Reading Today, October 26, 2022

NEW CHAMPION

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In print

THEALE

Third tri-service community fire

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A FIRE station that also houses other emergency services has officially been opened in Theale.

Last year, firefighters from Dee Road in Tilehurst, and neighbouring Pangbourne station moved into the new facility, the third such shared space in the county.

The state-of the-art facility is right by the A4 Bath Road, and close to the M4, making it ideal for tackling emergencies quickly.

The large station offers improved training and welfare facilities for staff, helping to support the workforce of modern public services.

The building has been carefully designed to promote an inclusive working environment for a range of staff from across the fire and rescue service and partner agencies, while providing the flexibility of function that is required in the modern era.

Included in the designs are welfare and physical training areas to support the functional fitness requirements, as well as built-in operational features to support the health and safety of fire crews, such as designated decontamination zones and improved facilities for breathing apparatus equipment to be cleaned.

Planning permission for the new station was granted in August 2018, for a site previously owned by Network Rail. The groundbreaking took place in January 2020, with topping out in March 2021.

And last October, the process of relocating fleet equipment, IT facilities and staff from Dee Road was completed, and Theale Community Fire Station became fully operational.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a key consideration in the build was to protect the environment and make the building energy efficient. This includes solar panels, a greywater recycling system and electric vehicle charging points.

More than 900 ground cover plants and 1,500 native woodland trees and shrubs have been planted.

On Thursday, October 20, the new station was officially opened James Puxley, the Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire in a ceremony that had been delayed by covid.

The ribbon cutting was watched by mayors, special guests and Evan Rose, who created artwork on display in the station’s lobby.

Among those making speeches were Cllr Paul Gittings, the chair of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Matthew Barber; Kirsten WillisDrewett, Head of Operations South Central Ambulance Service; and Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Bowcock said the new facility was a fantastic milestone and he felt proud to showcase it during the official opening.

“We talk about one team for Berkshire – it’s an internal motto we use among staff, I think this is the culmination of many, many years work that demonstrates one team both across the Fire Authority and the partners we’ve worked with and, most importantly, the staff who worked tirelessly to create what is a really fantastic facility that will stand here for decades to come.”

He felt that, with the site being operational for a year already, the data they had showed that although the Dee Road teams had moved further out of Reading, they had better coverage due to their closeness to the A4 and the M4.

“Overall response times improve and we have a better footprint to come from,” he said.

“We’re now able to support Newbury more quickly, and this fire station covers a much larger footprint than it used to, and we’ve been able to maintain our response standards.

“We thought that would be the case, now we’ve got the evidence to back it up.”

However, Mr Bowcock was uncertain about whether more such stations could be built in the future.

“It’s no surprise to people that public sector finances are facing some difficult times. Our bills are going up like everybody else’s,” he said.

“There’s more pressure of the Fire and Rescue Service’s budgets and we’re working extremely hard to to increase those budgets by looking internally to ensure we make every pound count, and we spend the money we’ve got as wisely as possible.

“Ultimately we have no more money for large capital builds like this.”

Instead, he said, there might

be scope for joint ventures and partnerships, which could provide a new station.

“We have to think innovatively and look at different opportunities to continue this journey,” he explained.

Cllr Gittings, who is also from Reading Borough Council, said this had been a project that had been delivered on time and on budget, despite complications caused by covid.

The ceremony was an opportunity to thank and celebrate all those who had helped make it happen, as well as celebrating the work of the station since it had opened.

“During the summer heatwave,

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station officially opens in Theale

it was incredibly busy and really proved its worth,” he said. “It can strike into Reading very quickly and also to more rural areas in West Berkshire, and react to road traffic accidents.

“It’s brilliantly placed and already has shown its worth. It’s a celebration and long overdue, and it’s great that people have come together to recognise that.”

Angus Ross is now a retired Wokingham borough councillor who was instrumental in the creation of the tri-service plans and was thrilled to join others celebrating the new station.

“It’s been a long journey for all sorts of reasons,” he said. “But what we’ve got here is a great

benefit to the community.

“At the beginning of this, we weren’t certain as to what co-operation we’d manage to achieve with the other blue light services, but now to see it operating, it’s all worthwhile.”

Among those who know the value is Matthew Barber, the police and crime commissioner, who said the Theale station was in a more central location, which was yielding dividends for the force.

“We’re seeing better response times dealing with the emergencies that people are calling us about,” he said.

“It also allows some greater opportunities for training, shared services and it saves

money for the public purse while delivering better emergency services.”

He added the station helped his focus on delivering community policing.

“I want to ensure as many officers can egt to the frontline to deliver that preventative community policing that we need,” he explained.

“This includes making sure our neighbourhood team that is based here is able to properly serve their community.”

And Kirsten Willis-Drewett, head of operations at South Central Ambulance Service said: “We’re delighted that Theale Community Fire Station will bring even closer working

relationships between local ambulance, fire and rescue and police services.

“The three emergency services have, of course, always worked closely together during incidents and through community events.

“In addition to this, all three emergency services will take part in joint training exercises and share expertise in a number of areas, whether this be rescue or casualty care.”

Reading Buses to tweak Oranges

THE SCHOOL run in Woodley could be easier thanks to some timetable tweaks coming into force from Monday.

Reading Buses says it is adjusting times for its Orange 13 route to help pupils get to school on time.

The Great Knollys Street-based transport firm said that its 7.38am service will now leave from Reading Station at 7.30am, while its afternoon service that left Bulmershe School at 3.20pm will now depart at 3.12pm.

No other Orange route services are affected by these changes.

However, the company will adjust its route 9 times in a bid to improve punctuality and reliability – although ongoing roadworks may cause some issues.

Reading Buses says that all afternoon journeys on the new 9 timetable will have slightly different times during term time to school holidays to reflect increased congestion.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “The new route 9 timetable will be more difficult to remember but more reliable. The afternoon school runs make a huge difference to journey times along the line of this route.

“Having different times during the school holidays mean that customers won’t find themselves on a bus that has to wait to avoid running early in lighter traffic.”

Full details of orange 13 and route 9 timetables can be found on the Reading Buses website www.reading-buses.co.uk, and details of term times affecting the route 9 timetable can be found at www.brighterfuturesforchildren.org/ for-parents-carers/schools/term-dates/ Timetables and live vehicle tracking can also be found on the Reading Buses app.

The official opening of Theale Fire Station Pictures: Stewart Turkington

The Orange 13 service links Reading with Woodley

New chief executive for Reading Council

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL has a new chief executive after councillors voted to approve the appointment last week.

Jackie Yates, who has been serving as interim chief executive, has will take on the £170,000 role.

Her duties include the overall management of council staff and advising the administration and councillors on how it can best fulfil its functions.

Ms Yates was unanimously confirmed as the new chief executive at a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 18.

She succeeds Peter Sloman, who left in August to pursue a career as a public sector mentor in a non-executive role.

Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote), the leader of the council, said: “Peter Sloman is, of course, a tough act to follow.

“[Jackie] has vast experience, is extremely talented, has a track record of delivery, a very good sense of humour and one of those laughs that you can’t fail to hear around the building which is always an endearing characteristic if you ask me.

“I’m sure that Jackie will be a fantastic chief executive for this council as we move

forward, and I greatly look forward to working with her in her new role.”

The decision to select her was made by a cross party panel of councillors.

Cllr Clarence Mitchell, leader of the Conservative group and Emmer Green representative, said: “I think she is an excellent and will be a credit to the council and the town.”

Ms Yates said the role was a huge privilege.

“Reading is a thriving and vibrant town with many opportunities, but also some significant challenges that will only be exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis,” she explained.

“I am excited and looking forward to working with

STEP UP: Current interim chief executive of the council, Jackie Yates, has been recommended to take up the position permanently by a crossparty panel.

Picture: Reading Borough Council

councillors, partners, our fantastically talented staff and communities to ensure all our residents have the opportunity to share in Reading’s success and live their best lives.”

The new senior official joined Reading Borough Council in 2018 as executive director of resources and became deputy chief executive in 2021, having previously served on Oxford City Council, Milton Keynes Council, and the county councils of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

She will be the fifth female chief executive to serve the council, following in the footsteps of Sylvie Pierce (19921995), Di Bligh (1995-1997), Joye Markham (1997-2002), and Trish Haines (2002-2008).

Mary Berry standard cupcakes helps opticians eye up charity donation

A READING optician has raised £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Colleagues from the Specsavers Reading store, located at 45 Broad Street, decided to roll up their sleeves and bake to play their small part in supporting the charity that helps people with cancer.

Colleagues treated their customers and passers-by to a bake sale that comprised cupcakes said to be ‘Mary Berry standard’, and in flavours of Biscoff, lemon, chocolate and

More than £300 has was donated on the day and monies

continue to be pledged via a Specsavers fundraising page located on the Macmillian Cancer Support’s website.

To bolster up the funds to tip over the £1,000 mark, colleagues from the Broad Street store, their family members and close friends donated a further £700.

Specsavers’ Ravi Bhardwaj said: “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, so this is cause very close to our hearts.

“The work Macmillan does is so important, so we’re delighted to take part in this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – it was a fantastic day and we all had lots of fun.

“Luckily for us, we have some amazing bakers in our team who rolled up their sleeves to create some wonderful cakes. It prompted a touch of healthy rivalry in the team too – the Great British Bake Off vibe certainly came to Specsavers in Reading.”

Mr Bhardwaj is keen to thank everyone for their donations, particularly at a time when people are watching their expenditure.

“We know many people are feeling the pinch at the moment, so we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined in and helped us raise funds for Macmillan’s continued fight against cancer,” he added.

African restaurant gains approval for alcohol and music

RESTAURANT on the Oxford Road has won permission to serve alcohol to diners and play writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

Avila Gourmet, which serves African food, including periperi, stews, grilled meats and rice dishes.

Adeniko Kalejaiye, one of the owners of the Oxford Road-based restaurant, said: “The reason we applied for the licence was that we wanted to open the place up more to dining customers.

“It was a case of what our customers needs are. They’re looking for a place where they can sit down and enjoy a good meal with friends and family, relax and have a good time.

“We’re really excited and happy the licence has been granted and looking forward to

the next steps.”

Mrs Kalejaiye and her business partners said they are now planning to introduce more decorations to add to the experience.

“We want to create a welcoming atmosphere and add more authentic African fittings,” she explained.

“Right now we’ve not really started that, but we hope to do that before the end of the year.”

Although alcoholic drinks are not being introduced straight away, but they will be in the near future.

Mrs Kalejaiye said: “Because we’re an African restaurant we’re going to have a mix of cool African drinks and other widely available alcoholic drinks as well.

“There will be music playing in the background while

people enjoy themselves, but we’re not looking to host live performances at the moment.”

Avila began as catering business in 2015, an element of the business which remains in full function, with Avila catering for weddings, parties and other special occasions.

The restaurant opened in November 2019, in a unit previously occupied by Peri Peri Original. It also offers takeaways and home deliveries.

Reading Borough Council granted permission for music and dance performances between 6pm and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, play recorded music from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday.

Alcohol can be served from 2pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm to 10pm the rest of the week.

CAKEISM: Specsavers colleagues showcase their home-baked cup cakes for a Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning. The Broad Street store raised more than £1,000 for the charity

Food waste recycling rates are increasing as borough goes green

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council has announced that new initiatives have seen reductions in the amount of waste being sent to landfill as well as an increase in recycling rates.

It has confirmed that since October 2019 Reading’s food waste recycling rate has risen from 32% to over 50%.

This means that less is being taken to landfill, with levels of food waste in grey bins dropping from 41% to 23%.

The council has also released a breakdown of what makes up the average household’s black bin waste and how those items can instead be recycled.

While 23% is made up of food waste, 7% is made up of textiles, and a further 7% is made up of glass waste.

These can be recycled at dedicated recycling banks across Reading.

A further 16% is made up of wood, metal, garden waste, and electrical items, which can be recycled at local recycling centres.

Another 17% is made up of paper, card, tins, plastics, and aerosols, which can all be recycled through the recycling bins or boxes provided by the council.

Overall, only 30% of black bin waste cannot be dealt with through the council’s collection or dedicated services.

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “The figures confirmed this week are great news.

“They show exactly why giving the people of Reading the chance to recycle food waste was such a critical move in ensuring Reading’s recycling rate sees improvements year on year.

“Together we have reduced

food waste in our grey bin rubbish from 41% to 23% of the total mix in our grey bins.

She explained: “This has given us an even greater platform to now drill down on reducing other areas where we have recycling still in our grey bins by letting our wonderful residents know how they can do more.

“I’d like to thank everyone in Reading who has worked hard to drive down our recycling numbers by jumping on board with the food recycling programme and by ensuring

Nominate Dementia Heroes Little bit of politics for you

THE ALZHEIMER’S Society’s Hero Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have supported people affected by dementia, and is seeking nominations.

The awards celebrate those who meaningfully involve people affected by dementia in activities and projects.

There are nine categories, with awards for outstanding achievement, campaigns and influencing, research and innovation, dementiafriendly businesses, community, care and compassion, professional excellence, and media impact.

Nominations are open for businesses, groups, and organisations which make a difference in the lives of those with dementia.

Around 6,790 people in Berkshire are estimated to be living with dementia according to the Alzheimer’s Society figures, with 1,550 of them living in Reading.

Nominations close on Friday, November 18. n To enter, or to make a nomination, visit: alzheimers.org.uk

CURRENT AFFAIRS enthusiasts are invited to attend an evening of political discussion at The Outlook, King’s Road.

The pub meet-up will give pro-European groups and individuals the chance to chat about topics such as energy, proportional representation, tactical voting and changes to the parliamentary constituencies boundaries.

It is run by Berkshire for Europe, Open Britain Reading and the European Movement groups, who are hoping to invite a speaker to present a short talk on one of the aforementioned topics.

Street parking is limited to two hours, so organisers recommend visitors coming by car and parking in the Queens Road Car Park.

There is no requirement to book in advance.

The event takes place at 7pm on Tuesday, November 8.

n For more information, search: Berkshire for Europe - Social on www.facebook.com

Ding is UK investment capital

A NEW study shows that Reading is good for business, as it is the investing capital of the country.

Research suggests that there are 1,613 monthly investmentrelated internet searches per 100,000 - way ahead of secondplaced Bristol, with 1,452 searches a month.

London ranks third with 1,363 monthly investmentrelated search terms and Manchester fourth, with 1,348.

New analysis reveals that Reading is home to the keenest investors in the UK.

The study, by UK financial services provider CMC Markets, examined Google Ads data to discover the average monthly search volume for investmentrelated search terms across the most populated areas of the UK, to determine which areas are most interested in investing.

And it was the Ding that

Young musicians to give concert

TALENTED young musicians will be coming to Reading this weekend for two concerts.

Members of the Salvation Army’s West Midlands Youth Band will perform twice.

The first takes place from 7pm on Saturday, October 29. The second will be from 12.30pm the following day.

Both events take place at the Reading Central Salvation Army corps in Anstey Road.

Entry is free, but donations towards the Army’s work will be welcomed.

n For more details, log on to: www.readingcentral.org.uk or call: 0118 958 3019.

Police charge

that everything that they are able to recycle gets recycled.

“Take a look at Reading’s collective grey bin infographic and reflect on how much of your grey bin items may still be recyclable.

“Let’s drive these numbers down together, Reading.”

As well as releasing the figures, the council has also offered advice on how residents can mazimise their recycling rates.

Advice to avoid contamination includes:

Residents are advised that

recyclable materials should be loose, not in carrier bags or black bags, which are not recyclable and will disrupt and delay the recycling process.

Residents are reminded to ensure plastic containers, bottles and jars are rinsed clean of liquid or food before recycling them, and not to recycle black plastic trays which often contain toxic elements.

They are also reminded that wet cardboard or paper can’t be recycled and can also contaminate other items in recycling containers.

FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been charged in connection with a public order incident in Reading.

Jason Charles, aged 50, of Bristol, was charged with one count of Section 4A public order on Saturday, October 22.

The charge relates to an incident at the Reading versus Bristol City match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium at around 3.20pm on Saturday.

Charles is due at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 15.

came out on top.

The most frequently searched investment-related term is ‘stock market’, with an average of 360 monthly searches, followed by ‘investment’ and ‘interest rate’, which both have 260 average monthly searches.

The study was conducted by CMC Markets, a UK-based financial services company that offers online derivative trading such as spread betting.

BETTER RATES: Recycling across Reading has increased, helped by initiatives such as these bins. The council says food waste recycling rates have risen, with the ammount of food waste being taken to landfill dropping to 23% from over 40%.

Games sessions for youngsters

A CHARITY is inviting youngsters to take part in fun sports activities to promote positive mental wellbeing.

Sport in Mind will be holding free, weekly sessions on Fridays during term-time at Morgan Centre, Queen Anne’s School.

Children aged nine to 12 meet from 4pm-5pm, while those aged 13-16 meet 5-6pm.

Sessions are an opportunity for young people to exercise while making new friends.

It is part of the Readingbased charity’s youth activities to help build confidence and self-esteem.

n For more information, contact: 0118 947 9762.

Meet police event

EAST Reading residents will this week have the chance to say ‘ello, ‘ello, ‘ello to their local police team.

The Neighbourhood policing team will be holding a special Have Your Say event on Thursday, October 27.

Taking place in the café of the Tesco superstore in Napier Road, it is an opportunity to meet the team, discuss crime related issues, and receive crime prevention advice.

The session runs from 10am to noon.

Council plans for narrower bin lorries in east Reading streets

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A PROPOSAL to introduce a thinner bin lorry for some of Reading’s narrow streets has been welcomed by ward councillors who say residents have been blighted by missed collections.

At a council meeting held last week, Cllr Will Cross said that people in his Redlands ward have seen bin lorries unable to pick up waste due to obstructions and poor parking.

In the summer, Reading Borough Council arranged for a narrower lorry to be pressed into action on east Reading streets such as Cardigan Road, Foxhill Road, Francis Street, Hatherley Road and Stanley Grove. It was deemed a success, with a lorry on order for use from September next year.

Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey), lead councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said the trial had gone well.

“The results of the trial of the new narrow road bin lorry were successful this year in its final analysis,” she said.

“It was determined that the vehicle has the potential to realise its role on the fleet, not only to collect on these roads, but also to be utilised for other

street cleansing throughout the town – a critical component of its financial justification.

“As such, the purchase of the vehicle has been submitted as a capital funding bid.”

She added: “Given our priority to service all residents across the town equally and the on-going detrimental impact of failed collections in these streets, I’m hopeful that the bid

will be successful and we’ll be able to introduce such a vehicle in late 2023.

“But I’m also conscious that the council budget will be under significant strain as a result of inflationary pressures and that all spending decisions will have to be properly considered in a holistic way across the council.”

The question was answered

full council meeting on Tuesday, October 18.

Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands) said his party had repeatedly lobbied for such a vehicle, after he raised the issue at a council meeting earlier this year.

“We’re pleased to see that the continued and persistent pressure from residents and Green Councillors has led to the

council backflipping on a raft of suggestions and ideas that we have been asking for for a long time, not least our petition for the smaller bin lorry,” he said.

“Green councillors will continue working hard to get the council to proactively approach the mess that happens like clockwork at the end of every student term.”

Silence remembers emergency service staff who died in line of duty

LAST WEEK, the county’s emergency services came together to celebrate 999 Day.

Held on Wednesday, October 19, the event is an opportunity for all those serving in the emergency services, support staff and members of the public, to show their appreciation for the sector.

It usually takes place on September 9, but was postponed after the Queen died.

Staff from Royal Berkshire Fire

and Rescue Service (RBFRS)’s base in Newsham Court, Calcot came together for a two-minute silence to remember the 7,500 members of the UK emergency services have been killed in the line of duty in the last 200 years.

The day also allowed RBFRS to promote career and volunteer opportunities across all its emergency services, while highlighting the hard work carried out by service charities and raise awareness of the

numerous campaigns involving emergency services.

Jim Powell, Area Manager for Collaboration and Policy at RBFRS, said: “Emergency Services Day marks an important day in our calendar when we reflect and remember all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone throughout the Service who took part in this year’s event.”

NEEDED: Cardigan Road, one of the narrow streets where the trial of a smaller bin lorry is taking place. Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

PAUSE TO REFLECT: Members of the Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service line-up for a two-minute silence on 999 day

Pubwatch work sees it scoop top honour

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING’S Pubwatch has taken the top accolade at this year’s National Pubwatch Awards.

It succeeded against stiff competition from Epsom and Pontypridd’s Pubwatch schemes to take National Pubwatch of the Year 2022.

The award was given at a presentation event in the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 18, with Lord Kennedy presenting the trophy to the committee’s chair, Stewart McNaught, and honorary secretary, Bill Donne.

Judged by members of the National Pubwatch committee, the awards recognise the work of local schemes to provide safe environments for staff and customers of venues.

Mr Donne said: “Reading’s Pubwatch committee is a collaboration between the interested parties in the nighttime economy, between the council, Thames Valley Police, the venues, the business improvement district, fire and rescue services, and the street pastors, among others.

“The win is a real show of recognition of the hard work that Pubwatch has put in, especially considering we are all volunteers who give their time.”

