Reading Today, November 9, 2022

THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

No. 54 90p

READING TODAY WWW.RDG.TODAY

READING’S NEW CHAMPION

A new oasis

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ISSN 2754-2785

Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Holy Brook Nook is a little bit of paradise

CRIME

COST OF LIVING

BEER

Dealer with 40 wraps jailed

Ding bills to rise by £1,000

Pubs so good they make Real Ale Guide

2 | NEWS

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WE COVER READING BOROUGH EMMER GREEN CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM TILEHURST

NORCOT

WEST READING SOUTHCOTE

READING COLEY

EAST READING

KATESGROVE

WHITLEY SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM

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Publisher • David Riley General manager • Eddie Pearce Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Drug dealer could with 40 wraps of crack and heroin jailed A DRUG dealer from Reading caught with 40 wraps on her possession has been jailed for three years.

Gail Goodrick, 41 and from Waylen Street, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, November 2, where she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

She was caught in Jesse Terrace by police officers on Wednesday, September 21, at around 5pm.

The court heard that she was engaging with known drug users at the time.

Arrested, Goodrick was searched and police found 40 wraps: 27 of cocaine, and 13 of heroin.

These were seized along with a mobile phone and cash.

She was charged the following day.

SENTENCED: Gail Goodrick has been jailed for three years Picture: Thames Valley Police At the hearing, £279 was forfeited

by Goodrick and the court ordered that the drugs be destroyed.

Thames Valley Police’s PC

Russell Morbey, based at Reading police station, said: “Our Stronghold team will proactively and robustly target and prosecute drug dealers.

“The dealing of drugs in our communities cause untold harm, particularly to those most vulnerable, and we will not tolerate this.

“Our activity will be both visible and covert, aimed at disrupting and stopping offenders involved in the supply of drugs.”

He continued: “The information that we receive from the public plays a key role in us tackling drug supply in Reading, helping to develop intelligence into proactive investigations.

“If you have any information about drug dealing in your area, we would encourage you to report this to us by calling 101 or via our website.”

MP voices residents’ concerns surrounding Carters site homes plan

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

AN MP has voiced concerns after a meeting with residents, along with local councillors, about the development set for a site on Caversham Road.

Residents of Swansea road were consulted regarding the proposals to develop homes on the site of the now-closed Carters outdoor clothing and equipment shop.

The site on Caversham Road was home to the outlet since it moved there in 1962, but closed after nearly 200 years of business in and around Reading.

Bellway Homes plans to demolish the store and build around 60 new homes.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda discussed some of these at a meeting held late last month.

He has since written to the council

on behalf of residents and detailed that many were worried about a range of concerns.

One concern was the removal of the tall warehouse wall which backs onto many of the gardens on Swansea Road.

Residents were keen to ensure did not get demolished.

In the letter, he said “Residents have asked for a high wall to be maintained to protect the rear of their homes and gardens,” with many concerned about making their properties more accessible to burglars or intruders.

The wall is several metres high in many places, which protects the gardens from theft and also keeps residents’ privacy.

They were also concerned about parking, which they fear could become even more difficult following the development.

Residents are seeking assurances that enough parking will be provided for the new homes, which plans do not

currently indicate is the case.

They are also seeking assurance that applications for permits to park in surrounding roads will “not normally be allowed,” and that visitor’s permits will be considered carefully.

This follows a survey which quizzed residents for their opinions, as well as a meeting attended by councillors discussing the proposals.

Mr Rodda said: “This is a major development and residents have understandable concerns about a number of issues.

“I hope the developer will listen carefully to these and change their plans to help residents.

“Parking, privacy and safety and the overall look of the site are important issues. In particular, I hope the developer will keep a tall brick wall at the back of gardens on Swansea Road to protect residents” privacy and security.”

Burglaries: two jailed TWO MEN have been sentenced for multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit burglary.

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, Jonathan Marney, 34 and of Cumnor, was sentenced to eight years and four months’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit theft, concealing criminal property, and driving while disqualified.

John Leslie Smith, 36 and of Bruce Road, Woodley, was jailed for seven years for conspiracy to commit burglary, receiving a concurrent sentence of four years for conspiracy to commit theft. He was acquitted of one count of theft from a motor vehicle.

Between September and November 2021, Marney and Smith worked together to commit eight burglaries which involved stealing car keys from dwellings in order to steal vehicles.

Cars were stolen from six of the properties, with seven further thefts of number plates from motor vehicles.

The offences occurred in Reading, Calcot, Tilehurst, Woodley, and Basingstoke in Hampshire, predominantly overnight.

Marney and Smith were identified through digital and forensic evidence.

Craft market A CRAFT market is to take place in Yattendon later this month, offering some ideas for unique festive presents.

Organised by Modern Makers Collective, the event will see more than 20 artists, designers, makers and craftspeople take part.

Those chosen are committed to craftsmanship, and items for sale include ceramics, textiles, woodwork, weaving and jewellery.

Entry is free, and the event runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20. It takes place in the village hall, Church Lane. n modernmakerscollective.co.uk

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Coley community blooms with Holy Brook Nook

Paul Gittings, Mayor Eden, Gary Stone, and Nature Nurture’s Natalie Ganpatsingh

The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, cuts the ribbon to declare the Holy Brook Nook officially open

Natalie Ganpatsingh, Mayor Rachel Eden and Teresa Verney-Brooks Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today CONTRIBUTORS, councillors, and community members gathered to celebrate the work of the Holy Brook Nook project on Saturday.

The Brook Way project, which started back in February, is working to improve the community as well as its spaces through conservation work, promoting and protecting natural space, and providing learning opportunities.

Attendees were invited to see the wellbeing garden, meet the muralists and conservationists, and find out about how the project is helping children in Coley.

Natalie Ganpatsingh, a director at Nature Nurture, said: “It was just fantastic to see so many people turn out on a rainy day – from the council, the different groups who’ve worked on the project, and the Coley community.

“All celebrating the project so far, and we can’t wait to take it on to the next step.”

She said of Holy Brook Nook: “It’s a genuine grassroots community project. And, unusually, it embraces looking after a green space with volunteers, public art, education, all those things together in one place.”

She thanked those who had contributed to making the project a success so far, saying: “It takes so much to really have an impact on an area.

“I’m really personally very grateful that the councillors were willing to take that step with Nature Nurture and our partners to go for something that really was so ambitious.

“They just trusted us to work with the community, and it’s really paid off.”

In her speech, the mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, praised the group’s work.

“I think for me, this is what Reading’s all about. And projects like this is what life’s all about,” she said.

“Life should be about community, about coming together, about thriving. That’s what this project is.

“Thank you to everybody because you are making this community thrive, you’re making your own community thrive.

“I get the great job – I’m the mayor I just turn up and you’ve done all the work, and I get to open it.” n The group has a Facebook page, search for ‘Holy Brook Nook’. Its website is: nature-nurture.co.uk

Teresa Verney-Brooks and Autumn branching out

Volunteers and muralists, David, Edward, Tim, Guglielmo, Laura, Carlo, and Tony celebrate the fruits of their labours

Attendees were served free pumpkin soup by helpers Zac and Blake

Kath Burton with a home made bird feeder

NEWS | 3

Up the Ding: SCL fifth safest stadium READING FC’s home ground has been named the fifth safest football stadium in the UK, according to a study.

The Select Car Leasing Stadium has an average of 0.1 incidents per 100 attendants, as reported by scams.info, who analysed police data and over 70 million incidents in the vicinity of grounds.

The Royals’ lofty national ranking means it is also the safest away day in the Championship, England’s second tier.

On average, Reading welcomes 298,931 fans to its home every year, with a yearly average of 297 incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour.

On Saturday, October 1, Reading welcomed thousands of children to its designated schools and grassroots game against Huddersfield Town, showcasing the club’s family ethos.

Under the scheme, adult tickets cost £10, while under 12s could attend the game for only £1.

The stadium’s family area is made up of three blocks in the Eamonn Dolan stand.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium was deemed the safest ground in the UK, with just 0.04 incidents per 100. It has an average of 445,037 attendants and 180 recorded yearly incidents.

The club’s Premier League rivals Manchester United came second, seeing 0.06 incidents per 100 attendees. Old Trafford boasts the largest number of visitors, with 1,418,806 fans coming every year.

In joint third position were Bolton and Wycombe Wanderers, whose stadiums experienced 0.09 incidents per 100 fans.

Aiden Howe, of scams.info, said: “Away games involve going to the other teams’ home turf which means heightened risk of being the target of football-related violence.

“Be careful when walking around wearing your team’s kit in areas where rowdy home fans are likely to accumulate.

“Large crowds also attract petty theft as it allows anonymity for pickpockets, so make sure your bags are zipped and not left unattended, avoid flashing cash or expensive items in public making you a target for criminals.”

The least safe UK football stadium was deemed to be Mourneview Park Stadium, home of Glenavon in Northern Ireland. It has 13.44 anti-social incidents per 100 attendees.

With an average yearly attendance of 9,360, the 1,258 yearly incidents seem particularly high. n To see the full rankings, visit: www.scams.info

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Celebrate 200 years of Huntley and Palmers A GUIDED walk is set to celebrate two centuries of Huntley and Palmers history on Thursday, November 17.

Historian Terry Dixon will lead the walk which explores the company’s time in Reading, beginning with biscuits from Ancient Rome up to the present day, including the people of Huntley and Palmers, their influence on Reading, on factories and buildings, and the modern legacy of the company.

The walk will conclude at the Museum of English Rural Life, where attendees can enjoy a visit to its cafe.

The event is raising funds for adoption charity and family support provider PACT, and the Royal Berkshire Charity, which supports the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

A £5 donation per adult attending is asked, which will be split between the charities, but must be made in cash.

Attendees are asked to arrive before 9.45am to sign in and take part in the safety briefing.

To book a place, or for more information, visit the Facebook page, Terry’s Reading Walkabouts or contact Terry Dixon by emailing: terry. dixon89@virginmedia.com

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Clergy should be free to marry same-sex couples, says Bishop

By JAKE CLOTHIER Queer correspondent

THE BISHOP of Oxford has said that Church of England clergy should have the freedom to bless and marry same-sex couples.

The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, released a new essay last week, in which he explores how his views towards LGBTQ+ people have shifted.

In Living in Love and Faith, Bishop Stephen will explain how the Church of England’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance is “dislocating” it from the society it seeks to serve.

He also apologises that the Church has been slow to “reach better decisions and practise” and for the slowness of change in his own actions, and admits that these “have caused genuine hurt, disagreement, and pain.”

Now he is calling for Church of England clergy to be able to marry same-sex couples in church, and that they should themselves be able to marry somebody of the same sex.

This makes him the only serving diocesan bishop to call for the inclusion of same-sex couples into church marriages.

Currently the Church of England does not permit samesex couples to be married in the

SUPPORT: The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, has released a new essay outlining why he now thinks the Church should be free to marry gay parishoners Photo: Steven Buckley church.

Members of clergy are not explicitly prohibited from being in same-sex relationships, though it is on the understanding that they remain celibate.

In the essay, Bishop Stephen says that this in particular has caused harm to people who have had to hide or deny who they are, leading to “accumulated distress.”

The publication on Friday, Novermber 4, follows a meeting by the College of Bishops earlier

this week which saw a debate about how the issue of samesex marriage should be decided at the General Synod, which is due to meet in February 2023.

He lays out four steps he believes the Church of England should take to carry this out.

The first is to enable the provision of public services of blessing for same-sex civil partnerships and marriages.

The second is to give the freedom of conscience to clergy and ordinands to order their relationships appropriately.

The third is to give freedom of conscience to clergy to enter into same-sex civil marriage, and lastly to remove the legal barriers to the solemnisation of same-sex marriage in the Church of England.

He acknowledges division among those in the Church of England and says that the recognition of the traditional view of marriage as a legitimate position must be also ensured.

His stance has been supported by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia

Graham.

On social media, she wrote: “Grateful to @Steven_Croft for publishing his contemplative, compassionate and courageous views on human sexuality and the Church. I agree.

“We must ground all our discussions, decisions and behaviour in love, respect and care for one another. There is no us and them - only all of us, loved by God.” Bishop Olivia’s support comes nearly 20 years after Canon Jeffrey John was considered for the role of Reading’s bishop.

He had been nominated by the diocese, but chose to step down after a campaign against him.

Among those who spoke out in 2003 was a lay reader of Greyfriars Church, Philip Giddings.

At the time, he told the Reading Evening Post: “It’s perfectly clear that the appointment is splitting the Church.

“There’s no need to make that appointment. We are looking to the people who have the power to stop it.”

Canon Jeffrey went on to become the Dean of St Albans. n Together in Love and Faith: Personal reflections and next steps for the Church is available via: store.oxford.anglican.org

Live lounge Vintage bazaar at returns to Hickies Phantom Brewing

‘‘STORIES AND TALES’’ CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING 4th December from 5pm

Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Chalk this December 2022 as our storyteller tells his festive tales for little ones.

Come and sit back, relax and take in the atmosphere while the kids are entertained in our wonderful setting.

What’s more, accompanying the enchanting chronicles, children can also enjoy a warming and luxurious hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.

Priced at £9.50 per child with adults going free.

If you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner or visit us prior to the event for a delicious lunch.

www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

MUSIC store Hickies is continuing its series of events with the fifth Live Lounge evening, which will be held next week.

After launching its intimate series of gigs back in April, the store has welcomed musicians after hours for free-to-attend sessions.

Live Lounge V will see performances by The Remi Banklyn Band, Thomas Heppell, and Jack Mason.

The Remi Bankyln Band brings a bluesy mood to their music, taking inspiration from Jimmy Reed, Mussy Waters, and the music of 1940s Chicago.

Thomas Heppell also combines blues and jazz influences, as well as country, and recently made appearances at The Elephant and Castle, and Bracknell Ale and Cider Festival.

Canada’s Jack Mason will round out the roster, fresh from his new single, Drop Dead.

Live Lounge V will take place at Hickies, from 7.30pm on Thursday, November 17.

PHANTOM Brewery is teaming up with Vintage Bazaar for an event on Sunday, November 20.

The Vintage Bazaar at the Brewery will bring a mix of food, fashion, and fermentation to its taproom in Meadow Road, Reading.

Running rom 1pm-6pm, vintage fashion, decor, and retro collectibles will be available, as well as food and craft beer.

The Vintage Bazaar has been providing clothing, textiles, and homeware events for more than a decade.

Visitors are asked to note that traders will be using cash for transactions, but the bar is cardonly.

The Vintage Bazaar at the Brewery will take place at The Haunt, Units 2-3, Meadow Road, from 1pm-6pm on Sunday, November 20.

On the same day, it will also screen the first World Cup game, Qatar v Ecuador. Kick-off is at 4pm.

n For more information about the event, visit: www. phantombrew.com

Stevensons outfitters closed temporarily following flooding A READING store has had to close temporarily following water damage.

School outfitters Stevensons has been forced to close its Reading branch temporarily due to damage caused by flooding after a period of heavy rain, it has announced.

The outlet posted to social media to say that it would

be carrying out repairs and planned to open the store on Tuesday, January 3.

It said that online orders and deliveries would still be processed as usual and that any orders already made would be fulfilled as planned.

For customers who prefer to collect orders, they are operating a click and collect

service from the store in Market Place between 10am4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The click and collect service will operate from Tuesday, November 8, and Saturday, December 17.

n For more information or for order enquiries, visit: www. stevensons.co.uk, or email: readingbranch@stevensons.co.uk

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Great save! Footballer thanks first aider for his quick thinking

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A MAN who collapsed while playing football at the University of Reading has returned to thank the first aider whose quick actions saved his life.

Michael Hagans, 63, from Tilehurst, suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday, September 30, 20 minutes into a five-a-side game.

He and his friends have played at Whiteknights campus every week for the past 35 years.

His teammates immediately alerted staff at SportsPark on the Whiteknights campus.

Dean Goddard, a SportsPark employee, reacted swiftly and ran out with a defibrillator to help Michael.

He gave Michael chest compressions and two electric shocks with the machine before an ambulance took him to the nearby Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Michael awoke from a coma two days later with no memory of what happened. Since then, he has made a remarkable recovery, taking the time to cycle between Tilehurst and Sonning and is even making plans to return to playing football again.

After being told about Dean’s heroic actions, Michael returned to the University to thank him.

Michael said: “My partner was there when I woke up and they told me what had happened. It was hard to come to terms with. There was no way I thought I could have a heart attack, but obviously I did.

“I went for a check-up yesterday and had various exercises and tests.

“The nurse was quite amazed

at the speed of my recovery.

“What can you say if someone saves your life? There are not really words that are adequate. Thank you seems not enough.

“When these things happen, you’re not expecting them, and you always like to think there’s someone there who can do that job and save your life. I’m happy he was there to be able to do that.”

Dean, who has worked at SportsPark for 11 years, was

praised by police officers for the quick thinking under pressure that saved Michael’s life.

He said: “First aid training is very important. It just happened suddenly, I was in the staff room at the time on my break. As far as I was concerned, that was my time to sit and relax. All of a sudden, someone had collapsed on the football pitch.

“It could happen at any moment. That’s why it’s so important to remind yourself about first aid and about the

Sports screenings at Family Church THANKS: Dean Goddard (left) meets Michael Hagans at the University of Reading’s sports pitches.

Michael had a heart attack and was saved

by Dean.

Picture: University of Reading

process of using a defibrillator.

Keep yourself up to date because it can happen at any moment.”

As well as helping to train a range of health professionals including pharmacists, physician associates and psychologists, the University of Reading offers first aid training to any member of staff who wants it.

The Red Cross can offer advice and training on first aid to members of the public.

A READING church is inviting residents to get together for an afternoon of live sport on Saturday, November 26.

Reading Family Church’s Men’s Match Day will see fathers and sons enjoy a few hours in front of the television watching the Autumn rugby internationals and the football World Cup. Visitors are asked to bring £2 for snacks. Doors will open at 3.45pm.

Booking is required,via the church’s website.

Reading Family Church is based on Basingstoke Road. n For more information or to book places, visit: www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk

SEND info day A CHARITY is inviting parents, rs and young people to an information event on Saturday, November 19.

Reading Families Forum’s Transition Information and Fun Day will help youngsters aged 12 upwards explore options and support available for those with additional needs.

Visitors can enjoy fun activities including temporary tattoos, hair braiding and see live reptiles. Refreshments will also be served.

This event takes place from 2.30pm-5pm at The Avenue School, Tilehurst. n readingfamiliesforum.co.uk

THE MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS

BACK NEXT YEAR: Reading Firework display has been cancelled for 2022 Picture: Pixabay

Lions forced to cancel fireworks READING’S firework display has been cancelled for 2022.

Heavy rain led to a waterlogged pitch, and organisers having to initially postpone the popular fundraiser, which had been due to take place on Friday.

But they have been unable to arrange an alternative date for the charity event, meaning it will be put on ice until next year.

The annual event is organised

by Reading Lions, and sees thousands of people head to Scours Lane to watch the show.

However, the area the spectators were meant to stand in has flooded. As fireworks needs people to stand a safe distance away in case of accidents, organisers had no choice but to call this year’s show off.

Now, the Lions have had to go even further, canning this year’s event altogether. It means that charities will miss out on donations that come from the event.

Andy Young, from Reading Lions, said: “Following our

decision to cancel the fireworks event on safety grounds, our whole team has been working hard to secure a new date in the near future.

“Regrettably we have been unable to secure all key logistics and partners needed to secure a safe and full event.

“We are therefore forced to cancel this event for this year.”

He said that refunds will be offered to ticket holders.

“Reading Lions are planning events for next year,” he added.

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Elizabeth Line now into central London

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

SUNDAY was a big day for Reading as the Elizabeth Line connected the town to the Big Smoke, without the need to change trains, for the first time.

While people have been able to use the new Tube service for several months, it is now possible to get into central London without having to make a switch at Paddington.

From Sunday, November 6, the Elizabeth Line services will run from Abbey Wood in East London to Reading, stopping at Canary Wharf, Liverpool Street, Farringdon, Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street, as well as Paddington.

Journey times from central London to Reading will be just over an hour, but there are no toilets on the trains as they are part of the Tube network.

The new services comes after the Bond Street station opened last month, but it is not the final stage of the project.

The full timetable is on track to be in place by May, and will include end-to-end journeys, including from Shenfield to Heathrow, and up to 24 trains per hour during the peak between Paddington and Whitechapel.

Nigel Horton-Baker, chief

THE FUTURE IS NOW: Paddington’s Elizabeth line station is very spaceage, but is fully operational executive of REDA (Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency), said: “The completion of the final phase of the Elizabeth Line project is a great achievement and is part of Reading’s 2050 Vision to become a smart and sustainable city of the future.

“The seamless transport link will bolster Reading’s position as a major commercial destination connected to the UK’s capital and global financial centres, as well as an exciting place to visit thanks to the short travel times and easy access via the Elizabeth Line.”

At the launch of the new Bond Street station last month, the mayor of London, Sadiq

Khan, said: “The opening of the Elizabeth line by the Queen at Paddington in May was a landmark moment, not just for London but for the entire country.

“It is playing a crucial role in our recovery from the pandemic and delivering a £42 billion boost to the UK economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of new homes and jobs.

“The Elizabeth line is helping to build a better London a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all.

“I’m so proud of this new line.” n For more on REDA, log on to: visit-reading.com

RAILS ON SALE: Reading Smart Works is holding a fashion sale at its London Street branch on Saturday, November 19, offering a range of new and preloved designer and high street labels

Tickets on sale for fashion sale SHOPAHOLICS can pick up a bargain in a charity fashion sale coming to Reading later this month.

Smart Works, which helps women get back into work by offering interview coaching and clothing, is holding a sale of new and pre-loved clothes from designer labels and high street names, with prices starting at £5.

There will be clothes, shoes and accessories from brands including Boden, LK Bennett and Reiss. Other labels include Cos, Winser London, Hobbs and Hope London.

There will also be some designer pieces donated by individuals, including pieces from Prada and Maje.

The sale, on Saturday,

November 19 between 9.30am and 1pm, takes place at the charity’s base in London Street, and entry is by ticket, costing £5.

Early bird tickets, offering advance entry, cost £15, and payment for goods can be made by cash and card.

Amanda Bayley, Smart Works Reading’s centre manager, said: “We’re so excited about our winter fashion sale.

“These events are always a big hit with local shoppers and tickets are already selling fast.

“The sales are a great way for people to support the work we do and bag a guilt-free fashion bargain at the same time.”

She added: “All proceeds from the sale go straight back into our service to support women in our

community who need a helping hand when it comes to getting back to work.”

Smart Works Reading works with 147 referral agencies to support women most needing practical support in their job search.

Women can be referred to the organisation for a free interview outfit once they have secured an interview and one-toone coaching session, to build confidence and practical skills.

The service can be accessed by anyone who identifies as female, is unemployed and is based in the Berkshire region. n For more details, or to book, log on to Eventbrite: bit.ly/swr_winter_sale_22

Free flu jabs for under 50s working for Reading Buses A TRANSPORT firm is offering its employees aged 50 and under a free flu jab.

Reading Buses says this is for staff members who aren’t eligible for one from the NHS. Every employee signing up is being sent a voucher which can be used to book – and pay – for a vaccination at a convenient time.

The Great Knollys Street’s HR director, Caroline Anscombe, said: “Flu can be serious and each year causes thousands of people to go to hospital and thousands of deaths in the UK. “It’s more important than ever this year to get a flu jab because immunity

to flu may be lower than usual.

“We see this as another example of our investment in and care for our employees, but in turn our customers will also benefit from the peace of mind that we continue to do everything possible to keep our services running safely and reliably.”

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Town to honour lives lost to hatred on Transgender Day of Remembrance TRANSGENDER Awareness Week is set to take place from Sunday, November 13, to Saturday, November 19, followed by Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday, November 20.

The week celebrates transgender people and raises awareness of the community and issues affecting it, while Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of trans lives which were lost as a result of hatred and violence.

This year, Reading Pride is marking TDoR on Sunday, November 20, by hosting vigil, with a range of speakers to talk on issues facing trans people and contributors from charities, media organisations, local government, and advocacy groups.

It will be hosted by Christina Dearlove, co-founder of Reading Pride’s MyUmbrella LGBTQ+ volunteer project.

The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, will follow with an address, as well as vice-chair of Pride’s trustees, Kirsten Bayes.

