By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@wokingham.today
This isn’t the first letter Cllr Jones has penned on the issue. Last month he wrote to Greg Clarke, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, asking him to visit Wokingham to discuss the development pressures on the borough.
A FOOD BANK-style scheme in Wokingham is restricting the amount people can take away. SHARE Wokingham, which has nine sites across the borough offering surplus food for those in need, has implemented a one bag per household limit as demand for its services remains high. Visitors will be asked to use a standard shopping bag rather than filling a trolley or large bag for life. Claire Revie, founder of SHARE Wokingham, said: “We have a lot of stock and we are just trying to be as fair as possible to everyone. “We don’t get the same amount of items as we do for others. “For example we get plenty of potatoes but maybe only one or two watermelons, so we want to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity.“It’sabout fairness more than anything.”
n Continued on page 6 No. 368 90p PEDAL POWER Youngsters enjoy new cycle event • p7 Form Preparation Services Lasting Power of Attorney Will Writing & Probate Services Attendance Allowance grey-matters-consultancy.com/wokinghamClaims07740246492 Do you have responsibility for supporting older relatives and don’t know where to begin? We can help
THE LEADER of Wokingham Borough Council has written to other local authorities to garner support for a reform of how housing needs are calculated. Cllr Clive Jones thinks a new framework is required to ensure development is spread evenly across the country and not concentrated on London and the south east. He believes if councils team up the government is more likely to take action.“Unless we work together with other councils that are struggling to reach government-imposed housing numbers, Conservative ministers will not listen to us,” said Cllr Jones. “The only way that Conservative ministers will listen to us is if they lose seats at local government and parliamentary level. “The Lib Dems gained 500 seats at the last local elections in May and they have won three parliamentary byelections from the Conservatives in the last 15 Wokinghammonths.”
EXCLUSIVE
borough has a government target to build nearly 800 new homes a year, a target that Cllr Jones feels “greatly exceeds” local need. In the letter, sent to the leaders and chief executives of 20 nearby councils, he said the issues facing Wokingham are common to many other areas in theCllrregion.Jones is hoping to receive a positive response from the recipients by the end of September. He added: “By then there will probably be a new secretary of state and the government will hopefully not be totally distracted by their leadership election and bad mouthing each other.”
UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS WOKINGHAM.TODAY CONCERT BAND HITS THE STAND P5 CRICKET CLUB SAVES WOOD IN FIRE P4 SUMAS BACK IN ACTION SPORT A LOT OF FUN FOR OLLIE’S SAKE P2 ISSN 97726348330192634-8330 33 BE FAIR WITH YOUR SHARE campaignhousingtourgedCouncilsback Food share’s one bag limit to demandmeetforsupplies
Above: Etham Painter (6) has fun with a spinning plate. Below: Ollie’s Dad, Simon Young (right) helps on the barbecue
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neededvolunteerRhymetime libraryFINCHAMPSTEADislookingfor a Rhymetime volunteer and helper to deliver interactive singing sessions there with children and their carers.Applicants should be comfortableenthusiastic,singing in public and willing to commit to helping on a regular basis. A great voice is not required.Volunteers and helpers wokingham.gov.ukemail:interestedsessions.trainingreceivetoruntheAnyoneshouldvolunteer@
Happy day helps raise donations
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n For information about The Ollie Young Foundation log on to: www. ollieyoungfoundation.org
THERE was music, games, activities and stalls to keep everyone amused on Sunday. And with an aerialist, and circus skills for children to try out, it was the sort of afternoon Ollie Young would have loved. The grounds of Reddam House School were filled with the sounds of families enjoying themselves at the annual Ollie Young Foundation fun day. The Sindlesham school, previously known as Bearwood College, was a new venue for the charity. Sarah Simpson, Ollie’s mother, and founder of the Ollie Young Foundation, said of this year’s event: “It went really well.“People liked the new venue, and the atmosphere was just lovely. “The band was great, and the stall holders were amazing. “It was slightly less busy this year, but we think that may have been down to the weather, as it was very hot, and we all struggled a bit in the heat. “But it was such a lovely day, and we’re so delighted to be back. The Ollie Young Foundation’s annual summer fun day exists to raise funds for research into finding prevention and cure for children’s brain tumours. Ollie was five when he and his family learned that he had a childhood brain tumour, and that nothing that could be done to save him. When he died in 2012, just before his sixth birthday, his parents, Sarah Simpson and Simon Young set up the foundation in his memory, determined to help other children and their families. The charity is run by volunteers, and this year celebrates its tenth birthday. “ I’m so grateful and delighted with how the committee and the volunteers came together for the fun day,” continued Ms Simpson. “They did an amazing job, and everything went smoothly. “I’m so proud of them, they made the day“Wespecial.don’t know yet how much was raised, but it will have been worth it whatever the amount. “People turned out, and they turned out for Ollie.”
WITNESS APPEAL: A teeanger was attacked as he walked through Woodley precinct on Saturday night Picture: Vivienne Johnson Happy volunteers with Ollie’s Nannie, Barbara Young (third from left). Sabine Osbourne performed an amazing acrobatic showJoy Painter (6) had fun on the smashingplatestall
EXCLUSIVE By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
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NEWS |
Auditions open for The Sleeping Beauty MEMBERS of a local amateur dramatics group will be thinking of Christmas when they get together next week. CATS, aka the Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society, is to perform The Sleeping Beauty and needs a cast. On Wednesday, August 24, members will gather in Crowthorne Parish Hall to audition for the show, which will be performed later this year.While the event is aimed at members, the group will welcome applications from those who aren’t yet involved with the am dram company.Theevent starts at 7.30pm, and the parish hall is in Heath Hill Road South. n For more information, log on to: catscrowthorne. com
Teenager assaulted as hewalked home
for Ollie Young Foundation
A TEENAGER was assaulted as he made his way home from a night out in the early hours of Saturday morning.Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery, which took place in the Crockhamwell Road shopping parade in Woodley. The incident took place between 3am and 4am on Saturday, August 13. The 18-year-old got out of a taxi next to The Chequers pub, close to theHepagoda.thenwalked through the precinct, and was near the alleyway next to Iceland on Crockhamwell Road when he was attacked from behind by three people. The gang punched their victim to the ground and then kicked him. He was then dragged into the alleyway and the offenders continued to assault him before taking his phone, wallet and some clothing.Thevictim received some bruising and a minor head injury. He attended hospital to be checked over but has since been discharged. Investigating officer Detective Constable Naomi Padgett, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this“Atrobbery.thistime we do not have a description of the offenders, but we are aware that there are number of flats near to the precinct of shops so we would ask anyone who may have information to please call 101 quoting reference 43220361149. “If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Ashes: Quick-thinking cricketers put out fire in Shinfield woodland
He continued: “We were able to put it out without calling the fire brigade, but had it been left for another 15-20 minutes, the whole woodland could have been in flames. “It would have been a real emergency.”According to Mr Garg, children from the surrounding area tend to congregate in the woods where there is shade, often ‘smoking pot’. He said his teammates assumed this was what they were doing in the woods, believing they ran away ‘because they were high’. The club secretary said the club has been the victim of antisocial behaviour such as this in the past, with their sidescreen getting broken and their square run“Wethrough.are trying our best, and so is the council, but it is an ongoing issue,” Mr Garg explained.“Thepolice usually patrol the area, but cordening it off is difficult. I don’t want to be too critical, but we aren’t doing a lot to stop this from happening.
A PROPERTY developer has purchased land in Binfield, with the aim of building 21 new houses on it. Approval has already been granted for the project, which sees six of the homes allocated as affordable.Thesetting will be surrounded by rural woodland and is off London Road. The new homes will include a range of energy saving features and sustainableConstructionsolutions.onthe London Road site is due to start imminently, transforming an area that is mostly derelict land into a vibrant new community. The development is expected to take 18 months, with the first residents moving in next year. James Rowntree, managing director of Montreaux Homes, said: “We are delighted to conclude our purchase of this site so that we can deliver this small and exclusive collection of new homes. “Our plans will create an attractive and peaceful new community that makes the most of its setting with surrounding woodland. “The properties will come in a range of sizes and layouts to suit different incomes and affordability.”
Garg, the club’s secretary, was present and said: “There were some kids who put the root of a tree on fire, they then ran away. “It must have been going on for around 15-20 minutes before we noticed the smoke, at which point all 22 players poured water on it and used the fire extinguisher from our“Thepavilion. flames were comfortably a foot high.”
Developer acquires site for Binfield homes
New date communityfor fete Free library event in celebration of kings and queens
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today NORMALLY, it’s rain that stops play, but on Saturday a cricket match was halted to allow players to extinguish a fire. Shinfield Cricket Club’s first team were taking on Penn & Tylers when players from both sides noticed flames in the woods surrounding the Millworth Lane ground. Using water containers and the club’s fire extinguisher, they were able to handle the situation without calling the fireShashankbrigade.
Extra patrolling, fencing and CCTV are “Long-term,needed. the council needs to provide these people with places to go.” This summer’s record-high temperatures have led to increased numbers of wildfires. The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has published the following guidance: n Do not dispose of cigarettes on the ground, and always ensure that they have been extinguished before throwing them away. n Avoid lighting open fires in the countryside. n Glass, and other reflective materials, can start fires if left in direct sunlight. To avoid this, ensure PUT OUT: On Saturday, cricketers from Shinfield Cricket Club and Penn & Tyler stopped play to put out a fire in a small wooded area next to the Millworth Lane pitches. Pictures: Steve Smyth that these items are disposed of carefully and are not left in the sun. n Call 999 if you encounter a wildfire, noting the location of the fire and meeting them at a designated safe-point. Do not attempt to tackle the blaze yourself. n For more information, visit: www.rbfrs.co.uk
PETER Must of the Wokingham Society is to present an illustrated talk on royal celebrations of the last 200 years.Itwill cover everything from King George III to Queen Elizabeth II. The event takes place at Wokingham Library on Thursday, August 18. It runs from 10.30am to 11.30am.Entry is free, but places must be pre booked online: n To book, log on to: andsearchwokingham.spydus.co.ukwww.andforEvents/WokinghamtheRoyalJubilees. An impressionartist’s of the developmentproposed in Binfield, featuring 21 homes
n For more details, log on to www. montreaux.co.uk
| NEWS
Keyless car theft in overnight raid Experts’ free family tree help ROBBERS steal car in keyless theftTHIEVES managed to steal a keyless car in an overnight raid earlier this month. A Citreon C5 was taken from the driveway of a house in Englefield Place in Woodley. The car had been left locked and secured at 2.15am on Thursday, August 4, and was stolen at some point between then and 8.20am on Friday, AugustThames5. Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, or anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell footage or dashcamReportsrecordings.canbemade by calling 101, or logging on to thamesvalleypolice.uk, quoting crime reference: 43220347803. PEOPLE interested in tracing their family tree should visit Wokingham Library. On the last Tuesday of each month, experienced volunteers from Berkshire Family History Society will be available to help and advise from 2pm to 4.30pm.Thisis a free library event. Those interested can just dropThein.next session will be on Tuesday, August 30.
WOKINGHAM residents are set to enjoy a fun-filled summer fair, a month later than first planned.TheArborfield Community Centre will play host to an enthralling afternoon of festivity. Initially scheduled in midJuly, the event had to be postponed as the United Kingdom’s faced record temperatures.highVisitorswill be treated to a vast array of food and entertainment stalls with family and friends, as well as meet new faces from the area.There will be something for everyone, with crafts, games and face painting set to feature. Prospective stall holders are asked to contact the committee to register their interest. The event takes place between 1pm-5pm on Monday, August 29. n For more information or to book a stall, contact: arborfieldevents@gmail.com
4 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
ARE COMFORTABLY?:SITTINGYOU Shinfield View care
A ShowcaseMicrosoftSchool Day, flexi and full boarding options available OPEN MORNING - Saturday 17 September SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING - Tuesday 27 September Arrange your visit: qas.org.u k To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 5
THE SOUND of summer was heard in Reading on Sunday. The annual season of bandstand concerts has been taking place, seeing local groups perform to the delight of audiences.Andthis weekend, it was the turn of Woodley Concert Band, who performed some of their favourite numbers.Other groups that have taken part this year include the Reading Community Gospel Choir, Age UK Community Community Choir and TakeTheNote.season comes to an end this Sunday with a performance from Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band. The free concert takes place in Forbury Gardens between 3pm and 4.30pm.Ahead of the season, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, said: “The Forbury Band Concert season is always a highlight of summer in Reading: an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and relax in our beautiful Victorian gardens listening to live music.“Why not bring a blanket and a picnic and make a day of it?”
Queen Anne’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18 Reading and Wokingham 35 acres heart of Caversham, Berkshire
in the
Picture: Ji-Min Lee
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today NEWS |
today_OPENEVENT_17 SEPTEMBER_265X160mm
QAS_Reading and
CHILDREN in Wokingham enjoyed a morning of stories read by some very special storytellers. Earlier this month, residents from Shinfield View Care Home popped down the road to the School Green Centre to read to the youngsters.Thethree volunteers, assisted by staff from the home, took the children’s imaginations to a safari through a story which centred around giraffes. The event is part of Shinfield Parish Council’s storytime programme for children.The initiative which runs fortnightly, is run in conjunction with Little Knellies Nursery and takes place during term-time. To ensure a happy ending, residents have been taking up the mantle over the holidays.Reetu Jose-Rai, whose son attended, was full of praise for the initiative. She said: “It’s great to help local mums and offer support, especially now during the holidays when there might not be so much to do. “It’s somewhere to bring them where you get to meet other parents and my son gets to meet other kids and play.“In terms of the books, it’s a really great idea. “It’s a great initiative to get the kids reading and just keep themTheentertained.”Shinfield resident believes Storytime has the potential to bring together not just young and old, but also the new and old communities in Shinfield.Shesaid: “It’s such a big development.“Iguessthere’s quite a few of us [in the new community] so we’ve connected a lot with the people on the development and online through social groups, but I think things like this help in integrating both old and new communities.“Thisisgood in the sense that it’s open for everyone and we get to meet other people.”Emma Dixon, events assistant at Shinfield View Care Home, was supporting the volunteer readers. She believed the trip out could do the residents as much good as the children. She explained: “It’s really nice for the residents because a lot of them remember having kids, they remember growing up. It’s just a bit of fun for them really. “It’s just a bit of fresh air as well, a change of scenery. “It’s great for mental stimulation, it’s exercise, it’s just positive for them. “Over the pandemic, it was so much harder to do anything with them, have people in, get people out and it had a big impact on the health of the residents.“Notgetting that same social interaction has made us realise how important getting out and doing things is.”
Transport Network, including
Care home residents want to tell you a story Concert band delight musicfans with outdoor show
Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham,Berkshire, RG4 6DX Wokingham
TUNE UP: The Woodley Concert Band performed in Forbury Gardens on Sunday afternoon Picture: Steve Smyth
GreenatattendtoresidentshomereadchildrenwhoStorytimethenewSchoolCentre.
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WOKINGHAM residents will now be able to exercise while taking in someShinfieldsun. Parish Council has installed outdoor gym equipment at Spencers Wood Recreation Ground.Visitors can use the appliances to work on their cardio, strength, balance and Accordingflexibility.totheparish council, the equipment is suitable for users aged 14 and above and of all fitness levels.Residents are advised to read the safety notice before starting their workouts. The equipment had been moved from a different location within the park earlier this year to free up space for a proposed multi-use game area (MUGA).Theplans were given the green light at the end of July in an attempt to alleviate pressure on local sports facilities due to the village’s new home developments and population growth.Primarily for older children, the MUGA will feature a tarmacsurfaced pitch suitable for football, basketball and mini-tennis.
Nigel Pearce AIPW Grey Matters Consultancy Wokingahm
“While the Conservatives have spent the summer fighting amongst themselves about who their leader should be, they have ignored the real problems facing families, failed to tackle huge profiteering by energy companies, failed to get a grip on runaway inflation and failed to offer real help for a cost-of-living crisis made in Downing Street.”
The candidates for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have yet to be confirmed.
STANDING AGAIN: Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, has been reselected for the Labour party in the next general election READING EAST MP Matt Rodda will stand again for Labour in the forthcoming general election. The poll must be held by January 2025, with parliament due for dissolution on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.However, it is thought that the vote will take place at some point in 2024, although the winner of Conservative leadership election may choose to call an election sooner. Mr Rodda was first elected in 2017, beating Conservative Rob Wilson in the processs. He increased his majority in the 2019 poll. He first contested the seat in 2015, having been a councillor in Reading for many years.Former Labour shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds stood in 2010, while Tony Page was the party’s candidate in 2005.Under Labour Party rules, sitting MPs must go through a ‘trigger ballot’ process in which Labour Party members, trade unions and socialist societies vote on whether the incumbent Labour MP is adopted for the next election. It was under this process that Mr Rodda has been selected for the forthcoming vote. “I am immensely proud to represent my community in Parliament; my focus is – and always has been – to stand up for Reading, Woodley and Earley and do what I can to improve the lives of local people,” Mr Rodda said in a statement.“Whether the next election is in two weeks or two years, I will be campaigning hard for a Labour MP in Reading East and a Labour Government for our Country.”
SHARE restricts bags to ensure everyone gets a fair helping of food
n From front page SHARE Wokingham says bread, flowers, plants and hygiene products are in addition to the one bag allowance and people are welcome to return at the end of the session and take more if there is anything left. The community project was set up as a consequence of Covid-19 and is aimed at supporting those in need with fresh produce and other items which would ordinarily be “Wewasted.aren’t there to be the main weekly shop, ideally we are only a top up for some items,” said Ms Revie.
“We also have nine sites to supply so we have to ensure each site is looked after.” Ms Revie feels the restriction is necessary to stop people taking advantage of theShescheme.said: “We have had people go to multiple sites in the same day on some occasions which makes you question if they really need the“Itservice.would be great if everyone could just take what they need. “Most people are very understanding of why we have taken the decision.”MsRevie said the demand for SHARE’s services is plateauing, but remains high with 100 people using the Norreys site on Monday last week.She said many residents are fearful of what the colder months could bring as inflation rises and the new energy price cap comes into force from IndustryOctober.experts, Cornwall Insight, are expecting the energy price cap to rise to £3,582 a year. A further increase in January is predicted to exceed £4,200.Thehigher estimate means the average household would be paying £355 a month, more than double the current cost of £164.MsRevie said: “We did a survey last week and, across the board, people are very worried about the winter with energy bills rising. “We also asked if a place to charge a phone or stay warm for a few hours would be helpful and the resounding answer was yes.“People are very concerned about what the colder months could bring.” n For more on SHARE Wokingham, or to make a donation towards its work, log on to: com/sharewokingham/https://www.facebook.
HAND:HELPING Church.NorreyspopWokingham’sShareupat
Outdoor gym relocated at Spencers Wood Rec
0com/wokingham
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Labour reselects Matt Rodda for Reading East
Picture: Jim Homes
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Participants were able to seek refuge in the shade on what was a warm Saturday afternoon
Organisers Adrian Betteridge and Alex Cran said: “We are delighted with how the ride went. Kidical Mass is about fun and freedom for kids and families on bikes, but with a serious message about how safe our streets are at other“Thetimes.few drivers we met along the way were wonderful, giving plenty of room for everyone and enjoying the spectacle of kids riding freely on the roads accompanied by the wonderful Earley Panda. “Support for the event has been tremendous, with so many people who weren’t able to make Saturday due to holidays or the heat asking when we’ll be back. “The next ride will be on Sunday, September 25, with a ride from Woodley to Palmer Park to meet up with Reading Kidical Mass as a part of the global Kidical Mass event. “We’re planning to be back in Wokingham town in October.”Kidical Mass looks to encourage families to cycle together and to help young people feel more confident riding theirThebikes.family-friendly bike rides make up a worldwide movement with adults providing a network of marshals and guides to make space on the roads for the future generation. n For more information, www.kidicalmassreading.co.ukvisit:
It’s villageannualféte day in Twyford this weekend
news@wokingham.today
RIDE ON: The scenic route showcased the best of south-east and central Wokingham. Picture: Steve Smyth
CYCLISTS braved Saturday’s sweltering conditions to take part in a mass ride. Kidical Mass made its first appearance on the streets of Wokingham, starting and finishing at Elms Field. Around 20 people young and old took part in the ride, which followed a short one and a half mile route around south-east Wokingham.Cyclistsenjoyed the communal spirit, taking in the opportunity to chat while riding. At the end, participants quenched their thirst and cooled down with ice lollies. They also took part in various cycling activities, with ramps and limbo sets featuring.
SHOCKED residents fear a new ruling to approve four new houses will lead to more homes in Wokingham borough being built despite objections. Wokingham Borough Council refused planning permission for the four homes on a green field in Sawpit Road, near Hurst Village Hall. But a planning inspector has just over-ruled the refusal – and given the homes permission. This was despite the site being outside the village’s development area. It was also despite the inspector’s concern that the building scheme would harm the character and appearance of the area. The field is in the Old School House Area of SpecialHurstCharacter.Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith said many disappointed and upset residents had contacted him. He fully understood their disappointment. “It’s a real shame the inspector decided to ignore the very valid letters/ reports made,” he said. “Residents have spoken to me about the implications of this decision.” They felt it could lead to objectors losing when there were appeals for permission for developments in Hurst and across the borough. Councillor Smith was arranging an urgent meeting of Hurst’s Lodge Road Planning Team to reflect on the inspector’s decision and prepare for any potential appeal against the refusal of permission for homes at Lodge Road, Hurst. The Sawpit Road scheme inspector Stephen Normington made a ruling that made it more likely the four houses at Sawpit Road would get the green light. He said the council had failed to show they’d identified enough land in the borough for new homes for a five year period.This meant planning permission had to be given unless the bad effects of the new homes “significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.” He said the adverse effects did not outweigh the benefits.CllrLindsay Ferris, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for planning and local plan, said: “We accept that we can’t currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, but this isn’t because we’ve failed to plan for housing – quite the opposite, in fact. “The level of housing being built in Wokingham borough to date is more rapid than we expected. National planning rules don’t allow us to take this into account in our future housing supply calculation.” He added: “While the development at Hurst was indeed allowed – a decision we find extremely disappointing –it’s important to note that we’ve successfully defended other proposals.”
Planning ByoverrulesinspectorcouncilSUECORCORAN
Wokingham Today contacted promoters of the Sawpit Road scheme JPP Land Ltd, but the person answering their phone would not comment. Their website said: “JPP are delighted to have been granted planning consent on appeal for four units in Hurst Berkshire. Following a refusal from Wokingham Borough Council for our detailed application of four units in Hurst, we are delighted to confirm that our appeal has been allowed and planning permission has been granted, confirming that Wokingham can’t show a fiveyear land supply.”
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 7
PLENTY of fun and games will be taking place at Stanlake Meadow on Saturday. The féte committee have put together a programme packed with fun activities, competitions and shows. Free events include Steve Colley’s motorbike stunt show, a tug of war a bouncy castle and inflatables.Alsofree are the theatre characters, Punch and Judy shows, and circus skills. Other activities include a dog show, Classic Car show, children’s races, and side stalls.Food and drinks will be available from Sonning Scouts, who will be serving burgers and hot dogs, and A star catering with their choice of wraps.Haweli will provide curries and side dishes. There will be a licenced bar, with live music performed on the main stage by The Bullfrog Band.The event takes place on Saturday, August 20. Doors open at 1pm, and the féte runs at Stanlake Meadow, Twyford until 5pm. Entry is free to visitors on foot.Car parking costs £3.
One rider braved the heat in a panda costume Riders enjoyed each others’ company Kidical Mass takes to the streets
PEOPLE using e-scooters in Woodley pose “significant danger” to pedestrians and road users, according to Thames Valley Police (TVP), writes Grant Williams Officers of the North Wokingham Policing Team, Sergeant Simon Botham and PCSO Clare Towse, were speaking at a Town Council meeting of the planning and community committee. Sgt Botham said TVP “recognise” that e-scooters are a “good, low-cost form of transport” but are currently only permitted “for use on private land” and are “not road legal”. They are currently seen as a “non-entity”, so not covered in any legislation as either a pedal cycle or other form of vehicle, making their illegal use difficult to enforce. Trials are taking place around the country into the A“notlaw,legalisation.potentialTVPhasbeen“proactivelystopping”riderstoadvisethemofthebutusersareofteninterested”.warningnoticewas issued to one rider who was deemed to have been riding “in a dangerous manner”. It was noted that the introduction of legislation would make the matter clearer and further enforcement is planned in the town precinct.
VISITORS to Wokingham in September will be able to learn about the crafts that have left their mark on the town. Heritage Open Day is a national scheme which sees the nation’s venues open their doors to the public. Its theme this year is Astounding Inventions. It gives Wokingham town an opportunity to highlight three of its own heritage industries: brick making, bell founding (the casting of bells), and brewing. . Information about these industries will be available in the Town Hall and Market Place over the weeeknd of September 9-10, where visitors will be able to hear stories, take part in fun activities, and learn about the area’sWokinghamhistory. Town Council promises to transport people back through the ages, and has lined up actors, talks, demonstrations and themerelated activities for children. With a large number of pubs (or watering houses as they were once known) in the town, it should come as no surprise that brewing features largely in the town’s history. Modern brewers The Outhouse Brewery will be offering free talks about the history and production of beer at their premises. And after learning about it, visitors will be able to taste the modern fruit of this industry. The Outhouse Brewery has teamed up with Elusive Brewing to produce a brew they describe as having delicate floralThearomas.beer will be available to buy from both the Elusive Brewing stall in the Market Place, and from The Outhouse Brewery.Wokingham’s Bell Foundry Lane provides evidence that the town has also had a history of casting bells. Its famous bell foundry operated for around 300 years, from the early 1300s. For most of the 15th century a large proportion of Southern England’s bells were made here. Visitors will be able to see a model of a church bell in the Town Hall, where they can also learn about bell making and ask questions.StPaul’s Church doors will open on Saturday too, with displays and bell related stories inside.And on Sunday, bell ringers will create a very English sound. They will perform a Quarter Peal, with hand bells, in Murdoch Road.