It is the second time the committee has taken the award, having been given the title in 2007.

“We won the award 15 years ago and I think it shows that we are still at the vanguard when it comes to supporting the night-time economy.

“Fifteen years later it shows that we

are still committed to tackling crime and disorder within the industry.”

The award was given in recognition of the work the committee has done to improve safety and standards within the industry.

In the last year, it has produced new standard operating procedure for licensed premises, increased security searches, and running anti-terrorist seminars to support licensees.

It has also launched a drink spiking campaign and continues to implement the Ask for Angela scheme as part of its efforts to maintain safety for members of the public.

It has continued to operate a robust banning policy which sees particularly disorderly patrons barred from multiple venues for a given period.

The committee has also overseen the Best Bar None accreditation scheme, which sees accreditation given to venues that keep to certain standards.

The scheme is also in the process of collaborating with sister schemes in Wokingham, Bracknell, and West Berkshire.

Mr Donne said: “Reading, and now Bracknell and West Berkshire Best Bar None schemes, will continue that work with Pubwatch.”

“I didn’t think we’d take it when I saw that we were on the shortlist – we have fended off some particularly stiff competition.”

Alexa Volker, Reading Business Improvement District manager, said: “The BID has worked closely with Reading’s Pubwatch for many years.

“Together with the Pubwatch

Committee and venues we have been able to support projects and initiatives that assist and promote our vibrant nighttime economy.

“Seeing Reading Pubwatch receive this national award makes us proud to work alongside them as we know the effort and dedication they all have in making our town centre a great place to visit.”

And Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for neighbourhoods and communities, was also delighted.

“I’m proud that Reading’s Pubwatch has received the recognition it deserves,” she said. “Reading’s nighttime economy is a valued aspect of this

town for the jobs it brings with it and the business it encourages.

“It is all the more critical therefore that our vibrant scene is a safe environment for those wishing to enjoy our Town Centre offerings after hours.

She continued: “Reading Pubwatch excels at just that and is an excellent example of partnership working and the sharing of best practice.

“This prestigious national accolade awards justifiably the dedicated work our staff and all our partners have achieved in making the town centre a safer place for everyone.”

As well as Reading’s committee taking the national award, the Awards

of Merit, which recognise individual contribution, were given to Paul Hegarty, who is stepping down as honorary secretary of the all-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, and secretary of National Pubwatch, Paul Wotton.

The Malcolm Eidmans award, recognises police contribution to pubwatch, was given to district policing commander in Bassetlaw, Hayley Crawford, who created the Ask for Angela campaign.

The campaign tackles vulnerability in the pub and hospitality sector by providing a code word, which customers can use to seek help from bar staff safely.

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Ghostly goings on at Reading Biscuit Factory

A WEEKEND of Hallowe’en activities and spooky screenings is being planned at Reading Biscuit Factory.

On Saturday, there will be pumpkin carving sessions at noon and 3pm, and a screening of the classic film Hocus Pocus at 1pm and 4pm. On Sunday, the carving session is 11am and 1pm, and Hocus Pocus is at noon and 2pm.

There is also an adults-only session on the Saturday at 8pm.

The arts centre in Broad St Mall is also showing Blade at 7pm on Thursday, and The Thing on Thursday, November 3.

There is also a special screening of In Fabric, a horror satire set in a Reading-based department store.

This takes place at 7pm on Sunday, and Wednesday, November 2.

The latest from the unique imagination of Peter Strickland, In Fabric is a haunting tale that blends Giallo-infused horror with absurdist dark humour, to ghostly effect.

Set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period at a mysterious Thames Valley department store, the film follows the journey of a cursed but strikingly beautiful blood-red dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences.

The film’s score is by Cavern of Anti-Matter.

n For more details on these activities, or to book, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Beacon is a Wokingham-based marketing agency that brings innovation and integrity in equal measure to all the clients we work with. Got a brand you want to build? Get in touch today.

SUCCESS: Reading Pubwatch has been praised for its work to improve safety and standards across the town, ensuring people can enjoy a good night out in its many late-night venues

MAGIC: Hocus Pocus is being screened at Reading Biscuit Factory for Hallowe’en

Games evening at Shinfield church

A church is welcoming members of its community for fun and games.

Every last Saturday of the month, Tyndale Baptist Church hosts the fun session.

Visitors can bring along their favourite board game to enjoy with biscuits, coffee or tea in the foyer.

The monthly meet-ups provide a friendly environment for attendees to catch up with friends and family while also meeting new people.

Sessions take place from 6pm-9pm.

The church is located at 2-4 Cressingham Road. n For more information, visit: tyndalebaptistchurch.org.uk

La Mort Subite

THE BUTLER celebrates the Day of the Dead with La Mort Subite and Friends.

On Friday, November 4, La Mort Subite will bring their own style of Balkans-infused swing to The Butler.

They’ll be joined by Latin duo Los Dos Gringos, Dani Corbeau, and R&B and soul from The Amazing Tiger Band.

The roster will be rounded out by DJ Jonny Dante and his brand of electro-swing.

Music will begin at 8pm, taking place at The Butler, Chatham Street, on Friday, November 4.

Council to block ‘undemocratic’ use of planning permissions

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council is set to block the use of planning laws in parts of Reading to stop “undemocratic” development, it has announced.

The council is seeking to introduce new policy which will prevent certain development rights from continuing without consultation.

Permitted Development Rights currently mean that changes can be made to a building without the need to apply for planning permission, and have been used to permit conversion of commercial and retail premises to residential properties.

While the council says that it is not against this kind of development in theory, it has noted that it opposes this use of PDR for a number of reasons.

It cites the difficulty experienced by those moving into residential conversions, which can prove to be inappropriate places to live due to noise disturbances and air quality.

It also notes that the conversion of commercial spaces often leads to poorquality residences with little or no outdoor space, and often restricted to one-bedroom or

studio apartments.

With more than 80% of PDR homes falling into this category, it is difficult for the council to continue to tackle the need for diverse sizes of homes, as laid out in its local plan.

It also cites the loss of commercial office space in Reading, with around 51,000 square metres already lost, with a further 31,000 set to be lost, leading to an impact on existing and prospective businesses.

It estimates that this has cost the town nearly 600 new, affordable homes, as well as at least £3.5 million in off-site contributions to affordable housing.

And it says nearly £4 million has been lost in planning fees and contributions to educations, leisure, and transport.

From mid-November, the council is seeking to introduce its Article 4 Direction, which will enforce the necessity for consultation of both the local neighbourhood and planning authorities.

Cllr Micky Leng, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for planning, said: “Having seen first-hand the detrimental impact the use of these planning laws can have on communities, Reading is now taking a stand.

“Owners and developers

have been riding roughshod over the views of neighbours and the local planning process for too many years.

“Their motivation is profit and they often have little or no interest in the views of people who live in the vicinity of these developments.”

He continued: “I want to be clear – this is not the Council saying it is anti-development.”

He said that while the council was “acutely aware” of the need for more homes, particularly affordable homes, “this is about fairness.

“And ensuring all developments go through the correct democratic planning process, which should be the same process whether you are an owner or a larger developer.

“If agreed, the Article 4 Direction will come into effect on November 15 and would apply to a number of areas across the town, including in areas of Reading with poor air quality.

Mr Leng explained: “The idea behind the change is to give the Council and communities more control over developments through the planning process, to help protect the existing office and industrial supply and to guard against conversions which are harmful to local neighbourhoods.

Tyres punctured on police van

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following criminal damage to one of its vehicles.

It had been parked on the junction of Eddleston Way and Glenmore Place, Tilehurst on Monday, October 10.

Police officers returned the van and found all four tyres had been punctured.

The damage took place between 5.15pm and 5.35pm.

Investigating Officer, PC Lawrence Furse based at Reading Police Station, said: “If you have witnessed this incident or any have information please call 101 or report online quoting reference number: 43220455576.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact the independent charity, Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111 or online.”

“Importantly, it will also allow the consideration of other essential planning considerations – such as affordable housing or amenity space provision – which would not otherwise be possible with the PDR in force, and which I’m sure will be welcomed by all Councillors.”

He explained that the council was opposed to the introduction of office-to-residential office to PDR which were introduced in 2013.

Mr Leng said that it is “essential” the correct planning framework is in place nationally “to enable local councils to keep an overview of local planning decisions.

“Councils must retain the ability to insist that developers make an appropriate contribution to local infrastructure and affordable housing, as opposed to solely increasing their profit margins at our expense.”

The Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities retains powers to modify or cancel Article 4 Directions.

Council officers have engaged in discussions with the DLUHC about “reducing the scope” of the original proposals, but has not yet come to an agreement.

Senior social club meets on Friday

A COMMUNITY GROUP is inviting senior residents for an exciting afternoon of food and entertainment.

iCare Senior Social Club will be holding the event at Hexham Road Community Centre on Friday, October 28.

The afternoon will consist of bingo and live entertainment accompanied by food and refreshments.

Visitors will be able to catch up with family and friends, meet new people and make memories in a welcoming environment.

The event takes place from noon-4pm, with tickets costing £12.

n To book a place, contact: 07908854274 or search: Hexham Community Centre Reading on www. facebook.com

New Princess of Wales is judged country’s top role model

A WOMAN from Upper Bucklebury has been named the country’s best role model.

The new princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, came top of the poll beating Rochelle Humes from The Saturdays, and Liz Truss – they came second and third respectively.

The poll was conducted by Girls Out Loud, a social enterprise dedicated to raising aspirations of girls across the country.

Ms Middleton, who was born in the Royal Berkshire Hospital and is married to Prince William, received more than a third of the vote.

Humes had 25%, while Ms

Truss, who has resigned as prime minister, had 23%.

Others in the list included Holly Willoughby, Molly Mae, Emma Watson, and Stacey Dooley.

The survey also asked people which job still had gender bias. Nursing came top, with 42%. Other jobs listed included hairdresser (39%), cleaner (32%), teacher (28%) and waiting staff (24%).

And Girls Out Loud said that one in seven (15%) of people do not think there are more roles available to women since they got their feet on the career ladder.

“It’s really important that

we continue to champion young girls, so they have equal opportunities as they progress through life,” said Jane Kenyon, who founded the social enterprise.

“It’s also clearly important to the British public that women are able to land those top jobs.

“Being a teenage girl in today’s society is a challenge. There are constant threats from the media and elsewhere that can lead to a serious identity crisis for girls throughout the UK. Girls Out Loud is proud to work within communities to deliver real aspiration, real change and long-lasting success.”

CHANGE: From mid-November, the Council intends to introduce an Article 4 Direction, which stops development without consultation of neighbours and the local planning authority. Picture: Steve Smyth

Day of the Dead comes to Reading’s Blue Collar this Saturday

BLUE COLLAR Corner is bringing the festival of the dead to Reading on Saturday.

The venue will be transformed into a slice of Mexico as it celebrates the Día de Muertos, or the day of the dead, this Hallowe’en.

From 6pm, guests will can join in themed games and live entertainment, including film screenings, DJs, and facepainting.

They are encouraged to join in with their best Dia de Muertos fancy dress, those deemed “most creatively dressed” of which will receive an award.

It will also feature food from around the world, including the newly-added Mexican Odyssey and Argentinian cuisine from El Asado, as well as the usual selection of local beer and drinks from its bar.

A special Margarita cocktail has been created by the bar team for the event and will be on sale.

Event organiser and DJ, Sam Wild, said of Hallowe’en: “It’s become the adults’ Christmas, really – I love the whole dressing-up atmosphere and that people are increasingly embracing the spirit of flamboyance and festivity.

“Most importantly, this is a chance to explore the immense and unique richness of Mexican culture that combines ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions with Catholic practice. It’s both spooky and – at the same time –celebratory.”

The event is free to attend, taking place from 6pm-12.30am, at Blue Collar Corner, 38 Market Place.

Churches plan Hallowe’en alternative

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A WHITLEY church is hosting a Hallowe’en event with a twist for primary school children on Monday, October 31.

Reading Gateway Church’s light party, in collaboration with Reading Family Church, will give visitors the chance to celebrate in a safe and friendly environment.

The free event will see young people treated to a silent disco featuring glow sticks and UV face painting.

Of the event, Joe Burgess, children and family minister at the church, said: “We’re really looking forward to it. Although

we are welcoming regular churchgoers, if anything, we are open more to non-church people.

“We are focused on the community and want to welcome local kids.”

The light parties are somewhat of a tradition for the south Reading church, who wanted to provide an event for those who preferred not to go trick or treating on Hallowe’en night.

The organisers stressed the purpose of the event was not to replace traditional festive

rituals, but rather to offer an alternative for those who wish to celebrate in a different way.

The party for those aged five to 11 encapsulates the church’s dedication to ministry within the community, a key theme of the Christian faith.

Describing Jesus as the light of the world, Mr Burgess hopes to follow his example. The church’s outward-facing approach will also see hotdogs and hot chocolate served to passersby outside the building, free of charge.

Parents are also welcome to enjoy the refreshments after dropping off their children.

Through these acts of kindness, the organisers hope to bring positivity to the lives of its beneficiaries, particularly given the challenges faced by many residents in recent times.

Mr Burgess explained: “We are aware we are in a country where there’s a lot going on at the moment. The stresses and strains take a toll on people’s mental health.

“We wanted to be there for the community, which is why we’re opening our doors to them.”

Organisers are encouraging parents to book as soon as

possible and the event is limited to 50 visitors due to the number of headsets available for the silent disco.

The church’s youth ministry involves dedicated Sunday services as well as a kids club on Monday evenings.

Children will have the opportunity to make new friends while taking part in fun activities, games and craft.

The event takes place from 5.30pm-7pm at Reading Gateway Church, St Agnes Site, Northumberland Avenue, RG2 8DE.

n For more information or to book tickets, contact: parishoffice@readinggateway. church

Handmade jewellery pop-up

A READING Creator is bringing her range of earrings to a popup stall in Boots.

Jess Adams makes her range of jewellery by hand, creating leaves, fruits, and festive shapes which come with a wide selection of clips and fasteners.

Her range is made from statement polymer clays and resins, entirely designed by Jess herself, and has been featured in Vanity Fair and Mollie Makes.

Jess Adams Design will be available at the pop-up stall in Boots, in The Oracle, Reading until Sunday, October 30.

Her collection online, at: www.jessadamsdesign.com

Coley Park fun day

COLEY Park Community Centre is opening its doors to mums and children for a fun day on Saturday, November 5.

The event will see market stalls and hot food stalls open to guests, along with beauty treatments, crafts activities, a bouncy castle, a lucky dip, and games.

The Mama and Kids fun day will be held at the Wensley Road community centre, Wensley Road, from 2pm-5pm on Saturday, November 5.

The event costs 50p on entry, with roadside parking available.

Don’t forget! Clocks go back this wekeend

British Summer Time ends at 2am on Saturday night

LIGHT UP: Blue Collar Corner is bringing the festival of the dead to Reading as it celebrates the Día de Muertos, on Saturday Picture: Courtesy of Blue Collar Corner

Tax credits families set for second support payment

THOSE claiming tax credits are set to receive a second Cost of Living payment in November.

More than one million families who get tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will automatically be given a payment of £324 by Wednesday next week.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s deputy chief executive and second permanent secretary, said: “This second Cost of Living Payment will provide further financial support to eligible tax creditonly claimants across the UK.

“The £324 will be paid automatically into bank accounts, so people don’t need to do anything to receive this extra help.”

It is the second payment allocated to tax credit claimants, with the first being sent out to families in July this year.

It comes as around six million disabled people are set to be given are set to receive an extra £150, and more than eight million pensioner households will receive an extra £300 for winter fuel support later in the year.

It will also be combined with a £400 reduction on energy bills for domestic electricity customers, currently due before the end of the year.

To be eligible for the second DWP payment, families must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period August 26, 2022, to September 25, 2022, or income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period August 26, 2022, to September 25, 2022.

B

Radio’s Charlie Charles on a decade of Reading’s talent

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

CHARLIE Charles has been at the forefront of Reading’s music scene for a whole decade, and his show is still going strong.

Now part of B Radio, he said that him and his team: “started 10 years ago, the three of us doing a show at Reading 107, Reading Unplugged.

“Me, Dean, and Adam, replaced somebody who just didn’t turn up one day and never came back.”

Mr Charles would go on to find a keen audience.

“We went out on a Sunday night, and I believe it was the most listened-to show in the area at that time.”

“Reading 107 started in 2002, but in 2012 they were trying to turn it around a bit with an X Factor type of thing.

“They were looking for new presenters, and I was sort of talked into it, and then made the final five.

“Towards the end we got an opportunity to present two hours on the breakfast show with Robert

Kenny, and that became our pitch.”

With his first show at the station now broadcast, Mr Charles heard back from then programming manager Gavin Harris, who also works with B Radio.

“They’d done their research and found that people wanted to hear presenters from the area, who knew their audience.

“I got an email shortly after, along with Dean, one of the other finalists, offering us a radio show, and then they said ‘I’m off on holiday, I’ll see how you’ve got on in two weeks.’”

He said they started with a blank piece of paper and a start date, “and

by the time that rolled around we weren’t quite ready, so one week later we were ready, except for the title.

“So the next Sunday night we started, and called it Reading Unplugged.”

He said that the slot following the Top 40 charts show was a bit of a drop off of listenership.

“We kept it low key and didn’t shout about it too much, but it turned out that we didn’t really have to.”

Reading Unplugged saw local unsigned bands come on to the show to speak to the presenters and they’d broadcast the band’s music.

During his time with the show, Charlie would cover Public Enemy performing at Sub89 and broadcast from Reading Festival twice.

“What we were doing stood out from everyone else completely –we’re a music and entertainment show, but with local music.

“We’d chatted to Sundara Karma and Matt Maltese – I gave them their very first on-air sessions.”

In 2014, the station would come under new management and soon change to Jack FM.

Charlie would continue the show in the form of a podcast, working with Alt Reading, and is now working with B Radio.

“Here at B Radio we’re a community radio station, so it’s not for profit.

“Everyone works on there does it for free – it’s all done on a voluntary basis.”

B Radio recently worked with Reading Pride, broadcasting the soundtrack of the Pride parade live, with live coverage of the festival’s acts and events.

And Charlie has continued to champion unsigned acts through the station with his show, Berkshire Unplugged.

“We play dance, indie, rock, all from unsigned bands from in and around Berkshire, making it ten years that it’s been going in some form.

“We have to be consistent, or you get forgotten about.

“There’s such a lot of creative talent around Berkshire, and it’s about helping them become professional, and it doesn’t just start with BBC Introducing.”

MILESTONE: DJ Charlie Charles has been at the forefront of Reading’s indie music scene with his Unplugged shows since 2012. Picture: Charlie Charles.

Rogue trader who targeted older folk given suspended sentence

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A MAN has been convicted of fraud following a Thames Valley Police and Reading Council Trading standards investigation.

Levi Davies, 24, of Kidlington, pleaded guilty on behalf of his companies to attempting to scam six elderly people out of more than £200,000.

On Thursday, October 13, Davies was sentenced to a total of two years’ imprisonment, which has been wholly suspended for 18 months.

He has been ordered to undertake 250 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying £2,000 in costs, plus a victim surcharge.

He was also ordered to pay £66,560 in compensation to four of the victims he targeted, to be paid within 28 days.

The charges against Mr Davies included participation in fraudulent business perpetrated by a sole trader and engaging in misleading commercial practices.

He pleaded guilty on behalf of his companies, LJ Building Services and latterly Manor Property Services after an investigation was launched in 2019 by Reading Council Trading Standards.

Thames Valley Police officers identified six elderly and vulnerable residents from across southern England, including Reading, who were targeted by Mr Davies.

He targeted the six residents over a three-year period between 2016 and 2019, persuading vulnerable and elderly people to employ him for building and maintenance work.

He would then charge highly-

inflated prices for substandard or unnecessary works, with one resident being charged more than £196,900.

Sheila Cooper, a 78-yearold, was cold-called at her park home in June 2019 by Mr Davies, who quoted her £2,000 to repaint her home with weatherproof paint.

Mr Davies went on to charge a total of £7,250 for structural works which were later assessed to be worth only £480.

Ms Cooper said: “I was very pleased with Trading Standards they were excellent – I would not have given a statement and be willing to attend court without them.

“Trading Standards were there for me when I worried, and when I thought Levi was going to return, they put me at ease.

“I am thankful to the judge

for ordering the compensation of £4,000.”

In July 2019, 87-year-old Margaret Hunt and her nowlate husband were targeted by Mr Davies when they contacted him with regards to having a cowl fitted to their chimney.

They were then told that extensive works to their property would need to be undertaken, for which they would pay a total of £1,100.

These works would also be assessed to be worth less, and should have cost only £555 according to the prosecution expert.

Ms Hunt said: “It was good to know that trading standards were on the case. I had wanted to put the incident behind me, but I found it very reassuring that it was being followed up.

“It was all done sensitively and looking at it from my

perspective.

“It was my opportunity to give my side of what had happened – it was also nice to know that I was not the only one.”

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety at Reading Borough Council, said that the result from last

week’s sentencing is “thanks to an excellent joint investigation and decisive action by the Council’s Trading Standards officers and Thames Valley Police.

