20 minute read
FESTIVAL FEVER IN THE VILLAGE
Pancakes and Poetry at Tutu’s
TUTU’S Ethiopian table is bringing food and verse to Palmer Park on Saturday.
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The cafe has teamed up with Dreading Poetry Slam to organise a morning of rhyme and traditional Ethiopian food.
Tutu’s serves a selection of traditional stews, both meat and vegetarian, traditional pancakes, soups, sandwiches, and home-made cakes.
Dreading Poetry Slam d works to provide a space for poets to meet and share their verse.
Poetry in the Park takes place at Palmer Park Lodge, Wokingham Road, on Saturday, April 23, at 11am.
THAMES River Cruise is serving Sunday lunch on the river on Sunday, April 24.
The cruise will board at Caversham Pier, Thames Promenade, proceeding to the upper reaches of the Thames and back into Caversham.
A traditional Sunday lunch will be served onboard.
Boarding begins at 12.30pm, departing at 1pm.
The cruise will return to Carversham at around 4pm.
Tickets are £48 per adult, £35 for children aged 10 and under. n To book tickets, visit www. thamesrivercruise.co.uk
Lunch on the river
ON SONG: The Village Easter Festival took place in four pubs in Reading, and saw The Sidepiece Function perform at The Weather Station on Saturday Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Be seeing you! Pubs in The Village team up for five-day music festival
BACK in the 1960s, Patrick McGooghan’s The Prisoner spent his days trying to escape from The Village, but the opposite happened over Easter weekend as crowds flocked to a five-day music festival.
Four pubs, all within walking distance of each other in the Eldon Square Conservation area, joined forces for The Village Easter Festival.
The fun started at The Retreat on Maundy Thursday, before heading to The Weather Station and the Lyndhurst across the weekend.
Acts were timed to ensure people could walk between the venues, and included Fleur Stevenson and Hugh Turner, The Mark II, and Paula Riordan.
A special after party at the end of the festival was held at the Polish restaurant and diner Piwinca.
At this, Limpopo Groove performed.
As well as giving people the chance to say to bands, ‘be seeing you’, the event was an opportunity for visitors to try a selection of real ales and other alcoholic treats.
Mayor and James performing at The Retreat
All smiles while serving at The Weather Station Mayor and James entertained at The Retreat
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Please call 01189 733231 or email oaktree.nursery@childbase.com Ukraine Centre’s help for refugees
EXCLUSIVE
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
THE Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has been open to those seeking advice on refugee support.
Representatives from the Home Office attended the centre to provide guidance on how to help with Ukraine’s refugee crisis on Monday, April 4, and Friday, April 8.
Dedicated outreach teams have been sent by the Home Office to give face-to-face support with various aspects of immigration issues faced by refugees and those willing to help them, offering visa and safety advice.
Anna Janusz-Kent, the centre’s former treasurer, said that the visits had proved useful for those who’d attended.
“Because it’s such a fastmoving situation, it’s very useful to speak to someone face-to-face.
“So the information is changing, but they have the most up-to-date information.”
In the last week, the centre has also been visited by councillors, and the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell.
“We also had members of Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council, who were able to provide information and education about benefits, and let us know how they’re going to help.”
Tony Gresko, the RUCC’s chair, said that the High Sheriff was looking to find out how he could help too.
“He’s got a lot of contacts, so he was collecting information to see what he could do, and he’s really lovely.”
The Home Office has extended the offer of further similar drop-in sessions, which Ms Janusz-Kent said the centre would very much consider.
“Things are evolving – people are asking different questions today than they were last week,
“So if they were to come again, we’d be at a different stage, but everyone we’ve spoken to has been very happy.
“They’re not case-workers, but they are able to provide upto-date information, and have access to records which can give useful updates.”
The RUCC says, however, that it would like some clearer information regarding the amount of refugees who could be rehomed in Reading.
“There could potentially be thousands, and we’re not set up for that,
“It would really benefit us to know even roughly how many, so that we can in some way prepare.” VISIT: The High Sheriff of Berkshire, Willie Hartley Russell (second left) at the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre
‘Adrenaline and caffeine’: Captain Michael looks back at University Challenge final
By JAKE CLOTHIER news@rdg.today
AFTER their performance in the University Challenge final, the first team from Reading University to make it that far are not taking the close defeat too badly.
“It’s been a whirlwind of unforgettable, once in a lifetime experiences,” says team captain Michael Hutchinson.
Earlier this month, the team played off against Imperial College London, who hadn’t lost a single match.
