Reading Today, December 7, 2022

Picture: Steve Smyth/Charlie Simpson

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CCTV images following GBH in town centre

THAMES Valley police has released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident of grievous bodily harm in Reading.

At around 2.15am on Friday, December 2, the victim, a man in his forties, was in a queue waiting for a taxi on Station Road, outside Thames Tower.

An offender pushed the victim in the chest, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the footpath.

The victim was left with a fractured skull and taken to John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Siobhan Bradley, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who recognises the man pictured in this image to please get in touch.

“If you are the man pictured then please come forward as soon as

possible as we believe you may have vital information about this incident. “To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220441445.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Fines proposal for overrunning roadworks

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

COMPANIES that cause traffic chaos by overrunning and ‘badly managed’ roadworks in Reading could soon be fined.

At a recent meeting, councillors agreed to reform the way roadworks are managed by Reading Borough Council.

Currently, the council runs a Street Manager system, but this was felt inferior to a street works permit scheme, which contracts management of all roadworks out to a specialist company.

Sam Shean, the council’s highways and traffic services manager, argued the scheme is ‘much more efficient.’

Supporting the move, lead councillor for transport (Labour, Abbey) Tony Page said: “Clearly one of the things that is aggravating to us and our local residents is the phenomenon of over-running or badly-managed street works.

“Any system that offers improved

coordination and also sanctions is to be welcomed.

“We’ve had recent examples of companies that engage with the existing process better, and some worse.”

Cllr Page stressed that would not be a ‘magic bullet’ for sorting out roadwork issues in Reading.

But it does give the council the power to fine companies for delays and bad practices.

According to Department for Transport guidance, a company could be fined £500 for working without a permit, and £120 for breach of permit conditions defined by permits that would be issued by the scheme.

This reduces to £300 and £80 respectively if paid within 29 days of accruing the fine.

Conditions that can be attached to permits include working hours, project duration in days, the width and length of road that can be occupied by roadwork projects, and whether equipment has to be removed after a days work.

Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats,

Tilehurst) asked whether the council itself could get punished for overrunning works and bad practices.

Mr Shean replied: “All contractors on the public highway will have to adhere to the rules, and that includes the council.”

A report on the scheme admitted that Reading would be one of the last local authorities to implement it.

The scheme will cost £100,000, and involves hiring a consultant and bringing in staff for implementation.

Once established, members of the public will be able to report transport delays caused by works on the roads for investigation and subsequent issue of penalty permit notices.

The decision was made to put the street works permit scheme out to tender and give authority to council officials to select the contractor.

It was agreed unanimously at the council’s strategic environment, planning and transport committee on Wednesday, November 16.

The contract to implement the scheme will be advertised using the Crown Commercial Services portal.

Ambulance services vote to strike before Christmas

AMBULANCE workers in Berkshire are set to strike following a vote among GMB Union members.

Nine trusts across the UK are set to strike, including South Central Ambulance Service, which serves Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire.

Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers, and other staff are now set to walk out in industrial action.

Workers are set to meet with union representatives in the coming days to negotiate potential dates for industrial action.

The strike is in response to the government’s proposal of a 4% pay award, which constitutes a real-terms pay cut.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “Ambulance workers – like other NHS workers – are on their knees.

“Demoralised and downtrodden, they’ve faced twelve years Conservative cuts to the service and their pay packets, fought on the frontline of a global pandemic and now face the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

“No one in the NHS takes strike action lightly – today shows just how desperate they are.

“This is as much about unsafe staffing levels and patient safety as it is about pay.

“A third of GMB ambulance workers think delays they’ve been involved with have led to the death of a patient.

“Something has to change or the service as we know it will collapse –GMB calls on the Government to avoid a Winter of NHS strikes by negotiating a pay award that these workers deserve.”

South Central Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

Your wording

SEARCH: THAMES Valley police has released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident of grievous bodily harm in Reading at around 2.15am on Friday, December 2.

Riders return to the streets to deliver gifts at annual Toy Run

Berkshire Vision launches Take On 250 fundraiser

A SIGHT loss charity is upping the ante to spread awareness of the prevalence of sight loss in the UK with a brand new challenge.

Teaming up with a number of other sight loss charities, Berkshire Vision is inviting members of the public to take part in the Take On 250 challenge.

The challenge takes place during the month of January.

With 250 people a day beginning to lose their sight in the UK, the charity is challenging individuals and teams to take on an activity.

Participants can walk, bake, knit, or dance, completing 250 minutes, meters, rotations or repetitions – as long as there’s 250 of them.

Funds raised as part of the event will help Berkshire Vision to continue to support those in Berkshire with sight loss, demand for which has doubled since 2019.

The charity currently supports more than 1,000 people by providing transport, services, and events for those who need help due to poor vision.

Laura Mitchell, Berkshire Vision CEO said “We’re excited to announce the launch of Take on 250 alongside our friends in the sight loss sector for 2023.

“The last two years have been a rollercoaster for everyone and particularly for blind and partially sighted people, so let’s begin 2023 with a fresh start

“If you’re up for a challenge, why not join us and Take on 250 for Berkshire Vision to make a big difference to people living with sight loss in the UK.”

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

THOUSANDS of Santas and Minions took to the streets of Reading and Wokingham on their motorbikes for the 36th running of a popular community event.

Reading Christian Motorcyclists’ Toy Run saw gifts delivered to High Close School to be delivered to children who might not otherwise receive presents this Christmas on Sunday morning.

New and experienced participants were blessed with ideal conditions as the course stayed dry throughout the event.

The Revd Sean Stillman, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It went really well, we had a great turnout with around 1,600 participants altogether coming from far distances.

“As always, we are hugely grateful to those who took part as riders and for the community’s support and volunteers.

“We have a team of 20 people called the road crew who take care of logistics, signage and liaising with the council and police, as well as 100 volunteer marshalls.

“For a volunteer effort, it’s not bad.

“Most of those working relationships have come out of doing the Toy Run, so it really is a communal venture from start to finish.”

Mr Stillman also praised younger riders who were attending for the first-time, saying that they keep the event ‘fresh’ and ensure that it keeps coming back.

The event has run since 1985, when members of the founding committee decided to combine their faith and love of motorbikes to help those in need celebrate the festive period.

Starting at the Foster Wheeler building, Shinfield Park, the route finished at High Close

School. Residents watched on and offered their support as the bikes came through.

Members of the public have also played their part over the past few weeks by donating gifts to various drop-off sites across town. A recommended list of suitable presents was made available on the group’s website.

Those who wish to donate can still do so via the event’s JustGiving site. At the time of writing, the group had raised £1,465 of their £1,500 target.

n For more information or to donate, search Reading Toy Run on www.justgiving.com

Berkshire Vision staff are also set to announce their own challenges during January next year, with the challenge taking place from January 1-31.

n More information and sign up details for the fundraiser can be found via: www.berkshirevision. org.uk/takeon250 or call Clare Matthews on 0118 987 2803.

TINSEL AND TRIMMINGS: Bikers decorated their bikes to take part in the annual Reading Toy Run, which was held on Sunday Pictures: Steve Smyth

Motorcycles were kitted out with festive decorations.

The event was in support of Barnardo’s, with gifts left at High Close School

Around 1,600 participants took to the roads on Sunday

There were plenty of Christmas jumpers on show at the Toy Run

Participants delivered donated toys to High Close School, Wokingham

Christmas trees also featured

Diane and Les Maynard from Winnersh

Caversham festive concert

A CHRISTMAS concert will be performed by the Caversham Ensemble Chamber Orchestra.

The group will welcome audiences to St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road on Saturday, December 10.

The evening will include a selection of popular festive music, along with mulled wine and mince pies.

Tickets cost £16, £20 and £22, with under 16s getting in free.

Organisers say booking is advised as the event usually sells out.

n For more details, or to book, call: 0118 948 3220 or log on to: concertsincaversham.co.uk

Van fire in Emmer Green

A VAN caught fire in Emmer Green last week.

A crew from the Caversham Road fire station attened the blaze, which took place on Peppard Road at 9.21am on Tuesday, November 29.

The crew found that both van and its contents were ablaze.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using two hose reels.

In all, the crew were on the scene for approximately 41 minutes.

Town to be lit up with lantern parade

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING is going to be lit up this weekend, and it’s not due to fairy lights but a lantern parade.

Over the past few weeks,

workshops have taken place across the town ready for Saturday’s big procession. It will start outside the entrance to the former Woolworths/Clas Ohlson store from 5.30pm, and see crowds follow glowing fireflies as they dance their way to Forbury Gardens via Market Place.

Organisers say it will be a heart-warming celebration of the festive season that will be full of light, music and community spirit.

The lantern workshops have been held in Coley Park, Southcote, Whitley, Broad St. Mall, and Blue Collar Corner. Each two-hour session saw professional artists show people how they can make their own light for the parade.

Reading Buses has also been involved, offering discounts on travel for participants.

The event is a collaboration between REDA, Beautiful Creatures Theatre, Jelly and AV Events. The event is supported by Reading Borough Council, Reading Buses, 101 Outdoor Arts, The Broad Street Mall, Black & White Music Ltd and Blue Collar Food.

n Entry is free, and is part of a big weekend of events in the town. For more details, see page 10.

CCTV appeal released after burglary

THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to following an incident of burglary in Reading.

The man may have vital information regarding the incident which took place at around 3.15pm on Monday, October 17, in Bob Green Court.

An offender gained entry into the property and stole a black Samsung 12 phone.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Perkins, based at Reading police station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who recognises the man in these images to please get in touch, as they may have vital information about this incident.

Police believe the person pictured may have vital information regarding an incident of burglary which occurred at around 3.15pm on Monday, October 17, in Bob Green Court, Reading.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220467304.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Lizzie with daughter Arabella and their finished lantern

Suzanne, Phu with Arya (4) making a lantern

Juniper (4) with mum Dorcas starting work on their light

Lilly (9) with her finished lantern, which will be used on Saturday

READY TO FLY: A lantern making session was held at Jelly in Reading’s Broad St. Mall, ahead of Saturday’s parade.

Pictured are Amy and Bridget putting the finishing touches to a light Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

The Holly and the driving … emergency services launch antidrink and drug driving campaign

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

DON’T be selfish this festive season – don’t drink and drive or drive while under the influence of drugs.

That’s the warning from the police, the fire and rescue service, and the ambulance service.

The three emergency services have teamed up to launch Operation Holly, its annual campaign to warn motorists about the risks of getting the behind the wheel while under the influence of drink and drugs.

The crew at Wokingham Road fire station in Earley have created a hard-hitting display designed to turn heads and make people think twice.

It stunts a car being smashed into a tree, showing the aftermath to the vehicle. The three services said the biggest risk of course is causing a collision which puts lives in danger.

A similar display is in place at Wokingham Fire Station in Easthampstead Road.

Operation Holly is led by the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police. It combines educational and enforcement activity and runs until New Year’s Day.

Last year, 1,123 people were breathalysed with 36 testing positive.

And there were 174 drug wipes with 79 positive results.

In all, 195 people were arrested – 104 for drink

driving, 91 for drug driving Thames Valley Police said that driving while impaired through drink or drugs can increase the chances of people being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

PC Matt Woolams-Seeney, who is based at Three Mile Cross station, said: “Christmas is that time of year when people want to go out, and go to Christmas parties. They can forget about how much they’ve had to drink and then drive under the influence.

“That’s why things like Operation Holly are put into effect, to try and get the message home that it’s totally unacceptable.”

He said that members of the public do report dangerous driving, or they’ve seen someone drinking in a pub or a party who has then gone on to get behind the wheel. This can help officers catch people.

Some people might think that drink or drug driving is a crime they can get away with, but PC Woolams-Seeney said: “In the cold light of day, when they’re not under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, they realise what will happen: they will get charged with drunk driving, and the consequences could see them lose their job, their salary, their licence and livelihood. That’s when it really hits home.

“It’s extremely selfish.”

Michael Greenfield, a community engagement and training officers for South Central Ambulance Service said demand for the services meant they were under pressure, so having to attend a road traffic collision caused by drunk or drug driving could mean they wouldn’t be able to attend another 999 call.

“There’s also the impact (a collision) has on families. Some people are injured, some

Bilingual storytime celebrates China

READING Central Library will hold a storytime event celebrating Chines New Year.

Reading’s Wukong Chinese School is bringing the story of Nian the Chinese Dragon to the venue in both English and Chinese.

The event will also feature

a firecracker craft session following the storytelling.

It is part of the British Library’s exhibition Chinese and British, which explores and reflects upon the history of British Chinese communities.

Panels from the exhibition

will be on display on the ground floor of the library.

Reading Wukong School’s Chinese New Year storytime will take place at Reading Central Library on Saturday, December 10, from 1pm2.30pm.

The event is free to attend.

Santa prepares to tell tall tales at the Biscuit Factory

A READING-BASED theatre company is bringing a festive storytime event to Reading Biscuit Factory.

Front Room Theatre has teamed up with Tell Tale Presents and actor Natalie Wilcox to produce two Christmas-themed events.

The first will see stories, songs, and games, featuring Santa, Puck, and Thursday the Elf while sat around the magic wish tree.

There will be an opportunity to take photos with Santa and the elves.

The event is toddler-friendly and suitable for all ages.

There is also a What The Dickens event, which sees audience members take part in gameshow-style quiz.

The quiz will be hosted by Mr Dickens, who will be joined by Santa and the elves too.

Attendees are challenged

to make it to the final round in order to win the giant biscuit.

Story time with Santa takes place at 11am, noon, 2pm, and 3pm, with the quiz event following at 4pm, on Saturday, December 16, at Reading Biscuit Factory.

Tickets are £5 each, but carers and babes in arms go free.

n More information and ticket booking are available via: whatsonreading.com

are seriously injured and some killed.

“You have to think of the impact on your family, the people who are injured, and the responders who have to see some of these horrific scenes we come across, unfortunately, on a year basis.”

He said that the crews receive specialist training to help them cope with such incidents.

“But all the incidents

involving drink or drug driving can be avoided. That’s what hurts the most. All the trauma and pain this causes families and the people involved – it could all be avoided if people didn’t drink and drive.”

Darren Barrett is the watch manager at Wokingham Road Fire Station, and helped create the graphic illustration that sits outside it, warning people of the dangers of drink and drug driving.

He said the display started six or seven years ago, and has become an important part of Operation Holly.

“The best way to deal with road traffic collisions is to stop them from happening in the first place. Don’t drink and drive – if you’re out drinking, remove the question of driving from the equation. It is not worth the risk. Book a taxi, catch a bus, or get a lift from a designated driver.”

n Anyone who is drink or drug driving can be reported by calling 999 in an emergency, or 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or crimestoppers-uk.org

Teen arrested after stabbing

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was robbed at knifepoint in Caversham.

The incident took place around 1am on Saturday, November 26, in Christchurch Meadows.

Three teenagers have been arrested and released on bail.

A 14-year-old boy from Caversham and a 15-yearold boy from Wokingham were arrested on suspicion of robbery and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, while a 16-year-old boy from Reading was arrested on suspicion of robbery. All three have been released on bail until February 26.

Police said three men wearing dark clothing approached the victim, a man in his 30s, and brandished a knife.

The victim ran away and realised his iPhone had been stolen. He also sustained a stab wound to the lower back and was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.

Investigating officer

Detective Sergeant Pauline Cameron, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to get in touch.

“You can contact us by either making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220532585.”

WARNING: Operation Holly was launched at Wokingham Road fire station. All three emergency services have teamed up with one message this festive season - don’t drink and drive Picture: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Former Starmaker pupil Kate Winslet to return one of her earliest acting roles

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A FORMER Starmaker pupil is returning to one of her earliest professional roles and teaming up with TV titan Russell T Davies in the process.

Kate Winslet, who honed her craft at the Reading-based theatre school, is to star in a revival of the cult Children’s BBC drama Dark Season.

It originally aired in 1991, and Kate played one of three teenagers caught in a plot to enslave the human race. It was her first major professional acting role, and one of Mr Davies’ first roles as a showrunner.

Now, Ruscombe-based audio drama firm Big Finish – famous for producing Doctor Who plays featuring original cast members – is creating a new series, and bringing together as much of the original cast as possible, including Ms Winslet who is about to be seen in the Channel 4 drama I Am Ruth, as well as a role in James Cameron’s updated Avatar movie.

In Dark Season, she played Reet, and will be joined by Victoria Lambert as Marcie and Ben Chandler as Tom. Also returning from the original series are Brigit Forsyth as Jessica Maitland and Grant Parsons as the sinister Mr Eldritch.

There will be four adventures and the series will be released in May next year.

“I was delighted to be asked to come back,” Kate said.

“It’s been genuinely moving and wonderful to revisit those early days of my career.

“What a way to start, with the now legendary Russell T

days starting out as a small fish in an enormous pond... it was a pivotal time in my life.”

She added: “Now, the story goes on and there’s a whole other generation of young people who will enjoy Dark Season. It’s been absolutely lovely to be invited back and to be able to give my voice to the character again after so many years, is very special.”

Russell added: “This has been one of the great joys of my life.

“The first show I ever wrote, back again, with brand-new adventures.

“And to get all the cast back together – Kate, Victoria, Brigit, Grant and Ben – is the greatest compliment of all.

“All of us united in very happy memories.”

The series producer Scott Handcock said: “It’s been a privilege to revisit that world and reunite the original cast.

“I don’t think anyone could have expected Kate Winslet returning to the role of Reet for Big Finish, but to record scenes with her interacting with the rest of the original cast has been a real thrill.”

Kate has kept her connections with Starmaker, serving as the company’s patron. She was one of its first members when it launched in 1988, and still keeps her connections as its patron.

Other famous alumni include Danyl Johnson, Matt Savage, Faith Wood-Blagrove, and Natalie Dormer.

n For more details, log on to: www.bigfinish.com

RBH voluntary services team collects festive gifts for patients

A TEAM at Royal Berkshire Hospital has launched its Christmas Tree gift appeal for 2022.

The voluntary services team at the RBH NHS Trust is seeking support from the community to help them on their mission to make sure every patient receives a gift on Christmas Day.

It is seeking to collect more than 900 donations before Wednesday, December 14.

Presents can be left at collection points which can be found at Royal Berkshire Hospital’s main reception, or the Link Café in Tilehurst.

There are also collection points at Reading Central Library, Lower Earley Library, Caversham Library, Woodley Library, Pangbourne Library, and Theale Library.

Donations can be made via The Works in Broad Street Mall, where you can buy a gift and hand to a member of staff.

There is also an Amazon wishlist available for direct online donations which can be delivered directly to the hospital.

Sukhi Sidhu, the trust’s voluntary services manager, said: “The last few years have been very difficult and challenging and we continue to live in challenging times, but I am absolutely humbled to be part of a community that shows so many acts of kindness and generosity.

“Together we are making a stronger community that is capable of achieving great things and together we can make a positive difference to those that need it.

Sidhu continued: “The ‘Gift Tree’ is another lovely opportunity for people to support their local hospital and to bring joy to patients and wards on Christmas Day.

“A gift kindly donated by someone in your local community can make all the difference to a patient who’s in hospital.

“We aim to collect more than 900 gifts to ensure every patient receives a present and we hope our amazing local residents and businesses will help support us again as they have done so before.”

The team asks that unwrapped presents are delivered to collection boxes or the hospital by Wednesday, December 14, so that members can sort, wrap, and deliver them to the wards before Christmas.

Waste blaze Whiskey tasting

WASTE caught fire at the re3 recycling centre in Reading last week.

Fire crews were called to the Island Road site at 8.23am on Monday, November 28.

They came from Whitley Wood, Wokingham Road and Wokingham fire stations, alongside one RBFRS Officer.

There was an estimated 30 tonnes of waste smouldering.

The crews dampened down the burning piles using two hose reel jets, in an operation that took around one hour and 10 minutes.

THE CASTLE Tap is set to host a whiskey tasting event in collaboration with Waterford Distillery.

The winter tasting event will see a range of whiskeys available to taste, including its recently introduced peated variants.

The Fenniscourt and Ballybannon expressions are the first peated single malt whiskeys made from Irish malt.

