NAOMI Mitchell won the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, just two weeks after striking gold at the Reading Half.
The Reading AC athlete stormed to victory in a time of two hours, 31 minutes and 26 seconds, bettering her second place finish from the previous year.
Mitchell was just 32 seconds off her personal best, coming home more than five minutes before runner up Malin Starfelt. Georgie Bruinvels claimed the final podium place.
Of the win, Mitchell said: “It feels like a blur. I didn’t even know I was first.”
The Team GB athlete’s run at Reading proved to be the perfect
tune-up before taking on the full 26.2mile marathon distance.
Speaking to Reading Today following the Half, she said: “I’ve got
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Reading and is also seeking a specific witness.
The robbery took place at around 4pm on Thursday, April 13, at the junction of Broad Street and Union Street (Smelly Alley) in the town centre.
Manchester in two weeks, so this was practice for that. I just took it a little bit steady but I ended up running a really good time.”
AN HISTORIC Reading house that has recently been used as a school is to be sold for an undisclosed sum.
Built in the mid-1800s, the property on Christchurch Road, originally served as a home for Lady Henrietta St Maur (1810-1890), and then Henry Marriage Wallis (18791941).
During the Second World War, it was repurposed Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food as a regional office for the National Savings Committee.
That lasted until the 1950s, with the building serving as a school since 1957.
The school was variously called Wakefield Lodge, Reading Alternative School, Phoenix College and, most recently, Hamilton School which served children with additional education needs.
Pupils have since been transferred to a new site in Bulmershe Road.
The house is owned by Reading Borough Council, which is now in the process of selling the lease. This was discussed at a meeting of its policy committee on Monday, April 3.
Charan Dhillon assistant director of property and assets management
held a presentation on the sale process, revealing that a preferred buyer for 40 Christchurch Road has been found.
“Hamilton School, formerly known as Phoenix School, a special needs school, was previously located at this property,” she explained.
“There was a decision to relocate the school to the Hamilton Centre [Bulmershe Road] and this was approved in April 2020. The school relocated in February 2022, and the property was formally handed back to the council in April 2022, at which point it became surplus to requirement.
“The secretary of state for education issued consent to dispose of the property in August 2022.”
She added that 40 Christchurch Road was then marketed for 12 weeks by estate agents Haslams, with 16 bids being submitted.
It is understood that the preferred bidder is an education provider.
A council report written by Charan
Dhillon states that the sale will take the form of a 25-year lease with the property being used for educational purposes.
It will be sold for an undisclosed sum, as such details were discussed in a section of the meeting closed to the public.
Shortly prior to the meeting going into closed session, Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands) lamented that the building would not be sold to a ‘third sector’ – charity, community and voluntary organisations – bidder.
“I think the officers are making the best choice given the system they have, I really wish the system wasn’t stacked in a way that prioritises the most cash soonest, then we might see some of these actually go to third sector bids based on measures of value other than market value,” he said.
Council leader Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) said several winning bids in other circumstances have been granted to community and voluntary sectors.
After these exchanges were made, the preferred bidder was revealed to the committee.
The house was locally listed by the council’s planning committee on March 30, 2022 owing to its architectural features and history.
The offender approached a group of boys and threatened them before taking a set of Apple Airpods headphones.
These are used to connect to devices such as iPhones or media players, to play sound wirelessly using a bluetooth connection.
They also have a microphone built in to them enabling them to be used in phone calls.
The offender was described as a black man with dreadlocks, in his twenties, and wearing dark clothing, including a black face mask.
Police are looking to speak to a specific witness, a woman who approached the victim following the incident and checked if they were alright.
Investigating officer PC Michael Hanson, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody in the area who may have camera footage, witnessed this or any information regarding this incident, to please get in touch.
“We would particularly like to speak to a woman who saw what happened and approached the victim to check they were OK.
“If you would like to report anything further, you can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43230161926.
“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A BOOKSHOP in Broad Street welcomed young readers to meet one of their literary heroes to celebrate a book launch.
On Saturday, author Iszi Lawrence joined avid bookworms at Waterstones to talk about pirates and being an author, as well as sign copies of her books.
It follows the publication of Blackbeard’s Treasure, her latest book which follows the exploits of 11-year-old Abigail at her home in the Carribean in the 18th century.
Ms Lawrence is also the author of the popular Time Machine Next Door series, and she was joined by Rebecca Bagley, who provides the illustrations for both book series.
Speaking after the event, Ms Lawrence said: “It is always amazing meeting new readers.
“As the Time Machine Next Door is about Time Travel, I had to perform a minor miracle.
“The first kid in line was called Noah, so I revealed to him that the first book, Explorers and Milkshakes had the dedication ‘to Noah’ in print already – his jaw stayed open for some time.”
She explained also how much she enjoys the experience of letting readers put a face to a name: “I think it is great to meet young readers to let them know that authors and illustrators are real people.
“And that being a grown-up doesn’t mean you have to grow up – I love showing off, and making noise in a bookshop which is usually very quiet –it feels very naughty.”
She also said that it was the first time she’d had to opportunity to meet illustrator Rebecca, which she said: “was really special.
“Thank goodness she enjoyed working on the series, particularly Wiki, the fact-finding Kiwi.
“She drew at the same time as me ranting, and the drawings were really special.”
THE Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has the prescription for great food, writes James Hastings.
In a UK wide survey of hospitals, the trust came top of the pots for patient and staff catering.
A panel of judges scored the RBS an almost perfect 99% score making it the top Acute Trust for food and nutrition.
The trust's 70-strong Catering Team were recognised for the choice of food on offer, round the clock availability, meal times, and the quality of food provided to patients on wards during their hospital stays.
Eamonn Sullivan, Chief Nursing Officer at the RBH, said, “The whole Trust is incredibly proud of our Catering Team.
“We know that good food and nutrition is essential to help patients recover while they are staying with us.
“As well as supporting our immune systems, and healing, food also plays an important role in the mental health aspect of being in hospital too as it brings with it routine and social interactions.”
Staff cook a million meals a year, including 50,000 roast dinners and 30,000 portions of fish and chips.
They make a million hot drinks using 130,000 litres of milk.
And they get through 26,000 loaves of bread rustling up toast and sandwiches.
They are the biggest catering establishment in Berkshire, and it also means the team cleans and polishes 20,000 pieces of crockery and cutlery each day – more than seven million in a single year.
Janet Lippett, acting chief executive, added: “I want to say a big thank you to each member of staff in the Catering Team.
“The fact that patients and staff have had such a good experience with the food provided at the Trust is a great testament to them.
“And it’s even more satisfying as the team cook all of the food from scratch in-house.
“I know how hard they work every day and I couldn’t be more pleased for them.”
THAMES Valley Police officers will be among those taking part in the roll-out of new equipment for police.
Officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary will join them in launching new taser devices to replace old models.
Over the next 12 months, police will update from current “X2” models to Taser 7 models, which are described by the force as an “evolution” of their predecessors.
The new models will enhance the safety of personnel through the use of “twin” cartridge types which can be changed depending on the proximity of a person.
Tasers were first introduced in the UK in 2003, intended to find a middle ground between incapacitate sprays, such as pepper spray, and firearms.
The new Taser model was designed in 2018 with a new probe mechanism to reduce the number of medical implications of the use of stun devices.
Older probes could require medical attention to remove, or even get trapped in bone, if they penetrated sensitive areas.
New devices use a probe which is formed of a two-part mechanism similar to a bullet and casing assembly, meaning medical staff are less likely to be required to remove them. They will require the use of a small tool to remove, also reducing the likelihood of self-
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners were out in force in Reading on Saturday, ahead of further protests in London next week.
removal or removal by another person. They also come with a second round as backup if there are complications with the first shot, or it proves ineffective. Its design also means the device is slightly more powerful.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob France, responsible for the Joint Operations Unit between TVP and Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “Since the Home Office approved the T7, following rigorous testing, we have been looking into introducing this to replace the current X2 devices our people use.
“Ensuring the safety of all in our communities, in particular the most vulnerable, is a key priority, and taser has an important part to play in this.
“All taser trained officers go through a comprehensive training programme, and continual refresher training, to ensure it is being used lawfully and appropriately.
“Of course, we will always do all we can to resolve a situation without needing to use force; however, there are occasions when we must do so for the safety of the public, to ensure the safety of ourselves, or for the safety of the person involved in the incident.”
ACC France added: “The use of police tactics, including any use of taser, whether it is discharged or only used as a visual deterrent, is closely scrutinised.
“The trust and confidence of those we serve is extremely important to us.”
More than 30 activists from Just Stop Oil (JSO) took part in a slow march through the town centre showing objection for the continued development of oil and gas-based energy projects and fossil fuel licences.
The action is arguing that advice from the United Nations and the International Energy Agency, among others, recommends the immediate cessation of oil and gas projects.
Slow marches are a deliberately disruptive practice, but entirely legal as a form of protest, with participants also handing out leaflets and carrying banners.
Protesters were also changing the discourse around fossil fuels, as JSO says people must: “pick a side”.
Statements released by the organisation read: “Either you are actively supporting civil resistance, fighting of your life, or you are complicit with genocide.”
Activists were joined by a sister protest in Cambridge, with further protests planned for a weekend of disruption in London.
Extinction Rebellion is set to protest outside the Houses of Parliament this week, of which Just Stop Oil has said they will be a part.
They will follow up with their own protest on Monday, where participants will again take part in another slow march through
the capital.
Jamie, who took part in the slow march in Reading, said: “In the 1980s, the Conservative government closed the coal mines, deeming them too expensive to run and plunging the masses into poverty.
“Now, in a time of soaring energy bills, there is a new coal mine being forced upon us – this is the actions of a greed driven genocidal government and we in Just Stop Oil will do everything non-violently possible to stand in their way.
beaconagency.co.uk
“It’s time to choose sides, between those who want to ensure a future for the next generation and those who have decided to pursue its destruction.”
Eighty-year-old Bill Yates was also among those taking part in the protest and said: “As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the UK has historically contributed disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions.
“[It] should therefore immediately stop adding to the catastrophic consequences of
A UNIVERSITY of Reading lecturer has secured almost £100,000 to fund her chronic pain research over the next two years.
Dr Maria Maiaru won The Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award, which will help her explore how psilocybin, the psychedelic drug in magic mushrooms, may help treat pain.
The prize is presented to biomedical and health researchers in their first independent post, with the hope to launch careers of promising new investigators.
Dr Maiaru said: “Chronic pain is very common, with perhaps 20% of people experiencing it to some degree.
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climate change, which are already being felt across the world. He explained: “I make my protest on behalf of my own six grandchildren, and all the grandchildren on the planet.”
Just Stop Oil began campaigning in April last year, garnering public attention after a number of high-profile protests which have seen more than 2,000 JSO activists arrested, and more than 130 jailed.
n More information about Just Stop Oil is available online via: juststopoil.org
Dr Maiaru plans to initially focus on animal models of chronic pain, tracking behavioural and biological changes in mice, following psilocybin treatment.
These results will be compared with responses to antidepressant drugs.
The project will also use brain imaging to monitor the drug’s impact in areas of the brain known to be altered by chronic pain.
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“Unfortunately most patients do not receive adequate pain relief. And even when pain relief is available, the drugs are often not ideal for long-term pain management.
“Opiates, for example, work well for pain but carry enormous risk of addiction and overdose if taken for more than a few days.”
Psilocybin has received considerable interest due to evidence suggesting it can reduce symptoms of depression in patients who are resistant to antidepressants.
Its efficacy in treating chronic pain has not been extensively studied yet, but there are suggestions that it can reduce phantom limb pain and migraines.
The expectation is that psilocybin can modulate these regions and reduce the amount of nerve pain someone with a longterm pain condition experiences. The effect of psilocybin is welldocumented to include rebalancing of brain activity in rodents and humans.
Dr Suzanne Candy, director of biomedical grants and policy at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Together with our partners, we are fortunate to be able to support this talented group of researchers doing excellent science.
“Our strategic ambition is to help create an open and progressive research sector. By investing in these individuals and teams, we are broadening the range of people and disciplines engaged in biomedical and health research, across all regions of the UK, and globally.
“We look forward to supporting our award recipients and seeing how their research has a positive impact on the health of people everywhere.”
ON THE MOVE: The Just Stop Oil slow march in Broad Street on Saturday Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision ImagesBeacon is a Wokingham-based marketing agency that brings innovation and integrity in equal measure to all the clients we work with. Got a brand you want to build? Get in touch today.
READING East MP Matt Rodda has invited the education secretary to talks as Ofsted continues to come under fire following the death of Ruth Perry.
Ms Perry took her own life shortly after an Ofsted inspection at Caversham Primary School, of which she was head teacher.
Staff at the school were informed that the school’s rating would drop from “Outstanding” to “Inadequate” earlier this year.
Mr Rodda addressed parliament on Monday, April 17, to pay tribute to Ms Perry and to request that the education secretary, Gillian Keegan MP, enter talks with him, Ruth’s family, and teachers.
In a statement, Mr Rodda said: “I pay tribute to my constituent Ruth Perry, the former headteacher of Caversham Primary School –she was a much-loved member of our local community.
“Will the Secretary of State
CALL FOR ACTION: Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, spoke in parliament to invite education secretary Gillian Keegan MP to talks following Ruth Perry’s death. Picture: The Houses of Parliament
family to discuss this important issue?”
Ms Keegan said: “I thank the honourable gentleman for his question, and of course I would be happy to meet.
“This is a tragic case, and I send my heartfelt sympathies
of Ofsted, including from Mr Rodda, who said last month that Ofsted had “serious questions to answer.”
Despite growing concerns about the educational standards organisation, Ms Keegan has defended their practises and
issue, but said that the singleword assessments were “simple to understand” and ultimately made them clearer for parents. It also comes just weeks after residents in Reading showed solidarity with educators and paid their respects to Ruth Perry
THE owner of an office space in London Street has applied to convert the upper floor into six self-contained flats.
to Christchurch Meadows, where a number of contributors gave spoken tributes to Ruth.
Organiser James Denny said at the event: “While I didn’t know Ruth personally, I’m familiar with her legacy, and I know how much this means.
“This is about all of you and your chance to say thank you to Ruth, and to stand in solidarity.”
Attendees took part in a minute’s silence, and then two young pupils at the school were invited to speak.
An Ofsted spokesman said that inspectors are: “all former or current school leaders” who “fully understand the pressures of the role.”
They explained: “We always want inspections to be constructive and collaborative, and in the vast majority of cases school leaders agree that they are.”
Ms Perry’s family said that she had taken her own life just weeks after an Ofsted inspection, and just days before the school was expected to drop from an “outstanding” rating down to an “inadequate” rating.
Ms Perry’s sister, Julia Waters,
The ground floor, currently occupied by victim support charity The Mustard Foundation will be retained as offices.
The owner’s planning agents have submitted a heritage statement with the applications as 90 London Street is Grade II listed. The building, which previously served as a house, dates back to the mid-1700s. For more details, log on to Reading Borough Council’s planning portal and search for applications 230310 and 230311.
READING Railway Pub will host a charity event on Saturday, April 29, featuring Martin and guest singer Janey M. The event, Martin Sings Through the Decades, will raise funds for Royal Berks Charity, which supports the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Tickets are £5 and the event will start at 8pm and end at 11pm.
The venue is located at
SIGNING: The store on Broad Street will welcome AF Steadman, the author behind the acclaimed fantasy novel Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, for a book signing.
Picture: Google, via Google Maps.
THE READING branch of Waterstones is hosting a children’s author to celebrate the release of a muchanticipated sequel novel.
The store on Broad Street will welcome AF Steadman, the author behind the acclaimed fantasy novel Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.
The event will follow the release of the sequel to the best-selling book, titled Skandar and the Phantom Rider, which is due for publication on Thursday, April 27.
Steadman will be signing copies of the book and greeting readers in store.
The first novel in the series sees 13-year-old Skandar Smith attempt to live out his dream of hatching, rearing, and riding a unicorn as a racer. Things are thrown into turmoil, however, when a dark enemy steals the most
powerful steed on the Island, posing a powerful threat and uncovering a secret which could blow his world apart.
The sequel features a new mystery, where supposedly immortal unicorns are being killed by a shadowy force as elemental destruction besets the Island.
It is part of a five-book deal signed by Steadman for the series, which also includes a further untitled novel.
This followed a three-book contract which was signed in 2020, when film rights were also acquired by Sony.
AF Steadman will be attending the signing at Waterstones, Broad Street, from 2pm on Saturday, April 29.
The event is first come first served and copies of the books will be available.
n More information is available via: waterstones.com/events
THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has announced an expanded funding scheme for community projects across the Thames Valley region.
Up to £30,000 will be up for grabs in the 2023/24 academic year as part of the university’s Community Fund initiative.
Staff members can apply for funding to support projects they are involved with, either as part of their job or in a voluntary capacity.
Prof Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The university is proud to support projects that play a vital role in helping communities to thrive. In the current climate, it is more important than ever that we all work together for the greater good of our society.
“Many of our colleagues are active volunteers in their local communities and the Community Fund is a way for us to support them in those roles. I look forward to hearing innovative ideas of how the
skills and determination of our colleagues can be given a bit of extra support to help local communities.”
One-off and multi-year awards will be available in the region of £1,000 per year, as well as larger awards up to a maximum of £10,000 per year.
The Community Fund forms part of the university’s commitment to working with and supporting the community.
It initially only supported projects within Reading, when it was launched in 2021, but has since expanded to benefit
residents in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the rest of Berkshire.
All funding proposals must further at least one of the university’s charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research.
Projects which have previously been supported include: helping a mixed ability rugby club expand, funding vital supplies for a homeless charity, supporting a multilingual storytelling project for nurseries, funding specialist
SUPPORT: Berkshire Brigands have previously benefited from the University of Reading’s Community Fund.
Picture: Richard Angell
equipment for an air quality in schools project, and supporting a refugee football team.
Applications for Community Fund awards are now open, with university staff members invited to apply before the deadline of June 30.
A link to the application form can be found on the university’s Staff Portal.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel, which include Prof Van de Noort and the university’s community relations manager, Molli Cleaver, in September.
A BOROUGH music group’s next concert has a royal theme.
Reading Bach Choir will perform their latest programme of music in Oxfordshire.
The concert, By Royal Command, includes pieces written for a variety of royal occasions, including a reinterment, several coronations, a funeral and a wedding.
ALL CHANGE: The Tesco Express store at Cemetery Junction could gain new signs Picture: Google Maps/ LDRS
A STORE in an historic shopping parade at Reading’s Cemetery Junction could gain new signage if an application is approved, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter Tesco opened an Express store in the Crown Colonnade in London Road, East Reading, nearly 10 years ago, after a bid by KiwkSave was withdrawn.
The company took over the premises from the London Road Post Office, which moved to a smaller site on the other side of the road.
Tesco has applied to Reading
Borough Council to replace the current wood-panelled logo with a new white aluminium box.
It also wants to replace signs for the 24-hour cash machine and another projecting sign with Tesco branding.
The Colonnade was once next to an ABC Cinema, known as the ABC Granby to avoid confusion with the one in Reading town centre.
However, that building has long since been demolished.
For more details, log on to Reading Borough Council’s planning portal and search for application 230438.
The audience will hear pieces by Handel and Purcell and Bach, as well as contemporary composers Judith Bingham, James MacMillan and Paul Mealor.
Musical director Daniel Mahoney will lead the choir, with accompaniment from organist Gavin Roberts.
The group rehearses in Caversham on Tuesday evenings. and seeks new singers, particularly basses, with a high standard of singing and musicianship.
The concert takes place at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Goring on Saturday, April 29.
The music starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are available for £15, or £5 for under 18s.
n To purchase tickets, email: tickets@readingbachchoir.org.uk or call 01628 638847
n To enquire about joining the choir, contact: membership@ readingbachchoir.org.uk or visit: www.readingbachchoir.org.uk
A WORLD-RENOWNED charity has commended the support it has received from Reading Football Club and one of its homegrown players.
KitAid works closely with the Royals to ship out soccer strips to teams across the developing world and was approached by vice-captain Tom Holmes over lockdown, who was keen to offer his services.
Speaking to Reading Today, founder Derrick Williams MBE discussed the special relationship between the charity, the club and grassroots teams across the world, who now sport the famous blue and white hoops.
KitAid collaborates with clubs at all levels of the English football pyramid, and is set to deliver its millionth kit in 2023 – its 25th year of activity.
Mr Williams said: “Reading have been fantastic with us. Their kit manager [Stewart Bannister] and staff are really good guys and I think they trust us and like what we do.
SUPPORTER: Reading
supported
Pupils and staff have sent their well wishes to the Royals as they battle for Championship survival Picture: KitAid
“At the end of each season, when the shirt changes and they clear out, they give us a lot of kit and we make sure it gets through to teams that need it.”
Recent deliveries have seen children and adults in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Colombia and Bangladesh kitted out in the Royals kits and training tops
from their 150th anniversary 2021/22 season.
