Wokingham Today, February 17, 2022

Thursday, February 17, 2022 No. 351 90p

Council leaders alarmed by NHS reforms

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

CROWTHORNE FAMILY CLOSE P10 60-YEAR-OLD FIRM

REFORMS to the NHS have caused alarm for Wokingham Borough Council leaders.

The Health and Care Bill will see a new Integrated Care Board (ICB) established in April this year to cover Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB).

The creation of the ICB is part of plans to improve joint working across the NHS and local authorities to improve healthcare.

However Cllr John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, believes that these plans could have a negative impact on residents in the borough.

“I’m on the warpath,” he said.

“Healthcare has been centralised and I’m trying to make sure that our residents’ voices are still represented.

“All the good stuff that we’ve been doing with GPs and local care providers, as well as the local voluntary sector, is likely to be put at risk.”

Each ICB in England will be made up of four executives, three independent non-executives and three partner members and three partner members.

The partner members will be formed by one from an NHS trust or foundation in BOB, one from general practice and one from a local authority.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at the borough council, is worried that the local voice will be lost.

He said: “They wish to treat the area as three authorities rather than the five on the ground. This means the three Berkshire authorities will be considered as one NHS place and will have less influence.”

Cllr Margetts fears that Wokingham will have less of a voice as a result.

STABBING: MAN CHARGED

Wounds in face and neck during late night town centre attack

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM man has been charged following a stabbing in the town centre at the weekend.

Ki Alvis Of Lee, 23, of Carey Road, Wokingham, was charged on Monday evening with two counts of wounding with intent.

It is in connection with an assault that took place outside the Gig House, Denmark Street, at around 3am on Sunday.

Two men were stabbed in the face and neck, and are being treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Alvis Of Lee will appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, March 21. n Continued on page 7

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FAMILY NOTICES

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Vaccine centre to open in town library A VACCINATION site is opening in Wokingham town centre this week.

On Friday, Wokingham Library in Denmark Street will become host to a vaccination clinic for six weeks.

The centre is a result of months of campaigning from Wokingham Borough Council. It has been urging Berkshire West CCG to set up a jab site in Wokingham, instead of relying on residents travelling to the Broad Street Mall venue, in the centre of Reading.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health and wellbeing at the borough council said that he is very pleased to see the site confirmed.

“I encourage all residents to go and get their jabs,” he said. “This is the time to get vaccinated in Wokingham.”

The library will be open for first, second and booster doses of Pfizer on a walk-in basis.

The vaccine is suitable for pregnant women, 12- to 15-year-olds, people not

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Natalie Burton, Daniel Blackham Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

COVID-19: Jabs will be available at Wokingham Library on Fridays and weekends. Picture: Phil Creighton

registered with a GP or those without an NHS number, and people with no indefinite leave to remain status.

Visitors travelling by car can park at Denmark Street Car Park, and more parking options are available across the town.

It will operate on Fridays from 2pm to 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 4.45pm.

“If the uptake is good, it may be extended beyond six weeks,” Cllr Margetts said. “We have campaigned

for months for this. It could be the last centre in Wokingham.”

In order to secure any extension, the borough must demonstrate enough demand.

Cllr Margetts said that he is particularly keen for residents in Wokingham Without, Bulmershe, Loddon and Finchampstead South to make use of the facility.

These areas have some of the lowest vaccination uptake in the borough, he said.

In Wokingham Without, the vaccination rate is 10% lower than the national average, Cllr Margetts said.

“Everyone would like to see the back of the pandemic, but it is important that we don’t lose sight of what protects us from the virus,” Cllr Margetts added.

“While Omicron is milder in the sense that it has so far resulted in a lower hospitalisation and death rate than prior variants, it can still

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make you very sick and it is highly transmissible.

“The vaccine is what helps make this sickness less serious, reduce transmission and it is still strongly recommended.”

Any residents that tested positive in December and were unable to get their booster jab can now come forward, as long as it has been 28 days from when they tested positive.

Parents, carers and guardians are also encouraged to bring children and young people aged 12 and up over half-term.

n Anyone with questions about the vaccine can chat to the health professionals at the site or email the support team on: covid.info@wokingham.gov.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

A COMMUNITY group is asking for residents to lend their support to a litter pick.

Charvil Matters, led by Cllr Sam Akhtar, is meeting on Sunday, March 6.

Volunteers will meet at 10am for one hour on Milestone Avenue, in the lay-by opposite the Texaco petrol station.

Newcomers welcome.

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n For more information or to register interest in taking part, contact: charvilmatters@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page: facebook.com/charvilmatters

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Twyford Piggott pupil wins five medals at swim championships EXCLUSIVE

WINNER: Elowyn Meeres swims five times a week as part of her training.

Picture: Anna Meeres

By JESS WARRREN jwarren@wokingham.today A TWYFORD student has developed a taste for success after winning five sporting medals last month.

Elowyn Meeres, 13, won four silver and one bronze medal at the Berks and South Bucks County Speed Swimming Championships in January.

The Piggott School pupil is part of Wycombe District Swimming Club and trains five times a week.

Elowyn said that the medals are “quite an achievement” for her, as she recorded personal bests (PB) in most of her races throughout the championships.

“Every race where I PB-ed, I got a medal,” she said. “And I was the youngest person with a disability there.”

Swimming classifications are used to record various impairments in order to maintain a fair competition for athletes.

Elowyn is in S6, which is for swimmers with short stature or amputations of both arms, or moderate co-ordination problems on one side of their body.

All of the other athletes with disabilities at the championships were in S9, which marks a smaller impairment, such as joint restrictions in one leg or with double below-the-knee amputations.

In the championships, swimmers’ times are recorded against their classification’s world record, meaning that the first person to finish the race isn’t necessarily the winner.

“You find out how well you have done after leaving the water,” explained Elowyn’s Mum, Anna.

“There’s lots of cheering and whistling on the sidelines.

“It’s nice supporting all of the

Residents challenged to use just one blue bag a week

girls. Every time I see Elowyn swim, it’s amazing. In the pool she’s just a swimmer, she’s just Elowyn.”

As the scores came in, Elowyn said that she wasn’t expecting to come home with a medal, let alone five.

However she does have a history of success.

In March 2020, she won gold in the 50 metre butterfly, at the Junior Nationals.

She hopes that when they come around in June this year, there may be more medals on the cards.

“I want to enter many events,” she said, “so who knows.”

She also holds the 12th position in the world for 100 metre breaststroke, in the S6 category.

This includes all ages and all points in history.

To maintain her high standard, Elowyn is in the pool throughout the week, and even wakes at 4.30am to train on Saturdays.

In the run-up to national competitions, she is in the water eight a week.

“It can be very hard to balance with school,” she said. “But I always have Thursdays off.”

This, she said, becomes a day to OUT OF THE POOL: Elowyn won five focus more on her studies. medals at county championships

Distraction thefts at cash points increase in Woodley RESIDENTS have been urged to look out for more vulnerable people in the community following an increase in distraction thefts.

The reminder from Wokingham Borough Council follows a number of alerts issued by Thames Valley Police about incidents in the Woodley area.

Offenders have been targetting vulnerable and elderly people at cash machines and car parks in the borough to obtain their bank cards once they have entered their PIN. Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhood and communities, said that it is important for residents to be aware of the increase in order to try to prevent them from happening.

“We appreciate not all of our

PICTURE: Wokingham Borough Council

PICTURE: Clay Banks on Unsplash residents are active on social media and may only learn of this through word of mouth,” he said.

“That is why we would ask you all to look out for your friends, family and neighbours and make them aware that distraction thieves are about and may move onto other areas as public awareness increases.”

Criminals often work in groups, with someone watching the victim as they input their PIN, while another distracts them.

Victims are often distracted by an offender asking them questions or telling them they

have dropped something, before taking their card and later using it to withdraw money.

Residents should also be mindful of their purse being taken from their bag while visiting a supermarket.

And they are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions, making it harder for people to take advantage. PINs should be covered as it is entered and cards should be watched at all times when at a machine.

People who see or suspect a crime is taking place should call the police on 999.

Those with information about these offences or who have witnessed suspicious activity should call the nonemergency number 101 or use the Thames Valley Police online reporting form.

CAN YOU just use one blue bag a week? That’s the challenge being launched by Wokingham Borough Council leader in a bid to cut down on waste.

Now that the green recycling sacks have been adopted across the borough, complimented by the food waste collections, Cllr John Halsall wants residents to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

And with supermarkets such as the Co-op introducing soft plastic recycling facilities, it’s even easier for people to help the environment.

The challenge is really straightforward: by reducing the number of blue bags collected across the borough every week, there will be fewer bags going to landfill.

Cllr Halsall said: “We are launching this to encourage our residents to join the blue bag challenge, and use just one blue bag every week.

“It’s not an exhortation, we’re not going to make you do it, but it’s a challenge.”

He said that the green bags had been welcomed by residents after years of the open black boxes. The bags have a Velcro closing so the waste can be kept dry, making it easier to recycle.

“Our green bags are considered really quite well now,” Cllr Halsall explained. “In fact, I’ve had people complementing me on our system. Given the furore they caused, that’s good. They have also saved us a huge amount of money.”

He estimated this to be between £500,000 and £1 million a year.

He also hoped residents would use the food waste bins more.

“There’s only 15% of people who used these bins,” Cllr Halsall said. “If we can get it to 50%, we’ll be making a huge difference to what we can recycle.

“Recycling food waste means the rest of our waste is clean. That’s made a real difference.”

- ‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club 13th March at 5pm A 'club' is just a name.We bring open-minded, a thirsty for knowledge and adventure Whisk(e)y lovers and guide them on their journey through selection of interesting Whiskies.

At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind, to the flavours, and the distillery and all these stories add up to the finish product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn more.

Welcome Cocktail | Whisk(e)y Tasting | Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram

Whisky Selection - Speyside | Cardhu 12 Years Old | Discovery Glenrothes 11 Years Old | Balvenie 14 Years Old Caribbean Cask | Craigellachie 13 Years Old Once you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner with a very special twenty percent off food. £29.95 per person

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4 | NEWS

Save the date! Bus firm announces open day return FOR many bus fans, it’s the highlight of the year – and finally, it’s returning.

Reading Buses has announced that it will once again welcome visitors to its Great Knollys Street depot for its annual open day.

It has been cancelled for the past two years due to the covid pandemic.

Now, the popular family fun day is returning.

The event gives people the chance to see the colourful fleet of buses, learn more about the company’s work, make donations to the charity of the year, and have ride in the bus wash.

Reading Buses’ CEO, Robert Williams, promised that the Sunday, June 26 event will be bigger and better than ever.

“It is most certainly a date for many people’s diary,” he promised.

“There will be much joy and relief that the open day will, at last, have beaten the pandemic which has forced its cancellation for the last two years.

“And we can promise that the 2022 open day will be bigger and better than ever – something that many people, including families, can look forward to with enthusiasm.”

He said that traditionally, the Reading Buses open day is a great day out for everyone and urged people to spread the word about its return.

“The day will feature all the main attractions such as behind the scenes tours, rides through the bus wash and fantastic food and drink – including the popular barbecue,” he promised.

“It is free to attend and this of course will once again be a big attraction.

“The event is staffed exclusively by volunteers and all the profits from the day go to our Charity of the Year.”

Garden store open THE Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association has opened its shop again on Sundays, between 9.30am and 11am on Loddon Hall Road.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

Wokingham in 5G pilot scheme as part of Berkshire digital group

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM and Reading are being included in pilot schemes to speed up 4G and 5G deployment.

Telecoms firms will be given easier access to public buildings and street lights, bus shelters and traffic lights in 44 English and Scottish council areas, as part of the plan.

The two boroughs are part of the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group, which is one of eight schemes to be awarded the funding.

The schemes are being trialled because companies can find it difficult to acquire information on a structure’s location, physical dimensions, proximity to the street or access to a power source — all of which affect its suitability to host equipment.

In the new pilot, the government will invest in software that allows councils to share this information with the telecoms companies.

Digital infrastructure minister Julia Lopez said the pilots are part of a “joined-up strategy” to deliver “worldclass connectivity” to every corner of the country.

“Everyone gets frustrated when their mobile signal is poor, particularly when patchy coverage holds up important work and social calls and makes it

TECHNOLOGY: A 5G phone mast tower in Reading’s Palmer Park Picture: Phil Creighton harder to do stuff online,” she said. “That is why we are determined to get the UK the connectivity it needs by rolling out better mobile coverage as quickly as possible.

“Mobile companies are finding it difficult to get the data they need to check that a lamppost, bus shelter or public building is suitable for hosting their kit. These eight pilots will help

solve this by modernising the way local authorities and operators work together in a way that ultimately delivers faster, more reliable mobile coverage for millions of people.”

The project could mean that there is less need for new masts in Wokingham and Reading. These can often take longer to build and set up.

Gareth Elliott, director of policy and

Fuelbank to be stand-alone service A FUELBANK scheme operated

by Wokingham Foodbank is set to become a stand-alone service from next week.

The scheme provides emergency support vouchers to people across the borough who do not have funds to top-up gas or electricity prepayment meters.

Starting on Monday, February 14, it will move from being an add-on for existing foodbank clients and become a separate service. The value of vouchers will also increase.

The move comes in the wake of “a very significant level of need,” said foodbank manager Annette Medhurst.

“A number of clients have expressed their concerns about spiralling energy costs and have told us how worried they are about paying their bills,” Ms Medhurst said.

“We are finding that a significant amount of the funds we are providing are being sucked into existing debt on the meter.

“And what is the point in giving someone a bag of pasta if they can’t afford to cook it?”

Covid has continued to affect energy usage, with some of those needing vouchers saying that having children home from school with the virus has led to heating being on more than normal.

Wokingham Foodbank saw an average of 37 referrals per month to the fuelbank scheme last year. November was the busiest

month, with 67 vouchers given to people struggling to cover energy costs.

“There are always fluctuations in demand, for example in December our numbers dipped to 43 because the household support grant kicked in,” Ms Medhurst explained.

“Households on lower incomes are already struggling to make ends meet and the rising cost of living has a very significant impact on them.”

Information about Wokingham Foodbank’s fuelbank scheme and the household support grant can be accessed through Wokingham Citizens Advice: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk

Thames Valley Police opens £100,000 funding for community groups A SHARE of £100,000 is available to community groups that help the police reduce crime, writes Jess Warren.

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, announced the latest round of funding.

Organisations from across Thames Valley can apply for grants for projects that support at least one of Mr Barber’s five key priorities.

These are preventing crime, protecting vulnerable people, fighting modern crimes, reducing re-offending, and reducing the impact of illegal encampments.

Mr Barber said that he was pleased to be launching the Community Fund.

He said: “Community and voluntary groups are extremely active across the force area, and play a significant role in trying

communications of Mobile UK, said that speeding up the process will enable mobile operators to meet “ambitious government targets”.

“The trial and its project winners will provide positive examples of how local authorities can use technology to speed up processes and develop effective relationships with mobile operators to improve coverage for all,” he added.

Sir John Redwood, Conservative MP for Wokingham said: “Anything that improves the broadband service my constituents can enjoy is a welcome.

“We live, work, learn and socialise so much through the internet that every family and business needs a good connection with plenty of capacity.”

The 5G mobile internet connection offers download speeds up to 100 times that of 4G, making mobile phones faster and able to process larger amounts of data.

By increasing its coverage across the country, the Government also hopes that it will broaden the role that mobile technology plays in wider society.

This could enable thousands more ‘smart’ devices to be used on the street which connect to the internet and each other.

The technology could be used to provide greater real-time monitoring and responsiveness to congestion.

Longer Post Office hours for Binfield LONGER Post Office hours are planned in Binfield as two stores combine.

Southern Co-op is combining the Post Office with its larger Binfield store on Forest Road, which sits around 90 metres away from the other.

The larger store will have an extra 59 hours where the Post Office is open to residents.

The changes are currently planned for April and May this year.

Staff hours and job roles will remain the same, and Southern Co-op hopes that the move will see improved customer services.

Simon Eastwood, chief operating officer for retail at Southern Co-op, said: “While we have decided to close our smaller Binfield Post Office store, we want to reassure

customers that all of the services will be transferred across the road and they will see the same familiar faces behind the tills.”

Post Office services will remain behind the counter however, currencies would become pre-order only and car tax would no longer be available at this branch.

Opening hours will stay at 7am to 10pm every day.

Ahead of the changes, Post Office is starting a period of consultation.

It is looking for feedback about accessibility, community issues and anything that it can do to make life easier for customers. The deadline for responses is Thursday, March 24.

to help tackle local issues around crime prevention and supporting vulnerable groups.

“I hope to receive applications focusing on a range of areas within my Police and Criminal Justice Plan including crime prevention, modern crimes such as cybercrime and fraud, and reducing reoffending.”

Chief Constable John Campbell, said: “Using money generated from the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful

owners is a great way of funding worthy projects and other work across the Thames Valley.

“This funding will play a big part in helping voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley.

“It will allow them to continue to run projects that play such a big role in preventing crime and protecting our communities.”

The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday, March 4.

n To take part, visit: postofficeviews.co.uk and use branch code 214939.

n For more information, visit: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov. uk/get-involved

Half marathon returns at end of the month

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

WOKINGHAM Half Marathon is ready to return after missing a year due to the pandemic.

Featuring a new route for 2022, the race will pass through the town centre for the first time since its inception in 1984.

Starting and finishing at Cantley House, the route will take runners south on Milton Road and into the town centre passing many familiar shops, bars and restaurants on their way.

The race will start with an initial 600 metre climb and then downhill until mile two where the route will pick up its regular course on Bell Foundry Lane.

As normal, the course will be run on closed roads under UK Athletics rules and is suitable for anyone

Help Wargrave Audrey mark 100 years A WARGRAVE woman will celebrate a milestone birthday at the end of this month.

Audrey Fraser of The Mount care home, turns 100 on Monday,

completing their first half marathon to experienced runners seeking a new personal best.

Entries for the event on Sunday, February 27, are now full and those participating can expect the same fast, flat rural roads which have produced course records of 1.11.09

by Liz Yelling and 1.03.14 by Phil Wicks.

The event supports many good causes and community groups and in turn is supported by them with volunteers helping to marshal the route, manage the water stations and look after the race village.

Organisers advise runners to be at Cantley Park at least an hour before the 10am start to ensure all participants can be facilitated. n For more information on the event or any road closures, visit: wokinghamhalfmarathon.com

February 28.

Care home staff would like her to receive as many cards as possible for her special day, which will be used to decorate the home.

Her interests include music, poetry, having her hair and nails done, and

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

chocolate.

She was widowed in 1969, has three sons, three grandchildren, and is soon to become a great grandmother.

Cards should be sent to Audrey at The Mount, School Hill, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8DY.

Barkham Hookers auction special Valentine’s crochet wedding dress EXCLUSIVE

ON DISPLAY: The decorated dress is being auctioned to raise money for Sue Ryder

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A CROCHET group has created a special wedding dress for an online charity auction.

Members of the Barkham Hookers have made more than 1,000 yarn hearts in shades of pink and red to decorate the dress, which is being auctioned for palliative support charity, Sue Ryder.

The result of their creative efforts can be seen in the window of the charity’s shop on Denmark Street, Wokingham, until Saturday.

And the group made hundreds more crocheted hearts for the shop to sell.

Barkham Hooker’s founder, Gaynor White, said that the inspiration came after a member of the group’s Facebook page posted a photo of a dress which had been decorated with poppies.

“I thought it would be really lovely to make something similar for Valentine’s Day,” she explained.

“Sue Ryder is up the road from Stitchery Do, the craft shop many of us use, and Sanpa, where I run my classes.

“And group member Monika Grange is a supervisor in the charity shop.”

The wedding dress idea came about from discussions between the two women. Ms Grange sourced the wedding dress, and members of the crochet group have been producing hearts since before Christmas last year. Keen crafter Helen Ruthven hooked up 400 alone to contribute to the effort.

“The group have made around 1,500

hearts in total,” Ms White said.

Shop manager Frankie Bridger said that she is excited to have the dress on display.

“Monika has created crochet window displays before, which people loved,” she said.

“There has already been a lot of interest in the dress since it went on

display, with people commenting on its uniqueness.

“We hope that it will raise a really good sum of money for Sue Ryder.”

The online auction runs until 9am on Saturday, February 19. All funds raised from the sale will go to Sue Ryder.

n For more details, visit: tinyurl.com/ wokydress

6 | NEWS

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Green homes grants distributed BOROUGH residents can apply for grants to make their home more energy efficient.

The borough council is distributing funds to residents as part of the national Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.

It gives residents on low incomes and who are living in low energy efficient properties money for insulation, solar panels or heat pumps.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, said: “Schemes like the Green Homes Grant can make a massive difference for people who are struggling to make ends meet, with homes taking part often seeing an immediate reduction in the amount of energy they need to use to keep their homes warm and, as such, lower costs.”

Cllr Murray said that the grant could be used towards a range of improvements, including double or triple glazing in homes which currently have single glazing.

Letters are being sent to households that the council believes may qualify for the scheme, but residents can apply directly as well.

Anyone who thinks that they might qualify must apply via the Energy Trust.

Now taking registrations

n To do this, visit: surveys.est. org.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

Burma Hills GP service scheduled to resume after doctor retires

DOCTOR ON THE GO: GP services are scheduled to resume at Burma Hills Picture: Pixabay

By DANIEL BLACKMAN dblackham@rdg.today

A WOKINGHAM surgery is set to remain open with a GP service despite residents’ fears over its future.

Last month, a petition to stop the surgery from closing gathered more that 200 signatures. It was created by Cllr Daniel Hinton, Conservative town councillor for Evendons West.

Since Thursday, January 6, Burma Hills Surgery on Ashridge Road has been a vaccination centre, after Dr Ishac Jalisi retired.

Patients were being seen for appointments at Wokingham Medical Centre in Rose Street.

Speaking to Wokingham Today, Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at Wokingham Borough Council, confirmed that GP services are scheduled to resume.

“We have had a commitment from Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Wokingham Medical Centre (WMC) that the surgery will reopen, with a GP, from the end of March,” he said.

Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour ward councillor, is grateful there is a commitment to get a GP in place and said that the concern was understandable

given there is “not enough GP’s to go around”.

“Burma Hills surgery is in the heart of my ward and many of my residents rely upon it so I am glad the commitment has been made to restart GP services,” she said.

“The Royal College of GP’s itself states there is a ‘chronic shortage of GPs caused by a decade of under-investment in the family doctor service by successive governments’,” she added.

The surgery currently

has around 2,000 patients on its books, and residents were concerned the WMC did not have the capacity to accommodate them.

Cllr Margetts believes the disruption could have been avoided if clearer communication was provided to those registered at Burma Hills.

“Communication of this issue has been poor and it must be improved to avoid this happening again,” he said.

“Berkshire West CCG has to be

more proactive in providing better communication for residents and the council will be watching carefully to ensure problems like this don’t arise again.”

Cllr Burgess believes that the council can do more to encourage GPs to come to the area to avoid this pause in services arising elsewhere in the area.

“Although the council doesn’t commission GP services, it should be taking positive action to attract GP’s to Wokingham,”

she said.

“We should be incentivising GPs to come to our area, for example by working with the CCG to develop relocation packages or other incentives like attractive housing options.

“The council needs to be examining what it can do, rather than explaining what it cannot do.”

Cllr Hinton said that he is going to keep his petition live.

“I’m not ending it until I see a GP in there,” he said. “I feel like we need to keep pushing it.”

THANK YOU: Ronnie Goodberry (front) presented gifts and certificates to thank various Woodley people and groups for their support during the pandemic Picture: Phil Creighton

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A WOODLEY community stalwart has set a new goal of a million donations after hitting a 200,000 milestone.

Ronnie Goodberry, who helps lead Woodley Volunteer for Covid-19, celebrated donors and donations at a special ceremony held at the Oakwood Centre last Friday.

