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House wrecked by ice ‘from plane’ Elderly couple in shock after 2ft block crashes through roof
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
FAMILY NOTICES
Journalist turned novelist Fiona Barton greeted fans at Chapter One in Woodley last week. Picture: Vivienne Johnson
v Deaths BAINES Peter (aged 77) At his home in Finchampstead. Funeral to take place at 10.45am on Tuesday 2nd February Corpus Christi RC Church, Wokingham Followed by cremation at Easthampstead Park Crematorium
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CRIME
Thieves turn of mini dumper tracker device
A MINI dumper has been stolen from a building site in Hurst. Overnight Monday, January 11, into Tuesday thieves broke into the site at Hurst Village Hall in Hurst Road and stole the one tonne mini dumper. The dumper had a tracking device installed but it has been turned off. Police are concerned that there has been an increase in plant theft in the area, and in some incidents equipment may have been loaded onto lorries. Anyone with any information relating to this theft is urged to call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.
QUIZ
Put your grey matter to the test for charity
THE old adage that fish boosts brain power can be tested at a quiz night taking place this weekend. All Saints Church will be holding the annual event in aid of the Children’s Society tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets costs £12 and includes a fish ‘n’ chip supper. The fun takes place in The Cornerstone, off Wiltshire Road from 7.30pm. For more details, or to reserve tickets call Dickon Snell on 0118 978 1044.
CHURCH
Banish the blues by breaking a plate
A SMASHING night out is being planned by a Woodley church to help banish those winter blues. St James’ Church in Kingfisher Drive is to hold a Greek evening tomorrow
LITERATURE
Mail journalist swaps newspapers for novels A FORMER journalist-turned-novelist visited a bookshop in Woodley last week to sign copies of her debut novel. Fiona Barton dropped into Chapter One, in Crockhamwell Road, on Wednesday, January 13, to launch her new book, The Widow Ms Barton said: “I have been a journalist, a senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at The Mail on Sunday,
(Saturday). The evening will be a celebration of all things Mediterranean, including food, drink, music, dancing, quizzes and games. And, yes, there will also be some plate smashing. The fun is open to all and places can be booked by calling the church on 0118 966 2568.
PLANNING
New street name to remember Lilly-May
THE latest street names for new developments in Woodley have recently been announced by Woodley Town Council. They include an apartment block at the former Allied Bakery site to be named Lilly May Court after local girl Lilly-May Page, 5, who died of sudden cardiac arrest. Other street names agreed for the
where I won Reporter of the Year at the National Press Awards. “I gave up my job to volunteer in Sri Lanka and since 2008, have trained and worked with exiled and threatened journalists all over the world. But through it all, a story was cooking in my head.” The plot for The Widow came to Ms Barton when she was covering notorious crimes and trials as a journalist.
“I found myself wondering what the wives of those accused really knew, or, allowed themselves to know.” She turned that fascination into a tale of a missing child, narrated by the wife of a man suspected of the crime, the detective leading the hunt, the journalist covering the case and the mother of the victim. The Widow published by Bantam Press is available now.
site are Millers Grove and Bakers Place. Street names agreed for Phase Two of the Woodlands Avenue development include The Orangery, Faringdon Road, Tutor Crescent, Blackstone Way, Repton Crescent, Louden Square and Englefield Place.
For more details, or to book contact James Lawbuary at artsaward@ stagefright.community or call 07737 477193.
THEATRE
Children can tread the boards at new club
A LOCAL theatre group is launching a new drama club for children in years 4, 5 and 6. It will take place on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at St James Church Centre in Woodley. All are welcome and there is the opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised arts qualification. It is run by Stage-Fright, who organise the annual Good Friday community play in Market Place.
WIN £200 FOR YOUR GROUP THE Wokingham Paper and TradeMark Windows have teamed up to present Community Cash Tokens. The scheme is simple – cut out the tokens we’ll print each week. Send them in to us, as many as you like, and once every two months we’ll pull one at random from the editor’s hat. One lucky group will win £200, courtesy of TradeMark Windows. The more tokens that you and your group send in, the more chance you have of your group being picked at random. The Community Cash Tokens are open to charities and other non-profit making groups within Wokingham borough and offer a great way of boosting your funds. We’re able to offer Community Cash Tokens thanks to the generosity of Mark
Ashwell, managing director of TradeMark Windows. The Wokingham Paper’s publisher Phil Creighton said: “The Community Cash Tokens were a hugely popular ingredient of The Wokingham Times, and thanks to Mark’s support for the community of Wokingham borough, we’re delighted to be able to bring them back. “Whatever your group, charity or good cause is, Community Cash Tokens offers your supporters a fun way of helping you raise funds and awareness of your cause. “Make sure you don’t miss an issue.” Send your tokens to: Community Cash Tokens, The Wokingham Paper, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please note, only original tokens can be accepted.
FOOD
Address the haggis at social club’s Burns night A BURNS night celebration will take place at Our Lady of Peace Social Club on Saturday, January 30. The evening will include a traditional haggis supper, in which the timorous beastie will be brought in accompanied by a piper. The evening starts at 7.30pm and includes whisky, real ale and a raffle. A vegetarian haggis will also be available. Tickets cost £5 for members or £6 for guests and must be bought from the Earley venue by Thursday, January 28. For more details call the club on 0118 935 2927.
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DAMAGE
INQUEST
Warning after ice block falls from plane and smashes through roof
Death of man who fell from car still a mystery
By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MAN from Twyford has warned that blocks of ice falling from planes could become a regular occurrence in Wokingham Borough if the third runway planned for Heathrow goes ahead. Richard Burt, who is a live-in carer for his parents Allen and Audrey at their home in Wagtail Close, made the comments after the roof of their house was damaged by a large block of ice on Sunday morning, which they believe fell from a plane. Mr Burt, who lived in the Caribbean with his wife, Ava Hendricks, until his parents’ health deteriorated, said the increase in air traffic over the borough could result in more incidents. He said: “We were giving my mother, who has Parkinson’s disease, her morning wash when we heard this loud crash. It was hard to pin-point where it came from at first, but my father insisted it had come from one of the bedrooms. “My wife went to have a look and found a large crack in the ceiling with water dripping through. The door of the loft hatch was jammed shut so we couldn’t get up there to have a look at the damage, but from outside it was clear that something had plummeted through the roof with some force. “There was a clean hole in the roof, and a number of tiles had come away so whatever it was had fallen from a great height. It was my father who suggested that it may have fallen from a passing plane. “We were concerned that there might be damage to the electricals and the plumbing in the loft, but our biggest fear was that the ceiling might collapse.” Mr Burt said he believes the number of ‘ice falls’, as they are referred to by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), could increase as more planes take to the skies above Wokingham. He said: “With the potential new runway at Heathrow, and the extra planes overhead, I worry that this will happen more frequently. “I would hate to think what would happen if this block of ice fell on someone’s head, or struck a car on a motorway, it would most certainly cause death or serious injury.” Mr Burt also criticised the handling of the incident by
Richard Burt surveys the damage to his roof caused by a block of ice falling from a plane. He has warned other homes are at risk. Picture: Paul King
his insurance provider, Halifax, who assured him that due to the high-risk nature of the damage, coupled with his parents’ ill-health, a contractor would visit the house to assess the damage, but by Wednesday he was still waiting. He said that after several hours of waiting and being passed from one automated phone line to another, he called the fire service. He said: “I called the fire crew at 12.47pm, and within 15 minutes they were at the front door. “They managed to wedge open the hatch door, it turned out the locking mechanism had broken, but they were able to get up there and have a look. “There were a number of broken tiles and blocks of ice in the loft, but as it is so well-insulated a lot of it had melted which had caused the water to drip through. “The firemen were incredibly helpful, they managed to patch up the hole with a temporary cover and clear away some of the debris. They would have been within their rights to charge us for the service because it didn’t fall under their remit, but they told us they wouldn’t, which I was very grateful for.
“With the inclement weather and my parents’ illhealth the firemen did the best they could to protect the roof, but of course it isn’t weather-tight and they aren’t engineers so it really needs to be sorted out. “I am just amazed at the contrast between the insurance company, who say they provide this emergency care which my parents had paid outright for, but have so far failed to act, and the fire crews who were here within 15 minutes of being called. “The insurance company have refunded us the premium that my father paid for the emergency cover, but I asked them to make a donation to the fire service to cover the charge that they easily could have billed us, but they refused.” A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a crew from Wokingham Station were called to the incident at 12.47pm. A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group, which Halifax is a part of, said: “We are very sorry that on this occasion our service fell below our usual standards. “A personal claims consultant has now visited Mr and Mrs Burt and repair work is currently underway.”
THE DEATH of a man who fell from a car on the M4 near Winnersh was “unavoidable”, an inquest has heard. Mark Pilgrim, 48, of Tilehurst, Reading, died on October 24, 2014, after falling from a car in lane two of the motorway, before being struck by another car in lane one. At the inquest on Tuesday the driver of the black Audi TT Mr Pilgrim was travelling in, Virgil Banahene-Bonsu, denied pushing the father-of-two out of the car and into the path of a Volkswagen Touran, driven by Sophie Fenwick-Paul. Mr Banahene-Bonsu told the inquest at Reading Town Hall that Mr Pilgrim let himself out of the car after the pair met up to settle a debt over cannabis. The coroner Peter Bedford criticised Mr Banahene-Bonsu for failing to alert the emergency services following the collision, which took place between junction 10 for Wokingham/Bracknell and 8/9 for Maidenhead. Miss Fenwick-Paul told the court how she thought she saw a black bin bag in the road before realising it was a body. David Hoare, vehicle examiner at Thames Valley Police, said in a statement it would have been ‘virtually impossible’ for Miss FenwickPaul to have avoided Mr Pilgrim. He said: “She would have had less than a second or a second-and-a-half before striking him. “The collision was unavoidable under the circumstances.” Recording an open verdict, Mr Bedford told the court: “The driver of the VW was put in an impossible position – inexplicably in the dark and had no choice to avoid striking Mr Pilgrim.”
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TRANSPORT
‘Poor and vulnerable’ will suffer from bus route changes IT’S all change to Wokingham’s buses as a new timetable and system is introduced from next month. Services run by Courtney Buses are being shaken up and a zonal fare system will come into operation, with some users paying more as a result. The changes mean users are charged for each zone of their journey, in a similar system to the London Underground. Equally controversial is a shakeup to the stops that Courtney Buses currently service. Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) said that due to traffic conditions, it has been difficult to keep to the timetable for the 128 service – which runs from Reading to Wokingham via Winnersh, Twyford and Hurst. As a result, the 128 will no longer serve Emmbrook, instead carrying on to Wokingham via the Reading Road. Instead, the 122 and 129 services will serve Emmbrook Monday to Friday, with an additional 129 leaving Broad Street in Wokingham at 5.50pm
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on weekdays. On Saturdays, the 122 will serve Emmbrook. There will be no service on Sunday. There are also changes to the bus numbers, with the 122 becoming the 125, as it serves between Wokingham and Crowthorne. At peak times, there will be two services: 125a and b, which serves Pinewood. The 126, 128 and 129 routes will also be simplified with the 126 becoming the 128, calling at Sonning and Woodley Chequers. And there will be additional stops introduced to the 121 route, which runs from the new estate of Mulberry Grove to Wokingham Station. A WBC spokesperson said this change was in response to increased demand. “With more housing being built at Mulberry Grove, developer funding is being used to extend journeys from Mulberry Grove to Wokingham town and Wokingham Station. Passenger numbers on the 121 are growing and it is hoped these additional stops will encourage more people to use this service,” they said.
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The zonal system is being implemented by Courtney Buses after a trial elsewhere. Simon Fisher, transport manager at Courtney Buses, said: “We’ve introduced this system in Windsor and Maidenhead and have had positive feedback from our passengers and drivers.” Councillor John Kaiser, WBC’s executive member for planning and highways, acknowledged that the changes would not be popular with everyone. “These are difficult times as you know, and we have to use our limited funding wisely. We cannot justify subsidising,” he said Andy Croy, spokesperson for Wokingham Labour, has hit out at the plans, saying poor and vulnerable people would suffer the most as a result of the changes. He told The Wokingham Paper: “This is a vicious attack on the lives of people who do not have access to private transport.” Helen Belcher, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Emmbrook North, said: “I have written to Courtney Buses urging them to reconsider, and seeking to understand the basis of their decision.”
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4 | NEWS WOODLEY
Paramedics find woman dead in her chair
A WOMAN was found dead in her chair at a house in Woodley after a neighbour grew concerned for her welfare. Paramedics and police officers were called to the property in Coppice Road at around 6pm on Wednesday following a call from a concerned neighbour. The crews managed to access the building, where the woman, who has not yet been named, was found. She was declared dead at the scene.
CRIME
Burglars steal bike after targeting two homes
TWO properties have been targeted in separate incidents in Earley this week. Between 3pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday, someone broke into a mobile home in Church Road through a fire door at the rear of the property. A window was also broken. The property was ransacked, but it is not clear what was stolen. Elsewhere, between 4pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday, a bicycle was stolen from a driveway in Hilltop Road. The bicycle was unlocked. If anyone has any information relating to these incidents they should call 101.
CRIME
Did you see lorry used in excavator theft?
THIEVES using a lorry are believed to have stolen a four tonne mini excavator from a site in Wokingham earlier this week. The Takeuchi TB138 four tonne 360 mini excavator was stolen along with a monty hydraulic breaker attachment from Northway overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. Police believe a lorry would have been needed to remove the excavator due to its size and weight. Anyone with any information which could be helpful to police are urged to call 101.
CRIME
Thieves steal van from outside Twyford home
A TRANSIT van has been stolen from Twyford. Between 7pm on Tuesday and 4am on Wednesday someone stole the vehicle which was parked outside a property in Station Road. If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre via 101.
MUSIC
Concert for African brass
A CONCERT will help children in African orphanages discover the gift of music. Earley St Peter’s Church will be the venue for the evening of music, which will be given by the Chiltern Brass Quintet and a specially formed Chiltern Youth Brass Ensemble. The event will raise funds for the church and for the Brass For Africa charity, which works in Uganda and Liberia. The concert takes place on Saturday, February 6 from 7.30pm at the Church Road, Earley church. Tickets cost £8, £5 for concessions and £2 for children. To book or for more information, call 07905 087478.
LEISURE
Quiz night at St Paul’s
A QUIZ NIGHT with fish and chips will take place at St Paul’s Parish Rooms on Saturday, February 6. The fun starts at 7pm. For details, call the church office on 0118 979 2122.
TV
Yeldall on Songs of Praise
HARE HATCH drug rehabilitation centre Yeldall Manor will be featured on BBC One’s Songs of Praise this Sunday at 4.30pm.
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CRIME
Ram-raider causes thousands of pounds of damage to salon A RAM-RAIDER used a stolen car to smash through the doors of a Spencers Wood beauty salon before escaping with a haul of stock. Blissimi Hair Beauty and Medispa, in Basingstoke Road, was targeted by a man driving a stolen Fiat 500 car at around 5.20am on Wednesday. Owner Laura Holt said the front doors of the salon had been completely destroyed, and a number of items of stock had been stolen. She stressed that it was business as usual at the salon. She told The Wokingham Paper: “We have never been targeted before, this is the first time something like this has happened. “The cost to repair the damage is running into the several thousand pounds mark, but we are not letting it affect our business, we have remained open. “It is frustrating as we have just run a
large marketing campaign and we are welcoming a lot of new customers, but we now have temporary doors at the front and had to ask clients to come through the back doors on Wednesday. “It was very frustrating. “The clients have been wonderful, it was the coldest day of the year and we had no doors for a few hours, but we provided everyone with fleecy blankets to keep warm. “Some of our clients have sent us flowers and they’ve all said very positive things so we are very grateful for that.” The robbery was caught on the business’s CCTV system, and shows a lone male ram-raiding the salon’s glass doors before making off with stock. Anyone with any information which may be helpful are asked to call the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.
The man used a stolen Fiat 500 to smash through the doors to Blissimi Hair Beauty and Medispa before stealing items of stock. Pictures: Paul King
COUNCIL
Sumas’ launch plans for 100-seat grandstand at Lowther Road ground EXCLUSIVE
An similar grandstand to the one proposed at the Sumas’ Lowther Road site.
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A LOCAL football club is making grand plans for the future. Trustees of the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club at Lowther Road, have applied for planning permission to install a 100-seater grandstand and pitch lighting as well adding 20 spaces to the car park. The grandstand will provide clubs that play there, including the Sumas – aka Wokingham and Emmbrook Football Club – with much needed seating for spectators and ensure the club’s facilities are suitable for playing in the Hellenic Premier Division. If approved by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). It would be olive green in colour, have black seating and be 3 metres high. In the application’s design statement, the club notes that “The supporter facilities on site are sub-standard and in order to comply with the Football Association minimum Standards Guidance a new facility is required, which will allow the use of the site to be used for the Local League Football.” If approved, the club will enhance parking by formalising existing parking arrangements on the grass. A protective mesh would be added to the grassed area to “maintain a degree of softness”. Mark Ashwell, the President of Wokingham and Emmbrook football club and Trustee of Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, told The Wokingham Paper: “This is a major push for the Sumas all round. It looks like the adult team is going to drop down a league and so there will be no requirement for floodlighting for them, however, the under 18s team is doing really well and are in desperate need of them. At the moment they are ground sharing which is expensive.
“These improvements are supporting local, amateur football achievements. The average age of the Sumas (who are amateur and actually pay us to play in the team) is 21.” Mr Ashwell added that the project will enable the clubs to be able to play games after dark in Wokingham, which will be a real boost to the team. Writing in support of the application, one resident said: “With 400 children from age seven upwards playing for Wokingham a clear route to senior football for your local club is essential. This development offers this and does not appear to be intrusive or have any adverse effects.” Another asked: “Why should it be that the young people of Wokingham have to travel outside of the town to
Find out more TO explain the plans, a public meeting is being held early next month at the club house. Mark Ashwell, the President of Wokingham and Emmbrook football club and Trustee of Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, told The Wokingham Paper: “Last June we held an open meeting where we explained what we were going to do. We have had to save the money to put in the planning application, which has taken us time because we are an amateur club. “We are now ready to put in the application and are holding another open meeting on Tuesday February 2, between 8pm and 9pm at the Club House on Lowther Road.”
use suitable sporting facilities?” Not everyone is in favour of the application. WBC’s planning department has already received an objection from a resident. The person said they are concerned at a potential increased flood risk caused by “the amount of concrete proposed for the grandstand and the footpath”. Other objections include the entrance to the sports ground being too close to the junction of Lowther Road and Old Forest Road, the grandstand being cited close to a children’s playground and fears the floodlights could harm bats and add light pollution to homes overlooking the stadium. The planning application can be viewed on Wokingham Borough Council’s website – search for application number 153382.
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CONSULTATION
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By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS to introduce new weekend and evening charges in the borough’s car parks have been met with a strong thumbs down by readers of The Wokingham Paper. And, to add to the controversy over the proposal, the leader of the local Liberal Democrats said the council did not discuss the plans with them before the public consultation was announced. Last week the borough council revealed it wants to introduce a £1 fee for parking in borough car parks after 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays and all day on Sunday and bank holidays. It has now launched a public consultation into the plans which runs until Friday, February 5. If passed, the charges will start on April 3. Although the council said the charges will bring its car park charges into line with neighbouring authorities, it is free to park in Henley after 5pm on weekdays, 3pm on Saturdays and all day on Sunday. Councillor Prue Bray, leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said the council had not raised the plans with the party ahead of the consultation launch last week. She told The Wokingham Paper: “I am unable to find any evidence that this proposal was discussed with any
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6 | NEWS FAITH
United church service changes venue
CHURCHES across Wokingham will come together for a united service on Sunday evening. The Taize-style gathering will be led by young people and will mark the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The venue and start time has now changed –it will start at 6pm and be held at Wokingham Methodist Church in Rose Street.
WOODLEY
Phone mast applications
H3G Ltd and EE Ltd have submitted a prior approval application to Woodley Town Council to upgrade an existing telecommunications base station on land at the junction of Catalina Close and Mohawk Way. Work would include the replacement of 10m phase 3 monopole with 10m phase 5 monopole with an additional equipment cabinet. An application has also been submitted for the upgrade of a telecommunications base station at the A329 Slip Road. This includes the replacement of 15m monopole with 14.7m phase 4 monopole with an additional equipment cabinet.
CHARITY
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ELMS FIELD
Tagging spoils charity art ARTWORK that brightened up hoardings on a busy Wokingham road has now been joined by ugly graffiti. The Elms Field Paint Jam, held as part of the Wokingham Festival last August, saw talented artists such as local man Pistol, paint intriguing and thoughtprovoking artworks onto black boardings that section off part of Elms Field. However, the artworks – which were painted in August – have now been joined by some unsightly graffiti, spoiling the view. The large artworks surround and dwarf the Paint Jam artworks and feature tags, including SCROUGE! which adorns one fence that can be seen from Carnival Pool roundabout. Wokingham Borough Council says it is aware of the vandalism.
A spokesperson said: “We’re been really pleased to work with local artist Pistol over the last few years to support his Paint Jam initiative. Paint Jam is a fantastic project which makes the most of the temporary hoardings and supports local charities like the Ollie Young Foundation and Building for the Future. “Whilst it is disappointing to see some tagging on the boards recently, the majority of this shows a respect for the original artwork. We hope local people can continue to enjoy the original artwork whilst the hoardings remain in situ. “We have considered clearing it but there’s a significant risk of completely spoiling some of the other pieces.” And to reassure readers, the council
The word ‘Scrouge!’ and other tags have appeared on hoardings which currently section off part of Elms Field in Wokingham. Pictures: Phil Creighton
said that a portrait of Ollie Young from 2014’s Paint Jam had been safely stored. “We’d like to reassure people that this was not painted over,” they added. “The board was removed prior to last year’s event and the painting has been given to his family.”
If you spot graffiti and fly posting elsewhere, it can be reported by calling 0118 974 6307.
CAMPAIGN
Hundreds gather for Elms Field protest EXCLUSIVE
Badminton raises funds
USERS of Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley raised funds for Macmillan by playing badminton. The event took place in November and was one of many nationwide venues who took part in the Badminton 4 Macmillan Week. A spokesperson for the leisure centre said: “The event aimed to inspire local people to make a welcome return to badminton and at the same time raise vital funds for charity. “In total we were able to raise just over £55, which was also just over the average generated by other leisure centres across the country. “The majority of donations came as result of a raffle at our popular Friday evening No Strings session, which was attended by 40 people”.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Campaigner Mel Horton addressing the meeting in Elms Field.
A PROTEST meeting over plans to revamp a Wokingham town centre playing field was ‘fair’ said its organisers. Hundreds of people attended a meeting on Saturday to protest at plans to build on Elms Field. Held in the fields themselves, it gave Wokingham residents the opportunity to discuss Wokingham Borough Council’s plans for the area, which include a supermarket, cinema, shops and houses. To help people visualise the plans, white lines were painted on the grass to show the location of a new road through the field, and balloons attached to string showed the height of houses along the edge of the popular park and of a five-storey hotel planned opposite the Carnival Pool. The event was organised by residents opposed to the development, who encouraged people to make sure they commented on the planning application before the deadline of Friday, January 29. The gathering heard the supermarket is likely to be an Aldi with 90 car parking spaces and the hotel would be a Premier Inn. It also heard there would be no affordable housing on the site, something Liberal Democrat councillors said was a “disgrace”. During the afternoon there were speeches from Mel Horton, campaigner and administrator of the Keep Elms Field Green Facebook page, and councillor Prue Bray, the leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats. Ms Bray told the 150-strong crowd: “There is no affordable housing included. “I believe it is 120 houses and not a single affordable home, it is shocking, particularly
Crowds gathered at Elms Field for the protest meeting on Saturday. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
as the council demands it from other developers. “If they cannot even stick to it themselves, how can you get it from other people? It is a disgrace.” She added that the Liberal Democrats have put in a Freedom of Information request to find out more about the finances of the scheme. She said: “I believe that where the council
Petition launched
A petition on Elms Field was launched on Wednesday and has already collected more than 600 signatures. It says says the Council should “rejuvenate the green space and neglected facilities for the benefit of the local community”. As the petition relates to the planning application then it would not be accepted as a petition for debate by the council but would be referred directly to the Planning Department for consideration. To find the petition, search for ‘Keep Elms Field Green’ on change.org
is both the landowner, the developer and determines planning, they have to reveal certain financial information, which they have not done.” Speaking to The Wokingham Paper, Ms Horton said that campaigners would rather revitalise Elms Field than see it developed. “We’re trying to be fair and not misrepresenting,” she said. “The council think we’re being negative but it’s only Elms Field we have an issue with. “They are saying we haven’t put a counter proposal forward but we’ve made numerous suggestions. We want to rejuvenate Elms Field, have a place where people can play tennis and basketball, have table tennis tables in the summer.” She added that something akin to Dinton Pastures would be more appropriate for the space than more shops and a cinema. “Dinton is very imaginative. If Elms Field was like that it could be a real draw – let’s make Elms Field a destination, let’s have a proper event space to hold events and have a park.”
APPEAL
Film crew launches appeal for Wokingham extras A YOUNG movie maker is appealing for Wokingham people to come along and star in his new film. Peter Fellows is currently directing what he says is a “zero-budget satirical web-series” and on Sunday he is asking for volunteers to take part in a scene set at a panel event. The filming for the series, called Prime Cut, takes place on Sunday afternoon at a secret location in Wokingham. Mr Fellows said: “This is a project we’re
doing for fun, although several of the cast and crew do work professionally in film and TV. “We’re looking for volunteers to play members of an audience in a scene set at a panel event. We’ll need you from 2.15pm until 6.25pm on Sunday, January 24, at a venue in central Wokingham. “Please email me for more information and precise details of the location.” For more details, or to volunteer to take part, email peterfellows@hotmail.co.uk.
Could you be the face of an audience member for the Prime Cut web series which is being filmed in Wokingham?
NEWS | 7
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
POLITICS
Why I called for the vote
By-election leaflet causes row
One of the 10 people who called for a by-election in Emmrbook North explains why he felt he had to:
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A ROW over a by-election took a new twist this week when it was revealed that an election leaflet is under investigation. Last week, The Wokingham Paper revealed that the poll for Emmbrook North is taking place after its sitting councillor missed meetings due to ill-health. Wokingham Town Council’s Conservative group also missed a deadline for filing necessary paperwork that could have kept the councillor on the council. As a result, they requested that the other political groups agree to co-opt Sanjay Odedra back on to the town council. However, despite both the independent councillors and the Liberal Democrats agreeing with this, 10 people in the ward called for the by-election to be held. It will now take place on Thursday, February 4, and so far three candidates have been named – for Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. However, a leaflet released by Wokingham Conversatives and seen by The Wokingham Paper has caused concerns for the other parties and the Liberal Democrats have made a formal complaint to Wokingham Borough Council’s election department. Now, the Conservatives are promising to correct it. In a letter to The Wokingham Paper, Lib Dem chairman Steven Newtown, said: “I want to make it
The candidates:
EXCLUSIVE
Sanjay Odedra (Conservatives)
Helen Belcher (Liberal Democrats) Brent Lees (Labour)
absolutely clear that neither Cllr Imogen ShepherdDuBey or any member of the Liberal Democrat Party has gone back on the commitment not to call a byelection, despite what has been written and said on the doorsteps to the contrary. “I hereby challenge the local Conservative Party to stop misleading the electorate into believing that the Lib Dems refused to allow Mr Odedra to be co-opted. We have made a formal complaint about the appalling behaviour of the Conservatives in conducting this untrue smear campaign.” Conservative councillor UllaKarin Clark told The Wokingham Paper: “There has been a misunderstanding in relation to the reasons the Emmbrook by-election was called. “We shall be issuing a clarification to every
household in the town ward and apologise for any confusion caused.” Cllr Shepherd DuBey added in a comment on our website that even if they had opposed the co-option, they would have been outvoted by the mainly Conservative town council. She said: “When it comes to voting for a cooption, I am not sure how anyone might think that three councillors might have that kind of power over the majority of 21 Conservative Councillors!” A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson told The Wokingham Paper: “We have received a complaint regarding the Wokingham Town Council by-election for Emmbrook North and, as the administrating authority for the election, we are currently looking into it.”
