Reading Today, January 12, 2023

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POLICE officers searching for 93-year-old man who went missing from Lower Earley have located a body on Monday afternoon.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Thames Valley Police say they believe this to be Sidney.

The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Superintendent Andrew Cranidge, LPA Commander for Bracknell & Wokingham, said: “Our search for Sidney has been ongoing for four days, with volunteers from Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue and the local community assisting in our search.

“Very sadly, as a result of these searches, a man’s body was located in a garden in Earley on Monday afternoon.

“I would like to thank everyone who has offered their help in this

search over four days.

“I know that Sidney’s family are extremely grateful to all those who have assisted.”

He added: “This is a tragic conclusion to what has been a widespread search and my thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with Sidney’s family.

“We would ask, on their behalf, that their privacy is respected at what will be an extremely difficult time for them.”

Reading MPs outside donations revealed

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

BOTH of Reading’s MPs have received minimal donations compared to other politicians according to new data released on Sunday.

Sky News and Tortoise researched the earnings of all MPs since the 2019 general election, with Maidenhead MP Theresa May collecting £2,550,876 from companies, gifts and donations. Her constituency includes parts of Woodley, Sonning, Twyford and Wargrave.

This was more than double that of her successor, Boris Johnson. The disgraced former prime minister, who had to quit after a succession of scandals including the Downing Street parties during lockdown, earned £1,064,785.

The fifth highest earner was Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood £692,438, with the vast majority of that being the £674,800 earnings from his work as a global strategist with Charles Stanley.

The veteran MP has made no secret of his work for the firm. His commitment is 50 hours per month, which includes three written commentaries a week, and giving presentations.

For this he receives £48,222 a quarter, as well as bonuses. In June last year, this was £35,000.

Both Reading West MP Sir Alok Sharma and Reading East MP Matt Rodda received donations or gifts.

Sir Alok’s figure of £15,000 is one of the lowest, while Mr Rodda’s £26,500 was mostly donations from unions.

How much MPs earned

Matt Rodda

Reading East MP Matt Rodda has declared seven donations worth £26,500.

The largest single item Mr Rodda has declared is a donation worth £7,000 from Union of Shop, Distributive & Allied Workers (USDAW).

Keith Thrower donated £5,000, Unite the Union gave £4,000 and £3,000. The Communications Workers Union (CWU) gave £3,000, £2,500 was given by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT). The smallest single item is a donation worth £2,000 from GMB Union.

Sir Alok Sharma

Reading West MP Sir Alok Sharma has received just two payments since 2019. This should come as little surprise as he has been fully focused on the COP26 conference.

Aquind donated £10,000, while Ravi and Manju Mehrotra gave £5,000. Both were in January 2020.

Theresa May

Theresa May declared 78 financial interests from 37 different sources since the current parliament began in 2019.

They include several donations of £4,200 from Heathrow Airport, £115,000 from the Brown University,

£2,500 from her husband Philip May, and £115,000 from the Dubai Women Establishment.

The largest single item declared is £408,200 in secondary earnings from Cambridge Speaker Series.

She earned £408,200 for six talks in California. Payment included flights and accommodation.

The smallest single item is a gift worth £300 from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The top five sources are: Cambridge Speaker Series, JP Morgan Chase, Heathrow Airport, World Knowledge Forum and Distinguished Speaker Series.

The money is paid into The Office of Theresa May Ltd, from which she pays herself a salary of £85,000 a year.

Sky News says the rest supports her charitable work and activities as a former prime minister.

Sir John Redwood

Sir John Redwood has declared 49 different financial interests, all of which are earnings according to the Sky News/Tortoise data.

The largest single item Mr Redwood has declared is £50,000 in secondary earnings from Charles Stanley.

However, since 2019, Sir John has earned £674,800 from the firm.

Epic Private Equity paid him £14,630, Bite Sized Books £2,590, The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society paid £200, and Palgrave Macmillan/Spring £100.

Man dies after traffic collision on A4 Bath Road

A MAN has died in a late-night traffic collision on the A4 Bath Road near Aldermaston and police are appealing for witnesses.

The incident took place just after 12.10am on Sunday, January 8, on the road that links Reading to Newbury, just by Ufton Green.

A grey Mercedes travelling eastbound –towards Reading – was involved in a head-on collision with a purple Volkswagen Caddy Van travelling in the opposite direction.

The Mercedes driver, a 51-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the Volkswagen has serious injuries, and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains in a serious condition.

Investigating officer Sergeant Robin Nickless, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Amersham, said: “I am appealing to anybody who was driving in the area and may have dashcam footage of the collision, or the moments leading up to the collision to please contact Thames Valley Police.

“Very sadly, because of this collision, a man has died of his injuries.

“His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of Thames Valley Police are with them at this very difficult time.

“If you witnessed the collision or have any footage, please contact Thames Valley Police, either by making a report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43230010187.”

‘Powerful’ newspaper cover reimagined as Christmas gifts

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

ONE OF Reading Today’s impactful front pages has been repurposed in a unique way, which means it certainly won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Alice Mpofu-Coles, a councillor for Whitley ward, received a reusable tote bag and mug personalised with the paper’s front page of our November 23, illustrating an article she was interviewed for.

The headline was ‘Unapologetically black: Just what is it like to be a person of colour in 21st century Reading’ and highlighted representations of eight members of the town’s black community.

Cllr Mpofu-Coles received a large number of interactions after posting images of the alternative presents online and says many have commented on the bag while wearing it out and about.

She explained: “My husband gave them to me for Christmas. He always comes up with the most amazing gifts, ones he knows mean a lot to me.

“I got quite emotional when I saw the cover and the article was really special, the whole purpose of it. We went and bought several copies for our children, friends and family who wanted us to send it to them. We probably cleared out the store.

“A picture tells a million stories and this certainly did. It didn’t demean anyone by making the pictures small.”

The issues raised in the article and the manner in which they were presented on the cover struck a chord with the social justice advocate, who arrived in the UK as a refugee from Zimbabwe in 2002.

Despite enjoying a successful career as an advocate, councillor and completing her PhD at the University of Reading, she has faced numerous challenges based on the colour of her skin.

“Some of these things don’t get highlighted so much. But with what the university and the paper have done is capture everyone’s eyes, it was so powerful,” she said.

“Sometimes when there are pictures on a front page with lots of stories, the messaging can get muddled up. But in this case, you almost didn’t even need to read past the cover.

“Things have to be done differently in the 21st century, it’s got to be something we don’t just talk about in Black History Month only. The university’s ethos is not for a month, but something we get used to.”

The article also featured the words of Reading Borough Council’s first female West Indian-born Chaplain Una Chandler and her daughter

Louise,

Jemima

One of many issues Cllr Mpofu-Coles touched on was ignorance based on her interracial marriage with her husband of 12 years.

But for the mother of two, the fact that he is white British made the presents even more special.

She said: “The person who gave me the gifts makes it more special. My husband is white and British, and it means a lot that he understands the significance. Not that it doesn’t mean a lot when it happens from a black person, it’s just fantastic to see the reaction from different, diverse people, different vantage points.”

Tony Christie to perform for college

ARLINGTON Arts Centre will host a special show with a famous name as part of the efforts to save READ College.

Following the college’s announcement at the end of November that it faced imminent closure due to funding issues, communities have rallied round to support the organisation.

Now Tony Christie has joined them in, as he will be performing a special, one-off show to raise funds for the cause.

With a career spanning more than 60 years, Christie has enjoyed particular fame with his version of (Is This the Way to) Amarillo.

READ college said back in November that 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 December 12, we will be left with no choice but to close our doors at the end of this term.”

So far, the college has managed to avoid closing, but is still in a difficult financial position.

Clara Vaughan, READ Colleg’s artistic director, said the situation: “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.”

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.”

n The show is on Wednesday, January 18. For details, log on to: arlingtonarts.ticketsolve.com

Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

THAT’S AN UNWRAP: For Christmas, Cllr Alice MpofuColes received a tote bag and mug with the Reading Today cover on them – she was part of a feature on what it’s like to be a black person living in Reading today.

Picture: Alice Mpofu-Coles

SHOW TIME: Tony Christie will sing at a benefit gig for READ College

Royals’ manager Paul Ince and Kenyan Family Fun Day organiser Ken Gathere.

McKenzie, inclusion and communities officer at Reading University Students’ Union, and youth workers Kelvin Husbands and James Pyle completed the line up of inspiring interviewees.

Chalk is a new neighbourhood restaurant and bar based in the heart of Wokingham, only a stone’s throw away from the Town Hall. Chalk Restaurant offers residents and locals the perfect place to come together and catch up while enjoying a range of quality drinks or some food from our mouthwatering menu that focuses on simple fresh ingredients done well.

Christians unite for racial justice

CHRISTIANS from across Reading will be coming together for a combined service.

To mark the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, they will gather at St George’s Church in Tilehurst.

This year’s service will use materials prepared by the churches of Minneapolis that seek to explore how unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society.

It takes place from 6pm on Sunday, January 22, and the church is in St George’s Road.

It is organised by Churches Together in West Reading, Tilehurst and Southcote.

Whitley Carnival

TWO SOUTH Reading organisations are inviting residents to help plan a community event.

On Monday, January 23, the Whitley Community Development Association and charity Aspire2 are holding a carnival planning meeting.

Organisers say it’s ward’s ‘best street party’ and are asking anyone who is interested to get involved.

The meeting takes place in the Community Cafe, Northumberland Avenue, at 6pm.

For more details, search Facebook for: Whitley CDA.

Uni’s meteorology team confirm 2022 was warmest year on record

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A NEW set of figures has been released by the University of Reading showing that last year was the warmest year on record.

As well as confirming that it was warmer on average than any other year recorded at the university, the figures showed that it also contained the hottest day ever recorded in July.

The figures come from the university’s atmospheric observatory, which has been collecting data continuously through the institution since 1901.

The observatory has also collected data showing that 2022 was the driest year in the last decade, and the third sunniest in the past five.

Dr Stephen Burt from the University of Reading’s meteorology department said: “As with many other parts of the UK, 2022 was the warmest calendar year on Reading’s records, which began in 1908.

“This is despite the coldest 10-day spell in more than a decade during December.

“The mean temperature (the average of the daily max and min for each day of the year, measured in the Stevenson screen in our Atmospheric

Observatory) was 11.88°C.

He said that this was: “a full degree above the 1991-2020 average, and almost a tenth of a degree above the previous record-holder, 2006, when the average temperature was 11.79°C.

“On our long record, all of our top 10 warmest years have occurred since and including 1989 (all of the Top Five since and including 2006).

“The most recent entry in the Top 10 coldest was more than 40 years ago, in 1979 (9.20°C).”

“July saw our hottest

ever day, when the screen temperature reached 37.6°C on 19th, surpassing our previous record of 36.4°C on 10 August 2003.

He explained that Reading reached temperatures of 35°C in only two summer periods during the 20th century, once in 1911 and once in 1990.

Temperatures have hit this mark during five summers since the turn of the millennium, including three of the last four.

“Despite a wet autumn,” he said, “the year was also very dry – 588mm, 10% below the 1991-

2020 normal of 655mm.

“Although within the past decade both 2018 and 2015 have been drier still, July [2022], with only 3.1 mm rainfall, was the driest on our records.

“As was the first half of December, when only 0.2mm fell.”

Figures showed that the year was also exceptionally sunny: “1,784 hours of bright sunshine, 14% above normal, a daily average of 4 hours and 53 minutes.

“In 2021, we saw only 1,483 hours’ sunshine, amounting

to 49 minutes per day less sunshine than in 2022.

“This was the third year in the last five to be very sunny2020 recorded 1,892 hours in all, and 2018 1,816 hours.”

Lastly, he said that 2023 did not seem to be bucking the trend, either.

“A mild start to January, too, with temperatures surpassing 13°C on four days within the last week.

“Good for the heating bills.” n More information about the university’s work in meteorology, visit: research.reading.ac.uk/

Plans submitted for new homes Mexican food coming to town

Development Ltd has submitted details for its plan to build two three-bedroom semidetached homes on land next to Mitcham Close, off Milman Road in Katesgrove.

Last December, the developers won outline approval to build the two homes contained in one building under application reference 210661.

Each will have a shared upstairs bathroom. Downstairs there will be a kitchen and living

Now the firm has submitted details relating to materials, landscaping, car and cycle parking, which were reserved when the outline application was granted.

The plan can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, application 221848.

A MEXICAN restaurant could be coming to Reading town centre.

Planning permission is being sought by Zambrero. It wants to use the former William Hill betting shop in Queen Victoria Street.

This would involve internal and external changes, including replacing blue William Hill paint with Zambrero’s green and grey branding.

The plan is very similar to one submitted in August last year, reference 221221.

It would have a long dining bench and five seats indoors and four seats outdoors, with the necessary cooking facilities and counter where customers can collect their meals.

The plan can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, application 221197.

More than 700 arrests during festive drink-driving campaign

737 arrests were made, with 451 of those being made in Thames Valley.

The force said that this was an increase of 24% compared to last year.

More than 700 arrests were made across Operation Holly, a campaign undertaken by TVP and Hampshire Constabulary’s joint operations unit during December last year.

The campaign used targeted activities to tackle those driving under the influence of drink and

Across both TVP and Hampshire Constabulary,

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “Operation Holly is carried out throughout the festive period every year and it’s disappointing to see that people are still getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink and/or drugs.

“We see all too often the devastating consequences that can

result from this behaviour and I am pleased that we have managed to make so many arrests and prevent the potential harm that can be caused by drink and drug drivers.

“Our priority is to make the roads safer for everyone and we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having drank alcohol or used drugs.”

“Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impact on your driving.

“It’s not worth the risk.”

HOT STUFF: Figures released by the University of Reading show that 2022 was the warmest year on record. The data was gathered at the atmospheric observatory at the Whiteknights campus Picture: the University of Reading

THAMES Valley Police has released its most recent figures regarding arrests during its Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving.

Jack was a giant at the box office .. now it’s time for a Sleeping Beauty

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

STAFF at The Hexagon are already looking ahead to next Christmas after one of the most successful pantomimes in the theatre’s history.

Reading Arts’ Jack and the Beanstalk came to an end earlier this month and tickets for this year’s show have already gone on sale.

Imagine Theatre will once again be producing the show, and will be a new take on Sleeping Beauty.

The last time it was performed was in 2010, and was Imagine’s first panto for Reading, and starred Rainbow’s Jane Tucker, and Emmerdale’s Leah Bracknell.

It was also the first time that local lad Justin Fletcher appeared, in this show as Josh the Jester.

Since then, the CBeebies megastar has graduated from just performing in the show to helping write it too.

Away from his alter-ego as Mr Tumble, Mr Fletcher says that by writing the shows he can tailor the scripts to the actors he is working with.

His award-winning comic partnership with dame Paul Morse has seen them perform a host of hilarious routines, including a traditional messy pie-making scene, a comic ballet and a silent skit where they pretended to be decorators with hysterical results.

Audiences loved their roles in Jack and the Beanstalk. Feedback published by Reading Arts included: “Entertaining, laugh out loud”,

“Exceptional casting .. Paul and Justin always TOP”, “Amazing!! Best yet! I was crying with laughter”, and “My sides were hurting. I haven’t laughed that hard in ages”.

People have also taken to social media to announce they had already booked tickets for Sleeping Beauty, despite not knowing who would be appearing in the show.

Reading Arts and venues

manager Sarah Cox said: “After the giant success of Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hexagon, we are looking forward to working once again with our partners at Imagine Theatre in 2023, and are delighted to announce next year’s family panto, the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty.

“We hope to see you in 2023.”

Jack and the Beanstalk was the first Hexagon pantomime to run ‘as normal’ since the covid pandemic caused the 2020 show to be cancelled. This included seeing the junior ensemble, comprising young dancers, taking part in open auditions held in July.

It is expected that these will take place again in the summer, at The Hexagon.

Full details will be released nearer the time.

Sleeping Beauty will run at The Hexagon from Saturday, December 9, through to Sunday, January 7.

Tickets cost from £14, and there will be special relaxed performances to ensure people with additional needs can enjoy the show. Signed performances for deaf audiences will also take place.

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

Chance to join korfball club

A SOUTH READING club is encouraging residents to keep fit while trying a new sport.

Reading Rooks Korfball Club invites new members to join them for two free beginner sessions today and on January 19, at South Reading Leisure Centre.

Players of all abilities are welcome. Teams head indoors during the winter months.

The club provides a friendly setting to meet new people, make friends and even enjoy an awards night in the summer.

The trial sessions start at 6.45pm and finish at 7.45pm.

n For more information, search: Reading Rooks Korfball Club on www.facebook.com

First-ever tootup

AN INFORMAL social media get together for users of Twitter and Mastadon is to take place in Caversham later month.

The Thames Valley Social Media Cafe is marking its 14th anniversary of meeting up with what is thought to be the firstever tootup. It will help people navigate the ever-changing social media landscape.

It will take place at Workhouse Coffee in Caversham’s Bridge Street from 11.30am on Tuesday, January 24.

n Details can be found by searching Eventbrite for TVSMC January 2023, and the hashtags are #tvsmc23 and tvsmc.

PANTO FAVOURITE: Justin Fletcher with a furry friend during rehearsals for Jack and the Beanstalk; Below: A flashback to the 2010 take of Sleeping Beauty Pictures: Dijana Capan/ Dvision Images / Phil Creighton

plan for Tilehurst

CK Hutchison, the company that owns the Three mobile network, has applied to install a 20 metre 5G mast at The Meadway, opposite Dee Road, in Tilehurst.

The mast would be installed among trees and facing a fourshop precinct with parking spaces. Its height would be as if five double decker buses had been stacked on top of each other.

It would come with three ancillary cabinets.

The plan can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, application 221915.

Drag karaoke at Be At One

BE AT ONE in Reading is playing host to a night of drag and live singing.

Reading’s own drag monarch Big Jay will be hosting a karaoke evening, joined by guest performer Amber Rose Turner.

Big Jay’s Drageoke will take place in Be At One, Gun Street, on Friday, January 20, from 7.30pm.

Big Jay has hosted a number of drag and performance events including Reading’s Got Drag, as well as performing at last year’s Reading Pride and the inaugural Reading Trans Pride event

Runners face tough test thanks to Rotary’s 10k race

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

COBWEBS were blown away – and rained on – at one of the first challenges of 2023.

Members of Pangbourne Rotary held the annual Woodcote 10k, this year marking its 40th anniversary.

Runners set off from the village hall, before heading into the Oxfordshire countryside and then back again.

The weather conditions were ... wet, with heavy downpours, mixed with wind making the ground soft and muddy.

There were 381 people registered. The race is tough, and 325 people crossed the line.

The event is expected to raise £4,200, which will be shared between two charities and the club for future intiatives.

Bloodnikes operates at night and weekends to transfer to transfer emergency blood supplies and other medical

products, including breast milk, between NHS establishments on a fleet of 14 motorbikes and two 4X4 cars.

The second charity was the Purley Park Trust, a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities

The third charity was Pangbourne Rotary’s own charitable fund, which supports various good causes throughout the year, like Readifood, Launchpad and other local and international worthy causes including disaster relief.

The event was sponsored by Warmingham Estate Agents and Peppard Building Supplies. The Rotary Club thanks them and the entrants for their support.

Race organiser Jerry Wilson said: “It’s always pleasing to get positive feedback from our runners, complimenting us on such a well-organised event. This is, of course, all the encouragement we need to redo it again.

“Next year’s event will therefore be on January 7, 2024.”

UNDER STARTERS ORDERS: The 40th Woodcote 10k took place on Sunday in wet conditions

Pictures: Steve Smyth

The race winner, Harry Pettingell

Race winner, Harry Pettingell and First woman, Katherine West

women in history

AN EVENING celebrating some of the most rebellious women in history is coming to Reading town centre on Monday night.

The University of Reading’s chaplaincy centre is organising another meeting of its Café Théologique strand, taking place in the Zerodegrees bar in Bridge Street.

Entitled Unveiled: Rebel Women of the Old Testament, the event will see the Revd Clare Hayns, college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford, speak about women from the Old Testament who she feels are inspiring.

They are people who spoke up to change unjust laws, who disobeyed despotic rulers, and who stood between warring rivals to bring peace.

Organisers say the meeting is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective, and everyone is welcome.

Events are free to attend without booking, and it is possible to log on via zoom.

The event runs on Monday, January 16, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

n For more details, search Facebook for Café Théologique.

Petition launched in bid to stem river of waste on Wokingham Road

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

IT’S A load of rubbish, it’s spilling out onto the streets, and it’s out of control.

Waste from shops, businesses and homes on east Reading’s Wokingham Road is overflowing, and causing chaos according to the Green Party. Now they want the council take action.

In recent weeks, a mountain of waste has been piling up on the busy shopping parade as bins are overflowing.

There are various industrialsized bins for general waste and recycling. With several food stores on the street selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and world foods, as well as a range of takeaways and restaurants, a lot of rubbish and recycling is generated every day.

But it’s not being collected enough.

Just before Christmas, Reading Green Party campaigner Sarah Magon launched a petition calling on Reading Borough Council to do something about the area’s very own mountain of misery.

