Reading Today, January 26, 2023

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2 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Thursday, January 26, 2023

festival to return

READING residents will be raising glasses to a celebration of gin and rum this summer, as a one-day festival comes to the University’s Great Hall.

The event features 120 interesting and different alcoholic drinks for people to discover, along with entertainment including live music and a DJ. Distillers will be on hand to explain more about their processes and creations, offering samples and selling bottles to take home.

Entry is £15 plus booking fee and includes a guide to the drinks available, a stainless steel straw, a branded glass, a free drink and, thanks to LOVE CORN, a snack to enjoy.

A spokesperson for the Gin and Rum Festival said: “Though we’ve been touring since 2018, a couple of those years were tainted by Covid. Now we’re back on track with booking new dates instead of rescheduling them.

“We’ve had time to reflect and

start to develop the festival even more, focusing on value for money and customer experience.

“The first thing we did was look at how we could give more to our customer and one thing stood out – a free drink. So we’re doing it.”

And they are excited about the partnership with LOVE CORN.

“This is huge for us, we’re so excited to team up with such a fresh and

Ambulance strikes

BOTTOMS

UP:

exciting company. They’re completely unique and the team at LOVE CORN are great to work with. We’re sure they have a few more things up their sleeves,” the spokesperson added.

The event will be held on Saturday, July 29, and tickets are already on sale.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: ginandrumfestival.com, or search Facebook for GinFestival

Forbury inquest opens

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

Your wording | NEWS

AN INQUEST has begun examining the murder of James Furlong, David Wails, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett.

The terror attack in Forbury Gardens in June 2020 claimed the lives of the three men and left three more people injured.

A pre-inquest review took place in the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday, January 12, where the coroner heard details of the incident to determine how to proceed in the case of a full inquest.

Judge Coroner Martyn Zeidman KC agreed to give the issue consideration and a full inquest into the men’s deaths is now expected to take place by early 2024.

Representatives of the victims’ families also moved to invoke Article 2, which means that coroner must carry out an enhanced investigation considering the wider circumstances surrounding the incident, rather simply determining how a person died.

This is due to reports following the incident back in 2020 that the offender who carried out the incident,

Khairi Saadallah, was known to both police and MI5 before it took place.

While Saadallah was subject to a preliminary investigation after security services received information about potential terrorist activities, they did not seek further action.

He had also previously been convicted of a number of offences between 2013 and 2019, and was known to associate with a prominent radical preacher linked with the proscribed terrorist group Al-Muhajiroun while imprisoned.

Before moving to the UK in 2012, there was evidence he had spent time as a solider with the rebel militia during the civil war in Libya in 2011.

Saadallah admitted to authorities that he had belonged to Ansar AlSharia, a group associated with Islamic extremism, and which was designated a terrorist organisation in the UK.

Article 2(2) refers to the European Convention of Human Rights, which states an obligation by government authorities to take steps to safeguard the life of individuals in the case of either suicide or risk to others.

As such, an Article 2 inquest will examine whether any institutional factors contributed to the

death of the three victims.

Speaking at the pre-inquest review hearing, the coroner said he wanted to “truly reflect right at the very beginning on the huge horror that has occurred.”

Mr Zeidman said he wanted to investigate “what state agencies knew” about the offender and the risk he posed to the public before the attack.

During the hearing, Peter Skelton KC, the families’ legal representative, told the court that there had been “clear systems involved that failed to protect the public.”

Following the hearing, Gary Furlong spoke on behalf of the families of the victims, saying: “It has been a long and very painful two and a half years.

“And we are relieved that at long last the inquest process into the deaths of James, David, and Joseph is under way.

“As family members, we all want to know how the awful deaths of our loved ones could have happened and we trust the coroner to carry out a full and fearless investigation of the circumstances and events that led up to that day.”

THE GMB Union has announced that ambulance workers have voted to hold further strikes.

Staff including paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers, and others at South Central Ambulance Service will be among those walking out in four new days of strikes.

Industrial action will take place on Monday, February 6, February 20, March 6, and March 20.

Rachel Harrison, GMB’s national secretary, said: “GMB’s ambulance workers are angry, in their own words ‘they are done’ – our message to the Government is clear: talk pay now.

“Ministers have made things worse by demonising the ambulance workers who provided life and limb cover on strike days – playing political games with their scaremongering.

“The only way to solve this dispute is a proper pay offer.”

She continued: “But it seems the cold, dead hands of the Number 10 and 11 Downing Street are stopping this from happening.

“In the face of government inaction, we are left with no choice but industrial action.

“GMB ambulance workers are determined, they’re not going to back down – it’s up for this Government to get serious on pay. We are waiting.”

Patio door smash

PATIO doors were smashed in so thieves could gain access to a house in Caversham Heights.

The raid took place around 7.10pm on Thursday, January 19, at a home in Woodcote Way.

The unknown intruders fled before they could steal anything.

Now, Thames Valley Police are asking for witnesses to come forward, particularly if they have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.

Anyone with information can call 101, or report via www. thamesvalley.police.uk, quoting reference: 43230028590.

The festival provided a guide to gins and rums around the world to help attendees.

Picture: Dijana Capan

Up with this sort of thing: student protest at art show

Blue Collar teams up with No5 and Launchpad

A READING night-life spot has teamed up with two charities in a profit-share support initiative.

Blue Collar Corner, which serves street food and a range of bar drinks at its site on Hosier Street, has lent its support to homeless charity Launchpad and young people’s charity No5.

In a statement posted to social media, Blue Collar said thanked its customers for showing support to the venue and that it had “reflected on what we do and why we do it.”

It announced that it would be supporting the charities by donating 10% of its profits to them.

The statement read: “Over the past few months, things have been especially brutal for independent businesses, and it’s meant that we’ve reflected on what we do and why we do it.

“Thanks to all of you that keep coming out to support Blue Collar Corner, the weekly markets, and events we run.

“We want to help (in our own small way) the town we love while we’re able to.

It continues: “With this in mind, we’ll now be donating 10% of our profits to local charities that work so hard to help people in Reading and provide support to those that need it most.”

The post also said that there would be further updates “towards the end of the year.”

No5 Young People’s charity has offered support to young people in the form of free counselling, mental health services, and outreach programs both remotely and in person.

Launchpad is Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity, offering information and support to those with no home or at risk of homelessness.

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

The budding artists came armed with placards adorning a personal or political issue that resonated with them as part of their degree programme, which looks at the art of signage and freedom of expression.

Entitled Arachnophobia and Other Tales, the multi-media exhibition is open for the public to view on the ground floor of Thames Tower.

Using painting, film, sculpture and installation, undergraduate students touched on a range of contemporary issues ranging from imagined realities, nostalgia, fragility, diaspora, grief and the male gaze.

Dr Florian Roithmayr, Reading School of Art, said: “It is really important to us that students have as many and as varied moments for

STUDENTS from the University of Reading School of Art traded paint brushes for placards on January 18, as they launched a public exhibition at Thames Tower.

Reading University’s School of Art students took part in a mock protest to open their exhibition Arachnophobia and Other Tales. Picture: The University of Reading

The exhibition will be open on the ground floor of the Thames Tower building until June 9

The placards showcased personal and political issues which resonated with the students

A wide range of media were used, from sculpture to installation

Getting around the Ding has never been so rewarding

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

WALKING round the Ding has never been more rewarding, thanks to the launch of a new scheme.

Anyone who signs up to the Reading Travel Rewards Challenge can earn points when they ditch the car, instead using their feet, getting on their bike or catching a bus or train.

Journeys are tracked on an app that also charts activity across the week, including routes travelled and the time taken, calories burned and the pollution avoided through limiting Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

And to make it interesting, there are challenges for people to sign up to, including a Bus Builder reward for February and a cycling activity in March.

Anyone signing up now can choose from three rewards simply for choosing active and sustainable travel choices.

The points that people earn can be redeemed for vouchers at high street stores, restaurants and supermarkets – or donated to charity.

Bus travel is currently capped at £2 for a single journey, thanks to a government initiative that runs until the end of March.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, is backing the campaign.

“I’m delighted we have the opportunity to incentivise and reward local people for their active and sustainable travel choices,” he said.

“January is a great time for everybody to improve their habits and try and make some lasting changes.”

He encouraged people to download the Innovation Valley Rewards App to take part in then Reading Travel Rewards Challenge.

“Then you can ditch the car to play a part in making Reading a cleaner, greener place in which to live. You’ll probably feel the difference in your physical and mental health, as well as your pocket,” he said.

The app can be downloaded by anyone aged 13 and older, from the App Store for iPhones, and the Google Play Store for Android phones. The project runs until March 31.

All pans on deck: Entries open for Launchpad’s pancake race

A READING charity has announced the details for its annual pancake race dating back more than a quarter of a century.

Launchpad will be hosting its 26th annual Pancake Race event on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, and is now taking registration for participation.

The charity invites local businesses and organisations to compete for the grand prize, the Frying Pan Trophy.

As well as the trophy, there are also prizes for second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress, and best fundraising

All of the proceeds raised from the event will go towards funding the charity’s work supporting homeless people and those at risk

of homelessness in Reading.

Winners of 2022’s race, local accountancy firm Crowe UK, were crowned with their bird-themed fancy dress, and entrants encouraged to take part in their best costumes.

Vicki Lewis, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “The annual Pancake Race is a really popular event and is thoroughly enjoyed by all, whether you are taking part or spectating, it is a sight to behold!

“The costumes and Olympicstandard competition make it quite eggs-traordinary”

She explained: “Launchpad works in close partnership with the Reading community –the ongoing support we

receive from local businesses is greatly appreciated.

“The event is a really fun way for people to get involved and join in with this incredible sense of community spirit.

“And in such uncertain times, the money raised by our wonderful teams is more important than ever”.

Race registration is £99.

There are 34 places up for grabs for teams of four, and places are allocated on a firstcome-first-served basis.

To enter more than one team, contact Launchpad directly via: fundraising@launchpadreading. org.uk

Entry for a team costs £99 and submissions for entry close on Monday, February 13.

A HISTORIAN has updated one of his guided walks which examines the influence of women on the town of

Terry Dixon leads a number of tours which explore the history of Reading.

This year, that includes an updated version of his Vote 105

Following the publishing Reading’s Influential Women, which he co-wrote with Linda Saul, in 2020, Mr Dixon has included fresh details and contemporary context to the walk especially for

He will lead the walk from Talbot House in Castle Street, in the first part of a series of

walks examining the influence of the women of Reading on its history.

The walk is expected to last around for around one hour and 45 minutes, including group discussion to conclude.

Attendance requires a £5 donation for adults and £1 for children aged five upwards, payable in cash, with the proceeds going to Terry’s Reading Walkabouts’ selected charities.

Family tickets are also available for £12, and signed copies of Terry’s book are available on advanced request.

Terry’s Reading Walkabouts is currently supporting PACT, which lends support to families

through adoption services, therapy, community projects, and the Royal Berks Charity, which supports the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Vote 105 will begin outside Talbot House, 55 Castle Street, from 10am on Monday, February 6.

It is requested that attendees arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

n To RSVP, visit Terry’s Reading Walkabouts’ Facebook page, or contact Terry directly via terry. dixon89@virginmedia.com or via 07505351517.

n Terry’s Reading Walkabouts also hosts self-guided audio tours, available through reading.gov.uk/ audiotrails

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Walking around Reading can earn points that can be turned into rewards Picture: Pixabay

WINNERS: Crowe UK accountants with Danyl Johnson, left, Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden, centre, and Gavin Harris at last year’s Launchpad pancake race, which took place in Broad Street on Shrove Tuesday. Entries are now openm for this year’s event Picture: Simon Kemp, courtesy of Launchpad Reading

Council receives £19m Levelling Up cash to revitalise The Hexagon

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

ARTS and culture in Reading is set for a boost after the council scooped more than £19m from the government’s Levelling Up fund.

The money will be used to revam the infrastructure around The Hexagon theatre, and see the library move from its current home on Kings Road.

Last week, the government announced which local authorities would receive a share of a £2 billion fund.

Reading’s investment will be split. £8 million of the fund will go to custom-building a brand new Central Library next to the civic offices on Bridge Street, central Reading.

The existing site of the Central Library has raised accessibility concerns as the dated building occupies multiple storeys.

The council says it is planning to create a “modern and open space,” built with accessibility concerns in mind which combines traditional book loaning and digital services and facilities.

The council is also planning to spend the remaining £12 million on improvements to Reading’s largest theatre, The Hexagon.

Current plans include the extension of parts of the building, the installation of a more accessible entrance via Queen’s Walk, and a new multifunctional community space, which has been dubbed the HexBox.

The council says that the new space will accommodate “a wider variety of performances and uses,” and forms the first phase of a “longer-term regeneration of The Hexagon,”

and the Minster Quarter more broadly.

Council leader cllr Jason Brock said: “This is incredible news for Reading and, once again, confirms the Council’s strong track record of successfully attracting external investment to benefit local residents and our ability to deliver against investment.

“The Hexagon Theatre and Reading Central Library are

much-cherished and wellestablished institutions, both in Reading and across the wider region, but they also come with limitations.

“Our successful bid now offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform both and breathe new life into services, while also supercharging our broader plans for redevelopment of the Minster Quarter.

He continued: “The funding

will be used to build a brand new and additional flexible performance and community space at the Hexagon Theatre.

“We will also provide a modern new Reading Central Library at the Civic Offices site on Bridge Street.

“Importantly, both projects will also enable us to ensure much-improved accessibility so that everyone can use and enjoy the facilities.

He said that 2023 was proving to be a “landmark” year for Reading, citing the provision of new swimming pools and leisure facilities, new and refurbished train stations, and investment in cycling infrastructure and in local bus services.

“Today’s announcement will now allow us to build on that progress and fits with this Council’s ambition to create new opportunities for everybody in the town.”

The funding is part of a £2 billion investment released by the government, designated as a “Levelling Up” fund.

More than 100 communities across the UK received funding in the second round of boosts, including £50 million to the Eden Project North.

SOUTH READING residents looking to become more techsavvy will have the chance to hone their skills.

Get Online Whitley & Whitley Wood and South Reading Over 50s Social Club have teamed up to offer users computer tuition and support.

The classes take place twice a month and are free. They are held at Whitley Wood Community Centre, Swallowfield Drive, with no pre-booking required.

The next session takes place between 10am-11.30am on Wednesday, February 15.

The school club meets every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm and include lunch. Admission costs £2.

n www.whitley.go-reading.org

Pride performers

READING Pride is seeking performers for its Love Unites Festival later this year.

The annual event sees members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community join together and celebrate, including a whole host of live performances and activities as well as the usual iconic parade.

Pride is seeking a wide range of diverse performers from the Reading and Thames Valley area.

Applications will close on Friday, March 31.

n To make an application, visit: www.readingpride.co.uk/contact

VISION OF THE FUTURE: The council has set out plans for £12 million of the funding to “revitalise” The Hexagon theatre with more accessible and flexible new space. Picture: Reading Borough Council

Castle Tap fundraiser for

THE CASTLE Tap in Reading is hosting an evening of live music to raise funds for cancer research.

Gezzar Punk will open the show at 5.10pm, followed by sets from Rage D.C at 5.55pm, Non Drama at 6.50pm, and Personal Issue at 7.45pm.

Drop the Gun will begin their headline set at 8.45pm.

Entry is free, with a stall and collection buckets available to make donations.

All donations will go towards funding Cancer Research UK.

The Cancer Research Fundraiser takes place at The Castle Tap from 5pm on Saturday, January 28.

Drag at the Sun

A REGULAR showcase of drag talent is returning to the Rising Sun Arts Centre this week.

Taking over from previous host Sheer Obsession, Anita Oui has taken up the mantle of the regular drag show at the venue.

Anita Oui’s Suspenders will bring along performers Grace Anatomy, Dorian Gay, Lujane Oud, and Duac for a Y2Kthemed showcase.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their best turn-of-themillenium themed clothing.

The event takes place at the Silver Street venue from 7pm on Saturday. It is for over 18s only.

Tickets are available on a sliding scale of between £5-£20 on a pay-what-you-can basis via: www.outsavvy.com, or by contacting the organisers directly via The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

Photo ID required for upcoming elections .. unless you vote by post

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

WANT to vote in the May local elections? You’ll need to bring some photo ID in a radical shake-up of the nation’s systems.

Like other local authorities, Reading Borough Council has announced that photographic identification following government changes to the law.

National legislation which comes into effect on Thursday, May 4, and affects all voters.

Those voting in person can use a passport, driving license or provisional license, a Blue badge, or biometric immigration documents to prove their identity.

Certain concessionary travel cards such those given to the elderly, including bus passes and Oyster 60+ cards, are permissable, however options for younger voters are more restricted.

Identity cards bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram are permissable, as are Defence Identity Cards and certain other national identity cards.

Expired forms of identity are still permissable as long as they

Church opens warm space with drinks, games and crafts

are still recognisable from the photograph.

Those without a valid form of I.D. can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the government website, or by requesting a printed form via Reading’s Electoral Services Team.

The deadline for applying for a VAC is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.

They can also vote by proxy through another person chosen by the voter, or by post, which

will not require photo I.D.

Michael Graham, Reading Borough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “It may seem early to be talking about getting ready for the local elections on May 4, but changes brought in this year mean it is important to check now.

“If you have voted at your local polling station for many years, it is easy to fall back on your same routine, but all residents will need to bring the right photographic ID with

A NEWTOWN church has launched a warm space, which is open until at least Saturday, February 11.

St John’s Cafe, part of St John and St Stephen’s Church in Orts Road, runs sessions across the week with free fairtrade tea and coffee available.

A drop-in cafe for parents, carers and pre-schoolers is open from 8.45am to 10am

SHAKE_UP: Government legislation now requires photographic ID for those voting in person at the upcoming local elections.

and having to show ID, which is to apply for a postal vote– you can do that via the Council’s website.

“I’d also urge anyone who is unsure to make sure they are registered to vote. If you are not registered, it only takes five minutes online and can be done at www.gov.uk/register-tovote.”

The government introduced the Elections Act 2022 in April last year, aiming to tackle voter impersonation, which is a crime.

them when they come to vote in their Polling Station.

“If they don’t bring ID, then they will be asked to return home to find ID before they can vote.

He continued: “A list of acceptable photographic ID is readily available to check online. If residents don’t have a photographic ID, then they can apply to the Council for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

“There is, of course, an easy alternative to voting in person

on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

On Mondays from 10am to 11.30am, there is a pre-school Kids’ Cafe, with toys, stories and crafts.

On Tuesday, a craft cafe runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is to allow people to enjoy activities such as sewing and knitting. A jacket potato lunch, costing £1.50, runs from 12.30pm to 2pm.

There were 315 cases of alleged electoral fraud investigated by the police during the national elections in 2021, more than half of which were committed or supposedly committed by campaigners or their opponents.

None of these cases led to a conviction, and police issued cautions in just one case.

If residents need any help with applying for a VAC, or want to request a paper application form, they can contact the Council’s Electoral Services team at elections@reading.gov. uk or call 0118 937 3717.

n For more information about taking part in local elections, visit: www.reading.gov.uk

On Thursdays, there is an informal cafe communion and chat session from 10.30am to noon.

And on Fridays, the church is open for a games cafe from 10.30am to noon. Board and card games are available, but there is no obligation to play.

n For more details, log on to stjohnandststephen.org.uk

Man charged in connection with Cake Box robbery

A MAN has been charged following a Thames Valley Police investigation into the robbery of a Reading confectioners earlier this month.

Nicholas Maze, aged 38 and of Wokingham Road, Reading, was arrested on Thursday, January 12, and charged the following day with one count of robbery.

The charge is in connection with an incident which took place at just

after noon on Tuesday, January 10, when a man entered the Cake Box in Wokingham Road, Reading.

The man threatened a staff member with an unknown weapon and stole a cash box from the premises.

Maze has now been remanded in custody, and will appear before Reading Crown Court on Monday, February 13.

Live music at Whitley Social Club this Saturday

READING residents are set to enjoy an evening of their favourite rock and roll

Whitley Social Club’s live music night will see ‘the mighty talented’ guitarist and singer Jason Stretch

All are welcome to attend, with visitors treated to a friendly atmosphere and cheap beers starting at £3.50.

Sports fans will be pleased to know the weekend’s action will also be shown on the TV. Fixtures

on the box this Saturday include Reading’s crunch FA Cup clash against Manchester United, with kick-off at 8pm.

Non-members will be required to pay £2 at the door; entry is free for members.

The event takes place on Saturday, January 28.

The bar will be open from 2pm, with the band starting at around 9pm.

n For more information, search: Whitley Social Club & Cafe on www. whitley-cda.org/projects/cafe

Picture: Reading Borough Council

Oxford Rd tales will champion its heritage

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THREE new projects will be launched as part of a celebration of the culture of Oxford Road.

Reading Borough Council has awarded £4,000 grants to the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE), Change Grow Live, and Real Time Video, each using art, participation and community engagement for their creations, which will honours what is unique about life on the west Reading road.

ACRE will pilot the Oxford Road Youth Collective, a safe space for youngsters to meet, talk and be creative. It will be led by two artists, and feature photography and writing workshopss.

Victor Koroma, Acre CEO, said: “We are pleased to be involved in a project that is designed not only to work with young people, but that will also create the opportunity for them to investigate, record and present images about their environment.”

Inspired By Recovery will be the project from Change Grow Live, and will work with people recovering from substance misuse, as well as the wider community. Organisers say it is hoped this will help to destigmatise substance use

Best Bar None: Two more Reading venues awarded high standards accreditation

issues and encourage people within recovery to make new friends.

Jason Helstrip, recovery coordinator and group facilitator at Change Grow Live, said: “From a perspective of recovery and growth, I am looking forward to seeing individuals gain confidence in artistic self-expression.”

Real Time Video’s Imagine Belonging project will provide vulnerable participants, particularly the homeless, people with mental health issues, and young people not in employment, training, or education (NEETs) with the opportunity to use digital media, art, and creative storytelling to explore the heritage action zone.

Clive Robertson, Creative Director of Real Time, said: “Understanding the heritage of where you live is a key factor to believing you are part of that community.”

The scheme is welcomed by Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for leisure and culture, who said it will be a chance to shine a light on the stories Reading has to tell.

