The Wokingham Paper, May 27, 2016

THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

www.wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

Friday, May 27, 2016 No. 58

50p

Flying visit: The golden age of steam powers into Twyford … and it’s back this weekend P3

What do you think of it so far?

RUBBISH!

n Fly-tipping fears over new fees n Kerbside glass collection row

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE COUNCIL’S planned changes to the way residents access recycling centres and its approach to glass recycling have come under fire.

Last week, we revealed that from July, residents will need to have orange permits if they want to use the Smallmead in Reading and Longshot Lane in Bracknell.

New charges will also be introduced for

E L P re3 recycling centre M residentʼs permit SA Ref. no.

DIY waste as well as restrictions on using trailers to bring waste for recycling.

And at last Thursday’s borough council meeting, Cllr Angus Ross revealed that kerbside collections for glass recycling would cost £600,000 a year.

But both decisions have been slated. n Full story on page 7

EVENTS

AMAZING BINFIELD 10K PICTURES P20-21 SPORT

D-DAY LOOMS FOR THE BEES P40

2 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

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

Good eggs help children in hospital

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.

Share your family news in The Wokingham Paper

Is there a new addition in your family?

Is your son or daughter getting married this summer?

Has someone you know recently passed their exams?

Maybe a work colleague is retiring and you would like to wish them well in the future.

Contact The Wokingham Paper to post your announcements today.

We offer a range of packages designed at helping you share your news without breaking the bank.

Send us your wedding pictures

If you’re getting married over the next few weeks, make sure you include us in your plans.

Simply send us a picture of the happy couple and tell us a little about the day and we’ll print it free of charge, when space permits.

Share your bundle of joy!

Have you heard the pitter patter of tiny feet? Has the stork brought you a special delivery? We’d love to share your good news with our readers.

Simply send us a photo of the new arrival and tell us a little about them and we’ll print it free of charge, when space permits.

For more details...

Email announcements@wokinghampaper.co.uk or, to place a paid notice, call 0118 328 2959.

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

GET IN TOUCH Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 328 2959 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

YOUR TEAM

Publisher PHIL CREIGHTON Reporter GEMMA DAVIDSON Reporter VIVIENNE JOHNSON Features SALLY BRYANT Sports editor LEWIS RUDD Sports reporter TOM CROCKER Advertising MARK MARTIN

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAMPAPER © Published by Xn Media Ltd, 2016 for the people of Wokingham Borough

Bikes stolen from Earley houses THREE bicycles have been stolen from properties in Earley this week.

Overnight Saturday into Sunday, a bicycle was stolen from an alleyway in Squirrels Way. The bicycle had been left locked to a ladder.

Between 11am and 4.30pm on Monday, someone cut through a D lock on a bike chained to railings outside a property in Wilderness Road, while around 3pm on the same day a bicycle was stolen from outside a property in Chalfont Close. A lock had been cut and taken.

Also on Monday, at around 8am a householder in Wychwood Crescent disturbed an intruder in the house who had smashed a patio door to break in.

Nothing was missing from the house, and the offender made off in a black car.

Anyone with any information relating to any of these incidents is urged to contact police on 101.

Warning issued after spate of thefts RESIDENTS are being urged to remain vigilant following a spate of daytime burglaries in Crowthorne, Wokingham, Earley and Shinfield.

According to Thames Valley Police (TVP) witnesses have described seeing two or three men with olive skin, of small build, aged between 20 and 30-years-old and wearing dark clothing and caps and using a black vehicle.

Officers are urging residents who see any suspicious vehicles or people acting supciously to report them via the TVP enquiry centre on 101.

Sue Jackson and Ian Thomson with the large Easter eggs donated to the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity.

Big red strawberry prepares for return STRAWBERRY fans will be hoping to pick up a sweet treat this weekend as picking season starts at a Wokingham farm.

Rows and rows of 40,000 plants will be ready and waiting to be picked at Gray’s Farm, in Heathlands Road, between 9am and 6pm, while the Red Cross will also be holding a plant sale between 10am and 3pm.

For more information visit www. graysfarm.co.uk.

Thieves steal piggy bank set A SET of piggy banks have been stolen from a garage in Lower Earley.

At some time between Sunday, May 15 and the following day, a set of NatWest money boxes were stolen

from the property in Steeple Walk.

Anyone with any information, or who may have seen the boxes dumped somewhere, is urged to call investigating officer Victoria Burgess at Loddon Valley Police Station on 101.

Bakers prepare for a bun fight BAKERS will be putting their culinary skills to the test at a Charity Bake Off in Wokingham Town Hall next week.

On Thursday, June 2, the Town Hall will be transformed into the Bake Off tent in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Entrants are asked to bring along a batch of six biscuits, six small cakes or one large cake with a Queen’s 90th Birthday theme between 10am and 11am for the judges to review.

The entries will be judged on their design as well as their taste, and will

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.

AN Easter egg raffle left two Wokingham charities with an incredibly sweet feeling last month.

The Wokingham Lions Club and Wokingham In Need (WIN) raised £2,000 through the annual raffle, which saw two of the recipients donate their giant chocolate eggs to the children’s ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Sue Jackson, fundraising chairman of the Wokingham Lions Club and founder of WIN, said the cooperation from local pubs and businesses, as well as the generosity of the local community, led to the success of the raffle.

Ian Thomson, interim director of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity, said: “We were delighted to accept both Easter eggs for Lion and Dolphin wards at the Royal Berks.

“The children were amazed to receive such large eggs.

“Staff on both wards would like to thank Sue and all concerned for their support.

“It is always a pleasure to work with the Wokingham Lions Club and WIN, and we look forward to working together on future fundraising projects.”

be sold off for charity between noon and 4pm.

Prizes in the adult and children’s categories will be presented at midday.

MP prepares to host Europe debate TWYFORD will be the setting for an EU Referendum discussion with the Home Secretary next Friday.

Local MP the Rt Hon Theresa May will be exploring the issues surrounding the historic referendum, and debating the arguments for and against remaining in Europe.

The question time session takes place at St Mary’s Church, Station Road, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets are free but you must register online to guarantee a space.

For more information email sj_buckley@hotmail.com or visit http://bit.ly/22nclgA.

COMMUNITY CASH TOKEN Your name:..........................................................................................................................................

Your tel no:..........................................................................................................................................

Name of nominated group or organisation:......................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................................

Its address/meeting place:........................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

Name of group’s representative:.............................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................................

Their tel no:.........................................................................................................................................

THE

WOKINGHAM PAPER

NEWS | 3

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

£750 of bed linen ‘lost’ by dry cleaners EXCLUSIVE

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A ROW over misplaced bed linen has come to the forefront this week with one Wokingham resident threatening to take a dry cleaning chain to court.

Jean Jones, of Wiltshire Road, claims that £750 worth of bed linen that was dropped into Waitrose, to be sent onto Johnsons Dry Cleaning, on April 23 has been lost.

Mrs Jones, who is recovering from an operation on her ankle, took advantage of the drop-off service available at the town centre supermarket after she found herself unable to walk and carry out her housework.

She said: “I took the linen to the dry-cleaning drop-off point at Waitrose for collection. I thought it would be very convenient as it is just around the corner from where we live and we have used it a couple of times before.

“I kept the receipt to say that I had left the linen and that was that. But six weeks later we are still without our linen and both Waitrose and Johnson’s claim that they don’t have it.

“Obviously this is very distressing for me, I am recovering from an operation on my ankle and should be putting my feet up, not chasing these companies.”

Mrs Jones has gone so far as to contact a solicitor to try to get the cost of the linen, which she claims cost £750 from House of Fraser, refunded from Johnson’s.

She said: “I bought the linen 18 months ago, and of course I don’t have the receipt for it anymore, and it is just my luck that House of Fraser no longer stock the style that I bought.

“I have contacted them for proof of purchase but they don’t keep itemised

Biker injured A MOTORCYCLIST suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a car in Spencers Wood last week.

The man, believed to be in his teens, was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after colliding with the car in Basingstoke Road, between Hyde End Road and Hunters Way, shortly before 4.30pm on Thursday, May 19.

Officers from Thames Valley Police closed the road for a number of hours while emergency services attended the scene.

The road reopened at around 8.15pm, but officers remained on the scene until 11.37pm.

logs that far back.

“I bought the linen to match the decorating in our guest bedroom, it was lovely and looked really nice.

“I just want the linen back or the money to cover a replacement.”

Mrs Jones said that Johnson’s offered her £100 as compensation – Johnson’s told The Wokingham Paper that it was £320 – and claim that she had signed a disclaimer when she dropped the linen off at Waitrose, but Mrs Jones refutes this.

She said: “I didn’t sign anything, I just got a receipt to prove it had been dropped off and that was that.

“Waitrose have no record of it, and Johnson’s have no record of it arriving in at their depot in Rugby, so somewhere between Wokingham and Rugby my linen has gone missing.

“When I contacted Waitrose they said I should accept the £100.

It isn’t about the money, it is more the principle of it all at this stage.

“I am very angry, but I also want other people to realise what they are getting themselves into when they use this drop-off service. It would appear that you need to prove how much your items cost in case they go missing and they need to be replaced.

“Of course I didn’t even think of this when I dropped off the linen, who would? I certainly won’t be using it again.”

A spokesperson for Johnson’s Cleaners said: “We take customer care very seriously and are sorry that the customer at Waitrose Wokingham has had this experience. We are working with the customer to resolve the situation following their decline of our offer to compensate for the value of items lost.

“We are also working with the retailer of the lost items to find the original customer receipt to ensure the correct value is reimbursed.”

The Flying Scotsman arrives at Twyford … but some spectators almost had their view spoilt by a passing train

Flying Scotsman roars in to Twyford

Marks left on door

Oliver’s pea recipe wins

Woman dies after bank holiday road collision A 74-year-old woman from Wokingham has died in hospital from the injuries suffered during a road collision in the town earlier this month.

She was seriously hurt when a black Mercedes A180 and blue Vauxhall Corsa collided on the A329 Reading Road at its junction with Station Road at around 10.25am on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

The woman was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but the injuries suffered during the collision

COPPER piping has been stolen from a storage container in Wokingham.

Overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday someone broke into the container in Matthewsgreen Road by forcing the padlock and stole copper piping from inside.

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Twyford Station last weekend for a rare glimpse at a piece of railway history.

One of the world’s best known locomotives, the Flying Scotsman, passed through the village on Saturday morning its way from London Paddington to Salisbury, and again in the evening on it’s return journey.

Built in 1923, the train was given the nickname Flying Scotsman after the London to Edinburgh service which it served. It was recently given a £4.2million refurbishment before returning to the rails.

If you missed the train last week don’t worry, you can catch it passing through Twyford again this Saturday at around 9.10am, and then again at around 8.50pm. Exact times have not been released in a bid to keep spectators safe. Network Rail has issued a warning to trainspotters to keep off the tracks at all times and to only observe the train from a safe distance.

A NINE-YEAR-OLD from Winnersh has been crowned the UK’s Young Pea Chef of the Year.

Oliver Vass scooped the award for his Peas In Blankets recipe.

The budding chef has won £500 worth of cooking equipment for his school, Winnnersh Primary School.

TV chef and Yes Peas! campaign ambassador, Rachel Green, said: “Oliver is a well-deserving winner. His recipe was something I’ve never seen before.”

Oliver is thrilled at his win. He said: “‘I’m excited about having the title of Young Pea Chef 2016. I hope it will become a famous recipe seen in the shops one day.”

Pipe theft

The Wickson family wait on Twyford Station for The Flying Scotsman to pass through Pictures: Steve Smyth

A MOVED flowerpot and marks on the door may have been signs of an attempted burglary in Earley this week.

Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, a resident in Bosham Close had found things moved around in the garden and what appears to be marks on the back door, suggesting someone may have tried to force it open.

Anyone with any information on these incidents can call 101.

Day out at fire station

would sadly prove fatal, with the lady passing away on Monday last week.

Thames Valley Police is investigating. PC Joy Jarvis, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101, quoting URN (referenece number) 347/25.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A CHANCE to look behind the scenes at one of the borough’s local fire stations will offer families some half-term fun next week.

Wokingham Road Fire Station will be throwing open its doors between 11.30am and 4pm on Tuesday to show visitors what firefighters do.

Featuring live demonstrations from the crews, including releasing a ‘casualty’ from a simulated road traffic collision, ‘working at height’ equipment and a dramatic hot oil display, visitors will also be able to test out some of the life saving equipment they use.

The RBFRS Fire Alpha II Rescue Boat, which responds to emergencies on the River Thames, will also be open to explore, and the crew will display a ‘drown tank’ to simulate the dangers of swimming near weirs.

The open day will provide the perfect opportunity for people to talk about fire and water safety issues.

Organisations including Thames Valley Police and Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will also be on hand to offer advice and information on a range of topics, such as reducing crime and water safety.

There is no parking available on the fire station so visitors are advised to use off road parking or public transport where possible.

Call us today to arrange a free initial consultation Tel: 0118 418 1000 Email: info@kjsmith.co.uk Visit: www.kjsmith.co.uk

5 H eadley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB Offices in Henley on Thames, Woodley, Windsor, Basingstoke, Guildford & London

4 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Christmas killer’s sentence reduced

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk

scene Moscicki, who had two previous driving convictions, drove at them forcing them to jump out of the way to A FINCHAMPSTEAD man who killed a safety. pensioner on Christmas Day has had his Moscicki was convicted of murder sentence reduced. on November 28, 2014 and ordered Josef Nicholas Moscicki, 24, of Gorse to spend a minimum of 21 years in Ride North, killed Bernard James ‘Jim’ prison, but last week his sentence was Smith in Stafford in the early hours of reduced to 18 years by London’s Appeal Christmas Day 2013.

Court.

Moscicki had gone to Stafford to His barrister Rossano Scarmadella spend Christmas with his girlfriend, but argued that the sentence was too after the couple argued on Christmas high and that the murder was not MAGIC was in the air last Saturday a performance by Wokingham Eve Moscicki got a taxi to where he was premeditated.

Choral Society. staying in Burns Avenue.

Judge John Wait said the use of the thanks to a clever conjuror.

Matthew Garrett was the latest The programme of free Despite being ‘intoxicated’, he got van as a weapon and driving over the entertainment returns this back behind the wheel of his van and helpless body of Mr Smith ‘justified’ a act to appear at the Town Council’s Sunny Saturdays programme, Saturday. drove towards Wordsworth Avenue. lengthy minimum term.

In the morning, medium Jane Mr Smith was walking home from But the judge, sitting with Lord presenting a fun show for all ages Shaw Cunningham will in Market a night out, wearing a high-visibility Justice Hamblen and Mr Justice Jeremy in Market Place.

During his set he enthralled a Place from 11am. Then in the jacket, when Moscicki’s van ploughed Baker, went on to rule that 21 years was young audience with card tricks, afternoon it’s time to dance with into him, dragging him 200 metres “excessive”. along the road.

“The appropriate minimum term magic wands and, with the help of a Strictly Cuban Salsa from 2pm.

Members of the public rushed to was one of 18 years,” concluded the volunteer, turned a black and white Entry is free. picture into a coloured painting. n A free family fun day takes tend to the pensioner when the van judge, allowing the appeal.

He also performed a Punch and place in Langborough Recreation reappeared, stopping just short of Mr An appeal by Moscicki against his blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT5119_07B_PRINT_READY.pdf 1 22/03/2016 18:14 Ground this Saturday from Smith, before running over his legs. murder conviction was dismissed by Judy show.

10am to 4pm.

In the afternoon, there was When police officers arrived at the the Appeal Court in March.

A magical Sunny Saturday

Showroom Opening Hours Friday 9-3 Monday to 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays

Matthew Garrett presented magic and Punch and Judy last Saturday

Telephone: 0118 989 3438

Bedrooms, Home Studies and Bespoke Furniture

www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk

Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk re fitted furnitu

Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW.

Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture

Family fun day at Earley mosque ALL ages are invited to a family fun day taking place in Earley next weekend.

Members of the Aisha Masjid and Islamic Centre are organising the event, which takes place at the London Road venue on Sunday, May 29.

Activities include a barbecue, games room, rodeo bull, pony rides, sweets, clothes stalls, food court, bouncy castle, face painting and henna.

Entry is £2 and the event runs from noon to 6pm.

The centre is on London Road, close to the Suttons Seeds roundabout.

For more details, log on to www. aishaislamiccentre.org.uk.

Inflatables and footie for half-term A FAMILY fun day is so exciting that it’s going to take place twice.

Members of Emmanuel Church in Woodley have teamed up with the borough council to hold the events on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4.

Activities include an inflatable obstacle course, a giant slide, a bouncy castle, a play park, face painting, football, cafe, JAC Van, a puppet performance and more.

It takes place from noon to 5pm both days on the green behind Alexandra Place in Southlake Crescent. Car parking is available in Emmanuel Church.

All activities are free, but there is a charge for refreshments.

NEWS | 5

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Netball tournament honours memory of Katie Haines

A NETBALL tournament with a difference took place in Wokingham last weekend, writes Gemma Davidson.

The mixed tournament, organised by Wokingham Netball Club, saw nine teams take to the court at Luckley House School to compete for the inaugural Katie Haines Memorial Cup. Katie (pictured inset) was an avid netball player at the club but tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 2010 at the age of 31. Her parents Gordon and Avril Samuel kept in touch with the club and allowed them to use Katie’s name for the competition and to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning, often known as ‘the silent killer’.

Organiser Sarah Humphreys said: “It was a fantastic day, everyone said how smoothly it all went.

“It was a very fast-paced tournament, the teams played seven minutes each way, then there was a quick turnaround between matches so it was very exciting.

“There was just a lovely, festival atmosphere going on, people brought picnics to enjoy while watching the games and we had some fantastic teams.”

The final game between CGL and Wildfires saw a nail-biting finish, with CGL eventually being crowned the champions and the first recipients of the new trophy.

Katie’s mother Avril said: “Katie loved all sports but one sport she actively played throughout school, university and later, was netball. After Katie’s accident, we felt it was important to still be involved with the Club in some way because it had provided her with so much enjoyment.

“Gordon and I were very pleased to be able to attend the event for part of the time on Sunday, and although the Mixed Netball Tournament was extremely competitive, everyone enjoyed themselves and the sun certainly shone down on the day, perhaps Katie had something to do with that!”

Eyesore bridge is only a ‘temporary solution’ EXCLUSIVE

ROADWORKS will see Mole Road in Sindlesham shut to all traffic for almost two months.

The section between Mill Lane and Harrow Road will close on Monday, June 6 until Friday, July 29.

During the closure, work will take place to resurface the road and improve the drainage, helping to alleviate flooding.

Wokingham Borough Council said that work will take place seven days a week and is an essential project.

During the disruption, there will be full access to Nirvana Spa and residents will also be able to reach their homes.

A diversion will be in operation during the works.

It wll take motorists through Bearwood Road, Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Arborfield Road and then back into Mole Road – or this route in reverse.

Land at Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham Planning Application Proposals Berkeley Homes will be holding a public exhibition to display the plans for the proposed development of the land at Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk FEARS that a new footbridge is to be a blot on the landscape of Wokingham have been quashed by the people that built it.

A reader contacted The Wokingham Paper about a bridge erected over the Waterloo line leading out of the train station.

They said that the scaffolding bridge, which is accessible from Carnival Pool, is a “visual eyesore and is comprised mainly of scaffolding posts. It is high and many of the steps are too narrow to be safe”.

And the Wokingham Society has also said that it is “far from attractive”.

Peter Must, the group’s chairman told The Wokingham Paper: “It was not until last year that Network Rail informed the Borough Council of its intention to build a relatively low-cost bridge at this location.

“Hope was expressed on both sides, and would certainly be shared by the Society's Executive Committee, that a more substantial bridge, spanning both the Reading-Waterloo line and the North Downs line to Gatwick, could in due course replace both this new bridge and the existing one on the other line.”

The Society added that the bridge was one of the issues it raised when, back in 2007, it responded to a planning application to build 124 houses on the Wokingham cricket ground at Wellington Road. It was concerned about the dangers posed by an increased use of the original ground-level crossing over the line and urged for the footbridge to be built.

The footbridge that has been installed will eventually be replaced by a new, accessible one that is being linked to the multi-storey car park being built in Carnival Pool.

Teams taking part in the fun netball day at Luckley House School in honour of Katie Haines

Mole Road to close for two months

The Public Exhibition will be held at: Briar Room, Cantley House Hotel, Cantley Park, Milton Road, Wokingham, RG40 5QG On Wednesday 8th June between 3.30pm and 7.30pm Representatives from Berkeley Homes and the Project Team will Land at Bell Farm, Bell Foundry be available at this event to answer any questions regarding theLane, Wokingham Planning Application Proposals development.

The temporary footbridge as seen from Carnival Pool car park Picture: Phil Creighton

This week, Network Rail sought to reassure readers that the crossing is just a stopgap solution and is also safe.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The bridge currently in place at Tan Hill crossing is a temporary solution to keep the community safe while crossing the railway, until the new over span road is constructed.

“I’d like to assure the local community that the bridge is completely safe, and our team is currently investigating ways to improve the aesthetics for those that use it.

“If anyone has any specific concerns, they can also raise these with our helpline on 03457 11 41 41.”

Berkeley Homes will be holding a public exhibition to display the plans for the proposed development of the land at Bell Farm, Bell Foundry Lane, Wokingham.

For further information, please call Berkeley Homes on 01753 257961 or email elkie.lees@berkeleygroup.co.uk

The Public Exhibition will be held at: Briar Room, Cantley House Hotel, Cantley Park, ​Milton Road, Wokingham, RG40 5QG On Wednesday 8th June between 3.30pm and 7.30pm Representatives from Berkeley Homes and the Project Team will be available at this event to answer any questions regarding the development.

We look forward to welcoming you.

For further information, please call Berkeley Homes on 01753 257961 ​or email sean.watson@berkeleygroup.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you.

6 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Complaint made over Elms Field petition remarks

Tory leader brushes off claims he should resign over leaked email

A QUESTION over petitions submitted over planning applications has led to a formal complaint over the conduct of Wokingham’s Liberal Democrat leader.

At last Thursday’s Council meeting, Cllr Tim Holton asked Cllr Keith Baker if the constitution of the council meant that a petition cannot be debated if it relates to a live planning application.

Cllr Baker confirmed this was correct and would be considered as part of the evidence considered during a planning application.

Cllr Holton then raised comments made by Cllr Prue Bray in respect of a petition raised in January relating to Elms Field.

After the meeting, Cllr Philip Mirfin – who has stepped down from his role as executive member for regeneration – revealed that he had made a formal complaint against Cllr Bray for stating that the council would not accept the petition as “a way of them avoiding another debate”.

As a result, he argues, Cllr Bray has breached rules on councillors acting with “honesty” and “integrity”.

Cllr Mirfin said: “The Liberal Democrat Leader has attempted to mislead Members of the Council and residents by claiming that the Elms Field petition could be debated, even though this is against the constitution.

“This could have had an impact on the voters living in Wokingham Town, for whom Elms Field was an election issue, and gave the false impression that the Council and the Members of the controlling Group wouldn’t listen to residents’ concerns.”

However, Cllr Bray disagreed in a email seen by The Wokingham Paper.

She said: “I believe that clause exists to prevent people submitting petitions calling for particular planning applications to be rejected or approved, not to stifle residents’ rights to express opinions on council activity. If the petition had mentioned a planning application or decision, then in my opinion the council would have been correct to reject it. But it does not, and therefore I do not believe it should have fallen within the scope of that clause.”

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE LEADER of the council has hit back at a call for him to stand down after a leaked email revealed that he wanted to “spend council money to give Conservative candidates an advantage in the elections”.

At the first meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s new political year, held on Thursday, May 19, Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Prue Bray released an email that had been leaked to her.

Written by Cllr Keith Baker to the Conservative group, it asks fellow councillors to “take a long hard look at whether we can release some of the £1.7m reserves that was earmarked to cover the shortfall to provide a ‘boost’ to candidates on election year”.

This, argued Cllr Bray, “sends a clear message: the Leader of the Council thinks the interests of the Conservative party come above the needs of residents”.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Bray expressed her frustration at Cllr Baker’s conduct, accusing him of weasling and cited the way potholes had been repaired in some parts of the borough over another as the council prioritising one area over another.

She also alleged that the decision to exempt Woodley from overnight and evening car park charges just before the election was an example of showing favouritism.

“We’ve had weasling, weasling and weasling the whole time he’s been leader,” she said. “In Emmbrook he’s

WOKINGHAM IN NEED

sent out a disgraceful [election] letter and then he’s clearly had the intention of trying to use council money to boost the chances of Conservatives candidates at the elections.

“If someone got the mind that their party political advantage is more important than the interests of residents then it’s a disgrace and he should go - he’s not fit to be a leader.”

Cllr Bray said if the Liberal Democrats had been in the same position as Cllr Baker of having a £2.1m surplus to allocate, they would not

have attempted to use it to the party’s advantage in the elections.

“Council spending is organised according to the needs of the borough.

You don’t spend money on potholes in one area that doesn’t need it, if another area needs it more,” she said.

“I would like him to stand aside and apologise, but we have to make sure that nothing was spent in that way [to gain advantage in the elections].

“We do have a query over the car park charging for overnight and Sunday where Woodley was treated

Fun in the sunshine and showers at nursery’s summer fete

WOKINGHAM- WE NEED YOU!

WOKINGHAM’S newest registered charity

An email alleged to be written by Cllr Keith Baker to the Conservative group in February was leaked and released by the Liberal Democrats at last Thursday’s Council meeting. In it, Cllr Baker wrote: “We take a long hard look at whether we can release some of the £1.7m reserves that was earmarked to cover the shortfall to provide a ‘boost’ to candidates on election year by some additional spending in some critical areas; I expect the Budget Group will be major contributors on this.

“If this is possible, the plan would be to not announce it at the budget setting meeting but do it sometime afterwards, say March. This would need to take into consideration the purdah period but we think we can do this.”

was

launched in September 2015 with the grand opening of new kitchen facilities (following the successful wet room installation), at the Salvation Army Church and Community Centre, Sturges Road, Wokingham.

Founded by local resident Sue Jackson, the aim of

WOKINGHAM IN NEED

is to assist in the relief and prevention of poverty - assisting the homeless and vulnerable in Wokingham by providing support, grants, items and services to Individuals and other charities working in this field.

WOKINGHAM IN NEED

are currently raising funds to provide a drop-in centre at the Church and Community Centre. This will provide one-to-one support and workshops.

“This is just the beginning though”, said Sue Jackson, “and we want to include the whole community’s needs as we progress with this project and others. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in helping people in your community.”

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

As an individual - Your donations, no matter how small



As a business - Your donations, no matter how small

Anything would be gratefully received.

Please donate : by cheque made payable to Wokingham In Need which can be sent/ delivered to Prospect Estate Agents, one of our valued sponsors, at their Broad Street Office in Wokingham. Alternatively you can donate by JustTextGiving.

Text: WOKY15 - State : the amount you wish to donate—Send To: 70070.

WOKINGHAM IN NEED –Look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Jackson WOKINGHAM IN NEED Telephone Number: 07340 301770 wokinghaminneed@gmail.com www.wokinghaminneed.com

entirely differently to everyone else.

Officers evidence at the meeting on Tuesday [last week] is that they had no involvement in that decision.

“Woodley is obviously a key area – they gained a seat from us [in the elections]. They made that decision, during the election period, to treat Woodley more favourably than anywhere else because what they propose will cost Woodley a lot less and they’ll make a lot less money than they would have done had they done the same as everywhere else.”

However, Cllr Baker denies this.

In a statement sent to The Wokingham Paper, he said: “Cllr Bray tries to associate this private email and the potential Woodley Parking Charges trial but provides absolutely no evidence to support this accusation.

“The facts are that when the consultation on these car park charges came to Woodley Town Council they submitted a counter proposal which recognised the need to provide additional income and proposed an increase in the one-hour daily charge.

This was fully documented in the officers’ report.

“This is hardly promoting something which is more beneficial than other parts of the borough. In fact the income from the 1 hour charge in Woodley raises £325K which is 70% of the one hour income from all of the car parks in the Borough. So there is no way that this 10p increase is in any way providing an advantage to anyone. This proposal was also submitted separately by the totally independent Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative.”

A COMMUNITY fun day was a roaring success, despite heavy showers.

On Saturday, members of Wokingham Day Nursery held its annual fundraising event and welcomed a steady stream of visitors including children’s favourite Peppa Pig. Nerys Humphris, joint chairperson for Wokingham Day Nursery, was delighted with how the day had gone, saying it had raised more than £1,300.

Entertainment included a visit from the police and St John Ambulance, nail painting, face painting, a beat the goalie and a bouncy castle.

When the weather turned, children went

inside to enjoy a Punch and Judy show.

One of the biggest moneyspinners was a silent auction, which raised more than £600. Guests bidded on a range of items including tickets to the circus, bowling alley and leisure attractions as well as haircuts, food hampers and dance lessons.

“It is a wonderful amount; we could not have achieved this without the incredible hard work in planning and preparation put in by the Committee and Staff at the nursery and without the support of all of our friends and family, along with the local community who came along to support us on the day,” she said.

Above: Chrissie (left) and Jennifer Ayler with Mollie (3) and Archie Middlecote (6) by the lucky dip.

Right: Hollie Clarke paints Alya Hamilton’s (6) face as sister, Amber (4) (centre) looks on.

Top left: Beverley Williams (kneeling left) with visitors at the Sweet Tombola stall.

Pictures: Steve Smyth

It’s the Pitts: New mayor sworn in at council meeting

Kerbside glass recycling costs too much says Council EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Deputy mayor Cllr Rob Stanton with borough mayor Cllr Bob Pitts Picture: Phil Creighton

WOKINGHAM has a new borough mayor.

At last Thursday’s council meeting, Cllr Bob Pitts was formally elected as its first citizen.

Cllr Pitts has chosen Wokingham Mencap to be his charity of the year, a group that supports local families and individuals dealing with autism and learning difficulties.

He said: “It’s an honour to take on the role as Mayor serving our 17 towns and parishes. As a Ruscombe resident, I am especially proud to represent our most

northern parishes who sometimes feel a bit forgotten. I will serve all our residents with enthusiasm and dignity. I am looking forward to being an ambassador for the borough council.”

Cllr Bob Pitts was born on the Isle of Wight and served in the Royal Air Force and civil service. After retiring, Bob was elected to serve the ward of Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe, the ward in which he now lives.

His deputy mayor is Cllr Rob Stanton, ward councillor for Finchampstead North.

Parking powers from May 2017

Update given on Southfield School

THE new executive member for Highways, Cllr Malcolm Richards, said that the council will take on parking enforcement from May next year.

He was responding to a question posed by Cllr Alison Swaddle.

He said: “A report is being prepared which will ask for approval required to make the application to the Deaprtment for Transport and then Parliament.”

Traffic management teams at the council will work on parking restrictions and it is intended to release the information by the autumn with a view to launching in May 2017.

DIALOGUE is continuing with parents at Southfield School following Ofstead placing it in special measures.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, gave the update during last week’s Council meeting following a question from Cllr Pauline HellierSymons.

