The
THE FAMILY of Brenda and Ralph Jenkins have released a tribute to them after they were involved in a fatal traffic collision in Tilehurst on Thursday, October 10.
It reads: “Ralph and Brenda Jenkins, both 84, were wonderful and beloved parents and grandparents.
“Both retired teachers from the local area, Ralph was Headteacher at Birch Copse Primary School and Brenda setup and taught at the nursery unit at Springfield Primary School having previously been Headteacher at Chippenham Nursery School for many years.
“Together they worked tirelessly to raise money for Macmillan Cancer
Support for over 40 years and Brenda was invited to a Buckingham Palace Tea Party and invited to meet the then Prince Charles in recognition of selfless fund raising.
“They moved to Pegasus Court retirement complex in 2007, where they absorbed themselves into
the retirement community, organising many clubs, activities and trips for fellow residents.
“Over the years Brenda organised the ‘knit and natter’ group which made blankets and clothes for premature babies both here and abroad.
“Ralph played cricket for
Tilehurst Cricket Club and was involved in the merger with Theale Cricket Club when they became Theale and Tilehurst Cricket Club.
“He was the club treasurer for both clubs for many years before becoming President of the merged club – he was well respected among the membership and contributed enormously to ensure its success.
“The family are grateful that Brenda and Ralph were able to enjoy 62 years of happy marriage and take comfort knowing they were with each other to the end.
“We would like to express our appreciation to the lady who witnessed the accident, for her prompt action in calling
READING Borough Council is set to offer further support for families struggling with the cost of living crisis in Reading,
The plans will see it distribute vouchers to residents to help cover the cost of energy bills and grants to help voluntary organisations with food and winter clothing.
With funding provided by the Department of Work and Pensions’ household support fund, it will help residents and organisations cover costs for necessary bills.
Vouchers worth £49 will be used in a targeted scheme to help families with school aged children who are eligible for free school meals, vulnerable children, or care leavers.
The support scheme will see extra funding for voluntary organisations.
Readifood, which includes the Norcot Pantry, has been awarded £20,000, Whitley Community Development Association and the
Weller Centre in Caversham were both awarded £7,500.
New Beginnings, First Days, and Sadaka were awarded £3,000 to help funding the provision of clothing for children and young people.
Reading Borough Council leader, Cllr Jason Brock, said: “It continues to be an extremely worrying time for families and individuals across Reading, with winter around the corner and absolutely no sign of the cost of heating homes or food coming down anytime soon.
“It is almost inconceivable that in 2022 we are talking about the need to help provide warm winter clothing and food to desperate families and individuals.
“It seems to me a policy more suited for the 19th century than the 21st, but in some cases this is the harsh reality when wages are very far from keeping up with soaring rates of inflation.”
He continued: “The Council has made full use of an underspend in its Household Support Fund Scheme to once again distribute energy vouchers
to those that need them the most in our town.
“We are working on the details for the next phase of the Household Support Fund, which will enable us to continue supporting families in Reading through the coming winter.”
He said details of that scheme would be released as soon as possible.
“Funding will also be used to provide grants to local organisations in Reading for winter clothing and food supplies for people who are struggling and I would like to thank those organisations for stepping up once again in these difficult times.”
The schemes funding comes through the Household Support Fund, previously known as the Covid Local Support Grant and the Covid Winter Grant Scheme.
The council was allocated just over £1,130,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions. n More information about who the Household Support Fund helps and how can be found via: democracy.reading. gov.uk.
ONE of Reading’s MPs is set to take the government to task over the cost-of-living crisis and its economic policies, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter
Matt Rodda is campaigning for measures to help alleviate financial pressure on people and businesses with changes to government policy.
He has launched a survey asking for residents about their experiences amid the cost of living crisis, asking questions such as whether changes have had to be made to household budgets as a result.
It also asks what adjustments people are making as a result of the crisis, such as cutting back on food shopping, using the car less, socialising less, or turning the heating down or not using it altogether.
Respondents are also asked how much their gas and electricity bills have gone up per month.
In Parliament, the Reading East MP has been calling on the government to freeze energy bills and levy a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, remove VAT from energy bills, increase the Warm Home Discount, insulate two million more homes, and cut business rates for small businesses.
And he feels the Government’s energy price guarantee of £2,500 does not go far and will have to be repaid by future generations.
Mr Rodda said: “Families and pensioners are under enormous pressure due to rising energy and food costs, and they are now facing a significant rise in mortgages and rents.
“Filling in the survey will help me understand more about the issues facing residents and I would like to thank everyone who has completed it for their views.”
n You can fill the survey out here: mattroddamp.com/costofliving
Send
or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
The family of Ralph and Brenda Jenkins said: ‘They were wonderful and beloved parents and grandparents’. Picture: by kind courtesy of the family of Ralph and Brenda Jenkins.A MUM has received a payout after Reading children’s services failed to order an assessment of physical co-ordination for her son, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
The mum suspected her son has dyspraxia, a disorder which affects a person’s movement and co-ordination. She thought the council’s children’s services had organised an assessment for the condition with his GP.
But an investigation found it had not.
Problems began when Reading children’s services began wrapping up its involvement with the boy.
Prior to that, in 2020, the boy was being supported by children’s services as a Child in Need – someone who would require council help.
Children’s services also devised a Child Protection Plan for him, and agreed to contact his GP about a referral for a dyspraxia assessment. But when the mum tried to follow up on the dyspraxia assessment with his GP, she found that her son had not been referred.
This led the mum to refer her son for an assessment herself, and complained that children’s services failed to refer him as agreed.
Children’s services fully upheld her complaint and apologised.
But the mum was not satisfied with the response, arguing the delay to the assessment has affected her son’s educational opportunities.
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.todayNEARLY 4,000 people came together to celebrate the Hindhu festivals Diwali and Dussehra in Sonning last weekend.
The first Reading Dussehra Diwali Festival took place at Reading Cricket Club on Saturday, to mark Diwali, the festival of light, and Dussehra, the festival of good over evil.
Attendees were entertained by more than 40 artists throughout the afternoon including singers, dancers, Dhol drummers and a performance of a traditional Ramayan drama.
The focal point of the celebration was the effigy burning of demon king Raavan, an age-old tradition during Dussehra.
Ritesh Nigam, part of the organising team who also arranges the Reading Mela, said: “It was a stunning afternoon and the burning of the effigy was spectacular.
“There were plenty of families bringing their children to see it and some that had travelled from far away.
“We would like it to happen again next year.”
Revellers also enjoyed a range of festive food provided by vendors, seasonal shopping stalls and fun fair rides.
Following the burning of the effigy, the crowds were delighted with a fireworks display to mark the end of the event.
She then asked the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO) to investigate her complaint.
The LGO noted that Reading children’s services had accepted fault for failing to contact the GP for the dyspraxia assessment.
Reading Borough Council has agreed to pay £200 in compensation for distress caused.
The LGO expressed satisfaction that the issue has been resolved and has closed their investigation.
Reading children’s services have been managed by the independent company Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) since December 2018. BFfC was set up by the council as an independent body.
A BFfC spokesperson said: “The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman was satisfied with the action taken by Brighter Futures for Children in this case and decided not to investigate further.
“As highlighted in the Ombudsman’s report, we have apologised to Ms X and made a payment in recognition of distress caused.
“We have also reviewed our internal processes to avoid a similar incident happening in the future.”
THIEVES attempted to break into a home in Addington Road, but were unsuccessful.
The incident took place at the Redlands property around 7.40pm on Monday, October 10.
Thames Valley Police said that the unknown intruder tried a rear door, but left as they were unsuccessful.
Nothing was stolen.
However, they are keen to catch the culprit and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information, CCTV or doorbell footage can call 101.
A COMMUNITY GROUP is helping residents combat rising energy prices with a new initiative.
Whitley Community Development Association’s Winter Warming Wednesdays offer residents the chance to enjoy a free soup in its cafe on Northumberland Avenue.
Starting on November 2, the project takes place every Wednesday thereafter.
Running from noon-2.30pm, over 50s will have the chance to catch up with friends, families and other residents.
n For more information, contact: cdw@whitley-cda.org
THAMES Valley Police has given more than £100,000 to organisations supporting police priorities across Berkshire.
It is the second round of funding awarded by the TVP Community Fund this year, which gives aid to voluntary and community groups which support the police.
Groups which help the force to achieve the objectives set out in its Police and Criminal Justice plans can apply for the funding biannually.
More than 100 organisations applied for this round of funding, of which 25 were chosen.
Announcing the funding, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, said: “I’m delighted to be able to award this funding to so many community and voluntary organisations, who provide valuable services across the Thames Valley.
“A key part of my Police and Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle issues facing our communities.
“These organisations are all working hard in support of my
Police & Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.
“It’s great to be able to provide this funding through the Community Fund, which is money that has been recovered from criminals, to support a range of projects across the area.
“I have been able to visit a number of previously funded organisations, to find out how this funding has benefitted them.
“It has allowed many
organisations to do some fantastic work in reducing crime and supporting our local communities.
“I look forward to meeting successful recipients at the presentation event.”
Among those awarded in this round of funding were Reading Street Pastors, who were given £5,000, and Thatcham Youth, who received £1,000.
John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley
Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to announce over £100,000 has been awarded to 25 voluntary and community groups across the Thames Valley.
“This funding will help a number of projects which will contribute to the prevention of crime and protection of the vulnerable, in line with the PCC’s priorities.”
Successful recipients have been invited to attend a
presentation ceremony on the morning of Friday, October 14, in Reading.
The fund is built from the proceeds of the sale of goods recovered by the police which cannot be returned to their original owners.
An evaluation panel of four members of staff from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including the Commissioner himself, sat to consider all 111 applications.
THE GROUND floor of an empty office space could be converted into apartments.
Metrix Developments has applied to convert the ground floor of Queen’s Wharf, with entrances on Kennetside and Queens Road, into apartments.
It is currently unoccupied office space, and the proposal is to turn it into either seven or nine apartments.
Application 221383 would provide seven apartments: three two-beds, three one-beds, and one studio flat.
Application 221384 would provide three twobeds, one studio flat and five one-bedroom units.
Both plans would see 12 cycle parking spaces installed in the lower ground floor, which would remain as a car park and service area.
The plans can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, searching for applications 221383 and 221384.
SOUTH READING youngsters will have the chance to develop their physical skills at Whitley Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue.
Organised by Brighter Futures for Children, the free weekly Let’s Get Physical sessions are open to children between the ages of one and three.
Toddlers can jump, climb and make friends in a safe and friendly environment. There will also be a song time.
The sessions are part of the centre’s September to December winter programme of children’s activities.
Let’s Get Physical takes place from 1pm-2pm on Tuesdays. Parents or guardians are required to book places in advance.
n For more information, contact: 0118 937 3894 or reading.childrencentres@ brighterfuturesforchildren.org
THE UNIVERSITY OF READING has been named in the top 200 leading universities in the world.
A jump in research reputation saw Reading in 198th place in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, out of 1,799 participating institutions.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “The University of Reading has been improving in many of the measures used by the THE
World University Rankings for the last few years, and it is great to once again be ranked among the top 200 universities in the world.
“This reflects the hard work of colleagues across the University who conduct and communicate our world-class research, and demonstrates that our research is seen as being among the very best, among academia and industry alike.”
The university made improvements in nine of the 13 measures, which includes
teaching and research reputation, research income and international outlook, among other metrics.
Reading’s biggest improvement this year was in the research reputation metric, which contributed to a rise in the overall research ranking to 245, up 21 places from last year.
Industry income also saw a rise, up 27 places to 734.
Other notable improvements were achieved in the teaching reputation category, as well as all individual metrics for international outlook.
GRANTS: Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, John Campbell, and Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber
A READING Mum says her flat is so badly stricken with mould it is threatening her health – and her son says doctors warned she may have to be put into a medically induced coma.
Debbie Davis has black mould growing at her home in Saxon Court, a block of flats in Rupert Street.
The 63-year-old suffers with COPD a breathing condition that requires her to use an inhaler. She fears the mould is making her illness worse and says medics agree.
Saxon Court is managed by the Stonewater Housing Association which has attempted to resolve the issue. Any attempts at a resolution have so far failed, leaving Ms Davis with mould growing throughout the property and constant damp.
Ms Davis said: “I’ve told housing this place is going to kill me, and a week later I was rushed into hospital.
“They told my children I wouldn’t make it.”
Her son, Keron Porter, 41, said: “Me and my brother and sister were the first ones there [in hospital].
“The doctor told us if mum doesn’t get better within 24
hours they’re going to have to put her into a medically induced coma.
“That was a point where everyone thought their lives were collapsing around them.
“Mum is the backbone of the family. That in itself was devastating.”
Ms Davis was in hospital for eight days after admission in August, and was most recently admitted on Sunday, October 9. She has since returned home.
Photos taken by Mr Porter show the home’s walls and skirting boards covered with mould.
Ms Davis lives there with her partner Richard Easton, 52.
“You can put a pair of shoes under the bed in two weeks its covered in green mould. We can’t live like this, it’s not fair,” Mr Easton said.
The couple use single plug sockets in each room as damp has made other sockets
unusable.
Mr Porter supplied a medical note from a Dr Yvonne West, respiratory consultant who treated his mum. The note mentions aspergillosis, which is a condition that causes respiratory problems as a result of inhaling mould.
While it is not dangerous to healthy people, it can be for those with lung conditions like Ms Davis.
Dr West wrote that viewing
Mr Porter’s photos she could see the mould is “quite extensive, and may well be driving her lung disease”.
She has supplied antibiotics and steroids, but Dr West concluded Ms Davis’ condition would likely deteriorate due to her living in a mouldy flat.
Stonewater has attempted to resolve the issue by conducting damp mould injection work. However, the tenants say the mould has since re-appeared.
Ms Davis said: “I’ve been trying for years to get out of here, because of the damp, because of my illness.
“I can’t walk to the kitchen and back without being out of breath.”
The pair have made attempts to move away from the property but are unclear whether the move needs to be arranged by Stonewater or Reading Borough Council.
Ms Davis said she’s being sent “back and forth” between the two, and does have a bid with the council.
Mr Porter, who lives in Bracknell, said: “In the time of mum bidding she could be dead, it could take another six to 12 months to find a property they accept her on.
“They’re basically pushing mum from pillar to post. If I’m honest, mum is housed with
Stonewater, so it should be them.”
The family understands that Ms Davis could move to Bracknell, or to a property in Whitley close to her daughter. However, these moves would need to be arranged by local authorities.
A Reading Borough Council spokesman said the responsibility for Saxon Court and Ms Davis’ housing lies with Stonewater.
A Stonewater spokesman said: ‘We’re really sorry to hear about Mr Porter’s mother’s experience and are working hard to put things right.
“The original leak has been fixed but unfortunately the remedial work to rectify the damage caused isn’t up to the standards we expect.
“We have already planned to return on October 25 to complete a full electrical check and then again on the October 28, when we have a day allocated to treat any mould present and complete the necessary redecoration.
“In the longer term, we share Mr Porter’s concerns about ongoing issues at Saxon Court.
“Our repairs team are in the process of doing a thorough review to better understand how we can identify patterns and likely causes of future leaks.
“Through improving our knowledge and planned maintenance we hope to avoid recurring problems in future, and the associated distress we know this causes.”
ILL: Keron Porter and his mother at the mould stricken flat in Reading. Picture: Local Democracy Reporting ServiceREADING Borough Council is among the Berkshire authorities bidding for more than £50 million if funding from the government’s levelling up fund.
The £4.8 billion pot is designed to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.
This includes supporting town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects and cultural and heritage assets.
Cllr Jason Brock, leader of the council, said: “As a council, we are always looking for opportunities to invest in even better facilities for residents, whether that be brand new leisure centres and swimming pools, new affordable homes, new and refurbished train stations, cycle facilities or new playgrounds, to name but a few.
“Our cultural and transport bids continue with that theme of investing in Reading and fit with this council’s ambition to create new opportunities for everybody in the town.”
Reading Borough Council has submitted two bids totalling £42.3 million.
The £22.3 million cultural bid will see The Hexagon
Theatre revitalised to create an “attractive, flexible and exciting new space for performances and community use”.
The proposal is to extend to the right-hand side of the existing building, with an entrance directly off Queens Walk, offering improved accessibility and new multifunction community space that can accommodate a wider variety of performances and uses.
The remainder of the cultural funding would see Reading’s Central Library relocated to the council’s civic offices in Bridge Street.
This would involve a brandnew custom-built Central
Library, added to the current Civic Offices site, which would create a “modern and open space, offering a much-improved, accessible environment for everyone”.
The council’s ambition is to to create a flexible space for the whole community that embraces traditional book loans and looks to the future with digital and learning offerings.
In addition to cultural regeneration, the council has submitted a £20 million transport bid.
This includes enhanced active travel links, linking residential and employment areas in south Reading and providing onward travel
This funding would complement the £26 million Bus Services Improvement Plan investment Reading has recently secured.
Cllr Brock has described the bids as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”.
He said: “If we are successful in our bids, it will offer us a oncein-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and breathe new life into the cultural and learning offer in this part of Reading and to enhance Reading’s transport network to improve our environment and encourage more active travel.”
A CHARITY is inviting youngsters to attend free dance classes to promote positive mental wellbeing.
Sport in Mind will be holding sessions on Thursdays during term-time at South Reading Leisure Centre, Northumberland Avenue.
Children aged nine to 14 are welcome.
Classes serve as an ideal opportunity for young people to exercise while making new friends.
The opportunity is part of the Reading-based charity’s youth activities to help build confidence and self-esteem.
n For more information, contact: 0118 947 9762.
options through better access to South Reading Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) services.
These new links would be complemented with a package of traffic signal upgrades, which include enhanced pedestrian crossing facilities and essential bridge strengthening works to ensure vital links connecting areas of higher deprivation with the town centre remain open.
The final element of the package is the next phase of the South Reading MRT scheme, which includes provision of an outbound bus lane on the A33 over the River Kennet bridge, providing a continuous bus priority route.
Alison Webster, chief executive of Berkshire LEP, said: “These levelling up bids are much-needed to unlock the economic potential in Berkshire so that our area can continue to contribute to the government’s Global Britain ambitions.”
Ms Webster believes transport improvements alongside enhanced culture, leisure and learning opportunities are “major contributors” to thriving town centres.
She added: “Berkshire LEP is pleased to support our local authority partners and we continue to work collaboratively to deliver strong and vibrant town centres for the people and businesses of Berkshire.”
SOUTH READING children will have the chance to relax at Whitley Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue.
Organised by Brighter Futures for Children, free, weekly Toe-to-Head Baby Massage sessions are open to babies aged eight weeks and older.
The sessions are part of the centre’s winter programme.
Classes take place from 10am-11am on Fridays. Advance booking is required.
n For details, call: 0118 937 3894 or email: reading.childrencentres@ brighterfuturesforchildren.org
AS HALF-TERM approaches, there is a wide range of activities for families across Reading, including classes, trails, and festivals.
Libraries, museums, and other venues across the town will be hosting free and low-cost activities during the October half-term celebrating Hallowe’en and local history.
Reading Museum will see a Brilliant Bats Trail where attendees will learn about the world’s only flying mammal as they spot all of the bats hidden around the galleries.
It is offering craft sessions where attendees will be able to create a flappy bat, taking place on Thursday, October 27, in half-hour sessions between 10am-noon, and 1-3pm.
The museum will also offer sewing craft classes where attendees will be able to pick up the basics of sewing by creating their own fish-themed applique projects.
The Museum of English Rural Life is teaming up with Autism Berkshire to provide sessions where children with special educational needs or disabilities can browse the museum during quiet periods.
This will help children who struggle to contend
with sensory input to view exhibits at their own pace, including provision of sensory backpacks, ear defenders, and break out rooms for those who need them.
For full details of accessible “Museums, My Way” exhibits, visit: www.merl.reading.ac.uk.
Reading libraries will also be providing a number of events.
Southcote Library is set to provide craft sessions for children aged 4-10, with Hallowe’en-themed arts sessions on Saturday October 22 and 29, from 10.30am11.30am.
Caversham Library is also hosting similar sessions on Thursday, October 27, from 2pm-3.30pm.
Central Library will hold spooky Spaghetti Skeleton craft sessions and Spooky Stories on Wednesday, October 26, from 10.30-11.30am.
There will be a £1 charge, but no booking needed.
The Big Draw Festival returns to New Directions College, brining a worldwide celebration of drawing and learning through art to the college on Tuesday, October 25.
Sessions run from 10amnoon and 12.30-2.30pm, with all welcome to take part free of charge, though children under
16 must be accompanied by an adult.
To book a place, or for more information, visit: www. newdirectionsreading.ac.uk.
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra will hosting a free steel band workshop for kids on Tuesday, October 25, at CultureMix Music and Arts Centre, Queens Walk, in celebration of Black History Month.
A number of performative events will also take place, with Pop Princesses coming to the Hexagon on Wednesday, October 25.
The show will see four fairy tale princesses taking part in a musical, including songs from pop artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift.