Tickets cost £9.50 from The Castle Tap bar.

Winter Whisky Tasting will take place at The Castle Tap, Castle Street, on Monday, December 12, from 7.45pm.

REUNION: Kate Winslet is Reet in a new series of Dark Season, with creator Russell T Davies. The audio dramas are being produced by Ruscombebased Big Finish Productions

COLLECTING: Sharon Herring, Associate Chief Nurse, Kirsten Rogers, Patient Experience Programme Manager, and Suki Sidhu, Voluntary Services Manager. Picture: Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Trust

Drama college launches urgent appeal to avoid closing down

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A PERFORMING arts college is calling for support from the community as it faces a funding crisis.

Last week, READ College announced it was “in jeopardy” as it faces financial difficulty.

In a social media post, they said the “relentless cost of living crisis, our continuous recovery from Covid-19, and the loss of our ability to host international students” meant that its future was now “uncertain”.

“If we can’t raise sufficient funds by Monday, December 12, we will be left with no choice but to close our doors at the end of this term.”

The college has been providing equal access to arts training to young people for 14 years, and is now appealing for donations.

It launched a fundraising page on Paypal, raising £10,000 of its £40,000 target within the first 24 hours of the appeal.

In a statement the college said that it had secured the support of Craig Revel Horwood, Cynthia Erivo, Susan Stroman, Gill Green, and Sophia Nomvete.

The announcement follows the stepping down of the college’s co-founder, Jamie

Read, as the artistic director of the college back in September.

Mr Read had been in the role since the college’s inception but moved on to the board of trustees.

He was succeeded by Clara Vaughan, who came to the position from her previous post as head of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She joins principal Helen Read in the leadership team at the college.

Ms Vaughan said: “It was a surprise for everybody, the severity of the problem.

“There was an awareness

that there would be some unexpected costs in the next financial year, but I think the way that it affected this year was a surprise.

“It’s the effect of increased costs of running any kind of programme generally, and it really came to light in late October.

“The severity of the problem seemed to snowball from there.”

She said that the college’s focus is on its pupils.

“The first thing we said was ‘how do we keep our responsibilities to our students,’ so that they aren’t dropped at

this moment.

“It’s an important lesson for the college, and we’re running this campaign now so that we can fulfil that obligation.”

Ms Vaughan also said that the ongoing financial stability of the college must be considered.

“We need to focus our attention on the stability of the college, so that people have confidence in its sustainability.

“We’ve been working hard to analyse where we are and how we can respond to things that aren’t in our control,

“But we’re also rectifying poor financial management,

looking at new models of our operation, which should mean us going into a new phase.”

She said that the college was looking to “make sure we are making the best possible use of the resources available to us: the beautiful space we rent, our teachers, our support networks.

“We need to use those assets in our programme in a way that means we are way less at risk, and we’re looking at partnerships so that we have multiple points of support.”

Ms Vaughan said that the college’s work would be a sore loss for those it supports: “It really is a very, very special place.

“It’s held in such a such special regard by the people who work and study here; the students who attend and who have attended in the past are a community,

“And one the reflects the value it has and the role that it has not only in the arts community, but in the wider community too.

“Spaces like this champion inclusivity in a highly exclusive industry, and the response to our fundraising campaign has confirmed that it is widely recognised.”

The online donation campaign can be found via: www.paypal.com

Gay chorus plans festive show on Sunday

ST LUKE’S church is set to welcome a local chorus for a Christmas concert, in collaboration with St Bartholomew’s Churches.

Thames Valley Gay Chorus will be holding an evening celebrating music and the LGBTQ+ community with a dash of festive cheer.

The chorus will be celebrating its 20-year anniversary next year, having begun as the Reading Gay Men’s Chorus in 2003.

It seeks to provide a safe space for members of LGBTQ+ communities to socialise and develop singing and performance skills.

It has recently performed at a number of events, including Reading Pride and the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil.

The Thames Valley Gay Chorus will be performing at St Luke’s Church, Erleigh Road, on Sunday, December 11.

The bar opens from 6.30pm and the show begins at 7pm, followed by an after party from 8pm.

Tickets are £10 per adult, £5 for under-16s.

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

PLEA FOR HELP: READ College says it is “in jeopardy” as it faces financial difficulty caused by soaring inflation and energy bills. Unless it raises £40,000, it could be forced to close its doors

Awards presented to town’s greatest unsung heroes

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING did us proud at the annual celebration of its greatest unsung heroes.

The conference centre at the Select Car Leasing stadium was the venue for the annual Pride of Reading Awards, held on Friday, December 2.

There were 16 awards presented including charity of the year, community champion, child of courage, and cultural contribution.

A special recognition award was presented to members of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, which is part of the Association of Ukraine in Great Britain, for its work helping people leaving our European neighbour, and sending aid to those who have stayed behind despite Russia’s illegal invasion.

And host Chris Tarrant made a donation of £5,000 to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

The event opened with a champagne reception, before guests were entertained by singers Danyl Johnson, Paul Rouse, Bethia, and Kitty Mazinzky.

Afterwards, event hosts Mel Bloor and Matt Allwright welcomed people and introduced the proceedings, which included a heartfelt tribute to one of the driving forces of the Pride of Reading awards, Hilary Scott. The former deputy editor of the Reading

Among those giving tributes were Sir John Madejski.

Chris said: “She was impossible not to like… she was extraordinary, and she believed so much in Reading. She was wonderful.”

It was announced that there would be a special award, in her honour, in next year’s Pride of Reading.

Guests then enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Simon Share, the executive chef of Reading FC Conference and Events Centre. This was a plant-based menu to reduce the meal’s carbon emissions from 5.5kg per dish down to 0.3kg.

The main course was called Scented Garden and was a curry of sweet potato and cauliflower, pilau rice, coconut and coriander cream.

Dessert was entitled Festive Forest, and was a twist on a black forest gateaux.

Afterwards, with coffee, people could enjoy the first batch of new Reading biscuits. As part of the 2022 awards and to mark the 200th anniversary of Huntley & Palmers, there was a quest to find a special recipe.

The winner was Veronica Lilley’s Crown Biscuit.

Shaped like a crown it featured a lemon shortbread based with a small chocolate crown in the middle.

Then came the awards. Interviews with each of the

winners will appear in our supplement on December 14.

Interval and finale entertainment came from Readikids, some of the young stars of Berzerk Productions and Starlet Dance School, campaigner Charlie Kristensen, and 80s pop legend Nick Heyward.

Sally Swift, on behalf of the organising committee, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon thanks to the tremendous achievements of the winners and generosity of our bighearted sponsors who make it all possible.”

The winners

Reading biscuit contest, sponsored by Jacob The Jewellers: Veronica Lilley’s Crown Biscuit

Charity of the Year, sponsored by Roc Search: Chemogiftbags and founder Lynne Shipton

School of the Year, sponsored by Qwerty: Theale Green

Business in Action under 50 employees, sponsored by Boyes Turner: The Blagrave Arms

Business in Action over 50, sponsored by Boyes Turner: Haslams

Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Cream Design: Sam Clarke

Employee of Year, sponsored by Reading Buses: Reading Borough Council’s Valbona Demiri

Cultural Contribution, sponsored by M&G Real Estate: Kalakunj Performing Arts Group

Special

The

Child

Chris Tarrant made a presentation of £5,000 to the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice to

Members of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre; Mike Charij, Olha Panas, Mick Polleck, Anna Janusz-Kent & Antonio Gresko

Reading Mayor Cllr Rachel Eden with Sinead Gibson

Jackie Yates, Valbona Demiri, Francesca Clements and Isheka Sessesay

Lola-Bella Teague with her award

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal

Evening Post helped launch the awards and bring Chris Tarrant on board as host.

recognition award: Reading Ukrainian Community Centre

Chris Tarrant Pride of Reading Award, sponsored by The Oracle: Lola-Bella Teague

of Courage, sponsored by IQVIA: Holly Baxter

The Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonalds: Daniel Pringle

Mental Health Champion, sponsored by Lynne Pyke: Smelly Wellies Local Hero, sponsored by Green Park: Joel Richards

help their vital work Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Chris Tarrant leads a tribute to former Reading Post deputy editor and Pride of Reading driving force Hilary Scott, who died in August

Marc Abercrombie from the Blagrave Arms with Strictly’s Ian Waite

As ever, there was a big musical finale

Joel Richards receiving his award

All smiles on the A.B. Walker table

Time for a selfie: Cultural Contribution winners the Kalakunj Performing Arts Group

Bethia entertains

Chris Tarrant with Jane Bird

Matt Allwright applauds the entertainment

Danyl Johnson provided some of the entertainment

Sir John Madejski is a passionate supporter of Reading and its people, and was delighted to be present on the day

Nick Heyward, from Haircut 100, was among the musicians who performed for the big finale

A big weekend for Reading with music, light, food and fun

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING will be home to a flurry of fundraising and live events this weekend.

Forbury Gardens will be decked out in festive decoration for Gig in the Gardens on Friday, December 9.

The event will see live music from The Magical Mystery Four, Kill Committee, and the Tim Kay Band, as well as a roster of other acts, followed by a silent disco.

Street food and drinks will be available, provided by Blue Collar Corner, as well as fire pits to keep to warm by.

The gig will raise funds for the Reading Refugee Support Group.

On Saturday, December 10, the gardens will see a Festive Family Rave, where a childfriendly silent disco will feature a number of music channels to dance along to.

Three sessions will run, each with three channels to choose from: Disney music, pop, and Christmas

favourites.

Part of ticket sales will go to Parenting Special Children, which provides specialist for families who have children with special needs.

Later that evening, the lantern parade will light up the town centre as it makes its way to the gardens.

Beginning at Broad Street, the parade sees the fireflies lead a procession of lantern light, celebrating music, light, and community spirit.

The event follows a number of lantern making workshops which have been held across Reading and culminates in a musical finale.

The weekend of events has been provided by Reading’s Business Improvement District, a collaborative body formed of 900 businesses in the town.

Alexa Volker, BID Manager, said: “We have worked hard to put on a series of events that will appeal to the whole community and a wide range of ages.

“From a family rave for primary school age children to

live local bands for Reading’s gig-going audience and a magical lantern procession for all ages.

“However you Christmas, we look forward to seeing you in Reading town centre in December.”

Gig in the Gardens begins at 5pm in Forbury Gardens on Friday, December 9, with music beginning from 5.45pm.

Entry is £12, including a £2 donation to the Reading Refugee Group.

The Festive Family Raves take place at 10am, noon, and 2pm on Saturday, December 10, also at Forbury Gardens.

Entry costs £5 per person, with a portion of ticket price going to Parenting Special Children.

The lantern parade will follow, also on Saturday, December 10, with the procession beginning at the top of Broad Street at 5.30pm and heading down towards Market Place

n For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.visitreading.com/whats-on/christmas.

Christmas art market shines at The Rising Sun

THE RISING Sun arts centre played host to a Christmas art market, featuring a range of stalls and crafts.

On Sunday, December 4, it welcomed stalls from artists and crafty creators, with all sorts of art pieces and handmade gifts as well as mulled wine and festive food.

The centre’s manager, Larry Watson, said: “It was a fabulous day with two floors of stalls.

“There was a real variety of things on display, different kinds of arts and crafts from quite a wide range of artists and community groups.

“There were also stalls and

was selling stuff for fundraising. It was a really nice atmosphere. There was a really nice buzz about the place all day.

“We had the cafe going and selling home-made cakes, donated by our volunteers.”

While the proceeds go towards helping the centre, Mr Watson says that “I think the thing for us is getting people together and making things happen – that’s why we’re here.”

He said that the event had “some really great art on display, and quite a few people who were there as artists were showing their paintings and prints to a new audience.

“There were some great prints from print makers, people with cards for sale and some really nice jewellery,

“There was someone from the Parkinson’s UK support group who was selling some really nice things,

“There was there was a guy with learning disabilities called Jack Welch ins who was selling some amazing drawings, I think he sold a quite few pieces.”

The Rising Sun Arts Centre is also hosting LGBTQ+ craft and making sessions on Saturday, December 17.

n For more details, visit: www.risingsunartscentre.org

On Thursday, July 28, and again on Tuesday, September 6, a man attended Twyford train station between 10am and 11am, breaking into a

The man smashed the rear windows of the vehicles and stole golf clubs, with both thefts valued at between £2,500-£3,000.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any further information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200079838.

It takes place at Reading Minster Church in the town centre on Saturday, December 10, at the early time of 4pm.

Organisers say there will be well-loved carols, music from across the ages, films and places. And younger members of the audience will be able to help get Santa’s sleigh bells ringing.

The evening of music is open to all, and the band is offering free tickets to Ukrainian refugees as well as under 16s.

Tickets for adults cost £13, and students are £7.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: trinityband.co.uk

Martina Hildebrandt displays some of her floral and historical pieces. Pictures: Steve Smyth

Monica Hudson brought a range of hand-made jewellery, including her nature-inspired earrings and Pride pieces

Wendy Hobson shows some of the clothing and accessories available

BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for information about a man they would like to speak to in connection with thefts from motor vehicles.

vehicle on both occasions.

SLEIGH bells will be ringing out to celebrate Christmas at the Trinity Concert Band festive concert.

Warm Homes campaigners demand action on fuel poverty

A GROUP of environmental campaigners has launched a new advocacy group in Reading, urging action on fuel poverty this winter.

Reading Friends of the Earth, a climate campaign group, is behind the initiative, Reading for Warm Homes.

It was launched on Saturday as part of a nationwide campaign working towards UK homes remaining heated “without costing the Earth.”

The day saw action across the country and online to demand swift, practical action on fuel poverty and the energy crisis.

Campaigners gathered outside Reading’s Town Hall on Saturday, with banners and placards calling for the government to fix insulation in homes and maximise the use of renewable energy.

The group says that these measures combined will bring down energy prices, reduce the carbon footprint of our energy use, and crucially allow residents to keep their houses warm.

John Booth of Reading Friends of the Earth, who co-ordinated the event, said: “It was great to see so many people from different groups joining us to call for more central government action.

“We had a good response from the public we leafleted–we would like to hear from other local groups, and people

keen to meet up early next year to take this forward.

“Reading Council has some good initiatives to help people in need and a programme of property improvement but much more government funding is needed to speed things up.”

He explained that Reading Friends of the Earth have analysed Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data for all the homes in Reading.

The found that less than 5% of Reading homes are fully insulated, and more than 60% of Reading homes lack roof or loft insulation.

The use of such insulation would be an improvement which would be paid back in less than two years in savings.

It also found that around 40% of Reading homes lack cavity walls insulation, an improvement which would be paid back in savings within four years, it says.

He continued: “EPCs estimate the energy consumption per unit floor area of a property and award energy ratings from A down to G.

“The average home in Reading uses about 33% more energy than a ‘C’ rating so there is a lot of scope for costeffective improvement.”

The group is seeking unite communities and organisations across the area that are working towards the common

goal of warm homes, lower prices, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Reading for Warm Homes’s Graham Hudson said: “The colder days are drawing in but the worst months are yet to come.

“And still the government has no credible plan to ease the pain of the cost of living crisis for millions of people, or lower our energy bills for good.

“Even with the package of financial support announced by the last PM, the number of

Libraries team up with BFI to explore Chinese connections

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

AN EXHIBITION which explores the culture and history of British Chinese communities has come to Reading Libraries.

In a partnership with the British Library, Reading Library Services has launched a series of events and displays exploring the stories, crafts, and reflections on the history of British Chinese communities.

Reading Central Library is now home to a free exhibition, inspired by the British Library’s Chinese and British, which reflects on the history of Chinese communities in the UK through a series of photos, manuscripts, and interviews.

It will also see a traditional Chinese brush painting workshop as well as a crafts and storytelling session with members of the Wukong Education online school.

A collection of films has been released which explore the stories of British Chinese people from across the UK, produced

by the British Film Institute.

Cllr Adele BarnettWard, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to work in partnership with Reading’s Chinese Community to enhance our latest exhibition with hands on activities.

“Join us to celebrate the lasting legacy of this vibrant community.

“You can catch the library’s fascinating free exhibition, which we are hosting in partnership with the British Library, at Reading Central Library,

“Take part in some wonderful free brush painting sessions this weekend, or the next weekend come along for our Chinese stories and crafts session.”

Shuangqi Wu, the business development manager of WuKong Education at Reading,

said: “We want our storytelling and crafts sessions to be fun and inspire kids to learn.

“Holding the event in collaboration with Reading Borough Council and Reading Borough Libraries is a great way to bring our communities closer together.

“It is particularly important to have bilingual storytelling in our sessions involving both Chinese and English speakers.”

The British Library’s Chinese and British exhibition runs until Sunday, April 23, next year.

The story telling session will see an English and Mandarin reading of Nian the New Year Monster, as part of Reading Telling Stories, at RCL on Saturday, December 10, from 1pm to 2.30pm.

The display is available to view for free at RCL.

n The collection of interviews is available to watch online via: player.bfi.org.uk

people facing fuel poverty this winter has more than doubled compared to last year.

He continued: “Clearly, there are too many facing bleak and difficult months ahead and in desperate need of support.

“But going beyond the short-term and rolling out the measures that will help to lower bills for good must also be at the top of the government’s agenda.

“By committing to a nationwide insulation

programme and a plan to rapidly ramp up the production of cheap, clean and popular renewable energy, the government can slash energy bills, cut carbon emissions and keep each and every one of us warm.”

The group says that around 6 million people are expected to be in fuel poverty this winter, contributing to an already severe cost of living crisis.

n For more information, visit: www.readingfoe.org.uk

Phoenix Choir to sing of the season

CAROLS will be sung at a concert taking place in a Reading church.

The Reading Phoenix Choir is hosting the event, which starts at the family-friendly time of 5.30pm on Saturday, December 10.

There will be a mixture of familiar and rarely heard Christmas music, and includes items that the audience can join in with.

The concert will raise funds for Refugee Support Group.

Tickets cost £10, or £9 in advance, and the evening takes place at St Mary’s Church in Castle Street.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: readingphoenixchoir.com

Witness appeal to late night assault

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assult in Reading.

At around 5.30am on Saturday, November 26, the two female victims were leaving Grosvenor Casino when they were assaulted by a male offender.

Any information can be given by dialling 101 and quoting reference number 43220532801.

CALL FOR ACTION: Campaigners outside the Town Hall at the launch event for Reading for Warm Homes on Saturday, December 3. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Friends of the Earth

Reading Women

‘The

Royals’

Front (left to right): Faye Bryson, Charlie Wellings, Lily Woodham, Emma Mukandi (C), Mark Bowen, Kelly Chambers, Brooke Chaplen, Rachel Rowe, Becky Jane, Tia Primmer, Freya Meadows Tuson

Middle (left to right): Phil Saunders, Elise Sanne Troelsgaard, Brooke Hendrix, Jackie Hannah Poulter, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Roberto Fung

Women FC 2022-23 Royals’

PICTURE: © Neil Graham

Elise Vadiveloo, Deanna Cooper, Jackie Burns, Grace Moloney, Vanhaevermaet, Emma Harries, Gemma Evans,

Back (left to right): Alex Bramley, Amalie Eikeland, Natasha Dowie, Diane Caldwell, Adam Jeffery, Phil Cousins, Lauren Wade, Bethan Roberts, Deanne Rose, James White, Dean Tetley

Arts funding is a boost for town

IT IS good news that RABBLE theatre company is to receive a £100,000 grant from the Arts Council England.

The money will be used to stage a new take on Henry I, the king thought to be buried in the Abbey Quarter, next summer.

And the production will take place in the Abbey Ruins, right in the shadow of Reading Gaol.

RABBLE is a theatre company that, like others in the town, we can be proud of. Their ambition is wide-reaching, and they aim to make theatre as accessible as possible.

They are also firm supporters of the campaign to protect the gaol site and see it become an arts centre.

This is something many of us in the town are passionate about. Thank goodness MP Matt Rodda continues to bang the drum for this with the revolving door of ministers.

But to have a company of the calibre of RABBLE on board, and to see them receive this vote of confidence from the Arts Council, means there is another strong voice batting for Reading.

Let’s keep the gaol dream alive.