“The Oxford Road has so much to offer, and by championing the voices of those people who know the area best, we can ensure the regeneration and longevity of one of our most important cultural and historical high streets,” she said.

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

TWO MORE Reading bars have been awarded accreditation for high standards following a rigorous audit process.

The Angel Bar, in Caversham, and the World Turned Upside Down, on Basingstoke Road, have both been awarded the accolade which denotes high standards in safety and practises for venues.

Best Bar None is an initiative between Pubwatch, the Business Improvement District, and Reading Borough Council.

Accreditation is awarded to venues after a rigorous external audit of the safety and training policies and procedures, and general working practises.

Venues opt into the scheme and volunteer to be audited, and those with

high enough standards are presented with an award to mark them out as safe, welcoming businesses.

It also looks to reduce crime and disorder, and encourages cooperation between venues.

Standards are set out by the national Best Bar None Board, but Reading’s scheme is organised by Reading Pubwatch.

The Angel Bar, located in Prospect Street, Caversham, is a cocktail bar independently owned by Meena Arch and Paul Duxberry.

Ms Arch said: “Our team was delighted that we have been accredited as a Best Bar None venue which reflects the hard work ensuring our policies and procedure met the exacting standards set by the national BBN Board.”

The World Turned Upside Down is a restaurant and bar offering pizza and carvery food, located on the Basingstoke

Road and part of the Stonehouse Restaurants group.

General manager Ms Charley Carmichael said: “the team work in ensuring that we were fully compliant with the exacting standards was worthwhile by being recognised and accredited as meeting the Best Bar None criteria.”

The two venues will join previously accredited venues The Milk Bar, The Roseate, The Botanist, and The Oakford Social Club.

Bill Donne, secretary of Reading Pubwatch and the coordinator of the county-wide scheme said: “Reading Pubwatch as promoters of the BBN scheme are delighted that two more venues in Reading have achieved BBN accreditation status.”

n Venues looking to become part of the scheme can email Reading Pubwatch via: readingpubwatch@outlook.com

HONOURS EVEN: The Angel Bar in Caversham and Whitley’s World Turned Upside Down are the latest recipients of the Best Bar None award

Reading Pride statement following Gender Recognition Reform bill blocking

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING PRIDE has released a statement following the blocking of the Gender Recognition Reform bill.

It follows an exchange which took place in the House of Commons on Monday, January 16, when the government’s Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP, told Scottish First Minister he would block the gender recognition reform.

The Scottish parliament voted in December to pass the gender recognition bill, which lowers the age at which people can legally change their gender from 18 to 16 and removes the requirement for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.

Mr Jack said during the exchange in the commons that

he would invoke Section 35 of the Scotland Act, which would halt the implementation of the bill on the grounds that is contradicts UK-wide equality law.

Reading Pride said it was dismayed at the decision.

“This is a piece of legislation that simply seeks to make the process for legally recognising a trans man or trans women’s gender more respectful and straightforward.

“We stand in solidarity with the trans community who will be feeling very worried by the UK Government’s actions.”

It continues: “It is high time the UK’s Gender Recognition Act was updated to simplify the process and remove the need for a medical diagnosis.

“This would reflect leading international practice endorsed

by the United Nations, and adopted by 30 countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

“Reading Pride will continue to fight for equality for trans people and for everyone in the LGBT+ community.”

The news also follows recent figures released by the Office for National Statistics regarding gender identity representation in the 2021 census.

Figures showed that of those who took part in the census, 1,184 people in Reading identified as either being of a different gender identity to their sex at birth.

Of those, 247 identified as transgender men, and 226 identified as transgender women.

A further 140 people identified as non-binary.

Green talk at Little Heath

AN AUTHOR, public speaker, and vegan educator is set to speak to students at a school in Tilehurst.

“Earthling” Ed Winters has gone viral online following his contributions to debates and for his public speaking and video essays, but is now due to address students at Little Heath School on Monday, January 30.

He raises awareness through his online content about environmental awareness

‘Do what I do in a week, then call me lazy’: Single mums battle stereotypes and cost of living crisis

By Ji-Min Lee

This has not deterred Emily from working, for her own selfdevelopment, but also to set an example for her children.

and ecological issues, such as the effects of a vegan diet on climate change.

He will give a talk to Year 8, Year 9, and Sixth Form students, as well as the school’s Eco-Committee about veganism and other issues surrounding environmental awareness which relate to their curriculum.

The Eco-Committee is running through the 23/23 academic year to help students stay aware of environmental

issue and work towards the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation.

The accreditation sees the school taking measures to educate students in environmental issues and contribute to the school’s green targets through a step-by-step framework.

Currently 28 students take part in the program as the school seeks to secure Green Flag accreditation in the summer.

Police release images in connection with rape incident

INDIVIDUALS and communities have pooled together in recent months to tackle the common enemy that is the cost of living crisis.

Despite being pushed to their physical and emotional limits, trying circumstances have brought the best out of people who have had to help themselves and others in ways they probably would not have envisaged before.

A particularly vulnerable demographic is single parents, many of whom are negotiating post-pandemic challenges while also raising their children alone.

The Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) and Home-Start are two of many charities which alleviate pressure off those in such circumstances.

Emily, who now works at the WCDA as part of the Whitley Researchers team, has been a single mother since the birth of her eldest six years ago.

She said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of ups and downs trying to figure out how to better my life and my children’s lives so they are not doing the same things I’m doing now figuring out how you’re getting to the next pay packet.”

THAMES Valley Police has released images of people it would like to speak to who may have vital information regarding an incident of rape in Reading.

In the early hours of the morning on Sunday, October 30, last year, the victim and a man left Q Club on Friar Street, Reading, heading to Queen Victoria Street, when they were approached by the individuals pictured.

The victim and the man then carried on walking.

The incident took place at around 2am, though the clocks changing that evening, the

time was officially 1am GMT.

The offence took place later that night.

A man has been charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Amy Hennah, based at Reading police station, said: “I am releasing CCTV images of four individuals we would like to speak to as witnesses in respect of this rape investigation.

“I believe that these individuals may have vital information that would assist the investigation. I am

particularly keen to speak to the woman dressed in the skeleton outfit who spoke to the victim or the man in the peach T-shirt.

“If you recognise any of these individuals, or you believe one of them is you, I would urge you to make contact with Thames Valley Police, quoting reference number 43220490034.

“I would reiterate that we believe they are witnesses, and they may have information to assist us in our investigation.

“You can contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101.”

Taking up the job led to a £156 increase in her council tax which has meant there has not been a marked impact on her disposable income.

“All my bills have now gone back up because I’m working even though I’m only earning an extra £400 per month,” she explained.

“Even when it comes to my internet, I was on a special tariff because I wasn’t working. Now I am, I can’t have that tariff. My council tax has gone up from £31 to £187, it’s a big jump.”

With her gas and electricity bills almost doubling, the family is not left with much, if any, extra money once all bills have been paid.

She said: “I don’t want the kids to think that because working is hard you shouldn’t do it. I want them to know that you keep working hard until it does change,”

“Hopefully the situation will have changed by the time my kids get older, they want to have their own kids and won’t have the same worries.”

Emily’s daily routine features school runs, work, helping with homework, baths, cooking meals and getting her children to bed.

She admits that it doesn’t leave much time for her to kick back and watch a movie or read a book.

She said: “By the time I’ve got them in bed and read a night-time story, I’ve got to put the entire house back together which can take anywhere from an hour to an hour-and-a-half.

“After that, I’m done, I just need to go to bed. I’m up again at six to start all over again. This is why it frustrates me when they say that people from an area of deprivation must be lazy.”

“You’re either lazy or you just don’t want to know things, neither of these things are true.

“Not for me, and I know a lot of single parents feel the same way.

“A lot of the people I’m surrounded by are very intelligent and could go very far but they just don’t have the access to what they need.

“They’re worrying more about their kids, putting themselves on the backburner for a while, I certainly did. But you need to remember that you’re human too. I need to be alright too. Working has been great for my mental health, to get out of the house.”

Trisha Bennett, the WCDA’s community development coordinator, believes that mutual trust between the organisation and its users has been key to its success.

It offers a range of support

including share surplus food from businesses and supermarkets within the area. It also operates a warm bank.

She said: “The practical advice and the food surplus gives people a way in and helps us build a relationship with them. It builds trust and they start to tell us more about what’s going on in their lives and some of the other issues they’re facing.

“That way, we can introduce them to CommuniCare, NHS’s MEET PEET team and other organisations we work with.

Ms Bennett believes the WCDA’s provision is about more than just practical support, and it’s clear to see in the strides Emily has made in her role.

“We then build the relationships in other ways.

In Emily’s case, we gave her opportunities in terms of employment and it really is life-changing, literally lifechanging. There have been others as well.

Thames Valley Police has released images of people it would like to speak to, pictured above, who may have vital information regarding an incident of rape in Reading

SUPPORTED: Emily (second to left) visited her role in the Whitley Researchers team

“It’s not always about financial stuff, for other members of staff it’s about seeing an improvement in their mental and physical health, them feeling like they belong and other bits and pieces like that.

“It’s a sense of belonging and being part of something, having access to information.

“It’s also visible in their kids as well. They’re brought up in surroundings where they’re back to feeling like they belong and where they’re a part of, not apart from. I think that’s really important.”

Home-Start is a UKwide charity which helps young families through non-judgmental emotional and practical guidance. It has separate Reading and Wokingham divisions.

One of its users, whose name has been changed to Susan, is all too familiar with the travails of being a single parent and recently won custody of her

On one occasion, she lost electricity during the day because she couldn’t afford it.

Turning to Home-Start has alleviated some of the practical and mental pressures she would otherwise have had to combat alone.

A volunteer initially visited Susan and her family at their house when she became known to the charity in 2019, but such has been her progress she has since started attending group sessions instead.

Susan credited the group’s organiser, Mandy, who she described as ‘an amazing leader’ and someone who’s helped her become a stronger person.

As well as the practical support and signposting offered at the weekly sessions, attending them allows Susan to save on electricity for a few hours a week, which has helped reduce monthly outgoings.

Interacting on the meetings’ WhatsApp group has provided additional support.

She said: “It gives me real mental support as other mums are there to share information whenever they come across a deal, offers or free tickets to something.

“We just let each other know. It’s a wonderful network of support.”

There are a wide range of charities and community projects in Reading which are helping those who are looking for support of all nature.

n CommuniCare offers support, information and advice to ease financial hardship. It assists with benefits claims, housing, employment and appealing unjust decisions. For more information, visit: www.communicare.org.uk

Reading’s very own levelling up strategy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING Borough Council is planning its own levelling up, as it prepares to launch two new schemes as part of its new Tackling Inequality Strategy.

They will be based in Whitely and Church wards, and will boosting the work of existing organisations, such as churches, schools, community centres, retailers and leisure centres.

As part of the projects, they will also boost the work of the council-owned company Brighter Futures for Children to develop a targeted programme of work to support schools within south Reading to help pupils, while New Directions College and the Reading Economy & Destination Agency will support people getting into work.

The council says the starting point is the unequal gap in terms of wealth and life experiences that some residents face.

The three-year project aims to ensure support is targeted where it is needed.

The Tackling Inequality Strategy 2023-26 brings together the Council’s work on tackling inequality into a single document and work programme. It is backed up by an action plan detailing specific

actions for the council and its partners.

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council leader, said: “The focus of the Council, and what drives me personally, is helping Reading realise its potential through ensuring that everyone who lives and works here can share in the benefits of our town’s success.

“The new strategy is about how we can go beyond what we are doing to achieve a better quality of life for residents in our most deprived areas.

“That means creating opportunities to access the education, skills and practical training people need to realise their potential through suitable employment opportunities.”

He said that there isn’t a onesize-fits-all solution when it comes to tackling inequalities, and some sections of the council’s plan will be quicker to implement than others.

“This is why we are initially focusing our activities on specific issues and areas of Reading that make a real difference for our residents, especially in the south of the borough,” Cllr Brock said.

“Our partners have a huge role to play in helping to deliver the changes which make a difference to people’s lives.

“For its part the council will do everything in its power to

back them, as we already do through our ongoing financial package of support to our amazing voluntary sector.”

This view was backed by Cllr Liz Terry, Reading’s lead councillor for corporate services and resources, who said that the opportunity gap would almost certainly widen due to the cost-of-living crisis, so this strategy would help stem the tide.

“Our focus on trying to help everybody in Reading realise their potential pre-dates the current crisis, but this strategy pulls together the various workstreams across the town into one document with clear actions and outcomes,” she said.

“Education and training has always been a fundamental tool to help people to improve their life chances. Year one of the strategy will focus on the south of the borough, understanding what communities do well and what the barriers are to progress, using existing resources to deliver activities and to create new opportunities for residents.

“We will rely on the skills, and expertise of our partners. This is not something the council can achieve on its own.”

The strategy was discussed at a meeting of Reading Borough Council’s Policy Committee held on Monday, January 23.

three children after lengthy court proceedings.

The process took its toll on Susan, who has various mental health issues caused by being in an abusive relationship.

Her eldest, who is six, has special educational needs for which they are being assessed.

Susan explained: “The most difficult challenges are doing everything all by yourself, time management is all on you and you have to be the one setting a routine. Disciplining the kids is something I’m still learning, I don’t know what I’m doing all the time.

“The bottom line is that I wasn’t receiving enough support. The dad is not a great role model for the children.

I constantly have money worries.”

She added that the cost of living crisis and associated increases in bills have had a significant impact on her family, having to borrow money each month to make ends meet.

n Those in need of essential goods such as furniture, bedding, kitchen items and white goods can reach out to Christian Community Action. Its furniture store at 79 Northumberland Avenue and drop-in support centre at Caversham Baptist Church provides essential items at a fraction of their retail price.

CCA also has four shops at Oxford Road, Sonning Common, Southcote and Whitley where you can pick up good quality bric-a-brac. Reading Today visited the Whitley branch in October. For more information, visit: www.ccam.org.uk

n Young adults looking for employment and selfdevelopment opportunities can reach out to Starting Point, who mentor those aged up to 25 and help with CV writing and interview preparation.

For more information, visit: www.startingpoint.org.uk

n Having initially been established to help housebound residents during the pandemic, Torch provides practical help and emotional support to those who feel like they have nowhere to turn. For more information, visit: www.torchhub.org.uk

n Citizens Advice Reading can be found at: www.rcab.org. uk

the University of Reading’s Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences as part of

Picture: Kelly Brown

Games night with a twist at Bar 77

A GAMES night with a twist is set to take place in a town centre venue.

Bar 77, on Kings Road will see drag performances and games combined for a new regular fixture, hosted by drag monarch Big Jay. They will be joined by Reading’s Got Drag winner Draven for a lip-sync battle. It will also be the drag debut of both Tarquinius Maximus and Linda.

Drag and Games with Big Jay takes place at the Kings Road venue on Thursday, February 9, starting promptly at 8pm, and then every second Thursday of every month.

Entry is free, though tables at the event can be booked by contacting Iota Events via Instagram: @IotaEvents

Mini-market

A CHURCH in Southcote is opening its doors to help cats and is inviting people to join them.

Grange URC in Southcote Lane is holding a coffee morning and mini market on Saturday, February 4.

People can browse a variety of stalls, while enjoying refreshments.

Doors open at 10.30am and it runs for two hours.

Proceeds will go towards the work of Thames Valley Animal Welfare.

There be dragons – and rabbits –on the railway

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Passengers at Reading Station were treated to a special display of dancing to mark the start of the year of the rabbit.

It included a flash mob of 30 dancers from the from South Gloucestershire Chinese Association (SGCA) on the station concourse, followed by a traditional dragon dance.

It was organised by Great Western Railway (GWR) on the day of the Lunar New Year and echoed traditions that go back to the 14th century.

Each Chinese calendar year is marked by one of 12 different animals: last year it was the tiger and now it is the turn of the rabbit.

Established in 2001, South Gloucestershire Chinese Association aims to bring together the Chinese community living, working or studying in the area, to identify and meet their needs through a variety of projects and activities in association with different organisations and service providers.

It receives support from GWR’s community budget to help fund its dance teaching and provide a space for the group to meet.

The dances were a way of celebrating the partnership.

The group’s Secretary, Rong Yang, said it was an opportunity to showcase Chinese culture.

“With the great support from GWR and Network Rail, members of South Gloucestershire Chinese Association headed to Reading station to perform in a fantastic flash mob,” she said.

“There was also a mix of traditional and modern dances, tai chi demonstrations, and a mighty dragon dance show.

“If you were in Reading we hoped you enjoyed a truly unforgettable cultural experience.”

Network Rail’s station manager for Reading, Bernadette Sachse, added: “We were thrilled to help the SCGA celebrate Chinese New Year at Reading station on Saturday.

“The dancing brought a smile to the faces of everyone who passed through, with plenty of colourful activities to brighten up a cold January day.”

South Gloucestershire Chinese Association headed to Reading station for the Chinese New Year celebrations

The dance attracted large crowds of people keen to see some culture

Dancers enjoy a moment of graceful movement for their show

The dragon dance in full flow outside Reading Station

People posed for pictures with the colourful dragon A dancing performance wowed passengers waiting for their train

LET’S DANCE: The Chinese New Year Performance at Reading Station on Saturday included a traditional dragon costume outside The Three Guineas All pictures: Steve Smyth

IT USED to be the home of the Flying Scotsman, but on Saturday, it was home to a flying dragon, in a celebration for the Chinese New Year.

And GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said: “GWR is delighted to support projects such as SGCA’s Chinese New Year celebration through its Community budget.

“Projects like these are a great way to get the local community involved and help amplify the voices of underrepresented groups across our network.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: WEK

Bob Green

Spacephiller

Phil Creighton

I’m in a jam, and that’s good news

GROWING up, children’s TV star Keith Chegwin was one of my heroes. He was always smiling, always upbeat and always on CBBC.

It was a thrilling day when, back in 1985, he brought the Saturday Superstore roadshow to my home city. This was the Swap Shop/Going Live/ Tiswas of its day, hosted by Mike Read.

My Dad took me over to the field where Keith and his band of merry men had set up and, as you did back in the day, left me there all by myself for the morning.

And at the end, hero that he was, he patiently waited for me patiently waiting for Keith who was patiently signing all manner of Superstore stuff to snotty tearaways. Legend.

Keith was also host of game show Cheggars Plays Pop, a fusion of silly games and pop music, played out between the red team and the yellow team. Watching along at home, I’d always pick a side, and inevitably it would be the losing one.

So began the story of my life.

I’ve had premium bonds since birth and not once has ERNIE looked favourably on me, while friends who bought a couple of years ago have had countless tenners sent their way.

Shuttle forward to 1999, and my football team, Gillingham, were at Wembley for the League One play-off final. In the 89th minute, they were winning 2-1 against Man City and, with my friends, we were getting excited at the prospect of Championship football the next season.

In what is now the stuff of folklore, City went on to bag two goals in the closing minutes, bringing all those dreams crashing down.

Being a winner doesn’t quite seem to be in my nature. Until now that is.

2023 seems to have got off to a great start – I am finally number one at something – and no, it’s not the long-distance boreathon.

No one else in Wokingham borough buys more lemon curd than me.

The stats from loyalty card scheme Nectar don’t lie, and I’m already in training to retain my title.

Lemon curd has been my breakfast go-to ever since I tried to emulate Paddington and realised marmalade was not for me.

As a nipper, it was Gale’s lemon curd, but the last time I spotted a jar in the wild was a long, long time ago. There was a heavenly period when Aldi carried it, but in its merciless dog-eat-dog world, not enough of us bought the jars and it was discontinued. Alas.

Nothing else quite cuts the mustard at breakfast time and there was a bit of a scare last year when jars were hard to find, which makes the spending spree is even more impressive.

There was one Saturday when the supermarket sweep took in four of the big name stores in a bid to find a jar, otherwise my morning routine would have been well, toast.

Nectar and Sainsbury’s published the data on its digital app as part of an overview of each customers’ spend in 2022, including their top three most purchased products. In my case, it was milk, bread and the Shepherd Neame real ale Whitstable Bay. Well, you can take the boy out of Kent …

Alex Naisby, director of loyalty and CRM at Sainsbury’s says: “Nectar’s Year in Review is always a moment I look forward to as not only is it exciting to discover my top purchases, it’s also fantastic to see the products our customers love and the celebrations and trends they enjoy.

“I can’t wait to see how customer shopping habits change throughout 2023.”

Keith Chegwin might no longer be with us, but I’m sure that just this once, he’d be on yellow team.

Yellow for lemon curd, obviously.

At 104, Irene has gone back to learning

THEY say every day’s a school day, and that’s certainly true for a Sindlesham-based centenarian who has successfully completed an arts and crafts course.

Irene Muggeridge is 104, and was the first person at the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court care home in Wokingham to receive a certificate from the AQA Award Scheme.

The scheme allows residents to undertake a range of learningrelated activities, and have their achievements recognised. It covers a range of subjects including life skills, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and related learning linked to the experiences they’ve had.

Activities coordinator Sharon Fletcher said anyone can take part in the scheme. “These activities are fully inclusive for all abilities and ages, so everyone, including staff members at the Home, have now the opportunity to participate.”

Irene received hers for creating a woollen pom-pom, and she was thrilled to receive her reward.

“I am so pleased to get this. I cannot believe I have this lovely certificate,” she said. “My son Alan will be so happy to see it.”

The care home, on Mole Road, said it joined the Unit Award

Berkshire Vision with help from a

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A BERKSHIRE sight loss charity is turning up the heat on a month-long challenge to raise awareness of sightloss and raise funds through January.

Scheme so residents could build up a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience.

“This boosts their confidence, increases their engagement and improves their motivation,” said Sharon Fletcher, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators.

“We encourage residents to make progress on their life-long learning journey.”

And the care home is in it for the long haul, as Ms Fletcher explained: “The next step is to help residents and staff utilise their newly obtained skills to engage with community-based projects.”

Beans IN toast could revolutionise breakfasts

SCIENTISTS at the University of Reading have devised a unique way of keeping the British diet healthy and environmentally-friendly.

Researchers and chefs are encouraging consumers and food producers to switch to bread containing faba beans – aka broad beans – as part of the £2 million Raising the Pulse project.

The three-year-long initiative was announced last week and will see five teams of researchers within the University of Reading, along with members of the public, farmers, industry, and policy makers come together to introduce pulses into diets en masses.