I, and the others who signed to request a by-election in Emmbrook North did so because we felt that it was not for the councillors of other wards to decide amongst themselves who represented Emmbrook North following the councillor failing in his obligations. I value the democratic process even though I know that I may not get my choice of candidate elected each time but at least the people have decided and not an unaccountable set of people who don’t even represent the ward. I have no personal argument with the outgoing councillor, Mr Odedra, but as he attended no meetings from October 2014 onwards I do question whether he should have stood for election in May 2015. I am a voluntary trustee of a charity and I accept that the charity should dispense with my services if I don’t fulfil my role in a similar manner, and as that is what happened in this case so I felt it appropriate to ask that there is a by-election and that someone else be given the chance to represent the ward, especially at such an important time with all the building and other changes in Emmbrook taking place. That the issue of cost was raised is superfluous, as the rules of the council are clear and Mr Odedra’s party should have not attempted to do a deal in secret as the electorate of Emmbrook North, including myself, were never consulted. I would be interested to see that Mr Cameron calls the referendum on Europe to either coincide with council elections in May 2016 or wait until May 2017 if the Conservatives don’t want to waste money on unnecessary elections as they say in their campaign material for this election. PW, an Emmbrook resident
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8 | NEWS
Parish noticeboard Monday January 25 Earley Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). 7.30pm. Council Chambers Room, Earley Town Council, Radstock Lane, Earley, RG6 5UL
Tuesday January 26 Wokingham Borough Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Barkham Parish Planning Meeting. 7.30pm. Barkham Village Hall, Church Ln, Barkham, West Berkshire RG40 4PL Woodley Town Council Strategy and Resources Meeting. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Headley Rd, Woodley, Wokingham RG5 4JZ
Wednesday January 27 Wokingham Borough Council Schools Admissions Forum. 7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Woodley TCMI meeting. 8pm. The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Headley Rd, Woodley, RG5 4JZ
Thursday January 28 Wokingham Borough Council South Wokingham Forum. 7pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Wokingham Borough Council Executive Meeting. 7.30pm. Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1BN Finchampstead Planning Meeting. 8pm. California Ratepayers Hall, Finchampstead
Friday January 29 Wokingham Town Council civic awards. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Wokingham
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From the courts
n A MAN from Wokingham is due to appear in court charged with assault. Thomas Herfegar, 25, of Chatsworth Avenue, denied the charge when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 8. The charge relates to an incident on October 23. Mr Herfegar has been bailed to appear at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Maidenhead on February 2 to stand trial. n A MAN from Woodley has denied failing to comply with a community order imposed by Reading Magistrates’ Court. Harry Joseph, 23, of Ravensbourne Drive, appeared at the same court on December 8 charged with failing to attend an unpaid work requirement between September 17 and September 21 without reasonable excuse. Mr Joseph was remanded on unconditional bail to reappear at the same court on February 2. n A MAN from Wargrave has been fined £450 and disqualified from driving for nearly two years for driving while above the alcohol limit. Peter Anthony Scarrott, 33, of Newalls Rise, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 9. Mr Scarrott was fined £450, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £45, costs of £85, and a criminal courts charge of £150. He was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for 20 months. n A MAN from Sonning has pleaded guilty to stealing a charity tin from a
takeaway restaurant in Woodley and failing to surrender to custody. Ryan Edwin Doe, 42, of Glebe Gardens, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 9 charged with stealing the charity tin and its contents of up to the value of £100 belonging to Teenage Cancer Trust, from Domino’s in Crockhamwell Road, Woodley, on August 29, and failing to surrender to custody at Berkshire Magistrates’ Court on December 3. Mr Doe was fined £50, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20, and a criminal courts charge of £180 for the theft, and fined £50 to failing to surrender to custody.
carriage when he appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 9. The hearing was adjourned until March 18 due to insufficient court time.
n A WOMAN from Finchampstead has been fined £220 for watching television without a licence. Charlie Rose Bigley, 24, of Nash Grove Lane, was charged at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 11 with using a colour television receiver on July 15 without a licence. Miss Bigley was fined £220, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £22, costs of £120 and a criminal courts charge of £150. Miss Bigley was not present at the hearing. n A 21-year-old man from Wokingham has been fined £95 for being drunk and disorderly in a public place. Dalton Thomas O’Leary, of Commons Road, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on December 14 to the charge, which related to an incident in Elms Road, on November 28. Mr O’Leary was fined £95, a victim surcharge of £20, ordered to pay costs of £85, and a criminal courts charge of £150.
n A 32-year-old man from Woodley has pleaded guilty to six counts of stealing bicycles and wheels. Ian Devereaux, of Hearn Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court n A WOMAN from Lower Earley has on December 11 where he was handed been ordered to carry out 60 hours of a conditional discharge for 12 months, unpaid work for failing to notify the fined a total of £1,040, ordered to pay a council of a change in circumstances victim surcharge of £15, costs of £100 which would affect her housing benefit. and a criminal courts charge of £150. Alison Codling, 50, of St Clements The charges relate to incidents in Close, failed to notify Wokingham Wokingham on March 25 when he Borough Council that her partner’s stole a bicycle to the value of £100; in occupational income had increased Wokingham on March 30 when he which would have changed Ms n A MAN from Woodley has pleaded stole a bicycle to the value of £80; in Codling’s entitlements. not guilty to driving a taxi without a Earley on April 25, when he stole a Ms Codling pleaded guilty at the licence. bicycle to the value of £230, a padlock hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court Haider Ali Khan, 46, of Oak Drive, from a bicycle up to the value of £30, on December 14, where she was ordered denied the charge of driving, standing and a front wheel of a bicycle to the to pay a £60 victim surcharge, costs of or plying for hire a private hire value of £40; and in Wokingham on £85 and ordered to complete 60 hours vehicle in Reading when the vehicle April 30 when he stole a bicycle to the Families Magazine 87x130mm Dec15.qxp 14/12/2015 09:06 Page 1 of unpaid work by December 14, 2016. was not licensed as a public hackney value of £560.
Scholarship Opportunities at Times Top 100 Prep School
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averley School is celebrating its ranking as a Times Top 100 Prep School for the 4th consecutive year. The school is currently offering a limited number of scholarship opportunities for pupils in the current Year 1. Successful candidates would join the school either in Summer Term 2016 or in Year 2 in September 2016. As well as being a Times Top 100 Prep School, Waverley is the only Prep School in the local area with a dedicated focus on 11+ entry, with no bias or affiliation to any Secondary School. To accelerate your child’s progression into the Secondary School of their choice, we are offering limited scholarships for children born between 1st Sept 2009 and 31st August 2010.
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
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FIND OUT MORE: A Scholarship exam will take place on Wed 27th January 2016 at 9.30am. This will consist of Maths and English exams, followed by an interview. Pre-registration for the scholarship exam is required by Friday 22nd Jan 2016. Email us info@waverleyschool.co.uk to register or call 0118 973 1121. Or visit us at our Open Day on Friday 22nd Jan at 9.30am.
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
NEWS | 9
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SUPPORT
Charity is a WIN-ner for the town By VIVIENNE JOHNSON vjohnson@wokinghampaper.co.uk A MEETING was held last week for people wanting to help vulnerable and homeless people in the borough. Members and supporters of Wokingham in Need (WIN) gathered on Thursday, January 14, to hear about the group’s next project and discuss plans for future endeavours. Founded in September 2015, WIN’s first task was to fit out the Wokingham Salvation Army in Sturges Road with a new kitchen. “I wanted to help the drop-in centre because the facilities weren’t realistic,” said Sue Jackson, one of the founders of WIN. “Wokingham in Need have upgraded the kitchen which has lightened the load. People are able to help themselves now which enables people to be more independent.” WIN is continuing to work with the Army by providing two portable cabins that will stand at the side of the Salvation Army citadel on Sturges Road. “One of the cabins will be used as a hub The Wokingham in Need team during a gathering last week. Picture: Paul King for outreach projects,” said Lieutenant Jan “We are looking forward to [work Council, attended the meeting to support Howlin from the Wokingham Salvation starting]. It’s an exciting project, helping WIN. Army. “This is an exciting project,” she said. “It will help get people off the streets. us find a safe place for vulnerable people “This is helping us to find a safe place for We will make it a comfortable, workable and give them a more comfortable life.” Work on the portable cabins is vulnerable people and give them a more space where people can feel relaxed and expected to start in about 10 weeks time. comfortable life.” safe. Councillor Gwynneth Hewetson, WIN is continuing to raise money for “The second cabin will be used as a F_BAR_10578 advert -mayor Wokingham Paper - 284x170mm 11/01/2016 17:50 Page 1 storage area forAusten goods. House WOW open daydeputy of Wokingham Town V2.qxp_Layout projects with1upcoming events including
SOCIETY
Enjoy wine, cheese and a quiz on horticulture
A QUIZ night with a horticultural theme will be the main feature of the next meeting of the Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association. To celebrate the first meeting of the new year the group will hold the quiz while enjoying some cheese and wine. The meeting starts at 8pm on Thursday at St Mary’s Church Centre in Station Road, Twyford. Entry for members and friends is £5, and visitors are very welcome. For more details visit www.trha.org.uk or call 0118 932 0315.
CRIME
Thieves swipe petrol lawn mower from garage
A PETROL lawn mower has been stolen from a garage in Hare Hatch. During the evening of Wednesday, January 6, a resident of a property in Milley Lane heard a noise outside and found the garage door had been forced open halfway. A Viking 655VR garden lawn mower had been stolen. Police are urging anyone who may have been offered a lawn mower matching this description for sale recently to contact them via 101.
FILM
Society’s Suffragette show a quiz night, an open mic night and selling donated goods on a stall in Wokingham market. Times and venues of these events will be published in The Wokingham Paper when they are available. To get involved with Wokingham In Need email Ms Jackson: wokinghaminneed@gmail.com
WOKINGHAM Film Society will chronicle the fight women undertook to get the vote at its latest screening. The group will show Suffragette (12A) at theTown Hall in Market Place. The showing includes a licenced bar and guest speaker. Doors open at 7pm on Thursday and tickets cost £6.50. For more details, log on to wokinghamfilmsociety.com
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10 | BUSINESS
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Business
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham paper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
REGENERATION
Have your say on Peach Place THE design of the new buildings in Peach Place will be put to a public consultation at the end of this month. A workshop to discuss the façades and shop fronts of the new scheme, which is due to begin in early 2017, is being held by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to give residents and members of the public a say on how the new buildings, which will face onto Peach Street and Rose Street, will look. The workshop follows on from an initial consultation in November to discuss the functionality and landscaping of public spaces, focusing on Market Place and Peach Place. The workshop has been organised for Wednesday, January 27, from 7pm to 9pm at Wokingham Town Hall. The event will start with a presentation before moving onto a participatory workshop where groups will have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas. Feedback from the workshop will be used to help finalise the designs ready to start development in early 2017. Spaces on the workshop are limited and must be booked by emailing the borough council’s regeneration team at towncentre.regeneration@ wokingham.gov.uk
COMMERCE
Drum shop closes A WOODLEY business has gone into administration. Drumwright in Headley Road East closed on Tuesday. A statement on its Facebook page, Ian and Chris Wright said: “Following very poor trade in the runup to Christmas, the directors of DrumWright met earlier this month to review the position. “In the light of informal discussions with insolvency practitioners and our legal advisers we concluded that it would be in the best interests of our creditors – and especially our suppliers – to wind up the company. “As you can imagine, this is a sad day for the Wright family, seeing a business which has been our passion for nearly 20 years come to an end in this way.”
Paul Claxton, Rapid Operations Director, Deputy Mayor Cllr Bob Pitts and Jeff Whitton, Rapid Managing Director, cutting the ribbon and, below, enjoying a glass to celebrate the company’s move to a new base in Wokingham. Pictures: Jon Bradley Photography
MOVER
Rapid hopes to clean up in Wokingham A COMMERCIAL cleaning service celebrated its fresh start in Wokingham last week after completing its move from Sunninghill. Rapid Commercial Cleaning Services, which is now based in Oaklands Business Centre, officially opened its doors for business on Friday with a little help from the borough’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Bob Pitts. The company, which was founded in 1999 by managing director Jeff Whitton and operations manager Paul Claxton, employs more than 750 staff with a turnover of £6.5million annually.
The company provides daily cleaning services to more than 450 commercial buildings, including schools, medical centres, offices and leisure facilities across Southern England and the South West. Cllr Pitts said: “The opening was well attended by staff, local customers, suppliers and neighbouring businesses.” Marketing manager Suzanne Whitton said: “We hope that this will be our last move for some time, as the new premises allows plenty of room for expansion and the potential of doubling the head office support team over the coming years.”
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By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
PEOPLE inspired by Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice are invited to take part in a new business start-up course launching next month. Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) will hold the six-week training course from Friday, February 12, and is looking for people to sign up. The sessions aim to offer practical help and assistance with forming a business plan, marketing, managing risk and financial aspects of a business launch. The programme is being held in partnership with Enterprise Cube, which specialises in providing a unique programme of interactive learning to help people start their own business. It is open to residents aged 18 and over. Councillor Stuart Munro, WBC’s deputy executive member for economic development and finance, said: “This programme is about helping people to help themselves. We believe in supporting residents to fulfil their potential and this project releases previously hidden talent. “I am proud to be associated with this project. This is the third year we have run the programme and it’s really encouraging that people who came
Advice – sharp business minds, like those seen in BBC Two’s Dragon’s Den, is on offer thanks to Wokingham Borough Council
through the programme are still in business and growing.” Sonya Thomas, a previous graduate from the programme who has set up her own interior design company Larkspur Interiors, said: “It was a really fantastic course. Paul and Richard who ran the course were incredibly supportive and gave us really practical advice and information which was both easy to understand and useful.” The first session runs from 11am to 1pm at Wokingham Library on Friday, February 12. To register your interest, contact Andrew Nicholls by emailing andrew.nicholls@wokingham.gov.uk or calling (0118) 974 6018. Application forms can be returned by post to Andrew at Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN or by email.
REAL ESTATE
Meghan at Martin THERE’S a new face at one of Wokingham’s newest estate agents. Martin & Co has appointed Meghan Goddard as its property manager. Prior to joining Martin & Co Meghan has experienced managing a student accommodation facility and also residential property portfolios in London. She is a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and holds a NFoPP Level 2 Award in Property Management. Ms Goddard said, ”I’m really excited to join the new Martin & Co office in Wokingham just as this new business is expanding rapidly. This move represents an opportunity for me to personally make a significant impact within the business and grow in terms of more experience and responsibility. “I have lived in Wokingham for most of my life and attended St Crispin’s School. Consequently I know the local area extremely well.” Martin & Co Wokingham was opened officially by the Mayor of Wokingham Borough in September and is headed by experienced husband and wife team, Mike and Erica Townend, who have lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. Mrs Townend said: “We are delighted that Meghan agreed to join us at this crucial time for the business. “She brings some excellent experience of property management and has an enthusiastic problem solving ‘can do’ attitude that is an essential characteristic for someone in this type of role. “The landlords for whom we manage properties will really appreciate this approach to the job, as will the tenants.”
NEWS | 11
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
WINDOWS & DOORS
CONSERVATORIES
Laura Barnett signed copies of her new book at Denmark Street library last week. Picture: Paul King
LITERATURE
Author Laura is a bestseller at library A VISITING author has praised Wokingham Library for a well-organised book signing. Laura Barnett visited the Denmark Street library last week to talk about her bestselling book The Versions of Us. During her visit she read extracts, signed copies and answered questions from the audience. Afterwards, she revealed how happy she was to come to the borough for the event, which was run in conjunction with Chapter One bookshop in Woodley. “It really was one of the best events I’ve
done,” Ms Barnett told The Wokingham Paper. “It was so well organised by Heather Dyson, the questions by the audience were really engaging and we had a great discussion about significant decisions we had made.” Her book looks at a relationship that lasts more than 60 years and three versions of what happens to the people depending on the decisions they made. “The Versions of Us is a love story, well, three love stories for the price of one. The story
is about those ‘what if’ moments that define our lives,” Ms Barnett added. Heather Dyson, Adult Outreach Development Officer for the borough libraries, said: “I chose to invite Laura Barnett because I had enjoyed reading her book so much when it came out. “The evening was a great success, it was a shame we had to finish it. Chapter One bookshop from Woodley supported us too. They came and sold copies of The Version of Us and Laura signed them.”
REPLACEMENT ROOFS
SURVEY
Have your say on childcare provision across borough By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW survey aimed at making things better for children has been launched by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). Although the borough has come top of a survey aimed at finding the country’s best place to live for families, the council’s probe aims to find out what it could be doing better. A WBC spokesperson said: “Wokingham Borough Council are committed to ensuring the Wokingham Borough remains one of the best places to bring up children as indicated in the Family Hotspot Report. “Childcare plays an important part in this and the borough council would like to
gather residents’ views to understand what type of childcare is used and how satisfied you are.” The free online survey aims to help the borough council assess whether there are sufficient childcare opportunities in each area of the borough and also plan for the introduction of new Government initiatives, such as the increase in free early years education and childcare hours for working families from September, 2017. The spokespersonadded: “Your response will help to ensure that the council are able to continue to meet the needs of families within Wokingham borough.” The survey is online at the borough council’s website and takes around 10
minutes to complete, depending on how many children respondents have. The deadline for completion is Monday, February 8. Wokingham came top in the Family Hotspot Report, released in September last year and has featured in every report since its launch in 2012. The annual survey said the borough is “well equipped with attractive facilities which include a number of above average performing primary and secondary schools, several churches and an art gallery”. For more details, or to complete the survey, log on to www.wokingham.gov.uk/ news-and-consultation/consultation-andhaving-your-say/
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Pans at the ready for charity pancake race SHINFIELD is to enjoy a day at the races… the pancake races. The village is to hold a special fundraising event on Shrove Tuesday when schools, businesses and community groups can join together to raise funds for charity. Teams of up to four are invited to take part in the event and wear fancy dress while running, with the best costume
winning a special prize. The event will raise funds for the Lion and Dolphin Ward Fund at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. This fund supports care given to under 18s, including provision of two isolation rooms for children undergoing chemotherapy. Peter Hughes, chair of Shinfield Parish Council, will be awarding the prizes and
afterwards, there will be refreshments in the parish hall. It has been organised by Shinfield Parish Council, St Mary’s Church and Shinfield Baptist Church. Pastor Nathan Hunt, leader of the Baptist church, said: “The two local schools are taking part and we already have a number of businesses signed up from the local
community. We hope it brings the community together while being great fun.” The event will take place on School Green from 11.15am on Tuesday, February 9. Entry for teams is £10, all of which will go to charity. For more details or an entry form, contact Nathan Hunt by emailing njhunt95@gmail.com or calling 07951 765127.
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12 | NEWS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
TOURISM
Spend, spend, spend in Wokingham! By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk TOURISTS spend more money in Wokingham than anywhere else in the country – and twice as much as they do when they visit Reading. Almost 40% of visitors come to Wokingham for six hours or more and spend £69.95 when they do so. Just over a quarter – 27.5% – stay in Reading for the same period of time, spending just £35.50 as a result. Even though Wokingham is a tourist hotspot, just 7.2% of the borough’s working population are employed in tourism related jobs. The surprising figures were revealed in new data released by the Office for National Statistics in an Atlas of Tourism. The survey presents a snapshot of every county and unitary authority in England and Wales using data collated between 2011 and 2013 and are three year averages. And the fascinating figures do not stop there. They also reveal that visitors to the borough will have a higher percentage of nights spent and expenditure on studying. Further research by the ONS reveals that the presence of the University of Reading in Wokingham is one of the reasons for attracting international visitors to the area. Just under 40% of visitors who stayed in Wokingham borough overnight came from Europe, while 15% were residents of Australasia and 14.5% were from the Americas. These overnight visitors would spend, on average, £94.74, and of these visits almost nine in 10 (87.4%) were for one to three nights, with the remainder being for stays of four to seven nights. However, despite the spending, the ONS did not decree that Wokingham borough is a holiday hotspot — the nearest to the borough is Greater London, an amalgamation of several unitary authorities. You can see the data for yourself at the Office of National Statistics website.
Sheila McKeand, Lynda Petley, Rachael Norwood, Mary Jenno, Pauline MacBrayne, Bob Mould, Tony and Gwynneth Hewetson, Tony Eggleston, Pat Chinneck, Lindsey Payne and Ruth Lambert with new President, Richard Gillings, kneeling in the front.
Roll up for an evening of big band music for charity
WOKINGHAM’S Rotary Club is holding a big band concert night in aid of charity later this month. The group will welcome the MillTones Dance Band for the event, which will be held at St Anne’s Manor Hotel in London Road, Wokingham on Friday, January 29. In addition to the music, there will be a twocourse meal, a raffle and the chance to raise funds for local charities. The club has arranged a special overnight deal with the hotel. Tickets cost £30, £79 for a double room and £69 for a single, including breakfast. The fun starts at 7pm. To book tickets or for further information about the event, call 0118 979 1447 or 0118 989 3076.
HEALTH
HORTICULTURE
Saying it with flowers as Nina steps down ORCHIDS were the order of the day as the deputy town mayor joined members of Wokingham Horticultural Association for their AGM last week. Councillor Gwynneth Hewetson, who was deputising for town mayor councillor Philip Mirfin, joined 59 members at the meeting, which saw Susan Davies, who is retiring as president, presented with an orchid. Nina Preston, who stepped down from her role of organising the refreshments rota, was also presented with an orchid to mark her efforts. She also won the society’s Flower of the Month contest with her Camellia. Members were also treated to an illustrated talk by Graham Harding on the South Downs Way. During the meeting, there were thanks to the many
CONCERT
volunteers who help run the Association and three new members were voted on to the committee – Josie Lawrence, Sheila McKeand and Lynda Petley. Also voted in was Richard Gilling’s as the society’s new president. The group’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 9, again at the Bradbury Centre. The guest speaker will be Heather Skinner, deputy chairman of the National Garden Scheme and county organiser for Berkshire. She will talk about the scheme’s work in opening gardens to the public. It starts at 7.45pm and entry is £1 for members, £2 for visitors, who are welcome. For more on the association, log on to its website, www.w-h-a.org.uk
Get in shape with new exercise classes in Woodley TWO new adult exercise classes have been launched at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley. The classes — Boxercise and Boot Camp — have been launched after the appointment of a new Sports Officer who specialises in fitness and exercise. A spokesperson for the leisure centre said: “The new classes will add high intensity classes to what is currently a static exercise focused programme and we are expecting both classes to be very popular. “Plans are also in place to launch a new toddler session called Mini Movers, within which parents and their children will take part in a variety of activities with an ultimate aim to improve balance, co-ordination and confidence.”
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14 | NEWS
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk
WOODLEY
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
HEALTH
Helpers wanted for spring clean at Woodford Park VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help improve Woodford Park in Woodley. Woodley Town Council (WTC) is looking for people with time and ideas who would like to work together to improve and add value to the community space, which is off Haddon Drive. Activities may include anything from weeding shrub beds to planting wild flowers and trees, or fundraising for larger projects. There may also be opportunities for volunteers in the lake refurbishment project that is currently being developed. Kevin Murray, WTC’s Deputy Town Clerk said: “We’re looking something that is community led where the Council can provide support. People who use and enjoy the park will have ideas for improvements and they can make these happen by getting involved.” Woodley resident David Provins, who approached the council with the idea, said: “I am delighted that the council is supporting this project. Woodford Park combined with The Memorial Park is right at the heart of the town. It needs developing and improving to offer visitors a place to walk, relax and enjoy. “We can’t always expect council funding these days, what better than community input that will provide a park that everyone can be proud of and along side the shops is the centre piece of Woodley.” For details on how you can get involved contact Kevin Murray on 0118 969 0356 or email kevin.murray@woodley.gov.uk
If you call an ambulance, don’t be surprised if a fire engine turns up By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk MEDICAL emergencies in Wokingham are now being attended by firefighters as well as paramedics thanks to a life-saving initiative. Crews at Wokingham Fire Station, in Easthampstead Road, received the coresponding training from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) in December after the scheme proved to be a huge success in Hampshire, and have so far responded to 170 calls. Now the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) want to spread the word about their crews’ new skills, and to ensure people are not surprised when a fire engine turns up instead of an ambulance. Speaking at the official co-responding launch at the station on Monday evening, Cllr Colin Dudley, Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “I know I speak on behalf of all my colleagues on the Fire Authority when I say that we see collaboration as absolutely key in the process of ensuring our constituents receive excellent services, especially at a time when budgets are shrinking. “I have to say that I can’t think of any example of collaboration that could possibly be more important than an initiative which improves the chances of people getting life-saving medical care
Coresponders Clive Williams, Jenny Mitchell, Dave Crookall, Scott Butler and Ian Lamb. . Picture: Gemma Davidson
quickly and when they need it. “This is certainly not about the fire service trying to take over the ambulance service, or the ambulance service not being able to cope with the demands being placed upon it. “What it’s about is two emergency services sensibly working together to protect communities and that is something of which everybody here this evening who’s been involved in
introducing co-responding to Wokingham should be very proud of indeed.” Mark Ainsworth, operations manager at SCAS who carried out the training, said: “The crews were very responsive, they were all very enthusiastic, keen to learn and gain new skills.” RBFRS group manager Neil Carter said that the crews had responded well to the training. He said: “It was a little daunting at first, even though the crews
are used to dealing with life-threatening emergencies, dealing with a fire and dealing with a medical emergency are very different situations. “The feedback from the crews, as well as from members of the public, has been very positive. Their confidence is building with every job they attend and their skills are improving all the time.” n To find out more about the work of RBFRS visit www.rbfrs.co.uk.
FREE! Valentine’s Woman’s mission to help puppies GOSSIP GIRLS
Day greetings
Show your love with a FREE message
Monday, February 14 is the date for romantics everywhere to show their loved ones how much they care. Our nearest issue to the big day is Friday, February 11 and we want Wokingham’s lovebirds to be able to celebrate in style. We’re offering everyone the chance to post their loved-up messages for FREE. All you have to do – in 30 words or fewer – is think up your romantic messages. Please, keep them clean! So, if you want to let Snugglepuss know that you want to be their Valentine, this is the place to be!
Your name (we won’t print this):
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Email: Send your completed form by Monday, February 8, 2016 to The Wokingham Paper Valentine’s Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Alternatively email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Messages will be printed in the paper – we reserve the right to edit without prior notification if we consider the message to be unsuitable for a family newspaper.
