15). Fri-Thurs.
Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 Untold Stories. Until Jun 11.
Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Rebellious Acts. Sat. Sitelines: Handle With Care. Thurs-Sun 22. Kieran Hodgson: Lance. Thurs. Third Friday Blues: Zoe Schawartz Blue Commotion. Fri 20. Poets Cafe with AF Harrold. Fri 20. Double Dot Bash! Sat 21.
Reading – The Hexagon
Reading Film Theatre presents: Truth (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre. co.uk. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 931 2150. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Crafts and Laughs. 3pm-4pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Keep Calm and Fly Casual: Club for players of the X Wing Miniatures Game. Age 16 and over. 5.30pm-7.45pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club (WEBCC) meeting: Mastering portrait photography with Paul Wilkinson. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 5670. WOKINGHAM – Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Brooklyn (12a). £6.50. 7.30pm. Part of The Link Visiting Scheme’s Friendship Week. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Classics Book Group: for lovers of Dickens, Austen etc. 6.30pm-7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.
Friday, May 20 EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue). Reading and Wokingham Spanish Circle meeting: Los Misterios de Tiwanaku and El Cocoliche with Agostina Tulloch. 7.45pm. £3. Details, 0118 977 2569 or 0118 979 2458. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road. Wokingham Music Club presents Hank Wangford. £10. Details:
www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Gangsta Granny. Until Sat. Strictly Street presents Mirror Mirror. Sun. Sarah Millican: Outsider. Wed-Thurs. Puppetry of the Penis. Sat 21.
Reading – The Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Trevor Pinnock, Harpsichord and Friends. Fri. Celebrity Organ Recital: Anne Page. Thurs. An Audience With Lucy Worsley. Sun 22.
Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Suddenly Last Summer. Mon-Sat 21.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Next show: Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders. June 8-11.
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000
www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. The Russell Players presents The House of Bernada Alba. 7.30pm. Details: 07555 073597. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am-11.30am. £4. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am. Local history surgery: drop-in advice. 10am-noon. Wokingham VIP group: book group for visually impaired. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.
Saturday, May 21 MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Craft time for parents and children aged 2-5. 10.45am-11.15am. Details: 0118 966 6630. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. The Russell Players presents The House of Bernada Alba. 7.30pm. Details: 07555 073597. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen Writing Group. 10.30am-noon. Wokingham Writers Group for adults. 10am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presents: Wokingham Choral Society. 2pm4pm. Details: www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk
Sunday, May 22 BINFIELD – Foxley Fields RG42 4EW. The Binfield 10k: running, walking and jogging. Stalls, tea tent, barbecue and events for children. 10am. £13, £15 nonregistered club entrants. Details: www.binfield10k.co.uk
It Runs In The Family. Until July 2. Rod Stewart Experience. Sun 22.
Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Jekyll and Hyde. Until Sat. An Audience With Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe. Sun. Lotty’s War. Mon-Sat 20. Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. Sun 22.
Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 Dancing Queen The Concert. Sun. Mercury: Queen Tribute. Wed. Menopause Musical. Fri 20. Pasha. Sat 21. The Carpenters Story. Sun 22.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 God Of Carnage. Until Sat. Blue Stockings. June 16-25.
Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Audition: Be My Baby. Fri, 7.30pm.
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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LEISURE | 25
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Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham
Enjoy a Rolls-Royce of a farce The Mill’s latest production has just opened and, as GEMMA DAVIDSON discovers, it’s a comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles
It Runs in the Family by Ray Cooney is the latest show to be performed at The Mill Sonning Pictures: Geraint Lewis
‘A
ROLLS-ROYCE of a farce’ is the latest hilarious offering to open at The Mill at Sonning this week. It Runs in the Family by Ray Cooney sees a host of well-known faces return to the Sonning theatre for the comedy’s seven-week run, including Harry Gostelow, Elizabeth Elvin and Nick Wilton. Set in St Andrew’s Hospital at Christmas (yes, we know it’s nearly June), It Runs in the Family opens on Dr David Mortimore (Gostelow) preparing to deliver the most important lecture of his medical career, one which could even lead to a knighthood. But before he can take to the lectern, ex-nurse (and former flame) Jane Tate arrives with shocking news as to why she departed so hastily 16 years and nine months ago… In strides Dr Mortimore’s son Leslie, a strapping young lad who is desperate to meet his long-lost father, but the doctor’s wife Rosemary (Lynette McMorrough) knows nothing of this past love affair and can’t find out! In steps Dr Bonney (Wilton), Dr Mortimore’s faithful friend who will go to great lengths to keep up with his friend’s expanding web of lies and manic cover-ups. In true farce fashion there is running around, mistaken identities and plenty of innuendo. The audience is put in the privileged position of knowing exactly what is around the corner before the cast do, and they can sit back and enjoy watching the entire plot spin deliriously
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out of control while the cast struggle to keep it together. Nick Wilton, who has previously starred in Cooney classics Caught in the Net and Two into One at The Mill, said sometimes it can prove tricky for the actors to keep a straight face. He said: “The biggest trouble is stopping us laughing, of course slapstick comedy is what farce is all about, but I think we are all quite grateful for the rehearsals so we can get the laughs out of our system. “It can be difficult though, rehearsing comedy
without an audience, because you don’t quite know where to pause, which lines will get the biggest laughs. “For the first few nights we will be bouncing off the audience and learning which bits they laugh at, so by the end of the run it will be seamless.” It Runs in the Family opened last night (Thursday) and runs until July 2. Evening shows are Tuesday to Saturday, with Saturday matinees every week, Sunday matinees from May 22, and Thursday matinees from June 23. Tickets start at £47.50 which include dinner, programme and show. n To book tickets visit www.millatsonning.com or call 0118 969 8000.
Gwen the labrador was rescued from a dog pound in a very poor condition where she was also facing a grim fate. But since then she has doubled her bodyweight, giving some idea of the awful state she was in. Gwen is very good with other dogs, apart from at mealtimes when she has to be watched, but then food was clearly not very plentiful in her past life. She has recently been adopted to a family with another dog - but she did not want to share her new family, so we feel she would be better suited as an ‘only dog’. She has a sweet nature, and is gentle and friendly with people at all times, but as she has no long term history, we would not wish to place her with children under 12 years. Gwen is a lively young dog, and whilst she walks well on the lead and has a good recall, she
IT isn’t every day that an audience gets to see an enormous, iridescent, green plant eat several of the cast live on stage. It may have also been the first time that many had witnessed a dentist, high on nitrous oxide, singing his swan song while wearing an astronaut-style helmet. But EBOS always strive to put on shows that amaze and surprise and Little Shop of Horrors was no exception. From the opening scene, the performance was full of tight harmonies, sassy dance moves and fantastic acting from the leads down to the chorus. The American accents were convincing and the vocals powerful. A highlight of the show was the intimate relationship developed between the gawky Seymour (Niven Willett) and the demanding, hungry, and ever-growing plant, cleverly operated by a team of puppeteers. The orchestra deserves a special mention. It rarely overpowered the singers and featured some stunning performances of Klezmer-style clarinet to Mariachistyle trumpet. Dark at times but hugely entertaining, Little Shop of Horrors is another triumph for this Wokinghambased society.
will certainly need some further training. She will also need an active and interesting lifestyle, and company most of the time.
RED Two-year-old Red was originally found as a stray, but was never reclaimed, and he has now come to DBARC to find a loving and permanent home. He is bright and energetic, and always ready for a game or a walk. As with most collies, Red is not suitable for someone seeking a quiet companion. He will need plenty of walks and games, but will also need to exercise his clever brain, and this will be achieved by taking him to training classes and perhaps even training for a dog sport such as Flyball or Agility. Red is good with other dogs, but we have no idea how he is with cats or small pets. He has no long-term history, so we would not wish to place him with children under 12 years. As with all young dogs, he will need company most of the time.
MINSTREL Minstrel is a delightful young collie cross who was an unclaimed stray facing an uncertain future in a dog pound. Now DBARC is
music club
JUDITH CREIGHTON
Wokingham
with Gemma Davidson
GWEN
EBOS presents Little Shop of Horrors South Hill Park Until Saturday
Wokingham
Animal Corner 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
Let’s talk shop thanks to EBOS
enjoying his happy, outgoing nature while we find him a new home. This will need to be with someone who loves a highly intelligent and lively companion, and who is able to offer him lots of exercise and lots of love and fun. Minstrel is great with other dogs, loves people, but as he has no long term history, we would not wish to place him with children under 12 years. Minstrel will need some further basic training, as one would expect with a dog of his age, and will need company most of the time.
RINGO Poor Ringo came to DBARC as his owner sadly passed away. He is a very handsome, one-yearold tabby, and has been neutered. He must be feeling very sad and confused at the moment, but we are confident he will find a loving new home soon. n Could you offer a forever home to any of these animals? If the answer is ‘yes’ then please get in touch with the centre on 0118 934 1122 to make sure the animals have not already been reserved. The centre is open everyday between 11am and 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm. For more information, and to view other animals in need of a home visit www.dbarc. org.uk
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Your weekly puzzle challenge
26 | LEISURE
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Quiz Challenge
CROSS CODE 14 17
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1. E numbers are used to describe food additives. For what does the E stand? 2. The busiest land crossing in the world is the border between the Mexican city of Tijuana and which city in California? 3. In The Simpsons how is Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofski better known? 4. Of which English king was Margaret Beaufort the mother? 5. Ben Shephard is the host of which ITV daytime quiz show?
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NONAGRAM
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Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed L through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber. U B
O W A
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
DISLIKES TALL MATE
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 13 Good; 15 Very Good; 18 Excellent.
HR
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SUDOKU Easy
4 8 1 9 2 2 5 6 9 5 6 8 1 8 2 4 5 2 7 4 1 6 7 1 4
2 5 7 6 3 4 8 4 5
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4 8 6 9
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8 3 6 2
1
2 4 5 5 8
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
RY
Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
8 2 9 3 7 6
All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services. To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com
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5. Walked endlessly on the dry plain (6)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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ACROSS 2. Secure piece of luggage (3)
EQUALISER 7 4 2 3 1 5 5 16 2 1 5 2
Hard
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
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FIVE ALIVE
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
6. Singer/songwriter Louis Tomlinson is a member of which popular boy band? 7. Which American goalkeeper scored a goal from open play during an FA Premier League match in 2012? 8. Which city on the River Elbe is the capital of the state of SaxonyAnhalt? 9. Which disability charity used to be known as The Spastics Society? 10. The flag of Ghana has three stripes of red, gold and what other colour?
WORD PYRAMID
N M N
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
2. Saw how terribly he bled (6)
7. Smoking jacket? (6)
3. Voracious newsman clothed in a drab colour (6)
9. Pair handicapped in the race? (5-6)
4. Interfere with the commemorative coin, say (6)
10. Enclosed, having received stolen goods (6)
6. Not all the actors and actresses separate (4,7)
11. Pulled the American journalist (6)
8. Designing locomotive on eastern loop (11)
13. Weight which remains the same even without me (6)
10. Confusion in the mist (3) 12. Follow Rover perhaps (3)
16. Tidying the bed? (6)
14. I read about rebel leader, an attacker (6)
18. Neglect to put a square in the design (11) 19. Understand you’re about to say no to an African (6) 20. No s-spirit in the dram! (6) 21. Label has some advantage (3)
15. Still surviving in the next anthology (6) 16. Increasing keenness! (6) 17. Sister, one in company of papal messenger (6)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
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SOLUTIONS
DOWN 1. Astute form of modelling (6)
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26. Examine (4) ACROSS 2. Memorable (7) 28. Opening (7) 7. Indonesian 29. Meat substitute (4) island (4) 30. Drench (4) 8. Lose water (4) 31. Latticework 9. Dead body (7) structure (7) 10. Pack of cards (4) DOWN 12. Peer (4) 1. Disappear 15. Belief (5) gradually (4) 17. Ship’s officer (6) 2. Notch (4) 18. Fame (6) 3. English painter (6) 19. Apportions (6) 4. Amphibious rodent (6) 21. Irony (6) 5. Otherwise (4) 22. Roof overhang (5) 6. Young salmon (4) 23. Those people (4)
10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 20. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.
Down payment (7) Slaughter (7) Suffer anguish (7) Indulgent (7) Native American tent (5) US state (5) Containing salt (6) Consecutive (6) Ring (4) Defensive trench (4) Hardy heroine (4) Coalmining waste (4)
9 7 1 2 4 8 5 3 6
3 8 5 7 6 1 2 4 9
4 2 6 9 3 5 8 1 7
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1 9 3 4 8 6 5 2 7
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EASY SUDOKU
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WORD PYRAMID: Bullet-proof vest. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; subtract; divide. Total: 7. MAGIC SQUARE: mist; idea; sell; talk.