The latest shipment was sent to Kokoben School in the Santasi District of Kumasi, Ghana, where students aged from 12-16 received last season’s home kit.
“We’ve done a lot in Ghana with Reading,” Mr Williams explained. “There’s even a
READING’S police officers, staff, and members of the public were among those commended at a commendation ceremony.
Last month, Reading police station, Castle Street, hosted the Commanders’ Commendation Ceremony which celebrated the work of those outside of the force as well as its staff.
Commendations are given in recognition of efforts to save the lives of others, apprehending offenders, and helping vulnerable members of the community.
Detective Constable Amy Hopes and police staff member Mark Heybourne were among three were commended for their work across three policing areas on an investigation into a series of burglaries.
Their efforts in liaising with witnesses and victims resulted in a six-year prison sentence for the offender.
PC Nathan Tingley, PC Kathryn Sharpe, PC Tullia Burgess, PC Ross Barrett, and a member of the public, Mr Robert Adshead, were commended for their quick thinking and bravery in their response to someone jumping from a bridge into the river.
Security staff at a shopping centre, Barry Smith, Viada Dumbravaite and Michael Opoku, were commended for their actions after helping a woman in distress.
PC Dave Bradbrook, PC Sam Offord, and another officer were also commended for their calmness under pressure and decision-making after helping a woman in distress in a shopping mall.
Member of the public Michael Petch was recognised for his courage and quick response after he gave live-saving first aid to a man who had collapsed back in September last year.
PCSO Will Manuel was commended for his contribution to the community through his neighbourhood policing role, which sees him working with partners and building relationships with
residents and business.
Detective Constable Nicole Jury was commended for showing exceptional levels of victim care through her investigations.
Reading local policing area commander, Supt Steve Raffield, said: “This event is a wonderful celebration to recognise the hard work and achievements of officers, staff and volunteers, as well as thanking those who go above and beyond.
“All the winners tonight should be very proud and it is my pleasure to thank you on behalf of Thames Valley Police and the wider community of Reading.”
after learning about KitAid’s work.
Having established himself in the first team, he spent weeks gathering kits to be collected by the charity.
“He came to us, which shows what kind of character he is and I think it’s synonymous with the club,” Mr Williams said.
“There are clubs where we don’t have access to players, so for him to have come to us was great. I even went around to his house to collect the items, he was still living at home with his mum and dad then.
“To me, it tells me that Reading are a real community club. He’s from the area, it’s great that he’s a community ambassador like that.”
their disused jerseys – and thus KitAid was born.
Mr Williams said: “We got a lovely reaction. We thought, ‘we can’t stop here now, we’ve got to carry on.’
“Here we are, 25 years later with nearly a million items all across the world.”
He continues to be impressed by the children’s knowledge of the Premier League and the English game, only half-joking when claiming they knew more stats and players names than him.
Where the charity can’t provide kits, they prepare bundles of collectable MatchAttax football cards, which youngsters enjoy trading amongst themselves.
But the impact of KitAid’s work goes far beyond a football shirt or tradeable card.
Mr Williams explained: “For a lot of projects, they’re using football kits as an opportunity to engage with the community, getting kids back into school, getting them away from gangs, drugs and antisocial behaviour.
hospital team who now call themselves Reading FC.
“When teams get kits from a certain club, they’ll look it up and want to follow that club.”
He also revealed that defender Holmes went out of his way to donate a number of kits during the 2020 lockdown,
Mr Williams set up the charity in 1998, following a relief visit to Tanzania with WaterAid, where he often found himself swarmed by footballloving children who were drawn to the football shirts he was sporting.
He remembered meeting a boy in a Liverpool shirt which had been so worn out that the Carlsberg sponsor’s logo had faded. This inspired him and his friends to donate a box full of
“Looking at an extreme example, we’ve got a project in Uganda where they use the football kits to engage with farmers and poachers who are killing chimpanzees.
“The only way they could get their message across to them about not killing the chimps was by setting up a football tournament.
“So the charity is really more than just a shirt.”
n For more information or to donate, visit: www.kitaid.net
5 May, 9am - 12pm
FC vice-captain Tom Holmes has KitAid, who have recently sent out kits to Kokoben School, Ghana. AWRD: Detective Constable Nicole Jury and Superintendent Steve Raffield at the Commanders’ Commendation Ceremony, Reading police station, in march Picture: Thames Valley PoliceDANCE Reading is bringing back a hip-hop dance battle to Reading town centre.
On The Block Battle is to take place on Saturday, April 29, at St Laurence Church.
It will feature musicians and dancers battling it out for cash prizes and winning titles.
The event will have three categories: Hip Hop, Popping, and Krump, with a £100 cash prize for each winner.
The event will from 2pm to 8pm, and dancers must register at the door.
Tickets for competitors are £8, while spectators can watch for £6.
n For more details, log on to: www.dancereading.com
A BOARDED-UP bungalow in Caversham could be replaced by two homes.
The site in Ardler Road would become space for two semi-detached homes contained in one new twostorey building.
Each would have a kitchen, living and dining room and separate lounge on the ground floor, and two bedrooms upstairs, one of which would be ensuite, the other next to a bathroom.
For more details, log on to Reading Borough Council’s planning portal and search for application 230102.
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
ONE of Reading’s culinary hubs played host to a national competition seeking the best gastro-on-the-go offerings this week.
On Saturday, Blue Collar Corner hosted the 2023 British Street Food Awards’ Southeast heats, bringing a whole host of regional vendors to Reading.
While Blue Collar is already home to a constantly rotating offering of diverse street food, the Corner saw some of the very best in the Southeast bring their world cuisines to compete and go through to the national heats.
Offerings included steak sandwiches from Rosto, the UK’s only robata-to-go grill, locally-sourced burgers from Cafe 77, Iraqi food from Amani, and Australian fare sold from an ambulance by Parma Medics.
Glen Dinning, managing director at Blue Collar, said that being selected to host the heats was “really exciting”.
“Around 3,000 nominees were whittled down to 12, with the winner going through to the finals, which means you get a real flavour of what is to come,” he added.
The event, he felt, “sets the benchmark: you see amazing food concepts that are different, innovative, and creative.
“In five or 10 years time, these guys will go on to have
their own restaurants, and this is what they will look like.”
After battling off fierce competition, The Hash Hut, which serves hash browns loaded with toppings, took the Judges’ Choice award.
“The beef-cheek topped hash browns went down particularly well, which were just delicious – I don’t think any of us would have thought of it.
“It’s All Gravy’s secret recipe makes theirs the best gravy you’ll ever taste; a really brilliant selection.”
He said that Blue Collar estimates it was visited by more than 3,000 people over the course of the weekend.
“We loved having it here,
simply because it was just such great fun.”
Winners of the regional heats will now go on to compete at the national event.
“We have new street food concepts all the time, and some real special names coming in over the next few months.
“We’re also gearing up for the Cheese Feast in Forbury Gardens, which will be bigger than ever before.”
This festival takes place in Forbury Gardens from FridaySunday, April 28-30.
n Full information about the festival, is available via Cheese Feast’s Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter pages.
A READING publisher is seeking submissions for a collection poetry from people with links to the town.
Two Rivers Press is currently preparing an anthology of works from people living in or with strong ties to Reading for publication next year.
Submissions will be selected by a judging and editing panel led by one of the leading exponents of Reading’s poetry scene, Vic Pickup.
Up to four poems may be submitted, written in Times New Roman font in 12pt type size, with a maximum of 40 lines for each poem, excluding title and stanza breaks.
Poems must be accompanied with a biography no longer than 100 words and a short explanation of your connection with the town.
They must not have been previously published, self-published, or made public on a website or social media, and in English.
Poems and biography must be submitted as a single document via email with the author’s name and email address as the header on each page.
Submissions can be emailed to vic@ tworiverspress.com before the closing date of midnight on Sunday, April 30. More information, is available via: tworiverspress.com/readingpoets-an-anthology-call-for-submissions/ n Two Rivers Press is a Reading-based publisher which has produced classic and contemporary poetry, local interest, and wildlife books since 1994. Its publications include Peter Stoneley’s Reading Gaol: A Short History, Kate Noakes’ poetry collection, Goldhawk Road, and a version of Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince illustrated by Sally Castle.
BLUE Collar has made its final line-up announcement for its upcoming event at the Abbey Ruins.
As part of Reading’s Water Fest weekend, Disco Abbey 2023 will welcome DJ Natasha Kitty Katt on Friday, June 9.
The Glitterbox and Southport Weekender resident DJ joins previously announced headliners: New York disco originals Odyssey, Soul II Soul frontman Jazzie B and festival favourites Fleetmac Wood.
Pete Wheeler, Blue Collar’s event manager, said: “The response to our first Disco Abbey announcement last month was incredible.
“We’re so happy to have received such a positive reaction for our first night of disco in Reading’s Abbey Ruins and to have earlybirds and first three ticket tiers sold out already.
“Natasha Kitty Katt is a brilliant disco DJ with well-deserved residencies at Glitterbox, Southport Weekender, Soul Heaven and Ocean Beach Ibiza. Her infectious energy makes her the perfect headliner for our second stage on Friday, June 9.”
In addition to the live acts and DJs playing across two stages, Blue Collar is providing bars with their usual combination of local craft beers, lagers, prosecco and Pimms, as well as award-winning street food.
“Our Discorama party at Blue Collar Corner on New Year’s Eve showed us what a fun crowd, both young and old, comes to a disco party,” Pete explained.
“So when we were given the
opportunity to take over the iconic Abbey Ruins as part of this year’s Reading Water Fest, we all agreed it had to be a disco night.
“Also playing live will be local disco act Alive By Night who took the mainstage of Readipop Festival by storm last year, combining incredible vocalists with infectious danceable grooves.
“With two music stages alongside Blue Collar bars and street food, we’re ready to put on a
seriously fun party this June.”
New York disco originals Odyssey will mix in plenty of disco classics by other artists, alongside their own big hits. These include: Inside Out, Going Back to My Roots, Native New Yorker and UK number one: Use it Up, Wear it Out.
Their frontman Steven Collazo was formerly a Caversham resident, making it a homecoming of sorts.
Jazzie B is the founder of soul band Soul II Soul and is one of the most in-demand soul and funk DJs on the circuit.
Closing our mainstage will be DJ collective and festival sensations Fleetmac Wood, who perform their exclusive remixes and edits of Fleetwood Mac songs around the globe.
The final line-up for Disco Abbey 2023 is: Odyssey (full live band), Jazzie B OBE (DJ Set), Fleetmac Wood, Alive By Night (live), Natasha Kitty Katt (Glitterbox), Jet Boot Jack, Even Funkier, Twin Sun (DJ Set), Elle Cee & Kingpinn and Ryan MacGregor
Tier 4 tickets are now available to purchase.
n To book tickets, visit: discoabbey.eventbrite.co.uk
TUNE UP: Natasha Kitty Katt is thefinal actto
beannounced for Blue Collar’s Disco Abbey 2023 line-up. Picture: Blue Collar
ON SATURDAY, Broad Street was host to protest as part of a worldwide series of action protesting human rights violations against Hong Kongers.
The Hong Kong diaspora and support organisations took part in a silent protest in cities across the UK as well as those in Australia, Canada, the US, and Taiwan.
There were similar events in Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Nottingham.
Protesters wore white masks to demonstrate unity and convey the message that “anyone can be the Hong Kong 47.”
It follows the arrest of 47 people in Hong Kong in 2021, who were then detained until the beginning of their trial in February this year.
They were arrested after organising or taking part in unofficial elections for a pro-democracy candidate and subsequently charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion.”
Protesters argue that they were unlawfully detained and will be subject to an unfair trial without a jury. They also allege that the Chinese Communist Party has breached the Joint Declaration between China and the UK through “crackdowns” on democracy and human rights, as a number of those on trial either hold British National Overseas status or are related to UK citizens.
Chloe, one of the organisers who fled Hong Kong to the UK, said: “As freedom in Hong Kong
is diminished, Hongkonger diasporas across the world continue to stand in solidarity with pro-democracy movement and those imprisoned for the cause.”
“Britain has not joined the US in imposing sanctions over the Hong Kong National Security Law, we urge the UK government to do so for these serious human rights abuses so they do not go unnoticed or unpunished.”
A further protest is due to take place in London on Sunday, April 22, with action planned outside the South Bank’s National Theatre, the London Eye, and in Parliament Square.
The protest is organised by a number of groups supporting the diaspora of Hong Kong.
MUSLIMS across Berkshire will gather at Prospect Park to celebrate one of their most important festivals of the year.
Reading Eid Fest marks Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, and will see visitors young and old enjoy fun-filled activities and performances on Sunday, April 23.
It will be the first running of the event, which will feature traditional food stalls, children’s magic shows and henna.
Organiser Aradhana Singh said: “We did other events before where we wanted to bring all the community together. This event is the same and we are targeting to cater for the entire family.
“For many years, there was no Eid celebration, so our Muslim friends approached us to do it. So we thought, ‘OK, let’s do it this year.’
“It’s all about getting everyone involved. There will
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to multiple burglaries in Pangbourne.
Three burglaries were reported to have occurred between 10.15pm and 11.30pm on Saturday, April 15, within close proximity of each other.
Several items have been taken from properties in Courtlands Hill and Flowers Hill, and two unknown men have been heard talking at one of the premises.
Information can be reported online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43230164437.
Alternatively, calll charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information, witnesses, CCTV or door cam footage following a report of a burglary in Reading.
The incident took place between 10pm-5am on Sunday, April 16-Monday, April 17 in Thornton Mews.
Those with any information, CCTV or door cam footage from around the time of this incident are asked to contact TVP by calling 101 quoting reference 43230165972 or through its online reporting portal. People can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
be something for the kids, kids shows, magic shows. And we’ve got great artists lined up, too.”
Eid, or Eid alFitr, is known as the Festival of Sweets and is one of two official holidays within Islam. It takes place on the first day of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.
It indicates the conclusion of the month of dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan, which also promotes prayer, reflection and community.
Lyca Radio presenter Anisa Nasir will host the event, announcing live performances which feature a variety of traditional music and dance.
Local artists set to dazzle include: Maz Bonafide, Asif Khan, Adil Hashmi & S.I.B., Sonia Chohan, Qawwali by Awais Mian Qawwal, Adrees Rafiq, Sharmin Khan, Nishi Malhotra and Bhangra by Asli Baharan
Punjab Diyan group. A Bollywood DJ and Punjabi Dhol players will also be in attendance to provide what promises to be an electric atmosphere.
There will be food stalls offering a variety of treats and snacks, from delicious sweets to savoury items, as well as opportunities to browse and shop for traditional clothing, jewellery and accessories, including: abayas, salwar kameezes, ornate bangles and earrings.
Children can get involved with the henna corner, face painting, magic and puppet shows, balloon modelling, fire show and stilt walking.
Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the door.
The event will take place from 1pm-8pm.
n For more information or to buy tickets, visit: www.ticketsource. co.uk/booking/select/ RdiEJKhzXNnT
SILENT PROTEST: Masked campaigners make a point in Broad Street Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision ImagesWALKING can benefit people who have dementia, according to an expert working with a charity that specialises in caring for those with the illness.
Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach Lavina Mehta is passionate about raising awareness and the benefits of exercise, and is working with the Alzhiemer’s Society to encourage Reading and Wokingham people to get out and about.
They says that people with dementia often enjoy the freedom of walking either as part of a planned day out with friends and family or by themselves, while walking in a safe environment provides physical and psychological benefits for people with dementia and can be a pleasant way of continuing a habit and remaining independent.
The benefits of walking for someone with the condition in Berkshire are the same as the benefits for anybody in that it can help to maintain mobility, it improves circulation and prevents muscle wastage, and it can aid relaxation and reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, taking regular exercise appears to be one of the best things we can do to reduce the risk of getting dementia. Several studies looking at the effect of aerobic exercise in middle aged or older adults have reported improvements in thinking and memory, and reduced rates of dementia.
Ms Mehta said: “Dementia is close to my heart after seeing my Nani struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for the last decade of her life. She inspired me to take part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 in London in 2021. It was such a great experience and I would encourage others to sign up.
“I want to break down the barriers to exercise and open it up to people of all ages. There are huge benefits to health and wellbeing. Many people with dementia will have enjoyed taking part in regular exercise while some people may have exercised very little. It’s important people are supported to exercise safely, if they wish.
“Anyone who hasn’t taken part in regular exercise for some time, or with certain health conditions, should seek medical advice before embarking on any new activity.”
Now, the charity is encouraging people to join in with its summer activities. There are eight Trek26 events across some of the UK’s most breath- taking locations such as the Lake District, Brecon Beacons and the South Devon Coast.
Each trek offers 13- and 26-mile routes though the countryside, plus a city option for those who would like to explore Trek26 London, the opening event on June 3.
The other Trek26 events are being held in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Stonehenge and the North York Moors.
The Society says Trek26 is a vital fundraiser and a fantastic opportunity to visit and enjoy beautiful walking locations in England and Wales.
Among those taking part will be celebrity supporters including comedian and actor Hugh Dennis and broadcaster Siân Lloyd.
n For more details, log on to: Alzheimers.org.uk/ trek26
n If you are affected by dementia, call Alzheimer’s Society’s support line: 0333 150 3456 for help and advice or visit alzheimers.org.uk
A READING resident is raising funds with a loveable companion in tow to help in the fight against cancer.
Sam Rowden is taking up the mantle in Stand Up To Cancer’s Walkies Challenge, in which fundraisers are invited to bring along their pooches in support of Cancer Research.
BEANS means Caversham Court Gardens this Saturday, as a charity aims to help people get a headstart on the growing season.
Econet’s annual Beanpole Day is will take place at the Church Road venue in Caversham.
The group is an association of practical conservation groups based in the Reading area, and its volunteers will be on hand to offer everything needed for an environmentally friendly summer including natural beanpoles and plant supports from local woodland management.
There will also be locally grown ornamental and vegetable plants including all kinds of varieties of tomatoes. Saplings will be available to take home.
And there will also be the fruits of labour to buy in the form of home-made biscuits, sweets and
jams; wooden bowls, decorations, bird tables, hedgehog homes, walking sticks, house signs to order; second-hand tools.
If that wasn’t enough, there will be a range of environmental charities offering advice on global justice, conservation, bee-keeping, how to grow vegetables, and tackling the climate emergency.
Organisers also encourage people to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass. The Ways and Means snack shack will be open, serving refreshments.
Only disabled parking is on site. A ‘creche’ will be operating for anyone buying large, bulky or heavy items, and needing to bring their car to the site to load up.
The event runs from 10am to 3pm, on Saturday, April 22. n For more details, log on to: www. econetreading.org.uk
Classic Ibiza sees a 32-piece live orchestra take on some of the biggest dance and rave anthems from the last three decades on Friday, June 16. Picture: Classic Ibiza
Ms Rowden has undertaken the challenge of walking 60 miles throughout the event, which runs through April, accompanied by Corby the cockapoo.
She said that it all started after noticing a Facebook post: “I did some fundraising for Sue Ryder a few years ago, when I lost my best friend to cancer after a very short three-month journey.
“I’m also lucky enough to be 12 years clear of cancer too, and without the research and treatment I had, I probably wouldn’t have been here to see my son grow up, so it’s very close to my heart.
“So when this event came up on Facebook, I thought it was a good idea to maybe get fitter and walk the dog as a fun thing to do while raising money.”
So she joined a Facebook group where “members are sharing their reasons for taking part, some are going through cancer at the moment, some of them have lost people, and some of them just have a dog.
“I personally haven’t done any fundraising for a little while, so I thought ‘I’ll do this.”
Ms Rowden will be joined by Corby for much of the 60-mile challenge raising funds for Cancer Research.
Ms Rowden explained that part of the campaign is seeking for the majority of cancer patients to survive:
“I had breast cancer, to which a lot of funding is given, but with some other cancers, not so much.
“So SU2C is hoping that by 2034 the majority of people survive what is one of the biggest killers.”
Those taking part are encouraged to aim for 60 miles walked in April, some while accompanied by dogs, and to upload their progress to dedicated fundraising pages.
Ms Rowden has already smashed through her original target of £150, raising more than three times that.
At the time of printing, her page had garnered more than £500 in donations.
TRANSPORT for London has launched a series of audio guides with a number of notable Londoners lending their voices.
voicing the guide exploring Woolwich Station.
READING is set to get its own little bit of Ibiza – but with a twist – this summer.
Classic Ibiza sees a 32-piece live orchestra take on some of the biggest dance and rave anthems from the last three decades.
Songs such as Insomnia, Born Slippy, Sandstorm, and Levels will be among those performed by The Urban Soul Orchestra, who will also be joined by live vocalists and DJs.
A full festival-style event will be set up in Palmer Park, complete with roaming entertainers, bars, street food vendors, and make-up stalls.
