A COUNCILLOR elected to Reading Borough Council last month has been praised by a Labour MP on a visit to his ward.
Cllr Sam Juthani became Labour’s second representative in Caversham Heights after beating Conservative Paul Carnell. The ward covers north west areas of Caversham and Mapledurham.
His 1,454 votes was 130 ahead of Mr Carnell’s 1,324. There were indications that Mr Carnell’s seat was at risk when he was beaten into third place by Labour’s Sue Kitchingham during the all-out council elections last year.
Meg Hillier, the Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, recent visited and said Cllr Juthani would be a “strong, local voice” for Caversham residents.
“Victories like Sam’s show that residents are growing tired of a
Conservative Party that looks inwards and dithers while families struggle through a cost-of-living crisis,” she said. “Labour councillors, like Sam, will be the strong voice that residents need fighting on their behalf during this crisis.”
The MP served as a Labour councillor on Islington Borough Council from 1994 to 2002.
Her visit was arranged by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, who said: “It was wonderful for Sam to meet Meg and to be congratulated on his win by such a senior figure in the Labour Party.
“She also spoke to residents and chatted to them about local issues and national politics.”
Ms Hillier has served as the MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch since 2005. During that time, she served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Identity (2007-2010) in the last Labour government of Gordon Brown.
She was the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (2010-2011) under Ed Miliband, and currently serves as the chair of the public accounts committee.
THAMES Water has published a plan aimed at tackling sewage discharges ... over 25 years.
The Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP), is a strategy which looks to reinforce its infrastructure and management practises to create resilient, sustainable operations, and minimise long-term risks posed by climate change and a growing population.
It follows extensive public consultation and contributions from customers and key stakeholders as water companies come under increasing scrutiny for sewage discharge and environmental impact.
In total,1,400 customer households, 450 non-household customers, 70 local authorities, 50 organisations, the Environment Agency, and numerous environmental groups contributed to the proposals.
Thames Water estimates that just under £32 billion of investment will be required in the next 25 years to overcome what it calls “societal” changes, with £10.9 billion earmarked
for tackling storm overflows.
It also says that plans for the Thames Valley will take an approach focusing on removing “unwanted flow,” as it aims to improve the health of rivers and waterways and their ecosystems.
These plans will run alongside the company’s sewer treatment improvement works, which will see £1.6 billion of investment into the modernisation of sewage infrastructure in more than 250 locations over the next two years.
The DWMP also sees proposals for eco-friendly water management in London which include natural methods of water collection and fostering more natural, green spaces in the capital.
The plans will see regular revisions, with Thames Water committing to updates of the plan every five years.
Sarah Bentley, Thames Water CEO, said: “To protect against the challenges ahead of us, from climate change and population growth, we need to work together to provide a resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the next 25 years and beyond.
“We’ve listened closely to our customers and today we’ve set out our
collective vision for creating a more sustainable and green solutionsbased approach to drainage and wastewater, while providing greater access to our sites and green spaces.
“We’re committed to delivering positive outcomes for our customers, the communities we serve and the natural environment across our region.”
She explained that this would range from creating more “spongy and green spaces” to help prevent flooding in people’s homes, as well as taking action to stop rainwater getting into the sewers, which can cause flooding and overflow.
“However, there are no quick fixes,” she explained: “This plan is the start of our journey to ensure we have systems which are fit for the future.
“Working collaboratively will make a big difference to wastewater activities for future generations and our precious environment.”
n Full details of the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan are available online via: thameswater. co.uk/about-us/regulation/drainageand-wastewater-management
PREPARATORY hearings for the upcoming inquest into the Forbury Gardens terror attack have revealed that deportation of a man was dropped days before he killed three people.
On Monday, Judge Coroner Lord Justice Fulford heard that Khairi Saadallah was set to be deported to Libya, following an arrest in July 2019.
After his arrest for being drunk and disorderly, Saadallah was charged with damaging property and spitting at a detention officer. Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquest, said he had damaged a mattress “by eating it”.
The Home Office delayed his deportation, and instead requested the charges were dropped in an email to Thames Valley Police on May 28, 2020. Prosecutors did so the following day, but on June 4, the Home Office decided that Saadallah could not be deported because of the unsafe conditions in Libya.
Six weeks later, he entered Forbury Gardens in Reading and fatally stabbed James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.
Nick Harborne, chief executive of Reading Refugee Support Group, said the potential for Saadallah’s radicalisation was seen in 2016. Justice Fulford said at the hearing “no relevant stone will be left unturned”. The inquest is set to go ahead next year.
FORMER offices on Reading’s Oxford Road will be converted into housing, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter Reading Borough Council has approved the conversion of 159 Oxford Road into two maisonettes and one flat.
The owner had permission for a conversion under application reference 161550, but changes were made to window placement and landscaping.
The building used to be offices for the Berkshire CDA.
MEETING: Meg Hillier, the Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, visited Caversham Heights to congratulate new councillro Sam Juthani Picture: Reading LabourTHE UNIVERSITY of Reading was recognised as a global leader in the most recent edition of a prestigious annual ranking.
Of the 1,625 institutions which took part in the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Rankings 2023, Reading placed equal 61st, an improvement of its 101-200 last year.
Action and research on environmental sustainability helped it become the 15th highest ranked among UK institutions, from the 57 that submitted themselves for inclusion.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vicechancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As a university, we are addressing global challenges at every level, from work on our own campuses to supporting international efforts to make our world more peaceful, protected, and prosperous.
“I am grateful to our whole university community, whose hard work and collaboration with others is helping to bring about improvement to the lives of people here in Reading and around the world.
“I am particularly proud that this latest ranking recognises our particular efforts around environmental sustainability, a core part of the University of Reading mission.
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.todayA NEW exhibition exploring Oxford Road through photography and poetry has gone on display in Reading.
The Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) brought the project to life after it was among those given council funding through the High Street Heritage Action Zone.
Now it is on display in the former Battle Hospital site on Oxford Road, where photographs and poems exploring life and culture there have been combined into a single exhibition.
The works are the culmination of a number of workshops with members of the community led by Reading-based artists, Nyasher Browne and Alex Douglas, who helped participants hone their writing and photography skills.
Twenty artists contributed verse and photographs to the collection, representing a small of the road’s culture through a number of different perspectives and walks of life.
The funding was also used to make safe creative spaces for people to develop their selfexpression in an open, friendly environment.
Among the contributors was Joseph Silvanos Wafula, a visual artist, who said: “A lot of my creative friends moved out of Reading to find creative spaces.
“So it’s awesome we’re starting more here, but I feel we need to do more, and not just on the surface – if we can build on this momentum.”
He explained: “People go to places for their art scenes – it draws people – and it feels like it’s been missing in Reading.
“It brings the community together, then you can start investing into a lot more.”
Nyasher Browne hosted the poetry workshops for the exhibition, and said that the event was a way of introducing people to poetry “in a way they can actually relate to.
“This isn’t just the poetry and the photography, it helps people release their feelings and emotions, which benefits their mental health.
“It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Ms Browne explained that the response from participants was extremely positive: “Everyone
was so sad when the workshops finished.
“If there were the funding for it, I wouldn’t have stopped them – but the space and the funding just isn’t there at the moment.”
Alex Douglas, a Reading-based photographer, said that the workshops she led: “Taught people how to tell a story through taking photos.
“They all wanted to carry on with either one or both of the workshops – we became quite a close-knit family, really.”
She explained that photography was an incredibly accessible art form, too: “Everyone’s phone’s got a camera full of filters and effects.
“A lot of people find it hard to do street photography; you might have to be discreet or approach someone, so using your phone is a lot easier than getting a big camera out.
“The Oxford Road is the heart of Reading, and there are opportunities for art on every corner, and in every shop– all the way down the road.”
n Occy Road: Episode 1 is showing at the Oxford Road Community Centre, 344 Oxford Road, from Thursday-Saturday, June 8-10, between 10am and 4pm.
“Our research, education and action on climate change, using resources responsibly and supporting the natural world have been ranked among the best globally.
“We want to be one of the greenest universities in the world, and this achievement shows how the world is increasingly agreeing with us.”
The THE rankings highlight the contribution of worldwide universities in supporting the United Nations strategic development goals.
Reading was the second-highest performing university in the world, and the best in the UK and Europe, for its contribution to supporting responsible production and consumption.
Strong placings of eighth, 10th, 22nd and 41st were achieved in the life on land, climate action, zero hunger and, decent work and economic growth categories respectively.
AHOY, me hearties! The Reading Shanty Singers be hosting their Monthly Shanty Session at The Castle Tap on Castle Street next week.
Ye can join in fer free, but best book a table to avoid disappointment.
Sing songs of the sea and waterways, lead a shanty, or just listen along with a pint. All are welcome, but be mindful of the lyrics and avoid the dodgy verses to keep things inclusive. So hoist the mainsail and set a course for the pub to join in the fun.
The next session is on Wednesday, June 14. n For more details: thecastletap. co.uk
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorist had their tyres slashed.
The vandalism took place at some point between 9pm on Sunday, June 4, and 10.30am on Monday, June 5.
The car was parked on Wildflower Drive in Calcot, and had its two passenger side tyres attacked.
Thames Valley Police is asking anyone with information, including CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, to come forward.
Reports can be made by calling 101, quoting reference number 43230246419.
A WOODLEY father has expressed disappointment at the lack of support his teenage son received from the police and healthcare services after falling off his bike.
Craig Gaudreau said the 16-year-old was left to wait ‘freezing’ for an hour-and-ahalf after breaking his leg near Reading station, a claim which British Transport Police has refuted.
After initially receiving a call from officers to meet his son at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Mr Gaudreau was informed that an ambulance would take more than one hour to get to him – he was then asked if he could collect his son himself.
Once at the scene, the Mr Gaudreau said he was not offered any support when transporting his son to his car.
“I think it’s disgusting,” he said.
“My boy lay there for an hour-and-a-half. The police said that they were told he wasn’t deemed to be high priority because he was responsive.
“He was in agony, crying his eyes out.
“You pay all your taxes, but it doesn’t matter. They should be there within 20 or 30 minutes, not an hour-and-a-half.”
According to British Transport Police’s logs, the boy was collected by his father just 29 minutes after they first found him.
It confirmed that officers had waited with him for the duration until he was transported to hospital.
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers encountered a 16-year-old boy at Reading station at 6.46pm on Wednesday, April 26, with a suspected broken ankle.
“Officers immediately called for an ambulance which had an estimated waiting time of an hour.
“The boy’s parents arrived at the scene and took him to hospital instead
by car at 7.15pm.
“This was a medical matter and there was no further requirement for police.”
As well as the time taken to get his son to hospital, Mr Gaudreau was disappointed by the treatment received there.
He was told that he had to source his own wheelchair to help bring his son into the Accident and Emergency department.
“They said we had to find a [wheel]chair,” Mr Gaudreau explained.
“I managed to find one 20 minutes later after going all the way to London Road.
“Staff also made him stand up and weigh himself, despite his injury.
“When I went outside there were three ambulances parked outside, doing nothing. Some staff members were cleaning the steps while laughing.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re sorry to hear about this accident and hope he is making a good recovery.
“We do have instances when some people use wheelchairs after being discharged and don’t return them to the Emergency Department (ED) ready for the next person to use, so we are sorry this family had difficulty locating one.
“We have to weigh patients to ensure they are getting the correct doses of medicationparticularly pain relief.
“There is a chair weighing scale or scales with arms to help patients support themselves.
“We will look into why this was not available on this occasion.”
MORE THAN 500 patients in Reading are waiting more than two months to start urgent cancer treatment.
The figure comes as it was revealed the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has missed referral targets for the past four years.
Research by the Liberal Democrats suggests the trust has not hit the target of 85% of patients receiving a first treatment for cancer within 62 days of an urgent GP referral since 2019.
Nationally, more than 66,000 patients were forced to wait more than two months for their first treatment in 2022 with fears those figures will increase.
The party says these new figures “horrifying”, with long waits to see GPs compounding the problem.
It is calling on the Government to hire more staff, particularly specialist cancer nurses and a comprehensive strategy to ensure all those who have been left behind are offered timely cancer diagnosis and treatment and that targets be met as soon as possible.
They are also demanding patients have the right to see a GP within seven days or within 24 hours if they urgently need to.
Tilehurst Liberal Democrat councillor Anne Thompson, said: “The Government has been driving our local health services into the ground and taking patients for granted for years, Reading deserves better.
“Delays to cancer diagnoses and treatments are incredibly distressing for those with cancer and those who fear they may have it.
“This Conservative Government has its head in the sand over staff shortages and no real plan to fix it.
“They must get a handle on this crisis so cancer patients get the urgent care they need to give them the best chance of survival and recovery.”
Responding to the figures, a spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “Ensuring cancer patients are seen, diagnosed
and treated within the 62-day target is a key priority for the Trust.
“Over the last 12-months we have worked hard to bring waiting times down by adding additional mobile scanners used for diagnosis at our Royal Berkshire Hospital, and West Berkshire Community Hospital.
“In the coming nine to 18 months we will also have an extra CT scanner at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, extra MRI scanners at West Berkshire Community Hospital, and an additional endoscopy room at the Royal Berkshire Hospital to diagnose bowel cancers.
“The performance against the 62-day cancer access target at the Trust is better than the national average, however we know there is more for us to do, and we are working to bring the wait times down further.”
IN AGONY: A father has raised his concerns over the treatment his son received when he broke his ankle after falling outside Reading Station Picture: Phil CreightonAN OSCAR winning actor has given her backing to a play coming to Reading’s historic Abbey ruins later this month.
Kate Winslet, who grew up in the town and honed her craft in the Starmaker creative arts school, is looking forward to RABBLE Theatre’s production of Henry I.
The creative team from the theatre have been busy preparing to turn the historic site, thought to be close to where the historic king was buried, into an open-air auditorium.
Curtain up is on Thursday, June 15, and the play runs until July 1.
It then transfers to Winchester’s Great Hall and then the Actor’s Church in Covent Garden.
Ms Winslet, who recently appeared in the sequels to Avatar, was full of praise for RABBLE’s vision.
“Buried in my hometown of Reading, Henry I founded Reading Abbey in a desperate plea to God to forgive him for his sins,” she said.
“It’s phenomenal that RABBLE have gained the permission to stage their ambitious production, directly above his burial site, at Reading Abbey.
“Beyond here, they will head to
Winchester Great Hall and then on to Covent Garden.
“As a proud Reading girl, I’m thrilled that theatre of such a high quality, that is both diverse and inclusive, is coming to my community-rich home town this summer.”
Playwright Beth Flintoff is also looking forward to seeing the play come to life.
“It’s as if the story beats a constant rhythm back to Reading, and having been born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, that was very exciting for me,” she said, adding that RABBLE were working to be as inclusive as possible.
“It would have been easy to make this play with 10 parts for men and one for a woman, but audiences are sick of that, and I didn’t want to write it,” Ms Flintoff explained.
“Women don’t get much of a look-in with history books from this period unless they were wives of someone important, but that’s only because of cultural attitudes, not because they didn’t do much.”
The play will include a soundtrack co-created by classical composer Rosalind Steele and award-winning electronic dance DJ, Benjamin Hudson, with sound design by Bafta nominee Gilbert Lake.
BEER lovers in Berkshire have double the reason to say cheers thanks to two local brewers.
As well as backing from Ms Winslet, RABBLE has the support of Sir John Madejski.
“RABBLE’s work is astonishing and what they’ve done for the cultural reputation of Reading is incomparable. Henry I is an event not to be missed,” he said.
And Melvin Benn, a patron of RABBLE and managing director of Festival Republic, is also supportive.
“When I saw RABBLE’s Matilda the Empress in 2017, I immediately contacted the artistic directors to hear more about their work and how Festival Republic might be able to support them,” he said.
“The visual impact of that show, the themes of gender equality and the idiocy of violence resonated deeply and to see a production of that calibre in Reading… I was blown away.
“This year, from speaking with the team, I firmly believe that Henry I, staged in Reading Abbey Ruins, Winchester Great Hall and Covent Garden’s Actor’s Church, has the potential to be a cultural event that audiences speak of for a very long time.
“I hope to see you there.”
n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: www.rabbletheatre.com
Finchampstead based Elusive Brewing has teamed up with the RABBLE Theatre to produce a new beer even the Bard would love.
Called Chaos of Succession, it will be launched when the Caversham company stages a production of Henry I at Reading’s Abbey Ruins later this month.
Ruth Mitchell, managing director of Elusive Brewing said: “We are thrilled to be teaming up with RABBLE Theatre on this project and hope this beer enhances what we are sure will be an amazing performance.”
Toby Davies, co-artistic director of RABBLE Theatre added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Elusive Brewing on this gorgeous new beer. Henry I, who is buried in Reading, devoted his life to establishing peace, but what he actually left was the Chaos of Succession.”
The beer will launch at The Grumpy Goat, Union Street in Reading on Friday, June 9, and will be available to purchase at RABBLE Theatre’s performances of Henry I from Tuesday, June 13. The beer will also be available at venues across Reading and to purchase from Elusive Brewing’s Taproom and webshop.
