Reading Today, June 1, 2023

Green Park station opens

WatchliveperformancesandgetartyintheAbbeyandjoininwithfreehistoricalactivities,listentolivemusicononeofthethreestagesacrossthe site,enjoyatastybitetoeatonChestnutWalkandintheForburyGardensandadmirethe flotillaofboatsalongtheKennetCanal.

WE’RE celebrating34wonderfulWaterFestyearswithaprogrammefulloffun,music,danceandactivities. WaterFestisReading’swayofcelebratingandshowingofftheKennetCanalinallitsglory,alongwiththegorgeousandhistoricspotsonits towpath.

VisitorscantakeinthesightsandsoundsastheywanderthroughChestnutWalk,ForburyGardensandtherenownedAbbeyRuins. Enrouteyou’llseesomebeautifullypaintedboatsandmeetsomeofthefriendlyboaterskeentochataboutlifeonboard. WaterFestisbroughttoyoubyReadingBoroughCouncilinpartnershipwiththeKennetandAvonCanalTrust.Thishard-workingcharityis committedtoenhancingandpromotingthecanalforpeopletoenjoy–bothonandoffthewater! � Findoutmoreatwww.katrust.org.uk,ringthemon01380721279orvisittheirstandalongtheWaterFestroute.

ForburyGardens AbbeyRuins

ThisyeartheForburyGardenswillhostDiscoSlice,theannualcelebrationofStreetFood broughttoyoubyBlueCollar-withtheirultimateselectionoffoodstallsthereissomuch choiceyouwillbesuretofindsomethingtoenjoy!Relaxonthedeckchairsandseating,visit theBlueCollarbarfeaturingPimm’s,proseccoanddraftbeerfromlocalbreweryDoubleBarrelled,ordigintofoodfromaroundtheworldincludinggourmetburgers,loadedfries, Peruvian,hotdogs,vegan,vegetarianandmuchmore.

NatureNurture-EarthActionChallengewithNatureNurture JoinNatureNurtureinthegardensforfunandgamesallabouthowwecanlookafterour planet.

OceanPlastic Ahlookatthelovelysea.Ohno,it’sfullofplastic!Havefunwiththistimedchallenge.

FoodMiles

Howfardidthatappletravel?Whataboutthatpotato?Explorehowfoodtravelstoourplates andhowwecanshortenthejourney.

BeesPlease

Let’smakeahabitatforthebees!Makeandtakewildflowersandhaveagoatthe‘waggle dance’tofindthepollen!

MothersareQueens

JoinBecomingMumswhowillbebringingtogethermothers, parentsandchildrenacrossReadingtocelebratewhathomefeels likeforthematWaterFest2023.

UsingscrapfabricfromTheCowshed(acharitythathelpsfamilies incrisisbysewingbagswithreclaimedfabricfilledwithemergency supplies),theywillmakebuntinginspiredbythecoloursofflags, representingthemanynationsinourtownandourglobal connections.

WorkshopshavetakenplaceintheleaduptotheeventwithparentsfromschoolsinSouth Reading,supportedbytheFamilySupportWorkers,tocreatethebunting.Familiesand visitorstoWaterFestwillthenbeinvitedtostamptheflagswithwordsthatrepresent'home'. WiththecoronationofKingCharles,thecelebrationofallthethingsthatuniteuswillbea lastingmessageofthediversityandcommunityoffamiliesacrossthetown,andwillprovidea visualtoolthatcanbeusedatfuturefetesandfestivals.

HeadonthroughtotheAbbeyRuinsforamixoftraditionalandcontemporarymusicand danceacrosstwostages.Ouracousticanddancestagewillbelocatedinthebeautiful surroundingsoftheSouthTranseptthroughouttheafternoon.

TheSouthTranseptwillalsoplayhosttoawholerangeofhistoricalandheritagestalls includeReadingMuseum,FriendsofReadingAbbey,CivicSocietyandTheConfraternityofSt James.

JoinMuseumonWheelstotakepartinavarietyoffamilyactivities,includingvirtual-reality headsets,tile-paintingandobjecthandling.LearnabouttheexcitinghistoryoftheAbbey Quarterandfindoutthelatestnewsaboutourprojects.

TherewillalsobethechancetomeetcharactersfromtheQuarter,dressedinfullreplica costumewhileyouenjoyyourtriptoWaterFest.Enjoyfindingouthowpeoplelived,meeta laundressandfindouthowtheAbbeybecameruinedinTudortimes.Intheeventofbad weather,pleasecometothemuseum.

Dormitory

ArtistResidencyatWaterFest2023

OnSaturday10Junefrom11am,fourartistswillbehostingaseriesofworkshopsthatwill takeplacewithintheAbbeyRuinsandForburyGardensforthisyear’sWaterFest.The workshopswillgiveparticipantsaninsightintotheartistsprocessesandtechniquesusedto createtheirwork.

InrecognitionofReading’sClimateFestival2023theseworkshopshavebeendevelopedto highlighttheheritageandenvironmentalconnectionswithourwaterways.

Whenartistsarenothostingworkshopstheyareavailabletochatabouttheirworkatthe JellybasewithintheAbbeyRuins.

Gotothefollowinglinktofindoutmoreabouteachworkshopandhowtobook: www.jelly.org.uk/waterfest2023

Weaving-MelNabarro

SessionTimes:

Dropinworkshop-turnupanytimewithinthesessionslisted

Session1:11.00amto12.00pm

Session2:12.00pmto1pm

Session3:1.45pmto2.45pm

Session4:2.45pmto3.45pm

Session5:4pmto5pm

Workingtogetheronagiantcustommadeloom,participantswillbeinvitedtojointextile artistandweaverMelNabarrotoweaveincolourfulfabricstomakeacommunitytextile. Allmaterialswillbeprovidedforthisworkshop.Thisworkshopissuitableforallagesand abilities.Dropinanytimeduringthesessiontimes.Theremaybeashortwaitatthecrafttable atbusytimes.Registeryourinteresthereat www.WeavingWithMelNabarro.eventbrite.co.uk

SewingwithKatePowell

SessionTimes:

Dropinworkshop-turnupanytimewithinthesessionslisted

Session1:11.15pmto12.15pm

Session2:12.15pmto1.15pm

Session3:2.00pmto3pm

Session4:3.00pmto4pm

Session5:4.15to5pm

TheWhaleatWaterFest

Whynotjoinusforaspecialimmersiveshow(plasticoceans)intheheartoftheForbury Gardens.BoldexplorerssqueezeintothebellyofanenormousinflatableWhalewherethey findthemselvesinthedepthsofthebubbling,kelp-swirlingocean.Theyencounteran acrobaticdiverwholeadsthemswimminglythroughtheageoldjourneyofthelifeofan ancientLeatherbackTurtle.Withtheuseofexquisitepuppets,comedyandmusic,they explorethetaleofseacreaturesandtheirbattletosurviveinanoceanfullofrubbish.The audiencehelptosavetheturtleandtheWhalefromadelugeofplasticandtravelfromthe Indianoceantoacoralreef,leavingfeelingempoweredthateveryonecanmakeadifference.

Showsat: 12.00noonand12.30pm 2.00pmand2.30pm 4.00pmand4.30pm

ReadingClimateActionNetworkMarquee ReadingClimateActionNetwork(RCAN)isapartnershipofcommunity groups,academia,businessesandstatutoryauthoritiescomingtogetherto tackleclimatechange.LookoutfortheprogrammeofactivitiesduringReading ClimateFestivalwhichwilltakeplaceacrossReadingfromthe10th–21stJune, alltobeviewedandbookedonEventbrite,kickingoffwithWaterFest. JoinRCAN,FriendsoftheEarth(FoE),ReadingUniversity,GlobalJustice, Econet,Draughtbusters,ReadingHydroandothersintheRCANtentinthe Forburytofindoutwhatwe’veallbeendoingtoreducecarbonemissionsin Reading,quizthelocalexperts,seehowyoucanhelpandmakesuggestions forfutureprojectsinthetown.

There’llbeinformationondraughtproofingyourhome,cost-effective changestoheatingandinsulation,climate-proofingyourgarden,local communityenergyschemes,recycling,andmitigatingtheimpactsofclimate changeonlocalwildlife(andcomeandmeetsomeofthoseinthetent).

Youcantalktoanyofourexpertsatanytime,buttherewillbetwosessions ofshorttalksonallofthesesubjectsstartingat11.30amandrunninguntil 2pm.

Shorttalkprogrammeincludes:

FoE: WarmHomesforReadingcampaign

GlobalJustice: theEnergyCharterTreaty

RCAN: Retrofittingyourhometosaveenergy

Draughtbusters: justwhatitsaysonthetin!

ReadingHydro: CommunityEnergy

Econet: Mitigatingclimateimpactsonbiodiversity

Andcomeandsayhitothevolunteersfromlocalcharitiesandcommunity groupswhohavesetupstallsinthegardenstoshowcaseallthevitalworkthey dohereinReading.

JoinartistKatePowellforarecyclingtextileworkshoptocreateSuffolkPuffs.SuffolkPuffs areanancientformoftextilerepurposingandarethoughttooriginatefromSuffolkinthe 1600s.Theyweremainlyusedtomakequilts,sometimesstuffedwithwooltomakethem warmerandinlateryearstheywereusedfordecorativepurposesandtomaketoys.Weare goingtomakecharmsusingdonatedfabricscraps,buttonsandbeads.

Allmaterialswillbeprovidedforthisworkshop.Thisworkshopisrecommendedforages9 andup.Needleswillbeused,adultsarerequiredtoparticipatewithallchildren. Dropinanytimeduringthesessiontimes.Theremaybeashortwaitatthecrafttableat busytimes.Registeryourinteresthereat www.SewingWithKatePowell.eventbrite.co.uk

IllustrationwithLindaNewcombe

Workshoptimes: Session1:12.15pm Session2:1.15pm Session3:3pm Session4:4pm

JoinartistLindaNewcombetomakeyourownbeautifulillustrationsinthisclimate-themed creativeworkshop.Lindaisanaward-winningillustratorwhousesrubbingtechniqueson papertocreatedelicateimageswithpowerfulmessages.Shewillbeshowinghowshedoes thisandbringingvinylblocksdesignedforusesothatyoucanexperimentwithmakingyour ownimagesbyoverlappingandlayeringmotifs.

Allmaterialswillbeprovidedforthisworkshop.Allworkshopsareaimedatadults.Children aged6+ arewelcometojoinwithaparticipatingadult.Numbersarelimitedandeachadultand anyaccompanyingchildrenmustregisterforaticket.

LindawillbeavailabletochataboutherworkontheJellystandbetween11amand12pm. PRE-BOOKINGESSENTIAL.Spacesarelimited.Bookhere: www.IllustrationWithLindaNewcombe.eventbrite.co.uk

PhotographyandCartographicJourneywithJohnAngerson Session1:11.30am Session2:12.30pm Session3:2.15pm Session4:3.15pm

JoinphotographerJohnAngersononanartistwalkingtourof ReadingAbbeyandthesurroundingarea.Thetourwillbeginwith thedistributionofamap,whichoutlinesthedifferentstopsalong theway.Eachstopwillbemarkedwithacorrespondingicon,as thetourprogresses,participantswillvisitdifferentlocations, learningaboutthehistoryandcultureandbeshownsomeofthe artworksalreadymadebyJohn.Themapservesasaguide,

Man injured by escooting teen

A TEENAGER on a escooter is thought to be behind a hit and run incident in Tilehurst that left a man with a serious head injury.

Around 8.15pm on Friday, May 26, the man in his 50s was involved in a collision at the zebra crossing on Honey End Lane, close to the Sea Master Fish and Chip shop.

The rider of the escooter is described by police officers as a boy aged around 15. He failed to stop at the scene, and police are still searching for him.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital with a serious head injury, which will

require plastic surgery. He has since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses to come forward, as well as anyone who might have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could help with their investigation.

Investigating officer PC Mark Neill, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Three Mile Cross police station, said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this collision to please come forward.

“I would also appeal to the e-scooter rider involved to come forward.

“There is no doubt they would not know they had been involved in a

collision.

“To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230232189.

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

“Also, if you have any dashcam footage if you were driving in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“You can upload footage to our dedicated online portal.”

Funding for new Frimley hospital but not RBH, yet

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

WORK to develop a new Royal Berkshire Hospital will continue, despite not being named as one of five sites to be rebuilt by 2030. However, a Camberley-based hospital will be rebuilt.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced the plans in the House of Commons on Thursday, last week saying the government is committed to its 2019 general election promise of building 40 new hospitals by 2030. The government concedes that eight schemes will be finished until after this deadline, but by working on three mental health hospitals they will still reach the target.

More than £20 billion is expected to be spent on the new infrastructure.

The five hospitals announced are Airedale in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey. They have been chosen due to being constructed from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past but has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly.

Bracknell MP James Sunderland had teamed up with parliamentary

Woman convicted of perverting course of justice in murder case

A WOMAN has been convicted of perverting the course of justice in relation to the murder of Raheem Hanif in Tilehurst in 2021, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

Bintu Conteh, 39, of Frilsham Road, Reading, was unanimously found guilty of one count of perverting the course of justice by a jury in a trial at Reading Crown Court.

The trial concluded on Wednesday, May 24.

Raheem Hanif was 26 when he was stabbed to death in Dulnan Close, Tilehurst, in an incident which saw four people jailed, including Sheku Conteh, 18, the son of Bintu.

colleagues Michael Gove and Leo Docherty to campaign for the redevelopment of Frimley Park, which was built in the 1970s. Infrastructure issues were discovered in 2020, and it is thought that two-thirds of the site comprises the RAAC.

The trust submitted its bid to the Department of Health in December 2021, saying it would cost £1.26 billion to create the new site.

Frimley Park’s planned redevelopment is not a new proposal. Planning permission had previously been granted in 2019, but this expired last year as the build had stalled due to Covid-19. In March, Surrey Heath council’s planning committee granted permission.

Mr Sunderland was pleased with the announcement: “I very much welcome news that Frimley Park Hospital is one of five reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete hospitals being given priority.”

Work on Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital will continue despite not been announced in parliament. Our sister paper, Wokingham Today, exclusively revealed the proposal in October 2020.

The Building Berkshire Together team, which is devising the plans on behalf of the NHS Trust, say the Victorian site in Reading town centre is ageing, which makes it hard to deliver modern healthcare for an increasing number of people. They say this is a

READING TODAY Family Notices

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the issues and create a 21st century healthcare centre.

Proposals include revamping the existing site but keeping the Victorian façade on London Road or creating a new site on land in Green Park or Shinfield’s science park.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said it is still very much looking to the future.

“As the Secretary of State for Health Steve Barclay announced in the Commons, the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital is still part of the rolling new hospital programme and we are in ‘active discussions’ about the work and the complexities of the site,” a spokesperson said.

“As these talks continue, we are progressing our business case and pushing ahead with enabling works to ensure we are in a strong position to proceed with the redevelopment as soon as practicable.

“Our priority is to deliver safe and outstanding care to our patients, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to receive the best possible treatment as this work progresses.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners and will involve and engage with our staff, patients, key stakeholders to ensure we will deliver next generation care from the best possible healthcare facilities.”

Previously of Frilsham Road, Reading, he was sentenced to four years’ in jail for manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

Bintu Conteh made a false report to police regarding the robbery of a mobile phone in an attempt to stop her son being implicated in Raheem’s death.

The phone was often used by her son, and on February 8, 2021, she called 999 claiming that her phone had been stolen.

She lied about this to avoid the police linking the phone to Sheku.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Stuart Bosley, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Bintu Conteh deliberately attempted to frustrate our investigation into the death of Raheem Hanif, and knowingly misled police by telling lies around the theft of her phone, which was linked to her son, Sheku.

“Where we identify offences that seek to frustrate, delay or harm investigations, we will always look to seek a prosecution as we are absolutely committed to protecting the criminal justice process and bring offenders before the courts in a timely manner.”

Green Park Station officially opened on mayor’s first day

Young neededvolunteers for summer reading

READING Borough Council is seeking young volunteers who are enthusiastic about reading to take part in its annual book challenge, in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust.

The challenge sees the volunteers discussing books with younger readers, making suggestions and helping staff with events and activities.

Volunteers aged between 14 and 18 are being sought, and will be provided with training, support, and supervision.

The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at helping to get children between four and 11 to read six books during the summer holidays.

The challenge is designed to combat the reading “dip” that younger students often experience during the school holidays while away from their studies.

Volunteers are needed across all of the participating libraries, including Battle, Caversham, Central, Plamer Park, Southcote, Tilehurst, and Whitley Libraries.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of six sessions, though times and dates are negotiable with branch managers. Libraries will provide certificates of volunteer work and reference letters to those who complete their commitment, to help with CVs and employability.

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

GREEN Park Station was officially unveiled last week, with the first passengers using the service from Saturday.

The newly-appointed mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, was among those who spoke at the grand opening held on Thursday, making his first official engagement in the role.

Cllr Page, through his work as lead for transport at the council, has seen the Green Park Station project through from its inception.

It is the first new train station Reading has seen for 116 years.

The facility includes two 150m platforms connected by a fully-accessible overbridge complete with lifts.

The station building itself is fully accessible and features a bus interchange, taxi ranks, and cycle and car parking space.

It connects Reading’s main station, as well as Reading West, to Basingstoke, seeing half-hourly services in both directions through the day.

Mark Hopwood, managing director at Great Western Railway, welcomed guests to the station and said that it had been a “long-held aspiration” for the people and businesses of Reading.

“We are going to show people what railways can achieve in the local community here... connecting people for work and education, and for family and friends.”

Cllr Page said in his address at the event: “It’s been a long time coming.

“I was very pleased that this is my first mayoral engagement: the opening of a project with which I have had associations going back over a quarter of a century through various roles at the borough council.”

He thanked his fellow councillors for their contributions and collaboration on the completion of the project.

“I first came to Green Park looking at the potential over 25 years ago... and what a beautiful area we have turned it into.

“Our excellent local bus services will be connecting the station as well, with GreenWave services connecting to the station in the future.

“It will really add to the attractiveness of Green Park, for ongoing residential and business investment.”

The event saw the first official train service calling at the station with the 10.07am train from Reading Station.