For information or tickets, visit: www.whatsonreading. com.
A new take on Rapunzel will be coming to South Street in the form of Rapunzel and The Tower of Doom, suitable for ages 4 and up.
The productions is showing at South Street on Wednesday and Thursday, October 26-27, at 11.30am and 2pm each day.
n For a full list of events and activities, visit: servicesguide. reading.gov.uk
READING Borough Council has commended the young volunteers who helped make this year’s Summer Reading Challenge a success.
More than 30 young people volunteered with the Reading Library service, racking up more than 560 hours of support for the scheme.
Last week Cllr Adele BarnettWard, Reading’s lead councillor for leisure and culture thanked a group of young volunteers at a special presentation ceremony in Reading Central Library.
The volunteers, aged between 14 and 18, were recruited to lend their support by encouraging younger children to read with crafts and activities.
The Summer Reading Challenge sees younger children incentivised to borrow and read at least six books as well as events for them to attend and take part in.
It aims to get more children reading over the summer period when children’s literacy skills traditionally dip.
Aarushi, aged 16, volunteered at Central Library, and said: “I really enjoyed interacting with different people, learning about their experiences, and also seeing the joy the children got when they finished their books.
“To me it was really insightful, to be able to communicate with so many of the people that I interacted with – I loved it.
“Seeing the excitement they
had about the books they read was really special.”
She said that her own love of reading was one of the things that made her want to volunteer.
“I love legal thrillers, and legal is kind of what I want to pursue at university, and I’ve always been kind of person who gets told off reading at the dinner table.
“Everyone in my family loves reading, and I think that’s where I get it from, so I would definitely want my younger brother and kids his age to share in that.”
Eve, aged 18, another of the scheme’s volunteers, said: “We sat down with kids who are interested in reading and listened to them talking about the books that they love and what they’re reading.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident of arson in Pangbourne.
At around 4.45am on Sunday, October 16, a vehicle in Bourne Road was set alight.
The vehicle, a BMW X5 parked on a grass verge, was attended to by fire crews but was burnt out.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Stuart Streeter, based at Newbury police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody who may have seen anything, or
“It was just a really nice experience for us, and then for us to be able learn from them.
“I know that reading is kind of going out of fashion, in terms of technology, but it’s so important for them academically.
“You can tell they really do love just having someone to listen to them.”
The progress they made and the enthusiasm they had about reading, was really what stuck out to me.”
Cllr Barnett-Ward said: “I’m delighted this year’s science and innovation-themed Summer Reading Challenge was another great success, providing a good incentive to get children into their local library and keep their reading up over the summer holiday.
“We are very grateful to all our fabulous young volunteers,
who contributed to the success of the reading challenge.
She said that the 568 hours of volunteer hours over the course of the summer was “the most the library service has ever had.
“Every one of them has made an extremely valuable contribution to the Summer Reading Challenge and has helped encourage local children to develop a love of reading, which is so important.
“I am delighted to be able to thank some of them individually and give them the recognition they deserve for their hard work this summer.
“They will have each gained some great experience through this project which will be valuable to them in the future and might inspire them to pursue a career in the library service.”
GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S TO COME: What the central block of flats would look like at the Carters site in Caversham Road, Reading. Picture: RM_A
A DEVELOPER has applied for permission to demolish a former outdoors store and replace it with 60 homes, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter
The now empty Carters store in Caversham Road could be converted into housing if Bellway Homes’ scheme is approved by Reading Borough Council.
The development would commprise a mixture of one-, two- and three-bed apartments, as well as 10 four-bedroom houses.
Of the flats, 14 would be
three-bed, 19 two-bed and 17 one-bed.
The houses would be threestorey terraces, with a row of six and row of four located to the rear of the site.
The development comes with a 30 car and 20 cycle spaces.
It also complies with the council’s 30% affordable housing policy, with 20% affordable rent and 10% as shared ownership.
The plan can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, searching for application 221324.
any camera footage in the area or any information regarding this incident, to please get in touch.
“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220465002.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“We believe that this is an isolated incident and there should be no wider community concern.”
CHEERS GUYS: Young volunteers were presented with certificates by Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward to thank them for their support with the Summer Reading Challenge Picture: Reading Borough CouncilA PARTNERSHIP between the council and a charity will bring more support to help rough sleepers and homeless couples in Reading.
It is hoped the scheme will help couples who have experienced homelessness and struggled to stay in long-term accommodation will be helped to find a home together.
It is the first time that a dedicated couple’s service has been run in the town.
St Mungo’s will expand its outreach service to support rough sleepers, in a bid to reduce the number of homeless people on the town’s streets.
Both services, run in partnership with the Council, will operate for three years.
Helen Denyer, Regional Director for St Mungo’s, said: “We are pleased we will provide these important services, particularly as the cost of living crisis is putting more people in a vulnerable position.
“It is especially exciting for us to be running this innovative couple’s Housing First service, alongside support for vulnerable individuals. Our aim is to help people recover from homelessness and find a stable place to live and call home,
and it is only right that couples who are suitable for Housing First and want to live together have suitable accommodations available.”
She said that extending its outreach programme would be a positive step towards ending homelessess in the town.
“Our specialist teams are out every day right where they are needed, helping to make every night someone’s last on the streets,” she said.
“The partnership with Reading Council means we can continue doing this for years to come.”
St Mungo’s operates street outreach support as well as supported accommodation, modular homes at Caversham Road and a specialist women’s service, the Nova Project.
Cllr Ellie Emberson, Lead Member for Housing at Reading Borough Council, welcomed the news.
“Reading Council has a proven track record of supporting homelessness residents in the town. We know a real difference can be made with a partnership approach and have effectively worked alongside our charity partner St Mungo’s for a number of years,” she said.
“We’re pleased to extend our ongoing support of homelessness projects in the Borough and specifically, working with St
Mungo’s to help support those most in need, as we have done already with initiatives such as the Caversham Road modular homes project which provides 40 former rough sleepers with their own home alongside round the clock support provided by St Mungo’s.”
The expanded Street Population Outreach Team (SPOT) will provide more flexible support and the addition of an ‘in-reach’ function for clients after they have successfully moved away from the streets to prevent recurring episodes of rough sleeping.
There will also be more emphasis on preventing homelessness in the first instance, with tenancy support for vulnerable people and those at risk of losing their home.
The Housing First service will follow the same model that has been successfully implemented in other regions across England, including London, Oxford, Brighton and Bournemouth, which St Mungo’s has been at the forefront of.
Funding for these services has come from the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
n For more about St Mungo’s work, visit: mungos.org
ONE of the town’s two MPs is calling for donations to help a foodbank that supports residents struggling with the rising cost of living.
Earlier this month, Matt Rodda visited the Weller Centre on Amersham Road in Caversham to learn about its work.
During his visit, he met centre manager Alex Mowczan and former Reading mayor Richard Stainthorp, who explained how the centre provides a community fridge, bakery and affordable café service to residents.
The centre has recently been designated as a warm-bank; people will be able to take shelter in the centre to socialise and stay warm this winter.
During the visit, the Reading East MP appealed for more donations – the centre has seen a recent decline and supermarket wastage donations have also declined in recent months as best-before dates have been phased out, meaning that food stays on supermarket shelves for longer.
“The team at the Weller centre
are doing an incredible job of helping people in these difficult times,” Mr Rodda said.
“Families and pensioners are under enormous pressure from the cost of living crisis.
“The Government should be doing much more to help at this difficult time.
“I want to thank local charities for doing what they can, and I am very grateful to local residents for donating food and other items.”
n For more details, log on to: wellercentre.co.uk
A cocktail bar in Reading town centre has closed for refurbishment.
Be at One, located at the junction of Gun Street and Bridge Street, is shut for a month for the works to take place.
The project involves a series of internal modifications to the building and changes to external advertising.
Stonegate has applied for advertising consent to replace its existing signs with updated ones and changing the colour from turquoise to dark grey.
A spokesperson for the bar chain said: “Be At One Reading is currently undergoing a full refurbishment and will open with a range of new features
including a state-of-the-art karaoke booth.”
The Be at One brand is owned by Stonegate Group, which also owns the Popworld, Slug and Lettuce and Walkabout brands.
The proposal can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website by searching for application 221261.
Stonegate has also applied
for a minor variation of its licence to account for the internal changes.
Currently, Be at One is open from 5pm to 1am Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to 2am on Thursday, 4pm to 3am on Friday, 3pm to 3am on Saturday, and 4pm to 2.30am on Sundays.
The bar is due to reopen on Thursday, November 3.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault in Reading.
At around 2.30pm on Saturday, October 1, a girl in her teens entered We Sell and Buy Phones on Union Street.
Whilst in the shop she was sexually assaulted by a man.
The victim then left the shop and found her friends outside.
A 19-year-old man from Ealing and an 18-year-old man from Hayes were arrested on
suspicion of facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.
Both have now been released under investigation.
A 37-year-old man from Southall, London, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to sexually assault a female over 13 years old.
He has now been released on conditional bail.
Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Sophie Connor, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to
appeal to anybody who may have been in this area during this time and witnessed anything, or have any footage, to please get in touch.
“To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220440582.
“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
APPEAL: Weller Centre Manager Alex Mowczan, Matt Rodda, and former Mayor of Reading, and Richard Stainthorp – the Reading East MP is calling for donations for the Caversham centre’s community pantry Picture: Office of Matt Rodda
CAVERSHAM residents are preparing to campaign against plans to install a 5G phone mast in front of a playing field.
Reading Borough Council had refused Three permission for the telecommunications tower to be built in front of Emmer Green Playing Fields. The mobile phone company is now appealing.
Those affected say the mast is in an inappropriate location, and they have begun planting flowers such as lavenders and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity in the area.
One, who did not want to be named, said: “Emmer Green residents and local businesses were aghast at the proposal to site the 15 metre tall 5G telecoms mast in the heart of the village, very close to two public houses, one with 16th century origins, nearby Victorian cottages and popular park.
“It is an area where people live and socialise; and children walk to school.”
They continued: “Following the Environment Act 2021, local environmentalists have been helping Reading Borough Council identify areas in the borough for biodiversity enhancement. Emmer Green
playing fields are included.”
The area’s selection as a place for biodiversity enhancement has led neighbours to engage in hedge restoration and planting projects.
The resident, a woman from Emmer Green, said: “A volunteer-led hedge restoration programme was undertaken in 2021, with other initiatives to follow. The outside triangle, now included in those proposals.
“With that in mind, volunteers have cleared the area, installed protective posts, planted lavender and bulbs, and sown wildflower seeds.
“Reading Borough Council rightly refused the application, and, thanks to a dedicated and generous community effort, we now have the foundations of a biodiverse garden for the benefit of future generations.
“The siting of the mast would
be most inappropriate here.”
The group met at the Black Horse Pub opposite the planned site to discuss their opposition.
A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Emmer Green.
“We want to offer a great network experience and our planners determined that a new site was required.
“An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate is part of the planning process. The Inspectorate will reach its independent view.”
The application can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, searching for application 220638. The appeal can be viewed by searching for APP/E0345/W/22/3303138 at the planning inspectorate website.
CARTERS Steam Fair has come to Reading for the final visit ... but there’s still time to catch it.
The popular attraction, featuring vintage fairground rides, will welcome people across half-term, with fireworks on Saturday, October 29.
The collection has been touring for more than four decades, bringing the popular rides to towns and cities around the country.
Though the collection will stop touring, owner Joby Carter said that he intends to keep the rides together and is searching for a home for them.
READING BUSES is appealing for help to find its charity of the year for 2023.
It is looking for a charity that is either local to Reading area or has strong links to it.
Next year will be the 15th year of the scheme, which is says is an important part of its work.
The charity usually gets a bus with a dedicated livery, plus proceeds from events such as the open day that takes place at its Great Knollys Street depot.
“It is a great way to give
back to our local community,” HR Director Caroline Anscombe said today.
“Being Reading Buses Charity of the Year is much more than just fundraising – we can offer the chance to raise local awareness of a charity’s work through our network of services across Reading and the Thames Valley.
“We carry over 22 million people every year and the charity’s publicity will be featured on all our in-bus screens as well as on our
website and social media channels.
“Our show stopper is one of our buses incorporating the charity’s own design on the sides and rear. This can be used on any – and all – our routes throughout the year and gets the charity’s message out to all parts of the communities on our network.”
An application form can be downloaded from the Reading Buses website. Applications and enquiries should be sent to coty@reading-buses.co.uk by Monday, October 31.
VISION Express is planning to relocate from inside The Oracle to another unit facing on to Broad Street.
It used to be occupied by the Carphone Warehouse, which closed during the early stages of the covid pandemic in April 2020.
Vision Express wants approval for advertising consent for its purple colour scheme to replace the dark blue the store is currently painted with.
The future of the unit is unclear, as earlier this year sushi chain Wasabi won approval to take it over for a takeaway with 14 seats inside.
The plan can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, searching for application 221474.
FINAL DESTINATION: Georgina and Joby Carter, who have run the travelling fair for decades, are set to retire the fair for the time being ewhile looking for a permanent home for the collection. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision ImagesIT WAS both a night with the stars and under the stars – and it raised thousands for charity.
Earlier this month, Reading-based homelessness charity Launchpad held its annual Big Sleep Out.
Participants brought sleeping bags and settled down for a kip in the Reading Abbey Ruins.
Before they did so, they enjoyed an evening of fun at nearby St Laurence’s Church, hosted by Launchpad patrons Matt Allwright and Danyl Johnson – and included live music from local rock band Third Lung; a prize raffle; a hot meal from Chef Roots; and talks from Launchpad staff and clients, and the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.
It was a cold night, with temperatures dropping to 4ºC, giving the 30 participants a chance to experience some of the conditions that rough sleepers face.
This is the event’s 17th year, and the first inperson event for three years, due to covid.
And it raised an impressive £18,000, despite just a quarter of the usual numbers taking part.
Organisers admit they were hoping for 150 participants and set a fundraising target of £40,000 to support itsl services for the increasing number of people who will be at risk of losing
their home, as the cost of living continues to rise over the coming months.
Vicki Lewis, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said, “There were fewer people taking part in this year’s Big Sleep Out than ever before – which we think is down to the rising cost of living and aftereffects of the pandemic.
“People are likely to be reluctant to ask their friends, colleagues and family for donations during such difficult times, and many of the local businesses who have taken part in the Big Sleep Out in the past are still working from home – so engaging with them has remained a challenge for us.
“But we are still thrilled the event raised over £18,000 – it’s an incredible result, especially given the number of people who slept out. We can’t thank our brave participants enough for their support and dedication – it was a cold, damp night.”
She added: “Because of them, many people in Reading who will face housing crisis because they can’t make ends meet, can receive the urgent help they need from Launchpad.
“Our services are a lifeline to over 1,100 local people every year.”
The charity welcomes additional donations, in a bid to reach its £40,000 target.
n For more details, log on to: launchpadreading.org.uk/donate
THAMES Valley Police has released a CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to as they may have vital information regarding an incident of theft and fraud in Reading.
Police say the incident occurred around 11am on Thursday, September 29, outside Tesco Extra, Portman Road, Reading.
The victim, a woman in her eighties, was loading her shopping into her car when the offender has stolen her purse
and proceeded to spend around £1,500 using her bank card.
Sergeant Elizabeth Palmer, investigating officer based at Reading Police Station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who recognises the man in this image to please get in touch, as he 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
Autumnisalwaysaspecialtimeforusasabrewery–thenightsstarttodrawinandthingsgetcosyatour onsiteTaproomandbottleshop.Nestledintheheartof thebrewerytheTaproomis theultimatecraftbeer experience –thefreshestbeerspouredonthesite wheretheywerebrewed,servedtoyoubyour passionate,friendlyandknowledgeableteam.Open fourdaysaweekfromThursdayeveninguntilSunday afternoon,alwayswithpopupstreetfoodavailableon FridaysandSaturdaysthissuretobeyournew favouritespotinReading!Thismonthit’sallaboutdark beers–lookoutforournewStout
Layers –acomplex blendofrich,roastydarkmaltscometogetherfora comfortingandindulgentseasonalbeer– delish! Andthebeerexperiencedoesn’tstopthereeitherdear reader–howdoyoufancytakingalookaround? Of courseyoudo! Bookontooneofourfamousbrewery tourandtastingsessionsforanexclusivebehindthe scenestourofourstate-of-the-artbrewhouse–learn aboutourbeers,thespecialistingredientsthatmake themunique,ourprocessesandourethos–inother words,whatmakesDouble-Barrelled,DoubleBarrelled! Allofcourseroundedoffwithatutoredtastingofourbeerstoputthatnewlygainedknowledgeto work!Headonoverto www.doublebarrelled.co.uk/tours tobook.
Soyou’vemadeittotheTaproomandyouknowathingortwoaboutDB, great! Butwhatifyou’reinthemiddleoftownandwanttosamplesomeofour freshestbeers?It’stimetomakeabeelinetoourfriendsat BlueCollarCorner fourmouth-wateringfoodvendorscookingupsomeofthetastiestdishesinthe DingalongwithninedifferentDouble-Barrelledbeersalwaysontapincluding theexclusive BlueCollarLager! MadeinReading,byReadingandforReading. We’realsoexcitedtoannounceourfourthbirthdaythismonth–that’sright four yearsofDouble-Barrelled! Frombrewinginourgaragetobattlingthe challengesofCOVIDtogrowingourlittlebusinessfouryearshascertainlyflown by.Andwhatbetterwaytocelebratethanwithamassiveparty?
JoinusattheTaproomon Saturday12thNovember wherewewillbethrowing openourdoorsandusheringyouallinforthebiggestbeerypartyoftheyear. Spreadacrosstwosessionsfrom1-5and7-11pmexpecttosee18different Double-Barrelledbeersontapincludinganexclusivefirstpourofourbirthday beer.We’llbejoinedbylocalstreetfoodstarletsMakanMalaysiaforabanquet ofMalaysiangoodness,andwithbirthdaycakefromlocalbakerextraordinaire KBEats.Ticketscost£10.00eachincludingentry,acommemorativeglass,your firstpourofthebirthdaybeerandallthosedelightfullittletouchesthatmakeoureventssomemorable.Scoop
NIGHT OUT: Participants in the Launchpad’s big sleep out 2022 settled down in the Abbey Ruins Pictures: Launchpad
Steam Fair has chosen to make Reading its final destination. The touring attraction, featuring vintage fairground rides, is about to go round the merry-go-round one last time.
Currently in Prospect Park, the waltzers will have their last waltz on Sunday, October 30.
It ends a long and distinguished history, but also marks the start of a new chapter for the fair’s master of ceremonies, Joby Carter. He inherited the fair from his parents, and has been on the road ever since.
Carters has always been special for me. This following memory is from the time when everything was made in black and white, and was silent, save for a pianist following you around playing appropriate music. Any conversation would involve cards coming up covering the screen, making talking very stilted.
Thank goodness for Technicolor and talkies.
Anyway, this was my first term at Reading University, getting to know people and the town.
My very first Sunday, I was taken by car to a church off the Oxford Road. Not having enjoyed the experience – they don’t approve of women in the pulpit and I do – I decided to walk back to halls of residence, near Whiteknights itself.
Great idea, but this was years before sat navs, smartphones or even mobile phones. If you wanted to know your way around, you had to take an A to Z with you (remember those?) and look for every inch the lost tourist.
Navigating Broad Street was easy enough. But when I hit Cemetery Junction, I realised it was a mistake. Likewise, when I walked past the hospital for the second time.
It took a couple of hours to do a 40-minute walk. Still, never made that mistake again.
Anyway, three weekends in, getting to know some people, and Palmer Park was the venue for a night at Carters Steam Fair.
Coming from the middle of nowhere, where you had to make your own entertainment out of vinegar and brown paper, this was quite something. A whole fair, just like the one in the movies –because it was the one in the movies – and on our doorstep.
Cue candy floss, penny arcades, and some romantic walks through the candlelight.
Flash forwards some years, and Carters is back in Palmer Park after some years away due to something to do with holes appearing in the fields, and there is now a small person biting my ankles (yes, it hurt).
They loved it, especially the helter skelter. So much so that there were many, many, many goes on it that day and, every time, my heart was in my mouth as I worried about whether they would be safe climbing up the stairs and coming down.
But that’s the fun of the fair. It’s a memory maker. And one of the most special kinds you will ever find.
Being steam powered, there’s a strong smell that lingers at the back of the throat and the memory. It’s evocative, and marvellous.
The penny arcade, which popped up every now and then, is a special place where only pennies the size of toffee pennies fitted.
And the rides – oh, the rides, a wonderful collection of this and that, all set to music and beautifully lit at night. Cared for by Joby and his team.
We will be visiting Prospect Park between now and closing date. It just so happens that my 184th birthday is fireworks night. So, one more memory to be made, one more inhalation of the smoke, and one more night of magic.
Can’t wait, but I wish it weren’t so.
READING is often quoted as being famous for the four Bs: Beer, bulbs, biscuits and bricks.