The scheme was set up during the early stages of the pandemic to ensure that no Woodley resident would be left without essential food or medicine.

It has since become the Woodley Food Drive, with an aim of helping vulnerable families and households across the town.

Mr Goodberry presented certificates, flowers and bottles of sparkling wine to staff and

customers of Iceland, deliverer Jim Calnan, Noreen Calman and residents of Dunbar Drive for donating 2,204 items of food and toiletries; a similar award went to Tina Bennett, while Sue Bennett was thanked for giving 2,383 items.

In all, 201,319 items have been given so far… but Mr Goodberry is now aiming for more.

“Today, to be honest, isn’t about our group, this is about the people of Woodley,” he said.

“They have donated week in, week out and they’ve gone above and beyond any expectation I ever thought to be fair.

“I’m overwhelmed with the total. I mean, 201,000 items – it’s massive, it’s fantastic. People just give and give and give.

“Obviously with greater fuel poverty and everything else, we’re going to see a massive increase (in need) so we need to keep going.

“We’re not stopping. Let’s go for a million.”

Among the gathering were Woodley town council leader and borough council mayor Cllr Keith Baker, Woodley town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel and her deputy Cllr Kay Gilder.

“Woodley has the most fantastic voluntary organisations that help people, we’re a wonderful community,” Cllr Gilder said. “Ron has done a fantastic job because of the pandemic.

“I really enjoy presentations like this because it appreciates the good works that people do.”

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Town councillors call for anti-social behaviour measures for venues n Continued from front page

A 23-year-old man from Frimley, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article in a public place, using threatening/abusive language to cause harassment and attempting to cause GBH with intent, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The leader of Wokingham Town Council said that she is calling for action to tackle late night anti-social behaviour in the town.

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey has been contacted by numerous residents who are concerned about the amount of broken glass on the streets, outside late night venues.

The Gig House, at The Plaza, and The Station Tap on Station Road both have late licences for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey is discussing the possibility of introducing plastic cups at the venues with the licensing team at the borough council. She hopes that this could limit some of the broken glass in the town centre.

“There is a general concern about how things are managed when people leave,” she said. “There is an increasing amount of anti-social behaviour in the early hours of the morning.

“It tends to be people getting very drunk and not being responsible when they leave.”

Cllr Shepherd-DuBey said that switching to a plastic cup that can be recycled would be less dangerous for dog walkers and people with young children visiting Elms Field.

“A lot of residents have reported that they have swept up broken glass in the mornings,” she added. “It’s a significant problem.

“I don’t begrudge people for enjoying a drink — but why are they leaving with glass?”

Cllr Daniel Hinton, leader of the

STABBING: Two men are being treated in hospital after an assault outside The Gig House Pictures: Steve Smyth Conservative group on Wokingham Town Council, said that he was “genuinely shocked” when he heard about the incident outside The Gig House on Sunday morning.

“You don’t see a lot of that in Wokingham,” he said. “When something like that happens, it’s the front page because it doesn’t happen every week.”

Cllr Hinton said that he hopes CCTV installed by the town council will help with criminal proceedings.

Speaking about wider issues of antisocial behaviour, Cllr Hinton urged the councils and the police to “look seriously” at the issue.

He said that youth provision and anti-social behaviour issues have always been a concern for him, having grown up in “one of the worst estates in Wokingham at the time”.

Cllr Hinton said that the last thing he wants is for residents to stop frequenting the town centre at night because they don’t feel safe.

“This was a rare, isolated event, but lessons need to be learnt,” he added.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police Bracknell and Wokingham: “We

TOWN CENTRE: Elms Field are aware of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in and around Wokingham town centre over the last few evenings. This has included trying to get into derelict buildings, criminal damage and small rubbish fires being set.

“We will continue to show a visible presence in the town centre and look to identify those responsible and deal with them appropriately.”

Residents can contact police on 101.

Wokingham could become UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community THE BOROUGH could be branded a UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community, as part of a new project.

At the start of this month, Wokingham Borough Council joined eight other areas in the UK to improve the way it works with and for children.

The programme is part of a global UNICEF initiative that reaches almost 30 million children in more than 40 countries.

Achieving the status can take three to five years, and involves creating an improvement plan.

Its priorities are agreed by children and young people, the council, and the wider community.

UNICEF UK said that the programme aims to change the way local government works with and for children, so children have a say in decisions that affect them, experience services that are designed with and for

YOUNG PEOPLE: The programme includes developing an improvement plan for the borough. Picture: Stewart Turkington

them, know what services are available to them, understand how to access and navigate often complex local systems, and feel safe and prioritised within their communities.

Cllr Graham Howe, executive member for children’s services said: “I am honoured and humbled that we have been successful in our bid to become a candidate UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community.

“UNICEF UK said our passion for giving the borough’s children and young people the best possible opportunities was the main reason for our acceptance.

“We have long been known as a great place for young families, so being able to further that commitment through our partnership with UNICEF UK will make our borough an even better place to live for our children and

young people.”

Naomi Danquah, director of child friendly cities and communities at the UK Committee for UNICEF, said that she is delighted to welcome the borough to the programme.

“Determination and enthusiasm absolutely shone through Wokingham’s application,” she said. “We were particularly impressed by the council’s vision of Wokingham as a place where children and young people feel as listened to and respected as the borough’s adult residents.

“This partnership presents a unique opportunity to do just that – using children’s rights to transform how children and young people experience local services in Wokingham – and we’re excited to get this important work underway.”

n For more, email: youthvoice@ wokingham.gov.uk.

NEWS | 7

8 | NEWS

Council consults on new holiday camp A NEW children’s holiday camp will be launched this Easter, and Wokingham residents can help shape its activities.

Wokingham Borough Council has launched a consultation survey and wants to hear from parents and guardians on the sports and other fun activities they would like to see included.

Also up for consultation is the camp locations.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “The school holidays is the perfect time for children to have fun, make friends, learn new skills and take part in fun activities.

“Whether your child enjoys swimming, rugby, boxing, martial arts, tennis or arts and crafts, we want to hear from you. Take part in our survey and have your say to help shape the activities for your child or children to participate in at our holiday camp.”

The paid-for camp will be open to all children aged five to 12 during the school holidays.

A one-to-one buddy scheme is available to allow children with additional needs to attend the activity camps.

The survey runs until Monday, February 28.

n To take part, visit: engage. wokingham.gov.uk n For more information about the camp, email: sport@wokingham. gov.uk or call 0118 974 3728.

Take on the First Days 5.3 challenge A BOROUGH charity is holding a themed fundraising event at Bracknell Athletics Track next month.

First Days Children’s Charity has challenged people to sign up to run 5.3 something around the track between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday, March 12.

There are more than 5,300 children living in poverty in Wokingham borough, the charity said.

It is encouraging entrants to choose their own 5.3 distance to represent the figure. This could be running or walking 530 metres, or even the ultimate challenge of 53 laps — equivalent to a half marathon.

It is open to all ages and there is an option to take on the challenge as a team. n For more information, visit: firstdays.net/5-3-run-event

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

RIVER LODDON: Vice chair of National Flood Forum warns over building plan

Hall Farm homes will be built on ‘low risk’ flood land says council EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ANY HOMES built at Hall Farm will be on “low risk” flood land as opposed to “high risk” land, the borough council’s planning executive announced.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at the borough council, said: “It’s well known that part of this site is prone to flooding, but we considered this from the outset and are not proposing any homes in the higher risk areas.

“Where part of a site lies in a higher risk area, this allows us to plan housing around it on the lower risk areas only – as we have done in several instances, including at Hall Farm.”

He was responding to concerns from the Wokingham Liberal Democrats over about the impact of flooding on borough housebuilding in the local plan update.

Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader of the group said that there are constraints on the borough, due to the waterways that run through it.

“If you add the impact of new development to the climate change risks, we have a flooding catastrophe,” he said. “There has been flooding in many of the sites considered in the local plan update.”

He believes that any building at Hall Farm will have an

FLOOD MAP: Data from the Ordanance Survey and the Environment Agency Graphic: Charlie Simpson

impact on the River Loddon downstream, in the borough’s northern parishes of Wargrave and Remenham.

“If it’s over-full, experts have said that it won’t go into the Thames, but just burst its banks,” he said.

“Northern areas in the borough will be more susceptible to flooding as a result of Hall Farm.”

But Cllr Smith disputes this, and said that it is “not true” that development would increase the flood risk further downstream.

He said: “Developers would be required to include a range of sustainable drainage measures as part of their planning

FLOODED: Parts of the site Picture: Phil Creighton

Winnersh housing pods will help alleviate homelessness HOUSING pods could be installed in Winnersh to help the council alleviate homelessness.

Council leader John Halsall said that 23 units are planned for Grovelands as a way of helping people have a roof

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

over their heads.

“Since March 2020, we’ve got rough sleepers off the roads; as a borough, we’re pretty rough sleeper free although there is one person who doesn’t want the support,” he said.

The pods will be prefabricated houses, ready for people to move in to.

In December, 40 modular pods built from shopping containers were installed in Caversham by Reading Borough Council.

As part of this, there was support on-site provided

by St Mungo’s, a chance to engage with a recovery college, and use shared facilities such as a

permission – again, as is normal practice.

“These would ensure that run-off from rainfall is drained at a rate that doesn’t overwhelm rivers and waterways.”

The councillor added: “We know this is an emotive issue but are confident that any proposed development at Hall Farm would pose no added flood risk, either to residents living on site or those further downstream.”

Phiala Mehring, vice chair of the National Flood Forum and chair of the Loddon Valley Residents Association is well versed in the flood risks associated with the River Loddon.

She said that there are both immediate and long-term threats of flooding to residents, due to the combination of surface and fluvial, also known as river, flooding.

“Surface water flooding is man-made and is a result of having too many impermeable surfaces,” she said. “When next to a river, you can get flooding in both directions.

“Rain water can’t get into the river, and the river could burst its banks.”

Ms Mehring said that there are ways to “plan our way out of flooding” but that traditional housing developments would increase flooding in the Hall Farm area.

“If built with traditional hard surfacing, yes, it will increase flooding,” she said.

Ms Mehring also said that technology used to slow a river can fail if not maintained properly.

“The second you start to dabble with rivers, you get effects that you haven’t’ planned for,” she added.

Ms Mehring said it would be interesting to see if permeable driveways and rain gardens would be included in the plans.

She also suggested that the land could be used for flood storage instead. This is when the land is specifically used to hold onto water, and could be in the form of wet woodlands or water meadows.

These, she said, can help to slow the flow of the river.

“Could the land be used instead to help us adapt to climate change,” she questioned.

“If there was a golden rule for planning, it would be, don’t build in or around the flood plain.”

Latest flood maps put a large portion of the site in Flood Zones 3 and 2.

Flood Zone 3 has a one in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding. Flood Zone 2 has between a one in 100 and one in 1,000 annual probability of river flooding. And Flood Zone 3 is land that has less than one in 1,000 annual probability of flooding.

The Flood Zones shown on the Environment Agency’s Flood Map for Planning do not take account of the possible impacts of climate change and SIMILAR: 40 modular pods were installed in Caversham Picture: Reading Borough Council

laundry room.

The homes were fitted out with a kettle, microwave, toaster,

TV, crockery and bedding, and had their own private bathroom.

It is not yet known how the

future probability of flooding.

Ms Mehring said this is very important.

“We are seeing more of what we would have called rare flood events,” she said.

Cllr Conway was also concerned that the boundaries of flood risk will expand as the climate crisis continues.

“How much of this is being factored into the plans,” he questioned. “The council should seek out advice on projected and modelled future flood risk.

Things are changing rapidly.”

He added: “If you’ve been affected by flooding, you know how devastating it is.”

Cllr Smith said that specialist flood risk assessment were commissioned ahead of considering any sites for the local plan update.

These are available to view on the council’s website.

He explained that decisions were also made using the Environment Agency’s flood zone map.

“This is standard practice for local authorities when preparing their development plans,” he said.

Cllr Smith added that the areas known to flood are proposed to be an “eco valley”.

This would be an open green space with landscaping to further reduce the flood risk, he said, and would also have measures to conserve and enhance the area’s biodiversity.

“This will open up a significant amount of land for public enjoyment which was previously inaccessible,” he said.

Ms Mehring said it would help to look at the flood risk from a river catchment perspective.

The River Loddon begins around 15 miles away, in Basingstoke.

“Basingstoke has plans to build along the Loddon,” she said. “The planning process doesn’t look at it cumulatively.

If planning was catchment based, that would be better.”

Ms Mehring urged Wokingham Borough Council to scrutinise any plans for the site closely.

“It needs to be made futureproof,” she added. “The council should be talking to and listening to flood groups.”

Winnersh pods will vary, but Cllr Halsall said: “I’m told they are really nice. I’ve been really interested to see them.”

He added: “We’ve found in Wokingham that if we offer people decent homes and maintain them, they continue to be maintained as decent houses.”

He expected a similar response from those who move into these pods.

Housebuilder sets £10,000 target for Daisy’s Dream A HOUSEBUILDING company is working to raise £10,000 for Daisy’s Dream.

Persimmon Homes Thames Valley first chose Daisy’s Dream as its Charity of the Year in 2020 and raised £8,000. In 2021, this was upped to £8,600.

Now Kelly Bence, PA to the regional MD, chairman and divisional director, has challenged colleagues to come up with fresh ideas as to how they can hit the £10,000 mark.

Daisy’s Dream was originally founded to meet the needs of bereaved children. But in more recent years has expanded its service to encompass families where there has been a serious illness diagnosis.

Mr Bence said: “Last year’s fundraising total was an amazing £8,606.08 through a series of furniture sales, mufti days, staff raffles, Christmas jumper day and a fantastic sky dive by two of our daredevil colleagues Karen and Meg. “Thank you so much to everyone for taking part and for the amazing donations. We have decided to keep Daisy’s Dream for a final year – and wouldn’t it be wonderful to raise £10,000.”

Gill Stevens, director of Daisy’s Dream, said that she is delighted that the housebuilder is supporting them again.

She added: “Their wonderful fundraising activities have made an immediate and positive impact to the lives of children and families we support and will continue to do so in the coming year.”

Ian Beal, managing director at Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, the team are now looking for ideas on staff bucket lists to make the final year of sponsorship the best ever.

NEWS | 9

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Holme Grange School teachers have golden climate skills

AWARD: From left: Claire Robinson and Leanne Hughes with Holme Grange School’s eduCCate Global award

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

TEACHERS at a Wokingham school have been given top marks for their climate literacy.

Staff at Holme Grange School are the first in the world to be awarded gold for their teaching on environmental issues by eduCCate Global.

The non-profit organisation offers teacher training on climate change issues, and has worked with educators in 43 countries since 2019.

To gain the gold award, Holme Grange staff worked on a whole school policy to become a more environmentally sustainable community. It has also connected with schools in the area on environmental issues.

Teachers worked with eduCCate Global to develop a sustainability curriculum, which is followed by all Year 9 students as a timetabled lesson. The school have also introduced climate studies to Year 8.

Sustainability lead Leanne Hughes explained that pupils are graded on the course. Topics studied include climate literacy, fast

fashion, sustainable cooking and climate science.

“It’s been amazing,” she said.

“Students have blown me away with their ideas to solve problems in the issues we’ve discussed.

“This course is empowering them to be inquisitive, and they have really challenged me with their thoughts.”

Ms Hughes said that “amazing” opportunities have been presented by the school’s sustainability drive.

These include a seat on Wokingham

Borough Council’s climate emergency advisory board.

And pupils have enjoyed the course too.

One said that they “enjoyed the independence and opportunity to conduct some research, which are skills I will need when I go to university.” Another added that “it was interesting to learn about seasonal food and the impact it has on the planet.”

Headteacher Claire Robinson said that she hopes that there will

be a GCSE in sustainability on offer to young people in the future. She said that it is “wonderful” that students are confident to talk about the climate change.

“At our mock COP in December last year, it was clear they had a deep factual understanding of the issues,” she said.

“Their critical thinking skills have also improved. Sustainability is at the heart of our school.”

The school is already working towards gaining platinum status.

10 | NEWS

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Dog owners warned over Alabama Rot DOG owners have been warned to be on the look out for signs of Alabama Rot in their pets following two confirmed cases in the Wokingham area.

However, the borough’s public protection partnership has stressed that it is still a very rare disease.

Signs of Alabama Rot include skin sores, visible swelling and red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury.

The skin lesions typically appear below a dog’s knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen. n For more information on Alabama Rot, visit: rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare

Overnight works OVERNIGHT track maintenance work is to take place on a branch line next month.

Network Rail will be carrying out inspections on the Henley line for two nights.

These will take place between 10pm and 5am, beginning on Wednesday, March 16. They are scheduled to finish on the morning of Friday, March 18.

Works happen again overnight on Thursday, April 14, to Friday, April 15.

Network Rail has apologised in advance for any disturbance and said engineers will reduce unnecessary noise.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

Family-run Crowthorne business to close after more than 60 years

has led it to work across London and around the country from Yorkshire to Cornwall.

The business worked alongside Colefax and Fowler in various National Trust houses.

This included creating window and four-poster bed curtains for Florence Nightingale’s bedroom in Claydon House, Buckinghamshire.

One of its more glamorous locations was an apartment in Monaco which overlooked the grand prix circuit.

“We furnished the entire property from top to bottom and some of the rooms also had tented ceilings,” said Richard.

Despite work across Europe, Richard says their success and longevity is thanks to their loyal and local customer base.

“In some cases we have worked for the parents, their children and even their grandchildren,” he said.

“When we announced the FAMILY: Geoff Heron, 93, started the business with his sons, Mark (left) and Richard (right) Picture: Steve Smyth closure we were inundated with so many of our customers impact on our decision at all, if LOOKING anything it made us realise how BACK: Geoff requesting work that we had to close our books or we would much we enjoyed relaxing in Heron in never stop. the garden,” said Richard.

1960 “We would like to thank all He added: “We were fortunate our very loyal customers who enough to keep going through have supported us over the last Covid-19 as many people were 60 years and also the many stuck with nowhere to go and people who have been part of were finally getting round to the Decor team, making it such working on their homes.” an enjoyable place to work.”

The company’s reputation

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKMAN dblackham@rdg.today A FAMILY-RUN business in Crowthorne is closing its doors after more than 60 years trading.

Decor Interiors has served the village and surrounding area since 1960 when Geoff Heron set up the soft furnishings specialist.

After turning down a department manager role elsewhere, Geoff started the business in Church Street before it moved to the High Street in 2004.

Having now retired, sons Mark and Richard have been the backbone of the business for many years but believe now is the right time to close the store.

Richard said: “After 60 years of business we have decided now is the time to finally close.

“We initially thought about selling the business but for many reasons this didn’t work out so we will be closing shop at the end of February.”

Although many businesses suffered losses throughout lockdowns this was not a contributing factor behind the closure.

“The pandemic had no

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PARTY: Families were invited to celebrate the occasion All pictures: Dijana Capan

CLIMBING CENTRE THROWS A PARTY OAKWOOD Climbing Centre in Wokingham celebrated its fifth birthday with a party at the weekend.

On Saturday, February 12, it held a youth and family fun day with discounted taster sessions, competitions and craft activities.

Sunday, February 13, saw the adult climbing day with discounted boulder inductions, a demo from La Sportiva shoes, multiple competitions and a dynamic climbing masterclass hosted by Louis Parkinson — a

former member of the GB bouldering team.

As well as the activities, there was free cake for the first 100 customers each day and catering provided by The Fat Tabby Catering company.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “What an amazing weekend celebrating five years of climbing with an incredible community.

“A big thank you to everyone who celebrated with us and to all those involved behind the scenes.”

NEWS | 11

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Wokingham’s council tax rise expected to be 2.99% plus precepts EXCLUSIVE

GOING UP: Council leader John Halsall will present the budget this evening; council tax is to rise by 2.99% overall plus precepts – below the rate of inflation Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S Council Tax will increase by 2.99% overall, but the picture is ‘resilient’.

This week, councillors will vote on the proposals to increase the amount borough householders will pay. The exact amount varies across the 17 towns and parishes, as each has a precept to pay to the local council.

There is also an add-on for the fire and rescue service, and the police.

As part of its budget, it is promising that there will be no increasing in car park charges this year, or any cuts to services, despite growing demand to children’s services and adult social care.

Cllr John Kaiser, the deputy leader of the council and executive member for finance, said: “This year’s proposed budget is cautious, but I am pleased to say we will not be cutting any services. We have tried to either keep fees and charges to a minimum or where possible, like car parking charges, not increased them at all to help the borough’s economy recover.

“We will also prioritise social

housing and look to deliver more homes at social rents. Due to the lack of suitable housing and increase in private rents, even affordable housing is out of the reach for many in our borough who are on low incomes.

“We don’t take any decisions to raise council tax lightly and with inflation running at more than 5%, which the council is not immune to, it’s been a difficult decision this year, especially as we are aware of the rising costs of living which is impacting everyone.”

This view was echoed by council leader John Halsall, who said: “The key tenant is that we are resilient.

“We are one of the highest performing councils in the country, we are one of the most prosperous, most healthy, the least amount of deprivation, and one of the top places that people want to move to.

“We have a climate emergency plan which has been held up as an exemplar.”

He continued: “We’re doing a whole load of things absolutely right, which is no coincidence that it’s 20 years of

a Conservative administration.”

He said the council faced a number of headwinds which needed to be dealt with as they came up, including inflation, the housing lists, challenges with adult social care and children’s services, school funding and places.

“We will deal with them because we’ve got a very, very good and confident administration,” he said.

“We’ve steered this shop through the really uncertain waters of covid, and we’re asking people to have faith in us that we can steer the ship

Lib Dems call for more time to review budget AHEAD of the council’s meeting tonight, the Wokingham Liberal Democrat leader said he would have liked a preview of it sooner.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the group, said that his party was given an electronic copy of the medium-term financial plan on Monday, February 7, and a hard copy one week before the meeting.

Cllr Jones said he would have preferred to see the plan three weeks before, in order to give his team more time to analyse the data ahead of the meeting.

through these next 12 months, which will be very, very challenging.

“We don’t know how those headwinds will manifest themselves, but given that I’ve got a reasonably good relationship with my party, and in Westminster, I’m confident that I can, at least, alleviate the force of those headwinds, if not change them as we did over covid.”

The budget, he said, was “deliberately designed” to help protect Wokingham’s vulnerable, and to protect the local economy.

Adult social care surveys posted to borough residents SURVEYS focusing on adult social care have been sent to more than 1,000 households in the borough.

It is part of a national Adult Social Care Survey, coordinated by NHS Digital.

Those contacted will already be using care and support services paid for or arranged by the council.

This means they may live in a care home, attend a day centre, have a care worker, use meals services or have an allocated worker within the Community Mental Health Team.

“Given the additional challenges presented due to Covid-19, it is important for us to understand how our wider services are performing and listen to what our residents have to say, as we ensure they are treated with dignity and respect,” said Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services.

Responses are confidential and are used to improve services.

The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 18. n For help and support with the survey, email: customerservice@ wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 6000 and select option 5 for children and adult social care and then option 2 for adults.

Thames Valley Aesthetics moves to new clinic in Wokingham town centre

A

SERVICE offering non-surgical medical treatments to people across Berkshire has moved into a new clinic in Wokingham town centre.

Thames Valley Aesthetics offers a range of procedures, including wrinkle reduction, cyst removal and dermal fillers. Many of the treatments use prescription only products.

Its new clinic opened at Markham House, Broad Street, in December last year.

Owner and practitioner Simon Thorpe says that the business quickly outgrew its former home when covid restrictions were first eased last April.

He launched the clinic just before the pandemic began.

"Now life is returning closer to normal, people are wanting to feel better about themselves," Simon explains.

"Due to the level of interest, I had to up-size."

Unlike many other places providing similar cosmetic treatments, such as beauty salons, Thames Valley Aesthetics offers a dedicated service from its clinic.