Cabbages and kings

Festive baking challenge

As a baker, I love getting together with my family over Christmas for lots of good food – including my delicious almond shortcrust biscuits, which are perfect with a hot chocolate.

These special moments really make me think about how lucky I am. That’s why I’m taking part in Mary’s Meals’ Big Family Christmas fundraiser – and I hope your readers will join me!

Mary’s Meals provides a daily meal to more than 2.2 million children every school day in 20 of the world’s poorest countries. Its nutritious meals attract desperately hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and chance of a better future.

Every year, this amazing charity hosts a virtual Christmas dinner for supporters around the world. In return for a donation of £15.90 – enough to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a school year – your readers can set a place for themselves or a loved one at the Mary’s Meals Big Family Christmas table. Their name will appear online and they will receive a beautiful PDF placemat which can be passed on as a gift.

And until January 31, 2023, support for Mary’s Meals will go twice as far thanks to its Double The Love campaign. During this period, donations to the charity will be doubled by a group of

From the Chamber

Cllr Rob White

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: news@rdg.today

We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

generous supporters, with up to £1.5 million available. Find out more at marysmeals.org.uk

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Giuseppe Dell’Anno, Great British Bake Off winner 2021

Uncertain Christmas

Thousands of people across the country are facing a distressing and uncertain Christmas without a safe place to call home.

In Britain today, 227,000 households are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes people sleeping on the streets, trapped in insecure accommodation without access to their own cooking or washing facilities, or enduring the instability of sofa surfing.

As the rising cost-of-living piles more and more pressure on people, homelessness charity Crisis is seeing the consequences in its front-line services.

They’re supporting people in desperate situations struggling with unaffordable housing and skyrocketing bills. As cost pressures intensify, it’s only going to get worse.

Now’s the time to stand with people facing homelessness. Crisis at Christmas will soon be opening its doors to people who would otherwise be spending December and January sleeping on the streets.

In three hotels across London and centres around the country,

people will be provided with food and warmth as well as tailored help including healthcare, training and support with housing.

And this is just the beginning – Crisis will be providing all its Christmas guests with a key worker who will give ongoing support.

The support Crisis provides is only possible because of the generosity of the public. Please give the gift of a Crisis Christmas.

To find out more or to donate to Crisis this Christmas, please visit www.crisis.org.uk/support

Alastair Stewart OBE, Crisis Ambassador; Al Doyle, Crisis Ambassador; Ayo Akinwolere, Crisis Ambassador; Ellie Goulding, Crisis Ambassador; Imelda Staunton, Crisis Ambassador; Jo Brand, Crisis Ambassador; Sir Jonathan Pryce, Crisis Ambassador; Nyome Nicholas-Williams, Crisis Ambassador

Running us down

This government and greedy shareholders are holding all people to ransom – elderly disabled and students. It is time Sunak stopped running this country down after the biggest mistake since the Second World War. Brexit will never work.

Victor Rones, via email

From the Leader

Cllr Jason Brock

Weathering the unknown storm

DECEMBER is a month that most of us – and for mostly positive reasons – look forward to the end of.

Certainly, I think we can all agree that it will be nice to see the evenings begin to slowly creep lighter again.

It’s also a month with a slightly quieter calendar of formal Council meetings, allowing some time to prepare reports for the very busy run of meetings across January and February as we work towards setting the Budget for the year ahead.

As is now usual, Policy Committee will in a couple of weeks consider an update on our Medium-Term Financial Strategy (as the three-year forward budgeting plan is, not very catchily, entitled).

What is unusual is the sheer uncertainty as to the economic climate in which we are operating. Even in the tough years of the austerity decade we generally had some certainty around the challenges that we would face over the following 12 months.

Now, the difficulties in both the national and global economy mean that we cannot truly foresee the headwinds we’ll face and must prepare the Council to be flexible as scenarios demand.

It’s more than a shame that, in this context, the Government won’t even publish the provisional finance settlement for local councils until the week of Christmas.

It used to feature a quiz in which the young contestant was given a prize to hold if they got an answer right and a cabbage if they answered incorrectly.

Of course, both prizes and cabbages mounted up until it was impossible to keep hold of everything…

It seems to me that December can be rather like that quiz.

We can find ourselves struggling under everything that the build-up to Christmas piles on to us.

For some of us this comes in the form of tasks and events: some welcome, maybe others less so, but all demanding time and energy.

For others, the real problem is the burden of expectations.

It’s almost impossible to turn on the TV, open a website or even look at a bus shelter without being bombarded with images of what Christmas ‘should’ look like – with genial gatherings of friends and family, perfectly presented food and, of course, expensive presents.

The expectation that Christmas should be busy, sociable and fun can weigh us down whether we’re caught up in it or feel as if we’re missing out.

How many of the things we carry at this time of the year are helpful and life-affirming?

I wonder how many of them help us to remember the bigger issues Jesus spoke of: justice and mercy and faith?

If you’ll pardon the simile, are we in danger –like the child in the Crackerjack quiz – of holding on to the cabbages and dropping the prizes?

The Revd Ann Cogle, is a curate at Reading Minster, writing on behalf of Churches Together in the Centre of Reading

Green Party says ‘Welcome to Reading’ is for everyone

WITH Labour now somewhere to the right of the Conservatives on immigration, we need to welcome the people who make Reading their home.

Green councillor Doug Cresswell says: “It is people who make Reading great, people from across the world who have come here, worked hard, loved their families, loved their communities, and made it great. The two old dinosaur political parties need to stop demonising immigrants and realise we are stronger together, not stronger apart.”

Green Party supports small businesses

For Small Business Saturday, Reading Green Party is calling on national government to implement a series of measures to help small and independent

businesses and social enterprises green their operations, improve employee welfare and make it easier for people to ‘shop local’.

They include government insulation grants for businesses, reform of business rates to incentivise greener business practices, an introduction of differential VAT rates in favour of small businesses, and an immediate suspension of Covid loan repayments

Local businesses and enterprises help bring diversity to Reading, providing it with a distinctive and unique character. They are also vitally important in providing jobs and keeping money circulating in the local area.

Greens campaigner Kate Nikulina wants more trees planted for a greener Reading Trees bring many benefits ranging from wildlife habitat to

boosting our mental health. With so many trees dying during the summer, Green campaigner Kate Nikulina says Reading Council’s tree ‘strategy’ doesn’t go far enough or fast enough towards more planting.

“The council has a ‘tree strategy’ that isn’t really much of a strategy at all, but does at least highlights that we need more trees planted,” she says. “Planting trees is no good if we lose a hundred each year, and we need those trees now, to grow and flourish, not saplings planted in 10 years time.

“What we’re seeing is hardly an emergency response. But there is a different way – a Green council would be out there now, planting for a greener future.” Greens are the second largest party in Reading

Fortunately, there’s now real, constructive opposition to Labour on Reading council. Following the local elections in May there are now more Green councillors than Conservatives. There is a growing team of hard-working Green councillors standing up for residents across the town.

If you’re keen on being part of the change, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty. org.uk/get-involved Green Party councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

Over the past few years, Labour councillors have applied themselves to rebuilding the Council into a financially robust organisation. We’re now better prepared than a great many local authorities to weather an economic storm – as is demonstrated by the comments from the Leaders of Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire councils in recent weeks – but we always have to give careful thought as to how we can balance our wide range of responsibilities.

Social care costs, for example, could quickly overwhelm us if we don’t maintain either our work to support families at an early stage or our efforts to keep older residents living independently in their own homes. And unlike the county councils I’ve mentioned, we also perform that work alongside the routine services like bin collections, park maintenance, and environmental health work.

Challenging times also give us a renewed focus to keep prioritising and pushing forward those projects that deliver meaningful benefits for residents.

I know lots of residents are looking forward to the imminent opening of the new Palmer Park pool and leisure centre (including, quite charmingly, some individuals who have consistently voted against it on the Council).

Similarly, it’s great to see the renewed Reading West Station starting to take shape, work starting on new active travel schemes, and even more roads being resurfaced across the town.

At the same time, I’m really pleased that Reading Labour is driving new projects to improve lives in our town. Most notably, we’ve recently allocated funding towards a further 87 Council homes across the borough – increasing the scale of our Council building programme, which is already the largest in a generation.

This includes some sites which have been historically rather frustrating for some of us, including the long-empty plot on the corner of Dwyer Road and Burghfield Road.

Whatever the next few months bring, we’ve always been clear on the aspirations we have for Reading, and we’ll continue to pursue them. Our town will, I’m entirely sure, continue to be economically successful, but I want it to share that success better and to keep offering more for every resident.

IWONDER how many people remember the children’s TV programme Crackerjack?

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote

Professor nominated Emirates cabin crew

open day

A MAJOR airline is helping prospective flight attendants give their careers the perfect take-off at a recruitment day tomorrow.

Emirates will be looking to identify suitable additions to its cabin crew staff at the event at Voco Reading, Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The Dubai-based airline’s offer include career opportunities, excellent training facilities and development programmes.

All Emirates crew are based in Dubai and are able to enjoy a tax-free salary, free company-provided accommodation, medical cover and other perks.

Candidates are advised to pre-register online and come with an up-to-date CV and a recent photograph, although walk-ins will be accepted on the day.

Applicants must be prepared to spend the full day at the venue.

Those who are shortlisted will be informed of further assessments and interviews before they leave.

The event starts at 9am on December 8.

n To pre-register, visit: www. emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabincrew

Market celebrates Reading’s small businesses

HAT’S the way to do it.

Martha Mcallister is modelling some berets on sale at a celebration of Reading’s independent businesses.

On Saturday and Sunday, Market Place in Reading’s town centre became a winter wonderland for shoppers looking for unique Christmas presents.

And they included the berets, as well as comics, candles, beer, food and crafts.

The two-day event was organised by REDA, to celebrate Small Business Saturday, and included live music and other festive treats to make it a success.

Theatre company’s £100k to stage new take on Henry I

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

ARTS COUNCIL England has made a major investment in a Reading theatre group for one of their upcoming productions.

RABBLE Theatre, based in Caversham, has been awarded a £100,000 investment into its upcoming production of Henry I.

The production was written by the company's associate writer, Beth Flintoff, and will be staged inside Reading Abbey Ruins.

Peter Heslip, south east director at Arts Council England, said: “It’s wonderful to see that so many people will have the opportunity to participate in this exciting new educational project by RABBLE Theatre.

"Arts, culture and creativity have a vital role in empowering people – giving us the opportunity to discover our history and to explore challenging themes, as well as helping us to feel a sense of pride in the places that we live and work.

"We’re pleased to be able to

support this exciting project thanks to National Lottery players.”

The play will be accompanied by the company's inaugural Finding Reading festival.

The festival will see "unique" participatory educational experiences as 700 students and community group members creating work based on the play's themes of gender equality, war, forgiveness, and Reading's role in Medieval England.

Dani Davies, executive director of RABBLE Theatre, said: “With all that is going on in our delicate world and, as the mother of three girls, this play feels deeply relevant.

"It tells the story of forgotten women while also exploring the effect of violence perpetrated by those in power.

"I’m delighted that ACE are supporting RABBLE once again.”

The production of Henry I

will be showing in the ruins of Reading Abbey, founded by King Henry in 1121.

It will feature a refreshed version of its original soundtrack composed by Benjamin Hudson and Rosalind Steele.

Louise Gilmour, RABBLE Theatre’s chair of Trustees: “This funding is a major boost, not just for RABBLE but for Reading, which continues to grow, culturally.

"We’re extremely grateful to Arts Council England for the grant and excited to be a part of their bold strategy to empower communities and build cultural identity.”

RABBLE is an inclusive, independent theatre company based in Caversham, Reading.

It is intending to perform Henry I from June 13 to July 1. It will be drecited by the company’s associate director Hal Chambers, designed by Sarah Jane Booth, and feature an original soundtrack.

READING archaeologist has been nominated for an award for leading a number of major excavations.

Dr Gabor Thomas, associate professor of archaeology at the University of Reading, is up for the Current Archaeology accolade for his track record on leading projects.

Last year, Dr Thomas was part of a team which unearthed the site of a monastery in Cookham.

It was led by Queen Cynethryth who ruled the kingdom of Mercia with her husband King Offa in the late 8th century.

The University of Reading’s school of archaeology returned to the site this year to continue to collect data “of national significance,” and Dr Thomas will join the teams set to return in both 2023 and 2024.

He said: “I’ve been tremendously privileged in being able to excavate amazing early medieval monastic archaeology at a succession of sites and being recognised for my work fills me with pride.”

Voting for the Current Archaeology Awards is now open and closes on Wednesday, February 1.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, February 25.

n To vote for the nominees, log on to: archaeology.co.uk

Danielle Sainsbury with some children’s artwork on decorations and cards Pictures: Steve Smyth

Martha Mcallister with some beret s that are made by Adrienne Henry.

Blandy & Blandy highly commended at law awards

A READING-based law firm was ‘highly commended’ in the Family Law Firm of the Year - South category at the 2022 Family Law Awards.

The event, which welcomed around 900 professionals, was held at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London late last month, and saw a team from Blandy & Blandy, based in Blagrave Street, attend.

According to organisers, LexisNexis, “The twelfth annual Family Law Awards recognise the important work of family lawyers and celebrate their many successes and outstanding achievements.

The awards bring the family law community together for its biggest night of the year, celebrating excellence, networking and recognising its vital contribution to society.”

Partner and team head Claire Dyer said: “It is such an honour to be nominated in these prestigious awards and we are thrilled to have been highly commended in our category.

“It is a real testament to the hard work of each and every member of the team and it was wonderful to have attended an event with so many other excellent professionals.

“Well done to all those who were recognised.”

Home to one of the largest and most experienced Family Law teams in the region, Blandy & Blandy is also ranked as a top tier firm for Family Law in the UK’s leading guides to law firms, Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500.

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

Investors in People recognises Wokinghambased consultancy firm

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A WOKINGHAM-based firm that specialises in talent management, people development and organisational change, has been recognised for a second time as a Platinum organisation by Investors in People (IiP).

This is the highest level of accreditation an organisation can receive and places Berkshire Consultancy Ltd (BCL) in the top 5% of organisations.

IIP is the international standard for people management and responsible for defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results.

It enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.

Berkshire Consultancy’s IIP accreditation highlighted the enthusiasm and

excitement of the whole team – with 100% agreeing Berkshire Consultancy is a ‘great place to work’.

Particular mention was made to the high levels of trust, collaboration, inclusion and resilience demonstrated, as well as their strong, consultative leadership, passion for innovation, the commitment to growing their people and the flexibility given to all around working patterns.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Berkshire Consultancy Ltd.

“Platinum accreditation is a remarkable effort for any organisation, and places Berkshire Consultancy in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

And Berkshire Consultancy Ltd’s managing director, Mike Robinson, was thrilled with the verdict.

“We set out to be an Investor in People and achieved it in 1996 within two years of launching our business,” he said.

“Since then, we have continued to work at improving how we develop our people in the broadest sense and were proud to be recognised as a Platinum provider in 2019.

“We are now delighted to have had this re-confirmed after our reassessment, involving the whole team in showing how we live and promote our values in all that we do.”

He added: “From my perspective as MD, IiP Platinum is not just a badge, it’s a common sense way of allowing all my people to bring the best version of themselves to work and grow the business through growing the individual talent within it.”

n For more information on Berkshire Consultancy Ltd, log on to: www.Berkshire.co.uk

Estate agency Hat and Home scoops three awards at industry event

AN ESTATE agency with branches in Wokingham and Corwthorme scored a hat trick at an awards ceremony last month.

Hat and Home, which opened a third branch in Bracknell in the summer, scooped the honours at The Negotiator Awards held at Grosvenor House in central London, and attended by more than 1,000 people.

They were awarded Silver in Best Marketing Campaign of the Year, Regional Agency of the Year (South East) and Estate Agency of the Year.

The awards were presented

by actor and comic Stephen Mangan.

Ben Gee, Hat & Home’s founder, said: “To be recognised by a panel of independent judges among such fierce competition is testament to the fantastic team of people who work tirelessly for our clients”.

Hat and Home won three gold awards at the same event in 2021 and are delighted to add to their ‘wall of fame’.

They were also awarded a Highly Commended status for Community Champion of the Year, highlighting the work they do to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

Since launching less than two years ago, the business has raised over £20,000 for the charity.

Founder Ben Gee was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, and has an ambition to raise more than £200,000 for the charity over the first five years of business.

Director Luke Strzadala said: “Hat and Home has foundations of service and as we grow our network of offices we look forward to helping more people have a fantastic experience moving home.”

n For more details, log on to: www.hatandhome.co.uk

WINNERS: The team from Hat & Home celebrate their success

BERKSHIRE CONSULTANCY IS CELEBRATING THE RECOGNITION BY INVESTORS IN PEOPLE

A steam day out to Bath or Gloucester

The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express

Saturday 4th February 2023

From Reading. Enjoy a nostalgic steam journey reliving the Golden Age of rail travel with a choice of destinations – Bath or Gloucester. We shall steam along the Kennet & Avon canal, climb up to Savernake summit and steam on through the attractive Vale of Pewsey and pass the famous White Horse at Westbury. You can choose to visit the Georgian city of Bath, renowned for its fine architecture, magnificent Abbey, Roman Baths, Pump House and small independent shops.

Alternatively, stay on board for Gloucester where you will find the 11th Century cathedral. Gloucester’s historic maritime connections are centred around Gloucester Docks home to the National Waterways Museum.

• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185pp/£565 family – 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 £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEI

Steam to Cheltenham or Worcester The Cotswold Venturer

Saturday 18th February 2023

From Reading. Join us for a scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills with a choice of destinations – Cheltenham or Worcester. With our magnificent steam locomotive at the head, our train will travel through the Vale of the White Horse and along the Golden Valley line. You can choose to spend the afternoon at spa town Cheltenham enjoying the fine Regency architecture with its Pittville Pump Room. Alternatively, stay on board for the fine city of Worcester. Set on the River Severn, Worcester’s 12th Century cathedral is the resting place of King John. The final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II took place here and you can also find the Museum of Royal Worcester.

• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185pp/£565 family – 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 £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEK

Tilehurst home

raided by thieves

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information following a burglary in Tilehurst.

Between 8.16pm and 8.27pm on Sunday, December 4, an unknown offender gained entry to a property in Mayfair by forcing a panel on the back door.

Jewellery was stolen.

Police are asking that any information about any suspicious incidents or sightings are reported to them through The Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre, by calling 101.

Candlelit concert

THREE choirs will come together to perform a Christmas concert at Reading Minster.

The Occasions Singers, Reading A440, and Reading Male Voice Choir will join forces in aid of Reading Minster’s Music Outreach project.

The groups will perform a number of Christmassy tunes and invite the audience to take part in some carols.

The Candlelit Christmas Concert will take place at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin on Saturday, December 17, at 5pm.

Tickets cost £7.50, though under 16s go free, available direct from the Minster, or via: www.occasionssingers.org

Student competes in the inaugural OneSchool Global virtual debate

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A READING student has taken part in a virtual debate – the first of its kind – to an audience of thousands.

Sam Woolgar, a Year 13 pupil at the Reading campus of OneSchool Global, was joined by fellow pupils from the school’s worldwide network of schools for the Great Debate.

The event saw pupils discuss the efficacy of space exploration and the proposition of removing the competitive element from sports.

It was broadcast to 120 schools in the network, including campuses in the United States, Australia, Italy, and France.

The inaugural debate was put together by OneSchool Global to give its pupils the opportunity to collaborate with each other and help them boost co-operative and public speaking skills.

Sam said that he thoroughly enjoyed the event, particularly for getting to know students from around the world and learning about their unique approach to debating.

He added that debating in front of such a significant audience was nerve-racking but

that the experience was very good.

Speaking of Sam Woolgar’s success at the global debate, Wendy Roderick, interim principal at OneSchool Global’s Reading campus, said: “We are

immensely proud of Sam for representing our school on a global stage and he is a credit to our Reading campus and the OneSchool Global community.

“Thinking on your feet under pressure is a brilliant

SPEAKER:

Principal for Reading, said: “Our inaugural Great Debate was a resounding success.