‘Significant danger’: police warning over e-scooters in Woodley
8 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
Heritage Open Day promises to bring Wokingham’s historic industries to life
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today
n Locally brewed beer will be purchasable from the Elusive Brewing stall in the Market Place from 9am, and from The Outhouse Brewery in Alexandra Court from 12pm. n The Town Hall will inviting people inside from 11am to 3pm.
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n Wokingham Market will take place from 9am to 3pm. n St Paul’s Church, on Reading Road, will be open for visitors from 11am to 3pm. n On Sunday, September 11, bell-ringers will perform the Quarter Peal on the lawn of 2 MurdochVisitorsRoad.areinvited to drop in to hear this very English sound between 2pm and 3pm. n For more information log on to: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk
After the storm, Shinfield Players finally back in the house for Our House
In Victorian times, Wokingham was well-known for brick making, with many works dotted across the town. The busiest, and perhaps best known, was located near Molly Millars Lane. On Heritage Open Day, visitors to the Town Hall will be able to learn more about the craft and different brick markings, and children will be able to try their hand at making a miniWokinghambrick. Town Council Chair of Civic Committee, Cllr David Lee, says: “Our town is so rich with history, step back in time with us on our Heritage Open Day and explore some of the industries upon which the town was built. “Make sure you come along and join in the fun, we’ve actors ready and waiting in the Market Place to give you a flavour of times past, and plenty to see and do inside the Town Hall.” Town Heritage Open Day promises to make Wokingham’s history interesting and accessible for adults and children on Saturday, September 10. On that day: n The Outhouse Brewery’s free talks will take place at the venue in Alexandra Court at 11am and 11.30am. Those interested should turn up just before the start, no booking necessary.
BREW UP: Modern Wokingham brewers Andy, Peter and David Lee, will be giving free talks about the craft. Picture: Wokingham Town Council
A COMMUNITY group is set to dazzle with a performance which has been postponed by four months. Shinfield Players Theatre will perform Our House –The Musical, written by Tim Firth and featuring songs by Madness.Theproduction demonstrates how one decision can impact one’s life, highlighted by two parallel stories. The audience will be taken on an emotional journey, visiting themes such as love, family and loss.According to the theatre, the show will include music “full of energy and emotion” with “a good dose of comedy”. The show was meant to go ahead in April, but had to be postponed after the theatre’s building was damaged during February’s Storm Eunice. Tickets cost £14 for adults, £13 for concessions and £7 for children.Theperformances take place at 7.45pm on Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1, Thursday, October 6, Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
CURTAIN UP: Shinfield Players Theatre will be putting on a production of Our House - The Musical from late September. The show was originally scheduled for late March but had to be postponed due to Storm Eunice. Picture: Shinfield Players Theatre
Funding to help abuse victims
A number of services across the Thames Valley will benefit from funding, including Aurora New Dawn, a new service which lends support to victims of Servicesstalking.suchas PACT, Support U, and Trust House Reading are also set to receive investment as a result of the funding.Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am delighted to announce that my office has successfully secured this additional funding. “This will be used to fund dedicated posts to supporting particular groups who for a range of reasons can be less likely to access support such as men, older people and victims within LGBTQ+ and BAMER communities.” The funding is in addition to a grant of £2.8m which was awarded to support victims of crime during 2022/23.“Notonly will this funding make a difference to these organisations, but also ensures victims and survivors are supported for the long-term. “In addition, we will be able to increase the level of specialist service provision to provide victims better access to much needed support to help them recover from the harm they’ve experienced.”
LAST year, the flagstones in Wokingham Market Place were decorated with chalk as residents worked with artists to create an emerging patchwork of drawings. It was an event put together by Wokingham Town Council, together with professional pavement artists Urban Canvas, and local mental health groups. Chalk About It was designed to celebrate the power of art as a means to express thoughts and feelings.Andfollowing its success in 2021, the event is repeated thisResidentsweekend. will be able to express their feelings in a relaxed, open air environment, where organisers say they will be supported and not judged. Gemma Cumming, arts and culture officer at Wokingham Town Council, said: “Many of us have something to say or wish to express how we feel, but we find talking difficult. “Writing things down, drawing, or creating can help. “We hope that by creating a safe, supportive, inspiring space, we can in some way help residents, both children and adults, to express their thoughts and feelings.” This year’s theme, Tree of Life, encourages people to explore their own connection with nature and with their community, as they contribute to the art work. Artists, health professionals and helpers will be present on the day to chat and work with anyone who’d like to talk with them. Ms Cumming added: “Our artists have said: ‘Art in a public place has the ability to slow down time and allow you to lose yourself in the moment – it can be a distraction from negative thoughts, and food for the soul.’ “We know that many residents are dealing with thoughts and feelings that often feel difficult to overcome.“Andwe recognise that not everyone wants to talk, so we wanted to bring a creative activity into the town to try and help people to express themselves.“Welook forward to welcoming everyone at the event, and we’re excited to see what we can all create together.” n Chalk About It takes place in Market Place this Sunday. The event is free, and runs from 11am to 3pm.
Chalk art event to take over Market Place on Sunday
PARISHIONERS will be putting on their walking shoes and getting on their bicycles as they join Ride and Stride next month. The sponsored event sees people travel from church to church, raising money to support the nation’s historic buildings as they go, with participants visiting as many, or as few, of Berkshire’s many fine buildings as they wish. Half the money raised goes to participants’ own church, and half goes to the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust. The trust raises money to restore and rescue faith buildings across the nation, and awards thousands in grants each year. Any Christian church can apply for financial help to maintain or improve their place of worship. The date for Ride and Stride this year is Saturday, September 10. n For information, log on www.berkschurchestrust.org.ukto:
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today NEWS | fitted furniture Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW. Telephone: 0118 989 3438 www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture Showroom Opening Hours 9-3 Monday to Friday 10:30 2:30 on Saturdays Bedrooms, Home Offices, Media Units & Bespoke Furniture CMY blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-3-v02-PR.pdf 1 28/07/2022 15:38 To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 9
THAMES Valley Police has secured more than £4 million to combat domestic abuse and sexual violence. After a successful application to the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has secured a three-year funding package totalling £4.4 million. It will help support victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse through the creation of specialist services and bolstering existing methods.
Take it in your stride
THAMES Water has announced that a hosepipe ban, will come into effect on Wednesday. The ban means that customers supplied by Thames Water are subject to restrictions on water use, even if they do not bill customers directly.Hosepipes will not be allowed for use in watering gardens or plants, to fill swimming or paddling pools, including hot tubs, or to clean cars or windows. Those with restricted mobility are exempt, such as Blue Badge holders or those on Thames Water’s Priority Services Register. Those caught breaking the rules could be subject to fines of up to £1,000. Hosepipes may be used for business purposes, or to fill pools for medical or religious purposes. The ban would be the third implemented in England this year, after Southern Water’s bans in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and South East Water’s ban, came into effect on Friday, August 12.
HAPPY TIMES AND PLACES: Aida H Dee brings their family-friendly show to libraries in Wokingham, Woodley, and Lower Early on Wednesday, August 24. Picture: Courtesy of Drag Queen Story Hour
n For more information about how the ban, visit: www.thameswater.co.uk
9 will run between Reading, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Cressingham Road and Whitley Wood only, with the extension to Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood replaced by the extended park and ride 600 service. The changes made by Reading Buses extend beyond the four services subsidised by Wokingham BoroughReadingCouncil.Buses has seen passenger numbers reduce by 23% since the pandemic, with local authority and government funding replacing lost revenue whilst demand has gone down. Initial service changes were confirmed in April but with the government’s Bus Recovery Grant coming to an end, further cuts are being made. Robert Williams, chief executive officer at Reading Buses said “fundamental changes” linked to home working and online shopping mean a significant rise in usage is “unlikely”.Asaresult, Leopard X3 has minor timetable changes to the afternoon journeys from ShinfieldEmeraldPark.5and 6 see the Monday to fromwillminutes.everyreducedfrequencySaturdayto12SkyBlue15beextendedCalcotIKEA to Arlington Business Park and/or Theale to create new shopping and work links. The Theale Green School bus route 88 is re-numbered to 15, with no changes to the timetable.RoyalBlue 33 will reduce to every 30 minutes between 6am and 7am from Reading Station and between 7am and 8am from Stratford Way. Pink 22, Berry 23/24 and Pink 25 will see a number of early morning and evening journeys no longer run due to lowYellowusage.26 will be increased
dblackham@wokingham.today
Thames Water declares hosepipe ban
Thames Water estimates 150 litres of water are used per person every day, and says that reducing daily demand to closer to 100 litres is crucial alongside fixing leaks.
Timetable changes for bus services in ByWokinghamDANIELBLACKHAM
TIMETABLE changes to bus services across Reading and Wokingham have been announced. Operator Reading Buses confirmed the amendments will come into place from Monday, September 5. Earlier this month, Wokingham Borough Council committed to subsidising Tiger 7 and Leopard 3, 8 and 9 services until March 31, 2023, at a cost of £241,466. Tiger 7 will be replaced by a more frequent and direct extension of the Mereoak park and ride 600 to Three Mile Cross, Spencer’s Wood, Swallowfield andTheRiseley.service will run every hour throughout the day and an evening service will be reintroduced.Leopard3will continue to run every 20 minutes to Arborfield and hourly to Wokingham with minor timetable changes, but without Leopard 8 providing additional capacity along Shinfield Road. One journey an hour will be diverted to additionally serve Thames Valley Science Park. Leopard 8 will be replaced by an extension of Mereoak park and ride 600 to provide a more direct service to Three Mile Cross every 30 minutes, and to Spencer’s Wood, Shinfield and Thames Valley Science Park everyLeopardhour.
A LOOK back at the shopping habits of yesteryear is promised by a local history society.AnnSmith will be giving an online talk on Thursday, August 25. The session, hosted by the Centre for Heritage and Family History, will explore shops that used to trade in the town, including Jacksons, Langstons and Tuttys. Other, more unfamiliar names, including Hawkes Ironmongers, and Cook’s Dairy and Farm Equipment will be recalled.Theevent will take a virtual walk round the town centre and look at shops from the 19th century to the present day, and how shopping has changed over the years. Some of these shops were unique to Reading, others household names. The session runs from 2pm to 3.15pm and is the second of three online talks from the Berkshire Family History Society. Places cost £5, or £4 for members. n For more details, or to book, log on to: berksfhs.org
Thames Water says that the ban is in response to below-average rainfall in 10 of the last 12 months, leading to the driest July on record, and heatwaves increasing demand for water. The River Thames has reached its lowest levels since 2005. It also says that low rainfall forecast for the coming months means it is looking to protect supplies for next summer. Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO said: “Implementing a Temporary Use Ban for our customers has been a very difficult decision to make and one which we have not taken lightly.“After months of below average rainfall and the recent extreme temperatures in July and August, water resources in our region are depleted.“Despite investing in the largest leakage reduction programme in the UK, customer demand is at unprecedented levels and we now have to move into the next phase of our drought plan to conserve water, mitigate further risk and futureproof supplies.”
Monday,intowillBusesREADINGhasconfirmedpriceincreasesonitsservices.TherisecomeplacefromSeptember 5, and is the result of a “significant change” in the way some people work and shop, as well as the impact of inflation. Single fares will generally increase by 10-20p and return/ day tickets by 30-40p. The flat single fare within Reading area, which includes the Woodley Orange routes, will be £2.30 on bus or £2.20 on the Reading Buses app. The day ticket within Reading will be £4.50 on bus or £4.30 on the app. The simplyReading 7 day, easysaver10 and daysaver5 will increase by £1.
to run every 12 minutes at peak periods after being reduced for the summer period. Mereoak park and ride 600 will be increased to run every 15 minutes throughout the day after being reduced earlier in theOneyear.journey an hour will be extended to Riseley and one journey an hour extended to Shinfield and Thames Valley ScienceThesePark.will form a 30 minute “fast” service to Three Mile Cross and the northern parts of Spencers Wood, utilising the A33 bus corridor. Fares to rise
AIDA H DEE, the storytime drag queen, will be hosting a series of events as part of their summer tour, including libraries in Wokingham andDragWoodley.Queen Story Hour UK is an established children’s entertainment programme, which sees drag performers travelling around the country holding free interactive shows for children. The events aim to promote diversity and acceptance of others, as well as encourage families to visit and use libraries, take up reading, and promote the art of storytelling. Aida H Dee is an advocate for neurodivergence, a published author, and a patron of Autistic Inclusive Meets London, which supports families and individuals with autism.Thefree story hour sessions will be on offer on Wednesday, August 24, at 11am at Wokingham Library, 1pm at Woodley Library, and 3pm at Lower Earley Library. Places need to be booked, by visiting: dragqueenstoryhour.co.uk,www. or directly with the library. Libraries to host interactive storytimes
WOKINGHAM FAMILY GOLF, FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM, RG40 3HG 10 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
Talk to explore retail past
Emily will don walking boots to raise funds to fight Alzheimer’s
EXCLUSIVE By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM woman will join participants raising money to fight dementia next month. Emily Holdsworth will take part in the Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk, strolling with close family and friends, and hundreds of others all supporting those affected by theThedisease.event will take place on Sunday, September 11, and the charity is hoping people will sign up to take part.
Written health and safety guidance is also provided. Through the project, residents have the opportunity to keep their neighbourhoods tidy, while also catching up with friends, family and colleagues.Aspokesperson for Shinfield Parish Council said: “Adopt-a-Street is the perfect way of reinforcing the council’s zero tolerance policy on “Itlitter.also encourages a real sense of civic pride among volunteers in their own neighbourhoods”. This volunteering effort will not mean a reduction in street cleaning schedules. The parish council believes it will complement and enhance the service.Italso conducts annual community litter picks in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy.These provide a chance for those who are not able to commit to a regular little pick to take part on a one-off basis.
n For more information or to join the scheme, visit: www. shinfieldparish.gov.uk can
A SHINFIELD Parish Council project is committed to promoting a strong anti-litter message.TheAdopt a Street scheme sees residents, community groups and businesses collect litter from their ‘adopted’ area. Volunteers are invited to choose a time that suits them to carry out their regular sessions.Theparish council provides the equipment, which includes a litter picker, high-vis jackets and bags to leave the rubbish out with residents’ usual collection.
Call for Shinfield residents to adopt a street to keep it clean www.roktops.co.uk sales@roktops.co.uk locatedwithinthe WokinghamBorough 01189762826 We
Memory Walk events have been a regular autumn event for 10 years. In that time, half a million walkers have raised over £41 million for Alzheimer’s Society. Hundreds have already registered to take part in Windsor Memory Walk. Those who can’t make the official event can opt to walk on their own, or with loved ones, on the paths, pavements, parks or pebbles in a location of their choosing throughout September.Thereare two Windsor routes to choose from on the day: n The shorter 2km route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities The longer 6.5km route takes in views of the River Thames and is more challenging, with a combination of woodland and pavedThepaths.event starts and finishes at the bandstand in Alexandra Gardens,WalkersWindsor.can arrive from 10am, and the first walk starts at 11am.Registration to walk is free, and closes at 4pm on September 7. n To find out more, to take part in the event, or to volunteer, log on to: memorywalkwww.alzheimers.org.uk/
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Road closure for broadband works Tree fire put out WOKINGHAM motorists may be required to reroute their journeys for a day due to plannedBloomfieldhatchworks. Lane, Grazeley will be closed on Thursday, September 1, between Lambwood Lane and Foundry Bridge. The alternative route will be via Cross Lane, Bloomfieldhatch Lane and Lambwood Hill or by this route in reverse. The closure will allow contractors Gigaclear to carry out infrastructure access works to enable a live service in safety.Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of this restriction will be maintained at all times. n For more information, www.wokingham.gov.ukvisit: FIRE CREWS were called to tackle a burning tree in Emmbrook at the weekend. The incident took place just after 7.16pm on open land on Emmbrook Vale, off Toutley Road.Acrew from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Bracknell station attended. It was just a solitary tree that was on fire. They spent just over halfan-hour controlling the blaze, preventing it from spreading in the hot, dry conditions.
Emily, 27, is walking for her mother, Michelle, who was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 48. She describes Michelle as a social butterfly, until a diagnosis of early onset dementia knocked the family sideways.“You never suspect it’s dementia at such a young age,” she“Wesaid. noticed personality changes in mum, but because of her age these were originally put down to menopause and other conditions, such as bipolar and depression. “When she was finally diagnosed with dementia, more than two years after we started noticing changes in her, it blew us “Withinsideways.a week she had lost her job and our future had been turned upside down. “With other illnesses there is still hope that the person you love will come out the other side but with a dementia diagnosis, it felt like there was very little hope.” Emily was 21 when her mother was diagnosed. She stayed at home to care for Michelle until she moved into a nursing home in January 2021.“At times, because of mum’s age, it could be very isolating,” she“Wecontinues.would go to support groups and most of the people there with loved ones would be decades older than us. “People were so kind, but not many people could truly understand the scale of what we were going through.” Michelle’s condition is now advanced, but Emily says they still share special memories together.“Mum adores singing and music, and it still brings her joy. “Even though she no longer knows who we are, we still share memories together, especially through the music she loves, like ABBA. “We feel very blessed to have her in our lives. “This cruel disease has meant we have had to watch our mum slip away bit by bit so it will be nice to be part of such a positive day. “Mum loved walking and as she grew up in Windsor, where my nanna still lives, it seemed the perfect place to raise money andMemoryawareness.”Walk brings together people who have been personally affected by dementia, those who want to walk to remember a loved one, and people looking to raise money for charity. Linda Goddard, Area Manager for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It has never been more important to support Alzheimer’s Society’s crucial work. “Too many people across Berkshire are facing dementia alone without adequate support.“Weurgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected. “We are in awe of amazing fundraisers like Emily and her family, who go above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness for local people living with dementia. “Every step our fundraisers take will help us provide a lifeline of support for as many people affected by dementia as possible. “We can’t wait to see walkers of all ages and abilities return to Windsor this autumn and I would call on family, friends and colleagues from across the borough to put their best foot forward to support this vital cause.”
EMILY ENJOYS A CUDDLE WITH HER MUM. PIC: courtesy of Alzheimer.org.uk
By NATALIE BURTON news@wokingham.today
CHARITY TREK: Sergeant James Atkinson is changing gear to raise money for police benevolent sponsored cycle this weekend.
MEMBERS OF ARBORFIELD SOCIAL CLUB ARE COMING INTO THE Wokingham allotment goessolar
Allotment plot holders can power a communal rechargeable lawnmower, a communal kettle and can recharge their mobile phones while onsite. Compostable toilets are also planned for the site. These discharge waste into the ground where it safely decomposes without using power, a water connection or chemicals. “The sustainable energy project at these new allotments is a fantastic way of demonstrating how solar power can be used in creative ways that benefit whole communities,” said Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services.“When we think of solar power, we traditionally think of powering homes and businesses. “This project shows how it can be used successfully in less obvious ways, to further reduce our reliance on more harmful energy sources.“Ilook forward to seeing how this project progresses and hope it can be
Now in its tenth year, the event sees cyclists from police forces nationwide ride to the National Memorial Arboretum in Litchfield, Staffordshire. Their arrival is planned to coincide with a memorial service for fallen officers being held at the arboretum
The event starts at 9am on Sunday, September 25. n For more information or to book a place, visit: co.uk/walk-for-wardswww.royalberkscharity.
Sergeant
A NEW allotment in Wokingham borough has gone green. Solar panels have been installed there to power gardening equipment and other tools. The site off Ifould Crescent, on the Montague Park estate in Wokingham town, opened in the spring and has now welcomed its first plotDavidholders.Wilson Homes built the growing area and Wokingham Borough Council has provided a source of sustainable power in the form of two solar panels that store energy from the sun. The energy is stored in highdensity batteries which power four electrical points and two USB sockets inside and outside of a tool shed. Power is available 24 hours a day, and the system is fully off-grid, using no energy from outside sources.
MakeMemories?itsnappy
| NEWS12 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
KNITTERS from a Wokingham community group have documented their progress as they take on a challenge with a difference. Members of the Arborfield Social Club are taking part in the Lewy Body Society’s A Scarf for Lewy challenge, which will see the Royal Albert Hall wrapped in a 244m-long scarf.Many of the participants have never knitted before; one of those is Roderick Stevens, who organises theHegroup.said: “[It was] a slow start for me, but a romp for my mum. I saw her today and she had about 300mm by 600mm done very neatly using two different stitches. “I have yet to complete two rows without pulling it all off and starting again. I must have restarted 100 times. However, my mum gave me two needles that are different thicknesses which I think is part of theTheproblem.”challenge will raise awareness of Lewy body dementia. It is the second most common type of dementia in older people, but is less well-known than Alzeimher’s.Thewrapping of the Royal Albert Hall will take place on Thursday, September 22. n For more information, visit: lewybody.org/a-scarf-for-lewywww.
Participants must buy tickets for their place, with the 5km walk costing £7, and the 10km route £10. Children under five and dogs can take part free of charge. Due to the nature of the terrain, the routes are unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Funds raised from the event will go towards state of the art equipment and pioneering delivery of care.
Spacephiller Phil Creighton
Royal Berks charity looks to enhance the experience of patients and staff, and relies on the generosity of supporters to help fund its work. The event is sponsored by estate agents Chancellors. A spokesperson from the company said: “We at Chancellors are thrilled to be able to sponsor the Walk for Wards for a second year in a row. “It’s exciting to see the event move to a bigger venue and grow in size and we’re very proud to help raise even more money than last year for such a worthy and local cause.”
WALK FOR WARDS: Mapledurham House and its grounds will play host to this year’s event, providing visitors with striking views. Picture: Motmit via Wikimedia Commons
Sign up for a stroll and help the Royal Berks hospital Knitters make their debut
A THAMES Valley Police officer who usually patrols Berkshire on a motorbike is swapping his leathers for Lycra this weekend. Sergeant James Atkinson is changing gear to raise money for police benevolent charity Care of Police Survivors, or COPS, as he joins the Unity Tour, a nationwide sponsored cycle.James runs the special escort group, part of the roads policing unit based at Three Mile Cross. His section provides a motorbike escort for members of the royal family and government ministers who are visiting Berkshire. “I have been a safety escort for riders taking part as they cycle through Wokingham Borough for the past four years, but this year I decided to take part instead,” James says.
JI-MIN LEE leathersJamesfor
NOSTALGIA ain’t what as good as it used to be. At least that’s what my children keep telling me. I’d regale them with tall tales of how things were better back in ye olden days of three television channels, when we took the bottles back for their deposit, and if you fell off a climbing frame it was straight on to concrete. The idea that modern music is just noise and we got the real deal … well, I might as well be speaking to them in Swahili for all they care. Except, the times they are a’changing. A few weeks ago, some kind soul came past my desk, unshackled my chains and set me free. They muttered something about time off for good behaviour, but one couldn’t quite be sure. Before they changed their minds, the family bundled me in a car for a week at Butlin’s. This was the holiday that we’d originally planned in 2019 for Christmas 2020, to see in new year 2021. But, you know, covid. The rearranged trip, seeing in new year 2022, also had to be cancelled because of that pesky virus. Third time lucky, and a week of kiss-me-quick hats, knobbly knees contests and hi-de-hi awaited. Any poor soul who follows me on Twitter knows that I unashamedly love Butlins. It’s family-friendly, features some big names and plenty of things to do. Entertainment in the evenings is usually terrific. This time, covid meant the programme wasn’t as full as it had been. Instead of spending our precious family time in one venue watching everything from a Paddington play to a Spice Girls tribute, we ended up playing bingo with the Redcoats. The prize was an inflatable crocodile. Second prize should have been two of the blighters. It was all a bit low-key, low-brow, low-budget, but goodness it was a laugh-and-a-half. To the amusement of my children, I took the opportunity of winning the knobbly monster very seriously indeed. It became the talk of the week. Strategies formed on how we could get additional bingo cards, how we’d sit close enough to be in with a chance of winning a bingo T-shirt, and recording Tok Tiks or whatever for the amusement of my daughter’s friends. Sadly, it was all see you later alligator, for the crocodile didn’t come our way, not even in a while. We were usually two numbers short of a full house – something that carries over to everyday life – that meant no bright green blow-up animal. That wasn’t the point though. Some of you will have gone to Sunday School and sang songs like If I Were A Butterfly, complete with all the actions. Sadly, doing the fuzzy wuzzy bear’s hair is no longer an option for me, but there was something special about pretending to be a kangaroo or an octopus with my fine looks. It might have been nearly 50 years ago – and goodness, that’s a sentence to make me feel even older than, ‘when I was growing up, there were only three television channels’ – but I can still remember, clear as day, where I sang it, who I was singing it with, the smell of the church hall and the feel of the fabric of the chairs. A happy memory, a safe place, something that lingers long after said church hall was knocked down, and the lovely teachers gone to that great Sunday School in the sky. That, ultimately, is what the crocodile was about. Creating a happy memory that will linger long past the time I’ve been turned into crocodile food. Maybe my great grandchildren will be playing bingo at Butlin’s in years to come. No matter how space age the space age gets, happy memories are made to last. Just as long as Butlin’s will be doing knobbly knee contests 50 years from now.