Meanwhile, Mysterious Brewing from Silchester enjoyed a record breaking launch at six events over four days, selling over 1,100 pints to satisfied customers.
Co-founder, Ken Barker said: “We started at the Nag’s Head in Reading, with other venues including the Hoppy Place in Maidenhead and the Bracknell Beer Festival.
“We actually ran out of beer at the Nag’s Head and then at The Hive in Crowthorne, so we are now brewing some more delicious beers. We received a lot of positive feedback which was wonderful.
“We want to give a big thanks to Andy Watts who owns the Little London brewery in Silchester where we brew our beer when Andy isn’t making some of his own amazing beers.”
READING Chilli Fest returned to the town centre on Saturday, attracting fans of the flaminghot food so they could taste and try some spicy snacks and ingredients.
Vendors such as GingerBeard’s Preserves, Fair Dinkum Fare, Wiltshire Chilli Farm, and Tipsy Fruit Gins were set up on Broad Street in a promenade of picante products.
Reading residents Kaz and Whiskers have been running Saucey Lady since they entered the Fiery Foods Chilli Contest in 2012, after Kaz began making chutney.
“We started off just making stuff for family and friends, but then we won the amateur
competition, and went from there.
“We did little fetes and church halls and it grew bigger and bigger from there.”
They are also no strangers to Reading’s Chilli Fest: “We’ve done all of them, right the way from 2015.”
As well as catering to fans of fiery foods, Saucey Lady also offered lighter sauces for more delicate palettes, including an award-winning sauce which features citrus fruits and prosecco among its ingredients.
Fellow vendor Michael Price from Prices Spices says: “We’ve been coming to the Chilli Fest the last four or five times in the 10 years we’ve been trading.”
He said that people flock to the festival because: “Chilli gives people a bit of an endorphin rush, and there’s so
many ways to go with it.
“It’s a way to jazz up your food, whether you’re cooking or just slapping it on an off-theshelf pizza.
“The pain goes, and then they want to go again.”
John Maillard has run Johnny HoT Stuff from Henleyon-Thames since late in 2018, and says that the response from punters had been: “Really good.
“We’ve been so busy with people buying and trying, so Reading was quite hot today.
“People are understanding the nuances, the flavour and heat differences of chilli these days, so we’re quite gourmet in our flavour range and we like to mix and match different things together.
“There’s a taste for everyone, so we really try and cater to that.”
Street performers entertained Picture: Steve Smyth Yumi Hogben and Suyi Liangga prepare to serve up a tasty platter Picture: Steve Smyth Ready for a taste Picture: Steve Smyth John Maillard from Johnny HoT Stuff. Picture: Steve Smyth
A REGIONAL transport body has launched a new strategy is drive the switch to electric vehicles in the south east.
Transport for the South East (TfSE) has launched its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out steps to provide charging points for greener travel.
The strategy estimates that as many as 28,500 charging points may be required across the south east before the end of the decade.
It follows the approval of the strategy by TfSE’s partnership board earlier this year, with the plans drawing on input from local authorities, network and infrastructure operators, and key stakeholders.
It was also subject to advice from Network Rail and representatives from National Highways.
Plans are designed to work alongside government commitments to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and are part of TsFE’s aims to achieve net zero on carbon emissions by 2050.
The body also received funding from the Department for Transport, and will implement the strategy by supporting public information campaigns and reviewing and revising proposed technical works and installations.
Cllr Keith Glazier said: “The transport sector is the biggest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions in the south east.
“We need to think and plan smarter as well as greener so we can lead the way on decarbonising our country’s transport network.”
He continued: “Every day more people are making the switch to electric vehicles, which brings us a step closer to achieving net zero emissions.
“Transport for the South East’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy and action plan is an opportunity to prepare for the inevitable future demand as more people make the switch.”
He said that TFSE was “committed to working with partners both nationally and here in the south east” to drive the changes needed to decarbonise the transport network.
“This strategy is a big step to support this but must work alongside wider measures to give people an alternative choice to the car, more freight on to rail and better joined up planning of new housing and employment to encourage more sustainable transport choices.”
n Full details of the plans are available online via: transportforthesoutheast.org. uk/our-work/electric-vehiclecharging-infrastructure-strategy/
Michael and Russell from Prices Spices. Picture: Jake ClothierBLUE Collar has laid out set times for its Disco events ahead of the Water Fest weekend in Reading later this week.
Disco Abbey and Disco Slice are both set to take place this weekend, with live performances from charttopping acts and awardwinning street food offerings.
On Friday, Reading’s Abbey Ruins will see Ryan McGregor open the main stage from 6pm, followed by Alive By Night from 6.45pm.
Soul II Soul frontman Jazzie B OBE will perform a DJ set from 7.15pm, with Odyssey performing live from 8.30pm. Headliners Fleetmac Wood will close the main stage, performing from 9.30pm.
The second stage will see a DJ set from Twin Sun from 5pm, following by Elle Cee & Kingpin from 6.16pm, Even Funkier from 7.30pm, and Jet Boot Jack from 8.30pm, before headliner Natasher Kitty Katt performs from 9.30pm.
Disco Slice is also set to take place during the weekend, with Saturday seeing DJ sets from Slippery People from 11am, Double Down Darby Disco from 1pm, Rich Sloman from 3.15pm,
Acronym from 5.30pm, and headline act Rum & Donuts from 8pm.
Sunday will see sets from DJ Gilbert from 11am, Galeforce DJs from 1.15pm, before Rob Wire closes out the weekend’s live acts from 3.30pm until 6pm.
Street food vendors will be on hand across the weekend, including Krua Koson, Main Street Tacos, Fink, Berlin Doner, Dhaba Shack, Pitta Pitta, Tapas Culture, and Clark’s Kitchen, who join Blue Collar Bars at the event.
There is also speciality coffee from Anonymous Coffee Co. Blue Collar events manager Pete Wheeler said: “We cannot wait for this weekend, and for
both Disco Abbey and Disco Slice to begin.
“We really will have the best of street food, local craft beer, cocktails, DJs and live music available across the two events and it’s particularly exciting to return to Forbury Gardens after the success of this year’s Cheese Feast.
“In fact, some of the most popular food traders from Cheese Feast are returning for Disco Slice include Marlow Cheese Company with their award-winning cheese toasties, Heavenly Sausage, Soleluna pizzas, Gamekeeper’s venison burgers and many more.”
He continued: “Disco Abbey is set to be a serious fun night with top notch live acts and DJs from gates opening at 5pm all the way through until 10.45pm.
“Disco Slice, however, is free entry and not ticketed – so just turn up for great street food, drinks and disco classics.”
n Disco Abbey takes place in the Abbey Ruins from 5pm on Friday, June 9, with tickets available from: whatsonreading.com
n Disco Slice takes place in Forbury Gardens from 11am on Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, with free entry: discoabbey. eventbrite.co.uk
COMING
TOGETHER:
Artist David Speed is creating a giant picture of musician Heather Small to mark the beginning of the St James’ Way, a pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain
THE start of a pilgrims’ way will be that much brighter thanks to a new piece of art currently being created in Reading town centre, writes Phil Creighton.
British artist David Speed has painted the Estrellas del Camino (the Stars of the Way) mural as part of Las Estrellas del Camino, the world’s largest urban art exhibition.
Curated by Estrella Galicia it will feature works spread over 78 miles (126km) along several stages of the Camino Ingles/ English Way walking route, of which Reading is the starting point.
Known as the St James’ Way over here, it is one of seven recognised routes which form the Camino de Santiago on its way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.
Mr Speed’s mural can be seen on the side of Haslams estate agents’ Friar Street office, and uses his neon technique.
It features an image of Heather Small, lead singer of the 90s dance music band, M People.
She walked the route for the BBC television series, Pilgrimage: The Road to Santiago, in 2018, becoming an ambassador for the Camino.
The mural is very close to Reading’s Abbey Quarter, where the St James Way starts its 70mile route to Southampton.
John McLaughlin, REDA board member lead for tourism and general manager of the Reading Hilton hotel, said: “It’s exciting to see that Reading’s unique place at the start of the St James’ Way and as part of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages, the Camino de Santiago, is being recognised.
“Since the waymarking of the St James’ Way was completed last year, Reading is seeing a steady stream of people walking the 70-mile long-distance walking route while more than 250
people joined one of the Caminorelated events during May’s Reading Walks Festival.
“Reading has a rich medieval heritage with the Abbey as the starting point for pilgrims up until the 16th century.
“The new mural celebrates the people who are walking the Camino de Santiago in modern times for health, leisure or spiritual reasons and will help attract visitors to Reading and support the local economy.”
Steve Woodford, managing director of Haslams, said: “This new exciting mural helps showcase Reading as a destination and is part of the bigger picture of investment and development in Reading town centre.
“Haslams are proud to be able to host Heather Small on the wall of our building and we are looking forward to seeing the many visitors who come to see the mural and to visit Reading.”
TWO new scholarships have been launched by the Henley Business School.
Part of the University of Reading, the school is offering two executive MBA places aimed at equipping leaders to pioneer change.
The World of Work scheme will help people with managing teams through change –for example – in digital transformation, or into a new era of hybrid working. Alternatively, they could be championing an environmentally sustainable and ethical workplace.
The Henley Business
School says that those with an enhanced leadership and management skills arsenal, and passionate about sustainability will be able to inspire their teams through transformational change for the good of the planet.
“With these scholarships, we hope to support those individuals braving change in their workplaces. Working sustainably, collaboratively and innovatively is foundational to a healthy and thriving world of work,” said Professor James Walker, director of Henley’s World of Work Institute.
The deadline for applications
is Monday, June 19, and funding covers half the tuition fees.
To apply for the World of Work scholarship, candidates are required to write an 800word piece answering the question, “What can we expect from the future World of Work?”, while the Business, Ethics and Sustainability scholarship, sees applicants are asked to consider the question, “How can businesses ensure ethics and/or sustainability are more than just a ‘purpose’ on paper?”
n For more details, log on to: www.henley.ac.uk
TUNES: Fleetmac Wood will be headlining Disco Abbey at the Abbey Ruins on Friday Picture: Nick Mizen/ Blue Collar
READING has been at the forefront of the climate discussion, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the University of Reading and the world-famous climate stripes visualisation compiled by Professor Ed Hawkins.
Now the town is set to continue its contribution to the global discourse on climate change as Reading Climate Festival returns, bringing a whole host of exhibitions, talks, parades, and events designed to engage with the community on the climate crisis.
Among the exhibits at the festival will be Luke Jerram’s renowned Gaia installation, a globe constructed with the use of high-resolution NASA imagery, will be open to visitors in the Town Hall from SaturdaySunday, June 10-18.
Reaching seven metres in diameter, it will also include a bespoke, surround-sound composition by BAFTA awardwinning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience.
Booking for this is essential, and can be done so through the council’s leisure website, www.
whatsonreading.com. Some sessions have already been fully booked.
Ray Mears will be among those giving talks at the festival, accompanied by the striking replica globe installation on Friday, June 16 from 1pm. His talk will take a look at the world around us in a talk exploring our very own “spaceship” and how we are all connected as its passengers.
Sir Alok Sharma, MP for
Reading West and president of COP26, will introduce a panel debate on enabling young people to tackle the climate crisis and deal with the anxiety and stress induced by the ongoing problem.
Sky News’ science and technology editor Tom Clarke will chair the debate, with Kathryn Brown OBE, climate activist Eleanor Andrade May, and professor of meteorology at the University of Reading
ON SCREEN:
The global premiere of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture takes place on Monday, July 3, and the Reading Biscuit Factory is one of the places taking part Picture: Boris Yaro, via Wikimedia Commons
AN INDEPENDENT cinema in Reading is among those which will be showing an historic performance by one of the UK’s most prolific rock stars.
Reading Biscuit Factory is joining cinemas across the globe in streaming the worldwide premiere of a digitally-restored version of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars: The Motion Picture.
Fifty years on from one of David Bowie’s most legendary performances, and his final as his most well-known personas, Ziggy Stardust, the film sees a full remastering of Ziggy’s
final-ever show by documentary maker DA Pennebaker.
As well as a visual update, the film features never-beforeseen-footage of the final gig of the tour, and will see an introductory Q&A with some of Bowie’s fans and long-time collaborators, including Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder.
The film largely follows the music as it was performed on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo (then the Odeon) in 1973, up to Bowie’s shocking announcement that it would be the band’s “last ever” gig.
As well as appearances from
Andrew Charlton-Perez.
The debate takes place in the Concert Hall on Thursday, June 15 from 8pm.
An evening of musical selections inspired by the installation is set to take to the stage at the Concert Hall, performed by James Orford on the venue’s austere organ, on Saturday, June 10, from 7.30pm.
James Orford is the resident organist at Westminster Cathedral as well as assistant director of music at St Paul’s in Knightsbridge.
His performance will include recitals of pieces from Holst’s The Planets Suite, Vierne’s Claire de Lune, Dove’s Niagara, and the first movement from Mozart’s Symphony No.41 Jupiter, as well as improvisations on well-known space-themed pieces.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will also take part in a junk instrument making session, where attendees will join them in crafting functional instruments from old materials throughout the day on Saturday, June 17.
Attendees can also bring their instruments to the Samba band performance, which will form part of the Climate Festival Parade, also on Saturday, June 17.
Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, University of Reading alumna, and climate ambassador
Laura Tobin will lead a talk, also set by the Gaia installation, on Tuesday, June 13, from 7pm.
Ms Tobin will explore practical advice about making personal and household changes to combat global warming and reduce environmental impacts as well as her experiences.
As well as talks and exhibitions, there’s a diverse range of classes and activities to take part in, including a yoga and gong bath session on Thursday, June 15.
Attendees will be invited to practise gentle yoga with the sound of gongs in the exhibition space with Readingbased Yoginah.
The festival will culminate in a climate parade through Reading’s town centre on Saturday, June 17, before Show Your Stripes Day on June 21.
Reading Climate Festival takes place between Saturday, June 10, and Friday, June 21. n Full details of all of the events and how to book tickets are available via: whatsonreading. com/reading-climate-festivaland-gaia
Jeff Beck, the setlist for the show included hits Ziggy Stardust, All the Young Dudes, Moonage Daydream, Oh! You Pretty Things, Space Oddity, Changes, Suffragette City, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide.
Bowie would never perform live in concert as Ziggy Stardust again, and only appeared as the alter ego once more for the recording of the 1980 Floor Show later that year.
n Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders
From Mars: The Motion Picture is showing at Reading Biscuit Factory on Monday, July 3, from 7pm.
ELECTRIC vehicle charging points will be installed at a Caversham fuel station.
The Motor Fuel Group, which runs the BP in Henley Road, applied for permission to place five bays on its site.
Council officers said the area was in an acceptable location on the site, as it would not disrupt the flow of traffic or vehicle manoeuvres.
Permission was also granted for the replacement of existing air, water and vacuum units with a combined installation for these functions.
The application, number 221842, can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
TOOLS have stolen from a parked van.
The theft took place between 8pm on Wednesday, May 31, and 8am on Thursday, June 1. The items were taken from a Transit custom van.
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and has asked anyone with doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 43230241026 or report online. Alternatively, speak anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
COMING TO TOWN: Luke Jerram’s Gaia will be exhibited in Reading Town Hall throughout the festival, which takes place from June 10-21. Picture: Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA)PEOPLE looking for help researching their family tree can attend a drop-in advice session in Reading next week.
Members of the Berkshire Family History Society will be in Reading Central Library from 11am on Thursday, June 15.
They will offer support for people who need some gentle nudges to start exploring their ancestors, so their descendants will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Pre-booking will allow the volunteers some time to research the topics you are interested in.
n For more details, or to book, call: 0118 950 9553, or log on to: berksfhs.org
SHEDS have been targeted by thieves and police are appealing for witnesses to help their investigation.
Several incidents have occurred in the Northcourt Avenue area of Whitley between Sunday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 31.
The raids took place both during the day and overnight.
On two occasions, suspects were described as white men.
Thames Valley Police have asked anyone with doorbell, CCTV or dashcam footage to call 101, quoting reference 43230237955 or report online.
VOCO READING partnered with firms in a diverse range of industries for an events showcase including code breaking, safe cracking, and jet pack rides.
Along with Team Activity Group, Spy Games, Synter Reading Audi, and JLL Events and Gravity Industries, voco laid out a showcase of its events and meetings offerings for companies.
Prospective customers took
part in code breaking in the Srivikorn Suite in Reading’s voco Hotel before attending a pistol drawing session at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Then attendees were treated to paddle boarding, banana boats, and hamster wheel activities at Lagoona Park, as well as axe throwing and drinks on the beach.
They were also joined by
the Jet Pack men from Gravity Industries, who demonstrated their flight apparatus over the lake.
After a safe cracking session and a visit to the Magical Casino in Cilantro, the evening closed with a performance by a live band at The Jazz Club, a disco, and karaoke.
n For more information, visit: ihg.com/voco
A MUCH-LOVED toy store is returning to Reading town centre as one of nine new branches in the country.
Toys R Us is opening up in the WHSmith in Broad Street, close to its original home of Broad St Mall.