Simon and fellow practitioner Chloe Neil are both registered and insured medical professionals.

Simon has more than 25 years experience in the NHS, including 20 years as a paramedic. He holds an MSc in advanced clinical practice from Warwick Medical School.

Simon Thorpe and fellow practitioner Chloe Neil,Thames Valley Aesthetics

Alongside his practice at Thames Valley Aesthetics, he works as an advanced clinical practitioner in a local GP practice, where he also performs minor operations for the NHS. He is also an independent prescriber.

His interest in aesthetics led him to gain a level seven diploma in injectable aesthetic treatments with the Derma Institute.

"I want to make people happy, it means a lot to me," he says. "And this way I get to put my clinical experience to a different use.

"Having current clinical competence is reassuring for people having aesthetics treatment, it puts them at ease."

The clinic's positive testimonials from satisfied patients show that Simon and Chloe's customer-focussed approach works.

Recent Thames Valley Aesthetics patient Zara says that she is a very happy client after her visit.

"I went for botox for my Bell’s palsy," she says.

"I was nervous but Simon was so understanding, listened and explained everything to me — he clearly has lots of experience in the medical field.

"He is not in the least bit pushy and this is about so much more than making money to him which you can see a mile off.

"I decided on cheek filler on the

affected side of my face which I am over the moon with.

"I now definitely feel more confident, in fact I’m even returning for lip fillers."

Thames Valley Aesthetics run 30 minute appointment slots, which includes discussion of options and explanations of procedures. All medical consent forms are completed prior to initial consultation to make the best use of time. Treatments come with follow-up appointments.

All new customers in February will receive 10% off. � For more information, visit: thamesvalleyaesthetics.uk

12 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

U can bake this R

Life of Brian Brian Hicks

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today AN ARTISAN baker from Finchampstead is encouraging people make their own bread for Real Bread Week.

Green fingers, happy Brian

M

ANY people have taken up new hobbies and interests during Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

I returned from a six-day holiday in Turkey in October 2020 and had to self-isolate on my own for a fortnight because of a change in the rules.

My garden in Wokingham had become a jungle, growing wild over the eight years I was working in Germany.

A neighbour opposite had suggested I get a quote to cut it back from a guy who had been working on his garden. He was no doubt fed up with looking over at my eyesore for so many years.

The price was very reasonable so I had the work done just before my Turkish holiday.

Faced with just my own company, I decided to tackle the remnants of the jungle and try to grow colourful plants to cheer myself up. I had never been into gardening in the past, apart from growing some carrots as a kid with my brother.

These were eaten by marauding sheep coming down from the moor in Ilkley (West Yorkshire) where we lived. I had always left gardening care to my ex-wife, who was a lady of the green-fingered variety.

I started going around garden centres every week and learnt a lot, especially about the changing seasons. I planted a wide range of shrubs, bulbs and bedding plants. There were a few disasters, as I was a novice.

I soaked 25 different anemone bulbs for too long and no plants emerged. The bluebell, narcissi, snowdrop and crocus bulbs came through well.

I also got hooked on house plants, especially Amaryllis, Anthurium and the Natal lily. I did not have any while working in Germany as they would all have died.

I started asking friends and neighbours who were keen gardeners for tips. One of the best was to use the Royal Horticultural Society website (www.rhs.org.uk). This enables you to find and list all your plants in your garden and receive tips on how to care for them.

It is free, and you do not need to be an RHS member. So far, I have introduced over 100 different species into my garden, but about 20 have died. My favourites are my mimosa tree, holly hocks, foxgloves and dahlias.

A few months ago, I was due to meet some friends for dinner at a pub in Winchester. Walking through the grounds of Winchester Cathedral to get there I bumped into a man in a dinner jacket and bow tie who looked very familiar. It was the gardening superstar Alan Titchmarsh.

I said hello. Knowing he was brought up in Ilkley, just like me, asked him if he had known my older brother. I had read that Alan attended the same school as him, Ilkley Secondary Modern; they both failed the 11-plus.

We worked out he was a few years younger than my brother and he did not know him.

I did not get time to ask Alan my gardening questions as he was pressed for time and had to content myself with reading one of his books later.

I asked him what he was celebrating. He told me he was the Chancellor of Winchester University and was hosting a degree ceremony that evening.

I reflected that my gardening trajectory could have been a lot different if I had known Alan in his Ilkley days. Hopefully some of his gardening magic might have rubbed off on me.

My neighbours are astounded by the transformation and some have been presenting me plants to encourage me further.

My life is so much richer, being closer to nature.

I only wish I had discovered this colourful new world sooner.

BROKEN: Mikey from MoT City enjoyed the challenge of rebuilding a car’s ignition after it broke Picture: Phil Creighton

Mikey has the technology ... how a garage technician rebuilt a car’s ignition system

THEY had the technology, and with it they rebuilt the six million dollar man.

But a Winnersh-based motoring technician managed to do some rebuilding of his own, for a vastly reduced sum.

A customer of MoT City on Reading Road had a problem.

They’d parked in the Tesco superstore in Napier Road, Reading.

After shopping they turned the key to the ignition and ... well, nothing.

The car’s battery light came on, as did the radio, but the engine would not turn.

One call to the AA later (he was a very nice man, a very, very nice man), and the car was jumped started, with a warning not to stall it on the way to the garage.

Enter Mikey, who has worked for MoT City for 24 years, and counting.

“I took off the cowling from around the steering wheel, took the ignition valve out, removed the barrel and saw that the ignition module was broken,” he says.

In simpler terms, the key wouldn’t turn in the lock.

“We’ve not had one of these cases before,” he says. “It was quite new to us.”

As the car is now a 2010 vintage, getting parts can cost an arm and

leg from the Six Million Dollar Man. Well, almost. So Mikey used his head, which is probably worth $6 million.

“Because of the age of the car, it’s hard to get parts,” he says. “We had an ignition valve that didn’t fit but would work, so I stripped the barrels out and made it fit the existing key.

“It’s 20 little blades, all numbered, that had to be taken out in order and put back in reverse order.

“It was a little fiddly and took about an hour. I had to be calm, quiet and concentrate to do it.”

Mikey, who lives in Shinfield, said that the completed repair worked first time, much to his pleasure.

“Doing this didn’t phase me,” he says modestly.

He’ll soon be celebrating his silver anniversary at MoT City, and it’s a job he loves.

“I like working on different cars and different models,” he says.

“Every day is a learning day with them. This is the only job I’ve ever had, I really enjoy it.”

And your driver was equally pleased. Not least as the bill was just £220, a far cry from Steve Major’s Six Million Dollars.

How downsizing brought joy to Dermot and Sue WHEN helping people declutter, home expert Marie Kondo recommends finding joy. And that’s exactly what a couple in their 70s have done.

Dermot and Sue Bradley wanted to downsize from the five-bedroom home they’d lived in 15 years, and turned to the new McCarthy Stone’s Twyford retirement living development, Loddon House.

“We had been living in our detached house for many years – it is a large house with a big garden,” Dermot, 76, says.

“As we are getting older, it was beginning to become difficult to maintain the upkeep ourselves, so we wanted to move into a more lowmaintenance home.

“We had searched on and off for a new apartment for several years, but when we saw Loddon House, we thought it was perfect for us.”

And to help Dermot and Sue (75) move, they used McCarthy Stone’s part-exchange scheme, to take out some of the hassle of moving.

“It was a huge amount of help,” Dermot says. “The scheme made

MOVED: Sue and Dermot Bradley love their new home everything run so much smoother.

“We didn’t have the bother of Estate Agents and prospective buyers coming to view our house and didn’t need to worry about any chains collapsing either.

“We were able to complete the sale within three weeks and move in within five, which is testament to the sales team at McCarthy Stone.”

Now, they are firmly settled in, and certainly finding joy in Loddon House.

n For more details, log on to: www. mccarthystone.co.uk/loddon-house

And it may even lead to a change in career, as it did for Uri Zilberman of U.Bakery.

Uri, an IT consultant who travelled globally for work, began baking as a hobby when the pandemic hit and international travel stopped.

“I had all this extra time to fill, and there is only so much DIY around the house I could do,” he says.

“So I started experimenting with sourdough starters to bake my own bread.”

Sourdough starters are made by fermenting water and flour. The ferment produces lactic and acetic acids, which act as a raising agent in sourdough baking. It is used instead of baker’s yeast and creates a flavour that is unique to each starter used. It is said that the long proving time needed also adds depth of flavour to finished products.

“I got really into it and ended up doing a course with Wayne Caddy at the School of Artisan Food in May last year, which in part inspired me to set up my bakery business,” Uri explains.

“The loss of my mum after a short illness last year also spurred me on.”

Another course with renowned baker Richard Bertinet encouraged Uri to become more experimental with his baking.

“It connected me back to my Israeli culinary heritage in a way, which is quite experimental and influenced by so many nationalities and cuisines,” he adds.

He started selling loaves of bread and other items such as cinnamon buns and chocolate babkas at Cookham

LOAVES OF Dean’s weekly Metre Market.

He also began to supply The Hive coffee shop in Crowthorne.

Uri’s wife Shirley helped to create a brand identity and takes photos for Instagram.

“I really couldn’t have done it without her, she is very supportive,” he says.

Daughter of Wokingham In Need founder set for half marathon THE daughter of Wokingham In Need founder Sue Jackson, is set to run the Wokingham Half Marathon, writes Daniel Blackham.

Victoria Jackson aims to raise £1,000 by running the event on Sunday, February 27, in support of homeless and vulnerable people — but her efforts won’t stop when she crosses the finish line.

“I have plans to run a half marathon every month this year, a full marathon at the end of the year and then an ultramarathon to fundraise for Wokingham In Need in 2023,” she says.

An ultramarathon is longer than a standard 26.2 mile marathon with the most common distances being 50 and 100 miles, although each event is unique in terms of distance and terrain.

The ultramarathon will see her exercise journey go from not being able to run for longer than a minute to

taking on one of the toughest events around.

Victoria says: “I started running with a neighbour in November 2020 after downloading the Couch to 5k app.

“It started with very short intervals and built up slowly over a nine-week period to my first 5k and since then I’ve just kept going.”

As well as the physical benefits, Victoria believes taking up running has made a significant improvement to her mental health.

She says: “Getting moving during the pandemic has had such a positive impact on my mental health and having a target to focus on can work wonders for your mind.

“I’ve almost become addicted to exercise and love the difference it has made to me mentally.” n For more information on Victoria’s efforts, or to make a donation, visit: justgiving.com

NEWS | 29

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Real Bread Week

Blues Brothers back together for Platform YP fundraiser

WPR_2022-02-14_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel HARROGATE

& York Weekend

©wajan - Fotolia

Harrogate&YorkWeekend_D.pdf

Departing Fri 13 May ‘22 The charming scenery of Yorkshire is on display during this lovely four-day break.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the towns of Harrogate and Knaresborough and the picturesque city of York, filled with heritage buildings that have one foot rooted back in time.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 3 nights at a selected hotel in Yorkshire with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Knaresborough, Harrogate & York

SUPPORT: The Blues Brothers will be live in Wokingham on Saturday, March 5

F FUN: Finchampstead-based Uri began baking as a hobby when the pandemic hit Uri has two starters, one rye and one wholemeal, which are kept in jam jars in his kitchen fridge. These are bulked up to produce between 30 and 40 loaves of bread per week, as well as the other items he sells.

He has developed a method to post par-baked sourdough bread for people to finish at home.

“I want everyone to be able to have access to good quality bread which they know the ingredients

of if they don’t have the time to have a go themselves from scratch,” he says.

“And the feedback I have been getting has been really positive, it means a lot to me.”

Real Bread Week runs from Saturday, February 19, to Sunday, February 27. For more details, visit: sustainweb.org/realbread n For more about U.Bakery, log on to: ubakery.co.uk or follow on Instagram.

FUNDRAISING: Victoria Jackson is hoping to raise £1,000 at the Wokingham Half Marathon Picture: courtesy of Victoria Jackson

A BLUES Brothers tribute act is reforming to raise money for a Woosehill musical theatre school.

Soul men Danny Mountain and Ben Lambert will be back together for the special event at Wokingham Masonic Centre on Saturday, March 5.

They are raising funds to help send pupils from Platform YP to this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Danny’s son Daniel Junior is among the group, who will spend seven days performing Madagascar JR, based on the DreamWorks film series.

Mum Shelley says that both her and Danny are proud of their son, who will be playing one of the penguins.

“We’re both performers, so it’s really special for us to see Danny enjoying musical theatre so much,” she says.

“He originally went along to help his brother Cameron.

“Daniel found that he really enjoys the social side as well as the

performing and has gained so much from going along to Platform YP.” The school is now £2,400 from reaching its target of £6,500.

Platform YP principal Tracey Eley is grateful to all of the school’s parents who have arranged fundraising events for the trip.

“Without them our students would not be able to take a show to the Edinburgh Fringe,” Tracey explains.

“Danny’s fundraiser will support our Fringe fund and will also be a brilliant evening of entertainment.”

The group are also looking for a sponsor to cover the cost of our Fringe T-shirts and hoodies, so that they can be recognisable out on the Royal Mile when handing out fliers for their shows.

n Tickets for the Blues Brothers tribute fundraiser are £10. They are available by contacting Shelley and Danny online at: facebook.com/ mountainents n For more information on Platform YP, including sponsorship opportunities, visit: platformyp.co.uk

POETRY CORNER THE CUPBOARD OF LOVE The Cupboard of Love has a rusty lock But if you twist the key, You’ll find a casket of cold, green stone That came from a winter sea.

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Departing Fri 17 Jun ‘22 Join us as we discover the delights of the South West by rail and boat! We enjoy a scenic journey on the heritage Avon Valley Railway and an exclusive brake van ride hauled by the Fry’s ‘Chocolate Train’, as well as a leisurely cruise around Bristol Harbour.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham, Reading, Crawley & Slough 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Avon Valley Railway Exclusive brake van ride hauled by the Fry’s Chocolate Train (with one Fry’s Chocolate goodie bag per person) Cruise around Bristol Harbour En-route visit to Bath

3 Days by Coach

only £199

And if you spring the salty latch You’ll find a casket of wood, With secret symbols around its lid That once were understood.

And if you learn its ancient lore You’ll swing the hinges back, To find an egg of smoky glass That you must surely crack.

4 Days by Coach

Then from the splintered shell will rise A bird who wildly sings...

And you can let it fly away, Or you can clip its wings.

Clare Bevan

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

Single Supplement £70

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

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30 | VIEWPOINTS THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Have your say on our elections

WOKINGHAM’S Councillors will, tonight, vote on a consultation over the way in which the borough’s elections are fought.

At the moment, they are three years out of every four, with a third of seats elected.

A review could see that changed to once every four years, or changing wards to reflect population rather than geography.

Council leader John Halsall argues the current system is costly, not just finanically but in the purdah period that shuts down council business both before and after the vote.

Switching to a once in every four years cycle will give each administration a clear mandate to get on with a programme of works, rather than having to constantly keep one eye on the ballot box.

All-out elections will give the whole Wokingham electorate the chance to show their approval, or not, of a group.

But at the same time the current system allows for a constant temperature check, and course corrections if needed.

It also allows for parties to never be complacent about a ward they represent.

There are merits to both systems, there are flaws too.

The consultation allows us to share our views on the future of Wokingham’s democracy.

It’s important we all have our say.

CHURCH NOTES

What makes you feel loved?

W

HAT has made you feel most loved in your life so far?’

I once had the privilege of asking that question of some pupils at a school I was visiting. Some of their answers were just lovely.

‘My mum making me hot chocolate when I can’t sleep at 3am – even though she’s got to get up at 7am.’

‘Dad giving up something important he needed to do when he heard I was going to be around for the weekend.’

‘My boyfriend turning down a really good party just so he can come and see me at the weekend.’

I still remember the room going very quiet when I quoted some of those answers in my talk that evening. But no wonder. After all - we all long to know for sure that someone somewhere really loves us – don’t we?

Which makes these words just wonderful: ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ (1 John 4:10) We may not feel much love for God. But he still loves us very much indeed.

How do we know? Because he’s given his Son to be the ‘sacrifice for our sins’. Because at the cross, Jesus – God’s Son – willingly gave himself to pray the price our failure to love God deserves.

We may sometimes hesitate to describe ourselves as ‘loved’. But God says we really are.

David Horrocks from Christ Church Wokingham, which meets every Sunday at St Crispin’s School at 10.30am, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

Of housing and institutes I was interested in the letter from local resident Roger Chalke (Wokingham Today, February 3) regarding social housing and Conservative councillor John Kaiser.

Mr Chalke may like to know that the Legatum Institute to which he referred is an extremely influential international right-wing think tank based in London and which pushed for a hard Brexit.

Our MP, John Redwood, in addition to being associated with the ultra right-wing European Research Group, which sits within the Conservative party, has also been consistently linked to the Institute.

Mr Chalke and readers might like to use search engines to inform themselves of the institute’s aims and objectives, and those of the ERG, and links with international money and funding.

This might be informative regarding whether social and climate justice are likely to be at the forefront of either organisations’ aims and objectives, let alone the Conservative party in general.

When the Institute conducted a poll of people in the UK and found that most supported: public ownership of water, gas, electricity, railways; increased taxes for the NHS; higher levels of regulation; wage caps for CEOs; greater worker representation at board level; abolition of zero-hours contracts; The Institute’s political strategist commented: “The findings of our polling are concerning for anyone committed to the principles of free enterprise… It is clear that those of us who believe passionately in free enterprise need to up our game.

We need to redouble our effort in the battle of ideas, because populist thinking has a superficial attraction and we need to better articulate the

Last week, Heathrow Airport published a report on its environmental objectives in the coming years – likely as part of a wider effort to showcase their supposed green credentials in the hope of keeping their third runway project alive in the eyes of policymakers.

Indeed, the Airport’s CEO said on the day of the report’s publication that the “third runway very much remains part of the airport’s vision”, leaving us with little doubt that they will restart the process for expansion at the very earliest opportunity.

When we heard about this report, we were hoping to see fresh proposals which would benefit communities either now or in the very near future. Instead, we got a mismatch of existing underwhelming case for free enterprise, which is the most effective path to prosperity.”

Ask yourself why the institute might be concerned that people support these policies.

Perhaps our MP John Redwood might like to comment.

And while doing so perhaps he would clarify whether he is a member of, or supports the ideas of, the recently formed Net Zero Scrutiny Group which is campaigning hard to blame green levies for the rising energy bills rather than the global price of gas, and in so doing is putting out false claims about the cost of green energy.

A similar tactic that the ERG group employed during the Leave campaign.

David Chapman, Wokingham

Who has right numbers?

Regarding proposed new housing for Wokingham. John Halsall has put a lot of effort, not to mention a lot of rat payers money into telling residents

Sir John Redwood

How will the extra money for the NHS be spent?

H

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

Campaigning against a third runway

Westminster diary

OW will the extra money for the NHS be spent?

The government has embarked on administrative reform again for the NHS. This time it stems from the senior management of the NHS rather than from any political agenda. As the new budgets transfer and shake down it is time for Ministers to engage more fully with NHS management over how the extra cash is going to be spent.

They need also to chase up how the special budgets of the covid period will be closed down as we move

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

on from needing huge sums to be spent on vaccine development and roll out, on test and trace, and on supplementing NHS capacity with rights to use much of the capacity of the private sector or with the construction of new temporary facilities.

It seems that Ministers find it difficult to get all the information and reassurance they need from senior management of NHS England. The structure is said to be devolved, with considerable independence granted to the senior management. That is all

promises, many of which are heavily reliant on actions of others to deliver.

But here are two things Heathrow could be delivering right away.

The plan aims to halve surface access carbon emissions by 2030, yet there is no commitment to reinvesting in sustainable travel initiatives such as the Free Travel Zone – a free bus scheme in operation inside and in areas close to the airport’s perimeter. Heathrow withdrew funding in 2021, but it cost just £1.2m per year, on average, based on pre-pandemic demand.

Equally absent are any meaningful proposals to end highly disruptive night flights, shielding themselves behind the Government’s longterm review, simply offering a continuation of the pithy four-anda-half break form planes. Instead,

Heathrow could demonstrate its commitment to being a better neighbour by imposing a reduction or completely ending night flights (between the hours of 11pm and 7am) now.

We want Heathrow to be a better, not bigger Airport and to be proactively making positive changes for communities a reality. But this plan is, sadly, a rehash of existing underwhelming measures that do not give us any confidence that Heathrow is truly interested in being a better neighbour. Instead, their interests, as ever, seem to lie in glossy reports targeted at policymakers in the hope of keeping their third runway dream alive.

Geraldine Nicholson, Stop Heathrow Expansion

how “We can’t refuse to take these homes, nor insist on a lower figure, because this is set according to a national formula”.

Yet in a letter received from Michael Gove, in response to a letter querying the Government housing targets we are told, “We would reiterate here that the standard method for calculating local housing need does not set a target for the number of homes to be built. Local authorities take into account land supply, constraints, such as Green Belt, and cooperation with neighbouring authorities on whether need should be shared, before deciding their housing requirement. This recognises that not everywhere will be able to meet their housing need in full”.

In his letter to Wokingham residents, posted individually to all residents and under the heading “Misinformation” John Halsall writes “some suggest we can refuse to produce a Local Plan or refuse to meet

the Governments house-building requirements in full. I wish we had the power to do that, but we don’t”.

So are we to believe the misinformation comes from? Michael Gove MP, until recently Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, or does the misinformation actually come from John Halsall, Leader of Wokingham Council?

very well but Ministers are thought to be responsible and have to answer for the service in the Commons and to the public and media. There is rarely any sign of senior management taking public responsibility for mistakes and removing senior managers that have failed, so Ministers do need to insist on seeing, influencing and signing off the main plans and headings of spending. Ministers after all have to make the overall judgment about how much money the NHS needs to perform its tasks, and to weigh priorities where choices have to be made.

The Secretary of State needs to press the management to come up with a proper staffing plan.

More medically trained people are needed to perform procedures, to diagnose problems and supervise treatments. The UK needs to train more of our own people to provide the numbers we need. The NHS could look into what is relevant and necessary training for each of the medical tasks that need to be performed. As we saw with vaccine roll out the registered doctors and nurses could be supplemented by

others to get the job done.

The government needs to decide how much use it wishes to make of the private hospitals and clinics to provide additional care free to NHS patients . During the early days of the pandemic it was paying for a lot of private capacity it was not fully using. Speciality centres that are good at cataracts or hip replacements or knee surgery could offer high quality treatments at fair prices for the NHS to take some of the burden off the District General hospitals.

The government and NHS need to decide how far the digital revolution in health care should go.

Many people may well be happy to see their GP via a video link as it avoids the travel and delay for a visit. Others who wish to see them in person should have that option unless there is a good reason not to. Hospital records, vaccination records and drug treatment patterns in hospital or at home could all benefit from digital recording with easy access for patient and medics alike.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

Paul Stevens, Arborfield and Newland Parish Councillor

To James Sunderland...

I say good luck in your promotion to private secretary perhaps you can help the RSPCA now – and it would not be before time to strengthen the animal welfare act of 2006 for cats and dogs and all animals for longer sentence for neglect and abuse.

Also James, pass a bill to give the RSPCA better powers to arrest people for cruelty. It would help a lot and bring this country into the 21 century.

It is this that is needed very much today in this society.

Victor Rones, Bracknell.

Value for money ?

By the time many residents read this, what they pay in Wokingham Council tax will have increased, as will have the rents for Wokingham tenants.

We will have heard the usual claim about Wokingham Borough Council has been for many years the lowest funded unitary authority (per head of population) in the country. Similar claims are also made by others, they can’t all be the lowest! What this says is that Wokingham residents get less out of central funding than any other of the countries residents. Is that really a success?