A CHARITY is inviting visitors to take on a scenic challenge in aid of regional medical provision. Last week, Royal Berks Charity announced the launch of its 2022 Walk for Wards event at Mapledurham House. The event was held at Dinton Pastures September.lastTherewill be 5km and 10km routes available, both with stunning views across the River Thames and Mapledurham Estate. Martin Butler, community fundraising manager for the charity said: “Having walked around the new routes on the estate last week we are really excited for people to join us in September.“Theevent starts and finishes at the front of the beautiful Mapledurham House. We are inviting participants to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds after the walk – there might even be a few onsite goodies.”
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Why is it so that half should stifle yawns While half should sit transfixed, in awe, and stunned, When images of sonic basis borne And from the aether verbal gold be spun Why so that dusty words of long dead souls Should muster up in some a fullness Andtrueothers riddle through with gaping holes Letting light and matter both pour straight through How can it be so that such beauty sits Not in prose but in the the work’s Thatbeholdertoayoung and hopeful mind it flits, Or ages well, stronger grows with older In black and white a mind may self lay bare Yet in a cynics’s eyes twas never there
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Palace Hotel & Spa, Buxton with dinner & breakfast (all meals buffet style) Excursions to Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Matlock Bath & Crich Tramway Village Optional excursion to Eyam & the High Peaks (£10pp) Departing Fri 28 Oct ‘22 We venture across the Channel to the pretty French seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its domed cathedral and attractive medieval quarter and visit beautiful Canterbury, one of the most important cathedral cities in England for a lovely weekend break. Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Slough 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury 5 Days by Coach ly £379 4 Days by Coach ly £174.99
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Pubgoers want a garden to enjoy – here’s why replicated in other allotments across theTheborough.”council will monitor the progress of this system and if beneficial will roll out similar setups in its other allotments. For more information sarah.kerr@wokingham.gov.ukemail:
THE PEAK DISTRICT Chatsworth & Crich Tramway Village FOLKESTONE & France Weekend Departing Mon 10 Oct ‘22
NEWS
Travel through grand landscapes of moorland, rivers and dales, as we explore the towns and villages of the Peak District. We also step back in time at the Crich Tramway Village and visit the exquisite Chatsworth House for a fantastic break in the countryside.
CHEERS: A good pub garden is a must for many pubgoers Picture: Chef and Brewer Collection
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on JamesSunday.joined the “police family” in 1997 and has served in Wokingham Borough and across Berkshire ever since. And taking part in the ride as a cyclist this year has added significance for“IJames.have chosen to ride in memory of PC Gareth Browning,” he explains. “Gareth died in 2017, following injuries he sustained while on duty in 2013.“He was a colleague, and I was an escort at his funeral. “PC Andy Parker who was killed in 2019 was also in roads policing; I am riding for him too.” James is joining forces with 28 serving officers of all ranks as well as support staff from across TVP and Hampshire Constabulary. The riders will set off from Netley near Southampton today (Thursday). The team will be supported by police escort riders as they cycle the 163 miles to Litchfield. The charity supports the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives while on duty. To date, it has raised more than £1,000,000. n For more, visit: fundraising/James-Atkinson24justgiving.com/
James is swappingfor Lyrca
THE old adage of a pub being all spit and sawdust couldn’t be further from the truth for modern pubgoers.Newresearch shows that seven in 10 customers think the garden is a pub’s most appealing feature, with country pubs being best. The Chef & Brewer Collection conducted the survey, finding that when it comes to what makes a beer garden great, beautiful landscaping was the most important element according to 18% of respondents, followed by having ample amounts of greenery (15%) and picturesque views (14%). Classic country pubs are the top choice (39%) for customers, followed by wine bars (18%), cocktail bars (15%) and city pubs (9%).Similarly, despite the wide variety of drinks on offer in most pubs, beer remains the UK’s top choice, with nearly a third of people surveyed (27%) opting for a pint when relaxing in a beer garden. The next most popular option was red wine (20%), followed by cider (11%) and white wine (11%). Heather Moore, senior marketing manager for the Chef & Brewer Collection said: “A good beer garden really is make or break for a pub, especially considering the fantastic weather we’ve had in recent weeks. “We’re incredibly proud of the amazing outdoor spaces we have in our pubs across the Collection. “It doesn’t matter if you’re after a quiet evening drink or a relaxing al fresco dining experience, we’ve got something for you.” To celebrate the great outdoors, the Chef & Brewer Collection is launching a national #mypubgarden competition, where customers can win a twonight stay in a Chef & Brewer Collection hotel, and enjoy dinner and a bottle of prosecco on one of theToevenings.takepart, all customers have to do is head to their local Chef & Brewer Collection pub, such as Ye Olde Leathern Bottel in Wokingham, and The Shire House in Littlewick Green, and take a picture or video of themselves enjoying the pub’s beer garden.Entries must use the hashtag #mypubgarden and tag the pub’s location too. n For more details, log on to: https:// www.chefandbrewer.com/find-us/ benevolent charity Care of Police Survivors, or COPS, as he joins the Unity Tour, a nationwide The system uses no energy from outside sources to support the allotment A sonnet for a sonnet | Reader travel 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. For more information, or to book, please call 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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The threat of the land supply IT SEEMS perverse – a planning appeal lost because the council has followed the system.Every local authority has to be able to demonstrate it has a five year land supply. In simpler terms – there has to be enough homes planned in enough places to meet the government’s demand. The ruling that homes in Hurst can go ahead because the council cannot show it has a supply, despite the permissions already granted, and the sheer quantity already built, means there will be trouble ahead.And before anyone blames adminstrations, be they the old Conservative or the new Lib Dem one, this is an issue that transcends local politics. The turmoil in Westminster means housing ministers have come and gone without actually solving our problem. Until we have a new government and prime minister, we are left hanging in this limbo.And in that time, the planning inspector will rule in favour of any developer because Wokingham cannot prove it has adequate provision. This feels so wrong. Wokingham has played its part, in full, over the past decade – and then some. We are being penalised for success. Urgent reforms to planning are needed.
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facilitiesleisureborough’stheImprovingJorgensenNorman
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Your letters The Arts Society Wokingham’s lecture on the sculptor Anthony Gormley, reviewed last week in Community News, rang lots of bells for members of Arts4Wokingham (A4W).This new independent charity is committed to seeing much more public art through the borough, reflecting the ambitions in Wokingham Borough Council’s Arts and Culture Strategy and Gormley’s aim “to take art out of the gallery” After a rigorous selection process A4W choose the international sculptor Nicola Anthony to create her exciting landmark piece The Arc, outside the new arts and leisure centre, The Carnival Hub. Nicola has been very much in our community recently with workshops to collect stories about living in the Borough.These can then be built into the piece both as audible tales which hopefully can be heard via an app and words pierced through the metal structure.Thisexciting concept will be 6.5m high and will create a tremendous statement piece of art about Wokingham for residents and visitors to enjoy.Ifyou want to know more about this work and indeed contribute to A4W we will have a stall at the Wokingham Festival on the Bank Holiday and are hoping to have Nicola with us on the Saturday to talk to visitors about her work. We’d love to see you there Robin Cops, Arts4Wokingham It ain’t easy being green Is there an organisation in Wokingham that coordinates all thingsTherecyclable?localauthority tips only accept used printer cartridges, and empty plastic toner bottles used in photocopiers, from individual residents, not voluntary organisations or businesses.Manymanufacturers who supply toners and cartridges etc would accept empty cartridges and toner bottles when they send replacements, but only their own products. Many charities purchase from companies who supply cheaper versions of the manufacturers’ products.Perhaps this might turn out to be a false economy, and certainly not “green”.I’vetried everywhere and the only possibilities appear to be recycling companies who will take a mixture of manufacturers’ products but they require payment (understandable, but expensive for small charities). Perhaps small charities might be able to get together to centralise this for an economy of scale? Any thoughts? Please email me with any suggestions and davidchapman781@btinternet.comguidance.
From chamberthe Cllr
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
AS the Executive Member for Leisure responsible for initiating the Carnival Hub project five years ago, I was excited to be shown round the fabulous new facilities at Wokingham’s newlyopened leisure centre a couple of weeks ago. The facility was planned and built under the previous Wokingham Borough Council Conservative administration.
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IAM a Christian and so I pray regularly. Often I pray using the Lord’s Prayer, which you are probably aware of if you are reading this article. One line in this prayer that always makes me think is “Give us today our daily bread”. This line asks God to make sure we are properly fed. It also asks us to live in the present moment, as today we only need today’s bread. It does not mention either the future or the past. Today is the only day we can possibly live, we will have to deal with tomorrow, tomorrow and the past has happened so is beyond our influence. Another quote from Jesus is John 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Here, Jesus reinforces his exhortations to live today and only today. This verse does not mean that we should not plan for the future, but we should only consider what we can do today, which may be planning or taking out insurance for the future.What it does mean is that we should only think about what we can do today and we should not stress about events that may happen in the future or have already happened. It is always true that we can only deal with what happens when it happens. The difficulty is noticing when we start worrying about the past or the future. If you notice yourself thinking about the past or the future, then make a decision to come back to theThispresent.ishard, but if you keep on being aware of your thoughts, it does get easier over time to identify when you are not living today and then bring your awareness back to today. Geoff Peck from Woosehill Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
While out on my evening stroll the other day I was struck by this spectacular cloud scene over Woosehill, so much so that I’ve since adopted it as the desktop theme on my laptop. Keith WokinghamEvans, n We welcome your photos for this slot – email them to letters@ wokingham.today of the weekArt out
Paul Clarke, Wokingham Energy price rises Ofgem reported nearly a year ago that only 35% of our overall bill amounts to the actual cost of the energy we use, so in effect only this element faces the horrendous increases we are experiencing. 25% is for Network Transportation. It costs no more to transportation energy whether it is £1/therm or £100/therm, so the cost of this element would be stagnant. 20% is for other Operating Costs and includes the operating company’s profit. Again Operating Costs would not alter much other than a factor for
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I was amused to see several Lb Dem councillors keen to be in the photos of the official opening. This from the same Party that vociferously opposed the Wokingham Town Centre Redevelopment over many years. Remember the photos of Lib Dems with the Save Elms Field placards?Thestrategy of the previous Conservative administration was to expand the range of sport and leisure opportunities within the Borough, providing options to residents.Providing leisure centres that people use heavily ensures that they pay for themselves and also gives additional income to the Council, helping keep our Council TaxThedown.new Carnival Hub joins a long list of sport and leisure facility enhancements in the last few years. This includes the recent works at Cantley Park, new pavilion at Dinton Pastures, the new leisure centre at Bulmershe, new changing facilities at Ryeish Green, the leisure centre at Arborfield and the enhancements at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre Cllr Norman Jorgensen is the Shadow Executive Member for Environment & Leisure and a Conservative councillor for Maiden Erlegh
The Hub contains a café, two swimming pools, one with a moveable floor, children’s splash area, sports hall, gym, studies, spa area and will house the library due to relocate there in September. This promises to be a great addition to the council’s sport and leisure portfolio, with over 1,300 people already signed up to use it.
David Chapman, Wokingham The blame game Looking at the “Blame Game Latest” (Wokingham Focus), the NonLiberal Non-Democrat (as I call them) “Waste Paper Dreadful”, I’m surprised that wannabe Member of Parliament and LD Council Leader Clive Jones hasn’t blamed the Conservatives for the water drought as well. As I write, a drought is to be declared. But which political party is helping to hold up the commissioning of a new water reservoir in the Abingdon area? The Non-Liberal Non-Democrats of course.Isuggest that the two independent councillors in the partnership/ad-hoccoalition/Council be very careful when dealing with the NonLiberal boatsthatEUreferendumhasdemocraticrecognisedTheseNon-Democrats.peoplestillhaven’ttheresultofthegreatestexerciseourcountryeverundertaken.Thatistheonwhethertoleavetheornot.AnEUthatissounsafeasazonepeoplerisktheirlivesinsmalltogettotheUKillegally.Imagineit.Thesepoorpeopleareactually fleeing the EU, it’s that bad. A dangerous precedent was set by the non-recogntion of a legitimate and democratic referendum. That’s why they cannot claim to be liberal or democraic. They should cease to use those words in the name of their political party until they recognise the result. Please note, I am not, nor ever have been, a member of any political party.
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The government has delayed sustainable investment and genuine levelling up for far too long. Many are now facing a terrifying prospect worse than the choice between ‘heating or eating’ of how to survive not being able to afford either while costs of food and fuel continue to spiral.Thisis a social and mental health crisis in the making. We must make our voices heard – if not us who; if not now when? On Monday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer proposed that energy bills be frozen at the current price cap level, an extra and backdated windfall tax on excess oil and gas company profits and further measures for the medium and long term, such as home insulation, to bring heating costs down. In the meantime, amid a leadership vacuum, while others are distracted by a party leader election in which neither candidate appears to have a clue about how to fix either the climate or cost of living emergency, I offer the following thoughts in a poem by Roger McGough. I wanna be the leader I wanna be the leader Can I be the leader? I can? Promise? Promise? Yippee I’m the leader OK what shall we do? Cllr Sheena Matthews is the Labour ward member for Whitegates at EarleyCouncilTown
From chamberthe Cllr Sheena Matthews
The cost of the Church A Church of England newspaper reports the disbandment of St Anne’s Cathedral choir in Belfast (‘Professional choir goes in Belfast cost-cutting’, Church Times, 12-8-22).
Benjamin Dellow, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer
Alzheimer’s Society estimate that by 2025, 1 million people will be living with dementia in the UK, and by 2040, dementia will cost the UK economy £94.1 billion annually. Of the top ten causes of death worldwide, dementia is the only one that can’t be cured, stopped, or even slowed down. I would like to see this changed. Improving the lives of people affected by dementia is so important to me because having previously watched my Mother live with, and then die from the effects of Alzheimer’s, I want to restrict the chances of other people having to suffer this trauma..
Nor can we forget the looming threat of the government’s adult social care reforms, which will transfer a great deal of financial liability onto the council without any central government support to help meet the increased costs.
All this may seem sobering. But every challenge is there to be met and every difficulty presents an opportunity.Thenewadministration at Wokingham is working hard with our officers to find savings. We are going through previously agreed budgets with a fine toothcomb, looking for ways to reduce or defer expenditure. We are also having to consider radical options for raising more income to help fund vital services and cover anticipated inflation over the coming months.Weare also acutely aware of the need to recognise the tough time many of our residents are facing.We are trying to identify savings and income generation measures that will have the least impact on those who are already struggling. Now is the time, as I’ve said before, when we need grown up politics rather than party pointscoring.Ihave been honest and open with you about the challenges the council faces. I hope the opposition will also be honest. We need to work together more and argue with each other less.
Cllr Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council, and Lib Dem ward member for Hawkedon
A 12-4-2007 BBC article refers to a cost of £850,000 to place a gigantic shiny steel needle- ‘Spire of Hope’-on top of St Anne’s cathedral. Exactly how the 40 metre needle bears witness to creation, or to Christ, is questionable.Achoirmight be more central to Anglican worship than a fancy spire. Do some Anglican bishops show little sign of conscience on environmental questions or the wise stewardship of finances? An alleged £5,000,000 fraud case in a London diocese is far from encouraging. Anglicanism might fare better if it had half the number of bishops or cathedrals, plus a great deal more concern and compassion for ordinary members.
J.T. Hardy by email Time to grown-upbeabout the challengesfinancial ahead IN February, when the Conservatives still ran the borough council, John Halsall, then leader, announced that the council’s financial reserves were there for a rainy day. That day, he said, when unveiling the Conservatives’ budget, had arrived. He explained that to balance the council’s budget for 2022/23, it was necessary to take more than £2 million from the council’s reserves. The council was then facing major pressures due to increased demand for its services, a fall in anticipated income, and rising inflation. Since then, the pressures have increased significantly.Moreofour residents are finding themselves in financial difficulties. More, through no fault of their own, are finding themselves with nowhere to live - a surge in private landlord evictions and appalling cases of domestic abuse are producing record levels of homelessness in the borough. The council already has too few social rented dwellings and so is having to pay for temporary accommodation to house the homeless. The council does not have enough in-borough provision for children with special educational needs, leading to more expensive out of borough placements.Meanwhile, gaps are emerging in the budget set in February, and some of the estimates of future income made then have proved to be too optimistic.And-as everyone knows only too wellinflation has continued its seemingly relentless rise, meaning that the council has to pay more for its capital projects such as building Care homes, which has a knock-on effect on the revenue budget where interest payments are made.
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Michael, Bracknell Don’t change the commitment A change of leadership must not mean any change in commitment to the estimated 134,570 people with dementia and their families in the SouthAlzheimer’sEast. Society wants the remaining two candidates to commit to making dementia a priority for their new government.
With a new Prime Minister taking office next month, this is a rare and crucial moment for dementia in our local area. It is our chance to ensure it does not slip down the political agenda. Since the General Election in 2019, the Conservative Government has promised to deliver: n A Dementia Moonshot, doubling dementia research funding to deliver breakthrough treatments n A massive reform of the Social Care system, putting people in control of their care and reducing the amount they have to pay for it n A ‘visionary’ ten-year plan for dementia, backed by proper funding and powerful partners, which could be transformational for 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. We must ensure these promises are kept by whoever becomes the next Prime Minister. I want to see Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss pledge to make dementia a priority in their Government, and help people in this area affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives.
Please end these unsociable and deeply disturbing planes. Longford Resident, UB7 Greatest health challenges Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges facing society.
From leaderthe Cllr Clive Jones financing the increased third-party costs.Itis quite obvious that this ‘profit’ element has been calculated on an ad valorum basis and the hitherto algorithm is quite outdated in the current environment, hence the ginormous profits now reported by ourWesuppliers.needthe Government together with Ofgem to have the calculation of this element adjusted to suit the market these companies are now operatingOtherwisein. the current situation we have will just carry on and on…. David Arnold, Wokingham There’s a hole in the ground Whereas most councils are concerned with filling in potholes, WBC and the contractors seem quite happy to be creating them along Wiltshire Road. The ‘repairs’ are the usual cover it over with tarmac instead of removing the old tarmac and doing a proper repair, thus making it higher and creating said potholes around the drains.Not good news for cars, and especially bad for cyclists should we have to ride over one of these. I envisage more council tax payers money being used to fix this problem. Juliet Hurwitt, Wokingham Night flight delays Heathrow is surrounded by villages, full of people trying to sleep at night. If a neighbour or company was to make as much noise as Heathrow makes at night, they would be arrested or shut down. I live in Longford Village, near Heathrow. When I open my windows after 11pm, I don’t want to hear jet engines thundering past. I don’t want to breathe in the deadly nitrogendioxide firing out of their engines. I don’t want to hear maintenance sawing of concrete, etc. Noise and air pollution levels should be decreasing after 11pm – not rising astronomically – every night. I am not against Heathrow operating during the day, but it is at night and in the early hours of the morning when it is unbearable. Then there are the astronomical levels of deadly nitrogen-dioxide that Heathrow is forcing us to breathe at night when my windows are open. The World Health Organisation limits NO2 levels to 10 micrograms per cubic metre Heathrow(ug/m3).exceeded 80ug/m3 on late at night on 7 July and 60ug/ m3 on the evening of 10 July. This is unacceptable, especially in the summer when my neighbours and I want to have our windows open at night without breathing toxic air. Why should Heathrow be allowed to send a giant 4-engined A380 off to Dubai at 1am, thundering overhead and waking up and disturbing so many Londoners, and then have planes landing little over 3 hours later?! Heathrow’s CEO, John HollandKaye should be held accountable for every single flight taking off after 11pm. There is no reason whatsoever to wake the whole of sleeping west London at as late at 1am, The days of delaying a flight because of a “medical emergency” or “drunken passenger” onboard should be over, If anyone delays a flight, they should be made to pay for the passengers and crew to be put up in a hotel for the night, with the flight resuming the next day. Heathrow must learn – if all its flights have not arrived or taken off by 11pm then they should not take off.
repercussions.EarleyTown Council’s Green Fair returned on Saturday, August 6, after a necessary break during the Covid-19 pandemic.Asunny day was welcome and lots of visitors who reported on social media how glad they were to see the fairOfback.course, a strong underlying theme of the Fair was the threat to ourETCclimate.Councillors, for the first time, had their own stand at the Green Fair to promote the Council’s climate emergency plan and our Green infrastructure plan. And the ETC officials promoted the work on their ‘26 for Cop 26’ initiative. Reading Friends of the Earth (FoE) were pressing for better home insulation as an immediate priority. Local awareness of the climate threat, for example by the University of Reading’s ‘climate stripes’, now features on Reading FC’s away football strip. An official drought was announced on Friday, August 12. The climate emergency is predicted to bring more frequent and severe weather.Tackling it demands a long-term plan, investment in sustainable infrastructure for both energy and water supply and changes to housing and related developments.
Since the 2019 general election, the Conservative government has committed to double research funding through a ‘Dementia Moonshot’ and reform social care, putting people living with dementia in control of their care and reducing the amount they pay for Earlierit. this year the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced a visionary ten-year plan for dementia, backed by proper funding, which could be truly transformational for the 900,000 people living with the condition in the UK.We need to offer hope for everyone affected by dementia – urgent action and investment is needed to deliver on all these commitments. Our next Prime Minister must implement these life-changing reforms.
These needemergenciesaction, and soon USUALLY, a sunny day is cause for feeling good and seeing most people smile. But the onset of a drought is altogether different. On a recent guided tour around Highwood’s ancient woodland and reclaimed heathland councillors from Earley Town Council (ETC), Woodley Town Council (WTC) and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) witnessed trees shedding their leaves early, Bulmershe pond was dry and Southlake level was so low the swans were walking on the bottom. The countryside ranger told us the insect population was very much reduced, which has worrying
UN Special rapporteur on extreme poverty Philip Alston said “ideological” cuts to public services since 2010 have led to “tragic consequences”. “Statistics alone cannot capture the full picture of poverty in the United Kingdom, much of it the direct result of government policies, it is obvious to anyone who opens their eyes. There has been a shocking increase in the number of food banks and major increases in homelessness and rough sleeping.”Thiswasn’t written this week, but in 2018.The“tragic consequences” are all too real for far too many, including in an area as wealthy as Wokingham Borough.Thecost of living crisis is predicted to spiral out of control for many before the autumn and well into the winter.Climate change and cost of living emergency isn’t an ‘either / or’ challenge for government. It has to be both. It has to be soon.
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. For more information, or to book, please call Reader travel justgoholsJGTravelGroup 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. DELIGHTFUL DEVON Weekend EASTBOURNE & the Sussex Sunshine Coast Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading & Slough 3 nights at the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Exeter Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£9pp) Departing Thu 27 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the East Beach Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Bexhill-on-Sea, Great Dixter, Beachy Head & Alfriston Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£12pp) WPR_2022-08-15_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go WorcesterObserver 4 Days by Coach ly £144.99 5 Days by Coach ly £249 DelightfulDevonWeekend_F.pdfEastbourne&Brighton_F.pdf Single Supplement £45 Single Supplement £60 or visit us online at justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR 32 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
MOVING IN: Hat and Home founder Ben Gee (right) with Luke Strzadala outside the new Bracknell branch
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By PHIL
READING’S business community now has a new champion, after a reshuffle at the town centre’s Business Improvement Districts (BID). There are two BIDs, Reading Central and the Abbey Quarter, and their role is to deliver a safe, clean and attractive town centre on behalf of the 600 businesses that call Reading their home. The BIDs are managed by REDA, Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency, which in turn is guided by two committees of presentative businesses.AlexaVolker has been appointed Reading’s new BID manager, and takes on the roleafter four years as the BIDs’ operations manager. She will co-ordinate the liaison with the 600 retailers, businesses and organisations in the town centre to deliver the 2019-24 BID business plans. So far this year, the BIDs have been involved in installing summer floral displays, managing the BIDs two wardens, introducing new planting on the Kennet, supporting town centre events such as Are You Listening? festival, promoting Reading’s many independent businesses for Independents Day, organising additional street cleaning, supplying drink spiking tester kits for town centre bars and nightclubs, and ensuring the town centre looked its best for the Jubilee.MsVolker said she was delighted to have been appointed. “We have an amazing array of businesses and organisations which together create a dynamic and thriving town centre,” she said. “As BID Manager, my job is to make sure we create the best conditions for these businesses to flourish, whether that is helping them practically with bespoke services such as recycling collections or programming yoga classes for their staff to make Reading town centre a great place to come and work. “Over the next two years, we will be focusing on developing a new wellbeing programme for people working in the town centre, putting on great events and supporting a sustainable Reading with a series of greenAndinitiatives.”thenewswas welcomed by Andy Briggs, the general manager of The Oracle, who also chairs Reading“AlexaBID.has worked tirelessly with the retail, hospitality and office businesses in the town centre over the last four years and all that learning means she has hit the ground running.” he said. Andrew Whiteaker, a partner at Boyes Turner, said; “Alexa is a delight to work with, full of enthusiasm and deserving of the promotion.“Shehas an endless range of ideas that will make the return to the office experience for employees even more enjoyable, from yoga before work to networking walks and Christmas fun events.” n For more details, log on to: visit-reading.com/business/bidwww. CREIGHTON
The historic country pub has a fresh, new look inside and a newly designed garden, which includes a patio, a stretch tent, and plenty of shadyThespots.interior has a low-ceilinged bar with nooks and crannies to sit, while the dining area has light-painted walls and nature-inspired hand-printed wallcoverings. There are pops of colour from vintage board games and playful antique bagatelle and chequers boards, as a nod to the pub’s name. “We can’t wait to welcome you to the pub, which is truly looking its best,” Ms Watts said. “I may be new to this pub, but I’m not new to hospitality nor to the area – I was born and bred in nearby Woking. “I have worked in good restaurants offering great hospitality for a number of years.” n For more details, log on to: thechequerseversleycross.co.ukwww.