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QUICK CROSSWORD: miso; moan; monk; mown; onanism; Across – 2 Notable; 7 Bali; 8 Leak; 9 Carcass; 10 Deck; 12 Earl; 15 skim; snowman; soma; swam; swami; Tenet; 17 Purser; 18 Renown; 19 Shares; 21 Satire; 22 Eaves; 23 swim; woman. Them; 26 Test; 28 Orifice; 29 Soya; 30 Soak; 31 Trellis. Down – 1 Fade; 2 Nick; 3 Turner; 4 Beaver; 5 Else; 6 Parr; 10 Deposit; 11 Carnage; 13 Agonise; 14 Lenient; 15 Tepee; 16 Texas; 20 Saline; 21 Serial; 24 Hoop; 25 Moat; 26 Tess; 27 Slag. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Bag; 5 Steppe; 7 Reefer; 9 Three-legged; 10 Fenced; 11 Yanked; 13 Gramme; 16 Hoeing; 18 Inattention; 19 Kenyan; 20 Noggin; 21 Tag. Down – 1 Statue; 2 Beheld; 3 Greedy; 4 Meddle; 6 Part company; 8 Engineering; 10 Fog; 12 Dog; 14 Raider; 15 Extant; 16 Honing; 17 Nuncio.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 European; 2 San Diego; 3 Krusty the Clown; 4 Henry VII; 5 Tipping Point; 6 One Direction; 7 Tim Howard; 8 Magdeburg; 9 Scope; 10 Green.
amnion; amok; kami; kinsman; KINSWOMAN; main; mako; mansion; mask; mason; miaow; mink; minnow;
NONAGRAM:
(1) Across – Hefty; Lyric; Seedy. Down – Halts; Farce; Yucky. (2) Across – Rinks; Often; Adder. Down – Rioja; Noted; Sonar. FIVE ALIVE:
Gig guide Friday, May 13 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Serious Chord Squad. Details: 01276 473160. BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Gremlins. MAYhem at the BEECH with DJ Luck and MC Neat. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell RG12 7DL. NRG. Details: 01344 423667. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Mollys Jam. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Mays. Details: 01344 422622. CAMBERLEY – The Agincourt, London Road GU15 3JA. Genesis tribute band. Details: 01252 651841. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Said and Done. Details: 01276 27641. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The SkaSouls. Details: 01276 32691. EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents An Evening With Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri. SOLD OUT. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. The SwanLock Duo. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. Undercovers. Details: 01252 663686. GORING – The Village Hall, High Street. Gap Gig: jazz night featuring Art Themen,
John Etheridge and Liane Carroll. Details: 01491 874492. LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Novello, Bath Road SL6 3RX. Lea Lyle Quartet. Details: 01628 825753. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Catself from Finland with support from Helen Bright shadows. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Fell Out Boy (Fall Out Boy Tribute). Jungle DJ set. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. TWI Friday with live music from 6pm. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Influences: JUBEI (Metalheadz). Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Music Is My Boyfriend, DJ Zoe Anne. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com. READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. The Blue Beats. Details: 0118 986 3040. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Curious Sounds. Details: 0118 402 7800. SANDHURST – 10 Swan Lane GU47 9BU. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01252 872444. SONNING – Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn and Elaine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Echo. Details: 0118 977 3706. 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.
LEISURE | 27
To advertise call 0118 328 2959
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056. WOKINGHAM - Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Soul Dance Party DJs. Details 0118 978 3023.
Saturday, May 14 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Revolution. Details: 01344 878100. BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Sunset Boulevard Band. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Mushrooms + MAYhem at the BEECH with DJ Luck and MC Neat. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: Gilmore and Roberts. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell RG12 7DL. The Vinyl Covers. Details: 01344 423667. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Crash N Burn. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – Obelisk Way GU15 3SD. Asylum Affair .Details: 01276 683847 CAMBERLEY – Working Men’s Club, Obelisk Way GU15 3SD. Asylum Affair. Details: 01276 683847. CROOKHAM – Social Club, The Street GU51 5SJ. NRG. Details: 01252 615740. FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. Whozdrivin. Details: 01252 542962. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Cherry Valentine Acoustic Duo. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Cherries. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. A celebration of Neil Diamond with Wayne Denton. Details: 01252 811009. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Hugh Turner Heavy Quartet. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Curious Sounds. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul
Brothers. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000. READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. The Jason Hendrix Experience. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Bare Groove DJs. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com. READING – O’Neills, Friar Street RG1 1BD. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580. SANDHURST – The Village Inn, Yorktown Road GU47 9DX. Jukebox Junkies. Details: 01252 873220. SONNING – Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Looters. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Back Beat Boogie. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Tetnus Jab. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 15 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readifolk: Ryewolf. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dreading Poetry Slam Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. An Intimate Evening with Maverick Sabre and ESPA. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Trivia
The BROAD ST TAVERN
LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT MAY 13
THE ECHO
MAXIMUM BRITISH POWER POP!
MAY 16
MAY 27
KARAOKE HAWAIIAN LAUNCHING NIGHT MONDAY! IN OUR NEW GARDEN BAR!
COME AND JOIN US! 29 Broad Street, Wokingham RG40 1AU 0118 977 3706 WWW.BROADSTREETTAVERN.CO.UK
Night. Details: 0118 953 0000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Tumbling Dice. Details: 01276 858501.
Monday, May 16 READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Movie Club. Details: 0118 953 0000. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. New Karaoke night. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Tuesday, May 17 FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Fleet Jazz Club: Neale Meets Steale. Details: 01252 811009. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Stuart Henderson’s jazz night with Rebecca Poole. Details: 0118 969 9878. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Jazz Singers Night with Fleur Stevenson. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Speakeasy Cocktail Bar, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LG. Open mic night with Scott Lewis and guests. Details: 0118 957 3500. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Groove Lab. Details: www.oakfordsocialclub. com. WINDLESHAM – The Sun, Chertsey Road GU20 6EN. Bracknell Folk Club presents: Mean Mary. Details: 01276 472234.
Wed, May 18 FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Live Longe Sessions: Soulstar. Details: 01252 620198 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Bohemian Night. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Brother Strut. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing LIVE: Hudson Scott / Kaldera. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Gappy Hour from 6pm. Karaoke Night from 10pm. Details: 0118 953 0000.
TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Open Mic night. Details: 07946 342551.
Thursday, May 19 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Acoustic Night. Details: 01276 27641. FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Chelsey Chantelle Duo. Details: 01252 620198. HENLEY – Magoos, Hart Street. Stars In Their Minds karaoke. Details: 01491 574595. READING – RISC, London St RG1 4PS. Silver Heels. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Dorje. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music, Leyya (Austria) + support. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Great Escape Warm Up Party: The Fin (Japan), Island, JR Green and more. Don’t Sweat The Technique: Golden Era Hip Hop. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Live acoustic music from 6pm. Details: 0118 953 0000. SHINFIELD – Magpie and Parrot, Arborfield Road RG2 9EA. Lloyd Payne Quinteti. £5. Details: 0118 988 4130. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook. Details: 01491 681048. WHITE WALTHAM – White Waltham and Shottesbroke Social Club, Hurst Lane. The Jukesters jam night. Details: 0118 934 3785.
Friday, May 20 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01276 473160. BAGSHOT – The Three Mariners, High Street GU19 5AW. Anna Nightningale. Details: 01276 473768. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Barry White. Details: 01344 303333.
HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! This Saturday @ 9pm
BACK BEAT BOOGIE Everything from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll
WEY LIVE MUSIC
Sat May 21
GIGABIT
An energetic mix of rock and pop
Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk
CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Power of Soul. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Zak. Details: 01252 519964. HENLEY – The Five Horseshoes, Maidensgrove. Rebecca Poole Trio with Hugh Turner. £25, includes supper. Details: READING – South Street. Third Friday Blues: Zoe Schawartz Blue Commotion. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Mighty Leap. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Scarlet Vixens. Cubed with DJ Yoda, DJ Binge, Jim B Donovan, Whitehouse Studio. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music: The Black Tambourines, support and Groove Lab DJs. Details: www.oakfordsocialclub. com. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. JUNCTION MUSIC: Hip-hop/ Grime – Faces Of Death / Lemar / Borjad Luis / Skittlez. Dark Matter: Tim Sharpe/Shoon. Details: 0118 959 7196. EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Hank Wangford. Details: wokinghammusicclub.co.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn and Elaine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Live Music. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays. Details: 07415 354056. WOKINGHAM - Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Soul Dance Party DJs. Details 0118 978 3023. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Phill Aaron. Details: 01252 872105.
Saturday, May 21 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road. Rob and the Retros. Details: 01344 878100. BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01344 420572. BLACKWATER – Hawley Bridge Working Men’s Club, Willows Lane GU17 9DL. Uptown Traffic. Details: 01276 31037. BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. Stone Thorn. Details: 01344 454532. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funky
Funks. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Red Aztek. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 422622. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Arachna. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. DJ Sting. Details: 01252 519964. FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Daryl Gould. Details: 0118 973 4855. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Hooky. Details: 01252 811311. FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Will.i.an. Details: 01252 835322. READING – South Street. Double Dot Bash!. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. DJ Dom. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Forever Jackson. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Chris Bound’s Rhythm and Blues Revue. Details: oakfordsocialclub.com. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SPEAKBEATS. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – O’Neills, Friar Street RG1 1BD. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace RG1 1DG. Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000. SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. The Bite. Details: 01252 878938. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Open mic and jam night. Details: 0118 988 3563. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road RG10 9EG. Said and Done. Details: 07946 342551. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. The Mays. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Gigabit. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056.
28 | LEISURE
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
AT THE CINEMA
The acoustic couch
You’ve not got a friend in me
Safe spaces for young music fans
Kim Taylor-Foster
Upcoming music with Jody Mc
This week, I’m pleased to introduce to you SKOOLZ-OUT, who want to provide a place for teenagers. Here, they explain what they’re all about
The SchoolzOut team will be in action during the Whitsun halfterm, and want to provide fun for teenagers aged between 13 and 17
S T
HERE are so many generic teen horror movies, it can be difficult to separate them. It’s a genre that seems almost impervious to progression, and as such, many are stuck with a Nineties feel. In recent years, a subgenre has sprung up – the social media horror – which taps into our fears over the vulnerability that comes with sharing our lives over the internet, and Friend Request is the latest addition to that category. Observing the protocol of standard slasher pics, it’s a passable horror thriller jumping on the social media theme bandwagon. But it also revels in its Nineties Japanese horror influence and nods to the Final Destination franchise as well as last year’s well-received It Follows. It also tacks itself on to a reemerging trend for witch-based, dark arts fare. Derivative, then. Fear the Walking Dead’s Alycia Debnam-Carey stars as Laura, a college girl who accepts an online friend request from a fellow student – a mysterious loner named Marina (Liesl Ahlers). When Marina’s attentions become obsessive, Laura’s friends advise her to cut her off. She unfriends her in an effort to put a stop to the cyberstalking. Stoking Marina’s anger, people around Laura start meeting gruesome deaths and it eventually becomes clear who is to blame. Fighting against an unsympathetic college and police force, Laura has to understand what’s happening in order to put a stop to the killing – but what’s the price? With a small handful of traditionally crafted jumps and scares, Friend Request is an adequate teens-in-peril supernatural shocker that its target 15-year-old audience will likely respond to. Building the tension once or twice to a point where you’ll want to look away from the screen, break the silence with a cough or shift in your seat to interrupt your body’s physical response to fear, it does its job nimbly enough. An interesting and somewhat unexpected turn as it heads towards its climax boosts its credibility a notch, even if it’s a twist that has been (competently) set up from the start. Although it’s happy to display some gore, Friend Request is at pains to pull its punches to secure the 15-certificate it has been awarded. The result is a touch unsatisfying. On top of a sense that you’ve seen it all before, you’re left feeling a bit like you do after a theme park ride where it doesn’t quite deliver the thrills you’d hoped for.
Dress Code No hooded tops, caps, tracksuits, jogging pants, offensive slogans, or scruffy jeans, are allowed at any Skoolz-Out events. Jeans and trainers are Ok. Those wearing any of the above items plus coats will be asked to leave them in the cloak room, by a member of Skoolz-Out or venue staff. Failure to co-operate will result in refused entry to the venue. There is a minimum charge per item for the cloakroom.
alcohol, illegal substances & cigarettes. If any of the above are found they will be confiscated and the police may be called. Any young person refusing to be searched before entry will not be permitted. All legal issues surrounding searching teenagers are strictly adhered to.
and if we discover any persons intimidating others or using inappropriate language they will not be allowed to enter, or if inside the event, then they will be escorted from the venue.
Age Restrictions
Skoolz-Out’s own in-house photographer, Clive Thompson Photography, will take pictures of young people at our events. Our photographer is a licensed Chaperone with Bracknell Council and holds an enhanced DBS Certificate. These pictures can be obtained by visiting our website after each event. By entering Skoolz-Out events you give us consent to take your picture, record video footage or sound for the purpose of the Skoolz-Out website. Persons not wishing to have their picture taken or recorded must inform a member of staff on entry to all Skoolz-Out events. www.clivethompsonphotography.co.uk
Our target age group is 13-17. Any persons wishing to gain entry to Skoolz-Out events who look over age will be asked to produce ID. We will not permit any person over the age of 17 entry to our events other than persons employed by Skoolz-Out or the venue.
Alcohol & Drugs Policy Drugs and alcohol are not tolerated. Only soft drinks are on sale at our venues. Young people are randomly breathalysed on our doors to check for any consumption of alcohol. All bars will have alcohol removed for Skoolz-Out events. We will, wherever possible, try to contact parents or guardians to collect their child or children, if they are found under the influence.
Smoking Skoolz-Out operates a strict NO SMOKING policy. Upon entry, any cigarettes found will be confiscated. Cigarettes will not be sold at the event, so under age persons will not be allowed to purchase them.
Bullying
Searches
Skoolz-Out require all persons in the events to treat the venue and others with respect at all times. A strict anti-bullying policy will operate,
The Skoolz-Out search procedure will take place before entry to the club/venue. Searches take place primarily for weapons,
STR8TS
Staff Skoolz-Out employ polite, friendly staff around the venue to assist or help young people who may have a problem or incident that they might want to discuss. No matter how small the problem may be Skoolz-Out staff will always be on hand to assist young people.