WHEN Wokingham animal lover Becky Salisbury saw a link on Facebook explaining how a rescue centre looking after ex-puppy farming dogs needed help she knew she had to act. Many Tears Dog Rescue centre, based in Wales, were desperate for supplies. Ms Salisbury said: “They are bursting at the seams and the phone is ringing off the hook with so many dogs being dumped after Christmas. “Their bedding store was empty and they were running out of food to feed the dogs. “I had a few beds to donate but wondered if anyone around me was having a post-Christmas clear-out and could donate, so I asked on a couple of local Facebook groups, including Wokingham Gossip Girls. “The response I had was outstanding and I, along with Natalie Wicks, have been collecting points for local residents to drop their donations at. “Those that didn’t have items to donate have been giving money. In addition, members of a nearby dog agility club (Kelluki Agility) have also donated items, plus £500 raised in a raffle held at one of Kelluki’s agility shows. This was an incredible feat as they had
Becky Salisbury hands over a cheque for £500 to Bob Bolding of the Many Tears Dog Rescue. Pictured inset is bearded collie Gadget. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
only 48 hours notice to organise the raffle. Caroline Hodges, Office Manager at Many Tears, said: “We issued an urgent plea on Facebook for donations of bedding and food due to the massive intake of dogs over the Christmas period, the bedding situation was dire due to the terrible weather and our tumble dryer was running 24 hours a day. “We had a response from Becky and were just so amazed that the whole town had rallied to collect a van load! “Sometimes in rescue we
have incredibly hard days and Becky really did make it all seem worthwhile. She managed to pull everyone together and coordinate a team. “Our dogs are warm, comfortable and safe and without all the support we really could not save so many dogs every year. “We wish Becky could now wave her magic wand and find us perfect forever homes for our dogs in Wokingham!” “It’s amazing what Wokingham has done,” said Ms Salisbury, “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone.” n For more on Many Tears Rescue Centre, log on to www.manytearsrescue.org
15
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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THE WOKINGHAM PAPER N E W S W I T H A H E A RT F O R T H E B O RO U G H
Cut to public transport is a real misjudgment NEWS that Emmbrook will face a reduced bus service next month should be met with horror by everyone living in the borough. On the face of it, it seems simple: cuts have to be made as a result of the reduction in budgets that the borough council faces. However, just as with the foolish plan to introduce car parking charges at weekends, evenings and bank holidays, this is a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. With thousands of new homes coming to the borough over the next 20 years, a massive influx in families will mean more people trying to get around. If we don’t build in adequate public transport networks now, it will be too late when 13,000 new families attempt to get on the road. The buses are the best system to help get as many people from A to B as quickly as possible. And if more people use the buses, there’s less pollution going on to the roads. Not only that, but for people who can’t drive for medical reasons, financial reasons or just because they can see the benefits of letting the bus take the strain, these services are a lifeline. Anything that the borough can do to encourage people to use their cars less is to be championed, not cut back. So it’s a crying shame that the shake-up Courtney Buses will introduce on February 1 will see services to Emmbrook reduced, not enhanced. This is a misjudgment. A rethink is needed before it’s too late.
CHURCH NOTES
God is God and I am not I’M still waiting for the chance to build my first snowman since we moved to Berkshire four winters ago. The one time it has snowed I was recovering from a fractured arm after my bicycle became a Transformer without warning and turned into a catapult. We seem to have had most other weather conditions in the last few weeks — torrential rain, beautiful winter’s evenings, thunder and lightning, crisp mornings, so it must be our turn for snow soon. In their different ways, in the different questions they raise in me, I relish all of the seasons of the year. I love winter when it is stark and clear, the blackness of trees clean against the eggshell blue sky. I love the fact that I have to look outside at the weather and see what I need to put on to keep me warm and dry. I love the way that the world around is hidden from me by night rushing in and the way that watching my breath cloud in front of me makes me feel like a child again. I love the way that winter makes me engage with my environment and remember that, powerful though we are in our ability to buttress ourselves against the conditions, I am still a living creature and sometimes all I can do is wrap up warm or hide beneath a brolly. Above all, I love the way that all of this makes me feel human, alive. I love the way that winter reminds me that I am a creature, that sometimes my longings are only for warmth and light, that God is God and I am not, that God is God and has given us all of this beauty and feeling and colour to delight in. Seeing my breath reminds me that I am alive and that I am loved by the God who gave breath and life. Father Richard Lamey is the Rector of St Paul’s Church, Wokingham
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
Your views
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relatingto the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters
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‘Response to homeless makes me proud to live in borough’ ON THURSDAY I was invited to a Wokingham In Need (WIN) meeting, a new charity set up by Susan Jackson, who is also fundraising chairman of Wokingham Lions. Susan has been joined by a strong team including fellow Lions, Rotarians and other local charities, businesses and general public. I came away impressed, energised and absolutely certain that Wokingham is the best place to live — even if you are homeless! The meeting was hosted by the Salvation Army and their Lieutenant, Jan Howlin, explained how those people who are living ‘rough’ were welcomed, listened to, fed and loved. They have a generous amount of food donated — particularly by Shop Local in the Market Place. She, and a very enthusiastic young man, explained how they received enormous help and support from Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). They really could not have spoken more highly of the Borough Officers. WIN also aim to work closely with WBC. WIN has been running for about a year and was officially launched in September 2015. It has already provided a wet room at the Army, a cooker and kitchen area, plus a breakfast bar fully equipped to allow the homeless to help themselves to food. WIN are currently seeking planning permission to erect a couple of buildings on the side to provide day time refuge and a consultancy service. There are 13 homeless in Wokingham and, for some, it is a lifestyle choice. Sitting around the table on Thursday were at least double that number of concerned, loving people, many of whom represented other charities and organisations in the Town already helping those less fortunate. In addition to the figures disclosed for the homeless there are also many others who are vulnerable and in need, to whom WIN reaches out. We are very fortunate to live where we do. I agree the housing, economy and schools are excellent. What I feel is truly amazing are the number of people reaching out to help those who are vulnerable, deprived, or in temporary difficulties. Wokingham Town Council and partners have a brand, Love Wokingham – I frequently witness the love in Wokingham and am very happy to be a resident and proud to be a Town Councillor. For further information please contact Susan on wokinghaminneed@gmail.com Gwynneth Hewetson, via email
On Emmbrook North I am writing in my capacity as Chair of Wokingham Liberal Democrats in connection with the article that appeared in The Wokingham Paper (January 15): P”oliticians lock heads over £7,000 by-election that ‘only Labour wanted’.”
Elms Field development ideas are ‘preposterous’ I JUST couldn’t believe it. I thought Wokingham Council had given up the urbanisation of Elms Field after everyone objected. Commencing with what was the Carnival Field and multi-storey car park - who will use it? Also cladding it with timber, not only is that a fire hazard it will require constant preservation. The idea of a 95-bed hotel on Elms Field is preposterous, there are plenty of hotels in Wokingham and many more in nearby Bracknell and Winnersh, apart from taking custom away from existing hotels and inns. Another supermarket proposed, people using it will park their cars, do their shopping then off home.
They will not walk up to the town. As for more shops at Elms Field, the shops in the town centre work hard to remain open as it is so taking away their trade is deplorable. I must also mention the residential place for 123 dwellings swamping the existing houses speaks for itself. I must say the ideas of Mel Horton [an administrator of the Facebook page Keep Elms Field Green] are excellent. I am sure that is what the Miss Ellison’s would approve as it was they who left the field for the benefit of the people of Wokingham. They most certainly would not have dreamt of it being built on.
I would like to set the record straight regarding this by-election as I believe the residents of Emmbrook North deserve the truth. Before I get to that, on a personal note I am delighted that Mr Odedra has made a full return to health following his heart problems, as evidenced in your paper with the photo of him outside his newly refurbished store celebrating the re-opening on 10 October. My own father died from a heart attack at the age of 49, when I was still at school, so I understand something of what Mr Odedra has gone through, and wish him good health for many years to come. Mr Odedra was disqualified from the council in November for non-attendance. He had been ill. At any point in his illness, someone could have asked for him to be given leave of absence from the council, but no-one did. As this was not done, legally Mr Odedra had to be removed from the council after six months. The vacancy had to be advertised, and when it was, the Labour party requested an election. To be fair to them, it is not clear that they knew that Mr Odedra had been ill. Liberal Democrat Town councillor, Imogen ShepherdDuBey, was asked by the Mayor not to call a by-election so that the council could co-opt Mr Odedra back on, and she agreed. This was supported by the Wokingham Liberal Democrat Executive. But the by-election was called by Labour, so co-option was not possible. I want to make it absolutely clear that neither Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey or any member of the Liberal Democrat Party has gone back on the commitment not to call a by-election, despite what has been written and said on the doorsteps to the contrary. I hereby challenge the local Conservative Party to stop misleading the electorate into believing that the Lib Dems refused
Remember too, it is all that is left of a meadow of several thousand years, so close to a town centre, it is quite unique. Until around 1965 sheep and horses grazed on both the Elm and Carnival fields, then the town houses were built behind Elms House so the developer had to build Elms Road to give access, followed by the wonderful Carnival Pool as the council closed Martins Pool. Then a London architect won a competition for a design for council offices on Elms Field but only a part of it was built and since demolished. An Australian visitor thought it was a public urinal. Leo Hopkins, via email
to allow Mr Odedra to be co-opted. We have made a formal complaint about the appalling behaviour of the Conservatives in conducting this untrue smear campaign, and have demanded a correction and an apology. Now there is an election, we have put up a candidate. We are very fortunate to have a candidate of the calibre of Helen Belcher, who is a renowned campaigner and has very strong links to the local community in Emmbrook. We will continue to fight the election on the issues facing Emmbrook – issues which it seems the Conservatives would rather not discuss. Stephen Newtown, chairman, Wokingham Liberal Democrats
Executive members’ cash would be better spent on jobs THERE is a great deal of concern that Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is thinking of cutting the £16,000 grant that it gives to the Wokingham Job Support Centre which has been running for 23 years and during that time has helped over 10,500 people. WBC Finance chief Cllr Anthony Pollock says he is looking at a range of options to achieve savings in the Council budget. A couple of years ago he managed to find over £16,000 to pay fellow Tory councillors who were deputy executive members £2,000 each. Rather than cut the grant to the Wokingham Job Support Centre, let’s redirect the £2,000 that each deputy executive member gets to the Job Support Centre. This will deliver better value for money! Clive Jones, Vice Chair Earley Liberal Democrats
GOOD ADVICE
What to do if you want to complain about the European Union Wokingham CAB look at a recent issue they have come across and give an answer THE UK is a net contributor to the EU budget, but we are not part of the single currency. EU law affects many areas of life in the UK, such as employment, family life and health care. If they get something wrong we should be able to complain. First, some history. The European Economic Community (EEC) was established by the Treaty of Rome in 1957. At that time it was made up of only six countries. The Treaty of Maastricht (which came into force in 1993) created the European Union (EU). There are now 28 member countries. The EU has four decision making constitutions; The Council of Ministers, The European Commission, The European Parliament and The Court of Justice. If you have a complaint about how one of these
institutions has acted (Perhaps an administrative delay, refusal of information, discrimination or abuse of power) you can complain to the European Ombudsman. However, before you can do that the institution concerned should be given the opportunity to investigate and try to resolve the issue. You have two years from the date when you knew the facts of the problem within which to complain to the European Ombudsman. It is not necessary for a complaint to be referred to the European Ombudsman by an MEP. There is no fee for making a complaint to the European Ombudsman, which should be in writing. There is a form that you can download from the European Ombudsman website, which you can complete and submit by e-mail. However, it is not necessary to make a complaint using the form. The address of the European Ombudsman is: 1, Avenue du President Robert Schuman, CS 30403, F-67001 Strasbourg Cedex, France. You can call 00 33 388 172313, fax 00 33 388 179062, email:
euro-ombudsman@europarl.eu.int or visit www.ombudsman.europa.eu The European Ombudsman examines complaints and conducts enquiries. Complaints are not usually handled confidentially, but if you ask for your complaint to be treated confidentially this will be respected in individual circumstances, if at all possible. If a case is not resolved satisfactorily, the Ombudsman will try to find a solution through conciliation to put matters right and satisfy the complainant. If the attempt at conciliation fails the European Ombudsman can make recommendations to the institution to solve the case. If the institution does not accept the Ombudsman’s recommendations, the Ombudsman can make a special report on the matter to the European parliament. n You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Visit www.adviceguide. org.uk or contact Wokingham CAB at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0844 499 4126. Alternatively, email: public@ wokingham-cab.org.uk
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
COMMENTARY
My old van said follow the man
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OSING one boss is unfortunate, Losing two looks like carelessness. Even though we’ve just “resigned” one of the few people in the country bright enough to understand the flood problems and then fix them, this isn’t another column about the ’mental Agency. Instead, this week is about another gumming agency, one that the van in the title needs to get round the country. Formerly the Highways Agency, they’ve been sold off (down the river more likely) and are now Highways England Company Limited – to give them the full honorific. But that’s a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll call them The Company. Hmmm, “The Agency” or “The Company”, sounds like a thriller writer referring to the CIA. But these folks are neither Central, nor are they… an agency. (you didn’t think I’d question their intelligence did you?) Though with recent events in the borough, it might be wise to question their intel. Back in the dark old days, (May last year), I gave the editor a list of the topics for this column, including one titled ‘Who’s nicked our motorway’. You see, over a decade of driving to West London every day, I developed a passion for roads and traffic, as well as for economy and efficiency. And I absolutely detest traffic jams, which waste our petrol, time, money and patience. During the research for the article, prompted by the works on the junction of the M4 and A329M which were just starting, I was curious as to whether Wokingham borough was unique in “owning” a motorway. The internet was unhelpful (rare) so I called Highways England (HE) to find out. This was unhelpful too. They suggested I revisit a map of England’s motorways that they “owned” and referred me to the web page where the J10 works were described. Seeing this on screen, my eyes flew immediately to the statement that one lane of the A329M would be shut in both directions. Permanently. Oh dear, a one-lane motorway — isn’t that a bit like a one-horse town ? So I warned the HE representative that this would not go down well with the good folk of Wokingham, but they insisted that this work had been approved and it was going ahead. Somewhat vexed, I gave clear warning. Closing one lane would come to no good. The HE stuck to their guns and then asked if there was anything else they could “help” with. After a brief actinic flash, the call ended — but not before I’d verified that HE were recording it (they were). As we all know HE, who shall be obeyed, went ahead anyway and wasted a lot of paint. “Forgot” the signage. Ignored the fact that most people on the A329M moved over anyway. Got the design of the “move over” wrong. The fundamental cause of dangerous tailbacks onto the M4 was the merging of traffic into one lane on the slip roads. Shutting an A329M lane down was the cheap fix and why should the HE care anyway? They don’t own it and don’t appear to care about the jams and accidents they’ve caused. Even so, roads don’t just happen. They need to be planned. So who’s the planing authority for the A329M and why did they grant permission for the changes? And why wasn’t the Leader of the Borough consulted and informed of the plans? Why didn’t HE’s mandatory safety audits reveal that accidents would occur? If they did, why didn’t anyone do anything about it? Why was the signage bungled so badly and why is it still temporary? Why was HE’s note to The Wokingham Paper so inconsiderate to the Leader of the borough ? As a nation, it looks like we haven’t “resigned” two agency chairmen too many, we may have “resigned” one too few. Tony Johnson is a former business manager with experience of initiating, researching, designing, marketing, negotiating and selling high-tech products and services. He is currently “resting” - developing his creative talents by learning to write and draw.
Tony Johnson
HERE we have not one but four pictures for your viewing pleasure this week. Reader John Cornish went for a walk through Arborfield on a frosty Tuesday and was delighted at what he saw, so much so that he wanted to share it with you. He told The Wokingham Paper: “I took these pictures this afternoon on a walk in Arborfield. I liked them [the sheep] in the winter sun.” They look stunning John, thank you for sharing them with us. We love to showcase your photos in our Picture of the Week feature. If you have a picture – landscape in format, not portrait – email it to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk. Pictures should be hi-res, landscape, 300dpi and taken by yourself, preferably within the Wokingham borough.
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T’S been a while but I’m back with my column sharing news and recommendations for you lovely readers. Thank you to everyone who has told me that they have missed my column, it means such a lot to know that you have read it. If you are new to the paper and want to catch up on my past columns then take a look at my website www. nelliepompoms.co.uk In amongst the blog you can find book reviews, recipes, general ramblings and recommendations. I’ve got a lot to say so why not grab a cup of coffee and settle down to read this!
A new year Here we are in January, more than half way through and as I type it’s the coldest morning of the year so far, by crikey it was chilly this morning when I went to the car. You don’t see cars with newspaper or blankets on the windscreen so much these days though, oh no not with modern cars with their heated windscreens and a whole range of anti-freeze products. Oh those were the days! I don’t do New Year Resolutions but I do New Year Endeavours. This year my endeavour is to keep on top of the ironing. So far I am not doing too well but as it’s so cold and the garden is rock hard I will retreat into the warm cocoon of the house and start ironing.
NELLIE KNOWS
Nellie Williams – www.nelliepompoms.co.uk up in Hurst we came to Wokingham to do our shopping so I class myself as a Wokingham person. I started my career at 80 Peach Street which back in the day was the Weir building. It’s now been knocked down and my poor children switch off when I say “I used to work where that building was”. It’s called change! One question I posted was “The town is now full of places to eat but as children our “treat” was The Berni Inn, where was yours?”. Guess what it was? The Berni!! Yes the place to go in Wokingham way back when was The Berni with its glass of orange juice or prawn cocktail, steak and chips and ice cream in a metal bowl so cold that you jabbed at the ice cream! That was a real treat for us and countless other families! Where was your favourite place to eat? Do join the group, it’s been hilarious to look at old photos and catch up with people.
The end of an era
Towards the end of last year I made two unscheduled trips to Bordeaux to see my very best friend Clare Chauffepied. Some of you might remember her as a French or form teacher at The place to eat Yateley and I am heartbroken to report that she Speaking of those good old days there’s a sadly died in November following a long battle new Facebook group set up by local man Steve with cancer. Armstrong called Memories of Wokingham which She lived in Wokingham for a number of years has been both hilarious and informative. before moving to Bordeaux and all through her I moved to Wokingham 25 years ago but growing cancer battle she was never negative or woe is me.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
We knew the end was near but hoped for some miracle. Sadly not. It’s hit me really hard as she was a piece of my life’s tapestry. When I saw her for the last time I told her to get a seat with a good view and a bottle of wine and I would find her. She’s certainly got a good view now and with the passing of so many characters she’s got front row seats. Which leads me on to grief.
How to grieve
I have never witnessed such a public outpouring of grief as I did last week when David Bowie died. It came as such a shock to everyone who didn’t know he was ill. In this day and age of social media and sharing it seemed impossible to comprehend that Bowie who had turned 69 on Friday had died on Sunday and was fighting cancer. My all time favourite song is All The Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople which of course Bowie had a hand in. The news on Monday that Dale Griffin the drummer had died was another blow. Then as I set my alarm clock I saw that Glenn Frey had died. The death of someone makes me sad, even if I don’t know them. It’s the association of that person, their values and contributions to your life that leaves a gap. I don’t profess to be an expert and I won’t be told how to grieve, nor will I tell anyone. It’s a very personal thing and I have written about grief on my website, www.nelliepompoms.co.uk
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Wokingham’s people
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
OH, MR SMITH!
Remembering a familiar face
A wry look at life
OBITUARY
Brian Kettlewell (1932-2016): A man of the theatre
Baywatch fires .
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NE of the town’s more colourful characters, Brian Kettlewell, died in the Royal Berkshire Hospital last Wednesday a few days short of his 84th birthday. Originally from Nelson in Lancashire, Brian trained as a teacher of arts and crafts. In 1959 he came south to teach at Edgbarrow School, Crowthorne and, as head of art, he was among the original staff of Emmbrook School when it opened in 1964. For 20 years he led the school’s creative activities, both in the classroom and in a variety of ad hoc theatrical ventures, not least, the school pantomime. Brian retired in 1985 as senior master. Outside of school, Brian’s main interest was the theatre, which he enjoyed from a very early age in Lancashire, particularly Gilbert and Sullivan’s light operas and other forms of musical theatre. When he came south, he was a very active member of Wokingham Theatre then based in Norreys Avenue both on stage and in many of the artistic backstage activities. Brian was also very committed to the theatre’s Young Players. Neil Perry, a fellow member of Wokingham Theatre, commented: “I first knew him when I was still at school and despite being a ‘grown-up’ he was inspirational, outspoken, funny and exciting to be around. He directed three one-act plays with the Young Players, which we entered in a local competition and won two firsts and a second place. Unforgettable.” As well as taking an active part in all practical aspects of the theatre, Brian played many dramatic leading roles in plays such as A Man For All Seasons (Sir Thomas More) and Whose Life Is It Anyway? (Ken Harrison). In 1999, by which time Wokingham Theatre had moved to Cantley Park, for another production of A Man For All Seasons, Brian designed and built a magnificent set and performed the play’s other leading role of the Common Man. In 2012, when he had just turned 80, he received a Civic Award from Wokingham Town Council for his work with the community. Until he retired in 2012, he was operations director at Wokingham Theatre and his departure left a large hole in the theatre’s infrastructure. Brian will be much missed by his many friends and in particular by Anne, his partner of more than 25 years. He also leaves behind daughters Abby and Anna and his granddaughter, Skye. n Brian’s funeral will take place at Easthampstead Crematorium on Tuesday, February 2, at 11.15am. A reception at Wokingham Theatre will be held afterwards.
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Brian Kettlewell pictured with daughters Abby (left) and Anna in 2006.
VOLUNTEER CORNER n ABC to read recruit, train and support volunteers who work on a 1:1 basis with primary school children who are struggling with reading. Volunteers will visit a local primary school on a weekly basis and works with children individually seeing the same children on each visit, talking and reading and playing games with them. The volunteers are supported by a field worker who is available to provide ideas and act as a link between the charity and the school. They are in need of volunteers in the Wokingham and Bracknell area. The next training is held on February 2 and 5, contact us to find out more.
with Helena Badger n Wokingham Borough Sports Council has been in existence for over 40 years. The constitution aims to coordinate, promote and develop opportunities and facilities for sport in the district. They organise courses such as child protection and first aid, provide sports sponsorship to under 18s and hold an annual awards evening to celebrate sport and sports men and women in the borough. They are looking for a volunteer to keep the minutes of monthly meetings and advise committee of dates of monthly meetings. The council meets on the first Monday of every month (apart from January and
August.) The volunteer does not need to be a trained secretary or know shorthand, they just need to be IT literate. n The Alzheimers Society seeks to build a better world for people with dementia and those of the people who care for them, combat stigma and ignorance and ensure that everybody affected by dementia can find the help they need. They are looking for new Befriending volunteers to help a person living with dementia to maintain a social life and to follow a hobby or interest. Do any of the below sound like you?
Do you have an interest or hobby you can share? Are you a sympathetic person and good listener? Do you enjoy walking, gardening or exercise? Do you like music, art or dancing? Do you enjoy a chat, or retail therapy? They are looking for volunteers to help on weekdays for a few hours. Contact us if you are interested. These are just three of the roles we are recruiting for, but we have more than 100 different roles on our books. To find out about these or any other roles, call us on 0118 977 0749, email wok-vol@btconnect.com or visit www. volunteercentrewokingham.org.uk
USTRALIA is a big country as we experienced recently. Even doing things locally requires a two-hour journey. Melbourne is experiencing an unusually sustained period of hot weather with temperatures in the high 30s and even 40s and this has caused an epidemic of forest and bush fires. We arrived late December to find The Great Ocean Road closed for this reason. Three days ago we left the city to relax in the small coastal town of San Remo. Yesterday a couple invited us to sail on their yacht. As we set sail across Western Port Bay we saw a huge plume of smoke from the Mornington Peninsula on our horizon. The skipper said he thought it might be an oil terminal. Hours later, as we approached the area, we could see it was a bush fire spreading across a wide area. Today we read in Melbourne’s The Age, that a bush fire had suddenly burst into life and had destroyed or damaged several homes. The fire had spread so quickly that local residents at Crib Point could not escape because the roads were blocked by traffic trying to leave the area. The fire was heading north east towards the tightly inhabited township of Hasting and was within a 100 meters of homes before a wind change prevented a disaster and sent it towards the beach. A shopkeeper was reported by The Age as saying it was the worst fire the community at Crib Point had experienced in the last 16 years. Visitors do need to take note of the weather here which can be so changeable on a daily basis. Yesterday the wife and I were caught out on a short coastal walk. Temperatures were so high we were flagging. Fortunately a kind Couple stopped their car to give us a lift back to San Remo. It turned out they were from Kent and had moved to the area to work at a local helicopter factory. The wildlife, even in inhabited areas, is prolific and kangaroos, minor birds and possums all seem to be regarded as vermin by locals. But what exotic vermin. We encountered a baby brown snake in the garden which one of the party had killed with a stick. It can grow to five feet and is one of Australia’s most poisonous. Good job I was wearing thick leather walking shoes. Only the other night a possum expecting to be given food attacked my right shoe but found it completely inedible. You can’t be too careful in Australia. Which reminds me I must write a letter to Mr Rudd, The Wokingham Paper’s sports editor, having experienced ‘The Big Bash’. These are evening cricket tournaments and I saw the Brisbane Heats thrash Melbourne Stars. Something not to be mentioned lightly down here in Victoria. TOM SMITH @WRYLIFEtomsmith
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Good health
You’re under doctor’s orders to read this page!
HEALTH MATTERS with Nicola Strudley
HOSPITAL
Endoscopy unit awarded for ‘outstanding’ service
Our membership scheme is available for only You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is required before signing up. If treatment is needed during the 12 month contract a member discount of 15% is given.
£21 a month
What is included? • 2 Examinations (including x-rays) • 2 Hygienist visits • Accident & Emergency Insurance • 15% member discount on treatment
Need to budget Need to bud for regular budget for regular dental visits?dent
How would you like your information?
Clare Gardiner, Lead Nurse, Endoscopy Services (second from right back) with members of the endoscopy team.
(excludes specialist and implant treatment)
Need to regular dental visits?
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EALTHWATCH Wokingham Borough hear lots of stories from people about their healthcare and treatment being impacted on by poor communication. There were one million missed appointments in the NHS in 2015 through patients experiencing communication barriers, this included people not hearing their name when called or not being able to read an appointment letter. NHS figures reveal 28% of people with hearing loss left their GP’s unclear about the diagnosis. 14% of those with hearing loss missed appointments due to not hearing their name being called and there are examples of some people being left sitting in waiting rooms for up to 10-12 hours. The final report of the Confidential Inquiry into premature deaths of people with learning disabilities (CIPOLD) published in March 2013 found that “Lack of reasonable adjustments to facilitate healthcare of people with learning disabilities particularly attendance at clinic appointments and investigations was a contributory factor in a number of deaths.” So communication can impact on mortality. A long-awaited information standard has been launched by NHS England that will improve healthcare for millions of people with sensory loss and other disabilities. The Accessible Information Standard requires all NHS and adult social care organisations to meet the communication needs of people with a disability, impairment or sensory loss by July 31. Certain patients will now be asked how they prefer to receive information – this may include documents in large print, British Sign Language or Braille, voice activated software (such as the apps that can read text out loud), easy read or simple language, an advocate to support communication or Skype/Texting. Small changes such as changing the settings on your phone to increase the font size can make the difference in a person accessing and understanding information. It is the responsibility of the NHS and Wokingham Borough Council to identify communication needs, Wakefield Council have used a flag on their computer system to label anyone with communication needs as “VIPs” people needing special consideration. So if you are asked “How do you like your information?” be prepared to explain what works for you! n How to Contact us: Facebook @ healthwatchwokingham, Twitter @HWWokingham, call 0118 418 1418, email enquiries@ healthwatchwokingham.co.uk or walk in via Citizens Advice at 2 Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Denmark Street, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Nicola Strudley works two days a week as the manager for Healthwatch Wokingham Borough. Opinions expressed in this blog are her own
Need to budget for regular dental visits?