TEAMWORK: From left: Andy Briggs, manager of The BoyesWhiteaker,REDAExecutiveHorton-BakerReadingAlexaShoppingOracleCentre,VolkerfromBID,Nigel–DirectorandAndrewPartnerTurner
| BUSINESSBUSINESSTODAY
The office design will be similar to the existing branches, including its bowler hat lights and exposed brick walls.Mr Gee’s philosophy is to make moving home, said to be one of the most stressful periods of a person’s life, a fantastic experience.“Bracknell is a great fit for Hat and Home and we can’t wait to get the office open for our customers,” he said. “ The re-fit will take a few weeks, but we are already listing properties to sell and let for people wanting to take advantage of our introductory rates.”MrGee has more than 20 years of experience, including working for companies such as Romans, Foxtons and Marsh & Parsons.AndHat and Home has a keen sense of community, raising more than £17,000 for Parkinson’s UK through a series of events. n For more details, log on to: www.hatandhome.co.uk
story? Email news@wokingham.today
Alexa Volker appointed as Reading’s new BID Manager
Estate agency to open in Bracknell
Got a business
In association with Winnersh Triangle A business park that is changing New manager for Eversley pub
AN INDEPENDENT estate agency in Wokingham is opening its third branch, just 16 months after it launched its first.Hat and Home has opened an office in Bracknell, joining its Erfstadt Court and Crowthrone bases. The company, run by Ben Gee, is currently preparing the new office in The Lexicon so it can open but it is already marketing properties to the Bracknell market.
AN EVERSLEY CROSS pub that’s a destination for foodies has a new general manager.LauraWatts has taken charge of The Chequers, just in time for a new summer menu. “I’m delighted to have joined the team of this one, and to be working with a wonderful group of people making the pub really feel like home,” she said.
Picture: JiMin Lee not been fully addressed by previousAccordingofficers.to the RUSU president, students who live off campus often find themselves renting in the private sector and require assistance when unexpected matters arise. He also wants members of the public to feel comfortable coming on campus, and wants the university to engage with them through the upcoming community festival.
According to the RUSU president, this has encouraged the university to reevaluate their examination strategies, only holding in-person assessments where absolutely necessary.Hesaid: “Talking to the university, the view is very much ‘do you need to do your examinations or assessment in person? Can it be done as a piece of coursework? Can it be done“It’sonline?’realising, don’t opt for an examination in a hall if you don’t need to.” Mr Allen admits that many degrees require in-person teaching and tests, but said lecturers are being asked to consider whether their current modus operandi is engaging students.RUSUeducation officer Oscar Minto is keen to implement new aspects into the university’s teaching.Oneof his ideas is to introduce feedback via voice note whereby lecturers can offer their comments orally in a more personal way than written communication.Theunion’s advice service offers students support for a broad range of issues. Sessions previously took place in-person, before moving online during the pandemic, something Mr Allen is keen to explore the benefits of. “The way people want to do things is changing and we need to adapt to that,” he said. “I don’t think we’re doing it quick enough, I think we can do it better, because we need to be leading the way.”
NEW NAME ON BOARD:THE Earlier this year, Sheldon Allen
The third priority is based on an idea for students to be given a platform to deliver TedTalkstyle events on their research or topics they are passionate about.With the student population readjusting to life after the pandemic, Mr Allen is keen to see normality resume, but is also excited to retain many of the things learned during the pandemic.Hesaid: “There’s two points to it, ‘what are the good things that we learned that we keep?’ and, ‘what do we ditch?’ “I think ultimately what we need to ditch is this idea that we can never do anything inperson again. We need to do in-person stuff, we need to be face-to-face and we need to get students on to campus. “But we also need to realise that there’s some really interesting stuff that we’ve learned 1about virtual learning, working from home and flexibility.”Avastmajority of incoming freshers will have experienced disruption to assessments during their secondary education as a result of covid.
Union’s new president aims to empower uni students
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Mordaunt.Pennybyonceapresident,UnionStudentUniversityReadingelectedwasaspositionheldalumna
THE NEW Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) president has laid out his intentions ahead of the upcoming year. Wokingham Today sat down with Sheldon Allen, who was elected in February, to discuss his new role. “I’m really excited to get going,” he said. “We’re in a really important time here at the Students’ Union where we’ve been in Covid for two-and-ahalf years. “I think it’s really important now, as the new team in post, to charge ahead with actually delivering some quite exciting projects and initiatives for the students at Reading.”
Mr Allen joins a roll call of RUSU presidents which includes Conservative Party leadership contest candidate PennyDespiteMordaunt.running in May’s local elections as a Labour Party candidate for Park ward, Mr Allen sees Ms Mordaunt’s success as a reminder of what is possible for Reading students. He said: “At the end of the day, putting politics aside, whether you’re a member of the Conservative Party, the Labour Party or the Lib Dems, Penny, the person who got to potentially be the next prime minister, was just a student from“That’sReading.an important part to realise, not the views and opinions of that individual, but the fact that she went to a nonRussell Group university, got a degree from Reading and then nearly became prime minister. “She wasn’t from Oxford and didn’t go to Eton. “It doesn’t matter what university you go to or where you come from, if you’ve got that drive and determination to make something of what you want to do you can do it, and she did prove that.” Mr Allen and his team have broadly identified three areas of focus. They consider housing a critical issue and one that has
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today
SPECIAL GUEST: Aaron Phipps MBE with students from St Crispin’s School Picture: St Crispin’s out more at PORawards.co.uk OF OUR TOWN WHO MAKE READIN G UNIQUE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK A CELEBRATION OF THE EXCEPTIONA L 2022
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today A POPULAR horticultural event is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Country enthusiasts will take to Swallowfield Park, Church Road, for The Swallowfield Show on Sunday, August 28 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. Run by volunteers and friends of Swallowfield Horticultural Society, the family-friendly event showcases the best produce the community has to offer, as well as high quality entertainment. Event chairman Graham Stanley said: “We’re very excited to be back this year, it’s a really popular event. “On the Saturday, participants will submit their flowers and fruit and veg for the competition. “Because it’s been so hot, we expect a big turn-out for the crafts, art, photography and cookery categories this year. “It has been the driest year since 1976, so we anticipate fewer flower and food submissions.” The main arena will boast a plethora of attractions across the two days, including Paws for Thought dog display, falconry display, BMX show, classic cars and Reading Scottish Pipe Band.
An equestrian and showjumping show will also feature. The various competitions are open to all, with winners coming from all different levels of horticultural backgrounds and experiences.“Thepeople who enter range from very serious gardeners who enter at many shows and those who only submit to the Swallowfield Show to support it,” Mr Stanley explained.“Thesetend to be residents who live locally. There is an element of chance in terms of winning as experienced gardeners can have a less fruitful season. “There’s a lot for someone who hasn’t done much gardening to get from the show. It’s inspiring to see other people’s work.” There will be lots for children to get stuck involved with, including circus skills, go karts and crafts. Artisan food, burgers, fish and chips will be available from the food hall, while stalls selling clothes and toys will also be on hand. The show has been running since 1885, put on by the Swallowfield Cottagers’ Garden Show Society at the same venue as it is now. Tickets cost £10 per day for adults with children admitted free of charge. n For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.swallowfieldshow. co.uk
Aaron Phipps MBE, who also showed his medal. He told student and parents about how he had his legs and fingertips amputated when he was a teenager after contracting meningitis.Sincethen, he has competed in marathons, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and also win gold at the Tokyo 2020 moment.”celebratestudents’amGinnyAfterwards,Paralympics.headteacherRhodessaid:“Iimmenselyproudofachievements.“Ithasbeenajoytothisspecial
Church atClassiclanguagesigncoursecarmeetWinnershpuib
FLASHBACK: Pig racing was an activity at the 2016 Swallowfield Show Picture: Phil Creighton School welcomes gold medal
Paralympian Aaron Phipps for annual presentation evening
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covidafterShowSwallowfieldreturnstwo-yearbreak
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34 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
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SPECIAL guests for a special occasion ... A Wokingham school held its annual presentation evening in style last month. St Crispin’s, on London Road, marked the end of academic year by rolling out the red carpet, not just for its guests, but also its pupils. Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith and Wokingham town mayor Cllr Maria Gee helped present 130 students with prizes for their achievements over the school year, including for their studies, sporting endeavours, and artistic pursuits.Anda keynote address was given by Paralympian
A CHANCE to learn sign language that can be used within a church context is the theme for a new course taking place in ChurchesOctober.inthe Reading area are invited to the event which will teach some Makaton language, as used in the CBeebies show Something Special, hosted by Justin Fletcher.Keywords will be taught with the view to helping make churches accessible and welcoming to adults with learning disabilities. It takes place from 9.45am to 4.30pm on Saturday, October 22, and delegates should bring their own lunch. The venue will be Greyfriars Church in Friar Street, and advance booking is essential as places are limited. Places cost £25. n For more details, janneke@counteveryonein.org.ukemail: A WINNERSH pub will be welcoming petrolheads next month.Reading Road-based venue The Phesant is hosting a class and retro car breakfast meet on Sunday, September 4. Starting at 9am, the event is a chance to meet other car enthusiasts, enjoy a breakfast and a cuppa, while admiring the assembled vehicles.Entry is free, ad dogs and children are welcome. For more details, call the pub on: 0118 978 4529.
@PORawards #PORawards PEOPLE
ta GETTECHSAVVY WITHPRATTSPODS PROBLEMSWITHYOURI
EMAILSNOTSENDINGORSENDING?ORSIMPLY NEEDSOMETECHGUIDANCE? CLASSES 2P M EVERY TUESDA Y AT WOKINGHAMLIBRARY 0118304777 7 INFO@PRATTSPODS.CO.UK
FORPEOPLENEEDINGHELP UNDERSTANDING THEIRTECHDEVICES.
By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter
EBOS celebration Free exercise classes launched for children aged 11-16
Spencers Wood Carnival to return
“If we don’t start knocking these down, we run the risk of this continuing into their adult lives, negatively impacting on both their physical and mental health.“The recent Lionesses’ victory has supercharged an interest in women’s sport and will serve as an inspiration to girls all over the country for years to come, and we need to ensure this legacy is not lost. n To book, parents and guardians can log on to: https://www.nuffieldhealth. com/move-together, or visit the Nuffield Health centre in Green Park in Reading or Denmark Street in Wokingham. sedetGt P AD,PHONEORLAPTOP?
For
A CELEBRATION of an amateur dramatics company’s platinum jubilee will be held later thisEBOSmonth.-the East Berkshire Operatic Society - was founded in 1952, and has been making music ever since. Its most recent show was The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, performed earlier thisTomonth.mark the milestone, its members will be gathering at its Pinewood Theatre base in Wokingham Without on Sunday, August 28. As well as party food and drink, members will perform some celebratory scenes.
MORE OF THIS: Spencers Wood Carnival will return next month Picture: Steve Smyth HOT on the heels of the Lionesses Euro victory, a gym chain with branches in Reading and Wokingham has launched free exercise classes for children aged 11 toNuffield16. Health says that despite the spur from the winning football team, just 12% of girls and 27% of boys are planning to play sport during the summer. The Move Together programme from Nuffield aims to help, by providing a safe, confidenceboosting environment for children. Classes are held weekly. Hosted in local parks and community hubs near Nuffield Health centres, there are a range of disciplines including boxing, pilates, yoga, dance, Zumba and circuits.Davina Deniszczyc, charity and medical director at Nuffield Health, said: “Recent research by Nuffield Health found that almost half of British women don’t do any vigorous exercise, and this new data shows this problem often starts in girls’ teenage years, with many reporting multiple barriers to physical activity.
The event runs from 2pm, and places cost £7.50, £4 for under 16s, and under twos get in free. Family tickets are also available. n For more details, log on to: http://ebos.org.uk/
NEWS |
WOKINGHAM residents are set to enjoy a community event which is returning for the first time since theSpencerspandemic.Wood Carnival takes place at Spencers Wood Recreation Ground on Saturday, September 17, where activities, live music and food will enthral. The event’s co-founder Debbie Johnson was full of praise for the event’s comeback. She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant, bringing the carnival back after what has been a stressful and uncertain period of time.”“It’sall about bringing the community together. There will be local charities with stalls and visitors can help them raise funds.”There will be something for the whole family, particularly the funfair and food stalls. Children can take on a laser maze and inflatable assault course. Ms Johnson established the event with friend Liz Ratcliffe, who stepped down as coorganiser in 2018. Ms Ratcliffe lived opposite Spencers Wood Recreation Ground and together they both identified an opportunity to showcase the area’s unity through a fair on the field. “After the first event, there were people who said ‘this is the best event ever’ and ‘this is exactly what we need here’,” Ms Johnson“Goingexplained.intoit,we never really
Hogwood homes plan moves step closer after vote
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WEAREOFFERING “TECHSAVVYTUESDAYS”
PLANS to build 140 homes on Reading Football Club’s former training ground have moved a step closer following full approval being granted, writes Grant Williams, Local democracy reporter. Last week, Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee gave the go ahead for proposals relating to appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale – called reserved matters – after the initial outline plan was approved in March of this year. The site, at Hogwood Park in Finchampstead, currently comprises of football training pitches and temporary buildings. Now vacant, it was Reading Football Club’s training ground until their relocation to Bearwood Park in 2020. Concerns were raised during the initial outline application about the possibility of noise and odour emanating from the nearby Hogwood Industrial Estate.However, Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh was “pleased to see” the concerns had been addressed after assessments carried out concluded that there would be “negligible potential impact” on the area. The 25-acre development site will see 56 affordable housing built (40%), which will comprise two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes – while the remaining private properties will range from two- to five-bedrooms. Cllr John Kaiser raised concerns about the number of four-bedroom properties, with the number 13% higher than required. He said the borough has a “housing crisis” with regards to small affordable homes.“Why do we breach this rule on nearly every application we get?” he asked. Cllr Mickleburgh, who proposed to support the officer’s recommendation to approve, found it “particularly pleasing” that the design of the affordable houses will make them “indistinguishable” from theTheothers.site will be accessed from two locations, one from the existing point on Park Lane and a second from further up the lane to the north. Pedestrian and cycle routes will also be provided through the SANG to BiggsTheLane.main road that will run through the development is earmarked for adoption by Wokingham Borough Council and has been designed to meet the required standards. There will be a 2.8-hectare area of public greenspace, known as Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), as well as a community green located in the central part of the development containing a children’s play area. All properties will have a garden and parking spaces, as well as each being fitted with electric vehicle charging points. Cllr Stephen Conway praised the “high quality” development and the number of affordable housing. He said the plan is “as good as we are going to get” for theThesite. application was approved by the committee, with just one abstention from Cllr Kaiser.
looked past the first year. The years have just gone by since. “My son, who is now 15, was only about six weeks old when we held the first event. He told me one year ‘this is better than Christmas’, he just loved the atmosphere and funfair.” The carnival debuted in 2007 and has taken place every September since, except for the past two years because of Covid-19.“When you’ve done this for as many years as we have, you start getting phone calls in January as soon as the date is confirmed asking for stalls. It really is such a popular event,” Mr Johnson said. “I think for this year, because we’ve had so many new houses built in Shinfield and Spencers Wood, it’d be great to see them there and get to know one another.”
The South of M4 strategic development location project is seeing 3,000 new households introduced in Shinfield and its surrounding areas. Ms Johnson hopes the carnival can serve as a platform for both old and new communities to meet each other. The carnival is a not-for-profit event, with a percentage of funds raised going towards charities based in the area. There is no entry fee, but visitors are able to make donations on the day. Food donations will also be accepted at the food bank’s collection. Shinfield Parish Council is supporting this year’s event. The event takes place between noon-9pm. n more information, co.ukwww.spencerswoodcarnival.visit:
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 35
ALWAYS
Pictures: Stewart Turkington
A MARTIAL ARTS group is offering visitors the chance to attend a free taster session. Reading Kyushindo Karate Club meets at Spencers Wood Village Hall on Monday evenings.Visitors are entitled to attend their first class for free. Lessons are suitable for adults and children over 11-year-old and open to participants of all experience levels.Sessions are led by Christopher Bothwell, a coach with more than 30 years of experience.Thegroup meets between 7.30pm-9pm on Mondays. n For details, visit: spencerswoodvillagehall.co.ukwww.
Those who did entered a prize draw to win a £20 voucher for Maya’s Refillables, a zero-waste shop based in Wokingham town centre. A vote was also taken to see what community recycling schemes people wanted to see at the Acorn centre. This will become a drop-off point for Ali’s Recycling scheme, where toothpaste tubes, marigold gloves and coffee pods will be recycled through Terracycle, while raising money for the localThecommunity.winningschemes and how to get involved will be announced soon.
| NEWS Not too late to book summer fun Free karate taster sessions THERE’S still time to enrol children into this summer’s Power-Up Activity Camps at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. The camps, at the Earley centre, offer a range of sporting activities to keep borough children active and entertained.Thecamps are open to youngsters aged five to 12, and run until Friday September 2, excluding the bank holiday on Monday, August 29. Activities include pool fun, basketball, inflatables, hockey, martial arts, football, tennis andResidentsmore. can also book online for the October half-term activity camps and receive 15% off by using discount code OCTOBER15 at theThecheckout.discount is valid until Friday, September 2. n To book a place, and for more information log on to: familieswokingham.gov.uk/children-and-www.
“Climate change is already starting to affect us all, as demonstrated by the recent heatwave that saw us reach record temperatures”, said Councillor Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, who attended the event. “As a council, we are doing our bit to make the borough carbon net-zero by taking measures such as retrofitting our buildings with sustainable features and ensuring that more climate-friendly infrastructure is in place, such as electric vehicle charging and active travel“Weroutes.needeveryone to play their part, and so events like this help to give the community the information, tools and inspiration they need to change their habits. I want to thank all of the community groups and organisations for supporting the event and providing lots of useful information to residents.”
Attendees could pledge to take a range of actions to reduce their impact on the environment and help tackle the climate emergency.
THE BEST PICTURES ARE IN YOUR WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Councillor Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport, and leisure, attended alongside Cllr Kerr. He added: “It is really important that we take a collective responsibility for climate change, so it is great to run events like this where people can have their questions answered and pick up information and tools to help them make better recycling decisions.”
cycling.promotingbike,smoothieonPupilsthe
The council’s waste team gave out food waste caddies and tools such as spaghetti measurers, and spatulas for scraping out the bottom of jars. Too Good To Go showcased their smartphone app which lets residents buy “magic bags” of food nearing the end of its shelf life for a lower price.
To find out the winning schemes and for more information on how to get involved , search Facebook for the Acorn Community Centre.
By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today Optalis showed how efforts are being made to recycle
Cllr Sarah Kerr with Too Good to Go, who were on hand to advise Optalis and Hawthorns explain their green ideas Making soup from leftovers is a good way to prevent food wastage
36 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
BREAD and butter pudding made from food scraps, a spatula for scraping mayonnaise from the bottom of a jar and an app selling cheap food near the end of its shelf life were among the offerings available to visitors at Waste Action Day. The community event was held by Wokingham Borough Council at The Acorn Community Centre, home to the council’s adult social care provider, Optalis.Residents from across the borough were invited to act to reduce their waste, with a range of stallholders on hand to inspire, answer questions and roll out new initiatives. My Journey Wokingham team gave out free water bottles and information about active travel. WATCH Wokingham community group provided a spin the bike wheel game with opportunities to learn facts about walking and cycling. Pupils from Hawthorns Primary School in Woosehill explained their recent ‘green team’ projects and held an exhibition of art made from objects destined for the bin. Focused Friends group highlighted how adults with learning difficulties are playing their part in the borough-wide recyclingSHAREeffort.Wokingham community project ran a café, with tasters of dishes from leftovers, such as bread and butter pudding, and soup.
Action day to tackle food waste
Above: Sarwah Shah and Luke Ballard, and (left) monththeirHughesDavewithStaroftheawards
A BUS driver who helped students and their families get to the graduation ceremonies has been praised for his role. Sarwah Shah, 43 and from Reading, was awarded Reading Buses’ Star of the Month accolade after a family told the Great Knollys Street firm that he was ‘an excellent ambassador’ for the company. During the University of Reading’s graduation week, he helped drive shuttle buses from Whiteknights campus to the London Road campus. And his skills behind the wheel wereHenoticed.hasbeen described as having a ‘very positive can-do attitude’ and always going out of his way to be helpful. A Reading Buses colleague who was supervising the university graduation transport praised Mr Shah as he ensured some latecomers got to the ceremony and enjoy one of life’s special occasions. He is not the only person the company has honoured as being a Woodley-basedstar.
Alternatively,theycanbeviewedontheCouncil’swebsiteathttps://www.wokingham.gov.uk/roadworks-andoutdoor-maintenance/traffic-management-road-signs-and-markings/traffic-regulation-order-consultations/. Anyrepresentationsorobjectionstotheproposalswiththegroundsonwhichtheyaremademustbemadeinwriting toTrafficManagement,ParkingandRoadSafety,WokinghamBoroughCouncil,ShuteEnd,Wokingham,Berkshire RG401WN,quotingref.TROAMENDMENTNO.5.Objectionsandrepresentationscanalsobesubmittedbyemailto TM.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk.Thedeadlineforthereceiptofobjectionsis23.59pmon9thSeptember2022. Dated:18thAugust2022 ChrisEaston AssistantDirector,HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil P.OBox153,ShuteEnd,RG401WL 011899746000 www.wokingham.gov.uk WOODLEY,EARLY,WINNERSHANDSONNING ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS AdlerMews,Winnersh WaitingRestrictionsalong entireRoad NightingaleRoad, Woodley WaitingRestrictionsnear junctionwithSeaford Gardens EastcourtAvenue,Earley WaitingRestrictionsnear junctionwithCulverLane PenroseAvenue, Woodle WaitingRestrictionsoutside number2 AntrimRoadandFairwater Drive,Woodley WaitingRestrictionsnear propertynumber93Antrim Road PheasantClose, Winnersh WaitingRestrictionsoutside number1 BetchworthAvenue,Earley WaitingRestrictionsa junctionwithWilderness Road SonningLane,Sonning WaitingRestrictions oppositeAccessinto LaundryCottage ChurchRoad,Woodley WaitingRestrictionsnear junctionwithButtsHillRoad JerseyDriveand FresianWay, Winnersh WaitingRestrictionsnear Number5JerseyDrive FINCHAMPSTEADANDBARKHAM ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS BarkhamRide,StJames’Road andCarolinaPlace, Finchampstead WaitingRestrictionsalongall threejunctions LongwaterRoad, Finchampstead WaitingRestrictionsoutside theGreyhoundPub BastonRoad,Barkham WaitingRestrictionsalong entireRoad NineMileRide, Finchampstead WaitingRestrictionsnear junctionwithA327Eversley Road BearwoodRoadandTheLilacs, Barkham WaitingRestrictionsat junctionofBearwoodRoad andTheLilacs PrincessMarinaDrive, Barkham WaitingRestrictionson LakesideBusRoute REMENHAMANDWARGRAVE ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS AstonFerryLane,Remenham RestrictedParkingZonein entireRoad SchoolHill,Wargrave Waitingrestrictions oppositejunctionwith SilverdaleRoad RemenhamLane,Remenham Extensionofparkingbaynear HomeFarmby5pm SHINFIELDANDARBORFIELD ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ChurchLane,Shinfield Waitingrestrictionsnear juctionwithBasingstoke Road MimosaDriveand CutbushLane, Shinfield Waitingrestrictionsnear propertynumber8Mimosa Drive AphelionWay,Shinfield Waitingrestrictionsat junctionswithPerigeeand Rossby EquestrianCourt, Arborfield Waitingrestrictionsalong entireRoad WOKINGHAM RoadNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS ROADNAME/AREA DETAILSOFPROPOSALS AcornDrive,Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsnear accessintoAcademyHouse OldForestRoad, Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsovera lengthfromjunctionwith ToutleyRoad HatchRide,Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsnear junctionswithOaklandsLane VillageClose, Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsat junctionswithEmmbrook Road StanleyRoad,Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsnear Number1StanleyRoad WhitlockAvenue, Wokingham Waitingrestrictionsat junctionswithA329London Road Classifieds PUBLICNOTICES To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 37
Luke Ballard was out forward for his training skills by one of his charges.The45-year-old, who has worked at Reading Buses for 22 years, was thanked by his nominee.
