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MyWokingham GYOETUR R

CELEBRATING THE BOROUGH OF WOKINGHAM

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Silence falls over borough as residents remember BY JACKY HAYLER, PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

he borough’s residents turned out in force this Remembrance Sunday as an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. Wokingham Town Council co-ordinated a parade to All Saints Church on Sunday for its annual Remembrance Church Service. Rev Hannah Higginson led the afternoon service, in partnership with Churches Together in Wokingham. Wokingham Town Council led a two-minute silence on both November 11th for Armistice and November 12th for Remembrance Sunday in the Market Place to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives in line with this national time of Remembrance. An Honorary Bugler sounded the Last Post and the Reveille. Cllr Adrian Mather (Chairman of Civic Committee) commented: “It is so important that we still pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts. I am delighted that Wokingham was able to mark Remembrance with its annual traditions again this year.” And Cllr Sally Gurney (Town Mayor) commented: “I was honoured to attend the church service and lead both the two-minute silences this year with the Deputy Mayor.” On Sunday there was the annual Remembrance Day parade at the Memorial Park in Finchampstead. The Scouts and Brownies were on parade

and the service was led by Rev. Julian McAllen of St James Church. Refreshments were provided afterwards in the Memorial Hall by members of St James Church. Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, Shinfield Parish Council placed a cross on each of the four war graves in St Mary’s graveyard in recognition of the importance to remember the sacrifices made. Schools had their own service at the School Green war memorial on Friday 10th November with a two-minute silence marked in the School Green Centre on Saturday 11th. A service took place at the war memorial at School Green in the village. And in Woodley a service took place at Woodford Park, starting with a parade, a band playing and the laying of wreaths. The winner of the poetry competition read

out their winning poem while schools and youth groups had their soldiers on display that they had decorated for the ceremony. Refreshments afterwards including tea and cake had been donated by Brakes and Woodley WI. There was also a last chance to guess how many poppies were in the big poppy waterfall cascading off The Oakwood Centre. The waterfall was made from recycled wreaths left from last year’s Remembrance Day. Woodley also held a poppy hunt in the precinct which started on November 1st. And a parade left the Arborfield Royal British Legion club in Eversley Road and marched to the village memorial for a short act of remembrance, followed by refreshments at the Royal British Legion.

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Get In touch To advertise Email: info@mywokingham.co.uk Phone: 0118 405 0228 Write to us: My Wokingham Media Group Ltd, Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, Rg40 4ER. Publisher: My Wokingham Media Group Ltd Company Director: Nick Marr News Editor: Jacky Hayler Head Photographer: Paul King Multimedia Manager: Phil Gee Sports Journalist: Chris Cook

november 2023

Wokingham have your say

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his is your chance to have your say on the most critical issues facing the Wokingham borough. Wokingham, celebrated for its aﬄuence and exceptional quality of life, is a community that, like any other, faces its unique set of challenges. We invite you to join our effort to gain insights into the pressing concerns of those who live or work in Wokingham.

We’ve compiled a list of potential issues that might matter to you. Your responses will remain completely anonymous, and the results will be shared in our newspapers and online for everyone to access.

We will publish the results and asking political leaders for comments. Your participation is invaluable, so thank you for taking the time to contribute. Ends nd 8th December 2023

Recycled Paper

All unused copies of My Wokingham are recycled by Woodside Recycling. My Wokingham is a member of the Love Paper global campaign promoting the sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper packaging. Our newspaper is printed on recycled paper which will be recycled again into new products. In fact 74% of paper and 83% of paper packaging is recycled into new products; one of the highest recycling rates of any material in Europe. Run by not-for-profit organisation, Two Sides, the campaign seeks to tell consumers across the world all the positive stories about paper, print and paper packaging from its environmental credentials to its ability to improve mental wellbeing, learning and enhance creativity. Even in today’s digital world, paper remains unique in its ability to touch our lives. Paper is renewable, recyclable and the natural support of new ideas and creativity.

Code of Practice My Wokingham aims to have the highest editorial standards in print and online. If we have made a mistake, please let us know about it. My Wokingham is a member of press regulator IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which enforces the Editors Code of Practice. If you would like to make a compliant to us about a breach of the code please email nick@mywokingham.co.uk or write to: The Editor, My Wokingham, Markham House, 20 Broad Street, Wokingham, Rg40 4ER.

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Wokingham’s Got Talent couple tie the knot

couple who got engaged on stage during My Wokingham’s inaugural talent show, Wokingham’s Got Talent, tied the knot recently. Musa Celik proposed to his girlfriend Sonia Smith on stage in front of hundreds of residents at the event in Peach Place. The couple got married on Sunday 22nd October at the Town Hall in Wokingham. And Sonia said it was the perfect day. “The way the town hall looks was amazing. I love the décor and I took some of my own flowers to make it more personal. Kevin, who conducted the service, was amazing – he was so calm and relaxed it made me feel the same. Everything went to plan.” While the weather either side of their big day had been wet, dark and dreary, the sun came out for the bride and groom. Sonia, 52, met Musa while in Peach Place enjoying a coffee with friend Kat – and it was kat’s daughter who sang as Sonia walked down the aisle. And although there was a glitch when the backing music didn’t start, it didn’t faze the accomplished singer as she just continued a cappella. She sang ‘Don’t Worry About Me’ by Frances and because Musa enjoys classical music, they danced a waltz after saying ‘I do’. Sonia wore a classic ivory/buttermilk

dress with a waistband of rhinestones and sequins and a tiara of rhinestones and pearls. And she made a blue thistle buttonhole for her groom. “We couldn’t have hoped for it to go any better. Because I have been married before I didn’t want anything big and showy, so this was really nice and intimate.” The couple won’t be having a honeymoon as they visited Musa’s homeland of Turkey prior to the wedding so Sonia could meet his family – and it couldn’t have gone any better. “We had a fabulous time; it was like a honeymoon before the wedding. His

family are lovely people, they felt like my family straight away, so hospitable and welcoming.” The couple have strong family ties with Musa being Turkish and Sonia coming from Scotland. “We are both very family orientated with strong cultures but it feels like we are bringing the best of both of them together.” My Wokingham photographer Paul King had the honour of being asked to take the wedding photos – and he has hundreds to go through. The couple shared their special day with a few close friends they have met over the last year and went to Sit ‘n’ Sip afterwards in Peach Place – a fitting tribute to where their love story began.

Shining Bright: Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow Awards

WORDS & PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

he Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow celebrated their awards night in style at Emmbrook School on a Saturday evening. The event was graciously hosted by Paul Metcalf, a renowned TV presenter from Wokingham who had also presided over Wokingham’s Got Talent show in Peach Place earlier in the summer. Shelley Otway, the CEO of Stepping Out Stars of Tomorrow, shared her enthusiasm for the night, saying, “We had an absolutely delightful evening, with everyone donning their finest fancy dress attire. It’s a testament to the incredible talents of our children.” She went on to mention that their dance schools are held at both Emmbrook School in Wokingham and Bulmershe School in Woodley. It was indeed a night where the stars of tomorrow took centre stage and shone brightly.

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november 2023

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Help in the cost of living crisis

e live in difficult times. Inflation and high interest rates are affecting many people. Those already struggling on low incomes have been pushed into real hardship and anxiety about paying their bills. Others who are usually better off, have been pushed into the category of ‘just managing’ as mortgage repayment costs rise and families try to get by with much less money available to spend. Even in Wokingham Borough, one of the wealthiest parts of the country, there is abundant evidence of people in difficulties, from increasing demand at foodbanks to problems of mounting debts. Wokingham Borough Council is itself strapped for cash. The inflation and high interest rates that are having such a damaging impact on household budgets are hitting the council hard too. We also have to meet rising demand for our services, partly as a result of the current cost-of-living crisis, but

also because there is growing need for complex children’s and adult services, which can be very expensive to provide. Wokingham’s financial challenges are made greater by the very low level of reliable core funding that we receive from central government. We receive less than any other council in England with a comparable range of responsibilities. The Government defends its low level of support for Wokingham on the grounds that ours is a wealthy area. But that takes no account of the very uneven distribution of the wealth in the borough; we have some very well-off residents, but many more who are struggling. Furthermore, the government takes no account, in its funding formula, of demand for complex services that support children and adults in need of specialist care. Despite these unprecedented financial challenges, the Lib Dems are committed to helping those who need it most, including those struggling in

this cost of living crisis. We are working alongside partners in the voluntary and charitable sector in the Hardship Alliance. This partnership enables us to maximise our help by pooling data, expertise, knowledge and resources. Together, we are able to achieve much more than any of us could do on our own. Most importantly, our collaborative efforts produce better outcomes for the people that we are trying to help. As the winter starts, more people are likely to require help. To tackle this crisis, we need to mobilise all the good and compassionate people in the borough to help those in our community who are struggling. The council can and will play its part in this mobilisation of resources, but working as a community, we can do more. The council has prepared a cost-ofliving toolkit, where we have gathered lots of useful information in one place to help those organisations and people that want to give assistance. You can

find it here: https://www.wokingham. gov.uk/cost-of-living/cost-living-toolkit Those in need of assistance can find help on the Cost of Living Help Hub: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/costof-living Cllr. Stephen Conway Leader, Wokingham Borough Council

Cost of living at Christmas BY WOKINGHAM CONSERVATIVE LEADER CLLR PAULINE JORGENSEN

hristmas can be difficult for lots of people for many different reasons. Money worries can cause increased stress and anxiety. I know there will be families across the Borough still feeling cost of living pressures due to high global inflation caused by war in Ukraine. When I’m talking to residents, I encourage anyone who is worried about money to contact the Council to find out what support they are eligible for. Please don’t suffer without seeking advice, help out there. I recently met with The Cowshed and First Days, two excellent local charities, supported by brilliant volunteers. They help people in crisis. I would highly recommend people who are struggling reach out to them. This year Wokingham Borough Council was given just over £1 million from the Government to support people struggling with the cost of living. The Household Support Fund can help with covering the costs of essentials like groceries, toiletries, warm clothes, and energy bills. Families can also get help with free school meals during the holidays. The Conservative Government is helping those that need it by delivering new winter cost of living support, helping vulnerable households with increased costs across the winter months. Nationally eight million households will benefit from Cost-of-Living payments worth £900 in 2023.

