Reading Today, April 27

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Nine in 10 get first choice school place

PARENTS in Reading are overwhelmingly offered their first preference of schools when applying for their children, new figures show.

Brighter Futures for Children, the children’s serviced provider on behalf of Reading Borough Council, has released new data examining how many parents received offers for places at their schools of preference.

Of the 1,727 applications received by the organisation this year, 91% were able to be given their first preference of primary schools for the coming academic year.

This represents a 2% increase in last year’s figure, and means fewer than one in 10 children will get places at schools other than the first preference.

The figures also showed that 98% of prospective pupils were going to a school in their top three preferences.

Transfers from infant to junior schools were needed for 132 pupils, with 97% of those who applied on

time receiving their first preference.

Only nine were offered their fourth preferences, and only 26 were offered choices outside of their preferences.

The number of overall applicants was also down this year, shrinking from 1,844 in 2022 to 1,727 pupils.

All primary school pupils in the borough have now been secured for a place.

Brian Grady, Director of Education at BFfC, said: “I am delighted we have been able to offer almost all Reading families a place at one of their top three preferred primary schools this year.

“We have also worked hard to make sure a place was found for every child whose parents applied for a primary school place in Reading. send our best

Cities warming up fast, new graphics reveal

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

RISING temperatures in the UK’s major cities have been visualised in striking new graphics.

The latest versions of the University of Reading’s climate stripes were released earlier this month, presenting temperatures in 13 cities, all of which recorded their warmest year on record in 2022.

The stripes visualise the change in temperature in the UK from the past 100+ years and had previously only been available for the UK’s four nations, Berkshire, Durham, Oxford and Jersey.

Now, graphics for Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield, and have been released.

Stripes creator Prof Ed Hawkins, climate scientist at the University of Reading and National Centre for Atmospheric Science, said: “We wanted to create these very localised stripes to give people an indication of how things are changing right where they live.

“We know that different parts of the UK have different landscapes, different key industries, and different population sizes – and all of this can

Motorcyclist injured in east Reading hit and run

A MOTORCYCLIST has been injured in a hit and run in east Reading, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and for help to trace the driver of a Fiat car.

The incident happened on the Wokingham Road outside Palmer Park Stadium, around 11.35am on Saturday, April 22.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, had hip and leg injuries as a result of the collision.

He is currently in hospital.

His bike is a red Yamaha, while the other vehicle was a blue Fiat Punto.

have an impact both on emissions, and average temperatures.

“Our key observation is that regardless of all these factors, the trend remains the same – most of the more recent years have been a lot warmer than most of the years a century ago.

“After the dangerous heatwaves we experienced last summer, I hope this new city data will serve as a reminder of the very-real impact rising temperatures are having on our lives and inspire people up and down the country to play their part in helping our communities avoid the worst possible impacts of climate change.”

Graphics for every country around the world have also been unveiled and now include data from before 1900 via the Berkeley Earth project.

Stripes are available to view and download for cities, countries, continents and the globe via the Show Your Stripes website.

Using Met Office data, the University has also partnered with charity Carbon Copy to produce stripes for individual UK counties. Detailed information about emissions and local climate action plans is also available.

Ric Casale, Carbon Copy co-founder, said: “We know that the effects of climate change, bigger storms, longer summer droughts, and more flooding – are happening right now, right here.

“Climate change is no longer an abstract issue for someone else to deal with, it’s something that people in the UK can see and feel locally, where they live.”

Last week, the University of Derby launched its #BiodiversityStripes, which shows the global change in biodiversity from 1970-2019.

The highest level of biodiversity is coloured bright green. Lower levels move from yellow to grey, depending on the level of decline. Darker greys appear with greater declines.

The global data, which includes more than 5,000 species, shows the population of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles has seen an average drop of 69% globally since 1970.

Prof Miles Richardson, professor of human factors and nature connectedness at the University of Derby, said: “Only by addressing both the warming climate and loss of wildlife do we stand a chance of passing on a stable planet for future generations, yet biodiversity loss has had far less coverage.

“The ‘biodiversity stripes’ provide a simple representation of the change in biodiversity over time, they show how our green world is becoming grey and this is something everyone needs to engage with.”

The driver of the Fiat left the scene, and officers would like to locate him.

He is described as a white man, in his twenties, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, with dark hair.

He was wearing dark clothing.

Investigating officer, PC Gareth Miles, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed, or may have information about this incident, to please come forward.

“We’re also appealing for the driver of the Fiat to come forward, or if anyone knows who this is, please get in touch.

“If there were any motorists with dash-cams in the area around the time of the collision, please check any footage in case it may have captured something that could assist our investigation.

“Anyone with information can call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43230174882.”

Fewer than one in 10 children in Reading will attend schools outside of their first preference choice in the coming academic year

A place to meet, with no meat: vegan fiesta attracts thousands

No muse on a dead planet: Reading Rep’s climate pledge

ONE OF Reading’s theatres has made a climate commitment to mark Earth Day, which takes place on Saturday, April 22.

Reading Rep has committed to climate justice and reducing its impact on the environment as part of a wider movement of sustainability and protection of the planet’s natural resources and life.

The theatre has pledged to take decisive action to ensure sustainable operations with Culture Declares, which publicises the climate emergency and seeks effective action from cultural endeavours and organisations.

It means that it will be measuring their environmental impact through data recording and setting benchmarks for improvements on continued, reactive basis.

Ellie Gavin, general manager and lead on sustainability for Reading Rep said, “Since opening our new venue in 2021, we have made huge strides to reduce the impact our activity has on our immediate surroundings and the wider climate crisis.

“Some highlights include full LED lighting throughout the venue, operating a paperless ticket system and working with local, environmentally conscious suppliers in an effort to eradicate single use plastic on our bar.

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@rdg.today

A GROUP that runs a regular vegan market in Wokingham, drew big crowds to Reading’s Forbury Gardens for its Vegan Fiesta.

Sparkle Vegan Events organised the event on Saturday, offering the thousands of people who came a range of meat free foods and products to explore.

Organisers say the event was very successful, and they are now planning how to accommodate greater demand at future festivals.

Sarah Zeneli, who runs Sparkle Vegan Events, said: “It was fantastic – the best we could have hoped for.

“The sun shone for most of the day, with only a tiny sprinkle of rain, and the atmosphere was wonderful.

“Last year’s festival was very busy, but this time it was even better, with thousands visiting.”

There was plenty to entertain at the free entry fair, with vegan street food to try, artisan stalls to browse, and workshops to join.

A free yoga session was provided by The Yoga Man, for those who brought a yoga mat.

And band, BFriendly, entertained the crowds with live reggae music and audience participation.

Sarah’s chosen charity for the event, International Animal Rescue, held a plant potting workshop for adults and children.

“They did very well on the day,” said Sarah.

“They were well supported, and happy with how things went.”

The festival boasted more than 40 stalls, selling hot foods, cakes, patisseries, jewellery, homeware, and eco gifts.

“A number of the stalls sold out,” Sarah said.

“And despite a number of hot food stalls, queues to eat were sometimes long.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience.

“Now that we’ve realised just how popular the event is, we’ll plan to have even more stalls available next time, so there shouldn’t be similar waits in future.”

With the weather favouring them, festival goers were able to picnic in the gardens, taking in the happy atmosphere.

“We’ve had such good feedback from people about the stalls and the music,” added Sarah.

“It was great to see people sitting in the sunshine enjoying the feel-good vibes.

“There were lots of familiar faces, but plenty of new ones too.

The festival is beginning to make a name for itself, and it really bodes well for our next event in September.”

n For more information, visit: www.sparkleveganevents.com

“However; we know that the world as we know it will look very different if we don’t act now.

“So on Earth Day, we are pledging our support; to see a better, more sustainable future for our hometown and beyond.”

Reading Rep joins the likes of Reading Festival, who took part in the Music Declares Emergency partnership last year.

Culture Declares Emergency is a movement which pledges to make information available about organisations’ environmental impacts and to lead the way in creating a regenerative future, protecting the planet, and championing sustainability.

The theatre is based on Kings Road and is performing Peter Pan until Saturday.

n For more details, visit: readingrep.com

Crowds flocked to try a hold of dishes

The Vegan Street Diner served hot dogs

A hot dog is garnished ahead of being served

Al fresco dining was the order of the day as people enjoyed freshly made food

The Reading Vegan Fiesta at Forbury Garden returned to Forbury Gardens Pictures: Dijana Capan DVision Images

Ofsted Chief criticised following first interview since Ruth Perry’s death

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

OFSTED’S chief inspector has been criticised following an interview with the BBC on Sunday.

Amanda Spielman spoke with Laura Kuenssberg to address the increasing scrutiny as calls for reform at the standards organisation continue to grow in the wake of the death of Caversham Primary School headteacher, Ruth Perry.

A letter has also emerged which reports that Spielman herself had visited the school as part of an ‘informal’ inspection in 2019.

Ms Spielman said in her first interview since Ms Perry’s death that it was “clearly a very tragic event” and expressed “the most profound sympathy with her family, and for all of the Caversham school community.”

She continued: “Of course there’s going to be a coroner’s inquest... and we will be fully co-operating with that.”

Speaking on whether she thought that the conclusion of the inspection back in January which rated Caversham Primary School as “inadequate” was the right one, she said: “I do.

“I think the inspection

team worked with the professionalism and the sensitivity that I would expect from our inspectors.

She continued: “From what I’ve seen, I don’t have any reason to doubt the inspection.

“We’re not the regulator–we don’t make decisions about what happens with school, we are just the inspectorate.”

She also cited a more widespread downgrading of schools following the resumption of regular inspections of schools rated “outstanding” in 2021. While it was previously reported that the school had not been subject to an inspection since 2013, a letter from Ms Perry dated June 6, 2019, has emerged showing that an informal inspection took place during that week.

The letter reports that the ‘pilot’ inspection saw the school welcome the chief inspector herself ahead of the launch of a new framework.

It read: “We were very privileged to welcome Amanda Spielman, the Chief Inspector of Schools, on Thursday as part of that process.

“Whilst there is no official report we are delighted to have the very many strengths of our Outstanding school validated by the inspection team.”

Ms Spielman’s response has subsequently been criticised by Julia Waters, Ms Perry’s sister, in a statement to the BBC.

Ms Waters said the chief inspector’s comments on Sunday were a “glaring contrast” to a previous, informal inspection of the school, reportedly attended by Ms Spielman herself.

Mary Bousted, general secretary for the National Education Union, said on Sunday that Ofsted is: “Not

working at all.

“It’s been a problem that’s been growing for decades, and the problem is that Ofsted does not inspect schools fairly.

“[It] does not inspect schools fairly and doesn’t know whether it raises quality in schools at all– it has no research to back up the claims it makes about getting schools to be better.”

She also explained that inspections were inconsistent as well as unexpected: “[Teachers and leaders] have

got no idea which inspection team will turn up.

“One which will do a decent inspection, or one which will be aggressive and demeaning.”

Ms Spielman also addressed reform calls on Friday. April 21, in an official statement on how Ofsted would proceed .

It said that the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has “been clear that Ofsted inspection is a vital part of the school system.”

Though she has agreed to

meet with Reading East MP Matt Rodda, Ms Keegan is also cited as saying that the current assessments provide “important assurance to parents, the wider community, and to government that pupils are receiving a highquality education and are being kept safe.”

While the statement does concede that Ofsted is “always looking for room to improve,” it said that single-word rating “plays an integral part in the wider school system.

“We also know that many parents find the grading system useful, whether that’s in choosing a school or to understand the one their child attends. So any new approach would need to meet the needs of the whole system.”

Ms Waters said that both the education secretary and the chief inspector were both “defending the indefensible.

“My sister’s death demonstrates the tragically high stakes, and yet Ofsted has so far done nothing.

“This latest response from the chief inspector for schools is yet again totally insensitive to the situation and deaf to the urgency of the calls for change.”

n Ms Spielman’s full statement is available via: gov.uk

Six bed home could be an HMO Plan for home would fell oak

A SIX-BEDROOM home in east Reading that is close to the university could be formally converted into an HMO – a home of multiple occupation.

The owner of the property in College Road wants to adapt the home.

Last autumn, Reading Borough Council received a plan to convert the house into an eight-bed hotel, but this application, number 221541, was not determined by officers.

A design and access statement submitted with that application states that it has been successfully used as a six-person HMO for a number of years.

College Road is close to the University of Reading’s campus and is a popular area for students.

The proposal can be seen by searching Reading Borough Council’s planning website for application 230463.

AN APPLICATION has been submitted to build a new three-bedroom home on land in Gayhurst Close in Caversham.

Chair Homes Ltd says two of the home’s bedrooms would be large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed, while the other would be able to have a queen-sized bed. There would also be a family bathroom upstairs.

Downstairs there would be a WC, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room.

To create the space for the home, an oak tree would be felled.

The developers say it is “not conductive to this residential location” and, due to its ‘decline’ is likely to “become an immediate danger in the short-term”.

Two parking spaces would be provided for future occupants.

The proposal can be seen by searching Reading Borough Council’s planning website for application 221909.

Appeal for witnesses and victims to come forward following robbery

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery in central Reading.

At around 4.10pm on Thursday, April 13, five males were approached in the Oracle shopping centre by a black male dressed in all black clothing.

Two of the five handed over vaping devices to the offender.

Police are seeking more

information about the incident, including the identity of the victims, which is still currently unknown.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Philip Marchant, based at Reading police station, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.

“We are also yet to identify any of the victims in this case,

and so if this is you or someone you know then please come forward.

“You can contact us by calling 101 or making a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230164810.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

SCHOOL: Ruth Perry was the head teacher at Caversham Primary School, pictured, when she took her own life in January, just days after an Ofsted inspection. Picture: Google Images

Red Cross recruiting emergency volunteers

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE British Red Cross is seeking volunteers from Reading to help with its charity work.

The organisation is currently recruiting emergency response volunteers who will work to support emergency services.

This includes helping with callouts, providing emotional and practical help to those affected by emergency incidents.

Responders will work alongside emergency services in lending support during house fires, floods, power cuts, and water shortages, among others.

The British Red Cross says it responds to an urgent crisis around every four hours, offering equipment, people, space, and other resources to help with recovery and injury response.

Now it wants more people to help with its work.

Volunteers receive emergency and first aid training.

Responders must be able to offer at least 24 hours a month and should live no further than 30 minutes’

End of the Travelcard? London mayor consults over plans to withdraw the one-day wonder

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

IT’S BEEN the way to see London for Reading and Wokingham residents for years, but it could be coming to an end.

travelling time from the British Red Cross base in Eastern Avenue.

Applicants must also over the age of 18 and will be expected to attend as many team meetings as possible, with each team holding one a month.

Roman Lagnado, emergency response operations manager for British Red Cross in the South and Channel Islands, said: “Our Emergency Response Volunteers give people the support they need at a time when they need it the most.

“When there is a fire, flood or severe weather, we’re among the first to respond.

“From making a cup of tea to trekking through snow and sleet to deliver the essentials, we work with other organisations to do what’s needed straight away.

“This volunteering role gives you a great opportunity to develop your existing skills and gain new ones, and you’ll be part of a dynamic and inclusive team.

“We would urge anyone aged 18 or older to consider applying.”

n For more information, or to apply, visit: volunteer.redcross.org.uk

Transport for London (TfL) is consulting on whether to stop one day travelcards that allow passengers to use National Rail, London Underground and London Buses for a fixed price.

It means that one ticket lets people get on a national rail train to Paddington or Waterloo and then immediately go and see the sights of the big city, access the West End or go shopping and then return home without worrying about which ticket goes for which service, or whether there is enough change to give the bus conductor.

Under the plans, TfL would withdraw from the daily Travelcard Agreement in a bid to generate between £500m and £1 billion additional revenue per year. However, weekly and other season ticket Travelcards will remain operational thanks to additional funding provided by the London mayor Sadiq Khan.

At the moment, the day travelcard give unlimited travel on TfL services, including bus, Tube, Tram, Docklands Light Railway, London Underground, London Overground and Elizabeth line, and National Rail services in London, and can also be used to get one third off River Services fares.

By stopping this arrangement, it would also end group day travelcards, weekend travelcards, the London Family travelcard.

Fares would change to pay-as-yougo fares using contactless or Oyster cards, or buying single and return paper tickets.

However, these fares are capped at £21.20 for peak fares or £14.90 for offpeak fares, and £106.10 for weekly fares.

It would still make travel around London more expensive.

Off-peak train returns are £24, added to TfL’s daily cap of £21.20, means a day’s travel around the capital at off-peak times would be £45.20.

Currently, a travelcard is £29.60 –this would be an increase of £15.60 per day.

The Mayor of London is currently

carrying out an impact assessment on the changes, with an engagement with key stakeholders running until May 23.

An online form allows people to ask questions about the plans.

A TfL spokesperson said: “As required by conditions of the government’s funding settlements, TfL is considering proposals to generate additional income. One of these proposals is withdrawal from elements of the Travelcard Agreement, such as TfL’s acceptance of Day Travelcards.

“TfL is in the process of contacting stakeholders to help inform this work.” n The consultation can be seen at: haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/travelcards

RELIC OF THE PAST?: A one-day travelcard has offered a combined ticket for rail, tube and bus services from Reading to the London, but it could be axed Picture: Pixabay

Teen sentenced over e-scooter

A TEENAGER from Woking has been sentenced for driving offences in Reading.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed a six-month youth rehabilitation order as well as a six-point penalty on his driving licence at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 12.

He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to a count of driving while disqualified and one of driving without third-party insurance.

It follows an incident during which, at around 8pm on October 25 last year, the boy was seen by officers riding an e-scooter along Forbury Road in Reading.

He was stopped by police and found to have been disqualified therefore without the necessary insurance.

He was subsequently charged on December 28.

Investigating officer, PC Matthew Fairman, based at Reading police station, said: “It may seem trivial that we are prosecuting members of public for riding electric scooters on the road.

“In a normal set of circumstances, we would rather educate the individual and explain why these vehicles are not currently legal.

“But, in this case, the rider was disqualified and subsequently posed a danger to other members of public and has been rightfully dealt with by the court.

“You can find more information and advice about where you can ride e-scooters on our website.”

Messy making with a message

A READING museum scrapped its ‘hands off’ policy this weekend, as visitors got hands-on with a range of activities to celebrate Earth Day 2023.

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) welcomed the young and the young at heart on Saturday for an afternoon of crafts and displays, which embodied the event’s slogan: invest in our planet.

Organised in collaboration

with Reading Museum, Nature Nurture, BBOWT and others, activities included bug creation, making mini compost containers and a ‘life below water’ collage session with artist, Rebecca Howard.

Students from Alfred Sutton and St John’s CE primary schools curated an exhibition called Create a Buzz.

Their artwork showcased bees

and the biodiverse habitats they require to thrive.

Amid the frivolities, there was also an opportunity to peruse and purchase Meadow Honey Farm’s honey and beeswax products, which are a fixture in the MERL shop.

The free to attend event was part of the Museum Partnership Reading’s Our Green Stories campaign.

Sewage in the playground: Drains overflow at park

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By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

SEWAGE ran on to a children’s playground in east Reading, causing equipment including a climbing frame to be cordoned off to prevent youngsters playing in faeces.

Reading Borough Council’s out-of-hours team had to be called in after users of Palmer Park reported an unpleasant smell.

It was caused by a blockage to a foul sewer running from the new leisure centre, on Sunday.

The overflow came out by the play area near to the disabled parking bays. As well as the climbing frame, swings and other equipment have been cordoned off and the sewage came up just metres away.

The affected area is often used by families and groups for picnics.

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“The council has worked with Thames Water to get this pipe unblocked and is now cleaning up.

“Cllr Josh Williams, Sarah Magon and myself are working with residents to tidy up Park Ward.”

A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council confirmed the stinky story, and promised to restore the area to its previous state.

“Unfortunately, a blockage to the foul sewer which runs from the leisure centre has impacted on the children’s play area,” they said. “The Council’s team immediately attended but additional support was needed from Thames Water so the drainage system would run normally again.

“The play area will remain cordoned off temporarily while the clean-up takes place.

“We thank local residents and park users for their patience.”

After park users kicked up a stink, council staff cordoned off the area. Thames Water was also approached to send out an emergency team.

Park Ward councillor Rob White was also contacted, as residents were concerned about the potential health hazard the sewage spill represented.

The councillor, who is also the leader of the opposition on Reading Borough Council, said: “The sewage in main Palmer Park play area was a blocked sewage pipe from the new sports centre.

“We raised this with the council after being alerted by residents.

And a spokesperson for Thames Water said: “We received reports of a sewage overflow at Palmer Park on Sunday, and we currently have teams en route to investigate the issue.

“We are sorry to residents, parents and children who are unable to use the playground at this time and would like to assure them, we will work to clear the blockage, as quickly and safely as possible.

“Customers can help us prevent blockages, which can be a cause of flooding in peoples’ homes and gardens, by only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and paper.”

Organiser Phillippa Heath getting into the spirit of the event

Representatives from Reading Museum, MERL, Nature Nurture and BBOWT showcased displays at the event

Charlie (5) getting stuck in with some artwork Lottie (3) presents her kingfisher

IN THE GARDEN: Some of the youngsters enjoying the MERL’s garden. Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Community heroes to be celebrated at Pride of Reading

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

SPOTLIGHTS will be firmly fixed on those who have made positive contributions in the Ding at this year’s Pride of Reading Awards.

The annual event recognises those who live and work in the town, with Shine a Light being the theme for 2023.

Sponsors and supporters came together on Thursday last week to celebrate the launch of this year’s awards at a scintillating ceremony at Malmaison in the town centre, with plenty refreshments to go around.

Reading legends such as awards patrons

Sir John Madejski and Danyl Johnson were in attendance, with Matt Whitelock kicking off proceedings with a rousing welcome.

ITV Meridian journalist Mel Bloor, Richard Forte from McDonald’s, Blue Collar’s Glen Dinning, and Sir John, took part in a short on-stage Q&A, discussing what the awards mean to each of them.

Mr Whitelock also introduced four categories which will be making their debut this year: Putting Reading on the Map, Family of the Year, Young Person of the Year and The Hospitality Award.

The latter is inspired by and in memory of journalist and Reading stalwart Hilary Scott, who helped found the awards.

Putting Reading on the Map is sponsored by Jacobs the Jewellers and legendary bar The Purple Turtle.

De Vere Wokefield Estate is sponsoring Family of the Year and REDA (Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency) is sponsor

of The Hospitality Award.

The inaugural Young Person of the Year category is supported by Reading Today and will be decided by a people’s vote once the shortlist is released.

Those in attendance took part in the now traditional group photo, before getting their competitive juices flowing with a Readingthemed quiz.

Nominations are now open for the awards, closing on August 4, with shortlists to be deliberated upon ahead of the ceremony at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in October.

Who will you put forward for this year’s Pride of Reading awards?

THE people of Reading are being invited to put forward community heroes, stalwarts and charities for recognition at this year’s Pride of Reading Awards.

Nominators should visit the awards’ website, where they will be able to select any of the 18 awards, which includes

Reading Today’s very own Young Person of the Year, and complete a form.

Submissions must be accompanied by a statement outlining why the person or organisation is being nominated for that category.

All nominations will be

Welcoming girls in Year 7

reviewed and those who are shortlisted will be invited to the Pride of Reading Awards lunch and presentations in the autumn.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 4.

n For more information, visit: www.porawards.co.uk

‘Whatever you dream of, you can do it here!’

~ Lorenzo, Year 8

Open Morning: Saturday 13 May

Register Now

rbcs.org.uk

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Laurence Jenkins, Robert Williams, and Jake Osman from Reading Buses

The Oracle’s Debbie Hastings and Blue Collar’s Glen Dinning. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Sir John Madejski is a patron of Pride of Reading

Applause at the awards

Helen Waring, Danyl Johnson and Sally Swift. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Matt Whitelock was the host of the launch event, sharing updates on this year’s Pride of Reading

Matt Allwright is a big supporter of Pride of Reading

Words: Jake Clothier & Ji-Min Lee

Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision

Images

Discover the categories and meet the firms

Volunteer of the Year sponsored by A.B. Walker

A.B. Walker is returning this year as sponsor of the Volunteer of the Year, the award for an individual or team engaged in diverse or challenging tasks, or stepped in when needed, to support and help others.

The funeral directors have served funeral care to the Berkshire and Oxfordshire community for nearly 200 years.

One of its own administrators, Graham Gould, also received a nomination in the Great Place to Work category in 2013.

Shelby Fry said: “We sponsor Volunteer of the Year because as a company AB Walker is passionate about supporting our local community, and that’s exactly what the volunteer of the year does.

“It’s about being a part of the community, and by sponsoring the category we are ensuring that everyone’s supported.

“Having been along to the awards myself last year, seeing all of the different nominees, and what everyone’s doing in the Reading area, it’s absolutely incredible.”