Family fun day at Goodies No attack of the cybermen
A FAMILY fun day is to take place in Woodley pub over the bank holiday weekend. The Good Companions on Loddon Bridge Road is organising events from 1pm through to theInevening.theafternoon, there will be a barbecue, cocktails, and a DJ in the garden. Children can play giant garden games and enjoy the venue’s play equipment. In the evening, the Audiotonic band will be performing from 8.30pm. The event takes place on Saturday, August 27.
Bus driver who got families to uni’s graduations on time is a real star
sectionsofexistingrestrictionsinpartsofthefollowingroads:
THE leader of Wokingham Borough Council is calling for a ban on bonuses to executives at water companies. The comments were made after Thames Water revealed plans to introduce hosepipe bans on residents in Wokingham from Wednesday, August 24. The council heard the water company’s bosses were awarded £2,368,000 in bonuses in 2021.Cllr Clive Jones feels the money should be used to fix leaking pipes rather than lining executives’ pockets. Cllr Jones, who is also the Liberal Democrats prospective parliamentary candidate for Wokingham said: “It is outrageous that whilst thousands of people in Wokingham suffer from hosepipe bans, water company bosses reward themselves with these bonuses despite not even bothering to fix leaks. “The worst part is, ministers are just letting water firms get away with scandal after scandal and residents in our area are sick of Accordingit.” to an Ofwat report, Thames Water lost 635.6 million litres of water a day last year which is below its daily target of 644.3 million litres. A spokesperson for Thames Water said the company is doing “everything it can” to fix theCathrynleaks.
DocumentsgivingmoredetailedparticularsoftheproposalsmaybeinspectedduringofficehoursMondaytoFridayat theWokinghamBoroughCouncilOffices,ShuteEnd,Wokingham,BerkshireRG401WNfrom18thAugust2022.
NOTICEOFPROPOSAL ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WokinghamBoroughCouncil(VariousRoads,WokinghamBorough)(Stopping, Waiting,LoadingandUnloadingProhibitionsandRestrictions,ParkingPlaces andResidentPermitParkingPlaces)(CivilParkingEnforcement)(Consolidation) Order2017(AmendmentNo.5)Order2022 NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENthatWokinghamBoroughCouncil(“theCouncil”),inordertoimproveroadsafetyand facilitatethepassageoftraffic,proposestomaketheabovenamedAmendmentOrderundersections1,2,4andPart
THAMES Water has responded to claims that it has been the victim of a cyber attack. This is when criminals attempt to take over a website or internet server for ulterior motives. In a statement posted on its website, the water company said: “We are sorry if the reports have caused distress. “As providers of an essential service, we take the security of our networks and systems very seriously.“Weare focused on protecting them, so that we can continue to provide you with the services and support you need from us.”
Ross, strategy and regulatory affairs director at Thames Water told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “We totally accept we need to do better on fixing leaks, that’s why we’re fixing more than 1,100 leaks every week.“We are not where we need to be, we have a lot of work to do to fix Thames Water.”
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
Leader calls for ban on Thames Water executive bonuses
“Even when the going gets tough, Luke continues to have a best attitude,” they said in their citation. “It’s amazing how he always helps new employees to learn and develop in the academy.”Andanomination for the Reading Buses Going the Extra Mile award was made to 77-year-old Dave Hughes (pictured left), a bus driver for 25 years. He was nominated by a duty manager for his assistance on a Saturday afternoon at a football match between Reading and WestTheHam.game was very busy, and Whitley-based Mr Hughes, stepped up and volunteered to assist the supervisor loading the buses and helping customers.Caroline Anscombe, the bus firm’s HR director, said: “Sarwah has demonstrated flexibility, helpfulness and a great work ethic, Luke has shown a real commitment to excellence in training new and existing drivers, and Dave showed a helpful can-do attitude. “All three are excellent ambassadors for Reading Buses and it’s wonderful that we can recognise all of them for their consistently high performance.” IVofSchedule9oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct1984,asamended(“theAct”)andunderallotherenablingpowers. ThegeneraleffectoftheAmendmentOrderwillbetointroduceparkingchanges,newwaitingrestrictionsoramend
PUBLICNOTICES Classifieds Getyourbusinessseen! Email: advertising@wokingham.today Forthelatestnewsvisit WOKINGHAM TODAY RECRUITMENT THE ROLES HAVE A SALARY, COMMISSION, BONUSES & PENSION). M E D I A S A L E S P E O P L E For an informal discussion, call David Riley on 07860 462 882 or email at driley@wokingham.today > I wish I could choose what days I work (You can!) > I wish I could choose my hours (You can!) > I wish I could choose if/when to go to the office (You can!) > I wish I could choose the home/office/patch split. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m in control. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m paid properly for my results (You can!) WE ARE GROWING THE TEAM IN READING Maybe you have caring responsibilities and need to fit the job around them or maybe you have simply had enough of the 5 day week If you have some media sales experience and want CHOICE & FLEXIBILITY in your working life, call, WhatsApp or email me for a discreet discussion T h e W o k i n g h a m P a p e r L t d C r o w n H o u s e , 2 3 1 K i n g s R o a d , R e a d i n g R G 1 4 L S | 0 1 1 8 3 2 7 2 6 6 2 w w w w o k i n g h a m t o d a y | w w w r d g t o d a y ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (MANORROAD,WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022 NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong: ManorRoad,Wokinghambetweenitsjunctionswith PineCroftRoadandHolmewoodClose. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplaceon5th September2022. ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowScottish andSouthernPowerDistributioncontractorsto undertakecraneoperation,substationreplacement andassociatedworkinsafety. Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes. TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed. TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe5thSeptember2022andshall continueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18months oruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveris theearlier. Dated:18thAugust2022 TrevorSaunders AssistantDirector–DeliveryandInfrastructure WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL ROADTRAFFICREGULATIONACT1984 WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL (CHURCHROAD,SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARYPROHIBITIONOF DRIVING)ORDER2022 NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBorough CouncilasTrafficAuthorityproposestomakeanOrder underSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulation Act1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehicle fromproceedingalong: ChurchLane,Swallowfieldbetweenitsjunctionswith SwallowfieldRoadandSwallowfieldStreet. Thealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythis restrictionshallbeviaSwallowfieldStreet,B3349 BasingstokeRoad,B3349HydeEndRoad,A327 ArborfieldRoad,A327ReadingRoad,A327Observer WayandSwallowfieldRoadorbythisrouteinreverse. Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplace between5thSeptemberand16thSeptember2022 ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowThames Watercontractorstoundertakemainsconnectionand associatedworkinsafety. Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithinthe boundariesoftheserestrictionswillbemaintainedat alltimes. TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapply duringthoseperiodswhentrafficsignscomplyingwith theTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections 2016arelawfullydisplayed. TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeinto operationonthe5thSeptember2022andshall continueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18months oruntiltheworkshavebeencompleted,whicheveris theearlier. Dated:18thAugust2022
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WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION TheTownandCountryPlanning(DevelopmentManagementProcedure)(England)Order 2015 AND/OR Planning(ListedBuildingsandConservationAreas)Regulations1990 Thefollowingapplication(s)havebeensubmittedandareadvertisedforthereasonsbelow: Theapplicationisavailabletoview onlineatwokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Searchplanningapplicationsand typingintheapplicationnumberabove. Commentsontheapplicationcanbemade onlinefromthiswebpage. Anycommentsmustarriveonorbeforethe 8thSeptember2022 Anycommentsmadearenotconfidentialandcan beseenbyanyoneastheyformpartofthepublicrecord.Thecomments,unlessoffensive,discriminatoryand/orracist, willappearontheCouncil’swebsitewithin24hoursand includethesubmittednameandaddress. Duetothehigh volumeofcommentsreceivedwedonotprovideindividualresponses. Date:18thAugust2022 Application Address Reasonsfor Advert Description 222333 Thamesfield, WargraveRoad, Remenham Conservation Area Fullapplicationfortheproposederectionoffirstfloor, sidebalcony,groundfloorrearterrace,additiontoand alterationstoexistingrooflightswithremovalof1no.roof lanternandotherchangestofenestration. 222371 56-58The WoodclyffeHall,High Street,Wargrave Workstoalisted building ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentfortheproposed re-tilingoftheroof. 222385 52HighStreet, Twyford Conservation Area Applicationtovarycondition2ofplanningconsent 210989fortheproposedloftconversiontocreate habitableaccommodation,includingtheinsertionof2no. rooflightsand2no.dormers.Condition2referstothe approveddetailsandthevariationistoincreasethewidth ofthereardormerwindows. Havingaclearout?Whynotturnyourtreasureintocashwithourfree adverts?Sellyour itemswithoutanyfeewiththeaidofthiscoupon.Items* valuedatupto£250canbesold inthesecolumnsforfree! Simplysendusthe details–maximumof30words–andpostor emailitandwe’lldotherest Categoryforadvert: Writeyouradvertintheboxbelow,onewordperbox.Maximum30words. SendyourformtoFreeads,ReadingToday,231KingsRoad,ReadingRG14LS Sellyourgoodswithafree advertsforitemsunder£250 YourName: PhoneNumber: Sellyouritemsforfree 38 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
FREESTANDING FIREPLACE Heavy marbleand Mahogany,plus smokeeffectelectric fire.Buyercollects. £100.Wokingham. Details:MsPLatham, 011894v25786
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TrevorSaunders AssistantDirector–DeliveryandInfrastructure WokinghamBoroughCouncil CivicOffices ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL OLIVE MARGARET SIMMONDS Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone hav ng a c aim aga nst or an interest n the Estate o the deceased late of 220 London Road Wok ngham Berksh re , RG40 1SW who died on 02/08/2021 must send wr tten par t cu ars to the address be ow by 19/10/2022 after which date the Estate wi l be distr buted hav ng regard only to c aims and interests not f ed Stephanie Rose c/o Cl fton Ingram LLP, 22 24 Broad Street Wokingham RG40 1BA Re : TR/SIM80/1
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CONSERVATORIES&ORANGERIES &EXTENSIONSSOLIDROOFSWINDOWS&DOORS TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years. SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS –ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’. TEL: 0800 30 50 WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK30 Summer SALE ‘TALK TO AN SHOWROOMEXPERT’OPENFORPRIVATEAPPOINTMENTS plus... RECEIVE £1,000 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE OR £500 FOR WINDOWS & DOORS Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022
The band say that they are looking forward to being able to launch the album at Sub89, “It’s always been on our radar, it’s the premier gigging venue in Reading, and because it’s the debut album, we said screw it, let’s do something special. “We’re a little anxious, but we want to put on a proper show, and we’re just gonna have a real party.”
Third Lung are ready for
LEISURETODAY 18.08.22 Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
JAKE CLOTHIER gets a sneak preview
The group will see in the arrival of their first full-length release with a live launch at Sub89 on Thursday, November 10. The band feature Tom Farrelly on lead vocals and guitar, Cams Jurasek on lead guitar and backing vocals, Rob Jacques on bass guitar, and Sam Waugh.Cams says of the album’s beginnings: “The plan was to actually just do another EP, because they do tend to be a little more affordable. “But we had so much material –because it’s not really advisable until people are asking you to do an album, if you can, keep doing EPs, but we had enough to go on.” Bandmate Tom says: “We wanted to do a seven-track EP, but there were two or three other songs that we wouldn’t necessarily have thought of as singles, and we thought that this would be a really good opportunity to get those recorded too. He says that one of the last songs to be added to the album was their latest single release, LO-HI. “That track was a real special one actually, because we had like 10 tracks we were going to take into the recording studio. “Two days before we’re due to record, the producer, Michael, said that he’d been going over the demos and we needed something else – we need Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own, by U2, we need that kind of song. “But we’ve been working with our producer for a long time and we’ve really built up a trust there, so we did it, and that’s how LO-HI ended up on the album.”Tom says the song has a focus on co-operation between the bandmates. “Going through this process of doing the album so collaborative, the four of us creatively have really come to the fore started to express ourselves quite“Becauseopenly.when you’re working, even with friends, it can be quite difficult to get over those first initial hurdles of like selling records, for example. “The song really centres around just needing your friends – trying to find the courage to ask for help basically, is the essence of what that song is about.”
Third Lung’s debut album Gameplay will be released on Thursday, November 10. They will be joined by Elucidate at SUB89 that night for the launch party, with more special guest guests to be announced. n
While he says also that the album is not particularly conceptual, “I do think the songs that we’ve chosen have some similar things going on. “The album’s called Gameplay, which was a bit of a random thing, since Cams and I were chucking out some old things, and we found this old chessboard.“Wewere moving soon and decided to chuck it on the fire, and we thought that it looked pretty cool. “As soon as we thought of the title, we knew we had a heavy influence for the artwork, but then it felt that the themes of the songs had an element of gameplay in them: the games we play with each other, as well as on ourselves, so there was a link running through.”
GameplaysomeREADING-BASEDbandThirdLungaregearinguptolaunchtheirdebutalbumwithalaunchparty.
Tickets are available via: premier. ticketek.co.uk
Reading-based band Third Lung have had a stellar year and they’re already planning to end it on a high with the launch of their first album.
NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt. Sep 10. Reading – Progress Theatre 0118www.progresstheatre.co.uk3842195
Bracknell – South Hill Park 01344www.southhillpark.org.uk484123
NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1. AT THE THEATRE
NEXT SHOW: A Bunch of Amateurs. Thurs Sept 8-Sat Sept 17. Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre 0118www.thewhittytheatre.org9743247
NEXT SHOW: Luckley Lectures: Alex Hibbert. Thurs 8. Woodley – Theatre 07488337838www.woodleytheatre.org
NEXT SHOW: Whitney Queen of the night. Fri 2. Henley – Kenton 01491www.kentontheatre.co.uk525050 Dreams Come True. Sat 20. Rapunzel. Sat 27. Maidenhead – Norden Farm 01628www.nordenfarm.org788997 Bunty and Bubbly. Fri 19. Family Concertini with the Estrallas. Sat 20. The Upbeat Beatles. Sat 20. Voodoo Room: A Night of Hendrix, Clapton and Cream. Thurs 25. Newbury – The Corn Exchange 0845www.cornexchangenew.com5218218
NEXT SHOW: The Magic of Motown. Sat 3. Reading – Concert Hall 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123 Groups come together for Readifolk show MEDDLING Fox is a mix of two folk groups: Moonlight Foxes and Medlar Jam. All Berkshire based folk performers, the four musicians work together, and in various band formats. Both duos are well known in local folk and acoustic circles for their songs and tunes that cover a range of genres. They play a variety of instruments, including guitar, banjo, accordion, recorders, violin, mandolin and percussion. They perform together at Readifolk’s meeting on Sunday, August 28 at 8pm. The event takes place at The Community Hall, Watlington House, in Watlington Street, Reading. Tickets cost £8 and are payable on the door.
Artemis College presents & Juliet: A tribute concert. Sat. Wilde Sundays: Cloudcat, Will Samson, Michael Tuffery. Sun 21. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 28. FILMS: The Railway Children Return. Fri 19-Sun 21. Minions: The Rise of Gru. Mon 22-Thurs 25. The Good Boss. Mon 22-Tues 23. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Wed 24-Thurs 25. Joyride. Fri 26-Sun 28. Andre Rieu in Concert. Sat 27-Sun 28. Hit The Road. Bank Holiday Monday 29-Tues 30. Camberley – Theatre 01276www.camberleytheatre.biz707600 Circus Skills with Patches. Sat 27. Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud 01483www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk440000 The Last Inklings and Lukas Drinkwater. Sat 20. NEXT SHOW: Jenny Ecalir: Sixty (FFS). Sat Sept 3. High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan 01494www.wycombeswan.co.uk512000
CLASSICAL music lovers can enjoy another of Norden Farm’s Summer Recital Series. In this week’s Significantly Beethoven concert, St John’s Ensemble presents a lineup of Shubert, Mozart, and, of course, Beethoven. The programme includes Schubert Rondo in A, D.951 for piano duet, Beethoven Variations on La ci darem la mano for two oboes and cor anglais, and Mozart Violin Sonata in Bb, K.454. Concert goers will also hear Schubert 2 Military Marches, D.733, Beethoven Variations on ‘Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen’, for cello and piano, and Beethoven Quintet for piano and wind instruments, Op.16. The event takes place in Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre, and will also be live streamed for viewing at home. The concert is on Wednesday, August 24 at Tickets7.30pm.cost £18, and £5 for under 18 year olds. n For tickets, live stream tickets, and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977. Sweet sixty for Jenny Eclair JENNY Eclair’s tour warm up, Sixty! (FFS!) says it all. The English comedienne, novelist and actress is best known for her roles in Grumpy Old Women between 2004 and 2007, and in loose women in 2011. Here, in Maidenhead, she ‘confronts a new decade of decrepitude’. Finding things to laugh about, she describes the joys of form filling and endless scrolling, and wonders if she should celebrate or crawl into a hole. Audiences can join Jenny to share the joys of growing old at Norden Farm Arts Centre’s Studio. The event takes place on Wednesday, August 24 at 8pm. Tickets cost £12. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977. n To find out more about Jenny Eclair visit her website: www.jennyeclair.com Enjoy a mix of Cream, Clapton and Hendrix A trio of musicians are gearing up to present a night of rock greats in Maidenhead. With classics from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream, the band promises a night that will pay tribute to these legends of Concertgoersrock. will hear Hey Joe, Sunshine of Your Life, Purple Haze and Layla, in a show with ‘no wigs, no gimmicks - simply great music’.
01753 853888 Dial M For Murder. Until Sat 27. Wokingham – Theatre 0118www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk9785363
| LEISURE
Dreaming? Well, you can’t believe your eyes DREAMS Come True is packed with baffling feats performed by Hugh Shields, also known as Hughdini. In a night of mystery, Hugh is accompanied by Liam Price, winner of The Voice, and Croatian dancer Daria Pejic.The show culminates with the magician explaining how one audience member’s dreams can, and will, come true.To see the show in Henley, head over to the Kenton Theatre. The event takes place on Saturday, August 20 at 7pm. Tickets cost £20, with concessions £15 and a family ticket costing £60. Parking is limited, additional spaces at Station Car Park, Station Road RG9 1AY. n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050 Roll over Beethoven
Members of Voodoo Room have recorded and toured with Stevie Windwook, Massive Attack and many other high profile artists. Fans of hard rock can hear them play in the Courtyard Theatre at Norden Farm Arts Centre. The event takes place on Thursday, August 25 at 8pm. Tickets cost £18.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000
0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde. Oct 10-29. Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8. Sonning – The Mill 0118www.millatsonning.com9698000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Sat 20. Still Life.Tues 23-Sat 27. Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
n To find out more about Voodoo Rooms visit their website: voodoo-room.com Let your hair down with Rapunzel RAPUNZEL is a brand new comic adaptation of the classic fairy tale suitable for four years and upwards. With music, magic and mayhem, theatre company Immersion promises that this will be an adventure the family won’t want to miss. Fast paced and larger than life, with comedy, catchy songs, unforgettable characters, the show involves plenty of audience participation, including the odd water gun or two. To get splashed, show seekers should head over to the Kenton Theatre in Henley.Theevent takes place on Saturday, August 27 at 2pm. Tickets cost £14 for adults, £11 for concessions. n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050 We hope it doesn’t rain... SOUTH Hill Park invites all princesses, of all ages to join a picnic singalong. West End performer and owner of children’s theatre school HOT Academy, Emma Otway, will lead the event. Can the gathered royal juniors (and not so juniors) turn Emma into a real princess? They may do, by learning songs, skills and having princess fun together. Attendees should bring their own blanket and picnic nibbles to the Bracknell event. They are also invited to prepare for the weather, and of course, to dress up princess-style.Thepicnicshow takes place in South Hill Park’s Italian Gardens. Blankets can be spread and baskets opened from noon on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. The event costs £16 for members, £15 for non members, and concessions cost £11.
A LIMITED number of performances of Still Life will see the Mill at Sonning’s bar transformed into Milford Junction RailwayWithStation.theaudience seated at bar tables, the play will begin right amongst them. Still Life is Noel Coward’s poignant and romantic tale of forbidden love. It was the inspiration for David Lean’s classic film Brief Encounter. A cast of five, directed by Tam Williams, will perform, accompanied by live music and atmospheric steam train effects.Theevent takes place on Tuesday, August 23, Wednesday, August 24, Thursday, August 25 and Saturday, August 27. There will be a matinée show and an evening show on all four dates. Matinées start at 3pm, with the bar open for food and drinks from 1pm. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with the bar available for food and drinks from 5.30pm. Tickets cost £30. Food and refreshments are not included in the prices, but catering will be available.
14 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
n For information log on to: whatsonreading.com Don’t forget your toothbrush PET Needs: Borrowed Toothpaste 2 Tour invites audiences to join them, fresh from their US tour with Frank Turner. The pair bring their show to Reading, with support from Ruby Sue. Pet Needs promises that the early evening show will include glitter, and beer. For a night of music, and a clean teeth tingling event for the bank holiday, head over to The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading. The event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. Doors open at 5pm, and tickets cost £12. The show is for adults only. n For tickets and information log on to: wegottickets.com and search for Pet Needs. n To contact the Rising Sun Arts Centre, log on to: www.risingsunartscentre.org or call the box office on: 0118 986 6788
NEXT SHOW: Jeeves and Wooster. Sept 2-10. Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com
NEXT SHOW: Black Is The Colour Of My Voice, a show inspired by Nina Simone. Wed Sept 7. Newbury – The Watermill 01635www.watermill.org.uk46044 Whistle Down The Wind. Fri 22-Sep 10 Reading – South Street 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060 A Show In A Week with First Impressions Theatre. Mon 22-Fri 26. Reading – The Hexagon 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
YOU will never forget it. It’s a special place to be at a Focus concert,” says Menno Gootjes, guitarist for the Dutch prog-rock band ahead of their headline show at Wokingham Festival later this month. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, the band are calling in on the festival as part of their 50th anniversary tour and will close the weekend at Cantley Park on Bank Holiday Monday, AugustThey29.are best known for hits including Hocus Pocus, House of the King and Sylvia, and critically acclaimed albums Moving Waves, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto.Theband has played in the town before with a sold-out Wokingham Music Club show in November 2018. But Thijs feels a lot has changed since their last visit to Berkshire.“Ithink that this whole covid period has been a blessing in a way because for some of us, that are composers in the band, we had a lot of time to compose at home, which is beautiful and very inspiring,” he says Despite touring with the band for most of his life, Thijs says you never know what a Focus show could feature as the band transitions between known songs and“Itimprovisation.givesusenergy and that gives us all enough inspiration,” he says“You could talk about the natural flair indeed because of the relation between fixed pieces and pieces of improvisation or adaptive improvisation. They are very natural, they’re very normal for“Weus. don’t get tired of that at all.” Menno adds: “It’s the first time in my life as a guitar player where I don’t think about it that much. I just respond naturally to the music and the surroundings. “It’s a natural thing for us but you have to be crazy, but I guess for us we are a bit crazy. “But that also means we are crazily in love with what we do. “We really love doing it, but you have to be a bit nuts to be doing it, you know?” Menno joined the group on a full-time basis 11 years ago but had filled in on previous occasions.“I’vehad the best time of my life as a musician,” he says of the last 11 years. “Those first couple of shows the audience didn’t leave so I must have been doing something right.“I’m a very fortunate lucky guy.”Although the Wokingham Festival headline slot is part of their 50th anniversary tour, Thijs says the band has no intention of stopping. “I don’t see any stop of any kind. I see us going as far as we can,” he says. “We have a 76-year-old drummer, Pierre van der Linden, who plays like an angel. “The two guitarists are both 40 years and play also like angels. “It’s just beautiful. It’s just fantastic. Sorry, it sounds weird, but it’s Withtrue.”theshow just over one week away, what can Focus fans expect from the show? “We will make it worthwhile,” says Thijs Menno adds: “They can expect a whole wave of emotions and solace.“You will never forget it. It’s a special place to be at a Focus concert”Tickets for the festival are still available. n For more information, wokinghamfestival.co.ukvisit: DANIEL BLACKHAM
Focus will ‘play angels’like
MORE than 40 acts will headlinersalongsideappearFocus at Wokingham Festival next weekend. Three packed days of entertainment will entertain crowds at the Cantley Park event on August 27, 28 and 29. Joining Focus on Monday’s main stage bill are The Room, Keplar Ten and The Honey Pot along with local bands The Paradox Twin and Third Lung. Headlining on the opening day of the festival, Saturday, August 27, is Pink Floyd tribute band CrazyUp-tempoDiamond.dance, soul, funk and rock cover band Dance Cult 10 top the bill on Sunday, August 28.Other main stage bands include The Sting Operation, Mr Grey’s Jailhouse Jukebox, Bottle Kids, Flutatious and Kindred Spirit.Stan Hetherington, the festival’s founder, said: “The festival continues to evolve and provide great live music for the local community to suit all ages and musical tastes. “Due to the increased reputation of the festival we are really excited to have Focus joining us this year among all the other brilliant artists, from the local area and beyond.’
