Reading Today, December 15, 2021

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24/11/2021

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SEASON‘S GREETINGS

from the partners and all of our colleagues at Blandy & Blandy

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Green waste collections paused for Christmas

PRIDE OF READING SPECIAL INSIDE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today STAFF shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic has been blamed for an earlier than expected ban on green waste collections.

The delay will allow stretched council resources to uplift residual waste, recycling and food waste over the festive period.

Current staff absence rates mean some green bin collections have not been able to take place on the scheduled day this week.

Residents whose garden waste collections have been missed are asked to leave their green bin or bags out and these will be collected by the team as quickly as possible.

With a full service impossible in the run up to Christmas, the annual pause in garden waste collections has been brought forward and will now take place two weeks earlier than planned.

As the usual two-week Christmas break in garden waste collections is already accounted for as part of the schedule, existing green bin or bag subscribers will get a two-week extension to their collection period next year. This is in addition to any weeks lost due to interruptions caused

by Covid-19 during the summer.

Garden waste collections are currently scheduled to resume from Monday 10 January.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead member for neighbourhoods and communities at Reading Borough Council, said: “With staff sickness meaning additional pressures on waste collections, we have taken the unfortunate but practical decision to start our Christmas garden waste pause earlier than usual.” n Continued on page 3

No. 9 90p

SANTAS IN A HURRY: Rotary’s red suit race fun • p6-7

GET JABBED TO HELP THE NHS

Omnicron levels see leaders call on Reading to do their bit to halt covid spread

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING is being urged to get the jab to help stop the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavrius.

Council leader Jason Brock and Reading East MP Matt Rodda have joined other local leaders in making the call, following the country’s coronavirus alert level rising to level 4 — one away from the most severe.

This means there is a rapidly

increasing risk to the public and healthcare services.

On Sunday, England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty warned: “Early evidence shows that Omicron is spreading much faster than Delta and that vaccine protection against symptomatic disease from Omicron is reduced.

“Data on severity will become clearer over the coming weeks but hospitalisations from Omicron are already occurring and these are likely to increase rapidly.” n Continued on page 2

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Two charged with murder of Tilehurst man

Shinfield man jailed for burglary

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

A SHINFIELD man has been jailed for a burglary in Reading.

Daniel Allaway, 40, of Cirrus Drive, Shinfield, was found guilty of one count burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft at Reading Crown Court on Monday, December 6.

Following a four-day trial, the judge sentenced Allaway to three years’ imprisonment for burglary, three years for theft of a motor vehicle and one month for theft, all to be served concurrently, and banned him from driving for 10 months.

At the same hearing, Ryan Dye, aged 40, of Ambrook Road, Reading, was found not guilty of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft.

On Monday, July 12, Allaway entered a property on Shinfield Road through the back door after the occupants, two men and a woman, went to bed at around 11.30pm.

Allaway took the keys to a Volkswagen Golf and a Bose speaker from the house as well as a gold

BEHIND BARS: Daniel Allaway has been jailed for a burglary watch from another car on the driveway, before driving off in the Volkswagen.

Police officers found the stolen car nearby shortly afterwards along with Allaway, plus the stolen watch and speaker.

CCTV footage showed Allaway discarding the keys to the stolen car.

He was subsequently arrested and charged.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rebecca Nichols, of the Priority Crime Team, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “Burglary is a priority crime within the force and we are happy that this offender has been found guilty and justice can be given to the victims.

“This was a great joint effort from both teams in Reading and Loddon Valley.”

TWO people have charged in connection with the murder of a Tilehurst man.

Thames Valley Police said that they have been charged in relation to the murder of 22-year-old Reece Heffernan on October 31, in Romany Lane, Tilehurst.

Damian Wozniak, 18 and of Kings Road, Reading, has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

Madison Henderson, 19 and also from Kings Road, Reading, has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

The charges were both made on Thursday, December 9.

Get the jab and help Reading beat covid this Christmas n Continued from front page

He warned that the NHS is already under pressure for non-covid reasons and, with a variant spreading with increased transmissibility and reduced vaccine effectiveness, the nation is likely to see this pressure rise.”

Prof Whitty urged people to have the booster vaccine as soon as eligible, and to also take precautions to stop the spread of the virus, including ventilating rooms, using face coverings, testing regularly and isolating when symptomatic.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital’s chief medical officer, Janet Lippett, said: “We’re not out of the woods with this yet.

“Particularly as we go into the festive period, please, please, please listen to the advice we’re being given.

“Keep sanitising your hands, wearing a mask, keeping a distance if you can and, most importantly, have a vaccine.

“These are the things we can do

to keep ourselves, our families and our friends safe, and keep the Royal Berks from being overwhelmed.”

And Steve McManus, CEO at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are already seeing high levels of demands for our services as we head into winter, with frequently more than 400 people arriving at our Emergency Department in a single day.

“We will always be there to provide support and help, but would strongly encourage the public to help reduce pressure and ensure everyone is able to access the health and social care support they need.”

Ways in which people can help the NHS include being prepared by stocking up on medicines, and treating minor illnesses at hoome.

People can also use NHS 111 for urgent medical queries instead of going to the Emergency Department (formerly A&E).

Other ways people can help include trying to access GPs through online and video appointments

instead of face-to-face consultations.

Reading’s weekly covid rate per 100,000 residents is still in 600s, and the daily results of positive cases remains around the 100 mark, meaning covid is still being transmitted. There are fears that Omicron rates will see this go higher.

Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “None of us wanted to be here again this Christmas – but we can’t just wish the Coronavirus away. We have to work together to beat it.

“The best thing you can possibly do for your health, your family and your community is to make sure you are up to date with your jabs.

“So, if you are due for your booster, please book it now – and if you are still to have your jab, please don’t delay.

“The vaccine is safe and it has already saved tens of thousands of lives in this country and millions around the world.

“Whatever your reasons for delay, please look at this again – not just

for your own safety, but because more vaccinations today mean fewer restrictions more quickly in the future.”

He added: “Here in Reading we have always worked together as a community. Please follow the guidance, please get jabbed, and please stay safe.”

His call for people to get a jab has been backed by MPs Theresa May and Matt Rodda.

Mr Rodda said: “Please, please do get a jab if you have had the call from the NHS.”

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Beer and bargains at Double Barrelled’s winter indie market

CHARITY: Abi Chambers raising money for Reading Mencap

GIFTS: The Indie Market at the Double Barrelled Brewery All pictures: Dijana Capan

EXCLUSIVE

Green councillors petition for narrower waste collection trucks A CALL has been made for Reading to have smaller dustcarts.

Reading’s Green Party councillors say residents have been complaining of missed collections, due to narrow roads in parts of Redlands.

They argue that with the new smaller wheelie bins, a missed collection can create all kinds of waste-related issues.

And, they add, the new food waste collection service already uses a smaller vehicle which is perfect for waste crews to get to those harder to reach parts.