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Our membership scheme is ava Our membership scheme is available You do notfor need to be dentally fit to join butaa new patienta examination onlyforBMS £21 month Our membership scheme is available only £21 month is
STAFF at the Royal Berkshire Hospital are celebrating after being awarded full accreditation by the Joint Advisory Group (JAG) of the Royal College of Physicians for exceptional endoscopy services. The unit, which provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures, needed to demonstrate excellence in a number of key areas to meet the required standard. Clare Gardiner, Lead Nurse Endoscopy Services, said: “We are committed to delivering high quality patient focused care and are delighted the unit has been recognised once again as providing an outstanding service. “There were seven key areas of performance with an underlying emphasis on quality, safety and training that we had to meet. The inspection regime was rigorous and to gain accreditation we had to provide detailed evidence that we were performing to the highest standards in every aspect of care.” The unit which is staffed by nurses, endoscopy technicians, endoscopists and support workers,
You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is provides a six-day-a-week service and cares for required before signing up. If treatment approximately 10,500 patients a year. There is also a team dedicatedduring to bowelthe cancer is needed 12screening. month contract Claire added: “As nurses we are at the forefront member the discount 15% is given. of ainfluencing patientofexperience. As well as
required before signing up. If treatment is included? needed during the 12 month contract What is a member (including discount of 15% is given. • 2 Examinations x-rays) • • •
2 Hygienist visits Accident & Emergency Insurance 15%For member discount on treatment please more information, (excludes specialist and implant treatment)
visit our website at www.beec You do notBeechcroft need to be dentallyDental fit to join Practice, 3 BMS but a new patient examination is For more information, please contact us on2AE 0118 3815, RG40 and978 speak with one required before signing up. If treatment
excellent clinical practice, we need to have exceptional communication and organisational skills, along with a supportive manner to make sure we do all we can to ensure every patient has a good experience. “We work hard to make sure we provide a quality, safe and effective service in line with the Government’s modernisation agenda and patient needs.” An endoscopy is a procedure where the inside of the body is examined using an instrument called an endoscope – a long, thin, flexible tube with a light source and a video camera at one end. The JAG sets the national standards for endoscopy units throughout the UK to ensure the quality and safety of patient care. There are different types of endoscopes used to diagnose conditions in the colon, womb, bladder, stomach, lungs and airways or joints.
visit our website at www.beechcroftdental.com call into is needed during the 12 monthor contract member discount of 15% is given. Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32a Station Road, Wokingham, RG40 2AE and speak with one of our team.
REPORT
Dementia unit celebrates ‘good’ rating AN extra care housing development in Wokingham is celebrating after receiving positive ratings across the board in a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Beeches Manor, in Reading Road, provides specific support for people with an early diagnosis of dementia who wish to remain as independent as possible. The Optalis-run facility was inspected on December 8 and 9 but the report and findings were only published on January 6, receiving an overall rating of ‘Good’. Specifically, the report stated Beeches Manor was providing effective, well-led, safe, caring and responsive services. The report’s summary of findings stated: “People were treated with respect and their privacy and dignity was promoted. Staff were caring and responsive to the needs of the people they supported. “Relatives felt the service was well managed. Health and social care professionals felt the service delivered good quality care and worked well in partnership with them.” Mette Le Jakobsen, Optalis Managing Director, said: “We are particularly pleased that customers and their loved ones commented to the CQC inspectors that they found Beeches Manor staff to be very caring and
Need to budget for regular dental visits?
For more information, please contact us on
Our membership scheme is available for 978 only3815 £21 a, month 0118 You do not need to be dentally fit to join BMS but a new patient examination is Beeches Manor’srequired Agnes Saldivar Dan Green beforeand signing up. Ifdisplay treatment their Good CQC inspection report. is needed during the 12 month contract knowledgeable about the customer’s needs, which is discount of to 15% given. so important toausmember as an organisation, notisonly live
visit our website at What is included?
• 2 Examinations (including x-rays) www.beechcroftdental.com
2 Hygienist visits or •call into • Accident & Emergency Insurance Beechcroft Dental Practice, • 15% member discount on treatment (excludes specialist and implant treatment) 32 Station Road, up to our values but to be acknowledged for this key aspect. Wokingham RG40 2AE “This CQC report is testament to the hard work and and speak with one978 of 3815, our team. dedication of the Beeches Manor team and is wellFor more information, please contact us on 0118 deserved praise from the CQC. Everyone at the service website at www.beechcroftdental.com or call into should feel veryvisit proudour of their achievements.” Beechcroft Dental Practice, 32 Station Road, Wokingham,
20 | HERITAGE
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HERITAGE REVIEW
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REVIEW
The past which has shaped our present... This week MikE ChuRChER reviews the Wokingham Remembers articles of the past four months and discusses some of the factors which contributed to the making of Wokingham and its environment.
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VER the past months the Wokingham Remembers page has been providing an early picture of how a small market town and a few villages on the edge of a forest is today ranked as one of the country’s leading communities. Education, religion, industry, transport, social structures, national politics and local government are all important pieces in building the great Wokingham jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our contributions to date and a few ideas on the next round of articles.
Education, Education, Education
Today’s Wokingham is renowned as one of the country’s centres of excellence for education; this is partly due to strong school performance and the motivated parents who live in one of the most highly educated communities in the UK. If we look into the history of Wokingham’s schools we can see how education is woven into its DNA. Prior to the Great War, Wokingham was surrounded by manor houses and members of the landed gentry who wanted to be close to the levers of power; i.e. the royal households of Windsor. In turn these upper echelons possessed a serious sense of duty and a responsibility to ensure their community received at least a basic education. Wokingham also had a powerful professional class, a strong church community (including the nonconformists) and together they shared a strong belief in the importance of teaching. The result was with the skills, the motivation and the finance available, there developed a culture of education which still holds strong to this day.
major impact they had on the town and we have already made a start with the road system by mapping out the course of the old Forest Road. While the building of the M4 had a major influence on the introduction of the high tech businesses which now surround Wokingham, it is the A329M which in 1975 cut off the Forest Road and its natural connections between Emmbrook and the villages of Hurst and Binfield. The love and hate relationship with our rail and roads continue to this day!
Wokingham’s military heritage
As 2015 is the bi-centenary of the Battle of Waterloo, there have been a number of articles commemorating this world changing event. The area has always been noted for its contribution to the nation’s military capability, with Arborfield’s REME, RFA and Remount connections and the Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all situated very nearby. Even the Duke of Wellington took to living in Stratfield Saye, which today is only 30 minutes away from Wokingham’s town centre.
Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church.
its replacement: local government.
Wokingham’s wild side
Before we believe too much in the idea that Wokingham’s development was a solidly sedate experience, May’s article told the story of the rioting in the town centre during the time of the 1857 General Election. Such events were a common sight in the town and this short and bloody battle between the Whigs and the Tories also highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in Market Place as the headquarters of these two feral groups. The story was also able to reflect upon the national scene and the corrupt nature of general elections before the introduction of the private ballot. Future articles will include further tales of anarchy and revelry in this old market town.
historians, Sarah Huxford, also took us on a journey to the old battlefields in search of their graves. This story reflects only a microcosm of the losses around the county of Berkshire, but affirms the importance of the wars in the development of our local character.
Wokingham and the Royal Forest
Bearwood Mansion underour thepresent... hammer The past which hasgoes shaped Wokingham transport
Transport is probably the single most important factor in Wokingham’s development, in both its rail and road systems. Future articles will look at the introduction of the railways and the
been providing an early picture howdocument a small market town HEofsale whetted theand a few villages on the edge of a forest is today appetite: ‘The renowned Freehold rankedCounty as one of the country’s leading Seat distinguished as “Bear communities. Wood” comprising a Commodious religion, industry,a transport, andEducation, Stately Mansion, occupying social structures, national politics and Commanding Position in a grandly local government are all important timbered and undulating park, diversified pieces in building the great Wokingham by wonderfully beautiful Lakes, the entire jigsaw. Here now is a summary of our Estate extending to over 3,000 acres, contributions to date and a few and including extensive wood andideas foreston the next round of articles. lands, seven excellent Farms with superior
Residences, the picturesque model village Education, Education, of Sindlesham, numerous Small Holdings, Education Cottages, etc.’ Today’s Wokingham is renowned as What could go possibly goof wrong? one of the country’s centres excellence The Reading Mercury waxed lyrical: for education; this is partly due to strong ‘The sale naturally arouses much school performance and the motivated interest amongst adjacent landowners, parents who live in one of the most the tenants and all concerned. It is also highly educated communities in the UK. attracting the attention of wealthy If we look into the history of Americans and others possessed of Wokingham’s schools we can see sufficiently ample fortunes how education is woven into its DNA. who are seeking an ideal Prior to the Great War, Wokingham and imposing residence was surrounded by manor houses and and an estate which members of the landed gentry who has exceptional wanted to be close to the levers of power; attractions and beautiful i.e. the royal households of Windsor. surroundings. In turn these upper echelons ‘The mansion itself possessed a serious sense of duty is a very stately and and a responsibility to ensure their well-designed erection, community received at least a basic containing a spacious and education. Wokingham also had a handsome suite of reception powerful professional class, a strong rooms, lofty hall, picture church community (including the nongallery, some 50 to 60 bedrooms and conformists) and together they shared dressing-rooms, and all the a strong belief in the importance of domestic accommodation and teaching. arrangements which can possibly The result was with the skills, the be required by a family of opulence motivation and the finance available, and distinction. Indeed, it is well there developed a culture of education adapted for a royal residence, and it which still holds strong to this day. has been rumoured that it may Wokingham transport possibly in the future become a royal Transport is probably the single residence for one of our Princes, for most important factor Wokingham’s which its situation is soinparticularly well development, in both its rail and road suited, being close to Windsor, and even systems. within the range of Old Windsor Forest Future articles will look at the itself.’ introduction of the railways and thethe The main lot comprised not just
road system by mapping out the course of the old Forest Road. Mansion and its Pleasure Grounds and While thewooded buildingPark of the a a ‘gloriously ofM4 500had acres, major influence introduction of the through which iton is the approached by five high techavenue businesses which now surround principal carriage drives, each Wokingham, it is theentrance A329M which with its picturesque lodge.’ in 1975 cut off the Forest its It also included Home Road Farm and of 175 natural Emmbrook acres inconnections the parish ofbetween Sindlesham, with andfarm the villages of Hurst andand Binfield. The its house, model dairy ‘a capital love and hate relationship with our rail range of farm buildings’; plus across the and roads continue to this day! road, St Catherine’s Lodge, close to the Wokingham’s Church and used as amilitary rectory. Lot 1 even included Bear Wood heritage Farm nearly 500 acres (and of which As of 2015 is the bi-centenary the extended into Woosehill), King-street Battle of Waterloo, there have been a Farm, and ‘thecommemorating Model Village of this number of also articles Sindlesham, withevent. its Institute, Post world changing Office, numerous TheSchools, area hasStores alwaysand been noted for Cottages, and the the its contribution toInn theknown nation’sasmilitary “Walter Arms”.’ capability, with Arborfield’s REME, If and thatRemount wasn’t enough, how about most RFA connections and the of Barkham? Lot 2 contained Randalls Sandhurst and Wellington Colleges all Dowles Farm, while Lot situatedFarm veryand nearby. was Barkham Manor. The Even the3Duke of Wellington took to Walter family were thusis living in Stratfield Saye, which today Lords the Manor of only 30 minutes awayoffrom Wokingham’s town centre. Barkham, and according to the Rector of Barkham Wokingham’s and nationally-known benefactor historian culturethe Revd Peter Ditchfield, they had The area around Wokingham wastaken their stewardship surrounded by many remarkable very individuals and they were instrumental in seriously. building the much infrastructure Lot needed 4 covered the which underpinned the establishment so-called Barkham Estate of a strong community. of about 700 acres, including We willSquare, later belet telling story of of the Barkham to thethe chairman Walter family andCouncil, their contributions to the Rural District Mr E M Sturges, the building of Wokingham but‘Brook in April with its stabling, cottages and first weekly issue, we toldofthe story of the Farm’. Also ‘Sparks Farm’ much loved ArthurCommon Hill, the 6th Marquess 37 acres, ‘Langley Farm’ with of Downshire. 50 acres of grass and arable land, one of Britain’s wealthiest let Although to Mr A Gibbons; plus several landowners,ofArthur doubled as the enclosures arableHill land in Barkham chief ofwoods the local Brigade and was a village; of Fire about 290 acres major financial contributor to this part of together with the keeper’s residence Wokingham’s public services. and several cottages. Later articles willaillustrate Lot 5 comprised Sporting the and demise of these great manors and their Agricultural Estate and an extensive tract incumbent social system the rise of woods and lakes in theand parishes of of
The area around Wokingham was surrounded by many remarkable individuals and they were instrumental in building the much needed infrastructure which underpinned the establishment of a strong community. We will later be telling the story of the Walter family and their contributions to the building of Wokingham but in April first weekly issue, we told the story of the much loved Arthur Hill, the 6th Marquess of Downshire. Although one of Britain’s wealthiest landowners, Arthur Hill doubled as the chief of the local Fire Brigade and was a major financial contributor to this part of Wokingham’s public services. Later articles will illustrate the demise of these great manors and their incumbent social system and the rise of
Wokingham at War
There are watershed moments in history which mark the moment of great change in a society and the Great War of 1914-1918 is one such time. Therefore a number of centenaries between 2014 and 2018 will commemorate the great losses of war which scarred the people of Wokingham for the rest of the 20th century. May’s edition followed the story of two brothers from Langborough Road in Wokingham town. One of our
Looking at today’s community, it is difficult to visualise just how rural the area once was and in part explains the sometimes fragile relationship between the old and new Wokingham; few areas in the UK have witnessed such extraordinary growth and change in the profile of its population. Although Wokingham’s history has always been intertwined with the surrounding villages by providing a market place for agricultural and commercial produce, it was also a Forest Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid down by royalty for the protection of their hunting grounds. These onerous rules restricted local people from using large parts of the land for sustenance and in part led to the rise of local highwaymen and general lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in either their transportation or execution.
To bring us up to date the August articles are focused on the kids who are now entering into their summer holidays. What better way to use this month’s editions than to tell the stories of the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons influence on the area before Wokingham was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? David Nash Ford provided a set of articles and puzzles which makes history fun for the young and no doubt will also catch the interest of the parents who will be looking over their child’s shoulder. Here’s to the next round of articles! Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski and Peter Shilham for all their continuing contributions. All this work is provided by our local historians free of charge and can be found on the front page of the Wokingham Remembers website www.wokinghamremembers.com Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at TradeMark for supporting the paper’s commitment to this project.
Windows doors and conservatories that last a lifetime and beyond
After the disappointment of the sale of the This week MikE ChuRChER reviews ‘outlying portions’ of the Bearwood the Wokingham Remembers articlesEstate in March 1911 in Wokingham, the Walter of the past four months and discusses family took chances with the remainder some of the no factors which contributed of the estate. A grand auction wasits to be to the making of Wokingham and held, not in Wokingham but in London, in environment. July 1911 at The Mart, Token-House Yard,they had on the town and major impact VER the past months the we have already made a start with the writesWokingham STEVE BACON Remembers page has
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Wokingham’s benefactor culture
The story was told in June, and also commemorated the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby Runnymede in 1215.
Shining a light on Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’
www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
Unit 20, Headley Park 10 (next to Screwfix), Woodley RG5 4SW 0118 9699322
Wokingham Railway Station viewed from Wellington Road looking towards St Pauls Church.
The story was told in June, and also historians, Sarah Huxford, also took commemorated the 800th anniversary us on a journey to the old battlefields of the Magna Carta, signed at nearby in search of their graves. This story Before we believe too much in the idea Runnymede in 1215. reflects only a microcosm of the losses that Wokingham’s development was a around the county of Berkshire, but solidly sedate experience, May’s article Shining a light on affirms the importance of the wars in the told the story of the rioting in the town Wokingham’s ‘Dark Ages’ of our local character. Above:during A view of mansion all its glory.development Below: The driveway leading up to it and left inset the gardener’s residence on the estate. centre thethe time of thehouse 1857in General To bring us up to date the August Election. Wokingham and Barkham and Finchampstead, extending articles are focused on the kids who are events were a common sight in to Such over 300 acres (now California Country now entering into their summer holidays. the Royal Forest the town and this short and bloody battle Looking at today’s community, it is What better way to use this month’s Park); also Rooks Nest Farm, extending to between the Whigs and the Tories also difficult to visualise just how rural the editions than to tell the stories of the some 145 acres. highlighted the Bush and Rose hotels in area once was and in part explains the Romans, the Celts and the Saxons Hidden among these plots of land Market Place as the headquarters of these sometimes fragile relationship between influence on the area before Wokingham behind Barkham Church is another treetwo feral groups. was even a twinkle in old Wocca’s eye? lined Drive used to link the old and new Wokingham; few TheCarriage story was alsothat ableonce to reflect areas in the UK have witnessed such David Nash Ford provided a set of Bearwood Mansion with outlying parts of upon the national scene and the corrupt extraordinary growth and change in the articles and puzzles which makes the Bearwood Estate in Finchampstead, nature of general elections before the profile of its population. history fun for the young and no doubt and now almost forgotten a century later; introduction of the private ballot. Although Wokingham’s history will also catch the interest of the parents it reaches to the recently-opened ‘Rooks Future articles will include further has always been intertwined with who will be looking over their child’s Nest of Country Park’. tales anarchy and revelry in this old the surrounding villages by providing shoulder. Aftertown. such a build-up, it seemed market a market place for agricultural and Here’s to the next round of articles! that no-one, either American or commercial produce, it was also a Forest Thanks go out to our contributors: Steve Wokingham at War Royalty, the ready cash. The entire Town. The term ‘forest’ did not mean a Bacon, Jim Bell, David Nash Ford, Sarah There had are watershed moments in catalogue was withdrawn. (Of interest is cluster of trees, but a system of laws laid Huxford, Roger Long, Trevor Ottlewski history which mark the moment of great that foreign royaltyand did the eventually liveof down by royalty for the protection of change in a society Great War and Peter Shilham for all their continuing on part ofisthe estate; King Hussein of their hunting grounds. 1914-1918 one such time. contributions. Jordan occupied Barkham Square for These onerous rules restricted local Therefore a number of centenaries All this work is provided by our many years, donating funds people from using large parts of the land between 2014incidentally and 2018 will local historians free of charge and to help replacethe thegreat tin shack village for sustenance and in part led to the commemorate lossesofofa war can be found on the front page of the hall with the modern building near the rise of local highwaymen and general which scarred the people of Wokingham Wokingham Remembers website lawlessness. As a result, the subsequent for the rest of the 20th century. www.wokinghamremembers.com church.) Black Act of 1723 came down heavily on May’s edition followed the story Thanks also to Mark Ashwell at The Walter family remained in these ‘Wokingham Blacks’ and resulted in of two brothers fromfor Langborough TradeMark for supporting the paper’s Bearwood Mansion some time either their transportation or execution. Road in Wokingham our commitment to this project. afterwards, of whichtown. moreOne nextoftime. its replacement: local government.
Wokingham’s wild side
Windows doors and conservatories that last a lifetime and beyond www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
Unit 20, Headley Park 10 (next to Screwfix), Woodley RG5 4SW 0118 9699322
The good life
How Wokingham is going Green with Vivienne Johnson
SALE
Seed firm helps charity to Thrive with sale of exclusive sweet pea
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MAIL order seed and plant company is hoping to raise £10,000 for a local charity through sales of an exclusive sweet pea. Thompson & Morgan is looking to raise the sum for therapeutic horticultural charity Thrive, based in Beech Hill, by selling the Eleanore Udall variety of the flowering plant. Named after the late wife of the Revd Dr Geoffrey Udall who bequeathed Thrive his Beech Hill estate where the charity now has its head office and gardens, the flower is described as having graduated pink petals and a lovely scent. The name was chosen by Fiona Foote from Andover as part of a competition held by Thrive last summer. She said: “I think it would be the most wonderful tribute to name the sweet pea Eleanore Udall after the late wife of the late Geoffrey Udall who was responsible for providing the garden and facilities for what started life as The Society for Horticultural Therapy, in the 1970s. “My mother, the late Mrs Hilda Foa who lived at The Old Vicarage, in Beech Hill, was very involved in the start of this amazing charity, together with many other hard working people, including Mary Bayliss who has recently stepped down as Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire. “There will be very few people around now who remember Eleanore, as I do from my childhood, but I think it would be a very fitting memorial to the marvellous legacy that has been left by both of them, the success of which would amaze them both.” Kathryn Rossiter, Thrive chief executive, said: “What a wonderful name for this very pretty sweet pea and such a fitting tribute. “I hope our supporters and friends will buy lots of packets and we look forward to seeing pictures of the sweet peas in bloom. “We will be selling packets at Thrive via our website with 100 percent of the profits coming back to us. Please do buy as many packets as you can. “We would also like to thank Thompson & Morgan for choosing Thrive as their Charity of the year in 2016.” Thompson & Morgan horticultural director Paul Hansord said: “We know through social media that the therapeutic qualities of gardening are widely understood by many of our customers. “We’ve seen how sowing a packet of seeds and growing the plants through the season can go a long way in helping improve both physical
The Eleanore Udall sweet pea is being sold to raise funds for Thrive. Picture: Thrive
and mental health. Thrive does some amazing work in this area and we’re keen to help raise awareness and vital funds for such a good cause. “Donating a sweet pea variety to the charity makes sense. They are easy to grow and produce impressive results no matter your skill level – anyone can grow them. “They can also be sown from January to April and again from September to November, providing us with two long sales windows to maximise income for Thrive. Anyone who likes sweet peas should add ‘Eleanore Udall’ to their sowing list for 2016.”
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Previous solution - Easy
5 3
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You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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No. 262
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Very Hard
National Garden Gift Vouchers
A garden winter wonderland - when white is right
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How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.
2 5 7 4 9 8 6 3 1
6 8 3 5 2 1 4 7 9
1 9 4 7 3 6 2 8 5
9 6 2 1 5 7 8 4 3
7 4 8 3 6 9 1 5 2
5 3 1 2 8 4 7 9 6
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OME of the coolest plants for the garden in the winter months have stunning white flowers that make them beautiful additions to the minimalist greenery of a January bed or border. White is often a colour associated with new beginnings - a blank canvas waiting to be written on - and stimulating to the senses, opening the way for creativity. So now is the perfect time to get thinking about planting plans and layout for your garden this year. A choice selection of the very hardiest plants put on their best show in the depths of winter and many are Plant of the Moment in garden centres around the UK. The compact, perennial Hellebore is definitely in that category and there’s a huge variety to choose from. Helleborus niger - commonly known as the Christmas Rose and one of the most popular - is perfect for a slightly shady position, producing clusters of white and deep magenta flowers through winter and into spring. An alternative is the more expansive Winter Flowering Viburnum which is a truly majestic shrub that produces fragrant white or pale pink blush flowers from late autumn into spring. The weather outside may be frightful, but there are still things to do in the garden during January so here are some expert tips of what to put on your January ‘to do’ list. In January, your garden could need protecting from frosts, galeforce winds and heavy rain. Check stakes, ties, fleeces and other supports for damage and consider moving plants to sunnier positions to maximise light. Don’t forget to keep feeding the birds, food is scarce for them over winter. You can also start planning this year’s vegetable plot.
Herbs Protect any tender herbs from frost. January and February are usually the coldest months. Bay, myrtle, olive and French lavender can be brought undercover or near the house if in containers, or covered in fleece in situ. Put a cloche over thyme you use for cooking and it will stay leafier. Prune wisteria and grape vines if they have not been done already. On any frost-free days, plant bare root or container trees, shrubs, hedging, fruit bushes and canes.
Birds Birds need a range of food provided in different ways and kept as clean as possible. Water is just as important as natural resources freeze up - create a pond or water feature and make sure birdbaths stay ice-free (a floating ball does the job, and if it freezes take the ball out to leave a hole).
Previous solution - Tough
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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Thompson & Morgan is also supplying more than £1,000 of flower and vegetable seeds to be grown at the charity’s three garden project sites. This will help provide learning opportunities and the prospect of charity income. The seed specialists social committee at Thrive is also drawing up a programme of inhouse fundraising events, including cake and plant sales, and hopes to put a team of volunteers together to help out with a gardening project later in the season. The Eleanore Udall sweet pea is now for sale on the website www.thrive.org.uk for £2.99 per packet.
SUDOKU Medium
IN THE GARDEN
S
STR8TS No. 262
SUSTAINABILITY | 21
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
8 1 9 6 4 3 5 2 7
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
Plants For Grow Your Own fans don’t forget that now is a great time to prune apples, pears, autumn raspberries, currants and gooseberries and plant new fruit bushes (if the ground isn’t frozen). Sowing seed indoors for early crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, salad onions and spinach and salad onions can also go ahead. You can also prepare seed beds and cover them with clear polythene, cloches or fleece to warm the soil before the main sowing season gets underway. n National Garden Gift Vouchers can be bought and redeemed at over 2,000 outlets in the UK, with more than 90,000 garden plants and products on offer. Visit www.thevouchergarden. co.uk to see the outlets that sell and accept them. You can become a fan and buy vouchers on facebook www.facebook.com/ GardenGiftVouchers or follow on twitter @GardenGiftVouch or via the blog at www.vouchergardenblog.com
22 | SCHOOLS
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
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Owen Coller, Billy Ledden, Stephanie Green, Nathan Munns, Conor O’Byrne and Alexander Flann with Keira Sewell, Challenge Day Leader. Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
CONTEST
Schools get together to tackle micro:bit challenge By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk STUDENTS from three secondary schools across Wokingham were given the chance to become real-life engineers for the day as part of a national challenge. Students from The Piggott School, The Holt School and Waingels College took part in the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Faraday Challenge Day on Tuesday at the Piggott School in Wargrave. Teams raced against the clock to solve real engineering problems based on the BBC micro:bit — a small, programmable tool
designed to introduce students in year seven to the world of coding, and can be used to create anything from games and animations to apps and scrolling stories. The challenge aims to encourage more young people to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by using creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. A spokesperson for The Piggott School said: “The winning team was from The Holt School and the feedback praised their good code and strong presentation. Although they did make a request for help they were able to develop their idea
Safa Ahmed, Andrew Dearman, Eda Roshi and Tom Mason.
once the help had been given. Holly Margerison, IET Faraday Education Manager, said: “Students who take part in the Faraday Challenge Days this year will learn how to code and programme their own BBC micro:bit in a very hands-on and practical environment in the hope that this will give them an insight into the life of a real engineer, the variety a career in engineering can offer and the central role it plays in our everyday lives. “There is huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we’re confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and inspire a new generation with digital technology.”
Noah Robinson and Jacob Robinson.
Mia Beavan, Hannah Hulatt, Charlotte Cross, Sophie Guy, Zoe Fearn and Palak Sharma..
Sanjana Prasad, Samantha Britz, Sandi Khit, Isabel Highore, Abi Butler and Abby Bolton.