Event organiser Jonathan Ware, originally from Reading, says: “We have toured this show to sell out crowds all over the UK and cannot wait to bring it to our hometown.
“The audience have got a great night in store, with some of the biggest dance anthems ever being brought to orchestral life on stage. Get ready for goosebumps, it’s going to be a night to remember.”
Classic Ibiza comes to Palmer Park on Friday, June 16, with gates open from 5pm and The Urban Soul Orchestra performing from 7pm. n Tickets are available via: summertimelive.co.uk/reading
The collection will see 10 threeminute guides exploring stations in the central section of the line, including looking at their art, history, and architecture.
Posters with a headphone symbol will display a QR code in the stations which can be scanned to access the audio.
Each guide will be voiced by a person with links to respective area, such as MOBO-Award-winning rapper Guvna B, who was born and grew up in Custom House, who voices its station guide.
Paddington Station’s guide will be voiced by author Karen Jankel, daughter of Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond.
Actor Scott Maslen, best known for roles in The Bill and EastEnders, is
The guide for Whitechapel will feature both Bengali and English versions in reference to its bilingual signage recognising the Bangladeshi community local to the station, and will be voiced by the station’s customer service supervisor, Neil Dalton.
Guvna B said: “I was born and bred in Custom House, it’s the place I call home.
“I grew up around working class English people as well as firstgeneration Brits from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
“We were all so different but our differences united us and that’s the beauty of this place.”
Karen Jankel, who narrates the Paddington audio guide, said: “Since I was born two months before my father’s first book was published, Paddington has always been a very
IT’LL GROW: Beanpole Day is at Caversham Court Gardens on Saturday, April 22 Picture: ask mediendesign from Pixabay OUT FOR A STROLL: Sam Rowden and Corby Courtesy of Sam Rowden.Despite inclement weather and protestations from a problem knee, Ms Rowden said she would “plod on.
“I’ve promised that I’ll post pictures of me looking probably mostly bedraggled and wet as I walk, just to make it that bit more fun.
“But Corby is completely crazy, and could quite happily do 10 miles a day, so he’ll be with me much of the way.”
Corby will also be taking part in some of the publicity work, she explained: “I’ve already ordered a bandana for Corby to wear while we’re out and about.”
Stand Up To Cancer and Cancer Research UK are inviting people and their pooches to take part in the SU2C Walkies Challenge to help fund cancer research.
It is open to teams and individuals, and provides a fundraising page for participants to update their progress.
n More information about Sam Rowden and Corby’s progress and how to donate can be found at her fundraising page: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/ samanthas-su2c-dog-walking-givingpage-90
VOCAL SUPPORT:
MOBO-awardwinning rapper Guvna B is among those lending their voices to new audio guides for Elizabeth Line stations. Picture: Transport for London
TWO care home workers hope their plan to raise money for breast cancer research will be an overnight success.
Sonia Da Silva and Tamena Seymour from the Abbeycrest Care Home in Reading are taking part in a marathon nighttime stroll through the streets of London. They aim to raise £400 while dressed in glitzy outfits for the breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk.
Sonia, the care home manager, said they were inspired to take up the challenge after supporting residents diagnosed with breast cancer.
“This is the first time either Tamena or myself have taken part in the MoonWalk so we are excited to be doing it together.
“We have recently been supporting residents living with breast cancer and so the MoonWalk is the perfect opportunity to not only represent them but also to raise awareness and some much
needed funds while supporting those living with breast cancer and other cancers.”
She added that last October the pair took part in the Windsor Memory Walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Society last October, and had been looking for a new challenge.
“The Memory Walk was the first charity walk we have ever done, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, not only for the personal physical challenge but also the opportunity to raise money for causes which are close to home for many of our staff and residents.”
Sonia and Tamena, a home coordinator, will walk 26.2 miles overnight on Saturday, May 20 across Clapham Common and the surrounding area for the MoonWalk, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
n To sponsor Sonia and Tamena, visit their fundraising page at https:// walkthewalk.enthuse.com/pf/ abbeycrest
Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23
Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
2 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast
Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle
En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham
3 Days by Coach only £219
Single Supplement £40
Beamish & Captain Cook’s Whitby
HistoricDurhamBeamish&CaptainCooksWhitby_D.pdf
important part of my life.
“Not just the bear, but also the station which has great significance for our family.
“So I considered it a great honour to be asked to narrate the audio guide for the Paddington Elizabeth Line station.”
Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London, said: “We are delighted that some incredible
Londoners have lent their voices to this series of free audio guides.
“The Elizabeth line has transformed travel in London and beyond, and these guides offer a great way to find out more about the central section stations’ art, design and much more.
“We hope that Londoners and tourists will visit all 10 stations and listen to the full set on their travels.”
A picture. The Mona Lisa Smile. A picture in my mind. Does She smile because she knows her value?
A picture held on a wall. Does she know She has been framed?
A picture, prisoner in a gallery.
Still, she smiles, just. Although she has been framed. Surrounded by her own security. Trapped by a crowd of admirers.
I can still picture your smile. It is held forever. Your empty smile,
Richard StephensonWe love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today
Departing Thu 29 Jun ‘23
Enjoy a host of historically-themed excursions on this wonderful trip to the North East. From the bustling port of Whitby, to the fascinating open-air living museum of Beamish and the beautiful city of Durham, we journey into the past on this captivating break.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough with dinner & breakfast
Excursions to Durham, Beamish Living Museum & Whitby
5 Days by Coach only £349
Single Supplement £80
MOONWALKERS: Sonia Da Silva and Tamena Seymour from the Abbeycrest Care Home in Reading are taking part in a marathon night time stroll through the streets of LondonDuo will be walking on the moon … in Londonwill be taking on the 60-mile challenge through April to support Stand Up To Cancer. Picture:
LOCAL democracy is important.
Being able to choose which party shapes our borough’s future is a privilege which is denied to many.
That we can agree to disagree is one of the many benefits of living in a democracy.
We have a democratic right to vote, and on May 4 we are being encouraged to do just that.
It’s a chance to determine who should direct the future of our potholes, bin collections, and car parking charges, among many other issues.
But who should you vote for?
It can seem like a hard decision, especially when there are so many parties with so many voices.
Over the next few days, our website will have all the information you need.
We’re setting up pages for every ward that is being contested in this set of local elections.
Candidates have been asked to introduce themselves, and we have information such as polling stations and previous votes.
And next week, we’ll have interviews with political leaders.
It’s all about helping you, the voter, decide how to vote.
THERE is nothing like going to the cinema to watch a good movie. Especially, if you get to sit in fancy, leather seats which recline so you gain the perfect viewing experience.
This was my experience recently when I went to watch the film Alleluia. It is a beautiful, emotional and sometimes funny film with a twist at the end.
Now, before I go any further, please be assured I will not be sharing any spoilers. I don’t want to spoil the experience for you.
Prior to seeing the movie, I had met at least three people who told me how good it was. “It’s great! Go and see it. It has a twist at the end...“ they said.
I usually quickly stepped in, “I will go and see it. But please don’t tell me what happens. “
And they didn’t. And I won’t.
The film Alleluia is a great story. However, the Gospel (meaning, good news) of Jesus Christ has been described as the greatest story ever told.
This good news can be summed up, quite simply, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have Eternal life.”
Eternal life is ours because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Christians celebrate every Sunday, but especially on Easter Sunday.
In Matthew’s account of this key factual event (chapter 28), we are given an invitation to ‘come and see’ for ourselves. And once we have seen to ‘go and tell’ others the good news we have seen and heard.
If you have yet to experience and receive the good news of Jesus Christ for yourself, I encourage you to do so. And once received, share this wonderful news, the whole story (spoilers included) with others.
Rich blessings to you all
Major Adrian Maddern, Reading Central Salvation Army, writing on behalf of Church Together in Reading
I trust readers will be tolerant on discovering my rather strong views on our national security to say the least.
Almost regulary, I find someone or business (investors) taking over a wide mix of activities, some with no doubt an important position in the technical world. Having spent much time in the defence industry, Avionics and other technical businesses in Europe, the Far East and Australazia, I am not used to seeing what I call giving away national secrets and many other threats to our world position related to China and Russia.
Their (China in particular) ownership of important assets in the UK is criminal.
Adding to our weak position, the fact that so many of our population are” left-wing” to a very serious degree, in that we are out of control –again a weak position will help China make some moves against us. They are prepared!!
Digressing to the medical profession, which is totally inadequate for this countries’ needs, I would seriously recommend the medical
Cllr Rob Whiteprofession, NHS and Private, be Nationalised such that no-one can practice unless authorised and working to new National standards and reward. Run by a Senior Parliament Department but without Civil Servants, and with High Security support.
I deplore the Right to Strike of any business/employee, that serves the public, including the transportation of Goods or People.
My last bitter complaint is the decline of discipline/the inadequate presence of the Police etc., – for example how can thousands of Femails be sexually attacked and or raped in this country?
Without punishment in the main. Any male that does anything criminal to a female, should be chemically “circumcised” immediately and given a prison sentence.
Overall we are in an awful state, with appalling so-called LAW failing in just about everything. I have studied many aspects of Law, and can note that I have witnessed the failure to carry out a fair trial in the Worthing County Court, and what I call a “fiddle” in the Property Market which is corruption – it fails to use Common Law disciplines, to make sure a chosen
AT the 2022 council elections the Green Party became the second largest party on Reading Council overtaking the Conservatives (Labour 32, Green 7, Conservative 6, LibDem 3). Green candidates like Councillor Josh Williams (Park Ward), Sarah Magon (Park Ward), Councillor Doug Cresswell (Katesgrove Ward) and Kate Nikulina (Redlands Ward) have worked tirelessly, all year round, alongside our local communities. Together we have achieved much, but there is still plenty to do. We want to make our vision for a fairer, greener and cleaner town a reality.
Vote Green Party for more hard work all year round and to keep us as the main opposition party in Reading, ahead of the Conservatives.
Reading Green Party working hard all year round to make a difference
Hopefully with more councillors after the 2023 council elections we will continue to work for a fairer, greener and cleaner town:
1. TACKLING POVERTY: We will support everyone particularly those on low incomes to get through the cost of living crisis. We will insulate houses to bring down energy bills. Our
READING Mencap is a local charity that was founded in 1962 with the aim to provide support so that individuals with learning disabilities and their families might lead a full and active life in their community.
Right now they are looking for Volunteers to help with the upcoming ‘Are You Listening? Festival’ on May the 6th, 2023.
They will need outgoing, sociable volunteers to cover the doors at
individual gets an undeserved reward.
I hope the foregoing helps to stir Readers thinking – do please think on these things as we get close to Elections.
Kind Regards to all!
Reg Clifton, via email
What’s perverse?
So Mr Simon Bird considers it “perverse” to even consider that there may be a Russian case over Ukraine (Reading Today, 23rd March). If that’s how it appears, maybe it’s because our politicians & media have only given us one side of the story.
Russian President Putin’s “special military operation” in Ukraine started on February 24th 2022. If it was just an act of unprovoked wickedness, it was a long time in coming. Ukraine became independent in 1991. Mr Putin first became Russian President in 2000. So for many years Russia, including under President Putin, apparently let Ukraine be. This might have continued if there had been no perceived threat to Russia.
All this changed with the eastern expansion of NATO & the EU up to Russia’s borders.
The 2008 NATO Bucharest summit pencilled in Ukraine for future
campaign means the council is now an accredited Living Wage employer. All organisations should pay at least a Living Wage.
2. CLIMATE ACTION AND GREEN SPACE: Doubling Reading’s tree cover, zero carbon and protecting our wildlife will improve our green spaces and environment.
3. HEALTH: Protecting budgets to tackle drug and alcohol dependency. Increased support for mental health across the borough will all support public health.
4. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: More council housing, funding for tackling rough sleeping, licensing all landlords and a mass insulation scheme will mean a safe, warm home for all.
5. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT: Boosting walking and cycling with 20mph zones and car-free school streets will cut congestion and air pollution. Solutions like a Clean Air Zone will protect our green spaces from more road-building.
6. PROTECTING PUBLIC SERVICES: Decent public services are vital to residents’ physical and mental health. Under Labour children’s centres are being closed, swimming pools drained and library hours
membership. Does anyone suppose that US President Biden would smile benevolently at the prospect of Canada or Mexico joining an anti-US military pact? Double standards on steroids?
A US-backed coup in 2014 tipped Ukraine into years of civil war. The incumbent President, whatever his faults, had been elected but was too Pro-Russian for Washington’s tastes. Ethnic Russians in Eastern Ukraine were subject to years of Ukrainian military blockade and bombardment.
For them, the Russian invasion may have seemed more of a liberation.
Bear in mind that the US/UK Governments themselves have a rather long track record of bombing or marching into other countries.
The former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq etc. In view of this, the fashionable anti-Russian posturing would appear similar to a fox castigating the vices of carnivores.
Surely there is at least a case for doubting whether President Putin really is the devil incarnate. Equally perhaps our own rulers are, to put it mildly, not entirely beyond reproach.
David Akroyd, Readingcut. Greens will stand up for public services.
7. CLEANING UP READING: We will push for kerbside glass collection, action on fly-tipping and support reuse groups to promote better waste management.
For more information on our priorities see our website: https:// reading.greenparty.org.uk/manifesto/ Greens second largest party in Reading after 2022 elections
Fortunately, there’s now real, constructive opposition to Labour on Reading council. At the local elections in May 2022 the Green Party overtook the Conservatives becoming the second largest party on Reading Council.
If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: https://reading. greenparty.org.uk/get-involved/ Vote Green Party for more hard work all year round and to keep us as the main opposition party in Reading, ahead of the Conservatives.
Green Party councillor Rob White Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council
all their venues, to check and sell wristbands, help the festival-goers on the day and encourage donations to Reading Mencap.
n The Me2 Club is an inclusion charity for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in the Wokingham and Reading Boroughs.
They are recruiting volunteers in the Berkshire area in order to help even more children with additional needs in the local community. They provide support by matching a young person from the Me2 Club with a one-
to-one volunteer who would support them with activities.
If you are 16 or older and have a couple hours a week to give and have the desire to make a difference to a child’s life visit their website (https:// me2club.org.uk/) and apply to be a volunteer today.
n Yeldall Manor is a drug and alcohol treatment centre for men struggling with addiction. Established in 1977 by a Christian family and supporters. Situated in Hare Hatch, not far from Dobbies Garden Centre.
They are looking for a Volunteer
Receptionist to work a regular half day or two per week. Tasks include: answering the phone, taking messages and light admin tasks as well as interacting with staff and residents. Volunteers will need administrative and basic IT skills, and good people skills including the ability to implement firm boundaries when necessary.
n Take a look at our 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.
THERE are many ways of measuring the Gender Pay Gap.
Statistically it makes sense to look at the median, and according to the Gender Pay Gap reporting required by firms of over 250 staff, it is 9.4% and has been 9.4% since these figures were first required to be reported.
However, whichever statistic you look at, the estimate from the Office of National Statistics, mean or median, the answer comes back the same - women are paid less than men.
This is the fifth time councils have been required to publish their Gender Pay Gaps and for Wokingham Borough Council the gap persists.
The 2022/23 reported gap for hourly median pay is 15.6%. Wokingham does not compare well with the average for local councils. Of the 292 who had so far reported
their data for 2022/23, the average median gap was 2.5%.
Reading is performing significantly better with a median gap only a bit higher than the average, at 3%, but mean hourly pay is equal with a 0% difference.
I first raised the issue of the Gender Pay Gap at Wokingham Council back in 2019, and have repeatedly asked for a specific action plan after being given vague, and clearly erroneous assurances, about their commitment to equality.
With the change in leadership in 2022, I was pleased to see Cllr Bishop-Firth committed to address it, as reported in Wokingham Today on July 28, 2022.
Cllr Bishop-Firth, said the council will “take all necessary steps” to reduce this gap including looking at other councils to see what can be adopted within Wokingham. Given this statement I’m interested to hear what they have learned from
our neighbours in Reading. One clear difference between the data submitted by Reading and Wokingham councils is the distribution of women across the pay quartiles. Reading has a consistent male/female distribution in all four pay quartiles of 40/60 which is what you would hope to see in an organisation that recruits and promotes men and women fairly. By comparison, Wokingham Council sees the proportion of women fall as you go up the pay quartiles.
This pattern is common in organisations with poor gender pay gaps, and generally reflects that although the organisation may employ a majority of women, as is the case with Wokingham Council, it does not develop and promote them at the same rate as men.
Indeed one of the reasons I was given for the pay gap, by the previous leader of Wokingham Council, was that women disproportionately take advantage of the flexible working arrangements which are limited to more junior and lower-paid roles.
At no point did it occur to the council to ask themselves why they were not offering flexibility in the more senior roles.
They seemed very happy to accept and perpetuate the gender stereotypes which see women’s earnings eroded by unequal and unpaid caring responsibilities.
This is unacceptable and the council needs to step up to be a role model and address the root of the problem.
Many organisations, including the Local Government Association and the Fawcett Society, offer evidence-based advice and solutions, including flexible working as the default for all roles so that it’s not seen as a women-only benefit, and encouraging the uptake of shared parental leave.
The cost of living crisis is hitting women hard, with 42% of low paid women having fallen behind on household bills compared to 35% of low paid men.
It’s time for Wokingham Council to be transparent and publish their action plan, complete with targets and timelines, for eradicating their Gender Pay Gap.
It’s estimated that it could take up to 100 years to end the Gender Pay Gap in the UK. I won’t live to see it, neither will my daughter. The Women’s Equality Party sets out a raft of proposals to end the Gender Pay Gap, including pay transparency, investing in childcare and placing equal value on occupations perceived as “male” or “female”.
I urge Wokingham Council to set an example for other councils and local businesses. Women got the vote just over 100 years ago, let’s not wait another 100 years for equal pay.
Louise Timlin is Leader of Women’s Equality Party, Reading and Wokingham. She the party’s candidate in Evendons ward on Wokingham Borough Council in the forthcoming local elections
Cllr Jason Brock
YOUR Labour Council’s on-going drive to do everything it can to create more affordable homes in Reading continues apace.
Last month, planning approval was granted for 62 new homes on the former site of Central Pool, just off the Oxford Road. These new, affordable, Council homes will cater for those on the housing waiting list, as well as providing sheltered housing and homes for adults with additional care needs.
Sites in Reading are at a premium, which is why the Council has to be imaginative and innovative in identifying pockets of land for smaller sites.
In housing parlance, these are known as ‘infill sites’ and in Reading they include various pockets of brownfield wasteland.
Tenants have recently moved into seven homes in Southcote, Whitley, and Church wards, with a further site in Caversham now close to finishing. They range from attractive 2-bed homes, including an accessible bungalow, up to a big 4-bed home with a large garden. We know that large family homes are particularly needed, so it is important we try to identify possible sites on which to build them – quite a challenge in a Borough like ours. It would be easy to take shortcuts on quality and cost. Our aspirations, though, are to build comfortable, high quality and energy-efficient new accommodation for our tenants.
Our local response to the climate emergency means all new homes are being built to what are known as Passivhaus principles in order to reduce their carbon footprint.
Triple glazing, air source heat pumps and solar panels are some of the techniques we use, and just one of the reasons Reading Borough Council was crowned Homebuilder of the Year at the 2021 UK Housing Awards.
Over in my home patch of Southcote, I’m also pleased that the former library building is set to be redeveloped for new affordable housing. Locals will remember that the old library was relocated into the Southcote Community Hub, a very short stroll away, back in 2018 as part of a Council project to provide a modern library, children’s centre, play area, and upgraded community facilities all on one site.
Since then, we had been trying to progress a deal with a local housing association partner for affordable housing.
EARLIER this month, I attended the Special General Meeting of the Caversham Park Village Association.
It’s clear the Association has had its Pandemic difficulties, but as I listened, I was struck by the strength of feeling of the members and their support for getting the Association – whose Milestone Centre is a nucleus for the community – back on its feet.
This strength of community feeling can be seen across Reading, yet sadly it is all too often ignored by our Labour-ruled Council. Despite its unpopularity with drivers and cyclists alike, the cycle lane on Sidmouth Street has been made permanent.
It received nearly 650 objections – which were ignored.
I am a cyclist, and I have not used Sidmouth Street once. I want to see a safe, integrated and coherent cycle network across Reading.
What we have at present is a collection of unconnected lanes
frustratingly scattered across the town.
Reading Golf Course is another example of Labour letting the local community down.
An unprecedented and recordbreaking number of objections (over 4,000) were submitted, yet Labour councillors pushed through the scheme to redevelop and build more than 200 houses on the former golf course.
Our Conservative councillors have opposed the scheme from the beginning, and, with them, I have met the developers and local residents whose concerns about this extensive development are justified.
They rightly draw attention to the strain on infrastructure all these houses will produce and the impact of dangerous construction traffic – to say nothing of the congestion once the houses are occupied – on narrow Kidmore End Road.