Winter Fuel Payments have been increased by an additional £300; nearly three million people will receive a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount, and the £25 Cold Weather Payment has come into effect for the winter. It is important that the Liberal Democrat led Council does what it can to support our resident’s here in Wokingham Borough. Unfortunately, too many times the Liberal Democrats are not making the right decisions for our area. This year the Council has scrapped free parking on Saturdays over the Christmas period at the same time as funding the Borough’s shoppers to

take the bus out of Wokingham Borough. This won’t help struggling small businesses if people in the Borough can take a bus ride for free to Reading or Bracknell and shop there instead of in our Borough. If we don’t support shops in our towns then jobs and livelihoods will be lost. Families especially can feel extra pressure at Christmas. Costs can add up quickly. With extra lights on, heating bills, adverts and shop displays encouraging us to buy more. It’s only natural people want to give their family a ‘perfect Christmas’. Last January a study found that one in five people could still be paying off Christmas debt

at Easter. It’s not always easy but people in debt should, seek help before the situation spirals. There’s lots of advice and help for people who are worried about debt. The Charity Step Change offer free money and debt advice plus support for those struggling with mental health linked to money worries. It’s important to remember Christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone, whether that’s because of money worries, loneliness, ill health, bereavement. We should look out for our friends and neighbours. Sometimes a friendly chat can make a big difference. And if you can, please donate items to The Cowshed and First Days – check their websites to see what they need.

november 2023

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wners Nick and Matthew started Backyard Cabins during the madness that was 2020. Being locked down due to Covid-19, they realised that making the most of the space available was more important than ever. They searched for a solution – something that was practical, looks great and was affordable – and backyard Cabins was born. Having enjoyed the cabin lifestyle themselves, they wanted to offer more people the opportunity to experience the flexibility and fun of having an additional multi-purpose space without having to make costly and disruptive changes to their home. Nick said: “With many people making the switch to working from home, we are all spending more time that ever in our gardens. Backyard Cabins offers simple, stylish and functional living spaces you can make your own. Whether it’s for work or play, the space can reflect your own personality.” The modular kits have been designed in-house and are handmade in the UK from sustainable sources. Using only the highest quality materials ensure the cabins will last a long time and they all come with a 10-year

warranty. You can choose from a collection of four exclusive designs or opt for a bespoke build. The environmentally conscious duo has also teamed up with the National Trust who will plant 10 trees for every cabin produced. Their company philosophy is ‘Design is everything’, and although it

is important that these spaces look good, they must also be user-friendly, offering flexibility for the spaces to work hard and be whatever you want them to be. Whether a yoga teacher in search of a studio, a garden office or simply just an additional living space, their range of simple, functional, super-stylish

cabins have been designed with your needs in mind. Helping you reconnect with the outdoors, enjoy summer days on the deck of your cabin with a drink in hand or winter evenings looking out from your new entertaining space. Whatever your requirements, Backyard Cabins provide the perfect solution to your space dilemma.

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HALLOWEEN

november 2023

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Halloween hijinks at country park WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JACKY HAYLER

alloween was really ramped up a gear at Wellington Country Park this year where they celebrated Hallo’welly’ween in style. The Halloween-styled country park’s decorations was second to none with fantastic attention to detail. From the minute you arrived there were Halloween placards lining the driveway with smoke machines at the entrance. Youngsters could go for a wander in the pumpkin patch and pick their pumpkin of choice before carving their creations. Visitors could face their fears and visit the ZooLab UK team with their wonderful creepy crawlies, getting up close and personal with giant centipedes to tarantula’s. The Pop-Up Play Village came to visit with their sensory and roleplay fun. Halloween activities included

carving a witch’s wand and making fizzy pumpkins. Junk Jodie was also on hand to help make some fantastic, recycled Halloween crafts to take home. And the Halloween-themed miniature railway was dressed to perfection with spiders, skeletons, a spooky graveyard and pumpkins. As well as the usual activities including feeding the animals at the farm, the dinosaur trail, the jumping pillow, mini golf, indoor soft play and the numerous play areas, there were also a number of shows running throughout the day. Wellington Country Park certainly knows how to put on special themed weeks. Their next one is Neverland Illuminova from November 18th to December 23rd. With tickets priced £22 for adults and £18 for children, enjoy a magical lights trail in the run-up to Christmas.

Howlingly good times at the Royal British Legion Club Aborfield: a spooky Halloween bash

he Royal British Legion in Arborfield cast an eerie spell on all those who entered for Halloween. A spokesman extended their 'fangs' to all who attended and embraced the 'spirit' of the occasion. "You all looked 'gourdgeous' in your outfits and organisers had moments when we were 'howling' with laughter. What a 'humerus' group of guests you were!

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At Goddards Home Care Services you’re not just a number – we really do care

oddards Home Care Services specialise and provide all aspects of home care with vast experience catering for all age ranges in mental health, social care, autism, dementia and Parkinson’s to name a few. Paul Goddard has been working in the mental health and care sector for more than 15 years and really values the skills he has gained in this field and finds it a very fulfilling career. Having worked his way up in domiciliary care after impressing his bosses, Paul has the full range of qualifications from NVQs and first aid to working with doctors and nurses on risk assessments, spot checks and as the on-call manager. He said: “I have a wide range of experience in care, including working with older people and young people with complex care needs. I believe everyone should be treated with respect and dignity whatever their care needs.” Having personal experience of a son with Asperger’s, Paul knows the importance of person-centred care and it is this focus that inspired him to branch out on his own. “I run a small independent company where the quality of care and friendly approach is key. We always remember

that each person is someone’s family and loved one. The service is not regimented – we always leave plenty of time between visits so we can give whatever care is necessary.” Paul does a wide range of services for his clients, including taking them to day centres, hospital/doctors appointments, shopping as well as any housework or gardening requirements. He is not limited to just standard care. “Goddards Home Care Services provide an all-round home care system that is council-approved and part of

the Support with Confidence scheme.” The scheme is designed to raise standards and provide assurance to people who need care. It is to provide reassurance that the carer you employ has been thoroughly checked and is safe, legal and properly trained. “The experience I have with younger people with learning difficulties includes providing personal care, medication prompting, meal preparation, assisting with eating if needed, taking them out on day trips, day centres and for appointments, administering Insu-

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lin, companionship and sit-ins.” Goddards Home Care Services is passionate about his work and also does a lot of charity work, connected to the Teddy Bear Run and Make a Wish Foundation. Fully insured and DBS-checked, and with lots of recommendations and references, Goddards Home Care Services offers complete peace of mind for all. He added: “We pride ourselves on that personal touch – at Goddards Home Care Services you’re not just a number, we really do care.”

november 2023

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CLASP's December activities in Wokingham oﬀer enrichment and entertainment

ommunity organization CLASP has unveiled its December timetable, packed with activities for adults with learning disabilities in the Wokingham borough. Throughout December, CLASP will continue to offer its staple activities, including ‘Movie Mates,’ ‘Coffee Shop’ gatherings, and ‘Book Corner’ sessions. Patrons can also engage in ‘Dancing to Music,’ join the ‘Happy & Healthy Club’ for sports and fitness at Wokingham Leisure Centre, explore their creative side in ‘Craft Club,’ or enjoy the social atmosphere of the ‘Evening Drop-In.’ The ‘Active Session,’ ‘Take Notice,’ ‘Puzzle Club,’ and ‘Choir’ are also on the schedule, providing a comprehensive suite of opportunities for community members. Adding to the array of events, there will be a specially arranged disabled swim session at Wokingham Leisure Centre, welcoming all with a disability every Monday and Friday from 1 pm to 3 pm for a nominal fee of £1.70, with carers granted free access. Furthermore, the ‘Board Game’ ses-

sion at Wokingham Library, a non-exclusive CLASP event, continues to be free for all every Monday from 10.30 am to 12 noon. It offers a cozy environment for

games and meeting new friends. Highlighting the month’s events, the CLASP Choir is set to perform at Squires, Wokingham, on the morning of December 9-10. As Squires’ Charity of the Year, CLASP celebrates the opportunity to showcase their choir. Additionally, on the evening of December 9th, the choir will perform alongside the Sing Healthy Choirs at their Christmas concert, an event that often sells out quickly. CLASP group sessions will draw to a close on Wednesday, December 20th, with a range of activities including the sports and fitness session, craft club, and an evening gathering at the Sedero Lounge. After a brief hiatus, the sessions will recommence on Friday, January 5th, at The Bradbury Centre, featuring a visit from a local optician for the ‘Take Notice’ program. CLASP extends heartfelt gratitude to the Wokingham community for their ongoing support, which significantly enhances the lives of adults with learning disabilities in the region.

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Spine-tingling Halloween extravaganza at Chalk Restaurant in Wokingham BY NICK MARR, PHOTOS PAUL KING

halk Restaurant in Wokingham transformed into a spine-chilling haven of Halloween fun as they hosted special Halloween parties for kids and adults, offering an eerie and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant, located in the heart of Wokingham, underwent a mesmerising metamorphosis, with Halloween decorations adorning every nook and cranny. Ghostly figures, creepy crawlies, and ominous pumpkins set the perfect spooky ambiance. The staff, fully committed to the Halloween spirit, donned a variety of terrifying outfits, with some sporting Dracula-style teeth and others decked out as classic monsters. As diners entered, they were greeted by a tall witch, lurking in one doorway, casting an eerie gaze upon the festivities. Enormous spiders, their eight legs frozen mid-crawl, clung to the walls, adding to the spine-tingling atmosphere. Guests, both young and old, arrived dressed to the nines in their Halloween best, contributing to the vibrant

and eerie atmosphere. The restaurant offered a specially curated Halloween menu, featuring a delicious array of themed dishes that delighted the taste buds and tantalised the senses. The little ones revelled in the excitement as they participated in games and activities, ensuring that the Halloween magic touched every age group. With smiles and laughter filling the air, Chalk Restaurant in Wokingham truly brought the spirit of Halloween to life. Chalk Restaurant’s Halloween parties have quickly become a cherished tradition in Wokingham, and this year’s celebration proved to be another memorable evening filled with fun, frights, and fantastic food. With each passing year, it’s clear that Chalk Restaurant

knows how to brew up the perfect potion for a spooktacular Halloween celebration.