Angela Sydney Moore, R-Trans group leader at Support U; Jo Brydon, Newbury Museum’s trans historian; Rory Sizer, reporter at Trans Radio UK. Kerry Kleis, co-founder and team leader of MYUmbrella LGBT+ will speak at the event, which will also see contributions from Cat Burton, chair of trustees at Gender Identity Research & Education Society; Emily Hamilton, vice-president of strategic change at Trans In The City; and Kate Glanfield, trustee at Gloucester Pride;.

Andrea Christine Brookes, regional organiser at The Beaumont Society, and Jason Potts, co-founder of

T&Coffee Trans Network, will round out the evening’s roster of speakers.

As well as speeches by attendees, the event will mark the trans lives lost to violence and transphobia, displaying the 327 names of those lost so far this year, with a performance by the Rock Choir.

Reading Borough Council has stated that it will be flying the transgender flag at the civic offices during the weekend of SaturdaySunday, November 19-20, to show support for the community.

Leading figures from churches and local government will be attending, including Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock, Reading Minster’s vicars, the Revd Judith Sumner and the Revd Sonya Wratten, and the mayors of Newbury, Wokingham, and Bracknell Forest.

TDoR was founded in 1999 to memorialise Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in Massachusetts in 1998.

Transgender Awareness Week takes place from Sunday, November 13, to Saturday, November 19.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil will take place from on 5pm Sunday, November 20, at Reading Biscuit Factory.

The event can also be watched online via Reading Pride’s YouTube channel from 7pm.

n For more information about Transgender Day of Remembrance, or to reserve a seat, visit: www.tdor-reading. org.uk

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Warm cafe launched to help people cope with increased energy bills EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A NEW South Reading initiative is helping residents negotiate the colder weather and rising energy prices.

Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA)’s Winter Warming Wednesdays provides residents with a warm place to stay, one of whom says the organisation saved her life.

Carol Frost, who is now a regular at the community cafe, stumbled across the Northumberland Avenue-based organisation at a particularly difficult moment.

She explained: “I lost my mum, three weeks later I lost my husband. I just stayed indoors and I cried and cried and cried.

“I came out one day and was walking past [the Whitley Community Cafe].

“Somebody saw me, Lisa (WCDA’s business manager), who asked if I was alright.

“I told her I’d lost my mum and my husband on the anniversary of my dad’s death.

“I wanted to end it all.”

Carol and her husband Steven had been outside clapping for the NHS when he offered to make them both a hot drink and collapsed.

Lisa assured Carol she was welcome to come to the cafe at any time, getting her a cup of tea and having a lengthy chat with her.

“If it wasn’t for Lisa, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.

After her initial visit to the WCDA, Lisa encouraged her to come again and

SUPPORT: Whitley Community Development Association’s Winter Warming Wednesdays take place from noon-2.30pm.

Picture: WCDA she has been dropping in ever since, describing the people there as her ‘second family’.

The concept of Winter Warming Wednesdays came about in the wake of the UK’s energy crisis.

The idea was to offer residents respite without needing to use their heating at home.

Carol explained: “I don’t put my heating on, I put a sleeping bag over me.

“I’m waiting for it to get a bit colder before turning on my heating because of the electricity and gas going up.

“I’ve got a hot water bottle, which was helpful the other day when my hands got cold. I’ve got three pairs of gloves.”

The first session took place on Wednesday last week, and will now be held on a weekly basis.

Primarily targeted at over-50s, but open to all, the project officially runs from noon-2.30pm. However, organisers are encouraging people to stay at the cafe for as long as it is open.

Residents are entitled to a free soup and bread roll and can purchase a hot drink or anything else from the cafe’s menu.

Organisers are keen for visitors to build relationships with each other through conversation and activities.

Carol engaged in a lengthy game of snakes and ladders with a fellow resident.

She said they were unable to finish the game as they kept landing on the snakes and had to return to the start by the time her opponent left.

The Whitley resident expressed her excitement of murmurings that walking netball might be introduced into the programme.

Carol continues to come at least once a day, occasionally even twice a day, crediting the warm nature of those who work at WCDA. She does not cook except for when her son visits on Sundays, so enjoys what the cafe has to offer.

She also praised the affordable prices and also the WCDA’s food surplus project, which gives hundreds of people access to fresh food and essential items at a fraction of the retail price.

Unlike many food banks, those using their service are not required to attend via referral, ensuring that more people can be helped with less hassle.

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APPEAL: Two offenders forced entry to a bike shed, causing significant damage, and stole a bicycle on Saturday, September 24.

CCTV images released following bike theft THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV footage of two people it would like to speak to in connection with a robbery in Reading.

At around 6.30am on Saturday, September 24, two offenders forced entry to a bike shed in Huntley Wharf, Kenavon Drive.

They caused significant damage and stole a bicycle.

Investigating officer PC Rosie Rimen, based at Reading Police Station, said: “We would like to

appeal to anybody who recognises the men in these images to please get in touch, as they may have vital information about this incident.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220430783.

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

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Man Friday wanted for play TRIANGLE Players is seeking actors for its upcoming pantomime production of Robinson Crusoe.

Following a script read on Wednesday, November 9, the company is taking auditions on Friday, November 11, for members and non-members looking to join the group.

Full membership is open to those aged 16 or over for an annual, one-off fee of £10. Members take part in productions, staging, and production.

The production is directed by Lewis Gilbert.

Auditions take place at the hall behind Tilehurst Methodist Church, School Road, at 7.30pm on Friday, November 11.

Telegraph pole to be replaced A TELEGRAPH pole is to be replaced from a street in Battle ward.

Reading Borough Council has given BT Openreach permission to carry out the works on Thursday, November 10.

Between 9.30am and 3.30pm, there will be a no waiting restriction in place between 84-90 and 85-103 Audley Street.

This will give the telecommunications firm time to remove the defective pole and replace it with a new one.

A diversion route will be in place while the works take place.

The bar area has been given a makeover

READY TO SERVE: The team at The Fox and Hounds in Theale celebrate their new look

Pub reopens after refurbishment A THEALE pub has a bright new look following an extensive refurbishment.

The Fox and Hounds on Dean Copse Road now boasts wood-panelled walls in hues of green and dark grey, statement wallpaper, glass and rattan light fittings, botanical artwork, mirrors and plenty of greenery.

There are William Morrisinspired upholstered dining chairs, banquette seating and mid-century lounge chairs to ensure guests can have a comfortable – and smart – seat while enjoying a beer or two.

And it’s not just the interior

that has had a makeover.

The Butcombe Pubs & Innsrun venue has introduced a new autumn menu, with a focus on locally-sourced produce and seasonal ingredients.

The menus and daily specials also feature Butcombe ales where possible – such as Butcombe Gold beer-battered fish and chips.

Behind the bar, there is a selection of wine and cocktails, craft beer, and real ale and cider from Butcombe’s award-winning brewery.

Chris Dickinson, the pub’s general manager, is thrilled with

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the result.

“The pub looks amazing,” he said.

“We’re incredibly proud of the new look and we can’t wait to show it off to locals and visitors.

“Despite the big changes the integrity of this beautiful building remains intact, as does our award-winning food and drink offering.

“We’re sure our guests are going to love it, especially as we head towards Christmas – we’re the perfect venue for festive meals and get-togethers.” n For more details, log on to: www.foxandhoundstheale.co.uk

The new pub sign indicates the fresh look inside

The dining area is a spacious environment

The Theale pub has been given a complete transformation

16,500 meals sent to food banks in just six months

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

ORDERING a takeaway is doing more than just putting food on your table: it has been helping feed people who would otherwise be going without.

Home delivery firm Deliveroo says its Readingbased customers have helped provide more than 16,500 meals over the past six months, thanks to support from 6,000 customers who either made a donation or rounded up their bill.

The company has been making donations to The Trussell Trust, which operates a foodbank network across the country, providing emergency parcels of food, toiletries and pet food.

The Trust said that in August and September, its food banks distributed 46% more food parcels than in the same period last year, and it is now expecting to donate 1.3m emergency food parcels over the next six months.

Nationally, the partnership has provided more than a

million meals from 1,300 food banks.

Carlo Mocci, chief business officer UK & Ireland, Deliveroo, said the partnership provised vital support to people facing hardship as cost of living pressures increase.

“I want to thank all of our generous Deliveroo customers in Reading who have contributed more than 16,000 meals to food banks, through their donations on the Deliveroo app,” he said.

“As we approach winter, we are committed to helping tackle hunger in Reading and across the UK.” And Danni Malone, Director of Network Programmes and Innovation at the Trussell Trust, said: “As the nation faces soaring living costs, people on the very lowest incomes are facing the toughest challenges.

“Food banks are telling us that families across the

country are having to make impossible decisions between putting food on the table or switching on the lights – and too many people are being left with no option but to use a food bank because their money simply won’t stretch.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously donated to the Trussell Trust through Deliveroo’s in-app round-up function.

“These donations are helping us support our network as they provide emergency food and in-food bank support to thousands of people facing immediate hardship during this challenging period, while we work together in the long term to build a future without the need for food banks.”

Reading’s food bank, ReadiFood, is independent and run by Faith Christian Group. It is based at Boultoon Road.

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Road works and flooding see travel disruption across Reading

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

COMMUTERS across Reading have seen a week of continued disruption, with heavy rain and roadworks both contributing to delays and tailbacks across the town.

Works on the Reading West train station are currently impacting traffic on both Oxford Road and Tilehurst Road, which have both been reduced to just a single lane each.

There are also works on Bath Road, and Kings Road, the only other main road which runs from east Reading to the centre of town, leading to disruption on all three main routes.

There are also works on Richfield Avenue, which forms an alternative, indirect route into Central Reading.

As well as a number of road and infrastructure works across Reading, recent heavy rain has seen considerable flooding on much of the roads, which causes further delays.

That included parts of Kings Road being coned off due to surface water not draining away. Other parts remain underwater as we went to press.

Kings Road has also been impacted by temporary lights on the London Road/Cholmeley Road junction.

Reading Buses tweeted on Wednesday, last week that it was seeing delays of up to 40 minutes on range of routes, including routes 1, 2/2a, 14, 15, 16/16a, and 33.

CAUSE OF MOTORING MISERY: Flooding seen at the Kennetside junction on King’s Road. Picture: Charlie Simpson It then tweeted on Thursday, that it was “experiencing delays across the network in the Reading area, all of which are due to roadworks.”

This was followed by a tweet that read “Roadworks affecting lime 2, royal blue 33 in both directions with delays of up to 30 mins.”

Works at the Tilehurst Road site of the Reading West station’s upgrade were originally set to conclude on Monday, November 14, but will be finished in January 2023 according to a spokesperson for Reading Borough Council.

It is unclear when works at the Oxford Road site will be concluded, but the upgrades to the station are due to be completed in their

entirety by spring next year.

And roads in Caversham have been affected by work from CityFibre to install its new ultrafast internet cables.

In an extended statement, Reading Borough Council said: “The council will regularly receive notifications of works from statutory undertakers like gas, electric, water, and broadband companies who have powers by law to repair, maintain or upgrade their key infrastructure.

“The Council cannot prevent these works taking place and it is the ultimate responsibility of the statutory undertaker to ensure robust traffic management is in place, which takes into account every aspect of its work.”

Whitley Social Club freezes

Mini Royals Friday sessions

n For more information, search Whitley Social Club on www.facebook.com

n For more information or to book places, visit: www.officialsoccerschools.co.uk

A COMMUNITY GROUP is inviting new and existing members to purchase membership for 2023.

Whitley Social Club, which is located at the community cafe on Northumberland Avenue, has pledged to freeze membership prices from 2022.

It has also agreed not to raise alcohol prices for a minimum of three months despite increases in wholesale prices.

Those looking to renew their membership are asked to complete a renewal form at the club, bringing along their membership cards from Thursday, November 17, to Sunday, November 20.

Membership for adults is £20, seniors £10 and families £30. An additional £5 is added to the price for non-Whitley residents.

READING Football Club are inviting young children to a weekly course to experience a journey of sporting imagination at South Reading Leisure Centre, Northumberland Avenue.

Mini Royals is a fun, relaxed morning session for those aged between two and four, featuring high-energy games which promote learning through play.

The Reading FC Community Trust’s course takes place on Fridays until December 9.

Parents or guardians are required to remain with the children throughout the duration of sessions. Places can be booked per session for £4 or £24 for the full course.

The meet-ups take place between 9.20am10am.

Entries open for Woodcote 10k A POPULAR race that helps blow away the cobwebs after the festive break is to mark its 40th anniversary next year.

The Woodcote 10k has a route that goes through South Chilterns and attracts both club and amateur runner alike.

It will be held on Sunday, January 8, and is organised by the Rotary Club of Pangbourne,

raising funds for good courses in the process.

Known as the Tough One, the course goes along back roads, woods and farmland, giving participants a real runabout at the start of the year.

Entry is limited to 600 runners and costs £20 per person, with a £2 discount

for affiliated club runners.

Participants must be 15 or over.

The proceeds from the 2023 race will be shared with Blood Bikes, Purley Park Trust and other charities and good causes supported by the Rotary Club of Pangbourne

n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.woodcote10k.org.uk

It continues: “Unfortunately where they are emergency works they can coincide and cause disruption.

“One such example last week was the emergency SGN works on Bath Road at its junction with Berkeley Avenue – the result of an emergency gas leak repair.

“SGN informed us when completed they will allow the right turn into and out of Berkeley Avenue to be reopened.

“The Thames Water works nearby, along Bath Road, are to

repair its water mains which are at risk of catastrophic failure and involve temporary traffic signals.

“These works were due to be completed by close of play on Friday [November 4].”

In the case of works to Reading West station, it said: “Works to transform Reading West station continue and involve the temporary closure of the Tilehurst Road entrance and footbridge across the railway.

“This means an alternative footway for pedestrians has been provided for passengers on Tilehurst Road by Great Western Railway, which also requires temporary traffic signals.

“These works are progressing well and are expected to finish in January, 2023.”

With regard to localised flooding in Caversham Park Road, the council said: “It is often the case after heavy rain that there is a delay in the time taken for water to drain away once the capacity of the gullies is reached.

We will be assessing if there are any additional issues at the site in question, and will take remedial action if necessary.

“The Council carries out scheduled cleaning of all our 18,000 highway road gullies.”

Chance to Dance Christmas Market A CHRISTMAS market is taking place at Beansheaf Community Centre, held by Chance to Dance Stars CIC. The market will see stalls from Chance to Dance, The Little Prints Co, Forever Living, DD’s Nails and Beauty, Usborne, and Bake Me Pretty.

Santa will also be making a visit, though attendees will need to book a space.

Entry to the market is free, though voluntary donations can be made to Chance to Dance.

The Chance to Dance Christmas market takes place at Beansheaf Community Centre, Linear Park, from 10am on Sunday, November 20.

Army’s market THE SALVATION Army is hosting a Christmas market at Reading Central Hall.

Homemade cakes and fudge, jams and marmalades, cards, candles, and crafts will all be on offer, as well as books and bric-a-brac.

It will also feature a children’s corner, which will see a visit from Father Christmas.

Refreshments will be available, including tea, coffee, and bacon rolls, and entry is free.

The market takes place on Saturday, November 19, from 10.30am-2pm.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

41% of students consider quitting over money worries

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today RESEARCH conducted by a credit management company has revealed 76% of students worry about making ends meet while at university, with 41% considering quitting.

Lowell’s research into the debt habits of students found over three-quarters of students (77%) develop personal debt, excluding tuition fees and student loans, during their courses.

The reliance on credit primarily comes through using credit cards, overdrafts, buy now pay later schemes and payday loans.

John Pears, CEO at Lowell, said: “University should be an exciting and rewarding experience, but for those young people who move away from home and can’t depend on money from their family, it can also be a costly one.

“Getting into debt while at university can be worrying, especially if you don’t have a regular source of income or a job secured for when you graduate. We want students to know that they are not alone.

Around 15% of graduates ended university with over £5,000 of additional borrowing.

Of all the people surveyed, it took 16% four or more years to pay off the personal debt they had accumulated while at university.

Sheldon Allen, Reading University Students’ Union president, said: “We are working with the university to deliver on a range of priorities in [the cost of living crisis]. We believe that every student should be able to have a low-cost hot meal on campus and that students should be supported if they fall into hardship.

“To work on addressing the crisis, we are collaborating with the university and have launched a new UoR/RUSU Cost of Living Taskforce.

“It is co-chaired by me and Elizabeth McCrum, the provice chancellor for education & student experience. It brings together key people from across the university community to tackle these issues and work towards further supporting students with the cost of living.”

“If you are concerned about your situation, there is help and support available.”

Just under one in 10 students rely on payday loans for small amounts of money with an extremely high APR. The study suggested students who rely on this form of borrowing could end up with ongoing problems with debt, particularly if they intend to pay them off with student loans or grants.

With a 0% overdraft, many students are enticed by what can feel like “free” money.

However, after university, many banks will expect students to pay back their overdraft within one to three years, putting even more pressure on graduates to find a job in a competitive job market.

Expenditure priorities are weekly food shops, rent and bills, but despite the squeeze on finances, 34% of students said they were likely to spend money on nights out, takeaways or going out to eat.

Excluding tuition fees and student loans, graduates leave university with an average amount of debt of £2,332, taking 3.8 years to pay it back in full.

n To access support, visit: www. lowell.co.uk/help-and-support/ independent-support

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HOSTS: Mel Bloor and Matt Allwright will be hosting this year’s Pride of Reading Awards

Mel and Matt ready to host Pride of Reading’s big day FAMILIAR faces will be back on stage at the annual Pride of Reading Awards this year.

Mel Bloor of ITV Meridian, who has presented the awards for many years, will be joined again this year by the BBC’s Matt Allwright.

The duo will announce the winners who will be presented with their trophies by host Chris Tarrant at the event on Friday, December 2, at Reading FC Conference & Events Centre at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The theme this year is Let’s Celebrate.

As well as honouring the shortlisted nominees and winners the awards will salute the many anniversaries being celebrated in the town this year including Huntley &

Palmers biscuit factory’s 200th.

Ms Bloor said: “It will be great to be back.

“It’s such a heart-warming and fun event I can’t wait. Once again it’s a privilege to applaud the many great individuals and organisations in our community which deserve recognition.

“The Pride of Reading Awards

More than 10,000 households yet to respond to canvass READING Borough Council has issued a reminder to residents after reporting that thousands are still yet to respond to canvassing letters.

More than 10,000 households are yet to file a response to council correspondence, which reminds residents to register to vote.

The council has contacted households in three waves

of reminders ahead of the local elections which are set to take place in May next year.

The final phase of reminders has now begun, with the council having proposed telephone canvassing as a “last resort” to get as many people as possible eligible to vote.

Residents are reminded that anybody aged 16 or 17 can be added to households so they are ready to register

are the perfect chance for us all to express our gratitude and appreciation. The afternoon is always special and this year is set to be another hugely emotional and inspiring event.”

Matt has been fighting people’s corners as a journalist for more than 30 years.

He was born in Wokingham and grew up in Reading.

He has worked on Watchdog, Rogue Traders, Housing Enforcers and The One Show alongside a huge number of other projects on TV, radio, and in print.

He said: “I’ve always been a Reading boy at heart and am proud to be supporting the Pride of Reading Awards, and look forward to honouring and celebrating my hometown.” n www.porawards.co.uk

when they turn 18.

Those who have recently moved are especially encouraged to look out for voter registration messages.

Mail reminders will be sent to households who are yet to respond and risk being unable to vote in local elections.

Registration can be conducted online by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or via post by calling 0118 937 3717.

Registration must be completed by Wednesday, November 30, with the register due to be published on Thursday, December 1.

Indian dance showcase set to dazzle A COMMUNITY group will showcase its talents in an afternoon of Indian classical music and dance on Saturday.

Margam will demonstrate the artistic pursuit of Bharatanatyam, a South Indian dance style.

The event will also feature Odissi, an elegant dance style from East India, performed by the dynamic duo of Gairika Mathur and Dr Sutapa Biswas.

The event is put on by

the Kalakunj group, which conducts workshops at Reading primary schools and community events to enrich people’s understanding of culture and heritage.

The group is run by Ananya Chaterjee, who was awarded a talent scholarship from the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, New Delhi between 1988 and 1994, before settling in the UK in 2000.

Alongside her administrative role at the

University of Oxford’s research services, Ananya takes a hands-on approach to training children and adults in the basic skills of Indian classical dance in Reading and Basingstoke.

The showcase takes place at 3sixty, Reading University Students’ Union from 3pm6.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and must be purchased online.

n To book tickets, search: Kalakunj Presents Margam 2022 on www.eventbrite.com

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Engineer and a driver are stars of the month

Greenpeace gig at the Rising Sun

TWO team members from Reading Buses are the latest to be named stars of the month in the company’s reward programme.

The Great Knollys Street firm said the awards acknowledge two key areas of its operations.

The first has gone to engineering administrator Kerry Davey, who has worked for the company for 17 years.

Operations support manager Richard Moxom was one of the people who nominated her, and said she had recently organised a solution to a repeat vehicle issue.

He added that he had always found her to be ‘incredibly helpful and proactive’ and felt her positivity and ‘can do’ attitude was an asset to the company.

Her nomination was seconded by chief engineer Tom Ranson, who said Ms Davey is an ‘outstanding member of the engineering team’ who had really stepped up while Reading Buses recruits a new engineering manager to join the team.

“Kerry has taken on many additional tasks, accomplishing them with exemplary efficiency and always with a brilliant positive energy and can-do attitude,” he said.

Her certificate described her as an ‘outstanding’ member of the engineering team and support to other departments.

The second nomination is driver Tim Bonewell, who has been with Reading Buses for seven years.

The Tilehurst man was nominated by a customer who said she was ‘so moved at how kind he was.’

“He said ‘thank you and have a lovely day’ to everyone leaving his bus.

“It was so warm and genuine each time and I am certain it will have made a huge

AN EVENING of live music is taking place at The Rising Sun Arts Centre in aid of Greenpeace.

The Mirror Pictures, This, and Patrick Malone will be bringing their unique styles of indie rock and shoe gaze to the venue.

Headliners The Mirror Pictures, hailing from Reading, are fresh from the release of their latest single, Vaccine Gene.

Proceeds will go to Greenpeace’s conservation work and a push for renewable energy to combat climate change.

The fundraiser will take place on Friday, November 18, at 8pm.

Tim Bonewell (centre) receives his Star of the Month award from Reading Buses Engineering administrator Kerry Davey (centre) has been named a Star of the Month

by Reading Buses

difference to many on his bus this morning.

“Tim’s approach today solidifies why we really feel a part of something lovely and of community spirit.”

His certificate praised his ‘outstanding’ customer service to each

and every customer, making people feel valued and cared about.

Reading Buses said he had an ‘excellent’ all-round performance and work ethic as well as fostering a real community spirit among local bus users.

The firm’s HR director, Caroline

Anscombe, said: “Both Kerry and Tim are well deserved Stars of the Month.

“They have demonstrated that consistent hard work and a positive attitude can make all the difference, not just to our customers, but colleagues behind the scenes as well.”

Consort concert

THE CECILIA Consort is bringing choral mass to Douai Abbey in its concert, Requiem for a Queen.

It will bring two masses to the event, with Howard Goodall’s Enternal Light and Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, featuring Pie Jesu.

The Cecilia Consort is a chamber choir of 40.

Tickets are £15, under 18s are £5.

Requiem for a Queen takes place from 7.30pm on Saturday, November 12, at Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton. n To book, visit: www. ceciliaconsort.org.uk

Average energy bill could rise by £1,000

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A NEW REPORT estimates that the average household in Reading could see energy bills rise by £1,000 a year.

The paper from the University of Warwick details research conducted by economists at the university which modelled the impact of the energy crisis on household bills.

The models used the National Energy Efficiency Data Framework and Energy Performance Certificates in the public domain to assess costs, usage levels, and possible savings.

With Ofgem’s announcement of energy prices in October, the average energy bill would increase by as much as £1,842, the report explains.

The government’s energy price guarantee scheme has brought this down to a rise of just over £1,000.

Overall, £58 million of extra bills could hit Reading residents, with all households affected in at least some way.

Even households that consume very little energy, often representing some of the poorest residents, will see bills increase by £587 for those in

the lowest 10% of usage.

This group typically represents those with lower wages, with most living on a household income of less than £15,000.