SUDOKU
No. 281
Easy
Previous solution - Medium
8 7 9 3
9 8 5 7 6 4 3 5 4 2 1
2 1 8 1 2
8
Photographs
6 2 9 4 7 5 6 1 7 8 1 3 2 9 4 7
9
You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
1
7 4 6 4 6 5 7 6 8 2 6 5 1 5 9 3 2 4 2 1 2 1 8 3 1 4 8 7 2 7 5 6
5 1 4 2 7 8 9 6 3
2 3 8 7 6 5 4
No. 281
3
Tough
7
3 5 8 7
7 3 6 2 9 1 4 8 5
5
6 5 4 9 7 1 1 2 2 8 1 9 5 6 9 6 8 5 8 7 1
How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.
2
Previous solution - Medium
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
Stars: Alycia Debnam-Carey and Liesl Ahler
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
Friend Request (15) «««««
KOOLZ-OUT is a new venture offering club nights for young people aged 13-17. We are working with schools around the areas of Bracknell, Wokingham and Ascot to give young people a safe place to go. Our dedicated staff members include a qualified security team, a qualified young person counsellor and parents who want to get involved. Our events which take place at The Acoustic Couch run over the half-terms and holidays and our next event is Sunday, May 29 at 7pm. All our details including ticket prices and dates can be found on Facebook by searching SkoolzOut Bracknell or our website www.skoolz-out. uk.com Now for the serious bit. All parents want to know their children are safe and cared for and for your reference please peruse the Skoolz-Out terms and conditions so you can see how serious we and Skoolz-Out are about making these fun BUT safe events to be at
5 8 2 3 7 4 1 6 9
4 1 9 5 8 6 2 7 3
2 4 3 9 1 8 7 5 6
8 6 5 7 4 3 9 1 2
1 9 7 6 5 2 8 3 4
3 5 4 8 2 7 6 9 1
9 7 1 4 6 5 3 2 8
6 2 8 1 3 9 5 4 7
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
IN A BAND? HOLDING A GIG? HEARD SOME GREAT MUSIC? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! E-MAIL NEWS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK
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Classifieds Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks
DECORATING
We are proud to support The Wokingham Paper A local family business established for 30+ years, we guarantee customer satisfaction with our highly professional and personal service.
We provide all aspects of internal and external painting and decorating, domestic and commercial, plus artexing, coving and tiling. Also general building and allied work. Free estimates and advice Mobile: 07966 551698 Phone: 0118 973 3537 Email: trevor@quality-decorators.co.uk Website: www.quality-decorators.co.uk
TUITION 11+ (CEM) Tutor
For Reading, Kendrick and Slough Grammar Schools. Structured approach, track record. Based in Wokingham. www.11plustutor.education 07906 387368
Call 0118 328 2959
Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Reach local people
FOR SALE RECLINER CHAIR colour beige. Very good condition. Surplus to requirements. £250 ono. Details: 0118 978 0536.
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Call 0118
328 2959
ELECTRICAL David Elgood Electrical Services Father-and-son business established for 40 years
• Seven-day call-out service • No job is too small • Part P registered with NAPIT and a JIB approved electrician • Age Concern registered and CRB checked
Tel: 0118 978 6753 Mobile: 07768 914303 Email: davidelgood1@gmail.com A satisfied customer is a good advert. See our reviews at www.littlegreenbook.co.uk
SERVICES If You're Looking For A Professional, Reliable, Friendly Mobile Disco & Dj Service, Then Look No Further..
Our Dj's Can Cover Any Event, Playing Music From The 1950's To Today! Call Phil Now On 07946-624307
www.hotspotproductions.co.uk Making Your Night One To Remember.
Friendly service
We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today
PUBLIC NOTICE
quality decorators
CLASSIFIEDS | 29
To advertise call 0118 328 2959
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 SECTION 236 LAND DRAINAGE ACT 1991 SECTION 66 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL CONFIRMATION OF BYELAWS NOTICE is hereby given that Wokingham Borough Council intends, after the expiry of the period mentioned below, to apply to the Secretary of State for confirmation of byelaws made by the Council, the general purpose of which shall be the securing of an efficient drainage system within the Borough; the regulation of the effects on the environment of a drainage system; securing the effectiveness of flood risk management works and securing the effectiveness of other works carried out under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Copies of the byelaws will be kept at the Council Offices, Civic Centre, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WH and will be open to inspection without payment on any work day within the hours of 08:30 and 17:30 for 6 weeks from and after Monday 16th May 2016. Copies of the byelaws will also be supplied on receipt of an application accompanied by a fee of £10 for each copy. Any objection to the application for confirmation of the byelaws may be made by letter addressed to the address below or emailed to flooding@wokingham.gov.uk no later than Monday 27th June 2016 before the byelaws are confirmed. Dated: 13th May 2016 Heather Thwaites Director of Environment Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham RG40 1WH
MOTORING
ALL CARS WANTED Including vans & motorcyles for cash
Minimum *£200 cash for scrap cars.
Same day service. Will not be beat on any prices.
07429 122 712 *Subject to condition of vehicle
Get your business seen!
Call 0118 328 2959
RECRUITMENT
Advertise your job vacancy free of charge! We’ve put together an amazing offer for you – a free linage advert of up to 30 words for your vacancy. There’s no strings and no catch. Just email your wording to advertising@wokinghampaper. co.uk and we’ll insert your job vacancy in our next available issue. Please note, we can only accept these adverts by email. You can pay a little and include your company logo, a box or convert it into a bigger advert – for more details email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk.
Please note: offer is limited to one advert per company. We will place your advert only when there is space. For upgrade prices, please contact us. For multiple inserts or vacancies there will be a charge. We reserve the right to decline an advert.
BOHUNT SCHOOL WOKINGHAM Mixed 11- 18 Academy Sheerlands Road, Wokingham, RG2 9GB Website: www.bohuntwokingham.com
Opening in September 2016, we will be a busy and vibrant school with high expectations and aspirations. With up to 1500 students when full, we are part of the Bohunt Education Trust, which governs the TES Overall school of the Year. Our roles, in a small team of highly motivated colleagues, offer you a unique opportunity to gain experience and career progression as the school is built and the intake grows. You will be able to work flexibly and on your own initiative, communicate effectively with a friendly and helpful disposition.
Caretaker/ Site Superintendent £15,595 - £18,700
(Full time: 37 hours on shift pattern to be agreed)
Providing site maintenance and security, your hours of work will vary between 6:30am and 9:00pm during the week subject to an agreed shift pattern, with scope for evening working where lettings of the school facilities are developed. The successful candidate would ideally have a trade although this is not essential; however, basic electrical, plumbing or carpentry skills would be advantageous. You must hold a clean UK driving licence and be prepared to drive the school minibuses, on occasion (once training has taken place). The role will ensure the premises and its contents are appropriately maintained, cleaned, secured and fit for purpose in line with all relevant legislative requirements. Start date July 2016.
Science / STEM Technician
FTE £15,289 - £17,204 or higher dependent on skills and experience 37 hours per week - 39 weeks (+ 5 days school holidays) Providing technical support, you will ensure that equipment is functioning properly and is ready to use, and that the right materials are available for particular lessons. You may be expected to work closely with students to explain or demonstrate experiments or how to use equipment, as well as helping teachers with a class and supporting individual students on research projects. A scientific background or interest, or practical Laboratory Technician experience is preferable but not essential.
Learning Support Assistants x 2
FTE £14,699, 30 hours per week term time only (+ INSET days) Supporting students within the school, you must have a passion for working with young people. If you enjoy variety in your role and thrive on working in a busy environment this is a great opportunity for you. The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, relate well to young people and possess Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent). Start date: 5th September 2016. To find out more, including how to apply, please visit our website: www.bohuntwokingham.com/vacancies CVs are not accepted. Closing Date: 31st May 2016
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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Friday, May 6, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
WOKINGHAM SPORT
HOWZAT!: Full round-up from all our teams as the cricket season returns — Pages 36-39
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 BOWLS
Bannerette boys cream of the county
Wokingham Bowls Club enjoyed a four-day tour to Dawlish
THE MEN at Wokingham Bowls Club will receive a county bannerette later this year after convincingly beating some of Berkshire’s best. Such an award does not come around very often, so the club grabbed the opportunity to try and clinch it with both hands when winning the contest 143-101. Victory represented a great start to the season, with the rink consisting of skip Paul Melhuish, Michael Duggan, Paul Graham and Sam Walsh securing the success. The margin of their success was 24 shots, with Wokingham winning on three of the five rinks.
out on the wrong end of an 90-89 result. Skip Trevor Gilmour, who was flanked by Stuart Slocombe and Adrian Chipper, produced the highest up Wokingham rink on the day and won by 14 shots. The contest also saw David Hewitt make his Wokingham debut.
Results: Trevor Gilmour 25 shots T.Morton 11 shots; Colin Cleverly 18 D.Sutherby 18; Paul Melhuish 18 G.Harris 24; Paul Aylott 13 B.Rammell 18; David Smith 15 G.Cripps 19
It was a strong performance from the side, which won all three rinks. In particular, Sandra Thomson, Rosemany Musto and Sue Thomson were up by six shots. Results: Sandra Thomson 22 shots K.Edwards 16 shots; Jill Francis 24 J.Spencer 22; Vidy Melber 22 A.Allston 19
n WOKINGHAM endured a disappointing return to the green for the start of the mixed friendly season – losing 133-79 away at Windsor and Eton. The hosts were just too good for the opposition on the day, with the guests totting up only the one rink win, which was skipped by David Smith and consisted of Barry Wooley, Diane Pople and Ann Taylor. Despite the result, a positive came via the way of Andrew Cullington, who was making his first appearance for the club.
15 shots; George Hayne 11 M.Haywood 32; Paul Graham 18 R.Michison 22; Adrian Chipper 12 R.Cooke 19; Jim Rudd 11 T Marshall 22; Sue Thomson 7 T.Scott 23
n WOKINGHAM Bowls Club saw 57 of its members embark on a four-day tour of Dawlish last week. Although winning just one of the games they played, defeating their counterparts at Den, the trip to Devon was considered a success, with the touring party making many new friends at the clubs they visited. Wokingham played two matches each day before returning to the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren, which was accommodating them during the stay. The awards for Top Lady and Top Man was Arleen MacFarlane and Alan Taylor. The top performing rink during the win at Den was John Evans, skip, Eric Nathan, Bill Finnie and Hazel Winstone.
DARTS
Legion pair trade Knockout blows WINNERSH BRITISH LEGION duo Keith Townsend and Garry Ellis fought through the field to reach the final of the Wokingham Independent Darts League Knockout Singles Cup. The season-long competition came to a head on Tuesday night and it was two men from the Division One champions who battled it out for the top prize. While Townsend (left) and Ellis (right) contested the singles crown, there were also pairs and fours competitions. Trophies for winners of all the competitions will be awarded on May 28 by 1983 Lakeside champion Keith Deller. This will be part of an exhibition evening involving the former world champ, following on from the success of a similar event with legendary player Eric Bristow last year. The winter league has now concluded, but the summer league begins towards the end of May and runs through to September.
n AWAY at Great Hollands in a friendly fixture, Wokingham Men came
n MARIE FIELDING enjoyed a winning start with Wokingham Ladies, who edged out Tilehurst in a weather-affected friendly. Vidy Melber’s rink was the highest up for the club on the day, which helped Wokingham to a 38-32 lead when the bad conditions brought proceedings to an halt after just 10 ends. The Ladies followed this up by defeating Sunningdale 68-47.
YOUTH FOOTBALL
LOCAL FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Blacks are beaten
Lamb and Lawlor fire Hurst to Junior Cup success
Results (Wokingham skips first): John Scowen 32 shots S.Wright 10 shots; Paul Melhuish 35 M.White 11; Bob Thompson 29 P.Hitt 10; Trevor Gilmour 19 R.Heathman 16; Tom Searle 9 R.Goodchild 32; Alan Symondson 19 L.Hillier 22
WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook Blacks saw their season come to a close on a losing note. Opponents Bracknell Town Robins edged out the Sumas 1-0 in this East Berkshire Football Alliance Casey Starke Division 1 clash, with the only goal of the game coming when a corner was headed home just before half time. Wokingham’s best chance fell before this and went to Rhys Williams, who struck the crossbar after man-of-the-match Casey Starke and Joe Jones combined to set up the opportunity. A late rally would result in the Blacks winning three flag kicks of their own, but with the side unable to capitalise, Town held out to take the points.
Results: David Smith 20 shots R.Haywood
By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
ASHLEY LAMB and James Lawlor strikes guided Hurst Reserves to a 2-0 victory in the final of the Berkshire Trophy Centre Junior Cup against Woodley United A. Thames Valley Division Four side Hurst upset the odds against Division Three Woodley, taking the lead on 20 minutes through Lawlor’s effort. And the advantage was doubled 10 minutes before the break when Lamb found the net. Neither side troubled the scorers for the remainder of the contest at Henley Town with Hurst taking the honours. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE, who finished bottom of Division 3, were unable to finish their season on a high after going down 3-2 against Burghfield in the final of the Reading Challenge Jubilee Cup. Second-half strikes won it for Division 4 outfit Burghfield, with Ryan Farmer, Jamie Wilson and Billy Margetts securing the glory In the Premier Division, BERKS COUNTY ended their campaign with
relegation after an entertaining 4-3 loss at AFC Aldermaston.