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What’s on

28th Nov to 2 Dec: Woodley Theatre, Oakwood Centre, Woodley. Two by Jim Cartwright Performed by the two actors playing all 14 characters, Jim Cartwright’s poignant play takes audiences into the world of a working-class pub over the course of one night. www.woodleytheatre.org 30th Nov: 7pm to 9pm. Mulberry Business Park, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, RG41 2GY. Festive wreath-making workshop. Ticket price of £50 includes a glass of prosecco and nibbles. All profits go to The Cowshed. 1st Dec: Shinfield Festive Fayre, School Green Centre, Shinfield, RG2 9EH. 3.30pm to 8pm 1st Dec: Crowthorne late night shopping event. 5pm until 7:30pm. Festive entertainment in the High Street, a market and the opportunity to visit Santa and his elves in his grotto! 2nd Dec: St Nicholas Hurst Christmas fayre 11am to 3pm. Christmas Market, visit Father Christmas, BBQ and refreshments, grand raﬄe, Christmas gift stalls, kids’ craft activities and games, cakes and much more.

In brief

Winter carnival Wokingham Winter Carnival will take place on Sunday 26th November. The town will be closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment. There’s a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing, dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether you’re young or old. Santa will be in his grotto from 11am to 4pm and for lunch there are stalls offering an amazing choice of food and drink. There will also be stalls selling gifts too, so why not get your Christmas shopping sorted? Late-night shopping Crowthorne traders are holding a late-night shopping event on Friday 1st December from 5pm until 7.30pm. There will be festive entertainment throughout the High Street, a market where you can make or buy crafts, play games, take part in a raﬄe and many more. You will also have the opportunity to visit Santa and his elves in his grotto! The High Street will be closed to all traffic 4pm until 8pm for the safety of shoppers and stall holders. Organisers would like to encourage anyone who lives close by to walk if possible as there is limited parking at the event. However, if you do drive you are able to park at the Morgan Centre, Co-op (via Cambridge Road), New Road Car Park, Heath Hill Car Park, Napier Road Car park, and all the Broadmoor Bays.

november 2023

2nd Dec: Winnersh community centre, RG41 5DU. 4pm to 7pm. Gift market at the Christmas Light Switch on event. 3rd Dec: 37th Santa Toy Run. From 1.30pm. The Reading Toy Run is an annual charity motorcycle ride attracting more than 2,000 participants. Toys are distributed by Barnardos. 3rd Dec: Woodley extravaganza 11am to 3pm. The Woodley Town Christmas Extravaganza is a seasonal event offering plenty of entertainment and fun activities for all ages. www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk 3rd Dec: Moss End Christmas market 10am to 4pm. Stalls, food, games, activities and entertainment! The Jungle Reptiles and Fur Falconry Centre will be there, Christmas carols, a raﬄe in aid of Thames Hospice and Santa himself. www. mossendgardenvillage.co.uk 9th Dec: Arborfield’s Holly Jolly Jingle Fest 4pm to 7pm. Arborfield Green Community Centre, Sheerlands Road. Christmas market 11am to 3pm. Kids party 4pm to 7pm. £5 including drink and disco.

New coﬀee shop to open A new artisanal café is opening in Arborfield Green from mid-November. Stables Speciality Coffee Co is an Australian inspired cafe situated on the corner of Biggs Lane, next to the Crest Nicholson suite. With seating for over 40 customers, every effort has been made to create a modern, but warm and welcoming atmosphere that will cater for all the local community and commuter needs. Their food will be sourced from local suppliers and the baristas are some of the best in Berkshire. For more information, visit www.stablesarborfield.co.uk Christmas concert Bring the family to Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra’s traditional Family Christmas Concert on Saturday 9th December - kids’ tickets are free! A much-enjoyed part of the festive season, the teatime concert is designed for families with favourite Christmassy music and carols for all to join in. This is the 13th year that the orchestra has presented its Christmas Concert in the lovely setting of St John the Baptist Church, Crowthorne. Tickets are on sale now £10 for adults, those aged 18 & under free. Tickets are available at https://www. tickettailor.com/events/crowthornesymphonyorchestra/1024155/r/mywok For more information, visit www. crowthorneorchestra.com

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november 2023

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Hundreds turn out for annual scarecrow trail

undreds of children and adults joined the scarecrow trail in half term throughout Binfield. With more than 50 scarecrows to find, maps could be bought for £3 each from Daphne’s Coffee Shop, the Foxes’ Den Community Café and Binfield Village Stores. All money raised will go to The Church Care Project. The entire trail could have taken around two-and-a-half hours if all scarecrows were located. Some of this year’s creations included Harry Potter, Mr Potato Head, Blippi and lots with a Halloween theme. The Binfield ARC (All Saints’ Repair and Care) Project was launched in 2016 to raise funds for the repairs of All Saints’ church, after a survey revealed the need to urgently address them. With the amazing support of the community, the first two phases of the project have been hugely successful and much of the urgent repair work has been carried out. However, there is still more work to be done. With the collapse of the ceiling at St. Mark’s in 2020, significant maintenance needing to be carried out at the cemetery and this on top of the remaining repairs at All Saints’ which

were delayed by the COVID pandemic, it became clear that the fundraising needed a wider remit to be able to support all of the spaces. The Church Care Project has therefore been created to raise funds to

achieve this. So far this year work carried out with Church Care funds (along with residual ARC funds) has included: l extensive tree work at St. Mark’s, as identified as urgent in a site sur-

Library hosts community event

ower Earley library was the place to be in half term with lots of activities and stalls to find out about the local community. Visitors had the chance to find out more about the work of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. Guide dogs and their owners were on hand for visitors to pet and find out more about the work that they do. Herbies Hedgehogs were there with a stand promoting their work. They take in sick/injured wild hedgehogs and rehabilitate them to be able to release them back in the wild. They pride themselves on giving the best care possible to the patients and work

with the local vets to facilitate quick and appropriate treatment. The health and welfare of the hedgehogs always come first. Being a home run rescue, they rely on donations to help sick and injured hedgehogs. Each hedgehog costs about £5 per week just for food. Other organisations there included Sport in Mind, My Journey, The Link Visiting Scheme and Trinity Church. Dr Bike was there advising people on their bikes and helping to make sure they were road-worthy. And Thames Valley Police were on hand to meet local residents and let youngsters set off the ‘blues and twos’ in a police van.

vey (£3,216)

l fixing the hearing loop at All Saints’

(£364).

l replacing the pump at St. Mark’s l installing new heaters at All Saints’

(£6,702 to date)

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november 2023

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NEWS

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Wokingham’s spectacular fireworks extravaganza draws thousands BY NICK MARR

he Wokingham Fireworks Extravaganza lit up the town with a spectacular torchlight procession led by St Sebastian’s Band, beginning its journey at Wokingham Town Hall and culminating at the enchanting Cantley Field. Awaiting attendees at Cantley Field were thrilling fairground attractions and an array of food and beverage vendors. On the evening of November 4th, a mesmerising procession of torches set off from Wokingham Town Hall, expertly guided by St Sebastian Band. A multitude of participants, armed with torch lights and real flame torches, gathered in the town center, transforming Wokingham’s streets into a breathtaking sea of flickering flames. This captivating torchlight procession marked the highly anticipated Fireworks Extravaganza, casting a warm, radiant spectacle against the night sky as it gracefully made its way to the scenic Cantley Park. Steeped in history and tradition, this luminous procession gracefully weaved through the town, setting the stage for an extraordinary evening. Onlookers described the scene as nothing short of “amazing,” underscoring the event’s significance in celebrating Wokingham’s rich heritage and

fostering community spirit. The festivities continued at Cantley Field, where an impressive pyrotechnic firework display, synchronised to music, illuminated the sky. Attendees also enjoyed a delightful fairground and a variety of refreshment stalls. This magnificent event was made possible through the collaboration between Wokingham Fireworks and Wokingham Lions Club. St Sebastian Wokingham Band ex-

Wokingham Aerial Photography: A local drone service with a charitable focus

okingham Aerial Photography is a local drone service that specializes in various commissions, including aerial photography of residential and commercial properties, as well as roof inspections. They operate on a non-profit basis, channeling their earnings towards supporting Cancer Research UK. In addition to their core services, they offer their expertise to cover

local charity events, demonstrating their commitment to community involvement. You can find Wokingham Aerial Photography on social media by searching for them under the handle @wokinghamaerialphotography or by visiting their website at www. wokinghamaerialphotography.co.uk to discover more about their services and their charitable mission.