Prof Julie Lovegrove is leading the programme and said: “We had to think laterally: What do most people eat and how can we improve their nutrition without them having to change their diets? The obvious answer is bread.

“In the UK, 96% of people in the UK eat bread, and 90% of that is white bread, which in most cases contains soya. We’ve already performed some experiments and found that faba bean flour can directly replace imported soya flour and some of the wheat flour, which is low in nutrients.

“We can not only grow the faba beans here, but also produce and test the faba bean-rich bread, with improved nutritional quality.”

Faba beans are an ideal substitute to the imported soya bean.

Their favourable growing conditions in the UK and sustainable nutritional enhancement have led to researchers encouraging farmers to

switch some wheat-producing land to faba bean production.

Faba beans are particularly high in easily digestible protein, fibre, and iron, nutrients which can be low in UK diets.

Raising the Pulse is a multidisciplinary programme of research, funded by the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, as part of their ‘Transforming UK Food Systems’ initiative.

The university will look to consult and work with members of disadvantaged communities and conduct studies using the novel foods at students halls and catering outlets.

Matt Tebbit, who runs Reading’s catering service and leads its ‘Menus for Change’ research programme, said: “Students will be asked to rate products made or enriched with faba bean, such as bread, flat bread, and hummus.

“They will be asked questions about how full they felt, for how long and their liking of the foods.

“It is hoped that faba bean will improve satiety, as well as providing enhanced nutritional benefits in products that are enjoyable to eat.”

The beans must be grown, harvested and milled before they can be tested.

The project seeks to optimise these processes.

Researchers will be breeding varieties that are healthy as well as high yielding, working with the soil to improve yield via nitrogen fixing bacteria, mitigating environmental impacts of farming faba beans and planning for climate change.

Berkshire Vision announced in November that they were teaming up with other sight loss charities for the Take on 250 campaign, which centres around the statistic that in the UK 250 people a day begin to lose their sight

The initiative challenges participants to complete 250 of something, and while embers and supporters of the charity have already begun their own challenges, the team at Berkshire Vision took on their own challenge.

On Saturday, January 14, team members took part in The Big Pedal, challenging themselves to cycle 250km on an exercise bike in The Oracle shopping centre.

They were joined by joined Katie Crowhurst, who won gold in the Paratriathlon at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.

Caversham Health and Fitness has provided the exercise bike for the team and joined in with the event to help reach the target.

Clare Matthews, marketing and communications officer, said: “It was great to have Katie along, and we’re glad she came to shake the change buckets and put in some kilometers on the bike.

“When she was younger, she was a member with us and used to take part in some of our activities.

“I hope it was as good for her as it was for us.”

In terms of reaching the day’s goal of cycling 250km, she said: “We sat and cycled all day, taking turns between members of staff and Katie, “One of our visually impaired

members came along and banked more than 40km, and we had to leave at around 6pm.

“But at half five we hit it – it was a long day, but we did it.”

It wasn’t the only event taking place to raise money and awareness for the charity’s cause.

Ms Matthews said that one of the charity’s young members also took on a swimming challenge as part of the Take On 250 on Sunday, January 15.

“There’s a member of ours who’s just 14. She has no sight at all due to a condition called FND (Functional Neurological Disorder).

Sue Ryder after runners for Reading Half Marathon

AS THE date of Reading’s Half Marathon gets ever-closer, a call has been made for people to lace-up their running shoes and help a charity at the same time.

Sue Ryder delivers care to people across the region from its bases at the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst, as well as in Wokingham and a palliative care hub in Wallingford.

By having sponsored runners, it can raise funds to help it support people as they go through their most difficult times of their lives.

The 2023 race on Sunday, April 2, will be the half marathon’s 40th anniversary, and around 15,000 people are expected to take part, many to raise funds for causes close to their hearts.

The 13.1-mile route begins at Green Park Business Park, crossing through the town centre and up the steep hill of Russell Street, before

ending in the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Among those taking part in last year’s race was Laura Hodder from Thatcham. She took part after her aunt received care and support at the Duchess of Kent Hospice in her final weeks.

She said: “The staff at the hospice were absolutely wonderful. My cousins had been dealing with a lot looking after their mum at home, but we could just be there as a family at the hospice.

“You can stop being a carer and become a caring family.”

Speaking about the half marathon, Laura said: “I knew that running past the hospice on Liebenrood Road would be quite tough because of the history we had there, but all the staff were outside cheering us on and when I got there I was actually quite motivated and excited to see that bit because I

PEDAL ON: Clare Matthews, Jennie Drake, and the miles on the exercise bike. Picture: Steve Smyth

Irene Muggeridge (104) proudly holds up the pom-pom she created and amd her certificate

Vision takes on 250 a gold medallist

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN 70s new builds receive mixed reaction

“It also affects mobility and can cause difficulty walking, but she raised almost £1,500 by swimming 250 lengths of a pool.

“That was a massive achievement.”

As well as the water, some have been taking to the canvas as part of the challenge, with artist Emma Major producing 250 artworks during the month of January.

The challenge continues for the rest of January, and Ms Matthews said that members of the public can still take part.

“We want to thank everybody who has donated, as we raised just under

£1,000 at our event in The Oracle, which will be a massive help to us, “If you still want to donate or support, you can do so.”

Berkshire Vision supports those in Berkshire with sight loss, for which demand has doubled since 2019.

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

n More information and sign up or donation details for the fundraiser can be found via: www.berkshirevision.org.uk/ takeon250

NEW HOUSING developments cause stirs in every community – this is not a new phenomenon.

The construction of the Whitley Estate build in the 1970s was certainly not to all residents’ satisfaction.

Although it went a long way in reducing homelessness in the area, it took away pre-existing land which they had used for a wide range of leisure activities, and residents were sure to let the authorities know of their displeasure in no uncertain terms.

The photograph shows the development of the Heroes Walk estate off Spencer Road.

According to Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner, very few photographs of the original Whitley Estate build exist.

He said: “I have my own personal memory as I worked in the housing department at the time in the early 70s. After a while it was apparent there were serious issues with the build.

“The bedroom sliding windows

were falling out and the outside cladding was also falling away.

“I was given the job of surveying each property to ascertain which homes were affected so an action plan could be put in place.”

Mr Turner added that, as with most large-scale projects, not everyone will be satisfied.

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

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

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

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

n For more, search: Whitley Community Museum on Facebook.

I’d never felt loved until that day in October 2019 when the people of Reading gave me a hug and begged me to stay. Some think it rained but it was my tears because I’d never felt loved until that day.

Empty and alone I wait, I’m told I am prime real estate, faceless bureaucrats will decide my fate.

felt like I was doing everybody proud.

“There were so many people cheering and clapping along the route.

“So many people in Reading have a connection to the charity and so because you’re wearing a Sue Ryder vest, lots of people will call out to you and give you a cheer. People you don’t know are shouting your name and cheering you along and it’s really lovely.”

Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser, said: “The Reading Half Marathon is a fantastic local event

and we are looking for runners to take part and raise funds for Sue Ryder.

“As we start the new year, it’s a great challenge to work towards, a good way to improve fitness, and most importantly an opportunity to raise funds for those in need at the end of their lives.

“Our charity relies heavily on donations from the public and fundraisers, so that we can continue to be there when it matters.”

n To sign up for the Reading Half Marathon and raise funds for Sue Ryder, visit www.sueryder.org/readinghalf

Sell me to the highest bidder, why don’t you.

Make me into luxury apartments, petit and bijou.

But I want to feel your love again I want to be there for you, to see your art, watch your plays, hear your poetry in celebration not in despair and condemnation. Make my bricks of shame into halls of fame.

Fill me with song and laughter

to make up for years of fear and weeping.

I’ve been visited by famous people although Oscar hated me, I could feel it and read it, but he’d love me as a theatre.

Banksy scaled my wall and left his mark. The people loved it and came to see me again.

Alongside your Abbey I watch over your town as it changes and grows.

I’d never felt loved until that day in October 2019 when the people of Reading gave me a hug and begged me to stay.

Kathy Tytler 2022

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

GOING UP: Many comments were left on the Whitley Community Museum by those who either lived or worked on the 1970s Whitley build. Picture courtesy of Whitley Community Museum

POETRY CORNER

and Hannah Lennox look on as Commonwealth Games Medal Winner, Katie Crowhurst, clocks up Smyth

45 years in .. and now the future

NEWS the The Hexagon and Reading Central Library will benefit from a £19m makeover is much welcome.

This year, Reading Arts is celebrating 45 years of our landmark six-sided venue. This weekend’s wrestling is part of that birthday, looking back at its past as a sporty space as well as a stage for all manner of productions.

But with the passing of time, everything ages. So renewing the space for the rest of the 21st century is a nobrainer.

The plans are ambitious, but will benefit future generations. It is something to be proud of. Well, apart from the HexBox name, but that can change.

CHURCH NOTES

I’VE been stuck at week two of couch to 5k since June last year.

I get to week three or four, and then life gets busy, or the toddler gets a bug, or I have an essay to write.

So, I miss a week or two to attend to the thing that needs doing first and when I start up again, I’m back mercilessly at week two.

Me and narrator Sarah Millican, at the gym, going nowhere fast.

I’m against New Year’s Resolutions. Partly because only 8% of people achieve their ambitions and therefore, quite frankly, it’s not worth the bother.

But mostly because as a person of faith I’m sceptical of personal and individual wellbeing goals using up so much of our time and effort when we have adventurous lives to live together.

The feminist author and activist Bell Hooks wrote that she was dubious of any form of spirituality that pays too much attention to individual self-improvement and too little attention to the practice of love within a community.

Perhaps a shared resolution to live together well in 2023 is the one worth committing to.

I reckon that if Jesus was into New Year’s Resolutions then it would be to love one another better. And it was a particular kind of love - shared in the midst of complicated lives lived togetherthat Jesus cared about the most.

The children’s book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse sums up the awkwardness of all this togetherness with a conversation between the boy and the mole: “Sometimes I want to say I love you all, but I find it difficult” confesses the mole.

“Do you?” asks the boy. “Yes, so I say something like ‘I’m glad we are all here’.”

Somewhere I am “glad we are all here” are the Warm Welcome Spaces popping up in churches, libraries and community centres across Reading and around the country.

Warm Welcome Spaces are community spaces which give anyone worried about utility bills a chance to turn down the heating for a few hours and let go of the fear of the ever-ticking smart meter.

You can find the Warm Welcome Spaces near you at www.warmwelcome.uk

They are a real act of togetherness, where you’ll find warmth, kindness, solidarity. It takes courage to step into a new environment, but I encourage you to use any residual New Year’s Resolution determination to give it a go.

Siobhan Antoniou, student minister at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Clunk Click prime minister

For the benefit of Rishi Sunak and others of his generation, it may be a good time to resurrect a certain public information film.

Wearing a seatbelt is second nature to those of us who watched the “Clunk Click (every trip)” campaign in the early seventies.

How about replacing the previous presenter (whose name cannot be mentioned) with Jeremy Clarkson?

Gary Freestone, via email

Thanks Sightsavers

I am an ambassador for international development organisation Sightsavers, and I’m incredibly grateful to supporters in the South East for transforming lives across Africa and Asia.

In 2022, Sightsavers helped eliminate trachoma in Malawi, freeing the country from the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. It starts as an infection but can turn eyelashes inwards so that they scrape painfully against the eye and cause irreversible sight loss. It’s hard to imagine the agony.

Eliminating trachoma requires

From the Chamber

Cllr Anne Thompson

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today

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

support from governments, partners, and donations from individuals like you.

We are another step closer to beating the disease globally, but other countries still need your support.

It costs as little as 18p to protect an individual from trachoma for a year and start a ripple effect that transforms lives and communities.

Find out more about the impact of your donations and how to continue supporting Sightsavers at www.sightsavers. org/thankyou.

Sunetra Sarker, Actress and broadcaster and Sightsavers Ambassador

Sign up to Number Day

Schools across the East of England are being encouraged to sign up to NSPCC Number Day to help more children engage with and enjoy maths.

It is aimed at children in nurseries, primary and secondary schools, with teachers and pupils raising vital funds for the NSPCC while having fun with maths.

This year’s event takes place on Friday, February 3, and free

Carer’s Leave

THERE are more than two million people who are in employment in the UK providing unpaid care to friends and family (Family Resources Survey 2019-2020), in addition to parents and guardians providing care for their children.

These informal carers, as they’re sometimes called, may give personal care, for example, or arrange medical and social support, or take their loved ones to doctor’s appointments.

As the population ages and with more people staying in work longer, these numbers will only increase.

A bill being brought through Parliament by Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain will, for the first time, give people in employment who also have caring responsibilities an entitlement to unpaid leave.

Under the Carer’s Leave Bill, unpaid carers who work will be able to take up to one week’s leave per year flexibly in small amounts – from half days up to the whole week. The entitlement applies to all employees regardless of length of service, effectively starting from day one of employment.

The Bill aims to reduce

curriculum-based downloadable activities are available to schools to help liven up their lessons while raising funds for the children’s charity.

Johnny Ball, veteran children’s TV presenter is a supporter. He said: “The NSPCC’s Number Day is a great way for all children and schools to celebrate the joy of learning mathematics while supporting such a great cause.”

The funds raised could help fund NSPCC school’s programmes like Speak Out Stay Safe, which teaches children in an age-appropriate way to recognise the signs of abuse and speak out.

Our school’s team is looking to recruit volunteers that are passionate about preventing child abuse. They deliver workshops in schools to years five and six.

For details, email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org. uk. If you would like to know more about taking part in the NSPCC’s forthcoming Number Day please visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/supportus/charity-fundraising/schoolsfundraising-ideas/number-day/ Candia Cross, NSPCC Schools Service Manager for the East of England

often, patients have care plans in place which they can’t actually get because there aren’t enough staff to go around.

It has to be said that the carers in our area are doing amazing work, as are the ambulance and emergency care staff –ambulance waiting times in and around Reading are some of the lowest in the country.

the pressure on employees who juggle work and caring commitments, and at the same time help employers maximise the retention and wellbeing of their staff.

My fellow Tilehurst councillors and I urge people in Reading to back the Bill, and to ask our local MPs to give the Bill their support as it goes through Parliament.

I’m glad to say that the Bill now has the support of the government, which much improves its chances of becoming law. But in these turbulent political times, it could still be derailed.

If a snap election is called, for example, there might not be enough time for the Bill to complete the parliamentary process and pass into law.

So, we want to raise awareness of the issue and to do our best to make sure the Bill does not fall by the wayside.

Care crisis

A carer’s entitlement to leave would be a small but concrete step towards easing the burden on informal carers who are in work. But of course, social care is in the grip of a crisis that is much broader and deeper.

An acute problem is a lack of social care staff and workers –

From the Leader Cllr Jason Brock

A fantastic birthday present

INCREDIBLE news for Reading last week when it was announced the Council has been awarded funding to breathe new life into the town’s much cherished, if a little dated, Hexagon Theatre.

An amazing 45th birthday present for The Hex if ever there was one.

Putting aside all the good memories you have of watching shows at The Hexagon, and as wonderful a venue as it is, there is little doubt it lacks the intimacy a smaller venue can bring to theatre.

By extending the right-hand side of the building and adding a new surface-level entrance from Queen’s Walk, we plan to build a new, fully accessible space for performances, adding another valuable layer to what the Hexagon already offers in terms of big-name shows.

Importantly, this would be a multi-function space for the local community that can accommodate a wide variety of uses. When designing the Council’s bid for the Levelling Up Fund process, community benefit was key.

The development also supercharges our broader plans for redevelopment of the Minster Quarter, where we are working towards bringing in a development partner for an area of the town centre that offers massive potential to deliver new homes, including affordable homes, and employment opportunities through investment.

We are determined to make this part of our town a major destination once again, just as it was when it was originally built in the 1970s.

The second part of our successful bid involves building a modern new library at the site of the current Civic Offices, incorporating it into the existing building on the left-hand side (as you look from Bridge Street).

Even so, I’ve heard from residents who had to wait more than15 minutes to have their call to the ambulance service answered, and over an hour to speak to a medical professional during the busiest periods in December.

Eight years of unalloyed Conservative government have seen investment fail to keep up with rising demand, meaning that as winter crises grip the NHS on top of Covid-19, patients are stuck, unable to be discharged from hospital as there simply isn’t the social care to look after them in the community.

To tackle this, the government should start by releasing the £500m it says it has set aside for a social care fund, and the additional £200m it announced last week.

Tackling the issue over the longer term will require the government to change its approach to pay in particular.

While we can’t fix this overnight, steps like these – and backing Wendy Chamberlain’s Carer’s Leave Bill – will go some way to addressing the health and social care crisis we’re all living through right now.

Cllr Anne Thompson is a Liberal Democrat councillor in Tilehurst on Reading Borough Council

Libraries are much more than a place where you can hire books. We’ll build a space which looks to the future, where residents can take advantage of our digital and learning offer. Once again, then, an open and multi-purpose space for the local community.

Reading’s new Central Library would replace the existing one on the Kings Road. Again, well-used and understandably loved, but a dated building set across several floors which makes ensuring accessibility for all members of our community difficult without significant investment.

Following the news of the Council’s successful bid last week, I’ve seen a few comments from people saying the money should be spent on more important things, like rough sleepers, for example.

I have sympathy with those arguments. The Government’s process of allocating funding via competitive bidding is patently absurd – but the funding requirements prevent us from doing so.

You cannot just spend that money on something else, even if you think it’s a better thing to do.

I’m proud to say that the support the Council provides to rough sleepers is more than in most local authority areas, and I’m similarly proud that we continue to deliver Reading’s biggest council house building programme in a generation.

Regular readers of this column will already know that mine, and the Council’s, priority is to do everything we can to ensure that every single resident – whatever their circumstances or background – can share in our town’s success.

Our latest successful bid for funding will allow us to breathe new life into our cultural and learning offer for Reading residents.

Exciting times.

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

Glad we are all here

Fire brigade’s warning over e-bike chargers after battery explodes

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdgtoday

A WARNING has been issued over e-bikes and scooters as the batteries that power them can catch fire quickly and with little warning.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service says the 21st century forms of transport are causing an “alarming” rise in the number fire-related incidents, thanks to the lithiumion batteries that power them.

There has been a dramatic surge in sales of e-bikes and e-scooters. Most are powered by lithium technology which is similar to that used in mobile phones.

An investigation by the consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First discovered nearly 60 listings on popular online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, Wish. com and AliExpress, were found to be highly dangerous e-bike chargers.

All 60 failed to meet UK safety standards.

And it’s not scaremongering: According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, there is only a limited amount data relating to the number of fires, but London Fire Brigade reported eight fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in 2019.

This rose to 24 in 2020 and 59 by December 2021.

In our area, the service said that last month there were called to Reading home after a battery exploded.

The incident took place on Thursday, December 15, at a flat.

The person who called the fire brigade out had been putting power into their ebike overnight after buying a charger from an online marketplace.

The family, along with several other occupants of the building, had to be evacuated.

Only a week later, on

Thursday, 22 December 2022, fire crews were called to a home in Slough after an e-scooter had caught fire in a ground floor bedroom resulting in the evacuation of three people, with a casualty treated for smoke inhalation and potential burns to their airways.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service warns that leaving the ebikes and scooters on charge and unattended, or charging them in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells, can block emergency escape routes.

The risk increases particularly when they are charged indoors, especially overnight when occupants are asleep.

Now they are hoping to raise awareness of the issue before it becomes an epidemic.

Paul Scott, central hub prevention manager, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service commented: “As the popularity for e-scooters and

Black Star Riders come to HMV

READING’S HMV store is set to host a live event to celebrate of the release of their new album.

n Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as this can affect people’s ability to escape.

n Charge batteries while you are awake and alert and do not charge them if you are away from home.

n Avoid charging near combustible or flammable materials.

n Ensure your smoke alarms are working. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install the correct detection equipment. We recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.

n Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product and carefully follow the instructions.

n Unplug the charger when you have finished using it.

e-bikes grows, many people may have received them as Christmas gifts, or may be looking to purchase one.

“DIY e-bike conversion kits are also proving popular.

“We are advising people to buy from reputable retailers, read the instructions carefully and never leave them unattended while charging, particularly overnight while sleeping.

“We would advise people to avoid charging them indoors if at all possible.”

He continued: “A catastrophic failure of a battery and charging equipment can occur if left to overheat, often with very little prior warning. This may lead to an unusually intense fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke.

“In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999.”

Further information regarding the legal use

Careers Fair to take place at hotel

THE Reading Careers Fair is gearing up to take place next month.

It gives visitors the opportunity to meet local and national employers face-to-face and apply directly for hundreds of vacancies.

Some of the companies exhibiting include Five Guys,

NHS South, Central and West, Care UK, Giggling Squid and Oxford Brookes University.

Attendees can expect a variety of opportunities from entry-level positions to management roles.

There will also be apprenticeships and information on graduate

schemes.

Experts will be available for advice on creating a CV and career options.

The free event takes place at the Penta Hotel, in central Reading, between 10am and 2pm on Thursday, February 16. n For more information, visit: www.ukcareersfair.com

Investigation over online comments

THAMES Valley Police has launched an investigation into social media posts following Reading Football Club’s fixture on Saturday, January 14.

Following the game against Queen’s Park Rangers, which ended in a two-all draw, a member of the public posted to social media making a

reference to the murder of Kiyan Prince.

A comment posted to an online video of one of the goals during the match referred to Prince, a member of the QPR youth team who was murdered at the age of 15 in 2006.

Thames Valley Police posted to Twitter to say that they were aware of the comments and

of e-scooters is available from Thames Valley Police’s website.

Advice from RBFRS

Residents can help to protect themselves and others from the dangers of e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion fires by following this guidance:

n If possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors.

n Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage.

n Do not overcharge your battery. Check the instructions for charge times.

n If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling.

n For further fire safety information, visit the RBFRS website

Black Star Riders’ Ricky Warwick will be coming to the store in the Oracle shopping centre following the release of The Wrong Side of Paradise, their fifth studio album.

He will be performing a live acoustic set and signing copies of the album.

Ricky Warwick will be performing at HMV Reading on Sunday, January 29, from 2pm.

n For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://hmv. com/live/black-star-riders

Charity sewing

A HABERDASHERY group is meeting supporting a charity with a sewing social.

The Sewing Space is raising funds with fabric at its next social in aid of Freely Fruity.

