Wokingham Today, May 18, 2023

Leader steps down to concentrate on MP bid

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s leader is to step down to allow him to focus on the forthcoming general election.

Cllr Clive Jones is the Liberal Democrats’ candidate for the new Wokingham parliamentary seat, and the election is expected to be in the autumn of 2024 – it can be held no later than January 2025.

In order to help him concentrate on stating his case, Cllr Jones says he will hand over the leadership of the borough council to his deputy, Cllr Stephen Conway.

Cllr Prue Bray, a former leader of the Lib Dem group when it was in opposition, is to be the party’s deputy.

The changes are expected to be voted on at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council to be held this evening (Thursday).

In the recent local elections, the Lib Dems became the largest party, winning an additional three seats. With 26 seats, they are one short from a working majority, when the mayor’s casting vote is taken into account.

The Conservatives slipped to 22 seats, and Labour group gained two to become five councillors.

Announcing his decision to the DJ on BBC Radio Berkshire’s breakfast show, Cllr Jones said: “I have been the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate since March last year.

“In May last year, I became the leader, so I was doing both of those roles together.

“Now I want to concentrate on being the parliamentary candidate because in the local elections, people were telling me they were pleased with what we were doing as a council and they really wanted a Liberal Democrat MP in Wokingham.”

He said Wokingham needed “real change”, and the party had delivered that by running the council over the past 12 months.

“We need a strong local MP who is going to stand up for the NHS, say we do have a problem with not enough doctors, not enough dentists and nurses, unlike John Redwood who said there isn’t a problem.”

At the same meeting, councillors will be asked to vote on a mayor to succeed Cllr Caroline Smith.

Film body’s £600k job boost for Shinfield

Berkshire skills cluster will help create ways in to movie game

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

THE BRITISH Film Institute (BFI) has awarded £600,000 to a Berkshire ‘Skills Cluster’ to help train emerging film and TV production crew and make the industry more accessible.

Shinfield Studios, the University of Reading and Slough-based Resource Productions CIC make up the collective, which led to their successful bid for funding.

The backing will cover the next three years and is part of a wider industry initiative to support skills training and development across the UK as film and TV

production faces an acute skills shortage.

The scheme aims to create new opportunities for those making their first forays into the workforce, such as talent from underrepresented backgrounds, individuals upskilling and over 50s jobseekers returning to work.

Dominique Unsworth MBE, CEO of Resource Productions CIC said: “After more than two decades organically diversifying the talent supply chain from our not-for-profit in Slough, we are really excited to bring this skills investment into Berkshire. n Continued on page 7

Members of Wokingham Horticultural Association gathered at its Ormonde Road base on Saturday for a bring and buy plant sale, offering the chance to buy seedlings of plants, vegetables and shrubs. And, as you can see, they had a large turnout Picture: Steve

WE COVER WOKINGHAM BOROUGH

RSPCA lead red kite rescue as bird gets stuck in netting

A BIRD of prey was rescued by the RSPCA after it became entangled in sports netting.

The red kite was stuck in the garden of a Wokingham home on Thursday, May 11, before it was eventually released and flew back to its nest.

RSPCA inspector Jo Bowling was called to the incident to assist after the bird got further wrapped in the netting after moving around in an attempt to free itself.

She said: “As soon as it was free it flew back up the tree where it was nesting with its partner.

“Luckily the netting was wrapped around its body and not cutting into its wings, so it was able to fly free.

“We often get called out to foxes trapped in netting and once an owl, but rarely a red kite.

“It just goes to show all

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wildlife is at risk of getting caught in them. Unused football and cricket nets are a nightmare hazard for wildlife especially this time of year.

“This bird had a lucky escape. Very sadly many animals trapped in nets suffer fatal injuries, often as a result of struggling to get free.

She added that the best way to prevent this from happening is to remove sports nets after use and to store them away safely.

Ms Bowling said: “It only takes a few minutes and yet it could save an animal from suffering a horrible death.

“Where netting can’t be removed, such as pond or fruit netting, we recommend replacing them with solid metal mesh.”

Last year, the animal welfare charity took almost 1,800 calls relating to animals entangled in netting.

Bohunt school announces new headteacher from September

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM school has announced the appointment of a new headteacher for the start of the next academic year.

Jen Comber, who has worked as interim headteacher at City Academy Norwich and as deputy headteacher at The Costello School for six years, will take the reins at Bohunt School Wokingham.

Described as a ‘highly experienced educational leader’, Ms Comber (pictured) gained her MA in Education and National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership.

She replaces Ben Godber, who had been headteacher since the school’s opening in 2016, but decided to step down for family reasons.

Of her appointment, Ms Comber said: “It is an honour to be joining

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the brilliant team at Bohunt Wokingham.

“The post represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for me, given the school’s excellent reputation and energy.

“I have every intention to continue and build on the current high expectations for the school, and I am looking forward to working closely with staff, students, parents and carers and the whole Wokingham community, to ensure that Bohunt Wokingham continues to provide the best possible education for every student, working as part of Bohunt Education Trust.”

Ms Comber starts in September and will work closely with the school’s leadership team and board of governors, as well as with senior leaders at Bohunt Educational Trust and its trustees.

The trust sponsors eight schools across Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Mr Godber said:

“Leading Bohunt Wokingham for the last seven years has been a huge pleasure and privilege.

“While it is particularly sad to be leaving the Bohunt Wokingham family after such a special journey to date, it is with full confidence that I hand the School over to Jen Comber, and leave to focus on other important priorities for the immediate future.

“Thank you to the entire community and Bohunt Education Trust for their support during what has been a

monumental high in my career.

“I look forward to seeing what great accomplishments lie ahead for Bohunt.”

Bohunt expressed its gratitude for the work

Mr Godber had done during his headship. A spokesperson for the school said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben for his excellent leadership and recognise the great work he has done building up the school to where it is now.

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to him as he focuses on the primary care for his terminally ill father.

“We pass on our thoughts to Ben and his family during this difficult period and wish him continued success in the future.”

RESCUE: An RSPCA inspector was called to release this red kite from sports netting. Picture: RSPCA

‘There was just such a buzz’: Uni’s festival proves to be a hit

Town’s Barclays to close with the promise of a hub

A WOKINGHAM bank is to close in August, weeks after NatWest pulled out of the town centre. Barclays has announced its intentions to cease operations from its Market Place branch, but it is promising to set up a banking hub, called Barclays Local, as a replacement.

This will be for appointments such as meetings, rather than cash transactions. For these, the bank is pointing people to the Post Office in WHSmith.

There are already more than 200 Barclays Local hubs operating across the country, and are established in libraries, community centres and shopping centres. They will be able to offer financial reviews, balance checks, transfers and bill payments, and support with digital banking.

While the Woodley branch closed two years ago, branches remain in Bracknell and Reading.

The final day for the Wokingham branch of Barclays will be on Friday, August 18.

The company says the closure is a result of changes to customer habits, and fewer than 10 customers exclusively rely on the branch for their banking needs, while just 10% of transactions take place inside a branch.

Instead, the firm says people are using mobile phone apps, telephone and online services, and even video banking.

EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

THOUSANDS of visitors were welcomed on to the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus for its inaugural Community Festival on Saturday.

With a wide range of activities, performances and presentations available for guests to enjoy, the day proved to be a true family affair which showcased the diversity in both the university and the Reading itself.

The main stage saw the likes of Sungura Magic, Vocal Networking and South Asian performing arts group Kalakunj get people on their feet and moving around, while the sports taster sessions also achieved the same goal.

The event served as the ideal opportunity for the university and town to come together and learn more about one another, while having a great time.

Molli Cleaver, the university’s community relations manager, said: “Given it was the first time we were holding the festival, we weren’t sure what to expect but there was just such a buzz here.

“It’s so amazing to see children, families and so many people across the community coming together, having fun and celebrating.

“The variety of activities is a great reflection of not only our university, but also our community. There’s so much diversity and variety, and I’m really glad we could present that by working with the community, as well as putting on a festival for the community.”

Multilingual story times in languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, Greek and Spanish allowed youngsters to hone their linguistic skills, while charities and initiatives such as the Oxford Road Lifespring stories shared their work with visitors.

The Students’ Union building housed presentation boards where leading academics engaged with visitors young and old, showcasing their very latest research. From bees to virtual reality, there was something to get everyone thinking about.

The Department of Crop Science’s ‘Raising the Pulse’ project has recently received national acclaim for its work in implementing the proteinrich faba bean in loaves of bread.

Prof Donal O’Sullivan, one of the project’s coinvestigators, said: “It’s been very energising and exciting to meet people of all ages, from

the youngest kids who are maybe seeing a bean for the first time to people who know and love broad beans and eat them on a regular basis, and everyone in between.

“I’m going to go away and remember the feedback that we got from the community today and hopefully the community will go away and remember some of the interesting research that’s going on at the University of Reading.

“I met a young lad who’s in Year 8 and I told him, ‘You’ve got a job here at the uni when you finish school because you’re so clued up’. That’s really nice to experience.”

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For those customers who aren’t used to such methods, Barclays is planning to hold virtual tea and teach sessions.

No redundancies are planned as a direct result of the closure.

In addition to the Post Office services, Barclays says free-to-use cash machines will be available in Lloyds Bank and HSBC. There is also a machine in Nationwide on Broad Street.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking.

“This is reflected at Wokingham branch and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require inperson support.”

They continued: “In Wokingham we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel.

“We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

The university’s bar was a popular venue

Young visitors enjoy some hands-on science

There was music, dancing, friendship, science and beer at the University of Reading’s first community festival, held on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth

Wine Tasting - Sunday 25th June from 6pm

The Chalk Wine Club was created to celebrate community, to toast to our shared love for good food, good wine, and good company. These extraordinary, multiple-course meals or tastings are always themed around a wine, season or cultural experience.

Summer is the time for garden parties, picnics and beach days. The last thing you want when the weather warms up is a rich hearty wine. But that doesn’t mean you want a drink that tastes of nothing. Whether it’s crisp whites for al fresco dining, lighter reds for barbecues or refreshing rosés for balmy evenings We are delighted to bring to you a summer wine tasting

During the evening we will taste a selection of delicious wines that lend themselves well to alfresco dining or to just kicking back with a good book in the garden

Welcome Cocktail

Nine Wines

Guest Speaker

Seafood and Barbeque Snacks

Eton Mess Cup

All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price.

£34.95 per person

Church reflects on past and looks to the future for its 150th anniversary

EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

THE shortest route to get to St John’s from Crowthorne’s High Street lies between the Coral betting shop and the GS Supermarket.

Walk just a few hundred yards and you’ll find the church described by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as having “special architectural and historical interest”.

The area around St John the Baptist parish in Waterloo Road, which is a mix of greenery on one side and modern housing on the other, would have looked very different 150 ago when it was opened in May 1873.

But the current vicar, the Revd Laura Wheatley Downs, explains the parish’s mission remains the same: “Church is definitely not just for Sundays.

“Our members are active throughout the week, not just with church groups but in different local organisations.”

The site on which St John’s was built was a free gift from a Mrs Gibson of Sandhurst Lodge. The foundation stone was laid on September 27th, 1872 and the church consecrated just eight months later by

the Bishop of Oxford. In the 1960s, a hall was added at the west end with a further extension completed 20 years later. Recent years have seen a major programme of repair and redevelopment including a parish office, refurbished kitchen and toilets, new roof, a smart heating system and refurbished organ.

Mrs Downs, who took up her post in October last year, described the anniversary as an opportunity for the church to “reflect on the past and to look forward to the future.

”In this anniversary year, we celebrate the faithfulness of God in Crowthorne over the decades,” she said. “We are a very sociable, inclusive and welcoming parish with a close sense of community.

“We are a thriving church which coped well through covid, and even through the lockdowns we kept our numbers up through online media. Between 90 and 120 people attend each Sunday morning for worship.

“We have a strong focus on missions with 12.5% of all

planned giving going to our missions.”

St John’s also works with the local food bank and runs a bus service and after school club with Churches Together in Crowthorne.

There are still areas of deprivation and poverty in Berkshire, explained Mrs Downs.

“There are also Ukrainian families who have come here and who need help and friendship.

“I was pleased the Archbishop of Canterbury

CELEBRATE: The church of St John the Baptist in Crowthorne is marking its 150th anniversary with a series of special events over the coming 12 months

Picture: Phil Creighton

spoke out recently to remind us that as a Church, we are called to love refugees and migrants.”

Other parish groups include the Mothers’ Union, Sunday Club, Book Club. Churchyard Team and Prayer Group.

Celebrations for the 150th anniversary kicked off last week with a concert by the renowned Hart Male Voice Choir which has performed all over the world with more events planned over the next 12 months.

n For more details, log on to: crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk

EMERGENCY crews were called to a Wokingham town centre leisure centre on Friday evening after a customer died.

The incident happened at the new Carnival centre in Wellington Road, opposite Elms Field.

Places Leisure said in a statement: “A customer became unwell whilst visiting the centre on Friday, May 12.

“First-aid trained staff were immediately deployed and administered treatment until paramedics arrived. Despite everyone’s best efforts the customer sadly passed away.

“Our thoughts are with their family at this very difficult time.”

Customer dies at leisure centre Farmers show

A FEAST of fun is promised down on the farm this Sunday, as the Oxfordshire Young Farmers hold their annual show.

The event will feature a number of competitions for the agricultural experts of the future, and there are a number of events open to the public as well.

It takes place from 9am to 5pm on Sunday, May 21, at Remenham Farm in Renemnham.

Entry is £12, £6 for ages 10 to 16, and under 10s get in free. n For details, log on to: oxfordshireyfccountyshow.org.uk

Care, compassion and complete wellbeing

At Signature, we know that the only person who can decide what a luxurious care home looks like is you. That’s why we’re inviting you to come and visit us for yourself.

While you’re here, you’ll have the opportunity to view our spacious apartments, well-appointed gardens, and many social and wellbeing areas, from fine dining and café to activity room and spa bathrooms. You’ll also be able to speak to our compassionate care team, who provide our residents with the highest standards of practical, medical, and emotional care.

Cricket club to unveil new pavilion and pitch

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

BOWLERS and batters will celebrate the launch of a new sports facility by attending its opening ceremony and exhibition fixture later this month.

Shinfield Cricket Club will play a friendly match against the University of Reading team at the Manor Ground, Brookers Hill –only the club’s second home in its 132-year history.

The new ground has been developed by the university and Shinfield Parish Council and includes a pavilion which provides changing facilities, a meeting space and kitchen.

Sports clubs and community groups will be able to use the building for their activities.

Club secretary Shashank Garg said: “The new facilities and infrastructure at the new ground will provide opportunities for communities and cricketers to

elevate their games and achieve higher goals, such as playing for home counties or bigger counties.

“Last year, almost 10 kids who play for us were selected for various Berkshire county development programs, and this number is likely to increase after the new ground becomes an integral part of the club.”

He added that the club will hire

the ground out to schools and Berkshire County development programmes to help promote cricket to the wider community.

All residents are welcome to attend the unveiling of the pitches and inspect the facilities, with light refreshments provided and the first 100 ice creams going for free. The bar will be open throughout the day.

Representatives from the university and the parish council will be in attendance as special guests, to observe the occasion.

Shinfield Cricket Club’s history stretches back to 1890 and the club currently has 200 adult and junior members, with numbers growing exponentially in the last eight years.

Mr Garg said: “As a club, we have seen an overwhelming interest in cricket due to the ECB’s initiative to support all forms of cricket, including women’s cricket and T20 leagues around the world. With this new facility, we can play a huge role in supporting potential players.”

The opening ceremony will start at 2pm on Sunday, May 21, with the barbecue beginning at 4pm.

Guests are encouraged to walk to the ground, although a small number of parking spaces can be reserved through the email address below.

n For more information, visit: community@ reading.ac.uk

CLASP is top stall at May Fayre

Entertainment every evening

 Train journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway

 Free time in Llandudno

 Excursion to Betws-y-Coed

VEST IN SHOW: CLASP’s table at the May Fayre was judged to be the cream of more than 100 different stalls, scooping a £150 cash prize courtesy of David Wilson Homes A HOUSEBUILDER helped make this year’s Wokingham May Fayre a reality, and organisers have expressed their gratitude.

Wokingham Lions Club put on the annual event on Monday, May 1, and gave it a royal theme ahead of the Coronation.

As we revealed in our May 4 issue, it was a hugely popular event with more than 100 stalls from charities, community groups, crafters and

food venues. Visitors could enjoy street entertainment, morris dancers, magic shows, live music and performances.

David Wilson Homes lent its support - and donated money - to the event. It is currently building Ashridge Grange in Warren House Road.

The housebuilder’s £250 donation helped fund the prizes for the bestdressed stalls and entertainment acts, in line with the Royal theme.

Kimberley Benson, sales and marketing director of David Wilson Homes, commented: “We are so pleased to hear that Wokingham Lions May Fayre was a great success, with so many of our new residents able to celebrate alongside the wider community here in the town.

“It is wonderful to see how the celebrations have already brought communities together and we hope everyone enjoyed the upcoming Coronation weekend, celebrating with friends and family.”

Departing Thu 27 Jul ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Crawley

 4 nights at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen with dinner & breakfast

 Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway

 Excursions to Aberystwyth, Tenby & Saundersfoot

Optional excursion to Cardigan & St Davids (£13pp)

And Andy Goffin, fundraising chair at the Wokingham Lions Club, said: “It was a great day of family entertainment all in aid of local causes and brought everyone in the town together to celebrate.

“David Wilson Southern Counties’ donation allowed us to boost our prize funding for our stalls and entertainment so we could put on the best event possible.”

The winning stall was CLASP, who received £150, while Girlguiding Wokingham took the Highly Commended prize of £100.

The Lions’ main charities this year were Camp Mohawk and Thames Hospice.

Man dies in Reading Road collision

By STAFF WRITER news@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on Monday.

Officers are encouraging anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward following the incident in Wokingham town.

While driving along Reading Road, Wokingham, a black Vauxhall Astra was involved in a collision with a pedestrian, a man in his 70s.

Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the victim died as a result of the serious injuries he sustained.

Currently no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

The road was closed to traffic just before lunchtime on Monday,

allowing emergency services to attend to the scene.

Buses were diverted during the closure which was lifted in time for the evening rush hour.

PC Emma Card of the Joint Operations Roads policing Unit, said:

“This is a tragic incident in which a man has sadly died our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

“We are carrying out an investigation and we would ask anyone with information or dashcam footage to please get in touch.

“We would ask anyone with information to please contact us online or by calling 101 quoting reference 43230212082”.

Those with information or relevant dashcam footage are encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 43230212082.

MP cuts ribbon to new gym

A REVOLUTIONARY fitness concept has the seal of approval from one of the borough’s four MPs.

Theresa May visited the new fit20 studio in Twyford’s High Street on Friday to cut the ribbon on the new premises.

She was given a tour of the equipment by studio owner Paul McGovern, who helped explain what makes the site different to other fitness centres.

The centre says it needs people to attend for just 20 minutes a week, and there is no need for people to change clothes.

Each session can be conducted on a one-to-one basis or in a pair, with a dedicated personal trainer working to an optimised programme.

Mr McGovern said he was delighted that Mrs May, who is MP for Maidenhead which includes the village, took time out from her schedule to open the site.

“It was very exciting ... and a little bit nerve wracking,” he said.

“She discussed the concept for fit20 with our staff, and customers.

“I’m over the moon and delighted she came.”

Dementia advice from experts

And Mrs May wasn’t the only visitor: Mr McGovern said the Twyford community had been quick to take the fitness centre to heart.

“So many of our customers and neighbours from the local business community came to support us, with one even bringing us a gift.

“As a village community, it’s been wonderful.

“I’m a childhood resident, but this is the first time I’ve really been part of the village, and we really feel of part it.” n For more details, on the centre, log on to: www. fit20twyford.co.uk

One step at a time

A CURRY night is to be held in Wokingham on Friday.

WADE Day Care Centre for the elderly, on Reading Road, is the venue and the beneficiary for the event.

Starting at 6pm, there will be a mixture of homemade authentic curries available, including vegetarian options.

Soft drinks can be purchased, and people can bring a bottle if they wish.

Places should be booked in advance by calling 0118 978 7025, or emailing secretary@ wadecentre.org.uk

Curry night to be held at WADE Litter pick date

LITTER bugs beware, the pickers are on the prowl.

Members of Charvil Matters will be back in action on Sunday, May 28, for an hour of collecting the waste that folk leave behind.

Anyone is welcome to join in the event, which will focus on the area around the Milestone Avenue, opposite the Texaco garage on the New Bath Road. The post code is RG10 9RL.

The session runs from 10am to 11am.

n For more details, log on to: https://www.facebook.com/ charvilmatters/

A video guide to navigating dementia

Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers. Download the guide at

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OPEN: Theresa May visited fit20 in Tywford to open the new facility Picture: Phil Creighton

Valley Air

for £5,000, raised from its share

Fireworks raises £5,000 for work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance

IT’S A fundraising event that goes with a bang, a flash and plenty of ooooos and ahhhhhs. And it also raises thousands for charity.