“These cases highlight the very serious problem with rogue traders targeting elderly and vulnerable residents and defrauding them into parting with thousands of pounds by making false and misleading claims.”

She said the investigation “goes beyond just those in Reading.

“I would like to sincerely thank officers and our partners, whose meticulous investigations spanning a number of months have ensured recourse for our vulnerable residents.

“Residents are reminded to always thoroughly research any company or business before hiring them to carry out work.

“Our advice is never to agree to work without getting written quotes from two or three reputable traders and compare them.”

She also recommended that homeowners can find a Trading Standards approved trader through the national Buy With Confidence scheme, available via: www.buywithconfidence. gov.uk.

Attempted breakin at garage

BURGLARS attempted to raid a garage in Caversham last week, but left empty handed.

The incident took place around 2.30am on Thursday, October 20.

The would-be thieves tackled the door of the storage area in Amersham Road.

As they failed to get in, nothing was stolen.

However, Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could help their investigation is asked to call 101, or via the website, thamesvalley.police.uk, quoting reference: 43220471367.

Hallowe’en at the Mall

BROAD Street Mall is inviting customers to take part in its Hallowe’en festivities on Saturday, October 29.

From 11am-4pm, children will be able to get their faces painted to resemble spooky characters, and caricature artists will be on hand to create bespoke creepy portraits.

Families will also be able to pick up a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home and carve into a jack-o’-lantern.

AN AWARD-winning performance poet will be the guest speaker at a special event next month.

Jay Hulme is currently Poet-in-Residence at The Poet’s Church - St Giles-in-the-Fieldsin Central London.

The transgender wordsmith says he was surprised to come to faith during the covid lockdown.

Alongside his writing and regular performances, he teaches in schools, performs sensitivity reads, and consults and speaks at events and conferences on the importance of diversity in the media, and more specifically transgender inclusion and rights.

He has also written The Backwater Sermons, a queer Christian poetry collection in

which Jonah is heckled over etymology, angels appear in tube stations, and Jesus sits atop a multi-storey car park.

He will speak at Zerodegrees in Bridge Street from 7.30pm on Monday, November 7, as part of the University of Reading Chaplaincy’s Café Théologique.

Organisers say it is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective, and entry is free.

It will also be broadcast live on Zoom.

For more details, search Facebook for Cafe Theologique. https://fb.me/e/2RWVqEdnH

GUILTY: Levi Davies, 24, of Manor Park, Kidlington, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 13. Stock image: Reading Borough Council

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

4-3-2-1, here is my happy place

Roll up, roll up – enjoy a candy floss burger

THE WATER TOWER is not the usual place you’d expect to see a fairground, but for the next few weeks, you can enjoy all the fun of the fair … on your plate.

The Tilehurst pub is serving a sharing platter called All the Flamin fun of the Fair, and its party piece is a chicken burger with candy floss.

Deliveroo reveals popular food for

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A FOOD delivery service says Reading residents enjoy American meals more than any other type of cuisine.

IHAVE

found my happy place. It’s taken two years and much exploration, but I’m thrilled to say I have found somewhere I truly belong. (Second to the ultimate happy place, my home, I should add.)

A safe environment where I feel welcomed, at home and at ease. People understand me. They even offer hot drinks and chocolate biscuits.

No, it’s not my parents’ house, though they too offer all of the above.

It’s a toddler group and it is everything.

The 4321 toddler group is held once a week in Wokingham Baptist Church. I’ve only been going for a few weeks with Leo, but was hooked from day one.

For the humble sum of £1.50, you’re given full access to a lively room full of toys, books and puzzles, and another with arts, crafts and refreshments. A brief sing-song and bubbles is put on at some point as a cherry on the cake.

It became clear from the beginning Leo did not require my presence at this group.

“Which one’s yours?” a lady said to me a few weeks ago.

“He’s over there, yellow jumper, with the trainset.”

“So independent isn’t he!”

“Yes I think he’s bored of me now.” I say, secretly elated.

From the moment we enter the room, he is aware of his freedom and chooses to exercise it.

I can recall maybe one occasion where he’s actually approached me during the course of the 90 minutes. (To hand me a train, obviously.)

Of course, I’ll either have my eye on him or be perched next to him, offering my help in whatever activity he’s engrossed in, not that he seems particularly fussed either way. He’s quite content navigating the room and all its many delights alone.

A key component of my happy place is that the toddler is also happy.

This is all if he even lets me enter the room with him. Today, he kicked up a fuss outside the front door and I had no idea why.

Then he took me by the hand and led me to the side of the building.

I stayed put, curious as to what his plans were. He then turned around and left me there, walking through the front door alone, marching into the main room (with all the toys) and making a beeline for the train-set.

I trailed behind, stopping to pay on my way in.

This was significantly less embarrassing than last week, when he bolted past a long queue of other attendees waiting patiently to pay and go in.

I watched as he snuck into the room and headed for his trusty train-set. (Every time).

“Do you want to go in after him?” A staff member said.

“Nah, he’s fine, I can see him.”

I could half-see him, but it really wasn’t worth the tantrum to drag him back out again. Plus, I couldn’t bear to queue jump.

The 4321 is a brilliant space where a mother (or father/grandparent/whoever) can watch her children play outside of the home, rain or shine, with the company of a whole load of other people who know exactly what it is like to be a parent.

My favourite thing about the group - besides the biscuits - is meeting other Mums.

You can’t put a price on this connection. This connection is survival in the parenting world.

“If you know you know!” one Mum said to me today as we chatted about sleep deprivation and partners being away. Indeed. If you know, you know.

blogs

It also comes with boneless chicken wings coated in sour cherry cola sauce with popcorn.

And no, that’s not a misprint.

It’s part of an exceptional value meal from the pub’s Flaming Grill menu.

The platter claims to be for two, but could easily feed a small army of acrobats, comprises (take a deep breath): Two Signature

Smoked Chicken Burgers skewered with candy floss, served with four boneless chicken wings coated in sour cherry cola sauce with popcorn and onion rings, two cream-filled doughnuts topped with chocolate flavour sauce, with fries, a Dip Dab sherbet dip and sour cherry cola sauce.

It’s just £16.49, making it a bargain that even the strong man silent type will be thrilled with.

And it is enormous. It’s a showstopper when it arrives at the table.

The showstopper burgers with candy floss are a unique combination of sweet and savoury, packed with crispy chicken. The pop corn chicken is similarly a fusion food. Forget finger licking, this is finger sticking, but in a good way.

And if the weird and wonderful doesn’t entice to roll up, roll up, the Flaming Fun of the Fair menu also

includes Cajun Spiced Chicken, Spicy Flattened Steak Skewer and Jamaican Chicken created by Datties Soul Food Academy.

It’s quirky, it’s different and it’s very enjoyable while watching sport on the pub’s big screens, or catching up with friends and family over a pint or two.

And The Water Tower benefits from friendly staff who enjoy talking with customers and making people feel welcome. Quite the ringmasters.

The Park Lane pub is organising some special events this weekend for Hallowe’en, where fancy dress is encouraged. There is karaoke on Friday night, live music on Saturday and a children’s party on Sunday.

n For more details, call the pub on 0118 907 6704.

Honest Burgers invites customers to get SMASHED

Honest Burgers new SMASHED burger, shown here with a second burger. The entry-level feast comes with a lower price tag and is made of chopped, rather than minced, beef

Research by Deliveroo on the town’s home dining habits reveals that the next most popular is German and Italian.

Also in the running is that Great British staple – and Reading legend –fish and chips from Mr Cod.

The company says Deliveroo customers are supporting local businesses when they order, including burgers from 7Bone, Greek from Tasty Greek Souvlaki and vegan burritos from Vegivores.

It has more than 600 Ding restaurants on its books, and says it can deliver direct to doors in as little as 20 minutes.

The most popular dishes ordered are Hickory Smoked BBQ Wings from Wingstop, the OG Kebab from German Doner Kebab, Beef Shin & Barolo Wine Ragù from Pasta Evangelists, Fish & Chips from Mr Cod’s Whitley Street branch, and the Bacon Breakfast Baguette from Pierres at 16.

Victor Mores, Deliveroo regionalm for Reading, said: “Over the last seven years, we’ve been proud to offer consumers a wide selection of over 600 different restaurants to order on Deliveroo.

“That being said, there are still plenty of hidden gems on our app or website waiting to be discovered by Reading locals.”

And Deliveroo has rounded up four dishes to discover, all from Reading restaurants.

The Donnie J Trump, from £11.25, is from 7 Bone in St Mary’s Butts.

This is an American cheese stuffed beef patty with a wall of two deep-

fried pizza cheese blocks, American burger relish, American cheese, American mustard, a small handful of fresh lettuce, and topped with a head of crushed Wotsits.

Another burger is the A Burgers Dirty Vegan Burgers - by Taster, Oxford Road.

Its Smokehouse Supreme, from £10.50, is described as having big flavour and no meat. It is an all-Vegan BBQ Chick’n Burger - which includes

McDonald’s shakes upits menu with the launch of the McCrispy

THERE’S a new look to McDonald’s menu thanks to its latest burger.

A READING town centre restaurant that specialises in burgers is doing its bit to help people navigate the cost of living crisis.

Honest Burgers, on Kings Road, is now offering its special SMASHED burger.

The company says it’s got a smaller price, but a big flavour.

The name comes from the way the burger is smashed and cooked on the grill, locking in juices as it is seared.

And it’s faster food as well, taking two minutes to cook, using chopped rather than minced beef.

Upgrades include adding an additional burger and bacon for a small fee.

Tom Barton, co-founder of Honest Burgers, said the company was excited to launch the new burger.

“We know that lots of people are looking for more affordable options right now, whilst still wanting to eat top quality food,” he said.

The fast food firm has launched McCrispy, a new crunchy chicken burger.

It features a 100% chicken breast fillet, marinated in black pepper and cayenne mayonnaise, served in an artisan glazed bun with a sweet nutty toasted flavour.

The company says it’s a game changer.

Colourful

The £8.50 burger is topped with brown butter mustard mayo, American cheese, white onions and pickles, and served with a portion of Honest’s rosemary, salted chips.

“This brand-new burger is our best value to date and the way our chefs smash and cook the patties on the grill means we’ve created a lighter, even juicer burger that’s ready in minutes.

“We can’t wait for people to tuck in and have a taste.”

n For more details, log on to: www.honestburgers.com

The burger has a bit of bite to it, but it is not excessively so. Anyone worried about the heat can customise their order.

It replaces the Chicken Legend, which has been retired.

The changes have been celebrated with a new advert, featuring celebrities for the first time since 2000. The line-up of McCrispy fans include Maya Jama, Leigh Francis,

Michael Dapaah and Elz the Witch.

It’s not the only changes that McDonald’s are making.

Breakfast lovers can try Mini Potato Waffles which have just launched on the breakfast menu.

The fluffy treat comes as a portion of three crispy potato waffles and available on their own for £1.39 or as part of a breakfast meal, and offers an alternative to hash browns.

The Candy Floss burger at The Water Tower

WOTSIT ALL ABOUT: The Donnie J Trump from

reveals Reading’s most for home delivery

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN Henry Cooper in Whitley

three pieces of crispy vegan chick ‘n strips, pickled cucumber, sliced pink pickled onion and a slathering of barbecue sauce in a vegan bun.

Sides include Vegan slaw, onion rings, fries and Crispy Chick’n Nuggets.

Vegivores, in Caversham’s Church Street, offer Vegivores Burrito 2, from £10.

This is a freshly made tortilla wrap filled with house beans, brown rice, creamy slaw, roasted peppers, sweet

potato, chipotle lime mayo and pink onions.

Tasty Greek Souvlaki’s Halloumi Skepasti, from £15.95, is a particular favourite in the Ding.

This is a grilled pita piled high with Halloumi, served with lettuce, tomatoes, homemade tzatziki, chips and grated cheese.

Deliveroo customers can schedule orders via its app up to a day in advance or order on the day between noon and 11pm.

A MEMBER of sporting royalty once paid a visit to John Rabsons Recreation Ground, Northumberland Avenue.

On July 8, 1978, boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper opened the Grand Summer Fete, hosted by the South Reading Community Association.

Pictures from the programme that day were posted on the Whitley Community Museum’s Facebook site, which sparked many residents’ memories.

Graham Denton remembered the event well, having set up a mobile disco attraction.

He said: “I met Henry Cooper and his brother as they walked by on the day. I shook hands with Henry and asked: ‘Did you hit Cassius Marcellus Clay with that hand?’ Henry said yes.”

Sir Henry Cooper was one of the most renowned British heavyweight boxers of all-time.

He is best remembered for his 1963 showdown with a young Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay.

The programme listed the various activities taking place, which included performances

On Blagrave Street, Today…

On Blagrave Street, today, things look pretty much the same as they do on any other day of the week.

On Blagrave Street, today, the buses carry on making their way around the back of The Forbury, as they usually do, calm as you like, and so polite. And people stand around in queues, jumping on and off when the next bus is due, scurrying along on their way to be anywhere else today, than here, on Blagrave Street –

The company, which has several restaurants across Reading, has retired the Big Tasty, but returned the BBQ Bacon Stack (£5.39) for just six weeks.

It comprises two beef patties, two slices of melty pepper jack cheese and Beechwood Smoked Bacon topped with a slice of tomato, lettuce, slivered onions plus McDonald’s barbecue sauce, sandwiched between a sesame seed crusted Artisan Bun.

Also making a return is the Nacho Cheese Wedges (£2.29 for a portion of

five or £5.99 for a sharebox).

Filled with oozing melted nacho cheese and spicy Jalapeno slices, covered in a crunchy coating and served with the McDonald’s sour cream and chive dip.

There is a new McFlurry on the menu too: this time it’s the Twirl bar giving ice cream a shake-up.

The dessert is made with smooth dairy ice cream, swirled together with pieces of Cadbury’s Twirl with Milk Chocolate sauce. It’s available in Regular (£1.69) and Mini (£1.19) sizes.

Reader travel

TORQUAY Entertainment Break

a coffee break at Café Neros, meeting some mates, or a lunch time secret rendezvous, perhaps? But not much else; not of any interest anyway, other than to innocent third parties caught up in the emotional aftermath…

And the old town hall has not stirred one bit, nor moved its pitch

from the Kennet Morris Men and Aldershot Town Band, a Scottish Dancing display and a raffle conducted by Dr Gerrard Vaughan, MP.

The advertisements on the back of the programme also provoked interest, with some residents sharing fond memories of taking their bikes for repairs at Smith’s Cycles on Whitley Wood Lane.

Others remembered shopping at Wickens General Store on Basingstoke Road.

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

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

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

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

Mon 27 Feb ‘23

Banish those winter blues with a fun-filled entertainment break on the English Riviera, a beautiful section of south Devon that overlooks the waters of Torbay. With live entertainment every night and a drinks offer included, this is the perfect coastal getaway!

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 2 nights at the Burlington Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Happy Hour on selected drinks before dinner each evening

 Live entertainment every evening

Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£9pp)

HISTORIC YORK & the Dales

to a new address, while shoppers do what they do best, sloping off to buy their wares, some groceries or a sale room bargain; to John Lewis to buy that new dress.

And the only real excitement that I can report, other than catching up on the local sport, is that I wrote another poem today, sitting over a coffee and piece of cake, counting words and how many hours left in the day –

watching the passers-by making their way to be any other place on such a humdrum day, rather than being stuck wandering astray on weary Blagrave Street…

Ian J McKenzie

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send yours to news@rdg.today

Departing Mon 20 Feb ‘23

Join us on this lovely short break to beautiful Yorkshire, where we combine the rolling hills, panoramic landscapes and charming towns of the Yorkshire Dales with the historic city of York. Don’t miss out optional trips to Knaresborough and Harrogate to complete our delightfully scenic getaway.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast

 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks

 Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington

excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£11pp)

Sir Henry Cooper opened The Grand Summer Fete back in 1978.

Picture: Whitley Community Museum

POETRY CORNER

from 7 Bone

Celebrities, including Maya Jama, enjoy McDonald’s new McCrispy

A fresh chapter opens at last

YESTERDAY, the country had its third prime minister in seven weeks.

This year has been one of immense turmoil, caused in part by a politician with a penchant for partying, rule breaking, and lying. He is also the only prime minister ever to be fined for a criminal offence while in office.

It was, however, disappointing to see some politicians, including Alok Sharma, publicly call for his predecessor to return to win this week’s leadership election.

Trussonomics was like a mayfly, but its effects will be felt – through higher interest rates on our mortgages – for months to come.

While Rishi Sunak was also fined for partygate, his appointment brings to an end a difficult period for our nation.

We wish the new prime minister well, and some calmer waters too.

CHURCH NOTES

The first Bible, handle with care

Letters

Send your

Cost of living and free school meals

More than half of parents with children aged 18 or under in Great Britain have been forced to cut back on food spending for their family over the past 12 months, as a way of helping to save money, according to new research by YouGov for the UK’s largest children’s charity, Barnardo’s.

The current cost-of-living situation has seen a quarter of parents forced to sell possessions and one in five parents have taken on new credit cards, extra debt or a payday loan.

Barnardo’s is concerned about the impact on children as over a quarter of parents said their child’s mental health has worsened.

No child should go to school hungry or return to a cold home, but the cost-of-living crisis is driving more and more families into poverty.

Families we support are struggling to afford food, and our frontline workers are saying they are stepping in to prevent children going hungry.

We know that growing up in poverty makes it much harder to achieve a positive future.

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

school children in England, and to do more to tackle hunger during the school holidays.

To share your support visit: barnardos.org.uk

We would also like to extend a huge thanks to Cubitt & West, Douglas Allen, Pittis and Wards estate agents, who are supporting this campaign. Since September, for every property valuation these estate agents attend, they have been donating £100 to Barnardo’s in the Southeast and they won’t stop until they reach their goal of £1 million.

Emma Bowman, Barnardo’s South East and London Regional Director

Be Cat-Kind

A group of animal charities led by Cats Protection is advocating cats be neutered from the age of four months old to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

increased risk and so there is no reason why neutering should be delayed until six months, by which time cats can already get pregnant.

Cats Protection estimates there are 1.3m unneutered pet cats in the UK and over 150,000 cats already enter shelters each year. This year has seen a 46 per cent increase in cats on the waiting list to enter the charity’s adoption centres, as owners seek to relinquish their pets due to the cost-of-living crisis.

A reduction in surprise pregnancies will stop the stress and risks to young cats who get pregnant, while reducing the number of unwanted kittens that may require rehoming in the future.

From the Leader

Cllr Jason Brock

Support to help you stay warm

THISweek, we have yet another Prime Minister.

Setting aside political parties, I really hope the Government is now able to engage with the serious issues facing our country.

I don’t hold out much hope, I’m afraid.

Squabbling in Westminster – and perhaps especially internal party dysfunction – can seem a world away from our everyday lives.

It would be easy for me to gloat from behind my Labour membership, but the crisis in our Government has real consequences for people in Reading who now face higher mortgages, the threat of rent increases, rising inflation, and public services at breaking point.

In everyday life, rising bills are making it more difficult for many of us to manage – not least the cost of heating the home with cold winter months coming.

IREMEMBER

being shocked reading something by highly respected Christian thinker and writer, Richard Rohr. He described Creation as God’s first Bible.

Even for me, someone passionate about the environment and biodiversity, Rohr seemed to be pushing it too far.

Really? The first Bible.

Although I wasn’t persuaded the thought stayed with me.

With that thought lodged in my mind, I began to notice certain passages in the Bible in a new light.

After a while, the weight of biblical evidence convinced me to see my initial scepticism was misplaced. God does reveal who he is through creation.

God does speak through Creation.

We all have the capacity to recognise and experience the reality of God through God’s generous and extraordinary gift of Creation.

These last few weeks of October are between the harvest thanksgivings in schools and churches and just before the massively important international gathering in Egypt – COP 27.

It seems no time at all since many of us were focussing on COP 26 in Glasgow.

The matters discussed, the commitments made last year and the ones which, please God, will be made this year are critical for the whole earth.

Just as I can’t imagine asking people in our church to bring all their Bibles, before putting them in a pile in the car park and setting fire to them or shredding them.

That’s not just destruction, it’s desecration.

So, if Creation is God’s first Bible, how can I stand idly by and allow the destruction of one of the universal ways that God self-discloses, the desecration of one of the means by which God speaks to us?

COP 27 needs to be a focus for prayer and I invite you to join me.

It needs to be a topic of conversation to raise its profile.

The Revd David Shaw is the minister of Wesley Methodist Church and Superintendent of the Reading and Silchester Methodist Circuit, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

That’s why we’re asking the public to join us now by signing our petition calling on the Government to introduce free school meals for all primary

From the Chamber Cllr Rob White

The Cat-Kind umbrella group recommends neutering at four months of age as that is when puberty hits. Neutering cats at four months (rather than the traditional six months of age), is an effective way to reduce the number of accidental litters, as well as having many recognised benefits to cat health and behaviour including marking of territory by spraying, fighting, wailing and roaming/getting lost.