The party has launched a petition aimed at getting Reading Borough Council to introduce smaller vehicles across the fleet.

Redlands Ward councillor David McElroy said: “In our narrow roads poor parking often blocks access for rubbish trucks.

“Many residents frequently contact me on this issue.

“Having a smaller truck means that even if someone does park poorly, and we all know someone who can’t help themselves, the whole street won’t have to suffer the inconvenience, smell or appalling piles of waste.”

He urged people to sign the petition, adding: “Green councillors will keep standing up for residents on issues that matter.” n For more information, or to sign the petition, visit: bit.ly/smallerbinlorry

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today

Green waste collections paused for holidays

HUNDREDS of people picked up a festive bargain at Reading’s new independent market earlier this month.

There were a wide range of Christmas treats available at the Taproom of the Double Barrelled Brewery in Scours Lane, Tilehurst, on Sunday, December 5.

The indoor market is one of four held throughout the year which sees the Taproom transformed by a host of independent sellers.

Brewery spokesman Max Holderness said: “The crowds really loved and appreciated the incredibly talented local craftspeople who had a variety of unique and festive treats.

“In addition, there was plenty of delicious street food from The Fat Tabby, coffee and cake from Anonymous Coffee Co., and of course, plenty of fresh DB beer.

“It was the perfect opportunity for people to start, continue, or finish their Christmas shopping.

“Our indie fairs are always popular and we look forward to greeting shoppers and beer lovers to our next in the New Year.”

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n Continued from front page

IN TOWN: James Taylor with his Reading town centre photo art ART: Paulina Nieduzak with her ceramics for sale

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward added: “Despite recruiting extra staff earlier in the year, with illness levels currently so high we simply don’t have enough crews to empty our usual 30,000 bins a day.

“The demand for garden waste collections is lower at this time of year and, combined with Christmas being by far the busiest time for all our residual waste and priority recycling collections, that has to be our focus at this time.

“All being well, we look forward to resuming garden waste collections in the new year.

“In the meantime, if you are able to store your garden waste at home or book a slot at the re3 centre then please do so.

“As ever, thank you to all our green waste subscribers for their patience.”

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today LIVE: Reading Community Gospel Choir were scheduled to perform at the concert

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Hempen Cooperative to receive Garden of Sanctuary award EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

Gospel concert at Reading Minster postponed A CHARITY Gospel carol concert has been postponed due to covid concerns.

The concert was to feature performances by Reading Community Gospel Choir, in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group.

It was scheduled to take place on Friday, December 17, at Reading Minster.

The charity and choir are working to set a new date. All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date.

A announcement was posted on the RRSG website and social media last week.

In it, a spokesperson said that it would have been irresponsible to go ahead as the covid situation is worsening.

“The safety of our supporters, staff and crew is

paramount,” they said.

“We are truly gutted to cancel for the second year in a row, we’d been working really hard to make the show a success.”

Since the recent Afghanistan Crisis, RRSG has seen demand for its services grow by more than 400%.

It supports 25 families settling in Berkshire permanently, as well as more than 700 men, women and children being temporarily housed in hotels locally.

The charity had hoped to raise money at the show to fund frontline services supporting refugees and asylum seekers across Berkshire.

n For more information, visit: rrsg.org.uk

A COOPERATIVE has been given Garden of Sanctuary status to celebrate its community work.

Next month, the Reading City of Sanctuary group will present the award to the Hempen Cooperative in recognition of its efforts to welcome and accommodate people of sanctuary seeking background in the town.

Its project, Growing Solidarity, aims to build community resilience through promoting and facilitating connection to ourselves, each other and the natural world through their community garden.

The project, based near Mapledurham, works with people from all walks of life, many of the participants are individuals and families from refugee backgrounds.

Participants grow, harvest, package and cook food, participate in workshops and spend time in nature and with each other.

The award celebration event,

COOPERATIVE: Hempen Cooperative the Garden of Sanctuary Award planned for Tuesday, January 25, will be a chance to hear more about the project, what it means to the people involved and what it means to the wider community.

The event will include a film screening, hot drinks, a bonfire and opportunities to connect with Reading’s refugee solidarity network.

Sophie and Tom, coordinators of the Growing Solidarity project, said they are feeling “very moved” to receive the award.

“We know that many people seeking sanctuary are fleeing very difficult life circumstances,” they said.

“Many are traumatised and exhausted from having nowhere to ground and feel belonging when they make it to the UK. “The project aims to offer such a space, and we know that the individuals and families that we work with get a lot out of visiting the farm and spending time engaging with meaningful activities, relaxing and socialising.

“It means so much to see the project recognised and valued by the City of Sanctuary.”

Lorraine Briffitt, Chair of Reading City of Sanctuary, said: “We are delighted to work with Hempen Farm.

“It’s amazing to see the energy they’ve poured into becoming recognised as a ‘Garden of Sanctuary’.

“They are already doing so much to welcome people of sanctuary seeking background and we’re looking forward to celebrating their achievement on the 25th of Jan. “This comes at a time when solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers is more needed than ever before. It’s inspiring to see community organisations playing their part by stepping up.

“Please do get in touch with us if your organisation would like to start its own journey of welcome.”

And Nikki Walters, City of Sanctuary UK, Gardens of Sanctuary Lead, added: “We are really pleased to present Hempen Farm with a Garden of Sanctuary award.

“The panel was very impressed with how Hempen has involved people seeking sanctuary in Reading with their work, and taken on board their feedback, as well as the continued support they offered to people during the pandemic.

“We are really excited to see how their partnership with Reading City of Sanctuary and other local organisations continues to grow over the coming years.” n To register a place at the January 25 event, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/hempenfarm-garden-of-sanctuaryaward-celebrationstickets-224664857637

BID: Cllr Jason Brock hopes Reading will be granted city status Picture: Stewart Turkington

Reading submits city bid READING has officially submitted its City Status bid as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

It has been designed in consultation with residents, business leaders and the voluntary sector.

Council leader, Cllr Jason Brock said that he is proud to submit the bid and believes that it makes a compelling case for City Status.

“Everybody has their own ideas about what makes Reading so special and we have captured

those in the bid document,” he said.

“Our powerful and resilient economy, our rich history, our unrivalled connectivity, our vibrant cultural and arts scene, our glorious diversity, our amazing voluntary sector, and our strides towards zero carbon all come together to create the unique blend.”

Cllr Brock said that he thinks it is important to use the bid to boost plans for “levelling up” the town.

“We know that there

are people in some of our communities that do not benefit from [the town’s] success.

“A successful bid would help open up new opportunities for those residents, particularly in terms of new skills and training opportunities.”

Cllr Brock thanked everyone involved in the bid.

“We are ambitious for Reading and, whatever the outcome, the bid has given us an opportunity to celebrate everything great here.”