“At the Wokingham Road shopping area opposite Alfred

Sutton primary school, waste is out of control,” she said.

“Often trade waste bins are overflowing and spill out onto the road and pavement.

“The council’s bag collection system isn’t working well so waste from the flats above the shops piles up around the bins.

“Despite the new bollards, the area around the pedestrian crossing opposite Crescent Road is chaotic.

“We are asking the council to do more and work with us, local businesses and residents to tackle these issues. Please sign the petition if this issue matters to you.”

A spokesperson for Biffa,

one of the firms that collects commercial waste from shops on Wokingham Road, said: “The festive period always sees a big increase in waste and recycling, and our collections teams are working hard across Reading to keep the streets clean and tidy.

“Our business customers’ bins at the location in question have all been serviced and emptied on time. Unfortunately, some extra rubbish was dumped next to the bins, which was cleared on Tuesday.

“We are working closely with Reading Borough Council to find a longer-term solution to the issue of fly-tipping at this location.”

It is not the first time that the issue has been raised. In October, Cllr White highlighted a similar problem, while in 2020 missed collections by waste firm Biffa meant that another waste mountain piled high on the streets.

In both cases, the council warned people not to leave waste next to overflowing bins, as it would be treated as flytipping.

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said its Recycling & Waste Services are aware of the issues highlighted in the Wokingham Road area, and would use enforcement activities if necessary.

“The Council has recently reviewed trade and domestic waste arrangements within its own immediate control within the town, and has seen improvement as a result of this work,” the said.

“As in other locations across the Borough, there are issues that emerge occasionally relating to other commercial bin collections.

“As part of our on-going work, our Enforcement Officers will be visiting commercial properties on the Wokingham Road to ensure that they have appropriate arrangements in place for the disposal of their waste.

“Where warranted, we will encourage those businesses with issues to alter or increase their collection services with those providers to ensure an improvement on the local environmental scene.

“Enforcement activity will be appropriately undertaken to address any identified failure to comply with legislation.

“This intervention will over time act to address the issues experienced on Wokingham Road, and will be applied to other areas of the borough that experience similar issues.”

n The petition can be signed at: www.bit.ly/wokyrubbish

50 years of the A329M explored Fashion upcycling workshops

A CIVIL engineer will lead a talk with the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group about the A329M.

As the road is now 50-years-old, the group’s meeting will feature a session with David Hunter, one of the civil engineers working for Berkshire County Council on the road.

Mr Hunter was personally involved in the design and construction of the road, which was unusual in that it was a local authority project as opposed to a government project.

The road runs from just north of Bracknell, working past Wokingham to cross the M4, and meets the A3290 at Winnersh Triangle.

The meeting will be held at St Mary’s Church Hall in Castle Street from 7.30pm on Monday, January 23.

Non-members are welcome, though a charge of £2.50 is made to cover room hire and costs, and no booking is required.

n More information about the Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group is available via: biag.org.uk

A MUSEUM in Reading is offering new youth workshops teaching the art of upcycling clothes.

The Museum of English Rural Life is joining efforts to tackle fast fashion and its impact on the environment by demonstrating how to reuse articles of clothing.

Textiles artist Anurita Chandola will show how to deconstruct garments, embroidery techniques, patchwork, and applique.

The sessions are aimed at young people with the goal of creating a new garment or accessory out of old articles of clothing.

MsChandola is a graduate from the Royal College of Art.

The session is open to complete beginners with no previous experience, though attendees are asked to bring some pre-loved garments such as jeans or T-shirts.

The event runs from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, January 22, at the Redlands Road venue.

n Attendence is free, but booking is required via: www.whatsonreading.com

A walk through the biscuit town

AN HISTORIAN is preparing for another walk through Reading’s history.

Terry’s Reading Walkabouts is to celebrate 200 years of Huntley & Palmers, as well as telling the story of biscuits from the Roman Empire through to the present day.

Heading from the Town Hall to the Museum of English Rural Life, the walk looks at the influence of the people in Huntley & Palmers, their effect

on the town, on manufacturing, and on biscuits themselves.

The walk will be raising funds in aid of Terry’s chosen charities: Parents And Children Together and the Royal Berkshire Charity, which supports the hospital.

Terry’s Reading Walkabout has been providing educational walks for more than six years, offering 16 different routes and subjects, and raising nearly £11,000 for local charities.

The walk will begin at 10am, on Thursday, January 19 and again on Saturday, February. Guests are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early, with a £5 donation on entry split between the two chosen charities.

n To book a place or find out more details, visit Terry’s Reading Walkabout’s Facebook page, or by contacting TRW directly via: terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com or by contacting 07505 351517.

Evening will explore some of most rebellious

MOUNTAIN OF WASTE: Cllr Rob White and Reading Green party campaigner Sarah Magon with the piles of rubbish and overflowing bins on Wokingham Road Pictures: Phil Creighton

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

Reader travel

Departing Sat 10 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, January 12, 2023

20 May ‘23

Perfectly capturing

that famous ‘keep calm and carry

Blitz spirit, this quaint Yorkshire village is transformed

Sarah takes verse place at Dreading Poetry Slam final

THE DREADING Poetry Slam has crowned its winner for 2022 in its competitive poetry final.

ASCOT Ladies WorcesterObserver Haworth1940sCelebration_D.pdf © RPM Photos RoyalAscotLadiesDay2daysbyCoach_D.pdf

commemorate this iconic time in British history. Your break includes  Return coach travel from Wokingham, Bracknell & Crawley  Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast  Excursion to the Haworth 1940s Celebration  En-route visit to Skipton Market Departing Thu 22 Jun ‘23 As one of the most prestigious and historic race meetings in the world, Royal Ascot’s unique atmosphere is not to be missed! So join us on Gold Cup Day (colloquially known as Ladies’ Day) to see top class horses and world-famous jockeys compete in six races. Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading  Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast

After a year of monthly heats and a fierce battle for the top spot, the group has named this year’s winner in the slam poetry grand final.

Winners of the year’s heats competed in three rounds of readings with judges chosen from the crowd scoring individual works.

Poet and author A.F. Harrold kicked off proceedings with an effusive performance of I Can’t Do Punk before eight contenders took to the microphone to perform original pieces.

£99

The first poem of the night’s first round bemoaned the scourge of four-way traffic controls, followed by an amusingly rude character assassination of Paddington Bear.

These were quickly answered with poems exploring wage inequality, focusing on Fat Cat Friday to tackle the idea that CEOs work harder for their money than average workers in a powerful piece.

Poems about the daily woes of a vampire and the experience of being socially outcast closed the first round of judging.

The second round kicked off with a poem tackling the perils of online dating apps, which ended amusingly with a limp microphone hanging out of the stand drawing laughter from the audience.

It also saw an impassioned piece celebrating the music of the late Terry Hall, including a gig in Bracknell, and his impact on the poet’s life as part of an interracial couple.

A poem exploring the resurgence of “frumpy chic” was a joyful celebration of tattiness and natural body shapes as desirable in a humorous challenging of beauty standards in modern society.

“gasping for air,” including the killing of George Floyd, the increasing levels of pollution and climate change, and domestic abuse.

Final scores were submitted and Sarah Smith was named as the Dreading Poetry Grand Slam 2022 winner.

“I had a lot of therapy, and I started writing and performing since then – I’ve got a lot to share, and I wasn’t able to do it.

With the scores totted up, contenders were whittled down to three finalists, Sarah Smith, Liz Teo, and Aishwarya Mahajan.

Before the final three performed their last submissions, members of the audience were invited to take part in impromptu poems of their own on the set theme of rivers, followed by A.F. Harrold’s performance of Bungalow.

Aishwarya performed a poem about a childhood friend which had a dark twist at its conclusion, and Sarah performed a touching piece exploring how a relationship changes as a result of dementia.

Finally, Liz closed the evening’s performances with a curse-laden lampoon of classical manners and etiquette.

A.F. Harrold said that the slam poetry events see attendees “bringing their best stuff, with a variety of voices, styles, and content.

She said after the event: “I’m really delighted – it’s a great night, and one of the fun things about it is that it’s unpredictable.

“You don’t know what the other poets are gonna break and you don’t know what the judge says you’re gonna be.

“We have everything from a lady who I think was in her 70s to a lad who was 10, and all points inbetween.”

Speaking about her choice of poetry to perform, she said that the diverse crowd meant: “You’ve got to go with integrity about things that you think will appeal as broadly as possible.

“But also something that really means something to you.”

She said that the scene in Reading is “really accessible— there’s a lot of accomplished poets out there, but whatever you want to bring, so it’s accessible and I really like that.”

Runner-up Liz Teo said: “I only started doing poetry during lockdown– it had been something that in the past I’d done occasionally.

“Then in the lockdown I had no other excuses, and actually Zoom did me a few favours.

“I ended up following some poets into Zoom groups, one in San Diego, one in Milan, but then I thought ‘this is ridiculous.’”

After seeking something closer to home, she joined the Dreading Slam events as they were just a few miles from her.

“I’d never performed before, so that was me starting, but I joined a workshop course run by Hampshire’s poet laureate.

“So I’m beginning to grow, but I’ve only ever performed here.”

Admission ticket to Windsor Enclosure at Royal Ascot on Ladies’ Day, with coach transfer

En-route visit to Windsor

to a Queen Anne Enclosure ticket for £60pp

Day Single Single £35 Single Single £35 or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR

One of the final poems of the second round was an astonishing appraisal of modern struggles through the metaphor of people

“Some poems are funny, some political, some shouted, some whispered, and it went to some emotional places.”

Ms Smith hasn’t always been a confident performer, however: “Six or seven years ago I wouldn’t have been able to do this.

Dreading Poetry Slam begins its 2023 open mic heats on Sunday, February 5, at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, and again on the first Sunday of each month.

n For more information about Dreading Poetry Slam, visit their Facebook page.

Hospital History: Fair Mile’s story to be revealed

AN ONLINE talk is set to explore the history of a hospital which served Berkshire for more than a century.

The Fair Mile Hospital was one of the precursors to psychiatric hospitals, founded in 1870 as the county “lunatic asylum” for Berkshire.

After undergoing a number of name changes, the hospital came to be known as Fair Mile

Hospital in 1948 when it became part of the NHS.

Located in Cholsey, the institution had served Berkshire in providing psychiatric treatments for over 100 years before boundary changes saw it become part of Oxfordshire.

It closed in 2003 and the Grade II listed buildings were converted to dwellings.

Historian and author

Ian Wheeler will lead a talk arguing that will aim to “adjust perceptions” associated with Victorian asylums, examining the founding of the institution, its work, and its growth through the eyes of ten of its former employees.

The talk takes place online from 2pm on Thursday, January 26,

Tickets cost £5, or £4 for Berkshire Family History Society members, bookable via: whatsonreading.com.

Every month, Reading’s poets gather at The Rising Sun to share their latest lines of joy. On Sunday, winners of the heats gathered for the chance to be crowned top poet. JAKE CLOTHIER finds out more

VERSE CHAMPIONS: Dreading Poetry Slam 2022 finalists Aishwarya, Sarah, Liz, with organiser Richard Stephenson and poet A.F. Harrold. Picture: Jake Clothier

Historian and author Ian Wheeler will lead a talk arguing that

FAMILY FRIENDLY RAVE FESTIVAL SETS

DJS will be mixing the decks at a family-friendly rave in Reading this summer.

Raver Tots, a festival for families with young children, is set to make a comebacks part of its UK tour.

Kicking off in Prospect Park, in Reading, on Sunday, July 23, the festival will make its way to nine

other venues over the coming months.

In previous years, the line-up included sets from big names such as Judge Jules, Brandon Block, Artful Dodger, and Heartless Crew. This year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but will be soon.

There are also activities away

from the dance tent. In previous years that has included fun fair rides, soft play, crazy golf, stage shows with dancers, face painting, arts and crafts and a street food market with a licenced bar.

n Tickets start at £15 and are already on sale from: ravertots. co.uk/events

Grant to help warm hubs’ energy bills

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

GRANTS have been awarded to churches in Reading, Woodley and Earley to help them offer warm spaces for the community this winter.

With cold weather set to return next week, the funding is timely.

In Reading, St Matthews in Southcote, and St Luke’s in Redlands, have received support from the Diocese of Oxford. The Church is also supporting Trinity in Lower Earley and St John’s in Woodley.

In all, the Diocese is providing £500,000 of funding to help a number of churches across the region to open their doors to the community, helping cover their heating costs.

The Revd Pads Dolphin, vicar of St Matthews, said his church is in one of the poorest parts of Reading, so the need was acute.

“Many people are struggling to survive on benefits or lowincome jobs,” he said.

“Back in the autumn we decided to start a warm hub which provides a free lunch of hot, nourishing soup and bread

in a warm space (the church hall), once a week on Fridays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.”

The hub launched in November and ran across Christmas and New Year. Mr Dolphin said that many had welcomed the space, food and friendship.

“We are in the middle of plans to expand the warm hub to include from after school into the early evening with a meal so that families with young children can also benefit from warmth and food,” he continued.

“The funding from the Diocese is extremely helpful toward the cost of heating the church hall, but we will need to raise the majority of the funds ourselves to support the hub which is run by a team of church volunteers who give of their time and money to make the soup, buy the bread and run the hub.

“They love doing it.”

He said the church was opening its doors because it, along with fellow churches in Southcote, were there for the

community. Other initiatives include Holiday clubs, and an after-school cafe at Grange URC, and community street pastors.

“The beautiful thing about these initiatives is that in addition to meeting particular needs of particular people, they all contribute to building community in the area as people meet others and get to know them and often start helping one another,” he explained.

Also receiving support is St Mary’s in Henley, which has received a grant helping to establish a Warm Hub two days a week during the cold winter months.

The church is open to anyone from 8am to 5pm on Thursday and Sunday each week until the end of February.

Father Jeremy Tayler, Rector of the Church, said: “We’re very grateful to the diocese for the donation and we’re delighted to be able to welcome everyone into the church to keep warm this winter, particularly those in need.”

Bungalow to twostorey home plan

A THREE-BEDROOM bungalow in Caversham could be replaced with a two-storey home.

The property, in Upper Warren Avenue, currently has a living room, kitchen a family bathroom and a toilet.

The application would see it replaced with a six bedroom home, with three of them having en-suite facilities.

Downstairs would have a a study, reception room, TV room an open plan kitchen and living area and a double bedroom.

An outbuilding would be a gym space.

The plan can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, application 221625.

Walking netball

SOUTH READING residents can keep fit by getting involved in newly-launched sessions.

Whitley Community Development Association, in collaboration with Netball England, are organising a weekly walking netball project.

Sessions will take place at the Whitley Community Centre on Northumberland Avenue.

It is open to players of all abilities.

The meet-ups take place on Wednesdays from 10.30am11.30am.

n For more information, contact: Debbie Spindlow on 07587 034322.

RAVE ON: The Raver Tots event at Prospect Park last year saw families come together to enjoy music, games, fun and dancing. The event is returning this July Pictures: Steve Smyth

Another view

Neil Coupe

Change the record

ONE of the unique aspects of last year was the juxtaposition of the World Cup to the festive period.

The build-up to Christmas is always marked by the familiar sounds of the past as Christmas carols start being played in the shopping centres, on TV adverts and everywhere else.

More contemporary music, be it a song about a snowman, a 1970s anthem sung by a shouty Brummie, or chirpy East End boys asking us to stay another day reinforces, and even enhances, the festive spirit.

They evoke times gone by and make us feel ‘Christmassy’.

I have never heard anyone argue that we need to have an overhaul of our Christmas musical choices.

During the World Cup, countries’ anthems were played before matches.

So many of them, be they Welsh, French, American or Brazilian, were so rousing that they build the teams and fans into some type of patriotic fervour.

Even as an impartial observer, the Welsh and French anthems, in particular, make the hairs on my arms stand on end.

And then it’s our turn.

Well, it’s our anthem.

The best that can be said is that it is traditional. Rousing? Memorable? Not so much.

Prior to introducing the Star-Spangled Barrier, one of the songs that the Americans used as de facto national anthem was America, My Country Tis of Thee, which has the same melody as our National Anthem.

Would anyone use the hyphenated word spine-tingling to describe it?

Unlikely to say the least.

Many of us are still coming to terms with the fact that we are unlikely to ever hear God Save the Queen sung again in our lifetime.

The change of the word ‘Queen’ to ‘King’ does not rejuvenate or make the anthem any more interesting or invigorating.

Now that the Queen is no longer with us it does not feel quite as sacrilegious or disrespectful to suggest that we should at least consider whether we can make a change that the majority of people can support.

Think of all the amazing Christmas carols, and other hymns that have originated from these shores and stood the test of time.

We are the nation of The Beatles.

Surely with our musical heritage, there must be someone, somewhere who is able to produce something at least a little better than we already have.

We like to talk of areas in which we are world-beating and innovative.

Is it too much to ask that we should have a national anthem that is fit for purpose and reflects the aspirations and values of a forward-looking nation?

Were we to change our anthem at some stage in the future, then anyone missing the recognisable refrain could always spend a few days in Liechtenstein where the melody to their anthem ‘Oben am jungen Rhein’ is exactly the same as ‘God Save the King’.

I hope that everyone has enjoyed their Christmas and New Year break and has a healthy and happy 2023.

Time for tea

A COMMUNITY group invited some of its regular users and staff for a spot of festive afternoon tea.

Organised by the University of Reading, the Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) celebrated its work throughout the year with hot drinks and food prepared by the university’s catering team.

Students volunteered their time to serve the refreshments while also sharing stories with the residents in attendance.

Molli Cleaver, the university’s community relations manager, said: “We have been working in partnership with WCDA to build better relationships with the Whitley community. The afternoon tea was just one way in which we are heading off campus to connect with residents and hopefully demonstrate how we want to engage more with our local community.

“It was a great afternoon made even better with performances from the choirs at John Madejski Academy and Reading School. We are excited to work with WCDA and Reading University Students’ Union this term to welcome residents to Whiteknights Campus for a spring afternoon tea.”

WCDA community development coordinator Trisha Bennett delivered a brief speech thanking

those in attendance for their contributions in 2022, while Ms Cleaver also shared a few words about the university’s plans to further strengthen ties within the community.

In December, members of the Whitley Researchers were invited to the university’s department of Food and Nutritional Sciences to observe how biomarkers are used to analyse consumption patterns.

Resident David Turner, who runs the Whitley Community Museum, said: “The festive afternoon tea held at the Community Centre today was a great success with thanks to the University of Reading for funding this event for the community.

“They are anxious to support all that is important in the social aspect in an area such as Whitley and wish to build on the success the Community Centre has achieved in recent years.

“This afternoon proved that there is an overriding positive attitude in the community rather than the negative that sometimes comes across.

“The school choirs that took part today were an absolute credit to the community, their parents, their school and themselves. The aim for the future is to engage further with local schools and to encourage further events involving the students.”

How the bin is a superhero

HUNDREDS of children took part in “fun, easy and interesting” activities to learn how to dispose of food packaging sustainably.

Workshops organised by the University of Reading saw 200 Reading school pupils, aged 7 to 11 years, get hands on through interactive sessions.

The project was funded by EIT Food, which is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Dr Stella Lignou led the research and said: “The initial findings are positive and exciting; hopefully, the children will now feel more confident about how to dispose of different food packages items.”

The team asked the participants about their experience and over 80% said that they will now change their food packaging disposal behaviour.

The same number also learnt something new about disposing of food packaging items in a sustainable way.

Dr Lignou added: “The project focuses on the 3I’s: involving,

informing and inspiring. We worked with primary school children in the Reading area via two interactive workshops and a one-week activity booklet completed at home. Most of the children enjoyed the activities and were engaged and interested.

“Children also took part in a drawing competition of a bin that can take all food packages and encourage people to recycle more, like a superhero bin.”

The project is in collaboration with Aarhus University and supported by Reading Borough Council and re3.

Paralympic double to unveil Palmer Park’s

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A PARALYMPIC swimmer born in Reading will be officially celebrating the opening a brand new leisure facility in Reading this week.

Graham Edmunds, who has won two gold medals at the Paralympics, will be leading proceedings as the opening of the new Palmer Park leisure centre and stadium is commemorated on Thursday, January 12.

He will be joined by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, and lead councillor for culture and leisure, Adele Barnett-Ward, as well as representatives from leisure partner GLL and site constructors Pellikaan.

The ceremony will see a commemorative plaque unveiled at the site, followed by a synchronised swimming performance in the brand new pool by the Electric Eel swimming club.

Following the ceremony, members of the public will be given the chance to sample the centre’s offerings with gym inductions and taster sessions for the pool and exercise classes, as well as the opportunity to meet the manager.

Mr Edmunds said: “Sport, exercise and activity are the key to both improving and maintaining good physical and mental health.

“After what the world has been through the last few years, it is paramount, now more than ever, for us to help ourselves take charge of looking after both of these.

“The new facility at Palmer Park is not only easy to access but so enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

He continued: “I was blown away by the whole facility. It is beautiful and functional for all levels of activity, exercise or sport depending on what you wish to do.