It is a new retail partnership between the newsagent and the US-based company, which also includes branches in York, Oxford, and Cheltenham.
Customers visiting the stores are promised an opportunity to take a picture next to a life-size 3D sculpture of mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe.
There will be sections set up by age, interest, and category, with interactive experiences, demonstration tables and iconic visual elements throughout.
Products on sale will include Barbie, Bluey, Fisher Price, Hot Wheels, LEGO, Marvel, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Playmobil, and Star Wars.
The news has been welcomed by Sean Toal, WHSmith High Street’s managing director, who said the company was always looking for new opportunities to launch new product ranges.
“The brand has long been known for its exceptional range of toys and games and complements our existing offer well,” he said. “Across each of the nine locations, we have a great team of colleagues who look forward to welcoming many new and existing customers over the coming weeks and showcasing the new store layout and, not forgetting, Geoffrey the Giraffe.”
It’s not the first return for Toys R Us, which has also had stores in the Forbury retail park and then at Reading Gateway retail park before closing in 2021. Last year, it launched a UK website.
Now it’s returning to the high street, with Reading a key choice for the firm.
Simon Cartey, UK commercial director at Toys R Us said: “Our
new shop-in-shops create the perfect home for Toys R Us as it returns to the UK high street shopping scene.
“With this collaboration, we are not only bringing back the beloved Toys R Us experience but also providing convenient access to a wide range of toys and games. Together, we hope to create a magical and joyful shopping destination for families across the country.”
The news has been welcomed by Alexa Volker, Reading’s BID Manager.
“Great news to hear of the return of Toys R Us to Reading,” they said.
“Having this well-known brand return as a concession within WHSmith will be a wonderful addition to our town centre adding to the vibrancy and offer we have.
“Being one of only nine stores returning around the country is a great accolade for Reading and shows the faith large retailers have in our town.”
The first store will open at Monks Cross Retail Park in York on Saturday, with the other eight stores opening across the summer. No date has been announced for the opening of the Broad Street branch.
A NEW summer event will showcase the very best of south Reading on Sunday.
The inaugural Whitley Carnival will bring together performers, artists and creatives from the area for two parades and a fun day, held at John Madejski Academy.
Organised by charities
Aspire2 and Whitley Community Development Association, the free event is open to anyone and everyone, and has been billed as the ward’s ‘best and brightest street party’.
Aspire2’s charity development manager Helen Bligh said: “We’re busy making the final preparations for what we hope will be an amazing spectacle.
“The carnival will include children from local schools, a samba band, giant puppets, street bands, musical entertainment and even a 4m high robot made from 33 pink wheelie bins.
“Afterwards visitors can enjoy free activities, entertainment and food stalls at our Fun Day. There’s something for everyone so bring the family for an unmissable, and free, day out.”
Workshops have taken place across Whitley in the weeks leading up to the event.
With the help of 11 arts
THE ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and tackled a fire in a derelict building in Tilehurst.
Crews from Caversham Road, Theale, and Wokingham Road fire stations were called to a property in Thurso Close at 9.54pm on Monday, May 29.
On arrival, RBFRS found a fire on the first floor and roof space of the building, which is derelict, when two crews began tackling the fire with water jets.
Crews remained on the scene for two hours and 45 minutes, remaining to dampen down the property and check for fire spread.
The scene was also re-inspected on the following morning.
organisations and 11 schools, residents have created giant puppets, costumes and stilt walkers to showcase on the day.
RISING construction costs have been cited as the reason why a new nursery in Emmer Green will not be built.
Last July, Chalkhouse Childcare Services was given the go-ahead to create the facility at Reading Abbey Rugby Club, off Peppard Road.
At the club’s AGM held last month, members learnt the project has been shelved due to costs rising by 9% since April last year.
Planning permission remains in place until July 2025, should Chalkhouse’s position change.
The planning application can be viewed by searching for reference P22/S1511/FUL in South Oxfordshire council’s planning portal.
Chalkhouse is now hoping to take on the Elm Lane Montessori site in Lower Earley. This closed in December 2021.
BUILDERS constructing a two-and-a-half storey building in Tilehurst will no longer be including a retail unit.
The site, on School Road next to the Mad Hatters Pottery and Painting Café, will see a two-bed apartment on its ground floor, in addition to two two-bed and two one-bed flats.
Chesters Place has successfully applied to Reading Borough Council for the alteration, application reference 230241. It was approved at a meeting of the planning committee, subject to a section 106 legal agreement which would involve the firm paying a levy of £10,750 to fund
affordable housing provision elsewhere in Reading.
While some neighbours objected over parking, it was noted that the ground floor apartment would generate less traffic than the originally proposed shop would do.
An earlier plan for the building application reference 211276, was refused by the council as an agreement between the developer and the council over S106 contributions was not reached.
While that refusal was overturned by a government planning inspector on appeal, adjustments to the plan were made in a newer application,
The MERL, Annual Daydream Harvest and Berzerk Productions are just a few of the projects who are assisting with the parades.
Speaking at the event’s first planning meeting back in January, Ms Bligh said: “The goal is to get people to see Whitley for what it really is, which is a place full of talent, excitement, art and culture.
“We want to give everyone in Whitley the opportunity to show their best side and what they can do.”
As part of the carnival’s fun day, the WCDA is on the lookout for singers, dancers and musicians to take part in Whitley’s Got Talent.
The friendly competition will take place from 1.30pm-3.30pm at JMA and gives residents the opportunity to showcase their talents to the community.
The parades will run from noon-1pm, starting from Reading Girls School, Northumberland Avenue, and Ridgeway Primary School, Hillbrow.
Both routes will finish at JMA, where the fun day will take place from 1pm4pm.
n For more information, visit: www.whitleycarnival.co.uk
The pope inspects a copy of Repubblica
THE UNIVERSITY of Reading’s climate stripes have been all around the world since their creation in 2017, but they made a particularly profound appearance on Monday’s World Environment Day.
Pope Francis was presented with a copy of that day’s Repubblica, one of Italy’s leading news outlets, and scarf, both of which were adorned with the design realised by Reading’s Prof Ed Hawkins, as he called for a united front in the fight against climate change.
The stripes show the increase in global average temperature for each year from 1850-2022, relative to the average temperature over the period as a whole.
The Pope said: “The phenomenon of climate change insistently reminds us of our responsibilities. It particularly affects the poorest and most fragile, those who have contributed least to its evolution.
“It is first a question of justice and then of solidarity.
“Climate change also brings
us back to basing our actions on responsible cooperation on the part of everyone: our world is now too interdependent and cannot afford to be divided into blocks of countries that promote their interests in an isolated or unsustainable way.”
More than one million stripes graphics have been downloaded from more than 180 countries via the ShowYourStripes website.
Prof Hawkins said: “We’ve seen the stripes appear all over the world, including at music festivals, fashion shows and on football shirts.
“I could never have imagined the stripes would be shared so far and wide, reaching people who might never normally come into contact with climate science.
“Pope Francis will have introduced the climate emergency to another large part of society.
“I hope that the many people who saw him with the stripes will be inspired to start talking about the rapid warming of our planet and what we need to do to stop it.”
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
reference 220086, which was approved by the council in May last year.
During the meeting, Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “Now [the developers] have obviously worked out that the retail unit was not viable and would like to turn it into housing.
“I have no problem with that as a principle, but I feel like there was still the outstanding issue of affordable housing contribution. I am very happy that the officer has secured an agreement with the developer, so I’m happy to approve it on that basis.”
BIN SEEING YOU: The Whitley Carnival is set to showcase the very best of the ward, and will include a fpur metre high robot made from 33 wheelie bins. Picture: Whitley CarnivalA MAN has been sentenced to jail following a Thames Valley Police investigation into an incident of sexual assault and strangulation in Reading.
Adam Gerezgher, aged 28 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced to three-and-ahalf years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Monday, June 5. He was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of a count each of sexual assault and of committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence; namely intentional strangulation. It follows an incident which took place on Saturday, October 8, last year, when the victim, a woman in her late teens, was walking along London Road.
She was approached by Gerezgher at around 1am, who grabbed her from behind and out his arms around her neck and then touched her inappropriately over her clothing.
The victim shouted for help from members of the public before managing to escape, receiving minor injuries to her neck and face.
Gerezgher was arrested on October 18 and charged on two days later.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachel Belsher, based at Reading police station, said; “I am pleased that Gerezgher has received a custodial sentence for his actions that night.
“Thank you to the victim for her bravery in supporting our investigation and to the two members of the public who helped the victim.
“This could have been a more serious incident had they not helped.
“Thames Valley Police is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and I hope this serves as an example of our hard work in bringing offenders to justice.”
A CHARITY is set to showcase its work this weekend as part of Water Fest 2023.
Reading University of Third Age (u3a) will occupy a stand at Forbury Gardens on Saturday, where visitors can find out about the opportunities they offer to those who have retired.
Described as a learning co-operative where those
who have stopped full-time work can learn from others, the charity holds educational sessions in disciplines as wide-ranging as art, modern languages, square dancing and table tennis.
There will be demonstrations throughout the day by the charity’s Singing for Pleasure group, and all are
welcome to come and join.
Last year, the charity celebrated its 40th birthday, with members organising exhibitions and interactive sessions across the town, including musical and Tai Chi demonstrations on Broad Street.
n For more information, visit: www.readingu3a.org.uk
refurbishment,” Mr Geller said.
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.todayA PROPERTY owned by Uri Geller has gone up for sale in Sonning for more than £7 million
The riverside Sonning Court, on Thames Street, has been put onto the market, giving prospective buyers a glimpse into the property.
The nine-bedroom, eightbathroom house boasts a number of bespoke and unusual features tucked away behind its security gate, complete with remote security access.
Approximately 4.5 acres of land includes a paved driveway leading up to the house’s facade, which was based on that of The White House’s columns.
The property includes a number of unusual features, such as a stone toilet complete with a gold seat cover, a glasspanel pyramid on the grounds, and three-pond Japanese water gardens with a traditional bridge.
Other notable elements include an elaborate chandelier and a curved staircase to the first floor, 111 metres of mooring on the Thames, a glass atrium, a panorama room, a panic room and wine cellar, a gym, a heated swimming pool, a helipad, and a two-bedroom annexed outbuilding.
The property was listed last week at the price of £7,500,000, and viewings are currently handled by Fine & Country.
Mr Geller said: “The moment we set eyes on Sonning Court for the first time we instantly fell in love with it.
“After entering through the large iron gates, the long sweeping driveway opened out to reveal this stunning house.
“It was such a quiet and secluded area, and so private, that we had to buy it.”
“The house is perfectly positioned overlooking the River Thames,” he explains, adding “it really is so tranquil, it’s one of a kind.”
Sonning Court was built in 1970 and the façade was based on The White House.
“The house has evolved over time and in 2012 we decided to extend it to make the house more symmetrical and balanced as well as giving the whole house a
“We worked very closely with our architect to ensure every detail was to the highest standard.
“We designed it so the house has positive energy flowing through it – we are huge believers in the power of Feng Shui.”
He explained that this means: “The house now has a huge open-plan family room that leads on to a beautiful glass atrium.”
They also added a cinema room and gym.
Mr Geller said: “The house has extensive grounds, with a beautiful waterfall flowing into a huge Koi pond.
“The surrounding rockery is made from large rocks that were especially sourced more than 50 years ago.”
He also explained that the home features a fully enclosed heated swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, and a helipad.
“Everyone who visits Sonning Court is blown away by the huge entrance hall, and the stunning view from the panoramic window of the river and the Chiltern Hills – it’s simply breathtaking,
“The house is perfect for entertaining, it has hosted royalty, politicians as well as the rich and famous.
“The village is home to many well-known personalities including George Clooney, Jimmy Page, and Theresa May, to name but a few.”
n An online tour of the property as well as more information about Sonning Court is available to view via: rightmove.co.uk/
ONE OF Reading’s most prolific festivals is returning to some of the town’s historic riverside venues for 2023.
Water Fest is back for the 34th time, celebrating the Kennet Canal and its various beauty spots through a day of art, music, and performance.
The On The Water Stage will see the arrival of the mayor at 12.15pm, boat parades at 1pm and 3pm, a race demonstration at 2pm, and poetry by Roy Mcfarlane at 4pm, followed by the duck race at 4.20pm.
The Acoustic Stage will see performances from Windsong at 11.20am, Ewan Millar at 12.10pm, The Small Strings at 1pm, and The Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dances from 1.50pm.
The Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra will take to the stage from 2.45pm, followed by Praise Lubangu, and the Bengali Cultural Association at 4.25pm.
The Global Festival Stage will feature The Bluepers from 11.30am, Twenty06 from 12.30pm, 4Fingaz from 1.20pm, The Bulmershe Ensemble from 2.10pm, Nicole Allen from 3.15pm, and Limpopo Grove from 4.15pm.
The Floating Stage will host performances from Robert Steven Hunt at 11.30am, the Hugh Turner Jazz Quartet from 12.30pm, Live Looper from 1.30pm, The Stretch from 2.30pm, and Sounds of Ukraine from 3.30pm.
Arash Shokouhi will close the stage from 4.30pm.
This year’s event will see a giant whale stationed in the heart of Forbury Gardens, where attendees will be able to venture inside and experience Plastic Oceans.
The immersive experience takes viewers into the Indian ocean with acrobatic divers, ancient leatherback turtles, and
all sorts of sea creatures as they explore the effects of plastic pollution.
The shows run for 30 minutes, starting at the Jelly arts stand at noon, 2pm, and 4pm.
A number of artists will take up residencies, hosting several sessions throughout the day. Sessions exploring photography and cartography will led by John Anderson, where attendees will be given a walking tour of Reading Abbey and the surrounding area, and find out about the area’s history and culture.
Many of the monks who inhabited the abbey were
skilled cartographers, with the art of map making forming a big part of the area’s history as a result.
No materials are needed, though attendees will need to bring a camera or camera phone with them, and the event is open to children aged nine and over with an accompanying adult.
The event is free, though spaces are limited and must be booked via PhotographyJohnAngerson. eventbrite.co.uk.
Mel Nabarro will lead weaving workshops with participants will take part in creating colourful fabrics on a custom-made loom using traditional weaving techniques.
All materials will be provided, with all ages and abilities welcome.
Drop in sessions run for an hour each, running from 11am, noon, 1.45pm, 2.45pm, and 4pm.
Kate Powell will lead a sewing workshop which will work with recycled textiles and donated fabrics to create traditional Suffolk Puffs.
These were small repurposed fabric embellishments mainly used for quilts, but latterly used to decorate clothing. Sessions run for an hour,
beginning at 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
Linda Newcombe will host a number of illustration workshops where attendees will work with vinyl blocks to create composite motifs which can be turned into badges.
All materials will be provided, so pre-booking is required via IllustrationWith LindaNewcombe.eventbrite.
co.uk
Two drawing classes will take place during the day, where attendees of all abilities will be encouraged to draw a model in historical dress.
Artists from Jelly will be on hand to help guide those taking part and will provide some basic materials, though attendees are encouraged to bring some of their own.
No ticket is required, though participation is on a first-comefirst-served basis.
The sessions last one hour each, beginning at 11.30am and 1pm near the pond in Forbury Gardens.
A team of blacksmiths will be giving smithing demonstrations in the ruins too, showcasing traditional techniques.
n A full list of events and workshops is available via: issuu.com/readingcouncil or whatsonreading.com.
AN APPLICATION to remove a protection order on a tree in Caversham has been rejected, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
Danala Services wanted permission to fell a poplar tree in Christchurch Meadows.
The firm had acquired a strip of land at the junction of Gosbrook Road and George Street. On it is roadside billboards and a number of trees.
Four trees have already been felled – one was ‘dead or dangerous’, while the others were cut down due to their poor condition.
The firm then submitted to Reading Borough Council an objection to the TPO for a remaining poplar.
Following a recommendation from council officers, the planning committee rejected the application.
Cllr Richard Davies (Labour, Thames), who has just joined committee, said: “It’s one tree, but every tree is really important in our climate emergency context that we have.
“When we agree to remove a tree, it would really need to be backed up by evidence that it needs to be removed and shouldn’t be preserved.
“It certainly hasn’t reached the threshold that we should not place a TPO on.”
He also expressed hopes that four removed trees will be replaced.
BACK ON THE CANAL: Last year’s Water Fest saw hundreds of people flock to the area around Reading Abbey for a day of fun. The event returns on Saturday Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision ImagesON SATURDAY, Reading’s Blue Collar Corner held the latest of its regular drag brunch events as Pride Month gets underway in earnest, writes Jake Clothier
Amber Rose Turner took up hosting duties and brought an abundance of drag talent to the stage, introducing fellow performers Black Mamba and Reading’s own drag phenomenon, Duac.
After numbers from the host, Black Mamba showed their usual flair and affinity for a costume change with fierce lipsyncs for which they have become renowned.
The final part of the show saw Duac bring their usual unpredictability and refreshing humour when they performed a lipsync as Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin from the Wallace and Gromit Franchise.
A particular highlight saw Duac removing the red rubber glove disguise before escaping up a stairwell with a cardboard revolver and a sack of loot.
