on how to frame a complaint.
A READING man has been arrested following a sexual assault near Reading’s railway station – to help their investigation, police are appealing for specific witnesses to the incident to come forward.
The attack took place in the evening on Monday, September 19, near to the River Thames and the station.
The victim was with a man that she knew. He became abusive to her.
Police said he had a knife and started making threats before sexually assaulting the 49-year-old.
This was witnessed by another
man and a woman.
The female witness spoke to the victim, giving her name and some contact details. However, the victim is unable to remember any of these details.
The witness is a black woman and was with a white man.
A 49-year-old man from Reading has been arrested in connection with this investigation. He has been released on bail until Monday, October 24.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Vicky Thomas, of the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit,
based at Reading police station, said:
“I would like to appeal to the woman who spoke to the victim, or to the man who was with her, to come forward as you could have information which is key to our investigation.
“This was a serious offence, and we are investigating thoroughly, but we need as much information as possible, which is why it’s so important that we hear from these witnesses.
“If you saw this offence, or you think that you could be the witness we’re looking for, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220425096.”
WORK to provide Reading with new cycle routes began in Shinfield on Monday, causing delays to commuters.
When completed, a new cycling route will be created between Shinfield Rise and Christchurch Green that will link south Reading to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the University of Reading, and Reading Town Centre.
It is intended to link existing routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road during the first stage of the council’s Active Travel programme.
Works will also see no waiting restrictions, with double yellow lines, in place along the route to help address parking issues, particularly close to the university.
Advanced stop lines and early release for cyclists will be in place to improve safety, as well as a number of new crossings.
The scheme will take place in phases so as to minimise disruption, beginning at Christchurch Green and working down towards Shinfield Rise in stages.
The first phase of works will comprise improvements to Chancellor’s Way junction to Pepper Lane, the junction of Queens Drive to Chancellor’s Way, and the route from Christchurch Road to Queens Drive.
Reading Borough Council’s lead
councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, Tony Page, said: “I’m delighted we are now in a position to announce a start date for the Council’s work to introduce a fully segregated new cycle lane along the Shinfield Road.
“This was the clear choice of nearly 1,000 respondents to our initial consultation in early 2021.
“The proposed two-way cycle lane will link to key centres of employment in Reading, such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital, The University and, of course, the Town Centre itself.”
As part of its wider Climate Emergency Strategy, Cllr Page said that the works: “underline the Council’s wholehearted commitment to tackling poor air quality which we know exists in parts of Reading.
“It has never been more important to create realistic alternatives to the private car, not only in terms of tackling congestion and air quality but also for the residents and local
communities who live on key routes.
“This excellent news comes in the wake of our plans to implement further cycling and walking improvements stretching from Berkeley Avenue along the Bath Road to Castle Hill, then running over the IDR to Castle Street, as well as our recent decision to make permanent the fully segregated cycle lane along Sidmouth Street.”
Cllr Page concluded: “We have also achieved significant improvements in other areas, including the routes on Redlands Road and Christchurch Road, delivered as part of the first phase of funding.”
Works are part of a greater initiative intended to provide improved cycling, walking, and public transport routes through Reading, including dedicated cycle lanes segregated from road traffic. n For full details of the planned works, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
A TEENAGER and the person who went to help him were attacked in an assault in Theale last week.
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The incident took place around 2.30pm on Friday, September 30, in a field behind Theale Village Hall, off Englefield Road.
A teenage boy was dragged to the floor and punched in the face by his attacker.
A woman in her twenties, who tried to help the boy, was also punched in the face.
The offender is described as a female, of large build and around 5ft 5ins tall.
Investigating officer, PC Harry Downes, based at Newbury police station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.
“If you have any CCTV or dash-cam footage around the time, I’d ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.
“Or to contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220439205.
“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
A WHITLEY home was raided by thieves last week, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The unknown intruder broke into the property on Northumberland Avenue sometime between midnight and 5am on Monday, September 26.
They entered via an unlocked door, and took the bank card.
Anyone with information, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage that could help Thames Valley Police is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220435546.
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
THE EARLEY PANDA has returned home after completing the London to Paris bike ride.
The route saw the furry cycling friend tackle a 550km journey across four days with more than 4,000 metres of elevation last month.
This was the panda’s third attempt at the trip with travel restrictions and covid forcing him to delay twice.
Joining 40 other cyclists, he rode through rain, thunderstorms and headwinds before arriving in the French capital.
The panda, whose identity is a closely guarded secret, admitted the arrival at the Eiffel Tower was a mix of emotions
He said: “There were mixed emotions when we arrived at the Eiffel Tower as we had learned about the passing of the Queen during the trip so everyone was sad about that.
“But it was an amazing experience and the support was fantastic.
“There was definitely a sense of relief that we got there with no injuries or any incidents in the group.”
MOTORISTS are being warned of new roadworks in Caversham that will last for most of October, with fears that it could cause jams and delays.
Instalcom is digging up roads as part of CityFibre’s ultrafast broadand installation works. When completed, speeds of up to 1Gbps will be available for both businesses and residential customers, among the fastest speeds in the country.
The last set of works in Caversham were in April and caused many issues on the roads, but the firm says the short term pain is necessary to bring next generation internet connectivity to Reading.
Works began at the junction of Peppard Road and Prospect Street, on Monday, and continue through to Friday, October 28 – a period of 25 days.
During half-term – Monday, October 24 and Friday, October 28 – there will also be multi-way traffic lights at the double roundabout junction of Church Street, Prospect Street and Gosbrook Road.
CityFibre is also undertaking installation work requiring traffic lights in Christchurch Road which ends on Friday, October 7. and Southampton Street, which is due to finish on Friday, October 14.
Stacey King, Regional Partnership Director at CityFibre, said: “CityFibre is investing £58 million into Reading to transform its digital infrastructure and bring next generation full fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the town.
“This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to ensure all works are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
She said the firm sought to manage disruption as much as possible.
“For example, part of the works will take place during half term break, which will help to ease traffic,” she continued.
“We’d like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during any recent delays they may have encountered.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community to date while we deliver this major investment programme.”
A MAN who kept the body of his victim hidden in his Reading flat for weeks before disposing of it in a small London town has been found guilty of murder.
At Reading Crown Court on Friday, September 30, Nyiah Williams, 46, of Hadrian Walk East, Reading, was convicted by a unanimous jury of one count of murder, one count of perverting the course of justice and one count of preventing a lawful burial, following a trial which lasted just over three weeks.
In a hearing at the same court, on Monday, Williams was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years.
His conviction is in relation to the murder of 46-year-old Duane Denny.
Mr Denny was reported missing to Thames Valley Police on Tuesday, August 24 last year, and a missing person investigation was launched.
His body was found in Erith, on Wednesday, September 15, last year.
Williams was arrested the following day and charged on Sunday, September 19.
Thames Valley Police praised Mr Denny’s family for showing
incredible dignity during the investigation and trial.
Senior investigation officer, Detective Inspector Stuart Blaik of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “No family should ever have to endure the suffering they have over the last 12 months.
“This conviction will hopefully bring to a close this chapter of suffering and allow them to continue to grieve the loss of Duane in private.”
He said that Williams is “a violent and controlling bully who preys on the vulnerable”.
“He was responsible for the murder of Duane who had suffered severe blunt force injuries to his face and neck, which were inflicted in his flat,” DI Blaik said.
“Williams then meticulously wrapped Duane’s body in multiple layers of plastic
bin bags and parcel tape before storing the body in the cupboard within his flat for several weeks, before disposing of the body close to the River Thames in Erith, London on September 11, 2021.
“All of this was an attempt to not only prevent Duane’s body from ever being found, but also to limit our forensic opportunities in identifying him as the killer.
“While Duane’s body was badly decomposed, we were still able to identify the cause of his death, which was significant blunt force trauma.”
DI Blaik continued: “The jury listened carefully to all of the evidence and saw through Williams’ lies that it was a group of men that forced their way into his flat and assaulted both him and Duane, resulting in death of Duane.
“Williams then suggested that the men, who he would not identify, instructed him to dispose of the body which was found by police on September 15, 2021.
“This has been a very difficult and complex investigation and I am grateful to everyone who has worked on the investigation over the last 12 months, along with those witnesses who provided important evidence during the trial.”
A CHARITY in Reading celebrated its 175th birthday with a fun-filled community event.
YMCA Reading welcomed members of the community for a day of facepainting, circus workshops, Zumba and much more.
Chief executive, Dave Poulton, said: “We welcomed over 500 visitors to take part in a range of free activities.
“The day was wonderfully
successful and we’re most grateful to all of the families who were able to join us and to show their support.
Founded in 1847, the organisation’s celebratory event marked 175 years of supporting young people in Reading.
YMCA Reading looks to create positive outcomes for young people to get personalised support services for a fresh start in life.
For instance, there is a preschool and cafe on site, as well as a range of sport and leisure facilities.
Mr Poulton encouraged individuals and organisations looking to collaborate, sponsor or volunteer to reach out.
Those in need of support are welcome to get in touch too via the organisation’s website.
n For more information, visit: www.ymcareading.org
THEY’RE fit for business, and fit for fundraising.
A team from asset management firm Invesco took part in a 100km triathlon, raising more than £20,000 for Dementia UK in the process.
Starting from their Henley office, the team travelled to the company’s London base in Portman Square, using canoes to travel along the Thames, cycling 77km (48 miles), and then finishing the 62-mile trek on foot.
Among those taking part was Lewis Aubrey-Johnson, head of fixed income products at Invesco.
He said: “We had a tremendous day and are thrilled to have raised money
for such a worthy charity.”
The company is hoping to raise £200,000 for thecharity over the course of the year, and September was the perfect time, as it was World Alzheimer’s month, which aims to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding the illness.
Its Invesco Cares Foundation has started funding a Young Onset Dementia Nurse for the South East and the aim is to also fund a Dementia Specialist Nurse in London. These Nurses work in hospitals, GPs practices, and local community services to provide clinical, emotional, and practical support that enables people to live
more positively with dementia.
Claire Myers, charity and community engagement manager at Invesco, said: “Being able to get back together with a full squad for our annual charity challenge has been long overdue.
“The team were so well prepared this year, arriving well ahead of the expected finish time while also smashing our fundraising target once again.
“This total puts us right on track to reach our £200,000 target for Dementia UK by the end of 2023 with over £85,000 raised so far and several fundraising initiatives still to come.”
CONVICTED: Nyiah Williams, is guilty of murder, perverting the course of justice, and preventing a lawful burial CELEBRATION: The Reading YMCA family fun day marked the organisation’s 175 years of running on Saturday. Picture: Steve Smyth
READING Borough Council is set to consider a planning application for a dedicated site for travellers tonight.
The proposal is to build a permanent provision of space on land near Smallmead for travellers will be considered by the committee.
National guidance is that each local planning authority should seek to provide space for Gypsy and traveller communities to live.
The proposal would see a narrow strip of land near Smallmead, close to the Re3 Recycling Centre, accommodating up to seven pitches – space for up to 14 caravans.
The site would be provided with electricity, sanitary facilities, secure fencing, and a recreational facility, along with the provision of a Traveller liaison officer to manage the site on a day-to-day basis.
It will be offered for temporary periods ranging from a few days up to three months at a time.
The proposal follows an assessment by Reading Borough Council in 2017 which ruled that it was necessary to provide a permanent site to
combat illegal encampments.
It also follows a number of recent illegal encampments around Reading, including on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus.
Despite considering more than 80 separate sites the assessment met considerable opposition to proposals, with more than 160 objections raised against a proposed site near Cow Lane.
Many cited adverse effects on local businesses and trading, anti-social behaviour, and flytipping as reasons for objecting,
as well as the safety of those using the site.
The latest proposals have seen a new location selected from the possible options laid out in the assessment.
The council has said that the move is intended to help it reduce council spending, as it regularly combats illegal encampments around Reading.
A council report released in October 2021 detailed 31 unauthorised encampments in the previous 12 months, with an estimated £400,000 spent over the previous five years.
In the report, the council noted that under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police have powers to seize the vehicles of those who refuse to leave land, but only if a suitable pitch is available within a local area.
As there is no such location in Reading, Thames Valley Police is limited in how it can respond to illegal encampments.
Some objections have been raised with the current proposals, with the council due to consider concerns about proximity to the AWE site in
Burghfield and the status of the site as a floodplain.
The committee will need to provide suitable safety precautions in the event of flooding and adequate protection of the site’s users in a detailed “emergency” plan.
In the October 2021 report, Adele Barnett Ward, Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods, said: “Every single local Council is obliged under national planning policy to consider how gypsy and traveller accommodation needs can be met.
“The proposal of the site at Smallmead is the culmination of a number of assessments, over a number of years.
“Identifying a suitable option in a tight, urban area like Reading is of course no easy task, but the site at Smallmead is one identified as feasible, not least because it is located away from residential properties.”
The planning application will be considered as part of the public committee meeting on Wednesday, October 5, from 6.30pm at Reading’s Civic Offices in Bridge Street.
People can attend digitally via Teams by visiting: democracy.reading.gov.uk. n The full planning application can be viewed also be viewed at democracy.reading.gov.uk.
A MAN waiting for a taxi in Reading town centre was the victim of an attack police are treating as GBH, and an appeal for witnesses to come forward has been made.
The incident took place in Station Road around 2.20am on Sunday, October 2.
The victim was a man in his 40s.
Thames Valley Police said he was pushed to the ground by his attacker and sustained head injuries.
He was taken to hospital, where he remains receiving treatment.
The offender is described as a white man, of medium build with short brown hair. He was wearing a checked shirt and jeans.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Jake Newton, based at Reading police station, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information about what happened to please come forward.
“Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43220441445.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.”
VERDICT: The proposal for a new traveller site will be considered at a council committee meeting this evening Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council
AN ACCLAIMED British actor will be speaking about his new book next week.
Reading Central Library is inviting residents to attend a screening of Paterson Joseph talking about his debut novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho.
The event will be streamed live from the British Library in London on Friday, October 14.
The book follows Charles, who was born on board a slave ship in 1739, before being orphaned and sold into slavery.
Transported across the Atlantic to Britain at the age of two, he spent his upbringing in a household with three English sisters, before escaping enslavement.
He develops a career as a businessman, writer and composer who sat the very heart of Georgian London, becoming the first Black person to vote in Britain and leading the fight to end slavery.
Mr Joseph will go on to explore what it meant to be a Black Briton at that time.
He will also discuss how historical fiction can help breathe fresh life into real historical figures.
The screening is free to attend with no prior booking required. It will run from 7pm8.30pm.
n For more information, visit: www.whatsonreading.com
READING is set to celebrate Black History Month with a programme of events set to recognise the vital contribution the black community makes to the town, and the country.
In the UK, Black History Month has been observed each October to both celebrate how black people enrich the community and recognise the history of the community.
Reading will see music, art, theatre, and debate events, as well as numerous educational resources.
The council is holding a number of debates in its civic offices, with The Big Debate taking place tomorrow night (Thursday, October 6), and ACRE’s Black Lives Matter discussion on Monday, October 24.
There will be a celebration of community volunteers, hosted by ACRE and Utulivu Women’s Group, also in the council chambers.
Central Library will see a screening of Paterson Joseph’s telling of the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho on Friday, October 14.
South Street Arts Centre is showing Doris Allimadi’s I Belong on Friday, October 22,
CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE: Black History Month takes place each October in the UK to recognise the important contribution that the diverse black community made and continues to make. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council
and Howling Wind on Saturday, November 12, presented by Reading Windrush Alliance.
Jamal Harewood’s WORD on will also show on Wednesday, November 2; followed by The Priveledged, by the same author, on Friday, November 4 at the same venue.
Reading Museum is launching its new black history virtual session for schools from Monday, October 3.
The town will also see a number of musical events, with Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra over introductory workshops, which under 18s attend for free, at CultureMix Arts Centre.
On Friday, October 7, Reggae Fridays open mic night will take place at the same venue, featuring Reading Reggae Collective and led by Grammy Award-winning
producer and bassist, Don Chandler.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Reading is a town that rightfully prides itself on its diversity.
“Reading Borough Council is committed to supporting the Black community, furthering the rights of the members of that community and tackling
head-on the disadvantages and struggles that the community has faced.
“Black History Month offers a full programme of live events hosted by Reading Museum, Reading Arts Venues, Reading Libraries and many local community organisations.”
Cllr Barnett-Ward continued: “It gives everyone the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the important contributions all of our Black communities have made, and continue to make, in the town and across the country.
“I always look forward to the year’s Black History Month–a wide and diverse range of activities will be taking place across Reading throughout October.
“Black History Month is for everyone and I encourage everyone in Reading to take part in October’s Black History Month events and embrace the richness our black communities offer us all, acknowledging their importance to our town.”
Among other events taking place during the month include the annual Reading Minster Annual Lecture, this year featuring Mpho Tutu Van Furth, n For a full list of events and resources during Black History Month, visit: www.reading.gov.uk
A COMMUNITY group is set to host a family cycle on Saturday, October 8.
Kidical Mass will embark on a route starting from Palmer Park, where their May ride was held.
The event is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities with families encouraged to attend.
Refreshments will be served at the finish, while the youngsters can get stuck into some games.
Kidical Mass’ events are designed to increase families’ confidence in cycling together, whilst highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.
The group hopes to raise awareness of healthy modes of transport and bike types.
In July, Mayor Rachel Eden joined a ride starting from Green Park.
The meeting time is 11am at Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, with the ride starting once everyone is ready to leave.
n For more information, visit: www. kidicalmassreading.co.uk
A READING cinema is launching a new deal for students offering a cut-price night at the movies.
The Reading Biscuit Factory, based in Broad St Mall, is running the event every Thursday from 5pm.
For £6, students can enjoy a film with a selected drink, including beer, wine, soft drinks and spirits.
They can also enjoy 50% off food from the cinema’s kitchen from a special menu.
Matthew O Ferguson, the venue’s manager, said: “We want our spaces to be accessible to everyone in the community, which is why we have introduced this £6 student ticket.
“We have created this offer so that students can enjoy our venue and experience all of the films that we are showing on the big screen.”
n For more details, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk
A CLINIC has announced that it is now offering first doses of vaccines to help protect against Monkey Pox.
The clinic is offering a modified smallpox vaccine, which is similar to the virus which causes monkey pox.
At present, the Florey Clinic is only able to offer the vaccine to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, or staff who work in “sex on premises” venues.
While Monkey Pox cases are
increasing in the UK, Safe Sex Berkshire says that the risk of catching it is “low.”
It says also that the the majority of cases continue to be gay and bisexual men, and other men who sleep with men.
It is therefore encouraging members of those communities to be aware of symptoms, especially any new rashes or lesions.
From Tuesday, October 4, the Craven Road clinic is making appointments available from
9am-7.20pm for people to get their first doses.
Appointments will also be available on Friday, October 7, between 9am-4.30pm.
Appointments will be made available via an online booking system, with some walk-ins taken, between 9am-3pm, also at the Florey Clinic, on Saturday October 8.
n
For more details, or to book an appointment, visit: www. safesexberkshire.nhs.uk
A charity that provides horse riding facilities for people with physical or mental disabilities within the South Oxfordshire and Reading areas is the latest group to receive a Covid-19 Relief Fund grant from the John Sykes Foundation.
Late last month, John Sykes, Founder and Chair of Trustees joined the foundation’s volunteer Sian McCoubrey at a weekly session of Wyfold Riding for the Disabled (WRDA) to present the cheque to Kim Fry, trustee at the WRDA with a number of volunteers and two nine-yearold riders, James Marsh and Alice Dunton.
They have attended the stables every Thursday morning for the past seven years.
Diane Lee, WRDA’s chairwoman, explained how the charity provides disabled adults and children with the opportunity to ride and/or carriage drive to benefit their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
“Our workforce of seven horses and ponies give therapeutic riding and driving sessions to approximately 65 riders and carriage drivers each week,” she said.
“The activities take place in our purpose-built riding arena or on the all-weather track, with rides through beautiful woods and parkland.
“The lessons are conducted by 18 trained riding coaches, six driving coaches, and
approximately 66 dedicated volunteers. The volunteers also look after the horses and ponies under the guidance of a parttime yard manager who is our only paid employee.”
She added: “We have put all capital projects on hold for now while we ensure we have sufficient funds to run the yard.