Following the event, Cllr Page said: “I’m

delighted that this is my first engagement, having been involved with the project for over 20 years, it feels fitting.

“We’ve invested a lot of time, along with council officers and partner officers, over the years to bring this to fruition.

“There is still work to be done: the full electrification of this line didn’t come about– that is now the big challenge.”

He also explained that the rail forms a “fundamental” part of the council’s green travel plans through its connections with Reading Buses’ services.

Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “More and more people are living in this area, there are lots of businesses based in this area– it’s a great way of getting from central Reading to down Green Park.”

“It’s cleaner, greener, and quicker than all of the modes of transport we’ve had before, and of course an opportunity for people going over to the stadium.”

On whether he thought that the station would alleviate traffic concerns in Reading, Cllr Brock said: “It’s important that we offer this kind of transport option.

“We want people to use their cars less, so we have to make it as easy, quick, and convenient as possible to travel around, and this new station does exactly that.”

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “I am delighted that Reading Libraries are offering this brilliant opportunity again for younger residents.

“Reading Challenge Volunteers have the chance to learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and have fun doing so. The only qualification required is a love of reading.

“We know children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure, impacting their learning at the start of the next school year. Volunteers supporting the Reading Challenge this summer will play a valuable role in keeping children engaged with books by being positive role models and advocates for reading.

“The Reading Challenge is always popular, but after such a difficult and unsettling couple of years for children the programme is more important than ever. In previous years the challenge has seen thousands of children in Reading take part and I’m eager to see as many youngsters as possible take their marks for the free ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ challenge and make the most of our wonderful local libraries this summer.”

The Reading Challenge runs from Saturday, July 8, to Saturday, September 2, with applications to volunteer closing on July 21. n Information about applying and taking part is available via: reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/ volunteering-for-our-summer-reading-challenge

The mayor (right) with Whitley councillors Alice Mpofu-Coles and Mickey Leng

Cllr Tony Page (right) and GWR managing director Mark Hopwood at the unveiling

Cllr Tony Page unveiled the new station in green park as his first official engagement as the mayor of Reading.

Picture: Reading Borough Council

Acts wanted for Whitley Talent

A SOUTH Reading organisation is calling on budding performers to take part in an upcoming talent competition.

As part of the Whitley Carnival’s fun day on Sunday, June 11, the Whitley Community Development Association is looking for singers, dancers and musicians to take part in Whitley’s Got Talent.

The showcase will take place from 1.30pm-3.30pm at John Madejski Academy and gives residents the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community.

n For more information or to register interest, contact: office@ whitley-cda.org

HMO application

A KATESGROVE house has been converted into a home of multiple occupation (HMO), writes local democracy reporting service

Izvorski Ltd is seeking retrospective consent from Reading Borough Council to turn the Spring Terrace into a dwelling with five bedrooms.

Three of these are upstairs, along with a bathroom. The fourth is downstairs.

The rooms in the house would be let out to professionals or students.

The application, 230449, can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

Fire Service says cause of town centre fire ‘not suspicious’

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE CAUSE of a fire that broke out in Reading town centre on Friday afternoon is unknown, but it is not thought to be a suspicious incident.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) confirmed on Monday that at the time of the fire, no one was in the second floor offices above CMart Oriental foods on Friar Street, and there were no injuries.

The fire started around 2.30pm on Friday, May 26 and crews from seven different fire stations were scrambled to the scene, including Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Whitley Wood, Theale, Wokingham, Crowthorne, and Bracknell.

It took several hours for the blaze to be brought under control, and to ensure crews could work in safety – and to protect the public – Friar Street was closed around its junction with Smelly Alley (Union Street).

The fire caused travel disruption throughout central Reading as multiple bus routes were diverted and some cancelled.

The road was fully reopened

on Saturday, some 24 hours after the blaze, but a cordon was left in place in the area immediately around the CMart store.

An exact cause is yet to be established and Reading Borough Council has now taken over the continued assessment of the site.

Rob Read, group manager for RBFRS, said: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation while emergency services dealt with the incident.

“Firefighters worked on the

scene overnight on Friday into Saturday to extinguish the fire on the second floor of the property, alongside partners from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service, Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council.

“Fortunately, no one was in

the premises at the time of the fire.”

He continued: “Crews remained on the scene for over 20 hours before scaling back resources. A fire crew has continued to attend to reinspect the property over the bank holiday weekend and check for any hotspots.

“Due to the building’s integrity being compromised by the fire, firefighters have been re-inspecting using the Aerial Ladder Platform and thermal imaging cameras.

“While Friar Street was reopened to pedestrians and vehicles on Saturday, we would like to thank local businesses and residents for their ongoing patience as there continues to be some impact to the immediate area surrounding the fire.”

Mr Read said that it was difficult to access the building internally due to the fire damage.

“We have now handed over the site to colleagues from Reading Borough Council and continue to work closely with them to support the recovery work,” he added.

n RBFRS will be holding Fire Safety in the Workplace sessions on Tuesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 8. To attend, register via: rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/safety-atwork/fire-safety-sessions/

IN ACTION: Fire crews hosing down the fire above Cmart Oriental supermarket on Friday Picture: Steve Smyth

ACTION STATIONS: Fire crews worked throughout the night to tackle a blaze in offices above the CMart superstore on Friar Street, even going into Smelly Alley to try and douse the flames. The area was cordoned off to protect the public and allow the firefighters to work safely Pictures: Steve Smyth & Charlotte Simpson

Christchurch Meadows paddling pool celebrates its 99th birthday as it reopens

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

FOR many families, it’s a summer treat. And it’s been that way for generations, although its use as a lake for model boats has since fallen by the wayside.

This week, Christchurch Meadows paddling pool celebrates a landmark birthday. And appropriately for a site that is synonymous with treats, it’s a 99.

While the 99 ice cream wasn’t a thing back in 1924 – it was invented later in the decade – we’re grateful to our Edwardian forebears who had the foresight to create a Reading institution.

Our predecessor, the Reading Standard, contained a report about the opening in its June 7, 1924 edition.

The ceremony included model boats as the initial idea for the pool came from a group dedicated to sailing these pintsized models in the water and, well, the River Thames wasn’t quite the right place and radio controlled boats were still the realms of science fiction.

It was presided over by the then mayor of Reading,

Alderman FA Cox – and on a Monday evening too.

The Reading Standard noted: “(It was) in the presence of a large assembly of all ages – for the adults, were there in strong force and seemed quite as joyful over their new possession as the juveniles.”

It continued: “The opening ceremony was by no means a dry-as-dust formal speechmaking affair. It was marked by an imposing display – not of paddling – but of craft of all descriptions, all affording

testimony to the skill and ingenuity of the members of the Reading Society of Model and Experimental Engineers and the Model Boat Club.”

The ceremony also included a balloon bursting competition. These were placed ‘mid-ocean’ and were the target of crafts of all sorts and sizes, armed with knitting needles.

“The balloons for a time had really a charmed life” the reporter noted, as the intended destruction took a bit longer than planned.

MAKING A SPLASH:

Christchurch Meadows Paddling Pool is open again.

Celebrating are Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward with Ivy (6) and her mum, Victoria Nickless Pictures: Steve Smyth

Christchurch Meadows itself was also quite different back then. A 1941 image currently in the Reading Museum collection shows some of the trees, but also a big open space – the Loch Ness Monster and other play equipment had yet to arrive, and the pedestrian bridge didn’t arrive until 2015.

But it was also hugely popular with families looking for a way to stay cool in the summer sunshine, even during the Second World War.

to the pool, facilities include sport pitches, picnic tables and plenty of open spaces. Today, it’s often pressed into use for special events, with ReadiPop coming over the weekend of July 14-16. This year’s lineup includes Sleeper, Jungle Brothers, Professor Green, Roni Size, Snapped Ankles and MF Tomlinson, among many others.

But for youngsters it is the pool that is the main attraction, and it reopened for the summer season last weekend.

A big change this year is that it is now operated by GLL, who run Reading’s leisure centres including Rivermead and Palmer Park. This, it is hoped, will get around some times last year when the site had to close.

6pm on weekdays. During school holidays, it is 10am to 6pm every day.

Ready to greet the refurbished site on Saturday was Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, who was thrilled it was ready in time for half-term.

“We pulled out all the stops to get the Christchurch Meadows paddling pool open in time for the half-term and it was fantastic to see so many families out enjoying the pool this sunny bank holiday weekend,” she said.

As well as the play area next

It is open seven days a week. During term times it is 11am to 5pm on weekdays, and 10am to THERE’S

“The paddling pool will be open daily and remains free to use so we are all set for summer fun. Excitingly, we’ve discovered the paddling pool will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024 –so this year’s opening is a perfect 99.”

Korfball club makes invitation

A SOUTH READING club is helping residents try a new sport.

Reading Rooks Korfball Club invites people to join them at South Reading Leisure Centre.

Newcomers can attend their first two sessions free, with players of all abilities and experience welcome.

Sessions take place all year round, with teams heading indoors for the winter. The club also provides a friendly setting to meet new people.

The sessions start at 7.30p on Thursdays, meeting at the centre’s tennis courts. n For more information, search ‘Reading Rooks Korfball Club’ on www.facebook.com

Extraction fan

A PUBCO that converted a Caversham pub into a steakhouse wanted to change the kitchen extraction system.

The Caversham Rose, formerly The Grosvenor, in Kidmore Road, was converted into a Miller & Carter last year.

Owners Mitchells & Butlers are applying for permission to install a replacement kitchen extraction system, which would be mounted on a flat roof to the rear of the building.

The application, number 221917, can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

Reading Pride announces headline acts for Love Unites Festival

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING’S biggest free festival has announced its headline acts ahead of this year’s event.

Reading Pride’s Love Unites Festival has now revealed the stars who will be taking to the stage later this summer with organisers Tom Price and Kerry Kleis taking over Harriet Brick’s B Radio show on Saturday.

They announced that Claire Richards, who rose to fame in the late 1990s while performing with Steps, will be taking the headline slot on the main stage at this year’s Pride.

She will also be joined by Nicolette Street, returning hot on the heels of her performance at last year’s event.

Ms Richards joined Steps in 1997 and would go on to contribute to two number-one albums and 14 consecutive topfive singles in the UK before leaving it in 2001.

As well as continued musical output, Ms Richards turned her hand to presenting before stepping back and began to release her solo material in 2015, leading to the release of an album in 2019.

More recently, Ms Richards

has appeared with Steps following their reunion in 2017, including worldwide tours and a sixth studio album in September 2020.

She also performed alongside Michelle Visage with the group for the release of Heartbreak in this City in that year.

She will be joined by Nicolette Street who, following her debut album Taboo in 1999, has played alongside artists such as Pixie Lott, Anastacia, and Toyah.

She has also played at numerous festivals internationally, including in

the US, and makes regular appearances at Pride events around the UK.

Previous years have seen acts such as Nadine Coyle, B*Witched, Dana International, Sonique, and N-Trance.

Reading Pride’s Tom Price said: “It’s really exciting to have Claire with us, and it just shows how much the festival has grown over the last few years.”

Fellow organiser Kerry Kleis added: “As a 90s kid, she’s been a big part of my childhood.”

As for what else can be teased for this year’s Pride event, Reading Pride’s Mikey

Russell said: “The Pride aLive stage is going to be bigger and better, and The Pride Xtra stage is also under new management.

“Big Jay has kindly taken it on – anything alternative and drag will be in there, which we’re really looking forward to.”

Mr Price said: “Big Jay and Iota will be representing Reading’s queer community and bringing everything that is so fabulous about that scene, as always.”

Reading Pride is still to announce a whole host of performers for its various

TAKING PRIDE: From left, Reading Pride’s Tom Price, Nicolette Street, Club FOD’s Brendan Nagle, B Radio Host Harriet Brick, Club FOD’s Martin Holmes, and Reading Pride’s Kerry Kleis and Mikey Russell at B Radio. stages ahead of the event itself, due to take place in September. Pride organisers are seeking stall holders and volunteers for this year’s festival, including food and drink and market stalls as well as co-ordinators and social media volunteers.

Reading Pride’s Love Unites Festival takes place in Kings Meadow from noon on Saturday, September 2, following the Pride march through town from 10am.

n Details for how to apply as a stall holder or volunteer are available online via: readingpride. co.uk

offices could be flats Rally to scooterscelebrate and VW

Empty

EMPTY offices in Reading town centre could be converted into flats if Reading Borough Council approves an application, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter Warrant Investments Plc wants to turn offices on the first and second floors of 65 St Mary’s Butts into dwellings.

These floors are currently vacant. Under the proposals, they would become four flats, with each floor containing a one-bed and a two-bed apartment.

The ground floor, which is not subject to this plan, will continue as a restaurant, like neighbouring 64 St Mary’s Butts, the home of Biryani Mama.

Both 64-65 were a branch of Ask Italian, which closed during the lockdown phase of the covid pandemic.

The application, number 230659, can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

A THREE-day festival celebrating scooters and VWs is returning to Emmer Green.

Rally On The Common will be held at Abbey Rugby Club in Peppard Road.

Participants can camp over, take part in a ride-out, and enjoy live music.

The event starts on Friday, June 16, with performances from The Echo and Rigsby.

On Saturday, there will be DJs playing rally tunes, before a scooter classic competition. In the afternoon a sports day will be held. Music will come from Bricktop, The Highwasters and The Skansgters.

Other attractions include stalls, food stalls, a bar, and a fancy dress parade.

Breakfasts will be served on Sunday, June 18.

Day tickets are £15 each, and the weekend is £25 and includes camping, plus a booking fee. n For more details, log on to: www.e-tix.co/ RallyOnTheCommon, and all profits go to charity.

The devil and the deep blue sea?

THE SEA is the inspiration for a new theological lecture and discussion coming to Reading town centre next week.

The regular gathering will welcome Susie Templeton, a priest, pioneer minister and a former naval chaplain.

She will share her researches on the spirituality of the oceans in a talk entitled The Sea as a Place of Spiritual

Encounter: Exploring Mission in a Post-Secular World.

It will be followed with an opportunity to ask questions and debate.

The Café Théologique event is organised by the University of Reading Chaplaincy and is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective.

It takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, June 5, from

Zerodegrees in Bridge Street. Entry is free, but people are encouraged to order a drink from the bar.

People can join from 6pm and order food before the meeting.

It will also be available to tune in to via Zoom and Facebook. The Zoom meeting is: u.nu/cafetheo, its meeting ID is: 994 1078 8443, and passcode: 511541. The Facebook event link: fb.me/e/2VRcyQ4aV

Timetables changes ahead of strikes After 50 years, Tony is mayor

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

TRAIN operators have urged rail travellers to check journeys ahead of strike action this weekend.

Great Western Railway (GWR) and South Western Railway (SWR) are among the operators set to see disruption until Saturday.

Both RMT and Aslef unions, representing drivers, station staff, and on-board staff, are set to strike as part of an ongoing dispute over conditions and pay.

GWR has laid out how the strike action will affect its services and what routes will be running during the week.

While there is not a full strike taking place today (Thursday), June 1, GWR is expecting shortnotice cancellations and continued disruption.

Services will run as scheduled, though there will be some changes to late-night services in anticipation of action the following day.

Tomorrow, will see members of the RMT union taking strike action, affecting GWR and SWR services.

GWR will run very limited services from Reading to Basingstoke and Redhill, with reduced services running from London Paddington to Bristol Temple

Meads, Didcot, Cardiff, and Plymouth.

Reduced services will also run between Gloucester and Swindon, London Paddington and Bedwyn, Greenford and West Ealing, Slough and Windsor, Maidenhead and Bourne End, Twyford and Slough, Oxford and Banbury, Cardiff and Westbury, and Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth.

On Saturday, very limited services will run from Reading to Basingstoke, with routes from Reading to Redhill, Newbury, and Swindon running at peak times only.

The Reading to Didcot route will be replaced with a replacement bus.

Reduced services will run between London Paddington and Bristol, Westbury and Swindon, Cardiff and Bristol, Exeter and Barnstaple, Plymouth and Gunnislake, and Penzance and St Ives.

While no strike action is taking place on Sunday, GWR is anticipating some disruption.

Tickets for Friday and Saturday, June 3-4, can be used on the day before or up to and including Tuesday, June 6.

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

HE WAS once the king of the Castle ward, now he is Reading’s first citizen, some 50 years after first being elected to the borough council.

Cllr Tony Page was just 19 when he won a seat in the now defunct Castle ward, and to mark his golden anniversary, on Wednesday, May 24, he became borough mayor in a ceremony held in Reading town hall. His deputy will be Cllr Glenn Dennis.

Over his time with the council, Cllr Page has helped oversee the launch of The Oracle, the pedestrianisation of the town centre, numerous changes to Reading Buses, and other modernisations, such as the creation of Green Park and Kennet Island.

He dwelt on some of these during a speech at the event, reflecting on his time as a student at the University of Reading, the ‘eventful times’ of the 1970s which he was elected in, and his role in the 1990s of help Reading Buses move.

“As chairman of the company at the time, I had a very active role in the relocation of the old bus depot, from Mill Lane to the brand-new facility, as it was then, in Great Knollys Street, which opened in 1997,” he said.

“That unlocked both sides of the River Kennet and facilitated the Oracle development as we know it today. I take a lot of pride in that.”

Cllr Page also celebrated the opening of the Christchurch Bridge over the River Thames in 2015, despite the scepticism it had received, and also expressed frustration at the lack of progress over the Reading Gaol site.

“In just a few short months, it will have been 10 years since the Ministry of Justice abruptly shut down Reading Prison December 2013, when all the prisoners moved out the last person,” he said.

“It was obvious at the time that development of such a historical site was always going to be a challenge.

“Can you imagine the abuse this council would have received from ministers if we allowed such a valuable and important historical asset to deteriorate without any progress being made in determining its future in nearly 10 years? It remains a huge disappointment.”

He said the council remained committed to a plan to convert it into an arts centre.

“While I’m stepping back from frontline politics as of this evening, you

can be sure your mayor will continue to work alongside stakeholders, councillor colleagues and community groups to lowering the MoJ to make the only choice that allow us to create something extra special for us,” he said.

His two mayoral charities will be the Berkshire Refugee Support Group and the Stroke Association.

During the meeting, tributes were made by leader of the council Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Abbey) and Cllr Karen Rowland.