Attendees are invited to take part in stitching, sewing, trimming, and hemming.

Tea and cake will be served, and tickets cost £5 each.

The Sewing Space Social takes place at Tilehurst Village Hall on Saturday, January 28, between 2pm-5pm.

n For more information or to book a place, contact thesewingspacesocial@hotmail. com or visit their Instagram page.

that they are working with Reading Football Club in their investigations.

They also encouraged any members of the public with any information regarding the incident to contact them quoting reference 43230022979, or to contact CrimeStoppers via 0800 555 111.

BLAZE: Damage caused by an exploding e-scooter battery Picture: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

ResearchpublishedbySFE(Solicitorsforthe Elderly)andleadinglawfirmBlandy&Blandyhas highlightedthat70%ofparentsintheSouthEast havenolegalplansinplacetomakesuretheir childrenarelookedafter,shouldtheparentsdie.

Accordingtotheresearch,parentsintheregion arealmostcompletelyunawareoftherisksofnot identifyingalegalguardianintheirWill.Onlytwo outoften(18%of)parentsintheSouthEast understandthatsocialservicesorthecourtscan stepintodecidewhathappenstoyourchildrenif youdon’thaveaWillinplace.

SFE,amembershipbodyofover1,700UKsolicitors specialisedinadvisingpeopleplanningforthe future,iscallingonparentstomakesuretheyhave anupdatedWillinplacewithitbeingUpdateYour WillWeek2023(23–29January2023).

LisaPerry,AssociatesolicitoratBlandy&Blandy, explains:“It’sconcerninghowmanyparentsdon’t haveaWillinplaceorhaven’tappointedalegal guardianfortheirchildren.Godparentsdon’tcount aslegalguardians,sotoavoidtheriskofthecourts decidingwhathappenstoyourchildren,youreally shouldmakeaWillandupdateitatleasteveryfive years.

“Havinganuptodate,welldraftedWilliscrucialin ensuringyourwishesarecarriedoutintheway you’dlikewhenyoudie.It’scrucialtokeepyour Willuptodateandtotakelegaladvicewhenlifechangingeventshappen,likegettingdivorcedor re-married,adeathinthefamily,orhaving children.OurresearchshowsthatfourintenWills intheSouthEastareoutofdate,andmanypeople don’thaveoneinthefirstplace.”

Forfurtherinformationorlegaladvice,pleasevisit www.blandy.co.uk.

BUSINESSTODAY

In association with Blandy & Blandy

Reading is top of the pops for successful business

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A STUDY has shown Reading to be the most successful place to open a new business.

Research by CMC Markets has revealed the town has the lowest percentage of closures, with 0.13% of businesses launched between December 2017 and December 2022 going into liquidation.

Using business intelligence software Endole, data shows 6,877 businesses opened within the five year window, with only nine reporting closure.

Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director at Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA), believes this shows the town to be a prime location for entrepreneurs.

“This latest report highlights Reading as a hotspot for talented entrepreneurs and a location which nurtures successful business growth,” he said.

“Of the nearly 7,000 new businesses constituted in Reading between 2017 and 2022, just 0.13% failed, underlining strong economic growth factors such as a skilled workforce, excellent connectivity, diverse

business ecosystems and a strong demand for goods and services locally, as well as the creativity within the diverse business environment.”

Elsewhere in the country, Stoke-on-Trent lands in second place with 6,228 new businesses opening in the last five years and 13 reported closures.

Plymouth is in third place with just 0.27% of new businesses struggling to survive, followed by Welsh capital Cardiff with just 58 closures.

Scottish capital, Edinburgh, also makes the top five places for successful businesses, with a closure rate of 0.41%.

The data reveals Southampton is the place with the highest number of closures in comparison to openings since December 2017, with 162 of these businesses ceasing trading.

Sheffield is next with 3% of closures, followed by Birmingham at 2.04% and Leeds at 1.80%.

Despite having the highest number of new business openings overall, with 35,525, Manchester is also on this list, as 622 of these companies closed down within five years.

The city of London saw seeing 1.38% of closures among news businesses that launched.

Blandy & Blandy welcome Paul

A SOLICITORS in Reading has welcomed a new face to its ever-growing team

Paul Wilkinson has joined Bland & Blandy’s award-winning commercial property department as a senior associate solicitor.

He has joined from another firm in Reading and has nearly 20 years’ of experience in advising on commercial property matters.

He said: “I am delighted to have joined the firm’s highly regarded commercial property team.

“I am very much looking forward to working with my new colleagues, who are recognised for their knowledge and expertise in both Chambers UK and The Legal 500, and contributing to the future success of the team.”

Katja Wigham, partner and team head of the Friar Street-based solicitors, added: “We are delighted to welcome

Paul as a senior member of our commercial property team.

“His experience and local knowledge will further strengthen our excellent team.”

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

Mr Horton-Baker believes REDA’s support of local business is one of the factors which makes Reading so successful when compared to some major cities.

He explained: “REDA has supported new business development in recent years by funding initiatives such as the Rebel Business School, which teaches people how to start a new business, business masterclasses and Thames Valley Berkshire LEP Growth Hub’s programmes for Start Up and High Growth.”

This year will see REDA rolling out more start-up training for local people, taking training and advice into the heart of our local communities.

This will be supported by mentoring advice from local business people, who will watch over the developing business and offer advice and practical guidance to help ensure success.

REDA is continuing its work with the Berkshire Growth Hub thanks to funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund – providing start up guidance for new business and expert advice for high growth companies.

Networking opportunity

THE business community of Woodley will love their February meeting … it’s a chance to do some matchmaking.

Members of the Woodley Business Club are to hold a face-to-face networking event on Valentine’s Day –Tuesday, February 14.

The event runs from 8am at Coffee #1 in the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct and is a chance for members to introduce their business, explain what they need help in to help it to grow, and then hopefully find ways to make that happen with a perfect match.

There will also be opportunities for networking in smaller groups.

Places should be booked in advance.

n For more details, log on to: woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

NEW FACE: Paul Wilkinson has joined the team at Blandy & Blandy Picture: Blandy & Blandy

SeveninTenParentsintheSouthEastHave

Afternoon tea to raise funds for Berkshire MS charity

A POP-UP cafe event in Sindlesham will raise funds for a Berkshire charity.

Proceeds from The Sparkling Afternoon Tea with all proceeds supporting the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.

The Reading-based centre provides a number of specialised therapies and a social space for people with Multiple Sclerosis across Berkshire. It receives no NHS funding and relies solely on donations.

Following a successful event last year, the charity is hoping to raise more than £2,000 this time around.

Kim Williams, community and events fundraiser, said: “Last year’s event had such a lovely atmosphere and it was wonderful to see so many people after covid had kept us apart for so long.

“As well as being such a friendly event, it will help us raise the funds we need to support local people with MS.”

This year, the charity is expecting to provide more than 10,000 treatments this year and will need to raise £400,000 to do so.

Ms Williams added: “With costs rising, we are under real pressure.

“We know that times are tough for everyone at the moment but we hope to bring some fun this year. Everyone is welcome so please bring your friends and family.”

The event takes place in the Flavell suite at Sindlesham Court on Saturday, May 20, from 2pm to 5pm.

Tickets cost £25 and can be purchased online.

n For more information, or to reserve a tea, visit: bmstc.org/afternoontea2023

Triangle Players discover a castaway in their midst

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE WORLD’S most famous castaway is coming to Tilehurst in a new production of Daniel Defoe’s classic, Robinson Crusoe.

The Triangle Players will be bringing the famous novel to life, but not as we know it, as it’s the subject of their annual panto, which will see the titular Crusoe castaway on a desert island.

The production follows his trials as he recounts his encounters with the native inhabitants of the island and his tribulations of survival.

It will star Christine Mather as Crusoe, Tracy Harrison as Emily, Barrie Davies as Auntie Chrissie, and Bruce Thomas as Captain Birdseye.

It also features Vicky Barber as Bill, and Lewis Gilbert as Jim.

The production will also see Lewis taking on directorial duties in his debut in the role.

Ms Mather said: “It’s a classic, and a very funny production which really has something for everyone.

“Lewis has taken over from the

previous director of the production, and has really stepped unto the breach.

“He’s done a marvellous job, and we’re very glad to have him.”

She says that the Triangle Players have been running since the mid-1940s: “Back when it was originally called a social and recreational club.

“But the boys’ club put on a short, one-hour play, which went down so well that they began putting on shows once a year.”

Now the company is continuing the tradition with three shows a year, including their pantomimes in January and February, followed by plays in spring and autumn.

The Triangle Players are also currently seeking new acting talent.

“We’re always looking to recruit new members. We have readthrough auditions in mid-February for our next show, which anybody is welcome to come along to.

“No experience is necessary, you’ll gain it as you go, and we’re

very welcoming.”

The Players meet at 7.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at the hall behind the Methodist church on School Road.

Robinson Crusoe runs at the hall behind the Methodist church on School Road on tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday, and again on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4.

n For more information on joining the players or to book tickets, visit: www.triangleplayers.co.uk

SET SAIL FOR TILEHURST: The Triangle Players will be bringing the work to life in their annual panto for 2023, which will see the titular Crusoe castaway on a desert island. Picture: Lesley-Anne Collins/ The Triangle Players

Former bookies could become a pizza restaurant

PIZZAS could be served from a former bookies in Tilehurst if permission is granted by writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

The Coral betting shop in Norcot Road closed in 2020, and a licensing application has been submitted to Reading Borough Council for the site by Vesuvio Pizzeria Ltd.

Vesuvio translates to Vesuvius, and is the volcano that infamously erupted destroying the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneam and other settlements in 79 AD.

The firm has applied to sell food and soft drinks indoors and outdoors until 2am seven days a week, and to sell alcohol from 11am to 11.30pm.

Although a licensing

Whitley resident captures Fobney flooding

AN AMATEUR photographer has captured the dramatic change experienced by a particular part of Whitley during recent flooding, writes Ji-Min Lee.

David Turner took to Fobney Nature Reserve on January 16 to find much of it submerged after heavy showers.

Sandwiched between the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal, the nature reserve is a wetland protected area which has been lowered to be in connection with the River Kennet at various times of the year.

application has been submitted, no planning application to change the use of the building from a bookkeepers into a restaurant takeaway has been made yet.

In August 2020, a plan was approved to convert the betting shop into offices, under reference 200766, but this did not take place.

A separate plan was submitted to convert the ground floor of 20 Norcot Road into a two-bedroom flat, under reference 210433, but no decision is visible on the council’s planning portal.

Comments on the application can be made until Wednesday, February 1, by emailing: licensing@reading. gov.uk

This was carried out as part of a project which involved the Environment Agency and Reading Borough Council in 2011 and has improved the site for birds, bats, fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Mr Turner, who is the curator of the Whitley Community Museum and member of the Friends of Fobney Island Wetland Nature Reserve group, said the change was not something he initially wanted.

“I didn’t want it,” he said.

“I couldn’t picture all these fields which I walk in to see the deer and foxes in the mornings, I couldn’t bear to lose all that magic.

“But now I’m over the moon, it’s absolutely fantastic.

“They made the right decision.”

Inspector says no to 5G phone mast plan

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A PLAN to build a 5G mast directly in front of playing fields in Emmer Green has been rejected for a second time.

CK Hutchison, the company that owns the Three mobile network, was hoping to install the 15-metre construction in front of the Emmer Green playing fields, at the junction of Grove Road and Kidmore End Road.

Reading Borough Council rejected it, and an appeal has been dismissed.

The mast would have been located opposite the Black Horse pub, where a group of neighbours who objected to the mast held a meeting to organise their opposition. As part of their protest, they planted wildflowers on the site.

Planning officers argued it would detract from the visual amenity and appearance of the surrounding area, and that Hutchison failed to provide evidence of whether the mast could be placed anywhere else.

These arguments were accepted in the appeal.

The appeal was lodged last September, but it was dismissed

by government planning inspectors on Friday, December 23.

The inspector wrote: “The proposed development would appear incongruous within the open street scene, impacting upon the character and appearance of the area. A condition to finish the proposed development in grey would not sufficiently ameliorate the impact.”

And the argument that not enough investigation into alternative sites had taken place was upheld, as only four sites had explored.

As 5G masts are considered permitted development according to national planning law, there are only a few ways for such plans to be refused.

These are the siting,

appearance and availability of alternative locations for a proposed mast – all mentioned in the appeal dismissal.

The inspector said while the benefits that 5G technology provides are ‘essential’, these would not outweigh the ‘substantial harm’ to the character and appearance of the area if the mast were to be installed.

A spokesperson for Three mobile said: “We accept the Inspector’s decision. We will look at the area again and work with the Planning Authority to try and find a site so we can roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network to the local community.”

The refused application can be found by typing reference 220638 into the council’s planning portal.

TRANSFORMATION: The former Coral betting shop at 20 Norcot Road,

Picture: Google Maps/LDRS

David Turner took some striking snaps of flooding at Fobney Island Wetland Nature Reserve – and compared them to some of his previous pictures

FLASHBACK: Residents have planted lavenders and wildflowers on the site where the 5G mast is proposed in Emmer Green.

Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

Call for action after speed tracker triggered more than 114,000 times

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

RESIDENTS of an east Reading street are calling for safety measures to be installed after a number of traffic incidents, and a temporary speed cam was triggered more than 114,000 times in a fortnight.

St Bartholomew’s Road, which is next to Palmer Park, connects Wokingham Road with the A4 London Road, and is a key route to access the A329m.

The collisions, residents say, have led to cars being written off, leading them to ask Reading Borough Council to take action.

Reading’s Green Party, which has three councillors representing Park Ward where St Barts’ Road is situated, have collected a petition which states: “Cars frequently drive too fast on St Bartholomew’s Road, which has a 20mph speed limit. It is not uncommon for the cars at the side of the road to be driven into and recently a driver rolled their car over.

“Reading Council please can you tackle speeding on St Bartholomew’s Road.”

The petition has received 64 signatures and was presented by Dr Melissa Marselle at a meeting of the council’s traffic

management subcommittee held on Thursday, January 12.

“The narrowness of the road can make passing very tight, and this poses a danger to road users,” she said.

“In October last year, these conditions led to a serious car crash on St Bartholomew’s Road which resulted in the car being flipped on its side after it crashed into two parked cars.

“This resulted in two fire engines and an ambulance coming to rescue the person out of their car.”

She stated a temporary road

speed sign was installed for two weeks and was triggered more than 114,000 times.

“In light of these concerns, 64 local residents signed a petition requesting the council investigate road safety, I urge you to take their concerns seriously,” she continued.

Green Party Reading leader and member for Park ward, Cllr Rob White, said: “One resident contacted me to tell me his daughter’s car has been written off not once, but twice.”

He added that Greens successfully campaigned

Outstanding! Kendrick pupils celebrate top marks from Ofsted

STAFF and pupils at a Reading grammar school are celebrating after it was rated ‘Outstanding’ by school’s inspector Ofsted, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter

Kendrick School is an all-girls grammar school on London Road, and its pupils were lauded in the report, notably for their loyalty to the school pledge, which states: “We, the students and friends of Kendrick School, pledge to uphold the values of friendship, kindness and respect.

“We promise to stand against prejudice, ignorance and injustice in all its forms, promoting the values of equality, tolerance and justice for all.”

Inspectors noted that pupils respect and exemplify the values in the pledge.

The report states: “Pupils love being here. Attendance is high, pupils are punctual and lessons are free from any low-level disruption.”

Teachers received praise for treating pupils as individuals, using assessment discussion and debate to encourage pupils and sixth formers to apply their learning in different contexts and deepen their knowledge.

The school’s accommodation of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils was also acknowledged through its

Jazz night

A REGULAR music night is inviting attendees to sing with a live jazz band.

The Butler is hosting its first Jazz Singers’ night of 2023, a monthly gig which sees singers join the house band.

It aims to foster a friendly, supportive atmosphere which allows singers to perform and gain valuable experience with a live band on stage.

Originally started in 2013 by Fluer Stevenson, the event is free to attend and runs on the fourth Thursday of every month.

The event takes place at the Chatham Street venue from 8pm.

n For more information, contact Ms Stevenson via: fleur@fleurstevensonjazz.co.uk

Payday swing

to bring the speed limit down to 20mph in the road and suggested community infrastructure levy funding from developments could be spent on safety measures on the road.

Cllr Tony Page stated that the council only has power to install traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and chicanes.

He said: “I’d venture to guess even if we did put humps in St Bartholomew’s there would still be problems.”

Enforcement of speeding

is reserved for the police, he continued, with some London councils being granted the power to fine people for exceeding speed limits as well.

He said: “We would like to have those powers, we are lobbying for those powers.

“We would like to do more, physical measures can only do so much.”

Councillors agreed to add to the road to the council’s ‘Requests for Traffic Management Measures’ list so a solution to the issue can be considered.

THE PURPLE Turtle is celebrating payday with a swing.

Starting tonight, The Ding Dong Daddios will be ringing in the end of the month with a blend of jump jive and swing, performed live by the quintet. The band hand-picks vintage songs to evoke nostalgia through trombone solos and doo-wop harmonies.

Payday Swingday with the Ding Dong Daddios takes place at the Gun Street bar tonight with free entry.

n For more information and for further dates, visit: whatsonreading.com

SEND co-ordinator, who was credited for carefully identifying pupils’ needs and shares useful information with staff.

Inspectors observed that SEND pupils are achieving in line with their peers and are very well supported.

During the visit, inspectors also spoke with parents, with one saying: “The school does a great job of creating well-rounded, kind, human beings who will hopefully go on to make the world a better place.

“The academic results are

important of course, but far from the only focus.”

The school was ranked Oustanding in all areas, defined as ‘quality of education’, ‘behaviour and attitudes’, personal development’, ‘leadership and management’ and ‘sixth form provision’.

The inspection report was published on January 13 following the visit on November 8 and 9, 2022.

Kendrick School has 868 pupils on the roll, of which 284 are on the roll for the sixth form.

CALL FOR ACTION: Proof of a car being rolled over in St Bartholomews Road, Reading. Picture: Bob Hughes/LDRS

HAPPY DAYS: Pupils and headteacher Christine Kattirtzi celebrate an Outstanding OFSTED at Kendrick School Picture: Lynne Shaw Photography

Reading Fetish Social AGM date

READING Fetish Social is set to select its committee members at its annual general meeting following a group event.

As well as giving members a chance to meet each other, the event will see applicants who wish to volunteer for the committee elected to the roles.

Reading Fetish Social aims to be a safe space to discuss kink and fetishes, especially but not limited to those in the LGBTQ+ community.

It will take place at The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street, from 4pm on Sunday, with the AGM following at 7pm.

For more information, visit Animagi CIC’s Instagram page: @animagicic

Rigsby at The Vic

A TILEHURST pub is welcoming a band to kick the postChristmas blues.

The dynamic covers band Rigsby will be performing at The Victoria for the first time.

Rigsby brings a repertoire which includes Pulp, The Killers, The Who, Blur, The Jam, and Paul Weller.

The band is also on the line-up for the Reading Fundraiser for the people of Ukraine set to take place in June.

Rigsby play at the Norcot Road pub, on Saturday, February 4, from 8.30pm.

John Sykes Foundation donates covid grant to Reading Mencap

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A GROUP that helps people with learning disabilities is the latest to receive a Covid-19 grant from a Reading-based charitable foundation.

Members of Reading Mencap were presented with a donation just before Christmas, courtesy of the John Sykes Foundation.

Founder John Sykes visited the day centre and offices of the charity, which works to improve the lives of children, adults, and families with a learning disability, to find out more about its work, and give £920 to Steph Dewar, head of business development, and Charlie Macdonald, principal care support worker, alongside service users of the Mencap Enables Service.

The grant will be used to hold two events for unpaid carers in the local area.

The charity celebrated its 60th anniversary last year and provides multiple services including Family Support, which helps families and individuals with free specialist information, advice, advocacy and in-depth casework.

Their five Family Advisers help around 400 people each year to navigate and manage

problems with education, benefits, social care, debt, housing, and health.

A weekly social and leisure club for adults with learning disabilities is also held on site, along with a monthly disco, performing arts workshops, a community choir, and outings for young carers.

Marie-Claire Dillon, Reading Mencap’s fundraising manager, said: “These activities reduce isolation and provide muchneeded respite for families.

“Mencap Enables is our Day Activity Service, consisting of

full-day group activities and care for 50 adults with Learning Disabilities who are unable to work due to their disability.

“The activities promote choice, health and wellbeing, and develop independence skills.”

Reading Mencap have also recently formed the new Reading and West Berkshire Carers Partnership with CommuniCare, Age UK Reading and Age UK Berkshire to provide carers with information and advice.

They will utilise the grant

VOLUNTEER CORNER

from the John Sykes Foundation to hold two free-of-charge events for unpaid carers in Reading.

Ms Dillon said: “This year we have hosted two free-of-charge afternoon tea events for family carers of people with learning disabilities.

“These have been very popular and feedback from the carers is that they would like more similar events; they have also suggested pottery painting as an activity.

“We would like to offer two events including a pottery

THE South Central Ambulance Charity raises funds to support South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS).

All the money raised by the charity is used to fund services, projects and equipment that is not supplied by Government NHS funding.

Without the money they raise people in our communities would have to wait longer for help which could affect their recovery.

They are seeking more Community First Responder volunteers in the Lower Earley, Whitley and Shinfield area.

Community First Responders provide essential life-saving treatment and support in those crucial minutes before the ambulance crews arrive.

When a 999 call is received in the Emergency Operations Centre, an ambulance response is dispatched. At the same time, a first responder on-call in that area, can be alerted and asked to attend the incident to ensure that help reaches the patient as quickly as possible.

No previous medical training or experience is required as they will provide this.

n Ridgeline Trust helps people to learn new skills, regain lost skills and improve mental and physical health in their beautiful garden in East Reading.

They are currently seeking volunteers to join them as Horticultural Therapy support volunteers.

Tasks include: Help encourage clients to carry out gardening activities, support individual clients or small groups to carry out gardening activities under the guidance of the Horticultural Therapists, develop and maintain a relationship of trust and mutual respect with the clients you support and more.

painting session and an afternoon tea. Invitations to the events will be available to all unpaid carers within the newly formed partnership, not just carers of people with learning disabilities.