It is, of course, the Wokingham Fireworks event, which starts with a torchlit procession from the town centre to Cantley Park before the big display. A funfair, food stalls and other events help make it a memorable event in the borough’s calendar.

It is organised by various community groups teaming up, including Wokingham Lions, and

last month members of the group were able to make a £5,000 donation to their main charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Members Paul Baily and Andy Goffin attended the Air Ambulance’s supporters day, where they could learn more about its work, and see the helicopter up close.

Nicola Bishop, community fundraising manager at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “We are funded entirely by the community we serve, so rely on

generous donors like Wokingham Lions Club to keep our critical care crews at the frontline of saving lives.

“Their support means we can continue to give patients living in Berkshire the best chance when the worst happens.”

n For more details on its work, log on to: www.tvairambulance. org.uk

n And for more on Wokingham Lions Club, log on to: www. wokinghamlions.org.uk, or call: 0345 8337384.

Jobs boost for film studios at Shinfield

n Continued from front page “It will enable us to drive forward the great work of our partners across education, training, industry and government.

“We’ve all been talking about screen sector skills gaps for so long, now we actually have some resource to enable real action.”

Berkshire has recently come to the fore of the industry, thanks to developments such as Shinfield Studios.

The state-of-the-art facility is set to become the fourth largest of its kind in the UK.

With part of the site already open, it has begun to attract some of the world’s most famous on-screen productions.

Resource Productions will lead the Berkshire cluster, with all groups working closely together to help identify skills shortages and coordinate training opportunities for production crew in the local area.

The aim is to build a larger local skills base and help people find viable routes into the screen industry, while also providing effective career development support.

The cluster is part of a wider investment programme by the BFI, which will see a total of £9.6 million in National Lottery funding over three years, although it is unique in that it is focused around a single county.

BAFTA and Oscar award winner Gareth Ellis-Unwin is CEO of Bedlam Film Productions, which is supporting the Berkshire Skills Cluster.

He said: “The screen industries are booming in the UK, but to stay fresh and continue to thrive we must nurture new talent and open up the industry.

“As the local infrastructure such as the new studios come on stream, the “people part” is the next critical step. Skilled film crews are the beating heart of the screen industries, and one reason why the UK is a destination of choice for the US studios and streamers.

“We have an opportunity to compete on both a national and international level here in Berkshire.

“Living locally, I know that Berkshire is already blessed with some incredible resources as a centre for film and TV production, but we need to make best use of our most important asset – our local workforce –whoever and wherever they are.

“I believe this new skills cluster will be a big boost to that goal.”

Skills Clusters investments aim to strike a balance between building on existing production infrastructure to provide new development opportunities in established areas of filmmaking and TV production activity, and also helping to grow local crew bases in emerging areas.

Literary group to discuss works of Auden and Kipling

A GROUP that meets to discuss the written word will hear from visiting speaker Paul Hammond. His lecture, Reading Between The Lines, for the Wokingham Literary Society, will include readings from poet W.H. Auden, and novelist and poet, Rudyard Kipling.

Visitors are welcome to the event which will take place in the Lecture room at Wokingham Baptist Church on Thursday, May 18.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with guests paying £2 per person. Refreshments will be provided. n wokinghamliterarysociety.org.uk

Dr Shweta Ghosh is a lecturer in screen practices and industries at the University of Reading. Her work involves researching on-screen representation and access to film production.

She said: “Diversity in the film industry is crucial for promoting new perspectives from underrepresented groups. It’s not just about social justice, it’s also about expanding the creative boundaries of filmmaking.

“We can create a more authentic representation of the world on-screen and develop inclusive and accessible filmmaking practices by making film production more diverse.”

Nick Smith, joint managing director at Shinfield Studios, added: “When we were looking for a location to build Shinfield Studios we knew that Berkshire had so much to offer. Not least its proximity to London, but the area also has a strong local infrastructure to help meet the needs of producers. This includes access to local production talent.

“The goal is to build on this to help address the wider skills shortage in film production and offer a pathway for local people to a career in this industry.

“With Shinfield Studios less than 12 months away from being fully operational, there will be even more opportunity for employment in this rewarding sector.”

Multi-way lights in place for works in Grazeley

WOKINGHAM motorists may experience delays to their journeys in the coming days due to planned road works.

Multi-way lights will be in operation on Mereoak Lane at its junction with Grazeley Green Road from Wednesday, May 17, to Friday, May 19.

The restrictions will allow Thames Water to carry out a change to the ‘b’ box in the footway. The lights will be in place from 9.30am-4pm. n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov. uk

HANDOVER: Wokingham Lions present a cheque to Thames

Ambulance

of the Wokingham Fireworks proceeds Picture: Mark Lord Photography

A MOVIE-loving group is returning to the big screen next week as they screen a film for which Bill Nighy was nominated for an Oscar.

Living (12) will be shown by Wokingham Film Society on Thursday, May 25, and is an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 flick Ikiru.

The 1950s London-set story follows a joyless bureaucrat who takes a break from work to experience life after receiving a grave diagnosis.

The screening starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £6.50, or £4 for members.

n For more information, log on to: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Church to hold spring fayre

A WINNERSH church is holding a spring fayre this Saturday.

The event will see a number of stalls selling plants, cakes and books, local businesses will be showcasing their wares, and there will be a raffle and a tombola.

Refreshments will also be available, including a barbecue.

Funds will go towards the work of the parish.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm at St Mary The Virgin Church in Church Close on Saturday, May 20.

A prisoner, the judge who sentenced him, with Russell Brand on stage

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A CHARITY that helps men recovering from addiction shared their unusual story with the help of international star Russell Brand.

Hope And Vision Communities provides support and a home for men who have successfully worked through rehabilitation following drug or alcohol addiction.

The group’s two founders invited an audience of friends and family to hear about their friendship, their work, and their plans for the future.

Joining them on stage at Kerith Church in Bracknell was actor and comic Russell Brand Around 150 people heard the interview with ex-prisoner Tony Attwood, and Peter Ross, the judge who sentenced him.

The pair launched Hope And Vision Communities three years ago, inspired by Tony’s own experiences of leaving prison, following 15 years as a prolific offender with more than 400 arrests, 80 charges and 50 convictions to his name.

“The early part of my life was entrenched in criminality,” he explained. “It started with addiction that began when I lost my dad. I wasn’t equipped to handle the overwhelming emotions I felt.”

Tony self medicated with alcohol and drugs to manage his grief and trauma. Addiction led to crime.

“I didn’t want to hurt people, but soon I was also trying to subdue growing guilt for

the pain I was causing,” he continued.

“I met Peter at a point where addiction had devastated my family. I wanted out, but didn’t know what to do.”

Russell described the low point as a genesis of change in Tony’s life. Standing before Judge Peter, accused of commercial burglary, Tony expected another sentence.

Peter said: “Tony had descended so far that there was nowhere further to fall.

“But he is an extraordinary man, and during rehabilitation at Yeldall Manor (in Hare Hatch), he had found a Christian faith.

“I felt there was opportunity for change so I decided to sentence him to a three-year residential order there, rather than a prison term, with the proviso that any further crimes would see him straight back at Oxford Crown Court for sentencing.”

Tony worked hard for his recovery at Yeldall Manor.

While there he had an idea to help others in his situation.

He said: “I had been given an opportunity that I didn’t deserve, and now I wanted to be able to help people facing the same difficulties that I had.”

Like many ex-prisoners, prior to his three-year residential stay, Tony had found it difficult to cope.

“I was afraid,” he said. “I didn’t know where to go, or what to do. I looked at over 100 job prospectuses, had no references, no history, no jobs, and no previous landlord.

“The barriers were very difficult to overcome, and I felt something needed to be done.”

Tony wanted to provide not temporary lodging, but a home with no pressure to leave, where men could support each other as a small family unit.

But he was nervous about

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sharing his idea.

“I had never had a voice,” he said. “Always represented in court by others, I felt muted.”

But he and Peter had become friends, and Tony plucked up courage to share his vision.

The ex-prisoner and his sentencer discussed Tony’s proposal, walking in Yeldall Manor gardens.

Peter said what happens after prison greatly determines prisoners’ futures. All too often they can drift back into crime.

“Prison works as long as the sentence lasts, but not enough is done to determine what happens afterwards,” he said.

“Breaking the addiction reduces the cycle of crime, but ongoing support, and a safe place to call home is crucial.

“Homelessness and the threat of it are among the prime reasons for a return to jail.

“Around 80% of those in residential rehabilitation will lose their home.”

Hope and Vision Communities is now flourishing.

The duo developed a model of homes clustered around a rehabilitation unit, that they say works:

They rent family sized houses in the Reading area, giving men in recovery a safe place to live long-term after treatment.

“Having access to people they worked with during rehabilitation helps those in recovery,” continued Peter.

“They need ongoing support, and somewhere safe to call home.”

What began with one house

and two residents is now seven houses and 15 inhabitants.

“Soon there will be eight homes and 17 men,” Peter said.

“We’ve doubled the number every year. Now we need help to move forward.

The charity wants to provide more homes, and hopes to start supporting women and children too.

Over the next three years, the charity must raise £500,000, and find new landlords with properties to rent.

It needs new trustees with: experience of living with addiction; fundraising experience; skills to help them develop from a small charity to a medium sized enterprise.

People can support Hope And Vision through one-off donations or regular giving.

“We’re very good tenants,” said Peter. “We paint and decorate, and we look after the property.”

As the event closed, Tony thanked his brothers, and paid tribute to his mother, who they very recently lost to cancer.

Russell ended by saying how much he valued having met Tony.

“It’s hard to change,” he said. “But Tony has been transformed by the possibility of change.

“He has become an asset.”

“My life has been given back to me,” agreed Tony.

Now Tony and Peter want to give others that same opportunity for change. n For information about the charity, and to support the group, visit: www.hopeandvision.org.uk

Carnival needs volunteers

ORGANISERS of a popular summer event are on the search for more on-the-day volunteers.

The Woodley carnival, which takes place on Saturday, June 10, needs more friendly faces at the gates to ensure the event is fully staffed throughout the entire day and evening.

So far, 21 volunteers have offered their services, meaning another 20 people are required.

Those who come forward need

3 4

only give one or two hours of their time.

As a token of thanks, organisers are offering anyone who works the gates a free all-day pass to the carnival.

The event takes place at Woodford Park and features exhibitions, live performances, activities, food and a fireworks display.

For more information, contact: keith@bakersat33.co.uk

Pedal and foot group to meet for the first time

NEW community liaison group is set to meet for the first time to help a Wokingham village improve its infrastructure for sustainable

Residents are being encouraged to attend Shinfield Footpath and Cycle Group’s inaugural gathering, which will take place on Saturday at the School Green Centre.

The purpose of the group is to encourage discussion between residents, Shinfield Parish Council and the University of Reading to identify improvements to footpaths

and cycleways in the village. Open to all, the group will meet twice a year.

The first meeting will see participants take a walk to the new Ridge SANG together, before discussing key issues in a meeting in the Grazeley Room, School Green Centre.

Those wishing to attend should email the address below. The meeting takes place from 10amnoon.

n For more information, contact: community@reading.ac.uk

CAHT SHOW: Russell Brand, Tony Attwood, and Peter Ross in conversation at the Hope and Vision Communities event in Bracknell. Picture: David Toney, Dee Tee Photography

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE OF

SCENERY

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All you need is a love of singing

AMUSICAL group that meets in Binfield says it welcomes new members – all they need is a love of singing.

Binfield Community Choir launched in 2021, after the end of the lockdown phase of covid. Its musical director, Peter Manners-Smith, said that while is a full-on choir, it is also more than that.

“It’s a group that supports mental health, and wellbeing,” he explained. “It’s a place where people are missed if they don’t show up.”

From the group’s Facebook page, it also appears to be a place to make great music and have a good time.

Peter says it launched after he and a group of around seven others were keen to do something for the community. They saw plenty of worthwhile projects being undertaken during and after the lockdown phase of covid.

“It was great to see that homeless people were being found houses, and in Bracknell we have a fabulous foodbank, but we felt that something more was needed to combat loneliness,” he said. Isolation and mental health came through as two prominent issues of concern after the pandemic.

Before embarking on their project, Peter and his group went to seek advice from Involve, a charity that helps people to make a difference locally.

“They told us, ‘do something you are passionate about – that way you’ll want to keep it going,’” explained Peter.

The result is Binfield Community Choir.

No singing experience is necessary to join, no auditions are held, and there is no need to be able to read sheet music.

“Our aim is to make it as accessible as possible,” said Peter. “Because we don’t ask people to be able to read music, a lot of what we sing is by ear.

“Modern music is better suited to that style of learning, so we tend to sing songs from the 1970s through to today.”

Material includes pieces by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, American singer songwriter Bill Withers, and Ed Sheeran.

Singers range from those with no choral experience at all, to those who can sing at a professional level.

“We operate in half-termly blocks, with a taster session at the start of each,” explained Peter.

“When we first launched the group we thought we’d be lucky to have 20 people come along.”

At a recent taster evening the group had 57.

Prior to leading Binfield Community Choir, Peter had never before directed choral singers – so he and his organising group are obviously doing something right.

“We absolutely love the choir,” said Peter.

“It has us motivated and inspired. People tell us, ‘my day today has been a bit rubbish, but I’ve come out of tonight’s rehearsal feeling wonderful.’

“We’d love more people to join us. We want to get as many as we can singing.”

The group rehearses, to live music, at Binfield’s Foxes’ Den Community Centre in Benetfeld Road on Monday during term times from 8pm to 9.30pm.

The current block of rehearsals will run through to Monday, but will start up again in June.

Sessions cost £5 per week, payable in halftermly blocks, with the first session free.

The organisers are keen to stress that they don’t want to exclude anyone for whom payment may be difficult, and offer a bursary scheme for members who are unable to pay, which is managed in the strictest confidence.

n For more information and to book a free taster session, search for Binfield Community Choir on Facebook

Bag tax cash keeps growing

CUSTOMERS at a Wokingham garden centre have helped raise funds for charity, simply by asking for a carrier bag.

Since the introduction of the 10p charge for the convenience of placing items into a plastic carrier, millions has been raised for good causes. Stores are able to determine who should receive donations.

And people shopping at Squire’s Garden Centre on Heathlands Road have helped raise £3,226 – the total sum from all 16 of the firm’s branches.

The money will go to garden charity, Greenfingers, which is dedicated to supporting children who spend time in hospices around the UK, with the aim of creating inspiring gardens for them and their families to relax in and benefit from.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said the company was delighted.

“The donation co-incides this year with the introduction of our home-compostable carrier bags, in support of our continued drive for sustainability.

“It’s brilliant that the government carrier bag charge

can be directed into something sustainable and assist projects that demonstrate worthwhile long-term benefit to many families who find themselves in the most difficult of circumstances.

“We are sure the money raised will support the invaluable work of Greenfingers Charity and help patients and families explore the wonderful benefits of being outdoors and the value of the natural environment at such a critical time.”

And the money has been gratefully received by Greenfingers.

Linda Petrons, its director for fundraising and communications, said: “We are committed to creating specially designed and stimulating garden spaces that can bring many benefits to children with lifelimiting conditions.

“The donation from Squire’s will go a long way to support our work and help to make a difference to the lives of children who spend time in hospices – as well as their families and carers.

“The chance for them to spend time together outdoors, close to nature and away from the bedside, is precious.”

Wokingham is pretty tidy

WOKINGHAM has cleaned up in a survey to find the country’s tidiest town.

The borough also scored high on its low emission carbon footprint score.

The survey by business analysts, Utility Bidder, ranked Wokingham as the second cleanest town in the country.

Experts studied a range of factors including CO2 emissions, environmental expenditure, city cleanliness, park quality, Britain in Bloom groups and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups per 100,000 residents.

They also examined the number of recycling-related searches per 100,000 residents, to reveal the cleanest areas of the UK.

Wokingham was just pipped by County Durham but beat places such as Bath, Harrogate and Cheshire.

It was awarded an overall ‘clean and tidy’ rate of 83/100 while the area’s green areas and parks were ranked a quality score of 75/100.

Ashridge Grange greenfingered tips

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

KING Charles III was once ridiculed when he revealed how he talked to his plants. Alan Titchmarsh has said everyone needs a garden sanctuary no matter how small.

A new survey has revealed that 84% of adults believe that gardening improves their overall health and well-being whether they live in the countryside or the middle of a city.

One housebuilder who understands the importance of not just green fingers but green spaces is David Wilson Homes.

The company has committed to helping its international residents at its Ashridge Grange development on Wokingham’s Warren House Road, make the most of their outside spaces.

A number of new homeowners at the development have recently emigrated from Hong Kong and have never owned a private garden before.

To help the residents get to grips with their new space in time for the warmer weather, the housebuilder hosted an interactive workshop and presentation with Ashridge Manor Garden Centre at Ashridge Grange.

The introductory session was led by Ben Fletcher, a manager at Ashridge Manor Garden Centre, who delivered a talk to residents on how to prepare their outside space in time for spring.

The presentation included an overview of the different planting seasons, as well as tips on how to plant a hanging basket, cutting and pruning, how to look after and maintain a lawn and other wildlife friendly advice.

The talk was followed by a workshop in the show home garden, where the residents were taught

how to sow vegetable seeds and pot a selection of plants. They could take home their finished products afterwards to kickstart their garden projects.

Ben said: “An empty space can be quite overwhelming, so we wanted to share basic tips for everyone to get an idea of the potential in their outside space.

“The UK climate is obviously very different from where many of Ashridge Grange’s residents have previously lived, and even

Textiles turned into artistic celebration of the King

RESIDENTS of a Sindlesham-based care home found many hands made light work for a Coronation celebration.

A trio from the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court home created a masterpiece inspired by impressionist French artist Henri Matisse and his vivid use of colour.

The design was inspired by stained glass windows, and Buckingham Palace’s crown design.

with the outcome. It looks so nice in the frame.”

Angela said it had been a lot of work and she was delighted with the result: “It looks brilliant compared to any other celebration piece. We like to be different,” she said.

Sharon Fletcher, one of the home’s activities coordinators, encouraged the residents to explore their creativity to support their wellbeing.

The town’s carbon dioxide emission total of 3.5 tCO2e per capita was the lowest of all areas in this ranking.

The low number of annual searches for recycling near me per 100,000 residents suggested “this community are clued up when it comes to cleanliness.”

And, keeping in mind King Charles III’s passion for the environment, the fabrics used were all from their existing stocks, minimising their carbon footprint.

Wendy, Gladys and Angela wanted everyone to enjoy their efforts.

“I enjoyed the time stitching this embroidery for the Coronation. It certainly was a challenge,” said Wendy.

“Time passed easily doing this,” added Gladys. “I am so very pleased

“This has been our biggest project yet and I am so proud of Wendy, Gladys and Angela for persevering, working together and enjoying the time spent on this,” she said.

“The simplicity of the design and the clear definitions of the blocks and natural shapes were an integral element of the design success. These shapes are very intricate.

“The skills and commitment of the team resulted in Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court’s very own Official Commemorative Piece.”

PRESENTATION: Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres with Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications, Greenfingers Charity

BLOOMING INSPIRATION: Ben Fletcher, a manager of Ashridge Grange in Wokingham Picture: David

Wokingham Town Hall

Grange residents get tips from an expert

Tai Chi class helps Alzheimer’s research

THE WORLD OF James Herriot, Skipton

& Yorkshire

Departing Mon 31 Jul ‘23

Ey up All Creatures Great and Small fans!

Come and discover the world of legendary vet and popular author, James Herriot. Our celebration of Yorkshire continues with visits to charming Ripon and picture-perfect Haworth plus a Leeds & Liverpool Canal cruise.

A DAY of martial arts and spiritual reflection helped raise funds for charity.

The Scout Hall in Twyford was the venue earlier this month for a Tai Chi and Oigong Day celebration.

Taking place on the same day as similar events across the world, it was described by the organisers as a message of global peace, as well as being an opportunity to raise funds for a good cause.

Tai Chi for Wellbeing, run by Tricia Miller, chose to support Alzheimer’s Research UK with their open session.

”Numbers were down a little for this year’s fund-raising event, but we all had a fun morning, and we raised £55.20 for Alzheimer’s,” said Ms Miller.

art, practised for self defence and fitness.

Its slow, controlled movements, when speeded up are powerful fighting techniques, Some routines use Chinese broadswords, others use EightImmortal bang sticks, which help to keep the arms in an aligned position, and Chinese fans.

The event acted as a taster for regular sessions which take place at the same venue on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am to 11am, and at FBC Centre, Finchampstead, on Wednesdays from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

To find out more about the group visit: www.taichi-for-well-being. vpweb.co.uk

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Crawley

 4 nights at the Corn Mill Lodge Hotel, near Leeds with dinner & breakfast

 Cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

 Excursions to the World of James Herriot Museum, Thirsk, Ripon, Skipton & Haworth

Optional excursion to Harrogate & York (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach only £349

Single Supplement £80

for many of us living here already struggled to work with the extremality of seasons experienced last year.