Ms Fry said: “We’re a long-standing business in the town, right in the heart of Reading, which is such a great area to live in.

“There’s so many cultures and faiths, and we really see that in our roles at A.B Walker – that’s what makes us proud to be a part of it.”

School of the Year sponsored by Qwerty

QWERTY is returning to the Pride of Reading Awards to sponsor the School of the Year award, which recognises a school or nursery demonstrating exceptional achievement.

Qwerty, a design and marketing firm, has lent its support to Pride of Reading since 2011, and accounts manager Elan McGowan said that the award had personal significance for the organisation.

“We’re now in our 12th year, and the management team had small children, all in local schools.

“Some of the schools won the awards for different reason over the years, such as support for families due to a number of circumstances, or for levels of improvement.

She said that the awards were important because: “We – Reading – should have the recognition.

“It’s a great town, soon to be city we hope, of which a lot of people are rightly very proud.”

“Though I’m originally from Belgium, I’ve lived here for many years.

“I’ve always found it to be home, it’s a very successful town, I’ve always found it safe, and I’ve been very happy here.”

Employee of the Year sponsored by Reading Buses

THIS year, Reading Buses is returning to sponsor the Employee of the Year Award for 2023, recognising an employee whose contribution, behaviour, or success has enhanced their company, or who has gone the extra mile for their customers.

Reading Buses has helped residents get around the town and the county in some form for more than a century and received the Business of the Year award in 2017 for its work raising funds for charities.

It has also received multiple nominations through Pride of Reading’s history.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Williams said: “our employees are reading buses at the heart of Reading, and the Pride of Reading Awards are the heart of Reading as well.

“It feels to us like it really comes together, and the awards night just highlights how great the town is – it’s a pleasure to be a part of that.”

“We don’t hear enough about the good things that go on behind the scenes, so the awards really shine a light on all the great stuff happening here.”

He explained: “We’re owned by the community, so we want to be part of something which brings everyone together, and that’s what the Pride of Reading Awards do.”

Charity of the Year sponsored by Roc Search

ROC Search is returning for the eighth year in a row that they have sponsored this category.

Charity of the Year recognises local charities which make an impact on the community of Reading through partnerships with businesses and the public sector, as well as other charities.

Trevor Doran, regional director at the international recruitment specialists, said: “It’s our eighth time sponsoring the award, and for us there are so many great charities that we’ve been lucky enough to support.

“They do incredible work which we find fantastically inspiring, especially when we meet them and share their day-to-day experiences at the awards events.”

On the awards themselves, he said: “We started as a small business based here in Reading, and have grown with many of our staff working and living here.

“It’s always been hugely important to us to support the local area, and we think this is the best town in the UK.

“It’s such a good mix of people who live here, from all backgrounds and walks of life, and it’s a fun place to live.”

The Chris Tarrant Award sponsored by The Oracle

THE Oracle is returning as sponsor of The Chris Tarrant Award, which it has sponsored since the awards’ inception.

The award celebrates exceptional courage, standards and success from individuals and businesses across Reading.

The Oracle shopping centre itself has even garnered multiple nominations from the awards, including for its work through the Charitable Partnership Scheme.

General manager Andy Briggs said: “We’ve always been sponsors of The Chris Tarrant Award, since day one, and we love doing it every year.”

While he says he personally “wasn’t part of it originally, The Oracle always has been and has seen the evolution of the award.

“It’s such a unique award, it’s very different every time, and that’s what’s so exciting about it.

“It’s really grown, every year getting better and better, shining a light on the wonderful people of Reading.”

He explained: “We wouldn’t want to not be a part of this award, and it’s my favourite day of the year.

“People often look at the negatives of a town, but when you’re in that room on that day, and you see those incredible people, it’s humbling and inspiring.

“This year should be absolutely no different.”

Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Macbeth

INSURANCE brokers and financial services company Macbeth is once again sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which recognises an individual or group with a business venture and who has shown passion and commitment to ensure success.

Millie Smith, marketing director at Macbeth, said “We’ve sponsored the category for a number of years now.

“It really aligns with our values as a company, we want to bring some of the entrepreneurialism to life.

“We also love seeing what’s going on in the community, especially as a community-based company.”

“We also love to see how businesses can give back to the community, and hearing some of the stories about the events really brings to life how much of a community feel there is in such a large town.”

She explained: “It really boils down to having that village feel where everybody pulls together, and that’s something that Paul Macbeth is keen on being a part of and being able to give back to.

“The Reading area is such a community hub, with such a wealth of opportunities and talent here, and being a part of that is such a special thing.”

Child of Courage sponsored by IQVIA

IQVIA is back to sponsor the Child of Courage Award, recognising courage in young people.

The award is given to those under16s who have become heroic lifesavers, battled illness, or fought through difficult circumstances.

Sharon Jhheent, global training manager at the healthcare data technology company, has received an award of her own following her fundraising efforts back in 2016.

She said: “We’ve been support the Pride of Reading Awards for a number of years, and we’ve always supported the Child of Courage Award.

“Children are our future,” she explained, “and they’re really inspirational, so its the right thing to do.

“We’re a locally-based company dealing with health care for a better world, so we decided to choose our Child of Courage category.”

Ms Jheent said: “I’m a local, and have been fortunate to come to the Pride of Reading Awards as a winner myself.

“It’s a fantastic event which is just so prestigious; it’s great to be involved in, to be a part of, and to have had such a long-standing relationship with the awards.”

Community Champion sponsored by Reading Football Club

READING Football Club is returning to this year’s Awards as sponsor of the Community Champion Award.

This recognises a person who works tirelessly in their community, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, or for a group public service, devoting their time to others.

The club has been at the heart of the town for more than 150 years, and director of operations Jackie Evans said: “The award really meets with the club’s values as a community club.

“The event has a very important message they’re trying to deliver, and we want to be on board with that.

“There’s so many people and businesses who come back to support it time and time again, wanting to be part of it, and there’s a very good reason for that.”

She explained: “I’m born and bred in Reading, I hold the club dear to my heart, so I know that this is a long-standing event which does great things.

“It recognises people, as we should do.”

backing this year’s Pride of Reading Awards

The Inspiration Award sponsored by McDonald’s Business in Action sponsored by Boyes Turner

THE Business in Action award at this year’s Pride of Reading will be sponsored by law firm Boyes Turner, recognising companies which have shown commitment to working with the community.

Rowan Turrall, partner at Boyes Turner, said: “I think as a business that’s based in Reading, it’s really important for us to see and support our businesses who are doing great things in the town.

“A lot of that work goes unseen, so we want to make sure that we shine a spotlight on what those businesses are doing and give them some recognition for making Reading a better place.”

There will be two awards available in this category – for firms with under 50 employees, and those with more than 50 employees.

“Because we’re in Reading, I think it’s important that we support things that are done in the town.

“And while we might have a more national and even international reach, this is where our roots are, basically.

“The people that work for us live around Reading, they work in Reading, so Reading needs to be put on the map and the people that helped put it on the maps need some recognition for doing it.”

Family of the Year sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate

Community of the Year Hilton Fundraiser of the Year sponsored by Cream Design

CREAM Design has returned to sponsor this year’s Fundraiser of the Year at the Pride of Reading Awards.

The winner will have demonstrated outstanding skills or dedication to creative and imaginative fundraising.

Barney Firth, creative director at Cream Design, said: “We work with a lot of charities and non-profits to help their branding and website.

“We’re really aware of how crucial fundraising is for them and this seemed like an ideal category for us to sponsor.”

The company has been involved with Pride of Reading for more than a decade and designed the awards’ website this year.

“It’s always really interesting to see the sort of lengths that people have gone to to raise money. We had Sam last year, who cycled 6,000 miles around the world to raise money for his kidney charity – things like that are absolutely brilliant.

“This year’s theme of ‘Shine a Light’ is perfect because many of these people are totally unsung and do brilliant stuff.”

Cream Designs believes that the theme embodies everything that Reading’s about.

“We’ve been based in Reading for well over 25 years and you come across people, companies and charities that you’ve never even heard of every year at Pride of Reading.

“It’s a really good showcase for so many people and companies.”

The Hospitality Award in memory of Hilary Scott, sponsored by REDA

McDONALDS is once again lending its support by sponsoring The Inspiration Award, recognising someone who has inspired a community initiative or helped others to do so, and provided as role model for the town’s young people.

Richard Forte has worked with McDonalds for more than 20 years, including as a chief operations officer, and is now the franchisee and business owner of 30 restaurants in the south.

Mr Forte said: “This category was decided upon with (Pride of Reading’s) Hilary Scott and Sally Swift when we started supporting the awards four years ago.

“We wanted to find something which would recognise role models who are doing fantastic jobs and making a difference in people’s lives, and this category was right for that.”

He explained: “The nominees don’t do it for the limelight; they want to make a difference.

“This provides a platform for the recognition they deserve, and personally speaking to inspire others to emulate the great work they do in our society.”

He said also: “I was born here in Reading and I’ve been fortunate enough to buy businesses and grow my business within reading owning the McDonald’s restaurants.

“It just feels natural to want to put something back into sponsoring a platform that gives people that spotlight.”

Putting Reading on the Map sponsored Jacobs and The Purple Turtle

HILTON is returning to the Pride of Reading Awards as sponsor of the Community of the Year Award, recognising a neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit through working together to make their area better place to live.

Director of Operations at Hilton Ferooz Yaqubi said: “The community award itself is very important, because there are so many in Reading doing so much for others that aren’t in the spotlight.

“We choose to sponsor the award to give them that recognition so that they feel proud of the fantastic things they’re doing.

“We hope it will also give inspiration to others; Pride of Reading is one of the best events I’ve been a part of, personally.

“I actually get rather emotional, but when you see the inspirational people in the room, it makes me proud to be part of Reading, and Hilton is proud to be a part of that.”

He explained: “Reading is such a big town, but when it comes to getting together, everyone knows one another.

“The community is so together, and every year we see how interconnected Reading is as a community.”

Young Person of the Year sponsored by Reading Today

DE

VERE Wokefield

Estate will sponsor Pride of Reading’s Family of the Year award, celebrating a family who have shown each other love, support, respect and kindness.

Camilla Bailey, director of sales at De Vere, believes the values of the award are aligned with the ethos of the hotel.

She said: “We wanted to make sure that we’re contributing back to the local community. We are a family hotel, as well as a business hotel, and have children’s areas, play parks and things like that.

“So we thought the Family of the Year award was the one for us to make sure that we were giving back and showing our appreciation.”

Ms Bailey was full of praise for the Pride of Reading awards and the impact it can have in recognising the efforts of the town’s residents.

“It’s a huge community event. All of the local Reading community come together and really showcase all things from families, businesses and everything else.

“A lot of the people involved don’t come from backgrounds which are particularly elite or anything.

“So we just wanted to be able to support the community as much as possible, and to help them.”

READING Economy & District Agency (REDA) will be sponsoring The Hospitality Award, inspired by and in memory of Hilary Scott.

The category recognises excellence in the hospitality industry, either a person or business which has shown resilience, outstanding dedication to their customers and a strong commitment to Reading.

Nigel Horton Baker, the chief executive of REDA, said: “It’s the first award that we’ve sponsored, so we’re really excited about that.

“We are the destination agency, we promote the area for tourists and visitors. One of the important things in that is the hospitality offer that we provide, so it’s fitting we’re sponsoring the award.”

Mr Baker identified the link with Reading stalwart Hilary Scott, who died in last August, as a major factor in supporting the award.

“The particular criteria that we’re looking for from applicants really does sum up what Hilary was about.

“We’re looking for resilience, Hilary always faced up to a challenge and came up with good solutions to problems. We’re looking for good customer care. And we’re looking for commitment to Reading as well.

“Hilary liked to travel, and as the old saying goes, ‘you could take the Hilary out of Reading, but you couldn’t take the Reading out of Hilary.’”

THE PURPLE Turtle and Jacobs the Jewellers are combining to sponsor the inaugural Putting Reading on the Map award at the Pride of Reading Awards.

It recognises a person, group or business who, through their commitment and dedication to Reading, has raised the profile of the town in a positive and influential light.

Danny Fraifeld, owner of The Purple Turtle, said: “This award means a lot to Greg [Muden] and myself as partners of The Purple Turtle.

“We’re pretty much from Reading, we’ve been in the town for 33 years and seen it grow – it’s a lovely town, there’s a lot going for it.”

He also described the venue as a “supporter of Reading”, highlighting the community spirit within the town.

Jacobs, a third-generation family-run jewellers, is also supporting the award. “There’s a lot of diversity in Reading and it’s just about getting it out there for everyone to appreciate the delights it has to offer,” Mr Fraifeld added.

“It’s a lovely community. There are great transport links, you’ve got the river, the festival and lots of diverse businesses in the town centre.

“Reading has a lot to offer and that’s why we’re sponsoring the award.”

READING Today is sponsoring a category for the first time this year with the inaugural Young Person of the Year Award.

This recognises an exceptional person under 25 who has shown resilience, selflessness, and commitment, as well as showing their own pride in Reading.

It will be the first time an award will be selected by members of the public. Reading Today general manager Eddie Pearce said: “Along with being a media partner this year, we are sponsoring the Young Person of the Year category with the winner being voted by our loyal readers in print and online.

“We are really looking forward to hearing about the great work done by the Reading young folk and then celebrating with the winner on the night.”

CCTV released after ear bitten off

POLICE have released CCTV footage as part of an appeal following an incident of serious assault in Reading.

At around 1am on Saturday, March 25, three men assaulted another man in the Coconut Bar in St Mary’s Butts.

The victim was punched in the face and also suffered a serious injury to his ear after it was bitten off by one of the offenders.

The victim, a man in his forties, required hospital treatment but has since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses.

Detective Constable Michael Hope of CID based at Reading, said: “This was a horrendous attack, which has left the victim with permanent damage.

“We are releasing images of three men who we believe may have information in connection with this incident.

“If this is you, or you recognise them please contact us via 101 quoting reference 43230137117.”

Ray Mears to give presentation at Reading Climate Festival

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

AS WELL as a whole host of talks and exhibits, the upcoming climate festival in Reading will also see a presentation by a famous face.

Ray Mears will be among those giving talks at Reading Climate Festival, which will see a number of speakers accompanied by a striking replica globe installation.

The Town Hall will be home to a world-famous piece of art by Luke Jerram when his Gaia project visits this summer.

The artwork features a globe constructed with the use of high-resolution NASA imagery, totalling around seven metres in diameter.

It will also include a bespoke, surround-sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, creating an immersive experience.

In his talk, Ray Mears will take a look at the world around us in a talk exploring our very own “spaceship” and how we are all connected as its passengers.

He said that it is something of a return to his first ever spoken presentations: “One of

my very first lectures used a photograph of our planet, the Blue Dot.

“I tried to make people consider the implications of

HAyFEVER

our actions on the planet on a broader basis, and I think the installation will be stunning to see.”

He says the perceived void between art and science is something which is dispelled by exhibits such as the Gaia work.

“It’s fascinating that astronauts who have orbited the Earth often turn to poetry or art to try and express those emotions that they experienced looking down on our planet.

“When you look at the globe, you feel holistically towards it,

and that can transgress political boundaries.

“When I look at it, I think about bird migrations rather than human flags and maps.”

Mears’ decades-spanning career has seen him travel around the world, which he said: “makes you alert to the fragility and the importance of our planet.

“Science sometimes struggles to find what it has discovered, or explain concepts they’re grappling with at the cutting edge.

“So it’s often easier to talk about a feeling or a sense of these things, and then to look for the evidence to actually back it up.”

He says also that Reading is a suitable setting for such a meeting of scientific endeavours and artistic representation, of which Professor Ed Hawkins’ climate stripes are a good example.

“Reading is quite cutting edge in terms of technology, I think it’s very fitting that the exhibition come to the town.

“My own feelings are shaped by some of the cultures I’ve met, such as those in North America who talk about the Earth as their mother.”

Gaia is the name of the Ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, known as “Mother of all life.”

Reading Climate Festival takes place between Saturday, June 10, and Friday, June 21.

Luke Jerram’s Gaia will be installed in Reading Town Hall as part of the festival from Saturday-Sunday, June 10-18.

Ray Mears: The World Around Us will take place in the same venue from 1pm on Friday, June 16.

n Tickets to both the talk and the installation are available via: whatsonreading.com/gaia

Athletes receive funding boost

Cllr Paul Gittings (Reading Sports Fund Trustee), Fiona Vince (Reading Oddfellows District Chairman), Asinia Byfield, Mayor Rachel Eden, Esmae Elmore, Sophie Gray, and Russell Vince. Picture: Reading Borough Council/ Oddfellows

THREE ATHLETES have a spring in their step thanks to a funding boost.

The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, welcomed them and their families for a presentation of their Reading Sports Aid Fund Awards.

The fund makes small grants to promising sportspeople of any age or level of competition, and is to help with competition and training costs, or for specific equipment.

Sophie Gray, 25, is a member of Reading Rowing Club and the World Class Start Programme. She was awarded £200 to help with the costs of equipment and competition.

Asinia Byfield, 33, is a super welterweight boxer with 16 career wins.

He received £200 to help with

training and equipment costs.

And Esmae Elmore, 6, who only took up gymnastics last year and has already won medals in county competitions, has benefitted from £100 to help with the cost of training.

The Oddfellows Reading District, which is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies, has been the sole contributor to the Reading Sports Aid Fund in recent years.

Its Chairman, Fiona Vince, attended with her husband, Russell.

“It’s wonderful to see that local athletes are able to benefit from the Reading Sports Aid Fund, and I wish them every success in their sporting careers,” she said.

Cllr Eden, who is also Chair of the Reading Sports Aid Fund,

said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the successful recipients of this year’s Reading Sports Aid Fund.

“We are extremely grateful to the Reading Oddfellows for their generous sponsorship.

“Their support is so much appreciated and not only helps local athletes financially, but also helps us to acknowledge the achievements of these talented sportsmen and women.”

n More information and the application form for the Reading Sports Aid Fund are available at www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/ active-reading/sport/sports-aidsports-futures/.

n People wishing to find out more about the Oddfellows should contact District Secretary Debbie Jex on 0118 957 3354 or Debbie.Jex@oddfellows.co.uk

Luke Jerram’s Gaia will be exhibited in Reading Town Hall from June 10-21

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Ray Mears will give a talk at the Reading Climate Festival this June, looking at how earth is its own spaceship and we are the passengers Picture: Courtesy REDA

Hundreds celebrate a happy Eid

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

AROUND 300 people gathered in East Reading to mark one of the most important annual celebrations of Islam.

Eid Fest 2023 welcomed visitors young and old for a colourful afternoon at The Warehouse on Cumberland Road, featuring performances, food, stalls and activities.

Eid al-Fitr sees the end of

the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan and falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

Organiser Usman Khan said: “It went really well. The community really enjoyed their time, especially the kids, who loved the magic show.

“There were so many smiles and so much laughter. All the feedback we received was positive, which is always a good thing.”

Visitors were treated to Pakistani and Chinese street food, a variety of desserts and Karak and pink chai.

The face painting and henna stalls also delighted those in attendance.

Mr Khan added that this was the first time that all events during Ramadan had been able to go ahead as normal since the pandemic, including getting together for prayers.

Royals ball person applications open

READING Football Club are holding trials for new ball persons ahead of their 2023-24 campaign.

Prospective applicants will be put through their paces at the Reading FC Indoor Training Centre at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, June 3.

The opportunity is open to

children aged from 12-17 on August 1.

Successful candidates will be required to work at all first team home matches held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, as well as additional age-group and women’s fixtures.

Applications should be made via email, and must include the child’s full

name, date of birth and current age, and a parental email address and mobile contact number.

The deadline is 4pm on Friday, May 19.

The trials take place from 10am-noon.

n For more information or to apply, visit: www.readingfc. co.uk

Double Okay showcases queer talent in latest exhibition

A VENUE in Reading is hosting an evening to celebrate queer and outsider art in a new exhibition.

U Slip Into will see art of all mediums displayed and performed at the Rising Sun Arts Centre to showcase queer talent and explore the artists’ experiences through their work.

The event sought experimental works of any medium, including visual work and films, from queer artists in and around Reading.

Performance pieces will take place at the exhibition throughout the evening, with video and digital works also being projected into the space.

The event is organised

by Double Okay, a Readingbased queer and transgender arts collective which hosts cabaret, drag, workshops, and exhibitions.

It began in 2018 with a U Slip Into exhibition in The After Dark, and has gone on to be part of a number of key queer events in Reading, including the first ever Trans Pride event last year.

Its recent events include the regular LGBTQ+ craft sessions, life drawing classes, and an exhibition exploring communication through written letters.

U Slip Into is showing at The Rising Sun Arts Centre from 7pm on Friday, May 5.

Tickets are pay what you like, with proceeds split between artists, available via: whatsonreading.com

Double Okay has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination.

Attendees are required to respect the personal space of fellow guests, and those of all genders, expressions, and sexualities are welcome.

Safe spaces are provided, though guests are reminded that only the ground floor of the venue is wheelchair accessible.

More information about Double Okay is available online via: doubleokay.org

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for information, witnesses, CCTV or doorbell footage following a report of an attempted burglary in Reading.

The incident took place in Chazey Road, between 10.20pm-1am on Monday, April 24/Tuesday, April 25.

If you have any information, CCTV or door cam footage from around the time of this incident, contact the police by calling 101 quoting reference 43230177375 or report online.

If you do not want to talk to officers, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Attempted burglary Big Jay at Bar 77

DRAG is back at Bar 77 with their latest showcase of Reading’s queer talent in Big Jay’s Big Drag Show: Kings and Things.

The drag monarch is bringing a hand-picked selection of performers to their regular event celebrating drag kings and non-binary artists including Artie, Ludus Crous, Meatgirl, and Philli Me Up.

Big Jay’s Big Drag Show takes place at Bar 77, Kings Road, on Saturday, April 29. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets and more details available via: outsavvy.com

CELEBRATION: All ages came to The Warehouse in Cumberland Road on Saturday for an Eid celebration. They included Aimen (8), Zakria (6) and Anabia (3½) Pictures: Dijana Capan DVision Images

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Too much Easter chocolate...

IT’S been two weeks since the children went back to school/nursery and we are still eating up Easter chocolate.

Every cupboard I open seems to reveal yet another half-eaten egg. I’ve never been so fed up with the stuff.

And this is coming from someone who eats chocolate daily. A person who comes from a long line of daily-chocolate-eaters.

Officially bored of even the best of the best (Cadbury) I’ve resorted to getting my sugar-fix elsewhere.

The holidays were a perfect mix of fun and lazy days. I can say this now, with the gift of hindsight, but by the second week I was starting to worry we hadn’t done enough “exciting things” with Maia.

“Everyone seems to be on holiday or at some National Trust house,” I lament to Joel.

“Are you joking? She’s having the best time,” he assures me.

I thought back to what we’d done so far: There was the afternoon at California Country Park when the sun shone but I had to be embarrassingly assertive with a group of queuejumping children.

It was for the zip-wire and Maia had been waiting her turn for several minutes.

“Er…has everyone had a go??”

She told me off, smiling.

The following day she went shopping with Grandma which is always the best because when you can’t decide between two things, she simply buys you both. (The reason I had two prom dresses.) This does not help your decision making skills but let’s face it everyone is happy.

I took her to the cinema one morning to see The Super Mario Bros Movie which I enjoyed more than I’d anticipated. She had various playdates and an introduction to Nerf guns (I enjoyed this not at all). There was the inevitable Dinton visit and dinner at Wagamama.

Many hours were whiled away at Grandma and Grandad’s making up dances and den-building. The latter is Maia’s new favourite pastime.

Joel helped her construct one in our living room. It was splendid; dark and cosy, as dens should be. We all lay squished up together inside it and I was transported right back to my own childhood of furniture-moving and blanket-arranging.

The three of them spent half the day in the torch-lit den watching films and eating chocolate, I think Joel relished this as much as the children.

They had a gorgeously wholesome Good Friday at a friend’s house; cupcake decorating and playing dress up with other little ones. Disney music played in the background which made me quite joyful.

Easter Sunday and Monday were spent at our respective families, taking turns to hold babies and checking the locations of various toddlers. (Joel’s parents have grandchildren born every year since 2019, including one set of twins, so holidays are always crazy in the best of ways.)

The Easter bunny pulled out all the stops this year and wrote a separate personalised handwritten hunt for each of the children; Leo was surprisingly good at solving the clues.

I’d forgotten how carried away the bunny’s assistant had gotten in Waitrose, panic-buying more chocolate than a family could eat in a month.

The children racked up a total of three egg hunts this Easter, which I think is good going.

The holidays ended with the arrival of Maia’s new baby brother, her dad’s partner, not me, I’d have mentioned this sooner.