The report warns that his could cause a “drastic decline in real standards of living,” and threatens social stability.

This is especially so in the context of “economic fallout from the pandemic”, from which many are still recovering, more than 10 years of stagnant productivity growth, and a realterms fall in incomes.

It warns also that some will be caught off-guard by price hikes, citing a study published in 2010 which showed that many households were unaware of how much energy they were using.

The report cites the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the subsequent “dislocation” of energy markets.

This follows what it calls “broad foreign policy expert consensus” that energy is being used as “leverage” to undermine support for Ukraine by Western nations.

The paper explains that reduction in energy usage will be a key method of bringing down household bills, not only

as part of the energy crisis but long-term.

It argues that reduction of usage would save households money permanently, reduce carbon footprints and help achieve Net Zero targets for the country.

It also averts higher taxes or further budget cuts, which benefit wealthier households, and reduces the reliance on third-parties such as energy suppliers or countries to use energy as leverage.

Among its proposals for helping residents save energy are the use of insulation and condensing boilers, which are the most impactful measures.

It also cites improvements to hot water cylinder insulation and upgrades to boilers, heaters, and window glazing where possible.

It proposes a number of actions which could be taken by the council, such as securing funding for energy investments.

The paper suggests councils refer residents to large energy suppliers for retrofitting under their ECO scheme, or through energy efficiency schemes. n To read the full publication of the Thiemo Fetzer, Ludovica Gazze, Menna Bishop’s findings, visit: warwick.ac.uk

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12 | NEWS

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

The fun in Spain falls mainly ...

W

E recently returned from a week in Spain, our first foreign trip as a four and Leo’s first time on a plane.

He handled the travel remarkably well, bar a few moments of tiredness.

Spain was everything we needed it to be.

The weather was gorgeous throughout the week, the beaches beautiful, the water warm, and no one was stung or burnt. Bonus.

We would take it in turns to swim in the sea each day, one of us staying with Leo as he quite contentedly filled a bucket with sand, patted it, and emptied it out over and over again, not so much building a sand castle as a sand mound. (The very definition of “enjoying the process” instead of focusing on the outcome there).

He eventually got used to the sand on his toes, but consistently refused to immerse himself in the water, allowing only his feet in.

On day four we purchased a blow-up swan for Maia to float around on, which Leo took to fondly.

(As did I.) On day three Joel spotted an octopus “IT WAS HUGE!” and abruptly left the water.

“They don’t sting you know,” I smirked.

“Would you want one of those giant tentacles on you?!”

Point.

Our last day involved a trip to a small activity park, situated amongst an idyllic mountainous landscape, where the children could play while we sat with our books and drinks. Twas a parents’ haven. (In between chasing after Leo, who decided to take his pedal bike along the mini-golf-course as other people were trying to play.)

We sat that evening slurping ice creams on the promenade, gazing out at the ocean and its glorious surroundings, wishing we could stay a week longer.

It was then that a small group of Spanish children took a liking to Leo, following him in a small line as he walked along the wall by the sand and asking him questions: “Como te llamas?” One little girl, dressed in her Hallowe’en attire, said to him.

I half-expected him to reply in Spanish, the amount he comes out with that we weren’t aware he could say.

We arrived back at Gatwick welcomed by the heavy pitter patter of torrential rainfall, exactly as it should be on return from a gorgeous sunny foreign holiday - wonderfully British and a stark reminder that we were back to reality now.

“Hola!” I said cheerfully, without thinking, to the passport control officer.

He looked back at me as though I’d lost the plot.

Joel and I laughed in embarrassment.

“I mean ... hello! Sorry I got used to saying it..”

“Have you been walking around saying Hola to everyone in Spain?” he said, a tad snarky.

“Yep, pretty much...”

We caught an earlier train home than anticipated and munched on leftover brioche, Leo making an impressive crumb-mess of epic proportions for me to clean up later. (Cleaning a train floor, with a baby wipe, as a man stands next to you waiting to sit down so he doesn’t have to place his feet in a pile of brioche, was not something I pictured on my journey home. But you just never know with the toddler.)

I will miss the views, the beaches, the paella and the cocktails (not to mention the weather) but it is, as always, nice to be home.

Now to tackle the inordinate pile of postholiday-laundry rearing its ugly head. The abundance would annoy, were it not for its cause. n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

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Reading is the top of the tree for Christmas READING is ready to get into the festive spirit … new research has discovered that the Ding is top of the towns preparing for December 25.

Home improvements retailer B&Q says that searches for Christmas trees has soared across the past month.

And just as Santa has to decide whether children have been naughty or nice throughout the year, Ding residents are having to determine whether to have a real tree or a fake one.

B&Q analysed a number of towns and cities across the country, checking to see where the digital traffic was coming from for its festive section on its website.

And the number crunchers found Reading is the town that is preparing earliest for Christmas, with a 735% increase in searches.

The DIY chain, with a branch in the shadow of the Select Car Leasing Stadium, says this means the borough is the most eager to get started on the festive decor.

And Reading’s eco-friendly credentials are to the fore, as last year two-thirds of the Christmas trees B&Q sold were artificial, meaning they can be reused year after year after year - extra brownie points with Santa.

B&Q said that most of the 13 towns and cities on the list, which didn’t include Milton Keynes, favoured the fake firs over real ones, saying that artificial Christmas trees have a number of benefits including durability and reusability and lack of maintenance, such as not needing watering or having to vacuum pine needles.

Cheers! Reading CAMRA guide t

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today READING and Wokingham brewers, publicans and beer drinkers are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the guide to all things real ale.

Only Leeds and Sheffield bought more real trees over fakes, while Bristol was evenly split 50/50.

The home improvement retailer says the trend they predict will be top of the trees will be prelit ones, meaning the end of trying to figure out which bulb in the string of lights has blown.

A B&Q spokesperson told Reading Today: “We can’t wait to help towns and cities across the nation get ready for Christmas.

“We have a huge range of products from 7ft Christmas trees to intricate festive decor, helping the residents of Reading get into the Christmas spirit and their homes prepared for the best time of year.”

We contacted Santa for his views, but he was too busy in his toy-making workshop to speak.

When asked if we were on the good list, his Elf spokesperson said: “No comment”.

Calendars celebrate Reading and trees

A PHOTOGRAPHER has created a calendar for 2023 that highlights aspects of Reading.

It’s the fifth year that Tina Panting has created a picture almanac for her hometown.

She says: “I first started making these when I went to a photographic exhibition in Birmingham.

“I got chatting to a group that helps photographers turn their pictures of a town, village or city into a calendar.”

Tina’s prints currently celebrate Reading, Newbury, and Moods Of Trees.

“There are around 60 copies each of the three calendars,” she says.

“The Reading version is already selling quite well.

“I’ve had requests from as far away as New Zealand, Texas and Florida.”

Tina says that while most people now have a calendar on their phone, it’s still nice to be able to see the year’s dates on the wall.

“I love taking photos of anything and everything,” she says.

“I particularly enjoyed taking the photos for the Moods Of Trees.”

Tina runs her own photography business, and takes pictures for weddings, parties, businesses and special events.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

CAMRA has launched its latest edition of The Good Beer Guide, aimed at helping people find the perfect pint.

And it should be no surprise that the Ding features heavily.

Award-winning author Laura Hadland has showcased the local beer highlights across the South East of England, including Finchampsteadbased brewery Siren.

Writing in a bespoke foreword for the South East section of the Guide, Hadland she says the region is “a strong tradition of innovation and quality... [and] offers a charming selection of memorable activities, not least a visit to Britain’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent.”

She encourages beer tourists to visit the twice-crowned National CAMRA Pub of the Year, The Bell in Aldworth, as well as the UK’s first micropub, the Butcher’s Arms in Herne. She also highlights Siren Craft Brew in Berkshire as a brewery to watch.

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene.

As well as covering 659 of the very best pubs across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of four breweries across the counties.

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona says: “For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

“The Good Beer Guide has always

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Reading and Woking 50th edition of the CAMRA Real Ale Guide Pict had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.

“While we experienced a boom in the brewing industry over recent years, it’s clear that the effects of Covid-19 and subsequent cost of living and cost of goods crisis has been keenly felt. I’d encourage everyone to use this Guide to seek out the very best examples of pub excellence and support these locals by visiting them.”

The Good Beer Guide, which

Community initiatives to receive additional funding During lock down she also started making jewellery and sun catchers.

A small donation from her calendars will go to three related charities: Home Start Reading, Home Start Newbury, and Trees For Reading.

“I really enjoy taking pictures,” she adds, “and being out and about with my camera.

“I like to try to find nice views and to capture the feeling and essence of places I visit.

“And it’s good to think I’m helping local causes and tree planting.”

The calendars cost £12, which includes free delivery. n To purchase Tina’s calendars visit: www.mylocalcalendar.co.uk n For her website visit: www. tdpphotography.co.uk

READING-BASED community projects are set to benefit from a funding boost over the next 12 months.

The University of Reading and John Sykes Foundation’s Community Fund will offer financial support to projects that benefit the people of the town and their neighbourhoods.

Launched in 2021, the project covers activities in topics such as music, sport, education, healthcare and social mobility, which help all members of the community.

These include science workshops for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, a children’s choir, health checks for the homeless and refugees and climate change education for special needs students.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Van de Noort said: “At a time when costs are rising for everybody it is important that projects like these, that can have

a huge benefit for so many people in our area, don’t get left behind and abandoned altogether.

“As a University, we want to be involved in the wellbeing of our town and its people so it is great that we are able to support these projects through the Community Fund.”

Prof Van de Noort was part of a panel, alongside Dr Sally LloydEvans, deputy head of department for geography and environmental, John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees, and Sian McCoubrey, volunteer, which made funding decisions.

John Sykes said: “The Community Fund was established to help the people and communities of Reading.

“Last year we supported some fantastic projects that have made a meaningful difference to the communities they serve, and I have no doubt that this next

NEWS | 29

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

g pubs in the new to the best beer

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN

Let’s have a butcher’s

WPR_2022-11-07_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

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gham area pubs and breweries are in the ture: Pixabay reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers’ guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.

Here are the Berkshire entries: The Bell Inn in Aldworth, The Victoria Arms in Binfield, The Elm Tree in Beech Hill, The Tally Ho in Eversley, The Wheelwright Arms in Hurst, The Bell in Waltham St Lawrence, Wargrave and District Snooker Club, The Cripsin in Wokingham, Elusive Brewing Tap Room in Wokingham, Outhouse Brewery in Wokingham, The Queen’s Head in Wokinghamn, The Ship Inn in Wokingham, The Rowbarge in Woolhampton

Caversham: The Fox and Hounds, The Griffin.

Reading: The Alehouse, The Allied Arms, The Greyfriar, The Moderation, The Nag’s Head, Park House (University of Reading), The Retreat, The Three Guineas, The Weather Station (now closed) Tilehurst: The Fox and Hounds, The Royal Oak. BREWERIES: Bond Brews, Bucklebury, Butts, Dolphin, Double-Barrelled, Elusive, FutureState, Phantom Brewery, Renegade, Siren Craft Brew, Stardust, Wild Weather, Zerodegrees.

n CAMRA has created a new Good Beer Guide app, available on iOs and as a web-based app at https://gbgapp.camra. org.uk n The beer guide can be ordered via: https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/thegood-beer-guide-2023

SUPPORT: Community projects in Reading are set to receive a funding boost thanks to the University of Reading and John Sykes Foundation’s Community Fund. Picture: Hannah Busing

Members of the Whitley Community Museum reminisced about Frosts the Butchers, which used to be on Northumberland Avenue.

Curator David Turner said: “It is somewhat noticeable that whenever a photograph of a shop is shown on the museum Facebook site we always receive a huge response.

“It is clear just how much residents valued the independent shops.”

Located next to the community centre, the store was run by Tom and Kath Powell, who were the butcher and cashier respectively.

Kath used to work sitting at a kiosk just inside the door.

Two of the many memories shared by members of the Whitley Community Museum in the comments section were of the sawdust on the floor, which was there to soak up any juices dripping from the meat, and the black, long-haired three-legged cat.

Whitley resident Beany King remembered how clean the shop was, despite the sawdust, while Jenny Dakin acknowledged the kindness and professionalism of the staff.

in, either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity.

Initiatives which secured funding last year included: a skills room at homeless charity Launchpad, a refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers, Berkshire Brigands and a clean air for schools project.

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

POETRY CORNER ‘Hallow-rain ’

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What a couple of days It never rains it pours The Halloween kids living the dream For tricks and treats in scores The clouds they opened up All across the land The masks and capes soon in a state On this day rain should be banned

round of funding will do the same or more. I very much look forward to hearing how these projects progress.”

This is the second year University staff members have been invited to apply for funding to support projects they are involved

Mr Turner explained the importance of mobile shops to Whitley life. One was owned by George Chapman who bought sausages and other meat items to resell.

He added: “Shopping today has, of course, changed considerably.

The advent of supermarkets was the first big change in how we shopped.

“We must keep alive, however, the memories we all have of our local shopkeepers who almost became one of the family in the way they all took an interest in our families.”

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

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

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

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

© Marcel van Hoorn

A COMMUNITY group took South Reading residents for a trip down memory lane to revisit one of its favourite sellers.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Pentire Hotel, Newquay with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (5:30pm-7:30pm) on selected drinks Entertainment on one evening Excursion to Padstow

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS: Frosts the Butchers on Northumberland Avenue was run by Tom and Kath. Picture courtesy of Whitley Community Museum

Known for its stretches of golden beaches and panoramic ocean views, Newquay is the perfect base for our delightful weekend break to Cornwall.

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2 Days by Coach With the clouds showing no mercy He was now singing in the rain Never mind you trick or treaters The rain it showed no fear Put your masks away from today Until this time next year

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30 | VIEWPOINTS

READINGTODAY READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Hidden garden is a blessing

IT IS with some delight that we can report on the Holy Brook Nook this week (see page 3).

This community led scheme will benefit hundreds of residents and creates an oasis in what is a fairly dour spot.

The residents who have worked hard to create this special space really have created something wonderful – an oasis of calm.

Once upon a time such a scheme might have been labelled guerilla gardening.

But this is more than that. It’s project to bring communities together, creating a safe environment.

People can come in and learn new skills that can be transferred to their own gardens.

Others will be able to bring their children and teach them more about the world around us.

It is simple schemes like this that make Reading a special place. Run by friendly, helpful people who want to make the town special, this hidden garden really is a blessing to us all.

CHURCH NOTES

Saint, sinner, both?

A

S a Christian preacher I hope that some of my words might be helpful but I remember an occasion at this time of year.

There was someone there that Sunday for the first time, after the service when chatting to someone from the church he told them he had been confused by what I had just said.

Later I was told what he had said, “The church I was at last Sunday told me I was a sinner, this Sunday I’ve been told I am a saint; I’m confused.”

It was a Sunday near the beginning of November, and near All Saints’ Day, which is the first day of the month.

On that day we give thanks to God for all those Christians from the past and seek inspiration from their example.

That year, I explained how the word ‘saint’ is a normal description used in the New Testament for a believer in Christ.

To be a saint is to be a recipient of God’s undeserved mercy and not one who has done certain things.

As a saint’s lifestyle is, of course, important so the Apostle Paul writes, ‘greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints’ (Ephesians 5:3).

As Christians we rejoice that our new life is Christ is for us a free gift, it cannot be earned by us and we never deserve it.

Thankfully we are saints not living a good life but by being recipients of God’s free gift of salvation; by saying, ‘I can’t help myself, please help me.’

I have been encouraged and inspired by some of the saints who have helped me on my Christian journey Hopefully my confused listener may now realise that like us all, although a sinner he may also be one of God’s saints.

The Revd Robert Barthram is the minister of the Reading Group of the United Reformed Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@rdg.today

Partially sighted people need help Even before prices began to rise, one in five blind and partially sighted people said they had some or great difficulty in making ends meet.

It is deeply concerning that many are now using less energy to save money and afford the rising cost of living.

Blind and partially sighted people rely on additional lighting to get around safely, using taxis to travel independently and assistive technologies to help with day to day tasks – adding to energy costs.

People with sight loss also tend to rely heavily on various electrical domestic appliances, like talking microwaves, to maximise their basic independence.

People with sight loss generally are also unable to find discounts online due to inaccessible websites and they are often unable to see discounted items in retail outlets.

We intend to speak-up ever more loudly on this issue, because it’s clear that people’s budgets are going to be under pressure for many months to come, and we fear that increased numbers of blind and partially sighted people will be feeling financial pressures this winter.

We will be increasing the practical assistance we offer to help deal with these economic pressures.

Our Helpline advisors can talk through and identify the financial support available in specific areas such as fuel poverty.

They can also provide advice on benefits, tax allowances and concessions that people with sight

loss are entitled to and how to apply.

People with sight loss or their family or friends can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, or if they have an Alexa device just say ‘Alexa, call RNIB Helpline’. Alternatively, they can visit rnib.org.uk/advice or email helpline@ rnib.org.uk.

Sophie Dodgeon, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

Dangers of extreme weather Extreme weather could destroy 167 million homes around the world by 2040.

It’s the equivalent of all the homes in the UK wiped out six times over.

The UK Government owes it to every generation to make courageous decisions and take urgent action to slow down the impact of climate change.

At ShelterBox, a charity specialising in emergency shelter after disaster, we see the impact humandriven global heating is having on the lives of people we’re helping across the world.

In the Horn of Africa, we’re responding to the worst drought to hit the region in more than forty years.

In Pakistan, we’re helping people affected by severe monsoon flooding that has washed away lives, homes, and livelihoods.

We must recognise the human crisis in front of us and provide emergency shelter to help millions of people facing climate disasters right now and support vulnerable communities against future disasters.

Extreme weather uproots people, only for them to be displaced again and again – like in the Philippines, or

From the vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

How the University marked Black History Month – and what we’re doing to ensure fairer and more equal treatment for all

O

CTOBER saw people across the UK celebrate Black History Month.

It is a chance for us to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture across society.

At the University of Reading, we held a number of events, including a public lecture focused on the stories of local people who were impacted by the Windrush Scandal, film screenings, workshops inviting staff and students to be part of the change at the University, and a ‘Wear Red Day’ to show unity

in support of action on racial equality.

While these events provide a good opportunity for us to focus our minds on the topic of Black history and culture, it’s important to remember that issues around racial equality and racial injustice are not only present each October.

This is something we can all be considering as part of our everyday lives.

In 2020, after the death of George Floyd sparked protests around the world about racism and racial equality, I commissioned a review

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper the Lake Chad Basin where people are caught between conflict and climate.

Instead of cutting spending to humanitarian aid, the UK has to work together with global leaders to share technology, knowledge, and funding, and prioritise climate resilience.

The UK has been a leader on these issues in the past and it can be again.

This is not the time to delay – clear resolve, strong leadership, and bold action is needed.

Sanj Srikanthan, CEO ShelterBox

We must protect the triple lock on pensions

We, the people on state pensions only, must have a triple lock as we were promised from Sunak last year, and also from Ms Truss a few weeks ago.

People are suffering all over this country.

They have to choose either to eat or heat, and ending up washing in cold water.

At an old age it is some torture not only to get payments in line of inflation but to be listened too.

It is only the SNP party othat is pushing for it.

Where is labour? They are wasting its time on twaddle. n I call upon Huw Merriman, in his duty as a train transport minister, to get a decent rise for the rail workers and get this country moving again. The public are suffering because of your government.

I and many people are fed up with politicians that put party line first and not this country we all have to live in.

It also goes for all hospital workers to be treated with respect and give them a good pay rise and not.

into the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds at our University.

I wanted the review to be an honest reflection of the current situation and to provide recommendations on what we as a University could do better – through our teaching, research, activities, or influence.

Last year we published the resulting Race Equality Review, which set out 20 recommendations to ensure fairer and more equal treatment for everyone at the University.

Some examples included looking at improving promotion procedures for Black, Asian and ethnic minority staff, eliminating the gap in academic grades awarded to white and non-white students, and increased training around creating an inclusive culture.

As a University we committed to acting on these recommendations, with their implementation being overseen by our Race Equality Action Team.

I am pleased to say that we are making good progress.

We still have much work to do, and we should never consider this an activity that we can mark as ‘finished’.

I am afraid to say my MP only bears it in his mind and never supports his constituents.

Victor Rones, Bracknell

Take note of the abuse report The Church of England Newspaper and Church Times note the recent release of the PCR2 abuse report.

Abuse inquiries note how the ill-treatment of children (plus adults) has been prevalent within Anglicanism.

Half a dozen questions arise.

Firstly, has a deferential culture allowed bishops to operate in judicial mode, oblivious to direction from experts in Safeguarding?

Secondly, is ‘Safeguarding of Adults’ neglected, with the emphasis often on protecting only ‘Vulnerable Adults’ or ‘Children’?

Thirdly, do some guidelines neglect to cover single incidents of abuse, with an inference the Church only needs to be concerned with persistent offenders?

Fourthly, has the pathetic failure to fix fully independent investigations wholly failed many victims?

Fifthly, does having bishops retain control over investigations bring multiple conflicts of interest?

Finally, is a vast amount of abuse against women (or Anglican ordination trainees) still remaining hidden?

Anglicans have been voting with their feet and hands.

A near empty collection plate, and sparsely populated pews, are the result.

Horrific abuse cover ups, within our Church tradition, must cease.

James Hardy by email We have introduced a new Equal Opportunities Policy, setting out clear commitments to providing an inclusive environment without discrimination for all.

At the start of this academic year, in partnership with the students’ union, we launched our Decolonising the Curriculum resource, which will help to embed more diverse viewpoints, experiences and beliefs into our teaching content and methods, and ensuring that assessment reflects those changes.

Updating and improving our teaching, and our students’ learning, is one of our top priorities, and this is part of that broader work.

History is not just a series of events that happened in the past – it is a living reflection of ourselves in the present.

Everyone wants to live in a society that is free from racism and inequality.

Without action, that version of society will never arrive.

We all have a responsibility to change things for the better, and there is no better time to start than today.

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

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

From the leader

From the Chamber

Jason Brock

Cllr Rob White

Greens want better action on cost of living crisis

A

S I write this world leaders, climate groups and activists are meeting in Egypt on tackling climate change.

In Reading the Green Party has been keeping up the pressure on the Labour-run council to tackle climate change and address the cost of living crisis through better insulated homes – cutting bills and carbon.

Before our gas and electricity bills went up 7,000 Reading households were struggling to heat their homes.

Estimates are that this number could triple.

The council recently received money from the government for energy efficiency measures for houses with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below.

For more information, please email: energyfunding@reading.gov.uk or call Reading Borough Council on: 0118 937 3787.

This money comes hot on the heels

of Labour-run Reading Council having to hand back £500,000 of insulation money.

We will keep up the pressure for them to do better this time.

“We need to celebrate our LGBTQI+ communities and show how proud we are.”

With many of us cheering on our teams in the upcoming football tournament, all eyes will be on Qatar, and sadly on its lamentable human rights record.

Green campaigner Kate Nikulina thinks that Reading Labour should end the council’s practice of investing in the nation of Qatar.

Kate says: “It’s about acting in a way that sets an example and investing in a country that makes homosexuality illegal is just wrong.

“Labour should stop investing in Qatar.

After years of poor investment, cycling in Reading is often a case of dodging cars and fumes in gridlocked traffic.

Green councillor Josh Williams thinks that more should be done to invest in our cycling infrastructure, joining lanes together and making cycling a great choice for travel.

Josh says: “We welcome the new cycling hub in town at the old Primark building.

“Safe storage and somewhere to fix a tyre will be very useful.

“We would correct the years of

We need to talk openly about the menopause

Though mild, they were concerning and impacting my life.

Brain fog meant I struggled to find words that had previously tripped off my tongue.

I told my team at work that if I paused mid-sentence, it didn’t mean I’d finished and not to interrupt me; I would carry on speaking as soon as I’d remembered the word I was looking for.

Around this time Diane Danzebrink, menopause campaginer (and all round goddess, in my opinion), came to Wokingham and ran a session for the public to educate us about menopause.

It was a real hallelujah moment that’s what was wrong with me.

I shed a few tears of relief, I wasn’t going mad and I didn’t have earlyonset dementia.

And then I got angry. I consider myself an educated and relatively well-read person.

I have a 30-year career in medical research. Why was my knowledge of menopause so shockingly bad?