“We know that sometimes carers have no one else to care for their dependent to be able to attend activities like these, so we will give carers the option of bringing their dependent with them if they wish.”

John Sykes said he had been “enormously inspired” by the dedication that family carers give their loved ones with a learning disability.

“Many of these carers are unsung heroes and provide care and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, especially since the pandemic, with respite and care services having to close,” he said.

“The cost-of-living crisis will add extra pressure.

“Our Foundation hope that this grant enables the carers to get together and enjoy themselves.”

n For more information on Reading Mencap and the services they provide, log on to: https:// www.readingmencap.org.uk/ n For more details on the work on the foundation, log on to: www. johnsykesfoundation.org

n Assisting Berkshire Children to Read (ABC to Read) is an award winning charity that supports children who are struggling to read by finding, training and supporting volunteers to work with them in primary schools around Berkshire.

They are looking for caring volunteers to become reading helpers, boosting student’s confidence and helping them directly in one-to-one sessions outside of the classroom environment to give students the opportunity to catch up.

If you enjoy reading and want to help children gain one the most essential skills for success in life, then please join ABC to Read. Sign up now for the next volunteer training sessions.

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.

SUPPORT: Reading Mencap members with John Sykes celebrating a Covid-19 grant from the charitiable foundation

PUBLICNOTICES

APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

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

221506: 1015 Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6TL - Proposed erection of a new block of 12 number flats, following demolition of existing dwelling.

APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEPARTURE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

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

221916: Former Debenhams Department Store, West of Yield Hall Place, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AS - Mixed use development comprising part demolition of former department store and erection of new building comprising up to 202no. build to rent residential dwellings (Class C3) and 1,209 sqm commercial uses within Uses Class E and / or bar (Sui Generis Use). Reconfiguration and change of use of up to 5,866 sqm remaining department store floorspace (Class E) to uses with within Use Class E and / or bar (Sui Generis Use) and / or experiential leisure use (Sui Generis Use). Associated public realm, infrastructure works and external alterations to shopping centre, including creation of new shopping centre entrance.

221917: Existing Vue Cinema Complex, Land West of Yield Hall Place / London Road, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG - Mixed use development comprising demolition of existing buildings and erection of new building comprising up to 247 no. build-to-rent residential dwellings (Class C3) and up to 3,046 sqm commercial floorspace comprising cinema (Sui Generis) and ground floor commercial uses within Use Class E and /or Bar (Sui Generis Use). Associated public realm and infrastructure works.

APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS

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

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

221916: Former Debenhams Department Store, West of Yield Hall Place, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AS – as above.

221917: Existing Vue Cinema Complex, Land West of Yield Hall Place / London Road, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG – as above.

http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

Jen Brister challenges herself with The Optimist... ‘You could get a little bit jaded’

“I loved travelling abroad... now I can’t be bothered.”

With her headline tour now underway, Jen Brister speaks to JAKE CLOTHIER about pride, performing, and the point of no return for a gag

JEN BRISTER has just set out on her latest string of stand-up dates with her headline tour, The Optimist, kicking off in her home city of Brighton.

She says that she loves living by the sea: “I mean that never gets old, it’s so lovely.

“Brighton is liberal, easy-going, and it’s kind of got everything I need on my doorstep, the Downs, the cafes, the bars, theatres, and comedy.

“I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, which was my biggest fear when I moved out of London.”

The tour is called The Optimist, which is a slightly misleading title considering the oft-disappointed angle her stand-up can take, which Jen readily admits.

“It’s not something you’d associate with my stand-up, optimism, and I was struggling to find anything to be optimistic about,” she says.

“So I thought that I would write a show called that and anyone who’s seen me doing stand-up will find it funny because I’m usually quite cynical.”

The optimism about Brighton, is hard won: “I think you could get a little bit jaded about where you live.

“And then you travel the country and you think ‘yeah I’m very happy with it, actually.’

“There’s very few places in this country that I haven’t been to over the years, because I’ve been doing stand up for such a long time, touring, but also before that I was a jobbing circuit comedian.

“But as you get older, the novelty does become lessened.”

She says that as a slightly younger comedian: “I really enjoyed the travelling side of stand-up – I thought it was so exciting to be able to go to different places every weekend.

“I loved travelling abroad, performing in places like Australia, South-east Asia, around Europe– now I can’t be bothered.

“It takes it out of you, not really sitting still that long, so it’s both a privilege and a pain in the rear end.”

Jen performed at South Street Arts Centre in September, a show which sold out almost as quickly as it was

announced, and is returning to the venue on Friday, February 3.

“There used to be a club night there that I performed at a few times – I think it was there for a couple of years, but it wasn’t always that busy.

“But the audience was really great; Some places can feel like they’ll be grim but Reading is up for it, which, as a comedian0, is great.”

Having an audience willing to take leaps with a comedian can lead to material which takes risks, she says.

“My audience tends to sort of trust me enough to know that even if they’re feeling like we’re in unsafe territory, ultimately it works out in the end.

“And I feel quite fortunate like that, they know I won’t say anything too dreadful and they won’t be walking out.

“But you go to places when you’re touring where you think they want to see you – you want it to be fun.”

The show itself, Jen says, was: “quite a journey– the refining is the bit of the process I really enjoy, with previews,

“When you’re looking at a blank page and you’ve got nothing, it’s the worst – but when you’re rearranging, you’re playing with something that already exists, gagging it up.

“Then you can have fun.”

There’s also an editorial aspect

to the process which she says can be difficult: “Sometimes you get attached to material which just never really lands that well.

“And you have to say that you’ve flogged a dead horse long enough.”

For many performers, she says: “There’s always a piece of material that you’re like ‘I know there’s something here, but I for whatever reason, it’s just not working.’

“Sometimes you get to the point where you have to leave it, but maybe you come back to it, maybe five or six years later, and boom– you find it.

“Sometimes it comes to you on stage, and sometimes you just have to drop it in the bin.”

Whatever the jokes, though: “It has to come, for me, from a place of honesty.

“I made a decision early on when I started that whatever I chose to do it would have to come from that place of truth.

“For me to do that meant being upfront about my sexuality, for example, which I got a bit of stick for in those days.

“People always asked why I mentioned being a lesbian, why I made a ‘big deal’ about it, why it was important.

“And I don’t think I knew how to respond then, but why not?”

Now she says that visibility is important: “It’s important not only to make sure that not just other queer people are able to see me and feel safe and know that they’re not alone.

“But to normalise it to other people that might fear it– they’re confronted by the fact that I’m making them laugh, and suddenly that fear disappears because we’re making a connection.

Now more than ever, she says: “We have the privilege to disappear, even with this ‘war’ against woke.

“What does that mean? It means ‘we fear difference,’ and that fear is at war against society – it’s a nonsense.

“As a performer, whether you’re in a band, an artist, a comedian, doing it with pride is so important.”

“And I choose to do that not only because I can, and because I absolutely want to, but because I have to.”

n While Jen Brister’s live tour dates have sold out in Reading, you can find her other upcoming tour dates including those in Oxford, London, Aldershot, and Brighton, online at: www.jenbrister.co.uk/tour/, or sign up to the mailing list to hear about future dates.

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Songs of strange lands at The Hexagon

A SONG In A Strange Land promises drama, humour and gospel music.

A live band and original songs tell the story of a family whose hopes and dreams are under pressure.

Parabole Productions present this new show in conjunction with Parkside Community SDA Fellowship.

The event takes place at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Saturday at 7pm.

Tickets cost £14, or £12 for students.

n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com, or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

Tales of the unexpected

TOOTHPASTE Kisses, is Three Dot Theatre’s latest piece, a story about keeping going when it doesn’t seem possible.

The one-man show tells the story of a young man who stumbles through parenthood after an unexpected incident changes everything.

Described as a touching story about growing up, the event takes place at South Hill Park, Bracknell, from Wednesday, February 1 through to Saturday, February 4.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with tickets at £11, or £6 for concessions.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Sinfonia return to South Hill Park

LED BY Philip Ellis, West Forest Sinfonia presents a concert of chamber music.

The programme includes: The Elmfield Trio, Mozart’s Trio no.6 in C major, Shostakovich’s Trio no.1 and Dvorak’s Trio in F minor.

The event at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, takes place on Sunday, February 5.

Doors open at 4.30pm, with tickets available for £10.50.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell

THE

It stars Miles Jupp (A Very British Scandal, Mock The Week) and Justin Edwards (The Thick of It, 1917).

A banker and his lodger devise a cunning plan to steal gold bullion, in the

A celebration of PG Wodehouse

WODEHOUSE In Wonderland, is based on the life and writings of P. G. Wodehouse, and stars Robert Daws.

Cahoots Theatre Company’s production sees Plum, as he’s known, trying to write the latest instalment of Jeeves and Wooster.

But his wife, his daughter, and even his two Pekingese pets have other ideas.

Fun and laughter are promised in this story, and possibly a darker story will be told.

Wodehouse In Wonderland can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, from Thursday, February 2, through to Saturday, February 4.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with tickets at £22, £27, and £29 depending

Henley –

Kenton Theatre

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

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

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 26. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat 28. Cirque: The Greatest Show. Fri 28-Sun 29. Buffy Revamped. Wed 1.

An Evening of Burlesque. Thurs 2. David O’Doherty: Whoa Is Me. Thurs 2. Jim

Davidson: Not Yet Cancelled. Fri 3. Friends Brunch. Sat 4. Tap Factory. Sat 4. The Story of Guitar Heroes. Sun 5.

crime of the century.

They broke the bank, lost the cargo, but now they’re back – and only fools could mess it up.

The play can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, from Thursday, January 26 through to Saturday, January 28.

on seats, and concessions at £12.

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

Tour the Isles in an evening

THE Watermill Theatre unveils its new production, a play that celebrates Bryson’s travelogue, and the quirks of the nation.

The book, Notes From A Small Island, saw Bryson travel through Britain, from Calais to Scotland.

Tim Whitnall’s stage adaptation brings Bill’s comic journey to life and asks why the nation that produced Marmite and Gardener’s Question Time and loves a cup of tea, holds such a special place in the American’s heart?

The production runs from Friday,

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Greatest Songs From The Movies. Thurs 27. Paul Jones and Dave Kelly. Fri 28. Art Themen: Thane and the Villeins.

Sat 29. Sherlock Holmes: Valley of Fear. Tues 31-Wed 1. The Great Canadian Song Book. Thurs 2.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

National Theatre Live: The Crucible. Thurs 26. Flo

Perlin, Daisy Chute and Fern Maddie. Fri 27. Tom Houghton: Absolute Shambles. Fri 27. Mozart

Birthday Concert with St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat 28. Spandau Too. Thurs 2. Tomorrow Bird.

Fri 3. Mike Bubbins: Throwback. Sat 4.

NT Live: The Crucible. Thurs 26.

Sweet Caroline: A Tribute to Neil Diamond. Sat 28. The Chosen Haram. Thurs 2. Nick Cope Family Music. Sat 4. The Dolly Show. Sat 4.

Newbury –

The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Notes From A Small Island. Fri 3-Sat Mar 18.

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

Tom Houghton: Absolute Shambles. Thurs 26. Babtune

Aleshe: Babahood. Fri 27. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 28. Dis-Beat-Es by Paul O’Donnell. Wed 1. Jen Brister: The Optimist. Fri 3.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with matinées on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £32, £35, and £39 depending on seat location.

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

February 3, through to Saturday, March 18, every day except Sundays.

Performances at the Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, are at 7.30pm, with matinées on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £33 and £26 depending on seats, with concessions at £23 and £30.

n For tickets and information visit: www. watermill.org.uk, or call the box office: 01635 46044

Never the president

THE Bobby Kennedy Experience looks at the life of the most famous man never to become President.

Robert Francis Kennedy, younger brother of US President John F. Kennedy was referred to as the runt of the Kennedy litter and the one least likely to succeed.

Reading –

The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Sara Pascoe: Success Story. Thurs 26. Lost In Music: One Night at the Disco. Fri 27. A Song In A Strange Land. Sat 28. American Superslam Wrestling. Sun 29. Happy Hour Live. Thurs 2. NT Live: The Crucible. Fri 3. Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Sat 4.

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

Chinese New Year Celebration – SOLD OUT. Sun 29.

Reading –Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

NEXT SHOW: The Lonesome West. Mar 3-11.

But Bobby proved to be a formidable force in America, picking up the Kennedy project after his brother’s murder, crusading for civil rights, climate change, and alternative fuels and, finally, for the American Presidency itself.

The play can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in The Mill Studio.

Performances on Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27 are at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £18, with concessions at £12.

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

An evening of classical music

AS PART of South Hill Park Arts Centre’s Conservatoire International Concert Series, pianist Yoon Chung will perform.

The Korean-born pianist, former scholar at The Purcell School and winner of many international awards, brings a programme of music by Brahms, Ravel, and Schubert.

The event promises to be a must for lovers of great piano music.

The concert takes place at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, on Friday, January 27, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £16.50, £12.50 for concessions, and £5.50 for children.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Back to the 70s

THE Sounds Of The 70s live tribute show promises an evening of glam rock, prog rock, motown and disco.

In a performance that celebrates music legends from the decade, audiences can expect to hear hits from Abba, T.Rex, Queen, Bowie, and Mud.

The Sweet, Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones, Chic and other Seventies legends’ songs will also be covered, along with music from Grease, Saturday Night fever and The Rocky Horror picture show.

Sounds Of The 70’s is performed at The Mill At Sonning, on Sunday, February 5. The bar is open from 6pm, with dinner starting at 6.15pm and the performance at 8.15pm.

Tickets 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

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

Sonning

The Mill

4. Fastlove. Sun 5. Ben Portsmouth: This Is Elvis. Tues 7-Wed 8.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Home, I’m Darling. Until Sat

Wokingham

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

Ladies In Lavender. Until Sat 28. Wokingham Lions Comedy Night. Fri 3.

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

Wokingham Film Society: Olga (15). Thurs 26.

Anything Goes Theatre Company: More More More! Sat 4-Sun 5.

Woodley –Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

2023 programme to be announced.

LAVENDER Hill Mob is a dose of comedy escapism, based on a classic Ealing film.

First line-up for 2023 Henley Festival revealed

HENLEY Festival has announced its star-studded line-up for the UK’s only black-tie festival, which returns this summer, presented by Westcoast.

After celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, the festival has now released the list of who will be performing at the event, set to take place from Wednesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 9.

Rock ‘n’ roll legends Nile Rodgers and Chic will be among the headline acts taking to the Floating Stage, as well as Westlife, Rag’n’Bone Man, Ben Portsmouth, and The Ministry of Sound Classical.

One of last year’s highlights, Boney M, will be returning by popular demand with original lead singer Liz Mitchell and accompaniment from a 15-piece band.

The festival will also feature performances from electro-pop giant Robyn, Charlotte Campbell, Palace Avenue, Robin Porter, TRIONIQ, and The Kanneh-Mason Trio.

Henley Festival also offers a wide array of performances and exhibits including live comedy, art, and sculpture exhibitions across the site.

This year’s comedy offerings include stand-up stalwart Jo Brand, multi-award winning Marcus Brigstocke, TV-regular Chris McCausland, and awardwinning writer and former doctor Adam Kay.

This year’s visual arts showcase will feature exhibits from Panter & Hall, Woolff Gallery, Turner Perspective, Maria Morrow, and Morag Caister.

There will also be performances by Stuff & Nonsense, The Extraordinary Gentleman, and MC Grammar.

Henley Festival is bringing back its charitable initiative RISE after last year’s event saw it bringing emerging talent into the spotlight across the festival.

Young musicians and visual artists are showcased at the event alongside

Gripping historical court drama from Progress

The Welkin Progress Theatre Until Saturday progresstheatre.co.uk

PROGRESS Theatre continues its 76th season with the first of its productions for 2023, The Welkin.

Written by Lucy Kirkwood, the play follows the plight of Sally Poppy, a young woman accused of a bloody, gruesome murder.

After she claims she is pregnant, and as her fate seems increasingly sealed by the systems of justice in the mid-1700s, a jury of 12 women is assembled to judge whether she is telling the truth.

The production follows the careful and often frantic deliberation of the jury as they grapple with her caustic, misanthropic attitude and the unreliablity of 18th century medical practises.

Elizabeth Luke, a put-upon midwife to many of the play’s characters, forms the audience surrogate as she is called upon to complete the jury.

detail on the shine of the courtroom floor, wood panelling, and a singlepane, lead-lined window selling the setting completely.

The set seems to sink into the fabric of the theatre’s stage and evaporate, which is to both its own credit and that of the performances.

Particular attention was paid to how the window adds light to the set, with a particularly well-crafted moment where the evening light shines through to illuminate a character’s face towards the middle of the play.

a work experience programme which supports young people aspiring to work behind the scenes on live events.

One of our highlights from last year, Flo Blue, said that the RISE programme “gave her the platform to showcase her music.

She said also that she had already been asked to perform at other events “off the back of Henley Festival.”

The event is the only black-tie festival in the UK and brings together a floating music stage, visual and modern arts exhibitions, world music, jazz and swing, and live comedy, complete with Michelin-starred chefs and food outlets.

It also features a family funday on the final day of the event with a whole host of activities and interactive shows.

Henley Festival also features fireworks displays through its festival-exclusive partnership with Titanium Fireworks, the team behind displays at London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Tickets to the Henley Festival are now on sale, for patrons, with later priority book ticket releases for friends of the festival.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, February 1. n For full information about ticket releases, or how to become a friend or patron of the festival, visit: www. henley-festival.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

Family fun for all as Twyford Drama turns the Pied Piper into a pantomime

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group

TO watch the Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group perform The Pied Piper of Hamelin was an absolute joy.

Suitable for all ages, there was fun and laughter throughout with singing, dancing and plenty of audience participation. The show started with the cast singing Let Me Entertain You – and they certainly did that.

Looking around the hall, there was a sea of smiling faces.

The cast and crew should be applauded for a pantomime in the truest sense.

The first solo character on stage was the hilarious Frau Pumpernickel (played by Marc Reid) who was a constant throughout the panto. With plenty of puns, jokes and comedy, this performance kept the audience captivated.

With sudden bangs, puffs of smoke, coloured lighting, sound effects and not forgetting a custard pie, there was something for everyone. The enthusiasm of the whole cast can’t be faulted and their obvious enjoyment and passion really

shone through.

Every panto has a “baddie” and this was in the form of Queen Rat, played menacingly by Beth Reynolds.

“Rotten to the core”, her costume and make-up portrayed a sinister villain whose aim was to conquer the sewers, Hamelin and the world.

The costumes and make-up were striking and helped to create the perfect ambience.

With plenty of musicality including the Beatles song She Loves You, the classic Singin’ in the Rain and Eric Idle’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, the vocals were harmonious.

Playing her part very well was Caroline Rose-Newport (Pied Piper), who spoke in rhyme throughout and had a commanding presence. The Mayor Meiserhoffer (played by Mike Higgins) promised the Pied Piper money if the rats would leave Hamelin.

This was achieved by the beautiful playing of a flute, seemingly achieved by the Piper, but actually cleverly played by talented flautist Jenny Preece in the wings.

However, the mayor reneged on his promise and the children of Hamelin were led to the mountains in revenge.

The second half of the panto saw a lot of movement with various cast members running across the stage and down the

aisle to the Benny Hill theme tune. Lots of energy kept it fast-paced, but the action slowed somewhat as the Pied Piper returned to right the wrongs. Again, excellent music by the flautist.

Larger than life, Matty Muddle (played by Jac Rampton) recounted the entire panto very quickly (after misunderstanding a question asked by the mayor) to loud applause.

He should be awarded a medal for his energy alone.

Moo the Cow (played superbly by Joanne Davis) came on to the stage and was upset as she was lost. After teaching four young children (from the audience) to yodel, Moo hears the sound of home and is happy once more.

As with all pantomimes, there was a happy ending with a group of children singing from Musicscool Voices. They were later joined by the entire cast for the finale, which was uplifting.

As the Pied Piper said, “A promise must be kept”.

The cast promised to entertain us and this they did with aplomb.

Outside, it was raining, but inside it was warm and inviting. With a great cast, crew, bundles of humour and good, clean fun, everyone had an enjoyable time.

JANE HAINSWORTH

Initially reluctant, she fears that the girl will hang without a fair judgment and relents so that she may be advocated for.

Ms Luke is excellently portrayed by Stephanie Gunner-Lucas, whose experience shines through as she handles both the fierce morality at the character’s heart and the darkness around the fringes with immense capability.

Emotional beats of the play are carried through with due impact, and more humorous moments are given enough levity to let the production, and the audience, breathe.

Sally herself, the accused, is well portrayed by long-standing member of Progress’ team Poppy Price, with an outlook that modern audiences will likely resonate with.

Price carries the combative, argumentative Sally with plenty of depth, showing glimpses of the difficult youth which has shaped the character effectively.

Despite the size of the cast and the strength of the protagonists’ portrayals, the rest of the cast refuses to blend into the background.

Each of the 11 other members of the jury is introduced to the audience with simple, well-placed snippets that bring out their divergent personalities.

Characters which could in other productions be reduced to mere comic relief or set dressing are realised and brought to the fore in a number of moments throughout.

Even characters such as Sarah Hollis, who is mute, are fully realised, with Liz Carroll’s nuanced physical performance brining a dynamism and personality to the role.

Tom Ripper is also to be commended for his portrayal of Mr Coombs, whose work at the court sees him largely banned from speaking also.

Each and every actor on the stage brings a shine to their character in specific moments, without feeling like they’re pushing through the rest of the cast.

The set design and production work to compliment the cast as best as possible, with a careful attention to

Moments of violence are not common through the play, but well executed and singularly impactful in their use, especially for the baroque cliff-hangar which closes the play’s first half.

Overall, The Welkin has proved to be one of Progress’ strongest productions of the season so far, thanks to the combination of a confident, assured cast and a tense story excellently directed and produced.

While the play is not suitable for a younger audience, its frequently titillating comedy beats and hardhitting moments of violence or revelation are woven together to portray a number of truths about the voice of women in human discourse.

Ruminations on how women are regarded, both historically and in modern times, are at the heart of the play, and carry through the production at all times.

Despite this, the play does not feel dictatorial in its messages about cultural equality, instead more exploratory.

As such, the play is a breath of fresh air in a theatrical world which still often – sadly– requires conceits such as the Bechdel Test, as the vast majority of the play focuses on the plights and interactions of the women.