When asked if she’s excited about meeting her newest sibling: “Yes but..another little brother?” n Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Free Dog Man, Spider-Man, Turtles and Star

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

THEY say the best things in life are free, and that’s certainly true for a Reading retailer giving away Dog Man, Spider-Man, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comics early next month.

Crunch Comics, based in the Harris Arcade, is joining other comic book stores across the globe for the annual Free Comic Book Day.

AN ART show held in Pangbourne earlier this month has been hailed as a great success by organisers and artists.

Members of Pangbourne Rotary Club held the annual art event in Pangbourne Village Hall, and saw 40 local artists sell 40 pictures with a combined value approaching £4,000, raising more than £1,800 for charity as a result.

The exhibition was opened on Friday, April 14 by three of the four Deputy Lieutenants of Berkshire: Rohit Tanna, Carole Jackson-Doerge and Dr Christina Hill Williams, and organiser Clive Williams.

Among the new initiatives this year, there were craft stalls selling jewellery and clothing, light

refreshments, and a display of some of the press cuttings showcasing Pangbourne Rotary’s work over the past year.

The Rotary Club’s chosen charity for the event is Young People and Children First (YPACF), which gives a home to people aged 16-25 who are leaving care or who are homeless.

CEO Tracy Underwood explained the work the of charity and the charity had volunteers in attendance throughout the weekend.

n For more details, in its work, email: info@ypacf.org.uk.

n For more on Pangbourne Rotary’s work, or to join, email: membership@ pangbournerotary.org.uk

Ding is a hot spot for sun

READING is the country’s hot spot when it comes to sun trap (give or take London)

Where’s the best place to go if you want a bit of sunshine? Why, Reading of course.

It is, according to a new study, the second best place in the country to catch some vitamin D.

Top for tannins is London.

A team from Betway looked at some of the most populated cities (and, cough, towns) around the country, ranking them on sunshine credentials. This included the average number of daylight hours in the year, which month of the year has the most sun, average annual temperature, the number of beaches/distance to the nearest beach, average annual rainfall and how windy the area is (km).

London scored 44.6 out of 70, putting it top of the tree. It includes an average temperature of 11.1ºC,

while Reading’s overall score was 39.6/70.

The report found that Reading has one of the highest number of average annual daylight hours in the UK, with an average day length of 11 hours and 15 minutes.

Although it has a reputation for being a rainy city, Manchester was third with a score of 29.6/70 – it is the least windy city in the UK, with an average speed of 15.8km.

Bournemouth was fourth, Brighton fifth.

As well as weather, the study also included the most popular/ visited landmark, landmark Instagram hashtags, and landmark TikTok discover views in their research.

n For more details, or to read the full report, log on to: https://blog. betway.com/casino/suntrap-citiesthe-sunniest-places-in-the-uk-andbeyond/

The event, on Coronation Saturday, May 6, will see stores offer new readers their chance to take two specially produced comic books from a selection of more than 25 different titles. They include exclusive comics devoted to Star Trek, The Avengers, Animal Crossing, Red Sonja, and Conan The Barbarian.

For some people who have only watched the Marvel and DC movies, this is a chance to discover the comics that inspired the films. For others, it will be a first opportunity to discover the unique form of storytelling.

The event was planned before the date of King Charles III’s coronation was known and, because it’s a worldwide day, it is still going ahead. The store will open an hour earlier –9am – to cope with demand.

In some ways, it’s a bit like Record Store Day, and stocks of the free titles are on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations.

There will also be some special offers available including a chance to buy some back issues for just £1 per issue.

The store has been selling comics, graphic novels, manga, T-shirts and collectibles since January 2017. In the same year, Crunch Comics was voted Reading’s Favourite Shop in September as part of the Reading Retails Awards.

Brian Wong, Crunch Comics

owner, was looking forward to this year’s Free Comic Book Day, and is anticipating demand will outstrip supply.

“This will be our seventh year participating in Free Comic Book Day,” he explained. “Last year, over 150 people visited us on FCBD and we’re excited to welcome even more comic fans to the store this May.

“We’ll have over 25 different FCBD 2023 special edition comic titles available to choose from: from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to

on for 1,000 new blood plasma donors

Search

A CALL has been made to find more than 1,000 new blood plasma donors across the Reading and Wokingham areas.

The NHS is holding its first-ever Plasma Donation Week this week, just two years after a change in the law allowed collections to be restarted.

Plasma is made into a medicine called immunoglobulin, which can treat more than 50 diseases by strengthening or stabilising the immune system. Last year, 525 people across the Thames Valley received immunoglobulin

The plasma donor centre on Reading’s Kings Road has welcomed 2,266 donors – but more are needed to help people like Scott Taylor from Reading.

His wife, Barbara ‘Bea’ Taylor, a 42-year-old children’s worker from west Reading, donates plasma after he was treated with immunoglobulin medicine made from plasma.

Scott had immune thrombocytopenia, an autoimmune disorder. His body was destroying his own platelets, the tiny cells that help blood to clot, putting him at risk of

serious internal bleeding.

He was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and treatment included intravenous infusions of immunoglobulin.

They first noticed the illness when he developed tell-tale purple coloured pinprick bruises on his skin. His platelet count was around 2-3% of what it should be.

Bea said: “I just think donating is a good way to give back. You never know when you are going to need it. The donor centre staff are lovely and it’s very calm and quiet.

“I was surprised how similar it was to donating blood.

“We never expected Scott to need treatment, it was totally out of the blue. Now I donate and you never know whose life that little bag of plasma will change.”

NHS research shows that awareness is low but willingness to donate is high.

Near the Reading centre, most people have still not heard about plasma donation but when asked 53% of people would be happy to donate.

As part of the awareness week,

GALLERY OF FUNDRAISING: The launch of the Pangbourne Rotary Club art show

Rotary Club’s art show hailed as a great success

GIVEAWAY: Brian Wong from Crunch Comics selection of 25 different titles Picture: Phil Creighton

SUNNY SIDE UP: Reading is a great place to catch some rays Picture: Dijana Capan

Spider-Man, Ninja Star Trek comics

Street parties remembered ahead of coronation

ahead of this year’s Free Comic Book Day. The store is giving away free comics from a Creighton

Spider-Man, from Animal Crossing to Dog Man - so there’s sure to be something for all the family.

“So, whether you’re already a regular comic reader or perhaps you haven’t read comics for a while but are interested in getting back into reading comics – or even if you’ve never tried reading comics before –there’s sure to be a Free Comic Book Day special edition comic for you.”

He added: “To celebrate FCBD, we’ll have a huge sale on our regular bagged and boarded back issue

comics – all of these will be £1 each. Plus, we’ll also have a sale on selected figures and collectibles. And of course, customers can browse our usual range of fantastic comics, manga and graphic novels.”

He’s looking forward to welcoming new readers: “On Free Comic Book Day, FCBD 2023 special edition comics are absolutely FREE and it’s a brilliant opportunity to try something new.”

n For more details, log on to: www. crunchcomics.com or search Facebook for Crunch Comics.

DONOR AND RECIPIENT:

SOUTH Reading residents geared up for King Charles III’s coronation with an event which showcased the ward’s greatest celebrations.

The Whitley CDA’s Way Back When exhibition series’ latest offering saw visitors enjoy snaps from the end of World War II, the Festival of Britain and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner said: “All in all, it was a very successful morning, so successful we overran our time by almost an hour.

“I was able to amass a collection of more than 50 photographs depicting these events.

“This display proved to be a big hit, with many visitors going into overdrive to share memories and stories. At times like these, I wish some of the stories were recorded, something to think about in the future.”

The same man was also able to pick out his mother and aunt, as well as most of his neighbourhood in one of the street party snaps.

“More than 100 residents responded with positive messages after the event on Saturday. There’s pressure on me now to organise the next event,” Mr Turner said.

“The theme will be on the shows and plays which used to be held in the Community Centre hall and stage.”

Although the date has not been confirmed, the event will take place in July. There has been significant interest in reunions for specific streets in Whitley, something which the museum will potentially look into in the future.

Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23

Beloved for its mild climate and miles of golden sands, Torquay provides us with the perfect base for our relaxing short break away. From here we explore this picturesque corner of the West Country, including a visit to Exeter, the capital of Devon.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Excursion to Exeter

Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£10pp)

4 Days by Coach only £189

there will be recruitment events in the University of Reading and Broad St. Mall shopping centre.

Paula Ussher, Manager of Reading Plasma Donor Centre, said: “Donating plasma is safe and easy – and it feels great to donate and provide lifesaving medicines.

“We know most people haven’t heard of plasma donation but when they do find out about it, they want to save lives.

“This year, we need more than 1,000 more people to become regular donors at our centre, to improve supplies for the long term.

“We’re proud of our donors. Please join them by searching ‘donate plasma’ to register now.”

And this was echoed by Dr Rachael

Departing Fri 23 Jun ‘23

Barbara Taylor donates plasma to help her husband Scott. The pair are hoping more plasma donors will come forward The Emergency-Alert

Mr Turner particularly enjoyed hearing from a visitor who recognised the room he was born in in one of the displayed photographs.

POETRY CORNER

O’Brien, a consultant immunologist at Frimley Park Hospital, whose team covers Reading and Berkshire, said: “As an immunologist, I see how plasma donation helps to save and improve lives.

“Plasma is a lifesaving part of your blood which can be made into immunoglobulin medicines, which strengthen and stabilise the immune system.

“Many people in Berkshire may not ever have heard of plasma donation. But you have a medicine in you which has the power to save and transform someone’s life.”

n For more details, or to help, search ‘donate plasma’ to register now or visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma

At 3pm on Sunday came the siren: The government’s brand new alert, Piercingly-loud and shocking And my labrador’s ears were hurt!

Good to know they’re planning for the day Putin sends his nukes, We know he’s got it in him ... Just look how low he’s stooped! But some folks didn’t get the call, Their mobiles failed to ring, Big Brother had forgotten them, Not so much as a muted ping!

They’re probably the lucky ones, A nuke’s one of our biggest dreads And that kind of early-warning Would really mess with our heads!

Mr Turner was also keen to thank WCDA members who helped prepare the displays and provide the refreshments on the day.

n For more information about future events, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com

Take in a weekend of south-west scenery in Torquay, where the gorgeous sea views and sandy beaches make it the perfect place to escape for a few days of rest and relaxation, with excursions to some of the most inspiring destinations along the south coast.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment every evening

 Excursions to Dawlish & Teignmouth

Optional excursion to Dartmouth (£8pp)

4 Days by Coach only £189

But us “chosen ones” are waiting For Rishi to issue us with lead ... No 2 metre rule or handwashing Will halt nuclear-radiation spread! Pam Ski

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today

READY TO CELEBRATE: Whitley’s Way Back When event focused on the ward’s street parties. Picture: David Turner

Time to shine for Pride of Reading

THE launch of this year’s Pride of Reading awards was a great occasion.

A moment to celebrate all that’s good about the town, and anticipate the many nominations that will come forward in coming months.

The awards champion our communities and, as this year’s theme makes clear, shines a light on the unsung heroes that live among us.

There are some terrific categories championing businesses, fundraisers, community groups, and children – every part of our great town.

Every winner is handpicked after hours of deliberation by judges. They really do look over every nomination carefully.

We our proud to be a media partner of Pride of Reading, because we are proud of the town, and its people.

We want to ensure this year’s awards are a success, and we want you to play your part in it.

Nominating people is quick and easy. It’s also free.

So have a think about who you could put forward – who makes your proud to be in Reading?

CHURCH NOTES

So help me God

IALWAYS assumed I had some kind of handle on life but as I get older I think maybe I’m wrong.

Maybe I have been given clarity by living in a post-pandemic world where it’s become increasingly obvious that areas of life remain outside our ability to control. It seems that we might need some kind of back-up plan to help us when life becomes confusing.

A new monarch, King Charles III, will be crowned in a few days, and within his coronation oaths he will say the words ‘so help me God’.

I like that – the new King has an ancient backup plan.

For me these celebrations give time to ponder where my back-up is.

Who is king of my heart, my God? Who is the one I look to that offers love and guidance? Who can I rely on in this world where we have little control? Who do I offer my time to?

Who is my maker, the one who can hold me safe as I face illness, grief and sorrow?

I wonder also, who is your God? Who do you turn your gaze towards as the foundation of your life?

There’s a lovely verse in scripture that says that as human beings we are to ‘rest the full weight of our hopes on the grace that will be ours when Jesus Christ reveals himself’ (1 Peter 1:13).

Has Jesus Christ revealed himself in you I wonder?

I put the full weight of my hopes in with the resurrected king, the king of love, so that where I lack strength I am offered hope, courage and a rock solid back-up on which to grow even when life seems out of control.

I pray the same for you today, that you may know there is an ancient back-up plan in place for you too. Much love,

Amy Cavender, from Greyfriars and New Hope Community churches, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Think about how you vote

Next week we are all going to the Polling Stations, before you cast your vote think about what is happening today high living costs and more and more people going out on strike.

It isn’t the Government’s fault that prices rose but the troubles over the World i.e. the cost of vaccinations for Covid, war in the Ukraine and gas shortages etc etc.

We are all feeling the pinch but have to budget very carefully.

If we had left it to the Labour and Lib Dem we would have waited longer for them to solve the problem and more deaths.

Alan, via email

Soft, strong and very long

As in any conflict, the first casualty of electioneering is the truth. Both Tories and LibDems have been equally guilty of perpetrating some absolute whoppers, if the content of what has plopped through my letterbox so far is any guide (I cannot comment on others, as nothing from them has hit the mat).

So, as the candidates strain over their final push to polling day, I have one heartfelt request: should they be planning to distribute any more leaflets, please could they be printed on softer paper, so that they can then at least serve a useful and fitting purpose in my household?

Many thanks.

Charles Leigh, via email

Pets please!

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today

We reserve the right to edit letters

Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Take the £1,000 challenger for Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now’s £1000 challenge is back, and we need as many people as possible to sign up to help fund life-saving breast cancer research.

The challenge is exactly as it sounds. All you need to do is raise £1,000. How you do that is completely up to you.

Whether it’s a sponsored cycle or walk, a ball or a bake sale, or even your very own mini-festival (yes, someone really did that!) we’ll be here to support you all the way.

In the UK, someone dies from breast cancer every 45 minutes. But research has the power to change this.

All life-saving drugs begin their journey as an idea that’s investigated in the laboratory by the brightest minds in research. Breast Cancer Now is currently funding around 70 cutting-edge research projects that provide people at risk or affected by breast cancer hope there can be a better future for those diagnosed. By taking on the £1,000 challenge, every pound you raise will go towards helping our scientists answer the most pressing questions - like how can we improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, or what makes some triple negative breast cancers more aggressive and more likely to spread?

If you reach your target by October, we’ll send you an exclusive pin badge to wear with pride, knowing you’ve helped

From the leader

Cllr Jason Brock

the scientists at Breast Cancer Now move closer towards a future where everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well.

Together, we can make this possible.

Challenge accepted? Sign up at breastcancernow. org/1000challenge

Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, Head of research communications and engagement

at Breast Cancer Now

Junior doctors pay

Sick Pay-do junior doctors really get such a poor deal?’by Kate Andrews was an article in The Spectator. It questioned if UK medics were wrong to strike or protest about their perceived low pay. I worked as a GP and hospital doctor until retirement. The massive expansion of the NHS bureaucracy forest has been staggering beyond words.

Pay and conditions are both important, if our government is serious about training and retaining doctors and nurses, but I wonder if the emphasis is wrong.

‘Filthy lucre’ is neither the problem, nor is it the solution, in regard to the dire crisis the NHS experiences in attracting and retaining doctors.

Reducing-’Appraisal’-to every 2-3 years would have minimal impact on safety or efficiency, yet would encourage a vast number of older doctors to remain in the workforce.

J T Hardy, by email

TO AVOID falling foul of polling day rules, next week’s letters page will be replaced with pictures of your pets. You can email yours to news@rdg.today, or you can comment on our social media pages. Enjoy looking at all the many cute and furry friends next week

Volunteer corner

ENRYCH Berkshire is a Registered Charity providing support to people with a disability to enable them to access leisure, social and learning activities.

They are seeking to add new skills and interests to our Trustee Board. You will be joining an experienced, supportive and dedicated team of Trustees who work to the philosophy that those with physical disabilities should be encouraged and enabled to reach their potential.

They are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about this work and feels that they have something they can bring to the success of the charity.

n Versus Arthritis, a community supporting those

Helping Reading meet its potential

NEXT Thursday, May 4, is election day in Reading. As is usual in our town, one-third of the Council’s seats are up, plus an additional by-election seat in Park ward.

I’m very proud that Reading Labour have once again laid out an aspirational and ambitious agenda for your consideration at the elections, which you can find at readinglabour.org.uk/ reading-labour-manifesto-2023. We build on our track record of delivering for Reading.

North, south, east, and west, whichever way you look across the town, big improvements are happening in 2023.

You may have already visited the new community swimming pool and gym in east Reading at Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium. Or, looking towards the north, perhaps you’ve watched the new Rivermead leisure centre taking shape on the banks of the Thames.

In the south, Reading’s first new train station for 117 years is now just weeks away from public use at Green Park Station. Delivered by the Council along with its rail partners, I’m certain it will prove to be a welcome new option for residents living nearby and for Royals fans getting to and from home games.

And in the west of the borough, the modernisation of Reading West Station is fast taking shape.

We are also modernising playgrounds all over Reading, including a brand-new playground for the town at Prospect Park.

Looking across the Borough, you’ll see evidence of Labour’s biggest Council house building project in a generation. We’ve expanded our ambition and now have over 400 Council homes in the pipeline, including provision for key workers and for the older residents. We are also retrofitting hundreds of existing Council homes, making them warmer and cheaper to heat.

living with Arthritis across the UK, are seeking a volunteer to deliver Chi Me courses on behalf of Versus Arthritis to members of the public either via agreed course timetable or to VA Branch and Group.

The role will involve delivering Chi Me sessions on a rota basis either virtually or face to face as required, guiding people safely through series of Chi Me movements and encourage full participation.

The organisation will provide training for the volunteer, including a Chi Me teaching accreditation.

n Starting Point are seeking A&E Navigators to be based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s A&E departments. A&E Navigators provide one-to-one support for

young people (aged 11–25) in A&E.

A&E Navigators meet with young people who might be experiencing mental health struggles, risk-taking behaviour, or violence-related injuries. A&E Navigators are key to providing relational support in this reachable moment, which allows the team at Starting Point to connect with the young people longer term, helping them sustain positive change

A&E Navigators work in pairs and there is no set requirement for regularity of volunteering.

It could be once or twice a month, once every six weeks, or sporadic, subject to work and availability.

You don’t need to be an expert in local community support, just the passion to want to support young people who need it most.

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.

And we continue to invest in low carbon technologies, building on the town’s 55% reduction in its carbon footprint in just 13 years –the 4th best in the UK (and once again recognised internationally in the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Global A-List).

All of this is against a backdrop of major challenges faced by every council. Just as the cost of living crisis impacts on your household budget, inflationary pressures will cost the Council nearly £9 million extra this year, at a time when revenues remain down from the ongoing impact of the pandemic. And despite repeated promises, the continued failure of the Conservative Government to solve the national social care funding crisis means we have also had to budget for an additional £4.4m this year for Adult Social Care to provide for those residents who rely on us alongside an extra £2.5m for children’s services.

The balance between maintaining a strong local economy, investing in modern new facilities for residents and providing support to those who need our help the most during a cost of living crisis, is not an easy one to strike, but I believe our plans achieve just that.

Our priority remains helping Reading realise its potential by creating new opportunities so that everyone who lives and works here can share in the benefits of our amazing town’s success. If you share our vision of a successful, fairer, greener, cleaner town, I hope you’ll lend Labour your vote on Thursday 4th May.

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote. He is not a candidate in this year’s local elections n A longer version of this piece is on our website

THE LEADER of Reading Borough Council, Jason Brock, says he is pleased with the progress Labour has made in running the council over the past 12 months.

At the last local elections, the party picked up two thirds of the available seats – 32 out of 48. This time there are 17 seats contested. The success of his party doesn’t come a big surprise to Jason.

“I think it’s testament to the fact that we have fantastic community champions standing up around the town. We’re the only party that is active across the entire town, and I’m very humbled the electorate put their faith in so many Labour councillors,” he says. “It’s a testament to the fact those candidates work really hard, not just in election time but in the build up to it as well.”

Last year, the Green party become Reading’s opposition party. How has Jason found the change? “I think I’ve often been a bit disappointed that the Greens haven’t been more collaborative,” he says. “The Conservatives, at times, could really make use of the committee system to try and improve things we were proposing for the benefit of people around Reading.

“The Greens have had a much more straightforwardly disengaged attitude. It’s a shame they haven’t made a bit more of their status as official opposition to put us under a sort of proper scrutiny. We all embrace scrutiny in the Labour party, we know it helps make our decisions better. So, it’s been a shame we’ve just had a bit of NIMBYism rather than something a bit more constructive at times.”

This aside, Jason feels the party has achieved a lot: “It’s been an eventful and busy year,” he says. “I’m really pleased we’ve managed to drive forward a new tackling inequality strategy with pilot projects across South Reading. I’m really pleased with some of the external funding we’ve been able to bring into the town, particularly the successful levelling up funding bids.”

Add in leisure centres and train stations and yes, there’s been a lot to report on, but Jason is also proud something else.

“The things that really make me smile are some of the small things: Prospect Park playground is phenomenally busy. It is so wonderful to see. Similarly, some of the new council homes that we’ve opened over the past year. To see families moved into these and enjoying a nice life in a stable family home is a tremendous thing.”

Jason mentions the leisure centres, but Palmer Park was late in delivery, and Rivermead has also suffered a setback. Green Park station is not opening on schedule. How is this consistent with his manifesto’s aspiration vision for Reading?

“The infrastructure running behind is a sad fact of life, but it is a fact of life, especially in the context of all the disruption caused by the pandemic. I am really pleased we’ve been able to continue to make progress on those big projects, but it is shame they’re falling behind. I’m not happy about that.

“I’m impatient for these things to be open as well, but that doesn’t mean our vision is not coherent, cogent, and aspirational for Reading. Look back and you will see, very easily, this is the most ambitious programme of work for a

generation: leisure centres, transport, affordable housing, a massive programme of road resurfacing. This is very aspirational, and we’ve made that possible by stewardship of the council’s finances over the past few years to give us a real platform of stability from which we can make those investments in the town and the leverage to bring private investment as well.

“The magnificent projects like Station Hill and reshaping the area around Reading Station is entirely private finance. It’s a wonderful vote of confidence in our town.”

Council finance is an issue. There has been some discontent over the recent council tax rise, at the maximum of 4.99%something not unique to Reading, but was there another way?

“The choice was increasing council tax by the maximum amount we could or making cuts to frontline services, and cuts to frontline services would affect people up and down the town,” he says. “It seemed right, difficult though it may be, because it allowed us to continue to provide our full range of services.

“This is a failure of government, starving councils across the country. We’ve lost £50m each year under this Conservative government and that makes a huge difference to the services we can provide.”

The council, Jason adds, has additional measures to help residents who need it.

But what about the accounts – late again. Why is this an ongoing problem?

Jason says: “I think it’s compounding issues. The accounts in 2016-17 were delayed, that had a knock-on effect on all subsequent set of accounts. Having said that, the most recent set of accounts signed off by the auditors got a clean bill of health.”

He adds there is an issue nationally with not enough qualified auditors around, which frustrates him.

“I wish we could sweep through them and get them signed off, but it’s important they do their job properly and look forensically at our accounts. It’s part of that assurance mechanism to know our finances are in the right place, and robust by national standards.

“It requires action from national government to revise the way in which audits work.”

Labour’s manifesto has 90 pledges. Is that too ambitious for the council?

“We think of our manifesto as an iterative process, so every year we tend to tweak, update it, take out pledges achieved and introduce new ones. Ninety pledges may be a lot, but it’s good that we set our sights so high.

“I’d be confident over a four-year period,

as we move through the electoral cycle, we’ll be able to deliver against more and more of that.”

It talks about protecting the borough’s biodiversity, but how can that happen when there is already so much housebuilding?

Jason admits it’s a challenge. “Let’s confront it head on,” he continues. “The obvious case is the old Reading Golf Course. It’s green, there’s a lot of grass, but it’s not a great place of biodiversity. We know we need affordable housing, so it’s good there is a developer who’s come forward with plans for that golf course.

“They’re proposing a very good mix of affordable housing, but also enhancements to biodiversity. Yes, there will be less open green space, but the space there will be publicly accessible and properly biodiverse.

“We are in favour of development, but it has to be the right kind of development to suit the right social outcomes and our very high environmental standards.”

Roadworks remain an issue for many, and in recent weeks it’s felt like every road has been affected. Why does nothing seem to be happening to get this sorted?