Given how Wokingham works the party votes will approve the increases, we will have no doubt witnessed party political points scoring and a dispute about how much debt Wokingham actually has and which set of figures should be used or not used. We will have witnessed claims and counter claims of who has the better and more experienced accountant. We will have heard at length how only one party is prudent enough to be running Wokingham. But is any of this really relevant? It simply hides the figures and the impact of these increases.

Residents don’t even get given a straight increase figure. It’s always a figure plus a range of precepts plus various commissioner’s needs.

Council tax in Wokingham has increased in real terms by 33.4% since 2018 and a massive 60% since 2013/14 based on band D figures available on Wokingham’s own web site. Not all figures are publicly available. Debt has increased across that period, which ever figures you choose, it is a huge sum.

Councils unfortunately do not have competition and if they did would we chose Wokingham? My own

Council tax bill is my highest single expenditure except food. Higher than house and personal insurances. Higher that running two family cars. Higher that TV and entertainment. Higher than energy bills. Is it value for money?

We are told that Wokingham making huge efficiency savings (quote £30m). Are we getting more for less?

I would really like to believe this but as the performance figures for Q2 last year have still be produced, for any scrutiny it is difficult to understand how this has been delivered or defined.

All of this leaves me with one big question and it is a question I will be asking all of my local candidates in May – are we getting value for money from Wokingham Council ? What do you think?

Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield South

Why force us to watch?

Dr Hornsby (Letters, February 10) replied to my letter on the iniquity of the BBC licence fee by praising the BBC’s output. He does not explain why those - especially those in financial difficulty - who do not wish to watch the BBC must be forced, on pain of criminal prosecution, to pay for it. £159 a year is a significant amount for many.

Peter Lucey, Wokingham

Safe homes We’ve never been more aware of how important it is to have a safe and secure place to call home. Having a stable roof over our heads ensures we can hold down a job, provide for our families and maintain our mental and physical health.

Yet, across Great Britain hundreds of thousands of people are facing the devastation of homelessness.

This includes night after night spent walking the streets because it’s not safe to sleep, hunkering down in a freezing car after a hard day at

Volunteer corner

Helena Badger

J

AC in a Box is a training hub, that operates as a Community Shop, for young people with additional needs aged 16-25, based in central Wokingham.

This means we can give our young people the opportunity to work within a retail environment.

We offer AQA qualifications and our own Workplace Readiness Certificate for the young people to work towards.

As a Community Shop we are looking for three individuals to become Team Leaders.

In this role you would oversee the running of the shop including opening and locking up, cashing up, sorting, rotating and recycling donations and stock and managing other volunteers and trainees.

It is important that you are happy to work with young people with additional needs always being encouraging and supportive.

Shifts available are Thursday afternoon (weekly) and Saturday morning and afternoon (on a one in

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

three rotation).

We are also looking for Volunteers who could help run the retail side of the project.

You would be responsible for sorting, displaying and recycling donations, taking payments, working alongside our young people guiding and modelling good workplace behaviour.

We are also opening a small cafe area so need volunteers who are happy to get involved with making hot drinks and supervising the young people as they serve customers.

With both roles, it is important that volunteers must be happy to volunteer with young people with additional needs always being encouraging and supportive.

Patience and reliability is essential. n Cranstoun has been making life better for those affected by alcohol and drugs since 1969.

Our skilled and compassionate people work closely with service users and their families to change and save lives.

work or forced to live in run down temporary accommodation for years because they can’t find a home they can afford. With the cost-of-living crisis escalating we know that more and more people are struggling to keep their head above water as they feel their budgets are squeezed from every direction.

We know it doesn’t have to be this way. All year-round Crisis works with thousands of people to help them take their first steps out of homelessness and build a life away from it for good.

We won’t stop until homelessness has no place in our society, but we need your help.

This March we’re asking you to take as many steps as you can towards a future without homelessness. How you do it is up to you – you can walk, run, hop or jump towards a distance of your choosing, all to raise money for people experiencing homelessness and help to put them on a path to a secure home.

Whether you aim to reach a record distance, incorporate your steps into your daily exercise routine, go it alone or with friends and family, we’ve got lots of advice and support to help you meet your target distance and keep up your fundraising. So, dust of those trainers, pump up those tyres and get skipping, wheeling or walking to raise vital funds towards a future without homelessness.

Join Crisis and make every step count this March as together we stride towards a society where homelessness has no place. To sign up, please visit: www.crisis.org.uk/ stepforward

Matt Downie MBE, Chief Executive, Crisis

Supporting children It can be extremely lonely for a child to grow up in a household where a parent or carer is addicted to alcohol.

We know the pandemic will have Our Wokingham service supports adults and young people who are affected by substance use. A key part of our young persons service is having excellent relationships with young people which enable them to trust us to help and support them.

We are looking for a volunteer to help us engage with young people in informal settings such as sports clubs, youth venues, and other community events.

There will be an element of participation in sports involved in this role so if you are passionate about sport and activity this opportunity may be for you.

The role will involve building effective professional relationships with young people and providing information and advice around drug and alcohol use in informal settings.

Experience of volunteering/ working with young people in a sports or youth work setting is preferred.

We are also are looking for a part time administrator to support our young persons team.

The role will involve mainly data entry and analysis to help us ensure accurate records are kept.

Ideally, we are looking for someone with good IT skills, high level of attention to detail who is competent in all Microsoft packages.

This role does not involve direct contact with young people but will require handling of sensitive data.

We are a friendly welcoming team

exacerbated the feeling of loneliness and isolation for some, as they spent more time at home, and others will have experienced it for the first time as their parents turned to alcohol to help them cope with the difficult circumstances. The NSPCC helpline saw a steep rise in contacts from people worried about parents misusing drink or drugs in the months following the start of the pandemic.

Parental addiction can be devastating for children. They lose their sense of safety and security.

They are often so preoccupied with their parents substance misuse it can affect their school work and friendships and they often blame themselves.

One 16-year-old girl who contacted our Childline service told our counsellors: “I want my parents to break up. They are constantly arguing and they both have started drinking a lot more. They say some pretty horrible things to each other. It’s been like this for ages. Since the lockdown, my mum has been physically abusive and I’m really worried because they both have spent the night in jail before. My mum is not working and everything feels like it’s getting worse.”

This week is Children of Alcoholics Week, organised by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) – a charity which works tirelessly to give these children a voice.

It’s so important that all children living with parental addiction know there are people who will listen.

Support can be found on the Childline website at childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111 and speaking to one of our volunteer counsellors free and in confidence.

Help is also available from Nacoa at nacoa.org.uk or by calling their helpline on 0800 358 3456.

Jo Bingham, Childline Team Manager keen to provide training and career development opportunities for the right person. n At ABC to Read we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently.

A decline in the percentage of Berkshire children achieving the expected level for reading in the recently published Key Stage 2 SATs results, local charity ABC (Assisting Berkshire Children) to read is keen to do all it can to help schools and families in the borough to raise children’s achievement.

With the pandemic over the past two years, we feel there is even more need for volunteers as some children may have fallen behind. Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school.

Commitment is ideally twice a week for one-and-a-half hours in the afternoons but once a week will be considered. The role is extremely rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community.

At the current time, we will be conducting online interviews and training. n These are just a few roles on our books. Visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer. If you would like to get in touch with us please call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@ wok-vol.org.

Another view

Dan Brooke

Energy price rises highlight the vital role of smart meters in consumer energy management

M

ORE so than most, this winter has highlighted the need for Great Britain to better manage its energy usage.

Geopolitical issues have laid bare the volatility of the gas market, forcing suppliers out of business and increasing the cost of heating their homes for millions of consumers, while a windless winter has impacted our ability to make the most of renewable sources.

This month’s increase in the energy cap, due to come into force in April, is a warning that should Great Britain fail to act to upgrade its energy infrastructure, it must prepare for another difficult winter next year, and many more to come.

This situation is not unavoidable. As the rollout of smart meters continues apace, the current energy context has confirmed how vital they are as a tool both to help consumers manage their energy, and further highlights the need to end our reliance on imported gas for generating electricity and heating our homes. By moving to a flexible energy system built on smart meters we can move beyond gas to more, cheaper renewables.

The stress an outdated energy infrastructure is placing on households has been supported by research carried out by Smart Energy GB this month, which found that a third (32%) of households with a smart meter are using their inhome display more than usual this winter.

This has been driven by the fact that more than half (53%) of households are concerned about their ability to afford their energy bills.

Indeed, there are two sides to the same coin of an energy crisis: rising costs and rising anxiety.

Smart Energy GB’s research found that 27% of smart meter owners are currently finding their in-home display and the energy information it provides reassuring; 44% said they feel more in control of their energy due to their in-home display. In times of adversity, this is invaluable.

Like none before, this winter has forced consumers to take notice of the details of their energy bills, many for the first time, but there is more to be done in terms of education and empowerment. Smart Energy GB’s research found that a third (36%) don’t know how much they are paying for their electricity, while 46% per cent are unsure how much their monthly outgoings are for gas.

The wider introduction of smart meters will help towards combating this issue, helping consumers take control of their of energy usage and understand better where there might be efficiency opportunities.

The desire is there: more than half of Britons (56%) believe they could save money each month if they took a closer look at their outgoings, with 50% of billpayers hoping to get a tighter grip on their finances.

Smart Energy GB’s research is a clear indicator that the energy crisis has encouraged more people to engage with their in-home display during this most difficult of seasons and many are feeling more in control of their energy use as a result.

This is an extremely challenging time for many households and there are no quick fixes or easy answers, but a smart meter can be a really helpful tool for people wanting to feel a bit more in control, with more visibility on their energy use and avoiding the uncertainties of estimated bills.

But what’s more is that a national energy infrastructure built on smart meters can help prevent energy crunches in the first place, protecting the country against the cruellest of winters and the uncertainty that comes with it.

Learn more about smart meters on the Smart Energy GB website.

Dan Brooke is the CEO of Smart Energy GB

32 | BUSINESS

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A business park that is changing

£4.3bn fraud write-off could be eclipsed by £20bn covid loans

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Hybrid working drives acquisition A FAMILY-owned trading company has bought the freehouse of a commercial property in Maidenhead.

The RO acquired 6 Bell Street from LaSalle Investment Management for £4.5 million. The property is let to three blue chip tenants: Aspen Pharmacare; Profitero, the leading eCommerce performance analytics platform; and La-Z-Boy, an American furniture manufacturing business.

Located in Maidenhead’s town centre, the office building comprises 10,821 sq. ft. (IMPS) and is arranged over a ground floor and two upper floors, together with 43 parking spaces.

David Kershaw, Group Real Estate Director, the RO, was pleased with the investment, the company’s first in recent months.

“It made sense for that investment to be in Maidenhead, a thriving town with a very active business community,” he said.

He said that the company was seeing a “significant increase” in demand for quality office spaces in and around the London commuter belt.

A NEW financial headache could be on the cards for the treasury, over fears that companies could fail to repay their covid support loans.

This is the warning from Duncan Swift, Partner, Restructuring and Insolvency with Azets in London and the South East. The company has offices in Reading and Newbury.

It follows on from the resignation of Lord Agnew after it was revealed £4.3bn of covid loans are already expected to be written off for fraud.

Mr Swift said that the government had loaned £73.8bn to around a quarter of UK businesses by banks, building societies and other accredited lenders. This includes more than 1.5m Bounce Back Loans, worth £47.4bn, where businesses were provided with a loan of up to £50,000, or a maximum of 25% of annual turnover, with the government guaranteeing the repayments.

Duncan Swift from Azets In 2021 the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy estimated that 37% of BBLS (around £17.5 billion) may not be repaid, mostly because the businesses concerned would not survive over the longer term.

By the end of September 2021, the state-owned British Business

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Bank, which oversees the schemes, disclosed that £2bn worth of loans had been repaid, however £1.3bn worth of loans were in default.

Mr Swift warns that it is highly likely that the value of defaulted loans will far outweigh the amount written off due to fraud.

“A substantial and increasing number of businesses are already struggling to make their CBILs or BBLs loan repayments,” he said.

“Businesses and particularly SMEs have had to endure an exceptionally difficult two years and whilst many have closed, many of those which have persevered have only managed to survive due to the loans and other governmentbacked interventions, such as Furlough.

“As a result, we believe that, across the UK, as much as £20bn of all CBILs and BBLs loans will become defaulted in some shape or form.”

The loan schemes ended in March last year. Mr Swift said that while most business owners had

no intention of committing fraud, an increasing number were finding their business lacks the assets, cash or income to meet loan repayment demands and deadlines.

“Although the banks have been instructed to be flexible, one way or the other loans will have to be repaid,” he said, adding that HMRC would investigate late or non-payment and urged struggling businesses to communicate early.

“Ignoring the loan repayment demands, or only making partial repayments will simply escalate the problem with all the risks that can bring in terms of the penalties and actions available to lenders and to HMRC,” he said.

“The government is under immense financial pressure and will be pursuing the repayment of these loans whatever their status, be they fraudulent or in default.

“For businesses struggling to meet loan repayments, the best course of action is to take professional advice to tackle the issue sooner rather than later.”

Chancellor visits Microsoft to praise work of apprentices THE Chancellor the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, used a visit to Earley on Friday to praise apprentices.

While national media was invited to the visit, Wokingham Today wasn’t.

This is a problem that has been frequently encountered by the regional press in recent months.

As a result, this report is based on information supplied by the Treasury’s press office.

Mr Sunak headed to Microsoft UK’s Thames Valley Park offices where he met CEO Clare Barclay, and some of the firm’s digital apprentices.

He visited a ‘hackathon’ challenge aimed at maximising digital technology, and also led a panel discussion.

In the treasury statement, Mr Sunak said: “I was delighted to visit Microsoft’s UK headquarters to see firsthand the positive impact that apprentices can have on companies large and small, from all sectors and areas of the UK. “Apprenticeships are a cornerstone of our Plan for Jobs and play an essential role in boosting our economy, creating jobs and transforming people’s lives.”

Ms Barclay said: “Since launching in 2010, the

VISIT: Chancellor Rishi Sunak visited Microsoft’s Earley HQ on Friday Picture: SIMON WALKER HM TREASURY Microsoft Apprenticeship Network has helped 30,000 apprentices to build a technology career.

“Apprenticeships combine a job with qualification-led training and the opportunity to put skills into practice.

“This is a powerful combination that is unlocking opportunity and growth for individuals and employers in every sector of the economy – from finance, fashion and healthcare, to manufacturing, charities, sports clubs and government.”

She added: “We want to help people get the right skills

to thrive in technology careers, and employers find the right talent to help drive business success and UK prosperity.

“Together, we can build a future based on long-term sustainable growth.”

His visit follows the launch of a new flexi-job apprenticeship, aimed at helping up to 1,500 people complete short placements such as construction and creative industries.

Among those taking part in the £5 million scheme are the BBC and the NHS.

Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Town Council leader says no to 3G pitch THE LEADER of Earley Town Council said that he is calling for answers from the borough council as to why laurel park has been chosen for a 3G football pitch.

Cllr Clive Jones said that he has been asking the borough council “for months” why Laurel Park was chosen, and not somewhere else.

He said that Earley Town Council is firmly against the plan to build a pitch there, due to environmental concerns and the impact it could have on residents.

Cllr Jones said that waiting for an answer feels like “banging our heads against a brick wall”.

“It is too close to the Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve and lake,” he said. “Floodlighting would be intrusive wherever it was. It could be intolerable for animals in the reserve, and for residents.”

Cllr Jones was also concerned about how parking for the site would be managed, and said that it would be “terrible” for Marefield residents.

“We are saying a very clear no,” he added. “We are happy to work with the borough council to find somewhere else.”

Winners of WADE 150 Club draw ON FRIDAY, February 4, WADE held its latest draw in its 150 Club lottery.

The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources, and the fundraiser helps its activities.

Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater the prizes.

First prize was £130, and went to member number 45.

Second prize was £65 was given to member 83. And the third prize was £32.50 and awarded to 107.

A spokesperson for WADE said: “Please sign up and be in with a chance of winning these fantastic cash prizes, while also supporting a great cause.” n For more details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre. org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk

CHARVIL NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN HIGHLIGHTS VILLAGE CONCERNS THE CHARVIL neighbourhood plan exhibition, held on Saturday, February 5, revealed four key areas of concern for residents.

The four areas highlighted were green space, traffic and transport, community hub, and housing.

These were uncovered from a survey conducted in the village last summer by the parish council’s neighbourhood plan committee, which received 400 responses.

Rob Jones, committee chair, said that around 50 people attended the event to learn about the committee’s findings.

The village hall was used to display posters showing the committee’s analysis of answers given to their questionnaire.

The committee also led two presentations which included the importance of having a village plan to manage future development of the parish.

“There were lots of questions around all of the key issues we had identified,” he said.

“Examples include provision of a health hub for the village, the flood risks on the east side of the parish and the creation of a cycleway to Twyford to address some of the traffic problems along the Old Bath Road and A4.”

The event was also attended

by Conservative borough councillor for Charvil, Cllr Sam Akhtar, and parish councillors Cllr Jane Hartley, Cllr Mike Heath and Cllr Pat Sutlieff.

The neighbourhood plan committee is seeking people to join the themes working groups to help identify plans and policies to underpin the development of the village over the next 15 years. n Charvil residents who are interested can contact parish clerk Miranda Parker by emailing: Miranda.Parker@Charvil.com

PLAN: The team behind the Charvil neighbourhood plan exhibition and presentation, from left: Rob Jones, Mike Heath, Duncan MacGregor and Jane Hartley All pictures: Steve Smyth

Finchampstead’s war memorial will be moved to Memorial Park

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter A WAR MEMORIAL in Finchampstead will move location, after an application from the parish council was approved last night.

On Wednesday, February 9, planning committee members at Wokingham Borough Council approved the proposal to reerect the monument in nearby Memorial Park.

The stone cross has sat at the junction of Jubilee Road and Rectory Hill since 1920.

Cllr Graham Jukes, Lower Wokingham parish councillor for Finchampstead Parish Council, said that the site is “extremely dangerous” to visit, and added that the parish council cannot recruit

Two men jailed for after police find £320,000 worth of cannabis in Charvil TWO men have been jailed for a year after being caught running a cannabis factory in Charvil. Police found with plants worth £320,000 during their raid.

Twenty nine-year-old Juljan

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Xhika, of Kennet Walk in Reading, and 31-year-old Erjon Bardhi, of no fixed abode, were sentenced to a year in prison by judges sitting as Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, February 9.

contractors to maintain the site, due to this danger.

He said that residents should be able to “reflect in safety on the sacrifices made by the many”.

This was a view shared by the planning committee.

Cllr Jukes said that the junction sees 11,000 traffic movements per day, making it difficult for people to reflect at the memorial.

However the cross will lose Grade II listed status as a result.

Cllr Rebecca Margetts, Conservative councillor for Finchampstead South, said that the proposal was both an emotive subject and an important issue.

“As a resident, you are not able to walk to this memorial,” she said. “I’ve got children who’ve never been able to go The pair pleaded guilty to one count of producing the controlled class B drug.

The factory was discovered when police carried out a raid on a home in Charvil on Friday, October 1 last year.

Officers achieved the search warrant after being tipped off about suspicious activity at the property.

Xhika and Bardhi were arrested, and a large quantity of cannabis plants were seized

up to it.”

Finchampstead resident Ian Adnams, who opposed the relocation, argued that the cross should stay at its current site, where it “stands tall and proud”.

He also said that the cross serves as a waymark, which helps drivers become aware of a difficult or dangerous spot or an intersection.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative councillor for Hillside said that she was torn over the decision.

“That position was selected by people who were directly affected by the First World War,” she said.

“I’m very reluctant to see it moved like a piece of street furniture to a more convenient location. “ I’m very, very torn.”

Cllr Angus Ross, Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without said that he has never seen anybody, other than on Remembrance Sunday, risk crossing the road to go and look at the memorial.

The principle of the relocation was approved by eight votes, with Cllr Jorgensen voting against it.

Its location in Finchampstead Memorial Park was then discussed, with Mr Adnams suggesting that it be placed at St James Church instead.

Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield, argued that the relocation of the memorial cross in his ward had been successful, and the success could be repeated in Finchampstead.

Cllr Bill Soane, Conservative councillor for Loddon said

that a memorial park is the best location for the cross, and referenced the success of Woodley’s war memorial, which was established in 2014.

“We have a war memorial in Woodley, we had discussions and it was sited in the aptly named memorial ground,” he said. “Each year, on Remembrance Day, we are attracting in excess of 200 to 250 people.

“That’s made up with schools, youth groups, members of the public. People congregate there at any time during the year.

“You wouldn’t be able to do that where this memorial is, and I think that’s a great shame, so I think this is a good move.”

In the vote to move the stone cross to Memorial Park, eight councillors voted for and Cllr Jorgensen voted against.

JAILED: Picture: 7raysmarketing from Pixabay

in varying stages of growth.

The total street value of the cannabis seized was in the region of £320,000.

Investigating officer PC Darin Stone, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “The amount of cannabis seized in this operation and the successful prosecution of two individuals is testament to the importance of the public in reporting this type of crime and the positive

outcomes we can achieve.

“We continue to need the support of the public in this, and we would ask them to report any information that they have about drug dealing.

“This can be shared with Thames Valley Police on our website or by calling 101.

“You can also report information anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

34 | NEWS

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Sonning Scarecrows Trail returns in June WORZEL has announced that the Sonning Scarecrows Trail will be returning to the village later this year.

It will take place on Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3, to coincide with the extended Queen’s jubilee bank holiday weekend.

An open evening and information event will be held for Sonning residents who would like to take part on Tuesday, March 22, in Pearson Hall.

It will begin at 7.45pm.

n For more information, follow Sonning Scarecrows on Facebook.

Twyford marks four years of its French connection TWYFORD residents are invited to celebrate the village’s French connection next month.

The Twyford Twinning Association is throwing a coffee morning for the fourth anniversary of its link with Cuincy in northern France.

A continental breakfast of coffee, croissants and pain au chocolat will be on sale in La Fontana on Thursday, Match 24, between 10am and noon.

It will be accompanied

by French music and the opportunity to find out more about TTA’s plans for the year. n To find out more about TTA, contact: twyfordtwinning@gmail. com

Rural taskforce arrest two men THAMES Valley Police’s rural crime taskforce arrested two Wokingham men last week.

On Tuesday, February 8, two men aged 47 and 23 were arrested during investigations into thefts of trailers.

Officers seized around £220,000 worth of property including a car, caravan, cash, porcelain and designer clothes.

Police officers given management action after misconduct proven

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

NEW DATA has revealed the way that misconduct cases in Thames Valley Police have been handled.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) has found 12 officers and three police staff as having a case to answer for misconduct.

When heard against the force’s tribunal, misconduct was proven against seven officers and one staff member. And each person was given management action.

Seven of the cases referred to death or serious injury having occurred shortly after contact with police.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said that the term “management action” was used prior to February 2020 when regulations changed, and only for occasions where there was a minor breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

These, they said, would not justify formal disciplinary proceedings.

“The behaviour is on the lower end of the scale and may only warrant words of advice in the form of management action,” they added. “Each individual case is different, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on why written warnings were not given.”

Get set for return of Donkey Derby A POPULAR village event is raring to return this year.

Plans are under way for the Twyford Scouts Donkey Derby, which is set to take place on King George V recreation field on Sunday, June 5, from 12.30pm.

There will be a range of entertainment and attractions at the event, which will be free to enter. These will include music from the Maidenhead Big Band, a fun fair, a bar and tea tent, plus the Scouts barbecue.

Sponsored donkey races will begin at 1.30pm.

Over the past three years, some 418 misconduct cases were held by 39 forces in England and Wales following an initial investigation by the IOPC. In 64% of these, panels found officers or staff had committed misconduct or gross misconduct.

Analysis from the BBC found that among these 244 officers, 105 faced no further action.

Ten officers were dismissed, 40 given a written warning and 87 received management action.