“This was only made possible by excellent contributions made by all students, including Sam Woolgar from our Reading campus.

“At OneSchool Global, we empower our students with the skills to drive forward their own learning through our self-directed approach to education.

“Our regional, national and international debates offer pupils the opportunity to put these skills into practice, working with students from across the world to develop their own arguments.

“The high-quality debating on show from our students is also a testament to the excellent work of our teachers whose guidance and support made the event a success.”

skill and our campus is full of admiration for Sam’s articulate and convincing performance in front of an audience of thousands.”

Kimberley

“We look forward to holding another global debate in the near future where students from our Reading campus will again have the opportunity to show the country and our global community their fantastic debating abilities.”

OneSchool Global is a global school network with 9,000 students, spread over 120 campuses in 20 countries.

Road collision witness appeal PACT to hold carol concert

THAMES Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Winnersh.

At around 2.55pm on Friday, November 25, a black Mitsubishi L200 Trojan and a grey Ford Focus ST were involved in the collision at Showcase Roundabout, Reading Road.

The Mitsubishi driver, a man in his eighties, was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for a neck injury, and the driver of the ford, a man in his twenties, was also taken to the same hospital for a head injury.

Both have been discharged since, and no arrests have been made.

Investigating officer PC Elin Davies said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision, whereby two drivers have sustained serious injuries, to please come forward.

“You can upload any dashcam or CCTV footage to our dedicated online portal.

“You can contact us by calling the 24-hour non-emergency number 101 or by making a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220531644.”

READING Minster will be welcoming some cool characters at a carol service this Christmas.

Attendees will be invited to take part in carols in a celebratory concert in aid of adoption and fostering charity PACT.

As well as carols and music, there will be readings, performances, and reflections on PACT’s work supporting children, families, and the community more widely.

Young attendees are invited to dress up for the occasion, with Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf set to appear to meet and greet as well as pose for photo opportunities.

Refreshments will also be served.

Tickets cost £10, £5 for children, and £20 for family tickets admitting two adults and two children.

The Carol Concert begins at 6.30pm and ends at 7.45pm, on Friday, December 16.

n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: www.pactcharity.org

Victorian Christmas returns to Museum

A HISTORIC Christmas event is set to transform Reading Museum, featuring a very special guest.

Following a two-year hiatus, the museum is bringing back its authentic Victorian Christmas experience.

Father Christmas himself is due to take up residence at the museum as it prepares a historical Christmas grotto.

The event will look at the origins of Christmas customs,

many of which are rooted in the Victorian era, and how the season was celebrated as part of family life.

Christmas trees, figgy pudding, and a host of popular Christmas carols first appeared in Victorian publications, along with the tradition of sending festive greetings cards through the post.

The event will also see a traditional decoration making experience, as well as the

chance to compose a letter and present it to Santa himself.

Attendees will also receive a special gift before they leave.

Father Christmas’ Victorian Grotto comes to Reading Museum on Saturday, December 17.

Half-hour sessions take place at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 1pm, 1.45pm, and 2.30pm.

n Tickets cost £5, available via: whatsonreading.com

Hutton, OneSchool Global’s Regional

Sam Woolgar, a Year 13 pupil at the Reading campus of OneSchool Global, was joined by fellow pupils from the school’s worldwide network of schools for the Great Debate. Picture: Courtesy of OneSchool Global

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Wednesday, December 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 35

Santa teams up with Lions for festive tour

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

FATHER CHRISTMAS himself has finally landed in Reading, ready to bring festive cheer to the town this Christmas.

On Tuesday, last week Santa Claus arrived at Waitrose, Oxford Road for a few preliminary checks of the sleigh.

He was welcomed by Reading Lions Club’s Ian Henderson and Andy Young, as well as the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.

He’ll be visiting a number of roads and locations around Reading until Tuesday, December 23, helping the club to raise funds for their support of the community.

Mr Henderson, president of Reading Lions Club, said: “We bring Santa and his sleigh to the streets of Reading to give joy to everybody. But it’s also important for us to try and make some money for people that are in need.”

He said that Santa’s help makes the event one of the club’s major fundraisers, with

last year’s appeal raising more than £7,000.

“We’re helping with food banks this Christmas and helping with Ukraine as well.

“We pull it all together and we offer help to anyone that needs it locally – we’ve just made a donation to The Giving Tree, which is run by Reading Connect.

this year has been a busy one for the club, and for getting hold of Santa himself, too.

“It takes us 12 months to prebook him, as most people have to be pre booked.”

But he says it is well worth the booking, as he said that seeing Santa bringing cheer to Reading: “Is such a great feeling.

Father Christmas will visit streets in Woodcote, The Mount, and Caversham, as well as the Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets on Oxford Road.

Census data shows a diverse ‘Ding

CHRISTIANITY remains the largest religion followed in Reading but diversity continues to grow as other faiths surpass the national average.

Census data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last month revealed 39.6% of the borough’s residents identify as Christian, a total of 68,988.

The religion question on the census is voluntary and is a measure of how a person connects or identifies with a religion, whether or not they actively practice it.

In Reading, 162,164 people answered, 93.1% of the population.

Individuals who selected no religion were the second largest group in the borough at 36.3%, 63,287 people.

This is similar to neighbouring Wokingham borough where 36.9% of its residents also identify as nonreligious.

Wales, increasing by 12 percentage points to 37.2% (22.2 million) from 25.2% (14.1 million) in 2011.

Reading, has shown itself to be above the national averages for Muslim and Hindu religions.

In England and Wales, the number of people who described themselves as Muslim was 3.9 million, 6.5% of population and Hindu was 1 million, 1.7% of population.

The figures for Reading showed 8.9% of people were Muslim, 15,481 individuals, and 5% were Hindu, 8,757 residents.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said cultural diversity was “intrinsic to the town”.

They added: “The fact that so many different communities and people of different backgrounds choose to live and work in Reading is something we are extremely proud of.”

blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-3-v02-PR.pdf

“And hopefully we’re going to get gifts to about 50 or 60 children that would normally get this Christmas.”

Mr Henderson said also that

“We’re quite a small club, but we have a lot of local volunteers, and it’s one of those events everyone turns out for.

n A full list of streets and dates on the tour is available via: www. readinglions.org.uk.

1 28/07/2022 15:38

“Because they just love

n Santa can also be tracked on his route by using gotrak.me/ readinglionsclub

In Bracknell Forest, more than 40% of people don’t connect or identify with a religion.

This growing trend is reflected across England and

Buddhist made up 1.7% of the population, with Sikh at 0.7% and Jewish at 0.2%.

Other religions, which included faiths such as Pagan, Alevi, Jain and Rastafarian, made up 0.7% of Reading’s population.

Telephone: 0118 989 3438 www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture Bedrooms, Home Offices, Media Units & Bespoke Furniture

Private hire taxi drivers launch new trade union

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A NEW union for taxi drivers in Reading has launched after drivers accused the council of ‘fobbing them off’.

The Reading Private Hire Association was formed amid frustration that drivers’ concerns are not being listened to.

Last month, private hire drivers asked to be allowed to use the eastbound bus lane in Kings Road, in the same way that they are allowed to westbound bus lane.

But their request was put on hold during a meeting of the council’s traffic management sub-committee.

During the meeting Cllr Tony Page (Labour, Abbey), lead councillor for transport, said private taxis are not public and therefore do not form part of the strategic network.

Kamran Saddiq, the chairman of the Reading Private Hire Association, said: “We feel insulted, embarrassed, disgraced, the list goes on.

“They’re happy to take our badges and licence fees, they’re happy to take all that money, we’re good enough for that, but

we’re not good enough to be considered part of the strategic travel network.”

The committee decided to wait for a strategic review of the potential alterations to the bus lane network in Reading before any changes are made.

Mr Saddiq said there had been a long delay in Kings Road while driving a radiotherapy patient from the Royal Berkshire Hospital to their home in Slough: “I was stuck in traffic for 22 minutes, and in that time, three buses went past.

“How is Tony Page backing his comments at the end of the day?”

Mr Saddiq has also argued that private hire drivers have been taken for granted, and did vital work during the pandemic, with the company Premier Cars serving hospital patients and staff undertaken in a contract with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and South Central Ambulance Service.

He said: “If you’re going out and it’s pouring rain, are you going to walk to the bus stop?

No, you’re going to get a taxi.

“When the pandemic hit,

private hire drivers spent £300 putting plastic shields in our cars so we could serve hospital patients safely.

“If private hire is not part of the strategic transport system, what is?”

According to Mr Saddiq, the Reading Private Hire Association already has “215 plus” members, with more drivers to join soon.

The union is led by Mr Saddiq, vice chairman Saeed Iqbal, general secretary Salman Kayani and Shakeel Ahmed.

The appointed executive members are Sikandar Hayat, Aqeel Kayani, Manzoor Hussain, Malik Mahfooz Ahmed and Pervaz Akhtar.

Mr Saddiq said the group wanted to work with the council, but the feeling was not mutual.

“We’ve tried our level best to be reasonable with Reading Borough Council, but they’re so slow with our licenses, their reviews, it’s a nightmare,” he added.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council chose not to comment as it has not received official notification of the formation of the group yet.

Rainfall causes to delays to Reading West station works

TRAFFIC lights on a busy road in Tilehurst will be in place longer than expected due to delays to works caused by heavy rainfall, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter

Two-way traffic lights have been in place on the road bridge over the railway in Tilehurst Road since September 26.

The lights are in place so that construction crews can work on improvements to the pedestrian access to Reading West station at Tilehurst Road as part of an upgrade project. The work was meant to be completed on Monday, November 14.

However, there has been a delay due to heavy rainfall and drainage complications.

Councillors were informed of the delay at a strategic environment, planning and transport committee meeting on Wednesday, November 26.

Cllr James Moore (Liberal

Democrats, Tilehurst) questioned who’s responsibility it is for informing the public of the delays – the council or the Great Western Railway, which has contracted the work.

He asked “It does still say that it should be done, and people are saying what’s going on?”

Chris Maddocks, the council’s strategic transport manager, replied that it is the responsibility of GWR. However, a council leaflet on a lamppost still declares that the work would be completed on November 14.

Mr Maddocks said the rainfall and complications mean the traffic lights will stay there for three to four weeks, with the hope the work will be complete in mid-December.

The work involves improving access and establishing a new ticket gate-line at the Tilehurst Road entrance to limit access to the station to paying customers.

A spokesperson for GWR said posters informing the public of the delay have been put up in and around the station.

They state: “Upgrades to improve the Tilehurst Road station entrance have been progressing since work began in September.

“Due to the complexity of the works and recent bad weather, this entrance is now expected to reopen in mid-December 2022.”

According to the GWR spokesperson, posters informing passengers of the work delays were installed on Monday, November 9. Two days later, GWR’s contractors added posters to the site compound.

Upgrades at the station include a new station building and ticket gates at entrances and exit to ensure only paying customers have access, thus improving security and safety for passengers.

Festive treat returns to menu

CHRISTMAS is all about tradition, and a burger restaurant with a branch in Reading town centre has brought back one of its festive favourites.

Honest Burgers says its Christmas burger is back for a 11th year, and can be bought by everyone, even if they are on the naughty list.

It comprises an Honest beef burger, fused with smoked bacon, deep-fried French Camembert, cranberry sauce and rocket salad, served in a

toasted burger bun.

And there is a vegan version too, with a Beyond Meat burger and a double portion of Applewood Vegan cheese, and La Vie bacon.

The meals are available until

Monday, January 2, at £14 and £14.75 respectively. They are both served with homemade rosemary salted chips, seasonal coleslaw or dressed green salad.

Adam Layton, Honest Burgers head of collaboration, said: “Our Christmas special is back for the 11th year running.

“We couldn’t change it now even if we wanted to. There would be mutiny. Especially from our own teams.

“No cheese says Christmas like Camembert.”

WORKS IN PROGRESS: The temporary traffic lights at the Tilehurst Road bridge over the railway in Reading. Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

TAKE NOTE: Reading Borough Council’s announcement of the upgrades to the Tilehurst Road entrance of Reading

R o s e C o t t a g e s i s a s m a l l a n d a p p e a l i n g d e v e l o p m e n t o f j u s t f o u r t h r e e b e d r o o m s e m i d e t a c h e d h o m e s s e t i n t h e d e l i g h t f u l s e m i r u r a l l o c a t i o n o f S i n d l e s h a m T h e s e h o m e s a r e h i g h l y a d a p t a b l e a n d c o u l d m a k e t h e p e r f e c t s t a r t e r o r f a m i l y h o m e E v e r y h o m e e n j o y s o p e n p l a n l i v i n g s p a c e , b e s p o k e k i t c h e n s w i t h i n t e g r a t e d a p p l i a n c e s , l a r g e g a r d e n s , t w o d o u bl e b e d r o o m s a n d l u x u r y b a t h r o o m s a n d e n s u i t e s L e i s u r e t i m e c a n b e w e l l s p e n t w i t h t h e s e h o m e s i d e a l l y s i t u a t e d w i t h B e a r w o o d R e c r e a t i o n P a r k a n d N i r v a n a S p a w i t h i n w a k i n g d i s t a n c e B o t h W o k i n g h a m a n d W i n n e r s h t r a i n s t a t i o n a r e l o c a t e d w i t h i n a 1 0 m i n u t e d r i v e p r o v i d i n g e x c e l l e n t t r a n s p o r t l i n k s w i t h r e g u l a r a n d d i r e c t l i n k s i n t o L o n d o n W a t e r l o o a n d R e a d i n g

1 0 N O W T O B O O K Y O U R V I E W I N G A P P O I N T M E N T

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

AWOKINGHAM band’s Christmas fundraiser concert promises to be a night of singing, dancing and celebration.

Pink Fish will perform their upbeat set of popular hit songs and music later this month.

“It’s going to be a really fun event,” says Simon, the band’s frontman and singer.

“We all love Christmas, and this is a great chance to party.”

Proceeds from the concert will support Alzheimer’s Society.

“A number of us have family members affected by the condition,” he says,

“So we’re pleased to be able to do

In the pink

something positive for the charity.

“There should be something in our set for everyone.

“Youngsters can enjoy more recent songs, middle-agers can sing along to our 80s music, and seniors will recognise hits from the 60s.”

“There won’t be a song you don’t know,” the rest of the band promise.

By the laughter and joking between band members, it’s clear that they are all great friends.

They’ve been together for a long time, ever since three of them first met up in 1994 to play 60s rock and roll.

“Our repertoire started to expand, and we were performing more gigs,” explains bass player Robin.

“Eventually we thought we really ought to get a catchy name.

“So we all racked our brains, but nothing came to mind until at last I sat down with my then 10-year-old daughter - she’s 23 now.

“And I asked her, ‘what is the stupidest name you can think of?’ “

The rest, as they say, is history.

Pink Fish now enjoys an enthusiastic local following, regularly entertaining at weddings, parties and festivals.

Their final gig of the year will be at Wokingham’s Broad Street Tavern on New Year’s Eve.

“It’s been a busy 12 months,” says Robin. “It’s great that things are building up again since the end of covid restrictions.”

The group spends a lot of time making sure their music is not only fun, but that it’s performed to a high standard.

“We do all have other jobs, but we have such a lot of fun rehearsing together,” says Simon.

“It’s a nice release from the stress of work.”

Robin agrees: “We spend much of our time giggling during rehearsals, and in hysterics.

“We’ve sold 60 tickets for our Christmas fundraiser gig, but if we can reach 100 it will make for a fabulous party atmosphere.

“We’ll have you up and dancing,” Simon says.

“Come along and party with us.”

As if to prove a point, the entire band erupts into laughter.

Robin on bass, drummer Phil, David on keys, Steve on guitar, and singer Simon will perform as Pink Fish, at Emmbrook Sports and Social Club.

The event takes place on Saturday, December 17.

Doors, and the bar, will be open from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10, with the proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society.

n For information and tickets visit: www.eventbrite.com, search for the group’s Facebook page, or visit their website: www.partywithpinkfish. com

Big band sound will help hearing dogs

MAIDENHEAD is the place for big band sounds.

The audience can enjoy a concert with lots of Christmas songs.

The Maidenhead Concert Band promises a great evening for the whole family, with proceeds from the event going to Hearing Dogs For Deaf People.

The event will take place in Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre on Wednesday December 14.

Doors open at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £10.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

Enjoy lunchtime in the evening

WOKINGHAM audiences will sit down to lunch with a dysfunctional family for a night of hilarity.

Rules For Living is a theatrically playful, dark comedy about the games people play to survive strained relationships.

An extended family gathers in the kitchen for a traditional Christmas.

It should be a happy festive affair, but each one follows their own rules for living, playing them out rigidly until accusations fly and relationships deconstruct.

The rules of the game are there for all to see, audience included, so there’s really no place to hide.

The play runs at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday,December 8, through to Saturday, December 17, with the exception of Sunday.

Tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.

Folk rock carols at Norden Farm

FOR A fun night of folk rock carols, spoken word and humorous readings, people should make their way to Maidenhead.

The Albion Christmas Show promises to entertain with a seasonal mix of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.

Band members Simon Nicol, Kellie While, Simon Care and Ashley Hutchings

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until New Year’s Eve. Gasping. Until Sat 10.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 9. Christmas Nights in the Coach House. Tues 13. Platinum Abba: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Tues 13. Atomic

Rapture: The Music of Blondie. Wed 14.

Conservatoire: Tyler Hay. Fri 16.

FILMS: The Nutcracker. Thurs 8, Sun 11. The Banshees of Insherin. Fri 9-Sun 11. The Muppet Christmas Carol. Mon

12. Cezanne: Portraits of a Life. Tues 13.

Triangle of Sadness. Wed 14-Thurs 15. Hilma.

MB will take the audience on a guided tour of Christmas customs of Britain.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Friday, December 16.

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £24.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

Christmas ceilidh with Nedron’s Jig

PARTY goers can enjoy a fun Christmas ceilidh with dances including Cumberland Square 8, Virginia Reel, Gay Gordons and The Willow Tree.

No dancing experience is necessary, as the caller will guide everyone through the steps.

Ceilidh band Nedron’s Jig provide live music.

Music and dancing takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, in the atmospheric 18th century Long Barn.

Dancing kicks off on Saturday, December 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

Top Hat and tails for Christmas fun

IRVING Berlin’s musical Top Hat brings Hollywood’s golden age and the dance partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Brown to the stage.

It tells the story of performer Jerry, who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale.

Songs include Puttin’ On The Ritz, Cheek To Cheek, Isn’t This A Lovely Day,

and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

Performances are nightly on Wednesdays through to Sundays, until Friday, December 30.

Doors open at 8.15pm, with Saturday matinées at 2.15pm.

Additional matinees are on Sunday, December 11 and 18, Thursday, December 22 and 29, and Wednesday, December 28.

n Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show. For tickets and information log on to: www. millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000

Enjoy a visit to Narnia with a trip to Guildford

C.S.LEWIS’S classic story comes to Guildford.

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, tells the story of four children whose magical journey to another world begins when they step into the wardrobe.

A heart warming, snow melting story for all the family, this faithful stage adaptation is performed by a cast of young people between five and 18 years old.

Presented by Man In The Moon theatre company, the show can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

It runs from Thursday, December 15, to Sunday, December 18.

Performances are at 3.30pm and 7.30pm, except for Sunday, when they are at 11.30am and 3.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, or £12 for concessions.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Fri 16-Sat 17. It’s A

Wonderful Life. Sun 18.

Last Christmas. Sun 18.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Beauty and the Beast. Until New Year’s Eve.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until Jan 8. Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. Thurs 15-Sun 18.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Cinderella. Fri 9-New Year’s Eve. The Christmas Extravaganza with Baby Go Boom. Sat

10. Joanne Shaw Taylor. Sun 11. The Motown Christmas Extravaganza. Sat 17.

Fanny’s Festive Bingo Brunch. Sat 17.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Christmas with Blake. Mon 12. Morgan and West. Thurs 15. Aladdin. Sat 10-Thurs 29.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

One Snowy Night. Until Dec 30. The Nutcracker. Thurs 8. Chris McCausland. Fri 9-Sat

10. The Vinyl Frontier: your favourite v my favourite. Fri 9. Triangle of Sadness. Tues 13.

Charity Concert in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Wed 14. The Albion Christmas Band Fri 16. Remembering Clifford Brown. Fri 16. Christmas Ceilidh. Sat 17. Aftersun (12a). Sat 17. Living (12). Sat 17.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until New Year’s Eve. RB Live: The Nutcracker. Thurs 8. Festival of Light 2022. Sun 11.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Rapunzel. Until Sun Jan 1.