She added: “Issues focused on the management of pupil behaviour and site safety. Pupil outcomes and teaching, learning and assessment were each judged to require improvement, but the overall judgment was inadequate.”

THE borough’s stance on kerbside glass recycling has been dubbed absolute rubbish after it was discussed at a council meeting last week.

Cllr Angus Ross told the chamber that collecting bottles and jars would cost Wokingham £600,000 a year and the glass couldn’t then be recycled.

However, research by The Wokingham Paper reveals that other councils across the country do collect and recycle glass – and at a cheaper cost than that quoted by the council’s lead member for the environment.

Last Thursday night, responding to a question by former councillor Guy Grandison, Cllr Ross said that there are two ways to collect glass from residents’ homes. The first involves a separate collection and, he added, meant that the glass “could not then be recycled as glass as the only use for mixed glass is for building and road foundations”.

The second way is, he said: “to collect it in the black boxes together with other recycling materials”.

He added: “There would be significant costs to remodel the sorting machinery at Smallmead, something Wokingham would have to pay for unless Brakcnell Forest and Reading also wanted to have the separation facility.”

In his follow-up question, Mr Grandison asserted that it would lead to a 1% rise in Council Tax to pay for the £600,000 cost.

However, if Cllr Ross’ figure is correct, it would mean a 0.7% rise in Council Tax if Wokingham Borough Council chose to place the entire levy in the residents’ pockets.

Other councils across the country do recycle glass from the kerbside and pledge to turn them back into new jars, bottles and glasses. They include neighbouring Basingstoke and Deane, which uses Veolia for its waste collections.

A spokesperson for the council told The Wokingham Paper that its scheme cost £345,000 a year – if that figure translated to Wokingham, it would be a 0.4% increase in residents’ council tax.

In Pembrokeshire, its council also takes glass from people’s homes and it is processed at a plant in Swansea, where it is again turned back into glass.

Liberal Democrat councillor Clive Jones

said after the meeting that his pre-election pledge which formed the basis for the question, had been misrepresented and the response was disappointing.

He told The Wokingham Paper: “I was frustrated that the former councillor asked the question misrepresenting one of our leaflets by saying that we wanting more recycling at all costs–- specifically glass recycling at all costs. We’ve never said that.

“What we’ve said is that we want more glass recycling – other councils can do it, why can’t Wokingham. The answer was it would cost £600,000 if they have a separate truck but if we do it through our black boxes the cost would be minimal.”

He also blasted Cllr Ross for saying that the glass couldn’t be recycled.

Cllr Jones added: “That is absolute rubbish because so many other councils do. I know of quite a few councils who make an awful lot of money out of recycling glass. There’s an opportunity that we’re missing here and continuing to miss.”

In a statement to The Wokingham Paper, Cllr Ross affirmed the position he gave at last Thursday’s council meeting.

He said: “To recycle glass a special separator is needed, and we don’t know of a neighbouring council with one. Also, up until now there was no market we could access for mixed glass to be recycled as glass. But we will happily look into this.”

Recycling charges plan is ‘crazy’ PLANS to start charging to leave waste at the borough’s recycling centres have been criticised by the Liberal Democrats.

Last week, Wokingham Borough Council teamed up with its counterparts to announce changes to the way in which waste is handled at the rubbish facilities in Reading and Bracknell.

From July, residents will need to display an orange permit to gain access to the Longshot Lane and Smallmead recycling sites. Then, from September, there will be charges introduced for dumping DIY waste including plasterboard and asbestos. A limit and a fee will also be brought in for people bringing recycling and waste to the centres by trailer.

The charges are being introduced after West Berkshire Council pulled out of the re3 recycling scheme just before Easter, meaning that the remaining trio of councils must make up the £600,000 shortfall. The re3 scheme estimates that 15% of usage at the two recycling centres comes from people who live outside of Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and Reading and that introducing the charges and changes is the fairest way to meet demand.

A re3 spokesperson said: “re3 contracts an independent research company to carry out visitor surveys [on the site]. Following two onsite questionnaires at the Reading recycling centre last year, the survey results showed that 15.2% of visitors to the Reading facilities were residents from West Berkshire.”

There are fears that these changes will lead to an increase in fly-tipping across the borough, as well as in Reading borough and Bracknell Forest Council areas, something

Cllr Croy asks maiden question over academies THE new councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates asked his first question at last week’s Council.

Cllr Andy Croy, the borough council’s sole Labour councillor, asked Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor about changes to the Government’s plans on acamedies.

“Does she share my relief that the Government seems to have suspended plans to force all our primary schools to become academies?” he asked.

Cllr Haithham Taylor said: “The Executive committee has adopted a broadly positive stance on academisation, recognising some outstanding questions about capacity to support the change process, and costs. Those questions are likely to be eased by a more permissive, laissez-faire approach to academy conversions, which I will welcome.”

COUNCIL NEWS | 7

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

you can see in our letters column on page 16.

And Liberal Democrat councillor Clive Jones said that the charge is crazy.

Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, he asked: “Are the permits for waste to save money?

“The charge is wrong – it’s crazy. People should be able to take whatever waste they want to the tips and get rid of it.”

He also predicted a rise in dumped rubbish in Wokingham if the plans to introduce a fee takes place.

“I’m sure it will lead to a huge increase across the borough if there’s extra charges,” he said. “I’m very disappointed, I think it really is pretty poor.”

However, a re3 spokesperson said that new measures will help counter any increase in fly-tipping.

They said: “re3 is installing new CCTV on the approach to the Reading recycling centre – in addition to existing cameras at the Bracknell site – to help monitor any changes in fly-tipping close to the recycling facilities.”

And re3 said that it will do what it can to ensure a smooth handover.

“Recent changes have been well thought through and communicated to residents but all changes to familiar services will take some time to bed in. To ensure our visitors and indeed our staff are fully supported however, we are introducing cameras attached to the recycling centre staff uniforms to help us to deter and document any potential aggressive behaviour on site.”

Our next

Our next governing body meeting in public is Tuesday 7 June 2016, 1.30pm - 4.30pm at The Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG4 4JZ

JUNE

7

2016

To attend, telephone 0118 982 2709 or visit: www.wokinghamccg.nhs.uk/governing-bodymeeting-dates

Primary Care Commissioning Committee meeting in public is Wednesday 8 June from 1-4.30pm at Berkshire Maestros, Stoneham Court, Reading RG30 4EZ For details go to www.wokinghamccg.nhs.uk or phone 0118 982 2709

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Parish noticeboard Tuesday, May 31 Woodley Town Council Leisure Services. 8pm.

The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ Wokingham Borough Council: overview and scrutiny management committee. 7.30pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Wednesday, June 1 Earley Town Council policy and resources committee.

7.45pm. Earley Town Council Offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. St James’ Church, Southbury Lane RG10 9UA. Wokingham Borough Council. Health overview and scrutiny committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Monday, June 6 Charvil Parish Council village hall and amenities meeting. 8pm. Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane.

St Nicholas Hurst parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Hurst Village Halls, School Road Hurst RG10 0DR. Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm.

St James’ Church, Southbury Lane RG10 9UA.

Tuesday, June 7 Woodley Town Council Plans Committee. 7.45pm.

The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley, RG5 4JZ Wokingham Borough Council. Marvellous Festival, Licensing and Appeals Hearing. 2pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Wednesday, June 8 Finchampstead Roads and RS Meeting. 7.30pm.

Parish Office, FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead RG40 4ES Wokingham Borough Council. Licensing and Appeals Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

A MAN from Lower Earley has been made the subject of a community order and fined more than £1,000 after admitting to five motoring offences.

Jake Martin Edward Collis, 23, of Bradmore Way, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 5 where he admitted the charges, which included aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, and failing to stop after an accident.

Mr Collis was ordered to pay £500 compensation, costs of £500, and disqualified from driving for 12 months for the charge of aggravated vehicle taking; fined £70 for the charge of driving without insurance; and fined £70 for driving without an appropriate licence.

He was also made subject of a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am, and ordered to attend rehabilitation activities up to a maximum of 20 days within the next 12 months.

The five charges all relate to incidents in Reading and Twyford on June 4 last year.

A 20-year-old man from Earley has been found guilty of assault.

Michael Adrian Ryan Hague, of Mill Lane, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 6 where he was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months after being found guilty of beating a woman in Tilehurst, Reading on February 2 this year.

Mr Hague was also made subject to a restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly,

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

From the courts December 4 last year.

Mr Crame was remanded on unconditional bail to appear at the same court on June 28.

A further charge of dangerous driving was withdrawn.

attending a property in Tilehurst and a pharmacy, also in Tilehurst, for the next five years.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60, and costs of £750.

A WOMAN from Lower Earley is due to appear in court charged with criminal damage.

Tanna Jeanette Brooks, 36, of Rainworth Close, denies damaging the door of a car in Reading on July 15 last year.

Ms Brooks has been remanded on unconditional bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on June 9 for the trial.

A MAN from Earley is due to appear in court charged with assault.

Steven Crame, 29, of Wokingham Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 11 where he denied beating a man in Woodley on

A WOMAN and a man from Lower Earley are due to appear in court charged with three counts of failing to notify the council of a change in circumstances.

Fiona Dare, 51, and Nigel Dilloway, 55, both of Alder Close, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 11 where they denied dishonestly failing to notify Wokingham Borough Council of a change in circumstances which would affect their Employment Support Allowance, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

The charges relate to three separate incidents between October 8, 2010 and January 18, 2015.

Ms Dare and Mr Dilloway were remanded on unconditional bail to appear at the same court on July 5 for the trial.

A MAN from Woodley has been ordered to carry out community service after being found guilty of assault.

Nasim Chowdhary, 54, of Norwich Drive, denied assaulting a man in Earley on July 23 last year, but was convicted at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 11.

Mr Chowdhary was ordered to carry out 10 days of unpaid work within

the next 12 months, ordered to pay £50 compensation, a victim surcharge of £60, and costs of £300.

A MAN from Twyford has pleaded guilty to a public order offence.

Kirk Greenwood, 36, of Orchard Estate, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 11 where he admitted to being drunk and disorderly in a public place on March 15 this year.

Mr Greenwood was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15, and was handed a conditional discharge for six months.

A MAN from Woodley is due to appear in court charged with harassment.

Peter Aaron William Lewendon, 34, of Foxglove, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on April 14 where he denied the charge of harassment without violence.

The charge relates to incidents between March 1 this year and April 12 this year where Mr Lewendon is alleged to have blocked the complainants’ garage preventing them from using it; followed one of the complainants when she was walking her dog; revved vehicles outside the complainants’ house; and taken photographs of people visiting the complainants’ house.

Mr Lewendon was remanded on bail until June 28 to appear at the same court for the trial.

He was prohibited from contacting the complainants directly or indirectly, and from entering Foxglove, Woodley, living and sleeping each night at Players Green, Woodley instead.

rates

mates

Traditional & Contemporary Barbering

SHOPS in WOKinGHAM AnD BinFiELD

tHELOcALBArBErSHOP.cOM

Discover The Local Barber Shop The Local Barber Shop are pleased to announce we have opened our newest branch in Binfield.

Since 2008 The Local Barber Shop has gained a solid reputation for quality classic and modern barbering.

We have an excellent team of experienced barbers, capable in any kind of style. We enjoy creating perfect haircuts and having fun while we do.

The Local Barber Shop have a great range of shaving and hair products. Top seller this month is

our own brand beard oil, ask your barber to try it.

Guaranteed you will be popular when you get home.

Why not treat yourself or someone else to a Hot Towel Shave, this is a fantastic relaxing experience.

We have Shave vouchers available for gift ideas.

In our Wokingham store we have a live cam, giving you a view of the shop to see how busy we are before you set off. Take a look at our website www. thelocalbarbershop.com to find out more

CALL 0800 30 50 30 TODAY TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CALLSURVEY. 0800 30 50 30 TODAY CHECK

TOCALL BOOK A 50 FREE CALL 0800 30 TODAY 0800 3030 50HEALTH 30 TODAY CHECK SURVEY. TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CHECK SURVEY. CHECK SURVEY.

GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER!

GET A FREE ONLINEESTIMATE ESTIMATE AND AND SAVE THIS FLYER! WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK GET A FREE ONLINE SAVE10% 10%WITH WITH THIS FLYER! GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER! D A

ST EA

D A

HEAD LE Y

EAST AD ROAD EAST Y RO EY L E DL EAST AD EA AD H RO

A HE

RRKK PAPA YY L E LE A D AD HE HE

HEAD LE Y

R O

AD

ST EA

ST EA

R O

R O

HEADHEAD LE LE Y Y

R O

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK W W. T30 RTODAY ADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK CALLW 0800 30 50 WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK TO BOOK A FREE HEALTH CHECK SURVEY. D A

ST EA

HUR HURRIC RICAN

AN E EW WA AY Y

DL

EY

Y E0 1 DKL AAR HPE

100

ST EA

H

EY DL EA

RAEY WAY IRFEIW TFIT SP SIP

GET A FREE ONLINE ESTIMATE AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS FLYER! EY DL EA

EAST AD RO

HUR RIC AN

EW AY

HUR RIC AN

ST EA

Y LE AD HE

WE ARE HEREWE ARE

AD RO

ST EA

R O

AD RO

ST EA

HEAD LE Y

HERE WE ARE HERE

D A

EW AY

SPITFIRE WAY

WE ARE DLEY A HERE HE

H

SPITFIRE WAY

ST EA

10

AD RO

K

Y LE AD HE

AD RO

R PA

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK EY DL HEA

A HE

SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: 9-5, SAT: 10-4 Tel: 0118 969 9322 ( N e x t t o S c r e w fi x ) DL

EAST AD RO

HUR RIC AN

EY

Unit 20, Headley Park 10, Headley Road East, Woodley RG5 4SW R PA

K

10

H

EY DL EA

EW AY

SPITFIRE WAY

SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: Tel: 0118 0118969 9699322 9322( N( eNxet xtto tSocSr ecwr efiw SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI:9-5, 9-5,SAT: SAT: 10-4 10-4 Tel: x )fi x ) SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI: 9-5, SAT: 10-4 Tel: 0118 969 9322 ( N e x t t o S c r e w fi x ) U nU i tn2i t02, 0H, eHaedaldelye yPP aar k Rooaadd EEaasst ,t ,WW odolde lye R y GR5G45S 4 r k 1100,, H Heeaad l e yy R oo WS W

windoc_flyer_A4_C.indd 1 Y LE AD HE

AD RO

ST EA

02/07/2012 22:06:04

Unit 20, Headley Park 10, Headley Road East, Woodley RG5 4SW

WE ARE windoc_flyer_A4_C.indd 1

02/07/2012 22:06:04

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Business PROPERTY INSIGHT wokinghampropertyblog.co.uk

Wokingham property market in crisis: Who is to blame?

Is the Grocer’s daughter the source of our current rental rise?

Picture: Chris Collins,the Margaret Thatcher Foundation

A

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

Peacocks struts into Woodley’s shopping precinct

Erica Townend

S I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, at the end of the First World War, 77% of people rented their home (the vast majority renting from a private landlord as Council Housing was still very much in its infancy).

Homeownership rose very slowly in the 1920’s and started to grow as the economy grew after the Great Depression.

However, after the Luftwaffe had flattened huge swathes of housing in the early 40’s, the priority was to get people into clean and decent accommodation ... so Local Authorities (Councils) took up the baton and built large council estates in the 1950s and 1960s.

As the UK economy got back on its feet in the middle part of the 20th Century and wages rose, people decided they wanted to own their own home instead of renting.

Throughout the post war decades, it became easier to secure a mortgage.

Interestingly, by 1977, 61.6% of 30- to 34-year-olds were owner occupiers with a mortgage compared to 8.7% of 30- to 34-year-olds being in private rented accommodation (the remaining either being in council housing or living with friends or family).

Ten years later, in 1987, we saw some significant growth in homeownership, as 68.2% of 30- to 34-year-olds had a mortgage and only 4.6% of people privately rented. A decade later and there wasn’t much change as, in 1997, the homeownership figure was 68.3% but private renting had jumped to 12.1% in the same 30- to 34-year-old age group.

Move on another 10 years to the 2007 figures, and this showed a slight drop in homeownership to 65.8% but renting had continued to increase to 18.7% (in the 30to 34-year-olds age group). The latest set of figures is for 2014, when only 47.2% of 30- to 34-year-olds had a mortgage and an eye-watering 33.4% of 30- to 34-year-olds privately rented.

When we look at the Wokingham figures of homeownership, looking back to 1991, 80.3% of Wokingham households were owned by the homeowner, whilst

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

3.2% of Wokingham households were privately rented. The 2011 census showed home ownership in Wokingham had dropped to 76.3% and private rented had increased to 12.8%.

Much of the recent rise in the occurrence of private renting in Wokingham since the turn of the Millennium is not because property has become more expensive, but the fact these 30 somethings haven’t got a council house to move into (because they were all sold off) – so they have to rent.

The selling of council housing in the 1980’s (a subject I have talked about in a previous article in the Wokingham Property Market Blog) artificially grew homeownership in the 1980’s, but as these people have got older, the younger generation didn’t have the same opportunity to buy their council house in the 1990s, 2000s or 2010s.

That is why, unless the council start building council houses by the acre, and hundreds of acres, private renting will continue to grow in Wokingham.

So if you want blame anyone... blame the Grocer’s daughter from Grantham – Mrs T…. but before you do – do remember that in the 1970s, the UK was called the “sick man of Europe” by critics of the UK government, because of industrial strife and poor economic performance compared to other European countries culminating with the Winter of Discontent of 1978/9 and if it hadn’t been for her we wouldn’t be where we are today. n If you want to read more articles on the Wokingham property market, whether you are a Wokingham landlord, Wokingham homeowner, first time landlord or a first time buyer – then visit the Wokingham Property Market Blog wokinghampropertyblog. co.uk Erica Townend is a director and co-owner of the Martin & Co estate agency in Wokingham and has been aligned closely to the world of property for almost 20 years. Opinions express in this column are her own.

Peacocks store assistant Laura Leach and store manager Michael Alban celebrate the opening of the new branch in Woodley on Thursday Picture: Gemma Davidson

FASHION fans in Woodley were celebrating when a new clothing shop opened in the precinct this week.

Value fashion store Peacocks, which has opened where the former fabric shop used to reside, opened its doors for the first time at 9am on Thursday morning.

Store manager Michael Alban, who lives nearby in Lower Earley, said the reception had been positive.

He said: “Everyone has been really friendly and welcoming, the store has been really busy which is great.

“We are a value fashion brand and I don’t think there is anything like us around here, it’s nice to have something a bit different.

“Most of the staff we have employed are from the local area as well.”

The new store has created between 10 and 12 full- and part-time jobs.

Superbowl set to stay in new Carnival Pool complex

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S Superbowl is set to play a major part of the Carnival Pool regeneration after its owners reached a deal with Wokingham Borough Council.

American Amusements Limited (AAL), which has run the facility since 2003, has signed a lease agreement for the brand new leisure hub on the lower floors of the new Carnival Pool multi-storey car park.

As well as a purpose-built state-of-theart 14 lane tenpin bowling alley, the new premises will also continue to offer laser quest, soft play and ancillaries such as a café-bar and amusements.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for planning and regeneration, said: “We were really keen to see the existing Superbowl stay as part of the new Carnival Pool leisure and entertainment offer. They are a great business and have built up a good following in the town.

“We hope their fantastic new facility will encourage even more people to come along and try out some of the things they have to offer.

“Throughout the regeneration process we have worked hard to support local

Wokingham’s Superbowl will get a new lease of life when it forms part of the new Carnival Pool development

businesses like this, as well as encouraging several others to come to the town.

“For us it’s been about getting the right entertainment for Wokingham town with great existing businesses like Superbowl and new names such as Everyman boutique cinemas.

“This balance is one of the things which will help Wokingham stand out from larger neighbours like Bracknell and offer something different that appeals to local people across the whole borough.”

The bowling alley’s former home will be extended to incorporate an indoor sports hall, studio and gym. Work to construct the

new leisure unit and multi-storey car park starts on June 6 when the existing car park closes.

On completion of the new building AAL will move into their new facility before handing their existing building back to the council. The new Superbowl facility is expected to be open in summer 2017.

Michael Appleton, managing director of American Amusements Ltd, said: “We are really excited to be involved in this new regeneration project and have thoroughly enjoyed our close association within the borough over the past 14 years providing a quality leisure offer at the Superbowl.”

Council plans to buy new property for regeneration plans WOKINGHAM Borough Council is about to embark on its own mystery shopping exercise – it’s planning to buy a property but can’t say what it is yet.

At a meeting of the Executive last night – after we went to press – it is expected that approval will have been given to securing an additional Wokingham town centre property to complement existing regeneration proposals.

The council said that the site, if acquired, would offer a good financial investment to the borough council and generate income in the longer term.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for planning and regeneration, said: “It’s a great opportunity for the town as owning this

site would help us address some recurring comments made during the public consultations and reflected in the adopted Masterplan objectives around connectivity, access and more effective use of property within the town.

“It could also offer us an opportunity to rehouse some of our existing independent traders who will have to move from other parts of the town whilst we redevelop it.

It could also bring in new niche retail to the town, both of which are things we are keen to do. It’s also our approach to lettings within the town centre.”

The Council said that due to the commercially sensitive nature of the negotiations, it cannot confirm the site

at this time, but will provide further information on completion.

Cllr Ashwell continued: “Buying this site would also be a great financial opportunity for the council as it complements the existing town centre portfolio of properties.

“With increasing pressure to find income to pay for services and projects across the borough, it’s important we can find ways of doing this that benefits all.

“Our regeneration scheme is a prime example of this, where we have invested money in buildings which generate an ongoing income for the council, paying for the regeneration as well as services and projects across the area.”

NEWS | 11

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

WINDOWS & DOORS

CONSERVATORIES Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, cuts the ribbon to the new Specsavers store in Market Place on Saturday. Pictures: Phil Creighton

The Dancing Grannies induct a new member to their troupe and entertaining shoppers at the same time

REPLACEMENT ROOFS

Staff members stand outside the new shop front ahead of its opening on Saturday

Paula Emery (left) was presented with a bottle of bubbly for her 15 years’ service. She started as a Saturday worker

Should have gone to Specsavers? Dear reader, she did!

WOKINGHAM Town’s new mayor made a spectacle of herself on Saturday.

But don’t worry, it’s the kind you wear on your face.

One of the first engagements for Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson was to officially open the new SpecSavers store in Market Place. She cut the ribbon just four days after she was installed in her new role.

The new branch is extra special as it marks the 15th birthday for the store. The move is due to an increased customer base, making the old store too small.

The new site has state-of-the-art facilities,

including six sight-testing rooms, a dedicated hearing room and an Optical Coherence Tomographer, a new form of eye scanning technology.

To celebrate the launch, the mayor cut the ribbon outside, before cutting a 15th birthday cake.

She also presented long service awards to Gillian Pulford and Paula Emery.

Mrs Emery joined the store as a Saturday assistant when it opened and went on to train as an optometrist, a role she’s held for the past 10 years.

A presentation of a bottle of bubbly was also

made to the store’s first customer in 2001, Ann Battersby.

She said: “I was a patient on the first day – it’s really nice to be recognised in this way. It’s been very unexpected and it was a surprise.”

Entertainment was provided by Fizzog Productions, who are known as the Dancing Grannies. Dressed as older ladies, the trio danced outside the store, much to the delight of passers-by.

Specsavers Wokingham retail director Susan Caskey said: “We opened for the first time on Tuesday 29 May 2001 and now look forward to another successful 15 years in the community.”

Preparations under way for a party fit for the Queen!

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Activities at Wokingham Library

THE COUNTDOWN to the Queen’s 90th birthday party is well and truly under way, with the first warm-up events taking place as early as next week.

On Sunday, June 12, Wokingham’s Broad Street will be closed for traffic to enable an all-day street party to take place.

And to help people prepare, from next week Wokingham Library will be putting on a variety of activities to get our residents in the mood to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday. With royal themed arts and crafts, readings with Wokingham Library’s Poetry Group and an amazing display of photos, memorabilia and historical facts between June 6-18 there is every reason to drop in and take part.

GET ARTY. Royal themed crafts Thursday, June 2, 10.30am-11.30am. For ages 4-12.

Free.

POETRY READING EVENING with Wokingham Library’s Poetry Group Thursday, June 2, 6.45-8pm. Free, booking essential.

PARACORD WEAVING Saturday, June 4, 10.45am-noon For ages 6 upwards. £5.

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY DISPLAY From Monday, June 6-Saturday, June 18. Free REMINISCENCE AFTERNOON with tea and cake Thursday, June 9, 2pm-3.30pm. All Welcome, booking essential. £2.

And if that wasn’t enough, next Thursday morning Wokingham Town Council will hold the final of its Town Hall Bake off. Taking place at the Market Place venue from 11am to 4pm, judges will be looking for the best biscuits, small cakes or

large cake decorated with a Queen’s 90th Birthday theme.

For those who missed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Frieze the first time around, it is returning.

It will be on display at the town hall from Thursday, June 9 until Saturday, June 12. It will be available to view from 10am to 5pm.

Created four years ago, the 36 metre frieze depicts key moments within the Queen’s reign and has been updated with a new panel to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Visitors are also invited to create a picture for the queen. Completed panels can be added to a crowd of onlookers watching the Royal events taking place? n For more information on the jubilee events visit: www.qbiw.co.uk

BI-FOLD DOORS

FASCIAS AND SOFFITS

SALE

NOW O

N!

0800 1804047

www.homeviewwindows.co.uk Showroom: Unit 60, Suttons Business Park, Sutton Park Avenue Earley, Reading, Berkshire. RG6 1AZ

All major credit cards accepted

12

15

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Friday, May 20, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPECIAL OFFER:

10% off composite doors in our spring sale

We are proud of our overall Checkatrade average score being 10/10 New front door fitted

Fitting of new windows and doors

Mr Murphy, Reading

Mrs Singh, Wokingham

“Excellent service – very 10 “Efficient, polite, high standard, excellent Tidiness: 10 Reliability: professional and friendly.” Courtesy: 10 Workmanship: 10 finish. Tidied up really well afterwards.”

For more feedback visit our website

Did you know we also do:

• Printed splashbacks • Glass table tops and shelves • Glass/stone fronted cabinets • Glass Balustraudes • Bespoke shower screens • Bespoke mirrors • Walk on glass floors • Glass stairs

Showroom, Unit 3, Toutley Industrial Estate, Toutley Rd, Wokingham, RG41 1QN

0800 999 5599 or 0330 999 5599 www.allderglass.co.uk

We also offer 24/7 emergency service for glazing and locks

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 13

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Fire crews plan rescue exercise

Girls can do A FESTIVAL to encourage more women to try exercise is taking place in Lower Earley this weekend.

The This Girl Can Festival is taking place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, in Rushey Way, in conjunction with Sport England’s drive to celebrate active women across the country.

Free entry to the festival between 10am and 1pm on Saturday includes Yoga, Kettlercise, Zumba, various stalls, a complimentary health and fitness MOT and much more.

Non-members will also receive a free three-day trial of the leisure centres facilities.

For more information call 0118 931 2066.

Jewellery raid

JEWELLERY has been stolen from a property in Shinfield.

Between 8.15am and 7.50pm on Monday, a rear conservatory window was smashed in a property in Wychelm Road. The house was searched and items of jewellery were stolen.

Anyone with any information should call the police on 101.

Above: Julia Mynheer looks at the art with Richard ConwayJones. Left: Julia’s portrait of the Queen.

Below: Visitors watch artist, Lorna Minton, at work. Pictures: Steve Smyth

Mary Cohen (Exhibition Sec) and Mary Smith (Chairman) watching Shelagh Knight at work

Let them paint cake! Art group’s 50th show

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk ARTISTS and art lovers alike joined together last weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday for a village group.

Twyford and Ruscombe Art Group celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday (21) with a special art show featuring more than 100 pieces of work and demonstrations from the club’s President and members.

A birthday cake was cut by two of the group’s founding members, Peter Searle and

Margaret Harding, to a rousing performance of Happy Birthday.

Exhibition secretary Kay Cohen said: “In addition to showing over 100 paintings and examples of work, we had popular demonstrations from Lorna Minton, our President, and members Shelagh Knight and Ann Harris on painting flowers, landscape and birds.

“We had lovely comments about the village talent on show and lots of memories of former members and exhibitions. All agreed it was an interesting and varied display with examples of different styles and methods.”

Mow way! Anger over new grass cutting plan

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW approach to grass cutting on the borough’s roads is in its early days, according to the council.

Residents have been expressing their concerns over the new policy, which has seen grass verges partially mowed leaving a distinctly two-tone approach – short at the edges and large overgrown areas next to it.

This approach, the borough council said, was borne out of a consultation and ensures that grass cutting can be where needed, when needed.

However, it has received a mixed reaction.

One user on StreetLife said that the policy creates a problem for dog owners wishing to clean up after their pet, creating “a Health and Safety issue as long grass stops picking up after dogs and leaves mess - if children wander into the area this becomes a major issue”.

Twitter user @FionaLegal said: “This mess is Wokingham BC’s idea of ‘grass cutting’ - and they say its staying like this ALL summer long”, while @climieo added: “It looks hideous!”

Another poster on Facebook said that the area near Shepherds Hill looked “a bloody mess” while another noted that the new grass height meant that when walking

A FIRE rescue exercise will be taking place at a building site in Wokingham early next month.

Crews from Wokingham Fire Station, in Easthampstead Road, will respond to a mock ‘emergency’ call on the afternoon of Monday, June 6 at the McCarthy and Stone retirement development in Wellington Road.

The exercise will provide firefighters with a real-life training opportunity by creating a rescue scenario relating to the tower crane in place on site, which will be known as Queen’s Gate when completed.

Using a dummy casualty in the crane operating cabin, the team of firefighters will undertake a full rescue operation involving a rescue stretcher, treating the exercise as a real-life emergency situation.

Station Commander Alan Battman from Wokingham Fire Station, said: “With construction now underway on the new development in Wokingham, as the local fire and rescue service team we need to ensure that we can act quickly to secure the safety of workers on site, in the unlikely event that a rescue situation arises during construction.

“We’ve had numerous planning meetings over the last few weeks to ensure that everything is in place for the activity, and the team are looking forward to putting their training into practice in a ‘real-life’ scenario.”

READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL Independent Day School • Boys 11-18; Girls 16 -18

The new policy on grass cutting has been criticised by some people on social media such as Twitter. Our picture, from @fionalegal, shows an area of Norreys

their dog “in most places I can only see his tail the grass is that long”.

Not everyone is against the idea. Other users have praised the policy. One commented: “I like the way the grass is being cut at the moment”.

Defending the changes, Cllr Angus Ross, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “Our new grounds maintenance contractor ISS, is targeting grass cutting in areas of most importance to our residents.

“It will also maintain the grassland and wildflower meadows that have proved popular at Cantley Park in Wokingham, Ashenbury Park in Woodley, and on the Woosehill Spine Road.