“We hope they all enjoyed the hands-on workshop and seeing their plants bloom in their gardens over the next few months.”

Kimberley Benson, sales and marketing director for David Wilson Southern Counties, says: “Having spoken to many of our Hong Kong Ashridge Grange residents

about their garden plans, we realised that there was an appetite for a gardening workshop, so we arranged for an expert to come in and give their advice to help everyone make the most out of their garden space.

“We hosted in our show home garden as it is filled with sustainable wildlife features, from bird boxes to specific hibernacula. Hopefully, this will help inspire residents when choosing what to include in their designs going forward.”

Tai chi is a Chinese martial

n For information about the charity supported by them this year, visit: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

EASTBOURNE & the Bluebell Railway

Departing Mon 7 Aug ‘23

Attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times, Eastbourne is a bustling seaside resort that epitomises the British summer holiday. During our relaxing break here, we take a trip on the Bluebell Railway, and spend time in picturesque Lewes and charming Alfriston.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

POETRY CORNER

 4 nights at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment some evenings

 Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway

 Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)

Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach only £369

Single

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email yours to poems@wokingham.today

HAS ITS FANS: Members of Tai Chi For Wellbeing employed Chinese fans during the Twyford class. Picture: Tricia Miller

manager at Ashridge ManorGarden Centre, led a session on gardening for residents

David Wilson Homes

Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court residents

Your letters

A new vision for the future

AT A meeting of Wokingham Borough Council this evening, a lot of things will happen very quickly.

A new mayor will be appointed, while a new leader will be elected.

As the Liberal Democrats are now the largest party, it is expected they will form a minority administration.

And Cllr Clive Jones will formally step down as leader and, barring a sudden revolt in the council chamber, it is expected that his deputy, Cllr Stephen Conway, will take his place.

This is to allow Cllr Jones to focus on his bid to win the new Wokingham parliamentary constituency when it is contested in the next general election.

Any change is an opportunity for a fresh start, even one where the outgoing and incoming leaders have worked hard and well together.

Since Wokingham Today launched in 2015, this will be the sixth council leader we have worked with.

We may not always agree with the ruling party’s vision for Wokingham –and we won’t be afraid to say so – but we know that each elected leader is trying to act in the best interests of Wokingham residents.

Good luck Cllr Conway.

CHURCH NOTES Kingdom Keys –King’s Kiddies

JESUS put a high value on children, “let them come to meet me … the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them”.

Children are hardwired to be thrilled by each new day, with an instinct to play in God’s world, God’s way.

Conversely Jesus warns against causing children to become cynical and bitter.

So, it is not surprising that Churches have always been key providers of children’s clubs and services. In the UK less than half the population calls itself Christian, but well over half of all UK families with children will access and use churchbased Children’s clubs and services.

Services like King’s Kiddies provide a safe play space for children, parents/grandparents/ carers alike from all backgrounds and walks of life. Interactions and wisdom-sharing between adults are as important as the children’s stories and activities.

“It is delightful to watch the children play and learn at Kings kiddies whilst also a real pleasure to get to know the adults who come along”, says Nikki one of the team.

As we learn to love and develop our children we all become more loving and kinder too. Kindness is strengthened as an instinct in us as we practice it with others.

Tough civilisations and cultures value adult traits and strengths, but truly strong ones also put time into nurturing and developing the child-like joy for life that Jesus recognised as typifying the Kingdom of Heaven.

Come along any Monday morning, term time at 10am for Kings Kiddies at 9 Station Road, RG40 2AD or contact a church closer to you, the chances are it runs something similar.

Nikki and Justine for King’s Church on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

A letter last week from Bradley Kite contained a number of inaccuracies that need correcting (Wokingham Today, May 11).

Mr Kite claims that the Conservatives cut the road repair budget. This is simply not true.

Previous Conservative administrations increased the road repair budget for the last three years we were in office, from about £2m to £6m per annum.

The figures he quotes are just the capital budget, not the full repair spending of £6.12m as stated by Cllr Paul Fishwick, the current Lib Dem Executive Member for Highways and Transport, on 17th March.

As Cllr Fishwick wrote in the same article on Lib Dem road spending, “This is the same budget as the Conservatives had last year.”

Of course, thanks to inflation, the Lib Dems’ road repair spending is actually a real terms cut of 10% on what the Conservatives spent.

Mr Kite says: “no wonder our roads were particularly bad this year”.

Given that Lib Dems did not even bother to spend the full budget for road repairs this year – which Mr Kite believes should have been higher – we’re not surprised either.

Nearly 700 fewer potholes have been repaired under the Lib Dems than under the previous Conservative administration from

Volunteer Corner Helena Badger

May to December 2021 compared to May to December 2022 (most recently available figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act).

You don’t need a calculator to know Lib Dems are neglecting roads – next time you go off to work or do the weekly shop, you’ll know.

Mr Kite also wrote about the expansion of Bohunt School. It is a shame that he has chosen to publish this nonsense after a parent at the school pointed out to him on Facebook that his version was incorrect.

Wokingham Borough Council approved the expansion of Bohunt School to create a separate Sixth Form, 30 extra year 7 places, and extra SEND places in March 2022 following years of campaigning by local Conservative councillors.

Under the Lib Dem/Labour administration there has been no meaningful progress.

The Council has admitted that the new Sixth Form building will not in fact be ready by September, despite what Mr Kite claims.

Cllr Charles Margetts, Conservative member for Finchampstead North, Wokingham Borough Council

Some good news to enjoy

With so much downbeat news in local sport recently, its pleasing to have good news to bring Reading born Josh Waller recently represented Great

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Britain in the Ice Hockey World Championship qualifying round in Nottingham and was part of Team GBs gold medal and promotion winning team.

The 23-year-old spent most of his youth career at the sadly lost John Nike Centre in Bracknell but now turns out for Cardiff Devils.

He appeared in all five games in the tournament, against Poland, Korea, Lithuania, Rumania, and Italy, scoring one goal and assisting on two others.

Now, he has the opportunity next season to rub shoulders with players from the NHL in the World Championship proper and possibly a future Winter Olympics.

Congratulations to Josh and all of Team GB!

Simon Wise, via email

Let’s Make Every Vote Count: Join Me in Supporting Electoral Reform

I am writing to express my frustration and anger at the continued failure of the Labour and Conservative leadership to support electoral reform in the UK.

It is outrageous that, in this day and age, we are still using an outdated and undemocratic firstpast-the-post system that fails to accurately represent the diversity of our society.

At the recent local elections in Reading, Labour candidates were elected in 62.5% (10) of the contests but only received 47.3% of the votes cast whereas Conservative

are looking to recruit volunteer Independent Visitors in and around Wokingham.

An Independent Visitor (IV) is an adult volunteer who befriends and develops a long-term friendship with a young person in care.

candidates received 21.3% of the votes cast but were elected in only 12.5% of the contests.

Results elsewhere, including in Bracknell Forest, were even more unrepresentative.

The current system leads to millions of votes being wasted and allows parties to gain power with only a minority of the popular vote.

This is not democratic, and it is time for a change.

It is a disgrace that the Labour and Conservative parties continue to cling to this unfair system, despite the clear benefits of proportional representation.

As part of the Sort The System Westminster lobby event on 24 May (https://sortthesystem. uk/), I hope to meet with our MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda, to demand that he commits to supporting electoral reform and push for a fairer, more democratic system.

It is time for the voices of all voters to be heard, not just those who happen to live in a cluster of marginal constituencies.

The Labour and Conservative leadership must wake up and recognise the need for proportional representation.

Their failure to support reform is a clear indication that they are more interested in maintaining their own power than in truly representing the people they were elected to serve.

a monthly newsletter, arranging day trips to amazing gardens in the region, organising three horticultural shows a year and selling great garden products at fair prices at our Store in Loddon Hall Road.

CITIZENS Advice

Wokingham offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to anyone living or working in Wokingham borough.

We are looking to recruit an IT Support and a Social Media volunteer. The IT volunteer will be required to help staff and volunteers with day to day IT issues, for example, trouble logging on to their computer, connecting to wi-fi, finding files, deliver one to one or group training about using particular software, such as Microsoft spreadsheets or Google docs,, write instructions about how to do basic IT tasks to help volunteers and staff and help update the local Citizens Advice website.

The volunteer will need to have excellent IT skills and be friendly and approachable.

The Social Media volunteer will be required to promote the local Citizens Advice service so that the

people understand what Citizens Advice does and how they can get advice, and how they could become a volunteer, create leaflets and posters to promote the service, or use existing materials, use social media, Facebook and Twitter to raise the profile of the local Citizens Advice, help to share what local Citizens Advice does with your local press or radio station, write information for the local Citizens Advice website or newsletter, talk to clients or volunteers about their experiences and help arrange a talk or event to promote the local Citizens Advice to others. We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so please reach out if you are interested in either of these roles.

n The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is all about standing up for children and young people’s rights, making sure they get their voices heard and that they get the help and support they need. We

This can involve helping young people develop new interests, skills and hobbies or going on outings such as to the cinema, bowling or just a walk in the park. The volunteers are called ‘Independent Visitors’ because they are a truly ‘independent’ person outside the care system giving the young person continuity, which is something not always possible with changing carers and social workers.

Each volunteer is carefully matched with a child or young person in care in their local area who shares similar interests. No specific skills or experience required, just a genuine interest in the wellbeing of children.

n Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association (or T.R.H.A) was formed in 1956.

The Association is affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society. We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation run by volunteers. Our main objective is to promote gardening and allotment cultivation to members of all ages in our local community.

This is achieved by publishing

The Store is open on Sunday mornings between February and November. We pride ourselves on being a community organisation and our committee and members have supported a number of local horticultural projects, particularly Twyford in Bloom.

A small Committee work hard to organise all our events and activities. We are proud to have many long-standing members and we welcome new members of all ages to extend our membership further.

We are looking for new volunteers in a number of roles including Association Secretary, Store Manager and Publicity Officer.

If you’re interested in gardening and want to meet new people and be part of our community, please contact us to become a volunteer.

n If you are interested in the roles above or to discuss your specific volunteering needs, please get in touch with Helena Badger, Volunteer Services Manager; volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk 0118 977 0749 or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk

Andrew Taylor, via email

End the moaning

Everyone to-day is moaning and groaning about the state of our affairs but they seem to forget that the troubles are World Wide from Climate change – Wars – Cost of living.

They forget that it was our Tory Government that gave us the first Covid injections FREE nearly all have had five, they help keep Companies afloat during the first lock down and helped with our gas and electricity Bills.

With all these trouble we are having are the like of the Lords – Labour –Lib Dem - Welby and Lineker, are they willing to pay for the Boat People upkeep out of their own pockets? It seems we are paying out for ones that are not honest Asylum seekers.

They also have no idea how to settle the problem so remember this at the next General Election.

The Rail Unions have stopped trains on the day I write this, and on Cup Final day.

They are not concerned about the people that have spent money on tickets and rail fares that are not cheap, remember it is these people that pay your WAGES and if passenger number falls less trains are needed and then you may be out of a job.

These are true facts not Political.

Alan Phillips, Berkshire

Route masters

There are only two sensible routes from Finchampstead to Wokingham.

Today, one was closed and the other had three separate sets of road works on it.

Don’t the Town Hall planners

From the chamber

Wokingham Labour – it does exactly what it says on the tin

IN 2014, Nicky Jerome was elected as the sole Labour councillor on Wokingham Borough Council, a council dominated by the Conservatives.

Nicky’s election win was Labour’s first for a decade in Wokingham; after those elections there were 44 Conservatives and just one Labour councillor in the chamber.

Ever since that brilliant election win, we have built on Nicky’s legacy.

As part of this journey, I was delighted with the results of this month’s elections. On the borough council we have built a group of five Labour councillors, the highest we have ever achieved.

We also have a group of six Labour councillors on Wokingham Town Council, a Council that as recently

have any sense? Badly timed as the local elections are just over but I wonder if there is any support for a new party to combat both the hardly sparkling Tories and those who seem intent on putting the Woke into Wokingham?

Our main objectives would be justice for the ordinary road user and an absolute end to political correctness.

John Sheridan, via email More councillor thank yous n Dear Residents of Wokingham Without, Thank you. The trust that so many of you have placed in myself and the Liberal Democrats at last week’s local elections has left me so incredibly humbled.

Although this is not my first time working in local government, this is the first time I have been elected into public office, and that is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

I know for many of you that this was the first time that you have voted for my party, and know that we will be doing everything we can to honour your endorsement.

You voted for a change to mismanagement of the past, to years of being taken for granted, and for a new vision for Wokingham Without - that is exactly what we will deliver.

However, I do fully appreciate that I did not receive every vote at this election.

Please know that I wanted to become a Councillor not to serve the whims of one group or to any single part of our community, but to stand up for all residents.

There are issues that affect all of us, and as a resident of Wokingham

Without for the last 17 years I am all too aware of the challenges we face locally.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any issues that you feel Wokingham Borough Council can address, and I promise to make time for everyone who gets in touch.

Thank you once again. I truly appreciate your support.

Cllr Jordan Montgomery, Liberal Democract councillor for Wokingham Without, Wokingham Borough Council

n I am very grateful to the residents of Shinfield South ward who voted in the local election last week. I feel privileged to represent and serve everyone who lives in the ward on Wokingham Borough Council. I will do everything in my power to improve the services we receive and the infrastructure we rely on, and make Shinfield an even better place in which to live.

Thank you

Cllr Catherine Glover, Liberal Democract councillor for Shinfield South, Wokingham Borough Council

Forgotten people

Our government are starving our citizens that are poor already that go without food including their children and the sick and elderly people that have Alzheimer’s and dementia are totally forgotten.

The government waste money that our nation should have to help our citizens is completely wasted giving it away for missiles to Ukraine while we go without. At the same time they want to cut back on the army, navy and air force and let our

country go without. Where is the sense? Where is Nato and the UN?

Victor Rones, via email

Helping people who are deaf

RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus is looking for volunteers to support our vital work across the UK.

Volunteers Week (1-7 June) is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the amazing impact our volunteers have.

Last year, they gave more than 7,740 hours of their time to support people in their communities with practical information and support with hearing aids.

This year, we need you to help us reach our goals and ensure that everyone in the UK can benefit from support.

Volunteering for RNID could involve providing information to local organisations and community groups, helping people get the most out of their hearing aids, or giving a friendly welcome to everyone who passes through the door at one of our support sessions.

Many of our volunteers have hearing loss themselves or in their family, and volunteering with us is a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and experience, try something new and help people in your community.

What are you waiting for? For more information, visit www.rnid. org.uk/volunteering or contact us at 0808 808 0123. You can also text us at 07360 268 988.

Jackie White, director at RNID

Cllr Clive Jones

Thank you, it’s been an honour

TONIGHT, I come to the end of my time as the Leader of Wokingham Borough Council. The first Liberal Democrat leader in Wokingham for 20 years. It’s been an honour and a privilege to be the leader of the council and to work with so many excellent officers, executive members, and fellow councillors.

I am proud that the Partnership that was created last May between Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent councillors which gave the Borough Council much needed stability and financial competence during the last year.

We wanted to change the culture at the council, we wanted a concentration on partnerships within the council and also with outside bodies and agencies including Town and Parish councils.

I was delighted when Labour councillors were prepared to take on the chairs of the powerful committees, including the Audit Committee and the newly created Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee. I was equally delighted when former independent councillor Jim Frewin chaired the Overview and Scrutiny management committee. This was evidence of other councillors also wanting to have a different way of working.

Sadly, the Conservatives took the opposite view. They refused to participate in the organisation of the council turning down the opportunity to chair or vice chair other committees. They preferred instead to deliberately disrupt council meetings.

They announced this intention at the end of June saying they would disrupt council meetings, challenge the mayors authority and claim credit for things the Liberal Democrats were doing.

as 2019 was dominated by the Conservatives (who now have just three seats). And Labour have also achieved a number of seats on Earley and Woodley Town Councils.

These are still small groups – but

I am very proud of the achievement of our hard-working team in an area where it remains extremely hard to get elected as a Labour candidate.

How did we do it? We achieved it through hard work, combined with a persistent and relentless focus on the needs of local residents.

Any Labour candidate that wishes to be elected in Wokingham has to work really, really hard. Years of canvassing week in week out, frequent communication with residents, and regular community action is all necessary for anyone wishing to be successful.

And that work ethic continues when we are councillors.

We have to keep working in order to retain our place on the Council – that’s why we will never have councillors who just pop up at election time.

The Conservatives have made some interesting election promises over the years. In the 2022 Norreys election, the then Conservative

leader of the Council visited my ward of Norreys and spoke to residents a few weeks before the election. He subsequently wrote to those residents and personally promised them a pedestrian crossing outside their development, accompanied by a leaflet from the Conservative Norreys candidate. However this was an empty promise – and my residents are still waiting.

By contrast, Wokingham Labour candidates never make glib promises. We know that decisions the council makes are tough and that there are often no quick fixes – so we will be honest with our residents.

We promise to put residents first, to always listen to residents, to be the voice of residents on the Council, and to work hard all year round.

And we do exactly what we say. Community action is key.

The local Labour team of borough and town councillors have just arranged our first litterpick of the year in Norreys – it will be the first of many. Residents always join our popular litterpicks as they enjoy putting something back to our community.

Labour councillors regularly join residents in taking part in Community Speedwatch sessions – as we know that road safety this is one of the biggest concerns raised with us by residents. I have personally supported the creation of a Community Speedwatch group in Norreys and Wescott, and there are other groups across the borough. Concerns about speeding traffic are raised with us

every week – and this is one way we, along with residents, can take positive action.

In an ideal world, I would also like this sort of thing to be done solely by the police but, as active councillors, it is important to try and make a difference with the tools we have.

And our councillors in Woodley, Earley and Shinfield will be arranging community action throughout the year, whether it is clearing slippery leaves in the Autumn, or helping out with local community events, it all matters and it all makes a difference.

There is of course the immediate impact – the deterrent of a driver from speeding, or the lack of litter in a children’s play park. But there is a longer term, more special effect – the sense of community pride and togetherness that these events bring. The sense that people care about our community and positive things are happening around us.

I am delighted to be leading a larger group this year and working with some brilliant Labour councillors across the borough. I am sure Full Council meetings will bring their usual share of robust political back and forth, during which Labour councillors will always stand up for our residents. But we will also continue our local action, week in week out. Keeping it local is how we have achieved our success – and will we continue to work hard for, and in, our communities.

Cllr Rachel Burgess is the leader of Wokingham Labour and a member for Norreys ward on Wokingham Borough Council

A very childish approach from the Conservative leadership, which would see them opposing the Lib Dems all year just because they thought they needed to oppose everything. Many residents told us they were not happy with this negative approach from the Conservatives.

When the Lib Dems took over the administration, within minutes we were immediately advised that there was a £4 million hole in the finances, 18 bus services were under threat of closure from the Conservatives and there was no budget to complete the construction of the Winnersh Triangle Park and ride extension which had been started several years before. With the help of officers and the tenacity of executive members we dealt with these problems.

The cost-of-living crisis was upon us, and many families were struggling to cope. I’m proud that the Lib Dems created a £250,000 hardship fund to help struggling residents cope with the cost-ofliving crisis, a policy opposed by the Conservatives.

We guaranteed the funding of free school meals during school holidays for children who normally received free school meals. And we created the Climate emergency Overview and scrutiny committee to ensure that the climate emergency was taken seriously at Wokingham Borough Council.

It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be the Leader and I now look forward to the next chapter of my political journey when I intend to concentrate on the campaign to become the first Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham at the next general election.

We are now the largest party on the Borough Council, and we have a very good chance of electing the first Lib Dem MP for Wokingham.

The new Liberal Democrat Leader will be my friend and colleague Cllr Stephen Conway.

Stephen and the Liberal Democrat Executive and councillors will continue with sound management of the council and compassionate policies which will try to support the most vulnerable in our community.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me.

Cllr Rachel Burgess

THE PROPERTY market is resilient according to a Wokingham-based estate agency – despite transactions seeing a drop.

The recent Halifax House Price Index showed an average fall in prices by 0.3%, taking the UK average to £286,896 – £7,000 lower than last summer’s peak, and £28,000 higher than two years ago.

And in the south east, there was a -0.6% dip, taking the average house price to £387,469. This was the largest across the country, while West Midlands saw prices rise by 3.1%, taking the average price to £249,554.

Kim Kinnaird, director of Halifax Mortgages, said the figures came after three consecutive months of growth.

“House price movements over recent months have largely mirrored the short-term volatility seen in borrowing costs,” she added.

“The sharp fall in prices we saw at the end of last year after September’s ‘mini-budget’ preceded something of a rebound in the first quarter of this year as economic conditions improved.

