My Wokingham FREE community Newspaper July 2023

AVAILABLE FREE TO HOMES ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH

CELEBRATING THE BOROUGH OF WOKINGHAM

Wokingham’s Got Talent Show secures ‘The Fab Four’ as judges to support local charity

ITV Presenter, Britain’s Got Talent fi nalist, musical theatre expert, and Circus Scene founder to judge spectacular event

My Wokingham is excited to reveal an impressive line-up of judges for the highly anticipated “Wokingham’s Got Talent Show” on Saturday, July 29th. Set to take place from 12pm to 6pm at Peach Place in Wokingham Town Centre, the free event aims to raise funds for the esteemed local charity, Wokingham in Need.

With an expected turnout of hundreds, the talent show promises to captivate the audience and showcase the remarkable skills of Wokingham’s residents. Leading the panel of judges will be Sangeeta Bhabra, a renowned presenter for ITV Meridian with an impressive 15-year career.

Joining Bhabra is Andrew Murray,

a finalist from the 2017 season of the popular television show “Britain’s Got Talent.” Murray’s mind-reading act, known as DNA, left audiences astounded, and his discerning eye will undoubtedly contribute to uncovering Wokingham’s hidden talents.

The show will also benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience brought by Shelley Otway, who trained in Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting on a full singing scholarship. Otway’s position as the Principal/Artistic Director at Steppin Out Stars Of Tomorrow, a renowned children’s dance school, further highlights her credentials.

Cathy Valentine, the creative force be-

hind Circus Scene, completes the lineup of judges. Known for providing captivating entertainment through Circus Skills Workshops, Fetes and Fun Days, Children’s Parties, and Special Events in Schools, Valentine’s unique perspective and vast experience will undoubtedly enhance the judging process.

Nick Marr CEO My Wokingham said “The Wokingham’s Got Talent Show is an opportunity for local residents to showcase their remarkable skills while supporting a worthy cause. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 29th, and head down to Peach Place in Wokingham Town Centre for an afternoon filled with unforgettable performances and excitement.”

Sangeeta Bhabra ITV Presenter

Andrew Murray Britains Got Talent Finalist

Cathy Valentine Circus Scene

Shelley Otway Steppin Out Stars Principal

WOKINGHAM LIBRARIES & DISTRIBUTION POINTS

TV presenter Paul Metcalfe to host Wokingham’s Got Talent P15

Gardens Inspired by Netflix Show P19

Hurst Show P13

Get In touch

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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

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.

Female firefighters prove gender is no barrier to a satisfying career

With more women than ever before signing up to become firefighters or enquiring about a career in the fire service, My Wokingham spoke to two Wokingham women who love the jobs they do. Bethanne Rea is Crew Manager at Wokingham Fire Station

What made you want to become a firefighter?

I wanted to become a firefighter as my father was a firefighter, and feel like I am following his lead. I always wanted a job that was varied, and I am an active person so wanted something that would utilise that. I love helping people in their time of need and serving the community. I enjoy the variety that each day brings and meeting members of the community.

What are the reactions from the public being a female firefighter?

The general reaction from the public is positive and very supportive, although I do still get asked if I do the same as the male firefighters. I am able to explain that we do exactly the same and tell them about the fantastic team and opportunities available here at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.

I know the fire service runs Have-a-Go days to specifically target females. Is this something you are involved in and believe is important?

Personally, I am not involved with the female-focused Have-a-Go days, but I do think that they are a brilliant idea and have helped to attract more female firefighters. I would say to any woman thinking of applying to the service to attend a Havea-Go day – you can try the fitness tests and ladders and talk to firefighters about what the role entails. It helps you make an informed decision about whether the role would be right for you, rather than having your judgement clouded by assumptions or perceptions.

I was told one of the female firefighters drives the engine at Wokingham. What sort of training was involved?

Yes, we do have a female driver here at Wokingham like a few of the other stations. She had to complete an initial LGV, then was required to complete a number of driveback miles along with a pump test. She was then required to complete a EFAD to drive the fire appliance on blue lights.

Do you feel there is still a gender gap with the number of female firefighters?

I do feel that traditionally the role has attracted more male applicants than female – but this is changing. More female firefighters mean more diversity within our work force which means we are becoming more representative of the communities we serve.

Is this a career you feel should be promoted more in schools or do you feel it is valuable to get life experience before joining?

Personally, I think it is valuable to get life experience before joining. But every individual is different, and some may join earlier than others. I do feel that there is an opportunity to promote the career opportunities at schools, and to increase awareness of the opportunities available within the fire and rescue sector. We can always do more, but I certainly feel like things are heading in the right direction.

Berkshire firefighter Joanna Herring said she wanted a job where she could help the community and have no two days the same. “Being a firefighter is a job where we do something completely different every day. One day we could be fighting a fire and the next giving a talk at a school.

and which stations are hiring on the service’s website.

Before the last event, Helen Morbin, well-being manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all of our staff, but like many other services across the country, certain sections of our local community are still under-represented in our service.

You never know what will happen from one day to the next.”

Before joining, Joanna spoke to staff at Crowthorne fire station, and they said to come in and have a chat.

“They were running a Havea-Go day so I went down. Everyone was so inviting and helpful and I felt totally at ease. Since joining it’s been fantastic, the hours fit around family life and I feel I have a great work/life balance. I’d definitely recommend a female-focussed Have-a-Go event.”

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) regularly holds ‘Have-a-Go’ events aimed at women to encourage them to consider a career as a firefighter.

The events enable participants to try some of the tests used during the recruitment process, and to find out more about this rewarding career. They include a tour of the fire station, and the opportunity to talk to RBFRS firefighters and staff, who will be on hand to offer their insight, advice and support.

It is hoped that by providing an overview of the recruitment process and support, more women will consider applying to be firefighters.

Attendees will get the chance to try out essential firefighting equipment.

Although the recruitment window is not currently open for wholetime firefighters, there are opportunities to join RBFRS as an on-call firefighter. You can read more about the requirements to become an on-call firefighter

“We continue to drive towards creating a service that reflects the communities we serve and so by organising these ‘Have a Go’ events, we are hoping to give people who may not usually consider a career in the fire service an opportunity to try it out for themselves.”

Wokingham Fire Station was rebuilt and opened in September 2011. The station took 11 months to build and had a £1.5 million investment. The building project involved the demolition of the two existing Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service owned houses and replaced the old station on a neighbouring site in Denton Road, which had only provided daytime cover for the town.

The station is designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible in order to reduce operating costs. It has solar panels, automatic lights and collects rainwater to recycle and use within the fire station.

The station generates an income from the solar panels as well as the drill tower which is leased to a telecommunications company. Savings on the cost of water usage also contribute to providing a cost-effective operational fire station.

A time capsule was buried during construction containing photographs, information on Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a breathing apparatus tally and a firefighter’s uniform shirt.

The fire station boasts two appliance bays, as well as an on-site lecture room which provides a facility for members of the community and an opportunity to interact with staff at the station.

John Redwood MP visits Bexprt, Winnersh

On Friday 16th June John Redwood MP visited Bexprt, a telecoms and IT consultancy businesses on Wharfedale Road, Winnersh.

John met Mo Hamdy the founder and CEO of Bexprt and Gwen Edwards, Marketing Director.

Bexprt was recently presented with an award for Digital Exports by the Department for Business and Trade as part of the Made in the UK, Sold in the World 2023 awards.

Bexprt is a fast growing small busi-

ness with a large export customer base. Its head office is in Winnersh Triangle and a second office has opened in Riyadh. Turnover has quadrupled in four years.

The company helps businesses with their telecoms and technology services. It is partnering with Amazon Web services to help people use the Cloud system for external storage of data. There are opportunities for businesses to contract their data storage and processing to an external supplier using powerful computers in specialist

Wokingham residents will struggle with new mortgage payments

Many people know me as a local Councillor and as the Leader of Wokingham Borough Council until I stepped down recently. I have recently been pleased to meet residents whilst out and about in the new Wok ingham constituency.

I have heard first hand from constituents who have told me about their serious concerns about the way the country is being managed by the government. Of course, people have mentioned to me the dreadful state of our econ omy, the cost-of-living crisis, and the continuing crisis affecting the NHS and Social Care. Everyone knows that our MP, Sir John Redwood was unbelievably supportive of the economic policies of former Prime Minister Liz Truss and former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng. Sir John said that measures in their budget were “sensible”.

The extremely damaging consequences of these supposedly “sensi-

ble” measures are now being felt by everyone paying mortgages, hoping to be able to do so, or whose rents depend upon their property owners paying a mortgage on it. The Bank of England raised interest rates to 5% last week, and many people think that they will go to 6% over the next few months. This is all pushing prices up.

More and more people in Wokingham and surrounding areas are struggling to cope with rising food and energy costs. Far too many people are having to rely on food banks to help them feed their families. They are struggling to pay energy bills which have more than doubled in the last year and to keep a roof over their heads and they are worried about how they will be able to afford essentials. After all these years of Conservative government we should be in a better position than this.

Councillor Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Wokingham.

warehouses with high levels of cyber security and service.

John Redwood said: “The company is positive about the opportunities for Artificial Intelligence as faster searches, machine learning and new language models enhance computer services.

“We are moving to a world where people can have an AI assistant to provide data, commentary and assistance by speed reading and repeating materials available through big data storage.

I congratulate Mo and his team on their award for Digital Exports and wish Bexprt every success as it grows its way to greater success, offering interesting services to local and international businesses and helping to grow the national economy.”

Balancing the books in difficult times

As every household faces the challenge of inflation and high interest rates, so do the local councils that provide you with key services.

In the case of Wokingham Borough, the challenge is made harder by the low level of core funding we receive from central government. We are in fact the lowest funded unitary authority in England. That makes us heavily dependent upon whatever resources we can generate ourselves and making as many savings as we can in these inflationary times.

We will continue to target our limited resources at those most in need, as we did last year. But finding the savings that enable money to be spent where it is most required becomes more and more difficult, as there are no more easy savings left.

Last year we had to make tough decisions to balance the council’s books; we will have to do the same again this year.

We will not shirk that responsibility because the price of failure to manage the council’s finances effectively would be very high for the residents and businesses of the borough.

When the government judges that a council is effectively bankrupt, or about to become so, it sends in commissioners to take control. They adopt brutal methods to remedy the situation; typically putting the council tax up by double the amount that the government allows other councils to do, and at the same time inflicting deep cuts in local services.

This is not just a theoretical possibility In the case of Slough it became a reality. We are determined that it won’t happen to Wokingham; a broke council is no use to anyone.

I’m being open and honest with you about the challenges we face because I know that you, in your own working and family lives, know very well that balancing the books matters. I know that you, too, face considerable financial challenges and so understand that the council must do what it takes to keep vital services going.

But despite the difficulties, I remain an optimist. We rose to the challenge of a very difficult financial situation last year; with your help, we will do so again this year.

Stephen Conway Leader, Wokingham Borough Council

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen: The right homes in the right places

Irecently spoke to Housing Minister Felicity Buchan about how central Government housing numbers have not worked for Wokingham Borough. I want young people to be able to get on the housing ladder and I want to see more high-quality, affordable homes. But our current numbers are based on a flawed calculation which pushes more housing on areas who’ve met their targets.

Instead, we need to increase housing and employment opportunities beyond London and the South East.

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he would increase housing targets and allow building on the Green Belt.

He would “choose the builders, not the blockers” – developers over local people’s concerns.

Liberal Democrats face both ways, nationally they campaign for more housing and higher targets, but locally they opposed building before they took control of the Council. Now they are stalling their plan for future development in Wokingham Borough, risking inappropriate development by appeal.

When Conservatives ran the Council, we met the Secretary of State for Local Government, Housing Ministers, and our MPs to press the case for cutting Wokingham Borough’s housing numbers. We also campaigned with other

councils for a reduced target. Our work persuaded the Government to halve the Borough’s housing targets. The Government recognises that targets should have new flexibility to reflect local circumstances.