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Covid grant will help Tilehurst school pupils fire up their imaginations GRANT: John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees, Brandon Mills, headteacher, Charlotte Wilshire, fundraiser, and Heather Beeney, arts teacher, alongside Ione Stacey and Bali the therapy dog from Pets as Therapy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IMAGINATIONS will be fired up at a Tilehurst school for children with additional needs, thanks to a donation from a Reading-based trust.

Brookfields School will be able to repair its pottery kiln thanks to a Covid-19 relief grant from The John Sykes Foundation.

Last week, John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees of the foundation, visited the School to present a cheque to its headteacher, Brandon Mills.

He was joined by fundraiser Charlotte Wilshire, arts teacher Heather Beeney, and Ione Stacey and Bali the Therapy Dog from Pets as Therapy, a monthly visitor which the Foundation help fund.

Brookfields has 226 pupils who have a learning difficulty and/or additional needs, such as autistic spectrum disorder, mobility difficulties, and visual impairment.

It aims to offer all students a personalised education to prepare them for positive and fulfilling lives as healthy and engaged individuals.

As well as more traditional subjects, it offers a range of enrichment activities, such as

pottery, which develop motor skills and provide a creative outlet for pupils.

Due to Covid-19, Brookfields kept pupils and staff in very limited areas of the school, meaning many classes and activities were temporarily side-lined, including pottery classes.

Unfortunately, this meant that the pottery kiln was inactive for a long period and now requires servicing, which the school were unable to fund.

Charlotte applied for a Covid-19 Relief Fund grant to help make this happen “Bringing pottery back to life will make an enormous

difference to our students,” she said.

“Servicing the kiln will transform unfired bone-dry clay from its fragile state to a porous and durable state, which allows one to safely do decorative work, apply underglazes and glazes on the piece without damaging or cracking it, and

then glaze after firing.

“The pupils will be able to see the whole process from start to finish.”

She added: “There have been many occasions when pupils have made pottery items for sale to parents and visitors.

“For example, Christmas tree decorations were sold at our last

Christmas play, and the kiln is a vital component in this process.

“The range of supplies would also give the pupils a great choice of different colours and finishes so that they can personalise their work.”

The John Sykes Foundation grant will service the kiln, and enable the purchase of a number of supplies, including different colour glazes, clay cutters, and clay stones.

Mr Sykes said he was honoured to visit the Tarrant Class at the school who welcomed Bali the Therapy Dog, with her owner Ione, for the afternoon.

The monthly visits have been running since April 2019.

“The Foundation is delighted to award this grant to Brookfields SEN School, and we hope the pottery classes continue to be a great success with the children, to help further express their creativity,” he said.

“We are honoured to have an ever-growing relationship with the School; the affectionate relationship the children have with Bali is so inspiring and sincere, and we look forward to our visit next month.” n The foundation is open to applications. For details, log on to: www.johnsykesfoundation.org

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A grand number of EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today THERE were tall ones, small ones, skinny ones and a few that might get stuck going down the chimney.

But all of the 1,100 Santas who took part in the eight annual Reading Rotary Santa Run were winners when it comes to raising money for good causes.

After last year’s event went virtual, the town centre was as red as Rudolph’s famous nose as Santas filled the streets on their way to Forbury Gardens.

They were joined by an army of elves, babies in buggies and dozens of dogs who were magically turned into reindeer for the day thanks to a pair of felt horns.

Race director, Graham Broadhurst, said he was “thrilled” so many Santas turned out for the festive fun run.

“With all the stories in the media about lockdowns and covid cancellations, it was wonderful to see people eager to get back into the Christmas spirit,” he smiled.

“People were telling me and the stewards that they missed last year’s event and couldn’t wait to take part this year. As usual, there were all kinds of Santas, young and old, parents and children taking part in the fun run and several serious runners, which is what makes the Santa Run such a special occasion.”

Not surprisingly, the winner of the 5k race was Santa - otherwise known as Matthew Walker from Reading who has also won the previous two runs, in just under 16 minutes.

Many of those taking part raised money for their own good causes but this year’s main charities to benefit from the day are the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the Reading Refugee Support Group.

Added Graham: “We hope to know next week once all the sponsorship money is in how much has been raised

TOGETHER: Family time at the Santa Run All pictures: Dijana Capan but we expect it to be in the thousands as in previous years.

“Our thanks go to all the mums, dads, toddlers, children, dogs and adults who took part and make the Santa Run what it is and for everyone working behind the scenes who make it happen.”

JOINING IN: The 1k Mini Santa and Elf Run winner, Wilf May (9) from Twyford.

FESTIVE: Residents get in the sprit as they prepare to race

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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f Santas go on the run

LITTLE HELPERS: The Wakefield Family ready to run

FAMILY: Charlotte Wise with her daughter, twoyear-old Evelyn

LET’S GO: Families race at the start of the 1k Mini Santa and Elf Run

CROWD: The start of the 1k Mini Santa and Elf Run

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Libraries and heritage services Christmas closure

READING Borough Council libraries and heritage services have announced their Christmas closure dates.

All of the Borough’s libraries, Berkshire Record Office, and Reading Museum will be closed from Friday, December 24 until Monday, 3 January inclusive.

They will all reopen as normal on Tuesday, January 4.

Berkshire Record Office will be taking bookings for the period Tuesday, January 4 to Friday, January 14 from Monday, December 13. Bookings for the first week must be made

by Thursday, December 23.

Jessie Brown’s satll Mayor Rachel Eden and Jamie Read declare the event open

Live nativity event FAMILIES are invited to take part in a special retelling of the Christmas story on Sunday.

Lower Earley Baptist Church is opening its gardens to all creatures great and small.

Little monkeys on their best behaviour for Santa’s visit can see animals featured in the Nativity story, such as donkeys and sheep.

Members of the Maiden Place church will be sharing the story of the first Christmas with storytelling sessions, and there will be craft activities too.

There are three bookable sessions - 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, all on Sunday, December 19.

n For more details, log on to www. lowerearleybaptistchurch.org.uk

Kalakunj were one of the groups performing

LEAP YEAR: A Winter Festival was held at St Bart’s Theater with students of Read College performing Pictures: Dijana Capan

WHAT A SHOW! THE performing arts were celebrated during a special winter festival on Saturday.

St Bart’s Theatre, on St Bartholomew Road in Reading, opened its doors to hold a winter festival.

Supported by the Asda Foundation, the event was opened by the borough mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden.

There were performances by Read College’s students, as well as games, raffles and tombolas.

Stall holders also sold locally-made crafts, gifts and goodies.

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LEP’s new investment plan for Berkshire BUSINESS CASE: Thames Valley LEP has published a new prospectus for the region

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A NEW DOCUMENT exploring the benefits of investing in Berkshire has been published.

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Thames Valley Berkshire LEP has published the second edition of the Berkshire Prospectus for 2022.

It has been created with help from partners across the public and private sectors, to explore why the county “is an excellent area to invest in”. It also highlights ready to invest projects that could unlock future economic opportunities.