“It’s important to remember the

contract has been designed with input from a public consultation held in 2014, when residents told us they would welcome a more flexible grass cutting service that targeted priority areas at priority times.

“On large verges by the roads we will ensure grass doesn’t encroach onto pathways, roads or obstruct sight lines. Areas in our large parks will have increased areas of grassland with wide mown footpaths through them, similar to Cantley Park and Ashenbury Park last year.

“Our new approach is in its early days, and we are constantly reviewing and managing how our partnership with ISS is performing.” n To leave feedback on the new scheme, visit www.wokingham.gov. uk/parks-and-countryside

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/

14 | SCHOOLS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Press pack Schools plan to merge

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.

Reading Blue Coat School Clockwise from left: Oompa Loompas unite, James O’Leary on the dodgems, French student Max Raoult shows his Gallic charms, outgoing head boy Will Batt dressed a Mario from Mario Bros, and encouraged some Mario Kart racing around the school grounds

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk TWO local schools have announced plans to merge from September.

St Joseph’s College, Reading and Hemdean House Junior School in Caversham released a statement earlier this week saying that they believe that joining forces would “be in the best interests of the pupils and the schools, making them stronger together”.

Hemdean House Junior School co-educational day school for ages three to 11, while St Joseph’s College welcomes pupils aged three up to 18 and is next to Reading University’s Whiteknights campus. It has pupils who live within Wokingham borough and has recently been awarded Independent School of the Year.

Under the proposals, the sites for both schools would be retained, with St Joseph’s College developing and investing in Hemdean House Junior School on its current site in Hemdean Road, Caversham.

St Joseph’s College Senior School and Prep School will remain on its Upper Redlands Road campus, where an extensive programme of investment and refurbishment is ongoing, currently including the construction of three astroturf pitches, a new languages suite and a new drama studio.

Andrew Colpus, Headmaster of St Joseph’s College, said: “This would be a very exciting new venture for both St Joseph’s College and Hemdean House Junior School. The current St Joseph’s town centre campus would be complemented by the excellent facilities and Caversham location of Hemdean House Junior School.

“Both schools would be able to share teaching expertise and grow together as part of the St Joseph’s College family. I look forward very much to welcoming Hemdean House Junior School to be part of our school community if the merger goes ahead.”

Phil Wise, Deputy Chair, Hemdean House Board of Governors, added: “We believe this planned merger would be a great opportunity, and would provide a strong foundation for pupils to continue to flourish.

“The Governors of Hemdean House Junior School have been working hard to secure the school’s future, and believe that St Joseph’s would be the ideal partner. The schools share similar aims and ethos and have a natural fit on many levels.”

School’s out – let’s celebrate!

By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk STUDENTS across Wokingham have been celebrating what, for many, was their last day of full-time education.

Teenagers from St Crispin’s School, in London Road, and Reading Blue Coat School, in Sonning, took part in traditional fancy dress competitions before they headed off on study leave last week.

Pupils in years 11 and 13 at St Crispin’s dressed up as superheroes, emojis and even American politicians to mark the day, while students from year 13 at Reading Blue Coat School dressed up as computer game characters and Oompa Loompas.

We wish all students across the borough the very best of luck in their exams, don’t forget to check out our A-Level and GCSE Results Day coverage on August 19 and 26.

St Crispin’s Year 11

T wyford Beer T wyford Beer Festival No. 7!

Festival No. 7!

King George V Playing Field King George V Playing Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10Field 9JA Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA Opening hours: 12:00 - 21:00

& Bar Wine Bar Opening hours: 40 Real Ales& Cider Cider Wine 40 Real Ales Sat 11th June Great food and live music from June Great food and live music from 8 bands8 bands12:00 - 21:00

Contact Us at: Contact@TwyfordBeerFest.co.uk https://facebook.com/ItsTBF

ordBeerFest.co.uk book.com/ItsTBF

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Raising money for:

Raising money for:

St Crispin’s School Year 13

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NEWS | 15

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Paul’s peddling to help leukaemia charity

Car plates stolen

By SALLY BRYANT sbryant@wokinghampaper.co.uk

activities before his cancer diagnosis didn’t go much beyond bell ringing (although he does ring the bells for royal occasions at St Paul’s Cathedral, which is PAUL Carless will never forget Christmas 2013 – but the pretty impressive). reason has nothing to do with tinsel or presents.

Mr Carless explained: “In the year leading up to He spent most of Christmas Day in bed with a the diagnosis I was doing a bit of running, although stinking cough and cold and ended up in Royal halfway through the year my times stopped Berkshire Hospital on Boxing Day. improving and now I know why.

He was checked over and was about to go home, “I also got my black belt in karate when I was full of when the consultant haematologist said he wanted cancer, so I was a little bit active but nothing like now. more blood tests.

“Getting involved The following morning with Bloodwise is Mr Carless, now my way of putting 48, was told he had a bit back and chronic myeloid now I am a patient leukaemia. ambassador for He says what them. followed was a “mad “They have couple of weeks of been there for me and have information overload, invested so much money in research – I am still alive bone marrow biopsy and worry” – he didn’t want today because of the drugs they helped develop. It his sons Ed and Ben, now eight and six, to grow up just gives me the opportunity to put something back 15 5/20when without him. But a massive came media release: 19/0 – when you at first it is all about you!”

Date of turnaround ? th are the patient, it be you its 1000 rider! Could is loo he was prescribed a drug,Wowhich isBik the result ofking forMr eathon Carless said he is very grateful for the support kingham The research partly funded by the charity Bloodwise – he has from Tom Stockwell, of Bilberry Gardens in e. Last place on Sunday 21 Jun and now those first dark days seem a million years athon taking who Mortimer, cycled coast tors coast with him, trains 2015 Wokingham Bike the for n are ope are nise ies orga Entr this year ties and abiliand ago, not just two. ages and him, will also be raising funds for Bloodwise rs of all with ride 800 r ove cted year the event attra Mr Carless, a management consultant from in the Wokingham Bikeathon. rs. ride 0 100 ct attra to hopingwill be taking part in the Windmill Road in Mortimer, first riders for the fact he has And he istre also with thegrateful n Cen 08:45 in Wokingham Tow ns at Wokingham Bikeathon toThe raise forope the charity plete of a diagnosis that registration eventmoney and com discovered new joys, as result tre the cen out of the town The riders head north which has given him so much the start line at 9:15am. tre. Everyone is most people’s biggest fear. cen crossingsupport. town am ingh Wok route finishing back in circular mile 10k He has already boosted the coffers with runs, sly cycling. All this mile or 35 generou r a 15 “I have just fallen in nlove with eithe h has bee al and goodie bag whic ive rece will e rout cycling from coast to coast, jumping out of a plane at a med r eithe g stuff has been there all my life, but it took a cancer bein are s who completes stop ks Drin y. siotherap Roger Duckworth Phy iness,London 12,000ft and cycling 52 miles in Bloodwise’s diagnosis to make me do it!” sponsored by local bus io.

Stud The Physio Bikeathon. And next month’s Wokingham event nselling and n Entries for this year’s WokinghampleBikeathon on Sunday, provided by ARC Cou iration to many peo n an insp will be training for a London to Paris bike ride in beenow hasare athon26 June being accepted. For more details and to said, “The Bike gton erin Heth Stan er Organis list for a man whose . It’s a great alike ilies September – it’s an impressive fam and ls idua sign up, log on to www.wokinghambikeathon.co.uk.

- indiv ing runn n bee has it ple t 7 years

Reading Scottish Pipe Band perform to Keep Hatch Primary School pupils Pictures: Gemma Davidson

Piping in the lunchbreak PUPILS at a primary school in Wokingham were treated to a Highland fling during their lunch break this week, writes Gemma Davidson.

Children from Keep Hatch Primary School, in Ashridge Road, were delighted by the sounds of the Reading Scottish Pipe Band on Tuesday as two of its members played them a selection of reels as part of their music enrichment programme.

Deputy headteacher Claire Appleby said: “Here at Keep Hatch we love music and take it very seriously.

“Every year we run an enrichment programme, and this year it is music so we thought we would introduce the children to a style of music they

over the pas friends, family and peo y the countryside with on your bike and enjo opportunity to get out cycle itself and the the of thrill the t line, ity. The buzz at the star from across the commun to join in! line are all great reasons ievement at the finish enormous sense of ach for the fun of it, but also riders take part, not just d that so many of the We are also very prou s. Riders have already rship nso spo ugh thro l and national charities to raise money for loca Down2Us and The Link local charities including will be fundraising for who year this red ente MS Society.” the and h earc Res nal charities like Cancer Visiting Scheme and natio let that stop you! out for a while – don’t your bike hasn’t been If you are worried that will be on hand at the , ices Serv le n of Cyc Dr Bike, Steve Johnso Wokingham’s very own those who need it bike safety checks for bike maintenance and start to provide essential

Explosive fun at Waverley School’s science day!

may have never heard before.

“We taught them a few simple dances which they attempted to recreate, and all the children seemed to thoroughly enjoy the music.

“Following this, children from local schools joined us at Keep Hatch to take part in a workshop.

“From learning to play tunes on the chanter, to complex rhythms on the drums and even perfecting some marching, the children all had a wonderful time!”

NUMBER plates have been stolen from cars parked in central Wokingham.

Overnight on Sunday into Monday, someone stole the rear and front number plates from two cars parked in Oxford Road.

Anyone with any information should call the Thames Valley Police inquiry centre on 101.

Free concert in Sonning A FREE concert is being planned at a Sonning church.

Sumer Is Icumen In is the title of the evening of music which is being presented by the Gratis Choir.

No tickets are required for the event – all you need to do is turn up and enjoy the performance, which takes place at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday, June 4 from 7.30pm.

Afterwards, there will be a retiring collection in aid of the church’s New Hall Fund.

For more details, log on to www.gratischoir.org.uk

Waverley Preparatory School and Day Nursery Independent School for Boys & Girls: 3 mths- 11 yrs

Berkshire’s Top School For Under 11’s According to SATs Results 2011-2015

P

Science day at Waverley proved to be a lot of fun as well as educational part in workshops undertaking different upils at a local school in experiments.

Finchampstead saw first hand just This included learning about electrical how much fun science can be! circuits where they created a giant circuit Waverley School’s Science Day by all holding hands and enabling a loud began with a blaze of fire and buzzer with flashing lights to be smoke! A spectacular demonstration by activated! Woe betide anyone who the guest scientist proved that it is indeed stopped holding hands and broke possible to set fire to a real £50 note and see the circuit! it survive unmarked.

The highlight of the day was a rocket The children were then treated to a series launch in the school field! The children of explosions and optical illusions – showing counted down to lift-off and the rocket them that science is impressive, enthralling launched into the sky! and fantastic fun for everyone.

It was difficult to decide who was more Throughout the day the pupils then took

excited about the rocket’s successful launch – the pupils or the teachers!

Scholarships at Waverley

Discover how Waverley makes learning fun.

Contact us for an individual visit and find out more.

We also have limited scholarships available (closing shortly) for current Year 1 and Year 3 pupils.

Tel: 0118 973 1121 Email: admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk www.waverleyschool.co.uk

Scholarships Available For Current Yr. 1& 3 0118 973 1121 admissions@waverleyschool.co.uk www.waverleyschool.co.uk

Waverley Way, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berks RG40 4YD

16 | VIEWPOINTS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, Month XX, 2016

Your views We don’t need ferrets THE WOKINGHAM PAPER

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters

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

squirming in a sack

LAST Thursday’s borough council meeting was a disgrace.

And it’s not the first time either.

Planted questions designed to make one party look better than the other, cheap stunts designed to make one party look better than the other and smug answers designed to make one party look better than the other.

Incoming Labour Councillor Andy Croy kept a respectful silence, but we suspect he was bemused and baffled by the petty point scoring going on.

The call from the Liberal Democrats for the borough council leader to resign over the leaked email is an interesting one. Any party, of whichever colour, always wants to make themselves look good ahead of elections.

The response is equally telling: a kind of tit-for-tat barrage over planning petitions.

Likewise, it is disappointing that Cllr Angus Ross’ response on glass recycling was an exercise in point scoring rather than addressing the issues of recycling and how the borough can improve what it’s doing.

When there are real concerns from the electorate – and a low turn out at the recent local elections – it is sad that instead of addressing them and seeking to achieve constructive debate we have a council chamber that resembles ferrets squirming in a sack.

There’s a lot of huffing and puffing, a lot of tail biting but real engagement?

And while the politicians squabble, creating much ado about nothing, it’s easy to feel that the concerns from the electorate are being missed.

Both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives need to take a long hard look at themselves.

Council meetings should be better than this.

CHURCH NOTES

Stay close to the father

A

FEW days after returning from touring California and Oregon with my wife, I was on a training course at the Kings Arms (church not pub!), Bedford.

I was interested to hear one of the speakers relate his experiences of a similar holiday he had undertaken with his young family.

With his wife he informed their four children of the forthcoming trip and there was much excitement.

However, a few days later when they were visiting a nearby town to Bedford his four-year-old asked him: “Dad, is this America?”

At that point he realised that his son had no idea where they were and could not understand the concept of visiting different parts of California.

He realised that as they toured he would have no idea of where they were from one day to the next!

So he gave his son this one instruction: “No matter where we are on this trip, where we go just stay close to me.”

Reflecting on this I thought life is like that sometimes.

We can be in a season where we don’t really know where we are, what the next few steps are for us or where they will lead us.

If you are in a season like that now or when you experience such a time you would do well to follow this wise advice to stay close to your father. Not your earthly father as in this story, but your heavenly Father.

Jesus told us that he would not leave us as orphans (John 14:8) He came to reveal God as our Father (Luke 15:11-32).

We are adopted into the royal family of heaven as sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4) We are all called to encounter the Father’s love (Romans 5:5).

Whatever season you are in right now let me encourage you to “Stay close” to God, your Heavenly Father.

Keith Saynor Pastor, Kings Church, Wokingha

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Cycle helmets are not the answer While we can all be grateful that Chris Luff is recovering, I have seldom read an article more misinformed or with more unjustified assumptions than this (My cycle helmet saved my life, The Wokingham Paper, May 12, 2016).

“I would have died instantly without my helmet,” How does he know? Unless he repeats the collision in exactly the same way without a helmet and is instantly killed, this statement is at best, an unproven assumption.

“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.” This is patently not true, and while a cyclist will almost always be seriously injured in collisions involving motor vehicles at 40mph, they often survive. Cycle helmets are tested to provide protection at about 10mph, and as the speed of the collision increases, the protection falls rapidly, and at 40mph, the protection is effectively zero, as impact energy increases with the square of the speed.

“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.”

Perhaps Mr Luff isn’t quite as informed about cycle helmets as he thinks. Children have been strangled by their helmet straps but there is no proven case of a helmet saving a life, so going by the evidence, any responsible parent would ban their child from wearing a helmet.

James Higgins from Headway said “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.” Which is clearly true, if highly unlikely. However, such injuries are extremely rare for cyclists, and are more common for car occupants in collisions. Cycling has about the same risk per mile travelled as walking, but Headway focus solely on cyclists, ignoring higher risk groups. Why? He goes on to say “Sustaining a life changing brain injury as the result of a cycling accident is not uncommon.” That is not true. Such injuries to cyclists are extremely rare, and about the same risk for pedestrians, so why aren’t Headway promoting walking helmets?

Much of the accepted wisdom about cycle helmets is based on “helmet saved my life” articles like this, when the facts are very different. Nowhere with a massive rise in helmet wearing, whether due to a law or propaganda campaign, can show any reduction in risk to cyclists, and some research shows an increase in risk with helmet wearing.

Despite predictions of huge saving of life from

out puts all the responsibility on the cyclist? How about telling the driver to be a bit (or a lot) more careful?

Fateddie, via wokinghampaper.co.uk n Is Chris single, I think he’s a dish ? Yum Yum BigBad Sue, via wokinghampaper.co.uk n Hi Sue, Chris loved your comment, but alas, not single.

Best regards. ‘The Wife’ Juliet Luff, via wokinghampaper.co.uk

Your take on rubbish permits

n So it’s costing us money in Wokingham to distribute permits to our residents so that they can prove that they don’t live in an area managed by skinflint West Berkshire.

Or have I missed something?

Can we charge West Berkshire for this? (Rhetorical) Philip Cleary, via Facebook

Cyclist Chris Luff was saved by his bike helmet helmet laws in Australia and New Zealand, the only effect has been to deter people from cycling, and it is probably no coincidence that they now have massive obesity problems. No-one in Denmark or Holland wears a helmet, but cycling there is much safer than the countries where all cyclists do, so whatever makes cycling safe, it isn’t helmets.

Mr Luff might like to read a little about the actual effects of cycle helmets rather than accepting assumptions at face value, and it wouldn’t hurt Headway to inform themselves either. May I suggest the largest collection of cycle helmet research on the web? cyclehelmets.org In the middle of an obesity epidemic set to bankrupt the NHS, and largely caused by reduced exercise levels, promoting helmets, which has the sole effect of deterring people from cycling, is grossly irresponsible.

Richard, via wokinghampaper.co.uk

n Oh well, we’ll all enjoy looking at the fly tipping that will occur as a result. How ridiculous, what do I pay my rates for?

Natalie Edwards, via Facebook n Hi Natalie, permits will be free for Wokingham Borough residents. This scheme is to prevent residents from neighbouring authorities using the recycling centres.

Wokingham Borough Council, via Facebook

n And I suppose it will stop them fly tipping in our borough too?!... And what about local residents tripping their DIY rubbish from the garden or old kitchen sinks, old ceilings etc. Not many will want to pay to take their rubbish to the tip. It’ll end up in our country lanes off the back of their car boots.

Natalie Edwards, via Facebook n I agree with Natalie! This is just going to increase fly tipping and who is going to pay to clear it up! None of the council’s seem to understand the mentality of the people who dump stuff!

RE3 don’t even clean up the stuff that people fly tip on the access road to the recycling centre! What hope is there for randomly dumped stuff all over the rest of the area?

Laura Blackburn Finlay, via Facebook n Hang on a moment, an adult in control of over a tonne of fast moving metal rammed a bloke on a bike from behind and you are wittering on about polystyrene People need more housing and more repairs to their social hats? housing in Finchampstead in or near Orbit Close.

Get real!

It is not right that Wokingham Borough Council cannot Segregated space for children and adults cycling on make a decision or give council tenants a firm answer. busy roads is needed.

If this letter is read by council tenants – people that Charlie Holland, via wokinghampaper.co.uk rent should face these councillors and get a firm answer.

Victor Rones, Bracknell n Don’t you think the message the police are trotting

Repairs needed to housing

GOOD ADVICE

Renting your home – Problems with your landlord

M

ANY tenants have a written tenancy agreement, but a legal contract exists between a landlord and a tenant whether or not anything is written down.

A verbal agreement may simply be based on the conversation the landlord and tenant had when they originally agreed on the terms of the letting.

However, this may be difficult to enforce, especially if there were no witnesses.

Some tenants don’t know who their landlord is. If you need to find out who your landlord is, try writing to the person who last collected your rent, asking for your landlord’s full name and address.

Send this letter by recorded delivery and keep a copy.

If the person to whom you have written does not reply within 21 days, this is a criminal offence.

You can inform the Tenancy Relations Officer of the local authority, who can prosecute the person who has failed to

provide the information.

Before contacting the Tenancy Relations Officer, you should consider whether this might provoke your landlord into retaliating with threats or attempted eviction. You should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at a local Citizens Advice.

If you need to find out your landlord’s identity because of an emergency, such as a burst pipe, it may be quicker to inform the local authority of the emergency. They have special powers to enter and carry out any necessary work, and can take steps to find out who your landlord is in order to recover costs.

Your landlord has a right to reasonable access to carry out repairs. What ‘reasonable access’ means depends on why access is needed.

In an emergency, your landlord is entitled to immediate access to carry out

any necessary work.

Your landlord also has a right to enter the property to inspect the state of repair or to empty a fuel slot meter, but they should always ask for your permission and should give you at least 24 hours notice.

If you are staying in lodgings where it is agreed that your landlord provides a room-cleaning service or where you share a room with other lodgers, your landlord can enter without permission.

Your landlord does not have a right to enter in any other circumstances unless they have a court order.

It is an offence for your landlord to do anything that they know is likely to make you leave the home or prevent you from exercising your legal rights.

This would include repeatedly disturbing you late at night or obstructing access to the home, creating

noise, disconnecting supplies of water, gas or electricity where your landlord knows that this is likely to drive you out or discourage you from insisting on your legal rights.

When renting accommodation, it’s against the law for a landlord to harass you because of your disability, gender reassignment, race or sex. Harassment can include both actions and language that you find offensive.

If you are having problems with any of the above situations you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at a local Citizens Advice. 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

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

NELLIE KNOWS

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Celebrating your photography

Here’s a familiar landmark as you may not have seen it before – the Old Police Station. It’s been taken by reader Dave Rapley who was born in Wokingham and have lived here ever since.

He said: “I am nearing retirement within the next year or so, and have seen may changes. I have been a keen photographer ever since I was strong enough to lift a box camera.”

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 They’re back … and talking rubbish

A

FTER a recess for local elections, “The Elected” got together for the Annual Borough Council Meeting to formally appoint the Mayor and Deputy. The Leader of the Council had revised his Executive Team (i.e. ‘cabinet’) and they duly got on with ‘Question Time’.

It’s a chance for the public and councillors to ask questions, dealing with serious matters as well as venting some political steam.

The question of the evening was rubbish.

No, not a rubbish question – it was actually quite a good question. It was a “rubbish” question, about the opposition’s rubbish proposal, namely kerbside collection of glass for recycling.

At this point, it’s relevant to say that glass is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet.

“Short-sighted” featured strongly in the dialogue that followed. “The minister” gave us two different versions as to how it wouldn’t work.

In one, the service provider would need extra vehicles costing £600k a year. In the other, a different service provider would need new glass sorting machinery at the borough’s recycling centres. The cost wasn’t mentioned but it sounded expensive.

Both versions had the “collectable glass” only used as aggregate for buildings or roads. Neither method would recycle it into new glass bottles and jars.

We were told that Wokingham needs to “do more” and it’s expanding the bottle banks around the borough. This sounded impressive until one realised that it wasn’t actually the Council that was expanding the scheme, they were getting “da bildaaz” to do it for them.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Reaction in the chamber was on party lines.

Administration members looked on, while Opposition members sat and fumed. Clearly a rubbish response to a rubbish question about their rubbish proposal.

But it seems that the research into cost and practicality might have been, er, “short-sighted”.

When one looks outside our borough, it turns out that Basingstoke and Deane Council operate a kerbside glass recycling scheme already.

Aha! you might think – Bet their council has an in-house scheme.

Rubbish!

Perhaps they pay more in Council Tax for their “glassier scheme”.

Rubbish!

Maybe the glass isn’t fully recycled into new bottles.

Rubbish!!!

The collection is by the same service provider as ours, their council tax is on average 9% lower, the glass is sorted and it’s fully recycled. Only broken glass isn’t allowed and that’s … Rubbish!!!!

Meanwhile, over in a different part of WBC’s rubbish operations, it appears that inter-borough warfare is on the brink of going postal.

The recycling centres (‘tips’) in Reading and Bracknell are now only funded by three Councils, as West Berkshire Council has pulled out, leaving a £500k hole in the budget.

Orange rubbish discs are being issued and these go in your car like a tax disc letting you use the tip. But that budget hole gets £65k deeper, so new charges are being introduced.

So as well as ignoring the first law of holes (when in one, stop digging), the new charges look like they’re a differential stealth tax, so the discs aren’t like tax discs, they are tax discs.

These discs are supposed to prevent West

Berks rubbish runners sneaking along to the tip and dropping their load and we’re promised that inspecting the discs and making payments won’t cause delays. Bold claims, verging on the brink of being “cunning plans”, so it is (chorus together please) Rubbish!!!!!

One of the new charges is for disposing of soil at the tip, on top of the council tax you’re already paying. This will have to be ‘policed’ to make sure that nobody sneaks soil in without paying.

So if you’ve some plant roots to get rid of, you’re going to need to wash them first to get the soil off to avoid being charged. But the inspection to make sure that the roots don’t have any soil is going to take time and cost money too.

I don’t need to say it do I ? Oh, OK then Rubbish!!!!!!

Then again, soil isn’t the only stealth tax.

Plasterboard also attracts a disposal charge. One wonders if the charge will be by the sheet, part sheet or fragment, or by the kilogram or gram.

Given our “short-sighted” approach, it’ll probably be weighed in ounces and charged in groats.

And that would be rubbish wouldn’t it ?

Disposal of Asbestos is now going to be chargeable too. So instead of getting rid of this toxic substance, it’ll be left in place, stored ‘round the back’ or dumped.

This isn’t rubbish – it’s dangerous.

So when one sits back and reflects on a jolly nice opening day of the new political season, one can consider the introduction of a whole set of “short-sighted” rubbish proposals.

One might be asking comedian Eric Morecambe’s favourite question…

What do you think of it so far?

FACEBOOK.COM/WOKINGHAMPAPER

@WOKYPAPER

Nellie Williams www.nelliepompoms.co.uk

I

T’S been one of those weeks when everything was planned and then a phone call put the spanners in the works, but in a good way so I am hastily rearranging our half-term plans and wishing my daughter well for her knee operation.

No one ever tells you when you’re pregnant what happens when your babies become teenagers so I am, like a lot of other mothers, learning as I go.

Also no-one ever said parenting would be easy, well they didn’t say it would a stroll in the park either but if you’re parents then you will know what I mean. When people ask how many children I have and my response is three, the next question is what kind?

I know they mean boy or girl so I say all the same and when they find out my lot are all girls they say oh dear. I smile sweetly and nod.

I am blessed with three very different daughters and whilst life can be fraught it’s also good fun.

One of mine said recently “before I met you I had never met anyone called Nellie”, after I had stopped laughing I said “before you met me you had never met anyone”. Children say the funniest things.

Weekend in Wales Last weekend we were in Wales and the weather was gorgeous, admittedly it rained heavily on Saturday but Sunday was glorious making it much harder to pack up and come home.

To delay it a little bit longer we arranged to see a friend between Abergavenny and Monmouth, all was going well and then we got lost with no phone signal so I had to drive back a bit until we got phone signal. As a result we arrived at the time I had said we would get home. Best laid plans and all that.

It’s funny how we take things for granted and having a mobile connection is one thing we all rely on. Back in the day (growing up in Hurst where the power cuts were as regular as Benny saying Miss Diane in Crossroads) we relied on night storage heaters and a full scuttle of coal to get us through the day, now we can’t be far from a plug or WiFi!

Useful websites

While the sun was shining at the Glanusk Estate Fayre and NGS Open Day we all had the chance to loll around on my new picnic blanket which is one of my new finds.

I met Outdoor Lounge (outdoorlounge.co.uk) at the NEC in November and they very kindly sent me an outdoor lounge to try out. It’s a blanket with twi pillows and a handy carry handle so it is self-contained, easy to pack away and large enough for a gaggle of people to lounge around on. A very useful addition to the garden.

I also saw some great products from a company who had been at Badminton Horse Trials and was very tempted by the fire pit/ barbecue from The Woodee (woodee.com) and would highly recommend looking them up. Last year I got given a marshmallow toasting fork from my friend Katherina who runs Ella’s Kitchen Company (ellaskitchencompany.com) which was really useful, she’s got lots of Nordic inspired home wares and gifts and is offering new customers a 15% discount off for new customers, valid until 1 June 2016, just use the discount code NEL.

Bank Holiday weekend I do enjoy a Bank Holiday weekend and this one falls in half term so there will be no Sunday feeling for a week for which I am very grateful for. I do admire people who glide through the weekend and then gently saunter into the week, but that’s not me!

I trundle and bimble along all weekend and then just as everyone is going to bed I have a frenzy, meaning I wake up on Monday frazzled.

I’m looking forward to switching the alarm clock off for a few days and hunkering down with my lot, catching up on their news and shoving my nose in a good book. Have a good week, see you in June!

18 | VIEWPOINTS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Wokingham people

OH, MR SMITH!

A wry look at life Blue suits are a thing … fashion retailer Asos.com is currently selling this skinny fit Rogues Of London Blue Suit for just under £180

Into the blue

B

LOW me I am struggling with latest current in men’s fashion and I can’t fathom it.

At first it was tight fitting suits with short jackets that seemed more appropriate for women than men. But now there is a definite sea change lead by television presenters, among others.

I wonder how far it will take us.

I am talking, of course, about the sudden plethora of men wearing bright blue suits. Not casual jackets or trousers but the full kit and caboodle including waistcoats.

The style gurus are telling us we should be wearing tailored blue suits if we want to make the right statement.

Perhaps I am jealous because you wouldn’t want to see a stretch of blue around my waist.

An extra inch or two around the girth can be very forgiving.

According the gurus I have read, who incidentally are mostly women, we should be investing in bright blue uniforms.

Anyone who is anyone now owns one. I am safe for the moment because my wife has put her foot down and said in no uncertain terms does she want to see me preening myself in one.

Clowning their way to Monte Carlo It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world and to prove it a couple are about to drive to Monte Carlo in an old banger. Dressed as clowns.

PHIL CREIGHTON finds out why

Tina and Pete SharodSoutham are taking part in the Monte-Carlo or Bust rally adventure next week, in aid of Building For The Future.

They’re competing in a car decorated with clown decals Pictures: Phil Creighton

A

HUSBAND and wife are preparing for the road trip of a lifetime. Dressed as clowns.

Tina and Pete SharodSoutham are taking part in this year’s Monte Carlo Or Bust rally, an annual event which sees more than 80 cars journey from Belgium to the glamorous location.

But there’s a catch – the cars cannot cost any more than £300 and participants must take part in fancy dress.

At each of the stages in the rally, there are tasks to complete.

“On the way you do silly things,” explained Tina, who was in Wokingham’s Market Place last Saturday.

“In Luxembourg, you might be asked to pick up a bank application form.”

Other silliness includes a toga day and a red and white themed day.

“We’ve got 1920s swimwear, with red and white stripes for that day,” Tina said.

“We’re starting in Belgium, then on to Germany and ultimately end up in

Monte Carlo. We’ll end up in an Irish pub for the prizegiving, of course,” and she winks.

The pair were raising money and awareness during their visit to the town centre and turned up in their clown outfits and a 1998 Mercedes C180 that they purchased for the occasion. It has been decorated with brightly coloured flowers and clowning pictures from Bracknell-based Smart Signs.

The car is an old banger but the couple hope it will last the distance as they drive through Europe to their final destination. But it’s not the only journey they hope to make with it.

“Hopefully the car will take us back as well,” Tina said, perhaps optimistically.

Although the couple are looking forward to clowning around and having fun with the other participants in this road trip with a difference, there is a serious reason for taking part.

“It’s just a fun thing to do,” Tina said, “but we’re also raising money for Building For The Future.”

They are hoping to raise at least £500 for the Wokingham-based charity

Confident

Of course, the gurus have anticipated this reaction because they state the colour should only be worn by men who are sufficiently confident and at peace with their masculinity to carry this bright colour off.

Well, if ever I spotted a bit of manipulation this is it.