This was a fantastic start, but we believe new housing numbers for Wokingham Borough should be lower to be sustainable. And by working with our local MPs, that’s what I’m trying to achieve.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen

Leader of the Conservative Group Wokingham Borough Council and Parliamentary Candidate for Earley and Woodley

Former PM helps school celebrate 50th anniversary

The Colleton Primary School celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday. The whole community (past and present) enjoyed a wonderful day including showcase performances from the children in guitar club, drum club, singing groups, dance club and judo club.

There was also a spectacular dragon dance performed and a chance to try out VR headsets, silent disco and yoga.

Children from the community planted herbs and flowers in the sensory garden and sold plants and vegetables grown by them in their gardening club.

Theresa May and her husband also visited and acknowledged how special the school is with its approach to nurturing the whole child and individualised learning to ensure every child meets their full potential.

A radio show presented by Jules

Lang (Radio 2 DJ and staff member) interviewed staff past and present about their memories of the school and what makes it so special.

Michelle Law, Headteacher, said how proud she was of what a wonderful community event families and staff had put together to commemorate 50 years of The Colleton. “Many memories were shared and the children enjoyed a fun filled day!”

If you are a past pupil or have any connections with the school, they would be very pleased to hear from you. Please email admin@colleton. wokingham.sch.uk with your memories.

Open mornings for prospective families are planned for Thursday 21st September 2023 and Wednesday 22nd November. Visit their website for more details at www. colleton.wokingham.sch.uk.

Books for sale

Fun in the sun at the Colleton School Twyford

Head Teacher Michelle Law (Middle) with her team The Colleton school Twyford

Tombola stall

Shifu Sun Mjao Xiao play the music for the dragon

Little boy nose to nose with dragaon

Happy 50th Birthday The Colleton School Twyford with head Teacher Michelle Law

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Care home invites the community in

Alexander Grange Care Home invited the local community to join them as they held their summer fair recently as part of national Care Home Open Week.

They threw open their doors and had stalls, refresh ments and activities for both guests and residents to enjoy.

Care Home Open Week 2023 has been devised to connect care homes across the country with their community. Care homes are fan tastic community hubs, with outstanding facilities, filled with the incredible people that live and work within them.

Care Home Open Week provides homes with the opportunity to show what they have to offer, their fantastic

facilities, activities and services, reminding their neighbours that they are there if they need support. It also provides the perfect opportunity to show fantastic career opportunities that are available in the sector, which encourages the community to support and build connections with their local service, considering how they can support those living and working in care communities throughout the year.

Customer relations manager, Sandra Patricio said: “Care homes are still a taboo subject to many and we want to try and help break that taboo. We want to be seen as part of the community – people can pop in and have a coffee and we won’t expect them to commit to anything.

“The day was all about giving to the community and not asking for anything in return. We also tried to support small businesses by inviting them to have a stall at our event. People think once you enter a care home you are locked away from the world, but we are still very much a part of the community.”

As part of the special week, they invited a chocolatier in to hold a workshop, as well as the Mosaic Café from the Bradbury Centre in Wokingham.

And each month residents have been going on a ‘journey’ around the world, experiencing the tastes and cultures of that country. For Care Home Open Week, they looked at Madeira. They had a documentary about the country, followed by a traditional Madeiran lunch when they tasted sweet and savoury foods with a guest speaker in the afternoon.

Harry’s inspiring ride for hedgehogs

An inspiring nine-year-old is planning to spend his summer holidays cycling the length of the country to raise money for hedgehogs.

Harry Peksa is embarking on a journey this summer, cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End. He is raising money for hedgehogs and other sick and injured animals through the charity Tiggywinkles – mainly because he loves hedgehogs.

Harry’s cycling adventure will begin on August 1st, and he plans to complete the remarkable feat of riding approximately 1,250 miles over a span of 35 days. He will be accompanied by his dedicated father Nicholas, who will be pulling Tiggy the Trailer, their trusty companion, as they traverse the breath-taking landscapes of the UK.

Adding an exciting twist to his journey, Harry aims to participate in three or four Park runs along the route.

The adventure will take Harry and his dad to the beautiful Outer Hebrides, where they will visit all 10 islands before venturing to the enchanting Isle of Arran. The picturesque scenery and diverse terrain will undoubtedly make this an unforgettable experience for them both.

However, what truly sets Harry’s endeavour apart is his commitment to

raising funds for hedgehog conservation. These endearing creatures face numerous challenges in the wild, and their populations have been in decline.

Harry’s dad Nicholas said: “I am so proud of him; I just love his determination. It is wonderful to share this challenge with him and I am certain we will have some lovely father/son moments. We have blue-tooth-connected helmets so we will be able to be in constant communication, but this may be a blessing in disguise.”

Nicholas added that he sees his role as simply to empower Harry and they have planned their route together with the criteria to explore places on the way.

Harry attends Dolphin School in Hurst who have also been very supportive with Harry giving a presentation about his challenge in assembly and holding a stall at their school fair to help raise money and awareness.

If you can support Harry’s charity bike ride, your generous contribution will not only motivate him but also make a significant impact to the wellbeing of hedgehogs. Any amount, big or small, will be greatly appreciated .

To keep updated on Harry’s progress during his incredible adventure, see photographs, blog posts, and video updates see his social media platforms. If you would like to follow their journey, please do at https://www.facebook.com/JogLe2023/ or subscribe to his YouTube diary at https://youtube. com/@AllGoodThings-2023

To make a donation, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ hedgyharry

Smiles at the summer fair

Goodie bags

Soft Toys on sale

Welcome to Alexandra Grange Wokingham

Our Garden in full bloom for the summer

Sandra with a resident of Alexandra Grange

How to Resolve MacBook Flexgate Issues

Pratts Pods offers reliable solutions to Apple MacBook display problems caused by Flexgate

BY RORY PRATT

If you own an Apple MacBook, you may have encountered unexpected display glitches on certain models. Symptoms include screen flickering or blacking out when opening or closing the device, which is commonly referred to as “Flexgate.”

The underlying cause of this issue lies in a defective display cable that connects the screen to the logic board. Unfortunately, these cables were designed slightly too short, causing them to stretch and crack over time, resulting in a disrupted connection.

Fortunately, Pratts Pods has extensive experience in resolving this prevalent issue through flex repairs. The process involves expertly cutting back the original cable and splicing on a new one, ensuring a durable solution.

Step 1: Comprehensive Diagnosis and Assessment

To begin repairing a MacBook affected by Flexgate, our skilled technicians conduct a thorough examination of your device. Utilizing Apple’s specialized tools and software, we run comprehensive diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Once the

diagnosis is complete, we will inform you of our findings and proceed with the repair.

Step 2: Precise Disassembly

After identifying the problem, we carefully disassemble your MacBook. Our technicians exercise caution to remove the screen, enabling access to the flex cables at the display’s base. Every part is meticulously removed to avoid any inadvertent damage to your device.

Step 3: Repairing the Backlight Flex Cable

The Flexgate issue arises from a faulty backlight flex cable. Our technicians skillfully splice a new flex onto the old

one, while slightly extending its length to enhance the repair’s longevity.

Step 4: Expert Reassembly

Once the repair is complete, our technicians reassemble your MacBook diligently, ensuring that each component is correctly in place and functioning optimally. Thorough testing is conducted to verify that the issue has been successfully resolved.

Step 5: Rigorous Final Testing

Before returning your MacBook, our technicians conduct a comprehensive final testing procedure to guarantee a satisfactory outcome. Every device component, including the display, keyboard, trackpad, and peripherals, is thoroughly examined to ensure full functionality and performance.

If you suspect that your MacBook is experiencing Flexgate issues, do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a repair. Our technicians possess years of experience in addressing this problem and are fully equipped to diagnose and efficiently repair your device. Pratts Pods takes pride in delivering topnotch repairs using high-quality components, ensuring the longevity and

Breakfast Dukes Head

Rory is the owner of Wokingham based Pratt’s Pods Ltd that specialises in smartphone and tablet repairs. The company can also help with screen replacement, battery repairs, game console and computer repairs. Call 01183 047777 www.prattspods.co.uk

Tech Advice by Rory Pratt

Advice Column from Craig Muttitt What’s the worst that could happen?

Craig Muttitt is the Practice Principal of Maxim Financial Solutions Ltd and FOMO Mortgages, a mortgage and protection financial services brokerage that currently has over 7000 UK clients. Originally from South Africa, Craig studied Law and Business at the University of the Witwatersrand. Craig has been living in the UK since 2001 with his wife Natasha, daughter Ashleigh and son Wade. Craig has been involved in the mortgage and insurance industry for over 20 years and although the financial services industry has gone through a lot of changes and some challenging times over the years, Craig has loved every minute of it.

Across Clues:

1. Attract peoples’ interests (5)

3. Collection (3)

5. Monetary unit of Lesotho (5)

7. Inquire (3)

8. Acts as a representative (3)

9. Maori tribe (3)

10. Organs inside (3)

11. Bend (3)

12. Crumble (5)

15. Tree with needle shaped leaves (5)

18. Stagger (7)

21. A set of predefined devices (7)

25. Striking (7)

29. Live entertainment (7)

32. Very deep hole (5)

34. Grain (5)

36. Centre of an activity (3)

37. Long wooden seat (3)

38. Toilet (3)

39. Eliminates (3)

40. Product from a widely cultivated plant (3)

41. Meat prescribed by Muslim Law (5)

42. Cereal grown in cold countries (3)

43. So hot, it makes you sweat (5)

Down Clues:

1. Too much of something (5)

2. A sign that you belong to an organisation (5)

3. Wooden object used as a target (7)

4. A spindle used in making tubes (7)

5. To say in a rough manner (5)

6. Planet (5)

13. Decay (3)

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14. Barrier (3)

16. The whole (3)

17. Signal to begin (3)

18. Exercise and treatments (3)

19. Achieve a particular result (3)

20. An exclamation (3)

22. Sphere (3)

23. Polite way of addressing (3)

24. Indicate disapproval (3)

26. Thin net made by an

33. Sheal, 34. Sways, 35. Samba.

Compose, 30. Ace, 31. Eld, 32. Awash,

26. Web, 27. SOS, 28. Enabler, 29.

14. Dam, 16. All, 17. Cue, 18. Spa, 19. Use, 20. Boo, 22. Orb, 23. Sir, 24. Tut,

4. Triblet, 5. Spawl, 6. Earth, 13. Rot,

Down: 1. Binge, 2. Badge, 3. Skittle,

Halal, 42. Rye, 43. Sauna.

32. Abyss, 34. Seeds, 36. Hub, 37. Pew, 38. Loo, 29. Axe, 40. Soy, 41.

12. Erode, 15. Larch, 18. Stumble, 21. Toolset, 25. Awesome, 29. Cabaret,

Ask, 8. Rep, 9. Iwi, 10. Gut, 11. Bow,

Across: 1. Blurb, 3. Set, 5. Sente, 7.

arachnid (3)

27. Signal indicating danger (3)

28. Permits (7)

29. Put together (7)

30. Brilliant (3)

31. Old age (3)

32. Flooded (5)

33. A shell (5)

34. Move from side to side (5)

35. A Brazilian dance (5)

3 out of 5 adults in the UK haven’t written their will

Finding ‘The Way’ on the Camino Trail

BY JACKY HAYLER

Ahiking holiday is not usually our go-to choice of how to spend our time away from work. The most walking we usually do on holiday is a sunset stroll on the beach or a quick nip to the local taverna.

However, when a friend said they were hiking the Camino Trail and asked us to join him on the last leg of his journey we were intrigued.

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a renowned pilgrimage of medieval origin that sees pilgrims journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in the northwest of Spain.

Due to the enduring popularity of the Camino de Santiago and the many Camino routes they have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

Today, more than a pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience and trip of a lifetime, with its routes attracting thousands of people from all over the world.

