Reading Today, April 6, 2023

THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE

Thursday, April 6, 2023

No. 74 90p

READING TODAY WWW.RDG.TODAY

READING’S NEW CHAMPION

INCIDENT

Woman dies after house fire INTERVIEW

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey visits INTERVIEW

New top cop for Thames Valley Police Picture: Dijana Capan / DVision Images

PREVIEW

Peter Pan flies into Reading Rep

Over the line Runners pound the streets as half marathon returns Picture special inside ISSN 2754-2785 14

9 772754 278509

ROYALS FACE RELEGATION SCRAP AFTER POINTS DEDUCTION

2 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

READING HALF MARATHON 2023

Hometown hero Half Marathon

WE COVER READING BOROUGH Ollie Lockley was first home, clocking a time of one hour, four minutes and 35 seconds

Benjamin Alcock of Bedford & County AC head to the finish Almost 5,000 runners took to the start line at Green Park

In print

Order a copy from your newsagent every Wednesday – some even deliver

Online

Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: rdg.today

Sir John sent the masses on their way

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: RDGTODAY

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US To advertise, email: advertising@ rdg.today

Email news@rdg.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley General manager • Eddie Pearce Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Jake Clothier, James Hastings, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

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

Naomi Mitchell celebrates coming first with husband Jonnie

Hugs all round

READING TODAY Family Notices Your wording

Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory

YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Name Address

Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT Postcode n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT Email n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER

Phone number

Send your forms to: Family notices, Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.

o strikes gold as returns to town

READING HALF MARATHON 2023

Leeds City Athletic Club runner Ollie Lockley was the first home

Naomi Mitchell heads to the finish line

Sir John engaging with finishers

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today READING was able to celebrate a home victory at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as the town’s very own Naomi Mitchell secured top spot at Sunday’s half marathon.

The Reading AC runner completed the course in one hour, 12 minutes and 11 seconds, finishing just under half-a-minute ahead of secondplaced Rebecca Murray of Bedford & County AC. Nuneaton Harriers’ Emma Styles took bronze.

Of the win, Naomi said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. I actually have a marathon in two weeks, so this was sort of a practice for that.

“I took it out a little bit steady, but I’m so pleased with the time.”

In the men’s race, Leeds City Athletic Club runner Ollie Lockley was the first

NEWS | 3

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

competitor home, clocking an impressive time of our hour, four minutes and 35 seconds.

“Me and the guy who came second ran most of the way together. I tried to do a few little spurts before 10 miles but wasn’t really dropping him.

But with a few miles to go, I decided to put the hammer down and luckily I got the win.

“The crowd support was amazing.

“With the bands and crowds of people, coming into the stadium as well, it was mega, just electric.”

Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets AC runner Alex Lawrence claimed silver on this occasion, just missing out on the victory by 18 seconds.

Benjamin Alcock of Bedford & County AC came in third. n Full results can be found here: www.readinghalfmarathon.com

Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets AC runner Alex Lawrence

Benjamin Alcock of Bedford & County AC came in third

This year’s top three male runners

In the podium places for the women’s race

Naomi Mitchell, Reading AC, came first with a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 11 seconds

Rebecca Murray, Bedford & County AC, came second with a time of one hour, 12 minutes and 39 minutes

Emma Styles, Nuneaton Harriers, came third with a time of one hour, 15 minutes and 31 seconds

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

READING HALF MARATHON 2023 Race day scenes pictures by Dijana Capan/DVision Images

An Independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13 Nurse stay & pry l sessionay 24th 10:15am April 11:

CONTAC 45am T TO BOO US K!

Dolphin School inspires a love of learning that lasts a lifetime

Please visit our website to learn more or contact Kate Spooner at admissions@dolphinschool.com

Waltham Road, Hurst, Berkshire, RG10 0FR 0118 934 1277 www.dolphinschool.com

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

NEWS | 5

READING HALF MARATHON 2023

N E X T S TO P G LO RY

R OYA L A S C OT T R I A L S DAY P R E S E N T E D

BY H OW D E N | W E D N E S DAY 3 R D M AY

Tickets from £20 | Under 18s Go Free | Fine Dining from £190 + VAT Free car parking | Book now at ascot.com

RATD23_RT/WT_Half Page_W265mmH160mm.indd 1

20/03/2023 13:41

6 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

WOKINGHAM HALF MARATHON

PICTURES: STEVE SMYTH

beaconagency.co.uk

BEACON: WE BUILD BRANDS Beacon is a Wokingham-based marketing agency that brings innovation and integrity in equal measure to all the clients we work with. Got a brand you want to build? Get in touch today.

1

3

2

4

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

NEWS | 7

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

WOKINGHAM HALF MARATHON

Worthy causes helped by runners

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets of Reading for Sunday’s half marathon - some wore singlets, others carried cardboard costumes.

Plenty of worthy causes and charities were represented on the day, including Cancer Research UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Mind UK. One of the first groups to assemble outside the Select Car Leasing Stadium was Reading Hong Kong Runners and Harbour Sports Club. Both groups give Hong Kongers the opportunity to socialise while keeping fit.

Organiser Thomas Yeung said: “To see all the people and the atmosphere is so great. We practised together for so long, four weeks or so, it’s so cool.

“It was intense but fun.

We had running and yoga gatherings and everyone was so prepared to do the race.

“For some people, it was their first time to run the half marathon, some people also want to beat their personal records. We are Hong Kongers and we want to show that we are friendly to the community.”

Matt Walbridge was running for Cancer Research UK in honour of his father, who died last year.

Of the experience, he said: “It was absolutely awesome, it felt so good to run for Cancer Research.

“We lost my father in October after suffering with cancer for most of last year and so yeah, this one’s for him.”

Matt clocked a 5-minute PB, coming in at one hour and 33 minutes, a feat he knows his father would have been proud of. The time puts him in good stead for the London Marathon on April 23, which he’ll be running for the same cause.

Matt Rofe and Ryan Lanksford

completed the race on behalf of mental health charity Mind.

Matt said: “It was pretty tough. There were a couple of big hills I wasn’t necessarily expecting, but it was good fun and for a great cause as well.

“Running for Mind, mental health is a growing issue and there’s a lot of people who need support, so it’s a great cause to run for.”

Ryan added: “It’s amazing to represent Mind at an event where there are so many people, it’s really well organised.

“We were able to get a really good team together, about 15 or 16 of us, so yeah, we’re really pleased.”

MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS

NOËL COWARD'S

HAy FEVER

THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE LTD, SONNING EYE, READING, RG4 6TY

8 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

‘The Conservatives have failed to listen to anybody,’ says Ed Davey LIB DEMS: Sir Ed Davey visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Monday afternoon to offer his support to councillors and candidates in May’s local elections.

Picture: Ji-Min Lee

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

Woman dies in house fire A WOMAN in her 60s has died and a number of people have been seriously injured following a fire that broke out overnight at an east Reading house.

All three emergency services were called to the home in Erleigh Road after the blaze started just after 1.30am on Wednesday, April 5.

Although the fire has been extinguished, an investigation is underway to find out what happened.

Superintendent Zahid Aziz from Thames Valley Police said: “Unfortunately as a result of this fire, several people have been injured, and some of these are serious.

“The fire was contained at a single property, and no adjoining properties have been affected.

“Our officers will remain at the scene for some time to come.

“This incident is an absolute tragedy, and first and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died.”

THE CONSERVATIVES are ‘failing the NHS’ and ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’, according to the leader of the Lib Dems.

Sir Ed Davey believes the government isn’t doing enough to support its health service.

This comes after recent data showed that South Central Ambulance Service staff took 12,889 days off due to poor mental health in 2022.

Speaking during Monday’s visit to Reading, Sir Ed insisted there are not enough staff to manage current workloads.

He added that reliance on expensive agency staff, who are less familiar with the hospitals they are assigned to, was not a sustainable recruitment model.

He said: “I’d like to say to John Redwood, and all these Conservatives, what have you been doing all this time? Why have you been wasting so much taxpayers’ money, and why are you failing our NHS? “We haven’t got the staff we need because you’re not treating our staff properly, you’re not recruiting them properly, and you’re not retaining them properly.

“You’re allowing private sector agencies to make millions and millions of pounds and

getting away with taxpayers money and not providing the service they need, and I’m angry about it.”

The former secretary of state for energy and climate change visited Freely Fruity’s community orchard in Shinfield, before offering his support to local election hopefuls in front of the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The visit was part of his focus on health. Sir Ed said even lifelong Conservative voters he had spoken to felt “let down” by its party’s healthcare delivery.

“The Conservatives have failed to listen to anybody,” he explained.

“They’ve failed to listen to doctors, they’ve failed to listen to nurses, they’ve failed to listen to the experts, they’ve failed to listen to the public.

“People should not vote Conservative in the next election. If you want to improve our health service you want to send them a message they’ll understand, vote them out vote these people out.

“They don’t deserve anyone’s support, because they have betrayed the NHS.” A Freedom of Information request from the Liberal Democrats revealed more than 1,900 staff in the ambulance trust needed time off last year due to mental health problems – 32% of the workforce.

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Wokingham, Clive Jones, said: “These figures are a tragic indictment of the Conservative government’s

treatment of ambulance crews, who dedicate their lives to saving the lives of others.

“NHS staff in Berkshire are stretched to breaking point, working long shifts, with few breaks and treating countless patients in ever worsening conditions; it’s no surprise that their physical and mental health are suffering so much.

“They keep working tirelessly to keep us all safe and healthy, yet their poor treatment at the hands of the Government is adding misery for patients across the country.

“We must properly recognise the service of ambulance crews by giving them a fair pay rise, improving working conditions, and recruiting more paramedics so that those who are still in the service know that the cavalry is coming.”

Sir Ed said he was ‘upbeat’ about public opinion towards

the local elections, particularly regarding his party’s response to the cost of living crisis.

He said the Lib Dems were the first to call for a windfall tax on oil and gas giants profiting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Of the proposal, he said: “It’s moral that they should pay a proper windfall tax and that be used to help people, businesses and hospitals struggling with their energy bills. Why aren’t the Conservatives doing that properly?

“They’ve got this pathetic, pathetic energy profits levy and John Redwood, what does he do? He says, ‘don’t tax them’, but they should be taxed. These oil and gas giants are making 10s of billions of pounds of profits.

“The flipside is people can’t afford to heat their homes - I don’t know where John Redwood gets his priorities from frankly.”

The Lib Dems are confident of a good showing in May’s local election in Wokingham, a ward which has been under the control of a Lib Dem-led partnership for the past year.

Sir Ed sees it as a prime opportunity for his party to capitalise on, what he believes to be, unprecedented levels of Tory scepticism.

Off the back of his visit to Freely Fruity, Sir Ed was full of praise for its organisers, who he referred to as ‘geniuses’.

“We want to give the credit to the local community for doing this – I think Freely Fruity is the way to go. I’m going to take the idea back to Kingston.”

Good Friday bus Male Voice choir timetable special ‘quake concert

READING BUSES will operate a special timetable on Good Friday, based on a Sunday service.

The bank holiday will see daytime routes use the weekend times, but there will be additional buses in the evening and overnight for those out marking the Easter weekend, or visiting family and friends.

A normal weekend timetable will run on Saturday and Easter Sunday, while Easter Monday will see routes use a Sunday timetable.

The company says this is because demand on bank holidays is reduced.

Single fares will still be capped at £2, including journeys to central London using the Green Line, and the Reading All-Bus ticket, offering all-day travel for just £3.40 if purchased on the app, is also in operation. n For details, log on to: www.reading-buses.co.uk

READING Male Voice Choir will hold a concert to raise funds for earthquake victims.

Joining them for the event, entitled Singing For Their lives, will be guest singer Aneesa Chaudhry.

The programme will feature a mixture of classical and popular music pieces.

It takes place on Saturday, April 22, at Reading Minster of St Mary The Virgin in Chain Street.

The tickets cost £5 plus booking fee, and additional donations are also accepted.

The concert aims to raise funds for the Turkey/Syria Earthquake appeal and Reading Minster Music Outreach project. n For more information about Reading Male Voice Choir, visit their website.https://rmvc.net/

History lecture to investigate 17th century maps A COMMUNITY group is welcoming history enthusiasts to spend the evening of April 11, exploring the history of Windsor Forest.

Meeting at the School Green Centre, Shinfield & District Local History Society will invite Prof Richard Hoyle to deliver a lecture entitled Windsor Forest in the early 17th century: John Norden’s map of 1607 and later.

The visiting professor of economic history at the University of Reading will introduce Norden, a 17th century surveyor who produced two copies of a map of Windsor Forest – one to be presented to the King and the other to Henry Prince of Wales.

The forest is of particular interest to the society as it stretches as far as from

Windsor to Swallowfield and Shinfield, and the survey is the first map of the area.

Prof Hoyle will use pictures of Norden’s maps as well as more modern maps to uncover more about the region’s history.

The lecture starts at 7.45pm and costs £3 to attend. A year’s membership is £15. n For more information, visit: www.shinfieldhistory.org.uk

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

9

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Anger over BBC DJ’s ‘no one cares’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

HUNDREDS have shared their anger with the BBC after a local DJ told Radio 4 listeners that Reading people didn’t care what happened to the gaol site.

The BBC Radio Berkshire breakfast show disc jockey stopped spinning discs to appear on Friday’s Today programme in a slot devoted to news from the regions.

The campaign to see Reading Gaol turned into an arts centre, supported by the town’s two MPs, was one of the subjects raised.

Coming days after hundreds of people marched from The Hexagon to the Abbey Ruins to call for the empty site into an arts centre, DJ Andrew Peach told the nationwide audience: “I don’t think people of Reading care that much what happens to the gaol.”

He also pointed out that it has been empty for a decade and said the site was “daubed with graffiti”.

“The council want it to be turned into an arts centre, but I think they want the government to give it to them … I think (the government) would rather sell it to a developer and turned into posh flats or something,” he said.

Among those who disagreed with

him is Toby Davies, artistic director for RABBLE Theatre, which will perform an open-air production of Henry I in the shadow of the gaol this summer.

In an open letter, he urged BBC Radio 4 to revisit the story “in a manner that is a little better informed than (he) achieved.

“Sadly, his statements were not only flippant, they were incorrect”.

The support for the gaol included a petition signed by 11,000 people, he added, also pointing out the graffiti was artwork by Banksy.

He has complained to the BBC, saying no counterpoint to the DJ’s views was given.

“It was an odd summary, given the show of support at the march just a few days before,” he said.

“People are desperate for the prison to be transformed into an international cultural destination and it’s disappointing that the MoJ continue to treat Reading with such disrespect.”

Among those voicing their disapproval on social media was one person who wrote: “I heard that.

Was yelling at the radio. Idiot.”

Mr Davies said he had yet to receive a response from the BBC to his complaint, and the BBC had not responded to our request for a comment as we went to press.

Chemists rota THE EASTER holiday weekend sees bank holidays on Friday and Monday. As a result, pharmacists will be having some time off.

CALCOT

The Lloyds Pharmacy in Sainsbury’s Savacentre will be open from 10am to 4pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but closed on Easter Sunday.

LOWER EARLEY

Asda will open its pharmacy from 10am to 4pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but close on Easter Sunday.

ON THE RIGHT TRACKS: Visually impaired teens used the train for a day out Picture: Berkshire Vision

Teens tackle transit to Try a Train YOUNGSTERS with visual impairment were treated to a museum trip as part of a travel assistance initiative.

Berkshire Vision worked with Great Western Railway to help teenagers that it supports gain confidence and further independence through Try a Train.

The latest trip saw youngsters visit Ashmolean Museum, giving them a chance to get to grips with train travel.

They travelled to Reading Station where they were taught about how to access and use passenger assistance facilities.

The use of access ramps and navigational aids is vital for people with sight loss as they use public transport.

Try a Train sees support

and coaching on station safety, how to find help, journey planning, ticket purchasing and barrier usage, as well as how the station and train services work more generally with on-board help and familiarisation.

Once in Oxford, attendees took part in a touch tour of the Ashmolean Musem, including the opportunity to pick up and feel some of the exhibits.

Maleeka, one of the teenagers that attended said “Usually I find going on a train a really chaotic and busy experience, with the help of Berkshire Vision and passenger assist it was much easier and perfect, I will definitely try it again now.”

Carol Barnfather, the children, young people, and

families officer from Berkshire Vision, said: “The try a train programme and the day out at the Ashmolean has shown our teenagers how to use public transport and how to get assistance if they need it.

“It gave the teenagers confidence to try train travel when they found out how easy it can be and how welcoming the passenger assist team are.”

The Try a Train initiative is just one of the projects that Berkshire Vision works with to bring support to children and young people who experience visual impairment. n For more on Berkshire Vision’s support, call: 0118 987 2803, or log on to: berkshirevision.org.uk. n gwr.com/travel-information/ passenger-assist/try-a-train

TILEHURST

The Asda store will open its pharmacy from 10am to 4pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but close them on Easter Sunday.

Boots in the Meadway will be open from 8am to 6pm all three days.

The Tilehurst Pharmacy on School Road will open from 2pm-5pm on Easter Sunday. It is closed Friday and Monday.

READING

Boots in The Oracle will be open from 9am to 7pm on Good Friday and 10am to 6pm on Easter Monday. It will be clsoed on Easter Sunday.

Boots on Broad Street will be open 11am to 5pm on Good Friday and Easter Monday, but closed on Easter Sunday.

Superdrug on Broad Street will be open from 8am to 6pm on Good Friday, and closed on Easter Sunday and Monday.

The Tesco Extra stores on Napier Road and Oxford Road will open from 8am to 6pm on Good Friday and 10am to 4pm on Easter Monday.

The Erleigh Road pharmacy will open from 10am to 1pm on Easter Sunday, but be closed on the other holidays.

n Anyone with less-urgent health concerns can call the NHS on 119, or log on to 111.nhs.uk

Be who you’ve always been... a rock star At Parsons Grange care home being a rock star doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person-centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one call 0118 217 3117.

Trusted to care.

Parsons Grange care home Shinfield careuk.com/parsons-grange

10 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Memorial walk for Caversham head A MEMORIAL walk is set to be held in Reading this weekend in honour of Ruth Perry.

The family of Ms Perry said that she took her own life after being informed by Ofsted inspectors that Caversham Primary School would drop from an “Outstanding” to “Inadequate” rating back in January.

Her death has called Ofsted inspection practises into question, with politicians, parents, and school staff across the country raising concerns.

Ms Perry was described in a joint statement by the council and Brighter Futures for Children as a “hugely respected, experienced and a well-established figure at Caversham Primary.”

She became headteacher in 2010, having previously acted as Deputy Head in 2006, and had even studied at Caversham Primary School herself from 1973 and 1980.

She was 53 at the time of her death and the mother of two children.

The memorial walk will take place on Saturday, April 8, meeting at Caversham Primary School from 1pm and lead into Reading town centre.

There is also a march protesting against Ofsted practises taking place on Thursday, May 23, at 1pm at Clive House, London.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

No fines for box junctions ... yet

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today NO TICKETS have been issued to drivers stopping in box junctions during the first four weeks of the scheme – but plenty of warnings have gone out.

In February, Reading Borough Council took on powers that allowed them to fine motorists for moving traffic offences. It is to introduce cameras across 15 locations in total.

The first two are both on Kings Road: one at its junction with Orts Road and the other a few metres away at its junction with Eldon Terrace.

And the results are encouraging.

In the first week, a threeday period from February 2426, 54 warning letters were sent to motorists who stopped at the Orts Road box junction.

From February 27, this was 62, dropping to 26 letters in the third week, rising to 64 in the week commencing March 13.

In all, 206 warning letters were sent out during the first four weeks for this camera.

At the Eldon Road junction, two letters were sent from February 24 to 26, seven from February 27, seven week commencing March 6, and

nothing was sent out at all for the week of March 13-19.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said it was early days for this data, but it would all be published on an annual basis.

“Enforcement of yellow box junctions has only just begun in Reading in order to keep yellow boxes clear,” they said.

“These are early numbers and we will continue to monitor levels of warning notices and PCN’s being issued at both these junctions, and indeed at the remaining 13 junctions where enforcement is due to go live over the coming months.

“We expect a much clearer picture to become apparent following a few months of enforcement.

“These statistics will be published as part of the Council’s Annual Parking Report which is made public every January.”

With these initial locations in use, the council is looking toward getting all 15 locations set up. Cameras are expected to be in place by the autumn.

“It is currently anticipated that enforcement of all 15 locations will start with one warning notice issued per vehicle, per new junction as they are phased in, followed by

Extraordinary and rewarding careers working in Early Years

Cedar Park Day Nursery, Bridge Farm Road, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire RG10 9PP

Full time, part time, lunch cover and relief positions considered

To see the extensive list visit www.childbasecareers.com/benefits

Junction of London Street with Queen’s Road; Junction of Oxford Road with Bedford Road; Junction of Oxford Road with Grovelands Road; Junction of Church Street with Church Road Northbound / Junction of Church Street with Church Road Southbound; Junction Southampton Street with Oracle Gyratory / A329 slip road junction with the Oracle Gyratory / Junction of Bridge Street with Oracle Gyratory; Junction of London Road with Eldon Road and Craven Road; Junction of Queens Road and Sidmouth Street; Junction of Kings Road with Orts Road / Junction of Kings Road with Eldon Road; Junction of Wokingham Road with London Road Junction of London Road with Chomeley Road (South West bound) / Junction of London Road with Chomeley Road (North East bound); Junction of London Road with Kendrick Road; Junction of A33 and Rose Kiln Lane (North bound) / Junction of A33 and Rose Kiln Lane (Southbound); Junction of Bath Road and Berkeley Avenue (West bound) / Junction of Bath Road and Berkeley Avenue (East bound); Junction Bath Road and Burghfield Road (Westbound) / Junction Bath Rod and Burghfield Road (Eastbound); Junction of A329 and the A33 (East bound) / Junction of A329 and the A33 (North East bound)

SIGN OF SPRING: Bluebell walks are coming to Bradfield Picture: Michael Gaida from Pixabay

Bluebell walks return to Rushall Farm A CARPET of bluebells is the promise to visitors to a charity event running later this month.

The Bluebell Walks at Rushall Farm are returning, with all proceeds going to the Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The event will feature walks through bluebell woods, offering stunning views of the surrounding Pang Valley.

Vsitors will receive a map of the various routes to choose from. There is no admission charge for the walks, which vary in length to cater for different abilities.

The event will also feature

Carnival to showcase Whitley’s talents

Join our team

In addition to competitive salaries, we have a range of financial and wellbeing benefits via Perkbox and Thrive to support our colleagues.

formal Penalty Charge Notices,” the spokesperson added.

“The warning notice period will continue for a period of six months from the date each junction goes live.”