If I venture out in charcoal pinstripe I am communicating to you that I am at heart a shrinking violet – according to current thinking.

If you want to be amongst the first to cruise this fashion wave an upmarket London tailor will only charge around £4,500 and a high street designer label will be under £1,000.

Names more familiar to me apparently are making them for around £150 off the peg.

Nevertheless I might give this sartorial opportunity a miss.

The gurus says a bright blue suit is indicative of more dynamism but what does this mean ‘spiv’ or ‘dandy’ or am I just a dyed-in-the-wool throwback who doesn’t like to make too much of a splash.

I think these bright blue suits are best left to A-List celebrities not X-level hacks like me.

Apologies if you have just invested in such a suit, unless it is a wedding suit, I am sure you look great in it.

I do not intend to be outdone however and can tell you that pink lycra trousers for £18 on the high street is a much better deal.

What are you wearing this summer? letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith

VOLUNTEER CORNER n Walking for Health is run by part of Wokingham Borough Council and they run a variety of projects that serves clients who wish to become more physically active after diagnoses of a long term medical condition, subjected to a fall or cardiac condition.

The department also aims to help active adults participate in SHINE, an over 60’s physical activity programme as well as the Walking for Health programme, a National walking programme.

They need volunteers to support walk leaders with the Walking for Health walks.

This will involve; supporting instructors

which runs a community centre to improve the lives of disabled children.

The parent-led charity which provides activities, support, therapies, training and clubs for disabled children of all ages and all types of disability.

To help them on their way, they are taking donations via a website, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ ClownAround and will be offering updates from a Facebook page - search for “Clowning Around MCoB Rally 2016”.

The event itself takes place from Thursday, June 2 until Sunday, June 5.

For more details, visit www. montecarloorbustrally.com

With Helena Badger during physical activity classes where support would be invaluable and well received by instructors and participants alike.

They will need people skills, empathy, a caring nature, supportive, friendly and be a reasonably active person. These run Monday to Friday mornings and afternoons. n Alexandra Place, Woodley is an extra care housing scheme supporting residents aged 55 plus, some with dementia.

Their aim is to help all residents to remain as independent as possible.

They are setting up a Friday Evening Fish and Chip Club at Alexandra Place for residents and they are looking for volunteers to assist with the running of the club.

Tasks to include: Welcoming residents, serving refreshments (tea and coffee) serving fish and chips which are delivered by local takeaway restaurant, helping to clear up after dinner and possibly to play bingo after dinner (optional) The club is held from 4pm-6pm on a Friday. n The Liberty of Earley House is a friendly residential care home in Lower Earley

for the elderly. They are looking for volunteers to come and sing with or play music to the residents.

The volunteer will need enthusiasm, confidence to get a group to sing and join in.

If you can play an instrument too, that would be great!

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

HEALTH | 19

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Good health

You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!

HEALTH MATTERS

Women beat the men in a Don’t be a clot, 2-hour charity Zumbathon help stop it

with Nicola Strudley

Make a relationship resolution to improve your health

M

ENTAL Health Awareness week has just finished. The theme this year was relationships.

Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives yet we can often forget how crucial our connections with others are for our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

People who are more socially connected to family, friends or their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer, with fewer mental health problems that those who are less connected.

Relationships are not about the number of friends you have on Facebook or whether you are in a relationship or single, they are about the quality of your connections with those closest to you that matter. Living with conflict or within a toxic relationship is more damaging than being alone.

We cannot flourish as individuals and communities without them. If we try to live in isolation, we start to lack vital nourishment that other people give us and we can become stressed.

More than 86% of people in a Mental Health Foundation study reported that they had someone to rely on in times of stress, such as a family member, spouse or friend. However, we are becoming a society that feels more lonelier than ever before, partly due to the changing nature of our society.

Investing

We must prioritise investing in building and maintaining good relationships and tackle the barriers to forming them. Failing to do so is equivalent to turning a blind eye to the impact of smoking and obesity on our health and wellbeing.

Mental health organisations have been lobbying government, public bodies and employers to promote good relationships and tackle barriers to forming them, including mounting pressures on work life balance and the impact of bullying and unhealthy relationships.

How much do you prioritise key relationships in your life? Investing in your relationships is as important as healthy eating, exercising and not smoking. Would you be able to make a relationship resolution to assess how much time you commit to investing in good quality relationships?

How present are you when you are with family, friends or colleagues? Could you be more involved in a community? Could you identify the relationships in your life that are worth nurturing and investing in a bit more? Don’t have passive relationships, be active and invest in your health!

To read the full report “Relationships in the 21st Century” go to: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ sites/default/files/Relationships-in-21st-centuryforgotten-foundation-mental-health-wellbeing-fullmay-2016.pdf

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

LEISURE centre in Woodley turned up the heat to raise money for charity last weekend.

Bulmershe Leisure Centre, in Woodlands Avenue, held its first ever Zumbathon to raise money for Diabetes UK and managed to raise £210 in the process.

Around 29 women, men, children and staff filled the centre’s sports hall on Saturday morning to shake, shimmy and

salsa their way through the twohour event while raising money and awareness of the condition which affects around 3.5million people in the UK. At the end of the event, a raffle was drawn where members and non-members could win personal training sessions or a month’s free membership.

Following on from the success of the session, the Zumbathon looks set to become a regular

charity event.

General manager Tara Cerniauskaite said: “The event exceeded all expectations, the amount of people, the atmosphere, the donations – we couldn’t have asked for more.

“I am so pleased that so many people lasted the whole two hours, four men left early though, they clearly did not have enough stamina as those girls who came to dance!”

EVERY year, thousands of people in the UK develop a blood clot in a vein. It’s known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is a serious, potentially fatal, medical condition.

Specialist nurses at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have been raising awareness and educating visitors, patients and staff on the steps they can take to help avoid developing this life threatening condition.

“Although serious, most blood clots can be completely avoided, however, many people have little or no understanding about the causes, the effects and how they can be prevented,” said Sarah Curtis, Anti-Coagulation Practitioner at the Reading hospital.

“Anyone can get a blood clot, but you’re more at risk if you can’t move around much or if you’re unwell. The key is to be aware. If you are at risk, taking some simple preventative steps can really help.

“Moving around as often as you can, avoiding sitting with your legs crossed, wearing loose fitting clothes and staying well hydrated can all help, which means drinking tea, coffee and alcohol in moderation,” she advised.

However, if you do develop a VTE the team are there to advise, treat and support you.

Sarah continued: “Patients with a suspected blood clot are initially seen in the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) clinic.

“Diagnosis is made by ultrasound scan alongside a blood test.

“If a VTE is detected patients may be prescribed an anticoagulant such as warfarin.

“Patients taking warfarin need to be monitored regularly and at the Royal Berkshire we run a special anticoagulation clinic to ensure they and their use of the drug is properly monitored.”

The team also provide information about treatment for patients through a postal and phone service and operate a helpline.

Twiddlemuff campaign success, but more wanted VOLUNTEERS’ manager Lynn Bayliss said she has been overwhelmed with the response to her appeal for people to knit or crochet Twiddlemuffs for patients with dementia at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust – but she’d like some more.

“People with dementia often have restless hands and like something to keep them occupied, and a Twiddlemuff does just that,” Lynn explained.

Knitted or crocheted, the woollen muff decorated with ribbons, buttons and beads, attached both inside and out, provides a simple and effective source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation.

In less than a month Lynn has received around 300 of the wonderful woollen muffs from all over the country.

She is delighted and can’t believe the support the campaign has received.

“Every single one is different and they are all absolutely fabulous,” Lynn commented.

“I cannot thank people enough for getting involved: from the people who have taken the time to make and donate a Twiddlemuff to the local media and our social media followers who have helped to promote it.

“And please don’t stop knitting now. As each patient has their own Twiddlemuff, labelled with their name, to prevent any chance of cross infection and to take home with them we are going to need a constant supply!” n Twiddle muffs can be donated to the Voluntary Services Department of the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading telephone 0118 322 8396 ext 7061

Knit your own muff Materials • This muff pattern is perfect for using up left over and odd balls of wool • Needles: 8mm circular or 6.5mm straight needles Directions • Cuff: Cast on 45 stitches using 2 strands of double knitting wool or 1 strand of chunky wool (one plain colour works best).

• Work in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row) for 11 inches • Muff body: Continue with stocking stitch, but use up oddments of various textures of wool such as chunky, mohair, ribbon etc. until the work measures 23 inches (two strands of double knit for two rows each gives a lovely assortment of colours) • Cast off Finishing • If working with straight needles, lightly iron the long strip, then neatly join the sides together using edge to edge stitch (with the knit side facing out).

• Turn inside out and push the one-colour cuff up inside the muff body.

• Sew the two ends together, again using a neat edge to edge stitch.

Decoration • Now is the time if you want to decorate the muff, inside and out, with ribbons, beads, flowers, zips, loops, pompoms, buttons, etc. Knit a separate pocket for a favourite photo or a hanky. Be creative, but make sure each item is securely attached.

Lynn Bayliss with her mound of twiddlemuffs

20 | PICTURE SPECIAL

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

Binfield 10k

Pictures by Phil Creighton

Results

RankBib Name Chip Time 1 416 Andrew Stay 0:36:34.40 2 428 Paul Herbert 0:36:56.65 3 197 Jon Kew 0:38:06.44 4 238 Terry Dowling 0:39:12.73 5 138 Rich Bookless 0:39:14.06 6 420 Nikki Gray 0:39:17.41 7 438 Lesley Locks 0:39:40.83 8 128 Kemuel Dean Solomon 0:39:49.19 9 99 David Walker 0:39:52.89 10 368 Megan Hughes 0:39:57.67 11 147 Patrick Slaughter 0:40:23.41 12 158 Tom Best 0:40:28.79 13 78 Nick Hopper 0:40:54.25 14 415 Paul Mackenzie 0:40:56.31 15 222 Sinead Mowatt 0:41:03.25 16 4 Adam Turnbull 0:41:43.85 17 159 Ellie Barnes 0:41:56.20 18 94 James Marshall 0:42:02.97 19 153 Paul Evans 0:42:14.65 20 168 Jamie Benson 0:42:38.68 21 244 Peter Blanshard 0:42:45.67 22 351 David Curtis-Slater 0:43:03.40 23 341 David Caswell 0:43:03.30 24 1 David Legg 0:42:59.45 25 9 Jamie Hayes 0:43:20.22 26 155 Joanne Burke 0:43:29.53 27 171 Kim Travis 0:43:31.38 28 317 Nigel Weston 0:43:42.93 29 109 Mike Bodycombe 0:44:01.96 30 167 Chris Weeks 0:44:27.36 31 32 Kathryn Shaw 0:44:32.39 32 20 Hayley Fourie 0:44:40.44 33 73 Jayden Baker 0:44:41.96 34 80 Mark Ackland-Snow 0:44:52.24 35 437 Claire Powley 0:45:29.89 36 360 Phil Murphy 0:45:33.55 37 2 Michael Pleasants 0:45:55.76 38 117 Erin Kerr 0:45:57.79 39 334 Joe Crump 0:46:00.61 40 176 Martin Greenwood 0:45:51.15 41 262 William May 0:46:22.44 42 200 Andrew Buckley 0:46:06.47 43 322 Mark Dixon 0:47:15.00 44 30 Ian Newman 0:47:17.18 45 199 Stuart Powney 0:47:29.05 46 225 Jamie Wadsworth 0:47:22.69 47 379 Stuart Walsh 0:47:25.64 48 191 Matthew Evans 0:47:21.08 49 16 Euan Fraser 0:47:25.07 50 189 William Guest 0:47:50.22 51 85 Andi Flint 0:47:41.75 52 146 Cindy Holland 0:48:03.08 53 135 Sean Banks 0:48:23.07 54 410 Steve Kelleher 0:48:22.99 55 274 Adelle Greenwood 0:48:12.51 56 157 Ian Griffiths 0:48:30.63 57 202 Ted Mcfadyen 0:48:23.30 58 148 Sarah Kerr 0:48:22.46 59 84 Stephen Harris 0:48:48.17 60 344 Josh Aylott 0:48:55.48 61 266 Mark Newman 0:48:47.64 62 348 Emma Inman 0:48:58.69 63 118 Julie Refseth 0:49:10.83 64 114 Matt White 0:48:51.69 65 88 Gary Sheahan 0:49:26.70 66 90 Stephen Turner 0:49:18.91 67 404 Mike Smart 0:49:47.93 6852 Robbie Wright 0:50:01.21 69204 Matthew Almond 0:49:56.95 70 283 Jonathan Small 0:50:02.59 71 216 Johnny Lamb 0:50:16.76 72 29 Paul Emery 0:50:22.40 73 214 Rachel Naish 0:50:29.18 74 394 Leo Valentin 0:50:34.98 75 400 Yvonne Olney 0:50:14.87 76 223 Karen Seaby 0:50:39.82 77 163 Steve Richards 0:50:28.43 78 208 Simon Gillott 0:50:44.46 79 179 Chrissy Boulton 0:50:46.85 80 211 Ruth Jackson 0:51:08.94 81 170 Connor Curtis 0:51:01.82 82 218 Peter Nattriss 0:51:19.61 83 294 Joe Noyce 0:51:14.23 84 424 Lesley Williams 0:51:36.62 85 188 Domhnall Fallon 0:51:42.22 86 320 Kati Butler 0:51:41.28 87 273 Ani Chiuzan 0:51:50.03 88 237 David Waterman 0:51:51.92 89 299 Clare Doyle 0:51:56.53 90 150 Stephen Norris 0:51:58.42 91 324 Luke Fogarty 0:52:07.10 92 421 Sarah Farley 0:51:54.20 93 300 James Comerford 0:52:04.82 94 389 John Willmott 0:52:01.54 95 193 Alex Georgeson 0:52:06.29 96 242 Sarah Burgess 0:52:09.22 97 192 Hannah Bint 0:52:07.70 98 98 John Gunn 0:51:58.03 99 336 Laura Readings 0:52:16.15 100 152 Sarah Evans 0:52:22.65 101 275 Peter Valentin 0:52:26.51 102 100 Lee Curtis 0:52:29.39 103 212 Sophie Naish 0:52:30.05 104 349 Sophie Lenton 0:52:11.25

CVD Wellbeing led a warm-up for runners

And we’re off … the race begins and the runners set off from Foxley Park in warm Sunday sunshine

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE FIRST Binfield 10k was judged to be a fantastic success as hundreds of runners took to the village’s streets.

The event, which was launched by Sky Sports News presenter Alex Hammond, was held on Sunday and saw the community come together on Foxley Fields.

As runners went past All Saints Church in Church Lane, they were treated not just to water but also serenaded by the church’s musicians.

And Crema Coffee Shop handed out jelly babies and water as participants ran past.

The event was organised by Friends of Binfield School and supported by local businesses including Sears Property and Thyme In Catering, which provided biscuits with the Binfield 10k logo iced on.

Thames Valley Police was also on hand, taking part in the event and also offering support with road closures and guiding competitors.

Members of the 1st Binfield Brownies helped hand out medals, water and goody bags to all finishers.

As well as the 400+ runners, there were more than 55 marshalls guiding people through the course.

In a post on the Binfield 10k, organiser Karen Williams said: “What a fantastic day!

“Thank you so much to everyone for entering, for running, walking, volunteering, marshalling, commentating, timing, helping, cooking and everything else that we needed!

“Thank you so much to everyone.... What an awesome day and what a fantastic village we live in.”

Plans are now being made to turn the event into an annual race.

105 132 Jeremy Jackson 0:52:03.37 106 115 Jeanette Sanderson 0:52:42.63 107 182 Jonathan Hughes 0:52:01.96 108 106 Darren Smith 0:52:43.50 109 435 Christian Hansen 0:52:34.75 110 116 Andy Moorcroft 0:52:58.53 111 255 Peter Johnson 0:52:53.41 112 77 Darren Reed 0:52:54.53 113 96 Steven Ponsford 0:53:00.38 114 312 Michael Stevens 0:53:00.72 115 434 Tessa Minnis 0:53:03.63 116 354 Paul O'mahony 0:53:02.04 117 203 Lucy Blackwell 0:52:39.39 118 5 Victoria Williams 0:52:55.27 119 240 Jo Everitt 0:53:26.25 120 93 Alan Phillips 0:53:32.68 121 350 Karen Hirst 0:53:31.40 122 83 Andy Barber 0:53:37.33 123 74 Su Craig 0:53:36.82 124 103 Mike Traylen 0:53:15.97 125 245 Sarah Moss 0:53:41.00 126 104 Russell Hern 0:54:00.19 127 406 Jason Feary 0:53:58.79 128 352 Michael Millington 0:54:35.47 129 174 Pauline Siddons 0:54:40.88 130 205 Sarah Graham 0:54:30.82 131 144 Damon Mccarthy 0:54:40.81

132 86 Michael Thomsen 0:54:46.00 133 81 Robb Webb 0:54:47.12 134 321 Luke Schofield 0:54:45.26 135 137 Gisele Taylor 0:54:35.63 136 61 Claire Thomas 0:54:35.49 137 24 Katie Ackling 0:54:25.36 138 26 Paul Ackling 0:54:25.61 139 402 Louise Sibley 0:54:35.19 140 403 K Kennedy 0:54:35.98 141 196 Philip Newton 0:54:46.52 142 343 Andy Fryatt 0:54:47.27 143 260 Jodie Branchflower 0:55:01.45 144 318 Mark Schofield 0:55:08.39 145 44 Karen Coxon 0:55:11.96 146 332 David Gingell 0:55:08.04 147 195 Dave Phillips 0:55:10.64 148 72 Zachary Baker 0:55:06.38 149 71 Nicholas Baker 0:55:06.55 150 201 Dash Heaver 0:55:05.11 151 36 Caroline Apsey 0:55:06.86 152 123 Julie Atkin 0:55:16.82 153 326 David Mcshane 0:55:14.58 154 401 Guy Ramsay 0:55:23.89 155 35 Aline Rogers 0:55:35.33 156 378 Sarah Walsh 0:55:30.74 157 417 Gillian Cook 0:55:30.30 158 277 Matthew Gange 0:55:49.66 159 6 Eden Laurent 0:55:35.98

Each finisher was awarded a medal

The team from Sears Property, one of the events supporters

PCSO Alice Dunn and PSCO Michelle Noone on the Thames Valley Police stall

Members of the 1st Binfield Brownies with Sky Sports News presenter Alex Hammond

James Foster interviews Alex Hammond

160 364 Chris Mills 0:55:48.57 161 405 Caroline Reed 0:55:59.53 162 290 Tracey Hewitt 0:55:34.75 163 139 Peter Chizlett 0:55:59.67 164 439 Stuart Jones 0:55:53.25 165 38 Emma Prudden 0:55:37.55 166 102 Phil Donathy 0:56:06.63 167 68 Dave Attwell 0:55:56.90 168 430 Alan Boyling 0:56:05.68 169 172 Darren Colebeck 0:55:57.49 170 19 Lesley Hoban 0:56:18.64 171 399 Mark Olney 0:56:38.45 172 213 Tim Brodrick 0:56:45.24 173 64 Rachel Fenny 0:57:08.17 174 282 Vicki Judd 0:56:59.87 175 431 Charlotte Schofield 0:57:09.10 176 175 Stephanie Greenwood 0:56:53.88 177 185 Roger Houghton 0:57:02.62 178 316 Gillian Richards 0:57:07.00 179 286 Natasha Read 0:57:02.35 180 28 Lucy Norgate 0:56:57.48 181 108 Alison Attard 0:57:27.87 182 345 Rebecca Cairns 0:57:33.71 183 353 Jennifer Collins 0:57:33.10 184 325 Nicky Harris 0:57:15.61 185 358 Charlotte Brodrick0:57:19.94 186 220 Richard Woodgate0:57:08.71 187 177 Catherine Farr 0:57:15.70

246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257

188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195

13 Alex Hammond 0:57:32.49 161 Mike Young 0:57:59.91 11 Naomi Davidson 0:57:43.16 307 Hannah Dixon 0:57:36.10 165 Chris Green 0:58:00.00 51 Jenny Barnes 0:57:44.82 301 Razvan Draghici 0:57:37.74 408 Katalin Grubelnik Biro 0:58:28.88 196 377 Jon Couling 0:58:15.20 197 124 Joanne Wakeling 0:58:10.06 198 231 Clare Steph 0:57:58.99 199 39 Claire Greeves 0:58:15.71 200 385 Helen Wells 0:58:36.23 201 53 Carrie Shelton 0:58:37.05 202 305 Chihiro Gee 0:58:14.53 203 370 Andries Lategan 0:58:06.73 204 241 Paul Burgess 0:58:47.09 205 134 Nicole Clarke 0:58:54.50 206 162 Martin Cowie 0:58:12.85 207 234 Scott Thompson 0:58:48.42 208 287 Andrew Wood 0:58:31.69 209 33 Jamie Andrews 0:58:48.99 210 276 Holly Cossutta 0:59:15.55 211 362 Steve Mills 0:58:43.43 212 65 Sophie West 0:58:47.38 213 339 Karen Bureau 0:59:00.86 214 357 Claire Priestley 0:59:19.34 215 302 Mihaela Draghici 0:58:50.78 216 247 Victoria Griffiths 0:59:14.96

217 390 Rachael Willmott0:59:23.70 218 272 Cailean Carvalho 0:59:12.56 219 173 Martin Evans 0:59:27.75 220 319 Helen Schofield 0:59:35.15 221 45 Matthew Coxon 0:59:35.45 222 91 Michele Gettins 0:59:41.82 223 63 Ewan Dalton 0:59:33.86 224 375 Sarah King 0:59:33.91 225 31 Jacqui Gornall 1:00:09.41 226 269 Jo Watler 0:59:52.11 227 70 Clare Wailing 0:59:54.97 228 7 Selina Westbury 0:59:57.83 229 293 Kevin Harkus 1:00:00.14 230 143 Steve Jolliffe 0:59:52.13 231 207 Michelle Gillott 1:00:14.22 232 27 Gillian Drake 1:00:06.34 233 221 Sean Furness 1:00:16.20 234 382 Michelle Newson 1:00:36.70 235 323 Katie Ford 1:00:37.93 236 418 Lucy Thonger 1:00:37.60 237 432 Amy Boyling 1:00:53.30 238 49 Judith Ritchie 1:00:53.71 239 252 Mike Norcutt 1:00:51.94 240 429 Jenny Griffiths 1:01:13.82 241 306 Fabien Lomondais 1:01:19.12 242 356 David Gillham 1:01:10.26 243 365 Siobhan James 1:01:02.93 244 232 Naomi Aitken 1:00:53.23 245 413 Alan Faubel 1:00:51.32

441 Alison Haan 1:00:51.19 87 Karen Slatford 1:01:34.82 291 Georgia Hamer 1:01:28.84 297 Samantha Dowse 1:01:32.97 396 Catherine Dover 1:01:55.20 249 Oliver Owen 1:01:28.77 250 Jessica Owen 1:01:28.09 248 Gary Clarke 1:01:51.33 308 Karen Wells 1:02:05.94 47 Nathan Dhillon 1:02:29.10 383 Timea Hunka 1:02:40.63 433 Rebeca Fenoy-Anthony 1:02:36.78 258 335 Ravinder Sidhu 1:02:31.46 259 141 Kim Newell 1:03:00.95 260 122 Suzannah Young 1:02:54.88 261 304 Alexandra Bartlam 1:03:21.43 262 292 Melanie Hall 1:03:10.61 263 281 Steph Hatfield 1:03:25.92 264 18 Denise De Groot 1:03:35.75 265 347 Sophie Staples 1:03:27.60 266 251 Catherine Forrester 1:03:41.38 267 119 Claire Scanlon 1:03:46.43 268 331 Lizzy Bray 1:03:52.95 269 154 Amy Blackwell 1:03:33.69 270 338 Robin Briscoe 1:03:44.26 271 342 Heli Belfield 1:04:03.61 272 133 Sue Barrand 1:04:01.25

273 126 Stuart Norman 1:04:25.11 274 142 Kelly Jolliffe 1:04:25.78 275 314 Helen Lambourne 1:04:55.48 276 271 Debbie Kerr 1:04:39.40 277 164 Sharon Cole 1:04:39.18 278 140 Karyn Fowle 1:05:01.19 279 376 Dave Daws 1:04:46.27 280 289 Francesca Brown 1:04:48.78 281 92 Joanne Maher 1:05:11.85 282 355 Sarah Thomas 1:05:10.94 283 112 Angela Thorpe 1:05:02.61 284 372 William Townsend 1:05:10.33 285 59 Victoria Newman 1:05:53.40 286 55 Chelsi Harradine 1:05:36.12 287 436 Christelle Lomondais 1:06:23.13 288 79 Katie Ackland-Snow 1:06:26.78 289 392 Stuart Murray 1:06:37.68 290 111 Mandy Nicol 1:06:38.13 291 340 Eid Cracknell 1:06:24.41 292 97 Karen Timberlake1:07:03.80 293 311 Jessica Clarke 1:06:55.20 294 310 Ron Gilbert 1:06:53.16 295 361 Pia Terblanche 1:07:01.81 296 34 Cheryl Slater 1:06:50.96 297 169 Jackie Wade 1:07:09.98 298 21 Alison Mollett 1:07:41.56 299 215 Nichola Molloy 1:08:19.12

PICTURE SPECIAL | 21

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Paul Herbert came second

John Kew

Zachary Baker, Nicholas Baker and Dash Heaver

Steve Plimley

First home was Andrew Stay David Walker

Claire Powley

Sharon Cole and Debbie Kerr hold hands

John Gunn

Tom Best

Patrick Slaughter

Gary Sheahan

Joanne Burke

Andi Flint

Sophie Lenton

Rachel Naish

Sarah Farley

Luke Schofield

Emma Prudden

Minna and Stefan Watson head for home

Domhall Fallon and Kati Butler sprint for the finish line

Ravinder Sidhu

Karyn Fowle

Order your souvenir pictures at wokinghampaper.newsprints.co.uk 300 227 Prasanna Jayaram 1:07:55.89 301 121 Jenny Warrick 1:07:53.85 302 160 Francesca Compostella 1:07:57.43 303 130 Michael Hawkins 1:08:03.75 304 235 Judith Usher 1:08:23.37 305 366 Abi Stead 1:08:23.02 306 219 Sarah Ferrary 1:08:59.82 307 419 Cass Oswald 1:08:50.97 308 367 Katie Lawson 1:09:10.24 309 265 Leonie Charles 1:09:07.18 310 427 Stefanie Beamish-Pena 1:09:09.70 311 129 Amanda Coleman 1:09:23.63 312 257 Jaroslaw Zak 1:09:49.05 313 256 Minoda Zak 1:09:48.95 314 313 Jackie Tunstall 1:09:53.63 315 56 Zeljka Stipesevic 1:10:13.03 316 246 Jane Aylwin 1:09:49.42 317 261 Kirsty Hodson 1:09:58.41 318 110 Kathryn Webb 1:10:39.66 319 422 Sarah Homeyard 1:10:41.00 320 187 Sally Kent 1:10:50.22 321 327 Gregg Tymkow 1:11:30.84 322 328 Jenna Barwick 1:11:30.97 323 426 Julie Phillips 1:11:04.03 324 120 Mark Pearson 1:11:16.24 325 50 Heidi Strickland-Clark 1:11:34.62 326 37 Anna Woozley 1:11:22.23

327 69 Natasha Kearslake 1:11:39.22 328 76 Pat Moody 1:11:32.81 329 105 Janine Clark 1:11:36.08 330 425 Vijay Prabhu 1:12:20.56 331 363 Malin Karlen 1:12:25.33 332 409 Sara Lane 1:12:41.19 333 224 Louise Mackness 1:13:19.08 334 295 Jenna Watson 1:12:56.22 335 330 Stefan Watson 1:13:01.59 336 296 Minna Watson 1:13:01.16 337 239 Andrea Richards 1:13:36.89 338 95 Amanda Downs 1:13:49.22 339 40 Purveen Hira 1:13:47.26 340 229 Suzanne Kopik 1:13:50.75 341 190 Lisa Duguid 1:13:48.83 342 206 Will Graham 1:14:23.67 343 369 Ian Watts 1:14:23.22 344 233 Gemma Sutton 1:14:24.52 345 267 Emma Watt 1:14:06.54 346 151 Joanna Goble 1:14:06.15 347 329 Gail Mitchell 1:14:06.97 348 43 Tom Olliver 1:14:37.41 349 48 Jenny Walker 1:14:55.77 350 298 Elizabeth Bonito 1:15:01.30 351 414 Zoe Strohmeyer 1:15:00.19 352 25 Katie Mclelland 1:15:00.58 353 131 Nick Barrand 1:15:13.87 354 371 Susan Sarney 1:15:28.15 355 374 Victoria Hamble 1:16:02.74

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 Dns

259 Caroline Bailey 1:16:15.72 17 Catherine Boulter1:16:59.84 62 Alan Rowe 1:16:59.75 284 Zoe Price 1:17:15.82 285 Andy Norman 1:17:16.88 279 Victoria Linton-Smith 1:17:18.60 209 Mara Smarandache 1:18:50.79 22 Claire Garner 1:18:41.15 149 Gill Manton 1:19:56.43 315 Sandra Bisharah 1:19:46.19 253 Kelly Wagner 1:20:31.05 258 Bryony Trafford-Smith 1:21:01.59 309 Andrew Ogierman 1:21:01.76 107 Steve Plimley 1:21:10.35 387 Diane Jordan 1:23:03.95 58 Sumithra Mani 1:23:06.22 278 Lovesh Ravindran1:24:22.54 66 Zara Allen 1:29:55.99 186 Lisa Kelly 1:35:30.57 236 Clare Phillips 1:38:55.36 388 Jo Knight 1:38:55.96 384 Sam Ahmad 1:38:55.41 391 Nicola Prince 1:38:54.30 407 Debbie McFadyen 1:41:16.41 440 Wendy Martin 1:41:15.22 226 Sarin Barnabas 1:41:28.12 3 Teresa Mckay

Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns

8 Katherine Mulholland 10 Luke Stevens 12 Graham Pratley 14 Val Pratley 15 Alison Elcoat 23 Nicola Jenkins 41 Janine Lewis 42 Frances Reynolds 46 Michelle Caldwell 54 Lisa Standing 57 Liz Calver 60 Andy Holland 67 Nick Joiner 75 Elysia Lilley 82 Jane Ainslie 89 Sharon Knight 101 Daniel Hedges 113 James Sibley 125 Gill Overman 127 Fiona Coughlan 136 Nina Smith 145 Alex Marshall 156 Matt Heath 166 Nicky Weeks 178 Tori Pellow 180 Lorraine Ellicott 181 Matthew Ellicott 183 Lucy Waterman 184 James Connolly 194 Leeann Matthews

Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns Dns

198 Rachael Godfrey 210 Gina Mccarvill 217 Jonathan Barr 228 Edward Bryant 230 Guy Ramsay 243 Judy Turton 254 Simon Bennison 263 Andrew Shirley 264 Helena Shirley 268 Nicola Strudley 270 Ozan Tokatli 280 Max Clarke 288 Kirsty Beavis 303 Joseph Sculley 333 Michelle Nicol 337 Andrea Gaynor 346 Scott Feltham 359 Ian Pickering 373 Nikki Wright 380 Scott Gordon-Walker 381 Stephanie Kenny 386 David Wells 393 Alice Reed 395 Sue Todd 397 Nick Gabriel 398 Steve Plimley 411 Amanda Kiely 412 Juliet Hayes 423 Jo Thornton

The children set off on their race

Infants line up for the start of a lap around Foxley Fields

| HERITAGE 22 Friday, August 21, 2015 TheWokinghamPaPer

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk To advertise call 0118 966 6600

WokinghamRemembers

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

HERITAGE | 17

In association association with with In

Exploring Exploringour ourheritage heritagewith with wokinghamremembers.com wokinghamremembers.com

Blue plaque honour for Wokingham’s bell ringer REVIEW

The past which has shaped our present...