“The economy has proven to be resilient, with a robust labour market and consumer price inflation predicted to decelerate sharply in the coming months.

“Mortgage rates are now stabilising and, though they remain well above the average of recent years, this gives important certainty to would-be buyers.

“While the housing market as a whole remains subdued, the number of properties for sale is also slowly increasing, as sellers adapt to market conditions.”

This view was echoed by Nick Harris, co-founder at Wokingham-based Quarters Residential Estate Agents.

“Prices may have nudged down in April, according to the Halifax, but there’s more life in the property market than many think,” he said.

“While some discretionary buyers continue to sit tight, serious buyers remain very active.

“Sellers are being much more realistic on price, and are typically also buyers so they appreciate a more balanced property market.

“The property market Armageddon some predicted is simply unlikely to materialise.”

Recruitment firm’s 50th will be a year of giving generously

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A BUSINESS which started in Reading 50 years ago is celebrating its half a century in business with a big charity drive.

ITS, which provides recruitment services for the construction injury, was established here in the town in 1973, since expanding to 19 locations around the UK.

Now, to mark its golden anniversary, ITS has embarked on twelve months of fundraising in aid of palliative care and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder.

It began when members at the Reading office took part in the town’s Half Marathon last month, followed by Reading and West London manager Jerry Knight taking part in the London Marathon.

Mr Knight raised more than £9,000 for the charity, finishing the marathon in just over three and a half hours.

He explained that the charity was close to him after it helped care

for his grandfather, Barrie, in 2022.

“The Sue Ryder team were excellent in supporting my grandad and our family while he was receiving end-of-life care last year.

“The charity does an incredible job helping people and their loved ones in times that matter the most and I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back in any

the London Marathon.

Picture: Courtesy of ITS

opportunity from Sue Ryder to run for such an important cause to me and my family- a day I’ll never forget.”

For the rest of the year, ITS will be embarking on a number of charity challenges and initiatives, including the National and Welsh Three Peaks challenges, a 24-hour football match, a team skydive, and both 50k and 100k ultra challenges.

Besides these, it is also hosting family fun days, black tie events, and offering labouring days, where team members can donate their labour for free in return for donations from the business.

small part that I can. He continued: “Running the London Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life. Fantastically organised, phenomenal support from the crowds for all 26.2 miles and the camaraderie of thousands of people running together for charities makes for such a special day.

“It was an honour to have the

Jenn Patient, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said: “We are incredibly grateful to ITS for choosing to support Sue Ryder during their exciting 50th year.

“We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of ITS colleagues across the UK, who have committed to taking on these challenges in 2023 to raise funds so we can continue to be there when it matters.” n Donations can be made via ITS’ fundraising page at: justgiving.com/ campaign/its50

Two charities for two years: Blandy makes its pick

TWO charities that work across Reading and Wokingham will benefit from a two year partnership with a Thames Valley-based law firm.

Blandy & Blandy invited good causes to apply to be its new charity partners from July 1, and more than 50 did so.

A shortlist was prepared and eventually they selected The Cowshed and Berkshire Women’s Aid.

Chairman and partner Nick Burrows, who specialises in advising clients in the charity sector, said: “All of our colleagues participated in the process to select our new adopted charities so thank you and well done to them on choosing two fantastic local charities in Berkshire Women’s Aid and The Cowshed.

“Both are doing very important work and, over time, supporting thousands of people in need who live in our local area.

“We look forward to raising much needed funds for our new

charities and to helping in a variety of other ways.”

BWA’s chair of trustees, Margaret Rice-Jones, said: “We are delighted to be chosen by Blandy & Blandy as their charity of the year.

“Domestic abuse can have lasting consequences for survivors, children and the wider community and the partnership we will embark on with Blandy & Blandy will help us continue to deliver our high-quality and person-centred service to those who need it.”

And The Cowshed’s fundraising manager, Rebecca Mole, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of Blandy & Blandy’s adopted charities. Having support from such a prominent local business will help our charity continue to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community who are experiencing hardship.

“We are very grateful for this partnership”.

Blandy & Blandy has donated £25,000 to its outgoing charities, BIBS – Babies in Buscot Support and the Royal Berks Charity, with highlights including colleagues volunteering in the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s new health and

wellbeing garden for NHS staff and taking part in last year’s Walk for Wards and the recent Reading Half Marathon.

n For further information log on to: www.blandy.co.uk

‘There’s more life in the marketproperty than many think’

Blandy & Blandy will support The Cowshed and Berkshire Women’s Aid over the next two years

Reading and West London manager Jerry Knight taking part in

Free children’s fun day to return

WOKINGHAM Town Council is gearing up to host its annual Children’s Fun Day, which is set to take place on Saturday, May 27, from 10am to 4pm at Langborough Recreation Ground.

The event is perfect for children aged 10 and under and features a range of free activities including small fairground rides, farm animal meet and greet, go-kart rides, hands-on arts and crafts, and much more.

Visitors can come for a few hours or bring a picnic and stay all day.

The event will feature JWS Fairgrounds, Circus Scene, Go Kart Party, Millers Ark, and morearts, among others.

And there will be ferret racing, birds of prey to enjoy.

Visitors will also be able to sample tasty treats from the 1st Winnersh Scouts’ barbercue and Sir Whippy ice cream.

Sun hats and sun cream are recommended due to the outdoor nature of the event.

Facilities on site include toilets, a first aid tent, and an information point, while parking is not available on site.

Visitors are advised to walk or cycle where possible, and to use the Cockpit Path and Denmark Street car parks, which are a few minutes’ walk away.

All activities are free of charge, and families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day out at this much-loved annual event. n For more details, log on to: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

Theatre group is swiping right with their musical comedy

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A THEATRE group that formed last year is preparing to showcase its latest production, with curtain up this evening.

Midas Theatre aims to ‘bring together passionate performers, musicians, and theatre makers to create exceptional fringe theatre’.

The group’s latest performance is a comic exploration of the ups and downs of dating.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, is about waiting, love and marriage, in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and even pick-up techniques of the elderly.

It is to be performed in The Oakwood Centre from tonight through to Saturday.

First seen on Broadway in 1996, the musical has been performed worldwide, and has been responsible for more than 50 marriage proposals – so far.

Thomas Atkinson-Joy, producer and musical director, said: “I’m exceptionally excited to bring this

new production to the stage.

“It’s a hilarious, sometimes outrageous, sometimes tender look at love lives through the ages.

“It has a brilliant score, a live band, and a talented cast.

“The show has such a great pedigree, with a record-breaking run off-Broadway.” He said that when it was revived

in 2018, the script was brought up-to-date to include internet dating, modern-day parenting, and an examination of all kinds of relationships.

“There’s not a song or a scene in the show where someone won’t point at the stage and say, ‘Oh, I’ve been there’,” Mr Atkinson-Joy said.

“It’s been such a joy bringing it

IT MUST BE

LOVE: Midas Theatre’s new production, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, is at Woodley’s Alan Cornish Theatre from this evening through to Saturday

Picture: Midas Theatre

to life with our cast and creative team.”

The show can be seen at The Alan Cornish Theatre, Woodley, from Thursday, May 18 through to Saturday, May 20.

Performances are at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £15.

n For information and tickets visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/midas

Entries open for charity golf day

ENTRIES are open for a charity golf day taking place in Sonning next month – and there’s an added incentive in the form of a bacon roll.

Touringsport is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the event, which will support The Cowshed. Arrival is from 11am, with a shotgun start at 1pm.

Contests are for men’s, women’s and mixed teams, as well as individual entries.

A two-course meal will be served in the evening. Places cost £70 per player.

The event will be at Sonning Golf Club on Friday, June 9. n For more details, call Jem Hancock from Touring Sport on: 0118 921 9111.

Choir’s concert

THE Reading Male Voice Choir will be performing at Christ Church in Katesgrove on Saturday, May 20 at 7pm.

They will be performing a variety of popular songs and joined by soprano Charis Anne Luke.

Tickets for the concert are £10 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased online or at the door.

The concert is a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful music and support a local charity.

n For more information, visit the Reading Male Voice Choir website or call 0118 937 5950.

Ahmad’s debut book inspired by crime drama and video games

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jake@wokingham.today

A YOUNG writer has published his first novel and says he has another project in the works.

Ahmad Kalim was born in Karachi, Pakistan, with profound deafness as a result of Mitochondrial Disease.

Shortly after, he moved to Berkshire along with his family to help receive treatment for his condition, which as well as deafness can cause multiple organ failure.

Now at 27, Mr Kalim has successfully published his first book, Bloody Justice, which follows the events in the wake of a double killing at Coney Island.

It centres on Detective Knowles’ pursuit of justice as the mafia and police influence on the case complicates the investigation.

Speaking on his inspirations, Mr Khalim says that his work was informed by: “various crime dramas and video games combined.”

Despite this, he says it was a recent aim of his to finish and publish the book: “I had the desire to write about three years ago and

began writing a year later.

“I was at the point in my life where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I just went for it.”

Following the publication he said he had some small reservations: “My personality is not the kind which likes too

book,

much attention, but it’s really nice to see my work out there.

“It’s pretty cool to think that this book can last a very long time.”

Following Bloody Justice, Mr Kalim is now exploring his experiences with his condition and the medical treatments

he has undergone for a documentary.

His mother, Zobia, said: “He needs daily medication, he’s had 21 surgeries so far; to say the least it’s been difficult.

“But he completed his GCSEs, A-Levels, went to college

and studied computing, and we’re really proud of all he has achieved.

“When he asked me to proofread his work, I was quite amazed at what he had written.”

She explained that for his next work, Mr Kalim is being interviewed about his experiences: “We’ve been working on the process of interviews over a period of around three years.

“So we have hours and hours of audio and transcripts talking about his views as a young person going through his treatment and diagnoses.

“It will also look at how we managed as his parents with hospitals and moving to this country for treatment.”

She said that the family was still working on getting the materials together into publishable form, but in the mean time, Mr Kalim is busy working on his second novel.

“I feel so proud as a parent, not only because of what he has achieved, but because he is making such good use of his skills and his time.

“For me, it’s a story of hope, and I hope that it can inspire others.”

n Ahmad Kalim’s debut novel, Bloody Justice, is out now, available on Amazon

Boost to switch to verified ID

YOUNGER bus passengers will need to verify their age if they are to continue taking advantage of cheaper fares.

The Boost scheme, is open to university and college students, and anyone aged 18 or under.

From Tuesday, June 1, Reading Buses will be introducing the verification scheme for those buying tickets via the app.

They will have to upload a selfie and a picture show ID that confirms their age.

Their app will then be verified within 48 hours.

On future use, the selfie will be displayed on the app ticket so bus drivers can be certain the student is who they say they are.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said: “We are introducing this verification process after a successful trial at our sister company, Thames Valley Buses.

“The process is very simple and will help us to ensure that the substantial discount we offer to young people to help them travel about more easily is protected.

“The ID that people can use for age verification will be a birth certificate, passport, driving licence (for students), or a PASS accredited card such as Citizencard.”

He continued: “For University of Reading and the various college students, they can use

their university or college ID to be verified for one year and will then have to re-verify the next academic year.

“Any existing Boost tickets will continue to work without verification until their expiry, but any new tickets purchased from June 1 will require the person to be verified before they can activate the ticket.

“There are no changes to Boost tickets purchased in person where ID is only required if you look over 18.”

n Full details of the new verification process, which can only be started when it launches on June 1, is on the firm’s website, www.reading-buses.co.uk

NEW AUTHOR: Ahmad Kalim has successfully published his first

Bloody Justice, which follows the events in the wake of a double killing at Coney Island. Picture: Zobia Kalim

ALL CHANGE: Reading Buses will introduce age verification for its Boost fares Picture: Reading Buses

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER

Quiz Challenge

1. Which fictional animal faded away, leaving only its grin?

2. The explorer Captain Cook was an apprentice seaman in which Yorkshire town?

3. Who won the 2023 BAFTA film award for Best Actor?

4. Which part of the body can be infected with conjunctivitis?

5. What H is a woman’s name and the capital of the US state of Montana?

6. Which iconic singer will play multiple UK venues in her 2023 Celebration Tour?

7. In 1907, Leo Baekeland invented which fully synthetic durable plastic?

8. England international cricketer Ben Stokes plays for which domestic team?

9. Robin Ellacott helps solve crimes with which fictional book and TV private investigator?

10. What are the sides of a cut diamond called?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Sample different spice, fellows (8)

6. Course taken by one on foot? (4)

8. Pope’s edict is on target (4)

9. Frustrated at having a small skin problem in the diaphragm initially (8)

10. I ape a film star in order to become the head of the household (13)

11. Would a tearaway leave this stump? (4)

13. Steal from the devil (4)

17. They correspond with each other (6-7)

20. Sheriff’s officer will reward employees (8)

21. For instance, Derby people (4)

22. Clownish Zulu leader has some (4)

23. Do away with doctors’ orders? (8)

2. Having more than one patrol leader on the Russian river (6)

3. Gather together for prayer (7)

4. After a short time well up with the theme (5)

5. One cardinal taken in by another perhaps who is a journalist (7)

6. Serious danger, according to the Italian (5)

7. Article on prohibition by ancient city dweller (6)

12. Exclude graduate I had found in the pub (7)

14. Clique has bed on the lake (7)

15. Troubled maiden in Moslem city (6)

16. Father has a set of arguments cut short in the noisy quarrel (6)

18. Good man in the river finds it savoury (5)

19. William ruffled furs going round the bend (5)

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

1. Marine creature (8)

5. Body powder (4)

9. Rougher (7)

10. Commotion (inf.) (3-2)

11. Anger (3)

12. Diminish (6)

15. Maxim (5)

17. Look searchingly (4)

19. Hydrocarbon (6) 22. Behind (6) 24. Period of time (4) 26. Eject (5)

1. Of that kind (4)

2. Die away (5)

3. Fertile haven (5)

4. Hallowed place (6)

6. Poisonous plant (7)

7. Delightful (8)

8. Large scissors (6)

13. Large body of water (3) 14. Fencing sword (4) 16. Tennis stroke (8)

Deserve (4)

Cut of beef (7)

Stockings (6)

Pair (3)

Pilot (6)

Middle Eastern country (5)

Telling untruths (5)

Stare amorously (4)

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

924 75 1 1 6 298 4 7 5 2 9

Due to lack of space, we were unable to bring you a puzzle page last week – here is the page you missed

ACROSS DOWN

Village comes together to celebrate King Charles III

IT WAS an afternoon to remember as Finchampstead came together for picnics and prosecco to celebrate King Charles’ coronation.

More than 100 residents gathered at St James’ church to share food, raise a glass and enjoy live music performed by Dr G’s Little Big Band.

Sponsored by Finchampstead Parish Council, the free community event saw visitors young and old from across the village mingle and get to know one another.

The Revd Tonia Elliott, associate vicar, said: “It was just really lovely. We had this huge concern about the weather but conditions turned out to be great.

“People enjoyed a glass of prosecco and a piece of coronation cake – we had three huge cakes made specially for the coronation.

“We are trying to let the community know we’re there for them, let them know we can support them. We’re a bit

hidden in the village, so it’s nice that we could invite people onto our grounds.

“We wanted to celebrate the day with everyone.”

Some of the children created their own crowns, while Union Flag hats were sported by many of the adults.

The afternoon also featured a stirring rendition of God Save the King.

The weather held out despite fears of showers.

Townswomen’s Guild celebrates coronation

WOODLEY Townswomen’s Guild’s celebrated both our birthday and the Coronation at our May meeting.

Our committee were very busy decorating the hall before the meeting and our craft group had made crowns for members to wear.

We were entertained by John Dunsterville, who took us on a musical journey of rock and roll music through the years which we all enjoyed.

Our newest member cut the birthday cake and we also had homemade coronation cakes.

Our chairman proposed a toast to King Charles III and Queen Camilla after which Mr Dunsterville played the National Anthem and we all sang.

Our Guild meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7.45pm at Chapel Hall, Loddon Bridge Road, Woodley, RG5 4BG.

New and prospective

RESIDENTS and staff at a Wokingham care home invited their friends and family to watch a screening of the coronation of King Charles III.

Guests at Shinfield View were served a royal brunch, featuring eggs benedict and toasted bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, in the home’s bistro by the in-house cooking team before the ceremony began, also being treated to a glass of champagne.

The home’s cinema allowed the procession and coronation to be enjoyed in authentic fashion – in high definition and with surround sound.

A garden party was also held on the bank holiday Monday, at which local band Redshift performed a repertoire of British classics over a barbecue lunch.

The home’s general manager, Jodie Whatmore, said: “We are delighted to have hosted such a memorable and enjoyable celebration for our residents, their friends and family.

“At Shinfield View, we strive to create an all-inclusive and welcoming environment, where our residents can enjoy a range of activities and events.

“The coronation celebrations were a great success, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together to mark such an important moment in our country’s history.

“I would like to thank the Redshift band for entertaining us all during the celebrations, as well as our staff and catering team for organising the

celebration’s events.

“We are proud to have been able to provide our residents and their loved ones with an experience that they will remember with fondness.”

The Monday barbecue featured burgers, hotdogs and chicken, as well as freshly made salads and potatoes.

The home’s bar staff were on hand to serve an array of drinks to residents, with the special coronation punch going down a treat.

The celebrations were an opportunity to commemorate a landmark occasion in British history, and also reminisce about their memories from the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Shinfield View residents, staff and guests enjoyed a bank holiday Monday garden party.

Picture: Steve Smyth

Picture: Shinfield View

Members of the Woodley Townswomen’s Guild wearing their crowns

Whitegates

Long Hill Road, Ascot

N O W C A R R Y I N G O U T S I T E V I S I T S C A L L 0 1 3 4 4 7 5 3 1 1 0 T O B O O K Y O U R A P P O I N T M E N T ! T h e p e r f e c t f a m i l y h o m e c o u l d b e w a i t i n g f o r y o u a t W h i t e g a t e s S e t w i t h i n a p e a c e f u l a n d l e a f y e n c l a v e , b o a r d e d b y m a t u r e t r e e s l i e s t h i s s m a l l a n d e x c l u s i v e c o l l e c t i o n o f d e t a c h e d p r o p e r t i e s i n A s c o t F e e l w e l l c o n n e c t e d w i t h B r a c k n e l l , A s c o t a n d W i n d s o r a l l e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e h o s t i n g a r a n g e o f r e t a i l , d i n i n g a n d l e i s u r e o p t i o n s T h e s e t t i n g f o r t h e s e h o m e s a r e s p e c i a l w i t h a n e n h a n c e d s e n s e o f t r a n q u i l i t y f e l t t h r o u g h o u t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t E a c h w e l l d e s i g n e d h o m e c o m p l i m e n t s m o d e r n f a m i l y l i f e w i t h h i g h l y a d a p t a b l e l i v i n g s p a c e s a n d o p e n p l a n k i t c h e n / d i n i n g r o o m s B u i l t t o a h i g h s p e c i f i c a t i o n t h r o u g h o u t e v e r y h o m e c o m e s w e l l e q u i p p e d w i t h i n t e g r a t e d k i t c h e n a p p l i a n c e s , b a th r o o m s w i t h E u r o p e a n s a n i t a r y w a r e a n d s p a c i o u s b e d r o o m s

All images are CGI and for indicative purposes only

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WOKINGHAM WITHOUT BYWAY NO 29) (OAKLANDS LANE, CROWTHORNE) (EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO 6) 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority on 12th May 2023 made the above mentioned Order (“the Experimental Order”) under Section 9, 10 and Parts III and IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”) and of all other enabling powers

The effect of the Experimental Order, which comes into operation on 25th May 2023, will be to prevent any vehicle with a maximum permissible width which exceeds 5 feet (1 52 metres) to proceed along Oaklands Lane, Crowthorne in either direction, between a point 220m north-east of its junction with New Wokingham Road and a point 105m south-west of its junction with Hinton Drive Exemptions are provided in the Experimental Order for; access to land & properties, vehicles engaged in agricultural activities, emergency services, authorities in pursuance of statutory powers and vehicles engaged in such building operations as maintenance, improvement or demolition Full details of the exemptions are provided in the articles of the Experimental Order

A copy of the Experimental Order, plans and statement of reasons for making the Experimental Order may be viewed online at www wokingham gov uk/roadworks-and-outdoormaintenance/trafficmanagement-road-signs-and-markings/trafficregulation-order-consultations/ Documents will be available for viewing until the end of eighteen months from the date on which this Experimental Order is made (reference ‘E006-22’) unless that Experimental Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act

The Experimental Order provides that the Assistant Director of Highways & Transport (or such other directorate of the highway authority), or a person authorised by that person, may, if it appears to the Assistant Director of Highways & Transport or that person essential in the interests of the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic or for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which any road affected by the Experimental Order runs, modify or suspend the Experimental Order or any provision thereof

If any person wishes to question the validity of the Experimental Order or of any of its provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the Act, or that any requirement of the Act or of any instrument made under the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Experimental Order is made, apply for the purpose to the High Court

Within a period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the Experimental Order came into force, or if that Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification came into force, any person may object to the making of the Experimental Order for the purpose of such indefinite continuation

Any objections to the Experimental Order, together with the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the Traffic Management, Parking & Road Safety team, Active Travel, Highways & Transport, PO Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to tm consultations@wokingham gov uk quoting the relevant ‘E006-22’ reference above, by no later than 11th November 2023

Dated this 18th May 2023

Chris Easton, Assistant Director Highways and Transport Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 150, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1WH

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 2012 (AS AMENDED) (REGULATION 16) PUBLICATION OF THE UPDATED RUSCOMBE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Wokingham Borough Council is seeking views on the Updated Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan

Ruscombe Parish Council, as the qualifying body, have prepared a neighbourhood development plan, entitled ‘Ruscombe Neighbourhood Plan 2019 – 2038’ The plan aims to manage the development coming forward in the area to better reflect the wishes of the community and take greater account of what makes the area special to them The plan, if adopted, will be used to help determine planning applications within the parish

The preparation of the plan has involved consultation with residents, community groups, statutory organisations and other groups

The consultation on the plan and supporting documents runs from Monday 15 May 2023 to 5pm Monday 26 June 2023 and your comments are invited During the consultation period, the plan and supporting documents can be viewed:

On the council’s website at www wokingham gov uk/planningpolicy/planning-policy-information/neighbourhood-planning/

On the council’s online engagement platform (Engage) at www.engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/

At the Council Offices: Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN

At Wokingham Library: Carnival Hub, Wellington Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AF

Please submit your comments using the response form available at: https://www wokingham gov uk/planning-policy/planning-policyinformation/neighbourhood-planning/

All completed response forms and comments should be returned by:

Email: policyandplans@wokingham gov uk

Post: Growth & Delivery Team, Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WR

Following the end of the consultation period, all comments will be passed to an independent examiner who will consider whether the plan meets the national requirements

As part of your comments, you may request to be notified on Wokingham Borough’s decision to adopt (make) the plan

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (ESKDALE ROAD AND BORROWDALE ROAD, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2023

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 11th May 2023 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

1

2

Eskdale Road, Winnersh between its junctions with Borrowdale Road and Wharfedale Road Borrowdale Road Winnersh between its junctions with Eskdale Road and Borrowdale Road

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by the restriction Item 1 shall be via Wharfedale Road and Borrowdale Road, or by this route in reverse

The alternative for all vehicles affected by the restriction in Item 2 shall be via Eskdale Road and Wharfedale Road or by this route in reverse Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th May and 1st June 2023

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow SP Film Productions Ltd to undertake Filming work in safety

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 26th May 2023 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Dated 18th May 2023

Chris Easton Assistant Director – Highways and Transport Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.

• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

They’re messing about on the river

AMODERN-DAY re-telling of a Kenneth Grahame story is making big waves at The Hexagon this week.

A new musical adaptation of Wind in the Willows is being performed until Saturday, with lyrics by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, and music by composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

The organisers say the toe-tapping musical numbers will have families humming songs for weeks afterwards.

The show is presented by The Sainsbury Singers, who were the first group to perform at the newly opened Hexagon Theatre in 1977.

Eve MacDonald from the group said:

“We’re very excited to be performing where we first began, on this is our 85th anniversary, and also the theatre’s 45th year.

“This show appeals to all ages.

“And the music really is fantastic, I’ve been totally won over by the gorgeous harmonies.”

Kenneth Grahame was inspired to write his children’s classic by his love of the Berkshire countryside.

The story takes place along the riverbank, and boasts a colourful cast of woodland creatures, including the impulsive Mr Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble.

“We have a cast of around 30,

all playing lots of different kinds of animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, mice, and weasels,” said Ms MacDonald.

“The actors use minimal costume to create the creatures.

“Their characterisations are mostly created with clever movement and choreography.”

With his home under threat from the chief weasel and his gang of Wild Wooders, Toad is forced to attempt a daring escape.

It leads him to a series of misadventures, and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall.

Director Matthew Smith said; “This is such a well-known story and the musical adaptation has something for everyone.

“The songs are catchy, and the script has moments of humour as well as sadness.

“The cast have been working incredibly hard, and from what I’ve seen in the rehearsal room it’s going to be a fantastic show.”

Rehearsals for Wind In The Willows began in January.

“It’s been a real joy rehearsing this production,” said Ms MacDonald.

“The society has a great family feel to it, and people do tend to stay.

“One of our families now has three generations of performers.”

The Sainsbury Singers have previously performed Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Chess and most recently, Made in

Dagenham.

The Reading-based amateur musical theatre group was established in 1938 by Frank Sainsbury.

Productions range from Gilbert And Sullivan operettas and Offenbach, to Oklahama! and My Fair Lady, along with modern productions, including Jekyll and Hyde.

Wind In The Willows can be seen at The Hexagon Theatre, until Saturday. Curtain up is at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £25, £22 for seniors and students, or £14.50 for under 16s tickets.

n For tickets and information, visit: www.whatsonreading.com

EMMA MERCHANT

Ezy Ryder

PEOPLE passionate about Woodstock performer and 60s singer Jimi Hendrix should enjoy a night of music in Bracknell.

The Cream Of Hendrix presents a double helping of swinging sounds, mixing Hendrix hits with music from British rock band, Cream.

Audiences can catch this night of nostalgia at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Wednesday, May 24. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £15. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Gotta have Faith

A CONCERT of George Michael hits will take place in Bracknell.

Fans of the English singer-songwriter and band member of Wham! can enjoy hearing his music, performed by Steve Mitchell.

The programme focuses on Michael’s later music, some best known hits, and Wham classics.

Dave West, who played bass with Wham! on their first recordings, also joins the band.

The show, Celebrating George Michael, can be heard at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Friday, May 26. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £26.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

A night of jazz classics

A QUARTET of musicians playing trumpet and flugelhorn, piano, bass, and drums will perform jazz classics in Maidenhead.

The Mark Armstrong Quartet’s concert will explore the Call And Response styles of Miles Davis and

FANS of 80s music should make their way to Reading for a concert that promises hits from the decade and a party atmosphere.

80s Live is a retro music night performing hits to dance to, including: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me

Wynton Marsalis. The audience can expect spontaneous arrangements that will take everyone off guard – even the band.

Mark Armstrong is a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra. His music is said to possess the feel-good factor.

The event is at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Friday, May 26. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Drifters celebration

SOUL Kinda Wonderful is a tribute band that breathes life primarily into the music of an American rhythm and blues band, The Drifters, formed in 1959. Their programme of songs will include hits such as Saturday Night At The Movies, Under The Boardwalk and Stand

Baby, Never Gonna Give You Up, and It’s Raining Men.

The 80s Live concert can be heard at The Hexagon Theatre, on Thursday, May 25. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £34, with concessions at £32. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

By Me.

The audience can also expect Motown from The Four Tops and Temptations, and 70s disco classics such as Disco Inferno and Love Train.

The event is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Saturday, May 27. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Go Drowntown

A GRITTY dance theatre performance in Newbury will hold up a mirror to a society at a tipping point.

Choreographer of the piece, Rhiannon Faith, makes socially conscious work that raises awareness and lobbies for change. Drowntown, depicts six strangers, weighed down by individual darkness,

who come to a coastal land.

Seemingly abandoned, there is no one to help, and they each struggle with isolation, shame and failed support systems.

The show explores themes of isolation and suicide and domestic violence, and asks how to save the isolated from drowning.

The event is at The Corn Exchange, on Wednesday, May 24. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets are on sale for £17.25, or £14.25 for concessions.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com

A show with Wurblegobblers

INSPIRED by the works of Roald Dahl, a Newbury theatre show promises fun family entertainment.

All around the world the author’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too.

Only a secret organisation, the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders, can save the stories, and they need help.

Brenda Bogg discovers that the words are being eaten by dreaded Wurblegobblers.

She must convince her boss Terry Tibblestick of the danger the stories are in, and restore the words to the books using imagination, play and tenderness.

Roald Dahl And The Imagination Seekers, is at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Sunday, May 28. There are two shows, with doors opening at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £13.75, with concessions available for £11.25.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com

A chance to see

Bracknell – South Hill Park

southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Tina Live. Fri 19. Counterfeit Sixties.

Sat 20. Wilde Sundays. Sun 21. The Cream of Hendrix. Tues 24.

Celebrating George Michael. Fri 26. Dance 365. Sat 27-Sun 28. A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Musical. Sat 27.

FILM: National Theatre Live: Best of Enemies (15). Thurs 18. Allelujah (12a). Fri 19-Thurs 25. Winners (PG).

Tues 23. Royal Opera House Live: The Sleeping Beauty (12a). Wed 24,

Sun 28. Elvis (12a). Fri 26-Sun 28.

Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (12a). Fri 26-Wed 31.

Camberley – Theatre

Matilda the musical

ROALD Dahl’s story of a little girl with wit and intelligence, comes to Wokingham

Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey, but is hounded by child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

But the child’s courage and cleverness see her triumph.

Matilda is performed by Berkshire Theatre School, at the Whitty Theatre.

Performances are on Saturday, May 27, at 4.30pm and 7.15pm, and on Sunday, May 28, at 2pm and 5.30pm. Tickets cost £15.

n For more details or to book log on to: www.thewhittytheatre.org

Everything’s Coming Up Roses at the Mill

THE Mill At Sonning’s summer musical opens this week.

Gypsy is the story of a burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, and her showbiz mother, Rose, whose ambitions for her two daughters lead her to push them to follow her dreams of stardom.

Music by Jules Style and Stephen Sondheim includes: Let Me Entertain You, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, You Gotta Have Gimmick, Some People, and All I Need Is The Girl.

The event is at The Mill At Sonning from Wednesday, May 24 through to Saturday, July 15.

Performances are on Wednesdays through to Sundays, with matinées on Saturdays, and some Thursdays.

Tickets cost £85, and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.

n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 969 8000 or log on to: www.millatsonning.com

Titanic The Musical. Mon 22-Sat 27.

Rosie’s Rainbow Fun Charity Gala

Performance 2023. Sun 28.

Henley – Kenton

kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Teechers Leavers. Thurs 18-Fri 19.

The Greatest Magician. Sat 20.

Toothpaste Kisses. Thurs 25. Josh

Berry: Sexual Politics. Fri 26. The Music of George Harrison. Sat 27.

The Take That Experience. Sat 3.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Maidenhead Music Society - Heath String Quartet. Thurs 25. National

Theatre Live - The Best of Enemies. Fri 26. Cairo Conspiracy (12a). Sat

27. Soul Kinda Wonderful. Sat 27.

The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues 30.

THALI

WITH

At Sultan you’ll receive exemplary service from restaurateur Raja Majid and his team, who will give you a warm welcome when you arrive

We offer an exciting menu featuring a mouth-watering array of fine dining Indian dishes, including a 7-course tasting menu priced at £44 95 per person (£69 95pp with matching wines)

camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Emma Kenny - The Serial Killer Next Door. Thurs 18. The Monkees Tale.

Fri 19. The Counterfeit Stones. Sat 20. Rabbit Rabbit, The Chas and Dave Tribute. Thurs 25. The Neil Diamond Story. Fri 26. Comedy Club.

Fri 26. Classic Rock Revival. Sat 27.

Dreamcoat Stars. Sun 28.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter. Tues 16-Sat 20. Gingerbread Man. Wed 24. Tony - The Tony Blair Rock Opera. Thurs 25-Sat 3. Tapped. Sat 27.

High Wycombe – Swan wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Into The Groove - The Ultimate Tribute to Madonna. Thurs 18. Magic of the Bee Gees - You Win Again. Fri 19. Griff Rhys Jones - The Cat’s Pyjamas. Fri 19. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sat 20. The Many Voice of Debra Stephenson. Sat 27.

The Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG). Wed 31. Magical Honey. Wed

31. Mummies (U). Wed 31. Loving Highsmith (12a). Wed 31. Avalon

Edinburgh Preview - Luke Kempner and Bella Hull. Wed 31.

Newbury – The Watermill

watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Mr Whicher. Until Sat Jun 10.

Reading – South Street

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Richard Hardistry - Silly Boy. Thurs 18. Josh Berry. Fri 19. Alfie Moore - Fair Cop Unleashed. Sat 20.

Reading – The Hexagon

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

The Wind In the Willows. Until Sat 20. NT LIve - best of enemies. Tues 23. 80s Live. Thurs 25. Mike and the Mechanics. Fri 26.

Reading – Concert Hall

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Babatune Aleshe - Cabahood. Fri 19.

Reading – Progress progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Silver Lining. Fri 19- Sat 27.

Reading – Reading Rep readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

NEXT SHOW: The Rumble Under The Rug. Wed 31-Jun 3.

Shinfield – Players shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Jun 7-10. Sonning – The Mill millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Gypsy. Wed 24-Jul 15. The Everley Brothers Dream. Sun 28. Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

The Makings of a Murderer. Mon 22. Legend - The Music of Bob Marley. Tues 23. Everything Changes - The Take That Tribute. Wed 24. Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba. Thurs 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Fri 26. 80s Live. Sat 27. Walk Right Back. Sun 28.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

NEXT SHOW: Ding Dong. Thurs Jun 8-Sat 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Spin Theatre Academy presents The Little Mermaid Jr. Sun 21.Wokingham Film Society presents Living (12a). Thurs 25. Berkshire Theatre School presents Matilda Jr. Sat 27-Sun 28.

Woodley – Theatre woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

Something Mysterious is coming to The Nag’s Head, via the Scottish Highlands

Next week, a new brewery celebrates with a busy weekend – in Reading on Friday, Crowthorne on Saturday, and Bracknell’s Ale & Cider festival on Sunday.

JAMES HASTINGS

finds out more

SOME say the mystery involves climbing spruce trees in the Scottish Highlands while others claim it lies in a secret recipe from King Arthur.

But perhaps the real mystery of the Mysterious Brewing Company is how a decorator and a media expert have managed to create some of the most widely anticipated beers in the country.

The secret may, or may not, be revealed on Friday, May 25, when the company holds its official launch at the town’s popular Nag’s Head pub in Russell Street.

That’s when beer connoisseurs in Reading and across the south east, will get to taste the first three beers – Plan B, Avalon and Red My Mind.

The men behind Mysterious Brewing, Ken Barker from Yateley and Adam Sculthorp from

Burghfield, hope their pint-sized business will soon roll out the barrel.

“The Reading and Berkshire beer scene is such a friendly and vibrant community and we’re beyond thrilled to be joining it,” said Ken, whose day job is painting and decorating.

“We love brewing, sharing

beers and enjoy exceptional hopforward beers and that’s what we hope to bring to the community in cask, keg and can.”

“The idea for Mysterious Brewing followed on from a recipe that I created for Burghfield’s Burghfest festival last year, it was scaled up to commercial volumes by Andy Parker at Elusive Brewing

Whatbetterwaytoringinthestartof summer,withourfamily-friendlybashat ourTapYardthiscomingBankHoliday.

Fromtheirregularlyavailablerangeofbeers,availableall yearround,toseasonalandoneoffspecials,andtheir BarrelAgeingproject-thebreweryreleasesover100 uniquebeerseachyear.Theretrulyissomethingfor everyone.

TheteamattheirTapYardhavebeenputtingonBank Holidayfunforallthefamilytoenjoyforsometimenow, andwecan’trecommendithighlyenough!Fromthe looksofit,thelateMaybankholidayissettobeanother greattime.

TheweekendstartsearlyonFriday26th.Sirenhasa regularflowofFridayStreetFoodVendorsandfrom 12pmCrumpy’sSmokeShackwillbeservingupsome beautifulBBQfood-aperfectaccompanimenttobeer.

and released publicly as Mystery Fox.”

The brewery is currently based in premises south-west of Reading, with plans – if all goes well – to move to new premises and taproom next year.

Adam said: “Mysterious Brewing’s philosophy is all about collaboration and a strong

Ken Barker and Adam Sculthorp from Mysterious Brewing. They will be launching their first brews at The Nag’s Head, The Hive in Crowthorne and Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival

quality beers which showcase the bold and aromatic characteristics of hops.

From refreshing IPAs with a hoppy punch to traditional bitters, their appealing line-up will uncover the mysterious elements of brewing to create interesting and enjoyable beers.

Ken explained that beer drinkers in Berkshire want variation in their glass which is why he recently spent two weeks in Scotland collecting fire tips from spruce trees.

“All I can add is Adam and I have a love of craft beers and we both have very understanding wives,” he smiled.

After the Nag’s Head launch, Mysterious Brewing takes over the taproom at The Hive in Crowthorne with a great line-up of keg beers plus the full range in cans.

The following day, Sunday, May 28, the pair will be at the Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival selling more delightful produce.

sense of community, indeed the brewery would never have been created if it wasn’t for the local brewing community.

“We both deeply value the support we have received from the local beer community and are eager to give back in return.”

The pair add that Mysterious Brewing takes pride in crafting

n For the new brewery, log on to: mysteriousbrewing.com

n For more on the Nag’s Head, log on to: www.thenagsheadreading. co.uk

n For the Hive, visit: www. thehivecraft.co.uk

n And for the Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival, head to: bracknellalefestival.co.uk

I’M sureyou’veallbeenenjoyingtheglutof BankHolidaylongweekendsrecently,but withanotheronerightonthehorizon,itcan betoughtoknowquitewhattodo.Well,the goodfolkatlocalCraftBeerBrewery,SirenCraft Brew,haveyousortedwithafreetoattend, family-friendlybashattheirTapYard.

Ifyou’renotyetawareofSirenCraftBrew,then you’reinforatreat-youhaveaworldtop100,award winningbreweryrightonyourdoorstep.Aswellas offeringBreweryTours,theirFinchampsteadsitehasa livelyTapYardfordrinkingbreweryfreshbeeronsite, rightfromthesource.

Throughouttheweek,alongsideincrediblebeerthey offeragreatmenuoftastytreats,suchashandstretchedsourdoughpizzaandloadedfries.There’salso regulareventssuchasbi-monthlyQuizNightsanda populardogwalkingclub,the2ndSundayofeachmonth.

OnFridaysandSaturdays,youcanfindahostof amazinglocalstreetfoodvendorssettingup-from burgersandmexicantobbqandasianfusion.You’llfindit all.

Thebreweryitselfisnotonlyoneofthemosthighly regardedintheworld,theyhaveaprolificoutputtoo.

OntheSaturday,theweekendkicksoffproperlywith notone,buttwoamazingstreetfoodvendors-Crumpy’s SmokeShackandTacitos,whomakeawesomeMexican food.We’retoldtherewillalsobesomesweettreats.

OntheSunday,you’llfindFatTabbyCatering,Dirty Snax,UnholyDonutsandGorillaBakes.Andwiththe weekendstillnotover,Monday’slineupisFatTabbyand FlourPower.

Acrosstheweekend,therewillalsobeplentyof entertainmentforthelittleones,suchasaBouncy CastleandfreeFacePainting.

WhilstSirendefinitelyhasabeertosuiteveryone’s needs(includingsomeamazingGlutenFreeoptions),the baralsostockssomegreatwines,localspiritsandsoft drinks.

Withnoticketneededtoattend,andsomethingfor everyonetoenjoy-wehighlyrecommendpoppingalong. Youcanevencheckouttheirnearbycountrypub,The George&Dragon,foundjustafewmilesawayfromthe brewery.

� FormoreinformationfollowSirenCraftBrew at@sirencraftbrew/@sirentapyardonTwitter andInstagram.Orvisittherewebsiteat www.sirencraftbrew.com

Time to toast Uni’s drink festival

BREWERIES and distilleries based near the University of Reading will be celebrated at its inaugural drinks festival on May 26 and 27.

The Neck of the Woods will offer a wide range of beers and ciders from more than a dozen local businesses, as well as wines from Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford and gins from the Henley Distillery. A new gluten free pilsner, brewed by Siren Craft Brew, will be served, along with non-alcoholic drinks.

The festival will be held in Park House and neighbouring Eat at the Square on the Whiteknights campus.

Matt Tebbit, head of bars and dining at the University, said: “We are proud to work closely with local food and drink suppliers, with the majority of the beers served in our bars only travelling only a few miles to get there.

“As a university that is serious about environmental sustainability, welcoming people onto campus for a truly local drinks festival makes sense.”

Brewers includ: Siren Craft Brew, Phantom Brewing Co, Double-Barrelled, Stardust Brewery, Renegade Brewery, Tap Social Movement, Two Flints Brewery, Disruption is Brewing and Windsor & Eton Brewery.

Tickets are £12 or £10 for staff and students. Entry includes one free drink and a unique craft beer glass.

n For more information, visit: www.store.reading.ac.uk

Twyford Drama plays a blinder

Fight Them for the Beeches

Twyford Drama

May 11-14

www.twyforddrama.co.uk

TWYFORD Drama have just played an absolute blinder in the first-ever stage production of local playwright Kathy Reid’s comedy-drama Fight Them for the Beeches.

