PATIENTS in Berkshire have been given a new service to help them handle their healthcare.
Royal Berkshire Hospital has launched a new patient portal which will help users to manage services and documentation in a single, handy point of contact.
The new portal is accessible online via smartphone or PC, or any “smart” device, at any time.
Patients will be able to access medical letters and certain documents, including some test results which are appropriate for the platform, as well as personal health information.
Maternity users, pre-operative patients, and gastroenterology patients will be able to submit health forms and questionnaires ahead of their treatment to save time.
Ear, nose, and throat and rheumatology outpatients will have
access to appointment details as well as tools to edit or amend them.
It is the latest in a series of initiatives introduced by the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust to improve patient care.
Further services will include the roll-out of the Careaware Connect in March, which will provide further out of hours advice for patients.
Check-in booths have also been installed around the hospital to help digitise and simplify the process of
checking in.
Victoria Peters, Project Manager, said, “We are always looking at how we can use new technology to improve how we work with patients to make the hospital experience even better.
“As well as the services we are rolling out from day one, we are also working with other departments across the Trust to extend the access patients have to their information even further over the next few months.
“We’re excited to offer a new secure patient portal, giving our patients direct access to their medical information and appointments.
Outpatients with an upcoming appointment will receive an SMS text message to invite them to join up.”
n Full details about the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust portal are available via: royalberkshire.nhs.uk
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
READING Borough Council has laid out new plans for social care facilities to help support vulnerable residents.
It has approved plans to “transform” its adult social care provisions with a new facility.
The new Amethyst Road Respite Service will provide general support to both vulnerable residents and carers while offering flexible services to better cater to residents’ specific needs.
RBC said that there are more than 3,000 residents over 18 with profound or multiple learning disabilities in Reading.
Support will be given through temporary respite, providing space for residents and carers to gain much needed rest and associated help.
Proposals were given the green light on Tuesday, March 15, with councillors agreeing to plans for a “standalone” building.
This will be a dedicated facility for social care and will not share space or land with any other facilities.
Despite this, plans have also laid out the development of a general needs housing unit following the splitting of the site into two adjacent plots.
John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for adult social care, said: “The needs of vulnerable residents and their carers will be at the heart of the new facility on Amethyst Lane.
He explained that is was just a part of: “significant investment in new adult social care services right across Reading and demonstrates once
VISION OF THE FUTURE: An artist’s impression Amethyst Road Respite Service Picture: Reading Borough Council
again the Council’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”
He continued: “This is helping them to lead as independent lives as possible while providing the specialist support they need it.
“It also means providing much needed respite for Reading’s hidden army of carers who do such an incredible job, day in, day out.”
Reading Borough Council has already begun engaging with the Care Quality Commission.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a stabbing in Reading.
At around 2.30am on Sunday, March 26, disorder broke out among a group of men around Gun Street, during which a man in his twenties was stabbed in the leg.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening at this time.
Four men have been arrested in relation to public order offences, but police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have CCTV or dash-cam footage to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Ben Beasley of CID based in Reading, said: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation following this incident of disorder in which one man seems to have received a stab wound.
“We are keeping an open mind as to whether the public order and the stabbing are linked.”
He continued: “We would ask anyone with information, mobile, dash-cam or CCTV footage of the incident to please come forward.
“Witnesses can provide information by calling 101 or through our website, quoting the reference 0207 of 26032023.
“If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and they will take your information 100% anonymously.”
A READING town centre bar is organising an Easter special. Gun Street Garden in Gun Street is teaming up with Mixtape Productions for the Easter Sunday party. The club will be transformed for the event, which will see performances by Urban and RnB musicians, with DJ sets and live performances.
n For more details, or to book tickets, email: vipbooking@ gunstreetgarden.co.uk.
website: www.ipso.co.uk.
READING will get a glimpse of an out-of-thisworld artwork as part of a new installation.
The Town Hall will be home to a worldfamous piece of art by Luke Jerram when his Gaia project visits this summer.
The artwork features a globe constructed with the use of high-resolution NASA imagery, totalling around seven metres in diameter.
It includes a bespoke, surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience. Visitors will be given the opportunity to sign up to 'small changes' pledges which will contribute to a community of people taking small measures to effect big change.
It will form part of the town's events for the Reading Climate Festival, which aims to inspire people to consider climate action and to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
The festival sees a range of in-person and online events to drive public engagement with climate issues and to raise awareness of what needs to be done to tackle the climate crisis.
Gaia has been brought to the town by Reading Borough Council, Reading Climate Change Partnership, Reading Business Improvement District, and the University of Reading.
Reading Borough Council's lead member for climate strategy and transport, Cllr Tony Page, said: “We’re privileged and delighted to be bringing Gaia to Reading this summer.
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.todayON THURSDAY, The Oracle shopping centre in Reading threw open the doors to a new kind of retailer as it tours around the country.
Charity Super.Mkt, the first multi-charity shop in the UK, is open to Reading’s conscientious consumers following a successful month-long launch in Brent Cross, north London.
The shop sells clothes donated by 10 British charities, including high-profile organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Bernardo’s, Marie Curie, and Age UK.
Located in the former unit of Topshop, the new store brings pre-owned apparel to the Oracle with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of fashion.
The project was organised by fashion brand founder Wayne Hemingway and the Textile Reuse and International Development CEO, Maria Chenoweth, who attended the opening.
Speaking at the event, Ms Chenoweth said: “We’ve made charity retail mainstream.
“We’ve taken it off the high street and into fantastic venues like this, but still with a Topshop feel.”
She said that “60% of people now in the UK wear something second-hand, and 80% of second-hand purchases are made through charity shops.
“We’re seeing school kids coming in, so there’s a new demographic coming through – charity shops were around when I was young, but they died away a bit.
“Now they’re back, but this time with a purpose: it’s about the climate and spending your money for good causes.”
The store features sections made up of items donated and supporting individual charities as well as some sections for specific items such as shoes.
Each charity has a section of items which also features information about the charity and its work posted up.
“We’re creating a department store,” said Mr Hemingway, also speaking at the opening event.
“It’s important that there’s that messaging, it’s not in your face, but it’s there.”
He explained: “If you shop in charity shops, not only are you helping with circular economy but also the climate emergency.
“The future of the earth is pretty important, and every pound goes to a cause.
“Customers can come and leave with some
nice things over their arm, knowing that they’ve supported Cancer Research, help with ageing, animal care– you can consume with care.”
Mr Hemingway said that customers are increasingly avoiding “shopping for shopping’s sake.”
“We’ve got to understand that if you have money in your pocket, you’ve got to spend it conscientiously.
“But there will be a lot of people that, when they’re in here, won’t realise that the items are second-hand, as some of the stuff has never been worn; a lot with labels on, still.”
Ms Chenoweth added that a recent survey of London women found that 23% of clothes in their wardrobes isn’t worn.
Mr Hemingway explained that much of the stock at the outlet would still be as-new, too: “So even if, for whatever reason or however oldfashioned, you can’t deal with second-hand, come in anyway; there’s plenty of new stuff.”
As well as its eco-concious business model, the store itself features recycled fixtures and fittings, and many of the smaller items such as hangars and plastic bags will also be leftovers from Topshop and Topman stores.
The opening follows a month-long pilot scheme in Brent Cross, which extended its stay for a further fortnight after proving popular.
The Reading branch will remain until Sunday, April 30, after which it is planned to tour the country.
Charity SuperMkt opens from 9.30am-8pm, Monday to Friday, from 9am-7pm on Saturdays, and from 11am-5pm on Sundays.
n For full details about the charities supported or to volunteer, visit: charitysupermkt.com
“I’d encourage residents to experience the installation, make their climate change commitment and play their part in building a cleaner greener town – Think Global Act Local.”
Tracey Rawling Church, co-chair of Reading Climate Change Partnership, said: “Reading Climate Festival started small in 2020 as a way of inspiring and encouraging action on climate change and has raised its ambition year by year.
"We’re absolutely thrilled that Gaia.”
Alexa Volker, manager of Reading’s Business Improvement District, said: “Hosting Gaia as the flagship event of this year’s Reading Climate Festival will provide a sharp reminder of the part we can all play in shaping a better future.”
n The Gaia installation will be available to see during opening hours, though booking will be necessary via: whatsonreading.com/gaia
n Full details about Reading Climate Festival 2023, which will take place between Saturday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 21, are available via: readingcan.org.uk/festival/
THE UNIVERSITY of Reading
will welcome residents from across the town onto its Whiteknights campus for a new family-friendly event.
Its Community Festival on Saturday, May 13, will feature live music, theatre and performance, street food and a packed programme of hands-on activities for visitors young and old.
The one-day event will be held across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, bringing together local artists, performers, cultural organisations and food vendors. Visitors can also take the opportunity to showcase some of its leading research taking place at the university.
Prof Robert van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Our first ever Community Festival is aimed at bringing together everyone in the area, including students, staff, alumni and their families, and local residents for a free one-day celebration of what makes Reading great: our diverse and welcoming community.
“As well as a full day of
entertainment, visitors can explore our gardens, buildings and green spaces that make the university one of the UK’s leading centres for study and discovery.
“We are looking forward to welcoming lots of people across Reading to join us in this start of summer celebration for the whole community.”
The inaugural event will be organised by the university and the Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU), in collaboration with partners from across the town.
Members of the public can get active on the day through a host of sports taster sessions and campus walks and tours, or have a bite to eat with friends in the meadows and stroll around the Whiteknights lake.
Molli Cleaver, community relations manager at the university, said: “We are
WELCOME: Families are invited to the University of Reading’s campus for a new one-day event this May
committed to creating a university that positively benefits our local community and works in partnership to make an impactful contribution to the town and surrounding areas.
“A lot of passionate Reading residents are creating this oneday festival that reaches further than ever before to invite our neighbours from across the town on to campus.
“Bring your friends. Bring your family, young and old. Bring your picnic blankets, and your dogs for a free festival celebrating Reading in our beautiful meadows.”
The full festival line-up will be announced in April.
The event will take place from 10am-3.30pm on Saturday, May 13. Entry is free and there is no need to book.
n For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/events
A READING school has unveiled a purple plaque in honour of a former pupil.
Last week, Samantha Woodham returned to The Abbey School to see her Women in Innovation Award from Innovate UK.
This recognises her work in the legal industry, having co-founded The Divorce Surgery, a multiaward-winning service offering a fixed-fee, less adversarial, faster and more cost-effective approach to divorce.
Ms Woodham, a family law barrister, identified a niche in the divorce market and developed a model enabling separating couples to share one lawyer.
Her approach has been widely adopted across the family law industry, with Innovate UK’s support helping Woodham to invest in the technology side of her business.
The Women in Innovation Award, which comes with a cash injection of £50,000, recognises female innovators developing pioneering solutions to societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
More than 150 women have received the award so far, with winners working on everything from precision medicine to eco-friendly materials and digital education tools.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in Spencers Wood, which left a woman in her 70s with serious injuries.
At around 10.20am on Sunday, March 26, A Kia Ceed with the partial registration of N555, was involved in a collision with two women, both riding e-bikes in Norman Rise.
The two females, who were both wearing helmets and high-visibility jackets, were travelling northeast on Beech Hill Road when the Kia Ceed emerged from the junction, resulting in a collision.
One of the cyclists, in her 70s, sustained serious injuries, including a suspected broken pelvis, and was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital. She has since been discharged.
The second cyclist, also in her 70s, suffered minor injuries, and the driver of the Kia Ceed was not hurt.
Investigating officer PC Freya Renton of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said: “I am appealing to anybody who was in the area and witnessed this collision to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.
“I would be particularly keen to hear from anybody who has dash-cam in their vehicles to please check this and contact us if it has captured the collision.
“You can submit this footage via our dedicated portal for this investigation, or by reporting online via our website.
“Witnesses can also call 101, quoting reference number 43230133536.”
Road campus of the University of Reading follows his sell-out tour and will be no ordinary stand-up gig.
Brand promises to bring his unique brand of humour to Reading audiences.
“I feel so lucky to have been able to take what seemed at the time as a rather outlandish idea and develop a model which is now being adopted by the family law industry as a whole,” says Ms Woodham.
Will le Fleming, the head of The Abbey School, added: “Samantha has shown talent, dedication and passion to make a change in the world.
“We are thrilled to recognise and celebrate her achievements.”
The Abbey School’s purple plaque initiative is part of a wider programme to acknowledge the contributions of women innovators across the UK.
THE Brythonic Thousand exhibition will be held in Reading Central Library during April and showcases the artwork of Dylan Garcia.
The exhibition explores the themes of time, myth, and history, and how they relate to the Brythonic people and their descendants in Cornwall, Wales, and Brittany.
Through his artwork, Garcia references legends of lost, drowned lands, and their connection to current fears about climate change and disappearing cultures.
The exhibition also considers the impact of climate change on Britain, which could potentially turn the country more tropical and change the landscape.
COMEDIAN and cultural commentator Russell Brand is set to perform live at the Great Hall this evening, Thursday, March 30.
The show at the London
Tickets cost £37.10 and include a £2.10 booking fee. The show starts at 7pm, and doors open at 6pm.
n For more details, and booking information, log on to: whatsonreading.com
As well as showcasing Garcia’s artwork, the exhibition aims to encourage visitors to reflect on these themes and how they relate to contemporary society.
Entry is free, and visitors can drop in during library opening hours. It runs from Monday, April 3 to Saturday, April 24.
n Whatsonreading.com
BACK TO SCHOOL: Samantha Woodham, co-founder of The Divorce Surgery, after the unveiling of her Purple Plaque following a presentation at her former school, The Abbey School, Reading having been awarded the WomenUS READING residents have always known it to be true, and now it’s official: we’re one of the best places to live in the south east.
The Sunday Times has compiled a list of the 10 top towns. Top of the pile is Chichester in West Sussex.
The Ding is one of the other nine places, none of which are ranked in order.
Judges said: “The force is with Reading – and not just because of the latest Star Wars spin-off that’s being filmed at the new Shinfield Studios.
“It’s the combination of great job prospects and transport links with relatively affordable property prices that make the town a hard-to-beat option for millennials and Gen Z.
“The leisure options are good, too, from the Biscuit Factory cinema to the restored Thames Lido.”
The other eight are Alresford; Brighton and Hove; Folkestone; Guildford; Lindfield; (East) Oxford; Reigate; and Wheathampstead.
This year’s guide – the 11th –
features more new entries than ever before.
The Sunday Times judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live. It was praised by judges for its “good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”. They said that it offers “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”.
Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023”
The guide’s sponsor, Halifax, provided the average house price for each location.
Kim Kinnaird, the director of Halifax Mortgages, said: “We know that the housing market can sometimes feel daunting when there are so many things to consider. Looking at these fantastic locations is a great start, with options for different budgets and family situations.” Reading’s place in the list has been welcomed by Borough
Council leader Cllr Jason Brock, who said it was pleasing.
“It’s always gratifying to see external validation for our great town, particularly from an outfit carrying some clout like the Sunday Times list –and quite unlike some of the vague surveys from bizarrelynamed organisations that we sometimes see which appear to penalise successful urban environments for not being obscure hamlets,” he said.
“It is no surprise to see our powerful economy, excellent transport connections, good schools and parks, and riverside walks all highlighted by The Sunday Times, but judges could have selected any number of areas where Reading excels.
“These include our town’s rich history, our cultural scene catering for all manner of tastes, the world-class lion statute or the… thrilling… football team, but most of all the wonderful communities which make up our town in all their incredible diversity and variety.”
“I’ve said before, what sets Reading apart is maintaining its sense of community, which remains intrinsic to our town even while we are at the
READING is a city all but name and deserves its place on The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2023 report.
same time a major economic powerhouse, both regionally and nationally.
“Most successful economic centres tend to lose something in terms of their sense of community, but in Reading it’s something we remain very proud of – our ‘little big town’.”
He said Reading faces similar challenges faced by other major and successful towns and cities, including limited road space.
“I think many people would also take issue with the survey’s reference to ‘relatively affordable house prices’. Relatively affordable in comparison to parts of London possibly, but it’s not what many of us would define as affordable,” he said.
“As welcome as being named one of the top ten places in the country to live is, I’m at a genuine loss as to why we did not take top spot to be honest.
“I was also interested to see that Reading is the only place in Berkshire to have made the Sunday Times’ top ten, which only goes to confirm what everyone from Reading already knew – the rest of the county are fortunate to bask in our brilliance.”
The little big town was cited in the top 10 for the south east for the second year in a row.
Being in the top 10 for a second year in a row has pleased Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director for REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, who said the quality of life in the town was something that attracted people.
“The opening of the Elizabeth Line and a wave of new leisure investment including the Thames Lido, Reading Rep theatre and Biscuit Factory independent cinema as well as two new swimming pools opening and a planned £20 million investment in the Hexagon and Central Library is adding to Reading’s growing reputation,” he continued.
“A city in all but name, in Reading you can live life well and carve out your career in one of the UK’s best places to work and do business, with leading businesses in sectors from security software to energy, financial services to mobile technology.
“And now, with 18 new film studios being built at Shinfield Studios, Reading is set to become a leading player in the UK creative sector.”
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HIGH LIFE: A view of Reading from The Blade Picture: Dijana Capan; DVision ImagesA flashback to last year’s Easter Egg Run on Good Friday. The Thames Vale Vultures are organsing the event again this year
BIKERS from across the south east are revving up for the annual Berkshire Egg Run, writes James Hastings
Hundreds of riders are expected to take part in the event on Good Friday, which will see thousands of Easter eggs donated to deserving children.
And its not too late to join in the fun which starts in Tilehurst and follows a 10-mile marshalled route ending up at the Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green.
There is no entry fee but riders are asked to bring chocolate Easter eggs which are donated to the Rotary Club and Southcote Children’s Centre who distribute them across Berkshire.
Michael Weal, a member of the Thames Vale Vultures bike club which organises the Good Friday run, said it attracted bikers from across Berkshire.
“It is a real family event with many riders dressing up in all sorts of fun costumes and crowds lining the streets cheering them on,” he said.
“There are also marshalls along the route and it is slow which means all types and size of bikes,
scooters, trikes and quads can join in. The forecast is looking good but, whatever the weather, everyone knows it is for a good cause.
“There are still sadly many youngsters who wouldn’t have an Easter Egg if it wasn’t for the ride so we thank everyone in advance for giving their time and being so generous.”
Bikers can gather from 11.30am on Friday, April 7, at Stadium Way in Tilehurst for a 12.30pm departure, heading to the rugby club.
There will be refreshments available anf the chocolate eggs will be handed over to be distributed in time for Easter Sunday.
Added Mike: “We hope to see lots of riders on the day and urge people to let others know about it so this year we can have a bumper ride.
“We also want to give a big thanks to the Rotary Club and the Southcote staff for their help. It is a big task collecting and distributing thousands of eggs but somehow they manage it.”
n For all the latest information on the Berkshire Egg Run, email: eggrun@ tvvultures.co.uk or call Mike on: 07827 475391.
HUNDREDS of people from across Reading came together on Saturday with one cry – Save Reading Gaol.
1 2
He said: “This weekend was a fabulous display of community power as we marched to Save Reading Gaol.
3 4
Community groups, MPs, councillors, royalty and borough leaders joined forces to send a message to the government: the site should not be sold and turned into luxury flats or a hotel. Instead, it should be saved as an arts centre.
They gathered outside The Hexagon in Queens Walk, before heading down to the Abbey Ruins to hear speeches and show their support for the site.
Heading the procession was the Reading Beatroots samba band, ensuring the procession was heard as well as seen as it made its way down Broad Street and into the
There were banners from all manner of groups, including Reading Pride, the Reading Guild of Artists, Rabble theatre, Progress Theatre, and a walking giant called Bob from Rising Sun Arts
Reading East MP Matt Rodda teamed up with his Reading West counterpart, Sir Alok Sharma, putting their political differences aside for the good of the town.
“It was a demonstration of the attachment that we have for the Gaol as well as its history and cultural impact.
“I am still 100% committed to seeing the Gaol maintained as a public space.
“I want to add my congratulations and thanks to the organisers and everyone who took part.”
In a tweet, Sir Alok said: “A huge thank you to everyone who organised and joined the #SaveReadingGaol event today to demonstrate their support for turning the site into a local cultural hub to celebrate Reading’s heritage.
“The campaign marches on.”
And the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, said: “I was delighted to attend the Save Reading Gaol March. The town was united in determination. This site is both an important piece of our town’s history, and could be a big part of the future of Reading.”
A member of the Oscar Wilde Appreciation Society said: “The Arts was so important to Oscar; think how wonderful it would be for somewhere he felt so wretched to be turned into something positive.”
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ON MONDAY, The Purple Turtle in Reading will host a Charity Festival Night to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
The event at the Gun Street venue is organised by Jodie Harrison, a pharmacy student at the University of Reading, and NHS worker.
It aims to raise awareness and funds for the foundation to help fight against meningitis.