“I get intensely frustrated with utility companies, I think there’s been a failure from both Conservative and Labour governments on this when they introduced statutory powers which effectively allowed utility companies to come in, dig up the highway, do what they need to do and move on,” he says. “Labour never removed that system and, consequently, we still have this utterly defective way of utility companies undertaking roadworks here in the UK, the sort of thing that no sensible European country would possibly allow. It causes disruption for residents on a daily basis.

“Our highways team always try and work constructively with utility providers to offer advice, such as this is not a good day do it because it’s, say, Reading Half Marathon. Our powers are far too limited. I will continue to push the government to make urgent reform to those structures. It’s not just disruptive, it’s wasteful.”

On glass recycling from the doorstep, Jason says the council is waiting for confirmation of new government regulations: “We don’t want to invest in all the infrastructure, only to find it’s no longer legally permissible in the way we choose to do it”.

Jason says Labour had a big vision for the future of the town. “We have a sort of generation-defining moment to get a more modal shift in terms of transport, to get people out of cars and on to the bus, their bike, or walking around town,” he says. “We need to encourage that modal shift, not just for the environment, but also because I think we’ll lead a much happier life.

“Around June, July time a new local transport plan for Reading will map out that vision for the borough.

“More fundamentally, I want Reading to be a fairer, greener and cleaner town.

“We are a town that has phenomenal economic success and I want that to be shared around all our communities and neighbourhoods. That’s why tackling inequality is so important.”

He adds: “Only Labour has a record of delivering for Reading right across the town. Our candidates are real community champions and they want to work hard for you.”

A longer version of this interview is on our website

FOUNDED in 2015, the Women’s Equality Party has a branch in Reading and Wokingham headed up by Louise Timlin. While still a relatively new political entity, it is growing and recently held an event that attracted more than 100 people.

Louise says she joined early on, saying she felt so passionate about the WEP’s aims she had to be part of it. Since then, she has organised events to raise awareness, and has stood for election in Evendons ward in Wokingham borough. She is the party’s only candidate locally this year.

What does the party stand for?

In a nutshell, equality: equal pay and opportunity, equal representation in politics and industry, shared parenting, equal education, equal treatment in the media are all things Louise mentions. The party also wants action on violence against women and girls.

“In every one of those key policy areas, we still have gaps that are not being addressed at the national or local level by any party,” she says.

The WEP is small, and funded by donations – no billionaire donors Louise explains. “I think for the size of party we have, we make a real influence, we’re able to bring issues forward, and we work collaboratively.

“We’re not about adversarial party politics. We have policy solutions that are well researched.”

As an example, she cites childcare as an issue that had been “ignored and ignored and ignored”, but no longer: “Finally, we have the Conservative Party making really big announcements about how they’re going to drastically change childcare provision. Labour are still working it out and we’re waiting for details for their announcement. This is because of the campaigning that organisations like the Women’s Equality Party have made – we are making a difference.”

Locally, Louise says the main focus is currently on Wokingham, and says that they have also been trying to work collaboratively with the council on a number of issues.

As a party with no councillors and one candidate, it’s clear they have to work differently to make their voice heard. How are they engaging with the public?

“We’ve had stalls at various fairs, and we want to talk to people to find out what are the important things that matter to them locally,” Louise says.

“We have also had petitions.

“People are really interested in what we do, why we do it, and talking about the issues. In general, we’ve had a really positive response.”

What about the people who want to know why there isn’t a men’s equality party and International Men’s Day? “Well,” Louise says, “Men’s Day is November 19. There is nothing to stop people organising events on International Men’s Day and I’d be really happy to collaborate

on that. I think gender stereotypes and gender inequality really impact men negatively. That’s one of the conversations we have.”

This is the third time she has stood as the only local candidate for the party, and understandably the campaign trail can be a lonely path.

“It’s really hard work, particularly when you come from a small party with a smaller number of volunteers, and less money,” she explains. “It’s mostly women with paid jobs and unpaid jobs that we try and do on top of this.

“There’s a big expectation from residents, and I completely understand this, that they want you to go round and knock on doors. It takes an awful lot of time, but we’re trying to do as much as we can, because we want to engage with people as much as possible.”

She also says the aggressive nature of politics can put people off standing.

“One of the reasons I’m standing is to say politics doesn’t have to be this way, it can be done in a collaborative way that’s for the benefit of everybody.”

On council tax increases, Louise says that councils are being squeezed for funding, and this has an impact on women as they are more likely to use public services.

“When public spending gets cut, it’s women that bear the brunt of that disproportionately,” she says. It’s really important to take a really deep look at proposals being made...

“While there might be a need to raise more finances, we’ve got to make sure that the people who are going to be impacted are supported.”

So why should people get behind the Women’s Equality Party, not just on May 4, but going forward?

“We are small, but we have influence on the national and local level,” Louise says adding that she wants voters to think about the issues that matter to them, rather than voting along party lines.

“Take a bit of time, think about what the party’s stance is on these issues, what their track record is, how hard they’re going to work. Take a little bit of time and see what the candidates have been doing, how well are they embedded in the community? How do they understand the issues?

“This is about where we live, we’ve got to make sure we have the best people representing us and they’re really standing up for us.”

She adds: “The Women’s Equality Party makes sure that issues that matter to women are raised, that they’re heard and they’re active.

“My track record speaks for itself. I’ve been engaged in the community I worked at the Community Hub during covid, I used to run groups for the NCT, and was a school governor.

“We want to show that politics can be done differently. And we want to show what can be done with a different style of politics and with collaboration. I really think that we can make a difference.”

‘Only Labour has a track record of delivering across the town’

WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY

‘How the WEP is making a difference’

READING DECIDES

Clarence Mitchell says his party is contesting the election to win

READING’S Conservatives are busy campaigning to restore their place as the official opposition in the town.

In last year’s all-out local elections, the Conservatives lost some seats to Labour to end up with six councillors, and the Greens made gains so they had one more representative in the chamber.

Conservative leader Clarence Mitchell says despite this switch in roles, it’s been business as usual.

“In practical terms, it’s made no real difference. We are still committed to serving the people of Reading and delivering a strong voice to hold the Labour administration to account,” he adds. “The Greens make great play of the fact they are the second largest group and the official opposition, but in day-to-day meetings, in committees and in the chamber, we still act as if we are an equally effective opposition voice. The Labour administration take us as seriously as they did before the change last year.”

Labour has 32 seats – two-thirds of the chamber. Is such a large majority dangerous for democracy?

“I’m always careful not to criticise the electorate, they have made that decision, and choose to maintain the Labour administration in Reading,” Clarence says. “In one sense it’s not good to have an overall majority of such scale for any party. It can lead them believing they have carte blanche to do as they wish.

“But for an effective, functioning democracy, local or national, it needs the check and balance of opposing voices to challenge and push back on policies where we think we may have a better alternative and to highlight errors and mistakes.

“I would expect Labour to do the same if the situation was reversed …

“People continue to vote for them in Reading, we obviously hope they will vote in greater numbers of us, but that’s up to us to win the argument with our manifesto and with our day-to-day performance as serving councillors in those wards where we do represent the electorate.”

Because of the size of Labour’s majority, even if the Conservatives were to win all 17 seats being contested, it wouldn’t change the balance of power. However, Clarence believes that a stronger Conservative voice in the chamber would be beneficial.

“If we really believed that we couldn’t win, why would we waste time, energy and campaign money putting candidates up across Reading? We feel it’s important that everybody who may wish to vote for us has that choice,” he says. “The reality is that certain areas are traditionally Labour strongholds, but we’re in this to win.

“We are fighting hard to increase our representation across the board.”

The party has prepared a manifesto.

“We’ve got some ideas where we would hope to build on Reading’s success as a town. Where Labour has succeeded in certain areas, we’re more than happy to commend them, and where we feel they could be doing something differently we say that as well.”

Clarence’s top priority is to look at the council’s finances and see if council tax burden can be reduced.

“We feel that Labour always push it to the absolute limit every year to get

Meri O’Connell wants politics right across

it meets the right criteria.

But … “We are a packed town certainly north of the river. There are areas to the south where there could be slightly larger developments and we’re not against those. It’s a question of suitable homes in suitable locations.”

The party is also in favour of good active transport solutions. At the moment, Clarence feels Labour’s solutions is not joined up – “they dribble out to nothing in some roads” – while others, such as Sidmouth Street, aren’t used as much as people should expect.

THE SMALLEST party on Reading Borough Council, with just three seats, is the Liberal Democrats, all in Tilehurst. But their size doesn’t mean they don’t have big ideas for the town.

Leader Meri O’Connell says the party is active, and hoping to make gains on May 4.

Last year, they saw Anne Thompson and James Moore join the council chamber; Anne is up for re-election this year.

“We’re aiming for the next available option, which is to create a banking hub in Tilehurst, or as close to it as possible, because we recognise that if you go into town your banking needs are served. It’s really from Tilehurst out towards West Berkshire where there is a real absence of places to do doing once NatWest shuts.

the maximum 5% rise they’re legally allowed to go for without triggering a local referendum. In this current cost of living crisis, people are facing an even stiffer council tax bill at a time when they can probably least afford it. ,We feel there are ways of freezing council tax rise or, at least, reducing it if possible.

“It should be done in an affordable way. We feel there’s a moral case to keep that expenditure level down for people. Labour would say to us how would fund it, we would look at the budget, look at the spending of the council and where there is a surplus. This year alone, Reading received £1.8 million more in the local government settlement than they’d been expecting. There has been various government moneys flowing in from various directions to invest in the town.

“Labour have been able to put in £6m or so into the reserves this year. We would argue that should have gone to offset the council tax expenditure to freeze or fractionally reduce people’s bills.”

Another policy is to create more affordable homes. Labour want to see 400 built, and the Conservatives want more.

“This is about helping people into the security of owning their own home where possible,” Clarence explains. “Labour has agreed many, many new tower blocks and very expensive flats in the centre of Reading, which are wonderful if you can afford them. But the average person on a fairly low wage, or first-time buyers, younger people, will find them prohibitive –they just can’t move into them.

“We need to see more affordable, basic homes around the town to enable people to get a foothold on the house ladder, and to build a sense of community.

“We don’t feel that flats, as nice as they may be, offer the chance to put down roots in the way a family home does, or for a couple, or even a single person. Flats tend to change hands at a greater rate.”

The party also opposes unsustainable development. Is this at odds with their affordable homes policy?

“Nobody is against new homes,” Clarence says. “As Reading expands, there will need to be new homes. The question is where and how they will be built.”

And, with a nod to the 4,000 people who opposed plans to build homes on the former Reading Golf Club site, the Conservatives say they want local support for any development to go ahead.

“We would want to see smaller packets of homes in areas where there is more community acceptance,” he continues, saying the planning committee have to weigh up every single application to ensure

“Labour protests that joining them up is coming, but we want to see far more action on that. We would not only make cycle lanes a priority, we would be very careful about where we put any more.”

He wants the council to shake-up waste collection as well, calling for glass recycling from the kerb: “Why have many other local authorities, not least West Berkshire, been running this successfully for years?” he asks. “It works, it’s effective, and it’s a no brainer. Yes, there are cost implications but with competent management of the budget money can be allocated to it.”

The party also wants to see the situation of Reading Gaol’s future resolved, saying the plans for it to become an arts centre have cross party support.

“We want the gaol to become a nationally renowned cultural landmark, we can have huge events there that could become another reason for the Reading pin on the map to really stand out.

“We don’t just want to be a town in the shadow of London, we are a business centre, we want Reading to find its own voice, its own identity and be a much clearer place in the national consciousness.

“The first step to that is running an effective, cost effective, economically competent council that can start to deliver on all of these aspects to make Reading the place we all want it to be.”

So why should people vote Conservative on May 4?

“Labour have been in charge for well over a decade, if not longer. Do you feel that Reading is a better place for it? Do you feel that your money is being spent sensibly?

“Do you see the improvements that Labour will tell you they’re making in your day-to-day life? We would argue that you’re not. We would change things to make sure that you do.

“Your council tax will be frozen or lowered, you will have a recognition of the government support that’s coming into Reading for the £26 million that’s keeping buses on the roads. Labour don’t recognise the £19.1 million coming to rebuild The Hexagon and move the central library.

“That’s all happening, thanks to the government.

“We would ensure that where funding is available, we would get our fair share and argue for far more. As Conservative councillors, we would have the ear of government to make that case even more strongly than that which government would consider to be a relatively hostile administration.”

He also wants to ensure roads and verges are safer and better maintained.

“We believe it’s time for us to be given a chance to do that on your behalf.”

“We were very, very pleased – it was a gain election, not one where we lost,” she says. “Cllr Thompson is up for re-election this year, she’s had a brilliant first year and been an outstanding councillor. She hit the deck running and has not stopped.

“As someone who has been on the council for a few years, her energy and enthusiasm has been very refreshing and invigorating. It’s made me look at my role as councillor with fresh enthusiasm, so we want her voted back in, and we’d like to build our vote share right across the Reading area.”

Meri recalls being the only Lib Dem councillor in the chamber just a few years ago, so she’s pleased to be part of a group again. She says her party aim to be a “critical friends” to the ruling Labour group.

“We scrutinise the decisions they make, we talk to the public and the press, and try and highlight where we think they could do better and challenge where they get it wrong,” she says. “I would like to see politics that congratulates when people are doing well, even when they’re not in the same party.

“You will see, on Reading Borough Council, Lib Dems agreeing with Labour, the Greens, and occasionally, the Conservatives when they get it right.”

But the first line of the Lib Dem manifesto says they think Reading suffers from a lack of vision and leadership. How are the two views compatible?

“As a critical friend, I would like the council to raise their ambition,” Meri says. “I will praise some things they are doing, but we could do more. An example is the climate emergency, we’ve made great strides, but we should be doing more, and faster because I just don’t believe there’s the time left to debate these issues in the council chamber – we need to be taking the action right now in our town.”

The Lib Dems are also calling on NatWest to reverse the decision to close their Tilehurst branch. As the decision is probably a done deal, surely this is a waste of time and effort?

Meri says while she thinks the branch will close, Tilehurst needs an alternative solution.

“We’re trying to get the Link organisation – a collaborative organisation of banks – to consider us for a hub. It wouldn’t be run by one particular bank, but people with different banks will be able to do their physical banking services there.”

The party is also pushing for more support for people keen to set up Neighbourhood Action Groups, utilising support from “excellent” council officers.

“We tried to form one in my own area and there was a lot of enthusiasm, but we didn’t really know what we were doing, we didn’t understand what our remit was and where we could take it,” Meri recalls. “It was incredibly difficult to get an officer to come and visit us and guide us through it.”

Keeping and maintaining libraries is another key pledge, and the reason isn’t just for reading.

“Librarians have a wealth of skills and talents, when they close libraries, we lose those skills as well as they buildings they were housed in,” Meri says. “We have to hold the line and I give Reading Borough Council credit for still having a library service when so many areas have had to drop this.

“The benefits go beyond just book lending. These are community hubs, they reduce loneliness by giving people somewhere to go, they are information sources. If you are person who cannot afford WiFi or computer hardware, you can use library services.

“It’s very hard to put a financial value on these things, and I don’t think we should even try. What they serve within a community is too important to allow central government to continue to erode by reducing funding.”

The mayor of London’s plan to introduce an ultra-low emissions zone has come under a lot of criticism from some quarters, why do they want to see one brought in in Reading?

“We know there is an enormous amount of pollution, we know we should minimise journeys we take, preferably not doing short journeys in a car, but saving it for longer journeys,” she says. “We would like to see more charging points to help people switch from petrol or diesel cars to electric.

“Reading does sit at the bottom of the Thames Valley, and we have high levels of pollution in our area. It has negative effects on children and adult health, so we feel we need to really come down on this.

“We would like the ultra-low emissions scheme properly discussed

to see consensus the council chamber

READING DECIDES

Greens are campaigning for a greener, fairer and cleaner town

THE 2022 local elections were a landmark year for Reading’s Green party – they became the official opposition after making enough gains to overtake the Conservatives, seven seats to six.

It’s been a long journey for the party, with leader Rob White first standing in Park ward in 2004, winning the seat for the first time in 2010, and then slowly seeing the east Reading seat become a Green fortress and spreading from there.

This year, they are hoping to make more gains, and are standing a full slate of candidates.

of speed along that road and improve things for residents and young people.”

And he also has an ire over the Sidmouth Street cycle lane “a lane to nowhere”.

“It’s hardly ever been used and the road space has been cut into for no obvious benefit to anyone,” he adds.

Rob would like to see some of the active travel funds spent on improving pavements, crossings and potholes, while also looking at boosting cycling measures.

– we don’t believe in making decisions for the people of Reading, we want to propose ideas, discuss them and have the people’s views heard. We wouldn’t put forward something the majority of residents were opposed to, we would want to consult on it, look at the evidence and let people have a say on it.”

Meri also wants to see action on roadworks, calling for a system similar to that in Vancouver where utility firms have to rent road space, with higher fees during peak times. This means works are undertaken quickly and overnight in many cases, reducing disruption to motorists.

“We should put our heads together and come up with a better way of doing things,” she says.

She also has sympathy with Labour for having had to increase council tax by the maximum 4.99%, saying the blame should solely be with the government for its systematic period of cuts.

“We are now down to the bare bones, so to maintain services we had to raise it. It’s still not the rate of inflation, but it does come down to funding from central government –putting it mildly, it really irritates me we have to bid for certain funding streams for specific projects, and they are time limited.

“It’s really disruptive to any kind of forward planning when a funding stream is for two or three years maximum.

“It comes down to this Conservative government not giving local councils, regardless of colour, the funds they need to do the things that have to be done. They will say that it’s the council’s choice as to what they do, but there aren’t many choices left to make – there is nothing left to cut, there’s no excess fat to be trimmed off. It’s down to the bone now.”

And staying with finance, Meri is aware of the cost-of-living crisis and the issues that it raises for Reading.

“I meet residents who are counting

every single penny,” she says. “That is something that needs to be tackled at a national level.

“Locally, we need to keep supporting, offering community groups as much as possible.”

Glass recycling from the doorstep is another manifesto pledge. While the government is going to publish its plans after the local election, Meri is keen to see action now: “Let’s be ahead of the curve”.

She wants Reading to grasp a greener vision, increasing the tree canopy, encouraging biodiversity despite being in an urban area.

“It’s not just good for the planet, it’s good for people’s mental health,” Meri says. “There’s been countless studies that show that people who get out in greenery, who see greenery, who live on tree-lined streets, have better mental health and better house prices. It’s a win from an economic point of views and from a social point of view. It’s a win from a world point of view.

“That would be front and foremost for us, and a huge, overarching part of our vision for Reading.”

As to why people should vote Lib Dem on Thursday, May 4, Meri says: “We are a party that believes in evidence, we should look at the facts and make decisions based on them. We are willing to change our minds if the facts change.

“We’re a party that believes in working with people from all different opinions, all different branches of the political spectrum.

“We’d like to see a kinder, more consensual politics where people don’t drown each other out, but listen to the good points that people bring to the table and come to conclusions that are perhaps not entirely what we want, but are best for the people of Reading.

“We believe in localism, in giving power back to communities.

“We do not tell people what they should think or what they should do, but consult with them on it, give them the information and let them make informed choices.”

“We’re hoping that our hard work will return more Green councillors this year and we’ll be able to consolidate our position in second place on Reading Council, working hard hold Labour to account, ahead of the Conservatives,” says Rob.

What does he feel his party’s biggest achievements over the past 12 months as official opposition?

“We’ve been holding Labour to account, raising important issues,” he says. “Reading Council under Labour is only delivering a third of the affordable housing their own needs assessment says they should be delivering.

“We’ve been raising the fact that, unfortunately, inequality in the town, poverty in the town, is on the increase. We’ve been working really hard to give a voice to those issues. We’ve also been working really hard in our wards.”

This has included problems with bin collections, pushing for outdoor gym equipment in Palmer Park, petitioning to get Wokingham Road’s rubbish mountains resolved, and also keeping a check on air pollution levels.

“We’ve been working really hard as the main opposition party in the council chamber, raising issues, and using the increasing number of councillors we have to get more done in their wards,” he adds.

The Green Party manifesto has 12 points, among them is a desire to improve the council’s tree strategy.

“The council has been letting voters down,” says Rob. “They’ve not been monitoring the number of trees they’ve been putting in. We’ve got them to increase the target, but they’re not measuring it. We’d like to see more improvements to wildlife habitats, and make the town greener, taking advantage of the lovely environment we have in Reading.

“Walk through any green space in Reading and you see overflowing bins, you see litter. Walking around streets with terraced homes, there are piles of flytipping, piles of rubbish, overflowing bins blowing all around the place.

“It doesn’t make you feel particularly proud when you see the state of the town, and it’s linked to the increase in rat numbers the council have received reports of.”

Rob singles out the Wokingham Road area as a bit of a ‘wild west’, saying the council has neglected the area.

“They’ve not been ensuring the traders have the correct size bins, they’re not fining residents or shopkeepers when their bins have been overflowing,” he says. “They haven’t been keeping on top of enforcement, so the waste problems have got worse and worse and worse.

“In terrace homes, the smaller bins were

just sort of dropped from the sky. People didn’t know it was happening until the bins were changed. That meant larger homes, HMOs, ended up with a smaller bin, so they haven’t got enough capacity.

“Some of those larger homes can get additional bins, but because it wasn’t communicated to residents they’re trying to make do with inadequate bins, that means they overflow, and some people dump rubbish.”

He wants the council to get better with its communications and enforcement actions: “I’ve got residents contacting me on a weekly basis raising these important issues. It’s a clear council failure that we’re trying to get corrected.”

On doorstep glass collection, which is expected to become a government mandatory standard, Rob says his party has been campaigning for this for “many years”.

“I’m glad central government is now singing from the same hymn sheet,” he says. “Other local authorities introduced a doorstep glass collection service 20 or 10 years ago and Reading still doesn’t. Now they’re saying they’re waiting for the government scheme. We could have been doing 20 years ago if they had prioritised it.

“It shows that if Green councillors work hard and lobby on things, they’re not fashionable to start off with, but they do come along eventually. We’ll continue to do that and make no apologies for it.”

The party also wants to prioritise residents’ mental health and tackling drug and alcohol dependency. It’s something Rob says is a real issue across the town.

“On a regular basis, I get contacted by residents who are suffering from problems, whose children are suffering and they’re struggling to get the support they really need. We’d like to see the council work closer with CAMHS, and more support for the voluntary sector. We think the council really needs to work hard at this.”

What about the Greens policy on roads? They want more 20mph speed limits – but some motorists will argue there’s no need as traffic moves so slowly anyway.

“On some roads 20mph would be a dream with all the congestion and roadworks,” he jokes, adding: “In residential areas where we’ve introduced 20mph residents really like it. It calms the roads down and improves transport for people who are walking or cycling.

“It really is a game changer. I think 20mph across the whole town is what we need.”

He particularly wants to see action taken to make Kings Road safer, especially the area around Reading College – “It’s got an horrendous safety record, we think a 20mph zone would help change the culture

“We’d like to see cheaper, more affordable public transport,” he adds, citing the Purple 17 route as a good example as it is so frequent he doesn’t bother to check its timetables.

“It’s the price of bus travel that puts people off. Greens in Scotland introduced free bus travel for young people and that’s the sort of thing we’d like to see in Reading.”

The Greens have a policy of trying to improve insulation, but as many Reading homes are Victorian terrace, that is harder than it looks. Is pushing this policy a waste of time and money?

Rob disagrees: “We need to be insulating around 4,000 houses a year to meet our climate change targets and to help people who are struggling at the moment.

“The council, because of a lack of capacity in the housing team, handed back £500,000 of insulation money, which was a real disappointment – that could have been spent insulating people’s houses.

“The council need to make a start on this, they need to build up the workforce, to be creating the green jobs, and working out how to do it as cheaply as possible, tapping into government sources of funding. We’ll keep pushing for that.”

The Greens also want to support the town’s rough sleepers, and help those on the council house waiting lists.

“I’m getting an increasing amount of casework from residents who can’t afford their rent anymore, as they are being hiked. It is a national issue and a tough one, but there are things the council could be doing.”

Rob says the party’s big vision is to see Reading as a fairer, greener, and cleaner town: “We’d like to see a town where you are living in a nice, well-insulated home, you’re warm in the winter, you’re comfortable and relaxed.

“When you step outside the home, we want to see strong communities where people know their neighbours, streets aren’t filled with rubbish and we have a public transport system that is affordable.

“We’d like to see decent cycle lanes that join up, crossings that prioritise pedestrians.

“We’d like to see public services that are there supporting you when you need them, and just running nicely in the background, you don’t have to think about them because it just works.

“We’d like to see a strong local economy and Reading as the green capital of the Thames Valley. We’d like to see a council that is using its massive procurement budget to spend on Reading businesses to boost the local economy.”

He reiterates that every Green candidate standing is “a hardworking person who will represent you well on the council.