It is unfortunately striking, though welcome, to see so many female characters explored in such honest, resonant depth, and in all of their flawed humanity.

In this, its comparisons to productions such as Arthur Miller’s The Crucible are well-earned compliments.

Overall, The Welkin sees an accomplished performance, handled with fire and care by all of the ensemble cast, and embellished with fitting staging and determined production.

The Welkin is perfromed at Progress Theatre, The Mount, until Saturday, January 28.

n Tickets are available via: progresstheatre.co.uk/ 2023-the-welkin

Liz Mitchell will return with Boney M when they play Henley Festival alongside Nile Rodgers, Westlife, and Rag’n’Bone Man this summer Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Freeform Jazz at The Fisherman’s

A PUB in Reading is set to host a fortnightly live music event.

Every other Tuesday night, The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side, will be home to live music including blues, jazz, funk, and freeform performance.

It will provide its usual food and drink offerings

The venue is currently also seeking musicians for its events.

Interested musicians can contact the venue through Ian on 0786 625 1216 or Jim on 0778 866 6608.

Live music night will take place every other Tuesday from January 17, with shows on January 31, February 14, February 28, March 14, and March 28.

Wrestling returns

AS PART of its 45th anniversary celebrations, The Hexagon is welcoming wrestling this Sunday.

To mark the big birthday, there will be a special guest appearance from Kendo Nagasaki, one of the biggest names from the golden age of the sport.

Also appearing will be New Zealand superstar Niwa, competing against Oliver Gray in a fight to the finish.

The family-friendly event runs from 3pm on Sunday, January 29, and tickets cost £15, or £11 for under 16s. A family ticket is £44.

n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Welcome to Paris, via a visit to Sonning

I Get Knocked Down ... what happens next?

FOR MANY, the song of 1997 was Things Can Only Get Better, but for others well, it was something else altogether … I Get Knocked Down.

We’ll Always Have Paris Until March 11

The Mill at Sonning 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com

HOT on the heels of the all-singing, all-dancing Top Hat last year, the Mill at Sonning opened its 2023 season in a much more sedate style.

We’ll Always Have Paris is a delightful tale of three ‘Dames Anglaises’ (Mill regular Elizabeth Elvin, Natalie Ogle and Debbie Arnold) who travelled to Paris in early retirement but for three very different reasons.

The cast of just five took

the audience on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and romance all against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.

The only male cast member, Richard Keep, gave a superb portrayal of French singerturned-odd job man Charlot who was given some very entertaining lines, including several attempts at learning and appropriately using a variety of English synonyms and euphemisms, much to the amusement of the audience.

Basienka Blake, making her debut at The Mill, was very convincing as the overbearing French landlady. With some of the dialogue in French, recollections of learning the language in school were needed to make sense of

some of the conversations.

With the entire performance set in Nancy’s (Elizabeth Elvin) apartment there was no need for scene changes.

The passing of hours, days or weeks was effectively depicted through the use of the dimming of lights and the changes of costume and hairstyle.

Making a return to directing, artistic director of The Mill Sally Hughes kept the action moving through various parts of the apartment, from meal preparation to a game of French Monopoly.

A gentle start to what promises to be an exciting and varied programme at The Mill for 2023.

The hit from Leedsbased anarcho-pop band Chumbawamba was everywhere, permeating popular culture like few other tracks in that year of Britpop.

But for the band, getting another hit was tricky. Not quite a one-hit wonder band, the group’s star waned.

And what happened next?

Founding member of the group, Dunstan Bruce, has found out, with an intriguing soul-searching film coming to Reading Biscuit Factory this spring.

On Saturday, March 11, Dunstan will be present for a screening of I Get Knocked Down, which he co-directed with filmmaker Sophie Robinson (My Beautiful Broken Brain).

In the film, he is struggling with

the fact that the world seems to be going to hell in a handcart. Twenty years after his fall from grace, Bruce is angry and frustrated, but how does a retired middle-aged radical get back up again?

In this punk version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Dunstan is visited by the antagonistic ghost of his anarchist past – his alter ego, ‘Babyhead’ – who forces him to question his own life, sending him on a search for his long-lost anarchist mojo.

After the screening, Dunstan will take part in a question and answer session.

Chumbawamba were a British band formed in 1982, and disbanded in 2012, and they drew on genres such as punk, pop and folk.

n Tickets cost £17.60, and are available by searching for ‘I GET KNOCKED DOWN’ on wegottickets.com

French film night this Sunday is non-fiction that’s made up

THE PANGBOURNE Twinning Assosciation is hosting a French film night.

The group will be screening Olivier Assayas’ Doubles Vies (2018), which translates to “Non-Fiction.”

The film stars Guillaume Canet, Juliette Binoche, Vincent Macaigne, Christa Théret, and Nora Hamzawi.

It follows Selena, an actress, and writer Léonard as they

embark upon an affair, in jeopardy of being discovered by Léonard’s thinly-disguised autobiographical novel.

Though Selena’s husband and Léonard’s publisher, Alain, rejects the book as he is embroiled in a triste of his own.

The film is hailed as a humorous portrait of the upper classes as they grapple with “lower class” values.

Double Vies (2018) is rated 15 and contains strong nudity.

The screening will take place at Pangbourne Village Hall on Sunday, January 29, with doors opening at 6.45pm and screening starting at 7.30pm.

Drinks are available and tickets cost £6 per person, payable on the door.

n For more information, contact: 0118 984 4401 or visit: www. pangbourne-twinning.org

Regular jazz night returns to Progress Theatre next weekend

A THEATRE in Reading is set to host its regular evening of live music next weekend.

Jazz at Progress sees musicians take to the stage Progress Theatre in a monthly showcase of live performance.

This month, Gary Willcox will be performing with a project exploring the contribution of drummers to the world of jazz.

The set will include songs by Elvin Jones, Paul Motian, Kenny Clarke, Jack DeJohnette, and Bill Stewart, among others, covering bebop, modal, and 90’s ‘nubop’.

Mr Willcox will be joined as he performs on drums by Chris

Batchelor, who will play trumpet, Oli Hayhurst on bass, Julian Siegel on saxaphones, and Gareth Williams on piano.

Jazz at Progress is set to take place at Progress Theatre, The Mount, on Friday, February 3,

from 7.30pm until 10pm. Tickets cost £18, £16 for concessions, and £9 for under 16s.

n For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ progresstheatre/

JUDITH CREIGHTON

CHEERS: The Mill at Sonning’s first production of 2023 is We’ll Always Have Paris Picture: Andreas Lambis Photography

Dunstan Bruce stars in Chumbawumba film I Get Knocked Down will be shown at Reading Biscuit Factory in March. Tickets are on sale now

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THIS year has got off to a flying start, with so much great music being performed, released and created.

If this is kept up across 2023, we’re going to give us a headache choosing which tracks to present to you each week. What a great problem to have.

As ever, 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.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Gemma Rogers – The Great Escape London-based Gemma came to Reading in

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, January 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. GSMC Music Awards Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Fleur Stevenson’s Jazz Singers Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street. Playground.

READING – Hickies, Friar Street. Hickies Music - Live Showcase with The Meterologists, Amazing Tiger Band, Maddy Chelmis. Details: www.hickies. co.uk/live-lounge

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing: Munboi, Mackenzie, DoeBoyTheWriter. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Ding Dong Daddios: Payday Swingday. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Roseate, The Forbury. Heavy Pop presents The Roseate Sessions with Amya-Ray and James Kell. Details: whatsonreading.com

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace RG1 1DG. RSVP: Open Mic, A night of Poetry, Music and Vibes. Details: 0118 953 0000.

WARFIELD – Spice Lounge, Three Legged Cross, Forest Road RG42 6AE. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01344 421673.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, January 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Aqualine, Myopia, The Station, Indie rock night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Rock n Roll Bingo. Details: 0118 983 2220.

CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane. Candy Rock.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents a wassail with Spriggan Mist and Flutatious. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Crazy P (DJ Set).

Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street

November and performed a great show at The Facebar.

She is clearly a creative emerging talent and it looks like Gemma is going to get the recognition she deserves in 2023.

This song, from her new four-track EP The Great Escape, has even been playlisted on BBC Radio 6 Music and with its infectious melody and clever lyrics it’s not hard to see why.

Take the Great Escape but ‘don’t forget the toothpaste’ – www.gemmarogersmusic.com/

Lonely Robot – Lonely Robot

This is the brainchild of Reading producer John Mitchell.

A song from his latest Lonely Robot album, A Model Life, made our Top 10 of 2022.

On Wednesday, February 8, he has a rare live

RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Breaking Bass. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Lost In Music: One Night At The Disco. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Cellar X launch night: NBO residents and guests. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bruce Juice. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Lord John Band. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road. RG2 Radio presents Caribbean After Work Jam: Ras Ecko, MC Napthali, Micky Roots, RG2 Radio Roadshow.

WINNERSH – The Phesant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Mood Indigo live jazz night with Maxyne Ryan. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Cl, Winnersh, Wokingham RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Spriggan Mist and Flutatious: The Wassail. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five. Details: 0118 977 3706

WOKINGHAM – The Dukes Head, 56 Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Stoney Lane.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. Reckless Blues Band. Details: 01344 778543.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. The Tim Shez Band. Details: 01252 872459.

Saturday, January 28

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Utter Madness. Details: www. bracknellfolk.org.uk

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Bob Villains. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Never Was. Details: 01344 772161.

HENLEY – Kenton Theatre, New Styreet RG9 2BS. Paul Jones and Dave Kelly blues night. Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave

show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall where he and a band of musicians will be performing songs from his five Lonely Robot albums.

This promises to be a very special night and is a good excuse to remind ourselves of this anthem from the debut album Please Come Home – www. facebook.com/LonelyRobotband

Tom Webber

– I’m Yours

In the lyrics from this great single from last year, Tom states that he could ‘hitchhike straight from Reading’ but the good news is that he will actually be in Reading on Saturday, February 4, to headline at the Rising Sun Arts Centre.

It’s one of the Club Velocity promoted shows during Independent Venue Week and it’s well worth going along to see an artist that looks set to be a star of the future – www. tomwebbermusic.com

Flutatious – Spacechick (Mitchell Mix)

Flutatious return to Wokingham Music Club this Saturday (January 27) for a double header Wassail event with Spriggan Mist. This live fave from their Fluctuations EP was mixed by Lonely Robot’s John Mitchell – www.flutatious.co.uk

Cities In Dust – Tornado Road

Indie guitar pop from this Reading band who are at another of Club Velocity’s Independent Venue Week shows at Rising Sun Arts Centre on Friday, February 3 – linktr.ee/citiesindust

Black Star Riders live. 2pm. Details: 0843 2210302.

Adomania – I Always Seem to Break Something (At The Party)

They were No 6 in our best of 2022, and here’s their excellent new single – www.facebook.com/ AdomaniaBand

Marisa And The Moths – Pedestal

An alt-rock anthem with powerful vocals from a band that will be live at Reading’s Purple Turtle on Sunday, January 29, as part of a UK tour – www. marisaandthemoths.com

Darcy Hope – Landslide

Darcy released this beautiful version of the Fleetwood Mac classic in November. She will be playing at the Tom Webber Rising Sun Arts Centre show on February 4 – darceyhope.com/

Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Who’s That Girl?

They were No 3 in our Top 20 of 2022, and they released this new single in December which features their trademark blues rock sound –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 – www.jessesmithuk.com

Street RG1 1PW. SaturGAY. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Cancer Research fundriaser gig: Gezzar Punk, Rage DC, Non Drama, Personal Issue, Drop The Gun. From 5pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Straights. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. A Song In A strange Land. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Pond House, Oxford Road. Far Away Trains.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Skavengers: Help For Zoe Ska special. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Puple Peepshow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading Irish Centre, Chatham Street. Shane and Meryvn. Details: 0118 957 5450.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Definitive Collective.. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Anita Oui’s Suspenders: drag night. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Souped Up. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dead Machines. Details: 0118 957 6930

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Rebel SOS. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Reckless Blues Band. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Sunday, January 29

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Sunday Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Peter Doyle presents … Songwriter Showcase: Helen Wren, Colours and Fires, Maija, Holly Shillito. Noon-5pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar

READING – HMV, The Oracle RG1 2AQ.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Marisa and the Moths. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. 3.30pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night Pete Morton. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Genesis Connected. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, January 30

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, January 31

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Amandas Music Events presents open mic night. Details: 0118 983 2220.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

Wednesday, February 1

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents Pet Needs, Ben Brown, Juliet and the Ragin Romeos. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – South Street arts centre. Dis-Beat-Es by Paul O’Donnell. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 934 0886.

Thursday, February 2

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Bluepers and Support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate Inn, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis night with Mike Nova. Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Fusion 6t. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street. Playground.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The MxX Rock Covers Band. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, February 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. One Last Day, Divide The Truth, The Whiskey Knights Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: D-Funkt. Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: Pip Blom with special guests. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Gary Willcox’s Drummer/ Composer Project ... a celebration of the jazz ‘engine room’. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Genesis: Visible Touch. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. OCD&B. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents: Cities In Dust, This, As Loud As A Mouse. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP.

Genesis Visible Youch: The Shapes Album at 40. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – 3sixty Reading University Students’ Union Reading RG6 6EH.

BBC Introducing Live ft. Maddie Ashman, Emily Craig, Henjila. Booking essential. Details: www.rusu.co.uk/ events

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Cl, Winnersh, Wokingham RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents The Wonder of Stevie: Celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder . Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, February 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Simply Weller. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sound Intentions. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – High Spirits Cocktail Company, Kings Road. Glow Party. Details: Bookings@highspiritscc.com

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jenny Fay and Friends. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents: Tom Webber, Darcey Hope, Uncle Peanut. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skangsters. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Resist launch party. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Paddington. Details: 0118 957 6930

TILEHURST – Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Uptown Traffic. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road. Rigsby. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club tribute to Stevie Wonder. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Kohazi!. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, February 5

PANGBOURNE – Working Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Pangbourne Jazz Club: Simon Bates. 7.30pm £10.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Sounds of the 70s with The Zoots. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super chilled open mic. 3pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

ESCAPE ROUTE: Gemma Rogers at The Facebar Reading Picture: Andrew Merritt

WHAT’SON

Thursday,

January 26

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 – 2 Blagrave Street, RG1 1AZ. Viewpoint Photography Exhibition, a touring exhibition. Under 18s must be accompanied. 10am-3pm. Entry free. Details: 0800 0287338.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

Five Generations at the Fairmile Hospital Talk.

Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL.

Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace RG1 1DG. RSVP: Open Mic, A night of Poetry, Music and Vibes. Details: 0118 953 0000.

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

TILEHURST – Hall behind Methodist Church, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Robinson Crusoe - the pantomime. 7.30pm. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: SCPF Print Critique Evening. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Olga (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Ladies in Lavender. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe

Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road

RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Friday, January 27

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ.

Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. 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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL.

Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.

Tour of Reading Minster Church. 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 – Hall behind Methodist Church, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Robinson Crusoe - the pantomime. 7.30pm. Details: www. triangleplayers.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 – 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 28

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Clarinet and Cake: a celebration concert in support of Reading Bach Choir. 3.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www. readingbachchoir.org.uk

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Street Food Saturday: Funky Pickle. 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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Welkin. 2.30pm and 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. South Street Comedy Club. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SHINFIELD – Parish Council, School Green. Shinfield Parish Council sports and traffic consultations: have your say on new sports provisions and traffic calming measures. 10am-3pm.

SONNING – Pearson Hall, Pearson Road. Woodley and Earley Arts Group presents Flowers in Mixed Media with Soraya French. 9.30am-3.30pm. Booking essential. £30. Details: https://weag.art/

TILEHURST – Hall behind Methodist Church, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Robinson Crusoe - the pantomime. 3pm and 7pm. Details: www.triangleplayers.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre , Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road, RG40 3AL. Corpus Christi Parish Pantomime Group presents Jack and the Beanstalk. £5, in aid of First Days Children’s Charity. 3pm and 7pm. Details: http://beanstalkpanto. eventbrite.co.uk

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 – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5

3LA. Reading Male Voice Choir in concert. £10. 7.30pm. Details: rmvc.net

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Online. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents: The Story of Tutankhamun, a lecture by Dr Garry Shaw. 2pm.

Details: https://www.tvaes. org.uk/Talks.php

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, January 29

PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night - ‘NonFiction’ (15), in French with English subtitles. Contains strong nudity. £6. 6.45pm. Details: 0118 984 4401.

LOWER BASILDON –Hillfields Farm Estate, Park Wall Lane RG8 9PE.

Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Free. 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 – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AG. West Forest Sinfonia orchestral concert: Butterworth: Banks of Green Willow, Elgar: Enigma Variations, Panufnik: Katyn Epitaph, Vaughan Williams: Symphony no. 4. 4.30pm, note time. £15, students £5. Details: 07977 050265 or email tickets@ westforestsinfonia.org

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Chinese School presents celebration of Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. £4.50. 1pm-4pm.

WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road, RG40 3AL. Corpus Christi Parish Pantomime Group presents Jack and the Beanstalk. £5, in aid of First Days Children’s Charity. 3pm. Details: http:// beanstalkpanto.eventbrite. co.uk/

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Chinese New Year celebration 11am-3pm. Free entry. Lion dance at noon. Chinese Rose music performance at 1pm and 2pm. Craft, facepainting, street food, and more. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ lunar-new-year/ 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 30

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.

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 31

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10amnoon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, February 1

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road RG45 7BN. Sandhurst

& Crowthorne Flower Club AGM and supper. 7pm. Details: sandhurstandcrowthorne flowerclub.wordpress.com

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

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe

Mosaic 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

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

WOODLEY –Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

WOODLEY – Crumbs, Library Parade, Crockhamwell Road. Comedy at Crumbs: Matt Richardson, James Ellis, Kathryn Mather, Jonathan Elston. 8pm. Details: www.wegottickets. com/event/561920

Thursday, February 2

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

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 – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Wokingham - People, Planet, Pint: Sustainability Meetup. 6pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting Audio Visual Evening. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Bang Bang Comedy night. 7.30pm. Adults only. Details: Search thelittleboxoffice.com for bangbangcomedy.

Friday, February 3

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.

Jazz at Progress presents Gary Willcox’s Drummer/ Composer Project ... a celebration of the jazz ‘engine room’. 7.30pm. £18, £16 concessions, £9 under 16s, plus booking fee. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

TILEHURST – Hall behind Methodist Church, School Road RG31 5AN.Triangle Players presents Robinson Crusoe - the pantomime. 7.30pm. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Woky Comedy Night organised by Wokingham Lions. 7.30pm. Over 18s only. £17. Details: wokinghamlions.org.uk

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, February 4

CROWTHORNE – The Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Laughter Craft Comedy presents comedy night with Nathan Caton, Tom Deacon, Josh Baulf. 7pm. £14.30.

Details: http://www. laughtercraftcomedy.com/ FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Street Food Saturday: Funky Pickle. From noon. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue,RG8 8BJ. James Kirby in concert. 7pm. £15, Under 17 £10. Details: www. stmaryspurley.org.uk

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market: local produce and businesses. 10am-12.30pm. Details:

0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk.

SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Chance to Dance Stars CIC 10th anniversary party. £35, includes three-course meal, entertainment and more. From 5pm. Details: www. sendanceclub.co.uk

SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Coffee Morning and Mini Market in aid of Thames Valley Animal Welfare. 10.30am-12.30pm. Free entry. Details: 07747 874525.

TILEHURST – Hall behind Methodist Church, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Robinson Crusoe - the pantomime. 3pm and 7pm. Details: www.triangleplayers.co.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct.

Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, February 5

MORTIMER – De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane RG7 3AE. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.

READING – Blue Collar Corner, Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Reading’s Indie Market. 10am-3pm. Free entry.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Repair cafe. 10am.

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road RG40 1SR. Antique and Collectors Fair. 10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.

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

ACROSS DOWN

Poor girl said to be on the French ship (9)

Opening for Georgia and Penny (3)

Inclination of those being taken for a ride? (9,4)

In Italy pick up a dual part (5)

Timothy lazily acting like a mouse (7)

Scoff at Deirdre possibly losing one of her rights (6)

Work with a disease (6)

Soothe infant (not first-born) with a cradle-song (7)

Sam left rotten masthead to the end (5)

In which one doesn’t seem oneself (13)

Letter expressing surprise (3)

Flour we have initially to consume at breakfast, say (9)

1. Go both ways (3)

Got wind of a busybody? (5)

One about to come down in the country (7)

The last Henry’s place (6) 5. Little credit in total for the rugby players (5) 6. Association hesitant with Dutch coin (7)

Insignificant amount of money in the office? (5,4)

Driving a bike on foot (9)

Fall back into another error? (7)

Hardy turned over the books to find the main outlet (7)

Indian city that may be irritating me? (6) 17. Bishop, in giving a shout of pain, gets a pointer (5) 19. A leg I twisted in being nimble (5) 21. Nothing could be found in Manila (3)

EQUALISER:

NONAGRAM

SUDOKU

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them. How many words of four letters or more can you make from 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.

Guilder; 7 Petty cash; 9 Pedalling; 12 Relapse; 14 Hydrant; 15 Mysore; 17 Arrow; 19 Agile; 21 Nil.

23 Wheatmeal. Down – 1 Pep; 2 Nosed; 3 Ireland; 4 Eighth; 5 Scrum; 6

CRYPTIC

Plant-based diets for heart health

Healthy Heart

THIS January many people will be challenging themselves to go plant-based in support of Veganuary, a monthlong campaign aimed at encouraging people to try out a vegan diet.

A vegan diet consists of only food coming from plants and eliminates any animal-based foods such as milk, eggs, meat, and cheese.

Adopting a more plant-based diet comes with many health benefits. Specifically in relation to heart health, vegan diets tend to be higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat, which has a positive impact on cholesterol levels.

Here we outline some ways you can eat more plant-based every day, not just for January.

Include fruits and vegetables at breakfast Making sure we consistently

get our minimum of five fruits and vegetables every day can be quite difficult if we don’t consume at least one portion with every meal. Start the day off right by including a portion at breakfast.

This could look like adding mushrooms to your scrambled eggs or including a banana alongside your porridge.

Just make a conscious effort to tick off one of your five a day at breakfast.