“The accessibility to all parts of the building as well as the different levels of activity or exercise really impressed me.”

The community pool at the facility includes provisions to improve accessibility for those who experience difficulty using pools.

Mr Edmunds said: “I will always be biased wherever there is water because swimming for me is a life skill that can help you from cradle to grave as well as any hiccups on the way– as I found out.

“The pool here at Palmer Park has the ability to get wheelchair users in and out simply without fuss.”

He also spoke of the centre’s other facilities, saying: “The gym has so many different exercise stations that can be used for rehabilitation, coordination and high-level training/

Firm revs up youth teams

A VEHICLE-LEASING company has ensured budding soccer stars look the part by providing full kits to youth football clubs.

Working with Grassroots FA, Select Car Leasing donated shirts, shorts, socks and rain jackets to sides including Shinfield Rangers FC’s Under 7s.

The club’s teams play in either the East Berks Football Alliance (EBFA) or the Berkshire County Girls Football League (BCGFL).

Ray Barclay, chairman of the club, was full of praise for the donation, saying: “This means an awful lot to us, it really does. We’re a not-for-profit club trying to do our best for the community.

“Kits are, to me, also the lifeblood of the team. The kids can’t play matches without it. So, any help we can get is always welcome. We really appreciate the sponsorship.”

Other teams receiving free kits included Centre Skills FC, GiveBack FC, Theale Tigers FC, Winnersh

Rangers FC, Taplow United FC and Burnham FC.

The Grassroots Football Association was launched last year to ‘provide a better environment for grassroots football’, according to creator Gary Small.

It connects companies and organisations with football clubs to build relationships and so teams can get the support they need.

The network extends to all three football leagues for young players: the Berkshire Youth Development League (BYDL), Reading and West Berks League (RWBL) and the EBFA.

It also liaises with the charitable arm of Reading Football Club’s Community Trust.

Mr Small, who started out as a coach for Centre Skills Football Club, Tilehurst, back in 2014, is passionate about giving back to youngsters who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and find it financially challenging to play football.

He said: “There are 33,000 kids

PARTY TIME: Residents celebrated the WCDA’s work throughout 2022.

Picture: Ji-Min Lee

SWIM TIME: Electric Eels Swimming Club will swimming pool and gym today Pictures: Courtesy

A LOAD OF RUBBISH: The University of Reading organised the project to help school students understand environmentally-friendly ways of disposing of food packaging. Picture: Jasmin Sessler via Unsplash

double gold medallist Park’s new centre

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN

Northumberland Avenue 60 years on

EVEN the simplest of pictures can unlock cherished memories.

On New Year’s Eve, the Whitley Community Museum posted this photo of Northumberland Avenue on its Facebook page and received over 30 comments from residents.

The picture shows some striking similarities between the buildings then and now, but also the technological advances that have been made in car design.

They also identified the inhabitants of some of the houses, with one commenter saying her grandparents lived there.

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

CAMBRIDGE, ELY & Nene Valley Railway

The delights of Cambridgeshire await on this lovely break, where we combine vibrant cities with idyllic countryside and picture-perfect towns with visits to beautiful Cambridge, pint-sized

exercise.

“Having been in sports facilities all around the world, this one is up with the best I have seen for all-round capabilities.

“I would encourage everyone in the local area to make use of it because I can see this being the heart of the community for so many reasons.”

The leisure centre opened to the public in December last year and includes a 100-station gym, an exercise studio, a soft-play zone for children, an information hub, and a café.

It also features brand new changing rooms and accessible toilets and facilities.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s

Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “We promised the residents of Reading a community pool at Palmer Park and we have delivered on that promise.

“We are honoured to have Paralympian Graham Edmunds, who is originally from Reading, giving the centre the official seal of approval.”

“The facilities have been designed for everyone in the community, catering to dedicated athletes as well as families looking to blow off some steam, which is why we are delighted and honoured to have a performance by the Electric Eels to celebrate the new community pool.”

Electric Eeels swimming club

David Turner, the museum’s curator, said: “It doesn’t matter how insignificant a photograph may appear, you can guarantee it will provoke many memories from local residents.

“This photograph was recently posted and there was an outpouring of happy memories posted from residents who over the decades had a connection with these properties.”

So tightly-knit is the Whitley community, residents were quickly able to identify the owner of the car, one Dick Bennett.

POETRY CORNER

Weaponising the weather

Use the weather as a weapon? What a hideous thought; But Putin is using it To cut his war short.

He’s targeting power plants So that Ukrainians freeze, Then his army can walk in As if on a breeze.

playing across the three leagues in the local area.

“At present, we can’t reach and support all of those youngsters. But what we can do is to start by targeting the disadvantaged clubs and make sure we try to provide some useful benefits to them, such as kits.

“There’s obviously a cash burden on families who are living through a cost of living crisis. There’s not enough kit, goals are expensive, and pitch fees can be pricey.

“There’s also a shortage of referees and officials as retention is a real issue. Clubs also often need to find considerable amounts of money to operate a mini-bus for away matches.

“By opening-up channels of

communication, by asking businesses for sponsorship or investment, and by finding ways to keep costs down through commercial collaboration, we aim to support as many grassroots teams as we can.”

Mark Tongue, Select Car Leasing director, added: “We’re really proud to be involved. We hope the contribution makes a difference to clubs, youngsters and families in the region.

“Many of us at Select are involved in grassroots football ourselves, supporting our own children, so we really recognise the importance of giving back to a community that’s so committed and dedicated to inspiring the next generation of footballers.”

It’s winter there now; Weather below zero, Houses without heat, Yet each person is a hero. They will NEVER give in To Russian aggression; Being proud to remain A great sovereign nation.

The missiles destroy, But Ukrainians rebuild; Weapons from the West Save many being killed, Seventy missiles were launched But sixty-four were shot down Which were meant to destroy Yet another huge town.

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

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

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

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

Aggression is evil, Russia’s leader is too, He needs to be caged Then stuck in a zoo! The world is unsafe Because of his greed To annexe Ukraine Then that country to bleed.

Humanity must stop him In some way or other, Lest he keeps on marauding Using lies as a cover. Other countries are at risk Of his murderous intentions, Recklessly invading To satisfy pretentions.

While Putin exists This aggression won’t stop, All Europe a target, No time to flop; He’s ruined his country, Now a pariah State. With his legacy shredded, He’s a figure of hate.

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Email news@rdg.today and we’ll do the rest

Day

AS YOU WERE: Northumberland Avenue has always been one of the most popular places to live in Whitley. Picture: Whitley Community Museum

© Lorna Minton

be performing synchronised swimming at the official opening of Palmer Park’s new Courtesy of Reading Borough Council

Inspector’s view is disappointing

THE waste mountains of Wokingham Road will hardly worry the Milton Keynes tourist board – it’s not exactly an attraction that people want to visit.

But it does exist and every now and then, it is the story of an Englishman who went up a hill and came down a mountain.

A mixture of commerical, business and household waste overflows and spills on to the streets.

It can attract vermin, look unsightly and dent the hopes of the next round of city status bidding.

It is also a stark reminder of the reality that we face as we seek to become net zero: we’re chucking away a lot of stuff. We all need to play our part, especially as food waste is collected weekly from most homes in Reading, soft plastics packaging is finally being collected by supermarkets, and cardboard and firmer plastics are recycled by re3.

Recycling rates are now above 50%, which is great – but we must do more and end this cycle of creating unsightly waste mountains.

CHURCH NOTES

Why Christmas and Easter are inexorably linked

CHRISTMAS was still in full swing when the first Easter Eggs appeared in the shops.

Once this would have led to disapproval, but we have now become so accustomed to their early appearance, that it’s greeted with either a shrug of acceptance or delight in a change from the Christmas offering of Quality Street (other festive sweets are available).

As with Christmas decorations appearing in September and Hot Cross Buns now a permanent bakery offering, the way that the seasons expand is a fact of life today.

This year Good Friday, when Jesus died on the cross, falls on April 7, and the date can range anywhere between March 20 and April 23.

Events when we mark the beginning and the end of Jesus’ earthly life; Christmas and Good Friday, which were some 32 years apart, are in our calendar within a few months of each other.

Christmas and Easter are, however, inexorably linked whatever the date. This is because Christmas points to Easter, Jesus’ birth and death had both been foretold.

When the wise men came to visit the child, they brought three very significant gifts; Gold for a king, Incense, used in worship denoting Jesus’ priesthood and Myrrh used to anoint the dead pointing to his death.

When Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple, Simeon recognised that God’s promise had been fulfilled, but to Mary he said ‘a sword will pierce your heart’; Jesus’ death again foretold.

God sent his son to live among us and in some way that we may not fully comprehend, through his birth, life, death and resurrection, made it possible for all who believe and trust in him to have new life beyond the grave, that is something to celebrate.

Tony Bartlett of St Catherine’s Tilehurst, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@rdg.today

The ‘theory’ of depression

As a long-term local mental health campaigner, I have always been sceptical of ‘the theory’ that depression is caused by low serotonin levels. For, unlike with, say, blood pressure, no average range of serotonin level is used to denote low, high or normal levels of an individual.

It has never been proven whether it is an abnormal serotonin level which causes depression in an individual or depression which caused the lowering of the serotonin level.

Now, although current research still prove the effectiveness of serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRISthese researches find no evidence to support the theory that depression is linked to serotonin levels or activity. In effect, this new research prove SSRIS do work in some other way, other than altering serotonin levels.

These new research once again highlight the impact and the need for adequate therapies, exercise, mindfulness et al in treating depression.

It is currently estimated that one-in-six adults are prescribed antidepressives each year, the SSRIS do and must remain useful ‘tools’, even if the way in which they work may be far less clear than previously believed.

Paul Farmer, Reading

From the leader Cllr Jason Brock

How

Sleeptalking

Rishi Sunak’s speech put one to sleep. He kept repeating himself about being brought up by the NHS.

He is out of touch with all working people even his own ministers that are not good or helpful.

He says he puts taxpayers money in to the NHS, though he will not put up taxes to pay them a wage that can be negotiated.

It’s the same for railmen, posties, border control, teachers and driving examiners.

Until he sorts all that out/ this country will sink fast.

He is unfit to be a PM. Like his lazy ministers, he is no good.

As for Starmer, he is the biggest disappointment since Labour losing the election.

He is one lame duck and should go back to the law courts.

Do all this, and the country would have a good chance to get going once again.

Victor Rones, Bracknell ‘Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone’

These days, waiting for your call to be answered, seems to take an eternity.

In the past, (while waiting no more than five minutes), I would imagine a busy call centre with banks of telephonists, efficiently dealing

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with customer calls. Wall mounted digital displays informed the team of calls waiting as well as average call waiting times.

Team working, was the key and the poster stating, “The Customer is King’ was displayed ‘loud and proud’.

Today, whilst waiting 45 minutes for my call to be answered, my dystopian imagination sees a different diorama.

I can see a laptop on a kitchen table somewhere in suburbia.

My call inaudibly flashes below the split screen images of an online shopping site and a long weekend in Prague.

The kettle has just boiled, the bacon is nice and crisp, and Bargain Hunt is about to start. I can see no one, but there is a framed poster on the wall of Blondie, advertising the 1978 hit - ‘Hanging On The Telephone”.

Last month, Sir James Dyson condemned government plans to extend employees’ rights to work from home as “economically illiterate and staggeringly selfdefeating”.

It’s time to get everyone back in the office.

Gary Freestone, via email

Talk about mental health

As we enter the New Year, it’s never been more important to talk

to the introduction of food waste collections. At the same time, the amount of food waste in landfill bins has fallen from 41% to 23%.

There’s still a lot to do but it’s a good start. We now need to do more to encourage greater participation in a service which is already available to residents.

The next phase of the food waste rollout was communal and high- and low-rise flats. This began in June and is a particularly important, and challenging, piece of work in an urban environment like Reading.

about our mental health.

We are in the middle of a costof-living crisis which is only likely to worsen.

This, on top of the fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic, means it’s essential that we now look out for each other and our mental health.

We know that talking about our mental health can help us feel less alone, more able to cope and encouraged to seek support if we need to.

That’s why we are holding Time to Talk Day on Thursday 2 February 2023.

This is the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health. Last year, nearly two million conversations were generated.

We are asking you and your readers to make space in the day for a conversation about mental health.

Whether that’s texting a friend, chatting to a colleague or neighbour, or raising awareness in your community. This is a chance for all of us to talk, to listen, and to change lives. Thank you.

Sophie Corlett, Interim CEO of Mind, Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community & Member Participation at Co-op

on the existing kerbside recycling scheme.

To date, our food waste caddies have been delivered to 42 blocks and 950 flats across Reading. Our recycling officers are busy knocking on doors to engage with residents one-to-one, explaining how to use the new bins and handing over a pack which includes an indoor kitchen caddy, a roll of liners and an information leaflet.

EVERY local councillor, no matter where they serve, will know that making any significant change to bin collection regimes in their local area is a risky business.

While the majority of council funding is funnelled into targeted services, like adults’ or children’s social care, bin collections are one of the few universal services relied on by absolutely everybody. If you are going to make changes, it’s important they are planned and delivered properly.

It’s even more important to take residents with you.

I know it’s something colleagues next door in Wokingham are grappling with at the moment, with various options on the table during a recent consultation.

In Reading, we made the move to alternate weekly collections – general waste one week and recycling the next – back in 2006. It was way before my time, but I can appreciate what a huge logistical operation it was.

Our more recent experience in Reading comes with the introduction of food waste collections. While Covid delayed the full rollout, an initial 3,000 ‘early adopter’ households began to benefit from doorstep collections in October 2020, and the main rollout to 56,000 properties followed in February 2021, alongside the introduction of smaller 140-litre bins.

The idea was to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by making is easier for people to recycle at home.

A 2019 ‘binfographic’ (is that a real word?) showed that, on average, less than one-third of grey bin capacity was actually taken up by general household waste. The rest was taken up by ‘rubbish’ which could be recycled or reused. By far the biggest culprit was food waste, which took up on average 41% of grey bin capacity.

It’s gone better than we thought. Reading’s overall recycling rate has shot up from 34% to 50.5% thanks

I always chuckle when the recycling rates in leafy, spacious council patches in Berkshire or Oxfordshire are compared to those in tight-knit urban environments like Reading, with a high number of communal flats.

Let’s be honest, that’s not an even playing field.

There are around 14,000 households living in communal blocks in the town and we are delivering the change on a rolling basis, block by block. That’s because we know from experience that it’s very far from a one-sizefits-all solution. Before food waste collections can begin in each block of flats, an assessment takes place to determine the capacity needed for food waste, recycling, and residual waste.

Residents are then provided with recycling information leaflets and, at least two weeks before food waste collections begin, they are notified that food waste bins are being delivered and that collections will start soon.

Information includes a guide on how to use the new service and

Knocking on the doors has enabled the recycling team to identify potential barriers that residents may as experience, such as language.

We know it’s a gradual process, but a very necessary one. We are putting in the legwork because we know this won’t work unless we take local residents with us.

It’s still too early to determine how well our food waste recycling scheme in flats will work longer term, but the early signs are encouraging.

In the meantime, I’d like to thank every single resident across the town for their participation in helping to make the food collection scheme in Reading such a success, driving up our recycling rates and reducing the amount of waste that gets buried in the ground.

And if you’ve not yet used your food caddy, I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution than giving it a go (I can, actually, but not for the purposes of this column).

I’m personally looking forward to seeing more improvement in Reading’s ‘binfographic’ recycling figures this time next year.

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

food waste has boosted Reading’s recycling rates

Reading FC action shots captured on an iPhone 14

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

By Mike Swift

AS a professional photographer I have seen the development of the smartphone camera over the years since I noticed the Apple iPhone 3S.

The cameras on these smartphones were largely useless in the early days.

However, over the last four or five years they have become serious pieces of kit in the camera bag of the professional photographer.

I am nowadays a street photographer and the latest cameras, yes plural, on the iPhone 14 PRO are really good for working in the streets. You can get on a tube train and look like you are sending a text but are actually documenting life in 2023 for future generations to enjoy.

The iPhone was a phone with a camera in 2006, but today it is an excellent camera and a computer with the ability to make phone calls.

It is far from being a phone.

I have had double page spreads and front page pictures in the newspapers I have worked for and videos broadcast on TV and online, all created with the latest

smartphone technology.

I always believed it could do 90% of the jobs that you could do with an expensive DSLR or mirrorless kit.

What it couldn’t do was fast moving action and sport.

But in the last few years the technology has allowed the design to accommodate three optical lenses.

So, I took up the challenge to cover a football match using just the iPhone 14PRO and to get three pictures that an editor would be happy to choose from and publish in a newspaper.

Last Saturday I covered the Reading vs Watford FA Cup Third Round tie which Reading went on to win 2-0.

I reckon I got about six publishable images which I am very pleased with.

Now I don’t think anyone could do it as you would have to have an extensive knowledge of both the sport and photography to be in the right place and using the correct professional manual exposure camera app.

As with all sports photography, luck plays its part in being in the right place at the right time too.

Are the pictures ,as good as the pictures from the £10,000 worth of cameras and lenses the sports chaps use? Well no, and that is why there are not the midfield tackles, pin sharp and full frame from 80 yards away – it is not up to that.

spring and the Shinfield West Pavilion and cricket pitch should be ready for use by the end of this year.

These new facilities are linked to previous development in the parish and were requested by local sports clubs that needed improved facilities to recruit and develop new sporting talent in the area.

Once complete, they will be handed over to Shinfield Parish Council to manage the day-to-day running and oversight.

Grassroots sports facilities are so important for local communities.

If

It really is the most amazing camera in the right hands.

Editor adds: We think this is a world first – the first match action shots taken from the touchline and printed in a newspaper.

We’re thrilled to be sharing them with you

Mike Swift is a professional fine art and

DRAUGHTBUSTERS has built up a team of experienced volunteers who have helped a lot of people with draughty homes and also given them advice on how to manage their heating systems and reduce their energy use.

Right now, they are seeking more volunteers for this upcoming winter to assist with providing a quick audit of homes in fuel poverty, to advise on energy saving potential and to implement simple draught-proofing measures, working in teams of two or three.

Full training on assessing housing and using draught-proofing materials is given, including practical training.

n Citizens Advice Reading have been assisting local people with their problems since 1939.

Their services are free, independent, confidential and impartial.

Now is the chance for local people, and sports clubs, to have their say.

As part of the consultation process, we will be jointly hosting an event with Shinfield Parish Council on Saturday 28 January, at Shinfield Parish Council Community Centre, giving residents the chance to see the plans from the University and the Parish Council, and provide feedback.

At the same event, the University and the Parish Council will also ask local people about their aspirations for a new community growing space in Shinfield.

They are currently looking for a Volunteer Receptionist and Administrator.

This role contributes to the organisation’s day-to-day delivery, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

You’ll be welcoming people face-to-face and either directing them to their pre-booked appointment or helping them to arrange an appointment with an appropriate adviser.

They want a volunteer that can commit to two half-day sessions per week for a minimum of 12 months.

They ask for a long commitment because they offer comprehensive training.

WELL, as World Cup Finals go, the one between Argentina and France was one of the very best matches I have seen in a long time.

And while the early exits of England and the Netherlands was obviously disappointing, it meant that I could watch the final in a relaxed state of mind, simply enjoying the beautiful game.

Sport is good for you.

Active participation is of course good for one’s physical health, but even taking part as a spectator lifts one’s spirits.

Knowing that you are among millions sharing in the enjoyment of watching a memorable game creates a sense of belonging,

and a shared experience we can discuss at lengths afterwards with friends and colleagues.

At the University, many academic colleagues study the broader impact of sports on individuals and society and the result tells us inevitably: sport is good for you.

It should therefore come as no surprise that in our work with the wider community in Reading and Wokingham, we include sport in the opportunities for people living in our own neighbourhood.

This year, working alongside Shinfield Parish Council, we plan to deliver two important new community facilities.

The Manor Sports Pavilion and pitches are due to be complete in

They bring people together, they help to encourage active lifestyles, which in turn lead to an overall healthier population, and they can also be the start of someone’s sporting career.

That is why we are working once again alongside Shinfield Parish Council to look at future sports provision for the parish, and we want to consult people on their views on what this should look like.

The University has put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a Reserved Matters Application for the site at Shinfield West, but we would like to consult with local residents on what type of pitches these should be.

They might be facilities for football, hockey, rugby, American football, tennis, or other sports.

We have some ideas that could open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.

These plans are separate to discussions around the updated Wokingham Local Plan, and the development of Loddon Garden Village, the University’s proposed new community development at Hall Farm – currently awaiting a decision from the council.

Whatever the outcome of that decision, the University is committed to continue to work with our neighbours, and to deliver the best outcome for all, including for our local sports stars of the future.

n For more details, log on to: rdg.ac/ShinfieldSport

It is very rewarding and some of their volunteers have been with them for more than 20 years.

n Enrych Berkshire is a Registered Charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

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

The short walks will be a start in rebuilding strength.

Their health has restricted her and they feel vulnerable on her own.

She uses her stick or walker.