Research has shown that neutering at four months has no

Further information on the benefits of neutering, as well as our Kitten Neutering Database listing vets undertaking the procedure at four months, can be found at www.cats.org.uk/ what-we-do/neutering/kittenneutering

Cats Protection provides discounted neutering for owners on low incomes. To find out more call our dedicated neutering helpline on 03000 1212112 Mon – Fri 9.30 – 1pm or go to www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/ neutering/financial-assistance Jane Clements Head of Neutering

Redlands Greens petitioned for went well recently.

Elsewhere, you may have seen details of our Household Support Scheme we’ve been promoting to help those on low incomes around Reading through the provision of energy and cost-of-living vouchers as well as financial support to community organisations helping people in neighbourhoods across the town.

We’ll keep working to make this scheme help as many people as we can, but we also know that broader actions with strategic goals are needed.

This is especially true to help people over the longer term and think beyond only offering relief from the acute crisis now.

Many of you may be questioning how energy efficient your home is and whether some changes might help you use less gas and electricity to keep your bills under control.

Green Party wants a general election now

THEConservatives are lurching from one disaster to the next.

These are all symbols of the country’s economic and political instability caused by the recklessness of a Conservative government with no regard for the needs of ordinary people or the environment.

Tragically it looks like more austerity is on the cards. That means more cuts to vital public services and more suffering by everyday people.

We need a general election now so people can vote for the policies they want to see to turn this mess around.

Truss’ reckless economic policies were designed to make the rich richer and would have driven up inequality. Greens would do the opposite.

We are not afraid to say that the very richest should pay more to ensure we have the public services we need for a successful economy and society.

Greens support site for travelling community – but demand better

Greens on the council have supported building a small site for the travelling community on Island Road, but called on the council to do better.

The travelling community deserve a decent place to stop with bins, toilets and water.

This will also allow the council to move on unauthorised encampments in our parks more quickly.

A site next to the tip isn’t ideal.

If a good site isn’t provided, it won’t be used. The site has a 10-year planning approval – we’re calling on the council to use that time to talk to its neighbouring boroughs and do better.

Greens working hard tackling missed bin collections

The trial of the smaller bin lorry for narrow roads which

Almost every week Councillors Dave McElroy, Kathryn McCann and campaigner Kate Nikulina hear about yet more missed bin collections because the bin lorry can’t get down a road. Following the successful trial the Labourrun council has completed its U-turn and is looking to buy a smaller bin lorry next financial year.

Thanks to everyone who signed our petition for a smaller bin lorry. This will reduce the number of missed bin collections. We will keep working to clean up Reading.

Greens are the second largest party in Reading

With all of the incompetence from the Conservatives nationally, it’s fortunate that at the local elections in May the Green Party overtook the Conservatives on Reading Borough Council.

We are now the second largest party in Reading. There is a growing team of hard-working Green councillors standing up for residents across the town.

If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org. uk/get-involved Green Party councillor Rob White, Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

If so, I would strongly encourage you to apply for our sustainable warmth scheme that we’ve just launched, with £1.7m of grants available.

To qualify for the free home improvements, properties must have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G – which can be checked here: www.gov.uk/findenergy-certificate. If a property doesn’t have an EPC, residents can still apply.

Applicants must also have a total annual household income of below £30,000 (or under £20,000 after rent/mortgage costs) or receive certain means-tested benefits. Private landlords are also eligible for the scheme, though they will need to contribute one-third towards the cost of the work.

If a home is eligible, options include upgrading insulation and ventilation to reduce bills and improve comfort, solar panels to generate electricity for the home, energy-efficient lighting upgrades to cut costs, and improved heating controls to help save money and reduce unnecessary energy use.

The grant funding is up to £10,000 for a home heated by gas. For homes not heated by gas (and instead by electricity or oil, for example), the grant is on a sliding scale from £10,000 to £25,000 each.

You can find out more about the scheme, which is being delivered for the Council by our partner City Energy, by going to reading.gov.uk/ SustainableWarmth where there is also a link to the City Energy application page.

Alternatively, check if you are eligible and apply to City Energy at www.berkshire-applications.co.uk, by emailing cityenergy@swfapplications.co.uk, or calling them on: 029 2168 0951.

Should you not be eligible but are on a low income and are over 60, have very young children or have a disability or health concerns, you could still qualify for help from our Winter Watch team.

If you need help and think you may be eligible for this, you can contact us on 0118 937 3747 or by emailing winterwatch@reading.gov.uk.

Our Money Matters website – reading.gov.uk/ money-matters – brings together and advice we have to help you manage your cost of living increases over the coming months, including a benefit checker.

Reading College teams up with Freely Fruity to create a garden that will keep on giving

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@rdg.today

A GARDEN in Reading has received some Hollywood attention.

It’s located in Reading College, and used by the students there.

Last Tuesday saw work on the site begin in earnest.

Becky Duncan from the college said: “The area was quite neglected during covid, but it’s getting new wheelchair access for an existing poly tunnel, new raised beds, and fruit trees.”

Students had been cultivating food already in the garden, but with these improvements, they will now be able to grow enough produce to donate to Reading food banks.

Elle Stear is a teacher of Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities at the college.

She said: “This is such a fantastic space, but we needed help to get it into shape.

“I contacted (Shinfield-based charity) Freely Fruity and they have pulled out all the stops.

They’ve donated the timber, the plants, the compost, and their time.

“Their work today will make it easier for our students to access and work in the garden.

“It’s amazing to see all these people here today, willing to give up their time for free.”

Volunteers not only from Freely Fruity, but also from Virgin Media, and from O2, are busy laying slabs, turning over the soil, planting, and installing six raised beds, and one raised planter that’s 17 metres by two.

They have all been given sufficient space around them to allow easy access for wheelchairs, and are designed to make gardening easier.

“Our students are excited about the improvements, and pleased that they will be helping others through their work.

“At the same time they are gaining work experience and learning employability skills,” explained Ms Stear.

Also in the garden was a Hollywood star.

Winston Ellis, who has appeared in films such as The Dark Knight, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End, took a spade and helped out.

He said: “I’m here today because of Freely Fruity.

“I was a judge at the BBC Make A Difference Awards, and when I heard what they were doing, I thought, ‘what an amazing charity’.

But the project also has personal resonances for Winston.

He grew up in Reading, and actually attended Reading College.

“When I was a kid in the town, we’d jump on our bikes and go scrumping apples off trees.

“You just don’t see that any more.

“I don’t want my grandkids to think apples grow in supermarkets.

“Freely Fruity are doing incredible things.

“I’m humbled and honoured to be involved in a project that is about giving something back.”

The charity was founded by three friends in 2020.

Their mission is to plant more fruit for people to enjoy in local communities for free, and to reduce their carbon footprint as they do so.

Founders Ryan, James and Matt worked all day on Saturday loading compost and timber, before arriving for a full day of volunteering at the college.

They began Freely Fruity with a site in Sindlesham.

“We produced two-and-ahalf tons of food during covid,” says Ryan.

They continue to farm the two-acre, organic site, with its netted enclosures, a 60ft poly tunnel and several raised beds.

There’s also a fruit tree nursery whose trees are destined to be planted in various local community projects.

All food grown on site is donated to local food banks and other charities.

“It’s about planting in community gardens and spaces, and producing food,” says Ryan.

“But it’s also about education.

“We want to help people learn about growing.

“We get involved in projects

Teenage Cancer Trust.

at schools, care homes, anywhere that people can cultivate.”

The three friends weren’t gardening experts when they began, though.

They all have full-time jobs in other fields, and did a lot of their own research and learning.

“Anyone can do this,” says Ryan.

“I love it, just look at how many people are involved today.

“There’s the BBC filming, a Hollywood actor, and lots of volunteers on board.

“It can feel like a selfish world at times, but there are lots of good people out there willing to help.

“I’m really proud to be part

of something that’s making a difference.”

The Reading College garden will give in many different ways, providing free food, reducing carbon emissions, and providing education for students.

n For more information about Freely Fruity visit: freelyfruity.org

NEED SOME EXTRA INCOME THIS WINTER?

A GARDEN centre is offering dog owners the chance for their pets to meet Santa to find out if they have been good boys this year.

Dobbies, with branches in Hare Hatch and Spencers Wood, is preparing to launch its festive celebrations, including the canine-friendly grotto.

And the jolly red-robed man with the bushy beard will be hosting breakfast experiences for under 10s in the run-up to

December 25. His grotto will open on Thursday, November 24, with a quiet session on Friday, December 9.

The Santa Paws sessions, for four-legged friends, opens from Saturday, December 3.

And for those who are slightly older, there will be afternoon teas, with familyfriendly options available.

There will also be opportunities to make donations to its charity, the

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Christmas is all about getting the family together and spending quality time with your loved ones.

“At Dobbies we want to give families an experience to remember and unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come.

“Nothing is more magical than Christmas time, and our interactive festive events in Reading will help bring the season to life for the entire family.”

n For more details, log on to: www.dobbies.com/events

GET PLANTING: Students from the college are pleased and excited about the improvements to their produce garden and, right, the Freely Fruity team Pictures: Emma Merchant

Santa, give the dog a bone – unless they tell you different. Dobbies to open grotto to pooches this Christmas

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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THE COVETED ROLE OF FATHER CHRISTMAS, PLEASE EMAIL INFO@SEASONALEVENTS CO UK

In association with Winnersh Triangle

Cellnex teams with Quickline

CELLNEX UK, a Reading-based telecoms infrastructure provider, has teamed up with Quickline Communications to bring broadband to more than 50,000 homes.

The two companies have worked together to install infrastructure in isolated areas in the north of England, such as remote, rural communities in the North Yorkshire moors.

Cellnex is the UK’s largest independent provider of telecoms infrastructure has served the emergency services, wind farms, and utility providers, and is extending its support to isolated communities.

Paul Stonadge, Commercial Director, Cellnex UK, said: “We are working with key partners such as Quickline to deliver connectivity and services that contribute to socio-economic growth and help us bring connectivity to everyone, everywhere in the UK.”

Mark Seward, director of fixed wireless operations for Quickline, said: “We have now commissioned 50 of Cellnex UK’s sites where we will install our technology and are actively looking to identify further sites in the future.

“At this point, we can connect over 53,000 more properties and tens of thousands more homes and businesses will have lightning fast capability over the next few years.”

He said also that it’s important for companies to work together when to mitigate climate change as well as to speed up the rollout to rural communities.

Osborne Clarke appoints new UK managing partner

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

AN INTERNATIONAL legal practice with an office in Reading is to get a new managing partner in the new year.

Conrad Davies will head up Osborne Clarke from January 1, taking over from Ray Berg, who is stepping down after eight years.

Senior Partner Peter Clough told staff at The Forbury-based firm that they had had an incredible eight years under Mr Berg’s leadership.

“He’s shown outstanding dedication and commitment to building the firm into what it is today,” he said, adding a congratulations message to Mr Davies.

“He has also been one of our firm’s great leaders and has been instrumental in helping to build our strategy,” he said.

“I know he will do an excellent job, and I and the team very much look forward to working with him.”

Having spent more than 17 years at Osborne Clarke, Conrad became a Partner in 2011 and was previously at Jones Day. He helped to establish the firm’s corporate real estate

NEW ROLE: Conrad Davies will head up Osborne Clarke from the new year

Partner and the International Head of the Urban Dynamics Group. He was instrumental in leading the team that established the firm’s 2025 client strategy. Most recently he was also appointed as International Transformation Leader for Urban Dynamics, which is focused on supporting clients as they navigate the legal impacts, challenges and business opportunities arising from the rapid changes taking place in modern cities and towns, particularly around the future of work and living, smart cities and urban mobility.

Before qualifying as a lawyer, Conrad spent five years working in business – so he understands his clients’ needs from both a legal and commercial perspective.

“I am thrilled to be appointed as Managing Partner,” he said.

practice 10 years ago and also headed up the firm’s international real estate and infrastructure sector for seven years.

He is currently a corporate

“They will be big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge and I look forward to building on all the good work that’s been done as I lead the firm for the next four years.”

Winnersh Triangle owners receive top accolade for sustainability

THE OWNERS of a Winnersh business park has received a top accolade for its work to ensure the estate meets some of the highest eco-standards going.

Frasers Property (FPUK), who run Winnersh Triangle, has been awarded a four-star rating in the GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) rankings for the second year in a row.

It says that in further recognition of its credentials in environmental sustainability and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint across its property portfolio, FPUK was awarded an overall score of 83 –

ahead of the average score in its peer group (69).

And it scored 100% in the Management category, a first for the company.

Each year, GRESB assesses and benchmarks the ESG performance of real estate assets worldwide, providing valuable independent insight for financial markets on the complex issue of sustainability.

Frasers’ senior sustainability manager, Amira Hashemi, said: “FPUK’s GRESB rating and our above-average overall score demonstrate our strong and ongoing commitment to improving the governance and performance of our portfolio across the UK, in line with global initiatives to decrease

carbon emissions as we all work towards achieving net zero carbon.”

And James Smith, the commercial director, said: “We are delighted that GRESB has recognised our continued improvement of environmental performance across the portfolio.

“The rating is an important and independent way for companies to demonstrate their progress and commitment to decarbonising the built environment.”

FPUK has also been working on transforming the former London Metropolitan School of Art, now known as The Rowe, and runs on 100% renewable energy.

A

that

AWARD: Winnersh Triangle owners

Frasers

Property has received a four-star rating in the lobal Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark for the second year in a row

GWR to inform customers of compo rights during delays

CCTV released after sexual assault

THAMES Valley Police has released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a sexual assault which took place in Tilehurst.

The incident occurred between 11.30am-noon on Wednesday, September 28, in the Tesco store on Knowsley Road.

The victim, a girl in her teens, was on the premises when she was approached by an unknown man who touched her on the back.

The victim apologised, thinking she was in the man’s way,

and stepped to the side.

The man then said that the victim had a bee on her and brushed her back again, before brushing her arm and then walking away.

Investigating officer PC Josie Williams, based at Newbury 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 43220435554.

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

NEW TECH: Great Western Railway is set to begin notifying customers who are delayed by more than 15 minutes of their rights for compensation Picture: Great Western Railway

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

GREAT Western Railway is set to automatically begin notifying customers who are delayed by more than 15 minutes of their rights for compensation.

It has instated a new Automatic Delay Repay service which will cover all advance tickets bought online and used on GWR services and automatically calculate delays.

Those subject to more than 15 minutes of delay will be notified by the service via email, with the ability to accept the claim through their relevant online account.

The service will also notify those who travel with another train operator for part of their journey if that part is delayed, though GWR will not process those claims directly.

It sees graded compensation for delays, with less half an hour’s worth of delays leading to 25% refund on single tickets, and 12.5% on return and season tickets.

Delays between 30-59 minutes see refunds of 50% on single tickets and 25% for return and season tickets.

Delays of more than an hour will see single tickets fully refunded, and return and season tickets refunded 50%.

All tickets delayed by over two hours will be fully refunded.

GWR interim sales & marketing director Lee Edworthy said: “This fulfils a promise to our customers to make claiming compensation for any delays of 15 minutes or more even easier.

“We are always looking at ways to improve our service and it’s important that when people are delayed, we proactively notify them and ensure they are adequately compensated for their loss.

“We do all we can to get people to their destination on time, but when things do go wrong customers need to trust in a fair system.

“This new Automatic Delay Repay service is an extension of our commitment to passengers.”

The Delay Repay scheme was launched in 2019 for users with pay-as-you-go smartcards, but has now been rolled out to advance ticket holders.

Instead of completing a full online form to process compensation, but automatic refunds, unique to the railway industry, will simplify the process.

A Delay Repay account, provided by Great Western Railway, is needed to sign up to the service.

n For more information, visit: delayrepay.gwr.com

Whitley charity nominated for community award

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A CHARITY’S work with children in Reading has been recognised as it was shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Aspire2, which helps young people develop skills through non-formal enrichment activities, was named as a finalist in Red Kite Days Berkshire Awards.

It was selected in the community support category.

Charity development manager Helen Bligh said she found out about the nomination on Sunday night thanks to a congratulatory email from the awards’ organisers.

She explained: “It’s really exciting. In my memory, we’ve never been nominated for an award. We’re so tiny, people don’t think of us because we’re so little.

“To be considered is quite amazing. We’re such a small charity up against all the charities in Berkshire.

“I have no idea who nominated us, but a massive thanks to whoever it was.”

The charity works with young people in Whitley and

its activities include holiday trips to history and outdoor education site Ufton Court, an early years music project, a Year 5 day at the University of Reading and a poetry competition.

Extracurricular opportunities sit at the heart of Aspire2’s provision, providing alternative means of learning outside the classroom.

Ms Bligh said: “Children, especially in this area, don’t necessarily get the advantages that children in wealthier areas get, where their parents can afford to send them to music lessons, sports activities and take them on expensive days out.

“But not all children get that opportunity. It gives them those soft skills, the ones that employers want. Skills like confidence, teamwork, determination, commitment.

“[Our activities] give them all those things, as well as aspirations about where they can go and what the world has to offer.”

She added that since the pandemic, opportunities to broaden horizons have shrunk, with many children getting used to being at home and speaking to their friends online.

Over lockdown, Aspire2 collaborated with The Rock Academy to help all Year 6 cohorts in Whitley to record podcasts documenting the impact the pandemic had on their lives and their hopes for the future.

The podcasts, which Ms Bligh describes as ‘time capsules’, are available to listen to on Aspire2’s website.

Next year, Aspire2 hopes to launch the Whitley Carnival, which will give young people a fun and exciting chance to engage with their community.

Having received various grants in the past, the organisation currently relies on its own fundraising efforts to deliver its services.

n To vote for Aspire2 in the Red Kite Days Berkshire Awards, visit: berkshire.redkitedays.co.uk

Design a Reading Biscuit to celebratethe town

READING is famous for its biscuits - and it’s hoped that the winner of a new contest will be the talk of the town.

As part of its celebration theme, Pride of Reading is encouraging people to devise a new biscuit.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in December, hosted by Chris Tarrant.

Awards organisers want people to join them in championing numerous anniversaries in the town.

That includes 2022 being the

200th anniversary of Huntley & Palmers, the town’s legendary biscuit bakers.

Use your imagination to create

Discover a century of shopping in Reading, thanks to Wokingham Society talk

IT’S ALWAYS been a destination for shoppers, but its history will surprise you.

All will be revealed about Reading town centre’s past century thanks to an illustrated talk coming to Wokingham next month.

Ann Smith, the secretary of the Berkshire Local History Society, will be the guest speaker at the Wokingham Society’s AGM, on Wednesday, November 16.

Taking place in Town Hall, in Market Place, Wokingham, it starts at 7.45pm.

In his talk, she will take participants on a virtual walk round Reading’s town centre and look at shops from the 19th century to the present day, and how shopping has changed over the years.

Some of these shops were unique to Reading, others household names.

Wokingham Society says the event is open to everyone and refreshments will be served before it starts.

n For more details, log on to: www.wokinghamsociety.org.uk

Tyres slashed on parked car

TYRES were slashed on a car parked in Theale.

The incident took place between 5pm on Saturday, October 15, and noon on Monday, October 17.

The vehicle was parked on The Crescent, which is off Blossom Avenue

and close to Englefield Road.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could help their investigation is asked to call 101, or report the incident via the website, thamesvalley. police.uk, quoting reference: 43220467279.

a celebratory biscuit recipe that honours something interesting about Reading’s history or heritage. Recipes should not use nuts or cream.

The competition is supported by sponsor Jacobs the Jewellers, as they prepare to celebrate their 75th anniversary next year.

The winner bags a place at the awards lunch at Reading FC Conference & Events - and can bring a guest.

n Recipe ideas can be emailed to: porawards@yahoo.com

n For more information, log on to: porawards.co.uk

TV Royals wish

READING’S success on the pitch this season has meant they are one of the surprise packages in the Championship, and fans are clamouring to watch Paul Ince’s team in action.

Earlier this month, the English Football League announced it was considering ending its 3pm Saturday blackoutpreventing armchair fans from watching the game at home.

It’s a controversial move, but it appears there is demand for the service, which could be offered to Facebook, Netflix, Google, Apple and Amazon to use on their streaming platforms.

Website Footy Accumulators looked at which English Football League sides which are most in demand to watch at home.

The Royals came joint second, behind Burnley. According to its research, 386,000 people are searching for the northern club.

Reading, with 301,000 searches, came joint second with Birmingham City, Portsmouth and Watford.

Other teams in the top 10 were Barnsley, Blackpool, Sunderland, Luton Town, and Middlesbrough.

CONTEST: What would a Reading biscuit be like? Picture: congerdesign from Pixabay

Attempted theft in Caversham

AN APPEAL for information has been made over an attempted burglary in Caversham.

Would-be thieves attempted to break-in to a home in Hemdean Road on Sunday, October 16.

They made their house call sometime between 3pm and 7pm, but left empty handed after being unable to gain entry. They smashed a first floor bathroom window.

Thames Valley Police is asking for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information, CCTV that could help their investigation is asked to call 101, quoting: 43220466260.

Bikes stolen

TWO bicycles have been stolen from a garage and Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place between 11.30am and 2pm on Monday, October 17.