Amber Rose Turner closed the show with a live vocal performance, singing a song dedicated to their partner.
The event was brought to Blue Collar by Iota Events’ Big Jay, who was recently announced as the organiser for Reading Pride’s Pride Xtra stage later this year.
Host Amber Rose Turner said events like brunches can often bridge a social divide: “A drag brunch marries
ON SONG: Black Mamba perforing at Blue Collar Corner’s Drag Brunch on Saturday.
two perfect concepts together.
“Everyone loves brunch, and drag is such a big part of pride and the LGBT+ community, so to sandwich them together, people will come no matter what, and enjoy it.”
Big Jay added: “Pride Month is a very American concept, and when those concepts influence our scene, we lose a bit of that character of British queerness.
“It’s very influenced by RuPaul and big companies with rainbow
logos; small businesses and grassroots queer communities don’t get elevated in the same way.”
Despite this, Amber Rose said: “It has helped a lot of the LGBT+ community in general here, I feel.
“Many places are still really behind the times, and Big Jay is a big part of the picture in Reading.”
They continued: “It can boost our morale, boost our viewership and engagement, and while it can be on the nose, it gives
people and excuse to start those conversations.”
Duac explained: “It’s especially so for people who have a really traditional view of drag; nonbinary and trans performers aren’t always expected, but drag is more expansive than that.”
Big Jay added: “British drag is so much more about the personality, the humour, and the individual, rather than how big your wig is.”
Speaking of their plans for
SAT
Reading Pride, they added: “It is going to be a love letter to my journey through drag.
“I’ll be featuring everything that has got me to where I am, and I’m really excited to give everyone who’s helped me the platform they deserve.”
Amber Rose Turner and Duac will be joining Big Jay when they head up the Pride Xtra stage at Reading Pride’s Love Unites Festival in September. n www.readingpride.co.uk
Duac Amber Rose Turner sang live, dedicating the performance to their partner Black Mamba giving a lipsync performancePLANS to convert an historic corner of the town centre by creating a new aparthotel and neighbouring hotel have been approved by Reading Borough Council, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
There are two elements to the plans, from Thackery Estates and its partners, The National Pub Portfolio.
The first, known as QVS1+, covers the area from the corner of Friar Street and Queen Victoria Street.
It has been given the green light after a section 106 levy was agreed. This is how much a developer will pay to the local authority, which is then invested in vital infrastructure.
The plan involves renovation and works to create 104 rooms on upper floors, and new shopfronts and a courtyard at ground level.
Approval of the S106 was granted on May 24, and the applications, numbers 221232 and 221233, can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
The National Pub Portfolio has won approval for the demolition of buildings further down Friar Street and replacing them with a 163-bed hotel. The affected area includes The Bugle pub, Revolución de Cuba and the Eyesite Opticians.
The Bugle will become the entry point for the hotel, while the buildings next to it will be demolished.
The project is known as QVS2, and the hotel will be run by Leonardo Hotels, the new name for Jurys Inn. This application, number 221235, can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
AROUND 600 people enjoyed the first running of an event which showcased the very best of locallyproduced alcoholic beverages, writes
Ji-Min LeeThe University of Reading’s Neck of the Woods Festival, aka the Park House Local Drinks Festival, saw visitors taste wine, beer, cider, and gin made by businesses which supply the campus.
Makers had their own stalls, where they were able to share insight into the products they had
brought with them.
Matt Tebbitt, head of the university’s catering and bars team, said: “It was great to have so many people visit Whiteknights for the drinks festival.
“We know people in the local area love visiting our many outlets, so it was great to share our beautiful campus environment with new people.
“I particularly enjoyed seeing people try something a bit different, and really focusing
on the high quality of the many locally produced beers, ciders and other drinks on offer.
“If you missed out, you can always pay us a visit in the oak-panelled comfort of our Park House bar, or sit out at one of the tables overlooking the Whiteknights meadow and lake.
“It’s open to the public including at weekends, so come and have your own tasting session, and make the most of the university bar and food prices.”
There were beers, wines, ciders and gins on offer
Cheers! The event atracted a wide range of people from across the community
The Neck of the Woods Festival was attended by around 600 people
WELL, I made it to the other side of 30. I’m still here.
Aside from a new-found steadfast commitment to my skincare regime and popping some extra multivitamins, very little has changed. I am in fact, still the same person.
It was a week of celebrations (as all big birthdays should be).
Starting with a National Trust visit, because that’s what people in their thirties do.
We (the gang, my parents, my aunty and I) ended the afternoon sat by a fountain in Greys Court, munching on homemade chocolate cake.
I felt both culturally and soulfully nourished. I spent my actual birthday mainly eating. Everywhere. (Started my thirties as I mean to go on).
After a two-course breakfast involving multiple plates (I couldn’t decide between the French toast, the salmon and the scrambled egg so ordered all three, obviously) we nipped into my favourite toddler group so I could see some friends, and Joel could see what all the fuss was about. This was his first 4321 experience.
I was sat chatting when I noticed the entire singalong group staring at me from the corner.
“We’ve been trying to get your attention,” said Sue, one of the group leaders, beckoning me over. I approached tentatively, horrified, knowing exactly where this was going.
What proceeded was several moments of “Happy Birthday” sung by various mums (I mean at least 10) and their children.
I looked down at the giant 30 badge Maia had insisted I wear and wondered whether it’d be better tucked away in the privacy of my bag. Nah, where’s the fun in that. Plus I quite like being the centre of attention. For a moment.
Still stuffed from breakfast and embarrassed but equally delighted by all the singing, we drove to Henley.
The sunshine, the river, the spontaneous minigolf we found ourselves playing (not my first choice but Leo lead the way and it was actually a blast); it all made for a joy-filled few hours. Then came more singing. Yes it was thanks to the badge.
We settled into The Chocolate Cafe for what started as a coffee but progressed into highly unnecessary lunch. (I’d only just digested breakfast). I wasn’t aware but if it’s your birthday and you happen to be a customer at this particular cafe, you’re in for the whole shebang. Not only does the manager and several staff members sing to you with one of those sparkly fire-work type candles, you also land yourself a free brownie. I mean; day made.
We whizzed back to Wokingham in time for the school run then Maia and I met with friends for ice-creams in the park. This was followed by dinner in town with my parents and the rest of the gang. Which of course meant more singing.
“I actually think I’m good Mum, you don’t need to sing, here, in the restaurant…”
“Oh come on! It’s your thirtieth!” She replied, having none of it.
So there I sat. Cake brought out by the waitress. Taking in a third rendition of Happy Birthday in public.
The joy continued into the weekend when I brought a handful of friends together for a meal. There was more home-made cake and the perfect storm of Prosecco, cocktails and tequila.
We danced, crowded ourselves into a photo booth and landed back in my kitchen at a respectable hour for wind-down chats.
My 30s have been pretty great thus far.
Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind
Rocks kindness angel has been sent from Berkshire to the United States
IT is just a small piece of rock. But it unites the bravery and sacrifice of police officers in Berkshire with their counterparts in New York.
When Caroline Seward, a member of British Airways cabin crew knew she was heading to the Big Apple, she decided to take a little piece of England with her.
Caroline, from Thatcham, who is also a member of the Reading Kindness Rocks group, asked founder, Debs Baldree, for a collection of painted rocks she could leave around the city.
One of them was a tribute to PC Andrew Harper, from Thames Valley Police who, in 2019, was killed while investigating the theft of a quad bike.
As he questioned three men, one of them sped off in a car catching PC Harper’s leg in a tow rope and dragging him a mile to his death.
The crime shocked the nation not least because the brave police officer had only married his partner, Lissie, a few months earlier.
Caroline placed a number of painted rocks from the Reading group around New York’s Central Park but had a special plan for one dedicated to PC Harper.
“I was jogging through the park leaving rocks in different places but kept that one in my hand,” she said.
“On one side was a drawing of an angel and on the other the words ‘In memory of PC Harper and all Blue Lights crews.’
“!Suddenly, a police car went past and I ran after it. I started to speak to the officers inside who must have thought I was some mad English woman.
A COCKTAIL bar which holds free community events has been nominated for the Pride of Reading Hospitality Award.
High Spirits Cocktail Company is in its second year of operating from its premises in The Village leisure complex on Kings Road in Reading.
“I told them about PC Harper and showed them the rock. They were very moved to hear how he lost his life and told me how they had also lost colleagues in the line of duty. It was very moving to know that while they lived in a different country they too were brave just like PC Harper in Berkshire. It is officers like them who run towards danger while the rest of us run in the opposite direction.
“The two officers took the rock and promised to take it back to their station and tell the other officers about PC Harper.”
Before flying back to the UK, Caroline left other rocks at different places including Ground Zero and when she returned a few days later, she discovered they had gone.
“I’ve also handed other rocks to people when I was taking part in the London marathon this year and they carried them around the course. They then posted a picture of themselves with the rock saying how the words inspired them.
“Members of the Reading Kindness Rocks group leave them in different places so anyone who finds them can take them home or place them somewhere else for others.
“I now take rocks on my BA trips and holidays. It is such a simple way to connect with people who might be going through a difficult time or maybe just need a word or two to cheer them up.”
n Reading Kindness Rocks has been nominated for a Pride of Reading award in the Putting Reading on the Map category, sponsored by The Purple Turtle and Jacobs The Jewellers.
The independent business, which was praised by its nominator for hosting free community events, is also committed to supporting the environment and making a positive impact on climate change.
They say they offer value and quality with the aim of providing the best experiences for guests.
The Hospitality category, which is new this year, is sponsored by REDA, Reading’s economy and destination agency.
It recognises ‘excellence in the hospitality industry, either an individual or business that has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to their customers and a strong commitment to Reading’.
The award was set up in memory of journalist Hilary Scott, one of the organisers of the Pride of Reading Awards and food writer for our predecessor, the Reading Post, who supported the hospitality sector through the Food Monthly publication.
Hilary sadly passed away last year.
READING’S Economy & District Agency (REDA) will be sponsoring this year’s Hospitality Award, inspired by and in memory of Hilary Scott.
The category recognises excellence in the hospitality industry, either a person or business which has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to customers and a strong commitment to Reading.
Nigel Horton Baker, the chief executive of REDA, said: “It’s the first award that we’ve sponsored, so we’re really excited about that.
IT’S THE daddy of all burgers and it’s only available for one very special day only.
Wetherspoon pubs The Back of Beyond in Kings Road and The Hope Tap in Friar Street will be serving a Brunch Burger, but only on Father’s Day – Sunday, June 18.
It comprises a 3oz beef burger with American-style cheese, maplecured bacon, a free-range fried egg and and topped with a hash brown.
As it’s Wetherspoon, the meal is £7.15 and includes chips and a soft drink, or £8.55 and a pint or other alcoholic drinks.
The regular menu, including steaks, grills and small plates, will also be served.
The Hope Tap pub manager, James Harris, said: “We are confident that our customers will welcome the return of the Brunch Burger for one day only.
“It features 100% British beef.”
TWO young women who supply authentic Malaysian dishes through their online business have been nominated as Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Best friends Susie Jolly and Kat Perry, both 32, from the Reading company Makan Malaysia, send dine-at-home meal kits nationwide in chilled, insulated boxes.
Their nominator said the pair “are two of the hardest working, most collaborative, nicest people I have ever met. I was so impressed with their energy and kindness.”
They cook authentic Malaysian food and sell it through mail order, at festivals, during pop-ups, and their supper clubs, she added.
“They ALWAYS promote other businesses and have great business
ethics. They are pure joy.”
The duo, who live in Caversham and Hermitage, work with a huge number of other local independent businesses, she said, including Clays, Anonymous Coffee, Fidget and Bob, and Loddon Brewery plus at Reading Food Festival and Readipop.
The category is sponsored by insurance and financial planning company Macbeth and recognises “an individual or group with a business venture in Reading, which has shown passion and commitment to their business to ensure success.”
Entrepreneur of the Year is sponsored by Macbeth
Insurance brokers and financial services company Macbeth is once again sponsoring the Entrepreneur of
Read this very carefully, they shall serve it only onceONE-DAY WONDER: The Hope Tap and The Back of Beyond are offering a brunch burger, but only on Father’s Day Picture: Wetherspoon
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, June 8, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 17
READING AWARDS
PUT FORWARD: High Spirits Cocktail Company has been nominated for a Pride of Reading Hospitality Award
Mr Baker identified the link with journalist and Reading stalwart Hilary Scott, who died in last August, as a major factor in supporting the award.
“I had known Hilary for some 10 years, so it’s a great honour to be associated with this award,” he explained.
“The particular criteria that we’re
Nominate someone for a Pride of Reading Award
looking for from applicants really does sum up what Hilary was about.
“We’re looking for resilience, Hilary always faced up to a challenge and came up with good solutions to problems. We’re looking for good customer care, and Hilary was a great people person. She always had time for everybody.
“And we’re looking for commitment to Reading as well. Hilary helped us with the Eat Reading Festival that we run every year on Broad Street.
Organisers would like to hear who you think should win recognition in the awards.
To nominate a person, business or organisation, for to www.porawards.co.uk where there is information on categories and sponsors.
Please send 100-200 words on your choice to win an award.
ONE OF Reading’s dedicated volunteers has been given an award by TV royalty for her literacy work with a charity.
Pamela Reynolds is one of the volunteers with the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), an organisation which gives lifelong support to veterans and serving members of the British Armed Forces and their families.
In 2011, SSAFA Berkshire recognised that many of the women in the Ghurka veteran and serving communities were lacking in reading and writing skills, which negatively impacts their lives in the UK.
Ms Reynolds created the Reading Ghurka Ladies’ Project, which has continued to help teach literacy skills to hundreds of women since its inception.
She has now been presented with the Sir James Gildea Award, which recognises volunteers and employees for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s values and projects.
It was named after the charity’s founder, Col Sir James Gildea, with Joanna Lumley on hand to present the award to Ms Reynolds.
Angel
Frozen, bowed in tearless care; since the flowers were fresh upon my grave, my angel has been there.
Did he comfort my father and my mother, hands forever clasped in solid prayer?
Did he see every widow and every passing hearse?
the Year Award, which recognises an individual or group with a business venture and who has shown passion and commitment to ensure success.
Millie Smith, marketing director at Macbeth, said “We’ve sponsored the category for a number of years now.
“It really aligns with our values as a company, we want to bring some of the entrepreneurialism to life.
“We also love seeing what’s going on in the community, especially as a community-based company.”
“We also love to see how businesses can give back to the
community, and hearing some of the stories about the events really brings to life how much of a community feel there is in such a large town.”
She explained: “It really boils down to having that village feel where everybody pulls together, and that’s something that Paul Macbeth is keen on being a part of and being able to give back to.
“The Reading area is such a community hub, with such a wealth of opportunities and talent here, and being a part of that is such a special thing.”
So many stark white stones as 1916 only got so much worse; did he weep then for the violence by which humanity is cursed?
As the elderly were laid to rest did he acknowledge them with a respectful nod?
Those tired, world-weary souls gladdened to meet their God.
Could he love those in modest pauper’s graves, unmarked by sentiments as they lie bare feet unshod?
She was also presented with a gift of a mirrored drinks tray and treated to the performance of traditional Nepalese dances and songs by members of the Ghurka community in traditional dress.
Pam said: “Thank you so very much for this. It was not just me, but also our very many helpers –I am quite overwhelmed.
“Thank you for the gift and the flowers.”
She continued: Pam said; “I am still recovering from the surprise of being awarded the Sir James Gildea Award, which was completely unexpected, but nonetheless, very gratefully received.
“Working on the Gurkha Project has been a joy and a great privilege for me.”
Dame Joanna Lumley said:
“I am proud to present the Sir James Gildea Award to Pam. She so deserves it. She has worked very hard for many years to help huge numbers of Gurkha Ladies.”
n More information about how the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association supports veterans and serving members of the British Army is available via: ssafa.org.uk
Does he watch the young men on the bench laughing as they drink, does he smile for the company whatever does he think?
Cigarette butts, crushed cans, half empty bottles clink.
Shall I rise up with my stony angel that the stars may kiss my head; through wet grass and slumbering bones be led, or does the earth weigh too heavy on my cold eternal bed?
K McCone UsherWe love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email your verse to poems@wokingham.today
Attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times, Eastbourne is a bustling seaside resort that epitomises the British summer holiday. During our relaxing break here, we take a trip on the Bluebell Railway, and spend time in picturesque Lewes and charming Alfriston.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
4 nights at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway
Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)
Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)
5 Days by Coach only
£369
Departing Fri 11 Aug ‘23
The charming scenery of Yorkshire is on full display during this lovely four-day break. Don’t miss the chance to explore Harrogate and Knaresborough and the city of York, filled with heritage buildings that have one foot rooted back in time.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
3 nights at a selected hotel with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
Excursions to Knaresborough, Harrogate & York
after
Harrogate&YorkWeekend_D.pdf Single Supplement £60 Single Supplement £60 WPR_2023-06-05_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR
HONOUR: Joanna Lumley presented the Sir James Gildea Award, which recognises volunteers and employees for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA, to Reading’s Pamela Reynolds. Picture: Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’sA MAJOR development will see Victorian – and earlier – buildings in Reading town centre revamped to create a new hotel and an apart-hotel.