“You should vote Green as we work hard all year round. We can hold Labour to account and make a real difference, improving things for you and your family, and everyone in the town.”

Tasha helps train new collaborative lawyers

A PARTNER at a Reading-based law firm is preparing to help train lawyers dealing with clients undergoing a family separation.

Tasha Bevan-Stewart, who worked for Blandy & Blandy, formed a team to work on a collaborative approach to divorce where there are families involved. The project is in conjunction with the family law body Resolution. Training had been paused during the early stages of the covid pandemic, and it has been adapted for the post-lockdown life.

“Collaborative divorce is a way for couples to sort out their financial and other arrangements with each of them having a lawyer present at round table meetings, adopting a constructive problem-solving approach,” Ms Bevan-Stewart said.

“It allows other professionals such as financial advisers to consult and be part of the team.”

Ms Bevan-Stewart is also co-chair of Resolution’s Collaborative Practice Working Party.

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

Entries open for awards

ENTRIES are now open for the 2023 Business Awards organised by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

There are 10 categories with the closing date for completed applications on Friday, May 5:

n SME Business of the Year – sponsored by James Cowper Kreston

n Excellence in Sustainability – sponsored by SEGRO

n Export Business of the Year – sponsored by Heathrow

n Commitment to the Community – sponsored by Buckinghamshire New University

n Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by Saffery Champness

n Workplace Health and Wellbeing – sponsored by Doyle Clayton - Workplace law and advisory

n Employer of the Year – sponsored by IBB Law

n Most Promising New Business – sponsored by GEMS

n Equality and Diversity Award and Best Use of Technology

The Awards are free to enter.

n For full details and how to enter, go to: www. thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/business-awards/

Pharmaceutical container specialist wins King’s Award

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A PHARMACEUTICAL container specialist from Theale has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise.

Tower Cold Chain received the honour in the Innovation category, adding to the Queen’s Award for International Trade the company won last year.

The business develops and manufactures temperaturecontrolled containers for the transportation of life-science and biotech products. Its new honour is in recognition of its KTM container – a thermally insulated passive pallet shipping system, with a patented modular construction design.

To win, the team from Tower had to demonstrate outstanding commercial success over two years, attributable to the KTM.

The firm says that extensive investment enabled Tower to scale production at the beginning of the decade, a period that also coincided with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the KTM was widely used by pharmaceutical manufacturers to ship vaccines globally.

Its passive systems help

maintain the internal contents of the container within a specific temperature range for 120 hours, without any requirement for active control, electricity, or manual intervention.

The standard controlled temperatures are ambient (15°C to 25°C), chilled (2°C to 8°C), frozen (-15°C to -25°C) and deep frozen (-60°C to -80°C).

And Tower says the KTM has filled a gap in the cold chain shipping market, with its design striking the optimum balance between volumetric efficiency, durability, and optimised weight.

“To win any King or Queen’s Award requires the highest standards, so for Tower Cold Chain to receive awards in two consecutive years is a fantastic achievement,” said Niall Balfour, Tower Cold Chain’s CEO.

“With our industry-leading product, it is an incredible honour to receive such recognition for the KTM range as we continue to work with global pharmaceutical manufacturers, airlines and thirdparty logistics customers to deliver products to patients in a robust, reliable, reusable method.”

Renamed to reflect King Charles

III’s Accession, following Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the King’s Award for Enterprise remains to be the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with winning businesses able to use the esteemed award emblem for the next five years. The Awards recognise British businesses who excel in specific areas, including international trade, innovation, and sustainable development –two of which Tower has been endowed.

n For more information on Tower Cold Chain, visit: https://www. towercoldchain.com/

When in Rome ... estate agent’s valuations prize draw

PEOPLE who have a house valuation could find themselves far from home.

Romans Estate Agents is giving customers the chance to win a luxury weekend in Rome for every face-to-face home valuation and instruction of sale before May 15.

The prize includes a weekend in a luxury hotel in Rome for any date within 2023 – whether you want to take the family or have a kid-free break, you’ll stay in a hotel that suits your needs. Return flights are from a London airport – convenient and close.

Scott Caudwell, Regional Sales Director for Romans, said “We are thrilled to be able to offer something a little different for our homeowners. We’ve teamed up with Kuoni to offer the lucky winner a show stopper of an experience in an incredible Italian city and we can’t wait to announce

the lucky winner.

“The trip could include a premium transfer to your hotel, a stay in a luxury hotel and a cultural excursion, to see either the sights of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon amongst others. Also included is £500 spending money for

food, drink, experiences and of course mementoes. Working with our partner Kuoni, you’ll be able to create a trip to suit your requirements worth up to a value of £5000.”

To enter the prize draw, applicants will need to have had a valuation of their home

The Colosseum in Rome - one of the places that could be visited by the winner of a contest organised by estate agents

Romans Picture: Andrea Albanese from Pixabay

The King’s Award for Enterprise 2023 has been awarded to Tower Cold Chain in Theale or have listed it with one of Romans’ branches before May 15. Homeowners who have both a valuation and also instruct Romans to list their home for sale, are eligible for two entries into the prize draw.

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, May 22.

Charity supermarket staying in The Oracle for three more weeks

By Jake Clothier jclothier@rdg.today

A SUPERMARKET which is changing the way we shop for clothes is extending its stay in Reading.

The Charity Super.Mkt has announced that those seeking thrift and sustainability will have longer to take advantage of its wares as it is set to stay for three more weeks.

The outlet is currently stationed in the former-Topshop on the first floor of The Oracle shopping centre, and now will remain until Sunday, May 21.

Charity Super.Mkt is the first multi-charity shop in the UK and opened its branch in The Oracle following a successful month-long launch in Brent Cross, north London.

The shop sells clothes donated by British charities, including organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Bernardo’s, Marie Curie, and Age UK.

The shop was a project put together by fashion brand founder Wayne Hemingway and the Textile Reuse and International Development CEO, Maria Chenoweth.

The initiative is intended to boost charity retailers which Ms Chenoweth said were not getting the recognition they deserved.

Since the Reading branch opened in late March, the outlet has raised £500,000, sold 50,000 items, and increased footfall in the centre by 7%.

This has enabled 96 days’ worth of pay for cancer nurses by Cancer Research, helped Shelter to fund 1,000 webchat housing advice calls, and saved 11 tonnes of clothing from landfill.

Co-founder Wayne Hemingway said: “The cost of living crisis, coupled with a desire to be more sustainable

makes this the perfect retailer for 2023. It has the excitement of Topshop at the height of the ‘90s only this time it’s all about the circular economy and the money goes to causes that ultimately touch all our lives.

This included, he explained, “end of life care, research into cancer, homelessness, looking after the ageing and caring for animals.

“We’re thrilled the good people of Berkshire are enjoying the store and are chuffed they’ve demanded an

Whitley Carnival planning meeting Police appeal following Bath Road burglary

TWO SOUTH Reading organisations are inviting residents to help plan an exciting summer community event.

The Whitley Community Development Association and charity Aspire2 are holding their next planning meeting for the Whitley Carnival on Thursday, May 11.

Organisers have billed it as the ward’s ‘best and brightest street party’ and are asking anyone who is interested, regardless of experience or skillset, to get involved.

They are in need of: volunteers for on-the-day volunteers, sponsors, acts for the carnival parade and fun day, stalls and groups and individuals to walk in the parade.

The meeting takes place at the Whitley Community Cafe, Northumberland Avenue, at 11am.

n For more information, visit: www.whitleycarnival. co.uk

POLICE are appealing for information following a burglary in Reading.

It follows an incident that took place at around 11.15pm on Monday, April 17, when at least 3 offenders entered a property on Bath Road with a crowbar.

One resident was assaulted after offenders entered the residents room and asked where the safe and money was kept.

Property and cash were taken.

Those with any information or CCTV footage which may assist the investigation are encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101, quoting reference 43230167340, or report online.

They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Churches to team up for united picnic to mark Pentecost

A JOINT service held to mark a key event in the life of the Church was deemed so successful that organisers are doing it again.

Churches Together in Reading is planning a Pentecost celebration in Christchurch Meadows following on from an event they held last year to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Pentecost is sometimes referred to as the birthday of

the church and is when Jesus’ followers started to speak publicly about him.

The service will be held on Sunday, May 28, from 2.30pm, but attendees are invited to bring a picnic to eat before it starts.

Mike Penny, chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire, said: “Last year we had a wonderful Jubilee and Pentecost celebration in Christchurch

extension.”

Co-founder Maria Chenoweth said: “This is the first-time charity retailers have retailed together, due to having a competition mindset.

“Here charities that support differing causes are joining forces, sharing resources and in doing so making more money for great causes.

“There is also the added benefit of learning from sharing expertise, in price points, staffing and stocking.

“The model works because

it gives stakeholders in a retail space what they want – great products and affordability for consumers, increased footfall for landlords and increased revenue for the retailers.

“This is what the retail destinations of the future should look like.”

A spokesperson from Thames Hospice said that the charity was “thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in the Charity Super.Mkt when it opened in The Oracle in Reading last month, and the response from customers has been amazing.

“Customers love the atmosphere and this new bright way of sustainable shopping. This event has opened the doors to a wider audience who may not have explored charity shopping before.

“As a local charity, it has allowed us to tap into the mainstream shopping market and embed pre-loved fashion as the way forward, whilst generating much needed income for our Hospice.”

The Charity Super.Mkt is open from 9.30am-8pm, Monday to Friday, from 9am7pm on Saturdays, and from 11am-5pm on Sundays. n More information about the store is available via: charitysupermkt.com

Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23

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

Meadows, so much so, that we have decided have a Pentecost Praise this year.

“It is being organised by Churches Together in Caversham, with some help from Churches Together in Reading.

“And there will be a Salvation Army Band to help with the singing of wellknown and loved hymns and songs.”

READING’S prison is at the centre of a community campaign to transform the site into an arts and culture hub.

A talk by Mark Stevens, County Archivist for Berkshire, will provide a brief history of the county gaol, focusing on the Georgian period to the end of the First World War.

It takes place from 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 2, at the Reading Quaker Meeting House on Church Street, and is organised by Reading Humanists.

Confirm attendance on Meetup.com, and searching for Reading Humanists.

Discover the history of Gaol Craft cafe

LADIES in South Reading can get creative at a church’s monthly initiative.

Reading Family Church’s Craft Cafe aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for women, meeting through Chapter 2, Rainbows and CAP.

Those who wish to volunteer, either by welcoming guests, providing refreshments or leading an event.

The next session takes place from 7pm-9pm on Monday, May 15, at the church office on Basingstoke Road.

n For more information, visit: www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk

Departing Fri 16 Jun ‘23

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading

3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

STAYING PUT: Charity SuperMkt will remain open until Sunday, May 21, when it is planned to continue touring the country. Picture: Jake Clothier

Robbery on Oxford Road

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Reading. The incident took place at around 7.20am on Monday, April 24, on Oxford Road at the junction with Prospect Street.

Two men approached the victim, a man in his twenties, outside the Today’s Local convenience store.

They pushed and punched the victim, with one of the offenders attempting to steal the victim’s phone – nothing was stolen in the incident.

The victim sustained scratches to his hands.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Philip Marchant, based at Reading police station, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.

“You can contact us by calling 101 or making a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230177151.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

A man has been charged in connection with this offence, and a 17-year-old boy from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed. n To make a report, visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Takeaway accused of employing illegal workers could lose licence

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A pizza takeaway in Reading is appealing a decision to lose its late licence after police and immigration officers arrested three men suspected of working illegally.

If Magistrates agree with Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee, Milanoz King Pizza at 136 Wokingham Road, Reading would no longer be able to sell food until 5am each night, instead having to stop at 11pm.

At a council meeting where the licence for Milanoz was under review following an immigration inspection, councillors heard that one of the suspects was revealed as a care home worker in London who was spotted carrying a food delivery bag from his car at the rear of the takeaway at Stanway Cottages, off Wokingham Road.

Two other men were arrested as well.

During the visit one worker said he was being paid £6.50 per hour, another said he is only paid with food, and payment details for the other was not detailed.

But the police and licensing officer suggestion that the three men were working illegally

was disputed by Bill Donne a licensing expert from Silver Fox Consultants, who represented Milanoz director Farhan Dahir at the meeting.

The NHS care home worker found with the delivery bag was referred to as ‘Mr S’ throughout.

Mr Donne argued that Mr S regularly visits Reading to see his sister, and is a regular customer of Milanoz rather than a staff member.

He also said working in hospitality can be ‘incestuous’ which explained why he entered through the rear of the

premises rather than the front like a normal customer.

However, when Mr S was questioned by immigration officers, he told them that he worked there.

Those who hire illegal workers can be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and pay an unlimited fine.

They are also liable to civil prosecution with a maximum fine of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker.

In a report by the immigration officers, out of the three suspects, one had overstayed their granted leave in the UK, one was in breach of his employment conditions – this is understood to be Mr S –another had his leave to remain curtailed.

Although documents state two of the workers are due to be deported, it is understood they have both been released back into the community.

Only one of the suspected workers, Mr S, has had a civil enforcement notice served for illegal working, which is being challenged.

Mr Donne said: “We are adamant that Mr S was not working at the premises. He was simply returning a bag.

“The problem is, if you have the audacity to object to it [a civil penalty for illegal working], the fine could go up. We’re adamant that Mr S wasn’t working there.”

An objection has been submitted against the civil penalty notice.

A licensing meeting to discuss the issue was held on Thursday, April 20, and presided over by councillors.

Cllr Clarence Mitchell (Conservative, Emmer Green) said: “When I order for takeaway, I’m served a hot pizza in a cardboard box. How many other pizza places give you a Deliveroo style bag to take pizza away?”

There were also questions why he was at the back of Milanoz at the time of the inspection.

In reply, Mr Donne suggested that Mr S was familiar with the area because he used to work at a chicken shop two doors down

as a student, and as a regular customer he was allowed to enter from the back.

The inspection was carried out by eight officers by Home Office South Central Immigration and Enforcement (ICE), Thames Valley Police and council licensing officers.

Council officer Anthony Chawama said he saw Mr S’s sister in a state of distress in Mr S’s car during the inspection at around 8.30pm.

Immigration officer Caroline Laird questioned whether Mr S could be working both legitimately as a care worker and illegitimately at Milanoz, a question that appeared to be decisive.

The licensing committee decided to revoke the licence, so it can no longer serve food from 11pm to 5am each night.

But Mr Donne said an appeal will be made within 21 days of the decision notice being served, and during this time Milanoz can operate as usual.

Council and police licensing officers also accussed Milanoz of licence breaches during the inspection in January and a follow up visit at 5pm on Wednesday, March 22.

In that visit, the officers stated elements of the premises licence were not properly displayed, an expired fire safety certificate from 2019 and poorly maintained CCTV.

Mr Donne replied by saying Milanoz has successfully applied for a minor variation to its licence with no changes to operating times, but complying with various conditions such as the operation of CCTV, staff training, maintenance of an incident book and fire safety training.

Salon could become a restaurant

A HAIRDRESSER on a busy east Reading street could be transformed into a restaurant if Reading Borough Council looks favourably on the plan.

Its planning department has received an application to covert the Cut & Creams Hair Salon at 109 Wokingham Road into an Indian diner.

The street is already home to a number of Indian restaurants and takeaways including Gulab Indian Kitchen, The Biryani Lounge, Biryani Boyzz and Khan’s Karahi.

According to submitted planning documents, the shop could be converted into a hot takeaway, but new occupants are hoping to turn it into an Indian restaurant.

The application states the intention would be to serve breakfast and authentic Indian food for lunch and dinner.

APPEAL: Milanoz King Pizza disputes a claim it employed illegal workers Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

CHANGE: The Cuts and Creams branch in Wokingham Road could become an Indian restaurant Picture: google maps

The shop was branded One Stop Beauty from 2009 to 2019, and Cut & Creams from October 2020 to November 2022.

The proposal can be seen by searching Reading Borough Council’s planning website for application 230054.

Taiko drumming team celebrates opening of udon noodle bar

JAPANESE culture has come to The Oracle, and it’s all thanks to a bowl – well, 2,000 of them – of noodles.

Marugame Udon has opened in the former Pizza Hut restaurant on the shopping centre’s Riverside.

It held a week-long celebration, giving away free bowls of udon noodles and, on Saturday, welcomed a Taiko drumming team for a Matsuri Festival. They performed at lunchtime and between 4pm and 6pm.

The restaurant has an openstyle canteen kitchen. Guests can either use click and collect kiosks, or queue up and watch their meal

being made as they go along the line.

As well as noodles, which are made on site, there are tempura and omusubi sides, a build-yourown condiment station and a range of Japanese sauces.

Japanese drinks are available, while unlimited soft drinks can also be bought.

And for dessert, there is an unlimited soft serve ice cream machine.

The company says there are more than 20 dishes under £5, and many meals for under £10, and there are just three ingredients in the noodles: wheat, salt and water.

Kouhei Honkawa, Marugame Udon Europe head of quality said: “We’re excited to be opening our kitchen in the heart of Reading.

“We’re launching our value casual dining concept to the city as we carry on our mission to introduce udon to more people across the UK.

“The Oracle is a buzzing and lively place for visitors and residents of Reading, making it the perfect place to open our newest site.”

The company came to the UK in 2021, and Reading is its 11th across the country.

Reading tops UK for AI web searches

By GOOGLE BARD AI news@rdg.today

A new study has found that Reading is the UK city with the highest number of AI-related searches per 100,000 people.

The study, conducted by KyrosAML, a UK-based AI company, looked at Google search data from January to March 2023.

The study found that Reading had a total of 11,781.43 AI-related searches per 100,000 people.

Bristol came in second, with 9,424.13 searches, followed by Manchester (8,712.47), Edinburgh (8,193.40), Coventry (7,720.82), Newcastle (7,518.32), Glasgow (43,610), Dundee (7,192.50), Portsmouth (6,924.56), and Nottingham (6,851.86).

Aldi donates 550,000 meals

A MAJOR supermarket chain has donated 4,120 meals to people in need across Berkshire over the Easter school holidays.

Aldi stores joined forces with charities, community groups and foodbanks through its partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.

More than 550,000 meals were donated, with almost 2,000 causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, said: “We understand that the school holidays can be an especially challenging time for families, particularly amid the current cost-of-living crisis.

“Neighbourly carries out such vital work in the community, so we’re proud to be able to support them and the charities, foodbanks and community groups they work with in Berkshire in their efforts to support those who may be struggling.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The impact of the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, meaning that the demand on foodbanks is continuing to increase, particularly during the school holidays.

“The donations from Aldi are a lifeline for many and provide the essential boost good causes need to continue supporting their local communities.”

The study also found that ChatGPT was the most popular AI model among all UK cities, with 12,270 searches in Reading, 32,970 in Manchester, and 19,170 in Coventry.

DALL-E was the second most popular AI model, with 13,880 searches in Newcastle, followed by Midjourney with 3,450 searches in Newcastle.

Mark Wright, CEO of KyrosAML, said: “The data presented provides interesting insights into the level of interest and curiosity among different cities in the UK towards various AI models.

“As AI continues to revolutionise various industries, it is crucial to have an informed public that is both enthusiastic and curious about these technologies. With the increasing interest and awareness of AI models, we can expect more innovative and

impactful applications of these technologies in the future.”

The study was conducted by KyrosAML, a UK-based AI company that provides AI solutions to businesses and governments. The study was based on Google search data from January to March 2023.

This news story was written by Bard, a large language model from Google AI.

Bard is still under development, but it has learned to perform many kinds of tasks, including generating text, translating languages, writing different kinds of creative content, and answering your questions in an informative way.

The news story is based on factual information, but it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a qualified professional.

There were queues around the block from people keen to try the new noodle restaurant, Marugame Udon

Marugame Udon can seat up to 148 people canteen style, and was packed out for its opening week

Noodles are freshly made on site several times a day

Kayley, 5½, enjoys her bowl of noodles

ON THE BEAT: Taiko drumming to celebrate the official opening of Marugame Udon at The Oracle Riverside Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

THE BOROUGH OF READING (ADDISON ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTION) 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 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: 27 April 2023

Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

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: 27 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

APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS

All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.

230351: 1-2 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EQ - Installation of aluminium framed secondary glazing to the front elevation.

230393 & 230394: 35 St Marys Butts, Reading, RG1 2LS - Two new fascia signs.

230405: 24 Eldon Road, Reading, RG1 4DL - Conversion of existing house into three self-contained flats.

These applications can be viewed online http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

THE BOROUGH OF READING (HIGHDOWN HILL ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023

Reading Borough Council has made 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: 27 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 has made 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: 27 April 2023

Publication Date: 27th April

Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

Publication:April27th,2023

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.

APPLICATIONFORASEX ESTABLISHMENTLICENCE.LOCAL GOVERNMENT(MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS)ACT1982.

NoticeisherebygiventhatStarwhite(Reading)Ltd whoseregisteredofficeissituatedat42PittStreet, Barnsley,S701BBmadeanapplicationtoReading BoroughCouncilfortherenewalofasexestablishment licenceatTheLodge,AbattoirsRoad,Reading,RG17BL onthe27thApril2023.

ThisapplicationismadepursuanttoSection2and Schedule3oftheLocalGovernment(Miscellaneous Provisions)Act1982.

Anypersonwhowishestoobjecttotherenewalofthis licencemustgivenoticeinwritingtotheLicensing Team,ReadingBoroughCouncil,CivicOffices,Bridge Street,Reading,RG12LU,statingingeneraltermsthe groundsoftheirobjectionby25thMay2023.

Dated:27thApril2023

7x2

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (NEW ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023

Reading Borough Council had made 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.

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: 27 April 2023

Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

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

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

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

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

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

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Any dream will do

From Flintlock to Joseph via The Tomorrow People ... via Radio 210 and Marc Bolan,

Stars Mike Holoway

FOR Mike Holoway, Berkshire

will always have a special place in his heart.

As the vocalist and drummer with the hit 70s band, Flintlock, TV and radio interviews were an everyday event. On one whirlwind tour, Mike found himself on the now-defunct Radio 210 which broadcast across the Thames Valley.

While waiting to be interviewed on a show hosted by Mike Read and Steve Wright - in the days before they moved to Radio 1 - Mike went to the Green Room where, for once, he admits he was speechless.

“There sitting on the sofa was Marc Bolan, one of my musical heroes and one of the greatest musicians in the business,” he said.

“It turned out we were both being interviewed on Mike and Steve’s show. I was just a teenager and was quite awed at not only meeting Marc Bolan but being on the same programme as him.

“While we waited to go on, we talked about music and did a bit of jamming. Before you knew it, we’d written a jingle for Radio210. We sang it on air and Mike and Steve loved it. Anytime I’m in Berkshire that memory

comes back and makes me smile.

“It was a very special moment.”

That memory will be rekindled when Mike, 62, returns to the region in Dreamcoat Stars, which features a host of big names.

The colourful show is packed with vibrant and energetic songs from the nation’s most loved shows including Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, SIX, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge and many more.

Amazingly, Mike was only 19 when he first played the role of Joseph in the Technicolour Dreamcoat and, even more amazingly, he reprised it until 2006, totalling more than 4,000 performances spanning a 24-year period.

“I never tire of singing Joseph,” added Mike

“It is such an uplifting show for all the family. It is the perfect show for parents to get their children interested in the theatre. I always look forward to performing songs from it in Dreamcoat Stars which also features many wonderful numbers from incredible musicals.

“My favourite is the Frankie Valli song, My Eyes Adored You, which has such beautiful lyrics. It always goes down well with audiences.

“The tour goes all over the country so I need to be careful about catching bugs. Fortunately, I have worked with wonderful voice coaches so I know how to rest my voice.”

Mike’s first appearance as Joseph was not his first-ever big stage event. He was only 10 when he began his music career with a group called The Young Revivals and was spotted by talent scouts.

The band changed its name to Flintlock and soon appeared on TV shows such as Magpie, Blue Peter and Top of the Pops. During a performance on ITV’s Pauline’s Quirkes featuring the Birds of a Feather actress when she was a teenager, a 13-year old Mike sang live while balancing on a large stage crane.

“I had to sign all sorts of waivers in case I fell off,” he laughed.

“I was more terrified of the hundreds of screaming girls who were just yards away. I loved it but at the same time I was scared in case they all rushed at me. On top of all

that pressure, I sang live so I was also focused on making sure I did it right.

“When I finished singing, the screaming got even louder but I had an amazing bodyguard who just lifted me up and said, ‘We’re getting out of here.’ It was quite surreal.”

As well as singing from a young age, Mike’s acting career had an equally youthful start, starring in the cult science fiction show, The Tomorrow People at the tender age of 12.

The programme ran from 1973 to 1979 with a memorable theme music composed by Australian Dudley Simpson, who also composed music for Doctor Who and Blake’s 7.

