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PACKED WITH NEWS, BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY WHAT’S ON PAPERS AND SPORT IN ONE I N C E ’S I R E: WE WISH ALL OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS A VERY HAPPY EASTER ‘REF COST US THE Standing up to snowG M flaA ke s E’ S
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SPORT NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US TODAY 13.04.22
Your guide to what’s on
across Reading and Wok ingham
READING 13.04.22
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TEWART Lee started out as a stand-up in 1988 at the age of 20 and won the Hackney Empire New of The Year award in 1990, Act 32 years ago.
me, as I can chatter away to strangers without being recognised, ” he says. “The current tour has a long bit based on a conversation I had with a woman about baked potatoes that I couldn’t have had if she’d known He made four series of his who I was.” own Despite his supposed avoidanc show, Stewart Lee’s Comedy e of Vehicle, publicity, Lee has been all for BBC Two and has been over social rewarded media this year. A comicall with Baftas, Oliviers, and y obsessive British critical list of everything Comedy Awards. he has seen, eaten, heard or read in the previous As his delayed Snowflake Tornado year, that he sends privately tour rolls into Reading’s to his Hexagon mailing list each Christm Theatre next week, just what as, somehow it feels leaked out causing unintend like to be The Times newspap ed er’s annoyance. World’s Greatest Living Stand-Up It was condemned by the Comedian? golf comedian John Robins as “It’s funny you should ask, “something ” Lee that Joseph McCarthy or cackles hysterically down The Stasi the line from would recognise.” “I don’t his North London home, really know contradi what happened there,” Lee his public persona as a grumpy cting cackles again, “maybe The Stasi gave contrarian, “because the Jimmy Tornado Carr’s Netflix special a one-star half of the show is partly review about the as well!” disconnect between that kind of The Snowflake section of critical acclaim, and not being Lee’s exactly a current show includes referenc household name.” es to Jimmy Carr’s ongoing Lee’s modesty doesn’t ring use of true. material about the Traveller and Roma Your gran may not have seen him trip communities, that recently the light fantastic on Strictly saw calls but his for the 8 Out Of 10 Cats tours play to audiences of star to be a quarter of prosecuted for inciteme a million. nt to racial hatred, something Lee sees “Yes, but the internet is full as “a step of angry too far, especially when he’s people saying ‘Who is he? being I’ve never condemned by members heard of him!’ To be honest, of the current that suits government”.
By DANIEL BLACKHAM
RAMS EPIC
AWAY WIN
SUMAS ON THE PITCH
UNDER 23S REACH FINAL
diabolical decision by the Is the material still topical sport@wokingham.today referee – after a were 1-0 up and could have switching in some new stuff absolutely pathetic,” said two-year layoff during the made Ince actually “We did the same on Tuesday the game a lot easier for pandemic? or from Ice Road Truckers “Lucas (Joao) tightened the second half,READING FC interim boss us. has clearly or somethi “Well, believe it or not, the against Stoke and that is ng been Paul Ince which “We aren’t just talking about dragged down and it looks where you stuff and I wasn’t saying a ‘diabolica –refereein largely about attempts bybelieves is like their need your leaders to get he should be making fun of Jimmy Carr chances, we are talking g you up the player the rightnce cost l’banned, is offside for the second about performa for doing park. just thatphase his side at the to weaponise a ‘culture war’ the YouTube golden chances. jokes about ‘gypsies’ has of the firstand Select against goal. Car Leasing Stadium. been in my “For Spotify the second goal we got pulled and “We Faceboo need to be more ruthless.” liberals and minorities.” “All k should you ask be show since 2019, as it’s the is that The Royals went ahead factreferee’s do out of our structure.” through sort of thing Two second-half goals for checked their so jobs they properly.” can’t Presuma a Lucas use unverifiable bly more people willJoao header, only to be he always does, so it’s just The Royals now look forward ended the Royals unbeaten Cardiff an indication Ince believes his side sensationalism to drive run and have to see Lee live if theypegged back on the hour to an away trip to Bramall have Ince was disappoin their numbersshould of how he tends to hit the by Alfie . want tobefore put the game Lane ted his players Doughty same shock beyond Cardiff “And I stand by to face Sheffield United Will Vaulks in the experience his unique humour, that, secured didn’t manage the game buttons every time. The on Good first half.especially when more the points as for the visitors weird thing Friday, April 15, before returning you with havefive efficiently. Boris Johnson has controversially pulledminutes tohe “We should spreadin is that, because of the two-yea havegbeen 3-0 up at go. his material the Select Car Leasing Stadium to He said: “Second half for r internet conspirahalf-time, on off Spotify in solidarity with“The whole thing hinged ” saidabout cy theories some Ince. downtime, lots of the material Monday, April 18 to play the on reason a we decided Swansea “Two great chances when that was Jimmy Savile in parliame to drop deep and Canadian rock star Neil City we nt. a bit ahead of the curve came I’m not sure why. Young, who into focus opposed the “As usual, the press release about n Match report inside and goes down even better comedian Joe Rogan’s now. For little me pulling my comedy factually inaccurate podcasts example, everyone’s thought off this about a lot more massive Our Woo platform covid dley was vaccination. full of jokes showroom is open 7 days about the supposedly ‘woke’ ideas I which got cut out by people a week “Yes, that all went a bit wrong, endorse, what with Black that Lives Matter coveredATORIES the story and made me look laughs Lee madly again, “IWINDOWS” DOORS CONSERV and those leaked police e-mails do think www.trademarkwindows.co much more of misery than about it’s bad that internet platform hating women. And Boris I am.” .uk s aren’t Johnson’s Does such misrepresentatio subject to the same kind dishonesty and hypocris n bother of facty, which I Lee? “Not really,” he giggles, checking that even I am when discuss on stage, is undenia again, I do jokes ble now. “people are paying to see on traditional media like a miserable “The first half of the night, TV and radio, Tornado, and frustrate d middle-aged man or in newspapers. But I also is a long shaggy dog story thought about how wind himself up into a frenzy it would be funny if the two I saw loads of rotisserie chickens about people everything, so it probably being removing their stuff were helps. delivered to the America unknown n comedian “Although the funny thing me and superstar Neil Young. Dave Chapelle’s dressing with this And room in tour is that my obvious delight of course, it’s an easy stand London in 2018, and more at being to take, people back on the boards can’t because you only get 0.003 help but infect know who he is now because cents a play the audience. I’m just an he got in on Spotify, so I only need old-fashioned trouble with transgender to sell one people last entertainer at heart. DVD to make up a year’s year. Some material had Spotify dosh. to be ditched “Like Vera Lynn. Or that Emu.” “Then loads of musicians after lockdown though. pulled their n Stewart Lee tours Snowflake/ stuff too and people said “I had 20 minutes in 2019 I was trying about Tornado at The Hexagon to get this Rogan bloke no-platf in Reading what I imagined the new ormed, James on Friday, April 22. The show and he was a fellow comedia Bond film would be like has sold n. but it’s out out, but some returns may “First of all, I didn’t know now. That said, dropping be available. he was a that bit and For more details, log on to comedian - I thought he www. was a wrestler whatsonreading.com
READING’S under-23s have reached the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup. Noel Hunt’s young Royals produced a dominant performa to secure a 4-0 victory against nce MK Dons at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 11. A stunning first half strike Mamadi Camará was followedfrom after the break with goals from Kian Leavy, Rashawn Scott and Jahmari Clarke. The home side started brightly and were ahead after five minutes when a corner fell to the edge the box and Camará hammere of d his strike into the top corner. Reading almost rued a number of missed chances when the visitors produced their first shot on target from a curling free Thankfully Jökull Andrésso kick. n was on to palm it away. After the break the Royals were clinical and eight minutes into the second half they doubled their advantage through Leavy. Five minutes later Scott intercepted a loose pass from the visitors and then curled a strike into the top corner. Just after the hour mark, substitute Clarke produced a confident finish to make it 4-0. The Royals now look to secure their first Berks and Bucks Senior Cup victory since 1995. In the final where they will face Combined Counties League Premier Division North side, Ascot United. The contest will take place Slough Town’s Arbour Park at on Saturday, May 7. Unfortunately this is the same day as the first team’s game against Luton Town at Kenilwort h Road, the final fixture of the 2021/22 season.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
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THE former mayor of Reading says that Labour has made him very welcome.
Cllr David Stevens crossed the floor earlier this year, switching from Conservatives. At the time, he had not been selected by either party to stand in May’s local elections. But he has been selected by Labour to stand in Kentwood, and he couldn’t be happier. On his switch, he said: “It was a very rigorous, robust and very courteous process. I was impressed with the way the party went about its business ... it’s fair to say I was quite literally late to the party. “A lot of seats were already sewn up.” But a seat came up in Kentwood and he went along and presented his case to the party. His motivation in standing is because he wants to carry on serving Reading residents, “and go on doing useful things”. “It’s more about service that particular party ideology,” he said. And his new political party has changed, he said, since the Corbyn days. “It was all dragged hard left, now it’s much more back on its centre left roots,” he said. Cllr Stevens says he is enjoying getting to know the ward. “I’ve been getting out in the streets, talking to lots of people, doing all the normal stuff,” he explains. “It’s going well. “I think the mood of the country is helping us – people are, quite understandably, very distressed with these extra costs of massive fuel bills, the National Insurance rise... all these things are having an impact.” He could have chosen to retire from politics, not least as he had been feeling disillusioned with the Conservatives when he crossed the floor. “At the moment, I’ve got a bit of a spring in my step,” he said. “I feel that this (seat) is winnable, and hopefully I’ll be able to carry on serving Reading.” n Continued on page 10
CONVERSION P11 THERAPY PROTEST
TOWN TOPS BEST PLACE TO LIVE SURVEY
Sunday Times puts Reading in South East top 10 for the first time
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today READING is one of the best place to live in the South East according to new research by The Sunday Times – criteria included the relative affordability of its house prices.
The survey, launched in last weekend’s edition of the newspaper, says that the town is one of 10 chosen for the list. Aside from the category winner,
Sevenoaks, the remaining nine are not listed in any order. A judging panel assessed criteria including schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street. Also under consideration were improvements being made, attractive, well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit – which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.
n Continued on page 6
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THE READING Ukrainian Community Centre opened its doors to those looking for immigration support and information earlier this month, writes Jake Clothier. Home Office outreach teams were available to share information about how British nationals and Ukrainians in the UK could help those fleeing conflict in Ukraine. The representatives were on hand to discuss visa applications, and provide advice and support for those who are looking to find homes for refugees. The centre was also visited by the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell, who spoke to members of the centre’s committee. They discussed the RUCC’s upcoming plans and projects for supporting Ukrainian refugees coming to Reading in the coming weeks. Though the RUCC itself is not ableto provide housing or shelter, Tony Gresko, the centre’s chair, said
HELP: The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre in Sidmouth Street is acting as a resource for people needing support with visa applications that it would still be a resource. “We can’t take in any people, unfortunately, but we plan to open the centre to them to give information and somewhere to gather,” he said. “It’s still very early days, but once more refugees have arrived, we hope that they can use the centre as a
meeting place, and an information board so that they can find work and make connections.” “We would like to be able to provide schooling for Ukrainian children, but we’re still underfunded at the moment.” However plans are still in the early stages.
Repairs to Kennetside towpath wall resumes Work being completed on one of the previous phases of Kennetside wall strengthening
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today WORK to strengthen the Kennetside retaining wall has commenced.
The engineering project will combat deterioration of the canal wall and protect the pedestrian and cycle routes that run along the Kennet and Avon Canal into Reading. A diversion for pedestrians and cyclists will be in place during the work, with the section of foot/cycleway between Patriot Place and the east side of the Watlington Street bridge, closed to enable work to be carried out safely. Sam Shean, Reading Borough Council’s highways and traffic services manager, said: “These strengthening
works are vital to extend the life of the retaining wall which is well over 100 years old. “This is a key piece of work to support active travel throughout the borough and will enable residents, pedestrians and cyclists to continue to use this popular route. “We apologise to residents and path users for the inconvenience whilst this essential work takes place.”
The £575,000 investment includes the excavation of parts of the footway and construction of a concrete anchor wall to the back of the existing retaining wall. The council says the wall has significantly deteriorated in parts, leaving some underground sections vulnerable to ingress of water from the river. The deterioration shows up with the formation
of small scour holes on the canal side pathway, cracking and minor subsidence. In recent years, reactive maintenance works have involved filling the holes with concrete and reinstating the foot/cycleway surfacing. The council’s longterm programme of strengthening works, prioritising stretches in the worst condition first, began in 2011 and has so far seen 250 metres of wall strengthened. The fifth phase of the project started on Monday, April 11, and is scheduled to finish on Tuesday, August 2. Further sections of the retaining wall are due to be strengthened at a later date.
GBH outside bar THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an incident of grievous bodily harm in Reading. The incident occurred at around 1am on Sunday, April 3, outside Wildlime Bar & Kitchen in Friar Street. The victim, a 25-year-old man, had been ejected from the premises, but was then pushed by another man, leading him to fall backwards onto the road and injure his head. The victim was taken to hospital with a serious head injury, where he remains at this time. A man from Bracknell has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and has been released on police bail. Investigating officer Detective Constable Grace Dooey, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of the Wildlime Bar in Friar Street at or around the time of the incident to please contact Thames Valley Police if you witnessed anything. “I would be particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have been waiting in the queue at Wildlime to get in touch if you have any information that can help this investigation. “I would also ask if anybody has captured the incident on mobile phone or dash-cam, to please call us. “You can report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220143077. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Secret Garden opens A SECRET garden will be not-so secret from Good Friday. The Market House in Reading’s town centre is opening the doors to its new area, and holding a party to celebrate. Doors will open from noon and a DJ will play from 6pm. There is a guestlist and more information will be published on its Instagram page, @themarkethousereading
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Carters steams back to the Ding .. and its fireworks will be silent
Two-year-old Jiraiya enjoys a ride
FROM THE AIR: Carters Steam Fair at Prospect Park Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today THE famous funfair is back in Prospect Park just in time for the Easter Holidays … fresh from its TV appearances, and with some new features for 2022, including silent fireworks.
Carters Steam Fair opened on Saturday, and will be in The Ding until Sunday, April 24. This is the first full touring year for Carters since the covid pandemic, with 15 stops planned. Reading is the first and last on the list – the team will be back in October. As ever, the Steam Fair is full of vintage rides suitable for all, from toddlers upwards. Each attraction dates from the 1890s to the 1960s, and include dodgems, and the famous British Galloper Horses. A traditional part of a visit to the fair are the free firework displays held on the Saturday nights. This year, Carters is working with Illusion Fireworks to put on two low noise displays and a ‘silent’ firework display on Saturday, April 16, at 9pm. They hope this will be enjoyed by anyone with sensory issues that may usually avoid the noise of an outdoor firework display. The fairground art continues to be a social media sensation in its own right: fans around the world watch fairground owner Joby Carter paint the iconic lettering styles by hand on Tik Tok and Instagram. Over the winter months, Joby and his team have been busy faithfully recreating the artwork of acclaimed fairground artist Fred Fowle on the Lightning Skid ride so it is ready for a new audience to appreciate. New this year is its token system. All rides and sidestall games require these new tokens, made The rides have been fresly painted for the new year
from recycled plastic. Anyone who has tokens leftover from previous visits can exchange them for their equivalent value at the main token booth. Rides cost £3 per person, but a value ticket, booked online, offers 12 rides for the price of 10. Joby Carter is pleased to be back in Reading. “It’s great to be kickstarting our first full tour since the pandemic and I’m excited to set up the fair at Reading,” he said. “We’ve been busy over the winter restoring artwork on the rides and repainting our vintage vehicles. “I encourage anyone visiting to take a close look at the lettering and artwork at the fair – it has all been done by hand using traditional signwriting skills and techniques – no computers or fancy software programmes. “Stand next to our brightly coloured trucks with huge lettering over 1 meter high and see if you can figure out how we manage to paint it all by hand. “Over the years we’ve been touring the fair I estimate that we’ve spent over £250,000 on gold leaf alone. “We love it when we see our visitors appreciating the effort we take to keep the fair looking so good – please take photos and tag us on social media.” n For more details, log on to www.carterssteamfair. co.uk
Favourite rides are back
Warwick enjoys his time on one of the rides
NEWS | 3
Dog walker attacked by gang riding moped A DOG walker was attacked as he tried to tackle a gang riding a moped through a Reading park. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, including the man pictured – they say he could have vital information relating to the assault. The incident took place around 7.10pm on Saturday, April 9, in King’s Meadow park. The victim was a 54-year-old man. He saw a gang of youths driving a moped along the footpath, close to his dog. When he challenged them, they became aggressive and one of them used a screwdriver to attack the man, who was left with a small wound to his thigh. The group fled the scene. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Alex Willis, based at Reading police station, said: “This was a violent assault, and I would like to speak to the person shown in this image, as I believe he could have vital information about the incident. “If you are him, or you know who he is, please get in touch with us. If you saw the incident occur, or have any other information which you think could be useful to us, then please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220153597.” Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or make a report online.
Thieves break in and steal boxes Louise and Iris have fun on the rides
The dodgems are always a hit at Carters Steam Fair
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Reading. At around 7pm on Saturday, April 2, three men broke into a commercial property on Boulton Road in south Reading. Several boxes were taken in the incident. One man is described as wearing a baseball cap with a red Air Jordan logo on and light coloured gloves. A second man is described as being of stocky build. The third man was wearing glasses. A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who may have been in the area and witnessed this burglary or who has CCTV camera footage which could assist with our investigation to please get in touch. “You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220143180.”
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Virtual ward at RBH treats 1,000 patients By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A PIONEERING virtual ward set up at the Royal Berkshire Hospital has managed more than 1,000 patients since its launch.
Now taking registrations
Used by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundations Trust’s Covid Medicine Delivery Unit (CMDU), the new arrangement was set up at the start of this year and is the first of its kind. It consists of medical technology based in the patient’s home which is remotely monitored by clinicians and means patients don’t need to come to hospital while their condition is safely managed. Treating patients remotely a also frees up beds and resources for the trust. Dr Joseph Nunan, acute medicine ultrasound fellow, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement that is built on the back of a huge amount of hard work and innovation from everyone in the team. “CMDU has far exceeded our expectations, and it’s fantastic that we’re able to treat a greater number of patients more safely.” The CMDU treats high-risk covid patients – those who were advised to shield during the
INVESTIGATION: Forensic police on duty on Reading’s Oxford Road Picture: Steve Smyth pandemic – with the minimum risk and exposure possible. The system was designed to reduce the pressure on the hospital during the initial surge of Covid-19 but, following its success, the trust is now looking at ways it can be used elsewhere. Currently, the trust treats a number of conditions on the virtual ward, including chest infections, pulmonary blood clots, gastric issues and kidney infections, Treating patients suffering from alcohol withdrawal on the virtual ward has meant the average stay has gone from five days in hospital to receiving their treatment entirely from home.
Steve McManus, chief executive officer at the trust, said: “I’m so proud of the work that the CMDU and Virtual Acute Care Unit (VACU) are doing. “It’s so important for us to be at the forefront of patient care, and the trust is employing new techniques that will change the way patients are treated.” The trust believes the full potential of this style of treatment is yet to be realised and the VACU is exploring the possibility of treating heart failure patients remotely. This would use new technology to administer infusions that would ordinarily only be possible in person at the hospital.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a ‘large-scale disorder’ in west Reading in the early hours of Sunday morning. A 38-year-old man was seriously injured during the incident, and is currently in hospital receiving treatment. The force said that the incident involved a group of white men and women in their 20s and 30s, close to the bus stop outside The White Eagle pub on the Oxford Road, between 12.45am and 1.15am on Sunday, April 10. Police sealed off the area and specialist forensic officers have
been seen throughout the day gathering evidence. Investigating officer Detective Inspector James Humphries said: “This was a significant disorder, which has left a man seriously injured and in need of hospital treatment. “We are still trying to establish the exact circumstances of what took place, and as such, information from the public is vital at this stage. “We believe that a large number of people would have witnessed this take place, and I would like to hear from anyone
who has any information about the incident at all. Specifically many vehicles were using Oxford Road at that time and any dashcam footage would be beneficial. “If you saw the offence take place, or have any other information which you think could be relevant to our investigation, then please get in touch.” If you can help, please call 101, quoting reference number 43220153964. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,
Trust scored well by NHS staff
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‘Large-scale disorder’ on Oxford Road leaves man with serious injuries
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STAFF at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust rate their workplace as a safe and healthy organisation. Findings from the 2021 NHS Staff Survey show the trust performed better than the national average in a number of categories. Of those surveyed, 67% would recommend the trust as a place to work, higher than the national average of 58%. The results also show 80% of staff are happy with the standard of care provided compared with the national average of 67%. As with all NHS trusts, staff have been under a lot of pressure from the pandemic and the survey is an
opportunity to give feedback and voice their feelings about their experience at work. The Royal Berkshire Trust uses the survey as an insight to their staff and through the survey it has been recognised as a compassionate and inclusive organisation, where staff feel their voice counts. The survey also highlighted the trust performed above average in areas for staff including flexible working opportunities and learning and development. Steve McManus, chief executive at the trust, said: “I’m really pleased our staff have rated us well and it’s great to see we are above average in most areas of the survey.
“The trust prides itself on being a supportive workplace and we are working hard to boost staff morale and wellbeing after such a difficult two years. “We want our staff to feel valued in the work they do and we will continue to work on ways to improve this.” Initiatives recently introduced at the trust include special thank you cards for staff recognition and a health kiosk on trust sites to support staff in their health and wellbeing. The trust is also set to welcome back its annual Royal Berkshire CARE Awards later this year.
New director of education will start work from May RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST FOUR OFSTED INSPECTIONS
“Children are happy, settled and keen to acquire new knowledge and skills. They are exceptionally confident learners who play an active role in leading their own play and making decisions. Children of all ages explore their environment with confidence and ease, and show exceptionally high levels of self-assurance and emotional well-being.” Ofsted inspection 2020, www.ofsted.gov.uk
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READING has a new director of education, helping guide learning from early years to secondary schools. Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), which manages these services for Reading Borough Council says that Brian Grady, who is originally from the Ding, has more than 20 years of public service, and is joining from Brent council, where he was operational director for safeguarding, partnerships and strategy. Mr Grady said: “Reading is a special place. We have all the ingredients for every Reading
child and young person to thrive and succeed. “As a local resident I see excellence in our local education system, but I also know that not every Reading child benefits from all of the opportunities we have on offer. “I am looking forward to working with schools and partners across the borough, with the aim of creating a truly outstanding education system that benefits all children and young people in Reading.” His appointment has been welcomed by the Brighter Futures team, with the board’s
chair, Di Smith, saying Mr Grady has an impressive record of achievements and a vast amount of experience, and that he will start work from Sunday, May 1. “Brian has high ambitions for education in Reading and is passionate about giving all children and young people in the town the chance to flourish and enjoy a bright future,” she said. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sue Imbriano for her work as Interim Director of Education over the last six months.”