COUNTDOWN
the Dealer, Leoni Jane Kennedy, Mike Wagner, Rye Wolf, In Albion, Nora Mac, and Rocket Kings. Beyond the music on offer at the three-day festival, organisers have promised a variety of activities for children and families including circus skills, face painting and table-top games. plus a Hands-On Art tent run by MoreArts.Therewill also be a range of food and drinks stands. The Beer Festival Bar, run by the Twyford Beer Festival crew, will stock a wide selection of specialist craft beers, ciders and perries from local and national breweries.TheWokingham Music Club Bar will be stationed in one of the performance tents for those who don’t want to miss any of the entertainment.
To advertise, call 0118
2662Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 15
Eat, drink and be merry: three days of fun at Cantley
Dutch prog rock band Focus will headline Wokingham Festival on Monday, August 29 Picture: Rens Plaschek TO WOKINGHAM FESTIVAL
This year’s hosts have also been confirmed with BBC Radio Berkshire’s Andy Jones on the mic for Saturday, On Sunday Andy Rowe, bass player with The Room, will host proceedings and on Monday Darren Redick of Planet Rock Radio returns to the stage to introduce the Wokinghamartists.Music Club is back this year with a stage showcasing up-and-coming talent from across the Singer-songwriterUK. That Joe Payne returns to headline the stage, following his first appearance in 2019. Some of the other artists confirmed include B J Bevy, Deva St John, Aaron Cilia, Reliant, Split
LEISURE |
Tickets for the festival are still on Under-18ssale. weekend tickets cost £7 in advance, with under-8s receiving free admission. Adult weekend passes are available in advance for £30, which is a saving of £15 on daily gate prices. n For more information, wokinghamfestival.co.ukvisit: DANIEL BLACKHAM 327
FORGET Heartbreak Hotel, an Elvis impersonator is checking in to a Lower Earley pub, hoping that audiences will love him tender.Gary Roman has performed to the stars, including Tom Hanks and Ewan McGregor, as well as delighting audiences in the Thames Valley. He will be at The Seven Red Roses in Maiden Place on Saturday August 20. In the show, he will perform classic Elvis hits. The set list could include Jailhouse Rock, Kiss Me Quick, My Way, or Suspicious Minds. n For more details, call the pub on: 0118 935 4103.
Creative team revealed for new take on Jekyll & Hyde ATALE of a real split personality is coming to Reading this autumn, and the creative team bringing it to life has just been announced. In October, Reading Rep Theatre will be creating a new production of the classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde. It’s about a mad scientist who discovers an elixir that has special powers, but when he takes it it creates an alter ego who is totally without conscience. In a battle of wits, who will be the dominate force in his life? The show will be performed at the Kings Road theatre from October 10-29, and is the first show in its 10th anniversary season.Alltickets will be just £20, as part of the theatre’s bid to help people enjoy a night out during the cost of living crisis. The show has been written by Gary McNair, and will be directed by Michael Fentiman. The duo are promising that the show will turn Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story on its head, revealing the depths of one person’s psyche and the lengths people will go to hide their deepestJoiningsecrets.McNair and Fentiman on the creative team are Max Jones (The Comedy of Errors at the RSC, Noises Off at Lyric Hammersmith & West End) as Production Designer, Emily Irish (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as Lighting Designer, Annie Kershaw (Safe, Best of Enemies) as Assistant Director and Fran Levin (DORIAN at Reading Rep, The Pirate Queen at London Coliseum) as Costume Supervisor. Sarah Harkins (for Annelie Powell Casting) is Casting Director.Casting will be announced at a furtherRunningdate.alongside Jekyll & Hyde will be the ENGAGE project Stranger Than Fiction, a community project that explores the real life inspiration behind the classic story, with participants creating pieces of fiction inspired by real life. As well as the £20 ticket price cap, the theatre will continue to make 10% of tickets free of charge as part of its ENGAGE programme, while there will be a limited number of £5 seats for under 30s during the first week of eachPaulproduction.Stacey,Artistic Director of Reading Rep Theatre said: “It has been an extraordinary 10 years of making theatre in Reading, and this upcoming season celebrates every artist, audience and team member who got us to this point.
READING town centre music store Hickies will be welcoming three acts for an acoustic session next week.Its Live Lounge event on Thursday, August 25, could be the perfect warm-up for festivalgoers.Theline-up is Daisy Freya, Tigy, and Thomas Ashby. It takes place from 8pm, and entry is pay what you feel, with proceeds going to the artists. People can bring their own drinks.Places must be booked in advance. n For more details, log on www.hickies.co.uk/live-loungeto:
Livebuildingmusicdate
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Orchestral manoeuvres in the racecourse
Poet’s StreetSouthnightcoversCafeat
LEISURE Elvis will be in the
Classic www.summertimelive.co.uk/windsorSaturday,WindsorIbizaRacecourseAugust12
DOUBLE TAKE: Jekyll & Hyde is coming to Reading this October Picture: Muse Creative
“Accessibility and connection is at the heart of Reading Rep. We refuse to let the price point of our tickets be a barrier for our audiences, especially when the cost of living across the UK is so excruciatingly high. “All tickets for all shows will be under £20. 10% of all our tickets remain free for those underserved in the arts, and there will be 210 £5 tickets per show for Under 30s. “This season promises to radically engage with our future, whilst memorialising our decadelong past.” n Tickets are on sale at www. readingrep.com.
CHRIS HILLMAN
HAVING been in and around the dance scene in the 90s I’ve been a bit wary of some of the acts going around doing orchestral arrangements live and have tried to avoid them. I know Pete Tong had excellent reviews for his sold out orchestra shows but somehow the idea of them felt to me like a watering down of the excitement and essence of dance music. So when I was invited along to the Classic Ibiza Show, which was one of the Summertime Live events at Windsor Racecourse, I went along with some trepidation and low expectations.
READING Stanza returned for its monthly poetry night on Friday, August 12. As Reading’s longest running poetry night, the cafe at South Street Arts Centre shook things up with a covers night. Poets attending selected and performed works from some of their favourite writers and collections.HostDamon Young invited attendees to share their selections with two rounds of readings.Selections included This Be The Verse, by Philip Larkin, Sylvia Plath’s Morning Song, and some of Maggie Nelson’s ruminations on the colour blue from her collection, Bluets. A younger poet also performed Roald Dahl’s take on Little Red Riding Hood, and Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen. The next Poet’s Cafe will take place at South Street Arts Centre on Friday, September 9, and every second Friday of the month.Itwill be hosted by Vic Pickup, with guest poet Louisa Campbell joining, as well as open mic. Doors open at 8pm, readings begin at 8.30pm.
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. For more information, or to book, please call Reader travel justgoholsJGTravelGroup 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. DELIGHTFUL DEVON Weekend EASTBOURNE & the Sussex Sunshine Coast Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Exeter Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£9pp) Departing Thu 27 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the East Beach Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Bexhill-on-Sea, Great Dixter, Beachy Head & Alfriston Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£12pp) WPR_2022-08-15_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go 4 Days by Coach ly £144.99 5 Days by Coach ly £249 DelightfulDevonWeekend_F.pdfEastbourne&Brighton_F.pdf Single Supplement £45 Single Supplement £60 or visit us online at justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR 16 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
How wrong I was. The show was performed by the Urban Soul Orchestra conducted by Stephen Hussey and it was brilliant.Excellent musicians and vocalists with a great mix of electronic and acoustic instruments driven along with beats supplied from the impressive and enthusiastic internationally renowned DJ, Goldierocks who also performed a wonderful uplifting DJ set during the interval. Songs performed during the show included all the classics that you’d want to hearanthems such as Insomnia, Born Slippy, Titanium, Better Off Alone and so much more before ending with one of the best trance epics ever, Darude’s Sandstorm.Itwasone of the hottest days of the year but for the whole set, we couldn’t stop dancing.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Windsor Comes To Bracknell: Replicants, Euphoria. Details: theacousticcouch.co.ukwww.
LEISURE | ON STAGE: Spriggan Mist with TribalJadooDance PhotographyMerrittAndrewPicture: LIVEMUSIC To advertise in this section,call Claire on 0118 327 2662 RaW TodaySounds
wegottickets.com featuring a live Steel band and
AugustThursday,soundstodaybit.ly/raw18
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615. EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Coda: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Caz and the Traitors. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street. Ministry of Brunch 90s edition. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Bourbon and Blues: live music, funky cocktails and more. 1pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING –ConservativeSalisburyClub, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Goldtrax. Details: 0118 926 5804. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Shaken Not Stirred. Details: 0118 942 9606.
READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Live music at the beach: Northern Star. Details: 0118 965 9000. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents In Malcolm We Trust 11: Jessica Lee Morgan, Burnt Tomrorow, New Puritans. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green
READING – Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm. Friday, August 19
Chris Hillman
READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. DJ Jacky D. Details: 0118 304 3648. READING – Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Je’Zell. Details: 0118 935 4095 READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Live music at the beach: Fuse. Details: 0118 965 9000. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING –ConservativeSalisburyClub, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Ghost Cat. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090. AugustSaturday,20 ARBORFIELD – The Bull, Arborfield Cross RG2 9QD. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 976 2244. BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane RG7 2BE. Beech Hill Band Day: Rosedale, Lost The Plot, The Jeffs, The Turtles, The Encores. From Noon-6pm. Details: bhmh.org.uk BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Don’t Look Now. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Double Shots. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flavour Band. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622. CAVERSHAM – The Fox and Hounds, Gosbrook Road. Hopfest the return: beer, music and food. thefoxcaversham.comwww.
Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 25
RG5 4QP. Karaoke. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090. AugustSaturday,27 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul Bank Holiday Soul UKG and Bashment. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Running Horse, London Road RG12 2UJ. Full Flavour. Details: 01344 425215. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. The Silvertones soul and Motown tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Gee Birthday. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – O’Neill’s, Friar READING – Salisbury TILEHURST – The Royal WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park
AGUIDEUGUST
CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL SATURDAY, 20 AUGUST 2022 AT 15:00 THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40
STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Nick Heyward. Details: 01491 681048. AugustThursday,25
WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Audiotonic. Details: 0118 969 3325. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105. Sunday, August 28 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Meddling Fox. www.readifolk.org.ukDetails: READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Events Field, Milton Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Festival 2022. Dance Cult 10, The Sting Operation, Flutatious, Kindred Spirit Band, Dacoda, Trim, Papa Truck, Hoopy Frood. Silent Disco, The BJ Bevy, Small Town Heroes, Reliant, Mike Wagner, Nora Mac, Katie Ellwood, The Hedge Inspectors, Blue Sky Big Band. Doors 11am10.30pm. Details: wokinghamfestival.co.ukwww. Bank holiday Monday, August EVERSLEY29 – The Tally Ho, Fleet Hill RG27 0RR. Goldsworth Gerry. Details: 0118 973 2134. WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Events Field, Milton Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Festival 2022. Focus, The Room, The Paradox Twin, Kepler Ten, The Honey Pot, Third Lung. That Joe Payne, Aaron Cilia, Leoni Jane Kennedy, In Albion, James Hollingsworth. Doors 11am-8.30pm. co.ukwww.wokinghamfestival.Details: To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Sunday, August 21 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Wilde Sundays: Cloudcat, Will Samson, Michael Tuffery. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123. CAVERSHAM – The Fox and Hounds, Gosbrook Road. Hopfest the return: beer, music and food. thefoxcaversham.comwww.
READING – Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Solo acoustic gig. 6pm. www.theoracle.comDetails: Friday, August 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Atomic Rapture: The Music of Blondie. co.ukwww.theacousticcouch.Details: EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. HURST – The Jolly Farmer, Davis Street. Macmillan Cancer Support charity event. 5pm-late. Includes The Hurst Morris People, The Liverpool Echoes and more. £20, includes Thai buffet. Details: 0118 934 1881.
WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street RG40 1XH. Rhythm Hill. Details: 0118 978 0389. WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Caribbean Festival. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.
GIG bank holiday can only mean one thing: festival time. Not only does Reading enjoy three days of great music, but so does Wokingham. OK, the Wokingham one is a smaller affair, but it’s a packed programme of terrific music from bands and artists great and small. We can’t wait. To whet your appetite, tune into the RaW Sounds Today playlist. It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. . To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up. Spriggan Mist – Lair of Isambard This Bracknell-based band are a local favourite and this year their fame has been spreading as they have wowed crowds at festivals around the country including HRH Prog, Cambridge Rock Festival and Weyfest.Nextweek, they return to Wokingham Festival and, although the band have played here before, it’s the first time for new singer Fay Brotherhood. With dance group Jadoo Tribal Dance joining the band too, it should be quite a party with plenty of ‘spriggery pokery’ – https://www.sprigganmist.com/ Aaron Cilia – The Illusion Aaron has a connection to Spriggan Mist. He’s the son of Baz and Maxine Cilia from the band and is the band’s sound engineer. He’s also released a solo album and a few singles but he’s never played any of his music live … until now.
READING – Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Jam Night. Details: 7748@greeneking. co.uk READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Hirsch Effekt, Sunfall. Details: 0118 956 8188.
GORING – Don Giovannii at The Leatherne Bottel, Bridleway RG8 0HS. Liza Marshall. Details: 01491 598622. READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Cracking Up. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Breaking Bass featuring Nicky Details:Blackmarket.01189568188.
He has put together a band of musicians to perform his own music for the first time ever at Wokingham Festival. You may see a guest or two joining him also so this is likely to be one of those ‘I was there’ moments. Don’t miss that – https://www.facebook.com/ AaronCiliaArtist Curved Air – Back Street Luv Here’s a song that reached number four in the UK Singles Chart. It’s from Curved Air, the legendary band led by the iconic Sonia Kristina. They make a return visit to Wokingham Music Club on September 9. – https:// www.curvedair.com/ Focus – Hocus Pocus Here’s another legendary band who have had UK hits such as this one and they will be headlining the Main Trademark Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday 29 – https:// focustheband.co.uk/ Kepler Ten – A New Kind of Sideways It’s the title track from Kepler Ten’s acclaimed album on our White Star Records label. They have only played songs from the album once before so we are excited that we’ll see them at Wokingham Festival – https://www.keplerten.com/ TRIM – Still Waters (Live) TRIM is a Reading-based band led by singersongwriter Chris Trim who perform original pop rock songs with a blues and folk feel. The band will be making a welcome return to Wokingham Festival –https://www.facebook.com/christrimmusic Split the Dealer – Hard to Take (Live Lounge Acoustic Session) It’s Reading-based Split the Dealer with an acoustic version of his 2022 single performed by Split and guitarist Rory Evans at Northbrook Met Studios in Brighton – www.splitthedealer.com/ Papa Truck – Million Miles Here’s a five-piece band from High Wycombe who perform their own original bluegrass songs. This one is from theirs 2020 album By Your Side. They will be live at Wokingham Festival – https://www. facebook.com/papatruck A Better Life – Take A Deep Breath
Local producer and musician Phil Daniels, who heads up this electronica collective, says that this title track of their excellent 2021 album will be the last single release from that album with new material to come – https://abetterlifemusic.com/ The Telephones – Pale Saints Derby-based psychedelic pop rockers with a song from their new album Prosaic Turbulence. It has just been released on Billywitch Records, the offshoot of Wokingham- based, Mega Dodo Records – https:// www.facebook.com/TheTelephonesUK 3AF 0118 979 £8 lots of enticing Caribbean food to taste Machine. Deva St John, Split The Dealer, RyeWolf, Rocket Kings, The Station, Char, Emily Jane Sheppard, Indigo Child. Doors 11am10.30pm. Details: wokinghamfestival.co.ukwww.
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – The Blagrave, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Sunday Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. www.readifolk.org.ukDetails: READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. Tuesday, August 23 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: theacousticcouch.co.ukwww. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Nick Heyward. Details: 01491 681048. AugustWednesday,24
7402 Tickets
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – HIckies, Friar Street. Hickies Music –Live Showcase Featuring: Daisy Freya, TIGY, Thomas Ashby. Details: hickies.co.uk/live-loungewww.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Festival Vibes at the Couch. Details: theacousticcouch.co.ukwww.
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Clique Duo. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – The Fox and Hounds, Gosbrook Road. Hopfest the return: beer, music and food. thefoxcaversham.comwww.
READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Pride Art Exhibition. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.orgwww.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
AugustWednesday,24
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. Details:1.30pm-3.30pm.linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL –FernleaCommunityAcornCentre,DriveRG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. Details:10.30am-noon.linkvisiting.org
HECKFIELD – Highfield Farm RG27 0LE. wellingtonhorsetrials.co.ukconcessions£19.50,TrialsInternationalWellingtonHorse&CountryFair.under12sfree,£18.Details: MORTIMER – Mortimer West End Village Hall, Church Road RG7 2HZ. Mortimer West End and District Annual Show, from 2.30pm-4pm. mweshowwww.facebook.com/Details: READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Events Field, Milton Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Festival 2022. Crazy Diamond, Mr Grey’s Jailhouse Jukebox, Bottle Kids, Spriggan Mist, The Rachel Redman Band, 4 G Band, Selina and the Howlin Dogs, The Wave Machine. Deva St John, Split The Dealer, RyeWolf, Rocket Kings, The Station, Char, Emily Jane Sheppard, Indigo Child. Doors 11am10.30pm. Details: wokinghamfestival.co.ukwww.
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. One hundred years of shopping in Reading, an Online Talk by Ann Smith. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553. SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org Friday, August 26
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
READING – Tutu’s Ethopian Table, Palmer Park, What’s on event submission form
AugustSaturday,20
26 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Pride Art Exhibition. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.orgwww.
READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk SINDLESHAM – Wokingham Cricket Club, Sadlers End. Charity cricket match: Harry’s XI v Indian Tourist XI in aid of Anthony Nolan Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust. From 4pm. Bar open, food available. www.justgiving.com/team/Details: harrycricket WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Chalk About It: creativity express yourself as part of a collaborative or individual chalk artwork. 11am-3pm. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: pinewoodrailway.co.ukwww.
Send your forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
CAVERSHAM – Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm.
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society – CATS – presents auditions for The Sleeping Beauty. 7.30pm. catscrowthorne.comDetails: EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Children’s activities at the beach. Free. Booking essentiall Details: www. theoracle.com
HECKFIELD – Highfield Farm RG27 0LE. wellingtonhorsetrials.co.ukconcessions£19.50,TrialsInternationalWellingtonHorse&CountryFair.under12sfree,£18.Details: READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Rooftop Cinema Club: The Lost City. 8.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 216 1750. SOUTH STOKE – Across village RG8 0JT. South Stoke open gardens. Free parking in recreation ground, off Cross Keys Road. 1pm-5pm. £5, cash only. Under 12s free. Details: 07734 772271. SWALLOWFIELD –Swallowfield Park RG7 1TH. Swallowfield Show £10, children free. 10am5.30pm. Details: www. swallowfieldshow.co.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Ride For Autism: limited to large bikes due to route, not 125 friendly. 10.30am-2pm. In aid of National Autistic Society. Details: comsupergood-ride-for-autism.www.
SWALLOWFIELD –Swallowfield Park RG7 1TH. Swallowfield Show £10, children free. 10am5.30pm. Details: www. swallowfieldshow.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Events Field, Milton Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Festival 2022. Dance Cult 10, The Sting Operation, Flutatious, Kindred Spirit Band, Dacoda, Trim, Papa Truck, Hoopy Frood. Silent Disco, The BJ Bevy, Small Town Heroes, Reliant, Mike Wagner, Nora Mac, Katie Ellwood, The Hedge Inspectors, Blue Sky Big Band. Doors 11am10.30pm. Details: wokinghamfestival.co.ukwww.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
READING – The Oracle RG1 2AG. Children’s activities at the beach. Free. Booking essentiall Details: www. theoracle.com
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
Monday, August 22 ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Rooftop Cinema Club: House of Gucci. 8.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 216 1750.
SHINFIELD – Robyn’s Nest School Green, School Green Centre, School Green RG2 9EH. Story time with the elderly: a story read by a Shinfield View Care Home Resident. 11am. Stories suitable for preschool aged children. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WHAT’SON|LEISURE
bracknellforestfestival.com EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org HURST – The Jolly Farmer, Davis Street. Macmillan Cancer Support charity event. 5pm-late. Includes The Hurst Morris People, The Liverpool Echoes and more. £20, includes Thai buffet. Details: 0118 934 1881.
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: www.
HECKFIELD – Highfield Farm RG27 0LE. wellingtonhorsetrials.co.ukconcessions£19.50,TrialsInternationalWellingtonHorse&CountryFair.under12sfree,£18.Details:
WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Events Field, Milton Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Festival: Focus, The Room, The Paradox Twin, Kepler Ten, The Honey Pot, Third Lung. That Joe Payne, Aaron Cilia, Leoni Jane Kennedy, In Albion, James Hollingsworth. Doors 11am-8.30pm. co.ukwww.wokinghamfestival.Details: Wokingham Road. Poetry in the Park. 11am. TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road. Twyford Village fete. Noon-4pm.
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
PostcodeAddressName What’s on event submission form
Sunday, August 21 CAVERSHAM – Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm. READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Forbury Bandstand concert season: Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band. 3pm-4.30pm. Free. Whatsonreading.comDetails.
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available. 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org Friday, August 19
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
THEALE – Library, Church Street RG7 5BZ. Play bridge. Suitable for beginners and experienced players. 10.45am-12.45pm. No booking required. Free. Details: 0118 930 3207, gov.ukthealelibrary@westberks.or: WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Family History Advice Clinic for family and social historians. 11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.
WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Caribbean Festival. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.
READING – Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk THEALE – Library, Church Street RG7 5BZ. Play bridge. 10.45am-12.45pm. No booking required. Free. Details: 0118 930 3207, gov.ukthealelibrary@westberks.or: WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall. Beech Hill Band Day: Rosedale, Lost The Plot, Carbon Copy, The Turtles, The Encores. Hog roast, bar, tea and cakes, games and more. Noon-6pm. Details: bhmh.org.uk HURST – Village Halls, School Road. Hurst Horticultural Show. 1pm-5pm. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: market.co.ukthamesvalleyfarmerswww.
Tuesday, August 23 EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL –FernleaCommunityAcornCentre,DriveRG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. Details:10.30am-noon.linkvisiting.org AugustSaturday,27
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
Bank Monday,HolidayAugust 29
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Food and drink available. 5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, StreetMethodistWokinghamChurch,RoseRG401XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
AugustThursday,18
Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion. Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen: Time of Contactevent:number for readers: EmailPostcodeAddressName
WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Family fun day. Details: 0118 969 3325. WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org Sunday, August 28
AugustThursday,25
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 PZ1P5427 327 2662 327 2662
1. The Nubian Desert is in which African country?
5. Actor Jon Hamm rose to fame for his role as Don Draper in which US TV series set in New York in the Sixties?
Quiz Challenge
ACROSS 1. Pincers (8) 5. Sort (4) 7. Foxglove (9) 9. Biting insect (4) 10. Agitate (4) 11. Conical tent (5) 14. Saying (5) 15. Denims (5) 16. Quench (5) 17. Aviator (5) 18. Cotton fabric (5) 19. Raising agent (5) 22. Weapons (4) 24. Grasp (4) 26. Robot (9) 27. Snare (4) 28. Christmas (8) DOWN 1. Small branch (4) 2. Give out (4) 3. Select group (5) 4. Dishonour (5) 5. somethingdenotingPronoun (4) 6. Type of coffee (8) 7. Tibetan ruler (5,4) 8. applianceHousehold(5,4) 11. Irritable (5) 12. Public square (5) 13. Expel (5) 14. Set of letters (8) 20. Dark wood (5) 21. Booth (5) 23. Oil reservoir (4) 24. Vast multitude (4) 25. Completed (4)
5427 To advertise, call 0118
3. The River Rhone is joined by the Saone at which French city? 4. What shape is a precious stone cut in the baguette style?