The first edition was published in February 2021, and featured Reading’s Minster Quarter which has recently been awarded £2 million for Reading Borough Council to lay the groundwork for its future regeneration.

Projects highlighted in the prospectus represent opportunities for new investment.

One focus is ensuring Berkshire is full fibre-enabled by 2025.

This new infrastructure will give both Berkshire residents and businesses access to Gigabit connectivity with the

speed and capacity benefits this technology brings.

It also mentions Cine Valley, the new film and TV production hub in Shinfield.

Launched by the University of Reading, the project will provide a range of new jobs to the Thames Valley, attract inward investment to the UK, and help support the fastgrowing creative industries.

The 2022 prospectus also outlines plans for a cleaner, greener Berkshire.

This is part of the Net Zero Carbon Research Report, which was commissioned by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, and carried out by Bioregional.

The report recommends a 50-point action plan for the county, in a bit to reduce emissons.

Alison Webster, CEO of

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP said, “Since the inaugural Berkshire Prospectus was published in early 2021, we have seen significant changes to how investment will flow into the English regions, especially from Government.

“For this second edition of the Berkshire Prospectus, alongside our partners, we have developed a fully updated and refreshed selection of investment opportunities, ready for both Government and private sector investment as and when it becomes available.

“This Berkshire Prospectus highlights some of the key projects that will bring prosperity and above all else make Berkshire a desirable place to invest in.”

n For more information, visit: bit. ly/BerkshireProspectus

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Budgets up for discussion during consultation FRONTLINE services and major projects will be protected despite budget pressures caused by the covid pandemic and adult social care.

That’s the commitment from Reading Council which said the overall impact of a second year of the Covid 19 won’t be known for some weeks, pending the final announcement of the government’s Local Government Finance Settlement and additional work by the Council to close a £3.3m budget gap for next year.

The Council held a meeting on Monday to agree to a period of public consultation ahead of final budget setting in February.

The provisional budget shows major investments such as £40 million on modern new leisure facilities, including two new swimming pools, £9 million on Reading’s biggest ever road resurfacing programme, £20 million on the new Green Park Station, £3.2 million on refurbishing Reading West Station and £7 million on further energy saving measures towards its 2030 net zero carbon target, all remain untouched.

The Council’s commitment to delivering Reading’s biggest council house building programme in a generation is

also fully maintained in the draft budget. More than 300 high quality and sustainable affordable new homes are set to be built over the next four years.

A total of £43 million is being invested in “modern and fit for purpose sheltered housing” for older people, and supported accommodation and day facilities for vulnerable adults.

Reading Borough Council Leader Jason Brock said: “This is a provisional budget which looks to maintain every one of our flagship investments and protect the frontline in the face of some of the biggest challenges local government will ever face.

“The Covid pandemic follows a decade of austerity which has already pushed every council to breaking point. Local government has absorbed unprecedented cuts in funding which mean it has become increasingly reliant on fees and charges to operate.

“That same income has now been heavily impacted by Covid and as we approach the end of the second year of the pandemic, uncertainty remains as to how long council budgets will be affected.

“This is, of course,

NEWS | 9

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exacerbated by huge additional pressures for adult social care teams everywhere.

Despite repeated Government promises, a realistic funding solution remains a very long way from being delivered.

“This Council’s aspiration has always been to help people live more independent lives and allow them to remain in their own homes for longer, but real concerns remain about whether, and when, councils will receive enough of a share of the Government’s increase in National Insurance contributions.

“Our commitments are now being recognised on the national stage. Last week, the Council was voted UK Housebuilder of the Year.

“The previous week, Reading was named as one of just 10 local authority areas in the UK – and one of just 95 in the world – to have made the ‘A list’ of towns and cities taking the lead on environmental action.”

A one month public consultation will run to January 14.

Further reports will then go to Policy Committee on February 14 recommending the approval of a balanced budget and associated Council Tax level to Council on February 23.

Support for small busineses from Reading West MP

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today SMALL businesses in Reading are being urged to take advantage of a government digital scheme to boost flagging sales.

Two years of covid lockdowns, closures and restrictions have dented profits for many retailers and other traders.

But Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, called on businesses to register now for the new initiative which can halve the cost of choosing the right software to transform sales and production.

It follows last week’s successful launch of Small Business Saturday, an annual event which aims to raise the High Street’s profile and promote the benefits of shopping local.

In 2020, more than £1.1 billion was spent on the day with an estimated 15.4 million people turning out to support small businesses and this year’s figures are expected to be higher.

Mr Sharma visited a number

SALES: Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West is urging businesses to take advantage of a digital scheme to boost sales of local traders and helped cojudge the Christmas window competition for businesses located in Theale High Street.

“Following Covid-19, it is vital that small businesses grow and thrive again,” he explained.

“The Government wants to give the UK’s many businesses the support and skills they need to drive the innovation, growth and job creation as we move towards a secure and prosperous future.

“This includes making sure every small and medium

business in the country has access to productivity-boosting training and digital technology.”

He added: “It was great to be out and about in my constituency on Small Business Saturday.

“I was delighted to be asked to judge the Christmas shop window competition for local businesses on Theale High Street. Huge congratulations go to The Falcon for winning the competition, with La Baguetterie and Frame Direct close runners-up.

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10 | NEWS

All of the announced acts so far HERE is an A-Z listing of all the acts announced for Reading Festival 2022.

The festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and pre-sale tickets have just gone on sale.

Arctic Monkeys Arrdee Bastille Bring Me the Horizon Circa Waves Chloe Moriondo Dave Denzel Curry Fever 333 Fontaines D.C. Glass Animals Griff Halsey Hybrid Minds Jack Harlow Joy Crookes Jxdn Kid Brunswick Little Simz Megan Thee Stallion Madison Beer Måneskin Pale Waves Pink Pantheress Polo G Rage Against the Machine Run The Jewels Tai Verdes Wallows Wilkinson Wolf Alice

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What Reading Festival says about the first names on its 2022 line-up

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

happening I promise you we are going to put on the best show of our lives for you lot.”

And also …

READING FESTIVAL is returning to Rivermead over the weekend of August 26-28 next year, and there are some of the biggest names in contemporary music coming to play.

Among the names announced today are Arctic Monkeys, Dave, Rage Against The Machine, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and Bring Me The Horizon.

Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic said: “With so many amazing acts set to play, Reading and Leeds is set to return as the ultimate festival weekend of the summer: defining the sounds of modern groundbreaking music.

“I cannot wait.”

With tickets going on general sale from 9am on Friday, December 10, here’s what organisers Festival Republic are saying about the acts.

Arctic Monkeys

Since first telling the world “don’t believe the hype”, Arctic Monkeys captured the musical zeitgeist and changed the course of guitar music forever.