The wonderful Chemin du Puy, starting in breath-taking Le Puy-en-Velay in France, is the most popular of the Camino de Santiago routes from France. It joins up with the Camino Frances, the most popular route in Spain, at Saint-Jean-Pied de Port on the French side of the Pyrenees.

At 736km in length, this is one of the longest Camino routes but as with all of the ways, it can be broken into short, manageable sections. On average you would need at least four to five weeks to complete the full walk.

My friend took the experience very seriously, training before he went, complete with his backpack. Having recently retired from a stressful job and not sure where life was about to take him, he opted to walk alone, just him, the road ahead and his thoughts for the future.

A very friendly chap he quickly got talking to fellow walkers and exchanged stories and experiences. He also documented his walk on Facebook so friends and family back home could follow his progress.

Some days were a ‘quick’ 18km on flat terrain while others were a more challenging 30km. The route took him to

Pamplona, where he got talking to a nun who allowed him to climb to the top of a church and ring the bells. Santo Domingo was where he got talking to a father and son and shared the day with them. He said the connections he made on the way will stay with him forever.

Leon was a vibrant city where he had a couple of rest days and made the most of that time. But it was his arrival at the rock pile near El Cebo that was the most emotional. It is ‘a place where you can speak to your sins, remember lost loved ones and think of your hopes and dreams for the future’. It is immortalised in the film The Way where someone is quoted as saying “You don’t choose a life; you live a life.”

We met up with him in Arzúa and it was quite an emotional reunion as his

wife joined him again after six weeks. Whereas he had opted for hostels on the way, sharing a room full of bunk beds with strangers, we opted for slightly more up market digs.

When we finally met up we almost didn’t recognise him with six weeks’ worth of beard growth. The next day we set off on our first leg and enjoyed the morning, stopping off at a charming roadside cafe for breakfast. I think what struck me most was the camaraderie of our fellow walkers who wished each other a ‘Buen Camino’ on the way.

The afternoon turned wetter, and we arrived at our accommodation bedraggled but pleased with our progress. The route is far easier to follow than I realised. Stone markers guide the way with how many Kilometres you have to go. In between there are scallop shells which are the symbol of the Camino. The shell is a metaphor as the lines symbolise all the different routes you can follow that all converge on Santiago di Compostela.

The next day was better weather and we set off excited for the last leg. Ev-

ery day Blaine had to get a passport stamped to prove he had walked the whole way. As we approached Santiago it seemed to go on forever - but walking into the square with the cathedral at its centre was quite emotional. Pilgrims were cheering and celebrating, congratulating each other on their achievement and taking photographs as a lasting memory.

Blaine had to go to the office to receive his Compostela or certificate. Again this was very moving - having recently retired for him the walk had been a journey of discovery, thinking back on his career and looking to the future.

We had a day to discover Santiago before returning to the UK and it was amazing how many people we bumped into that Blaine had met on the way. There was a real feeling of celebration.

We were very proud of his achievement (800 km in six weeks) and after just a couple of days we know we could not have done it - but we are honoured that we were invited to share just the last few days with our best friends.

Community spirit comes to Winnersh

Community spirit was alive and well in Winnersh at the weekend when the parish council staged their summer fete.

Tucked nicely in between the two weekends with Woodley Carnival the previous weekend and Hurst Country Fayre the following weekend, hordes of people flocked to Bearwood Recreation Ground where there were activities galore.

Stalls featured local schools including Conkers Pre-school, The Greenwood Pre-school, St. Cecilia’s Primary and Winnersh Primary while Bearwood Primary ran a popular bottle tombola. Also present were Berkshire Bonsai, The Dance Zone, RNLI, and the Lions Club, while food on offer included samosas and fudge, candy floss, Mr Whippy ice cream and there was a barbecue available.

Fete volunteer and councillor Geoff Harper said the organisers were delighted with the turnout. “We are very pleased because a lot of effort goes into organising the day. It was started in 2008 because there was concern that Winnersh was losing its identity as a village. But we have got a good crowd today – you can always tell by how packed the car park is.”

He added that once again the Earley Air Cadets were doing a sterling job as they do every year as car parking attendants. “They always do a very professional job, and it goes towards their public service.”

He said they had received good support from local businesses this year which is very much appreciated as everyone is aware of how hard things are at the moment. “They have really stepped up with raffle donations and sponsorship from Roy Wood Transits, Legacy Law and South Western Railway. The parish council has a budget for the event so all money raised goes towards out two chosen charities which this year are The Link Visiting Scheme and First Days Children’s Charity.”

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth

Rowland was invited along, and she presented the Winnersh Community Awards. These went to three people this year, Harry Peksa who has taken it upon himself to clear the streets of litter, Graham Clifford who has fought to resolve issues with the Hatch Farm

development and Nadine Chapman Shave who is a stalwart of the local Beavers group. They each received a £30 gift voucher in recognition of their efforts.

With it being the year of the King’s Coronation, he added that they had

put a new bench in the children’s play area to commemorate the coronation. And children from local schools had created some artwork that was on display. Each creation, by Winnersh Primary, Wheatfield Primary and Bearwood Primary would all be framed and put on display in the community hall. There was also lots to take part in including a tug-o-war, wheelbarrow races, archery organised by the Dinton Pastures Countryside team and a coconut shy.

“Mr Harper added: “This event really brings the community together and people always urge us to do it again next year”.

Children’s charity founder awarded MBE

The founder and CEO of Wokingham-based First Days Children’s Charity, Emma Cantrell, has been made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list. Emma received the honour for her services to vulnerable children.

She founded First Days in 2013 to help local families who were struggling to provide everyday essentials, making it her personal mission to ensure no child in the area goes without.

Over the last decade, the charity has grown from a baby bank to provide everything from the moment a baby is born to the moment a child leaves school, alongside specialist support for parents so that they may never need to use charitable services again. Under Emma’s leadership, First Days has helped over 25,000 children, and distributed over 500 tonnes of donated goods.

In an affluent area like Berkshire, it can surprise people to hear that First Days supports more than 8,000 chil-

dren every year, despite most having parents in work.

However due to the cost-of-living crisis, in Berkshire more than 45,000 children in Berkshire live below the poverty line. After the cost of housing and utilities, their parents have less than £19 a day to live on for food, clothes, fuel, transport and everyday basics, despite their best efforts.

During the Covid 19 Pandemic, Emma led the Borough’s emergency response to food provision, setting up and running a food hub, which, with the help of 120 volunteers, distributed more than 8,000 food parcels to vulnerable residents.

In the last 10 years Emma has raised over £1.5m to support the local children and families and supported many other women by mentoring them to start their own charities in their area.

Emma said: “This is an incredible honour, which I am humbled to receive. This work has been a labour of love for

a decade of my life and I never fail to be utterly blown away by the incredible families we support. It is an honour to be able to play a part in restoring dignity, choice and power to our local community through the work of First Days Children’s Charity.

“We don’t do this work for recognition, but if more people like me - rebellious Do Gooders - can be recognised in this way then that would be brilliant for the communities we serve. I am privileged to be surrounded by a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support families. Despite the very difficult circumstances we find ourselves in during a costof-living crisis and a funding crisis for the small charity sector, we continue to work hard to help as many families as we can. I hope that this honour will show more people the fantastic work that First Days’ does so we can carry on supporting families for as long as they need us.”

Honoured

Vickie Robertson of Kaleidoscopic UK has been awarded the British Empire Medal for service to victims of domestic violence and also refugees.

The Wokingham organisation was started in January 2019 after her experience of childhood and adult domestic abuse. Experiencing first-hand the gaps in current support and services available, combined with a general lack of training or understanding of domestic abuse, Vickie was inspired to help others in similar situations to find the support they need by delivering a range of specialist services for all individuals in our community through Kaleidoscopic UK.

Her story is one of overcoming and shows all other child and adult victims of abuse that anything is possible.

“It’s an honour to support victim-survivors of abuse and refugees along any part of their journey,” Ms Robertson said. “To see them go from surviving to thriving is the biggest reward ever. The medal is definitely an added bonus.”

A spokesman for the organisation added:

“We are totally thrilled to announce that our founder and CEO Vickie Robertson has been awarded the Brit ish Empire Medal in the Kings birthday honours list, for service to victims of domes tic violence and refugees. Her story is one of overcoming and shows all other child and adult victims of abuse that anything is possible. As Vick

ie always says: ‘Abuse may impact/ change us but it doesn’t define us’.”

Kaleidoscopic UK’s objectives are the relief of need and the promotion of good health for children and adults in England and Wales who have been subjected to or exposed to domestic abuse through survivor-led support services and by educating and informing voluntary and statutory services, as well as the public at large, about all forms of domestic abuse and its harmful effects.

They support children and adults who have been exposed to domestic abuse through free support services. Our services will be available throughout the

Prue Bray, deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council, was awarded an MBE for her services to politics, both locally and nationally.

In her local area of Winnersh, Prue works hard for her community as a councillor, volunteer and campaigner. And she has been a longtime party volunteer. Her roles in the Liberal Democrats range from Chair of the party’s English Candidates Committee, where she oversaw the selection and approval of parliamentary candidates, to Vice Chair for the English Party.

Since 2020, Prue has served as the Chair of the Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and Campaigners (ALDC), which supports councillors and campaigners across the country. There, she has helped revolutionise the party’s campaign capacity, culminating in a strong set of local election results.

Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey MP commented: “Prue has always gone above and beyond for the Liberal Democrats, dedicating herself to voluntary service with little recognition or personal benefit herself.

victim/survivor journey, providing an open-ended network.

They aim to advance the education of the voluntary and statutory services about all forms of domestic abuse and its harmful effects through the eyes of survivors and work collaboratively to enhance prevention and recovery for families, children and adults.

Their services currently operate in

“Always willing to pitch in where needed, her wealth of knowledge has made a significant difference to our party. I am so thrilled she is getting the recognition she deserves.”

She is a school governor, parish councillor, Neighbourhood Action Group member and trustee of a local charity. She has lived in Winnersh for more than 25 years, with her husband and three children.

the Wokingham Borough, Thames Valley and they provide support services throughout England and Wales, employing fellow survivors of domestic abuse and enabling empowerment plus employment that can be flexible all whilst providing further survivor-led support for others.

For more information, visit https:// www.kaleidoscopic.uk/

for services to politics

Supporting victims is an honour – a medal is an added bonus

TV presenter Paul Metcalfe to host Wokingham’s Got Talent

LOCAL Presenter Paul Metcalfe is looking forward to hosting the inaugural Wokingham’s Got Talent event this month. His experience spans more than 20 years of compering live events and TV programmes.

Over the years he’s been involved with some hugely popular projects, such as hosting on the world’s biggest shopping channel QVC, television spin-offs including Family Fortunes as a live UK tour, and more recently touring the country hosting alongside the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas truck. Last year he was given the honour of hosting at London Pride for Coca-Cola in front of thousands of people something he will never forget. As a jobbing actor he’s had cameos in mainstream soaps, TV adverts and pantomime. “Early on in my career, I worked on cruise ships and holiday parks as a Butlins red coat, following in the footsteps of many famous entertainers. I even had a brief stint performing in a boy band. But it was the presenting where I got the real bug,” says Metcalfe. “Most recently, I hosted at a huge event in central London called Disney’s Wonder of Friendship to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Disney. My biggest job for them was compering live shows for the live of Frozen at the O2. This included me presenting, singing and doing magic, another passion of mine,” says Metcalfe.

“Talent shows like this are so important to showcase emerging talent in the local area and give them a platform to help kickstart their career,” says Metcalfe. “I myself got my first break purely by being in the right place at the right time. “I was working backstage on a CBBC event called the Big Bash at the NEC in Birmingham and someone was on stage warming up the crowd. I didn’t think he was doing a particularly good job, so I just grabbed a microphone and ran out on stage and started to get the crowd going. I don’t really remember what I was thinking – all I remember was seeing the microphone and the next thing I knew I was on stage with a cheering crowd in the audience. I got such a huge buzz from the crowd and from that point on, I knew I wanted to be on the stage entertaining people for a living.”