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Jobs boost as hire firm invests £1.1m in Reading By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
SIX new jobs have been created after a car hire firm re-located a Reading branch and refurbished two others as part of a £1.1m investment.
Enterprise says the project will help companies and domestic customers access a wide range of vehicles suitable for business or leisure purposes. To meet demand, it has trebled its vehicle capacity, and the larger site means it can expand its car club, which provides on-demand vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company, which chose Reading to launch its UK arm back in 1994, says that the investment enhances two of the company’s three locations in the town. The new flagship branch on Basingstoke Road, replaces Enterprise’s first branch which was on Boulton Road, and a new outlet to the West of the city on Cow Lane. There is also has a store at the Q-Park in Chatham Place that serves the town centre and the railway station. Enterprise says the upgrade is in response to
IN TOP GEAR: The team at Enterprise at its new Reading base, on Basingstoke Road rapid growth in demand for rental and mobility, from local businesses, residents and visitors to the town, and reflects the vibrant economy in the area. Some of the new jobs include roles created from its graduate management training programme, with further hires planned for later this year. Jeven Wright, who joined Enterprise as an intern four years ago, was promoted to branch manager at Basingstoke Road following the relocation.
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“This is my first branch manager position, and I am really excited at the prospect of growing the team and our customer base,” he said. “We’re now closer to all the businesses in this part of town and we have much more space for vehicles and customers, whether they need transport for a business trip or for the weekend. “We have already added many vehicles, including electric plug-in hybrids, and we are expecting further expansion in our fleet over the summer.”
When Enterprise came to Reading in the 1990s, it was the first time company had set up shop outside of North America. Adam Lovelock, vice president of operations for Enterprise in the Southeast, joined the compnay’s management training programme in 2002. “Rental is now central to everyday mobility in the UK as people and businesses search for more sustainable ways of driving a car,” he said. “This major development in Reading, where we opened our first UK branch, is part of a multimillionpound investment that has continued throughout covid. “Our aim is to build a branch network for the future that supports local people and businesses and helps communities to reduce emissions and congestion and improve air quality by giving people access to modern low emission vehicles.” Since 1994, Enterprise has expanded to more than 450 locations across the whole of the UK and employs more than 5,000 people.
Supporting over 8,000 families
Watch out for email scams NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch has released a breakdown of schemes which are being used to scam people. Cyber scams includes text messages which claim to be from the Post Office. These text messages often look like a notification of missed mail, and provide a link to “rebook delivery slots”. These are fake, and are created by scammers to collect personal or financial details from victims. Instead, the organisation advises that any text messages such as these are reported by forwarding them to 7726. People who receive text messages from companies and services are encouraged to contact organisations using established contact details instead of following
links directly. Email scams seem to be from organisations, including a recent one that seems to be from Tesco. The email claims that the recipient is a due a refund from a faulty item, but hasn’t received it. The email then invites the recipient to follow a suspicious link where they will be asked for personal details. Consumer advocacy group Which? says emails should be considered suspicious if they were unexpected, such as a surprise refund, bill, or competition entry. Emails which require immediate action, or ask for personal or financial details should always be considered suspicious. Anyone targeted by a scam can log on to: www.actionfraud.police. uk, or call: 0300 123 2040.
Oil theft warning as prices for home fuel soar THIEVES are targeting oil storage tanks as the cost of home fuel rises. Rural residents are being urged to check their security. William Nicholl, client director at rural insurance broker Lycetts, said people are stockpiling oil supplies to avoid further price increases. “Storage tanks can contain hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of pounds of oil, so they are an obvious target,” he said. “In recent weeks there have been a number of nationwide thefts by organised gangs.” Farmers and those living in more isolated areas tend to store large
amounts, making them particularly vulnerable. “Many tanks look unattractive and owners often position them out of sight of the home,” Mr Nicholl said. “The problem with this is that they locate them in areas of the property that make it easier for thieves to act unobserved.” He said lighting and CCTV can help, as can secure cages and stronger materials. “Home insurance does not always cover theft or damage to oil tanks, so it is important to check adequate cover is in place,” Mr Nicholls added.
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6 | NEWS
Marché français dans le centre-ville A FRENCH market will be held in Broad Street this weekend. The town centre will be full of Gallic charm, cheeses and chatter on Good Friday and Saturday, thanks to a real entent cordiale. Stall holders from the other side of the channel will be selling all kinds of continental goods in the special event that will take over the town centre. On offer will be breads, pastries, street food such as tartiflettes, creamy chicken, garlic potatoes, and wines. Entry is free and the stalls are open from 9am to 5pm on both days.
Charity fair to help New Beginnings A CHARITY that helps Reading’s vulnerable community is to hold a spring fair later this month. New Beginnings, based in Great Knollys Street, is organising the event on Saturday, April 23. There will be a range of stalls, including a raffle, a bottle tombola, cakes and books. Children can enjoy a treasure hunt, and there will be a barbecue and afternoon tea. The event runs from noon to 4pm, and entry is free.
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Sunday Times rates Reading very highly in best places list n From front page
An average house price for each location was supplied by Halifax, the sponsor of the guide, and information on broadband speeds provided by Thinkbroadband.com, an independent guide to broadband. Reading is one of the tops thanks to the current installation of ultrafast networks. This is the 10th year of the guide, but the first time Reading has been listed in it. The judges said: “It’s not fashionable, but nowhere else in the Southeast can match Reading’s booming business, impeccable connections and relatively affordable house prices. “Its schools are good and the parks and riverside walks add a breath of fresh air away from the traffic-clogged centre.” Halifax says the average house price is £445,000, while growth since 2020 is at 8%. The other places listed were Fiveways and Preston Park in Brighton, Cookham, Deal, Englefield Green in Surrey, Farnham, Olney, St Albans, and Test Valley. Of nearby Cookham, it says:
“Want to live like riverside royalty? Look no further than Cookham, described by the artist Sir Stanley Spencer as a ‘village in heaven’. Its average house price is £936,000, a 24% growth since 2020. Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: “The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list is necessarily subjective. Leave it just to statistics and you will never capture the spirit of a place. “For that, you need to visit to take into account that ‘you have to be here’ feeling. Is the pub dog-friendly, for example? Can you live car-free? What are the schools and houses like? Is it multicultural and multigenerational, and can it offer a good way of life to lots of different sorts of people? “Ten years ago, when we launched the inaugural list, London’s gravitational pull was strong, the WFH revolution had not yet reached our doorstep
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and high streets were stacked with chains. How times have changed — and how welcome that change is.” The Sunday Times listing has been welcomed locally. Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “The survey confirms what our residents, businesses and visitors already know: that Reading is an amazing place to live, work and visit, with something for everyone. “Our schools, our transport links, our cultural scene, our green spaces and our high streets are all listed in the Sunday Times’ criteria, but there is so much more you could add to that list – such as our wide and varied economy, our diverse mix of communities, and our incredible voluntary sector organisations whose work really came to the fore during the pandemic. “It’s also why the Council opted to bid for City Status in this Jubilee year, which has offered us the platform to shine a light on everything Reading has to offer.” He did have one quibble with the research. “I would, however, take issue with the description of Reading as having ‘relatively affordable’ house prices,” he said. “For many, the listed £445,000 average price falls well outside their affordability
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range and house prices remain a huge issue across the southeast. “As a Council, we are doing what we can, such as building 300 new Council homes over the next four years to help reduce the housing waiting list and provide genuinely affordable homes to Reading’s residents – including provision for adult social care, sheltered housing, key workers and those on the housing register.” Green party leader, Cllr Rob White, also picked up on the affordability of property. “The research correctly identifies that Reading is a great place to live,” he said. “I live in Newtown and you can get into town quickly along the river or head out into the countryside in no time. “However unfortunately it is not affordable for many and the number of people living in poverty is growing rather than shrinking under the Labourrun council and Conservative government.” On transport, he called on both national and local governments to do more. “Reading is a relatively compact town and walking, cycling and public transport should be the default way of getting around,” he said. “Unfortunately the Labourrun council has not prioritised these healthy, sustainable options meaning the town centre is clogged with polluting traffic. “Reading’s riverside’s are a true jewel in its crown. But let’s not forget Reading Labour were trying to build a road by the River Thames and still haven’t ruled this idea out. Greens will keep standing up for our green spaces. “Reading is a great place to live but Greens will keep working to make it even better.” The business community has welcomed The Sunday Times’ findings.
Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “At a time where people’s working choices are changing in search of a better work-life balance, it is increasingly the quality of life that Reading offers that will keep people living here and attract new blood to the area. “Our fantastic lifestyle offer is now rivalling our reputation as one of the UK’s best places to work and do business so you can achieve great things at work in Reading and live well locally.” He added: “Reading’s green spaces and waterways, multicultural community, thriving arts scene, surprising heritage, excellent schools and diverse and relatively affordable housing market are all factors which are making Reading one of the most sought-after places to live in the South East. “The opening of the Elizabeth Line later this year, linking Reading directly to central London, will only accentuate this trend.” And Bob Beveridge, the chair of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, was equally pleased. “The Sunday Times article is consistent with PwC Good Growth for Cities report 2022 which placed Reading fourth in the whole country for economic success,” he said. “Berkshire has bounced back well due to mix of business - technology, life sciences, and our fast growth scaleup businesses, stronger than neighbours.” He added: “We also have the university with great ambitions and an emerging really important creative sector.” And Mr Beveridge was also optimistic about Reading’s ambitions in this Jubilee year. “In its recent white paper, the government promises that every region will have a city, which bodes well for Reading’s bid.”
Highest donor Sheila marks one year of plasma donations A GENEROUS giver is celebrating a whole year of life-saving donations. Earlier this month, Sheila Fogarty visited the Reading Plasma Donor centre to help the centre mark its first anniversary. The plasma will be made into immunoglobulins, medicines which boost or stabilise the immune systems of people with rare, life-threatening disorders. Over the first 12 months, a total of 4,300 donations have been made, by more than 1,700 people. Ms Fogerty has given the most. The 57-year-old accountant from Eton Wick in Windsor started donating for coronavirus research and then switched to donating plasma for medicines. “I just wanted to give something back,” she said. “The ladies in the donor centre explained how it helps people which is really interesting. “The plasma donation itself is fine. I’d given blood for years so I knew it was not uncomfortable. “I just think with donating, that
Sheila Fogarty at the Reading Plasma centre
you never know when you might need it yourself, and it helps other people when they need it. “I will keep donating for as long as I can.” Plasma donation to the NHS restarted last April after more than 20 years. The halt was put in place as a precautionary measure against Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The restriction was lifted by the Government in 2021.
Paula Ussher, manager of Reading Plasma Donor Centre, which is in Kennet Street, off Kings Road, said: “We’re grateful to Lindsay and everyone else who has donated over this incredible first year. “Plasma donation is new to most people, so try it if you can – you’ll help save lives.” n To donate, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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Out with the old, and in with New Door NEW DOOR Real Estate is kicking the old habits that many estate agents tend to stick to. It’s a property management company that sets its focus on its clients, not its numbers.
New Door’s Directors Lisa Goddard and Danielle Murray say that their personable approach is what makes business better for their customers. “For us, property management is about sustaining a relationship going forward, and having open lines of communication with our landlords and tenants," Lisa explains. "We're a boutique firm – but our smaller team doesn't mean we're not able to provide the service you'd expect from larger companies." Danielle adds the company is "proud to have such a warm, friendly relationship with all of our clients. We’re laid back, but skilled in what we do. Our clients know that we're always just on the other end of the phone." New Door shrugs off what some might feel can be at times a cut-throat perspective when it comes to property management and sales. "We're immensely proud of being female-led and by taking a different approach we believe it really sets us apart from your regular big corporate estate agents” explains Lisa. “We took our time to do our research and we were shocked to discover that a staggering 49% of British landlords are infact women with only 13% of estate agents companies being owned by women.”
From a landlord’s perspective, New Door might feel very different when compared to other property management companies. "It's not always about getting that hard sale; it’s about the bits in between that you can't measure and where we can help landlords on their journey" explains Danielle. The company also looks to support the community, through sponsorships and other ventures. They’re passionate about local events and aim to maintain strong relationships within and around their focus areas. “Community and strong partnerships are really important to us" stresses Lisa.
New Door isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to property management. They simply believe it can be done by taking a softer, adaptable approach. They’re also upfront about fees which can often be bones of contention where estate agents are concerned. New Door’s ethos of being open with costs from the get-go means clients are never surprised by hidden, extra or unanticipated costs. With three transparent service levels to choose from, landlords know what to expect from the moment they sign up and there are options to suit everyone’s budget.
Call us on 0735 923 8373 www.new-door.co.uk admin@new-door.co.uk
New Door understands the persona of an estate agent can sometimes be construed less positively and they really are passionate about doing everything they can to change this. By looking at properties through the eyes of those who live in or own them, Lisa and Danielle realise that houses are homes and not just bricks and mortar. They’d love to help anyone in or around the Reading and Wokingham areas find happiness with their special places and would love to talk about how that might be possible. For more information, or to get in touch with New Door, visit them online at www.new-door.co.uk or call 07359 238 373.
8 | NEWS
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COSXPO
ARE your HR practices meeting the required UK regulations and compliance standards?
I
F you have employees, it is vital you stay on top of - and adhere to employment regulations. But what does that really mean? Simply put, employment law provides minimum standards and places regulations on employers for all aspects of the employer/ employee relationship. It covers a lot of ground and includes things like dismissal, discrimination, pay and holidays. It’s designed to protect both parties; looking after employee rights and safeguarding employers’ interests, keeping and maintaining a fair relationship between the two.
The CosXpo allowed people to create amazing costumes
And while with 4 million limited companies in the UK employing over 21 million employees it won’t support the growth of the business, it can destabilise a business if it’s missing. So it’s important for employers and employees to put the basics in place. You may be surprised to learn that many businesses don’t currently have all they need in place; from up-to-date contractual terms to the right policy set. And there are more still who have policies that haven’t been updated since they were written.
Many business owners we speak to are also surprised to hear that employment law protections kick in from the moment a candidate applies for a job. It keeps employees safe from discrimination based on a set of 9 protected characteristics (as outlined in the Equality Act 2010) right from the point of the job advert. It also works to protect employees by making sure they benefit from fair hiring procedures, pay, and clear expectations etc. UK employment particulars, such as those covered in a contract of employment (we’re talking, notice periods, holiday entitlement, disciplinary and grievance policies etc.) protect employers too by making sure everyone has a clear record of how the employment relationship will work. And employers have a responsibility to put these in place from every employee’s first day. We have a toolkit that can help you identify for yourself, in under 10 minutes, where you may need to focus on your basics. Get in touch today for a free copy of our checklist and if you could use a conversation give us a call.
A prosthetic makeup workshop led by Begona F Martin
GAME ON: Battles took place outside at CosXPo Pictures: Dijana Capan
Cosplayers take over the University Fans in their outfits were happy to pose for photos
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today AN EVENT celebrating the art of cosplay and craft took place last week.
Elaborate costumes with great attention to detail were on show
CosXPo, returning for the first time since 2019, was hosted at the University of Reading on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9. The event focuses on the art of cosplaying with a number of hands-on workshops taking place. Attendees were treated to a packed two days with mentors sharing tricks of the trade in live demonstrations from special effects makeup to thermoplastics, as well as some engaging Q&A panels. There was also the CosXpo championship on Saturday with cosplayers given the opportunity to show off their dazzling costumes and provide spellbinding performances. For the winner there was a £250 cash prize and a special printer bundle with a host of accessories to assist with prop making. The runner-up received a
£100 cash prize and an air brush kit. A spokesperson for the event said on social media: “Thank you everyone for an amazing CosXPo 2022.
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The event allowed people to show off their hard work, with costumes from all kinds of fantasy genres
“After three years we were so happy to be back running the event. “We hope you all had as good a time as we did and hopefully we will be back in 2023.” Elegance, sophistication, and style – all on show at CosXPo at the weekend
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COSXPO Call to remove ‘white elephant’ cycle lane
Furries were one of the many costume ideas on show
The event attracted all ages
A lot of work went into creating specific looks
Wokingham
A petition calling for the cycle CALLS have been made to removed lanes to be removed from February a town centre cycle lane dubbed a ‘white elephant’ by residents, writes 2021 received 248 signatures. In response, a council James Alridge, Local democracy spokesperson said Sidmouth Street reporter. and the wider London Road area ‘an During the first covid lockdown appropriate choice’ for encouraging in 2020, Reading Borough Council active travel. closed the northbound lane of They also gave figures Sidmouth Street and converted it demonstrating that people are into a two-way cycle lane using using the cycle lanes. funding from the Government. The spokesperson said: “The Resident Raymond Tapken says council is continually reviewing the the ongoing closure is ‘senseless’ series of initial active travel cycle and wants cars to be able to use it lanes introduced in 2020 at the once again. height of the pandemic, which were He said he was “very unhappy” delivered under emergency powers to hear that the council could and in an extremely tight timescale. extend the northbound lane This includes Sidmouth Street. closure, suspecting that the council “Video surveys carried out last has an “ulterior motive” to make it year over a 12-hour period recorded a permanent cycle lane. Mr Tapken 76 cyclists using the facility, which also argued that barely any cyclists is a respectable level of use. use Sidmouth Street. “We have additionally He said: “Since Watlington commissioned independent road Street/South Street rat run was safety audits for this and all the closed Watlington Street is the other schemes and the Council is street that all pedestrians and in the process of reviewing the cyclists, school children, students, detail of these audits, which will, of workers, hospital visitors use. course, play a big part on whether “Nobody – not pedestrians nor the schemes remain in place. cyclists – use Sidmouth Street “It is also important to note, despite all the fancy markings and any move to make this cycle lane encouragement to do so. It is a permanent would require further white elephant.” funding and a detailed public Mr Tapkin added that if Cllr consultation process, providing Tony Page (Labour, Abbey), the lead local people with the opportunity member for transport, wants to to have their say on whether to complete Reading’s cycle route, the continue with it. council should encourage people “If continued, the council would to use Watlington Street instead. also propose improving the link This is close to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and links up to cycle lanes between Sidmouth Street and other Today and 14th April_130X160mm_MAY_EVENT cycle routes in this area.” that13th go along Kennetside towpath.
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10 | NEWS
Former mayor happy with Kentwood contest n From front page
There will be some that think Cllr Stevens is standing for election because he wants to stay in power. He has a message to them: “You don’t go into local politics for money.” But he can help people with problems. “I’ve been around the borough for quite a while now,” he said. “I know how it works, I’ve often been able to help people quite quickly because I know which officers to talk to, how the planning rules work, and so one.” Cllr Stevens also feels that local politics is quite different to national in that there is a “Venn diagram of two circles, red and blue, where the overlap is quite significant ... most of us us can sit quite comfortably somewhere in the middle.” Does this mean other candidates from the Conservatives could follow in his footsteps? “That’s an interesting question,” he said. “I know a number of them are disillusioned, whether they would make the same move as me, I’m not quite so sure.”
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Parties clash over candidate selection for elections EXCLUSIVE
By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today READING Labour says it is the only party to have Readingbased residents standing in every seat for this year’s local elections.
All 48 council seats are up for grabs on Thursday, May 5, due to changes to boundaries. Each ward has three seats, and votes will be asked to vote for three candidates. Labour says that from its opposition, the Conservatives are standing candidates who live outside the borough boundaries – a Conservative candidate in Abbey ward lives in Oxford City, while a Conservative candidate in Park ward lives in Wokingham Borough and a Conservative candidate in Church ward lives in Sonning, also in Wokingham Borough. And it says that the Green party and Liberal Democrats are not fielding 48 candidates – Greens say that it is focusing on quality rather than quantity. Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council and
READING LABOUR CANVASSERS PICTURE: Reading labour Labour candidate in Southcote, said: “I’m so incredibly proud that we have such a diverse panel of candidates for this year’s election – the first all-out contest in Reading for 18 years. “We have more black and ethnic minority background candidates than ever before. And our candidates come from all walks of life – from a carpenter to a hospitality worker, and from a radiation protection specialist to a former Royal Navy officer. “Every single Labour candidate is a resident of our town and, collectively, our
candidates reflect the diversity of Reading and its communities.” He added: “In fact, Labour is the only party to have local Reading residents standing in every contest. The Tories are having to drag in candidates from Oxford and Wokingham, while the Greens and Lib Dems simply can’t find enough candidates. “It seems that the Greens have struggled to find people to even subscribe the nomination papers, as two of their candidates have had to propose themselves.” Green councillor Rob White,
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a candidate in Green-stronghold Park, said: “Greens are focusing on quality not quantity. At the last local elections in Reading the only party to gain a councillor was the Green Party and Labour lost a councillor because they don’t listen. Green councillors and candidates across the town will keep campaigning for a fairer, more affordable, greener town.” And the Group Leader of Reading Borough Council’s Conservative Councillors, Cllr Clarence Mitchell, was equally dismissive of Labour’s claims. “Labour are clearly already rattled by the strength and diversity of our candidates and have only succeeded in making themselves look pretty desperate,” he said. We are fielding a full slate of the strongest possible candidates entirely in the interests of Reading; every one of them is absolutely qualified to stand up for, and utterly committed to, the future prosperity and well-being of our town. “All of our candidates will be putting Reading first in all they say and do with one aim: to make Reading an even better place to live for everyone by getting rid of this tired administration once and for all.” He added: “Reading East Conservative Association also takes in three Wokingham Borough wards so we have potential local candidates to choose from there as well, as long as they qualify to stand within the RBC area, which all
Greens call for retrofit revolution
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READING’S Green party says one of the solutions to the cost of living crisis is to spark a retrofit revolution. The party wants to create a ground-up approach to insulate social housing, which it says can cut fuel bills, create jobs and slash carbon emissions. It says that in Reading there are 7,000 households living in fuel poverty and are unable to heat their homes as a result of the energy price cap rising. But an initiative being implemented by Green-led Lewes Distict Council could be answer. It is encouraging councils to work together to insulate social housing. The party says that by focusing initially on social housing, a local, stable supply chain and workforce can be created and lead to economies of scale that will help bring down the price of retrofitting for all households, including those in the private sector, Greens argue. Green councillor Rob White and Park ward candidate said: “The cost of living crisis leaves many low income households having to choose between heating and eating. “Insulating homes can reduce fuel bills by hundreds of pounds. We need a programme
to lift people out of fuel poverty while creating hundreds of new jobs and slashing carbon emissions. “Greens are showing leadership, demonstrating how we can do things differently, by implementing a ground-up approach, where local councils in an area work collaboratively together to insulate social housing. “For too long successive governments have ignored the urgency of addressing our leaky homes and any attempts they have made, for example through the Green Homes Grant, have failed.” He added: “By pooling resources, neighbouring councils can create the necessary funding and ensure there is a locally trained workforce that can both deliver a retrofit programme and boost the local economy. “Developing a guaranteed pipeline of work and economies of scale means private rented accommodation and homeowners can benefit from cheaper retrofitting too. “Greens are bringing about change for the better - cutting fuel bills, creating hundreds of new jobs and slashing carbon emissions.”
of ours do. “So this attempted smear just demonstrates that Labour are not only incapable of looking at a map, but that they are, once again, prepared to stoop to the same old cliched political attacks; tactics that voters see through instantly and are frankly not worthy of a onceproud Labour Party.” And he also said: “Two of our three candidates who Labour are attacking are highly experienced campaigners who have stood for council before so I really don’t know what Labour are trying to achieve apart from making themselves foolish. “The criteria we have for all our Conservative candidates is simple: That they put Reading’s interests first at all times and that they are more than capable of replacing this miserable administration as soon as possible.” Cllr Brock said: “The election on Thursday 5th May is an important one, and it’s already clear that only Labour are representative of Reading. “Even more strikingly, only by voting Labour can you guarantee that all your votes will go to candidates who actually live in Reading. “Our candidates ask for your vote so that Labour can continue its plans to invest in Reading’s services and facilities and work to build a future where everyone can share in our town’s success.” The Liberal Democrats were invited to comment.