Cases involving persistent bullying, the use of racial slurs and deaths of members of the public were among those to see no further action taken.

Janet Alder has been campaigning for a tougher police complaints system since her brother Christopher died on the floor of a custody suite in Hull in 1998.

She is a member of the United Families and Friends Coalition (UFFC), a group of nearly 50 families who have lost individuals in police, psychiatric and prison custody. UFFC has been campaigning for justice for loved ones and stricter regulation of the police since 1999.

Miss Alder said that the investigation showed police forces were still suffering many of the same problems they did in the 1990s such as violence, misogyny and racism and that tougher

And as it is happening on the Queen’s platinum jubilee weekend, everyone is invited to being their Big Jubilee Lunch picnic along to enjoy as well.

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the volunteer-led event, which has not been held since 2019.

Organisers have invited village organisations who would like to participate by offering an activity or booking a space to get in contact. Advertising and race sponsorship opportunities are also available. n For more details, contact committee chairman John March on: 0118 934 0584 or via email: johnmarch58@btinternet.com

punishments were needed.

Ron Winch, a former serving police officer of 30 years, said that the force comes from a place of learning with its response to misconduct.

Mr Winch served in the Met before ending his career as a superintendent at West Midlands Police. He is now a criminology lecturer at Birmingham City University.

He said that gross misconduct and misconduct would often have different outcomes.

“Gross misconduct is for really serious issues where, if they are found guilty, the individual involved would expect to lose their job,” he said.

“Misconduct is a slightly separate matter — these are areas where you wouldn’t expect to lose your job. For these areas police governance has long been approaching these issues from a place of learning rather than developing a blame culture.

“The latter can be really toxic, because

A BERKSHIRE council has backed down on its plans to axe arts funding to two centres.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead abandoned plans for a 100% cut at a meeting last week.

Instead it committed to a 17% increase in funding to Norden Farm, Maidenhead and Old Court, Windsor, pledging £140,000 for the financial year 2022-23.

The move comes following a campaign by Public Campaign for the Arts. It was supported

what it does is force people to try and cover up mistakes, to become ultradefensive, to cover up whistleblowers.”

Mr Winch said that the Taylor reforms of 2010 were focused on developing an environment of learning, to give a better service to the public.

He added: “But when there is no further action or management action — it’s a bit ambiguous, it really doesn’t mean much to the public.

“It was certainly my experience that management action against officers who were guilty of misconduct could be a number of things. It could be me saying you need to go on a particular development course or take on extra training in a particular aspect. The public don’t really understand the police misconduct process as it’s very difficult to get your head around.”

Kathie Cashell, director of strategy and impact at the IOPC said that accountability takes many forms.

“Answering for your actions and explaining them in public is accountability itself,” she said. “I don’t think misconduct sanctions are the only measure of performance in this system, but I agree they are important.”

She added that its important for all force panels to operate consistently.

“We would welcome a review that looks into whether they are consistent and transparent,” she said.

by Theresa May MP, celebrities who had performed at the venues under threat, and more than 4,900 signatories to an online petition.

A consultants report into the venues on behalf of the borough council also found in favour of continued funding.

Mrs May welcomed the move and paid tribute to the PCA, those who signed the petition, and borough councillors for listening to the strength of feeling.

“I also want to thank my constituents who have taken the time to contact me to show their support,” she said.

“The arts play such an important role nationwide, helping to enrich our

communities and expand our intellectual horizons.”

Cllr Andrew Johnson, council leader, said that public feedback is critical to councils.

“We are very, very pleased to be able to announce a funding support package,” he said.

“While the borough overall is an affluent area, we have among the lowest council tax in England outside of London.

“This places financial pressure on budgets, especially with respect to areas of discretionary, non-statutory spend.”

Jane Corry, artistic director and chief executive for Norden Farm thanked supporters for their “love and determination” to get funding returned.

Councillors asked to approve consultation into elections

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Council backs down on plan to axe arts funding

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COUNCILLORS will tonight (Thurs 17) be asked to approve a consultation into Wokingham borough’s election cycle.

At the moment, a third of council seats are elected every year, with the fourth year being a fallow one.

But a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission means alternative options could be adopted. These include switching to single member wards, and holding elections once every four years.

Council leader John Halsall welcomes the possibility of a four-year cycle as it could bring Wokingham in line with other electoral systems

such as the Police and Crime Commissioner and parish councils.

Other unitary authorities, like Slough, are switching over to this system, he said.

He was also looking at the potential cost savings caused by not having to pause council business during election campaigns and in the aftermath of the count.

“We shut the council for two months,” he said.

“Every year, the purdah and election cycle lasts for five or six weeks, and then there is the period where we appoint a new council.”

He argues that while the council is unable to make decisions, it is costing money as the

council is still functioning.

“There is a cost, and a pretty conservative estimate is that it costs £1 million,” he said. “If we can save that in these straightened times, that’s really, really worth going for. But another argument, which I think is a vital one, is that by continuing with the system of thirds, we will have council wards that are independent of communities.

“We have 17 towns and parishes in the borough which I’m sure would like to have borough councillors that represent their communities.

“But under thirds, they have to represent 10,000 people.”

35

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

News from your clubs, groups and societies.

Email your news to: news@wokingham.today

INTHECOMMUNITY

Ensuring justice is done: history society welcomes prosecutor

F

OR the Wargrave Local History Society’s February meeting, village resident Torie Griffiths gave an interesting insight with her talk entitled My Life of Crime: Reflections of a former Crown Prosecutor.

PEDAL ON: The Three Counties Cycle Ride will return this June Picture: Easthampstead Rotary Club

Call to join the Three Counties Cycle Ride in this Platinum Jubilee Year PLANS are in full swing for the return of a popular fundraising cycling challenge.

This year’s Three Counties Cycle Ride is on Sunday, June 12, the week after the nation celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.

Entrants choose from three scenic routes: 15mile, 33-mile or 54-mile routes.

They wind through Berkshire, sometimes dipping into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

“Since the first Three Counties Cycle Ride in 1983, it has been enjoyed by thousands of enthusiasts, young and not-soyoung, and generated almost £750,000 for local charities,” said organiser Dave Donaldson.

In recent years it attracts over 600 cyclists - families and club members alike - who weave their way along mostly country lanes, starting and finishing at Garth Hill College, Bracknell.

The routes are clearly signed, with marshals and drink stations. And at the finish, a medal, a certificate and refreshments await.

“We have welcomed tandems, tricycles, recumbent bicycles, and baby trailers over the years,” Mr Donaldson added.

“One year part of the ride was ridden on a Penny Farthing, and another year a group of three on a two-tiered bicycle - two on the bottom, with one above - all able to pedal.

“One year the full 50 miles was completed by an 80-year-old and an eight-year-old. The youngster just tagged along with his father and friends.”

Early registrations can enjoy an advance discount, but it is also possible to turn up and ride on the day.

Over 16s pay £20 now or £25 on the day.

Under 16s pay £10, and there is a 20% discount for all groups registering online. Closing date for advance registration is Friday, June 10.

The entry fee covers the cost of certificates, medals, a complimentary T-shirt, and printing.

Any surplus goes directly to the nominated UK charities.

Beneficiaries over the years have included Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation, the Stroke Association, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and Alzheimer’s Society.

The principal beneficiaries this year are Breakthrough Learning, Daisy’s Dream, NHS Berkshire Healthcare, and Easthampstead Rotary Trust Fund. n To find out more about, log on to: www.3CCR.org or call Mr Donaldson on 07748 701 346.

She had had an interest in crime and criminal law from an early age.

In part, this choice was influenced by her father, who was a solicitor and later became a judge. It was natural, therefore, that Torie would study law at university, and she qualified as a solicitor in 1971.

At that time, the work of processing prosecutions was undertaken by a department of the local police force, and Torie joined the Greater Manchester police as part of their legal team.

She took time off from legal work when she had her children and then moved to Wargrave.

The Crown Prosecution Service was formed in 1986.

The previous process whereby the police decided on the charging of suspects “left much to be desired”, and Torie explained how the new system was independent of the police, although worked closely with them. At each stage the police and prosecutors look closely at the information gathered, so the case is reviewed many times.

This includes looking at information discovered by the police investigation, but not being used as part of their case, as it may have to be disclosed to the defendant’s legal team, while there may also be issues with some of the witnesses to be called, who might, for example, have a ‘history’ that could lead to their evidence being challenged in court.

Before a case is brought to trial, there are two critical factors that have to be taken into account.

Firstly, would the evidence to be presented in court be reasonably likely to result in a conviction of the suspect – if not, then the case ought not to proceed.

Secondly, if there is sufficient evidence, is it in the public interest to proceed with the case.

Torie spent many years in prosecuting suspects on behalf of the Crown at the Magistrates’ Courts in Berkshire – work that could be challenging, and certainly never dull.

No two cases were ever the same – even for outwardly similar cases, there might be a different

EXAMINATION: The scales of justice Picture: Pixabay defence, or there might be mitigating circumstances that had to be taken into account.

Some cases, however, seemed a little surprising, such as that of a man who was disqualified from driving. He had then applied for a second licence – in the name of his dog – although it was ‘some time’ before the police became aware of that.

Subsequently, Torie moved to work preparing cases for the Crown Court.

Although she no longer presented the case at a trial, the work managing 70 to 100 serious cases at a time was demanding.

CHEQUE ONE: First Days Wokingham receives its donation from Wokingham Choral Society Picture: Phil Creighton

Not only did the evidence have to be assessed, so also did the credibility of witnesses and possible mitigating factors which may lead to charges being dropped or changed to a lesser offence.

Explaining the reasons for those decisions to the victim, though, could be a difficult task. n The Society’s planned programme is at www. wargravehistory.org.uk – where the latest information can be found, or email info@ wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.

PETER DELANEY

CHEQUE TWO: Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack receives a donation on behalf of 3rd Wokingham Scouts Picture: Richard Whittington

Choral Society makes donations to Scouts and First Days FUNDRAISING opportunities have been in short supply over the past two years, but Wokingham Choral Society members have been doing what they can.

Earlier this month, it presented cheques to its two charities of 2021:

First Days Wokingham and the 3rd Wokingham Scout Pack.

The latter is the Wokingham Town Mayor’s charity of the year and Cllr Tony Lack attended a rehearsal at St Crispin’s School to receive the donation of £175.

The money was raised during the group’s Christmas concert held at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road last December.

Now, the group are busy rehearsing for its spring concert.

This will include a performance of

Fauré’s Requiem, and take place on Saturday, March 19.

It will also take place at St Paul’s, and tickets cost £12.50, or £5 for under 18s. n For more details, log on to: www. wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

36

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A327 SHINFIELD, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

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

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

1. A327 Arborfield Road, Shinfield between its junctions with A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road and A327 Reading Road.

1. Warren Road, Woodley and for a distance of 20m on either side of the railway bridge.

2. A327 Reading Road, Shinfield between its junctions with A327 Arborfield Road and Greensward Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via A327 Reading Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Hatch Farm Way, B3270 Lower Earley Way (North), B3270 Lower Earley Way , B3270 Lower Earley Way (West), A327 Black Boy Roundabout and A327 Shinfield Eastern Relief Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place on 13th March 2022.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks contractors to undertake dropping, reconfiguring and reinstallation of the overhead lines 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 13th March 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 17th February 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For the latest news visit

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

213797

6 Peach Street, Wokingham

Major Application

Application to vary condition 30 (hours of operation) of planning permission F/2014/2637 (full planning permission for part redevelopment and part retention and refurbishment of existing buildings to provide a mixeduse development for town centre uses) as varied by Section 73 applications 170718, 172765, 183115 and 190871 and amended by non-material amendments 161784, 162527, 170654, 172765, 181242 and 182714.

The proposed variation is to permit customers on premises of no. 6 Peach Street (Unit SU03) from the hours of 06:00.

214183

Land At 1040 And 1100 Series, Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle Business Park

Major Application

Full application for the proposed temporary erection of 2no. sound stage buildings for commercial filming and 8no. workshops, with associated access, parking, landscaping and infrastructure for a period of five years (retrospective).

220175

Hogwood Farm, Sheerlands Road, Arborfield

Major Application

Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2179 (as varied by 181194, dated 14/11/2018). The Reserved Matters comprise details of 161 dwellings across parcels P14 and P15 with access via the Nine Mile Ride Extension (NMRE), associated internal roads, provision of Public Open Space (PG2 and AGS5), sports facilities land and allotments land, together with parking, cycleways, footpaths, landscaping and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered.

220217

123 High Street, Wargrave

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of overhanging roof to existing conservatory to create a veranda.

220330

Ducks Nest Farm, Eversley Road, Arborfield

Works to a listed building

Householder application for the proposed erection of single storey rear extension, following demolition of the existing conservatory.

220331

Ducks Nest Farm, Eversley Road, Arborfield

Works to a listed building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of single storey rear extension, following demolition of the existing conservatory, plus internal alterations.

220354

Land To The West Of Trowes Lane, Swallowfield

Major Application

Application to vary condition 8 of application 202845 for the approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning consent 181130 for the proposed erection of 20 dwellings with associated access, parking, open space and landscaping. Details of Layout, Appearance, Landscaping and Scale to be determined. Condition 8 refers to ground and building levels, and the variation is to submit an amended plan showing alteration of some levels.

220391

Parcel P, Arborfield Garrison, Arborfield

Major Application

Application for approval of Reserved Matters pursuant to Outline Planning Consent O/2014/2280 dated 02/04/2015. The Reserved Matters (access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) comprise details of 46 dwellings within Parcel P with access via Princess Marina Drive, associated internal access roads, parking, landscaping, open space, footpaths and drainage.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Western Avenue, Reading Road, A4 London Road, A4 Shepherds Hill and A4 Bath Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 Bath Road, A4 London Road, Reading Road and Western Avenue.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th March and 13th March 2022 between 22.30 and 08.00 and 14th May to 15th May between 23.00 and 08.00.

2. London Road, Earley and for a distance of 20m (eastbound) of the railway bridge and (westbound) to the Wokingham Borough Boundary.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wokingham Road, A329 Reading Road, A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, Wharfedale Road and A3290 Bravo.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Alpha, A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange A329 Reading Road and A329 Wokingham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 24th March and 25th March 2022 between 21:00 and 05:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake bridge and track examination and associated 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 12th March 2022 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 17th February 2022 Trevor Saunders Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For up to date news in the borough follow us on @wokingham.today

@WokinghamToday

@wokingham.today

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 10th March 2022. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by any one as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 17th February 2022

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

17.02.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

A bittersweet tour for The Stranglers I

T’S NOT often a band produces one of the finest albums of their career 44 years after their first hit, but The Stranglers have always been a unique proposition.

Rising from the UK punk scene of the mid-70s, the band quickly established themselves as their own thing, due in no small part to the melodic basslines conjured by founding member Jean-Jaques Burnell as well as Dave Greenfield’s singular and baroque keyboard sound.

Now, nearly five full decades after their formation, the band - JeanJacques Burnel, Baz Warne and Jim Macaulay - are heading back on the road to support Dark Matter, their 18th studio album that saw them achieve one of the highest chart placings ever, proving that even after all this time, they’re still as relevant and essential as ever.

They’ll be at Reading’s Hexagon theatre on Tuesday, February 22, as part of that tour.

The group’s success has been bittersweet though, with the tragic passing of Greenfield during the recording of the record last year.

They very nearly finally called it a day as a result, but instead pushed

on to finish what has become both a tribute and an epitaph to their fallen brother.

It was the first Stranglers album made remotely. Work had started back in early 2019, with 10 days in the studio before a world tour. Covid and the passing of Dave meant work was delayed.

Baz says: “We really didn’t know what we were going to do, but it became apparent that we should finish the album at the very least.

“That threw up a lot of questions on the technicalities of how we would do it, but we all have studios in our houses, so the engineer coached us through it and of course we had the luxury of time, with no constraints or deadlines.

“We worked diligently on it, but it wasn’t easy not being in the same place as each other, so that it came out as well as it did is a testament to how much of a team effort it was.

“We were united in our grief, but there was a freedom there with the lack of deadlines.”

Dave wroekd on eight of the tracks, but his work on the keyboards had to be augmented to finish them.

“Rhe essence of what you hear, especially the very strong lead lines, that’s all Dave,” Baz explains.

“It took a good two or three months before we could contemplate doing anything though, to be quite honest. It was an awful time, but once we started listening back to what we had already done though, it was quite obvious that it had to see the light of day.

“He played some fantastic stuff on those tracks and it’s also both a testament to him and an epitaph too.”

JJ says that this response was shaped by the way in which they’d worked together for so long.

“When you’ve been involved with someone for over 45 years, it’s a huge loss, not only as a working colleague, but as a member of the family,” he explains. “The f*cker even actually lived in my house for over nine months at one point, until I told him he could find his own place.

“He honestly hadn’t thought of that, so was like ‘yeah, okay.’

“Dave was on the autistic spectrum, which some people really struggle with, and others thrive on.

“He was one of the latter, but he also didn’t have any filters, so he wouldn’t realise that you were falling asleep when he was taking an hour to answer a simple question.”

Baz adds that Dave would be very proud of the end result.

“He was a huge part of what people would class as The Stranglers’ trademark sound, both him and JJ, so to lose one half of that was very difficult, but his presence very much looms large still,” he says.

JJ admits that although there had been times when the band had thought about stopping, their initial aim to complete the album was superceded by events.

“Our agent called to say that we were selling more tickets, so we realised that a lot of people still wanted to see us,” he says.

“Dave being Dave, had inspired so many musicians to study him and I had actually played with one of those disciples in the studio about 20 years ago, so we auditioned him over Zoom and then he met up with the rest of the band in person.

“His playing wasn’t in question, but he had to fit with the band and get on with everyone too, which I’m pleased to say he did brilliantly.

“Dave has left the biggest shoes to fill, but we know now that we have the guy to step in. We can never replace him and wouldn’t want to, but he’s left a legacy which can now be followed.”

The Stranglers could easily settle for being a heritage act, but instead you

have a Top 5 album. How important is it for you to keep challenging yourselves to create new music?

“The one thing we are adamant about is that we’ll never become a heritage act,” Dave says. “I’m not knocking anyone who does it as people have a living to make and if there’s a market for it, f*cking go for it, but we write new material and we still have something to say.

“I think people want that too, as Dark Matter went Top 5, which is the first time a Stranglers album has done that in nearly 40 years. There were a few champagne corks going off in my house the night we got that news.”

He adds: “We are still very much in contact with Pam Greenfield, Dave’s widow too of course, so there were some emotional phone calls too. It’s a cliche, but The Stranglers are a family.

We fight, we argue but there’s a deep bond and love there, so no matter what, we get through it, because that’s what families do.” n Tuesday’s gig at The Hexagon has sold out, but some returns may be available. For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com n For full tour details and more information visit www.thestranglers. co.uk

14 | LEISURE

Lemony Snicket turned into a play

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Half-term special

AN ACCESSIBLE adaptation of a children’s book is on stage at South Street Arts Centre this Saturday, February 19.

Peut-Etrê Theatre presents The Dark, from the book by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon Klassen.

Laszlo is afraid of the dark. The dark lives in the basement. It doesn’t visit Laszlo in his room. Until one night, it does.

Join Lazlo on his journey to meet the dark, and find out why it will never bother him again.

The company merge vibrant physicality with live music to create captivating and energetic performances for the whole family.

The Dark is accessible for blind and visually impaired children through integrated audio-description and touch tours.

Suitable for children aged 5 and up.

The play begins at 11am and has a running time of 60 minutes.

Tickets are £9.50. n For more details, or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

SCIENCE and silliness abound for ages seven to 107 at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre next Saturday, February 26.

Magicians, time-travellers and all round spiffing chaps Morgan and West promise captivating chemistry, phenomenal physics, and bonkers biology in their new show, Unbelievable Science.

Expect explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by the daring duo’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method.

Morgan and West have fooled Penn and Teller on ITV’s Fool Us, competed in ITV’s Next Great Magician and even attempted to escape CBBC’s The Slammer.

And the Primary Times described their stage shows as “great science with hilarious hosts.”

Leave your lab coats at the door for this fun for all the family science extravaganza at one of two performances, 11.30am or 2pm.

Tickets are £12 adults, £10 children, or £40 for a family and friends ticket for four people.

The running time is 60 minutes. n For more details, or to book, visit: norden. farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Nighttime economy, for children

A RE-HEELED version of a popular fairy tale is coming to Norden Farm next week.

Theatre of Widdershins will present The Elves and the Shoemaker, the story of Elvis Schumacher.

The cobbler and craftsman has worked all his life creating the most beautiful footwear. But now he’s hit hard times.

Everyone’s buying boring shoes from the evil businessman, Bunyan Sole-less.

Time is running out for Elvis.

With one piece of leather left and Bunyan’s factory growing, can anyone help him?

Widdershins promise a beautifully crafted set and puppets, sublime music, a kaleidoscope of miniature shoes and a comic mouse to make this show a magical must-see.

Suitable for an audience aged three years and up, the running time is 55 minutes.

Performances are on Tuesday, February 22 and Wednesday, February 23 at 11.30am and 2pm. Wednesday’s 11.30am show is a relaxed performance.

Tickets cost £12 adults, under 16s get in for £10. A family and friends ticket for four people is £40. n For details or tickets, log on to: norden. farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Tweedy does it with Henley show

CLOWN around in Henley with Tweedy this half-term.

He’ll find his way to the Kenton Theatre with his one man show Lost Property on Wednesday, February 23 at 2pm.

Tweedy is one of the most respected and popular clowns the country currently has to offer, described as “brilliant” and “magnificent” by critics.

No matter what he does, Tweedy seems to get into a mess. To the delight of audiences of all ages he can always find a creative way to get out of it.

He will never get too big for his pants, his pants will always be too big for him.

Tickets are priced at £13 adults, £11 concessions.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

A tale of hope and acceptance

HUGS all round in Maidenhead next week.

Long Nose Puppets will get cuddly in Norden Farm’s Studio on Thursday, February 24.

The Hug is a tale of hope, empathy and acceptance, based on the book by the same name by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar.

Hedgehog and Tortoise are both in search of a restorative hug. They face many rejections along the way from a rather scary badger, a squirrel, a shy frog, a fabulous fox and an owl who really wants to be wise.

Set to music, the audience are invited on a journey full of fun, laughter and love.

It is suitable for children aged two to eight.

Running time 45 minutes plus a chance to hug the puppets after the show Performances are at 11.30am and 2pm.

Tickets cost £12 adults, under 16s get in for £10. A family and friends ticket for four people is £40. n For details or tickets, call the box office on: 01628 788997 or visit: norden.farm

Everybody score the dinosaur

DINOSAUR fans have a chance to test their knowledge against an expert next week.

So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs with Dr Ben Garrod will explore the biggest, deadliest and weirdest predators that ever roamed the planet.

The exciting prehistoric adventure is on stage at the Kenton Theatre on Thursday, February 24 at 2pm.

Pitting the knowledge of unwitting adults against their all-knowing kids, Dr Ben presents an interactive, educational and highly entertaining show using film footage from the BBC’s Planet Dinosaur.

Dr Ben’s show is aimed at children aged five to 11. Tickets from £13.50, family package £54.

n For more details, or to book, visit: kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050.

A birthday party to remember CHILDREN aged two to five and their families are invited to a birthday party to remember at South Street next week.

Party by Half Moon Theatre tells the story of Alfonso, who wants to go to his best friend’s birthday party.

But where is his invitation?

Has it been lost in the post, or maybe he wasn’t even invited?

When it finally arrives the excitement and nerves become too much to handle.

What should he wear?

Will they have balloons? Will anyone play with him?

And what about the cake?

The play was live recorded during last year’s lockdown and received digital acclaim.

It features striking, colourful designs and a glorious contemporary soundtrack.

The party takes place twice on Wednesday, February 23, at 11.30am and 2pm.