The 15 locations to be enforced in Reading are:

We are now paying a starting rate of:

£11.00ph Level 2 practitioners £12.10ph Level 3 practitioners £13.50ph Team Leaders

www.childbasecareers.com SCAN ME FOR LATEST VACANCIES or send your CV to recruitment@childbase.com

SOUTH READING will see the arrival of a new community event on Sunday, July 11.

The Whitley Carnival will see hundreds of performers make up two parades through the streets of the ward.

Both processions will make their way down Northumberland Avenue and Hartland Road before meeting at the John Madejski Academy, where a fun day will be held.

The event is co-organised by charities Aspire2 and the Whitley Community Development Association, with the help of the community.

Helen Bligh, charity development manager at Aspire2, said: “Whitley has so much talent to offer, and this is a fantastic opportunity to

Fake ‘health worker’ charged A MAN has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault following an incident in which he claimed to be a ‘health worker’ in Earley last year.

Steven Hicks, 59 and of Woodley, was charged with one count each of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault on Thursday, March 30.

get together to celebrate, and for families in Reading to have some much needed fun.”

Arts organisations and schools will be represented on the day, for a celebration of the past, present and future of Whitley.

Each parade will feature live music, handmade costumes, puppets and a few surprises.

Members of the public can join one of the community workshops in the build-up, getting creative with costumes and props.

There will also be opportunities to volunteer oro run stalls at the fun day.

The event kicks off at noon.

n For more information or to sign up, visit: www.whitleycarnival. co.uk

The charges are in connection with an incident which took place at an address near Meadow Park, Earley, in January last year.

Hicks visited the home of an elderly woman claiming to be a health worker and subsequently sexually assaulted her.

He was arrested on Monday, September 19, and has been bailed.

He is now set to appear before Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 3.

refreshments in the 17th century thatched barn, including hot and cold food.

To attend, visitors can arrive on the day and make a cash or cheque donation – no card payments accepted. Suggested amounts are £5, or £3 for children aged three upwards.

The event runs over the weekends of April 22 and 23, and 29 and 30.

The farm is located at Scratchface Lane in Bradfield, with the postcode for sat navs RG7 6DL. n For more information, call: 0118 974 5634, or email rushallfarm@outlook.com

Pop Classics set to open its first retail store AN ONLINE music merchant is set to open its first bricks and mortar branch... and it’s opening here in Reading.

Vinyl vendor and merchant of musical memorabilia Pop Classics has announced that it is set to open its first physical store.

A post to social media said: “After 20 years of selling vinyl records and pop memorabilia online, we have decided it is time to take the plunge.”

While the opening date and exact location are yet to be announced, the post said that the store would be opening in Reading, and was tagged in Caversham.

Pop Classics has been based in Reading during its two decades of collection and selling of records.

It is run by Damian Jones, who works as a consultant for the Record Collector Price Guide and Channel 4’s Posh Pawn, as well as authoring a number of books on music. n Information about Pop Classics and its range of records and memorabilia is available online via: pop-classics.com

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 11

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Town’s trans community marks International Day of Coffee shop opens at Green Park

Reading Trans Movement led attendees in a march through the town centre

Attendees took part in a march before hearing speeches in Forbury Gardens. Pictures: Jake Clothier Support U’s Lorna McArdle addresses attendees

By Jake Clothier Queer correspondent ON SATURDAY, Reading’s transgender community and supporters marched through town to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility.

The day sees the trans community celebrate who they are and tackle erasure and hostility experienced by them and their supporters.

Reading Trans Movement led the march through Broad Street towards Forbury Gardens in a show of visibility, followed by a number of speeches.

Organiser Milan Evans headed up the march before addressing attendees, who were then invited to share their own experiences.

Evans said at the event: “We want to show Reading that we are here – we’re not some tiny minority, some pointless few we are many and we are strong.

“I’m very passionate about Trans history, and despite what they tell you that is not just a recent thing.

“We have always existed, we are not new, we are not a phase or a trend, we are people, we deserve rights and strength– we deserve dignity.”

They explained how waiting long waiting lists are affecting trans people in receiving healthcare, describing the wait times as “insane.”

“We cannot have trans people waiting more than 20 years to get the health care they need to be happy and healthy.

“We need some of the health leaders stop paying the political football of the parties.”

They also explained that visibility is also about the expression of joy as a community as well as activism.

“But today is not just about being angry, it’s also about being proud and happy and visible.

“I want us to think about that, because here we are together – I feel so comfortable and so happy seeing so many people like me together in one place.

“So what you all must remember is that we have a community and when we stick together as a community we are strong.”

Jasmin Wade, a local performer and events organiser, also addressed attendees with an emotional reading.

The piece explored the levels of representation they see in the world around them, including the use of pronouns and the efforts of trans activists.

It also examined how much “trans joy” is only

Jasmin Wade gives a reading

Organiser Milan Evans thanks attendees ahead of their speech experienced in the privacy of the community’s own homes as a result of public hostility.

The phrase “trans joy” is one which is used to describe the positive experiences of the trans community and challenges the negative representation of their lives in media.

It concluded that the event had been the first time Jasmin had experienced that joy outside of the privacy of their own home, instead sharing it with those who had attended.

Lorna McArdle: “I don’t identify as trans, but I do use the pronouns she and they, and I am also the CEO and founder of Support U. “We support everyone who is LGBTQIA– and when it started I wasn’t sure where we’d go with it, and that we’d maybe have 100 people a year.

“We’re now at the stage where we get 6,500 a year, reflecting a challenging year for you all.”

She continued: “When I speak to professionals about LGBTQ+ support in the workplace, I get asked about why ‘a lot of girls want to be boys.’”

“And it’s about visibility, people seeing themselves in others – when I came out, we didn’t have that visibility.

“But you have to keep showing up, because people won’t see you, and they will keep hiding.

“We support those people who are hiding because they are scared to be themselves, and I will stand with you every single time.”

A number of attendees were then invited to share their own experiences

A NEW cafe has opened which is set to serve a rapidly-growing community in South Reading.

Visitors at Triple Two Coffee, Green Park Village, will now be able to enjoy specialty coffee, along with barista-crafted frappes and iced drinks.

There are also a wide range of food options available, from sandwiches, wraps, salads and sushi, to cakes and pastries. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free customers are all catered for.

The cafe will complement surrounding developments carried out by St Edward, a joint venture between Berkeley Group and M&G Investments.

Paul Vallone, executive chairman of St Edward, said: “We are thrilled to welcome this fantastic brand to Green Park Village.

“Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy specialty quality coffee, fresh food and a welcoming ambience – perfect for catching up with friends or getting some time away from the desk for those working from home.”

The contemporary cafe is located in the Market Square at the heart of the Green Park Village and Bankside Gardens communities.

Rafael Agrizzi, head of openings at Triple Two Coffee added: “We are so excited to be part of such a modern and forward-thinking development.

“We have been inspired by the nature-rich economy of Green Park Village and hope to be a part of the community for many years to come.”

One of the country’s foremost independent girls’ schools from 3-18

Independent Girls' School

Forthcoming Open Event: Senior School & Sixth Form 21 April, 9am - 3pm To register your place, please visit:

www.theabbey.co.uk/events

12 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Film-maker pre documentary o

Another view Neil Coupe

By JAKE CLOTHIER jake@rdg.today

Choosing to hurt, not help

T

ON SATURDAY, a Reading film-maker’s documentary saw a private premier celebrating a cult TV classic from the 1980s.

HE dust has settled on the recent Gary Lineker Tweet storm.

People wishing to give opinions on the rights and wrongs of a BBC employee expressing a point of view have been able to do so.

The news cycle moves on.

‘Today’s news, tomorrow’s chip paper’ used to be the phrase.

Immigration in general, and small boats, in particular, can be a highly emotive and easily manipulable subject. In common with most difficult subjects, transparency and fairness should underpin UK Government policy.

People of my generation who grew up during the 1970s were highly influenced by our history, and very significantly by Britain’s role in the two World Wars.

Remembrance Sunday was, and still is, a major event in the calendar, both at the Cenotaph and at ceremonies in towns throughout the country.

Saturday afternoon movies on the television would often be stories about our brave soldiers fighting on the right side.

When the films included both Americans and British characters, such as The Great Escape, the Americans would be charismatic and daring, whereas the British would be much more solid and reliable. Our people would be portrayed by the likes of David Niven or Richard Attenborough.

My sense of Britishness was certainly marked by a feeling of innate decency.

After the Second World War, the Allied Powers, including Britain, came together to establish The European Convention on Human Rights. This was intended to improve the development and awareness of human rights in Europe.

It was also to promote an agenda to prevent the most serious human rights violations which had occurred during the Second World War from happening again. This was supported by Churchill and the final drafting was chaired by a British MP. Every European country, except Belarus and Russia, are signatories to it to this day.

This is why I was so disorientated when I read the unsurprising news that nobody was quite sure whether the proposed legislation to deport refugees to Rwanda complied with international law.

MPs are talking quite openly about leaving The European Convention on Human Rights, as though there is something wrong with, well, human rights. Surely with our prestigious role in the world, our proud history and a seat at the United Nations Security Council, we should be reinforcing high standards, not simply racing to the bottom.

In the 1990s, German Chancellor Kohl made a comment that he was worried about the future when there would be a generation of politicians who did not remember or were not influenced by the horrors of the Second World War. I wonder whether that day has now come, and the values that we were brought up with are now being wilfully discarded.

Progress?

The cynic in me cannot help recalling the comments from a Trump-Supporting focus group in Florida ‘I voted for him, and he’s the one who’s doing this, I thought he was going to do good things. He’s not hurting the people he needs to be hurting’.

Is choosing who to hurt, rather than who to help, the route to electoral success? Is this why our Government pursuing the Rwanda policy?

If it is not, whatever is happening, it does not feel very British.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

CHALK OR DANDRUFF?: Every hair on the head ... Picture: jacqueline macou from Pixabay

You’re more likely to have a bad hair day in Reading

READING is ahead of the country when it comes to having problem hair, writes James Hastings.

A study by the University of Sheffield blames the town’s hard water for causing scalp damage and even dandruff.

It claims Reading is the worse place to live in the UK to maintain healthy hair with Liverpool and Preston named two of the best.

Experts at Elithair, Europe’s largest hair clinic say the Sheffield study supports other academic data showing hard water exacerbates dermatological problems.

Warning signs include itching and inflammation while investing in a water softener can help keep hair healthy.

Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, a leading hair specialist at Elithair, warned hard water damages the hair fibre, causing dryness and split ends when used regularly.

He advised people to check their council’s website to find out about the water quality where they live.

“A quicker and more effective way to check if you have scale in your water is to have a look at your taps and appliances,” he said.

“If you see white streaks or hard deposits, the limescale level is high.

“Limestone is actually quite beneficial to our bodies, despite its bad reputation.

“It is a mineral made up of calcium ions, carbonate ions or oxides, which covers the need for magnesium and fights against cardiovascular disease.

“If limestone brings benefits from the inside, on the other hand, it can damage the outside of the body for the same properties, aggressive to our skin.

“However, hard water damages the hair fibre, causing dryness and split ends when used regularly. As a result, the hair becomes dull and brittle.

“This can lead to long-term hair loss.

“There are alternatives to mitigate the effects of limescale on our hair as it is not possible for everyone to move to Wales or East Scotland.”

Dr Balwi also advised using an anti-limestone shower head and using bottled rather than tap water.

Tugs: a Bigg Retrospective looks at the making of Tugs, a TV show made by the team behind Thomas The Tank Engine in Shepperton Studios.

Its director, Lewis Gilbert, from Reading, met with members of the production team and other contributors to talk about their experiences on the project.

From practical effects to story-boarding and editing, the documentary formed a start-to-finish retrospective archiving the show’s history and development as well as its reception, much of which might otherwise have been lost to history.

The film was released for free on YouTube, through its production company’s channel, I.T.H. Productions.

A select audience was invited to a preview on Saturday, March 25, where contributors joined the director and production team for a premier event at Reading Biscuit Factory.

The film featured contributions from Giles Christopher, Penny Morris, Brian Mount, Jeremy King, Chris Tulloch, and David Greaves, who also attended the premiere.

Giles Christopher, camera assistant on the show for over a year, said at the event: “It is really weird being interviewed by people who weren’t even born when we were making it.

“I’m amazed that of all of the jobs I’ve worked, this one has had such a legacy.”

“The production was such a small production when it started, but David [Mitton] and Bob [Cardona] were pioneering and very forward thinking.

“It was their strength and vision which has kept it going all this time.”

Jeremy King, a model maker, said: “Most of us were in our early twenties

on our first or second job, very early in our careers.

“The fact that it’s become famous, it shows that if you think you’re doing something relatively inconsequential at the time, you could be doing something historic.”

He continued: “I was inspired

by Thunderbirds and its models; following Tugs I got to meet all sorts of people, like Gerry Anderson, so I understand the fandom.”

Speaking on how the documentary would preserve the show’s techniques and production, Mr Christopher said: “It’s a real document of not just a person, but a team, and the industry at the time.

“The amount of work it took, and the rebuilding – it was an analogue time, maybe the last of its kind to be made that way.

A RESTAURANT in Reading is taking the battle against rubbish to the streets.

The KFC on Oxford Road is working to tackle the scourge of litter by taking matters into its own hands... or pickers.

It comes after the restaurant joined Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean programme as a headline partner.

The partnership saw a £40,000 fund to support local litter picking groups as well as new initiatives in conjunction with local councils.

KFC stores around the country took part in the Great British Spring Clean again this year, and also headed up the campaign with the tag-line “don’t be a tosser.”

Team members at the branch on Oxford Road, Reading, regularly don their high-vis vests and litter pickers to remove rubbish from the store’s car park and surrounding area.

They also take a longer trip along the road to remove unwanted and unsightly litter, reducing the environmental impact of discarded items and improving the community.

Lourdes Barnes, area coach at KFC, said that programmes like the litter pick were important because: “we have a responsibility to our customers, and to everyone around us.”

She explained: “If it isn’t then you tend to get pests, which obviously then also affects our business.

“But we want to live in a clean environment– you don’t want people leaving litter in you back garden.”

Ms Barnes said that it also makes a huge difference for customers: “When we have our spring clean days, you can see that the customer response is always great.

“We’re part of this community, and so you need to work with others to build it.

SAFE TO SHORE: From left, Giles Christopher, Tugs. Picture: Jake Clothier

Talk to look back at the day when 41 people died KFC tackles trash with community litter picking HISTORY: The lives of 41 Reading residents will be remembered in a talk looking at an air raid on the town during the Second World War Picture: Pixabay

THE Centre for Heritage and Family History in Reading is hosting an event on the town’s Second World War history.

The Early Closing Day - Air Raids on Reading in WW2 talk will see Mike Cooper discuss how the town prepared for air attacks and the bombing raids themselves.

The event will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of Reading’s only fatal air raid.

This was on February 10, 1943,

and saw four bombs kill 41 people, mostly in The People’s Pantry, a restaurant staffed by the Women’s Voluntary Service that provided affordable meals to supplement rations.

The restaurant was demolished in the attack, and the event will remember its victims and their families.

Pre-booking is required for the talk on Thursday, April 13.

n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com

NEWS | 29

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN

emières debut Harvest festival at St Agnes on TV show Tugs

WPR_2023-04-03_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel HOLY ISLAND, DURHAM & Alnwick Castle

Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23

PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER: Whitley Park Infant School celebrate its Harvest festival at St Agnes. Picture: Whitley Community Museum

, Penny Morris, Brian Mount, Jeremy King, Chris Tulloch, and David Greaves, who all worked on “So I think it’s great – in 50 years’ time, it’s gonna be gold having something like that.”

It was Mr Gilbert’s first time directing a feature-length project, and he said at the event: “It’s been interesting to say the least.

“I had some small experience during my time at university, but you find you have to consider yourself more.

“I spent every evening at my desk at editing away and didn’t stop until about 11 o’clock at night, so the learning curve showed me where my limits were.”

He explained: “This has been on my plate for years, so it feels really great to finally get what I envisioned all those years ago put together.”

During the course of the film, he had the opportunity to speak to much

of the production team personally, which he described as “surreal.”

“There’s an entire take on my harddrive which is just Adam Masters talking about his non-Tugs work, which wasn’t related.

“But I got to hear about their passions; the team is so passionate about this series, after all these years and having countless fans ask them about it.

“You would have thought they’d be fed up with it, but it’s still there and amazing to see.”

While its his first, he says that it likely won’t be the last: “I’ve got other documentaries I would love to do.

“And obviously, one of my big aspirations is to see Tugs come back.” n TUGS: A Bigg Retrospective can be seen on: youtube.com/ @i.t.hproductions2555

PICK-UP: Staff at the restaurant said that improving their community was important, especially in “leading by example.”

Picture: Jake Clothier

THE ADVENT of digital cameras will have been the bane of most millennials’ childhoods, with parents forcing them to strike a pose at seemingly every opportunity.

Too busy welcoming in the 2000s with the Sims, Harry Potter and the iPod, many would have failed to appreciate how valuable these snaps would later become.

Whitley Community Museum receives some of its highest interaction when posting childhood photos, providing ideal opportunities for group members to remember the ‘good old days’.

Museum curator, David Turner, said: “When we showcase school photographs, they are always met with a huge response.

“Recently a Harvest festival photograph was featured that was held in St Agnes Church in 1999.

It resonated with many residents from that era.

“It is so important to retain these photographs and show them occasionally. It brings families and neighbours together again, allowing them to reminisce which is so important on so many levels.

“It can help people who perhaps feel insecure or lonely, as well dementia sufferers who more often than not lighten up and

start talking about times gone by. So many reasons to continue saving these Way Back When photographs.”

This picture was taken at Whitley Park Infant School’s final Harvest festival before the turn of the millennium at St Agnes Church.

Reconnecting members of the community is a heartwarming byproduct of the museum’s work, with many recognising themselves and their friends in the pictures posted on its Facebook page.

With over 4,600 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.

The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.

It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.

The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits inperson.

n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com

POETRY CORNER

Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading  2 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast  Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle  En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

3 Days by Coach

only £219

Single Supplement £40

SOUTHPORT

& Liverpool Weekend Southport&LiverpoolWeekend_D.pdf

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23 Join us for a wonderful four-day break visiting one of the UK’s most celebrated seaside towns and cities. We stay in Southport so we can enjoy its charms before heading to the bustling city of Liverpool to explore some of the city’s notable sights.

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport with dinner & breakfast  Excursion to Liverpool Optional excursion to Ormskirk Market (£11pp)

4 Days by Coach

Those Amongst Us Void of Compassion “If we’re proactive, not just on spring clean days, that really helps everyone else.”

At the moment, she said the immediate area of the KFC store sees multiple sweeps a day, but also that the team was eager to make wider picks more frequent too.

Another member of the team said: “We have to keep it clean and tidy, look after our environment.

He said also that it was an opportunity to get out of the restaurant for a while: “It’s also good to meet others and lead by example in keeping surrounding stores and houses clean.”

My parents came here legally, she says.

They came on a plane, she says.

A shipwreck for your plane, then.

A waterlogged toy boat, my child in the water for your child

in the air, one to drown and one to breathe.

I hold her up to the sky, hoping God sees her and sends me a guiding light, the same one the child in the air has, and takes her from me as my legs seize, and my face sinks.

My waterlogged child to the sky.

Asia Khatun

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today

only £179

.99

Single Supplement £60

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

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

30 | VIEWPOINTS

READINGTODAY READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Time to roar for the Royals

THE POINTS deduction is not what any Royals fan wanted.

In just a few months, the team have gone from top of the league (briefly) to looking at the trap door.

This weekend is going to be a crucial one for Paul Ince’s squad.

We’ve been here before – last year, it was mission accomplished, this year, well, we hope it is an easier ride.

There are a potential 21 points up for grabs between now and the end of the season.

With the squad facing an injury crisis that leaves them sorely depleted, it is the 13th man that has an important role to play.

Every Royals fan in the area needs to stand up, and roar for our team.

That extra spur will help the squad, and hopefully inspire them on to victories that ensure Championship survival.

Let’s roar for the Royals.

CHURCH NOTES

Which leader do you trust?

W

HICH leader would you put your trust in?

The SNP Party in Scotland has just elected a new leader. The three candidates had a difficult five weeks between announcing their candidacy and the election day.

In the middle of the campaign, they experienced support, opposition and lots of challenging debates. By the end, everyone had to make a choice about which leader they would trust to deliver.

Today, we’re in the middle of the Easter story halfway between Palm Sunday and Easter Day. On Palm Sunday Jesus announces his candidacy for being the Messiah, not just as King of the Jews, but of the whole world. Fierce debate follows, right at the centre of the city’s life and worship, the temple.

Jesus upsets the status quo. He expels those profiteering from the temple, invites in the poor, heals the sick and calls people to prayer.

There are questions about authority, taxes, resurrection, marriage, true religion, generosity, the future of the temple and the end of the world.

Some want to crown him and others to kill him.

Right in the middle of the story, while some plot to kill him, Jesus makes time to eat at the house of Simon, someone marginalised by society.

As he does so a lady comes in and pours expensive perfume over his feet. The other guests are appalled, but Jesus defends the woman, saying it is a sign and preparation for his death.

He had told his disciples that he would be crucified and three days later rise again to life and that this would be the start of a new era of relationship between God and human beings.

What he said proves true and a week later his disciples are gathered around the resurrected Christ. A new era has begun.

Jesus is a leader I can trust with the whole of my life not just my politics. Why don’t you join an Easter service this Sunday in a church near you?

The Easter message is one that talks about who Jesus is and gives real hope, not just for today but forever.

Paul Lapworth is the lead pastor of Wycliffe Baptist Church, Reading, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@rdg.today

I am very unhappy It may be “join the Club”, because the cause is two serious issues that particularly upset me – firstly the horror story of young people suffering “Long Covid” – I for one dread watching news and the sight of these poor children and their state of health.

How can our society allow it to happen?

Then I turn to cruelty – which includes children and females, but on which the cruelty to animals brings me to tears. RSPCA pictures of “damaged and injured beautiful dogs, cats and others, really shows how wicked people can be. I only wish an immediate Law could be rushed through Parliament setting very large penalities to that criminal element of society.

It is quite possible the same element hurts children.

To cap the news on the Cost of Living front, “what this start of April, is not going to cost us more?”

I recently mentioned Councillors and their duties to the public. Without getting Public approval they are doing away with Parking Meters in favour of payments via mobile phone – my immediate question is who are they going to make rich by the new suggested payment system?

We desparately need a reorganisation of Councils and a very severe control of every penny they spend – control over who can authorise same – that should be monitored by the public.

Reg Clifton, via email

Thanks for playing I would like to send my personal thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have been supporting Cats Protection since 2018.