“It costs around £45,000 per annum to ensure the organisation runs smoothly.
“Our costs include feed, vet and farrier, maintaining the building and land, paying for our part-time Yard Manager, and insuring ourselves and ponies.”
The £1,000 grant will be used to secure the day-to-day
running of the yard including purchasing feed.
On hearing the announcement that the charity had been awarded with a COVID-19 Relief Fund grant, Ms Fry said: “Thank you so much to the Foundation for giving us £1,000, which is amazing.
“Such good news especially as we are using up all our winter feed now as there is no grass due to the heatwaves, we have been experiencing.”
John Sykes said it had been an honour to spend a morning at the stables, seeing the charity’s work first-hand.
“The interaction the children had with their ponies was
breath-taking and it was clear to see this is of great benefit,” he said.
“I was also so impressed that the charity is run by only one part-time member of staff and a 65+ strong army of dedicated volunteers.
“It is all so very well organised and such a happy place, which I hope to visit again very soon.” n www.wyfoldrda.org.uk/ n If you work or belong to a local Charity or Organisation and would like to know more or apply for a COVID-19 Relief Fund Grant, the deadline has now been extended to December 31, 2022. For details, visit: www. johnsykesfoundation.org
AFTER undergoing a short closure to refresh the venue for the winter, Blue Collar has announced numerous events for the remainder of 2022.
The first event at the food market in Hosier Street will be a drag brunch with some of Reading and Berkshire’s biggest drag acts on Saturday.
Reading’s own Big Jay will host, fresh from their recent show celebrating only their first anniversary of their drag.
They’ll be joined by Oxford’s Cairo Ali, drag king ARTie,
Reading’s Got Drag winner Duac, and London’s Arcadia.
The show will feature live singing and lip-sync performances followed by an aftershow, where DJs Twin Sun will play their first show at the venue.
Drag brunch takes place at Blue Collar Corner, between 11am-1.30pm.
This event is for attendees aged 18 and over only, and organised in collavoration with Iota Events.
n To book tickets, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk.
BOTANICALS, juniper berries and slice will all come together in perfect synchrony later this month for a one-day celebration of the G’n’T.
Reading’s Gin and Rum Festival is to be held at the Great Hall in the University of Reading on Saturday, October 15.
More than 120 gins and rums, including UK-made beverages, will be on offer at the festival, which will also include a tequila bar, featuring 20 authentic drinks to try.
There will be complementary samples, and a premium selection of mixers and tonics, as well as talks from guest distillers. Music, a DJ and live entertainment help make the
event one to remember.
Festival founder Bobby Nanua said: “We’re excited to be bringing this experience to Reading once again.
“We always love it when we return back to cities we’ve visited before, they become a second home for us’.
Entry fee includes a reusable stainless-steel straw, and a G&R branded Copa glass with carry satchel.
There are two sessions. The first runs from 12.15pm to 4.30pm, with the second from 6.30pm to 11pm. Tickets cost £15, and the event is for over 18s only.
n For more details, log on to: www. ginandrumfestival.com
SUPPORT: John Sykes, Founder & Chair of Trustees, Sian McCoubrey, James Marsh, Alice Dunton, both riders aged 9, Kim Fry Trustee and a number of volunteers from WRDA BRUNCH DATE: Big Jay will take on hosting duties for Blue Collar’s drag brunch event on Saturday, October 8. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision ImagesMINI FIRST Aid Berkshire is offering a class to teach how to administer first aid to children and babies on Saturday, October 15.
Taking place at John Lewis in Reading’s Broad Street, the class is aimed at parents, caregivers, or those expecting children.
It will cover a number of subjects which help first responders deal with emergencies which involve small children, such as how to administer CPR, combat choking, burns, and breaks, as well as how to respond to seizures, head injuries, and meningitis.
It takes place with a relaxed atmosphere, and babies are welcome.
The Mini First Aid class begins at 10am and runs until noon. Tickets cost £25. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.berkshire. minifirstaid.co.uk.
SIGHT-LOSS charity Berkshire Vision has received a new minibus following an anonymous donation.
Clare Matthews, marketing and communications officer at the charity, said: “We’ve been given a big nine-seater minibus, gifted to us by an anonymous donor.
“Somebody got in touch and said that their father sadly died and they wanted to make a donation in his name.
“Their father was called Pete, and so the bus is called Pete in his memory, too, but the donor asked to remain anonymous.”
She said that transport is a vital part of the services Berkshire Vision provides to those with sight-loss.
“If you’re visually impaired, if you haven’t got somebody to drive you places or enough confidence to get on a bus or a train, you’re stuck at home.
“So a lot of our members only get out when we go and pick them up in the minibus or in our new people carrying out – it’s just a vital lifeline to people in the community.”
While the charity already uses three vehicles to transport those it supports, Clare said that the new addition to the fleet was particularly welcome.
“Not only can we help more people by adding a fourth vehicle, that it being a people-carrier means that more of our team are able to drive it.
“We have two 12-seaters and a 16-seater, but the new nine-
seater is easier for children to hop on to, and our children’s officer will also be able to drive it.
“It’s making everything we do as part of our services easier, and it’s amazing to receive such a kind gift.”
The charity has put the new vehicle straight to use, with Clare saying: “Today it’s already gone to pick up a few of our older members for a park-walk, so we’re using it already.”
Berkshire Vision’s new bus has been decorated with colourful livery, with a dedication to Pete printed on the rear of the vehicle.
The charity also received a short message from the donor, which said: “I’m so pleased to be able to make this donation to such a wonderful and worthwhile local charity.
“Pete would have loved it.”
Berkshire Vision has been selected as one of The Oracle’s Charities of the Year and will visiting the shopping centre to provide information about the services it provides.
“We’ll be popping up in The Oracle outside Next Home once a month and available for people really struggling with their sight loss or who just want to know more about our support services.
“They’ll be able to come and talk to us and come find out more about how we can support them.” n For more information about Berkshire Vision’s services, and links to their social media, visit: www.berkshirevision.org.uk
community, named and given in honour of Alice Driver, who died in June 2019 following years dedicated activism for LGBTQ+, refugee, and asylum rights.
Ms Budzinska said that for her the award was an honour: “I don’t do this kind of thing for awards, and I know Jamie isn’t either.
“But it’s such an honour that our work is being recognised like this anyway.”
Mr Dewson said: “So much hard work goes into everything that we do – we’re a really small team, and we’re supporting around 5,500 people a year, currently.”
He and Ms Budzinska are two of just four caseworkers at Support U, which covers much of the Thames Valley.
“So being awarded was a huge moment, but actually reminds you to give yourself a huge pat on the back, really.
“Being LGBT+ people, being part of the community can also be really impacting because we have lived experience in many areas of the field that we work within.
“And so it can be a real big challenge actually having that separation between work life and personal life, which is one of the biggest challenges from my personal experience.”
He said, however, that the award has already begin to impact the work that Support U is providing.
“The first thing I was doing on the Monday morning after was providing specialist training, we’re being consulted by Thames Valley Police.
today’s climate and in the past as well, so we were absolutely overwhelmed.”
Ms Budzinska said that she was unwell on the day of the event, so: “it was a little bit crazy for me.
“I wasn’t able to make it, so I had been in bed all day, then I get a random video from one of our co workers.
“It was filming on the stage which I thought was interesting, and then you know, they they started saying about the award, so I thought Jamie had won it.
“But then I see it says ‘Jamie and Oliwia’ so I was very shocked – I’m still processing, really.”
The award is for champions who work tirelessly in the
“We do this because we care and, I think one of the most important things is that we do this for impact rather than status, but that really was on of the best days of my life.”
Ms Budzinska said also that the work can be particularly challenging: “as it’s obviously not an area where there’s a lot of funding, especially for us working with the LGBT+ community.
“And that’s definitely reflected, I feel, when we try to get different funding options, but it is all about the motivation.
“You have to keep doing it because if if we just suddenly give up, nothing’s ever going to change and we’re never going to get to a better position.”
For Mr Dewson, he says working with members of the LGBTQ+ can present personal challenges, too.
“And so within two days, we’re already being called into these really important conversations and upskilling generic services that don’t work exclusively with our community, but do definitely have an impact on our community.”
He concluded by saying: “In terms of the future, it’s looking busy – it’s looking very heavy and in order to continue this amazing work that we’ve been able to do as a charity we need more people.
“We need more volunteers, more staff, and we even have paid positions available, so if you’re interested, come and join our team.”
“I have to thank Olive, who has put so much time and energy into this, she goes above and beyond – and we’ve been nominated for the Criminal Justice Charity Awards next month.
“So I’m hoping Olive is going to get her moment on stage for that, because we couldn’t have done our work without her.”
MOTORING ON: Members of the Berkshire Vision team with the brand new vehicle. Picture: Courtesy of Berkshire VisionOPPOSITION parties are calling on Reading Borough Council’s ruling Labour group to do more to bring affordable housing to the town.
Reading Greens say that in recent years, just over a quarter - 27% - of the 406 new homes a year has been delivered, with an average of 110 per year.
Some of these are in the process of being built, such as the controversial decision to knock down the historic Victorian swimming baths at Cemetery Junction.
Doug Cresswell, new Green Party Councillor for Katesgrove, said the council is failing to meet the requirements of the Berkshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment.
“On affordable housing, the Labour council just isn’t delivering,” he said.
“Time and time again, we see Labour councillors wave through new developments with little affordable housing. Unfortunately, the Conservative government’s policies have also made matters worse.”
He added: “Having a safe, warm, affordable home is so important to the people of Reading. Our key workers need a place to call home. Our teachers, nurses, posties and everyone who got us through Covid deserve a home they can afford.
“We need policies designed to deliver for the people of Reading, and politicians willing to see them through.”
And the Conservative group leader, Cllr Clarence Mitchell, felt Reading needed to show more determination with its policies.
“Given Reading’s need for truly affordable housing, we have always said the Labour administration could and should be more ambitious,” he told Reading Today
“RBC urgently needs to adopt a more creative and innovative attitude towards its own property portfolio, and the town’s derelict sites, with the aim of identifying more opportunities for the redevelopment and repurposing of suitable assets wherever feasible.
“It should also continue to hold developers’ feet to the fire over their application commitments to provide genuinely affordable homes whenever permissions are granted.
“Too often those numbers can end up being reduced.”
The Liberal Democrats also have reservations about the council’s stance.
Cllr James Moore, who is a Tilehurst member, said: “Having been a member of the Planning Applications Committee since being elected in May, I am strongly concerned with the number of developments submitted with less than the 30% affordable housing contribution.
“This contribution percentage is the Council’s defined policy.
“Still, as I’ve raised in the committee itself, the Council is not on a happy path with the lack of affordable housing being supplied in new developments.”
But Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, defended the situation.
“It is somewhat surprising to hear the Greens finally advocating for more affordable homes given that they have, in recent memory, voted against over 100 new affordable homes at Planning Committee and voted against Labour’s budget providing funding for over 300 new Council homes in Reading,” he said.
“Indeed, Green Party policies would evidently mean far fewer affordable homes delivered in Reading.
“Labour’s record of delivering affordable housing in Reading is good, with an increase of 200%
in terms of delivery in 2021-22.
“We presently have the largest Council home building programme in a generation, including new key worker housing and extra-care housing.”
Cllr Brock said there was a severe shortage of affordable housing supply nationally, as well as in Reading.
“The Conservative Government’s planning framework continues to frustrate our ability to secure the levels of affordable housing we want from private developers,” he continued.
“Until the Government changes course and reworks the system, there will continue to be a shortage of affordable housing despite the best efforts of Labour councils and councillors.
“As we’ve seen over the past week, electing a Labour Government to work in partnership with Reading Council would deliver many more affordable houses and flats in Reading through major changes to the planning system.”
He added: “On the face of it, the Greens are happy to criticise affordable housing delivery in Reading without full context, but when they have the opportunity to do something tangible themselves to increase numbers, they vote against it. I’d remind them that actions speak louder than words.”
A FORMER editor of Vogue is to take part in a fundraiser for a charity that helps women get back into work.
Smart Works Reading is holding the event at Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday, October 12.
Alexandra Shulman is a writer, columnist and will share her insights at the event, which includes drinks and canapes.
The charity says the fashion industry icon will discuss ageless style and clothes for
confidence in conversation with Smart Works Reading ambassador, journalist and sustainable fashion advocate, Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey.
There will also be a chance to win prizes and grab a bargain with rails of clothes from a curated selection of independent brands.
The event will charity’s mission to support Berkshire women with its job interview dressing and coaching service.
Helen Francis, chair of Smart Works Reading said:
“We’re delighted Alexandra is joining us at Ascot Racecourse.
“With such an amazing, influential name in fashion supporting us, we are expecting this event to be an enormous success enabling us to raise vital funds to help more women into work.”
The event will be held in the racecourse’s Parade Ring Restaurant from 6.45pm. n Tickets are available at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-eveningwith-alexandra-shulmantickets-410378782987
A plan to replace a Caversham telecoms mast with one twice the size of the existing pole, so it can be used for 5G connectivity, has been opposed by one of Reading’s MPs.
An application has been submitted by Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL) on behalf of Three UK to replace the current 8m mast on Chiltern Road with one 18m tall.
It would be placed slightly to the right of the existing pole, and include the installation of two ground based cabinets.
Clarke Telecom, the planning agents for MBNL, say the new mast would bring 5G connectivity to the area, something the Government has recognised is ‘essential’ for people and businesses.
The mast has been opposed by Reading East MP Matt Rodd, who says it would be eyesore and overlook homes.
“While I believe it is important to prepare for 5G and other improvements to connectivity, I am concerned about applications for very large pieces of telecoms infrastructure in areas where they can cause an eyesore,” he said.
“I have worked with residents and opposed a number of planning applications for masts and other infrastructure in residential areas.
“I am calling on telecoms firms to consider a range of sites when they plan changes to local infrastructure, so that new poles, base stations and other infrastructure can be placed in less noticeable locations, away from houses, parks and other sensitive sites.”
The developers MBNL had initially hoped for
the mast to be automatically approved under permitted development rights, but Reading Borough Council planning officers ruled the mast would require approval.
A spokesperson for Three said: “This is a proposed upgrade to an existing site to maintain the current coverage for users and improve their experience.
“We want the community in Caversham to have a reliable network experience and this upgrade will be critical to making that happen.”
Mr Rodda has objected to a series of 5G mast applications in Reading this year.
In August, a plan for a 5G mast in Kidmore Road, Caversham was rejected, and a similar plan for a 5G mast in Vauxhall Park, Woodley was also rejected in June after Mr Rodda voiced objections alongside neighbours.
The application for the Chiltern Road mast can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, by searching for number 221279.
A SONNING theatre welcomed two acting greats last month for a special fundraising performance.
The Mill hosted An Evening With Jeremy Irons and Simon Williams, an insight into their lives and careers with plenty of wit and charm.
Mr Irons has had a distinguished career including appearing with Brian Cant in the children’s comedy show Play Away as well as roles in major Hollywood productions such as Die Hard, The Lion King, and House of Gucci.
Mr Williams was a regular in Upstairs Downstairs, the sitcom Don’t Wait Up, and the radio
serial The Archers.
Their event helped raise around £8,000 for The Mill’s new charity, The George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation.
A spokesperson said: “The charity is named after a very talented young man who we sadly lost last year, and is to help young arts students during their training.”
It’s not the only brush with fame The Mill has enjoyed in recent weeks.
George Clooney, who lives in Sonning, was promoting his latest movie, Ticket to Paradise.
He was interviewed with his co-star, Julia Roberts, on BBC
POP-UP bar at a Reading town centre shopping centre is applying for permission to
Based by the River Kennet at The Oracle’s Riverside, the outdoor attraction is themed around the seasons.
Most recently, it was the Mojito Beach Bar Club, which hosted live music, while last Winter, it became The Jagerhaus, which featured heated private snow domes and a bar serving a range of winter drinks, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and cocktails.
The place the bar occupies has currently been cleared, in preparation for this festive
The bar’s owners Touch Entertainment Ltd has applied to Reading Borough Council
keep serving until 11.30pm.
The licence will see them be able to perform live music outdoors seven days a week from noon to 11pm, play recorded music outdoors Sunday to Thursday between noon and 11pm, and from 11am to 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and provide late night refreshment such as hot food and drink, from 11am to 11.30pm.
And Touch has applied to sell alcohol on site from 11am to 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am to 10pm on Sundays.
Anyone who wishes to comment on it can do so by emailing licensing@reading. gov.uk before Wednesday, October 19.
to replace the building that currently houses world buffet restaurant Cosmo with one that will contain 103 apartments.
Parts of the site would be seven storeys.
The plan can be viewed on
Borough Council’s planning
reference number
One’s The One Show, and he took time to praise The Mill.
“I get to go next door and watch a play about once every two months,” he said.
“Literally, we open the door and you walk across an alley and you’re in the theatre.
We really have fun.”
He also praised The French Horn, saying it was “a wonderful little restaurant”
“We have a really nice little world right there (in Sonning) that’s very private and very quaint and the people are lovely, I love it.”
Julia Roberts said: “I wanna do that with you guys.”
A DEVELOPER has applied to reduce the number of affordable homes at an apartment block to be built to the rear of a former social club in Reading, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter
In June last year, developer Stonegate Homes won approval to build a 26-flat apartment block to the rear of The Curzon Club at 362 Oxford Road.
The land the block is set to be built on is derelict, and lies immediately to the right of parking for the Moulsford Mews shopping precinct.
Now, it wants to reduce the amount of affordable apartments from seven to three – according to Reading Borough Council’s policy, this should be 10.
These three affordable units make up 11.5% of the scheme, so if approved Stonegate Homes would be asked by the council to invest the equivalent of 18.5% into affordable housing elsewhere in the borough using a deferred payments mechanism.
The application is due to be decided at the a planning committee meeting tonight.
TOGETHER: Simon Williams (left) and Jeremy Irons (right) at their fundraising night at The Mill at Sonning Picture: The Mill at SonningA COMMUNITY event introduced hundreds of novice and experienced cyclists to the benefits of bike riding.
Visitors who attended Reading Cycle Festival late last month were treated to a range of fun activities at Christchurch Meadows.
Urban Displays performed a mesmerising stunt show, while there was also a chance to ride unicycles and e-bikes.
Organiser Greg Woodford said: “Everyone had a fantastic time. Our aim is to introduce cycling to people and ultimately get them using their bikes outside of our events.
“We love doing the Cycle Festival and our plan is to come back next year.”
The event was part of the wider Reading Climate Festival programme.
Information stalls featuring Sport in Mind, Ethical Reading and Reading Cycle Campaign were on hand to help visitors learn more about sustainability in the town.
The Green Bike Good Company was also present to explain how they plan to become carbon neutral.
Younger riders also had the chance to take on an obstacle course, enjoy an ice cream.
More experienced cyclists were able to get a free bike check from Reading Bicycle Kitchen.
A READING pub is hosting its annual Bloody Mary contest on Sunday, with spectators welcome.
The contest, at The Retreat in St John’s Street, sees entrants submit their Bloody Mary recipes for judging, with the top three recipes to be awarded with certificates, and
a prize for first place.
Entrants must be at least 18 with individuals or two-person teams eligible for registration.
They must submit original recipes, with ingredients written out to be judged, though they must be tomato-based.
Fresh tomatoes must be used and should be brought to the venue before preparation.
The Retreat will provide 4 ounces of Vodka, and no outside alcohol will be allowed, though alcohol is not required and Virgin Marys are permitted.
Straws, ice, and glasses will also be provided, though entrants must provide all other ingredients and any tools such as cutlery, boards, and shakers.
Judging will be based on taste, presentation, originality, and garnish.
The Retreat’s Bloody Mary 2022 contest will take place in the back bar of the venue from 3pm on Sunday, October 9.
Samples must be ready for judging by 4.30pm, and the winners announced at 5.20pm.
To register, visit: www.theretreat.
Enjoy our Christmas themed break in Bournemouth, a fantastic resort boasting seven miles of golden sands and a historic pier.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Wokingham & Crawley
4 nights at a selected hotel, Bournemouth with dinner & breakfast (includes traditional ‘Christmas’
break
more information,
to book,
ADVICE: Reading Cycling Club were on hand to let people know about their team. Picture: Steve Smyth HIGH JUMP: The event included talented stunt cyclists RIDE ON: Erin Thorose, 3, takes in the festival on her bike. Picture: Steve Smyth YAY FOR BIKES: A fun-filled afternoon. Pictures: Steve Smyth CHALLENGE: Ethan Ashton, 5, tackles the obstacle courseWHY is everything always somebody else’s fault?