pressed their heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We extend our sincere thanks to Wokingham Fireworks and Wokingham Lions Club for inviting us once again this year. It’s always an incredible experience to witness the torch lights and entertain the enthusiastic crowds on their way to Cantley House Park.” Notable attendees, including the Mayor and other dignitaries, inaugurated the event and participated in the procession. David Gold, Chair of the Wokingham Fireworks Charity, emphasized that despite economic challenges, ticket prices remained affordable. This year’s event was dedicated to supporting noteworthy charities, including First Days Children’s Charity, Wokingham In Need, Daisy’s Dream, Sue Ryder, and Life Education Wessex & Thames Valley. In a heartfelt message on Facebook, the organizers extended their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended and supported Wokingham Fireworks 2023. They acknowledged the tireless efforts required to accommodate the approximately 10,000 attend-

ees and expressed gratitude to various groups and sponsors, including St Sebastian Wokingham Band, Thames Valley Police, Wokingham District Scouts, Wokingham Borough Council, Wokingham Town Council, Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, MC Production Group, Wokingham Theatre, VolkerWessels UK, Wokingham Society, Prospect Estate Agents, and Alexandra Grange Care Home. Special recognition was given to the Deputy Mayor of Wokingham, Cllr Adrian Mather, the Mayor of Wokingham Town Council, Cllr Sally Gurney, and the children’s competition winner, Alfie, for leading the torchlit parade. Wokingham Fireworks comprises four local service groups: Rotary Club of Wokingham, Easthampstead Rotary Club, Wokingham Lions Club, and Windsor Forest Unicorn Club. These dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds for local charities, and the total funds raised from this year’s event will be announced in the coming months. Excitement is already building for next year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2024.

november 2023

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MyWokingham

PROPERTY

A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column

esigner, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner talks about recovering from the inevitable setbacks that emerge when we renovate our homes. I want to talk about a topic that isn’t often discussed with a smile - the hiccups, hurdles, and headaches that invariably come with renovating our beloved homes. Now, I know most people don’t take comfort from dwelling on the negatives, yet in so many renovations I have covered through the hundreds of projects on Grand Designs, in the vast majority of cases, a setback has inadvertently led to an opportunity for something extraordinary to emerge. First off, let’s be rational - in any significant undertaking, things will go wrong. It’s virtually an unwritten rule of renovation. Yet the trick is not to view these as failures or disasters, rather as

an essential part of the process. Perhaps you’re midway through a project and the builders discover a supporting wall can’t be removed as easily as planned, sending your openplan kitchen dreams up in smoke. Or maybe the gorgeous vintage tiles you ordered for your bathroom renovation arrive in pieces, leaving you with a

half-finished room and a sinking heart. It’s easy to feel disheartened in these moments… to question why you embarked on this project in the first place. Yet instead of a smooth, predictable path, we’re nudged into the realm of the innovative and the inventive, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. So while our original vision may have been derailed, in its place we find opportunities to create something truly unique, often far better than we’d imagined. So that supporting wall that thwarted your open-plan dreams? It could become a striking design feature - a mural, perhaps, or a beautiful bookcase. And those broken tiles might inspire

you to create a one-of-a-kind mosaic for your bathroom wall. Renovating a home isn’t just about creating a perfect space - it’s about the journey of discovery along the way. A property becomes more than bricks and mortar; it reflects your resilience, your creativity, your adaptability. You’re crafting a story, a history filled with trials, triumphs, and tenacity. During those challenging moments, remember to be patient with yourself, your home, and the process. Take a step back. Breathe. Reflect. Then dive back in with renewed energy and a different perspective. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you can achieve with a bit of grit and imagination!

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EVENTS

november 2023

MyWokingham

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Armistice Day in Woodley

PHOTOS BY PAUL KING, PHIL GEE & SARAH KING

Shinfield Green Remembrance Service

arge crowds gathered at the memorial in Shinfield Green for the Remembrance Service jointly led by Nigel Beer of St Mary’s Church and Pastor Nathan Hunt of Shinfield Baptist Church. For the laying of the wreaths there were representatives from Shinfield Parish Council and Wokingham Borough Council, the Royal British Legion, the Armed Forces, the Air Cadets, Scouts, Brownies and Guides, Thames Valley Police and local schools. During the wreath ceremony a Chinook helicopter did a well-timed flypast, brought into service for the UK MOD in 1981. The Reading of the Names was a poignant reminder of those who have lost their lives in service. My Wokingham spoke to 91-yearold David Brown who was a former RAF radar operator. And an emo-

tional mum, wearing a beautiful poppy scarf, who told us she had sent

her son off to Afghanistan four times – and was grateful he had always returned to her. The rain just about managed to hold off during the playing of the Last

Arborfield remembers

Post and the two-minutes silence. Following hymns, Bible readings, a short address and the national Anthem, visitors were invited for refreshments in the parish hall.

www.mywokingham.co.uk

november 2023

MyWokingham

Swallofield Village Remembrance Day

Wokingham Town Centre

Wokingham Borough

EVENTS

PROPERTY

november 2023

www.mywokingham.co.uk

MyWokingham

Property market analysis: Wokingham and Bracknell trends Housing dynamics in Berkshire’s Wokingham and Bracknell BY NICK MARR

roperty market analyses from Rightmove and Zoopla have shed light on the fluctuating housing trends in the Berkshire locales of Wokingham and Bracknell over the past year. Wokingham’s market in focus In Wokingham, an overall average property price of £519,773 was recorded. Detached homes dominated the sales, achieving an average of £730,982, while semi-detached and flat sales averaged £507,575 and £277,741, respectively. Despite a 3% dip compared to the preceding year, Wokingham’s property prices have surged 12% above the 2017 peak. Zoopla’s data paints a similar picture with the average sold price for a property in Wokingham reaching £553,874 in the last year, with detached properties commanding the highest average price of £756,351. Bracknell’s property landscape Shifting focus to nearby Bracknell, the overall average price of properties was £422,273, with terraced homes being the most common sale at an

Further influencing these local markets is the wider UK property forecast by Savills. The estate agency suggests that the national housing market downturn is leveling off, with potential for recovery by next summer. They predict a 3% decrease in the average UK house price for 2024 following this year’s 4% decline, with a cumulative drop of 7% since last autumn. Savills anticipates a positive shift in the coming years, expecting the Bank of England to reduce interest rates to 4.75% by the end of 2024, and further to 1.75% by 2027. This could signal a welcome relief for mortgage payers and stimulate the housing market. average price of £379,645. Flats and detached properties fetched £246,307 and £694,651, respectively. Compared to the previous year, Bracknell saw a slight price decline of 2% but a 5% increase from the 2020 peak. The average sold price over the last 12 months stood at £445,822, with detached houses averaging £707,756, which shows a strong market for larger

properties in the area. Comparative insights and future projections The data indicates that while Wokingham’s market has seen a notable increase in value over the last five years, Bracknell has experienced steadier growth, suggesting a more gradual market movement.

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A regional reflection of national economics The property markets in Wokingham and Bracknell are mirroring national economic influences, with localized trends highlighting the unique aspects of each area. With predictions of interest rate reductions and a leveling market, residents and investors in these Berkshire towns may have cause for cautious optimism in the property sector.

www.mywokingham.co.uk

november 2023

MyWokingham

CHRISTMAS

Rotary and volunteers unite to plant carpet of purple bulbs PICTURE BY IAN HYDON

he Rotary Club of Wokingham would like to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers who braved some pretty awful weather at the end of last month to help plant around 2,500 crocuses in Elm’s Field. This united effort was part of a campaign to raise awareness for the global End Polio Now campaign. It is hoped that they will flower in the spring, providing a carpet of purple raising awareness for the initiative. Organisers would like to give a special thanks to the Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers who supported the event. They played a vital role in supporting this effort by providing their expertise and assistance in planting the crocuses. Their dedication to environmental conservation and community involvement aligned perfectly with the Rotary Club’s mission.

End Polio Now is an initiative led by Rotary International, a global service organisation dedicated to eradicating polio from the face of the Earth. Polio, a paralysing and potentially fatal disease, was once endemic in over 125 countries, but has seen a dramatic reduction, thanks to the persistent

Baking up a storm to raise dough for a great cause

ho knew that indulging in sweet treats could also be a powerful way to fight for a cause? Last month, Energie Fitness hosted a bake sale bonanza to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. The gym was buzzing with excitement as folks nibbled on cupcakes, brownies, and cookies galore. It was a feast for the senses, and people were lining up to grab their tasty treasures. But wait, there’s more! The gym also organized some fun and funky classes to help folks work off their calories before diving into dessert. It was a winwin situation - getting fit and indulging in treats while supporting a worthy cause. Breast cancer is a battle that affects countless women every year, and every penny counts in the fight to find a cure. Energie Fitness was thrilled with

the turnout and the amount of money raised. They thanked everyone who attended and played a part in the bake sale’s success. The funds raised will go towards funding research and supporting those affected by the disease. The gym is grateful for the community’s support and is committed to making a difference in the war against breast cancer.

efforts of organisations like Rotary. Rotary International, in partnership with other organisations, has been at the forefront of this battle, working tirelessly to immunise children and promote awareness of the importance of vaccination. The Rotary Club of Wokingham, a dynamic club within Rotary International,

has been an active contributor to the End Polio Now campaign. By planting 2,500 purple crocuses, which symbolise hope for a polio-free world, the club aimed to spread awareness within the community about the ongoing fight against this debilitating disease. The vibrant purple flowers served as a visible reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. Despite the rainy weather, members of the Rotary Club of Wokingham, along with the Holt Copse Volunteers Group, demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause by planting these purple crocuses. Local residents and supporters were encouraged to join in, learn more about the initiative, and contribute to this worthy cause. A spokesman said: “Many hands do indeed make light work - albeit very wet work.”

COMMUNITY

november 2023

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MyWokingham

Festival of flowers signifies new beginnings at refurbished church

enovation and Restoration was the theme of the Festival of Flowers at All Saints Church in Wokingham. The special weekend was held to

celebrate the reopening of the church following an extensive refurbishment programme. The event also included a children’s quiz and a children’s churchyard trail.