During that time, funds raised by players have enabled us to help and care for around 10,000 cats and kittens in our adoption centres across England, Scotland and Wales, while they await their forever homes.

In addition, they have also helped

This week, I had the immense privilege of commencing in the role as your Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police.

I take this honour incredibly seriously and I am fully committed to working and engaging with you, the public, to ensure Thames Valley Police protects our communities.

As the person responsible for keeping you safe, I feel it’s important that you should know a little bit about me. I’ve been in policing for 27 years and Thames Valley Police since 2016, most recently as Deputy Chief Constable.

I was inspired to join the police when I volunteered at The Gatehouse, a homeless charity in Oxford. Police were called to incidents at the charity.

The police officers I met on those occasions inspired me to join the service and I felt excited about the job that they did and the difference they made. I wanted to use their inspiration to give something back

to my own community, so in 1995 I joined the police.

As your Chief Constable, want to share my priorities with you. They are: supporting victims, fighting crime, and building trust and confidence amongst our communities.

us provide cat behaviour expertise to our cat care volunteers and staff and adopters; run our Paws to Listen grief support service to help bereaved cat owners; and speak up for cats to help create positive change for cat welfare via our advocacy work.

Thank you to all the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for your ongoing support.

Anyone wishing to adopt a cat or support Cats Protection, or seeking advice on cat welfare, can find out more at www.cats.org.uk

wellbeing. Which is why the NHS Volunteer Responders programme has reintroduced the Check in and Chat service, where local readers who would like a friendly chat or simply a listening ear can request a phone call with a volunteer, whether it be a oneoff call or a series of calls.

Receiving a Check in and Chat call is easy and completely free.

Readers in Berkshire can organise it by calling 0808 196 3382 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week). You can also visit nhsvolunteerresponders. org.uk where you will find further information.

If your readers would like a call, we are encouraging them to please reach out on the number above, or, to share this information with a loved one, friend, neighbour, or anyone who may need a little extra support and would benefit from a Check in and Chat call.

John May, Chief Executive, Cats Protection

Keeping in touch We know it can be difficult to stay socially connected, but keeping in touch and chatting with others can have a huge impact. Conversations can create connections, offer new perspectives, teach you new things, boost happiness, and increase mental

Matt Rodda

R

EADING Gaol is a wonderful historic site which has huge importance for Berkshire, as the prison where Oscar Wilde was incarcerated, which also inspired his work.

The historic building opened as the Berkshire County Gaol and was designed by, the same architect who designed St Pancras Station in London.

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

An open letter from Jason Hogg

Westminster diary Why I’m stepping up my campaign to save Reading Gaol

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

The Victorian Building was built on the site of Reading Abbey, which was one of the biggest monastic buildings in the country and was where King Henry I was buried.

With all this incredible history and given the importance for our area, I am stepping up my campaign to save the gaol and to turn it into an arts and heritage hub, which would benefit residents in Reading, Wokingham Borough and the surrounding area.

Hundreds of people gathered recently in a march to save the gaol as part of our campaign for the Government hear our voice.

Supporting Victims As an emergency service our response will depend on the seriousness of the incident, and vulnerability of those involved, enabling us to prioritise the nearly two million reports that come into the force every year. We will strive to provide the best possible response and victims will always be at the centre of our service.

Fighting Crime We will continue to focus on preventing and disrupting crime.

However, when crimes do occur, we will pursue those responsible, with an emphasis on neighbourhood

crime, tackling knife crime, acquisitive crime and violence against women and girls.

Building Trust and Confidence I know that trust in policing both nationally and internationally is low. Therefore, everyone in policing needs to take responsibility to build and maintain trust and confidence in the police. I take this responsibility extremely seriously, and although this will undoubtedly take time, we will work tirelessly to build trust through treating everyone with fairness and respect. It will be through having greater visibility within our communities, increased transparency and engagement with all of our communities that we can begin to make strides towards this.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all our communities for your continued support.

Jason Hogg, Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police

Webinar date

Lymphoma Action is hosting a webinar about what it is like to have chemotherapy on Wednesday 26 April from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. It is a free event. Sign up at: www.lymphomaaction.org.uk/ChemoWebinar2.

The panel will include a healthcare professional, a Lymphoma Action chair and three individuals who have lived experiences of chemotherapy.

This webinar will help people prepare for having chemotherapy in the future and answer any questions they might have. It is an opportunity to hear coping strategies developed by individuals who have had treatment.

It will also offer insight for families affected to help them understand the experience of having chemotherapy, so they can support loved ones going through the treatment.

Sam Ward OBE, Deputy CEO at Royal Voluntary Service

Claire McInerney, Lymphoma Action

It has been almost a decade since the closure was announced and hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been just to keep it mothballed.

Reading Council have worked with the community to put forward a fair and realistic bid for the site and on top of that, we still have an offer from internationally renowned artist, Banksy, to help buy the site.

All we need is for the Ministry of Justice to see sense and hear what the community are saying.

Reading Gaol – and the site it sits on – is woven into the tapestry of our local history. From the burial site of King Henry I, through the medieval abbey to the Victorian prison that housed Oscar Wilde.

The prison and its site tells a story of local history and the latest chapter has been written by the hundreds of supporters who have signed petitions, written letters and marched to ensure that the site remains an integral part of our

civic life.

At the end of the day, the Government has to decide what to do next. They can continue the conversation with their preferred developers that has already been dragged out for months and years or look another way.

By embracing the community bid, led by Reading Borough Council and the local community, and protecting the Gaol as a community venue. Given that chance, the collective power of our community would become and irresistible force on an unstoppable mission to create and world-class community arts and heritage venue.

A luxury hotel or high-end flats which strip the venue of its heritage is not good for either the building or our community.

This is now all in the hands of the Government who have a choice to make, and I sincerely hope that they choose wisely.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

VOLUNTEER CORNER

A

GE UK Reading is an independent local charity that has been working in the local community to help older people since 1976.

They want a very caring and understanding individual that could attend and help run the Dementia Club held on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Volunteers would support a small group of elderly clients in early stages of dementia, helping set up the room, moving tables and chairs to set them up in a way conducive to easy socialisation and participation among all the clients and more. n Enrych Berkshire is a Registered Charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

Right now Enrych wants a volunteer to assist an older female who would love to go outside for walks.

The short walks will be a start in rebuilding strength. Their health has restricted her and they feel vulnerable on their own.

She uses her stick or walker. n The Me2 Club is an inclusion charity for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in the Wokingham and Reading boroughs.

They are recruiting volunteers in the Berkshire area in order to help even more children with additional needs in the local community. They provide support by matching a young person from the Me2 Club with a oneto-one volunteer who would support them with activities.

If you are 16 or older and have a couple hours a week to give and have the desire to make a difference to a child’s life visit their website (https:// me2club.org.uk/) and apply to be a volunteer today. n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

A

The cherry blossoms dotted around campus and in our botanical gardens are truly a wonderful sight.

If you haven’t been to our campus recently then please do come and pay us a visit.

A walk around the meadows,

Cllr Jason Brock

Cllr Rob White

Entertaining this Easter

T

HE Easter Holidays are here. For many families, I know finding something to keep the kids occupied for two weeks becomes the Holy Grail of the break. Not that you don’t love every single minute in their company, of course.

Greens support saving Reading Gaol

W

ELL done to everyone who supported the Save Reading Gaol March.

Green Party councillors are fully behind the plan to transform the historic site into an arts and heritage centre. It is a shame that the Conservative government does not support the plan.

If it goes to the highest bidder, this will be a developer who will want to build luxury flats.

We already have enough large unaffordable blocks of flats in Reading.

We do not need any more.

A massive thank you to everyone who organised and joined the event.

Green councillors will keep standing up for the town’s heritage.

Mike Harling Thames Ward candidate Mike Harling has lived in Reading since 2013. He is a trade unionist, has worked in the care sector and wants to see a fairer, greener and cleaner town.

In his spare time he enjoys running and volunteers at junior Park Run. Mike has been working hard in Thames Ward and would make an excellent councillor if elected.

Vote to keep the Green Party as the main opposition party in Reading

run council (32 Labour councillors, 7 Green, 6 Conservative and 3 Lib Dem).

Labour have a very large majority of councillors but it is very close between Greens and Conservatives for second place.

Vote Green at the elections for hard work year-round but also to keep the Green Party ahead of the Conservatives as the main opposition party on Reading Council.

If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org. uk/get-involved

By Green Party councillor Rob White, Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

Spotlight on Thames candidate

The Green Party will be standing a candidate in every ward at the upcoming council elections. Greens did so well last year that we overtook the Conservatives becoming the second largest party on Reading’s Labour-

through the wooded Wilderness, a visit to the Harris botanical garden, or watching the swans, geese and ducks on our lake is a relaxing way to spend an hour or two.

With that in mind, Saturday, May 13, is a date for your diary.

We will be hosting our first ever Community Festival, bringing together everyone in the area, including students, colleagues, alumni and their families, and our neighbours, for a free one-day celebration of what makes Reading great: our diverse and welcoming community.

There will be live music, theatre and performance from local artists,

street food and a host of activities to get involved in.

Our museums will be open and there will be many more opportunities to see some of the research that academic colleagues based at the University of Reading are undertaking.

University academics are research leaders in their field, carrying out their own original research, helping us grow and develop as a society.

At Reading we are lucky enough to have hundreds of academic colleagues who could be considered among the best in the world across a vast array of topics – from exploring the forces within molecules, to the meaning behind art and literature, or the workings of the economy.

And while researchers can help wider society by advancing knowledge, they can really help the world by sharing what it means with the rest of us.

This became very clear during the pandemic.

When the world was in crisis and

our leaders were exhorting us to “follow the science”, many of us turned to academic experts, speaking via the media, to help us understand what was going on.

Trusted research specialists, sharing their knowledge and analysis on the TV or radio, or providing comment on the latest developments in news articles, helped provide much-needed balance and reassurance during a chaotic and worrying time.

We are lucky in Reading and Wokingham to have a University with people striving for knowledge and discovery, as well as a thriving local media scene.

We should celebrate and defend both.

To find out more about what we do, and meet the people who work and study here, join us on May 13at our Community Festival.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Robert Van de Noort

T this time of year, our Whiteknights campus really comes to life and is looking beautiful.

From the leader

From the chamber

From the ViceChancellor A university striving for knowledge and discovery

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading

Times remain tough, so if you are looking for things to keep the children entertained without breaking the bank, I’d recommend checking out all the great activities we have on offer at some of the brilliant venues across Reading. Many of them are completely free, or very low cost.

I’m a huge fan of our much-loved library services in Reading, all of which remain open, unlike in other parts of the country. Reading’s Libraries not only offer all the usual great selection of books, but often they have additional fun activities on offer.

On Saturday, April 15, craft sessions are on offer at Southcote Library over in my patch.

The same applies to Palmer Park Library in east Reading.

There are also free Rhymetime sessions running across all of our library branches and, if you want toys to entertain without the expense, our toy library is at Central Library on a Thursday.

Reading Museum remains well worth a visit.

I’m convinced not enough people know just how fantastic it is, and it’s completely free. The museum will also be hosting low-cost Easter themed trails and craft activities for the young ones.

For families looking to get out and about, there are so many beautiful parks and gardens in Reading which come with space for play and games. Our brand-new children’s play area at Prospect Park is now open, providing a range of exciting facilities to cater for children of all ages and abilities. I’ve strolled past it a few times since it opened, and I have been amazed at how incredibly popular it’s proving.

Right next to the new playground, The Ranger Station activity centre offers an accessible locally themed nine-hole mini-golf, low ropes activity course for children under seven, and a climbing tree for older children.

If you happen to be in the town centre with young ones, you may be interested to know a brand-new Easter Trail has been launched. Find 12 hidden eggs in shop windows and receive a special Easter treat at the end. You can collect a free Easter Trail Map from The Oracle Customer Service Desk until Easter Mondat, or download your own to print at home from the Visit Reading website: www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/ seasonal-events/reading-easter-trail.

Reading’s SEND Short Breaks for the Easter holiday include multi-sports camps, theatre workshops, gymnastics, easter egg trails, and more.

Parent carers who need information can find out more at www.readingfis.org/childcare.

Importantly for many families in these challenging times, the Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme provides a wide variety of exciting holiday camps for children who are normally eligible for pupil premium free school meals. Activities range from football to fencing and from baking to board games, plus lots more in between. And a tasty, nutritious lunch is included.

Visit the Brighter Futures for Children website at www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org/forparents-carers/schools/haffor more info on this scheme. Don’t forget, families still need to register to access HAF activities every new holiday season, even if they have done so previously.

This Easter break in Reading there’s something to suit everyone. I hope you all have a great time and fingers crossed for some much-deserved spring sunshine. I, personally, will be spending time trying to limit my chocolate egg consumption (regrettably, I am addicted to Creme Eggs).

32 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Pub to welcome made-up comedy A PLAYHATCH pub will host a comedy troupe that perform without the safety net of a script.

The Flowing Spring is to welcome Mad Monkey Improv on Saturday, April 15.

The group have been performing their five-star show MISSION:IMPROVable all over the UK with their clever and funny humour.

Their performances are unique, with no script or rehearsal and entirely reliant on audience suggestions.

And now they’re preparing for a gig on home turf.

Tickets are £5.. n For details, call the pub on: 0118 969 9878

Young voices YOUNG singers are invited to take part in a come and sing event taking place in Tilehurst.

Berkshire Maestros is inviting Year 6-9 students to attend the open rehearsal afternoon on Saturday, April 22, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, at the Reading Music Centre in Cockney Hill.

Attendees will get to experience what the Berkshire Youth Training Choir is all about, with a chance to sing highlights from the hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia!

n For more details, or to book, log on to: berkshiremaestros.org.uk

New Chief constable lays out his plans for Thames Valley Police

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

THE NEW chief constable of Thames Valley Police has announced his priorities for policing in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in the coming months and years.

Jason Hogg, who officially took up his post on Saturday, wants to focus on supporting victims, fighting crime and building trust and confidence in the police.

Mr Hogg served as the unit’s deputy chief constable from April 2019, and was responsible for professional standards, and performance. He also oversaw the force’s work to improve its diversity.

On becoming chief constable, he said: “I feel very excited and energised by the role. It’s a real privilege to lead the force, which is a big organisation of 9,000 people, and which I’m proud to be a part of.

“But I also have a sense of responsibility as well, because there are some real challenges in policing at the moment.”

Mr Hogg grew up in a deprived area of Hartlepool and earned himself a place at the University of Oxford’s Christ Church College.

During his time there, he

NEW BOSS: Jason Hogg officially began his role as chief constable of Thames Valley Police on Saturday, April 1. Picture: Thames Valley Police volunteered at a homeless charity called The Gatehouse, where he was inspired to join the force after watching TVP police handle a disturbance.

He has gone on to enjoy 28 years of service, representing Cleveland Police and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, before joining TVP in 2016 as assistant chief constable for crime and criminal justice.

Speaking about his priorities, he made a clear commitment to those affected by crime.

He explained: “We need an absolute focus on putting victims at the heart of everything we do here at TVP.”

WPR_2023-04-03_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go

WorcesterObserver

Reader travel

DELIGHTFUL DEVON

SOUTHPORT

Weekend

& Liverpool Weekend Southport&LiverpoolWeekend_F.pdf

DelightfulDevonWeekend_F.pdf

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23

Your break includes

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast  Excursion to Exeter

 Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport with dinner & breakfast  Excursion to Liverpool

Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£10pp)

Optional excursion to Ormskirk Market (£11pp)

4 Days by Coach only £

189.99

Single Supplement £60

179.99

4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.

Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

Of the nearly two million reports the force receives annually, Mr Hogg pledged to prioritise responses in line with the seriousness of the incident, as well as the vulnerability of those involved.

Thames Valley only has two sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), which offer medical and forensic services to anybody who has been raped or sexually assaulted – the nearest facility to Reading and Wokingham is in Slough.

Mr Hogg confirmed there were no plans for any new centres to be built as the number and location of sites are determined by NHS funding.

However, TVP is committed to negating the issue of distance by continuing to offer comprehensive support to victims in the reporting process and by providing transport where required.

Mr Hogg has occupied every rank as a detective, investigating a wide range of crime, including homicide, serious and organised crime, and sexual offences.

His strategy to prevent and pursue incidents involves clamping down on neighbourhood crime, tackling knife crime, acquisitive crime and violence against women and girls.

He explained: “[Being] proactive in targeting offenders in crimes that matter most to the public, is central to what policing is all about.

“It’s why we’ve got more and more officers on the streets.”

Mr Hogg described trust in policing on both national and international scales as ‘low’ – something he is determined to change as chief constable.

He hopes to achieve this through community engagement with officers who understand the needs and concerns of residents in the areas they work, as well as through professional behaviour and conduct.

He said: “I’ve been clear to all my officers that every time they go out of the station, no matter what they’re doing, stopping cars or stop-searching somebody, we can do it in a way which is fair and professional, treating people with dignity and respect.

“I’m going to be absolutely unapologetic in rooting out police officers and staff who don’t behave at the high standards the public would expect of us.”

The chief constable feels comfortable commanding strong working relationships with other agencies across Thames Valley, having chaired the region’s Local Resilience Forum for the past four years.

He believes that through collaboration during the pandemic, the various services which operate in the area have developed a key relationship.

Mr Hogg also wants to continue TVP’s commitment to building a workforce which is representative of the communities it serves, describing the current team as ‘the most diverse it has ever been’.

Last year, 44% of new recruits were female while 18% were of Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.

Music time for toddlers

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum

n For more details, log on to: bachtobaby.com

n For more details: thecastletap.co.uk

BACH to Baby, a concert series for babies, toddlers, and their families, will hold a familyfriendly Easter holiday concert in Reading latter this month.

The concert offers an opportunity for families to enjoy live music together, safe in the knowledge that children can dance, roam, and revel in the wonder of music.

The event will take place at Reading Minster on Chain Street, starting at 11am and ending by 11.45am on Friday, April 14.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, with up to two children allowed to attend for free.

AHOY, me hearties! The Reading Shanty Singers be hosting their Monthly Shanty Session every second Wednesday of the month at The Castle Tap on Castle Street.

Ye can join in fer free, but best book a table to avoid disappointment.

Sing songs of the sea and waterways, lead a shanty, or just listen along with a pint.

All are welcome, but be mindful of the lyrics and avoid the dodgy verses to keep things inclusive. So hoist the mainsail and set a course for the pub to join in the fun.

The next session is on Wednesday, April 12.

B Radio applies for DAB licence

Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23

or visit us online at

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

justgohols JGTravelGroup

LOCAL commercial radio stations could appear on digital radio sets if Ofcom grants permission.

B Radio, which already broadcasts on 95.6FM and online, has applied to the regulator for a portion of the digital broadcasting spectrum known as an SSDAB licence.

It has formed a company called Local Radio Ltd for its bid, which is supported by other community radio stations including, Hospital Radio Reading, Marlow FM 97.5, Kennet Radio and Asian Star Radio.

B Radio conducted research which found that 37% of respondents said DAB was the primary platform they use to listen to the radio.

TUNE IN: DAB radio could see a clutch of Reading-based stations if Ofcom gives B Radio’s application the go-ahead Picture: Pixabay Gavin Harris, director of B Radio, said: “Our bid will allocate free DAB slots to locally owned and operated OFCOM C-DSP licence holders.

“We promise to always give local operators in our area access first to our Small Scale DAB Multiplex before offering space to other broadcasters.

“Our vision for small-scale DAB in Reading is a diverse

collection of radio stations, with a ‘local first’ approach.”

This, he added, would “give Reading an amazing choice of locally programmed radio services”.

Local Radio Ltd says it welcomes any broadcasters or companies wishing to be part of our bid to register their interest via its website: localradio.co.uk

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Be election ready urges council ahead of elections

33

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Slough man handed 21 year jail term for horseshoe attack

VOTERS in Reading are encouraged to check they are election ready ahead of local elections next month.

By Staff Writer With just three weeks left to register before news@rdg.today voting takes place in May, Reading Borough Council is urging residents to make sure that they are registered to vote.

A MAN has been jailed for more The upcoming vote is the first since new than two decades for the murder voter ID laws were passed in January, in spite of of Thomas Parker, following an extensive investigation by British a number of concerns, meaning elections now Transport Police. require photographic identification.

Those voting in person can use a passport, Kirkpatrick Virgo, of Slough, was driving license or provisional license, a Blue found guilty of murder and also of badge, or biometric immigration documents to possession of an offensive weapon prove their identity. and sentenced to 21 years in jail on Those without a valid form of ID can apply Friday, March 31. for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the During the evening of Saturday, government website or by requesting a printed July 30 last year, Thomas Parker form via Reading’s Electoral Services Team. was onboard an Elizabeth Line The deadline for applying for these service at London Paddington pulled into Reading Station, Virgo certificates is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25. following a football match at the pulled a heavy, metal horseshoe from his rucksack.

They can also vote by proxy, through another Emirates Stadium.

A second altercation ensued person chosen by the voter, or by post, which Virgo and two friends boarded will not require photo ID. the same train at Slough carrying a on the station platform, during Michael Graham, Electoral Registration music player, with witness accounts which Mr Parker noticed Virgo was Officer for Reading Borough Council, said: “Local stating that they were playing loud carrying the horseshoe.

Mr Parker turned his back on elections are an important opportunity to have music while onboard. your say on who represents you and makes Mr Parker’s brother requested Virgo and began to walk away, decisions about issues that directly affect day-to- that Virgo turned down the music, when he was struck on the back of day life here in Reading. which led to a verbal disagreement the head.

While he was laid on the ground, “If you’re in doubt about whether you between the two groups.

Further accounts say that Virgo his brother, Craig, pursued Virgo need to register to vote, or have questions remarked: “Do you want to die through the station before catching about how to apply for a postal or proxy vote, him1 on the concourse. tonight?” or free ID, you can contact Reading Borough blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-2-v03-PR.pdf 29/07/2022 09:50 Virgo was tackled to the ground, The groups were separated, Council on 0118 937 3717 or but CCTV showed that as the train where rail staff intervened and Elections@reading.gov.uk”.

JAILED: Virgo has been found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon and will now spend 21 years in jail Picture: British Transport Police.

alerted emergency services, who apprehended him.

After the discovery of the horseshoe in Virgo’s rucksack, he was arrested and taken into custody.

Despite the best efforts of South Central Ambulance Service, Thomas Parker died of his injuries around an hour after the attack.

DCI Paul Langley, senior investigating officer in the case, said: “This was a senseless act of violence that stemmed from a minor argument relating to Virgo and his friends playing loud music on a train.

“Tom Parker was travelling home from an Arsenal FC fixture in London with his brother and friends.