The thief forced the lock on the doors to the storage unit, which was based in Cintra Avenue.

Anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could help their investigation is asked to call 101, or report the incident via the website, thamesvalley. police.uk, quoting reference: 43220467927.

Kendrick students take part in future of engineering challenge

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

TWO students from a Reading secondary school have taken part in a national event aimed at sharing ideas for the future of engineering.

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week Future Minds Live saw 50 students from across the UK come together to explore their ideas for what engineering could achieve in the next 10 years.

Among them were Kendrick School students Dhitha and Sarah.

During the session, they heard from engineers from four different sectors: entertainment, sport, technology, and environment.

They were then invited to discuss their ideas for new innovations and how engineering could help shape these sectors in small groups.

All attendees were given the opportunity to focus on the areas that they were most interested in and brainstorm their ideas together before presenting them to the rest of the group at the end of the event.

Future Minds Live was hosted by broadcaster Fayon Dixon and engineer Simon

The event is part of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week which this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

It highlights to young people that engineering is a creative, problem-solving, exciting career that improves the world around us in a huge variety of ways.

Eileen Sheppard, a physics teacher at Kendrick School, said: “The students were thoroughly engaged during the event and learned lots about different

aspects of engineering.

“They enjoyed participating and the professionals contributing gave them ideas to consider for the future.”

And Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, which organises the event said she was delighted with how it had gone.

“We were thrilled that students from Kendrick School joined Future Minds Live to share their thoughts with us on the future of engineering as

part of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2022,” she said.

“Engineering innovations in sectors such as the environment, technology, entertainment and sport will influence how we live, interact and relax, and hearing such great ideas from the younger generation was incredibly inspiring.

“Engineering and tech shape the world around us and we want all young people to see that they have an

exciting opportunity to apply their creativity and problemsolving to build a better future. Hopefully, the students who took part in Future Minds Live will be particularly inspired to look more closely at a career in engineering and technology.”

The Tomorrow’s Engineers Week Future Minds Live broadcast will be available for all schools to view from Monday, November 7.

n For more information, log on to: www.teweek.org.uk

Shanties at Castle Tap Two homes targeted in raids

CASTLE Tap is bringing the sounds of the sea to its pub, thanks to a special evening held on the second Wednesday of every

All are weclome to take part in the singing of sea shanties and communal songs of the waterways, in association with Reading Shanty Singers.

Guests are encouraged to bring a song to take the lead with, join in with choral parts, or just to watch and enjoy the sounds of the high seas.

While entry is free, the Reading town centre pub says it is recommended that attendees book a table ahead of time.

It also asks that people singing should be prepared to update or modernise lyrics to ensure they are inclusive – some of the old songs can be, well, a bit salty to modern ears.

Based in Castle Street, The Castle Tap hosts its monthly shanty session on the second Wednesday of every month, with the next taking place on November 9.

POLICE have reported two burglaries in Katesgrove and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The first took place between 5pm and 9pm on Monday, October 17, in Laud Close.

The thief broke in via the back door and stole a key.

The second took place on Tuesday, October 18, between 4pm and 9.30pm at a home in Newcastle Road.

In this case, the burglar forced the front door.

However, they were unable to gain entry and nothing was stolen.

Thames Valley Police is asking for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could help their investigation is asked to call 101, or report the incident via the website, thamesvalley.police.uk, quoting reference: 43220468271 for Laud Close, and 43220469394 in Newcastle Road.

Aldi seeks to recruit festive staff

SUPERMARKET chain is looking to hire 140 new team members across the royal county in the run-up to

The roles are both temporary for the festive season, and permanent and will see the recruits help stock shelves and assist customers in

The firm is also looking to recruit for its regional

distribution centres, searching for warehouse staff, logistics assistannts and lorry drivers.

Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, said: “This year we’re recruiting more people than ever over the Christmas period to support the growing number of customers that are switching to Aldi.

“Our amazing colleagues

play a vital role in keeping our shelves stocked year-round which is why, once again, we’ll also be keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day as a thank you for all of their hard work.”

Aldi pays a minimum rate of £10.50 per hour, and offers paid breaks.

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

IDEAS: Students from Kendrick School took part in the nation event Tomorrow’s Engineers Week Future Minds Live

Reading lights up for Diwali procession

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING is all set to celebrate Diwali with a host of events and performances on Saturday.

Kala The Arts, a south Asian dance organisation, will bring DIYA Light It Up to Reading Town Centre, with support from Reading Borough Council and the Business Improvement District.

Diwali is the Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world to mark new beginnings and show the importance of good triumphing over evil and light over dark.

The celebrations will begin with a musical performance in Market Place from 4pm, with a lantern parade following along Broad Street at 5.30pm.

The parade will feature giant puppets, courtesy of Global Grooves, two large installations from Samesky, and Dhol drummers.

Kala’s professional dancers will be joined for a performance by children from Geoffrey Field Primary School.

Sushmita Pati, Artistic Director of Kala The Arts, said: “Our celebration is open to everyone with schools, communities and professional artists come together for Diwali, which will show the importance of light overcoming darkness.

“This year’s theme is Care - caring for each other, caring for nature and the environment around us and caring for ourselves.”

Alexa Volker, Reading Business

Improvement District manager, said: “Reading BID is pleased to be supporting this event on behalf of local businesses to bring visitors into the area.

“Working in partnership with Kala the Arts and the Council, this event is part of creating a vibrant town centre.

“By showcasing these performances in the centre of Reading and celebrating our diverse communities we look to engage more people in what Reading has to offer.”

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “The Diwali event is another brilliant addition to the exciting schedule of diverse and inclusive events taking place in Reading.

“Working with our partners at Reading BID and with Kala the Arts, I’m glad the Council has been able to support this family-friendly performance and parade, which will be a great opportunity for everyone to come together to celebrate.”

Hampshire-based Kala The Arts is a leading dance organisation, specialising in the Odissi South Asian dance form.

It was founded by international Odissi artist and choreographer, Sushmita Pati, in 1999, who now acts as artistic director.

DIYA Light It Up takes place in Market Place from 4pm on Saturday, October 29.

n Those wishing to take part in the parade can contact Kala The Arts via: Kalathearts@gmail.com

MP criticises proposed planning laws shake-up

ONE of Reading’s two MPs has criticised proposals by the outgoing government to change planning law that could see more homes built on green belt land, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter

Last week, Liz Truss resigned as prime minister and it is currently unknown what her successor, Rishi Sunak will do.

However, the previous administration announced it is considering relaxing laws around building on the green belt and allowing extensions to homes to come under permitted development rights, meaning they would no longer need planning permission.

The proposals were floated by Simon Clarke (Conservative, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland), who was the secretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities under the Truss regime.

Although the proposals have not been finalised yet, Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, has argued they would lead to an increase in ‘ugly and cramped developments’ both in the town and on its outskirts.

Speaking last week, Mr Rodda said: “The Government is planning a

wave of changes to planning which could allow unsuitable development in the countryside and increase the number of ugly and cramped developments in towns and villages, by allowing far more development.

“The first move risks more sprawling development on the edge of towns and cities damaging vital green space and creating more traffic in suburban areas and increasing pressure on local public services.

“The second proposal could increase the number of bedsits in busy historic streets, such as in Reading town centre and near Reading University.

“This problem is also getting worse across our area, including in Earley, Caversham and Emmer Green and in South Reading.”

Mr Rodda made the comments in a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament.

He also referred to a plan by Gladman Homes in 2018, which would’ve seen 245 homes built on Bryant’s Farm.

The plan was refused by South Oxfordshire District Council and rejected on appeal.

Mr Rodda raised fears similar developments could see Emmer Green linked to Sonning Common.

He said: “In our area we have a specific problem with speculative developers, and I’ll mention one case that indicates just how appalling this can be.

“On one site on the edge of Emmer Green, a small village now part of Reading,

a speculative developer wanted to build a large number of executive homes.

“That would have started to join up Reading with the neighbouring south Oxfordshire village of Sonning Common, which is completely against the wider thrust of planning policy and the importance of maintaining separate settlements.

“It was an unsuitable, unsustainable site that would have led to a large

amount of extra traffic in both directions, which no residents in the area wanted.

“I and neighbouring MPs and parish councils campaigned against it, and we were successful.

“However, I am concerned that the Government’s proposals could unleash a wave of similar applications on the outskirts of existing towns and cities in my constituency and neighbouring parts of southern England.”

Who keepsup action?

CAMPAIGN: Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading East, in the Caversham Park Village area.

Picture: Office of Matt Rodda MP

‘Different little fireworks can gooff – an audience can be like that’

ROBAUTON is returning to Reading once again as part of the tour of his brand new show, The Crowd Show.

Combining comedy, theatre, and spoken word, Auton will bring the threads of his eclectic stylings and influences together for the latest of his live shows.

He says that The Crowd Show is: “Probably the most meta, and the most ‘present’ I’ve been, as it were.

“It’s about crowds, which I was going to take up to Edinburgh Festival in 2020 – obviously the pandemic happened and I couldn’t do that.”

He also feels that this latest work may be some of his funniest: “not to blow my own trumpet, “But it’s different because I think I’ve worked on it more than any others,

since I had longer to write it.

“There’s been a lot more putting things in, taking things out– the trial and error of creating the show.”

Counter-intuitively, the higher level of perfecting the work has also led to the show being more topical, too.

“The process has been a lot longer, but I think also it’s taken in current events more than any of my other shows.

“Even though I don’t talk about the pandemic in the show, it is very much a response to something that happened.

“It made me think about people in my life, togetherness, and the privilege it is to get to be in front of a crowd, so when that was taken away from me the love that I have for it came to the foreground.”

When it comes to his art, Auton

admits that live performance is one of the more fleeting media to work in compared to more permanent or physical works such as painting or music.

Some of his performances have been recorded, but it is his podcast which makes up most of his recorded work.

He says that the podcast gives him flexibility and freedom, which can be more difficult in live performance.

“I just want to be able to do what I want, which is to answer the call of my ideas, and a podcast can just be.

“It can be a short story one day, it can be a longer story, could be a poem or a song or something like that.

“With live stuff, people go out with expectations because it’s billed as comedy.”

He also says that he wants to create things which have a lasting relevance: “I don’t want to make shows that age badly.

“I know that I could do my (previous)

show about the colour yellow in 50 years, and it would still make sense.

“That’s where it becomes something else, like an abstract painting will always be abstract, that’s kind of what I want to be able to do.

“People to be able take things away from it no matter where they are, or when.”

While he admits that this might be ambitious, he says that it’s exactly as it should be.

“I’ve got big ideas for what I want to do and you have got to be ambitious, because I’ve got to love my work more than I love anyone else’s work,

“With that, I’m aware that all this is completely temporary, so my brain, whether it’s working at the moment, allows me, thankfully– to write ideas that some people at shows like

“It’s working enough for me to be able to get booked and do gigs and do decent venues – who knows when that will stop.”

He says that he’s still trying to find something that will be able to last after he’s gone, but for the time being he is more than satisfied just to hear from audience members.

“Someone walking down the street or cooking some pasta and thinking about a line in my shower that they heard, that’s enough of a legacy for me at the moment.

“Or, if they come up and say that they enjoyed the show even that their mate went and thought it’s great, that’s enough for me.”

His podcast, The Rob Auton Show, is available to stream via most podcast providers.

n Rob Auton’s latest live show, The Crowd Show, is touring the UK, including a show at South Street Arts Centre on Thursday, November 3. For tickets, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

n Read the full interview online at RDG.TODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Comedian Rob Auton speaks to JAKE CLOTHIER ahead of his latest visit to Reading’s South Street, with The Crowd Show

Do have nightmares with spooky show

IF THEY’RE looking for something to raise the goose bumps, audiences can head over to Maidenhead.

E F Benson’s collection of ghostly yarns, Night Terrors, will be relayed by actor Gerard Logan, with specially commissioned music by Simon Slater.

The masterful storyteller will tell three dramatic and haunting tales: The Dance; In The Tube; and The Confession of Charles Linkworth.

Night Terrors is on at Norden Park Arts Centre’s studio theatre.

The event takes place on Thursday, October 29.

Doors open at 7.30pm Tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Wham, bam, thank you slam

WORLD Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker’s show of new poems celebrates the little things in life that make us who we are – including running a marathon dressed as a falafel.

Author, maths graduate and performance poet, Baker focusses on the connection at the heart of it al.

His playful, heartfelt, and uplifting show comes to Norden Farm Arts Centre Courtyard Theatre in Maidenhead.

The event is on Thursday, November 3. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Crocodile rock and other classics

THE Elton John Show pays tribute to the flamboyant man of pop.

With over 300 million records sold, Sir Elton John is the most successful singersongwriter of his generation.

From Rocket Man to Tiny Dancer, this show brings an array of the singer song writer’s hits to the stage.

The concert is at the Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It takes place on Friday, October 28, doors open at £7.45, and seats cost £24.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

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. EBOS presents Young Frankenstein. Tues 1-Sat 5. Bracknell Jazz: Malcolm Earle-Smith. Fri 4. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 4. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun 6. Adorable Dora. Sun 6.

FILMS: DC League of Super Pets. Thurs 27. Blind Ambition. Thurs 27. See How They Run. Fri 28-Wed 2. Both Sides of the Blade. Mon 31. The Seagull. Thurs 3. Ticket to Paradise. Fri 4-Wed 9.

they eventually realise that to achieve anything they must embrace their differences and work together.

The family friendly comedy is accessible for D/deaf audiences.

Splat! can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in the Studio.

It performs on Saturday, October 29.

Doors open at 2pm.

All tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Othello, but in the 21st century

A NATIONALLY acclaimed theatre company combines Shakespeare’s text, with physicality.

It presents an Othello firmly rooted in a volatile 21st century, where a passionate affair becomes the catalyst for jealousy, betrayal and revenge.

Frantic Assembly presents its awardwinning take on Shakespeare’s tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder.

The play can be seen at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

Performances are on Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 5.

THERE’S a show for the whole family this half-term.

Louis Pearl’s show, The Amazing Bubble Man, brings art, magic, science and the fun of bubbles.

It’s a show to delight all ages, with

It’s the devil’s work for News Quiz’s Simon

PREPARE to laugh.

Star of Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and The Unbelievable Truth, Simon Evans is coming to Bracknell.

The established UK comedian has been described as a master of socio political comedy.

In his new show, Simon Evans: The Work Of The Devil, he shares his view of a world on fire, along with personal revelations that turned his world upside down this year.

He plays at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The event is on Saturday, October 29.

Doors open at 8pm. Tickets cost £19.

Age 14 upwards only, due to swearing and adult content.

n For tickets and information log on to:

plenty of comic artistry and audience participation.

The Amazing Bubble Man performs at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell.

The spectacle can be seen on

www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

All-singing, all-dancing Frankie

YOUNG Frankenstein was first created by the US actor, director and filmmaker, Mel Brooks.

The musical comedy film was a hit in 1974.

East Berkshire Operatic Society brings the all-singing, all-dancing show to the stage in Bracknell.

With musical numbers, Mel Brooks hilarity and the odd wooden limb, the show is described as monstrously funny.

There is no age restriction, but the performance does include adult themes.

Young Frankenstein can be seen at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It plays from Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 5.

Performances are at 7.45pm with

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

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. Milton Jones. Wed 2.

Steptoe and Son Radio Show. Thurs 3. The Indians are Coming. Fri 4. Christmas Craft Show. Sun 6.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

The Shawshank Redemption. Until 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. Othello.

Tues 1-Sat 5. Nana Hannah and Her Hats. Wed 2. In PurSUEt. Fri 4. Unknown. Sat 5.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Family Fun Day. Sun 30. English Youth Ballet. Tues 1-Wed 2.

The Pitmen Poets. Wed 2. Tales From Acorn Wood. Thurs 3-Fri 4. Thinking Drinkers. Fri 4. Pure Elite Pro/Am World Championships. Sat 5. Fanny’s Buns and Bubbles. Sat 5.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

The Remix Jazz Orchestra featuring Purdy. Thurs 27.

The Greatest Magician. Fri 28. First Love Is the Revolution. Thurs 27-Sat 29. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Sat 29.

The History of Soul. Fri 4. Celebrating George Michael. Sat 5. Buddy Holly. Sun 6.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

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. Don’t Worry Darling (12a). Tues 1. Mig and the Beanstalk. Thurs 3. Harry Baker is Unashamed. Thurs 3. National Theatre Live: The Seagull. Thurs 3. Dyspraxia and Politics, the two sides of Don Biswas. Fri 4. Moonage Daydream (15). Fri 4. Norden Farm Market. Sat 5. ELO Again. Sat 5.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Pygnalion. Thurs 27. Fireman Sam. Fri 28. The Dark. Sat 29. The Lost Boys. Fri 28-Sat 29. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Fri 28-Sun 30. Morgan and West: Unbelievable

Saturday, October 29. Doors open at 2pm. Tickets cost £16.50 for adults, under 16s cost £14.50.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

an additional matinée on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £16 on Tuesday, November 1.

Thereafter adults cost £21, with concessions available at £20.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

A chance for young to watch paint dry

SPLAT! Is a show for ages three to six, and their carers.

It’s a physical comedy with paint.

Ttwo aspiring artists attempt to complete their masterpieces.

One is messy, the other very tidy.

Antagonising each other in the process, they take a journey through the history of visual art.

After experiencing techniques of great masters and art movements,

Science. Sun 30. Ned Boulting: Retour Dr Ned. Tues 1. The Comedy Network. Fri 4. The Rolling Stones Story. Sat 5.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Sleeping Sword. Thurs 27-Sat 5.

Reading – South St www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom. Thurs 27. Visible: A Celebration of Motherhood. Thurs 27. Heavy Pop presents LoneLady. Fri 28. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29. Word by Jamal Harwood. Wed 2. Rob Auton: The Crowd Show. Thurs 3. The Privileged by Jamal Harewood. Fri 4. Peut-Etre Theatre:The Dark. Sat 5.

Reading – Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

The Australian Pink Floyd. Thurs 27. Dara O’Briain: So Where Were We – SOLD OUT. Fri 28. Jools Holland Thurs 3.

Doors open at 7.30pm each night, with matinées on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Recommended for 14 years and above. Tickets cost from £30.50

n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000

Sinfonia to present chamber recital

The West Forest Sinfonia orchestra is to perform in Bracknell next week.

A select number of chamber performers will play Beethoven, Gipps and Farrenc.

The progamme includes: Beethoven’s Variations on La Ci Darem La Mano for two oboes and cor anglais; Ruth Gipps’ Pan and Apollo for harp, two oboes and cor anglais; and Louise Farrenc’s Sextet for piano and wind, op.41.

The concert will be given in the Recital Room at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The musicians play on Sunday, November 6.

Doors open at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £10.50.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra 20th anniversary concerts. Sat 29.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 16th Annual Write Fest. Wed 2-Sat 5.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 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.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Funny Money. Until Sat Nov 5. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Sun 30.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

The Grass Is Greener. Fri 28-Sat 12.

Wokingham –Wokingham Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Until Sat 29.

Wokingham –The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society presents Parallel Mothers (15). Thurs 27. Wokingham Music Club presents Los Pacaminos: Live in Concert SOLD OUT. Fri 28. Wokingham Film Society: The Outfit (15). Thurs 3. Avartan 2022. Sun 6.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Ladies Down Under. Nov 29-Dec 3.

Firework displays to light up the skies

FIREWORK displays across Reading and Wokingham 2022

Every year, we remember the Gunpowder Plot by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire and lighting fireworks.

A number of organised displays will take place across Berkshire over the coming weeks and we have listed as many as we can below.

If your display is missing, please email us at events@wokinghampaper.co.uk

And, if you are holding your own display, please remember to follow the Firework Code

ROSPA says that young people should watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance and follow the safety rules for using sparklers. Only adults should deal with firework displays and the lighting of fireworks. They should also take care of the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used.

n Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.

n Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.

n Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.

n Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back.

n Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.

n Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

n Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.

n Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

n Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.

n Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

Saturday, October 29

Ascot Racecourse Fireworks spectacular family race day

A day of racing, followed by a fairground with dodgems, clip clop pony rides, mini jets and more. Rides free before 4pm, £1 per go afterwards, with proceeds going to charity.

Racing from 10.45am to 5.30pm. Fireworks from 6pm. Under 18s free, adults from £30.

Firework only tickets from 4pm, £8, £6 for children, under fives free.

n Details: www.ascot.co.uk or 01344 346 3000, or www.ascotfireworks.org.uk

Sandhurst Fireworks

A free display with live entertainment

A bit of a rarity this one: a free entry event. Organised by Sandhurst Town

Council, it takes place in the Memorial Park from 5pm. There will be a fun fair and inflatables, hot food stands and live entertainment to get people in the mood for the firework display itself, which launches at 7.30pm.

Organisers hope everyone attending will walk, but there is a car park available with a fee of £2.

Disabled car parking will be available until 7pm.

n For more details, log on to www. sandhurst.gov.uk

Twyford Fireworks

The annual Twyford and District Round Table display takes place, as ever, in King George V Playing Field off Loddon Hall Road.

Gates open at 6.30pm, with the usual funfair offering a host of rides for all ages to enjoy. There will also be a barbecue, hot chocolate and other refreshment stalls.