I was reflecting on this when observing the economic meltdown caused by the recent budget (or ‘fiscal event’), which was also interestingly described as a ‘growth plan’.
To a lay person, it seemed odd that the new Government launched a smorgasbord of uncosted and unanalysed measures, with a cut in the 45% highest marginal tax rate for the tiny % of people in that tax bracket, during a cost-of-living crisis where inflation is ravaging more modestly remunerated people’s lives.
As people say nowadays, the optics were not good and, of course, since writing this, the plan has been dropped.
The markets did not like what was going on, and as well as the £ plunging to its lowest level against the dollar in living memory, a third of all mortgage products were being withdrawn and we then heard that only a £65b bail-out stopped pension funds collapsing. I am old enough to remember when a budget was considered catastrophic when VAT was put on pasties, not when the economy was torched and on the verge of collapse.
However, we are in 2022, so it was not, of course, the fault of the people creating this, it was the fault of ‘lefties’ in the City, who thought that spending lots of money without a clear plan was not a good move. Of the people I know in the City, there are many adjectives that can be used, but none of them spring to mind as the type of people that knit their own muesli.
Or was it ‘lefties’ in the media for reporting the news? This reminds me of when football manager Alan Ball blamed the media for his sacking by Manchester City. As one wag responded – ‘Yes, well they kept publishing the results’.
If it was not the fault of lefties it was the International Monetary Fund’s fault for suggesting that the policy was flawed.
Or of course it was the fault of Mr Putin. Or the BBC. Or the Establishment.
When did we become a country of buck-passers, doing anything not to accept responsibility?
A few months ago, I was trying to organise an event with a very colourful and entertaining chap, who seemed keen to be involved, but on the proviso that I would try to obtain a knighthood for him. A very successful man, and one of the richest people in the country, he was extremely unhappy to only have one of the slightly lower honours and was forthright in his disgust with some of the other recently knighted businesspeople.
Firstly, how I was supposed to be able to organise this was not clear.
He then went on to mutter that the real problem was that that there was a conspiracy among the ‘Romanians’ who were preventing him from obtaining his honour.
‘Romanians?’ I said, ‘what have they got to do with you not getting a knighthood?’
‘Remainers, not Romanians’ he replied, with admittedly good humour.
When I ran a junior football team, my only red line was that my players were never to argue with the referee, question his or her decisions, consequently putting the responsibility for the outcome of the match onto others, over whom they had no control.
Hopefully, the players have taken some of that philosophy into their working lives.
It is clear that politicians have a difficult job to do and need to make difficult and often unpopular decisions, but they need to take responsibility for their actions and not go round blaming everyone else.
UNDER-REPRESENTED communities in Reading and Slough are set to benefit from an innovative project.
The Community Led Research Pilot will see the University of Reading and British Science Association work alongside residents in areas which are new to research.
Together, they will use science to tackle local issues and understand priorities.
Kate Orchard, head of community engagement for the British Science Association, said: “We are delighted to be working with communities in Reading and Slough for this pilot, with the University of Reading as our academic partner.
“Through this work, we hope to build on the University’s extensive experience of public engagement and participatory action research in partnership with local communities.
As part of the pilot, five local community members will be recruited and trained as community researchers.
Supported by Reading Voluntary Action and Slough Council for Voluntary Service, they will work closely with researchers from the university to decide on areas of focus.
Ms Orchard hopes the project will ‘build confidence’ and form ‘equitable ways of working’ between the communities and research sector.
Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans, public engagement with community research fellow at the University of Reading, who will lead the research, said: “This exciting new project will take a participatory approach to delivery and decision-making within local communities in Reading and Slough.
“It will allow community researchers to bring their lived experience, skills and knowledge to the project and to develop and deliver research ideas linked to science that are relevant to the local area.”
Dominik Zaum, pro-vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Reading, said: “Sally and colleagues have developed extensive expertise in working with local communities and empowering them to lead research that informs changes in thinking, policy, and practice in Reading and Berkshire.
“Locating research and knowledge generation in communities, and not just in universities and research institutes, enables communities to drive and influence the process of change, which is essential for tackling social injustice and developing sustainable impact.”
The university has delivered other community-led projects such as the Whitley Researchers collective, Community Participatory Action Research (CPAR) project and the HSHAZ Oxford Road Storytelling project.
Anfisa Vlasova, 41, came to the area in May after fleeing from the Russian military invasion.
Since then, she’s been living in Gallowstree Common, near Caversham, with a retired couple and two of their own dogs.
Ms Vlasova took part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, where UK residents could host Ukrainian refugees to live in their own homes for a minimum of six months.
But now the scheme is expiring and she has been told to move on with her four Yorkshire terriers Nora, Betty, Daisy and Teddy.
Ms Vlasova explained: “I’ve been living with a host family.
“They’ve accommodated me for the six months but they’re not willing to keep me there.
“It depends on the people. Some people would like to extend one year, unfortunately my host is not willing.”
Ms Vlasova is currently looking for work and wants to stay in the Reading area.
She said: “I would like to stay in Reading, because I already know this place. It’s so difficult to adjust. I have managed to adjust so I would like to stay here.
“I’m looking for another host family or a pet-friendly landlord to rent from.
“It can be shared, as I know other Ukrainians who need housing so we can share together.
“I’m up for any of these options as long as it’s in Reading.”
Ms Vlasova has fled war twice.
In 2014, when the Donetsk People’s Republic was declared, it sparked an occupation of the area by Russian forces and skirmishes between the Russian army, separatists, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
She said: “In 2014 I simply escaped from occupation. In Kharkiv there was very heavy shelling in the area where I rented my flat.
“I was expecting this war to finish, I didn’t expect it to get worse.”
Ms Vlasova and her four dogs were rescued from Kharkiv by The Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) on Thursday, April 7.
They were taken to Poland and stayed in a hotel paid for by Jakub and Gosia Golata, a Polish couple who rented out one hotel to help Ukrainian
SOUTH READING residents were given a rare insight into a day in the life at an emergency services facility.
Whitley Wood Fire Station opened its doors for its first open day since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organiser, Charlie Bell, said: “We had a great turnout on the day and it appeared that the public enjoyed their time.
“As a service, we are very pleased with the response.”
Visitors were treated to various stalls and demonstrations throughout the event, with the station’s staff promoting an interactive approach to activities.
The aerial appliance and heavy rescue unit displays proved a hit as members of the public were allowed
to operate them using a remote control.
Mr Bell explained: “Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service are committed to serving the public in a number of ways. Generally speaking, people see the fire appliances and believe we are running from incident-to-incident, but our service does way more.
“Allowing the public and local community into our fire stations gives us the opportunity to give them a better understanding of the modern fire service that we are today.
“This opportunity also allows the service to get a better understanding of the public we serve and seek more innovative ways to continue to best meet the needs of our local communities.”
A COMMUNITY group is holding an exciting fundraising event to help combat poverty in Reading and Wokingham.
The Rotary Club of Maiden Erlegh will be holding The Reading Charity Art & Craft Fair at Leighton Park School on October 29-30.
The event is in aid of Thomas Franks Foundation’s Feeding Communities initiative to provide free meals to those in need.
Paul Cunningham, president of The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, said: “This initiative fulfils two of our Rotary Aims: Helping local people in need and reducing food waste.
“We are delighted to be working with such partners to provide practical assistance to pressed local families in these difficult times.”
Entry is free and visitors can enjoy a range of paintings and craft exhibits produced by local artists.
All items will be available to purchase, with a percentage going to Feeding Communities and other charities.
Refreshments will be served in the Art Cafe run by the Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh.
A preview night will be held on Friday, October 28. Tickets cost £10 and include light refreshments.
The group hopes the session raises enough funds to kickstart the initiative in the Thames Valley area.
Tim Cooper, of Thomas Franks Foundation, said: “We were looking to expand our activities in Thames Valley and are delighted to be working with two organisations who have deep roots in the community and can make the initiative a success.”
So far, the Feeding Communities project has supplied more than one million packaged meals to households in the Home Counties and London.
Leighton Park School, ShinfieldArt fair set to provide free meals to those in need
As things stand, Ms Vlasova and her pets are due to leave their host house on Thursday, November 10.
Gallowstree Common is under South Oxfordshire District Council’s (SODC) jurisdiction.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked SODC and Reading Borough Council what can be done to help her.
A spokesperson for South Oxfordshire District Council said: “We have been working closely with partner organisations, including other councils and the voluntary sector in assisting Mrs Vlasova to find suitable accommodation for her to move into from November.
“We continue to discuss the housing options and financial support available for Mrs Vlasova and will do what we can to find her and her dogs another home.”
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “The refugee in question found accommodation in South Oxfordshire through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but her current sponsor there has chosen not to continue as a host through the scheme.
refugees.
She was then rehomed to Gallowstree Common in May.
Ms Vlasova has so far been unsuccessful in finding somewhere else to live.
She said: “From my side I’ve already visited all the churches, left my contact details with the priests and have got in touch with agencies. I’ve also made posts on all Facebook groups I can get on.
“It’s been a huge job but I still haven’t had any success yet.”
“She subsequently requested help with rematching from Reading Borough Council on September 26, but despite attempts to find an alternative Reading host through our own Homes for Ukraine scheme, we have been unable to find one who would be willing to accommodate her with her four dogs.
“We have advised her that she should approach SODC, through whom she made her existing arrangements, to rematch her or provide her with alternative options.”
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is still open.
Ukrainian refugees can receive support from the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre.
Refugees also have access to benefits and employment through the Department of Work and Pensions.
SHOWCASE:
The Reading Charity Art Fair will raise funds for Thomas Franks Foundation’s Feeding Communities project. Picture: Santoshi Guruju
SOUTH READING residents may be surprised to learn how little some parts of their neighbourhood have changed over the past century.
Last week, Reading Today took a look inside temporary accommodation in Whitley, known as prefabs, dating back to the 1920s.
These homes preceded permanent housing built in the following decade, such as the Beech Road property pictured above.
Semi-detached houses like these make up the ward as it is seen today.
Whitley Community Museum curator, David Turner, explained: “When this photograph was posted recently on our Facebook site, it provoked a large response.
“Residents who lived here over the decades responded with their memories. All good with no negative comments.
“A resident remembered her granny living in [a semi-detached house] which provoked her own special memories.”
Others reminisced about
Queen bee
motorbike meet-ups, coffee mornings with neighbours and Leighton Park School’s Fete.
According to Mr Turner, simple photos like these go a long way to elicit meaningful reactions from the museum’s community and are the reason why it garners such popularity.
With more than 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 old friends and schoolmates.
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. n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
Road, and the Rotary club are also collaborating to form a Reading hub for Feeding Communities.
The school will prepare the food, with Rotary raising the funds.
Headmaster, Matthew Judd, said: “We are very happy to be a partner in this local initiative and are pleased that we are able to help in hosting the fair and using our premises to prepare food etc.
“Our students will benefit by being involved in such a worthwhile local project.”
Since the start of the pandemic, The Rotary Club of Maiden Erlegh
has provided more than £25,000 in financial support to food banks and charitable organisations.
The group also runs exhibitions, which have raised over £50,000 for charity.
The preview night on Friday, October 28, runs from 5pm-7.30pm.
On Saturday, October 29, the event takes place from 10am-5pm.
The starting time remains unchanged on Sunday, October 30, but the closing time will be 4.30pm.
n For more information or to book preview night tickets, visit: www. readingcharityartfair.org
Her Bees are all in mourning
Their boss is now no longer
She’s left the hive that was so alive
Now slipped just over yonder
King Charles now takes the reins
To produce the Royal Honey
The Bees will soon accept him
Cos they need to earn their money
It’s an old Royal tradition
That will keep making history
Her majesty’s gone but never forgotten
She was our very own Queen Bee
By Mickey Brown 2022We love printing your poetry. Send yours to news@rdg.today and we’ll feature a selection every week
Join us for an exclusive festive event in the company of the historic 92. Squadron, running on the heritage Nene Valley Railway exclusively for our customers on Friday 2nd December. There will be carol singers, mulled wine, mince pies and even a visit from Santa!
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast
Exclusive steam train journey with 92. Squadron on the heritage Nene Valley Railway, including mulled wine, mince pies, brass band, carol singers and a visit & gift from Santa
We explore Cheshire’s historic capital of Chester and also enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch plus a fun-filled pantomime performance!
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
4 nights at a selected hotel in the North West area with dinner & breakfast. Christmas Day includes breakfast, a traditional Christmas lunch, Christmas cake and a light evening buffet
Welcome drink
After-dinner tea and coffee
Light entertainment every evening
ticket for Peter Pan at the Manchester Opera House
Cheshire Villages drive
Hotel
AS YOU WERE: Some semi-detached houses, such as this one on Beech Road, have survived the test of time. The main build of the Whitley estate commenced during the 1930s. Picture: Whitley Community MuseumREADING, like much of the country, has a housing problem.
A lot is being built, but everyone seems to be creating luxury accommodation rather than bog standard homes.
Indeed, even when permission for sites is granted with an allocation of affordable housing, developers can seek to retrospectively winkle their way out of their commitment.
While a separate arguement can be had about what makes housing affordable, it’s clear that Reading needs more.
Ultimately, the mess that is our country’s housing market is down to central government policies since the 1980s.
When council homes were allowed to be bought, and not replaced, we created a system where social housing stock became like gold dust.
No government has squared that circle, and that is ultimately why we are where we are.
As it doesn’t look like the current administration want to change this, the circle will continue.
It is a frustration, and an agony.
is a word often used by Quakers; it is one of our four main tenets alongside Truth, Equality and Simplicity.
We talk of world peace, but at present, this is still a long way away.
There are many groups in this country and around the world that work tirelessly to help bring Peace, as well as many others that help treat those affected by various conflicts including: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), The Red Cross, Oxfam, Medical Aid for Palestinians and others.
All praise to those who give their time and energy and sometimes their lives to this cause.
Personally, I have met a lady who had worked in Palestine for the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme, liaising between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, and helping people on both sides to find common ground and settle their differences peacefully, which did not always happen.
The lady said it was not for the faint-hearted, it was tough, very tough.
In fact, a Palestinian man she was working with on the West Bank was killed during an altercation with the Israeli military.
The work for Peace goes on, and thankfully there are many people working tirelessly, in places such as Afghanistan, Syria, Tigre, Iraq, Somalia, Ukraine, Israel and in other lesser-known conflicts around the world.
At the Quaker Meeting in Wokingham, we do what we can to help the cause of Peace wherever we can, by donating some of our Sunday collections to organisations involved in war zones or supporting refugees in the many camps that have sprung up in adjoining countries.
Let us hold all those people who work for Peace in all kinds of ways in the Light, and that gradually the World becomes a more Peaceful place.
Martyn Towle from the Wokingham Quaker Meeting, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
homes. We built into our budget this year an enhanced local Council Tax support scheme – a targeted scheme which benefits those who need support the most. It is currently benefitting almost 8,000 struggling households across the town with the team undertaking an exercise to encourage more eligible people to take it up.
website (www.reading.gov.uk/moneymatters). Tenants of Reading Borough Council who are struggling financially can contact our in-house advice team on 0118 937 2197 or via debt. advice@reading.gov.uk.
As both a Councillor and the Council Leader, my priority has always been tackling inequalities in our town.
after the Government announced it was scrapping the top rate of income tax and was lifting the cap on bankers bonuses, the Council in Reading announced that it would again be sending energy vouchers again to families struggling with the soaring cost of energy bills this autumn.
We also announced a new raft of grants to voluntary organisations to help people with food and warm clothes over the cold winter months.
The juxtaposition is not lost on me.
Subsequent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the Chancellor’s ‘anything but mini’ budget showed that almost half of the personal tax cuts would go to the richest 5% of the population.
We’ve now had a panicked U-turn on the policy, which would have seen the biggest earners gain an estimated £40,000 a year – considerably higher than the annual salary of an NHS nurse, health worker, or most public sector workers.
The tax rate volte-face comes too late to calm the financial markets, but even putting aside the huge rises in mortgage payments on the horizon prompted by the Chancellor’s folly (which are yet another concern for people on top of other soaring prices), it is not the first time we have seen this approach from this Government.
A few months ago, they responded to the cost of living crisis with a blanket £150 rebate on Band A-D
Council Tax bills.
That is not to be dismissed by anyone, but the flat rate discount was poorly targeted and far greater support could’ve been offered to those most in need if a meaningful scheme had been developed. Indeed, the phrase ‘targeted support’ doesn’t appear to be in this Government’s lexicon.
I was recently asked by a councillor whether the Council intended on opening up any so-called ‘warm spaces’ in Reading this winter, where struggling residents can spend time instead of paying extortionate prices for the cost of heating homes.
Of course, the provision of warm spaces is one of the options, co-ordinating our efforts with community groups and faith organisations, alongside other opportunities to either provide more direct support to residents or enable them to reduce their living costs.
I added, however, that it was a national disgrace that local government and our communities are having to embrace proposals that seem barely fit for the 19th century.
The thought of people across the country, in whatever numbers, having to shelter from the cold in a library or a community centre when they should be enjoying the safety and security of their own home must be recognised as a systematic national failure.
In Reading, we want to focus on the things which will help residents keep safe and secure in their own
We have held our Council Home rent increases below their permitted rise.
We also await allocations from Government for the next round of Household Support Funding grant. In the interim, officers have been working up the outline of a targeted local scheme not unlike last year’s, which saw more than 13,000 energy vouchers to households in Reading.
A Cost-of-Living Task and Finish Group, involving the Council and the voluntary sector, has been set up to co-ordinate our support to those at risk of experiencing hardship.
This is in addition to the broad range of advice and guidance on energy efficiency offered by the Council and local voluntary sector.
And, because I am not ignorant of pragmatic realities, we have also put more resources into supporting local foodbanks, the provision of warm clothing and blankets as I mention above, and community groups providing meals to residents.
The Council has also recently commissioned a number of voluntary organisations operating under the umbrella of its Tackling Poverty Partnership to provide targeted support for residents across the borough who are experiencing financial hardship, as well as commissioning a new debt advice service.
It is crucial that people are able to easily find out about what support is available. I would urge anyone struggling to visit our Money Matters
increasing the resource, driving support for students living off campus through a welfare-led approach and establishing an internal Engaged University Steering Group to provide better strategic coordination with the local community.
There was interesting discussion about what mattered most to the local community that the University could support.
LASTweek, we hosted our first Community Forum event since before the pandemic.
It was a real pleasure to welcome local people onto campus for an open and honest discussion about the University, its presence in the area and its links with the local community.
The forum brought together more than 50 local people and 20 University staff and student colleagues.
We aim to be a university that is engaged with the world around us, and
this was a great example of that.
Since becoming Vice-Chancellor of the University, it has been important to me that we further build on the already strong links between town and gown.
We want to be a University for Reading, not just the University of Reading.
The Community Forum gave attendees the opportunity to hear about our recent review of community resource and the proposed new model for engagement.
The recommendations include
The group shared some strong ideas about how to continue to build positive relationships with students. Feedback from community members ranged from requests for better joint working on sustainability and climate change, improved communication around University activity in the local community, and tackling parking problems. We also had the suggestion of holding a local community day, and improved access to rooms and buildings on campus for people to hold local community events.
There were detailed conversations around students living off campus, sustainability and climate change, and community events on campus. This enabled some more targeted
Reading ranks as the third most unequal ‘city’ nationally in terms of wealth distribution and is home to five neighbourhoods which sit in the 10% most deprived in England. It worries me that there is a difference in life expectancy of seven years for men and eight for women between the most affluent and most deprived areas of Reading. It was reassuring, therefore, that a recent independent Local Government Association peer challenge of the Council in Reading endorsed our tackling inequality workstream, which has been a priority in Reading now for a number of years, and indeed some time before the cost of living crisis came along.
It may not have taken the headlines but also tucked in among the Chancellor’s announcement was the scrapping of the health and social care levy.
This was supposed to be the Government’s solution to decades of underfunding of both the NHS and hugely stretched adult social care services.