“He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him.

“But that life was taken away by an extremely violent individual who fatally struck him following a disagreement at Reading station.”

He continued: “Thanks to a single shocking act of violence by Kirkpatrick Virgo, Tom’s family now face the rest of their lives without their brother, son and friend.

“We’re pleased that justice has been served today– my thoughts, and the thoughts of my team, remain with Tom’s family.

“While no verdict will ever be justice enough for them, I hope they can take some small comfort in the fact that this violent individual will spend a lengthy period of his life behind bars.”

Thomas Parker’s family described him as “loving and funny,” and said: “he was a very kind, thoughtful, and caring son.

“He was dedicated to his parents, brothers, grandparents, family and friends.”

M

Y

Y

Y

Showroom Opening Hours Friday 9-3 Monday to 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays

Telephone: 0118 989 3438

Bedrooms, Home Offices, Media Units & Bespoke Furniture

www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk

Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk re fitted furnitu

Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW.

Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture

34 | NEWS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

COSPLAY FOR TODAY: EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today ABOUT 1,100 cosplay enthusiasts showcased their creative talents over the weekend, as the popular CosXPo took over the University of Reading.

MARUGAME UDON IS HOLDING A GRAND OPENING WEEK FOR ITS NEW

2,000 free bowls of noodles to celebrate new diner THE WINNER of a Best Value Restaurant award is gearing up to open in Reading, and promising a massive giveaway of food to celebrate.

Marugame Udon is holding a grand opening week for its new branch in The Oracle’s Riverside in the town centre.

As part of this, it is offering 2,000 free bowls of udon – Japanese noodles - between Monday, April 17, and Saturday, April 22. To receive it, people need to join its Marugame club, with a voucher sent to the recipient’s inbox.

And on Saturday, April 22, it will celebrate Japenese culture with a Marugame Matsuri festival. There will be Taiko drumming between noon and 2pm outside of the restaurant and inside the Oracle shopping centre from 4pm to 6pm.

The restaurant, which seats up to 148 people, is an open-style canteen with the udon kitchen as the central focal point.

There are click-and-collect kiosks for those who would like to enjoy their udon on the go.

Noodles are freshly made in house using just three ingredients:

wheat, salt and water, to a traditional recipe.

The menu has more than 20 dishes prices at £5 or under including udon bowls, tempura, omusubi rice balls, and delicious desserts like dorayaki pancakes and unlimited soft serve ice cream.

There is the opportunity to customise meals with a ‘build your own’ condiment station with fresh chillies, ginger, and Japanese sauces to personalise your meal.

And the experience includes unlimited soft drinks.

Kouhei Honkawa, Marugame Udon Europe head of quality, said: “We’re so excited to be opening our kitchen in the heart of Reading.

“We’re looking forward to launching our value casual dining concept to the city as we carry on our mission to introduce udon to more people across the UK. The Oracle is a buzzing and lively place for visitors and residents of Reading, making it the perfect place to open our newest site.”

n For more details, or to register for the offer, log on to: marugame.co.uk/ jointheclub-reading

Bus driver injured MOTORISTS in Calcot is saw some disruption following a road incident involving a bus.

Reading Buses posted to Twitter at 6.50am on Friday, March 31, to explain that “Due to a TRC [sic]” it would be unable to serve Ikea and Sainsbury’s in Calcot.

Buses were instead being routed through Mayfield Avenue.

The tweet saw a reply from a member of the public which showed a Jet Black bus with a shattered windscreen and a large amount of damage to the nearside of the front of the bus.

A van with a crumpled bonnet is visible behind it.

The bus driver was taken to hospital to undergo checks after

Taking place over Saturday and Sunday, cosplay enthusiasts had a wide array of activities, workshops and competitions focusing on developing crafting and photography skills.

Organiser Kenny Lam said: “It was mental. It went the best it could have gone.

We’re really pleased to have expanded to two buildings this year.

“There was high traffic for the vendors, we had Dremel come down who had tools for people to try out before they bought things on Amazon.

“The photography workshop was really popular as well - people were queuing outside the door for it. All the content went down really well, the game show, the championship.

“We also got really lucky with the weather because we were literally scooping water out on Friday and had blocked drains.

“Saturday was better and Sunday was actually amazing weather.”

Despite some disruption caused by Sunday’s half marathon, the event ran without any hitches, with organisers hoping to return for a fifth time next year.

BIG UP: Fantastic furry friends as part of the CosXpo gathering. Pictures: Dijana Capan/Dvision Images

sustaining minor injuries, and no other parties were thought to have been injured.

A spokesperson for Reading Buses said: “We can confirm that there was a collision with one of our jet black buses.

“Our driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further checks and is being supported by the company.

“We don’t think that any other party sustained any injuries.

“As much information as possible including CCTV footage is being gathered for the insurance companies, and will be shared with the police should they make enquiries.”

Comedy night in town centre on Saturday JUST The Tonic is returning to Sub89/Popworld on Friar Street, with guest performers Andrew Bird, Kyrah Gray, Alexander Bennett, and Roger Monkhouse.

Organisers say the line-up promises a blend of witty, weird, and dark humor, with each act showcasing their unique style.

The show starts at 7.30 pm on Saturday, April 8, but so guests can enjoy drinks first, a pre-show chat starts at 6pm. Tickets for the event are priced between £10-£16, plus booking fee.

For more details, or to book, search for Just The Tonic on seetickets.com

SHY GUY, LINK AND THE REST OF THE TEAM. PICTURE: Dijana Capan/Dvision Images

DANDIES AND SUFFRAGETTES. PICTURE: Dijana Capan/Dvision Images

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Heroes dazzle at CosXPo

NEWS | 35

Handcrafted items on sale UNIQUE handcrafted items will be on sale in Caversham this weekend thanks to the regular Artists and Makers Fair.

Visitors can meet the artists and browse a diverse range of handmade items such as jewellery, woodwork, fabric art, paintings, pottery, among other items.

The exhibitors vary from month to month, ensuring there is always something new to see.

Entry is free, and there is a fun competition for younger visitors.

Held on the second Saturday of the month, this month’s event is on April 8.

It takes place at Caversham Methodist Church Hall, located at 272 Gosbrook Road, Caversham. n For more details, log on to: www.facebook.com/ Artistsandmakersfair

Some of the amazing costumes on show

Borderlands characters featured over the weekend

Geek Night to explore role of AI THE Reading Geek Night monthly meetup is to take place next week in the town centre.

The event is for anyone interested in science, technology, design, and geekery, offering an evening of talks, networking, and beers.

The usual format includes gathering at 7pm, talks at 7.30pm, followed by time for networking and beer.

The upcoming event will feature a talk by Petronela Proteasa titled AI – my boss or my co-worker. In it, she will discuss the role of AI in recruitment, and dismissals.

It will be held on Tuesday, 11 April 2023, at Zerodegrees in Gun Street, Reading.

Anyone interested in giving a talk can contact the organisers via social media.

A wild Chocobo on campus

*OFFER ENDS 31ST MAY 2023. NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

69 Rances Lane, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2LQ 0118 977 3116

www.myw.co.uk

n For more details, search for Reading Geek Night on Facebook, or log on to: rdggeeknight.wordpress.com

36 | BUSINESS

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

BUSINESSTODAY

Apprenticeships for budding business minds

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A UNIVERSITY of Reading-based institution has announced a new partnership with a world-leading technology company, which will see students benefit from apprenticeship programmes.

Station Hill project’s first phase nears completion ONE of Reading’s biggest development projects has reached its full height as the first phase of construction reaches a key milestone.

The Station Hill development has “topped out,” meaning that the building is now at its highest, and one step closer to completion.

The first phase of the scheme, designed by CRTKL, is set to deliver a living spaces available for rental, ranging from studio flats to three-bed apartments.

Residents are expected to be able to begin moving in by summer 2023.

The two-acre Station Hill Square development is also due to be finished next year, providing a pedestrian concourse linking Reading Station and the town centre as well as office and retail space.

When complete, the entire development will see more than 600,000 square feet of office space, 95,000 square feet of retail space, and 1,300 homes added to the town centre, within a minute’s walk of Reading Station.

Lee Fearnhead, Station Hill’s Director of Construction for Lincoln Property Company UK and Europe said: “It is fantastic to celebrate this significant milestone for the project with local stakeholders and our construction partners at Midgard.

“Events like this showcase the amazing achievement that has

been made on-site to date, but more importantly offer an opportunity to give thanks and show our appreciation to the hard-working teams delivering and making the Station Hill vision a reality.

“Phase 1 will deliver 600 incredible new homes and an amenity offering, creating a vibrant new community in the heart of Reading, and we look forward to welcoming the new residents to the Station Hill community.

He explained: “As the first phase nearing completion, and with office and retail elements also coming online early next year, we are already looking ahead to the final phases to ensure the successful delivery of the comprehensive Station Hill vision.”

Cllr Tony Page, deputy leader of the council and lead member for climate strategy and transport, said: “I am really delighted to participate in an event that celebrates the first major milestone for Station Hill.

“The development has been many years in the making and as local councillors, we have been working with the owners and the development team to deliver a first-class regeneration scheme for the town and its residents.

“Station Hill is on the doorstep of the ‘new’ Reading Station, which was reopened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in July 2014, and is a key part of the Council’s regeneration plan.”

Nokia apprentices will join cohorts on three Henley Business School programmes designed for professionals aspiring to become effective leaders.

Pathways include the senior leadership apprenticeship, business administration - senior leader apprenticeship, future leaders and improvement leader apprenticeship, and managing business transformation.

Phil Siveter, CEO at Nokia UK&I, said: “As an industry there has been much talk of late about the skills shortages. We are facing real challenges in recruiting the right individuals with relevant skills in this continuously evolving and always exciting technology sector.

“It is my personal belief that it is critical for companies like Nokia

to continue to find ways to offer opportunities and experiences to everyone.

“It is vital to support learning and growth, and we will continue creating an inclusive and diverse workforce for the future.

“At Nokia, apprenticeships are about investing in people that allow everyone to reach their full potential and uncover hidden talents to learn new skills as part of their learning journey, from those right at the start of the career journey to those more senior managers.

“We were delighted to send the first of our managers on the Senior Leader Apprenticeship as part of our Leaders for Tomorrow programme with Henley Business School.”

Developed to stretch and challenge, the programmes offer an integrated learning experience through structured online learning and immersive, in-person sessions that are held at Henley’s Greenlands campus.

Expected to be completed in 20-23 months, including the endpoint assessment, the programmes combine expert teaching with

practical, on-the-job experiences for learning that can have an immediate impact on business.

Mr Siveter added: “Nokia is excited to be working on a range of apprenticeship programmes for our middle and senior managers with Henley.

“Their experience of developing managers and leaders and facilitating transformation both at a personal and organisational level was one of the reasons we decided to partner with them.”

Anne Dibley, head of postexperience and apprenticeship programmes at Henley, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Nokia, a company on a mission to support the learning and growth of its employees and to develop leaders who will question the status quo and help drive the organisation forward.

“With businesses facing more challenges than ever before, developing leaders who can effectively manage the increasingly complex business environment is critical. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Rapid payments firm BCN Group bolster moves into Spain portfolio A READING-based rapid payments firm has announced it is buying the Spanish customer base of a German company.

Introduced to Germany and Spain in April 2021, Wellet is a card payment app.

It is now part of the UTP Group and, over the next few weeks it will be integrated into its tapeeno system, an app that uses Faster Processing technology. This sees payments sent to accounts within an hour of being made.

Michael Ault, CEO of UTP Group, said: “The acquisition of Wellet’s Spanish customer portfolio allows us to

accelerate our expansion in the region, while bringing the benefits of Faster Processing technology to thousands of customers across the country.

“The alignment of Wellet and tapeeno’s technology and target market made this a natural choice for us.

“The acquisition allows our new Spanish customer base to continue with the convenience of accepting payments on their phone, while benefitting from tapeeno’s Faster Processing technology.”

n For more, log on to: tapeeno.com/ or find the app on the Google Play Store.

A DIGITAL transformation solutions firm has taken over a company with a base in Maidenhead.

BCN, a managed service provider delivering cloud-first data strategies, has taken over fellow MSP firm and Microsoft Solultions Partner New CMI. The firm was founded in 2009 and its other offices are in London, and Belfast, and will see BCN grow its UK base to 1,200.

This is the second acquisition since ECI Partners invested in BCN last year, following on from the purchase of Microsoft Dynamics 365 specialists, Evo-soft, in September.

Rob Davies, CEO of BCN Group, said “CMI’s complimentary product and service offering allows us to increase our Microsoft customer base and strengthen our team of technical experts.”

And Ken Roulston,the managing director of CMI, said it was extremely positive news for his team and the firm’s customers.

“The additional capabilities BCN Group brings will expand the support, skill set and technology available and create even stronger IT support,” he said.

“We are looking forward to aligning our offerings.”

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

37

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Councillors launch petition as Tilehurst NatWest picked to close

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE TILEHURST branch of NatWest is among more than 80 set to close across the UK, leaving just one in Reading.

It is also the last bank in the village area to go, despite assurances from the bank back in January that it would remain open, making the closest branch of any bank outside of reasonable walking distance from Tilehurst.

It comes as NatWest and Lloyds banks announced that cuts would see 81 branches closed, more than half of which belonged to the NatWest group.

The closure has sparked a petition by Liberal Democrat councillors Anne Thompson, Janine Lewis, and Simon Billows to reverse the decision.

Councillors argue that the branch is the last bricks-andmortar branch left “for miles in west Reading,” and that the closure will leave “residents and businesses in Tilehurst, Purley, and Kentwood without banking services.”

Cllr Thompson also penned a letter to NatWest, in which she explained that the decision would come as a “bitter blow” to residents.

SET TO SHUT: The NatWest branch on School Road is among 42 set to be closed by the banking organisation.

Picture: Courtesy of Google LLC via Google Maps “The closure of Tilehurst’s NatWest will create a banking desert in Berkshire between Thatcham and Reading town centre, over 13 miles away.

“This will have a chilling effect on local communities, on residents and on independent businesses.”

Further on, she explained that the nearest branch, in The Oracle in central Reading, was

not fit to serve those who would previously have used the local branch.

“Users of NatWest in the Oracle in Reading town centre are regularly asked to attend in-person meetings in the Tilehurst branch because the Oracle has insufficient meeting space and opening hours.”

She also cited that many of the users who would be most

ON THE RIGHT TRACKS: The railway bridge on the A4 London Road that divides Reading and Wokingham borough.

A project to repair and restore the bridge has reached its halfway point Picture: Phil Creighton

Repainting work on historic railway bridge reaches halfway point NOW YOU see it, now you don’t … Network Rail’s ongoing project to revamp an historic railway bridge that divides Reading and Wokingham boroughs has taken a big step forward as the team switch sides.

Work on the first side of the restoration has been completed, and people can now get a sense of what the bridge will be like when the entire project is completed

next month.

While it won’t come as much comfort to motorists stuck in the traffic jams caused by the project, one half is now in its green colour, harking back to the original design, but the view will be obscured once again as scaffolding is erected over the other side of the road to allow work on the second half to take place.

A spokesperson from Network Rail said: “I can confirm that work has now swapped sides on the bridge and contractors are now erecting the scaffolding to start painting on the other side.

“The project seems to be on schedule on the moment.”

The two-and-a-half month timescale started in February half-term, and is due to finish by Tuesday, May 9.

affected would be those who do not use online banking would also be the users who struggled with transport into the town centre, therefore disproportionately affecting them.

The letter concluded with a direct request to reconsider the branch’s closure.

In light of the closures, NatWest released a breakdown

of how much traffic each of their branches was receiving.

According to their figures, over the counter transactions at the Tilehurst branch had reduced by 74% in 2022 compared to 2019.

While it saw 123 business customers use it regularly in 2021, it reported just three regular personal customers.

It is part of a 64% reduction in use of face-to-face services across the bank between 2019 and 2022.

As such, it explained that the closure of a branch often takes into consideration the number of affected customers as well as the level of impact.

It also considers how close the nearest cash machines and Post Offices are.

In a statement posted to its website, NatWest said: “Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.

“Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously– we know it can affect those less confident with alternatives we offer.

“We’ll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on.”

Newcomers coffee morning READING Libraries is inviting residents, both new and existing, to the Welcome to Reading Coffee Morning on Saturday, April 15.

Held in the Central Library at Abbey Square, the free event provides an opportunity to meet new people, learn about living in Reading, and share local knowledge.

At the April event, New Directions, RVA Ready Friends, and the Sunday Alternative will chat with attendees about what they offer.

Refreshments will be provided.

The event runs from 11am to 1pm. n Email info@readinglibraries. org.uk or call 0118 937 5950.

Woodley history THE Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group (BIAG) is to host a talk by historian Ann Smith on the history of Woodley.

She is the editor of the book A History of Woodley, and will share her insights on its heritage. It will include a look at its aviation history, and the importance of the Biro to the economny.

The talk will begin at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Castle Street RG1 7RD on Monday, April 17. Refreshments will be available, and entry is £2.50. n For more, log on to: biag.org.uk

38

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICES

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (VARIOUS ROADS, REDLANDS) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023

Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend the parking bays in the lengths of roads on the dates detailed below: 11/04/23 – 17/04/23 27/04/23 – 03/05/23 Side of (s/o) 13 to s/o 5 Northcourt Avenue.

O/s 84 to o/s 68 Elmhurst Road.

17/04/23 – 26/04/23 Opposite 84 to opposite 68 Elmhurst Road.

S/o 1 to 34 Marlborough House to s/o 04/05/23/23-10/05/23 3 Marlborough Avenue.

O/s 66 to s/o 58 Elmhurst Road.

Outside (o/s) 4 to s/o 10 Northcourt Avenue.

S/o 82 to s/o 56 Christchurch Road.

S/o 70 to s/o 62 Redlands Road.

S/o 1 to o/s 13 Marlborough Avenue.

O/s 84 to o/s 72 Elmhurst Road.

O/s 84 to o/s 72 Elmhurst Road.

11/04/23/23 – 14/04/23 Opposite s/o 17 Avebury Square, Upper Redlands Road.

14/04/23 – 20/04/23 Opposite and o/s Dunsden Crescent (o/s St Joseph’s College field), Upper Redlands Road.

26/04/23 – 03/05/23 O/s St William of York Church to o/s 32 Upper Redlands Road.

O/s 29 to o/s 9 Upper Redlands Road.

04/05/23 – 11/05/23 O/s 30 to o/s 22 Upper Redlands Road.

O/s 7 to s/o 1 Upper Redlands Road.

11/05/23 – 17/05/23 S/o 20 to s/o 12 Upper Redlands Road.

Opposite 22 to opposite s/o 12 Upper Redlands Road.

Opposite 66 to opposite 58 Elmhurst Road.

11/05/23 – 16/05/23

S/o St George’s Hall, Marlborough Avenue to o/s St George’s Hall.

Opposite s/o St George’s Hall to o/s St George’s Hall, Elmhurst Road.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES READING BOROUGH COUNCIL The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 Notice of applications for planning permission under Article 15 of the Order APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.

230107 & 230108: 10 Gun Street, Reading - Proposed partial change of use from offices (Class E) to provide an expansion to existing entertainment venue at 9 Gun Street (Purple Turtle) with erection of rear extensions and internal alterations.

Detached 3-storey ancillary building to rear boundary with yard over Holy Brook.

230281: Station Approach, Reading - Internal fit out work to transform the existing Pumpkin Retail unit to a new Cafe Local brand retail unit together with new signage. The works are to be contained within the existing retail area demise and the existing Platform 7 elevation is to be retained with new signage that will match the size and position of the existing.

230319 & 230320: 101 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UD - Removal of office carparking from site to allow the construction of one new dwelling in grounds of listed building and alterations to boundary wall.

230349: 50 Hamilton Road, Reading, RG1 5RD - Proposed outbuilding to rear garden.

16/05/23 – 22/05/23

230375: 85 Hamilton Road, Reading, RG1 5RB - Demolition of existing garage and replacement with new single garage. Part single storey extension excluding basement, part 2.5 storey extension excluding basement following demolition of existing rear outhouse extension. Removal of single pier to front boundary and insertion of new ironwork gate, and associated changes to fenestration.

Opposite St Georges Hall to s/o St George’s Hall, Elmhurst Road.

These applications can be viewed http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

O/s St George’s Hall to s/o St George’s Hall, Upper Redlands Road.

27/04/23 – 03/05/23

S/o 70 to o/s 62 Redlands Road.

10/05/23 – 16/05/23

online

Anyone wishing to make representations can submit comments online or write, quoting the application number, to Planning, Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.

Adverti se reg ul arl y and save ££££s S pec i a l ra tes fo r 4, 12, 26 a n d 52 weeks

Friendly Serv ice Ema i l us today f or a p ri ce R each local people We cover the whol e of the R ea di ng Borough

Opposite 50d to opposite 48 Redlands Road.

23/05/23 – 31/05/23

Opposite 36 to opposite 32 Redlands Road.

O/s 20 to o/s 26 Redlands Road.

The Order will come into force from 11 April 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until completion of the works, whichever is sooner.

The Order is necessary for installation of new core ducting and cabling.

DATED: 6 April 2023

Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

RECRUITMENT WOULD YOU LIKE FULL TRAINING IN THE EXCITING WORLD OF MEDIA? The Wokingham and Reading Today Media Group are looking for Account Managers to join their growing team.

No media experience required as full training will be provided with ongoing support.

WHY JOIN US?

Competitive salary Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

We offer great choice

and flexibility in days / hours worked

Learn new skills

Work from home For an informal discussion please call David Riley on 07860 462 882 or email at driley@wokingham.today

RECRUITMENT New Town Primary School

New Town Primary School

Finance and HR Assistant

RG3 SCP 5-7 (£21,575 - £22,369 FTE) • Actual salary dependent on hours – from £12,189 pa 25 - 30 hours per week • Permanent Term time only • Required as soon as possible We are seeking an enthusiastic and diligent person to support the School Finance Manager and Headteacher with Finance and HR & Training processes.

Previous school experience of school management systems is desirable.

Applicants must: • Have excellent administration skills.

• Be able to evidence high level administration.

• Be experienced in managing busy demanding roles.

• Have experience of school systems. PS Financial and Arbor are desirable.

• Evidence excellent oral and written communication.

• The ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.

• The desire to work term time only.

Lunchtime Controller

RG2 SCP3 from £4,703 pa (£20,812 FTE) 10 hrs a week 11.40am - 1.40pm • Fixed Term until 31 August 2023 Term time only • Required as soon as possible We require enthusiastic, flexible and self-motivated lunchtime controllers to assist at lunchtimes.

The successful candidate should: • Have experience working with primary age children.

• Be able to manage children’s behaviour in a positive manner.