Cllr Brock said: “I cannot do justice to his 50 years of service. He’s an outstanding teacher, a confidant without peer.”

Cllr Rowland praised him for being a mentor, serving with honesty and integrity, and having a 12-hour-a-day work ethic.

NEW TEAM: Cllr Tony Page with his deputy, Cllr Glenn Dennis, at Reading Town Hall during the mayor-making ceremony

Picture: Reading Borough Council

Carnival gearing up for first event

A NEW event is set to bring South Reading communities together on Sunday, June 11. The inaugural Whitley Carnival, organised by charities Aspire2 and Whitley Community Development Association, will see two parades make their way through the ward, before meeting up at John Madejski Academy for a Fun Day. Workshops have taken place across Whitley in the weeks leading up to the event. Featuring 11 arts organisations and 11 schools, residents created giant puppets, costumes and stilt walkers. n For more information, visit: www.whitleycarnival.co.uk

Zine postponed

THE RISING Sun Arts Centre has postponed its zine fair. The regular event which celebrates prints and selfpublished works by local artists has now be pushed back from its original date this Sunday.

This means artists have more time to apply for a stall or to be a part of the event, with the new date set to be announced later in the year.

To apply to take part in the event as a publisher or artist, contact: ollie.musson@ risingsunartscentre.org

n Updates about the event are available via: risingsunartscentre. org/events/postponed-zine-fair

Views wanted on council’s plans to revamp buses – and lanes

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council is inviting residents to have their say on their proposals for bus infrastructure over the next phase of improvements.

As part of a £26 million investment into bus travel services around Reading, the council is seeking the public’s opinion on the plans.

It comes after they laid out proposals for six new bus lanes, including two on Oxford Road, both outbound between Zinzan Street and George Street and Pangbourne Street and Norcot Junction.

They also include two inbound lanes on London Road, between Liverpool Road and Cemetery Junction and Sidmouth Street and London Street.

There are further proposals for an outbound lane on Bath Road between Circuit Lane and Granville Road, and an inbound lane on Southampton street from Pell Street to The Oracle roundabout.

The improvements also feature extentions to the Buzz 42 service and south Reading services, improvements to the hospital Park and Ride service as well as Mereoak.

and access to opportunities such as education, training, employment, essential services and social events.

“Reading already has an extensive bus network which is well used by residents and visitors. However, bus services do suffer from delays as a result of traffic congestion, particularly at peak times, so there is a need to introduce greater priority for buses to improve services for local residents.”

He said that the council was keen to seek opinions from commuters and bus users in Reading before finalising plans.

ALL

Proposed plans include six new bus lanes and improvements to RBH and Mereoak Park and Ride services.

Further bus information and safety, shelter, and time display improvements are planned, as is the creation of a “passenger charter”.

Cllr Tony Page, RBC’s thenlead councillor for climate Strategy and transport, said: “Successfully securing £26 million funding to improve Reading’s bus service now sets us on an exciting journey to making our already excellent

public transport network one of the best in the country.”

He explained that it comes: “Hot on the heels of us launching our new value-formoney ‘Reading All-Bus’ day travel ticket.

“These latest proposals further enhance our ambition to make travelling by bus in Reading easier, cheaper, quicker and more reliable.

“Prioritisng bus travel will

benefit not only our transport network and current and potential bus passengers, but also for our environment.

He continued: “If more people choose to travel by bus this will result in reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, health and wellbeing.

“Bus services, including community transport and school services, provide a vital lifeline for many people

“We do appreciate any major change like this to Reading’s road infrastructure will generate mixed opinions, and that is why we are keen to stress no decisions have been taken and we are keen to gather as much feedback as possible on the six new bus lanes we’ve proposed.

“I urge people to look at the proposals in more detail and have their say.”

n Full details of the plans are available to view via: reading.gov. uk/BSIP

n To submit your views to the consultation, visit: reading.gov. uk/bus-lanes

A swim from Switzerland to France

A BERKSHIRE student is set to make a splash with a charity challenge this summer.

In July, Oscar Sanger is due to swim across Lake Geneva, making a 14km trip from Switzerland to France to raise money for Beat.

Beat is the UK's largest eating disorder charity, lending support to people who experience disturbance of eating behaviours or struggle with mental health problems related to eating.

Mr Sanger, 22, is currently studying at the University of Exeter, though his family home is near Reading.

He explains that the cause is close to home due to a family member experiencing repeated hospital visits as a result of severe anorexia.

It means he has seen firsthand the effects the condition and others like it can have on both the person themselves and their loved ones.

As such, he resolved to support the charity in tackling eating disorders with a fundraising challenge before he returns home from a student exchange programme in Switzerland.

Mr Sanger will be joined by William Henman in the undertaking, due to take place in July.

So far, their JustGiving page has raised more than £1,600.

Around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from eating disorders according to Beat's figures.

National Eating Disorder Association statistics show that around one in four students (24%) at university will personally experience some kind of eating disorder during their studies.

Beat provides a national helpline which helps those suffering to understand their illness and take positive steps towards treatment.

It also provides help to family and friends of those with disorders as well as raising awareness and reducing stigma attached to eating disorders through national campaigns.

n More information about the charity's work and how to access support is available via: beateatingdisorders.org.uk.

n To donate to Oscar and Will's Swim Challenge in aid of Beat, visit: justgiving.com/page/ oscarandwillswim

ABOARD:

Picture: Reading Buses

WHICH STROKE FIRST: Student Oscar Sanger will be joined by William Henman when he swims from Switzerland to France, via Lake Geneva, in July. Picture: Oscar Sanger

Council promises new lights will only cause jams for a short time

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

FOR the past three months, drivers trying to leave Reading have been caught up in delays while a railway bridge was repainted. But instead of motoring nirvana when the works ended, a new nightmare is causing tailbacks.

Reading Borough Council is promising this is only going to be a temporary jam, while they finish the installation.

Last July, traffic lights at the junction of Cholmeley Road in Newtown and the A4 London Road were taken out after a motorist crashed into them.

The council had to source a whole new set of lights as the ones that were damaged were of an older technology, no longer in use.

While they were waiting, temporary lights were installed and caused much frustration as they failed frequently, making it dangerous for pedestrians trying to cross London Road to get to a bus stop, as well as vehicles trying to come out of Cholmeley Road.

Residents were so concerned at the length of time the works were taking they started to

consider holding a birthday party for the first anniversary of the temporary installation.

Last month the replacements were finally switched on for the first time, and instantly caused

delays with traffic filling up Kings Road at all hours of the day.

The phasing of the lights has been set so instead of being traffic along London Road

CALLING FOR ACTION:

Park ward Green party councillors Sarah Magon and Rob White with the new traffic lights on Chomeley Road Picture: Phil Creighton

Street eats with heat at Chilli Fest

BROAD Street is set to have its taste buds taken for an intense trip as it prepares for Reading Chilli Festival 2023.

Cholmeley Road traffic lights have gone live nearly one year after they were damaged, however it is disappointing that the phasing on them is not right,” he said.

“They are only letting one direction of London Road go at a time rather than both directions at the same time. This is causing frustration, further tailbacks and pollution on London Road.

“The council should fix this as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said things will settle down soon.

A range of spicy food, drinks, and sauces will be on sale, showcasing the supreme selections of chilli-laden offerings.

This year will feature stalls such as Saucey Lady’s Chilli Sauce, Cantina El Burrito, Simpson’s Seeds, Sun Wah Chilli Oils, Tipsy Fruit Gins, Wiltshire Chilli Farm, and Burning Desire.

The festival takes place along Broad Street from 10am5pm on Saturday.

n For more information, visit: facebook.com/ReadingChilli

followed by traffic turning right out of Cholmeley Road, there are now three phases as traffic going into Reading has been separated from traffic heading out of town.

Green party leader Rob White is ward member for Park as well as leader of the opposition, where the lights are situated. He said he has received many messages from residents frustrated by the new technology, and called on the council to take immediate action.

“It is great to see that the

“The new traffic signals are currently working in a similar way to the temporary traffic signals they replaced while the engineering team conduct the final testing, setup and calibration of the new vehicle detection system,” they told Reading Today.

“During testing it has been discovered that some revisions are required to the controller programming, and engineers will shortly install the revised setup.

“When this has been completed the junction will revert to operating in a similar way to the original junction, allowing east and westbound traffic to flow concurrently.”

Wine tasting

A COMMUNITY group is inviting residents to try some, non-alcoholic, wines and cheese at an event on Thursday, June 29.

iCare 2018 social club’s members can attend the monthly meet-up which will also feature bingo, live entertainment, food and drink.

The group helps those who may be feeling lonely, isolated or are just looking for company and fun in their lives.

The event takes place from noon-4.30pm at Whitley Wood Community Centre.

n To book a space, contact: 0118 950 0777.

W I l l o w l a n d s c a p e s h a s b o t h m i n i a n d m i c r o d i g g e r s f o r h i r e a t c o m p e t i t i v e r a t e s O u r d i g g e r ' s a r e s u i t a b l e f o r a l l t y p e s o f w o r k i n c l u d i n g ; G r o u n d P r e p a r a t i o n , F o u n d a t i o n s d u g , L a w n s d u g o u t , G a r d e n s L e v e l l e d a n d S o i l R e m o v a l

EXPATS MAKING FOOTBALL STADIUM, RUGBY STADIUM AND GOLF STADIUM , WE HAVE 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE FOR STADIUM

MP expresses concern over travelcard axe

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

AXING one-day travelcards to London will have a serious impact on passengers, says a Reading MP.

Matt Rodda has written to Transport for London to express his concerns over plans to axe the special ticket.

The London transport company, overseen by the mayor of London, has to make savings and is looking at dropping the scheme. Reading and Wokingham borough councils have both expressed their opposition to the plan, and now the Reading East MP has joined their calls.

In his letter, Mr Rodda said: “The travelcard is a very important fare for a wide range of residents.

“The withdrawal would mean a significant increase to many passengers’ fares to London, especially those wishing to travel off-peak, with the cost set to increase from £29.60 to £38.90.

“This notable change is likely to affect those who travel to London one or two days a week, including many self-employed people and part-time workers… it could also affect those travelling for leisure and some students.”

He was also concerned about the impact such a large price hike

would have on passengers already struggling due to the cost of living crisis as well as the climate emergency.

“Removal of this scheme could discourage residents from using the train when this should be promoted as a more environmentally friendly way to travel to London,” he wrote.

He added: “I believe this proposal would be against the interests of local residents”.

While he was still lead councillor for transport, Cllr Tony Page wrote to Transport for London saying Reading Borough Council objected on grounds of cost, inconvenience, undermining sustainable travel alternatives, and the impact on London’s economy.

“The proposal to withdraw its day travelcard is completely at odds with the established direction of travel for TfL, and indeed local authorities. That is particularly the case during a cost-of-living crisis,” he said.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Cllr Paul Fishwick, said: “Increasing the cost of travel significantly is likely to have a detrimental effect on the demand for rail travel.”

The consultation closed on May 23

Tickets on sale for gin and rum do

LET there be gin – tickets on sale for gin and rum festival in Reading this summer

THE SUMMERTIME might be the time when the weather is high, and you can stretch right up and touch the sky, but it’s also time to have a drink.

And that’s what organisers of a gin and rum festival are hoping you’ll do.

The event is coming to the University of Reading’s Great Hall on Sunday, July 29, and will feature more than 120 gins, rums and tequilas from all over the world.

Steam to seaside Minehead

The West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th August and 16th September 2023

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

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

Price

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

• First Class £185 per person – 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.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat. £10 per person discount quote: DHU

Everyone attending will be able to enjoy a free snack from LOVE CORN, while mixers will come from sponsors Schweppes.

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with LOVE CORN,” says a festival spokesperson.

“They’re an exciting company that shares our passion for quality and taste. We’re thrilled to have them on board, and we’re excited to see what they have in store for us.”

As well as the free snack, the festival is giving new customers a free drink.

A day out to Cornwall

“We understand that things are more expensive these days, and we don’t want that to impact our customers’ experience,” the spokesperson said. “ We want to keep doing what we love for years to come, and we know that our customers will look after us if we look after them.

“That’s why we’ve decided to include a free drink with the ticket price for 2023.”

n For more details about the event, held on the London Road campus, log on to: www.ginandrumfestival.com

The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall.

The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where you can visit pretty seaside village Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue & Heritage Centre.

Price

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

• First Class £209 per person – 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.

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHV

GOOD TIMES: People enjoying last year’s gin and rum festival at the Great Hall in the University of Reading’s London Road campus. The event returns next month and tickets are already on sale

fares

by The Railway Touring Company. The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply – see website.

Bob Green

Bob Green

Shinfield Cricket Club edges uni team at ground unveiling

Landmark uni lecture: speakers revealed

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading (UoR) has announced who will be leading this year’s Wolfenden Lecture in June.

The annual event sees academics and leaders in their fields give talks, often focusing on LGBTQ+ topics, and is open to members of the public as well as students and faculty at the university.

This year, it will be led by Dr Drew Dalton, a senior lecturer in Sociology and founder and chair of global human rights charity ReportOUT.

He will be joined by World, European, and Paralympic rowing champion Lauren Rowles MBE as a special guest, as well as UoR’s LGBT+ staff network chair Dr Ruvi Zeigler and Diversity and Inclusion dean Dr Allán Laville.

As the founder and chair of ReportOUT, Dr Dalton has led the charity’s award-winning work supporting and protecting the human rights of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) minorities.

He is also a senior lecturer in Sociology and the Programme Leader for the MSc Inequality and Society at the University of Sunderland.

He said: “Being offered the opportunity to speak at the Wolfenden Lecture is a huge privilege and honour.

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A WEST Wokingham village came together to witness the unveiling of a new sports facility, while also enjoying a spot of barbecue and ice cream in the sumptuous Sunday sun.

Shinfield Cricket Club, who will now call Manor Ground, Brookers Hill their home, took on a talented University of Reading team in a commemorative exhibition match and ultimately came out on top.

In conjunction with its current pitches at Millworth Lane, the facility will help the club accommodate its various men’s, women’s, junior teams and school teams, as well as provide a meeting place for the parish’s groups and clubs.

Emil Reisser-Weston, Shinfield Cricket Club’s captain, said: “The Manor Ground’s inauguration marked more than just a cricket match, it symbolised the unbreakable bond between the Shinfield community and their cherished sport.

“The state-of-the-art facilities and meticulously maintained grounds will undoubtedly serve as a hub for nurturing local talent and fostering a love for cricket among the younger generation.”

He described the atmosphere on the day as ‘electric’, with some visitors taking a look around the new facilities, while others enjoyed the on-site bouncy castle.

Pawan Tyagi, Shinfield Cricket Club’s senior team captain and girls team coach, said: “Opening a new cricket ground will provide a much-needed space for women and girls to play cricket, which will help to grow the game at the grassroots level.

“This is in line with the ECB’s initiatives to encourage more girls and women to play cricket.”

The match itself was a close-run affair, with the University and Shinfield sides both producing some moments of quality, but it was ultimately the home side who came out on top.

Representatives from the University of Reading and Shinfield Parish Council were in attendance to take in the momentous occasion.

Cllr Andrew Grimes, leader of Shinfield Parish Council, said: “The parish council is keen to develop sports opportunities for

residents and particularly young adults.

“As a parish we do not suffer from anti-social behaviour any more than other parts of the country but we do believe that involvement in sport reduces the likelihood of being involved in anti-social behaviour.

“The development of these new sports facilities is part of an overall approach towards lowering anti-social behaviour which also includes co-operating with PCSOs and Wokingham Borough Council’s ASB team.”

“It gives an amazing opportunity to bring to light what is currently happening on a global level to sexual and gender minorities worldwide in terms of their human rights and development needs.”

Lauren Rowles has competed in women’s rowing in the last two Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, as well as the World Rowing Championships in 2019 and 2015.

She also works as an inclusion consultant and raises awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities.

The annual lecture is named after a report compiled by The Wolfenden Committee, chaired by Lord Wolfenden in 1957.

Lord Wolfenden’s report became in important milestone in LGBTQ+ history when it recommended that homosexual behaviour between consenting adults should be decriminalised in the UK in 1957.

This year’s lecture takes place on Thursday, June 8, between 5.30pm and 6.45 at the University of Reading’s Van Emden Lecture Theatre in the Edith Morely Building, Whiteknights Campus.

It is also being streamed online. n Registration to attend the event either online or in person is available at: https://www.reading. ac.uk/news/2023/University-News/WolfendenLecture-2023

Shinfield CC lining up before the first innings

Representatives from the University of Reading were present. The project was organised by the university and Shinfield CC

The opening was well attended by members of the community

Taking a moment to capture the on pitch action

Ice cream was welcome on what proved to be a warm Sunday

The University of Reading fielded a strong side for the game. Pictures: Shinfield Cricket Club

A taste of Ibiza at Palmer Park

READING is set to get its own little bit of Ibiza – but with a twist – this summer.

Classic Ibiza sees a 32-piece live orchestra take on some of the biggest dance and rave anthems from the last three decades.

Songs such as Insomnia, Born Slippy, Sandstorm, and Levels will be among those performed by The Urban Soul Orchestra, who will also be joined by live vocalists and DJs.

A full festival-style event will be set up in Palmer Park, complete with roaming entertainers, bars, street food vendors, and make-up stalls.

Event organiser Jonathan Ware, originally from Reading, says: “We have toured this show to sell out crowds all over the UK and cannot wait to bring it to our hometown.

“The audience have got a great night in store, with some of the biggest dance anthems ever being brought to orchestral life on stage. Get ready for goosebumps, it’s going to be a night to remember.”

Classic Ibiza comes to Palmer Park on Friday, June 16, with gates open from 5pm and The Urban Soul Orchestra performing from 7pm. n Tickets are available via: summertimelive.co.uk/reading

Millennium marker in Caversham park gets an amazing makeover

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

TWO talented youngsters will be helping brighten people’s journeys through Caversham, after winning a competition.

As part of last year’s Reading Climate Festival, Sustrans and Reading Borough Council ran a contest with primary schools to design a redecoration of one of six Millennium Mileposts across the town.

There were more than 350 different entries, making it a tough choice for the judging panel.

In the end, they opted for a colourful design from Emma, a Year 4 pupil at Alfred Sutton Primary School.