It’s another sign that Reading is a great place to invest and do business in.
But it is a shame that the buildings proposed could have been for anywhere.
Some parts of the UK have planning restrictions in place that means certain styles and materials need to be used –Bath is a great example of this.
Reading has some unique features. The brickwork on the Minster church is one example, while the corners of Newtown houses is the closest we’ll ever get to having a ‘style’.
It’s a shame that this hasn’t been picked up with when planning applications are considered.
Having a design specification would help Reading to have its own distinct identity, and also give architects and builders a challenge to work with.
While it’s too late for this development, could something be considered for future ones? It would, after all, give us something else to be proud of in this magnificent town.
THREE hundred and fifty displaced Hong Kongers gather each week at Trinity Church, Earley.
The Cantonese community first came to Trinity at Christmas 2021. Very quickly, a shared vision developed for the Cantonese church community to use Trinity and becoming part of the Church in Earley.
“It felt like they had found their spiritual home,” says the Revd Jon Salmon, Vicar of Trinity Church, Earley.
On Easter Sunday 2022, the Chinese church began a regular Cantonese Worship Service. Their senior pastor, Siew Yin Chan is now on the staff at Trinity, a post funded by the Oxford Development Fund.
She is assisted by two pastors from Hong Kong. The church also employs two part-time Hong Kong administrators to work with the church’s operations support team.
“It’s important for the Hong Kong Christians to have a service in their own language, Cantonese,” says Siew Yin. “Trinity offers that, plus the space and the freedom to worship.
“God’s hand is very much on the project,” says Jon. “It’s happened very easily and there’s a great sense of mutual respect and care. We are fascinated to see where it might go.”
One place it is going is a new Cantonese plant service which launched at St Mary the Virgin, Winnersh earlier this month.
Between 40 and 50 people from Earley have committed to go and plant the new service in the next door deanery.
“We want to thank our brothers and sisters at St Mary’s,” says Siew Yin.
“They have moved the time of their main Sunday service, to allow us to have the 11 o’clock slot. It’s very gracious of them.”
Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today
The plans for bus lanes from consultants Stantec and WSP are sloppy, calling Ordnance Survey “Ordinance”. They have not watched pedestrians, bus and traffic flows, and the use of existing bus lanes.
Buses are held up before bus lanes. Badly phased traffic lights delay buses on bus lanes for two minutes. Some bus lanes move between the left-hand lane and right-hand lane.
I cross one road to a bus stop, over what a plan calls an ‘existing non-pedestrian refuge’ and moves it in the wrong direction.
Another plan has a bus lane where buses have to use the middle lane to go straight on. Another one moves two useful bus stops.
The BSIP included “simplify services”, which were really cuts. The routes south of Reading were diverted away from traffic objectives, such as shops and the hospital, to run along the Relief Road, without stopping.
The Green Park and Kennet Island routes were split, and the Madejski Stadium and Hotel buses were withdrawn.
The 9 route was shortened.
Literature on simplifying bus services recommends connections between routes, but none of that happens.
There is no mention of restoring buses to Fleet, Yateley, Streatley, Watlington or, on weekdays, Maidenhead.
There is a photograph of the hospital shuttle, which runs
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today
We reserve the right to edit letters
Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
through South Reading without stopping, and is often empty. It should either stop along the way, or incorporate the 9 route.
Mark Drukker,With our New King taking a considerable interest in our country, I wonder what his thoughts are when we have what I feel can easily be called Fifth Columnists activity by certain left wing Trades Unions.
My thoughts today centre around re Nationalising organisations they are ruining.
Years ago, Trade Unions were illegal. I suspect that as industry grew, especially with large staffing levels, and failed to treat staff as important assets, may have triggered the 1992 (Consolidating) Act. They set out to establish the relationship between businesses and workers, and formed ACAS to help it work.
Given today’s Union attitude and the characters that supposedly “fight their cause”, unless such enemies of our country, who in their own interests would continue the chaos “for ever”, we are in trouble unless we nationalise.
The Act mentioned above has been forgotten! It did however establish workers as part of our society and set out guidelines for improving a government/worker relationship.
I can outline desirable management rules if necessary.
Second, I have deliberately curtailed the foregoing subject,
as there is a far more serious issue our government is proving incapable to address. It is the statement from our PM that he wants Britain to lead the world in tackling the threats posed by AI.
Our PM is going to talk to Joe Bidon this week.
While acknowledging we have a lot of expertise, as has the US, I am unable to comprehend having a global watchdog in London.
For anyone who appreciates security nationally and the ease with which anyone can get knowledge from people who will sell, may be aware that our security system is more like a kitchen sieve.
Working with the US is vital, but we should not involve any other body on this planet. Reg Clifton, via email n Summer is well and truly on its way, which means more opportunities to be outside with friends and family and listen to live music.
In all of the fun, we sometimes forget to look after our hearing health and how loud sounds are.
The good news is that there are some easy ways you can still enjoy yourself and keep your hearing protected: Carry earplugs with you and use them. Stay away from the speakers. And take regular breaks from the loudest areas to give your ears a rest.
It is important to check your hearing regularly so j take the free, online Hearing Check by visiting rnid.org.uk
Crystal Rolfe, Associate Director for Health at RNIDup by run away inflation, ever increasing bill and inescapable interest rate rises it creates a viscous economic cycle. Less money in pockets, means lower spending in our shops which slows the economy.
LAST week the latest inflation figures were released, and it revealed the real dayto-day challenges that are faced by local families.
The Government championed one figure which suggested that inflation had dropped to 8.7% - a reduction from the previous 10.1%.
A fall in inflation doesn’t mean that goods and services are getting cheaper, it just means that the speed at which they are becoming more expensive is slightly slower.
This technical fall masked a bigger problem because inflation on food is at a record high –19.1% and on certain food items the increase is even higher. Family favourites such as eggs are up 37%, cheese is up by 30% and the
WITH much talk in recent weeks on the potential impact of the Government’s new Voter ID legislation on local elections, it was of great interest to see the statistics coming out of Reading following last month’s poll.
Of the 270 voters who had to be turned away at polling stations on May 4 because they did not have what this Government deems to be ‘acceptable’ identification, 197 returned and were able to vote. Seventythree residents did not return. In total 24,698 electors were issued with a ballot paper at polling stations.
Whether you consider 73 out of 24,698 an acceptable number, I guess depends on how much weight you place on the importance of people being able to exercise their democratic right to vote.
As far as I am concerned, even one voter not returning is one too many – 73 is a highly disappointing figure.
Similar statistics are being released by local councils all over the country.
At county level the numbers are much higher, as you would expect. In Yorkshire and Lincolnshire for example, 1,611 residents did not return to vote after initially being turned away. Data suggests it is less affluent areas that are more disadvantaged by the change.
It’s a trend we see time and again with this Government.
The stark reality is that the number of people who simply choose not to go to the polling station at all because they lack the necessary ID is much higher than the 73 people we know about.
I know myself and colleagues encountered residents on the doorstep who said they were not bothering voting this year as they didn’t have the right ID.
price of pasta is not 27% more than last year.
It’s not just food where prices are causing real problems. The rate of inflation also determines the increase on broadband and mobile phone monthly contract payments and high interest rates also lead to ever increasing interest rates.
The Bank of England has raised the interest rate to 4.5% and they are predicted to go up to 5.5% in the next couple of months, adding hundreds of pounds to those with credit cards or car loans and mortgage payments.
According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2022, the average salary rose by just £3 a month – meaning most people will be worse off this year than they were last year.
When wages rises are eaten
All of this is compounded by a government which has given us the highest tax burden in modern history to compensate for a decade of low growth.
Adding in the price of domestic energy – double what it was 12 months ago, while the oil and gas giants report record profits – it is easy to see why the demand at food banks is growing and more and more families are finding themselves in poverty.
The answer, though, isn’t simple. It will require rebalancing the economy and ensuring that those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share in taxes and investing in UK based green energy production to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and gas and growing the economy.
This is what I have championed in Parliament and what I will continue to call on the Government to do as this is the only way to tackle the cost-ofliving crisis.
Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
We’ve no way of knowing what that figure is, but one indication may be to look at turnout figures for this year’s local elections.
In Reading, the polling station turnout figure (taken as an average across all 16 wards) was just 25.78%.
The total turnout, when you include postal votes, was 32.6%.
Both figures are notably lower than in recent years.
There can be all sorts of reasons for that, of course, but I suspect voter ID is one of them.
For all my frustration about the Conservative Government’s approach to voter ID requirements, imagine the anger I had at hearing Jacob Rees-Mogg admit that this whole thing is, in fact, an attempt at gerrymandering local election results in favour of the Tories.
Is it any wonder that the stock people place in politics has never been so low?
There is only one way to turn that around – by making sure you cast a vote for Labour at the next General Election, which draws ever nearer.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
THE 2019/20 Reading Council accounts have finally been signed off. But it has cost well over £1 million so far and the saga continues.
Labour councillors failed the people of Reading back in 2016 with a complete lack of good accounting standards, financial controls and the hangover is still costing Reading residents millions of pounds.
Two years ago the Local Democracy Reporter was covering how Labour’s late accounts were costing the Reading tax payer over £1 million. The 2019/20 accounts have only just been signed off. This is two years late. These problems stem from cuts to the council’s finance team which Green councillors opposed.
Who knows what the final cost will be now to the people of Reading? There will be additional fees from the external auditors and the additional cost of the council’s own officers trying to get this right.
It’s only through their efforts that we might finally see accounts filed years late, and possibly not back on track for another two years.
In the end the cost to Reading will likely be in the millions. At a time when we are being squeezed more than ever by
the mistakes of reckless politicians this is extremely painful, and its not over yet.
Councillor Sarah Magon (Park Ward) says, “After almost a year out of action, the London Road / Cholmeley Road traffic lights are working again. Greens have been working hard to get them fixed and tackling associated problems.
“When these traffic lights were broken they were causing congestion and pollution so it’s great to have them working again now improved with the new cyclist priority measures. We will keep working to tackle congestion and for healthy, sustainable transport across the town”
Cllr Dave McElroy standing up for residents on the waste issues
Councillor Dave McElroy (Redlands Ward) says, “Unfortunately much of Reading is blighted by waste issues. The Redlands Green team are working hard on these and have been tackling bin problems at Appleton House on Alexandra Road. Our efforts have been rewarded and a
EXPLORER Scouts in Caversham are looking for volunteers to support young people in building resilience, independence and confidence by challenging them to undertake new skills and activities.
They are seeking a volunteer Branch Manager to oversee the work of the advice centre.
new bin store has now been installed.
“It’s great to see action to resolve the overflowing bins, which have been concerning residents. There is still some way to go but we will keep up the pressure.”
You can report local environmental issues like bin problems using the Love Clean Reading smart phone app: https:// lovecleanstreets.com/reports/home
Following the local elections in May the Green Party has consolidated its position as the second largest party on Labour-run Reading Council.
We are now two councillors ahead of the Conservatives on the council. There is a growing team of hard-working Green councillors standing up for residents across the town.
If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: https://reading.greenparty.org.uk/ get-involved
By Green Party councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough CouncilExplorers are Scouts’ eldest age range at 14-18 years and are largely in charge of their own programme but we need volunteers to help guide, assess and mentor the young people as they plan and organise activities.
You would be part of the largest youth organisation in the world with the opportunity for training, adventures and new experiences.
n Trust House is a small charity based in Reading that provides a range of support services for people affected by rape and sexual abuse.
Their building is used for counselling and therapy for people of all ages and genders and they often have maintenance and decorating jobs that are required for the upkeep of the building and our counselling rooms.
They are seeking a volunteer with practical/ DIY skills to help out on an ad hoc basis with these small jobs. They would be very grateful for any support offered and happy to provide tea and coffee, and biscuits
n Frontline Reading provides expert help to those who are under the burden of debt, often through no fault of their own.
The Branch Manager will undertake a number of tasks including ensure the office is appropriately staffed, recruit, train and develop volunteer advisers, represent Frontline in the local community and provide information as required to the Trustees and CEO Experience in managing a small office, working in the local community, and liaising with a head office would be an advantage. There will be a handover available from the current Branch Manager who will be available to support over at least the first 12 months.
n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 01189 372 273.
MARKET confidence among housebuilders in the Thames Valley remains high, according to research recently carried out by a law firm.
Of those surveyed by Blandy & Blandy, 72% said their confidence in the region’s property market was high or very high, and 86% agreed the Thames Valley market is more robust and resilient than the UK market as whole.
More than half – 57% – of developers singled out delays in the planning system as their current primary concern, with 21% citing rising interest rates and 14% the supply of land.
Despite these challenges, 55% foresee having a comparable number of sites under development this year compared to last, and two-thirds believe that they will acquire new sites at the same level or higher as last year.
And demonstrating their confidence in the region, 80% expect the demand for new homes to remain comparable to or greater than the previous 12 months.
However, three-quarters of housebuilders expect the number of new build homes coming onto the market to fall year-on-year, reflecting a general fall in properties for sale in the region: 64% of housebuilders anticipate that this will see an annual increase in property prices, with only 7% forecasting a drop.
John Dingle, a partner in Blandy & Blandy’s award-winning Commercial Property team, said: “It is very encouraging to see from our housebuilder survey that there is continued optimism and expectations of buoyancy in the Thames Valley market, despite the wider uncertainties.
“While familiar and some new challenges are in play, the regional appetite for new development clearly remains strong, and indeed the team remains busy acting for both landowner and developer clients.”
n For further information, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk
By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today
YOUNG people in Berkshire are to be helped finding work thanks to a new industry skills scheme.
The South East has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the UK among the 16 to 24 age group.
Two thirds of young people in the region say the cost-of-living crisis has made it harder to find work while two in five employers say the economic climate means they are less likely to hire a young person.
Now UK Youth and KFC are rolling out a new employability programme called Hatch to help some 6,000 young people who have faced barriers to employment to build their work skills, confidence and get their first job.
The scheme, which was piloted in Manchester last year, will identify young people most in need and provide one-to-one training, support, and practical work experience, with an interview at KFC on graduation.
Meg Farren, general manager, KFC UK & Ireland, said the covid pandemic had denied work and skills opportunities to young people who now face uncertainty in the workplace due to the cost of living crisis.
“As one of the biggest youth employers in the country, we see first-hand how difficult it is for young people to build the skills and experience they need to enter the world of work in today’s economic climate. This is further exacerbated for those who have faced issues such as being excluded from education or formal training opportunities.
“There are buckets of talent across the UK, but all too often young people are cut out of accessing opportunities. That needs to change. That’s why we’re excited to be bringing our employability
programme Hatch across the South East, to invest in the next generation and help unlock the potential of those who’ve faced barriers to employment. Working with UK Youth, Hatch will help young people across the South East to build their skills, confidence and land their first job.”
Jacob Diggle, director of strategy, research and impact at the young people’s charity, UK Youth, said their job prospects were crucial to the success of the economy in the South East and the rest of the country.
“Youth work can play a huge
part in tackling the rise in youth unemployment. However, these life changing services are under strain and need more support as highlighted by our cost-of-living campaign.
The partnership between youth work and businesses is vital to meeting the scale of need.
“We are proud that our Hatch programme with KFC will help thousands of disadvantaged young people develop the confidence and skills they need to secure stable employment.”
UK Youth and KFC have called on the government to work more closely with businesses to ensure young people are being equipped with the skills that will help them thrive in the workplace. They are also calling for a joined-up strategy that brings together businesses with local authorities, job centres and youth work organisations to better connect young people with job and training opportunities in their local area.
Since piloting Hatch in Manchester last year, 80 young people have successfully graduated from the programme, with more than 50% finding full time employment as a result. By 2024, KFC is aiming to have upskilled 1,100 young people, ensuring they’re ready for future work, training or education through the Hatch programme.
PUB OPERATOR Brakspear has appointed a new Head of People after creating the role to bolster attraction, engagement, and retention of team members.
Simone Brown has been selected and will now work primarily within the 10-strong Honeycomb Houses managed estate.
Ms Brown has worked in a number of people and human resources roles in retail and hospitality sectors, including experience with the Intercontinental Hotel group, Elizabeth Arden and The Hyve Group events company.
In the role, Ms Brown will work on employee attraction, engagement, and retention, as well as colleague development.
This will mean working with colleagues
in training and liaising with operations and marketing, from head office to pub level.
It also follows the implementation of Honeycomb Houses’ Early Pay scheme, which gives quicker access to wages.
They’re also holding their first ever Team Day and awards ceremony in September, which will be attended by all 250 employees.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “We’re delighted to welcome Simone to the Brakspear family and confident that her experience and skills will be an enormous asset to us.
“Our pubs are nothing without the people who work in them, so this new role is a strategically important one for us.”
He explained: “The Honeycomb Houses’ ethos of ‘Our House, Your Home’ relies on
team members to live and breathe it.
“Simone will play a vital role in helping to recruit the right people, instilling the Honeycomb values and creating an environment where our team members provide the outstanding customer service that puts our pubs ahead of the competition.”
Following her appointment, Ms Browne said: “Moving to Brakspear is a great opportunity.