• Be able to supervise children in play activities.

• Be able to administer minor first aid.

• Possess excellent communication skills and be able to use their initiative.

• Be able to work effectively in a team.

• Possess a good standard of spoken English.

For both these roles we can offer: • An optimistic and close-knit senior leadership team with a track record of improving schools.

• A firmly established ethos of caring for one another in our school family.

• A commitment to professional development, and a belief in driving improvement through looking outwards to the world beyond our walls.

• A beautiful Victorian school with an abundance of space and opportunity, filled with light, life and love.

• Secure car parking and a staff well-being package.

For further information and application pack or school visit requests please contact admin@newtown.reading.sch.uk or visit www.newtown.reading.sch.uk Applications will be considered upon receipt, and interviews arranged as required.

New Town Primary School is a proud member of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, and is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check. Online checks may also be carried out to comply with KCSIE 2022.

For the latest news visit

READING TODAY

New Town Primary School

PPA Teacher

MPS or UPS Fixed term/perm depending on other appointments Required as soon as possible This post will be based throughout the school and will be providing crucial PPA cover for teachers to take their non-contact time. You will need to be flexible and able to build fantastic relationships with a wide group of children across the school and be able to provide high quality teaching and learning.

Class Teachers

ECTs, MPS or UPS teachers warmly welcome Permanent or fixed term dependent on other appointments Required for September 2023 We are seeking talented, friendly and dynamic class teachers to join our large and established team, due to an increase in the number of children attending our popular and thriving school. This role is crucial in supporting our aspirational and ‘good’ school to continue to improve, as we look to always provide the very best for our diverse children and families. Building great relationships, a belief in every child’s potential and a strong commitment to providing great teaching and learning opportunities within your classroom are a must.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

RG4 11-17, £24,054 – £26,845 pa, (£17,666 – £19,716 pa, actual) 32.5 hours per week • Fixed term until 31 August 2023 Permanent depending on other appointments Required as soon as possible We are seeking someone who can demonstrate energy, enthusiasm and the ability to teach students across all age groups to cover teacher’s PPA entitlement at New Town..

Joining our school family means you’ll need to be: • An enthusiastic member of staff who is forward thinking and able to adapt quickly and easily.

• Someone who puts children at the heart of all you do and a positive role model.

• Dynamic and fast-paced, finding effective solutions at every turn whilst considering others’ points of view.

• A team player with the ability to work well both individually, as part of a phase and as a whole staff.

• A kind and caring person, enjoying the bustling life of our diverse school family and always looking to recognise our polite and kind children.

• An excellent English speaker and writer.

• Efficient and effective in your working practices and able to prioritise well.

In return, our team can offer: • An optimistic and close-knit senior leadership team with a track record of improving schools.

• A firmly established ethos of caring for one another in our school family.

• A strong middle leadership team who will guide and nurture you through your role.

• A commitment to professional development, and a belief in driving improvement through looking outwards to the world beyond our walls.

• The opportunity to work with a wider professional team of unique schools, all brilliantly supported by a Trust who strongly value the individual school’s character, ethos and approaches.

• Secure car parking and a staff well being package.

To apply or for more information, please contact admin@newtown.reading.sch.uk or visit www.newtown.reading.sch.uk Visits and tours are warmly welcomed. Applications will be considered, and interviews arranged upon receipt.

New Town Primary School is a proud member of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, and is fully committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check. Online checks may also be carried out to comply with KCSIE 2022.

Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

REMOVALS

39

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

TREE SURGEONS

ROOFING NEW ROOFS • ROOF REPAIRS • FLAT ROOFS REPOINTING FACIAS SOFFITS AND GUTTERING EX PAINTING

• NO JOB TO SMALL •

Free estimates and advice • all work guaranteed Tel: 0118 321 6558 Mob: 07459 815 365

Email: goldstarroofingandbuilding@gmail.com www.goldstarroofingandbuilding.co.uk

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

RECYCLING

PAINTING & DECORATING

GOODS WANTED

MOTORING

HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING

PHOTOGRAPHER

For the latest news visit

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer Saturday 27th May 2023

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

UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

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

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

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

£130

Bob Green

£10 per person discount quote: DHS

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives.

This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

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

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

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

£115

£10 per person discount quote: DHU Bob Green

A day out to Cornwall

The Royal Duchy Sunday 30th July 2023

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

UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

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

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

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

£134

Bob Green

01553 661 500 www.railwaytouring.net

£10 per person discount quote: DHV

26 EST. 1997

READING TODAY

Have a great day – The Safe Way – your welfare is our priority. Our travel procedures are available to view on our website. Refreshments available to purchase on board. Family and junior fares available. Tables for two can be guaranteed in First/Premier for a £30pp supplement subject to availability. Organised by The Railway Touring Company. The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply – see website or brochure for details.

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2023

LEISURETODAY

06.04.23

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Flying in Reading Rep welcomes fresh cast for its trip to Neverland

R

EADING Repertory Theatre is gearing up for its latest production, the world premiere of Chris Cuming’s adaptation of Peter Pan.

It is also undergoing the launch of its first repertory company, which features performers from Reading.

Reading Rep has announced the full cast of the show, with Marley Lockhart taking the title role of the eponymous Pan, and Holly Rose portraying Wendy.

They’ll be joined by Amy Ambrose as both Hook and Mrs Darling, and Jak Ford Lane as Smee and Mr Darling, with Joe Swift and Eugene Evans rounding out the principal cast.

The new Repertory Company will see Aiden Marshall, Zoe Peters, Sharae

Williams, Aniva Costa, Sam Francomb, and David Hill take to the stage for the company’s first outing.

David Hill said of being cast: “Having studied at East 15 acting school and now on my second year of Reading Rep Young Company, I am incredibly excited to be a part of my first professional show.

“Performing theatre has always brought me so much joy and I couldn’t wish to share the magic of Peter Pan with a better group of people.”

Zoe Peters said, “As of this year I was in the position to take part in various workshops with the National Youth Theatre and I joined the Young Company of Reading Rep devising new pieces of work where I heard

about the opportunity to audition for an ensemble role in the production of Peter Pan. “From this experience, I have learnt the importance of the ensemble, setting the pace and driving the action forward. Working alongside some incredible actors and a professional crew has pushed me to further develop my approach to theatre.

“I was very lucky to start performing at a young age having opportunities growing up to take part in pantos, musicals, and ballets, and since my love for theatre has grown.”

Sharae Williams said, “I think rehearsals are such a joy to be in, we achieve so much which you’d think would be stressful but is quite the

opposite. It’s a very safe space and everyone is so kind and unjudgmental.

“I enjoy the dances and I love the sequences involving Tinkerbell– it’s a very magical experience.”

Paul Stacey, Founding Artistic Director of the company, said of the production, “Reading Rep Theatre is continually reinventing itself as we move toward the close of our second season in our new venue.

“What better way to tell that story than through the eyes of Peter Pan: the boy who wouldn’t grow up.

“For the first time at Reading Rep our incredible professional cast will be working alongside a Rep Company comprised of local young people from our awardwinning ENGAGE programme, which

exists to ensure that everyone in Reading can access their local professional theatre.”

Reading Repertory Theatre is a multi-award winning theatre, including a Pride of Reading award for its cultural contribution in 2016, with founding artistic director Paul Stacey also receiving the Pride of Reading Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2021.

It is also supporting the Pride of Reading Awards in 2023.

Peter Pan is running at Reading Repertory Theatre from Thursday, April 6, to Saturday, April 29. n Full details and access to tickets is available via: www.readingrep.com/ peter-pan/

JAKE CLOTHIER

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

Puss In Boots show LYNGO Theatre is bringing to life a classic tale.

Using smoke and mirrors, hidden trapdoors, and a sloping stage, the story of Puss In Boots will be told.

The show includes puppets and a working windmill and is suitable for ages four and upwards.

It takes place in Maidenhead, at Norden Farm Arts Centre’s Courtyard Theatre.

Performances are on Tuesday, April 11 through to Thursday, April 13. Shows are at 11.30am and 2pm each day.

Tickets cost £12, £10 for under 16s, or £40 for four people together. Children under 18 months, happy to sit on laps, enter free. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Solo recital concert

Norden Farm is welcoming a talented pianist for a solo recital.

Meng Yang Pan will perform Liszt’s Benediction de Dieu dans la solitude: Funerailles, Glinka’s The Lark, arranged

by Balakirev, Rachmaninov’s Prelude in B flat major, and Albeniz Cantos’ de Espana.

The programme will end with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Thursday, April 13.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £18. Under 18s get in free. n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

We don’t know what we’re doing

VISITORS is a story about hope and enduring love and it’s coming to The Watermill in Newbury.

Edie’s mind is starting to falter and Arthur’s legs aren’t what they were but, from the comfort of their armchairs, they dive into a kaleidoscope of memories from their life together.

From their sleepy farmhouse at the edge of Salisbury Plain, they await the

arrival of a young visitor and a reunion that will expose a family whose closeness is fraying at the seams.

Performances are Tuesday to Saturday until Saturday, April 22.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £10, £23, £30, and £35 depending on seat location. n For tickets, call: 01635 46044 or visit: www.watermill.org.uk

don’t know what we’re doing.

Eshaan Akbar’s new show The Pretender, see everyone making it up as they go along.

He has been seen on BBC1’s Mock The Week, QI and Live At The Apollo.

His show comes to Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Thursday, April 13.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets £15. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm n He will also be visited Reading’s South Street arts centre on Saturday, April 22

The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include a local brass band, snow effects and Muzetta’s dog.

The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Directed by Ellen Kent, the traditionally staged production features international soloists and a full orchestra The event is at The Hexagon Theatre, on Thursday, April 13. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £31, £33, and £36 depending on seating.

Concessions are offered £2 off the ticket price. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

Boho opera

UKRAINIAN Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv will be performing La Bohème in Reading later this month.

It follows the story of the doomed, and consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer.

A COMEDIAN is preparing to have a proper laugh about the times when we

Bootstrap paradox

MUSICAL Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie, a shoe factory owner, struggling to save his family business.

His unlikely new friend Lola is a cabaret performer and drag queen, with an exciting idea.

The two have nothing in common, yet together they create a line of sturdy stiletto boots unlike any others.

The show will be performed at South Hill Park in Bracknell next week, and features local talent in the cast, as well as music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, audiences should hot foot it to Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

Performances, suitable for eight years and over, are on Tuesday, April 11 through to Saturday, April 16. Shows are at 2pm and 7pm each day. Tickets cost £24, with concessions available for £22.

Lunchtime brunch shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, offer afternoon tea and prosecco for an additional £17.50 per person, available from 11am. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

The Price is right

BRITISH guitarist Nigel Price will plays a blend of flowing bebop lines, blues and swing when he appears at South Hill Park this weekend.

A regular performer at Ronnie Scott’s, he is also the founder and champion of the Grassroots Jazz charity.

He will be joined by the Bracknell Jazz house band with Jonny Ford on tenor sax.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Friday, April 7.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £8. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Twist and shout

AUDIENCES can enjoy an unusual evening of dance choreographed to some

AT THE THEATRE

WPR_2023-04-03_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel

DELIGHTFUL DEVON

TORQUAY

Weekend

Weekend

TorquayWeekend_F.pdf

DelightfulDevonWeekend_F.pdf

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Bracknell Jazz: Nigel Price. Fri 7. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 7. Kinky Boots.

Tues 11-Sun 16. The Comedy Cellar.

Fri 14.

FILMS: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (18). Thurs 6. The Whale (15). Fri 7-Sun 9 Carry On Cabby.

Mon 10. Broker (12a). Mon 10-Tues 11. The Amazing Maurice (PG). Wed 12-Sat 15. Royal Opera House Live - Cinderella (12a). Wed 12, Sun 16.

Women Talking (15). Fri 14-Sun 16.

Camberley – Theatre Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23

Departing Fri 23 Jun ‘23

Your break includes

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast  Excursion to Exeter

 Return coach travel from Reading  3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast  Entertainment every evening  Excursions to Dawlish & Teignmouth

Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£10pp)

Optional excursion to Dartmouth (£8pp)

189

4 Days by Coach only £

.99

Single Supplement £60

189

4 Days by Coach only £

.99

Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.

Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit us online at

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Thurs 6. Chris McCausland. Wed 12. The Hollies Story. Thurs 13. Pop Diva Live. Sun 16.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Room on the Broom. Fri 7-9. Grease.

Thurs 13-Sat 15.

High Wycombe – Swan

wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Ministry of Science live. Thurs 6. The UK Pink Floyd Experience. Fri 7. Fireman Sam Live. Sat 8. The ELO Experience.

Thurs 13. Totally Tina. Fri 14.

Giovanni Pernice - Made In Italy. Sat 15. Buckinghamshire County Youth Orchestra. Sun 16. Nadiya and Kai Once Upon A Time. Sun 16.

Henley – Kenton

justgohols JGTravelGroup

READINGTODAY.ONLINE LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023

kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Wed 5-Sat 8.

Attenborough and his Animals.

Sun 9. Beatles Ballet. Fri 14. Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band farewell tour. Sat 15. Cinderella The Ballet. Sun 16.

of the Beatles greatest hits.

Choreographer Sara Knight, Royal Ballet School graduate and artistic director of New York’s Chevalier Ballet Company, has teamed up with British Beatles tribute band Beatlemania for a unique evening of music and dance.

Beatles hits including: Something, Here comes the Sun, and A Day in the Life, will accompany the choreography in this family friendly show.

Innovative and varied, with a cheeky sixties vibe, the event is at Henley’s Kenton Theatre, on Friday, April 14.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £20, or £18 for concessions. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk

China Crisis tour date

NEW wave and synth pop band China Crisis will be performing in Wokingham next weekend.

The 1980s group, from Merseyside found success in the UK with five top 40 singles, 10 top 50 singles and three top 40 albums.

They also enjoyed hits across Australia, Europe and the Americas.

The band is known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Christian, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, Their RETROspective Tour sees the band performing these and songs from all of their seven studio albums.

Hosted by Wokingham Music Club, the event takes place at The Whitty Theatre, on Friday, April 14.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £26. n For tickets and information visit: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/the-whittytheatre

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Curious Investigators. Thurs 6. Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up. Thurs 6. Meet Me In The Bathroom (15). Fri 7.

Professor Slug’s House of Bugs. Sat 8. Wrong Jovi. Sat 8. Puss In Boots.

Tues 11. The Acoustic Sessions. Tues 11. Emmanuel Sonubi - Emancipated.

Tues 11. Singalonga Matilda (PG).

Wed 12. Royal Opera House Live Cinderella. Wed 12. Eshann Akbar - The Pretender. Thurs 13. Pianists at Norden Farm - Meng Yang Pan. Thurs 13. Rock n Roll Concertini. Fri 14. Mummies (U). Fri 14. Art Themen sax - Back to Bepop. Fri 14. Rye Lane (15). Fri 14. Flash - A tribute to Queen. Sat 15.

Newbury – Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Francis Rossi’s Tunes and Chat. Thurs 6. Family Film: Chicken Run. Sat 8.

RB Live: Cinderella. Wed 12. Tots Cinema. Thurs 13. The Wizard of Oz. Fri 14-Sun 16.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Visitors. Until Sat 22.

Reading – South Street

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jayde Adams: Men, I Can Save You. Fri 7. Bilal Zafar - Care. Thurs 13. Ivo Graham - My Future, My Clutter. Fri 14-Sat 15. Poets’ Cafe. Fri 14.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 La Boheme. Thurs 13. Ward Thomas.

Mon 17.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jonathan Biss piano. Tues 18.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Dinner. Apr 14-22.

Reading – Reading Rep

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Peter Pan. Apr 6-29.

Shinfield – Players

shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Ravenscroft. Wed Apr 26-Fri Apr 29.

Sonning – The Mill

millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until May 13.

Storytime - The Snail and the Whale.

Wed 12. Dire Straits Money For Nothing. Sun 16.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear.

Mon 3-Sat 8. Legally Blonde Jr. Wed 12-Sat 15.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Flare Path. Thurs Apr 27-Sat May 6.

Wokingham – The Whitty thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Music Club: China Crisis. Fri 14.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

The British Invasion is coming THEY’VE been part of the soundtrack of our lives for more than 60 years, and this autumn they will be performing in Reading’s The Hexagon theatre.

The Hollies are one of the key bands of the 1960s British Invasion era alongside the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, thanks to hit songs including He Aint’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Bus Stop, and The Air That I Breathe.

The band have more than 20 worldwide hits, including number one singles in both the US and UK. And they have spent 263 weeks in the UK top 40, as well as performing continuously since their formation in 1962.

It’s not just in the hit parade that they have been wowing people. The Hollies hit have been used to create stand-out moments in movies and adverts.

In 1995, they were bestowed the coveted Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution To British Music, and in 2010 were inducted into the American Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame for their ‘impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of Rock and Roll’.

To celebrate their seventh decade as a band, they are going back on the road with a UK tour ending at the London Palladium. They will be in Reading on Friday, October 6.

The line-up includes drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members of the band.

They are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, Keyboardist Ian Parker, and Steve Lauri on Rhythm Guitar. n For tickets to the Reading date visit: whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/ evening-hollies n For more visit: TheHolliesOfficial.com

LEISURE |15

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Tony’s Sounds of the Sixties coming to The Hexagon

Burlesque social IOTA EVENTS is now offering a regular sessions for fans of racy routines and alluring acrobatics with its latest social.

The Social Burlesque Club now takes place on Thursdays most weeks, with one Thursday every month dedicated purely to socials.

There’s no syllabus or teaching course, as the group is free-form with a social focus and the aim to create a safe space for people to experiment with the discipline.

Sessions are led by Mojo Jones of The Scarlet Vixens, a troupe which has put on burlesque and cabaret shows for more than a decade.

The group fosters an atmosphere of body positivity and personal confidence, with a private, softly-lit performance space free from mirrors.

Attendees must be over the age of 18, and full nudity is not permitted, with advanced booking required.

Tickets cost £10 per session.

Sessions run from 6pm-7pm most Thursdays, in Reading Biscuit Factory. n For details, contact Iota Events via Instagram

H

E’S THE king of the jungle, the king of airwaves, and one of the nicest people in showbiz.

Few people know more about pop music of the swinging sixties than Tony Blackburn, and to prove it he’s coming to Reading’s Hexagon theatre this autumn.

Originally a pirate DJ for Radio Caroline, he was the first voice on BBC Radio 1. Since then, he’s hosted Top of the Pops, presented disco championships, worn medallions, seen his dog Arnold have a comic strip in Look-In, been a regular voice on BBC Radio Berkshire, and now he’s the host of BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the Sixties.

The popular show, which plays sixties music for two hours every Saturday morning, includes some of the corniest jokes on the planet, while celebrating the decade that changed popular culture forever.

And he’s bring the show from the airwaves to the stage, including his stop in the Ding on Tuesday, October 3.

For one night only, theatregoers can imagine the days of the Top Rank club, as his Sounds of the 60s All-Star Band

From The Jam ROCK ON: Tony Blackburn is bringing his BBC Radio 2 show Sounds of the Sixties to The Hexagon in October and Singers perform classic hits from the likes of Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Everly Brothers, Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, The Drifters, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye.

A champion in particular of Soul music throughout the 60’s, Tony has been recognised with 37 awards to his name including two Gold Awards for Outstanding

Contribution to Radio, becoming the first person in history to receive two of these lifetime achievement awards. Tony is also recognised for becoming the first King of the Jungle in the original series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here. n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com/venues/ hexagon/whats-on/sounds-60slive-hosted-tony-blackburn

MODS will be rocking in Reading this October, as From The Jam perform at The Hexagon.

The group formed in 2006, and include former Jam drummer Rick Buckler, and bassist and songwriter Bruce Foxton.

With Russell Hastings, they will perform some of the group’s biggest hits as they celebrate the 45th anniversary of the third studio album, All Mod Cons.

Tracks include Down In Tube Station At Midnight, ‘A’ Bomb In Wardour Street, and David Watts.

For The Hexagon show, they will perform the album in full, along with fan favourites and other Jam hits.

Support comes from SKIDS. Standing tickets cost £34.50, while seats are £5 more, and the gig is on Saturday, October 14. n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

SPECIAL OFFER

THALI WITH UNLIMITED NAAN AND A DRINK* FOR £24.95 PER PERSON Valid from Sunday to Wednesday

*The offer includes either a pint of beer, a small glass of wine or any soft drink.

At Sultan you’ll receive exemplary service from restaurateur Raja Majid and his team, who will give you a warm welcome when you arrive.

We offer an exciting menu featuring a mouth-watering array of fine dining Indian dishes, including a 7-course tasting menu priced at £44.95 per person (£69.95pp with matching wines).

You can also order takeaway/delivery food from both the à la carte restaurant menu and Sultan Express. For more details and to order visit sultanindian.co.uk

To make a reservation, please call 0118 977 4397. www.sultanindian.co.uk

7 Market Place, Wokingham, RG40 1AL

16 | LEISURE

Aynsley Lister to perform solo AWARD-WINNING blues-rock aficionado Aynsley Lister will perform a solo show at St Mary’s Church in Twyford on Saturday, April 15.

Known for his distinctive voice, easy wit, and warm rapport with his audiences, Lister has been performing for over two decades and has released several albums.

His solo shows offer a rare chance to see him up close and personal in a stripped-down, intimate setting.

The show will begin at 7.30pm, and will feature a mix of Lister’s original songs and classic covers.

Tickets are £15. n For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the See Tickets website.

Come and sing

WOKINGHAM Choral Society is hosting a Come and Sing event later this month.

The group’s Greatest Choral Hits day will see participants learn some music, including Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Verdi’s Va pensiero, and Mozart’s Ave verum corpus.

They will then perform them in an informal concert.

It is held at The Holt School in Wokingham on Saturday, April 22. Doors open at 10am.

It is £25 for advance booking or £30 on the day, including music, with concert tickets at £5. n For more information, log on to: wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023

Dave clicks and collects the laughs Dave Gorman - PowerPoint To The People Saturday, April 1 The Hexagon 0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com

V

ISITORS to Dave Gorman’s show at a packed Hexagon theatre were able to enjoy plenty of click and collect, plus a healthy dose of name dropping.

The comedian with a black belt in PowerPoint slides, came to Reading to showcase his eye for fine detail and a nose for a perfect gag with his laughter packed show that left audiences wanting more, even though he had entertained them for more than two hours.

The set-up was fairly similar to his Modern Life Is Goodish series on Dave: there’s a theme, and a loose collection of vignettes are cleverly woven together to form a satisfying, coherent whole.

In some ways he is like Ronnie Corbett from his Two Ronnies days, sat in the chair telling shaggy dog story after shaggy dog story to get to the point. In others, he’s like Ringo Starr.