A map exhibited by Whitley Community Museum, which comes from a book called Bricks and Brickwork in Reading, shows the locations of kilns in Katesgrove and Whitley, which played a major part in brick production in the 1950s.
They made much of the red brick which was used to fuel the building of Reading.
Waterloo Kiln was the sole producer of the silver and grey bricks which were used on Reading’s distinctive Grade II-listed town hall.
David Turner, curator of the museum, said: “This map not only clearly shows where these kilns were but also other well known businesses that made Whitley their home.
“To name a few, Co-op Preserve Works, Co-op Printing Works and Brewery.”
Elgar Road was purpose-built for
workers and there are numerous examples of decorative brickwork running down this road.
Coming off it, Waterloo Road was originally a track used to take bricks from Waterloo Kiln up to Whitley Street.
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 to showcase its photographs and exhibits in-person.
n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
HARRY Baker is a poet, mathematician, stand-up, and performer, has started his brand new tour, Unashamed, coming to Maidenhead on Thursday, November
“This is my second solo tour, essentially – I’ve gone to the Edinburgh Fringe, nine times now, half solo, half with comedy duo, Harry and Chris.
“My first solo tour was set to start off in 2020, so this feels like coming back into that world with a bit of joy and momentum, having held my breath for two-and-a-half years.
“So I’m very excited to be coming back.”
Harry Baker is a World Poetry Slam Champion, and was the youngest to have taken the title when he won it in 2012.
It is his poetry which he says defines him best in terms of his work, despite his talents in a number of other fields.
“I love the craft of words and the way that you can connect with people doing that live, so naturally for me, inbetween poems, I like being funny on stage.
“It helps to get people on board – most people are happier to go to a comedy show than a poetry show.
“But I think once people are in a room with you, and you’re able to connect, you can do anything.”
He says his performances are a chance to share something enjoyable, but importantly authentic, with audiences.
“What I love about live performance, and especially about this show is having that range of humour as well as vulnerability and poignancy.
“Spoken word poetry is the form I’m happiest doing that in, but I also quite like going into spaces where people are more receptive to comedy or to music – you’ve got to kind of meet
people where they’re at.” Mr Baker said that his origins lay in maths originally, with his studies in medicine switched out for mathematics instead.
Following this, he was far more keen to perform, but maths would come back around to form part of his work later on.
“As soon as I finished I went into live performance, thought I’d left it behind, but actually what has surprised me is how that has come back into the show.
“I wasn’t expecting maths to be as prominent as it is, and I’ve enjoyed leaning into that.”
SUBSCRIPTIONS are now available for everything including snack boxes, wines, gyms and magazines. But they are also available for cars.
THE OSMONDS knew a thing or two about Crazy Horses, but they were wrong about one detail: they can be stopped by winners of a new contest.
Hungry Horse pubs have launched a new Crazy Horse Racing game this autumn, with prizes including a holiday worth £3,000.
Customers visit their pub, including the Wee Waif in Charvil, and the Victoria Cross on the Basingstoke Road, and scan a QR code to access the game, with times recorded on a leaderboard. The best 100 times will go into a prize draw to win the prizes.
And in an instant win, there are
1,000 bottles of Coke Zero up for grabs.
The game is available for anyone to play for free on mobile and tablet and is also accessible on the Crazy Horse Racing website, until October 31.
Sarah Williams, senior marketing manager for Hungry Horse, said: “The Crazy Horse Racing game tests players’ skill, reactions and nerves and provides a bit of friendly competition along the way. We look forward to seeing the times set as people jostle for position on the leaderboard to be in with a chance of winning.” n www.hungryhorse.co.uk
New research by one of the firms offering such a deal has revealed Reading’s favourite motor.
Wagonex says the Renault Zoe is the favourite round here, while the Fiat 500L is second, followed by the Kia Stonic.
Both the Zoe and the 500L have been embraced as reliable city cars since they launched, and Wagonex data suggests that these are being used as second cars for households.
Overall, 58% of all subscriptions in the Reading area were for petrol vehicles, while 26% were electric.
Wagonex says this puts Reading at odds with the rest of the country, where the most popular
car of choice was the BMW 3 Series, the MINI Cooper is second and the BMW 1 Series is third.
Toby Kernon, Wagonex’s founder and chief executive officer, said: “We’re delighted that Reading has embraced car subscription and are enjoying the freedom and simplicity that this brings to how we drive.
“That the Zoe is in first place is no surprise, as we’ve seen huge demand for this and many similar cars this year, both from Reading and the surrounding area.”
Wagonex.com has been operating since 2016. It says its subscriptions require no deposit, and offers an all-inclusive subscription where drivers just add fuel or charge.
This means that road tax, maintenance, and wear and tear are all included and subscriptions can be for one month at a time.
IN THE WORKS: This map shows some of Whitley and Katesgrove’s most historic production sites. Picture: Whitley Community Museum WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN Crazy Horse Racing is a new game from Hungry Horse pubs running across OctoberSLAM SUCCESS: Harry Baker took the title of World Slam Poetry Champion, and is now touring with his second live shows, bringing together the disciplines of comedy, poetry, and maths.
Picture: Dan Pick, courtesy of Pomona UK
He credits stand-up mathematician Matt Parker with the realisation that maths, and by extension any other topic, can form part of an entertaining show.
“Seeing one of his shows made me realise that you can be playful with something and show your love without necessarily needing it to turn into a lecture.
“That made me realise I could tap into elements of it without claiming to be an expert.”
His show is called Unashamed, and he says that it’s about him embracing himself.
“There’s all these different parts
of me, and it’s about not feeling like I have to fit neatly into one pre-existing form or box, so it kind of moves across genres, also.
“I’m just enjoying being my full nerdy, mathsy, poet-y self, without feeling like I have to be one thing the entire time.”
n Harry Baker is touring Unashamed until February 2023, with a show at Norden Farm, Maidenhead, on Thursday, November 3, from 8pm.
n Further shows include Cambridge on Friday, January 20, 2023, and Oxford on Thursday, February 16. 2023.
n For a full list of tour dates, and to book tickets, visit: www.harrybaker.co
A exhibition exploring the smell of colour is coming to Caversham
AN OPPORTUNITY explore how colours smell is coming to Caversham later this month thanks to a new exhibition.
The Scent of Colour will explore why certain smells evoke certain colours and vice versa.
The cognitive and sensory mystery will be unpacked by HUMOS fragrance expert, Gabriel De Carvalho, with the findings on show at his studio and showroom on Church Street.
It follows on from last year’s show, The Invisible Dress, Mr De Carvalho said the exhibition is based on data from residents and his own research, and during the show he would help answer visitors’ questions.
The perfumer added that guests can expect their eyes and nose to work in harmony with results that may be surprising.
“I’ve been researching Synaesthesia in great depth recently and in particular the way in which our senses sometimes cross wires with regards to smell and colours,” he said.
POETRY CORNERInspired by queue watching on Friar Street whilst waiting for the last bus home
Hey girls going out for the night
In heels too high; skirts short and tight
Ask for whose benefit are these clothes you wear
For ourselves I hear you swear
We can dress how we want I hear you shout
And yes, that’s true but that’s not what it’s about
No one would really chose shoes that your ankles may break
As a statement of female freedom to make
Who in their right mind would choose to freeze
When you could dress in warm clothes with ease
Listen to your mothers who you often mock
“I wanted to bring my findings to life in a way that everyone can be a part of and enjoy. I’ve been creating fragrances for many years and the data I gathered helped me formulate some fascinating new scents that were exclusively created for this exhibition.
“These fragrances have never before been available to the public.”
And he said visitors don’t need to come with any previous knowledge – but be prepared to wait as the venue can only host nine people at any one time.
“This is a way of exploring a side of yourself you might not have known was there,” he said.
“This is an interactive exhibition, and we encourage you to use your senses. The best way to find out more is turn up and see (and smell) for yourself.
“Everyone is welcome.”
The show opens on Thursday, October 27, and continues to Friday, November 4. Entry is free.
It will be open from noon-5pm Wednesdays to Fridays, 11am-4pm on Saturdays and noon-3pm on Sunday.
Step back in time with a visit to historic York, where the half-timbered buildings and warm festive glow resemble a charming snowglobe scene! We also head to the Skipton Yuletide Festival, where the town comes alive with cosy stalls and the aroma of roasted chestnuts.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast
Excursion to York
En-route visit to Skipton Yuletide Festival
We’ve been there, done that; I know that comes as a shock
You are not dressing this way through choice
You are doing it because you are listening to the voice
The one that we heard as well When putting ourselves through clothing hell
Question why you are dressing this way
Not for comfort it would be true to say
Are you dressing this way to conform
In the way sold to girls as the norm
Are you hoping the boys to impress
Who’d like you however you dress
There is no need to be a slave to fashion
If you’re after a night of passion
Learn from your Mothers and our blunders
Hey girls, go invest in fluffy jumpers
GILLIAN PASSMANWe love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send yours to news@rdg.today
The OVO Arena Wembley is one of the UK’s most popular venues and in 2023 it plays host to one of music’s biggest personalities as the ‘Modern King of Waltz’, André Rieu, takes to the stage with his Johann Strauss Orchestra for a spellbinding evening.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast
Ticket to André Rieu concert at the OVO Arena Wembley, London
Return coach transfers from the hotel to OVO Arena Wembley
En-route visit to London
Renault’s electric car the Zoe is the most popular subscription car in Reading according to Wagonex
THERE can be no doubt that the events of the last few weeks have been distressing.
The long-term effect of the now former chancellor’s mini-budget will be felt for years to come.
It will bring immediate pain for many, not least those now facing higher mortgage payments or, as those increased costs are passed on, higher rental payments.
The support for energy bills is now being limited to six months, meaning more uncertainty ahead.
Despite this, despite the chaos in Westminster, despite not knowing what the future holds, there is still room for some optimism.
Reading is among those bidding for a share of levelling up cash. If granted, the projects it will fund will be to the advantage of many of us.
Whether the levelling up fund will be levelled off remains to be seen, but it is a vote of confidence in Reading’s reputation as an economic powerhouse, and it should be a source of pride that the town’s vision is shared and welcomed by the Thames Valley LEP.
Let’s hope the new chancellor’s decisions will help settle the markets and see interest rates reduce. But in the meantime, be proud of Reading’s vision for the future.
October 16 was the United Nations’ World Food Day.
This year the theme was ‘Leave NO ONE behind.’
We’re told that our planet produces enough food to feed everyone, yet millions of people are facing malnutrition…or even starvation.
Even in our own country, food banks are busier than ever before and many people are facing a choice between heating and eating.
At harvest services in recent weeks, churchgoers have had the opportunity to show their gratitude for the food on their table by bringing in tins and packets to be distributed by community groups.
It’s a small gesture which might, perhaps, prompt us to a wider concern.
After all, Jesus taught that, along with loving God, true religion was about ‘loving your neighbour as you love yourself.’
In the story we know as the parable of the Good Samaritan, he made clear that loving our neighbour is about responding with generosity and compassion to those in need.
In this case, loving our neighbour might be about finding out what local initiatives there are to help those who are hungry and supporting them.
It might be about responding, as we are able, to an international appeal for food aid.
At its truest and best, loving our neighbour is about praying and working towards a world in which nobody is left behind.
The Revd Ann Cogle is a curate at Reading Minster, writing on behalf of Churches Together in the Centre of Reading
On October 1, the coffee morning
I organised raised £215 for the Alexander Devine Services, bringing the accumulated total raised by my supporters, for various local charities, to a staggering £65,000.
Many thanks to you all, you’re amazing.
The following was inspired by my 15-year involvement with the local Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.
Sunflowers and snow
They say time is a healer,
And that everything has a reason, That there is a purpose behind everything
And that nothing ever happens without good reasons
But to me it defies all rhyme and reason
That so many children
Are chosen to flourish and flower
For just a short season
Struggling to grow like sunflowers in the snow
Special gifts from God each one, But too precious to live, like us, to grow old Lent to us with love for the briefest of seasons
Then taken back, seemingly, without any reasons
Any yet … and yet …
Maybe we are wrong to grieve
For perhaps they are, like the breeze, Always near, sharing our every second
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters
Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
Until it’s time for our own releases to receive
This I cannot prove –But this I truly believe Paul Farmer, Reading
Please imagine it’s your first day at college, but you can’t afford deodorant, or attending a job interview not being able to afford toothpaste. These are situations that a growing number of people are facing, especially during these challenging times.
We can help those in crisis around us by donating hygiene items as well as food to local food banks. BanktheFood is a free charity app that connects you with your local food bank, shows a list of their most urgently needed items, and tells you where to find local donation points. It makes donating the things people need incredibly easy.
Please give what you can to help people in crisis in your local community. Thank you Emma Spring, BanktheFood
Women are still being overlooked as ovarian cancer continues to devastate and claim lives.
Progress is not being made quick enough, and as one of those diagnosed with the deadliest gynaecological cancer, I know we deserve more.
I’d been suffering with a bloated tummy, feeling full quickly, and misdiagnosed water infections for over a year. I visited my GP, but my symptoms were confused as other things, so I kept putting up with it.
My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
This was a shock to us both, but it made me consider my own health, and after doing some research I realised I had the classic symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, tummy pain, and needing to wee more often. I went back to the GP but thought “no, we can’t be that unlucky”.
But I was diagnosed with stage I ovarian cancer. I went from caring for someone with cancer, to being someone with cancer.
Since my diagnosis I’ve realised so much more needs to be done to save lives. If diagnosed at the earliest stages nine in 10 women will survive. But two thirds of women are diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat.
To get faster diagnoses, we need widespread awareness and more support for GPs and healthcare professionals. No GP wants to miss a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Together with Target Ovarian Cancer, we’re calling for a combination of national symptoms awareness campaigns, more training
If the Conservatives are successful in blocking affordable housing contributions on smaller sites, and if it prevents the Council from applying its own evidence-based local policy, many hundreds of new affordable homes would be lost to Reading and our residents who desperately need them.
and support for GPs and urgent investment in the Clinical Nurse Specialist workforce. This will lead to earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer, access for all to treatment, and widespread improvements in support, notably mental health support.
Editor, we’re calling on you and your readers to help us.
Email your MP telling them that urgent action is needed to raise the profile of ovarian cancer and the devastating impact it’s having on people’s lives. Please do this today.
Find out more by visiting www. targetovariancancer.org.uk.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
If you live with diabetes, your risk of having heart disease is increased. This means your chances of having a heart attack or a stroke are higher than someone without diabetes. Looking after your heart health is, therefore, extra important.
Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk, and Diabetes UK, with our wealth of experts, are eager to show you how.
Our updated ‘Diabetes and Your Heart’ webpages are packed with information and helpful tips so you can start lowering that risk immediately.
Whether you’re looking for advice, you’re having a tough day, or you just want to talk to someone – we’re here for you.
Find out more at the Diabetes UK website.
Phaedra Perry, South West & South Central Head, Diabetes UKthis may directly impact on what we are trying to achieve locally for the benefit of all our residents in Reading – present and future.
ITis increasingly evident that this Conservative Government seems intent on making local councils operate with one arm tied behind their back.
Hot on the heels of its ‘minibudget’ disaster, and the calamitous knock-on impact on people’s mortgage bills, comes the news that the inappropriately named ‘levelling up’ Minister may be looking to shift the goalposts on the requirement for wealthy developers to build desperately needed affordable homes.
Reports suggest that the Government is intending to raise the threshold at which affordable homes should be built in new developments.
At present, a development of 10 dwellings or more is liable, whereas reports suggest this will be raised to those with 40 or 50.
This is very relevant in a place like Reading, where a large proportion of new developments are for smaller plots, given the
lack of available space to build.
Back in 2015, Reading Council, together with our neighbours in West Berkshire, successfully challenged the Government at a Judicial Review when the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government wanted to change national policy so that local councils could not insist that developers were obliged to provide affordable housing on sites of 10 or fewer dwellings.
The following year, that decision was reversed at a Court of Appeal hearing but, importantly, it was also established that national policy does not override local policy.
The ruling meant local authorities were able to demonstrate why exceptional circumstances exist for an alternative local approach.
In subsequent years, your Council has been able to demonstrate these exceptional circumstances across a number of appeals – backed up by our Local Plan – which means Reading has continued to secure affordable housing on all sizes of development.
In a similar vein, the Council is looking to block the future use of a national policy in some parts of Reading that allows developers to bypass the local planning process.
Known in planning circles as Permitted Development Rights, or PDRs, these laws allow changes to be made to a building without the need to apply for planning permission, and they very often lead to substandard homes and sizeable developer profits without any mitigation of impact on communities. PDRs are increasingly used to permit the conversion of commercial and retail premises to residential properties, with the valid opinions of nearby neighbours and the local council ignored.
Aside from the impact that cramming substandard homes onto inappropriate plots has on future occupiers, neighbours, and communities, the use of PDRs is also estimated to have cost Reading nearly 600 new affordable homes along with the loss of at least £3.5 million in off-site contributions to affordable housing.
Nearly £4 million in planning, education, leisure, and transport contributions, has also been lost since 2013.
Concerningly, it appears that the ‘levelling up’ Minster also has his eye on expanding the use of PDRs to benefit developers. If forced through,
I was surprised to hear last month some opposition councillors bemoaning the fact that Reading was not meeting the notional affordable housing need for Reading of 406 homes per year.
Perhaps their attention would be better spent opposing Government planning policy, especially when it’s very clear to anyone who cares to do any research that councils are hugely constrained by what is viable in the context of national planning laws.
What we have been doing in Reading is maximising delivery of affordable homes through the planning system, while at the same time committing to the largest Council home-building programme in a generation, which includes new key worker homes and extra-care housing.
This Government’s planning framework continues to frustrate our ability to secure the levels of affordable housing we want from private developers.
The fact is that until they change course – and there is certainly no sign of that any time soon – there will continue to be a shortage of affordable housing despite the best efforts of local councils and councillors everywhere.
It’s time for Westminster to get real, set aside their hubris, and recognise that councils know best when it comes to local community needs.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
A WHITLEY resident has expressed concerns over radiation levels emitted by 5G masts in Reading.
Keith Whiting, who lives in close proximity to a Three 5G mast at the southern end of Northumberland Avenue, claims to have recorded ‘dangerously high’ readings.
Inspired by a video he came across online, the 62-year-old used a handheld Trifield metre to gauge levels of radiation.
He said: “I’ve been finding that since [the mast] has been in, I wake up very regularly at night times, between midnight and 2am, and I’m sweating profusely.
“I can’t sleep at all, I can’t get out of bed. It’s only happened since [the mast] has been fired up.
“I’m a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather. All my family lives here and I felt it was my duty to check.”
Mobile phones transmit and receive radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) to facilitate communication.
Some 5G technologies use higher frequencies than 3G and 4G standards, producing relatively superficial exposure with less power to penetrate the body.
Mr Whiting describes readings taken on his device outside his house as ‘off the charts’.
The Whitley resident observed a range value which went over the model’s upper limit.
In an attempt to understand regulation of radiation levels, Mr Whiting reached out to Reading Borough Council.
He explained: “I tried to check with the council and with Environmental Health, if we have limits, or if we have exposure times or anything else.
A SPECIAL guest paid a Reading charity a visit to help commemorate an important landmark.
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, attended Reading University of Third Age’s 40th anniversary event in Broad Street.
Cllr Eden saw displays presented by interest groups in topics such as ambles, birdwatching, photography, art and current affairs, learning about the benefits of becoming a u3a member.
She was also treated to a selection of songs performed by The Singing for Pleasure choir.
Dr Harvey Smith, of Reading u3a, said: “All in all, it was a great day. We were very happy with how well it went.
“The Mayor spent 45 minutes, if not longer at the displays on Broad Street. She was really interested in our organisation.
“Whether it was from the event, or through the publicity, we’ve had a spike in visitors and an increase in membership.”
Dr Smith added that the purpose of the event was not to recruit more users, but instead to celebrate the organisation’s 40 years of activity.
Reading u3a provides a place for retired people living in and around the town to meet others with similar passions and interests.
Sessions serve multiple
“Their answer was that they don’t carry out tests, they don’t know what the limits are. I found that very odd.”
In its response, the council confirmed it does not own equipment to test levels of EMF radiation, but checks that new installations requiring planning permission have the appropriate certification from the International Commission on NonIonising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
The ICNIRP’s RF EMF guidelines, published in 2020, “protect against all potential adverse health effects relating to exposure to RF EMF from 5G technologies”.
Its restrictions are set to ensure the resultant peak power will remain far lower than that required to adversely affect health.
A spokesperson for Three said: “From a health and safety perspective, 5G deployment is no different to any other mobile technology. We take our obligation to run a safe network very seriously and actively work to ensure that our network remains compliant with international guidelines.
“In line with this, all of our sites’ transmission levels are set to conform with the ICNIRP safety guidelines as adopted by the UK government.
Ofcom has stated: “All frequencies that are currently and will in future be used for 5G fall within the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes radiation which is classed as non-ionising. This means that these radio waves do not carry enough energy to directly damage cells.”