From a self-released EP to becoming one of the biggest bands of the new millennium, no one captures the adrenaline-

LINE UP: Bastille will perform at Reading Festival 2022 fuelled ups and downs of nights out, heartbreak, and lust like the Sheffield quartet. Ironic and iconic in equal measure, Arctic Monkeys’ meteoric albums and performances only get sharper and smarter.

Playing in the UK for the first time since 2018’s Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino tour, they are set for a hero’s welcome as they make their triumphant return to headline the main stage in 2022.

Dave

Dave has cemented himself

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as a bona-fide generational talent at the top of rap’s apex.

At only 23, and having won nearly every major UK musical accolade possible, he can now count being the youngest ever solo artist to headline Reading and Leeds as another triumph.

Dave’s gift is making the inner-city struggles of young people and immigrants universal, through personal storytelling and incredible wordplay.

With a trick bag of fan favourites like Location, Funky Friday, Thiago Silva and fresh off the release of new album ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’, Dave is ready to step fully into his star moment.

Rage Against The Machine Rage Against The Machine formed in 1991, rising to acclaim with their fiercely antiestablishment sound merging hip hop, punk and thrash. To date, the band have sold over 16 million records, and are one of the loudest voices in modern music.

In times of political hardship, Rage Against The Machine have never been afraid to speak their minds or point a finger at injustice, their previous Reading and Leeds performances have gone down in history – and next year’s headline slot will be no different.

With timeless singles such as Killing In the Name and Guerilla Radio in their repertoire that still resonate with the masses in 2022, the Los Angeles legends are set for an unmissable performance.

Halsey

Innovator and visionary Halsey needs little introduction.

Their trailblazing streak has long made the US star stand apart from the crowd since their breakthrough 2015 album Badlands.

Uncompromising and disruptive, Halsey has pushed boundaries and raised bars with her ambitious, creative music on their own terms.

Through constant reinvention, whether building

dystopian worlds, crafting their own mythology and alter-ego or exploring the “joys and horror” of motherhood on latest album, If I Can’t Have Love I Want Power - Halsey’s rise reflects an artist who made the music world evolve with them and is destined to headline the biggest stage of all.

Megan Thee Stallion

Three-time, Grammywinning recording artist Megan Thee Stallion is set for a monumental debut main stage west headline set. Before becoming one of the biggest musicians on the planet, Megan rose to prominence with her viral freestyles and captivating cyphers. Several smash songs and projects later, the Houston Hottie has since proven herself as the vital voice the music industry needed. Megan Thee Stallion, with her laser accurate flow and subversive anthems like Body, Savage and WAP, can now add headlining Europe’s most exciting festival to her résumé.

Bring Me The Horizon

Sheffield alt-metallers Bring Me The Horizon have become the biggest band of their generation.

Their nearly 20-year strong career has seen them develop from rough-and-ready deathcore upstarts to a slick, pop-metal hit factory with two Grammy nods and consecutive No 1 albums.

The five-piece led by frontman Oli Sykes have relentlessly carved their own path from sweaty rock club basements with their futurist approach to the genre. Now with the world at their feet, Bring Me The Horizon will take their rightful place headlining the prestigious main stage at Reading and Leeds Festival.

Bring Me The Horizon said: “To be headlining Reading & Leeds was never even a dream of mine as it’s something I could never imagine happening. I just never saw our band as a festival headline act. But now it’s

Also announced are boundary hopping indie-pop kings Bastille, as well as beloved indie rock alchemists Wolf Alice for their highest main stage appearance to date. The ascending Manchester quartet Pale Waves, Oxford’s own Heat Wave hitmakers Glass Animals jump onboard for with some wavy synth-pop, Dublin postpunk quintet Fontaines D.C. are set for a huge main stage appearance as are the always impeccable Liverpudlian indie rockers Circa Waves.

London rapper Little Simz joins the bill following her lauded fourth album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ and fresh off her MOBOs Best Female Act win. Run The Jewels who remain at the top of the US hip-hop pile with the freespirited stylings of Killer Mike and EL-P, Chicago rapper Polo G has been unstoppable as one of music’s top rising talents as well as Kentucky rap sensation and 2021 breakout star Jack Harlow.

Rising British neo-soul star Joy Crookes is set to make her debut Reading and Leeds appearance on the main stage, Brighton MC Arrdee who has taken the UK scene by storm, BRIT Rising Star winner Griff whose colossal relatable songs have made audiences everywhere feel seen, US popstar Madison Beer fresh off her long-awaited debut album Life Support and Floridian rapper Denzel Curry has secured his place amongst Miami’s rap pedigree.

The genre defying electrorockers Enter Shikari will hit the main stage, rap-metal crew Fever 333 are set for a frenzied performance with purpose, led by vocalist Jason Aalon Butler.

Europe’s hottest property and Italian glam sensations Måneskin make their Reading and Leeds debut, rising pop punk star jxdn is confirmed to make his first ever UK festival appearance, as well as fellow punk-mischief maker Chloe Moriondo and the rock hiphop hybrid stylings of Kid Brunswick.

Drum and bass legend Wilkinson is set for an epic appearance headlining the Dance Stage and will be in good company with the liquid duo Hybrid Minds confirmed.

As well as trend-generating songwriter Tai Verdes, Bathborn PinkPantheress whose impeccable debut mixtape capped off a huge breakthrough year, Wigan’s finest indie upstarts The Lathums and LA feel-good indie trio Wallows complete the first wave. n For tickets, visit: www. readingfestival.com/tickets

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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‘We can’t halt major wave of Omicron’

By SUE CORCORAN news@rdg.today AS the Omicron variant takes grip, a World Health Organisation covid expert is offering hope for the future.

Professor Ben Cowling, honoured by the Queen for his ground breaking and lifesaving Covid-19 work, has been speaking exclusively to Reading Today.

He thinks a major wave of Omicron in January can’t be prevented, but added: “It can be slowed down by the reintroduction of public health measures.”

Professor Cowling, who went to Reading School, has further hopes. With millions seeking booster shots this week, we asked: “We just seem to be facing never ending wave after wave now.

“Will this be the pattern for years to come?”

He replied: “That will depend on the virus, but hopefully with the immunity that’s been built up in the past two years we won’t see any further large waves of hospitalisations and severe cases.”

Asked about wishes for a more normal Christmas this year he said: “Omicron has come out of the blue, I think many of

us thought that the pandemic was coming to an end.

“I think with increasing case numbers, many Christmas celebrations will be postponed or cancelled.”

On suggestions that the viruses could get weaker to the point where they become, like flu, something we can vaccinate against for vulnerable people, with life continuing normally, he said: “Viruses can change in various ways, not necessarily becoming weaker, but over time population immunity will improve so that infections become milder on average because of better immunity rather than any change in the virus.”

Professor Cowling went to Sonning Primary School and then Reading School.

His family still live in the area.

An epidemiologist (disease spread expert), he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire this year for his services to public health and to research on Covid-19.