Part of his success lies in making you feel as if he’s your mate, chatting to you down the pub, filling you in the various

LAUGHTER TIME: Dave Gorman’s PowerPoint to the People escapades he’s had since you last caught up. Relaxed and friendly, warm and engaging, quick witted and funny, Dave Gorman is a master storyteller, and also hilarious. He delights in our laughter, and sometimes gets caught up in our joy.

He also knows how to seed themes and jokes – sharing any of them ahead of seeing the show would spoil the entertainment for those yet to see it, and also the playful mischief that awaits.

That’s another thing about the affable comedian. He’s able to pull off the most amazing stunts and pranks because he’s not out to hurt anyone. If anything, it show that modern life is goodish.

The evening whizzed by, with the first act ending on a Found Poem – a verse written from

extracts of readers comments from newspaper websites. The announcement of his recital illicited loud cheers, the poem much laughter.

As for the name dropping? It’s all good natured mickey taking, involving the likes of Tom Hanks, Barrack Obama, Harrison Ford, Harrison Ford – yes that does make sense when you see the show – and Morgan Freeman.

Among many others. Again, they are all name checked for a reason, and a satisfying chuckle.

Immaculately researched, flawlessly delivered, beautifully set up, and neatly stitched together, this was a hugely entertaining night out. n For more on Dave, visit his website, davegorman.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

MAKING PROGRESS: Dinner is running at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from April 14 to April 22. Picture: Steve Smyth

Dinner service

READING’S longest producing theatre is setting the table for its latest show.

Progress Theatre is set to show Moira Buffini’s Dinner, a dark comedy which first debuted at the National Theatre in late 2002, and revived at Wyndham’s Theatre.

Dinner sees protagonist Paige inviting friends to dinner to celebrate the publication of her husband’s book, Beyond Belief.

The arrival of an unexpected guest is just one of the events which threatens to derail the event, already marked by a series of bizarre culinary offerings.

Progress features a number of accessible show dates, including socially distanced performances.

Relaxed performances are

adapted to make provisions for families with young children and people with physical or special needs.

This includes a relaxed attitude to audience noise, adaptations to the production to reduce anxiety and sensory stimuli.

It also holds Come As You Are nights, which feature earlier opening times and space to change for trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming people who can feel excluded or unsafe in certain public spaces Progress Theatre is showing Dinner from Friday, April 14, to Saturday, April 22.

Accessibility information and tickets are available via: progresstheatre.co.uk/2023dinner

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

TURTLE DATE: Deva St John playing at the Wokingham Festival.

They will be in Reading later this month Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

O

NE of the great things about the RaW Sounds Today is the diversity of styles, and this week we’ve got plenty of rock for you – all different styles of rock and all good.

There’s alt rock, prog rock and heavy rock for your aural pleasure.

Along with seven other songs, it’s a great listen – tune in for free on Spotify. It’s a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Deva St.John – The Curse Deva has just released her debut EP Nauseous Ad Nauseum from which this song is taken and it’s no surprise that every song is excellent.

There are a couple of songs you’ll know as they have been single releases (DIE! and Pity Party) but there’s new songs too including this one.

It has Deva’s unique alt rock style and powerful

vocals with heavy but fascinating lyrics and the way the song changes into the piano and vocal ending is unexpected but it works brilliantly.

Deva will be live at a BBC Introducing show at Reading’s Purple Turtle on Thursday, April 20 https://www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn/

Azure – Spark Madrigal Modern prog from a Brighton-based band that will be visiting on August Bank Holiday Monday to headline the second stage at Wokingham Festival.

The band have been championed by Prog Magazine as one of the stand out new prog bands so, while we look forward to seeing them, here’s their single from last year on which you can definitely hear their high standard of musicianship - https:// www.facebook.com/azuresongs

Morass of Molasses – Terra Nova These Reading rockers have been building quite

a reputation with their brand of heavy blues riff inspired rock and that reputation is likely to be enhanced by their new album, End All We Know, which has just been released.

This is from the album and the band are currently on a UK tour which will see them in their hometown at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, April 14 - https:// www.facebook.com/MorassOfMolasses

Elucidate – Take It It’s the new single from Elucidate, a Readingbased Alt Rock band, and it’s an exciting song with a driving rhythm section, great riff, and energetic emotive vocals. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https://linktr.ee/ ElucidateUK

Jo Bartlett – I Waited A Year Here’s a musician and singer from Sandhurst.

Jo helped to start the legendary Green Man

Festival and she’s just released this impressive new single and its wonderful stuff with its mellow synth pop feel - https://linktr.ee/jobartlett

Who Ate All The Crayons – Alive This Reading band have a new single with a wonderful melody and vocal performance. They will be supporting Deva St.John on Thursday, April 20 at her Purple Turtle show and will be at Wokingham Festival - https://linktr.ee/whoateallthecrayons

Rila’s Edge – Share the Night Here’s a band on the rise with their latest single, Share the Night. They will be at Wokingham Festival in August - https://www.rilasedge.com/

Spacehopper – Pure Essence With their colourful fun style, their trance and dub sounds and tracks as good as this new single on our Magick Eye Records label are sure to get everyone up and dancing at Wokingham Festival https://www.spacehoppermusic.com/

Steve Anderson & Chris York – Our Man from France

A wonderful tribute to our friend and guitarist Eric Bouillette by Steve and Chris, who played in The Room with Eric - https://www.ftf-music.com/de/ tributetoericbouillette/tributetoericbouillette.htm

Spriggan Mist – Resurrection They will be playing not too far away at a double header with Kindred Spirit at Hampton Hub Club on Saturday, April 22 - https://www.sprigganmist.com/

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, April 6

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Iago Banet. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Limpopo Groove. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. The Hub Radio Community Station 1 Year Anniversary Fundraiser.

Details: https://gofund.me/b2dec44f READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Easter special. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Revolucion de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Hop Till You Drop.

Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village festival presents The Barnstormers. Details: 0118 376 9159.

Good Friday, April 7

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Lost Trades, Tomorrow Bird. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Take That Experience. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Nigel Price.

Details: 01344 484123.

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Earl Tee Live. Details: 0118 959 8067.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.

EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Tequila Chase.

Details: 0118 973 1126.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Storm In A Teacup presents Edwards In Venice and For I Am, Missing The Scene, Launch Control, Harrison Wilde. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – CultureMix Arts and Music Centre, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Reggae Fridays: music, dancing, bar, open mic, music and more. £5. Details: 0118 958 7351.

READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival: Cafe Zazous. 1pm. Stever Morano and Band. 5pm. David Gray and John Dunsterville. 9pm. Details: 0118 950 3888.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. OCD&B: Ghost Hardware, Magnum. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolucion de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Latin Addiction.

Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Go Go Five. 4pm. Phil Braithwaite and Friends. 7pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Ultimate Coldplay Live. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street.

Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Piston Broke.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Emma Baldwin. Details: 01252 870648.

Saturday, April 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Jagged Little Alanis with Follow Deep. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hedkandi. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622 CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Box Set. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Hotel 1843 (was Great Expectations), London Street RG1 4PS. Club Candyshop with Mike Delinquent. Host Mr OV. £15. Details: 0118 950 3925.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Easter Extravaganza. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Switchblades presents Paul Ansells No9. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays Easter bunny bash.

READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival: L:ily Beck and Friends. 3pm. Skates and Wagons. 7pm. Details: 0118 950 3888.

READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Tov. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Goldsworth Jerry. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village festival: The Keith Allen Band. 1pm. Jackie Doe and the Uncertainty of Passion. 5pm.

Rufus Ruffcut. 9pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. W3G. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. Mythicals. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Arachna. Details: 01252 872459.

Easter Sunday, April 9

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Genius Easter Birthday Bash. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hybrid Culture with Don Letts. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival: Fleur Stevenson and Hugh Turner. 3pm.

Details: 0118 950 3888.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: Mayor and James. 1pm.HybridPIG. 9pm .

Details: 0118 376 9159.

HOLDING A GIG? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Easter Sunday Massive. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. RG2 Radio presents Easter Soul Party.

Details: 0118 931 0115.

Easter Monday, April 10

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: The Acoustic Beatles Shambles. 3pm.

Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Polish Club, London Road RG1 4DX. The Village Festival after party: Limpopo Groove. 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 958 9908.

Tuesday, April 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.

Details: 07866 251216.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Alex. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Wednesday, April 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic Night.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Moscow Drug Club. Details: 01491 681048.

Thursday, April 13

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Flying Visit.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Mr Pineapple. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Iftar dinner time: Ramandan community dinner organised by the Dialogue Society. 6pm. Entry free, by tiket, donations to Victims of Earthquake

in Turkey and Syria. Details: reading@ dialoguesociety.org READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Funk Quartet Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo.

Details: Twitter @skintmondays READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Club Velocity presents Shonen Knife 40th anniversary tour. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, April 14

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Scarlet Vixens Burlesque Show. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Black Market. Details: 01344 303333.

GORING – Community Centre, The Old School Station Road RG8 9HB. Hugh Turner quartet. 8pm. £10.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Swamp - Morass of Molasses hometown show. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Wendy Allen saxophonist READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. One Eyed Man. Details: 0118 958 6222.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, April 15

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Slough Dominican Association presents Still Doing It For Dominica. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase.

Details: 01344 422622 CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. David Bunce Presents. Details: 0118 954 5434.

LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Social Club, Maiden Place RG6 3HD. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 986 8995.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Skanna Audio presents Stomptopia. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Wardour Street.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Chasing Mumford. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Audiotonic.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Tuffbreaks 360º audio-visual showcase Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Big Black Boots. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bottlekids.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Matt Bond. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, April 16

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Sunday Karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Foxglove Trio.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Dire Straits Money For Nothing. Details: 0118 969 8000.

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

WHAT’SON Thursday, April 6

BINFIELD – Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Bounce and Rhyme: singing and music for toddlers and babies. 50p per child.

9.30am-10am. Details: https://www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/libraries/ library/binfield-library EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30 1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Opening event 5pm. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/ READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking.

Terry’s Town Centre Walkabout - The New, Old, Good, Bad, downright Ugly and Missing.

Maximum 20 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 5.45pm. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime.

9.45am. Booking essential.

Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Broad Street

Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. People, Planet, Pint: sustainability meet-up.

From 6pm. Free entry.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: JPCR Competition. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

Good Friday, April 7

EARLEY – Earley St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Good Friday family fun: crafts, the Easter story, make an Easter garden, seasonal refreshments.

10am-12.30pm.

Meditations at the cross.

1pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. Journey Through Easter: a reflective and interactive journey through Easter; the events of Jesus’ last week.

Free. 10am-noon. Seasonal refreshments available.

Details: https://www. allnationselim.org/ READING – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1 1DA. Experience Easter: interactive installations, video, cafe, crafts and more. 2pm-3.30pm.

Details: www.stlreading. org READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30 1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/ RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk TILEHURST – Stadium Way Industrial Estate (Scours Lane end) RG30 6BX. Thames Vale Vultures Berkshire Egg Run 2023: Meet 11.30am, bikes to ride to Abbey Rugby Club, Emmer Green from 12.30pm. Details: 07827 475391.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Churches Together in Wokingham present a Good Friday service.

An Hour at the Cross at Wokingham Baptist at 10.15am, 11.30am hot cross buns at Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. Noon: a Good Friday meditation in market Place, then a service at Corpus Christi Church in Sturges Road from 12.30pm.

Saturday, April 8

ACROSS READING. United Against Ofsted walk.

From Balmore Walk to Christchurch Meadows

1pm. A Walk in memory of Ruth Perry, headteacher of Caversham Primary School/ Family friendly - no placards or chants.

Family-friendly speeches and songs in Christchurch Meadows. 2pm - March to Reading town centre.

Placards welcomed on this section. Details: james@ wed85.co.uk or 07506 593627.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Easter fun day: Easter fun with games, a circuit of Easter crafts, some music and an Easter egg hunt, for school-aged children.

Includes games, raffles, tombola, egg hunt and more. Entry free, charges for activities. Details: 0118 334 1040 or office@cpva. org.uk CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Shine’s Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’: 10am-noon.

Suggested donation £2 per child, £1 additional sibling.

Details: 01344 761725.

LOWER EARLEY – Lower Earley Bpatist Church, Maiden Place RG6 3HE. Easter Egg-stravaganza: story, craft, games and refreshements for all ages.

2pm-5pm. Details: www. lowerearleybaptistchurch. org.uk PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square.

Easter Coffee morning with raffle, tombola and bring and buy. In aid of Reading Association For The Blind. 10.30am-noon.

Details: 0118 958 4131.

READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30 1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/ READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Just The Tonic comedy club: Andrew Bird, Alexander Bennett, Roger Monkhouse and Kyrah Gray. Doors 6pm, show 7.30pm. Details: https://justthetonic. seetickets.com RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Family Fun afternoon: craft, activities, story, game

and refreshments with an Easter theme. 3.30pm5pm. Details: 0118 969 9956.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Easter Sunday, April 9

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge.

4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30 1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/ RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes Mega Egg Hunt plus crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

Easter Monday, April 10

READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30 1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/ RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter fair with craft stalls, beer and wine tasting, inflatables, Easter bunny hunt, face painting and more. Free entry. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk

Tuesday, April 11

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group.

1pm-3pm. £3 per session.

Details: 0118 973 2484.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Reading Geek Night: AI – my boss or my co-worker, a talk by Petronela Proteasa.

7pm-9pm. Free. Details: rdggeeknight.wordpress. com/ RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros.

2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Coronation Hall Headley Road RG5 4JB. ‘WISE Over-50s Forum – Cedric Lander will be speaking about ‘The Life of a Tour Manager’. £3. Raffle tickets will be on sale at 50p each, or five tickets for £2. 2pm-4pm. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or: 0118 969 6206.

Wednesday, April 12

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions.

7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

READINGTODAY.ONLINE LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023 WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Thursday, April 13

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall. RSPB Wokingham and Bracknell Local Group meeting: Bird watching in the dark, a talk by Graham Giddens.

7.45pm-9.30pm. £4, members £3. Details: https://group.rspb.org.uk/ wokinghamandbracknell/ READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Early Closing Day - Air Raids on Reading in WW2 Talk, a talk by Mike Cooper organised by the Berkshire Family History Society.

2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking.

Terry’s Walkabout: ‘Vote 105’ PART 2 Women of Reading. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of Home-Start Reading and The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre.

9.50am-12.15pm. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime.

Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime.

9.45am. Booking essential.

Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham

Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: TBA. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, April 14

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table.

10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Easter Bach to Baby Family Concert in Reading.

11am-11.45am. £15 per adult and up to two children. Details: www. bachtobaby.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dinner. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, April 15

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz. 8pm. Details: 01344 772161.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Mad Monkey Improv Show. £5.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-

noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Kings Meadow, Napier Road RG1 8AB. Easter themed Kidical Mass ride: 4km route for families. 1pm. Details: https://kidicalmassreading. co.uk READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Welcome to Reading coffee morning: learn about New Directions, RVA Ready Friends and the Sunday Alternative. Free, drop-in event. 11am-1pm.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dinner. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Dreading Slam presents Poetry in the Park. 11am. Details: 0118 966 3938.

READING – Waterstones, Broad Street RG1 2AP. Iszi Lawrence book signing: The Time Machine Next Door. 11am and 3pm. £3 per ticket, with £3 discount on book.

Booking essential.

Details: 0118 958 1270 or www.waterstones.com/ events.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.

9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, April 16

EARLEY – Wokingham Waterside Centre, Thames Valley Park Drive. Saturn Events presents the Yabba Dabba Run: seven-hour event starting at 9.30am.

Run at least three laps for a half marathon, six for a marathon and seven or more for an ultra. Details: www.evententry.co.uk/ saturn-yabba-dabba-run READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Broad St Mall, Queen’s Walk RG1 7QE. Reading Film Theatre presents A Fish Called Wanda (15). Details: readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Antique and vintage street market.

10am-4pm. Details: acvrevents.co.uk

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 8. Which fictional puppet was brought to life by the Blue Fairy?

EO

10. In 2022, Giorgia Meloni became Prime Minister of which country?

2

3

4

5

6

7

7

8

9

WB

DR

UE

HI IE

PA

AI LI

LE AE

ED

DF

13

13

14

ACROSS 1. Actor, ever confused, will respond in an excessive way (9)

12. Offender breaks reins about mid-morning (6)

15

14

16

16

17

18

13. Game bird fluttering around fictional village (8)

19

16. Father to strike our illicit lover (8)

20 21

22

20. Nathan by the river has character (6)

21

21. Recording a simple chance to score first goal (6)

23

23. Bird well below par (9)

24 24

24. She is called names in part (4)

25

25. Such clothes will stop old Bob moving like a duck (9)

4

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

13

14

15

16

17

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

20

21

24

25

28

26

27

29

30

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

NONAGRAM 5

8

6

3

31

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS

1. Compact (5) 4. Talk over (7) 8. Comprehensive volume (7) 9. Mammary gland (5) 10. Meat pie (5) 13. Infected cavity (7) 17. Stray (3) 18. Ought (6) 19. Fearful (6) 20. Obtain (3) 22. Flourish (7) 25. Vocal confusion (5) 28. Lyric muse (5) 29. Refrain from voting (7) 30. Manual dexterity (7) 31. Bedaub (5)

DOWN

1. Body of soldiers (5) 2. Biological group (5) 3. Brindled (5) 4. Disqualify (6) 5. Ostracises (5) 6. Excessive (5) 7. Painful spots (5) 11. Loathe (5) 12. Tie up (5) 14. Unruly youngster (4) 15. Approximately (5) 16. Pigs (5) 17. Limit (4) 21. Wandering (6) 22. Squeeze (5) 23. Make a speech (5) 24. Tine (5) 25. Foundation (5) 26. Fire (5) 27. Of the moon (5)

S

I

22

23

8

8

11

11

7

11

21 23

20

17

11

20

26

17 21

17

16

22

22 26

7

7

17

17

3

9 9

17

11

3

22

19

3

3

24

26

2

23

20

18

6

20

17

18

5

2

20

18

11

7

11

26

18 18

3 2

17

15 2

17

14

3

22

26

22

20

11 23

20

2

7 11

18

26 4

4

7

24 20

1

11

3 17

17

25

12

17

20

26

23 22

6

11 7

22

4 4

23

12

3

20

20 25

18

23 14

4

18

4

18

20

25 7

7

10

6 20

22

13

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

2

3

4

5

14

15

16

17

18

M

6

7

19

20

R

8

9

10

11

12

13

21

22

23

24

25

26

O

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

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

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

T

K C R

M U D

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: 19 Good; 22 Very Good; 26 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

20 18

6 17

FIVE ALIVE: (1) Across – Album; Lipid; Daddy.

Down – Ailed; Biped; Madly.

(2) Across – Jewel; Realm; Reefs.

Down – Juror; Whale; Limbs.

EASY SUDOKU 6 8 2 4 3 1 4 3 7 5 8 9 5 9 1 7 2 6 1 2 8 9 4 7 7 5 3 6 1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 3 4 9 1 7 5 2 1 5 8 6 4 8 7 6 2 9 3

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: EQUALISER: 14 15 16 17 Across – 1 Overreact; 8 Fret; 9 President; 11 Timber; 12 Clockwise from top left – divide; Q Z C I Sinner; 13 Ambridge; 16 Paramour; 20 Nature; 21 Taping; 23 subtract; multiply; add. Total: 12.

Albatross; 24 Edna; 25 Swaddling.

NONAGRAM: Down – 2 Virginia; 3 Rising; 4 El Dorado; 5 Cent; 6 Probed; 7 Starve; 10 Tier; 14 Barnyard; 15 Garrison; 16 Potter; 17 cist; citrus; crud; crus; crust; curd; curst; curt; cusk; cutis; dick; dictum; disc; DRUMSTICK; duck; Repine; 18 Mona; 19 Sterol; 22 Glow. duct; ictus; muck; music; rick; rictus; ruck; rustic; scrim; scrum; scud; scum; scut; sick; stick; struck; stuck; suck; tick; trick; truck; tuck.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Oedipus; 2 Portsmouth; 3 Russia; 4 Snooker; 5 George Clooney; 6 The Daily Herald; 7 Evita; 8 Pinocchio; 9 River Cottage; 10 Italy.

3

9

2

5

3

2

8 2 7 5 5 9 7 2 9 4 1 9 4 3 4 9 2 5 8 8 2 3 1

5 1 8 7 9 8 2 4 1 6

1 9 6

4 5

6

8

2

5

1 6 8 1

4

1

8 7

4

2

8

3

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Tight; 4 Discuss; 8 Omnibus; 9 Udder; 10 Pasty; 13 Abscess; 17 Err; 18 Should; 19 Afraid; 20 Get; 22 Prosper; 25 Babel; 28 Erato; 29 Abstain; 30 Sleight; 31 Smear.

Down – 1 Troop; 2 Genus; 3 Tabby; 4 Disbar; 5 Shuns; 6 Undue; 7 Sores; 11 Abhor; 12 Truss; 14 Brat; 15 Circa; 16 Swine; 17 Edge; 21 Errant; 22 Press; 23 Orate; 24 Prong; 25 Basis; 26 Blaze; 27 Lunar.

2

2

1

7

DOWN 2. Take airline first class back to state (8) 3. Getting up a revolt (6) 4. The Spanish party take different road to a legendary city (2,6) 5. Money despatched, we hear (4) 6. Searched for a place to spend the night (6) 7. Around end of year staff go hungry (6) 10. Neckwear requires right fastener (4) 14. Gets the measure of building at farm? (8) 15. Station troops in a fortified town (8) 16. Dawdling craftsman? (6) 17. About to languish or feel discontent (6) 18. Picture the girl with Lisa (4) 19. In haste Roland obtains alcohol (6) 22. Look warm and scowl without hesitation (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

6

CROSS CODE 16

4

11. Doctor in 10 Down found in the wood (6)

12

SY

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

9. Now I’d include the head of state (9)

11

MD

15

BL

8. Pine woodwork? (4)

10

LM

5460

5 1 3 7 9 4

© Sirius Media Services Ltd.

RL

9. What was the name of celebrity chef Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s country home, used in his TV series?