The firework display, which this year has a theme of A Night at the Movies to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, will start around

Bumps in the night

Darker Shores

Theatre Royal Windsor

THERE were ghostly goings on in Windsor.

The Theatre Royal is experiencing bumps in the night and spectral visitations.

Darker Shores, which finished its run on Saturday, is the reason.

The play, about the strange haunting of a seaside residence, is a Victorian horror story.

With a quietly menacing soundscape, and a nicely gothic set, it follows the efforts of Professor Gabriel Stokes and American medium, Dr Tom Beauregard.

Their mission is to discover the source of ghostly noises that trouble the guest room of Mrs Hinchcliffe’s house.

She’d like to open the house as a hotel,

but this seems unlikely until she can solve the problem of her badly behaved spectral resident.

This uncooperative guest is throwing their weight, and half the contents of the room, about.

The tale, written for stage by Michael Punter, and set in 1875, delighted its audiences.

Gasps from the audience indicated that goosebumps were being kept active by the special effects, shocks and illusions aplenty,

And the theatre enjoyed a nearly full house, which just goes to show that people love a ghost story.

The story is handled well by a competent and experienced company:

Gates open at 5.30pm, with the display from 7pm.

Advance family tickets are £18 and include two adults up to three under 16s. Adults £7, children £3. Under fives get in free. Limited tickets will be available on the gate – event sold out in advance last year.

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

Saturday, November 5

Cookham Scouts annual fireworks display

The popular event will once again be held at Grove Island, off Odney Lane - it’s opposite the local heritage centre.

The Scouts will open the gates at 5.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks from 7.15pm.

There will be hot dogs and other refreshments including mulled wine.

Tickets cost £8 in advance. Some parking is available - organisers hope you’ll walk in.

n For more details, log on to www. cookham.com

Fleet Lions Fireworks Fiesta

Fireworks are returning this year, but audience numbers are reduced from 6,000 to 4,200. There will be fireworks, food stalls, children’s items to buy, bar. Free parking off Harlington Way from 4pm to 9pm. Gates 5pm, fireworks 6.30pm. Adults £7, children £3, families £17.

7.30pm, and the bonfire will be lit afterwards.

The team have asked people to name their favourite Disney villain, with the most popular ending up on top of the bonfire.

Tickets cost £7 in advance, £4 for youths and seniors and £1 for children, with a £1 surcharge on the gate.

n For more details, log on to www. twyfordroundtable.org

Tuesday, November 1

The Coombes School presents Laserworks

This is a new event, and it uses 21st century technology to celebrate the 16th century tradition.

The Coombes School in School Road, Arborfield, will host a display of light.

Powered by silent and harmless laser beams, this is to be a colourful show set to music.

It takes place from 5pm, and tickets cost £3.

n For more details or to book, log on to: bit.ly/laserworks

Maxwell Caulfield plays hesitant, perplexed and grief ridden Professor Gabriel Stokes with suitable gentlemanly confusion.

Juliet Mills gives a fine performance as the slightly stiff, Northern landlady, Mrs Hinchcliffe.

Michael Praed is solid as American medium, Tom Beauregard, who finds that he is taking on more of a spectral challenge than he bargained for.

And Chipo Kureya plays charmingly, maid Florence Kennedy, with a talent for second sight.

The play certainly thrilled, and as they left, audience members could be heard saying how much they had enjoyed the evening.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or call the box office on: 01753 853888

EMMA MERCHANT

Friday, November 4

Earley St Peter’s School Association display

This year’s annual event will take place in Sol Joel Park. As in previous years, there will be stalls serving food and drink, including popcorn candy floss, sweets and burgers. Adults will appreciate a bar, while children will be able to stock up on glow sticks and other novelties.

Due to licensing restrictions, there will not be a bonfire.

Gates open from 6pm, with fireworks from 7pm.

Advance ticket cost £7.50, £5.50 for students, £4.50 for children or £20 for families. On the gate, £9, £6 child.

n Details: http://www.pta-events.co.uk/ espsa

Legoland’s annual bricktacular!

Head just down the road to Windsor and you can enjoy the annual Brick or Trick event. The show includes special legoland fireworks that turn into exploding Lego bricks if special glasses are worn.

The show is set to music. The park has Hallowe’en-themed activities all week, but the fireworks are only on show on Friday, November 4, Saturday, November 5, and Sunday, November 6.

Prices start from £44 per person, plus entry to the park. There are additional fees for the special brick glasses, and car parking.

n For more details, log on to www. legoland.co.uk

Reading Fireworks

Scours Lane – where Woodley FC plays its home games – is the venue for the Reading Lions fireworks show.

There’s plenty to do before the fireworks display, with fairground rides, hot food and drink stalls and a licensed bar.

There’s further fun with face painting and other activities.

Takes place at Calthorpe Park, Fleet GU51 4AB.

n Details at tickets: www.fleetlions.org. uk

Pangbourne Fireworks Fiesta

Pangbourne Primary School, Kennedy Drive RG8 7LB. Gates 5.30pm, display 7pm. Hot food, bar, mulled wine, stalls, chocolate tombola, Music from Dream Sellers. In aid of Pangbourne Primary PTA. Advance tickets: £3 under 15s, £8.50 over 16s, £20 family ticket. On the gate: £4 under 15s, £10 over 16s, £25 family ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied.

n Details: fopps.org.uk

Wokingham Fireworks 2022

Procession from Broad Street at 6pm, fireworks at Cantley from 7.30pm

The annual event returns to Wokingham and will be as in previous years: the torchlit procession will make its way from Market Place, through Milton Road and down to Cantley Field. A fairground will be in operation, while food vendors will feed the crowds. The gates open at 5.30pm, with fireworks take place from approximately 7.30pm and a bonfire will be on afterwards. Tickets cost £7 and £1 for under sevens. They are only available in advance – not on the gate.

n Details: www.wokingham-fireworks. co.uk

Woodley and Earley Lions display

Taking place once again in Laurel Park, the event will be partially organised by Laurel Park Football Club.

There will be a 20-minute high impact firework and music display to enjoy as well as entertainment and stalls.

Entry is £10, £5 for under 14s and free for children if they are pushed or carried. Gates open at 5.30pm for a 7pm start.

n To book, log on to: https://www.ptaevents.co.uk/woodleyandearleylionsfireworks

THE BIG BANG: Twyford Round Table bonfire & fireworks extravaganza 2021 Picture: Dijana Capan

Radio play about refugees is on-air ATHEATRE company in Reading, has teamed up with BBC Radio Berkshire to create a new piece of drama.

RABBLE is an inclusive, independent women-led theatre company based in the town.

For 10 years it has been contributing to the region’s cultural life, creating local stories inspired by and with Reading’s diverse community.

It has recently worked together with BBC Radio Berkshire to produce a new drama for radio, The Newcomers.

It’s a story that commemorates the bravery, courage and resilience of refugees who arrived in Berkshire 50 years ago, and is set in 1972.

At that time 1,600 Ugandan Asians were expelled from their homes in Uganda by Idi Amin and arrived in Greenham Common.

The drama will be broadcast this week, during the station’s breakfast show. An omnibus will be broadcast on Sunday.

Its two co-writers are Pragna Hay and Beth Flintoff.

Pragna writes from her own experience, having arrived in the UK from Uganda as a refugee in 1972.

She stayed at Greenham Common refugee camp, and now lives in Newbury.

She is a businesswoman,

a qualified microbiologist, a board member of various companies, and a trustee of Once Upon A Time 50 years Ago, an organisation that commemorates the expulsion with events and exhibitions.

Pragna remembers when Idi Amin gave all Ugandan Asians 90 days to leave with nothing but a suitcase and £50.

Beth Flintoff introduced Pragna and her story to the RABBLE team

She says: “Pragna and I have known each other for years.

“Before the pandemic she approached me, wanting to explore ways to tell her story.

“Working with her and hearing about other Ugandan Asians who

experienced the trauma of being expelled from their homes is an experience I will never forget.

“It’s 50 years since this happened, but the subject matter is, sadly, just as relevant today.”

The play’s cast includes: Nikki Patel (Amber Kalirai in Coronation Street, and Kenneth Branagh’s Romeo and Juliet in the West End); Shaheen Khan (Mrs Bhamra in Bend It Like Beckham, Doctor Who, RSC); Maanuv Thiara (National Theatre, and Banquo in Macbeth for RABBLE); and Bhasker Patel (Emmerdale’s Rishi Sharma).

Audiences can tune in daily at 9.30am, or hear it all on Sunday, October 30 at 2pm.

Supervet

Noel to return to Hexagon

SUPERVET has super fans, and they’ll be able to see him when he comes to Reading next month.

Orthopedic-neuro veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick, from the hit Channel 4 show, will be bringing his unique ethos, incredible stories and remarkable bionic innovations to The Hexagon.

Said to be surprising, intriguing and inspiring, the show will leave audiences transfixed as Noel shares an insight into his extraordinary world with tales of the unique and wonderful animals and personal experiences which have shaped his life and world view.

He will share a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures, demonstrating why love really

is all that matters – and how our animal friends can teach us very important life lessons, which can make us better people.

“I am so excited to be back on stage to share stories and lessons I’ve learned from thousands of animals who have made me who I am,” he says.

“I hope that people from all kinds of backgrounds can learn from the experiences and events which have shaped me, including all the joy and pain, trauma and redemption that has come with a life lived at 365 miles per hour, 365 days a year.

“Our world can be a very challenging and stressful placeand I feel at a very deep level that I need to share the light I have experienced through my love of

animals and their families with as many people as possible.

“It feels very important and urgent to me – right now in 2022. I know that the journey will be enlightening and entertaining for everyone who comes along. It’ll be an incredibly special night.”

Noel’s team say there will be some unexpected surprises in the show, alongside thoughts about the nature of stress and survival against the odds - and the future of humans and animals on our planet.

He will appear at The Hexagon on Thursday, November 24. Tickets cost £37.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

Horror in the haberdashery

BISCUIT Factory screening Peter Strickland’s IN FABRIC

READING Biscuit Factory is set to screen Peter Strickland’s IN FABRIC on Sunday, and Wednesday, November 2.

The horror comedy was released in 2018 and follows the events surrounding a dress which brings harm upon those who possess it.

It’s set in a department store somewhere in the Thames Valley, and was partly

influenced by director Peter Strickland’s childhood memories of Jacksons in Reading.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Julian Barrett star alongside Hayley Squires, Gwendoline Christie, Steve Oram and regular Strickland collaborator Fatma Mohamed.

It also features a score composed by Cavern of AntiMatter, and was highlighted

as film of the week by Mark Kermode when he reviewed it in 2019.

Reading Biscuit Factory is showing IN FABRIC on Sunday, October 30, and Wednesday, November 2.

Please note that the film is billed as 15+, with a run time of 118 minutes.

n For tickets, or for more information, visit: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

Definitely the final farewellfrom The Pitmen Poets

A GROUP of musicians enjoyed their farewell tour so much that they are back on the road again.

On Monday, October 31, the treat at Nettlebed Folk Club will be The Pitmen Poets Ride Again.

And this time, when they say it is their final, never to be repeated, Farewell Tour, they mean it.

Ex-Lindisfarne singer and songwriter Billy Mitchell, Warhorse Songman, renowned singer and instrumentalist Bob Fox, leading exponent of Tyneside song Benny Graham, and Award winning Durham singer/ songwriter Jez Lowe individually and collectively celebrating the triumphs, tragedy, and humour of the North East’s coal mining heritage, in an evening of great music.

EMMA MERCHANT

PLAY FOR VOICES: The Newcomers can be heard this week on BBC Radio Berkshire’s breakfast show. Picture courtesy of RABBLE

RETURN: Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick is coming to Reading

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/raw soundstoday

ASwell as featuring artists linked to the local area, it’s great to include other exciting artists from further afield now and then that we go and see live and that are well worth checking out.

This week we have one of those artists that photographer, Andrew Merritt, and myself saw do an excellent performance in London last week’.

Second addition is a Reading artist, one of this year’s favourite bands – OSP have another new single out.

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.

Thursday, October 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Supernatural: 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 Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rev John H and The Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500.

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 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.

Friday, October 28

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 – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hallowe’en costume party. Details: 0118 402 7800.

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.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

Let’s Eat Grandma – Levitation

Here’s Rosa Walton & Jenny Hollingworth who myself and photographer, Andrew Merritt, went to see at a packed Koko in Camden last week.

Together with two session musicians, this talented young duo performed a set featuring songs from their I’m All Ears album, one of the albums of 2018, plus more, including this one from their latest album Two Ribbons.

It was enthralling and you couldn’t take your eyes off the stage for one second due to the duo’s creative presentation, wonderful personalities and songs with hooks galore. Absolutely brilliant – http:// letseatgrandma.co.uk/

OSP – Call Me

It’s one of our fave artists of the year, OSP, with a new single and it’s another good one.

This rap quartet from Reading are certainly consistent and their inspiring powerful live performance at Wokingham Festival in August was one of the highlights of the event. This single is another of OSP’s quality melodic songs and as usual has positive lyrics. They make you feel good with every listen – facebook.com/ospmusicuk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sophie Henderson. Details: 0118 959 7196.

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.

READING – Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road. Caribbean after Work Jam: Sir Sambo, Lloyd and Elvis, Echo Ras and Family Connection Roadshow. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 931 0115.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Never Too Late. Details: 0118 343 0565.

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

TILEHURST – The Water Tower, Park Lane RG31 4DU. Fancy dress karaoke. Details: 0118 907 6704.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 3706.

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.

Saturday, October 29

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft!. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase. Details: 01344 422622

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flavour 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.

HURST - The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. A musical evening with Nicole Allan. Details: 0118 934

4100.

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 Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. Hallowe’en Party. Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Monster Mash Hallowe’en party. From 8pm. Fancy dress. Details: www.thegrumpygoat. co.uk

READING – Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. DJ2Play Hallowe’en Party.

READING - Revolution, Station Road. Haunted House party.

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 – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Purple Creepshow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous. Details: 0118 376 9159.

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 Water Tower, Park Lane RG31 4DU. Fancy dress. Paul Cassey. Details: 0118 907 6704.

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,

Indigo Child – Lies

This is the debut single from Reading based duo, Lou and Matt, and it was recorded at Generation Studio with producer, Dean Nelson. It’s a good start for the duo with its melodic indie sound – https:// www.facebook.com/indigochildoffical

Blancmange – Reduced Voltage

This is from the new album, Private View by synth pop icons, Blancmange, who had big 80s hits such as Living on the Ceiling’ They performed recently at Reading’s Sub89 as part of their UK tour – http:// www.blancmange.co.uk/

Third Lung – No Names

This is the latest single from the forthcoming debut album, Gameplay from local faves Third Lung. Don’t miss the band’s album launch show at Reading’s Sub 89 on November 10 – http:// thirdlungband.com

Lonely Robot – Digital God Machine

Created by the multi talented John Mitchell in his own Outhouse Studio, Lonely Robot is now on its fifth album, A Model Life, from which this single is taken.

Watch out for the writer of this article in the video – https://johnmitchellhq.com

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.

Sunday, October 30

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.

Monday, October 31

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: The Pitmen Poets. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Hallowe’en party. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hallowe’en fancy dress party with DJ Matt Law. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Tuesday, November 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Unplugged night. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road

Louis and the Shakes – TRAILBLAZR

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

Courting – Jumper

This band from Liverpool played at Reading’s Facebar earlier this month 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

Dakorra – Elevate Me

Here’s some guitar riffs over a pulsing electro beat combined with Kate Herridge’s powerful vocals. You can see Dakorra live this Friday, supporting LoneLady, at South Street Arts Centre – https:// www.facebook.com/dakorraband

Lilac – Losing Myself (In You)

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

RG1 4DG. Open mic night. Details: 0118 950 3888.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Mike Gale, Peter Bingham, John Clarke, Derek Alford and Paul Kaluza. Details: 01256 882296.

Wednesday, November 2

EVERSLEY - The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. Details: 0118 973 2104.

Thursday, November 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Brcknell Blues Club: Jimmy D Thorn band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: The Bug Club. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Jools Holland. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Inrtoducing live: Dani Sylvia, Kat, Noah. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, November 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Guns 2 Roses tribute. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation: Soul, Motown and RnB tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Brakcnell Jazz: Malcolm Earle-Smith. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moody Blues Bros.

CROWTHORNE – Two Sisters Cafe, High Street RG45 7BD. Music night. Booking essential. 01344 772807.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Totally Blondie. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Day Of The Dead with La Mort Subite and friends. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place

RG1 7JE. Scorpion birthday bash Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Goldeneye. 0118 935 4095.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Total Stone Roses and Oaysis. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Skandal. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Waiola Fridays.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 5

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sound intentions. 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rigsby. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Don’t Compromise The Vibe with Mr Marvellous, Eagle Bliss.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Elton John tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Sidepiece Function. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Abba Chique. Details: 0118 926 5804.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Regrade. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 3325.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Tequila Chase. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, November 6

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night All At Sea. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

SONNING - Coppa Club, The Great House, Thames Street. Live lounge. 3pm-5pm.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session. Details: 07889 226309.

Friday, October 28

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

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 – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Jam Jar Aquarium. 10am, 11.15am, 1pm, 2.15pm. £4, booking essential. Details: www.readingmuseum. org.uk

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

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. 5pm-7.30pm. £10. 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

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Hallowe’en disco. Witches and WizardsSOLD OUT. 4pm-6pm. Goblins and Ghouls. 7pm9pm Prizes for best fancy dress. Details: https:// www.trybooking.com/uk/ events/landing/31562

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 – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-

4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR.

Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, October 29

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-dressregistration/

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. Maps £3 from Jackson’s California Lake cafe.

Details: 0118 934 2016.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. Friends of Reading Abbey AGM and autumn 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. 11am-4pm.

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 concerts. Suitable for 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 Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7QB. West Midlands Youth Band in concert. 7pm. Details: www.readingcentral.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

READING – Town centre.

DIYA Light It Up, a celebration of Diwali. Music in Market Place from 4pm, lantern parade along Broad Street 5.30pm. Free. Details: Kalathearts@ gmail.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

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Cantemus Concert: music of stage and worship. Includes pieces by Haydn, Purcell, Rossini, Verdi and Wagner. 7.30pm. £12 on door, £10 in advance. Details: 0118 988 2120.

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. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Hallowe’en event. 2pm-4pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, October 30

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 – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7QB. West Midlands Youth Band in concert. 12.30pm. Details: www.readingcentral.org.uk

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Fabric Art Exhibition. 11am-4pm. Arts For All: An Evening of Light. Details: 0118 986 6788.

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

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

Monday, October 31

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CAVERSHAM – Across village. Hallowe’en Hunt 2022. Details: wadra.org

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

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, November 1

ARBORFIELD – The Coombes School, School Road RG2 9NX. Laserworks: a familyfriendly laser display, no loud bangs, just colours, fun and music. £3. 5pm. Details: bit.ly/laserworks

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, RG4 6DX. Concerts in Caversham autumn festival: The Caversham Ensemble Chamber Orchestra with Ewan Millar, BBC Young Musician of the Year concerto finalist. 7.30pm. Tickets £22, over 60s £20, and £16 for 16-25s. Under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Village teas: sandwiches, cakes and tea. 3pm-4pm.

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Craft at the Minster: a craft session for all. 11am-12.30pm. Details: readingminster. org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Wokingham Speakers meeting. 7.15pm. Details: wokinghamspeakers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road

RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, November 2

DUNSDEN GREEN – Village Hall RG4 9QG. English

Country dancing evening: beginners welcome. £4, first session free. 8pm. Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Wokingham Rock Choir taster sessions. 12.15pm. Booking essential. Free. Details: www.rockchoir. com/join/Wokingham_ Morning_Session

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe

Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe

Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, November 3

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ.

Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: location, location, location. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Outfit (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday,

November 4

EARLEY – Sol Joel Park, Church Road. Earley St Peter’s School Association firework dispaly. Gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm. Advance tickets £20 family, £7.50 adults, £4.50 child, under fours free. On the gate £9 adults, £6 child. Details: http://www.ptaevents.co.uk/espsa

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, November 5

COLEY PARK – Coley Park Community Centre, Wensley Road RG1 6DW. Mama & Kids Fun Day And Market. 2pm-5pm. 50p.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market: local produce and businesses. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket. org.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, November 6

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

main

work out which letters

Quiz Challenge

1. What is the common name for the insects known as thrips?

2. In the world of fishing, what is a gaff?

3. A volcano that is neither active nor extinct is called what?

4. Carol Kirkwood presents which segment for BBC TV news?

5. What is the nationality of tennis player Casper Ruud, who lost to Rafael Nadal in the final of the 2022 French Open?

NONAGRAM

Where is the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles?

What modern term is used to describe the visa that allows someone to work remotely in a foreign country?

Which flowering plant is carved at the top of classical Corinthian columns?

In the 2022 film Elvis, who plays his manager Colonel Tom Parker?

What is the chemical symbol for mercury?

go in

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.

As

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square

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.