“Honeycomb Houses are wonderful pubs run by talented GMs and teams, and I’m looking forward to helping to further embed the ‘Our House, Your Home’ culture so that every team member is reaching their potential, and our pubs are delivering the best experience to every customer on every visit.”
Simone Brown has been selected for the newly-created head of people role, focusing on attraction, development, and retention of team members.
PLANS to build housing on the site of a disused fire station were approved last week.
Following the submissions of plans to demolish the fire service buildings and replace them with 54 homes by Bellway Homes on Tuesday, May 30, the application was approved at the council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday, May 31.
Dee Road Fire Station was closed two years ago, with the crew relocated to Theale in September 2021. It also served as the headquarters of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service before it moved to Newsham Court in Calcot in October 2014.
The site was bought by developer Bellway Homes last year which initially applied to build 63 homes on the site.
However, the scheme has been reduced to provide 54 hoes instead.
The development comprises 13 one-bed, seven two-bed and three three-bed flats, and 23 three-bedroom and eight fourbedroom houses.
Of the 54 homes, 30% will be affordable – four one-bed and four two-bed flats and six of the three-bed homes.
The planning committee felt the development would meet the town’s housing needs, particularly regarding affordable housing and the larger three- and four-bedroom homes.
Concern was raised over parking and the impact of the development on neighbours.
Approved plans include 62 car parking spaces, with 31 allocated to the houses and 25 to the 23 flats.
Council officers recommended councillors approved the plan subject to
a section 106 legal agreement which would involve a £70,000 contribution to form a controlled pedestrian crossing at neighbouring Spey Road.
Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “I think we can probably all agree that leaving a big derelict brownfield site is not want any of us want.
“We obviously want to see sites like this developed into something. I think the need for housing is in great need, especially in West Reading.
THANK YOU: Newtown residents celebrate planting a king donated by Winnersh Garden Centres to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III Picture: Newtown Community Garden
A LOW-CARBON heating system will be installed at the University of Reading’s main sports facility, thanks to a significant grant award.
The university secured £865,000 from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund, which will allow its SportsPark’s 15 to 30-year-old boilers to be replaced with air source heat pumps.
The project is anticipated to save around £83,000 on the building’s energy bills in the first year alone, with further savings in the future once the SportsPark Pavilion is connected to the new system.
Current gas supplies will be stripped out from the building, reducing its carbon emissions by 86 tonnes per year and improving local air quality.
and Net Zero is delivered by Salix Finance and focuses on funding the replacement of end-of-life fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives.
Ian Rodger, director of programmes at Salix Finance, said: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Reading as it moves further forward on its decarbonisation journey.
“The University SportsPark currently houses very old gas boilers which will be replaced with the air source heat pumps. This means the University can significantly reduce its carbon emissions and help work towards its ambitious 2030 net zero targets.”
IT may be a month since King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey but the royal celebrations continue in Reading, writes James Hastings
To celebrate the historic event, Winnersh and Playhatch Garden Centres have donated coronation trees to the Newtown Community Garden as part of its CelebraTree community campaign.
The campaign which was run by family-run British Garden Centres, saw residents from the local area asked to nominate a worthy group, garden, charity or hospice that has gone above and beyond to receive the tree in honour of the King’s Coronation.
The garden received the royal trees from the two Readingbased garden centres which are to be planted and celebrated by the community as they watch the Coronation CelebraTree grow year after year.
Leslee Baron and Lisa Applin nominated the garden for the competition and were delighted the Newton Community Garden was awarded the trees.
“It’s a wonderful rewilding project and is just in its second year. Elderly people and younger members of our community come along to take part in our monthly events: making bird boxes, making bird feeders with
“I’m especially pleased to see West Reading and the Dee Park estate over time getting progressively improved with more and more developments and interesting things happening.
“I love the affordable housing contribution and the provision of affordable housing and the air source heat pumps. There’s a lot to like about this application.”
The application can be found on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, under reference number 221130.
Dan Fernbank, energy and sustainability director at the University of Reading, said:
“This is an important step in the University’s commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
“These heat pumps, combined with the large solar panel array that was installed through a previous Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant, puts the SportsPark on course to become one of our lowest carbon buildings on campus.”
The scheme, initiated by the Department for Energy Security
An external compound is required to house the air source heat pumps. The proposed location of this is next to the SportsPark Pavilion, with a small underground heating network connecting it back to the main building.
The compound will be designed sympathetically to fit with the SportsPark Pavilion.
The university will submit a planning application to Reading Borough Council and engage with both the council and residents on the project.
Subject to planning permission being granted, work to install the new air source heat pump system will begin in late summer or the autumn.
sticks and string and making a big garden container display. It a great cause in Reading.”
Emily Bartholomew who, along with Jackie Biddle, manages the two garden centres added: “To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, we wanted to bring the community together through nature. The CelebraTree campaign recognises the hardworking groups and individuals that make our community what it is.
“It symbolises the new monarch’s love of plants and the environment and we hope the community enjoy watching the tree grow for many years to come.”
VISION OF THE FUTURE: DHA Architecture’s CGI impression of the finished development on the site of the former Dee Road fire station Picture: DHA Architecture
Theatre Royal Windsor
Until Saturday, June 3 01753 853888
theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
IT’S Sunita’s 40th birthday. She’s unmarried, has no friends, lives with her mum and has an unfulfilling job at the Council.
When her mum Tejpal (Divya Seth Shah) decides to throw Sunita (Bhawna Bhawsar) a small family birthday party emotions are stirred and subjects brought to the surface that have lain dormant for many years.
Billed as a comedy, much of the play is rather poignant, dealing with issues of how a Sikh family can reconcile their culture with the Western society they live in.
Much of the humour comes from sister-in-law Harleen (Rameet Rauli) who is keen to show off her limited knowledge of Punjabi, much to the amusement of the diverse audience, many of whom obviously appreciated and had perhaps experienced many of the situations and references.
One of the main themes is how Sunita, as a daughter, was treated very differently to her brother Nav (Devesh Kishore), denied the chance to attend university and the expectation that she should be married with a family.
Throughout the play each family member is confronted with their own prejudices and the weight of expectations upon them.
Without giving too much away, a surprise visitor is the catalyst for the various elephants in the room to be confronted and the way opened up for a happy ending for all concerned.
JUDITH CREIGHTONTHREE more great new entries to the RaW Sounds Today playlist – we think you’ll love them.
They are all local bands with a rock feel, but different styles.
That’s the beauty of the playlist, it’s a chance to listen to something different.
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.
The Two Ton Shoes –Weight of a Stone
DJ Roger D on Rock Radio
UK’s The Walrus and the Carpenter Show suggested we give this Reading based band a listen. We can see why he recommended them. This debut single is an excellent slice of blue- based riff laden rock from the three-piece
power trio. Our regular photographer, Andrew Merritt, checked them out live at a recent Acoustic Couch and was also suitably impressed so watch out for more from them later in the year when they plan to release a full EP – https://linktr.ee/ thetwotonshoes
Purple Grace – When I’m Not With You
Another good new rock band from Reading and this time with a more indie feel. This is their single from late last year and it also appears on their Time Stands Still EP. It kicks off with a vocal hook that grabs you straight away and leads into a melodic indie pop anthem that we’ll look forward to singing along to live when they appear at Wokingham Festival in August – https://www.facebook.com/ purplegraceband
Echo Chambers –Lawnmowers of Suburbia
More rock now and it’s a blast of excellent anthemic melodic punk from another Reading band. Check out
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
the video (link on the band’s Facebook page) for this single which is great fun especially if you like lawnmowers. As well as local shows they have recently performed at London’s legendary The Dublin Castle venue. They also recorded a live video session for Pyramid Recording Studios performing a great version of The Stooges classic, I Wanna Be Your Dog – https://linktr. ee/Echochambersrdg
Leoni Jane Kennedy –Tears
Leoni was so good last year on Wokingham Festival’s second stage that she has been invited back to play the main stage this year. Here’s one of her wonderful versions of a Rush classic – https:// www.leonijanekennedy.com/
Tom Webber – Lightning Strike of ‘22
recently supporting Scouting for Girls at their recent Abbey Ruins show.
And he has played Club Velocity/ New Mind shows.
Thi is Tom’s latest single and it’s another good one –https://lnk.to/tomwebber
The Salts – Haul Away for Rosie
Their unique take on sea shanties is in more demand than ever as the reputation of this incredibly talented group of musicians grows.
They are at Norden Farm, Maidenhead this Friday – https://www.thesalts. co.uk/
Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink
Title track of one of the best progressive rock albums.
officialcaravan.co.uk/
They had huge disco hits and this Friday, Odyssey will be live in Reading at the Disco Abbey event – https://www. facebook.com/odysseyNY
Spriggan Mist – The Portal
A Spriggan classic which has been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay Brotherhood providing new lead vocals – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/
Savour the Flavour –Fish and Chip Song
Tom played in Reading 01553
Caravan headline Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://
Sunday 30th July 2023
They have released their new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour and they will live this Saturday at the Twyford Beer Festival so, why not pop along, have a beer, and check them out – http://www. flavoursong.co.uk/
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
me surprised looks for anyone I encounter.
COMEDIAN
Tom Houghton remembers his first day at an all-boys boarding school.
asked ‘what do you mean,’ and I replied, his name is Terry. It just felt normal, and now I realise it isn’t.
you, is that with comedy you get reviewed every few seconds.
JOINING Reading band Third Lung on the bill for this year’s Fi.Fest is Scouting For Girls.
The indie pop three-piece have been friends since they were five, and during their career have picked up nominations for four Brits, an Ivor Novello and played everywhere from a sold-out Wembley Arena to countless festival stages.
The group will be performing some of their biggest hits at the annual event, including She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead, and Heartbeat.
Also on the bill are The Feeling, Daft, DJoneF, and Boxteles.
Former EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson will be bringing his popular singalong session Barrioke.
And there will entertainment for children, food and drink stalls and more at the family-friendly event.
It is held in Fifield, just outside Maidenhead, on Saturday, July 8. n For more information, or to book, log on to: www.fifest.co.uk
Aged six, he rambled around the classrooms then waited for his mother at the entrance. She had already left. But that’s not the saddest part of his schooldays.
“In my last year, when I was 17, my school went co-ed, so just as I was ready to leave, girls were ready to arrive,” he jokes.
Tom’s educational tales of woe are just part of his awardwinning act which has resulted in several UK tours, numerous TV appearances and amassing over one million fans on TikTok.
One thing is certain –wherever he performs his hilarious show, he is no longer that lonely child standing on his own. Whether he talks about appearing on the hit Netflix show, The Circle, or ordering pizza to his apartment in the Tower of London, you can guarantee it is to a sell-out crowd.
“People ask when I moved into the Tower of London if it was insane and the answer’s no, because before that it was Kensington Palace.”
His upmarket address came from the fact that Tom’s father is General Sir Nicholas Houghton, Chief of the Defence staff who later became the Constable of the historic palace which also meant his son became the Honourable Tom Houghton.
“I grew up in army barracks in Northern Ireland, where we had bodyguards and armoured plated vehicles and got escorted everywhere with everyone saluting everyone,” he says.
“People were shocked when I told them I had a guy outside my door with a gun every day. They
FORGET the library, it’s Reading Festival’s main stage that’s going silent. Yes, really. And it’s all thanks to the power of disco.
The latest event to be announced for the hugely popular music festival is to be the world’s largest silent disco. And it will be a simulcast event with its sister festival in Leeds.
Also, Brit-nominated and multi-platinum drum ‘n’ bass duo Sigma will headline the historic closing party with members performing on Main Stage West at both venues on the Sunday night, at the same time.
Sigma, aka Cam Edwards and
Joe Lenzie, are one of the only UK dance acts to make it big in the world of pop – achieving Gold certification status on their debut studio album Life and a host of platinum accolades, amassing over 2.7 billion worldwide streams combined – without losing relevance in the Drum and Bass scene where the Londonbased duo spent a decade, pre-fame.
Their latest single is Adrenaline Rush, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Morgan and features the string riff from The Verve’s late 90s hit Bittersweet Symphony, as well as
samples from The Rolling Stones The Last Time.
Sigma join a line-up of more than 100 acts including headliners including Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The Killers, Foals and Imagine Dragons, as well as Becky Hill, Steve Lacy, Wet Leg, Bicep Live, MK, Loyle Carner, Nothing But Thieves.
Details of how fans can secure their headsets for the silent disco will be announced soon.
n The festivals run from August 25-27, with tickets on sale now, via www.readingfestival.com/ tickets and www.leedsfestival. com/tickets
ART LOVERS will take a behindthe-scenes look at an arts showcase, which is returning for the 23rd time this weekend.
Whiteknights Studio Trail (WST) takes place on Saturday and Sunday, and will see visitors welcomed into open studios and venues housing the 37 participating 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.
One such artist is Nina O’Connell, whose colourful batik paintings will be on display at The Museum of English Rural Life – Venue 5. Her contemporary works are founded on the beauty of 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
“There have been huge contrasts in my daily life, such as the time I once did a gig in a working man’s club in Stoke then the very next day I was chauffeured to Buckingham Palace to watch my father become a Grand Knight.
“I want my show to, well, show that I’m an ordinary bloke who’s been caught up in an extraordinary situation.”
Tom Houghton may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth but his humour is gold plated self-deprecating. How many Honourable people can leave an audience in stitches talking about the time he was so thirsty he drank from a puddle?
When asked if he tests his humour on an audience before going on stage, he replies ‘yes, with several long-suffering girlfriends over the years.”
“I also like to write down a basic sketch or idea then go for a run. I find exercise is a great way to clear my mind so that I can think better. As I run new ideas come into my head which I tend to speak out loud which earns me
“I learnt a lot about comedy from Milton Jones who I toured with for three years. He is a genius with a very unique style of comedy which is also very clean and family friendly.
“I knew I’d have to cut out all the swear words I used previously, and it really benefited me because I had to think harder to express myself.”
Tom’s comedy also varies depending in which part of the country he is performing. “Some humour is universal but there are also regional variations. In Essex, for example, they love jokes about taxidermy which don’t go down so well in places like Brighton.
“There are a number of military bases in Berkshire so stories about the armed services are popular. Reading has been one of my favourite gigs. The last time I played there was special because it was the show where I first thought ‘Oh, that really feels like it clicked.’
“When you get a good experience out of a place, you want to go back, so Reading was top of the list for venues I wanted to return to.”
While comedy is by nature a funny business, it is also an academic one. What better way to study and analyse what makes people laugh than to do a degree in stand-up which is just what Tom did at the University of Kent.
“The thing about comedy as opposed to being an actor in a play where the audience stares at
“Every time you tell a joke on stage there’s immediate validation, which is why I enjoy doing comedy, so it just means you second guess yourself in your head all the time. I don’t think anything should be taboo, but I ask myself why am I choosing this topic?”
How does he describe his own style of comedy?
“I’ve been described as the embodiment of male, white privilege.
“As a character I’m the most overly privileged person you can imagine, so I’ve decided to own that as the cards I’ve been dealt. Hopefully there’s a deeper meaning to it too. In a Jack Whitehall-esque way I want to talk about it in a comic way.
“After such an incredible time on my first tour, I’m over the moon to be heading out on my second.
“With twice as many venues and bigger rooms, the reaction has been incredible so far. I am ready to bring a show that is packed with wall-to-wall laughs, but also lets the audience in even further.
“This will be a more personal, slightly darker show, but without sacrificing the belly laughs.” n Tom will be coming to Reading’s South Street on June 22, Maidenhead’s Norden Farm on July 6 and Guildford’s G Live on July 13. (limited availability for Guildford) For ticket prices, booking and more information, contact the theatres.
JAMES HASTINGS
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.
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
TALKING to people about kindness is a joy.
Every time I do it, I realise just how much fun I’m having and how much it makes me smile.
For the past two years I have been running a programme called Time for Kindness to encourage people to see kindness in the world around them.
My team and I recently took part in the University of Reading’s inaugural community festival.
We ran an activity called Share Your Story, asking visitors to tell us about acts of kindness they had been involved in.
We invited them to record their story in words or pictures.
During the day we had so many fantastic, uplifting conversations.
Some people had been on the receiving end of a kind act and others had done something kind themselves.
We heard about kindness such as:
n A student whose umbrella broke in the rain and a passing stranger gave her an umbrella to use for the rest of her journey home
n A lady from Ukraine who came to the UK to stay with a host family and was overwhelmed by the welcome she received
n A thoughtful cleaner at the hospital who bought chocolate for someone who was waiting for their young nephew while he had a heart operation
n A person who held the door open for someone with a walking stick so that they could more easily pass
By the end of the festival day we had around 50 drawings and post-it notes displayed on our whiteboard.
Time and again people said: “We need positive conversations like this”.
As they spoke, their eyes lit up and they smiled and laughed. They talked about feeling connections through kindness and as a result we felt connected to each other too.
Our stall had a pop-up banner with a few example stories on it. Festival visitors stopped to read it and that sparked memories of their own positive experiences.
It was a virtuous circle of reading something that made them smile, followed by adding something to the whiteboard for others to be inspired by.