7 8 9 10

32 33

Across Clues: 1. Mention in passing (5) 3. Plant juice (3) 5. High-intensity light beam. (5) 7. Startled sound (3) 8. Frozen over (3) 9. Place to wipe feet (3) 10. Desert refuge (5) 11. Friendly salutation (5) 14. Written piece (7) 17. Opening speech (7) 21. Timeless masterpiece (7) 25. Renounce support for (7) 26. Playful critter (5) 28. Alpine singing style (5)

30. Sphere with vision (3) 31. Collective possession (3) 32. State of matter (3) 33. Vocal ensemble (5) 34. Beam of light (3) 35. Surface for dining (5) Down Clues: 1. AM or FM (5) 2. Abundant supply (5) 3. Bowling pin (7) 4. Retribution (7) 5. Drain away (5) 6. Safari sighting (5) 12. Nesting bird (3)

13. Permit (3) 14. Circular path (3) 15. Beverage infusion (3) 16. Greek island (3) 18. Approval sound (3) 19. Aged (3) 20. Geological time unit (3) 22. Parcel of land (3) 23. Observe (3) 24. Outline shape (7) 25. Body’s intolerance (7) 26. Pertaining to light (5) 27. Echo-location (5) 28. Fermentation catalyst (5) 29. Considerable (5)

A P L A S E R A E H C Y A I B C N 11 12 13 A H E L L O C R E 17 18 19 20 K E Y N O T E E L O 25 A B A N D O N L 28 29 L Y O D E L 30 E Y E A U R A R 32 G A S G 35 A Y T A B L E

R E F E R S 7 A E E K 8 D A I 9 I M A T 10 O A S I S T L 14 15 16 A R T I C L E R E O 21 22 23 24 C L A S S I C O E O 26 27 O T T E R N P A T 31 T D O I A U 34 C H O I R R

Across: 1. Refer, 3. Sap, 5. Laser, 7. Eek, 8. Icy, 9. Mat, 10. Oasis, 11. Hello, 14. Article, 17. Keynote, 21. Classic, 25. Abandon, 26. Otter, 28. Yodel, 30. Eye, 31. Our, 32. Gas, 33. Choir, 34. Ray, 35. Table. Down: 1. Radio, 2. Reams, 3. Skittle, 4. Payback, 5. Leach, 6. Rhino, 12. Ern, 13. Let, 14. Arc, 15. Tea, 16. Cos, 18. Yea, 19. Old, 20. Eon, 22. Lot, 23. See, 24. Contour, 25. Allergy, 26. Optic, 27. Radar, 28. Yeast, 29. Large.

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november 2023

MyWokingham

COMMUNITY

Children’s festival especially for bookworms

oung bookworms enjoyed a special event just for them recently. Wokingham staged their annual Children’s Book Festival over two days with some big names in attendance. Illustrator Nick Sharratt, who has collaborated with popular authors including Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson, Kes Gray and Michael Rosen, dropped into Wokingham library for a masterclass in drawing. Nick has created illustrations for over 250 books including over 60 of his own titles, including much-loved favourites Ketchup on Your Cornflakes and Shark in the Park. He told My Wokingham: “It is always lovely to meet your readers and this event is even more special as I haven’t been doing this since Covid.” When asked what a youngster should do if they wanted to follow in his footsteps as an illustrator, he said: “I wanted to do this ever since I was small. I always drew at school and joined their art club. I entered a lot of art competitions and then went on to art college.” And he said he loves collaborating on a new project. “Often the author is present for a new story and we bounce ideas off each other. I do produce rough drawings and now quite often the author will trust me with creating the right characters.” Nick gave an amusing presentation and then held a masterclass in drawing with his images projected onto the wall as the children drew along. Local author Holly Webb is one of Britain’s best-loved children’s writers. She has written more than 150 books and her work has been translated into over 30 languages. Holly didn’t have far

to come for the book festival as she lives in Tilehurst, just outside of Reading. Ally Sherrick is the award-winning author of stories full of history, mystery and adventure. Her latest book, Vita and the Gladiator is the story of a young girl’s fight for justice in the high-stakes world of London’s gladiatorial arena. James Carter, award-winning children’s poet, non-fiction writer and musician, provided a buzzy and highly

interactive session full of poetic and musical madness. Children joined Georgia Byng to see why they are writers too. She gave a fun talk about ideas and characters, about stories and words and different worlds - from magic monsters to hypnotic children to glowing animals with lots in between. Zanna Davidson talked about child-inventors and encouraged the children to come up with their own amazing inventions. Children joined author/performer Gareth P Jones in creating a brand new who-done-it where they created the story, played the suspects, discovered the clues and solved the mystery! Storm Horse author Jane Elson introduced the children to the Secret Horse Society and the audience was

Care home residents are flying high

hree residents at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, in Wokingham, travelled to Blackbushe Airport, in Surrey, for an experience they will never forget. Accompanied by Sharon Fletcher, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, each one enjoyed a life-changing 30-minute flight. Residents Tony Newman (80), Les Langley (84) and Bryan Adams (87), who is in a wheelchair, explored the local area from the skies, marvelling at the views of Surrey’s rolling hills and majestic woodlands. Asked about why he wanted to embark on this adventure, Les Langley said: “I like to try different things. However, I never thought that at this stage of my life, being 84 and with just one leg, I would be able to experience this.” He then added: “But, even though I have a disability, that will never hold me back!” Tony Newman remarked: “I just want-

ed to show my wife and my daughters that I am still an action man. Age will not stop me!” And Bryan Adams said: “Many years ago, I went up in a light aircraft flown by a colleague, who still visits me from time to time. I can’t wait to tell him about this. He added: “I also wanted to see the world from a different perspective.” Sharon Fletcher, determined to support the residents’ wellbeing at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, came up with this thrilling idea when she was walking with her grandson around the area where Blackbushe Airport is located. “My grandson is fascinated by aeroplanes, so we watched the planes taking off and landing. It then popped into my mind immediately, ‘What a fantastic experience a flight would be for the residents!’” The activities coordinator discussed the idea with the residents, who virtually

jumped at the chance. Sharon then applied for three flight scholarships at the local airfield and, miraculously, she was awarded all three. Aerobility, the organisation that grants flight scholarships, is always inundated with applications from people who have a disability, so the residents were naturally astonished when they received the good news. Sharon Fletcher said: “I am so delighted the residents had a fun day. I am extremely proud of them all, having the courage and determination to try something new, no matter the age or disability. They are true gents. Abigail Cranston, the home manager at Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, added: “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our residents who took part. We were absolutely thrilled to be able to experience this and are very grateful to Aerobility for organising this event. Up, up and away!”

sworn into becoming members while Iszi Lawrence took the audience on a swashbuckling adventure through history in her book Blackbeard’s Treasure. Fiona Barker introduced Fox’s Favourite Autumn, a funny and quirky story full of humour and heart and Clare Bevan was keen to pass on her love of poetry in an interactive session. She gave the children plenty of fun, using all sorts of sounds and strange characters. Nizrana Farook, best-selling author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and The Boy Who Saved a Bear, gave the children the chance to create a poem as a group. And Rikin Parekh held a character drawing masterclass as he showed the audience how he draws human and animal characters from his books.

CHARITY

november 2023

MyWokingham

www.mywokingham.co.uk

Freemason Master Steve Gotting hosts memorable Ladies Night for a charitable cause BY NICK MARR

n a truly remarkable event, Freemason Master Steve Gotting orchestrated an unforgettable evening at the prestigious Sindlesham Court, the headquarters of Berkshire Freemasons in Wokingham. The occasion not only brought together Freemasons and their loved ones but also contributed significantly to a noble cause. While guests enjoyed the splendid ambiance of Sindlesham Court, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the exclusive tour of the Masons’ Temple. This rare opportunity allowed attendees to explore the mysteries and traditions of Freemasonry, offering a

unique insight into their centuries-old rituals. However, the true essence of the evening lay in its philanthropic mission. Steve Gotting’s event raised a grand total of £3,000 for the Alzheimer Society, showcasing the Freemasons’ commitment to supporting vital causes that make a difference in our communities. The Freemasons’ Ladies Night at Sindlesham Court was not only a memorable gathering but also a testament to the Freemasons’ dedication to charity and their willingness to open their doors to the wider community.

Restaurant opens offering an authentic taste of the Mediterranean

he first branch of family-owned restaurant Grilko officially opened in Wokingham recently. The aim of the new eatery in Peach Place is to offer customers an authentic Mediterranean taste using fresh ingredients at affordable prices. The décor includes a display of digital art screens and feature wall. Their meals offer good-sized portions which can be customised to fit each individual’s taste, diet and budget. Whether you are a meat lover, gluten free, vegan or vegetarian you will have a lot of options to choose from at Grilko. Spokesman Imad Mobayed said: “At the heart of our menu is a list of chicken, lamb, vegan and vegetari-

an grill options. The menu includes carefully selected nibbles and Mezza for sharing, wraps, platters and salads that can be served on their own or with accompanying sides and add-ons as well as a selection of cakes and baklava. We also offer a selection of beers, lagers and spirits, with a wine list carefully designed to complement the food offering.” The organic coffee they also offer ties is with their ethos - Grilko, Always Fresh, Always Organic coffee. Current opening hours are Tuesday 9.30am to 3pm, Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am to 11pm and Sunday 10.30am to 10pm. The restaurant will be offering takeaway, eat-in and delivery.