1. Comfortable place in the garden (3,2,5)

College window (5)

Famous London street, a way for a duck! (7)

10. Parting wish is to get on successfully (8)

Odds on West Indies being first to provide a small band (4)

1. Right one in the pub with a pipe (5)

2. State of the French articles of merchandise (8)

3. Foreign friend to pass quickly round the group (6)

4. Just lonely perhaps when the Spanish leave (4)

5. First story turned up to produce great joy (7)

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.

13. Observe with admiration (6)

Briefly look for good weapon (6)

Time of day when most strikes occur (4)

It is not shiny hair that’s found on the bed (8)

Both bridge opponents and partners are to become entangled (7)

Haven’t become short of port (5)

Smuggler, he does not pay duty (4-6)

6. Meeting a kind of pear (10)

9. Notes newspaper worker has a sedative (10)

12. Eagerly seized a number of eggs perhaps (8)

14. Complainant gets the right bird first (7)

16. It’s one’s job to progress rapidly (6)

19. Young swimmer involved in wild revel (5)

20. Against having a drink in the valley (4)

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.

19

Conference;9

–1Briar;

Haven;23Free-trader.

13Regard;15

Across–1Bed

EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKU

Stop smoking

Healthy heart tip

INthe UK around 5.5 million adults smoke.

Although rates of smoking have decreased in recent years, the number of people who smoke remains high.

Smoking harms almost all organs in the body and it is the leading cause of preventable deaths in England.

It can damage your blood vessels and heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, but it is an important step for reducing your risk of heart disease.

Here we provide some tips for stopping smoking.

List your reasons for stopping

An effective and simple thing you can do to stay on track is to write a list of the

reasons why you wish to quit smoking.

Think about what it would mean for you to stop smoking, how would your life change and who would be proudest of you.

Keep the list with you at all times, or write it on your phone, whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you can read this list and it should inspire you to keep going.

Make a plan

As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease will reduce so the sooner you decide to quit the better.

Try to choose a date within the next two weeks and start making preparations.

Identify the triggers that make you feel like smoking and work out how to deal with them in advance.

For example, if you hang around with other

people who smoke, you could plan to spend more time with non-smokers or do smoke-free activities with friends who are smokers.

If you usually smoke during your break at work, plan to go for a walk instead.

Get support

Both from professionals and family.

Dealing with cigarette withdrawal can be tough and it can lead to you feeling emotional and upset.

Before quitting, speak to close friends and relatives and let them know your plan; ask them to try their best to support and encourage you along the way and be extra patient with you if you’re snappy or more moody than usual.

There is a lot of professional support available for people who want to stop smoking, you could contact your local Stop Smoking Services or chat to your GP.

If you know someone

who is also trying to quit smoking, you could offer to support each other and hold each other accountable.

If you are a smoker, quitting is most likely the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Make this October the month you finally do it and your future self will thank you.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly

Five ways to keep your cat safe at Hallowe’en

ITIS the time of year when black cats are in demand, but as any feline owner knows, the sparks that fly at this time of year mean moggies are not necessarily feline fine.

With Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night just around the corner, there are plenty of things going bump - or bang - in the night.

But how do you ensure your furry friend is safe and sound while Hallowe’en is marked?

Cats Protection has produced five ways to help your pet navigate the gruesome goings on.

Keep the treats for yourself

Do not be tempted to share your trick or treat haul with your cat as these sweet treats are very bad for them. Chocolate is toxic to cats and sweets can make them unwell.

Keep sugary snacks safely out of your cat’s reach and treat them to calming fuss or a play session instead.

Make sure decorations are cat-safe

When making your home like a spooky lair, be mindful of which decorations could cause harm to your cat.

Curious kitties can become tangled in fake cobwebs, chew through the

wires of fairy lights or try to climb on hanging decorations.

The best advice is to keep decorations out of your cat’s reach, especially any naked flames, such as those illuminating carved pumpkins.

Don’t dress them up

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

healthy tips at: www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips

n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/

SHIFT

Youth and Community (SYC) is a small Christian charity that works primarily in South Reading.

They base themselves in local communities and work with churches, schools and other agencies to provide the best opportunities for young people and communities to find their purpose and their voice.

Right now they are looking for Volunteers to help keep their finances in order.

Volunteers must be familiar with Xero. This position is able to be done from home, with monthly visits to the office.

Once established it will be one to two hours per week, with more around the end of year.

n Berkshire Vision provides vital practical and friendly support, sport and activities to visually impaired children and adults, and their families in Berkshire.

They want more Tech Buddies volunteers to help their members if they have an issue with any of their devices, from smartphones, to tablets or other virtual assistance devices.

CAT MAGIC: Help keep your cat safe and happy during Hallowe’en Picture: Cats Protection

They’d much prefer a cosy Halloween-themed blanket to snooze on, or a safe new toy to play with.

Keep cats in at night

Cats are generally more active at dusk and dawn and dark autumn evenings can be especially dangerous for cats. There is an increased risk of them being injured on the roads, not to mention the stress of noisy parties, bonfires and firework displays.

Cats Protection recommends keeping pet cats indoors at night. It’s a good time to ensure that they are microchipped and that their details are up to date, just in case they escape and go missing.

Give them somewhere to hide

If you are expecting visitors or trick or treaters at your door, your cat might find it stressful. Make sure they have somewhere quiet to hide indoors, as this will help them feel calm and safe.

Your role may involve installing apps or software to help the members to manage their household matters online more easily.

So, if you know your way around technology and have enough patience to help someone else, please do get in touch.

n National Childbirth Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities for parents, they’re here to make sure parents-to-be and new parents feel connected and supported.

They need ‘Bumps & Babies’ volunteers.

These volunteers will help with setting up the room, laying out the toys, packing up the room and putting things back where they belong at the end of sessions.

They welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and you do not need to be a parent yourself to volunteer for this role.

You will be supported by their central Volunteering Team.

If you give yourself a scary makeover, it can be tempting to want to dress your cat in a cute outfit too, but they won’t enjoy it as much as you think. Being confined in clothing is very stressful for cats and they could injure themselves as they try to get free.

Reserve a peaceful room for them and provide a cardboard box for them to hide in.

n Cats Protection has more seasonal tips, including how to keep cats safe and warm during these colder months, at: www.cats.org.uk/keeping-yourcat-safe

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.

GAFFER’S PRAISE FOR HEADER HERO

LOUM:

HE’S A MAN MOUNTAIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

GOALS from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll get Reading back to winning ways at home against Bristol City.

After a run of three successive defeats which saw the Royals slip out of the top six, Paul Ince’s men

ensured that they addressed their poor run of form to get back on track.

Loum rose highest from Tom Ince’s corner and headed Reading in front as he netted his first goal for the club in the 52nd minute before Carroll scored deep into second-half stoppage time.

The Royals are back up to eighth

in their table prior to Saturday’s away trip to Burnley.

Reading boss Paul Ince said: “You see when he’s (Loum) on his game he’s a man mountain. Not just the header that he just scored, but defensively how he got up and won them.

“He’s going to be a very good player

so long as he learns and listens, and does the right things and doesn’t do silly things that puts the team on the back foot.

“You’ve got to be pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy, and the players love him so let’s hope there’s plenty more to come.”

report and news

‘WE’RE IN A BATTLE WE DON’T WANT TO BE IN’

READING FC Women’s boss Kelly Chambers was left to rue her team’s first-half collapse in their defeat to West Ham.

Despite a spirited second-half fight which saw Reading claw two goals back, they fell to their fourth consecutive Women’s Super League defeat.

“In the first half we were worlds apart from where we wanted to be,” said Chambers.

“We didn’t defend any moments like we should have and found ourselves three goals behind with a lot to do.

“Obviously, I addressed what we needed to improve and showed a better performance from ourselves, but in the end it was too much.

“It’s a complete contrast on what we did well against Arsenal, and we really did not execute the game plan well enough.

“The girls showed some resilience towards the end, getting two goals, but it’s easy to say when you’re three-nil down and got nothing to lose.

“The other positive was we showed we can create, but again it was too late, and that’s happened on a few occasions already this season.

“We can perhaps consider ourselves unlucky at the end, as we had chances for the leveller, but we just weren’t clinical.”

The Royals now face a crucial clash at home on Sunday against Leicester City who have lost all five of their opening WSL games, leaving them bottom of the table joint on zero points with Reading.

Chambers continued: “We’ve now got ourselves into a battle that we really don’t want to be in.

“It’s made next Sunday’s game against Leicester even bigger than we want it to be. We have to work hard this week and be ready to go.”

REYNOLDS HEAPS PRAISE AS RAMS KEEP ON WINNING

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS’ director of rugby, Seb Reynolds, thanked his players and supporters alike following their stunning 29-21 National One triumph at previously unbeaten Rosslyn Park.

The hosts took an early lead via a penalty try which also saw Max Hayman sinbinned, but RAMS rallied in magnificent style with Jak Rossiter and Charlie Robson crossing the whitewash, Alex Seers with a conversion for a 12-5 half-time lead.

Man-of-the-match James McRae then raced in from 40 metres before Seers added the extras and a penalty, the league’s top pointsscorer then knocking over a conversion after settingup a Drew Humberstone touchdown.

RAMS led 29-7 with 10 minutes to play, and

while a Jake Buckingham double from close range –both converted by Monty Bradbury – gave Park hope, the visitors weren’t to be denied.

Reynolds said: “Our boys were very good.

“Rosslyn Park are a very talented side and the way they’ve started the season has been very impressive, but we focused on what we wanted to do and we did that – you have to have a solid defence, win the collisions and stop them playing into the wider channels and keep their quick wings quiet, and for large parts of the game, I thought we did that.

“Our back three was superb and the midfield defence was outstanding.”

He continued: “You can break things down, but the reasons we love the game is it’s quite simplistic – can you win the collisions?

“If you can do that and

play with a platform, you should be in the game and we did that for the most part.

“They had their moments as well and that’s why they were able to come back towards the end, but we won the collisions and with that the game.”

RAMS could not have got off to a worse start as the hosts were awarded their early score, but the DoR said: “I thought we dealt with it really well.

“It was a big call to start the game with a yellow and a penalty try, but we took it on the chin and ended the sinbin in the ascendancy, and then we just built pressure throughout the 40 minutes – probably leaving two or maybe three scores out there in the first half.

“At half-time we had to focus and say we could be in a really close game – Rosslyn Park had their moments

and it was a five-point game at that time, so it meant the first 20 minutes of the second half were going to be so important.”

He continued: “We came out, won a penalty early, put pressure on and then James in that spell was outstanding.

“The way he added tempo to our game was brilliant and his try was very nice.”

Former Exeter Chief and Cornish Pirate McRae endured an injury-plagued first campaign at the club last season, only featuring in five first-team games while he also transitioned into becoming a teacher at his Alma Mater, Eton College.

But Reynolds has no doubt of his quality, and artistic licence, adding: “He’s an outstanding rugby player and a breath of fresh air for us – he’s a great character, we love him, and he was just absolute quality.”

REACTION

SEVEN HEAVEN: RAMS EXTEND PERFECT START TO STAY TOP

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS made it a Magnificent Seven National One victories with a consummate 29-21 bonus-point success in their top-of-the-table clash at Rosslyn Park.

Things began dreadfully for the visitors, as they were deemed to have brought down a rolling maul heading towards the line.

A penalty try was awarded and Max Hayman sent to the sin-bin.

A second swiftly followed as skipper Robbie Stapley rolled back the years with a 40-metre burst of the back of a scrum in his own 22, and when Alex Seers sent a long pass to Charlie Robson, the youngster scorched down the left before just getting over.

Seers landed an excellent kick

for 12-5, and RAMS continued to dominate with Rossiter, Robson and Axel Kalling-Smith all going close to extending the lead.

Rams pressed home their advantage early in the second period as man-of-the-match James McRae picked up from the base of a ruck and sprinted home from 40 metres for a sensational solo score.

When the ball was spread wide, Drew Humberstone cut back against the grain to take a Seers pass and dive down to the right of the uprights.

Rosslyn gave themselves a further glimmer of at least claiming some bonus-points when they repeated the dose with a minute to go.

However, Rams refused to yield, forcing a knock-on and the end of another superb victory on the road.

Ollie Cole and Vince Everitt celebrate with James McRae Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Rosslyn Park v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

Rosslyn Park v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

James McRae put in a man-of-the-match performance

McRae grabs his side’s third try of the afternoon

Jak Rossiter on his way to his ninth try in six games

Axel Kalling-Smith on the charge

RUGBY UNION

FALL TO SPIRITED IRISH

By Annette Tomas sport@wokingham.today

IT was a young, spirited London Irish side who demonstrated their intent as Championship One South newcomers, by securing a bonuspoint victory over an Abbey Women side.

Tries in the respective halves from Clara Reynolds and skipper Annabel Hawkins wasn’t enough to contain the visitors, who ran away with the score line in a game largely played around the halfway line. Irish started the brighter team, but the huge defensive efforts of debutants Maggie Simpson and Issy Moyles, and Tori Kiff and Ellie Denton-Rice thwarted their early attacks.

Abbey managed to finish the

game on their own terms from the restart, with Irish fumbling the catch and from the resulting scrum, A strong carry from Alice DentonRice saw her hauled down a metre from the try line and it was Abbey’s skipper Hawkins who ensured her side had the final say of the afternoon crossing the whitewash in the final play.

Despite finishing the match on a high, Abbey will rue their missed chances, but credit to London Irish who took theirs. It was a hugely competitive fixture with solid periods of attack and defence, but now Abbey will need to work on the cohesion between the two in the week off before their Championship campaign restarts on November, 6 away to Hove.

READING MISS OUT AFTER CONCEDING LATE TRY

READING lost this game, in which they were ahead for long periods, to a converted try with eight minutes to go.

Reading, who have yet to win on the road this season, had another disappointing start conceding an unconverted try in the corner from some scrappy build up play by Devizes in the third minute.

They however struck back from the kick off with some good attacking play and their pressure was rewarded with a penalty which Matt Smart, playing his first game for

the club in five years, converted.

The wing made good ground before setting up Stuart Borthwick who with an impressive turn of speed outstripped the defence to score under the posts. Smart converted to give Reading a five point lead.

Devizes had more territory and an extra man after Smart was yellow carded for a high tackle but could not break down the Reading defence.

The only points they managed with this advantage were from a penalty.

As soon as he was released from

the sin bin, Smart promptly replied with his own superb long range penalty to re-establish Reading’s lead.

Reading grew in confidence as the half went on with the backline showing some slick passing and their scrum beginning to dominate. They were lucky however that on the stroke of half time a Devizes try from a good move which started in their own half was disallowed for a forward pass.

Reading caught their opponents cold at the start of the second half when early pressure led to an unconverted try for Christian Scott to extend their lead to 8-18.

Devises changed their style in the second half to a much more physically direct ‘pick and go’ approach rather than trying to spread the ball as they had in the first half. This put

the Reading defence under constant pressure and after conceding a number of penalties in their own 22 eventually the pressure told and Devises scored from a driven line out. The try was converted to reduce Reading’s lead to three points.

Worse was to follow as from the kick off Reading conceded a penalty from which Devises set up a position in the Reading 22 from which Reading conceded a further penalty.

This was quickly taken and resulted in a converted try in the corner to give Devises the lead at 22-18.

Reading then hit back winning a penalty from the kick off and put Devises back into their own 22. They drove the resulting line out and Ryan Smith broke away towards the posts. He slipped the ball to Stuart Borthwick who crossed for his second try which

was converted by Smart to give Reading a 22-25 lead.

Both sides then had chances as they struggled to get a winning score. But it was Devises with their ‘pick and go’ tactics who managed to force their way over for their fourth try which was converted to give them what proved to be the final winning margin of 29-25.

In the end Reading were left with a losing bonus point, as despite a brave defensive effort they could not manage to hold on to their lead against the more physical approach of a Devises team which seemed to grow stronger as the second half went on.

Reading play Grove who are just above them in the table at home next week in a game which they need to win to stay above the bottom places in the league.

RUGBY UNION

ABBEY 10-32 LONDON IRISH

Hannah Skeels breaks through contact Pictures: @rugbygrandad

EVERSLEY SUFFER SHOOTOUT DEFEAT,

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

TILEHURST PANTHERS stormed to a 6-1 away win against Haddenham.

After Deanna Cane fired Tilehurst in front after a minute, there was a striking masterclass from Leah Why who scored five times in an exceptional display.

Tilehurst are up to sixth

with two wins from their opening three games.

MORTIMER took three points with a 5-2 away win at WARGRAVE

A brace from Beth Millican and goals from Courtney Hughes-Boyne, Rebecca Walker and Louise Delaney gave Mortimer their second win of the campaign.

FA Women’s Cup

ASCOT UNITED cruised through with an impressive victory over AFC Acorns.

After Hayley Cruickshank opened the scoring to give Ascot a 1-0 half-time lead, the hosts struck four more times in the second-half with strikes from Hannah Bennett, Nicole Brown, Dominique Carrington and Georgia Luckhurst McCord.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were knocked out after a penalty shootout defeat to AFC Stoneham.

After a 1-1 draw, the Boars lost 3-2 in the shootout which saw them eliminated.

Southern League Premier Division

BRACKNELL TOWN smacked six past North Leigh in an empathic home victory.

Goals from Kamaron English, doubles from Joe Grant and Jordan Esprit and Darryl Sanders ensured that the Robins collected three points in style.

The win puts Bracknell into 11th place with 17 points from 11 games.

Bracknell manager Carl

Withers said: “Felt like that result has been coming and it proved that way today (Saturday), aggressive, clinical and the icing on the cake was the clean sheet.”

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD dropped down to seventh after they lost out at home to Walton & Hersham.

The visitors netted once in each half to continue their excellent form.

READING CITY picked up a point on the road against Spelthorne Sports.

The goalless draw keeps the Cityzens in sixth position as they continued their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK are one place off the bottom after they were defeated 2-0 by Wembley.

The Sumas have seven

Wokingham & Emmbrook lost out away at Wembley Pictures: Andrew Batt

Ashridge Park Royals v Woodley Saints

Tigers Pictures: Andrew Batt

Combined Counties Premier North

READINGTODAY

From the Middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Howard Webb to return to Premier League

points from their first 13 games in the league.

FA Vase first-round

ASCOT UNITED made it through away at Newport IOW after Brendan Matthew’s strike was enough to win the game.

After the hosts were reduced to 10 players on the stroke of halftime, the Yellaman took advantage and went in front just before the hour mark when Matthew got on the end of Kai Walters’ cross to convert.

BERKS COUNTY were eliminated after they lost out away to Chessington & Hook United.

Ellis Day netted for the Swords,

but they fell to a 4-1 defeat.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were also knocked out of the cup after a 4-1 loss.

Will Kennedy netted a late consolation goal for the Boars as Crowborough Athletic progressed to the next round.

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD stay in second position after they hit four past Westwood Wanderers.

A brace from Joel Day and goals from Adam Mills and Dylan Parmar helped Finch to a 4-0 win.

Finch are on 17 points from eight matches, seven points behind

WOODLEY UNITED 2-5 LANGLEY

By Mark Rozzier sport@wokingham.today

A skilful game of football resulted in visitors Langley taking the points that took them to the top of the league table as they extended their league unbeaten run to nine matches.

The first chance of the game fell to Langley which United’s debutant keeper Jonathan O’Sullivan did well to save one handed before the ball was cleared to safety.

The 23rd minute saw a Woodley defender caught in possession

that resulted in Langley breaking down their right wing and a low cross being turned into his own net by Tahir Carmichael to open the scoring.

However, it was from a free kick that the game’s second goal came with Alexandru Bolovan’s going over the Woodley wall and inside O’Sullivan’s right post in the 34th minute.

United made two changes at the break and started positively with substitute Kaylum Barlow immediately in the action showing good skill only for the ball to get

league leaders Yateley United.

BURGHFIELD climbed up to third in the table by scoring five away at SB Phoenix.

Doubles from Oliver Brown and Ryan Farmer and a goal from Jordan Cox saw the Fielders take three points with a 5-1 triumph.

WARGRAVE earned three points

CITYZENS STAY UNBEATEN WOODLEY’S UNBEATEN HOME RUN ENDED BY LEAGUE LEADERS

caught under his feet when well place to have a shot. This proved fatal as the ball was cleared into the Woodley half from which Jaiden Celestine-Charles increased the visitors’ lead four minutes into the second half.

Cowler parried a shot that fell to Barlow only for the Woodley player to shot over the crossbar but the Woodley pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Reuel Griffith prodded home from close range after Cowler parried another shot.

The game finished with a flurry of goals. Flavio Gyawu-Kyem

in a high scoring contest against Chalvey Sports.

The 4-3 ensured that Wargrave moved up to fifth place with 12 points from six games.

READING YMCA suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders Yateley United.

YMCA are in 10th with seven points from six matches.

restored the three goal advantage on 83 minutes, to be followed by Woodley sub Abdul Afolabi scoring from close range three minutes later which in turn was followed by good skill by Gyawu-Kyem to score his second and the visitors’ fifth with three minutes of normal time remaining.

Woodley United: O’Sullivan, Davies, DeSousa, Chigona (J Downes), Barrocas (Williams), Carmichael, Thomas (Barlow), Brandao, R Griffith (Afolabi), Suckling, Gbla (Caralon)

Webb is to return to the Premier League as Chief Refereeing Officer in December when he takes over from Mike Riley. Why in Mid-season?