It will feature DJs, singers, and performers in two rooms, including Goldenboii, Hamez, DJ Remy Jones, Sidious, Nick Clev, Br4vo, Jessie Hilley, and 4GFingaz, among others.
Gourmet Queens will be serving up loaded nachos in the outdoor space.
In addition, there will be a raffle with 12 prizes, including a voucher for a three-course dinner in Miller & Carter, 25% off a booking fee when booking a holiday with chooseachallenge.com, a yoga wellbeing set from Yoga With Emma,and a chocolate hamper from Rosie’s Chocolate Factory. The raffle tickets cost £1 per strip.
The event costs £2 per ticket, plus a £1 fee.
And it’s not the only fundraiser that the organiser is planning.
Ms Harrison said: “I am a pharmacy student at the University of Reading, while working for the NHS.
“In August this year, I am going
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to completely push myself to trek the largest free-standing mountain the world - Mount Kilimanjaro.”
The trek will take seven days, and she will camp in altitudes of nearly 6000m.
“Wind, snow, rain, but worst of all, no phone signal,” she joked.
“I am doing this to raise money for meningitis and Meningitis Research Foundation.
“Working in health care, I have seen the devastating effects meningitis can bring.
“It is the world’s sixth biggest infectious disease killer, with children and students being its biggest at-risk group.
“It kills more people than malaria AND HIV combined. Only one in 10 of those who catch this deadly disease will survive... and those that do, will more than likely be left with a disability.”
Ms Harrison said the charity’s goal is to end meningitis by 2030.
“Your donations will help drive towards this goal, and help to aid treatment and prevention, such as vaccination,” she said, adding that the World Health Organisation declare smallpox eradicated in 2015.
“Let’s do the same with meningitis and let’s do it together. Let’s drink cocktails and raise money for charity.”
n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com
READING’S bus users will face disruption to its services on Sunday, due to the Half Marathon.
The race will start at 10am and finish at 1pm, and during this time, there will be road closures and diversions. Some services will be cancelled altogether.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience before, during and after the race,” said Reading Buses chief executive officer Robert Williams. “Our drivers will be working hard to do what they can to help people get to where they need to be.”
The company is helping runners get to the start line with shuttle buses from the town centre to the race village. These start at 7am and run every 15 minutes until 9.24am. The last bus from the stadium will depart at 3pm.
Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for concessionary pass holders. Children under five travel for free.
“We are working closely with the organisers to help customers get safely to and from the race village,” Mr Williams said. n Full information on the services and timetable changes are on the firm’s website, www.readingbuses.co.uk
A HOSPICE chef will be dropping the kitchen in place of her kicks as she takes on the Reading Half Marathon for a worthy cause.
Jo-Ann Adams, is set to tackle the 13.1-mile course to raise funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading where she started working in January.
The hospice, based on Liebenrood Road, provides palliative care and support to people living with life-limiting conditions across Berkshire, while supporting their families.
The Whitley resident has already raised more than £300 and will be running the half marathon for the third time.
Jo-Ann explained: “Some of my friends from a local running club had asked me if I was going to sign up for the Reading Half Marathon, but I wasn’t sure as I had just got this new job at the hospice and I knew I would be working some weekends.
“However, by a stroke of luck when I got my shifts I had that weekend off, so I was able to take part. Later that day I saw an advert on social media
about running the Reading Half Marathon for Sue Ryder, and it seemed like fate. I signed up for the charity place there and then.
“Since then I have spoken to people about my new job and some of them have told me about their own personal connections to Sue Ryder through loved ones being cared for here at the hospice, which
has really brought the cause closer to home.”
Jo-Ann has many years of experience in the catering industry, working at a care home in Newbury before moving to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
She said: “When my children were young I worked in catering at a school, before working as a chef at a care home for eight
Jo-Ann will take part in the Reading Half Marathon on Sunday
Picture: Sue Ryder
who my customers are and seeing the positive difference I’m making – something that’s not always possible in hotels or restaurants. I am loving it so far and I feel like I’m part of the furniture already.”
In her role, Jo-Ann works alongside another chef and a catering assistant to provide high quality, nutritious and delicious home-cooked food for the home’s inpatient residents.
She credits her nan, who she described as an ‘amazing cook’ and ‘brilliant baker’, for introducing her to the kitchen.
“I am at my happiest when I am in the kitchen, and it’s been so nice to receive such positive comments from patients, families and staff on my cooking,” she said.
years.
“About four years ago, I decided to try something else and moved into an admin role, but I really missed being in the kitchen. The saying is true, you can take the chef out of the kitchen, but you can’t take the kitchen out of the chef.
“When I saw this job I thought it would be perfect as I have always enjoyed knowing
“We have just re-introduced ‘tea at three’, and one of my favourite things is making biscuits to go around the inpatient unit on the trolley every day – my cakes have gone down very well too.
“I know I made the right decision by coming back into catering and working in a care environment. I just enjoy making a difference for those who need it the most.”
n To donate to Jo-Ann’s fundraising page, visit: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/JoAnn-Adams2
MORE THAN 50 runners from Hong Kong will take part in the Reading Half Marathon on behalf of Harbour Sports Club.
The community group’s Reading 21 11-week-long training programme has been helping entrants prepare for the big day since January 14.
Sponsored by Reading Borough Council, the free initiative has empowered participants to enhance their physical and mental well-being
while making new friends.
Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, said: “I want to encourage you to take part in the Reading 21 programme. I think this is a great opportunity to get to know Reading physically, culturally and in the community.
“Also, I want to remind you that you are welcome here in Reading and you are our bridge, and you are making great contributions to Reading.”
The programme comprised
training plans tailored to three different levels of runners, online race strategy workshops, 10 practice sessions in collaboration with Reading HK Runners and three yoga classes.
Targeted at new migrants, Reading 21 was attended by more than 400 people.
Harbour Sports Club is an open and diverse runners group which welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, in particular Hong Kongers.
Our team will be in town and at the stadium on Sunday – look out for our special souvenir edition next week
A NEW cafe-with-a-cause has opened in Reading.
More than 50 guests, including local councillors and the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, attended Barista & Beyond’’s grand opening last Wednesday. The Alfred Street cafe provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Mayor was joined by Jonathan Holley, managing director of Ways into Work, who delivered the project, and Andrea Wood, director of New Directions College.
Cllr Eden said: “It’s fantastic to see the beautiful facilities, the amazing cake and food, but also knowing that when you’re enjoying your coffee that you’re going to be helping people get the opportunities they deserve.
“People with learning disabilities or mental health issues have so much to offer, and giving people the opportunity to get into real employment is what this is all about.
“It’s a wonderful chance for people to come and feel that they are changing the world one cup of coffee at a time.”
Alongside the cafe’s quality tea and coffee options, visitors can also indulge themselves
in its selection of treats and sandwiches.
The space is kitted out with wifi, making it suitable for those who wish to catch up with emails or sneak in a few hours of work. A meeting room is available to hire for £20 per hour, with any items bought on the day deducted from this fee.
Mr Holley was full of praise for the project, and hopes the cafe will be an example to the hospitality industry.
He said: “We believe this is a positive and ethical model for future business
– a social enterprise that not only provides a creative recruitment solution for the often-understaffed hospitality industry, but also to tap into underserved and motivated individuals resulting in a more diverse workforce that better represents the communities in which we live.
“Business can, and should, do its part in helping to change our society to be a better place and can do this one life at a time in the inclusive and valued employment that it can provide”.
Mr Holley also thanked the businesses and individuals who helped make the cafe possible, including: John Lewis, Simply Coffee Shops, Thames Valley and Berkshire LEP, Taylor Wessing, videographer Marco Bastidas, the Berkeley Foundation and the Shanley Foundation.
Ways into Work is a notfor-profit organisation which delivers supported employment services across Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
One of its beneficiaries is Charlie Duffy, who has secured
a job at Barista & Beyond’ and described the cafe’s opening as “amazing”.
He said: “No matter what you have or how you feel, it’s giving you that opportunity to show that - yes, you may have a disability or something, like me - but it’s showing that no matter what, you have an opportunity and you’ve just got to be ready to take it.
“Every single person in this world deserves a chance to show how good they can be.”
Fellow employee Charles McCarthy added: “It’s not fun being unemployed for a long time – I’ve been unemployed for 10 years. It’s a really big deal to get a job after so long. This opportunity changes lives.”
New Directions College, Reading, provides a 10week training programme in hospitality skills, including barista training, customer service, basic food preparation, food hygiene and IT skills to empower learners in their roles at the cafe.
Instructor Rubaiyat Mehjabeen was full of praise for her students’ progress. She said: “It’s amazing, I’ve seen them become more confident and feel more settled in practical situations. They’ve done so well – it’s a very proud moment for me as a teacher.
YOUNG people in South Reading are set to enjoy a community Easter event on Thursday, April 6. The Whitley Community Development Association is inviting children aged 11 and under to take part in its Easter egg hunt, which will take participants around the neighbourhood collecting clues.
Booking is essential and those taking part must be accompanied by an adult.
The event runs from 10am-1pm and starts at the Community Centre at 252 Northumberland Avenue.
n To book a place, contact: cdw@ whitley-cda.org
BUDDING performers in Whitley are invited to take part in an introduction to music creation on Wednesday, April 5. The Whitley Community Development Association and The Rock Academy Foundation are collaborating to hold a oneoff event to help youngsters make music.
The session takes place at the Whitley Community Centre at 252 Northumberland Avenue, and booking is required. There are one hour slots available although the event takes place from 10am-2.30pm. n To book a place, contact: cdw@ whitley-cda.org
CAKE CUTTING: The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, cuts a cake to declare Barista & Beyond open Picture: Marco Bastidas, Barista & BeyondALL Nations Christian Centre is hosting an Easter Hangout on Wednesday, April 5 from 10am to noon.
The event features Easterthemed activities and free refreshments. Parents and caregivers must accompany their children, and registration is required.
And on Good Friday, the church in Berkeley Avenue is to hold a walk-through the Easter story event.
Starting at 10am, it uses different stations to reflect on the events of Holy Week.
Refreshments will be served after the event.
n For more details, log on to: https://www.allnationselim.org
CERTAIN Sound Records will hold a record sale on Saturday at Reading Biscuit Factory in Broad St. Mall.
Visitors can purchase vinyl, tapes, and CDs from a range of genres, including brand new releases and Certain Sound's latest LP Down The Local.
The event will feature local DJs and wax collectors, promising a fun record-shop vibe. DJ Chud, Barry Manalog, Luther Andross, Ill Collins, and surprise guests will perform.
The event will take place at the arts centre, between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, April 1.
SOUTH Reading residents came together on Tuesday, March 21, to sow the seeds of what will become a thriving community orchard.
The project saw 30 new fruit trees, including apple, plum, cherry and pear trees, introduced to South Whitley Park. This follows a successful Reading Borough Council bid for £85,000 of grant funding, which will also go towards a toddler’s play area.
These new additions will join the 17 pre-existing trees, which include Dawn Redwood, Cherry, Sorbus and Weeping Willow species.
The planting will provide shade, improved air quality, and
help to create an aesthetically pleasing boundary where the park abuts the motorway.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Mayor of Reading and Whitley councillor, was full of praise for the initiative and said: “It was lovely to come together for the planting.
“It’s the end of the tree planting season and these are some of the last trees being planted in Reading.
“It’s fantastic knowing that these trees will embed and provide shade, fruit and enjoyment for all the people in Whitley Wood for years to come.”
She added: “Trees are so important, not just to help us
Tenby & Vale of Rheidol Railway
tackle the climate crisis, which we have to do, but also they give us so much pleasure too. This is important investment that we’re getting in Whitley Wood.”
The project is funded by the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities and has been boosted by a further £20,000 of council funding for the delivery of the playground.
This comes from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, which are contributions made by developers as part of conditions attached to the grant of new planning permissions.
The facilities will cater for families who live in the area,
where play provision has only been for older children to date.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety, said: “We are absolutely delighted that an orchard is coming to Whitley. This is a fantastic project that will give this much-loved local park a new lease of life. Importantly, it is also another positive step we are taking to increase biodiversity and respond to tackling the climate emergency.
“This project compliments our ambitious new Tree Strategy,
Micky Leng and Alice MpofuColes were in attendance
Excursions to Aberystwyth, Tenby & Saundersfoot
Optional excursion to Cardigan & St Davids (£13pp)
The planting saw 30 new trees added to South Whitley Park.
Picture: Reading Borough Council
which aims for 3,000 new trees on Council land by 2030, as well as increasing the proportion of land in Reading which is covered by tree canopy to 25% over the same timescale.
“However, trees provide us with so many benefits. They have the ability to improve our environment, enhance the beauty of our town and provide peace, calm and joy for our souls in our busy world. By carefully locating trees in areas most in need of green cover, these trees will make a real difference to the well-being of our communities in Whitley.”
READING Borough Council has announced that the first phase of improvements to a major road are approaching completion.
The first round of improvements to Shinfield Road are almost finished as the council continues works to improve pedestrian and cycling conditions.
Works to the cycle lane between Chancellor’s Way junction and Pepper Lane are soon to be completed after starting work in October last year.
When completed, the improvements will link south Reading and the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, as well as connecting them to the town centre and the university.
Works will also see no waiting restrictions, with double yellow lines, in place along the route to help address parking issues, particularly close to the university.
Advanced stop lines and early release for cyclists will be in place to improve safety, as well as a number of new crossings.
The scheme is taking place in phases so as to minimise disruption, beginning at Christchurch Green and working down towards Shinfield Rise in stages.
Works are currently expected to be completed by the summer.
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: “I’m pleased at the progress we’ve made so far on our work to introduce a fully segregated new cycle lane along the Shinfield Road.
“The segregated cycle lane links to key centres of employment in Reading, such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital, The University and, of course, the Town Centre itself.”
He explained: “As part of our wider Climate Emergency Strategy, this work underlines the Council’s wholehearted commitment to tackling poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.
“It has never been more important to create realistic alternatives to the private car, not only in terms of tackling congestion and air quality but also for the
residents and local communities who live on key routes.”
He also explained that the work on the Shinfield Road precedes plans to implement further cycling and walking improvements, which would stretch along Bath Road, from Berkeley Avenue to Castle Hill.
From there, they would continue over the IDR to Castle Street, as well the recent agreement to make the cycle provisions Sidmouth Street permanent.
He said: “We have achieved significant improvements in other areas, including the routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road, delivered as part of the first phase of funding.
“We have also just submitted our bid for Tranche 4 funding to the Department for Transport –and we should find out if we’ve been successful by the end of March.
“This funding would then enable us to make improvements at the junction of Sidmouth Street and Queens Road to provide safer cycle links through to Kennet Side.”
n For full details of the planned works, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
DIG IN: Reading Borough Council hopes the community orchard will give residents plenty of enjoyment for years to come, as well as providing a viable solution to the environmental crisis.THAMES Valley Police’s outgoing chief constable has said that he looks back at his time in the role with “a sense of pride”.
Speaking to Reading Today, John Campbell was full of praise for the work carried out by TVP during his tenure – a period which featured the Covid-19 pandemic, the death of the Queen and the Forbury Gardens terror attack.
The chief constable will retire from the force on Friday, bringing the curtain down on 34 years of police service with West Midlands Police, Hampshire Constabulary and TVP.
He explained: “I definitely look back at my time with a sense of pride. Some of the work that we do now is something that we didn’t do when I first joined. We have an awful lot more of a footprint around people with mental health – that certainly wasn’t considered to be a role for the police.
“On top of that, you’ve got emerging crime types, such as cyber crime and online fraud. The essence of being a police officer hasn’t changed, which is that you’re there to protect people, reduce crime and disorder, and be there when people are in need.”
Mr Campbell came from a family with a history of policing and was a cadet before joining West Midlands Police in 1988.
He transferred to Hampshire Constabulary in 2001.
He joined TVP nine years later where he became assistant chief constable for uniform operations and crime, going on to be appointed deputy chief constable in May 2015.
In these roles, Mr Campbell has worked in various disciplines, including criminal investigation, specialist operations and local policing, and also as in hostage and crisis negotiating.
He was the commander responsible for the policing of the South East regional phase of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
The promotion to chief constable was confirmed in February 2019, as Mr Campbell took over from predecessor Sir Francis Habgood.
He was barely a year into the post when he and his team had to negotiate the Covid-19
AS REVOLUTIONS go, it’s going pretty smoothly. Reading’s new all-day, all-bus ticket appears to be a hit with passengers.
Introduced earlier this month as a result of a £26.3 million grant from the government to Reading Borough Council, the ticket allows passengers to buy one ticket for unlimited travel on the simplyReading network area for just £3.50, or £3.40 if purchased on the app.
The tickets can be used on any bus, regardless of bus operator.
It is the first part of a two-year programme aimed at getting people out of their cars and on to public transport.
pandemic and subsequent lockdown. He admitted his tenure had been rather unique.
He explained: “Policing during covid (lockdowns) was remarkable times. And then, being a force that covers places like Windsor, we have the honour and privilege of policing royal events – we’ve done a number in my time.
“State visits and jubilee events are very joyous, but then we had the sad deaths of Prince Philip, and more recently, Her Majesty the Queen.
“Prince Philip’s event was more modest and quieter, because it was during covid, with some restrictions. We saw the terribly sad images of the Queen sitting there alone in St George’s Chapel. And then much more of a public national event in terms of her final journey to Windsor.
“We played a part on that final part of the journey and I’m very proud to be involved in those.”
He added that, although the police’s role was to make sure the thousands who attended these events were safe, it was important to recognise that they were, ultimately, family funerals.
“I thought the force did an amazing job for the whole of the mourning period after [the Queen’s] death and on the day itself,” he said.
Two of the most difficult incidents of Mr Campbell’s tenure involved the death of PC Andrew Harper and the Forbury Gardens terror attack.
He explained: “My tenure started off with the really sad incident of the death of Andrew Harper, who was unlawfully killed while out on patrol.”
The chief constable noted the impact it had on the force and his loved ones, and commended the work done his wife, Lissie, in achieving Harper’s Law.
“Unfortunately it sometimes takes extreme events for the vast members of the public to remember what their officers do day in, day out,” Mr Campbell said.
“The tragedy which followed and the manner of his death brought it home to many people. The force was inundated with best wishes and it was a really unwelcome reminder of the risks that police officers face on our behalf.
“It’s a shame that sometimes you need such a sad event to act as a catalyst for people to reflect on the endeavours of my staff.”
The chief constable quoted Sir Robert Peel, the so-called father of modern policing in the 1820s, who pointed out that the “police are the public and the public are the police” when explaining TVP’s commitment to recruiting from the local community.
He added that it was important for the force to “represent the community that it serves” to enhance the relationship between the police and members of the public.
Care has been taken to treat people with respect and dignity when the police use its powers, for example when issuing Section 60s.
Mr Campbell said the measure wasn’t something the police use lightly and only do so rarely.
Jason Hogg, who has been
deputy chief constable at TVP since 2019, will take over from Mr Campbell on Saturday, April 1.
With regards to next steps, Mr Campbell will look to take a well-earned break from the rigours of the force.
He said: “I’m just going to relax for a bit. My role means that I’m on-call 24 hours a day, which you’d expect – and I’m asking for no sympathy by the way – it can make the job very interesting.
“So, I’ll just enjoy maybe not being quite so full on for a bit, and then see where the world will take me, but with a sense of real pride in the force. My best wishes go to Jason who’s taken over from me.”
The chief constable urged those with an interest in a career in policing not to hesitate in reaching out to the force.
“If you’ve not had much to do with [the force], it can feel a little bit daunting, but I promise you, we’re ordinary people, really,” Mr Campbell said.
“I’ve had a fabulous career and my colleagues, both police officers and police staff, have had fabulous careers at TVP.
“If you want to do a job which adds real value to society, gives something back, looks after people and is different every single day, then policing is definitely a career for you.
“In the last three years, in addition to our normal staffing levels, we recruited an additional 609 officers and of those, 43% were women and almost 19% were from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, which is doubling the numbers we’ve had in recent times. We’re very proud of that.”
n He advised anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in policing to check TVP’s website: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
And it seems to be working, as passengers are hopping on services run by Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Arriva and Thames Travel. Many buses have had the ‘Bus Full’ sign lit up again showing customers are returning to services in the wake of the covid pandemic.
Robert Williams, chief executive officer at Reading Buses, said: “The new Reading All-Bus day ticket is 20% cheaper for journeys within the Reading area.
“The introduction has gone very smoothly, and the discount has naturally been well received.
“It’s another great reason to give the bus a try.”
A CHANCE to explore Reading and its surrounding area from a different viewpoint is being offered across the spring and summer.
Riverboat trips will operating on the River Thames from April, all the way through to October.
During term-time, they will leave Caversham on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, and will be daily during Easter holidays, May
half-term, and during the summer holidays.
The trips include the Thames Explorer (90 minutes), Thames Experience (45 minutes), Thames Meander (60 minutes), and more.