Yes, they definitely can.

In spades.

South Hill Park’s pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk, is an absolute riot, and ticks every box on the list of panto essentials:

A dastardly villain capable of insulting the children until they become a giggling, jiggling mass of laughter? Tick.

Plenty of stage smearing mess of all kinds - dry, wet, and sticky? Tick.

Silly jokes, fantastic costumes, a clever set, costume changes that must surely require scaffolding and a team of backstage dressers to achieve? Tick.

Singing, dancing, and a talented chorus of children? Tick.

Puppets, great songs and dance routines? Tick

This show is the perfect example of that joyous, colourful, anarchic explosion that makes for a great pantomime.

Written by sister of Kenneth, Joyce Branagh, the show is bags of fast moving fun.

Appropriately silly, and with some sections in verse, it sees Jack, with a slight twist, and brother Silly Billy, along with their formidably gorgeous mother, Dame Titiana, attempt to make their fortunes by climbing a garden legume.

Rachel Warrick-Clarke as Jack, Michael Ayiotis as Silly Billy, and Paul Toulson as Titiana make a fabulous family trio, working the crowd together effortlessly, with an endearing mixture of charm, cheek, and cheerful banter.

Ben Featherstone as Teddy the forbidden romance causes hearts to flutter, while Adam Jessop as the villain only has to glance at the children in the audience for them to yell at him in delighted outrage.

Amy Rhiannon Worth as both fairy and town official, creates character magic as well as a sprinkling of fairy dust.

Aaliya Bhatti and Keir Buist complete the polished, professional cast of actors.

It’s a very strong company throughout, able to sing, dance, and

keep the pantomime moving with precision, skill, energy, and most importantly, with enormous fun.

There are three teams of child performers, who take turns to join the show.

If they are all as good as the night of the Purple Cows, then every show is destined for success.

Like their professional cast members, the children perform difficult dances effortlessly, ooze enthusiasm and energy, and bring joy to the stage.

It’s clear that this is a team that loves what they do.

Director Adam Stafford, musical director Tim Cumper, and choreographer Charlotte Steele have all brought out the very best in their performers.

And set designer Victoria Spearing, costume supervisor Kirsty Rowe, and hair and make-up artist Jo Stringer have ensured that the show looks increasingly fabulous as it progresses.

Lighting designer Michael Brenkley and Sound designer Darren Gould perform visual and aural magic.

If you want to get wet, if you want to laugh out loud - a lot, if you want to be part of a night of abandoned silliness, and if you want to hear three hundred people sing a ridiculous song about a cow at the top of their lungs, get to Bracknell.

Jack And The Beanstalk performs at South Hill Park Arts Centre until New Years Eve, Saturday, December 31.

Performances are six days a week. Times and days vary, so it is advisable to check the website before booking.

Tickets cost £25.50, and £23.50 for concessions.

n For more information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk

EMMA MERCHANT

Reading – South St www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Half Moon presents Glisten. Thurs 8-Sat 10.

Sh!t Theatre presents Sh!t Actually. Thurs 15. Sh!t Theatre’s Orginal Sing-A-Long-A Muppet Christmas Carol. Fri 16.

Reading – The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until Jan 2.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

NEXT SHOW: Fabio Biondi, solo violin. Jan 11.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk

0118 384 2195

Life Is A Dream. Until Sat 10.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

A Christmas Carol. Until New Year’s Eve.

Shinfield –Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

NEXT SHOW: Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. Jan 13-15, 20-22.

Sonning –The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000

Top Hat. Until Dec 30.

Windsor – Theatre

Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk 01753 853888

Sleeping Beauty. Until Jan 8.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre. org.uk 0118 978 5363

Rules For Living. Thurs 8-Sat 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Spin Theatre Company presents Shine. Sat 10. Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

Next shows to be announced.

SURELY they won’t be able to get 300 children, and sensible self respecting adults leaping to their feet and waving their hands in the air while singing a very silly song about a cow?

Sleeping Beauty leaves me wanting more, more, more

Jack and the Beanstalk is a fantastic show that does Reading proud

Jack and the Beanstalk

The Hexagon Until January 2, 2023 Whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

ONCE again, Imagine Theatre has delivered a show that will be the beanstalk of the town. It’s a knockout.

Jack and the Beanstalk opened on Saturday, December 3, at The Hexagon, much to the delight of a packed auditorium.

The show is a wonder from start to finish, with plenty of laughs and action. It’s an allsinging, all-dancing affair that, thanks to the return of the junior ensemble, takes panto back to the pre-pandemic phase.

Ryan Alexander-Full’s Walter Botemme, the Fleshcreep role. Her entrance sparkles, his sees him slide around.

The opening routine sees us meet Jack, played by Carl Tracey. His amazing voice is a joy to listen to, and he has a great stage presence.

Also back is CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher, playing the son of Nanny Trott. Quite literally the butt of jokes, he is at turns charming, naughty, nice and hilarious. He also has some great songs that showcase his talents, which go far beyond playing the clown on Something Special.

Of course, the interaction between Justin and Paul is what brings added depth to the show. Their comic timing is immaculate, and their working relationship so strong that you can never tell what is planned and what is the spur of the moment.

Long may their residencies continue.

Sleeping Beauty

Theatre Royal Windsor Until Sunday, January 8 01753 853888

Theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

THEY say you should always leave audience wanting more – and that’s true for the Theatre Royal Windsor’s Sleeping Beauty. You leave wanting more, more, more.

The show is a sparkling couple of hours of entertainment, with songs, skits, jokes, spectacle, and dancing. It whizzes by and, before you know it, the cast are taking their curtain call.

Forget the city, this is a show that never sleeps, even when its titular character is caught napping.

From its opening moment, with Elizabeth Carter’s Fairy Sunbeam setting the scene, through to Kevin Cruise’s I Am The Music Man song with young theatregoers, this is a fast-paced, action-packed, laughter-filled joyous night out that delights all ages.

Elizabeth is full of sunshine – her smile lights the stage, and her voice is like an angel, not a fairy. She is a magical addition to the show, and the first to appear, welcoming audiences with aplomb.

Next to appear is the evil Carabosse, played by the magnificent Anita Harris.

Within her first few moments, the audience are booing her loudly. It sets the scene for the dastardly deeds that await and it’s everything you could wish for in a panto villain.

This is a special pantomime for Lauren Lane, who stars as Princess Aurora, as it is her debut. You would never know, such is her natural stage presence. She tackles her big numbers with joy, and manages to make her whirlwind romance convincing even though it

happens in the rustle of a sweet paper.

Basil Brush needs little introduction.

The wily fox has been entertaining audiences for nearly 60 years, and knows exactly how to pep up a dull moment. His residency at Windsor? Well, long may he reign. He is fabulous and makes every scene hilarious.

Also returning are the two comic turns in residence: Kevin Cruise as Chester the Jester, and Steven Blakeley – who once again writes as well as playing the dame – is Nurse Nelly. Both are hilarious, individually and together. They have the audience in stitches for all manner of reasons, from corny jokes to visual gags.

This year though, they felt a little restrained compared to previous years, and it felt as if we didn’t have enough of them. That’s probably not true, but quite simply, we needed more of their hilarious antics because they are so good at what they do.

They all had fantastic entrances - Kevin was on the up, while Steven was on his way down in a memorable Cabaretstyle spoof.

Joyous, wonderful, exciting and over the top, it was everything a panto should be.

While the show contained some popular routines, including The 12 Days of Christmas, with its bra that is made to hold three, some of them felt rushed or not fully formed.

The sloshy messy set piece felt a bit too familiar, and could have done with a bit more jeopardy when it came to the finale. What it had in Rice Krispies, it lacked in slosh, so it wasn’t the messiest it could be.

It still got big laughs and that’s the main thing.

Also missing was the junior ensemble – covid still means panto is not fully back to normal. Their presence would have

added some pep to the big musical numbers, which were beautiful to watch thanks to the talented adult ensemble, not least when Carabosse gained the upper hand at the end of the first act. Hopefully they will return next year.

And then there’s the love between Prince Edgar (David Luke) and Princess Aurora. It came after a first meeting at Beauty’s 18th birthday party, and just before her massive nap. It wasn’t so much of a whirlwind romance, more a hurricane.

If the prince had appeared at the beginning – on his way to the party perhaps – it could have sold it better.

Just as slight is the way in which the goodies get past Carabosse to rescue Beauty. Again, the junior ensemble could have added something, while a bit more danger would have given this some punch.

But it looks amazing. Carabosse gets her comeuppance and her redemption, and even a festive miser will be cheering her on as she does so.

This is a wonderful show, a real festive treat. The audience was clearly having the time of their lives, the jokes land well, the songs are well chosen and get the auditorium buzzing.

By the time the 12 Days of Christmas comes round, excitement levels are fever pitch. Asking for more feels very selfish.

This is a panto directed beautifully, written well, with some terrific choreography, jokes and magic, starring some incredible talents all at the top of their game. Two hours in their company is not enough and, when the curtain comes down, the audience wants more, more more.

Don’t be caught napping, you don’t want to miss this fabulous family-friendly panto.

PHIL CREIGHTON

Regular audiences will be pleased to note that all the favourite set pieces are there – the slosh is messy, there are still 12 days to Christmas and a conveniently placed bench allows the cast to have a singalong to Ghostbusters.

But there’s also enough that’s new or different to ensure it feels fresh and the audience more than gets their money’s worth, especially with the bell ringers –to say any more would spoil the fun.

The show opens with Rachel Delooze’s Fairy Bluebell setting the scene and enjoying some verbal duelling with

He introduces us to the princess, played by Katsie Fong Frydenberg, and their budding romance. This is Katsie’s first time at The Hexagon, but she also has a beautiful voice and great stage presence, something that came to the fore during their duet of I Know Him So Well.

Returning, thankfully because he is so good, is Paul Morse, playing Nanny Hydrangea Trott, once again relishing his role.

From the get-go, he has the audience eating out of his gloved palm, interacting, interjecting and cajoling them on. He is a master of his trade, and it is a joy to see him on stage.

Completing the main cast is Colleen Daley, as the Queen, who adds sparkle whenever she is on stage.

Also making special guest appearances are Buttercup the cow, and the big not-so friendly giant. Both have limited roles but add so much to the show.

There’s more to a pantomime than corny jokes, slapstick action and big numbers.

The elements that come together include the sets, the music, and the lighting. This year, it is all top-notch.

From start to finish, Jack and the Beanstalk is a fantastic show and all ages will love it.

PHIL CREIGHTON

Band on stairway to Winnersh

LED INTO Zeppelin, a five-piece band, will perform a tribute show.

Wokingham Music Club’s concert focuses on the early to mid 1970’s Zeppelin songs.

Concert goers can expect to hear all the classics, some surprises, and rarely performed songs.

The event takes place at the Royal British Legion, Woodward Close, Winnersh.

Doors open on Friday, at 8pm, with no interval.

Advance tickets cost £20, and can be purchased by searching for Wokingham Music Club at: www. ticketsource.co.uk

Festival Chorus’ festive concert

A FESTIVE concert will take place in an Earley church on Saturday, December 10.

The event will see Reading Festival Chorus perform a programme entitled In The Stillness. Choral pieces by Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Sally Beamish, among others, have been chosen to offer a reflective evening.

The choir will be conducted by Greg Hallam, and the pianist is David Malusa.

It takes place from 6pm at St Luke’s Church in Erlegh Road.

Tickets cost £15, and under 18s can enjoy the music for free.

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

Two Christmas dos from Woodley Concert Band

THE SOUND of Christmas is coming to Woodley later this month thanks to not one but two concerts.

As is its festive tradition, Woodley Concert Band is preparing for its Christmas concert in the evening of Saturday, December 17 – but in the afternoon it will have a special hour-long child-friendly event.

Both events take place at The Bulmershe School in Woodlands Way.

The afternoon event starts at 3pm, and organisers say there will be plenty of opportunities to join in, with shaking, jingling and singing. They will also showcasing the band, explaining what to look out and listen for and generally sharing the magic of live music and Christmas.

The evening concert starts at 7pm and includes favourite Christmas carols and songs, with the opportunity to join in, and some musical surprises.

Woodley Concert Band’s chairman, Phil Graham, said: “We’re really looking forward to our two Christmas concerts - they’re always a real highlight of the year for both band and audiences and are a brilliant way

Ot, ot and Otway

A FESTIVE tradition is returning to The Face Bar next week, in the form of John Otway.

ON

concerts, one of which is aimed at families

to get the festive spirit flowing.

“Last year was the first time we’ve had a dedicated children’s concert and we had some absolutely brilliant feedback from families who loved it, so we’re excited to be repeating that this year - it’s great to see how much children love the experience of seeing a live 45-piece band performing in front of them.

“Our evening concert is also always really special with fun arrangements of well-known Christmas tunes and carols and

everyone always goes away with a warm festive glow.”

Tickets for the Children’s Christmas Concert are £8 for adults and £2 for children, while tickets for the evening concert are £14 for adults and £12 for concessions, however the band are offering free tickets for the evening concert to anyone that’s not been along to one of its concerts previously.

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

The man with a cult audience and a surreal sense of humour always stops off in Reading just before the big day and this year is no exception.

His Christmas show, hosted by Club Velocity and New Mind, will be held in The Face Bar on Thursday, December 15.

A visit to a fortune teller would have a profound effect on the young Otway.

After gazing into her crystal ball, she confirmed that Otway would indeed be a star and would have success with a blondehaired musician. Otway took this prediction very seriously and teamed up with Wild Willy

Barrett (the only musician he knew who fitted the fortune teller’s description). In 1972, the pair released their first single.

Gypsy/Misty Mountain was a dedication to the fortune teller who had assured Otway that fame and stardom was just around the corner. The single would be the first of a string of flops, but it did capture the attention of The Who’s Pete Townshend who offered to produce a number of tracks for the duo.

You can hear what’s happened since next week.

The show starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £15.

n For more details, search www. wegottickets.com for John Otway.

BBC Introducing plans for 2023

It has also announced the artists taking part for the 2022/2023 season up until June.

It sees a roster of up and coming artists taking to the stage for its shows at Reading University’s Student Union and The Purple Turtle across the year.

Air Circus will be performing at Mojo’s on Friday, December 2, with support from Phantom Booth and Michy Tree.

They will perform again at The Purple Turtle on Thursday, December 15, with support form Tabi Gazele and Darcey Hope, and a special DJ set from James Carter.

Monboi will be in residence in January, with support from Ray Wills and Swurli at Mojo’s on Friday, January 13, and from Mackenzie and DoeBoyTheWriter at The Purple Turtle on Thursday, January 26.

Maddie Ashman is in residence for February, joined by support acts Emily Craig, Henjila, Joe Hicks, Cat Marina.

March’s artist is The Mezz, who’ll be joined by Jopy, TV

Yellow, Miya Miya, and Doops Deva St John will be Rila’s Edge, Elucidate, Split the Dealer, and Who Ate All The Crayons when they take up residence in April.

May’s artist Du’Val will see support from Daneo, Bethia, Conan Mac, and OSP, while Cameron Hayes will be supported by Rubee Rayne, Shaz, Madison Paris, and HidingTheHurt.

Full details of gigs and ticket information for student union shows, is available via www. eventbrite.co.uk, and all dates via BBC Berkshire’s Twitter account.

Voyces prepares for festive concert

A CHOIR is preparing for their festive concert, which will take place later this month in Binfield.

The Thames Voyces say the concert has been moved to the late afternoon to make it more suitable for families to attend.

The programme includes carols through the centuries, interspersed with seasonal readings, and carols that the audience will be encouraged to join in with.

And it is hoped younger audience members could help provide the “band”, for some of them.

There’s no let up for the choir, as they will perform some music in the interval while audiences enjoy some seasonal refreshments.

The choir will be conducted by their musical director, Nick Austin, and will be accompanied by Ben Giddens.

A spokesperson said: “What better way to begin your Christmas than enjoying festive music from a

local choir in a friendly, family atmosphere?”

Christmas Celebrations starts at 4.30pm on Saturday, December 17, and takes place at St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road, Binfield. Tickets are £13, with under 16s getting in free.

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

SONG: Woodley Concert Band will perform two Christmas

FESTIVE CHEER: John Otway will be in Reading’s Face Bar on Thursday, December 15

BBC BERKSHIRE has announced its new BBC Introducing artists in residence scheme, showcasing Berkshire’s musical talent in a series of shows.

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw sounds today

WE’VE added another three festive tunes to our playlist, helping you countdown to the big day.

We’re on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify.

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.

RyeWolf – When the Snows of Winter Fall RyeWolf are a ‘supergroup’ of local musicians who play individually in their own right and also get together in this guise to perform folk music with plenty of dancing, singing, hand clapping and foot stomping.

They have a special Christmas Show coming up which should be a fun night.

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, December 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Milton Hide and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Carradines cockney sing along. Details: 0118 959 8067.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Heavy Funk Combo: Virtuoso jazz and funk guitarist leads his quartet through, groove , jazz soul and funk originals and covers. 8.30pm-11pm. £7 cash or card. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Storm In A Teacup: House Party Punk. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. These Certain People. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic night with Harley Hutchinson. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Festive music in the Parlour Room: Tom Bakker-Martin. Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/bookings

Friday, December 9

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Beatles & Buddy Holly Tribute Show. Details: 0118 959 8067.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Cool Hand Luke and The Meterologists perform A Message from the Meters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Jolly Roger, Boom Boom Racoon, Nasty Fishmonger. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Gig in the Gardens in aid of Reading Refugee

It’s a Readifolk event on Sunday December 11, at Watlington House. The band also have a softer side as shown on this wonderful song from their new three-track single, Christmas Cheer - https://www. ryewolf.co.uk/

That Joe Payne – Gloria

Joe returned to Wokingham Festival in the summer and stunned the audience with his wonderful solo set.

Now Joe has released a Christmas album, Ding Dong, from which this is taken.

It’s full of songs in Joe’s unique style that will certainly get you in the seasonal spirit.

He has two special full band Christmas shows coming up, a bit further afield, although Court Theatre in Tring isn’t too far away on Friday, December 16, and would be well worth the triphttps://www.thatjoepayne.com/

Support Group: The Tim Kay Band, Kill Committee, Magical Mystery Four, Silent Disco. 5pm. £12. Details: av-events.co.uk/product/gig-in-thegardens

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. ABBA Tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Sir Duke Disco, Dance and Party band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Propa Ammo: DJ Rap’s Birthday Party. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Big Goodbye featuring Grant Sharkey. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, December 10

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Leech. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rockin Around for Christmas - The Johnny No Show, Chasing Violet. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Take That Experience. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Tequila Chase.

BRACKNELL – The Running Horse, London Road RG12 2UJ. Full Flavour Band. Details: 01344 425215.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Emma Baldwin. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Festive Family Rave: festive cher, food, silent disco. £5, in aid of Parenting Special Children. From 10am-3.30pm. Details: https:// av-events.co.uk/product/festivefamily-rave/

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Dance Cult 10 Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Festive Floorshow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Howling at the Moon: A Queer Cabaret. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Bad Penny. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist Yule Feast 2022 with The Krampus, Jadoo Tribal Dance, Victor and the Bully. 7.30pm. £15, £10 in advance. Details: www.sprigganmist. co.uk

WHITCHURCH – The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. The Mighty Triple O Band. Details: 0118 984 1485.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chili Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn. Details: 01252 870648.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Arachna. Details: 01252 872459.