Paul’s energy and enthusiasm for presenting his seen him travel the world hosting events for conferences and exhibitions. He really enjoys the variety of work that presenting brings. “Every day is different for me, as one day I could be hosting a dog show in Banbury or a game show spinning a wheel on a beach in Croatia,” says Metcalfe. “I love travelling and my work has seen me travel to Paris, Amsterdam and Malta. One of my favourite international events was hosting a gameshow giving away a Cartier watch,” says Metcalfe.

Paul’s presenting saw him firmly embedded in the London scene, living and working in the capital, but the pandem-

ic changed all that. “I used to visit my best friend in Wokingham regularly as a way to escape the hustle and bustle

of the London bubble, and instantly fell in love with the town,” says Metcalfe. “When the pandemic hit, all my work dried up and I soon realised I didn’t need to be in London anymore. I decided to take the plunge and move to Wokingham. I’ve never looked back and I love the friendliness of the town and its people,” says Metcalfe. “Since moving here three years ago, I’ve made many friends and it’s a privilege to be asked to present such a big event in the town’s calendar. I’m so looking forward to seeing the amazing talent Wokingham has to offer and getting involved with more events in the future,” says Metcalfe.

With all his skills & experience we think you will find him suitably qualified to host Wokingham’s Got Talent. Find out more about Paul at www.paulmetcalfe.tv

Meet The Judges

EXCITING LAUNCH OF WOKINGHAM’S GOT TALENT!

Prepare to be amazed as Wokingham’s Got Talent takes center stage, marking the inaugural event of its kind in collaboration with My Wokingham and Beyond the Download. This remarkable show aims to make a difference by raising funds for the local charity, Wokingham in Need, while discovering extraordinary talent within the Wokingham community. The best part? Admission is absolutely free! Join us on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, as Peach Street transforms into a hub of entertainment from midday until 6pm. The anticipation builds as the Talent Show commences at 2pm, showcasing a diverse range of performers. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in delectable food and beverages, and immerse yourself in an afternoon filled with unforgettable moments of laughter and joy. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local talent and contribute to a worthy cause. Let the show begin!

Sangeeta Bhabra

Sangeeta Bhabra, born in 1974, is a seasoned journalist and broadcaster with a passion for storytelling. She describes herself as a “child of the 80s” and has been a lifelong fan of the legendary George Michael.

Andrew is a professional magician and mind reader. With over 25 years of experience, Andrew is considered one of the UK’s top performers entertaining at corporate events, private parties and product launches/ trade shows.

He is also an experienced event host and can bring a unique magical twist to your next event as ‘master of ceremonies’.

Andrew is one of just 250 magicians in the world to be awarded the highest degree of membership as a ‘Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle’.

A former winner of The Magic Circle Close Up Magician of the Year trophy, Andrew is a sleight of hand expert who has performed for celeb-

rities and royalty all over the world.

Andrew is also one half of the DNA, a world-class mind reading double act who were finalists on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017. Their performances have been seen by over a hundred million people both on-line and on TV.

To discuss adding the WOW factor to your next event visit Andrew’s website here: www.andrewmurraymagic.com

Cathy Valentine Circus Scene

Cathy Valentine, the owner of Arborfield based Circus Scene has been sourcing, booking and providing entertainment for all kinds of events and occasions for the last 20 years. Cathy, her Circus Scene Team and her famous circus van are a well-known sight at many events, carnivals and fayres in the area. Cathy has also taught circus skills to thousands of children during this time. Since the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in demand for these types of activities and in collaboration with local Charity, Wokingham in Need, Cathy has developed special circus-based workshops for very young children, those with dementia, as well as Mental Health workshops for young people.

Cathy is delighted to be involved with this new and exciting talent show and feels it will be a perfect vehicle for anyone wanting to showcase their skills and abilities in front of a live audience.

For more information about Circus Scene, please contact Cathy on info@circus-scene.co.uk

Sangeeta’s journey in the media industry began with her training in journalism and her attainment of a Master’s Degree in linguistics from St Mary’s University, Twickenham. During her journalism training, Sangeeta embarked on a volunteer role at Hospital Radio Reading, where she honed her skills and developed a deep love for broadcasting. Her first commercial job took her to County Sound Radio in Guildford, where she gained valuable experience in radio presenting.

Sangeeta’s talent and dedication led her to Meridian Tonight, where she initially worked as a presenter, reporter, and Travel News presenter for the Thames Valley edition of the program. Over time, she ascended to become the co-anchor of the now-defunct South East edition

of Meridian Tonight, holding the position for several years until February 2009. Her warm and engaging style resonated with viewers, and her catchphrase, “Wherever you go, go safely,” became a favourite among the audience.

In February 2009, Meridian Tonight underwent a reorganization, and Sangeeta assumed the role of co-presenter alongside the esteemed Fred Dinenage, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in regional news broadcasting.

Shelley Otway is an accomplished entertainer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She received her training in Musical Theatre at The Guildford School of Acting on a full singing scholarship. Initially starting her career as a Dancer, Singer, and Actress, Shelley appeared in various professional musicals and plays, including acclaimed productions such as “Anything Goes,” “42nd Street,” and “A Chorus Line.” Her talent and dedication earned her a nomination for Best Actress in “Man and Superman.” She also gained extensive experience in Pantomime, portraying over 15 princesses for Qdos Entertainment.

In addition to her performing career, Shelley pursued a career in fitness and became a certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Fitness Manager. She excelled in her field, winning the prestigious “Group Exercise Co-ordinator of the Year” award for Virgin Active. She later joined Esporta Leisure, where she contributed to the successful setup of the Raquets Club in Bracknell. Alongside her fitness endeav-

ors, Shelley remained actively involved in the arts by teaching Singing, Dance, and Drama classes and choreographing over 150 productions. She managed multiple Stagecoach Schools and worked as a Choreographer for their Head Office shows. In 2010, Shelley launched Razzamataz Wokingham, a theatre school, which she grew from scratch to accommodate 150 students. She achieved similar success with the launch of Razzamataz Woodley in 2011, expanding her influence as a Choreographer and Support Manager for Head Office.

Shelley’s commitment to teaching and the performing arts led her to establish her independent Theatre Academy, Steppin Out Stars.

Andrew Murray

Shelley Otway

HONOURING THE GENEROSITY OF OUR KIND SPONSORS

The curtains rise on Wokingham’s Got Talent, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who have made this event possible. Without their support, the show simply wouldn’t go on. We extend a special thank you to our sponsors who have generously donated to the local charity, ‘Wokingham in Need.’ Their invaluable contributions have transformed the vision of the Wokingham’s Got Talent Show into a vibrant reality. We are immensely grateful for the support and partnership of our sponsors, who have played an instrumental role in bringing this free to attend community event into a reality

Hidden away just steps from Wokingham Town Hall, Grasshopper is a new wine and cocktail bar from the team behind your neighbourhood restaurant Chalk on Broad Street. This new addition will feature shareable dishes and a vast selection of over 180 wines filled with amazing value picks and real rarities, alongside timeless cocktails and a wide selection of spirits. With a moody atmosphere, the space features both indoor table seating with wall artwork, vintage mirrors, display wine cabinets and comfortable seating as well as a cosy and expansive outdoor seating

area suitable for winter drinking and dining.

The exciting menu of small plates, meat and cheese boards is perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. Our menu includes signature sourdough flatbreads, slow cooked lamb shoulder with feta, figs and rosemary oil, seasonal British charcuteries and cheeses and freshly delivered oysters every Friday and Saturday, to name a few highlights.

Grasshopper, 56-58 Rose Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XU

www.grasshopperbar.co.uk

ALEXANDRA GRANGE CARE HOME

Alexandra Grange Care Home has been part of the Wokingham Community for 12 years. Over the years we have been involved in the community at different levels, from taking part in local fairs to supporting local charities and events, so it gives us great pleasure to sponsor this brilliant event that will showcase the great talent we have in Wokingham.

Not only this will involve everyone within the local community but it will also give them opportunity to take part on the show from voting for their favourites to showing their own talents. It will also support the great charity

PROSPECT ESTATE AGENCY

that is Wokingham in Need. We have always worked really close to Sue and the team at Wokingham in Need and we know the support they give to the community having the homeless and vulnerable as their focus. We look forward to a wonderful afternoon on the 29th of July for the first Wokingham Got talent Show.’

RUCHETTA

A warm welcome to restaurant Ruchetta, home of authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Wokingham.

Our restaurant offers guests the ideal location for a celebration or wonderful meal out with friends and family, with a menu steeped in modern Italian cuisine, and seasonal specials available every week.

Known for our exceptional service and charming restaurant, we guarantee you an

evening to remember. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Since 1990, Prospect Estate Agency has successfully been helping people buy, sell, let or rent property from our 11 iconic offices across the Home Counties. Since first opening our doors, our aim has always been to exceed customer expectations, through honesty, integrity, and professionalism. We’ve always endeavoured to be the best, not the biggest!

Prospect has always focused on providing our clients high-quality service. This dedication has resulted in hundreds of excellent customer reviews and recommendations as well as numerous industry awards, including the prestigious title of Best Estate Agency in the UK at the UK Property Awards for the past 2 years running!

Prospect can also always be found

supporting the local Wokingham community in any way we can - our relationship with Wokingham in Need is testament to this, with Prospect supporting this wonderful local charity for over 6 years and helping fund many projects, including the sensory garden at The Acorn Centre.

If you’re thinking of moving and would like some free, expert advice contact Prospect Wokingham today on 0118 979 7770.

GRASSHOPPER BAR, WOKINGHAM

BOMBAY STORY INDIAN KITCHEN & BAR, PEACH PLACE, WOKINGHAM

Bombay Story is an informal, modern, genuine Indian kitchen whose aim is to deliver an experience-led restaurant, serving unique, fresh, authentic, healthy Indian cuisine. Everything is considered, from the food, the staff and the crockery to the height of the chairs you sit on!

By the people, for the people.

Bombay Story is based around an open kitchen and bar. A counter is stretched in front of the kitchen bar which is designed with ‘to go’ food, fine selection of wines and wide selection of cocktails. An eclectic modern Indian theme creates a genuine, vibrant ambience. The open kitchen shows our creative chefs in action and showcases the quality of home cooked food.

Bombay Story open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner (12:00pm – 23:00pm), and from 9am on weekends for breakfast; fabulous happy hour runs from 3-6pm, Monday – Friday, and offers 7 days a week bottomless brunch paired with a delicious two-course meal SET LUNCH & EARLY DINNER MENU. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Bombay Story Indian Kitchen & Bar

2 Peach Place, Wokingham, RG40 1LY T: 0118 304 7788 www.bombaystory.uk

WELCOME TO SALTY OLIVE!

Salty Olive is all about offering customers an authentic Spanish pinchos (pintxos) experience.

By that we mean, a selection of delicious miniature bites, each with huge, explosive flavours, complemented by carefully selected Spanish wines and beers.

Where it all started!

Susannah Stewart, owner of Salty Olive, has been a frequent visitor to Spain for well over 40 years and fell in love with the Spanish informal and social approach to dining. In 2003, Calau Restaurant opened in the picturesque, beachside town of Calella de Palafrugell, offering it’s customer delicious miniature bites with huge, exploding flavours, displayed on the bar for all to see.

Give us a call, email or drop in 5, Elms Field, Wokingham RG40 2FE hola@salty-olive.co.uk

01189 073 334

EXPERIENCE THE REDAN WOKINGHAM’S ORIGINAL COCKTAIL BAR

For over a decade, The Redan has proudly been the go-to cocktail bar in Wokingham. Since 2006, we have been dedicated to delivering an unparalleled night out experience for the town’s residents.