Labour warning over childcare costs LABOUR is warning that childcare costs has risen so much that working parents are reducing the hours they work. Its analysis suggests that in the south east, the average family now spends nearly £824.60 more on a nursery place than five years ago. For 39% per cent of parents responding to a recent survey by ‘Pregnant then Screwed’ said that they have to work fewer hours due to childcare costs, which rises to more than half of parents in households with incomes of below £50,000. Labour’s Liz Terry, Lead Member for Children Services, said: “The cost of living crisis is hammering families in Reading, yet the Conservatives are just nowhere to be seen they are actually making things worse. “Childcare costs are so out of control many parents simply cannot afford to work, energy prices are pushing families to the wall, and yet still this Conservative Chancellor is raising taxes to a 70 year high.”
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Hospice takes action to improve patient experience
WHAT’S IN A NAME?: John Sykes visited the hospice with volunteer Sian McCoubrey (second from left) to meet staff and see the changes that have been introduced. They are pictured with Sue Ryder Nurse Melanie Hicks (left) and Housekeeping Supervisor Debbie Harris (right) who are wearing their dementia-friendly name badges. Picture: Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
A HOSPICE in Reading has introduced a range of improvements to support patients at the end of their life, including those living with dementia.
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, based on Liebenrood Road, provides specialist palliative care, advice and support to people across Berkshire who are living with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. Funded by a grant of £1,000 from the John Sykes Foundation, staff at the hospice will now wear dementia-friendly name badges, which feature a large black font on a bright yellow background. The badges have been created to use colours which make them highly readable for patients with dementia and visual impairments, as well as featuring minimal text and simplified job titles. Abby Pearson, quality and improvement manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “With an ageing population, more people are being diagnosed with dementia than ever before, so it’s essential that we are a dementia-friendly hospice.
“These name badges will help all of our patients to feel in control of knowing who is caring for them, as well as reminding us of the importance of introducing ourselves properly. “It’s the perfect example of how a small gesture can make a huge difference in providing personalised care.” The grant from the John Sykes Foundation has also funded soft-close bins to reduce sudden loud noises which can be disturbing for patients with heightened senses, specialist dementia-friendly calendar clocks and soft lighting lamps. Fern Haynes, head of
community fundraising – Thames Valley, said: “We are so grateful to have received this generous funding from the John Sykes Foundation to support these important improvements which we hope will enhance our patients’ experience. “We are reliant on generous supporters and companies donating and fundraising for us, which ensures we can continue providing the compassionate end-of-life care and support we are so well known for in the local community.” John Sykes, the founder and chair of trustees of the John Sykes Foundation, said: “We
Protests against trans conversion therapy ban By JAKE CLOTHIER Queer correspondent MEMBERS of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies gathered in Market Square on Saturday, April 9, to protest the government’s U-turn on conversion therapy. Protesters rallied to show their anger at the government’s failure to include trans people in its banning of conversion therapy. More than 100 people attended to hear speeches from leading LGBTQ+ charities and advocacy groups Reading Pride, Club FOD, SupportU and MyUmbrella. The crowd also heard from a
SPEAKERS: Jamie Wake, Tom Price, Lorna McArdle, and Mikey Russell number of trans people affected by conversion therapy. Jamie Wake, one of Reading Pride’s founders and CEO of Club FOD, thanked attendees for showing “that we are one
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community”. He said: “While conversion therapy aims to erase your identity, Club FOD, Reading Pride, and SupportU and MyUmbrella, are here to celebrate your
are delighted to have awarded the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice with a grant which has been used to purchase equipment for patients suffering with dementia. “We hope these items make a big difference to patients and their families’ experience at such a very distressing time.” Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice provides a comprehensive range of services, including inpatient care, day services and Hospice at Home care to people in the community.
Grant to help cafe go mobile TWO Reading-based community projects are celebrating after receiving a share of more than £14,000, from a housing association’s charitable arm. Grants have been given to Reading’s The Butterfly Community Café and Parents and Children Together (PACT), to help with initiatives aimed at growing community impact. The funding has been given by Sovereign Housing Association, working with not-for-profit digital fundraising platform The Good Exchange. The Butterfly Community Café will put its £3,000 funding towards buying and converting a van into a mobile coffee shop. It will use it to teach life skills to young people with severe learning difficulties. Founder Jennie Kettell, said: “We are very grateful to Sovereign for their donation. “Our mobile coffee shop enterprise will involve many businesses and the local community, so we are raising awareness of what these amazing students can do. “We also hope that some of these businesses will be more willing to give our pupils a chance of employment at the end of our
Meet Bluey & Bingo
programme. So exciting.” West Berkshire’s St Mary’s Church Shaw cum Donnington and two Educafe projects were the other recipients of the funding, something that Sovereign said it was pleased to. Rachel Peters, its community development officer for Sovereign, said: “Our themes were community cohesion and growth and it has been great to support so many grassroots and resident-led projects that focus on bringing people back together and will make a real impact in our communities.” Julian May, head of collaborative funding for The Good Exchange, added: “As well as the grants received from Sovereign, many of these projects have also received and continue to be eligible for funding from other funders in the area and we look forward to continuing to help the local charitable sector in this way going forwards.” “The ability for Sovereign to use The Good Exchange platform to give its grants alongside other grant funding organisations enables local charities to raise the money they need in a faster and more effective way, through a single application.”
n For more information, visit: sueryder.org
EASTER fun is promised from a pair of dogs from Down Under. Bluey & Bingo, who feature on CBeebies, will be making a guest appearance at Broad
Street Mall in Reading;s town centre on Saturday, April 16. Between 11am and 3.30pm, they will be hosting a series of free interactive storytimes in Central Square. Entry is free, and a queuing system will be in place.
identity.” Lorna McCardle, CEO of Support U, said: “We must come together, to tackle the lack of acceptance for being LGBTQ+ in society.” She said that many people think that the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 would mean the protection of LGBTQ+ people. “But,” she added, “We see time and again that protection has been taken away so quickly, with rights removed in the 80s during the Aids pandemic, and Section 28.” Speaking about conversion therapy, she said “Statutory services know that conversion therapy doesn’t work, because they have banned it.
“And we know it doesn’t work because people come away from it with more trauma than they went in with.” Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, of Wokingham Borough Council, also addressed attendees. She said “Section 28 stopped people speaking about who they were, which leads to persecution. “Conversion therapy is a danger to society, and teaching doctrine in this way is abuse.” “Trans people have been around since before the Bible, and they’re a part of our community.” Protestors were also addressed by a trans woman who recounted her experience of four years of conversion therapy at the age of 11.
She said “It was not therapy, it was abuse and torture, physical, emotional, and spiritual. “Seeing so many of you here today reminds me that I was suffering alongside young gay boys, young lesbian girls, and we all suffered together.” “They tortured us as a community, and it’s important that we fight this as a community.” Other members of Reading Pride also gave speeches to attendees, before members of the crowd were invited to share their experiences. n The petition to ensure that trans people are fully protected under any conversion therapy ban can be signed by visiting: petition.parliament.uk.
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Play to the wh celebration s
Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action
PLANTED: Newtown residents celebrate the installation of their new sign ... and receiving a £2,000 donation from RG Spaces Picture: Newtown Community Garden
Just the thing for the flower bed ... Newtown celebrates new sign of the times
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NRYCH Berkshire is an organisation that provides people with disabilities extra support to enable them to enjoy hobbies, interests and activities of their choosing. Volunteers play an incredibly important role in helping the members to be more active and independent. Right now, Enrych are seeking a female volunteer to help a member enjoy various leisure activities. The member is a very friendly woman who is restricted due to a physical disability. Could you make the world of a difference to them by assisting them in fun activities? n Citizens Advice Reading is an independent, voluntary organisation that has been assisting local people with their problems since 1939. They are currently recruiting more Volunteer Telephone Advisers. Volunteers will interview clients over the phone and provide appropriate information, advice and next steps to them with whatever problems they may be facing. Problems may range from benefits, employment, debt and money, utilities, consumer, relationships, housing, discrimination, law and rights, healthcare and education. Volunteers will be trained to interview clients, to research and provide initial information to clients backed up by an experienced supervisor and supportive team. n Sport in Mind is an award-winning mental health charity that was formed in Reading in 2010. It aims to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity. The charity is looking for a friendly, engaging, and welcoming volunteer to assist at their Dance and Movement for new mums local to central Reading. The role will include basic setting up and tidying duties, as well as facilitating other areas of the session: including registers, sign-up forms, and directing new members to the correct part of the venue. The venue is RISC Global Cafe on Wednesday mornings. 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.
WHAT do you need in a flower bed? A bed head of course. Residents of Newtown have been busy creating a green space in a walkway that connects Cumberland Road with Amity Road. Work started on the project last summer, aiming to tidy up the areaand help rewild it. A group of volunteers meet on the last Sunday of the month for a gardening clean-up session, get planting and catch-up. When it has been completed, a bench that incorporates a steel beam from the recently demolished gas tower will be placed in the garden. This has been donated by SGN, and will be a legacy piece.
To help pay for it, the Newtown Community Garden team have received a £2,000 donation from the RG Spaces initiative. This will cover the cost of the oak or cedar wood used, and the creation. The garden also has an ethos of being a green space, in every sense of the word: tools and equipment has been recycled where possible. And that extends to a new sign, installed at the end of last month. It is an upcycled bed head, painted by volunteers. Also planted on the day was a new pieris. The group has a Facebook page, search for Newtown Community Garden - rewilding project.
Raise your glasses to train firm’s Thursday special TIME AT THE BAR: South Western Railway is giving away a bar tab every Thursday between now and the end of the month
SOUTH Western Railway is ready to offer people a round of drinks on them. The scheme started last week, and through its Thank Goodness It’s Thursday fund, rail users have the opportunity to win a £25 pub voucher. The promotion is aimed at getting people back in the rhythm of socialising with their work colleagues after two years of covid restrictions. Data released by South Western Railway shows more than 60% of people surveyed believe the biggest positive to going back to the office is seeing colleagues again. The promotion will run every
Thursday until the end of the month, and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis with 125 prizes to be claimed each week. Punters will be able to use the voucher for post-work gettogethers to purchase food, drinks or snacks. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to is follow and tweet @SWR_TGIT with “#TGIT” every Thursday between 2pm and 5pm. Winners will be contacted and provided a code for a £25 The Great British Pub Card voucher which can be used in more than 1,500 pubs in London.
LAST CHANCE: The Final Whistle is reutrning for its third and final showing Picture: What’s on R By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED theatre show is set to return for the final time.
South Street Arts in association with Reading FC and Reading FC Former Players’ Association has confirmed the return of The Final Whistle as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The Final Whistle was originally commissioned by Reading 2016 Year of Culture in association with the club and was restaged in 2019 due to
popular demand. For those who haven’t seen it before, the show allows fans to enter the inner sanctum of the home changing room and experience an immersive theatre show like no other. Pull on the shirt and prepare for the game of your life as you skip through the history of Reading FC, reliving the highs and lows of supporting the Royals, revisiting Elm Park and the cult heroes of the club’s past. Written and performed by Benedict Sandiford, directed by Cassie Friend
How well do you know your Countryside Code? Seven in 10 of us don’t SEVEN in 10 (70%) people are breaking the Countryside Code when they go out walking, but the vast majority are doing so without realising, a new report has revealed. And with Easter being the time many of us are out and about getting back to nature, a company celebrating its 50th anniversary this year is aiming to raise awareness of it. Rohan surveyed more than 1,800 walkers on their knowledge of the Countryside Code, and what they do to protect their favourite natural landscapes. The most common way that people breach the Code, which advises people on how to enjoy and protect the countryside by acting responsibly, is by going through an open gate and closing it behind them (46%). Sam Durham, Chief Land Management Adviser at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), says: “Generally, a gate is closed or open
for a reason, and it has been left that way by the farmer. It may be left open to give livestock access to food and water, or because they are working in the field and require regular access.” The second most common violation is people climbing over fences, walls or hedges away from the designated footpath (23%). However, the study found that the majority of people are likely breaking the Countryside Code unknowingly, with just one in eight (12%) knowing exactly what the guidelines involve, and almost half (48%) have no knowledge at all, or aren’t sure. Unsurprisingly, people who walk frequently are far more aware of the Code than those who don’t. Those who walk in the countryside every day are five times more likely to have some knowledge of the regulations than people who never do (77% vs 16%). Interestingly, millennials (25-34s,
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histle .. Royals set to return
Not a bad day at the office .. law firm takes to the river
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Reader travel STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & Cotswold Steam
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Departing Fri 8 Jul ‘22 Join us for a lovely short break combining the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon with the charm of the Cotswolds! We include a trip on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where we meander through idyllic landscapes dotted with quaint hamlets.
Your break includes
The team from Blandy & Blandy enjoyed a cruise on the River Thames last month to celebrate being able to work together again after the end of covid work from home measures
Reading and produced by John Luther, the show will take place in the first team home changing room at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The show is presented by SITELINES which is is South Street’s award-winning programme of theatre in unusual spaces, The programme has shown work around Reading including Malmaison Hotel, South Reading Leisure Centre, Reading School Cricket Pavilion, View Island, Abbey Quarter & Ruins and Broad Street. There is limited availability as each show only opens to a capacity of
20 people. So be sure to secure your seat for the restaging of this special show by purchasing your ticket as soon as possible. The show will run from Tuesday, June 7, through to Saturday, June 11. There will be two viewings per weekday, starting at 6.30pm and 8pm. On Saturday there will also be a matinee performance at 1.30pm. Tickets are on sale now and cost £17 (£15 for all South Street members). n To purchase tickets visit whatsonreading.com or call 0118 960 6060.
A TEAM of solicitors took the afternoon off work to mess about on the river, but the boss didn’t mind … he was with them. Staff from Blandy & Blandy were encouraged to down tools for a pleasant afternoon on the River Thames at the end of last month. Their Reading and Henley offices were closed, to allow the teams to come together and enjoy lunch and a river cruise, organised by Hobbs of Henley. And with the pandemic forcing people to work from home for much of the past two years, the trip was a chance to celebrate being able to work together again. Blandy’s chairman Nick Burrows was full of praise for the gathering.
“This was only the second time in two years we have been able to get all of our colleagues together in person and it was fantastic to be able to do so,” he says. “We wanted to thank our team for their hard work and dedication throughout what has been a very challenging time for everyone and we look forward to getting together again later this year.” Blandy & Blandy has made a donation on behalf of every colleague who attended, meaning that the firm’s adopted charities, Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS) and the Royal Berks Charity will share £1,000. n For more, log on to: www.blandy. co.uk.
OPEN PATH: How well do you know your Countryside Code? Picture: yousin ji from Pixabay
come, which is why the Countryside Code is so important. “It offers advice on how we can all help to care for our natural environments so that they can be appreciated by future generations. “In addition, as part of our 50th anniversary plans looking ahead to the next half-century of UK adventure, we’ve consulted with the NFU to help spread the word about the importance of the Code, and help walkers play their part in protecting our amazing countryside for all.”
n For more details, or to take a quiz on the Countryside Code, visit: www.rohan.co.uk/explore/big-walkingsurvey
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POETRY CORNER
61%) are the most likely generation to have some awareness of the Code, yet admit to breaking its rules more than any other age group. Almost three-quarters (73%) have breached at least one aspect of the Code while out walking. Giles Polito, Marketing Director at Rohan, said: “Since our launch in 1972, we’ve always worked to inspire people to enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer, and it’s been fantastic to see more walkers than ever enjoying the British countryside in recent years. That being said, making small changes to our behaviour now will play a vital role in protecting these spaces for years to
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester & Tewkesbury
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at The Holiday Inn Runcorn hotel with dinner & breakfast Guided city tour of Liverpool Entrance to Port Sunlight Museum & Edwardian workers’ cottage Excursions to Liverpool, Port Sunlight, Southport & Chester
Glancing Back I’ve been clearing out old diaries now I’m ninety two But before I shed each one of them I’ve just been glancing through And it seems to me amazing how much we used to do!! I wonder how we managed it to do so much each day
5 Days by Coach But that is how life was for us - busy in every way. No doubt your life was much the same When more active you could be. But it’s nice to think about those days As now we move s l o w l y.
Jim Horsnell
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Easter is a time for celebration
WE’VE got through winter, even though it tried hard to make a comback last week, and spring is well and truly here. Easter is our first set of bank holidays since the New Year, and goodness, we’re glad to see the long weekend, at last. With the weather forecast, for once, being on the decent side, and some spring sunshine on the cards, this long weekend will be one we can all enjoy. On Good Friday, there will be acts of worship for those who see Easter as a religious festival. There will also be the spectacle of the Easter egg run from the Thames Vale Vultures – bikes doing their bit of charity. And there’s a French market in the town centre to enjoy. Over the weekend, there will be egg hunts, fayres and fun. And best of all, as The Sunday Times points out, our riverside walks are second-to-none. Just like our parks, and Forbury Gardens, we don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy them. With the sun shining, there has never been a better time to get outdoors. We wish you a happy Easter.
CHURCH NOTES
Christ has died. Christ is risen
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HEREAS all will admit ‘Christ has died’ there are some who say ‘Christ is risen’, but what is the evidence?
Let’s think of three groups of people. First of all the Pharisees, those who opposed and argued with Christ in person and who formed part of the ruling Jewish Council which condemned Him to death. In The Acts of the Apostles we read that some of the Christian believers belonged to the party of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5). What on earth would have persuaded them to change their allegiance? Then there were the Sadducees, the other half of the Jewish ruling council. These were more dedicated opponents who did not believe in life after death and certainly not in any form of resurrection. Yet we read in the Acts of the Apostles (6:7) that a large number of the priests became Christians, but many of those priests were Sadducees. What on earth could have persuaded them to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Then there were the Corinthians, not far from the city of Athens whose philosophers followed Plato and who had no time for the resurrection of the body; to them it was nonsense. Paul wrote to those Corinthians and told them that the resurrected Jesus was seen by many people, not only by Peter and the Twelve Apostles but by a gathering of 500 people – and the implication was that they could go up to Jerusalem and talk to those people and verify that Jesus is risen. I have often wondered if, among those 500, were some Pharisees and Sadducees and that seeing the risen Christ was what changed them.
Michael Penny, Chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire
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Letters
Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Election promises Shehrazade in order to avoid decapitation had to continue promising a fresh story to the Sultan each night, which she continued to do for 1001 nights. Unlikely that Labour in Reading will save their heads by proming 100 benefits to our voters, for the following reasons. 1. Everyone has heard these promises 100 times and have now gone deaf. 2. While Labour promise “more council homes” to over 5000 on its waiting list, private developers with their help have built over 1000 lavish flats for techies 3. While wanting to spend 88 million of taxpayers cash, they have sold off 3 public pools for loadsamoney to privateers and shut down several libraries and raised council tax year on year. 4. While crowing loudly about doing up Prospect Park for “the kids”, they allowed the entire space to go to the dogs (literally) for 11 years, and have shut down elderly park lovers from planting trees as their memorials. 5. After publishing promises on placards on an overgrown site that homes for voters would be built there, junction of Burghfeld Road and Southcote Lane, they shamefacedly removed them and let it rot - for over 12 years. 6. Their trumpeted bus fares cost now over £5 to travel a few miles to town or closer and back. 7. They have shown no fire in the belly for voters concerns when it comes to opposing the
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
rapacious economic measures of this present government; on the contrary their pitiful Leader - a newcomer to Labour since 2015 or 6 - has lost tens of thousands of activist members, led not a single demo agst austerity, given no help to nurses or workers, spent all his time drafting questions and then being trashed by Boris at PMQ, and is widely known as Mr. Cellophane “You can look right through me, walk right past me and never know I am there”. As it has been said “You can fool some of the people some of the time … but not all of the people all of the time”. So it is Bye Bye Birdie, Jason Brock and gang.
Tariq Rafique, Reading
Government must revisit Heathrow expansion
The Department for LevellingUp, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has “called-in” the decision to expand Luton Airport which would cater for 19 million extra passengers. The decision to hold an inquiry is based on “the extent to which the proposed development is consistent with Government policies for meeting the challenges of climate change, flooding and coastal change” and “conserving and enhancing the natural environment”. Heathrow expansion would see around 50 million extra passengers, a plan approved by Parliament before the more stringent environmental
From the Chamber Matt Rodda
The cost of living crisis
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HEN I have been knocking on doors in the last few weeks, the one issue has dominated the conversations I have had with local people has been the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Last week, the National Insurance rise championed by Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson took effect. Data from the Office of National Statistics suggests that a resident on the average salary for Reading, Woodley and Early would see their National Insurance increase by £348. The NI increase is a squeeze on pay packets at a time when every penny counts. It is the wrong tax at the wrong time and in Parliament, I voted against it. At the current difficult
time the Government should be focussing on growing the economy rather than ratcheting up taxes on working people. However, it’s not just tax rises which are putting pressure on family budgets. Runaway inflation is eroding wages as food, clothing and dayto-day essentials become more and more expensive. Inflation is expected to hit 8% later this year meaning annual up-rates on things like broadband, mobile phone bills and insurances will see large increased later in the year. The big challenge for most families, though, is the huge increase in energy costs. The price cap increased by 54% at the beginning of April and will rise again in October 2022, adding hundreds of pounds to domestic fuel bills.
legislation became law. It is imperative for Government to immediately revisit the Airports National Policy Statement on Heathrow Expansion. If this does not happen, it is clear there is one rule for Heathrow and one for everyone else. It’s time to give local communities around Heathrow peace of mind and bury any idea of Heathrow Expansion.