The Tomorrow People followed the adventures of a group of ordinary kids who turned out to be extraordinary, discovering their latent powers of telepathy, teleportation, intelligence and strength as they reached their teens, in a painful process known as ‘breaking out’.

“It was a pioneering show which broke the mould regarding science fiction,” explained Mike.

“Back then, we didn’t have any special effects techniques like digital and the sort of stuff that exists today,

which meant the writing and the acting had to be sharp, bold and intelligent.

“My favourite story from the series was Hitler’s Last Stand. I was around 15 at that time and I’d learnt a lot about acting from great people like Denis Waterman, George Cole and, believe it or not, Benny Hill who was a very intelligent and very knowledgeable man.

“The Hitler storyline was rather dark and serious but it was still suitable for the young audience we had because it was educational. What’s important on a subject like that is you are factual and don’t sensationalise or patronise.

“The Tomorrow People has never got old becoming a cult show winning a whole new young audience.”

The audience for Dreamcoat Stars can expect a less broody performance but one no less exciting, professional and just sheer fun.

n Dreamcoat Stars is at the Camberley Theatre on Sunday, May 28. Tickets are £26, with a £1 discount for Theatre Club members. For more details, or to book, call the Box Office on: 01276 707600, or log on to: www. camberleytheatre.co.uk

JAMES HASTINGS

it’s been a busy life for Dreamcoat

So, whodunit then?

AUDIENCE members will be left to pick up the pieces of a murder investigation at Shinfield Players Theatre.

Ravenscroft, a psychological drama written by American playwright Don Nigro and directed by Maggie Smith, follows Inspector Ruffing’s quest to get to the bottom of Patrick Roarke’s death. His arrival at the remote house where the heinous incident took place sees his journey become intertwined with the lives of five alluring and dangerous women.

Ms Smith expressed her excitement for opening night, describing the play as “unusual” due to one of its more unorthodox aspects.

She said: “Everyone is on stage at all times, no-one leaves during the entirety of the two acts, which is quite different, but it’s super super.”

The production overcame a significant hitch when the original Inspector Ruffing was forced to withdraw due to personal circumstances just three weeks before opening night.

Experienced actor Ashleigh Wells was drafted in and has done a stellar job.

“Ashleigh is married to the governess (Alana Wells), so I think there were some intensive practice sessions at home,” Ms Smith joked. “He’s stepped in and been remarkable.”

Ravenscroft uses dark comedy to tell each of the characters’ stories, which can be seen in the dialogue and characterisation, with speech

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

Angela Barnes: Hot Mess. Thurs 27. A Celebration of Dance. Sat 29. Francis Rossi: Tunes and Chat. Tues 2. Forbidden Nights: Sexy Circus. Wed 3. Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons. Thurs 4.

Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri 5. From Gold

To Rio, The Greatest Hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Fri 5. The Golden Festival of Food and Music.

Sun 7-Mon 8.

Camberley –Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

Solve-along-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. Bingo That’s Bonkers. Sat 6.

The cast of Ravenscroft, the latest production from the Shinfield Players Theatre

transitioning from friendly to frightening at the flick of a switch.

With all cast members watching on for the duration of the show, the audience will be on edge throughout, in anticipation of their re-entry into proceedings.

The lighting and music team will ensure the sense of foreboding remains intense from start to finish.

Ms Smith credited the strength of the five female characters as one of the key factors for choosing Ravenscroft.

“They’re very strong, all of the women in the play. It’s quite rare to find plays where all the women are so strong,” she said.

From Mrs Ravenscroft (Lara Savory) who tries to seduce the inspector in attempt to convince him to drop the cases, to Gillian (Millie Naylor) the demented daughter who “should be in an asylum”, to Marcy the Viennese governess - all deliver comedic lines, but have the ability to capture the sinister elements of their characters.

All the while, the terrified maid Dolly (Sami Sharp) tries to evade the grasps of the passionate cook, Mrs French (Barbara Richards).

Ravenscroft is being performed until Saturday, April 29, at 7.45pm. Adult tickets are £14, concessions are £13 and children are £8. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.shinfieldplayers.org.

JI-MIN LEE

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Sub:Version/Surge. Tues 2. Elegie Rachmaninoff, A Heary In Exile. Wed 3. Stewart Lee - Basic Lee. Thurs 4-Sat 6. Jarman. Fri 5.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

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. Frankie Boyle Lap of Shame. Tues 2. La Boheme.

Wed 3. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 4. Dara O BriainSo, Where Where We?

Thurs 4. An Evening WIth

Anton Du Beke and Friends. Fri 5. Peter Andre.

Sat 6. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Sun 7.

Listen very carefully...

AN AMATEUR theatre group’s spring show should bring back plenty of funny memories for its audience.

Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society’s (CATS) latest production, based on 1980s television sitcom Allo Allo, promises to be a throwback night of giggles and romps.

CATS Chair Charlotte GouldsmithLeigh says that following covid, the group is now picking up again.

“We wanted to choose a show with broad appeal this year, that lots of people would enjoy,” she says.

“Allo Allo, is very funny.

“There are so many double entendres, and lots of people will recognise the story.

“The show ticks every box, CATS’ cast of 15 have been rehearsing since early January.

“It’s a complicated show with some interesting props,” Charlotte says.

“There’s Helga’s suspender belt with mousetraps attached, a talking parrotand exploding Edam cheeses.”

The group have been hard pressed not to laugh their way through rehearsals.

“There are only so many times you can talk about the Van Klomp sausage and the Fallen Madonna With The

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

Our House. Until Sat 29. Henley Drama Festival. Tues

2-Sat 5. Liz Pulman and Joe Stilgoe - a couple of swells.

Thurs 11.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org

01628 788997

Made in (India) Britain. Thurs 27. Maidenhead Music SocietyLinos Piano Trio. Thurs 27. Lucy

Porter Wake Up Call. Fri 28. Honey and the Bear. Sat 29. St

John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat

29. Royal Opera House LiveThe Marriage of Figaro. Tues 2. Rhys James - Spilt Milk. Wed

3. One Fine Morning (15). Wed

3-Thurs 4. Charlie Dore. Thurs

4. Magical Bones - Soulful Magic. Fri 5. Norden Farm

Market. Sat 6. Coronation

Ceilidh. Sat 6. Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas Quintet. Sat 6.

Newbury –The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com

0845 5218 218

ROH: The Marriage of Figaro.

Thurs 27. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Wed 26-Thurs 27. The Cavern Beatles. Sat 29. An Evening With Stuart Maconie. Tues 2. Made In (India) Britain. Wed 3. Dementia Friendly - Judy (12).

Thurs 4. An Evening of Magic With Richard Jones.

Thurs 4. Don’t Stop Believin’.

Fri 5. Jess Gillam Ensemble.

Sat 6. Family Film: Wallace and Gromit - The Curse of the Were Rabbit. Sat 6. Sound

Beginnings - The Magic Flute.

Sun 7. Steven Osborne. Sun

7. Newbury Spring Festival Chorus. Sun 7. Cabaret Night.

Sun 7.

Newbury –The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Big Boobies, without bursting into laughter,” she says.

The original television series, Allo Allo, ran for seven seasons, and followed the adventures of hapless café owner René in occupied France during the Second World War.

Exaggerated European accents and larger than life caricatures were the hallmark of the comedy, which was originally conceived as a parody of BBC wartime drama, Secret Army.

In CATS’ stage adaptation, René and his wife Edith have hidden in their cellar a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis – in a sausage.

Also in their basement are two British airmen, hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them.

And to complicate things further for René, communications with London require use of a wireless disguised as a cockatoo.

But it is when the Führer himself is scheduled to visit the town that René’s troubles really run away with him.

And with his tone-deaf wife Edith, Major-General von Klinkerhoffen, and Gestapo officer Herr Flick involved, chaos is never far away.

René must summon all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life.

“It has been such a pleasure rehearsing this show,” says Charlotte.

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.

Fri 5-Sat Jun 10.

Reading –South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29. Emily Chappell’s Epic Tales of Cycling Adventure.

Wed 3. Geoff Norcott work in progress. Thurs 4.

Reading –

The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Lucie Jones and the Fulltone Orchestra. Thurs 27. An Evening with Anton Du Beke and Friends. Wed 3. Test

Match Special Live: The Ashes.

Thurs 4. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Antony Hermus.

Fri 5. The Elvis World Tour.

Tues 9.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com

“It brings back wonderful childhood memories of sitting with the family on a Saturday night to watch the series.

“But it’s really not dated.

“Anyone aged 13 to 80 will enjoy the production.

“It’s still funny, and it’s OK to laugh.”

CATS was founded in May 1978, with the aim to ‘provide theatre and theatrical presentations for the people of Crowthorne and the surrounding area’.

The group performs a Spring production in April or May, and a pantomime early in December.

Visitors to CATS’ latest theatre production will be welcomed straight into René’s café, where they will be able to purchase drinks from the bar.

“René’s cheap red plonk will be masquerading as vintage wine of course, along with crisps, and if we can manage it, some cheese snacks too, “ says Charlotte.

“The audience will really be able to immerse themselves in the 1980s sitcom.”

n Allo Allo can be seen at Crowthorne Parish Hall, until Saturday, April 29. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £10. For tickets and information visit: www. catscrowthorne.com

EMMA MERCHANT

0118 960 6060

NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime organ recital. Mon May 15.

Reading –Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

Silver Lining. May 19-27.

Reading –Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

Peter Pan. Until Sat 29. The Rumble Under The Rug. May 31-Jun 3.

Shinfield –Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880

Ravenscroft. Until Sat Apr 29.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until

May 13. An Evening With Rich Wakeman and Peter EganCharity Gala Night. Sun 30. Beyond Faith. Sun 7. Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Dom The Play.

Until Sat 29.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Flare Path. Thurs 27-Sat 6. Wokingham –The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

NEXT SHOW: Teechers - Leavers 22. Wed May 10. Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org

07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

Roque-Forbury Gardens: Cheesey line-up revealed

ONE OF Reading’s culinary events has laid out its full line-up of food offerings and live entertainment.

Cheese Feast Festival from Blue Collar has announced which vendors and performers will be taking part in a three-day weekend of cheese-based street food in Forbury Gardens from Friday, April 28.

Shaun Williams, best known for appearances in EastEnders and Ricky Gervais’ Extras, will bring Barrioke to the festival from 7pm on Saturday, April 29.

He’ll be joined by The ABBA Tribute Band, performing two separate sets from 7pm on Friday, April 28.

Cheesy Like Sunday Morning will see an hour of power ballads and “yacht rock” from 11am on Sunday, April 30, followed by a dance showcase by Dancia International Dancers from noon.

Sunday night will be closed by The Eurovisionaries, a seven-hand supergroup celebrating the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, performing an hour of ESC highlights from the history of the contest. As well as live entertainment, the festival has announced what street food offerings will be available.

Fans of cheese and bread will be able to try Georgian khatchapuris and wraps from Georgian Feast, and gourmet toasties made with awardwinning cheese from the Marlow Cheese Company.

Cheese Feast takes place in Forbury Gardens from Friday-Sunday, April 28-30.

Fans of world cuisine can sample jerk halloumi and Caribbean fare from Sharian’s Jamaican Cuisine, cheese quesadillas from Mr Pig Stuff, cheese churros from Churros Garcia, Spanish manchego tapas and paella from Tapas Culture, and Thai from Krua Koson.

The list is rounded out by topped hotdogs from Heavenly Sausage,

Poet’s Cafe celebrates Berkshire-based bards at South Street

bao buns from Harlem2Manila, brownies from the Fine Brownie Co, Greek from Pitta Pitta, and authentic pizzas from Soleluna Pizza.

Fried Chicken from Hurricane Huggys, kebabs from Berlin Doner, venison from Game Keeper UK, and halloumi burgers from Clark’s Kitchen complete the roster.

Coffee and other hot drinks will also be available courtesy of Anonymous Coffee Co.

The stars of the events will be the cheese products on offer, hand selected by Reading’s own independent cheese and craft beer purveyors, The Gurmpy Goat.

The Somerset Cheese company, Fen Farm Dairy, and Mons Cheesemongers are among those offering a range of artisinal, continental, and specialist cheese.

They’ll be joined by Marlow Cheese Company, international cheese experts and consultants The Cheese Explorer, and offerings from Berkshire provided by Bray Cured, Tilehurst Beekepers, and Jenny’s Bees.

The Grumpy Goat’s own offerings will also be available for attendees.

Cheese Feast Festival takes place in Forbury Gardens from Friday to Sunday, April 28-30.

n More information about the event is available via its Instagram page (/ cheese.feast) or on Facebook.com/ cheesefeastfest.

JAKE CLOTHIER

The show can go on: Hurst Panto has a new producer, thanks to Wokingham Today

APANTO group has tracked down a new producer for its next show – thanks to Wokingham Today.

It turns out that experienced panto person Emily Grant was right behind them when Hurst Panto Group started their hunt to fill the role.

Well, right in the middle of them actually – Emily having moved in to the centre of Hurst three months ago from Buckinghamshire.

Emily, 32, and a veteran of a dozen pantos, said: “I moved in to Hurst not knowing anyone apart from my partner. So I was keeping an eye out for walking groups or another social group.

“Then I saw the story in Wokingham Today saying Hurst panto was looking for a producer. I love the theatre and thought it looked perfect. I went on to meet some of those involved.

“I’m very excited about it. I love the people and the ethos of it all.”

Emily, who studied performing arts at university, works planning corporate events. She’s also involved with The Blend choir performing at Wycombe Swan Theatre in July. They’ve already sold 1,000 tickets.

She is pictured above with her partner, Alex Dew.

Panto group co-chairman Claire Lawrence said: “We’re

delighted Emily is joining us and look forward to working with her. We’re also grateful to Wokingham Today for their article which Emily read.

“We now need a director who will have the artistic vision and drive for the show being performed in January next year. They will very probably have had experience working with a theatre group.”

The group is inviting people involved with costumes, set

design, lighting, props and other creative essentials in the past Hurst pantos to meet Emily at the Castle Inn, Hurst next Wednesday, May 3, at 7.30pm. They’d also warmly welcome new people along to join the team.

In June and July they will invite actors to the read through and auditions which will be at the start of September.

To contact the group,. email Hurstpanto@hotmail.co.uk SUE CORCORAN

A REGULAR poetry cafe in Reading celebrated local poets even more than usual with its latest event.

The Poet’s Cafe hosts guest poets at monthly salons, held at South Street Arts Centre, and invites attendees to perform their own work through open mic slots.

While last month saw esteemed London-born poet John McCullough perform a number of poems from his latest collection, Panic Response, this month focused three poets based in Reading.

Robin Thomas, Kate Noakes, and Jules Whiting were invited o showcase their work, with host Jez Dyer kicking things off by performing a poem written by his partner about a night spent in a lighthouse.

Jules Whiting was first to read, selecting a number of works from her published collection, Folding Time, which explore her experiences with organ donation.

Her set included impactful and tender poems such as Cadaveric Transplant, Addicted to Life, and Folding Time, concluding with a piece called Damage.

Robin Thomas followed with set including pieces inspired by classical artists such as Van Gogh, and closed with a joyful and poignant poem about the eventual absence of a neighbour’s cat.

Caversham’s Kate Noakes performed a selection from her

collection, Goldhawk Road, published by Reading-based Two Rivers Press.

Her set included Flat Holm/ Steep Holm, which explores one’s relationship with culture and identity when moving from place to place.

She also performed a poem about a bad date, Your Table Will Be About 10 Minutes, before concluding her set with Waiting for Ikebana, Mayfair, exploring the outward presentation of other people.

It concluded with a rejoinder lamenting “the end of days,” but closed on the hopeful “still, there is art.”

Two Rivers Press is seeking submissions from poets with links to Reading for an upcoming anthology until Sunday, April 30.

More information is available via: tworiverspress.com

Poet’s Cafe takes place on the second Friday of every month, with the next cafe set for Friday, May 12.

That event will be hosted by Vic Pickup and feature guest poet Khadija Rouf as well as the usual open mic slots.

Tickets cost £5, with a discount for readers.

It also hosts an online salon on the third Friday of the month, with details and tickets available via: whatsonreading.com

SPECIAL OFFER

THALI WITH UNLIMITED NAAN AND A DRINK* FOR £24 95 PER PERSON

Valid from Sunday to Wednesday

*The offer includes either a pint of beer a small glass of wine or any soft drink

At Sultan you’ll receive exemplary service from restaurateur Raja Majid and his team, who will give you a warm welcome when you arrive

We offer an exciting menu featuring a mouth-watering array of fine dining Indian dishes, including a 7-course tasting menu priced at £44 95 per person (£69 95pp with matching wines)

You can also order takeaway/delivery food from both the à la carte restaurant menu and Sultan Express. For more details and to order visit sultanindian.co.uk

To make a reservation, please call 0118 977 4397.

Picture: Courtesy of Blue Collar

JAKE CLOTHIER

An historic tale of love and war takes to the skies

ADRAMA performed by a Wokingham group should appeal to anyone with a love of history– and planes.

Terrence Rattigan’s Flare Path, written in 1941, is the story of a love triangle between a wartime pilot, his actress wife and a famous film star.

Based in part on Rattigan’s own experiences, the play’s romantic tangles unfold, despite or perhaps because of, the constant fear and tension of living through the Second World War.

The story opens as pilots from a nearby RAF airbase gather at a Lincolnshire hotel to spend the weekend with their wives.

It’s meant to be a peaceful break from action, but tensions rise when love and duty clash.

When the men are called to take part in a night raid, no-one knows who will return to see the dawn, and who will not.

The characters begin to realise that life is nothing like a romantic film – it is to be cherished.

Director Margery Jackson chose the piece because of her love of history.

“It’s a poignant story,” she says. “I very much wanted the opportunity to bring it to the stage.”

“The script lends itself very well to this particular period in our past.

“And I think that’s because Rattigan was really there.”

The play presents a very different world.

“Perhaps because I’m older, I possibly have a better understanding of people’s lifestyle at that time,” Margery says. “But the actors are quite young, so none of them has experienced for themselves what it was like to live through that war.”

The play’s sound and lighting effects have presented some particular challenges for the team.

Flare Path’s stage manager, Sophie Vallely says: “Our sound operator has had to research very specific sounds made by the actual planes referenced in the story.

“They worked hard to find recordings of all the different bombers taking off and landing.

“It’s been quite an operation to source them accurately.”

“The accents, the mannerisms, and the music of the time all have to be right too,” says Margery.

“And we’ve sourced footage of the actual planes and real wartime pilots, to give authenticity, and to help the audience understand better what life was like then.”

With the play firmly set in a particular decade and social milieu, how does Flare Path

communicate with a modern audience?

“I think it speaks of an age when people were much kinder to each other, than perhaps they are today,” says Margery.

“When people go out in action in this story, nobody knows whether they will return.

“That changes everything.

“I think it made people care a bit more.

“ And with struggles currently going on in Europe, perhaps watching these characters, for whom it was very much a part of their lives, the play is a reminder of what war can be like.”

Flare Path will appeal to anyone with an interest in the Second World War: it’s history,

it’s machines, its times, its manners, and values.

“Young people will enjoy it too,” says Margery. “Our cast presents these characters with authenticity.

“They have learned to inhabit them, and to imagine their situations in a very different era.

“I’ve really enjoyed the actors’ interest and enthusiasm.

“Seeing them engaged in the story has been very inspiring.”

Flare Path is performed at Wokingham Theatre until Saturday, May 6, with the exception of Sunday. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets at £15. n For tickets call: 0118 978 5363 or visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

COMING SOON: Nigel Pivaro is to star in a new tour of The Commitments

The Commitments to come to The Hexagon

IT WAS a West End sensation, a hit film, a TV series … and a book. Now it’s coming to Reading’s Hexagon theatre this summer.

The Commitments, by Roddy Doyle, tells the story of Jimmy Rabbittee, a young working-class music fan who dreams of starting the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced.

Placing a classified advert in a music paper, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes before finalising the members of his new band, but nothing ever goes smoothly, especially after a few pints.

The soundtrack includes 20 soul classics including Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone,

Save Me, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Reach Out, Uptight, Knock On Wood, and I Can’t Turn You Loose.

For this new tour, its first in five years, Coronation Street actor Nigel Pivaro –aka Terry Duckworth – will play Da.

It will be performed at The Hexagon from Tuesday, June 13, through to Saturday, June 17. Tickets cost from £29.50 to £52.50, with concessions available, and discounts for group bookings.

n For more details, or to book, log on to www.whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060. For group bookings, call: 0118 937 2011.

Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23

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

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport with dinner & breakfast

 Excursion to Liverpool

Optional excursion to Ormskirk Market (£11pp)

EMMA MERCHANT

FLARE PATH: audiences can appreciate the carefully sourced sounds of the Second World War in this story of wartime life Picture: Emma Merchant

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

IT’S BACK to the future this week with the RaW Sounds Today playlist: a band on the cusp of stardom, and a band returning with new tracks are top of our hit parade.

We think Only The Poets are amazing, and are about to hit stardom. Find out why by listing to their song Jump.

Rila’s Edge, our second new entry, are also on the rise, while we’re also welcome a new track from Kyros. Something for everyone.

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.

GIG GUIDE

Friday, April 28

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 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

Kyros – The End in Mind

Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an epic. This new single, released on our own White Star Records label, is nearly eight minutes long with an opening melodic section moving into a crazy instrumental of incredible musicianship before returning to the more song based section to close. Brilliant stuff.

The song has already gone down well with the band’s fans as we saw when they played it live recently. You can see the band play Wokingham Festival on August 28 – www.kyrosmusic.com/

Rila’s Edge – Take Time

They are one of the bands of the moment with their last two singles, Someone New and Share the Night being among our faves of the last year.

Rila’s Edge are certainly on the rise with the consistent quality of their songwriting and recordings which they show again here with the release of a new two-track single which includes this song. It’s another good one with good melody and

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 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

LEFT: Kyros at The Lower Third Picture: Andrew Merritt

production and another excellent vocal performance from singer, Alfie Harris – www.rilasedge.com/

Only the Poets – Jump

Reading band Only the Poets are certainly building a following with their live shows around the world.

They’ve even been on tour with Lewis Capaldi and, following their own successful shows in Europe, they will be at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire next Wednesday, May 3, for a headlining show.

Jump is the band’s latest single and its infectious melody and driving beats shows that this is a band that is about to jump into the mainstream – https:// onlythepoetsofficial.com/

Tankus the Henge – You Can Do Anything

With Tankus the Henge headlining Wokingham Festival on Sunday August 27, we popped along to their show at Guildford’s Boileroom recently to check them out. What a night it was. – https://www. tankusthehenge.com/

Jessica Winter – Choreograph

The Are You Listening? festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and this talented artist and producer who just released her new EP, Limerence, from which this song is taken will be there on May6 –

https://www.jessicawinter.tv/

Reliant – Do What You Want

Wokingham/Reading-based indie rockers return with a new catchy riff laden single, recorded at Generation Studio – https://linktr.ee/wearereliant

Split the Dealer – Capsize

He’s been in every one of our Top 20 listings of the year so far 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 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

Back in time to the 1980s with an anthem from gothic rockers, Ghost Dance, who are at Reading Facebar on May 4 – https://ghost-dance.co.uk/

Deva St. John – The Curse

Deva just released her debut EP, Nauseous Ad Nauseum from which this is taken – https://www. facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn/

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

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.

Tuesday, May 2

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Tom Martin. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Thursday, May 4

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Fusion6.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents Ghost Dance. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

Friday, May 5

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen. Details: 01344 303333.

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Mirror Effect. Details: 0118 959 8067.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 772241.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www.cmp-berks. org.uk

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – CultureMix Arts and Music Centre, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Reggae Fridays: music, dancing, bar, open mic, music and more. £5. Details: 0118 958 7351.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Desperate Measures. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.OC D&B. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1 3EJ. Are You Listening?

Warm-up Party: Dream Wife, Divorce, Doops, Heartworms, The Pink Diamond Revue, The Push DJs. From 6.30pm. Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Coronation Saturday, May 6

ACROSS READING. Heavy Pop presents

Are You Listening? 10th birthday

event. Acid Claw - Ash the Author -

AshKat - Black Honey - Butch Kassidy

- Cameron Hayes - Chiika - Cities in Dust - Coach Party - Colours & Fires

- Constanza - Cowboyy - Deadletter

- Deijuvhs - Dr Satso - Eat Daddy

Eat - Ever Hazel - Gag Salon - Ghosts

In The Photographs - Girli - Glass Half

Broken - Henjila - Holiday GhostsHolly Shillito - HolySMS - Hoopy Frood

- Jacob Lilac B2B Slippery People DJ

- Jeffery Lewis & The Voltage - Jessica

Winter - John Kennedy (Radio X)

DJ - Kid Kin - Kill Committee - ambrini

Girls - Lilac - Marisa and the Moths

- Matt Greener - Mila Todd - Missing the Scene - Mr Fogg - My Northern Sky - Neither to Launch nor Land - One

Eyed Man - Opus Kink - OSP - Page Of

- Saloon Dion - Shelf Lives - Sophie Jamieson - Spielmann - Steve Dore DJ

- Strabe - Suds - $un $keletons Kinky

Hands Support Group - Tayo SoundThe Bobo - The Dianas - The Nextmen

- Thomas Headon - Tiece and the Pieces - Tracks and Grooves DJ - TVAM

- Uncle Peanut - Ziyad Al-Samman.

Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Recycler. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Paul Spittle. Details: 01344 772161.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Back 2 Love’s Jolly Good Royal All Dayer Knees Up. From 2pm. Details: Search Tickettailor.com for Backtolove

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. Coronation concert: Scouting For Girls, The Royston Club, Tom Webber, Natalie Shay, Joey Oscar. £30 plus booking fee. From 3pm. Tickets via Fatsoma.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.Sound Jame. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Full Flavour.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1

5BJ. Number of The Beef. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. The New Jazz Age. Details: 0118 931 0115.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU.

Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

Coronation Sunday, May 7

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane. Beech Hill village Big Lunch: share with family, friends and neighbours.

Children invited to make a crown and wear it on the day. Prize of the winner.

From 12.30pm.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Skamungas, a Tribute to Little Mix performed by Lil Mix, a Tribute to Beyonce performed by Lauren G, and a Tribute to Elvis (The King) by Bracknell’s TC. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – The Tallo Ho, Fleet Hill RG27

0RR. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 973 2134.

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Sarah Jane Eveleigh with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick, Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers night. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. King’s Coronation Tribute Festival including Paw Patrol, Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That, Madness. From noon, last entry 2pm. £15 plus booking fee.

Details: Search Fatsoma.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. Crowning of Soul. Details: 0118 931 0115

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Beyond Faith. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TILEHURST – The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Dub Club presents NATURAL PROGRESS meets RUEBEN IRIE soundsystem. £10. Details: www.facebook.com/ readingdubclub

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super chilled open mic. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Coronation Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Atomic Rapture, The Filthy Llamas, Man Made Soul, The Small Strings. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Dean Friedman. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Monday evening acoustic cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Thomas Heppell. Details: 01252 870648.

WHAT’SON

Thursday, April 27

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne

Amateur Theatrical Society - 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. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road 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. Details: standanddelivercomedy. com

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. 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, 252 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. Details: 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. Crowthorne

Amateur Theatrical Society - 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. Details: 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 Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, April 29

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 – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

CROWTHORNE – Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. April 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

EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street. RSPB Wokingham and Bracknell dawn chorus walk. 5am. £3. Details: Details: https://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 Street RG40 2AY. Beer festival. 0118 978 0309.

WOKINGHAM – Main hall, Baptist Church, Milton Road, RG40 1DE. Wokingham Eco Living Fair. POSTPONED.

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.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society - CATS - presents ‘Allo ‘Allo. 7.30pm. Details: catscrowthorne.com

EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk

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.

May Day Holiday

Monday, May 1

ACROSS WOKINGHAM TOWN CENTRE. Wokingham Lions 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.

Tuesday, May 2

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. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm-3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.

LOWER EARLEY – Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Royal Get Arty. Booking essential. £2.

3.30pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 931 2150.

LOWER EARLEY – Salvation Army, Chalfont Close RG6 5UG. Singing By Heart: For those living with dementia and their carers or if you just want to come and sing.

11am. Details: 0118 931 0760.

READING – Reading Quaker Meeting House, Church Street RG1 2SB. Reading Humanists present The History of Reading Prison, a talk by Mark Stevens.

7.30pm. Details: Search meetup.com for Reading

Humanists

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.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, May 3

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BN. Sandhurst and Crowthorne Flower Club presents A talk by Irene Manson entitled ‘One, two Buckle my shoe. 7.30pm. Details: Search Facebook for Sandhurst and Crowthorne Flower Club.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

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, May 4 CALCOT – IKEA Reading, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. IKEA Reading Coronation event. Create a crown, decorate biscuits, street-party style celebrations, face painting, balloon art and more. Children can eat for 95p. 4pm. Booking essential. Details: www.ikea.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. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road 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 – Venue to be confirmed on booking. Terry’s Walkabout: Edible Reading Walkabout: From Biscuits to Beer through Sausages to Water. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of PACT and Royal Berks Charity. Various times. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

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, 252 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: Talk by Steve Smyth: Shooting NASA at the kennedy Space Centre. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, May 5

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Merry Opera’s Staged Messiah. 7.30pm. £20, £10 concessions. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118

937 5103.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www. cmp-berks.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6

7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Travelling Talesman: Off With Their Heads. Folktales, myths & legends. For ages 16 upwards.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Coronation

Saturday, May 6

BARKHAM – Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, RG40 4PL. Barkham Village Residents Association coronation celebration. Watch streaming live, children’s entertainment, bingo, craft and more. 11am-4pm. Free. Royal Barn Dance with hog roast. £12, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 978 3373.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Crunch Comics, Harris Arcade. Free Comic Book Day - choose from a free comic book from a range of more than 20. Special offers and more. 9am-4pm. Details: Search Facebook for Crunch Comics.

STRATFIELD SAYE –Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane. Lighting of the coronation beacon. From

5.30pm, beacon lighting 7.30pm. Donations to NSPCC.

Coronation

Sunday, May 7

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – Village Hall, Glaston Hill Road RG27 0LX. Coronation celebrations. Bring your own picnic and drink. Music from John James Newman, disco dome, crafts and games. Free. Noon-3pm. Register by emailing: clerk@eversley-pc.gov.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick, Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. 0118 969 98978.

READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Sports Centre, London Road RG40 1SS. Crispin Antique and Collectors Fair. £1. 10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.

Coronation

Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

HURST – St Nicholas Church, Church Hill. Coronation cream teas and ice creams. Children’s entertainment, and more. 2pm-4pm.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. 7pm-8.30pm. £2. Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk

TWYFORD – King George V Recreation Field, from Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road. Coronation Colour Run. 10am. £7.50. Details: tdyc. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Party in the Paddock: barbecue, bar, inflatables, face painting, craft stalls, and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk

Quiz Challenge

1. Which bitter Spanish orange variety is traditionally used to make marmalade?

2. What is the capital city of the Philippines?

3. What S is a weaving tool and a type of spacecraft?

4. Who became New Zealand’s next prime minister after Jacinda Ardern resigned in January 2023?

5. Svalbard is at the western edge of which Arctic body of water?

6. Aryna Sabalenka defeated which Kazakhstani tennis player in the women’s final of the 2023 Australian Open?

7. What is the name of the SI unit of radio frequency, equal to one cycle per second?

8. Hotel California, Desperado and Tequila Sunrise were hit songs for which rock band?

9. In science fiction writing, what is a triffid?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD QUICK

10. Which type of creature is a nudibranch? ACROSS

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

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.

1. Drink with ten others – it’s a sign of what is to come (7)

5. Run holding a fortune-teller’s card (5)

8. Accompanied by a large number included from side to side (5)

9. Highest value skirt mother had (7)

10. How one might act in a playful way? (12)

12. Make one’s home with about eleven players perhaps (6)

14. Boss with ten, it appears, in the workroom (6)

17. Musical boys and girls? (4,3,5)

21. Swingers’ bar (7)

22. In Brighton garaged the vehicle (5)

23. Crept, but didn’t start in the nude (5)

24. It’s oppressive to try out girl before end of day (7)

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. Boy said to be an engaging catch (4)

2. Method of detection that’s the same whichever way you look at it (5)

3. Got up late! (7)

4. Chap initially averse to fruit (6)

5. To ten in charge it is poisonous (5)

6. Went like thunder but lost blood after a drink (7)

7. Thomas right to rise – what nonsense (8)

11. Scare just inside the marshy area (8)

13. Frolic from a high-flier (7)

15. Answer back when holding the first animal’s foot (7)

16. Refer to green notice first (6)

18. A schoolteacher further on (5)

19. Right to make a point appear inside cloth (5)

20. Last letter in the grass is indistinct (4)

NONAGRAM

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:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 123 N 45678 T 910111213 14151617181920 I 212223242526

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.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

6 9 4 7 1 3 35 426

8 6 2 1 2 9 24 7 3 5 491 5 6 78 31

SOLUTIONS

ACROSS DOWN

‘Dance out’ for hospice charity

Healthy Heart Tip

Spotlight on stress A

PRIL is National Stress Awareness Month, which aims to highlight the negative health impact stress can have on us.

MORRIS dance

‘apprentice’ Jess

Tyers was so impressed by lifeaffirming care given to her mum at a hospice she inspired her dancing team to fundraise for it.

Jess, of Reading, dances with Hurst Morris People who have adopted Katharine House Hospice, Adderbury in Oxfordshire as their charity for the year.

It was especially fitting as Adderbury is where one of the Hurst dancers’ Cotswold dance styles originated.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care for adults with incurable illnesses. Their team supports patients and their loved ones, ensuring that every moment matters.

Hurst Morris are inviting audiences to help ensure this important work continues. Donors can bring cash to the dancers’ pub evening performances or give online. Type #HurstMorris into the JustGiving. com search box. UK taxpayers can add Gift Aid.

After practising all winter, Hurst Morris begin their 2023 dance out season at 7.45pm on Wednesday, May 3, at The Jolly Farmer, Hurst.

Later performances include Thursday, May 11, at The Ship Inn and The Queen’s Head, both in ,Wokingham, and on Thursday, May 25 at The Wheelwrights’ Arms, Hurst.

n All the team’s performances are listed at www.hump.org.uk or follow them on Instagram @ hurstmorrispeople or Facebook @ hurstmorris. Find Katharine House Hospice at khh.org.uk

Fair’s fair when it comes to appealing a motoring fine

FOR most people, their parking is fine, but sometimes, well, it gets a fine. But what if your fine is not fair?

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk says that every day tens of thousands of people are hit with fines of up to £100, despite some being genuine errors or mitigating circumstances, such as inputting the wrong digit on a pay machine.

With the government now vowing to clamp down on rogue parking firms with a new code of practice, motorists are being urged to challenge any parking fine they feel is unfair.

Research shows that one in two drivers who challenge private parking fines win, avoiding charges.

A spokesperson for LeaseCar. uk said: “With money really tight for many households across the UK, these fines from private parking firms are excessive and more than often unfair. We welcome these tougher government regulations and urge the Levelling Up ministers to introduce the new Code of Practice soon..

“Drivers should not be scared to appeal private car park tickets as many are not enforceable.

“If you think there is a reasonable reason which makes a ticket unfair, it is worth your time to gather evidence and make a dispute against it.

“Motorists should not be put off from appealing a ticket over fears they could miss out on a reduced fine because there is a high chance of winning.

“If in doubt, do your own research

APPEAL: Parking penalities aren’t always given fairly Picture: Shutterstock

to find out if you are being unfairly fined and ways to dispute it.”

Here are LeaseCar.uk’s tips for appealing a private parking ticket:

Get photographic evidence

Collecting any evidence to support a claim is vital. Returning to the ‘scene of the crime’ is worthwhile to take photos as it will provide a stronger case. Get multiple angles that offer a clear image to prove a case, such as unclear markings or damaged signs. Highly cautious drivers should consider taking pictures on the day of their parking to prove they are within the bays or photograph any issues, such as out-of-service payment meters.

Gather witness statements

Any mitigating circumstance that caused the fine should be accounted for with a witness statement.

If, for example, a driver couldn’t make it back to the car in time because of a medical emergency, supplying evidence from a doctor would usually be sufficient.

Asking someone to witness, like a passenger, fellow driver, or local shopkeeper, can also help prove facts.

Study the dates

If a private company takes too long to send a fine which wasn’t left on the vehicle, the penalty can be excused. In most cases, firms have 28 days to send the fine, so drivers should check the dates to see if it is over the usually allowed period.

Challenge the fine quickly

Motorists hit with a fine have 28 days to challenge the charge. However, if this is done in the first 14 days, they may still be entitled to a 50% discount, a considerable saving, that applies to those who agree to pay the fine.

Appeal to an independent appeals service

If a challenge is initially rejected, drivers should appeal to an independent appeals service on a lawfulness charge, where a team of adjudicators will reconsider it. If applicable, drivers must provide information and upload evidence they wish to rely on, such as signed witness statements, photographs, and a crime reference number. The IAS will not alter the value of a charge, but the operator may reject claims for a reduced rate.

It may not be a good idea to pay straight away

Think of it as an admission of guilt.

If there is a reason to believe the fine is unfair, people should appeal immediately. Generally, it is much harder to get money back and win an appeal once it has been paid.

Check for the ‘grace period’

If a motorist is issued a fine despite only being a few minutes late back to their car, there may be sufficient grounds for an appeal. Parking officers should give people a grace period to return to their car, generally between five to 10 minutes.

Proactively managing our stress levels by scheduling in self-care practices is an important part of staying healthy. Specifically relating to heart health, those with higher levels of stress tend to make less healthy lifestyle choices such as not exercising and not eating a balanced diet.

If we are chronically stressed we may also use less healthy coping mechanisms such as drinking more alcohol or eating too much sugar.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but we can take positive steps to limit its impact on our health.

Take time to recharge

Scheduling in time to recharge throughout your day is a great way to mitigate stress. This could be something as simple as getting outdoors and going for a walk or stepping away from work and listening to some calming music for 10 minutes.

More and more people are turning to meditation to recharge and reduce stress, there are some great free apps available.

Prioritise food and sleep

If we are well-rested and well-nourished, we are more able to handle stressful events.

Prioritising your daily seven to nine hours of sleep will ensure you are full of energy and ready to tackle the day, whatever it may bring.

Put steps in place to ensure you keep up with healthy eating even when you are feeling stressed.

Prepping your food in advance can help as it makes you less likely to reach for a less healthy option when you may be feeling stressed at the end of the day.

Limit your exposure to the news

While staying on top of worldwide affairs is important for some people, consuming it too often or too much can have a negative impact on our stress levels.

Even if you don’t realise it, these repeated small exposures to negative information (which the news can be) throughout the day will be impacting your stress levels. Remove the news apps from your phone or turn off the notifications and set aside a specific time every day to get up to date with world events.

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/

RAMS WAIT FOR TITLE OUTCOME

DEFEAT LEAVES ROYALS ON THE BRINK

WE NEED A MIRACLE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC will be hoping for a minor miracle to occur as they try and preserve their status in the Championship after their six-point deduction.

‘ON THE WRONG SIDE OF BIG DECISIONS’

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers believes a wrong penalty call cost her side in their defeat to Everton in the Women’s Super League.

After an early Justine Vanhaevermaet brace, the Royals saw a two-goal lead evaporate as the Toffees completed an impressive comeback.

The result leaves Reading one place off the bottom over Leicester who have a game in hand.

“The penalty, it’s never a pen,” said Chambers.

“And unfortunately it’s just another example of where the level of officiating is in this league.

“Once it’s given, the game swings in their favour and ultimately it’s gone on to cost us.

“We’re in an emotional position in terms of where we are in the league, but there’s only so much you can to do control the outcome.

“When you see these incidents going against you it’s just so difficult to take.

“You wish you could show the officials the footage during the match, but until something is done to support the officials, the game won’t advance.

“Momentum is such a key factor in the game and the ref making that decision instantly swings the game and from there it’s an even greater challenge.”

Despite surrending their lead, Chambers believes that her team has performed exceptionally well.

Reading’s survival hopes took another big blow on Saturday when they lost out at Coventry City. It keeps them in the drop zone with just two games remaining.

Noel Hunt’s team will be in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd this Saturday as they take on

Wigan Athletic in a pivotal match for the club’s future – and it could be their last home game in the Championship for a while.

The three teams directly above the Royals each have a game in hand, meaning that Reading need results to go in their favour as well

as winning their last two games to have any hopes of staying up.

Reading’s opponents are also fighting for their lives knowing that they must win if they want to secure their second tier status.

n Full Royals report and reaction on pages 22 & 23

“It’s a tough one to take when you’re 2-0 up and I think we played some of our best football we’ve seen all season,” she said.

“There’s no hiding from the position we’re in and, potentially, some will say it’s a position we should be in based on the club we are.”

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

Pictures:

CRICKET

RAMS ANXIOUS WAIT FOR TITLE AFTER COMEBACK WIN AT ESHER BERKS MAKE FLYING START TO T20 CAMPAIGN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Esher 19 Rams 33

‘WE CAPITALISED on errors,’ said Rams’ director of rugby Seb Reynolds as his team kept their National One title hopes alive with a comeback win over Esher.

On a day of high drama, two Pierre Thompson scores, the second added to by Sam Morley, gave the relegation-battling Eees a 12-0 lead inside the first quarter.

Rams responded thanks to two of their players of the season – James McRae, courtesy of a trademark 40-metre break, and Axel Kalling-Smith – combined for the Swedish wunderkind to add another special to his highlight reel.

But Josh Jordan’s converted score made it 19-5, only for Connor Stapley to dot down before Drew Humberstone added the extras before the break.

Despite trailing, Rams had enjoyed the bulk of territory and possession against an Esher side belying their lowly league position, and when Humberstone converted his own try midway through the third quarter, the game was level.

The visitors then made a decisive move around the hour-mark, Zach Clow brilliantly finishing a move on the left, Humberstone with a belter of a conversion, before a stunning fifth try was conjured by Rowan Grundy.

The fly-half’s deft chip over the defence was marvellously collected by the brilliant Henry Bird, and the selfless full-back then passed for replacement Ollie Monye, enjoying a rich vein of late-season form, to swan dive under the posts.

Humberstone made it 33-19, and while Esher battled away, they could not avoid falling through

the trap door back into National Two despite a performance which suggested they were far better than a bottom-three finish.

Reflecting on the way his side held their nerve, Reynolds said: “You don’t want to be 12-0 down, but in a way you felt it could go like that – the game meant a lot to Esher because they were playing to stay up and with that comes a very unique motivation which you only get to experience a few times in a career.

“They moved the ball around, played some great rugby and it was another

wonderful advert for National One.

“They deserved to be in the lead at half-time and we had to grind them down, but we did that well and then some great line breaks from the likes of Henry and Axel put the pressure back onto them.”

While the RAMS end their season at the top of the table, it could change as Cambridge have their final game on Saturday. Depending on the result, RAMS could stay on top or slip down to second place.

He continued: “We also had to win. Now, we’ll see what happens

(with Cambridge). It made for a fantastic, intense, and emotional game and they were superb especially early on.

“The comeback was good. We felt they might fatigue towards the end – although we were ourselves – but we capitalised on some errors and saw the game out.

“I’ve no doubt Esher will bounce back because they showed they’re a great side even though it went our way.”

While there were a litany of fine performances among the Rams’ ranks, Monye again caught the eye off the bench and the DoR said: “Ollie’s developing well, starting to push now in the conversation (for the starting jersey) and we wanted to get him on early because he’s got a zip. He was excellent when he came on.”

With nearly 500 Rams’ supporters descending on Molesey Road, the atmosphere created was once again outstanding.

“We’ve taken a step forward regardless of what happens, and I cannot say enough about the Ramily who have followed us all around the country. Thank you,” said Reynolds.

Rams captain Robbie Stapley added: “When we started, each week we were winning but it was also about progressing and I think we’ve done that.

“We lost a few points here and there, but each time we bounced back and continued to improve.

“We’ve got better together and hopefully it can continue.

“This season has been another step in the right direction, no matter what the outcome is next week.”

Rams’ victory means Cambridge, who secured a superb 31-10 bonuspoint success at Plymouth Albion, must repeat a five-pointer at home to mid-table Birmingham Moseley next Saturday if they are to secure the title.

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

FOLLOWING the double abandonment against Wales NC the previous week, Berkshire County Cricket Club got their NCCA T20 campaign off to a flying start last Sunday with two wins over Buckinghamshire.

With the contest being played at High Wycombe, Berkshire came out on top by eight wickets and then five wickets.

In the first game, the Championship and 50/50 Trophy holders blasted Bucks out for just 104, with Andy Rishton taking 3-19.

Berks raced to their target in 11.3 overs after Savin Perera had cracked a 29-ball 50 with 10 fours and shared an opening stand of 89 with skipper Dan Lincoln (35).

In the second match, useful contributions from Ewan Cox (38), Ross Richardson (33) and Teddie Casterton (32 not out) ensured that Berkshire had a more challenging chase with Bucks posting 144-6.

Rishton took another three wickets, this time for 33, and the all-rounder also went on to take the batting honours, striking an unbeaten 62 from 47 balls with the aid of four sixes.

Berks reached their target at 148-5 with 14 balls to spare, Josh Lincoln (17no) finishing the game with his second six in five balls.

They top the table with six points going into their final Group Four games this weekend.

They face Bedfordshire at Wargrave this Sunday and then on May Day Holiday Monday, they go to Thame to play T20 holders Oxfordshire, who won only two of their opening four games. Matches on both days start at 11am and 2.30pm.

Oxon hope to have the services again of 19-year-old Zach Lion-Cachet, who last weekend hammered an outstanding 101 from 56 balls and shared a competition record second-wicket stand of 175 with Tom Hinley (83no).

The holders piled up 207-1 and Bedfordshire were 96 runs adrift of their revised target of 180 from 17.3 overs in a game cut short by rain.

RUGBY UNION

Axel KallingSmith took his try tally to 13 for the season

Tim Pitfield and Paul Clark

Scrum-half Ollie Cole tackles opposite man Pierre Thompson

Rams forward Ant Marris in action Henry Bird put in another superb display

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL PANTHERS

ROBINS SECURE PLAY-OFF PLACE AS RUNNERS-UP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BRACKNELL TOWN concluded a memorable league season by finishing as runners-up after their away win at Plymouth Parkway.

The Robins scored the first goal of the game through Mickel Platt to give them a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The hosts replied to make it 1-1 just after the hour mark, but Bracknell ensured they would go back with all three points as George Knight restored their advantage and Darryl Sanders netted deep into stoppage time to settle the game and seal a 3-1 win.

Bracknell finish the league campaign in second on 90 points, just three points behind league champions Weston-super-Mare.

It has been a remarkable season full of highlights for Bracknell which included a glamour tie in the FA Cup earlier this campaign against League One Ipswich Town.

The Robins gave a fantastic account of themselves to keep the Tractor Boys at bay for more than an hour before Ipswich went on to win the tie 3-0.

However, Bracknell carried that spirit and desire throughout their league journey under the management duo of Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg.

The management pair were

FOOTBALL

COMPLETE COMEBACK TO WIN FINAL

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Final

TILEHURST PANTHERS got their hands on the trophy as they overturned a one-goal deficit to beat WARGRAVE

After initially trailing the cup contest as Wargrave got themsevles in front, the Panthers replied to take the lead.

With a 2-1 advantage heading into the late stages of the game, Tilehurst managed to execute on the counter to add two more strikes to seal the match and confirm themselves as cup winners.

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA

RESERVES concluded their campaign with a loss to Penn & Tylers Green.

The 2-0 defeat means they end in seventh from eight teams on 12 points.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

ASCOT UNITED RESERVES moved another step closer to the league title after their away win at MORTIMER

Keira Lourdes scored the decisive goal to help the Yellas to a 1-0 win.

They stay top of the table with a two point lead over closest rivals New Bradwell having played one game fewer.

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

S4K BERKS COUNTY are just one point off the bottom after their away loss at Ruislip Rangers.

Megan Cox and Kate Stewart were on the scoresheet for the Fawkes as they lost out 6-2.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA stay top of the pile after their crushing victory over Hillingdon Abbots.

The Boars hit a stunning total of 12 goals without reply to ensure they kept a four point lead over Larkspur.

A hat-trick from Daisy Cooke,

braces from Laura Comerford and Katie Rebecca Sayer, Lilly-May Varney and goals from Chloe Burton, Rachel Allwright and Mia Leanoard saw the Boars win 12-0. However, the team in second has two games in hand.

CAVERSHAM AFC got the better of BURGHFIELD to move further clear of Wargrave.

appointed by Bracknell September having done an exceptional job with Binfield FC which saw them win promotion and take the team to the FA Vase final in 2021.

After previous boss Bobby Wilkinson left Bracknell to join Weymouth, Withers and McClurg took the reins and have helped Bracknell to complete a superb season with the chance of promotion still up for grabs in the play-offs.

Bracknell Town co-manager Carl Withers said: “What a group. Second place confirmed, 100 goals scored with everyone of these lads playing their part and we’re not done yet. Thank you to our loyal Robins, you really do make a difference and have done all season but we need one more push.

Co-manager Jamie McClurg added: “Great result and once again these men gave us a well earned result to finish our league fixtures.

“A fantastic group of personalities on and off the pitch with an amazing fan base who give us everything. Thank you for travelling and onto the playoffs we go together.”

The Robins will now play in the play-off semi-finals on Wednesday against Chesham United.

Their opponents finished in sixth position in the division on 79 points.