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.

my camera failed though while out on a sports job, I could have got three pictures for the editor and that is quite satisfying.

street photographer and a former chief photographer at a national newspaper group. He tweets at @swiftmik, and his website is www.360swift.com

From the vicechancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

Seeking your views on the future of sport and leisure in Shinfield

Enviromena appoints new senior leader for large scale solar projects

A GREEN energy firm has appointed a new head of technical services as it seeks to grow its solar projects.

Gary Saunders has joined Environmena and will be based in the company’s Grazeley headquarters.

The firm says he comes with extensive experience in the renewables sector, including a 10-year stint with Anesco, eight of which saw him led the Operations and Maintenance department before moving into Design and Technical.

And he grew the firm’s solar portfolio to more than 22,000 domestic properties and 150 ground mount sites.

He was also part of the design team which installed the first co-located battery in the UK and worked on contractual negotiations for over 370MW of solar and battery storage sites in the UK and Europe.

Enviromena’s chief executive officer, Cabell Fisher, welcomed Mr Saunders, saying he would be a huge asset to the firm.

“We are delighted to welcome Gary to the team – especially at this crucial time in Enviromena’s exponential-growth phase and as renewable energy solutions become widelyconsidered alternatives to costlier sources of energy in the UK and broader European markets,” he said.

“Gary will be leading the design of Enviromena’s large-scale projects, SCADA systems and PPCs. His previous experience in leading and growing projects of this nature will be a great fit for the role.”

And Mr Saunders, said he was hugely excited to be working with Enviromena.

“This is a great time to be joining as the company continues along its path of expansion and growth,” he said. “There are many exciting projects in the pipeline and I am looking forward to being a part of them.”

n For more information about Enviromena and its work, visit: www.enviromena.com

Public more likely to prioritise climate over the economy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

CLIMATE change matters more to people than economic growth, according to new research from one of the Thames Valley’s train companies.

South Western Railway asked YouGov to find out what matters to its passengers, and nearly half of those polled - 49% - said that the firm should prioritise environmental policies, while just over a third - 34% - felt that finance came first.

The research ties in with its new sustainability strategy which sets out its Journey to a Better Future programme for serving, safeguarding, and strengthening its people, places, and the planet, and follows on from its commitment to be net zero by 2040.

This deadline is 10 years ahead of the UK’s overall legal deadline.

Even though the nation is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the research reveals that younger people (18-24) are more likely to prioritise policies for tackling climate change (58%) over policies for economic growth (18%).

Majorities of those living in London (59%) and Scotland (60%) believe that policies tackling climate change should be the priority.

That said, the research suggests people are split over the priority for public spending, with 43% of those polled believing spending on preventing the impact of climate change is a priority now and should be significantly increased, even

if this means cuts are needed elsewhere.

This compares to 42% who believe we should focus on other more urgent priorities.

Just over half (51%) of the public is concerned about future travel disruption due to extreme weather associated with climate change.

However, the polling also showed the public is less willing to prioritise the environment when it comes to spending their own money:

47% say their current priority is saving money, regardless of the effect this may have on the environment, compared with only 16% who prioritise acting in an environmentally friendly way, regardless of the effect this may have on their personal finances.

52% of all those polled are not willing to pay extra to use more environmentally friendly forms of transport, but almost two-fifths (38%) would pay more, rising to 50% of Londoners.

A majority (56%) of the public thinks that environmental impact is important when deciding what mode of transport to use, but more of the public believes that convenience (95%) and cost (91%)

are important. Those in London are the most likely (68%) to believe the environmental impact is important.

SWR says it believes the railways will be a critical part of building a more sustainable future for the economy and society.

It strategy contains additional commitments: from ensuring that SWR is net biodiversity positive at all its stations and depots by 2030, to securing the top accreditation under the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, and publishing and actioning a diversity, equality, and inclusion strategy roadmap.

Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said: “This polling shows that, even during times of economic hardship, people want to us to prioritise doing things more sustainably.

“Our bold strategy is designed to deliver just that, setting out a series of pledges to have a positive impact on our people, places, and ultimately our whole planet.

“This is just the start of our journey to a better future and I look forward to bringing it to life with all our customers, colleagues, and the communities we’re so proud to serve.”

Theale firm presented with Queen’s Award for trade

STAFF at a Theale business ended 2022 with a celebration, after being presented with the Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Tower Cold Chain received the award for its outstanding growth international trade.

It was presented to them by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley.

The company learnt last summer that it was one of the recipients of the awards, and since then it has continued to expand the reach of its pharmaceutical temperaturecontrolled containers, with the opening of new distribution hubs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Milan, Amsterdam, Incheon, and Frankfurt.

Mr Puxley, representing the royal family, presented the award to Tower’s CEO, Niall Balfour.

He did this at its 26,000 sq ft premises, which includes an Innovation Centre and environmental test chambers for

the development of new product ranges.

Mr Balfour thanked his staff, saying the award “is a tribute to the expertise and hard work of the entire Tower team”.

He added: “We are tremendously proud to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises our international growth and focus on meeting our customers global supply chain needs.

“We have continued to invest to drive our growth strategy, with our staff numbers increasing fivefold over the last three years.

“It is Tower’s vision to become the number-one cold chain shipping facility of choice worldwide.

This award is about celebrating and marking the efforts of our global network.”

n For more information about Tower Cold Chain, log on to: www. towercoldchain.com

Tower Cold Chain received the Queen’s Award at its base in Theale

South Western Railways is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040 Picture: SWR

Home-Start seek volunteers

A CHARITY is calling for more support as it continues to struggle amid rising costs and referrals.

Home-Start Reading is appealing for volunteers to help it get behind families.

Its volunteers work alongside a team of experts on a range of complex issues affecting parents and children, such as health and disability, social and relational issues, bereavement, abuse, and financial difficulty.

Volunteers will be matched with a family and typically spend two-to-three hours a week providing practical support and guidance. The charity provides full training.

The need comes after Home-Start was “inundated” with referrals in recent months.

Manager Kelly Dadd said, “Our volunteers make such a huge difference to mums and dads with young children who are struggling in the face of a complex range of issues.

“Within six months to a year, they can really help them turn their lives around.”

She continued: “Making the decision to pause referrals was incredibly difficult, but it would have been irresponsible to continue letting our waiting lists grow.

“We are working hard to build up capacity so we can help more families, and increasing our team of volunteers is a key part of that.”

One of the service’s beneficiaries recently said: “I’d be dead without my volunteer.

“She has been amazing, kind, patient, understanding, friendly, supportive, caring, thoughtful, available, hardworking, easy going, and much more. She is my life saver.”

n For details, visit: www.home-start-reading.org.uk/ volunteer or call Julie on 0748 311 3679 or Marion on 0748 311 3681.

Broadband firm accused of leaving exposed hole in road

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A PARTIALLY sighted pedestrian narrowly avoided falling down a hole in a path that had been left uncovered by internet installation contractors.

CityFibre and its contractors have been working across Reading and Caversham as part of a £58 million project to install next generation fibre optic cables which will see ultrafast broadband speeds of up to 1gbps.

The company has been accused of causing ‘traffic chaos’, and its contractors not clearing sites on completion.

A recent incident almost ended in injury as Sam Tyacke, who is partially sighted and requires the help of a guide dog, was walking along Buckingham Drive in Emmer Green.

She says she nearly fell into a hole in the path left by utility workers, which had been unfenced.

Due to her limited vision, the hole appeared to be a solid surface to her. It was her guide dog that alerted her and prevented an accident from occurring.

Ms Tyacke contacted Reading East MP Matt Rodda to raise the issue.

Mr Rodda met with her and has written to Greg Mesch, the chief executive of CityFibre, who has agreed to a meeting to discuss the issue.

“There was nearly a serious accident and I am very concerned about this and about the risk of other accidents,” Mr Rodda said.

VISIT: Sam Tyacke and Matt Rodda, the

is currently ongoing and we can assure residents in the meantime that safety remains our number one priority.”

In August last year, CityFibre commissioned a study which concluded that Reading can expect a £1 billion boost to its economy as a result of its £58m fibre optic installation project.

The study was undertaken by the Hatch consultancy firm, which has predicted a £625m boost in productivity and innovation gains, a £138m gain from a widened workforce, £18m in Local Authority efficiency savings and £384m in increased housing value.

“I am calling on CityFibre to carry out a full review of health and safety and to meet with residents and myself to discuss this issue.”

A spokesperson for CityFibre said: “We are aware of an incident in Buckingham Drive and spoke to a resident as soon as we were informed to find out more details.

“Our investigation into the matter

CityFibre officials Roy Griffin, its regional delivery director and Stacey King, its regional partnership director, were grilled by councillors at a meeting in July.

During the meeting, councillors voiced their frustrations at incidents reported to them by residents, which included an elderly woman not being informed about works in Eldenham Crescent and an elderly man having work waste dumped on his driveway in Barrington Way.

Labour MP for Reading East at Buckingham Drive in Caversham, where Sam fell. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MP

Cafe and community venue planned for Green Park Village

A cafe and community venue is due to open at an expanding ‘village’ community in Reading.

Hundreds of homes have been built in Green Park Village, and Triple Two Coffee is coming to the Lakeside Court building.

Its first store in the chain opened in 2016, and it now has 23 locations in England, and is described as a “young but fast expanding brand that offer speciality coffee and freshly cooked food”.

A spokesperson for Berkeley St Edward, which is behind the development, said it hopes to open the cafe by the end of this month.

Ahead of its opening, the Triple Two franchisees Coffee Plantations Ltd has applied for a licence to sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment such as DJ performances and films.

In full Coffee Plantations has applied to sell alcohol from 11am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

The regulated entertainment would operate from 7.30am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

The licensing application has been submitted to Reading Borough Council, with a closing date for comments of Monday, January 16.

Uni plans session to look at future of leisure in Shinfield

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

RESIDENTS will be able to have their say on plans for new sport and leisure facilities.

The University of Reading and Shinfield Parish Council are jointly embarking on a consultation to help guide the delivery of pitches, courts, green spaces and communal allotments in the area.

Input from sports and recreation clubs and societies, and their members, as well as other residents, will further their understanding of the community’s current and future needs.

The consultation will include an event on Saturday, January 28, held at School Green Centre in Shinfield, where representatives from the university and Parish Council will be on-hand to discuss any queries residents have.

Cllr Ian Clarke, chair of Shinfield Parish Council’s recreation and amenities committee, said: “Sport and recreation are vital to any vibrant, healthy community, and Shinfield Parish residents deserve the best.

“We want to hear from everyone in the parish who has a view on the future of our sport and leisure so we can deliver as much as possible of what our residents need for years to

come. We welcome ideas on the provision of facilities for young adults and women.”

The proposals are to deliver six additional pitches close to Shinfield West Pavilion, which is due to be completed in the autumn.

The university has also put forward proposals for a further six sports pitches as part of a reserved matters application for the site. Depending on demand from residents, these could be for football, hockey, rugby, American football or tennis, among other sports.

In addition to the Shinfield West proposals, the parish council is looking to increase its provision at Millworth Lane Recreation Ground.

Initial thoughts include additional tennis courts, a netball court, a basketball court and a pump track for cyclists. However, the council is eager to learn about residents’ preferences through the consultation.

It has also looked at alternatives such as padel tennis, table tennis and a multisports court.

Dave Evans, Reading FC community trust manager, says access to facilities can play a key role in people’s well-being.

He explained: “For the physical and mental development of people of all ages, genders, cultures, abilities, exercise plays a huge factor. Therefore, ensuring local

grassroot facilities are available, accessible, fit for purpose and affordable needs to be a major priority for all local authorities and leisure providers.”

Residents will also be able to voice their opinions on a new community growing space in Shinfield.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading has been part of the fabric of Wokingham for more than 100 years and we want to help shape the future of the Borough and the facilities that exist for local residents.

“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do and by providing this community garden we would open up opportunities for sustainable food growing and increased biodiversity, as well as educational opportunities for school children.

“We know the importance of grass root sports facilities for local communities, and the vital part they have played in the early careers of many sporting legends. We are proud to be delivering these new facilities in the next few months and years, as well as planning ahead for future demand.”

The consultation takes place from 10am-3pm. Those who are unable to attend can view the proposals online and comments can be submitted via email. n For more details, log on to: rdg.ac/ShinfieldSport

Plans submitted to turn part of The Oracle’s Riverside into 449 flats, with a new cinema

PLANS have been submitted to transform Reading’s Oracle shopping centre by adding 449 flats and replacing the existing cinema.

Hammerson, the company that owns The Oracle in Reading’s town centre, consulted on the plans last summer.

The building housing the Vue Cinema would be demolished, and there would be a partial demolition of the former Debenhams unit.

They would be replaced with two towers containing the housing.

The apartments will be build-to-rent and managed by Packaged Living, which claims to provide cleaning services, flexible amenities, and a home sitting service in its packages.

Co-working office space, new retail and restaurant units, would also be part of the development.

Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer, Hammerson, said: “These proposals are designed to reinvigorate and reposition The Oracle by introducing sustainable new homes for rent, as well as incorporating new typologies and configurations of commercial space that will provide opportunities for new styles and types of retail, hospitality, services and amenities to enhance the customer experience.”

Mark Woodrow, joint managing director of Packaged Living, said the firm was delighted to be providing housing.

“The scheme demonstrates our commitment to deliver properties that are fit for the future, combining high quality finishes with high energy efficiency, low carbon solutions and, importantly, lower costs for the residents that will live there,” he said.

The number of apartments has been revised from 475 to 449.

The new buildings would provide 28,000 sq ft of film space for the replacement cinema and 28,000 sq ft of entertainment, leisure and flexible workspace.

Hammerson and its development partners state 38,000 sq ft of retail space will be retained as part of the transformation.

They project 85 permanent jobs will be made, and 260 jobs created during the construction phase and they will plant 37 new trees and create a 1,900 sq ft ‘pocket park’ as amenity space.

Although the plan has been submitted to Reading Borough Council, it has not been validated yet, which means it does not have an application reference number and therefore cannot be found on the council’s planning portal.

Police are appealing for information and would like to speak to the individuals pictured, who may have vital information regarding incidents of anti-social

Thames Valley Police releases CCTV

in appeal following anti-social behaviour

THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV images as part of an appeal for information following incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Police would like to speak to individuals in the images as they may have vital information regarding the incidents, which took place in Henley between 9.30pm and 11pm on Monday, December 26.

The offenders let down tyres of a number of vehicles and left notes to explain why.

Investigating officer, PC Barbara Taylor based at Henley police station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who

recognises the individuals in this image to please get in touch as they may have vital information about this incident.

“I would also like to appeal to anybody who may have camera footage in the area or any information regarding this incident, to please get in touch.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220578348.

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

Family and friends mark second anniversary of Olly’s passing

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

THE family and friends of murdered teen Olly Stephens gathered on the second anniversary of his death to call for changes to the law.

Olly Stephens was 13 when he was fatally stabbed on January 3, 2021 at Bugs Bottom in Emmer Green.

Last week, his family and friends gathered at the Olly Stephens memorial bench in the field to mark the anniversary.

His father, Stuart Stephens, has been campaigning with Reading East MP Matt Rodda to hold social media companies responsible for harmful content shared.

Mr Stephens said: “He’s been with us from day one, he’s looked after us and is very supportive and has been brilliant.”

On the first anniversary of Olly’s death in 2022 a sombre gathering was held at St Barnabas Church in Evesham Road, Emmer Green.

“Last year there was a service at the church which was brilliant,” Mr Stephens said.

“This year feels a lot harder, we just wanted to keep it close family and friends.

“We didn’t want to impose

on the church, so we kept it for family and friends.”

Mr Stephens has called for measures in the upcoming Online Safety Bill which would make online companies responsible for removing ‘legal but harmful’ content.

He said: “The Bill will enable legal accountability where

there is none at the moment.

“You can say and do and act as you please and there’s no accountability attached to that. There is no legal processes, everything done online is above the law.

“The Bill enables laws to change to clamp down on individuals who are using

‘Disappointing’: Calls for ‘tatty’ flag to be replaced

A call has been made to replace the ‘tatty and frayed’ Union flag outside the Reading council offices, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter

Cllr Laura Blumenthal, who represents Woodley’s South Lake ward on Wokingham Borough Council, drew attention to the issue on social media.

In a Tweet just before New Year, she wrote: “Disappointing how tatty and frayed the Union Jack flag is outside Reading Borough Council.

“Reading is a proud town; can we have a decent flag?”

The flag remained in a poor condition when the Local Democracy Reporting Service observed it on Friday, January 6.

Cllr Blumenthal’s tweet was responded to by Caversham councillor Richard Davies, who wrote: “Perhaps Reading councillors and staff are focused on trying to protect our more vulnerable residents from the effects of 12 years of Conservative power that has resulted in a tatty and frayed economy and public services like the NHS.”

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said a replacement flag is on order.

Different flags are flown next to the Union Flag throughout the year. This has included a Ukrainian flag; a transgender flag on Trans Day of Remembrance; and a rainbow flag to mark Pride.

things so convoluted it is hard work.

“Also, where are we going to be in 10 years? Technology has its uses, but when its being used to abuse people then we need to step up.”

Mr Stephens is also supporting counselling company No. 5 Children’s project to establish the Reading Young People’s Hub as a place for young people to socialise and receive support.

He said: “It’s a national shame that there are no youth clubs for kids.

“The No. 5 Youth Club will be amazing, it would be a club but the staff would back that up with mentoring and counseling.”

Mr Stephens said it went without saying that the family miss Olly.

the internet to groom or bully others.”

Mr Stephens added: “The duty of care is out the window. The social media companies say the right things but there’s a lack of action.

“I get bombarded with adverts and they make blocking things so difficult. They make

“The support we have had from the community has been amazing,” he said. “It’s sad we are here. The Online Safety Bill and campaigning is really where the fight comes from.

“Thank you to the community of Reading and Caversham, they have been outstanding really, I can’t thank them enough.”

The Online Safety Bill will be back for discussion in Parliament on Monday, January 16.

FIRE crews were called to a West Reading home to tackle a blaze.

The incident took place at 4.05pm on Sunday, December 18.

Fire fighters from Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, and Theale fire stations were sent to the home in Salisbury Road.

There was a fire in the ground floor bathroom of the home.

It was extinguished using a hose reel, and the crews were on the scene for just over an hour and 20 minutes.

Fire crews tackle blaze in home Cars targeted by thieves

CARS parked in a Tilehurst street were targeted by thieves just before Christmas.

The incident happened between 3am and 4am on Tuesday, December 20.

The vehicles were parked on driveways in Fairway Avenue, off Heathfield Avenue and close to The Meadway.

Thames Valley Police said Christmas shopping was stolen.

It is now appealing for help to catch the thieves.

Anyone with information, or CCTV footage from doorbells, dashcams or cameras, is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43220569201.

NOT FORGOTTEN: Olly Stephens

FLY THE FLAG: The Union Flag outside Reading Borough Council’s offices that Cllr Laura Blumenthal says is ‘tatty’ Picture: Cllr Blumenthal/Twitter/ Local Democracy Reporting Service

Event firm plans own celebration

A READING events company is celebrating its first anniversary with a party.

Iota Events, which brings queer events to venues, is marking its first year of operation with its own event.

Iota has brought events such as the World Aids Day fundraiser, The Rainbow Barn Dance, and the regular Reading’s Got Drag shows to venues such as Bar 77, Reading Biscuit Factory, and The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

The One Year Anniversary Party is taking place at Reading Biscuit Factory from 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 24. n outsavvy.com/organiser/ iota-events

Thinking caps on

LODDON Vale Rotary Club has announced a pub quiz event.

It is open for teams of six to eight, or individuals who can be placed into teams if desired.

It will be raising funds for the club’s environmental projects, which include its remembrance rose garden, installed in a sensory garden in Woodford Park in Woodley.

The event takes place at Coronation Hall, Headley Road, Woodley, from 7.30pm on Saturday, February 4.

Tickets cost £10.

n For details, email: loddonvalerotaryclub@gmail. com.

Residents object to plans for new 5G phone mast in Caversham

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A MOBILE phone operator has submitted a new plan to install a fourth 5G telecoms mast in Caversham.

CK Hutchison, the company which owns the Three mobile network, wants to place its equipment at the junction of St Peter’s Avenue and Chazey Road in Caversham Heights.

The mast would be 18 metres in height – making it taller than four double decker buses stacked on top of each otherwith two ancillary cabinets on ground level.

Neighbours say it would be twice the height of the nearest house in St Peter’s Avenue, which is nine metres tall.

The installation of masts are considered permitted development, which means Reading Borough Council has less scope for refusal.

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon (Conservative, Caversham Heights) has told neighbours that 5G mast plans can only be rejected on three grounds: siting and appearance, the absence of alternative sites, and health matters.

“The reasons set out… for discounting alternative sites do not stack up,” she said.

“Nor has there been any

consideration to sharing one of the nearby existing masts. Also, mobile phone coverage in St Peter’s Avenue and Chazey Road is excellent, which begs the question of whether there is actually a need in the local area.

“I accept that whichever site is selected, a mast will have a negative visual impact, hence it would be preferable you look at sharing an existing mast. The siting you are proposing

in Chazey Road close to St Peter’s Avenue, is an extremely attractive tree-lined road, would be hugely unpopular.”