Reminiscent of the clientele of Richard Osman’s popular Thursday Murder Club series, the play’s cast are residents at Beeches Manor Residential Home, where the action takes place.

The set was perfect and evoked the slightly faded grandeur of an old manor house, with a portrait of the late Lord Cornwallis taking pride of place on the wall.

We meet the cast as they heard the awful news that the owner of Beeches Manor has died unexpectedly.

The cast were clearly enjoying themselves – the coffee-addicted Colonel (Richard Rudman) traumatised by his past; the ‘wheeler-dealer’ Walker (Mike Higgins) taking great joy in finding places to hide illicit alcohol; Cassandra ‘Woo Woo’ (Rebecca Down) sensing people’s auras and bad news at every

turn; Iris (Kathy Reid) clearly in charge and quietly running the home while tackling difficult crosswords;

And the ‘new’ resident George (Ian McDonald) raises the suspicions of the residents due to his ‘teeny tiny’ mobile phone and overheard secretive calls.

The residents were beautifully cared for by Honey Potter, the chef and general assistant (Sam Gittins) serving coffee at every opportunity, and her boss, the Beeches manager Sam Harris (Jac Rampton).

In a ‘are they/aren’t they?’ relationship, they shared touching scenes together in the cleaning cupboard.

The dastardly Lord

Christopher Cornwallis (Marc Reid), son of the late Lord Cornwallis, soon made his intentions clear as he summoned the residents to inform them he wanted to sell the Manor – supposedly to clear his late father’s gambling debts.

The second half revealed a plot twist no one expected that had the audience collectively gasping in astonishment.

The production at Loddon Hall, Twyford, was a beautifully written and well-cast joyous riot of undercover sleuthing, puzzling but enlightening crossword clues, password cracking and above all the power of friendship.

A triumph by Twyford Drama.

Let’s dance

AN EVENING of world-class ballet is coming to Guildford next month, offering a mixture of classic and contemporary dance.

To mark the company’s 40th anniversary, Ballet Central is performing at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre on Thursday, June 8.

Organisers say this is a chance to meet future stars, as the class of 32 will soon graduate and go on to the next stage of their careers.

The show is created around Ballet Central’s relationships with leading choreographers and dance industry influencers who provide the opportunity for students to work on new pieces or spectacular revivals of muchloved classic ballets and theatrical productions.

This year’s programme, created by Artistic Director Kate Coyne, features some familiar stories alongside exciting contemporary pieces and brandnew work, created especially for the show.

They say audiences can fall in love with classical Pas de Deux, The Two Pigeons, and

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SHOWCASE: Clara Ngo is one of the young stars taking part in the Ballet Central show at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford

be inspired by earthy Pas de Trois, Monotones I, both from one of the 20th century’s most distinctive choreographic voices, Sir Frederick Ashton.

There is a new take on Snow White thanks to Michael Pink’s shadowy retelling, Mirror, Mirror and be captivated by Dextera’s exploration of the Pygmalion myth created by Sophie Laplane.

And there will be new choreography from rising star Morgann Runacre-Temple and all new work from distinguished contemporary choreographer Darshan Singh Bhuller.

A spokesperson said: “If you love dance, then don’t miss out.”

The event takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, June 8, with tickets from £23, with concessions from £12, and multibuy discounts available. n For more information and to book tickets, visit: YvonneArnaud.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the Box Office on 01483 440000, between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

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HANNAH WHEELER

GOOD SHOW: The cast of Fight The For The Beeches Picture: Victoria Ruskin

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RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THE only way is Essex … and Berkshire this week, as we introduce a single from Myopia.

They group will be travelling to our neck of the woods several times over the coming weeks, including a performance at Wokingham Festival in the summer.

We’re thrilled to feature them in the RaW Sounds Today playlist and can’t wait for you to hear them.

Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Myopia – Unendable

This is an exciting new band from Essex with a single that is both beautiful and powerful.

It builds from a quiet soulful intro into an uplifting

GIG GUIDE

Friday, May 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. First Among Equals and Launch Control. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Solace. Details: 0118 973 1126.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Abba’s Angels.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Scratch Perverts

Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street

RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place

RG1 7JE. Cam Cole: The South West Tour of Albion. Wicked Boy Fridays with Crooked Shapes, Red Tape Resistance, Violet Origin. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Getting Funky.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road

RG1 7HR. One Eyed Man. Details: 0118 958 6222

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Friday Night Live Music Nights. The Black Market Band. Comedy Club. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling plays The Clash.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street. Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Curry night. £15 per head. Details/ booking: 0118 978 7025 or secretary@ wadecentre.org.uk

YATELEY – The White Lion, Reading Road GU46 7RX. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 01252 890840.

YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Colorado River. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, May 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Who’s Next. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Broadmoor Sirens

Live. Details: 01344 862912.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.

Myopia at The Acoustic Couch

Picture:

Andrew Merritt

intense section showing that Myopia is a band with strong vocals and excellent musicianship.

The band has a new album coming soon and will be visiting the area to play at the Windsor Trooper on June 1 and University of Reading on June 2. They will also be at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday August 28 – linktr.ee/myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the standouts on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album, The Portal was the title track and since then it’s been a live favourite.

It was released before current vocalist, Fay Brotherhood, joined the band and became

Vintage Sound Collective. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Acoustic cafe. 2pm6pm. Details: 01344 426298.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Red Rocket Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Counterfeit Sixties.

Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959

5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Old Goat presents Tape It Shut, Panic Button, Personal Issue, Punk Dylan. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Johnny Moped. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Paul Reason as Robbie. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rat Pack.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. Noon. DJ Shunz. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Bad Worm presents The Bourbon Massive. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jody and the Jerms. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Mighty Lemons. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 21

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Blue Collar record fair and social. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Tom Lewis. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Amit Kumar live in concert. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr

such a brilliant front person for them.

The track has therefore now been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay providing new lead vocals.

It sounds great with the vocals combining perfectly with the melodic guitar riff to enhance this Spriggan classic – www.sprigganmist.com

Sean McGowan – Casanova

Southampton-born singer, Sean McGowan, has built up an impressive reputation through his extensive gigs and his songs which focus on the truth and reality of modern life.

His new album, ‘Who on Earth’ is another great collection with songs of quality, like this one, delivered with musical and vocal passion.

There’s a chance to see Sean perform live when he appears with his full band at a Club Velocity show at Reading’s Rising Arts Centre on Friday, May 26 –www.facebook.com/seanmcgowanmusicuk

Dream Wife – Orbit

We were blown away by Dream Wife when they visited Reading to headline the launch party of Are You Listening? Festival. This single is from the band’s forthcoming third album Social Lubrication – www. dreamwife.co

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young band from Cardiff describe themselves as ‘blending indie, alternative and surf rock to create a raucous sound’ and they will be at

HOLDING

Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Low-Key Sundays. From 3pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic session with Jack Frank and guests. 5.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Monday, May 22

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, May 23

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Vistas. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.

Details: 07866 251216.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Wobz. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Wednesday, May 24

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Cream of Hendrix.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Eddie Piller in conversation with Jim B Donovan with DJ set from Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson. 6pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Isobel. Details: 0118 958 6222.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Artist Link-Up. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

Thursday, May 25

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

EARLEY – Reading Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 7HN. Leech.

Details: 0118 334 4300.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk

RG1 7QF. 80s Live. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. DDD and Jim Donavan. Mr Sango. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Singer Soup Kitchen: three performers, one band, one night only. 8pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Mark Warner’s Full Swing. 6.30pm. 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, May 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon, Erin May, After Arden. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross solo and Motown tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Birch Hill Shopping Centre, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Soult Trax. Details: 01344 457318

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Celebrating George Michael. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Candy Rock. Details: 0118 934 0700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Away With The Seas single release show. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Mike and the Mechanics SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street

RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. DJ Ben. Dinos Band. Joe: New Bass Order. 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: Denny Ilett, Andy Crowdy, Maff Potts. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Seán McGowan.

Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. KGB.

Details: 01344 778543.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105.

Wokingham Festival in August – www.facebook. com/helloindigouk

Savour the Flavour – Fish and Chip Song

Any song that mentions local landmarks Nine Mile Ride and Bob’s Fish & Chips has got to be worth a listen.

This is from the band’s new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour – http://www.flavoursong.co.uk

Voyager – Promises

Congratulations to Voyager who made it to the final of Eurovision and put in a brilliant performance – www.voyagerau.com

Louis and the Shakes – sorry.x

It’s a new single from the London band who bring their uplifting indie rock to Wokingham Festival in August – www.louisandtheshakes.com

Katie Ellwood – Breathe Slow

We always love to see a new single from Katie, one of our fave Wokingham artists – www.instagram. com/katieellwood_music

Kyros – The End in Mind

Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an eight-minute epic. They are a band of excellent musicians and you can see them locally when they play Wokingham Festival on August 28 –www.kyrosmusic.com

YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Barry Newman. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, May 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slide Oasis. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Blink of an Eye.

Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Eat At Joe’s. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. NRG. Details: 01344 530615.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023. Tickets free. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Boot Led Zeppelin. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. Danny T. Details: 0118 959 0376.

READING – IBIS Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Fest with G Maffiah, SeSe, Jahfett, Kryboss, Solo Barton, DJ Hich, Firechild Unit, MonstaSound, Play Mi Tune, DJ Phily, McFyA and more. £10. Details: shoobs.com

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Cosmic Pixies. Details: 0118 959 5577.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys

Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. New Beginnings Reading Fund: The Skavengers, Corvid, The Skandal, Monochrome State, and Natural Right. Scarlet Vixens. Faded Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street

RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: TJ Johnson, Paul Jeffries, Simon Price. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Classic Tracks.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1

5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Atrium, Scours Lane

RG30 6AY. AJ Calypso Tent coronation celebration with G-String, Brown Sugar, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Music Man, Dame Polly, Rev B, DeeVine, King Clivus, AJ’S All Stars, The Kaiso Gems, Andre McGenious Shepherd. £10 in advance. Details: 07930 907354.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Dirty Shirts Band. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Spartan Events launch night. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Beatles and Buddy tribute Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Garden rock festival: Parallel Blondes, Make Shifts, Nicole Allen. £11. Gates 5.30pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Vinyl Sessions. Details: 0118 979 9437. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. The Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org

Sunday, May 28

BRACKNELL – Keller, Coppid Beech, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Arrested Development. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. Keith Live. Details: 0118 954 5434.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Captain’s Beard. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: readifolk.org.uk

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Loop Volume 2.

Details: 07494 888180

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. From 3.30pm. Jazz weekend: Phil Braithwaite and Friends. Details: 0118 376 9159.

TILEHURST – The Plough, School Road RG31 5AW. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 942 7250

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell Live. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WHAT’SON

Friday, May 19

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30am-noon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Brewdog, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv session. £5 in advance. Details: https://www. madmonkeyimprov.co.uk/

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Friday Fledglings, a weekly outdoor session for toddlers. Booking essential. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl.reading.ac.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reading Indie Comedy Festival: New Comedian of the Year. 7.30pm. £6. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session. 10am-10.45am.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SOUTHCOTE – Southcote Children’s Centre, Coronation Street, RG30 3QP. Reading Children’s Festival presents: Rhyme and Song. 11am-11.30am. Free. Details: 0118 937 2535.

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Storytime: The Rumble Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Eric Chappell’s Theft. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www.triangleplayer.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@spauls.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Lions comedy club: David Ward, Terry Alderton, Gordon Southern, and Paul McCaffrey. £17.50. SOLD OUT. Details: https://wokinghamlions.org.uk/

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, May 20

BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Rd RG30 3RB. May Fayre. 10.30am-5.30pm. Details: 0118 959 8067. CAVERSHAM – Across Caversham. Caversham Arts Trail. 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk

READING – The Abbey Junior School, Christchurch Road. Reading Children’s Festival presents Reading Festival of Sport for ages three to seven. Free. Booking essential. Details: www. theabbey.co.uk

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road RG2 7AR. Reading Male

with Charis

Anne Luke. £10 plus booking fee. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ readingmalevoicechoir/reading-malevoice-choir-in-concert/e-orkekl

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Make a Tote Bag family workshop for ages nine upwards. 10am-1pm. Booking essential. Details: merl.reading.ac.uk

READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Dreading Slam presents Poetry in the Park. 11am. Details: 0118 966 3938.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Theatreoke. 7pm. Details: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2023: Comedy at the Taproom Showcase with Zoe Lyons and Sara Barron. 7.30pm. £15 plus booking fee. Details: www.fatsoma.com/p/ reading-comedy-festival

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle

Players presents Eric Chappell’s Theft. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www.triangleplayers.co.uk

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Waltham St Lawrence church, Halls Lane RG10 0JD. Choral Festival Concert 2023: Six choirs sing their own pieces and join together for extracts from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Parry’s coronation anthem “I was glad”. Free admission, retiring collection for Tear Fund, interval refreshments. 6pm.

Details: wsl.link

WHITLEY – Reading Scout and Guide HQ, Northcourt Avenue RG2 7HG. 9th Reading Guides Monthly Charity Book Sale. 10am-noon.

WINNERSH – St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Spring fayre: cakes, plants, books, stalls, raffle, and more. 11am-4pm.

WOKINGHAM – Outside RYND, Market Place RG40 1AS. Urbansketching event. 2pm-4pm. Details: urbansketchersreading.wordpress.com

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Embroiderers’ Group A demonstration of Boro Stitching by Hilary Jenkins. 2.30pm. £5, members free. Details: Linde at wokinghameg@outlook.com

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11amnoon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

YATELEY – St Peter’s Church Reading Road, GU46 7LR. Liquorice Stix and The Oasis Community Choir in concert, followed by tea and cake. 4pm. Free entry, donations to St Peter’s Church Community Hub and Vision 4 Youth.

Details: www.stpetersyateley.org

Sunday, May 21

CAVERSHAM – Across Caversham. Caversham Arts Trail. 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. MyJourney Wokingham presents free Dr Bike Surgery. From 10am. Booking essential.

Details: www.myjourneywokingham. com

READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2023: What’s The Game Improv Festival Showcase. 11am.

£5. Buttrick and Steel Conquer The World, presented by Stand and Deliver Comedy Club. 1230pm. £5. Fiona Allen. 2pm. £10. Glenn Wool. 3.30pm. £10. Nabil Abdulrashid. 5pm. £10. Emmanuel Sonubi. 6.30pm. £10. The

Sunday Roast presented by Roast Battle UK. 8.30pm. £10. Details: www. fatsoma.com/p/reading-comedyfestival

READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

REMENHAM – Remenham Farm, Temple Island Meadows, Church Lane RG9 3DB. Oxfordshire Young Farmers county show and rally. From 9am-5pm. Includes fun dog show, petting zoo, farming display, vintage vehicles, trade stands, craft stalls and more. £6, under 10s free. Details: oxfordshireyfccountyshow.org.uk

WOODLEY – Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3HE. Woodley United Football Club Family Fun Day. Barbecue, refreshments, stalls, games and more. 10am-3pm. Details: www.woodleyunitedfc.co.uk

Monday, May 22

READING – The Abbey School, Kendrick Road. Creation out of Chaos: Doing Theology out of Trauma – The Abbey School’s inaugural annual theology lecture in partnership with the University of Reading Chaplaincy’s Café Théologique. Dr Karen O’Donnell, feminist trauma theologian, examines what trauma theology is, how it’s done, and why it matters. Free. Will also be streamed live on Vimeo. 7pm. Details: Mark Amos amosma@theabbey.co.uk

READING – St Mary’s Church, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group talk: Whitchurch Silk Mill with Deborah Wheeler. 7.30pm. £2.50 for refreshments. Details: http://biag.org.uk

READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session for ages 18 months to five years. 10am-10.45am.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 9.45am and 10.45am Booking essential. 0118 937 5112.

TILEHURST – Meadway Sports Centre, Conwy Close RG30 4BZ. Reading Children’s Festival presents soft play, bouncy castle and face painting for ages seven and under. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 304 4077.

Tuesday, May 23

CAVERSHAM – From a location near Caversham Bridge. Terry’s Walkabouts presents: St Peter’s Caversham Conservation Area & Beyond Walkabout. 9.50am-noon. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of Home-Start Reading and The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Mini Athletics for ages 2-5. Free. 1pm-2pm.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Visit to Caversham Caves organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 7pm. £20, £18 members. Booking essential. SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square

RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, May 24

BINFIELD – Newbold College Church, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society presents Songs From The Shows with West End performer Maria Kesselman and Emily Burton.

7.30pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: www.bracknellchoral.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Women’s Section talk: Living in Uganda, a talk.

1.45pm for 2pm. Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Reading Children’s Festival: Bumps and Babes. 10am-11.30am. Under ones messy play. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Coley Community Centre, Wensley Road RG1 6DW. Reading Children’s Festival presents Let’s Get Physical soft play. 9.45am-10.45am.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Reading Humanists Book Club: Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Search meetup.com for Reading Humanists.

TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk

Thursday, May 25

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. 8pm-10pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Biscuit decorating craft. 3.30pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The History of the Gas Industry in Berkshire: an online talk with Jo Alexander Jones. 2pm-3.15pm. £5. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15.

Details: 0118 937 5950.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.

TILEHURST – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, The Meadway, RG30 4PE. Reading branch of Berkshire Family history Society meeting: A light overview of the English in India from the early 1600s through to 1947, by Jeremy James Heath-Caldwell. 7.45pm. Free parking. £5 donation, members free. Details: berksfhs.org

TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Fashion show and clothing sale in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. 7.30pm. £5.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table. Noon1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: AGM and awards night.

7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. First Days quiz night. 8pm. Teams of up to six, £10 per person. Booking essential. Details: www.firstdays.net/quiz-night

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Living (12). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, May 26

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30am-noon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

KIDMORE END – Kidmore House, Garden and Vineyeard RG4 9AR. Open gardens for NGS: 14 acres set in South Oxfordshire landscaped gardens with features inc ha-ha, walled garden with delphiniums, calla lilies and white wisteria, a rose garden and one hectar of vines. 1.30pm-5pm. £6, children free. Homemade teas available. Details: findagarden.ngs.org.uk or 07740 290990.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Friday Fledglings, a weekly outdoor session for toddlers. Booking essential. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session for ages 18 months upwards. 10am-10.45am.

WHITLEY – Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7PZ. Sport 4 Kids : active kids. 1pm-1.45pm.

Details: 0118 937 3894.

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival: real ales, ciders and more. Details: 0118 978 1221.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

YATTENDON – Village Hall, Yattendon Lane RG18 0UE. Brewhouse Music with The Churchfitters. 7pm. £15.

Details: 01635 200185.

Saturday, May 27

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Repair cafe organised by CROW. 10.30am12.30pm. Details: http://c-r-o-w.org.uk

READING – Coal Woodland Moorings, the area behind Tesco, Napier Road. Keep Caversham Tidy litter pick. 10am-noon. Wear appropriate clothing and good walking shoes. Details or to register: keepcavershamtidy@gmail.com

READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Crochet Yourself

A Granny Square: learn the basics of crochet. 10.30am-1.30pm. £30. Booking essential. Details: www.jelly. org.uk

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Details: facebook.com/beachsfunfair

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – Reading Abbey Gateway, The Forbury. Tour of the medieval Abbey Gateway. Places limited to 15 people, uneven steps and floors. 2pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Welcome to Reading coffee morning: learn about the library and resources you have access to with your membership and try out Hublets. Free, drop-in event. 11am-1pm.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Park Animal Farm Week. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Repair Cafe. Book a slot to help in advance. 10am1pm. Details: https://ti.to/nh-repaircafe/silchester-275

WOKINGHAM – Langborough Recreation Ground, Gipsy Lane RG40 2DN. Wokingham Town Council annual children’s fun day: fairground, circus scene, Go Kart Party, Millers Ark, morearts, birds of prey, My Journey Wokingham Smoothie Bike, First Days, ferret racing, barbecue and ice cream van. Activities free. 10am-4pm. Picnics welcomed. Details: https://www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/funday/

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 1221.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11amnoon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, May 28

READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. The MERL Green Explorers: monthly nature and bushcraft sessions for ages five upwards. 10am-noon. Children must be accompanied. £7 per child. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Details: facebook.com/beachsfunfair

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Animal Farm Week. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival: real ales, ciders and more. Details: 0118 978 1221.