During the summer months, there are also special evening cruises.
n For more information, log on to: www.thamesrivercruise.co.uk
The cost-of-living crisis means that it’s more important than ever to make sure you are receiving all the government benefits that you are entitled to. Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home for as long as you wish.
Attendance Allowance is paid to people who have reached state pension age if they have a disability or health condition. Exactly how much someone receives depends on how their condition affects them, and there are two weekly rates. A lower rate of £61.85/week is paid if you need help during the day, and you may receive up to £92.40/week if you have health issues that disrupt your sleep. That’s up to £370/month tax-free. It’s not means-tested, and it doesn’t matter where you live, or if you have savings.
Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?
I offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.
Attendance Allowance is also known as a ‘gateway benefit’ as other benefits and opportunities are opened once you start to receive it.
We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control.
07740 246492
“We contacted Nigel and received wonderful service. He filled in the extensive forms for us and did so in a very caring way.”
Cedric Lander, Woodley Nigel Pearce AIPWgrey-matters-consultancy.com/wokingham
STEPPING DOWN: TVP’s chief constable John Campbell will be retiring on Friday after 34 years in the forceWE ALL know someone who is impacted by a bad boss. And according to a new survey that is not a surprise, as Reading is home to some of the worst in the country.
From micromanagers to bullies, creeps and clock watchers who demand a little bit of overtime without the extra pay, there are many examples of poor management.
More than two-thirds of people know a boss who broke regulations in the workplace, and three in five workers feel that if they raised an issue, it would not be addressed.
And one in five workers see their boss as a friend – meaning four in five have different views of their workplace leader.
The worst bosses set unrealistic expectations, treated staff members inconsistently and differently, were poor communicators, and failed to offer support when needed. They also failed to listen to feedback.
TikTokker Sara (@newforestsara) is an HR and operations manager with more than 20 years of management experience in different industries and has 80,000 TikTok followers.
She said: “These results don’t surprise me at all. Bosses set the culture of a business based on their actions and attitude. Your company might have the most wholesome values or mission statement, but if the boss is a tyrant, that’s what others will reflect and act on.
“The largest issue is around lack of trust with managers. This is caused by a number of things; the most common is not setting clear expectations and standards from day one or changing the targets without warning.”
And the research, conducted by BestNewBingoSites, also looked at the best and worst places to work in the country.
Edinburgh, Northampton and Manchester came out tops for bosses, while Walsall, Southampton and Brighton were the three worst places.
Reading came 10th in the worst bosses list, behind Nottingham and Wolverhampton.
Sara said: “There’s a saying people quit because of bad bosses and that’s absolutely true, but it’s also a case of death by a thousand cuts. It’s actually quite rare for a person to quit over one thing, even if it’s a big incident.
“Looking for a new job is very time-consuming and stressful, a worker who is 100% satisfied at work won’t waste their time.”
BestNewBingoSites has produced a job interview red flag bingo card to help you try to head off bad bosses at the first step: the interview stage.
The bingo card can be found here: https:// www.bestnewbingosites.co.uk/bingo-cards/jobinterview-red-flags/
PASSENGERS on one of Reading’s oldest bus routes can now toast their driver before getting on board.
For Tim Wale is not only a familiar face behind the wheel – he’s also the man who makes award-winning ciders.
Now Tim’s company, Tutts Clump Cider, is about to launch a new flavour, Route 17, named after the service he has driven for more than 40 years.
The purple double decker runs from Tilehurst to the Three Tuns, stopping at Cemetery Junction and the town center, and is known as the backbone of Reading.
THERE was a starter for 10 when residents from the Signature at Sonning Lifestyle home tested their general knowledge in an online competition.
Four residents had their fingers on the buzzers to take on Signature at Caversham in the University Challenge competition.
A total of 38 homes were involved with each being asked 60 questions covering current affairs, film, history, world geography along with a picture special round.
Following a keenly contested first round, the eight teams who recorded the highest overall scores from the competing care homes now march on to the second-round match ups taking place throughout March.
Separated by just five points in Round One, Signature at Sonning will take on Buckinghamshire’s Signature at Cliveden Manor.
Both will hope to secure a place in the final, which will be made
up of the two teams scoring the highest points from round two.
Margaret Brock, a member of the Signature at Sonning quiz team, said: “I am delighted we were able to get a win in the first round of the quiz. Whilst the questions were challenging, we worked well as a team by using our collective knowledge on culture and geography.
Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Signature at Sonning, said: “Signature Challenge is an initiative designed to stimulate all of our communities and unite them in some healthy competition.
“Some of our residents had already graduated by the time University Challenge was first broadcast in 1962, and the quiz format really resonated with them.
“It was nice a pleasure to see a healthy competitive spirit between the homes, and our team will be reading up ready for the next round.”
SMURFING
GOOD: The Smurfs are set to take to the streets as part of the town’s April Fools festivites for an immersive great escape experience on Saturday, April 1. Picture: Pixabay
Tim started making cider as a hobby 16 years ago and production has moved from his kitchen table to a nearby farm.
The family-run business sells 28 ciders and perries across Berkshire from pubs to supermarkets
“I thought I’d name our new cider after the route I drive,” explained Tim.
“It is one of the oldest routes and very busy, almost like a London one. I have been driving part-time for 40 years and really love it. I’ve got to know a lot of the regular passengers and we have a good chat.”
Tim was inspired to launch his own company after a visit to a food festival in Dorset.
“I was fascinated to learn how cider was made. It is a very sustainable business because producers prefer to use local apples. I was shocked at how many apples in Berkshire go to waste so now we use tonnes of them which otherwise would maybe just rot,” he said.
Tim’s started making just 25 litres of cider in the family kitchen, but that
figure has soared to over 71,000. “Tutts Clump Cider is very much a family business with two of my daughters, Lucy and Rachel, working full-time doing everything from making the cider to delivering it.”
“Many of the large commercially mass-produced ciders on supermarket shelves can typically contain 70% water. They are made in factories all through the year from a concentrate
A YOUNG fundraiser from has smashed their target of money raised after making a donation of their own.
Abby Salisbury, aged nine and from Wokingham, has gone a cut above by donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust and busting through her original target of £200.
It helps to give confidence to those undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, experiencing alopecia, and also funds childhood cancer research across the UK.
A FAMILIAR bunch of characters is coming to Reading for a new immersive experience.
The Smurfs are set to take to the streets as part of the town’s April Fools festivities for a great escape.
A unique outdoor scavenger hunt will take place around Reading as the Smurfs avoid the clutches of the evil wizard, Gargamel.
The capped cartoon characters will be present in an on-foot scramble lasting between two and three hours and featuring clues and challenges courtesy of Smurfette and Papa Smurf.
The experience can be started at any time during the day and unfolds
through the dedicated CluedUpp app.
Teams of between two and six players are eligible, with just one ticket needed for each team, and children play as extra participants for free.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest team, best Smurf-inspired fancy dress, best team picture, best team name, best mini player (for under 16s), and best dog photo.
The Smurfs: Great Escape will be available to play in central Reading via the CluedUpp app between 9am and 2pm on Saturday, April 1.
n Tickets are available via: cluedupp. com/products/smurfs-reading
While Abby’s hair had grown down to her waist, now she’s rocking the shoulder-length look so that she could donate around a foot her hair to the charity, raising nearly £800 in total in the process.
Her mum, Becky Salisbury, said: “She was toying with the idea of a haircut, but she’d always been known for her very long hair.
“I told her the story about how, if she wanted to, she could donate to The Princess Trust and how they help children who’ve lost their hair.
“She was interested, and later decided she wanted to do it after she found out she could raise money for them too.”
The Little Princess Trust supports children and young people who experience hair loss by providing real-hair wigs for free.
As well as taking donations from fundraising, hair can be donated to the charity for the creation of their wigs.
“We made the appointment at the hairdressers,” Ms Salisbury explained, “and shared it with friends and family on Facebook.
“After donations started coming in, I thought I’d better get myself organised, so we set up the Just Giving page.”
Ms Salisbury said that she wasn’t surprised by Abby’s generosity: “She’s very empathetic, and very concerned about the welfare of others.
“She really looks out for her friends, and is often called on to look out for anybody new at school; she’s just a very kind soul.
“And absolutely crazy in other aspects, but very kind.”
And as to how Abby, who was eight at the time, found having short hair for the first time in a long while:
BRAINS TRUST: Margaret, Nancy, Lawrie and Janice take part in the Signature Challenge contestCare home residents enjoy a starter for 10ON ROUTE TO CIDER: Tim Wale driving a modern
Top of the
Abby’s hair donation hits nearly four times her fundraising goal
WHITLEY watched on throughout the 1960s as the M4 was built, connecting London and the west.
This week’s photograph was taken in 1968 by a resident from the area where the footbridge was built over the motorway at the junction between Whitley Wood Lane and Longmore Road.
The footbridge was primarily used by students at Ryeish Green School, but was also used as a shortcut to the Six Bells and Black Boy pubs.
Whitley Community Museum
curator David Turner said: “The construction of the motorway and Junction 11 changed that area of Whitley immeasurably.
“We have all become used to the changes now, but who can remember, for instance, how the A33 Basingstoke Road was a straight road through to Three Mile Cross and Spencers Wood?
“At the commencement of the motorway construction in the late 1960s, I stood in the car park of the Black Boy and managed a few photographs of the diggers in progress as they created the cutting the motorway would take through Whitley. Officially the Black Boy was closed for safety reasons so I was not able to stay very long.”
temporary bailey bridge had to be installed,” he added.
“It was like this for some years with many of us thinking it would become permanent.
“Now, of course, it has changed yet again with another replacement bridge to link up with the Shinfield bypass. The pub also had a name change recently and is now known as the Shinfield Arms.”
Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23
Beloved for its mild climate and miles of golden sands, Torquay provides us with the perfect base for our relaxing short break away. From here we explore this picturesque corner of the West Country, including a visit to Exeter, the capital of Devon.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast
Excursion to Exeter
Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£10pp)
rather than fresh fruit.
“We do not filter, pasteurise or carbonate our products and the only additives are sucralose and sulphites in small quantities. We do everything inhouse and package in bottles, cans, bag in box, pouches, casks and kegs.
We are also SALSA – the authority in food standards – approved.”
Asked how he finds the time to drive a bus and run a highly successful
cider business, Tim said: “I love what I do and I like to keep busy.
“I’ve also run a garage mainly repairing tractors but I’m not doing that as much now.”
While Route 17 is available on draught in local pubs, the bottled version will be available in April – and Tim’s passengers will drink to that. n For more details, log on to: www.tuttsclumpcider.co.uk
CUT ABOVE: Abby raised just under £800 on top of donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust. Picture: Becky Salisbury
Mr Turner remembered that the pub was closed as large cracks had started to appear when the diggers commenced work. Remedial work was carried out which meant the pub was able to reopen.
“The A327 to Shinfield and Arborfield at the point of the Black Boy Pub had to be removed so a
How many Bluebell springs?
On an Easter weekend run, Enjoying a bit of springtime sun In Chiltern woods and up Chiltern Hills
I asked ‘What do you like best about spring?’
‘Primroses, Blossom, Bluebells’
Most said Bluebells – except for Gil ‘Blossom’ he said, ‘I’m a blossom man, me.’
Like Houseman and his Cherry Trees;
Loveliest of trees the cherry now Is hung with blooms across the bough …
Then the wind begins to blow And cold wet blossom falls
Not petals but snow
The hail assails us in the wind
Small white stones of ice and spite ‘Ah April can be the cruellest month’ as we run through the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide.’
Time was when I walked through bluebell woods
“She’s loved it.
“I didn’t realise it would come with extra sass, though – she’s catapulted into teenagehood in some respects.
“She’s a keen swimmer, so we always had to do her hair before taking part, but now she’s happy that she can do those kinds of things herself.
“She’s already got the thought
in her head that she wants to do it again.”
Ms Salisbury said that she was “really proud” of her daughter and that both Abby and her brother were quite taken aback by how much she was able to raise.
n Abby Salisbury’s fundraising page can be found via: justgiving.com/fundraising/ Becky-Salisbury3
Resident Mart Rippe remembered the Dairy at Whites Farm, which sadly was demolished to make way for the M4 construction. The farm can just be seen in one of my ‘digger’ photographs.
With over 4,800 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.
n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
bloom
A carpet of beauty, but over too soon Summer growing nettles and brambles
Waiting to take over the woodland floor
Stinging and scratching in their rampant cover
But today I walk to the wood with mum
To Sulham to celebrate the bluebells again
Each year our pace a little slower And stops for rest a little more often But still walking here on this spring day
And mum says, ‘How many more bluebell springs will I be able to walk this way’
And I think of Houseman’s doleful lines
‘Now of my three score years and ten, twenty will not come again.’
Lamenting that, although still young
Too few more times will he see the cherry bloom
‘And take from seventy years a score, It only gives me fifty more.’
4 Days by Coach
ly £189.99
Beamish & Captain Cook’s Whitby
As a child with my mum and dad
The beauty covers the woodland floor
But pick these flowers and their beauty is over
The fragile sadness of bluebells in
Departing Thu 29 Jun ‘23
Enjoy a host of historically-themed excursions on this wonderful trip to the North East. From the bustling port of Whitby, to the fascinating open-air living museum of Beamish and the beautiful city of Durham, we journey into the past on this captivating break.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough with dinner & breakfast
Excursions to Durham, Beamish Living Museum & Whitby
5 Days by Coach
ly £349
But mum has four score years and five
And celebrates that she’s alive
Walking to the wood where the bluebells grow
To see them in their stunning show.
Kathy TytlerWe love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today
VISION OF THE FUTURE: The construction of the M4 changed Whitley Picture: Whitley Community Museum modern Reading Buses bus. He also runs Tutts Clump Cider and is making a brew for the buses
THE STRENGTH of feeling on Saturday was palpable.
Reading turned out, once again, in their hundreds to send a strong message to government: Reading Gaol is important to us, it is part of our heritage, and it should be part of our future too.
It is significant that both of Reading’s MP are united on this issue.
And it is depressing that a decade after the gaol was closed to inmates, there is still no decision as to its future.
The options are ghastly. It is not the perfect location for a luxury hotel. Nor is it the right place for yet more housing.
Any development would be unsympathetic to the building’s heritage.
But an arts centre would be respectful, allow for its history, not just as Oscar Wilde’s gaol, to be unpacked.
And it would benefit the community in a way that short stay hostelry wouldn’t.
There is so much good that can come out of Reading Gaol, and there is so much we can do with it if it was part of Reading’s future.
Saturday’s march is a line in the sand – we just hope the government will hear our cries to save Reading gaol.
CHURCH NOTES
ILIKE to watch the television news, to try and keep up with what is happening in the world.
Recently there were reports of the meeting in Moscow of President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Xi Jinping of China; we were shown the two men in a carefully choreographed approach to each other in a vast and grand hall of the Kremlin; an attempt to emphasise their power and prestige, as a mark of their importance and greatness.
I was struck by the contrast as to what Christians see as greatness.
Soon we will be remembering the final days of the life of Jesus, including his final meal with his close followers.
At that meal Jesus washed the feet of his followers, he took on the most menial of servile tasks, to wash the grimy feet of his disciples.
As their teacher, protocol demanded they wash his feet but in spite of protests he took on the role of the servant.
It was an example of humble service and one that demonstrated how humble service was soon to accomplish something else.
A cleansing of dirt by water: a cleansing of sin by sacrificial death.
The difference is that to keep dirt at bay we may need to shower or bath each day but through faith in Jesus and his death for us we are cleansed once and for all.
The scene of the bowl and towel also shows us how our lives should be lived; in humble service of others. In that there is true greatness; not, in grandiose ceremonies in grand buildings.
The Revd Robert Barthram is minister of the Reading Group, United Reformed Church, writing on behalf of Churches
Together in Reading
n Helen & Douglas House is opening a Pop-Up shop at the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading as part of the Charity Super.Mkt, the UK’s first multicharity shop.
The shop opened last week, and they need approximately 140 volunteers to fill their retail shifts.
This is an exciting opportunity to help generate thousands of pounds to support local families with terminally ill children.
Tasks would include: Engaging members of the public, answering any basic questions about the charity, replenishing stock on the shop floor, sorting and steaming stock, serving on the till and supporting customers in the changing rooms
n Me2 Club is a local charity that supports children with additional needs and disabilities in the Wokingham and Reading Boroughs attend mainstream activities including uniform groups, sports clubs and drama groups.
They do this by matching them
with a one-to-one volunteer who supports them at the activity. By building a relationship with one of the young people their volunteers help them to overcome barriers and be included.
Training and ongoing support is provided so all you need it to be over 16 and have one to two hours a week to give.
You can make a difference to a child’s life.
n Age UK Reading are seeking caring and understanding individuals to help support a small group of elderly clients in early stages of dementia at a weekly group.
Volunteers will help by setting up the room, moving tables and
Cllr Jason Brock
chairs, supporting the facilitator during the session by preparing teas and coffees, bringing prepared sandwiches from the kitchen and taking empty plates back after the clients have finished their lunch.
Volunteers will also help clients to engage with activities and encouraging them to participate, discuss amongst themselves and overall provide them with a positive experience.
n Take a look at our Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.
ON Tuesday March 7, Wokingham Town Hall was packed to the rafters with close to a hundred people ready to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.
I organised the event to highlight the ongoing gender inequalities that women still face in 2023, but also to celebrate incredible local women who are using their own talents and experiences to change things for the better.
We heard from three women working in our community, but there are so many more, who, inspired by their own experiences and the challenges others face, choose to use their energy and talents to make a difference.
We heard from Sarah Hacker at Alana House about the outreach work they do to help vulnerable women avoid offending behaviour that could lead to a prison sentence.
Kushinga Hare talked about her own experiences of being a refugee in this country after her mother died at age 12, and how she now works for the Refugee Support Group Berkshire to help
individuals and families rebuild their lives after escaping from war, torture and/or modern slavery.
Marie Hemingway used her own drive and expertise to cofound the award-winning Speak Out Revolution, which gathers data on the harassment and bullying women experience at work, and leverages this data to lobby for change.
Fiona Dignan, whose work you may have read in this paper, performed a bespoke poem she wrote for the evening which left us all fired up and in no doubt about our collective power as women.
During my three years leading the Reading and Wokingham branch of the Women’s Equality Party, I’ve spoken to so many local women doing such great work in our community, striving to make things better.
Many of them have experienced discrimination, abuse or hardship themselves. All of them have a passion to help.
I couldn’t begin to list them all here but in our community there are domestic abuse survivors now working to support other
survivors; women running food banks and lunch clubs; women running and working for charities that support victims of abuse and families going through tough times; women who have founded support groups and a countywide Facebook group shining a light on the ongoing racial discrimination that black and minority ethnic people face daily; women who organise events and marches, and who never fail to use their voices for the benefit of others.
Gloria Steinem said: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”.
I’m a member of the Women’s Equality Party because I believe in the strength of women working together to change things for the better. The passion and power of all the incredible women I’ve met in our community strengthens that belief.
International Women’s Day was one day on which we got to celebrate them, but they deserve much more. When we put aside our differences and work together, we can achieve so much. The UN estimates it will be 300 years before we achieve global gender equality. That’s because they haven’t met the phenomenal women of Wokingham.
I will continue to champion issues that impact local women and I’d love to hear from you.
You can contact me on readingandwokingham@ womensequality.org.uk
Louise Timlin is the leader of the Reading and Wokingham Branch of the Women’s Equality Party
LAST week we celebrated World Social Work Day in Reading.
It was a day to shout about how much we value social workers in our town. They do an incredible job, day in, day out, making an enormous difference to people’s lives, often in hugely trying circumstances and with ever dwindling resources across the sector.
The day of celebration came in a week it was reported that the Government is planning to cut its promised £250 million investment in the social care workforce.
The commitment was made in December 2021 by the Department of Health and Social Care as part of a much-hyped white paper, ironically called People at the Heart of Care.
The same news report claims a further £300m plan to increase the range of new supported housing options will also be quietly dropped.
Ask anyone involved at any level of social care, they will all tell you that recruitment and retention is a massive issue. There are currently an estimated 100,000 vacancies in care across the UK and that figure is set to increase substantially.
Low wages are a big reason why the sector is haemorrhaging care workers to retail or hospitality sectors, to name just two. I firmly believe that caring – a life-sustaining occupation –should not be a minimum wage vocation, which is why we demand that Reading Council’s providers pay at or above the Living Wage Foundation’s real Living Wage.
But wherever you look, care providers are under financial pressure and unless wages are backed up by a realistic and long-term funding commitment by Government for the sector, it may not be sustainable for many care providers.
In the continued absence of a sustainable funding solution on adult social care from this Government, one way we can show how much we value residents, and indeed our social workers, is to invest in modern new facilities.
Earlier this month, council plans to build new affordable homes, an older people’s day centre, sheltered housing for the over 55s, and supported living flats on the site of the former Central Swimming Pool in Reading were approved by the Planning Committee.
The development – just off the Oxford Road on Battle Street – is the most significant investment in modern new adult social care facilities in Reading for many years.