Reading School headmaster now, Ashley Robson, said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of Ben Cowling (Old Redingensian 1990-1997), a highly

valued member of the Reading School family.

“Ben is a role model who has demonstrated commitment and dedication to excellence and has successfully sought to use his talent to serve others.”

Director of the World Health Organisation Centre for Disease Control in Hong Kong, Professor Cowling went with colleagues to China to work on a study which gave the first official estimates of how easily Covid-19 was passed on.

This was urgently needed information when Covid-19 was taking off to eventually become a pandemic Soon after the study’s publication on January 29, 2020, Professor Cowling, made, what seemed then, astounding predictions.

When there were just two Covid-19 cases in the UK, he predicted the possible start of a coronavirus epidemic in the UK by early March.

He also warned the new virus was “a real risk to global health.”

He was proved right on both.

His work on face mask effectiveness has also saved many lives worldwide.

HELP: Police believe the men pictured could help their investigation

Woman in 70s has £5,000 stolen in distraction theft A WOMAN in her 70s has been the victim of a £5,000 fraud after shopping in a Tilehurst supermarket.

Thames Valley Police have released images of people who they think could help their investigation.

The incident happened around 11am on Thursday, November 25, in the car park of Waitrose on Oxford Road.

The victim had put her shopping into her car and was returning her trolley when a man called out to say she had left something in it.

Police said she left her car to check, but couldn’t see anything in the trolley that was hers.

Later in the evening, she realised her bank card was missing, and contacted the bank, who informed her that two unauthorised transactions had been made, totalling more than £5,000.

As part of their investigation, officers have released two images of people they would like to speak to in connection to this theft.

Investigating officer, PC

Hayley Broome based at Reading police station, said: We are releasing these CCTV images as we believe these individuals may have vital information that could help us with the investigation.

“Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43210536531.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via their website.”

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE ...

COUNCIL bosses are taking a walk on the wild side with a plan to help the town go green for longer.

Roundabouts and verges will get an extra touch of colour as part of a project to restore, reclaim and protect natural habitats.

The technique, known as rewilding, will mean wildflower turf enhanced with flowering plants will bloom during next spring and summer.

Reading Borough Council is teaming up with Reading Central Business Improvement (BID) who are funding the turf, planted on areas including Queen’s Road, Forbury Road and outside the railway station,to the tune of nearly £12,000.

The experimental rewilding scheme proved popular when it was trialed last year along Basingstoke Road, Portman Road and Lansdowne Road.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “Our rewilding trials have proved very successful over the last 18 months – many of our verges looked lovely when they burst into colour in the spring and the extremely positive feedback from residents has been heartening to see projects like this, which seek to enhance our environment and biodiversity, also mesh beautifully with our City Status bid and go a long way towards enhancing Reading’s reputation

PLANTING: Enhanced wildflower turf laying, station roundabout as an environmental leader, regionally and beyond.”

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, was equally enthusiastic: “I’m delighted to see our rewilding project extended to the town centre verges with this enhanced wildflower turf, generously funded by our partners at Reading Central BID. It is always pleasing to see businesses reinvesting in our town’s environment and recognising the value that initiatives like this add to residents’ experience of the town centre.

“In a busy town like Reading, maintaining a connection with nature is all the more important.

Moreover, these experimental changes feed into our wider, far-

reaching ambitions set out in our Climate Emergency Strategy and Biodiversity Action Plan.”

Bobby Lonergan, Business Improvement District Manager added: “Reading town centre businesses, like many other parts of our economy, have a significant environmental footprint.

“Supporting rewilding in Reading town centre is one strand of the Green Business Improvement District plan to assess this impact, understand better what is already being done by our businesses and across the town centre as a whole, and to deliver an action plan to work towards Reading Business Improvement District becoming a national beacon of environmental good practice.”

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12 | NEWS

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Blue Collar’s Winter Weekend takes over Reading’s Market

MANUAL /people /therapeutic handling training for formal and informal carers An important element of working in the care environment is being well educated in manual handling principles and practices. At Therapies on Thames, as a team of professionals we consider it to be very important to teach those involved in elderly care to carry out moving and handling tasks in the correct way to protect themselves and their clients.

We work in partnership with many care homes across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey and carry out staff training in the following areas: > Assist a client onto the edge of their bed. > Assist a client to stand. > Transfer a client on their commode. > Move a client up their bed. > Roll and turn a client.

Therapies on Thames provides therapy Lead ongoing or one-off training and support for those working in care environments.

Following training with Therapies on Thames the expected learning outcomes include: > Be able to confidently implement principles of moving and handling in daily practice . > Have experiential knowledge of how to reduce muscle work and effort during manual handling activities. > Could apply therapeutic manual handling tasks and activities to make them more comfortable for the client.

Having employees that are trained effectively in moving and handling reduces the risk of injury to both the employee and their clients. When employees feel that they are part of the solution to a problem, they are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and keep to the safety precautions which will in turn reduce the risk of workplace injuries and simultaneously educate other employees.

We have manual handling training room based at WADE day centre in Wokingham for any local training sessions. If you think your organisation and staff would benefit from manual handling training, then please get in touch with us to discuss. � For more information on the range of therapy services available from Therapies on Thames call 01189076345, email contact@therapiesonthames.co.uk or visit www.therapiesonthames.co.uk

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Sarv’s Slice dishes up wood fired Italian pizzas

EXCLUSIVE

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

Tapas Culture cooks up a storm with its speciality Spanish Paella All pictures: Dijana Capan

BLUE Collar took over Reading’s Market Place with its first-ever Winter Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Street food vendors served up festive foodie treats to hundreds of hungry punters over the course of the event, which had a bar and live music on hand to add to the laid back atmosphere.

And it is set to return this weekend, Saturday, December 18, and Sunday, December 19.

In true Blue Collar style, the lineup last weekend featured a mix of newcomers and regular stands from its weekly events.

Paella stand Tapas Culture made its first ever appearance in the Market Place. Regulars Sarv’s Slice dished out savoury and sweet wood fired pizza. Other regulars in the line-up were Fink Street. Food, who make Sharwama chicken and falafel, with south-east Asian fusion dishes such as Marmite chicken served by Makan Malaysia.

Gourmet burger company Meat Juice returned after a short break.

It will be pitching up again this weekend.

Also there to tempt the taste buds will be The Bissy Tree, serving its iconic jerk chicken.

Gurt Wings’ award-winning fried chicken, YouBao’s noodle and bao bun stall, and loaded fries from Dirty Snax will be there too.

Thai food regulars Krua Koson will join the line up, and Italian street food including pizza and arancini will be served up by

Dirty Snax offers loaded fries with gourmet toppings

Visitors enjoy the Blue Collar Street Food Event at Market Place Polentista and Mainstreet Pizza.

Senor Saffron is also making a return to the market with Persian tacos. Event newcomers Vegan Earthlings will be landing to cater for those with a meat-free diet.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy sweet treats from Churros Garcia and seasonal drinks, such as mulled

Two men jailed following armed robbery at Betfred TWO MEN have been jailed over an armed robbery at a Reading bookmaker.