What about Reading Gaol? As a historian, I am acutely aware of the historical significance of the Abbey
Quarter and the Gaol in particular.
I am strongly in favour of it becoming an arts and heritage centre. Reading Conservatives support it. The whole town supports it.
Our Reading MPs East and West support it.
Even Kenneth Branagh and Banksy support it.
Granted the Council has bid to buy the site, but where is the local leadership on the issue? It has fallen to volunteers in the group Save Reading Gaol to raise awareness and campaign for the preservation of this historic local landmark.
Given that Labour flip-flopped on the Golf Course development, can we trust them to do the right thing with the Gaol?
Labour have repeatedly let down communities across Reading. In contrast, the Government has been investing in our town: last year it provided £26 million to improve
bus services in Reading; the Levelling-up fund is spending £19 million on overhauling The Hexagon and rebuilding the Central Library; the Government’s New Station Fund contributed to building Reading Green Park station; and the Pothole Fund has and will continue to pay for improving our roads. Therefore, if you want representatives who will resist insensitive and inappropriate planning applications, who will stand up to developers and protect our green spaces, who will actively defend our historic landmarks, ensure Reading receives its share of national funding and who will deliver on problems raised by residents –then vote for your Conservative candidate on 4th May.
Stephen Goss is the Conservative Party Candidate for Emmer Green ward on Reading Borough Council
We have now switched to transforming the site into the Council’s own housing stock in a project which could deliver up to 15 two-bed flats as part of a £3.8 million scheme for more new Council homes at Coronation Square.
Local councils like Reading have no influence on things like the high cost of land, private rental rates, or indeed national planning policies – the things that dictate house prices. What they can do is try to build as many affordable council homes as possible to make a difference in their local area, and I’m proud that is what we are doing in Reading.
When we pull all the various schemes for new Council homes across Reading together, it amounts to around 400 new affordable homes and an overall investment of £110 million over a five-year period up to 2026. This includes homes already delivered and those in the pipeline.
There are currently over 5,000 people on the Council’s waiting list in Reading. Every few years this list is reviewed with people asked to re-register if they still need to be on it. That review is due to take place shortly and, whatever the outcome, we can be certain that it will still be a very high figure, in common with most London boroughs and towns or cities in the south east.
We also know the figure would be even higher – as, indeed, it was in recent years – without the significant investment being made by Labour in new affordable homes for people in Reading.
Stephen Goss
If you want councillors that stand up for you, then vote Conservative
THE south east is still home to the highest number of estate agents.
New figures show the area accounts for 29% of the UK total with an increase of 11% in the past year.
However, with the London market seeing a more subdued level of pandemic market activity, the region sits mid-table when it comes to the annual growth in agency numbers.
This accolade goes to the north east region where the number of agencies has increased by 14.1% on an annual basis.
In the north west, estate agency numbers rose by 13.5% in the last year, and Yorkshire & Humber saw an increase of 13.4%.
This marks impressive annual growth given that, in the last five years, the number of agencies has increased by 20.6%, which means half of this growth has come in the past year alone.
In fact, the figures from GetAgent show that there has been a 15.4% increase in agency numbers when compared to the pre-pandemic market in 2019, demonstrating the influence that the pandemic property market boom has had on the industry.
To put this annual rate of growth into perspective, between 2017 and 2021, there was an average annual increase of 456 agencies per year.
However, between 2021 and 2022, the number of agencies across the UK climbed 2,355.
Mal McCallion of GetAgent.co.uk which compiled the figures said: “It’s no coincidence that the number of estate agency branches has increased so notably since 2019, after which the pandemic market boom spurred an overwhelming level of activity.
The nation’s agents have most certainly decided to make hay while the sun is shining in this respect, but with the market now starting to return to normality, the challenge facing them is how they remain competitive, and profitable.
The best agents, offering the best service, are those most likely to triumph, as they continue to guide sellers through increasingly difficult market conditions to the ultimate goal of a sale.”
READING needs to take action to maximise the potential of a green jobs revolution as we move towards Net Zero, according to a new report.
REDA (Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency) is endorsing a target of 20,000 new roles by 2050, something backed by businesses and the education and training community.
It is part of the green skills road map for Reading, which was launched at Stantec’s HQ in Reading.
They say that if the UK is to achieve Net Zero, jobs in construction and installation industries will be needed, particularly for retrofit, energy efficiency and creating electric vehicle infrastructure.
Reading, they add, has a real opportunity to capitalise on projected future demand for services linked to a low-carbon economy.
To achieve this 20,000 jobs target, the report advises that direct intervention in key sectors of the economy is required.
It will also help minimise the employment fall out of automation. Towards a green jobs and skills roadmap for Reading identifies the interventions in the economy locally that could generate a potential 20,000 green jobs in Reading by 2050.
The report was carried out by Shared Intelligence for Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency (REDA).
The initial analysis looks at the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE). The report identified the creation of 5,600 jobs in LCREE by the year 2050 which is double the ‘do nothing’ projections and ten times the number of LCREE jobs in Reading today. However, the ‘green economy’ is a much broader definition, states the report which identifies an alternative set of sectoral employment data which puts the current scale of ‘Net Zero’ activity in Reading today at 4,200 jobs (much higher than LCREE data). Applying the same multiple
of growth in demand for jobs would indicate 20,000 potential Net Zero jobs by 2050.
In order to achieve maximum economic advantage from adaptation to climate change, the report focuses on Reading’s most dominant sectors where it has a locational advantage, along with sectors with the greatest low carbon ‘job density’ and recommends four priority sectors as providing room for green job growth locally: electricity and gas, construction, information and communications and professional and scientific.
To unlock this green job growth will require upskilling, training and education at every level. Specifically, it identifies four key sectors for intervention:
ELECTRICITY AND GAS - reactive and short-term approach. This sector has high LCREE job density and strong demand from employers for skilled trades for retrofit, driven by national policy, regulation and investment. These jobs are well-suited to mid and late-career workers who are attracted to re-training to exploit the spike in demand.
CONSTRUCTION - a longer-term strategy which ‘leapfrogs’ shortterm skills needs and focuses on ‘succession planning’ with trade organisations, schools and education partners to respond to
future needs to create the next generation of construction skills via schools and the STEM curriculum.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS: an area where longer-term initiatives could be formed with schools, inspiring and educating them about new occupations and careers and what they can do to get there.
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL – the secondlargest sector with huge projected growth in demand for workers in low-carbon services starting now. Action will require better intelligence about the activities and future plans of local employers to understand where in this sector LCREE and other green jobs are located.
The scale of this sector within Reading’s economy and the presence of global market leaders provides a major opportunity for impact.
REDA says the report is a first step to creating a roadmap towards green jobs and skills.
Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director at REDA, said: “The race to Net Zero by 2030 means a race to create 20,000 low carbon and renewable energy jobs in Reading by 2050.
“With the UK’s Net Zero Strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050, the need to transition to low carbon industries, invest in
Up to 20,000 new green jobs will be created in the Berkshire economy over the next 25 years Picture: Maria Godfrida from
green technologies, and adapt the labour market is clear; however, the implications in terms of local economic policy and the most effective local actions are not as well understood.
“Beyond the need to reduce carbon emissions to avert the worst impacts of climate change, growing the green economy is an important employment and social mobility issue for Reading.
“This report is the starting point for understanding this local picture; the potential for green jobs given the economic makeup of Reading; the threats of automation to existing low-skilled jobs and how new green jobs could reduce that threat; and how active targeting of Reading’s key economic sectors could bring the maximum benefit to the economy as we seek to create benefit from the need to adapt to climate change.”
He added: “I am delighted that Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that they will be submitting our research as evidence to Government as part of the region’s Local Skills Investment Plan (LSIP) report to secure devolved local training budgets to meet the future needs of the economy in Reading.”
n The report is available to read at https://issuu.com/readingbid2014_19/ docs/reda_green_skills_report
A CHARITY in Berkshire is appealing for help fundraising as it develops one of its services for patients.
Thames Hospice has launched an appeal to help upgrade its Hospice at Home service, which aims to give patients dignity, comfort, and the choice to die at home.
It follows the introduction of doctor-led care in December last year, which allows patients with complex symptoms to receive expert care at home rather than in hospital.
While the enhanced scheme was provided with initial funding from the NHS, Thames Hospice is looking to raise £150,000 to deliver the service.
Contributions will make double the impact, as the first £50,000 of donations made before Sunday, May 14, will be matched by supporters of the charity.
Dr Patrick Clarke, a specialist palliative care doctor at Thames Hospice, said: “Our Hospice at Home Team has been providing compassionate nursing care for patients for many years.
“These patients are unwell and need specialist care for a short period, with multiple
daily care visits from a multidisciplinary team.
He explained: “Previously you would only find this as an inpatient in a hospital or hospice, without the choice to be cared for at home.
“But it is where many patients want to be and often it is better for them and their family.”
He continued: “There are patients in our community who have received the shock of a late terminal diagnosis, many
stuck in hospital.
“They need care and support like ours to get hem home with their loved ones and make the most of the precious time they have left.
“With our doctor-led care, patients can get a rapid discharge from hospital and set up with all the equipment and care they need within hours of referral.”
Michelle was one of the people helped by the charity with a lung disease in December
THE owning company of a building Station Road in Reading have applied to convert offices into seven apartments.
They would stretch across part of the ground floor and basement, and floors one to four.
The plan is split into two, with reference 230202 relating to the change of use from existing offices into flats, and reference 230203 being focused on the internal and external modifications to the buildings.
A heritage statement has been submitted with the conversion plans as the buildings are Grade II listed.
They date back to 1903 and are noted on the Historic England website for having an “exuberant mixture of Baroque Art Nouveau and Flemish styles”.
For more details, log on to Reading Borough Council’s planning portal and search for applications 230202 and 230203.
HELP: Thames Hospice has launched an appeal to help upgrade its Hospice at Home service, which aims to give patients dignity, comfort, and the choice to die at home.
A CHANCE to rehome former commercial hens will take place in Tilehurst on Saturday. The group Reading Fresh Start For Hens is holding the event between noon and 5pm at an undisclosed location. Volunteers help find new homes for the birds who would otherwise be slaughtered and used in dog food, baby food or processed pies. The charity buys the hens for rehoming. They say people don’t need a big garden and they appreciate a donation of £2.75 per hen to cover costs. Rehoming dates continue across the year. n For more, search Facebook for Reading Fresh Start For Hens or visit: freshstartforhens.co.uk
last year. She said: “This service is really good because you can still be at home and still have all the professionals there to help you.
“Without the Thames Hospice doctors treating me at home, I don’t know where I would have been.
“I was so scared but the Hospice team were there for me – Thames Hospice is like family to me now. I’d be lost without them.
She explained: “Some people
want to be cared for in the Hospice, and some people don’t or can’t – giving them the choice to be in their own home is really good.”
Thames Hospice has been providing inpatient and palliative care in the Thames Valley area, free of charge, for more than 35 years, and is funded by charitable donations.
n For more information, or to make a donation, visit: thameshospice.org.uk
A STALWART of soul and firm favourite of funk is returning once again to Reading’s Sub 89. BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Craig Charles is bringing the vibes to the venue when he performs in May.
The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club will be drawing on Charles’ 10 years of experience in radio broadcasting. He will be joined by DJ Gilbert, Rich Sloman, and Sir Funk to round out the evening’s roster.
The event comes to Sub89 on Friday, May 5, from 10.30pm to 2.30am. Tickets are £20, available via: skiddle.com
RUNNING enthusiasts and families are invited to participate in the 5K Run ‘n’ Walk Fun-Day on Sunday, April 30.
Starting at 9am, the event will feature a 5K run and Couch to 5K challenge, with the 5K family and friends walk following at 10.30am.
The starting point is Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, and runners will complete the race on the public path around the park, with the finish line at the refurbished Palmer Park Stadium. The first, second, and third-place male and female finishers will receive prizes.
The event is in aid of Cancer and Blood Disease Awareness, and entry is free. n For more details, search Facebook for 5K Run ‘n’ Walk Fun-Day or call 07999 976355.
THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Tilehurst.
At around 3.20pm on Wednesday, April 12, a white Ford Transit van was involved in a collision with a blue Toyota Yaris at the junction of Tay Road and Dee Road.
The driver and two passengers in the Yaris were taken to hospital with minor injuries and
have since been discharged.
The Ford Transit van did not stop at the scene and was later found abandoned in Test Close, where the driver fled.
Investigating officer, Sergeant Matt Cadmore, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please get in touch.
“I am also appealing to
anyone who may have seen the van and the van driver in Test Close to also contact us.
“If any motorists were in those areas around the time of the collision please check your dash-cam footage in case it may have captured something that could help our investigation.
“You can make a report by calling 101 or via the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference 43230159391.”
Picture: Thames Hospice
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A FORMER hairdressers in Caversham could soon be serving Polish food if an application to covert the venue is approved, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter Reading Borough Council has received an application for an alcohol licence for the former Hair Studio on Hemdean Road.
No planning application has been submitted for the conversion of the site, which has been a salon since approval was given to turn the former house into a studio in June 1992.
The restaurant will be called Pasibrzueszek Polish Cousin Restaurant, and if the licence is granted, alcohol can be sold on the premises from 11am to 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
The application has been submitted to Reading Borough Council’s licensing department, and comments can be made by emailing licensing@reading. gov.uk.
The closing date for submissions is Tuesday, May 2.
PLANS for hundreds of homes to be built at Reading Golf Club are moving ahead more than a year after the development was first approved. There were 4,000 objections in March last year, but the 223-home development was approved as an outline application.
Now further details have been made by Vistry, which bought the plan from applicants Fairfax.
At a recent meeting of Reading Borough Council’s planning committee, the scheme’s Construction Method Statement was discussed. This lays out how construction will take place, including the demolition of existing buildings and construction traffic management.
Concerns were raised over traffic delays near the entrance to the site at the junction of Kidmore End Road and Chalgrove Way.
Helen Lambert, the chairman of the Caversham and District Residents Association, said the traffic would be “a toxic mix” due to the narrowness of the road, its presence on bus routes and as a way to nearby schools.
She said it is “critical” strong measures are put in place so that traffic issues are not exacerbated.
Cllr Simon Robinson (Conservative, Emmer Green) called for a decision to be delayed, questioning whether Vistry’s traffic management plan would work in practice.
Representatives of Vistry ensured the committee construction deliveries would take place outside school dropoff times and a manager will be on site to address any issues.
The construction method
statement was approved, with the details of the development also considered during the meeting. The construction methods were considered first, then details of design, and energy supply.
There was also frustration over the reversal of a promise for all the homes to be heated through air source heat pumps.
Although air source heat pumps were specified when the plan was approved on outline, Vistry reduced that to 81 homes on the advice of energy provider SSEN, with the rest
heated through gas boilers.
Cllr Josh Williams (Green, Park) said: “The missing air source heat pumps is a failure of the original developer to check what was possible on the site. That developer and that application made promises they simply couldn’t keep.”
He argued the outline plan was unviable, saying: “Perhaps I was right to vote against it after all?”
Cllr Williams also lamented that the committee’s ‘hands are tied’ due to the approval of the outline plan, and raised
fears that gas boilers in the new homes “could be burning for decades”.
A condition was added that the capacity for installing air source heat pumps be regularly reviewed. Another change included the housing mix, with Vistry changing the plan to provide more three-bedroom and less two-bedroom homes.
Meanwhile, the proposed appearance of the development was praised.
Cllr Jan Gavin (Labour, Caversham) said: “I was absolutely delighted to see the layout, the plan, the appearance. I think this is a high quality development, a like the character areas, I like the different style of brick and colours. It creates a unity but yet distinct areas.”
All the detailed plans were approved by the planning committee on March 29, with Green Cllr Williams voting against details relating to the energy policy.
The approved applications can be viewed by typing the references into the council’s planning portal:
230024 – Construction Method Statement
221312 – changes to housing mix, energy policy and more 220930 – appearance
A REUNION is planned for people who attended Catholic schools in Reading, including Blessed Hugh Faringdon, English Martyrs, and St Joseph’s College.
It will take place at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Washington Road, Caversham from 6.30pm to midnight on Saturday, June 10.
The invite is open to attendees of these schools: Blessed Hugh Faringdon, Fawley Road, Southcote English Martyrs’ Primary School, Dee Road, Tilehurst St Anne’s Catholic Primary School St Joseph’s College (formerly St Joseph’s Convent School), Upper Redlands Road, Reading Presentation College (renamed The Elvian School, now closed), Southcote Lane, Southcote St James Catholic Primary School (now closed)
The event is being organised by Gabriele Scicluna, 72 and from Caversham, who himself attended St Anne’s and Blessed Hugh Faringdon.
Mr Scicluna said: “There’s interest already, it’s going to be a unique reunion. Some will be travelling a far distance, two people are coming from Australia and one will be coming from Canada.
“We’re looking for anyone who would have went to these schools from 1939 anywhere up to the closing of 1975.
“If people want to come from after those years, they are welcome, but that’s our target.
“We are not going to turn people away, but the more people from before 1975 the better.”
A buffet will be provided, with the event being ticketed
so the organisers know in advance how many will attend.
Mr Scicluna said: “The buffet will cost a pretty penny so we are charging, we can’t just have people turning up in case they have allergies.
“We hope to make it a jolly affair.”
Mr Scicluna said: “It’s not just one school this time because numbers are falling, our numbers are diminishing because of the ages I want to attract, so I wanted to attract former pupils from other schools to this reunion.”
n Tickets cost £15, with any donations over that going to St Anne’s school. To book, call Mr Scicluna on: 0118 947 3560, or email gabrielescicluna@hotmail. co.uk. Alternatively, call fellow organiser Ron Tyler on 07845 162249.
READING Borough Council has apologised to residents for missed food waste collections following the Easter holidays. Some people said their bins have not been emptied, and this is due to sickness among the refuse collection team, and some iossues with the collection vehicles.
A statement on Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page noted: “We’re sorry if your food waste has not been collected recently – high levels
of sickness amongst the crews and issues with two vehicles have combined to put us behind schedule.
“We are bringing in extra staff this week and putting on additional crews to help us catch up, so if your food waste hasn’t been picked up please leave it out and we’ll get to you as soon as we can to put this right.”
Reacting to the post, a Reading resident posted: “We are also sorry your council tax
was collected late, high levels of sickness at home led us to being behind schedule. Doesn’t work that way does it!!”
In Reading, food waste is collected from the kerb on a weekly basis, either from a small black external bin or a larger black bin with a blue lid.
Food waste is initially stored in a small grey indoors caddy with council provided green bin liners, but any bag can be used as long as they are not black.
FUTURE PLANS: The new proposed street scene at Reading Golf Club Picture: Ece ArchitectureREADING Borough Council is reminding residents that applications to apply for free voter identification is due to close next week.
National legislation means that the government will require voters to show photographic ID when attending polling stations for the first time.
Those voting in person can use a passport, driving license or provisional license, a Blue badge, or biometric immigration documents to prove their identity.
Those without a valid form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate via the government website, or by requesting a printed form via Reading’s Electoral Services Team.
The deadline for applying for a certificate is 5pm on Tuesday, April 25.
Certain concessionary travel
cards such those given to the elderly, including bus passes and Oyster 60+ cards, are permissable.
Identity cards bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram are permissable, as are Defence Identity Cards and certain other national identity cards.
Expired forms of identity are still permissable as long as they are still recognisable from the photograph.
The deadline for applying to vote by proxy closed on Tuesday, April 18.
Michael Graham, ReadingBorough Council’s Returning Officer, said: “As the deadline to apply for free ID looms, it is important that residents of Reading make sure they’re election ready.
“If you already hold an acceptable form of ID, you do not need to apply. For those residents who do not have the right ID, it is important they know they have until Tuesday April 25 at 5pm to apply.
“Anyone who needs advice or help with applying for free ID, or wants to request an application form, can contact the electoral services team on elections@reading.gov.uk or 0118 937 3717.”
Local elections are now set to take place on Thursday, May 4.
Full information about elections as well as FAQs are available online via reading.gov. uk.
Residents can also contact RBC with any queries by email at: Elections@reading.gov.uk
THE owners of a café in Reading train station have won permission to sell alcohol despite fears over binge drinking on the platform.
Select Service Partner (SSP) Ltd announced intentions to convert the Delice de France bakery located at platforms 8 and 9 into a Café Local.
As part of the makeover, SSP submitted a licensing application to sell alcohol from the unit on and off the premises from 6am to 11pm, seven days a week.
But a commuter objected, raising fears that people drinking on the platform would lead to anti-social behaviour.
“I have travelled frequently to London for over 14 years by train,” they wrote. “Alcohol consumption at the station is dangerous due to the trains and crowded platforms.
“The consumption on trains is unsocial including people relieving themselves on the platforms, train seats and carriages, especially at night. At night in particular it can be intimidating for passengers.
“Slipping on platforms is always a safety issue this will make it worse.