Liam Ferdinand (right) picked up two Binfield awards Picture: Colin Byers
Keith Townsend (left) and Garry Ellis
Hellenic Premier Division LIAM FERDINAND won the prestigious players’ player of the year crown at Binfield’s awards night. Striker Ferdinand, who also picked up the golden boot with 22 goals from 30 appearances, claimed the honour from his peers at Saturday evening’s ceremony. Meanwhile, James Knight was voted as manager’s player of the year by Roger Herridge with his goal against Highmoor Ibis also named as goal of the season. The other first team award went to captain Alex Luis, who won the supporters player of the year. Josh Valentin had an evening to remember, recording a clean sweep of the youth awards with manager’s player, players’ player and golden boot after 23 goals in just 20 games. Reserve team boss Ellis Wood awarded his player of the season gong to captain Jamie McCarthy while golden boot winner Ethan Jerome also won players’ player of the year. The final award of the evening went to long-time supporter and volunteer of Binfield, Barry Hillier, who was named clubman of the year.
34 | SPORT
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LONDON IRISH
DEPARTURES
Beaten Irish are stung by Wasps – and ill-discipline
Fenby retires to pursue career in accountancy... ANDREW FENBY has retired from professional rugby, his club London Irish have announced. The 30-year-old winger, whose 28 tries made him a firm favourite with Exiles fans, has quit the game to pursue a career in accountancy. Fenby, who joined Irish from Pro 12 side Scarlets in 2013, making 61 appearances, is a qualified chartered accountant and has his sights set on a career in the City of London. “I have really enjoyed my time with London Irish and it is with a heavy heart that I have come to make this decision and pursue a new opportunity,” said Fenby, who also turned out for National League 1 side Blaydon, Llanelli and Newcastle Falcons during a 12-season career. “London Irish have fantastic facilities and there is an infrastructure in place that should allow the club to make an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership and realise its ambitions in years to come.”
Wasps 38 London Irish 12 ILL-DISCIPLINED London Irish ended their relegation season with a resounding defeat at Wasps. Exiles, already confirmed as playing Championship rugby next year following their defeat to Harlequins the previous week, saw both Ofisa Treviranus and captain Luke Narraway sent to the sin-bin during the heavy loss. Wasps, who ran in four tries during their spells with the extra man, picked up the bonus point they needed to try and earn a home semi-final, only to finish third due to results elsewhere. Johnny Williams and Alex Lewington both crossed the whitewash for the visitors but tries from Thomas Young, Siale Piutau, Christian Wade, Dan Robson, Ashley Johnson and Josh Barrett swept Irish aside. “The boys were trying their best but at the end of the day, we just weren’t really good enough to contain them,” said head coach Tom Coventry. “There were some good signs once again, we scrummed well and put some pressure on them and at one stage in the game we were close to being seven points down with 10 or 15 minutes to go. “Our discipline was probably an issue. “We had two yellow cards which are pretty telling. “They scored four of their tries when we had 14 men on the field which is a sign of ill-discipline, which is a thing we’ve tried to alleviate this year but it reared its ugly head against Wasps.” A first-half try from Williams which was converted by fellow academy graduate Theo Brophy Clews briefly put London Irish ahead. And Coventry was keen to praise his youngsters in what has been an ultimately disappointing campaign. “In a losing season, sometimes we gloss over the performances of kids like Johnny and Theo, who have been marvellous,” he said. “It was demonstrated against Wasps that they can step up to the mark and I think we are going to see some massive growth in those boys next year. “Playing in the Championship will take a little bit of pressure off them and they’ll be able to develop hopefully with a few wins under their belt.” He added: “These boys will take this year’s blooding into the Premiership into that competition and we’re all hoping for bigger and better things from those young boys. Theo Brophy Clews
Johnny Williams crossed the line for the Exiles during the first half at the Ricoh Arena Picture: Steve Smyth
“We’ve got some real youth coming through.” World Cup winning prop Ben Franks returned to the starting line-up for Irish and helped restrict Wasps to just six points in the first 20 minutes. But the game was all but won in the closing stages of the first half when Piatau and Wade both went over to lead 21-7 going into the break. Lewington reduced the deficit, latching onto a Brophy Clews kick, but three tries in seven second half minutes sealed the win. And New Zealander Coventry, who only took charge last summer, admits it is only natural for his position to be in question after leading the side to relegation, as well as the overall make-up of the backroom staff. “I’m ultimately responsible for the rugby on the field,” he admitted. “When things aren’t going well and you’re not winning, people will look for change and that’s part and parcel of it. “I understand that. “As far as it looks like, I will probably find out in due course. “I’ll be the first to know and then we can get our teeth into whatever it looks like.”
LONDON IRISH: Tonks, Lewington, Mulchrone, Williams (Hearn 62), Tikoirotuma, Brophy Clews (Noakes 67), McKibbin (Allinson 49), Harris (Halavatau 52), Paice (Cruse 67), Franks (Palframan 64), Stooke (Sinclair 62), Symons, Narraway (c), Trayfoot (McCusker 49), Treviranus. Tries: Williams, Lewington Con: Brophy Clews Sin bin: Treviranus, Narraway WASPS: C. Piutau, Wade, Daly, S. Piutau (Miller 67), Bassett, Jackson (Gopperth 52), Simpson (Robson 52), Mullan (Bristow 64), Johnson, Cittadini (Swainston 52), Launchbury, Davies (Rowlands 67), Haskell (c), Young (Jones 36), Hughes. Tries: Young, S. Piutau, Wade, Robson, Bassett, Johnson Pens: Jackson x2 Con: Gopperth Scoring sequence (Irish first): 0-3, 0-6, 7-6, 7-11, 7-16, 7-21, 12-21, 12-28, 12-33, 12-38. Referee: Tom Foley. Attendance: 16,902
Saracens Exeter Wasps Leicester Northampton Sale Sharks Harlequins Gloucester Bath Worcester Newcastle London Irish
AVIVA PREMIERSHIP P W D L F 22 17 1 4 580 22 15 0 7 585 22 15 0 7 598 22 14 0 8 509 22 12 0 10 455 22 11 2 9 456 22 10 1 11 547 22 10 1 11 429 22 9 0 13 435 22 7 0 15 420 22 5 1 16 357 22 4 0 18 328
A 376 361 397 475 392 459 583 423 460 597 556 620
BP 10 14 12 9 12 10 13 7 12 7 5 4
PTS 80 74 72 65 60 58 55 49 48 35 27 20
INTERNATIONALS
England call-ups for Exiles trio ALEX LEWINGTON, Johnny Williams and Theo Brophy Clews have all received England call-ups. The trio, who have been three of the brighter spots during a disappointing London Irish campaign, will link up with their compatriots in the coming weeks. Winger Lewington (inset), who scored nine tries in 21 appearances for Exiles this campaign, has been called up by Eddie Jones for a three-day
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
training camp with the senior England squad in Brighton between 17-19 May. Youngsters Brophy Clews and Williams, who have made their breakthrough from the Irish academy this season, have been named in the England Under-20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championships in Manchester which take place in June. England will face Italy, Australia and Scotland in Pool B.
Fenby made an immediate impact with Irish, topping the try scoring charts for the 2013/14 season, while during the following campaign his pace, power and elusive running was a key factor as the side reached the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup. Welshman Fenby, overall, dabbed down 126 times in a 214-game professional career. Fenby, a Newcastle University graduate, becomes the second player this week to announce his is leaving the club following relegation from the Aviva Premiership. It was announced on Monday popular prop Halani Aulika is to join Sale Sharks for the 2016/17 season. “Andrew has been a great professional throughout his time with the club and we would like to send our best wishes to him and his family,” said Glenn Delaney, head of rugby operations. “He has a fantastic opportunity in the City and I’m sure he will have a successful career post rugby.”
... as Guest checks out and calls it a day TOM GUEST has joined London Irish team-mate Andrew Fenby in deciding to retire from professional rugby. The back-row, 31, has been with the club since 2014, making the switch from Harlequins, where he was a European Rugby Challenge Cup, Aviva Premiership and LV=Cup winner. Guest followed up the 200 appearances he made for the Twickenham Stoop outfit with 30 for the Exiles, scoring three tries. And like Fenby, who has quit the game to pursue a career in accountancy, the player admitted the decision to call it a day was a tough one to make. “There are a lot of experiences that will long live in the memory, and I am grateful to have played rugby at the highest level for many years, “ said Guest, who has also represented England Saxons. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with London Irish during my two years with the club – it is a club that is steeped in history and tradition and I am sure it is only a matter of time before Irish realises
Tom Guest Picture: Pinnacle/London Irish
its ambitions.” Glenn Delaney, head of rugby operations at Irish, added: “I speak on behalf of everyone at the club in wishing Tom and his family all the very best for the future. “Tom has had a magnificent playing career, a career that he should be hugely proud of and we have enjoyed having him at the club.”
Aulika sets Sale and moves to Sharks HALANI AULIKA has brought to an end his four-year stay at London Irish following the club’s relegation from the Aviva Premiership, signing for Sale Sharks. The Tonga international (pictured) was the first of many high profile players to quit Madejski Stadium this week. Prop Aulika, 32, has been a key figure for the Exiles since joining from Super Rugby side Highlanders in 2012, going on to make 81 appearances and score 23 tries. “I have loved my time at London Irish,” he said. “I’m very thankful for the support I have received.
“I would like to thank the supporters for all they have done for me over the last four years and I wish the club well for the future.” London Irish head of rugby operations, Glenn Delaney, added: “Halani has been a great servant of London Irish over the past four seasons and has been a fantastic ambassador for the club. “Especially with his involvement in the club’s community programmes. “We would like to thank Halani for his efforts and wish him well for the future.” Aulika’s final appearance in an Irish shirt came in the relegation-confirming defeat to Harlequins on May 1.
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
OWNERS PROVIDE AN UPDATE
‘A disappointing campaign, but Premier League remains the goal’ By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk
READING’S Thai shareholders Narin Niruttinanon, Lady Sasima Srivikorn and Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth have released a statement indicating their ambitions going forward following the culmination of the 2015/16 campaign. Royals ended the season in 17th place in the Sky Bet Championship following a run of just one point from their last seven matches, with a run to the FA Cup quarter-finals again the stand-out achievement. The Thai trio used the statement to hint they will be looking to offload a number of players this summer and focus on promoting the talented youngsters within the ranks, suggesting last summer’s policy of bringing in a host of
fresh faces did not pay off. Despite the on-field disappointment of the first team, the owners assure fans of their commitment to the club and say they are pleased with off-field developments and the success of the club’s academy. Key points: n They acknowledge it has been “another disappointing and very frustrating league campaign” n They admit the target is the same as when they took over two years ago and say “we are trying to understand how best to achieve those ambitions as a group and reach the Premier League” n They suggest last summer’s
overhaul of players did not work, saying: “We decided to invest in a lot of additions and improvements to our squad of players (but) the results on the pitch have not met the club’s high expectations.” There are suggestions this summer’s transfer policy will be different: “We have to build from within now and this summer will be an important one,” added the statement. “Change is inevitable and we will need to build and bind together a new squad of players capable of challenging at the top end of the division.” n Despite recent rumours their interest is waning, the owners say:
“Despite the obvious disappointment of this season, our commitment to the club grows stronger” Focus may well be on the academy players next season, too, citing Josh Barrett and Tariqe Fosu as good examples: “We are extremely proud of the reputation our academy has rightly earned and we are confident we will see yet more young players make a real impact in our first team,” added the trio. They round off the statement saying: “Let’s look forward to a strong new-look team” next season n READING’S youngsters secured a seventh place finish in this season’s Barclays Under-18 Premier League. It has been a memorable year for David Dodds’ charges, who also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, where they were narrowly beaten 2-1
by eventual winners Chelsea, while domestically the side progressed to the ‘merit league’ of the competition, which took place during the final two months of the campaign. They did this by finishing runners up in a South section containing sides such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Southampton and West Ham United. Reading were again pipped to top spot by Chelsea. Despite losing captain Josh Barrett to the first team and several other regulars to Under-21 call-ups, Royals put up a good show, with a 4-1 success at Liverpool a highlight. These round of fixtures also saw a number of players promoted from the U16s, with Ade Shokunbi, Joel Rollinson, Ethan Coleman and Danny Loader all involved.
READING FC
‘Sloppy’ Reading feel the wrath of angry McShane Blackburn Rovers 3 Reading 1
PAUL McSHANE admitted Reading “have not been good enough” this season after the campaign ended with a limp loss at Ewood Park. The captain was part of a side which went down in the north west to Elliott Bennett, Danny Graham and Simeon Jackson strikes, with defeat meaning the guests finish another difficult year in 17th position. Yann Kermorgant netted for the Royals via a stunning 20-yard free-kick, but the effort would be nothing more than consolation on what was another disappointing afternoon for Brian McDermott’s men, who were beaten for the sixth time in seven games. A season which began with such promise and saw Reading sit second at the beginning of October would end in utter frustration and McShane is demanding an improvement, adding how Saturday’s performance summed up the season. “We started off really sloppy in the first 20 minutes and we didn’t really get going,” said the captain. “It was misplaced pass after misplaced pass and balls out of play – simple basic things that we haven’t been getting right for the second half of the season. “It’s about being able to win games and having that bit of know-how. “We certainly haven’t had that this season. We’ve made too many mistakes, we’ve conceded too many bad goals and we haven’t really scored many, either. “It has been a bad combination of everything and is something we need to put right in the summer.” McDermott made one change to the side beaten 2-1 by Preston North End the weekend before, putting in youngster Josh Barrett from the off following his impressive appearance from the bench last time out. But they would find themselves behind in just the fifth minute when Bennett cracked a volley on the turn across Ali Al Habsi in the Reading goal and into the bottom corner. Things got no better for the visitors either, with on-loan striker Graham timing his run to perfection to meet a ball swung over from the left, which he too volleyed home with aplomb on 14 minutes.