In the final, ICL closed the game with a lead of just 10 points, a difference of just a single starter question.
“I don’t think any of us are that upset, I don’t think any of us really have had that experience,” Michael said.
“Everyone’s just really thankful to have been there and for the fact that we were one question away.”
The tense final saw the lead change hands a number of times, with Reading catching up after falling behind by nearly 100 points in the opening rounds.
However Michael says that while you’re quizzing, the score is not the team’s main focus.
“I was running on adrenaline and caffeine, at that point, so you just work through the questions as they go on,
“But you don’t keep track of how many questions you’ve got in a row,
“Until we sat there afterwards and our reserve showed us that we’d taken five starters in a row, we were just answering.”
Though ICL had previously beaten Reading in a quarter final, the team weren’t afraid of the rematch.
“The first time we played them, we were taken aback by how we were only ever microseconds behind them,
“So after our first loss against Imperial, we just practised buzzer questions, so we knew we were in a better state since then.”
Reading pulled ahead shortly after Imperial was given a round of questions on drag slang, which they struggled to answer.
Michael jokes that he’s glad those questions went to the other team.
“I don’t think I’d have done much better, I think we’d have just looked at each other a bit blankly,” he adds. “But they seemed like they were having a good time, and that’s the thing with Imperial, they’re a very likeable, amicable team, and I think that comes across in the moment.”
He says also that it is in these kinds of moments that you become better at quizzing.
“That’s, that’s how I’ve always quizzed, I do a lot better in the long run when I do the most difficult quizzes.”
This also bleeds through to his job, as Michael became a teacher in September 2021
SO NEAR:
This series marked the first time that a team from Reading had made it to a semi-final as well as a final in the show’s 60-year history.
“Some people tie up learning with school, and they didn’t like school so they don’t like ‘learning’, “A big eye-opener for me was getting to my mid-twenties and realising I love the act of getting into a new topic and learning about it, “Not through the lens of school and having to do it, but because I want to know why the cells in my body do certain things or why black holes happen.” This attitude to learning has led Michael to continue to pursue quizzing, and he’s set his sights on another show. “After the show, I talked to Fatima from ICL, and she got me in touch with last year’s captain from Imperial. after concluding his studies at “The three of us Reading University. and a member of Trinity, “As a teacher and stuff Cambridge, have started you learn the most from playing Only Connect online, your mistakes, your wrong and we’re talking about answers. applying for the show at a later “That’s what I’m trying to tell date.” my students – we don’t glorify Applications are now open wrong answers enough, both in for the next series of University the classroom and on TV. Challenge “We should be happy when The contest is open we don’t know something, to anyone currently enrolled at because we’ve got something to a UK university or university learn.” college and details are sent He says that this often comes to the institutions – ask from how we learn during your student union for more Wokingham Today childhood. 13th and 14th April_130X160mm_MAY_EVENT details.
MEET AND GREET: Bluey and Bingo made an appearance at Broad Street Mall on Saturday much to the delight of their young fans Pictures: Dijana Capan/Dvision Forget Beatlemania ... here’s Blueymania!
THEY were queueing round the block, all in the hope of meeting their heroes.
And for some, it was scenes reminiscent to Beatlemania back in the 1960s... only it was for children’s TV sensations Bluey and Bingo.
The pair from Down Under were in Reading on Saturday to give an Easter treat to shoppers of Broad St Mall.
They took part in special storytimes throughout the day ... and took time to pose for selfies afterwards with their fans.
Demand was so high, there were large crowds.
Maciej (6) with Anastazja (2)
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STORM DAMAGE:
Work on securing the roof has completed, but the stage, dressing rooms, and auditorium are all still in need of repair. Picture: Shinfield Players
Shinfield Players raise nearly £5,000 to keep a lid on roof repairs
SHINFIELD Players Theatre has reached its goal for funding a full repair of storm damage.
The theatre set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise funds to repair damage caused by Storm Eunice in February 2022.
It set the goal for £4,000, enough to repair the roof, which was almost entirely ripped off by high winds, and the interior damage caused by the subsequent exposure to rain.
However donations have reached £4,950, nearly £1,000 above its target.
Members of the theatre posted to social media thanking those who had donated to and shared the fundraising page.
While the roof of the building has now been sealed and repaired, extra costs to make significant improvements can now be covered.
Work has now begun on the internal damage, with the stage, dressing rooms, auditorium, and flooring all in need of repair.
The extra funds mean that these repairs can be carried out.
Until the theatre space is repaired, the company is continuing to rehearse and prepare its musical production, Our House.