The whole event had a friendly, family atmosphere with people
of all ages enjoying the day. Our stall was visited by children, parents, grandparents, students and friends. They all had kind stories they wanted to talk about.
It was striking that whatever age or background a person had, they were able to find a story to share with us. They could be part of the conversation.
CHEESE can form part of a healthy, balance diet as it is rich in protein and calcium which are both important nutrients to get from our diet. However, cheese is also a source of saturated fat and can be high in salt.
If we consume too much it can contribute to weight gain and poor cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart diseases.
In this week’s healthy tip we look at the saturated fat content of cheeses, and suggest heart healthier alternatives for you to try.
By noticing what’s happening in the world around us and telling other people about the things we have seen, we can all contribute to a conversation about kindness. And the more we talk about these positive stories, the more comfortable we will get with it. We will be able to rebalance the narrative we have about the world.
AVILLAGE church is holding a summer of afternoon teas with some very special guests.
St Mary’s parish in Aldworth runs several fundraising events throughout the year to help with the upkeep of the 12th century church.
But probably the most popular are the afternoon tea and coffee sessions in the company of the famous Aldworth Giants.
These nine effigies of the de la Beche family who came from Flanders after the Battle of Hastings, lie in stately stone splendour within St Mary’s.
Parishioner Gill Wilding who organises the summer teas said the Aldworth Giants had become a major tourist attraction.
“Many people know about them and love coming back to see them again, but others are taken aback when they see the Aldworth Giants for the first time,” she explained.
“They are unique in representing so many members of an ancient family and even more special that they are all in one small parish church.
“We don’t have a hall, so the teas are held in the church in the company of the Aldworth Giants which is a great talking point, better than a museum.”
The de la Beche family were
granted a licence by William Duke of Normandy to build a castle at Aldworth which was followed by a second at Mortimer. One of the most impressive of the Giants is Sir Philip who lies on his side in a small niche, dressed in embossed leather armour and a mantle to show he was a valet to King Edward II. St Mary’s is also home to a number of other members of the great and the good to be found at the parish. One of England’s greatest poets, Alfred Tennyson held the title of Lord Tennyson of Aldworth, while in the
churchyard there is a memorial to Robert Laurence Binyon, author of the poem, For The Fallen which is recited at Remembrance Sunday services every November.
Anyone needing to walk off their afternoon tea and cake can join a glorious short walk from St Mary’s onto the Ridgeway, an 87-mile trackway described as Britain’s oldest road.
Added Gill: “The afternoon teas start on Wednesday, July 5, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, and at the same time on every Wednesday in July,
I am convinced that together we can reclaim the joy of talking to each other about positive things.
Who’s with me?
Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk
How much cheese?
Including some cheese in your diet has health benefits, but it’s worth being mindful about the amount we consume.
A 30g portion of cheese provides around 7% of your daily calories. The trouble is we can very easily eat much more than this in one sitting.
It’s a good idea to weigh your portions to make sure you don’t consume too much, particularly if you are consuming full fat varieties or are trying to lose weight.
Try not to consume more than three 30g portions each day.
Low fat and fat free cheeses
Choosing low fat and fat free cheese options is a great way to reduce our saturated fat consumption while still enjoying the flavour and benefiting from the protein and calcium cheese has to offer.
The Aldworth Giants in St Mary’s Church in Aldworth
Picture: Oldfarm/ Wikipedia
Opt for fat free cottage cheese and reduced fat soft cheeses and hard cheeses like cheddar.
Quark is a great option as its high in protein and much lower in fat than other soft cheeses. Watch out for the salt
Some cheeses such as halloumi and feta can be very high in salt. It’s fine to consume these in moderation but try to find lower salt versions if possible, some supermarkets sell them.
Try to limit your consumption of these saltier cheeses to maybe one or two times a week.
n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/ health-tips
August and September.
“For just £3, visitors can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and cake in the company of the Aldworth Giants in a beautiful and ancient church. We hold a number of other fundraising events during the year which are posted on the church website.
“We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to visit St Mary’s and our beautiful village.”
n For more information, log on to: www.aldworthvillage.org/index.php/ st-marys-church/
JAMES HASTINGSQuiz Challenge
1. The towns of Ashby-de-laZouch and Hinckley are located in which English county?
2. Orange pekoe is a type of what foodstuff?
3. What does the word vintage mean in terms of wine?
4. Finish the title of this Charlie Mackesy children’s book: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the... what?
5. In August 2022, British singer Rita Ora married which New Zealand actor?
7. Selhurst Park Stadium is the home ground of which Premier League football club?
8. What is the fifth planet from the Sun?
9. In the 2022 psychological drama film Tár, Cate Blanchett’s character has what profession?
10. Which narrow inlet connects both Israel and Jordan to the Red Sea?
AT
HR EA BS SE
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
before addition and subtraction.
1. One who takes goods of others along the way (10)
7. Shirt to iron out in the opening (5)
8. TV personality at home with Italian composer (7)
10. New plan made despite being the subject of an incendiary attack (8)
11. Some moralists have spoken (4)
13. Not shrinking from some garment material (6)
15. Learned man sat outside vehicle (6)
17. Dora altered the route (4)
18. Stupid person arranged roses for the taxman perhaps (8)
21. Contestant hurried into another tent (7)
22. A huge shipping order (5)
23. Not stressed how cafe is often written (10)
1. Excited, the man is found next to sheep (3,2)
2. Cultivate heather while making animal noises (8)
3. Tax haven for lower form of life! (6)
4. Many deposit money (4)
5. In November it really can be hot in Africa (7)
6. Play softly then loudly on an instrument (10)
9. I will say it again to the uneducated (10)
12. Parent (Ma) disguised in title role (4,4)
14. Punish Charles X (7)
16. Set out twice to fly (6)
19. Said to have remained sedate (5)
20. Brandy for Scotsman right to be included (4)
1234567 R 89 V 10111213
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.
6. Long-necked waterbird (4)
8. Be in debt (3)
9. Oral exam (4,4)
10. Grazing animal (4)
12. Ceiling hanger (5)
14. Clasp (anag.) (5)
17. Rotational centre (4)
18. Spanish estate (8)
(8) 24. Small hollow (4) 25. Turn of phrase (5) 26. Fortune-teller (5) 29. Flightless bird (4)
30.
cere; cerise; coir; cope; coper; copier; copper; copse; core; corps; corpse; corse; cosier; creep; crêpe; cripes; crisp; crop; epic; episcope; pericope; PERISCOPE; piece; piecer; pierce; precis; precise; price; recipe; rice; scope; score; scree; scrip; sice; spec; specie; spice.
S 1 J 2 B 3 Y 4 D 5 K 6 M 7 R 8 H 9 V 10 L 11 P 12 A 13 Q 14 C 15 Z 16 W 17 T 18 F 19 E 20 U 21 G 22 O 23 X 24 N 25 I 26
3. Braids (6)
4. Bath sponge (6)
5. Verse form (4)
6. Deuces (anag.) (6)
7. Ancient (3-3)
11. Desert plants (5)
12. Biblical mountain (5)
(5) 14. Wicked act (3) 15. Heavenly messenger (5) 16. Celebration (5) 19. Expression of hesitation (3) 21. Fringing (6)
22.
R I P O C E E S P
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.
9 21 36 5 2 619 4 8 7 9 531 9 6 23 6 3 5 2 8 173 54 164 5 8
Guidelines:
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Down – 2 Loin; 3 Plaits; 4 Loofah; 5 Poem; 6 Seduce; 7 Age-
Ogre; 33 Marooned.
Dent; 25 Idiom; 26 Sibyl; 29 Kiwi; 30 Reheated; 31 Lea; 32
Across – 1 Flip-flop; 6 Swan; 8 Owe; 9 Viva voce; 10 Deer; 12 Strap; 14 Scalp; 17 Axis; 18 Hacienda; 20 Teammate; 24
3 6 2 14 76 2 8 5 DOWN
QUICK CROSSWORD:
EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:
Taika Waititi ; 6 El Niño; 7 Crystal Palace; 8 Jupiter; 9 Conductor; 10 Gulf of Aqaba.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Leicestershire; 2 Tea; 3 The year in which the wine was made; 4 Horse; 5
Angel; 16 Party; 19 Hmm; 21 Edging; 22 Mobile; 23 Either; 24 Dynamo; 27 Dram; 28 Fete. Across – 1 Highjacker; 7 Intro; 8 Rossini; 10 Napalmed; 11 Oral; 13 Facing; 15 Savant; 17 Road; 18 Assessor; 21 Entrant; 22 Avast; 23 Unaccented. Down – 1 Het up; 2 Growling; 3 Jersey; 4 Cash; 5 Eritrea; 6 Pianoforte; 9 Illiterate; 12 Name part; 14 Chasten; 16 Tsetse; 19 Staid; 20 Marc. (1) (2) Across – Arabs; Route; Weeds. Down – Arrow; Acute; Steps. Across – These; Stair; Sulky. Down – Tasks; Email; Early. 4978 215 36 8537 641 29 6219 354 87 1 6 8 5 7 2 9 4 3 5341 897 62 9723 468 15 3 4 5 2 9 8 6 7 1 2896 173 54 7164 532 98 6713 549 82 2358 694 71 8942 175 63 4 2 7 5 9 8 3 1 6 9861 237 54 1537 462 98 3 4 9 6 8 5 1 2 7 5184 726 39 7629 318 45 EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU CROSS CODE FIVE ALIVE: NONAGRAM:
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD were victorious in the Voneus National Village Cup Berkshire group final against Wraysbury with a 41-run win.
The result means that the Bears move through to the next round and will be up against Goatacre Cricket Club at the Lowther Oval on Sunday, June 18 in the national rounds.
The Bears elected to bat first and the first wicket fell when Jack Narraway was bowled out for two with Emmbrook on 10.
Opening batsman Matt Loxton tallied 58 and Andy Lazenby added 34 to help keep the score ticking over.
Tom Stevenson came in to bat at number seven and lasted the remainder of Emmbrook’s innings and formed a strong partnership with Toby Morgan. Stevenson was 52 not out, while
Morgan scored 26 as Emmbrook finished with a strong total of 228 from 40 overs.
With 229 to chase down to win the game, Wrasysbury made a decent start as the opening pair of Prasad and Baig saw their team onto 63 before the first wicket fell.
The wickets began to tumble as Jake Middleton tore through the opening half of Wraysbury’s batting order which had them on 98-5 in the second innings.
Wryabury managed to claw themselves back into the contest with their next partnership which saw them onto 148 before the next wicket dropped.
Andy Robertson claimed two wickets, as did Stevenson who took the final wicket of the game to seal success for Emmbrook with Wrasysbury on 187.
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD
continued their winning streak with a comfortable victory over Great Kingshill.
Three wickets each from Jason Middleton and David Healey ensured that the Bears bowled Kingshill all out for just 69.
Emmbrook then made light work of surpassing the target and dropped just one wicket in the process.
Matt Loxton (37*) and Andy Lazenbury (32*) guided Emmbrook over the line after 10.3 overs to consolidate a nine-wicket win.
Chilterns Division One
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s dropped to a place above the bottom of the table after they lost to Fulmer by 168 runs.
Emmbrook 2s host Harpsden 2s this weekend in their next league fixture at Lowther Road.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.todayHome Counties Division One
WOKINGHAM sit in second position after they earned a 38run success in a local clash with WARGRAVE
It was the Oaks who batted first in their away game with Wargrave after they won the toss.
After a ropey start, Shaan khan and Conrad Martucci put plenty of runs on the board to help Wokingham to build a strong total.
The Oaks eventually ended their innings on 205 after the final wicket fell with just over one over left.
Wargrave set about their chase and opening batsman Rhys Lewis scored 33 before he was out LBW.
Xavier Barlett top scored with 72, but it was Wokingham who came away with victory after the last wicket was taken with Wargrave on 167, 38 runs short of the target.
FINCHAMPSTEAD are still waiting to pick up their first win of the season after they lost to Henley.
The wickets tumbled quickly in a disappointing batting display for Finch who managed to put just 55 runs on the board from 22.3 overs.
Henley managed to wrap up a convincing win after 8.2 overs with seven wickets remaining.
SHINFIELD lost out in a high scoring game with Ley Hill.
The hosts picked up a big score of 321. Shinfield made a strong fight as they scored 271 in the second innings, but fell 50 runs short.
CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD added 35 points to their total with a massive triumph over Mortimer West End.
Peter Emes knocked a century, while Christopher Emes added a half century to see the Crows put 271 on the scoreboard.
Peter Emes added to his fine batting display with a three wicket spell as the Crows won by 148 runs.
WEST READING were beaten by four wickets at home to Penn & Tylers Green.
West Reading were all out on 109 before Penn & Tylers confirmed the win after 27.3 overs.
Premier Division
FARLEY HILL racked up 38 points with a home success against Woodcote.
Several consistent batting displays saw Farley record 238 before they had Woodcote all out on 195 to seal a 43-run win.
SHINFIELD 2s were beaten at home by Peppard Stoke Row 2s.
Peppard totalled 251 before Shinfield were skittled all out for 130 to give the visitors a 121 run win.
WEST READING 2s are bottom of the table after they lost by five wickets to Stratfield Turgis.
West Reading scored strongly with 251, but the hosts managed to surpass that toal with five wickets intact after 39.4 overs.
Thames Valley Division 1
EVERSLEY remain in third place after they got the better of Boyne Hill.
The Boars bowled Boyne Hill all out for 170 before they hit 147 to win the game, including 57 from Oli Parsons and 56 not out from Ben Salter.
WOKINGHAM 2s dropped down to ninth after they were beaten
Shaan Khan batting for Wokingham in their success over Wargrave Pictures: Steve Smyth
Rehan Akram: Reading v Harpsden - 244
Chris Morgan: Binfield v Hurst - 116
Zain Raja: West Reading 2s v Stratfield Turgis - 104
Pav Chima: Reading v Harpsden - 100
Peter Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Mortimer West End - 100
Hugo Popplewell: Sonning 4s v Kidmore End 4s - 100
Aditaya A: Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Fleet 2s - 99*
McLaughlin: Sonning 4s v Kidmore End 4s - 96
Will Hibberdine: Sonning 2s v Wargrave 3s - 94*
Lamprecht: Binfield 2s v Yateley - 94
Niraj Deshpande: Reading 2s v White Waltham - 93
Mark Richards: Wargrave 3s v Sonning 2s - 91
Subramanian Narayanan: Binfield 3s v Eversley 3s - 86
Sarang Ravindra: Reading 3s v Royal Ascot 3s - 79*
Binny Zutshi: Earley v Waltham St Lawrence - 74
Xavier Barlett: Wargrave v Wokingham - 72
Fazal Farooq: Earley 2s v Mortimer West End 2s - 69*
Conrad Martucci: Wokingham v Wargrave - 69
Ashish Kapila: Reading United 2s v Woodley - 69
Sam Jenkins: Finchampstead 3s v Taplow - 67*
Sivapriyen Prakash: Wokingham 6s v Maidenhead & Bray 4s - 63*
by Ickenham.The Oaks recorded 161 runs before being bowled out and Ickenham secured the win with three wickets left.
Thames Valley Division 2B
READING are top of the table after an astonishing batting display saw them wrap up a comfortable win.
R Akram batted superbly to total a magnificent score of 244 which was added to with a century from P Chima to see Reading hit a massive score of 462.
Haprsden were then bowled all out for 150 to give Reading a 312run success.
A century from Chris Morgan helped BINFIELD get the better of HURST by 65 runs.
Binifle totalled 243 before Hurst finished on 178.
SONNING lost out to Slough 2s by 84 runs, while FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s were beaten by Burnham by eight wickets.
Khan makes connection
Wokingham 2s up against Ickenham
Wokingham 2s were defeated at home by Ickenham
By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today
BERKSHIRE bounced back from their defeat by Hertfordshire to beat Devon by six wickets in their second NCCA Trophy Group Two game.
The holders totally dominated Sunday’s game at Exeter with their bowlers making run-scoring extremely difficult for the batters who
failed to score off 189 deliveries as they were dismissed for 113 in 43 overs.
Deciding to take first use of a wicket that was showing some signs of wear before the start, the Devon innings never got going with only two batters getting past 20.
With skipper Dan Lincoln constantly changing his attack, five of the six bowlers he used took a wicket.
They were headed by spin trio Luke Beaven, who claimed 3-15, Rhodri Lewis 3-33 and Adam Searle 2-16, with Lincoln snapping up five catches behind the stumps.
Berkshire, adapting to the conditions far better than their hosts, cruised to their target in just 23 overs with Euan Woods left unbeaten on 37, while Lincoln contributed 21, Johnny Connell 18, Tom Scriven 15, Archie Carter nine
and Charlie Dunnett five not out.
Lincoln’s men host Cornwall at his former club, Slough, this coming Sunday (11am) and must win to keep the pressure on group leaders Hertfordshire, who have won both of their games Cornwall, who beat Devon last time out, have lost all four Trophy ties they have played in Berkshire.