Simon Bampton, 47, of Russell Street, Reading, was found guilty of robbery at Reading Crown Court on Friday, November 26, following a three-day trial.

At the same court hearing on Tuesday, December 7, he was

sentenced to six years in prison.

Kerron Annetts, 41, of Paices Hill, Aldermaston, previously pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was sentenced to four-anda-half years in jail for the robbery and 12 months concurrently for the firearm offence.

The award-winning Gurt Wing team serve up fried chicken wings, strips and tater tots

wine, from the Double-Barrelled brewery bar.

The Winter Weekend is open 11am until late on both days and is free to enter.

Blue Collar’s weekday appearances in the Market Place on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes will continue as normal.

Fink Street Food at work on its boxes Bampton and Annetts worked together to rob Betfred in Coronation Square on Monday, May 31, this year.

Annetts threatened a member of staff with an imitation firearm before forcing his way behind the till and stealing £200, with Bampton waiting in the getaway car.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Josh Gillespie, of the Priority Crime Team based at Reading police station, said: “I’m pleased for the victim that justice

has been served as this was a terrifying ordeal for them while they were at work.

“I would like to thank them for putting their trust in us to investigate this violent and terrible crime which has resulted in both offenders being convicted and jailed.

“We will not tolerate such criminality within Reading and the wider Thames Valley, and will always investigate such offences with determination to bring offenders to justice.”

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Reduced services during festive period for buses

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

FESTIVE timetables announced by Reading Buses – reduced services across the holidays

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds. But they will take a day off for Christmas.

Reading Buses says it will be running services throughout the festive period, give or take any new covid restrictions, except for December 25.

However, the company will be operating a reduced service between Christmas Eve and the New Year bank holiday on January 3.

Timetables in operation will be either Saturday, Sunday or public holiday ones.

All the details have been published on the company’s website so people can plan ahead.

“We have now finalised all our Christmas timetables for each route and have detailed information on our website www.reading-buses.co.uk,” said Reading Buses Marketing and Communications Manager Jake Osman.

CHANGE OF TIMES: Reading Buses will operate a reduced service during the festive season “As Christmas gets ever closer, we know that our customers will want to check what their services will be doing over the festive period.

“This is, of course, a time to visit family and friends and enjoy the delights of shopping and socialising and a time when travelling by bus will avoid parking and congestion problems – even allowing for a little over-indulging. ”

On Christmas Eve most buses will be on normal service with an early finish around 7pm to 8pm. The exceptions are emerald 5 and 6, purple 17, claret 21 and yellow 26 which have extra buses until around 11pm.

“There will be no buses on Christmas Day when all our employees will be having a well earned rest,” Mr Osman announced.

On Boxing Day, there will be special service on the busiest routes from 9am until around 6pm to help families and bargain hunters get about.

On Monday, December 27 most services will run to Sunday timetables; on Tuesday December 28 most services will be on their public holiday timetables; on Wednesday December 29, Thursday, December 30, and Friday, December 31, most services will run to their Saturday timetables.

On Saturday, January 1, most services will be on their public holiday timetables; on Sunday, January 2, buses will be using their Sunday timetables; on Monday, January 3, a public holiday in lieu of New Year’s Day, buses will run to their public holiday timetables.

Mr Osman added: “There are some exceptions to the general service levels though – such as Mereoak park & ride and greenwave 50 which will be on normal service on 29, 30 and 31 December.

“So it’s best that customers check their services online, via the app or pick up a leaflet on our buses shortly.”

WHO KNEW?: Santa Claus has come to town and is driving a bus...

Yes, that is Santa driving your bus EVERY good boy and girl in Reading will be keeping an eye out for Santa this Christmas … they’ll be hoping he’ll be driving a bus.

Reading Buses has brought back its annual tradition of seeing Santa behind the wheel across the festive season.

He will be operating different buses across the network in the run-up to Christmas Eve, when he swaps the double deckers for the infinite capacity of his sleigh.

And he will be raising money for the

company’s charity of the year, Sport In Mind.

He said: “I am really looking forward to travelling on the various routes and bringing some Christmas joy to travellers.

“I don’t have a set route so I will be all around the town hoping to see all the good little boys and girls.”

If you spot Santa and it raises a smile, the company is asking that you text SIM 2 to 70085 to donate £2 to Sport in Mind.

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READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Time to heed the cautious warning SUNDAY evening’s address by the Prime Minister was sobering.

Leaving aside the anger we feel over his quiz show hostings for Downing Street parties, we have to focus on the new variant of covid.

It was always going to happen.

This is, after all, what viruses do, and why we have to have flu shots every year.

But it would have been nice if it had waited until after the festive season had been and gone.

Sadly, that is not the case and for the second year in a row, plans that had been made are being unmade, people are working from home, and we are watching the covid rates like a hawk.

It is always difficult to ask people to give up something they have been looking forward to all year.

It is always tough to have to make changes to plans at the last minute.

But we are dealing with a virus that is no respector of feelings, dates or festivities. It infects people, mutates, and spreads.

We all have a duty to look out for others.

That includes simple things such as wearing a mask, and limiting our contact with those outside our immediate sphere.

And we should do all we can to try and help NHS staff.

So, if you can, book a booster jab.

If you can, keep testing.

We will get through this, and brighter days will come again.

CHURCH NOTES

Don’t put it off any longer

A

RE you a procrastinator? Hmm. I’ll decide tomorrow!

A lot of us are very good at putting things off not until tomorrow but right up to the wire.

I, for example, am writing this the night before the submission deadline.

Of course, I can justify leaving it to the last-minute because of the myriad other deadlines I have had to meet prior to this one.

But some things we shouldn’t put off.

One of the things the pandemic has reminded us of is that life is very precarious: we can’t afford to go along putting off trying to heal damaged relationships, telling significant others that we love them rather than taking them for granted, forgiving hurts or asking forgiveness of others.

As we enter this last week of Advent let’s take the opportunity to prepare ourselves for Our Saviour’s birth by grasping the nettle and making that phone call, knocking on that door, sending that card – otherwise we risk another year going by when we could have made a huge difference to ourselves and others.

Don’t put it off to tomorrow - otherwise we risk tomorrow never coming.

Canon Simon R Thomson, Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Wokingham

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Help Sue Ryder this Christmas As we approach Christmas I think back to last year when so many of us had to spend this special time away from the people we love the most.

It makes me thankful for the time we will spend together this year.

For some people, however, this Christmas might be the most special one of all. Due to terminal illness, it may be the last one they have to spend with their loved ones.

The job of Sue Ryder Nurses like me is to put patients in control, help them make the right decisions and take away some of the pain and practicalities they’re dealing with – giving them more time to focus on the things that matter.