While I have my doubts that was ever truly the case, we now appear to be back to square one with vague promises about a fair funding solution in the distant future.
Once again, it is the most vulnerable people in society who appear set to suffer the most.
Never mind levelling up, it seems to me this Government is building yet more barriers to a fairer society.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council
discussion on these specific areas and generated some great ideas.
Overall, the event was incredibly positive with some fantastic ideas raised and discussed. I would like to thank all of those who took the time to attend and engage in these important discussions, on which we will now reflect, and where possible, take action.
This is just one step in our commitment to working more closely with the community, listening and responding to needs and ideas, and improving opportunities to speak face to face with members of the University. Initial feedback from the attendees was that the evening was very useful and informative, and a step towards better collaboration.
We will continue to engage with our local community and if you have any thoughts, ideas or questions about this work we would love to hear from you.
You can get in touch by emailing community@reading.ac.uk.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading
THAMES Valley’s Police & Crime Panel ended a near three-month hiatus by finally agreeing on the appointment of a new chair but political divisions remain.
Comprising representatives from councils across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the panel examines and reviews how Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber ensures that Thames Valley Police runs effectively.
It is seen as a scrutiny function with members meant to remain politically neutral – government advice states “the committee must not become a battleground between members of different parties” – while holding the PCC to account.
That spirit went up in smoke in June when a deadlocked tie for who should chair the meetings pitted Conservatives against Labour, Green Party and Liberal Democrat councillors.
Both independent members of the panel, neither of whom were councillors, have since resigned.
Panel members can only vote if they attend in person and the Conservatives this time had the numbers in the room – nine to eight – to elect Councillor Keith McLean (Con, Milton Keynes Council) as chair. Councillor Eddie Reeves (Con, Cherwell District Council), who is the leader of the Conservative opposition at Oxfordshire County Council, was voted in as vice-chair.
Such appointments are generally agreed without dissent but despite the inevitability of the numbers, both sides stuck to their guns before more uncomfortable discussions over which authority should host the meetings.
The host authority, currently Oxfordshire County Council, can be decided by the panel annually.
It does not dictate where the meetings take place –the panel this week agreed to continue to gather in Aylesbury – but which of the councils on the Thames Valley patch administers the meetings and manages the grant funding from the Home Office that pays for the panel to function.
Cllr Reeves proposed that Buckinghamshire Council
should host, “at least for the rest of the municipal year”, with Cllr Robin Bradburn (Lib Dem, Milton Keynes Council) and scrutiny officer Khalid Ahmed stating that the host had conventionally passed over to the chair’s authority after six months.
Cllr Simon Rouse (Con, Buckinghamshire Council) interjected to read out the rules which give the panel the scope to select an authority.
“It is perfectly right for this panel to determine that it wishes to transfer,” he said.
Mr Ahmed advised that talks should take place between chief executives at various councils before decisions are made, citing that West Oxfordshire District Council did not wish to take the responsibility of being host when its representative was in the chair.
“It is not just a case of switching in name, there is all the behind-the-scenes stuff that has to be changed regarding the grants, officers, and so on,” he said.
“It would be difficult if you made a decision that the chief executives did not agree with.”
Cllr Rouse replied: “I would just like to confirm that
Buckinghamshire is happy to take on being the host authority.”
Cllr Reeves said he had raised the matter with the monitoring officer at Cherwell, that Buckinghamshire had stepped forward and that the panel was unaware of any counter offer, encouraging the panel to at least vote on its preference.
Cllr McLean replied: “I hear what you are saying, I feel uncomfortable about that from my own authority’s point of view because I was not party to that dialogue that you referred to.”
Having “heard nothing” on the matter, he asked Cllr Bradburn if he had.
Cllr Bradburn replied: “If Buckinghamshire desperately want it, I am sure the chief executive of Milton Keynes would consider that but there seems to be a urgency to get it to Buckinghamshire.
“What is the rush for Buckinghamshire to run it? Is it because they want the Home Office money? It seems strange to me, why not stand by the way we have always done it?”
The decision was deferred to the panel’s next meeting in November.
BAD debts are a nightmare for any business, but Reading Buses says it has a secret weapon, and her name is Mary Xavier.
The transport firm said that thanks to her work on credit control neither Reading Buses nor sister company Newbury & District have faced writing off any bad debts for several years, and this was enough for her to be nominated as a star of the month.
Ms Xavier has worked at Reading Buses for 12 years, and her nominees said she has ‘relentless tenacity’ in pursuing company debtors.
They added she ‘quietly and efficiently’ chases any outstanding
invoices, finds the relevant contact, and perseveres until the debt has been paid and cleared.
HR Director Caroline Anscombe said: “Mary has proven how essential credit control is to the company overall and means that we haven’t had to write off any bad debts over the last few years.
“She never gives up and has recently taken on additional responsibility for Thames Valley Buses. She maintains a positive attitude towards learning new tasks, a logical approach to work and a willingness to help others in the team so I’m thrilled that she’s been awarded Star of the Month.”
A READING-BASED building control and management systems company that aims to eliminate wasted electricity has won an ecoaward.
Mental health problems cost the UK economy at least £117 9 billion annually according to a report published by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) It’s no surprise that this year’s theme for World Mental Health Day on 10th October is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority'
Across the UK there were 10 3 million recorded instances of mental ill health over a one year period, and the third most common cause of disability was depression At Winnersh Triangle we take mental health and occupier well being very seriously
We already run a host of sessions including free weekly bootcamps for occupiers encouraging people to take a break from screens and take some time to unwind At our Wellness Centre which includes The Court (an astroturf pitch) and The Cabin (our studio) where a multitude of sessions including yoga, pilates and boxercise are all very popular We are also fortunate to have a host of footpaths across Winnersh Triangle which makes a lunchtime stroll very easy Our business park is just a short walk from Dinton Pastures Country Park which is set over 450 acres and has seven lakes, two rivers, three public bird hides, and lots of meadows It’s good to take a walk as even a short burst of 10 minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and increases productivity
We wanted to ensure that we marked World Mental Health Day with a host of activities across all of our business parks in the Frasers Property UK portfolio Each park is hosting a Tea and Talk event between 10:00 11:00am on the morning of World Mental Health Day, Monday 10th October We are inviting occupiers to gather for a natter over a free, tea or coffee, and a sweet treat This is a chance to connect with colleagues and friends at Winnersh Triangle and will be held at our café and co working space The Exchange
It’s good to talk
Talking is good for you it’s that simple! We understand the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and that’s why we wanted to offer occupiers the opportunity to connect and socialise Staying connected is often more important than we realise and with many of us spending a large proportion of our lives at work it is vital to be able to talk to colleagues and form strong relationships
There will also be signposting towards further information and support around mental health issues with links and downloads that we can email to anyone who feels they need more support We are offering a free online subscription to Happiful magazine Happiful is a mental health and wellbeing publication which is on a mission to create a healthier and happier society through inspiring life stories and positive news How can you celebrate World Mental Health Day in your workplace?
Share experiences It is great to share your own mental health experiences By being open and honest it may encourage others to open up
conversations
social
self care Take a walk, read a magazine, have a bubble bath whatever makes you happy
daily gratitude Write down one or two things that you
A team from measurable. energy were present at the Big Sustainability Awards, held in Southampton late last month, where they collected the Carbon and Energy Reduction Award.
The event saw more than 100 sustainable businesses attend, with awards showing how the south east working towards a sustainable future has become a priority for many businesses.
Measurable.energy, based in Queens Walk, won the Carbon and Energy Reduction Award, for its holistic approach to measuring, managing, and reducing emissions through eliminating wasted energy in buildings and helping UK businesses reach net zero.
Dan Williams, CEO and Co-Founder at measurable. energy, said the team were delighted at the achievement.
“Winning this award is a huge achievement for the whole team,” he said.
“We’re really honoured by this recognition and can’t wait to see what’s next for measurable.energy.”
And Anita Potten, Co-Director of The Southern Sustainability Partnership, said: “Measurable.energy
won this award as their mission to eliminate wasted energy in buildings is doing amazing things to help UK businesses reach net zero.
“It was a tough choice for the judges as all the finalists
are bringing about positive change, so we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them all.”
BBC Two’s Springwatch, AutumnWatch and WinterWatch presenter Chris Packham hosted the awards.
A READING-based law firm has helped make Christmas special by offering advice to organisers of a popular festive attraction.
Blandy & Blandy, based in Blagrave Street, helped the operators of Reading’s Winter Wonderland, Premier Winter Wonderland Events Ltd, on the company’s Premises Licensing application – and in doing so, helped secure its presence in the town for the next six years.
Last month, Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee gave their permission for the attraction to run for up to 54 days a year until January 2028.
Located in Hills Meadow, Caversham, and centred around a large, covered ice rink, the town’s Winter Wonderland will also feature festive stalls, food outlets, rides and attractions for all ages and,
for good boys and girls, Santa’s grotto.
Premier Winter Wonderland Events Ltd was advised by Blandy & Blandy partner Sue Dowling, who provides specialist legal advice to venue owners and operators
in relation to alcohol and entertainment licensing.
“Last year’s event was extremely successful and we are delighted to have helped to secure Winter Wonderland’s future in Reading, for this year’s event
and hopefully, until 2028,” she said.
“It is very much a familyorientated event and helps to bring business to, and breathe life into, the Reading area.” n For more details, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk
By Jake Clothier jclothier@rdg.today
monarchs celebrated a year in drag by highlighting talented local performers.
Since they began performing drag a year ago, Big Jay has gone on to host a number of events around Reading’s drag scene, including monthly Reading’s Got Drag competitions and a residency at Bar 77, in the basement of Kings Road pub The Outlook.
At their celebration event, Big Jay welcomed fellow performers Grace Anatomy, Lujane Oud, Duac, Mess-Her Morgan, and Sheer Obssession.
Lujane Oud performed belly dancing, followed by five minutes of stand-up comedy, and concluded with a lipsync along to Shakira.
Cairo Ali sang a live cover of Amy Winehouse’s rendition of Valerie and hosted a version of higher or lower with members of the audience.
The audience also participated in a drag competition of their own, with three crowd members collecting assorted items of clothing to build a drag persona and take part in a runway walk.
Sheer Obssession was credited with being Big Jay’s reason for beginning performing, with them saying that Sheer Obsession had “reignited the drag scene in Reading.”
Speaking at the event, Sheer Obsession said: “It feels incredible to be able to reach out to people who are nonbinary, who wants to do the stuff that I was doing in in a place where I felt like there was no one else doing it.
“To have even one person
who gets what you’re doing is just as incredible.”
Sheer Obsession is also one of the co-founders of the art collective Double Okay, which worked with Big Jay on providing the first Trans Pride event in Reading last month.
Speaking of the drag scene in Reading, they said: “There has been drag happening here for ages, definitely, but there wasn’t necessarily spaces that I felt comfortable to be in as trans, non-binary person.
“For me, it was about creating
that space out and also working with the community more generally, which is what I do.”
As well as Sheer Obsession, Big Jay also credited Bar 77, part of The Outlook on King’s Road, with their performing: “I don’t think I’d have been able to be myself as much.
“Bar 77 gives me space – there’s so many microaggressions and so much imposter syndrome, which honestly makes me terrified to be myself on a daily basis.
“But we keep on going,
because if I didn’t people would be disappointed, and that’s the last thing I want.”
Speaking of what the future holds for Big Jay, they said: “I’m gonna get drag everywhere possible in Reading.
“It can be difficult, because there is some animosity in Reading, but I’m not confrontational, and all I want is to be happy.
“I’m going to keep on doing what makes me happy, despite what the haters say.”
SINGERS are invited to join in a new festive musical based on the events of the first Christmas.
Churches from the Basingstoke and Reading Methodist Circuit are to perform Three Wise Camels on Saturday, November 19.
Extra voices are needed to help lift the roof during the performance.
The event will take place at Wesley Methodist Church on Queens Road in Reading from 4pm, and lasts an hour. n Anyone interested in joining can obtain more information by logging on to: https://www. basingstokereadingmethodists.uk
A READING church is welcoming members of its community for a hot drink.
Every Friday morning, Tyndale Baptist Church provides residents with tea or coffee, as well as some biscuits.
The weekly meet-ups provide a warm and friendly environment for attendees to catch up with friends and family while also meeting new people.
The sessions take place from 10am-11.30am.
The church is located at 2-4 Cressingham Road, RG2 7JE. n For more information, visit: tyndalebaptistchurch.org.uk
THE FACE Bar will play host to a roster of tribute bands for its Hallowe’en show on Saturday, October 29.
Punkowe’en will feature a performance from Totally Blondie, a five-piece tribute to Blondie complete with a powerhouse look-alike front woman.
It will also see Reading’s own answer to The Ramones, Remones, rattling through the punk outfit’s back catalogue with the reckless abandon that befits the tribute.
The Pistols, a tribute band to the Sex Pistols hailing from London, will round out the line-up with a fierce
adherence to the sound of the original and a front man closely resembling Johnny Rotten.
Tickets are £15 or £5 for under 18s, though the event is for attendees aged 14 and over.
They are available by searching www.eventbrite.co.uk.
PARTY TIME: Big Jay, bottom, celebrates a year of drag with , from left, MessHer Morgan, Cairo Ali, Lujane Oud, and Grace Anatomy.AUTHOR Annie Murray is set to speak about her work as a social history writer.
The author of Chocolate Girls, among others, will hold a talk about her research and her upcoming title, Abvi Oliver.
She will hold a Q and A session where attendees may ask burning questions on her work or publishing more generally.
There will also be copies her her works to buy.
Annie Murray will be at Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, on Saturday, October 8, from 11-am-12.30pm.
Tickets cost £3.
n For details, or tobook, visit: www.whatsonreading.com.
BIG UNTIDY is presenting a jazz night at the Rising Sun Arts Centre on Friday, October 7.
All That Jazz will see a special jazz night featuring The Fleur Stevenson/Hugh Turner Jazz duo.
Virtuoso guitarist Hugh Turner combines blues, funk, and jazz, which is paired with Fleur Stevenson’s classic vocal style.
They’ll also be joined by Baron Mara, a band which dabbles in trad jazz, Latin, modern, jazz, and beebop.
Doors open from 7.30pm. Tickets are £10.
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT arts organisation is hosting events during October, as Reading celebrates the contribution of black people to the community through Black History Month.
Its events include the reggae open mic nights and workshops with RASPO as Reading begins its month-long celebrations of diversity in the community.
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra is also celebrating 25 years of bringing steel percussion to Reading.
RASPO was founded at the Central Club in 1997, which was a popular venue for the black community and provided regular weekend reggae events, among others.
It was named in honour of the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra, which was the first steel band to perform live in the UK at the Festival of Britain in 1951.
It has since performed at BBC’s Children in Need, the 2012 London Olympics, the Royal Albert Hall, and Notting Hill Carnival.
The Central Club building still features the Black History Mural, a 36-metre long installation depicting figures such as Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Rosa Parks,
Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and Bob Marley.
Mary Genis, artistic director at CultureMix Arts, said that people having access to a range of things to do is important, especially this month.
“We advocate and champion black cultures, mainly through music and the arts every year, but we get a lot more demand for our services during October,
“And we want to make sure that people have got access to a diverse range of events, whether it’s free events, music, art, or film.
“Whoever they are, we want them to be able to identify with the activity or explore a
different culture.”
She said that the month is an opportunity to combat racebased exclusion: “It’s really important to acknowledge diversity within communities,
“Especially in places like Reading – I think a lot of people are quite disgruntled about the general feeling of exclusion that there is regarding diversity and that it’s not recognised enough.
“Culture Mix Arts isn’t here necessarily to be revolutionaries on that– we’re more here to showcase and celebrate the richness and the beauty of the culture to everybody regardless of their race, colour, background, age, or religion.”
CultureMix Arts is hosting introductory workshops with
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra as well as an open mic reggae night led by Grammy Award-winning producer and bassist, Don Chandler.
“We’ve been working with Don for many years,” Ms Genis said, “and the Reading Reggae Collective is his brainchild.”
The collective will be taking the lead during the open mic night and is “partly inspired by the work that we were doing, and Don leads that project.”
Mr Chandler also acts as the organisation’s musical director, and set up the collective in 2020.
Ms Genis said he did this in order to: “Help re-invigorate the reggae music scene – and the reggae music industry –in Reading, but around the
country.
“But it also provides opportunities for people to work with professionals and ensure that they have those opportunities to be inspired, to be the best they can be,
“And to have had the chance to perform and work with the professionals like Don, too, so he brings his colleagues in, who are of a similar calibre.”
She said that his work with the team: “really enriches the work we do, particularly around Reading.
“He really enhances our portfolio of projects and us working together is a huge, huge privilege.”
Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra will be holding a number of introductory workshops at the CultureMix Arts Centre, which are free to attend for under-18s.
The free children’s steel band workshops take place between 4.30-5.30pm and over18s workshops take place from 5.30pm-6.30pm every Tuesday.
Reggae Fridays Open Mic Night, led by Don Cheadle and Reading Reggae Collective at the same venue on Friday, October 7 from 7pm-11pm.
RASPO Live, the 25th anniversary event, will take place at the same venue on Friday, October 28, from 7.30pm. n For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.culturemixarts. co.uk.
THE owner of a new shisha lounge in Reading’s Oxford Road has launched a bid to sell alcohol and stay open later, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter
The Poseidon Café serves shisha, drinks and desserts.
Its owner wants permission from Reading Borough Council to sell alcohol from 11am to 11.30pm daily, and serve food and soft drinks until 11.30pm.
The application was submitted by Dua Flavours Ltd, with Armir Celaj as its sole director.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service attempted to contact the café for more information.
Anyone who wishes to comment on it can do so by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk, by Wednesday, October 5.
THE DANCE Studio, Reading, is hosting an inside car boot sale on Sunday, October 16.
The venue will be host to a table-top sale in order to raise money for 19-month-old Lola, who is suffering from Pontine tegmental cap dysplasia, or PTCD.
PTCD is a non-progressive neurological disorder which causes developmental delay and malformation of parts of the brain, leading to hearing impairment, language and speech disorders, and paralysis.
The event has tables available for hire, with a £7 charge per table, and tea and coffee available, and free parking.
Attendees must pay 50p on entry, though under-16s go free.
For more information or to book a table, contact 07710408473.
The Indoor Car Boot Sale takes place at Dance Studio Reading, Loverock Road, from 9am-2pm on Sunday, October 16.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an assault in Reading.
At around 3pm on Monday, September 26, a man assaulted two victims on Stockton Road.
One of the victims was kicked, while the second was spat at and had a car door closed on her head, though they did not require hospital treatment.
The offender was described as an Asian man in his 40s with short black hair and a black beard.
He was also noted to have been driving a Marcedes-Benz.
Investigating officer PC William Brown, based at Reading Police Station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who may have witnessed this incident or has
dash-cam footage in the area at the time of the incident, to please get in touch.
“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220432593.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
AGE UK Berkshire has teamed up with Reading FC to create a unique experience for its service users.
Their monthly Dementia Cafes give visitors the chance to meet up at Reading FC’s Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Visitors can reminisce with friends and family, while making new friends, over refreshments.
Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits are provided by Compass Group.
The meet-ups are aimed at those with dementia and their carers.
The sessions take place in the players’ lounge, with club legends sometimes making an appearance.
For more information, contact: 0118 959 4242 or info@ ageukberkshire.org.uk
A CHARITY that helps children from Whitley helped them enjoy a day out at a local wildlife centre.
Aspire2 took more than 250 Year 2 pupils to Beale Park, giving them an opportunity to get back to nature.
Organisers said that the event was, for many children, their first visit to a wildlife park, and their first school trip since covid.
Children gave the day a vote of confidence saying it had been “the best trip ever”, with highlights including the lynx, the otter, a zip wire and train rides.
One primary school headteacher told the charity the youngsters had enjoyed a wonderful day.
“I could not believe for some children it was their first time experiencing a zip wire,” they added.
“It was beautiful seeing the children giggling and building strong relationships with each other as they role played being meerkats.
“Their awe and wonder at the animals was wonderful and I am sure it is an experience they will never forget.
“The fact the children haven’t had a trip out for the last two years means this has had even more impact on them as they realise there are wonderful places close to Reading that they and we can visit.”