Generations of women have suffered silently under the belief that menopause is a part of normal life and

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with leaders from other members of Just Energy Transition Partnership on the first day of COP27. Picture by Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street

Green councillor Josh Williams welcomes new cycle hub to Reading town centre

Louise Timlin

T

Making the best use of our assets

Green campaigner Kate Nikulina calls on Labour Council to show pride in its LGBTQI+ communities

From the stump

HREE years ago, I started experiencing menopausal symptoms.

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we should just put up with it.

We’ve been conditioned not to talk about menstruation or menopause. Yet symptoms can be highly debilitating and in some cases, where women are suffering severe anxiety and depression, it can be lifethreatening.

Shockingly, menopause is not taught as a mandatory module at medical school and many GPs have no training in it, despite the fact that half the population will experience it.

Last month, saw World Menopause Day. It is held every year on October 18, and aims to raise awareness of menopause and to improve the health and well-being of women in mid-life and beyond.

Menopause is the last taboo.

It affects older women and therefore our awareness and understanding of the symptoms are impacted by both ageism and sexism.

A lack of medical training, awareness and information mean that women are not getting the support they need.

There are over 30 recognised symptoms of menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and mood alterations.

A recent survey by the Fawcett Society revealed that 77% of women

find at least one symptom “very difficult” and 69% experience anxiety and depression.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines are clear. Women with menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and depression should be offered HRT as first-line treatment.

Yet according to a recent Fawcett Society survey only 39% of women were offered HRT once their GP or nurse recognised their symptoms as menopausal.

Thirty per cent of women were offered antidepressants according to a study by Dr Louise Newson, despite there being no evidence to support their use.

Wokingham resident, Jane (not her real name), told me that it took multiple visits to her GP for her menopausal symptoms to be taken seriously, despite them having a severe impact on her ability to work.

When she was finally offered treatment, she was prescribed antidepressants.

She had to do her own research on the risk-benefit of HRT before being prescribed the right treatment.

Studies have shown that menopause symptoms greatly impact women’s careers and ability to work.

According to the menopause and work survey by Dr Louise Newson, 21% did not go for a promotion they would otherwise have considered, 19% reduced their hours and 12% resigned.

The majority of workplaces offered no support for women going through the menopause.

Given the current staffing shortages in women-dominated industries such as the NHS and social care, this needs to be urgently addressed.

Health inequalities are rife in the UK. Healthy life expectancy between

underinvestment and make our roads work for bikes.

“A Green-run council would be very different to a Labour one.”

Greens are the second largest party in Reading Fortunately, there’s now real, constructive opposition to Labour on Reading council. Following the local elections in May there are now more Green councillors than Conservatives.

There is a growing team of hardworking Green councillors standing up for residents across the town.

If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org. uk/get-involved

T

HE dire economic forecasts and the continuing cost of living crisis means it is now more important than ever that the Council continues to do everything it can to deliver more affordable homes in Reading.

women in the most deprived area compared to the least deprived in England is currently estimated to be 19.7 years less (for men it is 18.4 years).

Despite this the government has scrapped its proposed White Paper on Health Inequalities. Equality in Health is one of The Women’s Equality Party’s core policies. https://www. womensequality.org.uk/equal_health Women’s health issues are underresearched and often dismissed as trivial.

Women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with “medically unexplained symptoms” than men.

The Women’s Equality Party supports the introduction of legislation to protect women who need to take absences from work resulting from menopause symptoms, and supports the Make Menopause Matter campaign which calls for mandatory menopause training for all GPs and medical students, and menopause awareness and support in every workplace.

With the right policies, awareness, education and training, we can ensure that no more women will have to go through menopause alone, afraid and untreated.

Let’s take a stand and make this generation the one to end the myths and taboos of menopause. n Those experiencing menopausal symptoms can find help and information here: https://www. balance-menopause.com/and https:// menopausesupport.co.uk/ n Sign the petition to Make Menopause Matter here: https:// www.change.org/p/makemenopause-matter-in-healthcarethe-workplace-and-educationmakemenopausematter

I’ve written before about how we make full use of the planning system to try to ensure developers give something back to Reading in terms of affordable housing contributions (as well as funding for infrastructure development like schools, parks and playgrounds, healthcare, and transport schemes).

The other way we are achieving affordable homes is through our own Council home building programme, which is the largest in our town for a generation.

At a Committee meeting this week, Councillor colleagues are due to authorise another £30 million investment as part of the fourth phase of this building programme.

Up until now, our new build programme (alongside acquisitions, because we do also purchase some properties) has delivered 234 new homes to the Council’s housing stock. This is in addition to 211 new homes which are in progress and due to be completed over the next three years.

In a tight urban area like Reading, where space is at a premium, we must be imaginative about how we go about it.

One way is by making the best use of our assets.

While a brand-new pool and flagship leisure centre for Reading is being built at Rivermead, more than 60 affordable homes are set to be built at the former Central Pool site off the Oxford Road.

The Battle Street development will include an older persons’ day centre, sheltered housing for over 55s, and supported living flats in addition to standard affordable properties.

As we near completion of a brand-new modern community swimming pool at Palmer Park – which is due to open to residents in a matter of weeks now – a total of 15 one- and two-bedroom flats for key workers – social workers, nurses, teachers, police officers, and so on – are being constructed at the former site of Arthur Hill swimming pool.

Over at Wensley Road, the Council has embarked on a major scheme making the most of the space to deliver 46 new affordable homes, alongside a raft of estate improvements.

We are also being innovative, making use of unused space in existing Council blocks or within our estates – known as infill sites – so we can build Council homes in places that aren’t immediately obvious candidates for development.

As part of the fourth phase, heading to Wednesday’s Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee meeting, we are looking at another 87 new Council housing units.

These include the creation of around 30 affordable homes at the vacant Dwyer Road site and around 38 at Amethyst Lane, which could also include 14 respite units to support social care.

It’s an indication that we remain ambitious in pushing delivery of new homes forward.

It would be easy for the Council to sit back and do nothing in the face of the ridiculous and uncontrolled runaway train of property prices and the extortionate cost private rentals, which is the story across the south east of the country in particular, yet we refuse to do that.

I know we are facing an uphill battle against the national housing crisis, but every house we build is a home for an individual, for a couple, or for a family – and it’s a chance for them to stay in the town they love rather than having to choose to move elsewhere on the grounds of cost.

Louise Timlin is the local branch lead of the Women’s Equality Party

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

Green councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council and Park ward member

32 | BUSINESS

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BUSINESSTODAY Jeweller’s Boxing Day closure THERE are some Christmas traditions that run in the family, and that’s exactly what a national jewellers chain is doing.

Beaverbooks has announced that it is giving all its staff members Boxing Day off, just as it has done for the past 103 years.

The managing Director of the family-owned firm, Anna Blackburn, said: “In Beaverbrooks’ 103-year history we have never opened on Boxing Day, to give our amazing colleagues more time to spend with their families and thank them for their hard work throughout the year.

“As a business run on strong family values this is something incredibly important to us.”

She said that, in addition to the extra family day, the company will give a festive bonus.

“We know it is a challenging time for many people. To support our colleagues, we will continue our tradition of an extra week’s salary in December for all colleagues to show our appreciation for their hard work,” she said.

“This comes in addition to an investment of £500,000 in cost-of-living payments made in October to all colleagues, a £500 one-off payment per colleague, providing further financial support in line with increasing costs.”

Other benefits, Ms Blackburn cited include a breakfast club, guaranteed salary increases and profit bonuses.

She also hoped other stores will also take the decision to shut on December 26.

“Closing on Boxing Day is something we know our colleagues value greatly, and we feel passionate about continuing this tradition, and hopefully inspiring other businesses to follow in our footsteps,” she said.

The company has stores in Reading’s The Oracle and Bracknell’s The Lexicon, as well as Basingstoke’s Festival Place.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

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‘Reading’s lack of digital skills jeopardises business growth’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today ALMOST a third of workers in Reading feel they lack sufficient digital skills for their job role, with more than half not receiving digital upskilling training from their employer according to new research.

And the same study found that a widespread misunderstanding exists of what digital skills means, with 39% of workers in Reading believing it means the ability to fix IT issues, something backers say presents a further barrier to closing the digital skills gap.

Digital services company AND Digital’s report, The Nature of the Digital Skills Gap, shows that 68% of workers in Reading believe a lack of digital skills is having a negative impact on their organisation.

The report which also looks at the UK-wide impact highlights over half (61%) of business growth depends on digital outcomes. Based on AND Digital’s estimations, this equates to £50bn is at risk per year across the UK economy, and more than £240bn between now and 2026.

And 30% of businesses in Reading attribute it to their

Digital skills gaps are holding Reading workers back according to a new survey from AND Digital. Pictured above: Shan Beerstecher employee churn, with a loss of talent or difficulty attracting talent within their organisations to a lack of digital skills.

Almost a quarter (24%) admit it has impacted either their ability to hit business targets, made them lose customers or key business opportunities.

Yet, this issue is compounded by the fact that over half (52%) of workers in Reading admit they have not received digital upskilling from their employer.

The research commissioned by AND Digital, which surveyed 5,000 UK workers who use technology in their roles, analysed the digital

skills capabilities at an individual, team and organisational level.

Overall, the research highlights that urgent action to digitally upskill the UK’s workforce could help its chance of economic recovery.

Shan Beerstecher, AND Digital Reading Club Executive, said: “Digital skills mean so much more than just technical skills.

“It also includes professional skills, such as product and delivery management, and soft, human skills such as empathy, creativity and teaming. Individuals and teams with such skills are vital in creating a digital future, and for businesses across the UK and in Reading to see continued growth and success.”

Ms Beerstecher said the report shows a clear appetite for upskilling in Reading, with more half (56%) of respondents stating that improving their digital skills is essential for their career progression – whether that’s earning more or performing better in their role.

But workplace perceptions present a barrier, with 46% of Reading workers feeling daunted by the prospect of digital upskilling and not feeling comfortable bringing it up with their employer.

A lack of digital skills growth is directly impacting career progression, with nearly seven in 10

(68%) of workers in Reading saying they have been affected negatively by a lack of digital skills. A third (33%) of these say it has meant being turned down from either pay rises, promotions or not putting themselves forward for promotion.

One fifth (21%) say it has stopped them from applying for a certain job and 20% have felt.

She said: “Despite the digital skills gap discussion persisting for over a decade, organisations in Reading are still failing to sufficiently upskill employees, and it is directly impacting business and wider economic growth.

“This is because we have not come to a shared understanding of what the skills gap is or what digital skills means - this needs to be done to move forward and close the gap.

“In the next three years, AND Digital estimates the UK workforce will require eight million individuals proficient in digital skills to close the gap. A number which even the most effective recruitment teams will struggle with.

“Organisations in Reading must prioritise digital upskilling - ensuring individuals, teams and organisations as a whole in the region are fit for a digital present and future.”

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Content Guru wins Thames Valley Tech Company of the Year 2022 CONTENT Guru, a Bracknellbased cloud communications and customer experience provider, has been awarded the highest accolade at the Thames Valley Tech Awards: Tech Company of the Year.

The awards, run by The Business Magazine, recognise the top technology businesses across the region.

Richard Thompson, managing director at The Business Magazine, said the winners, who were chosen by independent judges, reflected the diverse nature of tech in the Thames Valley.

“We have been impressed with the tech companies who have entered this year’s awards,” he said.

Content Guru was recognised for its work in cloud-based critical communications. Judges were impressed by the company’s annual revenue growth of 30%, alongside creating large numbers of high quality jobs in the Thames Valley.

Content Guru is part of Redwood Technologies Group, whose Bracknell headquarters is the tech town’s largest local employer.

The winners were announced at a black-tie dinner at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium.

During the awards, guests raised over £3,200 for Special Effect, a charity set to help transform the lives of physically disabled people

across the globe using innovative technology.

Martin Taylor, Co-founder and Deputy CEO at Content Guru, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by the Thames Valley Tech Awards judges with the most coveted title of Tech Company of the Year.

“Content Guru is a true Thames Valley success story, being based in the region since our business’s inception.

“We have long had our main US base in California’s Silicon Valley, and we feel that this area represents Britain’s closest equivalent to that hot-house of innovation, only with worse weather.”

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Police say they attend nearly 500 incidents a day

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THAMES Valley Police has released its semi-annual breakdown of statistics about its operations.

As part of its commitment to giving the public more of an insight to its work, the force releases biannual figures about its activity and reports it received.

Latest figures look at the period between Friday, April 1, to Friday, September 30, which saw TVP undertake one of the “largest and most significant” operations in history.

More than 2,500 police officers and staff policing the services surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II. As well as this, TVP also operated at a wide range of high-profile events including Reading Festival, Henley Regatta, and Royal Ascot.

Across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, it received 497,000 contacts from members of the public, with more than 190,000 calls to 999 and more than 260,000 calls to 101.

It reported that it attended nearly 500 incidents per day, making 15,099 arrests.

In May, it launched its strategy to tackle violence

ACTION: Thames Valley Police has released figures pertaining to its operations and biannual crime statistics Picture: Steve Smyth against women and girls, which focuses on dealing with perpetrators of domestic violence.

The figures report that 30% of arrests were related to domestic abuse, and the levels of charges for sexual offences increased by 105% compared to the same period last year.

Formal action against domestic abuse offenders has increased by 44%, while stalking and harassment charges increased by 45% and rape charges increased by 8%.

Discover story behind biscuits

ANY history of Reading has to include a chapter to its biscuit industry.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Huntley and Palmers, who took full advantage of the railways to spread its tasty treats across the country.

Now, members of the Berkshire Family History Society are to hold an online talk looking at the institution that was part of the town’s life and culture until the 1970s.

Richard Marks will explore what it was like to work for the company, and how Reading’s role as a transport hub helped.

The talk takes place from 2pm on Thursday, November 24.

Tickets cost £5, or £4 for members.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: berksfhs.org

The force has also worked to bring in new officers, receiving more than 1,600 applications for positions.

It reports that 38% of applications received were from women, and 17% from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnicity applicants.

As well as launching its Race Action Plan in May, it has also formed a new scrutiny board to provide a forum which can be used to hold the force to account on its commitment to increase trust and confidence

Blue Collar turns into a record fair

A CHANCE to find some new old vinyl to spin on the decks is coming to Reading later this month.

Blue Collar Corner in Hosier Street is opening on Sunday, November 20, for a record collectors fair and meeting.

The event will see a range of stalls sell new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, and merchandise from bands and record labels. Organisers say there will be a mixture of rare finds and plentiful bargains.

Confirmed stall holdrs including JIMs, Oxfam Music, Certain Sound Records, Music Box, and Keith Stonell.

The fair runs from 11am to 3pm, with DJs playing until 6pm, while the venue is open until 8pm.

in diverse communities.

It has also committed to tackling drug and knife-related offences, with more than 2,400 crimes related to drug dealing or possession recorded and 445 arrests made for kine-enabled crime.

Reflecting on an extremely busy six months, Chief Constable John Campbell said: “These wide-ranging statistics provide a glimpse of the complexity of modern policing and the variety of work undertaken by Thames Valley Police every single day.

The report detailed a drop of around 33% of burglaries compared to 2019, with TVP citing the “impact of covid restrictions” as being particularly evident “In light of all these numbers, the most important thing to remember is that each of these statistics has a story behind them; a family reunited with a loved one; an event that was able to take place safely and without disruption; or a person who called for our help in their time of need.

“I’m proud of our dedicated officers, staff and volunteers who work hard day-in, day-out, to keep our communities safe.” n For full details of the report, visit: www.thamesvalley.police. uk

Vera Morris at her booksigning in Fourbears Books in Caversham Picture: Steve Smyth

Caversham-by-the-sea IT WAS Caversham by the sea last month as a popular author popped in to a popular bookshop.

Vera Morris visited Fourbears Books in Prospect Street to sign copies of her latest novel, Death

By The Sea. Set in Suffolk in the 1970s, it tells the story of a depraved killer who interferes with the mysterious theft of rare plants from some gardens.

Only The Anglian Detective Agency can crack the case.

The book was published by

Hachette at the end of October, and is the latest in Ms Morris’ series featuring the detectives.

Of her visit to Fourbears, she tweeted: “Great time meeting old friends and making, hopefully, new ones.”

It’s not the only event the bookshop has held.

On Sunday, it welcomed three poets – Robin Thomas, Susan Utting, and Claire Dyer – as they launched his latest collection of verse, Half The Human Race.

NEED SOME EXTRA INCOME THIS WINTER? THEN IT'S TIME TO CONSIDER THE MOST MAGICAL JOB OF THEM ALL...

n For more details, log on to: bluecollarreading.co.uk

Brian McDermott will share mental health insights at talk A FORMER Royals manager is returning to a Reading venue to deliver a series of talks and Q&As. Brian McDermott is taking to Blue Collar, Hosier Street, for an event entitled Winning, Losing, Mental Heath & Finding Balance.

The 2012 Championshipwinning coach will share his story, starting from his days playing for Arsenal to managing Reading and Leeds.

In a candid conversation, he will touch on the highs

and lows, the feeling of not being good enough, anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction.

McDermott enjoyed two stints as Royals boss, quickly becoming a fans’ favourite through a memorable FA Cup run in 2010, reaching the playoff final in 2011, before leading his side to the Premier League in 2012.

Initially confirmed as one date, such was the demand, the venue added two further dates, with Wednesday,

November 23, being the last.

It is the only date with remaining availability, as we went to press.

Tickets cost £12 and must be booked in advance.

10% of bar takings from this night will be donated to mental health charity No5 Young People.

Doors open at 6pm with the talk starting at 7.30pm.

n For more information or to book tickets, visit: brianmcdermott3.eventbrite. co.uk

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34 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today SEARCH: Thames Valley Police is appealing for a specified witness to come forward following an incident at The Sportsman pub Picture: Steve Smyth

Appeal for specific witness following incident at Sportsman

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward, including a specific witness, following a suspected double stabbing outside a Reading pub.

On Friday, October 28, officers were called to the Sportsman pub, Shinfield Road, where two men were found with serious injuries, believed to have been stabbed.

They were taken to hospital, where they remain in a stable condition.

Six men, aged between 18-23 years old, all from Reading, were arrested in connection with the incident and have all been bailed.

Detective Inspector Laura Corscadden, of Force CID based in Reading, said: “We continue to investigate this incident.

“We are appealing for a

specific witness to come forward who we believe was walking along Cedar Road at 10.44pm on Friday night, towards the Sportsman pub.

“She is white, slim build, with dark hair worn up, wearing a long black coat, a black cropped top, grey joggers/ trousers and white trainers or shoes.

“We believe this person may have witness information and we would ask them to come forward as a potential witness by calling 101, quoting reference 43220486197.

“We would also ask anyone else who has information that has not yet come forward to please also get in touch.

“Or, if you do not wish to speak to the police, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Campaign to help residents discover care technology

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING Borough Council is seeking to help older people, those with disabilities, and the people who care for them during Adult Social Care month this November.

The council will use the month-long campaign to help residents understand what care options are available to them and how they can find technology which will improve their quality of life.

It will also explore the stories and circumstances from residents who have shared their experiences, which it hopes with encourage people to reach out for much-needed support.

With a number of helpful services and tools available to those with specific physical or personal needs, the council is looking to acquaint residents with adjustments they can make to help care for those who need it.

These include tools such as a wearable device, much like a watch, which can connect to a call centre that can be used by a resident to raise the alarm

SUPPORT: The council included a case where a home assistant was set up to assist a resident with day-to-day life and remind her to take her insulin.

Picture: Reading Borough Council if they have been injured or get into difficulty.

There are also sensors which can be installed on doors throughout the home to keep track of inhabitants and to help residents feel more secure.

Home assistants such as smart speakers can be used to help residents with day-to-day tasks, such as switching on lights and raising shutters, or to give them reminders, such as medicine dosing.

Adjustments such as ramps

can also be made to homes to improve security and mobility for residents.

Cllr John Ennis, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for adult social care said, “Adult Social Care is particularly close to my heart and I’m proud to be the lead member for this service area.”

“We know it can be daunting to ask for and accept help, but I’d encourage residents and their families to find out how care technology could help them

remain in their own homes, be independent and importantly feel and stay safe.”

Residents in Reading have taken part in videos released by the council which show how their needs can impact their daily lives and how certain tools could help them.

“My thanks go to the residents featured in the videos and for inviting us into their homes, and for their time, their insight is invaluable.

“The videos are full of warmth and surprises, from pigeons to Chris de Burgh.

“Care technology really does help to support independence and brings with it benefits not only to the person accessing the technology but also to family, carers and friends.”

The campaign will also raise awareness of national Adult Social Care Awareness weeks; with Occupational Therapy Week taking place until Monday, November 14 and Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week from November 21-28.

Cllr Ennis continued: “I’d encourage residents to look out for, watch and share the personal accounts of residents in the videos across the month to underst and the benefits and out how care technology might be able to help you and your loved ones, and bring joy to our lives.” n Residents can get Technology Enabled Care (TEC) advice and help from the council by calling: 0118 937 3787, or via: www. reading.gov.uk/caretechnology

Friends of Reading Abbey explore life and times of town’s final abbot A PEEK into Reading’s past was presented to members of a society aimed at celebrating one of the town’s most historic areas.

The Friends of Reading Abbey held their AGM on Saturday, October 29, at Abbey Baptist Church in Abbey Square and, after, welcomed Chris Darbyshire for a lecture.

The author of Reading’s Last Abbot: Hugh Cook Faringdon, published by Scallop Shell Press, spoke about the Abbot’s execution, sharing details of the background to the conflict between Henry VIII and the Church, the course of the dissolution of the monasteries and the fall of Reading Abbey.

At the meeting, John Mullaney was elected vice chairman of the Friends of Reading Abbey.

The group’s chairman is Peter Durrant. n For more details, log on to: www. readingabbey.org.uk

Symphony Orchestra begins new season READING Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its 2022/23 season with a concert at Reading University’s Great Hall on Sunday, November 20.

Musical Director Stefan Hokes will conduct the concert, with

SPEAKER: Chris Darbyshire is the author of Reading’s Last Abbot: Hugh Cook Faringdon Picture: John Mullaney the first half seeing an overture from Glinka’s opera Russlan and Ludmilla combined with the Grieg Piano Concerto.

Soloist You-Chiung Lin, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music and is originally from Taiwan, will perform piano as part of the show.

The concert will conclude with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony, which is based on the poem of the same

name by Byron and which follows Manfred on his weary journey through the Alps.

Tickets are £15 each, or £5 each for students and under18s.

The Reading Symphony Orchestra Autumn Concert will take place at The Great Hall, Reading University, at 4pm on Sunday, November 20. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.rso.org.uk

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Unite set to ballot AWE members for strike action

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Town set to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

MEMBERS of the Unite union who work at the Atomic Weapons Establishment are set to take part in a ballot for strike action during

By JAKE CLOTHIER November. jclothier@rdg.today Unite members at AWE sites in Aldermarston and Burghfield have until Friday, December 2, to indicate if they wish to take part in strikes.

READING will come together to The 900 members are currently involved remember and pay tribute to in a dispute with AWE management over pay the people who lost their lives in service to the country with increases which they feel are inadequate. services on Armistice Day, Friday While they have been offered a 5% increase, and Remembrance Sunday.

Unite argues that this is “a considerable real terms pay cut” when compared to inflation On Armistice Day, Friday, November 11, the mayor of Reading, rates.

Cllr Rachel Eden, will lead a twoThe union says strike action could take place minute silence at Forbury Gardens, before Christmas if voted for by members. while deputy mayor Cllr Debs Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: Edwards will lead the observation “The workers at AWE are highly skilled and play outside the civic offices, both open a crucial role in maintaining the UK’s defence to members of the public. capability.

On Sunday, a Remembrance “It is outrageous that their employer is trying Service at Reading Minster will see to force through a real terms pay cut. readings from James Puxley, Lord “Unite is now entirely focussed on enhancing Lieutenant of the Royal County of the jobs, pay and conditions of its members, Berkshire; Major Robert Whittle, the workers at AWE will receive the union’s OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th complete support.”

Battalion, The RIFLES; and the Unite regional co-ordinating officer, Bob Middleton, said: “Members are balloting for strike mayor.

There will be a march through action as a last resort, the AWE has been given the town centre following the every opportunity to make a pay offer which service, led by The Waterloo Band meets members’ expectations but it has chosen and Bugles of the 7 Rifles. not to.”