And they were also impressed with the wording on another entry, created by Estelle. The Year 5 pupil from Wilson Primary School had her entry combined with Emma’s design.

The result is on NCN5 in Balmore Park, Caversham.

To bring the design to life, Sustrans commissioned community artist Commando Jugendstil to do the painting. It’s not the only artwork he has created recently – his dabs are

on murals at Holy Brook Nook and Reading Hydro.

The Millennium Mileposts were originally funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland to mark the year 2000.

There are 1,000 of them across the UK, marking the National Cycle Network, and there are four designs.

Made of cast iron, they are waymarkers for people following the trail.

Estelle was delighted to see her name alongside Emma’s on the finished work.

“I’m really excited,” she said of the unveiling, held on Friday. “I’d like my friends to see it, and

my teacher has given them the address of where it is.”

She also hoped that more

THAT’S US: Sustrans ran a contest to revamp a Millennium Marker in Caversham’s Balmore Park.

Emma (right) devised the colourful design, while Estelle (left) devised the words Pictures: Phil Creighton mileposts could be installed elsewhere.

“We could maybe have it in more places, that’s what I think,” she added.

And artist Emma was delighted with how Commando Jugendstil had interpreted her colourful design.

“It feels really amazing, because I’ve never had anything made in real life,” she said. “The idea came quite quickly actually, about two minutes. “I’m really happy with how it’s been painted.”

Starbucks seeks retrospective permission for advertising and signs

THE OWNERS of a new Starbucks drive through are seeking permission from Reading Borough Council for retrospective permission for its signage, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter The branch of the US-coffee chain opened in Reading Link Retail Park, off Rose Kiln Lane, on Friday, May 19.

It is a franchise, operated by 23.5 Degrees Limited, and it is

this firm that has submitted an application to the council.

Starbucks branding has been installed, along with advertising, on the single storey café building.

Sorbon Estates, which owns Reading Link Retail Park, won outline permission for the cafe to be built last August, after

previous plans for it were refused by the council in 2019. The retail park is home to several other businesses including Matalan, Home Bargains, the Food Warehouse, and Magnet. The application, number 230519, can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

Reading Male Voice Choir to host young vocalists for gala

READING Male Voice Choir is set to host an evening of live singing with some accomplished guests next week.

On Saturday, June 10, RMVC will be joined by the winners of the Gwyn Arch Young Singers’ Competition as well as The Abbey School Junior Choir. The event will see the 10-13-year-old category winner Oregon Thia Gerrits, 14s-16s winner John-Ellis Wallace, and 17-21s winner Sophie Kileff taking to the stage for vocal performances.

Oregon, 11, took first prize at the North London Music Festival last year and has made television appearances in the Nordoff Robbins carol service.

John-Ellis performed for six years as a chorister in St Albans Cathedral Choir and on international solo tours in mainland Europe.

Sophie is a diploma-level singer, pianist, and violinist, and leads the Hampshire County Chamber Orchestra.

The inaugural Gwyn Arch Young Singers’ Competition saw performers aged between 10-21 take part in auditions back in March in the hope of winning a grand prize: £100 for the juniors (10-13), £200 for the youth category (14-16) and £300 for the young adult category (17-21).

The competition is named in honour of Gwyn Arch, the founder of Reading Male Voice

Choir and its musical director until 2015.

He became the head of music at the Berkshire (latterly Bulmershe) College shortly after it opened in 1964.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to music in Berkshire as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2006, and died in June 2021.

The Gwyn Arch Young Singers’ Winners Concert takes place at The Abbey School, Kendrick Road, from 7pm on Saturday, June 10.

n Tickets cost £10, £5 for under13s, and under-3s go free, with tickets available via: ticketsource. co.uk/readingmalevoicechoir

Ruth Perry’s sister meets with education minister over Ofsted Award shortlist for lawyer

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A FRESH call to reform school inspections has been made by the sister of a Caversham headteacher.

Ruth Perry, who died by suicide following an Ofsted inspection, in which inspectors had deemed the school as inadequate. Her death has led to calls for changes to the system.

Last week, a deputation, including Ms Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, Lisa Telling, the chairman of Reading Primary Heads and Caversham parent Edmund Barnett-Ward visited the education secretary Gillian Keegan in a meeting facilitated by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East.

“I am grateful to the Education Secretary for meeting me, Ruth Perry’s sister, Julia Waters, and other campaigners and for spending some time listening to our concerns about Ofsted,” said Mr Rodda.

“I am pleased that the Government is starting to listen, however, it is important that Ministers now take action and reform Ofsted, and reform should include ending single word

judgments on Ofsted Reports.”

The meeting took place at the Department for Education offices in London.

Mrs Keegan, education secretary and Conservative MP for Chichester said: “Ruth Perry’s death was a tragedy that has brought attention to how Ofsted inspections are carried out and the impact on teachers’ mental health and wellbeing.

“I’m grateful to Ruth’s family and members of the Caversham community for the opportunity to hear their concerns directly.

“Following the meeting we will work together to make sure we have an inspection system that works for children, teachers, school leaders and parents.”

Ofsted currently has four ratings for state schools:

‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires Improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’.

The Labour Party has plans to scrap these one-word ratings in favour of a ‘report card’ for parents.

Back in 2019, Angela Rayner Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, then the Shadow Education Secretary announced plans to abolish Ofsted altogether and replace it with a new ‘inspectorate for education’ which would be staffed with full time and expert inspectors.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has also called for Ofsted to be reformed, arguing the current system is ‘too blunt and reductive.’

n Reading Today has pledged not to publish any stories of Ofsted inspection results until the system has been changed.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A READING-based solicitor has been shortlisted for this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards.

Saifalee Doolooa-Collins is a team leader at Reeds Solcitors LLP, which has an office in Castle Street. She launched the firm’s family law department in 2013, and is one of three people named as a finalist in the Family Legal Aid Lawyer category.

During her decade working in family law, she has worked with Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA, which provides confidential support, information, outreach services, and refuge accommodation for women and their children who are affected by domestic abuse and violence.

She, along with other volunteers, are affiliated to the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) and help people across Bracknell, Reading, West Berkshire, and Wokingham.

This support includes training sessions for service users on issues such as non-molestation order applications.

She also runs a free legal clinic for Berkshire Women’s Aid on a monthly basis.

Since 2017, Ms DoolooaCollins has also served on the Children’s Panel, now the

Award winning care quality

NOMINATED: Saifalee Doolooa-Collins has been shortlisted for this year’s Family Legal Aid Lawyer award

Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme.

This specialises in childcare and complex children litigation, and sees the lawyer represent children, parents and other family members in court proceedings.

James Ferry, head of the family law department at Reeds Solicitors, said they were proud of Ms Doolooa-Collins.

“She has a fantastic

reputation for her work in the Thames Valley area and among professionals,” he said, praising her volunteer work.

“To be nominated for this accolade is testament to her hard work, kind and approachable nature, and her determination to go above and beyond for those in need.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, July 12.

MEETING: Ruth Perry’s sister Professor Julia Waters Picture: Jake Clothier

Gardeninghintsand tipstoprotect yourbody withHazelDillon

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Awarmupisimportanttostretchyourmuscles beforeyoustarttousethemformanuallabour. Youcanstartwiththelighterjobsbeforemoving ontotheheavierjobs.Alternatively,youcandoa moreformalwarmuplikewewoulddobeforeany exercise:

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WHEN IT comes to brollies, you won’t need it in Reading as much as you will in other places, as outside of London it is the driest place in the country.

New research discovered that the Ding has an average yearly rainfall total of 709mm – behind London’s 621, but significantly ahead of Bournemouth (798mm) and Bristol (824mm).

And that places it second in a list of 10 driest towns and cities in the country.

It’s been compiled by Betway, which has been looking at the ultimate sun-seekers travel guide

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Lizzie is streets ahead comes to being a

AN ACTIVE mum-of-three who works tirelessly in her neighbourhood in various roles has been nominated for the Community Champion award.

Lizzie Moore organised a street party for both the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation, as well as a more low-key VE day celebration during the pandemic where people celebrated in their front gardens.

Her nominator said: “She provided music, decorating her house and encouraging others to do so – a boost to morale during this time.”

for the UK. It ranked placed based on population, average number of daylight hours, sunniest months, average annual temperatures, and the distance to the nearest beach, as well as the wet stuff.

London sees just 621mm of rain, giving it top spot, but the Ding is second, ahead of Nottingham (712mm), Derby (763mm), Birmingham (769) and Southend (775mm).

n The full research can be seen at: https://blog.betway.com/casino/ suntrap-cities-the-sunniest-places-inthe-uk-and-beyond/

BBQ Double Stacker XL is a blockbuster of a burger

She added: “Lizzie does tireless work for the community while raising three young children and doing a part time job.”

The nomination lists the extensive work Lizzie does in the Tilehurst community, much of which raises funds for local causes.

Lizzie set up Sewing Space where, every couple of months, anyone who wants to sew and chat meets at Victoria Road village hall, with tea and cakes provided.

Donations are made to a different local charity each time.

She organises a disco at Park Lane primary school every term, with a stall to sell toys and snacks, raising more than £1,000 each time for school funds. She also helps with school fetes.

Lizzie is a member of Tilehurst Triangle WI and helps to organise events for them, for example Burns Night Suppers.

When her children were pre-school age, she was a member of the NCT and put together nearly new sales.

During Covid, the mum

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

offered support to nearby residents, doing their shopping and providing Christmas lunch for one elderly neighbour.

Lizzie also founded the musical group Saxy Mammas, which plays at events raising money for charities such as Young at Heart which offers help to families of babies and children diagnosed with heart defects.

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR A PRIDE OF READING AWARD

n To nominate a person or organisation go to www.porawards.co.uk where there is information on the categories, sponsors and awards.

Gail is a cut above

A hairdresser who gives her time freely to cut the hair of people helped by a homeless charity has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

Gail Boorman works at Indigo Rye in Caversham and volunteers at Launchpad 135, the charity’s work and life skills centre for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

She visits the centre once a month on her day off and provides a free hair care service to the charity’s clients.

The Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by A.B. Walker, celebrates “an individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or simply who have stepped up when needed to help others”.

And, in national Volunteers’ Week,

THERE’S a new burger on the menu, and it’s a bit of a blockbuster.

Burger King has launched its new BBQ Double Stacker XL, a limited edition feast that is only available via home delivery companies until the end of June.

It’s a double cheeseburger with onion rings and bacon complete with barbecue sauce, and yes it is on the large size.

Living up to its name, it is one of the biggest burgers currently available, and is very filling – few people will want any sides as a result.

It is an unusual burger in that instead of onion rings as a separate

item they are in the bun, but it makes for a neater eat as it’s all selfcontained.

Burger King’s burgers are flame grilled and that gives them a unique taste among other chain burgers.

The BBQ Double Stacker XL can be ordered from Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat and the Burger King app.

After that, it will be a fond memory.

Burger King is also making available a special side dish: six Chilli Cheese Bites.

That’s hot stuff.

n For more details, log on to: www. burgerking.co.uk or search Uber Eats n www.ubereats.com/store/burgerking-reading-broad-street-mall-sc/

A.B. Walker

A.B. Walker is returning this year as sponsor of the Volunteer of the Year, the award for an individual or team engaged in diverse or challenging tasks, or stepped in when needed, to support and help others.

The funeral directors have served funeral care to the Berkshire and Oxfordshire community for nearly 200 years.

One of its own administrators, Graham Gould, also received a nomination in the Great Place to Work category in 2013.

Shelby Fry said: “We sponsor Volunteer of the Year because as a company AB Walker is passionate about supporting our local community,

and that’s exactly what the volunteer of the year does.

“It’s about being a part of the community, and by sponsoring the category we are ensuring that everyone’s supported.

“Having been along to the awards myself last year, seeing all of the different nominees, and what everyone’s doing in the Reading area, it’s absolutely incredible.”

Ms Fry said: “We’re a long-standing business in the town, right in the heart of Reading, which is such a great area to live in.

“There’s so many cultures and faiths, and we really see that in our roles at A.B Walker – that’s what makes us proud to be a part of it.”

WET STUFF: Some rain yesterday, not in Reading, obviously Picture: Markus Spiske from Pixabay

Ding is the driest outside of London, yes, really

HERE FOR A LIMITED TIME: Burger King’s new BBQ Bacon Double Stacker XL

READING AWARDS

ahead when it good neighbour

Lizzie Moore (centre) is an active mum-of-three who works tirelessly in her neighbourhood in various roles has been nominated for the Community Champion category in this year’s Pride of Reading Awards

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN

Slate club Christmas payout memories

Another view

Neil Coupe

The passage of time

ATTENDING a wedding recently it dawned on me that the passage of time was very much pushing those of us in our fifties to the edges.

During the break between the wedding and the reception, there was no longer a need to make a stampede to the bar to and have a few cold ones to get the party started. We were now the ones relishing the prospect of a nice cup of tea, and the bonus of biscuits and on this occasion, even cake, as we sat in a quiet room comparing ailments, the potential attraction of cruises, and addressing the issue of ‘how much longer are you planning to work’, or ‘how is retirement?

Let me guess, you have never been so busy.’

Reading Football Club

Reading Football Club is returning to this year’s Awards as sponsor of the Community Champion Award.

This recognises a person who works tirelessly in their community, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, or for a group public service, devoting their time to others.

The club has been at the heart of the town for more than 150 years, and director of operations Jackie Evans said: “The award really meets with the club’s values as a community club.

“The event has a very important message they’re trying to deliver, and we want to be on board with that.

“There’s so many people and businesses who come back to support it time and time again, wanting to be part of it, and there’s a very good reason for that.”

She explained: “I’m born and bred in Reading, I hold the club dear to my heart, so I know that this is a long-standing event which does great things.

“It recognises people, as we should do.”

Gail Boorman has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year after gives her time freely to cut the hair of people helped by a homeless charity

RESIDENTS of a certain age will remember the phenomena that were slate clubs.

Held at pubs across the country, members contributed anywhere from a few shilling to £1 per week to be deposited into a bank account so interest could be gained.

Kennet Arms Pub on Pell Street, was no different. With money coming in throughout the year, participants would look forward to a healthy payout at Christmas.

Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner explained: “On the due day for payout members would meet in the main bar and the money then distributed. As you can imagine these were lively evenings as money was available for a few more drinks.

“The majority of the money however was to enable families to enjoy Christmas with presents, drink and food for everyone.

“Some pubs also used Slate Clubs for locals as a means of enjoying weekly credit, hence the phrase ‘put it on the slate mate.’”

He added that a resident had gifted the museum with a certificate from the Kennet Arms’ slate club.

POETRY CORNER

When I run it’s just like poetry

I’m limping like a limerick Looking for that last rhyme

I stumble like a stanza

That’s completely lost its time

I’m sauntering in a sonnet

when there is a chance to thank the people who make such a fantastic contribution to our communities, the words of Gail’s nominator are apt.

“We have seen just how much a difference a haircut, and time spent with Gail, makes to our clients.”

The stylist, who started volunteering with the group in

February last year, stays on after the cutting session to join in with the centre’s social group. Her nominator added: “We asked our clients how having a haircut, and being with Gail, makes them feel and here are just some of the words they used; welcomed, valued, safe, empowered, happy and confident.”

That Shakespeare clean forgot Tripping over my iambic pentameters

My leg muscles in a knot

And as I climb the hill Supporters’ shouts reach my ears

It must be really poetic

‘Cause my eyes have filled with tears

Then the race gets really tough

“The pub sadly closed in 2012 and reopened as a shop,” Mr Turner said.

“The certificate is in a gold frame with the original thin wood backing. It was presented in April 1905 and hung in the main bar of the pub until the pub closed.

“No slate clubs now of course, we all use contactless credit cards. Oh, the good old days.”

With more than 5,000 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.

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

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

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

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

There was no-one sending out search parties to have us in the photographs.

We commented that there were not many ‘oldies’ there, such as the noble grandparents that everyone makes an effort to speak to.

To our surprise, we were pretty much the oldest cohort there, albeit still too young to be distinguished and therefore visible.

This was then reinforced at the Reception as we were put on a table in the shadows with a ragtag of people we didn’t know – what we described as the ‘overspill’ table.

We have imperceptibly moved away from being the main players to being members of the supporting cast.

It is the younger generation with the exciting career developments, the plans for the future, the lust for life, and their fast-moving razor-sharp brains. They are the ones with the news. We are the ones with stories from the past to repeat.

A couple of nephews explained in great detail what they did for a living. I was riveted with the detail and the buzzwords. The enthusiasm was palpable, and they both clearly had very stimulating roles. Were they designing something? Were they creating or building software or something? Was it a sales job? When subsequently quizzed by my wife about what their jobs were, I was only able to muster, “Oh it’s something to do with IT. In London”.

The generational differences are even more palpable when it comes to cultural references. I am aware of the concept of ‘influencers’ using their reach on social media to promote brands. Some of these people are superstars in their own right with books deals etc. Who knew?

It is however a good thing to acknowledge the march of time and accept our changing place in the world. This is the circle of life. It is right that the young take over and innovate and shape the world for themselves. We have had our turn.

And I start to swear and curse

My normal vocabulary

Is replaced by blank, blank verse

But when the race is over And I’ve finished off my run Like singing a round, I’ll be back again It really was such fun!

Kathy Tyler

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send your verse to poems@wokingham.today

Moving away from being a participant in everything that goes on to being slightly more of an interested observer of everything going on can be just as enjoyable. The key point here of course is remaining interested.

Back to the wedding. There was no pressure to be anywhere near the dancefloor at any part of the proceedings, which is always a relief. Disappearing for a stroll when the music was being cranked up was totally acceptable. Most importantly of all, nobody batted an eyelid or raised any polite objection as we left the event earlier than we would have done 20 years ago, to the luxurious embrace of our own bed.

KENNET ARMS PUB IN PELL STREET HOSTED A SLATE CLUB AT THE START OF THE 20TH CENTURY. PICTURE: Whitley Community Museum

When I run it’s just like poetry

Fire crews quick response a credit

THE FIRE that swept through the second floor of a Reading town centre building has shocked us all.

Thankfully, it was not a disaster – fire crews have confirmed no one was injured in the blaze that saw Friar Street closed for 24 hours.

It could have been so much worse.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene within minutes of the blaze being reported, and stayed until it was safe to hand the site over to Reading Borough Council for their checks.