LUCKLEY HOUSE
PRIMARY
Floreat thumbs up Pupils tread the boards with the Shakespeare Schools Festival By GEMMA DAVIDSON gdavidson@wokinghampaper.co.uk
By CHARLOTTE CUNNINGHAM & ELENE MDINARADZE
LUCKLEY House School recently took part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival (SFF). SSF is a charity that gives primary, secondary and special schools across the UK the opportunity to perform a 30-minute abridged Shakespeare play on a local, professional stage. When we first got the scripts we were excited although slightly intimidated by the idea of tackling a Shakespearean text with such powerful language that was unfamiliar to us. One of the first things we did was to attend a workshop which took place at the Wilde theatre in Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre. This was a great opportunity to polish and share our ideas with the other schools. It was brilliant fun and a social occasion as well
as a very useful day. Rehearsals were sometimes tiring, stressful and intense, but always exhilarating and well worth the extra effort. It was lovely to be doing a comedy and there was a lot of laughter in rehearsals to relieve the pressure. On the day of the performance in November, together with three other schools: The Avenue School, Herschel Grammar School and Gordon’s School, we went through our technical and dress rehearsals before presenting our evening of comedies. We were the second group to perform and it was thrilling and scary in equal measure. The energy from the audience made us forget our nerves and enjoy having a fantastic time. Anyone who has the opportunity to get involved in this Festival should definitely go for it, as the experience it gives you is unique and life-enhancing.
A SIX-week consultation into a new primary school for a new housing development in Wokingham has yielded positive results. Floreat Education Academies Trust, which has been chosen to provide the new primary school at Montague Park, asked stakeholders to provide feedback on a range of questions, from the vision of the school to practicalities such as the length of the school day. The trust reports that 100% of respondents supported Floreat’s vision to develop children’s character strengths as much as their intellectual ability.
The primary school at Montague Park will be one of three Floreat schools set to open in September. Commenting on the results, Lord O’Shaughnessy, Managing Director of Floreat Education said: “We are very happy that our ‘academics plus character’ approach to education has been embraced by the community in Wokingham. “The consultation period proved to be very productive, and we look forward to a bright future for Floreat Montague Park”. n The consultation report is available to read in its entirety on the Floreat Montague Park website www.floreat.org.uk/ montaguepar).
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
Leisure
Your guide to what’s happening around Wokingham
ORCHESTRA
DANCE
‘See’ the music with innovative art project THEY say that music is all about creating images in your mind but a local orchestra has gone a step further and actually created its own pictures of classical music. This Saturday, Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) will present its first concert of the year and it will showcase artworks created by a local arts collective in conjunction with five young composers aged 12 to 21. And it’s all come about through the orchestra’s famous scheme to encourage people to engage with classical music at a concert. For more than 10 years, the APO has offered anyone who has never before heard a live orchestra a free ticket to one of its concerts through its famous Concert Virgin scheme. It’s part of the amateur orchestra’s mandate to improve access to classical music through presenting accessible concerts and engaging in innovative educational initiatives. “The visual spectacle of over 80 musicians playing amazing music in front of your eyes surprises and delights ‘concert virgins’,” explains APO music director Andrew Taylor. “So, we’ve added an extra visual element through the Pictures at Our Exhibition project, which will take the concert experience to another level.” The #APOpictures project has seen the orchestra collaborate with the creative arts organisation jelly. The five young composers from the Thames Valley were given a guided tour of the jelly studios in Reading by its director Suzanne Stallard and explored how each artist works to create pieces in different
LEISURE | 23
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Sunrise and surprises during fusion show A NEW fusion of dance, theatre and film is coming to South Hill Park next week. The Bracknell arts centre is hosting a live performance of Rachel Johnson’s new choreography Bridging The Void. The experiential dance event will see three dancers perform to a hypnotic original score from James Welland and a backdrop of sunrise sequences captured by cameraman Jonathan Binks. The aim is to create a flowing movement that entices the audience to participate. Ms Johnson said: “I want to give audiences the opportunity to get involved in the performance; to hear, see and feel the beauty of the sunrise and the movement both emotionally and physically. “When we performed Bridging the Void in a handful of venues last year, audiences were initially curious, intrigued; then, as the sun rises over the city of London, in our film, curiosity gave way to a relaxing atmosphere and people were happy to join in, enjoy the experience and leave the theatre feeling uplifted.” “I was inspired to make the piece after an amazing trip to Arizona after a period of intense work at home. The beauty and serenity of the desert sunrise is really something to behold and I felt stilled by it and immediately hopeful for the future.” The show is performed at 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, Janaury 26 at South Hill Park. Tickets cost £10, £9 for concessions, £8 for schools and members. For more details, log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on 01344 484 123.
mediums. Each of the young composers has, with the help of Reading-based professional composer Roger May, created a musical response to a work of their choice by jelly artists Julie Simmonds, Mark O’Neill, Mark Andrew Webber and Jim Attewell. These pieces have then been compiled into the new work Pictures at APO’s exhibition, which will be given its world premiere at Saturday’s concert. Thanks to a grant from Reading Borough Council, the performance will be recorded and later hosted online with an accompanying audio/visual guide, so the artworks can be featured as part of jelly’s ‘Open for Art’ exhibition later in the year, as well as being taken around schools and community organisations. And the jelly artworks will be exhibited at the concert itself, allowing the audience to see what they’re about to hear represented in music. The #APOpictures work was inspired by Mussorgsky’s famous piano piece, Pictures at an Exhibition, which APO will also be performing in Ravel’s dazzling orchestration. Sibelius’s haunting and dramatic violin concerto is also on the programme, with soloist Geoffrey Silver. It takes place from 7.30pm on Saturday at Reading’s Concert Hall. Tickets are priced £12 (£10 concessions, £5 children) and are available from the APO website, www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk, where more details about the ‘Concert Virgin’ scheme and the #APOpictures project are also available.
PANTOMIME Alice Knight, 12, the youngest of the #APOpictures composers with her work ‘Across the Bay’. Left: The #APOpictures young composers professional mentor, Roger May, APO Music Director, Andrew Taylor and APO Chairman, Andrew Le Breuilly, after their tour of the jelly studios back in September, with Suzanne Stallard, Director of jelly.
STAGE
This is British comedy at its finest! A PLAY that launched the West End career of a Bracknell actor is coming to our neighbouring town next week. One Man, Two Guvnors is a comic play that made a star of James Corden, now the presenter of the prestigious US talk show The Late Late Show. Now, it’s to be performed by a talented cast at the Wilde Theatre in South Hill Park from Tuesday next week. The amateur production features a set designed by the arts centre’s own designer, Victoria Spearing and the cast includes many familiar faces to the theatre. The show focuses on Francis Henshall who has been fired from his skiffle band.
Instead, he becomes a minder to Roscoe Crabbe. What he doesn’t know is that Roscoe is really his sister Rachel, posing as her own dead brother – who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis jumps at the chance to earn some extra cash and also takes a job with none other than Stanley Stubbers – but to
avoid being found out, he must keep his two guvnors apart. One Man, Two Guvnors, based on A Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, has been described as a glorious celebration of British comedy – a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners.
The cast includes Max Puplett as Francis and Hannah Colman as Rachel. Also appearing is Barrie Armstrong as Charlie and Tim Bell as Lloyd. It is directed by Luke Burton. The show is suitable for ages 14 upwards. It is performed from Tuesday to Saturday, January 30, and curtain up is at 7.30pm nightly. A Saturday matinee will take place at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £18, £17 for concessions, £15 for members and £9 for schools. For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123 or www.southhillpark. org.uk
Justin announced as Snow White star CHRISTMAS 2015 has just been and gone, but already some people’s thoughts are turning to this year’s festivities. The Hexagon has announced that CBeebies superstar - and local lad - Justin Fletcher will be returning to its stage for its 2016 pantomime, Snow White. No other casting details have yet been announced, but the Reading venue is promising that it will be the town’s biggest-ever pantomime. The show follows the famous tale of Snow White, judged by the magic mirror on the wall to be the fairest in the land, much to the ire of the Wicked Queen. Her evil henchman takes her into the forest where she ends up living with seven dwarves. Will there be a happy ever after? You can find out from Saturday, December 10. Tickets for the show are already on sale and cost from £12. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. readingarts.com. n The annual panto babes auditions for youngsters will take place on Sunday, July 10.
24 | LEISURE
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
AT THE CINEMA
The acoustic couch
Uncovering the cover-up
The best in unsigned music
Kim Taylor-Foster
Upcoming music with Jody Mc
Spotlight (15) ««««« Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams
I
N 2002, seismic revelations that shook the Catholic church to its core were published in the US by the Boston Globe. Its investigative reporting team – a confidential four-person squad known as Spotlight – had investigated and blown the lid on widespread child abuse within the institution. But, more than that, its probing also revealed a scandalous cover up. Tom McCarthy’s film dramatises the journalistic effort to inquire into the allegations. In approaching it in this way, it also offers a commentary on the importance of proper journalism (in particular, local journalism) in an age of internet click bait. Like Zodiac and to some extent State of Play before it, tackling the subject matter from this angle allows the director to shine a light on the role journalists play. Here, where the authorities and long-established organisations are called into question, Spotlight asserts that we need a system we can rely on to uncover truth. That system is a moral, ethical and principled free press populated by journalists with integrity, afforded the time and investment to investigate this kind of scandal. It also shows what a difference four outwardly ordinary human beings can make through a dogged pursuit of truth and justice. In the film’s favour, it stays focussed on facts without straying too far into the lives of its main characters and becoming unbalanced, diluting its messages and story in the process. It gives us just enough to let us know they’re three-dimensional without getting bogged down weaving unnecessary dramatic subplots. Its cast – Michal Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Brian d’Arcy James – put in laudably selfless performances free of vanity, letting the subject matter pack its inevitable punch. Combined with matter-of-fact yet emotional fictionalised accounts from some of the victims, Spotlight proves you don’t need melodrama to make a huge impact. It’s economical in its storytelling, bravely and powerfully exploring the far-reaching effects of abuse. As you watch, you can’t quite believe what’s unravelling. Whether you’re aware of the real-life outrage or not, this formidable, sensitive, weighty and important film needs to be seen.
Unsigned music is what matters to me – and here’s my chance to tell you what I’ve loved this past year. Come and join me, JODY Mc, on a thrilling musical adventure
A
S the New Year gets well under way and we all settle into our regular routines, it’s time for me to get myself organised. Throughout the year I will be searching out some great unsigned music, looking for the secret gems of songs, bands and acts new and old that fly under the radar. And I’ll also ensure that we celebrate our own local unsung heroes that contribute to our rich abundance of music. With our venue we aim to introduce as many acts as possible, in the hope that the artists we find in 2016 and beyond might break down barriers, like some of my favourite music from last year. Which brings me to this week’s delightful topic. Last year, I got to write about some of my favourite song finds and folk, exploring their walks in a difficult industry, finding out what they were getting up to and where they were doing it. This week I’d like to recap on my first amazing year with my wonderful team at The Wokingham Paper by picking out my three favourite stand out unsigned songs and letting you know what’s going on with each act, so here goes...
3
MOVING ON by Alexander McKay. What a cracker of an album this track is on. Every song is worthy of a mention, but Moving On – wow, mind-blowing. Is the
hard work paying off? Yes! 2016 will see McKay playing quite the jetsetter. He recently announced gigs stretching across the globe. As well as paid sets in the UK during our festival season (a rarity among most unsigned muslings), McKay will touch down in Durban, Capetown, Los Angeles, Nashville and Mallorca (and that’s just a taster!) Allllll aboard!
2
BY SPRING WE’LL BE NEW PEOPLE by Bearpaw. Tradiio is a new website I have been flirting with for sometime. It is an unsigned music platform that allows us (the listener) fantastic access to music from all genres and from all around the world and offering rewards for dedication and loyalty for our continued support. The unsigned artists don’t get left out. The more we invest our virtual coins the closer the artist that catches our eye get to some extraordinary opportunities such as festival slots, studio time and music production. This very platform was introduced to me some time back and this is where I found my number two. So you can imagine my shock when I received an email from tradiio congratulating me for supporting said song.
Bearpaw have this week reached number one in the global, UK and folk charts simultaneously. Online platform or not that is an epic feat. I hope to bring you a little more information on their movements in the coming weeks as we try and get the guys down to the couch venue.
1
SKATEBOARD by Dan Goss If you haven’t heard this song, there’s something wrong! The song is one of the most current and fresh tunes I have heard in a long time. The exquisite production by Paul Carr producer and relevant clever writing and vocals from Dan are a match made in heaven. Skateboard is one of four tracks for Dan’s debut EP and his hard work has continued as the dynamite duo have completed the music production and are well underway to completing the long-awaited music video (courtesy of one of my favourite video gurus of the future Will Chanberlain of Goliath creative) for my favourite song of 2015. In such a short space of time, Dan has built quite a team to launch his impressive EP. When asked how he achieved so much in such a short time, while studying music at university and serving at his local church, all I got was a giggle and told. “We owe it all to God and KFC!” So if you get 30 minutes to spare, why not check out my top three and let me know what you think. Better still, if you think there’s a song or an album I should hear about then get in touch. Leave us a link or write your own story of up to 350 words, tell us about the band, a song or an album, but keep it unsigned. Maybe it will get published and maybe we will invite them to our venue.
IN A BAND? HOLDING A GIG? HEARD SOME GREAT MUSIC? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! E-MAIL NEWS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
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LEISURE | 25
TALK
Birdman Peter will fly into Finchampstead for event ONE of the RSPB’s longest serving staff members will be visiting Finchampstead Village Memorial Hall next month. Peter Holden MBE will be visiting to address the RSPB Wokingham & Bracknell Local Group and the talk is open to all. It is entitled The RSPB’s Natural Secrets and will be a presentation using unique material from the RSPB archives as well as his own observations. Mr Holden has authored or co-authored more than a dozen books which have together sold more than a million copies. His most recent title Birds: Their Hidden
World was published in February 2012 and will be available on the night. In the past Peter has joined Bill Oddie to present the BBC TV series Birds in the Nest, and he runs courses on birds and wildlife for Cambridge University’s Institute of Continuous Learning at Madingley Hall. Regarding his presentation Peter said: “I will look at the very first RSPB reserve and I will be considering why these places are called nature reserves and not bird reserves.” Peter has also posed some teasers:
n Where was the first RSPB reserve? n How did the RSPB use pebbles to fund its early conservation? n Did you know the difference between a wasp spider and a spider wasp, and also the RSPB hosts a rare colony of antlions? n Where is the RSPB reserve bought by children? n Who is winning the million year old ‘armsrace’ between bats and moths? The talk takes place on Thursday, February 11 at 8pm. Entry is £3. n www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ wokinghamandbracknell
SHINFIELD PLAYERs
The ‘yokes’ come thick and fast in this winter warmer Two members of Wokingham Film Society staged a ‘demonstration’ to promote the screening of Suffragette.
FILM
Town Hall ‘protest’ marks screening of Suffragette VISITORS to Wokingham town centre would have been forgiven for thinking they had travelled back in time last weekend as they saw two suffragettes demonstrating on the balcony of the town hall. The two women were actually members of the Wokingham Film Society who were promoting the upcoming screening of the Sarah Gavron film, Suffragette. The town hall will be the venue of the screening on Thursday, January 28, which will be followed by a talk by Oxford University Adult Education lecturer Kerry Renshaw. Mr Renshaw will then take questions from the audience. The film, starring Carey Mulligan,
A
PANTOMIME should be three things: silly, saucy and sensational. And Shinfield Players’ Mother Goose has all three in bucketloads. Keeping the Christmas spirit well and truly alive long into January, the Players’ take on the golden egg-laying goose story had the audience cracking up from beginning to end. Featuring a cast of 20, including many youth actors, the panto opens on the good fairy Aurora, played by Cate Naylor, and the evil troll Smorg (Bradley Hepburn) arguing over whether Mother Goose, the Dame role played excellently by James Taylor, is a golden-hearted saint, or a vain gosling hoarder. Smorg is convinced that he can prove her to be as shallow as a puddle, but if he fails he must promise to mend his wicked ways and be good. Mother Goose and her daughter Freya (Alice Rogers) are deliberating over how they are ever to pay their rent to the dastardly Baron Von Rumpensmakka (John Clements). Sales of their goose-themed Christmas jumpers haven’t gone as well as hoped, and a goose sanctuary doesn’t make very much money at all. The Baron appears with his trusty sidekick Gonk (the brilliantly deadpan Brian Nixey) and throws down his ultimatum: Mother Goose pays the rent, or
he will take Freya’s hand in marriage. As luck would have it, the Baron’s kind-hearted nephew Sven (Sarah Miall) chances upon the argument, and offers to pay the rent for the ladies. But he is short, by one krone. In a flash of well-intended pyrotechnics, Aurora the fairy appears and casts a spell on Heidi, the family’s prized goose and surrogate sister, which allows her to make golden eggs appear from thin air. The family is saved, until the Baron gets wind of Heidi’s new talents and wants her for himself. In the meantime, Smorg is hatching his plan to out Mother Goose as a famehungry, vanity-ridden monster. He tempts her to visit the bog where a fountain of youth will transform her into a beautiful, buxom blonde. Unable to resist, Mother Goose carelessly signs his contract, without realising that she has signed away Heidi. When Smorg arrives to claim his prize, the council of the High Goose hears of the betrayal, and summons Heidi to come and live in safety in their mountaintop kingdom. Can Mother Goose, Freya and Sven find Heidi and explain it was all a big mistake? Will the Baron and Gonk get their hands on her first? And will Smorg ever get goose for his tea, or will he have to eat his words and promise to be good?
Containing all the silliness and innuendo audiences have come to expect and love of pantomimes, Mother Goose doesn’t fail to disappoint. With plenty of audience participation (you might want to avoid the front row for Mother Goose’s solo performance, or at least bring along an umbrella!) and opportunities to sing, or even yodel, along with the cast, Mother Goose really does tick all the boxes of what a thoroughly entertaining panto should be. Special mention must go to the costume and set designers who have done a truly superb job in transforming the theatre into a wintry wonderland for the play, and even creating two ‘ride-on’ geese for the Baron and Gonk to tear around on. The youth contingent of the cast did incredibly well too, showing plenty of attitude and confidence in their roles, and not shying away from getting really stuck in with the singalongs and dance routines. If you are not yet ready to wave Christmas goodbye for another year, then shake a tail feather and get yourself down to the Shinfield Players Theatre to witness this cracking show for yourself! Mother Goose runs until Sunday, January 24. For details, showtimes and tickets visitwww.shinfieldplayers.co.uk or call 0118 975 8880.
GEMMA DAVIDSON
Helena Bonham-Carter and Meryl Streep, tells the story of Maud Watts, a working-class woman who was willing to lose everything in the fight for equality. The film was released in October, and was the first film in history to have scenes shot inside the Houses of Parliament. Doors open from 7pm and there will be a licensed bar as well as other light refreshments. Tickets are available in advance from the Wokingham Information Centre or on the door for £6.50, or £4 for members. For more information on Wokingham Film Society, and details of their upcoming screenings, visit www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com
26 | LEISURE
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What’s on Friday, January 22 KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – 30 Rose Street RG40 1XU. John Redwood MP constituency surgery by appointment. Details: 020 7219 4205.
Saturday, January 23 HENLEY – Holy Trinity Church RG9 1SE. Henley Choral Society presents a choral workshop: Dreams of Gerontius. 10.30am5pm. Ages 16 upwards, under 25s free. £20, score hire £3. Details: www. henleychoralsociety.org.uk. KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players
Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm and 6pm. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UE. Quiz night with fish n chip supper in aid of The Children’s Society. 7.30pm. £12. Details: 0118 978 1044. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Knittig classes for beginners with Rachel Freeguard. 10am-noon. £5. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Market. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk. WOODLEY – St James Church, Kingfisher Drive RG5 3LH. Greek night: food, music, dancing, quizzes, games and plate smashing. Details: 0118 966 2568.
Sunday, January 24 EARLEY – Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club, Beech Lane RG6 5PT. Open day for all prospective bowlers. 10.30am-2pm. Free. Wear flat-soled shoes, eg trainers. Details: 0118 986 0759. KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Land RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Mother Goose. 2pm. Details: 0118 975 8880. SONNING – Golf Club, Duffield
www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Philharmonia Orchestra. Sat. Johann Strauss Gala. Sun. Swan Lake. Mon. Snow Maiden. Tues. Sleeping Beauty. Wed. Rod Picott. Wed. Ed Byrne. Thurs. That’ll Be The Day. Fri 29. The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. Sun 31.
Basingstoke – The Haymarket www.anvilarts.org.uk 01256 844244 Secondary Cause of Death. Wed-Sat 30. Fay Field and the Hurricane Party. Feb 3.
Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk (01344) 484123 Atushi Imada: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Creative Control Band Night. Sun. One Man, Two Guvnors. Tues-Sat 30. Bridging The Void. Tues. Mishka Momen: Conservatoire Concert Series. Fri 29. Comedy Cellar. Fri 29. Creative Control Band Night. Sun 31.
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk
The best guide for local, community events across Wokingham borough Road RG4 6GJ. Wedding fair. 11am-3.30pm. Details: 07464 613500. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road RG40 1UE. Churches Together in Woikingham service for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: youth-led Taize service. 6.40pm. Details: www. allsaintswokingham.org.uk. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. French Conversation Club for those with basic French knowledge. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. £10 per Car or £8 for table top pitch/ Walk on, bring own tables. Details: 07861 654 674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk.
Monday, January 25 KNOWL HILL – Bird in Hand, Bath Road RG10 9UP. Burns Supper weekend: special menu available. Details: 01628 826622. LOWER EARLEY - Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Poetry Reading Group. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 931 2150. MAIDEN ERLEGH – Library, off Silverdale Road RG6 7HS. Colouring For Adults. 2.15pm-3pm. Book group. 2pm-2.45pm. Details: 0118 966 6630. SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Pages in the Wood: Book group. 6pm-7pm. Details: 0118 988 4771. WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Storytime for ages 3-5. 4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm.
Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Library, Denmark Street, Wokingham, RG40 2BB. Knit Stitch and Natter. Drop-in for knitting, sewing and a chat. All abilities welcome. 2pm-3pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Network Fellowshop group: quiz with bring and buy sale. 2pm. Details: www. christ-church-woodley.org. uk or 0118 926 8143.
Tuesday, January 26 EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Sunset Song (15). 7.45pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk. LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Rhymetime for babies up to 18 months. 10.30am-11am. Rhymetime for toddlers: ages 18 months-3 years. 11.30amnoon. Details: 0118 931 2150. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Come To The Source: space for silent meditation and prayer. 8pm. Details: 0118 979 2797. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Rhymetime for Babies. 10am-10.30am. Storytime: rhymes and stories for ages 3-5. 2pm-2.30pm. Local
AT THE THEATRE
Basingstoke – The Anvil
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
FILMS: Carol. Fri-Sun. The Good Dinosaur. Sat-Sat. Dan La Court (In The Courtyard). Mon. Rhapsody / Two Pigeons (Live). Tues. Born Yesterday. Wed. Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Thurs. The Dressmaker. Fri 29-Sun 31. Black Mass. Sat 30-Sun 31.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Ji Liu in concert. Wed. Comedy Club. Fri 29. Kast-Off Kinks. Sat 30. FILM: Amelie. Tues. NT Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Thurs.
Didcot – Cornerstone www.cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144 Songs of Separation with Eliza Carthy. Fri. The Noise Next Door: Noise In The Hood. Sat. Robert W Strange exhibition talk. Sat 30. The Ruff Guide To Shakespeare. Sat 30. Funky Monkey and the Juicy Fruits. Sun 31.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Confusions. Until Sat. Hero’s Welcome. Until Sat. Kit & McConnel: Over The Yardam. Thurs. Roy Hudd’s Very Own
Music Hall. Fri 29. Michael Portillo Life: A Game of Two Halves. Sat 30.
Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 575698 An Evening with Psychic Tony Stockwell. Tues. Bye Bye Baby. Sat 30.
High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Russian State Ballet: Swan Lake. Sat. HMS Pinafore in Concert. Sun. The Circus of Horrors. Wed. Soul Explosion. Sun 31.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Alex Garnett (sax). Fri. Gary Delaney: There’s Something About Gary. Sat. Paul Sinha: Postcards From The Z-List. Fri 29. Chris Martin: This Show Has a Soundtrack. Sat 30. Mozart Birthday Concert with St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat 30. FILM: Carol. Sun 24. ROH Live: Rhapsody/ The Two Pigeons. Tues. NT Live: Les Liaisions Dangereuses. Thurs-Fri 29. Black Mass. Sun 31.
history surgery: drop-in for advice. 2pm-5pm. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. UK Online: Help and support with computers and the internet for beginners. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. Noon2pm. £4. Crafts and Laughs. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Wednesday, January 27 WARGRAVE – Library, Woodclyffe Hostel, Church Street RG10 8EP. Knitwits Knitting Group. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 940 4656. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Colouring For Adults. 11.45am1.15pm. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15am10.45am. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM - Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Shared Aloud Reading Group for adults. 10.30am. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM - The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham and District Embroiderer’s Guild meeting: Snow Inspired, a talk by Debbie Goddard 7.30pm. Visitors £6. Details: 0118 973 4067. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. National Careers Service. Advice for your CV and career
planning. 10am-5pm. Details: 0118 969 0304.
Thursday, January 28 CHARVIL – The Land’s End Pub, Lands End Lane RG10 0UE. Loddon Vale Practice PPG (patients’ committee) pub quiz. £5 per person. 7.30pm. Booking recommended. Details: ppg. LVP@gmail.com. EARLEY – HumSS, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6UR. Roman schoolroom for ages seven-18. 1pm4pm. Free, booking essential. Details: www. readingancientschoolroom. com. EARLEY – Palmer Building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Steve Jobs (15). 7.45pm. £5 members, £8 non-members, £7 concessions. Membership £20. Details: 0118 378 7151 or readingfilmtheatre.co.uk. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Chalfont social afternoon: Music to keep the workers happy, a talk by Chris Morris. Details: 0118 931 3124. WINNERSH – Library, The Forest School, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5ND. Keep Calm and Fly Casual: Club for players of the X Wing Miniatures Game, Star Wars and Armada. Age 16 and over. 5.30pm-7.45pm. Details: 0118 979 7519. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Archaeology Finds Surgery. 10am-noon. Teen
Newbury – Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Les Miserables: School Edition. Until Sat. Bolshoi Live: The Taming of the Shrew. Sun. Forever In Blue Jeans. Fri 29. Steve Hall and Tommy Rowson. Fri 29. Elkie Brooks. Sat 30. ROH: The Royal Ballet Encore: The Two Pigeons/Rhapsody. Sun 31. FILM: NT Live: Les Liasons Dangereuses. Thurs. The Revenant. Until Thurs.
Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk. 01635 46044 Tell Me On A Sunday. Thurs-Feb 20.
Reading – South Street www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Afrodrum 101. Thurs. Toot Focus Group or how to stare down and transfigure loneliness, a play after David Foster Wallace. Fri 29. Simon and Garfunkel: Through The Years with Bookends. Sat 30.
Reading – The Hexagon www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060
Book Group for ages 11-18. 50p. 4.30pm-5.30pm. Secrets of the Box: a talk by Tony Weston about the search for an owner of a Regency writing desk. 6.30pm-8pm. £3. National Careers Service: Advice sessions to help you with career planning, CVs and interviews. 9.40am-3.40pm. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place. Wokingham Film Society presents: Suffragette (12a). £6.50. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Reminiscence Club: discuss days gone by. 10.30amnoon. The First Editions book group. 6pm-6.45pm Details: 0118 969 0304.