AN APPEAL has been launched to find funding for new bereavement suites for new parents who experience loss of a pregnancy or death of their baby.
The Royal Berks Charity is hoping to raise £40,000 from its Christmas appeal which will go to the facility in the Reading hospital.
The Trust’s bereavement and rainbow midwifery teams come into contact with hundreds of new parents every year who have experienced the loss of their baby. They say the feedback is consistent: “The midwifery teams do a phenomenal job at supporting patients, but the bereavement suites could do with some improvements.”
The funding will ensure that families who experience the death of their baby during pregnancy, labour or birth have access to a private and tranquil space to grieve.
Rainbow Lead Midwife Jocelyn said: “Improving privacy and creating an environment that minimises trauma and distress, will mean so much to families going through their darkest moment as parents.”
The first part of the project will be to soundproof both suites so that new parents grieving the loss of their baby can do so peacefully without hearing the customary noise of a busy maternity ward.
Nicky, mum to angel baby Flora and rainbow baby Oakley, said: “I know how important these bereavement suites will be to families like mine, so if you can, please donate.”
n For details, or to make a donation, visit www.royalberkscharity.co.uk/christmas
purposes, helping members pick up new skills, meet new people, promote positive mental and physical health, and have fun.
The Mayor’s visit at the Broad Street displays brought an end to the charity’s programme of celebratory events, which included displays at both Reading Central and Caversham Libraries.
The organisation hoped to show that retiring from work or family responsibilities does not mean retiring from life. Its core values are encapsulated in its motto: ‘ learn, laugh, live’.
This week’s activities in Reading are part of the u3a charity’s nationwide series of events to celebrate its birthday.
During the summer,
a commemorative quilt was unveiled at a ceremony at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. It is available for members of the public to visit at Blanket Hall in Witney.
At the end of October, the Royal Institution on Albemarle Street, London, will play host to an afternoon of science talks, which will cover topics such as supermassive blackholes, the future of energy and dazzling demonstrations.
Reading u3a Secretary, Virginia Day, said: “There are interest groups for everyone who has retired, and we plan to showcase the mental and physical benefits of becoming a member of Reading u3a.”
CONCERNS: The 5G mast on Northumberland Avenue was installed by network provider Three. A Whitley resident says it is causing him sleepless nights Picture: Ji-Min Lee
VISIT: Mayor of Reading, Rachel Eden, was treated to a range of displays showcasing Reading u3a’s work. Picture: Reading u3a Photography Group
A READING wireless telecoms infrastructure firm that is helping the UK get on to the 5G phone network has announced its acquisition of a UKbased indoor cellular connectivity provider.
Cellnex UK is to create Cellnex UK In-Building Solutions (CUKIS) following the purchase of Herbert In-Building Wireless (HiBW). It will be led by Tim Loynes, HiBW’s current director.
The firm, based in R+ in Blagrave Street, says this shows its ambition to be the leading provider of wireless infrastructure across multiple sectors.
The indoor connectivity sector, known as DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), includes key projects such as Manchester City’s Etihad stadium.
“I’m really excited about the growth opportunities the acquisition of Herbert InBuilding Wireless will create for our customers and for us,” said David Crawford, managing director, Cellnex UK. “By combining HiBW’s agility and diverse customer portfolio with our current strong DAS business and ability to scale, Cellnex UK will be able to provide best-in-class solutions across all industries.”
And Mr Loynes said that this was the perfect next stage for HiBW.
“Together as CUKIS, we have all the components to deliver a market-leading DAS offering to enterprises,” he said. “I look forward to getting started and driving real growth for our customers and MNO partners.”
A BRACKNELL-based firm is launching a Hygiene Bank to help people in the area who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Aviation services group Air Partner is expanding its scheme which it piloted in Doncaster to collect donations of goods at its Gatwick and Bracknell offices.
The firm says more than 14 million in the UK live in poverty – equivalent to one fifth of the population – and they are more likely to cut back on toiletries before they’ll consider approach a food bank for help.
The partnership is with The Hygiene Bank, a grassroots charity that aims to alleviate hygiene poverty by providing access to personal care and cleaning essentials to those who are otherwise unable to afford such items.
It will distribute Air Partner’s
donations to schools, food banks, and vulnerable community groups to reach the homeless, struggling families, people fleeing domestic violence, and refugees from all over the world, among others.
Items include toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, toilet rolls, nappies, and sanitary products.
Serena Van Der Meulen, joint coordinator for The Hygiene Bank’s
Picture: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
more people can access essential items that many of us take for granted.”
Air Partner said that hygiene products are a ‘gap’ item, meaning they are not as commonly donated to food banks and other such suppliers as other items despite their importance.
The Hygiene Bank, with the support of organisations like Air Partner, aims to help fill this gap by collecting personal care and hygiene essentials for distribution to those that need it most.
Doncaster branch, said: “While we rely on a steady stream of public donations, organised collections and drives by companies like Air Partner make a noticeable impact on our supply, meaning we can help as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
“We’re delighted that Air Partner has extended its support to Bracknell and Gatwick, ensuring
Greg Charman, ESG Manager at Air Partner, said: “We are proud to support The Hygiene Bank and the incredible work they do for people across the UK.
“Nobody should have to forego basic hygiene to make ends meet.
“The drive at our office in Doncaster was hugely successful, and we are committed to making a difference to the local communities in Gatwick and Bracknell.”
LIFESAVING equipment has been donated to a Winnershbased search and rescue charity by a Bracknell-based technology firm.
Redwood Technologies Group is supporting Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR), the primary search and rescue resource for Thames Valley Police in Berkshire.
The highly-trained volunteers use specialist skills to search for high risk vulnerable missing persons.
The donation will enable the purchase of a number
of specialist, lightweight defibrillators.
Sean Taylor, CEO at Redwood Technologies Group, said: “Although we are a global company we ensure that each of our offices around the world support the local communities where they are located.
“In the UK we are proud to have been established in Berkshire for nearly 30 years and delighted to have assisted tens of local voluntary groups and charities over that time.
“BLSAR carries out mission-critical work for the Thames Valley Police and as
a charity depends heavily on contributions like ours.
“We are very proud to be able to support the valuable activities that BLSAR undertake.”
And Paul Chapman, a trustee at Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, wanted to thank Redwood Technologies Group for its support.
“We rely on donations such as those from businesses in the Berkshire area to continue our work for the Thames Valley Police, and would like to encourage others to consider donating to or volunteering alongside us.”
A business park that is changingBerkshire Lowland Search and Rescue has received a donation from Redwood Technologies Group
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
THAMES Valley Police has launched a new independent scrutiny board aimed at improving its service to the public.
It will be chaired by Calvin Wilson, a barrister with experience working with minority communities, supported by chair of Thames Valley Police’s stop and search independent advisory group, Jacqueline Roberts FRSA and Fola Komolafe MBE.
It will see members volunteering to ensure the recruitment of additional board members form communities most effected by policing issues.
It forms part of Thames Valley Police’s commitment to its Race Action Plan which seeks to help tackle racism in the police force.
Other key aspects of the plan include fresh training for officers, the trialling of new methods of community engagement, and changes to the ways powers such as stop and search are deployed.
The board will form a forum for relevant parties to discuss issues and hold the force to account.
TVP’s Race Action Plan
was developed jointly with the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, working in collaboration with Black communities and partners such as the National Black Policing Association Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray said: “As the Chief Officer leading this vital piece of work, I am keen to ensure that communities have a voice and mechanism to hold the delivery of the Race Action Plan to account.
“I am resolute that the plan is
lifted from the page and turned into demonstrable action that improves the way we deliver policing services for, and builds the trust and confidence of our Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities.
“The action plan looks to deliver national and locally agreed plan outcomes relating to how we operate internally and externally– it is key that we are representative of all of the communities we serve and this is a key part of the plan.
“Black, Asian and other
A COMMUNITY group benefited from a remarkable act of kindness last week.
Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) received a donation of sanitary products from a lady who dropped into its community cafe on Northumberland Avenue.
In a post on social media, it said: “She’d seen a news report about what projects like ours need to support local residents.
“She remembers her days of struggling when her children were young.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Whitley community spirit at its best.”
The WCDA runs a food surplus which provides fresh fruit, vegetables and other essential items for £1 per bag. Referrals are not required to use the service.
Its work is supported by supermarkets such as Lidl, M&S and Sainsbury’s.
TICKETS have gone on sale for a popular carol concert taking place in Woodley next month.
Organised by The Rotary Club of Loddon Vale in partnership with The Reading Central Salvation Army Band The Prelude to Christmas event will take place on Wednesday, November 30.
It includes the singing of favourite carols, and the opportunity to enjoy seasonal refreshments.
Rotary says it has been a popular event for many years and proceeds will be shared between Sue Ryder and the Salvation Army.
The concert will be held at Waingels College, from 7pm. Tickets cost £8.
n For more details, or to book, call Bill Soane on: 07710 576427, or email: w.soane@ntlworld.com
AN NHS DOCTOR is set to deliver a talk discussing the possibility of using psychedelics to tackle mental health conditions.
Dr Jonathan Iliff will speak about the history and future of the practice at the University of Reading on Thursday, October 27.
A background into how psychedelics produce their effects in the brain will be provided, also touching on how people might benefit from consuming compounds such as psilocybin and LSD.
His research focused on the
use of psychedelic compounds, like LSD and psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, in the treatment of mental health disorders.
He has expressed his desire to remove the stigma from speaking about mental health and change attitudes which persist in even the most tolerant parts of our society.
The founder of the UCL Society for the Application of Psychedelics hopes to improve the lives of billions of people who suffer directly and
indirectly from mental health disorders.
The event is part of the Seed Talks series, which connects top thinkers with audiences across the UK.
This talk takes place at the Palmer G.10 Lecture Theatre, Pepper Lane.
Doors open at 6.45pm, with the event running from 7.30pm9.30pm.
There are various ticket options available, starting from £10.90.
n For more information or to book tickets, search Seed Talks on www.eventbrite.co.uk
Minority Ethnic communities will only have confidence to join us if they are reassured that this is not a ‘tick box’ exercise.”
He continued: “I can reassure them that it is not and delivery of the plan outcomes is essential to ensuring the culture of Thames Valley Police is fit for purpose and remains so.
“TVP had the highest response to the national survey and we will use this feedback in developing our plan– the Independent Scrutiny and
Oversight Board will help us on that journey.”
Mr Calvin Wilson, chair of the ISOB, said: “We applaud the Thames Valley Police for embarking on this important initiative and for being the standard bearer that other forces around the country will follow.
“As initial members of the Independent Scrutiny Oversight Board we are fully cognisant that this journey over the next two years will be challenging, but are not daunted.
“We look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the Thames Valley’s Black and minority communities to join us as we seek, as expeditiously as possible, to recruit other Board members so that our work as critical friends of the Thames Valley Police can begin in earnest.”
He continued: “We are all seeking to bring about fundamental change in attitudes and behaviours which is no easy task.
“However, we are confident that with goodwill and a preparedness to listen and to engage, even when hard questions are being asked, that positive results will be achieved to the benefit of the Thames Valley and national communities.”
FUNDING is being offered to groups in a bid to help tweenagers get involved in social action projects across the county.
Berkshire Community Foundation is encouraging people to apply for the #iwill fund, specifically for people aged between 10 and 14.
The #iwill movement brings together those who believe that all youngsters should have the chance to make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, and communities.
It has been possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
BCF, along with 15 other community foundations from the UKCF network, will award grants of up to £10,000 to groups for projects lasting up to a year.
Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, was thrilled to be able to offer the funding.
“The funding not only creates benefit now but will also inspire young people to combat the societal needs of the future,” he said.
n For more details, log on to: berkshirecf.org
DECISION: Thames Valley Police has launched its Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board to help keep to its Race Action Plan, set to be chaired by Calvin Wilson. Picture: Steve Smyth
ON SATURDAY, the Great Hall at the University of Reading was home to the one-day Gin and Rum Festival.
Attendees sampled a wide array of gin, rum, and tequila, as well as premium tonics and mixers, with a whole host of guest speakers and musical performances.
More than 100 gins were available to try, with a dedicated
tequila bar, with distillers holding guest speeches to discuss their methods and their products, with samples included.
The festival saw a performance from Rick Moorhouse, who played an acoustic set as part of the festival’s entertainment, which also included a live DJ.
Guests could also consult the
complimentary gin and rum guide, which gave attendees a complete run-down of the spirits on offer at the event, with tasting notes as well as recommendations on mixers, garnishes, and serving suggestions.
Next year’s festival is set for Saturday, October 14, also at The Great Hall. n ginandrumfestival.com
AN apartment block with a ‘green wall’ has been given the go ahead in Reading town centre.
Back in January, landowner Christopher Hornby submitted a plan to build an apartment block containing four flats behind 58 Kings Road in Reading.
The green wall, which is better defined as a green façade, involves having plants either cascading down or climbing up the side of the building.
Mr Horby’s planning agents Creative Design & Structure argued it would create a “visually interesting building” that reduces “the visual dominance and overbearing effect” on its neighbours.
According to ‘living wall’ specialist Biotecture, green walls can reduce air pollution, temperatures and noise and improve biodiversity. However, their effectiveness has been questioned as, without maintenance, the plants on the walls can die.
The plan was approved by James Crosbie the council’s Assistant Director Planning on Thursday, October 6.
A condition of the approval is that no building can take place on the site until details of the biodiverse green roof are provided.
The new apartment block will stand four storeys tall, with three two-bedroom flats on the first, second and third floors, with a one bedroom flat on the ground floor.
Access to the upper floors
will be provided by a stairwell.
All the apartments will have double bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open kitchen and living room space.
The first, second and third floor flats will have balconies, and the ground floor flat will have a garden.
There will be three car parking spaces with gated access to Crane Wharf, located on the north bank of the River Kennet. Four cycle spaces will be provided.
Mr Hornby has completed a section 106 legal agreement with Reading Borough Council, which are formed to mitigate the impact of the development on the community.
The agreement states that Mr Hornby will pay the council £66,666.65 towards affordable housing provision in the borough.
Additional sums include a £1,760 legal fee and a £400 monitoring fee.
The approved application can be seen by searching for reference 211813 on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.
THIEVES forced the lock of a garage in Reading, and stole two bikes.
The incident took place between 11.30am and 2pm at an address in Cintra Avenue, off Christchurch Road.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward in a bid to catch the offenders.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the force, either online or by calling 101, quoting reference number: 43220467927.
A BURGLAR broke into a Tilehurst home and helped themselves.
The incident took place on Elsley Road sometime between 8am on Saturday, October 10, and 7.45pm on Monday, October 10.
The thief forced the conservatory door, and then took a number of unspecified items.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, or make a report online, quoting reference number: 43220455785.
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED: more than 100 gins from around the world were on offer
SERVE IT UP: a guide was on hand to help festival-goers decide on their perfect tipple
Guests were provided with a free Copa-glass and reusable straws
BOTTOMS UP: the festival provided a guide to gins and rums around the world to help attendees
SHOWTIME: Rick Moorhouse serenaded attendees with a live, acoustic performance. Picture: Dijana Capan/ DVision Images
PROGRESS Theatre is hosting its 16th annual WriteFest early next month.
The event sees local writers producing short productions of their work, performed as part of an ensemble show.
Six productions are set to take place, with David Salisbury’s Airborne, David Pearson’s Albatross and An Angel with One Wing, by Paul Gallantry, showing at this year’s event.
WriteFest is performed from Wednesday, November 2 to Saturday, November 5, at 7.15pm nightly.
Tickets are £14, or £11 for concessions. n progresstheatre.co.uk
DOUBLE OKAY and A Girl Called Stephen have teamed up to bring Squids In to Reading Rep.
Host Richard Energy will bring their comedy and drag monarchy to the Rep.
Richard Energy recently starred in Death Drop, in the West End to critical acclaim.
They’ll be joined by three headline performers and further open mic slots.
It takes place on Friday, November 4th, with tiered pricing for tickets beginning at £4.
The event is for over 18s. n For more details or to book, log on to: www.readingrep.com
A FOOTBALL team from Reading rubbed shoulders with an England legend and Man U’s latest gaffer at a special tournament for homeless people.
Organised by The Salvation Army, the event saw a team from The Lifehouse at Reading compete against 20 other five-aside teams from hostals across the country.
Sadly, the honours weren’t brought back to Berkshire – the winning team was Blue Nile from The Salvation Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service in the Northwest.
Giving them tips for the pitch was former England captain Terry Butcher, who led a passing skills workshop.
He also gave a speech about his experience of tackling depression after he lost his son to suicide.
“This tournament is a great way of bringing good sportsmanship, good behaviour and good football together and the most important thing for everyone that took part was to enjoy it,” he said.
“The challenges that all of the players have overcome, and are still overcoming, is testament to their hard work
and commitment to being the best that they can be.
“I know from my own experience that having people you can turn to is a huge help and The Salvation Army is a perfect example of how getting the right support can go a long way towards rebuilding lives.
“Fighting power was evident at the tournament from all teams, and you need that in life, never mind on the football pitch. Everyone should be proud of themselves and what they are overcoming every day.”
Along with Mr Butcher, the tournament was also supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), a
humanitarian charity set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family, who attended the event in 2019 and donated items to the players and supported travelling expenses to enable teams to attend from across the UK.
GSF also arranged for Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, to attend the event to cheer on the players and watch some of the matches.
He said: “It was fantastic to attend the event in Manchester with The Salvation Army. The organisation does great work in supporting homeless people to rebuild their lives.
“Homelessness is a difficult
problem and anything I can do to raise awareness by coming to events like this is important. It was great to see everyone playing football together, showing energy, spirit and teamwork to promote wellbeing.”
The Salvation Army run two buildings in Reading – Willow House and Shepton House. They accommodate and support homeless people and provide assistance in maintaining tenancy agreements when people move out of supported accommodation.
The church also believes in helping its residents tackle the underlying reasons why
they became homeless, such as addiction or mental health problems, to stop them becoming trapped in a cycle of rough-sleeping and temporary accommodation.
Salvation Army regional manager for Homelessness services, Nathan Slinn said: “Our annual Partnership Trophy celebrates those we support through our homelessness services and all that they have overcome and, indeed the journey that they are still on.
“The tournament was a wonderful example of everyone working together to build on their experiences whilst boosting mental and physical health and social skills.
“Our team in Reading thoroughly enjoyed it and there is excitement for next year’s event.
“We’re thrilled that both Erik ten Hag and Terry Butcher could join us for the day and that they, along with Guardiola Sala Foundation, have supported us at this year’s event and I send our heartfelt thanks to them all.
“It’s encouraging for our service users to see people giving up their time, not to mention a real boost to their self-esteem and confidence, seeing that they’re on the right path and there is hope for the future.”
A NATIONAL Trust property in Lower Basildon is preparing to light up for half-term.
Basildon Park is offering a woodland walk laced with fairy lights as part of a week-long celebration of autumn.
Visitors will be greeted at the house with colourful torans (bright garlands) and the interior will be glowing with lanterns, diyas, tea lights and coloured projections.
Evocative scents and soothing music will guide people through the mansion’s historic interior.
On Saturday, October 22, artist Rohit Rajaguru will made a Rangoli in Basildon Park’s Ballroom, centring around
traditional imagery of elephants, diya and floral patterns. It will remain on display throughout the week.
Visitors will be able to create their own Rangoli in the 1950s kitchen.
The artist said: “Colours, light and intricacy - I will be showcasing my vibrant and colourful display of Rangoli art.
“I have showcased my artwork around the world since the age of eight, and I am thrilled to present my Rangoli again at Basildon Park.
“This year my Rangoli will tell a tale about how families across Britain come together to celebrate this festival of lights.”
“It is meaningful for lots of people in different ways,” he said.
“We are also delighted to welcome back Rohit Rajaguru to create our Rangoli. It’s fascinating to watch his designs emerge and we hope to welcome lots of visitors on Saturday to see him at work.”
Entry to the event is free, but normal admission applies.
n For more details, log on to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ basildon-park
UNITED: Members of the Willows Wanderers team who took part in The Salvation Army’s football tournament in Manchester Sebastian Conway, collections and house manager at Basildon Park, said the festival of light celebrates a colourful time of year. LIGHT FANTASTIC: Basildon Park will see a rangoli created in its grounds on Saturday Picture: © National Trust
D’Lion has gone from strength to strength, coming full circle in 2022 with his performance at Reading Festival during the summer marking a “full circle” moment for him.
Fresh from the release of his latest single, Knock Knock, Dan says making music is about the crowd enjoying themselves.
“There’s a real there’s a moment, probably about five or 10 minutes before I go on anywhere, that I have this lack of energy, just focusing.
“Some people like to jump about and hang out, but I like be on my own for a bit just to kind of focus mentally on what I need to do.
“And that is making sure that everyone’s having a good time, and I feel like if I can have a good time and encourage other people to have a good time, that’s that’s all that matters to me.”
This duality of both performer and
audience enjoyment is partly fostered by his experiences attending Reading Festival
“It was the first festival I think I ever went to, so it was a real experience, surrounded by all my best friends having just finished school.