Lucy Costello, CEO of Beale Park said:
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter
A SEARCH has been launched to find a contractor to help people who need mobility aids in Berkshire.
The six councils across Berkshire are responsible for adult social care in their respective areas, but collectively run the Berkshire Community Equipment Contract (BCES), a joint contract for the provision of adult social care equipment for their residents.
It is administered by West Berkshire Council.
The current contract is held by Nottingham Rehabilitation Supplies (NRS), also known as Healthcare Pro, with a new contract to run from 2024 through to 2031.
Equipment is used to help with daily tasks including showering and personal hygiene, getting into bed.
Items supplied include wheelchairs, rollators, electronic stair lifts, and support.
Just under 2,500 people in Reading use such equipment,
with the average cost per user being £256.43.
These are average figures calculated between 2017-2022. During that period, 47,527 pieces of equipment were delivered to a total of 12,279 people in Reading.
The search was discussed at a Reading Borough Council policy committee meeting on Wednesday, September 21.
Reading Borough Council will pay the successful contractor £6.486 million over the sevenyear contract period.
At the meeting, Reading Borough Council’s policy committee agreed to enter into a joint procurement process.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for adult social services (Labour, Southcote), said: “Many times in the past we have seen councillors, opposition councillors and the administration have talking
“We are so impressed by the ethos of Aspire2, which enriches the lives of many children in the Reading area.
“We are delighted to have created a partnership where we can open up our facilities to those that need it most.
“Our own charitable trust was set up by Gilbert Beale, who was keen to give back to the local community by creating an amenity that could be enjoyed by the public and wildlife alike.
“The schools that have visited us have been a pleasure and we are so happy they are benefitting from their wildlife park experience.”
And Helen Bligh, Development Manager at Aspire2, said: “We are so grateful to Beale Park for their extremely generous donation of tickets to all Year 2 pupils in Whitley.
“This has enabled primary schools to offer a completely free trip to their pupils, whose families may not otherwise be able to afford such experiences.
“The impact of this activity will be felt for years to come for these children, in terms of developing life skills such as self-confidence and resilience. It is also the first time many of them have encountered animals such as meerkats, owls, zebras and tapirs.”
A THIEF went on a spree in Kings Road in Reading.
The incident took place between 5pm and 6.30pm on Saturday, September 24.
The unknown intruder attempted to force the lock on a bike store. They went on to break into a car, where they stole unspecified items.
Anyone with information, or footage that could help Thames Valley Police is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220433227.
about the need to work together and the economies of scale.
“We often look and think we can do more of this, I think this is an excellent example, led by West Berkshire, and we should thank them for that, when the six unitary authorities across the political divide work together to get a decent contract which is as important as the equipment services disability aids for our residents.
“They need them, they really appreciate what the equipment they may get to help support them live their lives better.”
He also praised NRS for its work to reuse and recycle equipment if they are no longer required by the disabled person.
Jason Brock, the leader of the council (Labour, Southcote) added: “It’s good when a partnership with our neighbouring authorities works well and I’m glad we can continue it.”
BIGREADING HISTORIANS will have the chance to learn about one of the town’s most recognised landmarks.
The Centre for Heritage and Family History will be hosting a talk about Reading Cemetery, London Road, and the development of more flamboyant, ritualised forms of mourning after the death of Prince Albert in 1861.
Entitled The Influence of Victorian Mourning on Reading Cemetery, the talk will take place at the groups home on the second floor of Reading Central Library, Abbey Square on Thursday, October 13.
The cemetery was established after an act of Parliament in 1842, with the first burial taking place a year later.
It was designed based on London’s seven garden cemeteries and influenced by the writings of the landscape gardener John Claudius London.
This event is the first of three talks in the group’s War and Remembrance Talks series.
The next sessions will take place on Thursday, November 10, and Thursday, December 8.
Visitors should arrive for a 2pm start, with the event expected to finish by 3.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 per person, but can be purchased at a reduced price when booking all three events.
After the talk, tea, coffee and cake will be served as part of the entry fee.
A READING runner raised £20,000 at the London Marathon on Sunday for a cause close to his heart.
Nino Bartolomei, who owns a restaurant in Pangbourne, was running on behalf of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, Reading, who took care of his father before he died in 2018.
Also called Nino, his father was admitted to hospital in 2017, when he received a terminal diagnosis.
Nino Junior said: “From the moment he was admitted to the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, the whole team was nothing short of incredible.
“They were so kind and caring, and throughout dad’s stay we genuinely saw miraculous improvements in him, both physically and emotionally.
“Thanks to the hospice we were able to have so many more quality months with him than the original prognosis suggested.”
Nino Senior opened a total of 11 Italian restaurants over the course of his 50-year career, including the popular Nino’s in Market Place, Reading, which he ran for 32 years.
His remaining restaurant, Nino’s Trattoria, Pangbourne, is now owned and run by his son.
hosting coffee mornings and fundraising at community fetes.
He also signed up for the London Marathon in 2020, which was cancelled due to the pandemic, forcing him to defer his place to this year.
Not to be deterred, Nino completed this year’s race in a time of five hours and 26 minutes.
The feat was all the more
impressive given that he had no previous running experience.
Of the experience, he said: “I’m so pleased that I’ve finally completed such an amazing challenge.
“The atmosphere on the day was just amazing, and the buzz really does help carry you through the pain and exhaustion that running 26
A CHARITY quiz is set to take place at the Double-Barrelled Taproom next week.
miles can bring.”
He admitted struggling to fit training around a busy work schedule at the restaurant, while also nursing a knee injury.
Nino said his fundraising efforts “totally exceeded” his initial target and thanked those who have supported him.
He added: “I’m so proud to be able to give such a huge amount
of money to the most deserving charity.
“Dad would have thought I was crazy for signing up for this challenge.
He wasn’t the biggest advocate of exercise, on his day off he’d want us all to be sat on the sofa with him and he wouldn’t even want us to leave the house if it was cold outside.
“I’m sure he was looking down cheering me on, and I know he’d be very proud.”
Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “Congratulations Nino for completing the London Marathon in support of our hospice.
“He’s had to wait a long time to do this because of the pandemic and I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I saw we are so in awe of his continued dedication and commitment to accomplishing this challenge.”
Ms Thornton explained that, thanks to the efforts of fundraisers, the hospice’s healthcare teams can continue to go above and beyond in their provision for patients and their families.
Mark and Gary’s Charity Quiz Night will raise money for Launchpad, which works to prevent homelessness.
and a tour of the brewery. A minimum £2 donation to Launchpad is requested and larger donations are accepted.
n
For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.berksfhs. org
Inspired by the care his father received, Nino threw himself into fundraising activities such as running charitable menu dishes in his restaurant,
It will feature prizes such as mixed cases of the brewery’s favourite beers
Double-Barrelled’s Taproom opens at 5pm, with the quiz kicking off at 6.30pm on Thursday, October 13.
The cost-of-living crisis means that it’s more important than ever to make sure you are receiving all the government benefits that you are entitled to. Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home for as long as you wish.
Attendance Allowance is paid to people who have reached state pension age if they have a disability or health condition. Exactly how much someone receives depends on how their condition affects them, and there are two weekly rates. A lower rate of £61.85/week is paid if you need help during the day, and you may receive up to £92.40/week if you have health issues that disrupt your sleep. That’s up to £370/month tax-free. It’s not means-tested, and it doesn’t matter where you live, or if you have savings.
Attendance Allowance - Who can claim it?
I offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way.
Attendance Allowance is also known as a ‘gateway benefit’ as other benefits and opportunities are opened once you start to receive it.
We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control.
Nigel Pearce AIPWA MOBILE phone repair stall is to leave Reading’s Broad St Mall at the end of the month, and its operators have said the decision is ‘unfair and unethical’, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
Deepak Dhall, 37, and partner Harjinderpal Singh have run the Quick Phone Repair stall at the entrance to the mall since September 2019.
The couple said they were shocked to return from a family funeral in India to find they were losing their pitch. Mr Dhall said the initial notice gave them less than two weeks to prepare.
He said: “We were in India at a family funeral, we returned on Monday, September 19, when everything was closed because of the funeral of the Queen.
“The next day, we started looking – we hardly got a week to look for another place.
“They said we have no space, there are empty units in the mall, there are spaces in the mall, it’s only targeted at us.”
Mr Dhall said in July the mall had changed their licence periods from six months to one, adding the threat of closure has taken its toll on the partners.
“We’re really stressed, we’re seeking medication now. My partner Harjinderpal is really ill, sick every morning, because we can’t sleep,” he said.
“It’s our bread and butter, we don’t have any other business.
“How would anyone feel when they don’t know where they are
going to get their Christmas bread and butter from?
“It’s unfair and unethical. We really need justice.”
He said when the Mall changed to rolling monthly licences, notice could have been given at that time.
By giving it in the middle of the month, Mr Dhall said it only gave them 10 days, which he felt was not enough.
Since then, Quick Phone Repair have since been given an extra month before they have to leave.
Mr Dhall is concerned they will be unable to find anywhere ahead of the Christmas period.
A spokesperson for Broad Street Mall said: “The contract between Mr Dhall and Mr Singh trading as Quick Phone Repair and Broad Street Mall operated on a 30-day trading licence agreement.
“At the end of the term either party can choose not to renew.”
They continued: “Broad Street Mall has reached an agreement with Quick Phone Repair to extend their trading licence until the end of October as a goodwill gesture, with the tenants being aware that they will leave the centre as of that date.
“Broad Street Mall has enjoyed working with Mr Dhall and Mr Singh to date, and the centre is assisting in trying to relocate Quick Phone Repair to another site if possible.”
“We contacted Nigel and received wonderful service. He filled in the extensive forms for us and did so in a very caring way.” Cedric Lander, Woodley
THE Reading group’s new season of indoor meetings started on Tuesday, September 13, with a talk by Glenn Duggan on the hugely colourful Tanager family of birds richly illustrated by Glenn’s excellent photographs.
This family of birds contains more than 200 species spread throughout South and North America and thanks to DNA analysis is the subject of a major reclassification exercise.
Most are found in fairly restricted areas which means that habitat loss is affecting some of these birds.
Indeed, one of the rarest birds in the world, the beautiful Cherry Throated Tanager is estimated to have dropped to a population of between 10 and 20 individuals.
The talk was well attended and much appreciated.
On Tuesday, October 11, the group will welcome Steve Magennis, who will give a talk entitled Wings over Wales and then on November 8, there will be a talk by Andrew Cleave on the Bermuda Petrel.
Unfortunately, the planned minibus trip to the coastal reserve of Keyhaven on Sunday, September 18, had to be postponed as it was not possible to hire a minibus, many companies having sold their buses during the COVID lockdowns.
It is hoped that this trip may be able to go ahead on Sunday, October 16, please see the website for updates.
Instead, the group went to Dinton
Pastures for a morning walk and, on September 20, a group of members met at Thatcham Discovery Centre, a local BBOWT reserve for a sunny morning walk.
In addition to warblers, highlights included a treecreeper, green sandpiper and a hobby.
The group were very excited to see an otter in the reedbeds.
In addition to October 16, when we hope to go to Keyhaven, there will be a local trip on Tuesday, October 18, to Hosehill Lake, a BBOWT reserve near
Theale. On November 15, there will be a midweek trip to Port Meadow and on Sunday 20 a minibus trip to the coastal RSPB reserve of Pagham Habour.
All indoor meetings are held in Pangbourne Village Hall starting at 8pm. Visitors are very welcome.
There is an entrance fee of £5 for non-members, juniors half price. New members are always welcome with annual membership set at a modest £15 (£10 for juniors).
n For more information visit www. reading-rspb.org
A LOOK at the role of a floating hospital ship will be the focus of a talk by the British Modern Military History Society next week.
Taking place in Woodcote Village Hall, Nicci Pugh will talk about her experiences in the Falklands War as a Trauma Operating Theatre Sister on board Her Majesty’s Hospital Ship Uganda.
She will look at everything from helicopter evacuation of casualties from the battlefields ashore and at sea, to the repatriation of recovering patients to UK by sea and air.
The society says the talk will include up-to-date images of The Falkland Islands today, which include excellent shots of the rare blackbrowed albatross nesting off remote West Falkland Islands.
In April 1982, whilst serving a short-service commission as a Senior Nursing Officer in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS), Nicci was selected, along with 39 other female nursing colleagues, to serve on board Her Majesty’s Hospital Ship Uganda throughout the Falklands War, fought between Britain and Argentina in 1982.
The QARNNS nursing teams on board Uganda were the only military females to serve in the Falklands War, and this was the first time in history that British female RN junior ratings had officially served at sea.
They worked tirelessly to treat and care for seriously injured servicemen arriving by helicopter from battlefields and dressing stations ashore, as the battles progressed to re-take Port Stanley, the surrounding terrain and, eventually, all the Falkland Islands from their uninvited occupiers.
The crucial role of all the military helicopters involved in the casualty evacuation process is clearly demonstrated throughout this fascinating Presentation.
AMONG those taking part in the recent Reading Legal Walk were a team from the Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh.
In all, 200 walkers took part in the event on Wednesday, September 19.
Starting and finishing from Forbury Gardens, participants enjoyed a circular 10k walk around Reading’s
scenic routes, raising funds for legal support for a number of charities including Age UK Reading, Citizens Advice Reading, FLAG DV, Launchpad, and Reading Refugee Support Group.
The Inner Wheel team said they were delighted to meet the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, at the end of the route.
Ms Pugh wrote a book on her experiences, White Ship – Red Crosses. The evening will also look at the work of the The South Atlantic Medal Association, the tri-service charity for veterans of The Falklands War, www. sama82.org.uk
The talk takes place on Wednesday, October 12, from 7.30pm. The society welcomes visitors, but places should be booked in advance. n For more details, email: info@bmmhs.org
PANGBOURNE and Reading Abbey Rotary Clubs joined forces to clean up the Thames in Caversham as part of the Plastic Blitz campaign.
Eight members joined forces on Sunday, September 25, to collect plastic waste from Caversham Meadows.
This initiative, to remove plastic from the Thames and its tributaries is organised by Thames21 in conjunction with the Environment Agency and Rotary.
Rotary – doing our bit to look after it (the Environment).
Brian Davies
THEline-up for the biggest Dance Reading Festival yet has been unveiled, as it returns in-person and online later this month, with live performances, workshops and films for all ages.
The event launched on Saturday, October 29, with the first-in person event for three years, the On The Block dance battle at St Laurence Church in Reading town centre.
In partnership with Reading Fringe Festival, which begins the same day, from 2-6pm the best dancers in Hip Hop, Popping and Krumping will be competing for the £100 prizes in each category, with spectators welcome to come and go over the afternoon.
The festival then runs at venues across Reading and online until Saturday, December 3, with grand finale of the JUMP! Showcase at Read College, including Ballet, Belly Dancing, Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop, Kathak, Lindy Hop and more.
A week earlier – Saturday, November 26 – the same venue hosts The Royale Dancehall Flamingos, PC*DC’s celebration of old age featuring Tik Tok dance challenges, hot pink leotards and older people having fierce, fabulous fun, on a pay-what-youcan basis.
On Saturday, November 5, in Broad Street, just outside Marks & Spencer, MCDC will be performing a free, family-friendly outdoor dance show
Fish Out Of Water, with performances at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm.
On Sunday, November 6, Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre hosts Avartan, a sensational evening of Classical Indian dance, music and poetry from Drishti Dance.
On Saturday, November 19, South Street is the venue for two performances of the beautiful Little Murmurs, from the world-renowned Aakash Odedra Company, mixing dance with stunning visuals, technology and humour.
As well as the public performances there will be a series of workshops for all ages, including Far From The Norm Hip Hop classes for intermediate, advanced and professional dancers,
and Kapo Dance’s GROW circus dance after-school sessions at libraries around Reading.
Following the success of Dance Reading’s online festival in 2020, digital highlights this time around include Reside Dance’s gentle, meditative and creative Move, Breathe, Be classes; the Boogie Baby Digital Disco with from local DJ and funk, soul and reggae legend Jewels Vass spinning tunes for your own living room or kitchen disco, and Nocturn Dance’s interactive QR Code piece The Riddle.
Films available to watch online include Alleyne Dance’s (Re)United, inspired by the true story of Sir Mo Farrah and his twin brother, and
ILLUMÉ’s climate crisis-inspired
interactive video The World Is Broken. Festival producer Liz Allum said:
“Our core aim is to help people find dance, whether that be showcasing the brilliant organisations that exist in and around Reading or bringing the best national and international talent to our town.
“This year with performances and workshops everywhere from Broad Street, Reading Libraries and St Laurence Church to South Street, Read College and online wherever you are, this is our most exciting and accessible, five weeks of dance for you to watch or participate in.
n The full line-up and booking can be found at dancereading.com
SARI Schorr is described as a modernday hybrid of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.
Her Back To LA Tour 2022 has toured extensively throughout the USA and Europe, and this month she plays in Maidenhead.
Signed to the UK’s leading Rock/Blues label, Manhaton Records, this American rock singer promises to unleash the power of rock and give her audience a night of joy.
She plays at Norden Farm Arts Centre’s Courtyard Theatre.
The event takes place on Thursday, October 6.
Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.
n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.
AN UNUSUAL show, designed specifically for babies and their grown ups, comes to Maidenhead.
Underwater is a dance theatre performance that takes the audience under the sea.
A ballerina wakes from a sleep to find herself in a comforting world of blue lights and bubbles beneath the waves..
The multisensory show, withgentle familiar melodies, promises to engage and stimulate a baby’s imagination, and there’s plenty for the adults to enjoy too.
The performance takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, in the studio.
It can be seen on Saturday, October 11. Performances are at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
Tickets cost £20 for an adult with a baby under 18 months, and £10 for additional babies/infants.
n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.
JULIET Mills, Maxwell Caulfield and Michael Praed star in a gripping tale of ghostly suspense.
Darker Shores takes the audience to a desolate stretch of the East Sussex coast.
It’s Christmas 1875 when professor Stokes (Max Caulfield) takes lodgings at The Sea House.
01344 484123
The Greatest Hits of Motown
– How Sweet It Is. Thurs 6.
Bracknell Jazz: Tony Woods Project. Fri 7. Cocktails and Laughtger: POSTPONED. Fri 7. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 7. California Dreamers. Sat 8.
Crimes On Centre Court. Sun 9. Jarman. Tues 11. Americana Night: Paul Alexander Low and special guests. Wed 12. Imaginarium with the Jayne Coleman Academy of Dance. Fri 14-Sun 16. Conservatoire: Tomas Humphries and Pavel Timofejevsky. Fri 14. South Hill Park Arts Centre Mansion and Theatre Tours. Sun 16.
FILMS: Jack Absolute Flies Again.
Thurs 6-Sun 9. Mr Malcolm’s List. Fri 7-Sun 9, Thurs 13. Carry on Cruising. Mon 10. Her Way. Mon 10-Tues 11. Aida. Wed 12. The Forgiven. Fri 14-Sun 16.
October 14, and tickets cost £28.
n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
SHE’S going to be an MTV Base backing dancer.
Following J-Lo’s example of escape from the Bronx, fearless teenager Destiny is determined to make it out of her own rural Wiltshire council estate.
Born below the breadline, she’s desperate to see beyond her neighbourhood, and is hungry for success, when a big night out takes a turn for the worse and she sees her life spiral out of control.
Writer and performer of this one woman show, Florence Espeut-Nickless presents Destiny at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, in the Mill Studio.
The event takes place on Thursday, October 13.
Doors open at 7.45pm
Tickets cost £18, or £12 for students, under 25 yrs, and concessions.
NOUGHTS and Crosses is a modern day Romeo and Juliet story.
Sephy and Calum are forbidden to love in a world of racial and social divide. Their segregated community is on a volatile knife edge and as violence breaks out, romance leads them into danger.
When mysterious and unexplained events take place there, the caretaker, Mrs Hinchcliffe (Juliet Mills) reveals the house’s troubled history.
Forced to enlist the help of an American spiritualist (Michael Praed), the pair embark on a terrifying journey to discover the truth.
The play can be seen at The Theatre Royal, Windsor.
It runs from Wednesday, October 12 through to Saturday, October 22, with the exception of Sunday.
Performances start at 7.30pm.
Matinées on Thursdays and Saturdays start at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost from £23.50 to £38.50 depending on seats.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk or call the box office on: 01753 853888.