The plan has also been opposed by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, calling the proposed mast “a large and imposing metal structure.”

On the other hand, Stephen Holgate who lives near the proposed mast site wrote

in support of it, as it would provide “a much stronger and more reliable phone and data signal in the area.”

For its part, a spokesperson for Three said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Caversham.

“We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

“Masts need to be situated

PLACED HERE: The proposed site for a new 5G mast at the junction of St Peters Avenue and Chazey Road in Caversham.

Credit: Google Maps

where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

“We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications.”

The application is number 221825, and can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal.

Shortage of food waste caddy liners has been rectified, but residents face rationing to meet demand

A SHORTAGE of food waste bin bags in Reading has been rectified, but rolls of caddy liners are being rationed to meet demand.

Councillors discussed the issue at a housing neighbourhoods and leisure committee meeting on Wednesday, January 4, where councillors received a report on the rollout of food waste recycling to high- and low-rise flats.

The doorstep collection service launched in February 2021, and sees residents fill kitchen caddies with their food scraps, placing them into a small bin which is collected on a weekly basis.

Homes received a bag of caddy liners, but alternatives are available to buy in supermarkets, and newspaper and old bread bags can be used as well.

People are meant to be able to receive new liners at the council’s libraries and leisure centres, but a potential shortage was raised by Cllr Meri O’Connell (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst).

She said: “I’ve had some anecdotal and personal experience of trying to replenish my supply and

nowhere having them.

“Going to the Meadway, then Tilehurst Library, then Caversham Library and Rivermead on the way back and no one having them.”

Andrew Edwards, Reading Borough Council’s assistant director of environmental and commercial services said supply issues meant that orders of bags have not arrived on time, but stock had been replenished. Rolls are restricted to one per visit to ensure supplies last.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward (Labour, Thames) said bags can be mis-used, for example to collect dog mess, saying that’s how supplies run out.

“You see them in the dog mess bins, so it is really difficult to make sure that there’s a level where people use them legitimately, and don’t just go ‘oh there’s a load of these, I’m going to go and dress my children in food waste liners’,” she said.

The report focused on the

second phase of the council’s food waste recycling service to 14,000 apartments.

Cllr Barnett-Ward said: “I have a ward with a very high number of flatted developments and a lot of residents are really, really keen to get this service, they see the good things that are happening as a result of it, they want to be part of those good things.

“But it is really important that we don’t rush into it because it has to be a bespoke service, it has to be tailored or it won’t work.

“It’s so easy for bin stores to get messy and contaminated, and for people to not do it properly.”

Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey), lead councillor for environmental services, said the food waste liners are not recycled – a tool at the council’s recycling centre extracts the food which is hen used to create electricity.

She also noted Wokingham Borough Council decided to end free food waste liners last year.

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

NoticeisherebygiventhatweVesuvioPizzeriaLTD, appliedonthe4thJanuary2023toReadingBorough Councilinrespectofthepremisesknowas:Vesuvio Pizzeria,20NorcotRoad,Tilehurst,Reading,Berkshire RG306BU.

ForthegrantofaPremisesLicence,forthefollowing: UndertheprovisionsofLicensingAct2003(Premises Licences&ClubPremisesCertificates)Regulations 2005theabove-namedpersonhasappliedforthe GRANTofthepremiseslicence.

APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

All comments must be received within 21 days and will go on public view.

221364: 36-42 London Street, Reading, RG1 4SQ - Demolition of existing building (mural wall to be retained and restored), construction of new building to accommodate a community hall (Use Class F2) and 17 no. residential flats (Use Class C3), with associated works and landscaping.

221255: D C L Cars, 1-11 St Georges Road, Reading, RG30 2RG - The demolition of the existing utilitarian garage buildings. Creation of new C3 dwelling homes to provide a mix of 1 bed apartments and 3 bed houses. With associated uses, communal parking area and external amenity spaces, and private amenity space where appropriate.

APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS

All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.

221364: 36-42 London Street, Reading, RG1 4SQ – As above.

Anypersonwishingtoviewthisapplicationmaydosoat ReadingBoroughCouncilbypriorarrangement betweenthehoursof9amto5pmpleasering 0118937 3762 tomakeanappointmentorviaemailto licensing@reading.gov.uk

Anypersonwishingtomakerepresentationtothis applicationmustdosoinwriting within28days ofthe application,asdetailedaboveto: ReadingBorough Council,LicensingSection,CivicOffices,BridgeStreet, Reading,RG12LU.

Nowrittenrepresentationswillhavepersonaldetails removedunlessthelicensingauthoritydeemsit appropriatetodoso.Anyrequestforpersonaldetailsto beremovedshouldbenotifiedtotheLicensing Authorityatthetimeofmakingtherepresentation. SignedW.Donne-LicensingAgentDate:04/01/2023

Itisanoffencetoknowinglyorrecklesslymakeafalse statementinconnectionwithanapplication,themaximum finefordoingsouponsummaryconvictionisunlimited.

221221: 31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SY - New signage to front elevation. New tiles for specific areas on front elevation (as plan)New customer facing finishes (flooring, paint, internal signage)

221197: 31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SY - New shop front signage

221857: 20 Belle Vue Road, Reading, RG1 7TX - Erection of rear roof dormer extension with the addition of one rooflight to the front roof slope.

221859: 205 Oxford Road, Reading - Upgrades to the front facade of 205 Oxford Road, remove the vinyl stickers from the shop front, install new black cast iron rainwater goods, new timber pilaster and corbel and repainting.

221860: 205 Oxford Road, Reading - 3 No. hand painted timber fascias to match the size and location of the existing modern fascias. A concealed external slim cowl light.

221824: 139 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UU - Listed Building Consent for proposed upgrades to the front facade of 139 Oxford Road.

221875: 139 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UU - Upgrades to the front facade of 139 Oxford Road.

221876: 139 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UU - Existing signage to be removed and timber hand painted signage installed. A concealed external slim cowl light. These applications can be viewed online http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

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

the time we get around to Reading, we’ll know what we’re doing... sorry, Birmingham’

that I’ve never met, I don’t think it’s actually that healthy to judge people before you meet them.

“So the podcast is so eye-opening–for example, you’d have imagined Danny D to be quite a lad, sort of brash and overpowering.

interested, thank you.”

Speaking of the podcast’s audience and how it will translate to a live audience, JaackMaate says: “The TikTok culture we have now, just thousands of small clips, and that helps.

JAACKMAATE’S

While it was way ahead of the slew of podcasts which sprouted as a result of comedians having little else to do to keep things ticking over during the pandemic, it is still only four years old.

It came about November 2018 and rose quickly in prominence from there, regularly topping the podcast charts and garnering a wide range of big name guests from diverse fields, from Ricky Gervais to Danny D. Now it’s going on tour, with the eponymous JaackMaate bringing fellow regulars Stevie White and Robbie Knox to the stage for their first live performances as a group.

Stevie said: “We went to a venue in Norwich to see whether we enjoy it – which we did, and we got a tour set up.”

The tour is called The Round Sheep Tour, a nod to an episode of the podcast discussing idioms, referring to a phrase created by the group to denote something which makes you think.

JaackMaate said: “When they made up the phrase ‘letting the cat out of the bag,’ were they aware that it was gonna be a thing?

“So if we make up our own one, when we’re dead and gone our legacy can be the fact that people say round sheep in a moment that confuses you.

Robbie cut in to say that he wanted to “manage expectations, as the show won’t be about the etymology.

“Go and see Rory Stewart’s podcast for that.”

JaackMaate says: “I just love meeting new people, and though I’ve built my name and my platform through mugging off YouTubers

“But he’s a sweetheart, and he’s up there with the comedians for me, a very smart man– I always love being shocked, and the majority of our guests surprise us.”

This translates to the live performance too, Robbie explained: “Often you see listeners messaging or posting online, but it’s just usernames.

“They’ve messaged and said ‘oh I’m gonna be in the front row at Birmingham,’ so it’s nice to see the face of the guy who’s probably gonna kill us or something,” he jokes.

“But it’s gonna be nice to get out and meet as many people and have a little adventure – I mean I’m 45, and I’ve got three kids, so I’ll do anything to get out of the house.”

While it’s the first time the trio has toured a live show together, Robin says that they’ve all had some previous experience.

“We’ve all done bits – I worked on Soccer AM doing scripts, so we’ve all got that down.”

While it will be a similar format show-to-show, JaackMaate says it will still be different each night.

“We’re really off the cuff, and you don’t really know how it’s going until there’s an audience to bounce it off of,

“But what we have really chimes when we’re on, but it’s often the things you think of on the spot that gets the best response, and then you work out pretty quickly what that audience wants.

“Birmingham’s our first show, so by the time we get around to Reading, we’ll know what we’re doing... sorry, Birmingham.”

JaackMaate says that he’s been to Reading Festival a number of times, “and I would love to perform there, as long as it was towards the start.

“I’m usually a bit worse for wear by the end.”

Robbie says: “Lunchtime on the Friday, fine – 11pm Sunday? Not

He mentions fellow YouTuber MrBeast, who he heard saying on a podcast: “He was talking to someone else who told him there was a TikTok account posting clips of theirs.

“He was saying that he was going to get it with a copyright strike, but MrBeast said he was an idiot– it’s free promotion.

“People see that, want more of it, and then go and find it, and I was very much the same.

“There are Happy Hour accounts, and we’re not monetising that part of it, but as long as they’re sending people to our platform, then we’re kind of fine with it.”

Stevie says that he still struggles with it a little, however: “For me personally, I didn’t really have too much happening online when we started the podcast.

“So it was weird to go into it and seeing people saying mean things –but I suppose these two say mean things to me all the time.”

JaackMaate agrees: “We’ve trained you up – like anyone our age, I’m addicted to it.”

Robbie says however that despite some nerves, the trio is looking forward to the tour.

“I feel that because we’re doing it together, it’ll be alright – or at least good material for the podcast.

“If we get out there and they’re throwing carts full of rotting fruit, it’ll be bad for a few weeks, then make a great episode when we get back.

“Plus,” Stevie adds, “It’s Jack’s name above the door, so if it’s really bad, it’s all his.”

JaackMaate replies: “And there’ll be two open positions for co-hosts, too.”

n JaackMate’s Happy Hour: The Round Sheep Tour is coming to Reading’s Hexagon on Thursday, February 2. For more, or to book tickets, visit: www.happyhourlive. co.uk, or: whatsonreading.com

‘By

JAKE CLOTHIER caught up with the trio from JaackMaate’s Happy Hour ahead of their first live tour, coming to The Hexagon next month

Happy Hour is one of those podcasts which is feels established despite its relative recency.

Bracknell –South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Wedding Fair. Sun 15. Marky Dawson. Wed 18.

Conservatoire: Oliver Nelson and Vasilis Rakitzis. Fri 20.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 20. Spirit Chasers Paranomral UK. Fri 20. Wilde Sundays: Tim Shez, Laura Loh, Neil Wells. Sun 22.

FILMS: Living. Fri 13-Sun 15.

Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths. Mon 16-Tues 17. Like Water For Chocolate. Thurs 19. Armageddon Time. Fri 20-Sun 22.

Camberley –Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

NEXT SHOW: Talon, the best of Eagles. Thurs 26.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Burglar Bill. Sat 14. One Winter’s Night. Sat 14. The Giraffe Who Wouldn’t Bath. Tues 17. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Tues 17-Sat 21.

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

Mind Mangler. Fri 13. Attaullah Esakhelvi Live in Concert. Sun 15. Simon & Garfunkel Story. Thurs 19. Don’t Stop Believin’. Fri 20. It’s Not Unusual. Sat 21. Spirit of the Dance. Sun 22.

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

Go Now. Sat 14. The Simon and Garfunkel. Fri 20. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Sat 21.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Burns Night Ceilidh – SOLD OUT. Fri 13. I Wanna

Dance With Somebody (12a). Fri 13. The Searchers and Hollies Experience.

Sat 14. Jason Fox: Life at the Limit (warm-up show).

Tues 17. Andre Rieu in Dublin. Wed 18, Fri 20. Corsage (15). Fri 20. Steve Waterman (trumpet) The Latin Connection. Fri 20. The Total Who Show. Sat 21. The Vinyl Frontier album championship.

Sat 21.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

DJ Exchange. Fri 13.

Dementia Friendly Screening: The Band Wagon. Mon 16. Rare Productions presents Grease. Thurs 19-Sat 21. RB Encore: Like Water For Chocolate. Sun 22.

Newbury –

The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

NEXT SHOW: Notes From A

Small Island. Fri Feb 3-Sat

Mar 18.

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

Members Night and Season launch. Thurs 12. Poets Cafe. Fri 13. Sitelines presents Threads. Mon 16-Wed 18. Poets Cafe online. Fri 20. Off The Block #11. Fri 20.

Reading –

The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

NT Live presents The Seagull. Fri 13. Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Mon 16-Sat 21.

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

Lunchtime organ recital. Mon 16.

Reading –Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Welkin. Fri 20Sat 28.

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

NEXT SHOW: Hedda Gabler. Feb 22-Mar 11.

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

Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. Fri 13-Sun 15, Fri 20Sun 22.

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

Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun 14. We’ll Always Have Paris. Thurs 19-Mar 11.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

The Shawshank Redemption. Thurs 12-Sat 14. Wrong Jovi. Sun 15. Tina Live. Tues 17. UK Pink Floyd Experience. Wed 18.

Arrival: The Hits of Abba. Thurs 19. Frankie. Fri 20. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sat 21.

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

Ladies In Lavender. Thurs 19-Sat 28.

Wokingham

START the new year with a visit to Sonning, where We’ll Always Have Paris tells the story of three women of a certain age who gravitate to Paris.

Retired headmistress Nancy, recently widowed Anna, and divorcee Raquel meet Charlot,

Tribute

THE sounds of two pop legends are coming to a stage in Maidenhead.

The Searchers and The Hollies Experience promises a two-hour tribute show, filled with harmonies and nostalgia.

Fans will be able to hear many of the bands’ greatest hits, including Needles and Pins, Just One Look, Here I Go Again, and I’m Alive.

The concert takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre Courtyard Theatre, on Saturday, January 14. It begins at 8pm, and all tickets cost £20.

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

Trumpet time with Steve Waterman

STEVE WATERMAN presents an evening of trumpet music.

His programme will concentrate on South American and Cuban inspired compositions.

–

The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society: Wild Men (15). Thurs 12. Quantum Theatre: A Christmas Carol. Tues 17.

Wokingham Music Club: DS:UK A tribute to Dire Straits. Fri 20.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org

Jazz

The Concert, titled The Latin Connection, takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre on Friday, January 20. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.

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

A celebration of the sounds of the 60s

FANS can enjoy two hours of hits by the English rock band formed in the 1960s.

Presented by Johnny Warman’s Magic bus, the concert features musicians who have performed

an actor turned

who eventually fixes more than just a leaky shower.

Jill Hyem’s feel-good play with laughter, tears, and romance can be seen at The Mill At Sonning from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, March 11.

with big named stars such as Roger Daltry, Pete Townshend, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.

The show takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre on Saturday, January 21.

Doors open at 8pm, and all tickets cost £20.

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

Windsor to host a break-out hit

Audiences in Windsor can see a stage production based on a Stephen King novel.

The Shawshank Redemption sees two accomplished actors in this story of unlikely friendship.

It stars Joe Absolom, with a 25-year television career to his name, and Ben Onwukwe, whose stage performances include leading roles with the RSC and the Royal Court.

A man locked up for a brutal double murder protests his innocence.

He strikes up a friendship with prison fixer, Red, and together the pair hatch a desperate escape plan.

The Shawshank Redemption can be seen at The Theatre Royal, Windsor, on Thursday to Saturday, January 12, 13 and 14.

Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with a Saturday matinée at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £23.50 to £44.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk, or call the box office on: 01753 853888

Lavender highlights

FOR AN evocative tale of unfulfilled dreams and unrequited love, audiences should head to

It stars Debbie Arnold, Basienka Blake, Elizabeth Elvin, Richard Keep and Natalie Ogle.

Performances start at 8.15pm on Wednesdays through to Saturdays, with matinées at 2.15pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are no performances on

Wokingham next week.

Ladies In Lavender tells of two sisters living in a Cornish fishing village in 1936.

Their peaceful lives are disrupted by the discovery of a young Polish violinist on the beach.

The play is performed at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, January 28, with the exception of Sunday.

Doors open at 7.45pm, and all tickets cost £15.

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

Concert series returns

AS PART of The Conservatoire International Concert Series, a Bracknell arts centre presents an evening with Oliver Nelson and Vasilis Rakitzis.

Nelson on violin and viola, and Rakitzis on piano will perform a programme that includes Malcolm Arnold’s 5 Pieces, sonatas by Schubert, Mozart and Fauré, along with a new piece written for Oliver by Alistair Jones.

The event takes place in South Hill Park’s Recital Room on Friday, January 20. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £16.50, members cost £14.50 and under 18s cost £5.50.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.ukor call the box office on: 01344 484123

Simon and Garfuknel are Henley bound

HENLEY welcomes a show fresh from London’s Vaudeville Theatre.

Mondays or Tuesdays.

Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com. or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000

Projection photos and original film footage make it a show that fans of the duo will want to see.

The concert is at The Kenton Theatre on Friday, January 20 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £27, with concessions available at £25.50.

Parking is limited, additional spaces at Station Car Park, Station Road RG9 1AY.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk, or call the box office on: 01491 525050

Water play with Gerald the giraffe

GERALD the baby giraffe doesn’t like water.

Youngsters can join him on his funny sticky journey as he discovers what happens when you don’t have a bath.

The show includes inventive, interactive and creative play.

The Giraffe Who Wouldn’t Bath is suitable for babies and children up to four.

It is told by Hannah Summers with illustrations by Miranda Summers.

It can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, with performances on Saturday, January 14, at 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

Tickets cost £10.50 for an adult and child, with aditional children and adults at £7 each.

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

ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

The Simon And Garfunkel Story features a full live band performing hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Homeward Bound.

handyman

Lamps, magic, and good old panto charm await

Twyford becomes Hamelin as Pied Piper pays a visit

AN AMATEUR dramatic society will entertain an audience of all ages with its unique spin on a family classic.

Shinfield Players Theatre’s fun-filled version of Aladdin will be performed on January 13-15 and 20-22 and is open to all ages.

The panto is directed by Carol Vockins, who also wrote the script specifically for the 20-person cast at the theatre. She has been assisted by her husband, Graham.

Mr Vockins said: “Carol’s done a fantastic job at putting this together for Shinfield Players and I can promise the audience the messiest scene of all pantos in the kitchen scene at the end of act one.

“It’s got everything you could want in a

panto, there are a few jokes which will go over the kids’ heads, but it really is for all the family.”

He also gave a special mention to the remarkable music, set and costumes that will feature in this production.

Aladdin is reimagined by Charley Caswell in what will be her first ever pantomime and second performance for Shinfield Players.

George Apap plays the show’s primary antagonist, Abanazar, and he is said to be ‘ecstatic’ to play the role, one in which he will fittingly be performing Michael Jackson’s 1987 hit, Bad.

This will be in addition to all the songs which made Aladdin the classic it is known as.

The cast had its last tech rehearsal on Monday and a full dress rehearsal on

A play to tug at the heartstrings

WOKINGHAM Theatre’s bitter sweet production opens next week, and plays as much upon the heartstrings as it does on the strings of a violin.

Set in Cornwall in the mid-1930s, Ladies In Lavender tells of two ageing spinster sisters whose quiet lives are turned upside down when they discover a young man washed ashore on the beach.

Spending time with their new patient as they nurse him back to health, Ursula and Janet discover that he is a Polish violinist capable of making music to melt the hardest of hearts.

Love blossoms and memories surface in the place of quietly simmering resentments that have coloured the sisters lives over the years.

Director Thomas Joy says:”It’s a much more complex story than at first it appears.

“It’s not just a tale of two older ladies in their cottage by the sea who take in a handsome young man.

“There’s much more to it than meets the eye.

“It explores relationships, it talks about mental health and it examines social attitudes.

“And it’s beautifully bittersweet, because with success comes heartbreak.”

Ladies In Lavender is not without its

challenges. It requires the actors to be able to move seamlessly between different locations that include the beach, the guest bedroom, the garden and the parlour of the sisters’ cottage.

“We’ve had to be very inventive with the staging,” says Thomas.

“There are a number of connected levels, steps and stairs, which are working well now that we are rehearsing on stage.

“But during rehearsals without the set, it has been difficult to establish how long it would take to move between scenes, for example, or to climb stairs.”

A complex set is not the play’s only hurdle.

Much more difficult to achieve is its casting.

“Finding a handsome young actor who is trilingual and also a concert violinist is quite a challenge,” continues Thomas.

Tuesday. Now, they’re ready for curtain up.

Shinfield Players Theatre suffered a major setback in February last year when its roof was damaged during Storm Eunice, but thanks to the efforts of its members and the community, the group has returned to its Whitley Wood Lane home.