Running time 40 minutes. Tickets are £9 each. n For details or tickets, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

String Fever’s concertini fun A POPULAR concert for families returns to Maidenhead this half-term.

String Fever will fill Norden Farm’s Studio with their own unique sound in a Concertinti at 11.30am and 2pm on Friday, February 25.

Giles, Ralph, Graham and Neal combine their exceptional musical skill with a talent for engaging audiences of all ages.

All from the same family, String Fever promise to have the even the tiredest of feet tapping.

Suitable for all ages.

Tickets cost £12 adults, under 16s get in for £10. A family and friends ticket for four people is £40.

For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Head to space, via The Hexagon

CLOSE encounters of the noisy kind will be happening at the Hexagon, Reading next weekend, thanks to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The theme for this half term’s popular Noisy Kids concert is It Came From Outer Space.

This out-of-this-world concert for the whole family is packed full of music inspired by space, from thrilling classics to film music favourites.

Youngsters can boldly go where no one has gone before and explore galaxies far, far away though well known music from Star Wars, ET and much more.

The audience can get involved with songs and actions to join in with. Plus fancy dress is very much encouraged.

The RPO land on Saturday, February 26 at 11.30am.

Tickets from £9.50, families of four £34. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Children’s comedy club

YOUNGSTERS can experience the fun, rowdy feel of a comedy club this halfterm.

The Comedy Club 4 Kids tour takes over the mic at Kenton Theatre, Henley on Saturday, February 26.

Expect stand-ups and sketches from big names or upcoming stars.

It will follow the basic comedy club model of one host, with two guest acts doing 10 to 20 minute sets.

Just like any other gig, but without the rude bits and swearing.

Suitable for ages six and over, adults must sit with children in their party.

Group bookings must contain at least one adult per three children.

Tickets cost £15 adults, £12 concessions. n For more details or tickets, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 15

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Tom Jones to return to Henley Festival, along with a host of big names

COLD SHOULDER: The House on Cold Hill is the latest play from The Mill at Sonning Picture: Andreas Lambis

There’s something strange in the neighbourhood ... who ya gonna call? The Mill at Sonning, for tickets The House on Cold Hill Until March 26 The Mill at Sonning 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com

SIR TOM JONES HEADLINES THE FAMOUS FLOATING STAGE ON FRIDAY, JULY 8 PICTURE: Dijana Capan/division-images.com

NATALIE BURTON looks at the line-up for the 2022 Henley Festival, which this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary

H

ENLEY Festival is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in style this July.

The black-tie music and arts extravaganza returns to the riverside in Henley-on-Thames from Wednesday, July 6 to Sunday, July 10.

And organisers have promised something for everyone in this year’s packed festival line-up.

Wednesday night’s headline artist on the floating stage is the globally successful Irish pop band The Script. The trio — Danny O’Donoghue, Glen Power and Mark Sheehan — will entertain the Henley crowd with songs from greatest hits album Tales From The Script.

The opening night will be brought to a close by euro-disco phenomenon Boney M, featuring original lead singer Liz Mitchell, performing international chartbusters in the festival club.

On Thursday, Craig David takes top billing. Craig is one of the most successful artists in UK chart history. He will take festival-goers through his R&B, UK garage and soul hits from breakthrough album Born To Do It, released in 2000, to his new album 22, which is due to be released in May. The legendary Sir Tom Jones returns to the festival on Friday. Sir Tom will captivate the crowd with music from his 41st studio album, the chart-topping Surrounded

By Time, as well as iconic songs from his extraordinary career.

Pete Tong headlines on Saturday,

when the global dance music legend and broadcaster will transform Henley into a balearic party. Along with The Heritage Orchestra and Jules Buckley, Ibiza Classics features re-workings of popular house music tracks which fuses the electronic and classical styles.

Sunday’s floating stage event promises to be an extraordinary 40th anniversary celebration, featuring an exclusive line-up of special guests which are to be announced soon.

Laughs in the comedy tent will come from established names including Jo Brand, Milton Jones and Russell Kane. The tent will also host plenty of up-and-coming talent such as Jonny Awsum, Maisie Adam and Ivo Graham.

Jazz lovers have plenty to enjoy throughout the five day festival, thanks to a line-up which showcases music from across the jazz, blues, and funk genres. The Spiegel tent will host performances from Kevin Davy, Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm, Emily Capel, Flashmob Jazz and Gracie & The G-Spots, among others.

World and folk music returns to the Bedouin tent. Expect an eclectic mix of floor-filling Motown, roots, folk and party tunes. UK folk artists including Adam Isaac, Gina Larner and Jai Amore feature alongside bands like Bikini Beach Band, Cahoots and The Fifty Nines.

Food is on the festival menu once more, provided this summer in the riverside restaurant by Dish, offering innovative dishes which use seasonal and local produce. Street food and pop-up bars will also line the riverside.

Hollandridge Group is curating the art and sculpture on display this year. One of the installations for festival-goers to enjoy is Luminosi Trees, a magical forest of art deco trees along the grassy banks of the Thames which will transform into moving patterns of light, synchronised to a

soundscape as the sun goes down.

The showground will become a family playground on Sunday. Highlights for youngster include shows from Gizmo’s Marvellous Magic Show, MC Grammar, Comedy Club 4 Kids. There will also be creative workshops galore from the likes of Doodle Jam and Henley Youth Choir.

And of course each evening will close with a spectacular fireworks display by Titanium Fireworks, the team behind some of the UK’s biggest displays of the last decade, including the London 2012 Olympics, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and The Mayor of London New Year’s Eve celebrations. n Tickets will go on sale at end of the month. For more information, henley-festival.co.uk

T

HERE are spooky goingson at the Mill at Sonning right now, for its latest production, The House on Cold Hill.

The stage of the Ray Cooney Auditorium has been creatively transformed into the interior of manor house, incorporating some ancient monastic ruins.

This is a ghost story, and the tension is created from the moment the lights go down as eerie music is combined with atmospheric lighting to set the scene.

The play follows the attempts of the Harcourt family to settle into their new home, at first unaware they are sharing it with an unwanted and unwelcoming former resident.

They are increasingly alerted to the spirit’s presence through a series of unexplained events.

It’s edge-of-the seat stuff as the story of the house’s history unfolds.

Caro and Ollie (Madeleine Knight and Matt Milburn) present a picture of marital bliss, despite the challenges of bringing their ancient pile up-todate with the help of the congenial builder Phil (Kevin Hand), while also contending with their eye-rolling teenage daughter, Jade (Hannah Boyce) and the bumbling local vicar (Harry Gostelow).

It’s a pleasure to see Debbie McGee on stage as the eccentric Annie.

Together with ‘techy geek’ Chris (Dan Buckley) they attempt to get to the bottom of the strange goings-on in the house.

The use of special effects is spellbinding and unnerving.

Rather than jump-scares, the audience is treated to many moments of spine-tingling cliff-hangers.

Was there a logical explanation in the end? Let’s just say we’ll never look at an Alexa in the same way again.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u rt u ri n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d-u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u !

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .

Fo l l ow u s o n : f: / M a te s Ra te s C o m e d y c: @ M a te s ra te s co m e d y www. m a te s ra te s co m e d y. co . u k

16 | LEISURE

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Laugh along to Round the Horne at South Hill Park

I

T WAS one of the most popular radio comedies of the 1960s, back in the day when the entertainment came without pictures.

With its infamous movie spoofs and hilarious regular characters such as Julian and Sandy, Rambling Syd Rumpo and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, Round the Horne was a cultural phenomenon, regularly drawing up to 15 million listeners per week and making stars of Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden.

Now it’s back on stage.

Round The Horne is on its fifth UK tour, such is the popularity of the vintage programme.

Created by the Apollo Theatre Company, the show aims to transport audiences back to the late 1960s, and the anarchic, boisterous atmosphere of the BBC’s Paris Theatre for recordings of the show that defined the genre for decades to come, complete with a live band and live sound effects.

Today, 55 years since its first broadcast, the show is still as popular as ever and audiences will have the chance to experience live what makes the show so special.

Created with the blessing

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

ON STAGE: The cast of the Round The Horne revival coming to South Hill Park this Sunday SAVE THE DATE: Third Lung will be at The Purple Turtle on March 4 to launch their new single, Laura

Listen to Laura, thanks to Third Lung

and support of the estates of the show’s writers, Barry Took and Marty Feldman, director Tim Astley has hand-picked a selection of the greatest sketches and songs from the 67 original episodes.

On Round the Horne’s enduring popularity, Director Tim Astley said, “I was born twenty years after Round the Horne aired its final episode and discovered it for the first time as a teenager.

“Even at a young age, I could tell that this show was special.

“Barry and Marty were so clever in the way they wrote it that it really did have something for everyone.”

He continues: “On one level you have the big, over-thetop characters and ridiculous scenarios, on the other, the wonderful wordplay and innuendo.

“I listen back to the shows now and finally understand some of the cleverer and ruder jokes I missed at first listen.

“It really is a timeless comedy show and it’s an absolute joy to

Saturday 19 February, 11am Peut-Etrê Theatre presents

THE DARK

Stage adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s beloved book, for ages 5+ Tuesday 22 February, 2pm

SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS

Beatboxer and top entertainer SK Shlomo shows you how to be a beatboxing legend!

Wednesday 23 February, 11.30am & 2pm Half Moon Theatre presents

PARTY

A quirky and heartfelt show for children aged 2-5 years, all about overcoming social anxiety

21 South Street Reading RG1 4QU

Wendy James Band at the O2.

They have performed as part of the Are You Listening? Line-up, and also found time to launch an EP at The Facebar.

Some of their songs, including What Is A Life?, Climb and The Art of Stealing, received airtime on a host of stations including the BBC’s Introducing strand.

This is a band that is going places, and here’s your chance to hear them.

Third Lung will be supported

by Nicky Booty (BBC Introducing producing), who is fresh out of the studio recording her launch EP. The night takes place from 7.30pm, and tickets cost £9. n For more details, log on to: https://beta.jammamusic.com/ artists/thirdlung

Wokingham Youth Theatre’s close shave with Sweeney Todd

Half Term at

Pictured: Shlomo’s Beatboxing Adventure For Kids

be able to perform these brilliant sketches live to fans young and old.”

Brimming with eccentric, laugh-out-loud humour, Round the Horne is an absolute must-see for classic comedy fans.

The show will be at South Hill Park on Sunday, February 20, from 3pm. Tickets cost £18.50, £12 for under 18s, and £16.50 for members. n For more details, log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on 01344 484123.

A NEW single will be launched by one of the best bands in the area.

Third Lung, who regularly feature in our RaW Sounds Today playlist, will be performing at The Purple Turtle to celebrate.

The Gun Street bar is to be the venue for the launch of Laura on Friday, March 4.

The song, which is released on the same day, is from their debut album, Gameplay.

And as their previous date at the mauve-coloured bar was a sellout, band members are urging people to get tickets now, before it’s too late.

It’s going to be a busy year for the band, despite the pandemic.

They’re to make appearances at Lakefest, Wokingham Festival, Loddfest, and have supported the

0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com

THE DEMON barber of Fleet Street is coming to Wokingham Theatre next week.

Wokingham Youth Theatre (WYT) presents The Sweeney Todd Shock ‘n’ Roll Show at Wokingham Theatre from Thursday, February 24, until Saturday, February 26.

Set in Victorian London, this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical tells the story of two sailors who encounter the murderous Todd and his pie-making accomplice Mrs Lovett.

When Billy decides he needs a

shave before travelling home to see his partner Susan, the scene is set for musical mayhem with plenty of blood, pies and horrible murder thrown in for good measure.

Is it a laugh or is it a scream?

The cast includes an inept sorcerer’s apprentice in search of his master, a girl disguised as a boy, a long-lost son and heir, gin palace proprietor Beaujolais Pickle, ghosts, policemen, pickpockets, madmen and Queen Victoria herself.

And it has been directed by

former WYT member, Indigo Hogg.

WYT promise lots fun for an audience aged 12 years and up and contains scenes of mild horror.

Performances on each day begin at 7.45pm. There is also a matinee show at 2pm on Saturday, February 26.

Tickets prices from £6. This production is not included in season tickets. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 978 5373, or visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

Duke Special to give special show A CONCERT is to take place in east Reading two years after it had been due to take place.

Duke Special will be visiting Tutu’s Ethiopian Table in Palmer Park on Friday, March 4.

He is coming over specially from Belfast for the special select gathering.

By nature, Duke Special (aka Belfast’s Peter Wilson) describes himself as a curious person.

Curious about music, theatre, books, poetry, art, love, life, redemption, death and 78RPM records.

All of this is evidenced by the variety of musical adventures throughout his career.

He has released 14 albums and Eps, toured all over the world and has been involved in a diverse array of other projects, including writing the music for Deborah Warner’s 2009 production of Mother Courage and Her Children at London’s National Theatre, and being commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum

of Art in New York to write a series of original songs based on photographs for their exhibition of the photographers Stieglitz, Steichen and Strand.

He also wrote the theme to Northern Ireland’s version of Sesame Street, Sesame Tree.

Doors to Tutu’s cafe will open at 7pm, and buffet food and drinks will be available to purchase.

Tickets bought before the first lockdown are still valid, and there are still some seats available at £20 each. n For more details, log on to: tutus-ethiopian-table.com, or call: 0118 966 3938

LEISURE | 25

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Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

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RaW Sounds Today

EASY LISTENING: Hard To Take is the great new single from Split The Dealer Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

T

Topping the charts is Split The Dealer, a great performer who is taking part in a show in the Turtle very soon.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page.

To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit. ly/rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

Paul is former front person with 90s band Mansun and he has just released an excellent new solo album, Cult Leader Tactics, from which this single is taken.

The album showcases Paul’s talents as a

The Paradox Twin – Perfect Circles

Harriet – I’m Not in Love Harriet has a truly wonderful voice and we are going to be lucky to get the chance to hear her live when she visits Wokingham Music Club at Whitty Theatre on Friday, February 18. Here’s her beautiful version of 10cc’s classic - https://www.harrietsmusic. com/

Split the Dealer – Hard To Take

Paul Draper – Omega Man (ft. Steven Wilson)

Angus Trott aka The Wave Machine appeared in our best of 2021 list with Ocean’s Brew and now here’s his new single.

It’s another uplifting positive song that makes you smile - https://www.facebook.com/ thewavemachine This band from Reading appeared in best of year lists around the world and this is from their acclaimed Silence from Signals album.

They will be travelling to Fusion 3.5 Festival in Stourport on Friday, March 4 - https://www. theparadoxtwin.com/

HERE’S no doubt about it, live music is on its way back and this week’s playlist features previews of bands you can hear live over the coming weeks.

He was in our Top 10 of the year lists in both 2020 and 2021. If this new single is anything to go by, there’s a good chance he’ll be in this year’s too.

It’s a great song with power and melody that grabs you straight away with the catchy intro hook.

Split says that he wanted to create something ‘upbeat and motivating’ and he’s certainly achieved that.

He has a headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89 on Friday, May 13. Next Friday – February 25 – he is at the Purple Turtle Jamma presents’ show - https:// www.facebook.com/splitthedealer

The Wave Machine – Don’t Pretend

The Honey Pot – Somewhere Between Here and Anywhere

The Honey Pot, who released their latest album, The Secret, on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records, performed at the legendary Half Moon Putney last month - https://www.facebook.com/ thehoneypotband

Quantum Pig – Statement of Intent songwriter and musician as he plays the majority of the instruments himself creating a wonderful alternative rock feel with electronic overtones.

Paul starts a UK tour later this month which includes a visit to Reading’s Sub 89 on Monday, February 28 - https://pauldraperofficial.com/

Lonely Robot – Under Stars Lonely Robot was created by John Mitchell who works from his Reading-based recording studio,

Outhouse as songwriter, musician and producer. He played a special show at Everyman in Kings Cross on Wednesday, February 16 - https://johnmitchellhq. com

This Progressive Music Awards-nominated duo supported The Paradox Twin at Reading’s Facebar earlier this monh. The song is from their acclaimed debut album Songs of Industry and Sunshine – http:// quantumpig.net

Mordecai Smyth – Fear of Flying

The Room – Run

Here’s some wonderful psychedelic pop sounds released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records.

Mordecai has a new album due in May and has just released this single, Fear of Flying from it - https:// www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

This band, with members from the local area, will be appearing live at a special show with their White Star Records label mates, The Paradox Twin, at the legendary Star Inn in Guildford on Thursday, April 21 - https://theroom.band/

First acts announced for Readipop line-up

A

HOST of acts have been confirmed as the Readipop Festival announced the first artistes on its 2022 line-up.

Top of the bill is American hip hop group Sugarhill Gang with Melle Mel and Scorpio from Furious 5.

Sugarhill Gang rose to fame in 1979, when their song Rapper’s Delight became the first rap single to appear as a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Joining them is soul and trip hop pioneers Morcheeba, who have sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

The British group has produced 10 studio albums since 1995, mixing influences from trip hop, rock, folk, soul and downtempo.

Also headlining is indie singersongwriter Badly Drawn Boy, winner of the Mercury Music Prize in 2000, following his critically acclaimed album The Hour of Bewilderbeast.

The festival will also feature a diverse array of new and established artists including Michele and Romeo Stodart from The Magic Numbers, electro-pop trio Stealing Sheep and turntablist DJ Format.

Scheduled to appear across the weekend is Grammynominated indie/dance innovators Jesus Jones, world and dance music fusionists Transglobal Underground and Nigel Clark of Britpop favourites Dodgy.

Supporting local talent is a key goal of the festival and this year is no different with an exclusive show from Reading reggae collective The Drop

plus a showcase of aspiring musicians on the Readipop AAA programme.

Also representing the local scene is OSP, Amya-Ray, K.Kayne and Hatty Taylor who are all signed to Riser, Readipop’s new record label.

BBC Introducing in Berkshire will be selecting the opening acts on the main stage for Friday and Saturday with a takeover set for the Sunday.

This year, the festival will also debut its In Conversation sessions where established musicians, including Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) and Richard Jobson (The Skids), will be discussing their careers.

In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy local real ales and craft beer served by Purple Turtle bars, delicious street food, a record store and Reading’s Indie Urban Market.

Pete Wheeler, Readipop Festival programmer, said: “This is definitely a moment we’ve all been waiting for.

“So many people held on to their tickets over the last two years and we wanted to make sure we delivered our biggest acts to date as a ‘thank you’ to them for supporting us.”

The festival is set to take place over the weekend of July

8-10 on Christchurch Meadows, Caversham, and tickets are on sale now.

Adult weekend tickets are available from £49 each. Under 14s will receive free tickets when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. n For more information, or to book tickets, please visit: readipop.co.uk/festival

No. 5401

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE CALL CLAIRE ON 0118 927 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. To the nearest mile, what is the distance of the marathon athletics event?

2. The ill-fated Titanic belonged to which shipping line?

3. An apiculturist produces which type of foodstuff?

4. What popular name is given to the opening day of the grouse shooting season?

5. In the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, newsreader Dan Walker was partnered with which professional dancer?

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

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

MAGIC SQUARE

OK, NICE VOWEL LINKS

R M E

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

Guidelines: 22 Good; 26 Very Good; 30 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed L through openings in the walls. The Y first letter may appear in any chamber.

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DOWN 2. Paltry meals are arranged before the end of the day (6) 3. Slip back after doing some more laps easily (7)

10. One is inclined to have trouble getting a safe foothold on this (8,5)

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

EY

21

9. Making a recovery in motor sport (8)

T

17

19

8. Decline for three months in America (4)

I

7

9

6. Need to be deficient (4)

N

6

8

11. Diving bird endlessly brings back a large lump of ice (4) 13. Clip the weed (4) 17. Call when one least expects it (8,5) 20. Breaking suddenly with two sharp sounds (8) 21. Went down with all hopes dashed (4)

4. Another super bag of money (5) 5. Journalist following race broadcast (7) 6. True alloy melted down (5) 7. A name found in imitation of overhanging covering (6) 12. Moving effortlessly despite lack of power (7) 14. Red margins in study (7) 15. Pest is leaving a subtle difference (6) 16. Sailors did go around the left of skirt (6)

22. Read about beloved (4)

18. Quietly copy Rex’s thesis (5) 23. Environmentalist will escape from garden pest (8) 19. A birdie? Yes and no (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

5

6

7

8 9

10 10

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.

11

12

13 15

17

19 22

24

14

16

18

20

21

23

25

26

27

28

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd

29

30 31

32 3 6 5 4 7 2 9 1 8

4 1 9 6 8 3 7 2 5

8 7 2 5 1 9 6 4 3

9 2 8 7 5 4 3 6 1

1 5 6 9 3 8 2 7 4

7 3 4 2 6 1 8 5 9

WORD PYRAMID: National Gallery.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; divide; subtract; multiply.

Total: 6.

SOLUTIONS

4

ACROSS 1. Unseemly fraction? (8)

EQUALISER 2 14 9 3 2 1 2 5 3 9 2 1

Hard

5 8 1 3 2 6 4 9 7

9

6 2 4 7 1 8

A

NG

LS

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

7 9 6

L

RE

AN

2 9 3 1 4 7 5 8 6

5

A

EI

RD

3

22

G

TD

UI

2

20

FIVE ALIVE

SUDOKU Easy

1

WORD PYRAMID

T E O

4

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

6. The 2021 film The Harder They Fall, starring Idris Elba, is what genre of movie?

7. The songs Hopelessly Devoted to You and Beauty School Dropout feature in which popular musical?

8. Which British seabird nests in earth burrows on clifftops?

9. Nunavut is an Inuit territory created in 1999 in which country?

10. In the Ray Bradbury novel Fahrenheit 451, what is outlawed and destroyed if found?

6 4 7 8 9 5 1 3 2

24

15

20

16

9 3 2 8 4 6 7 1 5

16

2

17

1 8 4 3 7 5 9 6 2

6

4

16

6 5 7 9 2 1 3 4 8

26

18

21

26 3

24

16

16

2 1 6 7 9 4 5 8 3

26

19

3 4 5 2 6 8 1 9 7

2

20

8 7 9 5 1 3 4 2 6

4

7

16

22

15

26

7 6 1 4 3 2 8 5 9

12

25

4 9 8 6 5 7 2 3 1

1

16

26 4

3

5 2 3 1 8 9 6 7 4

26

PZ1P5401

CROSS CODE 5

5401

ACROSS 1. Revival (7) 5. Foundation (5) 8. Biblical priest (3) 9. Silky fabric (7) 10. Denims (5) 11. Sound alike (5) 13. Difficult to find (7) 15. Skin condition (4) 17. Die (6) 19. Peg (6) 22. Church recess (4) 24. Seems (7) 26. Large bird (5)

33

29. Taint (anag.) (5) 30. Fall apart (7) 31. Expression of surprise (3) 32. Tea container (5) 33. Diplomatic building (7) DOWN 1. Revolving arm (5) 2. Agile (inf.) (5) 3. On the other hand (7) 4. Heavy (6) 5. Trinket (5) 6. Rocking (7)

7. Questionable (7) 12. Tint (3) 14. In smaller quantity (4) 16. Freshwater fish (4) 17. Synthetic material (7) 18. Alleged (7) 20. Disturb (7) 21. Be in debt (3) 23. Soul (6) 25. Irritate (5) 27. Feelings (inf.) (5) 28. Impoverished (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Renewal; 5 Basis; 8 Eli; 9 Taffeta; 10 Jeans; 11 Rhyme; 13 Elusive; 15 Acne; 17 Perish; 19 Spigot; 22 Apse; 24 Appears; 26 Raven; 29 Titan; 30 Crumble; 31 Ooh; 32 Caddy; 33 Embassy.

Down – 1 Rotor; 2 Nifty; 3 Whereas; 4 Leaden; 5 Bijou; 6 Swaying; 7 Suspect; 12 Hue; 14 Less; 16 Char; 17 Plastic; 18 Reputed; 20 Perturb; 21 Owe; 23 Psyche; 25 Annoy; 27 Vibes; 28 Needy.

FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Twenty-six miles; 2 The White Star Line; 3 Honey; 4 Glorious Twelfth; 5 Nadiya Bychkova; 6 Western; 7 Grease; 8 Puffin; 9 Canada; 10 Books.

(1) Across – Right; Nerve; Hasty.

Down – Ranch; Gurns; Teeny.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Improper; 6 Lack; 8 Fall; 9 Rallying; 10 Slippery slope; (2) Across – Acted; Older; Tulle.

K U C S B H R F X T Y Q N 11 Berg; 13 Dock; 17 Surprise visit; 20 Snapping; 21 Sunk; 22 Down – About; Tidal; Dirge.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Dear; 23 Greenfly.

P E O M I Z D V G J L W A Down – 2 Measly; 3 Relapse; 4 Purse; 5 Relayed; 6 Loyal; 7 NONAGRAM: emmer; emmet; emote; emoter; meet; Canopy; 12 Gliding; 14 Crimson; 15 Nuance; 16 Dirndl; 18 Paper; meme; memento; memo; meno; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 19 Eagle. silk; icon; love; mento; mentor; mere; mete; meteor; knew. meter; metre; metro; METRONOME; moment; mono; monomer; MONOTREME; monte; moon; moor; moot; more; moreen; morn; moron; mort; mote; motor; neem; nome; norm; omen; remote; room; teem; term; tome; toneme.

Thursday, February 17, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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28 | LIFE

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Veggie Burger with Lentils & Sprouts

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 17, 2022

WATCH Wokingham

Adrian Betteridge

In the kitchen Good4u

H

EALTHY snacks and salad toppers’ brand, Good4U want you to #GetMoreGood this 2022 with some inspiring recipes.

This week, it’s a twist on that staple - burgers.

This is a vegetarian choice, and you can customise it to ensure it has the flavour you want.

The addition of Good 4u’s Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper ensures this is a burger that has bite.

Cooking Time: 50 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients: n 3 tablespoon of vegetable oil n 1 medium red onion,

finely chopped n ½ red pepper, finely chopped n ½ yellow pepper, finely chopped n 1 pack of Good 4u Lentil Sprout Mix Salad Topper n 1 pack Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper n 1 x 400g can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained n Salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve n 4 Brioche buns n 4 tablespoons of tomato relish n Lettuce leaves n 1 Red onion, sliced n 1 tomato, sliced n Cucumber slices n Good4U Sprouted Super Sprouts Salad Topper

Method 1. Heat 1 tablespoon

Have we started our journey?

I of oil in a frying pan and fry the onion and pepper for 5 minutes to soften.

2. In a high-speed blender puree ½ (90g) pack of the Sprouted Lentil Sprouts, ½ (65g) pack Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper and all the chick peas to a rough texture.

3. Add this to the pan with the sautéed

vegetable followed with the remaining half of the Garlic and Chilli and Sprouted Lentil packs and mix well together.

4. Season well with salt and pepper and divide the mixture into four.

5. Shape into balls and flatten to a burger shape and chill in the fridge for

30 minutes to firm up.

6. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a clean pan and fry the burgers for 5-7 minutes each side until golden brown and hot all the way through.

7. Toast the brioche buns and spread a dollop of relish on each side.

8. Add a few lettuce leaves to the base and sit the burger on top.

9. Add slices of onion, tomato, cucumber and a generous helping of Super Sprouts and add the top.

Enjoy. n For more information and recipes, visit good4u.co

HealthwatchWokingham Joanna Dixon

How Healthwatch is making a difference

H

SUPPORT: Healthwatch has amplified concerns over access to dentists Picture: Pixabay

EALTHWATCH Wokingham is your local health and social care champion.

From Wargrave to Winnersh, Finchampstead to Spencers Wood and everywhere in between we are here for you.

If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services in your area, we want to hear about your experiences.

We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice.

Last year, the Healthwatch network helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the support you need.

We’re entirely independent and impartial, and anything you share with us is confidential.

Healthwatch uses your feedback to better understand the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers, and we make sure your experiences improve health and care for everyone – locally and nationally.

This year, we have worked on projects driven by your feedback including, finding out more about the experience of unpaid carers during the pandemic.

We are currently analysing the results of our GP access survey after

you told us about the challenges you are facing.

We continue to champion your views with NHS leaders and other decision makers.

Healthwatch Wokingham is part of a network of over 150 local Healthwatch across the country.

We feed our intelligence into Healthwatch England to help change policy and influence at the highest level.

Your experiences have helped to shape national services in the following areas: 1. Thanks to your feedback, we quickly alerted regulators about care homes using ‘Do not attempt to resuscitate’ forms without consent.

2. With online appointments

becoming the norm, Healthwatch England used your stories to develop advice that helps more professionals and patients get the most out of digital consultations.

3. When the public were worried about how the NHS would use their GP data, we helped prevent issues by advising the NHS to be more transparent and give people more time to opt-out.

4. Teaming up with the British Red Cross, Healthwatch England called for improvements to make leaving the hospital safer during the pandemic.

The harrowing stories that people shared with us about being discharged with little or no support led to new Government guidance to ensure this does not happen again.

5. We urged the Government to act after reporting a 452% increase in people struggling to see an NHS dentist. Although reform takes time, the Government asked dental practices to maintain accurate information online in response to our recommendations.

6. When the public struggled to see their GP face-to-face, we asked the NHS to confirm this right for all patients.

We can also help you to get the information and advice you need to make the right decisions for you and to get the support you deserve.

It’s important that you share your experiences – whether good or bad, happy or sad. If you’ve had a negative experience, it’s easy to think there’s no point in complaining, and that ‘nothing ever changes.’ Or, if you’ve had a great experience, that you ‘wish you could say thank you’. Remember, your feedback is helping to improve people’s lives.

If you need advice, or you’re ready to tell your story – we’re here to listen.

Contact us on: 0118 418 1418 between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, email: enquiries@ healthwatchwokingham.co.uk, or visit our website: www. healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

N November 2020, we were delighted when Wokingham was awarded over £500,000 of government funding to kick-start investment in sustainable local travel in Wokingham.

More is going to be needed, but this was fantastic news for everyone concerned about the lack of local travel alternatives and the impact this has on our environment, our wellbeing and our ability to get places.

Fifteen months on and, after a public consultation in 2021 to choose between alternative routes, the council is consulting on a proposed design for a high-quality cycle route to connect Woodley to Reading, as covered in articles and letters in Wokingham.

Today in the past few weeks.

It’s really hard to travel by bike in the borough without conflict with either cars or pedestrians, and finding more space to resolve this is a tough challenge.

With ever more housing being built local travel is becoming slower and more polluting.

In the words of the Prime Minister in 2021, “trying to squeeze more cars and delivery vans on the same roads and hoping for the best is not going to work”.

We can’t just build our way out of this with new roads as all traffic eventually needs to negotiate the same pinch points at junctions and destinations.

We’re delighted that the council has made this first bold proposal for an alternative to driving which will be safe, easy to use and suitable for the many who would travel by bike but won’t in the current conditions.

The design may not be perfect; for example, we are responding with suggestions to improve the experience for new or less confident users.

But we are not starting with a clean sheet and, if we accept the need for change, we all need to be prepared to compromise.

We hope everyone who sees the need for more sustainable travel responds to the consultation before it closes on Monday, February 21, and we hope that those with concerns about the proposed design respond with their alternative proposals.

Change is never easy, but we are encouraged that we seem to have started the journey. n You can find more from WATCH at facebook. com/watchwokingham

WAY FORWARD: How can Wokingham make sustainable travel easier? Picture: Manfred Antranias Zimmer/pixabay.com

ALL THE ACTION, EVERY WEEK WOKINGHAM EDITION

WOMEN CLIPPED

BY SEAGULLS

KESTRELS LEAD THE WAY WITH GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

WOODLEY UNITED FC are leading the way to support the FA’s new strategy to help girls have equal access in football.

The FA’s new mission for 2020-2024 is that ‘Every girl to have equal access to participate, compete and excel in the game’.

With the Women’s Euro Championships quickly approaching this summer, which will be hosted in England, the Woodley-based football club are doing their part to promote the next generation of female football stars.

Since Summer 2021, the Girls’ section of the club has seen huge growth, in addition to the well-established women’s team and U12 team to help give the platform to young girls on the football field in the ever growing bid to make the game accessible for all.

Woodley now has an U10 team playing weekly matches in the Berkshire County Girls’ Football League and two U8 teams playing in monthly tournaments.

They also have an energetic group of younger girls not yet competing but enjoying Saturday morning Mini Kickers sessions at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley.

n Continued on page 21

ROCKETS FIRE PAST DRAGONS

17.02.22

FINCH MOVE INTO FINAL FOUR EIGHT DEFEATS IN A ROW

WHEN WILL WE WIN AGAIN?

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s 150th birthday celebration ended in disappointment after they suffered their eighth straight defeat.

The day began with hundreds of fans gathering outside the Select Car Leasing Stadium to voice their displeasure in the way that the club is being managed.

Armed with banners and placards, the supporters showed their disdain for current manager Veljko Paunovic,

and agent Kia Joorabchian who is rumoured to be heavily involved with the club as one of the owners closest advisors.

The Royals took the lead through Lucas Joao but were eventually

pegged back by two goals either side of the half-time whistle from the Sky Blues.

Reading got back in the game through Andy Yiadom but after Junior Hoilett was given his marching orders for receiving a second yellow card, Paunovic’s side suffered their seventh consecutive Championship defeat.

It has been reported by numerous national outlets that the Serbian boss is on the brink of being sacked by the club, however at the time of publishing, he is still in charge.

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Speaking on his future after the match, Paunovic said: “If something has to happen, it happens. We need an openness to fix mistakes and need to stay away from negativity.

“It’s my responsibility and at some point I let certain things happen and provoked frustration and negativity around us and myself.”

The Royals face a huge relegation six pointer away at Peterborough this evening (match report online). n For the latest Reading FC news, visit rdg.today

18 | SPORT

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Troy baker shooting on target

Finchampstead FC in action Joe Pantony Long range strike on target Pictures: Richard Milam

Bradley brown pressurising the AFC Hayes defender

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BOARS LOSE GROUND ON TOP THREE WHILE CITYZENS WIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA fell further behind the top three after a second consecutive league defeat.

The teams went in locked at 0-0 at the break, but AFC Hayes were reduced to 10 players with a sending off five minutes before half-time.

The 10-men of Hayes rallied to take the lead in the 65th minute.

Despite going down to nine players after another red card, the visitors held on to their lead to take the points.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Reflecting on yesterday’s game and we just didn’t turn up at all, the desire and work rate needed which is the starting point just wasn’t there and apologies for all those that

came to the game as that wasn’t acceptable at all. Lots of time on the training field to make it right.”

BERKS COUNTY moved up with an inspired away performance at Kensington and Ealing Boro.

Luke Hayden scored to put the Swords in front after just five minutes.

Kensington levelled late in the half from the penalty spot but Berks were back ahead in the 56th minute through Jordan in what proved to be the winning goal.

WOODLEY UNITED went down to a thumping away loss to fifth-placed Sandhurst Town.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD lost ground in the table after they were beaten at home by Bedfont Sports.

In a goaless first-half, the Moles were reduced to

Bradley Brown sets up Ross McKernan

10-men just before the break when Elliott Legg received a second yellow card.

Bedfont broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

Danny Campion marked his Moles debut with an equalising goal in the 76th minute, but the visitors netted two late goals to take the points.

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY climbed up to ninth with an impressive clean sheet and three points on the road at Virginia Water.

Cityzens manager Simon Johnson said: “Another brilliant result. To be sat in ninth with the problems we’ve had this year with injuries is a phenomenal achievement from all of the squad.

“Onwards and upwards.”

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK couldn’t make it back-to-back wins after they

lost out to Spelthorne Sports.

James Clark latched onto the end of Nathan Mindomba’s cross to volley in what was a consolation goal for Wokingham in a 3-1 loss.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

WARGRAVE were punished by second placed Long Crendon in a 4-1 defeat.

They were level at 1-1 at half-time, but three goals from Long Crendon in the second-half settled the match.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

FOOTBALL

BURGHFIELD STAY TOP WHILE FINCH REACH SEMI-FINALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Premier League BURGHFIELD stay at the top after they edged out WARGRAVE in a close battle.

Jame McClellan netted a brace, while Lewis Butcher scored to help the Fielders to a 3-2 victory.

Craig Haylett and Joe Wigmore scored for Wargrave.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS moved up a place after earning their second win of the campaign.

The Kestrels earned three points with a 3-2 victory over READING CITY U23’s.

Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftrees Cup

FINCHAMPSTEAD are through to the semi-finals after they knocked out Hale Leys.

Aqeel Butt notched a brace, while goals from Charlie Sawyer and Dylan Parmar helped Finch to a 4-2 triumph.

READING & DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE Senior: Maiden Place 4-3 Tilehurst Ym Cup: FC BAPCO 7-0 FC Marlow One: 116 Exiles 2-3 Give Back, Caversham United 4-4 Loxwood Park Rangers, Reading Kites 1-1 GC United, Wayback Wanderers 0-3 Westwood Wanderers Two: AFC Pangbourne 0-3 Burghfield, Barton Rovers 8-0 Caversham AFC, Goring United 4-1 Farley Hill Three: Berkshire Royals 6-0 RE United, New England 0-2 Hurst, Royal Albion 2-3 FC Woodley, Sanctuary Strikers 4-1 Thames Valley Railway Four: Hype Train 1-1 Give Back Reserves, RG6 0-3 NFFT FC, Reading United 5-1 Brothers United

S4K BERKS COUNTY got back on track by earning three points against WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT. A brace from Kiah Owen and goals from Michelle Melia and Amber Newhouse sealed a 4-1 win for the Fawkes.

Ben Catt comes away with the ball

Finchampstead FC Library pictures: Andrew Batt

SPORT | 19

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RUGBY UNION

RAMS END ROSSYLN’S STREAK

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS pulled off one of the shocks of the National One season as they ended Rosslyn Park’s 19-match unbeaten home streak with a deserved 17-13 success.

It was the away side who dominated the opening 10 minutes, nearly scoring but Stevie Bryant was just unable to collect a clever chip towards the goal-line from fly-half Rowan Grundy.

They kept the pressure on and earned a succession of penalties on the edge of the Park 22, only to concede a turnover which allowed their opponents to clear their lines.

They were made to pay shortly after as the hosts scored with their first real attack, a powerful rolling maul rumbling over the line with Kyle Traynor applying the finishing touches.

Craig Holland’s attempted conversion proved unsuccessful, and Rams enjoyed the better of both territory and possession,

Rams v Rosslyn Park Pictures: Tim Pitfield albeit a number of attacking positions were off-set by Park stealing half-a-dozen line-outs.

Rams’ pressure was rewarded on 35 minutes.

The outstanding Ollie Cole making a sniping break before feeding Grundy to dive over to the posts.

Grundy was unable to add the extras, and Park took a somewhat fortunate lead into the break when Holland landed a straight-forward kick from in front of the posts with the last action of the half.

Rosslyn Park came out of the blocks strongly after the interval and went close to crossing on the left through full-back Henry Robinson, albeit the play was subsequently brought back for a Rams’ penalty on their own 22.

The visitors responded and worked their way upfield before launching their own maul towards the line.

This was initially brought down illegally and, despite Park conceding three further penalties as the play went on, the ball eventually made

its way to Henry Bird to cross on the right for his eighth try of the season.

Grundy’s attempted conversion failed as the gusting wind blew the ball off the tee, but Rams kept coming relentlessly and eventually made a decisive move with a penalty try earned at a scrum they were dominant in all afternoon.

Initially winning a penalty on the Park put-in, two more huge shoves on the five-metre line left referee Hamish Grant with no option but to award the away side seven points.

Rosslyn Park rallied, and kept their hopes of maintaining the unbeaten streak alive when Piper dived over from close range following another strong maul and a number of efforts from close range.

Yet Rams were not to be denied and sealed victory when indomitable flanker Tom Vooght bundled Saracens loanee Brandon Jackson into touch on the halfway line.

RUGBY UNION

REYNOLDS: ‘IT’S A GREAT GAME TO WIN’ SEB Reynolds praised his Rams side after they inflicted a first home defeat on Rosslyn Park 19 matches with their 17-13 victory at The Rock yesterday.

“We took a little while to get into the game in terms of understanding we could be in a contest where we actually could win,” he said.

“We knew we had weapons which would work against them and that proved fruitful and it’s a good victory which we ground out.

“We got to half-time and knew we had a bit of wind behind us in the second half which would let us get into positions where we could attack them, and then we played some good stuff. Defensively we were also brilliant.”

He continued: “I felt we were the dominant side in the first half and despite the breeze aiding them, they really didn’t get into our half too much other than the times they nicked a score.

“At half-time we were thinking ‘if we can sort a couple of things out, but also knowing they’re still a very good side.”

The victory ended Rosslyn Park’s

Rams celebrate their win Picture: Tim Pitfield remarkable 19-match unbeaten home run, but the ever Director of Rugby had no doubt where the plaudits lie.

He said: “It’s great for the lads and the reason why is they’ve been going well this year.

“You’ve got to give them credit and no-ones won at The Rock for a long time, they’re top of the league and it makes it a great game to win.”

RUGBY UNION

An afternoon to remember as Bracknell try, try and try again

By GARY MILES sport@wokingham.today

Bracknell 52 Chippenham 24 BRACKNELL made it an afternoon to remember in an entertaining affair against Chippenham which saw them take the points in a try filled game.

The opening exchanges favoured Bracknell with much of the play in Chippenham’s 22, the home side had an early opportunity to score with a break by George Milligan, but there was a knock on in front of the posts.

Bracknell did score after seven minutes. The ball was played down the backs line and with a run down the touch line, a rolling maul was again stopped and another penalty was awarded which was sent to touch again.

This time it was successful to make it 5-0 after an unsuccessful conversion.

The second try came five minutes later following a couple of breaks by Burch whenthe ball was sent down the backs line. Burch scored his first of two tries in the corner.

Two minutes later Chippenham got on the score sheet after gaining the ball from the restart, attacking in Bracknell’s 22 scored under the posts, and the conversion was good to make it 10-7.

Bracknell’s third try came soon after the restart, Chippenham cleared to the home sides 22, a penalty was given for a high tackle after the home sides clearance.

Jamie Johnson offloaded the ball to Milligan to score under the posts.

At this point the Bracknell scrum were starting to win the ball against the put in enabling the home side to mount attacks.

A maul successfully had the ball sent out wide to Mays who scored, with the conversion good and the bonus point secured Bracknell led 24-7 after 33 minutes.

Bracknell scored again as half-time approached after another scrum was won against the head, the backs with good hands got the ball out to Burch who scored his second under the posts with a 31-7 lead at the break.

Baylis ran unopposed the length of the pitch to score in

Bracknell enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Chippenham Picture: PGR Photography

the corner, which Will Field converted from out wide to make the score 38-7.

Twenty one minutes into the second-half, Chippenham scored to the right of the posts, the conversion attempt hit the far post after

visibly being affected by the wind which was becoming increasingly gusty.

Bayliss scored his second try on 28 minutes. This time it was Bracknell’s turn to hit the post, but the ball went over to make the score 45-12.

At this point it was expected the away side to tire, but they rallied and scored twice in a five-minute spell to secure the try bonus point.

The first was converted, the second missed left the score on 45-24.

Bracknell had the final say in the game though, following a Burch attacking run down the wing, he set up Bayliss to score his hat-trick, with the conversion again successful the score was 52-24, the final whistle went soon after

20 | SPORT

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WINNING RUN ENDS W WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

How they rated

BRIGHTON 4 READING 1

GRACE MOLONEY

Made a world class save in the first-half from point blank range.

Could have been more commanding from corners.

LILY WOODHAM

Put in some decent crosses and corner deliveries but was troubled in defence against a lively Brighton front line.

GEMMA EVANS

Not her usual commanding self.

Made some vital headed clearances but couldn’t help organise the side from corners that led to two goals.

TASH HARDING

Will be disappointed that her side conceded so many chances at the back and weren’t able to deal with Brighton’s set piece threat.

FAYE BRYSON

Beaten far too easily for the fourth goal as a Brighton winger skipped past her with ease before setting up another goal.

SANNE TROELSGAARD

Had a good chance to score early on when her shot flew just wide.

Missed her usual midfield partner Justine Vanhaevermaet.

TIA PRIMMER

Disappointing that she couldn’t follow up on her performances having scored late winners in Reading’s two previous game.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Clawed back a late consolation goal in bizarre circumstances as her cross looped over the head of Brighton keeper Megan Walsh.

EMMA HARRIES

Worked hard on the wing to try and create but Reading struggled to create much in attack in awful conditions to play in.

NATASHA DOWIE

Her brightest moment came when she held up the ball strongly in the box but no one was there to collect an easy tap in.

DEANNE ROSE

Starved of servic which left her isolated and therefore wasn’t able to have the usual impact that she has had several times this season.

SUBS Rachel Rowe 4, Deanna Cooper 4

5 4 4 3 3 4 3 5 4 5 3

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women’s recordbreaking winning run in the Women’s Super League came to a disappointing end with defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Royals were soundly beaten by the Seagulls who controlled the match and fired four in four goals courtesy of two from Kayliegh Green and one each from Aileen Whelan and Emma Kiovisto.

Amalie Eikeland salvaged a late consolation goal as the Royals suffered their first WSL loss since October.

They had been eight league games without defeat.

As a result, the Royals drop down a place into sixth in the table as Manchester City won their game.

The hosts started with promise despite coming into the game in poor form after they sprung quickly into attack after Gemma Evans surrendered possession for Reading in her own half.

Aileen Whelan had the first pop at goal and had goalkeeper Grace Moloney scrambling across her line as the ball whistled just past the far post.

The visitors replied with a chance of their own when the ball dropped invitingly for Sanne Troelsgaard who took aim through a host of bodies but missed the target.

Natasha Dowie spotted a gap in the Brighton backline in what should have been a promising attack, but her strike partner Deanne Rose slightly misplaced her pass to take Dowie too far out wide which

Reading shipped four goals at Brighton

Sanne Troelsgaard strikes at goal

Dowie holds up the ball in the box

Match stats Brighton: Walsh, Le Tissier, Kerkdijk, Williams, Kullberg, Connolly, Green, Koivisto, Kaagman, Whelan, Brazil Subs: Carter, Simpkins, Zigiotto Olme, Bance, Geum-Min, Startup, Bowman, Symonds, Gibbons Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Harding (c), Evans, Woodham, Troelsgaard, Primmer, Eikeland, Harries, Rose, Dowie Subs: Peplow, Rowe, Poulter, Joslyn, Roberts, Thomann, Cooper, Stewart Goals: Green 20’, 52’, Whelan 60’, Koivisto 68’, Eikeland 88’

Lily Woodham competes down the wing allowed the Seagulls to regroup.

Hope Powell’s team were rewarded for their positive play in the 19th minute when they breached the Royals defence.

An inswinging corner delivery was met in the middle by Kayleigh Green who left unattended and took advantage by nodding the ball in from close distance.

Brighton continued to dominate having taken the lead and had several corners throughout the half that caused Reading issues at the

Rose skips past her opponent but back as Faye Bryson and captain Natasha Haridng had to come to the rescue with clearing headers.

The hosts should have doubled their lead when another excellent set piece delivery found Megan Connolly at the back post but she couldn’t hit the target with her header.

The Royals looked to punish Brighton on the counter when Lily Woodham stretched to try and reach a through ball in the box and went down claiming a penalty

REACTION

CHAMBERS: ‘WE WON’T LET ONE GAME DEFINE US’ READING FC Women’s manager was keen to stay positive despite her team’s heavy defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion Women.