8. What is the name of the international yacht race held every four years between St-Malo and Guadeloupe?
Your weekly puzzle challenge CODE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
9. What is the name of the main artery in the leg?
10. The Appian Way was the most famous ancient road from which city?
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118
EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKU CROSSCODE FIVE NONAGRAM:ALIVE: SOLUTIONS
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). 1. Go separate ways and split the business (4,7) 9. So the boy can be found in India (5) 10. Girl in the wharf has a basket (7) 11. Drill that may be used by the roadside (4) 12. Endless tune from one performing on a small organ (8) 14. Close, close – close! (6) 15. Student and I must move the paper (6) 18. Free date arranged to join in league (8) 20. A small wading bird is not heard (4) 22. Open structure for cattle I removed (7) 23. Urge to travel (5) 24. Intimidating – that’s ominous (11) 1 7 9 11 14 18 22 32 1 24 2 19 3 13 10 12 16 22 4 10 17 15 5 26 21 23 20 6 16 7 8 2. Country, alas, expunged from continent (7) 3. When inside stretch out item (4) 4. Bird circles its quarry (6) 5. Anteater collapsed on paling (8) 6. It is artless for one to enter part of the church (5) 7. Ordinary people becoming private soldiers (4,3,4) 8. One with a following in the world of fashion (11) 13. Unsuccessful conjuring with a bit over (8) 16. Simon runs round an extremely large house (7) 17. Good man places tall plant in the road (6) 19. Abandon the trench (5) 21. Dane came from port in Yemen (4) ACROSS DOWN 1 9 11 14 17 22 27 11 7 26 2 23 11 16 19 3 20 28 12 26 4 21 5 8 13 15 18 5 10 20 24 8 6 28 25 QUICK CROSSWORD 8 3 7 1 53 9 5 7 46 8 5 9 2 4 3 9 1 5 7 6 2 8 32 48 3 96 73 6 7 9 2 6 5 7 3 1 85 7 92 8 9 4 6 3 1 13 8 2 6 4 1315214152531 152519 23 13 23 24 16 12 10 1815239122321 251724119 20 4 21 17 20 12 1921919 19234 14152025 13 15111619 20 15 241251541 523129191 6 19 12371912 19 1691311 11191 161191 19 24 9 13 8 17 2019221912 132416181914 25 19 15 24 21 19 23 192018 201926122321912 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. How many words of four letters or more can you make from Nonagram?thisEach 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: NONAGRAM 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. 8 1 6 2 1 2 1 6 4 1 1 2 EQUALISER Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.Easy Hard 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 through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber. I H G N O H E H T W V A E Y A 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. MENDED SOLEMN DOVE WORD PYRAMID MAGIC SQUARE Here are crossword.tolettersworkYoubeenlettersgridusingcrosswordssquareminiaturetwofive-thesame–butthehavemixedup.havetooutwhichbelongwhichBW RI IL NG GE HO NI RM OE XL LA IT EP ES TN TB TL IA ES GT YE FIVE ALIVE No. 5427 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ S 12345678910111213 14151617181920212223 O 24 C 2526 M O P A N A R U T 24 Good; 28 Very Good; 33 Excellent. S 1 P 2 K 3 T 4 B 5 Q 6 F 7 J 8 G 9 X 10 Y 11 R 12 L 13 Z 14 I 15 U 16 H 17 D 18 E 19 N 20 M 21 V 22 A 23 O 24 C 25 W 26 QUIZCHALLENGE:1Sudan;22001:ASpaceOdyssey;3Lyon;4Rectangular;5MadMen;6JustinBieber;7Australia;8LaRoutede Rhum;9Femoralartery;10Rome. amount;anoa;antrumapron;atman; aunt;mana;manat;manor;manta; mantra;mantrap;mantua;matron; moan;morn;mount;mourn;muon; napa;norm;outran;pant;panto; PARAMOUNT;patron;pont;porn; prana;puna;punt;rampant;rant;roan; roman;runt;tampon;tarn;tarpan; tarpon;topman;torn;tuna;turn; unapt;unto;upon. EQUALISER: Clockwisefromtop left–Total:add;divide;multiply;subtract.3. 962134857 825647139 573416298 317562849 498753621 689325714 136245798 257891346 741982563 235479168 159647382 861794253 796841352 523981476 342518697 875164293 498236715 617325849 WORDPYRAMID: Highwaytoheaven. MAGICSQUARE: dome;oven;meld; ends. CRYPTICCROSSWORD: QUICKCROSSWORD: Across–1Tweezers;5Type;7Digitalis;9Gnat;10Stir;11 Tepee;14Adage;15Jeans;16Slake;17Pilot;18Chino;19 Yeast;22Arms;24Hold;26Automaton;27Trap;28Yuletide. Down–1Twig;2Emit;3Elite;4Shame;5This;6Espresso;7 DalaiLama;8Steamiron;11Testy;12Plaza;13Eject;14 Alphabet;20Ebony;21Stall;23Sump;24Host;25Done. Across–1Partcompany;9Assam;10Pannier;11Kerb;12 Melodeon;14Nearby;15Litmus;18Federate;20Knot;22 Lattice;23Drive;24Threatening. Down–2Austria;3Time;4Osprey;5Pangolin;6Naive;7Rank andfile;8Trendsetter;13Abortive;16Mansion;17Street;19 Ditch;21Aden. (2)(1)Across–Bilge;Oxlip;Tasty. Down–Boost;Lilts;Empty. Across–Wring;Elate;Liege. Down–Wheel;Inane;Grebe.
7. The Socceroos is the nickname for the football team of which country?
2. Which film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, was based on the Arthur C. Clarke novel The Sentinel?
CROSS
Thursday, August 18, 2022 WOKINGHAM.TODAY 27
6. Which singer cancelled a series of shows in 2022 after a virus caused full paralysis on one side of his face?
SUDOKU
Healthy habits for summer
28 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 18, 2022
IN CASE you hadn’t noticed, there’s a bit of a drought going on and, as a result, the garden is not looking very rosy. Plants are struggling to find ways to survive in the current exceptional temperatures.Tohelp,the boss of a Wokinghambased garden centre has offered some tips with a hosepipe ban in mind. Sarah Squire, chairman Squire’s Garden Centres in Heathlands Road, said: “You can’t help but notice wilting plants and dry, brown grassy areas but there are some simple steps that can be taken to look after our gardens and plants, helping them through the heatwave and giving them the optimum chance to survive.”
Planning ahead … Sarah says: “With time to reflect on the heat and how we manage the weather’s effects on our plants going forward, a water butt is a great investment enabling rainwater from gutters (when it eventually arrives) to be used to hydrate the garden.They come in various sizes to suit needs and with many people now on water meters, there is a great moneysaving opportunity too, with added environmental benefits.”
healthy-tips n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our uk-recipes-2/org.uk/heart-research-https://heartresearch.website: n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// cookbookheart-research-uk-heartresearch.org.uk/
| LIFE
n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at heartresearch.org.uk/www.
WokinghamWatch Adrian
This remedial action can also help if there are any roots visible on the surface as these can burn in the sunlight unless covered. Move container plants to shaded areas Container plants will naturally dry out faster than plants in the ground, so it is a good idea to move pots to shadier parts of the garden to provide extra protection or put a sunshade over precious plants shielding from the scorching sun. Can I still plant in a heatwave? It is possible to plant in the heat however, additional care and attention will be Waterneeded.theplant well before planting. Soaking the base of the plant in a bucket of water is a good way to do this as well as watering the soil where you are going to plant prior to planting, will also help. Water well immediately after planting. If planting in a pot, position newly planted shrubs and blooms in the shadiest part pf the garden until the hottest weather has passed – and again, water daily.
As dry spells look set to continue for years to come, perhaps now is a good opportunity to think about the autumn planting of trees and larger plants which provide shade. In addition, once they are established, larger trees and plants have deeper roots, allowing them to access water further down in the soil that is inaccessible to smaller plants. Perhaps a timely opportunity to think big when autumn comes and find space to plant some natural shade givers.” Be aware … “As the heatwave continues in many areas and demand for water increases, we should be mindful that hosepipe bans may come in to affect and we would encourage people to water their plants without the use of hosepipes and in accordance with any local restrictions put in place by water companies.”
Watering – and at the right time I always suggest watering in the cooler parts of the day, early morning, or evening to prevent evaporation. There is also a thinking that early morning is the better time because it is when plants start to draw water again, versus evening time, when damp leaves can encourage fungal disease and potentially attract slugs and snails. I would also recommend watering the base of plants rather than the leaves. This helps with less wastage as water gets more easily to the roots. Other watering tips include thinking of re-using washing up or bath water on ornamentals (but not vegetables) and use a watering can instead of a hose. Apply mulch The use of a mulch of bark or light decorative stones, for example, as a topping to the soil will help stop plants drying out and retain moisture for longer.
THE families.timebeholidayssummercanastressfulformany
Write a diary/plan Writing a diary or a day planner the night before each day can really help lessen those
Caring for your garden during the drought
While they are a lovely opportunity to enjoy the summer together as a family, parents and carers can find it hard to juggle having the children at home with work, household and general lifeNaturally,commitments.during busy periods one of the first things to be pushed aside is healthy eating and taking time for ourselves to recoup and recharge. We’ve put together some tips to help you get through the summer holidays and keep providing nourishing meals for the familywithout going crazy. Consider an early start If you have older children who sleep well, you could try getting up an hour before they rise. This gives you an hour of calm before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, you can use this time to get on top of the household chores, get ahead of the day’s work commitments, do some meditation to set you up for the day or just have your breakfast in peace. Of course, this means going to bed an hour earlier to make sure you are getting enough sleep Healthy heart (seven to nine hours per night is ideal). Meal plan If you don’t already meal plan, now is the time to comprehensiveHavingstart.a meal plan over the summer holidays will really take the stress out of eating well.We listeasier,andyouthere’sthroughoutyoutheplanstill,allpinnedandmeal,planningrecommendforeverysingleincludingsnacks,havetheplanonthefridgefortosee.Tomakeiteasierusethesamemealforeveryweekofholidays,aslongashavevariedmealstheweek,noreasonwhycan’teatthesameitmakesshoppingasit’sthesameeachweek.
Betteridge
Things to avoid There are also some simple things to avoid doing during the heat to limit stress on plants and grass. Don’t cut the grass as this can cause stress to lawns and soil beneath. Sarah said: “Taller grass can create a shadow, helping retain moisture by not over-exposing the soil beneath, so try to ensure grassy areas have height to them and this will also help avoid brown patches that are a result of effects of the sun.” Don’t keep greenhouses shut. These great growing spaces only become hotter in the heat, again another source of stress to plants. Do keep open windows and doors to allow airflow. For plants, fruit or veg really struggling, consider moving it to shadier spaces if possible.
Lawn Care While there are lots of ‘don’ts’ to looking after lawns during hot spells –don’t feed, don’t cut it (and add some shade where possible) – it is vital any rain reaches beneath the surface. As the ground becomes hard with prolonged dry periods, welcome rain often runs off the surface and doesn’t easily soak in. To help water get to the roots, do spike or aerate the lawn before rain is expected. This will ensure moisture goes deeper beneath the surface and encourages the roots to grow away from the hot/dry surface and down into the cooler, damp soil.”
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feelings of overwhelm we can experience when life is busy. It can also help calm and quieten your mind before going to sleep. You could group things into ‘urgent’ – those things that are priority and can’t wait and ‘can wait’ – those things you want to get done at some point, but if they don’t happen tomorrow that’sAboveok. all, remember to not take on too much, and try to let the small things go as children can be demanding and take up lots of our energy.There is plenty of information available online about free and local things to do during the holidays, so be sure to have a look and get out and about in nature every day where possible.
Sarah Squires, chairman of Squires Garden Centres Walking and Cycling - Let’s Begin with ‘Why’ IF you’ve picked up this paper early you may just be in time to give your view on andmakingproposalsCouncil’sBoroughWokinghamforwalkingcyclingsafer and easier. A network of routes between the most likely start and finish points for local journeys is proposed, and our views sought on routes and how we might make themYousafe.can see (anonymously) what others are saying, and there’s a wide range of views.With this in mind, we thought we’d go back to ‘why’ this is important. In Wokingham, we have many blessings and often rank highly in ‘quality of life’ tables. We still face many of society’s biggest challenges, just a bit less than some. Air pollution affects everyone’s health, especially the Wokinghamyoung.hastwo locations where the council has to come up with a plan to reduce pollution from car traffic. Healthcare is under pressure, in part due to chronic long-term illnesses. GPs often recommend exercise as a part of the daily routine as an effective treatment, but people don’t think it’s safe to cycle on the road and can’t walk where they need to go. Anyone who drives knows about local congestion.Newroads have given us more ways to reach the queue at the inevitable pinch points.Giving people alternatives to driving for local trips that are attractive to use will make space for those who need to drive. And then there is climate change, which doesn’t discriminate on the basis of your quality of life ranking, even if some may be better placed to cope with the consequences.Climatechange is caused by carbon dioxide, and our easiest way to reduce it is by driving less. Electric vehicles will help, but not in the short term. It’s clear why the Westminster government and all of our local political parties support these changes. So, when you look at the consultation and the online discussion around it, remember that it’s not about getting existing cyclists from A to BIt’squicker.nota‘war on cars’. It’s not woke or political. It’s about our quality of life. It’s about our children, our health reliable journey times and protecting the planet. The consultation at closeswokinghamboroughlcwip.commonplace.ishttps://onFriday,August19.
n Full football round-up: pages 20 &21 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today ROUND-UP 4 WICKET WIN CRICKET SHINFIELD EARN WOKINGHAM 18.08.22 FINCH CLAIM HUGEWINHOME
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SIX APPEAL MAULED BY MILLERS
FINCHAMPSTEAD moved up to eighth position after they stormed to a 132-run victory over Chesham in the Home Counties Women’s Cricket League. Finch struck a huge first innings total of 281 from 35 overs after two exceptional batting displays.Afteropening batter Millie Allerton scored 35, DJ Waqar scored an incredible century and was joined at the crease by Ashleigh Muttitt who also amassed a century as the pair formed an incredible partnership.Theydropped just two wickets on their way to recording 281Needingruns. to chase down a massive total to try and recover the game, Chesham lost an early wicket when Phebe Salter bowled out Hannah Francis on Salterone. then removed Karen Mintern for a duck, and despite an impressive 43 from Thilaxshi Suresh, Chesham ended their 35 overs on 149-7 which secured a convincing success for the hosts.After eight matches, Finch are in eighth position on 126 points. BINFIELD lost out on their away trip to Knebworth Park. Tatiana Sumares collected three wickets, while Kali-Ann Docherty took two wickets for Binfield as Knebworth finished on 134-8 in the firstBinfieldinnings.went close in the second innings to chasing down the target after opening batter Poppy Tulloch performed strongly to score a half century.Despite 18 runs from Jemima Tulloch, who remained not out, Binfield lost their final wicket after 18.5 overs which left them 17 runs short of the Aftertotal.the loss, Binfield are second in the table, level in points with league leaders Charlbury after nine matches.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA smashed six past Hillingdon Borough with a late flurry to take three points. Eversley had A 2-1 lead going into half-time after strikes from Jamal Liddar and Brad Brown. The visitors levelled the game with less than 20 minutes to play but in an astonishing final 15 minutes of the match, Eversley put the game to bed and ensured the points would be theirs. Brown restored the Boars’ lead before goals from Ross Mckernan, Joe Pantony and Ben Anderson wrapped up an assertive 6-2 triumph.Eversley are back in action on Saturday when they make an away trip to CB Hounslow United in the Combined Counties Division One. The result leaves the Boars with two wins and one defeat from their opening three league fixtures.
Woodley United 4 CB Hounslow 0 WOODLEY UNITED made it two consecutuve home wins with an impressive clean sheet victory over CB Hounslow United. Up against Hounslow, who had been relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season, Woodley recorded their biggest Combined Counites League win. The visitors kicked off and soon found themselves on the defensive with Woodley pressing high in Hounslow’s half of the However,pitch.ittook until the 21st minute for the opening score when a long clearance by Mark Williams was headed by CB’s Reiss Corr towards his keeper Alfie McMaster only for Sid Gbla to intercept the ball and steer it past the advancing keeper. A rare Hounslow attack in the 35th minute resulted in home keeper Sam Dabinett clearing the ball with his feet while a minute later Gbla had doubled the hosts’ lead. Jahson Downes pounced on a defensive error and passed to Ciaran Carolan who in turn found whose shot from the edge of the penalty area went over McMaster and under the crossbar into the net.
Binfield co-manager Carl Withers said: First games of the season are never pretty, but coming away with three points is all you ask and we did exactly that. The Moles followed up their weekend win by taking a point at home to Chertsey Town in a 1-1 stalemate. Combined Counties Premier North ASCOT UNITED came back from a goal down to earn an emphatic away win at Windsor. Windsor edged in front in the 12th minute but it took just five minutes for the Yellamen to respond through Brendan Matthew. Five minutes later, Matthew had his second of the game to put Ascot in front and a deflected strike from Lalustani gave them a 3-1 lead. Ascot ended an incredible half with a fourth goal deep into firsthalf stoppage time when Welch’s 30-yard effort beat the keeper.
The visitors started the second half positively forcing Dabinett into a save and from the keeper’s long drop kick Gbla was one on one with McMaster due was penalised for having a high foot when challenging for the ball in the 48th minute.Twominutes later, McMaster saved well from Mo Davies while a Rafa Brandao’s corner was deflected for a corner.Fromthe resulting Brandao corner to the near post Zach Tull steered the ball into the net to further extend the lead in the fifty second minute. This goal effectively ended the match with Hounslow struggling in the heat and showing little sign of troubling Dabinett.Witheight minutes of normal time remaining Woodley substitute Sean Griffith was fouled in the penalty area.Griffith took the resulting spot kick, scoring under McMaster as the keeper dived to his left. Woodley face Sandhurst Town on Tuesday night, who have started the season with three wins from three. Woodley United: Dabinett, DeSousa, Massaquoi, DeSousa, Downes (Watkiss), Williams, Tull, Gbla (Griffith), Brandao, , Carolan (Barlow), Suckling (Rushforth), Davies (Chowdhary) Goals: Sid Gbla x2, Zach Tull, Sean Griffith (pen)
Eversley & California 6 Hillingdon Borough 2
Eversley & California: Kerrison, Baker, Moriarty, Catt, Blair, Velinor, Crocker, Emanuel, Mckernan, Pantony, Brown Subs: Farrugia, Anderson, Frewin, Mulipola, Carrington
The visitors could have extended their five minutes into the secondhalf from the penalty spot, but
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK opened their league season with an away loss to Edgware & Kingsbury. The Sumas surrendered a goal after Edgware punished them on the counter attack The home team then doubled their lead in the 68th minute and then held on to take the points. The Sumas were then defeated on the road on Tuesday evening at Virginia Water. After an evenly fought contest, Virginia took the points with two second-half goals.
Mealing had his effort saved. However, Ascot didn’t let that deter them as Matthew sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time when he got on the end of Ollie Harris’ cross to wrap up an impressive 5-1 win. Ascot ensured they started their home campaign with three points on Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory over North Greenford with goals from Harry Laflin and Keaton August.
FOOTBALL
Virginia Water v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt Eversley & California v Hillingdon Borough Pictures: Richard Milam OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY DOUBLE DEFEAT LATE FLURRY SEES BOARS HIT SIX, WHILE KESTRELS MAINTAIN WINNING HOME FORM
Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “A tough three points gained and certainly gave supporters an entertaining game to watch. “Two training sessions now to work on bits before a trip to CB Hounslow United.”
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA earned their second win of the campaign by hitting six past Hillingdon Borough. The Boars flew out of the traps and took the lead through Jamal Liddar before Brad Brown doubled their advantage in the 18th minute. Hillingdon grabbed a goal back from the penalty spot to get back into the contest.Hillingdon found themselves level with less than 20 minutes left to play, but an electric finish to the game saw Eversley storm to a convincing win. Brown restored Eversley’s lead and the Boars finished in fine style with goals from Ross Mckernan, Joe Pantony and a sixth from Ben Anderson to seal a satisfying 6-2 win.
Isthmian South Central A determined display saw BINFIELD make a winning start to their league campaign on the road. Up against Ashford Town, who finished in 18th last season, the Moles took all three points on the opening weekend thanks to Joe Gater’s goal 10 minutes from time.
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By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Division One SANDHURST TOWN picked up another stunning win on the road againstAnotherCove.exceptional display saw Sandhurst strike seven as Mead, Sani, Milo, Vigrass and Jardim were all on the scoresheet in a 7-2 success. BERKS COUNTY were dealt their first defeat of the season at home to British Airways as they lost out 2-0. Sandhurst got the better of WOODLEY UNITED as the hosts
FOOTBALL
THAMES VALLEY PREMIER LEAGUE NEW SEASON KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND – WILL FINCHES TAKE TITLE AGAIN?
Finch claimed top spot by winning 20 of their 26 league games, drawing two and losing just four which gave them 64 points.Meanwhile, Burghfield followed closely behind with 19 wins, three draws and just four defeats as they amassed 60 points. However, it was a clash between the top two late in the season that settled the title dispute as Finch came out 4-1 winners at home.
Ascot find the back of the net The Sumas lost out away to Virginia Ascot United host Fulham
WARGRAVE begin their fixture list at home to Marlow United.Wargrave finished just two points behind YMCA last season as they picked up eight wins, seven draws and 11 defeats which left them in 11th.
On my only appointment as fourth official, the Football League referee ran over after the toss-up and handed me his ‘coin’, a large metal medallion. No wonder he didn’t want to run around with it in his pocket. I remember watching Turkey play Azerbaijan, with the television zooming in on the toss-up. The Danish referee spoke to the captains, in English of course, pointing to one side of his ‘coin’, a rather large disc. ‘Red’ he explained before turning it over, ‘and blue’.Perhaps that’s what I should have had for the Greek Cypriots game.
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DEFEAT FOR SUMAS continued their perfect start to the leagueMiloseason.putSandhurst in front before their goalkeeper Fantocchio came up with a vital save to keep out a penalty from Woodley to maintain their lead. The hosts showed their clinical instinct as goals from Mead and Jardim consolidated the points. Sandhurst are top of the table with four wins from four. Friendlies A hat-trick from Sumaya Zayadi helped CAVERSHAM UNITED WOMEN to a 4-0 win over Fleet Town LFC. ASCOT UNITED LADIES welcomed Fulham FC women to theThereRacecourse.weresix goals in an entertaining first-half and Fulham continued the scoring to come away as 6-2 victors.
Virginia Water v Sumas Virginia Water v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt
THE new 2022/23 Thames Valley Premier League season kicks off this weekend. FINCHAMPSTEAD will be looking to take the crown for a third consecutive season. Finch have taken the title for the two previous campaigns. They were taken to the wire BURGHFIELD last season in what was a thrilling title race. By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
From middlethe Dick Sawdon-Smith
Finch begin their season with a trip to Westwood Wanderers on Saturday, who finished in fourth lastBurghfieldseason. host Windlesham United, who finished in sixth. READING YMCA were placed in 10th last campaign. They earned nine wins, four draws and 13 losses which gave them 31 points. They open their new season with an away trip to Slough Heating Laurencians.
READING CITY U23’s start by playing host to Maidenhead Town.The Cityzens finished in 12th place last season with seven wins, three draws and 16 losses.
The toss of a coin THE International Football Association Board, guardian of the Laws of the Game, announced a few months ago this seasons changes to the Laws. Some, in recent years have proved controversial but if you look at this year’s changes, it is doubtful that anyone will be upset. Except perhaps me. I say this because a number of the changes affect only substitutions in the very top games. One however, seeks to change my actions of a lifetime of refereeing. This particular changed law now reads, ‘The referee tosses a coin and the team that wins the toss, decides which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick off’. Previously, the law said, ‘The team that wins the toss decides which goal to attack in the first half or to take the kick off’. No mention about teamtoVI(agivemyalwayscoin.tosseswhotheIthasbeenhabittothecoinKingGeorgepenny)thehomecaptainto toss and then ask the away team captain to call heads or tails. My idea is to make the captains feel part of this little ceremony, rather than just bystanders. Of course, it doesn’t always work. When refereeing a Greek Cypriot team some time ago, their captain asked me what I meant by ‘heads or tails’. When they come for the toss-up, it is a time to make a connection with the captains. I tell new referees that this is where they start to use body language. The Laws of the Game tell you what body language isn’t but not what it is, so here is an early example.Aseach captain approaches, pull your shoulders back, step forward looking them in the eye, with an out stretched hand, a greeting, and a smile on your face. You want the captains on your side and this hopefully will impress them that you are friendly but firm, that you are in charge. Will the IFAB now also expect the ‘coin’ to be as described in the dictionary, ‘one used as a currency?’