The procession will leave The Atomic Weapons Establishment is a Reading Minster at 10.15am to arrive Ministry of Defence research facility responsible blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-3-v02-PR.pdf at Forbury Gardens ahead of the for the design, manufacture and support of ceremony at Forbury War Memorial. warheads for the UK’s nuclear weapons.

READY TO REMEMBER: The town will once again gather in The Forbury to honour the fallen Picture: Dijana Capan

The ceremony will see the laying of wreaths at the memorial and a two-minute silence at 11am, also open for residents to attend.

Cllr Eden said: “I invite residents of Reading, and indeed anybody associated with our town, to join us in remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by members of our armed forces and those who continue to risk their lives today.

“It will be an honour to lead the two-minute silences at the Forbury War Memorial and I would encourage as many people 1 28/07/2022 15:38 as possible to join me on Friday, or join the march through the town

centre on Remembrance Sunday, 13 November, which leaves Reading Minster at 10.15am.”

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council leader, said: “The two separate Remembrance ceremonies taking place in Reading on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday offer residents of the town the opportunity to join the rest of the nation in paying tribute to the courage shown by the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

“Reading will never forget the sacrifices that have been made by those who serve, past and present.”

Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES said: “The 7th Battalion The RIFLES is both honoured and proud to work alongside and support Reading Borough Council, the people of Berkshire and the wider Community, during this year’s season of Remembrance.

“The Community we are based in has unbreakable links to the Battalion, our Regiment and its antecedents. Today we continue to recruit from, work for, and mark major events such as our national remembrance with the population and its civic representatives.”

C

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36 | NEWS

Rhymetime at Whitley Library WHITLEY Library is holding interactive language classes for babies and children.

Rhymetime introduces youngsters to the spoken word and rhyme in a fun and engaging way, using music, props and storytelling.

Sessions are free to attend but booking is essential due to limited numbers. Places can be secured up to three weeks in advance.

Visitors are kindly asked to cancel booked sessions if unable to attend.

Classes take place between 11am-11.30am on Thursdays at the South Reading Community Centre on Northumberland Avenue.

Flood outlook A CHRISTIAN group is hosting a talk at Three Mile Cross Church Centre, Mitford Close.

Reading Creation Group’s event will see Simon Turpin, from Answers in Genesis UK responding to those who ‘deliberately overlook creation and the flood’.

The talk is set to be followed by a Q&A opportunity.

There will be refreshments and a bookstall.

The event takes place at 7.30pm and is expected to finish by 10pm on Friday, November 25.

n For more information, visit: www.answersingenesis.org

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Plan to turn pool site into homes and a day care centre

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A PLAN to convert Reading’s former Central Swimming Pool with homes has been submitted to the council.

If approved, it would see 62 homes and accommodation for the elderly including a day care centre built on the site which closed in 2018.

Earlier this year, designs for the scheme were shared at consultation events.

Forty-nine of the homes would be affordable, and 13 will be supported living accommodation flats.

Car parking spaces will be limited, and split between two family homes (one space each), one for a wheelchair accessible flat, three parking spaces for the older person day centre, and three reserved for the supported living flats. Each of them will have electric vehicle charging points.

And there will be 32 cycle spaces, and a secure store for seven mobility.

The development would be contained in seven buildings.

The largest, referred to as Block A in the plan, would

contain 29 one-bed sheltered flats, a mix of general use and supported living flats, and the old persons day centre on the ground floor.

Blocks B-D would be general needs flats, blocks E1 and E2 would contain supported living flats, and two three-bed terraced homes.

Earlier in the year, Dr Marie Arndt, a neighbour living in Allison Court has raised concerns that the size of the proposed buildings would block access to daylight for one of her living room windows.

An assessment of the impact the development would have on neighbouring properties has been conducted

by Matthew Craske of Daylight Sunlight Consulting Ltd, which involved Vertical Sky Component (VSC) and Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) surveys.

Mr Craske’s report states that both VSC and APSH tests conducted at Allison Court met Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidelines.

The council is conducting an in-person consultation event at the Oxford Road Community School from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Monday, November 7.

The application can be viewed by visiting Reading Borough Council’s planning portal and searching for reference 221405.

CELEBRATION: Double-Barrelled Brewery co-founder and managing director, Lucie Clayton-Jones Picture: Natalie Burton

Party for brewery’s fourth A TILEHURST-based beer maker is marking its fourth birthday this weekend by holding a … ahem … party in a brewery.

Double Barrelled Beers will welcome customers at the event where pride of place will be an all-new birthday brew, just one of 18 on tap across the day.

There will be music from DJs, games and party decorations, as well as new merchandise to buy.

Street food will come from Makan Malaysia, and the birthday cake is made by KB Eats.

Christmas shopping event at The MERL A READING museum is hosting an interactive festive shopping event on Sunday, November 27.

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) is offering visitors the unique experience of buying gifts while getting stuck into some Christmas crafts.

Shoppers will be able to interact with local suppliers and enjoy treats in the museum’s cafe.

All money raised through purchases will help support The MERL’s work with collections and communities.

There will also be seasonal performances by Universal Voices, a children’s

Family tree support session PEOPLE looking for help researching their family tree can attend a drop-in advice session in Reading next week.

Members of the Berkshire Family History Society will be in Reading Central Library from 11am on Thursday, November 17.

During the session, they will offer support for people who need some gentle nudges

community choir run by the University of Reading’s Institute of Education.

Parking is free and is available on Acacia Road next to the museum.

Admission is free, with visitors able to wander around the building and grounds.

Alongside this event, the museum is also hosting a family Christmas event called Magical Lights, which takes place on Wednesday, December 21.

It will allow visitors young and old to enjoy light-based craft activities in its garden. n For more information, visit: merl.reading.ac.uk

to start exploring their ancestors, so their descendants will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Help can be given navigating various ancestry websites, as well as general advice.

Pre-booking seven days ahead of the session will allow the volunteers some time to research the topics you are interested in.

n For more details, or to book, call: 0118 950 9553, or log on to: berksfhs.org

There are two sessions, the first from 1pm to 5pm, the second from 7pm to 11pm, both on Saturday, November 12.

Under 18s and dogs are welcome in the afternoon, but must be accompanied.

Tickets are £10, and includes a beer, and a collectors’ glass.

The brewery is on Stadium Way, off Oxford Road. n For more details, or to book, log on to: doublebarrelled.co.uk

Test knowledge at charity quiz night READ College is hosting its annual fundraising quiz for Access to the Arts on Friday, November 18.

The annual quiz raises important funds for the college’s Access to the Arts programme, which seeks to support underrepresented and disadvantaged young people get into the theatre industry.

It will be run by professional quiz masters and is open to teams of six to eight people per table, with a ploughman’s supper included in the ticket price.

It will also see games and a raffle, as well as live entertainment and a licensed bar.

Admission costs £10, or £5 for Read College Students and all proceeds will go towards Access to the Arts.

The Access to Arts charity quiz night takes place at St Bart’s Theatre, Read College, from 7pm Friday, November 18. n For more information about Access to the Arts, visit: www. readcollege.org. n To book a place at the quiz, visit: whatsonreading.com

37

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LEISURETODAY

09.11.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

T

Rocket Man lands in Wokingham

HREE concerts on the same day will raise money for a Wokingham charity.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Police Academy, and Ultimate Elton and The Rocket Band will all perform in the town’s newest venue.

Paul Bacon is a tribute artist, with a second identity as a flamboyant singer, pianist and composer.

He is the man behind Ultimate Elton, and three times winner of The UK National Tribute Awards.

How did he come to wear oversized rhinestone glasses, along with the persona of the British pop legend, who began his career in the 1970s?

“It all started out as a bit of fun,” says Paul. “I’ve always been a big fan of the great man.

“I did resemble him when we both had hair. And I do have a similar voice, it’s just fate.

“There’s a great demand for tribute artists, and I thought, ‘I can do that’.

“I got my act together and arranged performances at pubs and gigs.

“People started to book me, and it grew from there.”

Paul performs both solo and with The Rocket Band, with whom he will be bringing to Wokingham’s Carnival Hub on Saturday, November 19.

“It depends on the size of the venue, or the type of event.

“Solo shows are better suited to weddings, parties or clubs.

“With the band, we tend to perform at festivals or for big stage concerts.”

Are there any gigs that stand out for Paul?

“Well there was the time I was invited to Elton John’s mum’s party,” he smiles.

“I got to know her through a friend.

“She was very supportive, and came to see us perform a few times.”

Paul and the band were pleasantly surprised when she invited them to her 90th birthday celebration, after Elton

and his mum had a public falling out.

“Inviting us was perhaps intended to be a little bit provocative, but it wasn’t just to annoy Elton. She was great, and it was a lovely evening.”

Paul and the band have travelled widely, with tours to India, Barbados, Estonia, and Europe.

Is there a big fan base in India?

“Elton is known worldwide, even if not all his songs are familiar,” says Paul.

Surprisingly, in India the most frequently requested songs were numbers from a Disney Film, the songs of which Elton performed.

“People kept telling us to play more from The Lion King,” says Paul.

“So we quickly learnt the songs.”

Does being a tribute artist with another persona sometimes give Paul the impression that he is living two parallel lives?

“No, I’ve had drama training.

“I don’t take on the role until I actually step into the costume.

“And when I take it off, I’m me again.

“I know of some lookalikes who are always being stopped in the street, there’s no escape for them.

“I wouldn’t want to be recognised all the time. I like to have some balance in my life.”

How did Paul perfect his role?

“I had seen Elton in concert, and I did meet him once through a friend.

“We went backstage after a show to meet the big man, and he was charming.”

Did Paul let on that he was a tribute performer?

“No, I didn’t tell him,” laughs Paul.

“But I had just bought a red suit from one of his auctions. Elton immediately recognised it, and said, ‘you’re wearing one of my suits’, so we had a laugh about that.”

Paul will be performing with The Rocket Band at Wokingham’s newest venue.

“We’re really looking forward to it,”

he says. “It should be a great evening, in a new venue – it’s very exciting.

“And we’re very happy to be on the same bill with Police Academy and, earlier in the day, The Glen Miller Band.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra perform at Carnival Hub from 2.15pm on Saturday, November 19. Tickets cost £29.50, plus a booking fee.

Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band perform at the new Carnival Hub in Wokingham, on Saturday, November 19. The concert begins at 7.45pm, with doors open from 6.45pm. Tickets cost £25, plus a booking fee.

Tickets can be purchased from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wade-concert Funds raised will go towards the new Dementia Day Care fund, to improve facilities for the older people it supports. n For more information about the WADE Day Centre, visit: www. wadecentre.org.uk

EMMA MERCHANT

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Crafting queen ready for Christmas

by the Blue Jeans Band, for a night to remember.

The event takes place at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Friday, November 11. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £27.25. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 08455 218218

A CRAFTING queen is coming to Reading.

Sara Davies, Dragon’s Den and Strictly star, is taking to the road with tricks and tips for making the season special.

Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies, is a show with practical demonstrations, creative ideas and know-how.

She will illustrate ways to make gifts, garlands, cards, crackers and more.

With a peek into the Den and a sprinkling of Strictly sparkle, it’s a show that promises fun and inspiration for the festive season.

Join the event at the Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, November 19.

It starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £29.50.

VIP tickets for £77 are available, for best seats and pre-show demonstration. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060

Sound and around with Dave O’Higgins

WITH Dave on tenor and soprano sax, a music group will take the audience through a range of sounds, with music from the traditions of Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker.

Dave O’Higgins Quartet plays at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Friday, November 11.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets costing £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

A steamy thriller with a razor’s edge

NEW company, Midas Theatre tells the story of a love triangle gone wrong.

The show, Murder Ballad, features a live band on stage and a fully sung rock score.

Described as ‘a steamy thriller with a razor’s edge’, it shares a dark tale about what happens when the past comes back to haunt.

Murder Ballad can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road.

The event is on Thursday, November 10 through to Saturday, November 12.

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £15.

String alonng with Pavel Haas Quartet

TWO classical singers will visit Reading as part of their UK tour, performing tracks from their new album.

The album, Christmas With Aled and Russell, features traditional carols O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and In The Bleak Midwinter. n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.

A coven in the Cellar Bard for the Bard

IN THE darkness, witches whispers of murder and Shakespeare’s gory tale is brought to life in a theatre cellar bar.

Story-tellers Bart Lee Theatre, will ignite the imagination with poetry, soundscapes, shadows and movement.

Faithful to the text and Shakespeare characters, the event is suitable for GCSE students and lovers of the Bard.

The event can be seen at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, November 16 and 17.

Tickets cost £14.50 for adults, £12.50 for members, and £9.50 for school groups of 10+. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

It also includes White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine.

Walking In The Air, which was first released by then boy soprano in 1985, is also performed by the duo.

Aled Jones and Russell Watson

Top hat and tales A ROMANTIC toe-tapping musical is back by demand.

Irving Berlin’s musical Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the dance partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Brown to the stage.

Based on the 1935 film of the same name, it tells the story of performer Jerry, who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale.

The show celebrates song, style and romance of another age.

Songs include Puttin’ On The Ritz, Cheek To Cheek, Isn’t This A Lovely Day, and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

Sparkling costumes promised, the show opens on Wednesday, November 16. It runs through to Friday, December 30.

Performances are nightly on Wednesdays through to Sundays.

Doors open at 8.15pm.

Matinees are on Saturdays at 2.15pm.

Additional matinees are on Sunday,

perform at The Hexagon Theatre, on Tuesday, November 15.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £34.50, £44.50 or £57. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060 n For more, see page 16 December 11 and 18, Thursday, December 22 and 29, and Wednesday, December 28.

Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show. n For tickets and information log on to: www.millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000.

The Carpenters, from the heart

VOICE of the Heart was Karen Carpenter’s last album.

It’s just over 30 years since she died, leaving behind a catalogue of songs and melodies.

The Carpenters – Voice Of The Heart promises to lead the audience through a magical memory meander.

People can expect to hear hit tunes and medleys from the group’s album tracks, and music with links to The Beatles, Bacharach and David Medley.

Carole Gordon on vocals is joined

PAVEL Haas Quartet is an established international contemporary chamber ensemble.

Ranked by BBC Music Magazine among the 10 greatest string quartets of all time, this year the group celebrates their 20th anniversary with a new album and extensive concert tour.

Veronika Jaršková and Marek Zwiebel on violin, Karel Untermüller on viola, and Peter Jaršek on cello present an evening of three pieces.

There will be a free pre-concert talk by writer, composer, broadcaster and arranger Stephen Johnson.

The event takes place at Reading’s Concert Hall, on Sunday, November 20.

The talk is at 6.30pm, with the programme at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £14, £19, and £22 depending on seating. Student discounts are available from £6. n For tickets and information visit: www. readingtownhall.co.uk

Carol on the wireless

A TRADITIONAL story will be performed as a radio play in Windsor.

Audiences will be able to hear (and see) a star cast of actors tell Charles Dickens’ haunting seasonal tale.

They will relate the story in period costume, with a foley artist performing all the sounds of the ghostly tale on stage.

The cast includes Roy Marsden as Scrooge, with Jenny Seagrove, John Partridge, Leon Ockendon, Ben Nealon, and Sara Crowe.

Dickens’ tale tells how Ebenezer Scrooge is shown his past, present and future by three ghostly beings, and discovers the joy of giving at Christmas.

The event is at Windsor’s Theatre Royal, where it runs from Tuesday, November 15 through to Saturday, November 19. Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with matinées on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £24. n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or call the box office on: 01753 853888.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Tell Tale Heart. Thurs 10.

Conservatoire: Olga Stezhko.

Fri 11. Supersonic 70s Show.

Fri 11. The Comedy Cellar.

Fri 11. Craft and Design Fair 2022. Sat 12- Sun 13. Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK. Sat 12. Candlelit Frankenstein.

Mon 14-Tues 15. Candlelit Macbeth. Wed 16-Thurs 17.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 18.

South Hill Park Arts Centre tours. Sun 20. Wilde Sundays: Nefarious Picaroons, Funky Nature, Jim McLean and Mike Baker. Sun 20.

FILMS: Mrs Harris Goes to Pairs.

Fri 11-Sun 13. Dad’s Armu: The Movie. Mon 14. Roise and Frank. Mon 14. Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration. Wed 16.

Amsterdam. Fri 18-Sun 20.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 80s Mania. Thurs 10. Get Ready.

Fri 11. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sat 12. The Abba Reunion. Thurs 17. Country Superstars. Fri 18. Crown Ballet: Swan Lake.

Sat 19.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

Festival of Performance. Sun 13. Sixties Gold. Mon 14. David O’Doherty: Whoa Is Me. Thurs 17. Glenn Moore. Thurs 17.

Marti Pellow. Fri 18. Mercury: The Ultimate Queen tribute.

Sat 19. Forever Bond Dinner Dance. Sat 19. Paul Chowdry.

Sun 20.

Henley – Kenton

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Good Luck, Studio. Until Sat 12. In Conversation with Gina Miller.

Sun 13. Darker Shores. Tues 15-Sat 19.

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Post Office Scandal: The Inside Story. Thurs 10. Tom Webber and Special Guests. Fri 11.

Lipstick on your Collar. Sat 12.

HAODS presents Hot Mikado.

Wed 16-Sat 19.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 10. Elvis: The King Is Back, Wycombe Swan 30th Birthday

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Justin Moorhouse: Stretch and Think. Thurs 10. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris (U). Fri 11, Sat

12. RSVP Bhangra. Fri 11. The Dave O’Higgins Quartet. Fri 11.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker.

Tues 15. The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration. Wed 16.

Duo Biz’Art. Thurs 17. Beautiful Evil Things. Fri 18. Helen Bauer: Madam Good Tit. Fri 18.

Dark Side of the Wall - SOLD OUT. Sat 19.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Circus of Horrors: The Witch.

Thurs 10. The Carpenters: The Voice of the Heart. Fri 11. Nick Cope. Sat 12. Lost In Music. Sat 12. RB Live: The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration. Wed 16.

Tom Allen: Work in Progress SOLD OUT. Thurs 17. Tenors Unlimited. Sat 19.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk

01635 46044 A Monster Calls. Thurs 10-Sat 12.

Rapunzel. Fri 18-Sun Jan 1.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 I, AmDram by Hannah Maxwell.

Wed 16. Martyn Joseph. Thurs 17. Craigievar Ceilidh Band. Fri 18. Little Murmur. Sat 19.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show. Sat 12. Russell Kane: The Essex Variant. Sun 13.

Christmas with Aled Jones and Russell Watson. Tues 15.

Craft Your Christmas with Sara Davies. Sat 19.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Reading – Progress

Windsor – Theatre Royal

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

Wokingham – Theatre

Pavel Haas Quartet. Sun 20.

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Liars Teeth. Wed 16-Sat 19.

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol.

Nov 30-New Year’s Eve.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Grass Is Greener. Until Sat 12.

Windsor On Air: A Christmas Carol. Tues 15-Sat 19.

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Murder Ballad. Thurs 10-Sat 12.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. Wed 16-Sat 19.

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush – SOLD OUT. Fri 11.

Sonning – The Mill

Woodley – Theatre

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Wed 16-Dec 30. West End Meets Broadway. Sun 20.

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Ladies Down Under.

Nov 29-Dec 3.

LEISURE | 15

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Inspector Drake makes return to Shinfield Players

A

ELLO, ELLO, ELLO, WHAT’S ALL THIS THEN?: Keith Sullivan, Lanny Hamshere and Asleigh Wells rehearse a scene in Inspector Drake Picture: Shinfield Players Theatre

COMMUNITY group’s acting duo will revive the characters they played ten years ago.

Ashleigh Wells and Keith Sullivan are set to take on the roles of Inspector Drake and his sidekick Sargeant Plod in Shinfield Players Theatre’s production of Inspector Drake and the Black Widow.

The three-hander play is directed by Karen Bird and Cate Naylor, who also led the previous show a decade ago.

Of the returning pair, Ms Naylor said: “Their chemistry is amazing, it’s great to see them back again. It’s just as it was ten years ago, they just bounce off each other in the same way because they know each other so well.

The light-hearted, slapstick play follows Drake and Plod as they investigate the of death oil tycoon John Johnson. Questions arise throughout the play: Why was Johnson badly disguised as his own wife?

Why had he eaten a tortoise? And why do all the women in the house look similar?

The seven women, who make up the murder suspects, are all portrayed by the talented Lanny Hamshere.

“It would be lovely to have people come and encourage [the cast].” Ms Naylor said.

“As a three-hander, they’ve had to work so hard, with so many lines to learn.”

She added the audience can expect to experience an array of eclectic and surprising props. Without wanting to give away too much, she mentioned a tortoise could be making an appearance.

The play was initially scheduled to

Comic opera chased away the autumn blues BUTTERFLY wings featured brightly in a musical production at the weekend, in Woodley’s Oakwood Centre.

Iolanthe, by Gilbert and Sullivan, is also known as The Peer And The Peri (or fairy).

This production, performed by local amateur operatic company, Mostly G&S, was charming.

The audience were tapping feet throughout, breaking into laughter, and thoroughly

take place two years ago, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

In February, the theatre’s roof was damaged during Storm Eunice, forcing all productions to be halted once again.

Ms Naylor believes the delay has actually worked out for the better, with this showing falling on the tenth anniversary of the original.

On being back, she said: “It’s brilliant.

“Everything got cancelled because of Covid, but we managed to put on a couple of productions before the roof came off.

“We basically had a whole year’s worth of plays ready, but had nothing the rest of the season until July.

“We’ve now got a new roof, inside walls,

enjoying the jokes and performances.

The operetta is a witty, satirical and at times absurd picture of Victorian politics and institutions.

In it, straight-backed, ineffective, dim-witted peers of the realm battle with a throng of flitting, flighty fairies.

Strephon (Anthony Huggett), a shepherd and half fairy (the top half) wants to marry Phyllis (Laura CurtisDagg), a beautiful human, and ward of the court.

She is under the guardianship of the lord chancellor (Stuart Neal), who also has amorous intentions towards

a new stage, which all got damaged in the rain. It’s all new and fresh, so nice to be back in the theatre. I hope lots of people will come back.”

Shinfield Players’ first show back was Our House, which drew a fantastic audience at the end of September.

The performances take place at Shinfield Players Theatre, staring at 7.45pm from Wednesday, November 16, to Saturday, November 19.

Adult tickets cost £14, children £7 and concessions £13. n For more information or to buy tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

JI-MIN LEE

her, along with half of the House of Lords.

The course of true love never did run smooth, and Gilbert and Sullivan gleefully add ridiculous obstacles to romantic endeavour.

This community event was produced by husband-and-wife team, Rachel and Matt Meyer.

It is a company that obviously delights in being together. After weeks working on the lyrics and humour of the piece, the fruits of their labour delighted the audience.

They especially enjoyed the brightly coloured wings revealed by the entire cast at the end of the play, along with

the line, “We’re all fairies.”

It was wonderfully silly, and definitely “A night to chase the gloomy day when all is drear and dark.”

All the numbers were ably accompanied by piano (Jo Miller-Shepherd, flute (Debbie King), and percussion (Paul Netherton).

The performance group is actively seeking new members.

They meet every Wednesday evening at Brookside Church, Earley from 7.45pm to 9.45pm. n For details, log on to: www. mostlygands.co.uk, or call: 01635 522750.

EMMA MERCHANT

Rachel is ready to spread some panto magic

P

ANTO is just wonderful … it’s so exciting.

So says Jack and the Beanstalk’s fairy godmother, Rachel Delooze.

The actor is one of the stars returning to The Hexagon this Christmas for Imagine Theatre’s festive show, and she just can’t wait to wave her wand and waggle her wings.

“It really is like working with family here … I look forward to it every year, and it’s a joy to be able to come back and get into that panto spirit,” she says.

This is her third time as playing a fairy in a Reading pantomime. Is she worried about being typecast?

“I don’t think I ever could in such a fun role,” she says. “I Just love playing the fairy, being the magical one who is sometimes a little bit cheeky, sometimes a bit wicked. And I love being able to cast my magical spells over the audience and over the other cast members.”

While Jack and the Beanstalk is a well-known tale, one of the reasons why Rachel likes being back at The Hexagon is that Jack is not a typical pantomime.

“It is not the traditional prince and princess story, it’s slightly different,” she says. “And I can’t wait to see the giant – I’m so excited.