Paul McShane
Yet Reading would reduce the deficit just past the half-hour mark. Deniss Rakels was bundled over just outside the box and a free-kick was awarded. Oliver Norwood and Kermorgant stood over the ball, but it was the latter who took the set-piece, which he put over the wall and the line via the underside of the crossbar, with the referee’s assistant confirming the goal. With the strike came some momentum, with Reading producing moments to try and equalise, but Rakels was prevented from meeting a Chris Gunter cross by an opponent before the same player was denied by an offside flag. Danny Williams also pulled the trigger just before the break, but the shot was swept up by Rovers ‘keeper Jason Steele. McDermott used the break to make a couple of changes: bringing on Hal Robson-Kanu for a first appearance since injuring a calf in March, while Academy product Rob Dickie was handed his first-team debut, slotting in at right-back. And the young defender was immediately involved, striding forward and sending over a cross which was cut out, while at the other end producing a timely block to thwart Matt Grimes. Williams was desperately unlucky not to get the necessary touch needed to divert Rakels’ inviting cross home, who was again stopped in his tracks when another Gunter centre was deemed to
have come from an offside position not long after. And with this went the game, as the result was put beyond any doubt four minutes from time when substitute Johnson pounced when Reading failed to deal with an inswinging corner. “You have to stick with football and persevere, because things can change really quick,” added McShane. “I’m looking forward to next season already, and I’ll get myself mentally and physically ready for pre-season and hopefully get a good start and see where it takes us. “I don’t mind young lads coming in and making honest mistakes. “Rob Dickie came in today and did really well at right-back. He’s an honest, hard-working lad that wants to do well. “If we have a group that want that and can do that, we’ll be up there.”
BLACKBURN ROVERS: Steele, Marshall (Evans 58), Duffy, Hanley, Kilgallon, Lenihan, Lowe, Jordi Gomes, Bennett (Jackson 69), Graham, Grimes (Conway 74) Subs not used: Henley, Ward, Williams, Raya Goals: Bennett 8; Graham 14; Jackson 86 READING: Al Habsi, McCleary, McShane, Cooper, Gunter, Barrett (Dickie 45), Williams, Norwood, Quinn (Evans 87), Kermorgant (Robson-Kanu 45), Rakels Subs not used: Bond, Kuhl, Stacey, Watson Goal: Kermorgant 31 Referee: Andy Madley Attendance: 13,140
Burnley Middlesbrough Brighton Hull Derby Sheff Wed Ipswich Cardiff Brentford Birmingham Preston QPR Leeds Wolves Blackburn Nottm Forest Reading Bristol City Huddersfield Fulham Rotherham Charlton MK Dons Bolton
Sky Bet Championship P W D L 46 26 15 5 46 26 11 9 46 24 17 5 46 24 11 11 46 21 15 10 46 19 17 10 46 18 15 13 46 17 17 12 46 19 8 19 46 16 15 15 46 15 17 14 46 14 18 14 46 14 17 15 46 14 16 16 46 13 16 17 46 13 16 17 46 13 13 20 46 13 13 20 46 13 12 21 46 12 15 19 46 13 10 23 46 9 13 24 46 9 12 25 46 5 15 26
F 72 63 72 69 66 66 53 56 72 53 45 54 50 53 46 43 52 54 59 66 53 40 39 41
A 35 31 42 35 43 45 51 51 67 49 45 54 58 58 46 47 59 71 70 79 71 80 69 81
Pts 93 89 89 83 78 74 69 68 65 63 62 60 59 58 55 55 52 52 51 51 49 40 39 30
Clockwise, from left: Hal Robson-Kanu, Simon Cox and Antonon Ferdinand are among the players to be released when their contracts expire on July 1
Robson-Kanu heads up list of departing Royals HAL ROBSON-KANU, Simon Cox and Anton Ferdinand will all leave Reading when their contracts expire next month, the club have announced. Wales international Robson-Kanu, 26, is the highest profile of 17 first team, loanees and youth team players who will not be retained by Reading going into the 2016/17 campaign. Loan duo Michael Hector and Lucas Piazon have already returned to Chelsea while Andrew Taylor, Matej Vydra, Alex Fernandez and Ola John will return to their parent clubs, as expected. As well as the first team players, a number of youth team stars will also not be extending their stay at Madejski Stadium, Iceland Under-19 international Sammi Fridjonsson included. Completing the list is Pierce Sweeney, Noor Husin, Lewis Collins, Nana Owusu, Hammad Lawal, Conor Shaughnessy and Bogdan Vastsuk. Robson-Kanu and Cox both have lengthy histories with Reading. Striker Cox, 29, who netted his only goal of the campaign against Middlesbrough last month, came through Royals academy in 2005 before leaving to join Swindon Town three years later. He was brought back to the club in August 2014 and made 60 appearances for the first team, scoring nine times. Robson-Kanu’s departure signals the end of a 10-year association with the club. The Wales winger broke through the ranks in 2007 and after a couple of loan spells made his Reading debut in 2009.
He leaves with 30 goals to his name from 227 appearances. Robson-Kanu ended a spell on the sidelines through injury with one final outing as a second half substitute in the final day defeat at Blackburn Rovers. Ferdinand, 31, is perhaps the bigger surprise of the group of players to leave, given Royals lack of centre-backs in the squad. After an injury-ravaged first campaign at Madejski Stadium, Ferdinand has enjoyed a run in the side this season with 24 appearances. While a lot of youngsters are on their way out, plenty more have been offered new contracts with the club. Defender Tennai Watson put pen-to-paper on a new deal last week while Rob Dickie and Dominic Hyam, who spent this season out on loan at Cheltenham Town and Dagenham and Redbridge respectively, have also been offered fresh terms. Republic of Ireland Under-21 duo Shane Griffin and Sean Long have offers to stay as well as midfielder Aaron Kuhl. Liam Kelly, Zak Jules, George Legg, Omar Richards, Harrison Bennett, Ryan East, Sam Smith, Luke Southwood, Billy Collings and Joe Tupper have all been given the opportunity to stay while deals to keep Andrija Novakovich and Lewis Ward have been penned. n READING WOMEN are back in WSL 1 action on Thursday when they take on Birmingham City Ladies (7.45pm). Royals, still seeking their first win in the top flight, travel to the Midlands for their last game until July and the game will be screened live on BT Sport 2.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
BERKSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE
Reliant Robin stars in Twyford rout Divisions 2 and 3
Robin Thompson hit a top score of 73 for Twyford and Ruscombe during their 133-run win over Knowl Hill – but plays it safe on this occasion Pictures: Steve Smyth
By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk ROBIN THOMPSON helped Twyford and Ruscombe to a score of 247-6 during their game with Knowl Hill in Division 3 – which proved to be more than enough. The Stanlake Meadow side thrashed their A4 rivals by 133 runs, with opener Thompson leading the innings with a watchful 73 after Twyford were inserted into bat. Angus Weir also scored well, racking up 48 at No.3 – as did captain Stuart Barrable, who made 36. Pete Schofield, meanwhile, contributed an additional 27 in the tail. Of the six wickets to fall during the session, Anthony Stott picked up three and Tom Goodlock recorded a brace which included removing the dangerous Thompson via a caught and bowled. Facing a daunting run chase, Knowl’s reply could not have got off to a worse start, with Steve Beamish getting rid of Dave Gordon for no score. Things got no better either, with the visitors shot out for just 114 inside 29 overs. Between them, Jordy Duffy (11), top scorer and captain Anthony Stott (33) and Callum Thompson (19) provided a flurry of runs – as did last man John Randall, who racked up 17 in a late cameo – but the day belonged to Twyford. The damage with the ball was inflicted by Beamish, Thompson, Ken Cochrane and Spence Nichols, who each finished the afternoon with two wickets. Uprenda Deshpande also ensured WOODLEY 2ND began on a winning note, with the all-rounder playing a pivotal role in the four-wicket success over West Reading 3rd. Deshpande followed up the two wickets picked up earlier in the day by leading the run chase with an unbeaten 69 to help the hosts surpass a decent score of 209 at Woodford Park. Team-mate Vinay Kumar stuck Wests into bat, and although they managed to bowl the visitors out, it would come at a cost. Azeem Qayyum and Ali Naeem shared six dismissals, with Adrees Afzal and Deshpande picking up the other four, but Hammad Ali’s top knock of 53 laid the foundations for Reading to pass the 200 mark.
Twyford’s Pete Schofield hits out during a knock of 27
Deshpande, however, would better that hit, and with Amol Lotke (32), Pradeep Kadloor (35) and David Buxton (31) all batting well, Woodley knocked off the required runs in quick time, needing only 36 overs to do so. EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2ND endured a baptism of fire on what was their first game in Division 2, suffering a 140-run defeat against Earley. Fancying their chances, the promoted side stuck the Knights into bat at Lowther Road, only to find the going tough. This is because the track was good and Curt Watts took full advantage, taming the attack with a leading hit of 87.
Support for the number four came from opener and captain Gary Shacklady and Oliver Johnson, who plundered 48 and 41 respectively. And through the trio, Earley went on to post a daunting 249-7. Although a difficult time with the ball, Charlie Carter did manage to come away with an encouraging return of 2-24 from his six overs. Emmbrook and Bearwood did show glimpses during their reply, with opener Steve Kingston striking 21 and Andy Webb top scoring with 24 at No.5. But the pair were never really backed up, and because of this, the home side were removed in the 27th over for 109. Chief destroyer of the chase was Shacklady, who celebrated a five-wicket haul, with Prasad Gore ending the stay of four other opponents. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE won the toss and elected to bat away at Sandhurst 2nd – only to be bowled out for a lightweight and hard-earned 140. Chris England, who is also captain, was the standout batsman with 39. Zaheer Gujjar was the next best on 20. Both helped drag the side away from a poor start, with Waltham restricted to 43-4 early on. Siva Kumar saw off Andrew Birch and Kevin Speakman with the ball but
Sandhurst, led by Simon Hards 43 not out, claimed a seven-wicket win in 34 overs. Ankush Gandhi’s hit of 81 proved to be in vain for a SHINFIELD side which fell short of toppling the imposing total set by Peppard Stoke Row 2nd in their league opener. This early season wicket at The Recreation Ground would favour batsmen, as Richard Walker also impressed at the stumps, striking up 77 for a Peppard side which began in the middle. With Carl Hvass (39), Sam Fooks and Olly Nicholson (both 34) also producing some timely strokes, the guests took charge with a score of 256-7. Shinfield’s Atiq Javed did his best to try and keep the scoring down by taking three wickets, while Sudhir Nair finished with two, but the side had their work cut out. Opening bat Gandhi kept the home side in contention, with Javed and Oliver Sankey also chipping away at the target with equal knocks of 33, but the chase would run out of puff, with the line up falling from 191-7 to 229 all out. Thomas Hale and Michael Sheridan celebrated three-wicket hauls and victory with a FARLEY HILL side which edged out CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 2ND in a low-scoring affair. Crows captain Tom Nash won the toss and stuck his charges into bat, but they would only amass 123 on an unpredictable surface which allowed Hale and Sheridan to take charge. Hale would remove Nash for no score and the wickets continued to tumble, leaving the away side in a mess on 35-5. Saurabh Sharma offered some resistance, making 21, with Peter Clarke (23) and Rowan Williams (30) providing further momentum down in the lower order, but Crowthorne were staring at defeat. The other four dismissals were shared out between Craig Jorey and Andy Marr. Despite Ross Ditchburn beginning the reply with a knock of 26, Farley too fell victim to a wobble and slipping to 43-4 gave the opposition a chance, but they were unable to capitalise. This is because Nick Timms and George Coney led the fightback, totting up 31 and 24 before Sheridan and skipper Simon Longfield (both 12no) knocked off the remaining runs. In causing their hosts a scare, Doug Charman and Nirav Upadhyay each managed to pick up a couple of wickets.