These aren’t just new buildings. They incorporate adult social care support services which can help transform the lives of some of Reading’s most vulnerable people.
Not a million miles away, on Amethyst Lane, the Council is now also pushing ahead with plans to build a modern new respite care facility to support some of the Borough’s residents with complex needs and, importantly, provide much needed respite for their carers.
More than 3,000 residents aged 18 and over have a profound and multiple learning disability. Many are cared for by family or friends. The new facility will provide short-term respite for up to six people at a time. Like our social workers, unpaid carers do an incredible job looking after vulnerable people, many of them 24/7.
It is so important that support like this is in place to give a chance to recharge their batteries.
Sometimes, the gulf between the big talk of national Government and the meaningful delivery by local government is too big to ignore. Everyone wants a care system that works, but we do need our national leaders to get real about the systemic issues. Otherwise, the scale of the challenge risks becomes insurmountable.
READING Buses has announced major timetable changes to two of its routes to accommodate rising demand, which will come into force from April 17.
Leopard 3 and Greenwave 50 service users are set to benefit. There will also be minor changes to Jet Black 1 and route 9 during the day and Lion X4 and Little Orange 19b for evening journeys.
The revised schedule will see higher peaktime frequencies of Leopard 3 buses and better spacing to help reduce crowding.
Additional evening journeys between Reading and the Royal Berkshire Hospital will replace evening journeys on Little Oranges 19b, with route 9 getting adjusted to complement the busiest Leopard journeys.
There will also be Greenwave 50 services to Green Park every 10 minutes during peak times from Monday-Friday, as well as a “more reliable” timetable on Saturdays.
Reading Buses clarified that the reviews of bus funding and service levels being publicised by Wokingham Borough Council do not affect the Leopard 3 service.
Since September 2022, only a small number of evening and Sunday journeys between Shinfield and Arborfield have been funded by the council. The rest of the service is part of a selfsustaining part of the Reading Buses network that the operator says it is committed to developing in line with demand.
The Jet Black 1 timetable has been reworked to provide better reliability and timekeeping, and continues with the same 30 minute daytime frequency between Reading and Newbury. Journeys towards Reading will have an additional stop at Southdown Road, Newbury, after departing West Berkshire Community Hospital.
The 11.50pm Lion X4 service from MondaySaturday from Bracknell, which was introduced in January 2023, will no longer run. The last bus from Bracknell will revert to the 11pm Lion 4. The new timetables will be available to view online and on the Reading Buses app shortly.
The cost-of-living crisis means that it’s more important than ever to make sure you are receiving all the government benefits that you are entitled to. Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home for as long as you wish.
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.todayA RECENT exhibition at a Redlands church has been described as “one of the best ever” by a group of Reading artists.
The four-day event attracted record crowds and huge sales for stall holders with organiser Leslee Barron confirming a second was being planned for later this year.
“All the stallholders did a roaring trade and there were also a large number of art works purchased,” she said.
“I brought a hundred cards of one of my own works and only had one left at the end of the day. Of course, artists want to get their art out there but they also need money to buy materials in the first place and that’s something people often forget.”
The exhibition at Redlands Parish Church (St Luke’s) Church Hall on Erleigh Road was on the theme of wholeness and included paintings,
drawings and photography as well as wood sculptures by Nick Garnett who uses a chainsaw.
Added Leslee: “Some of those involved had never exhibited before. Events like this hopefully encourage people to step forward to show their art and to be bold and individual.
“The hall we used was a beautiful space with large windows allowing lots of light to flood in. I can’t thank the church enough for their support, kindness and making us all feel so welcome.”
Leslee said the art scene in Reading was alive and thriving despite the covid lockdown and rising cost of artist materials.
“The church was so impressed by this exhibition and the quality of the artists, it plans to hold its own in the summer.
“There is a real buzz around the town with an increasing number of artistic hubs and communities so it is great to see them being supported.”
Attendance Allowance is paid to people who have reached state pension age if they have a disability or health condition. Exactly how much someone receives depends on how their condition affects them, and there are two weekly rates. A lower rate of £61.85/week is paid if you need help during the day, and you may receive up to £92.40/week if you have health issues that disrupt your sleep. That’s up to £370/month tax-free. It’s not means-tested, and it doesn’t matter where you live, or if you have savings.
Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?
I offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.
Attendance Allowance is also known as a ‘gateway benefit’ as other benefits and opportunities are opened once you start to receive it.
We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control.
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Cedric Lander, Woodley Nigel Pearce AIPW
LawfirmBlandy&Blandyiscurrentlyacceptingapplications fortrainingcontractstobegininSeptember2023,aswellasin September2024.
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RecognisedasatoptierfirmintheUK’sleadingguidestolaw firms,ChambersUKGuideandTheLegal500,Blandy& BlandyhasalsoheldtheLawSociety’sLexcelqualitymark since2003.Thefirm’ssuccessfulapproachhasbeen recognisedinthelikesofChambersStudentGuide,the LawCareers.NetTraining&RecruitmentAwardsandtheLex 100Survey.Factorssuchasthequalityofworkundertaken andthelevelofclientcontacttraineesenjoy,alongsidea welcomingandsupportiveculture,jobsatisfactionandgood work/lifebalance,haveallbeenhighlightedbytrainee solicitors.
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THE number of homes sold in Berkshire is up significantly since before Christmas, but is also considerably down on this time last year.
Estate agent comparison site GetAgent.co.uk surveyed the number of properties being sold subject to contract. In the royal county, it is up 11% on the closing stages of 2022 – while the national average is a rise of 5%.
The research shows that across England, there are 289,347 properties are currently sold subject to contract having accepted an offer, this is 13,967 more homes sold when compared to December, a boost of 5.1% in market activity.
In Berkshire, it is 5,509 homes in this status, compared to 4,943 in December.
But, there were 6,511 homes sold subject to status in Berkshire this time last year, and 6,670 in December 2021.
The biggest increases across the country are in Wiltshire, where there has been a 44% increase in the number of homes sold subject to contract when compared to the end of last year, and West Sussex at 42%.
In contrast, Bedfordshire (-15%), London (-14%) and the Isle of Wight (-12%) have seen the largest reductions in the number of homes selling today versus the closing stages of 2022.
COO of GetAgent.co.uk, Mal McCallion,
said: “While the market has been cooling in recent months, agents up and down the nation have been reporting a strong start to 2023, and it certainly seems as though this initial interest from buyers is now starting to convert, with a higher number of homes being marked as sold subject to contract.
“While the nation’s estate agents have been working hard to achieve
this, the job certainly isn’t finished, and the focus now is to ensure that these sales make it over the line in what has become a slightly more challenging landscape.
“However, a surge in market activity when compared to the latter stages of 2022 bodes well for the year ahead and should bring reassurance to agents that it’s business as usual.”
PETROL heads and Sunday drivers are gearing up for a whole new premium car servicing experience.
The LODGE At Your Service, located in a new, luxury purpose-built facility in Binfield, features a bespoke five bay-workshop and a team of specialist technicians using the latest diagnostic equipment.
Designed to handle all the motorist’s servicing, diagnostics and repair needs, LODGE At Your Service has over four decades of combined BMW and prestige motor trade knowledge.
Co-founders of LODGE At Your Service, Kevin Woolhouse and Rob Sims, understand that customer service is everything.
“Having used main dealer servicing over the years for
my current business LODGE Motor Company,it became clear that there was an opportunity in the market for a professional, reliable and trustworthy independent service centre, that could offer premium customer service levels at competitive prices,” said Kevin.
Rob explained that trust and transparency are at the heart
of everything the company does: “Having spent 30 years working in the premium sector of the motor industry, I started my career in the After Sales department, working my way up through the business to the role of Managing Director at Sytner Sunningdale.
“I am now delighted to bring my wealth of experience to LODGE At Your Service.
“Trust and transparency are at the heart of everything we do - I am very passionate about delivering a premium experience, for each and every single customer.” -
LODGE At Your Service will launch with a special 10% off first visits and a special MultiCar Household Discount. n For more, call: 01344 202202 or visit lodgeatyourservice.co.uk
GRADUATES from Winchester School of Art will be showcasing some of their work next month.
The Boiling Point Artist Collective is a group of 14 artists who came together to support each other in their first years of practice after graduating.
As part of OpenHand OpenSpace’s FRESH programme of postgraduate opportunities, they will showcase some of their work at the Oxford Road-based gallery from Thursday, April 6, through to Tuesday, April 11.
It will feature a mix of video works, sculptures, paintings, printmaking and installations, offering insights into each artist’s personal experiences of navigating a practice post-art school in today’s climate.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see prints exploring historic castles, and the environmental urgencies surrounding open-pit mining, films using archived footage, sculptures using 3D printing, and paintings investigating what a portrait can mean in the digital age.
The exhibition has been made possible with the support of a project grant from Arts Council England and Winchester School of Art.
The opening reception will take place on Thursday, April 6, from 6pm to 9pm, and the exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, April 7, through to Tuesday, April 11, from 11am to 6pm.
n For more details, search for Boiling Point on whatsonreading.com
THOSE passing through the University of Reading this weekend will be forgiven for mistaking its Whiteknights campus for an alternative universe.
That’s because CosXPo will be returning for its fourth running on April 1 and 2 - a cosplay event which focuses on developing crafting and photography skills.
Taking place across various rooms at the university’s 3Sixty venue, the schedule is jam-packed with workshops, live demos, competitions, exhibition stalls and even a VIP after-party.
The event’s managing director, Kenny Lam, said: “We’re really excited – a little nervous and stressed though - all the emotions really. We’re expecting around 1,300 people this year, having had 700 come to our first event.
“It’ll be a great chance to learn how to make costumes – we’ll see armour made from materials like camping or yoga mats using embroidery, hoops and other patterns.
“There’ll also be competitions running, including the European qualifiers, with winners going to France and Austria.
He added that CosXPo differs from bigger comic cons, where cosplay is a smaller part of the event.
CosXPo will have some vendors on site, but largely focuses on classroom activities, so visitors can come away having learned a skill which will help enhance their enjoyment of cosplay.
It prides itself on providing the ideal opportunity to share
knowledge and expertise, while speaking to industry professionals and accomplished cosplayers.
Live demonstrations include a crash course into cinematic lighting, working with plus size cosplay, leather embossing, designing foam-fitting bodysuits and modern silicone techniques.
The workshops are targeted at anyone from cosplay veterans to those starting out for the first time.
Winners of CosXPo’s cosplay competition and showcase will qualify to represent the UK at the
COSPLAY FUN: CosXPo will be returning for a fourth time this weekend.
European Cosplay Gathering in Paris and the Tournament of Champions in Austria.
There will also be a photography competition where entrants will demonstrate their talents with both natural and artificial light.
The event starts at 11am on both days at the university’s 3Sixty venue.
Tickets are £18 per day or £32 for both, with VIP tickets for the weekend costing £40. n For more information or to secure tickets, visit: www.cosxpo.com
Picture: CosXPoHEAVY POP’s weekend of music has just released a full breakdown of all of the artists who will be playing the festival when it returns this summer.
Are You Listening? festival celebrates its 10th birthday in May and has released the final line-up of who’ll be playing.
Uncle Peanut, OSP, and Radio X’s John Kennedy have been added to the roster for a packed-out summer party.
The final announcement also sees Ash The Author, Deadletter, Holiday Ghosts, Lambrini Girls, Marisa and the Moths, and Pet Needs among the names added to the bill.
They’ll be joined by Ashkat, Butch Kassidy, Chiika, Cities in Dust, Colours & Fires, Cowboyy, Dr Satso, Steve Dore, Gag Salon, Hoopy Frood, Glas Half Broken, and Holy Shillito.
Headline acts Black Honey, Thomas Headon, and Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage will be taking to the stage in venues across town.
Face Bar, Oakford Social Club, Purple Turtle, The Rising Sun Arts Centre, St Laurence Church, South Street Arts Centre, and Sub89 will all see a full day of live performances.
OSP are among
names added to the roster for this year’s Are You Listening? Festival, which takes place on Saturday, May 6. Picture:
There’s also a warm-up party in St Laurence Church, where headliners Dream Wife will be joined by Divorce, Doops, Heartworms, and The Pink Diamond Revue. Heavy Pop and Dork team up to bring the event to Reading with support going to Reading Mencap. Are You Listening? takes place on Saturday, May 6, following the warm-up party on Friday, May 5. n The full line-up and access to tickets are available via: areyoulistening.org.uk
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
BEAT Connection returned to Reading’s St Laurence church once again for two days of top-hole live musical performances.
Friday’s line-up saw This. kick off proceedings before Adam & Elvis had the crowd truly warmed up.
Guildford’s Lime Garden raised the temperature when they started their set with Fever, before barrelling into In, then Mother with effortless, confident, and assured presence.
Their dry though affable humour bleeds through not only their lyrical and musical content but also their easy stage personas, which all contribute to their unique brand of bubblegum-laden bedroom punk.
Headliners and Brighton indie rockers Porridge Radio also gave a biting show with an instant command of the stage.
Their set included outstanding performances of End of Last year, Splintered, and Jealousy.
These were swiftly followed by haunting versions of Trying
Bar staff kept attendees in drinks, including offerings from Siren Craft Brew and Double Barrelled Brewery
and 7 seconds, and shout-along, fist-pumping crowd favourite Birthday Party.
Friday night was closed with Baba Ali as the late-night guest, bringing neon-soaked, neo-newwave dynamism that is to be expected from them.
Saturday saw an even more packed line-up, with Liam O’Brien and The Mirror Pictures picking up the baton ahead of Cowboyy.
Damaged by Circus Elephants played an impressive debut gig, showcasing their down-to-Earth style wrapped up in joyful, soulful sensibilites.
Gwenifer Raymond, hailing from Cardiff, brought a sparse instrumentation to the forefront before headliner Billie Marten raised things to an emotional crescendo.
Late-night guests KEG and ADKD made sure that those still seeking a party weren’t disappointed, playing well into Sunday before Tracks & Grooves closed the show.
Beat Connection is a collaboration between Heavy Pop and Dork.
n For more information about upcoming shows from Heavy Pop, visit heavypop.co.uk.
THE Last Crumb in Caversham is the venue for a social event for members of a local walking group.
Berkshire ramblers 20s and 30s group is holding the event, which starts at 7pm, on Thursday, March 30, and will continue until attendees decide to leave or last orders is called, whichever is sooner.
No booking is required, and all members are welcome. Organisers say the social event is an excellent opportunity to meet and socialise with other walkers.
n More details about the group’s social events can be found on their website, www. berkshirewalkers.co.uk
SAINT Laurence Church is hosting a free Easter event for families and children, featuring interactive installations, Easter crafts, video and a cafe.
The event, taking place from 2pm to 3.30pm on Good Friday, aims to explore the story of Holy Week in a unique way, using sight and sound to create an immersive experience.
The event is open to all and suitable for all ages.
The church is located in Friar Street.
n For more details, log on to: www.stlreading.org
By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today
GOVERNMENT figures have shown that Reading is getting better at disposing of waste.
According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there were 175 (10.7%) fewer recorded incidents of fly-tipping across Reading in 2021/22 than in 2020/21.
A total of 1,453 fly-tipping incidents were recorded across the South East of England in 2021/22, down from 1,628 in the previous year.
One reason for the positive trend in Reading could be the increased number of punishments issued by the council.
A spokesperson for the Reading Borough Council said: “We would point out that the number of fixed penalty notices issued by the council for flytipping for those very same two years increased from 224 in 2020/21 to 353 in 2021/22.
“The council considers all instances of fly-tipping unacceptable, irresponsible and a drain on limited resources, not to mention a blight on the environment and unfair on the vast majority of residents in Reading who are law abiding.
“We have a zero tolerance policy and will not hesitate to issue fines, or indeed prosecute offenders, where the origin of the waste can be identified. Depending on the offence, the maximum penalty for fly tipping could be five years custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine if prosecuted in Crown Court.”
The council asks that residents report any fly-tipping activity via its website, contact centre or the Love Clean Reading app.
Prompt reporting will help the council identify the culprit and take action against them. Multiple reports at any given site could see signage advising of penalties installed. The spokesperson continued: “Where fly-tipped waste includes bulky waste, garden/ green waste or construction material, we are often reliant on witnesses coming forward or capturing the incidents on CCTV surveillance.
“The team operates three sets of CCTV cameras for fly-
tipping purposes and a fourth camera is currently on order. These are placed in frequent fly-tip hotspot areas and are monitored regularly.
“Where waste is dumped from a vehicle and the registration is identified, enforcement action is taken against the vehicle’s registered owner.
“Residents can also help with the identification of fly-tippers by providing information which leads directly to fly tipping fines being issued.”
Reading’s reduction in flytipping incidents mirrored the trend seen in the rest of the South East of England.
A total of 102,916 incidents were recorded across the region in 2021/22, down from 121,283 in the previous year.
Responding to the findings, rural insurance specialist, Lycetts, is calling on landowners to double down their efforts to keep environmental criminals at bay.
Amanda Harman, divisional director at Lycetts, said: “The figures are very encouraging, but it is important that landowners continue to remain vigilant if the downward trajectory is to continue.
“Making it difficult for environmental criminals to access land is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take.
“Gates should be locked when not in use, fences should be in a good state of repair and hedges should be cut back to allow good visibility for property owners.
“Fly-tippers tend to operate under cover of darkness, so exterior lighting should be installed, if possible. Security cameras can also be an effective deterrent, and can help secure successful prosecutions.”
A READING director is releasing a new documentary about a classic children’s TV show.
Lewis Gilbert will be taking a deep dive into the history of a now-nearly-forgotten part of the British TV landscape in TUGS: A Bigg Retrospective, in collaboration with I.T.H Productions.
The film examines the programme produced by the team behind the Thomas The Tank Engine TV series and how it came to be.
It begins with Shepperton Studios in the late 1980s, where
Clearwater Features has just concluded production on the first two seasons of Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends.
Robert D Cardona and David Mitton are putting together something new, and though its original run would last for just a year, it would go on to find a cult following.
The result was TUGS, in which two fleets of tugboats, the Star Fleet and the Z-Stacks, compete with one another in the fictional Bigg City Port of the 1920s.
It featured a colourful cast of sea-faring characters, all of
which were live action models, and included narration by Patrick Allen.
The film aims to be an in-depth look at the work produced by Shepperton Studios, as well as fans, and features interviews with cast members and crew.
I.T.H Productions is an independent collective which produces shorts and feature films as well as documentaries, web series, and promotional material.
n TUGS: A Bigg Retrospective will be released for free on on Tuesday, via: youtube. com/@i.t.hproductions2555
FLY-TIPPING: Reading Borough Council described instances of fly-tipping as ‘unacceptable, irresponsible and a drain on limited resources’. Picture: LycettsTHE UNIVERSITY of Reading is collaborating with a community group in an bid to transform the UK’s food system so everyone has access to a healthy diet.
Led by Prof Carol Wagstaff, the Food Systems Equality (FoodSEqual) project has worked closely with people in Whitley, particularly through the Whitley Community Development Association, to build an understanding of people’s consumption habits.
One of the keys to the projec has been to include the people who the research will ultimately affect in the future.
Prof Wagstaff explained: “We’re really excited. We are working with people in the communities, rather than doing things to them.
“They are intimately involved with developing policies, supply chains and food products – we hope to reach a point where people have a food system which works for them that they’ve had a part in designing.”
As part of the UKRI’s Transforming the UK Food System programme, FoodSEqual is one of four research consortia who benefited from its total
£47.5 million pot.
The project works with people in four different communities in Plymouth, Brighton and Hove, Tower Hamlets and Whitley, Reading through teams based at the Universities of Plymouth, Kent, Sussex and Reading, as well as Cranfield University.
According to Prof Wagstaff, FoodSEqual has become increasingly relevant in recent times and she believes this isn’t going to change any time soon.
She said: “When we started to put this together, we weren’t in a cost of living crisis. Climate change is becoming much
more obvious to people, and the consequences of Brexit mean our supply chain is not necessarily quite as consistent as it used to be.
“On top of that, we’ve got the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine. Everything in people’s lives is getting more expensive, but it’s those from communities that are seldom heard who feel the pinch more than anyone else.”
Phase 1 of the project has involved benchmarking - building a picture of the national food landscape in disadvantaged communities and the impact of corporate,
THERE’S a chance to explore the good, the bad and the downright ugly of Reading.
No, the editor is not sharing his selfies, it’s a tour around the town to discover its architecture.
Terry’s Walking Tours is holding the event on Thursday, April 6. Starting at 9.50am, it continues to 12.30pm.
It is a two-mile route, which Terry says is an easy, flat walk. The tour will end close to a cafe.
Places are limited to 20 people, and the fee of £5 goes to Terry’s chosen charities: Home-Start Reading and The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre.
n For more information, search for ‘Architecture’ on whatsonreading.com, or log on to: www. facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts
AN EVENING of a cappella music is to be performed to mark the start of Holy Week.
social and government frameworks on the UK’s food system.