On Sunday, a vicar who is buried in the town centre will be honoured with a blue plaque at the church where he spent This of week MikE ChuRChER reviews from All Saints most his ministry.

JOHN ANDERSON the Wokingham articles Church will speakRemembers at the ceremony – here we look at the of the past four months and discusses distinguished ringer’s life and career some of the factors which contributed the first few years the Guild did indeed AST weekend, one of Wokingham’s to the making of Wokingham and its list him as a member of Drayton, but priests was honoured with a blue environment. then he was listed for a few years plaque to honour his life and works.

L O

The Revd FE Robinson, who VER the past months the is buried in the All Saints Church Wokingham Remembers page has graveyardbeen in Wokingham, master providing anwas earlyapicture bell ringerofand did much to encourage how a small market town and a the Berkshire. fewactivity villagesacross on the edge of a forest is today St Peter’s Church Drayton near ranked as one of the in country’s leading Abingdon – where he conducted much communities. of his ministry religion, – is the location his Education, industry,for transport, plaque, which was national unveiledpolitics on Sunday social structures, and morning. local government are all important John in Harrison, pieces buildingthe thetower great Wokingham foreman of All Saints jigsaw. Here now is aChurch summary of our incontributions Wokingham,to was one date and a few ideas on ofthe thenext speakers at the round of articles. ceremony.

Education, Education, Here, he reflects on the day and explores Education the Today’s reasons Wokingham for the blue is renowned as plaque one ofhonour. the country’s centres of excellence the major part forFor education; this is partly due to strong ofschool his ministry – some performance and the motivated 30 years who – thelive Revd parents in one of the most FE Robinson wascommunities vicar of highly educated in the UK. Drayton. theninto in Berkshire but If we look the history of now in Oxfordshire.

Wokingham’s schools we can see He education moved to is Wokingham how woven intoin its1908 DNA. after illness persuaded him Priorserious to the Great War, Wokingham towas retire, but he made a remarkable surrounded by manor houses and recovery became activewho as ever. membersand of the landedasgentry Whento a Diocesan of of power; wanted be close toGuild the levers Bellringers was proposedofby the Revd i.e. the royal households Windsor.

Dolben Paulthese (oneupper of theechelons ringing clerics In turn who had founded thesense Sonning Deanery possessed a serious of duty Society of Change Ringers thetheir previous and a responsibility to ensure year) it was Mr Robinson who rose community received at least a basic toeducation. the challenge by presenting Wokingham also hadtoa its inaugural meeting in 1881 powerful professional class,a aready strong made plan for how it(including should operate, church community the nonwith himself as key player. conformists) anda together they shared He became Guild’s first Master, a strong beliefthe in the importance of ateaching. post that he held until his death in 1910.The result was with the skills, the Robinsonand tried tofinance retire from the motivation the available, post several times during of hiseducation last 10 there developed a culture years office, when he to had several whichinstill holds strong this day. illnesses, but each time the committee Wokingham transport persuaded him to stay on.

Transport is probably theas single The Guild lists Robinson a life most important in Wokingham’s member from itsfactor foundation in 1881 development, railalland until his deathin inboth 1910.itsFor butroad the systems. final two years of that time, he lived in Futurewhere articles at the Drayton, hewill waslook Vicar, so this introduction of the and theFor would have been hisrailways ‘home tower’.

under andhad from he was majorAppleton, impact they on1890 the town and listed under Christ Church Cathedral, we have already made a start with the Oxford – even by after he moved to course of road system mapping out the Wokingham. the old Forest Road.

The ideathe of abuilding Blue Plaque While of thetoM4 had a commemorate the Revd Robinson of the major influence on the FE introduction came Parish Council of Drayton highfrom tech the businesses which now surround about five yearsit ago.

Wokingham, is the A329M which was cut put off to the inIt1975 the Oxfordshire Forest Road Blue and its Plaques the body responsible.

It naturalBoard, connections between Emmbrook operates independently of other The and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. bodies in London love and similar hate relationship with ourand rail elsewhere, andday! indeed here and roads continue to this in Wokingham where Wokingham’s militarySociety the Wokingham heritage has erected many Blue Plaques.

As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church. has no official Battle of Waterloo,It there have been a status but it is strongly number of articles commemorating this The story was told in June, and also historians, Sarah Huxford, also took its replacement: local government. supported world changing event. by official commemorated the 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields Wokingham’s wild side The area bodies. has always been noted for of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby in search of their graves. This story Before we believe too much in the idea Theto process of finding its contribution the nation’s military Runnymede in 1215. reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a a suitable site and getting capability, with Arborfield’s REME, around the county of Berkshire, but solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on agreement took a long time.

RFA and Remount connections and the affirms the importance of the wars in the told the story of the rioting in the town Timothy G Pett (conductor), Kenneth R Davenport, John A Harrison, Catherine M A Lane, Stuart F Gibson, Douglas J Beaumont, E John Ages’ Wells and Wokingham’s ‘Dark The church was one obvious Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all development of our local character. centre during the time of the 1857 General Patricia M Newton, all officers of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers at the unveiling on Sunday To bring us up to date the August contender but there are problems with situated very nearby.

Election.

Wokingham and articles are focused on the kids whoRtare putting plaques on churches, especially Even the Duke of Wellington took to 1800s, or even whether it was still extant.

It was attended by seven of F E The plaque was unveiled by the Revd Such events were a common sight in now entering their holidays. the Royal Forest if living they are listed buildings. in Stratfield Saye, which today is Robinson’s descendants as well as local The eventual site chosen was the wall Colin Fletcher,into Bishop ofsummer Dorchester. the town and this short and bloody battle Lookingringers at today’s Whatabetter waybuffet to use lunch this month’s Another possibility and, in Wokingham’s many only 30 minutes away from dignitaries, fromcommunity, across the it is of modern rooms attached to the side of After generous laid out between the Whigs and the Tories also difficultmany to visualise just how rural the editions than to tell the of the and ways the most logical since plaques are town centre. country, villagers and parishioners. the church, where the plaque is visible in the church, a band of stories eight present highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in area was andinclude in part aexplains Romans, the Celts andOxford the Saxons usually on the houses where people The once proceedings rousingthe from the road. former officers of the Diocesan Wokingham’s Market Place as the headquarters of these sometimes fragile relationship between influence thethe area before lived, was the vicarage, but no one was rendition accompanied by the local brass Sunday’s unveiling ceremony was after Guild wenton into tower andWokingham marked two feral groups. benefactor culture the of oldDing and Dong new Wokingham; few Carols wasoccasion even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? sure where the vicarage was in the late band Merrily on High. the morning service and amid sunshine. the by ringing a peal of London The story was also able to reflect The area around Wokingham was areasnormally in the UK haveinwitnessed such David Major, Nash Ford provided a hours set of 46 aren’t sung May, but the Surprise which lasted 2 upon the national scene and the corrupt surrounded by many remarkable extraordinary andobvious. change in the articles and puzzles which makes connection withgrowth bells was minutes. individuals and they were instrumental in nature of general elections before the profile of itsRobert population. history the young and nolatest doubt Professor Evans, chairman of n Earlierfun thisfor year, John Harrison’s book, introduction of the private ballot. building the much needed infrastructure Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of thebyparents the Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board talked Bells and Bellringing was published Shire Future articles will include further which underpinned the establishment of has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s about blue plaques and then introduced Books. tales of anarchy and revelry in this old a strong community. the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. the two main speakers.

The book replaces a similar title published in market town.

We will later be telling the story of the aI market place Robinson’s for agricultural andwork, to the round new of articles! spoke about life and the Here’s 1960s but it isnext completely and aimed Walter family and their contributions to commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War including his distinguished life while at the general reader. the building of Wokingham but in April Theand term didmove not mean Bacon, Davidthe Nash Ford, Sarah There are watershed moments in atTown.

Drayton his‘forest’ eventual to a John Jim said:Bell, “Because story of bellringing first weekly issue, we told the story of the cluster of trees, but Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history which mark the moment of great Wokingham where heaissystem buried.of laws laid isHuxford, a fascinating one, I would like more people to much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess down by royalty for the ofof change in a society and the Great War of and Peter Shilham for their Douglas Beaumont whoprotection is librarian be able to appreciate andall enjoy it.”continuing of Downshire. their hunting grounds.

1914-1918 is one such time. contributions. the Oxford Diocesan Guild that Robinson The book costs £7.99 and its ISBN is 978 Although one of Britain’s wealthiest These onerous rules local Therefore a number of centenaries All this work byorder our from founded, spoke about his restricted legacy – the way 0 74781 433 7. Itis is provided available to landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the people from using large of thehis land between 2014 and 2018 will local historians free of chargeincluding and others have followed and parts surpassed the borough’s local bookshops chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a for sustenance and inthe part ledhis to book the commemorate the great losses of war can be found on the front page of theand record in peal ringing, way Bookends in Wokingham town centre rise ofthe local highwaymen and for general major financial contributor to this part of which scarred the people of Wokingham Among Wokingham Remembers Bells was a pioneer the Chapter One in Woodley’s website shopping precinct. lawlessness. a result, the subsequent for the rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com Wokingham’s public services. new invention As of photography, and how Last week’s article was mistakenly attributed n Black Act of 1723structures came downofheavily May’s edition followed the story Thanks to Mark atJohn Later articles will illustrate the the organisational ringingon to the wrongalso author.

It was,Ashwell in fact, by these of the twoblue brothers Langborough TradeMark for supporting the paper’s demise ofColin these great manors and their The Rt Revd Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester, with plaquefrom and descendants of the that Mr ‘Wokingham Robinson andBlacks’ othersand set resulted up have in Harrison.

Apologies for our error. either their transportation or execution.

Road in Wokingham town. One of our commitment to this project. incumbent social system and the rise of Revd FE Robinson persisted to this day.

Windows doors and conservatories that last a lifetime and beyond www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

Unit 20, Headley Park 10 (next to Screwfix), Woodley RG5 4SW 0118 9699322

Friday, May 23, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Leisure

LEISURE | 23

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham

Tension in the family home

Aidan sings the blues

The House of Bernada Alba The Russell Players May 19-21 www.russellplayers.co.uk

T

HE latest production by The Russell Players saw a departure from the norm with this haunting play telling the story of a mother’s domination over her household.

The author, Federico Garcia Lorca, helped changed the course of Spanish literature, bringing it into the modern era.

He portrayed young women in a sympathetic light at a time when the woman’s place was in the home, under the thumb of the mother in law or, as in the case of this play, their mother.

Chris Partridge’s evocative production brilliantly captured the simmering relationships between the mother, Bernarda,(played by Margaret Broadhurst) and her five daughters, all of whom are desperate to escape into the outside world by the only means they know: through marriage.

Tensions rise as tempers fray and frustration mounts: Bernarda forbids any activity which infringes the eight-year period of mourning for her dead husband.

Above all, appearances must be kept up at any cost, even when tragedy strikes the family once again.

The closely held Spanish belief in not giving cause for gossip (‘el que diran’ – what will the neighbours say?) means that the four walls of the house close in even more tightly around the girls.

Margaret Broadhurst gave a tour de force performance as the domineering mother, showing an excellent range of tone and emotions and providing the pivot around which her five daughters revolved.

The characterisations of all the daughters were very well portrayed: the anguished Augustias (Clare Pilgrim), Magdalena and Amelia (Tessa Costin and Sheila Partington),both fearful but keen to keep the peace, Martirio (Lynn Wright), the tortured, rebellious sister,

Wokingham

music

Wokingham

club

music

club Wokingham

Cast members of The House of Bernarda Alba, the latest play from The Russell Players It was performed in Swallowfield last weekend

and the youngest, Adela (Juliet Devon), who challenges her mother and wants to be set free.

Hazel Gillingwater played the mad grandmother who, in a tragic parody of the notion of marriage and motherhood, gave us some poignant moments and Deni Smale as the Housekeeper, La Poncia, captured very well the dilemma of being both the servant and confidante of Bernarda.

Margaret Stead was the down to earth voice of reason falling on deaf ears and Julie Willis (Prudencia) was the suitably prying neighbour.

The excellent standard of performance from all the cast was greatly enhanced by the beautiful set, a Spanish hacienda with a courtyard, and the lighting emphasised the freedom and sunny outdoors denied to the characters within.

The costumes were sombre yet elegant and appropriate for mourning.

Adela’s startling appearance in a green

Animal Corner

dress, suitably symbolic of youth and fertility, provided a welcome splash of colour.

Although this can be a dark play, there were several scenes of light and hope, cleverly incorporated by the director, such as the scene when the girls are sewing Angustias’s trousseau; the white lace providing a foil for the brewing tension.

The sound effects were absolutely on cue and the crowd scene (which took place off stage) was terrifyingly convincing.

I would have liked a rather more evocative style of Spanish music to set the scene.

The props were minimal and perfectly chosen and the makeup outstanding, emphasising the all-seeing eyes of Bernarda, who in fact is unable to foresee the tragic consequences that her tyranny will wreak.

CLAIRE HAMILTON

with Gemma Davidson

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

PRINCE THREE-YEAR-OLD collie Prince came to DBARC because, due to a change in circumstances in his former owner’s lifestyle, he was spending far too much time on his own.

He is a very friendly dog and enjoys human company and getting involved in whatever is going on. He is good in the car, on walks, but is equally happy just chilling at home with his special someone. Prince is good with other dogs, but as he has never lived with children we would not wish him to be placed with children under 12 years. He is a typical collie boy who

will need an interesting and active lifestyle, and would really enjoy and benefit from dog classes,

JILL POOR Jill has had a bit of a rough start to life. Intended as a working sheepdog, she ‘showed no interest’ in the job so instead was kept for breeding. Sadly, when her puppies died she was considered to be no good for this job either.

Thankfully, a rescue worker offered to care for her and find her a new home, which is how she ended up at DBARC. Jill is four-years-old but has never lived in a house, so will need an experienced dog owner to teach her how to live a domestic life.

She is good with other dogs, and affectionate towards people of all ages but due to her lack of experience around children we feel she would do better in an environment without children under 12.

She will need company most of the time, and someone who can give her the attention and

love she deserves.

BINGLEY THIS cute little terrier was surrendered to a dog pound because his former owner’s simply didn’t want him anymore. He is such a good little boy, he gets on well with other dogs and is great with people.

He loves to play with other dogs but will benefit from further training. He will need company most of the time and an owner who is looking for an active dog with a lively personality. Could Bingley be the missing piece to your family’s puzzle? 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

music

Aidan Connell, originally from Barkham, is returning to the Thames Valley after a recent tour of the Far East

A BLUES musician from Barkham is making a triumphant return to home soil to mark the release of his debut album.

Singer songwriter Aidan Connell, who has played with the likes of Seasick Steve and Gary Clark Jr, is returning to Berkshire on June 7 to play at Sub89 in Reading.

Having spent time working at his uncle’s hair salon chain Zappa’s, Aidan now splits his time between London and the US, and has

club

recently completed a tour of the Far East.

Combining blues swagger with well crafted songwriting and guitar virtuosity, Aidan is not afraid to wander from the well-trodden blues path. Hailed as the saviour of contemporary British Blues, his work has been praised in Classic Rock and on BBC Radio 2.

Aidan’s debut album, Grio, is released on June 24 through Republic of Music/Universal.

Wokingham

music

club

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

What’s on Friday, May 27 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives.

11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn and Elaine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. An illustrated talk on bats with David Endacott of the Bat Conservation Trust. 10.30am-11.30am. £3. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

Saturday, May 28 EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Quiz night. 8pm.

Details: 0118 931 3965.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Church walk - around four miles, with optional pub lunch. Come dressed for weather. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124.

LOWER EARLEY – Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Rushey Way RG6 4GD. This Girl Can festival: Boxercise, Kettlercise, Urban Rebounding, Legs Bums and Tums and Zumba tasters, massages and beauty treatments, nutritional advice and more.

10am-1pm. Details: 0118 974 3728.

HENLEY – Town Hall, Market Place RG9 2AQ. Craft and gift market. 10am-4pm.

Details: 01329 233892.

MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Elmer storytime day. For ages 7 and under. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 966 6630.

SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Beer Festival SONNING – Sonning Lock.

Sonning Regatta, from noon. Details: www. sonningfestival.co.uk SONNING – The Pearson Hall.

Live music evening and fish & chip supper. Tickets £10.

Details: 0118 969 3939.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group. For ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon.

Meet the creatures: Activity morning with the Rangers from Dinton Pastures for the under 12s. 10.30am11.30am. £1. Elmer storytime day. For ages 7 and under. 11am-11.30am.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Grays Farm, Heathlands Road. Annual plant sale in aid of British Red Cross. 10am-3pm.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Sunny Saturdays presents: Jane Shaw Cunningham: medium. 11am-1pm. Strictly Cuban Salsa. 2pm-4pm.

Details: www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – Langborough Recreation Ground, off Fairview Road RG40 2BS. Children’s fun day - free rides, entertainment, petting zoo and more.

10am-4pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, 45 Denmark Street RG41 2AY. Beer festival.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Elmer storytime day. For ages 7 and under. 11am-11.30am.

French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm-3pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

WOODLEY – The Pagoda, Shopping Precinct, Crockhamwell Road. Earley St Peter’s Church Choir charity sale: bric-a-brac, toys, DVDs, CDs, books and more. 9am-3pm.

Sunday, May 29 BRACKNELL – Bracknell Rugby Football Club, Lily Hill Park, London Road RG12 2UG. Bracknell Ale & Wine Festival. Details: bracknellalefestival.co.uk EARLEY – Aisha Masjid and Islamic Centre, London Road RG6 1BW. Family funday including barbecue, games room, rodeo bull, pony rides, sweets, clothes stalls, food court, bouncy castle, face painting, henna and more. £2. Noon-6pm.

EARLEY – Earley Radstock Social Club, Radstock Lane RG6 5UL. Barbecue from 4.30pm. Details: 0118 931 3965.

FARLEY HILL – Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Classic and retro car and bike show. 11am-2pm. Free entry. Details: richard@

The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough tvplex.com SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Beer Festival SONNING – Across village.

Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and display of classic cars. Parking: The Mill at Sonning or Sonning Farm RG4 6TH. 11am4.30pm. Trail map and entry to gardens £5.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Youth Centre, Readig Road.

Tea dance: ballroom, latin and sequence dancing.

2pm-5pm.

Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Beer Festival SONNING – Across village.

Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and display of classic cars. Parking: The Mill at Sonning or Sonning Farm RG4 6TH. 11am4.30pm. Trail map and entry to gardens £5.

WOKINGHAM – JAC Pad, The Arcade. Wokingham Life Drawing Society. 7.15pm9.45pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, 45 Denmark Street RG41 2AY. Beer festival.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Charity Family Fun Day in aid of Helen Douglas House Hospice.

Crafts, entertainment, bouncy castle and more.

11am-5pm. £2 adults, children free.

WOODLEY – Shopping precinct, Crockhamwell Road RG5 4JZ. Children’s fun day with magic show and Punch & Judy. Farm animals. Free. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Tuesday, May 31 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Janis: Little Girl Blue (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 nonmembers, £7 concessions.

Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Board games cafe.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 966 9080.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library,

FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Get Arty: royal themed crafts for ages 4-12. 2.15pm-3.15pm. £1.50. Details: 0118 908 8176.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Tracey Beaker event with Explore Learning for ages 8-10. 9.30am10.30am. Gruffalo event with Explore Learning for ages 5-6.10.45am-11.45am.

Free. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5.

2pm-2.30pm. Family history drop-in. 2pm-5pm. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Easthampstead Park School. Legacy All Stars Cheerleading camp. 10am3pm. £10. Details: Legacy. allstars@yahoo.co.uk WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30am.

Crafts and Laughs. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Wednesday, June 1 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Son of Saul (Saul fia) (15). 8pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Colouring for Adults. Free.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Rajmoni Restaurant, Maiden Place.

St Nicolas Church men’s curry night. 8pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults.

2.15pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 6630.

SHINFIELD – Parish Hall, School Green. Shinfield and Swallowfield Neighbourhood Action Group meeting. 7.30pm.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Landlubbers holiday Bible club for primary school children. 9.15am-12.15pm. £2. Details: 0118 327 3180.

SONNING – The Mill at

Sonning RG4 6TY. Storytime: Julia Donaldson’s What The Ladybird Heard.

10.30am. £3.50. Book club.

2pm. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Crafts and Laughs. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 940 4656.

WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Storytime for ages 3-5. 10.15am10.45am. Colouring for Adults. Free. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club (WEBCC) meeting: show and discuss panoramas.

7.3pm. Details: 0118 977 5670.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. The Meeting Place coffee morning in aid of Dingley Family Centre.

10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 977 6898.

WOKINGHAM – Easthampstead Park School. Legacy All Stars Cheerleading camp. 10am3pm. £10. Details: Legacy. allstars@yahoo.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Poppy's Place with Katrina Charman: meet the author and hear her stories.

For ages 7-11. 10.30am11.30am. Colouring for Adults. Free. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. A day at the zoo with Explore Learning for ages 5-6.

9.15am-10.15am. Free.

Groovy Greeks with Explore Learning for ages 8-10. 10.45am-11.45am.

Free. Life's Little Bugs Story session with author Tina Stubbs. For under 7s.

2pm-2.45pm. Free. Scrabble and chess club for adults.

2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.

Thursday, June 2 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Finchampstead Society Archive Surgery. 2pm-4pm.

Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Board Games Club. 10am-11am.

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

Name Address

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

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Postcode Email

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27,, 2016

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Details: 0118 931 2150.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms. Earley St Nicolas church ladies’ pub night.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Get Arty – Royal themed crafts. For ages 4-12. £1.50.

3pm-4pm. Details: 0118 966 6630.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Coffee morning. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 327 3180.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Landlubbers holiday Bible club for primary school children. 9.15am-12.15pm. £2. Details: 0118 327 3180.

SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Rhymetime: rhymes and stories for under fives.

2.30pm-3pm. Knit and Natter. 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, Star Wars and Armada. Age 16 and over. 5.30pm-7.45pm.

Winnersh Book Group.

7pm-8pm. Details: 0118 979 7519.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Get Arty – Royal themed crafts. For ages 4-12. £1.50. 10.30am-11.30am.

Reminiscence Club: discuss your memories of days gone by. 10.30am-noon.

Spiral Workshop: create a spiral mobile. For ages 7-12.

2pm-3.30pm. £5. Teen Book Group for ages 11-18. 50p.

4.30pm-5.30pm. Poetry reading evening. Booking essential. 6.45pm-8pm.

First Thursday book group.

6.30pm-7.45pm. National Careers Service. Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am to 3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. The Great Town Hall Charity Bake Off for the Queen’s 90th. From 10am.

Cakes sold from noon-4pm.

Details: 0118 978 3185.

WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Get Arty – Royal themed crafts. For ages 4-12. £1.50. 10.30am11.30am. Children’s Chess Club for ages 8 upwards.

3.30pm-5pm. Book Group.

10.30am-11.30am. First Thursday Evening Book Group. 6pm-6.45pm.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

Friday, June 3 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for ages 3-5.

11am-11.30am. Craft time for ages 2-5: rabbits.

11.30am-noon. Details: 0118 908 8176.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ.Alice in Wonderland with Explore Learning for ages 6-7.

9.30am-10.30am. Captain Underpants workshop for ages 8-9. 10.45am-11.45am.

Details: 0118 931 2150.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Landlubbers holiday Bible club for primary school children. 9.15am-12.15pm. £2. Details: 0118 327 3180.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn and Elaine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Churchyard Insect and Moth Night. 9.15pm. If wet, postponed until summer holidays. Details: 0118 977 5853.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Meet Pets as Therapy dog Kali, and handler Sheila Cooper. For ages 6-10.

Donations welcomed.

10.30am-11.15am. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Cribbage and card games club. 10.30am.

Local history surgery: dropin advice with a local expert.

10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, 23 The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 1221.

WOODLEY – The Green, Southlake Crescent RG5 3QJ. Family fun days: free activities including inflatable obstacle course, giant slide, bouncy castle, play park, face painting , football, cafe, JAC Van, puppet performance. Charge for refreshments. Noon-5pm.

YATELEY – Citizens Advice Hart, Royal Oak Close GU46 7UD. Open day.

10am-2pm. Details: 01252 878435.

Saturday, June 4 EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA (entrance off Aldbourne Avenue).

Summer ball. Details: 0118 935 2927.

EARLEY – Microsoft Campus, Thames Valley Business Park RG6 1WG. Guide Dogs fun day. 11am-4pm. Details: www.guidedogs.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. People, Prayers and Potatoes for the young and young at heart. From noon.

Details: 0118 966 9080.

HURST – Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures Country Park RG10 0TH. Family fun weekend: try land and water activities including sailing and climbing. Barbecue. £2 per 15 minute session. Details: 0118 974 4424.

SONNING – St Andrew's Church, Thames Street RG4 6UR. Sumer Is Icumen In: songs from around a world, a free concert from the Gratis Choir. Donations welcomed for the church’s New Hall appeal. 7.30pm. Details: www,gratischoir.org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Tim Valentine in the Watermill Bar. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TILEHURST – Victoria Recreation Ground RG31 6HT. League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital

summer fete and dog show. £1 adults, 50p concessions, under 12s free. 10.30am4.30pm.

WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Saturday storytime for ages 3-5.

10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 940 4656.

WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Dad and Baby rhymetime for up to 18 moths. 10am10.30am. Code Club for ages 9-11. Booking essential.

10.15am-11.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place.

Sunny Saturdays presents: Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers. 11am-1pm.

Details: www.wokingham-tc. gov.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Explore the wildlife of the churchyard: wildflowers, birds, insects, tree lichen, grass snake and more. Fun quiz cards. 10am-4pm.

Details: 0118 977 5853.

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, 23 The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 1221.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: The iconography and ideology of Nefertiti and the Amarna Royal Women. Lucia Gahlin. £3. 2pm-4.30pm. Details: 01491 838803.

WOODLEY – The Green, Southlake Crescent RG5 3QJ. Family fun days: free activities including inflatable obstacle course, giant slide, bouncy castle, play park, face painting , football, cafe, JAC Van, puppet performance. Charge for refreshments. Noon-5pm.

YATELEY – Yatelely Manor School, Reading Road GU46 7UQ. Craft Fair Demonstrations throughout the day. 10.30am-3.30pm.

Details: 01252 266531.

Sunday, June 5 HURST – Dinton Activity Centre, Dinton Pastures Country Park RG10 0TH. Family fun weekend: try land and water activities including sailing and climbing. Barbecue. £2 per 15 minute session. Details: 0118 974 4424.

SHINFIELD – Parish Hall, School Green. Landlubbers holiday Bible club. 10am11.15pm. Details: 0118 327 3180.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Messy Church: craft, games and food. 4pm-6pm. Details: 0118 327 3180.

WOKINGHAM – Holt C opse opposite Holt School.

Joel Park Residents Association presents a Picnic In Joel Park in honour of the Queen’s birthday. Bring own food, drink and barbecues, royal themed competition, children’s races, face painting, Emmbrook PTA refreshments stall. 2pm-late.

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, 23 The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 1221.

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

Everything you need to know about TwyFest The biggest arts experience in Twyford launches tonight.

GEMMA DAVIDSON previews the first week’s action

Your chance to be crowned Twyford’s poker champion. A charity poker tournament with an estimated prize fund of £400.

Wednesday, June 1

T

WYFORD is set to become the biggest stage in Berkshire as the second ever TwyFest kicks off this weekend.

The biennial event, which was started in 2014, runs from today until Saturday, June 12 and features music, comedy, theatre, sport, quiz nights and even a teddy bears’ picnic.

Here we run down the full listings of what is going on this week and where you can join in the fun.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.TwyFest.co.uk.

Friday, May 27 Friday Night Live at the Twyford Palladium – Comedy Tickets: £12 Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start.

Ages 12 and over.

Featuring circus style cabaret act Inspiral, contortionist Orissa Kelly, juggling duo Steve and Jay Rawlings, and Britain’s Got Talent 2015 finalist Danny Posthill. Hosted by stand up comic Tucker.

Saturday, May 28 Over 30s 5-A-Side Football - Sport King George’s Field Entry: £3 per player Registration: from 9am. Matches start at 9.30am until 1pm.

Organised by the Twyford Comets the tournament is open to anyone who wishes to enter a team. A chance to get your football boots on and show off your skills.

Team prizes for the top three teams.

Skool Disco - Music Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Tickets: £10 each Time: 7pm, disco starts at 7.30pm TwyFest’s ultimate party night returns in the form of a Skool Disco with an added twist of live Bandeoke. Get ready for a night

of back to school anthems hosted by the resident DJ and live entertainment from The Bandeoke Experience. Get up on stage and sing live with the band in front of 300 revellers.

Sunday, May 29 Junior Triathlon - Sport Polehampton Junior School (swimming) and King George’s Field (cycling and running) Entry: £12 on the day Registration: from 9am, briefing starts at 9.45am, events start at 10am Swim, cycle and run your way around our course and get the chance to be part of the first ever Twyford Triathlon. Professional timers will be tracking everyone’s progress and there will be plenty of opportunity for friends and family to cheer you all on along the way. Three age categories: 8-10 years, 11-13 years, 14-16 years. See www. twyfest.co.uk for more details.

Twyford’s Got Talent - Variety Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Tickets: £6 each Time: Junior Show (5-16 years) 4pm, Main Show 7.30pm Hosted by Steve Hewlett, this is TwyFest’s very own talent show featuring a panel of judges. Entries are now closed, but audience tickets are still available.

Monday, May 30 Teddy Bears’ Picnic - Family

At the theatre Basingstoke – The Anvil

www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Singalonga Frozen. Sat. Singalonga Grease. Sat. Joel Savoy, Jesse Lege and The Cajun Country Revival - SOLD OUT. Sat. Jools Holland. Wed. Nancy Kerr and James Fagan. Wed. Dinosaur Park. Fri 3.

Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Graeme of Thrones. Fri. Judie Tzuke.

Sat. Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. Sun 4.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Buddy Holly and the Cricketers.

Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Don’t Dribble on the Dragon.

Sat. Night of the Guitar. Sat. Cinderella Auditions. Sun. La Boheme. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. Shout! The

Mod Musical. Mon. One For the Road. Tues-Sat 3. Wild! Tues.