West whacks a half century, but Emmbrook are beaten Premier Division and Division 1 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk
AN OPENING-day half century from Phil West could not prevent Emmbrook and Bearwood losing at Ruislip Victoria by five wickets. With conditions good, visiting captain Richard Cole won the toss and chose to bat, but would see his promoted side lose openers Chris Fletcher and Tom McNelly for a duck and four runs respectively. Ollie Williams led the recovery with a hit of 32, but it was West arriving at five who pushed the score on, totting up a vital 59 before he was trapped leg before by Vijay Srinivasan – one of three wickets for the Ruislip bowler. Andrew Robertson, down in the lower order, would see the innings to a close when unbeaten on a useful 29 – with Emmbrook finishing on 183-9 – but the
game remained in the balance. The away side, therefore, needed quick wickets if they were to protect a fragile score, but picked up only five in total. Callum Marshall collected two of these, while there was a scalp for Sean Woodward and Mark Cobb, along with a run out, but a steady chase would see Ruislip home in the 42nd over. Srinivasan would follow up his earlier work with the ball by marshalling the reply with an unbeaten 51 as the hosts got off to a victorious start. Last seasons runners-up, CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD, meanwhile, are up and running after disposing of WOODLEY by four wickets. Knowing the way the St Sebastian’s track was going to play, Crows captain Anthony Cluett stuck the opposition into bat having got lucky with the coin toss. But it was another Cluett, Jeff, who would profit from the decision, as a punishing spell with the ball yielded
figures of 3-16. Woodley were looking rusty at the crease and produced an innings to forget, mustering up just 77 runs before the last man was removed in the 25th over. Also finishing with three dismissals was Zain Abdi, while there was a pair each for Sinith Chandran and Dan Finucane. Those to come away from the opening session with any credit for Woodley included Reyhan-Ul Din, top scorer on 19, while Adeel Razaq made 15. Emad Khan also improved the tally somewhat with the 13 he added at the top of the order. To their credit, Amjad Ali’s men did put up a fight and the four wickets picked up by Adeel Razaq threatened to keep things interesting. Kashif Ali secured two more to leave Crowthorne relying on their lower order – where No.7 Mohamed Careem would come to the rescue. He would lead the field with an unbeaten 30 to secure the home side 32
points and victory after 22 overs. Salman Hamdi struck a stupendous 157 not out during BERKSHIRE COUNTY SPORTS’ Division 1 clash at Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall. The Sonning side were the biggest scorers across all five divisions, too, posting a formidable 342-5 from 45 overs, with Kashif Mehmood working the field with 60, while skipper Babar Butt followed that up with 24 more runs. Yet BCS had to settle for a winning draw, as the home side also racked up runs on a good wicket. Hamdi was not the only one celebrating a century during the contest either, as Stratfield opener Steve Clarke batted through the innings, finishing unbeaten on 128 and helping his side close on 242-6. Muhammad Farooq was the pick of the Sports attack with 2-50. Shuaib Nasir, Tahir Nawaz and Basat Ali also claimed a dismissal, but it was a tough day all round for the bowlers.
The Hendersons double up to down Hawley Division 4
NATHAN and Stuart Henderson starred with bat and ball for a Shinfield 2nd side which began the campaign with a big win at Hawley 2nd, writes LEWIS RUDD. The Surrey side won the toss and elected to bat, but it was a decision which would backfire as Nathan quickly removed Nave Karm and Richard Miles before going on to dismiss three more during a sensational spell with the ball. Henderson also ended the innings of top scoring Arthur Richie (44), with the bowler finishing with 5-16, which he picked up in just eight overs. Hawley were all out in the 40th over for 143, a total Stuart Henderson and Shinfield soon went to work on. The opener would strike a half-century 58, which came from 56 deliveries, and firmly put the visitors on the victory path. With Dave Aust (24), Shashi Reddy (31) and Hassan Safdar (28) all contributing well, the guests had a six-wicket success wrapped up inside 33 overs. Division newcomers, BINFIELD 3RD, were on the wrong side of the draw when hosting EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 3RD at Sol Joel Park. The guests opted to bat upon winning the toss, but needed Brian Swindley (35) and the unbeaten Keith Woodman, who finished on 44no, to salvage an innings which had fallen into trouble on 66-4. Through their work, Emmbrook would go on to actually post a healthy-looking 203-8. Amit Viroja (35), Finley Hunt and Oliver Vickers (both 20) also made useful knocks. Robert Carson was the pick of the Binfield attack with 3-23. In reply, John Humphrey and James Fletcher made a solid start, putting on 84 for the first wicket before the latter was caught by Viroja on 34. Humphrey would go on to hit 48, while captain Colin Canty struck a superb 62 at five, yet Binfield would end the day short of their target on 196-7. Stifling the reply was Joe Williams and Richard James, who recorded returns of 2-15 and 2-21 respectively. Sticking WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE 2ND into bat proved to be a wise call for CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 3RD, who comfortably won this fixture by eight wickets. The Crows had Dan Partridge to largely thank for the triumph. The bowler celebrated an impressive five-fer which came at the cost of only eight runs. Waltham simply had no answer to Partridge and were rolled over for a limp 56. Tim Wilson was the hosts best batsman on the day, making 19 before losing his wicket to Alistair Warner-Rowley. Mike Reekie and Harris Khan removed Crows’ James Whitehurst and Joe Hardy, but the visitors were never in any trouble and had the win wrapped up in 13 overs. Top scoring for Crowthorne was Charlie Edmundson, who was not out on 20.
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
MINOR COUNTIES
Morris’ men squeeze past Oxon to keep Trophy ambitions alive BERKSHIRE hauled themselves into contention for a place in the knock-out stages of the Unicorns Trophy after a thrilling three-run victory over Oxfordshire at Wargrave on Sunday, writes DAVID WRIGHT. But they will still need to beat Devon at Exmouth next Sunday in their final group game to stay in with a chance of booking their place in the last eight. Group One is currently led by Dorset with two wins from two games, followed by Cornwall and Berkshire, both with three points from three games, Devon with two from two and Oxfordshire with no points after two matches. In front of a good sized crowd on the warmest day of the season so far, Berkshire took first use of a good batting strip and made 257-8 in their 50 overs.
At one stage they looked to be on course to reach 300 with Waqas Hussain and Richard Morris both batting well. They took the total to 181-2 but both were dismissed in the 40th over, Hussain for 78 (1x6, 7x4) off 100 balls and Morris for 52 (1x6, 6x4) off 51 deliveries. The sixth wicket went down at 199 before James Morris and Stewart Davidson (27 off 19 balls) added 42 for the seventh wicket in five overs. Skipper James remained unbeaten on 32 (30 balls) when the innings closed. When Oxon batted, paceman Tom Nugent got Berkshire off to a sensational start, bowling Hugo Darby with his second delivery and trapping Lloyd Sabin lbw with his next. Opener Richard Kaufman and Harry Stephens added 51 for the third wicket in
HOME COUNTIES LEAGUE
Big-hitting Billy unable to steer Finchampstead away from defeat By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk BILLY ROGERS’ 71 came in vain as Finchampstead’s return to the top flight of the Home Counties Premier League ended in disappointment with a five-wicket defeat against Burnham. After losing the toss and being put in to bat, newly promoted Finch made a nervy start, falling to 40-4 after good early bowling from the seamers saw Adam Dewes (13), Matt Jones (6), Dan Marles (14) and Andy Rishton (0) all removed with Aftab Khan, Muhammad Haroon and Adnan Malik sharing the wickets. Fortunately, Rogers managed to restore some order to at least make things competitive. The teenager, whose century on the final day of last season earned the Finches promotion, hit seven boundaries on his way to 71. Dan Lincoln offered up some resistance alongside Rogers with a determined 21, but the wickets continued to fall around the youngster with only debutant Sukhi Kang (33 – Pictured) really troubling the scorers. Trying to force the issue a little more after the poor start, Rogers eventually got caught after skying a Raminder Singh delivery, heading back to the pavilion with a precious 71. But the hosts did not even see out all the overs, being bowled out in the 50th for 205. There was a brief moment of hope that the total may not be chased down when Matt Carter, making his first appearance since signing from Henley, bowled Omer Siddique
with just the second ball of the innings. Then when Carter got opener Mohammed Fazal on 33 and fellow debutant Andy Rishton trapped Karan Kumar, Burnham looked to be wobbling on 45-3. That small hope soon faded, however, as number four Aftab Khan stole the show with 10 boundaries on his way to 83 off 87 balls to move the visitors to the brink of victory. He was eventually dismissed by Max Stevenson, who also removed Harveer Gandam for 45, but by this point the result seemed inevitable. And so it proved thanks to unbeaten knocks of 20 from Rizwan Nadeem and Sajid Ali’s 11 to ease Burnham over the line with eight overs to spare and five wickets in hand to ensure Finchampstead’s first top flight game in eight years ended in defeat. Captain Marles last week said this contest would be a good marker for his side, up against a team who finished mid-table last season, but Finches were forced to settle for six points as Burnham picked up 20. Things do not get any easier for Marles’ men this week as they travel to Banbury (11.30am), who not only won on the opening day but also finished second in the table last season. He has made one change to his side with Craig Hodges coming in for Greg Smith, who drops to the seconds, although Jandre Coetzee could yet take that place if fit and available. Finchampstead team v Banbury: Marles, Kang, Rishton, Rogers, Jones, Lincoln, Stevenson, Uttley, Coetzee (TBC), Carter, A. Dewes, Hodges.
13 overs before former Berkshire player Stephens was dismissed for 15. Kaufman received good support from George Munsey with a fifth wicket partnership of 87, but the game swung back in Berkshire’s favour when Kaufman, attempting a reverse sweep, was bowled by Peploe for 89 (off 121 balls) in the 42nd over and Chad Keegan was dismissed for five in the next over. Scotland international Munsey (53 off 52 balls) fell to fine catch by Euan Woods, with Peploe again the bowler. Skipper Luke Ryan battled hard to keep Oxon in the hunt, but lost two partners at the other end and it left his side needing 17 runs off the final 11 deliveries with just one wicket standing. That came down to 10 runs off the final over, with Hussain entrusted with the task of bowling it. He conceded five singles and a wide, leaving a boundary needed off the final ball, but Hussain beat the bat to leave Ryan 45 not out and seal
a nail-biting victory for Berkshire, who had defeated the same opponents by one wicket in the Trophy last season. The Berkshire wicket takers were Woods 10-2-44-3, Peploe 10-0-63-3 and Nugent 7-0-35-2 with the other wicket falling to a Richard Morris run-out. Skipper James Morris said: “It was a good all-round team performance and we were deserved winners. “We know we have to win again next Sunday. We tend to play our best cricket when we have our backs to the wall, so we are looking forward to the challenge that we will face at Exmouth. It is a game that both sides need to win.” Berkshire make one change to their side to play Devon at Exmouth on Sunday (11am). Reading all-rounder Martin Andersson is not available and his place in the 12-man squad named by coach Tom Lambert goes to Finchampstead’s young batsman, Billy Rogers.
Billy Rogers plays one off the back foot during a top score of 71 against Burnham at the Memorial Ground Pictures: Steve Smyth
Rogers has yet to make his senior debut, but filled the 12th man duties several times last season.
The squad named by coach Tom Lambert is: Roberts (Henley), Hussain (Slough), Richard Morris (Henley), James Morris (capt, Datchet), Rishton (Finchampstead), Woods (Henley), Rogers (Finchampstead), Peploe (Datchet), Davison (wkt, Henley), Carter (Finchampstead), Nugent (Henley), Akbar (Slough).
n BERKSHIRE women are playing Warwickshire at Wokingham CC this Sunday (11am), looking to make it three wins out of three in the Royal London one-day championship. The county will be led by Heather Knight, who could be named the new England captain following Charlotte Edwards’ decision this week to retire from international cricket. Edwards lives close to the Wokingham ground and made one appearance for the club’s Southern Premier League side last season. She will continue to play for Kent Women. Greg Smith is out
Max Stevenson looks to loft a shot over the covers
CHILTERNS LEAGUE
Binfield centurion Marshall leaves his mark on Littlewick BINFIELD are up and running after comfortably disposing of Littlewick Green by an impressive 115 runs, writes LEWIS RUDD. Adam Marshall was again among the runs for the side, bettering the half-century struck during the loss to Taplow the weekend before when racking up three figures this time round. The No.3 would lead the innings with a swashbuckling 105, although he did face competition for top batsman on the day as Binfield piled on the runs. This is because opener Mikey Allan-Canty was in blistering form with the bat too, but was denied a ton when stumped on 93. Chris Morgan also celebrated hitting 54, with the trio helping the side to a formidable 293-7 in 46 overs. It would take some going for Littlewick to topple such a target, yet they would get nowhere near it.
Peter Dries and Jonny Lane salvaged some pride with stands of 45 and 44 respectively at opposite ends of the line up, but the reply was ruined by Mike Staves and Alex Jackson, in particular. Staves would pick up four wickets and team-mate Jackson three as Binfield swept to victory in just 24 overs. Max Marshall removed the other two batsman as Sean Ennis’ men scored a first win of the season in style. Binfield host Penn and Tylers Green on Saturday (1pm start). n IT IS now played two, lost two for Binfield 2nd after the side were well beaten when hosting Wraysbury 2nd at the Goates Memorial Ground. Captain Ian Goddard decided to insert the opposition into bat upon winning the toss, but it was a call which was to dramatically back fire. Strong hits of 83 from Taranjit Singh, Naseer Chohan’s 63 and the unbeaten
half-century 58 made by Urfan Ahmed coming at five saw Wraysbury plunder what proved to be a winning total of 263-7 declared. In trying his best to put a cap on the scoring, Goddard would yield a return of 3-35, with Kamal Gupta and Chris Jones picking up two wickets each. A bad afternoon with the bat, however, would leave the home side defeated by a whopping deficit of 165. James Sackley was the first man to go for one of the better returns of 18, but Binfield were soon five down and with only 68 runs on the board. Steve Andrews would end up as top scorer on 19, while James Wright and Gary Smith both made exactly 10 and Richard Higginson 11, but the three combined could only help the team to a final total of 98 all out. Up next for the 2nd XI is a trip to Taplow on Saturday (1pm).