One of the findings from the team’s scoping work has been a markedly “strong” level of aspiration to consume healthy diets, with people possessing the knowledge and willingness to do so.
Affordability and time pressures are two clear barriers to achieving this.
The partnership between the University of Reading and the WCDA has seen the appointment of a team of community researchers, who actively take part in meetings and projects.
The Whitley researchers went behind the scenes at the Food and Nutritional Sciences department on campus, learning about how nutritional biomarkers help keep track of people’s dietary patterns.
The collaboration allows members of the team to pass their knowledge on to the communities they are part of, while shining a light on people’s lived experiences and circumstances.
Phases 2 and 3 will see communities and businesses codevelop new supply chains, before letting them be evaluated, adjusted and
improved.
Last year, the WCDA’s food surplus project reported an increase in users, seeing 1,840 people use its food surplus in May 2022, compared to around 900 the previous year.
Volunteers collect food from its supermarket partners for visitors to pick up five days a week.
Community development worker Maria Cox, said: “The difference a year has made is eye-opening. We have people who are out of work who access the service, but also families that do work who come to us and who have never asked for help before.
“And you only need to look at the cost of electricity, gas and food to understand the reason for the huge increase in project users.
“The reality of the cost of living crisis has hit home for everybody.”
Ms Cox added that there has been a particular demand for fruit and vegetables.
She said: “That’s what people want, the fruit and the veg. The government tells us it’s what we need to be eating, but it’s also expensive.
“It’s cheaper to go out and buy a bag of chips, beans and sausages for your children.”
Tenebrae is to perform in Dorchester Abbey, with a programme of works by J.S. Bach and James MacMillan.
The choir performs at major festivals and venues globally and has worked with leading orchestras including the London Symphony. The performance will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 7.30pm to 9pm, and tickets cost £30.
n For more details, log on to: www.tenebrae-choir.com
THE Caversham Park Village Association has called a Special General Meeting to discuss the future of the organisation.
At the gathering, trustees will seek to appoint a chair, a secretary and a treasurer. All members are encouraged to attend to ensure their voices are heard, and online participation is possible.
Members who wish to join online can request an invitation through the website. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 6, from 7.30pm. n For more details, log on to: cpva.org.uk
THE Centre for Heritage and Family History is hosting a special discussion group for family historians wanting to make the most of their DNA results.
The session, facilitated by DNA expert Debbie Kennett, will focus on DNA structure and take place on Saturday, April 1, at 2.30pm. Although the group meets quarterly, attendees are not required to attend regularly and newcomers are always welcomed.
Pre-booking is required and questions can be submitted to Debbie before the session. Tickets cost £5, with a discount of £4 available for members of the Berks Family History Society. The event will take place online and bookings close on Friday.
n For more details, log on to: berksfhs.org
THE University of Reading is inviting applications for its Sanctuary Scholarships scheme.
There are 12 awards available for sanctuary seekers - people with refugee, humanitarian protected or asylum seeker status - for 2023, helping people start or continue their education.
Scholarships range from undergraduate to postgraduate programmes, as well as support for pre-sessional academic English courses.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “No
one studying to further their education and improve their life opportunities should be disadvantaged because they’ve had to flee their country in order to stay safe.
“The Sanctuary Scholarships scheme is our way of helping people who have had to do just that, and is one of many ways we offer our support to refugees and all sanctuary seekers here at Reading.”
Applications are now open and the deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Friday, May 26.
Since 2020, the university has awarded scholarships
to 26 students through the Sanctuary Scholarships scheme.
Adam, whose name has been changed, is one of the initiative’s beneficiaries.
He travelled to the UK seeking refugee status in 2019 after the situation in his home country became too dangerous for himself and his family.
He said: “It was a changing point in our lives. We had already been through so much.
“When I received the funding, it changed everything. I felt like the pressure had finally been lifted after so many years.”
SOLUTIONS: FoodSEqual has worked closely with Whitley Community Development Association, which runs a daily food surplusREADING BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)
Order 2015 Notice of applications for planning permission under Article 15 of the Order
APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
All comments must be received within 21 days and will go on public view.
230279: The Willows, 2 Hexham Road, Reading, RG2 7UG - Full planning application for the erection of a building containing a day centre providing social care services (Use Class E(f)) and 42 residential units including specialist housing (Use Class C3) with landscaping, car parking and access.
APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS
All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.
230248: 43A Church Road, Reading, RG4 7AG - Proposed 2 storey rear extension, single storey link, replacement garage, fenestration alterations to listed building, conservation roof lights and internal amendments.
These applications can be viewed online http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp
Anyone wishing to make representations can submit comments online or write, quoting the application number, to Planning, Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (VARIOUS ROADS, REDLANDS) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend the parking bays in the lengths of roads on the dates detailed below:
11/04/23 – 17/04/23
Side of (s/o) 13 to s/o 5 Northcourt Avenue.
17/04/23 – 26/04/23
S/o 1 to 34 Marlborough House to s/o
3 Marlborough Avenue.
Outside (o/s) 4 to s/o 10 Northcourt Avenue.
S/o 82 to s/o 56 Christchurch Road.
S/o 70 to s/o 62 Redlands Road.
S/o 1 to o/s 13 Marlborough Avenue.
O/s 84 to o/s 72 Elmhurst Road.
O/s 84 to o/s 72 Elmhurst Road.
11/04/23/23 – 14/04/23
Opposite s/o 17 Avebury Square, Upper Redlands Road.
14/04/23 – 20/04/23
Opposite and o/s Dunsden Crescent (o/s St Joseph’s College field), Upper Redlands Road.
26/04/23 – 03/05/23
O/s St William of York Church to o/s
32 Upper Redlands Road.
O/s 29 to o/s 9 Upper Redlands Road.
04/05/23 – 11/05/23
O/s 30 to o/s 22 Upper Redlands Road.
O/s 7 to s/o 1 Upper Redlands Road.
11/05/23 – 17/05/23
S/o 20 to s/o 12 Upper Redlands Road.
Opposite 22 to opposite s/o 12 Upper Redlands Road.
27/04/23 – 03/05/23
O/s 84 to o/s 68 Elmhurst Road.
Opposite 84 to opposite 68 Elmhurst Road.
04/05/23/23-10/05/23
O/s 66 to s/o 58 Elmhurst Road.
Opposite 66 to opposite 58 Elmhurst Road.
11/05/23 – 16/05/23
S/o St George’s Hall, Marlborough Avenue to o/s St George’s Hall.
Opposite s/o St George’s Hall to o/s St George’s Hall, Elmhurst Road.
16/05/23 – 22/05/23
O/s St George’s Hall to s/o St George’s Hall, Upper Redlands Road.
Opposite St Georges Hall to s/o St George’s Hall, Elmhurst Road.
27/04/23 – 03/05/23
S/o 70 to o/s 62 Redlands Road.
10/05/23 – 16/05/23
Opposite 50d to opposite 48 Redlands Road.
23/05/23 – 31/05/23
Opposite 36 to opposite 32 Redlands Road.
O/s 20 to o/s 26 Redlands Road.
If made, the Order will come into force from 11 April 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force for a maximum period of 18 months or until completion of the works, whichever is sooner. The Order is necessary for installation of new core ducting and cabling.
DATED: 30 March 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
Saturday 27th May 2023
From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.
• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHS
Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 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 and 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 before we steam for home.
• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHU
Sunday 30th July 2023
From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready 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 we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.
• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHV
Comedian Eshaan Akbar talks to JAKE CLOTHIER about his upcoming stand-up tour and whether a comedian’s personal views are relevant, ahead of his show at South Street in April
ESHAAN Akbar has been performing comedy for nearly a decade, with appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, QI, and The Big Asian Stand-Up.
He’s an accomplished radio host and award-winning podcaster, as well as recently announcing that he is among the cast for the fourth season of the Netflix show Sex Education.
He’s also set out on The Pretender, which Eshaan says is his first national stand-up tour “after nine years of traipsing up and down this great beautiful, green land”.
He says the connection with audiences keeps things fresh.
“Sometimes it can be very difficult to see the beauty of a situation when you’re coming back from Cardiff and there’s a three-hour delay on the M4.
“But one of the beauties of being a comedian, particularly in the UK, is you’re able to go up and down the country and meet different audiences.
“You get to understand what it is
that people enjoy and love.”
As for the show itself: “It’s an hour of my funniest stuff, but if there’s a theme then it’s about how we’re all slightly pretending all the time.
“We’re all presenting ourselves differently to our partners, our friends, our family.”
“I feel like a lot of political discourse is people just trying their best to fit in whichever side of the debate they’re on.
“I don’t believe that everybody believes everything about their side of the debate all the time.”
While Eshaan doesn’t ‘court’ political issues, he doesn’t avoid them either, instead seeking the humour first.
“A lot of my stuff that is political or social observation deals with what representation and diversity means for people of colour– a phrase I personally hate.
“I get criticised for being a diversity booking, and the fact that their parents weren’t interested in other races isn’t my problem.
“Then there are others who expect me to do certain things because they think I’m a diversity booking, and I won’t do those either.
“I want to highlight how comedy can make someone laugh, fundamentally, before it changes their minds.”
He admits that some comedy audiences, however, can be somewhat navel-gazing: “Sometimes, particularly in London, they have this sense that comedy has a higher purpose than it serves.
“But we’re all basically the same: we want to pay our bills, have a nice time with the people we love, hope that people love us back, and be comfortable – that’s it really.”
Eshaan says also that there is an often unifying aspect to live comedy.
“People want to enjoy the show; they don’t want to be hit over the head with how terrible people are.
“That’s one of the things I love; white, black, doesn’t matter, disabilities, sexuality, doesn’t matter –fundamentally, as human beings we all want the same things.”
He also says that his “cantankerous” personality leads him to enjoy the pushing of an audience’s buttons: “I don’t always take the position people might expect, and that’s what it’s about.
“I don’t want people to come and
see me because they agree with me politically – what I want people to not have a single sense of what I believe.
“I want them to be able to laugh at something that they just completely wouldn’t expect, that’s when I’ve done my job.”
The element of surprise plays a part in this, he explains: “People will be surprised to hear some of the things which come out of my mouth.”
But he also sees a comedian’s personal views as irrelevant to their comedy: “I’m there to be funny - if you want to judge, and Lord knows people do, that’s their prerogative.
“But I don’t really care what people think, because you can’t police that, so I’m quite relaxed about it.”
This, he feels, has led to him supporting a wide range of fellow comedians from a diverse range of backgrounds and political standpoints.
He says he’s supported comedians from Jason Manford and Micky Flannigan to Kae Kurd and Mo Gilligan.
“What I learned from that is that the audience just wants to laugh – are people changing their minds at the polling booths because of what a comic said?
“I don’t necessarily subscribe to that idea, though I know some comedians do, and me being shrill about the state
of the nation doesn’t contribute.”
“Print media overall tends to be right-leaning, but comics seem to lean left; then you get big comedy heroes like John Cleese who end up being right-leaning too.
“Nobody wanted to know that, though, it’s a by-product which some lean into, but that’s not for me.
“I want to find a middle ground.”
And this middle ground could be achieved, he says, through longer discourse, such as via podcasts.
“They’re a really good way of showcasing nuance and diversity of thoughts and opinions, but with the aim of having a good time.”
All of which becomes only more so as age continues to set in, as it does for us all: “In the blink of an eye I was 38.
“And in the blink of an eye I’ll be 70, and I want be having a great time until then rather than spending time worrying about things way beyond my paygrade.”
n The Pretender is touring around the country including Reading’s South Street Arts Centre on Saturday, April 22. For tickets, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to whatsonreading.com. Other dates Guildford, Maidenhead, and Swindon.
n Full tour details and tickets are available via www.eshaanakbar.com/
‘Sometimes
AN AMERICAN singer will perform sambas, afros and original music with her trio.
Corina Kwami blends her ghaniaianIrish roots with her experience of living in many countries across Africa, Latin America and Europe.
Her show, Pangea is inspired by a time when North America, Africa, South America, and Europe were continuous
Kwami is joined by tap dancer Adele Joel, for an evening inspired by rhythm tap, samba and West African dance.
The event is at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Saturday, April 1.
Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £16.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
INTERACTIVE and with original songs, Animals! is about animals, humans and nature.
The animals are gathering, but one species hasn’t turned up.
It’s the one which has been causing all the trouble.
Something’s got to be done, and whatever it is, it’s going to be wild.
The event, suitable for six years and over, takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, in Maidenhead.
Shows, on Tuesday, April 4, are at 11.30am and 2pm.
Tickets can be purchased for £12, or £10 for under 16s, with family and friends tickets (four people) costing £40. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
n The show is at South Street on Wednesday, April 5. For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
PIANIST Debra Wong will play Works by Chopin, Schumann and Granados.
The Bracknell-based pianist is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music. Her concert is at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Saturday, April 1.
Every week, we bring you a roundup of all shows taking place in the region’s theatres. It covers this weekend and next, so you can plan ahead and book tickets to the shows that you want to go and see.
As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk
01344 484123
Crowthorne Musical Players present The Little Mermaid.
Tues 28-Sat 1. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 31. Bracknell Jazz: Nigel Price. Fri 7.
FILMS: National Theatre Live: Life of Pi (PG). Thurs 30. Living (12a). Fri 31-Sun 2. Nostalgia (12a). Mon 3. Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (PG). Wed 5. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (18). Wed 5-Thurs 6. The Whale (15). Fri 7-Sun 9
Following the huge success of the 35th Anniversary Tour, That’ll Be The Day is back on the road with another show packed full of world-class performances from Trevor and the highly talented cast.
And it’s at The Hexagon on Wednesday.
The UK’s leading Rock ’n‘ Roll show takes audiences on a journey through
Doors open at 3pm.
Tickets cost £18, with all concessions available for £15.
Debra is offering the proceeds of her concert to charity At Home Foundation, for their work supporting new immigrants.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
READING Symphony Orchestra invites families to hear John Williams’ Star Wars Suite.
The group’s programme also includes: Smetana’s Vltava; Rautavaara’s Clarinet Concerto, with soloist Nicholas Shipman; and Gershwin’s American in Paris.
The event is at Reading Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, on Saturday, April 1.
Doors open at 4pm, with tickets costing £16, or £5 for under 18s.
www.camberleytheatre.biz
01276 707600
Legend The Music of Bob Marley.
Thurs 30. Francis Rossi: Tunes and Chat. Fri 31. Come
What May. Sun 2. Dinosaur
Adventure Live. Tues 4. Matrix
Illusion. Wed 5.
Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
01483 440000
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle. Thurs 30-Fri 31.
Dreamcoat Stars. Sat 1. George McGavin: It’s a Wild Life. Wed 5. Room on the Broom. Fri 7-9.
High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk
01494 512000
Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 30. Steel Magnolias. Until Sat 1. The Drifters. Sun 2. Room on the Broom. Tues 4-Wed
5. Ministry of Science live.
the years, from the golden age of Rock ’n’ Roll and Pop from the 50s right the way through to the 80s.
Combining hilarious comedy sketches and impersonations with brilliant vocals and superb musicianship, That’ll Be The Day really is in a league of its own.
It’s no wonder this show has been touring for so many years and it just gets better and better.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
THE COMEDIAN’S show, Powerpoint To The People, gives Dave an opportunity to look at life the way it is - in his head, anyway.
He aims to demonstrate that a powerpoint presentation doesn’t need a man in a grey suit standing behind a lectern.
Known for Dave TV’s Modern Life Is Goodish, Are You Dave Gorman? And Googlewhack Adventure, Gorman brings his latest show to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre.
The event is on Saturday, April 1. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £29.50.
Only tickets purchased through WhatsOnReading and Ticketmaster will
Thurs 6. The UK Pink Floyd Experience. Fri 7. Fireman Sam Live Relaxed Performance.
Sat 8.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk
01491 525050
Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil. Thurs 30. Nothing Happens (Twice). Fri 31.
Rhys James: Split Milk. Sat
1. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Wed 5-Sat 8.
Attenborough and his Animals. Sun 9.
Maidenhead –Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org
01628 788997
Maidenhead Drama Festival.
Thurs 30-Fri 31. Band of the Household Cavalary lunchtime recital. Thurs 30. What’s Love Got To Do With It (12a). Fri
24. Papa Truck. Fri 31. Norden Farm Market. Sat 1. Corina
Kwami Pamhea. Sat 1. Little English (12a). Tues 4-Wed 5.
The Amazing Bubble Man.
Wed 5. Close (12a). Wed 5.
Curious Investigators. Thurs
6. Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up. Thurs 6. Meet Me In The Bathroom (15). Fri 7. Professor Slug’s House of Bugs. Sat 8. Wrong Jovi. Sat 8.
Newbury –The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218
Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder. Fri 31. Room on the Broom. Sat 1-Sun 2. Nick Sharratt’s Drawalong. Tues 4. Francis Rossi’s Tunes and Chat.
Thurs 6. RB Live: Cinderella. Wed 12.
Newbury –The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044
Visitors. Fri 31-Sat 22.
Join Trevor and the exceptional cast for the ultimate feelgood experience that will have you singing and dancing, and leave you wanting just a little bit more.
Tickets cost £26 or £28, and the show starts at 7.30pm.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
be valid for entry.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
Attenborough and His Animals is a comedy show that promises to bring the magic of the television wildlife presenter to life.
Two hapless fools recreate wonderful scenes of the natural world: Audiences will witness a blue whale swimming through the depths, and a racer snakes pursuing an iguana across the desert.
Following Edinburgh Fringe seasons and a world tour, the show comes to Henley.
For clowning, physical theatre and animals on stage, audiences should make their way to The Kenton Theatre.
Reading –South Street
www.whatsonreading.com
0118 960 6060
Tim Key: Mulberry – SOLD OUT.
Thurs 30. Alasdair Roberts. Fri 31. Rosie Jones: Triple Theatre. Sat 1. Animals. Wed 5. Jayde
Adams: Men, I Can Save You.
Fri 7.
Reading –The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com
0118 960 6060
Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Fri 31. Dave
Gorman: Powerpoint to the People. Sat 1. Harry Styles
tribute. Sun 2. Berkshire Youth
Symphony Orchestra Film
Fantastia. Mon 3. That’ll Be The Day. Wed 5.
Reading –Concert Hall
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Jonathan Biss piano. Apr 18.
The event is on Sunday, April 9.
Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available, costing £20, or £18 for concessions.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk
FANS of the singer Adele will be able to enjoy the next best thing this Friday.
Someone Like you – The Adele Songbook will be performed at The hexagon.
The concert will include a selection of the artist’s hits, including every song on the album 30.
The set list will include Make You Feel My Love, Someone Like You, Rolling In The Deep and Skyfall.
Katie Markham performs as the singer, and she was hand-picked by Adele herself during a spot on The Graham Norton Show.
Tickets cost £26, with concessions at £24, and under 16s £18. Groups of 10 upwards can enjoy a £3 discount off fullprice tickets.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
GEORGE McGavin shares his personal journey to discover the world of wildlife.
George’s work as a zoologist, entomologist and television broadcaster has taken him from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea and Borneo to the caves of Thailand, and from the jungles of Belize to the savannahs of Tanzania.
Drawing from his collection of wildlife images and film footage, he will share sights, sounds, and behind the scenes secrets.
George will also introduce his passion for insects, the secrets to their success and how their survival is the key to our own.
It’s a Wild Life, is at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, on Wednesday, April 5.
Doors open at 7.30, with tickets available for £23, or £18 for concessions. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000
Reading –Progress Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195
NEXT SHOW: Dinner. Apr 14-22.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com
0118 370 2620
Reading Symphony Orchestra. Sat 1. NEXT SHOW: Peter Pan. Apr 6-29.
Shinfield –Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk
0118 975 8880
NEXT SHOW: Ravenscroft. Wed Apr 26-Fri Apr 29.
Sonning –The Mill
www.millatsonning.com
0118 969 8000
Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until May 13.
Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
01753 853888
Mane Chance Comedy Night: Joe Pasquale, Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise and more. Sun 2. Easter School: Legally Blonde Jr. Mon
3. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Mon 3-Sat 8.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
0118 978 5363
NEXT SHOW: Flare Parth. Thurs Apr 27-Sat May 6.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org
0118 974 3247
Wokingham Music Club: Oye Santana. Fri 31.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org
07488337838
NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.
ASMALL team of people looking for a new challenge is needed for a project creating fun and laughter for many.
Hurst Panto group is looking for a new team of up to three producers for their next show.
The group says: “Hurst Panto has been putting on brilliant performances since 2003. However our next production scheduled for January 2024 will sadly not be able to run unless a new production team can be found.”
And they’ve asked: “Looking for a new challenge? Love organising projects? Great with people? Sounds like you?
“Then ‘oh yes you could’ be part of Hurst Pantomime Group’s next production team.”
Claire Lawrence, involved with eight Hurst pantos, said: “The producers aren’t involved with what happens on stage. That’s the director’s job.
“The producers do planning, communicating and steering the process as the panto moves from concept to the final show.
“They co-ordinate the different teams and volunteers to make sure the production happens.”