Over the coming days we will learn what caused the fire, but for now we can all be grateful for the hard work and dedication of the fire brigade.

They were prepared to risk life and limb, climbing ladders, inspecting the fire, blasting it with water and other substances in a bid to quell it.

And they do this day in, day out, morning, noon and night.

It can seem like a thankless task at times, so this as good a time as ever to remind ourselves of the debt we owe all fire crews across Berkshire.

Thank you so much.

CHURCH NOTES

Bless all the dear creatures

LET all thy creatures bless thee, O Lord, and my soul praise and bless thee for them all.’

So prayed the 17th century writer Thomas Traherne, in the language of his day.

Traherne, who took a keen delight in the natural world around him, invites us to join him in giving thanks for God’s world.

Of course, it’s not always easy to be thankful for all God’s creatures.

With the warmer weather upon us and picnics beckoning, we might not feel too thankful for wasps.

The gardeners amongst us might struggle to feel thankful for the slugs which will emerge on damp days to wreak havoc among carefully tended vegetables.

And a friend was telling me the other day that she doesn’t even like to talk about the particular creature of which she has a horror so, out of consideration for her, I won’t mention it.

Whatever our private feelings about certain creatures, modern science has shown that all life on earth is linked in ways that are intricate and complex.

When humans make efforts to get rid of so-called ‘pests’ and ‘weeds’, we often upset that delicate balance.

More and more people are coming to recognize the value of working with, rather than against, the natural world.

For Christians, the complexity of nature reflects the wisdom and creativity of God.

So, as the (hopefully) sunny weather tempts us to spend time outside, we have the opportunity to join Traherne in giving thanks:

‘All your creatures praise you, O Lord, and I praise and bless you for them all.’

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

Together in the Centre of Reading

Complaints about life

May I start the new Month with complaints about life today that affects us all?

With due respect to Civil Servants and other people paid out of our pockets, I wish you to get back to normal working – five days per week and in the office you were placed in before the farcical “work from Home” commenced, as a temporary aid to escape Covid – not for a holiday.

Such is required because we as country cannot afford the present low productivity and inefficiency associated with WFH employment. Whatever all the financial experts say, and nothing to do with Political views, we need to work. But much more efficiently and disciplined.

Turning to MPs and perhaps Lords, why do we allow them to have “other means” of income?

Those two bodies cost this country a fortune and are often out of any control. Taking a social view, as maybe Kier Starmer would like to, perhaps changes are desired, if we are ever to get a stable high integrity true social country. I make such comments not as a politition.

A classic example of allowing MPs to act freely – outside the needs of this country – was Liz Trust’s trip to Taiwan. Having some knowledge of the Chinese and the Far East, I could have

From the vicechancellor

Robert Van de Noort

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

given her a lecture as to why she should not - nor for that matter should anyone, go to Taiwan representing us.

I have publicly cursed the ever growing strength of the Chinese in terms of their fiscal, industrial and military power and investments in the UK, and have pointed out that Europe, of which we are a part, desperately needs to work as if one State.

We have the ability to design almost anything, but a lack of management – again I have experience, especially of how the Chinese operate.

Lastly, I am horrified by the failures of the travel paperwork automated checking system this past week at Airports. What appears to have been done is to improve and thus speed up passenger movements.

Any software that is altered –as a general rule, needs proving/ testing prior to use, until any problems are resolved. Was that carried out? Are we talking about a typical UK management failure? Reg Clifton, complete with Stirring device

Knives out

The knives have been out again for Boris and what happened during lockdown etc, the Labour lader was also found to be eating and drinking after a meeting but somehow managed to wriggle out of it.

From the leader

Cllr Jason Brock

All World Leaders had meetings during their lockdown periods and I am sure afterwards refreshments were serviced no different from this Country.

We had family on holiday in America and they were saying the cost of food was a lot dearer than Britain, so it goes to show the cost of living is WORLD WIDE.

It is a disgrace that this Political and in-house and TV media fighting is no way to get into power and gain Public support. We have ALL benefitted from all the injections we have had and should be thankful, including all NEWS TV presenters.

A Phillips, Twyford

Stand down Keir

Keir Starmer will double cross people as he changed his mind. He is a two-faced person himself – on students fees, first he wants to abolish them, now he says students will pay that struggle every day with insincere politicians and university chancellors that are overpaid.

He does not want trained nurses because he is xenophobic. It’s the same with the single market – the NHS will never work with Starmer, a two-face mark two Tory with this leader. He has no idea.

He is a disaster and should stand down.

Victor Rones, via email

at restoring agricultural land back into habitats for wildlife and plants.

Join the University for National Meadows Day

WITH the weather finally starting to turn warmer, and the summer lying ahead of us, many of us will be spending more of our time outdoors.

We know that having access to outdoor recreational space is incredibly important, and does wonders for our health and wellbeing. It also helps people to reconnect with nature and better understand biodiversity and environmental sustainability, something we know a lot about here at the University.

Last month, we were very proud to welcome thousands of visitors to our Whiteknights campus for our first ever Community Festival.

Luckily, the weather stayed dry for us and the sunshine even came out in the afternoon as people were enjoying the eclectic music offerings available on the main stage in our lovely meadow.

As well as workshops in

Our wonderful railway

I’VE got my trainspotter hat back on with the fantastic news that Reading Green Park Station has opened to the public.

This is Reading’s first new station for over a century – since Reading West in July 1906 – so it’s a landmark moment for our town to celebrate.

I had the pleasure of a trip on the first train to stop at the station last week, and it was great to see the shiny new destination in all its glory.

A new station at Green Park is something that has been talked about for a couple of decades and has been delayed on more than one occasion for matters outside of the Council’s control… so it was gratifying to see it finally come to fruition.

Green Park Station now sits proudly on the Reading to Basingstoke line and served by a half-hourly service in each direction through the day. It has two platforms, disabled access, and an interchange with a surface-level car park, taxi rank, and cycle parking. It will serve wellestablished communities in Whitley and the relatively new community at Green Park Village, as well as local businesses in the south of the borough and the expanding Business Park.

The station, built by Reading Borough Council working alongside our partners Network Rail and GWR to bring it into operation, will now help to alleviate queues along the busy A33 by offering an alternative sustainable mode of travel – a truly strategic approach to changing travel behaviours and creating a cleaner and greener Reading.

painting, yoga, music and more, and sports taster sessions and demonstrations, visitors also had the opportunity to find out more about the innovative research going on at the University such as protecting bees and insects, understanding the cultures of the past, and improving awareness of climate change.

We hope everyone enjoyed exploring our beautiful naturefilled campus and it helped to restore and energise people after a busy working week. Remember that you can visit us throughout the year, and we have a number of dedicated walking routes signposted around campus.

In addition to our Whiteknights campus, we offer further green space for our local community to enjoy. Langley Mead nature reserve is 18 hectares of countryside along the banks of the River Loddon. With a series of walking loops and areas of natural beauty, it is part of an ongoing project aimed

We will be hosting our annual National Meadows Day event at Langley Mead on Saturday, July 1. Please do come and join us to find out more about how we’ve used traditional management practices to successfully encourage greater biodiversity and environmental conservation. We will also be talking more about the opening of new natural open spaces for recreation later this year.

Education is something we obviously take very seriously here at the University. That is why we are delighted to have signed up to the Department for Education’s new National Education Nature Park initiative.

This will see us using Whiteknights as a readymade nature park, which will provide more outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people, enabling them to gain a deeper appreciation of our changing climate and engaging in practical conservation work.

Environmental sustainability is one of the key missions of our University. I am proud that we are playing our part to preserve nature for our community to enjoy, and in helping to educate the next generation on the importance of conservation and biodiversity.

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

It’s also another contribution to our net zero carbon by 2030 ambitions, to go with new segregated cycle and pedestrian routes across the borough, including the recent Shinfield Road scheme and another to come on Bath Road later this year.

I’m also pleased that Reading (and away) fans can enjoy their matchday experience even more when travelling to matches. Loyal Royals don’t need me to tell them that the scramble for parking on matchday is always a challenge (although Cambridge United fans might), so I’m thrilled they now have another option to leave the car at home and travel by train instead.

Fans travelling to Reading Women’s Super League match against Chelsea on Saturday, May 27, (the official station opening day) were among the first to benefit from the new station. Green Park’s arrival comes as two other major rail projects are underway in Reading. Improvements at Reading West are nearing completion and there are exciting plans for an upgrade at Tilehurst Station, where I’m pleased to say all platforms will be fully accessible for the first time as lifts and walkways are installed.

At Reading West, we have a real community station for the Oxford Road and its environs where we’ll soon have a new station building and ticket hall.

The refurbished Reading West will boast new ticket gates at the Tilehurst Road and Oxford Road entrances, meaning you can only get on the platforms if you have a ticket, unlike now. This is combined with the new ticket office, new toilets, and a retail facility. Safety and security will be significantly improved in an environment which, as local residents will know, is no stranger to anti-social behaviour.

GWR’s latest estimate for completion is the end of the summer. All being well, it which means by the autumn both stations will be open to the travelling public. It really is a case now of letting the train take the strain in Reading.

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

Whiteknights Studio trail sees artists highlighting sustainability

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

ART LOVERS will take a behindthe-scenes look at a special showcase, which is returning for the 23rd time next weekend.

Whiteknights Studio Trail takes place from June 10-11, and will see visitors welcomed into open studios and venues housing the 37 creatives.

Works will be presented in a variety of media, ranging from video, painting, printing, glass making, carpentry and sound.

The event adopts a distinctly ‘green’ theme, with several artists finding intriguing ways of showing how they are responding to the climate crisis and are inspiring others to do their bit to tackle the issue.

Nina O’Connell’s colourful batik paintings will be on display at The Museum of English Rural Life - Venue 5. Her works are founded on the natural world and attempt to convey her concern for the environment.

She said: “The result can often make my heart sing. My love of experimentation and unintentional outcomes speaks to me as an echo of the current state of affairs in the world.”

Ms O’Connell works with the experimental qualities of wax

resist batik which allows for both a degree of precision and the excitement of unexpected outcomes with the vibrant dyes.

Venue 9, Jenny Halstead’s Garden, will present The Butterfly Effect – a community art installation made from upcycled materials, while Venue 14 will house the Hope for the

Planet exhibition.

Hosted by Jonathan Dewsbury, one of the UK’s top 100 environmental professionals, artists will highlight the role young people play in the battle against climate change.

Featured projects include: Fantastical Maps and hangings

Mills and boon: lottery cash will help charity look to future and its past

AS YOU WERE: St Giles Watermill, which was on the site of what is now the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading Picture: Mills Archive

Volunteering champions

Hope for the Planet will be hosted by environmental professional Jonathan Dewsbury at Venue 14. Picture: Whiteknights Studio Trail

degree in furniture design and has run workshops since the 1980s. His work is inspired by English vernacular furniture covering a wide range of domestic pieces, installations and public works.

He is now focusing on chair making and smaller commissions from his Hampshire Studio.

Mr Ripley said: “Valuing the qualitative aspects of the things we use fosters a low consumption lifestyle. Coupled with this is the wood itself.

“I have always bought sustainably sourced timber and the materials will be replaced two or three times at least in the lifetime of the object.

“Making things in wood is also a carbon sink which reduces the emissions of allowing trees to die and rot or burning dead wood.

A HOUSING association is backing a project aimed at helping Reading youngsters become volunteering champions.

Sovereign has teamed up with the National Lottery Community Fund to give a grant worth £8,000 to Spotlight, for its Youth Social Action Project.

Working with children aged 10 to 18, they will develop their fundraising and campaigning abilities and work with care homes to combat isolation.

Sovereign’s Youth Panel, which is made up of people aged 18 to 25, helped determine where the funding should be awarded and is part of a £195,000 fund.

Daisy Mummery, Sovereign’s #iwill Fund Project Manager, said: “The impact the #iwill Fund is having on young people and communities is incredible, having already generated over £2.1 million in social value so far.

A PROJECT that aims to help

Reading people learn more about the history and future of wind and water power has been awarded nearly £200,000 to help its work.

The Mills Archive Trust has been awarded the grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new project, Reading emPOWERed.

The project will focus on preserving and sharing the history of the two renewable energy sources, drawing on existing records of milling heritage and encouraging the creation of new archival material and contributions.

The project will take two years, and see the Trust work alongside schools, entrepreneurs,

academics, arts and cultural groups.

Members of the public will be able to give their input too, having a say in which parts of the archive should be explored in more detail, and sharing related activities that they feel should be recorded for future generations.

The £198,751 grant is money raised by players of the National Lottery.

Mills Trust director Elizabeth Bartram was delighted with the funding.

“This project, made possible by the support of National Lottery players, has come at the right time,” she said. “We are all feeling the pinch with fuel costs rising and more of us are aware of the

reality of climate change and its implications.

“We are committed to showing how the past connects with the present and future, through highlighting the role of wind and water power, its advocates over the years, and the efforts of generations past to deal with issues that we all continue to face today.

“The town of Reading and its surrounding area has its own important part in this story, which we will share with local people and raise Reading’s profile on the national and international stage.”

The Mills Trust launched in 2002, and is based in Reading.

n For more details, log on to: new.millsarchive.org

from the Fantastical Forest, co-created by arts and wellbeing charity Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination and young people, Phyto-Froms by Natasha V Moody and samples works from budding artists from Manchester School of Art.

Mark Ripley, whose work will be on display at Venue 5, has a

“My studio is simply equipped and requires very little energy to run. A lifelong commitment to these principles is a personal contribution to a sustainable way of being.”

All venues are open from 11am-6pm on both days, with parking available at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus.

n For more information, visit: www.studiotrail.co.uk

“I’m looking forward to seeing how our projects grow this impact further.”

And Emily Morris, Sovereign Youth Panel member, said: “I felt empowered by having my own voice and opinion heard, which will go on to encourage youth to have their own say about other potential social youth action in Sovereign communities via #iwill funded projects.”

Blandy&BlandyShortlistedfor ‘PropertyLawfirmoftheYear’Award

E-waste recycling firm moves to Arborfield

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A COMPANY specialising in recycling electronic waste has relocated near to Reading to expand its operations.

Intelligent Waste Management Ltd, known as iWaste, has taken over a lease on a unit at Ducks Nest Farm, Arborfield Cross.

It follows a four-year search for new premises after its previous site in Eversley became too small.

Its new home features 15,000sq ft of space, secure access for heavy goods vehicles, a one-third-acre yard, and a separate, detached warehouse building, all on a gated estate with 24-hour security.

iWaste was established in 2013 by Sam Prentice and Sam Mountain when they spotted a gap in the market for an industry-wide service, and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

LawfirmBlandy&Blandyisdelightedtohavebeen shortlistedinthe‘PropertyLawfirmoftheYear’ categoryattheInsiderSouthEastPropertyAwards.

TheAwardsrecognisethecommitment,hardworkand achievementsofpropertyprofessionalsacrossSurrey, Sussex,Kent,theThamesValleyandtheSolent, showcasingthebestdevelopments,themostsuccessful firmsandthemostsignificantdealsofthelast12 months.

PartnerKatjaWigham,headofBlandy&Blandy’s CommercialPropertyteam,said:“Welldonetoour teamonbeingshortlistedandthankyoutothejudges andorganisers.Thisfurtherreflectsourteam’s experience,expertiseandcommitmenttodelivering first-ratelegalservicesandclientcare.”

Blandy&Blandycontinuestoberecommendedinthe UK’sleadingguidestolawfirms,ChambersUKandThe Legal500,andhastwicebeennamedasafinalistinthe ‘PropertyLawFirmoftheYear’categoryattheThames ValleyPropertyAwards,winningin2017.

Thewinnerswillbeannouncedataspecialblack-tie dinnertakingplaceatLingfieldParkRacecourseon13 July2023.

Forfurtherinformationorlegaladvice,pleasevisit www.blandy.co.uk.

01189516800

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations mean that the 5.6 million businesses in the UK must dispose of their e-waste responsibly so as to reduce their environmental impact.

As well as collection services, secure data destruction, and recycling, iWaste also provides a WEEE-compliant disposal for businesses.

It is a licensed Approved Authorised Treatment Facility, the highest accreditation in the waste industry awarded by the Environment Agency.

As well as this, it is aiming to off-set more than 100 tonnes of its carbon footprint through the Forest Carbon initiative and is set to become completely paperless during the 2023/2024 financial year.

It also works with organisations such as the NHS and larger national waste companies, and was one of the first

e-waste recycling facilities to achieve a B-Corp certification denoting a gold standard of sustainability as assesses by B Lab.

Director Sam Prentice said: “This move – which is not far from our previous home – enables iWaste to take that next step up as a business.

“We are investing heavily in new facilities and we have site potential for onward development as required.”

He explained: “We are very much a national business, thus securing a site with good vehicle access and excellent transportation links was crucial.

“We are within quick reach of both the M4 and the M3 so can easily reach the whole country.

“This site is all about growth and

having the capacity to expand further–the next 12 months are really going to be about bedding in, refining our systems and ensuring that we are able to push forward.”

He continued: “Our mission is to divert waste from landfill and to reduce our client’s carbon footprint.

“For every 20 tonnes of waste we collect and recycle from our clients, we plant a tree in woodland near to them, on their behalf.”

As the company moves to Arborfield and expands operations, it is seeking more staff and is focusing on hiring from the Arborfield area for IT, warehouse, driving, and sales roles. n More information about iWaste and how to apply is available via: www.iwaste.co.uk

Changes at the top for Macbeth Insurance

THERE are changes at the top of Thames Valley business, Macbeth, as the company predicts a 15% revenue increase this year.

Millie Smith, Marketing Director, joins CEO Paul Macbeth and MD Ben Butler on the board. Tony Gibbs has stepped down but remains with the business in a senior role.

Ms.Smith will continue to lead the fully integrated marketing strategy for Macbeth, one of the region’s leading independent insurance

brokers and financial services firms. Her portfolio of responsibilities includes corporate communications, client experience, digital marketing and community partnerships, an area of strategic importance for the firm.

Since joining Macbeth in March last year as head of marketing, she has been pivotal to consolidating the firm’s brand, overseeing the integration of the firm’s acquisition of Peter Lole.

She led Macbeth’s complete rebrand announced in February this year and has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s reputation as an employer of choice.