01276 707600
UK Pink Floyd. Thurs 6. Lionel and Diana: Endless Love. Fri 7. Forever Elton. Sat 8. Matricks Illusion. Thurs 13. The Cavern Beatles. Fri 14.
Mercury: The Ultimate Queen Tribute. Sat 15. North Ascot Academy of Performing Arts. Sun 16.
The Chalk Garden. Until Sat 8. Guildford Jazz: The Martin Pyne Quartet. Fri 7. The Lesson. Sat 8. Andy Griffiths: The 156-Storey Treehouse. Sun 9. Noughts and Crosses. Tues 11-Sat 15. Destiny.
Thurs 13. The MP, Aunty Mandy and Me. Fri 14-Sat 15. An Evening With Graham Norton – SOLD OUT. Sun 16.
High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000
Artful Dodger and MC Kie Live.
Recommended for ages 12 and upwards, the show contains themes that may challenge, along with special effects such as strobe lighting.
Noughts and Crosses can be seen at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford. It runs from Tuesday, October 11 to Saturday, October 15.
COMEDIAN, actor, writer and intrepid globetrotter, Michael Palin shares two most extraordinary journeys.
In his solo tour, From North Korea into Iraq, Michael describes how he has looked beyond the headlines that portray these two countries as international pariahs.
His aim is to discover what life is really like for the people who live there.
The tour coincides with Palin’s new book, Into Iraq, and a Channel 5 documentary series of the same name.
Audiences can hear him speak at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre.
The event takes place on Monday, October 10. Doors open at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £34.50
Vinyl Frontier - The Whole Story by Kate Bush. Sat 8. My Childhood, My Country: 20 Years In Afghanistan (15).
Performances start at 7.30pm, with matinées on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost from £28, concessions for students and under 25 yrs cost £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000
n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060.
FOR A night of classic songs from the 30’s through to the 50’s, audiences should make their way to Reading.
The three Puppini Sisters’ brand new show features their own swing dance style arrangements of classic songs, jazzy pop hits, along with original music from their latest album.
With jazzy close three part harmonies, and syncopated dance rhythms, this show promises to have people up and on their feet.
The Puppini Sisters will sing at the Hexagon Theatre.
The event takes place on Friday,
n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 440000.
SEANN Walsh has called his show Back From The Bed.
His comedy tour looks back on a year in which he says millions of people tragically lost their lives to TikTok.
He performs at The Corn Exchange in Newbury. The event takes place on Thursday, October 13. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16 n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
DREAM is a vibrant, fresh and innovative new full-length ballet.
Ballet Cymru has collaborated with award winning composer Frank Moon to create a piece based on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
This reinterpretation of the story for the 21st century presents a magical, gender bending world of fairies, lovers and bewitching enchantment.
Dream plays at The Corn Exchange, Newbury on Tuesday, October 11. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
Sat 8. Magic of the Bee Gees: You Win Again Tour. Sun 9. The Osmonds: A New Musical. Tues 11-Sat 15. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 13.
Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050
Henley Literary Festival. Until Sun 9. Pippin. Wed 12-Sat 15.
Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997
The Band of the Household Cavalry open rehearsal. Thurs 6. Sari Schorr: Back To LA tour.
Thurs 6. Motherland Voices with Tsungai Tsikirai. Fri 7. Keith James in concert: the songs of Leonard Cohen. Fri 7. Purple Zeppelin. Sat 8. The
Tues 11. Griff Rhys-Jones work in progress SOLD OUT. Wed 12. Paul Chowdhry work in progress. Wed 12. It Snows in Benidorm (15).
Thurs 13, Fri 14. Royal Opera House: Aida. Thurs 13. Strictly Movie Musicals. Thurs 13. Underwater. Sat 15. Windsor and Eton Opera present A Great Night at the Opera. Sat 15.
Newbury –The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Nomads: The Wedding Singer. Until Sat 8. NT Encore: Jack Absolute Flies Again (15). Sun 9. Dream. Tues 11. Royal Opera House Live: Aida. Wed 12. Marti Pellow. Wed 12. Seann Walsh - Back From The Bed. Thurs 13. The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Sat 15-Sun 16.
Newbury –The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Othello. Until Sat 15.
Reading –South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Little Bulb presents Hibernation. Sat 8. The Big Issue and Roughhouse Theatre presents Unknown. Tues 11. SK Slomo presents Breathe. Thurs 13. Poets Cafe. Fri 14. Jessica Fostekew: Wench. Fri 14. Readiophonics. Sat 15.
Reading –The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Katherine Ryan: Missus. Thurs 6. Michael Palin: From North Korea Into Iraq. Mon 10. The Puppini Sisters. Fri 14. Ed Gamble. Sat 15. Sing-a-Long-a Encanto (U). Sun 16.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, piano. Tues 11.
Reading –Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Pride. Mon 10-Sat 15.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Jekyll & Hyde. Mon 10-Sat
Shinfield –Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Our House.
6-Sat
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Funny Money. Until Sat Nov 5. The Rod Stewart Experience.
Sun 9. Storytime. Wed 12. The Swinging Big Band. Sun 16.
Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Darker Shores. Wed 12-Sat 22.
Wokingham –Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118
Wokingham Lions Comedy Night.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247
Wokingham Film Theatre: The Duke (12a). Thurs 13. Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838
Jazz at the Oakwood: The Martin Hart Trio with Stuart Henderson. Sat 15.
professionally.
is sensuous, beautiful and witty.
And like the characters it portrays, it is both dangerous and attractive.
Set in France’s 18th century royal court, it follows the unholy alliance of the scheming Marquise de Merteuil, and her willing partner in moral crime, The Vicomte de Valmont.
Petty jealousy, idle gossip and boredom are the currency of this aristocratic community.
The pair, bound by a cruel love of pleasure and intrigue, amuse themselves, and each other, by casually ruining the lives of those around them in a series of competitive romantic conquests.
Director Rachel Pearson says: “People probably remember the 1988 film, when John Malkovich played Valmont and Glenn Close was the Marquise.
“The film was very dark, but the play, which was written first, is surprisingly funny.
“And watching two people at the top of their game is really fascinating.
“The beautiful dialogue, the smart wordplay, and the constant oneupmanship is enthralling.
“The pair manage to be both petty and pithy in the same breath.”
The production remains faithful to the period, with elaborate 18th century costumes being handmade and the beginnings of a gilt French chateau already appearing on stage, a few
weeks prior to opening night.
As the play unfolds, the scheming pair gradually begin to fall victim to their own web of lies, revenge and deceit.
Love, initially the tool they use to control and destroy others, returns to blow kisses of death, as passions rise and
Cupid’s arrows find their mark.
Have there been any special challenges with mounting this production?
“There’s the swordfighting,” says Rachel. “It’s not been a challenge as such, but we’ve had to employ a professionally
trained fencing expert to make sure everything is done, well and safely.
“And there are also, as you can imagine, some intimate scenes between actors.
“But the cast is brilliant, and they’ve dealt with this carefully and
“The scenes are sexy and sensual, but they are not explicit, and they’re comfortable to watch - there’s nothing shocking.”
Caroline Loveys, who portrays the Marquise, says: “She’s complicated.
“In a way, although she is vile and scheming, she’s playing the game in the only way she knows how - she’s a woman in a man’s world.”
The play is based on a novel by Choderlos de Laclos, which in 1782 shocked the world.
Christopher Hampton’s adaptation two hundred years later won the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Play.
Rachel continues: “It’s set at a time when French society life was collapsing, and the country was on the verge of revolution.
“The aristocracy was running on gossip, sarcasm and irony, and money was being spent on finery, not on real people.”
No wonder, then, that moral outrage was about to peak, and heads would soon be rolling.
Les Liaisons is likely to delight and unseat in equal measures.
It can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, on Twyford Road.
It runs from Thursday, October 20 through to Saturday, October 29, with the exception of Sunday.
Performances start at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £15. n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.ukor call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.
A COMEDY night featuring three TV comedians is coming to Wokingham later this month.
Opening the show is Dinesh Nathan who made his Comedy Central debut earlier this year.
The middle act is Josh Baulf who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
Headlining is Matt Richardson, a multi award-winning comedian who has appeared on television for nearly a decade.
The Sports and Social Club on Lowther Road in Emmbrook will host the event on Saturday, October 15. Tickets cost £12.
Doors open at 7pm. n For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: laughtercraftcomedy.com.
A LOCAL band will play to raise money for young Ukrainian refugees in the local area.
Bracknell and Wokingham Community Bands’ Second Wind Band will be joined by Twyford ladies choir Cantata Conviva.
Proceeds will go to Chance to Thrive, which will help young refugees.
The band will play at Wokingham Methodist Church, on Rose Street, and light refreshments will be on sale.
The event takes place on Sunday, October 9. Doors open at 7pm, and tickets cost £12.50 n For tickets email: secondwindbwcb@outlook.com
its production of Jeeves and Wooster, Progress Theatre is set to continue its 76th season with Alexi Kaye Campbell’s The Pride.
From Monday, Progress is staging the production which focuses on three characters as attitudes to homosexuality change over50 years.
Alternating between 1958 and 2008, the play follows Philip, Oliver, and Sylvia, who live similar but radically different lives, and tackles topics such as intimacy,
identity, and being who you are.
It stars Matthew Beswick, who recently directed Progress’ twopart triumph Angels In America, Adam Wells, and Faith Mansfield.
John Turner and Ken Deeks will also star.
The production is only suitable for those aged 15+ as it contains nudity, discriminatory language, and adult themes, as well as brief scenes of a sexual nature and assault.
The Pride is showing at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Monday-Friday, October 10-15.
It will hold a relaxed performance on Monday, October 10,followed by a socially-distanced performance on Tuesday, October 11, and a come as you are performance on Wednesday, October 12.
Doors open at 7.15pm ready for the show to start at 7.45pm, and there will be one interval of 20 minutes.
n For more information about inclusive performances, visit: www.progresstheatre.co.uk
n For tickets, visit: www. ticketsource.co.uk.
THERE will be rocking around the Christmas tree thanks to a popular touring show, which is to be given a festive twist.
That’ll Be The Day is returning to The Hexagon next month for an early celebration of December 25.
The show, which is brandnew for this year, features a mixture of festive pop hits and traditional Christmas songs, fused with comedy sketches and impersonations.
Boasting brilliant vocals and first-class musicianship, the cast will take audiences on a seasonal, nostalgic sleigh ride
through the golden age of Rock ‘n’ Roll and Pop for an experience like no other.
The team behind the show say it is guaranteed to lift spirits and leave people wanting more.
Time Out has described it as ‘The best rock ‘n’ roll show on the road’.
Audiences can find out for themselves on Saturday, November 12. The show starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £25 or £27.
n For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
BURLESQUE and variety troupe, The Scarlet Vixens, are bringing a special show to The Purple Turtle for Hallowe’en on Saturday, October 29.
The Purple Creepshow will see Mariposa Pop take up hosting duties in The Cellar at the venue.
They’ll be joined by Demonica
Llatex, who brings and element of horror to her brand of burlesque, along with Layla Cherry, powerhouse Tootsie Rocques, Lady Intrepid, and Mojo Jones.
The Scarlet Vixens perform a monthly show at The Purple Turtle, having fused comedy, art, drag, horror, variety, and
burlesque for more than a decade.
They perform at the venue on the last Saturday of every month.
The Purple Creepshow will take place downstairs in The Purple Turtle from 7-10pm on Saturday, October 29.
A BROTHERHOOD of raw power and huge riffs is how a band performing in Reading later this month are described.
The Virginmarys – drummer Danny Dolan and guitarist/ vocalist Ally Dickat – have played with Queens Of The Stoneage, championed by Slash and collaborated on stage with Frank Turner, goes a little way to showing the diverse appeal of their music.
After releasing three critically acclaimed albums playing as a trio, Ally and Danny have decided to take on the next phase of the band as a power duo and their appearance at The Face Bar on Sunday, October 16, will be Reading’s first chance to see them in this incarnation.
Since their formation in 2013, they’ve been described as the buzz band of SXSW, received
Club Velocity and New Mind are teaming up to present the gig, which starts at 7.30pm.
n Tickets cost £15, and can be found by searching wegottickets.
QUEER THEATRE: Adam Wells, left, and Matthew Beswick in Progress Theatre’s production of The Pride, showing from Monday-Saturday, October 10-15. Picture: By kind courtesy of Progress Theatre
MISLETOE AND WINE: That’ll Be The Day will bring its Christmas show to The Hexagon this November
love trailblazers, the groups that are pioneering and bringing fresh new sounds to our lugholes.
Heading up this week’s playlist is a London band who wowed us at Loddfest, with their new song, TRAILBLAZR.
Have a listen - we think you’ll love it.
The RaW Sounds Today playlist is on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).
It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify.
To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.
There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
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. Keep an eye on their social media for info.
The band are a tight energetic four-piece that perform exciting and melodic indie rock as evidenced on TRAILBLAZR, their latest single.
Like most of their material including their excellent debut album, How Badly Do You Want
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is. Details: 01344 484123.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Grand reopening party with Jamie Reynolds (Klaxons) DJ set. Free entry, table bookings available. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196
READING – Q Club, Friar Street. The ABBA Disco.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Black Sabbitch. Details: 0118 959 5395.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Tim Shez Band and The Evening Edition. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.
Ultimate RnB tribute: A flavour of the Old Skool. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Tony Woods Project. Details: 01344 484123.
CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Rewind 90s.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – CultureMix Arts & Music Centre, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Reggae Fridays open mic and live band, with special guest performances. Details: 0118 958 7351.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Sham 69. Details: 0118 956 8188.
Wokingham-based band who recently packed out The Redan for their hometown show.
One of our fave releases of the last few months –https://www.rilasedge.com/
Here’s Reading-based alt-indie/folk rockers, Dandy Man, with their new single which was recorded at Pyramid Studios in Hurst and is from their forthcoming debut album, Something I Have To Say – https://dandymanmusic.com/
Angus Trott aka The Wave Machine has recently performed at both Wokingham Festival and Loddfest and here’s his new single which is another of his self-penned joyous uplifting songs – https:// linktr.ee/thewavemachine
It?. It’s inspiring and powerful – https://www. louisandtheshakes.com
This is a single from a band that will be playing at a Heavy Pop promoted show at Reading’s Facebar on Thursday, October 13.
Courting are a Liverpool-based band that have just released their debut album, the excellent Guitar Music from which this single is taken.
The album is a very impressive debut. It feels like an edgy exciting sonic alt rock roller coaster ride from start to finish and even includes an epic over eight minutes long track, Uncanny Valley Forever.
This is definitely a band to watch – https:// courtingband.com
READING - Hope and Bear, London Road RG1 5DE. Greg The Axxeman Winters. Details: 0118 935 4095
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Big Untidy presents All That Jazz. Details: 0118 986 6788.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Resurrections: The Stone Roses Tribute and Noel Gallager’s High Flying Carpets. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. A Night with Avian and The Rev!. Details: 0118 957 6930.
READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Friday night live, from 6pm. Details: 0118 959 7959.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 977 3706.
YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Je’Zell. Details: 01252 872105.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Sell By, Holler, The Cover Up. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL - The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 862912.
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Altitudes. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. California Dreamers: POSTPONED Details: 01344 484123.
CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. Abba tribute night. Details: www.cpva.org.uk
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Rocket Kings. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Gothisicles, Bitman, Def Neon and Vieon. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. DJ Jacky
D: Soul, Funk and Disco. Details: 0118 304 3648.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Leanne Harper as Beyonce Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Sound Intentions. Details: 0118 968 1442.
READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Fly Project.
READING – The Pond House, Oxford Road RG30 1EH. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 958 3664.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Sidemen. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Storm King. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Hedex. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930.
TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. BAT. Details: 07889 226309.
YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. The Congakeyz. Details: 01252 872459.
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night, A Sting in the Tail. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rod Stewart Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Chris While and Julie Matthews. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The
Here’s some guitar riffs over a pulsing electro beat combined with Kate Herridge’s powerful vocals. You can see Dakorra live on Friday, October 28, supporting LoneLady, at South Street Arts Centre –https://www.facebook.com/dakorraband
Lilac are a Reading-based three-piece band comprising 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
This is the latest single, released in July, by this
Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Jarman. Details: 01344 484123.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Americana Night: Paul Alexander Low and special guests. Details: 01344 484123.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Call of Sirens, Alpha Line. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. HeavyPop presents Courting and Deep Tan. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Sham 69.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196
READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Fleetwood Mac Songbook. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.
GORING - Goring Community Centre, The
Elucidate are an alt-rock band from Reading, and this is their latest single which was released in the summer. It’s a good slice of melodic indie pop rock as are their other releases – https://linktr.ee/ ElucidateUK
One of the success stories of Wokingham Festival was OSP, who stepped in at the last minute to cover for a cancellation, and got the crowd moving with an excellent set.
Here’s Iyah, their most recent single – https:// www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk
The latest single from the Reading/London-based band that create catchy indie pop.
They recently played at the Roseate Sessions in Reading – https://www.facebook.com/ thephantombooth
Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Sarah Jane Eveleigh with Nick Hill, Howard King, Mike Goff. Details www. ticketsource.co.uk/goring-communityjazz-club
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live. Details: 0118 959 5746.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Away With The Seas. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. BOHO
Showcase: The Live Looper, Hattie Taylor and more.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Puppini Sisters. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. The Strats. Details: 0118 960 6580.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bruce Juice. Details: 0118 959 5395.
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Chestnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706.
YATELEY – White Lion, Reading Road GU46 7RX. Je’Zell. Details: 01252 890840.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Foxpalmer and Majanin. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Double Shots. Details: 01344 303333.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Davey Dodds. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Fools Gold and Success.
Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Johny 2 Bad. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 935 1009.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Hugh Turner Trio. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – South Street Arts Centre. Readiophonics. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club+. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Lord John Band. Details: 0118 957 6930.
WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bon Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews. co.uk
WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Woodley Theatre presents100 Years of Jazz from Buddy Bolden to Miles Davies and beyond with the Martin Hart Trio. Details: 0748 833 7838.
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Tom McConville. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity and New Minds present The Virginmarys and The Pink Diamond Review.
Details: www.wegottickets.com/ event/545865
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Loop Presents Volume 1.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Swinging Big Band. Details: 0118 969 8000.
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ.
Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Blue Collar
Corner, Hosier Street RG1 7QL. Blue Collar Corner reopening night: Jamie Reyolds of Klaxons. 5pm-12.30pm. Details: letsbookfor.com/bluecollar-corner
TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group present Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group. 8pm. £10-£12 plus booking fee. Details: www. twyrusdrama.org.uk
SPENCERS WOOD – Library, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AJ. Rhymtimes for under fours. Booking essential. Free. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 988 4771.
SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Round 1 PDI judged by Graham Sleeman. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – RISC, London Road. Are We Getting Closer to a Nuclear Catastrophe? As part of Reading International Festival programme Nuclear Information Service, Reading Peace Group and Aldermaston Women’s Peace Camp will discuss this question. 7pm. Free.
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Our House: A Musical. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group present Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group. 8pm. £10-£12 plus booking fee. Details: www. twyrusdrama.org.uk
WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Wokingham Lions presents comedy
night. 7.30pm. £17. Over 18s only. Details: wokinghamlions.org.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. 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
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz night. 8pm. Details: 01344 772161.
READING - Battle Library, Oxford Road. Board games club for teenagers upwards. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Meet the author event: Annie Murray. £3. 11am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Bookface Chapter 13: handmade books, independent publishers, comic books, small books and more. 11am-4pm. Details: 0118 986 6788.
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Our House: A Musical. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group present Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group. 8pm.
£10-£12 plus booking fee. Details: www. twyrusdrama.org.uk
WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Doggie meet up. From noon. Details: 0118 978 4529
WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Comedy with headler Darius Davies, presented by Mates Rates Comedy. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 4529
WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road RG40 1SR. SEND Voices Wokingham and Wokingham Borough CAN Network present Local Offer Live Day 2022: Information day for residents with special education needs or disabilities. Information stalls, Berkshire Reptile Encounter, Circus Skills, Face painting, refreshments. 11am3pm. Free, booking essential. Details: www. sendvoiceswokingham. org.uk.
WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Craft and gift market. 10am-4pm.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Woodley Concert Band presents Four Seasons In One Day. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, £5 under 16s. Details: 0870 321 2186.
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Family workshop: cardboard food making with Mark Hulse. 11am1pm. Free. Details: www. jelly.org.uk
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Bloody Mary contest. 3pm. Spectators welcome. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: Coffee and Catchup. 10.30am. Free. Details: 0118 986 6788.
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk
SONNING – The Great House, Thames Street RG4 6UT. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm.
Free entry. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk
TWYFORD – Piggott School, Twyford Road. Twyford Together 5k and fun run. 9am-noon. Details: www. barnesfitness.co.uk/ twyford-together-charity5k-and-fun-run/
WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS.Concert for Ukraine with Chance To Thrive, Second Windpart of the Bracknell & Wokingham Community Band organisation and Cantata Conviva - a ladies’ choir from Twyford. 7pm. £12.50. Tickets from Bradbury Centre in Wokingham Methodist Church. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Bingo night. From 7pm. Free entry members, nonmembers £1. £1.25 per book. Details: 01344 772161.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
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
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 – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details:
www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
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
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Bulmershe School, Chequers Way RG5 3EU. Thames Valley Chorus free singing course for men. 7.30pm-9pm. Free. Details: www. tvchorus.co.uk
WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE Over-50s Forum: A visit from The Serenade Singers, plus topical discussion. £3. Raffle tickets 50p each. 2pm-4pm. Details: Woodleywise@ gmail.com or phone: 0118 969 6206.
BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.berkshirebonsai. co.uk
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
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
Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. A Nightmare on 77th Street: A drag show by Draven including quiz and prizes for best dressed. From 7.30pm.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The Influence of Victorian Mourning on Reading Cemetery, a talk organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.
SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery Mark and Gary’s quiz night in aid of Launchpad. 6.30pm. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk
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: Macro group and portrait group feedback events. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Duke (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – New Hope Community Church, York Road. Bell Tower Community Association and Left Foot Forward present community ceilidh. 7.30pm. £5, under 18s £2.50. In aid of association funds.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
READING – Central Library, Abbey Square.
Extraordinary Life of Charles Ignatius Sancho with Paterson Joseph, a live stream from The British Library. Part of Black History Month. 7pm. Free, booking essential. Details: info@readinglibraries. org.uk
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled.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. 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
CLIVEDEN – Cliveden House, Taplow, SL6 0JF. Cliveden Literary Festival 2022.
‘Probably the world’s best small literary festival.’ Ian McEwen. For tickets and information visit: https:// clivedenliteraryfestival. org/ www.clivedenhouse. co.uk
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Colin’s Club Auction. 7pm.. Details: 01344 772161.
EMMBROOK – Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Comedy night with Matt Richardson, Dinesh Nathan, Josh Baulf, Jonathan Elston. £12. Doors 7pm. Details: laughtercraftcomedy.com .
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. 8.15am-noon. Details: www.thamesva lleyfarmersmarket.co.uk
READING – Great Hall, university of Reading London Road RG1 5AQ. Gin and Rum festival. 12.30pm-5pm or 6.30pm11pm. £15 and booking fee. Over 18s only. Details: ginandrumfestival.com
READING – Kings Meadow, Napier Road RG1 8EJ. Reading Diwali Festival. Noon-6pm. Free entry.
READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: www. phantombrew.com
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents The Pride. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled.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
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bon Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk
CLIVEDEN – Cliveden House, Taplow, SL6 0JF. Cliveden Literary Festival 2022. ‘Probably the world’s best small literary festival.’ Ian McEwen. For tickets and information visit: https:// clivedenliteraryfestival. org/ www.clivedenhouse. co.uk
READING – Dance Studio Reading, Lovelock Road RG30 1DZ. Indoor table top sale in aid of 19-monthold Lola who has PTCD. £7 per table, 50p entry, under 16s free. 9am-2pm. Details: 07710 408473.
READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm4pm. Free, donations welcome.
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Dark Beer Celebration. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www.pinewoodrailway. co.uk
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont
RG6 5HZ.
READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National riding which horse?
What is unusual about the pitcher plant?
Tripolitania is an historic region of which country?
In 2020, Laura Whitmore began presenting which British dating game show?
‘I would have given you all of my heart, But there’s someone who’s torn it apart’ is the opening of which Rod Stewart
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the name
The famous area for antique
called The Lanes
which English
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was the
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Each word must use
One takes steps to make it work (9)
Staff travelled ceaselessly (3)
Display of oral disorders on the first of the month (5,5,3)
In the tray one notices the material (5)
Appears content with only one vegetable (3)
Local match in Midlands town (5)
Helpless maid Aileen upset another girl (7)
Vehicle kit for a (noiseless) contraption (6)
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may be used only once. At least one word
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).
The first thing to do as a footballer .... (4,3)
.... who kicks the shins of a skilled computer operative (6)
Joel twists, finds way in, but has to push roughly (6)
Unfavourable publicity jingle (7)
Drunk held closely (5)
Bend rules in order to lengthen the rally on court? (7,1,5)
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Rough performance of Equus? (9)
Keepsake of Eric, turning 50, inside (5)
Old British soldier’s brightlycoloured garment (7)
Have time for others on Sunday? (3,2,4)
Listens in a rush, having practised (9)
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Commanding officer let up about eight times (7)
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INthe UK around one in five women have a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety.
Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health.
These are a few things you can do to keep your mental wellbeing in check and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Reducing stress at work
Evidence suggests that young women with stressful jobs could be at higher risk of heart disease, so why not do a few stretches to get your blood circulating.
Getting the heart beating by using the stairs or walking part of the way to and from work will help you stretch your legs and refresh your thoughts.
It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed at work especially when we have lots to do.
Try taking 10 minutes at the beginning of your day to plan the tasks you will complete, and focus only on those tasks.
Alcohol acts as a depressant and can have a negative impact on your mental health as well increasing your risk of heart disease.
Try cutting down on alcohol by swapping to drinks with a lower alcohol content or having a 0% alcohol beer or cider.
By picking a healthier drink you can still get all the benefits of socialising with friends at the local pub but without the negatives of alcohol.
Not spending any time alone is one of the main factors affecting women’s mental health and wellbeing.
It can be so important for you to find this time so you can let down your guard, relieve any tension and
is one of the most colourful times of the year.
Flowers such as sedums and rudbekias are still blooming and the leaves on trees and shrubs are beginning to change to fiery colours like red, yellow and orange.
For many wildlife about to go into hibernation – bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies - late flowering perennials are a lifeline.
As you prepare your garden for winter keep in mind that wildlife is vulnerable in autumn – so clean and refill bird feeders, leave out water and plant berry-bearing shrubs for next autumn.
Many species including ladybirds and other insects, hibernate in old seed heads and plant stems. Birds eat seeds and rosehips in the winter and larger creatures, such as hedgehogs, hibernate in piles of twigs and leaves.
So, try to resist tidying up your outside space too much.
A few autumn jobs can make your garden more wildlife friendly and help provide food and shelter in the spring…
Plant bulbs – to flower in the spring so they can provide food for bees coming out of hibernation
Leave your borders – instead of tidying and cutting back leave your borders to rot down naturally, it’s great for wildlife
Create a pond – one of the best habitats for wildlife but make sure there are plenty of shallow areas for wildlife to climb in and out. If you have limited space,
then a container pond is a good alternative.
If you are growing your own fruit and veg then now is the time pick your pumpkins and squashes.
Test to see if your pumpkins and winter squashes are ripe by pressing the skin with your fingernail … it shouldn’t feel like it will pierce.
Harvest them with as long a stalk as possible and store somewhere cool and dry. Apart from being fantastic food, pumpkins and squashes are visually stunning. They are wonderful for creating beautiful autumnal displays for windowsills, front steps and window boxes.
problem-solve without any interruptions.
Setting up a routine to wake up an hour before the rest of your home is a great idea. If this isn’t possible try going on a daily walk by yourself.
You will get exercise and the alone time you need to reflect.
n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips.
n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: heartresearch.org.uk/
heart-research-ukrecipes-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/.
A couple of stand-out varieties are … Crown Prince, a blue-grey variety of pumpkin that has orange flesh inside – delicious when roasted and used in soups; and Celebration, a lovely orange-yellow variety of winter squash that is acorn shaped and works well in soups, stews and Sunday roasts.
Now is also a good time to think about your soil.
If it’s heavy clay you can dig it over so the winter frosts can break the clods down. Or sow green manures on unused areas to protect the soil over winter.
October is often a time spent clearing up after the Summer and preparing for the Winter and
Spring ahead and as the RHS says … Although we had some warmer days over September, the autumn is now definitely here for real, and it feels colder. It’s a beautiful time of year, with the trees changing colour. Sometimes it may seem pointless raking, when the wind blows even more leaves onto the ground, but just think of all the lovely leafmould you can make! It’s also time to start preparing for early frosts.
Top three jobs this month –move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into a greenhouse or conservatory; cut back perennials that have died down; and divide herbaceous perennials.
Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883 and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926 and has supported the sight impaired people of Reading ever since.
They want volunteers to assist their members that experience varying degrees of Sight Loss at their Bowls Club.
It’s a social club where members and volunteers get a chance to play Bowls while having a bit of fun and companionship.
No prior experience of Bowls is necessary, and training is provided.
n Graft Thames Valley is a charity that aims to eradicate barriers to employment for disabled or disadvantaged people struggling to find a job.
They are seeking volunteers to assist their Job Club Supervisor in order to run their two Job Clubs per week.
The role involves setting up computers, meeting and greeting jobseekers and taking time to settle them into the job club; then working alongside the jobseeker to help them find and apply for suitable jobs. Full training will be provided.
n Trust House Reading was established with the support of The Survivors Trust (TST) which is a national umbrella agency for more than 130 specialist sexual violence and abuse support services.
They want more helpline volunteers.
No previous helpline experience is necessary as training and on-going support will be provided.
The role requires one two- to three-hour session per week.
This role can be office-based at their offices in Reading or home-based.
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.
READING FC continue to keep pace in the top three of the Championship after their win over Huddersfield Town.
The Royals have 21 points from
11 games before they host second placed Norwich City on Tuesday night (match report online at rdg. today).
Tom McIntyre opened the scoring before an own goal and a substitute strike from Yakou Meite gifted Reading three points with their fifth
home win in six matches.
“We were really good in the firsthalf, but it was frustarting for us to concede that goal at the end.
“If we take away the end, we defended really well as a team,” said McIntyre.
“We were more ruthless, when we
had chances we put them away.
“It’s lovely to score, it’s one of the best feeling in football.
“We need to make sure we play until the final whistle, it would have been really important to get a clean sheet.”
READING FC forward Yakou Meite has said he’s eager to find his scoring form once again.
The Royals forward was out of action from June last year until January with a cruciate ligament rupture and has struggled for consistent game time since.
Having played a pivotal striking role for the side since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, Meite has netted 38 Championship goals in 116 appearances for the club.
“It’s difficult to come back and be 100% straight away so there is still a lot of work for me to do,” he said. “Even if I want to train every day and play every game, my body can’t really do that at the moment.
“If it’s not my knee then I will feel something else so I need to be careful.
“I’m trying to manage the way I train and the way I was training before, I can’t do that at the moment so I need to protect myself from any other injuries.
“When you have a lot of games coming up it’s all about recovery. The games are coming fast so we have to recover properly.
“But honestly if you ask me every time even if I’ve only got one leg I’ll tell the coach I’m ready to start.”
“When you’re playing as a lone striker you stay in the middle and can’t move too much because then there is no one in the box.
“I’m confident in what I can do and know exactly where I can progress and what I’m good at. After my big injury my confidence wasn’t low but I need to get that first goal.
“I think with all the strikers we’ve got we’ve got different styles. But If I talk about my style I think I can play with anyone.
“Lucas (Joao) or Andy Carroll won’t play the same so I can play with them.”
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
CONNOR Hayhow grabbed his fourth Rams’ hat-trick as the hosts maintained their perfect start to the National One season with a comfortable 40-15 home success against 14-man Darlington Mowden Park.
Yet, it was the away side who drew first blood when a beautiful 50-22 gave them field position before the ball was spun wide for Ollie Walker to touch down on the left.
Rams replied swiftly, though, as man-of-the-match Ollie Cole took a quick tap penalty before sprinting in from 40 metres out, and things got even worse for the northerners in the 26th minute, prop James Crickmay red carded for making contact with the head of Paul Englezos in midfield.
Rams hit the front almost immediately afterwards as Hayhow blasted over from close range, Cole’s fine pass setting up the chance after a powerful rolling maul had been halted just short of the line.
Ali Ledingham missed a 35-metre penalty for the visitors shortly after, and Rams grabbed their third via a Hayhow interception just after the half-hour as their suffocating defence forced an error from DMP in midfield.
Leading 19-5 at the interval, Rams secured their try bonus-point early in the second period as some fine hands from Cole, Drew Humberstone and Hayhow ended with the in-form Jak Rossiter diving over for his eighth of the campaign – the wing retaining his place at the top of the league’s tryscoring list as he took his Rams’ tally to 66.
The hosts moved further
in front on 47 minutes when Vince Everitt collected the fifth from close range following a period of pressure, the flanker alert to a gap in the DMP defence under the posts, Seers adding the extras for 33-5.
Park hit back when some sloppy Rams defence allowed Ledingham over on the right, his side having benefitted from a number of missed tackles in a move which started just outside their own 22.
This gave the 14 men hope, and they continued to throw the ball around, camping for a short time near the Rams line.
Yet some more solid defence repelled their attacks, and with Rams really getting on top at the scrum – twice they pushed their opponents back off their own ball to win penalties on the Mowden Park five-metre line – they collected their sixth
score as Hayhow completed his hat-trick from close range.
It was Darlington who had the final word as Connor Fitzsimons crossed with the last play of the game for the away side, but by this stage it was far too little, too late.
Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds said: “I thought it was a solid if not spectacular performance, but credit to our guys, they’ve been superb in the first five weeks of the season.
“Darlington came out of the blocks well and put us under pressure – we also sometimes also put ourselves under pressure and afforded them counter-attacking opportunities which allowed them to keep the ball alive and go through the phases.
“They’re one of the most dangerous sides in the league and you have to be really vigilant against them the whole time.”
READING slumped to their biggest defeat for five years in a game where they were out fought and out-thought by a Tottonians team which seemed a yard quicker in both attack and defence.
Tottonians used their possession, of which they had a plentiful supply, well, scoring eleven tries to Reading’s one.
The hosts took the lead after three minutes from a missed tackle in midfield and this was to be a recurring pattern.
Midway through the first half Tottonians had already earned a bonus point for scoring four tries and were leading 24-0.
Reading, on the other hand, by then had hardly ventured out of their own half, had not been in their opponents 22 and had lost influential front row Josh Pallett to a rib injury.
It was from a Tottonians attack that looked like it
Reading Rugby Club lost out on the road
would lead to their fifth try that Reading scored their only try when Matt Daw pounced on a loose ball from a misplaced pass and impressively sprinted the length of the field to score near the posts for Sam Bowers to convert.
Any hope of a revival was soon dashed as Tottonians scored a converted try after
Reading twice failed to secure their own line out ball. This made the half time score 31-7.
Tottonians ran in another converted try soon after the break after another missed tackle in midfield. Reading had a good period of pressure after this score but failed to make it pay.
This was quickly followed
by another try when Tottonians took a quick throw to the front of a line out which Reading had not covered.
Tottonians continued to add to their score running in three more tries in the last fifteen minutes to make the final score 69-7
This was a disappointing result after the good performance in losing against Marlborough the previous week. Reading were never really in this game after giving away the early tries.
Their defence lacked aggression and too many tackles were missed. They did not win enough ball and when they did they were unable to retain it for long enough to put pressure on their opponents.
Next week there is no game and the week after they play at home against Buckingham, who are bottom of the table, in a game which has now become a must win in terms of their league position.
BINFIELD Tennis Association’s charity day raised more than £1,250 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.
John Pascoe, and his wife Claire have received information and support from CLDF ever since their daughter, Isabella, now 15, was diagnosed with the rare and incurable disease, biliary atresia and received a life-saving liver transplant when she was still a baby.
John said: “Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have always been there for us and continue to support Isabella.
“Like many small charities, things have been very tough since the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“I wanted to be able to give something back and was touched that my fellow club members not only agreed to a charity day but supported it so enthusiastically. I’m delighted with our fundraising total.”
Rebecca Cooper, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation said: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated
to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are so grateful that Binfield Tennis Association supported us in this way and had great fun doing so. This really is community fundraising at its best.”
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA got the better of CAVERSHAM UNITED to progress in the cup.
The Boars made a lightning start and went ahead in the opening minute as Joanna Harfield Brown applied the finishing touch to a quick attack.
The goats levelled up early in the second half when Sumaya Zayadi poked in from a corner.
There were chances for both
teams but it was Eversley who restored their lead with 20 minutes to go when Rebekah Pantony scored.
The tie was sealed with five minutes to go when Varney netted Eversley’s third of the game to see them safely through to the next round.
ASCOT UNITED put their name in the next round of the competition with an away win at Milton United.
The Yellawomen went in front through Sarah Leonard and doubled their lead when
Hannah Bennett capitalised on a defensive error and scored from close range.
Ascot raced into a three goal lead before the break when Dominique Carrington latched onto the rebound after Leonard and Alix Todd had their shots saved.
The hosts got a goal back in the second-half, but Ascot sailed through.
MORTIMER picked up their first success of the season in emphatic style.
They hit seven past Banbury United without reply in a clinical display.
Chloe Griffiths and Beth Millican both netted braces, while Courtney Hughes-Boyne, Jade Beaymont and Louise Delaney were also on the scoresheet in the 7-0 win.
S4K BERKS COUNTY were beaten despite an excellent second-half fightback at Goring United.
A disastrous start saw the Fawkes three goals down after a hat-trick from Sacha Standbury.
They were 5-0 down at the break, but a much improved second-half display saw them hit back with a brace from Kiah Owen and goals from Claudia Periquito and Megan Cox as the match ended 6-4 to the hosts.
BURGHFIELD collected three points after beating WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT in an eight goal game.
Braces from Rhiannon Mayfield and Naomi Paxford were added to with a goal from Holly O’Connor to give the Fielders a 5-3 victory.
Elsewhere, CAVERSHAM AFC lost out 2-1 at home to Hawley.
FA Cup third qualifying round BINFIELD lost out in an eight-goal contest away at Beckenham Town.
In their first game under new manager Garry Haylock, the Moles went behind after seven minutes but levelled up through Liam Tack.
The hosts hit abc with two more goals before Lewis Pegg made it 3-2 just before half-time.
Beckenham added a fourth but Binfield kept alive when Tack netted from the penalty spot.
The home team wrapped up the game late on to make it 5-3.
Combined Counties Premier North
READING CITY moved into
BINFIELD FC have appointed Garry Haylock as their new first-team manager.
Haylock joins the club with a wealth of experience having managed Yeading, Hayes & Yeading United, Farnborough, Bedfont Town and Bedfont & Feltham.
The Moles have made a fantastic start to the 2022/23 campaign in both cup competitions and the Isthmian South Central Haylock also had a career as a
second place after they took an away win at Broadfields United.
The Cityzens broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour when Tyler D’Cruz latched onto a misplaced pass and scored.
Broadfield brought the game level before half-time, but City enjoyed a superb second-half display.
Lee restored Reading’s lead and an own goal and a goal from Valentin sealed a 4-1 success.
City are in second place after winning five games from matches, putting them level with London Lions who have played three more games.
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK sit in 17th place after a disappointing
5-0 defeat at North Greenford united.
The Sumas have six points from their opening 10 games.
BERKS COUNTY moved closer to SANDHURST TOWN after they came out on top in a seven goal game.
An eventful first-half saw five goals scored as Berks had a 4-1 lead at the break with braces from Luke Hayden and Charlie Oakley.
The Fizzers produced an improved performance in the second-half and clawed two goals back, but were unable to complete
a comeback as County took the points with a 4-3 win.
WOODLEY UNITED missed out on three points after Rising Ballers Kensington recovered from 3-1 down.
Rising took an early leave but Woodley responded quickly through Jahson.
A quick turnaround saw Reuel put Woodley in front and Jahson netted his second to give the Kestrels a 3-1 lead.