Geraldine Nicholson Stop Heathrow Expansion
Kits and cats With kitten season nearly here, Cats Protection is releasing a documentary highlighting the potentially tragic risks of buying underage kittens online from unscrupulous sellers who put profit before welfare. The Big Kitten Con, narrated by Caroline Quentin, features traumatic accounts of kittens being sold at less than the legal age for commercial sale, which is eight-weeks, and sadly dying from debilitating illnesses. As well as giving advice, we are encouraging the public to sign a petition calling on the Government to regulate cat breeding. We want anyone who breeds two or more litters of kittens in a year to be licensed. To watch The Big Kitten Con video and to sign the petition, visit www.cats.org.uk/kitten-con
Madison Rogers, Acting Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, Cats Protection The warmer, lighter summer months will undoubtedly help reduce energy consumption but this summer and provide a small respite but without significant political intervention from the Government there will be even more pensioners, families and those on low incomes having to choose between eating or heating. It is also deeply unfair that, while our energy bill soar, the oil and gas companies are reporting record profits – and some are using these profits to pay larger salaries to executives and to buy back shares. The Government’s proposed £200 loan, to be paid back over five years, to soften the increase in energy bills is too little and too late. Labour’s plan for a windfall tax on the profits of the big energy providers would allow all bill payers to receive £200 of help, through cutting VAT on energy and it would provide a £600 payment to bring down bills and increase insulation for the most vulnerable, like pensioners, disabled people and families on low incomes I only hope that before the next price cap increase, the Government listens to reason and takes real action to help families.
Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, April 13, 2022
From the Chamber
Cllr Jason Brock
One of the best places to live, but ...
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OU may well have seen that last week The Sunday Times named Reading as one of the 10 best places to live in the south east.
A nice accolade to be sure, and certainly an indicator that our town is an ambitious and successful place. I do take exception to The Sunday Times’ claim that the average house price here is ‘modest’. I don’t think many of us would think that £445,000 is modest, but the figure only reinforces the need for our Council home building programme to deliver genuinely affordable homes so that people don’t have to choose between staying in the town they love and moving elsewhere because it’s cheaper. This includes the kind of key workers who were, rightly, heralded throughout the pandemic. That being said, it’s nice when Reading gets recognition. Even if external validation isn’t something we necessarily need, it certainly helps our local businesses when their hometown is heralded as a good place to make a family home. And, of course, the continued success of our businesses means more jobs. Greater employment opportunities are a positive thing, but I know that some people can need support in accessing those opportunities. The world of work is changing around us, and the pandemic has set further trends in motion. Reading’s economy is diverse – certainly much more so than in the era of the Three (or Four) Bs – but the increased weight of the modern service sector means that digital skills unlock more doors. Reading Labour has announced and budgeted a targeted programme of work to tackle entrenched economic inequalities in our town. We know that some people require help accessing skills training, or support to set up their own small business, or taking up self-employment. We also know that some people have more complex needs – as reflected in our new partnership with Ways into Work to provide employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Apprenticeships can be hard to come by, so we’re setting more up at the Council and encouraging other employers to do likewise. Many of these new roles are in so-called ‘white collar’ occupations, offering an alternative to university for those who want a more vocational route. The Council is also a big player in terms of local procurement, and it’s right that we seek to get maximum value from its spending. That’s why Labour has introduced a social value policy to all procurements, acknowledging that our spending should generate social returns to Reading’s residents too. This means that we prioritise contracts that offer additional benefits like more apprenticeships, local workforce commitments, or training opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In aggregate, these things can really make a difference to people’s lives and, by keeping spending local when we can, the benefits of the Council’s procurements can have a double effect in delivering improvements while also stimulating employers in the local economy. We’re also keen to help new businesses to start-up and grow. Reading Labour want to reinvigorate the Acre Road Business Park, where the units are owned by the Council and are leased to small businesses. I never want us to become a town dominated by a small number of employers – we need to maintain our dynamism, which means we need to provide the right conditions for new businesses to both set-up and scale-up. We in Labour have great ambitions for Reading – but we know that there is lots to be done to ensure that everyone can share equitably in that aspirational future.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council, and Labour candidate for Southcote at the forthcoming local elections
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Dean’s epic interior design journey comes to an end... for now By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
AFTER an impressive run on the BBC show Interior Design Masters, Reading’s Dean Powell’s time on the show has come to an end.
As a result of a tricky challenge where the five competitors were tasked with decorating shepherd huts, Dean was sent home. The challenge saw competitors race to design and furnish a small holiday hut each in North Wales, with both time and space severely limited. Judges Michelle Ogundehin and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen decided that fellow competitors Banjo and Paul were the top two designers, putting them through to next week’s show. Dean joined Amy and Fran in the bottom three. After the group heard the judges’ critiques, it was Dean who was then sent home. Despite this, Dean says that he loved the experience. “It’s been a great journey, as someone who picked up interior design during covid it’s a massive achievement.” During the challenge, Dean says that though his first ever tiling job was well-executed, the timing may have held him back.
VOTED OUT: Competitors were tasked with designing a small shepherd’s hut in North Wales. Dean used his favourite colour, black, to give a romantic spin to his characterful design. Picture: Courtesy of Banijay. “I may have bitten off more than I could chew – it looked professional, but it took up half of my day.” “But I’ve learned so much during the show, about design and how to push myself.” Dean says that during the show’s challenges, he liked to have a clear vision of what he wanted to do. “You need to have that vision, because if you don’t, you miss out the small bits, details are key.
“When you miss those bits, the judges have no choice but to send you home.” He says also that he’s happy with his run in the competition. “It was the final five, so you’ve got to bring your A-game, “Everybody smashed it, so the others all deserved to go through, and it was the right time for me to go.” Judge Michelle Ogundehin said that Dean had “blazed a trail” during his time on the show.
Dean said of presenter Alan Carr: “He’s a lovely soul, he always makes you smile even when you’re stressed and pressed for time, “For him to come in and lean on the wall with a one-liner, I was still laughing.” He says also that representation in mainstream media continues to be important. “When I was young, I didn’t see many people like me doing the things that I wanted to do,
“I never felt included, and you need to be able to feel comfortable in your own skin, regardless of your sexuality or what you look like, “To be on the show and able to be me, organically me, can hopefully show others that they can be more comfortable in their own skin, and to love themselves.” Dean jokes that there’s plenty more to come from him, and it will feature his favourite colour, black. “The Dark Lord will go on, and I’ve still got stuff to do in my own house, “With design and fashion consultation, you can make somebody feel like they are themselves, “So I’m looking to interior design, looking at garden spaces, and even what you’re wearing, “They all link together, and my consultations will look at all of those, “I’m so proud of what I achieved in such a short period of time, whilst working, being a dad, and all of those things” n Applications to take part in series four of Interior Design Masters are open. To apply online, visit www.bbc.co.uk. n Interior Design Masters continues at 9pm on Wednesday, April 14, on BBC One.
Saturday sounds good at The Castle A READING pub will serve up music on Saturday. The Castle Tap on Castle Street will start the fun at 8pm. Hatty Taylor, who formerly performed as Vienna Ditto, will open the show with her swooping and soulful songs. She will be followed by country rock band Damien A Passmore and The Loveable Fraudsters. Their tongue-in-cheek take on country music owes as much to Spinal Tap as it does to Garth Brooks. Expect to hear songs covering topics including truck drivers, roadkill cuisine, the joys of getting older and unlikely relationships.
One of the best A CAVERSHAM pub has been named as one of the UK’s best places to drink. The Fox and Hounds Beerhouse on Gosbrook Road was named top dog in the Best Independent Craft Beer Pub — Rural category by a panel of brewing industry experts. It won the accolade at the Society of Independent Brewers Business Awards, held last month. Craft beers from breweries across Berkshire and beyond are served at the pub. n For more information, visit: thefoxcaversham.com of follow the pub on social media.
CAMPAIGN: Extinction Rebellion has organised stalls in Reading, Woodley and Wokingham in recent weeks
Green campaigners talk climate change GREEN campaigners have been visiting towns across Berkshire to talk about climate change. Members of Extinction Rebellion (XR) set up pink tables in Reading, Wokingham and Woodley last month to ask others about their environmental concerns. XR Reading asked people to rate their emotional response to the “climate and ecological crisis” on a scale of zero to 10, with zero being for sceptics and 10 for those who are very concerned. Their action follows an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report which stated that 3.5billion people are highly vulnerable to the
effects of climate change. The report also mentions the mental health impact of climate change concerns. An XR Reading spokesperson said that many people they spoke to had “seemingly given up hope when asked how worried they are about the climate crisis.” “One member of the public said that the government would not be able to solve the problem because they are incapable of doing anything. “Another told us that she is angry about the lack of meaningful action from those in power.” XR Reading member Helen said: “Governments are the real
culprits of the mess we’re in.” “Forcing government action is necessary. “Personal lifestyle changes are good and help us to model the world we want to live in, but by themselves they will not solve this crisis.” The group is looking for more people to join them on their campaigns. Helen said: “We are not asking you to sign-up to be arrested or glue yourself to anything.” “We believe that taking action is a good way to feel less anxious about climate change,” a spokesperson added. n For more information, email XRReading@gmail.com
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Citizens Advice leader to talk networking A NETWORKING group is inviting people to join them for its April meeting. Jake Morrison, the chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham will be the keynote speaker for the Wokingham Positive Difference gathering. Also speaking will be Graeme Hobbs of Hobbs Granger Roitt will offer his insights on chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcements in the spring statement, and other press releases you may have missed. There will be opportunities to network, share ideas and learn more about business and community initiatives. It will be held online from 8.50am on Friday, April 22, and entry is free. The group’s March meeting featured a presentation from Toastmaster competition winner Nick Jones about electric vehicles, their financial implications and energy-saving features. March’s Wokingham Positive Difference saw contributions from two first time attendees, along with our essential input from local government. The meeting also welcomed Michelle Lambeth of Herrington Carmichael who gave a comprehensive account of responsibilities for corporate governance. n For more details, log on to: www. wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk
Entrepreneur’s natural remedies out to break menopause taboo Marva Williams of Shhh... Menopause Wellness
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A READING entrepreneur is out to break menopause taboos through a new range of natural remedies.
Katesgrove resident Marva Williams created Shhh…Menopause Wellness following her own experiences of the life stage. Her products are designed to support and encourage woman who are going through the menopause, and help ease their physical and emotional health. “The menopause made me really ill and, in 2019, I collapsed twice,” she explains. “Doctors discovered I had a lack of magnesium and iron in my blood. “Magnesium tablets were ineffective — I cannot digest and absorb it, because I am dairy and gluten intolerant. “I was given lots of medication, including tramadol and antidepressants to manage my health, but I was spaced out all of the time.” Ms Williams is the founder of
natural skincare and personal care product brand Beauty Stable. She has been developing and making products for medical professionals since 2013, which are used by a range of practitioners including acupuncturists and physiotherapists. “One of the practitioners I work with said that there must be a
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more natural solution, so I started playing with essential oils and developing products to help me,” she said. “She tried them with her patients in her private practice during lockdown. “The feedback was so good that I decided to launch them as a brand.” Next week, Ms Williams will be
running a pop-up stall of Shhh… Menopause Wellness in John Lewis’ Reading store. The range includes bath salts, supplements and pillow sprays, and use a blend of essential oils and magnesium believed to hold therapeutic qualities for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. “I also want to break the taboo around menopause and get conversations started,” she added. “So many women feel as though they are the only ones experiencing their symptoms and keep quiet. “Menopause is a rite of passage for women, we should embrace it, not hide it.” Ms Williams hopes to launch a Shhh...Menopause Collective mobile app soon. Her John Lewis Reading pop-up follows successful stands at John Lewis branches at Brent Cross and Bluewater. She will be in store from Monday, April 18 until Sunday, April 25. n For more information, visit: shhhmenopausewellness.com
What is the importance of lifetime tax planning? ASSOCIATE solicitor Louise Nelson, from Thames Valley law firm Blandy & Blandy’s Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team, highlights HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) recently released Inheritance Tax (IHT) figures for the past year and offers a reminder to individuals and families of the importance of lifetime tax planning. HMRC has recently released figures showing that they collected a record £5.5 billion from Inheritance Tax receipts between April 2021 and February 2022, an increase of £0.7 billion on the previous year. The previous record of £5.36 billion was set in 2019. Whilst property prices and the value of other assets continue to rise, the nil rate band (the value above which IHT becomes payable) has remained unchanged at £325,000 since 2009, and will do so until at least 2026. Despite the introduction of the residence nil rate band from April 2017, which is available to some estates provided certain conditions are met, more estates are being brought within the scope of Inheritance Tax. Individuals and their families may also be impacted by Capital Gains Tax (CGT), a
Louise Nelson from Blandy & Blandy tax you pay on the profit made when selling (or ‘disposing of’) something (an ‘asset’) that has increased in value during your ownership, such as a second property. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has suggested that £125 billion will be raised from IHT and CGT receipts in the next five years. There are a number of tax-free allowances which may be available to an estate, allowing you to pass on a greater share of your estate
to loved ones upon your death. If an estate’s value exceeds the relevant allowances, IHT is payable on the balance of the estate at the rate of 40%. There is no tax at all, whatever the value of the estate, on property going to a widow or widower or to a charity. The value of this exempt property is deducted from the value of the whole estate before the tax calculation is done. In this way, gifts to husbands, wives and charities can take an estate out of the tax bracket. Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in Reading’s Blagrave Street, says its specialist Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team can provide advice on Wills and estate planning, including in relation to trusts and lifetime tax planning. It has also published two blog articles that some people will find helpful. They are entitled When I Die, Will Inheritance Tax Have to Be Paid on My Estate?, and What is the Purpose of Inheritance Tax (IHT)?
n For further information, log on to: www.blandy.co.uk, email: law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
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Young stars walk the red carpet watched by Hollywood legend
SHOWTIME: Actor Winston Ellis joined youngsters who attended the children’s TV & film school as they walked the red carpet screening of their films, Ice Cream and Incognito. Pictures: Steven Smyth
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier @rdg.today
YOUNG actors hit the red carpet for their very own film premiere.
After 10 weeks of term, members of the from the Spotted Talent agency were invited to the screening at the Roseate Hotel in Reading town centre to view the culmination of their work. Reading’s own Winston Ellis – star of Pirates of the Caribbean and The Dark Knight – joined the children walking down the red carpet for the first time. The younger class starred in a film called Ice Cream, with the older class starring in a film called Incognito, both of which were screened. And the audience included their family and friends. Spotted Talent, the screen acting school, also offers the opportunity of industry representation and works as an agency for the actors. The screen acting classes are split into two age groups, one for children aged six to eight, and one for those aged nine to 14. Classes included character development, screen combat, eyeline work, theatre acting, and how to cry on camera. They will now go into their second term, which will last
A CONFERENCE that will focus on mental health and wellbeing in children and young people will take place next month. The event, organised by Youth In Mind Berkshire will look at the latest resources and toolkits aimed at improving support. Delegates will come from schools, statutory services, the third sector, with the aim of coming together, to share knowledge and ideas. It will be held at The Globe in Portman Road, Reading, on Wednesday, May 18. Parking spaces can be reserved at the nearby Tesco store. n For more details, log on to: oxfordshiremind.org.uk
Car theft
until Sunday, July 3. This will see children working with US acting coaches as they cover vocal projection and radio work, news and weather presenting, autocue work, and even podcasting and online media. Children from the agency have been selected to work on projects with Coca-Cola and Asda. More recently, the agency’s own Ben Prout took a role in
Save date for spring fayre
THE GRANGE United Reformed Church is hosting a Spring Fayre. The event will be in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice. It will feature a tombola and raffle, crafts, and charity stalls. Refreshments are provided, including tea and coffee. Alexander Divine Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families. The service provides symptom management, music and play therapy, respite care, end of life care, and family support. The Spring Fayre takes place at Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane, on Saturday, April 23. Admission is free. For more information, call: 0118 958 4131.
Goats to race 5k for refuge charity
A FIVE kilometre race around for charity will be held in Reading later this month. Craft beer and cheese shop The Grumpy Goat in Smelly Alley is running the event on Sunday, April 24. The entry fee is a donation to Reading Refugee Support Group, with a suggested minimum of £5. Runners will set off from The Grumpy Goat at noon on the town centre route, enjoying some top Reading scenery before returning back to the store. And there will be free beer and other goodies from event sponsors Siren Craft Brew for participants back at the finishing line.
the second series of Netflix’s Bridgerton. Though the classes are nearly at capacity, there are still a few spaces left for the second term, which begins on Sunday, April 24. A new academic year begins in September, with classes taking place at the School Green Centre in Shinfield. n For more details, log on to: www.spottedtalent.com, or call: 020 3488 4143.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Reading. Between 10am on Saturday, April 2, and 8.30am on Monday, April 4, offenders entered into the back of a property on Staverton Road. The offenders stole a black, three-door Volvo and a handbag. Anyone with information has doorbell camera footage is asked to contact the police. touch. Reports can be made online at www.thamesvalley. police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220144389.
Happy Easter Wishing you a Happy Easter!
n For more information, visit: thegrumpygoat.co.uk
Covid vax now available for children aged five to 11 CHILDREN aged five to 11 are now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination. The UK’s medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency has now approved the paediatric dose of the vaccine for use. This is one third of the dose given to older children and adults. The joint committee for vaccination and immunisation has advised that children with no underlying health conditions are offered the vaccine. Parents and guardians can
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book a visit to the vaccination centre in Broad Street Mall online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119. Children in the same age range who are more at risk have already been offered two paediatric doses eight weeks apart, and should have been contacted by their GP or hospital specialist. Children who have had Covid-19 will have to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated. The NHS advises that two doses of the vaccine provide protection against serious
complications of infection, including from any future waves due to new variants. It also advises that vaccines can cause side effects, but most of these are mild and shortterm. Side effects include headache, tenderness at the place of injection, tiredness, and mild flu-like symptoms. Some children may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.
n For more information about how the vaccine affects children, visit www.gov.uk.
Wishes all its customers a Happy Easter. www.childbasepartnership.com
Tel: 0118 973 3231
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Burglars assault victim in raid
The Renshaw and Harland Families enjoy some refreshments
Ann Wells and Christine Moulden READY TO WELCOME: The Grange United Reformed Church Easter Fair had a host of treats to enjoy, and helping serve were Maddie Harrington and Ann Wells Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision
The Revd Robert Barthram serving up a treat
Southcote church enjoys Easter fun A SOUTHCOTE church was the venue for Easter fun on Saturday, as it hosted a spring fair. Based on Circuit Lane, Grange URC opened its doors for the event – and it was just like prepandemic times. Visitors could play games, catch up with friends, enjoy refreshments and
bag a bargain or two. There were stalls from charities as well as groups connected with the church. Now the church is preparing for its Easter services. On Good Friday, a walk of witness will take place with Southcote churches taking part.
It starts at 10am from Grange, before walking along Southcote Lane. The group will pause outside St Matthew’s Church, before taking part in a service at Southcote Family Church at 10.30am. All are welcome to the event.
Council reveals Refresh your home with the help of Koncept revenue raised by parking tickets
KONCEPT are a refreshing change customers can see, feel, slide, to your average double glazing open, shut and generally company. We don’t come to your manhandle all our products By JAMES ALDRIDGE house and deliver a relentless sales without us breathing down their Local democracy reporter pitch, trying to make a sale necks all the time. READING Borough Council has It’s just not regardless of suitability. Yes, we know every company revealed the revenue raised acceptable, not how we do from traffic and and it’s parking claims to offer fantastic customer fines during the coronavirus business. service, but we genuinely walk pandemic. Instead we take a different The figures have been the talk. We’ve seen first-hand published as part of us, an annual approach. Call send us an email how customer service can nosereport by the council which or upload drawings with some once the salesCllr team hand meeting, Simon Robinson, shows how money is raised by result of a six-weekdive suspension approximate through representative for regulating parking dimensions and travel in in parking fine enforcement over to the Conservative supply or installation Peppard, asked if the council Reading. and various lockdowns. the website, and a brief summary Instead decided to was we able to differentiate In 2020/21 the council The three streetsteams. where the of what you require.from We will come between residents received £1,056,714 highest number ofprovide fines werean honest, reliableand visitors parking fines. issued last year were Oxford who receive PCNs. back to you with a fully-itemised service for theMsright Mungaprice; replied:simple “We need However, it spent £2,157,343 Road with 1,513, Sackville Street quotation that offers the most as that. So, when you become on enforcing these penalty with 634 and Zinzan Street with to look at whether wea can cost-effective solutions produce that data, if weyou are able charge notices (PCNs), resulting without 584. Koncept customer, we want in a cost of £1.1 million. showed to, we would be happy to do so.” compromising on quality orThe report also stay customer, In total, the counciland made a The report shows 34,541 the council spent to more on a itsKoncept energy-efficiency. surplus £136,996, which PCNs were issued in that period car parks than it was able to that we know will of only happen if has with 1,679 cancelled means due to we raise, ending in a net cost of to be reinvested in its various Our approach don’t we get everything right – product, transportation schemes. formal/informal representation £264,519. need to employ field salespeople, price and aftersales service. Expenditure for these or appeals. However substantial income a drop of 18,869 fines was generated with resident schemes totalled £3.68 million orThis payis ridiculous sales when compared to the previous parking permits netting a with £1,301,767 spent on commissions. Yes, we do have structural maintenance for year. surplusaof £644,461, andfind pay out � To more information Speaking atbutait’spolicy display showroom, there and so we cancreating a further principle roads, £698,834 anmaintaining enquiry go to and bridges committee meeting on Monday, so surplus of £719,828.or to makeon show you the products, it’s not April 4, Lisa Munga, strategic Bus lane PCNs also raised a £452,857 on in-house transport www.koncepthomeimproveme an expensive High Street location, people in receipt of Adult customer experience lead at net surplus of £126,855. nts.com orfor call 0118 370 3488 the policy committee Social Care. the council, said this was the Instead, it’s a relaxed spaceAtwhere
A visitor explores some of the bargains on the Sue Ryder stall
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Reading. On Sunday, April 3, at around 7.45pm, two men have entered a property on Spey Road. The two men proceeded to punch the victim repeatedly, before running away. The victim required hospital attention for his injuries. The first man is described as being white, in his late thirties to early forties and approximately 5ft 7in tall. He was wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms. The second man is described as being white, in his late twenties to early thirties, and approximately 6ft tall. He had dark, shoulder length hair and wore all black clothing. A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who may have been in the area and witnessed this burglary or who has doorbell camera footage which could assist with our investigation to please get in touch. “You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220143950. “Alternatively, you can anonymously call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Pubs team up for Easter festival fun EXCLUSIVE By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A READING festival makes its comeback this Easter weekend.