“I’ve got so many great memories and certain scenes, so many great bands, and artists playing and so I remember being at some of those stages and thinking right I want some of this at some point.
“So it was nice to come back and actually have that full circle moment.”
It doesn’t mean he wasn’t somewhat anxious about the turnout for his performance.
“You never really know what these things turn into at a festival – there’s so many different artists and people want to go and see so many different thing, so it’s hard to judge how many people are going to join.”
His performance at the BBC
Introducing stage earlier in the year, however, was well-attended.
“We had a great crowd– it was a good atmosphere, especially being on at the same time as some of the headline acts.
“I think the people that were there were just in a great spirit– it felt like a real moment for me.”
During his set, he brought singer/ songwriter Griff for a collaborative performance, which he said was one of his stand-out moments of the year.
“We did a remix that I’d done of hers last year – that was a real special thing, because it’s so difficult for these festivals.
“Even if you’re playing on the same day, everyone’s schedules are in a different place, but she made the time and we hadn’t even rehearse that song the band.
“I’d never played it live, and I don’t think she ever played it live either.”
For Dan, performance is a “freeing”
experience.
“I think it’s the most expressive I can be, playing this music that I’ve been working on for a while with other musicians and bringing it to life.
“For me, that’s just the best part of what I do.”
Though he originally hails from Twyford, he now lives in London, which forms a huge influence on his writing.
“There’s so many people and so much energy around here, but I also take things from movies that I watch, the books I read– everything is inspirational.
“I might even be walking down the street and I stand on a drain and I’ll have a good idea from that.”
As well as his lyrical influences, Dan says he has a broad range of stylistic influences from a range of genres, including from his father, who was a jazz musician.
“I’ve been I’ve been brought up on so many different things, like my dad showed me a real sort of understanding
of jazz music, and my mum was from a more traditional kind of rock’n’roll background.
“So I had that kind of clash, plus I listened to a lot of hip hop, and that’s why I try and make something that is so unexpected.
“I try and be as fresh and unique as possible, because it’s taking things from that– not copying them – just using them to make my own recipe.”
He says also that it’s important to be aware of your influences and the context of your art.
“I think it’s good to have an understanding of where certain things have come from and how have you been influenced, and the culture around specific genres.
“But in a way, as an artist, I feel like I’m here to push boundaries, too.”
n Knock Knock is now streaming on all platforms, and Dan D’Lion is set to perform at The Lower Third, London, on Tuesday, October 25.
JAKE CLOTHIERJO HARROP is an accomplished musician on the London Jazz scene.
Originally a singer/songwriter, and backing singer for international stars, she’s now an established Jazz singer.
She’s joined by Alex Hutton on piano and Jihad Darwish on bass.
Jo Harrop and Friends takes place at Norden Farm, Maidenhead.
Audiences should head over on Friday, October 21. Doors open at 8pm, and seats cost £16.
n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977
THE Naughty Fox is an immersive, multisensory theatre performance for little ones and their grown ups.
Naughty Fox needs to learn a very important lesson, that it’s better to share.
Described by CBeebies as an absolute delight, the show is for children aged birth to five years.
Fully accessible and relaxed, with creative captions for deaf and hard of hearing, it plays at Norden Farm in Maidenhead.
There are two performances on Tuesday, October 25. Doors open at 11.30am and at 2pm. Tickets cost £12, £10 for under 16 years, £40 for Family and Friends (4 people). No ticket required for babies up to 18 months, on laps.
n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977
THE French revolution is looming and heads will shortly roll.
Until then, aristocrats indulge in dubious moral competition.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses explores the games people play, and their monstrous consequences.
It runs from Thursday, October 20 to Saturday, October 29, with the exception of Sunday. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £15.
n For tickets and information visit:
Lilies On the Land. Thurs 20. China Crisis. Fri 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 21. Beauty and the Beast. Sun 23. South Hill Park open day. Mon 24. Mark Thomas Black and White. Mon 24. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Tues 25. Nick Sharratt’s Hallowe’en Drawalong. Wed 26. The Dinosaur Show Tour 2022. Thurs 27. Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps: Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone. Thurs 27. The Elton John Show. Fri 28. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 28. The Amazing Bubble Man. Sat 29.
Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil. Sat 29. Wilde Sundays: Keiron Farrow, Little Lore, William and Julie. Sun 30.
FILMS: La Boheme. Thurs 20. It Snows In Benidorm. Fri 21-Sun 23. DC League of Super Pets. Sat 22-Sun 23, Wed 26-Thurs 27. Official Competition. Mon 24-Tues 25. Blind Ambition. Wed 26-Thurs 27. See How They Run. Fri 28-Wed 2.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123
A MILD-mannered accountant picks up the wrong briefcase in Ray Cooney’s comedy.
Instead of the expected cheese and pickle sandwich, he finds inside £1.5million in used notes.
What should he do?
The show, a spiralling confusion of fibs, false names and frantic deceptions, is a night of fun and laughs.
It plays at The Mill At Sonning until Saturday, November 5.
Evening performances are from Wednesday to Saturday.
Shows start at 8.15pm, preceded by dinner from 6.15pm.
Saturday and Sunday matinees start at 2.15pm, with lunch from 12.15pm.
THIS show pays tribute to a national treasure whose showbiz career spanned eight decades.
Dora Bryan delighted audiences in Carry On films, panto, Shakespeare, Dinner Ladies, Absolutely Fabulous and Last Of The Summer Wine.
Here, her personal life and career
wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363
THE Australian Pink Floyd Show is the biggest of its kind.
It strives to reproduce the complete Pink Floyd experience and has been touring worldwide for three decades.
It includes a light and laser show, video animations, high resolution LED screen technology and several huge inflatables.
It plays at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading. The event is on Thursday, October 27, from 7pm. Tickets, (standing or wheelchair) cost £31.50.
n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060
20. Mum’s The Word. Fri 21. Rise and Fall. Sat 22. Jason Bryne: Unblocked. Sun 23. Terry Dreary’s Twisted Tales. Wed 26. The Retro Rock Show. Thurs 27. The Noise Nextdoor. Fri 28. Camberley Comedy Club. Fri 28. Morgan and West. Sat 29. A Fright at the Museum. Sun 30.
Crimes On Centre Court. Thurs 20. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Fri 21. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. Sat 22-Sun 23. Theatre Explorers. Mon 24. In Conversation with Hugh Bonneville. Mon 24. Spokes and Spells. Tues 25-Wed 26. Creating Comedy workshop. Tues 25. The Shawshank Redemption. Tues 25-Sat 29.
Scriptwriting Tater Workshop for ages 12-16. Wed 26. Mig and the Beankstalk. Thurs 27. Adorable Dora. Fri 28. Splat. Sat 29. Play Your Part. Sun 30. An Evening with Adam Frost. Sun 30.
are portrayed with fun, music and laughter, by Rosemary Ashe.
The show is written and performed by the Olivier Award nominated actress and soprano, whose credits include Phantom Of The Opera, Mary Poppins, and Les Miserables.
BEAUTY and the Beast tells the story of a beautiful and intelligent young woman, captured by a grisly and fearsome monster.
Ballet Theatre UK showcases new choreography by artistic director, Christopher Moore.
The enchanting love story comes with sets and costumes created especially for the production, to the accompaniment of a classical score.
The ballet plays at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.
It can be seen on Sunday, October 23.
Doors open at 3pm. Tickets cost £22.50, £20.50 for members and under 16 years cost £13.50.Group discounts apply.
n For tickets and information log on to:
Steeleye Span. Thurs 20. King of Pop. Thurs 20. A Country Night in Nashville. Fri 21. The Black Blues Brothers. Sat 22. Dinosaur Adventure Live. Sun 23. Family Fun Day. Sun 30.
Ladies In Lavender. Until Sat 22. Jazz at the Kenton: Huw Warren plays Brazilian Jazz featuring The Max Wright Trio. Sun 23. The Bubble Show. Tues 25. Christopher Nibble. Wed 26. The Remix Jazz Orchestra featuring Purdy: The Great American Songbook. Thurs 27. The Greatest Magician. Fri 28. HAODS presents First Love Is the Revolution. Thurs 27-Sat 29. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sat 29.
National Theatre Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again. Sat 22.
The Handlebards Twelfth Night. Thurs 20. Kate Bush-Ka.
Fri 21. Jo Harrop and Friends. Fri 21. Women In Rock. Sat 22. Tad The Lost Explorer and the Curse of the Mummy (U). Tues 25, Wed 26. The
Naughty Fox. Tues 25. See How They Run (12a). Tues 25. Spy Monkey. Wed 26. Saltlines: The Gigspanner Big Band and Raynor Winn. Wed 26. Royal Opera House Live: La Boheme. Thurs 27. Night Terrors: The Ghost Stories of EF Benson. Thurs 27. ParaNorman (PG).
Fri 28. Olga Koch: Just Friends. Fri 28. Echea String Quartet. Fri 28. Spooky Concertini with Johnny and the Raindrops. Sat 29. India Sweets and Spices (12a). Sat 29. Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann. Sat 29.
ROH Live: La Boheme. Thurs 20. Jack Whitehall: Work in Progress. Thurs 20. Rat Pack Live. Fri 21. The Story of Soul. Sat 22. Coco 2D (PG).
Sat 22-Wed 26. Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible. Wed 26. The Woman King (15). Fri 21-Thurs 27. Mrs Harris Goes to Paris (tbc). Until Thurs 27. Hocus Pocus (PG). Sat 22-Thurs 27. Moonage Daydream (15). Sat 22-Thurs 27. Pygnalion. Thurs 27. Fireman Sam. Fri 28. The Dark. Sat 29. The Lost Boys. Fri 28-Sat 29. Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Adorable Dora plays at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
The event is on Friday, October 28.
Doors open at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £18, Concessions cost £12.
n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000
www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123
DOM Joly is best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV.
The writer and broadcaster, who attended school with Osama Bin Laden, will talk about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting seeker of dangerous travel.
Audiences can expect comedy and a sense of danger.
Dom will meet fans after the show to sign copies of his latest book, The Hezbollah Hiking Club.
Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps - Travel And Comedy In The Danger Zone, comes to South Hill Park Arts Centre, in Bracknell.
The event is on Thursday, October 27. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £23.50.
Secrets. Fri 28-Sun 30. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Sun 30.
The Sleeping Sword. Thurs 27-Sat 5.
The Rest of Our Lives. Thurs 20. Poets Cafe Online. Fri 21. Olga Koch: Just Friends. Fri 21. I Belong by Doris Allimadi. Sat 22. Sofie Hagan: Fat JokesSOLD OUT. Sat 22. Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom. Wed 26-Thurs 27. Visible: A Celebration of Motherhood. Thurs 27. Heavy Pop presents LoneLady. Fri 28. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29.
Pop Princesses. Tues 25. 10cc. Wed 26. The Australian Pink Floyd. Thurs 27. Dara O’Briain: So Where Were We? SOLD OUT. Fri 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
A STEPHEN King novel, then film, is brought to the stage by Bill Kenwright.
Despite pleading innocence, a prisoner is locked up for life.
He quickly learns that at the notorious Shawshank facility there is no escapealone that is.
A desperate plan is quietly hatched.
The production examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope inside a maximum-security facility.
It stars Joe Absolom and Ben Onwukwe.
The Shawshank Redemption plays at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
It can be seen from Tuesday, October 25 to Saturday, October 29.
Doors open at 7.30pm. Matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday start at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £32, depending on seat location, concessions £12.
n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000
Grace Petrie. Thurs 20. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra 20th anniversary concerts. Sat 29.
NEXT SHOW: 16th Annual Write Fest. Wed 2-Sat 5.
Jekyll & Hyde. Until Oct 29.
Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880
NEXT SHOW: Inspector Drake and the Black Widow. Wed 16-Sat 19.
Funny Money. Until Sat Nov 5. Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Sun 23. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Sun 30.
Darker Shores. Until Sat 22. Fastlove. Sun 23. That’ll Be The Day. Mon 24. The Carpenters Experience. Tues 25. The Grass Is Greener. Fri 28-Sat 12.
Wokingham –Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363
Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Thurs 20-Sat 29.
Emma Macedo Productions presents An Evening of Entertainment in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Sat 22. Wokingham Film Society presents Parallel Mothers (15). Thurs 27. Wokingham Music Club presents Los Pacaminos: Live in Concert SOLD OUT. Fri 28.
NEXT SHOW: Ladies Down Under. Nov 29-Dec 3.
WITHITS latest production, Progress Theatre has continued to examine what it means to part of the LGBTQ+ community in the post-millenial age.
Following the theatre’s twopart show, Angels in America, The Pride examines two parallel realities.
One of them is set in the late 1950s and follows Philip, Oliver, and Sylvia, while the second follows a version of those characters from 2008.
While the characters are not the same across the timejump, they form a close echo of them under very different circumstances.
The play uses the comparative experiences of the two separate ‘versions’ as a direct contrast between the circumstances of queer people in the 1950s and after the millennium.
In 1958, Philip and Sylvia are living together as partners, with Oliver introduced as a colleague of Sylvia’s.
These characters navigate life in London a full decade before the decriminalisation of homosexuality, and it soon becomes clear that the outward appearance of their marriage is misleading.
Philip and Oliver’s introduction to one another leads to a fling between the two and the spiralling of the group’s relationships that results.
Ollie, Phil, and Sylvia of the 2000s hold a more casual relationship with one another, with Sylvia acting as a friend between the ex-boyfriends.
Through the parallel experiences, the play looks at the horror of conversion therapy, the dangers of hiding one’s true identity, and the importance of the titular “pride” in all of its possible connotations.
Adam Wells portrays both Oliver and Ollie’s sexual promiscuity and quasi-embrace of his sexuality with a deep, emotional intensity.
His tender moments with Philip feel delicately handled, while the tension of subsequent secrets and strife is fraught with tension.
Wells also has an ear for comedy, with some of the play’s best moments a direct result of his nuanced, considered portrayal.
Faith Mansfield’s Sylvia is similarly captivating as she forms the emotional core of the play.
Sylvia is caught between two men whose love for each other forms a vortex of
complication with her in the middle.
Mansfield’s portrayal sells this tug-of-war completely, carrying both the desperate sorrow of a marriage in turmoil and the mid-2000s put-upon friend with equal gravity and aplomb.
Matthew Beswick’s quieter, more reserved portrayal of Philip gives the play space to breathe, which is effective with the eventual turn that one version of the character takes.
The appearances by John Turner also show an incredible versatility, slipping from the character of the sex worker to the conversion therapist with ease.
The character of the sex worker provides some of the funniest parts of the first half, with his comedic portrayal shining through.
Ken Deeks also makes an impressive debut at Progress Theatre, as his portrayal of lad’s mag editor, Peter, steals
READING Repertory Theatre has embraced the spirit of Hallowe’en with its latest production, Jekyll and Hyde.
This production has been adapted by Glasgow’s Gary McNair, and directed by Michael Fentiman, whose production of Amélie was nominated for three Olivier awards in 2020.
It stars Audrey Brisson, who was also nominated for an Olivier award for her performance as Amélie, as the only actor.
The premise of Jekyll and Hyde is well-established, so Reading Rep has worked hard to make the story’s retelling fresh and vibrant.
It has done so by scaling back the majority of the production’s staging: external characters and settings have been stripped away, leaving only a single flat platform, a doorway, a stool, and a single actor.
The production is less of a staging of the events of the narrative as a result, instead focusing on the abilities of Audrey Brisson, playing solicitor Gabriel Utterson, on
pushing the story forward.
With a run-time of over an hour, a full production through monologue could run the risk of becoming dry, but this is aptly avoided through Brisson’s presence and conviction alone.
The original novel begins with a spoken conversation between Utterson and a friend, in which he details the curious events going on surrounding his client, Dr Jekyll.
While it uses this conversation as a framing device, Reading Rep’s
production makes this the focus, with the audience taking the part of Utterson’s acquaintance.
This choice instils the narrative with a chilling tension as the events are reported as if hearing a friend recount their worst nightmare.
It also means that the more comical aspects of the story can shine through too, again embellished by Brisson’s easy charm.
The production’s utilitarian set emphasises this, with a small, flat square forming the only stage.
The stark, harsh strip light running around the perimeter forms the only light source for much of the play, which, combined with some smoke effects, frames Brisson in an almost alien way.
As the play continues, Brisson also takes up the portrayal of the secondary characters, demonstrating engaging flexibility and range.
The presence of the outline of a door in the background hangs over the whole of the production, constantly
the show with a confident, accomplished performance.
Progress has to be economical with its staging and The Pride is no different in displaying the care and consideration that the company puts into the set.
This is especially true of the simple, almost skeletal set which provides exactly as much context as necessary, but not so much that it becomes the focus.
This allows the focus of the production to remain firmly on the characters, as it should.
Overall, The Pride is an accomplished production, adding warmth and a impact to an important part of queer discourse while continuing to focus on its cultural implications.
Progress’ next show will be its annual WriteFest, from November 2-5.
n For more information about Progress, visit: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
JAKE CLOTHIERthreatening that the beastly Mr Hyde could burst through.
Overall, the production encapsulates the almost whispered tension of the original novel by stripping it down to the second-hand personal account typical of an M.R. James ghost story.
Brisson’s powerful performance doesn’t carry the production– it is the production, perfectly complimented by Emily Irish and Max Jones’ minimal, but choice, additions to set and lighting.
The stripped-back nature of the production makes it the perfect Hallowe’en tale for families, especially considering that the more violent aspects of the narrative are not performed, only told.
Jekyll & Hyde is running at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, until Saturday, October 29. Tickets begin from £15. Performances are at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 3pm.
n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www. readingrep.com
JAKE CLOTHIERAldworth Philharmonic Orchestra is to celebrate its 20th anniversary with special guests later this month.
The musicians will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra; and German musician, Frederike Möller for the event on Saturday, October 29.
And to mark the occasion there will be three performances on the same day.
Two concerts will feature the world premiere of a new piece of music by Caitlin Harrison.
There will also be a recital on an unusual instrument.
The afternoon begins with a relaxed event for families, presented by members of APO Young.
This is the orchestra’s free-to-join fan club for children aged five to 15.
The afternoon concert features Reading Youth Orchestra, and toy piano player, Frederike Möller playing Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker ballet; and an extract from Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No 2.
The audience will also hear Good’s Sinfonietta No 1, Silver; a section from Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs; and part of Harrison’s new music, From Dawn to Dreams.
Andrew Taylor, musical director of Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra, says: “At our relaxed performances it doesn’t matter about noise or movement.
“These concerts are for everyone, including young children, and neuro diverse audiences.
“We’ll play The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy first of all on the celeste, as written, but then on the toy piano.
“Frederike is bringing her toy instruments with her from Dusseldorf.”
The evening concert is part of The Aldworth Philharmonic’s 20th anniversary celebrations and is presented by Reading Fringe Festival.
It includes the full score of Betteridge’s Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No 2.
“Betteridge’s piece is interesting to play,” says Andrew.
“I have to conduct to a click track in order to keep in time with sounds that
accompany the music.
“We commissioned the piece eight years ago.
“It contains fascinating archive audio of people who worked at Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory; conversations with people from Simonds Brewery; and a Pathé news style narration about Suttons Seeds.”
The players will be joined by Reading Youth Orchestra for Harrison’s From Dawn To Dreams.
This can be heard at both concerts and was written as part of the Making Music, Adopt A Music Creator, project.
“It’s a logistical challenge getting two orchestras together into one concert hall, or even to rehearse together, but it’s working very well, “ says Andrew.
“The piece is really interesting and includes fragments of poetry.
“It’s full of texture and sounds.”
Prior to the evening concert, there will be an unusual recital by Frederike Möller.
She specialises in exploring the sound world of toy pianos, and will perform works associated with Reading and Düsseldorf.
Andrew continues: “We’re especially grateful for the support of the Reading Fringe Festival.
“This is the first time we have brought a full symphony orchestra to the festival, which this year celebrates its own 10th anniversary.
“They have been wonderfully supportive.”
Both concerts take place in Reading Town Hall’s Concert Hall.
They can be heard on Saturday, October 29.
The afternoon event starts at 4pm and lasts one hour.
Tickets can be booked online at a price of the buyer’s choosing.
The evening performance begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15, under 18s cost £10. Concert Virgins – those who have never attended an APO concert before – can get in free.
The toy piano recital starts at 6.30pm and is free to ticket holders.
n For information and to purchase tickets visit: www. aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk
EMMA MERCHANTA FOUR-piece band described as pop noise kings will be playing a gig in Reading next week.
Joining doops for Club Velocity on Friday, October 28, is Jopy from Keep Cats, giving a solo show, and The Dianas, a Reading supergroup that has not played live for a decade.
The gig takes place at the Rising Sun arts centre in Silver Street. Doors open at 8pm and tickets cost £6.50.
n For more information or to book, search www.wegottickets. com for Club Velocity.
A BLONDIE tribute act will come to Wokingham next month.