“I’m thrilled to take on this newly created role and help build Macbeth’s brand momentum. To represent marketing at board level feels so rewarding. To take my career to this next level, as a working-mum, working flexibly is incredibly exciting. It’s not something I thought I could

have achieved even five years ago and speaks completely to the culture here at Macbeth,” she said.

Paul Macbeth, CEO, added: “From the outset, Millie’s marketing expertise and strategic vision clicked with our energetic culture of entrepreneurialism, professionalism, and genuine client centricity. We know she’s only going to be more impactful for our business in this new role. It’s a real delight to welcome her to the board.”

NEW HOME: Sam Prentice from Intelligent Waste Management at the firm’s new Arborfield site. Picture: Courtesy of IWM Ltd

Recreate the glory of Tommy’s magical routines EastEnder Lucy prepares for panto

FOR YEARS, a shambolic giant of a man with a penchant for rubbish magic tricks could make audiences hoot with laughter just by looking at them.

It was also a finely honed act, and from one of the sharpest minds on the variety circuit.

But he was also one of the most troubled too.

Tommy Cooper, the fez-wearing mischief maker, was adored for his stage act, but behind the scenes was a heavy drinker and a reputation that preceded him.

His life and laughter will be explored in a new show coming to South Hill Park next month.

Daniel Taylor is stepping into the shoes of comedian who knew how to do the tricks really, but found it funnier for audiences to pretend he didn’t.

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper aims to recapture his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic for anyone who missed the original or for those who were left wanting more.

With the blessings of the great man’s daughter Vicky, the show brings to the stage many of Cooper’s hilarious one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

Danny says: “Tommy was given that wonderful and rare gift to make people laugh, often by simply standing there.

“His most-loved routines draw on an innocent sense of humour that appeals to all ages and still stands the test of time.”

More than 30 years since Tommy passed away on stage after a heart attack during a live TV show, so Danny will be raising money and awareness along the tour to help install defibrillators in every performing venue across the UK and will be collecting donations at the Wilde Theatre on the night.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 22, from 7.45pm. Tickets cost £22.50.

n For more details, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk.

Christmas might seem a long way away, but a Guildford theatre has announced its core cast for Cinderella, including some familiar faces. PHIL CREIGHTON explains

AFORMER EastEnder is swapping metal detecting for a ball this Christmas. And no, that’s not as daft as it seems.

Lucy Benjamin will be making her debut at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford as they prepare for their festive show, Cinderella.

She will be playing the wicked stepmother in the rags to riches story of true love and finding a slipper that fits.

“I’m really looking forward to being in Guildford this Christmas at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, performing in one of my favourite pantos, Cinderella,” she says.

“I’m especially looking forward to playing the Wicked Stepmother … because there’s nothing more fun than playing the baddie, if you ask me.”

While it might be her first time in Guildford, for one of the cast it will be their 18th Christmas on stage: radio star Peter Gordon will once again don the frocks, this time as an ugly stepsister.

Cinderella will be Clair Gleave, Stanton Wright will be Prince Charming, and CBeebies star James Merry returns for a third year, this time as Buttons.

Peter is looking forward to his festive stint.

“As always, I’m hugely excited to be back at the Yvonne Arnaud,” he says. “Cinderella is so many

people’s favourite and I love the role of Ugly Sister as it’s a fun, mischievous part – and who doesn’t like a good ‘boo’?

“It’ll be an honour and a privilege – as always – to be back on stage with a great team in my hometown for so many years, Guildford.”

The show will be made, rehearsed and created by an inhouse team, and its recent show, Dick Whittington won an award for the best ensemble in the UK Pantomime Awards.

The show’s director will be the theatre’s chief executive, Joanna Read, who says: “I’m really excited about the cast we have been able to attract this year, namely EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin and

Creating monsters at South Hill Park

A PLAY based on a classic gothic novel is coming to a Bracknell stage.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, adapted for theatre by Lisa Evans, explores contemporary themes as well as the original story.

It tells the tale of Mary, a young woman held in a presentday psychiatric unit, with only a book for comfort.

The novel she is reading seems to contain her own history of disintegrating relationships, and of creating and taking a life.

David Stacey, who took up the role of South Hill Park Arts Centre Studio Theatre manager in March, directs the play.

He said: “I’m excited to be able to be able to continue the studio theatre’s tradition of giving opportunities to local talent, while offering great entertainment for our audiences.

“I wanted this initial

Party in the Park returns this weekend

THE FIELD will be alive with the sound of music this weekend as the ever-popular Party In The Park returns.

Wokingham Town Council is gearing up to host the Party in the Park at Elms Field on Saturday, June 3.

After the resounding success of last year’s Platinum Party in the Park, this free events is set to entertain music lovers with live performances, food, drinks, and a range of family-friendly activities.

The entertainment will begin at 3pm, with the line-up including The Midnight Soul Sisters with soul, funk, and Motown classics, followed by the high-octane rock and pop performance of the local band Majestix.

old favourites Peter Gordon and James Merry as well as up-andcoming talents.

“Cinderella is one of my favourite pantos and we’ve got a great team on board.”

Cinderella, will be performed from Saturday, Dec 2, to Sunday, January 7.

n For more information and to book tickets, visit: YvonneArnaud.co.uk, or call the Box Office on 01483 440000 from 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Madonna fans will not want to miss Vogue Madonna’s tribute to the Queen of Pop, before the vibrant five-piece group Wild Boys perform the greatest songs of the 80s.

There will also be a wide selection of street food available throughout the day, including Greek, Ethiopian, Thai, and Indian cuisine, a barbecue, a hog roast, and a range of vegan and vegetarian options.

The event will also feature beer, cider, wine, gin, Pimms, and soft drinks for refreshments.

This free event is expected to be well attended, so it is advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment. n For more details, log on to:

www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/partyinthepark/

THE SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL

production of the new season to be a familiar title that immediately engages an audience.

“Lisa Evans’ script really adds something different to the well known story. It’s classic horror, but it also explores what it means to be human today.

“While there is plenty of the original story to enjoy, we also follow a parallel contemporary journey.

“Through scenes from the book, we learn about a young woman’s inner life, and consider the possibility that we may contribute to the creation of monsters in others, as well as in ourselves.”

The production features original music, and will see the studio theatre transformed into Frankenstein’s laboratory, as well as a land of Arctic ice flows.

“We create two very different

worlds and experiences within a small, intimate space,” added David. “I want the audience to be drawn into the passion and effort in Frankenstein’s laboratory, in contrast to a starkly lit hospital setting.

“Charlie Lester’s music, written specially for this production, really adds gothic atmosphere.”

Studio Theatre productions are community-based, providing opportunities for anyone with an interest in theatre, from acting to technical roles, to take part.

Frankenstein will be performed in the Studio Theatre at South Hill Park, from Wednesday, June 14, through to Saturday, June 17.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £15, or £13 for members.

n For tickets and information visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk

CAST: Lucy Benjamin, Peter Gordon, James Merry, Stanton Wright, and Clair Gleave are performing in Cinderella at the Yvonne Arnaud this Christmas

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THE sounds of summer can be heard with this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist.

Many of the tracks included have or are performing in the area over the coming weeks, many at open-air events including Wokingham Festival and the Abbey Ruins. Why not tune in and see what you discover?

It’s available for free on Spotify. Our playlist is 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.

from strength-tostrength following her band’s appearance on the second stage of Wokingham Festival last year.

She is certainly getting noticed throughout the music world and that’s not surprising.

She was so good at the festival last year that she’s been invited back to grace the main stage on August Bank Holiday Monday 28, before legendary headliners, Caravan.

Leoni has just released New World Woman, an album of her interpretations of some Rush classics and Tears is a single from it. It is a beautiful interpretation of the song – https://www. leonijanekennedy.com/

Tom Webber –Lightning Strike

of ‘22

for Girls at their recent Abbey Ruins show. He has also played Club Velocity/ New Mind shows and they are putting on another show for Tom in his Oxford home town on June 8, at Jericho Tavern.

This is Tom’s latest single which, like his previous releases, showcases his excellent song-writing talents and wonderful vocal performance – https:// lnk.to/tomwebber

The Salts haven’t played in our area for a while but they have certainly been wowing audiences throughout the UK and in Europe too. Their unique take on sea shanties is in more demand than ever as the reputation of this incredibly talented group of musicians grows.

Wokingham-based Braccan Records label – https://www.thesalts. co.uk/

Rezillos – Flying Saucer Attack

A few weeks ago this legendary band came to Reading for the first time since 1978 to perform at a Club Velocity Facebar event. They certainly made up for their absence playing classics and more at a great night – https://www.rezillos. rocks/

Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink

Caravan released an album that is often cited as one of the best progressive rock albums ever made and here’s the title track. They headline Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28 – https:// officialcaravan.co.uk/

Odyssey – Going Back to My Roots

Myopia –Unendable

An exciting band from Essex. They will be at Reading University this Friday, June 2 and at Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/ myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the standouts on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album The Portal was the title track which has been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay Brotherhood providing new lead vocals – https://www. sprigganmist.com/

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young indie band from Cardiff will be at Wokingham Festival in August – https:// www.facebook.com/ helloindigouk

Savour the Flavour – Fish and Chip

Healthy heart tip

Working out in the Park

LET’S get physical. Did you know, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35%?

Many of us don’t have gym memberships or access to home gym equipment, so while the weather is getting nicer, this week’s tip looks at how to create an easy work out in the park.

Get walking or cycling

Find your nearest park or open green space and head on down. Skip the use of the car, bus or train and throw your trainers on and get walking or cycling to that outdoor space. Walking or cycling is good for the environment, a great cardiovascular exercise and an excellent way to warm up before jumping into a resistance workout.

Resistance exercises

Leoni

Jane Kennedy – Tears

Leoni has gone

IN THE GARDEN

Tom played in Reading recently supporting Scouting

The Salts – Haul Away for Rosie

There is a chance to see the band next week though when they are at Norden Farm, Maidenhead on June 9. Here’s a song from their album Brave that was released on our

Fragrant flowers and foliage

JUNE is a lovely month to be in the garden – everything is bursting into bloom and you can really enjoy being outside.

With the evenings getting longer and brighter you can use your garden or patio as a great extension to your home – whether it’s in the countryside or in a smaller, but equally treasured, urban environment.

It’s also traditionally the time to plant out bedding plants which are so much part of the floral display of a summer garden. In addition to looking good, some plants also taste good. Herbs have some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, and are edible.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … if you plant a selection of flowering edible herbs you will have a beautiful garden good enough to eat.

You can make any herb produce more flowers by planting them in a well drained site or container in a sunny location. When planting a herb that you want to flower use some organic compost and feed in the planting hole then plant the herb, water at the base and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Along with basil, sage and mint, chives are delightful edible treats with beautiful flowers and make lovely pollinator plants.

You could also let your herbs bolt – when the plant changes from being

mainly leaf-based to a plant that has mostly flowers and stems.

Once a herb has bolted, when the weather gets hot and dry, it loses its flavour and produces flowers that are rich with nectar that attract bees and butterflies.

If you want to attract moths, then try plants with white flowers that release their scent in the evening such as tobacco plants or night scented stocks.

Another aromatic addition to the garden is the scented-leaved pelargonium – commonly known as geranium – that brings foliage, fragrance and

flowers to any outside space.

They had some huge disco hits, including this one, and now Odyssey will be playing live in Reading on Friday, June 9 at the Disco Abbey event being organised by Blue Collar – https:// www.facebook.com/ odysseyNY

Song

This local acoustic pop band have released their new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour. It’s worth a listen –http://www.flavoursong. co.uk/

We should aim to do at least two resistance exercise sessions a week. They are designed to improve strength and endurance - this can be done through body-weight exercises or using weights. Whilst in the park look out for objects you can use. For example, use a park bench to perform some triceps dips, high step-ups, or elevated glute bridges.

Outdoor gyms

Many outdoor spaces are now equipped with free outdoor gyms. With the cost-ofliving crisis among us and most of us cutting back on spending, these free outdoor spaces are a great way to access workout equipment.

aroma and pink flowers; ‘Prince of Orange’ with a strong orange scent and pale purple and white flowers; and ‘Deerwood Lavender Lass’ a semitrailing plant with olive green leaves and rosy-mauve flowers.

The extra light and warmth this month encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth – especially fruit trees. Apple trees struggle to bring all their fruit to maturity which results in the ‘June drop’ of smaller fruits. To give a helping hand, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) recommends that you also thin out some of the small apples left behind by hand or with secateurs.

This will improve the size and quality of those left behind resulting in a better crop.

You’ll normally find a variety of cardiovascular and resistance-based equipment, such as cross trainers, stationary bikes, rowers, chest and leg press, and pull up bars.

Find your closest gym by searching for the following in Google or similar search engines:

n The Great Outdoor Gym Company

n Fresh Air Fitness

n Wicksteed

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/ health-tips

There are a variety of fragrances –lemon, rose, lavender, cinnamon, apple – created from natural oils within the leaves that are released when brushed with fingers or hands, and sometimes after a summer shower. Scentedleaved pelargoniums are best grown in containers in the sunny position. They can withstand chills outside especially if grown next to a house wall, but not frosts and if temperatures dip they are best brought inside over winter. Cuttings can be taken in late summer.

Popular varieties include ‘Attar of Roses’ with pale green foliage, a rosy

Other jobs on the RHS Gardener’s Checklist for June include…

n Tie in climbing or rambling roses

n Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes

n Mow lawns at least once a week

n Recycle grass clippings

n Begin feeding potted flowers

n Protect brassicas from cabbage white caterpillars

n Plant out dahlias

n Be water wise and try to use grey water in the garden

n Watch out for mould on fruit, especially strawberries

n Weed regularly

Attar of Roses geranium

Leoni Jane Kennedy will be back at Wokingham Festival this August Picture: Andrew Merritt

Quiz Challenge

1. Poor Richard’s is a famous US collection of what?

2. The French Open Tennis Championships are played at which venue?

3. Which book of the Bible contains the account of Moses being given the Ten Commandments?

4. Which US state, known as the Pine Tree State, has Augusta as its capital city?

5. Pineapple juice, rum and coconut milk make up which cocktail?

6. What was the title of Delia Smith’s first cookbook, published in 1971?

7. Which 2022 film, starring Michelle Yeoh, won seven Academy Awards?

8. Our solar system is situated in which galaxy?

9. The Jorvik Viking Festival, Europe’s largest celebration of Norse heritage, is held in which city?

10. What F is a 2023 hit song by Miley Cyrus and a popular Valentine’s Day gift?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Girl with a song in her heart (8)

5. Long film is only part of the picture (4)

8. Fellow getting on with running the company (8)

9. Young skipper (4)

11. I, say, notice plant disease (3-4)

13. Imp finds the slattern without work (5)

14. Extravagant person will blue it on the pink (11)

18. Nonsense, it can be found in a ship (5)

19. Love twitch in ear possibly caused by amatory literature (7)

21. Deeds Romans followed (4)

22. Dramatic account? (8)

24. Ten caught in net following (4)

25. Guard seeking to maintain his title? (8)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Does he live with intent? (6)

2. Lightly wash the resin out (5)

3. Bowler walks briskly to place in north-west London (3,7)

4. French say no to prefix (3)

6. Dismissal of student in the deciding match (4-3)

7. Blue for graduate, an inexperienced player outside (6)

10. Conventional image of a hi-fi buff (10)

12. Let it become the name of a book (5)

15. Duty paid to keep a parrot? (4,3)

16. Get in boat that has been wrecked (6)

17. Visitor on the line (6)

20. I struggled when covered in evergreen (5)

23. Not a true position (3)

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.

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

693 2

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

748 16 3 5 2 6 7 2 485 4 7 6 7 2 8 9 1 6 92 3

SOLUTIONS

chip; chirp; cipher; cripes; crisp; epic; kepi; peck; peckish; perch; peri; perish; perk; phew; pick; picker; pier; pike; piker; pish; precis; price; prick; prise; ripe; scrip; ship; SHIPWRECK; sipe; skep; skip; spec; speck; spew; spheric; spice; spike; spire; swipe; swiper; whip; whisper; wipe; wiper; wisp.

ACROSS DOWN

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

How they rated

ROYALS RELEGATED AS

READING 0 CHELSEA 3

Grace Moloney

Made a stunning save to deny a Cuthbert effort in the first half and would be harsh to lay the blame for either goal at the stopper’s door.

Emma Mukandi

Struggled to prevent the dangerous Lauren James cutting in from Chelsea’s right, never quite matching her for pace and power.

Deanna Cooper

A quiet display from the defender who seemed unsure whether or not to step up or sit back to nullify the threat posed by Kerr.

Gemma Evans

Could have done more to prevent Kerr having so much space for the opener and struggled to handle the movement of Reiten.

Brooke Hendrix

Slotted into the right side of the three centre-backs and was pulled from pillar to post by the dynamism of the visitors’ front line.

Easther Mayi Kith

Made an error which led to Chelsea’s second goal. Could also have done better to cut off the cross for the first. Some positive moments.

Justine Vanhaevermaet

Overrun in midfield. Could have got on the scoresheet with a header from inside the six-yard box which sailed over the bar.

Jade Moore

Used her physical presence to break up the play but seemed to tire as the game went on. Ultimately unable to create much.

Amalie Eikeland

A spirited, albeit futile, effort down Reading’s right, but probably needed to offer Mayi Kith a little more protection.

Deanne Rose

Made a visible difference up top. The start probably came a couple games too early as the Canadian was forced off on the half hour mark.

Emma Harries

Struggled to make much of an impact on the game out on the left. Took a nasty-looking knock in the first half

SUBS

6 5 5

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s relegation from the Women’s Super League was confirmed after they were beaten at home by Chelsea who sealed a fourth consecutive league title.

The Royals needed victory to give them hope of survival but soundly beaten on the final day as Emma Hayes’ team secured top spot.

5 4 5

5 5 4

The result means Reading finish bottom of the table on just 11 points as both senior teams at the club have suffered relegation this season.

4 6

The game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium had plenty riding on it with jeopardy at both ends of the table.

The Royals needed a win to have a shot at survival, while a Chelsea win would guarantee them a fourth consecutive title.

Deanne Rose returned to the starting line-up for the first time since the opening day of the season, while top scorer Sanne Troelsgaard was dropped to the bench.