No specific theatre experience is necessary, just energy, enthusiasm and organisation skills.
“And it’s not something you sign up to forever. The producer team can change from each panto to the next,” said Claire.
”We’re hoping a group of two or three
THAMES Voyces are going on a musical Channel hop with their latest concert.
The popular chamber choir will feature works by one of England’s best loved composers, Benjamin Britten followed by renowned French musicians, Francis Poulenc and Louis Vierne.
Benjamin Britten was born on St Cecilia’s day, so it is perhaps apt to perform his Hymn to St Cecilia in this concert.
The piece written on a voyage back to this country from the United States in 1942.
As well as that piece, the choir
will also sing his Te Deum in C, Rejoice in the Lamb, and Hymn to the Virgin.
The second half will feature Poulenc’s Litanies à la Vierge Noire and Vierne’s Messe Solennelle.
The choir will be conducted by Nick Austin and accompanied by Ben Giddens
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Waterloo Road, Crowthorne is the location for the event which starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 1.
n For tickets and further information, log on to: www.thamesvoyces.org.uk
JAMES HASTINGSTHE DRAG domination of Reading is set to continue as a regular event returns.
STAGE HANDS: Hurst Pantomime Group need help to put on a show next year Pictures: Hurst Pantomime Group
friends, maybe with children who would like to be in the panto, might like to be in a little supportive team, sharing the work between them.
“Equally, a good project manager might enjoy doing it by themselves. There are different ways to do it. Myself and the other outgoing producers won’t leave them unsupported. We have lists and schedules and previous experience we’re happy to pass on.”
An offer you’d rarely receive is another tempter. The choice of which panto to perform will be down to the producer(s), working alongside the director.
For the show to be staged in January next year, planning needs to start in the next month or two. Hurst has performed 10pantos at Hurst Village Hall since 2003. n To find out more or register interest in producing email: hurstpanto@hotmail. co.uk
Anita Oui’s Suspenders is back at The Rising Sun Arts Centre on Saturday from 7pm, and this time it’s celebrating the art-pop monolith Lady Gaga.
The grassroots, DIY night of queer performance art sees acts handpicked by the host, Anita Oui, for a curated, themed night.
She will be joined by Cairo Ali, Oxford-based Sera Tonin, and the inimitable Brittana Faberry.
Rounding out the roster will be Reading drag royalty Big Jay and the event’s previous host, Sheer
Obsession, fresh from a recent hiatus. The event will be Lady Gaga themed, meaning guests are invited to bring their poker faces and best titanium blond wigs.
The event is 18+ and wheelchair accessible, and also features a number of systems in place to help people with accessibility or social needs.
Tickets are also charged on a sliding scale, priced at £5 for those with low income, £10 general admission, and artist support prices at £15 and £20. n Tickets are available online via: outsavvy.com, or negotiable by contacting millyallwoodrose@hotmail. com with “AOS” in the subject.
MUSIC from some of Europe’s best-loved composers can be heard at St Mary’s Church, Wargrave this weekend.
The performance of romantic sacred music will include works by Brahms, Bruckner, Faure and Verdi.
Musical director Helen Styles and accompanist Robert Jones will lead the Twyford Singers for this special Palm Sunday concert.
Advanced tickets for the event on April 2, starting at 7pm, are now on sale at £10 and £5 for under 18s.
On the door tickets will cost £12 and £5 for under 18s. n For more information contact www.twyford-singers.org.uk or call: 07762 738384.
JAZZ in Reading is hosting an evening of live music at The Fisherman’s Cottage pub next month.
Held on alternate Tuesdays, the evening is open to performers specialising in jazz, funk and the blues.
Entry is free, although donations towards costs are welcomed, and the pub has its menu available.
The event runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, with the next sessions on April 4 and 18.
For more details or to arrange a performance slot, call Ian Germer on: 07866 251216, or Jim Wade on: 07788 666608.
THE story of a shoe factory worker who goes on a voyage shoe making discovery is coming to Bracknell next month.
Kinky Boots is the arts centre’s Easter show, and features original music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Based on the Broadway hit, the musical tells the story of Charlie, a shoe factory owner struggling to save his family business after inheriting it from his father.
He meets Lola, a cabaret performer and drag queen whose exciting idea changes both their futures.
With compassion and understanding, the pair learn to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettoes unlike any others.
But in the end, their greatest achievement is their friendship.
Local performers star in this production, based on the life of Steve Pateman, who like four generations of his family, worked as a cobbler.
In 1993, with demand for men’s brogues falling, he was about to close his factory, when rescue came from an unexpected quarter.
Recommended for eight years and above, the show contains some strong language and mild sexual references.
Audiences can see Kinky Boots at South Hill Park, Bracknell, from Tuesday, April 11 through to Sunday, April 16.
Shows are at 7pm, with matinées at 2pm every day except Tuesday.
There is a relaxed performance on Thursday, April 13, at 2pm.
Brunch shows on Wednesday,
A WOODLEY band will be among the acts performing at an international music festival in France.
the Seine river for three days of live music in July.
Thursday and Friday afternoon offer the opportunity to purchase a bottle of prosecco and afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, scones and clotted cream.
Available from 11am, brunch costs £17.50 per person.
Tickets cost £24, or £22 for concessions.
n For tickets and information call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark. org.uk
Only The Poets have just been announced as part of the Lollapalooza Paris 2023 line-up.
They join celebrated musicians such as the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, and Niall Horan for the three-day festival at Paris’ Hippodrome ParisLongchamp.
Among the rest of the acts is Picture This, Maisie Peters, OneRepublic, Kygo, Central Cee, and Aya Nakamura.
Lollapalooza Paris sees a whole host of bands and DJs performing at the racecourse on the bank of
It comes just weeks after Only The Poets finished their European tour supporting Lewis Capaldi, and their signing to the EMI music label following their own headline tour.
The band performed two soldout shows in their old stomping ground, the Purple Turtle in Reading, to celebrate the signing.
This year’s Lollapalooza Paris takes place at the Hippodrome ParisLongchamp from FridaySunday, July 21-23.
n Full details about the festival and access to tickets are available via: lollaparis.com
AUGUST might seem like a long way away, but plans are already being made for Wokingham Festival.
The line-up has been revealed and it includes some RaW Sounds Today playlist favourites.
It’s a great listen – tune in for free on Spotify. It’s a mixture that will help you discover something new.
To hear this week’s selection, simply head to bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.
There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Elucidate – Take It
It’s great to see so many of the bands that we’ve featured in the last year or two progressing well and here’s a great example.
It’s the new single from Elucidate, a Readingbased Alt-Rock band, and it’s an exciting song that opens with a cool drum groove before powering
Friday, March 31
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Take It Easy – The American Classic Rock Show. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Rock n Roll Bingo. Details: 0118 983 2220.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Take It Easy: The Amercian Classic Rock Show. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 70s Tribute All About You. Details: 01344 303333.
CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Candy Rock. Details: 0118 934 0700.
EMMBROOK – The Emmbrook Inn, Emmbrook Road RG41 1HG. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute. Details: 0118 978 2552
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Details: 0118 960
6060
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity 20th
anniversary party: The August List, The May, Eat Daddy Eat. Details: 0118
986 6788.
READING – South Street arts centre.
Alasdair Roberts. Details: 0118 960
6060
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Arctic Monkeys tribute. Scam Fender. The Killers tribute. Details: 0118 959
5395
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1
5BJ. Wardour Street. Details: 0118
957 6930
READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. RG2
Radio presents Caribbean After Work Jam. Details: 0118 931 0115.
WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2
7QA. Amanda’s jam night. Details: 0118 374 0052.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Graffiti Child.
along with a driving rhythm section, great riff, and energetic emotive vocals.
We saw them last year at Loddfest and, following that, we are definitely looking forward to their appearance at Wokingham Fesival in August – linktr. ee/ElucidateUK
Jo Bartlett – I Waited A Year
Did you know that someone from Sandhurst helped to start the legendary Green Man Festival?
Did you know that she was also part of an acclaimed electronic folk duo, It’s Jo & Danny, and, did you know that she has just released a very good solo single? How impressive is all of that?
Well it’s all very impressive and it’s Jo Bartlett with her new single and its wonderful stuff with its mellow synth pop feel and personal lyrics. We hear Jo is working on an album so watch out for that –linktr.ee/jobartlett
Details: 0118 977 3706.
WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 7402.
WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Oye Santana. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. GrooveX Band. Details: 01344 778543.
YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis.
Details: 01252 872105.
Saturday, April 1
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Silver Searchers.
Details: 01344 420690.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. In Isolation, Greymere, Gothzilla. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Strats. Details: 01344 303333.
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Storm King. Details: 01344 772161.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rigsby. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Skapones. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Let’s Nacho Hollywood. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sounjam. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Certain Sound Records record sale. 10am-5pm.
READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Smileys’ Top of the Pops Show. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP.
This Reading band say that they have ‘perfected the balance of not taking life too seriously but serious enough that their tunes lay heavy in your minds’.
That’s very true judging by their new single that has melodies and a vocal performance that will definitely seep into your brain.
They regularly play live locally and will be supporting Deva St.John on April 20 at her BBC Introducing Purple Turtle show.
They will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival later this year – https://linktr.ee/ whoateallthecrayons
We are still knocked out by their brilliant Gig House show in Wokingham recently.
Here’s a band on the rise with their latest single, Share the Night. Indie rock as it should be and another announced for Wokingham Fest –www.rilasedge.com/
With their colourful fun style, their trance and dub sounds and tracks as good as this new single on our Magick Eye Records label are sure to get everyone up and dancing at Wokingham Festival – www.spacehoppermusic. com/
Our Man from France – A wonderful tribute to our friend and guitarist Eric Bouillette by Steve and Chris, who played in The Room with Eric. This is from the Songs for an Angel Vol 1 which features songs specially recorded for Eric – www.ftf-music.com/de/tributetoericbouillette/ tributetoericbouillette.htm
They will be live in Lincoln this Saturday and, at a double header with Kindred Spirit at Hampton Hub Club on Saturday, April 22 –www.sprigganmist.com/
Red Tape Resistance – Get Me Out
It’s the new single from Alt-Rock band, Red Tape Resistance and it’s another of their powerful anthems –linktr.ee/redtaperesistance
Beans on Toast – Against the War
He performed a great show at Club Velocity’s Reading’s Facebar show last week –beansontoastmusic.com
Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Woman
This powerful blues rock single was released to coincide with International Women’s Day –www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com
Benny Page. Details: 0118 959 5395
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. No Good Sons. Details: 0118 957 6930
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Peach and the Prairie Dogs 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.
YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Utter Madness. Details: 01252 872459.
Sunday, April 2
PANGBOURNE – Working Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Tracey Mendham saxophonist with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Liz Simock. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Harry Styles tribute. Details: 0118 960 6060
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.
RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The B Side from 1pm..
Details: 0118 343 0565.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Ultimate Classic Rock Show. Details: 0118 969 8000.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super Chilled - jammy open mic Sundays. From 3pm.
Details: 0118 977 0918.
Monday, April 3
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Charity fesival night: Goldenboii, Hamez, DJ Remy Jones, Sidious, Nick Clev, Br4vo, Jessie Hilley, 4gfingaz and more. Loaded nachos with Gourmet Queens. Raffle and more.
Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Club Reckless: rock, metal, punk and emo night. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Tuesday, April 4
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Unplugged Night. Details: 0118 969 98978.
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. TBTTDOAT:
Teorstan, Kitty Whitelock, Kaushik Skukla and open mic. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Annie Parker. Details: 01256 882296.
Wednesday, April 5
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. That’ll Be The Day.. Details: 0118 960 6060
Thursday, April 6
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Iago Banet. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Limpopo Groove. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. The Hub Radio Community Station 1 Year Anniversary Fundraiser. Details: https://gofund.me/b2dec44f
READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Easter special. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – Revolucion de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Hop Till You Drop. Details: 0118 207 7016.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village festival presents The Barnstormers. Details: 0118 376 9159.
Good Friday, April 7
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Lost Trades, Tomorrow Bird. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Take That Experience. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Nigel Price. Details: 01344 484123.
BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Earl Tee Live. Details: 0118 959 8067.
EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Storm In A Teacup presents Edwards In Venice and For I Am. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival:
Cafe Zazous. 1pm. Stever Morano and Band. 5pm. David Gray and John Dunsterville. 9pm. Details: 0118 950 3888.
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. OCD&B: Ghost Hardware, Magnum. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Revolucion de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Latin Addiction. Details: 0118 207 7016.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Go Go Five. 4pm. Phil Braithwaite and Friends. 7pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Ultimate Coldplay Live. Details: 0118 959 5395.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 977 3706.
YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Emma Baldwin. Details: 01252 870648.
Saturday, April 8
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Jagged Little Alanis with Follow Deep. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hedkandi. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622
CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Box Set.
Details: 0118 969 98978.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Easter Extravaganza. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Switchblades presents Paul Ansells No9. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays Easter bunny bash.
READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival: L:ily Beck and Friends. 3pm. Skates and Wagons. 7pm. Details: 0118 950 3888.
READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Tov.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Goldsworth Jerry. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village festival: The Keith Allen Band. 1pm. Jackie Doe and the Uncertainty of Passion. 5pm. Rufus Ruffcut. 9pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804.
TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. W3G. Details: 0118 942 9606.
WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. Mythicals. Details: 0118 374 0052.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.
YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Arachna. Details: 01252 872459.
Easter Sunday, April 9
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333.
READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Genius Easter Birthday Bash. Details: 0118 968 1442.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hybrid Culture with Don Letts. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village festival: Fleur Stevenson and Hugh Turner. 3pm. Details: 0118 950 3888.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: Mayor and James. 1pm.HybridPIG. 9pm .
Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Easter Sunday Massive. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. RG2 Radio presents Easter Soul Party.
Details: 0118 931 0115.
Easter Monday, April 10
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: The Acoustic Beatles Shambles. 3pm.
Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – The Polish Club, London Road RG1 4DX. The Village Festival after party: Limpopo Groove. 7.30pm.
Details: 0118 958 9908.
Friday, March 31
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6
7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30
1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – OpenHand
OpenSpace (OHOS), 571 Oxford Road RG30
1HL. Hummingbirds and Hamburgers: call to action. An Exhibition and Screening of Works by Christine Ellison.
6pm-9pm. Details: 571oxfordroad.org
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.
WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 1
BEECH HILL –Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Easter allotments scavenger hunt. 1pm-3pm. £1 per entry. Free tea, coffee and other refreshments. Cakes, biscuits for sale. In aid of playground refurbishment project.
CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Church, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces spring concert: Britten, Poulenc, Vierne. £15, under 16s free.
7.30pm. Details: 0118 967 7319.
EARLEY – 3SixtyUniversity of Reading RG6 6UR. CosXPo 2023. 11am-6pm. Details: cosxpo.com
HENLEY – St Mary’s Church, Hart Street, RG9 2AU. Henley Choral Society 50th anniversary gala concert and world premeire: Cecilia McDowall’s The Ice Is Listening. £20, under 18s £5. 7.30pm. Details: www. henleychoralsociety.org.uk
READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk
READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AG. South Chiltern Choral Society: Puccini’s Messa
di Gloria and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. 7.30pm. With guests L’Ensemble Vocal de la Vallee du Tarn. £20 in advance, or £25 on the door. Details: www. southchilternchoralsociety. org.uk
READING – Concert Hall, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Family Concert. 4pm. £16, students and under 18s £5. Details: www.rso.org.uk
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. DNA special interest grup. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society.
2.30pm. £5, £4 members.
Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.
READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1
7QE. Sunday Life Drawing with guest artist Pat Lewis.
£12-£15. 11.30am-1pm. Details: www.jelly.org.uk
READING – OpenHand
OpenSpace (OHOS), 571 Oxford Road RG30
1HL. Hummingbirds and Hamburgers: call to action. An Exhibition and Screening of Works by Christine Ellison. Noon-4pm. Details: 571oxfordroad.org
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.
9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SILCHESTER –Village Hall, Little London Road RG7
2ND. Village market: local produce and businesses. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk.
TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band brass and voices concert. 7.30pm. £8, under 12s free. Details: www.walthamband.com
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 2
ACROSS READING – From Green Park. Reading Half Marathon 2023 and Green Park Challenge. Details: readinghalfmarathon.com
EARLEY – 3SixtyUniversity of Reading RG6 6UR. CosXPo 2023. 11am-6pm. Details: cosxpo.com
READING – Blue Collar Corner, Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Reading’s Indie Market. 10am-3pm. Free entry.
READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5JT. Reading Haydn Choir –concert featuring choral works by Handel, Mozart and John Rutter. £15, £13 concessions, under 19s £5. £1 discount advance sales. Details: www.haydnchoir. org.uk
READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm.
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Broad St Mall, Queen’s Walk RG1
7QE. Reading Film Theatre presents Before Sunrise (15). Details: readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1
2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.
7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.
org
READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), 571 Oxford Road RG30
1HL. Hummingbirds and Hamburgers: call to action. An Exhibition and Screening of Works by Christine Ellison. Noon-4pm. Details: 571oxfordroad.org
READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking.
Terry’s Town Centre Walkabout –Forbury Gardens, Abbey, 5B’s + 2 Myths. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 5.45pm. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP.
Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.
9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Repair cafe.
1.30pm.
SWALLOWFIELD – All Saints Church, Church Road RG7 1TH. Farley Singers Come and Sing: Stainer’s Crucifixion. Rehearsal 4.30pm-6pm. Performance 7pm. Free entry, retiring collection for Share Shinfield and All Saints Church.
WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church. Twyford Singers spring concert: European Romnatic Sacred music.
7pm. £12, £5 under 18s.
Details: twyford-singers. org.uk
WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road RG40 1SR. Antique and Collectors Fair.
10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.
WOKINGHAM – Culver Grove off Wheeler Avenue, Mulberry Grove RG40 5AS. Dr Bike free bike checks.
10am-noon. Booking essential. Details: www. myjourneywokingham.com
Monday, April 3
ARBORFIELD – Royal British
Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.
9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org
CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons.
12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more.
9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 9.45am and 10.45am Booking essential.
Details: 0118 937 5112.
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table.
1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, April 4
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
CROWTHORNE – Two Sisters Cafe, High Street RG45 7AF. Crochet and Coffee evening. 7pm. Booking essential. Details: https:// twosisters-cafe.com/
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm-3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.
LOWER EARLEY – Salvation Army, Chalfont Close RG6 5UG. Singing By Heart: For those living with dementia and their carers or if you just want to come and sing.
11am. Details: 0118 931 0760.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square
RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Crumbs, Library Parade, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LX. Comedy at Crumbs. With Rich Wilson, Dinesh Natan and Jonathan Elston. 7pm. £12. Details: www.wegottickets. com/event/554272
Wednesday, April 5
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Sandhurst & Crowthorne Flower Club meeting: handso on workshop. 7.30pm-10pm.
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Easter Hangout: family activities. Free, booking essential. Parents/carers must stay with children. 10am-noon. Aspire Reading: an evening on the theme of Fearless, with Rachel Hickson and Helen Azer. £6.50. 6pm. Details: https://www. allnationselim.org/
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Broad St Mall, Queen’s Walk RG1 7QE. Reading Film Theatre presents Before Sunrise (15). Details: readingfilmtheatre.co.uk.
READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7JR. Easter music relfections. 7.30pm.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Woodley & District u3a presents Hugh Warwick: Hedgehogs –Why we should worry and what we can do. 1.45pm. Details: woodleyu3a.org.uk
Thursday, April 6
BINFIELD – Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Bounce and Rhyme: singing and music for toddlers and babies. 50p per child. 9.30am-10am. Details: https://www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/libraries/ library/binfield-library
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30
1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Opening event 5pm. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/
READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking. Terry’s Town Centre Walkabout –The New, Old, Good, Bad, downright Ugly and Missing. Maximum 20 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 5.45pm. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY.
Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club
with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40
1AU. People, Planet, Pint: sustainability meet-up. From 6pm. Free entry.
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40
1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: JPCR Competition. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.
Good Friday, April 7
EARLEY – Earley St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Good Friday family fun: crafts, the Easter story, make an Easter garden, seasonal refreshments.
10am-12.30pm. Meditations at the cross.
1pm-3pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.
READING – All Nations
Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. Journey
Through Easter: a reflective and interactive journey through Easter; the events of Jesus’ last week.
Free. 10am-noon. Seasonal refreshments available.
Details: https://www. allnationselim.org/
READING – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1
1DA. Experience Easter: interactive installations, video, cafe, crafts and more. 2pm-3.30pm. Details: www.stlreading. org
READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30
1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
TILEHURST – Stadium Way
Industrial Estate (Scours Lane end) RG30 6BX.
Thames Vale Vultures
Berkshire Egg Run 2023: Meet 11.30am, bikes to ride to Abbey Rugby Club, Emmer Green from 12.30pm. Details: 07827 475391.
WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Churches Together in Wokingham present a Good Friday service. An Hour at the Cross at Wokingham Baptist at 10.15am, 11.30am hot cross buns at Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. Noon: a Good Friday meditation in market Place, then a service at Corpus Christi Church in Sturges Road from 12.30pm.
Saturday, April 8
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details:
jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Easter fun day: Easter fun with games, a circuit of Easter crafts, some music and an Easter egg hunt, for school-aged children. Includes games, raffles, tombola, egg hunt and more. Entry free, charges for activities. Details: 0118 334 1040 or office@cpva. org.uk
CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Shine’s Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’: 10am-noon. Suggested donation £2 per child, £1 additional sibling. Details: 01344 761725.
PADWORTH –Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.
READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30
1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes crafts, dancing, Big Top show, train rides, treasure hunts and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.
Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Easter Sunday, April 9
READING – OpenHand OpenSpace (OHOS), Oxford Road RG30
1HL. FRESH #2: Boiling Point – exhibition featuring postgraduate students from Reading School of Art. Details: http://571oxfordroad.org/
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Easter Eggstravaganza includes Mega Egg Hunt plus crafts, and more. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com
Easter Monday, April 10
WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter fair with craft stalls, beer and wine tasting, inflatables, Easter bunny hunt, face painting and more. Free entry. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk
1. The Carnatic Wars were fought in which country?
2. Who won the 2023 Golden Globe award for Best Actor for his role in the film Elvis?
3. What is the occupation of a couturier?
4. Footballers Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Lucas Hernandez all played for which national team in the 2022 World Cup?
5. What B is a piece of crossbow weaponry and a form of threaded fastener?
6. What does the abbreviation AONB stand for?
7. Which children’s novel by Mary Norton became a successful TV series?
8. Which famous wine region is named after a river which rises in France and joins the Rhine at Koblenz?
9. Who sold the most vinyl albums in 2022, helping to make it a record-breaking year?
10. Knight companions are found in which British order of chivalry? ACROSS
MO TM YH ET HR ES
Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
1. Matt perhaps could give us an exciting result (5,6)
9. Hears moans from principality (5)
10. Funny waddler, one in no rush (7)
11. A detective needs this when investigating a shocking murder! (4)
12. Glee can by the point be transformed into grace (8)
14. A great amount can be extracted from a good lesson (6)
15. It is seemly to support the Queen (6)
18. Short-time worker delayed producing a pattern (8)
20. Leo’s cultivated fruit (4)
22. Heron is in trouble near the coast (7)
23. Kay will move slowly with the small anchor (5)
24. Unrestrained in Africa perhaps (11)
1. Facial hair (7)
8. Put on trial (7)
9. Protein hormone (7) 10. Mottled (7) 11. Supervise (7)
onto; orate; orfe; ornate; ratoon; roan; rone; roof; root; rota; rote; taro; tenon; tenor; toea; tone; toner; tonne; toon; tore; torn.
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
2. What the stuttering ship’s lookout said when crossing the North Sea! (7)
3. To mum it is twaddle (4)
4. Use bow to mess around (6)
5. Young lady making daily deliveries perhaps (8)
6. Sarah has less than one room (5)
7. Credulously believe reported story of a butterfly (11)
8. Bird by the name of Ivy perhaps (4,7)
13. Rich spring to be acceptable (4-2-2)
16. Peg accepts a boy as a knight errant (7)
17. Not troubled when in repose (2,4)
19. Some other name for a shortlived particle (5)
21. It covers all of us all the time (4)
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.
Guidelines:
Oversee; 14 Elm; 16 Knit; 18 Mill; 19 Emit; 20 Elan; 21 See; 23 Ukulele; 26 Ethical;
Across – 1 Eyelash; 8 Arraign; 9 Insulin; 10 Dappled; 11
QUICK CROSSWORD:
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.
EQUALISER: CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:
DOES your dog make your day or do you have a caring canine that keeps you company?
If you own the perfect pooch then now’s the time to tell the world your shaggy dog story.
A leading pet food manufacturer is looking for dogs that lead when others only follow.
The Vet’s Kitchen wants to hear about mutts that make a difference whether they are therapy dogs or just good at cuddling.
The three top dogs in the Woof and Well Awards will pick up a medal as well as a year’s supply of Vet’s Kitchen dry dog food.
Laura Shears MD of Vet’s Kitchen said this year’s awards will focus on the mental health benefits of dog ownership.
“Caring for a dog can benefit our mental health in so many ways, from keeping us active and boosting our confidence to helping us meet new people,” explained Laura.
“Dogs don’t judge, get bored of our jokes or tire of walks along the same route. For children, the love of a canine companion can influence their world in a positive way, enabling them to grow up stronger and more resilient.
“Nothing beats the welcome you receive from your dog, whether it’s a waggy tail at the end of a long working day or seeing your dog outside the school gates, their enthusiasm is contagious.
“Humans and their canine
companions have always made for a winning team.
“That’s why our Woof and Well Award is so important and why each year we like to showcase the wonderful stories of dogs who have provided emotional support simply by being there.”
The Vet’s Kitchen Woof and Well Award is looking for tales of everyday canine heroism from owners who
Lamont
PRING is the season of fresh starts.
This week, we wanted to shine a light on good old-fashioned spring cleaning and the potential health benefits it offers.
Cleaning counts towards our daily movement goals, lighter tasks like dusting can burn around 160 calories an hour, and more heavy-duty tasks like washing windows or scrubbing can burn around 350 calories an hour.
In addition, having a clean and tidy home can improve our mental health, and making sure our kitchen is clean and organised can have a positive impact on our motivation to eat healthy foods and cook from scratch.
want to thank their dog for helping them and their family feel better and have proven their worth as part of a family or the wider community.”
The closing date for entries which will be judged by the expert team at Vet’s Kitchen including Fiona Firth, the Vet’s Kitchen Nutritionist is July 31.
“At Vet’s Kitchen we recognise that the bond between dog and owner is a powerful one and speaking from
EASTER feels like it has been on its way for some time.
From memory, we spotted Easter eggs on sale just after New Year in January – a bit egg-streme (the last pun, we promise).
So, how can we all get a little greener this Easter?
An estimated 80 million chocolate Easter eggs are sold annually in the UK. Like other occasions, ranging from Halloween to Christmas, Easter can be a time of excess and waste.
The first option then is to reduce how much we buy, or to skip the chocolate all together (“madness”, we here you cry…)
And, it goes without saying, if you can avoid all of the gimmicks at Easter time, from fancy dress chidlren will wear once to baskets, bonnets and toys.
While some of the leading brands have recently re-thought their packaging, including seeking to reduce or eliminate their use of plastic, as we always say at Plastic Free Home, what’s on the inside counts too.
Don’t forget to look at the company making the product and it’s ethical and sustainability credentials, the ingredients used and the supply chain involved.
CHOCS AWAY: How can you make Easter eggs an ethical purchase? Picture: Pixabay
As a general rule of thumb, if something seems comparatively cheap, somebody is being squeezed somewhere along the line.
When buying Easter eggs, look at whether a product is Fairtrade (or similarly accredited), to help ensure that the chocolate has been ethically grown and sourced, with workers’ rights and pay better protected as part of the supply chain.
You may also want to consider whether your Easter eggs are
organic, vegan, dairy free or palm oil free, depending on your personal preferences, and of course, plastic free.
Our top eco-friendly eggs
Divine is fairtrade, plastic and palm oil free, with a vegan variant.
Tony’s Chocolonely is fairtrade, plastic and palm oil free.
Montezuma’s is fairtrade, organic, plastic and palm oil free, and there is a vegan variant.
Moo free is organic, vegan, plastic
experience I wouldn’t be without my dogs, Theo and Yogi. They really are wonderful companions.”
Vet’s Kitchen is a partner company to Vet’s Klinic, which has recently opened its Reading branch in Woodley.
n For full details on how to enter, go to: https://vetskitchen.co.uk/pages/ woofandwell
JAMES HASTINGSTo ensure you have a successful and stress-free spring clean make sure you have everything you need before starting. Set up a ‘cleaning station’ at a central point in your house with all the things you will need and only take one thing at a time.
Doing it this way rather than using a cleaning caddy or bucket to carry things from room to room means you will end up moving more which will get your heart pumping.
Turn up the volume
Whether it’s jazz, pop, hip hop or rock, having upbeat music playing while cleaning can improve our mood, energy, and motivation.
You could take the time to listen to a podcast or audiobook on a subject you want to learn more about, or enjoy the silence, anything that helps make the task more enjoyable.
and palm oil free.
Hip Oak Milk is vegan, plastic and palm oil free.
Hip Oak Milk is vegan, plastic and palm oil free.
The Real Easter Egg is fairtrade, vegan, plastic and palm oil free.
Happi Oat Milk is vegan, as well as plastic and palm oil free.
Cocoa Loco is fairtrade, organic and vegan, as well as plastic and palm oil free, as is So Free’s egg.
The Co-Op is fairtrade, and it is plastic and palm oil free.
Have an egg-stra special Easter… Oops.
Set aside some time to declutter your house too, donating or selling things you no longer need or use. Having less clutter makes it easier to keep your house and possessions clean and organised.
Spring is also a good time to think about your mental health and assess things like your work-life balance and how much time you spend doing the things you enjoy.
Embrace this season of new beginnings by starting a new activity or hobby and saying goodbye to habits that no longer serve you.
n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartresearch-uk-recipes-2/
SUPER SUB Emma Harries inspired Reading Women to a second-half fightback to pick up a crucial point in their bid to remain in the Women’s Super League.
ASCOT UNITED have their sights set on sealing a date at Wembley when they face Corsham Town in the FA Vase semi-final this weekend.
The Yellas have had a remarkable campaign both in the league and cup and could be set to make history by reaching the Vase final.
Ascot lead the way in the Combined Counties Premier North and are just nine games away from capturing the league title if they can maintain their form.
They are currently in front by seven points of closest challengers Reading City with a game in hand having amassed 75 points with an astounding record of 24 wins in 29 games.
However, all eyes will be on the FA Vase this Saturday where an away trip to Corsham Town awaits them.
The Yellas booked their place in the final four in the most dramatic of circumstances at West Didsbury in the quarter-finals.
Brendan Matthew netted to take the game to a penalty shootout in a 1-1 draw and it was Ascot who held their nerve from 12 yards to seal a 4-3 win on penalties.
Corsham Town, from Wilthsire, play their football in the Hellenic League Premier Division.
The Quarrymen are in fourth place in the table with 66 points from 29 matches.
Things were looking ominous for the Royals on Sunday when they found themselves two goals behind after 13 minutes to relegation rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers opted to switch both personnel and the
team’s system for the second-half, a decision that paid off. Harries netted with her first touch of the game inside the opening minute of the second-half.
With an hour on the clock, Harries powered in a header to convert from Lily Woodham’s cross
to level the game.
The 2-2 stalemate means that Reading move another point further away from the drop zone heading into another crucial battle this weekend away at bottom of the table Leicester City.
n Match report page 22
They have picked up 20 wins and have been beaten just three times in the entire campaign.
Corsham also got through in the quarter-finals via a penalty shootout success.
In their away tie at Peacehaven, Corsham came out on top after a 1-1 draw in normal time with a 3-2 shootout triumph.
a two point deficit at the start of the quarter to a one point lead at the end.
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.todayDELIGHTED RAMS director of rugby Seb Reynolds lauded his side’s sensational 59-21 triumph at home to Taunton Titans as one of their best displays of the season.
The hosts turned on the style to run in nine tries as they matched their highest points tally in a National One fixture.
The electric back three of Henry Bird, Jak Rossiter and man-of-the-match Axel Kalling-Smith were looking deadly every time they received a kick into the back field.
Bouncing back from the narrow defeat at Plymouth a fortnight ago, Reynolds said: “Taunton have had a good run and are a tasty side, so we were mindful of that, but we just focused on ourselves. I thought we played some fantastic rugby.
“We felt we could move the ball to the width and have a chance to counter with space in front of us –when you’ve got our back three and the likes of James McRae around you have a threat. The guys played fantastic heads-up rugby.”
The hosts opened their account with the first of five tries scored from the kick-return. Kalling-Smith had the initial break before slick handling sent Drew Humberstone over on the left.
A sweet move off a lineout saw Kalling-Smith run in from halfway before McRae cut a glorious line for his side’s third.
Try of the day came with the final play of the first half, Rams repelling some five minutes of Taunton pressure.
Ollie Cole broke free and, following some more marvellous inter-play, Jak Rossiter finished the job
for his 20th of a fabulous campaign 20 seconds later.
Titans started the second half fast and Alex Rodd went over at the back of a maul, but Connor Stapley and Kalling-Smith tries re-asserted Rams’ control at 38-7.
Nick Mason and Charlie Wright crossed the whitewash for Taunton, George Worboys converting both to keep his side in contention, before the hosts turned on the afterburners late on.
The quality of off-loading was magnificent as Ellis Jones, Ollie Moffitt and McRae went over in the final seven minutes.
Reynolds continued: “It was very impressive, but I like us to do it (attack).
“Sometimes you have to play the moment, and at times you get a turnover or penalty just before half-time and kick it out, but that’s
what the opposition want you to do.
“So to be able to defend on our line with dogged determination and then suddenly break out and have the intent to put the pressure back on them by scoring did change the game.
“It could have been 19-7, but instead it was a 14-point swing and that probably left too much for Taunton to do.
“We’re always working on the continuity game and it was up there with the best it’s been this season. We do a lot of it in training and with the guys having a good skill-set.
“It was really good to see that against a quality outfit who are scrapping against relegation and who came here with lots of motivation, and our guys dealt with it really well.”
n Rams head to Sale for a topof-the-table clash on Saturday (2.30pm).
READING Rockets ended their impressive home stand in March with a high scoring 101- 91 win over the Essex Rebels.
In front of a sold-out Loddon Valley, a win guaranteed a playoff spot and the crowd did an amazing job in being the sixth man.
It was Jenkins who got the Rockets cooking, getting the mismatch with the massive Lee Linton-Hodges where Flip stepped into a three and drained it.
Both teams would start the second quarter hot, with Essex holding a one point, 30-29, lead just three minutes into the quarter.
The two teams traded buckets throughout the quarter, however the Rockets managed to turn
The fourth quarter is where the Rockets launched off, dominating on both ends of the ball.
Reading opened with a three minute 10-2 run off the back of Champion and Cracknell.
The score was 99-88 and the Rockets had the ball with just over 24 seconds left. The game was over but the crowd desperately wanted 100.
So Pinnock dribbled into the lane and chucked up a lob to Porter who hammered it home and put the emphasis on 100, much to the crowd’s delight.
On Saturday the Rockets travel to Uxbridge to take on the Thames Valley Cavaliers before Sunday’s meeting with Solent Kestrels.
Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY missed the chance to close the gap at the top after they conceded a late goal at home to Wallingford & Crowmarsh.
The Cityzens enjoyed an excellent opening half and two headed goals saw them go into the break with a two-goal cushion.
Eddie Lee netted the opener to put City in front after eight minutes before Ellis Cowd made it two with a thumping header.
The away team came fighting back in the second-half and got back into the contest with 15 minutes to go to beat Charlie York.
Deep into stoppage time, Wallingford stole a leveller to stop City from moving closer to the summit.
Reading City manager Simon Johnson said: “A game we were in full control of slipped away.
“Full credit to Wallingford for their second-half display and
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Southern League Premier South
BRACKNELL TOWN are back in the title hunt after their away win at bottom of the table Yate Town.
The Robins broke through late in the first-half when Adam Richards was quick to respond after the goalkeeper spilled a shot from Joe Grant and tapped in from close range. The hosts came close to finding a reply on the stroke of half-time, but goalkeeper Michael Eacott make a crucial stop to preserve his team’s advantage.
Eacott made another important save to keep Bracknell in front before the visitors doubled their lead with a goal from Joe Grant who got onto the end of a through ball from Gary Abisogun and converted.
The win puts Bracknell up to third
place on 72 points from 34 games.
They are two points behind second place Truro City and trail top of the table Weston super-Mare by six points with a game in hand over both teams.
Bracknell co-manager Carl Withers said: “First of four games this week and whilst we weren’t at our best today (Saturday), the boys got the job done.
“Buzzing to have Jordan Esprit back and big shout to the Robin faithful.”
Berks & Bucks FA semi-final
BRACKNELL followed up on their weekend success in the leaguge by progressing through to the final of the BBFA Cup.
Joe Grant scored to give the Robins the perfect opening after 10 minutes when he nodded in from six yards out.
The game took a turn when goalkeeper Chris Grace was sent off for
bringing down an MK Dons player on the edge of the box.
From the resulting free-kick, MK took advantage as Anker fired in to make it 1-1.
Depsite being a player down, Bracknell regained their lead in the 42nd minute through Jordan Esprit who converted from Kameron English’s low cross.
Bracknell had the chance to go 3-1 in front on the stroke of half-time with
a penalty, but it was saved by the MK keeper to keep it at 2-1.
But the Robins held out in the second-half to ensure that they moved a step closer to getting their hands on silverware.
Isthmian South Central BINFIELD picked up three precious points on their trip to Merstham at the weekend.
punishing us for not taking our chances.
“Eight games to go and there will be plenty of twists and turns along the way.”
ASCOT UNITED suffered a slight setback in their title pursuit after they dropped points at home for just the second time in 17 matches.
Alfie Grant headed the Yellas in front after 13 minutes, but the visitors came up with a quick reply.
Ascot restored their advantage in the 27th minute through top scorer Marcus Mealing to take a 2-1 score into half-time.
With 15 minutes to go, Wembley found a leveller for the second time in the match and that’s how it ended.
Ascot stay top of the table with a seven point lead over Reading City and a game in hand.
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK lost out away at Harefield United.
The 2-0 defeat leaves the Sumas in 18th on 23 points from 32 games with the teams below them with games in hand to play.
With 26 minutes gone, Conor Lynch kept up his scoring form to put the Moles ahead with the opening goal of the game.
The lead was doubled 15 minutes into the second-half as Lynch clinched his brace.
Binfield held out to maintain their clean sheet and picked up their 14th league win of the campaign.
They are in seventh place on 49 points from 32 games.
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties
Division One
BERKS COUNTY maintained their push for the title after they racked up their 19th win of the campaign.
The Swords scored the only goal of the game to take the points and record a clean sheet.
Ellis Woods’ team are in second on 61 points, just four
points behind top of the table FC Deportivo Galicia with two games in hand.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA picked up their 12th league win of the campaign with a 2-0 home success over Molesey.
WOODLEY UNITED remain in 11th place after they were beaten away at London Samurai Rovers.
The Kestrels were two goals down at the break and Samurai added a third with 15 minutes to go despite being reduced to 10-men early in the second-half.
Sid Gbla clawed a goal back for Woodley when he converted from a corner, but the hosts added a fourth to make it 4-1 late in the game.
Thames Valley Premier League
READING YMCA stay hot on the heels of Finch after they earned an away win at SB Phoenix
Despite being set back by a red card early in the secondhalf, YMCA rallied to take
the points with a brace from Hendrick Reyes.
Thames Valley Division One
HURST remain in the fight for the title after they defeated Maidenhead Town Reserves.
The win means that Hurst are in second on 34 points and trail league leaders AFC Winkfield by just two points with two games in hand.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division
ASCOT UNITED closed their league season with victory over Winchester City Flyers to secure second spot.
Tiffany Skinner scored with five minutes on the clock and that proved to be the only goal of the contest to give the Yellas three points.
Thames Valley Women’s League Cup semi-final
TILEHURST PANTHERS got past WARGRAVE to book their place in the final.
The Panthers had a two goal lead going into half-time with strikes from Tilly Waight and Deanna Cane.
Despite Beth Williams grabbing a goal for Wargrave, it was Tilehurst who ensured their place in the final as Cane added another before Leah Why netted two late goals to
LAST week I wrote about how referees can sometimes make a mistake, but of course many decisions are always going to be wrong in the view of one set of players and supporters, although pleasing to the other.
A classic example of this was the FA Cup quarter final game, Fulham v Manchester United.
If you watched on television, you will readily recall the incident, but if not, let me briefly describe this contentious affair.
Manchester United were a goal down when they were attacking the Fulham goal and looked certain to score the equaliser, with Fulham’s goalkeeper off his goal line.
However, Fulham’s Willian rushed back and managed to deflect the ball around the goalpost. The referee, Chris Kavanagh, pointed to a corner kick.
He was immediately surrounded by the red shirted United players who protested loudly that Willian had handled the ball.
Whether it was their claims or a word in his ear literally from the VAR, we don’t know, but he decided to look at the monitor.
confirm a 5-1 victory.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA
RESERVES booked their place in the cup final with victory over Ruislip Rangers.
A Laura Comerford treble and a goal from Megan Averill saw the Boars take a 4-2 win to progress.
S4K BERKS COUNTY were narrowly beaten in a 10-goal contest away at Beaconsfield Town.
Megan Cox scored a hat-trick for the Fawkes and Kate Stewart was also on the scoresheet in the 6-4 loss.