Sunday, December 11

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Ryewolf Christmas Show. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

Monday, December 12

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Belshazzar’s Feast. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Silver Blue. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Voodoo Radio – Christmas Eve

This exciting duo from Cumbria visited Reading recently as support for Spizzenergi at their Club Velocity show. We featured their C30 C60 C90 single in recent weeks and they’ve just released this great Christmas single which should get everybody dancing and singing along - http://www.voodooradio. co.uk/

Rocket Kings – Christmas Without You

Have a Ukelele Christmas with Rocket Kings. They will be live at Fisherman’s Cottage on Friday, December 16 – https://www.facebook.com/ rocketkings

Spizzenergi – Christmas in Denmark Street

They visited Reading to perform a brilliant show for Club Velocity at the Facebar and here’s their

Tuesday, December 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum ABBA. Details: 01344 484123.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Silver Blue. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, December 14

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Atomic Rapture: The Music of Blondie. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. The Beatle at Christmas Tinsel and Turkey.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bad Manners Christmas Tour with Max Splodge. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Thursday, December 15

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bruce Springsteen tribute band: Wreckin’ Ball. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Emma Baldwin. 1pm.Details: 01344 772161.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents Annual Christmas Knees Up with John Otway and New Puritans. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Ultimate Party Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing Christmas party: Air Circus, Tabi Gazele, Darcey Hope, James Carter. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Festive music in the Parlour Room: Sam Lamden.

single about Denmark Street. Not Wokingham’s Denmark Street, or could it be? - https://www. spizzenergi.com/

Eloise Kate – Revolve

If you saw Katie Ellwood’s excellent band at Wokingham Festival you’ll have seen Eloise Kate on keyboards. She also releases her own great music such as this one – https://www.instagram.com/ eloisekatemusic/

Aine Deane – 19

My daughter Amy is on this single. Well, briefly. She and her ex-University housemates countdown at the beginning of this great song about their Uni days written and performed by fellow housemate, Ainehttps://www.ainedeanemusic.com/

Man The Lifeboats – Somerstown

Exciting, fun, upbeat folk. This single is taken from their excellent new album, Soul of Albion - https:// www.manthelifeboats.com/

One Last Day – Out of the Black

The new single from Wokingham rockers is a powerful anthem with a chorus that sticks in your head and shows that they are quality band that combines power and melody - https://linktr.ee/ onelastday

Mellor – Meet Me by the Ocean

Mellor are a four-piece Reading based band that has been building a great reputation throughout the indie rock scene. This is from their new album, Problematic Passions - https://linktr.ee/melloruk

Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/bookings

Friday, December 16

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 21st Century Abba. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Men Behaving Sadly.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Roots Revival Part 2. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. The Rocket Kings and the Hedge Inspectors. Details: 07925336269

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Grease v Dirty Dancing. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 935 4095

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The SoulTones. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Black Flamingos. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Mister Frank’s Journey of Love and Heartbreak: A Love Letter, Return To Sender. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. MJX. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Stoney Lane.

Saturday, December 17

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 976 0360.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wrong Jovi. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Pink Fish Christmas Fundraiser in aid of The Alzheimers Soceity. 7.30pm. Details: Search Eventbrite.co.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Posada in Reading. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights Soul and Motown Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Brick Top. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Scarlet Vixens present: Slatyyy Belles!. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Turn. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Megan Collins. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road. The delas.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. KGB. Details: 01252 872459.

Sunday, December 18

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Christmas party. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and Guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.

CHRISTMAS TREAT: RyeWolf performing at Wokingham Festival in the summer. Now they are preparing a festive single Picture: Andrew Merritt

Saturday, December 10

BEARWOOD – Bearwood Primary School, Bearwood Road. Christmas fete: hot dogs, craft stalls, cakes, bakes, raffle, Santa’s grotto and more. Noon-3pm.

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Christmas Tree Festival 2022. 11am-4pm.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@ alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CAVERSHAM – The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Caversham Park Theatre presents King Cole and the Plum Pudding Peril. 2pm, 7pm. £10, £9 concessions. Details: www.cavparktheatre. org.uk

CAVERSHAM – 21 Patrick Road, Caversham RG4 8DD. Studio 21 Pre-Christmas Show: arts, craft, design. 11am-5pm. Free entry. Details: https:// christmasatstudio21.blogspot. com/

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham presents Christmas concert by Candlelight with the Caversham Ensemble Chamber Orchestra. 7.30pm. £16, £20, £22, under 16s free. Booking advised. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Wellington College Chapel, Duke’s Ride RG45 7PU. St John Ambulance Christmas carol concert with Tamesis Chamber Choir. £6, includes seasonal refreshments. Under 12s free. Details: Search Eventbrite.co.uk for St John Priory Group Royal Berkshire

CROWTHORNE – Village Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BW. Crowthorne Musical Players present Sing A Song of Christmas (A Pocket Full of Joy). 7.30pm. £10, children £5. Details: www.cmp-berks.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road, RG45 7PB. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert: seasonal music and carols for all the family. 4.30pm. £10, under 16s free. Details: www.crowthorneorchestra.com

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN.

A Touch of Sparkle with the Barbettes: a night of festive songs and singalongs. 7.30pm. £8, £5 under 15s. Details: Search Ticketsource.co.uk for The Barberettes

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Elusive Brewing, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Festive sing-along with Sandhurst Silver Band. 6pm.

Details: elusivebrewing.com

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Gorse Ride School, Gorse Ride North.

Gorse Ride Schools Christmas

Fayre: raffle, tombola, games, refreshments, barbecue, Santa’s grotto and more. 11am-2pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft

Brew Tap Yard, Unit 18, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF.

Santa’s Grotto. Maximum five people per booking. One gift per booking. £16.76. Details: https:// www.sirencraftbrew.com/

READING – Broad Street to Forbury Gardens. Reading Lantern Parade. Free. 5.30pm. Details: info@ beautifulcreatures.org.uk

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1

3BQ. Chinese New Year storytime. 1pm. Free, drop-in. This is part of the exhibition Chinese and British from The British Library. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Trinity Concert Band Christmas concert. 4pm. £13, students £7, under 16s and Ukrainian refugees free. Details: trinityband.co.uk

READING – Salvation Army Hall, Anstey Road RG1 7JR. Community Carol Concert with the trombones from the Black Dyke Band, the Salvation Army Band, a choir, young musicinas and trimbrels. Includes a nativity. Compere: Major John Martin. £5. Details: 0118 964 3707.

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Winter festival: stalls, games, raffles, refreshment and entertainment in aid of Access to the Arts. Noon-3pm.

READING – St Luke’s Church, Erlegh Road RG1 5LH. Reading Festival Chorus presents In The Stillness, an evening of reflective choral music: a range of short choral works by Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Sally Beamish and more. 6pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: readingfestivalchorus.org.uk

READING – St Mary’s Episcopal Chapel, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Reading Phoenix Choir carol concert in aid of Refugee Support Group. £10. 5.30pm. Details: readingphoenixchoir. com

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents TLife Is A Dream. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Belle Canto Trio: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. 7pm. £15, £12 in advance. Details: 0118 988 2120.

TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road. Twyford Singers Christmas Concert: O Magnum Mysterium. 7.30pm. £15, £5 under 12s. Advance tickets £12. Details: twyford-singers.org.uk

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist Yule Feast 2022 with The Krampus, Jadoo Tribal Dance, Victor and the Bully. 7.30pm. £15, £10 in advance. Details: www. sprigganmist.co.uk

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Business Fair. Details: 0118 978 4529

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Sing Healthy Choirs and CLASP present Christmas Concert: Gloria. 7.30pm. Details: www. singhealthy.co.uk/tickets

WOKINGHAM – Floreat Montague Park School, William Heelas Way. Christmas Fair. 11am-3pm.

WOKINGHAM – Waitrose, Rectory Road. Wokingham Lions Can Can Appeal. 9am4pm.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – St Sebastians CE Primary School, Nine Mile Ride. Christmas fair: raffle, face painting, crafts, hot food, drinks, cakes, Santa,

tombole and more. 11am-1pm.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS.

Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting. org

Sunday, Dec 11

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Christmas Tree Festival 2022. 11am-4pm.

CAVERSHAM – 21 Patrick Road, Caversham RG4 8DD. Studio 21 Pre-Christmas Show: arts, craft, design. 11am-5pm.

Free entry. Details: https:// christmasatstudio21.blogspot. com/

CROWTHORNE – Village Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BW. Crowthorne Musical Players present Sing A Song of Christmas (A Pocket Full of Joy). 2pm. £10, children £5. Details: www.cmp-berks.org.uk

EGHAM – Royal Holloway College Chapel, University of London TW20 0EX. Bracknell Choral Society concert: Handel’s Messiah. 4pm. £20, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk.

EMMBROOK – Junior School, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JR. Emmbrook Jingle Bell Jog Christmas Extravaganza: walk, jog or run a route around Emmbrook followed by festive goodies. 10.30am. Details: Search Eventbrite.co.uk

READING – Reading Gateway Church, Northumberland Avenue. Carol singing with Reading Community Gospel Choir. 6pm. Details: readinggateway.church

READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue. Reading Vinyl Record Fair. 9am-3pm. £4.

READING – St Luke’s Church, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Thames Valley Gay Chorus Christmas concert. 7pm. Bar 6.30pm. £12, £10 in advance, under 16s £5. Details: thamesvalleygaychorus@gmail. com

READING – St William of York Church, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JP. Reading Haydn ChoirChristmas Concert. 5.30pm. £5, under 12s free. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk

READING – University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus RG6 6DD. Reading Rotary 9th Annual Charity Santa Run 2022. From 9.30am. Details: santarun. co.uk

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS. Nativity service. 10.45am. Details: www.wycliffe.church or 0118 929 9911.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Business Fair. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Alexandra Grange Care Home, Oaklands Drive, off Molly Millars Lane. Christmas fair. 11a,-4pm.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am-3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15.

Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, Dec 12

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am11.30am. Details: linkvisiting. org

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.

READING – St Mary’s Church, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group talk: Lawrence Cameron’s Pictures showing Reading in the 1970s and 80s. 7.30pm. £2.50 for refreshments. Details: http:// biag.org.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Winter Whisky tasting. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, Dec 13

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. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10amnoon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm.Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, December 14

BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.berkshirebonsai. co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, Dukes Ride RG45 6LT. Coffee and Carols. Details: www.crowthorne methodistchurch.org.uk

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Christmas quiz night. 8pm. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Launchpad Carols by Candlelight with Matt Allwright and Danyl Johnson,

there will be sing-along carols performed by the joyful Reading Community Gospel Choir and Bulmershe School Choir. £10, under threes free. Details: 0118 950 7656.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Arms,Shinfield Road RG2 9BP. Carol singing evening in the beer garden. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 988 3116.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, December 15

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkerley Avenue RG1 6JE. Christmas craft hangout: children’s craft session to make festive decorations. 3.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www. allnationselim.org

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Family History Advice Clinic for family and social historians. 11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The Murder of Alfred Oliver, an online event. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. The Mayor of Reading’s Civic Carol service. 6.30pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading. com

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac 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: Christmas social. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Friday, December 16

BARKHAM – The Junipers, Elizabeth Park. Barkham village Residents Association

presents carols in the park with Breakaway Brass. 7pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. PACT Charity presents Carols at the Minister, a Christmas celebration for all ages. Meet Elsa and Olaf. refreshments. 6.30pm. £10, £5 children, family ticket £20. Details: www. pactcharity.org/support-us/ carols-at-the-minster/ READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@spauls.co.uk.

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, December 17

BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, Popewood Road RG42 4AH. Thames Voyces Christmas celebration. 4.30pm. £13, under 16s free. Details: 0118 967 7319.

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. Home for Christmas: concert by the Project SingersS. 7pm £10. Details: 0118 934 0589.

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT.

Churches Together Crowthorne present carols on the high street. 10.30am-11.30am. Details: 01344 761725.

FARNBOROUGH – Salesian College Farnborough GU14 6PA. Christmas in the afternoon with the Pelly Orchestra featuring: Troika, Sleigh Rides, Nutcracker, The Chronicles of Narnia, Polar Express, Christmas Festival and carols. 3.30pm. £15, £7 children. £12 in advance. Details: www. pellyorchestra.co.uk

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. First Days Santa Dash. 10.30am. Details: www.firstdays.net/events

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market. co.uk

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Santa at The Biscuit Factory with Tell Tale Presents and Front Room Theatre! 11am, noon, 2pm, 3pm. Ages one upwards. £5.98. What The Dickens?! 4pm. £5.98. Details: readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk

READING – Reading Minster

Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. The Candlelit Christmas Concert with Occasions Singers, Reading A440, Reading Male Voice Choir, in aid of Reading Minster’s Music Outreach Project. £7.50, under 16s free. 5pm. Details: www,occasionssingers.org

TILEHURST – The Tilehurst Club, Kentwood Hill RG31 6DE. Christmas party for children. £5 per child, members only. Details: 0118 945 1311.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band presents The Snowman: film screening with live band soundtrack, followed by festive favourites. 6pm. £12, concessions £6. Details: ticketsource/co.uk/ stsebswokingham or 07544 774528.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington road RG40 2AF. Wokingham Choral Society presents Family Christmas Carol Concert. 6.30pm. £10, £5 under 18s, under fives free. Details: www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk

WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Woodley Concert Band presents Children’s Christmas Concert - an hour of festive music and fun. 3pm. £8, under 16s £2. Christmas with Woodley Concert Band. 7pm. £14, concessions £12. Details: www. woodleyconcertband.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Sunday, December 18

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Carol service. 4pm. Details: 01344 761725.

READING – St Barnabas Church, Elm Road. Nine lessons and carols. 10am. Details: readinggateway.church

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: Yule Rock 2022. 10.30am. Free. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS. Wild Advent Adventure, 10am from Thames Valley Park. Details: www. wycliffe.church or 0118 929 9911.

READING – The Cocktail Club, 5-6 Gun Street RG1 2JR.That’s A Wrap: Scratch Night and Cabaret. From 6pm. £8.14. Adults only. Details: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/thatsa-wrap-scratch-night-andcabaret-tickets-471371002357

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG5 4JZ. Berzerk Productions presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. £14.75, Concessions £12.75, family £48. Details: www. berzerkproductions.com

Quiz Challenge 6.

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3.

4.

5.

NONAGRAM

Who directed the films Thirteen Lives, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code and Apollo 13?

The Hutu and Tutsi tribes fought a civil war in the 1990s in which African country?

Which county cricket team is based at Edgbaston?

What is a skean dhu?

WORD PYRAMID

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber.

E S E

Firm with fixed rules? (4,3,4)

Navigator returns to taxi first (5)

Country introducing prohibition inter alia (7)

Be very fond of daughter with crooked toe (4)

Serf left in loathsome environment at home (7)

Algernon expected to include nothing (4)

number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

in

MAGIC SQUARE

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will

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

Guidelines:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

KG

& 14. Where the really large ones learn to swim? (6,2,6) 15. I’d help to move from ancient city (6)

Commander in the finish making it more difficult to understand (8) 20. It’s worn by some impresarios (4) 22. I clear away after downward force of icy river (7) 23. A profit, but not for the first time (5) 24. Having serious difficulties over repeated win (2,4,5)

Pure beginner? (6) 5. He is never in the lead (8) 6. Time for magic (5) 7. Recognise current learning (11) 8. Not fully competent, but it makes nice fine fit (11) 13. Newsflash concerning a furrowed brow (8) 16. Put a team leader in to appease (7) 17. Remove the covering from a French garment (6) 19. Inch? A different length (5) 21. Indonesian computing language? (4)

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.

EASY SUDOKU

HARD SUDOKU

A budget healthy Christmas

Healthy Heart Tip

ARE you feeling the pinch as we head into the festive season?

If you answered yes, you are not alone.

According to data from the Office of National Statistics, food and nonalcoholic drink prices are increasing at the fastest pace since 1980, and prices have risen by 14.6% over the year leading to September 2022.

With the increase in prices, it can feel more difficult to maintain a heart healthy diet.

Here we share some tips for a budget friendly and healthy Christmas.

Make a plan

It’s easy to get caught up in the festive fever and buy more food and drink than needed.

Lots of us are guilty of panic buying in the days leading up to Christmas out of fear we may not have enough to feed everyone, which leads to lots of waste.

The key here is to make a detailed plan in advance and stick to it.

You could even start buying a few nonperishable items now, to spread the cost over the coming weeks.

Skip the turkey

“But it won’t feel like Christmas without

a turkey.” We hear you, but bear with us.

Turkeys can be very expensive and the truth is they are fairly comparable to chicken in terms of nutrients and taste.

Why not skip the turkey this year and opt for a chicken, or try a plant-based Christmas showstopper such as a whole roasted cauliflower or nut roast, both of which will save a few pounds.

Ask guests to bring a dish

If you are hosting Christmas dinner this year, don’t be afraid to ask those attending to chip in and bring a dish with them.

Not only will it help spread the cost around, but it will also mean a less stressful day for you, only having to focus on a few dishes.

Many starters, desserts and cheeseboards are easy

to transport and don’t require hearing, so get some help with these. If you aren’t hosting but are attending as a guest, reach out now and ask what dish you can bring.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly

healthy tips at: www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-research-

uk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/

Festive fayre at the George & Dragon

The George & Dragon Pub Church Road, Swallowfield, RG7 1TJ georgedragonpub.com 0118 988 4432

THE George & Dragon Pub, recently acquired by Siren Craft Brew, is a beautiful 17th century grade two listed pub nestled in the Berkshire countryside and within easy reach of Reading, Wokingham, Shinfield and surrounding areas.

If you want to eat at a traditional pub this will be totally up your street.

The pub has a relaxed atmosphere with warm tones, open fires, original brickwork and exposed beams.

While it has a vibrant local community supporting it, it is also popular with visitors from further afield, as it makes for a lovely day out into the peaceful countryside while being easy to reach.

It has served many purposes over the years – being a coach house around the turn of the 20th Century. It is now, thanks to the talented chefs, a gastro-pub with a great reputation.

With the festive season upon us, it should be no surprise that The George & Dragon has a Christmas Menu as well as a new Main Menu.

The drinks menu features a large selection of Red, white and Rose wines.

I decided to go for the Bombay Bramble Gin with the100% natural flavour of freshly harvested blackberries and raspberries. A real fruit infusion gives a distinct colour and natural flavour with no added sugar.

My husband opted for a pint of Sirens Pastel Pils, an Italian-style lager with clean harmonious flavours, classic base malts giving just the right sweetness to balance the hops,

with light herbal notes and a crisp refreshing bitterness.

The Christmas Party Menu is priced at a very reasonable £27.50 for two courses or £32.50 for three.

For my starters, I chose the Harissa roasted aubergine with tomato and rose harissa pesto on a bed of rocket and drizzled with olive oil. Presented beautifully this was the perfect starter, light and packed a punch in the heat department.

The Main course offering caters for all tastes, from confit Duck leg with Lentil casserole, salmon lime & chilli fishcakes, six-hour slow braised beef feather blade or, for vegetarians and vegans, NDuja tomato & caramelised onion tart.

I opted for Traditional Turkey roast with stuffing, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce and bread sauce.

The food was steaming hot, just how I like it, with crispy roasties. The

Turkey were two chucky slices of tender turkey, succulent and cooked perfectly.The Gravy was flavoursome, thick and delicious.

For dessert I chose the sticky toffee pudding, very naughty but exceedingly nice. It was light airy sponge, sweet sticky warm toffee sauce complemented with a scoop of Jude’s vanilla ice cream.

I was very impressed with the Party menu, plenty of choices of each of the three courses.

My husband, being a bit of a connoisseur of pies, chose the classic Steak and Memento pie (£18.50). Braised beef feather blade, in a red wine sauce, encased in a light puff pastry served with smooth mash and a rich beef gravy (seasonal greens can be added as an extra, £3.95).

Every morsel was devoured and savoured.

“Spot on, I’m definitely coming back for this,” was his summary.

Our teenage Son chose the crispy Korean chicken for starters £7.25. Crispy chicken coated in Korean-style sweet and spicy sauce, topped with spring onions and sesame seeds. He enjoyed them very much.

For the main course, he chose the Prime cut beef Burger £14.95 a 6oz prime cut steak and loaded fries. The dish was very nicely presented on a wooden board.