Wokingham Music Club is hosting Totally Blondie for an evening of hits, including Hanging On The Telephone, Sunday Girl, One Way Or Another, Call Me, Atomic, and Heart Of Glass,
The show will take place at its base in the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, off Lowther Road, on Friday, November 4.
Tickets cost £19.
n For more details, or to book, log on to: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
ONE of the first shows of 2023 at The Hexagon will be a musical based on a hugely popular film.
have gone on sale for a night with an enigmatic and irrepressible musical mogul.
Dave Robinson, the cofounder of Stiff Records, will be visiting Reading Biscuit Factory in December to talk about his career.
He has been responsible for launching the careers of some of the biggest UK’s biggest names including Elvis Costello, Kirsty McColl, Madness and the Pogues.
Back in the 1960s, he started out as a photographer taking photos of The Beatles
at The Cavern in Liverpool, tour managing Jimi Hendrix, and touring with Pink Floyd in the United States.
Then in the 1970s, he teamed up with Jake Riviera to launch Stiff Records and signed a roster that included The Damned, Nick Lowe, Tracey Ullman, Joan Lewie, Ian Dury And The Blockheads, The Adverts, and Madness among many more.
In 1984, he ran Island Records -for Chris Blakewell, where he worked with artists and groups such as U2, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Robert Palmer, as well as making Bob Marley a
household name.
Island released the Legend compilation, one of the biggest selling albums of all time. It currently has 44 million sales.
Dave Robinson is a naturally engaging person-he must be to have had such an amazing life. Surprise, fun, laughter and a real insight into the workings of the music industry.
His visit will take place on Thursday, December 1, at the arts venue in Reading’s Broad St. Mall. Tickets cost £15.
n For more details, or to book, search Dave Robinson on www. wegottickets.com
ANAUTUMN festival of music is coming to Caversham later this month.
The team behind Concerts at Caversham are to hold five evenings of music from Saturday.
This first event will be a jazz trio, comprising Sarah Gillespie singing, Tom Cawley on piano, and Chris Montague on guitar.
Ms Gillespie is also an artist and will be exhibiting her work for concertgoers to enjoy.
On Sunday, Ariel Lanyi will give a solo piano recital.
Ms Lanyi is a winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition, and her programme will including JS Bach’s C#
Strictly Ballroom, riffing off Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film of the same name, features Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and BBC’s EastEnders actor Maisie Smith.
The Strictly connection continues as the show will be directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
The show follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton).
When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he must dance with a beginner Fran (Maisie Smith).
Minor Prelude and Fugue, and Schubert’s Moment Musicaux No. 1 in C major.
The Caversham Ensemble will perform on Saturday, October 29.
The group of professional musicians will perform an octet by Mendelssohn, a sextet from Strauss’ Capriccio, and Mozart’s Quintet in C minor.
They will also perform on Sunday, October 30.
For this concert, they will be joined by trumpeteer Robert Vanryne, pianist Adrienne Black, and the multi-talented Andrew Kershaw, who plays the ophicleide, serpent, tuba, saxhorn, and basson russe.
It will feature well-known classics, Victorian salon pieces, and humorous trombone solos.
Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.
Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and Time After Time, this is an all-new feelgood musical that will help clear away any January blues.
It will be performed at The Hexagon in Reading from Monday, January 16, through to Saturday, January 21.
Tickets cost from £27.50, to £52.50, with discounts for concessions, and groups of six or more.
n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com
These concerts take place at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road.
The grand finale will see The Caversham Ensemble Chamber perform at Queen Anne’s School. They will be joined by Ewan Millar, the BBC Young Musician of the Year concerto finalist. He plays the oboe.
The programme includes Handel’s Water Music, Mozart’s Concerto for Oboe in C, and JS Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1.
Tickets for the individual concerts cost £22, while a season ticket will save £15. Conessions are £20, or £16 for people aged 16 to 24. Under 16s can enjoy the music for free.
n For more details, log on to: concertsincaversham.co.uk
AN ACCLAIMED Scottish fiddle player, John McCusker is to celebrate 30 years as a professional musician with a visit to Nettlebed next week.
He is touring the country and will stop off at the village’s Folk Club on Monday, singing songs from his new Best Of album, perform four new tracks, and sign copies of his book, John McCusker: The Collection, which gathers 100 of his compositions.
John began playing fiddle and whistle at a young age, under the influence of his Irish mother and her record collection. He spent 11 years from the age of 17 with Scottish folk institution the Battlefield
Band. Dubbed as a “musician’s musician” by trad music legend Phil Cunningham, John is also a longstanding member of the annual Transatlantic Sessions house band.
Unsurprisingly, his 30th Anniversary tour, has been delayed due to the pandemic, but the show is finally on the road, and sees John perform with his band: Ian Carr, Sam Kelly, Helen McCabe and Toby Shaer.
He can’t wait.
“I’m delighted to be able to get this special show on the road and celebrate 30 years as a professional musician,” John said.
“I’m looking forward to performing the highlights from
my back catalogue and revisiting memories associated with those tracks.”
He added: “It’s brilliant that I’ve been able to make music and perform for 30 years and I’ve worked with so many incredible people in that time.
“I’ve never had a plan, good things have just happened and, so far, it’s worked out as well as I could possibly have dreamed of.” John will appear at Nettlebed Folk Club, in the village club on the High Street, on Monday.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office between 10am and 8pm on: 01628 636620, or log on to www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk.
Strictly Ballroom is coming to The Hexagon in JanuaryTHEYwowed us at Wokingham Festival, now you can hear them for yourselves.
Indigo Child’s debut single is a great tune and it’s just one of 10 stonking tracks for your aural pleasure.
The RaW Sounds Today playlist is 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.
Here’s the debut single from Reading-based duo Indigo Child, who opened the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival in August with their energetic live set.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Grace Petrie. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Jam Night.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Blancmange. Details: 0118 959 5395.
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Whitney Houston Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. China Crisis. Details: 01344 484123.
BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Solace. Details: 01344 422622.
BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Soultrax Live with Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.
EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Never 42. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Wild Willy Barrett’s Roaring Touring. Details: 0118 969 98978.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Waiola Fridays.
READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents The Power of Three. Details: www. jazzinreading.com
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Nothing Will Change IVMasquerader, S0DDS, The Bourbon Massive. Details: 0118 986 6788.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The James Taylor Quartet. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1
pop icons, Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling.
Neil Arthur from the band said he ‘wanted a track driven by a singular minimal beat occasionally shot through with lyrical phrases’.
He’s achieved that with this single and its cool groove interspersed with guitar and electronic sounds. The band visit Reading’s Sub89, or visited depending on when you see this, on Thursday, October 20, as part of an extensive UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/
This is the latest single from the forthcoming debut album, Gameplay from local faves Third Lung. Don’t miss the band’s album launch show at Reading’s Sub 89 on Thursday, November 10 –http://thirdlungband.com
This band from Liverpool played at Reading’s Facebar on October 13, as part of their UK tour and have just released their debut album, the excellent Guitar Music, from which this single is taken –https://courtingband.com
Here’s some guitar riffs over a pulsing electro beat combined with Kate Herridge’s powerful vocals. You can see Dakorra live on Friday, October 28, supporting LoneLady, at South Street Arts Centre –https://www.facebook.com/dakorraband
Lilac are a Reading-based three piece band comprising of Beth on vocals and guitar, Lewis on keyboards, guitar and backing vocals and Olly on Drums. They describe their sound as floral indie which is a great description – https://lilacband.co.uk
Lies was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson, and it’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound.
We understand that Lou and Matt, who make up the duo, are dedicating some time to writing and rehearsing more new material so we’ll look forward to hearing the results of that – https://www. facebook.com/indigochildoffical
This is from the new album Private View by synth
1DB. Ripple Effect. Details: 0118 959 8950.
SHURLOCK ROW – The Shurlock Inn, The Street RG10 0PS. Steve Murano. Details: 0118 230 8315.
WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. The Grafters. Details: 0118 978 4529
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Live music. Details: 0118 977 3706.
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Silver Searchers. Details: 01344 420690.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Spriggan Mist Ghostly Tales. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hustler. Details: 01344 303333.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Crazy Cowboy Festival 8 from noon. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. PIG. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Echo. Details: 0118 957 6930.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804.
TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Straight Eight. Details: 0118 942 9606.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Indie City. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Arachna. Details: 0118 969 3325.
YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Sound Interiors. Details: 01252 870648.
YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Soul’d Out. Details: 01252 872459.
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. Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Details: 0118 969 8000.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 0473.
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: John McCusker Band 30th Anniversary. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.
Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Wave Pictures. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Pop Princesses. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. 10CC. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cats In Space Atlantis Tour 2020. Details: 0118 959 5395.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Suprnatural: A Celebration of the music of Peter Green. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Australian Pink Floyd. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Soap Girls Don’t Give A Damn UK Tour. Details: 0118 959 7196
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Tania Edwards. Details: 0118 959
Created by the multi talented John Mitchell in his own Outhouse Studio, Lonely Robot is now on its fifth album, A Model Lif’, from which this single is taken. Watch out for the writer of this article in the video – https://johnmitchellhq.com
This band from London played a great set at Third Lung’s Loddfest event in Reading last month and we hear they may be playing a Wokingham gig later this year – https://www.louisandtheshakes.com
5395.
EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300.
READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alt Rock Night with Schemata Theory, One Last Day, Masquerader. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 70s Tribute: The Ultimate Night at the Disco. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Elton John Show. Details: 01344 484123.
READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street. Sam Solace.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Sophie Henderson.
READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Waiola Fridays.
READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music. Details: 0118 960 6580.
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Doops. Details: 0118 986 6788.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – South Street Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents LoneLady. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Never Nevers . Details: 0118 957 6930.
SONNING – Reading Rugby Club, Sonning Lane RG4 6ST. FND Hope charity live music event: Piston Broke and Trupa. 6.30pm. Details: search eventbrite. co.uk for Live Music Night in aid of FND Hope UK
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 3706.
This is the latest single, released in July, by this Wokingham based band who recently packed out The Redan for their hometown show. One of our fave releases of the last few months – https://www. rilasedge.com/
Here’s Reading based alt-indie/folk rockers, Dandy Man, with their new single which was recorded at Pyramid Studios in Hurst and is from their forthcoming debut album, Something I Have To Say – https://dandymanmusic.com/
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Los Pascaminos. £27.50. Details:www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk
YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105.
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft!. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flabour Band. Details: 01344 457318.
EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103.
GORING - Goring Social Club, High Street RG8 9BA. Abba tribute night with Kiss The Teacher. Details: 01491 873105.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Festival of the Dead. From 6pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Mark II: Mayhem at the Mod. Details: 0118 959 5577.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Punkowe’en: Blondie, Remones, The Pistols. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat. co.uk
READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. On The Block Hip Hop Dance Battle. 2pm. Details: https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Retro Karaoke. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Junction. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jungle Cakes Hallowe’en. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dino’s. Details: 0118 957 6930.
TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 942 9606.
TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 941 5064.
WHITCHURCH - The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. Hallowe’en party with music from Accoutsics. Fancy dress. Details: 0118 984 1485.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en Battle of the Baldies. From 6pm. Details: 0118 977 3706.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Tim Shez Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en party with DJs Details: 0118 977 3706.
YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Majestix. Details: 01252 870648.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Keiron Farrow, Little Lore, William and Julie. Details: 01344 484123.
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Terry St Clair. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reinettes Resurrection. Details: 0118 959 5500.
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 Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and Guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: Jazz Trio with Sarah Gillespie. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NP. Reading Male Voice Choir in concert. 7.30pm. £10. Details: mvc.net
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon10pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk
READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Park HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SOUTHCOTE - Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Spooky crafts for ages 4-10. 10.30am11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5109.
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. An Evening of Entertainment 2022 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support including Selina and the Howlin Dogs, Saxcelerate and Iszi Lawrence. Doors 6pm, show 7pm. £15, £8 children, under fives free. Details: www.ticketsource. co.uk/emmamacedo
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 RG5 4JZ. Starmaker Theatre Company presents Into The Woods Jr. 3pm and 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions. Details: www.starmaker.org.uk/ intothewoods
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill
Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: Ariel Lanyi, International Concert Pianist. 6pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk
CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am-3pm.
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe. Details: 0118 934 2016.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP.
Wellington Country Park
HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-8pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
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
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Bingo. From 7pm. Non-members £1. £1.25 per book. Details: 01344 772161.
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe.
Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING – Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Spooky Spahhetti Skeletons and stories. 10.30am-11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING – Museum, Blagrave St RG1 1QH. Rolling Rivers Collage. 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
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
BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane. Beech Hill Cinema presents: Operation Mincemeat (12a). £5, £2.50 under 16s. Details: https://www. bhmh.org.uk/whats-on/ cinema-at-beech-hill
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Make a fishy picture with fabric for ages 7 upwards. 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am. £2. Advance booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Sainsbury Singers present Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Double Barrelled tasting evening: World Cup of Beers. From 7pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar
READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Victorian Schoolroom Experience. Agesfive upwards. 11.30am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm. £1. Booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made
In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
WOODLEY – Crumbs, Library Parade, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LX. Comedy at Crumbs: Andrew Bird, Mike Cox, Pauline Eyre and Jonathan Elston. 7pm. £12. Details: www.wegottickets. com/event/554272
CAVERSHAM - Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Creepy craft session for ages 4-8. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. Details: 0118 937 5103.
EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road. Reading Operatic Society Hallowe’en Quiz Night. 8pm. £4 members, £5 nonmembers. Teams of up to six. Bring your own drinks. Details: https://readingops. co.uk/
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Kreepy Klown Masks session and treasure hunt. For ages four upwards. £1. Details: 0118 937 5103.
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ.
A Brief History of Reading Gaol Online Talk, organised by the Berkshire Family History Society and given by Mark Stevens. 2pm3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.
READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Hallowe’en Party. From 6pm. Children in fancy dress eat free. DJ, face-painting and games. Details: www.ikea.com
READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Make & Take: Flappy Bats. 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm. £1. Drop-in. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8,
concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers. co.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Round 1 print judged by Kevin Day. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Parallel Mothers (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU.
First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Jam Jar Aquarium. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ.
Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 5pm-7.30pm. £10. Details: whatsonreading.com
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players: Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8, concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe
Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Trunkwell House Gift Fair. 10am4pm. £3.50, concessions £2.50, families £9. Santa’s Grotto £5. Details: 0118 988 3754.
CAVERSHAM – Mapledurham Playing Fields Pavilion RG4 7ER. Warren and District Residents Association (WADRA) presents Caversham Hallowe’en Costume Parade. Prizes for under fives, under 10s, under 16s and 16 and over, pet and human. Special Awards for Most Scary, Most Beautiful, Most Creative and Best Overall. £3 per entry. Details: wadra.org/ halloween-fancy-dress-
registration/
CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Hallowe’en trail, daylight hours only. Details: fccg.org.uk
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble with Robert Vanryne and Andrew Kershaw. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk
FINCHAMPSTEAD –California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. First Days Pumpkin Trail. Details: 0118 934 2016.
READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. Friends of Reading Abbey AGM and lecture: The Trial and Execution of Hugh Cook Faringdon. 2.30pm. Details: readingabbey.org.uk
READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Family Hallowe’en event: fearsome face painters and creepy caricature artists, free pumpkins to carve while stocks last.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Travelling Talesman: Mistress of Heaven and Earth. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra 20th anniversary concert. Families: 4pm. Celebration concert. 7.30pm. Details: www. aldworthphilharmonic. org.uk
READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat.co.uk
READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com
READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-10pm. Fireworks 9[m. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk
READING – Reading Family Church, Basingstoke Road RG2 0RX. Games night, family friendly. From 4pm. Details: https://www. readingfamilychurch. org.uk/
READING – Reading Irish Centre, Chatham Street RG1 7HT. Hallowe’en party. 3pm-6pm. £4 per child, family ticket £10. Details: 07840 229444.
READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Bach to Baby concert. 11am.
READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. On The Block Hip Hop Dance Battle. 2pm. Details: https:// readingfringefestival. co.uk/
READING – Phantom Brewing Co, The Haunt, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Phantom Brewing Co’s Third Birth-Yay Halloween Beer Festivus Extravaganza. From 3pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP.
Wellington Country Park HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, including Wooky Willow Show Tent, Not-So Spooky Show Tent, The Lost Jungle, The Pumpkin Patch, Pop-up Play Village, The Train, Junk Jodie. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SANDHURST – Eagle House School. GU47 8PH. Crowthorne Baptist Church barn dance with Vox n Box and Coal Black Crows. £5, children aged seven-13 £3. Bring your own refreshments and receptacles. 7pm-10pm. Details: https://www. crowthornebaptist.org.uk/
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park Theatre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Sainsbury Singers present Made In Dagenham The Musical. 7.30pm. Details: sainsburysingers.org.uk/ madeindagenham
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ. Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 10am5pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading.com
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
SOUTHCOTE - Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Spooky crafts for ages 4-10. 10.30am11.30am. £1. Details: 0118 937 5109.
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present Out of Focus. 7.30pm. £8, concessions £7. Tickets from C&G Hardware. Details: triangleplayers. co.uk
WHITLEY – Hexham Road Community Centre RG2 7UD. iCare Senior Social Club. Noon-4pm. Bingo and live entertainment. Booking essential. £12, includes food and refreshments. Details: 07908 854274.
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 – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre Hallowe’en event. 2pm-4pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.uk
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Trunkwell House Gift Fair. 10am4pm. £3.50, concessions £2.50, families £9. Santa’s Grotto £5. Details: 0118 988 3754.
CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Hallowe’en trail, daylight hours only. Details: fccg.org.uk
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble Strings and oboe from the LSO and RPO. 6pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk
CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm.
PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night: Summer Hours (L’heure d’été) (2008). £6. 6.45pm. Details: http://www.pangbournetwinning.org/
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Stranger Things quiz night. 7pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Carter Steam Fair final destination. Noon-8pm. Details: www. carterssteamfair.co.uk
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Rd RG7 1SP. HalloWellyWeen: activities between 10am and 4pm, Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk
SHINFIELD – Leighton Park School, Pepper Lane Entrance RG2 7DJ.
Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club charity art and craft fair 2022. 10am4.30pm. Free entry. Details: whatsonreading.com
SPENCERS WOOD – Across village and Three Mile Cross. Hallowe’en trail in aid of The Willows Support Group. Maps from Budgens Three Mile Cross and Robyn’s Nest, Shinfield. Details: www. justgiving.com/page/ halloweentrail2022
WOODCOTE – Village Hall. Food fair. 11am-3pm.
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
in
of
squares.
work
main grid,
which
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.
Using all 16
1. Simon Stevin is credited with inventing which key mathematical concept?
2. What is the official length of a rugby union pitch (from try line to try line)?
3. Since 2005, comedian Jimmy Carr has presented which TV comedy panel show?
4. What is the special feature of golf courses known as links?
5. ‘I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window’ is the opening lyric of which Tom Jones hit song?
6. Which hallmark on precious metals is used only by the London Assay Office?
7. What is the more popular name for the portrait officially titled “La Gioconda,” painted in 1503?
8. Ben Elton received his big break in 1982 after co-writing which TV comedy series?
Which Norfolk country estate is a private residence of Queen Elizabeth II?
10. The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, the Jordaan and Vondelpark are all in which major European city?
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:
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).
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 through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber.
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.
Choice fish for preserving (8)
Must remove black mark (4)
8. Time to put first young ox in the cheapest accommodation (8)
Singer is confused a lot (4)
11. Tear net apart and beg (7)
Throw away in the dyke (5)
Have an idea beforehand about open crevice (11)
Customary drink perhaps (5)
Cato, he’d damaged the terminal (7)
Father and I ready initially to form a group (4)
Fruit provides a stale joke (8)
Princess from Iran? (4)
Beer Edna consumed in Scottish city (8)
1. One sending a letter or placard (6)
2. He’s caught out by a big box (5)
3. Agree calls could be extensive (5-5)
4. Managed to include a poor horse (3)
6. His cocktail is explosive stuff (7)
7. Spoils the souvenir of victory (6)
10. Seat driver removed for one promoting his products (10)
12. The keynote is a pick-me-up (5)
15. Indian Ocean island gettogether (7)
16. One having a drink with meal (6)
17. Modern weight or unit of force (6)
20. Animal that is surely heavier than it sounds (5)
23. Top-heavy old boy found on top of the cooker (3)
Siren.
21Pelvis;22
Tarry;11
Down
Lottery;
CROSSWORD:
Newton;20Ounce;23Hob.
Trophy;10Advertiser;12Tonic;15Reunion;
Down–1Poster;2Chest;3Large-scale;
Chestnut;24Rani;25
Ditch;14Preconceive;
Across–1Pickling;5Smut;
CRYPTICCROSSWORD:
PYRAMID:
MAGICSQUARE:
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKUONE of the things I’ve noticed about kindness is that it comes in so many forms.
Each of us can be kind to other people, to our planet and to animals, to name just a few. Crucially, we can also be kind to ourselves.