HOWARD

Howard had to fulfil his contract in the United States, where he has been in charge of referees in the MLS, and their season does not coincide with our own.

After retiring from active refereeing, Howard went to America and conducted the trials of VAR held in the North American MLS League.

There is no doubt he was successful, introducing it as it was intended.

He had no offside lines drawn and I remember him talking in Canada as there are Canadian teams in the MLS, saying that if you have to look at the key video angle more than twice, it can’t be clear and obvious.

When that task was completed, it coincided with Peter Walton, another ex-Premier League referee, retiring from his position in charge of referees in the MLS.

Howard was no doubt the obvious choice to take his place, which was perhaps a form of apprenticeship for the PGMO position.

The first PGMO Referees manager was replaced after tampering with the Laws of the Game.

His place was taken by Keith Hackett who introduced a great number of innovations.

He employed two fitness coaches, with programmes for training at home with heart monitors to prove the referees had carried out the training.

He also added a sprint coach, because referees often have to sprint from a standing position.

At least equally important is having the right angle when viewing incidents. Keith introduced PROZONE, which not only showed how much and how fast the referees ran, but it was also stopped to show their viewing angle of incidents.

All this was shown and discussed at their fortnightly meetings.

He also commissioned a booklet of nutrition for referees, showing what and when to eat for maximum fitness as well as employing a sight scientist.

Much of this was swept aside when Mike Rily took over the position, and he also made the mistake of allowing his referees to ignore the monitor when VAR was introduced, for which he was rebuked by FIFA.

He also decided offside would be judged by the nearest toe which in the first year disallowed 20 goals that should have stood.

It will be interesting to find Howard’s views and actions on his return.

Howard’s wife, the former leading German woman referee, Bibiana Steinhaus, will I’m sure be pleased to see him return to England, where she is in charge of women referees in the Women’s Super League.

I wonder what they will talk about over supper.

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Not forced into any saves of note. Largely commanded his area, although some of his punches could have had more conviction.

LOUM AND CARROLL NET

Another diligent performance at right wing-back. Was not able to venture forward as much, offered Mbengue sufficient protection.

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A committed display on his first home start. Made a crucial last-ditch intervention to deny Weimann midway through the second 45.

GOALS from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll ended a run of three straight defeats as Reading won 2-0 against Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

Did well to nullify the early threat from Wells and Semenyo. Was not afraid to put a foot in after Bristol made changes up top.

Tom McIntyre

Stood up to the challenge offered by the Robins front-line, particularly enjoying the physical battle with Weimann in the second half.

Not the most confident of displays. A lack of awareness saw him concede a free-kick in a dangerous area, picking up a yellow.

Got the assist for Loum’s goal and should have put the game to bed sooner when presented with a oneon-one but fired straight at O’Leary.

Tom Holmes Mamadou Loum

Rose highest to put the Royals ahead. Broke up the play well, but lost possession a few times in dangerous areas.

Jeff Hendrick

Junior Hoilett Baba Rahman Lucas Joao

Loum’s bullet header put the Royals ahead after 52 minutes before Carroll secured the three points late into added timeat the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Paul Ince made two changes from the side which succumbed to Swansea City on Tuesday night with Baba Rahman and Lucas Joao coming into the starting eleven.

Tyrese Fornah dropped to the bench with Andy Yiadom suspended for receiving five yellow cards throughout the campaign, meaning Tom Holmes captained the side.

Meanwhile, Nigel Pearson’s team was unchanged following their 2-0 midweek victory away to West Bromwich Albion.

In the opening minutes, Tom Ince collected a loose pass and advanced down the right and his eventual cross was glanced wide by the head of Yakou Meite.

The Royals continued their bright start with dangerous deliveries from Junior Hoilett and Ince which were eventually cleared.

With 20 minutes played, Reading had their first shot on target.

Match stats

before the break when Antoine Semenyo fired high and wide from a tight angle.

SUBS

A game of two halves, who backed up a forgettable opening 45 with a far more positive second half, creating multiple chances.

Was given minimal service throughout, but worked hard to create openings. Replaced by Long in the 68th minute.

Amadou Mbengue Tom Ince Yakou Meite

Had a great opportunity to get on the scoresheet early, but could not direct his header goalwards. Dominant in the air otherwise.

Shane Long

Put in the hard yards after replacing Joao and was rewarded with a well-deserved assist for Carroll’s stoppage time goal.

Andy Carroll

Could not have been more efficient. Grabbed a goal and did a stellar job in averting long balls into his own box.

Subs:

Bouzanis, Guinness-Walker, Fornah,

Meite flicked on an Amadou Mbengue throw for Jeff Hendrick to volley from 18-yards, but his effort was easily collected by Max O’Leary.

The visitors had their first halfchance of the game three minutes

REACTION

SUBS

Straight after the interval, Meite found a yard of space and drilled a shot just wide of the post from 25-yards.

After 52 minutes Reading took the lead through their eighth corner of the game.

Ince whipped in the cross and Loum rose at the near-post and directed a bullet header beyond O’Leary for his first Royals goal.

Bristol City reacted with a triple substitution with Tommy Conway, Andreas Weimann and former Reading loanee, Chris Martin entering the fray.

The changes had an immediate impact with all three combining to provide Weimann an opening which he sliced wide of Joe Lumley’s goal.

Reading should have doubled their lead on 66 minutes with an overload on the counter-attack.

Joao cut in from the left but

Ince lauds Reading’s ‘thoroughly deserved’ victory over Robins

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

READING FC manager Paul Ince was full of praise for his players, after they claimed a 2-0 victory over Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

Having lost their three most recent games, the Royals got back to winning ways through goals from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll.

Of the result, Ince said: “We should have had three or four chances where we put the game to bed.

“I don’t always want to be like that but it’s where we are.

“I’m not interested in whether it’s scrappy, great, Barcelona or

Manchester City – it was three points which were thoroughly deserved.”

Loum broke the deadlock soon after the restart, rising highest to nod home a Tom Ince corner.

The goal was the midfielder’s first goal since arriving in Reading after his loan move from Porto.

Ince said: “You see when he’s on his game he’s a man mountain. Not just the header that he just scored, but defensively how he got up and won them.

“He’s going to be a very good player so long as he learns and listens, and does the right things and doesn’t do silly things that puts the team on the back foot.

“You’ve got to be pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy, and the players

love him so let’s hope there’s plenty more to come.”

The Reading manager also singled out Jeff Hendrick as ‘the best player on the park’, lauding the midfielder’s consistency.

He explained: “You’re talking about top players that know the game.

“They’re cut, they’ve played at the highest level and we’re lucky to have them.

“Jeff was outstanding, best player on the park by a mile. I’ve asked him to be more influential in

games. With Jeff you will always get a six or a seven, but he’s got much more than that. He’s a Premier League player and what we showed today was Premier League level.”

The schedule will see the Royals play three games in six days, with their fixture against Preston taking place on Friday, November 4.

Ince said: “Again, I’m going to whinge and moan, but after Burnley we go Luton and then Preston. That’s three games in six days again, I don’t see any of the other teams doing that.”

Carroll scores in stoppage time

Carroll cheers his goals

Loum celebrates with Tom Ince

Reading celebrate after going in front

Andy Carroll and Mamadom Loum

READING: Lumley, Mbengue, Holmes ©, McIntyre, Baba Rahman, Hoilett, Loum, Hendrick, Ince, Meite, Lucas Joao

Abbey, GuinnessWalker, Fornah, Ejaria, Long, Carroll

CITY

Vyner, Klose, Atkinson, Sykes, James, Williams,

Scott, Wells,

TO END WINLESS RUN

couldn’t get his shot away and was eventually crowded out by the Robins’ defence.

This was the last action of the game for the Angolan who was replaced by Shane Long.

The visitors made a further two changes with Tommy Pring and Andy King entering the game as they continued to search for an equaliser.

With less than five minutes remaining Reading had a golden chance to double their lead.

Hendrick collected the ball on the edge of the box and squared it to Ince but his shot was saved by the legs of O’Leary.

Four minutes into six of added time, the Royals secured all three points.

Long outpaced Timm Klose down the left before unselfishly feeding the ball to fellow substitute Carroll, who fired home from six-yards.

ROYALS FACE TOUGH TRIP AGAINST HIGH SCORING CLARETS

READING FC are back on the road this weekend when they face a tough away test at Burnley.

The Royals stopped a run of five Championship games without a win when they got the better of Bristol City with goals from Mamadou Loum and Andy Carroll.

The win put Reading into eighth place, while they face Burnley who are currently third in the table.

The Clarets have enjoyed a strong start to the season and are in the hunt to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after being relegated last season.

Under new manager Vicent Kompany who was appointed in the summer, Burnley have lost just one league game all season.

That defeat came in the third league game of the season when they lost out 1-0 away at Watford.

Burnley have proved a tough side to break down and currently boast the second best defensive record in the league having only conceded 15 times in 16 games.

They have also been clinical at the other end of the pitch and are now the division’s highest scorers with 29 goals.

With seven wins and eight draws to their name, their unbeaten run now stretches to 13 games.

Burnley ensured they maintained their unbeaten run on Saturday with a successful away trip at Sunderland.

Despite finding themselves two goals down in the first-half after strikes from Amad Diallo and Dan Neil, the Clarets turned their fortunes around in the second-half.

They hit back with an excellent second-half display to take all three points with goals from Nathan Tella, Manuel Benson, Anass

Zaroury and Josh Brownhill to take a 4-2 win.

Jay Rodrigues currently leads the way in the Burnley team and is sixth top scorer in the league with seven goals from 14 games.

Nathan Tella, who is on loan from Southampton, is just behind with six goals and Josh Brownhill has nine goal contributions this season (five goals, four assists).

The Royals were triumphant on their last trip to Turf Moor in September 2015, when goals from Nick Blackman and Lucas Piazon guided Steve Clarke’s team to three points against Sean Dyche’s side.

WOMEN MADE TO PAY FOR SLOW START

READING FC WOMEN remain without a point in the Women’s Super League after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat.

Despite a valiant second-half fightback from the Royals, it was too little too late after West Ham had already raced into a three goal lead at the break.

Kelly Chambers’ team are one place off the bottom, above Leicester City on goal difference.

The Hammers burst into an early advantage when Dagny Brynjarsdottir leaped high to beat the Royal defence to an aerial ball and nodded the ball past Jacquie Burns via the inside of the post.

Viviane Asseyi netted a quickfire double to put West Ham in a commanding position in the match.

The Royals failed to clear their lines on a few occasions as the ball dropped for Asseyi in the box and at the third time of asking, she dispatched the ball into the net.

West Ham could have made it 3-0 shortly after doubling their advantage only to be denied by the woodwork when Kirsty Smith struck the crossbar.

Reading were rocked and received a further setback just seven minutes later which left them trailing by three goals when the ball was slid through to Asseyi and she applied the finishing touch by slotting the ball under the goalkeeper with a clinical finish.

The game could have been truly put to bed in the second-half when Kyvag narrowly missed the target fired a fierce shot over the top.

Reading finally clicked into gear and grabbed a route back into the match when Charlie Wellings arrowed the ball into the far corner with a superb finish to net her second league goal of the campaign.

In the 82nd minute, Reading had the chance to reduce the deficit further when Rachel Rowe was twice fouled and the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a trip from behind.

Sanne Troeslgaard stepped up to the spot and did just enough to tuck the ball past Sophie Hillyerd, despite the keeper getting a glove to her effort.

But Reading were unable to pull off an unlikely comeback as they were again made to pay for a slow start to the match.

Reading are back on home soil on Sunday when they host Leicester in a clash between the two sides currently fighting it out at the bottom of the table.

West Ham: Arnold, Shimizu, Fisk, Longhurst, Smith, Brynjarsdottir, Filis, Hayashi, Evans, Asseyi, Kyvag

Subs: Stringer, Walker, Atkinson, Hillyerd, Houssein, Flannery

Reading: Burns, Cooper, Evans, Mukandi, Eikeland, Primmer, Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Wellings, Rowe, Dowie

Subs: Bryson, Wade, Caldwell, Jane, Poulter, Meadows-Tuson, Troelsgaard

Goals: Brynjarsdottir 4’, Asseyi 22’, 29’, Wellings 75’, Troelsgaard 82’ (pen)

earned Reading three points Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Tom McIntyre fights for the ball

Meite rises Mamadou Loum celebrates his goal

Lumley kept a clean sheet

Baba Rahman fires in a cross

Andy Carroll nets his first goal at the Select Car Leasing Stadium

Loum climbs high to head Reading in front

ROCKETS STRUCK DOWN BY THUNDER

By CHARLIE PARKER sport@wokingham.today

READING Rockets have fallen to an 0-2 start to the NBL season after losing 109-63 to the star filled Worthing team.

The Rockets kept it close in the first half, showing excellent fight and went into the half-time break just five down, but a monster third quarter from David Moya ballooned the Thunders lead to 29 and Worthing never looked back.

Fin Porter led the scoring for the Rockets off the bench with 17 points on 53% shooting. Ben Dixon, also off the bench, provided 12 on 60% shooting with Cracknell also providing 12 but on a less efficient 30% shooting.

Moya led the Thunder and the game in points with 26 on an incredible 71% shooting, including six threes. Ronald Blain scored 21 and Hafeez Abdul scored 20 in the win, showing their class.

It was a back and forth opening with turnovers and fouls plaguing both sides early on. The Rockets would find their first lead of the game just over four minutes in after Porter found himself with some room on the perimeter, nailed the three and was fouled.

The two teams would trade buckets throughout the rest of the first quarter. With a minute left, Cracknell hit a step back jump shot to take the lead, the Rockets

then got a defensive stop, leading to a fastbreak layup by Porter. The Rockets had a chance to be up four at the end of the quarter, but shooting fouls on Abdul and Orlan Jackman meant it was all tied up at the end of the first quarter.

The start of the second quarter looked like the start of the end for the Rockets as the Thunder scored 13 unanswered points. Dixon and Porter would stop the bleeding scoring Reading’s first points of the second four minutes in. The

two would combine for 20 of the Rockets 22 second quarter points, fueling a 21-12 Reading run in the final six minutes of the first half to bring the deficit to just five.

The third quarter started the same as the second, a Thunder run. However this time was different, the Rockets couldn’t stop the bleeding. Worthing once again started with 13 unanswered points, which Dixon stopped with a lay up, but Worthing just kept on attacking. The Thunder outscored the Rockets

TABLE TENNIS PREVIEW

in the third quarter 33-8 behind a barrage by Moya and Veron Eze. It continued in the fourth, this time by everyone on the Thunder, out scoring the Rockets 29-12. Overall it was a monster 62 point second half for Worthing, who showed why they are the favourites this season and why they are mustwatch basketball.

They face another tough test in their next game, facing the team that knocked them out of the KitKing Trophy, the Hemel Storm.

KINGFISHER A STAY TOP WITH VICTORY ROYALS HOST BOTTOM OF THE TABLE FOXES

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

KINGFISHER A continued their march at the top of Division One with a 10-0 victory over their B team, Hari Gehlot, Darren Jones and Martin Adams all starring with trebles.

At the other end of the table TIDMARSH A managed a 6-4 win against SONNING SPORTS A, despite a maximum from the Sports Nick Sears. Barry Carter managed two fine wins for Tidmarsh.

Gary Morgan and Jamie Barlow both got maximums as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A won 8-2 at TILEHURST RBL A, Gary Morgan winning a tight tussle with Keith Winter 11-6 11-5 12-14 11-9.

READING FC drew 5-5 with a two man Kingfisher C team, Michael Childs and Thomas Lewis both managing wins over Daniel McTeirnan for Reading FC while Prayrit Ahulwalia won a fine maximum that included a 12-10 11-8 9-11 11-7 win over Childs.

Ryan Chung’s treble helped KINGFISHER D to a 7-3 win at SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B, Sonning Common’s Ed Lush winning another tight contest against Kingfisher’s Graham Mendick 8-11 11-8 8-11 15-13 11-6.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D maintained their position at the top of the division 2 table with a good 6-4 win following a very hard-fought match at TIDMARSH B

Jonathan Abbott recorded an excellent maximum for SC&P including inflicting a rare defeat on Dale Ballard who he beat in five games 11-9 11-9 3-11 6-11 11-8.

Dale did beat SC&P’s star player Danny Dockree which also went to five 3-11 11-9 4-11 11-5 11-9.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C kept their unbeaten run going with a 7-3 win over KINGFISHER E. Stephen Leggett did very well to win all of Kingfisher’s sets including recovering from two down to beat Nigel Maltby 11-7 in the fifth.

KINGFISHER G had an extremely close match with OUR LADY OF PEACE C which they just edged 6-4.

This match featured two great comeback wins in five for Neil Dellar against Sachin Mundra and Gbit Bhaskar after he had lost the first two games in both sets.

KINGFISHER F won 6-4 at OUR LADY OF PEACE B in another very close contest.

The highlight sets were OLOP’s Dave Godfrey beating Ajai Kamath 14-12 in the fifth and Kingfisher’s Roger Pritchard getting past Darek Kaminski 13-11 in the fifth.

In Division 3, Week 6 was the last before the cup matches break. OLOP E gained the top spot with a game in hand, but with their consistent performance in October and 23 points in the last three games and remained unbeaten; they share the top of the league with another unbeaten team, PANGBOURNE

READING FC WOMEN face a crucial bottom of the table clash against Leicester City on Sunday.

Both teams are currently without a point in the Women’s Super League with Reading ahead of the Foxes on goal difference.

Reading have lost their opening four matches in the league in what has seen Kelly Chambers’ team struggle to settle in the firsthalf.

Leicester have played one more game than Reading and have struggled at both ends of the pitch.

They have netted just once and have conceded 10 times.

It was a narrow defeat for Leicester on Sunday when they fell to Nikita Parris’ goal for Manchester United.

The Foxes opened their WSL season with a 2-1 loss to Tottenham and that has been followed by defeats against Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City.

Leicester have won one game this season which came in the FA WSL Cup.

They got the better of Blackburn Rovers with goals from Mackenzie Smith, Connie Scofield and Aileen Whelan to help them to a 3-0 victory.

Leicester narrowly avoided relegation last season when they finished in 11th place, just two points above Birmingham City who dropped down to the Championship.

RESULTS

Saturday, October 22

FOOTBALL Championship Reading 2-0 Bristol City

Isthmian South Central Binfield 0-2 Walton & Hersham

Southern League Premier Division Bracknell Town 6-0 North Leigh

Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports 0-0 Reading City Wembley 2-0 Sumas

Combined Counties Division One Westside 2-0 Sandhurst Town Woodley United 2-5 Langley

FA Vase first-round Chessington & Hook 4-1 Berks County Crowborough Athletic 4-1 Eversley & California Newport 0-1 Ascot United

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 4-0 Westwood Wanderers Reading YMCA 0-1 Yateley United SB Phoenix 1-5 Burghfield Wargrave 4-3 Chalvey Sports

RUGBY UNION National League One Rosslyn Park 21-29 Rams

South West Regional 2 Devizes 29-25 Reading

London & SE South Central London Welsh 45-15 Bracknell

HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Reading 0-1 Wimbledon

Women’s National Premier Reading 4-1 Uni of Birmingham

BASKETBALL Worthing Thunder v Reading Rockets

Sunday, October 23

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League West Ham 3-2 Reading

FA Women’s Cup

Ascot United 5-0 AFC Acorns AFC Stoneham 1-1 (3-2 pens) Eversley & California

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Milton United 2-2 Caversham United Woodley United P-P Kidlington Youth

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Haddenham 1-6 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 2-5 Mortimer

Hampshire County Cup Eversley & California Reserves 3-4 (3-1 pens) Winchester City Reserves

FIXTURES Saturday, October 29

FOOTBALL Championship Burnley v Reading

FA Trophy first-round Tavistock v Binfield Bracknell Town v North Leigh

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United v Holyport Harefield United v Reading City Sumas v London Lions

Combined Counties Division One AFC Aldermaston v Sandhurst Town

Langley v Berks County Woodley United v Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Chalvey Sports Maidenhead Town v Wargrave Reading YMCA v Reading City U23’s

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Birmingham Moseley

Regional 1 South Central Bracknell v Royal Wootton Bassett

South West Regional 2 South Central Reading v Grove

Sunday, October 30

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading v Leicester City

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Ascot United v Bournemouth Sports

Southern Region Women’s Division One

Caversham United v Kidlington Youth Long Crendon v Woodley United Penn & Tylers Green v Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Oxford Athletic v Wargrave Tilehurst Panthers v Banbury United

Cup Beaconsfield Town v Burghfield S4K Berks County v Tower Hill Eversley & California Reserves v Wargrave Development Shinfield Rangers v Headington

BASKETBALL Reading Rockets v Hemel Storm

Tuesday, November 1 FOOTBALL Championship Luton Town v Reading

Jermiah Jenkins of Reading Rockets Pictures: Luke Simcock

Reis Pinnock of Reading Rockets

Sardar Pandher moves forward for Rockets

Reading Rockets’ Reis Pinnock