Masquerade ball helps charity provide a safe space

masquerade ball held in Wokingham recently raised funds to support Project Salama, a charity helping victims of abuse. The event was held at St Anne’s Manor in Wokingham, a central point for the work that the charity does in Berkshire. Founder Jacqui Mukono told My Wokingham: “The event was very well attended with more than 80 guests at one point who all seemed to gravitate to where the music was coming from. “We had survivors who we have

helped at the event, and we wanted everyone to be able to enjoy themselves while at the same time remembering what the aim of the night was – to raise money so we could help more people. “There was lots of food, drink and dancing with a wonderful DJ – and we raised more than £3,000.” The word Salama is Swahili for safe, it also means ‘safety’, ‘security’, or ‘integrity’. Project Salama offers a safe space should abuse happen in relationships. They also specialise in

working with ethnic minority communities and understanding the impact of culture on all relationships. They aim to support individuals to live a life free from abuse, provide emotional, practical support and services to help people who face challenging situations compounded by abuse. They help them to understand their rights and help them seek the help that they need. For more information, visit www. projectsalama.co.uk

www.mywokingham.co.uk

november 2023

MyWokingham

LIFESTYLE

Sport Together Berkshire PHOTOS BY CHRIS COOK

y Wokingham attended Sport Together Berkshire CIC as held its second Festival of Inclusivity event, this time held at Cantley Park in Wokingham. The event provides multisports activities for adults and children with physical disabilities or learning or neurological conditions. Supported by Wokingham Borough Council’s Sport & Leisure Team and Wokingham Sports Council, the event organised by Sport Together Berkshire was aimed at anyone who is unable to play mainstream sport due to perceived barriers. On the day participants took part in football, hockey, tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, and ended the day throwing foam javelins and foam frisbees. Great fun was had by all. Dan Rook from Reading FC Community Trust and co-founder of Sport Together Berkshire said, “Reading FC Community Trust are delighted to be part of the Festivals of Inclusivity, and

My Wokingham team speaks to founders, Steph Johnson, Craig Hunter, and Dan Rook

working with likeminded companies and individuals to provide sporting opportunities that everyone can have a go at despite their abilities”.

On the day the event was supported by Andrew Douglass and Richard Dolinkski, Directors of Sport Together Berkshire CIC, as well as ex Wok-

Sound of soul music lives on BY JACKY HAYLER, PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

stablished in February 2015, I Got Soul was started at the Licked Bar, Farnham, by Errol Brown as a monthly last Saturday of the month over 30’s Soul event. Errol being very much a Boogie boy who travelled all over the towns in the South wanted to bring a wider range of Soul back to an area that was very much a part of the UK Soul scene back in the day. Going forward, I Got Soul is now resident at the Apres Night Club, Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell where they have their third Friday of the month residency. I Got Soul has booked the finest US and UK artists and celebrity DJs to perform such as Jean Carn, Omar, Jazzie B, So Solid Crew, Luck & Neat, Spoony, David Rodigan, Trevor Nelson and Norman Jay to name a few. They

also have Soul tributes and Soul Boat events, and for those who like UK Garage they have those nights covered too along with UKG Boat Parties. Recently tribute act Just Whitney drew a crowd of more than 200 people from Bracknell, Wokingham, London and even as far afield as Kent. Errol Brown told My Bracknell: “Soul music comes from the heart and found a grab in the local music scene here in Bracknell. Over the last few years, the town has seen big names like Baby Dee and Martin Kemp all live under one roof. “I have a big team of pro DJs who work for me in other local venues playing the same kind of soul music.” Errol Brown started his music empire in Bracknell back in 2017 at the Apres nightclub at the Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell - where the sound of soul music lives on.

ingham Councillor Angus Ross, Nigel King Chairman of Wokingham Sports Council, and many others. More about Sport Together Berkshire https://sport2getherberks.org

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november 2023

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Studio space opens to explore your creative talents

new creative art space in Earley was officially opened recently. Art-K is new to the local community based at Maiden Lane, offering a welcoming space for people of all ages to explore their creative talents. The opening event was centred around art and connection, with a mini art exhibition displaying the diverse works of the budding students, showcasing talent from the different generations in our community. There were live demonstrations with visitors encouraged to participate in a project exploring simple materials and colours. And Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland was invited to officially cut the ribbon, signifying a new chapter in the business’s creative journey. Art-K is a nationwide business started in 2000 which now boasts 38 studios as well as 12 franchises. Started by Emily Harper, it is named in tribute to her mother Kathryn, with the logo created from an amalgamation of designs from their students. A creative space for both adults and children, they support GCSE and A’level students with their studies as well as running after school and holiday sessions. Manager Hannah Blackman-Kurz said their aim was to boost drawing skills through a series of projects, fo-

cus on proportion, scale and space and develop motor skills. They use a variety of mediums including acrylic, watercolours and clay to develop their 3D skills. With a ratio of support staff at 1:7 as well as art students assisting them, there will always be plenty of creative support to draw on. Hannah studied illustration at university before becoming a book illustrator and doing her Masters. She said: “We are really looking for-

Charity art exhibition helps to feed communities

he Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh presented its 13th annual Reading Charity Art & Craft Fair recently. To date, more than £60,000 has been raised in support of local charities. This time the 2023 beneficiary of the event will be Feeding Communities, part of the Thomas Franks Foundation. Feeding Communities provides healthy meals to support families struggling from food poverty or food insecurity within our local community. The fair, at Leighton Park School, had on display paintings, ceramics and crafts including jewellery and wood crafts by local people. There were refreshments available including sandwiches and cakes at the Art Café. And the entire weekend kicked off with a charity preview drinks and canapes evening. A panel of judges reviewed the art and ceramic entries prior to the preview evening with the top entries and commendations in each category announced during the preview evening. Artists with their work on display included Lisa O’Brien’s Molten Silver jewellery collection. Based in Earley,

Lisa designs jewellery using recycled and ethically sourced materials. Karen Spencer had her original artwork on display while Lauren Read exhibited her beautiful pottery. Hundreds of visitors dropped by over the course of the weekend to see the dozens of other artists’ work on display which could be purchased. The Thomas Franks Foundation was created in 2019 to support disadvantaged children and young people. In response to seeing how communities were affected during the pandemic we knew we had to do more. In response to the pandemic, the constitution of the Foundation changed to support and launch the current projects you see today – including Feeding Communities. This provides essential food provisions and fresh healthy meals to support food banks or families struggling from food poverty or food insecurity. An unimaginable amount of people across countless communities are having to suffer and are making untold sacrifices just to feed themselves and their families. To find out more, visit www.thethomasfranksfoundation.org

ward to our classes and meeting students with a range of needs. There will be a lot of inspiration for individuals of all ages to explore their artistic potential.” And Emily added: “We are very excited to have this new studio in Lower Earley. We like to be near a residential area and this location was perfect as there is a range of shops and services. It is a small, friendly community and with plenty of parking, it is the perfect spot.” And she added: “Our goal is to en-

sure that every child or adult passionate about art has the opportunity to be a part of an art-K club in their local area. We’re looking to build a community of individuals who share a common passion and enthusiasm for creating art. “Our classes focus on building on the basic fundamental principles of art and using these skills as a foundation to build on to develop our student’s confidence in experimenting with all different artistic styles and mediums. That’s why our classes are tailored to each individual and open to everyone.” For more information, visit www. art-k.co.uk

Giving the gift of friendship this Christmas

he Link Visiting Scheme is an award-winning charity dedicated to reducing loneliness in Wokingham Borough. For more than 25 years, they have brought vital, life-enhancing social connections to older people through regular visits and local community activities. With the support of over 420 wonderful volunteers, they currently help around 570 people feel valued and connected. For many, Christmas Day is a day for family, for getting together and celebrating with loved ones. Sadly, however, for some people, it is a difficult day where isolation, loss and grief are even more keenly felt. For the 12th year running, The Link Visiting Scheme is planning to change that story for older people who are alone. CEO Marjie Walker said: “If you think you would benefit from some company on the 25th, we’d love to hear from you. Our Christmas Day lunch is a shining example of what we do all year - providing good company and warmth and making a world of difference. “On Christmas Day we also provide delicious food, treats, and gifts too! It’s not to be missed. We want to help those who are housebound or those who would like to be with others in a

local venue. This Christmas, join us in making a difference. To refer someone for our lunch, to volunteer or to donate, visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you.” For more information, visit www. linkvisiting.org/christmas or call the office on 0118 9798019.

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november 2023

LIFESTYLE

MyWokingham

Beat the bugs

How to stop those nasty viruses our kids pick up at school from thriving

f there’s one benefit to what we’ve all been through over the past couple of years as far as Covid is concerned, it’s a much greater awareness of health, hygiene and protecting those around us. So with our kids heading back to school, it’s probably a sensible idea to strengthen good habits in the weeks before our youngsters return to their studies. After all, It may be near impossible to stop your little one from picking up germs and viruses while at school, but you can teach them how to overcome them and prevent the spreading of germs once they’ve brought them home. ONE - Seeing is believing When it comes to kids, remember that seeing is believing. Getting a fiveyear-old to understand that when he or she sneezes they spray up to 100,000 bacteria in the air at 100mph, is not going to be an easy task, so it’s worth

trying to find a fun way to help them understand the very basics of bacteria. A good way to do this is to prepare some hand sanitising gel with glitter in (which represents bacteria). This helps visualise the spread, meaning that when they wash their hands they’ll have to clean them really well. TWO - Education energy To really engage kids with serious topics, it’s always a good idea to use things like books and songs. A Germ’s Journey by Katie Laird and What Are Germs? by Katie Daynes make for clever and entertaining reads, while handwash brand Carex have a great selection of hand washing songs you can download from their website for free. What’s more, buying a hand soap which smells nice will also help make hand cleaning fun. THREE - Top technique Teaching kids to properly blow their

own noses, wash hands frequently and cover their mouths when they sneeze will not only save the rest of your family from the never-ending onslaught of illness, it will also serve them well in the future. FOUR - Immunity boom Of course, the best way to help kids beat the bugs is by using their own natural immunity. That means plentiful fruit, vegetables, vitamins and minerals, drinking of plenty of water and getting a lot of night-time rest.

FIVE - Moderation nation And while maintaining good hygiene is important, parents need to be careful they don’t go too far the other way. Kids should be allowed to play, explore, get mucky and thrive in their local environments without fear of infection at every turn. They can build sensible immunity by gentle exposure, whilst still doing what’s required to stay clean, healthy and, most importantly, happy. Taking things too far can create OCD elements in our children, which might hamper their progression in other parts of their lives.