Jarun Pathak: Rangers v Calcot - 59
Freddie Meader: Wargrave 3s v Sonning 2s - 58
Matthew Martin: Eversley 2s v Henley 3s - 58
Oli Parsons: Eversley v Boyne Hill - 57
Ben Salter: Eversley v Boyne Hill - 56*
Asad Imam: Woodley v Reading United 2s - 56
Christopher Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Mortimer West End - 55
Max Carroll: Hurst v Binfield - 55
Graham Cassie: Reading 3s v Royal Ascot 3s - 55
Ruben S: Shinfield 3s v Twyford and Ruscombe - 54
Rehan Hassan: Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s - 53*
Anbarasan Arumugam: Rangers v Calcot - 53
Haaris Mushtaq: West Reading v Penn & Tylers - 52
Nick Murdoch: Wokingham 4s v Kidmore End 2s - 52
Mitesh Patel: Binfield 3s v Eversley 3s - 52
Lewis Smith: Hurst v Binfield - 51
Sachin Sivanadan: Eversley 3s v Binfield 3s - 51
Saad Jaffary: Waltham St Lawrence v Earley - 50
Toby Barker: Wokingham 4s v Kidmore End 2s - 50
Andy Marr: Farley Hill v Woodcote - 5-33
Thomas Williams: Binfield 2s v Yateley - 5-35
Theo Penn: Binfield v Hurst - 5-42
James Bozarth: Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s - 5-42
Shane Botha: Sandhurst v Goring on Thames - 4-7
Ankush Jain: Shinfield 3s v Twyford and Ruscombe - 4-13
Martin Wilson: Wokingham 5s v Slough 5s - 4-17
Aniq Bajwa: Reading 4s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 4s - 4-21
Sami Awan: Waltham St Lawrence v Earley - 4-25
Muhammad Zameer: West Reading v Penn & Tylers - 4-25
Pawan Sharma: Earley 2s v Mortimer West End 2s - 4-39
Zain Qadeer: Reading 2s v White Waltham - 4-39
Srini Yella: Waltham St Lawrence v Earley - 4-44
Peter Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Mortimer West End - 3-4
Dhubra Pun: Sandhurst v Goring on Thames - 3-11
Jason Middleton: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Great Kingshill - 3-13
Thomas Wellings: Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s - 3-14
Sam Taylor: Sonning 3s v Eversley 4s - 3-15
Noah Vojinov: Eversley v Boyne Hill - 3-17
Luke Beaven: Reading v Harpsden - 3-20
Azmath Atham: Waltham St Lawrence v Earley - 3-21
Harsha Gopal: Shinfield 3s v Twyford and Ruscombe - 3-21
Manjith Palackal: Reading United 2s v Woodley - 3-22
Qaiser Pervez: West Reading 3s v Reading Lions - 3-23
Shiva Aruna: Reading Lions v West Reading 3s - 3-25
David Healey: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Great Kingshill3-26
Rangnath Deshpande: Rangers v Calcot - 3-28
Ben Salter: Eversley v Boyne Hill - 3-28
Andy Rishton facing Wargrave’s bowling attack The visitors celebrate taking a wicketsWOODLEY UNITED FC celebrated a year of success with its end of season presentation and family fun day at the University of Reading Bulmershe Pavilion.
The club, which was awarded the Berks & Bucks FA club of the year award in 2022, hosted family, friends and players from more than 40 teams ranging from mini kickers to adult and ladies senior teams.
Michelle Quinn was awarded with the Manager’s Player of the Year award for Woodley United Ladies, while Gemma Simms was selected as the Supporters’ Player of the Year.
Connor Suckling and Rafa Brandao shared the men’s teams Manager’s Player of the Year Award, while Brandao and Tahir Carmichael were chosen as the joint Players’ Player of the Year.
Sid Gbla was presented with the golden boot for the men’s team and Jack Mancey was chosen as the Manager’s Player of the Year for Woodley United Royals.
In addition to the team presentations, there was a barbeque for attendees to enjoy and stall with activities and a raffle with prizes donated from many local businesses.
In attendance was the club’s principal sponsor KJ Smith Solicitors, who helped to celebrate
the ladies team who won the Southern Regional Women’s Football League Division One North title, the U11 girls who won Berkshire County Girls Football League’s U11 knockout trophy,
the U12 Spitfires who won the Division One of Berkshire Youth Development League and the U18 Mohawks who won the U18 Division Two of East Berks Football Alliance.
SEVERAL local football sides have announced their preseason friendly games in preparation for the new season.
Woodley United will contest games including tests against fellow local sides Binfield FC and Finchampstead.
The Kestrels kick-off at home to Winslow United on Saturday, July 1 before games against Binfield, Slough
Heating Laurencians, Marlow United, Ardley United, Marlow, Wallingford & Crowmarsh before they conclude at home to Finchampstead on Tuesday, August 1.
Ascot United will also begin their pre-season schedule on July 1 against Broadbridge Heath as they gear up for life at Step Four after an excellent season that saw them win promotion and the FA Vase. The Yellas will also
Saturday, June 3
CRICKET
Home Counties Division One Henley (57-3) beat Finchampstead (55 all out)
Wargrave (167 all out) lost to Wokingham (205 all out)
BCM Championship
Mortimer West End (123 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (271-9)
Emmbrook and Bearwood (71-1) beat Great Kingshill (69 all out)
West Reading (109 all out) lost to Lay Hill (111-6)
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (238-5) beat Woodcote (195 all out)
Goring on Thames (114 all out) lost to Sandhurst (115-7)
Shinfield 2s (130 all out) lost to Peppard Stoke Row 2s (251-6)
StratfieldTurgis (254-5) beat West Reading 2s (251-9)
BCL Division One Calcot (195 all out) lost to Rangers (220 all out)
Reading Lions (133-6) beat West Reading 3s (131 all out)
Waltham St Lawrence (203-8) beat Earley (202-9)
BCL Division Two Earley 2s (213-7) lost to Mortimer West End 2s (217-8)
The U14s Spitfires were runners up in East Berks Football Alliance Division Eight with U9 Whirlwinds, U12 Spitfires and U12 Typhoons finalists in Berkshire Youth Development League finals.
THAMES Valley Kings wheelchair basketball club hosted their highly anticipated 2022/23 end of season awards on Saturday, honouring the remarkable achievements of their players. The event, held at Thatcham Rugby Club brought together athletes, coaches, and supporters to celebrate an action-packed season. Fourteen awards were presented over the four club teams, with awards handed out in categories to the junior league and three national league teams.
Awards
Awesome Attitude: Steph Johnson
Wokingham 4s (256-9)
White Waltham 2s (227-5) beat Aldershot 2s (226-7)
Finchampstead 4s (192-9) beat Theale & Tilehurst 2s (191 all out)
Thames Valley Division 7A
Wokingham 5s (206 all out) lost to Slough 5s (189 all out)
Bracknell 2s (133 all out) lost to Maidenhead & Bray 3s (164 all out)
Binfield 3s (274-5) beat Eversley 3s (241-9)
Saturday, June 10
CRICKET
Home Counties Division One
Aston Rowant v Wokingham
Banbury v Wargrave
Finchampstead v Slough
BCM Championship
Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield
Penn & Tylers v Emmbrook and Bearwood
West Reading v Ley Hill
BCL Premier Division
Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s
Reading United v Farley Hill
Sandhurst v West Reading 2s
Shinfield 2s v Stratfield Turgis
BCL Division One
Calcot v Waltham St Lawrence
Silchester v Earley
Welford Park v Reading Lions
Outlaws (219-9) beat Farley Hill 2s (148 all out)
Shinfield 3s (161 all out) lost to Twyford and Ruscombe (213-9) Woodley (212-7) lost to Reading United 2s (216-7)
Thames Valley Division One
Wokingham 2s (161 all out) lost to Ickenham (164-7)
Boyne Hill (170 all out) lost to Eversley (174-3)
Thames Valley Division 2B
Sonning (108 all out) lost to Slough 2s (192 all out)
Binfield (243-6) beat Hurst (178-9)
Harpsden (150 all out) lost to Reading (462-3)
Finchampstead 2s (160 all out) lost to Burnham (162-2)
Thames Valley Division 3A
Theale & Tilehurst (152-5) beat Wargrave 2s (150 all out)
Thames Valley Division 4A
Wokingham 3s (129 all out) beat Newbury (132-4)
Taplow (254-5) beat Finchampstead 3s (251-9)
Reading 2s (265-5) beat White Waltham (217 all out)
Thames Valley Division 5B
play Slough Town, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Melksham Town, Burnham and Basingstoke Town.
Combined Counties Premier North side Wokingham & Emmbrook will kickstart their pre-season on July 1 at home to Ashford Town. They will also contest Fleet Town, Badshot Lea, Camberley, Thatcham Town and Kidlington before the start of the new league season.
Thames Valley Premier League side Finchampstead start their preseason on Saturday, July 22 against Cholsey United and will also play Taplow United, Woodley United, Newbury, Mortimer, Binfield U23s and Saxton Rovers.
Combined Counties Division One team Berks County will play Knaphill, Holyport, Tadley Calleva, Maidenhead Town and Milton United ahead of a new season of competitive action.
Most Improved Junior: Josh Trotter
Most Improved Adult: Bradley Lyle
Junior League Top Scorer: Conal O’Donovan
Kings III Top Scorer: Sean Cullen
Kings II Top Scorer: Conal O’Donovan
Kings Top Scorer: Reece Barker
Junior League Coaches’ Player: Zach Geary
Kings III Coaches’ Player: Wayne Burton
Kings II Coaches’ Player: Craig Dewart
Kings Coaches’ Player: Lanre Sowami
Kings III Player’s Player: Joe Humphreys
Kings II Player’s Player: PJ O’Donovan
Kings Player’s Player: Maddie Martin
Wargrave 3s (263-6) beat Sonning 2s (261-9)
Royal Ascot 2s (192-8) lost to Thatcham Town 2s (196 all out)
Eversley 2s (268 all out) beat Henley 3s (228 all out)
Yateley (166 all out) lost to Binfield 2s (229-7)
Slough 4s (167 all out) lost to Bracknell (105 all out)
Thames Valley Division 6B
Kidmore End 2s (251-5) lost to
West Reading 3s v Checkendon
Rangers v Maidenhead Royals
Thames Valley Division 1
Wokingham 2s v Boyne Hill
Henley 2s v Eversley
Thames Valley Division 2B
Hurst v Sonning
Reading v Binfield
Harpsden v Finchampstead 2s
Thames Valley Division 3A
Wargrave 2s v Falkland 2s
Windsor v Theale & Tilehurst
Royal Ascot v Fleet
Thames Valley Division 4A
Boyne Hill 2s v Wokingham 3s
Finchampstead 3s v Cove 2s
Newbury v Reading 2s
White Waltham v Purley on Thames
Thames Valley Division 5B
Thatcham Town 2s v Wargrave 3s
Henley 3s v Royal Ascot 2s
Eversley 2s v Slough 4s
Sonning 2s v Yateley
Binfield 2s v Bracknell
Thames Valley Division 6B
Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s v White Waltham
Wokingham 4s v Finchampstead 4s
Theale & Tilehurst 2s v
Bagshot 2s
Thames Valley Division 7A
Maidenhead & Bray 3s v Wokingham 5s
Bradfield v Binfield 3s
Eversley 3s v Falkland 3s
Thames Valley Division 8A
Sonning 3s v Thatcham Town 3s
By RICHARD ASHTON apreston@wokingham.today
THE title-winning campaigns of Rams’ Centaurs (third XV) and Dragon’s Teeth (fourth XV) were celebrated in fine fashion at a dinner in which the former’s captain Jack Gaylor was crowned Players’ Player of the Year.
Having joined the club as a Mini, Gaylor returned to Old Bath Road from Windsor following the pandemic and was the top points scorer in the whole of the club’s Senior section.
He racked up 157 points for the Centaurs, made up of two tries, 63 conversions and seven penalties, along with a few extras when occasionally turning out for the DTs.
Last summer’s signing Mikey Duda, who joined the club in pre-season from Reading Abbey, won the Tackling Trophy, while top try-scorer Jedd Paine, fit-again following a lengthy lay-off, was picked as Coaches’ Player thanks to a superb campaign in which he crossed the whitewash on 14 occasions.
The Centaurs won Berks, Bucks & Oxon Two South on the back of a remarkable 17-match winning run, only defeated by Slough in Week
READING FOOTBALL has confirmed that the senior women’s team will be switching to a part-time basis after they were relegated from the Women’s Super League.
After eight years in the top flight, the Royals suffered the drop after finishing bottom of the WSL with 11 points from their 22 game campaign. A statement released by the club explained that club owner Dai Yongge has been personally funding the women’s team since he took over at the club in 2018.
The statement reads: “Owner Dai Yongge has been personally funding the Reading FC Women’s side since he took charge of the club in 2018 –investing approximately £6m across that five-year period to keep the team operating at the very highest level.
“Following defeat at home to
Chelsea in our final league game of the campaign, Kelly Chambers’ side were relegated from the Women’s Super League last month, dropping into the second tier of the women’s game for the first time since 2015.
“We recognise that the women’s game is making huge progress. However, despite seeing a considerable spike in interest following the success of England’s women in the Euros last summer, an increased average gate for Reading FC Women and a boost in sponsorship and broadcast revenue earned.
“As a result, our owner still needed to provide just under £1m to finance Reading FC Women in 2022-23. In addition, relegation to the WSL Championship will result in a significant drop in broadcast fees and central funding from the FA.”
The club has claimed that they are seeking ways to a more sustainable model for the women’s side.
CEO Dayong Pang added: “Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to League One last season and, after discussions with the FA, the decision to operate Reading FC Women on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time.
Three of the season, while the DTs also brought silverware to Old Bath Road having battled past Phoenix 27-0 on the last day of the season, Harrison Stanners was the Tackling Trophy champion for the Three South winners, with brilliant back row Bleddyn Parry named Players’ Player and Robin Taylor taking the Coaches’ gong.
The Horde (fifth XV) Tackling Trophy was presented to Blake Raymond, while other silverware on the night went to the returning Tom George, an ex-Mini who returned to the game as a class fly-half/full-back (Progression Award) and long-term stalwart Graham Oakley (Best Veteran).
Duda, a Berkshire Under 18 in 2022, was picked as the Best Newcomer and was also highlighted by Chairman Andy Lynch as a player to keep an eye on when he appeared on the Rugby Ramble Podcast last week.
Three long-serving stars who played a key part in the double title-success, Alex Griffiths, Matt Rose and Chris Kessell, were all presented with their Honours Caps following their superb contributions to the club.
“We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and unquestionable dedication to Reading Football Club of Kelly Chambers and her coaching staff, the players and all the staff.
“The club will now be working extremely hard to build a team to proudly represent our town in the
WSL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign.
“Our owner, Dai Yongge, has his full focus concentrated on our club’s rebuild. He is fully committed to consolidating our efforts into a sensible and sustainable reset, designed to bring success back to RG2.”
I certify that a copy of this Notice was displayed at or on the premises to which the application relates, where it could be conveniently read from the exterior of the premises for a period of 28 days until 22nd June 2023
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine for doing so upon summary conviction is unlimited (In the case of a premises covering an area of more than 50sq metres, a further notice in the same form, must be displayed every 50 meters along the external perimeter of the premises a butting any highway)
The Licensing Act requires local authorities to provide to the applicant copies of all representations made in relation to an application As standard, no written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so Any request for personal details to be removed and the justification for such a request should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation If you have any questions please contact licensing@reading gov uk
LONDON Irish Rugby Club, former tenants at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, have been suspended from the Premiership after they missed a deadline to pay their players and staff.
The club were given a deadline of Tuesday to complete a takeover, but have now been suspended from playing in any league next season after failing to meet that requirement.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “This is desperately sad news for everyone who is part of the London Irish community as well as all the players, fans, staff and volunteers for whom this club means so much.”
“Despite requesting this evidence over the last six months and receiving assurances on multiple occasions that we would receive proof of ownership and funds; it has not materialised.”
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD sailed through to the national stages of the Voneus National Village Cup after proving themselves in the Berkshire final against Wraysbury.
The Bears came out on top with a 41-run win which means that they will now compete in the national rounds.
They will face Goatacre Cricket Club at the Lowther Oval on Sunday, June 18.
The Bears batted first and racked
up a strong tally of 228 from 40 overs, which included a top score of 58 from opening batsman Matt Loxton.
Emmbrook then sealed victory to see them qualify for the nationals as they had their opponents all out on 187 as
bowler Jake Middleton claimed four wickets.
Emmbrook’s first-team also continued their excellent start in the BCM Championship with a triumph over great Kingshill.
n Full cricket round-up on pages 26-27
The Exiles were based in Reading and played their home matches at the SCL from 2000-2020.
After two decades in Berkshire, the club moved back to London to contest their home fixtures at the newly-built Brentford Community Stadium from the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
A statement released by London Irish reads: “The Club can confirm that London Irish has received correspondence from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to confirm suspension for the 2023/24 season.
“The suspension will result in the Club being unable to compete in the Gallagher Premiership, Premiership Rugby Cup, and Heineken Champions Cup throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
“The Club continues to remain in active discussions with the RFU as to any circumstances that may result in the suspension being lifted.”