BARTA presents: The Wizard of Oz. Tues-Sun 5. Bracknell Jazz: Alan Barnes. Fri 3. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 3. South Hill Park Food Festival. Sat 4-Sun 5.

Creative Control Band Night.

Sun 5.

FILMS: Eddie The Eagle. Fri-Sun. The Revenant. Sat-Sun. The Brand New Testament. Tues.

Triple 9. Wed. Painting The Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse. Thurs. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Fri 3-Sun 5.

The Man Who Knew Infinity.

Fri 3-Sun 5.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Camberley Comedy Club May 2016. Fri. An Evening with Anita Harris. Sat. International Cinema Season: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (15). Tues.

Lau plus special guests. Wed. An Audience With Vienna Festival Ballet. Fri 3. Swan Lake Presented By Vienna Festival Ballet. Sat 4.

King George’s Field Tickets: £5 each, free for adults and children under 6 months Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm.

Every teddy bear who’s been good is sure of a treat today. There’s lots of marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play.

Music and crafts, teddy hide-and-seek, face painting and much more. Bring your own picnic. Refreshments will be available.All money raised at The Teddy Bears’ Picnic will go to support Twyford District Youth and Community Centre and Twyford & Ruscombe Toddlers group.

Colour Run - Sport King George’s Field Entry: £5, free for under 5s Time: 2.30pm for 3pm start.

Come and get blasted in colour along a choice of a 1km/2km/3km route around King George’s Field. You can walk, run or sprint, it’s up to you. Bring your family and friends for a fun afternoon out and help support the local Youth Centre.

Star Hotshots Family Sports Day - Sport Reading Blue Coat School, Sonning Entry: free Email info@star-hotshots.co.uk to register your place Star Hotshots are a team of qualified PE teachers and childcare experts who design and facilitate children activity events, parties and holiday camps. Come down and join in the fun – activities for all to enjoy including a bouncy castle play park, rock

Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Science, Art & Spirituality: Exploring Fields of Human Endeavour. Fri. Mark Thompson: The Show At The End Of The Universe. Sat. Shakespeare Untold. Sun. Comedy Club.

Thurs. The Dreaming Spires.

Fri 3. Boulveard Swing. Sat 4.

Celebrating Stephane Grappelli with the Tim Kliphuis Trio. Sun 6.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The 39 Steps. Until Sat. After Miss Julie. Mon-Sat 4.

Henley – Kenton Theatre www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 David Starkey The King Is Dead.

Sun. Pesky Pirates - A Hip Hop Adventure. Wed. Bad Guys.

Sun 5.

High Wycombe –

Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty.

Until Sat. Nights on Broadway: The Bee Gees. Sun. The 39 Steps.

Mon-Sat 4. Andrew Lawrence.

Fri 3.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Spring into Jazz with Simon Allen (sax). Fri. Richard Herring: Happy Now? Sat. The Vinyl Frontier presents Castaway Vinyl. Sat. Dinosaur Park.

Sun. Morgan & West’s Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show for Kids. Sun. The Very Magic Flute. Thurs. White Feather Boxer. Thurs. The Spectacular Balloon Show. Fri 3.

Dominic Frisby and Will Duggan.

Fri 3. The English Final of the All-England Theatre Festival.

Sat 4. James Freedman – Man of Steal. Sat 4. Tom Allen and Joel Dommett. Sun 5.

FILMS: Eye In The Sky (15). Sun, Tues. Zootropolos. Mon-Tues.

climbing, nerf guns and more!

Classical Concert - Music St Mary’s Church, Station Road Tickets: £10 each Time: 7pm for 7.30pm start An eclectic mix of traditional and modern classical music with live performances from Paul Rowe and other gifted, local music all compared by your witty, intelligent and popular host Mr Greg Coveney. A great night out for all ages and all musical tastes.

Tuesday, May 31 Treasure Hunt - Family Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Time: 10.30am Tickets: £3 for adults, accompanying children go free Can you find all the clues and be a successful treasure hunter? The Treasure Hunt is aimed at adults and older children. Follow the directions as you walk around Twyford village. Solve the clues as you go. Local knowledge is not required but a good general knowledge may be beneficial.

An easier quiz for younger children will accompany the Treasure Hunt. Prizes will be given to winning adult and winning children.

Poker Night - Fun Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Time: 7pm Tickets: £10, includes a first 1,500 chip stack

The Jungle Book (PG). Mon-Tues.

The Brand New Testament (15).

Mon-Tues. Miles Ahead. Fri 3, Sun 5. Our Little Sister (PG). Sun 5, Tues 7.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Jongleurs Comedy Club. Fri 27.

Teatro Alla Scala: the Temple of Wonders. Sat 28. The People’s Tower. Sun 29-Mon 30.

FILM: Our Kind of Traitor (15). FriThurs. A Hologram for the King (12a). Fri-Thurs. Zootropolis (PG). Sat-Sun 5.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Untold Stories. Until Jun 11.

Summer Fair. Sun 5.

Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Inspector Sands: The Lounge. Fri. La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi (Italy) Spot. Sun.

Golf Tournament - Sport Hennerton Golf Club, Crazies Hill Road, Wargrave Tickets: £37 per player including all food and BBQ. Hennerton members: £21.50. Guests and family tickets for BBQ: £12.50 per person Enter as a team of four or enter individually to make up a team on the day. Come and play to be the first ever holder of the TwyFest Golf trophy. Visit www.twyfest.co.uk for details.

Comedy Night - Comedy Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start Tickets: £12 each Hosted by Bryan Lacey and featuring hilarious comedy from The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue Show, Carl Donnelly and Julian Dean, this is one night not to be missed.

Thursday, June 2 Bingo Night - Fun Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start Tickets: £12 each Hosted by Elsie Crumpet and her eccentric neighbour Albert, expect good oldfashioned bingo with a twist. First book is included with the entry fee. Extra books are available for those who are up for a challenge. Booking advisable.

Friday, June 3 Cider Night with The Wurzels - Music Marquee at the Duke of Wellington, High Street Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £20 each, include a Cornish pasty and first pint A night of West Country fun with the always entertaining Wurzels. Featuring at least four different West Country brewed ciders to choose from, along with beer and wine from the bar.

Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Sainsbury Singers Present: Hot Mikado. Until Sat. Aliens Love Underpants. Sun-Mon. Killer Queen. Sat 4.

Reading – The Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 University of Reading Choral Gala.

Sat 4.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Jazz at the Progress: Scott Wilcox Big Band. Fri. Next: Humble Boy. June 13-18.

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 It Runs In The Family. Until July 2.

Magic: A Kind of Queen. Sun 5.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Laila The Musical. Until Sat. The Bowie Experience. Sun. The Railway Children. Tues-Sat 4.

Woking – New Victoria www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty.

Sat-Sun. Heartbeat. Mon-Sat 4.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Next Show: Blue Stockings. June 16-25.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 Next Show: Rough Crossing.

June 14-18.

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE 14

24

25

1

1 4

13

11

6

12

10

3

13

11

14

24

14

11

12

11

24

1

12

1

10

22

24

13

20

2

14

14

7

10

5

14

12

5

1

1

9

12

21

19

1

24

24

17

5

12

8

1

13

26

24

26

14

24

11

26

5

12

14 3

8

24

7

19

14

14

5 12

26

3

26

11 1

26

25

22

13

11

1

7 14

19

10

24

13

14

19

24

1

3

19

14

24 15

25

25

3

12

1. Manama is the capital of which island nation in the Persian Gulf?

2. In the first line of a famous hymn, what precedes the words “cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee”?

3. Which musical and subsequent film was set at the fictional Rydell High School?

4. In antiques, a cheval is type of what?

5. Which London thoroughfare, now renamed Milton Street, was traditionally associated with writers and journalists?

18

14

25

17 11

13

5

19

14

14

14

23

10

26

14

9 15

13

11

NONAGRAM

11 7

25

2

3

14

15

16

M

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

I

S

12

13

25

26

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 F through openings in the walls. The O first letter may appear in any chamber.

H C

R M C

R D 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

POLL MAKES PAPER O.K.

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: 22 Good; 26 Very Good; 30 Excellent.

JP

EI

LS

EO

KT

AD

NR

GN

ML

SE

LA

EL

VC

6

2

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

5 7 2 8 5 4 3

6 9 3 9 1 3 5 4

4

S

A

I E

E R

B

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.

TE

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 6 2 3 8

9

M

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

6

All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services.

To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com

1 2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11

12 13

13

14

15

14

16

16

17

18

19 20

21

22

21

25

ACROSS 1. Bankrupt displays fury with the commission (9)

EQUALISER 9 6 4 1 1 6 2 10 2 0 3 7

Hard

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

3

24

O

SR

SUDOKU Easy

P

OA

KA

2

7

R

EN

GA

1

24

SY

ET

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

23

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. With which country would you associate the band Ace of Base?

7. Castrated male rams and goats are known by what term?

8. Which jockey rode Sinndar, High Chaparral and Motivator to victory in the Epsom Derby?

9. Debbie McGee, assistant to and wife of magician Paul Daniels, had a previous professional career as what?

10. The horned rattlesnake is another name for what snake?

WORD PYRAMID

C O E

16

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

DOWN 2. Check while others take a shower (8) 3.

Knowing first thing about 8. Throw stones and hide (4) the game horse? (6) 9. He helps the donkey man in 4. Went back to runt injured in it (9) rush (8) 11. Work to rule (6) 5. Megan gets in with the mob (4) 6. Conventional city in 12. Bowman is pre-eminent Switzerland? (6) monarch (6) 7. Stanley Church’s attitude (6) 13. A popular calling maybe (8) 10. Assumed to be all right (4) 16. Produce finish in green 14. Singular passage of great possibly (8) power? (8) 20. Keep hold of detached 15. Arbitrator deals with press retina (6) and TV at a high level (8) 16.

Reveal former attitude (6) 21. Fence turning white (6) 17. Girl en route for Irish city (6) 23. Destroy completely – I’d 18. Not one northern individual (4) create a replacement (9) 19. Carves up company – it 24. Rock to hold when in power (4) goes to the wall (6) 25. Five-sided table right for the 22. Sandy’s strength of character? (4) ship? (9)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

7

6

6

7

7

8

9

10

11

10

11

13

14

10

11

12 15

16

15

17

20

22

18

19

22

21

22

23

24

25 26

27

28 29

30

31 32

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS 1. Having no value (9) 9. Examine carefully (6) 10. Coffin support (4) 11. Tribe (4) 12. Rule out (6) 13. Fugitive (7) 16. Honey drink (4) 17. Mediterranean island (4) 18. Flying mammal (3) 20. Tint (3) 21. Assist (4)

23.

25.

26.

29.

30.

31.

Throw (4) Envelop (7) Shriek (6) Stray (4) Light source (4) Spray with water (6) 32. Below (9) DOWN 2. Superfluous (6) 3. Fine cord (6) 4. Chinese fruit (6) 5. Pole (4) 6. West African country (7)

7.

8.

13.

14.

15.

18.

19.

22.

23.

Deceive (4) Impoverished (9) Accentuate (9) Hollow in a rock (4) Pixies (5) Ship (4) Nasal mucus (7) Steal (6) Non-metallic element (6) 24. Postpone (6) 27. Debauchee (4) 28. Speck (4)

5 2 4 3 1 9 8 6 7

1 8 7 2 5 6 3 4 9

3 9 6 4 8 7 2 5 1

6 3 5 9 2 1 4 7 8

9 1 8 7 3 4 6 2 5

7 4 2 8 6 5 9 1 3

2 6 1 5 9 8 7 3 4

8 7 3 1 4 2 5 9 6

6 9 8 3 7 2 4 5 1

4 5 9 6 7 3 1 8 2

EASY SUDOKU

G

E

Z

A

14 1

15 2

Y

16 3

CROSS CODE

M

5 3 1 8 9 4 7 6 2

7 2 4 6 1 5 3 9 8

3 8 5 4 2 1 9 7 6

9 7 2 5 8 6 1 4 3

1 4 6 9 3 7 8 2 5

4 6 9 1 5 8 2 3 7

2 1 3 7 6 9 5 8 4

8 5 7 2 4 3 6 1 9

HARD SUDOKU

H

17 4

F

K

18 5

O

U

19 6

V

X

20 7

21

J

N W 8

D

22 9

B

WORD PYRAMID: Breach of promise.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; multiply; subtract; divide.

Total: 5.

MAGIC SQUARE: mope; opal; park; elks.

Q

23

P

10

S

24 11

I

C

25

R

12

T

26

L

13

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Worthless; 9 Peruse; 10 Bier; 11 Clan; 12 Reject; 13 Escapee; 16 Mead; 17 Elba; 18 Bat; 20 Hue; 21 Abet; 23 Cast; 25 Sheathe; 26 Scream; 29 Rove; 30 Bulb; 31 Squirt; 32 Hereunder.

Down – 2 Otiose; 3 Thread; 4 Lychee; 5 Spar; 6 Senegal; 7 Dupe; 8 Destitute; 13 Emphasise; 14 Cave; 15 Elves; 18 Boat; 19 Catarrh; 22 Thieve; 23 Carbon; 24 Shelve; 27 Roue; 28 Mote.

Stance; 10 Took; 14 Corridor; 15 Mediator; 16 Expose; 17 Galway; acme; armed; CAMCORDER; came; cameo; carom; caromed; coma; come; 18 None; 19 Stucco; 22 Grit. comer; comrade; corm; cram; cream; dame; demo; derm; derma; dome; dorm; dormer; dram; dream; mace; macer; macro; made; marc; mare; marred; mead; mode; more; ormer; radome; ramrod; ream; rearm; remora; roam; roamed; roamer; romer.

Down – Jeans; Legal; Snore.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Brokerage; 8 Pelt; 9 Assistant; 11 Govern; 12 Archer; (2) Across – Pesky; Drama; Elect.

Down – Podge; Stake; Yeast.

13 Nickname; 16 Engender; 20 Retain; 21 Paling; 23 Eradicate; 24 Sway; 25 Starboard.

NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Restrain; 3 Knight; 4 Returned; 5 Gang; 6 Geneva; 7

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Bahrain; 2 Rock of Ages; 3 Grease; 4 Mirror; 5 Grub Street; 6 Sweden; 7 Wether; 8 Johnny Murtagh; 9 Ballet dancer; 10 Sandwinder.

(1) Across – Jilts; Anglo; Salve.

FIVE ALIVE:

LEISURE | 27

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

AT THE CINEMA

The acoustic couch

Through the glass darkly

Counting down to Natalie’s new single

Kim Taylor-Foster

Upcoming music with Jody Mc

Friend of theacousticcouch NATALIE GAUCI has some great news to share with you – HeartBeat, her new release, is coming soon. But to do it, she needs your help

Stars: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Alan Rickman, Sacha Boran Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter

I

T’S fitting that Alice Through the Looking Glass should start with trouble at sea just as its predecessor’s director, Tim Burton, jumps ship. Passing the tiller to British helmer James Bobin, the film opens with Alice (Mia Wasikowska) back in the real world, all grown up and captain of a ship.

“You know how I feel about that word,” she hisses when a crew member informs her that what she’s asked them to do is “impossible” – and so sets the theme for the movie. We are asked to suspend our disbelief as Alice embarks on a convoluted journey to reunite the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) – who appears to be dying of a deep malaise – with his longdeparted family, thought dead.

Alice has found herself back in Wonderland – brought back to the fantasy world by butterfly pal Absolem (voiced by Alan Rickman, in one of his final roles) through a mirror portal.

He’s come to get her as the only person thought able to save the Hatter. Out of a sense of loyalty and friendship – and, let’s not forget, a desire to escape the harsh realities and extreme misogyny of the real world – she agrees to do what she can.

So begins an adventure that leads Alice to Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen) and brings her face to face with old adversary, the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), as she skips around in time to find the Hatter’s family and save her friend.

Bearing little resemblance to Lewis Carroll’s original follow-up to his classic children’s novel, Alice in Wonderland, there are token nods to the story.

The chess set that features at the start and also the Jabberwocky are the most notable.

More of this sequel is miss rather than hit, and it would feel like an endurance if it wasn’t for Depp, Baron Cohen and Bonham Carter who each brings humour and idiosyncrasy to their characters. Whenever these three are on screen, the whole atmosphere lifts.

Alice as a character, meanwhile, is humourless with an oddly intense, difficult-to-comprehend affection for the Hatter, which makes her hard to identify with despite her tenacity and strength.

An adaptation, albeit loose, of a novel by one of our most celebrated children’s authors, there is nevertheless a welcome smattering of wisdom imparted in the dialogue, woven in amid the craziness; some of which is a cut above the standard children’s teachings.

Animation, though, is all over the place. While Bonham Carter and Depp are impressively animated, other parts, like Alice’s journey through time, might be colourful but they feel lazily realised.

Having stepped a long way from the source material, there’s plenty of scope here for another sequel – and if that happens, let’s pray that Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter return, or Disney will have a real dud on their hands.

Festival season/ what’s your story?

Now it’s my turn! I’m also looking for something from you … information!

Happy Friday friends.

As we settle in to that magical time of the year for the music lover, where we don our wellies and pitch our tents and wait and hope for the sunshine – yup, it’s coming up to the start of festival season.

We are wondering what festivals are you going to?

Which artist/act/band will be on your mind or on your T-shirt as you trawl through the mud with thousands of like minded followers of passion?

Are you going to a festival such as Download or Rewind? Are you staying close to home and visiting Marvellous or Reading? Or perhaps you’re hoping to go abroad to hear your favourite bands in a more exotic location.

STR8TS

SUDOKU

No. 283

Tough

Previous solution - Medium

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

6 2

8 9 1

7

7

6

9

9 4 5

Have you got a funny story from past festivals you’d like to share, maybe you would like to keep us up to date in your plans, as you prepare for your adventures.

Or alternatively you have a favourite unsigned act playing a festival this year (or in previous years), send us an article about who they are, where they’re playing and what makes them so special.

Try keeping your story between 200 and 350 words and send them to us here at The Wokingham Paper.

We will share online within our new blog. Some of the stories might even get into the paper along side our weekly column.

And don’t think I’m only interested in the big boys: you might be organising something more intimate than Woodstock.

So if you’re holding a local musical, a charity event, a school fun day or even just a jamming session in your pub, get in touch – these are also more than welcome.

With stuff like this we build a #communitythrumusic

1

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

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

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

No. 283

Easy

6

4

3

Previous solution - Very Hard

3 2 5 7 8 9 4 6 1

5 7 5

7

2 3 9

4

7

8

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.

1

2

9 5

2

6

2 3

8

6

5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

«««««

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

Alice Through the Looking Glass (PG)

I

FEEL like I have been hibernating like some kind of caterpillar in a cocoon and now I am ready to fly! I have been extremely busy preparing something very special for you.

I want to share the making of my new EP – HeartBeat, It’s about being Alive!

I want you to be a part of this project and follow me every step of the way. I will be sharing exclusive content and want to know what you think … … Before I release it online and to the public.

I am working on a campaign with a crowd funding organisation called Phundee to raise funds to record and release my new music EP called Feel Your HeartBeat.

I am aiming to raise £9,000 or to put it in another way: If each of my Facebook friends gave £8.70 I would make the target.

That’s the equivalent of you buying me a coffee and a chocolate brownie.

I really believe we will achieve this with your help and support.

I’d really love to know what you think of my first draft of my campaign video which will be going up on phundee.com website, 18th June.

Which isn’t too far away.

I am counting down the days with excitement.

Thank you so much for your support, please share this news with your friends and family and don’t forget to feel your heart beat!

And I speak with you all some more next week.

Lots of love Natalie xxxx

4 1 7 3 6 2 8 9 5

8 9 6 5 1 4 7 2 3

1 5 2 8 4 6 9 3 7

7 6 8 9 3 5 2 1 4

9 4 3 1 2 7 6 5 8

2 8 4 6 5 3 1 7 9

6 3 9 4 7 1 5 8 2

5 7 1 2 9 8 3 4 6

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

28 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Gig guide Friday, May 27 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. MAYhem at the BEECH with Baby D. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell RG12 7DL. Murphy James. Details: 01344 423667.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. Avarice. Details: 01276 63842.

CAMBERLEY – The Carpenters Arms, Park Street GU15 3PE. Gigabit. Details: 01276 63676.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Tom Morley.

Details: 01252 519964.

FARNBOROUGH – The Swan Inn, Farnborough Road GU14 6TL. The Vents.

Details: 01252 510920.

FLEET – The Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road GU51 5NP. The Mays. Details: 01252 663686.

FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Evolution. Details: 01252 811311.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade Dub and Roots. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Coldrain with Wage War and Counting Days. Carnival Boomtown Gatherings present: Slamboree Soundsystem, Dub Pistols featuring Rodney P and Dutty Moonshine. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress: Scott Wilcox Big Band. Details: 0118 384 2195.

READING – The College Arms,

Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Zipper Tongue. Details: 0118 935 1504.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Video Killed the Gold Death Star. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hungarian Night.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Subfactory: Drum and Bass.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Steve Morano. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Aussfest!.

TWI Friday.. Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000.

SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Vinyl Covers.

Details: 01252 872444.

TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. TwyFest presents: Friday Night Live at the The Twyford Palladium. Details: www. twyfest.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham - Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Soul Dance Party DJs. Details 0118 978 3023 WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hawaiian Night.

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays.

Details: 07415 354056.

YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, May 28 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Vince Dunn Orchestra.

Details: 01344 878100.

BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Continuum Covers Band.

Details: 01344 420572.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Replays and MAYhem at the BEECH with Baby Dt. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Night of the Guitar. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Green Man, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell RG12 7DL. Murphy James from noon.

Details: 01344 423667.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Five Chambers Full. Details: 01276 32691.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. DJs. Details: 01276 27641.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615.

CROOKHAM – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. Undercovers. Details: 01252 616434.

FARNBOROUGH – The Ivy Leaf Social Club, Cove Road GU14 0HF. The Berries.

Details: 01252 542962.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Free jukebox.

Details: 01252 519964.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. The Turn. Details: 0118 973 4855.

FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. Evolution. Details: 01252 811311.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dy’n’omite.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street

RG1 1PZ. Nobodies Birthday album launch: Nobodies Birthday and support. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens: Blues Burlesque Show in association with The Big Yella – 21st Century Blues-ish Weekender. BIG YELLA – Blues, Beer & Bourbon Festival, Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – O’Neills, Friar Street RG1 1BD. Live music.

Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Ways, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Saturday Salsa. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Aussfest.

Saturday sessions. Details: 0118 953 0000.

SANDHURST – The Rose and Crown, High Street GU47 8HA. Sound Mined. Details: 01252 878938.

SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. The Broken Stones Details: 0118 988 3563.

SPENCERS WOOD – The Farriers Arms, Old Basingstoke Road RG7 1AE. Double Dubble Blues.

Details: 0118 988 3132.

SUNNINGDALE – The Royal Oak, Station Road SL5 0QL. Dukes of Rock. Details: 01344 623625.

SONNING – Sonning Working Men’s Club, Pearson Lane.

Slim Pickings. Details: 0118 969 3939.

TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. TwyFest presents: Skool Disco.

Details: www.twyfest.co.uk.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Whozdrivin. Details: 01276 858501.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road. Uptown Traffic.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 0309 WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40

2AD. Regrade. Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Rob & The Retros.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 29 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. MAYhem at the BEECH with Livin’ Joy. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – Rugby Club, Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Drive RG12 2UG. Bracknell Beer and Wine Festival: Toxic Sofa, Abi Powell, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band, Stomping Nomads, Hey El Federico, Flashback Band, Robert and the Remoulds. Details: 01344 424013.

CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Murphy James.

Details: 01276 27641.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Karaoke. Details: 01252 519964.

LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Novello, Bath Road SL6 3RX. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01628 825753.

HURST – Castle Inn, Church Street RG10 0SJ. Beer festival. Details: 0118 934 0034.

READING – Community Hall at Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk: Wild Geese.

Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Dreading Poetry Slam. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Abbot Cook, Kings Road RG1 5DE. Sunday jazz: Stuart

Henderson Trio. 2.30pm.

Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Doh comedy night. Details: www. oakfordsocialclub.com.

SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green. Open mic and jam night. Details: 0118 988 3563.

TWYFORD – The Duke of Wellington, High Street RG10 9AG. TwyFest presents: Twyford’s Got Talent. Details: www. twyfest.co.uk.

WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Billy Curtis. Details: 01276 858501.

WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 0309

Bank Holiday Monday, May 30 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. MAYhem a the BEECH with Livin’ Joy. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Shout! The Mod Musical. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Movie Club: Crocodile Dundee.

Details: 0118 953 0000.

Tuesday, May 31 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Minnie Birch Zoe Konez. 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.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Peter Howarth.

Details: 01491 681048.

WINDLESHAM – The Sun, Chertsey Road GU20 6EN. Bracknell Folk Club presents: Kyle Carey.

Details: 01276 472234.

Wednesday, June 1 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Bohemian Night. 8.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Night: Big Gruesome, Oh Rococo.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

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

This Saturday @ 9pm

REGRADE

Everything from AC/DC to the Foo Fighters

June 4 WEY LIVE Sat MUSIC EVERY LIVE SATURDAY MUSIC

Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. Karaoke Night. Details: 0118 953 0000.

WINDLESHAM – The Half Moon, Church Road GU20 6BN. Gavin Thomas. Details: 01276 473329.

Thursday, June 2 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Blues ‘n’ Grooves night.

Details: 01344 878100.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. The Wizard of Oz. Details: 01344 484123.

CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night.

Details: 01276 32691.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Goldeneye. Details: 01344 772241.

FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. The Retro Beats.

Details: 01252 620198.

HENLEY – Magoos, Hart Street. Stars In Their Minds karaoke. Details: 01491 574595.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Nicole Fenton Shepherd. 9pm.

Free. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. This Is The Kit, Andy Skellam. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, June 3 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Ultimate Elton. Details: 01344 878100.

BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Ash Lee. Details: 01344 867374.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. The Wizard of Oz. Bracknell Jazz: Alan Barnes. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. One Direction. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. The FBB Band.

Details: 01276 63842.

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Social Club, Wellington Rd RG45 7LD. The Originals.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. The Vinyl Covers.

EMMBROOK – The Dog & Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG14 1JT. Old Soul and Motown Night. Details: 0118 978 0544.

FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Bright Shadows.

Details: 01252 519964.

KNOWL HILL – The Bird In Hand RG10 9UP. Gary Roman is Elvis. Details: 01628 826622.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Unplugged night: acoustic music. Details: 0118 969 9878.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Somerset Slim. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar St RG1 1DG. TWI Friday Details: 0118 953 0000.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Bon Jovi

Experience. Sub:Kulture Presents: Mampi Swift, Spectrasoul, Annix, Xtrah and more. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Live music.

Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, off Friar Street RG1 1DG. TWI Friday. Details: 0118 953 0000.

SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. Riff Raff. Details: 01252 872444.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Glyn & Elaine. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hawaiian Night.

Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights.

Details: 0118 979 5790.

WOKINGHAM – Spin Nightclub, Alexandra Court RG40 2SL. Frisky Fridays.

Details: 07415 354056.

Saturday, June 4 ASCOT – Jagz, Station Road.

Whitelights. Details: 01344 878100.

BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Thunderhead. Details: 01276 473640.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Remix.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Boot Inn, Park Road RG12 2LU. The Capo Thieves. Details: 01344 454532.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. The Wizard of Oz. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – Our Lady of Peace Social Club, Wokingham Road RG6 7DA. Uptown Traffic. Details: 0118 935 2927.

EVERSLEY – The White Hart, The Street RG27 0PJ. Dukes of Rock. Details: 0118 973 2817.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. John James Newman and Sandy Newman. Details: 0118 973 4855.

READING – The Hexagon.

Killer Queen. Details: 0118 960 6060.

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

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. 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. Essential Saturday. Details: 07415 354056.

Get your business seen!

Classifieds

Call 0118 328 2959

Email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

DECORATING

quality decorators 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

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.

RECRUITMENT

Advertise your 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.

CLASSIFIEDS | 29

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

FOR SALE

11+ (CEM) Tutor

BRASS WALL LIGHTS WITH LAMPSHADES. Set of six singles,plus set of double and two singles. Excellent condition. Solid brass fittings. Will sell separately. £100 Ono. (Singles £10.

Double £20.) Details: 0118 9795388

Get your business seen!

Call 0118

328 2959

Friendly service

We cover Wokingham borough Call us for a price today

TUITION For Reading, Kendrick and Slough Grammar Schools.

Structured approach, track record.

Based in Wokingham. www.11plustutor.education 07906 387368

Reach local people

RECLINER CHAIR colour beige.

Very good condition. Surplus to requirements. £250 ono.

Details: 0118 978 0536.

BBQ. Four gas burners, grill, hotplate with hinged hood to form oven. Good working order complete with gas bottle. £55. Can deliver locally. Details: 0118 977 6358.

ELECTRICAL David Elgood Electrical Services

SERVICES

Ghostwriter available

MAVIA OFFER A FULLY-INSURED ROOFING SERVICE AND REPAIRS

• Re-roofing • Tiling • Slating • Lead work • Chimneys • Mortar re-bedding

• Flat roofs • Fascias • Soffits • Guttering • Roof clean • Moss removal

Autobiography? Speech?

Annual report? Whitepaper?

Let me do the work – you take the glory

Call Matt at Mavia Roofing for FREE advice and a FREE no-obligation quotation

c (01183) 759 039 Q (07788) 373 416

I’ll create a compelling read and memorable message.

A discrete and discerning service.

Over 30 years experience from an award-winning writer.

For initial discussion email: annonymousep5@gmail.com

mavia-roofing@live.co.uk

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

MOTORING

ALL CARS WANTED

Sell your items for free

your goods with a free MAKE £250! Sell adverts for items under £250 Having a clear out? Why not turn your treasure into cash with our free adverts? Sell your items without any fee with the aid of this coupon. Items* valued at up to £250 can be sold in these columns for free! Simply send us the details –maximum of 30 words – and post or email it and we’ll do the rest

Write your advert in the box below, one word per box. Maximum 30 words.

Including vans & motorcyles for cash

Minimum *£200 cash for scrap cars.

Same day service.

Will not be beat on any prices.

07429 122 712

Category for advert:

Your name: Phone number: Address:

*Subject to condition of vehicle

Get your business seen!

Call 0118 328 2959

Email: Send your completed form to The Wokingham Paper free ads, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Alternatively email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk Adverts will appear in the next available issue Standard terms apply. *No firearms or pets, cars, motor spares, boats, motor cycles, caravans, property or investments, illegal goods or services.

30

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 20,

31

32 30

27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 20,

WOKINGHAM SPORT

OAKS REMAIN UNBEATEN: Wokingham CC win at Kew thanks to Bates’ big blast — Page: 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 IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

Schools’ golf competition a Tri-umph

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk NINE MILE RIDE and Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School earned themselves a shot at glory after battling through the Wokingham Schools’ Tri Golf competition.

The tournament, which was open to pupils aged between seven and nine, saw schools descend on Sand Martins Golf Club in Finchampstead Road for the chance to qualify for the School Games at Berkshire College of Agriculture in July.