The humbling loss on Sunday brought an end to a run of five successive wins in the Women’s Super League for the Royals.

But Kelly Chambers stayed proud of her side’s achievements over the last few months despite a ‘disappointing’ performance at Brighton.

“The performance was very out of character today (Sunday),” said Chambers.

“I thought it was a very disappointing performance from everyone.

“We didn’t turn up, we didn’t show any hunger, desire, our

usual work ethic, but fair play to Brighton, they pounced on that and managed to get the result which they deserved in the end.

“I think overall the performance was lacklustre and not what we pride ourselves on at all.”

Brighton went into the contest out of form with no wins in their last seven, while Reading’s unbeaten run stretched back to October.

However, Chambers gave credit to Brighton for their dominant display that capitalised on Reading’s below par performance She continued: “We knew Brighton would come out fast, obviously with the run of games that they were on they knew at some point they needed to fight.

“I just feel disappointed as I don’t feel we turned up today.

“I’m not a manager that’s deluded to think that we were going to go through the rest of the season without losing a game, but to lose in the manner that we have is really disappointing.

“Looking back, it’s been a magnificent few weeks. I said to the girls that we cannot allow this one game to define what we’ve achieved.”

The Royals now have a twoweek gap before their next fixture,

when they face West Ham in the FA Cup. “We’ve got to make sure though, when we step into our next game we show how much today (Sunday) hurts.

“We cannot go into our FA Cup and play how we did because if we do, we won’t pick up another point this season.

“There’s no hiding that March is going to be a tough month for us, we can’t carry anyone who wants to hide from that.

“We need to be ready for the battle ahead and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

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WITH HUMBLING DEFEAT Reading threaten from a setpiece

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Speeding up the goalkeeper’s clearance

R Tia Primmer chases down the ball Eikeland

Brighton score their fourth goal Natasha Harding plays a forward pass

t the Royals’ winning streak ends in Brighton Pictures: Neil Graham

Reading defend a corner

from Megan Walsh’s challenge, but the referee deemed there to be no contact and booked Woodham for simulation.

Moloney had to come to her side’s rescue to keep the deficit down as the Royals looked desperate for some respite at the half-time break. She made an outstanding stop with lightning quick reflexes to tip Connolly’s powerful header over the top.

The Seagulls had the ball in the net from another teasing corner delivery only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul on Dowie in the box from Victoria Williams with the Royals counting themselves Amalie Eikeland claws back a goal

fortunate to only be one goal down at the break.

Chambers made a switch at the restart with Rachel Rowe coming on in midfield to replace Tia Primmer.

Reading replied with their best opening of the match when Dowie used her strength to hold the ball in the box and then spun to deliver a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

The ball fell for Rowe to hit but Brighton got a body in the way.

Albion deservedly doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Ellie Brazil glided past Bryson on the left-wing, slid the ball through

to Green and she poked the ball into the far corner with a smart finish.

Corners continued to cause havoc in the Reading box and it led to Brighton’s third goal of the afternoon after Whelan got the decisive touch following a goalmouth scramble.

It didn’t take long for the hoe side to add a fourth as they took total control of the contest, with the scoreline reflecting their dominance when Koivisto spun in the box and fired a shot in at the near post.

Reading clawed back a consolation goal late in the day when Amalie Eikeland’s cross sailed over Walsh’s head and nestled in.

FOOTBALL

WOODLEY LEADS THE WAY IN PROMOTING GIRLS FOOTBALL n Continued from Sports front (page 17)

Amy Hardy, who helps to coach girls sessions at Woodley United, said: “We will not stop here, our aim is to introduce our U7 girls to the monthly tournaments, starting in March 2022 to give them the exciting experience of game play in a relaxed environment.

“We are very grateful to have a number of parent volunteers who are training up as coaches without which none of these plans can develop.”

The u12 team is in its third year

of playing matches with many of the girls first attending Woodley United sessions four years ago which were organised and run by members of the club’s ladies’ team acting as role models for the youngsters.

The U12 management team are members of the ladies’ team who ran the initial Saturday sessions.

To celebrate the link between the ladies and girls’ teams, younger players acted as match day mascots to the ladies ahead of their home league game with Ascot United last December.

The club asked some of the girlswhy they like coming to our sessions: Carys, eight: “I like seeing my friends at football and I’m looking forward to playing in my first tournament.”

Amelie, eight: “I enjoy playing in the matches at the end of training.”

Nessie, eight: “I enjoy the mini matches and being part of a team.”

Niamh, five: “I enjoy the fun warm up games and playing as a team.”

Charlotte, eight: “I love learning new skills at training and playing

in matches with my friends.”

Sophie, eight: “I want to be a professional footballer, so I need to learn the skills at training.

“Football tournaments are really fun with my friends, and we seem to be getting better.”

Ester, seven: “I have loads of fun and like making new friends.”

n The club are looking for more girls to join, to make contact and find out more please email: Amy Hardy amy.hardy@ woodleyunitedfc.co.uk or Mark Rozzier mark.rozzier@ woodleyunitedfc.co.uk

ECENTLY I came across my 1971/72 Laws of the Game, except its title was ‘Referees Chart and a Players Guide to the Laws of the Game’.

How many players ever read it is anyone’s guess, but it was freely available in those days. Published by the FA, it could even be bought from WH Smith. Today the book, now published by the IFAB, is not available in this country and can be purchased only from FIFA in Switzerland.

With various charges it cost over £30.

It is, of course, available to be downloaded onto mobile phones.

It is, 210 pages long, against 53 pages in 1971, when not only did it give advice to referees and players but also to club secretaries, some of which took most of a page.

There was one advice to referees that caught my attention in Law 16, the Goal Kick.

It told referees to ‘show clearly the side from which the kick is to be taken’. The ball clearance by goalkeepers’ has been subject to many changes over the years, all in the great dream of speeding up the game and which if we are honest have failed miserably.

In 1971, the goal kick was taken from the side of the goal that the ball went out over the goal line.

However, the ball might go out on one side, but finish up on the other and goalkeepers would, sometimes, take a long time to get to the correct side.

The law became changed to say that the goal kick could be taken from either side, irrespective of which side it went out.

The truth is that goalkeepers, particularly if their team is leading by a slender margin, will walk slowly to the furthest side. The latest change is that the ball is in play at a goal kick, as soon as it is clearly kicked and not have to leave the penalty area, which often leads to a lot of play in or around the penalty area.

Originally, when releasing the ball from the hand the goalkeeper could take as long as he liked, providing he bounced the ball or threw it in the air every four paces.

This was reduced to four paces only, but attacking players would stand in front of the goalkeeper after his fourth step, hoping to get him penalised. So now we have a time limit of six seconds.

I say no more except the real answer to getting the ball back quickly from the goalkeeper has yet to be found.

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0800 30 50 30 Junior Hoilett was sent off in the secondhalf

Made a sensational save early on in the match to prevent Coventry taking an early lead. Couldn’t have done much with any of the goals.

ANDY YIADOM

Got on the scoresheet for the first time this season as his deflected header found the net. Not the most solid defensively.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Made some crucial blocks at the back, including one where he threw himself in front of a shot in the firsthalf and another at the end.

TOM HOLMES

Opened up easily on a few occasions that led to chances for Coventry. Part of a backline that can’t stop conceding goals.

BABA RAHMAN

Decent in the first half working in tandem with Hoilett but couldn’t get forward much in the second-half, especially after the red card.

JOSH LAURENT

Impressive in the first-half with some surging runs forward and went close with a shot from 30 yards. Lost control in the second.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Plenty of energy in the middle alongside Laurent and provided a good platform for a positive first-half display. Taken off for Meite.

JOHN SWIFT

Created a lot of good chances and much of the play went through him in the first-half. Not as effective in the second-half.

JUNIOR HOILETT

A very mixed day which ended in a sending off. Set up the first goal with a brilliant cross but two silly tackles saw him have an early bath.

TOM INCE

Some bright moments in the firsthalf, in particular with one curling shot that went just wide. Missed a sitter in the second-half.

LUCAS JOAO

Has made a big difference to the team since returning. On the scoresheet again when he headed in from Hoilett’s cross.

SUBS YAKOU MEITE A really bright 20 minutes in his first appearance of the season.

UNHAPPY BIRTHDAY: ANOTH SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated

KARL HEIN

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

6 6 6 5 5 6 6 6 6 5 6 7

READING 2 COVENTRY CITY 3

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC lost their seventh Championship match on the spin as their 150th birthday celebrations were cut short by Coventry City.

The day started well for the Royals after Lucas Joao headed them in front to send a sold out Select Car Leasing Stadium into euphoria.

The Sky Blues hit back with a killer blow just before half-time and then compounded Reading’s misery by scoring just minutes after the restart.

Andy Yiadom levelled for the Royals but a red card to Junior Hoilett was quickly followed by a goal from Ian Maatsen to put the visitors back ahead.

Reading have now lost their last eight games in all competitions and are one place above the relegation zone.

Despite having the full backing of a sold out Select Car Leasing Stadium, it was the visitors who looked strong early on.

They should have been in front after six minutes and would have been had it not been for a sensational stop from Karl Hein on his home debut.

Callum O’Hare squared the ball for Viktor Gyokeres at close range who struck at goal, but the Arsenal loanee got down low to claw the ball away with goal with a vital stop.

The Royals’ first attempt at goal came in the 11th minute when Tom Ince got down the right byline, cut back onto his left to deliver a cross into the box but Junior Hoilett could

Tom Ince on his home debut

Yakou Meite powers past two players on his return

Another defeat for the Royals

Match stats Reading: Hein, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Holmes, Rahman, Rinomhota, Laurent, Swift, Ince, Hoilett, Joao Subs: Southwood, McIntyre, Abrefa, Meite, Dele-Bashiru, Camara, Clarke Coventry City: Moore, ClarkeSalter, Rose, O’Hare, Sheaf, Hyam (c), Gyokeres, Maatsen, Kane, Bidwell, Hamer Subs: Wilson, McFadzean, Jones, Shipley, Tavares, Howley

Allen,

Goals: Joao 23’, Hyam 45+”2, Rose 48’, Maatsen 65’

Reading break the deadlock through Lucas Joao only manage a tame header that was caught by Simon Moore.

The hosts began to build some momentum and after being urged to shoot by the home crowd, Josh Laurent accepted their invitation and hit a low drive from 30 yards that whistled just past the post.

Having got a foothold in the game, Reading opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.

A slick move from Reading ended with an inswinging cross from Hoilett that was met at close range

Reading fell to an eighth straight

by Lucas Joao who nodded the ball past the keeper to send the home crowd into jubilation.

With the stadium rocking, Reading came close to taking advantage of their momentum twice in quick succession after the opener.

Moore had to claw John Swift’s cross off the line after his pass just evaded the head of Joao before Tom Ince’s curling effort flew just wide of the far post.

But with half-time approaching,

REACTION

PAUNOVIC: ‘IF SOMETHING HAS TO HAPPEN, IT HAPPENS’ READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic stayed coy on his future at the club after the Royals’ seventh consecutive Championship defeat.

The Royals have now lost their last seven Championship matches which still leaves them one place above the relegation zone.

“There is no need to answer that. If something has to happen, it happens,” said Paunovic.

“What we need here is to understand that no matter who is here and working here, has to do their best day in and day out.

“We need an openness to fix mistakes and need people who want to push forward and fight back. We need to stay away from negativity.

“It’s my responsibility and at some point I let certain things happen and provoked frustration and negativity around us and myself. I’ll keep looking to fix it.

“I don’t want to be specific about it because we have to move forward.

“All the consequences after the Kidderminster game and what led to that.

“I don’t want to be specific because that will open up a conversation that is not needed now. What we do now is move forward.

“I’m not commenting on rumours. As long as I’m here, I’m here. I saw how the team played today.”

The Royals boss was pleased

with the first-half performance, but reiterated there are still many problems that need to be fixed after they conceded two goals in quick succession at the end of each half.

He continued: “The first half was very good.

We took the lead and played well. We have to acknowledge the first chance was for them and great save from Karl (Hein) in his first game in front of the home fans.

“It gave a boost to the fans who were fantastic today and we want

to thank them. They were very helpful for the team “Then we conceded. I’m upset that we could have prevented the corner and we thought it would be the last play of the half when we kicked a long ball.

“We conceded the first goal poorly. It wasn’t good at all.

We have to fix it.

“The team came back and did well and in that moment, we conceded a second yellow card that hurt us.

It hurt us immediately and we conceded a goal in the next action which was avoidable.

“It was a naive goal.”

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HER DEFEAT FOR THE ROYALS A packed out crowd at the SCL attend Reading’s 150th anniversary match

MEITE MAKES RETURN: ‘I’ve been dreaming of this’

Joao and Ince celebrate Ince misses a big chance Yiadom goes close

defeat in all competitions Pictures: Steve Smyth

Back in action: Yakou Meite

Meite brings tbe ball down

Coventry snuck a goal back with virtually the last play of the half.

Hyam fired a shot through a crowd of bodies and found the bottom corner to make the game level at the break.

But after a largely positive opening 45 minutes to the match, Reading made a disastrous start to the second-half and found themselves behind within minutes.

Yiadom made a crucial block to prevent a cross entering the box but Mark Robin’s team capitalised from the resulting corner when Michael Rose met Gustavo Hamer’s pacy delivery and powered a header in at the near post.

Andy Yiadom celebrates after scoring

But the home side weren’t behind for long and equalised from a corner of their own.

Yiadom won his duel in the air to meet the ball and his header crept in after Coventry couldn’t clear the ball on the line.

Reading had to play the remaining 30 minutes with 10 men after Hoilett received a second yellow card for a poorly timed challenge and was sent off.

It proved to be a dreadful couple of minutes for the hosts who went behind for the second time in the match just moments after Hoilett’s red card.

Ian Maatsen broke into the box on the right hand side and his shot took a deflection and looped over Hein to put the Sky Blues back in front.

The Royals came closest to an equaliser when substitute Yakou Meite went on an excellent surging run down the right and crossed for Ince who somehow scooped the ball over the top from close range.

But they were unable to breach the Coventry defence and fell to another league defeat to put them deeper into trouble in their battle for Championship survival.

PREVIEW

ROYALS FACE RESURGENT PRESTON IN AWAY TEST READING FC face another difficult away test away at an improved Preston North End.

The Royals were in action on Wednesday evening against Peterborough United (match report online at rdg.today).

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Veljko Paunovic’s team had lost eight games on the bounce in all competitions and subsequently just above the relegation zone.

Preston have seen a big upturn in form since Ryan Lowe took over as manager in December 2021.

They have lost just one game since he took charge and they are

currently on an unbeaten run of six games in the Championship.

North End defeated Reading’s relegation rivals Peterborough United at the weekend.

In the midst of their six game unbeaten run, Preston earned an impressive away victory at West Brom in January.

They have tightened up their defence with five clean sheets in their last six matches which has seen them shoot up the table.

However, their recent surge in form has lifted them up to 11th in the table and has put them in the mix of sides that will be hoping to

make a late push for the top six.

Preston are currently four points outside of the play-off places, but have played more matches than any of the five teams directly above them in the standings.

Emil Riis Jakobsen leads the way for Preston in the goalscoring charts.

He has 12 goals and three assists to his name having played in every league match this season (32) for the Whites, which puts him joint fifth in the league for goals.

However, it was the Royals who took the points when the teams met at the Select Car Leasing

Stadium in August.

In what was Reading’s first win of the season, young forward Femi Azeez netted his first ever senior goal for the club to put the hosts ahead after 28 minutes.

Daniel Johnson levelled for the visitors from the penalty spot, but John Swift struck a winner 20 minutes from time to give Reading all three points.

Reading have a strong record against Saturday’s opposition, boasting six wins from their last eight matches against Preston.

Their last visit to Deepdale, ended in a goalless draw.

READING FC forward Yakou Meite was delighted to make his long anticipated return on Saturday against Coventry City.

The Ivorian forward has been through a rehabilitation programme to get back to full fitness having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury back in July.

The fans favourite came on for 20-minute substitute appearance against Coventry City in his first appearance of the season.

Despite not being able to help the 10-men Royals to a comeback in their defeat to the Sky Blues, Meite made a huge impact on the game by injecting energy, power and pace into the Reading attack.

“I’m really happy to be back, it’s just a shame I couldn’t help us to win,” said Meite.

“Everyone’s disappointed, but we still have games to play.

“I think we’re conceding goals that could be avoided. We need to work and come back stronger.”

After eight months on the sidelines, Meite thanked the fans for their support during his recovery.

He continued: “I’ve been dreaming about this one, I wanted to win my first game back.

“It was a really difficult recovery; I want to say thank you to everyone as I received lots of messages during my rehabilitation.

“Once I’m on the pitch, I don’t think about anything. I’m ready and I know the team need me now, I’ll give my best.

“It’s only my first game, and I hope that I’ll continue to come back and be fitter still.

“The most important now is the team, and winning games.

“It’ll be a very important game (against Peterborough).

“I know the fans are disappointed, we need to give them success and do better for them, it’s important for us to get the win.”

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HOCKEY ROUND-UP

RESULTS

READING STILL LEAD DESPITE DEFEAT Reading Hockey Picture: Helen Ritchie

By RONAN DAFFEY sport@wokingham.today

Men’s National Division One South Promotion–chasing league leaders READING were unable to overcome the disruption caused by a long list of missing first team regulars, with Connor Beauchamp and Scott Kozlett away on international duty, Olly Deasy, Harry Skinner, and Harrison Smith all injured, and Andy Oxburgh unavailable, eventually going down to only their second defeat of the season.

On a rare foray upfield, Reading were awarded their first penalty corner of the game, from which Charlie Ellison scored with a high and mighty drag flick.

This was undeniably against the run of play, and Teddington were not fazed by this early setback.

Reading then suffered a further depletion of their resources when defender Eddy Evans went off injured, and the game swung decisively in Teddington’s favour from then on, Two quickfire attacks caught out the Reading defence to put them behind. When Teddington were awarded a controversial penalty stroke at the end of the first half, duly scored, Reading were two goals adrift and struggling to compete with the well organised outfit.

READING ROCKETS got back to winning ways when they played host to Bradford Dragons on Saturday night.

Veteran forward Rihards Sulcs drew first blood for Bradford, making a layup which was quickly countered by a Jaz Bains three-pointer.

After the resulting outof-bounds, the Rockets kept their intensity up and forced a turnover to keep the score at just 3-2.

Danny Carter’s first major contribution came through a beautifully weighted bounce pass from the top of the key to a cutting Jaz who finished the layup to give DC his first assist of the night.

Toluwase capped off Reading’s early run, charging

Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-3 Bedfont Sports Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 1-3 Spelthorne Sports Virginia Water 0-2 Reading City

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-2 Wargrave Woodley United Royals 3-2 Reading City U23’s

Sonning Hockey 4s in action against Wycombe 5s Sonning battle for the ball Pictures: Steve Smyth Reading did mount a late rally, Sonning stay in sixth position. but it turned out to be too little, too late.

South Central Women’s Reading retain their cushion at Division 1 the top of the table as Canterbury also lost to Teddington last week.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE lost out away at Oxford 2s after they shipped three times without reply.

South Central Men’s The loss means that they drop Division 1 down to fifth in the table on 24 SONNING picked up three points points after 15 matches. on their travels with a win at Oxford Hawks 3s.

South Central Women’s The 2-1 victory means that Division 3

ROCKETS SCALE UP WITH HOME WIN OVER DRAGONS Reading Rockets 78 Bradford Dragons 48

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 2-3 Coventry

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 0-1 AFC Hayes Sandhurst Town 7-0 Woodley United Kensington & Ealing Borough 1-2 Berks County

BASKETBALL

By JAMIE KING sport@wokingham.today

Saturday, February 12

down the lane for a big dunk that got Rivermead on their feet and put Reading 14-2 up.

A couple of turnovers allowed Bradford to put some points on the board, but Pinnock’s strong defence forced another turnover as he stood strong in the paint and stripped the ball on a drive.

A fight on the offensive boards as time ran out saw the ball fall kindly to Jaz on the wing, who calmly drained another three to close the quarter 17-7.

Meshack continued to benefit from effective passing as Jaz sent a touch pass inside which produced another easy two.

Lewis Champion drained a three to put the Rockets up 33-18.

The half ended with Meshack earning a putback on the offensive glass to establish a 42-25 lead for the Rockets in a controlled performance.

The Dragons were given little reason for optimism as the second half began, with Reis Pinnock’s Danny Carter and Ben Dixon both tallied blocks during the Rockets’ strong defensive stand. The Dragons were soon back on the board as the two sides traded free throws for a 54-30 scoreline. Danny Carter was back on the scoreboard with a layup as the third came to a close, putting the Rockets up 61-32 after three period of twoway dominance.

The fourth quarter passed without any danger of a comeback, despite two early Jamari Edwards threes for Bradford, and the Rockets continued to generate easy offense inside which proved enough to maintain their lead.

The game finished 78-48 to the Rockets after an uneventful fourth, and Coach Pearson will be glad to see his team not only take an early lead but to then drive home the advantage.

Sonning go forward on the attack SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s are in eighth after they lost out to league leaders Windsor.

South Berks were beaten 4-2 by the table-toppers which keeps them in eighth on 14 points from 14 games.

Thames Valley Division One Eldon Celtic 3-3 FC Imaan Lions Hurst 2-1 Goring United Berks & Bucks Charles Twelvetree Cup Hale Leys United 2-4 Finchampstead

South Central Women’s Premier 1

RUGBY UNION National League One Rosslyn Park 13-17 Rams

SONNING are one place off the bottom after they were defeated by Oxford Hawks 2s.

Sonning lost to Oxford 2-0.

South West 1 East Bracknell 52-24 Chippenham

READING FC

BARKER BOLSTERS SQUAD ON SHORT-TERM DEAL READING FC has announced that they have signed former Rangers player Brandon Barker until the end of the season.

Barker had been on trial with the Royals and has been signed up on a deal until the end of the 2021/22 season after impressing.

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic said: “I am very pleased to welcome Brandon to Reading on a three month contract that is the right opportunity for both the player and the club.

“During his time training with us at Bearwood Park, he has shown us his ability, his hunger and the positive attitude he can bring to the squad for the final three months of the season and I am looking forward to integrating him quickly into our squad.

The 25-year-old former Manchester City academy graduate has experience at Championship level having played 16 times for Preston North End during a loan spell in 2018/19.

He made 16 SPL appearances for Rangers in three years at the club, scoring three league goals and also had a loan spell in 2021 with League One Oxford United where he scored three times in 19 matches.

He has represented England at Under 18’s, 19’s and 20’s level.

Barker left Rangers by mutual consent last month and now joins the Royals.

HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Oxford University 2s 3-1 South Berkshire South Central Women’s Division 1 Oxford 2s 3-0 South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Oxford Hawks 3s 1-2 Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Oxford Hawks 2s 2-0 Sonning Women’s National Division 1 South Reading 3-0 ISCA

Sunday, February 13

HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Teddington v Reading Women’s Super League Brighton & Hove Albion 4-1 Reading Thames Valley Women’s Division One Long Crendon 4-1 Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Berks County 4-1 Wargrave Development

Wednesday, February 16

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Peterborough United L-L Reading Match report online at rdg.today

FIXTURES

Saturday, February 19

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Preston v Reading Isthmian South Central Westfield v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Edgware Town v Reading City Windsor v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Chalvey Sports v Berks County Woodley United v Hillingdon Borough Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Maidenhead Town Reading YMCA v Yateley United Westwood Wanderers v Woodley United Royals Windlesham & Chobham v Wargrave RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Bishop’s Stortford South West 1 East Frome v Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Canterbury v Reading

Sunday, February 20

FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Eastleigh Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South New Milton Town v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United v Penn & Tylers Green Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Thatcham & Newbury Town Eversley & California Reserves v Wallingford Town AFC Taplow United v S4K Berks County Wargrave v Goring United HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Team Bath Buccs