Former Blues defender Deanna Cooper picked up the first caution of the match just three minutes in when she was penalised for tugging the shirt of Sam Kerr.

Reading looked to use the pace of Rose on the break, an asset they have greatly missed all season but she was thwarted as she was tightly marked by the Chelsea backline.

Kerr should have added to her season’s tally but somehow conspired to volley over the top from close range with the goal gaping.

Match stats

READING: Moloney, Mukandi, Cooper, Hendrix, Mayi Kith, Evans, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Moore, Harries, Rose

SUBS: Poulter, Wellings, Wade, Caldwell, Alexander, Perry, Primmer, Troelsgaard

CHELSEA: Berger, Ingle, James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson, Mjelde, Charles, Cuthbert, Harder, Kerr

SUBS: Musovic, Carter, Leupolz, Svitkova, Fleming, Kaneryd, Buchanan, Aboullina, Cankovic

GOALS: Kerr 18’, 88’, Reiten 42’

The visitors then came a whisker away from taking the lead when Erin Cuthbert struck the bar before Magdalena Eriksson put the rebound over.

The chances kept coming for Hayes’ side and this time they capitalised when Kerr got on the end of Guro Reiten’s cross and powered a header past Grace Moloney to make it 1-0 after 18 minutes.

Reading’s best half of the chance came a few minutes later when

Justine Vanhaevermaet latched onto a cross from Emma Mukandi and headed over the target from inside the six yard box.

Rose’s afternoon lasted a little over 30 minutes before she had to be replaced, presumably with an injury after such a lengthy lay off. Madison Perry took her place as Troelsgaard was left on the bench.

The Blues asserted their dominance and found a second goal before the break after a fatal error from Esther Mayi Kith.

REACTION CHAMBERS: ‘WE NEED TO BOUNCE STRAIGHT BACK’

KELLY Chambers reflected on a difficult day for Reading FC after they were relegated from the Women’s Super League.

The Royals’ fate was sealed on the final day with defeat to Chelsea, who sealed a fourth consecutive WSL title.

Reading finished the season bottom of the table after picking up just 11 points in what conspired to be a miserable campaign.

It’s a tough day, the league doesn’t lie,” said Chambers.

“You need to be good enough across the season but at the moment we can’t compete with the investment other clubs are putting in.

“You only have to look at the

January transfer window at the other clubs in and around us and the injection they had to make sure they stayed up.

“It’s been a tough season, I’m not going to hide from that. I’m very proud that we have been in the league for eight years and every year we’ve had the lowest budget and have been able to compete and find ways to stay in this league.”

The Royals ended five points adrift of escaping the relegation places behind Brighton & Hove Albion who finished in 11th.

Chambers’ team have been in the WSL since 2015 and the Reading boss in now plotting an immediate return to the top flight.

She continued: “The first one

(conversation) will be with the club to make sure what is next and where do they want to go with taking the women’s side forward.

“And then building a team for next year and making sure we step into the Championship ready to compete and be ready to bounce straight back up.

“We’ve missed quite a few players this season. We’ve had an injury hit season which hasn’t helped in terms of the squad size.”

The club has already confirmed that club captain Emma Mukandi will leave when her contract expires this summer with a squad overhaul expected in the coming months.as the club prepares for a new challenge in the Championship.

Mayi Kith slides in on Reiten

Emma Harries glides past her marker

The visitors celebrate at full-time

Chelsea lift their fourth consecutive title Reading’s relegation from the

Madison Perry, 4, Charlie Wellings, Tia Primmer n/a, Sanne Troelsgaard n/a

Reading boss Kelly Chambers

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BLUES CLINCH TITLE

Sam Kerr confirms Chelsea’s win with a third goal of the game

ROYALS STAR ATTRACING INTEREST FROM CHAMPIONSHIP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC star Tom Ince could leave the club this summer due to a shockingly low relegation release clause in his contract.

According to John Cross of the Mirror, Ince is reportedly attracting interest from plenty of clubs due to a £50,000 clause which can be activated after the Royals relegation to League One.

The 31-year-old joined the Royals in January 2022 originally on a loan swap deal from Stoke City as Liam Moore went to the Potters.

Ince was then joined at the club by his father, Paul Ince, who was appointed as firstteam manager in February to replace Veljko Paunovic.

Reading Women v Chelsea

Women Pictures: Steve Smyth

The Royals defender seemingly had the situation under control but took a heavy touch which played in Reiten who slotted the ball through Moloney’s legs to find the net and to put her side closer to clinching the title.

Chambers made another change with half an hour to play which saw Charlie Wellings take the place of Emma Harries.

Chelsea continued to enjoy the majority of possession but weren’t able to add to the scoreline as

Amalie Eikeland got in the way of a Kerr volley from a corner.

A double switch with 15 minutes to go saw Tia Primmer and Sanne Troelsgaard replace Jade Moore and Brooke Hendrix.

With just two minutes left, the Blues added a third to flex their superiority when Kerr’s initial shot hit the post but she responded quickly to convert the rebound.

The full-time whistle sounded which confirmed Reading’s relegation to the Championship.

Tom Ince then joined on a permanent basis last summer on a three-year contract and enjoyed a strong personal campaign despite Reading’s 22nd place finish.

His dad was sacked as manager with five games to go as Tom Ince missed the crucial concussion to the season as Reading were condemned to the drop and will now play in the third tier of English football for the first time since 2001/02.

The midfielder played a pivotal role in helping Reading to a fantastic first half of the season and was named as the club’s player of the season, scoring nine goals and claiming four assists.

Reading are yet to appoint Paul Ince’s full-time replacement after Noel Hunt took interim charge until the end of the 2022/23 and are currently in the process of looking for a new manage to rebuild in League One.

After two consecutive years of being under a transfer embargo, restrictions are set to be eased on the club for the coming summer transfer window as they look to plot a return to the Championship.

Tom Ince in action for the Royals Picture: Luke Adams

WSL was confirmed with defeat Pictures: Steve Smyth

Troelsgaard competes with Berger

Gemma Evans Chelsea add to the score

Amalie Eikeland

Grace Moloney kicks upfield

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FINCH REMAIN WINLESS, BEARS KEEP

Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s lost out in their home fixture against Hurley Pictures: Andrew Batt

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division One

FINCHAMPSTEAD are still winless in the early stages of their campaign after they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Banbury.

Banbury hit a huge first innings total of 285 after 50 overs to set Finch a tricky task.

Opening batsman Tommie Predgen top scored with 39, but

Finch were skittled all out for 116 to give Banbury a 169-run triumph.

WOKINGHAM picked up their second victory of the season with a two wicket success over Harefield at home.

After Harefield were all out on 195, the Oaks set about the chase and took victory with two wickets to spare after 48.1 overs.

Shaan Khan scored highest with 56 before Sukhmeet Kang and Muddassar Nawaz guided Wokingham to the win.

WARGRAVE were on the end of a thumping away defeat at High Wycombe.

The hosts amassed a big score of 311 before they had Wargrave all out in the second innings on just 68.

BCM Championship

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD maintained their spot at the top after they took a convincing 98-run win at Braywood.

The Bears put 182 on the board in the first innings and

then three wickets each from Tom Stevenson, Charlie Sawyer and Andy Lazenbury ensured their opponents ended on 84 all out.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD collected their first win of the season with a comfortable home showing against Ballinger Waggoners.

An excellent first innings score of 278 saw Christopher Emes top score with 66 as the Crows racked up 278 runs. They then bowled Ballinger all-out for 119 to settle

a 159-run success.

WEST READING earned a seven wicket win away at Great Kingshill.

A five wicket haul from Jawad Ahmad had Kingshill all out on 139 before Reading got over the line with seven wickets in reserve.

SHINFIELD put 38 points on their total with a six wicket triumph against Mortimer West End.

Devesh Gauchwal bowled superbly to take five wickets before Shinfield totalled

131 from 21 overs to take the points.

BCL Premier Division

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s got the better of Woodcote by just 14 runs. The Crows set a target of 212 for Woodcote to win the game, but they fell just short and lost their final wicket on 197.

SHINFIELD picked up 38 points by beating READING UNITED by two wickets in a close contest.

Shinfield managed to reach

Finchampstead (yellow) bowling against Banbury Pictures: Andrew Batt

Hurley appeal for a wicket with Emmbrook at the crease

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

TOP SPOT WITH AWAY WIN

HONOURS BOARD

BATTING

Kumaran Chandrababu: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 144

Ashish Kapila: Reading United v Outlaws – 126*

Sathesh Polepaka: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 105

Pete de Lange: Eversley 2s v Thatcham Town 2s – 103*

Ajay Sharma: Shinfield 3s v Farley Hill 2s – 100

Christopher Priddle: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 94*

Mark Richards: Wargrave 3s v Binfield 2s – 93

Hibberdine: Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 92

Sohail Arshad: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Kidmore End 2s – 90

Tassawar Nawaz: Wokingham 3s v White Waltham – 80

Jack Spooner: Finchampstead 4s v Bagshot 2s – 80

Aditya Mali: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 79

Jitto Joseph: Wokingham 5s v Bradfield – 74

Sushil Chaudhari: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 69

Harry Maxfield: Eversley v Cookham Dean – 67*

Christopher Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 66

Raqeeb: Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 65

George Coker: Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 3s – 64

Mac Dsouza: Wokingham 3s v White Waltham – 63

Kieran Lall: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot – 61

Nisal Perera: Reading 3s v Thatcham Town 3s – 60*

Paolo Toffolo: Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 3s – 59

Bill Burnett: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 58

Ant Avrili: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Woodcote – 57

Nick Rigg: Eversley 2s v Thatcham Town 2s – 57

Waqas Ashraf: Royal Ascot 3s v Aldershot 3s – 56*

Shaan Khan: Wokingham v Harefield – 56

Daniel Cartledge: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 55

Peter Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 54

Michael Chapman: White Waltham 2s v Wokingham 4s – 54

Daniel Aston: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 54

Anand Bhadane: Reading Lions v Silchester – 53

Akshay Balaji: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Kidmore End 2s – 53

Dilan Patel: Finchampstead 2s v Reading – 51*

the total of 172 to win the game after a score of 168 in the first innings from the home team.

WEST READING lost out at home by three wickets to Goring on Thames.

Chilterns Division One

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s were defeated for the first time this season at home to Hurley.

The Bears put a score of just 99 on the board before they were bowled all out.

Hurley then got over the line

CRICKET

with six wickets to spare.

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY moved up into third after they produced a strong display against Cookham Dean.

A score of 67 not out from Harry Maxfield saw Eversley surpass the first innings total after just 14.5 overs with six wickets left.

WOKINGHAM 2s are still waiting for their first win after they lost out by five wickets to Uxbridge.

Thames Valley Division 2B

READING are top of the pile

after they continued their winning streak in a close contest with FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s

Finch put 195 on the total in the first innings, but Reading managed to claim the win with just one wicket left.

BINFIELD won their first game of the campaign by thrashing Slough 2s.

Binfield put a sizeable first innings score of 250 on the scoreboard before they bowled Slough all out on 129.

SONNING lost out by 30 runs against Cove, while HURST were

beaten by seven wickets against Harpsden.

Thames Valley Division 3A

WARGRAVE 2s got their first win of the season with a fine showing against Bagshot. Wargrave hit 229 before they skittled Bagshot all out on 79 to claim a 150-run triumph.

ROYAL ASCOT managed a tie in their away fixture at Falkland 2s. Ascot ended the second innings on 201-9 from 45 overs which meant the points were shared between the teams.

VOJINOV STIRKES FOUR WICKETS TO HELP BOARS TO VICTORY

By ARTHUR STRAND

sport@wokingham.today overseas player from Australia came on to bowl and reduced the scoring with a mean run-rate to a single.

EVERSLEY moved up into third after they produced a strong display against Cookham Dean in Thames Valley Division One.

Cookham decided to open the batting and Eversley were rewarded with a wicket with the first ball of the game when Ollie Parsons bowled out Shahzad Asghar for a golden duck.

Khan found the boundary in over four, and two overs later Isbell was out, caught Magowan bowled by Parsons for seven with Cookham on 11-2.

Noah Vojinov, Eversley’s

Lawson and Khan managed two singles each in over 17 which showed 55-3.

The following over, the visitors lost two wickets from the bowling of Vojinov when Zain Khan was stumped by Tom Howorth.

Then he bowled skipper, Greg Davis, for a zero on the fifth ball to make it 59-5.

Vojinov had Mangat given LBW for 17 to take the final wicket of the first innings to end a superb spell from the Australian who took 4-5 as

Cookham ended with 103.

Eversley replied but that was after the 1st ball of the innings which was quite unexpected by Le Fleming which spread the stumps bowled with pace and obvious accuracy dismissing Parsons for a golden duck.

Maxfield joined Nicholls and dispatched Le Fleming for two boundaries in successive balls. Le Fleming bowled another varied over allowing 13 runs to go on the scoreboard, including two twos, a no ball with a single, then four legbyes and another single. Jayalath conceded two singles in over eight before he bowled he bowled

Nicholls out for 22 with Everskey on 64-2.

Magowan joined Maxfield briefly but the former was caught by Davis bowled by Zain Khan for a zero in over nine to make it 65-3.

Next to the crease was Sam Kennett who was dismissed in the next over for a zero by Jayalath caught by Davis.

Ben Salter was next man in but Maxfield kept the strike scoring seven, one four, and a single from the last ball of the over.

It was Ben Salter who had the last say and slammed a boundary to complete the game and help Eversley to a six wicket victory.

Seb Powers: Eversley 4s v Cove 3s – 51*

Sean Ennis: Binfield 2s v Wargrave 3s – 51

Muhammad Aziz: Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 3s – 50

Prafal Waghela: Reading v Finchampstead 2s – 50

Suneer Bhat: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Eversley 5s – 50

BOWLING

Siva Ampalam: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 6-36

Devesh Gauchwal: Shinfield v Mortimer West End – 5-11

Owen Bowles: Royal Ascot v Falkland 2s – 5-13

Jawad Ahmad: West Reading v Great Kingshill – 5-19

Zeeshan Iqbal: Bracknell 2s v Slough 5s – 5-26

Bhargav Sutapalli: Earley v Checkendon – 5-53

Noah Vojinov: Eversley v Cookham Dean – 4-5

Chandra Cherukuri Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 4-8

George Zadrozny: Waltham St Lawrence v Rangers – 4-11

Finn Catherwood-Smith: Wokingham 2s v Uxbridge – 4-12

Ramish Ahmed: Sonning v Cove – 4-14

Jacob Clark: Wokingham 2s v Uxbridge – 4-22

Graeme Ellis: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 4-22

A Arnold: Binfield v Slough 2s – 4-24

Kamal Gupta: Binfield 3s v Falkland 3s – 4-35

Simon Cowley: Binfield 4s v Reading 4s – 4-35

Mark Laithwaite: Finchampstead 2s v Reading – 4-42

Satish Patil: Shinfield 2s v Reading United – 4-48

Josh Lincoln: Wargrave v High Wycombe – 4-67

Tom Stevenson: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Braywood – 3-13

Prashant Gandhi: Shinfield v Mortimer West End – 3-18

Omar Khalid: Reading United v Shinfield 2s – 3-19

Charlie Sawyer: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Braywood – 3-21

Pranav Desai Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Woodcote – 3-21

Max Uttley: Wokingham v Harefield – 3-23

Shaan Khan: Wokingham v Harefield – 3-37

FOOTBALL

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RESULTS

FIXTURES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

ASCOT UNITED RESERVES were crowned as league champions despite a final day defeat to runners-up TILEHURST PANTHERS

The Yellas finish the season in top spot on 44 points, just one point ahead of their closest rivals Tilehurst.

In a closely fought title race, Ascot won 14 of their 18 games and lost just two games. Tilehurst also won 14 of their matches and were defeated three times.

It was the Panthers who performed strongly as the season came to a close as goals from Malacia Charles, Georgia Hayes and Keris-Louise Hunt ensured that they took the points with a 3-0 triumph and finished just one point off the top.

Thames Valley Women’s Plate Trophy final

SHINFIELD RANGERS completed a remarkable comeback against Milton Keynes City to get their hands on the trophy.

Playing at Slough Town’s Arbour Park, it was Milton Keynes who made a flying start to the final and raced into a 3-0 advantage.

Lauren Smaje got on the

WEIGHTLIFTING

scoresheet to reduce the deficit for Shinfield, but MK restored their three-goal lead and had one hand on the trophy at half-time.

With a mountain to climb to get back into the contest, Rangers showed immense determination to claw themselves back.

An astounding display from Smaje helped Shinfield get level as

she netted three more times, adding to her first-half strike, to make it 4-4 inside the opening 15 minutes of the second-half.

Shinfield continued with intensity and found a winner to complete a miraculous recovery through Lauren Gotting who scored the winner to make it 5-4 and ensure they won the trophy.

FOOTBALL

SHINFIELD COMPLETE ASTONISHING COMEBACK STRONGER THINGS: ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN BERKSHIRE POWERLIFITNG EVENT

Tilehurst scored three times without reply to secure a final day win as they finished as runners-up Pictures: Andrew Batt

Wednesday, May 24

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids 2-0 Stoke Poges

Thames Valley Division Three Henley Town Development 0-0 Reading City Development

Saturday, May 27

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 0-3 Chelsea

CRICKET

Home Counties Division One

Finchampstead (116 all out) lost to Banbury (285-6)

High Wycombe (311 all out) beat Wargrave (68 all out) Wokingham (199-8) beat Harefield (195 all out)

BCM Championship Braywood (84 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (182 all out)

Crowthorne & Crown Wood (278-7) beat Ballinger Waggoners (119 all out)

Great Kingshill (139 all out) lost to West Reading (143-3)

Shinfield (131-4) beat Mortimer West End (130 all out)

BCL Premier Division Reading United (168 all out) lost to Shinfield 2s (172-8)

West Reading 2s (168 all out) lost to Goring on Thames (170-7)

Woodcote (197 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (211-9)

Saturday, June 3

CRICKET

Home Counties Division One

Henley v Finchampstead

Wargrave v Wokingham

BCM Championship

Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield

Penn & Tylers Green v Emmbrook & Bearwood

West Reading v Lay Hill

BCL Premier Division

Farley Hill v Woodcote

Goring on Thames v Sandhurst

Shinfield 2s v Peppard Stoke row 2s

Startfield Turgis v West Reading 2s

BCL Division One

Calcot v Rangers

Reading Lions v West Reading 3s

Waltham St Lawrence v Earley

BCL Division Two

Earley 2s v Mortimer West End 2s

Outlaws v Farley Hill 2s

Shinfield 3s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe

Woodley v Reading United 2s

Thames Valley Division One

Wokingham 2s v Ickenham

Boyne Hill v Eversley

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning v Slough 2s

Binfield v Hurst

Harpsden v Reading

Finchampstead 2s v Burnham

Thames Valley Division 3A

Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s

Thames Valley Division 4A

CLUB

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

MORE than 70 athletes will take part in this year’s Berkshire’s Strongest to see who will be crowned as the county’s most powerful competitor.