This is an area that is particularly on my mind as we head into October, with World Mental Health Day, which took place on Monday, October 10.
Research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation in 2020 found that 48% of UK adults agreed that being kind to themselves had a positive impact on their mental health.
That makes sense to me. I know that I
feel better when I give myself an extra 10 minutes in bed on a chilly morning, spend time on a hobby I enjoy or forgive myself for a mistake I made.
Many of us can find it tricky to show ourselves kindness. Especially at this time of year when we tend to be getting back into the swing of things after the quieter summer period.
There is so much on our ‘to do’ lists that doing something nice for ourselves can easily get lost or never make it to the top of the list.
Even when we know that it would make us feel better, we don’t always prioritise ourselves.
A good friend of mine recently sent me a beautiful card with
the words ‘Be kind to yourself’ on the front.
It was a good reminder at a time when I was supposed to be resting to get over covid.
Since starting up my Time for Kindness initiative to make people smile, I’ve realised that it’s not just ‘being kind’ that makes a difference.
‘Seeing kind’ in the world around us has a big effect too.
I am fortunate that I have a tendency to look out for optimistic perspectives. That isn’t to say I don’t see the terrible things that are going on. But I do try to balance that with hope and positivity.
When I read stories of things that people have done to brighten someone else’s day, it gives me a lift and brings me joy.
We can be kind to ourselves by noticing what others are doing. If we’re pressed for time to do something, a look at the positive things around us can be a great way to get a quick fix.
If you’re stuck for
where to start with being kind to yourself, here are a few ideas:
• Give yourself permission to spend 5 minutes outdoors in the sunshine
• Treat yourself to a tasty chocolate bar or a yummy piece of fruit
• Phone a friend for a
• Listen to your favourite piece of music – and maybe throw in a bit of a dance round the kitchen
• Make a conscious decision to notice kind actions from others
Whatever you choose to do, remember
IT’SA menace and Reading is a hotspot for it - but thankfully people are growing more aware of its problems.
Japanese knotweed is a plant that spreads via powerful root system and can cause damage to driveways, patios, drains and walls and cause legal disputes between neighbours when it encroaches across boundaries.
New research shows that awareness in the south east is now at 83% - 5% higher than five years ago – as homeowners come up against the problem when buying and selling property.
YouGov for Environet UK found that approximately 7% of homes in the region are now affected by knotweed, with Environet’s Japanese knotweed heatmap, Exposed, showing the Ding as one of the towns where it is the biggest problem.
Earlier this year The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) relaxed its guidance to encourage herbicide-based methods of dealing with Japanese knotweed, which aim to control the plant rather than eradicate it, but the research shows that buyers would be considerably less comfortable purchasing a property where there’s a high chance the plant is still present and induced into dormancy.
This is likely to affect their willingness to buy the property and
the price they’re prepared to pay.
According to the survey of more than 2,000 people, 63% of respondents in the South East would be uncomfortable buying a property that had been herbicide treated for a knotweed infestation, compared to 29% of people who would be uncomfortable buying a property with knotweed where the plant had been excavated from the ground.
Herbicide treatments can only be carried out during the growing season, from May to September, and can take two to three years to complete. The root system remains in the ground and can be prompted to regrow if disturbed, such as through landscaping or building work.
Excavation of knotweed can be
you deserve kindness just like everyone else.
Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk
carried out at any time of year and is the most effective way of dealing with the problem, removing the rhizome from the ground with immediate results.
While there is often a ‘knotweed stigma’ impacting the appeal of properties affected by the invasive plant, as long as an infestation is professionally treated with an insurance-backed guarantee, mortgages can be secured and sales can proceed.
If knotweed was discovered after moving into a property, more than three quarters (78%) of people in the South East would be concerned, the main reasons being damage to property and gardens (selected by 81% of respondents), the cost of
treatment/removal (80%), problems selling in the future (68%) and the potential impact on the property’s value (67%). Fewer than half (47%) selected the risk of the plant spreading into adjoining property as a concern, despite the fact that expenses arising from legal claims for encroachment can dwarf all other costs.
Worryingly, 22% of people stated they wouldn’t be concerned to discover knotweed on a property after they had bought it because they believe they can treat the problem themselves. Knotweed’s extensive underground root system makes it notoriously difficult to remove and it can regrow from a tiny fragment left in the soil, which is why mortgage lenders insist on evidence of professional removal and guarantees for the work before they will offer a loan on an affected property.
Nic Seal, Founder and MD of Environet, said, “Awareness of Japanese knotweed and the problems it can cause is growing in the South East, making it easier for people to identify the problem, deal with it effectively and protect themselves from legal claims arising when the plant spreads.
“If you do discover knotweed, the best way to preserve your property’s value is to professionally excavate the infestation, secure a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee and be honest and up front with potential buyers when you come to sell.”
Hospice has been proudly serving our community for more than 30 years, it offers world-class palliative and end-of-life care and support to people aged 16 and over across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
Right now they are seeking volunteers to help in three of its local stores, located in Caversham, Henley and Woodley.
Tasks would include helping on the shop floor, and sorting, pricing and tagging stock in the back.
n Age UK Reading is an independent local charity that has been working in the local community to help older people since 1976.
They want a very caring and understanding individual that could attend and help run its Dementia Club held on Fridays.
Volunteers would support a small group of elderly clients in the early stages of dementia, helping set up the room, moving tables and chairs to set them up in a way conducive to easy socialisation and participation among all the clients and more.
n Enrych Berkshire is a Registered Charity that supports people with a disability, helping them access leisure, social and learning activities.
Enrych is currently looking for a female volunteer to accompany a female member to her swimming sessions. The swimming sessions happen early afternoon on Wednesdays.
You are not required to get into the pool yourself.
You are welcome to do so at the same time.
The member does not require assistance when in the water, however, they would like help carrying their bags and to have somebody to push their wheelchair poolside and into the changing rooms.
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.
KNOTWEED PICTURE: Erwin from PixabayTHE ROYALS fell short against Arsenal Women on Sunday, failing to score. But, says manager Kelly Chambers, there were plenty of
positives to take.
The Royals have yet to take a point after three games in this term’s Women’s Super League, but put up a spirited display against the Gunners at the SCL on Sunday.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers said:
“We said we wanted a performance and that’s exactly what we got.
“It’s something we can build on now going into the next games.
“The girls were outstanding but the message is that it can’t just be for one game, we’ve got to continue
that now for the rest of the season.”
It was the second defeat for the Royals in 24 hours: the men’s team lost 2-0 to managerless West Brom.The home fixture came days after the visitors sacked Steve Bruce.
n Full Royals reports inside
READING FC are back at home this Saturday when they face high scoring Bristol City.
The Royals lost out last weekend at home to West Brom in what was just their second home defeat of the campaign.
The weekend’s results saw Reading drop down to sixth before last’s night trip to Swansea City (match report online at rdg.today).
Saturday’s opponents have been in excellent scoring form, but have also had problems at the other end of the pitch which puts them in 17th before the midweek matches.
Bristol have scored the second most goals of any team in the division (23), but have also conceded the second most in the league (24).
Prior to their away visit to West Brom, Bristol are on 18 points with five wins, three draws and seven losses from 15 games.
The Robins have two of the top scorers in the league.
Nakhi Wells has six goals and two assists, while Tommy Conway is just behind with five goals and two assists.
Bristol did the double over Reading last season and won 2-1 at Ashton Gate in their last meeting.
On their last visit to Berkshire, in August last year, Bristol collected three points in a 3-2 win with goals with a double from Andreas Weinmann and a goal from Chris Martin, while Femi Azeez and Liam Moore netted for Reading.
The game takes place at the Select Car Leasing stadium from 3pm on Saturday.
n Tickets are on sale from the Royals’ website, www.readingfc.co.uk/ matches
READING CITY ensured they continued their outstanding form with a comeback victory against Hilltop.
The Cityzens found themselves a goal down at half-time, but managed to recover to maintain their unbeaten league start with a double from Lee who struck the winner with just three minutes left to play.
Reading are in third with six wins from seven games with just two points separating them and the top two in the table, while City also have three games in hand on both teams.
BINFIELD missed out on the chance to go second after
their away defeat at South Park.
The Moles went ahead through captain Sean Moore after 23 minutes, but that was as good as the first-half would get for them.
But the Moles received two red cards as the hosts took a 3-1 win.
BERKS COUNTY are third after they claimed three points in a seven goal game at Spartans Youth.
The Swords raced into a 4-1 lead after the first-half with a brace from Graham and goals from Sackey and Oakley.
The hosts made a valiant fight back in the second half and pulled two goals back to set up a nervy finish, but County survived to hold onto all three points.
had to settle for a point against FC Deportivo Galicia in a game with two red cards.
In an eventful end to the first-half, the Boars were reduced to 10 players when Brad Brown was dismissed for an alleged elbow on the opposing goalkeeper.
Eversley went into the half a goal to the good when George Marsh rose high to head his team in front.
The visitors found an equaliser quickly after the restart but the teams were levelled up when Deportivo had a player sent off for a second yellow card.
CAVERSHAM UNITED were knocked out of the cup after a heavy home defeat to Abingdon United.
The Goats found
themselves 5-0 down at half-time, but a much improved second-half display saw Swan claw back a consolation goal as the game ended 6-1 to the visitors.
WOODLEY UNITED lost out after Maidenhead United earned a convincing 7-0 win.
TILEHURST PANTHERS got past SHINFIELD RANGERS in their away tie.
Tilehurst hit three past Shinfield without reply with a brace from Leah Why and a goal from Caitlin Prosser.
BURGHFIELD progressed to the next round after coming out on top in a seven goal tie against CAVERSHAM AFC
A double from Holly Cashin and goals from Naomi Paxford and Rhiannon Mayfield saw Burghfield take a 4-3 win.
READING ran out winners in a high scoring affair with a nervy ending for the hosts.
Playing with a stiff wind behind them, Reading looked like they had more than achieved this ambition with a dominant display that had tied up a bonus point for four tries after half-an-hour.
Reading’s first try came from a Buckingham defensive kick which failed to find touch. The ball was quickly transferred across the field to Matt Daw who beat two men to score an unconverted try.
Reading’s third try came when Gavin Egan charged down an attempted Buckingham clearance and was first to the ball to score.
Despite being down a player
Reading struck back almost immediately when a clever kick over the advancing defensive line from O’Regan bounced into the hands of Stuart Borthwick whose strong run set up hooker Steve King for the bonus point try which Tom Sharp converted.
Early in the second half Buckingham took advantage of Reading mistakes to reduce Reading’s lead to 22-19 with an unconverted try.
Buckingham had not finished however, and good phase play worked a position in the Reading 22, from which they scored a converted try in the corner to make it a six-point game and a nerve wracking finale.
Reading’s defence held firm to bring them their second league win of the season.
RAMS repelled a ferocious second-half comeback from Cambridge as they edged the battle of two unbeaten sides 29-26 in a National One humdinger at Old Bath Road.
It was the home side who made the initial breakthrough, James McRae picking up at the base of a ruck on the 22 before carving his way over the line for Alex Seers to add a straightforward conversion.
The Blood and Sand rallied, though, and a smart break in midfield from Ben Adams gave them the position for full-back Joe Tarrant to weave his way over for a try, former Ram Steffan James knocking over the conversion to level the scores.
However, RAMS then took a hold of the game, performing superbly for the remainder of the opening 40 minutes as they added two more tries to their tally.
Firstly, a strong rolling
maul ended with Josh Collis getting the ball down for Seers to convert, and then the fly-half danced over on the left to make it 19-7 at the interval.
Man-of-the-match Seers was pulling the strings with some sumptuous passing and a machine-gun like boot giving his side terrific field position, and RAMS sealed
the bonus-point early in the second period as skipper Robbie Stapley – who also put in a tremendous shift – powered over from close range.
Seers added the extras before landing a penalty, and with a 29-7 lead, the hosts looked on course for a comfortable victory.
Yet Cambridge showed
why they had won their first five games with bonuspoints, launching a brilliant fightback when Kwaku Asiedu touched down on the left flank following some slick handling among the backs.
And the wing’s second on the hour-mark, this time converted by James, reduced the deficit to 10 points with the home faithful temporarily silenced.
Things got even better for Cambridge as they recorded a bonus of their own, their renowned rolling maul getting going to earn a penalty try from which McRae was also sin-binned.
With 12 minutes remaining the game was on a knife-edge, but as the clock ticked down, replacement Ollie Moffitt forced a penalty on his own five-metre line to allow Rams to clear their lines.
And when Cambridge knocked on attempting to steal the resulting line-out, full time was called at the end of an absolute cracker.
RELIEVED Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds believes the way his RAMS’ side just about held off Cambridge’s sensational secondhalf comeback shows lessons have been learnt from last season.
Reflecting on a brilliant advert for the league, Reynolds said: “It was a good game of rugby. If you’re being critical you could argue we let them back into the game a little bit and maybe switched off, but I don’t think that was the case.
“It was two quality National One sides going hammer and tongs at each other, and they could have come back at any moment because they’re a good side and have started the season very well.
“We were playing so well to get into the lead and then they came back well, but I think we deserved the win.”
“It’s what Moff does so well, getting over the ball and to win that was great.
“We were able to just about force an error at the line-out to finish it off, but that last-gasp drama came after a lot of hard work
to get into a position to win against a good side.
“Credit to Cambridge, they came and played some fantastic rugby and everyone got to watch a really good game.”
“Those types of losses are all part of the game. Every team has them and if you’re looking to push and improve, you have to learn to live with those rocky moments.”
A cracking performance on her debut. Made a vital save 30 seconds into the match and brilliantly to keep out Kim Little’s penalty.
EMMA MUKANDIHad a difficult opening half and was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Faye Bryson.
GEMMA EVANSPut her body on the line on several occasions to make some important blocks to help protect her keeper.
DEANNA COOPERPerformed strongly given a difficult task up against some very potent attackers and she made some last ditch blocks.
LILY WOODHAMGiven a tough test up against Beth Mead on the wing. Struggled at times but got forwards. Gave away a penalty for handball.
JUSTINE VANHEAEVERMAETSolid display. Made a difference to the Royals midfield which looked significantly weaker without her presence.
RACHEL ROWEPut in some nice set piece deliveries and worked tirelessly in the midfield to try and create for her teammates.
TIA PRIMMERShowed good energy in the middle as Reading tried to press Arsenal when the visitors enjoyed the majority of the ball.
AMALIE EIKELAND
Wasn’t able to test the Gunners defence on too many occasions but helped out with defensive work when required.
NATASHA DOWIEHad a much better second-half, with two really good chances which forced two excellent saves from Zinsberger.
EMMA HARRIESProvided pace and energy down the right. A real asset for the Royals to have back in the side after her injury absence.
READING FC WOMEN were shot down by Arsenal in their third successive Women’s Super League defeat of the season.
The Royals went a goal behind after 30 minutes. Stina Blackstenius scored for the Gunners.
Goalkeeper Jackie Burns kept the Royals alive after an hour when she made a magnificent stop to keep out Kim Little’s penalty.
Despite a spirited second-half display, which saw Natasha Dowie go close on two occasions, Kelly Chambers’ team were unable to find an equaliser and are left without a point after three WSL games.
Emma Harries and Justine Vanhaevermaet both came into the side to make their first starts of the campaign, while Becky Jane featured on the bench for the first time since rejoining the Royals this summer.
Arsenal flew out the traps and almost caught Reading asleep at the back within 30 seconds when Stina Blackstenius raced onto a through ball to go one-on-one with Jacqueline Burns, but the Royals keeper got low to make a vital stop on her WSL debut.
Reading settled into the game after a shaky start as Emma Harries looked to get her team on the front foot but couldn’t find a teammate with her cross.
The Gunners went close through Mead when she was played in by Vivianne Miedema only to see her blasted shot deflected behind for a corner.
Jonas Eidevall’s side began to
READING: Burns, Mukandi (c), Evans, Cooper, Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Rowe, Primmer, Eikeland, Dowie, Harries
SUBS: Poulter, Bryson, Wellings, Wade, Caldwell, Jane, Meadows Tuson
ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Wienroither, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Little (c), Walti, Miedema, Mead, Blackstenius, Foord
SUBS: Marckese, Beattie, Maritz, Reid, Nobbs, Maanum, Iwabuchi, Hurtig, Agyemang
GOALS: Blackstenius 30’
take control of the contest and should have gone in front when Caitlin Foord drifted an inviting ball to the back post for Laura Wienroither, but with the goal gaping, she volleyed wide.
Reading’s defence were breached at the 30-minute mark when Blackstenius picked out the bottom corner from outside the box.
After some neat build-up play, the Swedish striker was fed by Kim Little, spun past her marker and arrowed a shot low past Burns.
Reading had to stay alert to prevent Arsenal extending their lead when Tia Primmer kept close to Little to ensure she had no space to strike at goal.
Caitlin Foord went close on the stroke of half-time when her shot from a narrow angle whistled just wide of the far post.
Lily Woodham joined Primmer in the referee’s notebook when she fouled Mead on the right byline as Reading went into the break a goal down.
A SETH HALL mid range jumper at the buzzer claimed the Nottingham Hoods a 83-81 victory in a game that could have been a blowout, if not for a 16-point fourth quarter comeback by a spirited Rockets team.
Jordan Jackson won an uncontested tip to start the game as the Hoods backed into a two-three zone defense which the Rockets managed to exploit on the opening possession with Cracknell throwing it to Jackson in the post who gave it back to a driving Cracknell for the opening points.
Any positivity was immediately shredded by a contested Guddemi three which started a 21-4 Hoods
run in the first five minutes of the game, including a deep Seth Hall three that stunned the Rockets early on.
Cracknell, Jenkins and Porter were able to break the cold shooting streak, and by holding the Hoods to just four points in the final three-and-a-half minutes, the Rockets were able to bring the game to only a 25-13 deficit at the end of the first.
The second quarter was more evenly matched, with both teams trading buckets.
This is when the Rockets launched into life. A lovely up and under move by Jenkins after two Pinnock free throws brought the lead down to 12.
The Rockets then forced a
turnover and Porter drove it inside to bring it to eight, the lowest it had been since the start.
A 15-6 run by the Rockets was capped off by a Lewis Champion three to raise the roof off the Loddon Valley Arena as the Rockets, down 16 just seven minutes ago, took their first lead of the game.
Guddemi and Jenkins traded buckets for the final two minutes as the Hoods led by two with 16 seconds to go.
The inbound went to Jenkins, who drove it right, into the lane
and, despite his small stature, jumped the highest and nailed a fall away jumper with just nine seconds left to have the Rockets up by one. Hall took the inbound for the Hoods, drove the length of the court. Like Jenkins, he drove into the right hand side of the lane and chucked up a fadeaway jumper. The buzzer sounded as the Rockets fandom held their breath, the ball bounced off the backboard and went in. The Rockets players stood there in disbelief.
A spirited comeback, stopped agonisingly short.
Arsenal were denied by the post twice in the space of a few moments. Katie McCabe’s cross was almost inadvertently deflected in by Deanna Cooper, but she was saved by the frame of the goal.
From the resulting corner, Blackstenius found space and nodded the ball into the post.
Reading responded with their best opening of the game when Harries struck the bouncing ball and forced Manu Zinsberger into an impressive stop with her leg before the ball squirmed away to safety for the visitors.
With an hour played, Arsenal were given the chance to double
the lead when the referee awarded them a penalty after a handball in the box.
Arsenal captain Kim Little stepped up to the spot but Royals keeper Burns made a tremendous save as she dove to her right to parry it away to keep her team in the game.
Reading struck the frame of the goal directly from a corner as Woodham’s inswinging delivery smacked the upright.
With a little over 15 minutes remaining, Lauren Wade replaced Primmer as the Royals searched to find something from the match.
A determined recovery run and
tackle from Bryson ensured that Blackstenis wouldn’t haven’t have the chance to sprint through on goal.
Reading kept pushing and forced another vital save from Zinsberger who stuck out a leg to prevent Natasha Dowie from finding a leveller.
The resulting corner provided another save for the Gunners as Maanum had to head over the bar after Dowie’s powerful initial header.
Reading were unable to find a leveller throughout six minutes of additional time as the Gunners took a narrow victory.
TRAILING two-nil after 67 minutes, Woodley staged a dramatic comeback to take all three match points thanks to two stoppage time goals with the winner being scored in the 100th minute of the match.
United who enjoyed the opening period, with Ed Thomas and Sid Gbla causing the home defence problem with their wing play and home keeper Aiden Upward denying Connor Suckling and Gbla in one on one situations.
Despite this, it was Cove who opened the scoring in the 21st minute, when Ross Stepney was
allowed to head home unmarked from a corner kick.
The opening five minutes of the second-half followed in the same vain as the first with Afolabi seeing a shot blocked and Upward again denying Suckling.
Shortly afterward play was suspended for a lengthy period while Upward needed treatment for an injury.
The break saw Woodley lose momentum and were punished in the 67th minute when ex-United player Ben Clark took advantage of indecision to beat the excellent Mark Williams to the ball and slot
pass Pete Chingoma in the Woodley goal.