Well-received productions of Our House and Inspector Drake have put the theatre in the best possible position to enjoy a successful 2023 season. Mr Vockins described the return as ‘a relief’.

Performances start at 7.30pm on the Fridays, 2pm and 6.30pm on the Saturdays and 2pm on the Sundays.

Tickets are £16 for adults, £15 for concessions and £9 for children.

n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

JI-MIN LEE

The show opens next weekend, at

“We are enjoying some really entertaining rehearsal evenings as we gradually piece the show together in jigsaw puzzle fashion,” said a spokesperson.

“Scenery has been designed and is in the process of being painted, and props are being expertly prepared. Custard pies are made and ready for launch.

“Our skilled wardrobe team has finely tuned costumes; these remarkably enhance our characters’ individual personae.

“Photographs have been taken and have been converted into clever social media publicity images by our talented graphic designer. Posters and banners have been proudly hung in and around Twyford to advertise the event.

“We are very nearly ready.”

Rob Yeadon of Twyford Together has kindly provided 11 umbrellas sponsored by his company Benedict Charles Financial Planning. These will be used in the group’s own rendition of Singing in the Rain.

“We value and appreciate this community support: Twyford is certainly ‘coming together’ for our January extravaganza,” said the spokesperson.

“The Pied Piper of Hamelin is undoubtedly going to be a very funfilled and lively production and there is still time to grab yourself a really good seat.

“Typically, ticket sales take off after Christmas, so why not get in first. We look forward to entertaining you.”

Matinee performances are at 2pm on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15. Evening performances are at 7.45pm on Friday, January 13 and at 7pm on the Saturday.

n Visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ twyrusdramaor buy tickets through their website www.twyforddrama. co.uk/Prices are £10 and £12 each.

SUE CORCORAN

“We have a great cast who have worked hard to create a world that is so of its time.

“Rehearsals have been a collaborative process as we have explored the characters and asked the questions that would help us overcome the challenges.

“And the music is wonderful.

“We’re using it cinematically.

“I want people to come away having fallen in love not only with the story, but with the musical soundscape that accompanies it.

“It’s a beautifully human story, and the perfect tonic for a dark January evening,”

Ladies In Lavender can be seen from Thursday, January 19 through to Saturday, January 28, with the exception of Sunday.

Performances start at 7.45pm, with tickets available at £15.

n

For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box

READY TO LIGHT UP THE STAGE: Shinfield Players Theatre will be performing its very own version of Aladdin this January. Picture courtesy of

Wokingham Theatre is presenting Ladies In Lavender from next week

TWYFORD’S traditional panto The Pied Piper of Hamelin is really coming together, with the talented cast already well-versed in their lines and moves, reports the hard-working Twyford Drama group.

Loddon Hall.

Male Voice choir performs again

READING Male Voice Choir is back for 2023 and has announced its roster of upcoming shows.

The choir will be performing at Christ Church, Woodley, on Saturday, January 28, where it will be joined by Eleanor Stevens.

She is a soprano who holds a Masters in vocal performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

On Saturday, February 11, RMVC will be performing at the Broad Street Mall, and again at St Mary’s Church in Purley on Thames on Saturday, March 25.

On Saturday, April 22, the choir will be performing a concert at All Saints Churche Tilehurst, joined by Aneesa Chaudhry.

n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to the group’s website: rmvc.net

Clarinet and cake

MEMBERS of Reading Bach

Choir are preparing for a special afternoon of music later this month.

Clarinet and Cake will see Janet Hilton entertain, accompanied on the piano by the group’s assistant musical director Nick Shaw.

There will also be plenty of cake.

The event takes place from 3.30pm on Saturday, January 28, at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road, Caversham. Tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s.

n For more details, log on to: www.readingbachchoir.org.uk

Happy Blue year at ‘Collar Corner

BBLUE Collar in the heart of Reading’s town centre, is planning a host of events over the coming weeks.

With events released lasting until late February, Blue Collar will play host to DJs, parties, sports fixture viewings, and fairs.

It has taken a short hiatus following a New Year’s party and is set to reopen on Thursday, January 19.

DJ Rob Wire will be the first act to head up the venue’s weekly music nights, which see DJs and performers accompany the usual offerings of street food and locally brewed drinks.

Saturday, January 21, will see DJs Ben Narbutas and Sam Wild take to the decks.

Party Thursdays is also returning in the new year, with party events taking place on Thursday every week, from January 26.

Monkey Shoulder Party will be joined by Crazy P and further guests for performances on Friday, January 27, followed by DJ Acronym and DJ Rachael Chrisp on Saturday, January 28.

The next day, Peter Doyle is presenting his Singer/Songwriter Showcase with Colours & Fires, Maija, Holly Shillito, and Helen Cuthbertson.

Reading’s Indie Market is

returning to the venue too, with the first of the new year taking place on Sunday, February 5.

Following its showing of the FIFA World Cup games last year, Blue Collar is bringing the Six Nations Rugby to its screens.

It will be showing the England v Scotland fixture on Saturday, Febraury 4, followed by DJ Pete Wheeler.

The England v Italy fixture w ill be shown on Sunday, February 12, followed by the England

v Wales game on Saturday, February 25.

The record fair and social will return on Sunday, February 26, with Paul “Smiler” Anderson, who will also host a DJ Set and In Conversation session.

Blue Collar Corner is open from 5pm-12.30am on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11am-12.30am on Saturdays, and from 11am8pm on Sundays.

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

Anita Oui to take up residency at Rising Sun

A NEW performer is set to take over the regular drag night at The Rising Sun arts centre in Reading.

Anita Oui is now poised to host her first show at the venue later this month.

Anita Oui’s Suspenders will celebrate the year 2000, and feature performances from Grace Anatomy, Lujane Oud, DUAC, Dorian Gay.

She was selected as the new host of the drag show residency at the venue when previous host Sheer Obsession announced that they would be taking a break in November last year.

She performed, among others, the closing number at Sheer Obsession’s show and has

already hosted events such as Christmas Karaoke at Bar 77.

The residency is a grass-roots event which showcases queer talent from a range of acts as selected by the host.

Anita Oui’s Suspenders is taking place at the Rising Sun Arts Centre from 7pm on Saturday, January 28.

Attendees are encouraged to wear 2000s themed dress if they would like.

n Tickets are available on a sliding scale of between £5-£20 on a paywhat-you-can basis via: www. outsavvy.com, or by contacting the organisers directly. The event is billed as suitable for over 18s

Glenn Wool set to headline South Street Comedy Club

MATES Rates is bringing its quarterly comedy club to South Street for the first show of the new year.

South Street Comedy Club will be headlined by Glenn Wool, whose work includes appearances on Eight out of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The John Bishop Show, and Russell Howard’s Good News.

He has appeared regularly at Glastonbury Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as touring with Doug Stanhope, taking awards at Sydney Comedy Festival and nominations at 2008’s Chortle Awards and the 2003 New Zealand Comedy Awards.

He will be joined by Sadia Azmat, who was shortlisted for

the Funny Women Awards just one year after her debut, Andy Gleeks and MC Carl Richard.

The club runs quarterly, set to return in late April.

The Comedy Club takes p lace at South Street Arts Centre from 8pm on Saturday, January 28.

n Tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com

Things that go Bump in the night

COMEDIAN Jacob Hawley has announced a performance in Reading as part of his national tour.

The star of BBC’s Ladhood and Sky’s The Russell Howard Hour and creator of Radio 4’s Class Act, Hawley is touring his latest live show, Bump.

Among the dates on the tour is a performance at The Purple Turtle, with the tour exploring mental health and its relations to class, and fatherhood, among others.

Hawley also recently presented two BBC podcast series, On Love and On Drugs, which each series taking an in-depth but comedic look at important issues facing modern society.

The podcasts came 12th in the UK podcast charts and garnered Hawley a silver Audio & Radio Industry award in 2020 for best

new presenter and bronze for the New Voice Award at the Audio Production Awards.

Jacob Hawley will be performing at The Purple Turtle

as part of his tour on Thursday, March 30, presented by Mates Rates Comedy.

n Advanced tickets cost £10, available via www.fatsoma.com

NEW SEASON OF SHOWS: Blue Collar Corner returns after a short hiatus on Thursday, January 19. Picture: Nat Burton

SHOWTIME: Anita Oui is set to take over the drag residency at the Rising Sun Arts Centre with a hand-picked cast of performers on Saturday, January 28. Picture: Jake Clothier

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw sounds today

HAPPY new listening. For our first playlist of 2023, we’ve got 10 brand-new tracks for you to listen to.

Each one has a connection to the area, and means we start the year on a musical high.

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 a mixture 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 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.

Adomania – I Always Seem to Break Something (At The Party)

They released their debut single, Heavy Rain, last

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, January 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ma Bessie. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @ skintmondays

Friday, January 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Redhead and Primary Explosives and No Good Sons. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB.

Goring Community Jazz Club presents Stan Tracey’s ‘Under Milk Wood Jazz Suite. 7.30pm. Details www.ticketsource.co.uk/ goring-community-jazzclub

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS.

Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE.

STATIK presents Jay El Baits 30th, Big H, Tits and Webbla Bday. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Reading Railway Club, Station Approach RG1 1NB. Muntjac and Hannah Lebrecht. Details: 0118 959 5294.

READING – 3sixty Reading University Students’ Union Reading RG6 6EH.

BBC Introducing Live ft. MUNBOI, Ray Wills & swurli. Booking essential. Details: www.rusu.co.uk/ events

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The

Smyths 20th Anniversary Tour. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Beatles tribute. Details: 0118 978 4529.

Saturday, January 14

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rock Week final. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Karaoke and disco.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Live music night. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE.

Tim Kay Duo. Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. 4G. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays/ Double Your Money.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ.

The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB.

The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 942 9606.

Sunday, January 15

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH.

Low Key Sundays. 3pm.. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Lynne Whiteland, Mike Baker and Friends. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

year, and it made number six in our top 20 of the year.

Here’s their second single and it’s another good one with strong vocals, interesting lyrics and a melody that sticks in your head.

We look forward to seeing how this band develops. They’ve certainly started impressively –https://www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand/

Marisa And The Moths – Pedestal

This Reading band haven’t been in our playlist before and, judging by this song, it’s about time they were.

It’s the band’s latest single and it’s an alternative rock anthem with powerful vocals. They will be live at Reading’s Purple Turtle on Janiary 29, as part of a UK tour to support their forthcoming Damned If I

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, January 16

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, January 17

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

Wednesday, January 18

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Marky Dawson. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST.

Artist Link-up!. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Caribbean Night with Faze 3 Steel band. Details: 0118 978 4529.

Thursday, January 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gary Moore Blues Experience. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Cool Hand Luke. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @ skintmondays

Friday, January 20

BURGHFIELD – Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Reading Rock ‘n’ Roll presents Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite. £12 Details: rock3rs.co.uk

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Goldeneye. Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents DS:UK. 7.30pm. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Saturday, January 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Trojan Beats. Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Northbrook Road, Caversham Park Village RG4 6PF. Details: 0118 334 1040.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Seventies Night. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Solar. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights

Do EP release – https://www.marisaandthemoths. com/

That Joe Payne – Dry January

Joe delivered a great performance when he visited the area to perform at Wokingham Festival. This song was included on Joe’s Christmas album, Ding Dong, but if you are trying to get through the month I’m sure you will be able to relate to it now –https://www.thatjoepayne.com/

Phantom Booth –

Falling Asleep On Her Dreams

Following their energetic last single, ’Apparatus, this talented three-piece show another side to their artistic talents with this new single. It’s a melancholic, but wonderful, orchestral ballad –https://linktr.ee/phantombooth

Darcy Hope – Landslide

Darcy is a singer-songwriter from Fleet who writes and performs music with a mellow country pop feel.

In November she released this beautiful version of the Fleetwood Mac classic and she will be live as support to Tom Webber at his Club Velocity show at Rising Sun Arts Centre on February 4 – https:// darceyhope.com/

Dandy Man – Annie Bonnie

Reading-based alt indie outfit Dandy Man released their debut album, Something I Have To Say,

soul and Motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Heisenbug. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz night: Annie Parker flutes, Hugh Turner

guitar. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. WATT4. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. 10 Years of RUDNB: Sempra, Banditt, Visla, Klueless,

last month, and this is the uplifting opening track. Check out the video which was filmed at Pyramid Studios – https://dandymanmusic.com/

Selina and the Howlin Dogs –Who’s That Girl?

They were number three in our Top 20 of 2022, and they released this new single last month which features their trademark blues-rock sound combined with Selina’s distinctive vocals – https:// www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/

Jessie Smith – WKD

His voice is so good that he has been heard singing in the band on Strictly Come Dancing and now Jessie, who performed in his hometown of Reading at Third Lung’s Sub89 show, has released his debut solo single – https://www.jessesmithuk.com/

Papa Truck – Gunpoint (Reloaded)

Papa Truck performed a great set at Wokingham Festival last summer and they recently released this new version of a song from their By Your Side album – https://www.facebook.com/papatruck

Phil Royal – Kiss

Here’s a bit of psychedelia from Phil’s album, Waiting for the Light released on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records.

This song features guest appearances from Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline from The Honey Pot –https://philroyal.com/

Dewinder. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Heathrow Jets. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, January 22

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12

7PA. Wilde Sundays: Tim Shez, Laura Loh, Neil Wells. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme nightAll Together Now. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

Adomania performing at The Acoustic Couch in Bracknell Picture: Andrew Merritt

WHAT’SON

Thursday,

January 12

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ.

Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF.

Siren Beer Discovery: An Introduction to Siren through the exploration of the various beer styles of the core range. Includes third-pints of each of the five core range beers. Tickets from £11.37. 7pm-8pm. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com/ READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Britain’s Railways in the First World War, a talk by Richard Marks. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery Mark and Gary’s quiz night in aid of Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. 6.30pm. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

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: Match an image event. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Wild Men (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

WOOSEHILL – Community Hall, Emmview Close RG41 3DA. University of the Third Age presents Industrial Heritage Group – St Paul’s Cathedral & Christopher Wren, a talk by Doug Irvine. 2pm-4pm. Details: www. wokinghamu3a.org.uk

Friday, January 13

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood

Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 7.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www.shinfieldplayers. org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. From 6.30pm. Bar meals available. Details: 0118 978 3902.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 7.45pm. Details: twyrusdrama.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE

Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 14

CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS – Methodist Church, Highmoor Road RG4 7BG.

Reading Bach Choir come and sing Mozart’s Requiem (Levin version). 10.30am4.30pm, performance 3.30pm. £22, includes score and tuition, plus tea and coffee. Booking essential. Details: www. readingbachchoir.org.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF.

Street Food Saturday: Three Cuts Burgers. From noon. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING – Waterstone, Broad Street RG1 2AP.

Blackbeard’s Treasure: a talk and book-signing with Iszi Lawrence. 11am or 3pm. Booking essential. Free. Details: https:// www.waterstones.com/ bookshops/reading-broadstreet

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm and 6.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 2pm and 7pm.

Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Zara Kitchen Design, Peach Street RG40 1XJ. Live Neff cooking demonstration 10.30am3.30pm. Details: 0118 977 2856.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field. Kidical Mass family bike ride. From 2pm. Details: Search Facebook for Kidical Mass Wokingham.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: 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, January 15

CAVERSHAM – Crowne Plaza, Richfield Avenue RG1 8BD. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Free entry. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group presents The Pied Piper of Hamelin. £10-£12. 2pm. Details: twyrusdrama.org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, tables £8. Details: 07943 510108 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, January 16

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

BINFIELD – Newbold Church, Binfield RG42 4AN The Arts Society Wokingham presents Palmyra: Bride of the Deser’. Paul Roberts will describe one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 7.45pm. Details: www.TheArtsSociety Wokingham.org.uk

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.

CROWTHORNE – Wellington

College, The Old Gym, Dukes Ride RG45 7PU.

Crowthorne Choral Society coem and sing event, no audition necessary. 7.30pm. Details: www. crowthornechoral.org.uk

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING - Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Berkshire Organists’ Association Lunchtime organ recital: Andreana Chan, Pembroke College, Cambridge. 1pm. £6, £5 advance. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Reading Humanists Book Club: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 957 6930

WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road, RG40 3AL.Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Details: https://www. rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Late_Session

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, January 17

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall,Church Road RG6 1EY. East Reading Horticultural Society meeting: The Work of Dreamflight with Pat Pearce. 7.45pm for 8pm. Details: www.erhs.org.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – 2 Blagrave Street,

RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Comedy night: four acts and some new jokes. Headliner - Joey Page as seen on Never Mind the Buzzocks. 7.30pm. Adults only. £8.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org Wednesday,

January 18

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm. Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session. 12.15pm. Details: https:// www.rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Morning_ Session

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. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www.

woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, January 19

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF.

Siren Beer Discovery: An Introduction to Siren through the exploration of the various beer styles of the core range. Includes third-pints of each of the five core range beers. Tickets from £11.37. 7pm8pm. Details: https://www. sirencraftbrew.com/ 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.

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: talk by Benhamin Graham on Developing Personal Vision and Styling. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Three Frogs, London Road. ASD Family Help presents adult social group, for people with autism, learning disabilities, their partners, family, friends and carers. Free, registration for first timers required. Food and drink available to purchase. 7pm. Details: www. asdfamilyhelp.org

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOODLEY – Tennis Courts at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Haddon Drive RG5 4LY. Balance Bike Club for ages 2-4. 1.30pm-

2.15pm. Details: www. myjourneywokingham.com

Friday, January 20

BURGHFIELD – Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS.

Reading Rock ‘n’ Roll presents Dave B’s Good Rockin’ Tonite. £12 Details: rock3rs.co.uk

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road RG6 1EY. Reading Guild of Artists presents: The Art of Framing with Ralph Spearpoint. 7pm. £8. Details: www.rga-artists. org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 7.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www.shinfieldplayers. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR.

Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, January 21

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Burns Supper. 7.30pm. Booking essential.. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Building L29, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AG. Jazz masterclass with Pete Long. From 1.30pm. £15, students £5. Booking essential. Details: https:// blogs.reading.ac.uk/music/ jazz-masterclass-featpete-long/

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-

noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 2.30pm and 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm and 6.30pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Sindlesham Court Burns Supper with a piper and dancing to Six Bells Ceilidh Band. £43. Details: 0118 978 3902.

WINNERSH – St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Quintessential Brass presents a concert of light and popular music. 7.30pm. £10. Details: www. quintessential-brass.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Wokingham, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Phoenix Choir: The Armed Man. Come and Sing from 1pm. Concert. £5, under 16s free. 6pm.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: 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, January 22

READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Sunday Life Drawing with guest artist Pat Lewis. £12-£15. 11.30am-1pm. Details: www.jelly.org.uk

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX.

Youth Workshop: Garment Upcycling for ages 14-18. 11am-4pm. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Aladdin and the Valley of the Dragons. 2pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, tables £8. Details: 07943 510108 or www.

woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Siren Craft Brew is holding street food events on Saturdays in its Tap Yard

Bear out half-term refund (6)

Returning students make a mistake (4,2)

Captain’s beginning to skin fish (7)

Class won over by joker (5)

Sealed agreement at home with a set of teeth (9)

Gleefully content with shelter (3)

Met Ashley to negotiate provision of a fine house (7,4)

Have peace and quiet with a cross (3)

Hinge. LEISURETODAY

Live north by the church at home (9)

A doctor left with enemy leader on a leisurely walk (5)

Intending to have significance (7)

Lorry driver? (6)

All the confusion is devastating (6)

have to work out which letters belong to which crossword. DOWN 1. Pasturage (5) 4. Dapple (7) 8. Went in (7) 9. Well done! (5) 10. Fixing device (5) 13. White ant (7) 17. Beverage (3) 18. Victor (6) 19. Guard (6) 20. Female sheep (3) 22. Italian astronomer (7) 25. Hoard (5) 28. Majestic (5) 29. Source of wealth or good luck (7) 30. Otalgia (7) 31. Flexible joint (5)

Uncouth peasant (6)

Unable to see the screen (5)

Crest displayed by dominant bird (7)

Sordid gain may be obtained from cruel shenanigans (5)

Poser for child? This child sets a poser for teachers (7)

One who gambles in a boat (6)

Bother a few who are upsetting (11)

Duty must be paid on these goods (7)

Hate dry version of a chemical compound (7)

row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. 1. A Van Dyke is a style of what? 2. What first name connects the actors with the surnames Grant, Dancy and Laurie? 3. Which classic Italian dish is made using arborio rice? 4. In motor racing, which coloured flag is used to indicate that overtaking is not permitted? 5. Which district of Paris is renowned as the quarter of artists?