BURGHFIELD picked up two points in a double header fixture against third place Taplow United.
In the first meeting, Burghfield overturned a one goal deficit to take a point in their home fixture with Taplow United.
After falling behind and going into half-time 1-0 down, the Fielders managed to score an equaliser in the second-half through Nicole Anderson to earn a 1-1 draw.
In the second game, the Fielders also found themselves chasing the game at half-time with Taplow having a 2-1 advantage.
But again Burghfield managed to produce a comeback and three more goals in the second-half meant that the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Sophie Beake, Holly O’Connor and Carol Checkley were all on the scoresheet for Burghfield in the second game.
The points keeps Burghfield in ninth position on 12 points from 11 games.
Bracknell & District Sunday League
Premier: FC Showcase 4-4 William Twigg
Two: 3M 1-2 Bracknell Cavaliers
Cup: Ashridge Park 2-0 Hope & Anchor
Reading & District Sunday League
Division One: Caversham United 1-1 Loxwood Park Rangers, GC United 3-3 Arborfield, Ground United 3-3 Twyford Comets
Division Three: Core 3-5 RE United
Division Four: FC Whitely Wood 1-2 Richfield Vets, MAC 1-1 Arbor Athletic
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
FINCHAMPSTEAD FC still lead the fight for second place in the Thames Valley Premier League after they won their 11th league match of the season.
The hosts were looking to make it three wins on the bounce after two impressive performances that consisted of eight goals and two clean sheets.
The visitors started off the better side with a flurry of set pieces that forced Jones into a
string of great saves. The deadlock was broken despite Jones’ best efforts after a double save from an in-swinging corner, which was smashed home by Dewhurst at the third time of asking on seven minutes.
A lovely ball from Weir put Day free on the right, and he picked out an unmarked Woodhead with a fizzing cross who slotted it home to fire the hosts level on 21 minutes.
The visitors regained their lead in the 34th minute as they dispossessed Finchampstead
on the left hand side and the danger man Dewhurst was able to produce a great finish past Jones.
They managed to achieve that before the half time whistle as they stunned the visitors.
Day kept his composure and rolled the ball across the goal for Butt to tap into an empty net.
Finch took the lead for the first time in the match on 53 minutes, following some tricky wide play from Parmer, who picked out Joel Day with a great cross who headed home to the relief of the hosts.
Day then slotted it home with a lovely finish to make it 4-2 on 72 minutes.
Day was again the provider put Collins through on goal who fired past the keeper in clinical fashion. There was still time to put the final touch on Day’s performance as he managed to dispossess the keeper moments later after the fifth and slot home to make it 6-2 in added time.
Joel Day finished the game playing a part in all six goals for Finchampstead with two goals and four assists.
Quite frankly, if the monitor view was the same as that on television, he would have had a difficult decision.
Willian’s arm did move downwards and the Law says, ‘it is a hand ball offence if a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm, for example moving the hand or arm towards the ball’.
But was it deliberate and did it hit his arm or rebound off his leg?
Certainly not off his chest as Willian tried to indicate.
Not a decision I would like to have to make, but Chris Kavanagh had to make it, and from his view on the monitor he changed his mind and awarded a penalty.
This may have delighted the Manchester United players, but Kavanagh was immediately surrounded by the white shirted Fulham team as well as their manager Marco Silva, who quickly received a red card to be followed by Aleksandar Mitrovic who pushed Kavanagh roughly in the chest and followed him in a threatening manner.
With Willian also sent off for denying an obvious goal, this left Fulham with only nine players left on the field, and they quickly let in two more goals to lose the match.
A referee is allowed to change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or on the advice of another match official, providing the game has not restarted.
This is what happened at Fulham but what a referee can’t say is ‘I’m not sure, I don’t know’, which of course wouldn’t please anyone.
A decision must be made, one way or the other.
READING 2
BRIGHTON 2
GRACE MOLONEY
Made a vitally important save with the score at 2-0 to prevent Veatriki Sarri from getting her hattrick and three points to the visitors.
EASTHER MAYI-KITH
Used her pace to get the side out of trouble on a couple of occasions and grew in confidence after a shaky start.
GEMMA EVANS
Not strong enough at the back to stop Reading conceding two early goals. Was withdrawn at half-time as Kelly Chambers changed the shape.
EMMA MUKANDI
Played a nice long ball which Emma Harries latched onto to get Reading back into the contest early in the second-half.
FAYE BRYSON
Tested the gloves of Lydia Williams with a powerful strike after some nice combination play on the right and covered well at the back.
LILY WOODHAM
Put in several excellent corner deliveries and her crossing finally paid off when her whipped ball was nodded in by Emma Harries.
JADE MOORE
Worked hard with some industrious battling in the middle, but was sometimes slightly astray with her passing.
RACHEL ROWE
Had a good opportunity with a free-kick but missed the target. Showed some superb footwork and stayed composed to build attacks.
AMALIE EIKELAND
Battled hard to help Reading get back in the game and won some freekicks in profitable positions.
SANNE TROELSGAARD
An impressive performance from the Danish international who carried the ball forward with purpose and caused Brighton plenty of problems.
CHARLIE WELLINGS
Wasn’t able to forge too many chances or many attempts at goal as she was marshalled well by Leicester, had a stronger second-half.
EMMA HARRIES
Player of the match display from the forward who made an immediate impact with a coolly composed finish before heading in the equaliser.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
8 7 6
7 8 8
EMMA HARRIES made an incredible impact from the bench to help Reading Women recover from two goals down to take a draw against Brighton.
A first-half double from Veatriki Sarri had the Seagulls two ahead at the break in the monumental Women’s Super League.
But an inspired performance off the bench from Harries got the Royals back in the game when she scored a minute after the restart and then powered in a headed equaliser with an hour gone.
6 7
5 6 6
The draw keeps Reading in 10th, one place and two points above Brighton who have two games in hand, while the Royals move four points clear of bottom place Leicester City.
The Royals looked to make an early breakthrough when Troelsgaard won her team an early corner.
But it was Brighton who found the opening goal of the game with just eight minutes on the clock when a cross to the back post was headed into the path of the unmarked Veatriki Sarri who slammed it into the top corner.
Things went from bad to worse for the Royals when the Seagulls double their lead just five minutes after the opener, making the hosts pay for their slack defending.
Sarri continued to pose a threat at every opportunity and latched onto a header from Guro Bergsvand and poked the ball past Moloney to find her second of the game.
In desperate need of a quick
READING: Moloney, Bryson, Mukandi (c), Evans, Mayi Kith, Woodham, Moore, Rowe, Troelsgaard, Eikeland, Wellings
SUBS: Burns, Poulter, Wade, Harries, Hendrix, Caldwell, Vanhaevermaet, Elwood
BRIGHTON: L Williams, Pattinson, Kullberg, Morse, Bergsvand, Zigiotti, Connolly, Robinson, Fox, Sarri, Lee
SUBS: Walsh, V Williams, Stott, Visalli, Park, Bance, Ferguson, Carter, Lane
GOALS: Sarri 8’, 13’, Harries 46’, 60’
take a point from this game than nothing.
response, Reading turned to Troelsgaard who looked most likely to make an impact throughout the first-half.
She showed excellent footwork and composure to skip past two challenges to get into the box before her shot rifled into the side netting.
Sarri then had the chance to make it an afternoon to remember by sealing a hat-trick when she responded quickly to latch onto a loose back pass and sped past
Gemma Evans, but Royals keeper Moloney rushed off her line to make a crucial save.
After some neat work down the right wing in tandem with Jade Moore, Faye Bryson unleashed a strike at goal that forced a strong save from Lydia Williams to tip behind for a corner.
The home team forced plenty of corners in quick succession towards the end of the half with Lily Woodham sending in some testing deliveries for goalkeeper
has helped her.
Reading
a brace.
themselves two
a
“We didn’t play well at all in the first-half and gifted easy goals which we talked about in the week that we needed to defend and deal with the ball. We didn’t do that on two occasions.
“We changed shape in the second-half and were more front footed and aggressive which I asked for in the first-half, but they turned it around and it’s better to
“We made the decision to change shape at half-time because we felt we needed to, to get more bodies up the pitch.
“Fair play to Emma Harries, she’s only trained twice this week and has come on and made a massive impact, so good for her.
“The change of shape helped us be more aggressive so fair play to the girls because they could have collapsed at half-time, but they showed real character to get back in the game.
“It was huge (to get the goal quickly after the restart). Emma Harries had a massive impact. She did some finishing yesterday so we’re hoping that is something that
“We need those players that are set on the bench to come on and finish games and that’s what Emma did today. She came on and got us a point.”
Chambers was disappointed in her team’s first-half display which saw them go into half-time two goals down, but was pleased with the way they responded.
She continued: “I need players to make sure they are executing game plans and we didn’t do that
in the first-half so we need to make sure that is nailed going into next week.
“I won’t relay exactly what I said (at half-time). For me, it was either we can lay down and take it or stand up and be counted for and show up and get something out of the game.
“There was no point in us sitting back, we were losing the game so had nothing to lose going out in the second-half.
“It’s another point on the board for us and another point further away from them (Leicester).”
‘She had a massive impact’:
The Royals boosted their survival hopes by avoiding defeat
READING FC begin their final chapter of the Championship season with a trip to Bristol City.
The Royals still have a six-point deduction hanging over their heads with their future uncertain with fans of the club still wondering whether they will be punished this season or not.
Paul Ince’s men currently sit nine points above the drop zone in 18th place on 45 points heading into the final 10 matches of the campaign.
Reading stopped a run of four successive defeats prior to the international break with a 1-1 draw against Hull City, but are winless in the last five.
Rachel Rowe hits a strike at goal
Saturday’s opponents have picked up just four points in their last five league encounters.
That came in a 2-0 win over relegation battling Blackpool, while they have suffered defeats to Cardiff City, Luton Town and Swansea City.
Williams who stood up to the challenge to get her side into the break unscathed.
With a mountain to climb in the second-half, Reading came out with energy and intent.
A goal inside the opening minute of the restart got Chambers’ side off to the ideal start to mount a comeback when substitute Emma Harries snuck in behind the Brighton back line and placed a composed finish into the bottom corner.
The Seagulls had chances to regain their two goal lead when former Royal Danielle Carter found herself in space in front of goal, but
could only manage a tame effort that was grasped by Moloney.
There was then a huge let off at the back when captain Emma Mukandi lost the ball in her box and a goalmouth scramble ensued and was eventually smacked away by Moloney.
The end to end action continued and Reading found the leveller on the hour mark.
Woodham showed endeavour down the left to speed past a defender and she whipped a cross into the middle that was met by Harries who diverted her header into the top corner with her superb impact from the bench giving
Reading hope. With both sides going in search of three points, the visitors came inches away from grabbing the lead again through Katie Robinson.
She locked onto a through ball, put the ball past the onrushing Moloney, took a touch to compose herself as the Royals keeper rushed back to defend her goal and smacked her shot against the post.
Brighton had an opportunity to snatch the points with five minutes to go when Libby Bance found herself free in the box but blazed her shot high over the top. Neither side could find a winner as the team’s had to settle for a point each.
READING FC WOMEN face another huge relegation clash this weekend away at Leicester City.
The Royals fought back from two goals down with an Emma Harries brace to secure a point at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
The result means that Reading moved four points clear of the drop zone after Sunday’s opponents lost heavily at Aston Villa.
The Foxes are on the brink of losing their top flight stats unless they can rack up some points in their final six games of the campaign.
Leicester are two points adrift at
the bottom and 11th place Brighton have two games in hand.
Willie Kirk, who took over Leicester in November 2022 from Lydia Bedford, has guided the team to two league victories to improve their chances of survival.
Leicester have beaten Brighton, which came in January, and in February with an away triumph at Liverpool.
The Foxes have lost the most games in the division this season with 13 defeats in 16 games.
They also have the second worst defensive record having
conceded 38 in 16 games, two worse off than Reading.
Meanwhile, they have had struggles in the attacking third and have only netted seven times in 16 games which leaves them in trouble at the bottom.
Reading and Leicester’s last meeting was a dramatic affair at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in November.
Leicester took a shock lead in the 36th minute and it appeared as if they were going to take a stunning win in what would have been their first three points of the season.
However, Rachel Rowe commenced a rescue mission to ensure that Reading didn’t drop points to their relegation rivals.
The Welsh international netted directly from a corner in the 90th minute to level the scores.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Leicester’s hopes of taking anything away from Berkshire were cruelly snatched away when Rowe went on a one women mission, jinking past three Leicester players before firing a rocket past the goalkeeper to score the winner.
Reading’s last trip to Leicester, in May 2022 ended in a goalless draw.
Nigel Pearson has been in charge of the Robins for more than two years after initially taking charge in February 2021 on a deal until the end of the season that was extended. His team are in 14th position on 48 points, safely adrift of the relegation fight, but too far away to make a late play-off push which will see them finish with mid-table mediocrity.
City striker Nakhi Wells leads the club’s scoring charts this campaign with 11 Championship goals and four assists in 37 matches which makes him the joint 10th highest scorer in the division.
Reading have had a horrid record on the road this season and have won just three away games in 19 attempts, giving them the worst away return in the Championship with 11 points.
Bristol have had a relatively strong home run with eight wins, five draws and six losses at Ashton Gate.
The Royals were triumphant when the teams met at the SCL back in October.
Mamadou Loum put Reading in front after 52 minutes before Andy Carroll sealed the points with a stoppage time goal to make it 2-0.
Reading lost on their last visit to Ashton Gate in February 2022 after a late penalty from John Swift proved to just be a consolation after Antoine Semenyo’s opener and an own goal from Michael Morrison.
Reading Ladies took the points with victory over Wallingford
Saturday, March 25
FOOTBALL
The 2-0 win puts Reading in fourth position Pictures: Steve Smyth
Saturday, April 1
FOOTBALL
Southern League Premier South
Yate Town 0-2 Bracknell Town
Isthmian South Central
Merstham 0-2 Binfield
Combined Counties Premier North
Ascot United 2-2 Wembley
Harefield United 2-0 Sumas
Reading City 2-2 Wallingford & Crowmarsh
Combined Counties Division One
Berks County 1-0 Spartans Youth
Eversley & California 2-0
Molesey
London Samurai Rovers 4-1 Woodley United
Thames Valley Premier League
SB Phoenix 1-2 Reading YMCA
Finchampstead 6-2 Wraysbury Village
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.todaySouth Central Women’s North Division 2
READING 4S maintained their title challenge in a tightly contested top four with victory over Wallingford 2s.
Reading ensured they confirmed their 15th win in 21 league games with a 2-0 home success.
Reading are in fourth place on 47 points, trailing the three slides
above them by just two points.
SONNING 2S earned their eighth league win to move into eighth position.
Sonning took the spoils in a one goal contest away at Oxford Hawks to move onto 24 points with one game left to play.
South Central Men’s Premier 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE netted six times in their away victory at Havant 2s.
Ravi Patel scored a double and goals from Paul Kaplanski, Jack Baveystock, Sam Fox-Harvey and Tom King helped them to a 6-2 win.
South Berks are in second place on 44 points with one league game left.
South Central Women’s North Division 1
SOUTH BERKSHIRE ensured the title race would go to the final weekend of the season by beating Leighton Buzzard.
Anabella Pio and Alessia
Osbourne scored to help South Berks to a 2-1 win.
They are two points behind leaders Reading 3s going into the final game of the season.
South Central Men’s North Division 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE picked up a point on their trip to Thame 1s in a six goal game.
The draw keeps South Berks in 10th place on 16 points with one game left to play.
KINGFISHER A completed an impressive division one season with a comfortable 10-0 performance against KINGFISHER C.
Second place OUR LADY OF PEACE A didn’t have it so easy, winning 6-4 against Sonning Sports A, whose star player Dave Croucher picked up a maximum.
KINGFISHER D secured third place with an impressive 9-1 show against fourth placed SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A
Graham Mendick and Ryan Chung remain unbeaten.
Julian Telford could have joined them as he scored a nice comeback win over Gary Morgan 9-11 3-11 11-6 14-12 11-9, but Jamie Barlow proved too strong for him.
TIDMARSH A signed off strongly 8-2 over SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B with Duncan Groves and Lee Calcutt
scoring maximums. There was another defeat for bottom side READING FC at the hands of TILEHURST RBL A 3-7, with one highlight being Keith Winter’s victory over Mike Childs 11-9 7-11 11-9 4-11 11-7.
Tilehurst could still finish fifth if they can beat SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B by an 8-2 score line in next week’s rearranged fixture.
Congratulations to SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D as their 5-5 draw with KINGFISHER F ensured they will finish top of Division 2. This match saw two excellent wins for the Kingfisher team with Ajai Kamath recovering from 1-2 down to beat Jonathan Abbott in five and Roger Pritchard winning an epic battle against the number 2 player in the Division Danny Dockree 12-10 in the fifth.
In the battle for runners-up spot a surprisingly emphatic 9-1 win for OUR LADY OF PEACE B over KINGFISHER G has left the OLOP team with a
good chance of going up but the result ended the Kingfisher team’s chances.
This match saw very good maximums for Dave Godfrey and Darek Kaminski.
Earlier in the week KINGFISHER G had kept their promotion hopes alive with a hard fought 6-4 win over TIDMARSH B in a match which saw a number of long sets which went to five.
Satej Jaywant recorded a fine maximum for Kingfisher including beating Dale Ballard 11-9 in the fifth.
Relegation threatened KINGFISHER E lost 6-4 at TILEHURST RBL B with the four points gained just about keeping their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Kate Maksimenko got another maximum for the Tilehurst team but the set of the night was Kingfisher Captain Clive Gold’s win in five against John Willcocks with the final game ending 13-11.
WOODLEY PENSIONERS walking football team enjoyed a weekend to remember with success in the George Peters Cup.
Playing at Havant, the team scored eight goals and conceded just three times in five matches to be crowned as the cup winners on Sunday.
Finishing with eight points, Woodley pipped Portsmouth on goal difference to claim top spot.
The club fielded two teams in the first round of matches of the over 60s spring season at Bisham Abbey.
Following last season’s promotion to division one, the A team may need more time to find their feet to adjust to higher levels of competition,
They came from behind twice to win 3-2 against Bicester Fossils before being involved in a goalless draw against Bracknell Town B.
They were then beaten in matches against Aylesbury, Bracknell Town A and Oxford United.
The B team also struggled to find rhythm and suffered three narrow defeats in four.
However, they did pick up a point in a credible draw against Oxford United B.
In the week, the over 65s team competed in the top division for their age group and produced a fine display.
They find themselves in third position after the first round of matches with two wins and two draws from five matches giving them a return of eight points.
Championship
Bristol City v Reading
FA Vase semi-final
Corsham Town v Ascot United
Southern League Premier South
Bracknell Town v Metropolitan Police
Isthmian South Central Binfield v Northwood
Combined Counties Premier North London Lions v Sumas
Reading City v Harefield United
Combined Counties Division One
Eversley & California v Bedfont
Penn & Tylers Green v Woodley United
Charles Twelftree Trophy
SB Phoenix v Finchampstead
Thames Valley Division One
Hurst 2-1 Maidenhead Town Reserves
Woodley United Royals 2-5
Westwood Wanderers Reserves
Thames Valley Division Two
Maidenhead Town A 1-3 Hurst reserves Slough Heating Laurecians 1-1 Reading YMCA Rapids
Twyfrod & Rusocmbe 4-3 Berks County Swords
Thames Valley Division Three
Finchampstead Development 0-3 Reading City Development
RUGBY UNION National League One
Rams 59-21 Taunton Titans
HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2
Havant 2s 2-6 South Berkshire
South Central Women’s North Division 1
South Berkshire 2-1 Leighton
Buzzard
South Central Men’s North Division 1
Banbury 2s 3-2 Sonning
South Central Women’s Premier 1
Sonning 4-1 Havant
South Central Women’s North Division 2
Reading 4s 2-0 Wallingford 2s
Sunday, March 26
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League
Reading 2-2 Brighton
Southern Region Women’s Premier
Ascot United 1-0 Winchester City Flyers
Thames Valley Women’s League Cup
Wargrave 1-5 Tilehurst Panthers
Thames Valley Premier League Wargrave v Burghfield
Westwood Wanderers v Reading City U23s
Thames Valley Division One AFC Winkfield v Hurst
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords v Maidenhead Town A
Burghfield Reserves v Twyford & ruscombe
Cookham Dean v Reading
YMCA Rapids
Mortimer Development v Hurst Reserves
RUGBY UNION
National League One Sale v Rams
HOCKEY South Central Men’s North Division One
Sonning v Yateley
South Central Women’s Premier
Oxford Hawks 2s v Sonning
South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Witney
South Central Women’s North Division One Buckingham 2s v South Berkshire
Sunday, April 2
FOOTBALL
Women’s Super League Leicester City v Reading
Southern Region Women’s Division One North
Eversley & California v Penn & Tylers Green
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers New Bradwell v Mortimer
Wargrave v Haddenham