Quiz Challenge

1. The Gulf of Bothnia separates which two countries?

2. Bruno Richard Hauptmann was found guilty of murder in which famous case?

3. In the Steven Spielberg 2021 remake of West Side Story, who played Maria?

4. What C is an orange-flavoured liqueur and the name of a Caribbean island?

5. Which of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas features the ghostly Murgatroyds?

6. Which Government department was set up in 1919 to guarantee Britain’s timber supplies?

7. Which country has won the most gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games?

8. What was the most successful single by John Lydon’s band The Sex Pistols?

9. Who wrote the novel Gravity’s Rainbow?

10. What is the common name for mineral iron pyrite?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Image doctor left in a spiritual meeting (9)

6. Equipment bagged by soldiers? (3)

8. Homer found aloft (7,6)

9. Strip in straight fashion for the king perhaps (5)

10. More than one circuit will partly coincide (7)

11. Turned to jeer my boy (6)

13. Great gun for the cleric, say (6)

16. Deadlock makes almost one thousand out of date (7)

18. Award for vehicle so revolutionary to begin with (5)

20. Preventing from succeeding (13)

22. Some prodding done with a cane (3)

23. Real boast about instrument used by astronomers (9)

QUICK CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

amyloid; campo; capo; ciao; clod; clomp; clop; cloy; coal; coaly; coda; coil; cola; cold; coly; coma; comply; copal; copy; diol; diploma; DIPLOMACY; doily; dolma; domical; dopa; dopily; dopy; idol; lido; limo; lipoma; load; loam; loamy; mayo; milo; modal; moil; mola; moly; mopily; mopy; myopia; myopic; oily; opal; placoid; plod; ploidy; ploy; policy; poly; polyadic; yomp.

EQUALISER:

1. Cutting worker off when dry (3)

2. Drink up, Al, underneath fresco (5)

3. Rile Tim about a county in Ireland (7)

4. Restricted northern shaft (6)

5. Former French island where Napoleon was sent (5)

6. King and Merlin lost in Russian citadel (7)

7. Can cricketer be found in the kitchen? (3-6)

9. About to connect the German answer (9)

12. Did more modelling in a relaxed position (7)

14. Cupid before midday permitted company to leave South American river (7)

15. Get the better of French achievement (6)

17. Girl’s turned up for some medicine (5)

19. Register Switzerland in a plate perhaps (5)

21. Give five less in Scotland (3)

NONAGRAM

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

679 5

42 57 91 38 4

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Serenade; 15 Teasel;

Across – 1 Observer; 8 Old man; 9 Tofu; 10 Rut; 11 Toilet; 12

QUICK CROSSWORD:

2 3 9 5 7 6 2 98 73 2 1 7 54 3 3 9

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

Ruddigore; 6 Forestry Commission; 7 Norway; 8 God Save the Queen; 9 Thomas Pynchon; 10 Fool’s gold.

Rachel Zegler; 4 Curaçao;

ACROSS DOWN

inthecathouse

Thames Valley Animal Welfare

www.tvaw.org.uk

Why you should spay your cat

It makes good financial sense

It may cost to have the procedure carried out, but it’ll save you in the long term. Less trips to the vets and less replacement sofas and armchairs need buying.

Neutering may be slightly cheaper than you think, with the procedure generally costing between £50 and £150, depending on where you go.

Healthy Heart Tip

Reducing salt intake

CONSUMING too much salt may raise your blood pressure, increasing your risk of developing heart diseases.

WE love cats in our house.

We have two of our own and, as fosterers for TVAW, at least one in the cathouse at the end of our garden at any one time.

Our pair of mogs might not enjoy it much, but we even enjoy it when neighbours’ cats stroll across the patio or venture in for a cheeky snaffling of a few unguarded biscuits.

We don’t love the smell of cat wee in our house, though (we’re strange like that).

There was a nice novelty to stumbling across the friendly ginger tom that’s paid us the odd nocturnal visit through our cat flap recently.

It was a novelty that soon wore off, however, when we caught a whiff of his territorial spray, liberally doused all over our kitchen units and curtains.

If only the pungent smell wore off as quickly as the novelty of hosting our spritzing new cat visitor.

We couldn’t get angry at our uninvited guest; he wasn’t being rude. He was just being a bit, well, fruity. It is, after all, the tail end of the cat mating season (pun intended).

And he’s, how do we say this politely? ‘Intact’ at the back.

Left unneutered, male cats will wander far and wide looking for, how do we say this politely…? ‘Love’? There is, though, very little romantic about foregoing the idea of spaying your cat.

Here’s why you should make sure to get your feline friends ‘done’: It cuts down on roaming

There’s nothing wrong with exercise, of course, but wandering too far can be dangerous when you’re a cat. Neutering lessens the desire to walk too far from home, especially in males.

Which then reduces the chances of them getting themselves lost or, worse, run over.

Their health

Neutering makes cats less likely to catch FIV (feline AIDS) or develop other diseases, especially mammary cancer in females. They can also get extremely battered, receiving nasty injuries from fighting.

Neutering lessens the urge to scrap over territory.

That means less chance of fightrelated injuries, which can be painful and get infected - requiring treatment.

Having litter after litter of kittens is also not kind to a female cat - so many complications can occur, with in-breeding causing a whole new set of problems.

At TVAW, we have had kittens born to feral mums with all sorts of terrible deformities and problems.

Out in the wild, they can die a slow and painful death. As can the mum.

Behaviour

Spaying levels out the hormones of your cat, calming them down.

It makes cats much friendlier and altogether more docile and lap-happy at home.

In females (or ‘queens’), it means they won’t come into season, be super vocal and behave somewhat erratically.

In males, it reduces the urge to roam, spray and fight.

petparade

Unwanted kittens

Unexpected litters often lead to dumped cats which, in turn, create feral colonies where many unmonitored cats can live without medical oversight or assistance.

Unwanted kittens that turn into feral cats are often treated rather unkindly by humans; often being shooed away, kicked, shouted at and having to struggle to find food.

This establishes a fear of people which can lead to trust issues and impact their chances of rehabilitation if taken in. If you saw some of the cats that TVAW have taken in down the years, trust us – you’d have your cat neutered!

If the cost is prohibitive, contact us. TVAW runs a low-cost neutering scheme (Google it for more info, details are on our website).

Are there downsides to neutering your cat? There are a couple of minor things to be aware of. Any procedure that sees anaesthesia administered comes with a very small, but still very real, risk.

Other than that, the only other issue is that neutering has been shown to slow down metabolism, meaning that your cat may gain weight slightly easier. It can be managed with some tweaks to their diet.

Ideally, cats will be neutered at around four- to five-months-old, but if yours is older - that’s fine. But the sooner the better.

The operation is a little more invasive for female cats than it is for males, but both are same-day operations and your cat should feel little to no pain afterwards, the vet will prescribe a short course of painkillers anyway).

So don’t put it off for that reason. It really is better for them in the long run.

We’ll leave you with one final advantage to neutering your cat. If they’re a tom, you can rest easy at night knowing that wherever they are, they’re not round a neighbour’s house making their furnishings smell a little bit like a horrible pub toilet.

n For more, log on to Thames Valley Animal Welfare’s website, www.tvaw. org.uk

Thinking of adopting? Thames Valley Animal Welfare can help

Bob

Age: 5 years (approx)

Sex: Male Microchipped: Yes

Neutered: Yes

Vaccinated: No

Can live with other cats: No

Can live with children: No

Bob is a charming cat, who came to us having been found homeless. After taking sometime to adapt to human company, Bob has found out that humans aren’t all bad and absolutely loves to cuddle and sit next to your side at every moment.

He is an extremely affectionate and loving cat but will take time to adapt to his new home, once he has settled he will be a special companion. Bob will need a home with a garden to explore.

If Bob could be just what you’re looking for please register online or call us on 0118 972 2082.

Samson

Age: 6 months (approx)

Sex: Male

Microchipped: Yes

Neutered: Yes

Vaccinated: Has had first vaccine

Can live with other cats: Yes

Can live with children: Teenagers

Samson is a handsome young cat with a white heart shape on his neck. He is full of joy and loves playing with other cats. If you are looking for a friend for your young cat, he would be ideal.

He is still nervous around people; he is happy to be picked up and cuddled but a little unsure to begin with.

He loves his food but prefers to eat on his own in a quiet place.

If Samson could be just what you’re looking for please register online or call us on 0118 972 2082.

Interested? Contact the homing cats, foster home co-ordinator by calling: 0118 972 2082 sending an email to: tvawcats30@gmail.com | More cats available at: tvaw.org.uk

Salt is a source of sodium, which is an essential part of a healthy diet, but when we consume too much, it can have a negative impact on our cardiovascular system.

Adults shouldn’t consume more than 6g of salt (2.5g of sodium) per day, but most of us consume more than that. Here we outline some ways you can reduce and keep an eye on your intake.

Cook from scratch

Cooking from scratch for most of your meals is the best way to know what your meal contains.

Shop-bought sauces, marinades, soups and ‘ready meals’ are often high in salt. We recommend batch-cooking homemade versions of the sauces and ‘ready meals’ you enjoy on a regular basis and freezing them for convenience later on.

We have a recipe for a Veggie-Packed Tomato Sauce on our website.

Use herbs and spices

Fresh ingredients like lemon, wholegrain mustard, garlic and herbs like ginger, coriander, sage, parsley and basil offer so much flavour to meals when combined well.

Once you start experimenting with herbs and spices to add flavour to your meals, you will naturally find you need to add less salt.

Read food labels

When buying convenience foods always check the salt content and choose low-salt options where possible.

Most foods will list the salt content based on 100g, if a food has more than 1.5g of salt or 0.6g of sodium per 100g it is classed as a highsalt food.

If a food item uses the traffic light system these high-salt foods will be marked red, so it makes it easier to avoid them.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/health-tips

n Or have a look through our cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartresearch-uk-cookbook/

PET RESCUED: Spaying a cat can prevent all kinds of issues, including health and unwanted kittens Picture: Pixabay

Cats are lovely, but you can have too much of a good thing if you don’t neuter them. STEVE CHARNOCK looks at the benefits

SCHOOL TEAM’S SUCCESS

FA VASE FINAL PREVIEW

ROYALS GAFFER SEARCH: WILDER SPEAKS OUT

MAKING HIST RY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED will play under the famous Wembley arch this Sunday as they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final – the first time they’ve reached this stage.

The Yellas have enjoyed an exceptional season in the league and cup. After winning the Combined Counties Premier North league, they are looking to complete the double adding to the trophies in their cabinet.

Ascot amassed an incredible 102 points in their league campaign and

are just one step away from adding to what has already been a memorable season for the club.

Ascot fans will be out in force in the capital this weekend to turn Wembley yellow to try and cheer their team on to victory.

It will be a tough test for the Yellas who are up against

the defending champions.

Newport enjoyed a fantastic day out at Wembley in last year’s Vase final where they defeated Littlehampton Town 3-0 to get their hands on the trophy. Now, the Yellas are looking to snatch it off them.

n Full FA Vase 2023 Final preview on page 18

The former Sheffield United boss is looking for his next job after his 11 game stint with the Hornets and is currently the bookies favourite to take over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium

“I’m having a week off now, and although this has been a challenging last 12 months, it’s been one that I can massively reflect upon first and foremost,” said Wilder

“Then I’ll go again. My hunger, desire and work ethic hasn’t changed.

“It was there all the time I was at Watford. I slept at night knowing I put every ounce I had into it.

“Whatever has happened in this last year will stand me in good stead and I still want to manage at the top end of English football. My passion for that is still there.”

Despite having a tough spell with Watford, Wilder remains adamant that his passion for the game still remains ahead of his next challenge in management.

The Hornets, who had three managers throughout the 2022/23 Championship campaign, had a troubled second-half of the season and finished in 11th.

He continued: “I’m ready and raring to go back in. I know the type of club I need to work with and be aligned to, and this experience has given me a good insight into a lot of things.”

RUMOURED Reading FC managerial candidate Chris Wilder has spoken on his troubled spell at Watford ahead of his next managerial venture.

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FOOTBALL

MARCH TO THE ARCH: YELLAS READY FOR WEMBLEY FINAL SUMAS LADIES ON SEARCH FOR PLAYERS AFTER REFORMING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED are just one game away from clinching silverware at Wembley Stadium when they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final.

The Yellas booked their place in this year’s Isuzu FA Vase Final in the most dramatic of circumstances. They overcame Corsham Town in a penalty shootout that went to sudden death. The teams were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Sean McCormack hit the winning spot kick to send his side through to the final on Sunday, where they will get the honour of playing at Wembley Stadium – the home of English football.

Ascot will have a tricky task on their hands to try and complete their cup journey and get their hands on silverware when they

face defending champions Newport Pagnell Town.

After reaching the final in the most dramatic of circumstances, Ascot manager Jamie Tompkins said: “What a moment for everybody. Fourteen heroes on the pitch and many more behind the goals.

“We started our journey back in August away at Long Crendon and were 1-0 down in that game as well.

“We’ve been all over the place, up to Manchester, over to the Isle of Wight, Devon, Sussex and we’ve beat them all so we can’t wait to get to Wembley.

“You have to back the players. We got through the previous round on penalties.

“Rhys (Forster) has been absolutely fantastic in goal and to be able to keep them out and give us a chance to win.

“What a moment for Sean (McCormack) who took the

winning penalty – a real special moment for him. I am just so proud because he’s had a great season.

“Many people at the club have been involved for years and years and I am just so happy for them.

“This is their moment now. They can enjoy watching their club go to Wembley and seeing the Ascot United badge on that pitch. I am so proud of them.

“Let’s go and win it.”

Newport were crowned as FA Vase champions in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Littlehampton Town.

They ensured that they would return to the final for the second consecutive season when they beat Congleton Town on penalties.

The Yellas enjoyed a sensational season in the Combined Counties Premier North and now have their sights set on clinching the double.

They finished top of the pile in the league and ended as runaway leaders after they won an astonishing 33 of their 38 league matches which helped to amass 102 points.

Having scored a total of 99 goals from 38 games, Ascot finished 18 points above closest challengers Egham Town to get their hands on the league trophy. Their memorable league campaign means that the club has earned promotion to Step 4 and will play in the Isthmian South Central from the 2023/24 season.

Meanwhile, Newport Pagnell Town, who play in the Uhlsport United Counties Premier Division South, finished in fifth.

In their 38 game league season, Town ended on 75 points with 24 wins, three draws and 11 losses.

n To book tickets, visit: ascotunited.net/tickets

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

THE newly re-formed Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies team contested their first match in a friendly against recently established Arborfield Ladies.

The Sumas started training sessions last October with a handful of players and has seen the squad grow considerably since its inception with a squad of 19 players, which is expected to increase when two further players join once they finish university in the summer.

The squad has an age range between 16 and 40, and is made up of one current W&E U17 player, with the rest of the squad split roughly in half between ladies playing football for the first time ever and the other half being players who are returning to the sport after anywhere between three and 18 years away from it.

As well as the current U17 player, one other player came through the youth section at the club, with the two due to join from

university, also being former club youth players.

Thus, showing there is now a way forward for girls currently playing in the youth section, to carry on their football journey within the club.

The side is managed by Stuart Greig, who is now assisted with the coaching by Shai Humphries, who was the first player to come along to the introduction sessions last summer and has gone on to recently complete her first coaching badge.

As for the first match, a 15-7 win was achieved by the Sumas ladies, with the goals spread between four players.

The final result was not the main win of the day, that was surely that the club has a ladies team again and with growing numbers.

Next season the team will be joining the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League, n Anyone aged 16 or over who would like to join or wanted further information, email Stuart Greig at: ladies@wefc.club

Sean McCormack’s winning kick sent Ascot to Wembley Pictures: Andrew Batt

Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies

Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies on the astro

Ascot United won on penalties in the semi-final

Ascot United won promotion to step four

Ascot up against Wokingham & Emmbrook in the Combined Counties Premier North

The Yellas celebrate another goal

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WANDERERS KEEP COOL ON PENALTIES TO CLINCH TROPHY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Mick White Subsidiary Cup Final

WOKINGHAM WANDERERS kept their cool from the penalty spot to clinch silverware in the Mick White Subsidiary Cup Final against SILVER BIRCH A.

With the two sides fairly evenly matched in the league, it was set up to be a closely contested final.

Wokingham went into the game in fifth place in the Bracknell & District Sunday Division Three on 25 points, while Silver Birch trail by five points and two places.

It was Wokingham who found the breakthrough in the match to take a lead into the break when team captain Ryan Keeley was perfectly placed in the six yard box to slot past the keeper from six yards.

Silver Birch came out fighting after the restart to try and get back into the match and they ensured that the match would go the distance when Owen Rich netted to put the game on terms with just 10 minutes to play.

The 1-1 statement meant that the game had to be decided from the penalty spot.

In a tense shootout, Keeley got the Wanderers off to a fine start by

FOOTBALL

FUTURE STARS HELP WOKINGHAM WIN

WOKINGHAM District Primary

Schools U11 boys were crowned as champions when they saw off competition from around the county to get their hands on a trophy.

Wokingham overcame six different teams to win the Southern Counties League Cup Boys’ Champions Tournament 2023.

The team got the better of Newport, Caerphilly, Thurrock, Plymouth, Elmbridge and Bath on their way to winning the tournament.

They also recently celebrated success in the Shires Cup 2023 where they performed exceptionally to earn another trophy.

The Girls team have also had their fair share of success after they won the Surrey League title.

Trials to join the team for the 2023/24 season are now open. Places are open for boys who attend a Wokingham District School currently in year four or year five.

A statement on their website reads:

“We need talented players who can replicate and build upon the successes of previous years. During the 2023/24 season we will be selecting an U11 representative team that will compete in regional and national league/ competitions.

“Our aim is to provide a platform for the most talented players from across the borough to compete against the best players from districts across the county.

“The trails are open for all players, including those that are already with an Academy or Elite squad.

“We give our players the opportunity to succeed in football and take their next step forward with access to professional football academies in the south. This year saw two of our players sign professional contracts with Reading and Southampton and a third that is on trial with Oxford United.”

dispatching the first penalty.

Josh Carter, Luke Pearce and Kobi Khaliq all successfully converted their spot kicks before Callum Marshall netted the winning penalty to give Wokingham a 5-4 victory.

Supplementary Cup Final

FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC were crowned as cup winners after they got past BRACKNELL ROYALS in the final.

Playing at Bracknell Town’s SB Stadium in a double header final which saw the Supplementary Cup final followed by the Mick White Subsidiary Cup, Finch secured the win.

Finch put three past their opponents without a reply as a brace from West and a goal from Payne helped them get their hands on the trophy.

Bracknell & District

Sunday League

Premier: Raglan 1-5 Freeman Royals

Division One: Panthers FC 3-1 Ashridge Park Royals, Winnersh Rangers 5-2 FC Harmanswater

Division Two: BAS FC Allstars 3-1 Bracknell Cavaliers

Division Three Bracknell Saint Germain 3-1 AFC Dukes Reserves, Hope & Anchor 8-3 FC Bracknell Saints

Division Four: BH Dons 8-4 Bracknell Elite

SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

James Lakeman and James Cragg compete to win the ball

celebrate with the trophy

Wanderers’ captain Ryan Keeley lifts the trophy

Wokingham Wanderers celebrate after the winning penalty Pictures: Andrew Batt

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FOOTBALL

READING YMCA BOOK CUP FINAL PLACE AS CHAMPIONS YATELEY COMPLETE PERFECT SEASON

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BTC Cup semi-final

READING YMCA held their nerve from the penalty spot to progress past FINCHAMPSTEAD in the semi-finals.

Samuel Tucker scored for YMCA as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The game was decided in a shootout and it was YMCA who booked their place in the final with a 5-4 victory.

They will face Thames Valley Premier League champions Yateley United in the final on Wednesday, May 17.

Thames Valley Premier YATELEY UNITED completed a perfect campaign as they made it 20 wins from 20 games by beating SB Phoenix in their final league game.

Yateley stormed to the league title to stop Finch’s run of two league wins in succession by winning all 20 of their games to give them maximum points.

Finch and Reading YMCA have a game each remaining to see who will finish as runners-up.

Thames Valley Division One

HURST ensured that they would win the league title after they won away at Hambleden.

They now have an unassailable lead at the top with one game to go.

Kenny Evans scored in their 2-0 away win at Hambleden which means they have won 14 of their 19 games.

Thames Valley Division Two

ALLIED COMMUNITY ELITE stay in eighth after they got the better of TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE with a 3-2 result.

BTC Intermediate Cup Final

READING YMCA RAPIDS fell just short at the final hurdle after they narrowly lost to Slough Heating

Laurencians Reserves. Jhamal Robinson and Tom Clark were on the scoresheet for the Rapids, but they lost out 3-2.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

TILEHURST PANTHERS kept their title hopes alive after they got the better of WARGRAVE in their penultimate match.

The Panthers took a 6-3 success which is their 14th league win in 17 matches. With one game to go, Tilehurst are just one point behind Ascot United Reserves.

That means that the title will be on the line on the final day of the season when

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA

RESERVES secured top spot after they defeated rivals Larkspur Rovers to get their hands on the league title.

In a crunch match with both hands having a shot at the title, it was Larkspur who went in front after 20 minutes.

The Boars found a leveller just 10 minutes after the opener through Lauren Broadhurst.

Laura Comerford then netted on the brink of half-time with a spectacular strike to put

Eversley 2-1 in front before the break.

Eversley went 3-1 ahead with 15 minutes to go after Lucy Thompson scored with an overhead kick.