The Village Easter Festival takes place in the Eldon Square conservation area from Thursday, April 14, until Monday, April 18. Four pubs will be serving up craft beer, real ale and a variety of bands to beer fans and gig goers alike. Di Whitaker of The Retreat on St John’s Street has taken the lead in organising this year’s line-up. “We’re all very excited, there’s a huge buzz,” she says. “The last time we were able to do this was 2019. “We’ve got 17 excellent bands playing, it’s going to be great.” Blues band The 99s open the five-day programme at The Retreat at 9pm on the Thursday. Live music begins at 3pm on each of the following days of the festival. The programme has been scheduled so that there is time to walk to the each pub hosting a band in between sets. “The other main venues are The Lyndhurst and The
POUR: Four east Reading pubs are teaming up for a five-day music festival this weekend, including The Retreat (pictured) Weather Station,” Di explains. “We have a huge variety of music on offer and most of the bands are Readingbased. “Limpopo Groove will play at the after party in Piwnica The Polish Club on Bank Holiday Monday.” Bands include Café Zazous, The Sting Operation, Dolly and the Clothes Peg, The Mark II and Femi & Marco. Di’s R&B covers band Rufu Ruffcut will play The Retreat at 9pm on Saturday, April 16. “It’ll be fun to play at the pub again,” she adds. “And we were all shut for a long time, so we are
all determined to enjoy the festival.” The Retreat regularly hosts live music and hosted the launch of this year’s Reading Ale Trail. Di hopes that those who have discovered the pub on the trail will return to support the festival. All events are free to enter. T-shirts featuring the event logo, designed by Retreat regular Andy Ray, will be on sale at all venues. n For more details about the festival, visit: tvef.co.uk n For details of live music at The Retreat, visit: theretreat.pub n Gig guide in Leisure
Who keeps up
VISITOR: Reading West MP Alok Sharma visiting the SmartWorks office
Smart: MP pays visit to work charity A READING charity received a visit to its new centre from Reading West MP Alok Sharma last month. Smart Works in Reading was launched in 2015 to provide high-quality workwear, interview training and employment advice to women who need it - all for free. Mr Sharma met with clients, staff, volunteers and trustees and was given a tour of the new centre. He was shown the job interview coaching rooms and the wardrobe and dressing area. Speaking after the visit on Friday, March 26, Mr Sharma said: “It was a fabulous visit to
a fabulous charity and I want to thank Smart Works Reading for showing me around their new offices. “Their work is inspirational in giving women the confidence they need to secure employment and I look forward to continuing to work with them.” Mr Sharma recently served as the government’s president for COP26, so volunteers were also keen to discuss the charity’s commitment to sustainable fashion which includes hosting pre-loved fashion sales to raise funds. Sarah Burns MBE, founder and outgoing chair of Smart Works
Reading, said: “It was great for Alok to see the new centre and hear how it will enable even more women to benefit from our transformational job interview coaching and dressing service. “We are very grateful for Alok’s continuing support - he has always been such a cheerleader for Smart Works Reading.” The charity has helped more than 700 women into work since opening and has plans to double the number of people it helps over the next three years. n For more information, or to make a donation, visit reading. smartworks.org.uk
Masons help Reading-based with the sporting additional needs charity with funding action?
A CHARITY that helps children with additional needs has been given a boost thanks to Berkshire’s Freemasons. Parenting Special Children (PSC), which has a base in Reading, will receive £15,000 over three years, which will help is expand its services. Tess Eagles, partnerships manager at PSC, originally received support from the charity that she now works with, and understand the benefits that the grant will mean.
Fitness hub at Winnersh Triangle wins award
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THEY knew it was a good fit for Winnersh Triangle when they built it, now it’s official. Frasers Property UK, the owners of the business park, is celebrating winning Project of the Year at The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) Awards 2022. The honour, shared with contractor S&C Slatter, is for Winnersh Triangle’s sports and wellness project and for its
“We are delighted that we have been able to expand our services at the PSC to meet the needs of families, and very much hope to continue to do so during the coming years,” she said. “What is unique about Parenting Special Children – and important to the families who receive our services – is that all the staff, trustees and volunteers are themselves parents or carers of children or young people with special needs.
“All the facilitators of our services also have a professional background, which enables the charity to deliver a professional service. “This is valued by families and health, social care and education professionals who refer families to the charity.” For more details, or to request help, log on to: Parentingspecialchildren.co.uk, or call the charity on: 0118 986 3532.
work supporting the Office of the Future. This includes a new fitness studio and multi-use astro turf sports pitch which is part of a strategy on Frasers Property Parks to add excellent amenities for use by both occupiers and the community. S&C Slatter created the hub with a sustainable green living roof, as well as hard and soft landscaping to improve site aesthetics and biodiversity. Matthew Thompson, S&C Slatter project manager said the firm was delighted to win the award. “The project at Winnersh
Triangle evolved in response to the pandemic, resulting in a truly unique, trailblazing approach to health and wellbeing in the workplace,” he explained. “It was a fantastic project to be a part of and we are thrilled with the result, as well as the recognition by SAPCA.” And Rupert Batho, commercial director at Frasers Property UK, said the award was “a fantastic testament” for the S&C Slatter team. “These facilities add to the fantastic amenities in place for our occupiers and the local community at Winnersh Triangle,” he added.
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LEISURETODAY
13.04.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Standing up to snowflakes S
TEWART Lee started out as a stand-up in 1988 at the age of 20 and won the Hackney Empire New Act of The Year award in 1990, 32 years ago.
He made four series of his own show, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, for BBC Two and has been rewarded with Baftas, Oliviers, and British Comedy Awards. As his delayed Snowflake Tornado tour rolls into Reading’s Hexagon Theatre next week, just what it feels like to be The Times newspaper’s World’s Greatest Living Stand-Up Comedian? “It’s funny you should ask,” Lee cackles hysterically down the line from his North London home, contradicting his public persona as a grumpy contrarian, “because the Tornado half of the show is partly about the disconnect between that kind of critical acclaim, and not being exactly a household name.” Lee’s modesty doesn’t ring true. Your gran may not have seen him trip the light fantastic on Strictly but his tours play to audiences of a quarter of a million. “Yes, but the internet is full of angry people saying ‘Who is he? I’ve never heard of him!’ To be honest, that suits
me, as I can chatter away to strangers without being recognised,” he says. “The current tour has a long bit based on a conversation I had with a woman about baked potatoes that I couldn’t have had if she’d known who I was.” Despite his supposed avoidance of publicity, Lee has been all over social media this year. A comically obsessive critical list of everything he has seen, eaten, heard or read in the previous year, that he sends privately to his mailing list each Christmas, somehow leaked out causing unintended annoyance. It was condemned by the golf comedian John Robins as “something that Joseph McCarthy or The Stasi would recognise.” “I don’t really know what happened there,” Lee cackles again, “maybe The Stasi gave Jimmy Carr’s Netflix special a one-star review as well!” The Snowflake section of Lee’s current show includes references to Jimmy Carr’s ongoing use of material about the Traveller and Roma communities, that recently saw calls for the 8 Out Of 10 Cats star to be prosecuted for incitement to racial hatred, something Lee sees as “a step too far, especially when he’s being condemned by members of the current government”.
Is the material still topical after a two-year layoff during the pandemic? “Well, believe it or not, the stuff making fun of Jimmy Carr for doing jokes about ‘gypsies’ has been in my show since 2019, as it’s the sort of thing he always does, so it’s just an indication of how he tends to hit the same shock buttons every time. The weird thing is that, because of the two-year downtime, lots of the material that was a bit ahead of the curve came into focus and goes down even better now. For example, everyone’s thought a lot more about the supposedly ‘woke’ ideas I endorse, what with Black Lives Matter and those leaked police e-mails about hating women. And Boris Johnson’s dishonesty and hypocrisy, which I discuss on stage, is undeniable now. “The first half of the night, Tornado, is a long shaggy dog story about how I saw loads of rotisserie chickens being delivered to the American comedian Dave Chapelle’s dressing room in London in 2018, and more people know who he is now because he got in trouble with transgender people last year. Some material had to be ditched after lockdown though. “I had 20 minutes in 2019 about what I imagined the new James Bond film would be like - but it’s out now. That said, dropping that bit and
switching in some new stuff actually tightened the second half, which is largely about attempts by the right to weaponise a ‘culture war’ against liberals and minorities.” Presumably more people will have to see Lee live if they want to experience his unique humour, as he has controversially pulled his material off Spotify in solidarity with the Canadian rock star Neil Young, who opposed the comedian Joe Rogan’s factually inaccurate podcasts about covid vaccination. “Yes, that all went a bit wrong,” laughs Lee madly again, “I do think it’s bad that internet platforms aren’t subject to the same kind of factchecking that even I am when I do jokes on traditional media like TV and radio, or in newspapers. But I also thought it would be funny if the two people removing their stuff were unknown me and superstar Neil Young. And of course, it’s an easy stand to take, because you only get 0.003 cents a play on Spotify, so I only need to sell one DVD to make up a year’s Spotify dosh. “Then loads of musicians pulled their stuff too and people said I was trying to get this Rogan bloke no-platformed, and he was a fellow comedian. “First of all, I didn’t know he was a comedian - I thought he was a wrestler
or from Ice Road Truckers or something – and I wasn’t saying he should be banned, just that the YouTube and Spotify and Facebook should be factchecked so they can’t use unverifiable sensationalism to drive their numbers. “And I stand by that, especially when you have Boris Johnson spreading internet conspiracy theories about Jimmy Savile in parliament. “As usual, the press release about little me pulling my comedy off this massive platform was full of jokes which got cut out by people that covered the story and made me look much more of misery than I am.” Does such misrepresentation bother Lee? “Not really,” he giggles, again, “people are paying to see a miserable and frustrated middle-aged man wind himself up into a frenzy about everything, so it probably helps. “Although the funny thing with this tour is that my obvious delight at being back on the boards can’t help but infect the audience. I’m just an old-fashioned entertainer at heart. “Like Vera Lynn. Or that Emu.” n Stewart Lee tours Snowflake/ Tornado at The Hexagon in Reading on Friday, April 22. The show has sold out, but some returns may be available. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com
14 | LEISURE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, April 13, 2022
The hero next door CHILDREN’S favourite Fireman Sam is coming to Reading this Saturday afternoon. He’ll be rescuing Norman Price — and making sure the show goes ahead — in Save the Circus, at The Hexagon. All of Norman’s friends have gone away, so he has decided to find adventure in Pontypandy and become the star of a visiting circus. But with a tiger on the loose and faulty lights, the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the circus? Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. There are two performances, noon and 2.30pm. Tickets priced at £17.50 adults and £16.50 for under 16s. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.
It’s due
AN AMATEUR production of Rent has just started a four-day run at Henley’s Kenton Theatre. Performances take place daily at 7.45pm until Saturday, April 16. There is also a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and set in the East Village of New York City, Jonathan Larson’s Rent is about falling in love, finding your voice, and living for today. It follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves, and conflicts provides the narrative thread to this ground- breaking musical. Tickets begin at £14 and include a £1 theatre restoration levy. n For more details or to book, call: 01491 525050 or visit: kentontheatre.co.uk
Ben’s just getting started
LIMITED tickets are available to see the godfather of modern stand up in Newbury this weekend. Ben Elton is on stage for a warm up gig at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, April 16, at 8pm. His 1987 and 1988 shows Motormouth and Motorvation cemented him as one of the scene’s most outspoken voices, with his left-leaning politics, ranting style, and quick wit capturing public consciousness.
you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship, all backed by a soundtrack of brand-new toe-tapping parodied hits. Starring Crissy Rock, Rebecca Wheatley, Nicki French and Susie Fenwick. Tickets are £32 and the performance begins at 7.30pm. Suitable for an audience aged 16 and up. n For more details or to book, call: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com
The other side of the story
A SHOW full of family-friendly bubbles pops up in Maidenhead next week. Louis Pearl, also known as The Amazing Bubble Man, returns to Norden Farm with a captivating show which combines art, magic and science. He will explore the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding Since then, he’s translated his comedy stylings into television — most recently BBC2’s Upstart Crow. He has also written several books, musicals and films. Ben returns to the stage to explore the modern crisis and outrage-ridden age. Tickets cost £22.50. n For more details or to book, call: 0845 5218218 or visit: cornexchangenew.com
Who’s that guy?
A BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner is back on tour, and he’ll be appearing at Camberley Theatre on Sunday. There is limited availability to see Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy. He’ll poke fun at his life living as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world, as he tries to cope with the fame and fortune since his memorable victory. From the highs of meeting 50% of The Chuckle Brothers to the lows of being called “him off The X Factor”, and everything in between. The stand-up comedian might not have a Geordie accent yet, and he might still sound like a posh version of Robocop, but he promises that his comedy will
bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines, to people inside bubbles, Louis’ show suits all ages. Louis is an Edinburgh Fringe Festival favourite, where he has enjoyed 12 years of sell-out success.
Performance times are at 11.30am and 2pm on both Tuesday, April 19, and Wednesday, April 20. Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for under 16s. A family and friends ticket for four people costs £40. n For more information or to book, visit: norden.farm of call the box office on: 01628 788 997.
leave you speechless. Lee has featured on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, The Royal Variety Performance, Live At The Apollo, The Last Leg, The One Show, and stars in Ability on Radio 4. The show begins at 7.30pm, tickets are £17. n For more details or to book, visit: camberleytheatre.co.uk or call: 01276 707600
Before the performance, there will be a presentation which explains the dance’s history and how the actors present the story through facial expressions and gestures. Tickets cost £15, concessions and under 18s are £12. The programme starts at 7.30pm. n For more details or to book, visit: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.
A RENOWNED dance company will perform a traditional Indian dance at Norden Farm on Tuesday, April 19. The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company will perform Kathakali, a classical dance drama from Kerala, south India. It combines storytelling, dance, drama, ritual, vibrant costumes and intricate makeup. The dance evolved in the 17th century from earlier temple art forms. It is based on Hinduism and is a highly charged and powerful drama which combines sacred devotion with performance.
THE SEQUEL to Menopause the Musical swings in to the Hexagon next Wednesday, April 20. Cruising Through the Menopause catches up with the four characters from the original show. It is set on the high seas, five years after they first met while buying lingerie in a department store. Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses, weight gain - this is a hilarious, heartfelt, reassuring and unflinching look at the joys of menopause and friendship. When life is a bumpy ride full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find true friends. Step on board and let the cast take
Experience classical Kerala
Flushed with success
AT THE THEATRE
As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Camberley – Theatre
Bracknell – South Hill Park
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Shrek The Musical. Until Mon. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Folk Night with Antoine, Owena and Guests. Wed. Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Thurs 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 22. 1, 2 Step Dance Academy celebrates 15 years. Sat 23-Sun 24. FILMS: Cyrano. Thurs-Sun. Parallel Mothers. Mon-Tues. Licorice Pizza. Wed. National Theatre Live: Henry V. Thurs 21. The Duke. Fri 22-Sun 24.
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 BTA Matilda Jnr. Thurs. The Wizard of Oz. Fri. The Doris Day Story. Sat. Lost Voice Guy. Sun. Matt Forde. Wed. An Evening With Mark Billingham. Thurs 21. Frankies Guys. Sat 23.
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Glee Club. Until Sat. Wolf. Fri-Sat. Nobody. Wed. The Man Behind The Mask. Thurs 21-Sat 23. If This Is Normal. Fri 22-Sat 23.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Someone Like you: The Adele Songbook. Thurs. The South. Fri. That’ll Be The Day. Sat.
The Wizard of Oz. Wed. An Audience With Harry Redknapp. Thurs 21. Paul Merton: Impro Chums. Fri 22. Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps. Sat 23. Paul Chowdhry. Sat 23. Twirlywoos. Sun 24.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Rent. Until Sat. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Fri 22-Sat 23.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Duke (12a). Fri-Sat. Steve Waterman: The Latin Connection. Fri. The Small Fakers. Sat. The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues. Kathakali. Tues. The Not So Ugly Sisters. Thurs 21. National Theatre Live: Henry V. Thurs 21. Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martin present The Bridge. Thurs 21. Groove Into The Woods. Fri 22. Fara. Fri 22. Matt Forde:
Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right. Fri 22. The Batman (15). Sat 23. No Jacket Required. Sat 23.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Dinosaur World Live. Thurs. Ben Elton: Warm Up. Sat. Charlotte’s Web. Fri 22-Sat 24.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man in Havana. Until May 21. The Boulevards. Sun 24.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Thurs. Poets Cafe Online lunchtime. Fri. The Unit Ama, Typical Hunks, Timothy Werewolf. Wed.
Carl Hutchinson. Thurs 21. Nobodies Birthday single launch party. Sat 23.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Steve Backshall’s Ocean. Thurs. Fireman Sam Live. Sat. Menopause The Musical 2. Wed. Remembering The Oscars. Thurs 21. Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado. Fri 22. Puccini Madama Butterfly. Sat 23.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Berkshire Organists’ Association 100th anniversary concert. Thurs 28.
Reading – Progress Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Catch-22. May 2-7.
FAMILIES are invited to Norden Farm to hear the other side of a fairytale next week. Cinderella’s Not So Ugly Sisters will tell the whole hair-raising truth in this musical re-telling. Dolly rests on her broom counting the passers-by outside her salon window, whilst sister Barb watches the phone that never rings. It’s the morning of Cindy and Prince Smarming’s big royal wedding, and Dolly and Barb are not invited. Hell hath no fury like a hairdresser scorned. Yorkshire-based company Wrongsemble will share their version of events at 11.30am and 2pm on Thursday, April 21. Tickets cost £12 adults, under 16s £10. A family and friends ticket for up to four people costs £40. n For more details or to book, call: 01628 788997 or visit: norden.farm
Anything could happen
THERE is a chance to see one of the UK’s top improvised comedy companies in High Wycombe next week. Paul Merton’s Impro Chums will take to the stage at Wycombe Swan at 8pm on Friday, April 22. He’s joined on tour by Richard Vranch, Suki Webster and Mike McShane, and each show will be accompanied by a pianist. The Chums guarantee that their collective improvisation experience will delight and entertain the audience. But as their show may contain some swearing and adult themes, it is recommended for ages 14 and up. Tickets are £27.50. n For more details or to book, visit: wycombeswan.co.uk or call: 0343 3100060.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Alby The Penguin Saves The World. Until Easter Monday.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage. NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand Show. Sun 23.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Importance of Being Earnest:
Windsor on Air. Until Sat. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Wed-Sat 23.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Father. April 28-May 7.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. Fri. Starmaker Theatre Company presents Shine Again. Fri 22-Sat 23.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOWS: Things We Do For Live. May 17-21. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Crumbs! Time to enjoy the summer of biscuits
Will Nandi Poo and Yum Yum be allowed to fall in love?
F
ORGET the summer of love, this is the summer of biscuits, as The Ding prepares to celebrate one of its most famous exports.
A town-wide celebration of Huntley & Palmers will be held with a series of special events, all in honour of the firm that started life 200 years ago from a small bakery in London Street. And in the 40 years on from 1822, the company created store cupboard staples including the Nice biscuit, the gingernut and the Bath Oliver, going on to become a global force in biscuit making, until it merged with Peak Freans in the 1970s. To mark the big anniversary, Reading will once again become The Biscuit Town, with an exhibition, guided tours, biscuit events, a unique museum collection and afternoon teas… with biscuits. The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), which houses a large collection of Huntley & Palmer’s emphermia, will explore the company’s impact on the growth of Reading, and tell the stories of people who worked in King’s Road factory. There is also a collection of the many decorative biscuit tins, a biscuit supplied to Captain Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition and the rude ‘Kate Greenaway’ biscuit tin that embarrassed the biscuit company in 1980. It runs from Tuesday, May 10, through to Sunday, September 25, and the museum is located in what was Alfred Palmer’s family home. A self-guided Biscuit Crumb Trail will start from The MERL or Reading Museum, but there will also be a weekly Biscuit Walkabout guided tour running until October. Organised by Terry’s Reading Walkabouts, the intrepid tour guide’s mother
Huntley and Palmers helped bring the railway to Reading and put the town on the map worked for Huntley & Palmers, and this special guided walk will take in many of the places synonymous with biscuits in the town. Another walk is a special audio trail, launching on Tuesday, June 21. Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley use a mixture of real and imagined voices and sounds to tell the story of how Huntley & Palmers went from London Street to the world. Listen and walk the trail via your smartphone at https://www. reading.gov.uk/audiotrails/ londonstreet Next month’s Reading Children’s Festival (14 May – 5 June) will have a biscuit theme, including an Alice in Wonderland-theme tea party, a biscuit choir, a chance to make biscuit hats, and feature in a biscuit parade.
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This is part of the Forbury Fiesta on Saturday, May 14. And there will be biscuits inspired by Huntley & Palmer at a special afternoon tea at the Roseate Reading Hotel, served from Monday, May 9. A cruise along the River Thames is also planned. Alex Brannen, from Reading UK which is helping to organise the events, said: “The impact of Huntley & Palmers biscuits on Reading has been huge and this summer Reading will be paying tribute to its fascinating biscuit story with a series of special events and activities. “The coming of the railway to Reading in the nineteenth century helped take Reading’s biscuits all over the world, so we are delighted that GWR has become the ‘Official Travel Partner’ for Biscuit Town 2022, bringing people to Reading to
retrace the steps of the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world.” And this partnership has been welcomed by the train company. Its senior regional marketing manager, Gauthier Hardy, said GWR was proud to be taking part. “Great Western Railway has a long association with Huntley & Palmers as its factory was located on King’s Road, close to the railway line, and its biscuits were carried by train to London, Bristol and beyond. “Reading remains one of the busiest destinations on the GWR line and we look forward to welcoming customers keen to get a taste for the town’s rich biscuit heritage.” n More information at www. visit-reading.com/biscuittown
Some of the cast of Mostly G&S’s performance of The Mikado Picture: Phil Creighton
A
TALE of unrequited love and an execution is coming to Woodley just after Easter, after being on hold for two years.
Members of the Mostly G&S society will be performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s famous comic operatta The Mikado at The Oakwood Centre. Originally performed in 1885, the musical is set in Japan and tells the story of the unrequited love between Nandi Poo and Yum Yum. The Mikado himself loves an execution, and in his task he is aided and abetted by Koko The Lord High Executioner. Will true love prevail, or at least escape the executioner’s axe? Mostly G&S hope you’ll come along to find out. The group was formed in 2009 by Gill Morgan and John Lewis who had been associated with Reading Operatic Society for 25 years.