United created a lifeline in the 81st minute when substitute Ciaran Carolan converted a Afolabi pass and with this their level of play returned to that of earlier in the match as Woodley pushed for the equaliser knowing there would be a long period of stoppage time and the home team’s cause not being helped due to it not being possible to replace the injured Christian Cox, who remained on the pitch, due to having made all their substitutions.
With Cove adopting a defensive
formation that was blocking a way to goal, the equaliser came from an unlikely source when right back Marco DeSousa’s cross was allowed to sail over Upward and into the net in the second minute of added time.
Janash Brown shot wide twice in quick succession while Chingoma comfortably caught a free kick in the 99th minute which led to Woodleyattacking and Carolan scoring the late winning goal to scenes of jubilation from the players and bench. A further few minutes of play followed before the referee whistled for full-time.
AFEWweeks ago, all referees operating what the FA term as grassroots football, and what we know as games in our local parks, received an email from the FA.
It was headed “It’s time to stamp out unacceptable behaviour in grassroots football”. But of course it isn’t the referees who cause the unacceptable behaviour.
In the past week, the FA published horrific figures of assaults against referees and assistants.
Last season, no fewer than 380 players and coaches were banned, for attacking or threatening match officials in grassroots football.
These banning’s were the result of referees or their assistants being kicked, punched, butted, spat on and threatened by players, club officials and spectators, which included players parents.
In some cases, games for players under the age of 12, with referees from 14 years old and upward.
What an example for their children.
A little while ago there was a dramatic head line, ‘Sometime a referee could be killed’.
It may be thought that this is rather melodramatic but just look at the injuries sustained by a Lancashire referee a fortnight ago.
Dave Bradshaw, refereeing in the South Lancashire Couties League, was attacked by a player he had just sent off. He suffered a broken nose, four broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a broken collarbone, concussion, and whiplash. Dave was taken to hospital and the police later arrested the player. Lancashire FA reported that it was one of two attacks on referees that Saturday.
Unconnected with this attack, but last Saturday, the Merseyside Youth Football league which has 100 clubs, for ages from seven to 17, cancelled all their games as a protest against multiple incidents of misconduct at their matches.
This doesn’t only happens in Lancashire.
I have witnessed appalling behaviour by parents and coaches when acting a referee mentor.
On one occasion I confronted parents hurling abuse at the young referee.
“This,” I said, “is a 14-year-old boy refereeing his first-ever game, so give him a break.”
They quieted for the rest of the game.
This doesn’t only happen in England.
I remember an American female referee, who went on to referee at the Women’s World Cup, recalling her first match, when parents screamed at her.
“Didn’t they realise,” she said, “I was 14-years-old, and I didn’t know it all.”
Young referees in particular in this country, have been appealing for some years to be allowed to wear body cameras, which would not only prove their complaints but might also act as a deterrent.
The FA have announced that they are going to start trials with these next season, why wait? Why not start now?
Was beaten at his near post by Phillips’ side-footed effort. Will not have given Lumey anything to worry about.
By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.todayAn early knock would not have helped the Canadian, but he put in another confident performance. Could have scored late on.
Andy YiadomPut himself about, but could not offer the attacking threat he has in previous matches. Made a goalsaving intervention in second-half.
READING FC succumbed to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to managerless West Brom at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Two goals either side of half time sealed the Royals’ fate in what was only their second home league defeat of the season.
Matt Phillips’s 25th minute strike put the Baggies ahead, having started the stronger of the two sides.
Primarily controlled the threat offered by the agile Thomas-Asante, using his positioning to make up for the discrepancy in pace.
Tom McIntyreA decent showing. Looked to get forward more in the second half and even got booked for a dive just outside West Brom’s box.
Was not at the same level he has been showing of late. Struggled to handle the threat of Wallace and Phillips.
Jeff HendrickGiving the ball away for the second goal summed up his afternoon. Missed a golden chance to get the Royals back in the game.
Broke up the play well, but is yet to match the levels he did against Blackburn and Stevenage. Is still finding his feet in the Championship.
Tom Ince
Junior Hoilett Nesta Guinness-Walker Lucas Joao
A poor showing from the Royals was compounded by Taylor Gardner-Hickman, who capitalised on a Jeff Hendrick error in the second half.
Both sides were without their manager from the previous gameweek; the Baggies parted company with Steve Bruce on Monday, while illness saw Paul Ince direct his troops over the phone.
Talks of ill-health within the dressing room were confirmed as Joe Lumley failed to make the matchday squad.
Dean Bouzanis returned to the starting 11, as did Junior Hoilett and Tom Ince, while Shane Long made his long-awaited return to the bench.
West Brom started the game in the relegation zone after registering only one win in 13 matches, but came out the more positive side.
A blocked Brandon ThomasAsante effort was swiftly followed by a Phillips strike from outside the box, which only just flew over the crossbar.
The away side continued
READING: Bouzanis, Hoilett, Holmes, McIntyre, Yiadom (c), Guinness-Walker, Loum, Ince, Hendrick, Carroll, Lucas Joao
SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Long, Meite, Fornah, Mbengue, Abbey, Senga
WEST BROM: Palmer, Townsend, O’Shea, Livermore, Phillips, Diangana, Pieters, Kelly, Wallace, Thomas-Asante, Gardner-Hickman
SUBS: Button, Furlong, Molumby, Grant, Swift, Cleary, Yokuslu
GOALS: Phillips 25’, Gardner-Hickman 72’
to apply pressure, with Conor Townsend playing a neat ball into Thomas-Asante inside the Reading box. Tom Holmes did well to block the forward’s shot, which deflected behind for a corner.
Tom Ince’s eagerness to get his team going saw the midfielder pick up an early caution for a rash tackle.
Reading were punished for their passive start midway through the first half as Phillips broke the deadlock for the away side. West
Brom’s number 10 picked up the ball on West Brom’s right, jinked past Guinness-Walker, before sidefooting past Bouzanis.
Going behind seemed to galvanise the Royals somewhat, almost restoring parity moments later. Hoilett did well to beat his marker on the right before finding Joao at the near post, but the Angolan could only glance wide.
The Royals felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick in the 33rd minute after Andy Carroll
Picked up an early booking. Was only able to show his offensive threat late on when the Royals were chasing the scoreboard.
Was not able to impose himself. Presented with two chances to head home, but failed to convert. Is lacking a bit of confidence.
Andy CarrollUsed almost every part of his body to play in teammates off the goal-kicks. Could not fashion any real openings for himself.
Tom Holmes Mamadou Loum Yakou MeiteWould probably liked to have made more of an impact on the game given how few opportunities he’s had since coming back from injury.
Subs: Boyce-Clark, Long, Fornah, Mbengue, Abbey, Senga
READING FC assistant manager Alex Rae described Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to West Brom as ‘bitterly disappointing’, but said his players fought till the end.
Standing in for the unwell Paul Ince, the Scot explained: “We’re bitterly disappointed to lose the game, I thought we did enough to get something out of it.
“We had a slow start and we have to defend their first goal better than we did. We need to be more aggressive when we play, we need to get after them more.
“I think it’s fairly evident that the second half was a lot more [positive].
“We created some good moments, with a little bit more
composure we may well have capitalised on it.”
Rae praised the performance of West Brom goalkeeper, Alex Palmer, who made a string of reflex saves towards the end of the match.
However, he was also left bemused by some of the decisions made by referee Tim Robinson.
He said: “When you look at the second goal, the only person in the whole stadium who didn’t think it was a foul was the referee.
“Even if he [Gardner-Hickman] touched the ball, which he didn’t, then he just goes through the back of the player [Hendrick].
“He actually ends up on top of the player, so he just steamrolled through it.
“That kind of knocked the stuffing out of us because we’re obviously the team in the ascendancy, so it’s a tough one to take.”
According to Rae, the players have no intention of ‘downing tools’ and he expects them to bounce back at last night’s visit to Swansea – after we had gone to press (match report online at rdg.today
The Royals were without first-choice goalkeeper Joe Lumley, who was ruled out due to illness.
Rae hopes the stopper will make a return in Wales.
He also provided clarification over Ovie Ejaria’s absence from the matchday squad, saying: “Ovie trained this week, he had an issue yesterday.
“It was nothing major, but because he’s been out for a few weeks with a hamstring [injury], we didn’t want to risk him.
“We’re down to the bare bones in terms of players who are injured.
“We didn’t want to risk anyone because of the games that are coming in a couple of weeks.”
ANDYCarroll has expressed his desire to remain at Reading beyond the end of his contract.
The 33-year-old signed for the Royals in September on a short term deal which is due to end in mid-January.
However he is keen to see his stay in Berkshire extended.
“I would love to (stay), I think that’s what I want,” said Carroll.
“I enjoyed it the first time, I’m enjoying it the second time and hopefully it’s a lot longer than what is in the contract at the minute.”
Carroll first signed last November under Veljko Paunovic and went on to score twice in eight appearances before joining West Bromwich Albion in January.
This term, the forward has played four times and got on the scoresheet in Friday night’s 2-1 defeat at QPR from the penalty spot.
The striker said match fitness was one of the reasons behind his late arrival at the club this year.
“I needed to get fit. I wasn’t ready to come in, I had family and there were different things going on at the time,” said Carroll.
“There was a chance of coming in so I just needed to get myself right before I did. I needed to get some sort of fitness and then I came in when I was ready.
“Last season I enjoyed it. Half the team is left and a new staff has come in but it’s still the main core. Everyone wants to pull in the same direction, win games and hopefully we can do that until the end of the season.”
was bundled over in the box by a combination of Martin Kelly and keeper Alex Palmer.
The appeal was dismissed by the referee and West Brom broke down Reading’s right. Although ThomasAsante could only drag his effort wide, the move saw Mamadou Loum earn a booking for his attempt to stop the counter.
The Baggies adopted a progressively deeper block, seemingly content to protect their one-goal advantage through to the interval.
Jed Wallace won possession in an advanced position before crossing into an unmarked
Diangana, who appeared to have the goal at his mercy. Yiadom was able to do enough to put the winger off, whose eventual shot was blocked by McIntyre.
Reading fans in the Eamonn Dolan stand thought the Scot had earned a free-kick moments later, but the referee deemed the contact from the Baggies’ defender insignificant, booking McIntyre for simulation instead.
Paul Ince’s men looked bereaved of ideas and fell further behind on the 72nd minute. Jeff Hendrick relinquished possession to Taylor Gardner-Hickham, who drove forward before firing into the
bottom left corner.
The Irishman almost made amends straight away. Palmer could only palm a long-range Mamadou Loum effort into the path of Joao, whose mishit strike fell to Hendrick, but he could only fire wide.
With Reading knocking on the door in the final ten minutes, the Albion stopper made a string of reflex saves, denying Meite, Loum and Ince in quick succession.
Hoilett looked to have grabbed a consolation goal for the Royals late on after a cross into Joao fell into his path. Palmer was however on hand once again to keep his side’s clean sheet intact.
FINCHAMPSTEAD made it back to back wins by hitting four past Maidenhead Town.
Finch earned a clean sheet while they added three points to their total.
The result puts them in second place on 14 points after seven matches, only behind league leaders Yateley United who have won all seven of their games.
BURGHFIELD climbed into fourth with a win over READING CITY U23’s.
Goals from Ollie Brown, Ryan
Premier: AFC Bradfield 0-2 Emmer Green, FC Sporty 4-1 Tilehurst YM, Give Back 4-4 FC BAPCO, Tilehurst El Patrons 1-3 FC Tilehurst
One: 116 Exiles 1-2 Twyford Comets, Barton Rovers 3-3 Goring United, Englefield Eagles 1-1 Burghfield Reserves, GC United 0-0 Caversham United, TRBL Tesla 5-1 Arborfield, Wayback Wanderers 3-2 Loxwood Park Rangers
Two: Burghfield A 2-6 Berkshire Royals, Reading United 16-0 Reading Kites, Rose & Thistle 1-2 Hurst, Westwood Wanderers
Development 9-0 AFC Pangbourne, Zone RG 1-2 RDG
Three: Core 5-5 Woodley Saints, FC Woodley 3-1 Burghfield B, Hype Train 3-1 Caversham AFC, New England 2-1 Sanctuary Strikers, Southbank 1-2 Brothers United, Southcote Colts 1-6 RE United
Four: Allied Community 3-0 Calcot, Arbor Athletic 0-1 Caversham United Reserves, FC Whitey Wood 6-1 FC Kensington, MAC 5-2 116 Exiles Reserves, Richfield Vets 8-0 Thames Valley Railway Bracknell & District Sunday League
Premier: Crowthorne Inn 2-2 Raglan, Finchampstead Athletic 3-1 FC Showcase Cup: Freeman Royals 2-2 AFC Dukes (5-4 pens), Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW
5-3 William Twigg, Panthers 2-2 Bracknell Royals (1-4 pens), Ashridge Park 5-4 Silver Birch, Bracknell Bisons 0-0 Bracknell Saint Germain (7-8 pens), Bracknell Cavaliers 6-3 Wokingham Wanderers, Braybrooke Athletic Reserves 0-9 Harts of Bracknell, Woodley Saints Tigers 1-3 BAS Allstars, Harts of Bracknell Stags 4-5 Bracknell Athletic Reserves, Hope & Anchor 2-0 Berks United
One: Bracknell Athletic 1-5 Bracknell Spartan Vets, Braybrooke Athletic 2-2 Ashridge Park Royals, SF7 3-3 Winnersh Rangers
Two: Silver Birch 4-3 Crowthorne
Three: AFC Dukes Reserves 1-1 FC Bracknell Saints, Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves 1-3 Finchampstead Athletic Reserves
Four: Bracknell Elit 1-5 BH Dons, Bracknell Spartan 3-4 Nameless, FC Bracknell 1-3 Bracknell Bisons
Despite coming in late, Carroll featured in all three of the Royals games last week and is confident he can maintain his fitness.
“Three games in six days is tough on anyone, nevermind a 33-year-old,” he said.
“I got the 70 minutes, another 70 and then 90, so I feel good and hopefully it continues.
“If I keep my fitness up and do the right things with the fitness guys in the gym, the yoga in the afternoons and keep working behind the scenes as well then it’s only going to benefit me.”
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s earned their first win of the season with a clean sheet against Newbury & Thatcham 5s.
Kathryn Smith scored twice and Beatrix Dunne netted to help South Berks to a 3-0 success.
READING 1s fell to their second defeat of the campaign in a nine goal contest against Holcombe.
Reading were edged out 5-4, which places them in sixth with two wins and two defeats from their opening four matches.
READING 1s collected their first point of the season in a goalless game against Holcombe.
Reading are one place off the bottom with one point from their first four games.
South Central Men’s Div 1
SONNING 1s added three points to their total with a convincing win over Aylesbury.
The win means that Sonning are
top of the table with three wins and a draw in their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
READING 2s lost out at home to Oxford OBU 1s, 4-2. It means they are bottom of the table.
South Central Men’s Prem 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE stormed to a comfortable win over Amersham & Chalfont. Paul Kaplanski struck a hat-trick, while Sam Fox-Harvey scored a brace in a 5-1 win.
South Berks are in third.
South Central Men’s Div 2
READING 4s took the points in their away clash at SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s
The 3-1 win means that Reading move into ninth, while South Berks are in 10th on one point from four games.
South Central Women’s 1
READING 3s saw off SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s to take victory.
Erin Begley and Sarah Kelly netted for South Berks but they
SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B finally got their Division 1 campaign under way.
Only Ed Lush could provide any real resistance to second placed OUR LADY OF PEACE A with a fine victory over Ian Cole and pushing Steve Murgatroyd all the way before losing 6-11 11-9 11-7 6-11 10-12.
OLOP’s Mo Cook was again in fine form to secure the 9-1 win.
KINGFISHER A went one better with a routine 10-0 victory over TILEHURST RBL A
KINGFISHER D’S Ryan Chung’s 100% record remains intact as they overcame READING FC 8-2, expertly backed up by Ethan Zeng and Cath Venning.
Slightly worrying at this early stage of the season for Reading FC is that all of their points so far have come from the bat of Mike Childs, who again picked up two victories.
It was the same 8-2 score line at SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A vs TIDMARSH A. Player of the match Neil Hurford won all his games and Jamie Barlow also won all three, his closest match being with Duncan Groves 12-10 11-7 8-11 11-13 11-7.
Duncan also contributed to both of Tidmarsh’s points by beating Jason Roberts and teaming up with Simon Barter to win the doubles.
The points were shared 5-5 when Kingfishers C and B met midweek, but without C-team’s Prayit Ahluwalia it would have been a different story as he picked up a maximum plus the doubles alongside Dan McTiernan.
Their other victory came from Emma Blachford with an impressive win over B team captain Phil Mead, who along with Alan Cummings and Theo Kniep all contributed to the draw.
In Division 2 SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD Dmaintained their position at the top of the table with an 8-2 win over KINGFISHER G in a match which featured six sets going to five.
There were maximums for both Danny Dockree and Mark Jones and there were many very close sets, the pick of which was Danny Dockree just managing to beat Abhay Gore 12-10 in the fifth.
TIDMARSH B won 7-3 at KINGFISHER E with Dale Ballard recording a good maximum and Clive Gold having two good wins for Kingfisher. Tidmarsh’s Chris Webb lost the first two sets to Nilanjan Chakraborty but came back well to beat him 12-10 in the fifth.
TILEHURST RBL B and SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C drew 5-5 with Nigel Maltby recording a great maximum for Sonning Common with the highlight being his epic encounter against Kate Maksimenko which he won 5-11 11-6 12-10 7-11 11-9.
FOOTBALL Championship Reading 0-2 West Brom
Isthmian South Central South Park 3-1 Binfield
Combined Counties Premier North Broadfields United 0-0 Sumas Reading City 2-1 Hilltop
Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 1-1 FC Deportivo Galicia Cove 2-3 Woodley United Spartans Youth 3-4 Berks County
Thames Valley Premier League Maidenhead Town 0-4 Finchampstead Burghfield 3-2 Reading City U23’s
RUGBY UNION National Division One Rams 29-26 Cambridge
were defeated 3-2 by the hosts.
Both teams are level with each other on seven points, with South Berks in third with a superior goal difference, while Reading are fifth.
South Central Women’s 2
SONNING 2s found their first three points of the season with success against Wallingford 2s.
The win means that Sonning lifted themselves off the bottom of the table and into 10th place.
ROOKIE player David Pitt fought against the odds to win Theale Golf Club’s Masters Challenge.
Five years ago, David Pitt (pictured) went to work at Theale Golf club, to put his culinary skills to use.
He had never picked up a golf club in his life but decided to learn how to play the game.
Earlier this month he won his first competition and as this was the club’s last weekend open competition for the season, was just in time to earn him a place in the club’s Masters Challenge.
This is only open to winners of one of the seasons board competitions, for which they have their name inscribed on the club’s honours boards.
David’s good run of form held up, and he won the Masters with a net 69, which put him in front of all the other winners, including the Club Captain, Lee Barrett, who was runner-up with a net 71.
HOCKEY
Men’s National Premier Division Reading 4-5 Holcombe
Women’s National Premier Division Reading 0-0 Holcombe
South Central Men’s North Division 1 Sonning 4-1 Aylesbury
South Central Women’s Premier Division Bournemouth v Sonning
South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 5-1 Amersham & Chalfont
South Central Women’s Division 1 Reading 3s 3-2 South Berkshire
FOOTBALL
Women’s Super League Reading 0-1 Arsenal
Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup Caversham United 1-6 Abingdon United Woodley United 0-7 Maidenhead United Shinfield Rangers 0-3 Tilehurst Panthers Burghfield 4-3 Caversham AFC
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City 0-7 Ascot United
FOOTBALL Championship Swansea L-L Reading Match report online at rdg.today
Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v Spelthorne Sports
Reading v Bristol City
Isthmian South Central Binfield v Walton & Hersham
Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports v Reading City Wembley v Sumas
Combined Counties Division One Westside v Sandhurst Town Woodley United v Langley
FA Vase first-round
Chessington & Hook v Berks County Crowborough Athletic v Eversley & California Newport v Ascot United
Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Westwood Wanderers Reading YMCA v Yateley United SB Phoenix v Burghfield Wargrave v Chalvey Sports
RUGBY UNION National League One Rosslyn Park v Rams
South West Regional 2 Devizes v Reading
London & SE South Central London Welsh v Bracknell
HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Reading v Wimbledon
Women’s National Premier Reading v Uni of Birmingham
BASKETBALL Worthing Thunder v Reading Rockets
Women’s Super League West Ham v Reading
FA Women’s Cup Ascot United v AFC Acorns AFC Stoneham v Eversley & California
Southern Region Women’s Division One North Milton United v Caversham United Woodley United v Kidlington Youth
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves v Oxford Athletic Haddenham v Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave v Mortimer
Hampshire County Cup Eversley & California Reserves v Winchester City Reserves
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United v Caversham AFC Hillingdon Abbots v Burghfield