The Tri Golf event was part of a series

of sporting competitions for children across the borough with schools invited to send a team of five to battle it out in a number of different activities, earning points for their school along the way.

There were 80 children competing at Sand Martins, aided by long-time PGA professional and coach Symon O’Keefe.

And it was Nine Mile Ride and Shinfield St Mary’s who prevailed and will now go on to face other schools from around Berkshire in a huge multi-sports competition later in the year.

Nine Mile Ride (top right) and Shinfield St Mary’s (bottom right) celebrate their victories at the competition

Donald calls in at Billingbear

LUKE DONALD stepped up his preparations for this week’s BMW PGA Championships with a visit to Billingbear Park Golf Course.

Former world number one Donald (pictured) went in as one of the pre-tournament favourites at Wentworth having won the event in both 2011 and 2012.

And Donald, 38, spent Monday on The Straight Mile course to test out some new equipment from his sponsors Mizuno and take part in a media day.

The Englishman went around nine holes and a par three course while Danish golfer Nicole Broch Larsen, who competes on the Ladies European Tour, was also in action.

CLARIFICATION: In the story ‘Determined Robertson is out to tackle adversity’ which appeared in last week’s edition of The Wokingham Paper (20/05), we incorrectly stated Graham Robertson as having a completely paralyzed left arm following a motorcycle accident.

We are happy to clarify this was actually Peter King, another golfer undertaking the same challenge and apologise for any confusion caused.

BOWLS

Wokingham are just too good for Reading in Mixed Doubles bout

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM BOWLS CLUB got their County Mixed Doubles Fours campaign up and running with victory at Reading.

Skip Tom Searle, along with Paul Melhuish, Jill Thorne and Teresa O’Connor won their rink against Paul Bunting 24 shots to six during this 43-17 triumph.

John Scowen, accompanied by Martin O’Connor, Sandra Thompson and Sylvia Pearce, meanwhile, defeated Chris Barrett and his team 19-11. n IN THE National Two Fours competition, however, there was disappointment for the club, who were no match for opponents Suttons.

They won the tie 44-27.

Results: (Wokingham skips first): Paul Melhuish 16 shots S.Jones 20 shots; Alan Symondson 11 R.Bucket 24.

n WOKINGHAM were 113-93 winners at Burghfield in a mixed friendly.

Shirley Dutton’s rink, which included Alun Hughes and Chris McFarlane was highest up for the visitors.

Results: Shirley Dutton 34 shots I.Belcher 17 shots; John MacGregor 18 A.Parsons 14; Martin O’Connor 24 J.Richardson 12; Paul Graham 16 M.Henkey 18; Roger Dollery 9 G.Belcher 18; Alan Taylor 12 C.Goss 14.

Women WOKINGHAM OAKAPPLES returned from their game at Suttons in Division 3 of the Thames Valley Ladies League with a

The rink skipped by John Scowen and consisting of Adrian Chipper, Paul Aylott and Martin O’Connor were highest up on the night with a margin of 18 shots.

Results: John Scowen 29 shots J.Stradling 11 shots; Paul Melhuish 17 G.Stacey 16; Neil Jones 16 R.Newman 17; Tom Searle 13 L.Sabatini 29.

n CAVERSHAM became the latest relegated team to suffer defeat against Wokingham B this term.

A 12-shot victory for the rink containing Bob Hales-Owen, skip, John Evans, John Buttgieg and Mike Drinkwater helped the club seal an 83-77 victory in this Division 1 clash.

Both sides were again level on rink wins, with visiting Wokingham edging the contest on points collected.

Wokingham Bowls Club held an Open Day at its home in Reading Road last Sunday

share of the spoils.

The final result was 54-54.

Results: Ann Stacey 20 shots G.Barton 13 shots; Diane Pople 24 D.Perkin 17; Janette Kane 10 C.Jeanes 24

n ISLAND BOHEMIAN took the points from their Division 1 clash with Wokingham Acorns at Reading Road.

The hosts won two of the three triples, but a heavy 20-9 reverse in the final game left the opposition celebrating victory. n AWAY at Tilehurst in a friendly, the Ladies were beaten 59-39, going down on all three rinks.

Results: Vidy Mebler 12 shots B.Wall 22 shots; Janette Kane 12 V.Ryan 20; Averil Aylott 15 J.Parr 17.

Men WOKINGHAM followed up their opening day victory over Desborough by outscoring Reading to preserve their 100 per cent start to the Kennet League Division 1 Season.

It was a Reading side containing Middleton Cup players, one England international and two junior internationals which forged ahead, only to see the hosts eat away at the advantage and claim a narrow 75-73 success.

The two sides could not be separated on rink wins, picking up two each, but Wokingham were victors through the number of points amassed overall.

Results Bob Hales-Owen 24 shots D.Allan 12 shots; David Smith 25 P.Slatford 22; Stuart Slocombe 24 P.Robson 26; Colin Cleverly 10 S.Hall 17.

n PUTTING up a good fight could not prevent Wokingham C from slipping to defeat at borough rivals Twyford in Division 3.

The villagers were comfortable 92-54 winners.

Results: Keith Roberts 16 shots M.Self 20 shots; Paul Graham 16 B.Stain 21; Alan Taylor 11 N.Orde 24; Dave Hewitt 11 B.Carter 27.

Over 60s DEFEATING Woodley A 59-37 saw Wokingham A record back-to-back victories in Division 1 of the Kennet League.

Wokingham were victorious on all

three rinks, with Tom Searle, David Smith and Colin Livingstone the top triple on the day.

Results: Tom Searle 22 shots J.Watkins 10 shots; Colin Cleverley 18 P.McIntyre 12; Paul Aylott 19 R.Glover 15.

n DESPITE winning two of the three triples, Wokingham B would return home from a game at Three Mile Cross in the Kennet LX League nursing a 55-43 loss.

The highest up triple for the away side was Ted Melber, skip, Alan Herbert and Barry Woolley.

Results: Ted Melber 18 shots R.Fenner 13 shots; George Hayne 17 J.Wallace 14; Brian Hoare 8 M.Foster 28.

n PUTTING up a good show could not stop Wokingham C losing 53-41 against Maiden Erlegh A in Division 2 of the LX League.

The one winning triple on the day was recorded by skip John Buttigieg.

He was flanked by Steve Hales-Owen and Barry Pither.

Results: John Buttigieg 19 shots C.Belugue 13 shots; Eric Nathan 9 K.Boulter 18; A.Cullington 13 K.Pike 22.

n NEWCOMERS Wokingham D once again let slip of a lead, this time going down to defeat against Great Hollands D. A winning triple of Keith Roberts (skip), Peter Bennett and Ken Marshall contributed to Wokingham’s 39 points, but Great Hollands finished the game with 49.

Results: Keith Roberts 16 shots N.Lofthouse 11 shots; Joe Strange 12 B.Cheale 21; Alan Taylor 11 D.Anderson 17.

34 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

READING SENIOR CUP

PRE-SEASON

More cup final heartache for Herridge

Carterton are up first for McNelly and the Sumas

Binfield 3 Henley Town 5 (After extra-time)

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk DESPITE being proud of his players, Roger Herridge and his Binfield side would once again come out second best in a cup final.

The manager’s wretched luck in silverware showdown’s with the Moles was to rear its ugly head for a third time last Thursday, where Henley Town fought back to lift the Reading Senior Cup following a 5-3 triumph at Madejski Stadium after extra time.

Since taking on the reigns back in the autumn of 2014, Herridge has twice marched his charges to the final of this competition – as well as the final of the 2014/15 Hellenic Floodlit Cup – only to experience disappointment on all three occasions.

“I will have to have a long hard look at myself really and to find out why we are getting to cup finals and getting beat,” he said afterwards.

Herridge would understandably cut a frustrated figure come the final whistle – but for a variety of reasons.

The Premier Division side recovered from falling behind to an early Richard Bennett goal to open up a 2-1 half time lead thanks to strikes from the forward pairing of Liam Ferdinand and Jemel Johnson.

However, the 57th minute of the contest would witness a turning point when Binfield full-back Jack Broome was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball stamp on opponent Grant Kemp.

In what is becoming a bad and unwanted habit, it was the third time a Mole has been dismissed in as many cup finals.

Broome’s team-mates, however, would rally in his absence and grabbed a third moments later when Ferdinand bagged a second on the turn.

But in trying to force the issue, Henley and the extra man would halve the deficit through Sean Moore before Ben Clarke tucked home an equaliser.

Despite freshening things up from

The on that got away: Henley Town’s Tony Kingston, left, and Kim Chapman with the Reading Senior Cup

the bench, the Moles would toil at the home of Reading FC and were dealt a fatal blow when Asa Povey completed the turnaround for Division 1 East outfit Town during the first session of extra time.

Binfield, through Jean Claude Etienne, Johnson and Ferdinand, saw chances to equalise come and go, but it was game over when replacement Liam Tindell pounced amid some tired defending to nudge the south Oxfordshire side further ahead late on.

“I’m bitterly disappointed, but what I will say is that I am proud of the players,” added Herridge.

“At 2-1 and with 11 players I thought there was only going to be one winner. It

was a relatively even first half.

“They score the first goal, so obviously it was important to get the second goal, and we did that then go ahead just before the half time, but the sending off changed the game.

“On a great big pitch playing with 10 men from the 57th minute, I think that changed the game.

“We get ourselves 3-1 in front, but ultimately having one man less has counted against us.

“It is not a great feeling but well done to them (Henley), I thought they were excellent and if they keep that squad together they will certainly have a good year in the Hellenic Premier (next season

Roger Herridge was proud of his players

Liam Ferdinand struck twice at the Madejski Pictures: Colin Byers

following promotion) because they have got some good players.”

Herridge claimed he did not see the incident which led to full back Broome being dismissed, but nonetheless felt let down by the player.

“I’m not sure if he (the referee) sent him off for what he thought he did or what he saw, but I’m disappointed in Jack for giving him the opportunity.

“He let himself down, he let me and the club down and asked an awful lot of his team-mates on a big, big pitch to play with 10 players on and that’s disappointing.”

The manager would not, however, be drawn on the performance of the referee and his officials who, amid several questionable decisions, denied Binfield a penalty at 4-3 when a Ferdinand strike looked to be blocked in the box by an arm.

His immediate thoughts, though, would turn to how he can try and arrest a run of successive final defeat as the club’s wait to add another trophy to the Hill Farm Lane cabinet continues.

“The players could not have given me anymore,” he said.

“We making a bad habit of coming to these cup finals and getting beaten by teams from lower levels (North Leigh United, Wokingham and Emmbrook, Henley Town) – and that is not knocking them.

“Obviously they made the extra man count, they were clinical and took chances.

“We probably created as many chances – and probably more – but didn’t take them.

“It is the same feeling I had 12 months ago, and it doesn’t matter if it is Henley or Wokingham, we have ended the season on a low and that’s disappointing.

“Now is the time for a little bit of thinking and then go from there.” n BINFIELD have announced dates for seven pre-season fixtures, which begin with a game against Badshot Lea of the Combined Counties League on Saturday, July 9.

This will take place at The Piggott School in Wargrave, with a 3pm kick off.

The other fixtures are: July 12 v Alton Town (A) - 7.45pm; July 16 v Chalfont St Peter (at Piggott School - 3pm); July 19 v Holyport (A) - 7.45pm; July 23 v Penn and Tylers Green (A) - 3pm; July 26 v

RUGBY

Symons is Irish’s Player of the Season James Baker Picture: Redingensians RFC

A dream inclusion for Rams’ Baker

REDINGENSIANS’ James Baker has been rewarded for a fine season by being included in The Rugby Paper’s National League 2 South Dream Team.

The tight-head prop was immovable within the Rams scrum during a successful debut campaign for the club at this level of competition, with the side finishing the year in eighth place.

The publication described Baker as “tough and teak”.

There were commendations too for team-mates Robbie Stapley and George Drury, but neither player was to make the team.

MATT SYMONS was named London Irish Player of the Season at the club’s annual awards night.

The former Waikato Chiefs lock made 23 appearances for Exiles during their relegation campaign from the Aviva Premiership.

Johnny Williams, who burst into the first team in dramatic fashion with a string of early tries, was named young player of the season after racking up 21 appearances.

The 19-year-old academy product is set to cap his season with a trip to the Under-20 World Championships with England in Manchester next month.

Stand-in skipper Luke Narraway was named players’ player of the season after stepping in for the injured George Skivington.

Flying winger Alex Lewington was awarded try of the season for his brilliant effort against Saracens during the club’s history making trip to New York while London Irish legend Justin Bishop was inducted into the club’s hall of fame.

Bishop, who scored twice in the

Johnny Williams was named Exiles’ Young Player of the Season, with Matt Symons (inset) taking the Player of the Season award

Powergen Cup final win over Northampton Saints in 2002, was capped 25 times by

Ireland and spent 13 years as an Exiles player.

CLIVE McNELLY’S reign as Wokingham and Emmbrook manager will begin on Saturday, July 9, with a pre-season friendly Clive McNelly against Carterton.

The club has announced four warm up fixtures ahead of the 2016/17 season, which begin against the Hellenic Division 1 West outfit.

Wokingham will host the contest, but it is not yet known whether this will take place at Lowther Road or Cantley Park, which is often the venue for many close season games due to pitches elsewhere not being ready.

After this, new boss McNelly will take his charges on the road for successive fixtures against opposition from the Thames Valley League, which starts with a trip to Berkshire County on Saturday, July 16.

The Sumas will then be guests of Mortimer a week later (July 23), which is a 3pm kick off.

The last of these games has been pencilled in to take place on the 3G pitch at The Piggott School in Wargrave against Brackley Town Saints of the Hellenic Premier Division on July 30.

Saints have not yet confirmed their attendance, but a 12pm start has been scheduled.

Kick-off for the Carterton and Berkshire County fixtures will be announced in due course.

Wokingham and Emmbrook report back for pre-season training on Thursday, June 30.

New players are invited to join the sessions, which will take place at The Emmbrook School.

Saxons call-up for Lewington ALEX LEWINGTON has been named in the England Saxons squad for next month’s tour to South Africa.

Winger Lewington, 24, is part of a 27-man squad that will play back-toback games against the Springboks second string on June 10 and June 17.

“Playing South Africa twice in South Africa is going to be a great challenge and a significant test for us,” said England Saxons head coach Ali Hepher.

“But it is also an incredibly exciting opportunity for the players and management to prove themselves.

“The series will give the players international experience and will be an important stepping stone towards international honours.”

Saxons have named a strong squad including seven men with full international caps in Luther Burrell, Semesa Rokoduguni, Christian Wade, Danny Cipriani, Matthew Kvesic, Dave Attwood and Kieran Brookes.

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

SPORT | 35

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

LOIS ROCHE

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

‘Fantastic’ Reading pick up a point BIrmingham City Ladies 0 Reading FC Women 0

Harriet Scott was handed her WSL 1 debut during the goalless draw at Birmingham City Picture: Nigel Hoyle/GoalShots

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk KELLY CHAMBERS praised her side’s “fantastic” performance as they picked up another point on the road at Birmingham City Ladies.

But, after the drab 0-0 draw, Royals are still searching for their first WSL 1 victory.

Reading had the better of the first half with Emma Follis going close but the Blues stepped up after the break with Freda Ayisi almost nicking the winner.

While it will undoubtedly be a concern to have still not won, the fact Royals picked up another point and clean sheet ensures there are positives to take going into the mid-season break.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game,” said manager Chambers.

“Birmingham are a strong side.

“They don’t concede many goals and the performance my girls put on was fantastic.

“We were a bit slow out of the blocks from the first whistle but we could’ve easily crumbled in the last 15 minutes when Birmingham really piled on the pressure.

“But the girls showed their resilience and they were fantastic.”

Chambers made two changes to her side which drew against Sunderland last time out with birthday girl Laura-May Walkley and Melissa Fletcher starting in place of Lauren Bruton and Helen Ward, who pulled out late on through illness.

Both sides struggled to get to grips with the ball early on with Jo Potter’s shouts for the penalty after going

down under the challenge of Mary Earps the only action of note during the early stages.

But, as the half wore on, Reading began to look like the side more likely to take the lead with Follis going closest, volleying on target after connecting with Kayleigh Hines’ lofted pass.

“Emma Follis was brilliant in the first half,” said Chambers.

“We created opportunities and even in the last couple of minutes we had people getting one v ones with the keeper.

“We’re creating chances and it’s just a case of us putting them away now.”

Clearly unhappy with their first half display, top three-chasing Birmingham made a double switch at the break, bringing on star names Remi Allen and England international Jade Moore.

And the changes seemed to have an immediate impact as the hosts broke towards the Reading goal, albeit without severely testing Earps.

Ayisi was looking the most likely to break the deadlock up front for the Blues but saw a close range effort saved before also heading wide.

Royals tried to change the momentum from the bench, introducing Bruton and also Harriet Scott for her WSL 1 debut in place of Walkley and the injured Fletcher.

Birmingham had a late penalty appeal when Allen went down in stoppage time from Rachel Rowe’s challenge before Moore flashed wide.

Reading, who sit seventh in the table on four points having only lost to Arsenal so far, are not back in action now until they host Arsenal again, this time in the Continental Tyres Cup in

July.

But Chambers is keen to focus on the positives of an enforced break.

“It’s a long break but we’ve had a tough start to the season,” she said.

“We’ve played six games, two games in one week and three games in another week and this was our final game before the break.

“Credit to the girls for stepping up into this league and having to deal with the schedule and the amount of minutes that they’ve had to play.

“And to pick up points on the way, they’ve been fantastic in this half of the season.”

She continued: “The transition is always difficult when you’re a part-time player, training twice a week to then training every day.

“You’ve got to adjust to the training load but then being able to come out and put performances on in WSL 1 and pick up points is credit to the team.”

READING: Earps; Jane, McGee (Davies 76), Bartrip, Cox; Hines, Rowe, Walkley (Bruton 59); Stobbs, Follis, Fletcher (Scott 72).

Subs not used: Moloney, Estcourt, Jones, Ward.

Yellow card: Hines (89) BIRMINGHAM: Baggaley, Peplow (Moore 45), Westwood, Mannion, Carter, Lawley, Potter, Stringer (Brazil 79), Harrop, Ayisi, Wellings (Allen 45).

Subs not used: Scofield, Edwards, Brown, Johnson.

Referee: Wayne Barratt Attendance: 395

P Manchester City 7 Chelsea Ladies 6 Birmingham Ladies 7 Liverpool Ladies 7 Arsenal Ladies 5 Notts County Ladies 5 Reading Women 6 Sunderland Ladies 6 Doncaster Belles 3

WSL 1 W D 6 1 5 0 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 4 0 3 0 0

L 0 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 3

F 15 16 4 13 5 5 6 5 2

A 0 8 4 13 6 7 9 12 12

GD 15 8 0 0 -1 -2 -3 -7 -10

P 19 15 11 8 7 4 4 3 0

READING FC

Dutch defender Danzell completes dream move READING’S close-season recruitment work has begun with the signing of Danzell Gravenberch.

The 22-year-old Dutch defender has agreed a three-year contract with Royals, which he will sign upon the opening of the transfer window on July 1.

Gravenberch, a former Netherlands Under-17 international who will join for a nominal fee from FC Dordrecht of the Eerste Divisie – the second tier of Dutch football – is no stranger to the club having trained with Brian McDermott’s men towards the end of last season – and duly impressed.

All formalities of the switch, including a medical, are now complete, but the move will be subject to ratification from the relevant authorities.

INTERNATIONALS

Williams helps USA see off Puerto Rico DANNY WILLIAMS played the full 90 minutes as USA eased to a 3-1 win away to Puerto Rico as Jurgen Klinsmann’s men step up their Copa America preparations.

“I’m very happy and thankful to be at Reading,” said Gravenberch, a player who graduated from the famous Academy at Ajax.

“It’s a very nice team. I got on well with the team-mates here whilst I was training and they play some very good football, so I like it here.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and I’m focused now on the

beginning of the season. I like England and I’ve always wanted to play football here.

“The league is very competitive so I am very happy to be here.

“I’ve seen a few Reading games and other teams in the Championship.

It’s a very tough league but I hope Reading can be competitive next season and I will make myself ready for it.

“I will give everything for Reading.”

Gravenberch, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, turned professional at the Amsterdam ArenA in 2012, but would continue learning his trade elsewhere, spending time on loan with NEC Breda before joining up with Romanian outfit Universitatea Cluj in 2014.

He would return home and to

Dordrecht last year, where he would catch the eye of Reading.

“I’m really pleased to have Danzell on board,” said McDermott.

“He was first brought to our attention by Brian Tevreden, our new technical director, who spoke highly of him having worked with him previously.

“We brought Danzell in for a few days last month, he trained and played with us – and he is a player capable of playing in various positions, with an awful lot of potential.

“I’m delighted to have secured his services so early in the summer.”

Gravenberch arrives at Madejski Stadium with winning pedigree, too, having been part of the Netherlands side which won the UEFA European U17 Championships in 2012.

USA opened up a 2-0 first half lead thanks to strikes from Bobby Wood and Fulham defender Tim Ream.

The hosts pulled one back before the break through a stunning Luis Betancur effort but debutant Paul Arriola sealed the win in the second half.

USA were back in action on Wednesday night, where a last minute Darlington Nagbe strike earned a 1-0 win over Ecuador, but Williams was not involved.

Oliver Norwood is in the Northern Ireland squad to face Belarus in a friendly on Friday.

Michael O’Neill has named a 28-man squad for the game at Windsor Park in what will be the last chance for players to impress before the final Euro 2016 23-man squad is named on Saturday.

Stephen Quinn is also set for action tonight when Republic of Ireland face Holland but Royals team-mate Paul McShane is not involved after being

cut from the provisional squad.

Chris Gunter is the other Reading man away on international duty ahead of Euro 2016 with Wales playing Sweden in a friendly next week.

Garath McCleary has been named in the Jamaica squad for the Copa America Centenario with the Reggae Boyz also in action on Friday when they face Chile in a friendly.

Former Royals Michael Hector, Jobi McAnuff and Adrian Mariappa are also involved.

Danzell Gravenberch

The Reading FC Women’s midfielder writes exclusively for The Wokingham Paper

Keeping the dream alive READING FC WOMEN are currently embarking on an historic first season in the top flight of women’s football following promotion to Women’s Super League 1 last year and we are delighted to welcome Royals’ midfielder Lois Roche as a columnist for The Wokingham Paper to discuss all things Reading.

B

IRMINGHAM away, our last game before the break, saw us start brightly in the first half with a goal all that was missing to show for our efforts.

Unfortunately we didn’t take our chances and Birmingham came on strong in the second half with the score remaining 0-0 at the final whistle.

A cliché, but definitely a game of two halves in which both teams played their part and, for us, a well deserved point on the board once again.

The game was actually broadcast live on BT Sport which was a first for us and made for a great occasion for the club, although it was another opportunity missed by myself to make my TV debut.

I guess there’s always The X Factor...

The season so far has been a promising one, picking up points on the road was always going to be difficult in this league.

Nonetheless, we have managed draws away from home against Sunderland, Notts County and Birmingham thus far, three established Women’s Super League 1 sides.

Other fixtures came in the form of the FA Cup winners Arsenal, where we narrowly missed out on picking up points with defeats both home and away.

With that being said we are looking forward to welcoming them back to Adams Park for the Continental Cup game on July 2nd in which we will look to avenge those defeats and hopefully progress into the quarter finals of the competition.

On a more personal note, the season so far has been a frustrating one due to an injury picked up in the 1-1 away fixture at Sunderland.

An MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) strain in my right knee has caused me to be out of action for roughly five weeks.

Being injured and having to miss training everyday can be somewhat irksome but watching the girls from the sidelines competing and putting in the performances they have done every week has been a pleasure.

However, I am now feeling even more determined to get back to full fitness and on to that pitch to help secure our first win of the season.

The WSL 1 now acquires a mid-season break, for what I’m not quite sure of, so if anyone has any idea, if they could let me know it would be greatly appreciated.

The break lasts for six weeks, we’ve kindly been given 10 days off from training (but been given a training programme) from the Birmingham game and then we will have, knowing our manager, another pre-season to get back into shape for the second half of the season which, as you can imagine, we are all thrilled about.

The break hasn’t come at the best time for us still searching for our first win but it has allowed us to reflect on what has been a very positive start to our WSL 1 campaign.

Life in WSL 1 has been a dream come true for us girls as we’ve all managed to quit our previous jobs and become full-time professional footballers, I still have to pinch myself to be honest.

Although previously I was a sports journalist so this could be a little awkward.

Training full-time and mirroring our counterparts has allowed us to have morning and afternoon sessions instead of the dreaded evening sessions, rushing straight from work and getting home at midnight to get up for work the next morning.

Having all experienced this for seasons upon end we’re all so grateful for the opportunity and will continue to work hard day in, day out to keep the dream alive and maintain WSL 1 status.

36 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

BERKSHIRE CRICKET LEAGUE

Woodcote are Rich pickings for captain Cole

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk EMMBROOK and Bearwood are up and running in the Premier Division after edging out Woodcote by just one wicket at Lowther Road.

Visiting captain James Worsfold won the toss and elected to bat, but it was a decision which was to dramatically backfire.

Ryan Lennard was the first man to go with the score on 16, and he was not long joined in the pavilion by the rest of the line up, who were removed for a forgetful 89 in just the 25th over.

Emmbrook captain Richard Cole would lead the destruction of the innings with an impressive 4-21, while there was healthy returns, too, for Mark Van Der, who struck three times during a four-over spell which cleaned up the tail, and Sean Woodward (2-38).

A first win for the promoted side was now in sight, but the hosts would also struggle on what appeared to be a rough wicket.

They lost batsmen at regular intervals, and crumbling to 77-8 meant it was now anyone’s game.

During this time, however, Phil West managed to tot up a top score of 23, while Matt Robertson added 15 at the top of the order, and both knocks would prove vital.

As would that of Cole arriving at nine.

He would finish unbeaten on 11, with his stand helping squeeze Emmbrook home in the 25th over, with the side picking up 30 valuable points.

The wet weather would wipe out most of the day’s play across all five divisions, with fixtures abandoned or cancelled without a single ball being bowled.

Of those which managed to go the distance, CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 2ND also scored a first win of the season in Division 2, where they chased down a target of 121 to defeat Peppard Stoke Row 2nd by four wickets.

Crows captain Dan Finucane won the toss, inserted the opposition and saw his side quickly go about removing them, with Peppard crashing to 55-6.

Doing the most damage with the ball was both Finucane (3-35) and Doug

Earley’s Gary Shacklady looks to try and remove Oliver Sankey (44) of Shinfield during a Division 2 clash which was cut short by the rain Pictures: Steve Smyth Fakhir Ali, who made 69, is dropped

Earley’s Umer Malik celebrates one of his three wickets

Charman, who also finished with a trio of dismissals, but the for a less expensive 16 runs.

John Cartledge also picked up a couple of scalps in what proved to be a good session for the home side.

Peppard did recover somewhat and would give themselves something to defend having doubled their tally to 120-9 when the innings came to a close.

Crowthorne would experience something of a wobble after Mike Brundish, with 24, and Daniel Cartledge, whose 26 would prove to be a leading

knock, got the chase off to a solid start.

They would later slip to 76-4, but any threat of a collapse was ended by Doug Charman.

He would crack four fours during a hit of 24 down at seven, with his work helping nudge the side towards victory, which was secured in the 36th over.

FARLEY HILL, meanwhile, were handed a third straight success and 30 points after opponents Stratfield Turgis/ Hartley Wespall 2nd conceded the fixture due to a lack of players.

The wait for a win, however, continues

for KNOWL HILL, who were squeezed out by a solitary wicket when up against West Reading 3rd in Division 3.

Wests looked to have taken a firm grip on proceedings as wickets continued to tumble in the Knowl camp, and a tame score would have been set had it not been for a counter-punching 63 from Matt Crawcour.

His top score would salvage the innings and push the home side to a more respectable 145 before he was the last man removed.

In trying to protect the score, Knowl

would push their guests hard, with three wickets apiece for Crawcour and Jordy Duffy keeping things interesting.

Two more for Adam Brookman, who removed opener Hasnain Butt Jamil with no runs on the board, saw Reading nine down and still eight runs shy of victory with the overs running out.

But the hosts were unable to take the final wicket and would once again be on the wrong side of the result after last pair Arsalan Khan and Waleed Choudhry wiped out the deficit.

In the same division, WOODLEY 2ND were unable to look after an opening total of 183 all out when hosting Purley-on-Thames 3rd at Woodford Park.

Woodley were asked to bat and would tick along at around four an over thanks to Anish Pandey’s leading knock of 48, with Uprenda Deshpande (29), captain Vinay Kumar (21), Amol Lotke and Tajdar Jawaid (both 20) contributing.

But it would not be enough – even though Despande got rid of four opponents for the cost of just 12 runs.

This would include taking the wicket of Fasul Nufail, who was eventually gone for a top score of 74 which included 13 boundaries – and it was his stand which swung the game in Peppard’s favour.

With the foundations in place, the away side would finish the job off in the 42nd over, with Adam Mugford’s 29 not out seeing them home.

Of those games which started but were unable to conclude due to the weather, SHINFIELD were going well against neighbours EARLEY at The Recreation Ground in Division 2.

Through Fakhir Ali’s 69 and the 44 added by Oliver Sankey, the hosts were sitting pretty on 232-8 when the rain arrived.

BINFIELD 3RD were also scoring well away at WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE 2ND in Division 4, where John Humphrey was 82 not out.

Alongside Simon York, who celebrated a half-century 56, the pair put on a watchful 119 for the first wicket.

More runs further down the order saw Binfield move to 215-3 when the covers came out.

GYMNASTICS

Golden boy Cowan leads Pinewood on Spring Series medal charge

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WILLIAM COWAN produced back-to-back goal medal triumphs for a Pinewood Gymnastics Club which racked up the success at two recent tournaments.

Cowan (pictured) followed up securing top spot at the Spring Series 1 event in Coventry by wowing the crowds with two clear runs and a triple back somersault during the Spring Series 2 contest, which was held in Sheffield.

The latter saw William return a big score of 63.4.

This was one of many fine achievements for the club recorded at the two events, where qualification for the British Championships, which are being held in Liverpool in July, was up for grabs.

Starting in Coventry, Pinewood had four debutants in the 9-10 age category: Sophie Barrington, Grace Benton, Lottie Clarke and Evie Palmer-Smith.

The quartet all performed well, with Clarke securing her first bronze medal.

Scoring an impressive 54.1 put

Barrington in ninth place overall, with Benton 14th (53.7) and Palmer-Smith 17th.

Sebastian Williams was the only boy in attendance for the Crowthorne club in this category, and he did not disappoint, picking up a gold medal with a winning score of 60.9.

Competition was fierce among the team in the 11-12 girls, where Georgina Elliott, Bethany Austin and Izzy Clarke were all competing for honours.

All three began the season well, but it was Clarke who finished with the silver (58.2) and Elliott the bronze (57.4).

Austin was back in 10th having totted up 53.3 points.