Step into our extraordinary setting and be enchanted by our awe-inspiring cocktails.

Whether you choose to relax in our converted aeroplane seats or bask in the comfort of our highly sought-after heated benches in the garden area, your time spent with us will be truly unforgettable. Unlike any other bar in Wokingham, our unique heated benches provide individualised seating, ensuring your utmost comfort.

Indulge in the allure of our Redan twisted classics, from refreshing Mojitos to delightful Mocktails. Experience the thrill of our Shooters cocktails or savour the sparkle of our signature sparkling concoctions. With each sip, your evening will become a delightful treat for your taste buds.

Join us at The Redan, where the art of mixology meets exceptional ambiance. Discover the magic of Wokingham’s original cocktail bar and create unforgettable memories with us.

24 Peach St, Wokingham RG40 1XG 0118 989 1177

https://www.theredan.bar

Wokingham In Need is winning with the help of the local community

BY SUE JACKSON

Wokingham is considered an affluent area but is not immune to difficulties caused by financial, medical or mental health problems. There is a wealth of vulnerable people, young and old falling on hard times in our local area. They are in need as they are often not supported or able to follow regular channels resulting in homelessness and hardship. Identifying the need is where the seed was sown for what is not just a charity but a catalyst in uniting the local community.

The beginning – helping the homeless and vulnerable by funding proper facilities and a Drop in Centre at Salvation Army - Sturges Road which is a reactive premises providing assistance to the homeless.. WIN continues to support the Salvation Army and the Centre and has completed another refurbishment of the kitchen and shower room and bought a new washing machine.

WIN have a group called the Creative Nightingales who sew and knit items for terminally ill patients at the RBH and support the Dementia and

Children’s Wards.

WIN have embarked on a new project a Junior Ambassadors Project where 16 children were chosen to learn how the hospital works and a Project for the ICU Unit where noise cancelling headphones were donated to help a pilot scheme whereby specific music is played to patients to assist in their recovery and help cut out the general noises in an ICU unit.

WIN supports adults with learning disabilities and raised funds for a Sensory Garden at the Acorn Centre £34K+.

WIN has just started a project at Wokingham Hospital - a Sensory Garden for patients and staff. If you wish to get involved contact us.

A Talent Show for Clasp members took place at The Whitty Theatre which was highly successful and rewarding.

It was a pleasure to work with Clasp and we continue to support them by sponsoring membership packs and wish to do more.

Caring is what it is all about. WIN provides Mental Health Workshops for children and work with Circus Scene

to provide and fund workshops to allow children to feel special, talented, brave and able. In addition, working with DrugFAM WIN organises workshops for secondary schools addressing drug and alcohol misuse.

WIN put Mental Health Wellbeing and Dementia Workshops into care homes also Early Years workshops to assist young children who suffered due to the pandemic.

Friendship Cafes are also supported.

It is not only local causes that WIN get involved with, the charity look to Wokingham and Beyond and are in discussion with groups to assist Ukrainian Refugees. A donation was given to Wokingham Borough Council for Ukraine.

The WIN team (all volunteers) are helping with many projects and causes in the local area it is impossible to mention them all but rest assured WIN will continue to assist anyone who is vulnerable and in need.

UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS

- Wokingham’s Got Talent - 29th July 2023 Peach Place 12 – 6 (courtesy of My Wokingham)

- Art Themen and Friends – The Whitty Theatre – 29th September 2023

Why not get involved? From volunteering to joining events contact us via website or social media. Financial help is always welcome via our donate button on Website/Facebook – cheques can be dropped off at Prospect Estate Agents in Wokingham.

Look forward to hearing from you. WOKINGHAM IN NEED – STRIVING TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

My Rock Gardens Inspired by Netflix Show

BY PHIL GEE

My Wokingham recently had a look at an unassuming property situated in Crowthorne, Berkshire. Its home to Jen Johnston and her family, but the property has also been listed as a film location rented out to TV, and media companies alike. The property in Edgcumbe Park has industry provenance, having been the setting for the original Fahrenheit 451 movie in the 1960s.

Jen says: “When we first bought the new home, we felt we had to make some changes. we’ve worked so hard to get the property where it is to attract productions here “. A talent scout viewed the property months before and Jen says: ”The house was chosen to portray an American-style bungalow in the episode. Jen, and her neighbours who allowed Netflix to install American-style postboxes in their gardens, watched the show together.

Jen tells me, “I was blocked by an NDA(Non-Disclosure-Agreement) for so long that I felt I would explode. “It was amazing to meet Salma Hayek, a huge A-list celebrity, she had an amazing presence and was very charismatic, I still can’t believe an A List celebrity would be in my house…!!! It took me a lot but I didn’t tell a single soul until I knew the show was going to be aired. Jen has hosted many productions at the property since having it listed as a film location but says the “Netflix crew were so professional and

had everything under control”. Jen says: “Before Netflix turned up I was not the best of gardeners and would try to grow different types of plants but they would quickly wither away”.

In Jen’s blog she recalls “to say they(Netflix Crew) left an impression on me is an understatement. We had thought about what we could do with the outside the front of the house for a while as it was looking quite sterile” When the Netflix crew dressed the garden with a rockery, Jen was amazed what was possible and says “our bungalow was booked for a one day shoot, with 2 days preparation to set up and dress the house and garden. The Gardeners arrived on Day 1 and emptied a tonne

of trees, shrubs, gravel and fake rocks onto the garden and literally worked their magic. In fact, what they did, in one day, made our jaws drop! Jen has now gained confidence deciding to construct her own rock gardens.

Jen says: “its all down to Netflix”.

“Joan is Awful” is the story of an average woman who is stunned to discover a global streaming platform has launched a prestige TV drama adaptation of her life, starring Hollywood A-lister Salma Hayek, alongside Annie Murphy, Michael Cera, Rob Delaney, Ben Barnes, and Himesh Patel. The episode’s directed by Ally Pankiw.” The show picked up by Netflix is hugely popular and in its sixth season.

Jen Johnston is a Professional Voice

Over Artist, a mother and a keen gardener. She says: “my job really suits my lifestyle and affords me time for my family and garden. We’re proud that our home has brought cool productions to our street and the estate. We have even started to call the place “Crollywood”.

“We’re proud that our home has brought cool productions to our street and the estate” We have even started to call the place “Crollywood”.

Black Mirror Season 6 was released on 15th June 2023 and is available to watch on Netflix.

Check Out Blog Posts Of Jens journey creating her Rock Gardens @ american_bungalow

summer we aim to find who is the most talented performer in Wokingham Borough.

The Wokingham’s Got Talent show will take place on Saturday 29th July 2023 between 12 noon and 6pm at Peach Place in Wokingham, Berkshire.

This is a great opportunity for participants to showcase their talent on a stage in front of a live audience. Entrants will be seen on social media, featured in the My Wokingham newspaper, show programme and online.

Winners will receive a cash prize and be featured in a full-page interview in the My Wokingham local newspaper. This is a superb

way to gain recognition for your talent and connect with a local audience.

Learn from your live performance on stage

Your performance will be reviewed by experienced judges and you will gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Participants receive constructive feedback from professionals, judges, and mentors. This feedback will help you improve your skills, identify areas for growth, and refine your future performance.

More at Or search Eventbrite (Wokingham’s Got Talent)

No one makes an ass of themselves at Donkey Derby

PHOTOS BY PAUL KING

The 1st Twyford Scouts Donkey Derby is one of the highlights in Twyford’s calendar and now in its 28th year, it co-insided with Father’s Day. To mark the occasion, there was the opportunity for visitors to name a donkey after their dad! It was also a week before Royal Ascot so visitors could get into the swing of betting on the races.

Scout group leader Tom Toy said: “It was a great day and proved very popular. There is a lot of preparation involved and although the weather forecast was poor it was actually better than expected. We were very pleased with how it went.”

The donkeys are brought in from the beaches at Weston-Super-Mare and are very used to giving rides. They are very well looked after with lots of

shade provided for their comfort.

With six donkeys to a race some of the names included Hoof Hearted, Chelsea Bun and Sweet Suzanne. Races were sponsored and named after their sponsors including the Wentworth Stakes after the estate agent and Might Muscle Donkey Dash after Fit20 training sessions.

The day, which saw between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors, is to raise funds for the Scouts as well as bringing the community together.

Aside from the donkey races, there was a wide range of stalls supporting local organisations, charities and businesses, beverages and homemade cakes from the refreshment tents, the scouts’ BBQ, Maidenhead Concert Band and all the fun of the travelling fair.

A day of Donkey derby racing in Twyford

Meet the Donkey derby jockeys 1 st Twyford Scout Group

All smiles at Twyford Donkey derby

Good Boy

Gee up Donkey

Donkey ride time

Donkey number 2 wins the race

DSCkraft work at Twyford derby

Record crowds gather for the 2023 Twyford Donkey derby

The area’s newest care business had their official opening recently.

Local residents Preeti Kale and Sachin Raut own Guardian Angel Carers Reading, where their team of incredible Care Angels provide outstanding home care with a family feel.

Wokingham Mayor Beth Rowland was invited down to their base in Woodley to cut the ribbon and officially declare them open. During the launch there were speeches detailing the journey the couple had been on to get them where they are today. And Mayor Rowland spoke about how important home care is today, especially having seen people struggle during Covid. And then she cut the cake and toasted the couple.

Preeti said how happy they were that the mayor had been able to join them for their official opening.

“Our aim is to provide the best quality of care to people in their own homes. We don’t want our carers to feel like outsiders, so we match them to our client’s personality and characteristics so they feel like part of the family.”

Preeti added that they have built an excellent team of people around them who share their values and reflect their caring ethos. “They are well-versed in our values and mission statement and

are fully trained, but the main priority is that they care for others.”

She added that with their own aging parents who increasingly need support, they have personal experience and hope that is reflected in the care that they offer others.

Formerly cabin crew with Emirates Airlines, Preeti became a stay-at-home mum looking after their twin boys aged six, before deciding to dedicate herself to the business, while Sachin splits his time between the business and work-

ing for the Ministry of Defence.

“We know we are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country, so we understand why people want to stay here. We can care for them where they are at their happiest, in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

“No matter what level of care you need, our team will be by your side.

Guardian Angels on your shoulder Doctor B’s bike show revs up a gear

From a chat over a cup of tea to our full live-in care service, we serve the community.”

GA Carers Reading is located at Unit 6, Parkside House, 15 Headley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JB.

For more information, call 0118 237 1900, email reading@gacarers.co.uk or visit www.gacarers.co.uk

Aschool in Wokingham got revved up recently when a custom and classic bike show returned.

Doctor B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show returned to Barnardo’s High Close School, organised by the Thames Valley branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

The event, which was free to attend as a spectator, raised funds for the school. There were classes including best under 250cc, best Brit, best B twin, best custom, best engineering, best paintwork, best Japanese, best oddball and best in show.

Having been running for 36 years, the event was founded by Ben Spiller, the man behind the Reading Toy Run which sees hundreds of bikers dress themselves and their machines in their finest Christmas decorations and ride from Reading to Wokingham to deliver presents to children.

The events are recognised as Mr Spiller’s ‘huge legacy’ after he sadly passed away two years ago.

Friend and fellow biker Den Mead, said Doctor B’s bike show was once

again a huge success and they are hoping to match last year’s fundraising total of around £1,800. “It was a fantastic day, if a little hot. We had about 200 bikes on the day from classics and scooters to modern and trikes.

“A lot of the public came in to see the bikes including a lot of families as well as bike enthusiasts. Participants come from all over the area with some from as far afield as Swindon and London, Basingstoke and even Wales.”

The money raised is put into a trust and helps pay for things at the Wokingham school with recent purchases including a kiln for their pottery classes, a sound system for the stage and they are currently installing a garden to provide a quiet place to go which requires some benches and planting.