EL

IU

7. Don’t Cry For Me Argentina is a hit song from which musical?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

1

AJ

EQUALISER

EASY

6. Which newspaper ceased publication in 1964 and was replaced by The Sun?

FIVE ALIVE

HARD

Quiz Challenge

1. In Greek mythology, who unwittingly married his mother, Jocasta?

2. A D-Day museum containing the Overlord Embroidery is in which city?

3. Boyars were once the highest order of nobility in which country?

4. Allison Fisher was the first woman to turn professional in which indoor sport?

5. Which Hollywood actor also directed the films The Ides of March, The Monuments Men and The Midnight Sky?

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

LEISURETODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

1

J

2

H

3

U

CROSS CODE

4

E

M

18 5

W

K

19 6

L

9 6 8 5 4 7 2 3 1

A

20 7

R

7 1 4 3 2 8 6 9 5

5 2 3 6 9 1 8 7 4

V

21 8

B

HARD SUDOKU 5 6 9 3 2 1 4 1 2 7 8 5 3 7 8 9 6 4 7 3 5 1 4 6 9 4 6 8 7 2 2 8 1 5 9 3 8 2 4 6 5 9 1 9 7 4 3 8 6 5 3 2 1 7

N

22 9

F

S

23

Y

10

G

24

O

11

4 6 1 9 5 7 3 2 8

P

25

D

12

8 3 5 2 1 4 7 6 9

7 9 2 8 3 6 1 5 4

T

26

X

13

28 | LIFE

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, April 6, 2023

Meal planning Healthy Heart Tip

YOUR GARDEN IN APRIL

Be water wise

included your two portions of oily fish and can re-design your meals to incorporate them.

T

HE garden really comes alive in April and it can be a brilliant gardening month as the days get longer and the weather milder.

A shopping list is key

I

T’S 6pm, you’ve just got home from work and are about to make your evening meal, you look in the fridge and find some mince and a pepper and decide to make a chilli.

You open the cupboard, grab the kidney beans, and then realise you’ve run out of chopped tomatoes.

The chilli you planned on making is no more, you don’t have the energy to go shopping so you reach for your phone and order a takeaway.

If this sounds

familiar, you’re not alone. Effective meal planning can make eating healthier easier, save money, time and reduce food waste.

Read on for some meal planning tips.

Plan in advance Planning your meals in advance is one of the most effective things you can do to make sure you eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet.

Seeing your week’s food together in one place can help you identify anything you might be missing.

For example, you may notice you haven’t

Once you have your meal plan, you can get to work creating your shopping list.

It’s wise to do this in your kitchen so you can check what staples you have in as you go.

If you find this task boring and time consuming, try creating a list of weekly staples that you can reuse each week.

You can always cross things off you don’t need that week but it can save time to have a master list and then add things to it based on what meals you’ve planned.

Utilise your freezer Plans can change and using the freezer wisely

can help. Take stock of your fridge every few days and freeze anything you’ve not ended up using.

You can always cook meals you haven’t used and freeze them

for a convenient meal another day. It’s a good idea to have some basics in the freezer like frozen vegetables and cookfrom-frozen fish.

With basics like rice and pasta in the

cupboard you can make unplanned meals easily. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

LifeofBrian Brian Hicks Star-studded cast for World Bipolar Day

T

HURSDAY 30 March was World Bipolar Day. An on-line video conference was organised by the mental health charity, Bipolar UK, which provides a wide range of support services for those with bipolar. Several thousand people participated and the whole conference can be viewed at www. bipolaruk.org/conference-2023.

One of the highlights was when former world champion boxer, Frank Bruno, talked to mental health campaigner, Alastair Campbell, about how to live well with bipolar and his life after boxing. Campbell lost a cousin to bipolar and has himself suffered from long-term depression. He was formerly the communications director at 10 Downing Street and spokesman for the Labour Party.

The conference was hosted by the presenter of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, Leah Charles King, who has recently written a short book, Live Well with Bipolar, about her own experience of bipolar (free to view at www.tinyurl.com/ bipolar25).

Bipolar UK’s CEO, Simon Kitchen, and his deputy, Rosie Phillips, herself bipolar, gave an update on the charity and explained what steps you can take if you think you may have bipolar.

TV presenter Nadia Sawalha and her husband Mark Adderley joined psychiatrist Dr Nick Prior to discuss how a diagnosis of bipolar can impact relationships and family life.

Four world-leading experts and

Vincent van Gogh Picture: Prawny from Pixabay those with personal experience discussed how to manage some of the bipolar symptoms no-one talks about: hypersexual behaviour, overspending, paranoid behaviour and disrupted sleep. There was also a discussion about parenting with bipolar.

The first World Bipolar Day was celebrated in 2014, so this year’s event was the 10th.

The date of March 30 was chosen as it is the birthday of the Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, who was retrospectively diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Van Gogh was born in 1853, but was only 37 when he committed suicide. The aim of

World Bipolar Day is to increase awareness of bipolar disorder and eliminate social stigma.

Bipolar is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and different from the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences.

An estimated 1-2 million people in the UK suffer with bipolar, previously known as manic depression. Diagnosis is not easy and takes nearly ten years on average. Most start with symptoms in their late teens or early twenties.

Bipolar UK set up the Bipolar Commission in 2021 with the aims of reducing the risk of suicide and transforming healthcare for people living with bipolar. To see its report, visit www.bipolaruk.org/ bipolarcommission.

The Australian psychiatrist John Cade published a research paper in 1948 showing that lithium carbonate is an effective treatment for bipolar. The Danish researcher, Mogens Schou, subsequently confirmed the efficacy of lithium in further research and eventually it was introduced into psychiatric practice throughout the world.

Lithium carbonate has proved to be the most effective treatment for bipolar and has been shown to reduce suicide risk. However, noone really knows how it works.

In the UK, lithium was introduced in the 1960s. Dr Frank Hullin, the father of a school friend of mine, was one of the UK pioneers in its development. I remember reading about his work in the local newspapers, little realising that 35 years later I would be diagnosed as bipolar myself.

I had a nervous breakdown when I was 23. I had a second, much worse breakdown 30 years later in 2005. This was wrongly diagnosed as reactive depression.

It was a further three years before I was finally diagnosed as bipolar. Now that I am on the right dose of lithium, my life has been transformed. I have got my old mind back, which I had effectively lost at 23, if not before.

Better late than never.

In addition to dead-heading spring bulbs it’s time to get planting, and some seeds can be sown directly into the ground now the soil is moist and warming up.

April can be a wet month … as the saying goes April showers bring May flowers so it’s a good time to think about water supply and usage in your garden - not just from a sustainable and environmental perspective but also from a cost consideration as water meters become the norm.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … conserve water and harvest the rain.

Rainwater isn’t just free, it’s also better for your plants. If you have space and a downpipe from guttering then get a water butt.

There are a number of schemes around the UK offering free or subsidised water butts so check with your local council first before you buy one.

Alternatively, you could use an old dustbin with taps and converter kits readily available from DIY retailers. Uncovered water butts will be a magnet for mosquito larvae, so make sure you keep you water supply covered.

Finding creative ways to reuse water will really make a difference. In addition to using grey water from washing up or taking a bath or shower, you can collect and use cooking water.

Simply remove whatever you were cooking, let the water cool to room temperature and then use it in the garden. It can also double up as a plant supplement as nutrients that leach during cooking from vegetables and eggs enhance the water.

When watering plants – especially in containers or around newly planted trees and shrubs – try to avoid any wastage by getting water right into the soil. An easy way to do this is to recycle a one-litre plastic bottle. Unscrew and discard the top, cut off the base of the bottle, and then push it lid end down into the soil.

Once deep enough so it doesn’t fall over, fill the bottle with water and it will drip water gradually where it is needed the most direct to the plant roots.

As garden soil gets wetter and warmer, now is the ideal time to sow your favourite annual herbs for a summer supply says the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). Sow seeds of parsley, basil and chives in seed trays or individual modules and place on a sunny windowsill.

You can now start to sow coriander, dill and chervil direct into the ground and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary or oregano can be planted outside this month in free-draining soil.

Rosemary is such a versatile herb providing evergreen interest all year round, fragrant leaves for use in cooking and nectar-rich flowers for bees in spring. It thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained soil and also grows well in containers but may need to be potted on every couple of years.

There are a number of different varieties to choose from including … ‘Tuscan Blue’ one of the best for topiaries - with dense blue-green foliage it’s highly fragrant and grows four feet tall; ‘Prostratus’ is great for planting in window boxes because it cascades down; and ‘Majorca Pink’ produces pink flowers in spring/summer and is highly aromatic.

The RHS Gardener’s Checklist for April n Plant hardy container-grown trees and shrubs n Prune hardy Fuchsia back to healthy buds n Sow sweet peas outside n Prune winter stems such as Cornus and Salix n Look out for pests on new shoots n Sow hardy vegetables such as carrots and beetroot outside n Plant out chitted potatoes n Watch out for late frosts n Check hedges and shrubs for birds’ nests before pruning n Keep bird feeders clean to help prevent diseases spreading

SPORT TODAY

READING & WOKINGHAM

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

05.04.23

JOAO GOAL ENDS LOSING RUN

BEST FOR RUGBY

YELLAS ON WAY TO WEMBLEY

EFL PUNISH READING

BOWEN: ‘THIS IS THE LAST OF OUR MEDICINE’

ROYALS IN SCRAP TO AVOID DROP

READING FC head of football operations Mark Bowen has released an open letter to the fans after the club were hit with a sixpoint deduction by the EFL.

TURN ON A SIX POINTS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC have been given six point deduction from the English Football League for the second consecutive season.

The points penalty means that the Royals drop down to 20th in the

Championship table and are now on 40 points.

This reduction sees the team in the midst of another relegation battle and have just seven games left to try and secure safety.

Two of these games are over the holiday weekend, on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

WOODLEY WIN CUP FINAL PLACE

With the sextet of points docked, they now sit one point above the drop zone above Blackpool, Huddersfield Town and Wigan.

Mark Bowen wrote an open letter to fans (see right), while Royals boss Paul Ince said: “The timing of it (points deduction) is really, really poor with seven games to go.

“That’s the most disappointing thing for me.

“It’s been hanging over us for a period of time.

“The reality of it is demoralising, but we have to deal with it.

“We just want to move forward and get these wins to keep us in the league.”

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

Outlining the details why they have been punished for the league for the second season running, Bowen has reassured fans that he believes the club will no longer be under a transfer embargo come the summer.

The letter reads: “We are very confident that this six-point penalty is the last of our medicine and we will now be allowed to come out of the embargo and be able to trade again in the summer.

“We must still be sensible, we will still be given a budget to stick to, but we have earned their trust to operate wisely. Last summer we had so many different hoops to jump through to be able to get anything done at all.

“This summer will be different.”

Bowen also explained why the club hasn’t been able to comply with the budget and what restrcitions may be in place in the summer.

He continued: “Last season, the club entered into discussions with the EFL on our punishment for breaching Profit & Sustainability rules.

“The club came to an agreement on a six-point deduction in 2021-22, with six points suspended until 2022-23 if an agreed plan to fill the financial gap was not followed.

“Those terms were admittedly ambitious, requiring significant player sales income – but had the club not agreed that plan, our points punishment last season would have been more severe and – to be clear - would ultimately have led to relegation from the Championship.”

18 | SPORT

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE SPORTTODAYThursday, April 6, 2023

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

James McRae on the charge

Henry Bird is tackled at Heywood Road Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Jak Rossiter tries to break a tackle

Berks & Bucks FA

OPEN FOR PROMOTION HOPES HURT NOMINATIONS BERKS & BUCKS AWARDS AS LEAD CUT TO ONE POINT RUGBY UNION

FOOTBALL

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS have been urged to move on quickly after deafeat saw their lead at the top of the league cut to just a single point.

The side’s director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, wants the team to put the loss behind them ahead of the final games of the season.

On Saturday, they lost out 35-12 to second-place Sale, who are breathing down their necks.

Despite James McRae’s interception score giving Rams a 7-0 lead, the hosts hit back with skipper Robbie Stapley in the sin-bin to grab a brace of converted tries from Tom Walsh and Ben Bamber.

Trailing 14-7 at the break, Rams had a couple of chances midway through the third quarter. eld up over the whitewash. Walsh scooped up a loose ball to set the field

position for Josh Brown to cross at the back of a maul.

Nev Edwards’ interception try made it 28-7.

While Ellis Jones gave the visitors a glimmer of hope, another midfield steal from James Robins saw him coast over.

The Rams felt the final score was somewhat harsh.

Reynolds said: “It was another good game of rugby.

“It started cagey and error-strewn, and then went in little waves of momentum – we had it at first, then they wrestled it back and took the lead before it maybe came down to a couple of swing moments. “(In the second half) we’re camped on their line, looking at a score and then the maul is brought down, there’s a goal-line drop-out and they go down the other end and score.

“Then we’re on the front foot again and they get the interception (for 28-7) – these

Zach Clow bursts down the touchline

things happen and Sale deserved the win, although the final score probably doesn’t reflect just how competitive the game was.”

A feature of the game was the hosts’ suffocating defence. This stopped Rams’ continuity game and forced errors, including the two key interception tries.

“Their defence in the 9-10 channel was very good, although I thought it was there for us to score and it would come – in the last 15 minutes we looked dangerous,” Reynolds said.

“We struggled to hold our depth to access the width, and that gave them the opportunity when we had to force the pass to get an interception.

“We did have chances, but we weren’t quite able to take them. That stopped us really being in the contest. The good news is we’re creating them.

“It’s stuff to work on, but

that’s what we’re always looking to do – we’ll go away having been beaten by a side with several professional rugby players, and we’ll look to improve.”

And he said there was an eye-catching individual performance from full-back Henry Bird, who was looking lively in attack and rock solid in defence.

Reynolds said: “Henry is getting better and better – as he’s got older he’s learnt how to bring others into the game off the back of his runs whereas perhaps previously he would look to try and finish off those scores.

“He was arguably man-of-the-match across both sides, he was probably the stand-out player on the pitch and fair play to him for a fantastic performance.”

BERKS & Bucks FA are appealing for people to send in their nominations for this year’s annual Grassroots Football Awards.

The awards ceremony gives the chance for people to celebrate and recognise the people who make a significant contribution to grassroots football.

With three local category awards added for this year with the Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Contribution and Impact of Football Award, people are encouraged to get in their nominations before the closing date on Wednesday, April 19.

In addition to the national England Football Award categories, Berks & Bucks FA have introduced a number of local awards this season.

Steph Clark, football communications officer at Berks & Bucks FA said: “The annual Grassroots Football Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the volunteers that make grassroots football in our region happen week in and week out.

“There are thousands of people involved in the grassroots game across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and South Oxfordshire who dedicate their time and effort to support clubs and leagues in their local communities.

“It’s these grassroots heroes that we want to hear about – to do this we need your help, please consider nominating someone for an Award – just being nominated can mean so much to the individuals involved and will help us recognise the work of volunteers across the region.”

n Rams are next in action at home against Cinderford. Kickoff is 3pm on Saturday, April 15

James McRae opened the scoring for Rams with a fabulous interception try from 60 metres out

Ascot United competing in the Southern Women’s Premier Picture: Andrew Batt

SPORT | 19

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 SPORTTODAY READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

FIELDERS SCORE FOUR TO WIN AGAINST WARGRAVE KESTRELS SLIP UP AWAY FROM HOME TO REMAIN MIDTABLE

By DAVE READ sport@wokingham.today

BURGHFIELD took their eighth win of the campaign with a convincing away performance at Wargrave in the Thames Valley Premier League

The game started with the visitors taking the game to the hosts, the first 15 minutes saw Burghfield pushing Wargrave back, constantly probing to try to find an opening.

A free kick by Jordan Cox from the left corner of the area was well punched away by Ben Lallament and a shot from 20 yards by Will Vallins was straight at Lallament who gathered well.

Next a searing run down the left by Brown took him clear of the defence and into the area but Lallament got his angles right and saved well with his legs.

At this early stage Wargrave were under siege and just looking to weather the storm.

Burghfield are in fourth in the Thames Valley Premier League Stock picture: Andrew Batt Just two minutes later Burghfield took a deserved lead. A throw on halfway was picked up by Brown and once again his pace took him clear.

He fizzed a low cross across the six yard box finding Beales waiting at the far post for a simple tap in to make it 1-0.

The second half started with Wargrave looking to make more of a game of

it. Some nice link up play between Zakir Chowdhary and Stuart Moss released the latter into the area and his shot forced McCulley into his first save of the match, a full length diving stop to his left.

Jordan Cox tried a curler into the top corner but Lallament was equal to it, tipping his effort wide.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 59th minute.

Beales made a great run into the area, checked back to make himself space and then floated a lovely cross to the far post where an unmarked Brown headed home.

Burghfield went hunting for more goals and came close following nice link up play by Brown and Jack Bowyer which opened up a shooting chance for Harrison Amitage. His well hit shot from 20 yards was well saved low to his left by the busy Lallament.

They did make it three in the 75th minute. A nice ball down the right sent the pacy Brown clear into the area and he gave Lallament no chance, firing across him into the bottom corner of the net.

In the 88th minute, Burghfield put the icing on the cake with a fourth. A free kick from the left by James McClennan was flicked on by the one man wall and took two ricochets on the edge of the box before falling nicely at the feet of Cox, who finished coolly from the edge of the box.

WOODLEY UNITED lost out on their away trip to Penn & Tylers Green in the Combined Counties Division One.

The opening 20 minutes belonged to Woodley United but despite the positive play from Connor Sucking and Connor Richardson that caused the home defence problems, United failed to test home keeper Sam Butcher.

Richardson forced a corner kick four minutes later from which Pedro Monteiro’s shot went high and wide.

Tahir Carmichael’s saw floated free kick evaded the on running Gbla with a second free kick narrowly going over Butcher’s cross bar.

Penn’s first attack came in the 21st minute and required Sam Dabinett to make a double save in the visitors’ goal.

The opening goal came six minutes from half time when Alex Sethi cleared a ball to United’s left back position.

An interchange of passing between two players resulted in a cross into the penalty were Felix Prudden rose to head pass Dabinett.

Woodley United in league action Stock picture: Steve Smyth Woodley started the second half as the first, having good tempo and possession until the final third of the pitch and were unable to trouble Butcher.

The second goal came in the 67th minute from the penalty spot when a Nico Palmer gave away the spot kick following a rash challenge which proved to be the final goal of the game.

1st XV v Cinderford RFC

on-site parking, visit Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2023

160mmx8 columns (265mm) Cinderford Home -15 Apr - Wokingham and Reading Pa 06.04.23.indd 1

31/03/2023 12:08:17

20

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE SPORTTODAYThursday, April 6, 2023

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

Woodley United Ladies are in the final of the Southern Region Women’s Chairman’s Cup thanks to a penalty shootout win against Woking Ladies Pictures: Andrew Batt

WOODLEY WIN SHOOTOUT TO BOOK CUP FINAL PLACE FOOTBALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Chairman’s Cup WOODLEY UNITED booked their place in the cup final after a penalty shootout triumph against Woking.

After a tense opening 75 minutes, Woking were reduced to 10 players when their goalkeeper was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box with May Hamblin through on goal.

The Kestrels went in front just a minute later when Gemma Simms smacked a free-kick into the back of the net.

Woking came fighting back despite their player deficit through a free-kick with 10 minutes left to play.

The match went to penalty kicks and Woodley goalkeeper Sophie Chaedle proved to be the match winner.

Woking missed all three of their spot kicks, while Woodley held their nerve to take a 3-0 win in the shootout to progress.

Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK collected three points on the road at London Lions to boost their survival chances.

Having won their seventh match of the league campaign,

the Sumas climb up to 17th in the table and four points clear of bottom side Oxhey Jets who have three games in hand.

The Sumas had several chances to go in front in the opening 45 minutes, but were thwarted by the Lions’ defence.

Wokingham’s positive play eventually paid dividends in the 67th minute when Jake Woods was found by Duval and dispatched the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Sumas goalkeeper Sean Woodward came up with some immaculate saves to preserve his team’s advantage before the visitors made sure they would go back with all three points.

Brandon Curtis doubled

Wokingham’s lead to give them a more comfortable ending to the game which they saw out for their third away win of the season.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES soared to the top of the table with an excellent day in a double header against CAVERSHAM AFC. The first contest saw the Boars strike six times without reply.

Megan Averill scored a double, while Ciara Joliffe, Lily-May Varney, Lauren Broadhurst and Katie Rebecca Sayer were all

on the scoresheet in the 6-0 triumph.

Eversley then won the reverse fixture 4-0 with a Sayer double and goals from Varney and Laura Comerford.

Eversley are at the top on 38 points from 15 games, four points ahead of closest challengers Shinfield Rangers with a game in hand.

SHINFIELD RANGERS stay in the title race after they won against Taplow United.

With the game locked at 1-1 at half-time, Shinfield hit three goals in the second-half to secure a 4-2 win.

Lauren Smaje scored a double, while Chloe Bagshaw and Lauren Bagshaw netted to help the hosts bag three points.

BURGHFIELD moved closer to the sides above them in the table after a narrow win over WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT. Tiny Leahy scored for Wargrave, but goals from Nicole Anderson and Naomi Paxford saw Burghfield take the points with a 2-1 success.

Burghfield are currently in ninth on 15 points, but have plenty of games in hand on all the tema above them and will be aiming to climb the table.

Bracknell & District Sunday League

Cup: AFC Dukes 3-3 Harts of Bracknell (5-4 pens), Bracknell Cavaliers 1-2 AB United Division Three: Wokingham Wanderers 2-1 Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves

SPORT | 21

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, April 6, 2023 SPORTTODAY READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US FA VASE

YELLAS BOOK WEMBLEY DATE FOR VASE FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Ascot got the better of Corsham in the semi

Sean McCormack netted the winning penalty Pictures: Andrew Batt

Brendan Matthew opened the scoring

Ascot celebrate in front of their fans

The Yellas celebrate at full-time

ASCOT UNITED FC booked their place at Wembley Stadium to play in the FA Vase final after defeating Corsham Town in the semi-final.

The Yellas will play at the home of English football on Sunday, May 21 with the chance to capture silverware.

After a tense opening half an hour, Ascot found the opening goal of the game when Brendan Matthew continued his superb scoring season.

The hosts came fighting back to level the game just four minutes after the restart and then turned the game on its head to take the lead in the 66th minute.

However, the Yellas ensured that they wouldn’t go down without a fight and found a crucial leveller in the 76th minute after Marcus Mealing played the ball into the box to find Rob Gerrard who slotted home.

The sides couldn’t be separated during play, so the game had to be decided from the penalty spot.

The shootout was full of drama and after five spot kicks each, the score was at 4-4 meaning it went into sudden death.

Corsham missed their first penalty of sudden death but Ascot crashed their penalty off the bar which meant the shootout continued.

After seven penalties each, the Yellas confirmed their place in the final with a 5-4 win on penalties as Sean McCormack converted the all important spot kick.

Ascot manager Jamie Tompkins said: “We started our journey back in August against Long Crendon.

“We’ve been all over the place up to Manchester, to the Isle of Wight, Devon, Sussex and we’ve beat them all and now we can’t wait to get to Wembley.