The event will be hosted by Red Beard Barbell Club on Saturday, June 10, for the second consecutive year and will see athletes tackle five different events before Berkshire’s strongest man and woman is established.

The competitors will take on the deadlift wave, ducking medley, log lift, beers and bags and stone to shoulder in a gruelling test of strength and endurance.

Head coach Charlie Knight said: “We are thrilled to present Berkshire’s Strongest Man and Woman, an electrifying celebration of strength and passion where athletes and spectator alike will be treated to an unforgettable display of power, resilience and

camaraderie.”

The event will feature expert judge Rob Frampton, who has more than30 appearances at international contests, including two World Strongest Mans.

Frampton will be joined by Katie Smith, international strongwoman, the second Strongest Woman in Britain and second Place winner at the Arnolds Pro competition.

Spectators will be able to enjoy the day from 9am-5pm with food and drink stands from Moneyrow Beans –ethically sourced and locally produced coffee, Barbarian Grill – Texas style BBQ, smoked brisket and pulled pork and Agosti Gelato.

n For ticket information, visit: www.redbeardbarbell.co.uk/ product-page/spectator-ticketsberkshire-s-strongest

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC has confirmed that Matt Cronan and his coaching staff will continue to take charge of the Sumas for the next season.

Head coach Cronan will be joined in the dugout by Aaron West, Jamie Shepherd and Chris Byrne who will be supported by sports therapist Erin Macdonald.

Cronan took charge as Sumas manager in September last year after replacing former manager Eliot Whitehouse who departed in the early stages of last season’s campaign.

The Sumas’ coaching staff helped to guide the team away from the relegation danger and to a 17th placed finish on 34 points in the Combined Counties Premier North table.

“I am excited to be continuing with Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, I have never had so much fun at a football club,” said Cronan.

“Thank you to the players, the fans and the lovely staff at this amazing club.

“I took the jump up last season to Step Five football and can’t wait to have our pre-season, something we missed out on last year.”

BCL Division One Earley (148 all out) lost to Checkendon Silchester (257-9) beat Reading Lions (175 all out) West Reading 3s (154-9) beat Maidenhead Royals (158-1)

Rangers (129 all out) lost to Waltham St Lawrence

Thames Valley Division One

Uxbridge (101 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (102-5)

Eversley (105-4) beat Cookham Dean (103 all out)

Thames Valley Division 2B Cove (200-8) beat Sonning (170 all out)

Slough 2s (129 all out) beat Binfield (250-7)

Hurst (117 all out) lost to Harpsden (118-3)

Reading (199-9) beat Finchampstead 2s (195-7)

Thames Valley Division 3A

Theale & Tilehurst (138 all out) lost to Wargrave 2s (142-7)

Bagshot (79 all out) beat Windsor (229 all out)

Royal Ascot (201-9) tied Falkland (201 all out)

Sunday, May 28

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves 0-3

Tilehurst Panthers

Wokingham 3s v Newbury

Taplow v Finchampstead 3s

Reading 2s v White Waltham

Thames Valley Division 5B

Wargrave 3s v Sonning 2s

Royal Ascot 2s v Thatcham Town 2s

Eversley 2s v Henley 3s

Yateley v Binfield 2s

Slough 4s v Bracknell

Thames Valley Division 6B

Kidmore End 2s v Wokingham 4s

White Waltham 2s v Aldershot 2s

Finchampstead 4s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s

Thames Valley Division 7A

Wokingham 5s v Slough 5s

Bracknell 2s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s

Binfield 3s v Eversley 3s

Thames Valley Division 8A

Eversley 4s v Sonning 3s

Fleet 2s vTheale & Tilehurst 3s

Royal Ascot 3s v Reading 3s

Thames Valley Division 9A

SUMAS BOSS CRONAN TO CONTINUE AT

Shinfield Rangers Ladies FC won the Thames Valley Women’s Plate Tilehurst Panthers (red) defeated league champions Ascot United Reserves

Log Medley lifter Chris competing in Berkshire Strongest 2022

WSL JOURNEY

DOWN AND OUT

DOUBLE RELEGATION FOR ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s venture in the top flight was brought to a close after their fate was sealed by Women’s Super League winners Chelsea on the final day of the campaign.

The Royals, who had eight years

BERKS BEATEN IN OPENING GAME

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE slumped to an 85-run defeat at the hands of Hertfordshire in their opening National Counties Trophy Group 2 match at Henley on Bank Holiday Monday.

They were shot out for 107 with slow left-armer Ben Waring taking five for 21 and former Essex seamer Jack Plom three for 33.

The Trophy holders, who were missing all of their contracted first-class county players, dismissed their visitors for a modest 192 after deciding to field first.

Rhodri Lewis claimed 3-16 from 10 overs while there were two wickets for Tom Nugent and one each for Andy Rishton, who also claimed a runout, Luke Beaven, Euan Woods and Adam Searle.

Wicket keeper Dan Lincoln took three catches in addition to stumping Dominic Chatfield, the day’s highest scorer with 60.

The home batters, struggling from the start, lost three wickets in 10 deliveries and half the side had gone for 37 inside nine overs.

Charlie Dunnett top-scored with 26 and Woods made 20 before Berkshire were all out for 107 in the 24th over, Henley skipper Nugent remaining unbeaten on 18.

in the top division, will now play in the Championship next season after finishing bottom of the table and five points adrift of the next two sides.

Reading boss Kelly Chambers cut an emotional figure at full-time in a dramatic final day that saw Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side clinch a fourth

title in a row, while the Royals were consigned to the drop.

Chambers admitted that the club has struggled to compete financially with increasing difficulty as their rivals continue to invest more money to improve their squads.

After a tough season, the Reading manager is hoping for a quick return

to the WSL. She said: “The first conversation will be with the club to make sure what is next and where they want to go with taking the women’s side forward. Then building a team for next year and making sure we step into the Championship ready to compete and be ready to bounce straight back up.”

Head coach Tom Lambert will be hoping that some of his big-hitting batsmen will be available for the next group game against Devon at Exeter this coming Sunday.

Devon also lost their opening match, going down by 36 runs to Cornwall at Truro after being set a target of 304.

helpingparticipantstonavigatetheirwaythroughspacewhilealsohighlightinghidden gemsandlesser-knownartistictreasures.

Thisworkshopwillprovideparticipantswithanewperspectiveonthecreativeprocess andofferinsightsintoJohnAngersons’ownartisticapproach. Nomaterialsorequipmentareprovidedinthisworkshop.Bringyourowncameraor phonecameratothisworkshop.

MeetattheJellystandwithintheDormitoryofAbbeyRuins.Allworkshopsareaimedat adults.Childrenaged9+ arewelcometojoinwithaparticipatingadult.Numbersare limitedandeachadultandanyaccompanyingchildrenmustregisterforaticket. JohnwillbeavailabletochatabouthisworkonourJellystandbetween4pmand5pm.

PRE-BOOKINGESSENTIAL.Spacesarelimitedto10participantspersessionBookhere www.PhotographyJohnAngerson.eventbrite.co.uk

LifeDrawing

Times: Drop-inworkshop-turnupanytimewithinthesessionslisted Session1:11.30to12.30

Session2:1pmto2pm

Jellyartistswillbeonhandtoguideyouthroughsomesketchingwarmuptechniques. Suitableforbeginnersandexperiencedartists. Spacesarefirstcomefirstserved.Noticketisrequired,dropinontheday.Wewillhave basicartmaterialstoborrow.Weencourageyoutobringyourownifyouwouldliketo. FinduslocatedonthelawnnearthepondwithinForburyGardens.Workshopsare aimedatallagesandabilities.Formoreinformationvisit: www.LifeDrawingatWaterFest.eventbrite.co.uk

AlsoondisplayatWaterFest2023

ThisyearwehavebeenworkingwithYears4and5atNewTownPrimarySchoolto createatextilebannerwhichwillbeondisplayatWaterFest.Thebannerisinspiredbythe youngpeople'swords,hopesandintentionsinresponsetotheclimateemergencyandthe wildlifeandplantssurroundingourwaterways.

BlacksmithDemonstrations

JoinJohnourblacksmithandhisteamintheAbbeyRuinswhowillbedemonstratinga widerangeoftraditionalBlacksmithingtechniques.Whynothaveagoyourselfandmake anitemtotakehomewithyouontheday

OntheWater

Thisyearisthe300thAnniversaryoftheopeningoftheKennetNavigation.Thebeautifully paintedboatsmooredwillbealongthelengthofthesiteandmanyofthemwilltakepartin twospecialparadesthroughouttheday(weatherandwaterpermitting).Theywillthenbe judgedinthebestdressedboatcompetition.Taketheopportunitytostopandchattooneof theboaters,someofwhomwillalsobejudgedonthedayin‘thebestdressedboater’ competition.Theywillbemorethanhappytotellyouaboutlifeonthewater.Youcanalso expecttoseeanextraspecialduckrace!

TurbineHouse

Blake’sLockMuseum–TheMuseumisbasedintwoformerindustrialbuildingsandtells thestoryofReading’stworivers,theKennetandtheThames.KennetandAvonCanalTrust inviteyoutoanoutstandingexhibitioncelebratingtheworkofthetrust.FreeentryatThe TurbineHouse,GasWorksRoad,BlakesLock,daily10am-6pm.

ChestnutWalk

WanderdowntoChestnutWalk,hometoTheOscarWildeMemorialWalkandalsotothe event’scraftavenue.Browseamongstarangeofhandcrafteditemsandadmirethe beautifullypaintednarrow-boats,newandold.Whynottakearelaxingjourneyononeofthe regulartripsontheKennetandAvonCanalTrustsnarrowboat,runningthroughouttheday.

Forthesecondyearrunningwe’llbefeaturingafloatingstageaspartoftheevent.Be preparedtobeentertainedasyoumeanderalongChestnutWalkbyarangeoflocalsoloists andgroupsbringingawholehostofexcitingnewsoundstotheKennet.

ComeandmeetRoyMcFarlane,poet,playwright,writerandthecurrentCanalLaureate forEnglandandWales.Roywillberunningtwo60minuteworkshopsat12noonand2pm alongChestnutWalkwhereyoucancomealongandgathercanalmemoriesandthoughtsto helpcreateaveryspecialWaterFestpoem.Roywillthenperformsomeofhispoemsat 4pmalongthewaterfront.

PerformanceandActivityTimetable

ONTHEWATER

12:15pmarrivaloftheMayor

1pmBoatParade1

2pmDevizestoWestminsterRace demonstration(TBC)

3pmBoatParade2

4pmRoyMcFarlane–PoetryPerformance

4:20pmDuckRace

ACOUSTICSTAGE

11:20am–Windsong

12:10pm–EwanMillar

1pm–TheSmallStrings

1:50pm-AldbrickhamClogandStep

Dancers

2:45pm–RASPO

3:35pm–PraiseLubangu

4:25pm–BengaliCulturalAssociation

JELLYWORKSHOPS

11am-Weaving-MelNabarro

11.15am-SewingwithKatePowell

11.30am-PhotographyandCartographic JourneywithJohnAngerson -LifeDrawing

Midday-Weaving-MelNabarro

12:15pm-SewingwithKatePowelland IllustrationwithLindaNewcombe

12:30pm-PhotographyandCartographic JourneywithJohnAngerson

1pm-PhotographyandCartographic JourneywithJohnAngerson

1:15pm-IllustrationwithLindaNewcombe

1:45pm-Weaving-MelNabarro

2pm-SewingwithKatePowell

2:15pm-PhotographyandCartographic JourneywithJohnAngerson

3:15pm-PhotographyandCartographic JourneywithJohnAngerson

2:45pm-Weaving-MelNabarro

3pm-SewingwithKatePowell

IllustrationwithLindaNewcombe

4pm-Weaving-MelNabarro

IllustrationwithLindaNewcombe

4.15pm-SewingwithKatePowell

READINGGLOBALFESTIVALSTAGEABBEY

11:30am-TheBluepers

12:30pm-Twenty06

1:20pm-4Fingaz

2:10pm-Bulmershe

Ensemble

3:15pm-NicoleAllen

4:15pm-LimpopoGroove

FLOATINGSTAGE–CHESTNUTWALK

11:30am–RobertSteven Hunt

12:30pm–HughTurner

JazzQuartet

1:30pm–LiveLooper

2:30pm-TheStretch

3:30pm–Soundsofthe

Ukraine

4:30pm-ArashShokouhi

TheGlobalFestivalstage

Thisyears’musicalprogrammehasbeencuratedinpartnershipwiththenewReadingGlobalFestival (“celebratingthegrassrootssoundofReading-asvariedanddiverseaspossible”).Thethrillingresultisthat agreatervarietyofperformersthaneverbeforewillbetakingpartintheday.Comeandbepartofthe celebrationofoursharedsound!

Highlightsinclude

TheyouthwinnersofReadingLetsSing!2023,theBulmersheEnsemblewillbeperformingontheGlobal FestivalStageat2:10pm.Theyareaseniorchoirandbandconsistingofstaffandstudentsinyears9to13 fromtheBulmersheSchoolinWoodley.Theyenjoycreatingmashupsoftheirfavouritepopsongsbutalso havebeenstartingtobranchoutintosomemorechallengingcloseharmony/polyphonicarrangements.Their missionistospreadthejoyofchoralsinging,andtheyloveperforminginandaroundtheWoodley community.

EwanMillarwillbeperformingontheAcousticStageat12:10pm.EwanwastheBBCYoungMusicianof theYear2020woodwindfinalist,andisoneofthemostprominentyoungoboesoloistsofhisgeneration.He makesclassicalconcertsengagingandfriendly,breakingdownbarriersbetweenperformerandaudience.

At12:30pmtheHughTurnerJazzQuartetwillperformonthefloatingstage.Hugh’smusicappealstoa widerangeofaudiencesfromjazzaficionadostoloversofraw,musicalenergy.Hisquartetpresentavaried programmeofjazz,Latin,swingandexcitinggroove-fuelledtunes.

WearereallyexcitedtoalsobefeaturingaperformancefromaselectionofUkrainianactscelebrating thebeautyanddiversityofUkrainianmusic.Theybringwiththemauniquestyle,reflectingthetrue diversityandsoulofUkrainianculture.

ClosingtheGlobalFestivalStageonthedaywillbelocalbandLimpopoGroove,anestablished,upbeat, afro-fusiongroupforallagesandwalksoflife.Formedin2009byTomsonChauke.Theyplayinfectious, livelymusic,inspiredbytheirdrummerandfounder’sAfricanhomeland.Withoriginalsongswrittenin ShonaandEnglish,theyblendafrojazzwithtribalbeatsandEuropeaninfluencestocreatecatchyrhythms thatcrowdsjustcan’thelpdancingto.

TheKennetandAvonCanalTrust

TheKennetandAvonCanalTrusthaverestoredtheCanalbacktoanavigablewaterway,andit wasfullyreopenedbytheQueenin1990.

ThetrusthaveprojectsandplanstosupporttheauthoritiestomaketheKennetandAvona thrivingassettothecommunityandtheenvironment.Todayisanopportunitytorememberthe achievementsbutalsotolookattheplansthattheTrusthasgoingforward–talktoour volunteersatChestnutWalkandfindoutthedetails.

In2020webeganourtripboatadventureonMatilda,whichbeganitstwo-yeartrialjustsix monthsbeforeCOVID.Thetrialhavingbeensuccessfullyconcluded,Matildagivesvisitorsa differentviewofReadingwiththeexcitementofcruisingthroughtheOracleandabsorbingthe historyofindustrialReadingandthefascinationoftheAbbey.

OverthelastyearwehadhelpfromMarcusMarineandABCboatsinAldermastontoget MatildaToouptostandardtooperatethetrips.WewerebacktakingpassengersbyJulylastyear sothiswillbeourfirstfullseasononMatildaToo.Shewillbeonshowtodayandwillberunning theregulartripseveryweekenduntiltheendofOctober.Lookonthetrustwebsite www.katrust.org.uk oremail Matilda@katrust.org.uk formoredetails. Headingoutoftown,butstillwithintheReadingBrancharea,wehavean18th-centurybuilding thatwehaverestored.Thebuildingisbelievedtohavebeenatollhouseforthecanalcompany andlaterasawashhousetakinginboaters’laundry. TheToll/WashhouseisbeingfittedouttobeaTrust informationcentreandwillhavedisplaysand informationlookingatthehistoryofthenavigationand theTrust.

AsaTrustwearealwayslookingfornewpeopleto volunteersoifyoufancyhelpingcrewMatilda,helpin therestorationoftheTollHouse,assistwiththeLongLifeLockprojectorjustkeepuptospeedwith happeningsontheriverthatReadingistruly“on”,go andtalktoourfolkatChestnutWalkandbecomea member…butmostofall,enjoythewatersideand enjoytheday.

GettingThere

TheWaterFestsiteisjustafewminuteswalkfromthetowncentreand5minuteswalk fromReadingRailwayStationandallmainbusroutes.

PayparkingisavailableatcarparksthroughoutthecentreofReading,thenearestbeing thecouncil-runQueen’sRoadmulti-storey.

Queen’sRoadcarparkwillbesignedandyoucanpickuppedestriansignsonleavingthe carpark.ShouldQueen’sRoadcarparkbefull,pleaseusealternativecarparkslistedonthe livesignslocatedatintervalsthroughoutthetowncentre.

WaterFest2023isorganisedbyReadingBoroughCouncilinpartnershipwiththeKennet &AvonCanalTrust.