Friday, January 29 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Rhymetime for under fives. 11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players present Alice: The Panto. 7.30pm. £9, under 16s £5. Details: 07710 500491. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Crochet Group with Gaynor White from Barkham Hookers. All abilities welcome. 9.30am11.30am. £4. Local history surgery: drop-in for advice. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – St Anne’s Manor Hotel, London Road RG40 1ST. Rotary Club
Beyond The Barricade. Fri. Paul Sinha: Postcards From The Z List. Fri. The Elvis Years. Sat. American Superslam Wrestling. Sun. That’ll Be The Day 30th Anniversary Special. Thurs. The Circus of Horrors. Fri 29. I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. Sun 31.
Reading – Concert Hall www.readingarts.com 0118 960 6060 Katherine Ryan: Kathnum. Fri. Aldworth Philharmonic. Sat. Urban Orchestra with Readipop. Sun. Piers Adams’ Recorder Roadshow. Fri 29. Red Priest: Classical Music Alive. Sat 30.
presents a big band dance evening with the MillTones dance band. £30. From 7pm. Details: 0118 979 1447.
Saturday, January 30 LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Church walk - around four miles, with optional pub lunch. Come dressed for weather. 10am. Details: 0118 931 3124. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. Trinity Concert Band presents the Best of 2015. 7.30pm. £10 advance, £12 on door, under 16s free. Details: 0845 226 3047. READING – Hilton Hotel, Kennet Island. Risley, Swallowfield and Farley Hill Charitable Trust presents a Magical Masquerade Ball. 7pm-12.45am. £45, includes three-course meal. Details: 0118 988 5929. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players present Alice: The Panto. 2pm, 7.30pm. £9, under 16s £5. Details: 07710 500491. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Theatre presents Skylight. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Teen writing group for ages 11-18. 10.30am-noon. Knittig classes for beginners with Rachel Freeguard. 10am-noon. £5. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Creative writing group for adults. 10.30am-noon. Details: 0118 969 0304. WOODLEY – Town Centre. Market. 9am-4pm. Details: 0118 921 6920 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk.
The Dumb Waiter and Something Unspoken. March 12.
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The Perfect Murder. Until March 12.
Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 NEXT SHOW: New Jersey Nights. Mon Feb 1-Sat Feb 6.
Woking – New Victoria
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Until Sat.
www.ambassadortickets.com 0844 871 7645 The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri. One Night of Rock. Sat. Horrible Histories: Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders. Tues-Sat 30.
Reading – St Barts
Wokingham – Theatre
www.stbartstheatre.org 07737 477193 NEXT SHOW: Standby For Tape Back-up. March 5.
www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Skylight. Until Jan 30.
Reading – Progress
Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Mother Goose. Until Sun. NEXT SHOW:
Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07939 210121 2016 programme preview. Fri. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp. Sat.
Gig guide Friday, January 22 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Stealers Bluff. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Mighty Playhouse, Gigabit: The Keller Auditions. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. In Too Deep. Details: 01276 63842. CROOKHAM VILLAGE – The Black Horse, The Street GU51 5SJ. The Mays. Details: 01252 616434. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Eddy & Tom. Details: 01252 519964. READING – The Hexagon. Beyond The Barricade. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. High Grade dub and roots with The Majestic. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Anyone Can Play Guitar. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Mod, Ska and Reggae Night. Details: 0118 958 2797. READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Funk Lab. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s Rewind DJ. Details: 0118 402 7800. SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Vinyl Covers. CANCELLED. Details: 01252 872444. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Fat Men In The Bathtub. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790.
Saturday, January 23 BINFIELD – Binfield Club,
Forest Road RG42 4DU. Daved and Confused. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Artree Live: Folk and Roots Music. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Late Late New Year’s Eve Party. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. The Lee Aaron Band Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Colin Santana. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH – The Plough & Horses, Fleet Road GU14 9RG. Gigabit. Details: 01252 545199. FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. England’s Dreaming. Details: 01252 835322. READING – The Hexagon. The Elvis Years. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Concert Hall. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Luke Paolo and Grapefruit, the Pink Diamond Review and Buildings on Fire. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Baby Jane’s Baby Voodoo Blues Show. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s live band Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Salsa and Incognito Dance. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Rivermead, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. The 33rd Rockers Reunion Winter Party: Joe Clay, Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers, The Rapiers, The Spunyboys, Shane and the Korrados, Vintage, Peter Bruce, Wilde Cat Pete, Stu Wild Wax and Steve Stack of Wax. From 5pm. Details: 01494 672605. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Start. Details: 0118 957 6930. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Bullseye. Details: 01276 858501.
HOPE & ANCHOR Free entry, fantastic beers & a great night out! This Saturday @ 9pm
BRICKS BUILD HOUSES Acoustic guitars and strong vocals
Coming next WEY Saturday, January 30 LIVE LIVE MUSIC EVERY MUSIC SATURDAY
Station Road, Wokingham RG40 2AD 0118 978 0918 www.hopeanchor.co.uk
LEISURE | 27
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAMPAPER.CO.UK Bricks Build Houses will be at The Hope & Anchor tomorrow night
WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. Blonde Ambition. Details: 0118 978 0590. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bricks Build Houses. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Neil Samuels. Details: 01252 870648. Sunday, January 24 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays and Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. READING – Concert Hall. Readipop presents: Urban Orchestra. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Readirock Revolutions. Details: 0118 958 6692.
Monday, January 25 Burns Night FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. Burns Night three-course supper. £20. Details: 0118 973 4855 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Burns Night: Top Ceildih Band, Kippers and Kilts. Details: 01491 681048. WOKINGHAM – Ye Olde Leathern Bottel, Barkham Road RG41 4BY. Burns night taster menu. £19.99. Details: 0118 978 4222.
Tuesday, January 26 READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Gli Avanzi. Details: 0118 958 6692. WINDLESHAM – The Sun, Chertsey Road GU20 6EN. Bracknell Folk Club presents: Skip Finn. Details: 01276 472234.
Wednesday, January 27 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays. Jazz Jam and Workshop. Details: 01344 484123. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Berkshire Jazz Jam with Ken Thompson. Details: 0118 958 6692. WARGRAVE – The Spice Lounge, High Street RG10 8BU. Gary Roman is Elvis. Details: 0118 940 4036. Thursday, January 28 CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Jam Night. Details: 01276 32691. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road GU15 2PP. Acoustic
Evening. Details: 01276 27641. FLEET – Propaganda Music Canteen, Fleet Road GU51 3BU. Will.I.An. Details: 01252 620198. READING – The Hexagon. That’ll Be The Day 30th anniversary special. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – South Street. Readipop and Steve Southall present Afro Drum 101. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Silver Heels: jazz. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – O’Neill’s, Blagrave Street RG1 1DB. Open mic night. Details: 0118 960 6580.
Friday, January 29 BAGSHOT – The Cedar Tree, High Street GU19 5AG. Jump The Gunn. Details: 01276 473160. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Moonfly: Keller Auditions. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – The Four Horseshoes, Frimley Road GU15 3EQ. T Roze and Co. Details: 01276 63842. CAMBERLEY – The Royal Standard, Frimley Road
GU15 2PP. Forty45. Details: 01276 27641. CAMBERLEY – The Agincourt, London Road GU15 3JA. Cave rock night: Courtesans, Hammerjack and Brightlight City. Details: 01252 651841. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. The Swanlock Duo. Details: 01252 519964. FARNBOROUGH – The Tradesmans Arms, Cove Road GU14 0EX. The Turn. Details: 01252 376745. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress: Moscow Drug Club. Details: 0118 384 2195. READING – Concert Hall. Piers Adams’ Recorder Roadshow. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Pay Day Disco. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. 80s Rewind DJ. Details: 0118 402 7800. SANDHURST – The White Swan, Swan Lane GU47 9BU. The Lord John Band. Details: 01252 872444. SHINFIELD – The Bell & Bottle, School Green RG2 9EE. Mythical Men. CANCELLED. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street
Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. YATELEY – The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Blonde Ambition. Details: 01252 872105.
Saturday, January 30 BAGSHOT – The White Hart, Guildford Road GU19 5JW. Gigabit. Details: 01276 473640 BINFIELD – Victoria Arms, Terrace Road North RG42 5JA. Teaser. Details: 01344 483856. BINFIELD – Binfield Club, Forest Road RG42 4DU. Charlie Chandlers Little Rock - CANCELLED. Details: 01344 420572. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Section 8: Keller Auditions. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Cannie Man, Hanworth Road RG12 7WX. Uptown Traffic.
Live music returns to The Victoria Arms on Saturday, January 30 as Creme Freche perform
Details: 01344 307620. CAMBERLEY – Mr Bumble, GU17 9AP. Fuzz Universe. Details: 01276 32691. FARNBOROUGH – The Alexandra, Victoria Road GU14 7PH. Steve Brookes. Details: 01252 519964. FLEET – The Falkners Arms, Falkners Close GU51 2XF. The Ninja Squirrels. Details: 01252 811311. FLEET – The Harlington, Fleet Road GU51 4BY. Live tribute to Michael Buble. Details: 01252 811009. FRIMLEY GREEN – Frimley Green Working Mens Club, Sturt Road GU16 6HX. Peach. Details: 01252 835322. READING – Concert Hall. Red Priest. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – South Street. Simon and Garfunkel: Through The Years. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Funky Hammond Night with Fever45s. Details: 0118 958 6692. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Onestop Boogie. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Black and White Music. Details: 0118 959 4267. READING – Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madjeski Stadium RG2 0FL. Gary Barlow tribute evening. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Red Lion, Southampton Street RG1 2QL. Red Lion Rock: Soul Ride. Details: 0118 958 2797. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Continuum Covers
Band. Details: 01276 858501. WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Creme Freche. Details: 0118 978 3023. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Molly Millar, Station Road RG40 2AD. 70s, 80s night with DJ Mally. Details: 0118 977 4548. WOKINGHAM – The Red Lion, Market Place RG40 1AL. Ultimate Party Nights. Details: 0118 979 5790. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers,Church Road. Gary Roman is Elvis. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, The Green GU46 7LR. Off The Record. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, January 31 BRACKNELL – The Crown Wood, Opladen Way RG12 0PE. Jam session: Martin Deadman acoustic. Details: 01344 867374. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Wilde Sundays and Creative Control Band Night. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street RG1 1PZ. Hair of the Dog Comedy night. Details: 0118 959 4267. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning RG4 6TY. Forever In Blue Jeans. Details: 0118 969 8000. WEST END – West End Social Club, High Street GU26 9PL. Chris Dunne Band. Details: 01276 858501.
Your weekly puzzle challenge
28 | LEISURE
To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Quiz Challenge
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2. How did Cardinal Karol Wojtyla make headline news in 1978?
7. Haematite is an ore of which metal?
3. The playwright Václav Havel became president of which country in 1989?
8. The Alfred Hitchcock film The Birds is based on a short story by which writer?
4. Which comic strip character made its debut in 1939 in Detective Comics No. 27?
9. American actress Liv Tyler achieved international recognition for her portrayal of an elf in which hugely successful film trilogy?
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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 T through openings in the walls. The H first letter may appear in any chamber. O R
G E
E R H
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
KEENLY BREAK PLANE
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 27 Good; 32 Very Good; 38 Excellent.
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AE
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SUDOKU Easy
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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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.
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All puzzles on this page are supplied by Sirius Media Services. To try more of our puzzles interactively online go to www.puzzledrome.com
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ACROSS DOWN 2. Small explosive sound goes 1. Agreement in Spanish about back and forth (3) temporary home for prawns (6)
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.
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EQUALISER 7 10 4 2 0 5 4 9 3 2 2 1
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
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FIVE ALIVE
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
10. Who, in 1815, invented the miners’ safety lamp?
WORD PYRAMID
M A T
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6. Rhodes is the capital of which group of Greek islands?
NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
1. Antibes is a tourist resort in which country?
5. Which US showman is often claimed to have coined the phrase: “There’s a sucker born every minute.”?
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
5. Bill repeated first-class backing for a tree (6)
2. On a level with a child or a clergyman (6)
7. Big cat grabs a rook by part of the windpipe (6)
3. They carry on a trade and are situated in pairs (6)
9. Underground cleaner used to remove explosives (11)
4. Right of access of course (6)
8. Again had restored ownership (11)
11. Head teacher in confused, messy plan (6)
10. Examine some five times (3)
13. Thanks poet for heraldic wear (6)
12. Low Frenchman with a pair of spectacles (3)
16. Father’s firm about eastern wall painting (6)
14. Becomes hoarse on dry land (6)
18. Top stylist (11)
15. He moves out of the way of a shirker (6)
19. Weight of sheep held by struggling Meg! (6) 20. Fish led out to pamper (6)
16. Charge exorbitantly for woollen coat (6)
21. Nothing in about eggs (3)
17. Ring another cleric (6)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
1
2
2
3
4
5
7
6
6
7
8
8
9
10
11
11 13
12
15
16
17
13
14
15
18 22
19
20
25
21
22 23 29
24
25
28
26
27
28
29 31
SOLUTIONS
6. Favouring cooking of one’s own kind (11)
10. Sight – of the future? (6)
30 31
23. Noise of a ACROSS snake (4) 2. No longer 26. Farm building (4) functioning (7) 28. Senseless talk (7) 7. Queen of Carthage (4) 29. Jupiter (4) 8. Actual (4) 30. Midday (4) 9. Kenyan capital (7) 31. Acrid (7) 10. Move upward (4) DOWN 12. Support (4) 1. Very short skirt (4) 15. Pixies (5) 2. Completed (4) 17. Narrative song (6) 3. Piece of armour (6) 18. Supple (6) 4. Spade-like tool (6) 19. Wealth (6) 5. Fall in drops (4) 21. Melodious (6) 6. Ring of light (4) 22. Celestial bodies (5) 10. Renaissance (7)
11. Picks (7) 13. Daphne du Maurier novel (7) 14. Morally strict person (7) 15. Roof overhang (5) 16. Nasal cavity (5) 20. Filter (6) 21. Deepen water channel (6) 24. Metallic element (4) 25. Pace (4) 26. Crooked (4) 27. Crowd disturbance (4)
8 2 9 6 3 1 5 7 4
3 6 1 4 7 5 8 2 9
4 7 5 8 2 9 3 6 1
7 4 3 2 1 8 6 9 5
1 9 2 3 5 6 7 4 8
6 5 8 7 9 4 1 3 2
5 3 7 1 4 2 9 8 6
2 1 6 9 8 3 4 5 7
5 6 2 3 9 8 7 4 1
9 8 4 5 6 7 2 1 3
EASY SUDOKU
B
K
S
F
14 1
15 2
U
16 3
CROSS CODE
Q
1 9 3 4 2 7 5 6 8
8 4 7 6 5 1 3 2 9
4 7 6 2 8 9 1 5 3
3 1 9 7 6 5 4 8 2
2 8 5 1 3 4 6 9 7
6 5 8 9 1 3 2 7 4
9 3 4 5 7 2 8 1 6
7 2 1 8 4 6 9 3 5
HARD SUDOKU
L
17 4
N
X
18 5
J
P
19 6
A
20 7
I
G
T
21 8
H
E
22 9
M
WORD PYRAMID: Thorn in one’s side. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 6. MAGIC SQUARE: beak; erne; anyl; kelp.
Z
23
D
10
C
24
R
11
O
25
V
12
Y
26
W
13
Repossessed; 10 Vet; 12 Moo; 14 Ashore; 15 Dodger; 16 Fleece; agree; aright; eager; eagre; egret; eight; emigrate; emigré; gait; gaiter; 17 Circle. game; gamer; gamete; gamier; garth; gate; gather; gear; germ; ghat; ghee; girt; girth; gite; gram; grate; great; greet; grim; grime; grit; hegira; heritage; HERMITAGE; image; imager; mage; maigre; marge; meagre; mega; merge; metage; might; migrate; mirage; rage; ragtime; regime; right; targe; tiger; triage; trig. QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Disused; 7 Dido; 8 Real; 9 Nairobi; 10 Rise; 12 Prop; 15 Elves; 17 Ballad; 18 Limber; 19 Riches; 21 Dulcet; 22 Stars; 23 Hiss; 26 Barn; 28 Twaddle; 29 Jove; 30 Noon; 31 Pungent. Down – 1 Mini; 2 Done; 3 Shield; 4 Shovel; 5 Drip; 6 Halo; 10 Rebirth; 11 Selects; 13 Rebecca; 14 Puritan; 15 Eaves; 16 Sinus; 20 Strain; 21 Dredge; 24 Iron; 25 Step; 26 Bent; 27 Riot.
Down – Grate; Inane; Yield. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: Across – 2 Pop; 5 Acacia; 7 Larynx; 9 Minesweeper; 10 Vision; 11 (2) Across – Relit; Sever; Tense. Down – Resit; Liven; Terse. System; 13 Tabard; 16 Fresco; 18 Hairdresser; 19 Gramme; 20 Coddle; 21 Roe. NONAGRAM: Down – 1 Scampi; 2 Parson; 3 Pliers; 4 Entrée; 6 Cannibalism; 8
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 France; 2 He became Pope John Paul II; 3 Czechoslovakia; 4 Batman (as ‘The Bat-Man’); 5 P.T. Barnum; 6 The Dodecanese; 7 Iron; 8 Daphne du Maurier; 9 The Lord of the Rings; 10 Sir Humphrey Davy.
(1) Across – Gaily; Amaze; Emend.
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DOES THEO HOLD ALL THE CLEWS?: Academy star predicts a bright future for London Irish — Page 36
BASKETBALL
Rockets ‘can keep getting better’ says Pena Garces
Sonning 3s hosted Oxford Hawks 4s in MBBO Division 2, where the visitors would run out 3-0 winners Pictures: Andrew Merritt
HOCKEY
Jonny bags a treble, but Sonning are held in thriller By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk A HAT-TRICK from Jonny Partenheimer helped secure Sonning Men a point from an eight-goal thriller when up against Marlow 2s in MBBO Regional Division 2. Ian Gallagher was also on target for the hosts, but the two goals scored by Ali Dalton and further efforts from Pete Moralee and Josh Morgans ensured the spoils were shared in a 4-4 draw. Partenheimer’s treble, meanwhile, moved him up to joint second top scorer in the league this season with 13 goals. In the same division, WOKINGHAM MEN continue to prop up the rest having returned to action after the winter break with a 4-0 reverse at Milton Keynes 2s. Russell Brazier, Martin Kavanagh twice and Jolyon Vernon all hit the backboard for the league leaders. SONNING 2S climbed a place to fourth in MBBO Division One after picking up a point from a 1-1 draw away at Wycombe 2s. Steve Ridley was on target for the away side, with Ben Cutler netting for the hosts. Brett Morrison, Luke Piper and Robbie Scragg got the goals which sent SONNING 3S crashing to a 3-0 loss when hosting Oxford Hawks 4s in Division 2, while in Division 3, WOKINGHAM 3S challenging season continued with a 4-0 reverse at mid-table West Hampstead 4s. Michael Bunso, Henry Jones and a Yuki Tobari brace secured the points. There was no joy for SONNING 4S, either. Away at Reading University Knights 5s, a 3-0 defeat left the visitors bottom of the Division 4 table. WOKINGHAM 3S remain eighth in Division 7 on 12 points after they proved to be no match for Marlow 5s, who returned to Buckinghamshire boasting a 5-0 rout. Grant Strudley was among the goals, though, for a SONNING 5S side which fought back from 2-1 down to defeat
Jonny Partenheimer took his scoring tally for the season to 13 with a hat-trick
struggling Thame 2s 5-2 and preserve top spot in Division 8 West. The inter-club clash between SONNING 6S and 7S in Division 9 West was postponed. WOKINGHAM VETS were on the wrong end of the result at Oxford Hawks Falcons in the Wessex Supervets Fixtures Alliance. Trysports League WOKINGHAM LADIES went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat during a basement battle at Bicester Ladies in Premier 1. The loss leaves the club rooted to the foot of the table. SONNING LADIES and SONNING 2S were due to meet last Saturday, but the
MANUEL PENA Garces will continue to look for improvement from his Reading Rockets when they complete a third successive double head this weekend. The Spaniard saw his side lose out 83-68 to Derby Trailblazers last Saturday before rallying back to defeat Worthing Thunder 82-75 the following day. These results leave Rockets fifth in the National Basketball League Division One table ahead of away trips to Essex Leopards on Saturday (7.30pm) and Kent Crusaders on Sunday (3.30pm) And coach Pena Garces is looking forward to the two fixtures, saying: “These are two more testing games for us that will be quite different because Kent is struggling results-wise, but is well coached and hungry to win. “Essex is a talented team that will want to overturn the win we recorded in overtime in the Trophy. “But these are the games we want to play and we want to win and keep getting better, so we are excited for this and really looking forward to practice and preparing to be better.” Rockets go into the weekend with no injury concerns, while captain Danny Carter will be looking to keep up the good form which saw him pick up 25 and 21
eagerly-awaited clash was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Berkshire County Sports. A solitary strike from Kate Parry saw Abingdon Ladies snatch a 1-0 win from their game with basement club SONNING 3S in Division 1, while WOKINGHAM 2S were edged out against Abingdon Pilgrims by the odd goal in nine during an absorbing contest witnessed at Cantley Park. Despite the loss, the hosts remain in 10th position. SONNING 4S, however, were denied the chance to try and close the gap on those above them in the Division 3 standings. This is because their game at Harlow and High Wycombe Ladies was also cancelled due to freezing conditions. WOKINGHAM 3S remain bottom of Division 5, but they did run table-topping Maidenhead 5s close in a game which the home side won by a 2-0 margin. But in Division 6, SONNING 5S doubled their win tally for the season when holding out to defeat fifth-placed Thame 3s by two goals to one. Fixtures - Saturday, January 23 The two sides battle for the loose ball MBBO REGIONAL DIVISION 2: British Airways v Sonning Men; Wokingham Men v West Hampstead 2s. DIVISION 1: Sonning 2s v Witney DIVISION 2: Wallingford 2s v Sonning 3s DIVISION 3: Wokingham 2s v Harrow DIVISION 4: Sonning 4s v Banbury 3s DIVISION 7: Milton Keynes Samurai v Wokingham 3s DIVISION 8 WEST: Bracknell Terriers v Sonning 5s DIVISION 9 WEST: Newbury and Thatcham 5s v Sonning 7s; Sonning 6s v Thame 3s WESSEX ALLIANCE: Amersham and Chalfont v Wokingham Vets TRYSPORTS PREMIER 1: Aylesbury Ladies v Wokingham Ladies; Sonning Ladies v Bicester Ladies; Oxford University 2s v Sonning 2s DIVISION 1: Wycombe 3s v Sonning 3s DIVISION 2: Marlow 3s v Wokingham 2s DIVISION 3: Sonning 4s v Bracknell 2s DIVISION 4: Sonning Veterans v Gerrards Cross 2s DIVISION 5: Wokingham 3s v Bicester Ladies DIVISION 6: Slough 3s v Sonning 5s
Rockets captain Danny Carter (right) racked up 46 points last weekend Picture: Paul King
points respectively in the last two games. Pena Garces could also welcome back Under-18 forward Ali Sbai following a three-week absence.
Defeat to the Hawks leaves Sonning, who look to shield the ball, 10th in the table
The hosts were shut out at Sonning Lane
34 | SPORT
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
ICE HOCKEY
Smith double helps Bees to one Hull of a win Bracknell Bees 6 Hull Pirates 3 By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk BRACKNELL BEES’ long wait for a win is finally over after a brace of goals from Josh Smith helped the side to victory over Hull Pirates on Sunday night. The forward, who has been involved with the ice hockey club since the age of six, was joined on the scoresheet at the Hive by Milan Kostourek, Lewis Turner, Vanya Antonov and Carl Thompson. Sam Towner had equalised for visiting Hull before Nathan Salem and Warren Tait rattled in two late consolations for a side who now sit just two points above Bees in the standings. “It was really nice (to get the goals),” said Smith. “It was good to get back on a winning note, but hopefully we can keep rolling from here. “There is still quite a few games left of the season and we’re only nine points behind (the play-off spots) now so hopefully this will get us rolling from here onwards.” Bracknell went into the game four points adrift of their fellow strugglers after the Pirates stunned Peterborough Phantoms when winning 5-1 the night before, while Bees were beaten 3-1 at Telford Tigers – an 18th consecutive loss. Player-coach Lukas Smital, who remains sidelined with a broken finger, said before the game his side needed to win this basement battle if they were to keep alive any remaining hopes of securing a play-off spot this season. And the Czech saw his charges get off to the perfect start when Smith opened the scoring in just the second minute. Smith would break the deadlock via a wrap-around goal, chancing his luck after captain Matt Foord had sent a strike from a James Galazzi pass just wide of a post. Alex Barker saw an effort palmed away by Martins Raitums and was
Josh Smith led the scoring with a brace of goals
unlucky with a reverse strike while Lee Bonner saw out an interference minor as the Bees smelt blood. Scott Spearing also went close during the power play, but Bracknell were unable to capitalise. Carl Graham opened up from the blueline, but was over, while Antonov was off target as more chances fell the hosts’ way. Hull had moments of their own too, and Tommi Laine should have done better when a kind deflection off the board sent him on his way, but his low drive was kept out by Bracknell netminder Alex Mettam. Yet they were back on level terms in the 13th minute. Dominic Osman burst forward down the right and skipped past an attempted challenge before his low centre was buried by Towner. Hull almost completed the turnaround just moments later when Pasi Salonen shrugged off numerous challenges as he made his way towards the ironwork – but he was eventually thwarted by Mettam, who did enough to steer the winger away from goal. The two teams would head in to the
first interval on level terms, but the scores would not remain at stalemate for long. It was that man Smith again who nudged Bees back in front, latching on to another Galazzi pass and stroking the puck home at the far post. Only a smart interception from Jamie Cobley denied Barker another crack at goal before Spearing forced Raitums into a save. The import lit the lamp when letting fly from the blueline, with his effort helped into the net via the crossbar. Bees were now in the ascendancy, although it was felt another goal would be needed to take control of the fixture. It would not arrive before the buzzer, with Bracknell falling into penalty trouble when Turner (tripping), quickly followed Galazzi (holding) into the bin. The only real opportunity for Hull during this time came through a shot which hit the plexi glass, but they were unlucky not to cut the gap when Laine skimmed the bar shortly after the opposition returned to full strength. The pipework would come to Bees’ aid again early in the third stanza, with a post this time keeping out an Osman drive, who also saw Mettam equal to another chance soon after. It was the home side, however, who were enjoying the better luck in front of goal, and further breathing space between the two sides would arrive when Turner produced the decisive Vanya Antonov was also on target during the victory Pictures: Bob Swann
Silverthorn hat-trick sees Bracknell beaten in Telford Telford Tigers 3 Bracknell Bees 1
A JASON Silverthorn hat-trick left Bracknell beaten in Shropshire, writes JOHN SLATER. Carl Thompson had struck an equaliser for the away side, but two more goals for the Telford captain soon after ensured it was another miserable night on the ice for the away team, who were on the losing side of the result for the 18th consecutive fixture. There had been very little to separate the two sides up until Silverthorn opened his account for the evening when breaking the deadlock halfway through the first session. Defences would remain on top in what was a war of attrition during an opening 20 minutes which was to witness not one penalty. The sin-bin, however, was welcoming its first offender early in the second stanza when Bees’ James Galazzi was punished for hooking. Those left on the rink would kill off the power play, but chances still remained few and far between. But this was to change midway through the period when Lewis Turner and Alex Barker combined to set up Carl Thompson to equalise.