“There are so many people that have been involved at the club for years and this is their moment now to enjoy it and see their club go to Wembley. I’m so proud for them and let’s go and win it.”

CORSHAM TOWN: Jepson, Swan, Greenland, Cooper (c), Keet, Davies, Davis, Simpson, Hobbs, Demkiv, Rusby Subs: Allen, Mundy, Smedley, Tylek, Bath, Hallet, Peare ASCOT UNITED: Bailey (c), Balogun, Ellis, Forster, Gerrard, A Grant, H Grant, Lock, Matthew, McCormack, Tucker Subs: August, Mealing, Walters Goals: Matthew 33’, Davis 52’, Keet 60’, Gerrard 78’

LEICESTER CITY 2-1 READING

ROYALS SURVIVAL HOPES HIT BY LATE FOXES WINNER READING FC WOMEN’s hopes for Women’s Super League survival took a huge hit after they lost to Leicester City in the 96th minute.

Carrie Jones won the game to lift the Foxes off the bottom and boost their hopes of surviving the relegation scrap, while Reading’s job was made significantly more difficult.

Charlie Wellings struck just before half-time to cancel out Sam Tierney’s opener, but Leicester deservedly took the points in stoppage time from Jones’ winner.

The result leaves Reading just two points above the drop zone.

Bottom of the table Brighton have two games in hand, while the Foxes are one point behind the Royals with five games to go.

The Royals won the first corner of the match when Sanne Troelsgaard ventured forward and the home side stayed organise to clear the early danger.

Leicester tried their luck for the first time in the match when Hannah Cain unleashed an effort to try and test Grace Moloney, but Jade Moore got her head in the way to turn it behind for a corner.

After a spell of stoppages through injury which saw the game regularly broken up, Charlie Wellings came close to breaking the deadlock.

Rachel Rowe’s inswinging free-kick was met by Wellings free at the back post and Janina Letizig got across to parry it behind for a corner.

Just after surviving that scare, Leicester grabbed the lead in the 20th minute when Sam Tierney connected with Courtney Nevin’s cross to the back post and volleyed into the corner.

Searching for an equaliser before the break, harries came striding through the heart of midfield and laid off for Amalie Eikeland to take a strike, who missed the target altogether from 25 yards.

Faye Bryson in action for Reading Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth Heading into stoppage time in the first-half, Reading claimed a vital leveller.

Rowe’s cross was held up by Harries for Eikeland to shoot and after her effort was blocked it fell into the path of Wellings who smacked the ball into the net with an emphatic finish.

Moloney made an important stop to prevent Tierney from adding her second when she stuck her left boot out to block the ball from creeping inside the near post.

Leicester very nearly re-took the lead when a ball smacked across the

Royals captain Emma Mukandi

face of goal by Carrie Jones struck Harries and squeaked behind for a corner instead of finding the net.

Moloney and Moore combined to keep the ball out from the resulting corner before the Royals keeper took a hit and needed treatment.

The Foxes went agonisingly close to going in front when Remy Siemsen cut in from the left and drove a curling shot which looked to have beaten Moloney but bounced off the post before they followed to convert the rebound.

Moloney came up with a big moment to keep out Cain, but it wasn’t enough to give Reading a point as Leicester took the lead in the 96th minute.

Deep into stoppage time, Jones planted the ball past Moloney into the corner to make it 2-1 to give her team a gigantic win.

Reading are now in danger, two points above bottom side Brighton who have two games in hand and just one point above Leicester.

n Reading’s next game is at home against Everton on Sunday, April 23.

22 | SPORT

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE SPORTTODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

JOAO’S LEVELLER SEES CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated

BRISTOL CITY 1 READING 1

Joe Lumley

Came out and claimed crosses into the box with authority. Crucially sprinted off his line quickly to deny Nahki Wells in the first half.

Andy Yiadom

Started brightly and made some crucial interventions. Never fully in control of the battle with Anis Mehmeti however and tired.

Tom Holmes

An early booking didn’t seem to hamper the centre-back who put in another solid showing.

Naby Sarr

A few counter attacks almost exposed the defender’s lack of pace, but was fortunately bailed out by Lumley or another teammate.

Amadou Mbengue

A couple of moments of uncertainty were mixed in with some really positive and encouraging defending.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Looked a little shaky up against Andreas Wiemann early on, but grew into the game. Was replaced by Azeez on the hour mark.

Tyrese Fornah

Enthusiastic, but very little to show for his efforts. Went close with a shot from range, but wasn’t able to create much in the way of chances.

Jeff Hendrick

Never really got anywhere near the spritely Tommy Conway. Wasn’t able to affect the game to any significant extent.

Cesare Casadei

Impressed with a couple of moments of magic, including a sumptuous turn to get away from two City players on the halfway line.

Andy Carroll

There was an obvious lack of understanding between Meite and Carroll, but did well once Joao entered the fray.

Yakou Meite

Barring a couple of promising runs, the Ivorian didn’t have the strongest of performances understandable, given his injury.

SUBS Lucas Joao 7, Femi Azeez 6, Kelvin Abrefa n/a

7 5 6 5 6 6 5 5 6 6 5

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today LUCAS JOAO’s leveller ensured that Reading FC picked up a vital point away at Bristol City to improve their Championship survival hopes.

Following a run of seven successive away defeats, the Royals managed to put a point on the board on their travels thanks to substitute Joao who latched onto Andy Carroll’s header to equalise in the 72nd minute.

Bristol had gone in front on the brink of half-time through Tommy Conway, before the Royals recovered to secure a point.

Paul Ince’s side dropped to 20th in the table and are just one point above the drop zone after being hit with a six-point penalty by the EFL. Looking for their first points on the road this calendar year, Reading faced a Bristol City side that has an unbeaten record at Ashton Gate in 2023 with Nigel Pearson’s side sitting in 14th.

Lucas Joao dropped to the bench as striker Andy Carroll was deemed fit enough to start and was joined up top alongside Yakou Meite who returned from injury.

Amadou Mbengue returned to the starting 11 to take the place of Scott Dann who is one of several first-team players out injured which left a youthful looking bench for the Royals.

Vice captain Tom Holmes picked up an early caution after his mistimed tackle on Tommy Conway meant that he had to play more

Femi Azeez fights for the ball

Joao nods in the equaliser

Carroll and Azeez challenge

Match stats BRISTOL CITY: O’Leary, Tanner, Vyner, Pring, Dasilva, Taylor-Clarke, James, Conway, Mehmeti, Weimann, Wells SUBS: Wilson, Cornick, King, WilesRichards, Bell, Wood, Leeson READING: Lumley, Holmes, Sarr, Yiadom (c), Mbengue, Guinness-Walker, Fornah, Hendrick, Casadei, Meite, Carroll SUBS: Joao, Azeez, Bouzanis, Abrefa, Abbey, Ehibhatiomhan, Senga-Ngoyi GOALS: Conway 45+1’, Lucas Joao 72’ PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Lucas Joao

Reading celebrate in front of the travelling fans than 85 minutes on a booking.

The first attempt at goal came from the hosts when a cross swung into the middle was met by Nakhi Wells who hit a shot harmlessly wide.

Wells then had the ball in the net, but the offside flag had gone up well in advance of his finish to deny him the opening goal.

Carroll proved his worth in the defensive third by hooking a volley from Andreas Weimann off the

The Royals ended a run of seven

line before Wells found a wall of Reading bodies in the way of the target.

Reading’s best opening came in the 17th minute when Tyrese Fornah showed superb vision and execution to pick out the run of Meite who wasn’t able to convert.

A brave piece of goalkeeping from Joe Lumley stopped the Robins from breaking the deadlock when he smothered the ball at the feet of Wells after he was played in

by Anis Mehmeti.

REACTION

‘We’ve got to stick together’ Ince sends message to fans

MANAGER Paul Ince has urged fans to ‘stick together’ to help the club try and avoid relegation from the Championship.

Lucas Joao’s goal ensured the Royals ended a run of seven away defeats on the bounce to take a point at Bristol City.

The Royals dropped down to 20th after they were hit with a six point deduction by the EFL on Tuesday.

“It was disappointing because we were comfortable,” said Ince, reacting to going behind on the stroke of half-time.

“We nullified them in the first half and had the best chance. It was a glorious, glorious chance.

“We let the ball back inside which was poor form us and they

get lucky with the deflection off Naby Sarr and then the deflection off Amadou (Mbengue) which is just our bloody luck.

“It can demoralise you, it really can, but not this group of players they’ve got this togetherness and spirit to go again irrespective of what the situation is.”

Some away supporters voiced their displeasure at the substitutes on the hour mark as Femi Azeez and Lucas Joao replaced Nesta Guinness-Walker and Tyrese Fornah.

Ince continued: “I get the fans are frustrated. We are all frustrated.

We’ve got three or four kids on the bench.

“When you’re trying to get a goal you’ve got to change it around. We

had Femi (Azeez) and we had Lucas (Joao), I don’t know what they expect after that, that’s all we’ve got unless you want a 17-year-old kid who hasn’t played before.

“You’ve got to take risks and we went to 4-4-1-1; Lucas is a goalscorer.

“He’s had a tough week going to Angola with a lot of travelling which is why he didn’t start, but came on and got his goal and could have got another one.

“We’re at the stage where we are all frustrated but we’ve got to stick together. If we don’t stick

together then there’s only one thing that’s going to happen and that’s relegation.”

The Royals boss also reiterated the importance of Tom Ince’s quality to the side, something that will be sorely missed throughout his injury absence: “That’s what Thomas (Ince) brings us. He’s a top player, our best player.

“He’s our top goalscorer and top of assists – to not have him in the team when you need that creativity...

“Unfortunately he’s out injured for a bit. He’s a massive, massive loss.

“We’ve got to stay calm, keep supporting the players until the end of the season.”

SPORT | 23

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

SPORTTODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

ROYAL EARN A POINT

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith Bristol take the lead

New football rules book DURING the interval at the latest Woodley Band Concert, I was approached by a football supporter.

Guinness-Walker crosses Alex Rae

Meite misses a chance in the first-half Meite goes close after rounding the goalkeeper

away losses in a row with a draw at Ashton Gate Pictures: Steve Smyth

Reading applaud their fans

After a subdued period in the game, the Royals came close to giving Bristol a scare by utilising Meite’s pace.

The Ivorian rounded goalkeeper Max O’Leary after latching onto Mbengue’s long ball, but was forced out to the touchline and saw his shot hacked away.

With the half petering out in what looked like would be a goalless opening 45 minutes, Reading suffered a significant blow a minute before the break.

After failing to clear properly from a cross, Conway was afforded far too much room in the box and he made the Royals pau when he Meite chases the loose ball

dispatched the ball into the bottom corner.

Needing a response in the second-half, Fornah tried his luck quickly after the restart, opted to try and beat the keeper from range after a surging run from skipper Andy Yiadom.

Ince decided to make changes with half an hour to play as Lucas Joao and Femi Azeez replaced Nesta Guinness-Walker and Fornah.

Joao’s substitution proved to be effective as he popped up with the equaliser.

Carroll flicked the ball on in the box and Joao connected to nod past O’Leary.

City thought they had regained the lead when Wells had the ball in the net, but the linesman was quick to raise his flag to deem the forward offside.

The home team tried to snatch a winner with a corner in the dying seconds of the game, but Lumley came to the rescue again to keep out a header as Reading gained an important point.

Reading could have punished Bristol on the counter attack, but Joao got the ball caught under his feet and couldn’t take the chance. n Next up for Reading they host Birmingham City at the Select Car Leasing Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

PREVIEW

ROYALS PREPARE FOR CRUCIAL EASTER DOUBLE HEADER READING FC face a double header of fixtures over the Easter weekend in what will be a crucial few days for their Championship survival fight.

Paul Ince’s side claimed a crucial point away at Bristol City on Saturday to break a run of seven consecutive defeats on the road.

Friday’s opponents at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Birmingham City, are in 16th and two points above the Royals.

The Blues have collected three wins in their last four league matches which has seen them move away from the relegation

dogfight at the bottom, which included an impressive 1-0 win over play-off pushing Blackburn Rovers.

When Reading met Birmingham back in December, the Blues ran out as 3-2 winners.

A disastrous start saw Troy Deeney give the hosts a lead inside two minutes before he doubled his sides lead from the penalty spot.

Tahith Chong added a third in the 36th and despite late goals from Lucas Joao and Tom Ince, Reading left with no points.

The Royals then travel to face Preston North End on Easter Monday.

Preston still have an outside shot of making the top six going into the final seven games of the campaign.

Ryan Lowe’s side are currently in 10th position before Friday’s round of fixtures on 56 points, five points outside the play-off places.

Preston have won three of their last four matches including a 3-1 success at the weekend over local rivals Blackpool.

The Lilywhites took three points on their last visit to Berkshire in November with a brace from Ched Evans giving them a 2-1 win.

Reading won on their last visit

to Deepdale in February 2022 which was Veljko Paunovic’s final game in charge of the club.

Paunovic’s future at the club was decided before the match with the two deciding to part ways after a torrid run.

However, the team managed to take three points to help their cause to stay in the Championship with a 3-2 win.

A Lucas Joao double was added to by John Swift to see Reading race into a 3-0 lead.

Preston clawed two goals back in the second-half, but the visitors held on to secure the points.

‘Can you tell me’, he asked, ‘what are the rules on handball these days?

I answered, ‘I wish I could’.

I could tell him what it said in the Laws of the Game book, but after two law changes in quick succession on handball, it seemed that many players or even referees were not too certain anymore.

Years ago, I refereed on a Saturday and played hockey on a Sunday. The reason I mention this is because football has often followed hockey rule changes.

Now perhaps, football was again following hockey. Hockey fans know if your foot touches the ball, either accidentally or deliberately, you give away a free hit. In football, it started to seem that whenever the ball hits a player’s hand or arm, a free kick was given.

The reason for this I think, is that there are certain instances when the ball hits a hand or arm that should not be penalised, but these were not included in the latest version of the Laws.

If the ball comes off a player’s head, body or feet and hits their own hand or arm, this is not handball, but I’ve seen it given.

The same is true if a player is falling, and the ball hits their supporting hand or arm between their body and the ground. Only if the ball should go into the opponents’ goal or the player should score immediately, will there be a direct free kick for the other team.

Because of these and other omissions, I believe some referees and players felt that these instances are no longer valid.

A few days after my handball discussion, I was privileged to receive from David Elleray, who is Director of the Technical Committee of the International FA Board, footballs law makers, an on-line copy of a new book the Board has published entitled ‘FOOTBALL RULES’ simplifying the Laws of the game’.

This is not aimed not so much at referees as at players and coaches with the view that if they understand the Laws better it could save a lot of aggravation that referees face.

I quickly viewed the section on handball, and there were the missing exceptions, plus one I have never seen before.

If the ball hits a player’s hand or arm from a kick by a team mate, this is not an offence.

Mind you, we are still left judging whether a players’ hand/arm is in a ‘justified’ position.

24 | SPORT

To advertise, email: advertising@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE SPORTTODAY Thursday, April 6, 2023

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US FUTSAL

READING ROYALS TO MARK DECADE ANNIVERSARY The club will be celebrating 10 years this weekend

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today READING ROYALS FUTSAL CLUB will be hosting a celebratory event at Bradfield College to mark a decade since they were established.

The event which will take place on Sunday from 1.30pm will see the men’s first-team face off against Bedford Futsal Club.

A win would take the Royals one step closer to the FA National Futsal Series Tier 2 Midlands title.

Regardless of the result, the day promises to mark significant progress since the club’s foundation in 2013.

Initially created as a sole youth team, Club President Fernando Silva has since built up a thriving youth section, alongside a men’s and women’s team at Reading Royals.

He said: “Before we started Reading Royals, hardly anyone in Berkshire knew futsal existed.

“I am really proud that we have a created a pathway for men and women to play from youth all the way through to adult.

“It’s only been possible thanks to the help of some great people who are now part of the club.”

Over the decade, a significant number of Reading Royals youth players have progressed into the senior teams, reinforcing Silva’s vision of a development pathway for players in Berkshire.

Burghfield Yateley United 0-7 Larkspur Rovers

FOOTBALL Championship Bristol City 1-1 Reading

Tuesday, April 4

Saturday, April 1

FA Vase semi-final Corsham Town 2-2 Ascot United (4-5 pens) Combined Counties Premier North London Lions 0-2 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Penn & Tylers Green 2-0 Woodley United

Reading Royals (pictured red and yellow)

“I started playing for Royals when I was 11,” said current first team player Scott Hargreaves.

“It’s been exciting to be part of the club’s growth. All the coaches I’ve had have always helped me develop my skills and got me to where I want to be: playing at a competitive level.”

For Club Secretary Rich Oxley, the progress of Scott and many other youth players has been pleasing.

“I’m proud that a high percentage

of players who have been brought up by Reading Royals are still playing and enjoying the game,” he said.

As a sport, futsal has grown greatly since 2013. Participation is at an all-time high, while the FA National Futsal Series (NFS) has matches televised live on BT Sport.

Promotion to the highest league in the country, which the men’s team hope to secure this season, would be the latest in a long line of club successes. From humble

LUSH TREBLE EARNS SONNING DRAW WITH TILEHURST

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today IN Division One a hat-trick from Ed Lush saw SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B draw 5-5 with TILEHURST RBL A, with Ed managing an excellent 11-3 11-2 12-10 win over Marc Brent.

Two days later the Methodists were in action again at home to TILEHURST RBL B which resulted in a very hard fought 5-5 draw, a result which gives Tilehurst Methodists a very good chance of avoiding relegation.

All but one set went to four or five with the stand out two being the Methodists Jess Eassom recovering from 2-1 down to edge out John Willcocks 13-11 in the fifth.

Then, in the clash between

two of the three top players in the division, RBL’s Kate Maksimenko recovered from 2-1 down to beat Eric Van Looy 11-8 in the fifth.

TIDMARSH C narrowly missed out on promotion from division 3 after they could only beat their D team club mates 6-4.

As a result SPRINGFIELD A finish second, courtesy of matches won after both teams finished level on 113 points.

The last match of the season in division 4 saw SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD E win 8-2gainst SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD F and as a result won the championship by two sets ahead of long time leaders TILEHURST METHODISTS C. Anthony Reeve was the star by gaining a treble including an 11-7 9-11 3-11 11-13 11-5 win over Gerry Bacon.

Meanwhile, for the F team, Graham Streets won twice including an 11-6 8-11 10-12 11-9 11-9 opening success over Jim Warren.

Thames Valley Premier League Wargrave 0-4 Burghfield Westwood Wanderers 4-2 Reading City U23s RUGBY UNION National League One Sale 35-12 Rams HOCKEY South Central Men’s North Division One Sonning 7-0 Yateley Reading 3s 1-2 Banbury 2s

Reading Royals Futsal Club in action Pictures: Ade Hone

TABLE TENNIS

Matt Isherwood managed a good 13-11 9-11 9-11 11-8 11-8 win over Keith Winter and Matt Stone also picked up a win after he beat Marc Brent 11-9 11-7 11-9.

Tilehurst’s draw saw them climb to sixth in the final table.

TILEHURST METHODISTS A gave their hopes of avoiding relegation from division two a boost with a 7-3 win at relegated OUR LADY OF PEACE C with yet another maximum for Eric Van Looy.

The set of the night was between OLOP’s Pradeep Desh and Bill Stamatiou with Pradeep recovering from two games down to win 13-11 in the fifth.

FIXTURES

beginnings in the Thames Valley youth leagues, Fernando Silva is excited for what’s next for Reading Royals: beginning with Sunday’s match against Bedford.

The last time the two teams faced off, Reading Royals triumphed 10-2.

Royals are hoping for a bumper crowd to roar them onto victory once again. Tickets are available on the door, with a raffle taking place on the day alongside refreshments and music.

HOCKEY

READING 3S PIP SOUTH BERKS TO SECURE TITLE South Central Women’s North Division 1

A 2-2 draw was enough to see READING 3s secure their status as league champions.

On the final day of the season, knowing that they could have been overtaken by South Berks, Reading did enough to take the title with a 2-2 draw at Leighton Buzzard.

Reading finish in pole position on 51 points after winning 16 of their 22 league games.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE were unable to take the league title and had to settle as runners-up to Reading 3s after drawing with Buckingham 2s.

Kelly Hancock and Jemima Simpson scored in a 2-2 stalemate which meant South Berks ended on 49 points, two points behind the champions.

South Central Women’s Premier 1 SONNING ended their league campaign by taking a valuable point away at runners-up Oxford Hawks 2s.

The result means that Sonning end the season in ninth on 24 points.

South Central Men’s Division 1 North SONNING ended their campaign with a stunning 7-0 home victory over YATELEY to secure a third place finish.

READING 3s finished in sixth after losing 2-1 to Banbury 2s.

South Central Women’s Premier Oxford Hawks 2s 1-1 Sonning South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 2-3 Witney South Central Women’s North Division One Buckingham 2s 2-2 South Berkshire

South Central Men’s North Division Two South Berkshire 2s 2-1 Eastcote 2s Bicester 7-0 Sonning 2s South Central Women’s North Division Three South Berkshire 2s 5-1 Banbury 2s South Central Women’s North Division Two Sonning 2s 1-1 Wycombe 2s

Sunday, April 2

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Leicester City 2-1 Reading Southern Region Women’s Division One North Eversley & California v Penn & Tylers Green Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers New Bradwell v Mortimer Wargrave v Haddenham Southern Region Women’s Chairman’s Cup Woking 1-1 Woodley United (0-3 pens) Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC 0-4 Eversley & California Reserves Eversley & California Reserves 6-0 Caversham AFC Shinfield Rangers 4-2 Taplow United Wargrave Development 1-2

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Broadfields United 0-1 Ascot United Reading City 4-4 Windsor Combined Counties Division One Berks County 3-0 Bedfont Eversley & California 3-0 Langley

FIXTURES

Thursday, April 6

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Langley Woodley United v Brook House

Friday, April 7

FOOTBALL Championship Reading v Birmingham City

Saturday, April 8 FOOTBALL Southern League Premier South Swindon Supermarine v Bracknell Town Isthmian South Central Uxbridge v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v Harefield United Egham Town v Reading City Sumas v North Greenford Combined Counties Division One Bagshot v Woodley United Berks County v Penn & Tylers Sandhurst Town v Cove Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Yateley United Reading City U23s v Wargrave Westwood Wanderers v Reading YMCA Charles Twelftree Trophy SB Phoenix v Finchampstead

Monday, April 10 FOOTBALL Championship Preston v Reading

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Beaconsfield Town Isthmian South Central Binfield v Marlow Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Reading City Wallingford and Crowmarsh v Ascot United Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Cove Eversley & California v Bagshot Woodley United v AFC Aldermaston