TIME FOR CHANGE: The Delice de France between platforms 8/9 of Reading train station, set to become a Café Local. Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service
“The cafe is near escalators, which poses an additional danger.”
They suggested that if alcohol is sold, it must be in plastic bottles or cans rather than glass to minimise the risk posed by the smashed glass.
Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee considered the application.
During the meeting, Simon Hilton, operations manager of SSP said Café Local will have a mixed product offering of food, alcoholic and soft drinks, phone chargers, electric items, umbrellas and toiletries.
Sharon Scott, general manager of SSP said no issues had been raised at the other SSP sites that
sell alcohol in the station – the Pumpkin Café on platform 7 and Caffè Ritazza on platform 10.
Mr Hilton added that only individual cans and bottles of alcohol will be sold, clarifying that no multi-packs will be sold, saying: “We see ourselves as a take-out option.”
Cllr Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) chair of the committee, said he was satisfied that the firm was not looking to be “an extension of The Three Guineas”, the pub at the front of the station.
Ms Scott said the price points for alcohol would be from £3.49 to £4.79, with the product range including beer, cider, mixer cans, and small bottles of wine.
The licensing committee granted the licence for Café Local subject to conditions, which lay out a CCTV operation regime, a Challenge 25 age verification policy, and a staff training regime with refreshers every 12 months.
The decision was made on Thursday, April 13 by Cllr Woodward, Cllr Sue Kitchingham (Labour, Caversham Heights) and Cllr Louise Keane (Green, Katesgrove).
MPS/UPS plus TLR2a/b
Required for September 2023
We wish to appoint dynamic, strategic thinking phase leaders who have the energy and drive to work with our leadership team across the Federation. The persons appointed will be part of the Leadership Team and will also lead a core curriculum area dependent on candidate’s strengths. Further information and an application form can be found on the school websites https://www.wilsonprimary.co.uk/index.asp or https://oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk/
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Part time positions considered
Required for September 2023
Our happy, creative and child centred schools are looking for talented teachers to work as part of our dedicated teams.
The roles would suit ECT or experienced teachers. Further information and an application form can be found on the school websites https://www.wilsonprimary.co.uk/index.asp or https://oxfordroad.reading.sch.uk/
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Applications to apply for free ID for those voting in person at the local elections close on Tuesday
Picture: Reading Borough Council
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (ST MARY’S BUTT) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily suspend the disabled parking bays in the following lengths of road:
• St Marys Butts outside number 66 to a point approximately 10 meters north, from: 24 April 2023 – 22 May 2023 between 0800hrs – 1400hrs daily.
• St Marys Butts directly outside number 66, from 22 May 2023 – 11 August 2023 between 0800hrs – 1400hrs daily.
If made, the Order will come into operation on the dates above but should the works take longer than expected, the Order will remain in operation until the works are complete for up to 18 months, whichever is sooner. The Order is necessary for the removal and replacement of dangerous and non-compliant cladding.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (SURLEY ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close 209 Surley Row for an approximate distance of 100ft/30m and introduction of no parking, stopping or waiting at any time at that point. If made, the Order will come into force on to 9 to 11 May. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for reasons of safety to allow Thames Water to complete repairs on a mains within the carriageway outside 209 Surley Row. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (ERLEIGH ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTION) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council proposes to make an Order in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily suspend the parking bays and introduce a no waiting and/or no loading at any time on Erleigh Road from its junction with Donnington Road to a point approximately 40 meters west. If made, the Order will come into operation on 11 May 2023 but should the works take longer than expected, the Order will remain in operation until the works are complete for up to 18 months, whichever is sooner. The Order is necessary to complete tree works.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (ADDISON ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTION) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council proposes to make an Order in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended, because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily suspend the parking bays and introduce a no waiting and/or no loading at any time on Addison Road outside numbers 22 - 38. If made, the Order will come into operation on 0930hrs – 1530hrs on 9 May 2023 but should the works take longer than expected, the Order will remain in operation until the works are complete for up to 18 months, whichever is sooner. The Order is necessary for non-excavation sewer cleaning.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (HIGHDOWN HILL ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close the section of Highdown Hill Road – outside number 42. If made, the Order will come into force on to 8 – 10 May. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is necessary to enable repair works to leaking water mains. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (NEW ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council proposes to make an Order in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend the parking bays outside properties 15-23 New Road and also 30-42 New Road inclusive and temporary introduce a no stopping or waiting at any time. If made, the Order will come into force on 2 May 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months.
The Order is necessary for sewer cleansing works.
DATED: 20 April 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure)
Order 2015 Notice of applications for planning permission under Article 15 of the Order
All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.
230007 & 230008: 42 Bath Road, Reading, RG1 6PG - Removal and replacement of existing set of double doors which are situated within the grade II listed part of the building. Refurbishment of the whole 69 bedroom care home, including decoration, new floor finishes, furniture and sanitary ware.
230202: 13-15 Station Road, Reading, RG1 1LG - Change of use from office (Class E) to 7 residential units (Class C3) at part-basement floor, part-ground floor and first to fourth floor levels, cycle storage facilities at rear ground floor level and replacement rooftop mechanical plant.
230203: 13-15 Station Road, Reading, RG1 1LG - Various internal and external works associated with the change of use from office (Class E) to 7 residential units (Class C3) at part- basement floor, part-ground floor and first to fourth floor levels, including secondary glazing, internal layout alterations, cycle storage facilities at rear ground floor level and replacement rooftop mechanical plant.
230310 & 230311: 90 London Street, Reading, RG1 4SJ - Proposed change of use of from Class E to create six self contained studio flats (C3) and to maintain office space on ground floor with associated works.
230381: St Marys Church Yard, St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXErection of a new half brick wall and railings fence and gates in St. Mary’s Service Yard, within the curtilage of St. Mary’s Church.
These applications can be viewed online http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp
Anyone wishing to make representations can submit comments online or write, quoting the application number, to Planning, Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.
Saturday 27th May 2023
From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.
• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHS
Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023
From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.
• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHU
Sunday 30th July 2023
From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.
• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHV
APOLITICAL pantomime is being played out not on the road to Barnard Castle, but instead in Windsor. It’s one that pulls together recent history, and no eye tests are needed to be let into the auditorium.
Dom The Play is a look at the crazy events over the past decade, as seen through the eyes of Boris Johnson’s former right-hand man, Dominic Cummings.
“The idea came from a desire to look at one of the most controversial figures in British political history and write about it,” says Lloyd Evans.
“Shakespeare and Chekov are rooted in the past, and this is happening now, so it connects on a deeper level.”
The political satire opened at The White Bear Theatre in London, before transferring to The Other Palace, and enjoyed sold-out performances.
It looks at some of the controversies of the man who helped the Vote Leave campaign win the Brexit referendum, shares some of his thoughts on how the
civil service should be reformed and goes into the truth of the events about Barnard Castle.
And, Lloyd promises, it looks at how David Cameron made a secret pact with Boris Johnson over Brexit, what the blond-haired disgraced former prime minister made of his successor, Liz Truss, and how he fell out with Cummings, leading to his sacking in November 2020.
Exhausted? That’s only half of it.
This is a roller coaster of a play, based on the memories, diaries, newspaper accounts and other verifiable sources that Lloyd could get his hands on.
But don’t expect this to be a hatchet job on the Conservatives’ record over the past decade.
“The play is politically neutral,” he says. “I let the audiences make their own minds up.
“I didn’t want to do a hit job on him.”
Dominic Cummings is a controversial figure for many reasons, not least for his vision for the country.
“He wasn’t just a despot,” Lloyd says.
“He had ambitions that were quite admirable.”
Some of these, including reforming the civil service, making government decisions based on factual evidence, and building a space station on the moon, are put into the play, making it a far more rounded experience than a simple sketch on a show such as Spitting Image.
“It does resonate with people,” he says. “We’ve had a party in from a school and the teacher said it follows the A-level syllabus looking at the last 10 years, so it’s quite a good revision tool.”
So in some ways, more Horrible Histories but for modern times.
There is a cameo for Maidenhead MP, and former prime minister, Theresa May, played by Sarah Lawrie. And it shouldn’t come as any surprise that it’s to Dancing Queen.
“It’s not a mean thing. I don’t need to exaggerate, as people remember the events. I want to make it human, rather than just grotesque,” Lloyd says. “Everything is based on central truths.”
Dominic Cummings is played by Chris Porter, and Lloyd is full of praise for them.
“Chris is very well-known in the trade. He has a very strong resemblance and can do Dom’s funny accent.
“Tim played Boris in 2005, for the first time he ever appeared on stage, in Who’s The Daddy? (a play about Johnson’s time on the Spectator magazine). He’s reprising a role he’s familiar with.
“The actors bring something to the show that I’ve never imagined. It’s amazing to see what they can do with it.”
Lloyd is looking forward to the play transferring to the Theatre Royal, where it has a 10-day run from Wednesday, April 19.
“It’s an amazing venue,” he says. “I was there last year to watch Ian McKellen in Hamlet. He was incredible.”
Now, he’s looking forward to seeing how audiences react to his show.
“They will have two hours of political comedy, and come away discovering
things about the corridors of power and what politicians get up to behind closed doors .. 98% of the time, they’re exchanging gossip. People have the impression politicians are interested in politics, but they’re interested in backstabbing.”
As for the view it could be a pantomime, Lloyd says “It does feel like it could at certain times. Boris could be a Mother Goose figure, and Dom an ugly sister.”
There is just one question… Given they are the subject matter, has Dom been to see it?
Lloyd smiles. “I did invite Dom to see it, but he hasn’t. I don’t suppose he will.
“But we did get civil servants in, and they seemed to enjoy it. A lot of them say that’s what it’s like.”
Dom The Play is at Theatre Royal Windsor until Saturday, April 29. Tickets cost from £23.50. n For more details, call the box office on 01753 853888, or log on to: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
A ‘PITCH perfect’ rising comic will entertain in Maidenhead.
Josh Berry’s new stand up show brings plenty of characters and impressions as he wades through the two interweaving topics that pre-occupy him most: sex and politics.
Described by Jon Culshaw as ‘Absolutely superb’, Josh performs at Norden Farm Arts Centre Studio, on Wednesday, April 26.
Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £16.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
A deaf Punjabi man is to share his experiences of growing up in the UK with a hearing impairment.
Rinkoo Barpaga’s Made In (India) Britain, relates the experience of Roo, living in a world that he feels wasn’t made for him. Ableism and racism impact his childhood and his adult life, and lead him to ask, ‘Where do I belong?’
The event is performed in BSL, Spoken English and Closed Captions, at Norden Farm Arts Centre Studio, on Thursday, April 27.
Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £16.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to:norden.farm
A BRITISH folk duo will tell musical tales of Suffolk folklore, people they admire, passion for nature, and a heart break or two.
Honey And The Bear’s songs combine
CINEMA with a difference is returning to Berkshire with tickets now on sale for a summer of outdoor movie magic.
Royal Ascot is the venue for a stunning line-up of fantastic films for families and film buffs alike and all under the stars.
With warmer nights approaching its time to get out the T-shirts and stock up on ice cream while enjoying award winning films and feel-good classics.
Among the 130 screenings on offer from the Luna Cinema are Top Gun: Maverick, Mamma Mia and everyone’s favourite boy wizard, Harry Potter.
With top quality sound and high-end cinematic visuals against the backdrop of the iconic Royal Ascot racecourse, it is the perfect location for that first date or birthday treat.
Two types of tickets are available for each screening meaning attendees can opt for premium director seat
interweaving vocal harmonies with a range of sounds and textures.
The multi instrumentalist pair are: Jon Hart on guitar, bass, and bazouki; and Lucy Hart on guitar, ukulele, bass, banjo, mandolin and percussion.
They are joined by Evan Carson on drums, and Toby Shaer on fiddle, flutes, and whistles.
The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre Studio, on Saturday, April 29.
Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £15.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
A Terrence Rattigan drama performed in Wokingham describes romantic
BY KIND PERMISSION OF W. CUMBER & SON (THEALE) Ltd(limited availability) or bring their own blanket and seats for easy, comfortable lounging.
George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said: “Since 2008, we’ve had over a million visitors attend our screenings with The Luna Cinema serving as the best example of open-air cinema in the UK.
conflict and raging war.
In Flare Path, RAF bomber pilot Teddy,is celebrating a reunion with his actress wife Patricia.
When her former lover and Hollywood heart-throb Peter arrives, and an urgent bombing mission over Germany is ordered, Patricia finds herself at the centre of an emotional conflict as unpredictable as the war in the skies.
Audiences can see the play at Wokingham Theatre.
It runs from Thursday, April 27 through to Saturday, May 6, with the exception of Sunday. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets cost £15.
n For more details, or to book, call:the box office on: 0118 978 5363 or visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
A MUSICAL filled with hits from 80s group Madness, visits Henley.
Our House, is a London love story set to the band’s music.
When 16 year old Joe breaks into a building site to impress his girlfriend, the police turn up and the lad’s life splits into two. Is he Good Joe, who stays to help, or Bad Joe, who flees?
The show includes Madness hits: House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Driving in my Car, It Must Be Love and Our House.
English bluebells
Woodland walks
Family fun in the barn
Hot and cold food
Home made cakes
Free treasure hunt for kids
SUGGESTED DONATION
UNDER 3’s GO FREE CASH or CHEQUE PREFERRED
All proceeds from this event will benefit local people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. For information visit: www.msreading.org.uk
“With this in mind, we’re thrilled to announce our 2023 programme, which is comprised of world-class venues and a fun-filled line-up of films.”
n Tickets are now available to purchase via www.thelunacinema.com/cinema/, with prices starting from £17.50 including booking fees. The season runs from June 14 until September 24.
PERFORMER Matt McGuinness says he is proud to work with Samaritans. His show, We Are What We Overcome, combines upbeat, original acoustic music with thought-provoking comedy and stories.
It describes one man’s journey to good mental health - via a very bad idea.
The event, supported by Arts Council England & New Art Exchange can be seen at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.
The performance is on Wednesday, April 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £13.50.
n For more details, or to book, call:the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
Bracknell – South Hill Park
southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123
Justin Moorhouse. Thurs 20. Nothing Happens (Twice). Fri 21. Isadora The Barefoot Dancer. Sat 22. Paranation
Ghost Hunt events. Sat 22. Animals.
Mon 24. Sold. Tues 25. We Are What We Overcome. Wed 26. Angela
Barnes: Hot Mess. Thurs 27. A Celebration of Dance. Sat 29.
FILM: Full Time (TBC). Fri 24-Sun 26.
Lift Off: Creature (12a). Wed 26.
Royal Opera House: The Marriage of Figaro. Thurs 27. What’s Love Got To Do With It? (12a). Fri 28-Sun 30.
Camberley – Theatre
camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600
Robert Temple: The Hypnotist. Thurs
20. Uptown Joel. Fri 21. Lionel - the Music of Lionel Richie. Sat 22. Solvealong-a-Murder-She-Wrote. Thurs
27. Cloudbusting The Music of Kate Bush. Fri 28. Comedy Club. Fri 28. The Mumford and Sons Experience. Sat 29. Craft Market. Sun 30.
Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000
The Way Old Friends Do. Until -Sat 22.
Second Summer of Love. Thurs 20-Fri
21. Daddy Issues. Sat 22. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Tues 25-Sat 29. Amy’s Rocket. Wed 26.
High Wycombe – Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000
Six The Musical. Tues 18-Sun 23. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 20. That’ll Be The Day. Tues 25. Tony Stockwell.
Tues 25. In The Name of Love - The Diana Ross Story. Fri 28. The George Michael Legacy. Sat 29. Pure Elite Pro-Am UK Championships. Sun 30.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050
Our House. Wed 26-Sat 29
The musical can be seen at The Kenton Theatre, from Wednesday, April 26, through to Saturday, April 29.
Performances are at 7.45pm, with an additional matinée on Saturday at 2pm.
Tickets cost £20, with concessions available for £18.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.uk
SHERLOCK Holmes’ final novel is brought to life in a new stage adaptation.
The Valley of Fear sees Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson drawn into a tale of intrigue and murder that leads them to the bleak Pennsylvanian Vermissa Valley.
Faced with a trail of bewildering clues, Holmes begins to unearth a darker, wider web of corruption, a secret society and the sinister work of one Professor Moriarty.
Original music, theatricality and story-telling combine in this event at the Corn Exchange. It can be seen on Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 at 7.30pm. ickets cost £20.75, with concessions available for £18.75. n For details, call: 08455 218218 or log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com
Maidenhead – Norden
Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997
National Theatre Live - Good. Thurs 20,
Fri 21. The Ocelots. Thurs 20. Alex
Kealy - Winner Takes All. Fri 21.
80 For brady (12). Fri 21. The Vinyl
Frontier - Best Years of Our Lives.
Sat 22. Forever Elton - Greatest Hits
Tour. Sat 22. Imar. Tues 25. Josh Berry - Sexual Poltics. Wed 26. Made in (India) Britain. Thurs 27. Maidenhead
Music Society - Linos Piano Trio.
Thurs 27. Lucy Porter Wake Up Call.
Fri 28. Honey and the Bear. Sat 29. St
John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat 29.
Newbury – Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218
Axel Blake. Thurs 20. Looking For Me
Friend. Fri 21. John Wick Chapter
4. Fri 21-Sat 22. Family Film: Shaun
The Sheep Movie. Sat 22. Shape Of You. Sat 22. NT Encore: Good. Sun 23.
ROH: The Marriage of Figaro. Thurs
27. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Wed 26-Thurs 27. The Cavern
Beatles. Sat 29.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044
Visitors. Until Sat 22. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Fri 5-Sat Jun 10.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Sold. Thurs 20. Poets’ Cafe Online. Fri 21.
Emmanuel Sonubi - Emancipated. Fri
21. Eshaan Akbar - The Pretender. Sat 22. Alex Kealy - Winner Takes All. Sun 23. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
NT Live Presents Good. Thurs 20. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Tues 25. Lucie Jones and the Fulltone
Orchestra. Thurs 27.
Reading – Concert Hall
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime organ recital. Mon May 15.
Reading – Progress
progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Dinner. Until Sat 22. Leon Greening Trio and Alex Garnett. Fri 28.
Reading – Reading Rep
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Peter Pan. Until Sat 29.
Shinfield – Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Ravenscroft. Wed 26-Fri 29.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until May 13. The Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly Show. Sun 23. An Evening With Rich Wakeman and Peter Egan - Charity Gala Night. Sun 30.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
01753 853888
Dom The Play. Wed 19-Sat 29.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
0118 978 5363
Flare Path. Thurs Apr 27-Sat May 6.
Wokingham – Whitty
www.thewhittytheatre.org
0118 974 3247
NEXT SHOW: Teechers - Leavers 22. Wed May 10.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org
07488337838
NEXT
Until Saturday, April 22 Progress Theatre progresstheatre.co.uk
0118 384 2195
PROGRESS Theatre has plated up its latest production, an adaptation of Moira Buffini’s ‘Dinner.’
The play is a dark comedy, first debuted at the National Theatre in 2002, which sees protagonist Paige inviting friends to dinner to celebrate the publication of her husband’s book.
The arrival of an unexpected guest is just one of the occurrences which threatens to derail the event, already marked by a series of bizarre culinary offerings.
The hostess is portrayed by Samantha Bessant – fresh from Liar’s Teeth at the same company – with joyful aplomb.
The uptight socialite Paige feels like Bessant has taken all the right notes from Alison Steadman in Abigail’s Party, while bringing the more retro, 1970s touches down to suit a contemporary audience.
She is joined by husband and author Lars, portrayed with equal presence and dynamism by Ian Belcher.
His moments of put-upon, marital apathy are well-contrasted with more animated, emotional scenes, particularly towards the conclusion of the play.
Fellow dinner guests are all wildly antithetical to one another, with the meek and passive Wynne, apathetic
journalist Sian, and effusive scientist Hal.
Emma Kellow’s Wynne is underplayed without fading away, making for a good foil to the more boisterous characters during the first act, and with an enjoyable undercurrent of energy which occasionally erupts to great effect.
Laurence McNaughton’s portrayal of Hal is effervescent, bringing a lively and fun aspect to the character which plays off against the fellow guests well.
The show is stolen, however, by Pixie Nash’s Sian and Megan Turnell Willett’s Mike, who drops into the play like a cluster bomb at the conclusion of the first act.
Nash has perfected the airs of a stand-
offish, skeptical professional, but weaves it excellently through with moments of real humanity and well-observed hedonistic tendencies.
She is complemented well by the thoroughly down-to-Earth, work-a-day Mike, whose portrayal by Turnell Willett is one of the standouts in a strong cast.
Lastly, Nick Gallo performs his role as the waiter diligently, with each of the character’s admittedly sparse lines performed to their fullest effect and his presence on stage forgotten not once.
It’s clear the cast has the chops to bring Moira Buffini’s fizzing dialogue to where it belongs, at the dinner table, with real attention paid to making the
IT’S SERVED: Progress Theatre is showing Dinner from Friday, April 14, to Saturday, April 22. Pictures: Courtesy of Progress Theatre
be commended along with very solid costume work.