Performances of the production are due for Friday, September 30, and Thursday through Sunday, October 6-8.
Reading near bottom of the pile for scores on the doors
EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
READING is near the bottom of the pile in the South East when it comes to food hygiene ratings.
It has 658 establishments that serve food to the public, and the average score on the door is 4.45, making it 19th out of 22.
Only Portsmouth, Slough, and High Wycombe were below it.
At the bottom of the pile, High Wycombe had an average score of 4.27, though it did increase its average score from 3.95 in 2019.
In top spot is Hastings: it has an average of 4.83.
The research by online training provider High Speed Training analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for more than 230,000 food businesses across the UK, and found the average rating in the south east was 4.60 - up from 4.47 three years ago.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) aims to provide customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards, with five being the maximum rating businesses can achieve.
The scores are devised from regular inspections, looking at the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.
These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.
High Speed Training’s report also found that more than one in six takeaways (16.89%) across the region scored 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, while more than 90% of premises scored a 4 or a 5 on their rating.
Eilidh Paton, Owner of Alba Food Safety Consultancy and Chartered Environmental Health Officer, said: “Food Hygiene inspections and ratings are extremely important. From a legal perspective, they ensure businesses are compliant, but mostly, they are designed to help businesses provide safer food.
“It also gives consumers the assurance that businesses are safe to eat in as they are regularly inspected by
SCORES ON THE DOORS:
Not every restaurant and takeaway in Reading is a five-star venue Stock picture: Andreas Lischka
from Pixabay
competent officers.”
And Richard Anderson, Head of Learning Development at High Speed Training said: “For those customers turning a blind eye when it comes to checking a hygiene rating, we would definitely urge you not to as ignorance isn’t always bliss!
“We would always recommend checking hygiene ratings before eating at an establishment so you can make an informed call as to whether you eat there.” n The report can be read at: www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/ hub/food-hygiene-ratingsreport-2022
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SITE: Unit 2 of the Reading Trade Centre - where Deliveroo hopes to run its Hop service Picture: Google Maps / Local democracy reporting service
Deliveroo applies for alcohol licence for new grocery delivery service
A FOOD delivery service has applied for a licence to add alcohol to its Reading offering, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.
Deliveroo works with restaurants and companies to allow people to order online. A network of cyclists and motorcyclists then deliver to the doorstep.
The firm now wants to launch Deliveroo Hop in Reading, which will allow it to deliver fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and snacks and drinks in addition to alcohol.
An application has been lodged with Reading Borough Council for the service, which would be delivered from Unit 2 of the Reading Trade Centre in Rose Kiln Lane, between the hours of 7am and 3am.
Users of the food delivery app can already purchase alcohol on it from supermarkets and convenience stores.
And Deliveroo is currently running a trial with WHSmith’s Reading branch.
The council’s licensing team has launched a consultation and is welcoming views on the Hop service.
These can be emailed to: licensing@reading.gov.uk
Covid dashboard ends daily updates
THE WAY in which covid figures are recorded in Berkshire has changed, following the government’s change of policy, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy repor
In 2020, the Public Health for Berkshire Covid-19 Dashboard was launched to monitor coronavirus cases, deaths and NHS triages in each area of Berkshire.
On Friday, April 1, the Government announced that Covid-19 would be managed like other respiratory illnesses. As a result, the website was switched to a monthly briefing update.
Coronavirus figues including cases, the infection rate, deaths and vaccinations for each area of Berkshire can still be found on the Government website.
From now on, figures will only be recorded during weekdays, which is part of the Government’s ‘Living with Covid-19’ plan.
This is despite covid rates being among the highest they have been.
Earlier this month, parents and carers of children aged five to 11 were able to book them for a covid vaccination for their children, via the NHS website.
Green vision for a fairer, greener and affordable Reading
STANDING: Redlands Green Party candidates Picture; Reading Green Party
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
READING’S Green Party says its priority in the local elections is to create a town that is fairer, greener and more affordable.
The party’s manifesto for the May 5 local elections features 12 points, all aimed at living out that pledge.
The group has aspirations for becoming Reading’s secondlargest party in this year’s all-out poll. In recent years, it has overtaken the Liberal Democrats, made Park ward its stronghold and started to expand into other wards.
It is hoping it can make additional gains due to May’s all-out ballot, where all 48 council seats are up for grabs.
Understandably for a ecominded party, its first priorty is on climate action, pledging to double Reading’s tree cover, boost zero carbon commitments and protecting wildlife.