Their idea was to create a small group devoted to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan presented in concert form with emphasis on original scores. Their first performance in 2010 was The Gondoliers. Their last performance in 2019 was celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary before having pause work on The Mikado due to the covid lockdowns. Now, at last, the group is back in action and the show will be conducted by Barry Seaman – his final show before retiring. The show is performed from Thursday, April 21, through to Saturday, April 23, and tickets cost £12. n For more details, call the box office on: 07514 423894, or email: mostlygands@gmail.com n The group’s website is: www. mostlygands.co.uk
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Joe Meek celebrated with screening and Tea Chest talk
R
EADING’S Biscuit Factory is hosting an exclusive talk and film screening to celebrate Joe Meek.
The legendary music producer, engineer, label owner, and songwriter will be honoured with the session, which will be given by Alan Wilson. Mr Wilson has been digitising a collection of music which was left behind after Meek’s death in 1967. The tapes, now known as the Tea Chest tapes, have become famed for containing unheard music by musicians such as David Bowie, Tom Jones, Marc Bolan, and Jimmy Page. He will be speaking about the contents of these tapes, due to start being released by Cherry Records in the summer. The event will also feature a screening of Telstar, a film which tells the story of Meek’s struggles with depression, homosexuality, and debt. The film features Con O’Neill and Pam Ferris, with appearances from Ralf Little, Mathew Baynton, and Jimmy Carr. Meek was a pioneer of studio techniques such as close miking, compression, sampling, and
Alan Wilson, who has spent two years digitising the Tea Chest tapes from Joe Meek (pictured below), will be discussing his findings. effects such as reverb and echo. He was self-taught in electronics, and wrote the song after which the film is named, which was the first single by a British rock group to reach number 1 on the US Hot 100. The song, performed by the tornadoes, spent five weeks at number one in the UK charts in 1962, with Meek receiving an Ivor Novello award for his work on it. The event will take place at the Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall, on Saturday, July 16, from 6pm. n Tickets are £20 each, available from www. wegottickets.com.
An Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv
WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS
Spring Gospel concert for RRSG READING Gospel Choir will hold a spring concert next month. The BBC Gospel Choir of the Year winners are performing at Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin on Saturday, May 14. Originally the fundraiser for Reading Refugee Support Group was due to take place last December, but, covid. It begins at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £10, concessions £5, under 11s and refugees are free. All tickets sold for the gospel carol concert will be valid. n For more or to book, visit: refugeesupportgroup.org.uk
The Reading Operatic Society has staged more than 100 shows in Berkshire since it was founded in 1951. Picture: Wikimedia Commons
Rent on at the Kenton: Reading Ops are back
READING Operatic Society is staging a production of Rent. The society has produced more than 100 shows, and its latest is set to hit the Kenton Theatre in Henley. Jonathan Larson’s Rent, set in New York City’s East Village, follows the lives and struggles of a group of bohemians during the late 80s under the shadow of HIV/ AIDS. Roger, Mimi, Tom, and Angel
grapple with the disease, as well as issues of being an outsider, infidelity, and political conflict. Since it was first performed in 1996, Rent has won a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. The production is showing at the Kenton Theatre in Henley from Wednesday, April 13, to Saturday, April 16. Tickets are available from www.kentontheatre.co.uk.
Adrienne Black set to dazzle CONCERTS in Caversham is back once again, this time featuring harpsichordist Adrienne Black. Ms Black is an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, as well as co-founder of Concerts in Caversham. She has also played as an accompanist for winning performances in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. She will perform solo, playing pieces such as Bach’s
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, and Italian Concerto, Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith, and character pieces by Rameau and Daquin. Established by Adrienne Black and Timothy Watts, the concert series has now been running for 11 years. The venue features a bar, which will be open before the show and during the interval. The event will take place at St
Andrew Church, Albert Road on Saturday, April 23. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the recital beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are £20 per adult, £18 for over 60s, £15 for students, and attendance is free for under 16s. n Tickets are available at www. concertsincaversham.co.uk, through 0118 948 1610, at the box office, and in person from Caversham Picture Framers.
Organists pull out all the stops for 100th year anniversary concert “A Butterfly to cherish” MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Sung in Italian with English surtitles. † Cast subject to change.
Welcoming back the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Katerina Timbaliuk from the Odessa Opera together with celebrated Ukrainian mezzo soprano Irina Sproglis†. With an exquisite Japanese Garden and spectacular costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
SATURDAY 23 APRIL | 7.30pm WHATSONREADING.COM | BOX OFFICE 0118 960 6060
TICKETS £35, £32, £30
BERKSHIRE Organists’ Association is marking 100 years with a celebratory concert. Renowned organist Daniel Moult will be playing masterpieces of the instrument by composers such as Bach, Elgar, Schumann, and Liszt. The Berkshire Organists’ Association has supported organ players and held music events in Reading since it was founded on Tuesday, April 19, 1921. It provides help and advice to church organists and organised numerous concerts and recitals Daniel Moult is famed for presenting three feature-length documentaries charting 500 years of organ music from across three continents.
He also performed more than 10 hours of music from English history which accompanied the documentary series. He will also provide a free talk before the concert. The recital will take place on
the historic ‘Father Willis’ pipe organ, built in 1864 by Henry Willis, commissioned by the Reading Philharmonic Society. The organ is famed for being one of those kept closest to its original state in the country, and features 1660 pipes. Originally built to be part of the Victoria Hall, the organ now resides in Reading Town Hall’s Concert Hall. It cost £770 at the time of building, equivalent to more than £45,500 today. The concert will take place at the Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, on Thursday, April 28, from 7.30pm. n Tickets are £12.50, £6 for under 18s, available from www. whatsonreading.com.
LEISURE | 25
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Wednesday, April 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
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RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
O
NE of this week’s new entries into the RaW Sounds Today playlist has sax appeal… and evokes memories of the 1980s.
The other, well, it’s a track from a band with a thing for the blues. Two very different and diverse songs, but that’s what the RaW Sounds playlist is here for: a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page. To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and get dancing. There’s 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.
Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Slow Train Blues
Fancy some blues? Well here’s a song
Selina and the Howlin Dogs at Acoustic Couch Picture: Andrew Merritt from this band’s debut album Blues Revisited. They were featured in this paper recently and following the launch of the album they have been added to the bill at Wokingham Festival. This song is the opening track of the album featuring some fine guitar playing and of course Selina’s distinctive vocals. Have a listen and if you like what you hear check out the full album and pop along to the festival to see them live https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs. com/
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, April 14
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Winter Wilson and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Reckless v Delight Alternative clubight. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapinao presents Afrohouse, Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Jackie Oates and John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Shonen Knife. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Easter Festival: The 99s. Details: 0118 376 9159.
Good Friday, April 15
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Skaranaga Duo. Details: 01344 303333. BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Victoria Elizabeth. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE.
Beyond Grace, Vulgaris, End of Salvation. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village Festival: Cafe Zazous (3pm), David Gray and John Dunsterville (9pm). Details: 0118 950 3888. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Christians. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: The Sting Operation. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: Keith Allen Band. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. 7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Midnight Rebels Band. Details: 0118 969 3325.
Saturday, April 16
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The TR5s. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Legends of the Oldskool. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.
EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Easter Meets Western: DAP & The Loveable Fraudsters. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Freudian Session and Freinds. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Lyndhurst, Queen’s Road RG1 4DG. The Village Festival: The Mulberry Earls. Details: 0118 950 3888 READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Village Festival: Mayor and James (3pm); Rufus Ruffcut (9pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Western Rock. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Holy Cowbell. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: The Sidepiece Function (1pm), Jackie Doe and the Uncertainty of Passion (5pm), Dolly & The Clothes Pegs (9pm). Details: 0118 958 6048. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. T Roze and Co.. Details: 0118 942 9606. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn.
Modesty Blue – Sea of Emotion From the sound of the blues, we go to the sound of the 80’s with the new single from Modesty Blue. This is their second single is another catchy summer feel pop song so, if you enjoy dancing around to The Pet Shop Boys, Wham and other 80s icons, you’ll like this one. It’s also got a very cool sax solo. If you are one of the many musicians in the area that have had CD’s made by Torch in Ascot, you’ll know one of the members of the band – it’s Sean Lynch - https://www.facebook.com/ modestybluemusic Details: 01252 870648.
Easter Sunday, April 17
CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Beatles Tribute. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents: David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333. READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Eden Project presents Jess Bays. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Fleur Stevenson and Hugh Turner (3pm), PIG (9pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Blueprint presents Back2Basics Tour £5 rave. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Village Festival: Paula Riordan (4pm), The Mark II (7pm). Details: 0118 958 6048.
Easter Monday, April 18
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Femi and Marco (3pm). Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Piwnica (The Polish Club), London Road Rg1 4DX. The Village Festival afterparty: Limpopo Groove. Details: 0118 958 9908.
The Amazons – Bloodrush
Focus – Sylvia
Here is an anthem from this fastrising band from Reading who recently played at The O2 Arena supporting Royal Blood. It’s from their forthcoming third album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? - https://theamazons.co.uk/
Exciting news that legendary rock band Focus will be headlining Wokingham Festival this year on August Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August. This song is from their Focus 3 album and hit No.4 in the UK singles chart - https:// focustheband.co.uk/
Small Town Heroes - i need u
The Go Go Cult – Town Called Sorrow
Here’s a new band with a song from their debut EP, No Filters Needed. They will be live on the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage at Wokingham Festival in August - https://tommyhand. wixsite.com/smalltownheroesuk
That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel
Wishbone Ash – Sometime World
Joe will be returning to the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday with his solo headline set following a brilliant performance there in 2019 https://www.thatjoepayne.com/
A Better Life – A Moment of Nothing
The chill out collective based around local music producer, Phil Daniels, have recently released a brand-new video to this track from their acclaimed debut album, Take A Deep Breath - https:// abetterlifemusic.com/
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, April 20
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Folk Night with Antoine, Owena and Guests. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reckless presents Dreameater, Sunfall, Starved, URSUS. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Stereo MCs. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. The Unit Ama, Typical Hunks, Timothy Warewolf. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokingham Folk and Acoustic Blues Club. Details: 0118 977 0918.
www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bottle Kids. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Frankie’s Guyst. Details: 01276 707600. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. FM and Grand Slam. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Saturday, April 23
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. The Strats. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN.
Club Velocity celebrated an impressive 19 years of putting on events with a Birthday Party Gig at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading on March 25, featuring these psychobilly punks http://www.thegogocult.com/ It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash returned to Wokingham Music Club recently to perform the album in full at a great sold out show - https://www. martinturnermusic.com/
Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free
Rachel is a singer-songwriter from the local area and, she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well-crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country pop feel - https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic/
The Right Times. Details: 01344 422622 CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. A Band Called Malice. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street Arts Centre. Nobodies Birthday: Single Launch Party. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Paddingtonl. Details: 0118 957 6930.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand Show. Details: 0118 969 8000. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Harmonica Lewinsky. Details: 0118 942 9606. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Blues and Tunes. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, April 24
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Steve Donnelly and Friends. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
Thursday, April 21
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rise of the Machine and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Heir. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Friday, April 22
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. P45, 21st Century Ska, Dead Eyed Smiles, Echo Chambers.. Details:
Tuesday, April 19 HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE CHRISTIANS By Arrangement with Selective Agency and Club Velocity presents
Friday April 15th 2022 - Doors 7:00pm Advance tickets £25.00
www.wegottickets.com / www.seetickets.com / www.eventbrite.com
Sub89 110-117 Friar Street Reading RG1 1EP 0118 959 5395
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON Exhibitions
READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5. Details: 0118 937 3400.
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12a). Thurs-Thurs 21. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG). Thurs-Thurs 21. Morbius (15). Thurs. The Batman (15).Thurs. The Worst Person in the World (15). Thurs-Thurs 21. The Bad Guys (U). Fri-Mon. Compartment No. 6 (15). Fri-Thurs 21. The Northman (15). Fri-Thurs 21. Keep It Cult: Mad Max (15). Fri. Keep It Cult: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (15). Mon, Fri 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, April 14
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Royal Women, a talk by Catherine Sampson. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553. SPENCERS WOOD –
WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facepainting. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 977 6715. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
Good Friday
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Rockin’ The Joint: a party to celebrate the 31st anniversary of 3Rs. £12. Details: rock3rs. co.uk MAPLEDURHAM – St Margaret’s Church. Nine stations of the cross service, largely outside. 11am. READING – Park United Reformed Church, Wokingham Road. Good Friday service. 3pm. READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Launch of new chocolate stout, doughnuts and Happy Go Souvlaki. 1pm-10pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Rivermead, Richfield Avenue. Reading Vinyl Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4 before 11am, £3 after. Details: facebook. com search for Vinyl Record Collectors Fair READING – Broad Street. French market. 9am-5pm. Free entry. READING – Outside Reading West Salvation Army, Oxford Road. Good Friday service led by the Salvation Army band. Noon. READING – From Stadium Way. Berkshire Egg Run organised by Thames Vale Vultures. From 11.30am. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SOUTHCOTE – From Grange Church, Ciruit Lane. Good Friday walk of witness from the church to Southcote Family Church via St Matthew’s. Meet at 10am,
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk service at Southcote Family Church 10.30am. TILEHURST – The Triangle. Good Friday walk of witness from churches to the Triangle, short service from noon.
Saturday, April 16
CALCOT – Beansheaf Community Centre, Linear Park RG31 7AW. Easter fayre: meet the Easter bunny, Easter bonnet contest, stalls, refreshments and more. 10am-4pm. CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. Meet the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg hunt, games, activities and more. Noon3pm. Booking essential. £2 non-members. Details: www.cpva.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, Alberto House, Marino Way. Guided tours of brewery. 1pm-2.30pm. Details: www.sirencraftbrew.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www.thamesvalley farmersmarket.co.uk READING – Broad Street. French market. 9am-5pm. Free entry. READING – Broad Street Mall. Bluey and Bingo visit: free interactive storyt9ime sessions from 11am3.30pm. READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Launch of new beer, axe throwing 3pm-7pm, doughnuts and Happy Go Souvlaki. 1pm-10pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING – St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Reading Tango Club presents Milonga 50x50, a tango and alternative music evening. 7.30pm. £10, £5 students. Light refreshments available. RISELEY – Wellington
Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham craft and gift market. 10am-4pm. Free entry. Details: 07522 523519. 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 WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Easter Sunday, April 17
READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. The Ultimate Egg Hunt, new beer release, Sunday Sofa Sessions: Willy Wonka nad the Chocolate Factory. Smoke Tin Kitchen. 1pm-6pm. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – The Bandstand, Forbury Gardens. Churches Together in Reading Easter celebration. 8am. With hymns led by Reading Central Salvation Army Band. If wet in Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Followed by refreshments in Abbey Baptist. Details: 01491 671357. READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Easter charity raffle. 6pm-8pm. RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Welly Parks Mega Egg Hunt. From 9.30am. Easter Bunny appearances at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. 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. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Tuesday, April 19
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, 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 – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. U3A presents The History of Woodley: Cobblers City, Bulmershe Manor and the link to the Rolling Stones. £2, booking essential, by April 17. Details: www. wokinghamu3a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, April 20
EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. History of Reading Society presents Henry I and his Abbey. 7pm. £2 visitors, members free. Details: historyofreadingsociety@ yahoo.com WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, April 21
EARLEY – Now Building, Thames Valley Park RG6 1WG. Art Expo: brandnew eco venue featuring watercolour, silver jewellery, ceramics, urban sketching and mixed media. 11.30am-2.30pm. Outdoor cinema, music and more. Details: hereandnow.place EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Treasure Hunt in Henley. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facpainting. 11am-3pm.
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,
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Messy Ducklings, booking essential. £6.50 per child, £3.50 per sibling. 11am2.30pm. 0118 977 6715. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk
Friday, April 22
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Drag Night with screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. 7.30pm. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Pentahotel, Oxford ROad. Reading Careers Fair. 10am-2pm. Details: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ reading-careers-fairtickets-173325881377 WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Easter Holiday activities: Artist’s facpainting. 11am-3pm. Details: 0118 977 6715. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge 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. WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 23
CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham presents: Adrienne Black, harpsichordist. 6.45pm. Tickets £18-£20, under 16s free. Details: 0118 948 3220. CAVERSHAM – Our Lady and St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, South View Avenue. Thames Valley Air Ambulance Tribute Audax Cycle Ride 2022: 50km, 100km and 200km routes through The Chilterns. From 9am. Details: www. tributeaudax.uk HURST – Hurst Bowling Club, Church Hill. Hurst Bowling Club open day. Noon-6pm. Free taster sessions, wear flat sole trainers. Details: 07917 195722. SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Spring Fayre in aid of Alexander
Devine Children’s Hospice: Tombola, Raffle, Crafts, Charity Stalls, plus Tea and Coffee. 11.30am. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 4131 SWALLOWFIELD – Recreation Ground, Swallowfield Street. Swallowfeld pre-school fete: bouncy castle, stalls, face painting, cake, refreshments, games and more. 1pm-4pm. £1, under 16s free. READING – Forbury Gardens. Sparkle Vegan Events presents Reading Vegan Fiesta: hot food, artisan stalls, charity baking competition, live music and more. 11am-4pm. Details: sparkleveganevents.com READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Iota presents The Clothes Swap: Drop between 1pm-3pm. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Queens Arms, Great Knollys St. New Beginnings Reading spring fair: Raffle, Afternoon tea, BBQ, tombola, Bric-a-brac, Cake stall, Children’s treasure hunt, Book stall and more. Noon-4pm. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50. 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 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre RG5 4JZ. Mostly G&S presents The Mikado. 7.30pm. £12. Details: www. mostlygands.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 24
READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Sunday life drawing. 11.30am-1pm. £12. Details: www.jelly.org.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Iota The Clothes Swap: Swap, from 1pm. Tickets from £2.50-£7.50, in aid of Rising Sun Arts Centre. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5409
Your weekly puzzle challenge
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Quiz Challenge
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
REMNANTS SO SCARCE
R D A Y O B
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 18 Good; 22 Very Good; 25 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed G through openings in the walls. The P first letter may appear in any chamber. E D
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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DOWN 1. Exactly what is needed when travelling by public transport (4,3,6) 2. Praying mantis in disarray (6) 3. Animal acceptable to a Greek character (5) 4. Search out half-tamed animal (6) 5. Hazel has broken left rib (7) 6. Writer entertains good man in restaurant (6) 7. Construct hastily despite strike at the same time (5,8) 13. To start with Juan the Spaniard told stories about such eels (7) 15. The positive aspect of being a winning team (6) 16. Mysteriously mind us wearing no clothes (6) 17. The way to get the revs going! (6) 19. Excessively active at this market (5)
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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WORD PYRAMID: Pedigree spaniel. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract. Total: 9.
SOLUTIONS
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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ACROSS 1. Start the deciding round on horseback perhaps (4-3) 8. Issue broadcast instalment (7) 9. Arrange trade show when it is fine and settled (3,4) 10. Automatic rubbish about former pupil in charge (7) 11. Woven nets on French island capable of being stretched (7) 12. Expel all the people at the event (7) 14. Star bully? (7) 18. Bring down from a French steed (7) 20. Swapped positions on board when actors went first (7) 21. Accuse one member before everybody (7) 22. Some have to attend lessons that are interminable (7) 23. Almost rearming another seaman (7)
EQUALISER 6 10 4 2 1 2 8 12 3 1 3 2
Hard
6 3 2 5 8 4 1 9 7
8 6
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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SUDOKU Easy
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6. Which cartoon character has a boss called Charles Montgomery Burns? 7. What D is a book of the Bible and the title of a hit Elton John song? 8. The Enhanced Fujita Scale measures the strength of what natural occurrences? 9. Which country has adopted the cockerel as its national bird? 10. Heath Ledger, Joaquin Phoenix and Jack Nicholson all had film roles as which comic book villain?
2. Aleppo is a major city in which Middle Eastern country?
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1. What is the minimum age for players in the National Lottery?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5409
CROSS CODE
5409
ACROSS 1. Buried explosive (8) 6. Financial obligation (4) 8. Expire (3) 9. Cuban dance (8) 10. Glen (4) 12. Floral leaf (5) 14. Relating to mankind (5) 17. Prayer ending (4) 18. Vista (8) 20. Tactful (8) 24. Item of footwear (4) 25. Move stealthily (5)
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26. Flowing garments (5) 29. Drink heavily (4) 30. Lassitude (8) 31. Deciduous tree (3) 32. Fly high (4) 33. Balance, proportion (8) DOWN 2. Distant (4) 3. Muffle (6) 4. Polar covering (6) 5. Dutch cheese (4) 6. Eat greedily (6) 7. Resinous healing agent (6)
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 27. 28.
Playing ----- (5) Meaning (5) Single thickness (5) In what way? (3) School subject (abbrev.) (5) Bare (5) Irritate (3) Entirely (2,4) Vocation (6) Type of drum (3-3) Oil-producing plant (6) Aid to the poor (4) Seaweed product (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Landmine; 6 Debt; 8 Die; 9 Habanera; 10 Vale; 12 Sepal; 14 Human; 17 Amen; 18 Panorama; 20 Discreet; 24 Shoe; 25 Sneak; 26 Robes; 29 Tope; 30 Lethargy; 31 Elm; 32 Soar; 33 Symmetry. Down – 2 Afar; 3 Deaden; 4 Icecap; 5 Edam; 6 Devour; 7 Balsam; 11 Cards; 12 Sense; 13 Layer; 14 How; 15 Maths; 16 Naked; 19 Irk; 21 In toto; 22 Career; 23 Tom-tom; 24 Sesame; 27 Alms; 28 Agar.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Eighteen; 2 Syria; 3 The ice cream cone; 4 Evander Holyfield; 5 Obsessive compulsive disorder; 6 Homer Simpson; FIVE ALIVE: 7 Daniel; 8 Tornadoes; 9 France; 10 The Joker. (1) Across – Sling; Items; Tatty. Down – Skint; Inert; Gusty. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Jump-off; 8 Edition; 9 Set fair; 10 Robotic; 11 Tensile; (2) Across – Waged; Ounce; Evens. G B U Z A Q O K I P H L C 12 Turnout; 14 Taurean; 18 Unhorse; 20 Castled; 21 Impeach; 22 Down – Whole; Genie; Dregs. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Endless; 23 Mariner. F R J V Y W E X T D M N S Down – 1 Just the ticket; 2 Matins; 3 Okapi; 4 Ferret; 5 Filbert; 6 NONAGRAM: baddy; bard; bardo; baud; board; Bistro; 7 Knock together; 13 Jellied; 15 Upside; 16 Nudism; 17 body; BODYGUARD; brad; broad; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Ordain; 19 Hyper. scan; core; arms; buddy; budo; byroad; dado; dago; nest. daub; dobra; dodgy; dory; dour; drab; drag; dray; drub; drug; dryad; dyad; gaud; gaudy; goad; gourd; grad; guard; road; rudd; ruddy; yard.