Performing two routines for the very first time, meanwhile, saw Clarke awarded a score of 58.2, while improving the difficulty of her displays saw Benton overcome the challenge and pick up a score of 52.7.

Palmer-Smith and Barrington accumulated 51.7 and 42.4 respectively.

Another debutant, Scarlett Hutton, was unveiled at the Series 2 event.

This was her first competition in

tumbling having recently switched from artistic gymnastics and two solid routines saw her achieve a score of 54.9 and 12th place, narrowly missing out on the finals.

But it was a great day for Sebastian Williams, who saw two fantastic routines yield a victorious 64.4 and the gold.

Also taking to the podium was Georgina Elliott, who held her nerve and accomplished two well-executed runs which were rewarded with third place and a bronze medal.

Austin continued to climb an upward curve when improving on her previous outing by finishing in seventh spot on this occasion (55.9), with Clarke not too far behind on 51.2, meaning they all booked their trips to Liverpool.

Also competing in both series’ at 11-12 was Jack Williams and Alexander Cowen.

Despite some small errors, Williams conquered some high difficulty routines and was given a silver medal for his effort, while Alexander Cowen improved on the 11th ranking in Coventry by finishing seventh in south Yorkshire, but

a score of 53.4 was unable to take him to the final.

Tilly Nash was Pinewood’s sole competitor in the 17-18 women’s category, where a safety first approach would reap the rewards.

Silver was the colour of the medal secured in Coventry, while in the second event, making some adjustments to the routine saw her return home as Spring Series champion.

In the men’s section of the same category, Tom Evans produced few faults during two routines and would finish in eight (59.0).

Eleanor Head performed well in the senior women’s group, landing an impressive 62.74 points and with it, the gold medal.

Head was fourth in Sheffield (63.5), where she was joined by club-mate Yasmin Taite, who had not long returned from competing with Team GB at the European Championships.

Her routines were excellent and would return a score of 63.3, meaning she too progressed to the finals.

SPORT | 37

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

CHILTERNS LEAGUE

A captain’s knock from unbeaten Ennis sees Binfield to victory A CAPTAIN’S knock from Sean Ennis helped Binfield double their win count in Division 1 this season.

Arriving at four, Ennis guided his side to a two-wicket victory over White Waltham at the FWE Goates Memorial Ground with an unbeaten 56.

It was not just the skipper’s day with the willow, either, as he would win the toss and stick the opposition into bat.

And the decision would prove to be a good call thanks to Eddie Lee and Phil Davies’ work with the ball.

Between them, the pair removed seven batsmen, with Lee leading the line with 4-39.

Davies was just as impressive, though, putting paid to three innings which included the scalp of Waltham opener Luke Beard, whom he dismissed for a top score of 67 via a caught and bowled.

His stay at the crease would help hoick up the scoring, but a lack of support from elsewhere left the away side looking vulnerable on 145 all out.

Binfield’s Tim Vines added two more

wickets to his summer’s tally, while Mike Staves also got in on the act.

Openers Mike Allan-Canty and Chris Morgan got the reply up and running, but were both back in the pavilion with the score on 48.

With Adam Marshall adding just seven to the tally, the home side had work to do having fallen to 49-3.

Ennis would come in and begin steadying the ship alongside Staves, but his departure would spark a worrying fall of wickets on a rough track, with Binfield

suddenly eight down and still 23 runs behind their target to leave the match evenly poised.

Ennis, though, would not be removed, and his innings was both vital and match winning.

At the opposite end to the captain was Vines (7no) when victory was secured in the 40th over.

A stern test will no doubt await Binfield this Saturday when they are guests of unbeaten Taplow, who are the early pacesetters having won all four

Finchampstead captain Dan Marles (No.30) narrowly avoids being caught and bowled against High Wycombe Pictures: Steve Smyth Andy Rishton made 35 for the hosts

FINCHAMPSTEAD CRICKET CLUB

games this term (1pm). n THE WEATHER put an end to Binfield 2nd’s attempts to try and arrest a run of three straight defeats when away at Amersham Hill.

But things were not looking too promising, with the opposition on track to set a competitive score on 137-5 when the rain arrived.

Both sides picked up seven points from the abandonment.

Binfield host Harpsden on Saturday (1pm).

Marles’ lukc was out when he was clean bowled having added nine to the total

Marles hints at a shake-up as Finches head to Tring

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk DAN MARLES says he intends to shake-up the batting order as Finchampstead search for their first win since promotion to Home Counties Premier League 1 this weekend.

Having lost their first two matches, Finch’s game against reigning champions High Wycombe was abandoned after the first innings on Saturday after Marles’ men recovered from a slow start to set a target of 202.

And while Finches batted out their 50 overs for the first time this campaign, the captain feels alterations are needed to pick up their elusive first victory.

But it will not be a change in personnel, with the same 11 that faced High Wycombe set to travel to Tring Park this weekend.

“Realistically 201 would not have been enough to beat High Wycombe,” Marles told The Wokingham Paper.

“We probably needed 50 more.

“We didn’t start very well again which we’ll try and amend with some changes this week with the batting line-up and look to get a better start.

“I think 201 is a competitive score but we’ll look to get to 250 but you never know, it was the first game for the overseas (Jandre Coetzee) and he could’ve got a few wickets.”

He continued: “Some of the lads who have done well have been at fix, six, seven or eight so it may be a case of chucking them up a bit and just changing it around.

“I might move myself down a few and just look to alter it a bit so we get more on

the attacking foot.

“I think that’s the way we’re going to go this week and try to get some quicker runs up top which means less pressure for us in the middle order.”

Having lost the toss again, Finch were put in to bat and got off to a steady if unspectacular start with Adam Dewes and Matt Jones putting on 29 before Dewes was bowled for 15 by Jonathan Burden.

But, at the halfway mark, Finch had only reached 58 with skipper Marles also clean bowled for just nine with big hitter Billy Rogers quickly following having scored just one.

Opener Jones (39) offered some resistance but after Dan Lincoln was dismissed for 22 there was a lot of focus on the lower to middle order to produce some match-saving runs.

Winter signings Andy Rishton (35) and Sukhi Kang (33no) obliged while debutant Coetzee made 19 off 23 balls as Finch closed on 201-7 before the rain came, and stayed, so six points were awarded to each side.

“It is always frustrating to get rain and have to sit around for a few hours,” admitted Marles.

“But it was good to get a little run out for the boys and it was good to see our overseas arrive and fit in nicely.

“We haven’t really batted well yet but we’ve got above 200 three times so it must be a positive because when we do start firing, we can get 250 plus which would be excellent.”

While the results have been tough to come by so far, Marles says he is delighted

with the impact his new signings have made in the opening weeks of the campaign.

“It’s nice to see that some of the winter stuff, getting the lads in, has worked out well,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the new signings.

“The three lads, Matt Carter, Sukhi Kang and Andy Rishton have been excellent and good additions and have got some really handy runs in that middle order so it’s really good to see.”

He added: “Coetzee looked good on debut.

“He averages 28 in first class cricket in South Africa so I think he’s quite handy with the bat.

“I’m just really looking forward to seeing him bowl.

“It’s a shame we didn’t win the toss and bowl on Saturday because we were going to have a look at him.”

Next up for Finch is a trip to Tring Park who, despite flirting with relegation last year, are currently unbeaten with two wins and a no result from their three games so far.

And Marles is expecting another tough test.

“They do look strong,” he said.

“They’ve got a few new additions and their overseas looks very handy.

“Again, it’s a good challenge for us and I think we’re getting closer to this first win so when we get that, I think we’ll be fine.”

FINCHAMPSTEAD XI v Tring Park: Dan Marles (c), Sukhi Kang, Jandre Coetzee, Matt Carter, Andy Rishton, Billy Rogers, Max Stevenson, Max Uttley, Matt Jones, Dan Lincoln, Adam Dewes.

Opener Matt Jones played some tidy strokes during an encouraging innings of 39 Billy Rogers looks to nudge this delivery away down the offside

Rishton plays the straight drive

38 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, May 27, 2016

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE

Wet weather cannot stop Loxton reigning supreme

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Abbas and Zahid Mohammed (4-21) tore through the Aldershot order, with Faisal Abbas (54) the only man to offer RAIN WAS the big winner as the majority any resistance as they were bowled out of games in the Thames Valley League for just 97. succumbed to abandonments.

Sonning did not make light work of But in a match which did go the their reply, however, with Amir Hameed distance, an unbeaten century from (4-35) and Vineet Sinha (3-31) doing their Matthew Loxton helped WOKINGHAM best with the ball, but the visitors 2ND to an eight-wicket win over got over the line with three North Maidenhead 2nd in wickets to spare.

Division 4B. SONNING 2ND had Having won the a somewhat more toss and opted to bat, comfortable afternoon, Maidenhead were thrashing Aldershot 2nd indebted to a 53 from by 139 runs in 5B. Imran Butt for helping Although they were their closing score to an bowled out, the 227 at least competitive total proved to be more than of 153-8. enough as Nigel Thorpe Matthew Loxton Muhammad Usman was (47), Waqar Ahmed (26), Alex the pick of the Wokingham Ray (37) and Mohammed Atif (43) bowlers with figures of 4-39 while all made notable contributions.

Jacob Clark and David Healey picked up And thanks to five wickets from two wickets each.

Kevan Smith, the second innings was In reply, there only looked to be one comfortable with Jameel Ahamed also winner as the Oaks set about their task picking up three wickets as Aldershot with vigour as opener Simon Carter made were dismissed for 88.

24 before being run out.

HURST 2ND had an afternoon to forget Perhaps fearing the rain themselves, with a 109-run loss to Royal Ascot 3rd in Wokingham also saw Michael Cowdell 6B. (16) run out but 110 from Loxton off just Having won one and lost one so far, 89 balls eased the hosts to victory off 25 this would always be an important game overs. to see which way Hurst were heading A five-wicket haul from Kevin Mills but they never got near the 181 needed to guided Newbury to a thrilling three-run victory over FINCHAMPSTEAD 3RD in 3A. pick up the win as both Jon Prowse and Gary Clarke reached half centuries.

Batting first, Newbury reached 117-7 Rob Major stole the show with the ball, off 40 overs before a long rain delay posting brilliant figures of 4-5 while four threatened to derail the contest. wickets from Mike Wyatt helped bowl But the sides got back on and allowed Hurst out for just 71.

Newbury to close on 145-9 with Ed Uden Duncan Atkins picked up three wickets (45) and Neil Farrow (36) top scoring as at the cost of no runs as WOKINGHAM Joe Loveday (3-30) and Sam Taylor (3-26) 3RD cruised to a nine-wicket win over did their best with the ball.

Boyne Hill 3rd.

In reply, steady knocks from Taylor Heading into the contest with no wins (34), Tom Potter (29) and Kwame Appiah so far, the Oaks blitzed through the Boyne (33) put Finch within touching distance Hill order, with Cameron Gillespie also but late wickets fell to see defeat in the getting three wickets to help dismiss 40th over at 142 all out. their opponents for a paltry 55.

In the same league, figures of 5-40 from Ghulam Abbas saw SONNING nick a Gillespie top scored with 26 in reply on low scoring win against Aldershot. the way to an easy win.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 4TH had a similarly easy task against Bracknell 2nd in 7A. There were no worries of rain halting this one as fine seam bowling from Steve West (5-5) saw Bracknell dismissed for 41.

And Finches eased home in the 11th over for the loss of just one wicket.

A knock of 52 from Alex Sharp helped EVERSLEY 4TH to a hard fought winning draw over Bagshot 3rd in 8A. Eversley scored well throughout with Henry South (40no), Sharp, Nick Hutchings (49) and Andy South (44) seeing the total closing on 223-6.

Tony Critchley was the pick of the bowlers in reply with figures of 3-58 but good knocks from Matthew Alexander (58) and Harrison Button (54) saw Bagshot battle well and end their innings on 222-6.

A large number of matches were abandoned after one innings.

In 2A, a 62 from Tom Howorth looked to have put EVERSLEY in good shape at 235 but North Maidenhead could not begin their reply while FINCHAMPSTEAD 2ND did not get a bat against Chesham 2nd.

An unbeaten 79 from Usman Ijaz was the pick of HURST’S innings against Slough 2nd, but the game was abandoned as was the fellow 2B game between Henley 2nd and WARGRAVE. EVERSLEY 2ND may have been glad to see their contest against Purley-on-Thames called off having only set a target of 105, while in 7A EVERSLEY 3RD also failed to complete their fixture against Kidmore End 2nd.

Raj Achayra (3-27) was the pick of the WOKINGHAM 4TH bowlers during their abandoned game with Newbury 2nd in 8A while SONNING 3RD and Royal Ascot 4th also fell foul of the weather during the first innings.

In 9A, FINCHAMPSTEAD 5TH and WOKINGHAM 5TH saw their games against Kidmore End 3rd and WARGRAVE 3RD called off after Gary Woodford (48no) and Lakshmikanth Balasundaram (25) had led the scorers in the respective fixtures.

Wokingham 2nd’s celebrate a wicket during their crushing eight-wicket victory over North Miadenhead 2nd in Division 4B Pictures: Steve Smyth Jacob Clark picked up a couple of wickets as the opposition were contained to a score of 153-8

Muhammad Usman was the pick of the Oaks’ bowling with 4-39

FUNDING

Sport England hands Wargrave CC £50k to lay new training strips

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk

OFFICIALS at Wargrave Cricket Club have been left bowled over by news they are to receive funding of £50,000 to install new practice nets.

The club is to be handed the money from Sport England’s Inspired Facilites fund, which is to be used to lay three full-length training strips at its home in Recreation Road.

Those involved with the application were told of their success last week, with the decision bringing almost a year of hard work to a triumphant conclusion.

“We are thrilled to receive the support of Sport England to further our ambition of providing the best opportunities and safest facilities to promote cricket to all levels and age groups,” said Phil Drew, club chairman.

Wargrave’s Recreation Road home recently hosted a Unicorns Trophy fixture between Berkshire and Oxfordshire

“It is especially pleasing as we can now provide enhanced coaching and practice facilities to more local boys and girls, with thanks to Sport England, the Inspired Facilities award and the National Lottery.”

Contractors have been called in and the work to replace the two existing nets, which are said to be in a state of disrepair and unsafe to use, has been priced up.

Boasting four men’s sides, three of which compete in the Thames Valley League, and colts teams ranging from

Under-7s to U17s, Wargrave CC has taken some big strides over the years.

It is hoped the improvements will allow the club to introduce a new U6s section and further grow the cricket it offers to girls.

And while such work is reaping its rewards on the pitch, efforts to spruce up the ground have been recognised too, with the venue recently hosting a Berkshire Unicorns Trophy fixture against Oxfordshire to great acclaim.

Wargrave will receive exactly £50,057 from a fund which, since 2011, has been helping breathe new life into community sports facilities and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport.

The club is among 148 projects across the country to be given a slice of £9million National Lottery funding.

Charles Johnston, Sport England property developer, added: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country.

“Since 2011, we’ve invested £102million into more than 1,920 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs.

“It’s great to see Wargrave Cricket Club join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”

Between 2012 and 2017 Sport England plans to invest over £1billion of National Lottery and Exchequer funding to help people and communities across the country create a sporting habit for life.

The latest Inspired Facilities round of funding is open, with a share of £5m up for grabs.

The fund is now an open programme, too, meaning projects can submit applications as soon as they are ready, rather than being subject to specific deadlines.

For more information visit www. sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities

SPORT | 39

To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Friday, May 27, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

WOKINGHAM CRICKET CLUB

Oaks’ blooming good start preserved by Bates’ blast

By TOM CROCKER tcrocker@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Wokingham’s Michael Cowdell was in sparking form with the bat against Sandhurst

MIDWEEK LEAGUE

Ton-derful knock from Cowdell sees off the Camels AN UNBEATEN century from Michael Cowdell steered Wokingham to a comfortable 60-run victory over Sandhurst in Division 1 of the Bracknell Midweek League.

He and fellow opener Anthony Clapham, who totted up a round 50, put the opposition to the sword, notching exactly 100 during a commanding partnership before the latter was caught by Parv Panesar.

But Cowdell continued to pile on the runs and would rack up three figures in the final over of this T20 clash.

He would also share another big stand with Jack Turner (20no), with the partnership contributing another 78 to a closing total of 178-1.

Sandhurst opener Adam Birch and Aron Shallom would share a top score of 24, but the reply just never got going.

This is because disruptive work from Mark James, who returned figures of 3-14, would see the hosts removed for just 118 in the 16th over.

Six other dismissals were shared out equally between Clapham, Jack Fisher, Tom Carpenter, Jake Turner and William Carpenter, with the other batsman falling to a run out.

Wokingham were due out again last night (Thursday), where they were guests of local rivals Finchampstead.

YOUTH CRICKET

Phillips leads the chase as Warriors edge a thriller WOKINGHAM Under-14 Warriors Girls held their nerve to defeat Yateley by five wickets during an absorbing contest at Sean Deveraux Park.

Opener Charley Phillips orchestrated the reply with an unbeaten 32, while captain Anushay Toqir and Lucy Cowdell also made telling contributions, reitring not out on 17 and 10 respectively as Wokingham chased down the target of 132 set for victory.

It was Phillips, back at the crease for a second spell, who struck the winning runs, playing successive sweep shots to great effect as the victors knocked off the 11 runs needed in the final over.

Cowdell had earlier picked up a wicket after Toqir won the toss and stuck Yateley into bat.

There was also a first wicket of the new season for Emily Cary too, but giving away 74 runs via extras left the side with work to do.

But it was a target which proved to be within reach as victory was secured with just two balls to spare.

MICHAEL BATES top scored with 76 as Wokingham continued their perfect start to the season with a third win in three, this time against fellow promotion rivals Kew. While many of the games in the Thames Valley League were abandoned due to the rain, the Oaks managed to get enough play to seal a 20-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Batting first, it was a mixed innings for Wokingham, who reached 29 before captain Stuart Hayter (3) was caught off the bowling of Edward Taylor.

But the visitors did not let the dismissal affect them as opener Stuart Parsons and number three Bates set about producing a match-defining partnership.

From 29-1, Wokingham soared to 164 before the second wicket fell after some solid batting from the pair.

Former Hampshire and Somerset wicket-keeper Bates just edged out Parsons with 76 off 115 balls, including six boundaries, with the opener making 74.

However, the innings quickly threatened to unravel following the swift removals of Dan Housego, who was trapped LBW by Arshad Baig for a duck before Archie Carter was soon run out for just five.

From 164-1, the Oaks had slipped to 166-4 but fortunately Jack Fisher stepped up to stem the tide.

A 50 minute stand from Fisher yielded 41 runs off 39 balls but Kew’s Kamran Younas soon took over, tearing through the order.

After removing Fisher, Younas clean bowled both Jack Turner, for just three, and Luca Wade (36) before also removing Cameron Spence (1) as the Oaks closed on 289-9.

But, due to the rain around the area, the revised target to win was taken down to 207 with 29 overs available.

And Kew, tipped by many to earn promotion this campaign, got off to a nightmare start, losing both Kidron Thomas and Younas to leave them 5-2 with Spence collecting both wickets.

However, handy knocks from Will Shaw (24), Michael Outar (47) and Lewis

The Borough Honours board The team each player represents is listed first Batsmen

MATTHEW LOXTON: Wokingham 2nd v North Maidenhead 2nd – 110* MICHAEL COWDELL: Wokingham v Sandhurst (T20) – 101* JOHN HUMPHREY: Binfield 3rd v Waltham St Lawrence 2nd – 82* USMAN IJAZ: Hurst v Slough 2nd – 62 MICHAEL BATES: Wokingham v Kew – 76 STUART PARSONS: Wokingham Kew – 74 FAKHIR ALI: Shinfield v Earley – 69 MATT CRAWCOUR: Knowl Hill v West Reading 3rd – 63 TOM HOWORTH: Eversley v North Maidenhead – 62 SEAN ENNIS: Binfield v White Waltham – 56* SIMON YORK: Binfield 3rd v Waltham St Lawrence 2nd – 56 ALEX SHARP: Eversley 4th v Bagshot 3rd – 52 ANTHONY CLAPHAM: Wokingham v Sandhurst (T20) – 50 * Not out BOWLERS: STEVE WEST: Finchampstead 4th v Bracknell 2nd – 5-5 GHULAM ABBAS: Sonning v Aldershot – 5-40 KEVAN SMITH: Sonning 2nd v Aldershot 2nd – 5-40 UPRENDA DESHPANDE: Woodley 2nd v Purley-on-Thames 3rd – 4-12 ZAHID MUHAMMED: Sonning v Aldershot – 4-21 RICHARD COLE: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Woodcote – 4-21 MUHAMMAD USMAN: Wokingham 2nd v North Miadenhead – 4-39 EDDIE LEE: Binfield v White Waltham – 4-39

Michael Bates struck 79 for a Wokingham side inserted into bat at Kew, while Cameron Spence (inset) picked up three wickets during the rain-affected fixture Pictures: Emma Sheppard

Abbott (60), the target looked in sight.

Spence picked up his third and final wicket to dismiss opener Shaw while spinner Paul Dewick got his only wicket of the innings to bowl out Outar.

And when Fisher trapped Abbott LBW, there appeared to be only one winner.

Chasing the runs they needed, Kew slipped from 153-3 to 186-8 at the close

with Fisher picking up two more wickets to remove Terry Sherlock (11) and Edward Taylor (0), who were both caught.

The third 20-point haul of the campaign leaves Wokingham second in the Division 1 table ahead of a trip to the only other side with a perfect record so far, leaders Chesham this Saturday.

Binfield captain Sean Ennis hit an unbeaten 56 against White Waltham

COUNTY CRICKET

Stevenson and Rishton star in Berks Academy win

Max Stevenson led the attack with 4-10

FINCHAMPSTEAD players starred when Berkshire Academy defeated Herefordshire Academy by six wickets at their home club on Sunday, writes DAVID WRIGHT. The visitors were dismissed for 128 in 42 overs after collapsing from 100-3.

Max Stevenson was the pick of the bowlers with 4-10 off six overs, closely followed by Finchampstead team-mates Andy Rishton with 2-10 off seven and Craig Hodges 2-20 off six.

The other wicket takers were Ian Slatcher (Reading) with 1-24 and Boyne Hill’s Mark Firth 1-18.

In reply, Berkshire lost Adam Dewes for three, Will Harris 17, Dan Marles seven and Billy Rogers 13 to leave the total on 71-4 before 1st XI players Rishton and Euan Woods steered their side to victory in the 41st over.

Skipper Rishton made 64 off 85 balls with 10 boundaries, while Henley’s Woods remained unbeaten on 23 off 54 deliveries.

There will be more county cricket at Finchampstead this Sunday (11am) when Berkshire Women host Yorkshire.

Heather Knight’s side won their first two championship away games before losing narrowly to Warwickshire at Wokingham earlier this month.

The Berkshire squad this year includes Finchampstead-based Rachel Hardy, who also plays football for Chelsea Ladies and England under-17s. n BERKSHIRE lost to Essex by three wickets in a men’s Over-60s game at Hurst on Tuesday.

The hosts posted 147-9 in their 45 overs, with Ian Harvey making 43 and Phil Ridgeway 36.

John Elliott was the pick of the Essex bowlers with 3-16 off nine overs, but special mention must go to wicket-keeper Terry Sims, who claimed six victims, split evenly between catches and stumpings.

In reply, the visitors made a useful start with a 50 partnership between Nigel Bloch (37) and Amarjit Lall (28), but Berkshire kept plugging away and at 87-5 the game looked evenly balanced.

But the Essex lower order worked hard to get their side back on track with Ken Jones making 20 and Martin Southwell (18no) and they reached their target off the first ball of the penultimate over with three wickets still standing.

Ridgeway was the best of the home bowlers with 3-21 off nine overs, while Jerry Smith took 2-29 also off nine, and Keith Woodman 1-28 off 7.1.

WOKINGHAM SPORT

ROCHE JOINS THE PAPER! Read Reading Women’s star Lois’ exclusive new column — Page 35

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 ICE HOCKEY

Lukas Smital says the show of support to the Bracknell Bees cause has been amazing Pictures: Bob Swann

Overwhelming love for Bees keeps Smital up for the fight ...Generosity of supporters makes the player-coach even more determined to save the club, but time is running out

By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk TIME is running out to save the Bracknell Bees.

The fund-raising campaign is now reaching a crucial stage, with those working tirelessly to try and keep the club in existence due to submit their business proposals to English Premier League Ice Hockey (EPIHL) chiefs next week.

They will ultimately decide whether or not to admit Bees back into the competition next season – although they could yet grant the committee more time to try and stump up the required cash, but any extension would only likely to be until the middle of the month.

A group of supporters looking to rescue the 29-year-old club following the previous regime’s decision to stand down earlier this year are looking to pull together the £125,000 needed to take on the licence and keep Bees on the ice.

Through the generosity of fellow fans and sponsors, it is understood those involved are roughly three-quarters of the way towards their target.

However, with just days remaining, the appeal to the wider community is now an urgent one.

Some 120 supporters have so far committed to taking up a Season Member Card for the 2016/17 campaign, but this number is still shy of the of 280 figure the committee had set.

Among the panel looking to pick up

the licence from owner John Nike is player-coach Lukas Smital.

Although the coming days, and weeks, are likely to be nervy for those looking to drag the club away from uncertainly, the Czech has been left overwhelmed by the show of support and solidarity from those playing their part in trying to preserve Bees’ longevity.

“It makes you feel good,” he said.

“Obviously it is great to see so much support from a lot of people who have stepped in to help save this great club and from my point of view as coach it is overwhelming to feel that support in such tough times.

“We have a target we want to reach, and that is no secret of £125,000 by the end of this month or the beginning of next month, but the most important thing is that we are comfortable to enter the season.

“There are a few areas where we have achieved a lot of success, but the main thing is to get close to 280 season tickets, and at the moment I believe we have 120 since we launched 10 days ago.

“It does take time to sell season tickets, but I think that is a pretty good number so far, but we are also aware there are people awaiting confirmation on players signing, which obviously we cannot commit too at the moment.

“But time is going against us. If we had another month or so to reach the target we might have some news on players, but it would be a great shame

for this club to be over.”

Despite not being able to mould together a team at the present time, those who turned out for Bees last season still continue to sit patiently for news on the club’s future.

But it is they, just like those generous fans, who keep fuelling the fire for Smital and the battle to drag Bracknell out of these times of adversity.

He added: “I have said it before but they are unbelievable.

“This is the first time I have done something outside of my department, especially as a player or coach, and I am just overwhelmed by the support we are getting from fans and all those supporting us in terms of sponsorship.

“This is what is keeping my engine running pretty much at high revs.

“How much support we are getting and how much these people care for the club, it makes me feel good.”

Smital explained how he and the committee have also been receiving

moral support from fellow teams from with the EPIHL – but says leaning on rivals for financial aid would be “unfair, especially as there is not a lot of money in UK hockey at the moment”.

An online crowd funding effort set up to help the cause, meanwhile, has so far raised almost £6,000.

People wishing to make donations can do so by visiting www.gba.podiumpartners.org/ campaign/75-save-the-bracknell-bees.

All money will be returned should the campaign fail to rescue the club. n TOM RELF, meanwhile, has left Bees to join Sheffield Steeldogs.

The 18-year-old defenceman is moving to the city later this year to study at Sheffield Hallam University.

Former Forest School pupil Relf, who is also a Great Britain Under-18 international, made 74 appearances for Lukas Smital’s charges in total, racking up seven assists.

READING FC

Royals will head to Swindon – not Slovenia – after pre-season tour is cancelled READING have cancelled their proposed pre-season trip to Slovenia, writes TOM CROCKER. Manager Brian McDermott revealed towards the end of the campaign that Royals were planning to jet off to central Europe, similar to a trip he took his squad on during his previous spell in charge.

But the club have now announced there will be no overseas tour and they will instead embark on a series of away fixtures, plus one game at Madejski Stadium.

Reading announced their first friendly earlier this month, a trip to

National League side Boreham Wood on July 9, and they have followed that up by confirming that they will play local rivals Swindon Town.

McDermott will take his charges to the County Ground on Tuesday July 19 (7.45pm) for a game with the League One outfit.

The two sides have not met competitively for 14 years but McDermott did take Reading to Swindon before

the 2011 title-winning season, where over 1,000 away fans travelled.

Further friendlies are expected to be announced over the coming week. n FIRST team coach Chris Davies has left Reading to join Celtic.

Davies (pictured), who only moved to Royals back in January to work as part of Brian McDermott’s new coaching set-up, has been tempted

FOOTBALL

Binfield have the nucleus of a good squad – Herridge ROGER HERRIDGE believes he has the nucleus of a Binfield squad capable of going on to enjoy success next season – but asks his charges to show some honesty.

The Moles saw the 2015/16 campaign end in disappointment at Madejski Stadium last Thursday night, where they were beaten 5-3

by Henley Town after extra-time in the final of the Reading Senior Cup. It was the third time boss Herridge has taken the club to a cup final during his tenure, only to be beaten on each occasion.

The loss to Henley came almost 12 months to the date Binfield were edged out by Wokingham and Emmbrook in the final of the same competition, while also in 2015 the team missed out on lifting the Perpetua Press Hellenic Floodlit Cup following a 2-0 reverse to North Leigh United.

Much has changed on the pitch since that 2-1 defeat to the Sumas, with Herridge putting his stamp on the team during what was his first full season in the Hill Farm Lane hot-seat.

Yet with the close season at this level of football comes the transfer merry-go-round, but the manager will no doubt be keen to keep those already at his disposal.

Players will inevitably come and go, but Herridge believes the foundations are now in place to carry the club on to greater things.

He said: “Management is hard and it is dealing with the modern player, but I said to the players in there that this time last season I spoke to a dressing room of players hoping they will be all there for pre-season, and obviously a few let me down.

“I said to those lads in there that I think we obviously need to strengthen, but we have a good nucleus of a decent squad there and hopefully we can keep them together.

“But, above all, I hope they are honest with me.”

Binfield were looking to add a trophy to the eight place finish secured in the Premier Division.

But they would let slip of a 3-1 lead and finished beaten after the 120-minute contest, although losing defender Jack Broome to a straight red early in the second half after stamping on an opponent did not help matters.

Liam Ferdinand, twice, and Jemel Johnson were on target for the Moles, but goals from Richard Bennett, Sean Moore, Asa Povey, Ben Clark and Liam Tindell won it for Henley, who will face Binfield again next season following their promotion from Division 1 East.

“We are really disappointed,” added Herridge afterwards.

“It has been a few years since the club won anything and I really wanted to win something for the club tonight, but here we are as runners-up again.

“It is going to be a long week.” n FOR more local football news, turn to page 34.

away by the Scottish giants.

The move comes after Celtic appointed former Reading boss Brendan Rodgers earlier this week, a man Davies has now linked up with on four separate occasions.

Former Wales youth ISSN 2058-5268 international Davies played under Rodgers in Royals academy before going on to work at both Liverpool and Swansea City. n MORE Royals news 9 772058 526009 on page 35

21

Published by Xn Media Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Newbury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW .© Xn Media Ltd, 2016