Plan snacks around plants

Regardless of what diet you follow, everyone can benefit from eating more plants. A great way to do this is to plan your snacks around fruits and vegetables.

Carrot, cucumber, pepper, sugar snap peas and edamame beans make great vegetable snacks; pair them with some hummus or a homemade low-fat

yoghurt and mint dip.

Any fruit works well as a snack and most pair nicely with a few teaspoons of almond or peanut butter to make a more substantial snack.

Eat plant-based, proteinrich foods

If the thought of a bean chilli or lentil spaghetti bolognese doesn’t appeal to you, simply make your usual ones but try adding in a tin of beans or lentils while its cooking.

They will add more fibre to your meal, helping you stay full for longer, and reduce the

amount of saturated fat you are consuming (providing you eat your usual portion size).

An added bonus is beans and lentils are much cheaper than buying meat, so you can bulk up your meals and make them go further at a fraction of the cost.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/healthytips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-research-ukrecipes-2/

n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-cookbook/

12 months of cleaning sorted ... a handy guide to help you keep on top of essential chores this year

YOU might be among those who give the house a good brushover on New Year’s Eve, aiming to start the year with a clean sweep.

Or you might have made it a new year’s resolution to keep your home pristine.

Or you just might need a helping hand to ensure the house is spick and span.

Whether it’s clearing out the kitchen cupboards, hoovering behind the sofa or taking on those stubborn laundry stains, tackling the tasks that you’ve been putting off for months is a productive way to start 2023.

New year resolutions aren’t just for January and with a good plan of action you can keep up the deep clean right through to 2024.

Cleaning and laundry experts, Dr. Beckmann has prepares some ideas to ensure cleaning tasks don’t feel like such a chore, thanks to its month-by-month cleaning calendar. And as we’re still in January, just, there’s still time to start.

Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Susan Fermor, said: “Refreshing your home after the holidays can be a mammoth task, but following the step-by-step 12-month cleaning calendar will help people plan ahead and make the year run smoother, ensuring humble abodes across the country stay spick and span all year round.”

January – Declutter and de-stress

New year, new you – January is the perfect time of year to declutter the home! Organising the home helps to provide a new focus and improves overall mental well-being. Preparing a rota for household tasks is a good way to keep track of everything that needs to be done.

February – Laundry love

The month of romance, so

show your laundry some much needed TLC by kickstarting February with a more ecoconscious and fabric friendly laundry detergent. Dr. Beckmann’s Magic Leaves Laundry Detergent Sheets come with 90% less packaging than traditional detergents, each sheet ensures a deep clean and radiant freshness – even at low temperatures. Watch as the product dissolves in under 60 seconds, ensuring your clothes aren’t left with sticky residue usually found with tabs.

March - Springtime spruce

With the warmer months on the horizon and the feeling of spring in the air, deep cleaning the home is the perfect way to reinforce a sense of positivity. Make sure to clean the top of kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, and bathroom cabinets to remove any hidden dust, then open the windows and let fresh air flow freely through the home.

April – Bright Whites

Air out your summer whites ready for the good weather and give them a new lease of life. Use the nation’s favourite specialist laundry whitener, Dr. Beckmann’s

Glowhite or Glowhite ULTRA, to restore the freshness and leave your whites shining bright just in time for summer.

May - Windows

With brighter mornings and lighter evenings, May is a great time to tackle the windows, as sunlight will show up even the tiniest of smudges on the glass. Save money and time by not leaving the glass left unwiped –the longer it’s left the harder it will be to clean.

June - Invisible areas

As the summer draws in, June is the time to rearrange the furniture and update your home ready for the potential hosting of barbeques. Target invisible areas such as space under the bed, sofas, wardrobes and cabinets. Getting behind, under and around the furniture will ensure every area of your home is spick and span.

July – Summer spritz

Take advantage of long summer nights and the warmer weather by sprucing up your outdoor space, including tidying the garage, clearing gutters and drains, or simply adding flowers

to the garden. All of these cleaning tasks can make a big difference, especially if you’re planning to host outdoor socials.

August – Fab-loo-ous toilet treatment

Use August as the month to tackle the toilet with Dr. Beckmann’s Power-Foaming Toilet Cleaner. Watch as the foam fizzes up to a mountain of fresh cleaning fun.

September – Detox

Time for an autumn clean, now the mayhem of summer activities is over it’s time to get your house prepped and ready as winter fast approaches. Target the most-used areas of the home, including the bathroom and kitchen. Also, if you have a porch area for coats and shoes, make sure this is organised and smelling fresh. Don’t forget to give your garden some TLC

before it goes into hibernation until next year.

October - Floors

This is the best time for a deep clean of the carpet especially if you have pets, as hair and dirt will often be trodden deeper into the fibres of the carpet. If you’re one to decorate the house for Halloween, starting the clean early ensures that you are organised and feel more in control when the messiness of spooky season arrives. It is also a good idea to have Dr. Beckmann’s Carpet Stain Remover ready for any scary accidents and spills that may happen on the 31st.

November - Storage

Take the time to clear out the attic, basement, or ‘messy’ room if you have one, ready for the festive holiday. When it comes to decorating the house for

Christmas, starting the process in early November will help you feel organised and in control of your home so you know what decorations you already have and how much space there is for any new purchases and, of course, presents.

December - Appliances

Before the madness of the festive season arrives, remember to give all your kitchen surfaces along with the washing machine, dishwasher and oven, a deep clean ready for hosting duties.

Dr. Beckmann recommends the Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine and Dishwasher Cleaners to ensure your appliances are well maintained and protected from limescale and bacteria build up.

n For more details, log on to: https://www.dr-beckmann.co.uk

Going through a separation? Charity’s course can help

JANUARY

Separation and divorce are often devastating and traumatic and the depth of emotional suffering not always understood.

However, help is at hand through Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) which is running in Reading in March.

The course is for anyone of any background, at any stage of a separation or a divorce.

It helps you come to terms with a relationship that is breaking or has broken down.

It enables you to have a better understanding of what you are going through, provides support from others in the same situation and assists with the readjustment in your life.

The people running the workshop have experienced the breakup of a significant relationship and attended the DRW course.

Consistently there is positive feedback from previous participants about how much the course has benefited them.

“This workshop has been enlightening and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot in a comfortable environment,” said one participant.

“It helped me to realise that other people go through the

same feelings and emotions. It also enabled me to express my feelings freely and to be myself.”

Course leader Seamus has been involved with DRW for several years, initially attending the course as a participant and then running the workshop locally so that others can benefit.

The next Reading Divorce Recovery Workshop is being held over two consecutive Saturdays, from 9.30am to 4.30pm on both March 18 and 25.

Places cost £70, which covers attendance, refreshments and lunches.

n Contact Seamus for more details: reading@drw.org.uk or 07887 800521.

Cleaning can be a chore, but this calendar from Dr. Beckman could be the answer Picture: Maria from Pixabay

is the month that sees a spike in the number of people seeking divorce following difficulties in or the breakdown of a significant relationship.

INCE CALLS FOR FOCUS ON LEAGUE DESPITE FA CUP CLASH

BOBBY TO KEEP ON DRIVING WITH TEAM BRIT

WOKINGHAM

Bobby, who was diagnosed with severe autism as a child, is a driver for Team BRIT which is the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers.

For the second year running, Bobby will compete alongside his teammate Aaron Morgan in the British GT Championshipone of the most hotly contested endurance racing championships in Europe. His season will begin in April at Oulton Park.

Last year, the pair made history by becoming the first ever alldisabled team to compete in the British GT Championship, and finished in an impressive second place in the GT4 Pro-Am class.

The 23-year-old became a fivetime national karting champion before joining Team BRIT in 2019.

Bobby and Aaron race the team’s Mclaren 570S GT4.

The car is fitted with the team’s world-leading hand controls which enable Aaron to drive with Bobby and on equal terms with their competitors.

By ANDY PRESTON

side, Ince wants to keep focus on the league campaign.

‘distraction’.

Despite facing a trip to Old Trafford to face his former

He said: “There’s been no Man United talk, but the way we played (against Stoke), you’d think a few players had their mind on it.

“I’m not really bothered about Man U if I’m honest.

“It’s a great draw for the fans and financially will be great for the club, but it’s a distraction.”

Reading will be out to cause a cup upset on Saturday, but have had troubles on the road all season, including Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Stoke.

The team’s other eight drivers are competing in the Britcar Trophy Championship, British Endurance Championship and C1 series.

Bobby said: “I’m incredibly proud to be selected to drive for Team BRIT once again.

“2022 was a fantastic year of learning and development for us, ending with a P2 class finish. This year we’ll be looking to build on our experience and pushing for class wins.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has supported me in my racing so far. Looking back at my karting days, I never dreamed I’d be racing in a Mclaren at this level of GT4 racing and I just want to keep going, pushing forward on to Le Mans.”

racing driver Bobby Trundley has been confirmed as a GT4 driver for Team BRIT once again in 2023.

READING FC boss Paul Ince has labelled the Royals’ FA Cup trip to Manchester United as a

apreston@wokingham.today

PREVIEW

SWORDS TURN UP THE HEAT TO TAKE POINT TEAMS HOPE FOR RETURN AFTER POSTPONED FIXTURES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties

Division One

BERKS COUNTY missed out on moving up the table after they lost away to FC Deportivo Galicia.

Berks County’s trip away to FC Deportivo Galicia was one of the only matches in the division to survive the freezing weather conditions.

The Swords did make a superb start against the league leaders and took the lead through Les Sackey.

However, Deportivo hit back with three goals to ensure they maintained their spot at the top of the table with a 3-1 victory.

The defeat, which is just County’s sixth in 21 games, leaves them in a strong position in fourth on 37 points.

The two sides meet each other again this weekend when Berks host the table toppers.

Berks County: Hill, Hutchings, Wyllie, Sackey, Laverty, Money, S Day, E Day, Graham, Akem-Che, S Hutchings

Thames Valley Division Two

BERKS COUNTY managed to add a valuable point to their tally with a home draw to Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves.

In one of only two matches in the league to survive the weather, County ensured they moved further away from the bottom of the table by picking up their second draw of the league campaign.

Richard Cumner and Nicholas Wiggett were both on the scoresheet for the Swords to help them to a 2-2

draw.

The point means that they are in ninth position with nine points from 11 matches. Their next league fixture on Saturday, February 4 sees them host the side one place directly below them in the division, Allied Community Elite.

Berks County: Burling, Byrd, Cumner, Garton, Grimes, Bateman, O’Nions, Phillips, Swain, Wiggett, Thornton Subs: Goddard, Tookey

Friendly

After READING CITY’s home match with Windsor was called off late in the day after a pitch inspection ruled the playing surface to be unfit, the Cityzens took on Combined counties Division

One side WOODLEY UNITED in a friendly match.

In a strong contest between the two teams, the

Kestrels went in front after Connor Suckling opened the scoring before Reading levelled the game before the break.

Woodley retook the lead in the second-half when Caleb Lucas scored, but the Cityzens again equalised to ensure the match ended 2-2.

Reading City hope to continue their league campaign this Saturday away at Oxhey Jets, who are currently bottom of the table with eight points from 16 games leaving them in a tricky situation.

Meanwhile, United will host British Airways on Saturday.

Woodley’s opponents are in 10th position on 28 points, while the Kestrels are two places behind but are on the same points having played one match more.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

AFTER another round of postponed fixtures in the Combined Counties League, the teams will be hoping for a return to the pitch this weekend.

In Combined Counties Premier North, the Sumas will be making the trip to face Holyport in their search to survive relegation.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK are currently in 19th position after 20 matches with 14 points, six points above bottom placed Oxhey Jets who have four games in hand.

Meanwhile, Holyport have made an improved start to the season after their struggles the previous year and sit in 11th place after 18 games with 20 points.

READING CITY are away at bottom club Oxhey as they look to

regroup and continue their push for the title.

They are currently in second, seven points behind league leaders ASCOT UNITED with a game in hand.

The Yellamen are in FA Vase fourth round action with their away tie against Buckland Athletic.

In Combined Counties Division One, BERKS COUNTY, EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA and WOODLEY UNITED are all on home soil.

Woodley and Eversley are only separated by goal difference with both teams on 28 points in 11th and 12th

Berks are pushing up higher in the table and are in fifth on 37 points. They will have their sights set on climbing further up with games in hand on fourth placed Rayners Lane.

Berks County Swords earned a draw against Slough Heating Laurencians Pictures: Andrew Batt

Wokingham & Emmbrook up against Ascot United Picture: Andrew Batt

Jatinder Liddar celebrates with Ben King for Eversley

Reading City played a friendly against Woodley

United Pictures: Steve Smyth

Woodley’s goalkeeper gathers the ball from a cross

RUGBY UNION

RAMS FACE TITLE RIVALS

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

While the Sonning side’s trip to Darlington Mowden Park was postponed due to a frozen pitch last weekend, this Saturday’s opponents produced one of the most eye-catching results of the season as they won 35-19 at leaders Sale.

It was a result which snapped the Manchester men’s 10-match winning run and means there are just five points between the top three – Sale have 70 from 17 matches, while Rams are on 67 from 15 and Cambridge 65 from 15.

After the postponed fixture at the weekend, where Rams were due to face Darlington, means that the team now have two games in hand to catch up on league leaders Sale.

The Blood & Sand’s win was based on a hat-trick from wing Kwaku Asiedu – who also scored twice at Old Bath Road earlier in the season – and he is now the joint top try-scorer in the division.

Asiedu’s tally now stands at 18, while hooker Ben Brownlie also bagged a brace to move into double figures.

Cambridge have a phenomenal home record

and are unbeaten on their own patch this season, their last defeat a shock 17-15 loss to Leeds Tykes way back in November, 2021.

In that time they have won 15 consecutive matches at Grantchester Road, although it was Rams who took the spoils 29-26 in a pulsating home contest back in October.

Cambridge head into the contest with a record of 12

wins, one draw and two losses in what has been an outstanding run of games to keep them within touching distance of the league’s top two teams.

The postponed trip to Darlington Mowden Park will now take place on Saturday, February 4 (3pm), with another rearranged fixture – the home Friday Nights derby against Chinnor – set for February 10.

READING FC

HUNT’S YOUNG ROYALS GET BETTER OF ADDICKS

READING U21s 3 CHARLTON U21s 0

NOEL HUNT’S Reading FC Under 21s team got the better of Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League.

Taking place at Bearwood, the Royals went close in the first-half through striker Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, but the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

But it was Reading who found the breakthrough in the 65th minute. Jahmari Clarke got fouled in the box and was awarded a penalty.

He stepped up to take responsibility and showed composure to slot past the goalkeeper.

Hunt’s team quickly added to their advantage when Adrian Akande raced onto a header from Kian Leavy and converted to make it 2-0.

The win was all but confirmed when the hosts added a third goal with 10 minutes to go through Leavy who turned from provider to scorer to put the game beyond the Addicks.

Reading: Boyce-Clarke, Abdel Salam, Paul, Abbey, Abrefa, Senga, Craig, Leavy, Akande, Clarke, Ehibhatiomhan

Subs: Collins, Kanu, Vickers, Camara, MelvinLambert

Goals: J Clarke (pen) 65’, Akande 72’, Leavy 80’

Reading U21s are next in action on Tuesday, January 31 with an away match at Bristol City.

Jahmari Clarke in action for the Royals

File picture: Luke Adams

Will Parlington in action for Rams against Hull Picture: Tim Pitfield

RAMS RFC head to Cambridge this Saturday for a mouth-watering National One encounter at Volac Park (2pm).

How they rated

Made a decent stop on the stroke of half time to deny Smallbone a second. Could not have done much more.

The more positive of the two wing backs but ultimately unable to create anything of real quality.

Got dispossessed far too easily for the opener. Tried to bring the ball forward but never did so with any authority.

Unfortunate to take Campbell’s strike away from Lumley. Was replaced by Dann.

Had no idea where Brown was for the third goal. Was not the first time he’d let a teasing ball in from the left evade him.

Never looked convincing marking Brown with the ball over the top beating him time and time again.

Probably the pick of the midfielders. Had the mind to progress the ball forward but often took too many touches.

Poor. Lost possession too often and also struggled with the defensive side.

Didn’t affect the game in the way he did against QPR.

Tom Ince

Not the midfielder’s best showing with very little coming off for him on the day. The effort was there, at the very least.

Had very little impact on the game. At least tested the keeper, earning his side a corner with one of the Royals’ few shots on target.

Struggled to keep up with the guile of Stoke’s front line.

Added very little once introduced to the game.

Looked to get in behind Stoke’s defence.

Shane Long

Tried to create problems for Jagielka, but the damage had already been done.

Subs: Nesta Guinness-Walker, Bouzanis, Mbengue

CHAMPIONSHIP

ANGRY INCE BLASTS SQUAD AFTER POTTERS BEST LAX ROYALS

STOKE CITY 4

READING 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s concerning away form continued after they were thrashed by Stoke City who ended a run of three successive Championship defeats.

Will Smallbone punished a defensive error after 11 minutes before a second-half rout saw Stoke net three times to take a convincing victory.

The Royals are 14th in the Championship table on 37 points after 28 games.

Reading have the third worst away record in the division having picked up just 11 points from 15 games on the road.

There were plenty of changes to the Reading side that saw a twogoal lead slip at home to Queens Park Rangers last week.

Paul Ince was forced into switches after injury problems meant that Andy Carroll, Naby Sarr and Sam Hutchinson all missed out on the matchday squad.

Meanwhile, there was a return to the starting 11 for Tyrese Fornah and Yakou Meite was joined in attack by Tom Ince.

There were familiar faces in the Potters team which saw former Royals Josh Laurent and Lewis Baker both start in central midfield.

Laurent spent two years in Berkshire before departing on a free transfer to Stoke in the summer, while Baker helped Reading to Championship survival during a six-month loan spell in the 2018/19 campaign.

Reading were the masters of their own downfall in the 10th minute to gift a chance to Stoke which they gratefully accepted.

After passing the ball around the back, Andy Yiadom was dispossessed and Will Smallbone was able to coolly slot the ball past Joe Lumley to put the hosts in front.

The visitors continued to live dangerously throughout the firsthalf as Stoke looked to extend their lead and find some form having lost their previous three Championship matches.

The Royals settled into a spell of better possession later in the half but were unable to create much with it to try and get back on level terms.

A slick Reading move saw jeff Hendrick released down the right and he found Fornah who pulled an effort well wide of the target.

Yakou Meite then had a sight of goal a few minutes later and

connected sweetly, but Jack Bonham was able to push the ball behind for a corner which was dealt with comfortably.

Lumley showed his worth again just before the break to keep the score down to one after a well worked corner from Alex Neil’s team.

With thick fog rolling into the Bet365 Stadium, 12 minutes after the restart the Potters had a second goal to show for their efforts.

Tyrese Campbell’s shot crashed into the back of the net after it took

Match stats

STOKE

a deflection off Tom Holmes’ head to beat Lumley at the near post.

Looking to change the balance of the match, Ince made a quadruple substitution with 25 minutes to go.

Femi Azeez, Shane Long, Lucas Joao and Scott Dann all entered the contest to replace Fornah, Meite, Holmes and Hoilett.

A final Reading change saw Nesta Guiness-Walker take the place of Baba Rahman as the away team looked to salvage something in the final 15 minutes.

A teasing ball into the box from Ince’s free-kick went agonisingly wide of the Stoke far post after Long couldn’t quite stretch enough to nod the ball on target.

But there was to be no comeback from the Royals who conceded a third of the afternoon which saw the hosts gift wrap the points.

READING

A fizzed cross into the box was met by Jacob Brown who connected with his chest to bundle the ball over the line.

The Potters weren’t done yet and found a fourth in the 83rd minute when Laurent’s long ranged effort took a nick off Dwight Gayle to wrong foot Lumley and find the net.

GOALS

The Royals are in FA Cup action next weekend in their fourth round tie at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

Jeff Hendrick picks a pass

Reading endured a thumping defeat at Stoke Stock pictures: Luke Adams

Joe Lumley

Tom McIntyre

Jeff Hendrick

Andy Yiadom

Tyrese Fornah

Yakou Meite

Junior Hoilett

Baba Rahman

Tom Holmes

Mamadou Loum

Scott Dann

Lucas Joao

Femi Azeez

‘WE LET OUR FANS DOWN’

JEM HANGS UP HIS BOOTS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FORMER READING FC fan favourite Jem Karacan has announced his retirement from professional football at 33.

The Royals Academy graduate played 155 league games for Reading and made a total of 258 league games across his playing career, Karacan joined Reading Academy in 2003 from Wimbledon and eventually broke through into the first-team.

The Turkish midfielder made his Reading debut in 2008 in the Championship under manager Steve Coppell.

He played 15 Championship games in his first season and scored his first goal for the club in a League Cup win over Luton Town in August 2008.

His first league goal then came in April 2–0 when he helped Reading earn a 2-2 draw against Blackpool.

The Royals sit in 14th place after they shipped four goals without reply to the Potters.

“No one enjoyed it. We let our fans down today,” said Ince.

“One thing for sure is my teams compete and they didn’t compete today. They let themselves, the fans and the club down.

“If I could have taken 11 people off at halftime, I would have done and I don’t like to say that.

“Defensively we cost ourselves three goals today. They didn’t cut us apart. It was our own negligence. We allowed the crowd to get up and after that it was tough.”

Despite enjoying excellent home form throughout the season, the Royals have the third worst away record in the division.

Speaking on the reasons for their struggles on the road, Ince said: “It’s always a tricky one. We went to Norwich and got a draw, should have beat Swansea and Burnley. Won at Millwall.

“Is it mental toughness? I don’t know what it is because we’ve gone to teams and done well. It’s hard to put your finger on it because the home form is very good.

“I said to the players, forget about the playoffs crap because if you want to stay in this league, you need to start winning games away. It can quickly change.

“When we do things like we do today it upsets me. You can’t give teams the initiative.

“My focus as the manager was always on the Stoke game, whether the players did I don’t know.

“There’s been no Man United talk but the way we played you’d think a few players had their mind on the United game.

“We will come in Monday and watch the whole game again, make ourselves accountable because we can’t make mistakes like that.

“The way we played, you’d think a few players had their mind on the Man United game.

“I’m glad we’ve had that kick up the arse because it might make us get our arse in gear.

“I’m not really bothered about Man United if I’m bothered.