28 | LIFE
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Managing stress Healthy heart tips Heart Research UK
S
TRESS can indirectly affect our heart by reducing motivation to eat well and exercise.
Feeling stressed can also increase the likelihood that we will use negative coping strategies such as increasing the amount of alcohol we drink. Stress occurs when we feel that we are unable to cope with the demands placed on us. We can address stress by assessing and changing our demands, and by changing our relationship to the things that cause us stress. Here are some top tips
for helping to manage your stress:
Keep Moving Regular exercise has been shown to positively influence our ability to manage stress and reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions.
Take Time to Re-Charge
Managing our energy levels throughout the day by taking moments to re-charge can help us to better deal with the demands placed on us. This could be taking regular breaks from work, relaxing through meditation, or even a short powernap.
Plastic free home
Challenge your Thoughts
David Lamont
The way we think about our demands will influence how stressed we feel. You can ask yourself questions such as “how would I advise a friend in my situation?” to help re-frame what is going on in your life.
The refill revolution takes its next step in Wokingham…
Break it Down When we have lots to do, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. When this happens, it can be useful to break down your tasks and plan how you will tackle a situation.
Z
ERO waste business Maya’s Refillables has been a regular fixture at Wokingham Market for several years.
Seek Support It is okay to ask for help. It can help to share stressors with a friend or contact a mental health professional via your GP or another service such as Samaritans. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.
org.uk/healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some Healthy Heart recipes from:
https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/. n Or have a look through the Healthy
Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs: heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-cookbook
Eco-friendly ways of reducing running costs and adding value to your home
T
HE rising cost of living means we’re all looking at ways in which we can make savings, but little thought is given to how it can be done in an eco-friendly way.
lighting throughout the home (£1,069 profit), and addressing any faults or weaknesses with the roof (£987 profit).
Solar panels
With Easter traditionally being a busy time of year for the property market, new research by estate and lettings agent Barrows and Forrester aims to show how homeowners can help to protect the environment while adding value to their property. But which upgrades add the most value? Here, experts from the firm give some pointers.
Insulation Upgrading a home’s insulation, specifically solid wall insulation, is one of the best ways of improving efficiency and reducing energy usage. It costs an estimated £2,750 to do but can boost property value by 3%. Based on the average UK house price of £273,762, this equates to £8,213, adding value to the tune of £5,463. This makes it the most profitable eco-friendly upgrade available to homeowners when it comes to adding value to their home, as well as reducing their carbon footprint.
Adding charging points can help increase the value of your home
Electric car charging port
Similarly, if a home uses a tank system for its hot water, in which it uses a large tank to store large amounts of water that must then be heated every time hot water is required, it’s a very good idea to replace it with a tankless heater system.
Despite the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid cars, it’s still very rare to find a home that comes with its own charge point. Installation is relatively inexpensive, around £800, and
can add around 1.5% to the home’s value, adding £3,306 in value.
Boiler upgrade Many homes can still benefit from a good old fashioned boiler upgrade. While notoriously expensive to do, around £2,500, the increased efficiency and longevity that a new boiler provides adds around 1.9% to the home’s value, adding £2,701 in value.
Tankless water system
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Doing so costs around £1,275 but adds 1.2% to the property’s value, a boost of £1,984.
Double glazing Fitting double-glazed windows throughout the home is very expensive, costing an estimated £6,575. It is, however, an essential step towards creating an energy efficient and warm home and is so important to homebuyers that the improvement adds 3% to the value of a property. Measured against the cost, this brings an added value of £1,638.
LED lighting and roof repairs Increased efficiency and good profits can also be added through installing energy efficient LED
One outlier is solar panels. Despite being one of the most common ways of improving the carbon footprint of a home, it seems they do very little in terms of added value. Installation is expensive, around £5,875, while the value added is estimated to be £1,916, a loss of -£3,959. However, there are obvious savings to be made from reduced utility bills, so if the owner is planning to stay in the home for many years to come, solar panels can still offer good savings. Managing director of Barrows and Forrester, James Forrester, said: “Eco-friendly home renovations and upgrades can be a brilliant way of reducing the running costs of your home, which is something that has been brought into focus due to the spiralling cost of living. “But they don’t just reduce the day to day costs associated with our homes, they can also add value for such a time that you do come to sell. “In addition to the financial benefits they bring to the home, they can also help us make a positive change with regards to the environment and this eco-friendly conscience is something we are seeing more and more from the modern-day homebuyer.”
With the business soon set to move into a shiny new permanent home in Peach Place, in Wokingham’s town centre, we caught up with owner and friend to Plastic Free Home, Maya Gheorghe, to find out more. “Having a shop has always been a goal for me, but it’s also a big commitment, so starting as a market stall has been a great way to test the appetite for zero-waste consumption amongst our community,” explains Maya. She discusses the many benefits that a shop will bring, including a bigger and broader range of eco-friendly products (certain items are very difficult to sell when outside), a more hands-on refill experience for customers, a speedier service and being able to escape the elements on a bad day. “It has been coming for a while,” she continues. “The huge increase in demand is obviously fantastic, but impossible to satisfy from a small market stall and the business has really outgrown that model.” Outlining her vision for the shop, Maya says that “It will be an extended and enhanced version of what I offer now – household and cleaning products, personal care items, dried goods and other food items – many of which are refillable.” She continues: “My aim has always been to listen to what my customers want or need and after researching and testing, to help everyone on their journeys towards becoming more sustainable. “I try to tick the sustainable, affordable and locally sourced boxes as much as possible.” When asked about the future, Maya explains: “I felt like taking on a new challenge and I also wanted to bring something new to the town, in addition to being a zero waste shop. “I really want Maya’s Refillables to become a sustainability hub and to host upcycling workshops, to become a recycling point in collaboration with Ali’s Recycling, to invite producers and suppliers to come along and talk about their products and to organise themed evening to connect people from our community to new and ongoing projects.” Producers and suppliers, as well as those involved in eco-friendly crafting projects or those aimed at altering, repairing, upcycling or recycling items, interested in working with Maya’s Refillables is encouraged to get in touch Maya at contact@mayasrefillables.com. You will find Maya’s Refillables at Peach Place towards the end of April. Personally, we can’t wait to visit and to engage with some of Maya’s wider plans too. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or www.facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk
SPORT TODAY
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
READING 13.04.22
GAMBIA KIT BOOST
CRICKET’S BACK!
RAMS EPIC AWAY WIN
INCE’S IRE: ‘REF COST US THE GAME’ BLUEBIRDS SINK ROYALS
By DANIEL BLACKHAM sport@wokingham.today
READING FC interim boss Paul Ince believes a ‘diabolical’ refereeing performance cost his side at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The Royals went ahead through a Lucas Joao header, only to be pegged back on the hour by Alfie Doughty before Will Vaulks secured the points for the visitors with five minutes to go. “The whole thing hinged on a
diabolical decision by the referee – absolutely pathetic,” said Ince “Lucas (Joao) has clearly been dragged down and it looks like their player is offside for the second phase of the first goal. “All you ask is that referee’s do their jobs properly.” Ince believes his side should have put the game beyond Cardiff in the first half. “We should have been 3-0 up at half-time,” said Ince. “Two great chances when we
were 1-0 up and could have made the game a lot easier for us. “We aren’t just talking about chances, we are talking about golden chances. “We need to be more ruthless.” Two second-half goals for Cardiff ended the Royals unbeaten run and Ince was disappointed his players didn’t manage the game more efficiently. He said: “Second half for some reason we decided to drop deep and I’m not sure why.
“We did the same on Tuesday against Stoke and that is where you need your leaders to get you up the park. “For the second goal we got pulled out of our structure.” The Royals now look forward to an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Good Friday, April 15, before returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18 to play Swansea City
n Match report inside
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UNDER 23S REACH FINAL
READING’S under-23s have reached the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup. Noel Hunt’s young Royals produced a dominant performance to secure a 4-0 victory against MK Dons at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 11. A stunning first half strike from Mamadi Camará was followed after the break with goals from Kian Leavy, Rashawn Scott and Jahmari Clarke. The home side started brightly and were ahead after five minutes when a corner fell to the edge of the box and Camará hammered his strike into the top corner. Reading almost rued a number of missed chances when the visitors produced their first shot on target from a curling free kick. Thankfully Jökull Andrésson was on to palm it away. After the break the Royals were clinical and eight minutes into the second half they doubled their advantage through Leavy. Five minutes later Scott intercepted a loose pass from the visitors and then curled a strike into the top corner. Just after the hour mark, substitute Clarke produced a confident finish to make it 4-0. The Royals now look to secure their first Berks and Bucks Senior Cup victory since 1995. In the final where they will face Combined Counties League Premier Division North side, Ascot United. The contest will take place at Slough Town’s Arbour Park on Saturday, May 7. Unfortunately this is the same day as the first team’s game against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, the final fixture of the 2021/22 season.
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18 | SPORT
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SEB HAILS SQUAD’S ATTITUDE IN EPIC WIN By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Vooght and Robbie Stapley embrace
The vice-captain celebrates Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Robbie Stapley scores Rams’ opening try
RUGBY UNION
RAMS START STRONG TO EARN MAIDEN VICTORY AT BLACKHEATH
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Blackheath 17 Rams 29 A MAGNIFICENT first-half display helped Rams seal a maiden victory against Blackheath with a bonuspoint 29-17 success at Well Hall.
The visitors came out the blocks strongly and took an early lead when captain Robbie Stapley continued his try-scoring hot streak with a fifth in four games, peeling off the back of a rolling maul to touch down on the right. Sam Nicholls stroked over a superb conversion, and things got even better for the away side shortly afterwards when the maul again gave strong field position before a series of pick-and-goes ended
with Tom Vooght burrowing over from close range. While Nicholls’ attempted conversion this time drifted wide to the right, the Rams defence was forcing error after error with their speed and aggression as they denied Club any space. The third score arrived again from the line-out, but this time with a clever piece of interplay which saw Paul Schroter flick a ball back to Connor Stapley from the rear of the setpiece, and following a couple of off-loads, Vooght again dived over for his 13th of the campaign. With Nicholls slotting the extras, the visitors went into the break 19-0 to the good, only for Blackheath to come roaring back into the contest at the start of the second half.
Connor Hayhow puts a perfect kick through
Almost immediately they got themselves onto the scoreboard as a slick handling move was finished by Jake Lloyd, former Ram Andrew Denham with the assist as his off-load on the left touchline set-up his fellow wing for the try. A second followed shortly afterwards as Jake Hennessey – off target with the conversion effort – landed a brilliant 50-22 to give his side field position before prop Matt Collins blasted over from close range. The fly-half was again unable to slot the kick, but his side were right back in the game. However, the away side showed they have learned lessons from weeks gone by as they began to reassert control, gaining a bonus
point as they headed into the final 10 minutes when Connor Hayhow’s clever grubber kick was hoovered up by Michael Dykes to cross on the left, substitute Drew Humberstone landing a brilliant touchline conversion to all but put the game to bed. Yet Club gave themselves a glimmer of hope when full-back Marcus Kershaw grabbed an interception inside his own 22, going the length of the field before Hennessey drop-kicked the conversion. Rams, though, were not to be denied, and after winning a couple of scrum penalties five metres from the line, eventually settled for Humberstone to kick a three-pointer with what proved to be the last action of the game.
Michael Dykes tries to escape a tackle
RAMS Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds was delighted with his side’s attitude after they beat Blackheath for the first time with a 29-17 National One away triumph. A majestic first-half display put the visitors 19-0 up at the break on the back of a Tom Vooght double and a try from skipper Robbie Stapley, Sam Nicholls adding two conversions. However, Club rallied brilliantly at the start of the second period, Jake Lloyd and Matt Collins touching down to cut the gap to nine points. Rams, though, recovered and struck a decisive blow when Michael Dykes collected a Connor Hayhow grubber kick before Drew Humberstone struck a brilliant touchline conversion. And while Marcus Kershaw grabbed a length-of-the-field interception try for the hosts, added to by Jake Hennessey, Humberstone’s last-play penalty sealed the deal. With Blackheath fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and Rams realistically only trying to finish as high as fifth, Reynolds highlighted the desire of his side to put in a performance. He said: “It was probably the most impressive thing. We knew they would be up for it because they are battling to stay up, it was their last home game and we’re in a position where we have to make sure we have clear focus on each game and don’t let things drift – it’s been a long season and you don’t want minds wandering. “But everyone was really focused and I think the captain really helped with that. He demanded it on Thursday and before the game and the players really responded to that well. “One of the nicest and most important things about rugby as a sport and this squad especially, is how tight-knit they are. They back each other and I think that was crucial in seeing out the game against a very good Blackheath side who came back well. “We knew it was going to be a tough challenge because they’re a good side who have 14 losing bonus-points, if they’d changed those results (into wins) they’d be near the top of the league, and they play some really good rugby, so I’m tremendously pleased.” Rams’ first-half display in particular was outstanding the director of rugby felt. “I thought the first 40 minutes was some of our best rugby of the season,” he said. “We forced a lot of errors. We
were creating opportunities by making them try and force the pass, and because they’re a very good attacking side they always wanted to try and do something, but we were able to catch man and ball or take them down. “It’s a credit to the work (defence coach) Danny (Batty) has done in the last couple of years, over the season and in the past week – it was a huge emphasis in getting back to what we believe is a strength of our game and I commend all the lads for the effort and execution they put in. “Strangely both sides played their better rugby uphill into the wind – we did in the first half and then they had a period at the start of the second – but we played some really good stuff which was typified by the guys coming in and especially the younger ones. “I was really chuffed for Sam Nicholls on his second start to get the win, I thought Colin Thomson was excellent coming back into the side, and Paul Englezos as well, so it was a good performance.” Among the highlights in an excellent performance were the third and fourth tries, Vooght’s second coming from an intricate line-out play before Dykes’ effort came from some Hayhow magic, and Reynolds said: “We’ve been developing elements throughout the season and (forwards coach) Owen (Root)’s tried to put in a couple of things in during the last few weeks - part of that is trying to keep things creative as we finish the season – and it worked perfectly. “And then Connor’s got really good footballing skills, he has it in the locker and he’s just got to pick the right time to do it.” Rams host table-topping Caldy next Saturday, with the Wirralbased side on a 15-match winning run and within touching distance of the title.
SPORT | 19
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CRICKET
CRICKET
BERKSHIRE WARMS UP FOR SEASON WITH DOUBLE VICTORIES
By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today
BERKSHIRE County Cricket Club warmed up for the start of the NCCA T20 competition with two emphatic wins over Wiltshire at Tidworth, securing the Marlborough Cup in the process. They defeated Wiltshire by 24 runs in the first game and by eight wickets in the second, where new skipper Dan Lincoln hammered 53 off just 22 balls with five sixes and four fours. Last Sunday’s details – Game 1: Berkshire 118-9 (20 overs; Euan Wood 38, Andy Rishton 25). Wiltshire 94 all out (16.2 overs; Jacob Lintott 57, Max Uttley 4-9). Game 2: Wiltshire 99-8 (20 overs; Rhodri Lewis 3-22). Berkshire 100-8 (8.1 overs; Lincoln 53, Lewis 25no).
Berkshire will face tougher opponents on Easter Sunday when they take on NCCA Championship holders Oxfordshire at Falkland CC
Max Uttley was in action for Berkshire, pictured here in 2020 playing for Wokingham Picture: Steve Smyth in Group 4, with the games starting at 11am and 2.30pm. Oxon also won two T20 friendlies last weekend, defeating Free Foresters by seven wickets in one game and by 10 runs in the other. Berkshire Women were also in T20 action last weekend, playing two games against Middlesex
at Falkland. In the first they made 117-7 (Mia Rogers 37, Freya Johnson 31) but went on to lose by four wickets (119-6). The second game saw Middlesex post 139-4 with Berkshire managing only 89-8 in reply to lose by 50 runs. The Marlborough Cup is
COVERS COMING OFF AS CLUBS PREPARE FOR NEW SEASON
not the first trophy to come Berkshire’s way this season, as their seniors side recently won the Malta O60 Festival by defeating Essex, Norfolk, Sussex and a combined Kent/ Bedfordshire side. With a number of players unable to travel, the squad was boosted by two from Essex Seniors (one of whom had toured with Berkshire before) and three friends of players. One of the guests, Ian Milligan from Cheshire, hit two half-centuries and missed out on another by just one run. He was rewarded with the tournament’s top player award although Phil Ridgeway was named Berkshire’s best player in addition to taking the tournament’s best bowling award Ian Stuart recorded Berkshire’s highest score of 73 not out in a total of 172-4 to beat Essex (169-4) by six wickets.
THE bails are on and the covers coming off as Thames Valley Cricket League teams prepare for the start of the new season, writes JAMES HASTINGS. Matches across all 10 divisions will officially get underway on May 7 with a 1pm starting time. A number of clubs, including Wokingham CC, have arranged preseason friendlies with the first and second XI teams playing Bashley (Rydal) CC first and second on Saturday April 16. Further friendlies include the 6th XI up against Reading United CC the following day and the First XI meeting Wargrave on Saturday, April 23. A number of other friendlies are scheduled for April including a Twenty 20 against Finchampstead on Saturday, April 30. Details of all games can be found at wokingham.play-cricket. com n Shinfield CC also have a series of friendlies lined up starting with the 2nd XI playing Sulhampstead on April 16 and the 1st XI taking on Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall CC on Easter Sunday.
The new cricket season will soon get underway Picture: Johnnie Shannon Full details at www.shinfieldcc. co.uk/fixtures/ n Wargrave and Reading have both thanked volunteers who came out to help last week with ground force days. James Moss, Wargrave Club Captain said: “Like most sports clubs the vast majority of work is done by volunteers, with WCC now having more than 300 members, 150 plus games of cricket men, ladies, boys and girls.”
n To check your team’s summer season, full details of all this season’s fixtures across all divisions can be seen at www.tvlcricket.com
National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 16th April 2022 K.O. 3.00pm BARS OPEN from 12.30pm 1st XV v Caldy RFC A Pie ‘n Pint or a pre-booked sit down meal in the clubhouse? The choice is yours! Contact steven@RAMSRUGBY.com to book a pre-match two-course meal and experience game hospitality with us! E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.
FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.
Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022
160mmx8 columns (265mm) Caldy Home -16nd April - Wokingham and Reading Paper 6-7.04.22.indd 1
04/04/2022 12:05:29
20 | SPORT
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How they rated
ROYALS GIVE-UP LEAD AS BATT ROYALS 1 CARDIFF 2
Orjan Nyland
Saved well from Rubin Colwill’s effort early in the second half. The Norwegian could do very little for either of the Cardiff City goals.
Andy Yiadom
Continues to be Reading’s most consistent performer and delivered the assist for Lucas Joao’s goal.
Michael Morrison
Quiet afternoon for the captain but part of the defence which looked shaky for much of the second-half.
Tom Holmes
Some crunching tackles and important blocks in the first half. Tracked Jordan Hugill’s run which allowed space for Vaulks’ winner.
Tom McIntyre
Caught out of position for the first goal and his slip left the space for Cardiff’s second. Harsh as he isn’t a natural left-back
Danny Drinkwater
A good performance without doing anything spectacular.
Josh Laurent
Plenty of effort as always and involved in some lovely link-up play with Joao early on.
John Swift
Should have put Reading 2-0 up after 36 minutes. Could have played his last game in a Reading shirt depending on his injury.
Tom Ince
Involved in the build-up for the goal and looked lively in the early stages. Failed to make much impact after the break.
Junior Hoilett
A quiet game in comparison to his performance against Stoke. Replaced by Dele-Bashiru after 60 minutes.
Lucas Joao
Towering header to open the scoring. Very isolated in the second half and cut an extremely frustrated figure towards the end of the game.
SUBS Tom Dele-Bashiru 6 Femi Azeez n/a Brandon Barker n/a
6 7 5 5 4 6 6 6 6 5 6
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE Royals went ahead through Lucas Joao’s header, only to be pegged back just before the hour mark by an Alfie Doughty curling effort.
The away side secured all three points with five minutes of normal time remaining through Will Vaulks Paul Ince’s side remain eight points clear of the relegation zone having played one more match than Barnsley. Ince made one change from the 2-1 victory against Stoke in midweek with Tom Ince replacing Ovie Ejaria. Meanwhile, the visitors made four changes following their 4-0 defeat against local rivals Swansea City last weekend. The Royals came into the contest looking to extend their four game unbeaten run in the Championship which put them eight points clear of the relegation zone. The home side edged the early stages and on the five minute mark, Joao setup Laurent with a clever backheel but the midfielder couldn’t get his shot past the Cardiff defenders. The Royals then took the lead two minutes later when Tom Ince and Andy Yiadom combined down the right. Yiadom then chipped a ball to the far post for Joao who rose above Perry Ng to head past Phillips for his seventh goal of the season. Cardiff struggled to get any control in the game and could have gone further behind but Tom McIntyre couldn’t redirect John Swift’s free-kick on-target. The away side had their first effort on goal after 20 minutes when Jordan Hugill flashed an effort from 25-yards over the bar after winning the ball in midfield. Reading continued to work the ball well with Laurent and Joao linking up well before setting up Ince who smashed his effort over the bar. Cardiff almost gifted the Royals a second through Swift nine minutes before the break when Ince intercepted a pass on the edge of the 18-yard box but he couldn’t get his shot away. A minute after the interval, Yiadom wriggled free down the right but Joao couldn’t connect to his looping cross. Steve Morison’s side had their first shot on-target after 49 minutes. Joe Ralls drilled a cross from the left but Colwill’s effort was straight at Orjan Nyland. Cardiff continued to threaten and equalised just before the hour mark.
Reading vs Cardiff City
Happy fans
Celebrations
Match stats Reading: Nyland, Yiadom, Morrison ©, Holmes, McIntyre, Drinkwater, Laurent, Swift, Hoilett, Ince, Joao Subs: Southwood, Thomas, Rahman, Barker, Dele-Bashiru, Ejaria, Azeez Cardiff City: Phillips, Drameh, Ng, Nelson, Bagan, Wintle, Ralls ©, Doyle, Colwill, Doughty, Hugill Subs: Luthra, McGuinness, Flint, Vaulks, Ikpeazu, Harris, Davies Goals: Lucas Joao 7’, Aidan Doughty 59’, Will Vaulks 85’
Ralls chipped pass found Doughty who latched onto the through ball and curled a shot past Nyland from inside the box. The Royals manager decided to react to the leveller by switching Hoilett for Tom Dele-Bashiru. Ince was forced into another substitution shortly after when John Swift went down and was replaced by Femi Azeez. Reading struggled to regain control of the game after the equaliser and the away side took a deserved lead on 85 minutes. Tommy Doyle’s pass parted the
Reading vs Cardiff City Royals defence leaving Will Vaulks to tuck home from six-yards. With three minutes to go, Reading made their final change with Brandon Barker replacing Tom Ince. Despite seven minutes of added time, the home side couldn’t create an opening to find an equaliser. The Royals now look forward to an away trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Good Friday, April 15, before returning to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Monday, April 18 to play Swansea City.