The burger was chunky, tender, flavoursome and juicy, just how a burger should be! The loaded fries were dusted in cajun spice and topped with spring onions, crispy onions and coriander with an accompanying garlic mayo dip.

He chose his favourite dessert of Apple and blackberry crumble served with Vanilla Ice cream £6.95. The fruit was plentiful and tangy with a crispy crumble topping. This was perfectly accompanied with deliciously creamy and vanilla pod-flecked ice cream, “dessert heaven” was his verdict.

Last but not least, our 11-year-old daughter chose from the children’s menu, two courses for £8.95. She had the beef burger in a soft bun with chips.

Whilst she very much enjoyed the food, the portion size was more suited to a child younger than 11.

We all had a delightful evening at the George & Dragon Swallowfield, thank you and well done to all the staff.

The service was excellent, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, candles adorned each table which created a wonderfully relaxed feeling.

The food was fantastic taking all palates into account – vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

I would highly recommend the Christmas menu, great quality and very fairly priced.

CLAIRE WORSFOLD

corner

ENRYCH Berkshire is a Registered Charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

They are looking for a Volunteer for a member that has Cerebral Palsy, they would appreciate a volunteer to accompany them on walks to enjoy the fresh air and go to the shops.

This would be around the Central Reading area so if you are in the area and feel like you can help get in touch with Enrych Berkshire for more information.

n Assisting Berkshire Children to Read (ABC to Read) is an award winning charity that supports children who are struggling to read by finding, training and supporting volunteers to work with them in primary schools around Berkshire.

Right now ABC to Read are looking for a Grant Writer/Fundraiser Volunteer. You will be supporting their CEO to assemble/submit grant requests including writing letters and proposals.

The role will consist of identifying grant opportunities and keeping records. The role is also flexible but candidates must possess excellent written communication and IT skills and the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

n Berkshire Vision provides vital practical and friendly support, sport and activities to visually impaired children and adults, and their families in Berkshire.

Berkshire Vision wants more volunteers to help take their members out for walks, to a coffee shop or other activities. Helping members that need support build confidence, to encourage them to get out and about and socialise.

Please note that applicants for this position need to be aged 18 or over. After each visit, you would need to log the details via an online form.

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.

George & Dragon’s festive menu includes a turkey dinner Picture: Claire Worsfold

After putting in arguably their finest display of the season, the Royals were rewarded with three points and a clean sheet against Spurs.

The only goal of the game came when Spurs defender Amy Turner

headed into her own net on the follow up from Tia Primmer’s shot crashing off the crossbar.

The victory means that Reading picked up three vital points to move away from the relegation zone where they are now seven points clear of

MEN BRING KICK-OFF FORWARD

READING FC’s kick-off time against Coventry City this Saturday has been changed to 2pm.

As a result of England making it to the World Cup quarterfinals where they will face defending champions France at 7pm, the Royals game has been brought forward an hour after an agreement between both clubs which was originally scheduled to take place at 3pm.

Turnstiles will now open at 12.30pm, while the ticket office will be open from 9am.

Reading Buses’ Football Buses will commence one hour earlier than the timetable.

The change in kick-off time was agreed in order to allow both home and away supporters more time to travel back in time for the England game.

Gareth Southgate’s team cruised through the last 16 stage with a 3-0 win over Senegal with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.

The Championship clash will be Reading’s first since the World Cup break, where three of their players participated in the competition.

Junior Hoilett, Mamadou Loum and Baba Rahman represented their respective nations on the world stage.

READING FC WOMEN picked up their second win of the Women’s Super League campaign by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

bottom side Leicester City after nine matches.

Kelly Chambers’ team now have a tough test at the weekend away at defending champions Chelsea. n Full report and pictures on pages 22 & 23

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

RAMS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT AS WINNING RUN ENDS AGAINST SALE

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SALE FC inflicted a first defeat of the season on National One leaders RAMS with a hard-fought 27-24 bonus-point triumph at Old Bath Road.

The away side took a 12th-minute lead slightly against the run of play as Reiketi Ma’asi-White broke through in midfield before the ball was spun wide for Tom Walsh to finish smartly on the left.

Tom Curtis’ attempted conversion drifted wide of the uprights, and Rams responded at the start of the second quarter when Ant Marris barged his way over the line from close range following a spell of sustained pressure.

Will Partington added the extras to nudge his side two points in front, but the lead swapped hands again

just after the half-hour mark when Sale again showed their clinical edge with Curtis crossing the whitewash before adding to his effort with the conversion.

Rams rallied again, though, and after Jak Rossiter’s excellent break gave them field position, a number of pick-and-goes ended with Marris doubling his tally with a dart over the line.

Partington made no mistake with the conversion, giving the hosts a 14-12 halftime advantage.

It was Sale who again made the first inroads of the second period, a well-drilled rolling maul eventually ending with replacement hooker Ollie Longmore touching down.

Curtis was again unable to add the kick, but as the game entered its final quarter, the Dogs had a three-point lead.

Rams regained the lead

for a third time, though, on the back of a series of scrum penalties five metres shy of the visitors’ line.

Sale prop Tumy Onayansa was eventually sin-binned to add to his side’s troubles, and with the scrum again charging towards the line, the ball was spun wide from which Partington’s cross-field kick found Rossiter to dot down in front of clubhouse corner for his 13th try of the season.

However, the Dogs replied almost immediately with a Curtis penalty putting them one point back in front, but the lead changed hands for an eighth time as Ben Henderson crashed over at the back of a Rams maul for his 50th try for the club.

However, there was to be another twist as the Dogs repeated the trick with a maul score of their own – Longmore again the beneficiary – before Curtis

landed the conversion.

Rams had one final shot at saving their unbeaten run with a long-range Partington penalty, but his effort drifted wide to leave the visitors delighted.

RAMS:

Tries: Marris 22, 36, Rossiter 64, Henderson 72

Conversions: Partington 23, 37

Sale: Tries: Walsh 12, Curtis 31, Longmore 48, 77

Conversions: Curtis 32, 78

Penalty: Curtis 67 Star Player: Tom Curtis (Sale FC)

Referee: Adam Wookey Attendance: 985

RAMS: Dykes, Rossiter, Jones, KallingSmith, Bird, Partington, Cole; Marris, Hayman, McDonnell-Roberts, C Stapley, Swain, McRae, Everitt, R Stapley © Substitutes: Henderson, Baker, Brooke, Allan, Townsend

Sale: Dixon, Edwards, Ma’asi-White, Robins, Walsh, Curtis, Bradley; Birchall, Brown, Ford, Bamber, Groves, Cecil, Hughes ©, Barron

Substitutes: Longmore, Onasanya, Tebbatt, Hirskyj-Douglas, Brand

REACTION

Reynolds pays tribute after topof-table clash ends in defeat

By RICHARD ASHTON apreston@wokingham.today

SEB REYNOLDS paid tribute to the amazing effort his RAMS players have put in so far this season as their perfect National One record was ended with a 27-24 home defeat to second-placed Sale.

In a top-of-the-table clash which lived up to its billing, it was the away side who took the lead through wing Tom Walsh, only for RAMS to reply with Will Partington converting an Ant Marris effort.

Man-of-the-match Tom Curtis added the extras to his own try to put Sale back in front, but it was the home side who led at the break after Partington was on target following a second for Marris.

Another change in the lead came as Ollie Longmore went over at the back of a rolling maul for the Dogs, but Jak Rossiter then collected a beautiful Partington kick-pass for 19-17.

Curtis immediately landed a penalty to nudge Sale back in front, but Ben Henderson’s 50th Rams’ try saw the lead swap hands for the eighth time with eight minutes remaining.

Longmore grabbed a second from the maul and with Curtis converting, Sale regained the initiative before Partington’s longrange penalty attempt with the last play drifted just wide to end the hosts’ 11-match winning streak.

Despite the defeat, Director of Rugby Reynolds was philosophical.

“It was a brilliant game of National One rugby and I can’t fault our guys’ effort – it was a great advert for the sport at this level,” he said.

“The things we wanted to do in the game we did and we started to grind them down and get some dominance, but there were just a couple of moments where we lost our discipline in the middle of the park which allowed them entry into our 22 and that got them the win.”

He continued: “I really like Sale as a club although they’re tough to play against.

“They hang in there as a group and then we gave them opportunities which is the only disappointing thing from the game, but these are the moments

you have to look at things, wipe yourself down and go again. The guys have been amazing so far this season and it’s just one of those things.

“You could see how happy they were to win the game which is a compliment to the players and what we’re doing as a club.

“The most important thing is you don’t get overly excited when you win a game – you always look to improve – and you don’t get too down when you lose. It’s part of the game and it’s the reason why we love it.”

Meanwhile, Sale DoR Jonathan Keep was delighted to lead his side to a win which ended the streak, and also saw them close to within five points at the top of the table.

He said: “We’re extremely pleased especially with the run RAMS have been on – it was always going to be a tough game and to come down and get four points we’d have been happy with, so to get five is even better.

“Both sides when they entered the 22 made the most of it and got points, and that was always going to be the way with RAMS and the maul. But we were pleased with our outcomes.

“A lot of the game was played in the middle of the pitch, so when you’re in the 22 you’ve got to take your chances.”

With Curtis pulling the strings and then likes of Walsh and Reiketi Ma’asi-White looking lively in the three-quarters throughout, he added: “When they’re in space they’re a dangerous back line and we work hard to make sure we’ve got all options covered across the field – today was a day where it came together so that was nice.”

And before heading back up north, he reflected on what is becoming a nice battle between two sides who have mutual respect for one another, ending: “There’s been four points splitting the teams in the past two games so there’s a good rivalry brewing and all the best to RAMS for the rest of the season – we’ll look forward to them coming up to Heywood Road in April.”

n RAMS head to Cinderford on Saturday (3pm).

RAMS’ captain Robbie Stapley on the attack Pictures: Paul Clark

The defeat was the first of the season Pictures: Paul Clark

Henry Bird tries to snatch the ball as Ellis Jones looks on in support

Jak Rossiter is tackled during RAMS’ 27-24 defeat to Sale

Vince Everitt on the charge at Old Bath Road

Rams’ wing Henry Bird is tackled

RAMS 24-27 SALE

READING COMPLETE STUNNING COMEBACK SHUTTLERS COMPETE IN RANGERS TOURNAMENT

By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokingham.today

A display of accurate line kicking from No 10, Sam Bowers and a dominant scrum that the Shipston pack could not deal with allowed Reading to run in four tries to achieve one of their best comeback wins in recent times.

This was a game of two halves with Shipston going into a 20-5 lead at half-time by using the pronounced slope in the pitch and the wind to their advantage.

Reading then showed in the second half that they too could use the conditions.

Shipston attacked down the hill from the off and took an early lead after a series of penalties in the Reading 22, when they forced their way over the line for a converted try.

Reading were rewarded for their attacking play when Steve King broke away from a driven line out to score in the corner to bring the score back to 10-5. Bowers just missed with the conversion.

Reading held them out until just before the break when their pressure told and a good move involving forwards and backs resulted in a try in the corner which

was well converted to give Shipston a 15-point lead.

Reading began the second half with a purpose and won a series of penalties, from the last of which they opted for a scrum which they pushed over the line for a Rob Cunningham unconverted try.

Shipston hit back almost immediately and a missed tackle in the centre let them

through for an unconverted try to regain their 15-point lead.

The ball was moved out to Matt Daw who outpaced the covering defence to score an unconverted try.

The ball was quickly recycled and after a good break-through by Ben Wills, Ryan Smith forced his way over near the posts for a try that was converted by Bowers.

Reading were on top now.

It was almost inevitable that Reading would take the lead and the try, when it came, was from another pushover try from Rob Cunningham to make the score 27-25 to Reading.

That scrum collapsed and the ball was moved out to Dorliac who broke through to score near the posts. Bowers added the conversion to give Reading a nine point lead with only minutes left.

Shipston did hit back and score a try with the last play of the match but by then it was too late.

By ANKUSH KAPOOR sport@wokingham.today

LOCAL badminton players played hard and fair to fight for the title in the Acubed IT Rangers Sports autumn tournament.

In its eighth successful year, shuttlers were given plenty of play with some excellent games on display at Loddon Valley.

Arguably the two most consistent teams made it to the finals, Yogesh Narayanaswamy and Shailesh Kumar Pandey faced Raja Imran and Raja Adil.

It a tightly contested final, Yogesh/Shailesh took an early lead in the first set but Imran and Adil filled the deficit before the magical 21st point.

The second set was equally interesting with some critical rallies ending on unforced errors on both sides.

Imran and Adil held their ground to emerge as winners with a 21-12, 21-14 victory to give them top place on the podium.

The Rangers Cup final was contested between Eshan Ul-Haq

Vishvesh and Sid looked sharped and bursting with energy, giving little reason for the opposite pair to relax.

The power and experience of Eshan/Nesar was enough to give them a formidable lead in the first game which ended 21-11 before they eventually took a 2-0 victory.

and Nesar Ali versus Vishvesh Shende and Siddarth Gang.

Champions Cup winners Raja Imran and Raja Adil

Reading RFC in action Pictures: John Newport

A SUPERB second half performance gave Reading a victory against a Shipston team that led by 25-10 early in the second half.

ASCOT DEFEAT WOODLEY IN THE CUP, CITYZENS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties

Premier North

READING CITY are back at the summit of the table after they extended their astonishing unbeaten run.

After a goalless first-half, Tyler D’Cruz scored the only goal of the game to gift the Cityzens all three points with his 51st minute strike, which was his 15th goal of the season.

Reading have 41 points at the top of the table after picking up 13 wins from 15 games.

FA Vase third-round

ASCOT UNITED continued their journey in the Vase after they hit four goals past Little Common without reply.

Brendan Matthew was the man of the moment as he netted a hat-trick, while Marcus Mealing scored the other to see the Yellamen record a 4-0

triumph at home.

Ascot have now won 12 matches in a row as manager Jamie Tompkins celebrated his 200th game in charge of the club.

Combined Counties Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA’S contest against Rising Ballers Kensington had to be abandoned after a serious injury to a RBS player.

A double from Jatinder

Liddar had the Boars 2-1 in front, but after the Boars goalscorer collided with an opposition player he was shown a straight red card and the match had to be abandoned 10 minutes from time.

Charles Twelftree Trophy

BURGHFIELD ensured their place in the next round after they got the better of WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS FINCHAMPSTEAD struck three past Windlesham United

Youth to progress in the cup.

Goals from Dylan Chaffin, Callum Vallance and an own goal helped Finch to take a 3-0 away success to move through to the next round.

TVCWFL Cup

ASCOT UNITED got the better of WOODLEY UNITED to progress in the cup.

Tiffany Skinner opened the scoring to put the Yellwomen ahead after three minutes.

With a 1-0 lead going into

half-time, Ascot extended their advantage in the second-half with three more goals to book their place in the next round.

Nicole Brown netted a brace and Isabel Woods added to the score to ensure Ascot earned a 4-0 success.

ASCOT UNITED RESERVES stormed through with an emphatic away triumph at Aylesbury.

Dalia Fraga Matinez and Farrah Yewings both scored doubles, while goals from Mya Bowler, Louise Pullen, Saffron

Sarah Lawrence (right) and Izzy Woods (left)

Eversley & California celebrate Jatinder Liddar’s goal

Raglan (blue) in Sunday League action against Wokingham & Emmbrook

TMW Pictures: Andrew Batt

Eversley & California in action

Pictures: Richard Milam

Left: Kate Stewart tries to win possession

Right: Kiah Owen chases the ball down Pictures: Andrew Batt

Happiness is celebrating scoring

Rafter and Darcey Young helped Ascot to a huge 9-0 win.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES made it through by defeating MORTIMER

The Boars progressed with a 5-2 win.

WARGRAVE smacked 10 past Taplow United to fly through to the next round.

A hat-trick each from Millie Bilcliff and Caroline Paterson was added to with a brace from Emily Biddle and goals from Alison Richardson and Hannah Sheehan to win 10-2.

S4K BERKS COUNTY put their name in the hat for the draw with a 3-1 home win over Slough Town.

Megan Cox and Kate Stewart

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD ensured they cut the gap on league leaders Yateley United with victory over third placed BURGHFIELD.

Finch and Burghfield went head to head for the title last season in which Finch came out on top in a well contested race for top spot to take their second consecutive league victory.

It was Finch who claimed all three points in their meeting at the weekend after goals from Joel Day

were on the scoresheet to see the Fawkes to a 3-1 success

TVCWFL Plate

BURGHFIELD moved through to the next round with a 4-1 away win at Kingsclere Reserves.

BURGHFIELD RESERVES were knocked out after a penalty shootout defeat to Ruislip Rangers 2s.

Karina Parker and Rosie Newnham scored for Burghfield to see them to a 2-2 draw before they lost out 4-1 on spot kicks.

WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT edged past Wantage Town with a penalty shootout success.

After a 1-1 stalemate in normal

and an own goal saw them secure a 2-0 success.

Finch are in second on 26 points after 11 matches, 10 points behind leaders Yateley but with a game in hand.

Burghfield are in third position on 18 points from eight games, but have three games in hand on Finch and four on Yateley.

READING YMCA are in fourth place after their entertaining 4-4 draw with Maidenhead Town.

In a game filled with goals, goals from Pele Hagger, Mo Adam and a double from Alfie Stepehens

time, Wargrave went through with a 4-3 victory from the spot.

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA took their second win of the campaign

by beating Carterton.

CITYZENS RETURN TO THE TOP BURGHFIELD LOSE OUT TO FINCH, CITY U23’s MOVE UP WITH VICTORY

ensured YMCA took a point on their travels.

READING CITY U23’s collected their second win of the campaign by beating Windlesham United. The win sees City in 11th position after 10 matches and now three points ahead of Windlesham.

Reading & District Sunday League

Premier: Burghfield 1-7 FC Sporty, Tilehurst El Patrons 6-4 AFC Bradfield, Tilehurst YM 3-3 FC Tilehurst, Cup: Emmer Green 1-4 Give Back, Englefield Eagles 0-4 Mortimer, GC United 2-1 TRBL

The win moves the Boars five points clear of bottom club Carterton and onto six points from six matches.

Eversley have at least one game in hand on all the team’s above them in the table.

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

A question of sport

AT the beginning of the FIFA World Cup, I was asked a couple of questions.

The first one was ‘are there any English referees involved?’

The answer to that is easy, we had two selected for the finals, the Premier League’s numbers one and two, Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor.

Out of the 36 referees, we were one of only three countries to have two male referees at Qatar.

I say this because of the welcome selection of three female referees.

Stephanie Frappart, a French referee who has been on the international list since 2009, and was the first woman to referee a men’s Champions League match.

Salma Mukansanga of Rwanda, the first woman to referee at the African Cup of Nations, and Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan who refereed at the 2019 Woman’s World Cup and 2020 Olympic Games.

All well proven referees.

There were also three women assistant referees selected. I think it a pity that Sian Massey-Ellis isn’t amongst them as she in my opinion is the best assistant referee in the Premier League.

The selection of these referees would have started about three years ago.

The world of football is split into a number of governable bodies such as UEFA, who put forward nominees to be considered.

This was around 50 referees plus assistant referees.

These were watched by FIFA assessors over time and probably given some FIFA matches to referee.

There have get-togethers for discussions, training, more assessment. Important things of course are fitness, knowledge, and application of the Laws.

One of the important criteria for the World Cup is that they work to the same approved interpretation of those laws.

Gradually the numbers came down to those required for the finals. 36 referees, 69 assistant referees and 24 VARs.

There was another change this year, in that the list was announced six months in advance of the finals, rather than just before the tournament.

Teslas, Hype Train 2-2 Burghfield

One

Two: AFC Pangbourne 0-10 Reading United, Give Back Reserves 8-1 Barton Rovers Reserves, RDG Athletic 6-1 Reading Kites

Three: Burghfield B 0-2 Farley Hill, FC Woodley 2-8 Woodley Saints Lowfield, RE United 5-2 Southbank, Southcote Colts 2-0 Caversham AFC,

The idea of Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Head of Refereeing, is that this would enthuse those selected, to commit and push themselves to be on top form.