38 | SPORT
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 13, 2016
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE
Waqas gets Wargrave off to a flyer n Khan’s five-fer and a Yaseen hat-trick help villagers put Chiswick to the sword DIVISIONS 2-5 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk OBLITERATING work with the ball from Waqas Khan and Arslan Yaseen saw Wargrave get off to a flying start in Division 2B. Captain Neal Robinson stuck opponents and hosts Chiswick and Whitton into bat upon winning the toss, with the call proving to be the correct one. This is because the duo of Khan and Yaseen were in scintillating form and would single-handedly go about removing their hosts for a paltry 55 runs. Khan would lead the attack with a five-wicket haul, while Yaseen was just as impressive, ending the innings of four batsmen for the loss of the same number of runs. His deadly spell, which lasted just twoand-a-half overs, would also include a hattrick as Chiswick were put to the sword. It was a blink and you miss it stay at the crease for the home side, who were removed in just 15 overs. Despite losing opener Imran Malik for 16 and replacement Robinson (4), the villagers were never in any trouble, with Luke Taylor (16no) and the unbeaten Yaseen (19) guiding the side to an eight-wicket triumph. HURST, meanwhile, had a similar afternoon to Chiswick when up against newly-promoted Henley 2nds. Stuck into bat on their own track, Hurst could only labour to an all out score of just 61, with the last man removed in the 32nd over. Engineering the collapse was Henley’s Nick Johnson, who returned excellent
Matthew Loxton led the line brilliantly for Wokingham 2nd, hitting 130 v Chiswick THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE - SELECTED FIXTURES, MAY 14 (1PM START, UNLESS STATED) DIVISION 1: Wokingham v Windsor DIVISION 2A: Eversley v Chenies and Latimer; Finchampstead 2nd v Kidmore End DIVISION 2B: Wargrave v Hurst DIVISION 3A: Sonning v Eversley 2nd; Yateley 2nd v Finchampstead 3rd DIVISION 4B: Henley 3rd v Wokingham 2nd DIVISION 5B: Boyne Hill 2nd v Sonning 2nd DIVISION 6B: Fleet 2nd v Wokinhgham 3rd; Hurst 2nd v Wargrave 2nd DIVISION 7A: Eversley 3rd v Maidenhead and Bray 3rd; Finchampstead 4th v Thatcham Town 3rd DIVISION 8A: Datchet 4th v Eversley 4th; Reading 4th v Sonning 3rd; Wokingham 4th v Kew 4th DIVISION 9A: Maidenhead and Bray 4th v
Hurst’s Phil Higgs looks for wickets during their Division 2B opener against Henley 2s as team-mate Andrew Ruddock looks for runs during the eight-wicket defeat Pictures: Steve Smyth
bowling figures of 4-10, while captain Simon Wheeler and Zac Jones each picked up three wickets. The opposition needed half the overs of their hosts to wrap up an eight-wicket win and 25 points. Through seamer Matt Bell’s 4-48 and a couple of dismissals for young spinner James Woodford, FINCHAMPSTEAD 2ND reduced Maidenhead and Bray to a score of 221 all out, which they successfully chased down for a three-wicket triumph. Spearheading the reply was Ed Oliver, who led the charge with a knock of 67, while Simon Bell celebrated a half-century 57. Some useful strokes from Andy Lazenbury, who made 47, also contributed to Finch enjoying a great start to the Division 2A campaign. EVERSLEY were unable to defend a total of 236-7 when hosting Tring Park 2nd, who were comfortable five-wicket winners at Fox Lane. The Boars won the toss and chose to bat on what looked a good scoring wicket and proceeded to run up a competitive total with opener Chris Last (50) and Kenny England down at eight (57) passing the half century mark. Ben Saville’s 50-ball 42 and a quick-fire 30 from Shane Green were other notable contributions during the innings, which went the full 52 overs. But it was not enough as telling stands of 94 from Shelvin Gumbs and the 68 struck by captain and opener Andrew Dixon laid the path to victory, which was secured after 32 overs. Picking up three wickets for just Finchampstead 5th; Newbury 3rd v Wokingham 5th; Wargrave 3rd v Kidmore End 3rd WINTECH BERKSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION: Emmbrook and Bearwood v West Reading; Sulhamstead and Ufton v Crowthorne and Crown Wood; Woodley v Mortimer West End DIVISION 1: Berkshire County Sport Veterans v Bradfield DIVISION 2: Crowthorne and Crown Wood 2nd v Shinfield; Peppard Stoke Row v Farley Hill; Waltham St Lawrence v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd DIVISION 3: Knowl Hill v Woodley; West Reading 3rd v Twyford and Ruscombe DIVISION 4: Bradfield 2nd v Waltham St Lawrence 2nd; Crowthorne and Crown Wood 3rd v Falkland Development; Peppard Stoke Row 3rd v Binfield 3rd; Shinfield 2nd v Emmbrook and Bearwood 3rd
26 runs saw James Magowan lead the attack, but Eversley were well beaten. SONNING pushed Purley-on-Thames hard when looking to protect a score of 220 but had to settle for an opening-day draw from a Division 3A contest which could have gone either way. Captain Zahid Mohammed played a captain’s innings when making a watchful 72 for a Sonning side which won the toss and chose to bat. A middle order wobble saw the visitors slip from 133-4 to 156-8, but in belying his No.9 position, Adeel Chaudry gave the innings a much-needed lift with an unbeaten 51. Support at the opposite end came from Gary Phillips, who made 24 during a 64run ninth-wicket partnership between the pair. Chaudry followed up his work with the bat by taking 4-38 with the ball, with Mohammed helping himself to three wickets as Purley were nine men down, yet still in touching distance of victory on 224. Neither side, however, was able to deliver the decisive blow and the spoils were shared. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3RD are 25 points to the good after defeating Reading 2nd by a margin of 93 runs at the Memorial Ground. Kwame Appiah was in great form with the bat, and it was his round century score of 100 not out which nudged the home side to an opening total of 246-5 declared Tom Potter was the next best batsman with 31, while Tommie Predgen (25) and Tom Wroot (23no) also kept the scorers busy. Reading’s reply just never got going, although some exceptional bowling from Sam Taylor did not help their cause. Taylor’s spell is one he is unlikely to forget, with the bowler leaving the field having claimed no fewer than seven scalps, conceding only 60 runs in the process. Dan Quick held off the inevitable through a top score of 48 and Rahul Bahrti made 28, but Reading’s afternoon was over in the 32nd over when dismissed for 133. Through Sam Glaze’s six-fer and Matthew Martin’s hit of 68, EVERSLEY 2ND
got the better of Newbury by three-wickets. Glaze’s leading turn with the ball helped restrict the visiting side to a score of 212 all out, which would prove to be in reach for Eversley. But they too saw batsmen struggle on an indifferent surface, although Martin was up for the chase – as was Jack Ford, who cracked a half-century 59 at three to help the hosts home in 47 overs. WOKINGHAM 2ND began life in Division 4B with a convincing 156-run success against Chiswick and Whitton 2nd, where Matthew Loxton produced a standout performance at the crease. The Oaks’ opener not only shared a superb opening stand of 159 with Simon Carter (47), but hit the opposition to all areas of the ground during an individual blast of 130 to put the side in control. Relentless in their pursuit of runs, Dan Reddyhough also fell just short of a half century as Wokingham called a declaration at the end of the 45th over with the scoreboard reading 305-5. John McDonald (4-27) and David Bishop (3-60) then took over with the ball, claiming seven scalps between them as the side closed in on a big victory. With Luca Wade also chipping in with a brace of dismissals, Newbury, with just 131 runs to their name, were put our of their misery in the 40th over. Chasing a victory target of 256 proved too big a task for SONNING 2ND, who went down by 136 runs away at Maidenhead and Bray 2nd in Division 5B. Sonning were shot out for 119, but it could have been a lot worse had the tail not wagged, where Dave Rintoul (25) and Vivek Vasist (13) joined top scorer Waqas Tahir (29) in bumping up the score somewhat. Aamir Tahir had taken six wickets earlier in the day, but the achievement was overshadowed by John Hewitt (70) and Arul Appavoo (86no), the Maidenhead pair who would put the home side out of reach.
Ton-deful knock from Orme wins it for Hurst 2s DIVISIONS 6-9
ALEX ORME hit an unbeaten century as Hurst 2s kicked off their Division 6B campaign with a five-wicket win over Theale and Tilehurst 2s, writes TOM CROCKER. Winning the toss and batting first, Theale posted a competitive total of 228 all out thanks to knocks of 89 from James Bozarth and Mohammed Jamil’s 60, as Matt Morrison picked up three wickets. But Hurst responded well and always looked to have the game under control. Coming in at seven, Orme led the way with a swashbuckling 104 not out, ably supported by a 57 from Tom Hibbs as Hurst got across the line after just 32 overs to pick up a maximum 25 points. In the same division, WOKINGHAM 3S were comfortably beaten by Cove 3s. Batting first, the Oaks were skittled out for just 128 with Marcus Viljoen top scoring on 59 as Richard Swannell posted bowling figures of 3-16. And Cove made light work of the task, losing just three wickets on their way to victory inside 28 overs. Figures of 4-18 from Mandip Sohi helped WARGRAVE 2S to a resounding victory over Boyne Hill 3s by eight wickets. After bowling out Boyne for just 61, Wargrave ticked along at six an over to cruise to the win. Khartik Khanti’s unbeaten half century helped FINCHAMPSTEAD 4S to a four-wicket win over Yateley 3s in 7A. Yateley batted out their overs, making 195-9 with Andy Peace top scoring on 58 as James Bewick (4-44) tore through the order. But Finch chased down the total, thanks in no small part to Khanti’s 50 and handy knocks from Chris Ward (34), Ben Fisher (39) and Steve West (27no). In the same league EVERSLEY 3S were handed a forfeit win over Henley 4s. A century from Jim Heywood came in vain as EVERSLEY 4S lost to Windsor 4s by four wickets in 8A. Batting first, Eversley looked well placed after declaring on 236-7 with Bill Burnett (57) supporting the 109 from Heywood. But it proved to not quite be enough as a 132 not out from Raymond Borg guided Windsor to 237 for the loss of six wickets after 45 overs. WOKINGHAM 4S picked up a winning draw over Bagshot 3s with Jon Barker top scoring on 57 while SONNING 3S forfeited their game against Datchet 4s. In 9A, Stephen Jeffrey’s 113 guided WARGRAVE 3S to a winning draw over FINCHAMPSTEAD 5S. Andrew Hattey (65) and Michael Hattey (42) helped Jeffrey and Wargrave to a daunting 256-4 and Finch never looked like chasing it down, but a half century from Simon Eldridge helped his side grind out a draw. WOKINGHAM 5S were outclassed by Thatcham Town 4s, failing to reach three figures as Thatcham clinched a 132-run success, with a 23 from George Kemsley the best the Oaks could muster.
WOKINGHAM CRICKET CLUB
Skipper Hayter leads Wokingham to victory with a Stu-pendous hit By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk STUART HAYTER and Tom Wood proved to be the saviours for a Wokingham side which begun the new Thames Valley League Division 1 season with a 25-run win at Marlow. Hayter played a captain’s knock with the bat and Wood made a telling contribution with the ball, leading the attack with four wickets as the Oaks managed to protect a score of 203 all out. Wokingham lost the toss and were stuck into bat, but lost opener Stuart
Paul Dewick picked up two wickets
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Friday, May 13, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Parsons with 36 on the board after he was caught by Marlow’s Barney Hogg on 22. Close season signing Michael Bates was in next, and he would produce an individual score of 30 during a 44-run second-run partnership with Hayter before losing his wicket. The guests were now two batsmen down and with just 80 on the board, but this soon became 128-5 after head coach Dan Housego (18), Michael Cowdell for five and Jack Turner, removed for just four, all came and went in relatively quick succession. Wokingham were in need of some stabilty, and through Jack Fisher they got some, with the No.8 totting up a useful 20 in a partnership with Hayter which added another 42 to the total. At the opposite end, meanwhile, Hayter continued to work the field, surpassing the half-century mark during an important innings which saw the skipper top score with 69 before he was stumped by Nick Paskins to give Jeremy Batty a dismissal. Wood and Cameron Spence would depart for no score and Paul Dewick managed to pick up a couple of runs before he was removed in the 44th over. Marlow pair Steve Sylvester and Batty would cause the greater disruption with the ball, taking three wickets apiece, while Mark Dozell finished with 2-27 and Paul Brzezicki and Kevin Hudson each
The Borough Honours board
Wokingham captain Stuart Hayter led from the front at Marlow, striking a top score of 69 Picture: Steve Smyth
The team each player represents is listed first Batsmen
claimed a scalp. The home side’s reply would mirror that of the opposition, with the first wicket – that of Imran Nawaz (4) – taken with the score on 36. A run out saw Paskins back in the pavilion soon after, with the replacement gone for six, before Wood started putting his stamp on proceedings. He pounced to remove Hogg, who was looking dangerous on 45 and quickly saw off the next man in, captain Kevin Hudson, with wicketkeeper Bates holding a catch to ensure he was out for no score, leaving Marlow four down for 81. Woods struck again just two runs later, clean bowling Gary Lines (1) to put the Oaks in a commanding position. But Marlow were to find some resolve, with Paskins and Batty producing a stirring comeback via a stand of 59, elevating the total to 142 and dragging the team back into contention.
Paskins, however, became Wood’s fourth and final scalp of the afternoon, and his departure for 30 would start a flurry of wickets which would see Hayter’s charges wrap up victory and 20 points. Paul Brzezicki was quickly shot out to give the ever reliable Dewick his second removal of the game before Anthony Clapham got in on the act to send Paul Brzezicki, for a duck, on his way. He also put paid to the dangerous Batty, who led the mini resurgence well with a top hit of 46. Cameron Denton and Dozell were left to try and negotiate a draw, but their stand would last just three runs as Cameron Spence waded in to remove the former to ensure the away side made a winning start to the campaign. Wokingham open their home account for this season against newly-promoted Windsor on Saturday (1pm).