“I don’t know how they’re going to do it yet, but that’s what’s so exciting to me about the show … the giant.”

The script is written by Justin Fletcher, who also stars in the show alongside comic partner Paul Morse as the dame, and is being kept under close wraps, but Rachel let slip some secrets.

“I should be having some lovely big musical numbers, and I’m sure there will be

some hits that everybody will be able to sing along to,” she promises.

Also returning is Carl Tracey as Jack, and Ryan Alexander-Full, who played the comical villain last year and will be Fleshcreep this time round.

There will, no doubt, be some fairy duels with him.

“It’s going to be great fun. He makes a brilliant villain and I know we’re going to have a wonderful time together on stage,” she says.

One of the reasons why Rachel was so pleased to be return this year was down to the extra cast member: the audience.

“They blow me away every year, they are so supportive and wonderful.

I just love seeing their faces light up with joy whenever something magical happens on stage,” she explains.

After two very different Christmasses – one with no panto, and the other with limited audience interaction – this year’s show will be the one that covid will hopefully avoid.

“I can’t wait to get back to meet and greets, and being with our audiences again, it is so special,” she says.

“And also have children in the junior ensemble in the show.

“We really missed them last year, we missed the real joy and excitement they brought to each performance, and I can’t wait to welcome them all back.”

And what makes a Reading Christmas special for Rachel?

“My lovely Hexagon family,” she says without pausing.

Now if the fairy thinks The Hexagon is going to be magical this Christmas, who are we to argue? n Jack and the Beanstalk opens at The Hexagon on Saturday, December 3, and continues until Monday, January 2. Tickets are now on sale, and prices start at £14. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

PHIL CREIGHTON

EBOS’s take on Young Frankenstein is zany nonsense and a monster hit EBOS presents Young Frankenstein November 1-5 South Hill Park www.ebos.org.uk

E

AST Berkshire Operatic Society’s latest production is spectacular.

It is also possibly the silliest, most ridiculous story conceived for screen and stage.

Young Frankenstein was the brainchild of two of Hollywood’s zaniest creative comedy geniuses, Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks.

You can almost hear the pair giggling together helplessly as they inject yet more insane nonsense into their monster show.

What they created was a comedy musical parody of Universal’s horror

movies, and in 1974 it became a major hit film.

It goes like this.

Inheriting his grandfather’s Transylvanian property, Young Dr Frankenstein, Stuart Hayllor, is persuaded to reignite the family’s passion for bringing dead bodies to life.

Having left behind his fiancée Elizabeth, Laura Thain, he is thrown (quite literally) into the arms and bosom of assistant Inga, Emily Hobbs.

Together with hunchback Igor, Adrian McDougall, and housekeeper Frau Blucher, Anna McCormack, they inject life into the seven foot frame of The Monster, James Lole.

From there, any resemblance to the original Frankenstein story disappears, as the tale slips down an increasingly ridiculous rabbit hole.

It’s a big stage show, and EBOS has

risen marvellously to the occasion, holding nothing back.

“If you’re going to build a castle, build it big,” said one audience member on the first night.

And that is precisely what the company has done.

There is a Transylvanian castle, and it completely fills the stage from floor to ceiling.

But it’s not just the set which has been pushed to the limits. Everything about this production is filled with energy, commitment and bags of fun.

It’s a show that no company takes on lightly, because nothing about Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is intended to be subtle.

It requires performers to negotiate big Hollywood dance numbers. It sees them belt out songs and yodel others (while upside down on a hay cart).

If you think it can’t, or shouldn’t, be done then you’ll find it here.

Think pantomime, add 1930s glamour, a sprinkle of Carry On, and some Broadway numbers.

Then put the whole thing on steroids.

It’s marvellous, joyful, hilarious nonsense and the first night audience loved it.

Staging, designed by Duncan Bruce and Nick Brannam, is big, inventive and fun. Marc Hopkins’ lighting is playfully unsubtle in all the right ways.

Costumes, by Natalie Hayllor are a fabulous mixture of Broadway and Munsters.

The musical score, overseen by MD Trevor Defferd, is rich and complex, (and perfectly executed by a professional nine piece band).

Dance numbers choreographed by Nick Brannam, are a twirling, toe-

tapping, cane-pushing delight.

Tom Horrox’s sound effects are appropriately, horribly daft.

Direction by Nick Brannam is witty, daring and inventive.

And the performances are big, brave, bold and very accomplished.

There are voices in this company that could hold their own on a West End stage.

Young Frankenstein is a tour de force that should be seen.

If you want to hear a brain squish and a monster sing, go and see this show.

And if it’s great performances, big numbers and a whole lot of fun you want, go and see this show.

Young Frankenstein was performed at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre last week. n ebos.org.uk

EMMA MERCHANT

16 | LEISURE

West End sounds in Sindlesham A MUSICAL group will perform songs, music and dance from the shows this weekend.

Woodley Light Operatic Society presents Sindlesham Court’s West End Showstoppers! on Saturday.

It starts at 7.45pm, with tickets costing £20 for adults, and £15 for seniors.

Bar meals are served between 6pm and 6.45pm in Sindlesham Court’s Hooton Lounge.

Meals cost £10 and are bookable online with tickets. n For more information email: jane@theflavell.co.uk or visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sindlesham-court

A long journey WOKINGHAM Film Society will show Compartment No.6.

Its story follows the passage of a young Finnish student as she makes her way from Moscow to the Arctic.

Her room companion in compartment number six is a Russian coal miner, a boorish and difficult man.

The film was a winner of the Grand Prix Cannes Film Festival in 2021 It will be shown by the Wokingham Film Society at the Whitty Theatre, at Luckley House School, on Thursday, November 17.Doors open at 6.45pm.

Tickets cost £6.50. n For more information, visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Natasha is singing of the season

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FORMER Miss England is teaming up with Aled Jones and Russell Watson for their pre-Christmas show, which is coming to The Hexagon next week.

Natasha Hemmings is a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, joining when she was just 14.

She graduated with an understanding of classical and operatic music, whilst also exploring different genres, and returned to undertake a popular music undergraduate degree, with a focus on songwriting and recording.

In 2015, she entered the Miss England contest in an effort to gain confidence and a sense of self.

This role helped her work with the Variety Club, raising funds for Millstead, a special needs school in Liverpool.

Aled and Russell’s show, on Tuesday, November 15, celebrates their new album, Christmas With Aled and Russell.

It features new recordings of universally beloved Christmas songs, including traditional carols such as O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and In The Bleak Midwinter, alongside festive favourites including White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little

FULL OF BEANS: Spizzenergi will be coming to The Face Bar, Reading, on Saturday, November 19

FESTIVE CHOICE: Natasha Hemmings is joining Aled Jones and Russell Watson for their Christmas show, coming to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre next week Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine.

And Natasha says she has a good reason for looking forward to joining the duo on their tour.

“Christmas is such a special time of year for all of us and I am so excited to be joining Aled and Russell on their tour,” she said.

“It is especially magical for me as a Christian to be sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

“I hope to bring everyone together singing our favourite festive songs and celebrating the

spirit of Christmas, remembering all of our blessings at this time.”

Aled and Russell said: “We’re thrilled Natasha is joining us again on tour. She’s a wonderful singer and a joy to have around. You are in for a real treat.”

Natasha is currently in the studio working on her new faith based album, due in 2023.

Tickets for the show are currently available, from £34.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to whatsonreading.com

Spizzenergi to perform gig at Face Bar A CLASSIC band that has changed its name on an annual basis is preparing to visit Reading.

Spizzenergi, previously known as Athletico Spizz 80, Spizzoil and The Spizzles, among others, came to fame in 1980 with their single Where’s Captain Kirk? The hit regularly crops up in lists of the best Indie singles ever, including Mojo magazine’s list of the 50 best punk rock singles of all time.

The band is led by vocalist/ guitarist Spizz and alumni include Lu Edmunds (The Damned/P.I.L), and Kevin Armstrong (David Bowie and Iggy Pop).

They have supported most of

the iconic punk bands Siouxsie, Clash, Damned and headlined many tours/gigs including the 40th Anniversary of the original 100 Club punk festival, Rebellion and Undercover punk festivals in 2016.

They will be coming to The Face Bar in Chatham Street on Saturday, November 19.

Starting at 8pm, this will be a chance to see the current line-up.

Support comes from Voodoo Radio, and Violet Origin. n Tickets cost £14, and can be found by searching for Spizzenergi Face Bar on www. wegottickets.com.

Choir to sing Ukrainian music A MUSICAL group is to present a programme of music in Caversham.

The title of the concert is I Believe: Life After Death, and will reflect the season of Remembrance.

Reading Bach Choir’s event begins with a piece marking the separation of the soul from the body, then a Requiem giving comfort to those who remain and mourn, and lastly a setting of an

affirmation of belief that follows a loss.

The programme includes music by notable Ukrainian composer Galina Grigorjeva, called On Leaving.

This is followed by Herbert Howells’s Requiem, marking the composition’s 90th anniversary.

Finally, Credo (I believe)

by Margaret Bonds, will be performed – a setting of words by

W.E.B. Du Bois and a statement of harmony and belief.

The Conductor is Daniel Mahoney and the pianist is Gavin Roberts The concert takes place at St Andrew’s Church, Caversham, on Sunday, from 5pm. Tickets cost £15, and £5 for under 18s. n To book, email: tickets@ readingbachchoir.org.uk or call 01638 638847

Yes, Arnie is back ... along with a host of other favourites as Showcase WHEN Arnie uttered the immortal words ‘I’ll be back’, little did he realise it meant the film returning to the big screen.

But Showcase Cinemas has indeed brought his famous Terminator character back, along with a host of other much-loved movies for a season of old favourites.

It starts on Friday, with a screening of Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The hit rom-com centres around prostitute Vivian and her developing relationship with wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day is shown on Saturday, November 12, and again the following day.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as the Terminator in film set just seven years from now. Earth has become a

wasteland decimated by the war between artificial intelligence and the human resistance.

On Friday, November 18, it is the turn of Academy Award nominated comedy Bridesmaids.

Hitting cinemas back in 2011, the star-studded cast, featuring Kristen Wiig in the lead role, tells the story of Annie as she suffers a series of hilariously unfortunate events after being asked to serve as the maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding.

And a month before the big day, festive rom-com Love Actually returns to the big screen on Friday, November 25.

There are 10 different stories of love through the eyes of screen legends Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and others, as the tales intertwine in the lead up to Christmas Day.

And the final film in the season is the sing-a-long Abba inspired hit Mamma Mia! This will appear on Friday, December 2, and needs little introduction.

An ensemble cast join up in Greece as wife-to-be Amanda Seyfried invites three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard) to her upcoming wedding on a search for her father.

Mark Barlow, UK general manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “We’re bringing even more classics back to the big screen.

“Films such as Pretty Woman and Mamma Mia were meant to be enjoyed in the comfort of the cinema. We can’t wait to see our guests watch these classics in all their original big-screen glory.” n For more details, log on to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

LISTEN UP: One Last Day Picture: Jazmine White

Chris Hillman

Let’s Eat Grandma – Levitation

bit.ly/raw soundstoday

Photographer Andrew Merritt and myself went on a road trip a few weeks ago to see this talented duo from Norwich at a packed Koko in Camden.

They were excellent.

This is from their latest album,Two Ribbons – http://letseatgrandma.co.uk/

M

USIC is a great medium for exploring difficult issues, and we make no excuses for including a new single that will make you think.

One Last Day’s Out of the Black heads up our playlist this week, a powerful piece that combines great musicianship with powerful lyrics.

We’re on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

One Last Day – Out of the Black The biggest rock bands have great songs as well as great musicianship – think AC/DC, Bon Jovi.

Ghost, Rammstein etc but we see many good new rock bands that forget about the songs.

If this single from Wokingham rockers, One Last Day, is anything to go by they are not one of those bands.

This single is powerful and well played and, even

OSP – Call Me It’s one of our fave artists of the year and they were one of the highlights of August’s, Wokingham Festival. Here’s rap quartet from Reading, OSP, with a new single and it’s another good one – https:// www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Indigo Child – Lies with a dark theme about suffering from abuse, it has a chorus that sticks in your head and helps get the story across.

I believe that if a band can combine power and melody they can’t go wrong. One Last Day can clearly do that – https://linktr.ee/onelastday

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chloe Levaillant.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Clem Johnson.

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Hugh Turner Quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Pentahotel, Oxford Road. The Sugars live.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Music for MINDS: The Arboretum and Swallow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Third Lung. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, November 11

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 80s tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Supersonic 70s Show.

Details: 01344 484123.

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. A little taste of France - an evening of French song with Chloe Levaillant. £15. 7.30pm. In aid of Crisis UK. Details: Search www.tickettailor. com GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Trish Elphinstone saxophonist, Martin Pickett piano, Howard King bass, Mike Goff drums. Details www.ticketsource. co.uk/goring-community-jazz-club READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place

Katie Ellwood – Twice Katie performed a wonderful set at Wokingham Festival in August backed by a band of very good musicians. Anyone that saw that will have been lucky to get a preview listen of this new single – https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Mellor – Meet Me by the Ocean

Doops – Pull Back the Shades

Mellor are a four-piece Reading-based band that have been building a great reputation throughout the indie rock scene and this reputation is only going to be enhanced further with the release of their new album, Problematic Passions, which is out this week.

Here’s another band that releases music with power and melody as evidenced on this recent single, taken from the new album – https://linktr.ee/ melloruk

Doops join the bill at Third Lung’s album launch show at Sub 89 on Thursday. This band from the local area creates moody atmospheric songs. This is taken from their 2021 released, Deflections EP – https://www.facebook.com/doopsband/

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, November 10

Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay will be at the WADE afternoon charity concert on Saturday, November 19, at the new Carnival Hub – https:// www.glennmillerorchestra.co.uk/

RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: TV Priest. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Midnight Rebel Band.

Details: 0118 935 4095.

READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. The Strats. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mellor album launch party.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cryptix X Dance Amplify B2B SOTA. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Cherries. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Cloud Busting: The Music of Kate Bush. £22. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, November 12

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Paul Tino. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Gangsters: The Ultimate Ska Tribute Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hubba Bubba. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Originals.

Details: 01344 422622 BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Wardour Street. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Freddy B. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness V VGN. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Eye Candy Ladies Night Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Talk In Code.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Drag Night: Punk!.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Undercovers.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930 READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. UKG Brunch from noon. Details: 0118 959 5395.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Horizon. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Beyond The Download, Rose Street. Third Lung from 5pm.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Cherries. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, November 13

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Lost Trades. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Soul Retreat, from 12.30pm. Details: 0118 959 5577.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale. 3pm. Details: 01252 870648.

Glenn Miller Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade

Timeless music from the 1930’s as the Glenn

Monday, November 14

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: John Tams. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe: Clandestine, Rag and Moan Man, Martin Wood. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, November 15

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, November 16 BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Acoustic cafe with Michael Tuffery.

Thursday, November 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Tomorrow Bird and The Gillies. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. The Amazons DJ Set. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.

READING – HIckies, Friar Street. Hickies Music - Live Showcase with The Remi Banklyn Band, Thomas Heppell, and Jack Mason. Details: www.hickies. co.uk/live-lounge READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road.

Jam Night.

READING – South Street Arts Centre.

Martyn Joseph. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday, November 18

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Breast Cancer Charity Night with !daft!, Baby D and guest DJs. Details:

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

This is the debut single from Reading based duo, Lou and Matt, and it was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson.

It’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound – https://www.facebook.com/ indigochildoffical

Blancmange – Reduced Voltage This is from the new album Private View by synth pop icons Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling. They performed recently at Reading’s Sub89 as part of their UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/

Third Lung – No Names This is the latest single from the band’s new album Gameplay that is out now with the band celebrating the release at an album launch show at Reading’s Sub89 on Thursday – http://thirdlungband.com

01344 303333.

KNOWL HILL – Castle Royle Golf Club RG10 9XA. Black Light. Details: 01628 820700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Missing The Scene. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Greenpeace fundraiser: The Mirror Pictures, This, and Patrick Malone. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – South Street arts centre.

Craigievar Ceilidh Band. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Hard Times. Details: 0118 957 6930 WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 19

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Soul at the Crow. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Greg Mayston’s Folk, Blues and Americana. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Spizzenergi. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. And Now For Something Completely Different.

Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Reading Big People’s Night Out Loversrockradio.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The May ‘Rhythm’ EP Launch Gig (Reading Branch). Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. UB40

and Reggae/Ska tribute from Dominic Kaye. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Neuroheadz present AMC, Traced, Sovryn, Ben Shift, Mink, Ideaz, JX2, Albi Hnz, Phantom, Dark D, Deta, and more.

Details: 0118 959 5395 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. DV8 with JAEl. Details: 0118 957 6930 TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Rigsby. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington Road RG40 2AF. WADE charity concerts: The Glenn Miller Orchestra 2.15pm, Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band and The Police Academy. 7.45pm. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/wade-concert EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Steve Brookes. Details: 0118 978 0544.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Blood in the Dojo. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, November 20

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Nefarious Picaroons, Funky Natures, Jim McLeand, Mike Baker. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Record Fayre. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers night.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. West End Meets Broadway. Details: 0118 969 8000

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Thursday, November 10

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: talk by Richard Young. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, November 11

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. A little taste of France - an evening of French song with Chloe Levaillant. £15. 7.30pm. In aid of Crisis UK. Details: Search www.tickettailor. com READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

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, Nov 12

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Parish Church, Waterloo Road, RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces Concert: Reflections & Praise. £15, under 16s free.

Details: 0118 967 7319.

EARLEY – Reading University Students’ Union, University of

Reading, Whiteknights RG6 6AZ. Margam, a showcase of Indian classical dance and music.

3pm-6.30pm. £11.37.

Details: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/kalakunjpresents-margam-2022tickets-399986760167 READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street RG1 1EH. Reading Male Voice Choir at Greyfriars Church with Belle Canto. 7.30pm. rmvc.net READING – Hills Meadow RG4 8DH. Winter Wonderland Reading grand opening. From 10am.

Details: www.ticketsource. co.uk/ice-skating READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Phoenix Choir and Berkshire Youth Choir presents Where All Souls Meet A Concert Supporting the Reading Minster Music Outreach Project. 7pm. £15, under 16s £3. Details: readingminster.org.uk SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Sindlesham Court’s West End Showstoppers!

Featuring Woodley Light Operatic Society. 7.45pm. £20, seniors £15. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sindlesham-court SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Christmas Fayre with stalls including Homemade Crafts, Preserves, Cakes, Surprise Tombola, Gifts, Raffle, Books, CDs & DVDs, Jigsaw Puzzles, Toys, Name The Panda, plus seasonal refreshments and charity stalls. 2.30pm-4pm. 50p, children 20p. Details: 0118 956 0380.

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. FOUR: a birthday celebration, with cake, games, DJs and fun. £10. 1pm and 7pm. Accompanied dogs and under 18s welcomed to first session. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. The Cecilia Consort: Requiem for the Queen. £15, under 18s £5. Details: 07775 743 445.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Church, Hall Lane RG10 0JJ. Come and Sing - Faure Requiem. From 1pm, performance 6pm. £12, student £6. Concert free, retiring collection. Details: wsl.link/whats-on WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Sing Healthy Wokingham Choir & Berkshire Maestros Camerata: Camerata Concert, with music for choir & string orchestra. In aid of First Days Children’s Charity & Berkshire Maestros. 7.30pm. £12, £8 under 16s in advance only (no on-the-door).

WOKINGHAM – From Elms Field. Kidical Mass family bike ride. 2pm. Details: Search Facebook for Watch Wokingham 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 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 13

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Beech Hill Bonfire and torchlit procession. 5.30pm. £5, £2.50 children. Soup and hotdogs.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Reading Bach Choir presents I believe: Life after death. 5pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Sunday Alternative: a secular community of words and music. Coffee and catch-up.

10.45am-1pm. Details: www.sundayalternative. org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, November 14

ARBORFIELD – Royal British

Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.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 – Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. Wokingham Rock Choir free taster session.

7.30pm. Booking essential.

Details: https://www. rockchoir.com/join/ Wokingham_Late_Session WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, November 15

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall,Church Road RG6 1EY. East Reading Horticultural Society meeting: The Pleasures of the Harris Garden with Derek Press. 7.45pm for 8pm. Details: www.erhs. org.uk 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 WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Speakers meeting. 7.15pm. Details: wokinghamspeakers.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, November 16

CAVERSHAM – Online.

Caversham Horticultural Society Talk: Beneficial Insects in the Garden.

7.30pm. Booking via Eventbrite. Details: www. caversham-horticultural. org.uk DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm.

Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £13. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Art Society presents a demonstration of mixed media, given by Sera Knight. 7.30pm. £5, includes light refreshments. Details: wokinghamartsociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Rock Choir taster sessions. 12.15pm.

Booking essential. Free.

Details: www.rockchoir. com/join/Wokingham_ Morning_Session WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, November 17

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Family history advice clinic.

11am. Free. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

What’s on What’s on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@ wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Name Name Address Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Time of event:

Postcode Postcode Email

Email

Contact number for readers:

Send your forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House

231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: round 2 PDI. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Main hall, Baptist Church, Milton Road, RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society: Eddie Webb on John Donne. 7.30pm.

Non-members, £2 per meeting. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Compartment No 6 (15). £6.50, £4 members.

7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, November 18

CROWTHORNE – GW Annenberg Performing Arts Centre, Wellington College, Duke’s Ride, RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society Concert: Messiah (Part I), with performance

by Wellington College Chamber Choir. 7.30pm. £15, students £5. Details: www.crowthornechoral. org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Access to The Arts Charity Quiz Night. £11.37, READ College students £5.98. 7pm.

Details: www.readcollege. org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Comedy Night. Over 18s only. £17. Details: wokinghamlions.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details:

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 9, 2022 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.

2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, November 19

PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue,RG8 8BJ. Chris Fox in concert.

7pm. Details: www. stmaryspurley.org.uk READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Town centre.

Christmas light switch-on day. Live music from 1.30pm. Details: www.visitreading.com/whats-on/ christmas READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Castle Hill RG1 7QB. Christmas market, includes Father Christmas. Bacon rolls and more. Free entry.

10.30am-2pm. Details: readingcentral.org.uk SINDLESHAM – Sindlesham Court RG41 5EA. Christmas market. 10am4pm. Free entry.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5EX. Wokingham Choral Society Concert. Brahms: A German Requiem (Sung in German), Brahms: Schicksalsleid (Song of Fate), Purcell: Funeral Sentences, Mendelssohn: Organ Sonata No.2 in C minor (extracts: Allegro maestoso e vivace & Fugue). £17.50, students and under 18s £5. Preconcert talk 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Liar’s Teeth 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Carnival Hub, Wellington Road RG40 2AF. WADE charity concerts: The Glenn Miller Orchestra 2.15pm, Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band and The Police Academy. 7.45pm.

Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ wade-concert WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley

Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents: Tutankhamun’s Last Secret: The Search for the Mortuary Temple of Nebkheperure Tutankhamun, a lecture by Dylan Bickerstaffe. 2pm.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org YATELEY – St Swithun’s Catholic Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society Concert: Songs of the Sea. Elgar: Sea Pictures - ‘Haven’ and ‘Where Corals Lie’, Ireland: Sea Fever, Whitacre: The Seal Lullaby, Dyson: Four Songs for Sailors, Chilcott: The Skye Boat Song. £15, students £5, under 16s free. 7.45pm. Details: www. yateley-choral.org.uk.

YATTENDON – Village Hall, Church Lane RG18 0UE. Modern Makers Collective Yattendon Winter Market.

10am-4pm. Free entry.

Sunday, November 20

BINFIELD – Salisbury Hall, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society Concert: Rossini ‘Petite messe solennelle.

6pm. £18, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk CAVERSHAM – MADEbyTamalia, Creativ.

Spaces, Southview Business Park, Marsack Street RG4 5AF. Artisa Christmas Market.

10.30am-3.30pm. Free entry. Details: www. madebytamalia.co.uk CALCOT – Beanhseaf Community Centre, Linear Park RG31 7AW. Chance to Dance Christmas market. Noon-4pm.

READING – Blue Collar Corner, 15 Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Blue Collar Record Fair & Social from 11am-3pm. Secondhand vinyl, CDs and band/ label merchandise.