Carl Thompson
The visitors, however, would remain on level terms for less than a minute. With captain Matt Foord sitting out a holding minor, Telford used this powerplay to full advantage, as Silverthorn quickly restored the narrow lead. Both sides continued to have a real
good go at one another, but could not add to their respective tallies before the buzzer. With player-coach Lukas Smital still nursing a hand injury, son Matt with the Under-18 Drones and Brandon Miles, Harvey Hind-Pitcher and Josh Martin needed with the Hornets, Bees would be shorthanded for the trip to Telford. They remained in the game as proceedings entered the final stanza, but their work became even harder when Silverthorn completed the treble on 43 minutes. Joe Miller and Blahoslav Novak took the assists. Bracknell continued to push hard and were handed a power play when Martin Ondrej was punished for roughing, but the two minutes passed without reward. Further roughing minors were dished out when Bees’ Spearing clashed with Ondrej and Silverthorn, but the away side were again unable to capitalise with the extra man. Tom Murdy in the Telford goal remained busy in the final few minutes, but the hosts held out to secure the two points. Bees are away at Peterborough Phantoms on Saturday (7pm) before Swindon Wildcats visit The Hive on Sunday (6pm).
Bees’ replacment netminder Matt Smital attempts to keep out Hull’s Nathan Salem
touch amid a clutch of bodies around the crease and make it 4-1. Antonov and Kostourek would provide the assists – with the two combining again two minutes later to put Bracknell out of reach. The latter was too hot to handle as he made his way down the left, where he pulled the puck back to his team-mate, who beat replacement netminder Ashley Smith with a first-time strike which nestled in the corner. The Pirates, who won a recent clash between the sides 6-3 up in Humberside, were now playing for pride, yet Laine would work Mettam before Salem was off target. But they were unable to prevent Bees netting a sixth, which was bagged by Thompson. It was
some finish too, with the player firing across Smith and inside the far post from the tightest of angles. With a welcome win wrapped up, coach Smital decided to throw netminder and son Matty into the action – and he was soon involved when thwarting Salonen at the near post. But there was little Smital could do when the same player cut the arrears on 56:01 through a thundering shot from close range. He was then beaten again two minutes later as Tait shanked a strike from distance through a mass of players and off a post, but the unlikeliest of comebacks was never going to materialise. English Premier Ice Hockey League P W OW OL L F Basingstoke 36 21 4 2 9 135 Milton Keynes 38 18 5 4 11 132 Peterborough 35 18 3 5 9 131 Guildford 36 16 5 2 13 125 Telford 35 20 2 0 13 142 Swindon 35 15 5 3 12 121 Sheffield 34 16 2 3 13 124 Manchester 33 10 1 5 17 100 Hull 36 5 3 4 24 85 Bracknell 36 8 0 2 26 110
A 86 104 92 114 95 118 140 127 172 157
Pts 52 50 47 44 44 43 39 27 20 18
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
SPORT | 35
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
BB&O PREMIER DIVISION
Monahan hat-trick condemns Bracknell to another loss
Stew beauty! Alex sets Crows on way to victory
Bracknell 15 Tonbridge Juddian 32
BRACKNELL will fly to Guernsey this weekend looking to arrest a run of successive defeats. This is because a hat-trick of tries from Sam Monahan and two more for Jamie Metcalfe helped National League 3 London and South East leaders Tonbridge Juddian to a bonus-point victory at Lily Hill Park. The playing surface had passed an earlier inspection, but Bracknell would go into the clash without second row Kenny Barry and No.8 Sam Richardson, meaning coach Rory Greenslade-Jones was forced into reshuffling his pack. But he would watch on as his charges made a lively start to the game, although they did miss an early penalty. However, the early dominance would reap its rewards when Stuart Mackay scored in the corner over by the clubhouse on eight minutes. The conversion was missed. Bracknell would hold on to the lead for just two minutes, as a quick tap-and-go from scrum-half Will Ward sent Monahan over the line. Ben Cooper was also unable to convert, meaning the scores were tied at 5-5.
National League 3 London and South East P W D L F A BP Tonbridge Juddian 16 13 1 2 518 223 11 L.I Wild Geese 16 13 2 1 472 273 10 Westcombe Park 16 13 0 3 471 235 9 East Grinstead 16 11 1 4 439 217 12 Hertford 16 12 0 4 472 277 9 Shelford 16 10 0 6 377 319 9 Guernsey 16 10 0 6 427 343 8 Wimbledon 16 7 0 9 357 210 5 Bracknell 16 6 0 10 324 434 8 Colchester 16 6 0 10 276 366 3 Chichester 16 4 0 12 285 412 6 Westcliff 16 3 0 13 262 509 6 Gravesend 16 2 0 14 238 486 5 Eton Manor 16 0 0 16 160 674 4
Neil Higgins dabbed down for beaten Bracknell on Saturday
Getting lucky with a ricochet from a high ball, however, would result in the visitors seizing the initiative on 16 minutes, with Metcalfe scampering under the posts to open his account for the afternoon. Cooper was accurate on this occasion and the Juddians were now ahead by seven points. Picking up an injury would curtail Liam Hemming’s involvement and he was to be replaced at fly-half by Lewis
PTS 67 66 61 58 57 49 48 33 32 27 22 18 13 4
Dennett, with replacement Jack Conway taking up a slot at scrum half. But the hosts were soon roaring back into the contest; Neil Higgins finishing off a move engineered by the backs to grab a try which Dennett converted to pull his side level. The game was not even 30 minutes old, yet 24 points had already put on the board. And there was to be no letting up with the scoring either, although it was the visitors who pulled themselves back in front when a break down the flank resulted in Monahan breaching the whitewash once again, which Cooper improved. Juddian would go in at the break
boasting a 17-12 advantage – but Bracknell again had a response and kicking over a penalty just minutes after the restart saw Dennett cut the lead. Tonbridge too hit back almost immediately when Monahan was able to recover his own kick and complete the hat-trick. The leaders would lose Toby Martin to the sin bin and the opposition were subsequently awarded a penalty for the offence, but the ball was kicked dead, and with that went any hopes of another comeback. From the resulting scrum, a number of poor attempted tackles allowed Monahan to wriggle away and head for the line, where he slipped in Metcalfe to put the result beyond any doubt. An extra coat of gloss would be added to the result when Hugo Watson went over late on. Both conversions were missed, but Tonbridge were winners by a comfortable scoreline. BRACKNELL: Challenor, Pickett, Mirza (c), Kronman, Bailey, Deveraux, Rudkin, Valentine, Dennet, Hemming, Mackay, Faamatuainu, Higgins, Burch, Yates. Reps: Silvester, Conway, Richardson.
n THE game at Guernsey, Bracknell’s first-ever league fixture on the Channel Island, starts at 1.30pm
NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 SOUTH
Gary kicks beaten Rams to Kingdom come Redingensians Rams 14 Taunton Tigers 40 IT WAS a bittersweet afternoon for Jamar Richardson. The young full-back would mark his first senior start by scoring a try in the second half, but it would not be enough to prevent Redingensians Rams from suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Taunton Tigers at Old Bath Road. The Somerset side boasted a greater physical presence, while the deadly accurate kicking of Gary Kingdom, who slotted over all eight attempts from the tee, helped the visitors take control of this National League 2 South fixture. Kingdom would put the first points on the board in the seventh minute, only for Rams to hit back when Ben Henderson put winger Sean McDermottroe over in the corner, with Luke Flower adding the extras. Two more penalties from the Taunton kicker squeezed the away side back in front before Nick Mason stretched the lead with a try after Redingensians lost possession in their own territory. A Rams side now chasing the game duly pushed players forward, but it was of little use as the Tigers withstood the onslaught. The hosts may have been better served adopting the pragmatic approach of converting kickable penalties taken by the opposition, as opposed to opting for the alternatives. The pressure would get to Barrie-John Chapman and Brett Harvey, however, with the Taunton pair picking up yellow cards. And although down to 13 men, the shorthanded away side would strike the killer blow just two minutes after the break, where a missed tackle allowed Mason in for his second try of the game. Redingensians, to their credit, did hit back with a try of their own when Robbie Stapley set up Richardson, but losing Samir Kharbouch to the sin-bin on the
Sean McDermottroe (carrying the ball) scored the first try of the game between Rams and Taunton Tigers Picture: Paul Clark
hour mark was to extinguish any hopes of a comeback. The penalty awarded for the flanker’s misdemeanour was put away by Kingdom, who later improved the try scored by Aron Struminski. A difficult afternoon for the home side was further compiled when Paul Davis rounded off the scoring – but it was that man Kingdom again who was to have the final say. In keeping up his 100 per cent conversion rate for the afternoon, the fly half saw up the 40 point mark. It was an impressive afternoon for the player, whose individual return of 20 points steered the guests to a bonus-point success. REDINGENSIANS: Richardson; McDermottroe, Bryant, Barnes, Foxley; Flower, Hill; Weller Henderson, Taylor, Kerschbaumer, Kharbouch, Vooght, Stapley. Reps: Steadman, Knowles, Ter Kuile, Guttridge, Drury.
Defeat leaves Rams in the relegation zone, but coach Mike Tewkesbury remains confident his charges can still avoid the drop. He said: “There are still a dozen games
to go and there will be plenty of twists and turns before the end of the season. “If you take out the top five in our league, there is very little to choose between the other clubs. “Like us, they will have injuries and unavailability.” Tewkesbury will hand a debut to Oxford Blue Kieran Ball for Saturday’s game at Worthing (2pm). The 23-year-old ex-Wellington College pupil, who is studying for a masters degree in medieval history at Trinity College, played in the Varsity match just last month. Also in the squad is another newcomer, Conor Corrigan, 20, who has signed for the club from Henley Hawks, while lock Tom Bryson takes a place on the bench. It is a welcome return to the side for Bryson, a regular in the first team last term, who is fit again having recovered from a broken ankle. Jack Hill (concussion) and Flower (shoulder) miss out through injury, so an interesting pairing has been formed at half-back.
This will comprise of Spike Chandler, the club’s record league scorer on 956 points, who is handed the No.10 shirt following a two-year absence and George Drury, who returns to his preferred position at the base of the scrum. Redingensians recorded their first win of the season over the Sussex side back in October, so a repeat performance from that particular afternoon would be most welcome this weekend. National League 2 South P W D L F Old Albanians 18 16 1 1 601 Cambridge 18 15 1 2 548 Bishop’s Stortford 18 13 1 4 539 Taunton Titans 17 13 0 4 515 Redruth 18 12 0 6 432 Old Elthamians 18 10 1 7 424 Clifton 18 8 1 9 475 Barnes 18 7 2 9 410 Worthing 18 7 1 10 395 Dorking 18 7 0 11 357 Canterbury 17 7 0 10 362 Bury St Edmunds 18 7 0 11 345 Southend Saxons 18 5 3 10 370 Redingensians 18 5 0 13 374 Chinnor 18 4 0 14 404 Launceston 16 0 1 15 190
A 281 312 287 331 360 411 442 487 398 475 440 439 498 486 523 571
BP 16 15 16 12 12 8 12 12 8 10 8 8 6 10 13 5
PTS 82 77 70 64 60 50 46 44 38 38 36 36 32 30 29 7
Slough 17 Crowthorne 34
ALEX STEWART was among the scorers for a Crowthorne side which preserved its winning start to 2016. The coach, playing at No.10, led by example when opened the scoring at Tamblyn Fields, charging out from a scrum and going over the line just right of the posts. Josh Roberts added the extras and settled any early nerves when doing so. Although bright and cold, the playing surface was soft and misgiving amid the long grass, but the conditions did not deter the two Berkshire rivals from playing entertaining rugby through the hands. Neither side, however, was able to make any territorial inroads following the early breakthrough, which resulted in either a knock-on or players ending up off their feet at the break down. Yet Slough would soon begin to threaten and from a sudden burst into the Crowthorne 22-metre line debutant Jack Newton ran in to score. Johnny O’Hehir, also making his first start for the hosts, kicked over the conversion. But the response from Crowthorne was a devastating one, with second-row Karl Crosbie and captain Sam Short grabbing tries. Roberts improved both and the visitors went in at the break with a commanding 24-7 advantage thanks to a late penalty. The message from assistant coach Dave Thorley was to continue imposing on the Slough defence and not let up – but poor discipline was to hinder the side. One yellow card for a high tackle earlier in the contest was followed by another early in the second half for the same offence. It was here when Johnny Spandley cut the gap as Slough boasted the extra man, but the conversion was missed. The home side would have their own issues too, and a number of scrum offences not only yielded a warning from the referee, but also allowed the Crows to capitalise through a penalty try which secured the bonus point. An adjudged tip-tackle saw the visitors’ James Jarvis chucked in the sin-bin and back came Slough, who cut the arrears once more when Cheyne Hewison went over in the corner following an off-load in the scrum. The score would again spark a reaction from the guests, and a seventh win in eight games was wrapped up when James Huckle finished off powerful work by the forwards to dab down wide on the right. Fifth placed Crowthrone welcome the team directly above them in the standings, Tadley, to the New Nest, Arborfield Garrison, on Saturday where they will be looking to cut the 11-point gap between the sides (2.15pm). Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division P W D L F A BP Gosford All Blacks 12 11 0 1 445 110 11 Milton Keynes 12 11 1 0 483 145 8 Abingdon 13 10 0 3 405 185 10 Tadley 13 11 0 2 530 158 10 Crowthorne 13 7 1 5 205 182 7 Risborough 13 6 0 7 151 383 1 Alchester 13 4 0 9 165 311 8 Chipping Norton 12 3 2 7 160 330 2 Slough 12 3 1 8 237 341 3 Chesham 13 2 0 11 147 349 6 Hungerford 13 3 1 9 146 356 6 Wheatley 13 2 0 11 107 331 4
PTS 55 54 50 49 38 26 24 18 17 14 10 2
36 | SPORT
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LONDON IRISH
Academy ace Theo predicts a bright future for Irish AGEN v LONDON IRISH EUROPEAN CHALLENGE CUP - POOL FIVE STADE ARMANDIE SATURDAY, 7.45PM By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk THEO BROPHY Clews insists the future is looking bright for London Irish. The 18-year-old fly-half has become one of the latest success stories to roll off the Exiles’ Academy conveyer belt of talent, with the player just last week signing a contract extension having impressively shot to prominence. With qualification to the quarter finals of the European Challenge Cup out of their hands and the club currently sitting second bottom in the Aviva Premiership, there could well be causes for concern around and within the Irish camp. But with Brophy Clews joining team-mates such as Johnny Williams and Tom Fowlie in bursting on to the first-team picture in recent times, the England Under-18 kicker sees no reason why the long-term prospects cannot be successful. “Maybe the club is not doing so well in the Premiership right now, but it has a good future both in the short and long-term,” said the former Abingdon School pupil. “The Academy has high expectations, but in Nick Kennedy (Academy Director) and Declan Danaher (Academy Forwards Coach) the club have two people who have been there and done it in the game. “And they make things a lot easier. You will get a text from them on game day talking you through what will happen and it helps keep you calm, and they are always there to offer support.
Theo Brophy Clews
“They are extremely helpful and are striving to achieve great things for this club, and you can see that with myself and Johnny Williams coming through, while Tom Fowlie has been doing it a few years now with the first team.” Brophy Clews was included from the off during last Saturday’s Pool 5 clash with Grenoble at Madejski Stadium, where he played a full hour at the unusual position of centre before being replaced during the 28-18 loss. Yet for the youngster, it was all part of the learning curve. He said: “It was nice to be involved and to play at 12 was an awesome
opportunity to go out there and help the team. “I have played flyhalf pretty much all of my career, but it was good experience to be playing out of position at 12, and I have learned a lot from it. “Some of the best ball carriers in the world have played at 12, like (New Zealand’s) Dan Carter, and look at the success he has had in the game – you have to try and aspire to these people. “You need to be able to have that ability to transfer in the game at times and I’ll be better for it. “It was good to get some exposure to that part of rugby.” Defeat to Grenoble leaves Irish not only needing to secure a bonus-point victory in southern France, but also for last week’s opponents to defeat Edinburgh and ensure they take nothing from the game if Brophy Clews and co are to progress to the last eight. Although admitting Exiles were left to rue missed opportunities last time out, the senior Academy star feels the side must not get distracted from the task at hand, saying: “We are just going to focus on winning the game to start with. “Hopefully we can get the bonus point, but the rest is not up to us and not down to us, but we need to stick at it and try and get the win and the bonus point.” Brophy Clews added: “We are up against a French team who are at home and have great home support. They (Agen) are a big physical side and it will be a tough game and a challenge for us. “But what ever happens it is a crucial time for us with a busy run of games coming up in the Premiership, so we need to start picking up some more momentum.”
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
Jebb Sinclair has extended his stay with the Exiles for another two years
Sinclair signs contract extension JEBB SINCLAIR has pledged his immediate future to London Irish by signing a two-year contract extension. “I’m extremely happy to have signed a new deal with the club,” said the 29-year-old. “We haven’t started this season the way we wanted to, but the coaches and players are working hard relentlessly on the training field to ensure we rectify team performances. “Plans are in place to enhance the club’s progress over the coming seasons and I’m excited to be a part of it.” Canada international Sinclair first joined Exiles back in 2011 and has since gone on to make 78 appearances, scoring four tries. Comfortable at either lock or flanker the player, who stands at 6ft 5ins and weighs 115kilos, has become a useful asset for coach Tom Coventry.
Sinclair also has more than 40 international caps to his name, appearing in both the 2011 and 2015 World Cups for the Maple Leafs, the latter of which took place in England. Irish’s Head of Rugby Glenn Delaney said: “Jebb has been a good servant of this club for a number of years now and his versatility in being able to play at both lock and flanker makes him an important part of our group. “He was very quick to return to London Irish following the World Cup, which speaks volumes about his passion and commitment to our organisation. “We look forward to working with Jebb over the next few seasons.” n EXILES duo Blair Cowan and Sean Maitland have been named in the 35-man Scotland squad for the upcoming Six Nations. The tournament starts on February 6.
Coventry noble in defeat as Exiles’ cup hopes hang in the balance London Irish 18 Grenoble 28
TOM COVENTRY has rated London Irish’s chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup as “pretty slim” following defeat to Grenoble on Saturday, writes LEWIS RUDD. Exiles not only need to pick up a bonus-point victory from their final Pool 5 game at Agen on Saturday, but also need last weekend’s opponents to defeat Edinburgh and stop them taking anything from the contest if Coventry’s charges are to progress. Yet they will have to produce a much-improved performance than the one witnessed at Madejski Stadium if they are to keep such slender hopes alive. Irish were second best for long periods of this encounter, with the French Top 14 outfit capitalising on poor discipline, missed opportunities and tackles to claim a win which secures their involvement in the last eight. “We gave out some soft tries in the game and they put a lead out which was always going to be pretty hard to catch,” admitted head coach Coventry. “Sure, they (Irish) came storming back but crucial opportunities for us to score we didn’t take. “We had four or five minutes down in the opposition 22 where we had opportunities to score tries off our drive, but a couple of infringements from Grenoble and a couple of errors from us
Irish winger Tom Fowlie puts an end to Grenoble’s Charl McLeod making a dart for the line Picture: Paul King
led to the pressure being released. “I was pretty disappointed with some of the tries we gave up but pretty proud of the way they came back, but it was a little too late.” He added: “The competition has probably slipped away and we are going to have to go to Agen and score lots of tries and hope things work out mathematically, but the chances are pretty slim I’d imagine.
“We needed to be better and we got what we deserved, I suppose, but its certainly disappointing, that’s for sure.” Coventry made 11 changes to the side which held out to defeat Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership last time out. Yet the hosts started well, with Shane Geraghty kicking Irish into an early lead and then trading further penalties with opposite number Jonathan Wisniewski.
But losing Scott Steele to concussion began to see the unravelling of the Exiles, who conceded the first try of the afternoon when Gio Aplon and Arman Batlle were able to double up on Topsy Ojo when the ball was spun out to the left from a maul. The latter would go over in the corner, but the conversion was missed. Wisniewski made amends when slotting over another penalty awarded following a scrum offence and was again deadly accurate when Nigel Hunt powered over the line on 28 minutes. Grenoble suffered a setback when captain Ben Hand was sin-binned for dissent, but try as they might, the opposition were unable to put any further points on the board. Halani Aulika did dab down shortly before the break, only to see referee Marius Mitrea call play back for an infringement he spotted in the maul. Now trailing 21-6, not only was Irish’s future in the competition under threat, but a four-game winning streak on home soil too. And there was to be no coming back for the side when scrum-half Charl McLeod profited from an overthrow at a home side line-out and crossed the line unopposed for a converted try. But Exiles would not go down without a fight and another spell of pressure would eventually see replacement Dominic Waldouck squeeze the ball over the whitewash following determined
work by the impressive Lewington. Geraghty added the extras. Lewington too crashed over in what was the last play of the game, but Geraghty could not produce the range with the conversion, which was someway out and tight on the touchline. “It was the silly penalties we gave away and letting them into the game too early, too much of a lead and they kind of built their confidence,” said centre Fergus Mulchrone, one of the changes brought into the side, afterwards. “I thought we could have capitalised on a few of the chances we had and unfortunately they went missing. “The boys are putting the work in, but it’s about taking the opportunity when you get it.” LONDON IRISH: Ojo; Lewington; Mulchrone; Brophy Clews (Waldouck 55); Fowlie; Fowlie; Geraghty; Steele (Allinson 10); Smallbone (Court 70); Cruse (Stevens 51); Aulika (Halavatau 63); Curry; Sinclair (Sisi 41); Guest; Trayfoot (Gilsenan 60); Narraway (c) Tries: Waldouck, Lewington Pens: Geraghty x2 Conversions: Geraghty Rep not used: Williams; FC GRENOBLE: Aplon; Dupont; Farrell; Hunt; Batlle (Kiloni 56); Wisniewski (Gelin 70); McLeod (Saseras 70); Taumalolo (Coulson 60); Heguy (Jammes 60); Edwards (Desmaison 55); Hand (c); Kimlin (Marie 70); Vaderglas; Diaby; Grice (Setephano 55) Tries: Batlle, Hunt, McLeod Cons: Wisniewski x2 Pens: Wisniewski x3 Attendance: 3,684
SPORT | 37
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Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
PREVIEW
Matej keen to remain on the goal trail READING v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP MADEJSKI STADIUM SATURDAY – 3PM Andrew Taylor
‘We let ourselves down’ says Taylor as MK snatch win Milton Keynes Dons 1 Reading 0
“WE’VE LET ourselves down” admitted Andrew Taylor after a Joe Walsh strike saw Royals narrowly beaten at Stadium: MK last Saturday. Defender Walsh struck the winner in the 77th minute, producing an acrobatic finish from a corner to send the visitors crashing to a third successive league defeat under boss Brian McDermott. The visitors, roared on by almost 3,000 fans who had made the short trip from Berkshire, enjoyed the better of the few clear cut chances witnessed in Buckinghamshire, only to be undone once more from a set piece. “We don’t like to concede from set-pieces and we’ve conceded a few lately,” said defender Taylor. “And on the flipside we’re not scoring them either, so we need to stop them at one end and start scoring them at the other. “But we didn’t control the game or play well enough. “Ultimately we should have won the game, but we didn’t.” Chances for the away side during the first half fell to both Danny Williams and Garath McCleary, which were blocked or cleared away for a corner. Lukas Piazon went close to breaking the deadlock, only to see his effort saved by David Martin, who was to have a fine afternoon in the MK goal. Matej Vydra, meanwhile, could only steer a shot wide after McCleary had led a counter attack. Opportunities continued to fall Royals’ way after the break, but Oliver Norwood and McCleary were unable to get the better of Martin. Reading players and supporters alike were calling for the red card when Kyle McFadzean tripped up Vydra as he bore down on goal, but the referee felt a yellow was sufficient punishment. The defender, therefore, would remain on the pitch when team-mate Walsh punished some questionable defending from a corner and hooked home the only goal of the game. “We’re very disappointed – after a very good result and performance on Tuesday against Derby, we felt we’ve let ourselves down, and the fans, by putting in a performance we’re not happy with,” added Taylor. “We’ve got to be more consistent.” MK DONS: Martin, Spence, Lewington (c), McFadzean, Walsh, Potter, Forster-Caskey, Hall (Upson 87), Carruthers (Hodson 90), Murphy (Bowditch 90), Maynard. Subs not used: Cropper, Hitchcock, Reeves, Church. Goal: Walsh 77 READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, Ferdinand, Cooper, Norwood (c), Williams, Piazon (John 64), McCleary, Robson-Kanu (Cox 82), Vydra Subs not used: Bond, Keown, Fernandez, Quinn, Sa. Referee: Charles Breakspear Attendance: 13,062 (2,910 away)
MATEJ VYDRA is challenging himself to start scoring more goals after bagging a mid-week hat-trick against Huddersfield Town. The on-loan striker doubled his tally for the season when leading the charge in Tuesday’s FA Cup third-round replay success, but the player is keen to remain on the goal trail when promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday come to town on Saturday afternoon. The 23-year-old has often cut a frustrated figure in front of goal since his season-long switch from Watford, but he gave Royals supporters a timely reminder of his finishing talents when firing the club to a fourth round tie with Walsall on Saturday week. And Vydra, who left the field to a standing ovation on Tuesday, said: “If you hear something from the fans it is very nice and then you feel like you are flying because you know you did something special. “It is just one game. Now I have to show again on Saturday.” He added: “I don’t know from outside but from my head I am always doing pressure to myself because if you are a striker you have to show quality and to score goals because everyone is counting
gaffer wants to play him, said the Czech international. “But you know very well if I have some players who understand me – like Troy Denney – it can work.” Reading will once again be without injured captain Paul McShane and Aaron Tshibola. Jordan Obita, however, has returned from a knee problem, while doubts remain over Michael Hector and Garath McCleary.
Matej Vydra admits he was ‘flying’ after Tuesday’s victory over Huddersfield Town Picture: Phil Creighton
if you score goals or not, so it is big pressure for myself.” Vydra could be joined up top by new signing Yann Kermorgant for the visit of the Owls, should boss Brian McDermott decide to tinker with the unchanged line-up he has named for the past three matches.