SALMAN HAMDI: Berkshire County Sports Veterans v Stratfield Turgis – 157* MATTHEW LOXTON: Wokingham 2nd v Chiswick and Whitton 2nd – 130 STEPHEN JEFFREY - Wargrave 3rd v Finchampstead 5th – 113 ADAM MARSHALL: Binfield v Littlewick Green – 105 ALEX ORME : - Hurst 2nd v Theale and TIlehurst 2nd – 104* KWAME APPIAH: Finchampstead 3rd v Reading 2nd – 100* MIKEY ALLAN-CANTY: Binfield v Littlewick Green – 93 CURT WATTS: Earley v Emmbrook and Bearwood – 87 ANKUSH GANDHI: Shinfield v Peppard Stoke Row 2nd – 81 ROBIN THOMPSON: Twyford and Ruscombe v Knowl Hill – 73 ZAHID MOHAMMED: Sonning v Purley-on-Thames – 72 BILLY ROGERS: Finchampstead v Burnham – 71 STUART HAYTER: Wokingham v Marlow – 69 MATTHEW MARTIN: Eversley 2nd v Newbury – 68 COLIN CANTY: Binfield 3rd v Emmbrook and Bearwood 3rd – 68 KASHIF MEHMOOD: Berkshire County Sports Vets v Stratfield Turgis – 60 * Not out
ENGLAND
Edwards ends glistening 20-year international career CHARLOTTE EDWARDS has called time on her illustrious 20-year international cricket career, writes LEWIS RUDD. It had been widely speculated the 36-year-old, who lives in Wokingham and has turned out for the town’s Ridgeway team in the past, was considering her future in this form of the game, of which she is the current all-time leading OneDay International (ODI) scorer in women’s cricket. But Edwards has put an end to the rumours on Wednesday by confirming she is calling it a day. “Everyone who knows me – and how much I love playing for England – will appreciate what a difficult decision it has been for me to retire from international cricket,” said the England captain. “It’s a decision I’ve reached after much thorough and detailed discussion with Mark Robinson (head coach) and Clare Connor (ECB Director of Women’s Cricket) about what is best for the team going forward. “I have given 20 years to playing for England and I leave very proud of the standing in which the women’s game is held and my contribution as a player and captain. “As a 16-year-old girl making my debut for England, I couldn’t have dreamt that I would have had such an amazing time with so much success. “I’ve travelled the world, won World Cups and Ashes series and shared it all
with some of my closest friends. “However, nothing lasts forever. I believe now is the right time for a new captain to lead the team forward and for young players to be given more opportunities to make their mark on the international game. “After honest and open discussions with Mark, it became clear that he wants to build a new team and I fully support that. “I would have loved to have carried on and whilst I am disappointed that I won’t be doing so I fully understand and respect what Mark is looking to do. “This is a new era and he wants other players to come to the fore to build a strong team.” Edwards’ international career is second to none. Following her debut as a teenager, she has now made more international appearances than any other female cricketer in the game, boasting 23 Test Match caps, 191 ODI and 95 T20 caps. Edwards has racked up an impressive 5,992 runs, while the 2,605 struck up in the shorter format of the game is more than any other player – man or woman – in the world. Appointed captain in 2006, Charlotte
led her country on exactly 220 occasions, and it was again a spell which yielded much success. During Edwards’ reign, England tasted glory in both the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup and ICC World T20, while she also presided over three Ashes’ triumphs in 2008, 2013 and 2014, of which two were won over in Australia. Edwards’ services to cricket saw her named a CBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, while in the same year she also became only the second women ever to be names as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year – and first to be nominated for the ICC LG People’s Choice Award. The ICC Women’s Player of the Year accolade also bore her name in 2008. She added: “20 years is a long time and so I have many people to thank: my family, my friends, every single coach who has helped me get better during my career, all the support staff and my England team-mates over the last two decades. “They are all special to me and I couldn’t have achieved even half of what I have without them. “I also want to thank everyone at the
ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) for their support and guidance over the years, and to the incredible fan base that has grown for the England Women’s team throughout my career. “Aside from the team’s success and my own personal record, I am most proud of where the woman’s game is now. “I have loved working with the ECB off the pitch to break new ground and to build a better future for the sport, and I hope to continue to play a role in this moving forwards.” ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison paid tribute to the player, saying: “She is a credit to her country and our sport, and deserves nothing but celebration and enormous respect for the way in which she has played the game over the last 20 years. “She leaves the most wonderful legacy, having inspired countless women and girls around the world to pick up a bat and ball and play the game she so clearly loves.” Edwards, meanwhile, will continue to play domestic cricket. She will captain the Southern Vipers in the inaugural Kia Super League this summer and will also lead out Kent in the Royal London One-Day Championship. Her England replacement will be announced in due course. Another Ridgeway and Berkshire star, Heather Knight, is current vice-captain and could well get the nod.
Wokingham 2nd’s Matt Loxton
BOWLERS: SAM TAYLOR: Finchampstead 3s v Reading 2s – 7-60 AAMIR TAHIR: Sonning 2nd v Maidenhead and Bray – 6-84 DAN PARTRIDGE: Crowthorne and Crown Wood 3rd v Waltham St Lawrence 2nd – 5-8 WAQAS KHAN: Wargrave v Chiswick and Whitton – 5-26 NATHAN HENDERSON: Shinfield 2nd v Hawley 2nd - 5-16 ARSLAN YASEEN: Wargrave v Chiswick and Whitton – 4-4 MANDIP SOHI: Wargrave 2nd v Boyne Hill 3rd – 4-18 JOHN McDONALD: Wokingham 2nd v Chiswick and Whitton 2nd – 4-27 TOM WOOD: Wokingham v Marlow – 4-33 ADEEL CHAUDRY: Sonning v Purley-on-Thames – 4-38 JAMES BEWICK: Finchampstead 4th v Yateley 3rd - 4-44 MATT BELL: Finchampstead 2nd v Maidenhead and Bray – 4-48 MIKE STAVES: Binfield v Littlewick Green – 4-55
WOKINGHAM SPORT
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Wokingham ‘is in a good place’ says Housego DAN HOUSEGO believes Wokingham Cricket Club is in a good place, writes LEWIS RUDD. The first and second XIs both enjoyed winning starts at the weekend in the Thames Valley League. Former Middlesex and Gloucestershire batsman Housego was part of the senior side which squeezed past Marlow in a 25-run triumph in Division 1, with the 2s crushing Chiswick and Whitton 2nd by a mammoth margin of 156 runs. Housego and former fellow professional Matthew Bates, who kept wicket in Marlow, took over the Oaks’ coaching back in the Autumn, with the former hoping their work is beginning to reap its rewards. “We have been working with the boys pretty much the whole of the close season and in pre-season games the first
Stuart Hayter
and second team were unbeaten, and they took that form into the league on Saturday, so the club is in a good place at the moment,” he said. “(The firsts) didn’t play that well, but still won. “We were hoping for a score of 240 or 250, so we were under par. We started really well, but then stumbled a bit and some of the shot selections made life a bit difficult for us. “We didn’t bowl overall that great, but the death bowlers did a great job with the cuts and swinging the ball which gave us a chance which we took.” The fixture saw captain Stuart Hayter hit a top score of 69, while Tom Wood impressed with the ball, taking 4-33. Matthew Loxton, meanwhile, lashed a century for the seconds and would finish with 130 runs to his name – a sign the
club has strength in depth to call upon. “Our job is to integrate the players in all sides, seniors and the juniors, and making sure everyone is heading in the right direction, added Housego, 27. “We want to empower Wokingham and make sure everyone wants to win, with promotion the aim for all teams.” The first team, meanwhile, will be preparing for the visit of newly-promoted Windsor to Sadler’s End on Saturday (1pm), with Wokingham looking to preserve their 100 per cent start to the new campaign. Housego said: “I don’t know too much about Windsor but we will prepare for each game as if it was our last and get ready for the game as much as we can. “I heard about last year and falling just a bit short (of promotion), so it is our job to try and go one better this time around.”
ICE HOCKEY
Incredible support is keeping Bees alive
Efforts to save cash-stricken club gathering momentum thanks to generous fans By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk THOSE supporters doing their utmost to keep the Bracknell Bees in existence have been thanked for their passion and appetite for the cause. Efforts to try and ensure a team can take to the ice next season continue to gather strength, with more than £1,000 raised at a fans forum held on Wednesday night. A clear example of the compassion shown by fans was witnessed at the event, where one individual offered to match any donations made at the gathering, of which some 90 spectators were in attendance. A committee spearheaded by a group of directors which includes player-coach Lukas Smital and supporter Matt Fettel are working tirelessly to try and stump up the £125,000 needed to keep the club afloat. So far a crowd funding campaign has attracted more than £4,000 of pledges, while other money has come through sponsorship – with more expected to be racked up through the sale of season tickets, which this year will be without the usual photo at the request of supporters. The committee have until next month to get the required money in place. And while admitting it is a challenge Fettel, committee director and chair, explained how the efforts being shown by fellow followers is fuelling the fight to keep Bees alive. He said: “The passion and appetite is what makes these Bees fans so special. “They care for us, they care for the players and they care for the budget – that, to me, just makes us want this to happen. “We had a gentleman who did ask a few questions at the forum, fair questions, but who also said he was really inspired with what we are doing and pledged to match any cash donations made on the night. “We made £505 and true to his word he matched it, taking the contribution past the £1,000 mark, which just shows the incredible generosity of these people.” Fettel went on to explain how it is hugely important not to appease the good nature of these fans, adding how all monies will be returned should the committee not succeed in its fund-raising efforts. The team, in the meantime, will continue to explore further fund-raising avenues, which could include supporters making monthly donations.
The meeting on Wednesday was also due to see the launch of the new 2016/17 Season Members Cards – of which just 280 need to be purchased to edge the committee closer to its target, Fettel explained. Those working hard behind the scenes continue to hold positive communications with rink owner John Nike and his colleagues about taking on the licence from Precision Sports Marketing (PSM), who relinquished running the Bees earlier this year. Another important date in the calendar, however, arrives in early June when business plans have to be filed with English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) bosses, who will decided on whether or not to grant the club re-entry into the league next term. “John Nike has been very supportive of our plans,” added Fettel. “We haven’t had three or four months to do this, we have had seven or eight weeks at most. “But it has helped having Lukas within the directorship, something which was missing last season, because he has an understanding of the budgets, etc, and people around here love Lukas.” The Wokingham Paper, meanwhile, has learned two highly-regarded Bees players have been snapped up by rival clubs, with their departures expected to be announced in the next two weeks. Others, though, continue to wait patiently on news regarding the team’s future. “Lukas (Smital) quite clearly believes in that team, but they are also wanting to play for the Bracknell badge,” said Fettel. “But we have got to make a responsibility to those players. “The Bracknell Bees going forward does not want a repeat of before where we are having to say sorry we cannot pay your wages. “We need to deliver stability. “Players like to experience different clubs, but they always tend to come back at some point. “But those waiting for the green light will be a year older and more experienced but, most importantly, they are playing for Lukas Smital.” Anyone wishing to pledge can do so at www.wba.gba.podiumpartners.org/campaign/75-savethe-bracknell-bees. A Save the Bees page can also be found on Facebook. Season ticket members forms can be collected from the rink.
The presence of Lukas Smital is having a positive effect on Bracknell Bees; fundraising efforts Picture: Bob Swann
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FOOTBALL
Semi-final date finally here for frustrated boss ROGER HERRIDGE could not hide his frustration as Binfield finally prepare to face Highmoor-Ibis in the Reading Senior Cup semi-final on Saturday, writes TOM CROCKER. The Moles endured a packed schedule towards the end of their campaign, squeezing in five games in 10 days, but have now not played any match since beating Wokingham and Emmbrook in the quarter-finals of this competition on April 18. After being rearranged for a variety of reasons, the game is set to go ahead at last when the Hellenic Premier League duo clash at Scours Lane (3pm) with the winners set for a Madejski Stadium final against either Henley Town or Westwood United. “It’s a little bit frustrating that during a busy period of games that we had in mid-April, the pressure was on to play this game during the week before the 23rd,” Herridge told The Wokingham Paper. “Then after that we were told that the game was going to be on April 30th. “My lads, like myself were under the impression that the game was going to be on the 23rd so we had a number of boys away. “Then we’ve got to wait two weeks for it now to be this Saturday.” He continued: “We haven’t played a game for a month so it’s very difficult to encourage your players to train on a weekly basis based on a game you’re having in a month’s time. “We’ve trained once this week and we go into the game with 75% of our squad because other players are away with weddings and all the rest of it. “I don’t really want to knock the organisers of the competition but it’s not the best organised cup in the world.” Binfield have enjoyed convincing successes against Highmoor-Ibis in the league this campaign with 6-0 and 4-1 victories, but with Carl Withers, Danny Horscroft, Jack Broome, Alex Walton, Chris Dean and Michael Walton all missing, Herridge is not convinced his side should be expected to repeat the feat come this weekend. “I don’t think there is a favourite at all,” he said. “They beat us in the Floodlit Cup, we beat them comfortably in the league at home and beat them 4-1 at Palmer Park at the end of the season but it was actually a very even game. “I think it’s a tough one to call based on the squads either of us could have out. “Our team sheet will be interesting come Saturday and I think their team sheet could be interesting. “I don’t suppose it’ll be a great spectacle in terms of football but the side that makes the least mistakes on the day will ultimately win it I think.” n MORE local football news can be found on page 35.