DJs until 6pm. Details: bluecollarreading.co.uk READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5EX. Reading Symphony Orchestra Autumn Concert. Grieg: Piano Concerto - Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony.

4pm. £15, under 18s and students £5. Details: https://www.wegottickets. com/event/558795/ READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Vintage Bizarre Bazaar. 1pm-6pm. Free entry. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale St, RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe.

12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

No. 5439

Your weekly puzzle challenge

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. What name is given to the hot dry wind which blows down the Rhône valley in southern France?

2. Circadian rhythms regulate what in the human body?

3. At the 2022 BRIT Awards, rapper Little Simz won which category?

4. Which fish native to Britain migrates to the Sargasso Sea to spawn?

5. Which former yachtswoman became a best-selling crime fiction writer?

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NONAGRAM

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A B E

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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C

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.

MAGIC SQUARE

DISREGARDING NONE

M R E

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: 25 Good; 29 Very Good; 34 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

8

7. The god of the sun is called Surya in which religion?

9

8. The Hallelujah Chorus features in which of Handel’s oratorios?

PF

OP

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UK

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OA

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

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6 9 1 3 4 7 6 1 7 3 2 1 4 5 9 7 3 5 8 2 3 3 9 5 8 7 6 4 6 9 8

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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DOWN 2. Policeman puts nothing in the cage (4) 3. To create a litter that will replenish (3,2) 4. Story from the Italian church? (7) 5. Run an edition of a newspaper (5) 6. She is in the lead – on a lead (7) 7. Handyman, fellow to perform inside with hesitation (8) 11. Game worker following new phase (8) 13. You’d be better for getting up from it! (7) 14. Thanks Kenneth in court when arrested (5,2) 16. Period of grammar Charles included (5) 17. Dance coming from Burma (5) 18. One might expect him to be her love (4)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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WORD PYRAMID: Road fund licence.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; add; divide; multiply.

Total: 7.

SOLUTIONS

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

12

16

1

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.

6

7

14

ACROSS 1. Northerner is released without penalty (4-4) 6. Hit the ball up just below the roof (4) 8. Ornamental tuft on an automatic weapon (6) 9. Canter around in a dazed condition (6) 10. It’s not the plan to arrange athletics event (10) 12. Demure even when pursued, one hears (6) 14. Being strangely muted, I caused boredom (6) 15. One who does light work arranging weddings (10) 19. Does he charge a cut price? (6) 20. During the plenum be dreadfully stunned (6) 21. Where horses might kick up a dust (4) 22. The gap developed on a many-sided figure (8)

EQUALISER 11 9 12 8 3 4 5 14 2 4 1 2

Hard

4 1

O

EA

TK

13

21

C

RI

EN

SUDOKU Easy

A

UR

CA

13

20

E

6

10

19

RD

AR

5

9

15

10. Which Middle Eastern state came into being on May 14, 1948?

AE

4

15

FIVE ALIVE TS

3

12

9. Which state ceremony in London marks the monarch’s official birthday?

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed D through openings in the walls. The F first letter may appear in any chamber.

U N

2

11

WORD PYRAMID

R O T

2

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

6. The controversial artwork that made Tracey Emin a Turner Prize nominee in 1999 was called what?

9 6 4 1 2 3 5 8 7

13

25

15

6

9 7 5 2 6 8 3 4 1

25

1

23

2 4 1 5 3 7 8 6 9

14

12

6 3 8 9 1 4 5 7 2

12

24

3 1 6 8 7 5 9 2 4

15

11

8

5 9 4 3 2 1 7 8 6

2

15

8 2 7 6 4 9 1 5 3

25

6

4

1 6 2 7 8 3 4 9 5

15

7 5 3 4 9 6 2 1 8

17

4 8 9 1 5 2 6 3 7

11

PZ1P5439

CROSS CODE 4

5438

28

19. Appetising (5) ACROSS 22. Adjoin (4) 1. Not genuine (8) 24. Money reserve (4) 5. Absorbent 26. Inaccurate (9) material (4) 27. Obligation (4) 7. Writing desk (9) 28. Pliable (8) 9. Tall grass (4) DOWN 10. Experience (4) 1. Aspersion (4) 11. Marten fur (5) 2. Highway (4) 14. Blueprint (5) 3. Musical drama (5) 15. Depart (5) 4. Floral leaf (5) 16. Apart (5) 5. Sea foam (4) 17. Ground wheat (5) 6. Centre of target (5-3) 18. Dirt (5)

7. Ten Commandments (9) 8. Persistent (9) 11. Commence (5) 12. Ecstasy (5) 13. Lament (5) 14. Beaten (8) 20. Remote (5) 21. In that place (5) 23. Ancient city (4) 24. Japanese volcano (4) 25. Stun (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Spurious; 5 Swab; 7 Davenport; 9 Reed; 10 Feel; 11 Sable; 14 Draft; 15 Leave; 16 Aside; 17 Flour; 18 Grime; 19 Tasty; 22 Abut; 24 Fund; 26 Erroneous; 27 Duty; 28 Flexible.

Down – 1 Slur; 2 Road; 3 Opera; 4 Sepal; 5 Surf; 6 Bull’s-eye; 7 Decalogue; 8 Tenacious; 11 Start; 12 Bliss; 13 Elegy; 14 Defeated; 20 Aloof; 21 There; 23 Troy; 24 Fuji; 25 Daze.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Mistral; 2 Sleeping/waking cycle; 3 Best New Artist; 4 The eel; 5 Clare Francis; 6 My Bed; 7 Hinduism; 8 Messiah; FIVE ALIVE: 9 Trooping the Colour; 10 Israel.

(1) Across – Tepid; Khaki; Naked.

Down – Token; Prank; Dried.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Scot-free; 6 Loft; 8 Pompom; 9 Trance; 10 Pentathlon; (2) Across – Safer; Ulcer; Total.

A D X M Q U R N Y C O S L 12 Chaste; 14 Tedium; 15 Matchmaker; 19 Barber; 20 Numbed; Down – Spurt; Facet; Rural.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 21 Stud; 22 Heptagon.

P E F V K J B Z W H T I G Down – 2 Coop; 3 Top up; 4 Romance; 5 Extra; 6 Leashed; 7 NONAGRAM: abet; abort; aerobe; amber; Factotum; 11 Pheasant; 13 Sickbed; 14 Taken up; 16 March; 17 ambo; arbor; bare; barer; barm; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Rumba; 18 Hero. ogre; gain; rind; BAROMETER; barre; barré; barter; ends. bate; beam; beamer; bear; bearer; beat; beater; beer; beet; bema; berate; beret; berm; beta; boar; boat; boater; boma; bora; borate; bore; borer; bort; brae; brat; bream; brome; ember; mobe; ombre; ombré; rebate; rebore; robe; tabor; tomb.

28 | LIFE

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Still time to start fresh

W

E often wait until the new year to reassess our health status and make a start on our wellness goals, but this year isn’t over yet.

There is still time to make positive improvements to our health and wellbeing before 2023 arrives.

As Bonfire Night fades into memory, why not take some time to reflect on your health goals for this year (or make some if you didn’t earlier in the year) and put steps in place to end the year with new habits.

To help you along, here are some ideas you

Volunteer corner

Check your hydration levels

Healthy Heart Tip

could focus on.

Increase your intake of plants

We all know we should be aiming to consume five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, but lots of us don’t manage this consistently.

A diet full of fresh produce is also rich in fibre which can lower our risk of heart disease and stroke. To help make sure you tick the five-a-day box, aim to consume one portion at breakfast (fruit works well here), and then two portions with lunch and your evening meal.

You could jot down a checklist and stick it to your fridge to remind you.

Staying hydrated is important for keeping your heart and circulatory system healthy. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Make sure you are drinking six to eight cups or glasses of water a day or choose herbal teas or sugar-free squash if you don’t like plain water.

Adequate hydration is a cornerstone of health, so make a commitment now to be aware of it and put steps in place to reach your fluid intake goals – such as filling up a water bottle twice a day.

Prioritise sleep Poor sleep can negatively impact our heart health, along with many other areas of our physical and mental wellbeing.

Prioritising your seven to nine hours shut

Reading Voluntary Action

eye every day is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health.

To support a healthy night’s rest try turning off screens in the hour before bedtime, limit your caffeine consumption after midday and spend lots of time outdoors during daylight hours.

See our previous Healthy Tip on Sleep for some more help. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes

from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2 n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook

Four in 10 worry they’ll be unable to afford Christmas

A

S INFLATION, energy prices and interest rates all push up the cost of living, new research suggests that four in 10 of us have fears about how merry their Christmas will be this year.

And 83% of people said the price rises will have an impact on their plans.

A third of parents worry that their children will be upset at not receiving as many gifts, with around one in eight saying they are extremely worried.

The Post Office research of 2,005 UK adults found a quarter say they plan to spend less money on close family and more than a third will spend less on extended family and friends – with half saying Christmas will be a smaller occasion this year.

It also emerged that almost one-insix plan on making homemade gifts; with the number one reason being to save money (63%).

The number is higher amongst 16–34-year-olds, with a third planning to make homemade gifts; 69% will do so to save money.

Londoners are the most likely region to do homemade gifts, with one in four planning on it.

Four in 10 plan to use cash to purchase Christmas gifts this year, and two-thirds will do so to manage budgets and keep track of spending.

A quarter plan to gift cash this year.

It comes as the Post Office announced that it handled a record £3.45 billion in cash during August, and branches expected to beat this when October’s data is available.

As Christmas edges closer, Post Office are encouraging consumers to

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T

HE British Red Cross has been helping millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need when a crisis strikes.

Right now they are seeking a Customer Service Volunteer in their Thames Valley Area branch If you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people then this could be the role for you.

This vital service enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life after an illness or injury.

Whether it is to help take a relative out, or take a child to school, it makes a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier. n Enrych Berkshire is a registered charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

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

The short walks will be a start in rebuilding strength.

Their health has restricted her and they feel vulnerable on her own. She uses her stick or walker.

FEARS: The cost of living is an issue for households this Christmas get ahead and post letters and parcels early.

Kristian Latham, head of letters and parcels at the Post Office said: “Our research has shown that the cost of living will be impacting Christmas for many this year as households tighten purse strings.

“This is set to affect how we shop, with more and more consumers planning on buying gifts earlier for financial reasons.

“Our branches will be open as usual in the run up to Christmas, helping consumers to post early as well.

“This is a great way to make the most of cheaper posting rates, whilst leaving plenty of time for cards and

gifts to arrive before the big day.”

Four in 10 admitted they enjoy Christmas shopping, with seven in 10 planning on doing theirs in one of the sales.

Yet the majority of Christmas shoppers (74%), will be finishing up their Christmas shopping in December with one in three leaving it until just one week before the big day to pick up their final bits.

Struggling to know what gift to buy is the top reason people give for not getting their shopping done early.

Ms Latham continued: “As Brits gear up for the festive season, it’s important to choose the best service for your precious gifts; the value

of the item, speed of delivery needed and any tracking requirements are all important. If in doubt, our expert Postmasters can recommend what’s best for your parcels.

“If you are posting goods or gifts abroad, being aware of what can and can’t be posted and getting customs forms right are vital to ensure parcels are not delayed or returned.

Guidelines to filling in customs forms correctly are on our website and of course our Postmasters are always on hand to help.” n For more information this Christmas period, head to the Post Office’s Christmas hub, https://www. postoffice.co.uk/christmas

n West Reading Together is a resident-led community organisation that aims to bring the people of West Reading together and help make our brilliant neighbourhood even better.

Right now they are in urgent need of School Street volunteers.

You don’t need to be a parent to help, there are amazing residents who volunteer too. School Street is a scheme to create a safer environment for children leaving school, reducing road danger and creating a cleaner environment.

They want two volunteers to supervise the bottom of Wilson Road from 8.25am to 9am, and from 2.55pm to 3.30pm.

Training and high visibility materials are provided. n Take a look at our brand-new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva. org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

SPORT TODAY

READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US CITY BEST WOMEN

READING LEAVE IT LATE

09.11.22

BEST FOR ROYALS

FIVE STAR WOODLEY WIN

TOP OF THE TABLE

RAMS’ HOT STREAK CONTINUES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today RAMS are sitting pretty at the top of the National League One table after their flawless start to the season continued on Saturday.

NINE AND FINE!

Rams stormed their way to their ninth consecutive bonus point victory at Leeds Tykes to maintain their perfect start with a 36-10 success on the road.

Their dazzling form gives them a four point lead at the top of the table

over second placed Cambridge with an exceptional points difference of +183.

Next up for the Rams who will be keen to continue their winning streak is a home fixture against Plymouth Albion on Saturday.

Plymouth are currently seventh in the table on 30 points after taking five wins and four losses from their opening nine games this season. n Full Rams report and pictures on pages 18 and 19

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SKIPPER ‘ANNOYED’

BY PRESTON DEFEAT

READING FC captain Andy Yiadom has challenged his side to get their form back on track after losing to Preston on Friday night.

The Royals are on a run of just one win in their last eight league games which has seen them drop to 12th before their midweek fixture at Watford on Tuesday night (match report online at rdg. today).

After their visit to Watford, Reading are on the road again at the weekend when they face struggling Hull City in their final game before the World Cup break.

“It was really annoying to lose against Preston and to lose in the manner that we did,” said Yiadom.

“We wanted to get the three points in front of our home crowd and make it a special day so that was extremely disappointing.

“But there’s always another game around the corner.

“That’s Watford so we’re looking forward to that one and we’ll go there looking to get three points.

“We want to go and give a good account of ourselves and get the win as well.

“We got a draw at Luton, lost at Friday against Preston so we want to get as many points on the board as we can.”

Watford dropped oout of the play-off places at the weekend after their home defeat to Coventry City.

Slaven Bilic’s side sit in seventh in the table with 29 points from 19 matches, three points more than the Royals.

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18

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Josh Collis moves forward as Rams make it nine wins in a row Pictures: Tim Pitfield

TYKES TOPPLED AS RAMS ENJOY TABLE-TOPPING WINNING STREAK RUGBY UNION

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Leeds Tykes 10 Rams 36 A POWERFUL RAMS display ensured they picked up a fantastic ninth consecutive National One bonus-point victory with a hard-fought 3610 triumph at Leeds Tykes.

The visitors showed their strength from the start, a powerful rolling maul rumbling some 20 metres towards the line before a couple of scrum penalties preceded Drew Humberstone crashing over from close range.

Things got even better for

Rams as more patient play ended with Max Hayman bulldozing across the line, Alex Seers with the conversion for 12-0.

Leeds hit back and got on the scoreboard thanks to Seramaia Turagabeci’s effort, and they then camped inside the visitors’ 22 for much of the second quarter.

Yet Rams made a decisive move on the stroke of halftime, two huge breaks from James McRae taking them from their own five-metre line up towards the Leeds line.

And with the final play of the half, Hayman grabbed his second to make it 17-5.

The away side suffered a

setback early in the second period as Michael Dykes was yellow carded for a late tackle when chasing down his own kick, but with their pack increasingly getting on top, RAMS nullified the damage by spending most of the 10 minutes in Leeds’ territory.

And towards the end of the sin-bin period, they sealed the bonus-point when a couple more dominant scrums set-up Ellis Jones to blast over from a couple of metres out.

With Alex Seers off injured, Humberstone added the extras before another huge scrum enabled McRae to touch down at the base.

Dykes became the third

player to have a shot at goal, and he was also on target to extend the advantage to 31-5.

Yet Leeds were still putting in an all-action effort, and they collected a second of the afternoon as impressive fullback Kieran Davies made a line break to allow Turagabeci to touch down on the right.

Rams replied swiftly, though, and a nice break from Ollie Cole created space for Charlie Robson to show his power for his fifth try of the season.

Jones then took over conversion duties, but his effort struck the left post.

And again Leeds refused to yield, camping in the visitors’ 22 for the final five minutes

and earning a string of penalties.

Rams were keen to avoid their line being breached, and thanks to a Cole turnover, successfully held out to end a run of six matches in which they had conceded the final points of the afternoon.

RAMS’ director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, said: “Leeds had been scrummaging really well, which meant our guys were highly motivated at the set-piece – I think I might have upset Ant before the game – but the pack really came out and put them on the back foot.

“A huge shout-out to all those in the front five and

Owen (Root, forwards coach).

“It’s something we’ve not really had in the last few weeks – we’ve had dominance in patches – but it gave us a really strong platform.

“If No. 8 is able to walk the ball over the line – albeit he’s got to control it – and just put his palm on it, it’s not because of what he’s done but the guys in front have.”

RAMS: Tries: Humberstone 6, Hayman, 15, 39, Jones 63, McRae 70, Robson 76, Conversions: Seers 16, Humberstone 64, Dykes 71 Leeds Tykes: Tries: Turagabeci 25, 72 Star Player: James McRae (RAMS) Referee: Adam Wookey

SPORT | 19

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REACTION

REYNOLDS IMPRESSED AS RAMS CEMENT THEIR PLACE AT TOP OF THE TABLE

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB REYNOLDS paid tribute to his Rams’ front five as they starred during another excellent team performance and a ninth straight bonus-point National One success at Leeds Tykes.

The visitors ran in six tries to avenge last season’s loss in a 36-10 triumph started by Drew Humberstone and Max Hayman scores.

After Alex Seers converted the latter, Tykes hit back through Seramaia Turagabeci, but in a crucial

passage of play at the end of the first half, Rams went from their own five-metre line to the other end of the field on the back of a brace of devastating James McRae breaks.

While Turagabeci grabbed a second, Charlie Robson went over late on to seal the deal.

There was no doubt the front row of Ant Marris, Hayman and Sean McDonnell-Roberts, aided by the introduction of James Baker and then hooker Ollie Moffitt, provided the base of victory, winning some eight scrum penalties with Ollie

Taylor and Dan Swain also impressing behind them.

Reflecting on the key score at the end of the first period and what was to come, the Director of Rugby said: “They had a patch where you could feel the buzz from them and how they were potentially going to see their way back into the game by getting close to us at half-time and then playing down the hill in the second period.

“It was a big call to go for the scrum rather than three points and it gave us the score which was crucial, but we had to go on and win the game.

“We had to ignore the slope, take the field position and continue to play rugby – if we’d just settled for winning a couple of scrum penalties and going to the corner, you set yourself up to lose to a talented side.

“We really challenged the boys to go and take the game in the second half, and boy did they do that.”

While the victory keeps Rams top of the table with a perfect record, it

was not always smooth sailing with fly-half Alex Seers forced off injured midway through the first half, before Humberstone was also taken off having switched to 10.

And Reynolds revealed: “We had to deal with adversity throughout the game – at one point we were without our 10 and 12 – but I was so impressed with how we managed it.”

RUGBY: SWINDON 5-7 READING

READING’S PERSISTENCE PAYS WITH LATE PENALTY TRY WINNER

By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokingham.today

READING snatched victory at Swindon with a last minute penalty try when their sustained second half pressure finally paid off.

Despite being the better side in the second half it looked like Reading would not be rewarded for their efforts but perseverance paid off and their last gasp pressure eventually forced the issue.

Reading always looked the better side having the better scrum and line out but were unable to achieve the cutting edge needed to cross the line. Swindon defended resolutely and cut down Reading’s opportunities.

By contrast Swindon made good use of their one real opportunity. Josh Nichol was yellow carded for a deliberate off side and Swindon kicked the resultant penalty into touch

near to the line.

From the line out they drove the ball, using their extra man advantage, to score an unconverted try.

Apart from one good break from Robbie Webster which was stopped just short of the line, Reading’s half was a story of limited openings.

Their second half performance was at a much better level. They monopolised possession and put constant pressure

on their opponents.

Swindon only escaped from their own half once during the whole half, such was the Reading pressure.

The referee gave a number of close in penalties and issued three yellow cards to Swindon players.

He could easily have given penalty tries on at least two occasions as desperate Swindon defence kept Reading out.

It seemed that something would have to give but

Swindon held out until the very last minute when after a series of penalties Reading opted for a scrum which they pushed back towards the Swindon line.

Swindon collapsed the scrum and the referee awarded a penalty try to give Reading the win.

Reading’s next game is next Saturday, 12 November against old rivals Newbury, the first time they have met in the league since 2016-17 season.

OXTED 1-1 READING

READING RECOVER POINT WITH LAST GASP STRIKE BOTH teams will feel disappointed by the outcome of their first ever meeting in the top flight of English Hockey, but the draw was probably the fairest result in what had been billed as a ‘must win’ or at least a ‘must not lose’ contest.

Reading started brightly here against their fellow mid-table sitters, dominating the play to such an extent that, despite failing to score, a two-goal lead after the first quarter would not have flattered their superiority.

They carried this momentum into the second quarter but continued to see good approach play end with the final touch being tantalisingly out of reach of every dangerous cross that they played into the circle, which they did time after time.

Freddie Newbold in action for Reading Picture: Helen Ritchie Reading started the half almost asleep and found themselves a goal behind within the first minute following Oxted’s first attacking move of quality, Chris Wyver having no chance to save a fierce shot

high into the net.

Oxted’s story since promotion to the top flight a couple of years ago has been one of dogged survival and, immediately after taking the lead, they

retreated into game management mode to protect the valuable points, a bold strategy with nearly half the game still to play.

Nonetheless, they did it very well, playing the game in areas of the pitch from which it was difficult for Reading to launch attacks.

Reading became frustrated and resorted to long aerial balls out of defence to break out of their opponents’ press, but this tactic served only to allow the umpires to penalise Reading for playing the ball dangerously into congested areas, frustrating them even more.

With the clock fast ticking down,Reading threw caution to the wind and replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player for the final three minutes.

This did not initially

generate any improvement, but Reading embarked on one final desperate push up the pitch, this time with speed and precision, much lacking in their play earlier in the game.

There was one final circle penetration and, at last, an unwise attempt by an Oxted defender to snatch the ball away from Reading’s Monty Neave from an impossible position, leading to a penalty corner just before the final whistle blew.

Step up Wales’ Fred Newbold, who dispatched Matt Richards’ injection flat, true, and hard past the Oxted goalkeeper to level the scores with the last strike of the match.

Reading’s next ‘must-win’ game, against struggling East Grinstead, is at home on Sunday, starting at 2.30pm

REACTION

BRACKNELL MANAGERS PROUD AFTER FA CUP CLASH

Bracknell Town FC joint manager Carl Withers Pictures: Neil Graham

Bracknell Town 0 Ipswich 3 BRACKNELL TOWN FC joint managers Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg expressed pride after their team’s FA Cup tie with Ipswich Town.

After a superb first-half display, the Robins had the game level at the break and held out against their League One opponents for more than an hour.

Ipswich eventually found a breakthrough and managed to net three second-half goals to book their place in the second round of the FA Cup, but Bracknell can hold their heads high after a strong performance.

“Well our journey has ended, a huge thank you first to everybody that worked tirelessly to stage the game last night (Monday),” said Withers.

“The messages of support has been incredible and I hope the boys have done you all proud and we truly thank you all for your support.”

McClurg added: “Proud and honoured to praise each and every one of our Bracknell Town lads.

“A true credit to the incredible support which never stopped. What a group of people and we go again.

“A massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes that made our first round proper tie happen. To the thousands that supported this amazing group: We love you and, once again, you were incredible.”

Bracknell Town chairman Kayne SteinbornBusse added: “Thank you to our groundsman Chris Day and the team for their hard work.

“They battled a week of non-stop rainfall to get the game on last night and how good did that pitch look.”

Bracknell Town’s fellow manager Jamie McClurg

20 | SPORT

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Woodley (yellow) scored five to take the points

Bracknell Town v Ipswich Town Pictures: Neil Graham, NGSportsPhotography Caversham United Women v Woodley United Ladies Pictures: Andrew Batt

The Kestrels boosted their league position

FOOTBALL

WOODLEY PUT ON FIVE-STAR SHOW TO BEAT CAVERSHAM

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

Southern Region Women’s Division One North WOODLEY UNITED stormed to an impressive away victory at CAVERSHAM UNITED. Doubles from Gemma Sims, May Hamblin and a goal from C Evans ensured that the Kestrels took all three points with a convincing 5-0 victory.

The win puts Woodley up to fifth in the table with seven points from four games, while Caversham United are in fourth with eight points from seven games.

Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY kept their winning streak going with

The teams compete from a corner

a comfortable away win at Virginia Water.

The Cityzens raced into the lead when Joe Pilling put them in front after two minutes.