Finally, sound, and production work is, as ever, lightly applied to the play, but all the more effective in its focus as a result, especially the inclusion of classical renditions of modern music.
Overall, a more-than-capable cast is excellently directed by Progress stalwart Dan Clarke, with the play’s laugh-outloud moments turned up to 11 to match the dramatic moments which punctuate the plot.
Buffini’s work is energetic and exciting as well as pithy and philosophical, and with Dinner, Progress has shown that its passionate performers and producers are more than up to the task.
Progress features a number of accessible show dates, including socially distanced performances.
performance engaging but grounded. This is also especially important in “bottled” plays, where much of the action takes place in a single setting.
Incidentally, one of the striking aspects of the production is the set work.
The story takes place in a believable, well-observed dining room replete with fringed felt curtains, gold-framed artworks, and a good selection of choice props to really sell the setting.
The gold-relief wallpaper and red, upholstered dining chairs are particularly good touches.
It also includes a smart method of portraying the outside fog which is vital to the play’s story, and which is to
Relaxed performances are adapted to make provisions for families with young children and people with physical or special needs.
This includes a relaxed attitude to audience noise, adaptations to the production to reduce anxiety and sensory stimuli.
It also holds Come As You Are nights, which feature earlier opening times and space to change for trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming people who can feel excluded or unsafe in certain public spaces Progress Theatre is showing Dinner until Saturday, April 22.
Accessibility information and tickets are available via: progresstheatre. co.uk/2023-dinner
SOUTH READING residents are set to enjoy an evening of their favourite rock and roll songs.
Whitley Social Club’s live music night will see Mini Scratch, an acoustic rock duo, perform rock classics such as Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child of Mine, 4 Non Blondes’ What’s Going On, and Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire.
The band also covers Bruno Mars, Glen Campbell and Travis.
All are welcome to attend, with visitors treated to a friendly atmosphere and cheap beers starting at £3.50.
Sports fans will be pleased to know the weekend’s action will also be shown on the TV.
Non-members will be required to pay £2 at the door; entry is free for members.
The event takes place on Saturday, April 29, at the Whitley Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue in the Reading suburb.
The bar will be open from 2pm, with the band starting at around 9pm.
n For more information, search: Whitley Social Club & Cafe on www.facebook.com. It also has a section on the Whitley Community Development Association site: whitley-cda.org
Until Sunday, April 16 South Hill Park 01344 484123 Southhillpark.org.uk
KINKY Boots the musical premiered in the US in 2012 and in the West End in 2015.
It was welcomed with much anticipation at South Hill Park this week, playing to mostly full houses.
Based on a true story, the show tells of a struggling shoe factory which achieves success when the owner, Charlie Price, collaborates with drag queen Lola to manufacture a range of flamboyant high-heeled boots.
The stirring opening number sets the scene with the principals and chorus singing about how a shoe is The Most Beautiful Thing.
Here, we first meet a young Lola who is a boy called Simon trying to please his father while nursing a desire for vibrant footwear, and a young Charlie determined to learn the shoe trade from his father.
A quick, effective jump forwards more than a decade and we see Charlie setting his sights on a high-flying career in the city while Lola now heads a troupe of
talented drag queens called the Angels.
The pair meet and Lola persuades Charlie to start making sexy footwear – Lola’s Kinky Boots.
Rather than a curtain, the stage is open to the audience who have time to take in the split-level set and all the details that depict a shoe factory.
Throughout the show the set ingeniously morphs into a stage for the Angels, the inside of a pub and even a toilet.
The sound and music levels
SOUTH Hill Park Arts Centre has won the Best Script prize at the UK Pantomime Association awards.
The Bracknell-based venue beat more than 700 other theatres around the country to lift the coveted prize.
Writer Joyce Branagh received the award from TV and panto star, Christopher Biggins, for her script of Jack and the Beanstalk.
WINNER: Fairy dust and panto magic at South Hill Park.
were perfectly balanced so every word of dialogue and songs could be heard.
A huge amount of talent was on display, from the strong leads to the dynamic chorus which kept the show sparkling.
Undoubtedly, the stars of the show were the Angels, led by the sassy Kyan Heywood as Lola, who gave an incredibly strong performance which had the audience on their feet.
Another triumph for the South Hill Park Community Theatre.
JUDITH CREIGHTONIn her acceptance speech, Joyce praised all the nominees and thanked the team at South Hill Park, describing it as a small theatre ‘punching above its weight’ in the cultural heart of Bracknell.
“South Hill Park is an amazing team to work with and I’d like to especially thank Jack and the Beanstalk’s director Adam Stafford,” she said.
“As any writer will know, a good director will knock your overly wordy nonsense into a lovely bit of entertainment
for the whole family.”
This is the second win for South Hill Park, following Best Staging/Set Design in 2018 for Dick Whittington and His Cat, by Victoria Spearing.
South Hill Park was also nominated for Best Set Design for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Judges from the UK Pantomime Association’s attended 243 venues, watching 717 pantomime performances across the country, scoring the shows across categories developed in consultation with industry experts.
This year’s panto will be Sleeping Beauty, and will again be written by Joyce and directed by Adam.
It runs from Friday, November 24, to New Year’s Eve and tickets are on sale now.
n For more details, log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk, or call the box office on 01344 484123.
GIGS are great. It’s one thing to listen to a great playlist like – checks notes – this one, but it’s even better to hear the bands live.
And that’s what we did last week, by heading to Guildford to catch Tankus The Henge.
You can book tickets to Wokingham Festival over the August bank holiday, but to whet your appetite, we’ve chosen their single You Can Do Anything. Have a listen and see what you think – tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.
To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.
There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
With Tankus the Henge being booked to headline Wokingham Festival on Sunday, August 27 we popped along to their show at Guildford’s Boileroom last week to check them out.
What a night it was.
They are an incredible band of musicians who
Thursday, April 20
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alite and support.
Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.
READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing: Deva St John, Split The Dealer, Who Ate All The Crayons. Details: 0118 959 7196.
WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.
WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.
Friday, April 21
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Supersonic Queen.
Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I
Got Soul: Soul Fusions Seven. Details: 01344 303333.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Reunion, K32, Tunnel Crew, Itsy Bitsy, BB Crew. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - Hope and Bear, London Road
RG1 5DE. Goldeneye. Details: 0118 935 4095.
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo.
Details: Twitter @skintmondays
READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Emma. Details: 0118 958 6222.
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP.
Resurrection: The Stone Roses Tribute and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Carpets. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table,
perform with such enthusiasm and enjoyment that is totally infectious.
You just couldn’t help dancing and singing along in a venue that was packed to the rafters with a crowd having such a good time.
Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Open mic: poetry, music and more. 6.30pm. Details: 0118 966 3938.
Saturday, April 22
BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, Terrace Road North RG42 5JA. Piston Broke.
Details: 01344 483856.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slackrr, Flash Daddy and Small Town Saviours. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622.
HENLEY – Christ Church Centre URC, Reading Road RG9 1AG. Henley Rotary Club Blues Night with Papa George. £15, under 18s £9. Details: https://henleyrotary.club/
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Runaway Killers, Stimulation Muse. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hard Jokes by One Away. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dr Syntax and Pete Cannon. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Certain Sound Records record sale. 10am-5pm.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Watt4. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1
5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.
TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 942 9606.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Filthy Llamas. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WINKFIELD ROW – The Woodcutters, Bere Road RG12 0XS. Arachna.
I now can’t wait to see them again when they come to Wokingham so if ‘you can do anything’, make sure it’s getting your ticket for that – https://www. tankusthehenge.com/
Are You Listening Festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and has its usual brilliant lineup and is supporting a great cause in Reading Mencap. It’s a great multi-venue festival with loads of artists appearing including this one.
It’s Jessica Winter and she’s a talented artist and producer who just released her new EP, Limerence, from which this song is taken. Cool electro-pop. –https://www.jessicawinter.tv/
Wokingham/Reading-based indie rockers return with a new single. Recorded at Maidenhead’s Generation Studio it’s another riff-laden song with a catchy chorus and their distinctive sound and vocals.
They’ve played a number of shows this year in the local area and in London so watch out for more soon – https://linktr.ee/wearereliant
Split the Dealer – Capsize
Here’s an artist who has been in every one of our Top 20 listings of the year so far. He’s certainly a talented and exciting performer and this new single is another brilliant recording – https://beacons.ai/ splitthedealer
One Last Day – Stay Away From Me
It’s another slice of well played powerful but melodic rock on this single from the local band
Sunday, April 23
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Twagger Band. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly Show. Details: 0118 969 8000.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live acoustic music with Harley Hutchinson. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Monday, April 24
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic night Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Tuesday, April 25
BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.
Details: 07866 251216.
Wednesday, April 26
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
Thursday, April 27
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Velveteen Orkestra and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038
EARLEY – Reading Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 7HN. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 334 4300.
READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave
Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. Details: 0118 959 7196.
WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.
WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. A Night of 60s rock n roll with the Self Preservation Society. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Malt Load v Blondie. Details: 01344 303333.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Ed Sheeran Experience. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Leon Greening Trio with Alex Garnett. Details: www.jazzinreading.com
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents... The Snags/Horse Rock/Alan Caruso. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Peter Hook and the Light. Details: 0118 959 5395.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live guitar and saxophone. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 7402.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood
whose tour includes a Reading date on July 22 at Facebar and at Wokingham Festival appearance on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/onelastday
Ghost Dance – Down to the Wire
We go back in time now to the late 1980s with an anthem from gothic rock band Ghost Dance. They will be visiting Reading on May 4 to play the Facebar at a Club Velocity / New Mind Promotions show –https://ghost-dance.co.uk/
Deva St.John – The Curse
Deva just released her debut EP, ‘Nauseous Ad Nauseum’ from which this is taken and it’s no surprise that every song is excellent including this one – https://www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn/
Azure – Spark Madrigal
Modern prog from a Brighton-based band that will be visiting on August Bank Holiday Monday to headline the second stage at Wokingham Festival. The band have been championed by Prog Magazine – https://www.facebook.com/azuresongs
Morass of Molasses – Terra Nova
These Reading rockers are on a UK tour and this song is from their new album, ‘End All We Know’ –https://www.facebook.com/MorassOfMolasses
Elucidate – Take It
It’s the new single from Elucidate, a Readingbased Alt-Rock band, and it’s an exciting song with a driving rhythm section, a great riff, and energetic emotive vocals. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August – https://linktr.ee/ ElucidateUK
Bar & Cafe, Unit 8, Pinewood Centre, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Stoney Lane. Details: 01344 778543
Saturday, April 29
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Broken Colours with Red Tape Resistance. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Angels Can Dance. Details: 01344 303333.
PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue,RG8 8BJ. Danni Nicholls in concert. 7pm. £15, Under 17 £10. Details: www.stmaryspurley.org.uk
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Corvid. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Natural Right: Specialized Reading. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Spirit of Carnival. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens present the Eurovision Thong Contest with Mojo Jones, Oliver Ty Tassel, Layla Cherry, Dutch-S and Kate Aherne. £8. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Reading Railway Pub, Station Road, RG1 1NB. Martin sings Through the Decades. £5. Details: 07949 948310.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Thomas Heppell Blues Band Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Continuum Covers Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – Saint Laurence Church, Blagrave Street RG1 3EJ. On The Block Battke. 2pm-8pm. From £6. Details:
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Centralizin’ Soundz. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Paddington. Details: 0118 957 6930.
TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 941 5064.
TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 942 9606.
WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. Mini Scratch Acoustic Duo. Details: 0118 374 0052.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Make Shifts. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM – The Three Frogs, London Road RG40 1SW. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 978 5925.
YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Men Behaving Sadly. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, April 30
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night - Money Matters. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Chop Suey. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Bank holiday bucks.
TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell. 5pm. Details: 07889 226309.
WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. The Gas Trick Band. 0118 978 0309.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Victoria Arms Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Details: 0118 979 9437.
May Day Holiday Monday, May 1
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Live acoustic music. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Friday, April 21
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6
7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Brewdog, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv session. £5 in advance. Details: https:// www.madmonkeyimprov.
co.uk/
CAVERSHAM – The Last Crumb, Prospect Street. Modern Bloke Social Club: A community that helps Modern Blokes make meaningful connections with others and discover, and become the best version of themselves.
7.30pm. Search Facebook. com for Modern Bloke Social Club
READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6
1LF. Open mic: poetry, music and more. 6.30pm. Details: 0118 966 3938.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy at the Turtle with Ariella Souma, Katharyn Henson, Hatty Preston and Carl Richard. 7.30pm. £15, £12.50 in advance. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dinner. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk
SINDLESHAM – The Flavell, Sindlesham Court RG41 5EA. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. Bar from 6.30pm. £2 per person.
WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Yeldall Manor spring celebration: learn more about the work of the rehabilitation centre. 7.30pm.
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.
WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 22
BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7 6DL. Bluebell Walks in
aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm. Views of Pang Valley, various routes available. Wear clothing and boots according to weather conditions. Refreshments available including hot and cold food. Suggested donation £5, £3 pensioners and children aged three upwards.
CROWTHORNE – Frpm train station. Berkshire Walkers, a group for people in 20s and 30s, ramble through Crowthorne. Nine miles in total. Booking essential. Free, bring a packed lunch and a drink. Wear suitable footwear. Details: www. berkshirewalkers.co.uk
READING – Fobury Gardens. Reading Vegan Fiesta. 11am. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hard Jokes by One Away. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. AB WAlker Annual Service of Remembrance. 4pm. Refreshments served afterwards.
READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Male Voice Choir in concert with Aneesa Chaudhry. Proceeds shared with Turkey/Syria Earthquake appeal and Reading Minster Music Outreach project. 7.30pm. £5 plus booking fee. Details: https://rmvc.net/
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dinner. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – The Warehouse, 1a Cumberland Road, Reading, RG1 3LB. Eid Festival 2023: street food, dessert stalls, arts and crafts, bouncy castle, magic show, henna stalls and more. 4pm-10pm. £5, £3 in advance. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ booking/t-ojmarrk
SHINFIELD – Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Whiteknights Ensemble Chamber Music
Concert: Five BagatellesGerald Finzi, Concerto da
Camera - Michael Hurd, Disco Toccata - Guillaume Connesson, Clarinet Quintet in B minorJohannes Brahms. 7pm. £10, under 18s/students £5. Details: whiteknights ensemble.org.uk
READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Earth Day at The MERL: Invest in Our Planet. Join teams from Reading Museum, The MERL, Nature Nurture, BBOWT and others. Noon-3pm.
Details: merl.reading.ac.uk
READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Non Canon & Suzannah Evans - Music & Poetry. 2pm. £7 and booking fee. Details: 0118 986 6788.
TILEHURST – Reading Music Centre, Stoneham
Court, 100 Cockney Hill RG30 4EZ. Berkshire
Maestros present a Come and Sing event for years 6-9. 2.30pm4.30pm. Programme includes songs from ABBA musical Mamma Mia. Details/booking: berkshiremaestros.org.uk
WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bond Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Holt School, Holt Lane RG41 1EE. Wokingham Choral Society come and sing - Greatest Choral Hits.
10.30am-3.30pm, concert at 3.30pm. Bring own lunch. £30 on the day, £25 in advance. Concert tickets £5. Details: wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 23
BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7 6DL. Bluebell Walks in aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm. Suggested donation £5, £3 pensioners and children aged three upwards.
READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge.
4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.
READING – All Saints Church Hall, Devonshire Square, Brownlow Road RG1 6NP. Singing Workshop & Concert with Aneesa Chaudhry. 10am-1pm workshop. 2pm-4pm concert. Workshop £45, concert £15. Details: aneesachaudhry.com
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Reading Eid FestJashn-e-’eid. 1pm-8pm. Shopping, henna, singing, children’s shows, fun fair, food. Details: readingeid. org/tickets
WOKINGHAM – Elms Field, Elms Road RG40 2NL. Wokingham Lions present Wokingham Walk: routes of five-, 10- and 15-miles, plus a five-mile accessible route. From 9am. £15, £5 for ages 12-17, free under 12s. Details: www. wokinghamwalk.co.uk
Monday, April 24
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org
CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.
READING – Atrium at Greyfriars Church, Friar Street RG1 1EH. Autism Berkshire presents free session for parents and carers of autistic adults in the west of Berkshire to meet members of our team in an informal setting, to talk through issues and ask questions about autism and support services. 2.30pm. Free.
Details: adult.support@ autismberkshire.org.uk or 0118 959 4594.
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 9.45am and 10.45am Booking essential.
Details: 0118 937 5112.
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.
Details: linkvisiting.org
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, April 25
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
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. 10am. Details: linkvisiting.org
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm-3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.
WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Quiz night. First prize £40 bar tab. Five rounds of questions. 7.30pm. Teams of four minimum. Details: 0118 978 4529.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne
Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Life Above The High Cs, an evening with Valerie Masterson. 7.30pm. £10 plus booking fee. Details: Search https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/ for Valerie Masterson
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe. 2pm-4pm.
Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Reading Old Cemetery Tour with Liz Tait. 2.30pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Thursday, April 27
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. CATS presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10am. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Rd RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING – Biscuit Factory, Queen’s Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club: Steve N Allen, Ahmed Ibrahim, Rhodri Buttrick. 7pm. standand delivercomedy.com
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History. Reading in the time of Jane Austen Online Talk with Joy Pibworth. 2pm-4pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.
READING – Just The Tonic Comedy Club, Sub89/ Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Just The Tonic Comedy Club: The Thinking Drinkers Pub
Quiz. 7.30pm. £16 plus booking fee. Details: www. justthetonic.com
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential.
Details: 0118 937 5109.
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic 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. TBA. 7.30pm. www.webcc.org.uk.
Friday, April 28
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. CATS presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com
EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road RG6 1EY. Reading Guild of Artists presents: Portrait with Mick NcNicholas. 7pm. £8. Details: www. rga-artists.org.uk
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. A Study in Rum: Renegade tasting in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group. Pay-what-you-can fundraiser. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – Forbury Gardens The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 5pm10.30pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk.
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh. 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. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.
WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.
Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 29
BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7 6DL. Bluebell Walks in aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm.. Suggested donation £5, £3 concessions.
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. CATS presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com
CROWTHORNE – Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Comedy night: Rich Wilson, Jack Skipper, Steve Hall, Jonathan Elston. SOLD OUT. Details: search Skiddle.com for “comedy in crowthorne”
FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Tap Yard, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Siren Beer Steamed Up Gathering. 9am-3pm. Details: https://www. sirencraftbrew.com/
GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church RG8 9DS. Reading Bach Choir presents By Royal Command. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: readingbachchoir.org.uk
HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street. RSPB Wokingham and Bracknell dawn chorus walk. 5am. £3. Details: group.rspb.org.uk/ wokinghamandbracknell/
READING – Forbury Gardens
The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 11am11.30pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk.
READING – Town Hall, Blagrave Street. The Gin To My Tonic Craft Spirit Festival. 12.30pm10.30pm. Details: thegintomytonice.com
READING – Venue to be confirmed on booking.
Terry’s Walkabout: Guided Walk around Tilehurst Village. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. 9.50am-12.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Ravenscroft. 7.45pm. £16, concessions £15, child £9. Details: www. shinfieldplayers.org.uk
SWALLOWFIELD – Village Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QW. Swallowfield
Pre-School fete: games, raffles, stalls, face painting, bouncy castle. 1pm-4pm.
TWYFORD – Berkshire Dolls House and Model Co. Wargrave Road RG10 9NY. Giant warehouse sale. 10am-4pm. Details: 0118 934 3700.
WOKINGHAM – The Crispin,
Denmark St RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 30
BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Scratchface Lane RG7 6DL. Bluebell Walks in aid of Reading Multiple Sclerosis Society. 11am5pm. Views of Pang Valley, various routes available. Wear clothing and boots according to weather conditions. Suggested donation £5, £3 pensioners and children aged three upwards.
CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com
READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. The Way ministry presents a warm bank: Free hot meal, free fresh and frozen food from our community fridge. 4.30pm-6pm. Details: 0118 950 5661.
READING – Forbury Gardens
The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Blue Collar present Cheese Feast. Free entry. 11am-7pm. Details: www. bluecollar.co.uk
READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1DN. 5k Run n Walk Fun Day. 9am 5k run and Couch to 5k challenge event. 10.30am Family and Friends walk. Starting point – Tutu’s Ethopian Table. In aid of Cancer and Blood Disease Awareness.
Details: Search Facebook for 5K Run ‘n’ Walk FunDay or call 07999 976355.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. How to Just Stop Oil, a talk with Phoebe Plummer. 7pm. Registration via eventbrite. co.uk - search for How To Just Stop Oil.
WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.
Monday, May 1
ACROSS WOKINGHAM
TOWN CENTRE. Wokingham Lions May Fayre.