Mr Mead added: “The bike show and the toy run are all about local people helping local people – it actually makes

you feel very proud when you see people coming together like this.”

High Close School in Wiltshire Road, Wokingham, is a weekly boarding residential and day special school catering for young people with a complex range of social, emotional and mental health needs.

Riding for Christian Motorcycles Association

Meet members of the Doctor B’s team

Bike covered in poppys

GREENFINGERS… the Alan Titchmarsh column

Think of our gardens in summer and you can probably come up with the same old things that make those outside spaces such pleasurable places to spend time in. There are flowers such as roses, lavender, foxgloves, delphiniums; there’s all that lush green grass that offers visual magnificence with an aroma that is as unique as it is unmistakable. Beyond that, there’s the beauty of climbing plants such as ivy, clematis and honeysuckle. And of course, the odd bat. Hang on, did I just say that?! Well I did, and it’s true. Bats in the summer in our gardens are common, albeit not the first thing you would immediately think of. And while you’re there, have a look for grass snakes, stag beetles, slow worms, glow-worms, foxes, and even rare amphibians such as the great crested newt. And what about the humble hedgehog, or the sparky sparrowhawk?

Few of these animals we would confidently associate with summer gardens, but they are there, they are present, and if we seek them out, they can truly enrich our admiration for this wonderful habitat and where life – beyond flowers and plants – is shown to flourish.

So while the summer months typically enable us to sit back, relax and enjoy the immediate visual beauty of our gardens, the truth is there is so much more going on behind the scenes. You’ll see all this if you delve a bit deeper into your outside space, and can attract the wonderful visitors – all

the while supporting local biodiversity – by ensuring you are planting native species, by providing water sources, as well as creating habitats like log piles or compost heaps.

The fact is, while we look on our gardens primarily as places that stimulate our senses so spectacularly, it’s worth remembering they are habitats for all manner of wonderful little creatures and critters, and we are all, at times, guilty of forgetting their existence.

Ah, but I hear you cry, won’t half of these things end up feasting away on my prized petunias, or my carefully curated cabbage patch? Well yes, in some cases they will, although there

are always measures you can take to protect your flowers and produce from unwanted nibbles.

The truth is, while your garden is the ultimate natural habitat, you do have a fair say on what is encouraged in and what isn’t. You’ll know your own ratio and the lengths you want to go to in order to make the space a living habitat for animals as much as for flowers and plants.

My recommendation this year is to give a bit more back to animal life –even if that means keeping the grass a bit longer than you usually would –because you’ll be surprised at just how much more your garden evolves.

Joe Wicks’ Elvis pancakes

He may be the king of ‘keep fit’, but Joe Wicks knows that the secret to success is to eat food that is both nutritious and delicious. You might assume pancakes would be a rare treat for anyone keeping to a fitness regime, but Joe’s are not only packed with protein and nutrients, they’re also very easy to make.

Ingredients (serves one)

l 4 rashers of streaky bacon (120g)

l 2 small ripe bananas

l 2 eggs

l 2 heaped tbsp peanut butter

l ½ tsp ground cinnamon

l Big pinch of baking powder

l Salt

l 10g butter

l Drizzle of maple syrup – optional

Method

1. Preheat your grill to max imum heat.

2. Lay the rashers of bacon on a baking tray lined with baking parch ment. Slide under the hot grill. Cook for

about 4 minutes on each side, or until done to your liking. I like my bacon crispy on the outside but still a little soft.

3. Meanwhile using a fork, mash the bananas in a bowl into a rough puree. Crack in the eggs, spoon in 1 tablespoon peanut butter, sprinkle in the cinnamon, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir. Pancake batter sorted.

4. Melt the butter in a large non-stick frying pan over a low to medium heat. Once bubbling, spoon the batter into the pan to make 4–6 pancakes. Fry the pancakes without moving them for 3 minutes on the first side, or until the batter has set, then flip and fry the pancakes for a further minute on the second

While the pancakes are gently frying, mix the remaining peanut butter with ½ tablespoon water in a small bowl. This will loosen it, making it easier to drizzle on the pancakes.

6. Pile the banana pancakes onto a plate. Top with the bacon, drizzle over the peanut butter along with a little maple syrup, if you like. Gobble down, Elvis-style.

Hurst Show

This year’s Hurst Show and Country Fayre was a real scorcher with top temperatures as well as top entertainment and stalls.

Following last year’s Guinness World Records (GWR) hobbyhorse record attempt, the show, over 40 years old, staged a local records rebellion on June 24th and 25th.

There was a large turnout of hobbyhorse fans for last year’s attempt, but GWR refused to recognise it. So this year the show rebelled against that decision by staging its own record-making events, sponsored, fittingly, by Rebellion Beer of Marlow.

The challenges included hobbyhorse jumping and scoring football penalties. You could hook plastic ducks and guess the identity of a crushed car. You could also vote for your favourite classic vehicle, name a cuddly dog soft toy, post a selfie with a committee member, and estimate the number of bottle caps in a jar at the bar with prizes for each competition.

By collecting stamps for the attempts children could claim a small prize and adults were entered into a prize draw to win a Rebellion Beer membership and a brewery tour.

All the usual Hurst Show favourite attractions were back with arena events

including hobbyhorse jumping and a fun dog show, children’s activities and bouncy castle, craft stalls, classic vehicle show, live music, a tea and cake tent, bar and BBQ.

The Hurst Show is a very special non-commercial event, with all profits raised going to local causes including Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, Just Around the Corner (JAC), and Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs, as well as Hurst organisations such as St Nicholas Primary School, PreSchool, St. Nicholas Church, 1st Hurst Air Scouts, and Hurst Guides.

Helen Duncombe and Elaine Timmins were manning the Alexander Devine Hospice stand. Elaine said: “We have had a great turnout and everyone locally is very supportive of us as we are very visible in the village so they make a beeline for our stall.”

Hurst Bowling Club were also in at-

tendance, trying the raise funds for the club. After a storm destroyed their toilet block last year it has been rebuilt and Linda Bowes said far from making the rest of the building look tired, the new block is making it look ‘exhausted’.

She added that the club is over 100 years old with its youngest member aged 11 and its oldest in their 80s –and that they would welcome new members.

The My Wokingham team also visited Carlo Crescenzo at the Artisan Loaf Maker stand who are based in Winnersh and purchased some delicious olive sourdough for lunch.

Vikki Randles, head of the marketing team, said they were delighted with the weekend. “We weren’t sure how the hot weather would affect numbers, but it meant there was a steady stream of visitors all day and it felt very relaxed.”

The event changed locations three

years ago, meaning it extends across three sites in the village but feedback from visitors has been very positive. “We have to get roads closed and marshall the sites to make everything safe but it makes for a really nice feeling throughout the village.”

This means a lot of work for organisers, and she said they were only just starting to feel human again by about Wednesday. “We start planning in January and it is a lot of work for the core committee of about 20 people, but we could not do it without our extra volunteers so a big thank you goes out to everyone involved.”

The show has been running now for more than 40 years and Vikki added: “We try to make it non-commercial so everyone can just have fun and raise money for our chosen charities. It really is all about bringing the village and the wider community together.”

Books to get stuck into this July

Happy Cooking: Easy Uplifting Meals and Comforting Treats by Candice Brown (July 1)

“The kitchen has always been my happy place - it’s the only place I feel completely at ease,” explains The Great British Bake Off champ Candice Brown on her delectable new cookbook. Including everyday favourites such as chicken nuggets, cinnamon pastry twists and brown butter macaroni cheese along with ‘therapy’ recipes which use the meditative qualities of baking and cooking to ease an anxious mind, this is the kind of cookbook you’ll return to again and again when you’re craving comfort.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (July 8)

Having worked for almost a decade as Senior Vice President and Head of Drama Series at HBO – developing and overseeing such shows as The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and The Wire – it should come as no surprise that Miranda Cowley Heller’s debut novel is an impressive work of captivating storytelling.

Set over 24 hours and across 50 years, The Paper Palace is as elegant and intoxicating as the scorching August day in Cape Cod on which it is set.

Rabbit Hole by Mark Billingham (July 8)

From The Sunday Times bestselling author of the Tom Thorne crime series

comes this complex and compelling new thriller, set in the sinister corridors and wards of a psychiatric hospital where there is a killer on the loose. For DC Alice Armitage, a methodical and tireless game of cat and mouse begins as she races to find the truth from within the wards, for she herself is a patient.

Relentless: Secrets of the Sporting Elite by Alistair Brownlee (July 8)

Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or are simply a devoted sports fan,

Hidden Message Wordsearch

double Olympic champion and one half of Britain’s finest triathlon duo, Alistair Brownlee’s ambitious new book seeks to answer one of sport’s greatest questions: what does take it take to become a champion? From Ian Poulter to Ian Botham, this is an extensive and thorough exploration of an athletes’ inner workings.

The Lock In by Phoebe Luckhurst (July 22)

Whilst nursing the hangover from hell, Ellen stumbles downstairs to discover the kitchen slowly filling with water. Panic quickly sets in, and the three flatmates find themselves in the attic desperately attempting to switch off the water supply. But when Ben, Alexa’s Hinge date from the night before, walks in, the door slams, the handle breaks, and all four of them are trapped…

Once you find all the words. Copy the unused letters starting in the top left corner into the blanks to reveal the hidden message. Write

here:

Whether you fancy a modern romance or a fast-paced thriller, a study of sport or a delicious cake recipe, July’s book releases have you covered.

For the love of dogs

Canine behaviour, training and wellness centre Dog Trouble recently staged an open day with dog show in a bid to showcase the work that they do supporting dogs and their owners to develop a healthy relationship and good behaviour. My Wokingham’s Jacky Hayler spoke to Jo about her love of dogs, her method of training and her life in Wokingham.

Dog Trouble was created by dog behaviourist, Jo Cottrell, with the ultimate goal of not only rehabilitating rescue dogs to provide them with a second chance in life, but also to educate dog owners and people working with dogs about dog behaviour.

Jo set up Dog Trouble in 2010 in a bid to support the number of rescue dogs who spent a long time in centres. “I had a real passion for the dogs who could not find their forever homes. I wanted to help the ‘long stayers’ by offering a little bit of training to the staff to educate them about dog behaviour, health and nutrition.”

The majority of the time, said Jo, it is about training the owners rather than the dogs. “It’s all about giving them the right direction, they don’t purposely not want well-trained dogs, they simply don’t understand what to do. We are brainwashed to use positive reward-based training with treats but many dogs won’t respond to treat training and this leaves owners feeling inadequate.”

Jo follows the natural instinctual principles that have governed dog behaviour for many years. She is certified in Canine Psychology. She also has a BA Hons degree and is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. She brings a wealth of knowledge combining her interest and experience in the use of holistic health, canine Zoopharmacognosy and dog nutrition to support her work in rehabilitating dogs with behaviour issues.

Jo is exceptional in the way she connects with a dog, focusing on healing their mind, body and spirit. Her extensive knowledge of dog health, nutrition and behaviour enables her to treat a dog as a whole, ensuring the root cause of their behaviour is addressed to ensure long term balance as opposed to a ‘quick fix!’. Jo teaches dog owners how to listen and connect with their dog by observing their body language and feeling their energy. Through that connection dog owners learn how to build the respect and trust between them and their dog and the tools and understanding that enable them to achieve balance. Whether working with dog owners, trainers, vets or rescue organisations, Jo’s calm, positive energy empowers people to believe in themselves, think ‘outside the box’ and connect with their dog in order to achieve success.

She likened dog training to raising a child where they need boundaries, but she also added people these days

treat their dogs more like human beings. “People over love their dogs and think correcting them is cruel. They need boundaries and rules. If we are constantly negotiating with them, you end up not developing their respect and trust. Owners are led to believe they constantly have to treat their dogs.