SPORT | 21
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TLE FOR SURVIVAL CONTINUES
From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen
Is Ince the man for the job?
A
S Reading edge ever closer to Championship safety, eyes begin to turn towards next season and specifically who will be in the dugout at the start of the new campaign.
Reading vs Cardiff City
Reading vs Cardiff City
Reading vs Cardiff City
PREVIEW
TRICKY TEST AWAITS ROYALS AS THEY HELD TO SHEFFIELD – WILL THEY SHOW SOME STEEL?
READING FC face a tricky away test against play-off pushing Sheffield United on Good Friday. The Royals’ strong recent run of form has seen them increase the gap between them and the relegation places to snatch much hope of the teams below them being able to catch them with only a small period of the season remaining. Reading went four games unbeaten, with draws against Bournemouth and Barnsley as well as home wins over Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City seeing them inch ever closer towards Championship safety. However, Paul Ince’s team will be in for a tough encounter against another side that is desperate for points when they travel to Bramall Lane as they prepare for two
Championship games in the space of four days. The Blades have recovered their season and looking to make a swift return to the top flight having been relegated from the Premier League last season. Having had the stability of being under the helm of Chris Wilder for several seasons, he was sacked and replaced at the start of the season by Slavisa Jokanaovic, who had previously been promoted with Fulham. However, it appeared to be an unsuitable match for both parties as United endured a dreadful start to life back in the Championship. With the club in a disappointing 16th position in the Championship having been expected to challenge for promotion, Jokanovic was sacked in November and replaced
by Paul Heckingbottom. It has proved to be an inspired change as Heckingbottom has helped to drag the Blades up the table where they are now challenging for a play-off spot. After 40 matches, Sheffield United sit in fifth position in the table after former Reading player Oliver Norwood scored the winning goal in their midweek match at home to Queens Park Rangers. The Blades have been in fine form at home this campaign and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches at Bramall Lane, a run that stretches back to October when they were beaten 1-0 by Blackpool. Stalwart striker, and former Royals loanee Billy Sharp tops the goalscoring charts for United this campaign with 14 goals and seven
assists from 38 Championship matches. Wolves loanee Morgan GibbsWhite has also impressed with nine goals and seven assists to his name from 29 games. On their visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium earlier in the season, Sheffield United went home with all three points. The match was unfortunately overshadowed by an injury to Blades midfielder John Fleck after he collapsed on the field and received extensive medical attention. Jayden Bogle scored the only goal of the game which came in the 57th minute to give United an away victory. Reading have an awful recent record against Friday’s opponents and have lost the last six fixtures against the Blades.
In recent days reports have emerged that that man will be current interim boss Paul Ince, who is reportedly set to be offered the role on a permanent basis. It’s fair to say the news hasn’t gone down too well among the fanbase, particularly as it comes after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City at the weekend when Reading once again got nothing from a game in which they took the lead. The way I see it, two things can be true. You can acknowledge that Ince has done a ‘good’ job in the sense that he is set to fulfil what was asked of him. He had one clear remit when he replaced Veljko Paunovic in February: to keep Reading in the Championship. With the club currently eight points clear of the relegation zone, he is on track to achieve that. Confidence was at rock-bottom when the former England captain arrived and he has done well to lift spirits among the squad. That gives him some credit in the bank at least. Yet it is also fair to say he has shown little to suggest he should be here longer than the end of the season. The reality is it hasn’t been a drastic overhaul. Ince was not handed an impossible job – Reading were five points clear of the relegation zone at the time of his arrival – and he has only had to encourage some minor improvements to push the club further away from danger. Considering how badly the team were playing under Paunovic, that wasn’t exactly hard. Three wins from nine games is hardly inspired form. There is also a feeling of a lack of transparency and honesty from the club, which isn’t something new. When Ince was announced as interim manager, it was framed that he would be here in the shortterm while, I quote, “we embark on the thorough search for a new permanent manager”. If Reading were to now turn around and appoint Ince on a full-time basis, it raises questions as to how thorough that search actually was. All of the concerns raised around Ince when he came in remain valid. The 54-year-old has always been a ‘firefighter’ and doesn’t seem suited to a long-term project. This, of course, is his first job in eight years, and he doesn’t come across as a modern manager suited to the Championship in 2022. After Reading’s 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last month, Ince declared his players should forget about playing ‘tippy tappy c**p’. This appeared to contradict his marvelling at the team ‘playing like Barcelona’ when he first arrived. Add in his apparent ignorance towards the advice of physios and sports scientists, and he doesn’t particularly strike me as the man I want leading my club.
22
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AWAY MISERY
The Gambian Sumas line-up with their new kit
SUMAS’ KIT ARRIVES AT SISTER CLUB IN GAMBIA
By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today
Sumas were bested by Egham Town on Saturday Pictures: Andrew Batt
THE latest batch of donated kit from Wokingham & Emmbrook FC has been greatly received by their sister club in Gambia.
The Sumas have been paired with Junction BA Football Academy in Gambia for several years and donate kit and other football equipment to Africa each year. The club received a heartfelt thank you letter from head coach at Junction BA Football Academy, Siaka Jatta. “We received the latest shipment of football equipment from Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, the presentation and handing over of the kits to the teams/players was done on the following weekend,” Siaka said. “This is the fourth shipment of football goods from our friends and this time we received 391kg worth of football kit, boots and accessories. “We are very thankful and lucky to have this close friendship with Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, since the onset you were always helpful
and supportive of our football academy, and that has been manifested here in our local community. “I am personally very excited about the arrival of these items, everyone here at Junction-Ba football Academy are extremely happy.” He added: “During the handing over of this kit at our training ground, I commented, that the WEFC donation of football materials came just at the right time for us, as we are currently lacking lots of football items, like balls, bibs, boots and playing kit, so this recent delivery will go a long way in helping both the coaches and players to have easy access to training and matches, we are really delighted. “We’d also like to thank Wokingham & Emmbrook FC for the collection of kits
from Yateley FC and pass a thank you message to them for their kind donation. “Also the WEFC volunteers for their efforts in packing, moving, sorting and storing all the goods, and the companies who arranged and sponsored the shipping of these goods to The Gambia. “These football items are very good and rare for us to obtain locally, and most of them seem quite new to us. There are 40 footballs in good condition, different coloured bibs and playing kits enough for all our age groups. “Once again we thank you all for your immense contribution in developing football in Africa. “Thank you.” n For more information on the Sumas’ work in Gambia, visit: www.wefc.club
By JAMES HASTINGS sport@wokingham.today
The result leaves Reading City in ninth place.
Isthmian South Central
Combined Counties Division One
It was a game of two halves for BINFIELD but unfortunately, the second was not much better than the first. The Moles were shocked when Jake Baxter netted for Chertsey Town in the 17th minute and that remained the score at half time. But just 10 minutes into the second half, Binfield conceded a second when Didi Ndombe struck for Chertsey. A double substitute saw Elliot Legg replace Ollie Harris and Kian Duncan swap for Dylan Ive but the Moles’ could not find the net. The result leaves Binfield stuck in eight place.
Combined Counties Premier North With Egham Town three from the top of the table and the SUMAS three from the bottom, this was always going to be a tough one. The memory of one of their heaviest defeats of the season in the reverse fixture may still have been on the minds of Wokingham & Emmbrook when they started the game. The visitors made a promising start when a goal attempt was cleared off the line but a two footed lunge on Ryan Phillips in the 33rd minute saw the Sumas’ Raphael Aklobessi sent off. Two second half goals from Egham compounded the misery. THE CITYZENS made the short journey to near neighbours, Holyport FC, in a match which ended in a one all draw.
WOODLEY UNITED’S first team travelled to play-off chasing FC Deportivo Galicia and soon learnt why their opponents are tipped for promotion. The two previous games this season saw Deportivo win 3-2 while in the second United came from two-nil down to secure a much deserved draw. Two goals in the first half and three in quick succession in the second, stunned Woodley and ended their six run unbeaten record. A much-needed three points secured a 2-0 victory for EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA over Hillingdon Borough. Brad Brown scored from the penalty spot in the 44th minute ending a satisfactory first half. He was replaced early in the second by Ben Anderson then Harinder Hunjan Sing secured a second. BERKS COUNTY knew it would be a tough trip to London Lions but they took the three points in a sensational win. A goalless first half saw Berks come out fighting and the reward was a second half goal by Lee.
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD netted four goals to secure a much deserved away win over READING YMCA. Goals came from Nathan Rogers,
23
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Y FOR SUMAS
From the middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
What is Arsenal up to?
R Defeat keeps Sumas near the bottom of the table
Sumas played in their away kit
Aqeel Butt, Charlie Sawyer and Nick Payne. With Finchampstead 2-1 up at half time, there was everything to play for but they piled on the pressure in a convincing victory. Top of the table BURGHFIELD came out victors in an exciting 3-1 win over Maidenhead. Two goals from Thomas Adams and a third from Rhys Iremonger clinched the three points. WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS dropped to the bottom of the league after a 7-1 thrashing by Windlesham & Chobham which leaves the club facing many questions. Andrew Juett grabbed four in a very one sided match. READING CITY U23S: A 3-1 defeat sealed a miserable afternoon
Thames Valley Women’s Division One: MORTIMER LADIES versus TILEHURST PANTHERS, a Home Walkover.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S The ref makes a point against Wraysbury and leaves the U23s third from bottom.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Woodley United’s match against Eastleigh in the Community was postponed. Two points were dropped after CAVERSHAM threw away a two goal lead from the first half against Penn & Tylers Green Ladies. The game saw four more goals in the second 45 minutes ending in a 3-3 draw.
EVERSLEY & CALI RESERVES enjoyed a 10-goal feast against Wallingford Town AFC Ladies with both teams taking five a piece. Second from bottom WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT went down 3-0 against GORING UNITED WOMEN, losing 1-0 at half-time. CAVERSHAM AFC WOMEN thrashed Thatcham and Newbury Town Ladies a magnificent 7-0.
Reading & District Sunday League
Senior: FC Bapco H-W Twyford Comets FC, Maiden Place (Home Walkover) Woodley Wanderers FC Division One: Reading Kites 0-9 Loxwood Park Rangers, GC United 1-5 Give Back FC, Caversham United 0-3 116 Exiles, Burghfield
Reserves 0-2 Emmer Green, Loxwood Park Rangers H-W Rose & Thistle. Division Two: Southbank 6-1 Farley Hill FC, Caversham AFC Men 1-3 Barton Rovers. Division Three: Royal Albion A-W Racing Club de Woko, Hurst 0-0 Berkshire Royals, Burghfield B 0-1 FC Woodley, 116 Exiles Reserves 0-4 RE United Division Four: NFFT FC 2-4 Core United, MAC FC 2-3 FC Whitley Wood, Hype Train FC 1-3 Reading United, Give Back Reserves H-W RG6 FC
Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier: William Twigg FC WilliamTwigg FC 2-3 Bracknell Rangers 1st, Crowthorne Inn 1st 2-1 Wokingham & Emmbrook Sunday TMW Division One: Bigshot FC Black H-W Finchampstead Sunday Athletic Reserves Division Two: Bracknell Cavaliers First Sunday 4-3 Newbold FC 1st, Bracknell Spartan Vets 4-2 Harts of Bracknell Mens, Bracknell Athletic First 5-1 Sandhurst F First Division Three: SF7 FC First 4-1 Crowthorne Football Club ‘A,’ Bracknell Royals FC First 3-0 Bracknell Bisons FC Mens, 3M First 4-2 Ashbridge Park Sunday Division 4: Wokingham Wanderers 3-4 Hope & Anchor First, Harts of Bracknell Stags 1-1 Bracknell Athletic Reserves, Finchampstead Athletic Sunday B Team 6-0 Bracknell Titans First
FOOTBALL
Slow to start Kestrels punished by lively FC Deportivo Galicia FC Deportivo Galicia 5 Woodley 2
WITH the kick off delayed due to traffic, United were slow to start and found themselves a goal behind after four minutes. Matti Orobio’s free kick into the visitors’ penalty area was headed goalwards where Bryan Vinueza scored from close range after his initial attempt was blocked by Andrew Walker. United responded seeing Ciaran Carolan’s free kick go over the crossbar and home keeper Toby Perkins smoother a shot from Rafa Brandao in the 10th minute. Brandao levelled the scored in the 14th minute when Kaylum Barlow’s shot beat Perkins but was
cleared by a defender. Brandao reacted quickest to find the net from the edge of the penalty area. Walker was immediately called on to tip a shot over his cross bar followed by Razy Nadeem heading the ball into Walker’s arms after 22 minutes, followed by Bevan Van Wyk seeing a shot blocked by Perkins and his follow up put wide of the post. With Deportivo moving the ball quickly, United struggled for possession and were called upon to defend more than create chances. It was unfortunate that Deportivo retook the lead when Jordan Goddard was caught in possession and the resulting pass found Vinueza unmarked for his
second goal of the game. Vinueza was denied by the cross bar from a hattrick three minutes later while Zach Tull had an opportunity to level a minute before half time but put his shot over the cross bar. Woodley started the second half in positive fashion with Gary Smith heading a freekick to Perkins and then being adjudged offside before Van Wyk put the ball in the net in the 50th minute. Being caught offside was a theme of United’s second half, and the undoing of their forward play. They were made to pay 20 minutes from time when Fran Naut’s run saw the full back cross the ball low to Woodley’s far post to allow Aitor
Andon to tap home unchallenged. It was Naut who score the fourth in similar fashion getting on the end of a low cross from his team’s right hand side in the 79th minute. Woodley’s Tull saw Perkins save a free kick to be followed by Tahir Carmichael’s cross to the far post going over Perkins’ head to reduce the deficit just three minutes later. Buoyed by the goal, Woodley finished the game strongly with subs Archie Swell and Janash Brown lively in attack, but were punished in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time when tired challenges allowed Juan Devia to complete the scoring.
ECENTLY, I read two articles on refereeing that surprised and in some way worried me. Let me concentrate on the first one about Arsenal. Apparently, the club has developed a series of videos showing how each referee works. They have discovered where each referee position himself, and when doing so, whether he can look behind himself, which side of the pitch each prefer to be etc. This reminded me of a system called Prozone, which was introduced to the Premier League by Keith Hackett, when manager of the PGMO. I am fortunate enough to have a copy of one Prozone, which not only shows the referee’s movement, but the speed of his movement, in other words how quickly he got into position, and also what was his vision from his positions. This Keith showed to his referees, and what a tremendous training aide this must have been. I know we talk about these sort of things at lower levels but imagine how much more powerful seeing how you performed must be. It wasn’t all criticism of course, as Keith says, it is important to recognise good practice. Keith also used Prozone when paying regular visits to club managers, where he was able to show the accuracy of decision making and the speed profile for referees etc. This brings two questions to mind. First, why did Mike Riley dump this valuable tool when he took over from Keith? Second, what is Arsenal’s reason for such a scheme? It is thought to be an extension of a programme to improve tackling by its players, so reducing cards being shown. This is a very worthy aim, but highlighting each referee’s movements, it sounds as if they plan to play to the weaknesses of individual referees. The same article also alleged that Arsenal has agreed with the PGMO, which employs the Premier League referees, that they can choose the referee for their matches. Not for each individual game but a shortlist of referees for the PGMO to choose from. This is based on only six referees being appointed to 23 games at the Emirates Stadium, all referring four games or more. Arsenal has not confirmed any of this, but if true, means that the players can adjust their play according to the individual traits of each referee and the club has fewer videos to make.
24 | SPORT
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COMMUNITY
FOOTBALL SHIRTS FOR CHARITY AIMS TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST CANCER
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
In division 2 there were going to be two matches, but OLOP C conceded to TILEHURST METHODISTS A after they didn’t turn up. There is one further match, on Wednesday, April 20, still to play, but it has no effect on promotion or relegation. SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D were 7-3 winners over OUR LADY OF PEACE C, Danny Dockree defeating all three opponents, Binit Bhaskar, Pradeep Desh and Arun Rajagopal. Mark Jones and Angus Jones each recorded two wins, Mark only losing 11-9 10-12 8-11 11-8 9-11 to Pradeep while Angus
Isthmian South Central Chertsey Town 2-0 Binfield
Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-1 Maidenhead Reading YMCA 2-4 Finchampstead Wargrave 1-5 Westwood Wanderers Windlesham & Chobham 7-1 Woodley United Royals Wraysbury 3-1 Reading City U23’s Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 1-3 Tadley Calleva Reserves Goring United L-L Eldon Celtic
Football Shirts for Charity does what it says on the tin: sell old football shirts to raise funds for cancer charities “Football Shirts For Charity was born from the love of knowing the pride in securing ownership of a pre-loved, historic, retro or vintage football shirt, whilst also contributing to vital charities.” 100% of the profits made by the organisation are donated to charity, with the main beneficiaries being The Bobby Moore Fund and Cancer
Research UK. Jayme and Tania continued: “The future success of our organisation obviously depends on our capacity to secure football shirts and associated kit from generous donations. “If somebody has a spare football shirt they no longer wear and are in a position to donate it to us, this can be put to very good use.
KINGFISHER A SCOOP LEAGUE TITLE AS SEASON COMES TO AN END
HARI Gehlot and Darren Jones proved too strong for a SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B team as KINGFISHER A ran out 7-3 winners in division 1.
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-2 Cardiff City
Combined Counties Division One FC Deportivo Galicia 4-2 Woodley United London Lions 0-1 Berks County
TABLE TENNIS
By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today
Saturday, April 9
Combined Counties Premier North Holyport 1-1 Reading City Egham Town 2-0 Sumas
AN organisation that is dedicated to selling football shirts from around the globe is sending all profits to contribute to vital charities.
Football Shirts For Charity, established by Jayme Sporton and Tania Harding, provides kits from all walks of football life all the way from international teams to local non-league sides. The duo said: “Football is the national sport that transcends all generations and all walks of life. It is a very special community that provides belonging and togetherness. “As massive football fanatics and having both been affected by cancer in people very close to us, we saw an opportunity to do something about it. We wanted to do something different. We established Football Shirts For Charity.” The group is, they say, dedicated exclusively to selling retro, preloved and vintage football shirts from all over the world whether it be international teams, or local nonleague football. “Our strapline is that Every Shirt Has A Story,” Jayme and Tania said. “The sight of any football shirt always evokes so many special memories and conversations.
RESULTS
narrowly lost 11-8 11-9 7-11 1012 5-11 to Arun, the Commoners third point courtesy of a Doubles win for Pradeep & Binit. SONNING SPORTS A are champions while READING FC A complete a rise from the bottom division to division 1 by clinching the runners-up spot. KINGFISHER G and TIDMARSH C are relegated. In division 3 the final match for TILEHURST RBL B and PANGBOURNE WMC had turned out to be a promotion decider with Pangbourne needed a comprehensive win to catch or overhaul Tilehurst. In the end Tilehurst won 9-1 to clinch the runners-up spot in a match which was much closer than the final score suggests. Kate Maksimento and John Willcocks both got excellent maximums which meant that Kate has only lost once since early December.
Highlights of the night were Kate recovering from 2-1 down to beat Clive Taylor 11-9 in the fifth and Nick Lean beating John Simmonds 11-8 in the fifth having lost the first two games. TIDMARSH D’S good second of the season form continued when they beat OLOP E 8-2, although the OLOP team were only able to field one player. This was Parvin Baishkiyar and he did well to win two sets including a very good three straight victory over Dave Edwards. SONNING SPORTS B are champions of division 4 with OUR LADY OF PEACE F also promoted as runners-up. TILEHURST METHODISTS B just miss out in third place.
“Shirts can be sent to us directly, or we can collect them if we can. “People can use the contact us form on the website for an address, or to discuss anything else for that matter. We really love to engage with the football community - and hear other people’s great ideas.” n For more information, visit: www. footballshirtsfc.co.uk
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
TITANS TOPPLE KINGS
ALL three Thames Valley Kings teams were in action this past weekend in BWB National League. On Saturday, Kings 1st and 2nd teams faced London Titans 1st and 2nd teams respectively. In the Premier Division match-up, it was another high-octane fast-paced game as the Titans beat the Kings, 66-34. Former Paralympian, Matt Sealy was the game’s top score with 20 points for Titans whereas Reece Barker was the top scorer for Kings with 15 points. Kings 2nd fought a valiant battle in their Division two south game against the Titans 3rd team, as the game was close all the way, with Titans picking up the win by four points, 34-30. On Sunday, The promotion-chasing Kings 3rd team faced local rivals the Windsor Monarchs in Division Three South and controlled the game throughout to pick up a huge 40-16 win.
HOCKEY
FRIENDLIES TAKE PLACE THE hockey season is all but finished, however several matches were held this week. In a friendly game, South Berkshire Men’s Supervets X1 narrowly beat Woking Pitts Elders 3-2. Meanwhile, Sonning 040s meet with Crawley was cancelled but Sonning Mens 6s scored a 2-1 victory over Yateley 4.
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords 2-2 Twyford & Ruscombe Hambleden 1-0 Hurst Reserves Cup Harchester Hawks v Hambleden Reserves Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development v1-2 Goring United Reserves Thames Valley Division Four Henley Town Development 1-2 Berks County Rovers RUGBY UNION National Division One Blackheath 17-29 Rams South West 1 East Bracknell 53-17 Sherborne HOCKEY South Central Men’s Thames 4 Yateley 4s 1-2 Sonning 6s South Berkshire 7s 3-1 Amersham & Chalfont 7s Friendly South Berkshire Supervets 3-2 Woking Pitts
Sunday, April 10
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United P-P Eastleigh Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 3-3 Penn & Tylers Green Mortimer P-P Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 1-1 Badshot Lea
FIXTURES
Tuesday, April 12
Matches played after we had gone to press FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Woodley United Eversley & California v London Lions
Wednesday, April 13
FOOTBALL Cup Finchampstead v SB Phoenix
Friday, April 15
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Sheffield United v Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield v Marlow
Saturday, April 16
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Hilltop Enfield Borough v Berks County Woodley United v Rayners Lane Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Mortimer Windlesham & Chobham v Wargrave Yateley United v Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Rotherfield United Tadley Calleva Reserves v Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves v Twyford & Ruscombe Thames Valley Division Three Pangbourne v Burghfield Reserves Cup Reading YMCA Rapids v Reading City Development RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Caldy
Monday, April 18
FOOTBALL Combined Counties Premier North Holyport v Sumas Reading City v Egham Town Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Eversley & California AFC Aldermaston v Woodley United
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Swansea City Isthmian South Central Basingstoke Town v Binfield