Downs conversely form part of this ground (6)

Boy takes girl to part of India (6)

Engineers’ first lady steward (5)

Denial heard to come from the horse’s mouth (5)

is the FIVE ALIVE: NONAGRAM:

NONAGRAM

are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. Quiz Challenge 6. Who did singer Sam Smith duet with on the 2022 UK number 1 hit song Unholy? 7. What is the popular name for January 6, also known as Epiphany? 8. Who was king of Wessex from 871 to 899? 9. Who wrote the classic novel Lord of the Flies? 10. In 2021 who became the oldest person, at the age of 90, to fly in space aboard a sub-orbital capsule? ACROSS 4 9 96 3 8 15 2 5 2 97 6 358 6 8 5 1 93 6 8 2

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) (1) (2) Across – Drain; Vague; Nerve. Down – Divan; Anger; Niece. Across – Three; Adder; Ebony. Down – Tease; Radio; Early. 1685 792 43 4956 237 81 3278 145 96 8 3 2 4 5 1 9 6 7 7162 984 35 9543 671 28 6 4 9 1 3 5 8 7 2 2817 463 59 5739 826 14 4217 839 56 5976 241 38 3689 154 27 9 4 6 1 3 2 7 8 5 8125 973 64 7358 462 19 2 8 3 4 5 9 6 7 1 1742 685 93 6593 718 42 EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU CROSS CODE

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

SUDOKU

Galileo; TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 5443

Ewe; TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER No. 5448

hogg; hogger; hoggery; ogre; orgy; page; pager; phage; pogey; porgy; prog; rage; raggy; yagé; yoga; yogh. EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: 1. Estimate (5) 2. On the move (5) 3. Mouselike animal (5) 4. Staid (6) 5. Glowing coal (5) 6. Yellowish brown (5) 7. Call forth (5) 11. Asian republic (5) 12. Boredom (5) 14. Relieve (4) 15. Craze (5) 16. Portable light (5) 17. Woody plant (4) 21. Move unsteadily (6) 22. Deep ravine (5) 23. German pistol (5) 24. Fragrant shrub (5) 25. Marine mollusc (5) 26. Musical composition (5) 27. Delete (5) © Sirius Media Services Ltd. Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 10.

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.

Setting effective goals

Healthy Heart Tip

JANUARY marks the start of a new year and it is a good time to evaluate the current state of your health.

Many of us use the new year to set healthrelated goals, which often include stopping a bad habit or introducing a new healthy one.

A goal without a plan is just a dream and it is worth spending some time to set effective goals if you want to make positive strides

towards better health in 2023.

Here we outline some tips to set effective goals.

Make them SMART SMART goals are:

SPECIFIC: ‘Eat healthier’ sounds like a good idea, but what does that look like for you specifically? It could be eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day or increasing the amount of water you drink to two litres.

Whatever it is, make

it as specific as possible.

MEASURABLE: Set goals that are trackable, and allow you to measure your success.

For example, a goal to reduce your alcohol consumption is hard to quantify, but a goal to limit your alcohol consumption to three drinks a week is measurable.

ATTAINABLE: It can be tempting to set huge goals when we are feeling really inspired, however, it is important

to think realistically and set goals that you can actually achieve.

For someone who has never run before and doesn’t have a good level of fitness, setting a goal to run a marathon may be a bit of a stretch.

RELEVANT: Make the goal align with your values and longer-term health goals.

Why is this goal important to you and what impact will it have on your health if it isn’t achieved?

TIME-BOUND: An effective goal has an end date, when will you achieve this goal by? Planning to stop smoking by August 1 is a time-bound goal – it enables you to plan what steps you need to take to achieve it by the end date.

Track your progress

It’s a good idea to write your goals down on paper or in a journal and keep track of your progress.

You could break down the year by quarters and plan what you want to have achieved in relation to each goal by the end of every quarter.

For example, by the end of quarter one (January through March) you will have achieved consistently

drinking one litre of water a day and by the end of quarter two (April through June) you will have achieved consistently drinking two litres a day.

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: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukrecipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook

10 indicators your computer is being spied on

ACCORDING to research, in the first six months of last year there were 2.8 billion malware attacks worldwide.

It’s a growing problem: malware is becoming harder to detect, so it may be difficult to determine whether a device has been compromised.

Cyber security experts at VPNOverview have set out 10 telltale symptoms of a malware attack, as there is no single way to detect spyware on a device.

A spokesperson said: “Detecting a monitoring app isn’t easy, even for the most tech-savvy user. It requires a deep understanding of your operating system and how spyware behaves.

“The best course of action is to install a reputable anti-virus such as Norton 360. This can perform deep PC scanning that can identify suspicious files and malicious programmes, as well as providing a firewall defence against future spyware infections.

“It is also important to be wary when clicking on suspicious-looking email attachments, as these often transmit spyware.”

The webcam is recording without authorisation

If the webcam light is on and you are not using it, someone else might be. Malicious spyware can be installed by hackers or by someone you know.

Hackers may try to blackmail you using the information that they have collected. It is important to routinely check which programs have access to your webcam or tape over the webcam when it’s not in use to protect yourself.

To check which programmes have access to your webcam, follow these steps:

n Open Windows Settings.

n Choose “Privacy and security”.

n Select “Camera” from the options on the left.

Go through this list and see which programmes are currently accessing the webcam.

Your computer becomes slow

Malicious software such as Trojans can make a computer very slow. The malware will run various programmes simultaneously that can mine cryptocurrencies, copy files, and send data to their servers.

If a computer is taking longer than usual to boot, or programmes are taking longer to open, this could be a sign of an infection.

Task manager is disabled

If you cannot open task manager, this may be a sign of a malware infection. It is common for malicious programmes to disable.

If you are unable to click on Windows Task Manager, you can use this keyboard shortcut; Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Alternatively, click the magnifying glass button on your desktop toolbar, then search for “Task Manager”.

To open your macOS Activity Monitor, use this keyboard shortcut; Command + Spacebar. This will open the Spotlight search field. Search for and select “Activity Monitor”.

Your browser gets redirected

When internet search results are unrelated to your enquiry, it can be a sign of infection. For example, if you type in “bananas” into a search engine and get results that have nothing to do with the fruit, then something has likely gone wrong.

The first thing to do is to look through installed toolbars and plugins to spot any that you haven’t downloaded yourself.

A hijacker may also be the cause of browser redirections. This software sends you to unauthorised, mostly hostile, websites. One motive could be to generate ad revenue by redirecting your search results to advertisements.

Your computer heats up

This is a common indication of malware being present. This is because this software is designed to execute numerous programmes at once and is very resource-intensive, putting a strain on the capabilities of your computer.

Your computer should be at around 48°C (120°F) when idle and 79.4°C (175°F) when under stress. Anything hotter should be investigated further.

If you experience an overheating computer, check task manager for any apps that appear to be using too many resources on your computer; if you do, try shutting down your computer.

Strange browser activity

Hackers find browsers very appealing to hijack as they contain lots of data and crucial information, such as social media information and bank account details. For this reason, there are numerous ways hackers can infiltrate your browser. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

n You have browser extensions you didn’t install.

n Your browsers homepage has changed.

n There are toolbars on the browser you didn’t install yourself.

You receive a ransomware attack message

Ransomware attacks your computer or network and encrypts all of your data. To break the encryption, hackers will ask you to send a specified sum of money using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

If it happens to you, you should not pay the hackers, but contact the relevant authorities. When reporting the attack collect as much information as possible, as you may be asked:

n Your personal information or

organisation’s information.

n A copy or screen grab of the ransom demand.

n Approximate date and time of the ransomware attack.

n Name of the ransomware variant (usually included in the ransom note or encrypted file).

You’re logged out of websites

A hacker may log you out of your accounts so that they can capture your keystrokes and discover your passwords.

While it is a possibility that cookies have been deleted, causing you to be logged out, it is worth keeping an eye out for browser behaviour.

Weird programmes installed

Some hackers may trick you into downloading seemingly legitimate software to gain access. You may think that the software looks legitimate, but it is actually malware.

For example, you may come across and try to download Microsoft Word for free, but it contains malware.

If you see a programme installed on your computer that has an unusual name or extension such as .exe, .com, .scr, .bat or .pif, then consider removing it from your device. If you do see a programme with an unfamiliar extension, use antivirus software to flag these file names.

You frequently get strange pop-ups on your desktop

A big giveaway of malware on your system is random pop-ups on your browser or desktop. This is usually caused by clicking on an advertisement banner on a website which can cause malicious code to be injected into your browser. In some instances, pop-ups that display advertisements may be brought on by the browser toolbar.

To get rid of this, check to make sure there aren’t any toolbars installed that you didn’t authorise yourself. In extreme cases, the pop-ups can appear on the desktop itself, which means they are caused by malware.

Search is on for the UK’s most marvellous moggy

THEY’RE famous for being great hunters, now they’re being hunted … for a celebration.

Cats Protection has launched a search to find the nation’s most marvellous moggies, each aimed at sharing heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship. There are four categories for people to nominate their feline friends.

n Cat Colleagues: Celebrating cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure.

n Family Fur-ever: Recognising cats that make a family complete, whether they’re a child’s best friend or a comforting sofa buddy.

n Moggy Marvels: Jaw-dropping stories of survival, heroism and companionship in the cat world.

n Social Star: Paying tribute to those famehungry felines who spread joy on social media.

Cats Protection’s Chief Executive John May said: “Cats are undoubtedly some of our nation’s most treasured pets, and over the past few years many of us have found their companionship more important than ever.

“The National Cat Awards are all about celebrating everything we love about cats – from their entertaining antics to their comforting presence.

“And in recognition of just how much enjoyment cats bring to the world, we’ve introduced a new Social Star category, where the public can nominate their favourite famous felines.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the awards once again and look forward to sharing many wonderful stories of moggy brilliance, and hopefully inspire more people to adopt a rescue cat in 2023.”

Winners will be selected by public vote and a panel of judges in July.

The winner of the National Cat of the Year trophy will inherit the title from Jasper and Willow, who were named joint National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the role they play at St Peter & St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, Sussex.

n Nominations are open until February 24. To enter, or for further information, log on to: www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards

Picture: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

KELVIN ABREFA enjoyed special moment of celebrating with his family after scoring his first senior goal for Reading FC.

The Royals were able to progress to the FA Cup fourthround after beating Watford 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Abrefa opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Shane Long sealed the tie late in second-half stoppage time.

“I celebrated with my family, it was a great time,” said Abrefa.

“I saw my brother jump up so I just ran towards him. I was going to come to the lads but I saw my brother and had to run to him.

“To do it in front of them. I didn’t think I would be starting, but as soon as I found out I was starting, I let them know and they came straight away.

“To score in front of them is something I will take with me for the rest of my life.”

ACADEMY STAR NETS FIRST GOAL MAN U TEST COMES NEXT

Reading will now face a huge tie in the fourth round where they will travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United.

When asked whether he meant his goal as a shot rather than a cross, Abrefa said: “Of course”.

“The first half was very good, second half the intensity went down but we stuck together as a team and held our shape and to get the clean sheet was very important.

“We know the gaffer does trust us and we have to be ready when called upon to take it when it comes.

“I want to work and improve and hopefully there is more to come.

“The gaffer said to me ‘well done and carry on working’.” n Full Royals report and pictures

READING FC will be making a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth-round.

The Royals progressed from the third-round after getting the better of Watford with goals from Kelvin Abrefa and Shane Long.

Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag’s team got through by beating Everton on Friday night.

Manager Paul Ince will make the visit to his former club where he played for six seasons, making more than 200 league appearances for United.

Ince won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup, a European Super Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time with Man United.

United are also the second most successful team in FA Cup history with 12 titles to their name.

Reading last face Man United in the FA Cup in 2019 when they were beaten 2-0 at Old Trafford with goals from Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.

The Royals also faced United away from home two years earlier when they lost 4-0 and have faced the Red Devils a total of 15 times in the competition.

Reading’s only win against United came in the FA Cup in 1927.

RAMS PRAISED FOR ‘OUTSTANDING’ WIN VICTORY WITH BONUS POINT WIN KICKSTARTS TEAM’S 2023

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds was pleased with the way his RAMS side overcame adversity in securing a bonus-point 24-19 National One victory at Hull in the first game of 2023.

The win snapped a twomatch losing streak prior to Christmas – and looked as though it was going to be routine with 15 minutes remaining as the visitors led 24-0 on the back of tries from Henry Bird, Ollie Cole, Jak Rossiter and Josh Collis, Will Partington with a brace of conversions.

Yet they had suffered first-half injuries to scrumhalf Cole, stand-off Rowan Grundy and outside centre Ellis Jones, meaning a plethora of positional switches including flanker Collis moving to 12, and Hull hit back strongly with Keane Naylor, Steve Johnson and

Mike Adlard all crossing the whitewash late on.

RAMS held their nerve in the final 90 seconds to secure a win which leaves them second in the table.

The Director of Rugby said: “I’m pleased because Hull have a new coaching team and they showed great energy – they were really motivated for the first home game of the new year and wanted to come out with a bang.

“That was a conundrum, add to the fact it’s an overnight trip and then we had to face adversity in the game with losing three backs to injuries.

“Suddenly you’ve got Josh Collis having to go into the midfield, Ollie Allan was on the wing at one point, and in dealing with all that I thought we were superb.

“We played some outstanding rugby, particularly on the counter-

attack and our tempo was excellent against a good Hull side – I credit both teams for the way they played and it really was a fine game of rugby.”

He continued: “Sometimes in adversity you find some benefits, and the fact Scuba (Stevie Bryant) had to come on after five minutes later meant he was outside Josh, and so you then have the best defensive centre around to help him do that.”

“Getting Stevie into the action almost immediately, he was a general in defence, getting up out of the line and making some fantastic hits and looking good in attack as well.”

“Josh is an intelligent rugby player and knows what he’s doing, he was brilliant going in at 12 and had some lovely off-loads, and I also thought Vinny (Everitt) and was outstanding and Ollie was really energetic

in the first half.”

The first three-quarters of the game had seen RAMS produce a superb effort in marked contrast with their penalty-ridden defeat at Cinderford, and after four weeks without a fixture, the DoR concluded: “During the week it felt like the break had come at a good time, and for 65 minutes it showed, even with the changes.

“If we hold our discipline, we’re a very good side and hard to contain, but rugby is a game of momentum and pressure and Hull managed to get the swing with about 15 minutes to go.

“We’d perhaps left two tries out there early in the second half and they came back well, but we saw the game out really well for the final minute and a half, and that was important.”

RAMS host Bishop’s Stortford in their first home game of 2023 on Saturday.

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS held off a late Hull fightback to kick-start 2023 with a hardfought 24-19 bonus-point win at The Ferens.

The visitors made a dream start as a sublime grubber kick from Ellis Jones was hoovered up on the left by Henry Bird, the wing then cutting inside to touch down under the posts.

They suffered a further setback as Rowan Grundy was forced off, leading to wholesale changes in the backline which saw Partington to fly-half, Bird to full-back and replacement Ollie Allan on the left wing.

It was the outstanding Collis who secured the visitors’ bonuspoint, a number of fine off-loads

and hard carries eventually finished with a snipe from the stand-in 12.

Firstly a swift move from the home side saw them go some 65 metres before the ball was switched to the right for wing Keane Naylor to just about touchdown.

A second followed quickly for the hosts as Joe Carlisle ran a penalty from on the RAMS’ 22 before timing a beautiful pass for Steve Johnson to cut a great line and dot down under the posts.

Hull gave themselves hope when Mike Adlard’s electric speed saw him over on the left, Dean’s fabulous touchline conversion making it a one-point game with 90 seconds to go.

Yet RAMS regathered themselves and after securing a scrum, Allan chipped the ball off to seal the win.

Captain Robbie Stapley made his 193rd appearance Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Henry Bird tries to beat a Hull defender

Vince Everitt in poessession for Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Dan Swain claims a line-out

Jak Rossiter scored his 14th try of the season, and fifth against Hull

Ollie Allan on the attack

Jak Rossiter in action

RUGBY UNION

RUGBY UNION

RUGBY UNION

CUNNINGHAM TREBLE SEES READING TAKE REVENGE

By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokingham.today

A HAT-TRICK of tries from Reading’s Rob Cunningham marked his 100th appearance to give the side a well-earned victory over third in the league Tottonians.

This was sweet revenge for the Reading team who had lost heavily in the reverse fixture.

Reading, who were playing with a strong wind behind them in the first half, took an early lead.

Matt Smart put pressure on Tottonians with an accurate touch-finder that pinned them near their line. An infringement at a line out resulted in a Reading scrum which they

pushed over the line for Cunningham to score his first try.

Tottonians came back strongly and showed why they are near the top of the league.

Accurate kicking from Smart and Bowers set up some good positions from which they launched attacks of their own and they were eventually awarded a penalty five metres out from the Tottonians’ line..

Cunningham crashed over for his second try which Smart converted from wide out to give his team a twelve point lead.

But just before the break Reading won a line out deep in Tottonians territory. They moved the ball swiftly along

the line to Gomez who powered in at the corner to give Reading a 17-5 lead at the break.

Reading recycled the ball well and Dorliac got close to the line with a second break and was eventually hauled down but Cunningham was on hand to crash over for his third try.

Smart converted from the touch line into the wind with a superb kick and Reading were 24-7 up.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with resolute defence by Reading holding Tottonians out.

Tottonians did not make the same use of the wind as Smart and Bowers had for Reading in the first half, at one stage

kicking over the dead ball line and being taken back to their own half on two occasions in quick succession.

Reading’s scrum also became a factor. They had been on top throughout the game and achieved increasing scrum dominance through the second half which brought frequent penalties allowing them to relieve pressure.

Tottonians did manage to breach the Reading defence once from a good move that saw them cross near the posts for a converted try.

Apart from this, Reading’s defensive line continued to hold out against frequent Tottonians attacks and when the line was breached good

scramble defence stopped their opponents from scoring for Reading to hold out comfortably for the win.

For Reading it was a good all-round team performance. As well as Cunningham’s hat trick which stole the plaudits, Adam Wright at open side was always prominent in the loose and after a tricky start won a good share of line out ball as stand-in line out jumper.

The scrummaging of front row of Nichol, King and Pallett together with replacement Proctor-Searle also contributed greatly to the win.

Lee Goodall, the head coach, was very happy with the way that the team not only defended but were sharp

enough to take their attacking opportunities.

He praised both the spirit the team showed and their intelligence and discipline.

This is a win which should give this Reading team a lot of confidence going into the second half of the season.

It has moved them up to sixth in the league, it is the first time this season they have beaten any of the top five teams and has shown them that on their day they are a match for any side in this league.

Next, they are playing at bottom of the table Buckingham and will be looking to continue their good form.

Reading RFC enjoyed a successful victory over third placed Tottonians

Pictures: John Newport

BINFIELD MOVE UP WITH FRIDAY NIGHT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL TOWN sit just outside the top five in the table after they lost out to Chesham United.

Chesham went ahead with a successful penalty from Karl Oliyide before the Robins were rewarded with a quick leveller when Darryl Sanders scored.

But the points were snatched

away from them with just under 10 minutes to go when Jeanmal Prosper netted the winner.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD climbed up to seventh after they knocked three past Ashford Town without reply on Friday night.

The Moles nudged themselves in front after five minutes when Brad Pgliaroli found the net from 20 yards out.

It didn’t take Binfield long to add to their lead when James Beauchamp scored from close range just eight minutes after the opener.

The points were all but sealed quickly after the restart when Pagliaroli found his second of the match to consolidate a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY netted

a stoppage time equaliser to ensure that they took a point in their away clash with EVERSLEY

&

CALIFORNIA

The Boars started with a fast approach and raced into a twogoal advantage early on.

The opening goal was scored in the fifth minute when James Clark applied the finishing touch to tap the ball in the net following a corner.

Eversley’s lead was doubled just eight minutes later when Adam Crocker scored from the penalty spot.

Berks hit back quickly to reduce the deficit when they converted from a corner.

With the match headed into stoppage time, Les Sackey came up with the goods for the Swords with a stunning freekick to equalise as the points were shared.

The result leaves Eversley in ninth, while Berks are in fourth.

Berks County manager Ellis Woods said: “Weeks after our last fixture, we

couldn’t have asked for a ropier start to the game.

“Credit to all the boys, all 16 played a part in the turn around in tough conditions.”

Eversley manager Matty Angell added: “Difficult conditions and frustrating to concede so late on but lots of positive to have nullified a good front three, but there is more to come from this squad and proud of every single player and person involved at the club.”

Binfield took three points against Ashford Pictures: Andrew Batt

Fleet Pictures: Andrew Batt

Southern League Premier South

Charles Twelftree Trophy

FINCHAMPSTEAD put their name in the hat for the next round with an away success at Cholsey United.

READING YMCA were knocked out of the competition after a 5-2 loss at Newbury.

Thames Valley Premier League

BURGHFIELD returned to league action by picking up three points on the road at Wraysbury Village. With the game level after 88 minutes, the Fielders found the breakthrough when Jordan Cox netted the only goal of the game to give his side maximum points.

FOOTBALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Division

One North

WOODLEY UNITED started the year in style by smacking nine past Carterton without reply.

Making their first outing of 2023, the Kestrels made it one to remember with a clinical away performance.

Mollie Haines set the tone for the match when she netted after just 25 seconds.

Haines went on to score four

READING CITY U23s were on the end of a 7-1 hammering at Maidenhead town.

The result leaves them bottom of the league with three points from 11 matches.