Larkspur set up a nervy finish when they made it 3-2 in the 82nd minute, but the Boars held on to the win to ensure they clinched the title.

Eversley finish the season on 52 points after picking up 17 wins from 20 games.

BURGHFIELD picked up a win over Thatcham & Newbury to continue their climb up the table.

Goals from Hollie Absolom and Nicole Anderson ensured a 2-0 success for the Fielders.

Reading YMCA progressed to the final with a penalty shootout win Pictures: Andrew Batt

Ascot host Tilehurst in a winner takes all match.

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READING FC

READING FC WOMEN

CHAMBERS OPTIMISTIC FOR ROSE RETURN FOR SEASON CONCLUSION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers is hoping to have Deanne Rose back in contention for the final two Women’s Super League games of the season.

The Canadian star has been out on the sidelines almost all season after sustaining an Achilles injury in the season opener against Manchester United.

Having undergone a long rehabilitation process, the Royals boss is optimistic that she will be available for their next match against Tottenham

PREVIEW

on Saturday.

“The plan is for her (Deanne Rose) to be involved in the Tottenham game,” said Chambers.

“She picked up a little niggle in her hamstring last week so we need to make sure we look after that and not push her too hard.

“Right now, that’s the plan for her to be available for selection for the Tottenham game so that’s a positive for us if that happens.”

The Royals are locked in a tough relegation battle to try and maintain their top flight status and are currently two points adrift at the bottom of the league.

They will need other results to go their way if they are to survive the drop as the Royals boss prepares to have a full strength side available for their final two matches.

She continued: “We’re hoping other players like Deanna Cooper are back and available for that game as well so hopefully we will have a few more back in the frame for selection.

“We’ve always had

a good battle against Tottenham and obviously they had a big investment in the January transfer window.

“That’s been great for them because it’s something they lacked in terms of goals and Beth (England) coming in has solved a problem and has been excellent.

PRICES INCREASE DESPITE RELEGATION

of what we’ve done against them previously and make sure we step up another level to get points out of the game.”

Reading now have just two games left to try and save their top flight future.

The Royals currently occupy the relegation place in the table having only won three of their 20 league matches.

Chambers’ team are away at Spurs on Saturday before they host Chelsea on the final day of the season.

Emma Hayes are seeking a third consecutive league title having already captured the FA Cup last weekend at Wembley.

TOP FLIGHT HOPES ON THE LINE IN PENULTIMATE CLASH

READING FC WOMEN’s top flight future is on the line when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Royals are currently bottom of the Women’s Super League with just two games remaining to try and save themselves from relegation.

With title chasing Chelsea to play on the final day, Reading’s best hope of picking up a win to drag them off the bottom is likely to come this weekend.

Spurs need just one point from the game to secure their future in what has been a disappointing season for the club who finished in fifth last campaign.

The teams will be playing in front of a bumper crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a double header fixture that sees their men’s

READING FC

READING FC goalkeeper

Luke Southwood is currently unsure whether he will be at the club at the start of next season as the club prepares for life in League One.

Southwood’s current contract with Reading is due to expire this summer and he is uncertain whether the club will decide to extend his stay or release him as a free agent.

The 25-year-old impressed in his latest loan

team host Brentford in the Premier League (12.30pm kick-off) before the women’s match at 4.15pm.

Spurs have won just four of their 20 WSL fixtures which puts them on 14 spell with Cheltenham Town in League One where he kept 16 clean sheets to help them to a 16th placed finish.

“I have absolutely loved it, it’s been brilliant,” said Southwood when speaking about his season with the Robins.

“I have felt the support all year, even in games where it hasn’t gone as well for the team.

“I think the connect that we have with the fans and

points, just three ahead of Reading who have won one game fewer.

Kelly Chambers’ side have not won in the league since March and have the second worst goal the players, it translates to what we do on the pitch and the boost they give us, it has been brilliant.”

Southwood has made a total of 30 first-team appearances for the Royals and played 25 times in the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign.

However, with his deal due to expire soon, he admitted that his future is currently unclear.

He continued: “It’s going to be an interesting

“We know we’ve always competed with Tottenham and we will definitely use that in terms difference in the division on -28 having conceded more than every team other than ninth placed Brighton.

Reading do have the head-to-head record on their side going into the game having beaten Spurs in their last two meetings.

The last time the teams met was in the FA Cup fifth round which saw Reading progress as 5-4 winners in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Reading also took the points when the teams battled at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in December.

The only goal of the game came in the 12th minute when Spurs defender Amy Turner scored an own goal which gave Reading the points.

Vicky Jepson, who took over from previous summer. I’ll have a couple of weeks now to relax and then see where I end up.

“As it stands I am a free agent and whether Reading want me to go back, I am not sure. We’ll have to see but I am an open book.”

Joe Lumley is set to return to Middlesbrough after his one-year loan spell with Reading.

Dean Bouzanis will have two more years left 0on his deal after signing last summer.

manager Rehanne Skinner who was dismissed after nine successive WSL defeats, has seen her side collect just two points from their last five games.

Having been on the end of a crushing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby, Spurs took a point in a 2-2 draw with Brighton and a 3-3 stalemate with Villa in between losses to Everton and Manchester United.

Bethany England, who departed Chelsea in January to get more playing time ahead of a potential World Cup call-up, has impressed since moving across London.

She has netted 10 goals and picked up four assists in just 18 games this campaign which puts her joint third in the list of top scorers.

READING FC have increased season ticket prices despite suffering relegation from the Championship to League One.

The squad will be plying their trade in the third tier of English football for the first time since 2001/02 after they finished in 22nd position which finally saw them succumb to the drop after some near escapes with relegation in previous years.

Season ticket prices have previously been frozen for a considerable period, however next campaign will see fans have to shell out £25 more per season to watch their side.

In a statement released by the club explaining the rising costs, it said: “The operational cost of running matchday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium safely and efficiently has risen by approximately 72%.

“These costs are forecast to increase again for 2023/24 and for the club to be more commercially and operationally sustainable, we must ultimately make slight increases to our ticket prices.

“The incremental rises applied amount to just £25 for those aged 18 and over and £10 for those aged 17 and under.”

Season tickets are now available for fans to renew and those who renew before Friday, June 2 will receive an exclusive invitation to an open training session to watch the team.

Despite Reading’s decision to increase prices, they are still able to offer relatively competitive rates to watch League One football compared to other sides in the division.

Young goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, who made his senior debut on the final day of the season, will also be a free agent this summer if the club does not extend his contract.

21-year-old keeper Jokull Andresson, who has yet to make his Reading debut despite being with the club since 2018, is still under contract next season.

Andresson went on loan to Exeter City and Steveange last season.

‘IT’S GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING SUMMER’: GOALKEEPER UNSURE OF FUTURE

Rachel Rowe in action for Reading Stock Picture: Steve Smyth

Reading FC fans at the Select Car Leasing Stadium

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LINCOLN DUO PROVES KEY AS WARGRAVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division

WARGRAVE got off to a winning start as they started their quest to earn back the points they were docked.

Wargrave began the season on -70 points after being dealt a penalty by the league for a ‘player registration infraction’. Up against FINCHAMPSTEAD in their

first fixture of the campaign, Wargrave moved 20 points closer to being on an even footing with an 84-run success.

Wargrave batter first and strong displays from Euan Woods (61) and Dan Lincoln (115) helped the team to finish on 242 from 50 overs.

Finch’s task to try and catch the first innings total got off to a poor start as the hosts grabbed three quick wickets from the bowling of Josh Lincoln.

Despite a better showing

in the middle order, Wargrave took a relatively comfortable victory by bowing Finch all out on 158 after 45.1 overs.

BCM Championship

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD made a successful start to their campaign with a seven wicket triumph away at SHINFIELD.

The Bears put Shinfield into bat first and the home team managed to total 202 from 45 overs as Devesh Gauchwal

(56*) and Lucky Sardrar (65) top scored, while Andy Robertson collected four wickets.

Emmbrook responded and surpassed the total after 35.4 overs, losing just three wickets in the process.

Matt Loxton scored highest with 65, while Jake David (53) and Jason Middleton (52*) contributed.

BCL Premier Division

FARLEY HILL lost out in their season opener away at Goring

on Thames. Needing to catch a total of 139, Farley managed 87 runs before they were all out which left them 52 runs short.

SANDHURST suffered a narrow defeat at home to SHINFIELD 2s who took a four-run win.

Shinfield defended their first innings score of 165 as Sandhurst finished on 161 from 40 overs.

READING UNITED were on the end of a one-wicket defeat at Stratfield Turgis.

WEST READING 2s added 35 points to their total with a seven-run win over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s West Reading amassed 169 before they bowled the Crows all out for 161.

BCL Division One

EARLEY took the points in a tense clash that saw them edge past Maidenhead Royals by just one run.

Earley batted first and

James Woodford bowling for Finchampstead in their defeat to Wargrave Pictures: Steve Smyth

Woodford picked up two wickets

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

WARGRAVE BEAT FINCH

HONOURS BOARD

BATTING

Dan Lincoln: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 115

Muhammad Aziz: Farley Hill 2s v Mortimer West End: 81*

Neil Bailey: Wargrave 4s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 4s: 74

rno

Richard Hester: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 4s v Wargrave 4s: 74*

John Matthews: Eversley 2s v Binfield 2s: 72*

Lucky Sardar: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 65

Matt Loxton: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 65

Sean Ennis: Binfield 2s v Eversley 2s: 65

Aravind Gururajan: Earley v Maidenhead Royals: 62

Euan Woods: Wargrave v Finchamsptead: 61

Bhuwan Satway: Reading United v Stratfield Turgis: 59*

Yash Mahadik: Finchampstead 5s v Bagshot 3s: 58

Zaheer Gujjar: Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park: 57

Devesh Gauchwal: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 56*

Jake David: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 53

Jason Middleton: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 52*

Scott Osler: Finchampstead 4s v Kidmore End 2s: 52

Pete de Lange: Eversley 2s v Binfield 2s: 51

BOWLING

Nisal Perera: Reading 3s v Fleet 2s: 5-6

Chris Peploe: Wokingham 2s v Henley 2s: 5-20

Pavan Nargund: Rangers v West Reading 3s: 5-25

Ankush Jain: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer: 4-5

Chloe Mcdonagh: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield: 4-5

Dylan Wood: Reading v Slough 2s: 4-16

M Laithwaite: Finchampstead 2s v Hurst: 4-17

Surya Kiran: Earley v Reading United 2s: 4-19

Rama Adigantla: Shinfield 2s v Sandhurst: 4-20

Josh Lincoln: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 4-23

Saad Jaffary: Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park: 4-25

Mahad Ahmad: West Reading 3s v Rangers: 4-28

Saif Khan: West Reading 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s: 4-31

Sam Fearon: Finchampstead 4s v Kidmore End 2s: 4-33

Andy Robertson Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 4-36

Venu Gudimetla: Earley v Maidenhead Royals: 3-8

scored 157 as Aravind Gururajan top scored with 62.

A nervy victory was sealed for Earley when they took the final wicket with Maidenhead on 156.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE

totalled 35 points with a four wicket win against Welford Park.

Saad Jaffary picked up four wickets as Welford were all out on 153 before a top score of 57 from Zaheer Gujjar helped Waltham to win.

RANGERS made a successful trip to WEST READING 3s and came away with a 67-run victory.

Pavan Nargund earned five wickets for Rangers as they protected their 175 total to take the points.

CRICKET

Thames Valley Division 1

WOKINGHAM 2s collected a win in their season opener as they held off Henley 2s by just one run.

The Oaks batted first and totalled 164 and managed to take victory by claiming the final wicket of the day with Henley just two runs away from snatching the win.

Wokingham bowler Chris Peploe had five wickets to his tally at the end of the match.

Thames Valley Division 2B

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s got the better of HURST 2s by 15 runs in a close contest.

After scoring 193, four wickets from M Laithwaite helped Finch to victory as Hurst ended on 178 after 50 overs.

READING overcame Slough 2s by six wickets to put 30 points on the board.

Thames Valley Division 4A

WOKINGHAM 3s started the season with 30 points after they beat READING 2s.

The Oaks scored 201 from 45 overs before they had Reading all out on 129.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s lost out by 78 runs against Newbury.

ROYAL ASCOT BEATEN BY BAGSHOT IN SEASON CURTAIN RAISER

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today bowling of Matt Pettet which made the score 41-2.

AFTER all games were postponed in week one of the new Thames Valley season, Royal Ascot weren’t able to open with a win against Bagshot as they went down by seven wickets.

Bagshot won the toss and decided to take the field first. Ascot made a slow start but Ollie Clark was bowled by Adam Passfield for eight after 10 overs.

Jem Bains put in some positive shots scoring two fours but was caught by Jack Rowlett for 17 off the

Michael Breet and Bains partnership made 29 as Breet briefly continued with Andy Murray but was caught by James White for 15, bowled by Brad Passfiield.

As Adam Smith joined him and the pair pushed up the score, Smith was caught by Madigan, by the bowling of Passfield for 14 and three fours were included.

Dan Corsini went for a zero with the total on 107-5, caught by Davis, bowled by White. Then Murray was caught by By Stuart Derry for

39 bowled by White having scored two fours and two sixes within his innings score.

The tail collapsed as Burling was bowled White for 2, [112 - 7], Nick Wiggett, bowled White for five andRajiv Docker was caught by Hollely for zero, bowled White.

Lastly, Nick Wiggett was bowled by White for five which left Myles Trainor not out on one.

Bagshot opened with White and Derry who faced the bowling of Trainor and Docker for the early part of the innings.

Jamie Heathcote arrived at the

Thames Valley Division 5B

Eversley 2s (183-3) beat Binfield 2s (180-8)

Henley 3s (138-5) beat Sonning 2s (136 all out)

Thames Valley Division 6B

Finchampstead 4s (222 all out) lost to Kidmore End 2s (259-7)

Thames Valley Division 8A

Eversley 4s (162-5) beat Aldershot 3s (161-7)

Reading 3s (115-6) beat Fleet 2s (113 all out)

Sivendran Sivapalan: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v West Reading 2s: 3-26

Aditya Srinivasan: Reading v Slough 2s: 3-24

Michael Longridge: Sonning 2s v Henley 3s: 3-24

Ryan Pogson: Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s: 3-25

Pranav Desai: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v West Reading 2s: 3-31

Hunter Greyling: Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s: 3-32

John Child: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 3-36

crease with half the total to chase. The pair remained until the winning run had been scored.

Brad Passfield faced 53 balls for 47 including four fours and a six. The runs came steadily after bowling changes with both Nick and Andrew Wiggett using up overs.

Heathcote faced 36 balls in 33 minutes and scored 49 not out including nine fours. There were some well executed shots as the pace became heated towards the end as the partnership closed on 60.

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BOWLS

PROSPECT HOST BOWLS OPEN DAY

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

PROSPECT PARK BOWLS CLUB

welcomed new players to try out the sport as they hosted their annual open day at the weekend.

The club, which is located at 68 Honey End Lane in Tilehurst, is open to new members of all ages. They will provide coaching and ask members to bring along flat shoes.

They encourage people to try out the support and host a Monday evening league for beginners with players of all abilities welcome to join.

The club was founded in 1913 and plays competitive fixture against other local clubs around Berkshire.

Prospect Park also has a purpose built clubhouse with a terrace overlooking the green where drinks can be purchased from the bar.

The club is open weekly from 1.30pm to 6.30pm.

n For more information, please visit: https://prospectparkbowls.wixsite. com/

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL AWARDS: NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR GRASSROOTS CELEBRATION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FOOTBALL in Berkshire are encouraging the football family to send in their nominees for their annual awards night.

This year’s awards will take place at Double Barrelled Brewery in Tilehurst on Wednesday, June 21 – the same location where it took place last year.

Once again, the awards will be hosted by Sky Sports News presenter Tom White.

Sixteen different awards will be dished out among the evening including: Match Day Experience, Supporter of the Season, Volunteer of the Season, Best Image, Goal of the Season, Best Website or Blog, Best Content Creator, Best Community Campaign or Content, Correspondent of the Season, Manager of the Season, Referee of the Season, Young Player of the Season (Female), Young Player of the Season (Male), Player of the Season (Female), Player of the Season (Male) and the Darrell Freeland Award for Service to the Local Game.

Several local figures around the county have already received nominations including Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins and Reading City

RESULTS

Friday, May 12

FOOTBALL Cup

Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves 3-2 Reading YMCA Rapids

Saturday, May 13

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Premier League SB Phoenix 1-2 Yateley United

Thames Valley Division One

Hambleden 0-2 Hurst

Thames Valley Division Two Allied Community Elite 3-2 Twyford & Ruscombe

Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development 3-0 Goring United Reserves

Cup

Berks County Rovers 2-5 Wraysbury Village Development

CRICKET

Home Counties Division One

Wargrave (242-9) beat Finchampstead (158 all out)

BCM Championship Shinfield (202-8) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (205-3)

FOOTBALL

ASCOT AND BERKS COUNTY TO GROUNDSHARE

ASCOT United FC and Berks County FC has confirmed that they will be groundsharing at the Racecourse for the next two seasons.

Berks County, whose men’s first-team play in the Combined Counties Division One, will be playing at Ascot’s home having played the previous three campaigns at Binfield FC’s ground, Hill Farm Lane.

Ascot’s men’s first-team have just won promotion to Step 4 and will play in the Isthmian South Central after they stormed to the league title last season in the Combined Counties Premier North with 102 points.

The Yellas also have a huge day to look forward to at Wembley Stadium when they play Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final this Sunday.

Ascot United chairman Simon Negus said: “We’re delighted to have Berks County on board as our ground share partners for the next two seasons. We look forward to building the relationship between our two clubs, and welcoming their players, officials and fans to the Racecourse Ground.”

Berks County chairman Steve Kay added: “We are delighted to announce that our men’s firstteam home for the next two seasons will be the Racecourse Ground. This brings our senior games closer to our junior section and allows us to build a local partnership with Ascot United.

“We equally thank Binfield FC for hosting us over the last three seasons.”

FIXTURES

Saturday, May 20 FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Tottenham v Reading

Thames Valley Division One

Holyport Reserves v Windlesham United Youth

Thames Valley Division Two Burghfield Reserves v Allied Community

Reading YMCA Rapids v SB Phoenix Reserves

Twyford & Ruscombe v Slough

Heating Laurencians Reserves

Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development v Binfield U23s

CRICKET

Home Counties Premier Division 1

Slough v Wokingham High Wycombe v Finchampstead Wargrave v Harefield

BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners v Shinfield

Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood

West Reading v Braywood

BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (139-5) beat Farley Hill (87 all out)

Sandhurst (161-8) lost to Shinfield 2s (165 all out)

Startfield Turgis (171-9) beat Reading United (170-8)

West Reading 2s (168-10) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (161 all out)

Thames Valley Division 1 Henley 2s (163 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (164 all out)

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sulhamstead & Ufton (104-4) beat Sonning (103 all out)

Slough 2s (91 all out) lost to Reading (92-4)

Finchampstead 2s (193 all out) beat Hurst (178-9)

Thames Valley Division 3A

Aldershot (117-3) beat Wargrave 2s (113 all out)

Sunday, May 14

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Tilehurst Panthers 6-3 Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 2-0 Thatcham & Newbury

Larkspur 2-3 Eversley & California Reserves

Monday, May 15

FOOTBALL

manager Simon Johnson.

Tom White is encouraging football fans to attend the night and send in their nominations.

He said: “We need your support. We want to see you all there and we need your nominations.

“We need nominations for the great people at your club.”

n Tickets to the event will be available to buy soon at footballinberkshire.co.uk.

n To send in a nomination, visit: footballinberkshire.co.uk/ berkshire-football-awards-home

Berks County joint first-team manager Lee SImpson said: “It’s an exciting time for the club and a positive move for more reasons then just the first team.”

Joint manager Ellis Woods added: “The facility and playing surface is fantastic and to bring the team back closer to the junior section will be huge for the clubs progress.”

Thames Valley Division One Tadley Calleva Reserves v Hurst

Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids v Hurst Reserves

Chilterns Division One Denham 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s

BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Sandhurst

Farley Hill v West Reading 2s

Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Reading United Shinfield 2s v Woodcote

BCL Division One Reading Lions v Earley Rangers v Welford Park Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon

Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green v Eversley

Wokingham 2s v Falkland

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning v Burnham Binfield v Cove

Reading v Hurst

Finchampstead v Sulhamstead & Ufton

Thames Valley Division 3A

Theale & Tilehurst v Royal Ascot

Windsor v Wargrave 2s

Thames Valley Division 4A

Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames Cove 2s v White Waltham

Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill 2s

Thatcham Town v Reading 2s

Sunday, May 21

FOOTBALL

FA Vase final

Ascot United v Newport Pagnell Town

Thames Valley Women’s Cup

Tilehurst Panthers v Eversley & California Reserves

Eversley & California Ladies in league action Picture: Andrew Batt

Prospect Park Bowls Club hosted their open day last weekend Pictures: Steve Smyth