The Frenchman has been brought in from AFC Bournemouth in order to add an extra edge to Reading’s firepower, with Czech International Vydra hoping he can form a partnership with his new team-mate like he has done with others in the past. “It’s not up to me, it’s about where the
Middlesbrough Hull Derby Burnley Brighton Sheff Wed Ipswich Birmingham Cardiff Wolves Brentford Nottm Forest Preston Reading QPR Huddersfield Leeds Blackburn Fulham MK Dons Rotherham Bristol City Charlton Bolton
Sky Bet Championship P W D L 26 17 4 5 27 16 5 6 27 13 10 4 27 13 9 5 27 12 11 4 27 12 9 6 27 12 9 6 27 12 7 8 27 10 10 7 27 10 7 10 27 10 6 11 27 8 11 8 27 8 11 8 27 9 7 11 27 8 10 9 27 8 8 11 27 7 11 9 26 6 11 9 27 6 10 11 27 7 5 15 27 7 3 17 27 5 9 13 27 4 8 15 27 2 11 14
F 37 44 38 42 32 41 37 34 33 36 38 29 24 31 34 36 27 23 43 22 32 24 21 21
A 13 18 21 24 27 30 32 28 29 37 39 25 24 30 34 37 32 23 47 38 47 46 53 45
Pts 55 53 49 48 47 45 45 43 40 37 36 35 35 34 34 32 32 29 28 26 24 24 20 17
FA CUP
Vydra is all smiles as hat-trick completes crazy comeback Reading 5 Huddersfield 2
BRIAN McDERMOTT was delighted for Matej Vydra after the striker’s hat-trick booked Royals a date with Walsall in round four of the FA Cup. The hosts looked to be heading out of the competition after a disastrous start saw Championship rivals Huddersfield open up a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes of this replay at a frozen Madejski Stadium. However, the sending off of United’s Jonathan Hogg moments later proved to be a turning point, and through Vydra’s second half treble – along with further strikes from Lukas Piazon and substitute Alex Fernandez – Royals eventually saw off the opposition. “I just said to him play with a smile on your face and if you miss chances, who cares,” said boss McDermott of Vydra, who has cut a frustrated figure in front of goal in recent times. “It’s not an issue, keep doing what you are doing, you’re working your socks off, he has never hidden, he tries every game to his utmost. He is a good guy. “I speak to him regularly and I am absolutely delighted for him tonight.” Adding to his tally of three goals this term going into the fixture looked a long shot as Jamie Paterson and Tommy Smith profited from some questionable Reading defending to put the visitors in control. Paterson struck his third goal in as many games against the hosts this season when firing Town in front on eight minutes after Jake Cooper had failed to clear his lines. Six minutes later and defender Smith doubled the advantage, rattling the ball
home from some 20 yards after Reading struggled to contain Huddersfield’s attacking threat. But the pivotal moment would arrive not long after when Vydra, who was also subject of a controversial decision during the loss at Milton Keynes Dons just a few days earlier, was bundled over by Hogg having given the defender the slip. Referee Oliver Langford deemed the player to be the last man and Hogg saw red. Lucas Piazon (pictured below) fired the resulting free-kick into the top corner and it was game on. It was now all one -way traffic as Royals went in search of an equaliser, yet they would have to be patient. This is because Huddersfield offered some stubborn resolve which would not be breached again until the 57th minute when Vydra opened his account for the evening. And the on-loan forward would start and finish the move, which came from a Huddersfield corner. Vydra slipped a clearance into Ola John, with the pair both bursting forward as the latter led a counter attack. John would eventually play in Hal Robson-Kanu, but his strike at goal was saved by Town ‘keeper Joe Murphy. However, the ball would pop up kindly for the Czech Republic international to bury the rebound with aplomb. Just four minutes later and the turnaround was compete when Vydra turned home John’s low centre at the near post. Yet Huddersfield were unlucky not to make it 3-3 minutes later when Nahki Wells, now playing up front alone, hit a post with a rare opportunity which fell his way.
Hat-trick hero Matej Vydra is stopped in his tracks by Huddersfield’s Jonathan Hogg, who was sent off for the challenge (inset) Pictures: Vivienne Johnson
The visitors duly sent men forward as they continued to look for a leveller, only for Reading to exploit the gaps they left behind in clinical fashion. With the clock about the strike the 90-minute mark, an inch-perfect through ball from captain Oliver Norwood sent Vydra on his way, with the marksman taking a touch before completing the hat-trick with a composed finish. There was still time too for Fernandez to add an extra coat of gloss to proceedings, with the Spaniard firing low into the corner with a fine strike from 20 yards. Although explaining how his side “showed how to play against 10 men”, boss McDermott was in agreement with the suggestion Hogg’s dismissal was a game changer. He added: “It was a big moment, obviously, because Lucas Piazon put the ball down and put it in the top corner, so it certainly looked that way. “It was great skill by Matej Vydra and he was rightly sent off, but it was a
terrific finish. “It wasn’t great (the first 20 minutes), but having said that, we showed how to play against 10 men. “It was a struggle at times, but I am delighted we have got through. “We just didn’t get going, we weren’t right, we was not at it and it is something we need to address. “We cannot be giving teams starts.” Royals will entertain League One promotion hopefuls Walsall at Madejski Stadium on January 30. READING: Al Habsi, Gunter, Taylor, Ferdinand, Cooper, Norwood (c), Williams, McCleary (John 42), Robson-Kanu, Vydra (Sa 90+2), Piazon (Fernandez 79). Subs not used: Bond, Quinn, Cox, Keown. HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Murphy, Smith, Davidson, Hudson (c), Hogg, Paterson, Huws, Lolly (Whitehead 27, (Cranie 75)), Wells, Dempsey (Miller 75), Lynch. Subs not used: Allinson, Holmes, Husband, Bojaj. Referee: Oliver Langford. Attendance: 8,119 (635)
38 | SPORT
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Friday, January 22, 2016
Evans ‘a typical signing of old’ – McDermott GEORGE EVANS can make an immediate impact at Reading, boss Brian McDermott has said. Royals announced the signing of the 21-year-old midfielder shortly before Tuesday’s night’s 5-2 victory over Huddersfield Town in an FA Cup third-round replay at Madejski Stadium. He would watch on from the stands as a Matej Vydra hat-trick helped his new club fight back from 2-0 and keep their involvement in the competition alive. Evans, who can also play at centre-back, arrives at the club from Manchester City, where he made a handful of appearances for the Premier League side in both the League Cup and friendly matches. He was also named on the Citizens’ bench for a recent league game against Tottenham Hotspur and the Champions League group match
with Borussia Monchengladbach. Yet despite being of a younger age, Evans has racked up more than 50 appearances during loan spells with Crewe Alexander, Scunthorpe United and Royals’ next opponents in the FA Cup – Walsall, scoring five times. And it was during his time with the Saddlers when Evans caught the attention of McDermott, who was then working as a scout with Arsenal. But his interest remained and Evans could be involved when Reading entertain Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Saturday. The player becomes McDermott’s first signing since retuning as manager, who believes the arrival represents Royals’ work in the market of old. “He is a typical sort of Reading signing back in the day, where we used to try and bring players through and develop
George Evans signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Royals on Tuesday
them and that is what we will be trying to do with George,” said McDermott. “He is 6ft 2ins, he can score, he can pass it and makes a tackle, and he is a great guy as well. “He is another one into the changing room and can make the dressing room better, and he is a good character. “He is a great guy and a terrific young midfielder with great pedigree, and I’m sure he will become an even better player working in our environment at Reading.” When asked if Evans can make an immediate impression, he added: “I would like to think so, absolutely. “He has signed, so he is available (for Saturday).” Evans, however, will have to sit out the clash with previous club Walsall, as he is cup tied having featured for Sean O’Driscoll’s men in earlier rounds.
READING FC
Royals get their Yann as Kermorgant joins the club
By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Yann Kermorgant (right) shakes hands with Reading chief executive Nigel Hoyle upon completing his move to the club Picture: Reading FC
UNDER-18s
Another pleasent surprise for Dodds after Under 18s march on in the cup LATE goals from Tyler Frost, Ryan East and Sam Smith saw Reading Under-18s defeat 10-man Fulham 3-1 on Monday night and book their place in round five of the FA Youth Cup. Royals fell behind to an early Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson strike at Motspur Park, and only a save from Luke Southwood prevented Dennis Adeniran from making it 2-0 from the penalty spot minutes later. The one goal would continue to separate the sides until 15 minutes from time, where a determined run from former Fulham apprentice Daniel Akinwunmi allowed full-back Frost to smash home the equaliser. Reading then had the chance to go ahead through a penalty of their own. Host ‘keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond brought down Sam Smith and saw red for the challenge.
Josh Barrett, however, was unable to net from the spot. The dismissal of Ashby-Hammond proved to be a turning point, as a visiting side boasting the extra man went in front soon after when East stabbed in the second. Fulham duly went all-out to try and force extra-time, only to be caught on the counter attack, where Smith would wrap up the scoring. Reward for the win is a tie at either Met Police or Wolverhampton Wanderers, who meet tonight (Friday). “It was a really pleasing performance with lots of character and spirit, but also skill,” said head coach David Dodds. “This group have really pleasantly surprised us this year. “They’ve got a lot of character and they’ve also got a lot of skill. A lot of them have a chance of playing football for a living, which is nice.”
READING’S attacking options have been boosted by the signing of Yann Kermorgant. The 34-year-old penned an 18-month contract at Madejski Stadium upon making the switch from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday evening. The fee paid by Royals to secure the signing of Frenchman Kermorgant is an undisclosed one, although a figure of £500,000 has been suggested in some circles. The forward, who fired 17 goals in successive seasons for The Cherries between 2013 and 2015, could make his debut for Reading in Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday (3pm). And the player is good for a goal on his first game with a new club, having done it with his previous two employers, so Royals fans will no doubt be hoping he can keep up this trend should he feature against the Owls. Kermorgant needed only 13 minutes to open his account for Charlton Athletic, where he stepped up off the bench to grab an equaliser against MK Dons back in 2011. He also made an immediate impression when moving to the south coast, bagging a hat-trick during Bournemouth’s 5-0 rout of Doncaster Rovers.
Brian McDermott is looking forward to working with Yann Kermorgant
The forward was also on target when Eddie Howe’s charges were 3-1 winners over his new club in a Championship fixture two years ago. “I’m delighted to get Yann, a player we have known about for a long time,” said Reading boss Brian McDermott. “In Yann we have an experienced striker with an excellent record and a player who will be able to work with our young players at the club and be a good
centre-forward in the team we are trying to develop here at Reading. “I am really looking forward to working with him.” Royals have beaten a host of other clubs to land a player who has won league titles in England with both Charlton (League One) and Bournemouth (Championship). Kermorgant first arrived in the country when joining Leicester City back in 2009, only to head back to France and spend a season on loan with Ligue 1 side AC Arles-Avignon before linking up with the Addick’s, where he found the back of the net 12 times. Reading’s chief executive Nigel Howe added of the transfer: “We are absolutely delighted to have fought off the interest of a number of other clubs to secure the services of striker Yann Kermorgant. “He brings both a wealth of experience and an impressive goalscoring record to Reading Football Club and we look forward to welcoming him into our squad here at Madejski Stadium.” n READING’S Championship fixture at Brighton and Hove Albion has been rearranged. The game was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 12, but has been moved forward a day having been selected to be televised by the Sky Sports cameras. Kick-off is 7.45pm
COMBINED COUNTIES LEAGUE
Brown’s dream debut helps put the Boars back on track Eversley and California 3 Staines Lammas 1
BRADLEY BROWN marked his Eversley debut with a goal which helped the side return to winning ways in Division 1. Brown followed up earlier strikes from substitute Brad Smith and Lewis Robson as the Boars secured a comeback victory at Fox Lane and rekindle the club’s promotion aspirations An interesting afternoon also saw striker Lorenzo Medford leave proceedings in the 38th minute having learned his wife had gone into labour. At this point the hosts were trailing after the Lammas took a deserved lead.
A fine stop from Adrian Giles would also prevent the visitors from going 2-0 ahead. Lorenzo was replaced by Smith, and the substitute tied up the scoring just 60 seconds into the second half via a lobbed finish. Eversley took the lead on 69 minutes, and it was some strike from Robson, who smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box when a Ross Kisiel corner had only been half cleared. Brown marked his first start in club colours when running on to a Giles punt forward and confidently fired into the corner. n A FROZEN pitch put paid to the Aldershot Senior Cup quarter-final between Eversley and Alresford Town on Tuesday night. The Boars continue their promotion charge at Sheerwater on Saturday (3pm).
Combined Counties League Division 1 P W D L F A CB Hounslow Utd 20 15 3 2 45 15 Worcester Park 19 13 3 3 49 19 Eversley & Calif 19 13 1 5 52 31 Bedfont & Feltham 17 12 2 3 47 22 Abbey Rangers 20 12 2 6 41 25 Cobham 21 9 3 9 42 45 Frimley Green 17 8 2 7 25 22 Dorking 18 8 1 9 30 27 Staines Lammas 20 8 1 11 37 38 Banstead Athletic 15 7 3 5 34 29 Ash United 18 6 4 8 36 38 Sandhurst Town 18 6 2 10 35 56 Epsom Athletic 16 4 2 10 27 46 Sheerwater 16 4 1 11 27 38 Dorking Wand Res 16 3 4 9 17 29 Farleigh Rovers 17 3 1 13 17 56 South Park Res 15 2 1 12 16 41
Pts 48 42 40 38 38 30 26 25 25 24 22 20 14 13 13 10 7
Friday, January 22, 2016 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
SPORT | 39
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HELLENIC DIVISION 1 EAST
Sam secures point as 10-man Finch get a rub of the Green Finchampstead 1 Rayners Lane 1
SAM GREEN struck to secure 10-man Finchampstead a share of the spoils and stretch their unbeaten run to five games. The defender cancelled out Bradley Morris’ disputed first-half opener when pouncing to turn home a blocked Scott Hunter free-kick. The equaliser came not long after Harry Swabey, a two-goal hero the previous weekend, was sent off. Returning to league action for the first time since Boxing Day and fresh from a dramatic 4-3 win over Lambourn Sports in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup the weekend before, Finch started the contest brightly. Przemek Mierzwa in the Rayners Lane Finchampstead’s Freddie Barron goal was the busier of the two ‘keepers (right) leads the charge during the early exchanges, denying both Picture: Andrew Merritt Swabey and Dan Blatchford, who had Bryant would recover and scoop the opened up from range. ball up, but it had already been deemed Yet they had to be alert at the opposite to have crossed the whitewash and a goal end too when Jordi Mumbiny surged was awarded. forward, but Garry Callaway was on hand This would change the half-time team to put the ball out for a corner. talk given by boss Jon Laugharne, Shot-stopper Tom Bryant was but whatever he said to his also called into action to keep charges spurred them on. the visitors at bay, yet a The restart was just Finchampstead break seconds old when Freddie prevented Greg Alexander Barron went close with with an opportunity, but an overhead kick, while he could only divert the another attack was halted ball straight into the hands when Swabey was flagged of Mierzwa. Sam Green grabbed offside. Despite trading further the hosts a point The latter, however, would missed opportunities, it not be involved much longer, looked as though both sides as his afternoon was cut short by would head in at half-time on level a red card. terms –but all was to change when the But his team-mates would continue to clock struck the 45th minute. rally in his absence, and the introduction A rising strike from Morris had Bryant of Gavin Rolls from the substitutes bench at full stretch, but in attempting to tip the offered some fresh impetus. ball over the bar, the ‘keeper was only able to help the strike over the line. Yet they still continued to trail, and just TABLES
a fifth defeat of the season was looking ever likely. Finchampstead, though, do not know when they are beaten, and their resolve was rewarded when Green popped up to steer home the equaliser. Despite rescuing a point, the hosts dropped a place to fifth in the standings. They are back in county cup action on Saturday, hosting Letcombe of Division 1 West at the Memorial Ground (1.30pm)
FINCHAMPSTEAD: Bryant, M.Wright, Winship, Callaway, Green, Barnard (c), Barron, Hunter, Swabey, Alexander, Blatchford. Subs: J.Wright, Abbott, Axton-Hall, Rolls, Pople.
n BINFIELD’S wait for a first competitive game since Boxing Day continues after two games fell foul of frozen pitches. Both the Hellenic Premier Division game at home to Flackwell Heath last Saturday and the Berks and Bucks FA Senior Trophy quarter-final at local rivals Ascot United on Tuesday night were postponed. Frustratingly, the Moles are not in action this weekend, either. Wokingham and Emmbrook are not scheduled to play until January 30.
Harry Swabey was sent off
THAMES VALLEY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Hellenic Premier Division P W D L Thatcham Town 23 17 4 2 Flackwell Heath 23 17 2 4 Kidlington 21 16 3 2 Ascot United 26 15 6 5 Highworth Town 22 16 1 5 Longlevens AFC 23 13 2 8 Binfield 23 11 4 8 Thame United 22 11 3 8 Highmoor-Ibis 26 11 3 12 Brimscombe & Thrupp 20 10 3 7 Royal Wootton Bassett 24 10 2 12 Oxford City Nomads 23 9 3 11 Ardley United 25 9 2 14 Brackley Town Saints 27 9 2 16 Lydney Town 22 6 7 9 Milton United 28 6 7 15 Abingdon United 30 6 3 21 Tuffley Rovers 20 5 5 10 Bracknell Town 21 4 5 12 Wokingham 27 2 3 22
F 65 68 63 47 64 41 42 28 42 35 35 38 41 52 34 35 37 31 30 27
A Pts 27 55 32 53 19 51 25 51 18 49 34 41 35 37 26 36 42 36 29 33 57 32 4 30 53 29 70 29 4 25 55 25 84 21 38 20 45 17 81 9
Hellenic Division 1 East P W D L Bicester Town 16 11 3 2 Penn & Tylers Green 14 10 3 1 Headington Amateur’s 17 9 3 5 Henley Town 15 9 3 3 Finchampstead 17 8 5 4 Chinnor 13 7 1 5 Holyport 14 6 4 4 Rayners Lane 15 5 5 5 Didcot Town Res’ 15 5 2 8 Chalfont Wasps 9 4 2 3 Wantage Town Res’ 15 3 2 10 Woodley United 15 2 2 11 Reading Town 15 2 1 12 Old Woodstock Town 12 2 0 10
F 46 54 40 42 35 31 26 30 36 16 21 13 17 7
A 23 9 19 23 18 21 27 23 36 21 40 43 71 40
Pts 36 33 30 30 29 22 22 20 17 14 11 8 7 6
Victory is King for Louie and Winnersh SUBSTITUTE Louie King stepped up off the bench to hit the goal which secured Winnersh Rangers a 3-2 victory at Maidenhead Magpies in Division 1, writes LEWIS RUDD. Benjamin Dawson and Mark Kilbane were also on target for the visitors at Desborough Park, with victory moving Rangers above the opposition in the standings and up to third. A brace from Josh Waldron was unable to salvage the Magpies a point. WARGRAVE began the year with a bang. Thanks to two goals each from Thomas Bray and Sam Wild, the villagers defeated Goring United 5-3 to secure just a third league win of the season. Stuart Moss also found the back of the net as Wargrave secured the points which saw them leapfrog Ashridge Park in the Division 2 table. William Jaycock hit a hat-trick for visiting Goring, but it would prove to be in vain. A solitary strike from Nicholas Payne was enough to get FINCHAMPSTEAD RESERVES back on the winning track in Division 3. A 1-0 win over WOODLEY UNITED A puts the side second in the standings, where they sit five points behind leaders White Eagles. TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the table following a 4-1 loss at Taplow United Reserves. A goal from Lee Mills in the 35th minute would prove to be in vain for the side, who went down to Steven Eaton (2), Jason
O’Connor and Jack Shea strikes. HURST RESERVES saw their promotion hopes in Division 4 suffer a setback following a 5-2 reverse at BERKS COUNTY RESERVES. David Worley and Callum Osborn notched for the away side, but a Connor Banks hat-trick and Brandon Blair brace secured County the win. Jake Brown, twice, John Mailer and replacement Goran Olsson were all on target for a WOODLEY UNITED B side which consolidated fourth place in Division 5 with the comfortable 4-0 triumph over Baughurst AFC Reserves. Cup round-up WOODLEY UNITED Reserves outscored Compton to secure a spot in the fifth round of the Berks and Bucks Junior Cup. They won this tie 6-4. But BARKHAM ATHLETIC crashed out of the Berkshire Trophy Centre Intermediate Cup with a heavy 4-0 loss against Marlow United Reserves. Two goals for Neil Austin, a Jake Kozak strike and own goal saw the visitors safely through. A second-half brace from Dylan Chaffin and a strike from substitute Shaman Goswell, however, booked SHINFIELD RANGERS MEN a place in the quarter-finals of the Junior Cup. Quentin Ham replied for opponents Goring Unted Reserves in a 3-1 loss.
Woodley’s Tyrone May battles for possession during Saturday’s clash with Headington at Scours Lane Picture: Peter Toft
Mowat: Toothless United ‘must find killer instinct’ Woodley United 0 Headington Amateurs 4
UNITED’S miserable run of form shows no sign of letting up. Late goals from Ben Green and Carl Bloomfield added to first-half strikes from Tom Payne and Yannick Nkwanyuo as promotion-chasing Headington condemned the side to a seventh straight defeat in all competitions. “I can’t fault the boys’ efforts, they worked tirelessly,” said United manager Jock Mowat. “We were just missing that killer instinct in the final third.” Playing their first game of 2016 following recent postponements, Woodley would have been hoping for a fresh start. But after a spell of pressure which saw Aftab Hafiz off target with an acrobatic attempt and debutant United ‘keeper Ben Hitchins turn behind another strike from some 20 yards, Headington would eventually break the deadlock on 13 minutes. A free-kick pumped in from the right was turned home by the head of Payne. Further chances would fall to both Hafiz and Payne before Nkwanyuo smashed a shot wide as Headington continued to boss proceedings. A first opportunity of note for the home side would arrive midway through the half. Ryan Szram saw his strike at goal blocked. Mark Ingram would chance his luck from some 25 yards out with the follow-up, which was deflected out for a corner. The first shot on target registered by United went to Tim Green but his effort from a tight angle was easy pickings for Harry Jenkins in the Amateurs’ goal. Yet for all their endeavour going forward, Mowat’s men would find themselves trailing by two goals when Nkwanyuo scored from a corner. The visitors would have the ball in the net for a third time just before the break.
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Woodfield nets, but Blacks suffer late loss A GOAL from Calum Woodfield could not prevent Wokingham and Emmbrook Under-15 Blacks from slipping to defeat in Division 1 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance. This is because opponents Didcot Town won the fixture 2-1 via a late strike from the edge of the box, with victory moving the side top of the table. After a goalless first half, it was Town
A linesman, however, quickly intervened and the strike was chalked off for offside. Headington’s relentless pursuit of more goals continued after the restart, but neither Bloomfield nor Cuff were able to convert the chances which fell their way. The pair went close again but both failed to hit the target. Sensing a possible change in fortunes, Woodley would embark on a period of pressure of their own. Odusanya would work Jenkins when connecting with a knock-down from substitute Sam Skehan, while Conor Creegan fared no better when letting fly from long range. The next goal was likely to prove crucial, but it would go to the visitors when a trip in the box saw a penalty kick awarded. Up stepped Ben Green, who placed the ball into the top corner. A free-kick from Tyrone May was of little trouble for Jenkins as Woodley went in search of a consolation, while a cross from replacement Zack Pearce was also dealt with after the hosts broke at pace. At the other end, however, Green was unlucky not to double his tally for the afternoon when showing neat control before unleashing a volley which was only just wide of an upright. But with only a minute of normal time remaining, the Amateurs grabbed a fourth; Bloomfield producing a cool finish when played in one-on-one with Hitchins. United are enduring some tough luck in front of goal at present, having scored just four times in the last eight fixtures. This was no more evident when Odusanya skipped past Jenkins, only to see his shot at an open net clip the top of the crossbar. Up next for the side is a trip to Holyport on Saturday (3pm).
WOODLEY UNITED: Hitchins, Brookling, Creegan, May, Bridges, Titcombe, Szram (Pearce), Ingram, Odusanya, Green (Skeham), Wareing. Subs not used: Mowat, Hemming
who broke the deadlock on 51 minutes when the opposition were unable to clear their lines. But when Amir Idjer sent leading scorer Woodfield on his way with 15 minutes to go, the scores were levelled up. Wokingham, though, would be left stunned when Didcot snatched the points. Ben Cook was named man of the match (pictured). This was a home game for the Blacks, but had to be switched due to a waterlogged pitch.
WOKINGHAM SPORT
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Bateman: Grandstand plans for Lowther Road can benefit all of us
Dan Bateman
outside of the town to use suitable clubSTARTED has ground shared at WOKINGHAM and Emmbrook joint HOW The IT ALL sporting facilities? various locations ever since, but it is manager Dan Bateman has thrown his My first job was helping a local where howneeds to select cook what I think is the perfect steak. “We have been lacking a small now feltI learned the club toand be brought support behind plansout to inbuild a steak new restaurant I moved to Reading 30 years ago and to my disappointment was not able to find a restaurant that served the food I loved most. stadium in the town since Wokingham back to the borough. stand and install floodlights at the My dream was to open a steakhouse in Reading that would serve the quality of steak I had experienced all those years back. ground in 1999 and Such facilities if in Reading for Town club’s in Lowther Finally, I had home the opportunity to buy Road, Colleys writes Supper Rooms, a restaurant that had are beenneeded established over 20lost yearstheir in a beautiful the hard working andmy Emmbrook are Barts to in Feb 2011 LEWIS RUDD. Victorian building that I had always admired. I knew I had theWokingham chance to achieve dream. I opened and with the help people of my at ESSC fantastic Proposals team we have exceptional steaks in aremain great environment everatsince. décor and atmosphere is continually evolving (Emmbrook Sports and Social Club) competing StepThe Five within tobeen addserving a 100-seater stand, thanks to our loyal patrons. The menu has grown since we first opened and I am proud to say that the quality of food has only got better. are striving to provide the facility this the Non-League pyramid, however. the lights and an additional 20 spaces community desperately needs. Andfrom Bateman, who hasbutbeen witharound our to Here the car parkwehave filed with at Barts, bringbeen together dishes inspired by cuisines all over the world centered renowned steaks and seafood. Council. We specialise in offering you steaks of the highest quality, is provided “There are hundreds (if not thetheSumas since a teenager, only by local butchers, Wokingham Borough aged for a minimumby of 28 days, flame for happen superior taste and succulence. thousands) of young footballers in keen forgrilled this to now. The Sumas’ first team, managed the borough and it would be great for In comments lodged with the Bateman and Matt Eggleston, currently Jamshed Miah welcomes you to Barts Grill & Restaurant them all to be able to benefit from this authority, he said: “Wokingham, as a play all home matches at The Investec development. town, is lacking sports facilities and Perpetual Triangle in Henley because “Local clubs, schools, charities and as the town continues to grow with Lowther Road does not conform to businesses could all use this facility new houses being built on every spare strict Football Association (FA) ground and it could be a real hub for the inch of land it is essential to the people guidelines. community.” of Wokingham that we have premier Lowther Road has been Wokingham n FOR the full story regarding sporting facilities. and Emmbrook’s spiritual home since the application and more from club “Why should it be that the young its ground in Finchampstead Road was president Mark Ashwell, turn to page 4. people of Wokingham have to travel sold on for development in 1999.
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ICE HOCKEY
After finally breaking 18-game losing streak, coach Smital has said...
‘My Bees have got their buzz back’ SUNDAY ROAST
By LEWIS RUDD lrudd@wokinghampaper.co.uk LUKAS SMITAL saw his Bracknell Bees side finally break their 18-game losing streak on Sunday night and said: “I told them before the game I believe in them and they paid me back, which is great.” The player-coach was gushing with pride for his roster after they swept aside fellow strugglers Hull Pirates in a 6-3 success at the Hive. Young forward Josh Smith led the scoring with a brace of goals, while Milan Kostourek, Lewis Turner, Vanya Antonov and Carl Thompson were also on target as Bees recorded a first victory since defeating Swindon Wildcats 4-3 back in November. Off-ice issues at the club during this time have not helped matters and led to the departure of several key players. Smital, however, was full of praise with those at his disposal for sticking with the task at hand. “It is good for morale,” he said. “The guys have been working so hard in the past few weeks and there have been games where we have come up just short, but I am pretty happy that we have broken that losing streak and have got a win under our belts. “It is all about morale and it’s the confidence. If you get beaten every night and you know you left it all there and then you are a little step behind it just beats you down. “So I’m glad the boys won and we are going to have a good happy week and get ready for next weekend and we have just got to keep plugging away and do it all over again.” Defeat at Telford Tigers on Saturday night, along with Hull’s surprise 5-1 thrashing of Peterborough Phantoms left Bees four points adrift at the foot of the EPIHL table. Smital had said before the weekend that whatever happened in Shropshire, the Pirates game had to be a must-win if they wanted to keep any hopes of reaching the play-offs alive. And his youthful-looking squad did exactly that, with 17-year-old Smith and Antonov, 18, leading from the front, with their coach
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