“It’s all about developing a balanced relationship, teaching them the behaviour you want and correcting the behaviour you don’t want in a calm yet assertive manner.”

Jo said she seen a lot more dogs since Covid who are anxious, neurotic or aggressive or suffering from separation anxiety, a consequence of being unable to socialise them.

While a dog trainer attempts to get the dog to walk, sit and stay, a behaviourist looks at the overall picture to understand their behaviour, balancing the dog’s mindset, emotional state, environment, health, nutrition and owner interaction.

And at the open day, Jo and her team showcased how they rehabilitate dogs.

“When a dog comes to us to be rehomed, we look at the fundamentals - we do blood tests, put them on a raw food diet and develop their respect and trust.

“We try and match the owner to the dog by inviting them to work with us, do house visits and overnight stays. By sup-

porting people we get the right fit for the owner and the dog and achieve a high success rate. For many rescue centres a lot of dogs bounce back because they were matched in the wrong way.”

Jo grew up on the farm surrounded by dogs. Raised in Wokingham she attended Luckley-Oakfield School and volunteered at the Diana Brimblecombe Centre.

“I love living here and love Wokingham town centre, but I think it’s sad there has been so much development. We seem to be the last bit of countryside left.”

Constantly running workshops and one-to-one training sessions, Jo’s skills are in high demand and she admitted she would like a year off to write a book and just be with her dogs. She usually has around 15 dogs at any one time including long-term foster dogs and those looking for new homes.

“Sometimes I feel like a therapist and marriage guidance counsellor. You have to learn how to protect yourself from being affected by the negative energy. Sometimes it takes its toll, but I love being in my bubble, surrounded by my animals. They are my therapy.”

What Dog Trouble offers

Dog Trouble offers a range of workshops and clinics throughout the year. Topics include dog basics, fear and anx-

iety workshops, dog aggression workshops, junior pack leader workshops and dog walker workshops. Clinics are available on topics including raw feeding, essential oils, canine first aid and canine massage. Bespoke workshops can be arranged for groups of family, friends, or rescue volunteers.

Their dog behaviour consultations are an opportunity for owners and potential owners to learn how to achieve a calm and balanced life with your dog and iron out any issues that may be driving you mad.

They pride themselves on rehabilitating dogs with extreme behaviour issues where other professionals have not been successful - so whatever issues your dog has they can help.

Boot Camp is for those dogs that require a more intensive residential programme away from their home environment in order to learn how to be a dog again and become balanced. Dogs exhibiting dog aggression issues really benefit from this programme as they are integrated with a pack of balanced sociable dogs.

Board and Train is for those puppies/ dogs that require basic training or a ‘top up’ to get them back on track in order to learn how to become a balanced dog.

Dog Trouble offers two paddocks to securely exercise your dog, off-lead. The enclosed paddocks are a great way for individuals to practice some dog agility and/or to allow your dog off leash in an enclosed environment, providing them with both mental and physical exercise.

Socialisation club is led by their assistant dog behaviourist and is to help owners gain confidence from walking together in a pack and to help socialise their dogs. They know that a lot of dogs missed out on socialisation time due to Covid and this has led to some dogs having behaviour issues.

Puppy courses are designed to help the handler learn the skills and techniques required in achieving balance with their dog, in addition to building a dog’s social skills with other dogs in a safe, positive environment.

First in show dog winner with owner of Dog Trouble Foundation founder Jo Cottrell

See how this dog jumps over bales of hay at the dog show Wokingham

Sescond best dog in show

What’s on

8th July: Wokingham Pride is taking place at Wokingham Town Hall at 11.30am then at 12 noon the festivities start with a family friendly picnic.

12th July: Storytime at The Mill at Sonning. Enjoy a magical experience as pre-school children are treated to a story and singing in the theatre, followed by dressing up and colouring in activities in the Waterwheel Bar. The theme is Where’s My Teddy. The Waterwheel Bar is open for parents and grandparents to enjoy coffee. Also July 19th, 26th and August 2nd. www.millatsonning.com

13th July: Dinton Pastures Country Park, Davis St, Hurst, Wokingham

A friendly series of 5k/10k events, now in its 11th year, welcoming runners of ALL abilities. The course is a lovely off-road, traffic-free route around Dinton Pastures Country Park. The Summer Series presents you with the chance to run at Dinton on Thursday 13th July (7.30pm) and Thursday 10th August (7pm). It costs £21 to take part in the 5km race and £23 for the 10km race. If you want to sign up for all four events, it is £76 for the 5km series and £84 for the 10km series.

15th July: Sunny Saturdays Light musical entertainment featuring lo-

cal performers. Lunchtime at Peach Place. Free.

15th July: Lion’s ‘Auction of Promises’. 7:15pm at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road For more details,includingalistofthe‘Promises’,visitwww. wokinghamlions.org.uk/forthcoming-events and to book a place visit tinyurl.com/wokypromises23

16th July: McMichael Radio & Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale. Entrance fees have been kept to last year’s rates of £3 per person and £10 per table for Traders. General Enquiries: Traders: For more information, email rally@radarc.org or traders@radarc.org, call Colin Ashley on 07706 512505 or visit www.mcmichaelrally.org.uk/

16th July: The Mill at Sonning presents Rave On, the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation. Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Prepare to be enthralled with an evening of back-to-back hits, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging and plenty. www.millatsonning.com

18th July: Heritage walk - 10.30am to 12 noon. Find out some fascinating information about Wokingham and its

history on a Heritage Walk, run by the Wokingham Society. The walk starts at the bottom entrance to the old Wokingham Library on Langborough Road. Places must be booked.

20th July: Book Chat - Are you looking for recommendations for your summer holiday reading? Come and find out what’s new in the world of books and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at Wokingham library. No need to book, just drop-in. To book for events where appropriate visit the events pages at www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries

20th to 29th July: Shakespeare In Love, Wokingham Theatre - London, 16th century. A young Will Shakespeare as he struggles to find his inspiration. Enter the feisty, aristocratic Viola de Lesseps, who longs to be an actor. The relationship they forge serves as inspiration for Will’s greatest play – Romeo and Juliet. A delightfully crowd-pleasing, deeply romantic, and highly adventurous tale of love and drama in Renaissance-era England, complete with live music! 7.45pm. Tickets £15. Wokingham Theatre is at Twyford Road, Wokingham, RG40 5TU. Call 0118 989 0395 or visit www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

26th July: Maiden Erlegh Lake, Earley. Join experienced members of Reading FC Community Trust at their summer holiday six-week fishing programme. 10am to 3pm.

To book a free session email Mark Edwards at Medwards@readingfc. co.uk

5th August: Green Fair, Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve from 10am to 3pm.

The aim is to promote a greater understanding about the environment and associated issues.

5th August: Theatre in the Park - Title by xxx Theatre productions. Bring something to sit on and enjoy the show in Elms Field. Free of charge.

7th August: Holme Grange Craft Village circus skills workshop with

Scotty’s. One hour workshop teaching skills including plate spinning, diabolos, fun wheels and stilts. £6 per person. 1pm to 2pm and 2pm to 3pm. Booking required, suitable for ages four and up. Children’s BBQ and stalls to enjoy. www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk

20th August: Chalk About It - Arts based project aiming to destigmatise talking about mental health. Join in with an artist led collaborative chalk drawing on the Market Place or create your own masterpiece.

Summer Reading Challenge for Children

Children aged four to 11 can take part in a Summer Reading Challenge, which this year is themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.

Launching on Monday 3rd July, young readers will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer break. Children can navigate a fictional obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives, including stickers and a certificate when they have read six books.

Children can register by visiting their nearest library, or by signing up online.

Teen Reading Challenge

Can you read six books before the end of the summer? Pick up a Teenage Reading Challenge bookmark from your local library and work your way through the tasks for a chance to be entered into a prize draw. Email us when you have completed the challenge and let us know which books you have read. Please include your name and library card number before Friday 1st September to be eligible.

Arborfield Library volunteer

Some of Wokingham’s libraries are supported by the local community, meaning that volunteers are needed to support customers and deliver services. This role would require volunteers to unpack deliveries, process stock, shelve books and tidy. Volunteers work in teams and are expected to provide friendly customer service on site. This role is a great way to engage with the local community. Arborfield Library is open on a Monday and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm weekly. Volunteers are required to commit to a certain number of hours at this site per month. This role is flexible with volunteers able to volunteer on site weekly or monthly on one or both days. There will always be more than one volunteer on site to ensure you are supported. All applications must be at least 21 to apply for this role. For more information contact volunteer@wokingham.gov.uk

A summer body… for life!

As a coach, this time of year is often an emotional rollercoaster for clients. Summer is approaching and the need to feel confident on holiday or at a big event means many people feel pressured to resort to drastic measures.

So what advice can I offer to those looking to drop body fat? The same advice I give long term:

1. Be realistic. The more weight you have to lose, the longer this is going to take. Set a REALISTIC goal, setting the bar too high and calories too low will almost always lead to failure.

2. Don’t hammer the cardio. Yes, movement plays a role in fat loss but tackling your diet and addressing portion sizes will have a far better effect, especially if you only have a short timeframe. I suggest increasing your step count as the first step with exercise.

3. Think consistency over intensity. How many of us have started a new

The

About Aldine

diet or fitness routine only for it to last a few days. Incorporating habits like making lunches for work, low calorie snack choices and getting your daily step count higher mean you’ll have far more success.

And remember, yes it’s understandable to have a short term goal for the “perfect” beach body but wouldn’t it

fast fi x

Towards the end of 2022 it was clear something was going on among American celebrities… namely there was becoming less of them!

From reality star Kim Kardashian to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the sudden weight loss was profound and rather astonishing. What was more surprising however, was how they were rumoured to have ditched the flab: using Ozempic, a brand of semaglutide drug that is more commonly prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes.

The drug, available under the name Wegovy in the UK, functions by overruling the body’s own appetite-regulating system in the brain, leading to reduced hunger and calorie intake, with experts saying it can achieve what was previously only possible through weight-loss surgery.

Now this miraculous drug – patients inject themselves once a week with pens pre-filled with semaglutide – has been approved for use in the UK as a weight loss therapy on the NHS. The qualifying criteria is currently a BMI of at least 35 and other co-morbidities such as heart disease or diabetes.

In the UK, obesity is a real problem thought to cost the NHS around £6billion each year. So, a drug that can yield such impressive results can be very tempting for those of us who need to lose mass for the sake of our health. Yet is it really the magic bullet it appears to be?

While these jabs can be effective in helping to jumpstart weight loss and improve metabolism, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Injections alone will not provide long-term weight loss or im-

proved overall health.

Additionally, these types of drugs may have side effects, and they may not be safe for everyone - gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting were some of the side effects noted during trials.

There is also the fact that the benefits of exercise go beyond just weight loss. Effective exercise helps to burn calories, improve cardiovascular

be great to have this confidence every day and not be in a panicked rush each year?

Make your fitness and nutrition a priority by establishing habits that work for you and you’ll feel great in body and mind all year round. And remember, slow and steady beats a quick fix every time!

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

health, build muscle mass, and boost metabolism. Just as importantly, it provides mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mood, and helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Another factor worth considering is how long patients can stay on a medication that works by suppressing appetite by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is

released after eating, making people feel full, so they eat less.

The NHS have stated that the treatment will last no longer than two years, meaning that there is a possibility the weight might be put back on as soon the recipient comes off the drug and their appetite returns to normal.

In other words, these ‘game-changing’ drugs can make a significant difference to the life of someone whose weight gain and possible other chronic illnesses have become so unmanageable that healthy eating and exercise are no longer effective solutions alone. Providing the individual is comfortable administering injections to themselves and assuming the side effects aren’t too severe, the treatment could be just what’s needed to get them back on a path of healthier habits.

For the rest of us however, Kim Kardashian included, it’s probably better to stick to the more time-tested routes to a slimmer figure.

So, if you want to get beach-body ready this summer, head to the gym, not your local GP.