READING - The Outlook, Kings Road. Mates Rates Comedy Raw - open mic night. 7.30pm. £5 on door, £2 in advance.
Details: https://www. matesratescomedy.co.uk/
SILCHESTER – The Calleva Arms, Little London Road RG7 2PH. Rogue Opera presents A ight at the Opera. 5pm. £25. Details: www.rogueopera.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Crispin, Denmark Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.
1. How many degrees are there in a semi-circle?
2. In 2023, the singer Beyoncé made Grammy Awards history with the most wins ever. How many has she been awarded?
3. Drive and approach are names given to two types of shot in which sport?
4. In the world of antiques, what is an epergne?
5. The Gaelic name of which bird means ‘horse of the woods’?
6. Which republic was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies?
7. Sally Wainwright wrote and created which TV drama series starring Sarah Lancashire as a tough police sergeant in Yorkshire?
8. What does the abbreviation LPG stand for?
9. Which astronomical term is also used metaphorically for the lowest point?
10. The Vincent van Gogh painting called The Starry Night hangs in which city?
Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
5. Help needed with a Verdi opera (4)
7. Self-centred, for instance, with no American coin, but endlessly wealthy (10)
8. We hear top tennis player give up (4)
9. To be all for another sportsman (10)
12. Pip accepted credit for long speech (6)
13. Put up with last flower (6)
14. Go up as large number object (6)
16. Disinclined to be neat in duty order (6)
17. Figure that is more than twofaced – five times so (10)
20. Keen about the opening passage right away (4)
21. Put on inadequate clothes for the occasion (10)
22. What a pity a girl was cut short (4)
ACROSS
1. Friendly (8)
5. Jar (4)
9. Affair (7)
Killed (5)
Spin around (5) 13. Consecutive (6) 15. Bidet (anag.) (5) 17. Measure of length (4) 19. Pike-like fish (3) 20. Colours (4) 21. Trimmed, shaved (5)
1. Fine fabric (4)
2. Conflict (5)
3. Ridiculous (6)
4. Wound dressing (4)
6. State of being impervious to light (7)
7. Unmelodic (8)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
1. Unable to hear four notes (not B, C or G) (4)
2. Old bird goes to two parties (4)
3. Away from the sea in the country (6)
4. Young woman upset with the French grating (6)
5. Attributed to unruly cad producing credit note inside (10)
6. Good, I dried out the instrument (10)
10. Table not used every day? (10)
11. Some turned out to be aweinspiring (10)
15. Last month had poem to decipher (6)
16. Not injured, but Teresa leaves treasure hunt in a mess (6)
18. Rush about with Edward (4)
19. Monstrous loch? (4)
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.
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
SCHOLARLY; schorl; shall; shaly; shay; shoal; shoaly.
achy; ahoy; arch; archly; ashy; cash; chaos; char; chary; chloral; cholla; choral; chorally; clash; cosh; crash; hall; hallo; halo; hoar; hoary; holla; holly; holy; hora; horsy; hoya; larch; lash; loach; loch; ochry; orach; rash; rashly; roach; scholar;
EQUALISER:
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:
22 Good; 26 Very Good; 31 Excellent.
3 7 41 7 8 3 81 4
Carmine; 21 Plumb; 22 Dimple; 25 Elope; 26 Data; 27 Tees.
Tuneless; 8 Asset; 12 Legal; 13 Siren; 14 Virtuous; 16 Bar; 18
Down – 1 Silk; 2 Clash; 3 Absurd; 4 Lint; 6 Opacity; 7
Careless.
Thrall; 24 Niger; 28 Odium; 29 Approve; 30 Shed; 31
Serial; 15 Debit; 17 Inch; 19 Gar; 20 Dyes; 21 Pared; 23
Across – 1 Sociable; 5 Jolt; 9 Liaison; 10 Slain; 11 Whirl; 13
QUICK CROSSWORD:
Screed; 13 Endure; 14 Ascend; 16 Untidy; 17 Decahedron;
Across – 5 Aida; 7 Egocentric; 8 Cede; 9 Footballer; 12
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:
Capercaillie; 6 Indonesia; 7 Happy Valley; 8 Liquefied petroleum gas; 9 Nadir; 10 New York.
AS the weather starts to (slowly!) warm up, it is a great time to get outside.
Gardening is associated with many health benefits including improved physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Mowing the lawn, digging, weeding and other gardening tasks can help us stay active and hit our weekly exercise goal and simply spending more time outdoors has been shown to improve sleep.
If you don’t have a garden, or outdoor space, you can still reap many of the benefits by planting in pots on
windowsills or joining a local gardening group near you. Read on for our top tips to get started and ideas of what to grow.
Whether you are growing indoors or outdoors, a thriving plant starts with good soil.
The surest way to make sure your plants get off to a good start is to buy a bag of compost and use this to start your seedlings; once they are wellestablished you can replant them into regular soil in your garden.
To save money on buying little pots, you can start your seedlings
in clean yoghurt pots or any other containers you can save from your kitchen, just poke something sharp through the bottom to allow for some drainage.
Eating too much salt can contribute to increased blood pressure, using herbs in cooking is a great way to add flavour without adding salt.
Herbs are one of the easiest things to grow and great for beginners to try. They are a great choice for indoor growing as they do well in pots on a sunny windowsill.
If you’re planting them outdoors, choose the sunniest spot you can find.
Chives, mint, basil, parsley, and thyme are just a few that are easy to care for. You can either grow from seeds or buy the small plants from the supermarket and re-pot them.
Gardening is a hobby for all ages, and it’s a nice activity to do with children. Children love to see flowers grow and growing vegetables together can be a great way to encourage them
to try them, which is especially helpful if you have a picky eater. It is also a great way to introduce a little responsibility in the form of caring for something else, let children choose what flowers and vegetables they want to grow and
watch the sense of joy they get from seeing the fruits of their labour.
n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our healthy recipes from our website: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukrecipes-2/
FOR most people, the Coronation of King Charles on Saturday, May 6 will be the first time they have witnessed such an historic occasion.
Street and office parties will be held in villages, towns and cities as the country prepares to toast the new monarch with a glass or two of bubbly.
But before you hang out the bunting and put on your favourite Union Flag socks, an insurer is urging event planners to make sure their event is a safe event.
Ansvar, which helps the notfor-profit sector, says that while Coronation events are a great opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate, they also carry risks that need to be managed for the safety of all involved.
Adam Tier, head of underwriting at the firm, explained: “Organisers of local events must be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to risk management and ensure their event is a fun and memorable occasion.
“It doesn’t matter how much planning you’ve already done - risk assessing now will ensure your event is a success.”
Among the main points to consider are:
Think of the fundamentals first
Firstly, think about the basics, such as the venue/location and its capacity, date, budget, time needed to plan the event, and where appropriate, ticketing.
Have the right people in place
This includes considering whether
ARESTAURANT chain with branches in Reading and Wokingham has launched a new spring menu, designed by a former executive chef to Gordon Ramsay.
Steve Allen, who has worked at Michelinstarred restaurants Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Petrus and Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. He joined Cote last year, and is showcasing classic French cuisine with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients.
The company says the menu is innovative, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and celebrates its trusted British and French producers.
READY TO CELEBRATE: Street parties will be held to mark the Coronation
Picture: Phil Creighton
And they are being served at the company’s branches in The Oracle Riverside and Wokingham’s Broad Street.
They include timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist.
Among them is a classic Charcuterie Board, with a selection of Bayonne ham, truffle saucisson and coppa ham, served with sharp cornichons, Brittany salt butter and a crusty sourdough baguette.
Cheese is one of the things that French cuisine is noted for, and the spring menu includes a baked Camembert, with a herb and lemon breadcrumb crust, honey-marinated cherry tomatoes and Cote’s freshly baked sourdough baguette.
Also keeping it cheesy are the Cheese Gougères – flaky, golden baked choux buns and Emmental cheese served with tangy Dijon mustard mayonnaise.
There is also a cheese Soufflé. While most soufflés are made with Comté, Steve has opted for a creamy Camembert, topped with a golden cheese crust and paired with a mustard and chive cream sauce.
marshals are needed to help people enter and leave the event, whether there will be enough volunteers to manage crowd control, and that medical and first aid personnel will be present.
What would happen if there was bad weather on the day? Have a contingency plan in place for unforeseen circumstances. For smaller gatherings, like street parties where a road has been closed, this could be considering what would happen if there was a medical emergency and an emergency vehicle needed access.
What could go wrong and how
might people get hurt? Once the risks are known, an assessment can be completed and measures put in place. This may include reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries such as slips and trips, providing first aid training, and ensuring large marquees, staging, and audio equipment are installed by experts.
Organisers should ensure their event complies with all necessary local council regulations. This may include providing a risk assessment, having the necessary insurance in place, and permission to close a street for a party.
If working with external suppliers, it is the organisers responsibility
to check they have the necessary insurances and licences. An insurance broker can provide further guidance.
If cash is being taken to pay for food, drink, memorabilia or for charity donations, it’s vital to ensure there is somewhere secure to store it.
“We encourage all event organisers to work closely with their local council to ensure necessary requirements are met,” added Adam.
“Taking out dedicated event cover is highly recommended, as this can protect you against accidents and cancellations, and theft of any money. In most circumstances, the insurance will ensure you are compliant with local authority requirements.
Spring is the time when lamb is in season, and among the mains, Steve has created a plate with Roasted Lamb Rump. Free-range grass-fed lamb rump hails from Nice and is served with ratatouille comprising aubergine, courgette, peppers, onions and sweet tomatoes. It is topped with a salty black olive tapenade and fragrant basil.
Among the new desserts is an Elderflower & Strawberry Crème Brûlée. Steve created his with smooth vanilla and the delicate taste of elderflower. It is topped with a strawberry, elderflower and basil salad.
“I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring,” says Steve.
“Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Cote.
“Simple, yet complex and delicious.”
READING FC interim manager
Noel Hunt has urged his side to be ‘hunters’ in their tense battle to avoid the drop in the Championship. In his first match in charge after
BERKSHIRE County Cricket Club
will be hoping to start their season this coming Sunday after having the last two weekend games cancelled.
They are scheduled to face Buckinghamshire in two NCCA T20 Group Four games at High Wycombe (11am and 2.30pm).
The Marlborough Cup match against Wiltshire and the following T20 fixture with Wales NC were both called off well in advance due to heavy rainfall.
It means players are lacking match practice although they were able to get in two days at the Eversley indoor centre.
The dual-registered Tom Scriven did see some match action and what a day it proved for the Henley all-rounder as he hammered 112 not out off 131 balls for Leicestershire in their Second XI draw with Lancashire at Southport. It was his first century for the Foxes as he followed up his 110 for Berkshire against Dorset at Wimborne last July.
When Bucks took on holders Oxfordshire in a double-header at Wormsley on Sunday, they met with mixed fortunes, winning the first by 10 runs (145-5 against 1358) before losing the second by four wickets with Oxon reaching 142-6 in 18.1 overs. Bucks’ 141-8 included a 24-ball half-century by Saif Zaib.
taking the reins from Paul Ince, Hunt helped the Royals to earn a point against Championship leaders Burnley.
Another tough home test came for Reading last against high flying Luton Town – after we had gone to
press (match report online at rdg. today).
“It feels like we’ve been hunted for the last six or seven weeks,” said Hunt.
“Everyone has been gunning for us. Let’s turn it around, let’s go and be
the hunters.
“Let’s go and fight for points, let’s go and hunt teams down and let’s get out of this battle we’re in.
“We’ve got to be up for the fight. We can’t leave any stone unturned.”
n Full Royals report on pages 22 & 23
Berkshire will again be skippered by Dan Lincoln, who after leaving Slough late last year was reported by Home Counties Premier League rivals High Wycombe to have joined them, but Wargrave announced he will be playing for them this season.
SEB REYNOLDS believes
National One is the best advert for rugby after Rams sent he title race to the wire with a brilliant 38-28 home win against Cinderford.
The hosts built up a 19-0 lead in front of a record crowd of 1,284 at Old Bath Road, James McRae, Ollie Cole and Axel Kalling-Smith, with an extraordinary length-ofthe-field effort.
Zach Clow and Dan Swain both sin-binned before Cinderford cut the gap to five points at half-time through converted Nathan Taylor and George Porter tries.
Max Hayman became the third home player to be yellow carded early in the second half, but another stunning counter-attack was finished by Kalling-Smith for 24-14.
Replacement Ollie Monye
then darted over with his first touch and Connor Stapley grabbed his side’s sixth, Humberstone’s two conversions giving his side breathing space.
While Cinderford grabbed two late converted scores through Taylor and Mike Wilcox, it was too little, too late.
The RAMS’ director of rugby Reynolds said: “We owed it to ourselves to put in a performance because we weren’t at our best in December, and they did a fantastic job in getting a comfortable win.
“We hadn’t avenged any losses this year, so no matter what stage of the season we were at, league positions were irrelevant, we had to perform to move forward as a side, and we did that well.”
Things looked good for Rams early on with Kalling-Smith’s stunner the highlight, but the visitors
gave themselves hope with a couple of comeback scores before the break.
Reynolds continued: “Cinderford are a real threat because their midfield players are excellent jackallers, so if you’re not on the money at the breakdown they’ll turn you over or slow your ball down.
“Then if you lose your discipline, they’re in the corner and scoring tries.
“They got a couple of maul tries, but for the most part we defended it well and held a couple up – if we hadn’t done that, we could have lost the game.
The result keeps Rams a point clear of Sale and five from Cambridge with the top two finishing next Saturday, though the latter hold the whip hand with an extra game to play at home to Birmingham Moseley seven days after their rivals’ campaigns are wrapped up.
Reynolds said: “We don’t know how the season’s going to pan out. Cambridge should do it, but we just have to focus on our performance and see how the land lies after the Esher game.
“This level of rugby is the best advert you have for the sport.
“I question what the Premiership is where there’s no jeopardy, no relegation.
“If you look at what National One is producing, the fact is we’ve got to go to a quality side in Esher who are battling to stay up and we’re looking to stay in the hunt, that’s how it should be.
“There are meaningful matches all the way through, and for the Premiership to want to pull up the drawbridge and say ‘we’re happy, we’ll stay as we are’ is out of order.”
n On Saturday RAMS travel to 11th placed Esher for their final game of the season.
GYMNAST Em Kays has been selected to represent the Southern Region squad this month at the Czech Aerobic Open.
The 15-year-old who trains at Virtue Gymnastics in Tilehurst will take on fellow athletes in Czech Republic in this month’s competition.
Speaking on Hospital Radio Reading, Em and her coach at Virtue, Celine Payne, explained her journey into aerobic gymnastics and how she was selected.
“There’s a choreography routine with arms and legs with different movements which is similar to dance,” said Em.
“Then there are transitions which is similar to normal
gymnastics with flips and aerials.
“We have a lot of time working on routines. It takes months to perfect them. It’s muscle memory and when you love it, you know what you’re doing.”
The competition, which begins today (Thursday) will be the first time that Em will have competed in a competition abroad up against gymnasts from across the globe.
Celine added: “The main thing a coach looks for is confidence and work ethic.
“If they have that in them, they can be a great athlete. With Em, she had natural flexibility and was a natural hard worker.
“Everyone in the Southern region has to trial and luckily Em was one of the selected 10 in her age group. She’s been amazing and I’m proud of her for whatever she does.”
READING ROCKETS fell just short in a titanic battle as Hemel Storm booked their place in the play-off Championship final.
The game didn’t start well for Rockets as influential point guard Jermiah Jenkins was called for his first foul inside the opening 12 seconds.
Storm capitalised on this with a 11-4 run but American guard Troy Cracknell scored and hit a bonus point before Reis Pinnock drove to score and Jenkins stroked the first of his three trebles to see Rockets ahead midway through the opening quarter.
Cracknell scored with a slam dunk but Storm finished the period with a 9-3 run to lead 26-19 at the first break.
Jenkins and Lewis Champion hit trebles as Rockets grabbed the initiative and when Jordan Jackson scored inside, Rockets took the lead by a single point but were soaring with a 13-0 run to lead 31-26.
The league champions, KItking Trophy winners and National Cup victors were not
RUGBY UNION
By PETER CHIDGEY sport@wokinhgam.today
READING went down to a heavy defeat to a strong Battersea Ironsides team to finish their interest in the Regional Plate competition.
This was Reading’s first game in four weeks after two free weeks and a walkover in the first round.
Their opponents by contrast had beaten London Cornish 48-30 in the first round.
Lack of match practice certainly showed in Reading’s performance against a much slicker outfit.
Battersea’s start looked ominous for Reading as they kept possession for the first four minutes eventually working an overlap to score an unconverted try.
Reading however hit back firstly with a Jack Carling penalty and then with a try for Vincent Mose who was worked clear after a period of Reading pressure to give them a 5-8 lead.
Battersea were the next to score with a try from a line out drive and then a converted try when they ran back the subsequent kick off.
Carling then kicked a penalty for Reading to make the score 17-11.
Before half-time, Battersea added a converted try from a good back move with their blindside winger running against the line to make the score 29-14 at the interval.
Although Reading had stayed in the game in the first half through Jack Carling’s penalties, they had only scored one try to their opponents’ five.
By 15 minutes of the second half Battersea’s good phase play and strong running had taken the game
well away from Reading, scoring four converted tries to push their lead out to 57-14.
Reading replied with an unconverted try from Alfie Fryer after a good period of attack involving forwards and backs but that was the total of their scoring in the second half.
Battersea finished the afternoon by
going to lie down and stormed back into the game with a brace of trebles.
A Finleigh Porter slam ended the period with Rockets just trailing Storm 51-52.
Both teams slugged it out like a pair of boxers, giving and taking punishment as neither was able to open up a significant advantage to ease off at all.
Tied on 68 and 70, Rockets were called for a bench technical foul but players were putting their bodies on the line as Cracknell and Champion took charges.
Midway through the final stanza Storm held a 80-72 lead but again Rockets hit back with a Jenkins treble, a Cracknell drive and Pinnock scoring form the free throw line to close the gap to just two points at 78-80 causing Strom into a time-out with four minutes 10 seconds remaining.
Storm made a score and hit one from two from the line to edge 8983 ahead.
The magnificent Rockets hit a treble through Cracknell with 14.1 seconds remaining and with the last play of regular time Jenkins hit what everyone in the arena thought was a treble to take the game to overtime, but the ball spun in the basket and came out leaving Storm to take the win.
running in three more tries one of which was converted and added a drop goal for good measure to complete their victory over a well beaten Reading side.
Andy Arter, director of rugby, praised the team for keeping going and marked out Toby Sofidiya who had showed well in a defence
that was often overwhelmed.
Tries: Mose, Fryer
Penalty: Carling (3)
Reading RFC: Jack Carling; Vincent Mose, Tom Sharp(capt), Alex Murray-Smith, Jordan Gomez; Sam Bowers, Nathan Wheeler; Harry Wilson, Will Proctor-Searle, Alfie Fryer; Joe Clarkson, Ryan Smith; Tobi Sofidiya, Brandon Taplin, Rob Cunningham.
Replacements: Graham Young, Greg Jackson, Nick Portch
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Southern League Premier
South
BRACKNELL TOWN
were rewarded with their 26th league win of the campaign to remain close behind leaders Weston-superMare.
A successful penalty from Darryl Sanders put the Robins ahead before strikes from Jack Dean
and Gary Abisogun ensured a 3-1 triumph.
Bracknell are in second, five points off the top with a game in hand with just three games left.
Isthmian South Central
Conor Lynch scored the only goal of the game to see BINFIELD move past Chipstead.
The result means that the Moles are in seventh place on 56 points from 36 games.
Combined Counties
Premier North
ASCOT UNITED lifted the league title after their victory over Chalfont St Peter.
A second-half flurry with goals from Rob Gerrard, Louis Bouwers and Harry Grant saw the Yellas collect three points in their 30th win in 35 matches.
Ascot now have an unassailable lead at the top on 93 points with three league games left to play.
READING CITY got back
on track with an away win at Burnham.
George Pilbeam netted a brace to help the Cityzens to a 2-1 success to end Burnham’s unbeaten home record.
City are in third on 76 points with two games to play.
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK took another big step towards safety by taking three points at Spelthorne Sports.
The Sumas left it late to grasp maximum points when O’Connor scored in the 86th minute to seal a 1-0 result.
Wokingham are on 32 points from 35 games, five points above Chalfont and six points above both Oxhey Jets and Windsor.
Combined Counties
Division One
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were dealt a home defeat up against SANDHURST TOWN
A brace from Haydon Vaughan and a goal from Logan Coles earned the Fizzers a 3-0 away win.
Division 3S
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA
RESERVES maintain their position in top spot after their stunning win over WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT
Wargrave kept themselves in the contest at 2-1 going into the break, but the Boars soared to victory with a ruthless secondhalf display to take the game 9-1.