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| SPORT
ROTHERHAM: Johansson, Harding, Barlaser, Wood (c), Wiles, Ogbene, Washington, Lindsay, Ferguson, Hall, Humphreys SUBS: Vickers, Bramall, Peltier, McCart, Rathbone, High, Kelly READING: Lumley, GuinnessWalker, Yiadom (c), McIntyre, Holmes, Hoilett, Fornah, Loum, Hendrick, Ince, Long SUBS: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Clarke, Holzman, Camara, Craig, Ehibhatiomhan GOALS Wood 7’, Washington 15’, Lindsay 18’, Ogbene 45+2’
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
CHAMPIONSHIP ROYALS THUMPED AFTER FIRSTHALF COLLAPSE AT ROTHERHAM How they rated Match stats JOE
Royals goalkeeper Joe Lumley saw the ball slip through his legs
SubsJEFFTOMTOMJUNIORANDYSHANETYRESETOMMAMADOUNESTALUMLEYGUINESS-WALKERLOUMMCINTYREFORNAHLONGYIADOMHOILETTINCEHOLMESHENDRICK
An absolute disastrous performance and one he’ll want to forget after he was made to pay for three costly errors. Had a half hearted appeal for a penalty when he got forward nicely but was exposed defensively throughout the opening 45. Made his Championship debut but it was one to forget. Grew into the game but looked a bit off the pace in the first-half. Switched off at crucial times and was punished for it. Outjumped by Wood for the opening goal and couldn’t cope with the onslaught. Couldn’t provide enough defensive cover to the backline Worked hard in the second-half but the damage was already done. Starved of service, but like Ince, he ran tirelessly to try and create some openings for his team but didn’t have a sight of goal. Again deployed at centre-back. Didn’t look comfortable and couldn’t help organise the youthful back line despite being the most experienced. Used at wing-back which isn’t his natural position and wasn’t up to standard defensively, did have some brighter moments going forward. Reading’s brightest threat throughout the game and never stopped running. Becoming the most important player in the team. Couldn’t match the intensity set by Rotherham in the first-half and was caught out by a couple of long balls that led to goals. Was used further forward. Didn’t make much an impact in forward areas and didn’t track back enough to help his KelvinMamadidefenders.Camara,Ehibhatiomhan
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ROTHERHAM 4 READING 0 READING FC were dealt a humiliating defeat in what was a disastrous first-half against Rotherham United. The Royals found themselves three goals down within 18 minutes in a dire display as goalkeeper Joe Lumley spilled a tame shot which encapsulated Reading’s start to the match.Chiedozie Ogbene added a fourth on the stroke of half-time to effectively end the contest and left Reading playing for pride only in the Thesecond-half.second-half ended goalless but the damage had already been done.Paul Ince was forced into one change from Reading’s win over Cardiff City last weekend as Ovie Ejaria was injured. He was replaced by new signing Mamadou Loum who was selected to make his Championship debut after he impressed during the week in Reading’s Carabao Cup tie against Stevenage.ShaneLong was again given the nod to start up front, while fellow goalscorer from last week, Tom Ince, started just in behind the striker.The hosts came into the game having played just one league match, where they drew 1-1 with Swansea City, after their match away at Coventry City last weekend wasThepostponed.Royalsboasted a strong record against the Millers going in the contest with an unbeaten run of eight games, including five wins. For the third consecutive game, Reading conceded in the opening 10 minutes as Roterham’s captain Richard Wood rose highest and headed the ball across the face of the box and past Joe Lumley to open the scoring. Nesta Guiness-Walker showed his attacking threat when he burst down the left and won a corner. Tom Holmes met the set piece and got a clean connection on his header that was turned around the post by Viktor Johansson. But it wasn’t long before the home team added a second goal. A long ball punted upfield saw Lumley hesitate in coming to claim it, and he was punished as Connor Wahsington raced onto the pass and slammed it home via the crossbar with a thunderous finish. Just minutes later, things went from bad to worse for the Royals. They found themselves 3-0 down inside 18 minutes and it was a horrible error from Lumley. In what looked like a simple claim from Jamie Lindsay’s shot, the ball squirmed under the keeper’s body and trickled over the line.Going into the drinks break on a scorching Yorkshire afternoon, Reading needed a miracle to get back into the game as Lumley gave his apologies to the travelling supporters.TheRoyals did settle and had a couple of half chances but were unable to reduce the deficit. Heading into half-time, the dire situation got even worse for Ince’s men when they conceded a fourth as Ogbene capped off an outstanding half for theReadinghosts. had a chance at goal when they were awarded a freekick just outside the box, but Junior Hoilett’s effort went over theSkippertop. Andy Yiadom picked up the first booking of the day for committing a cynical foul. Paul Warne’s team could have added a fifth when Georgie Kelly got onto the end of a knocked down header, but Tom McInrye got his body in the way. Ince’s first change saw Mamadi Camara replace Jeff Hendrick for the final 15 minutes of the contest. The ball dropped invitingly for substitute Camara to claw back a consolation goal after Long poked the ball to him, only for Rotherham to recover at the crucial moment. The match came to a close after an uneventful second-half as Rotherham had taken their foot off the gas having already sealed the points by blowing Reading away in the opening 45. Reading hosted in-form Blackburn Rovers last night (report online at wokingham.today) and welcome Middlesbrough on Saturday.
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Reading v Middlesbrough - Ovie Ejaria Picture: Steve SmythTom McIntyre in action against Cardiff City Picture: Steve Smyth Royals boss Paul Ince READING FC will be hoping to bounce back on Saturday against Middlesbrough after a heavy defeat to Rotherham at the weekend. Before they welcome Boro on Saturday, the Royals play host to Blackburn Rovers tonight (match report online at rdg.today). Chirs Wilder’s men have made a stuttering start to the season and are still looking for their first win of the season heading into their midweek tie away at Stoke City.
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REACTIONREACTION PREVIEW
MCINTYRE SENDS APOLOGY TO FANS AFTER CRUSHING MILLERS DEFEAT
SPORT |
McIntyre continued “We’re all professionals and want to do our best and when it goes like that it’s not nice and it hurts. “There’s a game on Wednesday so we can’t let it affect that, we’ve got to go into that with clear minds. “We’ll have time to reflect on it, I know I will and now it’s about trying to put it right on Wednesday and put this behind us.” Rovers go into the contest at the SCL with a perfect record which sees them at the top of the table.Intheir opening four games in all competitions, Blackburn have conceded just one goal and have won all four of their matches.Theyopened their season with a 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers and followed that with a resounding 3-0 away win at Swansea City with goals from Sammie Szmodics, Ben Brereton Diaz and Lewis Travers. A convincing 4-0 win in the Carabao Cup first-round over Hartlepool maintained their momentum before they made it three wins from three in the league at the Breretonweekend.Diaz netted again, while Sam Gallagher added the second as Tomasson’s storming start to life in England continued with a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion. On Blackburn’s last visit to Berkshire, Reading came away with three crucial points which proved pivotal in securing survival after Josh Laurent’s wonderful won the match.Rovers have lost their last two away matches at Reading and last won at the SCL in 2019. After last night’s home game to Blackburn (match report online at wokingham.today), Rading are back on home turf again on Saturday when they welcome Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough.
“If Joe makes a mistake, we make a mistake.“Idon’t mind losing games if we perform, but we were slow, sloppy and everyone can blame the weather but that’s no excuse. “At times he (Long) caused them problems. We’re not getting enough people in the box, we’re not ruthless enough.“Ifelt the first half was that bad they should go out. it is easy to take four or five off and let them get away with it, no you put us in this position you get us out of it. If I could make 11 changes, I would make 11 but we can’t do that. They did respond but it was a little bit too late. It’s one game. “There will be ups and downs. Whenever there are downs we have to stay together.” He added: “There has to be a reaction (against Blackburn) and we have to move forward. “They (the players) are gutted but we’ve got to put it to bed and be positive.“It’sa bad day and we have to move on quickly.”
Wilder replaced Neil Warnock as Boro boss in November 2021 and helped to upturn their fortunes.Hewon the EFL manager of the month award in December after his team won four out of five matches and made a push for the play-offs. However, their season ended in disappointment as they finished one place and five points outside of the top six. Boro started the 2022/23 campaign with a home draw against West Bromwich Albion after Isaiah Jones’ opener was cancelled out by former Reading player John Swift. They then lost out 3-2 to Queens Park Rangers where they went three goals down, and despite grabbing two back, they couldn’t force a third to take a Afterpoint.they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the Riverside by Barnsley, Boro had to settle for a point at home to Sheffield United.Sander Berge gave the Blades an early lead that was levelled up by Chuba Akpom in the 14th minute.Sheffield United restored their lead after Ryan Giles’ 68th minute own goal, but Boro earned a point after Akpom netted his second of the match in the 82nd minute. Reading were victorious when Boro last visited the SCL in September 2021 as Alen Halilovic scored the only goal of the contest.However, the Royals do have a poor record in recent meeting with Boro where they have one win, one draw and nine defeats in their last 11 matches.
READING FC defender Tom McIntyre said the team’s performance was ‘not acceptable’ after they suffered a first-half collapse at Rotherham United. The Royals found themselves four goals down at the break in a capitulation that saw them concede the opening goal in the opening 10 minutes for the fourth consecutive game.“Everyone can see that the first 20 minutes were unacceptable,” said“I’mMcIntyre.verycritical of myself and feel I could have done a lot better.“Ithink us as a team, it’s one where we’ve conceded in the first 10 minutes again and as a squad and as individuals, it’s not acceptable.“I’masdisappointed as anyone.”PaulInce’s side now prepare to face a tough test at home to Blackburn Rovers tonight at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (match report online at rdg.today). Rovers have started their season in fine form by winning all three of their opening Championship matches under new boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
‘WE GOT BULLIED’ SAYS CRITICAL INCE ROYALS TO HOST FALTERING BORO
READING FC manager Paul Ince said his side were ‘bullied’ in their first-half capitulation against Rotherham United. It was a calamitous opening 18 minutes which saw Reading conceded three times as the Millers were in Rotherhamdreamland.added a fourth just before the break to kill off the game. “I said to the lads after the game, you can’t perform like that in the first-half,” said Ince. “We got bullied. We were as weak as “Whenpiss. you’re playing a team that has just been promoted you’ve got to win second balls and fight. “We let everyone down.” Ince was understandably highly critical of Reading’s first-half display which saw them four goals down at the break. He continued: “No preparation you can do Monday-Friday can stop that, if people don’t want to stop their crosses, get tight and put their head in you’re going to concede goals, and that’s what happened after six minutes. “If you concede that first goal, you are putting yourself under pressure and once you put yourself under pressure you start fragmenting and playing as individuals.“Wedon’t do that; we play as a team. When you come to a place like this the last thing you want to do with a raucous crowd is get them up straight away. “First half we didn’t compete, nowhere near it. “We’re not good enough to keep going one-nil down and keep coming back. We haven’t got the squad.“These fans who have travelled in the stifling heat, we let them down.“We have to fight for the fans who came to the game. It’s easy to talk about individuals, but we’re all in it together. The fans were unbelievable. That’s the most disappointing thing for us “That’s not a Paul Ince team, that’s not in my DNA. “It’s about us, we lost 4-0. Not because of the goalkeeper, but because we weren’t at it in the first half.“We were slow, we were sloppy. We didn’t deal with long balls and they bullied us. “We just didn’t deal with long balls. They bullied us and when we got it down, we didn’t pass it. We made stupid mistakes and the decision-making was diabolical. “He (Joe Lumley) will save us more points than he will cost us because he’s a top class keeper. “We win together, we lose together.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today Muhammad Hafeez bowling Pictures: Steve Smyth Henry Barber batting against Shinfield Home Counties Premier Division FINCHAMPSTEAD lost out on the road to Datchet by 70 runs.Needing to chase down 369 to win the game, Finch were all out on 298 which leaves them in eighth. Home Counties Division 2 WARGRAVE are in second after they fell short against Thame Town. Josh Lincoln totalled 61 in the first innings for Wargrave, but Thame took a five wicket win after 43.1 overs.
Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after they stormed to a convincing win over The Lee 2s. The Bears amassed 320 runs from 45 overs as TJ Wells hit a century not out and Matt Booth and Ravi Balakrishnan both collected half centuries each, The visitors were then skittled all out for just 53 as five wickets from Rahul Soni ripped through their batting line-up to confirm a 267-run triumph.
BCM Championship WEST READING won away from home by four wickets against Holmer Green. Holmer were skittled all out after 26.1 overs for 113 before 76 not out from Saqib Gulfraz guided Reading to take the points. SHINFIELD added 38 points to their total with a four wicket win over Penn & Tylers Green. Shashank Garg and Ashiq Shah both ended with three wickets before Abhishek Chatterjee hit a half century to see them over the line. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD were beaten on their travels to Ley Hill. Crows finished on 219-7, while Ley Hill hit 222 from 32.1 overs with eight wickets left.
WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY
CRICKET ROUND-UP SHINFIELD CLIMB TO FIFTH AFTER
BCL Premier Division FARLEY HILL were dealt an agonising defeat by just one run against Stratfield Turgis. Startfield totalled 273 runs in the first innings and Farley took it down to the wire after Peter Weston top scored with 64, but they fell just one run short at the end of the allotted 40 overs. SHINFIELD 2s took a 46-run success away at Mortimer West End,Saksham Tyagi scored 77 runs before their opponents were all out on 188. SANDHURST lost by four wickets away at Woodcote, while WEST READING 2s
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CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are in third after they were defeated at Pinkneys Green.The Bears set the hosts 213 to win the match which they did so despite four wickets from Andy Robertson.
John Child - Wargrave v Thame Town - 3-27 Muhammad Zameer - West Reading v Holmer Green - 3-27 Jarrett Bobb - Wokingham 2s v Slough 2s - 3-28 Haris Lone - West Reading 2s v Welford Park - 3-29 Ashiq Shan - Shinfield v Penn & Tylers Green - 3-30
Andy Rishton - Wokingham v Buckingham Town - 3-34 RUGBY UNION
WALTHAM
REYNOLDS HAILS RAMS’ ‘EXCEPTIONALLY POSITIVE’ TOUR
THEALE & TILEHURST moved up to sixth after they recorded a four wicket win over bottom of the table WHITE
Looking back at the four-day trip, Reynolds said: “The Irish can play some“Terenurerugby. lost in the final of the All-Ireland League last year to a strong Clontarf side, so we knew it was going to be a tough game. “It was a hot day, the sun was beating down and both teams put in a very physical performance – in terms of pre-season preparations, they should be very proud of what theyHeproduced.”continued: “Normally pre-season builds up, but both games have felt almost like league encounters because of the competitive nature. “Both teams perhaps got lured in by the sunshine and there wasn’t much kicking for territory, but there’s nothing wrong with that – it’s good conditioning and the players were very tired at the end. “Defensively it’s been a positive start, but it is just a start. There’s still lots to work on although there are lots of encouraging things we’ve seen.”Anumber of new recruits were involved for the first time and Reynolds was quick to pay tribute to both their efforts, and the squad as a Hewhole.said: “Coming on tour I knew most of our lads and they’d put all the effort in, they’d be professional in their approach and they’d let their hair down when given the chance.“Butyou do wonder what the new lads would be like, and to a man they were exceptional. “The likes of Dan Swain, Mana Cakau, Terrel Harry, it’s the first time with the club on tour and they’re just great blokes who’ve really integrated well.”
SPORT | OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY Honours board BATTING Stuart Parsons - Finchampstead 2s v Hurst - 142 Thompson - White Waltham v Theale & Tilehurst - 139* Sean Ennis - Binfield 2s v Finchampstead 4s - 139 James Watt - Hurst v Finchampstead 2s - 138 Holder - Theale & Tilehurst v White Waltham - 134* Sam Warren - Hurst v Finchampstead 2s - 125 Gary Loveday - Finchampstead 3s v Peppard Stoke Row - 122 K Malik - Sonning v Bagshot - 114 Aqeel Butt - West Reading 2s v Welford Park - 107 Shaan Khan - Wokingham v Buckingham Town - 102 TJ Wells- Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s - 100* M Cowdell - Wokingham 2s v Slough 2s - 96 Cameron Ireland - Binfield 2s v Finchampstead 4s - 95 M Sohi - Wargrave 2s v Thatcham Town - 83 Isaac Humphrey - Binfield v Fleet - 82* Kyle Bienefeld - Eversley v Burnham - 79* R Akram - Reading v Royal Ascot - 79 Saksham Tyagi - Shinfield 2s v Mortimer West End - 77 Anthony Cluett - Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ley Hill - 70 Babu Loganathan - Reading Lions v Peppard Stoke Row - 69 Scarborough - White Waltham v Theale & Tilehurst - 69 Raghu Raman - Waltham St Lawrence v Goring on Thames - 66 Guy Ashby - Finchampstead v Datchet - 65 Fas Sarwar - West Reading 2s v Welford Park - 65 Peter Weston - Farley Hill v Stratfield Turgis - 64 Conrad Louth - Wokingham v Buckingham Town - 63 Mehdi Harees - West Reading 2s v Welford Park - 63* Matt Booth - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s - 62 Josh Lincoln - Wargrave v Thame Town - 61 Josh Howard - Farley Hill v Stratfield Turgis - 58 Aidan Carstens - Finchampstead 2s v Hurst - 58 Zeeshan Mehtab - Bracknell v Bagshot 2s - 58 E Jones - Eversley 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 56* Savir Sharma - Sandhurst v Woodcote - 55 Shiva Aruna - Reading Lions v Peppard Stoke Row - 55 Danny Housego - Wokingham v Buckingham Town - 54 Edward Campion - Eversley v Burnham - 54 Ravi Balakrishnan - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s - 52 Adam Birch - Sandhurst v Woodcote - 51 BOWLING Rahul Soni - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s - 5-2 Beaven - Reading 2s v Sonning 2s - 5-36 Jack O’Neil - Sandhurst v Woodcote - 4-22 Atul Pawar - Reading United v Berkshire Royals - 4-29 C Long - White Waltham v Theale & Tilehurst - 4-32 Billy Rogers - Wokingham v Buckingham Town - 4-42 Andy Robertson - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Pinkneys Green - 4-60 Shashank Garg - Shinfield v Penn & Tylers Green - 3-20 Nilesh Pardakhe - Shinfield 2s v Mortimer West End - 3-20
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY are down in eighth after they lost to Burnham by five wickets.KyleBienefeld hit 79 not out for the hosts and followed that up with three wickets in the second innings, but his side fell to defeat.
READING dropped down to third position after they lost by eight wickets to Royal Ascot. L Beaven collected four wickets for Reading as Ascot were all out on 136 before R Akram totalled 79 to help the hosts to win the match convincingly. HURST are still in fourth after they defeated FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s by 58 runs. Hurst hit a huge total of 335 and only dropped three wickets as Sam Warren (125) and James Watt (138) batted exceptionally.Finchbatted strongly but could only manage 277 from 50 overs. BINFIELD climbed up to sixth place after they beat Fleet by six wickets.Isaac Humphrey amassed 82 not out to see Binfield hit 244 from 49 overs to take the game.
DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed ‘an exceptionally positive tour’ despite Rams’ narrow 19-17 reverse at Terenure College in Dublin. Having defeated Lansdowne 33-10 on Thursday night, the Berkshire side were edged out despite Ben Henderson and Finn Matthews scores and a penalty try, the hosts going over through Mike Murphy and two penalty tries of their own. By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s maintained their place at the top after they got the better of Slough 2s. Iain Muirden and Jarrett Bobb both took three wickets, while M Cowdell scored 96 to see them to a six wicket success.
claimed a 105-run win over Welford Park.Aqeel Butt struck 107 runs while three wickets from Haris Lone secured victory for Reading. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE stay rooted to the bottom after they lost by two wickets to Goring on Thames.
Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING lead the division after they earned a 66-run success over Bagshot. K Malik totalled 114 to see Sonning to 231, while Bagshot were all out on 165. WARGRAVE 2s are down to seventh after they lost to Thatcham Town by five wickets.
Tommy Alborough - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s - 3-30
Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s lost out by nine wickets to league leaders Falkland 2s. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s stay in seventh despite losing to Peppard Stoke Row by four wickets.
FOUR WICKET WIN
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Imran Malik batting Wokingham (batting) Pictures: Steve Smyth Imran Malik and Billy Rogers.Danny Housego batting for Wokingham
RotherhamChampionshipFOOTBALL4-0 Reading Isthmian South Central Ashford Town 0-1 Binfield Combined Counties Premier EdgwareNorth& Kingsbury 2-0 WindsorSumas1-5 Ascot United Combined Counties Division WoodleyOne United 4-0 CB Hounslow United Eversley & California 6-2 Hillingdon borough Cove 2-7 Sandhurst Town Berks County 0-2 British HomeCRICKETAirwaysCounties Premier DatchetDivision(368-6)Finchampsteadbeat(298 all Wokinghamout) (385-7) beat Buckingham Town (207 all out) Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (198 all out) lost to Thame Town (199-5) BCM HolmerChampionshipGreen(113all out) lost to West Reading (116-6) Ley Hill (222-2) WoodCrowthornebeat&Crown(219-7) Shinfield (143-6) beat Penn & Tylers (142 all out) CMB PinkneysPremiershipGreen(216-7) beat Emmbrook and Bearwood BCL(212-9)Premier Division Farley Hill (272-6) lost to Strafield Turgis (273-8) Mortimer West End (188 all out) lost to Shinfield 2s (234 all out) Waltham St Lawrence (216 all out) lost to Goring on Thames (217-8) West Reading 2s (325-3) beat Welford Park (220 all out) Woodcote (170-6) beat Sandhurst (169-5) BCL Division 1A Peppard Stoke Row 2s (267-5) beat Reading Lions Reading(265-5) United (143-3) beat Berkshire Royals (141 all out) West Reading 3s (130 all out) lost to Stallions (131-2) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (249-8) lost to Burnham (250-5) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (237-9) lost to Wokingham 2s (239-4) Binfield (244-4) beat Fleet Reading(238-9)(139-2) beat Royal Ascot (136 all out) Finchampstead 2s (277-9) lost to Hurst (335-3)
Tuesday, TOP ADD SIXTH SIGNING
READING FC Women have made their sixth summer signing as Diane Caldwell joins the squad. The 33-year-old joins the Berkshire club after her contract with Manchester United expired. The defender has played for Avaldsnes, FC Koln, SC Sand, North Carolina Courage and for Man United in a journeyed career.She also has a wealth of international experience having been capped
Club chairman Mark Rozzier said: “This is a tremendous achievement given the hundreds of clubs in Berks & Bucks FA with 23 clubs being nominated for the award. “A big thank you to everyone involved in the club for making this award possible.”
Home Counties Premier Division WOKINGHAM are back up to the top after they thrashed Buckingham Town by 178 runs. The Oaks hit a huge 385 in the first innings after several exceptional innings, including a century in the middle of the order from Shaan Khan. They started their innings strongly with 30 from opening batsman Andy Rishton and 44 added by Imran Malik. Captain Danny Housego totalled a half century, before Khan smacked a century from 77 balls. Conrad Louth contributed 63 more runs as the Oaks finished with an exceptional score from their 50 overs.The hosts defended their total with ease, conceding just 207 runs on their way to bowling Buckingham all out. Billy Rogers claimed four wickets and Andy Rishton added three.Chris Peplow took two wickets and the other was taken by Calum Creighton as the Oaks strolled their way to an emphatic victory to put them top of the league. With three league games left to play, Wokingham lead second placed Aston Rowant by two points.
Danny Housego in bat for Wokingham By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today 87 times for the Republic of Ireland.“Itis really great to be here and I’m excited to finally be in training with the team,” said Caldwell.“I’mexcited to really get down to work and know everyone better. “Kelly (Chambers) had a massive impact on me choosing to come here. “I had many great conversations with her before arriving, including what she is looking for me to bring and her objectives for the upcoming season.“The enthusiasm and faith that she’s shown in me has meant a lot. When you have a coach who expresses their desire to bring you to a club it instantly makes you feel attached and ready to fight for the“Havingshirt. been here a couple of days I’ve been really impressed with everyone’s attitudes in training. “The work ethic has been excellent and I cannot wait for the season to begin.” Kelly Chambers’ Royals kick off their Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday, September 11 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against newly promoted Liverpool.
WOODLEY United FC has been presented the Grassroots Club of the Year 2022 award.
The awards evening, presented by the Berks and Bucks FA, was held at Wycombe Wanderers FC on Thursday, July 29.. As part of presenting the award the following citation was read to those in attendance: “Woodley Utd FC creates opportunities for the community to be involved, develop and grow through football. “The development of players is not confined solely to playing football but also as individuals in daily life to be happy, confident and creative. “Opportunities are not restricted to just playing but include volunteering roles that help deliver football and promote both the club and the wider Woodley community.
“What makes the club stand out is its culture that exists club-wide which is not easy to impose across a large multi-team club. This stems from putting the environment at the centre of the culture which is creating a positive experience for participants who in turn engage with enjoyment for players, coaches and parents.”
Saturday, August 13
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Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s lost some ground on the league leaders after a one wicket loss to SONNING 2s. Despite five wickets from Beaven, Sonning managed to take the win after 38.3 overs with just one wicket left in reserve. EVERSLEY 2s got the better of Royal Ascot 2s by one wicket in a tenseEversleymatch.chased down 223 to take the game with just one wicket left after half centuries from W Reis and E FINCHAMPSTEADJones. 4s lost out to BINFIELD 2s by 93 runs.Sean win.taketotalledCameronforsmashedEnnis139runsBinfield,whileIreland95toseethemacomfortable
AHEAD OF NEW SEASON Woodley United wins grassroots award
| SPORT RESULTS
SUMMER
August 16 IsthmianFOOTBALLSouth Central Binfield 1-1 Chertsey Town Combined Counties Premier VirginiaNorthWater 2-0 Sumas Ascot United 2-1 North CombinedGreenfordCounties Division SandhurstOne Town 3-0 Woodley BrookeUnitedHouse 0-6 Berks County FIXTURES AugustWednesday,17 ReadingChampionshipFOOTBALLvBlackburn Rovers Saturday, August 20 FAReadingChampionshipFOOTBALLvMiddlesbroughCuppreliminaryround Kidlington v Binfield Holyport v Ascot United Royal Wootton v Reading City Combined Counties Division BerksOneCounty v Westside CB Hounslow v Eversley & California FC Deportivo Galicia v Woodley United Sandhurst Town v Brook ThamesHouseValley Premier League Burghfield v Windlesham ReadingUnitedCity U23’s v Maidenhead Town Slough Heating Laurencians v Reading YMCA Wargrave v Marlow United Westwood Wanderers v CrowthorneBCMTringHomeFinchampsteadBanburyHomeCRICKETFinchampsteadCountiesPremierDivisionvWokinghamvOxfordCountiesDivision2ParkvWargraveChampionship&CrownWood v Shinfield West Reading v Ley Hill CMB EmmbrookPremiershipandBearwood v The Lee BCL Premier Division Sandhurst v Mortimer West End Shinfield 2s v Farley Hill Stratfield Turgis v West Reading 2s Welford Park v Waltham St Lawrence READINGCRICKET FC WOMEN WOODLEY UNITED FC OAKS RECLAIM
Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s climbed up to sixth position after they beat Marlow 2s by six wickets. Mark Richards scored 78 runs after Scott Morton had taken four wickets in the first innings to see them to victory.
Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (317-6) lost to Theale & Tilehurst (318-6) Bagshot (165 all out) lost to Sonning (231-9) Thatcham Town (259-5) beat Wargrave 2s (255-9)
SPOT ROYALS