Reading had a 3-0 advantage at the break with goals from Tyler D’Cruz and Dan Davies.

The win keeps City in second place, just one point behind leaders Ascot.

Combined Counties Division One BERKS COUNTY hit Bagshot for four to collect three points.

Charlie Oakley slotted the Swords in front on the stroke of half-time.

With just over an hour gone, Berks added a second when Ellis Day smacked the ball in from close range.

Berks hit again quickly when Ellis Day headed in his second of the game.

Just seven minutes later, Sam Day made it 4-0 to County before a late goal from Bagshot meant the game ended 4-1.

WOODLEY UNITED lost out away at Spartans Youth.

The hosts had a three-goal advantage before Junaid scored for the Kestrels to make it 3-1.

Woodley are in eighth with 25 points from 15 matches.

Thames Valley Premier League READING YMCA climbed up to fifth after they defeated Maidenhead Town.

Pele Hagger scored twice, while goals from Jakub Zmijewski and Alfie Stephens helped YMCA to a 4-2 triumph.

Reading have 13 points from eight matches.

WARGRAVE fell to a narrow defeat at home

to league leaders Yateley United.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division ASCOT UNITED are in second after they picked up a point at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

The Yellas took the initiative and broke the deadlock through Dom Carrington before the away side hit back to take a point.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 2 S4K BERKS COUNTY earned a point in a six-goal contest at home to Denham United Reserves.

Four goals in the secondhalf saw it end in a 3-3 stalemate.

Kate Stewart netted a brace for the Fawkes, while Megan Cox also scored.

Raglan v Bracknell Rangers Pictures: Andrew Batt

BRACKNELL TOWN 0-3 IPSWICH

IPSWICH AVOID FA CUP SHOCK TO ELIMINATE BRACKNELL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today BRACKNELL TOWN were eliminated from the FA Cup by League One Ipswich Town after a determined display.

Playing in front of a packed out crowd at SB Meadow, the Robins put on a fine performance as they shut out their opponents for well over an hour.

They had chances of their own in between some excellent stops from Bracknell goalkeeper Michael Eacott.

The Tractor Boys eventually breached the defence when Bracknell captain Daniel Bayliss was unfortunate to turn the ball and Freddie Ladapo added a second in the 73rd minute.

Ipswich sealed their place in the next round with a third goal when Panutche Camara converted from close range.

With 105 places separating the teams in the football pyramid, Bracknell were unable to pull off a huge FA Cup shock against their League One opponents but put in a display to be proud of.

BRACKNELL TOWN: Eacott, Dean, Bayliss, Cheshire, Burden, Herbert, Knight, Lodge, English, Abisogun, Esprit Subs: Sanders, Grant, Cook, Penton, Rees, Moore, Grant, Osu, Platt IPSWICH TOWN: Hladky, Donacien, Keogh, Burgess, Vincent-Young, Ball, Humphreys, Morsy, Jackson, Ladapo, Edwards Subs: Walton, Davis, Edmunson, Burns, Chaplin, Coleman, Pereira Camara, Agbaje, Buadbo Goals: Bayliss 65’ (og), Ladapo 73’, Camara 81’

The Bracknell Town FC squad before kick-off

Wednesday, November 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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The Royals lost at home to Man City on Sunday Pictures: Neil Graham

TWO OWN GOALS COST ROYALS DEAR READING 0-3 MAN CITY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN lost out at home to Manchester City after two own goals from Royals captain Emma Mukandi.

After a goalless first-half in which Reading managed to restrict City’s front line, the scored twice in quick succession after the restart.

Mukandi diverted the ball into her own net on two occasions to give City a commanding lead.

Women’s Super League top scorer Bunny Shaw ensured City would take three points when she nodded in a third 15 minutes from time.

The defeat sees Reading drop back down to 11th position.

Kelly Chambers made one switch from Reading’s dramatic late win over Leicester City last weekend which saw midfielder Sanne Troeslagaard come into the side for her first start of the season in place of Natasha Dowie.

The half followed the pattern of the visitors having plenty of the ball, but not finding the cutting edge to do anything with it.

Despite having 80% possession in the first-half, City were unable to breach the Royals defence.

Lionesses star Lauren Hemp

caused Reading plenty of issues down the left wing which saw her get in behind the back line on several occasions.

After a Hemp cutback, Laura Coombs missed the chance to hit the target when she sliced her shot wide.

Hemp this time went for goal herself when she drove down the left and struck a powerful drive that flew inches over the top, but Royals goalkeeper Jackie Burns appeared to have it covered.

Reading had to make some last ditch interventions to stop Bunny Shaw from having a clear sight of goal.

First Diane Caldwell cut out a cross which looked destined for Shaw before

Gemma Evans made a heroic block.

Hayley Russo had the final chance of the half for City when she showed excellent footwork to nutmeg a defender to break into the box but she could only force a relatively comfortable stop from Burns.

City broke the deadlock just seven minutes after the restart when Emma Mukandi turned the ball into her own net.

Hemp was again the architect when she whipped in a dangerous cross and with Russo lurking, Mukandi tried to steer the ball out for a corner but inadvertently sent the ball into her own goal.

With an hour gone, the Cityzens took full control of

the contest when they doubled their lead after a second own goal from Mukandi.

Hemp charged into the box and forced an excellent save from Burns and the Royals skipper was unfortunate to see the rebound strike her leg and find the net from close range.

Chambers made a change in reaction to the second goal which saw Tia Primmer replace Justine Vanhaevermaet.

A second change five minutes later saw Deanne Cooper take the place of Faye Bryson.

Rowe tried to work her magic to get the Royals back into the contest when she fired a shot goalwards from outside the box and won her side a

corner after Sandy MacIver turned the ball behind.

Reading won three corners in quick succession but City stayed organised to clear and maintain their clean sheet.

From the aftermath of the third corner, Rowe tried an audacious effort from 30 yards with a shot that was just inches away from looping into the top corner, but landed on the roof of the net.

City ensured the points would be going back to Manchester when they found their third of the afternoon.

Mary Fowler got down the left byline, cut back and delivered a cross for Shaw who obliged with the finish by heading past Burns.

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How they rated Joe Lumley

Could not have done a lot with either of the goals. Did well to keep out a Johnson strike at the end of the first half.

Junior Hoilett

Could have grabbed himself an assist, delivering a great cross into Joao, which the Angolan headed just over the bar.

Andy Yiadom

Won the penalty after getting past his man. Happy to put a foot in wherever required in what was a good showing from the skipper.

Tom Holmes

The vice captain has put together a series of strong performances. Had the measure of Evans and Jakobsen for large spells of the game.

Tom McIntyre

A mix-up with Lumley led to the corner from which Preston took the lead. Allowed Evans to overpower him in the build-up to the second.

Baba Rahman

Caught the wrong side of Potts on too many occasions. Accepted the invitation to bomb on in the first half, albeit with little end product.

Tom Ince

The driving force in midfield. A fiercely struck effort from 20 yards could have secured a late point, but was just the wrong side of the post.

Mamadou Loum

His passing left a lot to be desired.

Allowed Johnson to get goalside too often and picked up his sixth booking of the season.

Jeff Hendrick

A so-so display from the midfielder who did put in a shift.

Needed to offer more in the way of service into the front men.

Yakou Meite

A typically committed display from the Ivorian, but could not get a foothold in the game. Has started each of Reading’s last five games.

Andy Carroll

Did not offer the same aerial threat he has since his arrival. The Lilywhites often double-teamed him.

Worked hard out of possession.

Shane Long

He and Joao offered a completely different complexion to that which Preston contained so easily in the first half.

Tyrese Fornah

Made a great case for a start at Watford in midweek. Brought more dynamism to the midfield both in and out of possession.

Lucas Joao

Converted his penalty with aplomb. Also gave his all on the defensive side of play.

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk CHAMPIONSHIP

5 5 6 7 5 5 6 4 6 5 5 5 7 7

Nesta Guinness-Walker: N/A Subs: Bouzanis, Ejaria, Mbengue

ROYALS PIPPED BY PRESTON READING 1 PRESTON 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC went down to a home defeat to Preston North End after a brace from Ched Evans.

After a flat first-half, Evans nodded his team in front shortly after the restart before Lucas Joao’s penalty put the game back on level terms.

With just over 10 minutes to play, Evans was given room to shoot and took advantage to smash the ball low into the far corner.

The defeat leaves Reading in 11th position in the Championship.

Paul Ince made two switches from the team that earned a goalless draw at Luton Town on Tuesday night as Tom McIntyre and Mamadou Loum returned to the side in place of Amadou Mbengue and Ovie Ejaria.

The Royals have picked up just five points in their last seven games as they faced their third game in just six days at home to Preston.

Meanwhile, the visitors had picked up three wins in their last four matches heading into their trip to Berkshire.

It was a first-half that had very little in the way of chances for both teams.

Both teams were surrendering possession far too easily which saw attacks frequently break down before they had a chance to get into full flow.

A drifted Andy Yiadom cross left Yakou Meite with plenty to do as the Ivorian headed harmlessly wide.

After Preston failed to properly

Preston snatch the win

Andy Carroll competes for the ball

Shane Long holds off a defender

Match stats READING: Lumley, McIntyre, Holmes (c), Yiadom, Rahman, Hoilett, Loum, Hendrick, Ince, Meite, Carroll SUBS: Bouzanis, Mbengue, Guinness-Walker, Fornah, Ejaria, Long, Joao PRESTON: Woodman, Lindsay, Storey, Hughes, Potts, Browne (c), Ledson, Brady, Johnson, Evans, Riis SUBS: Cornell, Cunningham, Fernandez, Diaby, McCann, Woodburn, Maguire GOALS: Evans 51’, 79’, Joao 71’ (pen)

Lucas Joao drills home from the spot clear a corner the ball dropped for Andy Carroll on the volley who smacked the ball high and wide.

Robbie Brady picked up the first booking of the game when he scythed down Tom Ince on the halfway line to prevent a breakaway.

The best chance of the half came just after half-an-hour when Brady whipped a ball to the back post to find the run of Brad Potts who didn’t manage to get his boot to the

Reading lost out at home on ball which saw the chance go begging.

Junior Hoilett tried his luck when he cut in from the right, but he wasn’t able to wrap his foot around the ball properly and it flew wide.

The final shot of the half came from Brady which forced a save at the near post from Joe Lumley, but there was no time for the visitors to take the corner as the team’s went in goalless at the break.

The away team grabbed the

REACTION

‘WE DIDN’T PERFORM AND THAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE’ READING FC manager Paul Ince admitted his team ‘didn’t perform’ in their 2-1 home defeat to Preston North End.

Ched Evans netted a brace either side of Lucas Joao’s penalty to give the visitors three points.

“It wasn’t an entertaining game.

It was poor,” said Ince.

“We got more tired than they did, and I would expect that with three games in six days.

“We lacked intensity, tempo and our passing was sloppy. The first half was poor from both teams.

I said to the players at half-time ‘that is not acceptable’.

“Only when we got the equaliser we looked like we were going to win the game.”

Ince believes that his team

deserve to take a point and was disappointed in the manner of the winning goal.

He continued: “No team deserved to win. I think a draw was the right result. We had to switch on and focus, block shots and we didn’t for the second goal.

“Being at home, we should have had that extra step to go and win the game. They were in the same situation [playing three games in six days] and were away from home.

“You’re asking the same players to keep going to the wall.

“We freshened it up with Loum in the midfield and McIntyre, but apart from that it was the same team as Luton which was a tough match.

“We didn’t perform and that’s the bottom line.”

He added: “Retention of the ball up front was poor. We were trying to go from back to front too quickly.

“From an attacking point of view we looked tired up front.

“We have a tendency to always want to go into AC (Andy Carroll). That’s something we need to look at.

“You’ve got to make sure you don’t lose the game. That was poor from us.”

Ince was speaking ahead of Tuesday’s game against Watford

(report online at rdg.today), but had one eye on this Saturday’s match, the last before the World Cup. “I feel I need to freshen up a lot of things for Tuesday, with Saturday in mind, at Hull. That’s a big one for us, they’ve got a new manager in Liam Rosenior. From my point of view, they are tough games.

“The Watford game might suit us as we don’t have to take it to them.

“Watford are one of the top teams in the league so it’s a reaction about the way we play – we have to be on the front foot, win second balls, win our tackles. That’s the way we are.”

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From the middle

AFTER EVANS DOUBLE

Dick Sawdon-Smith The teams observed a minute’s silence before kickoff

Hoilett swings in a cross

Joe Lumley

McIntyre with eyes on the ball Tom Ince clips in a cross

Friday night to Preston North End Pictures: Steve Smyth, Luke Adams initiative quickly after the restart when Ched Evans met Brady’s cross and flicked the ball past Lumley into the far corner.

Clearly unimpressed with the opening 15 minutes of the half, Ince made a triple change. Shane Long, Lucas Joao and Tyrese Fornah replaced Carroll, Meite and Loum.

Preston made their first switch in the 65th minute which saw Ben Woodburn take the place of Daniel Johnson.

Trying to force their way back into the game, a half chance came Reading’s way only for Joao to head over the target.

Reading found their way back Mamadou Loum bursts forward

Hendrick moves past Johnson

into the game via the penalty spot after Ince’s through ball set Yiadom on the run and the referee deemed that he was tripped after he had got goal side of Brady.

Lucas Joao took responsibility and slammed the ball confidently into the bottom left corner and left goalkeeper Freddie Woodman no chance of stopping it despite guessing the right way.

With a little over 10 minutes to go, Preston restored their lead when

Evans wasn’t closed down on the right and he fizzed a driven shot into the far corner.

Reading’s fourth change of the match saw Nesta Guiness-Walker replace Rahman.

Ince went close to levelling the game up once again in the 88th minute when his low strike went a whisker wide of the post.

Preston held on throughout six minutes of added time to claim the points.

PREVIEW

ROYALS FACE TIGERS TEST IN FINAL GAME BEFORE WORLD CUP READING FC face their final test before the World Cup break away at Hull City on Saturday.

The Royals have picked up just one win in their last eight Championship matches prior to their Tuesday night trip to Watford (match report online at rdg.today).

Their stuttering form has seen them drop down to 12th position in the table – and they could drop even lower if they were unable to find a result at Vicarage Road last night (see rdg.today for report).

Saturday’s opponents Hull were up against Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Before the round of midweek

fixtures, the Tigers found themselves hovering just above the relegation zone in 21st place.

They have totalled 21 points from 19 games with six wins, three draws and 10 defeats in a closely contested bottom half of the table.

Hull have struggled to keep goals out and have the leakiest defence in the entire division, having conceded 35 goals in their opening 19 games.

A run of two consecutive victories at the end of October, a 3-1 away win at Blackpool and 4-2 victory at Rotherham, has been followed by two losses and a draw.

Despite going down to 10 men early in their match at Millwall, the Tigers held on to claim a point in a goalless draw at the Den on Saturday.

Hull City appointed a new manager last week as former Royals player Liam Rosenior was selected to take charge.

Hull started the season under the management of Georgian Shota Arveladze, but he was sacked just 10 games into the season with the club in 20th position.

Oscar Estupinan is currently Hull’s top scorer ths seaown with eight goals and one assist in 19

matches in an impressive start to life in England since joining in the summer.

The Royals will be hoping to have defender Sam Hutchinson back in contention after his spell on the sidelines, while Naby Sarr is not expected to be back until after the World Cup break.

Reading are einless in their last five meetings with Hull having suffered three defeats and two draws.

On their last trip to Hull, Reading were handed a 3-0 defeat after a brace from Keane Lewis-Potter and a goal from Alfie Jones.

Did you enjoy a quiet football weekend?

I

F you were a parent going to see your young son or daughter play football last weekend, you may have been met with a request to show your support by hand clapping only.

Earlier this year I wrote how young referees often receive abuse not only from coaches, but also from spectators, mainly parents.

This, however, is not about referees but aimed at stopping parents shouting at the young players during the game.

It is part of what is called the ‘Silent Support Football Weekend’.

The FA have at last followed the example of countries like America and Holland where silent youth matches have been imposed for many years.

The idea is to allow youth players to make their own decisions, to play the game with freedom, without pressure and without the emphasis on winning at all costs.

Coaches, like spectators must keep quiet during the game although they are still free to give instructions before the game and at half time.

Earlier this year a mother told a national newspaper, how she hated taking her son to play football, because of the behaviour of the parents.

Her biggest bugbear she said, was the parents, mainly dads, who act as if their small children were the game’s next Beckham, Grealish or Kane.

They heckle and shout from the side lines, lambasting their children. Instead, she wrote, why don’t they just let their children enjoy their football.

I am on her side.

I may be old-fashioned but I believe sport should be fun.

We all like to win but that comes second place to enjoying taking part.

I’ve often told new referees, that our job when refereeing, is to help players enjoy their game.

There are two aspects to fathers shouting advice at their offspring.

One is that it can conflicts with the coaches instructions, making the poor child confused.

The other is that often it can be reproachful.

I wonder how many young people have given up the game becoming fed up with their know-all parents, shouting remarks about their playing.

In other countries where silent football has been used, the young players have said how much they enjoy it.

This is the first of two Silent Support Weekends that the FA have planned this season and if they get the same response, I’m sure it will become a regular feature for youth football in this country.

24 | SPORT

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FUTSAL

ROYALS TO HOST CHAMPIONS

By Richard Oxley sport@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United 2-1 Burnham Virginia Water 0-3 Reading City Sumas 1-6 Egham Town Combined Counties Division One Berks County 4-1 Bagshot Spartans Youth 3-1 Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 3-1 SB Phoenix Reading YMCA 4-2 Maidenhead Town Wargrave 1-2 Yateley United

Ryan Chung and Graham Mendick were unbeaten and only OLOP’s Mo Cook could notch up a singles win over Julian Telford, who, along with his team mates, beat Steve Murgatroyd.

The other team bidding for runners-up is SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A who kept up their good form with an 8-2 home win over KINGFISHER B. Jason Roberts contributed a double. but triples from Jamie Barlow and Neil Hurford, who deserved player of match for not dropping an end, completed the victory.

KINGFISHER A once again

RUGBY UNION National Division One Leeds Tykes 10-36 Rams

Reading Royals Futsal Club in their new kit While Helvecia has a success story of its own as Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Max Kilman used to represent them just five years ago.

His rise from futsal to the Premier League undoubtedly makes him the biggest success story to come out of English futsal in recent years.

Reading will take to the court

donning their new red and yellow home kit for the first time this season, the kit will feature the club’s charity partner Sport in Mind as the main shirt sponsor.

Kick-off will be at noon and entry will cost just £5 for adults and kids for free, all the money from entry will be donated to Sport in Mind.

The whole matchday will be dedicated to Sport in Mind and is an

KINGFISHER D CLIMB TO SECOND WITH CONVINCING WIN TWO sides bidding for second place met this week in division one and it was KINGFISHER D who impressively overcame OUR LADY OF PEACE A, who could only field two players, with an 8-2 victory.

FOOTBALL Championship Reading 1-2 Preston

Isthmian South Central Hanworth Villa 2-2 Binfield

TABLE TENNIS

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

Friday, November 4

Saturday, November 5

READING Royals Futsal Club will welcome current English champions Helvecia Futsal Club to Bradfield College on Sunday, November 13 for a Men’s Super Cup fixture.

Both sides are unbeaten this season in their respective league and cup competitions, so the game promises to provide action and some top-quality futsal.

Royals started their cup campaign with a 9-1 victory away to MK Mavericks, which was followed by a 5-3 away victory over Tier 1 side Hartpury Futsal Club.

Helvecia has emphatically seen off their first two opponents starting with a 10-1 win against Kent United and then a 17-1 triumph over Rushmoor Community.

Both teams will bring strong squads with a mixture of homegrown British talents and overseas stars.

Some names likely to feature on the day are renowned in the UK futsal scene while multiple new faces enter the fray and look to make a name for themselves this season.

Notably, Reading Royals have welcomed three New Zealand internationals for the 2022/23 season who between them have already scored eight goals this season.

RESULTS

increased their lead at the top with a comfortable 10-0 victory over READING FC, although Mike Childs provided some resistance against Martin Adams 4-11 8-11 11-9 11-13.

Sixth met Seventh as SONNING SPORTS A scored a narrow 6-4 victory over TILEHURST RBL A. Once again Dave Croucher proved to be MVP, winning his three, ably backed up by Nick Sears and Paul Savage, although they are yet to win a doubles match.

In division two, a close match saw TILEHURST RBL B overcame OUR LADY OF PEACE B 6-4 with Kate Maksimenko getting and impressive maximum for the Tilehurst team.

Darek Kaminski played well for OLOP winning twice and giving Kate a good game.

Second placed OUR LADY OF PEACE C got a good draw against likely promotion contenders TIDMARSH B despite playing with a reserve.

New signing Sachin Mundra won twice for OLOP including beating Francois Durand in five and Francois won another set that went to five against Pradeep Desh.

In Division 3 a match where the score would be important for both teams’ promotion chances saw TIDMARSH C beat OUR LADY OF PEACE E 7-3, but it was a close game.

There five set matches as well as 15-16 points in a single game which clearly shows that it was a great contest.

Tidmarsh’s Richard Hudson gave a good fight against Harry Bullock with a comeback from 2-0 to 2-2 however; Harry won the last set and the game.

In another match, Qing Wu from OLOP caught David Sheppard from 2-0 to 2-2, but it wasn’t enough to win the same which David winning three sets to two.

The highlight of the match was Louise Forster’s win against Ian Wu.

opportunity to fundraise for a local mental health charity.

Before the adults’ fixture, Reading Royals U16s will welcome Maidenhead United in a friendly fixture.

Sport in Mind and Reading Royals kit provider ‘Kelme’ will be present at the event in what is expected to be a great occasion.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

TV KINGS CLASH WITH PLYMOUTH FUSION THIS past Saturday saw more British Wheelchair Basketball National League action for the Thames Valley Kings as the first and second teams played Plymouth Fusion first and second teams.

In an evenly matched Division two game between Kings 2s and Fusion 2s, it was neck and neck for most of the game with nothing really separating the teams, with Kings taking a four-point lead into halftime, 25-21.

However, the Kings just took their foot off the gas a little in the second half and Plymouth came back to take the win by 10 points in a fine four-quarter display. 54-44.

Conal O’Donovan was Kings’ top scorer with 16 points.

In the second game, Kings and Fusion battled out a high-scoring contest, but it was a well-drilled Fusion team who continuously applied the pressure throughout the game on to Kings and took a commanding victory in front of their home fans, 92-50.

Reece Barker was the top scorer for the Kings with 16 points.

This weekend sees the first and third t eams in action when they face Southern Sharks’ first and second teams respectively in Littlehampton, Sussex.

South West Regional 2 Swindon 5-7 Reading HOCKEY Women’s National Premier Division Uni of Nottingham 2-4 Reading South Central Men’s Division 1 Milton Keynes 2s 0-4 Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 0-5 Henley South Central Men’s Premier 2 Haslemere 6-4 South Berkshire

Monday, November 7

FA Cup Bracknell Town 0-3 Ipswich Town

Tuesday, November 8

FOOTBALL Championship Watford L-L Reading Result and match report on rdg.today Isthmian South Central Westfield v Binfield

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 12 FOOTBALL Championship Hull City v Reading

Non-League Premier Gosport Borough v Bracknell Town Isthmian South Central Binfield v Bedfont Sports FA Vase second round Broadbridge Heath v Ascot United Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Burnham Sumas v Spelthorne Sports Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Spartans Youth Sandhurst Town v British Airways Langley v Woodley United Penn & Tylers Green v Berks County Cup Burghfield v Reading YMCA Old Windsor v Finchampstead Wargrave v Letcombe

South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 5-2 Aylesbury

Thames Valley Premier League Slough Heating Laurencians v Reading City U23’s

Sunday, November 6

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Plymouth Albion

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 0-3 Manchester City Southern Region Women’s Division North Caversham United 0-5 Woodley United Thames Valley Women’s Division One Slough Town 1-1 Ascot United Reserves Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers Postponed Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County 3-3 Denham United Reserves HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Division Oxted 1-1 Reading

South West Regional 2 Reading v Newbury Blues London & SE Regional 1 Bracknell v Wimbledon HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Reading v East Grinstead Women’s National Premier Reading v East Grinstead South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Oxford Hawks South Central Women’s Premier Fareham v Sonning South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Eastcote South Central Women’s Division 1 Wallingford v South Berkshire