But the visitors fought back in the second-half with two goals to snatch a draw.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were defeated 4-2 away at Bedfont.
Despite goals from Brad Brown and Joe Moriarty, the Boars lost 4-2.
professional player where he played for Huddersfield Town, Shelbourne, Linfield, Portadown, Colchester United, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Basingstoke Town and more.
Former management duo Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg helped the club make the leap up to step four football and guided their team to the FA Vase final in 2021. They departed to join Bracknell Town FC.
A statement released by Binfield FC reads: “Garry brings to the club a significant amount of playing and managerial experience.
“A full-time professional
footballer, Garry played for many seasons at Huddersfield Town and enjoyed some very successful seasons playing in the top flight of Irish League Football where he won many awards and accolades, including winning the Republic of Ireland League Championship twice and the Northern Ireland League Championship twice.
“His honours list also includes three FAI Cups and two IFA Cups. A Golden Boot winner on two occasions, Garry also played 26 times in European competition and even has a season of playing in
Greece to add to his significant and experienced playing career.
“Garry has had an equally impressive managerial and coaching career. He was manager at Hayes & Yeading United for a number of years and won promotion to the National League with them in 2009.
“He was First Team Coach at Exeter City for four seasons as well as manager at Farnborough, Walton & Hersham and has been involved in numerous high-profile academies and enjoys close ties to many local clubs that play at a higher level.”
I read an article entitled ‘Why we should love our referees’, written by Craig Fowler who was writing about Scottish referees.
He wrote, ‘If only our national team was as terrible as our referees, we’d be a much more successful football country’.
He was referring to the fact that Scottish referees are regularly appointed to international games by UEFA or FIFA but the Scottish football team, seldom plays in them.
What attracted me, however, was the sub- headline ‘The football rule book is extremely vague when it comes to fouls’.
He wrote, ‘the Laws of the Game tell a referee it’s a foul if a player ’trips, kicks, jumps at, charges. strikes, pushes, or tackles an opponent in a manner which is careless, reckless or uses excessive force’.
You can scarcely get more ambiguous.
A group of referees could look at the same incident and have a 50/50 split on whether it constitutes a foul.
I’ve been to many referees’ meetings where a video of an incident is shown and there is seldom a unanimous decision among the referees present.
I’ve often said in this column that many decisions are subjective and perhaps Craig Fowler has found the real reason.
There are a lot of the Laws which are not spelt out, so it has to come down to the training referees receive.
Let’s take one point Craig makes ‘There isn’t any mention in the Laws of the Game about “playing the ball”, which is one of the most common phrases at all levels of football’.
As an FA referee tutor, I would physically illustrate this by acting as a player coming in from the side of an opponent who has the ball.
If I played the ball and then the opponent fell over my leg, that would be perfectly fair.
If however, I made contact with the opponents legs before playing the ball, it was a foul.
Also, showing that playing the ball fairly when coming from behind is possible but normally would involve in hitting the opponents legs first.
So was the opponent falling over an outstretched leg after the ball had been played, or was he brought down?
That’s my interpretation of the Law but I’ve never seen it written anywhere, so other tutors may have their own interpretation.
Similarly, I always taught a charge as being a shoulder charge, and to be fair it must be shoulder to shoulder and not into the back or chest and if one player lifts his arm it becomes pushing.
Am I right?
It is easy to see why the Laws are so subjective.
The keeper’s only concern in the first half was whether or not to keep his cap on. Remained untroubled in the second half.
A fantastic performanc. Was hardly challenged defensively. Adopted dangerous positions in advanced positions time and again.
Tom McIntyrePowered home Reading’s first, converting an Ince corner. Worked well with Holmes. Got forward on occasion.
Tom Holmes Joe Lumley Andy Yiadom By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.todayREADING FC got back on track at home with a comfortable victory over struggling Huddersfield Town.
A mature performance from the vice-captain. Was prepared to put a foot in and largely dominated the battle with the Terriers’ forwards.
Looks ever more comfortable in the right centre-back position. Protected the ball under the pressure well.
Nesta Guinness-Walker Sam HutchinsonShielded the defence effectively and started some attacks. Dropped back into the back line when Yiadom went off.
Jeff HendrickThe midfielder’s best performance since joining. Got forward well, forcing an own-goal off Nicholls for Reading’s second.
Tom InceAnother quality set-piece delivery. Could have got on the scoresheet but saw his first half freekick just graze the side-netting.
Junior HoilettAnother reputable performance at right wing-back. Worked well with Ince to create openings down the right.
Lucas JoaoNot at his brilliant best. Will need some time to develop his understanding with Carroll. Wasn’t always able to get the ball to stick.
Andy CarrollA constant threat in the air. Was always waiting at the back post on offensive set pieces to nod down for a teammate.
After a dominant first-half display they had a two-goal lead to show after Tom McIntyre’s opener was added to by a Lee Nicholls own goal.
Yakou Meite marked his substitute appearance with his first goal of the season to wrap up the points with 10 minutes to go.
Huddersfield clawed back a goal in stoppage time but there was no time to mount an unlikely comeback.
Tyrese Fornah 6 Continued in the same vein as he left off before the break.
Yakou Meite 7 The Ivorian will be pleased to get back on the scoresheet.
The Royals’ outstanding start to the campaign sees them in third position on 21 points from 11 games.
Paul Ince lined up with Nesta Guiness-Walker taking the place of the injured Baba Rahman. Meanwhile, Andy Carroll was selected to start to make his first start for the club since returning last month.
There was a boost on the bench with the inclusions of Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Meite to add much needed depth.
Reading had plenty of possession in the opening 25 minutes of the game with Huddersfield understandably lacking in confidence after their terrible start to the season.
Nesta Guiness-Walker tried to pick out Carroll or Joao in the middle, but goalkeeper Lee Nicholls was able to claim the cross, while Yuta Nakayama blasted a shot at goal that was held comfortably by Joe Lumley.
READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Hutchinson, McIntyre, Holmes, Guinness-Walker, Hendrick, Hoilett, Ince, Joao, Carroll
SUBS: Bouzanis, Abbey, Mbengue, Loum, Fornah, Ejaria, Meite
HUDDERSFIELD: Nichols, Turton, Russell, Thomas, Rhodes, Kasumu, Holmes, Rudoni, Lees (c), Nakayama, Helik
SUBS: Bilokapic, Mbete, Hogg, Mahoney, Camara, Ward, Jackson
GOALS: McIntyre 29’, Nicholls og 36’, Meite 81’, Lees 90+3’
Junior Hoilett showed quick feet to beat two players and traded passes with Ince who threaded an excellent ball into the box which led to the corner.
With plenty of aerial threat to aim for in the box, it was McIntyre who jumped highest and nodded the ball into the far right corner
with the ball squirming over the line after a Huddersfield defender failed to clear on the line.
Ince threatened again when he charged down the right and clipped an inviting ball into the box that evaded his teammates in the middle.
But it didn’t take long for Reading to double their advantage, adding to the score just seven minutes after the opener.
Jeff Hendrick was played in down the left and fizzed a ball into
READING FC manager Paul Ince after the Royals defeated Huddersfield Town at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Tom McIntyre headed Reading in front before an own goal and a Yakou Meite goal from the bench consolidated the points, despite a consolation strike from the visitors in stoppage time.
Ince was delighted with his team’s performance in the first-half.
“The first 45 minutes, yes. The second 45 we came off it a bit which you can understand,” said Ince.
“You subconsciously start to defend deep and allow them to take control of the game, that’s something we can’t do on Tuesday.
“The first 45 minutes, we were
excellent. People look at us as a counter attacking team and there have been games where we’ve let teams take the initiative and that has ended in us having a slow start.
“But at home we have to start getting on the front foot and to be fair to the players they were excellent at that today.
“We looked a very good side and defensively we were stable. I said at half-time we had to keep doing the basic rights, concentrate and we went completely the other way.
“We got sloppy with our passing but luckily got a third goal. But I’m thoroughly happy with the performance.”
Ince gave an injury update after Andy Yiadom was forced off, while Baba Rahman missed out after
picking up an injury in training.
However, he praised the impact of Nesta Guiness-Walker who had a superb game at left-back.
He continued: “I don’t know. It’s been a bad couple of days for us. We lost Baba on Thursday and hes; out for a month.
“Yids (Andy Yiadom) is with the doctor now. We can’t afford to lose him, that’ll be another massive blow to us. We’ll find out the diagnosis tomorrow but it’s not looking good.
“The kid (Nesta Guiness-Walker)
is only young, we got him from Wimbledon. We threw him straight into it.
“He’s still developing and learning. He was excellent today and has been out of the side since Baba came in.
“He doesn’t moan, always wants to do extra, is always asking questions and I love it. To perform the way he did was heroic.
“That’s why I’m so proud of the players because it’s needs must.
Some of his skills and crossing, it was a delight and he’s got an opportunity with Baba being out.”
the box that was diverted into the Terriers net after the ball ricocheted off a defender and hit goalkeeper Nichols before finding the net.
Ince had another couple of sighters at goal. First when his freekick whistled past the near post and into the side netting and next when Guiness-Walker’s quick footwork saw him glide past two players before teeing up Ince, who spooned the ball over the top.
But the Royals could be satisfied at the break having rarely been threatened and with a two-goal lead to protect going into the second 45 minutes.
Huddersfield made a switch going into the second-half which saw Duane Holmes replaced by Ward.
David Kasumu picked up an early booking for the visitors and another well worked set piece routine almost paid off for the hosts when Carroll headed the ball back across for Tom Holmes who almost found Lucas Joao to pounce from close range.
With 25 minutes left to play, Andy Yiadom was forced off with an injury and replaced by Tyrese Fornah.
Carroll was next to be subbed off after making a positive impact on
his first start back at the club and was replaced by Yakou Meite for the final 20 minutes.
Meite made his mark off the bench and added a third goal when he capitalised on some lapse defending and was able to stroke the ball into the empty net from a couple of yards out.
Huddersfield snatched a goal in stoppage time to deny Reading a clean sheet when Tom Lees headed past Lumley.
Next up is a top of the table clash against Norwich City, who are two points above Reading in second place, on Tuesday night, after we had gone to press.
READING FC WOMEN were dealt defeat in their first home game of the new season against Tottenham Hotspur in the Conti Cup.
Finding themselves 2-0 down after the first-half, the Royals showed fight in the second 45.
Natasha Dowie netted from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but there was not enough time left for a comeback as Reading opening their cup campaign with a loss.
The visitors made a quick start and opened the scoring six minutes into the match.
Reading were caught napping at
the back when a quickly taken freekick wasn’t dealt with and Ashleigh Neville burst into the box before curling the ball beyond Jacqueline Burns into the far corner.
The hosts responded positively in search of getting level and came close when Rachel Rowe slid the ball through to Lauren Wade whose shot was impressively saved down low by Becky Spencer after she got fingertips to the low drive.
Spurs doubled their lead with half an hour gone when Nikola Karczewska was first to meet the loose ball following an initial save
from Burns that fell invitingly for the forward to pounce from close range.
Eikeland came inches away from getting Reading back into the cup contest when she struck the crossbar. After a poor pass from Spurs keeper Spencer that went straight to the Norwegian, she took aim at goal only to be denied by the upright.
Emma Harries made her return from injury and made a strong impact on her first appearance back in the team, taking the place of Wade with 35 minutes left to play.
There was a big delay in play after an unfortunate injury for Spurs player Kyah Simon who had to be stretched off.
More positive work from Harries in the final third saw her drift past a couple of defenders before she was hacked down and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Dowie stepped up from 12 yards out and dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner as she sent the keeper the wrong way.
But there was no time for Reading to mount a comeback as just moments later the final whistle was blown.
FREE agent Michael Hector is training with Reading FC ahead of a potential return to the club.
The defender is available on a free transfer after leaving Fulham in the summer.
Hector rose up through the youth ranks with the Royals after joining in 2009 and made his Championship debut in 2014.
When asked about the player, Reading manager Paul Ince said: “We had Michael (Hector) come in last week. He played in the friendly with Brentford and did a bit of training.
“We’ll see where we go with that. Mark Bowen will sepak with Hector’s dad who is his agent and we’ll see what happens.
“But I think that’s it now and we will go with what we’ve got.”
Having had numerous loan spells during his time with Reading including: Bracknell Town, Didcot Town, Havant & Waterlooville, Oxford City, Dundalk, Barnet, Shrewsbury Town, Aldershot Town and Cheltenham Town, he eventually broke into the Reading team.
Hector impressed with his displays in the 2014/15 season where he became a mainstay in the first-team and played 41 times in the Championship, scoring three times.
His eye-catching performances earned him a move to Premier League Chelsea on transfer deadline day in 2015 and returned to the Royals on a season-long loan deal.
Despite his big move to West London, Hector didn’t make a single senior appearance for Chelsea during four years and was shipped out on loan deals at Eintracht Frankfurt, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Hector found a permanent home in 2019 when he moved to Fulham.
He helped Fulham win promotion to the Premier League in 2020 after they defeated Brentford in the play-off final.
The 30-year-old has also won 35 international caps for Jamaica.
The Royals are under a transfer embargo which has limited them to signing loan players and free agents for the second consecutive season.
South Central Men’s Premier 1
READING 2s lost out away at Bournemouth in a 2-0 defeat.
Reading have one point after their opening two matches.
South Central Men’s North Division 1
SONNING 1s earned their first win of the season in style against PHOENIX READING 1s
Sonning smashed six past their opponents to take a 6-1 victory at home to put them on four points from two games.
South Central Men’s North Division 2
SONNING 2s picked up an away point with a 2-2 draw at Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead.
Sonning have taken four points from their first two games in the league.
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s amassed a point on their travels to Newbury & Thatcham 2s.
South Central Women’s North Division 1
SOUTH BERKSHIRE added three points to their total with
an impressive display against Newbury & Thatcham.
Anabella Pio sealed a hat-trick, while Kelly Hancock and Sarah Kelly added to the score to pick up a 5-1 success.
South Central Women’s North Division 2
SONNING 2s suffered a heavy defeat at home to Thame 1s.
Sonning conceded seven goals without reply which condemned
them to their second consecutive loss.
South Central Men’s North Division 4
SONNING 3s were dealt a 4-2 defeat at home to Buckingham 1s. Sonning have one win and one loss from their opening games.
South Central Women’s Thames 1
HARI Gehlot and Martin Adams both held off the challenge of SONNING SPORTS’ David Croucher to get maximums as KINGFISHER A beat them 9-1. Hari beating David narrowly in three games 13-11 12-10 1412. David gained a consolation win against Dmitry Karkhamov 11-5 11-5 12-14 12-14 11-8.
TILEHURST RBL A managed a fine 6-4 win at KINGFISHER D thanks to doubles from Keith Winter and new recruit Marc Brent and a single from reserve Kate Maksimenko who beat Cath Venning 11-7 11-6 6-11 11-7. Graham Mendick got a maximum for Kingfisher. Unbeaten OUR LADY OF PEACE A had to battle hard for their 6-4 win over KINGFISHER B, Ian Cole, Justin Mead and Mo Cook all winning twice with Justin just beating Phil Mead 5-11 11-3 7-11 11-6 11-9.
For Kingfisher, Martin Pugh had a good 11-8 11-6 4-11 9-11
11-9 win against Mo Cook on his way to a double.
Prayrit Ahiuwalia got a maximum as KINGFISHER C edged TIDMARSH A 6-4, Duncan Groves winning a marathon encounter for Tidmarsh after he beat Daniel McTiernan 11-4 7-11 9-11 12-10 16-14.
With new signing Sachin Mundra in the team OUR LADY OF PEACE C recorded a good 8-2 win at KINGFISHER E
Binit Bhasker got an impressive maximum and Sachin Mundra and reserve Parvin Baishkiyar both won twice.
The sets of the night were Parvin’s 11-8 win in five against Clive Gold and OLOP coming back from two down to win the doubles in five.
TIDMARSH B also played at Kingfisher and came out on top against their F team 7-3 with Barry Carter getting a three straight maximum and Dale Ballard also recording a maximum.
Although he was pushed close by Kingfisher’s Ajai Kamath before winning 11-3 in the fifth.
Another of Ajai’s sets also went to five and this time he just came out on top defeating Francois Durand 13-11 in the decider.
TILEHURST RBL B lost for the first time, although it was close with KINGFISHER G just edging the match 6-4.
Andrew Adair was the star player for Kingfisher with a very good maximum including an impressive win in four against Kate Maksimenko and beating Peter Bradley 12-10 in the fifth.
TILEHURST METHS A hosted SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D and the Commoners just edged a win 6-4 despite a good maximum from Tilehurst skipper Eric Van Looy.
The closest set of the night was a battle of the Jones’s with Tilehurst’s Phil beating SC&P’s Angus 12-10 in the fifth.
FOOTBALL Championship Reading 3-1 Huddersfield
FA Cup third qualifying round Beckenham Town 5-3 Binfield
Combined Counties Premier Division North
Broadfields United 1-4 Reading City
North Greenford United 5-0 Sumas
Combined Counties Division One
Bedfont 4-2 Eversley & California Berks County 4-3 Sandhurst Town Woodley United 3-3 Rising Ballers Kensington
Thames Valley Premier League
SB Phoenix 5-3 Wargrave Slough Heating Laurencians 1-1 Finchampstead
FA Trophy third qualifying round Hendon v Binfield
Combined Counties Premier North
Reading City v Egham Town Sumas v Ascot United
Combined Counties Division One
Eversley & California v AFC Aldermaston Molesey v Berks County Penn & Tylers Green v Sandhurst Westside v Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League
Marlow United v Reading YMCA Reading City U23’s v Finchampstead Windlesham United v Wargrave
Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftrees Trophy AFC Reading v Burghfield
HOCKEY
SONNING 3s smacked five past Staines 2s without reply on their away trip.
The win puts Sonning on to four points in their positive start to the season.
South Central Men’s Premier 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE lost out 2-0 on their away visit to Oxford Hawks 2s.
THE Woodley Pensioners over 60s team kicked off for their new campaign in the Thames Valley Walking Football League last Sunday.
Following a very successful previous season, in which the Pensioners team only lost one game, they achieved promotion to Division One.
Playing at Bisham Abbey on the anniversary of the Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066) the team needed to step up to this greater challenge and find ways to penetrate the opposition defences.
They fought hard to establish themselves and, in spite of scoring four goals in their five matches, their own defence was breached eight times resulting in a win, a draw, and three defeats.
Only time and further matches will reveal whether this is a bridge too far, but the strong team spirit persists, and they will certainly continue to strive to avoid being walked over.
For the first time the club entered a B team who started their campaign in the second division on the same day.
Results did not go their way either with just a couple of draws to soften the blow of three defeats.
As with the A team, the players will battle on and hope to step up to the mark to improve on this undeniably pedestrian start in their future engagements.
RUGBY UNION National Division One Rams 40-15 Darlington
South West Regional 2 Tottonians 69-7 Reading
HOCKEY Women’s National Premier Division Reading 1-2 Clifton Robinsons
South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning 6-1 Phoenix Reading
FOOTBALL
FA WSL Cup Reading 1-2 Tottenham
FA Women’s Cup Milton United 1-3 Ascot United Caversham United 1-3 Eversley & California Tilehurst Panthers v Long Crendon
Thames Valley Women’s Division One New Bradwell 2-2 Wargrave Procision Oxford v Ascot United Reserves
Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Goring United 6-4 S4K Berks county
HOCKEY Men’s National Premier Division Beeston v Reading
Tuesday, October 4 Championship Reading v Norwich (report online at rdg.today)
FOOTBALL Championship QPR v Reading
Women’s National Premier Division Beeston v Reading
South Central Men’s North Division 1 Sonning v Aylesbury
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Amersham & Chalfont v Sonning
South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Fareham 2s
South Central Women’s North Division 1 Reading 3s v South Berkshire
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Eastleigh v Ascot United
Southern Region Women’s Division One North Eversley & California v Carterton
Long Crendon v Caversham United Woodley United v Milton United
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Ascot United Reserves v Haddenham
Harwell and Hendred v Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave v Banbury United
Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Barton United v S4K Berks County
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves v Shinfield Rangers Larkspur Rovers v Burghfield Wargrave Development v Yateley
HOCKEY
Men’s National Premier Division University of Nottingham v Reading