I don’t know if they did it this year but at other finals, they have been subject to three tests on arrival.

Fitness, Laws of the Game, and their English, as English is the universal language of football.

Fail any and they were sent straight back home.

At the World Cup finals, the referees are selected by the FIFA Referees Committee and among other considerations, they have to make sure there can be no conflicts of interest.

Macy Handscomb shields the ball

JACKIE BURNS

Came out confidently to claim some crosses when Reading were under pressure towards the end. First league clean sheet of the season.

ROYALS SAIL PAST SPURS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Got forward excellently, particularly in the first-half and put some brilliant deliveries into the box.

DEANNA COOPER

Had to be withdrawn at half-time due to illness after several first-team players missed out on the squad due to flu spreading through the team.

GEMMA EVANS

Put in some vital defensive interventions as she helped Reading keep their first league clean sheet of the campaign.

LILY WOODHAM

Stunning display in both defence and attack. Drove forward constantly and delivered some pinpoint crosses.

FAYE BRYSON JUSTINE VANHEAEVERMAET

Provided defensive stability in the middle and went on a driving forward late on where she may have been able to have a shot on goal.

SANNE TROELSGAARD

A true box-to-box performance. Provided plenty going forward in the first-half and also completed her defensive duties.

TIA PRIMMER

Gave the team plenty of energy in the middle. Her thunderous shot that was tipped onto the crossbar led to the only goal of the game.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Worked exceptionally hard and combined well with her teammates in attack, while helping out the fullbacks.

LAUREN WADE

Combined strongly on the left with Woodham and had a few half chances at goal.

EMMA HARRIES

Captained the side for the first time. Very unlucky not to score but pressed well from the front, and tested the keeper plenty of time.

The only goal of the game came after 12 minutes after Spurs defender Amy Turner headed past her own goalkeeper on the follow up after Tia Primmer’s thunderous strike hit the crossbar.

Reading pressed for a second with positive attacking play and managed to withstand a late flurry of Spurs attacks to take a deserved victory.

The win means Reading are now seven points clear of bottom side Leicester City who are yet to pick up a point.

With flu spreading through Kelly Chambers’ squad, Reading were forced into two changes as Lily Woodham and Tia Primmer returned to the starting 11.

Academy graduate Emma Harries captained the side for the first time, while Chambers could only name five players on the bench after several first-team players were struck down with illness.

Spurs named defender Molly Bartrip, who joined Reading when she was 10 before joining Tottenham two summers ago, in their starting line-up.

Reading took the lead after 12 minutes in bizarre circumstances.

After Tia Primmer burst forward from midfield and had a sight of goal from 30 yards, she took aim with a fierce shot that was tipped

REACTION

Match stats

READING: Burns, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Primmer, Troelsgaard, Wade, Eikeland, Harries ©

SUBS: Poulter, Wellings, Hendrix, Caldwell, Jane

TOTTENHAM: Spencer, Turner, Bartrip, Zadorksy (c), Ale, Summanen, James, Spence, Naz, Ayane, Neville

SUBS: Korpela, Pearse, Harrop, Cho, Bizet, Ubogagu, Karczewska, Gunning-Williams

GOALS: Turner og 12’

onto the crossbar by Becky Spencer.

On the follow up, defender Amy Turner attempted to head the ball back to her keeper but got it all wrong as the ball looped over her teammate and found the net.

With Spurs rattled after conceding early, Reading tried to take advantage and pushed on to find a second.

Sanne Troeslgaard looked to continue her excellent recent scoring form when she stormed into the box and from a narrow

angle saw her shot stopped by Spencer before she hit the follow up wide.

Reading continued to look positive in attack as full-backs Lily Woodham and Faye Bryson provided a constant source of dangerous crosses into the box.

Harries came inches away from doubling her team’s lead when she met Tia Primmer’s cross on the volley but was denied by the woodwork.

Spurs’ best chance of the half

CHAMBERS: ‘I’M PROUD OF EVERY ONE OF THEM’

READING FC WOMEN’s manager

Kelly Chambers was left delighted with her team’s performance after their victory over Tottenham in the Women’s Super League.

Amy Turner’s first-half own goal ensured the Royals collected all three points to move seven points clear of bottom side Leicester City.

“I thought the girls were fantastic from start to finish and over the 90 minutes we absolutely deserved to win,” said Chambers.

“It should have been a lot more comfortable than it was, maybe three or four.

“But after everything the team has been through this week, the adversity, to come out and perform like that was just magnificent and they fully deserve

to enjoy this moment.

“In recent games we haven’t been as strong at the back as what we would have liked and it’s something we’ve discussed, but we now have our second clean sheet in a row and a second win.

“I’m just proud of every single one of them, all of them put in such a shift.”

Chambers’ team now look ahead to a challenging away trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

The Blues, who are the current WSL champions, go into the game on the back of a stunning 8-0 away win at Leicester, which included a brace from former Royal Fran Kirby.

She continued: “Obviously we’ve got Chelsea next, and there’s no hiding from the challenge that it

will be. But for us, it’s just about keep building on the performances as wins build momentum.

“The amount of belief the girls would have got from today will be magnificent, so for us we now have to continue this level of performance.

“Christmas probably might be coming at the wrong time for us, as it took us a little while longer than hoped to get to where we are now, but it’s a huge three points and the table certainly looks better this evening.

“We were obviously missing some huge players for us, but the girls had an opportunity to day, and they have now caused me a headache going forward.

“But it’s shown what depth we have in our squad, the strength, and we can really push on and use that.

“Before we look at next week though, we enjoy today as the girls deserve it.

“Then we come in next week, get back on the training pitch, and concentrate on replicating performance and carry on the momentum.”

Eikeland and Troelsgaard celebrate

Royals midfielder Tia Primmer

Faye Bryson delighted with capturing three points

Santa spotted cheering the Royals at the SCL Reading collected their second league

Diane Caldwell 7, Charlie Wellings 6, Becky Jane n/a

READING FC WOMEN produced a strong display to pick up their second win of the Women’s Super League season by beating Tottenham.

WITH CLEAN SHEET WIN

Men’s team back in action as they host Coventry

READING FC are back in action for the first time since the World Cup break when they host Coventry City on Saturday.

The Royals picked up a win prior to the four week hiatus with a last gasp winner at Hull City which puts them 13th in the table on 29 points from 21 games.

The Sky Blues are on the same points as Reading and sit one place above them with a much better goal difference and having played two less matches.

Coventry made a torrid start to the season and were sitting in the relegation zone for the first couple of months before a surge in form.

Mark Robins’ had an excellent November which saw them win four consecutive matches to fly up the table.

Taking maximum points in their last four games, Coventry also kept four clean sheets in a row.

They earned 1-0 wins against Blackburn Rovers and Watford before they picked up home wins over Wigan Athletic and QPR.

Guastavo Hamer and Viktor Gyokeres netted late goals to see Coventry take the win over Wigan before a brace from Gyokeres helped the Sky Blues beat QPR.

Coventry have scored two less goals than Reading in the league this season (21), but have kept it tight in defence having conceded just 18 goals which gives them the best defensive record in the entire division.

came when they had a two on one situation with Drew Spence and Ashleigh Neville, but Bryson got a vital touch on the ball to prevent Neville going through on goal.

Bryson whipped another inviting cross into the box to find Harries unmarked in the middle and she couldn’t direct her header on target as a big chance went begging.

Harries continued to cause havoc for the Spurs defence when she latched onto Bryson’s long ball, turned onto her left and unleashed a shot that was well held by the keeper as the Royals went into the half a goal in front after a dominant display.

A big opening fell for Spence at the start of the second half when she swivelled from a corner and poked a shot just wide of the target from close range.

Woodham’s constant willingness to get forward continued throughout the second-half and she swung a cross into the box that was put behind for a corner.

Reading’s persistence to find a second nearly paid off when Troelsgaard hit a low cross at the near post that almost fell for Lauren Wade.

Another huge chance to further the advantage fell for Troelsgaard just six yards from goal, but

The home team continued to create when another superb setpiece delivery from Woodham was only headed to Troeslgaard who pulled the trigger with a half volley that flew just wide.

After a triple change, Spurs began to apply pressure on the Reading defence and played with more intensity in the final third.

Burns came up with a big save at the near post to keep out Karczewska’s effort before the full-time whistle went and Reading claimed maximum points.

ROYALS FACE TRICKY TEST AT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS CHELSEA

READING FC WOMEN face possibly their trickiest test of the women’s Super League season away at Chelsea.

The Royals picked up just their second win of the league campaign on Sunday when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The win puts them seven points above bottom side Leicester City, who are yet to pick up a point this season.

Kelly Chambers’ side go into the contest at Chelsea on the back of three games unbeaten in all competitions.

Meanwhile, title holders Chelsea have been in scintillating form since their shock defeat on the opening weekend of the season.

After losing out to newly promoted Liverpool 2-1 away from home, the Blues have had a faultless run which sees them top of the table after nine matches.

Emma Hayes’ team have enjoyed success against Man City, West Ham, Everton, Brighton, Aston Villa, Man United, Tottenham and Leicester in a run of eight successive victories.

Chelsea were in stunning form in their weekend win at bottom

side Leicester.

The West London side smacked eight past their opponents without reply to sink the Foxes to their ninth defeat of the campaign.

There were braces for Jessie Fleming and Fran Kirby, while goals from Guro Reiten, Niamh Charles, Sam Kerr and Bethany England helped Chelsea to a huge win.

Chelsea are currently three points ahead of closest title challengers Man United and Arsenal, but have played one game more than both of their rivals.

The Royals enjoyed an excellent win over Chelsea last season and

were one of only two sides to defeat the Blues in the league in the 2021/22 campaign.

Deanne Rose netted the only goal of the game after she completed a mazy run to put Reading ahead after just four minutes.

Chambers’ side then defended resolutely to keep Chelsea out on their way to securing their first ever WSL win over the Blues.

However, it was a different tale when Reading travelled away to face Chelsea in the reverse fixture.

Chelsea made amends for their defeat in Berkshire by striking five past the Royals without reply.

Meanwhile, Reading have conceded 30 goals so far this season.

Swedish forward Gyokeres has been in fine scoring form once again and is currently joint top scorer in the division, joint with eight other players on nine goals.

Coventry were successful on their last trip to Reading, in February 2022.

On the day where Reading celebrated their 150th anniversary, there wasn’t much to cheer on the pitch in a time where the club endured a toxic atmosphere near the end of Veljko Paunovic’s reign as manager.

In an entertaining contest, Lucas Joao put Reading ahead before goals either side of half-time from Dominic Hyam and Michael Rose put the visitors in front.

Andy Yiadom levelled the game up, but the game turned when Junior Hoilett was sent off.

Ian Maatsen scored in the 65th minute to put Coventry back in front which was enough to take the 3-2 win.

Reading v Coventry last season

Picture: Steve Smyth

league win of the campaign by beating Spurs Pictures: Neil Graham

Wellings swings in a cross

Bryson Jackie Burns kicks long

Sanne Troelsgaard

Primmer chases down

Reading go in front through Turner’s own goal

Vanhaevermaet finds a teammate

Spurs keeper Spencer produced a magnificent fingertip save to push her shot behind.

ABBEY RESCUE LOSING BONUS POINT

By ANNETTE TOMAS sport@wokingham.today

IN one of the best defensive displays so far this season, Abbey Women kept a fourth-placed Old Albanian Saints scoreless until three minutes before halftime, and replacement prop Hannah Gale’s second-half score was enough to secure a losing bonus point for the dogged home side.

It was Abbey who forced OAs to make some early unforced errors, encroaching into their territory through a series of penalties.

The lineout, a real weapon of the home side all afternoon, worked well with Fern Edgar and Joey Fowler combining well, affording the back line some excellent front foot ball. Alice Denton-Rice made her usual probing runs, while Lou Pullan cleared up well from full back.

Unfortunately, it was the one crucial lineout in OA’s 22 that Abbey couldn’t secure after so much possession and territory, and their outside centre Caroline Collie cleared to touch.

In one of the best defensive efforts of the game, Abbey were camped on their own try line towards the end of the first half.

Leading by example, captain Annabel Hawkins drove back OA’s attacking efforts, joined by omnipresent flanker Andi Barker and returning fly half Annette Bevan.

But it was scrum-half Ellie Denton-Rice’s jackal turnover from a metre out that set the tone for the afternoon and buoyed the Nuns further.

Holding such a dominant team to just five points’ difference at the half was one of the best halves of rugby Abbey have enjoyed all season, and this continued into the second half. Capitalising on a yellow card for OA’s fly half Kirsty Exley, Abbey were able to enjoy more territory.

With the scores now level, Exley returned to the field, as did OA’s dominant winger Siobhan Drummond who immediately made an impact on the game with surging runs and strong fend offs.

It was on the second of these runs, having been well contained by flanker Tori Kiff on the first, that Drummond managed to sneak into the corner for her side’s second try for the win, with Collie converting superbly from the touchline.

Abbey continued to play, surging

back into the visitor’s 22 in almost identical fashion to their previous attack.

Bevan threaded through a grubber, forcing a knock on and a 5m scrum, and Hawkins picked and went for the line again.

Replacement hooker Claire Stevens was unlucky to have a try disallowed after a series of carries, but the score remained 5-12.

Abbey travel to Bath

MENDRICK ENDS ADAMS UNBEATEN STREAK GOLFERS TAKE TO THE TEE

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

IT WAS a fascinating week in Division 1 where 100% records tumbled and a strong new player arrived on the scene.

Clear leaders KINGFISHER A scored a narrow 6-4 victory over third place KINGFISHER D

Graham Mendick scored an outstanding 3-1 win over previously unbeaten Martin Adams 12-10 11-8 5-11 11-1, who then returned the compliment in being the first to beat Ryan Chung.

In being short of players and needing a couple of reserves, previously unknown Henley Business School student, Mengyao Shi, stood in for the A team to make his first appearance.

He recorded a treble with blistering forehand pace to confirm yet another win for the league favourites.

Another match with both teams in the top four took place as OUR LADY OF PEACE A took on second place SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A, who could only field two players.

Joined by Ian Cole and Justin Mead, Steve Murgatroyd was the only unbeaten player on the night including taking out Gary Morgan 10-12 11-9 9-11 11-6 11-8 to secure the 7-3 win.

Young Theo Kniep scored an excellent maximum as his KINGFISHER B side narrowly turned over TILEHURST RBL A by a 6-4 score line.

An off-colour Mike Childs could only take a single as READING FC lost at home to TIDMARSH A 3-7, although no player remained unbeaten with FC’s Tom Lewis taking two as did opponents Duncan Groves, Lee Calcutt and Anthony Baker.

Reading FC now prop up the table after SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD B

managed to pick up 12 points in completing a couple of rearranged matches including a 5-5 draw with KINGFISHER C and 7-3 victory over SONNING SPORTS A.

An impressive maximum from skipper Nigel Maltby could not stop Division 2 promotion contenders SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C slipping to a 6-4 defeat against TIDMARSH B

The standout sets were Nigel’s great three straight victory over Tidmarsh’s star player Dale Ballard and a great recovery from two down by Tidmarsh’s Barry Carter to beat Malcolm Gregory 11-8 in the fifth.

In the KINGFISHER derby the F and E team’s fought out a 5-5 draw in a match where there were many very close sets.

The F teams skipper Roger Pritchard recorded a very good maximum but was pushed all the way by Luca Bianchi, just beating him 1110 in the fifth.

The F team’s Ajai Kamath had an eventful evening with all of his sets going to five, winning two of them.

GOLFERS battled it out at Hennerton Golf Club throughout a series of knockout competitions.

Taking part 14 different competitions, Brian Scott took the Men’s singles title, while Jon Baird was the runner up.

The winner of the Ladies singles was Lucille Richards, while Jan Duffy finished in second place.

The Senior Men’s Championship was taken by Keith Seymour, runner up Steve Whitmore.

The Senior Ladies Championship saw Di Moss capture the title and Sandra Turnbull ended in second.

Following the presentations and supper, nearly 80 members and guests took part in a quiz.

Full list of winners

Men’s Singles: Winner Brian Scott, Runner Up Jon Baird Ladies’ Singles: Winner Lucille Richards, Runner Up Jan Duffy Men’s Singles: Winner Richard

Ballard, Runner Up Chris Neale

Men’s Fourball: Winners Rye Harding & Keith Griffiths, Runners Up Steve Clark & Rob Keywood

Ladies’ Fourball: Winners Liz Deaney & Carol McIntosh, Runners Up Lucille Richards & Catherine Balchin

Senior Men’s Fourball: Winners Martin Green and Martin Cook, Runners Up Pete Burgess and Alasdair Macarthur

Mixed Foursomes: Winners Brian & Eileen Holmes, Runners Up Martin Cook & Di Moss

Seniors’ Championship: Men’s

Winner Keith Seymour, Runner Up Steve Whitmore

Seniors’ Championship: Ladies’ Winner Di Moss, Runner Up Sandra Turnbull

Vets’ Championship: Men’s

Winner Chris Allchorne, Ladies’ Winner Jill Thompson

Mike Shepherd Cup: Men’s

Winner Roger Stapley, Runner Up Del Tovey

Anne Shepherd Cup: Winner Lucille Richards, Runner Up Andrea Schaenzler

Mac Mackenzie Trophy: Winner Lee Leggett, Runner Up Andrea Schaenzler

Winter Ladies’ Greensomes

2021-22: Winners Jeanette Thompson & Anne Hooper, Runners Up Nuala Priest & Sandra Turnbull.

RESULTS

Friday, December 2

FOOTBALL

Southern League Premier Bracknell Town 4-2 Swindon Supermarine

Saturday, December 3

Isthmian South Central Chipstead 1-1 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 1-0 Chalfont St Peter

FA Vase third round Ascot United 4-0 Little Common

Combined Counties Div One Eversley & California A-A Rising Ballers Kensington

Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftree Trophy Windlesham United Youth 0-3 Finchampstead Woodley United Royals 2-3 Burghfield

Thames Valley Premier Reading City U23s 1-2 Wraysbury Village

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 24-27 Sale

South Central Regional 2 Shipston on Stour 30-34 Reading

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Wallingford 0-1 Sonning

Women’s National Premier Division Reading 2-1 Loughborough Students

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Marlow

Sunday, December 4

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Tottenham

TVCWFL Cup Ascot United 4-0 Woodley United S4K Berks County 3-1 Slough Town

Eversley & California Reserves 5-2 Mortimer Aylesbury United 0-9 Ascot United Reserves Wargrave 10-2 Taplow United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Carterton 1-2 Eversley & California

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier Division Reading v Hampstead & Westminster

Tuesday, December 6

FOOTBALL

Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Ascot United

Cherry Red Challenge Cup North Greenford v Berks County

FIXTURES

Saturday, December 10

FOOTBALL

Championship Reading v Coventry City

Southern League Premier Weston-super-Mare v Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Uxbridge

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v Egham Town London Lions v Reading City Wallingford & Crowmarsh v Sumas

Combined Counties Div One Woodley United v Bagshot Rayners Lane v Eversley & California

Sandhurst Town v Berks County

Charles Twelftree Trophy Cholsey United v Finch Newbury v Reading YMCA Wargrave v Hambleden

Thames Valley Premier Reading City U23s v Chalvey Sports

RUGBY UNION National League One Cinderford v Rams

Regional 1 South Central Bracknell v Banbury

Regional 2 South Central Reading v Stow-on-the-Wold

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s Premier 1 Reading 2s v Henley

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Sonning v Banbury 2s

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Havant v Sonning

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Havant 2s

South Central Women’s North Division 1 Leighton Buzzard v South Berks

Sunday, Dec 11

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Chelsea v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

Ascot United v Oxford City

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Carterton v Woodley United Penn & Tylers Green v Caversham United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v Oxford Athletic Haddenham v Wargrave New Bradwell v Tilehurst Panthers Slough Town v Mortimer

next weekend before hosting Henley Hawks Women the weekend after.

Prop Hannah Gale scores her maiden try for Abbey

Kelsea Montgomery breaks through

Andi Barker on the run Pictures: @rugbygrandad

Maggie Simpson makes a break