The 2-1 win helped Caversham to their third win of the season, while Burghfield are in eighth place.

SHINFIELD RANGERS lost out 1-0 at home to Larkspur Rovers.

YATELEY UNITED stay in sixth position after they earned a 4-1 win on the road at Thatcham & Newbury.

Tilehurst (red) defeated Wargrave (blue) Pictures: Andrew Batt

Bracknell Town won away at Plmyouth Parkway

Tilehurst won 4-1 to lift the Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

The Robins celebrate their 3-1 win on the final day

Bracknell scored three in their away success

Mickel Platt scored in the win

Bracknell will play Chesham Town in the play-offs Pictures: John Leakey

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

FINCH FALL SHORT IN FINAL, SUMAS SAFE AFTER STRONG FORM KESTRELS LOSE OUT IN FINAL AWAY GAME OF CAMPAIGN

FOOTBALL

By GUEST CONTRIBUTOR sport@wokingham.today

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD finished their league season with an away draw at Leatherhead.

The Moles twice went behind. The first goal was scored after five minutes by the hosts before Liam Gavin levelled the game in the 49th minute.

Dave Tarpey gave Leatherhead the lead for the second time with 15 minutes to go, but the Moles responded again, this time in the 90th minute when Gavin scored his second to ensure the game ended 2-2.

Binfield finish in sixth place on 57 points.

Combined Counties

Premier North

ASCOT UNITED surpassed the 100 points mark to ensure they became

centurions having already captured the league title.

In their final outing of the season, Ascot won a six goal game at Burnham to move onto 102 points.

The Yellas took a two goal lead into the break with strikes from Rob Gerrard and Brendan Matthew.

Matthew then headed home to make it 3-0 before Burnham converted a penalty.

Ascot’s final goal of the league season was scored by Louis Bouwers as they finished as 4-2 victors.

READING CITY lost out 4-2 at home to Wembley in their final match.

The Cityzens experimented with their line-up knowing that they had already secured a third placed finish before kick-off.

Gareth Cyprus and Dan Warre were on the scoresheet for City.

Reading finish in third

place on 76 points from 38 matches.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK put a point on the board in their last match having already confirmed safety.

Former Sumas player Jack Mullan scored twice for visitors Virginia Water.

Joao Jardim scored for Wokingham before Lewis Wilson scored a stoppage time leveller to make it 2-2.

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY stay top of the table after their convincing 3-0 win over AFC Aldermaston.

Goals from Ellis Day, Luke Hayden and Ebby OpukuWare helped the Swords wrap up the points.

County currently sit at the summit with a one point lead over second place Sandhurst Town who have two games

in hand to play. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA stay in 11th place after they picked up a point away at Langley.

After going a goal behind, Ben King scored for the Boars to earn a draw.

Charles Twelftree Trophy Final

FINCHAMPSTEAD missed out on the chance to pick up silverware after they lost to Old Bradwell United. It was a disappointing day for Finch who lost 4-0.

Thames Valley Premier League

BURGHFIELD moved closer to a top three finish after they defeated WARGRAVE in a fivegoal contest.

An Ollie Brown double and a Tom McClellan goal saw the Fielders win 3-2.

WOODLEY UNITED lost in their final away match of the season against a side in desperate need of points to try and avoid relegation.

Manager Jordan Blake gave under 18s Manny Adu-Essah and Shakeel Ahmad their starting debuts and it was the former who was the thrust of much of Woodley’s early play with his runs down the right wing which often resulted in him being fouled.

However, the resulting free-kicks were either overhit to Bonnett or cleared by the home defence.

Despite its start, United fashioned few chances with Bonnett saving low from Connor Suckling in the 33rd minute.

Londors made an excellent save from Tom Windsor for another corner kick which saw the ball end up in the visitors’ net but the goal was disallowed for handball.

Suckling fired wide when one on one with Bonnett after 58 minutes but three further Hounslow corners caused Woodley problems.

The second corner was cleared for a third corner that Charlie Light kick evaded the near post and squirmed over the goal line for the opening score in the 62nd minute.

As the match entered second half stoppage time the hosts were reduced to 10, but Woodley were unable to take advantage of the situation with the closest they came to scoring being in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Bonnett saved from close range a header from Londors.

Finchampstead missed out on the chance to win silverware Pictures: Andrew Batt The Kestrels

Woodley United in action against FC Deportivo Galicia Picture: Steve Smyth

Finch lost 4-0 in the Charles Twelftree final

Wokingham picked up a point in their final game of the season

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS SURRENDER LEAD AS WSL SURVIVAL HOPES TAKE HUGE HIT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING 2 EVERTON 3

READING FC WOMEN

squandered a two-goal lead against Everton as they missed out on the chance to move further clear of the relegation places.

Justine Vanhaevermaet gave Reading the ideal start when she converted from the penalty spot just two minutes in before extending the team’s lead in the 17th minute.

Everton responded through Hanna Bennison before half-time and levelled the game when Katja

Snoeijs scored from a penalty.

The Toffees completed the turnaround in the 83rd minute with the pick of the goals through Nicoline Sorensen.

The defeat leaves Reading a point above bottom side Leicester City, who have a game in hand.

Reading got off to the perfect start when they were awarded a spot kick inside the opening minute.

After bursting upfield, Charlie Wellings worked her way into the box and was tripped from behind, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Justine Vanhaevermaet took responsibility and slotted the ball calmly into the

bottom right corner, sending goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan the wrong way.

The Toffees repossessed down the right with an inviting ball in the box that was dealt with by Easther Mayi-Kith who got an important touch to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Reading proceeded to create plenty of attacks in search of a second and were rewarded through some tenacious work from Sanne Troeslgaard who stole possession in Everton’s box, turned past her marker and put it on a plate for Vanhaevermaet to apply the finish to make it 2-0.

The visitors did manage to respond to reduce the deficit a few minutes before half-time

with a slick move that started inside their own box.

Everton worked the ball swiftly upfield on the left as Lucy Hope’s overlapping run ended with her finding Hanna Bennison to stroke the ball past Moloney.

Everton started strongly in the second-half to try and level when Hope got in behind the Royals defence only to fluff her lines and slice a shot wide of Moloney’s far post.

Another chance came the way of the Everton skipper shortly after when Diane Caldwell missed an opportunity to clear and the Toffees midfielder curled wide of the post.

In an attempt to nullify

Everton’s promising play, Chambers made her first switch in the 60th minute that saw Faye Bryson replace Primmer.

Having pressed for the opening 15 minutes of the half, Everton were given the chance to level from the spot when Caldwell for judged to have fouled Jess Park.

Katja Snoeijs ensured she put the visitors on terms by placing the ball neatly into the bottom right corner past Moloney.

The away team missed a golden chance to snatch the lead just a few minutes later when Snoeijs smacked over the top after Reading switched off and failed to clear from a corner.

Pressure continued to build and Moloney was called into action to stop a powerful effort from Snoeijs.

The wave of Everton attacks eventually became too much as Nicoline Sorensen scored with a sublime solo effort to put her team in front to complete the comeback.

She dribbled past two players and cut inside from the right and unleashed a soaring effort that flew past Moloney into the corner to put the away team in front in the 83rd minute.

The defeat leaves Reading one place off the bottom over Leicester who have a game in hand. The Royals have four league games left to play.

Reading are one place off the bottom of the WSL Pictures: Neil Graham

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Kept busy and made decent stops to deny Gyokeres and Hamer. Could not have done anything with the goals.

Andy Yiadom

Was tormented by Gyokeres when he pulled out wide, particularly in the first half. Wasn’t afforded the licence to get forward.

Tom Holmes

Picked up an early yellow after getting beaten for pace by Gyokeres down Reading’s right in the first half. Run ragged all afternoon.

Naby Sarr

Marginally better than his centre-back partner, but still not by any means assured. Never got to grips with the home side’s front line.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Gave the ball away with loose passes and got beaten in behind on a number of occasions. The more positive of the two wing-backs.

Femi Azeez

Looked uncertain in possession and was anonymous for long periods. Got a couple of strikes away from range in the second half.

Jeff Hendrick

At the heart of a midfield which was massively overrun. Took a nasty-looking knock in the build-up to Joao’s goal.

Cesare Casadei

Not his best showing. Was bullied off the ball too many times and wasn’t able to showcase his ability on the ball.

Mamadi Camara

Struggled to make things happen and with the intensity of the game. Was replaced by Fornah at half time.

Lucas Joao

Took his goal brilliantly. Spent large portions of the game in his own half looking for the ball.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan

Worked hard, but was working off scraps all afternoon. Replaced by McIntyre just past the hour mark.

SUBS

6 5 4

5 5 6

4 5 5

5 5

DEFEAT SEES ROYALS PLUNGED

COVENTRY CITY 2

READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC were plunged deeper into relegation trouble after they suffered their first defeat under interim boss Noel Hunt.

After consecutive draws, the Royals’ dreadful away form continued to plague them.

The Royals were level for a matter of minutes when Lucas Joao scored, only for Gustavo Hamer to restore Coventry’s advantage with the next attack of the game.

Relegation rivals QPR picked up a stunning win over Championship leaders Burnley which means Reading are four points behind them with two games left.

Reading trail Huddersfield by a point and the Terriers have a game in hand, while they are three points behind Cardiff who also have a game in hand.

Lining up for their first trip on the road under Noel Hunt, the interim boss made a clear show of faith in youth.

Gyokeres caused Reading problems right from the first whistle in a bid to add to his tally of 20 Championship goals. His first sight of goal came with three minutes gone after he benefited from Gustavo Hamer’s work down the right and shot across goal.

After receiving a short free-kick, Gyokeres spun past Andy Yiadom with ease, but could only manage a tame shot that was held by Joe Lumley.

The Swedish international then went agonisingly close when Lumley did well to shut down his

REACTION

Match stats

SUBS: McFadzean, Norton-Cuffy, Allen, Walker, Bidwell, Howley, Tyler

READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, GuinnessWalker, Hendrick, Casadei, Camara, Azeez, Lucas Joao, Ehibhatiomhan

SUBS: McIntyre, Dann, Long, Fornah, Mbengue, Abrefa, Boyce-Clarke

GOALS: Godden 36’, Lucas Joao 51’, Hamer 54’

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Lucas Joao

switched off. We have to deal with it better with a sharper mindset.

“We had chances near the end of the game that we couldn’t latch onto.

angle as he tried to take the ball past the keeper before Holmes made a heroic block.

The Sky Blues continued to turn the screw in search of an opener and somehow failed to open the scoring when the Royals defence made two big blocks before Gyokeres shot off target from close range.

Reading struggled to get out of their half to cause the hosts problems in attack as Nesta Guinness-Walker hit a stray pass

CHAMPIONSHIP NOEL HUNT: ‘THE BOYS UNDERSTAND WHAT’S AT STAKE’

looking for Femi Azeez with a host of bodies waiting in the box for a cross.

Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson then grasped the ball after Jeff Hednrick’s drilled ball couldn’t quite find Naby Sarr.

Covetnrys’ pressure eventually became too much and they took the lead after 36 minutes.

Camara lost possession cheaply and was beaten on the wing and Hamer clipped the ball into Matt Godden who fired a volley into the

The Royals lost out at Coventry City which means they remain in the relegation places with two games left to play.

They trail QPR by four points and are a point behind Huddersfield and a point behind Cardiff who both have a game in hand.

“We had to throw caution to the wind (in the second-half,” said Hunt.

“We identified their players of quality and they started the game better than us.

“We scored a good goal and then

“Maybe we were a tiny bit leggy in the first half. We tried to freshen it up with a few younger ones.

I think Coventry started, in my view, better than us, and they did to us what we wanted to do to them, but then we settled down into the game.

“I thought we had some really good passages and with some more belief in the final third, we had a couple of chances.

“But then the goal goes in, it is a mistake from us, but to be fair, it is a great finish.

Reading are now in desperate

need of wins and play Wigan Athletic next Saturday at home before an away trip to Huddersfield on the final day of the season.

Hunt continued:

“We have to keep going. The boys understand what is at stake.

“We can’t focus on other teams around us but focus on ourselves. Full focus is on us and how we will get a result against Wigan next week.

“We’ve got to make sure we prepare properly, have a solid game plan and try to execute it.

“Meite is on the grass this week so we will wait and see if he is ready for next week, but maybe the week after.

“We keep on pushing. “It was a gamble we needed to take. He (Shane Long) made us a handful and he came through it ok and we see how he goes through the week.

“They’re disappointed. With four or five minutes to go they felt there was one more chance in the game, it’s not time to keep your heads down, get your heads up and we go again next week.”

McIntyre rises high to win a header

Femi Azeez glides down the wing

A dejected Tyrese Fornah at full-time

Mamadi Camara made his first Championship start Reading are in the relegation zone

READING FC manager Noel Hunt has urged his team to ‘keep their heads up’ ahead of two critical games in the Championship relegation battle.

Tyrese Fornah 5, Tom McIntyre 5, Shane Long n/a

COVENTRY: Wilson, McNally, Doyle, Panzo, Dabo, Eccles, Kelly, Hamer, Wilson-Esbrand, Gyokeres, Godden

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

DEEP INTO RELEGATION ZONE

From the middle

A simplified laws of the game

ANEW book called Football Rules has been produced by the International Football Association Board who are responsible for the Laws of the Game.

Rules of Association Football was the original name when football first became organised back in 1863 but sometime later, this was changed to Laws.

The idea of this new book is to simplify the Laws of the Game and is not aimed at referees but at coaches/managers and players to help them understand the Laws better, and so stop the too frequent harassment of referees.

A scuffle between the two teams as tensions boil over

It is a little like the memorandums, sometimes called International Board Decisions, that the IFAB used to send out many years ago, also to clarify parts of the Laws.

I campaigned against this in my early days as a referee because they would come out in one year and if someone started refereeing in subsequent years, they would know nothing about them. I suggested that they include them in the Laws of the Game book, which sometime later they did.

with just two games to go Pictures: Steve

bottom corner with a precise finish on the turn.

The Sky Blues then nearly punished Reading on the counter from their own corner when they steamed forward and Gyokeres smacked the post with a shot from the edge of the box.

Having made a big call to put Camara in from the start, Noel Hunt made the decision to withdraw him at half-time and bring on Tyrese Fornah.

Buoyed by that change, Reading made the ideal start to the half to get level.

Fornah ignited the move by playing it into the feet of Lucas Joao

PREVIEW

who took aim from almost 25 yards out and curled an exceptional finish past Wilson to find the corner and to put his team on terms.

But just as Reading got level, they shot themselves in the foot as the home team replied instantly to restore their lead.

Hamer tried to play the ball into the box and saw the ball ricochet off Sarr and kindly into his path. He took the invitation gratefully and clipped the ball past Lumley to make it 2-1.

Azeez was knocked down from 25 yards to give him a striking chance from a free-kick. But the effort was wasted as his effort was

blasted into the wall. The next switch from Hunt saw Ehibhatiomhan replaced by defender McIntyre.

Hamer went close to capitalising after Sarr surrendered possession, but Lumley came up with an important stop to keep his side in the game.

Gyokeres missed two massive chances in the final moments of the match before eight minutes of additional time were indicated by the fourth official.

Reading were unable to muster another equaliser which leaves them in 22nd position with just two matches left to play.

ROYALS LOOK TO PLOT GREAT ESCAPE IN FINAL GAMES

READING FC host Wigan Athletic in their final home match of the campaign with their Championship status under serious threat.

After defeat to Coventry City at the weekend, the Royals find themselves in the precarious position in the relegation zone with just two games to go.

With the three teams directly above them in the table with games in hand, it will take a sizeable effort and a large chunk of fortune to see Reading escape the drop.

Both teams are in serious danger of facing the drop to League One with Wigan needing a win at the

Select Car Leasing Stadium to avoid their relegation from being confirmed.

Having looked almost certain to succumb to the drop, the Latics managed to claw back some hope by finding back to back wins.

A midweek win away at Stoke City courtesy of Will Keane’s goal was followed by a victory over play-off chasing Millwall on Saturday thanks to an 84th minute winner from Thelo Aasgaard.

Shaun Maloney’s side remain bottom of the pile but are now just three points behind Reading and four points behind Huddersfield

heading into the final straight.

Wigan have scored the fewest goals of any team in the division, netting just 37 times in 44 games.

Keane has been their most prolific player and has managed 12 goals in 42 games which puts him joint 11th in the list of top scorers in the Championship.

The Latics also have the joint least number of wins this season having picked up just 10 victories, putting them on 40 points.

However, Wigan have collected two more wins on the road this season than Reading which gives them hope going into

their final away trip of the season knowing that they need to pick up points to stay in the fight.

The Royals were victorious in the reverse fixture at the DW Stadium back in September as Tom Ince netted the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute with a sublime free-kick.

But Reading’s perilous run of form, which has seen them now go 11 Championship games without a win, means they are in desperate need of putting an end to their winless streak to find an unlikely route to survival.

In fact, they went further. The book as issued by the FA was called ‘The Referees’ Chart and Players Guide to the Laws of the Game’ and as well as the International Board Decisions, included advice to referees, players and club secretaries. In the current Laws of the Game, these decisions are merged with the Laws.

This new book came about, we are told, because many people who watch, play, or coach have asked for a simpler version of the Laws with terms and words that are most widely used.

Referees for instance talk about the ‘field of play’ which most people call the ‘pitch.’

Another feature is that while the Laws of the Game is listed by Laws, for example Law 2 is ‘The Ball’ the new book has an alphabetical index.

Under S for instance you will find, scoring a goal, semi Automated offside technology, simulation, substitutions, substitutes or team officials on the pitch, swearing.

Most sections have a question-and-answer session. It includes some items which are not covered in the Laws of the Game, and there are also some items which used to be in the Laws but now left out.

Football referee Picture: Pixabay

Smyth

McIntyre swings in a cross

Joe Lumley Royals skipper Andy Yiadom

Lucas Joao goes close

Guinness-Walker at full-time

Cesare Casadei moves forward in attack

Dick Sawdon-Smith

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

ATHLETICS

KAREN CLAIMS BRONZE BEFORE INJURY STRIKES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING ATHLETICS CLUB master athlete Karen Burles took a bronze medal in the World Indoor Championships before her hopes were dashed by injury.

A fantastic world championships in Tampere in July saw Karen break the W40 British record over 200m and gain a world bronze medal.

The World Indoor Championships in March looked promising as the local business owner took three months out of her usual training schedule to deal with a Plantar fasciitis injury, while training for a non impact event at the national fitness games.

Leading up to the championships in Torun, Poland, Karen managed to run a lifetime best over 200m.

Working on her starts to races, Karen also raced in the 60m in which she describes as her ‘fun event’.

Another lifetime best of 8.12 seconds was achieved in the 60m heat to take Karen into the semi-finals.

Karen managed to clinch a bronze medal with another lifetime best of 8.09 seconds.

However, it was to be a bitter ending for the Reading AC athlete after an achilles injury flared up and she had to limp off to the finish line in the 200m heats the next day.

“To make the podium in the 60m

ATHLETICS

was a dream I hadn’t even dreamt,” said Karen.

“Going into the championships I knew the 200 was my best event and coming out of the heats I was ranked number one.

“I had to try. For the six months of training. The sacrifices made. For my team of coaches behind me. The eight days away from my children and work.”

“I didn’t want any regrets and I don’t. I am just glad it happened in my individual event and not the

team relay as that would have been hard to get over.”

“I was so lucky that my Polish competitor in the semi final was a doctor and came to my rescue.”

“The masters community is such a friendly and supportive environment.

“Obviously we all want to win but everyone helps each other and no one certainly wants to see the favourite go out the way I did.”

Now needing to rehab the injury,

RESULTS

Saturday, April 22

FOOTBALL

Championship

Coventry City 2-1 Reading

Southern League Premier South

Plymouth Parkway 1-3

Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Leatherhead 2-2 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North Burnham 2-4 Ascot

United

Reading City 2-4 Wembley

Sumas 2-2 Virginia Water

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 2-0 AFC

Aldermaston

CB Hounslow United 1-0

Woodley United

Langley 1-1 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield 3-2 Wargrave

Reading City U23s 0-1

Westwood Wanderers

Karen is targeting a return for the European Masters Championships in Pescara, Italy, later this year.

She continued: “I am in no rush to get back to track training, being a personal trainer I know there are so many other ways to replicate track sessions and keep myself fit so my recovery will be done at sensible pace.

“My target is to be on the start line at the European Masters Championships in, later this year.”

FIXTURES

Wednesday, April 26

FOOTBALL Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Chesham United

Woodley United v AFC Aldermaston

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield v Finchampstead Reading City U23s v Slough Heating Laurencians

Thursday, April 27

Charles Twelftree Trophy

Final

Old Bradwell United 4-0

Finchampstead

RUGBY UNION

National League One

Esher 19-33 Rams

Sunday, April 23

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Reading 2-3 Everton

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

RACE DIRECTOR LOOKS

AHEAD

TO ‘EXCITING’ SHINFIELD 10K EVENT

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

RACE Director Colin Cottell is excited ahead of this year’s Shifield 10k which takes place on Monday, May 1.

The Shinfield 10k, which first began in 1985, provides a great opportunity for people to lace up their running shoes whether they are new to the sport or experienced.

“Entries have really picked up in the last couple of weeks and we’re expecting many more people to enter before online entries close on 27 April,” said Colin, a member of Reading Roadrunners, the race’s organisers.

Race organisers are expecting strong representation from local clubs, especially Reading AC, Bracknell Forest and Reading Joggers, Reading Roadrunners and Shinfield Running Club.

Matthew Green. Last year’s winners has vowed to defend

this title, while James Suarez from Shinfield Running is expected to compete strongly for the first local prize.

Beginning at School Green Shinfield, the route takes in many of the area’s quiet lanes, as well as some of the newer roads, drives, and avenues. With a short section on well-maintained paths, a few mild undulations and slopes, including a fast downhill section into the finish at School Green, the route is full of variety.

The race is organised by Reading Roadrunners, one of the largest running clubs in the South of England, with support from local sports charity The Shinfield Association, and in

WOMEN TO FACE TITLE HOPEFULS

association with Shinfield Running Club and Shinfield Parish Council.

From its first staging in 1985 when 610 runners completed what was then called the Shinfield Fun Run, the Shinfield 10k has always involved the whole community. Shinfield Scouts continue to provide the water station. Honeysuckle Day Nursery, Grant & Stone, Courtiers based in Henley and Vistry Group are this year’s sponsors.

Over its three decade span, Shinfield has raised more than £110,000 for Reading Roadrunners’ charities and The Shinfield Association, helping the latter to maintain the area’s sports facilities, including the Recreation Ground.

Online entries close on Thursday, April 27.

Subject to the race limit not being reached, entries will be available on the day.

n For further information, please contact: shinfield@ readingroadrunners.org

READING FC WOMEN face an arduous task in their continuing fight to stay in the Women’s Super League away at Manchester City.

The Royals’ hopes of securing their top flight status took a serious hit on Sunday as they let a two-goal lead slip in their 3-2 defeat to Everton.

Reading sit just one point and one place above the relegation zone over Leicester City who have a game in hand.

There are still four sides who are fighting to avoid the drop with Reading, Leicester, Brighton and Spurs all entrenched in the relegation scrap.

Brighton are a point ahead of Reading with a game in hand, while Spurs are two points above having played the same number of games.

Sunday’s opponents are fighting at the other end of the table in hopes of making a late push for the title.

City climbed up to second place on Sunday night after earning a convincing 6-2 win over West Ham.

Chloe Kelly hit a double and goals from Laura Coombs, Khadija Shaw, Steph Hoghton and Mary Fowler helped City stroll to a 6-2 victory.

The Citizens are now one place off the top and three points behind city rivals Manchester United with four games to go.

However, they are only one point ahead of third placed Chelsea having played two games more and three points above fourth placed Arsenal who have a game in hand. City won the reverse fixture at the SCL 3-0 in November

Eversley & California 0-2 Penn & Tylers Green

Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy

Wargrave 1-4 Tilehurst Panthers

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Mortimer 0-1 Ascot United Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

S4K Berks County 1-4 Ruislip Rangers

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 1-1 Caversham AFC

Eversley & California Reserves 12-0 Hillingdon Abbots

Shinfield Rangers 0-1 Larkspur Rovers

Yateley United 1-0 Thatcham & Newbury

Tuesday, April 25

FOOTBALL Combined Counties

One Hillingdon Borough v Eversley & California

City v Reading Cup Eastleigh v Ascot United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Harwell and Hendred v Tilehurst Panthers Mortimer v Wargrave

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield v Eversley & California Reserves

Taplow United v Larkspur Rovers

Wargrave Development v Shinfield Rangers

Monday, May 1

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Hillingdon Borough v Berks County

Karen Burles in action at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championship

Karen competing on the track

Karen Burles on the podium to pick up bronze

Injury cut her championship journey short