Insulating homes is a top priority for the party, as part of its plan to tackle poverty. It also wants all organisations to commit to paying a Living Wage.
Boosting affordable housing in a bid to tackle rough sleeping is a pledge, as is ensuring all landlords are licensed - this goes further than the voluntary scheme Reading Borough Council launched before the elections.
The party wants to boost community initiatives, making it easier for residents to launch play street schemes and street parties.
Glass recycling from the kerbside collections will, the party says, help clean-up Reading, while the promotion of reuse groups will promote better waste management.
Another key green commitment is to tackle air pollution and congestion by promotion walking and cycling options.
And air quality is a priority for schools - to help in the wake of the covid pandemic, the party wants to push for well ventilated classrooms.
The party would also prioritise mental health support for children and adults, as well as meals for vulnerable households during school holidays.
Greens say they would also work to protect budgets aimed at tackling addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.
There would be support for carers, including championing Unison’s Ethical Care Charter, pushing for an end to zero-hour contracts and rushed 15-minute care visits.
A push for shops to prioritise locally sourced and affordable food is part of the party’s push to support the high street, and the Greens would also champion Reading-based artists and conservation areas to strength culture and protect heritage for the future.
In an article in today’s Reading Today, Jamie Whitham says: “Avote for one of the old, tired, parties is a vote for another councillor who will turn up at meetings, never speak, and vote as they’re told.
“That’s not how to stand up for people and it won’t change things in Reading.
“We hope to win all the seats in Redlands, Katesgrove and Park wards and may be elsewhere. This helps build a fairer, greener, more affordable Reading.” n You can see the Green Party manifesto at: https://reading. greenparty.org.uk/manifesto/
Meet the candidates online
READING’S Lib Dems are promising a new start for the town if they win control of the council in the May 5 local elections.
The party’s manifesto states it has six aims to improve the way the council is run - it states: “Reading has suffered from a lack of vision and leadership for too long”.
Its priorities are building a strong economy; making communities safer; building sustainable communities and services; helping children and young people; health and care for all; and improving local transport.
In her introduction to the manifesto, Reading Lib Dem leader Cllr Meri O’Connell said: “We want to make a distinctive shift in power away from the centre, encouraging decentralised decision-making, partnership working and empowerment of communities and individuals.
“Others want to do things to you, or do things for you: Liberal Democrats want to do things with.”
For the economy, the party says Reading’s future lies in creating and attracting environmentally-friendly industries to the town, which would boost employment.
By making Reading’s local economy more self-reliant, the party says, economic growth can prosper. Some of the ways it sees this happening is by pushing for benefits from Crossrail and the new Green Park railway station; selling off surplus council buildings; and reviewing the free use of council facilities by trade unions.
It also wants to introduce a red tape challenge to stimulate ideas for growth, by working with local businesses.
The Lib Dems say that many in Reading are concerned about anti-social behaviour and lowlevel crime. To combat this, it wants to introduce Safer Reading Groups, revitalise Neighbourhood Action groups, improve youth services, and tackle crime hotspots with infrastructure improvements.
It would aim to hold the Police and Crime Commissioner to account over drug enforcement, the use of 101, human trafficking, and community policing funding.
On housing, the party wants to push developers to build the appropriate level of affordable housing - a target of 30% per scheme, it will push to bring empty homes back into use, protect existing parks and green spaces, increase kerbside recycling to include glass, plastics and food waste, monitor air pollution, and tackle littering and fly-tipping with strong enforcement.
For sustainable services, the party wants to start with the council, by hiring additional call centre staff.
It will also support schemes such as Berkshire Credit Union and the Citizens Advice. The party plans no changes to libraries, but hopes to expand free services such as evening study times.
It says it will aim to get value for money from new and expanded venues such as Rivermead and Palmer Park.
The party would also aim to be transparent over council income.
Young people and adult social care are both areas where the party is promising support - for example, by keeping youth centres open, and having a longterm plan on school places.
On later years, it would aim to tailor services to meet individual needs, help care leavers learn life skills, develop plans for exercise for all ages, and pay carers a living wage.
Its plans for transport include establishing a low emissions zone in Reading town centre, boosting car charging points, enhance the cycle network, expand 20mph zones and tackle bad parking.
Pavements will be improved and more trees will be planted.
Cllr O’Connell said: “The Liberal Democrat proposals for a better Reading recognise that economic, social and environmental issues cannot be separated from each other.” n The manifesto can be read at: https://www.readinglibdems.org. uk/manifesto
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