Reading & District Sunday League

Premier

Bracknell & District Sunday League

WIN, BERKS TAKE LATE POINT HAINES HITS FOUR AS CLINICAL WOODLEY STRIKE NINE

times, while strikes from Charley Evans, May Hamblin, Sarah Lawrence, Ellen Surtees and Holly Wilkins earned Woodley an incredible 9-0 success.

The win was Woodley’s sixth win in just eight league matches which puts them in second place in the table, just two points behind league leaders Milton United and with a game in hand to play.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA took a point on their travels to Long Crendon.

The Boars earned a 3-3 draw which leaves them in seventh

position on seven points from seven games.

Joey Harfield-Brown, Mollie Tzanetis and Rebekah Pantony were on the scoresheet for Eversley to help them gain a point.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

WARGRAVE moved up to third in the table with their fifth win in seven matches.

They defeated Banbury United 6-2 away from home to collect three points.

Wargrave are in cup action this weekend with an away tie at Buckingham United.

ASCOT UNITED ensured they remained in second position after they beat Haddenham 2-0 with goals from Mya Bowler and Louise Pullen.

TILEHURST PANTHERS climbed up to fourth in the standings after they smashed eight past Procision Oxford.

Georgia Hayes netted a hat-trick, Leah Why scored a brace and goals from Deanna Cane, Eve Rhind and Charlotte Wheeler helped win.

From the middle

Added time at World Cup matches

THERE have been many comments that World Cup matches had very lengthy added times, sometimes over 10 minutes in a half.

This stems from concern at FIFA over actual playing time, which they studied at the finals played in Russia, in 2018.

Let’s first look at what the Laws of the Game say about timing, as well as its dictate that the game lasts for two equal halves of 45 minutes and that players are entitled to an interval not exceeding 15 minutes.

Let’s concentrate on what lost times have to be added on.

These are listed, as substitutions, assessment and/or removal of injured players, wasting time, disciplinary sanctions, permitted drinks and cooling breaks, delays by VAR checks and reviews, any other causes, such as goal celebrations.

A pretty long list and the feeling at FIFA, is that some have been skipped.

Independent timings showed cases, where nothing like the 90 minutes of football had been played.

So who is responsible for timekeeping?

The Laws clearly state that the referee acts a timekeeper and keeps a record of the game.

To do this a referee is required by the Laws to have a watch or watches.

One needs to be a stop watch.

At the lower levels of the game, the local parks for instance, that responsibility lays completely on the referee’s shoulders.

At higher levels there may be some assistance.

Where there are fourth officials, they c an be given the task of keeping a tally of time taken for goal celebrations, which have become extravagant.

As Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of refereeing, pointed out, these often last for a minute-and-a-half.

So including the restarts, three goals in a half can mean six minutes lost time.

Fourth officials may also time injuries, as well as time wasting.

Where there are VARs, they are required to record the time taken for checks.

Even at games where there are no VARs or fourth officials but have neutral qualified assistant referees who are ‘miked up’ to the referee, some of these duties may be passed to the ‘non-bench side’ assistant referee, who is less likely to be harassed by the club coaches.

All this lost time has to be communicated before the end of the half, to the referee, who still remains the final arbiter of time to be added.

Will the Premier League follow the FIFA’s strict measures for time keeping? It seems unlikely at present.

Dick Sawdon-Smith

How they rated

ABREFA AND LONG HELP

Dean Bouzanis

Despite not having an awful lot to do, a combination of poor handling and inaccurate distribution made for an underwhelming performance.

Kelvin Abrefa

His goal was fortuitous and impressive. Eager to get forward and certainly didn’t do his claim for first team opportunities any harm.

Amadou Mbengue

Looked to attack and provide overlapping runs for Abrefa wherever possible.

Scott Dann

The start at West Brom seemed to have helped his match sharpness. Seemed more up to speed, albeit against far inferior opposition.

Naby Sarr

Will definitely benefit from a slightly lower-intensity runout. Marshalled the back line competently.

Baba Rahman

Grew in confidence as the game went on, making more runs down Reading’s left. Wasn’t able to add too much quality in the way of service.

Sam Hutchinson

Put himself about and received an unnecessary booking after losing possession. Came off at half time.

Tom McIntyre

Watford probably should have equalised off the back of him losing possession. A few tidy turns and a good assist for Long’s goal.

Femi Azeez

Was Reading’s bright spark in what was an uneventful first half, dropping his shoulder and beating his man on a number of occasions.

Lucas Joao

Struggled to get into the game. Was forced into wide areas where he looked less likely to impact the game.

Shane Long

Deserved his goal after pressing hard all game. Also played a good looking through ball into Joao, which the Angolan was unable to convert.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

With both teams making plenty of changes, it was the Royals who progressed to the next round with a comfortable win.

The 19-year-old netted his first senior goal for the club after his cross flew into the top corner in first-half stoppage time.

The young Hornets team couldn’t find a goal to take the game to a replay as Reading confirmed their name in the hat for Monday’s fourth round draw with a goal late in the day through Shane Long to seal the tie.

There were plenty of changes for both sides as Paul Ince made wholesale changes from the defeat at West Brom.

Sam Hutchinson returned to captain the side, while Femi Azeez was handed a start up top alongside Lucas Joao and Shane Long.

Despite suggesting that former captain Liam Moore would be in line to make his return to the first-team for the first time in eight months, there was no place for him in the matchday squad after he picked up a hamstring injury in training.

Slaven Bilic’s side are in the midst of an injury crisis with 15 players out on the sidelines which saw them name plenty of youth in their line-up.

It was an uneventful opening 45 minutes despite Reading enjoying the majority of possession,

REACTION

Match stats

READING: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Mbengue, Dann, Sarr, Rahman, McIntyre, Hutchinson (c), Azeez, Joao, Long

SUBS: Lumley, Guinness-Walker, Abbey, Holzman, Craig, Loum, Senga, Scott, Carroll

WATFORD: Okoye, Gaspar, Troost-Ekong, Kone, Asprilla, Sierralta, Pollock, Hungbo, Morris, Adu-Poku, Blake

SUBS: Hamer, Bacuna, Amass, Grieves, Adeyemo, Andrews, Hunter

GOALS: Abrefa 45+3, Long 90+3

they were unable to create too many opportunities.

Kelvin Abrefa looked to make an impact getting forward on the right and fizzed in an early cross that was hacked away.

Azeez was the first player to have a clear sight of goal and blazed a powerful shot over the top that didn’t trouble Maduka Okoye.

The Hornets grew into the game and ventured forward that drew Sam Hutchinson into a mistake after a loose touch and he brought down

his opponent to receive the first booking of the match.

Looking to find his first goal of the season, Azeez tried his luck again with a snapshot that looked to creeping inside the near post before it was pushed behind for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Scott Dann went close when his header at the back post looped over the top.

Lucas Joao had a clear opening to putreading in front when Okoye only parried as far as the strike, but after running onto the

‘It’s important to dream’ Royals boss looks ahead in FA Cup

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC manager Paul Ince described the Royals’ success in the FA Cup third-round against Watford as ‘comfortable’.

Goals from 19-year-old Kelvin Abrefa and 35-year-old Shane Long helped them secure their place in the fourth round.

“It’s a great trophy to be involved in,” said Ince.

“Some don’t take it as seriously as others but for the fans it’s important to have that dream of going to Wembley and we’ve got to prologue that as long as we can.

“It will be good for our fans for the draw to be by their TVs

or radios to see who we get in the next round.

“We never looked like conceding in the first-half, we looked comfortable.

“We got a bit sloppy at times but the most important thing it was a great exercise and to get through to the next round.

“Scott Dann got another 90 minutes, Hutch got 45 minutes which was the plan.”

Ince praised goalscorers Abrefa and Long as the full-back netted his first goal in senior football, while Long scored his first goal from open play since returning to the Royals this summer.

He continued: “He’s (Abrefa) claiming he meant it.

“I said absolutely no chance, don’t be going out tonight son. We know what these young kids

with partying.

“With Shane you know what you get. You get the work rate and runs down the channels. That’s his first goal in open play for us.

“It was a wonderful ball from Tommy Mac. I was going to take him off just before that because he was stretching his calves and I can’t have Shane injured.

“The next minute he’s Speedy Gonzales, it’s funny how quickly people run when they can score a goal. He took off and you’re looking for that composure, it was a fantastic finish.

“Credit to Watford, they’ve got injuries to 15 players, top, top players. That’s always tough.

“We know their situation but we controlled it and dealt with it.”

Players congratulate Abrefa

Carroll flicks the ball forward

Shane Long seals the tie

Long slots past the keeper in stoppage time Kelvin Abrefa netted his first

Mamadou Loum 5, Andy Carroll 5, Michael Craig n/a, Nesta Guinness-Walker n/a

KELVIN Abrefa ensured he made his impact felt by scoring in Reading’s FA Cup third-round tie with Watford before Shane Long’s stoppage time goal sealed the tie.

ROYALS GO FOURTH

loose ball, Joao dragged his effort disappointingly wide.

The Royals thought they had grabbed the lead when Azeez had the ball in the net after he thumped it into the roof from close range from Abrefa’s cross, only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag.

Just before half-time, Reading did go in front when Abrefa’s whipped cross eluded the goalkeeper who could only helplessly flap at the ball which drifted into the top corner.

Ince made a change going into the second-half which saw Mamadou Loum replace Hutchinson, while former Royal

Bilic’s team had an appeal for a penalty quickly after the restart when Amadou Mbengue challenged Joseph Hungbo in the box, but the referee was not interested in awarding a spot kick.

There were more injury woes for Watford when Bacuna, who had only been subbed only five minutes earlier, had to be withdrawn.

With 20 minutes to play, Andy Carroll entered the tie to take the place of Azeez.

Watford’s best chance to grab a leveller came when Yaser Asprilla was fed through on goal, he opted

ROYALS MEET RANGERS IN BATTLE OF THE HOOPS

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

READING FC will look to continue their superb home record when they host Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

The Royals currently have the fourth best home record in contrast to their away form – the third worst in the division.

Paul Ince’s side have collected 25 points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with eight wins, one draw and three defeats.

In the reverse fixture, Reading lost out in West London after

Lyndon Dykes netted a double for Rangers.

Andy Carroll put the Royals ahead from the penalty spot, but the brace from the QPR forward ensured that they took three points.

QPR were under the management of Michael Beale at the time, who has since left the club to join Rangers despite only being appointed by the Championship team in the summer.

After being linked with a move to Premier League Wolves, Beale reportedly turned down the chance to join them only to depart for Scotland a month later.

Neil Critchley took over as the new boss in December.

QPR go into the contest one place above the Royals in the table, only leading them on goal difference.

Rangers have 36 points with 10 wins, six draws and 10 losses.

On their last visit to Berkshire, QPR picked up a point with a last minute equaliser.

Reading did have a 3-2 lead going into stoppage time after a magnificent hat-trick from John Swift, but the visitors ensured they snatched a point with Stefan Johansen’s 91st minute leveller.

to find the bottom corner but Dean Bouzanis was equal to his shot to make a relatively comfortable save.

Another Reading change saw Joao replaced by Michael Craig before Nesta Guiness-Walker took the place of Baba Rahman for the final five minutes of action.

Reading executed a clinical counter attack when McIntyre found Long on the run with an excellent through ball and the Irishman sprinted into the box before calmly passing the ball into the bottom corner, and setting up a fourth round visit to Old Trafford.

Long challenges teammates to ‘dream big’

READING FC striker Shane Long has challenged his team to ‘dream big’ if they are able to secure Championship safety.

Long made a return to the Royals in the summer 11 years after he departed the club to forge a career in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday, hopefully getting a goal or two and putting my case forward to the manager to start the next league game.

“We’ve got strength in depth and players coming back from injury so the squad is getting bigger and bigger so you need to take your chances when they come your way.

“Hopefully I get the nod and I can take my chance.”

Long reiterated that the main goal is securing their status in the Championship, but wants the club to set a new challenge if and when that is achieved.

He continued: “We’ve got a squad that is capable of challenging (for play-offs).

“Sheffield United and Burnley are running away at the moment but it’s so close for the other play-off positions.

“With 20 games to go, you never know what could happen and we have the quality in the squad to achieve it. Let’s see what happens.

“At the start of the season it was about safety and getting to that 50 points. It’s within touching distance now and once we get there, we can start dreaming big.

“There’s no easy games in this league, it’s ridiculous. It’s a tough league to get out of.”

The 36-year-old has netted just once in the league since returning to the club but is determined to improve his goal tally and is still feeling in great shape despite being in the latter years of his career.

“I’m 36 in a couple of weeks but I don’t feel it. I’ve still got my pace, I’m still feeling good and fit so long may that continue.

“I’ve played in a lot of FA Cup games over the years and have some good memories. Hopefully I can create more.

“It’s hard to break into this team so it gives the likes of Femi Azeez and the younger players a chance to show that they are ready.

“It’s a case of adapting. I’d like to try playing up top with Andy (Carroll).

“We had it for 20 minutes and I set him up for a goal which was enjoyable. That will be one to be explored.”

The hosts will be expect to have a mostly fit first-team squad after Sam Hutchinson returned from injury in Reading’s FA Cup tie.

They will be hoping that Tom Holmes will have recovered from illness to make the matchday squad, while Ovie Ejaria is also expected to return to full training this week.

However, they will be without Liam Moore after he picked up a hamstring injury which ruled him out of making a return against Watford last weekend after eight months on the sidelines.

n Kick-off Saturday 3pm

Shane Long Picture: Luke Adams

senior goal for Reading Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Mbengue rises to win a header

Baba

Rahman Femi Azeez strikes at goal

Reading celebrate the opener

Mamadou Loum on the ball

Sam Hutchinson picks a pass

Tom McIntyre goes to ground

Leaondro Bacuna was subbed on for the visitors.

KINGS MAKE EXPLOSIVE START TO YEAR

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

THAMES Valley Kings started 2023 with an explosive round of fixtures in the British Wheelchair Basketball National League this past weekend as they hosted a triple-header of matches across three divisions.

Starting the day off was Kings third team against Southern Sharks 2s in Division Three South, and it was the league leaders, Sharks who picked up a narrow win by seven points – 33-40.

Kings 3s were able to keep neck and neck until the third quarter, but the league leaders were able to pull ahead and maintain their lead.

It was a gutsy performance from Kings 3s who earlier in the season

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

suffered a heavy defeat against the same team.

In the second game of the day, both Kings’ and Sharks’ first teams were in action against each other in Division One South, It was a very strong performance from Kings first-team as they controlled the game throughout with clinical finishing from the offence being matched by a strong defence game, Kings taking the win, 81-30.

The final game of the day, A Division Two South match between Kings second team and Cardiff Met Archers, the game went down to the wire.

With the game tied with seven and a half seconds left, it was a last-gasp basket from Conal O’Donovan that won the game for Kings 40-38.

Kings can also be thankful for a stellar first quarter defensive performance which saw the Archers kept off the scoreboard

More Wheelchair Basketball

TASTER SESSIONS FOR YOUNGSTERS THIS WEEKEND

BERKSHIRE Banshees Wheelchair Rugby will be hosting youth taster sessions for players aged eight-16 with the goal of forming a new team.

The club, which was founded in 2017, has an established adult team for players 16 and over, men and women and currently has 22 registered players.

Banshees are now looking to

expand their club by venturing into youth rugby where they hope to set up a new side who will play alongside the adult team with the goal of transitioning the players into the adult team.

It is inviting students to attend free taster sessions at Reading Blue Coat School on Sunday, January 15, and Sunday,

January 22, who would be interested in trying out for the team.

Alongside their delivery partner CH Rugby, the club is delivering six week wheelchair rugby sessions in both mainstream and SEND schools such as Addington, Brookfields and The Avenue.

The sessions are open to

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE HOCKEY

boys and girls who either have a physical, learning or neurological condition.

Players do not have to be in a wheelchair to take part.

Wheelchairs, gloves and bibs will be provided along with coaching from qualified individuals.

n For more information, contact Craig Hunter at chrugbyltd@gmail.com

RESULTS

Friday, January 6

Isthmian South Central Binfield 3-0 Ashford Town

Saturday, January 7

FOOTBALL

FA Cup third-round Reading 2-0 Watford

Southern League Premier South Chesham United 2-1 Bracknell Town

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 3-2 Berks County

RUGBY UNION National League One Hull 19-24 Rams

London & SE Regional 1 South Central Bracknell 22-18 Brighton

South West Regional 2 Reading 24-12 Tottonians

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 2 Reading 4s 2-1 Sonning 2s

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 0-1 Maidenhead

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Sonning 2s 3-0 Oxford 3s

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Milton Keynes 1-2 South Berkshire

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Bath City

Isthmian South Central Chertsey Town v Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Sumas Reading City v Flackwell Heath

FA Vase fourth round Buckland Athletic v Ascot United

Combined Counties Division 1 Berks County v Bedfont British Airways v Sandhurst Town Hillingdon Borough v Eversley & California

Rising Ballers Kensington v Woodley United

Thames Valley Premier Finchampstead v Yateley United

Cup Maidenhead Town v Burghfield Reading City U23s v Holyport Reserves

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Bishop’s Stortford

South West Regional 2 Buckingham v Reading

London & SE Regional 1 Bournemouth v Bracknell

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Phoenix Reading v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Trojans 2s v Sonning

South Central Men’s Premier 2

ROYALS KICK OFF NEW YEAR WITH TRIP TO TOFFEES S BERKS BEST RDG

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN restart their Women’s Super League campaign with a trip to Merseyside on Sunday.

Making their first outing of 2023, the Royals will be looking to push up the table after making a more positive end to the year before the break.

Prior to the winter hiatus, Kelly Chambers’ side won three of their last four matches in all competitions.

Reading’s impressive performances at the back end of 2022 saw manager Chambers nominated for the Women’s Super League manager of the month award for December.

After picking up a 3-0 away win at Southampton in the Conti Cup, Reading followed that up with an excellent 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Select Car

Leasing Stadium in the WSL to take them further clear of bottom side Leicester City.

After going 3-0 down early on to current WSL champions Chelsea at Kings Meadow, the Royals almost made a remarkable comeback to shock the Blues.

Chelsea managed to hold on by the skin of their teeth despite Reading clawing themselves back in the contest with two goals in two minutes with strikes from Sanne Troelsgaard and Amalie Eikeland.

After 10 matches, Reading are currently 10th in the WSL table, seven points clear of the drop zone over Leicester who have failed to pick up a point in any of their nine matches.

Reading rounded off the year in style with a thumping 4-0 success at Championship side Coventry United in the Conti Cup with a Natasha Dowie brace and goals from Troelsgaard and Charlie Wellings.

Sunday’s opponents Everton have had a mixed start to the first-half of their league campaign.

After nine matches, the Toffees sit in sixth with 12 points after collecting four wins and five losses.

After losing three consecutive league matches, Everton got themselves back on track in their final WSL match of 2022 by picking up three points on the road at Spurs.

An impressive away display saw them stroll to victory with goals from Katja Snoeijs, Jess Park and Giovana to take a 3-0 win.

Reading were victorious on their last visit to Everton in February 2022.

The Toffees took an early lead through Anna Anvegard, but the Royals turned the game on its head with two goals in the final 15 minutes through Dowie and Tia Primmer.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE added three points to their tally with an away success at Milton Keynes.

Jack Baveystock and Sam Fox-Harvey were on the scoresheet for the visitors to help them earn a 2-1 win.

The win lifts South Berks up to third in the table having won seven of their 10 league matches this season.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

Division leaders READING 3s continued their stunning streak by winning their 10th match in 11 games.

They earned a clean sheet win by beating Buckingham 2s 2-0 at home.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE scored five to take the points in their clash with PHOENIX READING Anabella Pio scored a brace and goals from Yellie Powley, Ella Martin and Emily YorkeGoldney saw them win 5-2.

South Berks have been on an excellent run in the league with eight wins from 10 matches putting them second in the table on 25 points.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING lost out at home to Maidenhead in their return to league action.

The 1-0 loss leaves Sonning in 10th position with six points from 10 matches.

South Central Men’s North Division 2 Windsor 7-1 South Berkshire 2s

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire 5-2 Phoenix Reading

Sunday, January 8

FOOTBALL

Southern Region Women’s North Division Carterton 0-9 Woodley United Long Crendon 3-3 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Haddenham 0-2 Ascot United Reserves Tilehurst Panthers 8-1 Procision Oxford

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 5-0 Yateley United Shinfield Rangers 6-1 Thatcham & Newbury

FIXTURES

Saturday, January 14

FOOTBALL Championship Reading v QPR

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Oxford Hawks 2s

Sunday, January 15

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Everton v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Abingdon United v Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Caversham United v Eversley & California Woodley United v Long Crendon

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

Tilehurst Panthers v Procision Oxford Buckingham United v Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v Banbury Mortimer v Slough Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County v Barton United

for almost the entire quarter which aided in the win.

action is scheduled this weekend as

BWB Junior league’s Round-Robin format takes a stop in Berkshire this Saturday as Aces, Bears & Kings do battle in Junior League as Kings host fixture round three in Pool B – as all three clubs will look to try and book a place at the Elite 8s finals.

Liam Barker at the Free Throw Line during the Division One South encounter between Kings and Sharks