Transformed alleyway in Twyford Village centre Mercy In Action Boutique Charity Shop brings joy with vibrant umbrella installation”

previously dim alleyway at the heart of Twyford Village has undergone a remarkable transformation, now adorned with a colourful array of umbrellas that never fail to bring smiles to passers-by. This charming enhancement can be experienced when strolling through the alleyway, nestled between Ballards Estate

Agents and La Fontana. The ingenious idea behind this uplifting project hails from a local resident, Mr. Paul Cassidy, who drew inspiration from his time in Cyprus. Partial funding for this community art initiative was generously provided by Reading University, making it a truly special local endeavour for the residents of Twyford.

he Twyford branch of the charity shop Mercy in Action has gone all Alice in Wonder-

land. OPEN: Monday to Saturday 9am 5pm Sunday 10am - 3pm Address: 4 Wargrave Rd, Twyford, Reading RG10 9PG Telephone Number: (0118) 9349145

CHRISTMAS

november 2023

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Immerse yourself in festive cheer at Europe’s Christmas markets

hristmas is a magical time of the year, with twinkling lights, decorated trees and festive food and traditions. A perfect way to get into the festive spirit is to visit one of the Christmas markets in Europe. Christmas markets originated in Germany back in 1434, but now you can find them all over Europe - snow-covered wooden chalets selling Christmas-themed goodies such as handmade gifts and baubles, Glühwein (a hot mulled wine), traditional gingerbread and festive treats. Visit the best festive food spot in Budapest. Stroll through the stalls and try kurtoskalacs (a cinnamon-pastry chimney cake), toki pompos (a Hungarian-styled pizza with bacon, onion and cream), home-made chocolates and honey cakes. Enjoy festive magic in the Czech Republic at the glistening markets of the Old Town Square, sip on hot mulled wine and purchase some Christmas glass ornaments for your tree back home.

Wrap up warm and relish the winter chill of Hungary. See sparkling lights at the Christmas market by Basilica, nibble on scrumptious Hungarian pastries and soak up the charm. With over 60 Christmas markets, feel mesmerised in Germany’s capital. Go to the Berliner Weinachtszeit behind the Alexanderplatz and take in the Christmas spirit at the captivating Charlottenburg Palace. Discover the traditions of Vienna’s Christmas markets. Revel in the aromas of roasting chestnuts, wander through the Christmas village of Belvedere Palace and ice skate through City Hall Park. Salzburg in Austria is home to several Christmas markets, from the main market around Cathedral Square, to

the sparkle of the Mirabell Palace market. Wrap up in big coats, warm your hands with a cup of mulled wine and soak up the wintery enchantment of the city. Lille Christmas market is small in comparison to some of the bigger markets in Europe, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The market is in the centre of town with around 90 stalls on Place Rihour, with a massive Christmas tree and Ferris wheel on nearby Grand Place. One of the best European Christmas markets is in the romantic city of Bruges. Their festive celebrations are known as ‘Winter Glow’, with wooden chalet market stalls, ice skating rinks, light experience trail and light decorations throughout the city. If you would rather stay closer to home, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Expect a fine range of traditional gifts and products on its 180 stalls and get into the festive spirit while indulging in schnitzels, bratwursts, crepes, glühwein and weissbeer. Transforming London’s most famous

park, Winter Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the capital. Home to the world’s tallest transportable Ferris wheel and the UK’s largest open air ice rink, thrilling fairground rides and numerous bars and food stalls, you’ll need at least a day to enjoy all the attractions here. With its unique location on the grounds of a celebrated English icon, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best. More than 100 chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that you won’t find on the high street – from hand-crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine. Bath Christmas Market sees more than 160 pop-up chalets set up on pretty Georgian streets and around its prized Abbey. Browse stalls selling food, decorations, homeware, jewellery and everything in between from local artisans and craftsmen. With new stalls to explore alongside the perennial favourites, you can indulge in a cup of mulled wine and a warm festive snack to keep those winter chills at bay.

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november 2023

COMMUNITY

MyWokingham

Into Africa – project supporting hospitals in need

project salvaging items that would otherwise have become landfill has developed into supporting hospitals in Africa. Throughout his career, Steve Gotting travelled to every country in Africa – and with a doctor for a father and his wife a hospital matron, he was well aware of the needs of hospitals, let alone those on the African continent. As a mason and the chairman of the Association for Friends of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, he was perfectly placed to do some good. When the original care home on the site of Prince Philip Court was due for demolition, he stepped in. Having worked in Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and the Gambia, he was well aware of their need for medical equipment. “I asked what items they needed and a long list came back including beds, books, tables and chairs, linen and kitchen equipment.” He immediately swung into action and retrieved what he could before the building was demolished. He organ-

ised a 40ft container and without much notice, got it loaded and shipped out. “I know the country well so I had people on the ground who took the items immediately they arrived and knew where the need was greatest.” Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court is part of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution and with 17 homes nationally, Steve is now hoping to roll the programme out nationally as they work on upgrading each home. The next to undergo a refurbishment programme is Bury St Edmunds. “I spoke to them and explained what

we had done, saying we will help them to get the unwanted items to the right place. We can create a model over time and do even more good.” After the National Lottery, The Masons are the largest provider of funds in this country – and they not only raise money but offer support in any

way they can. One of Steve’s Mason friends provided the forklift and manpower to get all the items into the container. “I have had lots of support as nobody likes to see waste and that’s exactly what would have happened otherwise.”

Mediterranean Marvel: Olive Focaccia bread at Dust of Flour & Sugar BY NICK MARR

read lovers, prepare to be enchanted! Dust of Flour & Sugar Bakery has crafted a masterpiece in the form of their Olive Focaccia bread that defies expectations and leaves you craving for more. The Olive Focaccia bread at Dust of Flour & Sugar is nothing short of a Mediterranean delight. From the very first bite, it becomes evident that this isn’t just any ordinary bread; it’s a culinary revelation. The exceptional taste, the perfect texture, and its incredible versatility make it a standout choice for both passionate food enthusiasts and home chefs alike. The bread’s crust boasts a delightful golden hue, beautifully crisp and glistening with just the right amount of olive oil drizzle. As you sink your teeth into it, you’ll discover a harmonious balance of soft and airy on the inside, while the exterior offers a satisfying crunch. However, the true magic lies within the bread, where the olives are embedded, providing bursts of intense flavour. These olives, with their briny and earthy notes, dance in perfect harmony with the mild sweetness of the bread’s core, creating a symphony of flavours that is simply irresistible. What sets the Olive Focaccia at Dust of Flour & Sugar apart is the quality of ingredients. The olive oil used in its creation infuses the bread with a rich, fruity, and subtly peppery undertone, elevating the overall taste to an unfor-

gettable level. It’s clear that every step of the baking process is executed with meticulous care and dedication.

If you’re wondering where to experience this culinary gem, look no further than Dust of Flour & Sugar at Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Rd, Wokingham. Their commitment to excellence extends to their delivery service, ensuring that residents of Bracknell, Wokingham, and the surrounding areas can savour the magic of their Olive Focaccia from the comfort of their homes. Rating: (5/5) More details https://www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk/a-dust-offlour-and-sugar-bakery/

LIFESTYLE

november 2023

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Mary Berry’s Mediterranean All In One Chicken Introduction This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up. The recipe allows one chicken thigh and one drumstick per person, but use less if you are not such big eaters. Method 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/Gas mark 7. 2. Place the potatoes in a large roasting tin with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Toss well to coat them. Add the onion, garlic, bacon and chicken pieces and toss together. 3. Add the lemons to the roasting tin. Season everything well and sprinkle with the paprika. Roast for 40 minutes. 4. In a bowl toss the courgettes in the remaining tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper, then poke them in among the chicken and scatter the olives over the top. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes, until the chicken and vegetables are golden brown and tender. Ingredients Serves 6 • 1kg main crop potatoes, peeled and cut into 5cm (2in) chunks • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, cut into wedges • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 6 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, snipped into 1cm (½ in) pieces • 6 chicken thighs • 6 chicken drumsticks • 5 preserved lemons, cut into quarters • 1 ½ tsp paprika • 3 courgettes, thickly sliced • 1 x 200g can of anchovy-stuffed green olives, drained • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Top Tip • Stuffed olives are great, but use plain green or black ones if you prefer. • The preserved lemons really give a lovely citrus tang to the dish – they sit in salt water and are beautifully soft and citrusy and are well worth using – but if you can’t find them use one sliced lemon instead. • Don’t overcrowd the roasting tin, you need everything to be in a single layer or it will not cook evenly – divide between two tins if necessary.