Dating in retirement

Relationships have changed over the years. When we were younger, we almost had a blueprint for how our lives were meant to be.

Go to school, go to college or university, get a job, meet someone of your dreams, get married, have children, and live happily ever after.

No one ever told us or warned us if life did not go as planned.

Now there are so many choices that it can bring greater confusion.

If you are retired and single, and that was in your life blueprint, it can almost make you second guess yourself and who you are.

Well, I am here to tell you whatever rules we were given when younger can be ripped up and there is nothing wrong with you!

We came to the planet on our own and we will leave the planet on our own. So many people live their lives through other people that they can lose who they truly are.

When you are single, you can build the best relationship you will ever have and that is with yourself.

Dating in retirement can be a fulfilling and an enjoyable experience without the pressure of when younger deciding if you want to create children together. Here are some tips for dating in retirement.

• Take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. This will increase your confidence when dating.

• Know what you want. Are you looking for a long-term commitment, companionship or someone to share activities with?

• Explore dating opportunities. There

are plenty of apps and groups that bring people together. Meetup. com, Eventbrite.

• Be open-minded: Remember that dating at any age can come with its share of challenges and surprises. Keep an open mind, be patient, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t find the right person immediately. Building a connection takes time and effort.

• Stay safe and take things slow. Take precautions when meeting someone new, such as meeting in a public place and letting a friend or family member know about your plans. Trust your instincts and be cautious when sharing personal information.

Remember, dating at any age should be a positive and enjoyable experience. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends or family if needed.

Jacquie

About Jacquie Case

Matchmaker / Dating & Relationship Coach

With a combination of training, knowledge, science and skill I help people find and maintain healthy relationships. Why do love on your own when you can have some help.

My Certificates

Professional Matchmaker Relationship Psychology

Relationship Counselling Master NLP Practitioner

Integral Eye Movement Practitioner

Mental Health First Aider

Rapid Solution Therapist

Inner Child Healing

CBT Practitioner

The rise and rise of women’s football

In recent times, women’s football has cemented its reputation as one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, but its history goes back much further than you might expect.

On an unusually warm, yet rainy Boxing Day in 1920, the famous Preston side of legendary coach Dick Kerr beat St Helens Ladies 4-0 in front of 53,000 spectators at Everton’s Goodison Park, with thousands more locked outside.

Whilst not the first recorded women’s game, it was a match that showed just how popular this alternative version of the game had become, and offered a marker to its future popularity.

Yet the Football Asso ciation wasn’t a supporter of the game, and ladies’ matches were soon banned from club grounds. The FA said football was “quite unsuitable for females”, and such a position would stick un til the 1970s approached as the Women’s Football Association, formed in 1969, began a long road to attempting to restore parity.

Southampton beat Stewarton and Thistle 4-1 in the first Women’s FA Cup Final in 1971, and a year later, the first women’s international was played in Greenock, as England saw off Scotland 3-2. In 1984, England reached the inaugural European final, losing 4-3 on penalties to Sweden.

The year 1991 saw the national league of the WFA commence, and in 1993 the Women’s FA Challenge Cup was established, as the WFA

was brought under control of the sport’s governing body, with the FA Women’s Premier League coming 12 months after.

When Hope Powell was appointed coach of the England women’s international sides in 1998, it made her the first full-time employee in such a role, and signified the beginning of the women’s game establishing its rank within the sport.

Such growth was happening on a global scale, with the 1999 World Cup in America showcasing sold-out stadiums and a 90,000-capacity crowd in Pasadena to see the hosts lift the title.

The 2005 Euros were played in England, with the Lionesses eliminated in the group stage, but the audiences were still growing.

Just over 115,000 fans flocked to the

15 matches played and 2.9m watched the opening game on BBC TV. Two years later proof arrived that strides had really been made in the English game as its most successful club, Arsenal, won the biggest prize – the UEFA Women’s Cup.

Everton ended the Gunners’ Ladies run of more than 50 games unbeaten when they won the League Cup Final in 2008, although Arsenal regained composure to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title and the Women’s FA Cup. The following year they won all three trophies.

Team GB reached the last eight at the London 2012 Olympics, losing to Canada, and in 2013 Hope Powell left her role as head coach after 15 years and 162 matches. That same year, the FA, Sport England, The Premier League and the Football League Trust launched their first joint national par-

ticipation programme for girls’ football.

England Women then made history by playing their first match at the new Wembley in 2014, with over 45,000 in attendance against Germany, which warmed them up for a third-place finish at the Women’s World Cup, the following summer.

The Lionesses reached the same stage of the Euros in 2017, and at the 2019 World Cup, losing to eventual champions the United States.

The Women’s FA Cup Final in 2019 also set a record for attendance with 43,264 present for Manchester City’s 3-0 win over West Ham.

The 2022 Euros win is just the latest chapter in the phenomenal rise of the women’s game in England, with the success permeating through to grassroots level, with over 3.5million female footballers, of all ages, now regularly playing the game.

The Outside Edge

This month’s cricket review from our local teams

REPORT AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS COOK

Wokingham CC 1st XI - The month started well with a 38-run victory over Wargrave. However, consecutive losses to Aston Rowant by 78 runs and a home defeat to Datchet by 71 runs, followed by an away draw against Finchampstead, saw Wokingham drop to 5th in the league.

The midweek team had wins over Reading by 5 wickets and Eversley by 88 runs, and a loss to Binfield by 41 runs. However, they secured a semi-final victory in the knockout cup over Reading by 67 runs.

Finchampstead CC 1st XI started with a defeat at Henley by 7 wickets but remained undefeated for the rest of the month with draws against Slough, Harefield, and Wokingham. Finch still sits at the bottom of the league, trailing by 4 points.

The midweek team won away at Eversley by 5 wickets but suffered a defeat away at Crowthorne by 8 wickets and a home loss to Reading by 7 runs.

Binfield CC 1st XI had a good month with home wins over Hurst by 65 runs, Harpsden by 5 wickets, and Finchampstead by 4 wickets but lost away at Reading by 7 wickets. Binfield holds 3rd place in the league.

The midweek team had a great month with wins over Eversley by 6 wickets, Wokingham by 41 runs, and Crowthorne by 8 wickets but were beaten by Bracknell by 41 runs.

Woodley CC 1st XI had a mixed month with wins away at Farley Hill by 131 runs and Mortimer West End by 5 wickets, but suffered losses at home to Reading by 3 wickets and Twyford by 4 wickets, leaving them fourth in the league.

Emmbrook and Bearwood CC 1st XI started the month with a 9-wicket home win over Great Kingshill. However, a defeat at Penn & Tylers Green

by 3 wickets saw them drop to second place in the league, with Penn taking over the top spot. They managed to secure home wins over West Reading by 69 runs and a 10-wicket victory over Ley Hill, keeping Emmbrook in second spot by only one point behind Penn & Tylers Green.

The midweek team had wins at Pinkneys Green by 3 wickets, Wokingham by 7 wickets, and Royal Ascot by 9 wickets but lost to Farley Hill by 12 runs and again by 7 runs.

Earley CC 1st XI had a good month with wins over West Reading by 199 runs, Silchester by 7 wickets, and Wel-

ford Park by 139 runs, only losing to Waltham St Lawrence by two wickets. Earley holds fourth place in the league, only 13 points behind the top spot.

The midweek team won their quarter-final with Woodcote by 2 runs in the BCL T20 Cup and secured a 99run win over Reading Dynamites in the league. They also beat Stratfield Turgis by 4 runs in the semi-final, setting up a final match against Peppard Stoke Row.

Hurst CC 1st XI started with a loss at Binfield by 65 runs, followed by a draw at home against Sonning. An away win at Sulhamstead & Ufton by 7 wickets was the only highlight, but another defeat at Burnham by 7 wickets left Hurst at the bottom of the league, trailing by 15 points

Farley Hall Horse Trials

The Farley Hall Horse Trials is a British Eventing affiliated competition. The event runs at BE100, Novice and Intermediate levels. Novice and Intermediate are national qualifying levels where horses can win points and qualify for national championships. They also qualify to compete internationally by entering this level. The show sees entrants from amateur one-horse riders to multi-horse owners and international/Olympic riders looking to qualify their horses or gain experience.

On Sunday 25th June 2023 hundreds of horses passed through gates in the warm sunshine, to show their great skills off to the large crowds. It was a first-class show. The next major event in Swallowfield will be the Swallowfield Show on 27th & 28th August 2023.

Pétanque

Pétanque is a sport that falls into the category of boules sports, along with raffa, bocce, boulelyonnaise, lawn bowls, and crown green bowling. Rising in popularity, the number of clubs throughout the country and the membership has been rising steadily. One such club is based in Arborfield and My Wokingham found out more.

How many members are there in the Petanque club?

We have 14 registered playing members. There are a number of non-registered people who turn up on Friday club nights for a game weather permitting.

What is the appeal/how does it differ from bowls?

The difference between boules and bowls is we can play on any surface except grass, you can have your balls in the car and set up a game on any spare bit of ground.

It is scored the same as bowls but where they throw alternately, we would keep throwing until you beat the oppositions ball or you’re out of balls. People with disabilities can play even if you can’t bend down to pick your balls up

like myself. I use a small magnet on a string as the balls are made of metal. Is it a very sociable club?

We are a very sociable club. We meet up on Friday nights for club nights and everybody is welcome. We play league games on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings, and we are the only club that provides food after the games. We also meet at the nearest place to where we are playing on Sundays for breakfast.

Is it for beginners as well as more experienced players?

Anybody can play, obviously there are players better than others but it’s all about practice and how far you want to go. We have club nights for anyone to come along and have a go. Our members are at all different levels and the more experienced are only too happy to help and teach.

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What is the hardest part of the game?

The hardest part is having to play league matches when it’s pouring down, good waterproofs essential.

Is it easy to learn?

The game is very simple to pick up - the more you play the better your tactics get.

Going back to 2. this is another appeal it is mainly a team sport doubles/ triples I.e the shot thrown is a decision made by the team you’re in.

Is it an all-year-round activity?

There are competitions all year round, you have the league season, triples, and doubles , one-day competitions and all clubs have their open days.

Do you play in a league/matches?

There is a midweek Tuesday league. To play in the midweek league you must

have a Petanque England Licence. To play Sunday league you don’t have to have a licence this was introduced for people to try before they buy.

The clubs that play in the Thames Valley league are at Arborfield, Bourn End, Marlow, Little Marlow and Wallingford.

At the end of the season there is a dinner and dance presentation night.

How can people interested find out more/join?

To find out more, visit www.tvpetanque.co.uk or www.petanque-england.uk

Hurst Football Club hosts a great Party in the Park

Crowds gathered at Hurst Football Club at the weekend for the return of Party in the Park 2023.

The event, in the same format as in previous years, was in a new location at the Hinton Road football ground. There were live bands and a superstar DJ as well as gin, prosecco and ales bars.

Visitors were encouraged to set up gazebos as well as tables and chairs to enjoy their barbecues at. The event was to support Hurst Football Club Youth.

Bottle Kids and Tastes Like Music were two of the acts that performed. Comments included “thanks for such a brilliant night” and “thank you so much to everyone who organised it. Great to have such a wonderful event in Hurst”.

Hurst Football Club is first recorded as competing in the Wargrave and District League in 1908 and was a founder member of the Reading & District League in 1928.

The Youth Football Club was started in 2004 and they have teams in almost

every age group that play in the Berkshire Youth Development League and the East Berks Football Alliance.

In 2008 the club achieved FA Charter Standard, which sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people. It is a clear sign of the on-going commitment of everyone involved in the club’s development.

And their ethos: “Whilst football is our passion, Hurst FC is more than just a club, it’s a community.”

Happy to be partying in the Park at Hurst again

Its nice to see Hurst Party in park back again

Crowds gather around the main stage

Having a good time

Drinks for everyone