A hat-trick from Lauren Broadhurst and braces from
ASHORT while ago I mentioned that the FA were taking the unprecedented step of experimenting with body cameras to be worn by referees.
This was no small step and it had to be agreed with the International FA Board, the games law makers, before it could go ahead.
One hundred of these cameras were distributed to four different areas of the country to be worn at adult grass roots football matches.
It was hoped that these cameras would be a deterrent for the abuse, and even assaults that referees receive too often from players and club officials.
The early signs according to the FA are positive, as no user referee has found it necessary to activate their camera so far.
The camera is a clever piece of equipment. It does not record the whole of the match but when activated it will capture the last 30 seconds which will show the abuse.
The referee is not able to access the photos taken, nor can anyone else, so if any aggressor thinks they can open the camera and destroy the evidence, they will be disappointed.
Ciara Jolliffe, Laura Comerford and Katie Rebecca Sayer earned the win.
Eversley have a one-point advantage at the summit over Shinfield Rangers and have two games in hand.
SHINFIELD RANGERS soared to a 3-0 success over BURGHFIELD
Thames Valley Premier League
YATELEY UNITED maintained their spotless league form with their 18th win in 18 matches.
A double from Myles White meant that they took three more points with a 2-0 win at READING CITY U23s
BURGHFIELD and READING
YMCA shared the points in their battle for third position.
Ryan Farmer, Will Vallins and Ollie Brown netted for the Fielders, while a double from James Bozarth and a goal from Hendrick Reyes Parades earned a draw.
A six-goal contest which ended 3-3 means Burghfield stay in fourth on 27 points, but with two games in hand over YMCA who are in third on 31 points.
ASCOT UNITED RESERVES still lead the way in the division after their narrow victory over MORTIMER
Amy Cogdon and Clodagh Farrell netted for the Yellas, while Beth Millican scored for Mortimer.
Ascot have won 12 of 15 matches which gives them a two point lead at the top and with a game in hand over closest challengers New Bradwell St Peter.
TILEHURST PANTHERS stay in the title hunt after their double header win over Slough Town.
A double from Georgia Hayes and goals from Charlotte Wheeler and Leah Why saw the Panthers win 4-0 in the first outing.
Tilehurst then followed that up with a 3-1 success. Deanna Cane, Hayes and Why were on the scoresheet
Tilehurst are in third on 31
By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today
GOALS from Connor Suckling and Sid Gbla ensured that Woodley United overcame 10-man Cove to take three points in the Combined Counties Division One.
Woodley started in a bright fashion with midfielder Tahir Carmichael seeing plenty of the ball and instrumental in much of the early play.
United got the breakthrough in the 17th minute when pressure on a hosts’ short goal kick saw a
cross into the penalty area that Mo Davies’ headed into the path of Connor Suckling to hit a low volley to O’Sullivan’s right and inside the upright.
Three minutes later Cove was reduced to ten players with Kay Hampson dismissed for violent conduct.
Woodley continued to be positive and extended the lead in the 25th minute when an unmarked Gbla headed Brandao’s corner kick into the goal net.
Within two minutes of the restart Tyler Garrett-Skinns had
reduced the deficit with a shot from the edge of the home penalty area.
United responded with Davies’ seeing a shot cleared off the goal line. Cove were playing a high line with three defenders which United looked to exploit on the counter attack and in such attack O’Sullivan conceded a free kick outside the penalty area in a rash challenge.
Gbla headed straight at O’Sullivan and the keeper was again penalised for a challenge when he brought Suckling down in the penalty area after the forward had shot at goal.
points and have two games in hand on leaders Ascot.
WARGRAVE scored six as they came out on top in a nine goal game against Harwell and Hendred.
A clinical display saw Millie Bilcliff score four, while Lara Branston and Beth William added to the score to confirm a 6-3 win.
S4K BERKS COUNTY are one place off the bottom after they suffered a heavy defeat to Beaconsfield Town.
Grace Belstone and Megan Cox scored for the Fawkes, but they lost out 8-2 which leaves them on 12 points from 17 games.
The FA has said that referees wearing the cameras say it has made them feel safer and more confident and that players have commented that seeing the camera has made them withdraw from raising comments.
If it continues in this way, it will be extended next season.
As far as I understand, these will only be used in adult grassroots football and will be allowed as evidence at any disciplinary hearing.
A great deal of problems also happens in youth football with an extraordinary amount of the abuse coming from parents and coaches.
I often feel that if they too were recorded it may shame them into more appropriate behaviour. However, I believe that in some areas, meetings are being held with parents about their behaviour. That I would like to see expanded.
Despite Suckling finding the net the referee had blown for a penalty kick that Suckling put wide of the keeper’s right post.
Ryan Lewis put a shot over Sam Dabinett’s cross bar as the visitors pushed for an equaliser with United saw Marco DeSousa take a short free kick to Reuel Griffith and the winger running at the defence before passing to Ben Lambourne who put his shot wide.
The remaining five minutes were played out without incident with United relieved to take the win.
I remember watching an American video where a basketball referee, dressed in his referee’s uniform, addressed a room full of parents about similar behaviour to teenage basketball referees.
Just goes to show that football is not the only sport that suffers from uncontrollable parents.
I don’t know how successful that meeting was, but I remember when my nephew qualified for the Reading Schools under 11s team, my good friend David Downs in charge of the team, held a parents evening.
Tackling this same problem, he told them that if they abused the referees, he would ask them not to attend any more matches.
If they insisted on coming to support their son, he wouldn’t pick him for any more games.
Tough, but it worked.
Joe Lumley
Made a smart save to deny Benson in the first half and was solid throughout.
Andy Yiadom
Given more licence to go forward after Tella was forced off through injury. Showed his desire to win the ball throughout the contest.
Tom Holmes
Aggressive in the challenge and led the back line well, not allowing his teammates to drop too deep.
Naby Sarr
Brilliant. Dominant in his aerial duels and made some crucial lastditch interventions. One of his best showings since joining.
Nesta Guinness-Walker
Struggled to handle Benson’s incisive runs, but just about managed. Got forward well where possible.
Femi Azeez
Lively. Made some bright runs down the right and was Reading’s most dangerous outlet. Just struggled to apply the final touch.
Jeff Hendrick
Put his body on the line on multiple occasions to block Burnley’s attempts on goal. An understated showing, but did the basics well.
Nothing spectacular from the Italian, but is growing into an influential player at the heart of Reading’s midfield.
Tyrese Fornah
Outstanding. Protected Reading’s left effectively, cutting out balls in behind Guinness-Walker.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan
A quiet afternoon for the youngster, who deservedly started after his goal at Preston. Will have plenty more opportunities.
Lucas Joao
An unselfish showing from the forward, often playing in his teammates tidily. Worked hard out of possession.
Cesare Casadei SUBS
7 6 7
6 7.5 5
7 6 6.5
8 6
READING
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.todayREADING FC picked up a valuable point in Noel Hunt’s first game in charge against Championship leaders Burnley.
The Royals collected their first clean sheet in 20 matches as they managed to shut out the already promoted side.
Reading remain in the relegation zone but move a point closer to Huddersfield Town, QPR and Cardiff City who were all beaten.
Hunt made changes which saw Femi Azeez and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan handed starts.
The Royals were looking to end a run of eight Championship games without a win, while their opponents were hunting down the league title having already won promotion.
Vincent Kompany’s side have had an impeccable record this campaign which has seen them lose just twice in 40 matches.
It was a half that was dominated by the visitors who displayed their willingness to play some slick football from the back.
However, Reading fought hard on and off the ball and prevented the leaders from taking an advantage in a satisfying opening 45 minutes.
The first half chance came Burnley’s way when a clipped Charlie Taylor cross was met by Scott Twine who couldn’t keep his shot down.
Joe Lumley was called into action to make an excellent save in the 15th minute in what was
READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, GuinnessWalker, Fornah, Casadei, Hendrick, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan, Joao
SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Abrefa, Dann, Mbengue, Loum, Camara, Carroll
BURNLEY: Peacock-Farrell, Roberts, Al-Dakhil, Beyer, Taylor, Cullen, Gudmundsson, Twine, Benson, Foster, Tella
SUBS: Muric, Vitinho, Cork, Bastien, Zaroury, Barnes, Churlinov
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Naby Sarr
table so we got some legs in to help them boys.
the clearest cut chance of the half when Manuel Benson latched onto a through ball to get behind the backline, but was thwarted by the keeper.
Burnley were forced into an early change when Nathan Tella, who has netted 17 goals this season, had to go off with an injury and was replaced by Darko Churnilov.
Azeez was required to make an intervention to stop Scott Twine from bending the ball into the bottom corner.
A couple of half chances passed Reading by when Ehibhatiomhan headed over the top and Hendrick smacked a volley well wide.
Azeez expressed his pace on the break when Reading countered quickly from a Burnley corner, but no one was in the middle to profit from Azeez’ drilled cross into the six yard area.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson was given room to try his luck when he was found on the edge of the box,
The
“I thought we were really good. The boys were amazing. In terms of the shape and the way we moved,” said Hunt,
“We tracked our runners. It’s a different shape for them. When we countered, we needed a bit more luck and detail. It’s a good point for us.
“They’ve been slogging away all season. We’ve got a thin senior squad with a lot on the treatment
“The young boys did really well and gave us energy. At times that’s what you need and thankfully it worked today.
“It’s a valuable point, a really valuable point.
“They put themselves in the way of blocks and tackles. We were really brave today. For a first game to show our fight and belief. They did everything that was asked of them.
“The focus was getting a result and keeping our record. That was part of the team talk.
“They’re an incredible side. They will be champions this time next week.
Hunt admitted that he was
emotional before kick-off with the realisation of taking charge of his first match as first-team manager.
He continued: “I got quite emotional out there. I didn’t think I would.
“Just taking in the surroundings and taking it in. I walked out and thought. ‘Jesus, I’m actually managing this team.’
“It was a proud moment. I looked at the banners in Coppell’s corner, and Sir John Madejski and the Eamonn Dolan Stand and felt so proud. Very overwhelming but proud and it
gives you an adrenaline rush. “The young lads were great. They are great kids and I’ve worked with them all season.
“We’ve got some great potential. We’ve got an unbelievable academy and keep on producing players.
“These boys, I feel, are ready to come in and contribute against teams like Burnley who have got Premier League players.
“They have a certain no fear about them and combine that with energy. It’s about making sure we use them at the right time.”
READING FC WOMEN return to action this weekend in desperate need of points to try and secure their Women’s Super League status when they play Everton.
The Royals welcome the Toffees to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Sunday in the midst of a tense fight to stay in the league.
Kelly Chambers’ side suffered a costly defeat prior to the international break at the hands of relegation rivals Leicester City.
Carrie Jones netted a dramatic 96th minute winner for the Foxes to see them move within a point of Reading with five games to go.
Reading are in 10th on 11 points and are just two points above bottom side Brighton who have two games in hand.
Reading’s status in the top flight is in serious danger after they have managed to pick up just three wins and two draws from 17 league outings this campaign.
Meanwhile, Everton have enjoyed a relatively steady campaign and sit smack bang in the middle of the table.
Seven wins, three draws and six defeats means that the Merseysiders are far away from any relegation danger, but too far away to make a push for the top four.
Brian Sorensen’s team have picked up three draws, a win and a defeat from their last five games.
but he skewed his shot just wide of Lumley’s far post.
The half came to a close with the Royals’ fans in attendance showing their support for the players after a hard fought opening half to keep it goalless.
The second-half restarted with the away side still expectedly in the ascendancy when Gudmundsson curled a shot on his left from distance that landed just wide.
The Royals won three corners in quick succession to put some pressure on their opponents and ignite the home crowd despite not being able to convert.
With just over an hour gone,
Ehibhatiomhan made way for Andy Carroll who entered to partner Lucas Joao up top.
Taylor was next to try and break the deadlock when he unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that flew past Lumley’s post.
Another switch from Hunt saw Kelvin Abrefa take the place of Tyrese Fornah for the final 25 minutes.
Hunt continued to put his faith in youth as Mamadi Camara and Amadou Mbengue replaced Azeez and Guinness-Walker.
Benson showed pace and technique on the right to breeze past Nesta Guinness-Walker, but
was unable to pick out a teammate with his final ball.
Reading then broke down the other end after some superb close control from Joao who teed up Azeez who was shutdown by Burnley in the box. Abrefa had a chance to deliver with plenty of bodies waiting in the box, but he put far too much on his cross which floated out for a goal kick.
Despite having to soak up plenty of pressure throughout the final 20 minutes and a tense period of added time at the end, Reading held firm and managed to claim a hard earned point.
READING FC are still searching for their first away win of the calendar year and will be hoping to pick it up at Coventry City this weekend.
In the midst of a relegation battle, the Royals’ dreadful away form, coupled with a six point deduction, has seen them get dragged into a relegation scrap.
Reading’s last away success came prior to the World Cup break in November when they notched a last minute winner at Hull City.
Since then, points on the road
have been scarce and ultimately cost Paul Ince his position as manager as he was replaced by interim manager Noel Hunt last week.
Hunt picked up a point against Championship leaders Burnley in his first outing as boss before Reading’s midweek clash against Luton Town last night, after we had gone to press (match report online at rdg.today).
Reading’s opponents are vying for a place in the top six to try and qualify for the play-offs.
Mark Robins’ side had a torrid start to their campaign, but have
gone from strength to strength to make a push for promotion.
Before the round of midweek fixtures, the Sky Blues were in seventh position, just one place and one point outside the top six.
City got back to winning ways at the weekend after two consecutive draws with a Viktor Gyokeres double and a Gustavo Hamer goal helping them to a 3-0 win at struggling QPR.
Gyokerers has proved to be Coventry’s key man throughout the season and has netted 20 goals and registered nine assists in 42
games, making him the second highest scorer in the division.
Reading picked up three points when they welcomed Coventry to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in December.
Amadou Mbengue scored the only goal of the game to see the Royals maintain their strong home form.
On their last trip to the Coventry Building Society Arena in August 2021, Reading lost 2-1 after Matt Godden scored deep into injury time in the 98th minute to give the hosts a win.
Their most recent match saw them come out on top against Tottenham with a goal at the death from Aggie Beaver-Jones to seal a 2-1 win.
When the team’s met in January, Everton collected the points with a 3-2 victory.
Everton raced into a two goal lead with strikes from Katja Soejis and Jess Park before the Royals came fighting back with a goal from Justine Vanhaevermaet.
But Reading’s joy was short lived as the home team restored their two-goal advantage just a minute later through Gabrielle George and were left pointless despite a goal from Deanna Cooper to make it 3-2 with 20 minutes left to play.
ISLAND Bohemian Bowls Club are inviting new players to come along to their open days in April and May.
The club, which is situated in the uniquely picturesque location on De Montfort Island between Caversham and Reading bridges, is hosting three separate open days.
The first open day will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 10.30am- 4.30pm.
The second will be held on Monday, May 1 from 4pm-7pm and the final open day on Sunday, May 28 from 10.30am- 4.30pm.
The club are encouraging people of all ages to try out the sport where they will provide coaching for all range of abilities including beginners.
Island bowlers enter most of the County and National competitions and have enjoyed success throughout the years.
The Thames Valley Ladies League includes a strong entry from the ladies section of a team known as the ‘Swans’.
The Men’s Section currently has a team in the Kennet League and for gentlemen over the age of 55 years we have two teams that compete in the Kennet LV Triples League.
The original IBBC had bowls,
Saturday, April 15
FOOTBALL Championship
Reading 0-0 Burnley
Southern League Premier South
Bracknell Town 3-1 Gosport Borough
Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-0 Chipstead
Combined Counties Premier North
Ascot United 3-0 Chalfont St Peter
Burnham 1-2 Reading City
Spelthorne Sports 0-1 Sumas
Combined Counties Division One
Eversley & California 0-3 Sandhurst Town
Woodley United 2-1 Cove
Thames Valley Premier League
Burghfield 3-3 Reading YMCA
Reading City U23s 0-2 Yateley United
RUGBY UNION
National League One
Rams 38-28 Cinderford
steps for the swimming club in the river. Over the years facilities have modernised and has for many years also included eight Chalets adjoining the Bowls green, owned by club members who have a haven of peace, woods, wildlife, waterfowl, river, boats and a fabulous location. The club proudly celebrated its 100 anniversary in 2009.
Also occupying the Island is the Thames Valley Cruising Club.
In the past two years the club has upgraded the Club House and built two new changing rooms for its members to use.
Social events in the summer include Barbeques, and a Riverboat Outing.
The club also hosts an annual presentation dinner and dance in November, a Pantomime or Variety Show and a New Year’s Eve Party.
By STAFF WRITER
sport@wokingham.today
SEVERAL TEAMS from Berkshire took part in this years Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup in a battle to qualify for the regional finals.
After competing successfully in the Berkshire and Buckingham Crown County final, thatcham & Newbury U12 girls, Wokingham & Emmbrook
U10 youth and Eldon Celtic U12 will represent the county in Spring.
With 15 teams taking part in total in the Berks & Bucks tournament, this year’s edition has seen an increase in participation.
In total Berkshire and Buckinghamshire saw 15 teams across different age groups participate in this year’s competition.
Peter Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing at the Pokémon Company International, said: “Pokémon is thrilled to see such high
engagement in the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire finals of the Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup, including so many first time participants.
“With the 2022/23 season seeing a record number of team entrants, this only bodes well for the later stages of the competition. It’s great to see a range of teams competing in this year’s competition as they continue to develop their futsal skills. We can’t wait to see how the winners perform in the regional finals of the competition.”
Louise Gear, Head of Development at The FA added: “What an exciting start to this year’s Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup. It has been fantastic to see so many young players from clubs up and down the country taking part and enjoying the competition, and we look forward to seeing who will be crowned winners come the finals.”
n To find out more, head to mastertheball.com
By DICK SAWDON SMITH sport@wokingham.todayTHEALE GOLF CLUB captain Martin Renton teed off with the traditional drive in to begin his year as club captain after an original postponement due to heavy rain.
After a downpour of rain had made parts of the course unplayable, the green staff worked wonders to restore it to its best, so it could take place at the club’s next competition, the Founders Bowl.
Martin has played golf for many years, first at Wrexham Park and then at Bearwood until it was purchased by Reading Football Club for its new training ground.
He then switched to Theale Golf Club where in 2021 he won the Master’s Championship at the club, which is only open to winners of one or more of the clubs Board Competitions during the season.
As there was a large entry for the Founders Bowl, Martin received plenty of cheers as he took his place on the first tee.
Many of course had taken part in the usual sweepstake, to forecast the length of his drive. It was one
Sunday, April 16
FOOTBALL
Southern Region Women’s Division One North
Kidlington Youth 3-0 Eversley & California
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
Ascot United Reserves 2-1
Mortimer
Slough Town 0-4 Tilehurst Panthers
Tilehurst Panthers 3-1 Slough Town
Wargrave 6-3 Harwell and Hendred
Thames Valley Women’s Division Two
S4K Berks County 2-8 Beaconsfield Town
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
Eversley & California Reserves 9-1 Wargrave Development
Shinfield Rangers 1-2
Burghfield
Yateley United v Caversham AFC
Monday, April 17
FOOTBALL
Thames Valley Premier League
Wargrave 4-2 SB Phoenix
Tuesday, April 18
FOOTBALL
Combined Counties Premier North
Oxhey Jets 1-5 Ascot United
Reading City 0-1 Virginia Water
Sumas 1-1 Chalfont St Peter
Combined Counties Division One
Bagshot v Berks County
Eversley & California 2-1
Bedfont
Wednesday, April 19
All games played after we had gone to press – results and reports online at rdg.today or wokingham.today
FOOTBALL
Championship Reading v Luton Town
Combined Counties Premier North
Reading City v Virginia Water
Oxhey Jets v Ascot United
Sumas v Chalfont St Peter
Combined Counties Division One
Woodley United v Westside
Saturday, April 22
FOOTBALL Championship
Coventry City v Reading
Southern League Premier South
Plymouth Parkway v Bracknell Town
Isthmian South Central
Leatherhead v Binfield
Combined Counties Premier North
Burnham v Ascot United Reading City v Wembley
Sumas v Virginia Water
Combined Counties Division One Berks County v AFC Aldermaston
CB Hounslow United v Woodley United
Langley v Eversley & California
Thames Valley Premier League
Burghfield v Wargrave
Reading City U23s v Westwood Wanderers
RUGBY UNION National League One Esher v Rams
Sunday, April 23
FOOTBALL
Women’s Super League Reading v Everton
Southern Region Women’s Division One North
Eversley & California v Penn & Tylers Green
Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy
Wargrave v Tilehurst Panthers
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
Mortimer v Ascot United Reserves
Thames Valley Women’s Division Two
S4K Berks County v Ruislip Rangers
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
Burghfield v Caversham AFC
Eversley & California Reserves v Hillingdon Abbots
Shinfield Rangers v Larkspur Rovers
Yateley United v Thatcham & Newbury