“It’s a great draw for the fans and financially will be great for the club. But it’s another distraction. We’ve got injuries.”

He played his part in helping Reading win promotion to the Premier League under Brian McDermott in 2011/12 where he scored three times in 37 appearances.

However, he was ruled out of a crucial period at the end of the season after being on the end of a horror tackle from Leeds United’s Michael Brown which saw him on the sidelines with a broken ankle.

FA CUP

He reutnred to help the Royals in their Premier League campaign and played 21 league games that season in the top flight.

Despite the team being relegated, Karacan scored a memorable goal in Reading’s 4-2 away win at Fulham.

Injuries continued to blight his career and stunted his progress in his final two seasons at Reading and only managed 15 games in his final two years with the club.

After his contract with Reading expired in 2015, Karacan earned a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer.

He made his debut in a 1-0 win against Bursaspor in the Super Cup Final in place of Lukas Podolski.

Karacan went on to play in the Champions League that season, playing 90 minutes in Galatasary’s 2-0 loss against Atletico Madrid.

After making just two league

appearances for Galatasaray, he was sent out on loan to Bursaspor where he played nine times.

Karacan then played two seasons for Bolton Wanderers before making four appearances for Millwall in 2018/19.

Spells at Central Coast Mariners in the Australian A League and League Two Scunthorpe were followed up by 15 Northern Premier League appearances for Radcliffe last campaign before he decided to hang the boots up for good.

Karacan made one final appearance in Reading colours back in the summer, appearing to play in legends match between the 2005/06 ‘106’ team and McDermott’s 2011/12 Championship winning side.

In a statement on Instagram, Karacan said: “There are so many people I need to thank for my time playing football. The fans, your support always meant the world to me and I’ll never forget it. My team mates, some of whom have become my closest mates. All of the managers, coaches and staff I’ve had the pleasure of working and learning from.

“I grew up just wanting to kick a ball about, I could never have imagined doing it for a living, scoring in the Premier League or standing there for my dad’s favourite team in Turkey and humming away to the Champions League anthem.

“I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without my family.”

INCE TAKES TEAM TO FACE FORMER SIDE

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC are on the road this weekend in a glamour FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 8pm Saturday).

The Royals go into the contest against their Premier League opposition on the back of a 4-0 away defeat at Stoke City in the Championship last weekend.

Reading progressed from the third-round after beating fellow Championship side Watford 2-0, while Man United knocked out Everton.

Paul Ince will return to Manchester to face his former side where he played for six seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning two FA Cups among several other trophies.

The Red Devils, now under the management of Erik Ten Hag, have started to turn a corner after nearly a decade of underwhelming seasons since Ferguson’s retirement.

United are currently in fourth position in the Premier League table on 39 points from 20 games.

After beating city rivals Manchester City in the derby, United’s title hopes were dealt a blow last weekend at the Emirates after Eddie Nketiah scored a 90th minute winner to give Arsenal a 3-2 success.

United, who have won the FA Cup 12 times in their history, last won the competition in

2016 under Louis Van Gaal.

Jason Puncheon put Crystal Palace in front, but Juan Mata equalised with 10 minutes to go before Jesse Lingard netted the winner in extra-time to take the trophy.

Reading have faced Man United 22 times in the club’s history and have beaten them just once.

The Royals’ only triumph over United came in the FA Cup in 1927 with a 2-1 victory.

The Berkshire side will be taking more than 3,000 fans to Manchester, while the kick-off time which was changed to 8pm on a Saturday is likely to have deterred many fans from attending due to no trains running back to Reading after the match.

Despite facing a trip back to his former employers, Royals boss Ince reiterated that he remains focused on their task at hand in the Championship rather than the cup competition.

Ince said: “There’s been no Man United talk, but the way we played you’d think a few players had their mind on the United game.

“I’m not really bothered about Man United if I’m honest.

“It’s a great draw for the fans and financially will be great for the club. But it’s another distraction and we’ve got injuries.”

Reading last faced the Manchester club in January 2019 where they lost 2-0 at Old Trafford under the management of Jose Gomes.

Paul Ince Picture: Luke Adams

Jem Karacan at last year’s Reading FC Legends Match

Picture: Steve Smyth

Reading face a trip to Old Trafford hoping it will be a theatre of dreams in their FA Cup clash, which kicks off at 8pm on Saturday

READING FC manager Paul Ince told his team they ‘let the club down’ after their heavy defeat to Stoke City.

Match stats

LATE UNITED STRIKE DENIES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Made a spectacular penalty save, her second of the season, and made several more impressive stops. Deserved a clean sheet.

The skipper put in some important blocks that frustrated United throughout the game. Faced a tough task against Nikita Parris.

Diane Caldwell

Was slightly too eager to win the ball to give away a penalty against Russo. Put in some strong tackles and blocks to keep United out.

Gemma Evans

Helped to keep Russo quiet for much of the match despite United having plenty of possession and attacks.

Great to see her back in the side. Provided some excellent set piece deliveries, one of which was almost glanced in by Vanhaevermaet.

Emma Mukandi Justine Vanhaevermaet

Almost scored with a tremendous strike from distance that nearly caught Earps out but dropped onto the roof of the net.

Sanne Troelsgaard

Worked hard in the middle and almost got an assist with a clever through ball to Emma Harries who was denied by Earps.

Returned to the side after missing a few matches. Showed her strong ball carrying in midfield and tried to help out in attack to create chances.

Amalie Eikeland

Did plenty of work to help out when Reading didn’t have the ball but wasn’t able to make a significant impact in attack.

Wellings

Earned her spot in the starting line-up but wasn’t able to grasp her chance. Subbed off late on for Faye Bryson

Harries

Made some clever runs behind the United defence. Although chances were limited, she tested Earps from a tight angle.

Tia Primmer 6, Lauren Wade n/a, Faye Bryson n/a, Natasha Dowie n/a

Royals keeper Jackie Burns came up with a heroic penalty save from Katie Zelem in the first-half.

With Reading on the brink of taking a point, it was taken away from them by Williams’ decisive goal in the 87th minute.

The defeat leaves Reading in 10th position on seven points from 12 games.

Heading into her 150th game in charge, manager Kelly Chambers was greeted by a record crowd of more than 5,000 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Chambers made four changes after Reading’s defeat to Everton last weekend which saw Charlie Wellings, Diane Caldwell, Rachel Rowe and Lily Woodham all return to the starting line-up.

Justine Vanhaevermaet came inches away from scoring a spectacular opener when her looping effort from 50 yards caused Mary Earps to backpedal as she gratefully watched the ball drop onto the roof of her net.

Reading worked a good opening when Sanne Troelsgaard spotted a gap and threaded an excellent through ball in the box to Emma Harries who tested Earps from a tight angle which the keeper was able to push behind for a corner.

REACTION

Match stats

READING: Burns, Mukandi

The resulting corner was well met by Vanahevermaet who towered above the United defence only to see her header go straight down the path of Earps who gathered comfortably.

After making a slow start, United started to turn the screw and Lucia Garcia almost profited from Nikita Parris’ cross that was fumbled by Burns, but the ball dropped wide of the post.

The visitors’ next big chance fell again to Garcia after Alessia Russo

slotted the ball to find her run, but Burns stood tall to parry her goalbound effort away.

Mark Skinner’s side were awarded a penalty kick in the 37th minute when Caldwell raced across to try and close down Russo, but the striker got a touch on the ball before she was tripped by the defender, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Zelem took responsibility from 12 yards but she was denied by

CHAMBERS REFLECTS ON REACHING MANAGERIAL MILESTONE

READING FC WOMEN’s manager

Kelly Chambers praised her team’s ‘outstanding’ display as they were narrowly beaten late in the day against Manchester United.

Playing in front of a record crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for a Women’s Super League match, Chambers took charge of her 150th Royals match.

“I thought the girls were outstanding and couldn’t give any more out there,” said Chambers.

“You saw after the match they were so deflated after conceding right at the end, but it’s important to see the positives from the performance.

“It could have been a very different outcome on another day, Mary (Earps) made some

unbelievable saves at the end from the free-kick and that’s how close these margins are at this level.”

The defeat leaves Reading in 10th position in the WSL table, but with positives to take after going toe-to-toe with the team at the top of the table.

Chambers continued: “For us moving forward I think we have to show a little bit of football intelligence in certain moments of games. For instance, crossing the ball in with a handful of minutes remaining with not many options forward

“But I cannot knock the girl’s attitude to want to try and find a winner. It’s another game where we’ve shown our ability against the top sides.

“I said to the girls we have to put in the same level of performance every week to make sure we stay in the league.”

Having reached another milestone in charge of the club, Chambers expressed her gratitude and is excited for the next chapter of women’s football.

She continued: “I didn’t know I was anywhere near this (150 games) so for it to fall on this game was pretty special. As much as it is a special day and great personal

achievement, it’s also a recognition to all the staff and players who I have been around over the years.

“Working in women’s football is one of the biggest pleasures, and to see how it has continued to grow only fills me with excitement of where it can go next.

“I saw a stat about the very few numbers of women working in the game so to be able to be in the game for so long reminds me of what a privileged position I am in, but also what more we can and need to do to encourage more girls to get into the sport.”

Reading head on from a set piece

Emma Harries on the wing

Vanhaevermaet shoots from distance

Williams scores the winner in the 87th minute Reading were defeated late in

Jackie Burns

Lily Woodham

Emma

Charlie

Rachel Rowe

READING FC WOMEN were denied a valuable point after Rachel Williams netted a late winner to continue Manchester United’s title charge in the Women’s Super League.

ROYALS PRECIOUS POINT

From the middle

Changes to VAR can’t come quickly enough

LET me take you back to the introduction of VARs.

Previously, the then President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini, were against any technology being used in football.

Blatter’s mind was changed by Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was a clear and obvious error.

The technology favoured was a system being trialled in the Netherlands – VAR.

We were told not to expect 100% accuracy for every incident, but it would deal with clearly incorrect decisions regarded as game changers, goals, penalty decisions, red card incidents and mistaken identity.

If we now look at the offside incident at the Liverpool v Wolves cup tie, where Wolves were denied a winning goal for alleged offside. I say alleged because television replays showed no suggestion of offside.

Burns who flew low to her right with a stunning save to make her second penalty save of the season.

She then gathered the rebound before she was mobbed by her teammates.

The Red Devils almost took the lead on the stroke of halftime when the ball dropped kindly for Parris in the box and she unleashed a thunderous hit that crashed off the top of the crossbar.

United continued their search to break the deadlock early in the second-half with chances that saw Russo go close on two occasions only to be thwarted

by an inspired Burns performance in the Reading goal.

The hosts responded with a chance of their own when Woodham’s inswinging cross from a free-kick was glanced on by Vanhaevermaet and with the ball headed for the far corner, Earps reacted superbly to keep it out.

With unjust three minutes left on the clock, United’s persistence paid off as Reading were cruelly denied what would have been a hard-earned point.

A deflection in the box allowed Williams to control and she showed immense composure to drift past

READING FACE FOXES IN FA CUP TEST

Brighton & Hove Albion.

two tackles before firing a rocket into the top corner past a helpless Burns.

The result leaves Reading just four points above the relegation zone, while 11th place Brighton have three games in hand and bottom side Leicester have two in hand.

United continue their search for the WSL title with a win that puts them top of the table after both Chelsea and Arsenal’s matches were postponed this weekend.

Reading are in FA Cup action this coming weekend with an away trip to fellow relegation rivals Leicester.

The real point, however, is the inordinate amount of time it took for the VAR to decide it was offside.

What’s happened to clear and obvious?

I remember Howard Webb, who was commissioned to trial VAR at the MLS, saying at a talk in Canada, “Any error should jump off the page.

If it took more than two looks at the video, it could not be ‘clear and obvious’.”

I’ve never believed VAR to be accurate enough for offsides but it has other tasks.

At the recent Brentford v Bournemouth Premier League match, the referee awarded a penalty to Brentford.

The television replay from another angle showed clearly that the Brentford player instigated the fall and the penalty decision should have been rescinded.

This was the sort of incident that VAR was supposed to correct, so why wasn’t this spotted on one of the VAR’s four screens and the referee informed?

The Royals will be hoping to book their place in the fifth round of the competition, with the Foxes standing in their way in Sunday’s showdown.

Leicester have endured a tough start to the Women’s Super League season and currently bottom of the table.

With zero points to their name after nine matches, Leicester finally got off the mark in their 10th league game when they got the better of

It turned out to be a convincing win for the hosts who struck three times without reply with goals from Aileen Whelan, Sam Tierney and Monique Robinson to halt their run of nine successive defeats.

The win gives the Foxes hope of escaping the drop this season with only one team relegated from the WSL after they closed the gap on both Brighton and Reading to four points.

Reading and Brighton are currently both on seven points, meanwhile Leicester have two games in hand on the Royals.

Despite also being perishingly close to the relegation zone, Kelly Chambers’ side have produced some encouraging performances.

They were hard done by to fall to a 1-0 defeat to top of the table Manchester United after an 87th minute winner and came agonisingly close to taking a point away at Chelsea before the winter break in a 3-2 loss.

Reading have already faced Leicester once in the WSL this season and will be hoping for a repeat result.

The Foxes took the lead at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in

October’s contest after 36 minutes when Natasha Flint scored against the run of play.

But in the most dramatic of circumstances, Reading somehow managed to grab three points thanks to Rachel Rowe.

She netted directly from a corner in the 90th minute to equalise before she scored a spectacular solo goal, knocking the ball in the bottom corner from 25 yards after skipping past two challenges to earn her team a vital win.

Reading’s last trip away at Leicester, in May 2022, ended in a goalless draw.

The Premier League’s use of VAR’s has been disastrous.

First they decided that referees would not use the monitor, breaking the Law that says, ‘the referee’s decision regarding facts connected with play are final’.

In the first season according to the PGMO figures, this resulted in 20 goals being incorrectly disallowed.

Howard Webb is now the PGMO Chief Refereeing Officer, so one of his priorities will be an improvement of the use of VAR’s.

I believe he has already started making changes and they can’t come quick enough.

the game at home to Manchester United Pictures: Neil Graham

Vanhaevermaet goes close

Caldwell heads Burns saves Zelem’s penalty

Earps punches away the danger

Emma Mukandi

Burns stops Zelem’s spot kick

Amalie Eikeland bursts forward for the Royals

READING FC WOMEN face fellow Women’s Super League strugglers this weekend in the FA Women’s Cup.

Dick Sawdon-Smith

By ANDY PRESTON

Nick Anderton, who plays at Bristol Rovers, was diagnosed with bone cancer and is currently receiving treatment.

The entire team and staff at his club have shaved their heads, and his best friend Lumley has also chosen to do the same.

“Nick got diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer a few months back and had to have a major operation on his knee and is currently going through chemotherapy.

“The Bristol Rovers lads have made a gofundme page and have shaved their hair off in support of him to help him and his family out.

“We had the same agent, and they used to do pre, pre-season up in the Lake District.

“None of the boys knew each other and we got put in the same room when we were 17 and then we got on like a house on fire.

“No word of a lie, ever since that day I’ve spoken to him every single day.

“I went on loan to Accrington Stanley that year and lived with him and his mum.

“Then I went on loan to

Blackpool and he was there, so since I met him we have been best pals since.

“I’m godfather to his little daughter Grace. He’s just had a new baby boy as well. So it’s to help his family out and I’ve done it to help raise the profile. It’s tough but he’ll be okay.

“He’s positive and keeps me ticking over with how positive he is.

“It puts everything into perspective, you don’t know what’s

around the corner.

“He has helped me a lot. I’ve known him since I was 16 and have lived with him when I’ve been on loan at clubs.

“It keeps me motivated to do the best I can because you never know what is round the corner.”

Lumley has been in superb form for the Royals this season since arriving in the summer on loan from Middlesbrough.

He continued: “It’s a team game.

I’m there to save goals and prevent them going in when the team haven’t stopped it.

“We are there to keep the team in the game.

“First and foremost we want to stay in this league and I feel like we are on track to do so.

“Then we will look ahead to see where we can go.”

n To donate, visit: https://www. gofundme.com/f/nick-anderton-asbrfc-players-shave-heads

TABLE TENNIS WALKING FOOTBALL

RESULTS

Saturday, January 21

FOOTBALL

Championship Stoke City 4-0 Reading

Friendly Reading City 2-2 Woodley

Combined Counties Division 1 FC Deportivo Galicia 3-1 Berks County

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Sonning 4-1 Oxford 2s

South Central Men’s North Division 2

Amersham & Chalfont 2s 3-1 South Berkshire 2s

South Central Men’s Prem 2 Fareham 2s v South Berkshire

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire 2-2 Oxford 2s

South Central Men’s North Division 4

Sonning 3s 0-3 Wootton Wanderers

South Central Men’s Thames 3 Sonning 5s 1-2 Phoenix Reading 3s Amersham & Chalfont 0-5 South Berkshire 6s

South Central Men’s Thames 4 Sonning 6s 3-2 Yateley 4s

South Central Women’s 2 Reading 6s 0-6 Sonning 4s Phoenix Reading 0-3 Henley 3s

Tuesday, January 24

FOOTBALL

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Winchester City

Isthmian South Central Bedfont Sports v Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United v Virginia Water Oxhey Jets v Reading City Sumas v Harefield United

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County v FC Deportivo Galicia

Eversley & California v London Samurai Rovers Woodley United v British Airways

Charles Twelftree Trophy Saxton Rovers v Finchampstead

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v SB Phoenix Wargrave v Wraysbury Village Yateley United v Reading YMCA

RUGBY UNION National League One Cambridge v Rams

South West Regional 2 Grove v Reading

London & SE Regional 1 Royal Wootton v Bracknell

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Aylesbury v Sonning

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Bournemouth

TO THE TOP

KINGFISHER TAKE LEAP TOWARDS LEAGUE TITLE WOODLEY PENSIONERS RISE

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

KINGFISHER A took another step towards the division 1 title by completing a 10-0 thrashing of SONNING SPORTS A.

They put up little resistance against Mengyao Shi and Darren Jones, although Nick Sears did well to take Ross Saxby to a deciding fifth set. Second placed OUR LADY OF PEACE A were equally convincing against KINGFISHER B who could only turn out two players. Martin Pugh fought hard to extend Mo Cook and Steve Murgatroyd to deciders as Ian Cole’s recent impressive form continued.

A welcome first victory, a double in fact, for Tony Alleyne helped READING FC to their second win in as many weeks, this time against SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B 6-4.

It was a real family affair as Wayne also contributed a point. However, neither they nor

Mike Childs could stop Ed Lush’s recent unbeaten run. There were some fantastic individual performances by TILEHURST RBL A at home against high-flying Kingfisher D. Jon Willis brushed aside Julian Telford 11-3 11-6 11-6 and Marc Brent scored a great win over Graham Mendick mirrored by Keith Winter over Ethan Zeng. But that was all they could manage as Kingfisher saw out a 7-3 victory.

In division 2 the SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D v

TILEHURST METHODISTS

A match featured the clash between the division’s two top players, Sonning Common’s Danny Dockree and Tilehurst’s Eric Van Looy.

Danny avenged his defeat earlier in the season with a three straight win which helped his team to a 6-4 win.

TIDMARSH B also recorded a 6-4 win in their match against KINGFISHER F with all of the Tidmarsh players winning twice. The Kingfisher Captain

Roger Pritchard recorded an excellent maximum only dropping one game on the night.

KINGFISHER E maintained their recent improved form with an 8-2 win over OUR LADY OF PEACE C with skipper Clive Gold recording a maximum for Kingfisher.

The highlight set was Kingfisher’s Akeel Mir recovering from two down to beat Binit Bhaskar 11-9 in the fifth. KINGFISHER G improved their chances of finishing in the top four with a 7-3 win over TILEHURST RBL B

All of the Kingfisher team won twice in a match which featured a number of very close long sets the pick of which was Tilehurst’s Nick Lean coming back from two down to beat Abhay Gore 11-9 in the fifth.

It was a thrilling week of action in Division 3 of the table tennis league. TILEHURST METHODISTS B took on OUR LADY OF PEACE E

The players showed no sign of the winter blues and served up a menu of flowing, wellorganised performances which sees them sitting at the head of the table.

Coordinated play by a seasoned side, coupled with seamless substitutions, produced openings aplenty in front of the goal. With numerous chances to score being presented on a plate, opportunities were not scorned.

Waight hit the net three times in a comfortable a 5-1 win over Wycombe. His appetite for goals was sated with a couple more in other games.

He was not alone on the scoresheet as O’Neil, Moss and Smith together contributed six more.

Creditable outfield performances from Brady, Forde and Seymour reinforced the excellent team spirit. Between the posts Desombre put in another reliable performance, providing security at the back, with only three goals conceded all afternoon.

By the end of the day the Woodley Pensioners had achieved four wins and a draw from their five matches and they now harbour hopes of winning the division.

With just the final round of matches to be played next month they retain the taste for success.

BBFA Senior Cup Bracknell Town v Newport Pagnell Town

Isthmian South Central Northwood v Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Chalfont St Peter v Ascot United

Combined Counties Division One Bagshot v Berks County Woodley United v Sandhurst Town

Sunday, January 22

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 0-1 Manchester United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Tilehurst Panthers 2-3 Ascot United Reserves Wargrave 4-1 Slough Town

FIXTURES

Saturday, January 28

FOOTBALL

FA Cup fourth-round Manchester United v Reading (8pm, ITV4)

South Central Men’s Premier 2 Amersham & Chalfont v South Berkshire

South Central Women’s North Division 1 South Berkshire v Reading 3s

Sunday, January 29

FA Women’s Cup Leicester City v Reading

Cup

Abingdon United v Ascot United Eversley & California v Winchester City Flyers

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Woodley United v Caversham United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Hawley v Wargrave Larkspur Rovers v Shinfield Rangers

Hillingdon Abbots v Burghfield

Thames Valley Women’s Development Division

Burghfield Reserves v Wraysbury Village

THE Woodley Pensioners Over 50s team returned to Bisham Abbey to continue their programme of Division Two matches in the Thames Valley Walking Football League.

READING FC goalkeeper Joe Lumley has shaved his head in solidarity for his best friend who is undergoing chemotherapy.

Reading FC goalkeeper Joe Lumley Pictures: Luke Adams

Joe Lumley shows off his new look, in honour of his friend who has been diagnosed with bone cancer