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Public Notices Place your public notice or family announcements in our newspapers and online go to https://notices.mywokingham.co.uk/ Scan Here (PNG attached): Need Help: WhatsApp 07700 162812 Email: info@mywokingham.co.uk ROAD CLOSURE B3270 Whitley Wood Lane 3 Dec Reading Christian Motorcyclists CAUSE INFORMATION FOR ROAD USERS Affected roads B3270 Black Boy Western Offramp Whitley Wood Lane B3270 Black Boy Western Onramp Black Boy Roundabout B3270 Black Boy Eastern Offramp B3270 Black Boy Eastern Onramp Lower Earley Way West Lower Earley Way Lower Earley Way North Loddon Bridge And The Bader Way Interchange Reading Road Station Approach Shute End Rectory Road Wiltshire Road Source: https://one.network/uk

Thank You Big thanks to Floyd the Springer Spaniel & his mum & dad. Huge thanks to Chris Nina and Floyd the Springer Spaniel for taking care of Marley the Cockapoo while we were away. It’s much appreciated, and we look forward to repaying the compliment. Nick & Jane

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Obituaries Tribute to Major Keith Cattran, 1944 – 2023 Keith passed away peacefully on the 18th of October with his family by his side. Much loved husband to Linda, father to Carly, Alex, Greg and Robert, and grandfather to Charlie, Freddie, Olivia, Ellie, Jess, Ollie and Kaja. Keith was elected as a Wokingham Town Councillor in the Evendons West Ward, in 1979, and was a member on both Amenities and Finance committees here. He went on to serve as Mayor at the Town Council from May 1985 to May 1986. Many might also remember Keith as the Mayor who was in post when Wokingham Town Council held a big celebration to mark the centenary of the town council from 1885 to 1985. In 1982 Keith married Linda Pauline Griffiths, née Whiter, a native of Windsor, who was serving as a councillor in Wokingham Town Council. She had two children, Carly and Alex by her previous marriage. At the beginning of his Mayoral year of office in 1985, the International Year of Youth, Keith announced that he would follow a ‘youth theme’. Remembering that his mother had died from kidney failure, and that a close friend’s mother was receiving dialysis at a hospital in Surrey, he spearheaded a campaign to raise money for the purchase of a kidney dialysis machine for the benefit of the people of Wokingham. The initial target was to raise £7,200 for the purchase of a machine and to train the staff of the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading in its use. Some of the money raised came from a celebrity cricket match with the Lord’s Taverners, sponsored by Heron Homes, which took place on Wokingham’s old cricket ground. Keith’s team, the Wokingham Dialysis XI, played against famous names including David Frost and Nicholas Parsons. The sum raised was over £5,000. By the end of his year of office the sum collected by the appeal stood at an unbelievable £21,240. And so in May 1987, in addition to providing a dialysis machine for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, he opened a special renal unit at Dellwood Hospital in Reading complete with a kidney dialysis machine paid for by the people of Wokingham. In October 1985 Wokingham Town Council celebrated the centenary of the town council. The day began with the arrival at the Town Hall of the Lord Lieutenant. of Berkshire, the Hon. Gordon Palmer, in a horse-drawn carriage. The parade was led by the Staff Band of the R.E.M.E. Upon his arrival at the Town Hall the Lord Lieutenant was given a trumpet fanfare. Also present were the Deputy-Mayor of Erfstadt, Herr Adolf Kappes, his Town Clerk, Herr Johannes Mrasek and Jacques Bedet, Deputy Mayor of Viry Chattillon. During the celebrations fifteen past town mayors were presented with commemorative brooches or pins. To mark the occasion a commemorative scroll was signed. Our thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends. Keith has a Tribute Page at where you can make donations to British Heart Foundation https://keithcattran.muchloved.com/

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Family Annoucements BIRTHS

Introducing Barnaby Piper: A Bundle of Joy Joins Our Family Barnaby Piper weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces and measured 20.8 inches at birth. We are overjoyed and filled with love for our little one. Cherry, Freddie, and Ivy are thrilled to welcome their new baby brother/sister. Grandparents Andy, Hilary, Richard and Arbi are beaming with pride. We are grateful for the support and well-wishes from our friends and family. Please join us in celebrating this joyous occasion. Thank you for sharing in our happiness! Adam & Aldine

WEDDING

Musa Celik & Sonia Smith Tie The Knot at Wokingham Town Hall Sonia Smith & Musa Celik Have united in marriage! Date: 3 pm Sunday 22nd October 2023 at Location: Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AS, United Kingdom. Please join us in sending them your love, blessings, and best wishes. Musa originally got down on one knee on the stage during Wokingham’s Got Talent on Saturday 29th July 2023. My Wokingham feels a part of their love story and wishes them every happiness into the future.

PUB QUIZZES It's quiz night come down be part of the fun. The famous Quiz Nights are here hosted by our very own Phil Gee. Phil Has been a professional DJ and Quizmaster since 2007 wowing crowds and entertaining people of all ages. General team size is 6 per team. Wednesday Nights From 8PM (Entry £2) The Three Frogs, Wokingham Every Wednesday night we have lively debate with prizes for 1st and second place… Its not one to miss. Thursday Nights, 8PM (Entry £1) The Three Tuns Pub, Wokingham Road, Earley. Thursday nights are a great way to start your weekend and have some good old fashioned fun as well as learning something new. Sunday Nights From 6PM (Entry £2) The Bull On Bell St. Bell St. Henley-On-Thames Come and finish your weekend in style at the newly refurbished pub in the heart of Henley. Guess the killer question and you have a chance to win every Sunday night a prize total of upto £150 every week. Hold your own pub Quiz We are currently offering discounts for any event booked between now and December for January to April 2024.(subject to terms and conditions). Go To www.philgee.biz .

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november 2023

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SPORT

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Step by step, why walking more is your secret weapon!

ashion, it’s rife in the fitness industry too. The latest supplement, celebrity trainer, the newest HIIT workout. With all this noise, it can often be easy to overlook what actually works. Walking is never going to be touted as the sexy new workout but it should be valued as one of the most fundamental forms of exercise. Here’s why: The body was made to walk. Sitting is not the natural state for us a species but the tendency to sit more means we are now increasingly prone to muscle imbalances, back pain and weight gain. We have not evolved that greatly from prehistoric man but our activity levels have. The leanest people I know are consistent movers. Such is my belief in walking that I’ve run a good few step challenges over the years. The stand out thing from these is that those who rack up the most steps, often carry the least body fat. Whilst nutrition plays a huge role in body composition, our movement throughout the day comes close second. Vitamin D. The average child now spends less time outside than the average prisoner. We are losing our con-

About Aldine

nection to nature and with it, a host of benefits. We are in the midst of a mental health pandemic and we can undoubtedly cite lower movement and access to the elements as a contributing factor. Low mood and energy? Get outside and soak up the free vitamins. The bigger you are, the more beneficial it is! If you were to load up a backpack with five bags of sugar then go for a walk, your calorie burn would be way higher than without. As someone who’s been overweight, I know the feeling of going gung ho with intense workouts to try to shed the pounds, only to fall off the wagon fed up. What I wish I knew then was that walking was a great start and it was burning more

Woodley United

outhern Region Women’s Football League - Premier Division 5th November 2023 United moved up to third place in the division in a match that saw them score twice late in the second half. Flyers kicked off and were immediately on the defensive when May Hamblin fired wide of their goal in the first minute. Although Woodley enjoyed the better of possession and territory during the opening twenty minutes they produced little in terms of shots on goal to trouble visiting keeper Shannon White. However, it was a mistake by White from a back pass by Charlotte Warhurst following a United clearance that allowed Saj Turner to intercept the ball and score into an unguarded net in the twenty eighth minute. The period following the restart saw Woodley awarded a number of freekicks, one of which saw Gemma Simms kick beat the Winchester wall but was comfortably handled by White. A Woodley corner in the thirty seventh minute saw White parry Simms header which was cleared to safety to leave United with a single goal lead at half time. As the second half progressed Flyers enjoyed more possession in the home half of the pitch which in turn emboldened them to look for an equalising goal which they scored in the seventy fifth minute. Charlie Snelling took a free kick just inside Woodley’s half which reached Annie Northwood,

who controlled the ball and turn to shot low from the edge of the penalty area into the inside of Sophie Measham’s left hand goal post. With three minutes remaining both teams were reduced to ten players following an off the ball incident. United responded better to the dismissals and took the lead in the first minute of stoppage time. Shayne Prasad passed the ball across her own back four only for Bonnie Messitt to intercept it and shoot from twenty yards to White’s left and into the net. Three minutes later following a short corner kick, Woodley was awarded a free kick from which Kate Hudson scored her first goal for the team by lofting her kick over White and underneath the cross bar and far post. Measham, Evans, Haines, Quinn, Simms, Surtees, Lawrence, Sawyer (Hudson), Turner (Powell), Humphrey, Hamblin (Messitt)

calories than I realised. My easy hacks for becoming a mover: l Buy a step tracker and challenge yourself to improve day by day. This needn’t be an expensive watch with all the latest connectivity, there are some really good trackers on the market for under £20. l Embrace a daily walk and make it a goal to explore your local area l If easily bored, whack on your headphones and find some podcasts and audiobooks to increase enjoyment and make time fly by. l Set a reminder at your desk at work to get up every half hour and move, even if it just means going to the toil-

Aldine is a coach, mother of three and pro bikini competitor with over ten years experience in the industry. She trains women to feel confident on the inside and out, getting strong in mind and body in the process. Having been several sizes larger and struggled with self image and health, Aldine advocates building a lifestyle that supports your goal. “I coach my clients to get results by building confidence in the gym and learning about the foods that matter. Feeling good on all levels and having excellent health and mobility are essential to feeling your best”. You can find Aldine at Energie Fitness Wokingham or by contacting her via email aldinepreisner@gmail.com or via Instagram @trainwithaldine er or water fountain. It all adds up! With all that said and done, I’m off to stretch my legs and get some steps in.

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South Berkshire Hockey Club: Ladies leading the way in a month of intense league action

BY CHRIS COOK

he past month at South Berkshire Hockey Club saw exciting league matches across all teams. The Ladies Fourth team stood out with a perfect record, winning all four games and topping their division by 3 points. The Ladies Fifth team also shone, leading their division by 2 points. The Ladies First team lost their unbeaten record in a hard-fought match against Winchester, placing them in 4th place. The Ladies Second team enjoyed a 5-0 victory over Milton Keynes but sit in 9th position due to two losses and a draw. The Ladies Third team faced challenges, with one win and three losses, leaving them in 8th place. In the Men’s section, the First team secured their first win of the season against Haslemere and a thrilling victory over Henley. They are currently in 9th place. The Men’s Second team had mixed results and stand 10th in the league. The Men’s Third team had a good month, sitting 4th in their division. The Men’s Fourth team had varied results, holding 4th place. The Men’s Fifth team secured a win and a draw but are in 7th place. The Men’s Sixth team, after their first defeat, rebounded with wins and a draw, positioning themselves in 4th place.

south berkshire hockey club Est. 2016 Cantley park, workingham

6 Mens Teams 5 Ladies Teams Juniors U8-U16 Masters Hockey

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