More time to spend with loved ones. To reminisce and retell old stories. To hold hands, hug close and say a proper goodbye.

Heartbreakingly, many families in this position are not receiving the care and support they need, as figures show every 4.5 minutes someone in the UK dies without specialist end-of-life care. This is why I am writing to ask your readers for their help.

This Christmas and during the year ahead, my Sue Ryder colleagues and I will be going above and beyond to make sure families in our care make the most of the precious time they have left together. But our care relies on the generosity of local people, communities and organisations raising vital funds for us.

Some recent research from Sue Ryder showed that palliative care is expected to grow by 55% in the coming decade.

Sadly one of the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic is that people are being diagnosed with serious illnesses at much later stages.

This means we are preparing for many more people to need our specialist care sooner than we expected.

We really do need people’s support now more than ever. To make a donation please visit: sueryder.org/ everymoment With your readers’ support we can be there for more families when it matters, helping them fill their precious last days with love and care.

Thank you,

Matthew Barker, Sue Ryder Nurse, Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice

Buying a healthy kitten

With online pet sales on the increase, Cats Protection would like to warn of the potential risk of buying an ill or diseased kitten.

This year the charity has heard of many kittens that were taken from their mothers at too young an age and sold online for the sake of a quick profit. Kittens should be at least eight weeks old so that they are fully weaned and developing normally from a health and behavioural perspective.

Unsuspecting buyers did not realise that they bought a potentially sick kitten until after purchase which meant they were sometimes left with

high veterinary bills, or in some cases, a kitten which tragically died.

Action Fraud also reports that there has been a six-fold increase in instances of kitten and cat fraud (1,146 in 2020/21 compared to just 190 in 2019/20), underlining the need for buyers to be vigilant.

Please visit www.cats.org.uk/eightweeks for advice on how to purchase a happy and healthy kitten or give a donation to help Cats Protection care for unwanted kittens.

Dr Maggie Roberts, Director of Veterinary Services, Cats Protection

An unprecedented year It is perhaps easy to forget that so much has happened over the last 12 months, and the rural sector – not for the first time – has had to adapt and change to the challenges and opportunities posed.

While farmers have continued to feed the nation and care for the environment, there have been issues around labour shortages and supply chains. Those who have diversified into hospitality, weddings and events may have enjoyed high levels of bookings in the summer, but are still experiencing difficulties and uncertainties as we continue to live with the impacts of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the pace of post-Brexit agricultural transition has quickened over the past 12 months, and the CLA – which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses – has been working hard to ensure members are supported and involved as Defra rolls out its environmental land management (ELM) programme.

Shifting from a system based around direct payments to one that pays for public goods is a good ambition, but it must be done carefully. New schemes must successfully sit alongside existing ones as they remain the main sources of funding for now.

Other areas the CLA has been working on include connectivity, which varies so wildly depending on where you live or work, and managing public access, especially in light of the pandemic and growing numbers of visitors to rural areas.

To that end we have been involved in the relaunch of the Countryside Code earlier this year and created resource packs alongside LEAF Education for schools to use in lessons.

Fresh policies are needed to simplify the tax and planning systems for businesses wishing to diversify, while investment in skills and training is required to support local job creation.

And with climate change at the top of the agenda, particularly in the wake of COP26, the focus for our industry will be on how to grow the economy, mitigate climate change and reverse biodiversity decline at the same time.

As part of our Rural Powerhouse initiative, the CLA estimates that if rural productivity per worker was raised to the national average, an additional £43 billion could be added to national income every

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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 year.

The creation of the new Ministry for Levelling Up under the leadership of former Defra Secretary Michael Gove, therefore, represents a big opportunity for change in 2022.

Despite lockdown restrictions, 2021 still proved to be a busy year for the CLA team in the South East, with more than 30 physical and virtual events, AGMs and conferences arranged and attended. We hope to organise many more in-person in 2022.

The regional office, which represents members in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight, is committed to championing rural communities and businesses and believes that next year has the potential to be an exciting one for the sector, especially if we all work together.

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas.

Tim Bamford, CLA South East Regional Director

Cancer in young people Cancer can stop families spending Christmas at home together, but we know everyone needs somewhere to call ‘home’. That’s why Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, helps families to stay together over Christmas.

Young Lives vs Cancer has 10 Homes from Home across the UK, where families can stay for free to be nearby while their child is having treatment.

When families facing cancer can’t be at home together at Christmas because of their child’s treatment, we arrange for them to stay in one of our free Homes from Home. A place where they can celebrate that isn’t hospital, where their child can forget about cancer.

With the community’s support, donations will help fund Young Lives vs Cancer Homes from Home service, to help give families their Christmas back.

Please donate today to help keep families together this Christmas www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/ join-our-fight/christmasappeal As well as donating, there are other ways the community in Berkshire can support Young Lives vs Cancer’s vital work this Christmas.

You can visit our online shop to buy this year’s Christmas cards and toys or to get one of our festive pin badges to show your support: www. younglivesvscancer.org.uk/joinour-fight/get-shopping Pin badges are also available at Morrsions and JDWetherspoon for a suggested £1 donation.

Locals could also become a Young Lives vs Cancer ‘Stamp Champ’ by collecting the stamps from Christmas cards and other mail and sending them to the charity: www. younglivesvscancer.org.uk/stampappeal I’d like to say thank you to everyone in the community who has supported Young Lives vs Cancer this year.

Your help and generosity means we can continue to be there for more

young people from Berkshire facing cancer.

Rose Bailey, Fundraising Engagement Manager – Berkshire, Young Lives vs

Cancer

Help people experiencing homelessness this Christmas

As many of us prepare for a Christmas filled with time spent with loved ones, gift giving and a home cooked Christmas dinner, reality is very different for people without somewhere safe and secure to call their home.

2021 marks the 50th anniversary of Crisis at Christmas, which sees the charity provide vital food, warmth and companionship to those experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of the year.

When it all started, just 20 volunteers helped Crisis hold its first ‘open Christmas’ at a church in central London, providing food and support services for people sleeping rough.

Sadly, 50 years later, Crisis is needed more than ever at Christmas and all-year-round, to help people on their journey out of homelessness.

This year has been difficult for us all as we slowly emerge from the pandemic and many of us facing mounting financial pressure. At least 200,000 people are expected to face the worst forms of homelessness this Christmas with many experiencing it for the first time.

No one should be forced to live, or spend Christmas, shivering on the streets, sofa surfing with strangers or in a hostel with nowhere to call home and no-one to be with.

Crisis will be providing vital services and support this Christmas through their Skylight centres across the country.

This ranges from offering nutritional food and festive treats, wellbeing packs and entertainment activities to providing guidance, health support and befriending services to those experiencing homelessness.

Most importantly, Christmas also introduces people to the year-round training, education and support Crisis can offer.

But we urgently need your help.

To ensure Crisis can be there for everyone who needs support this Christmas, we’re calling on readers to support their work.

That’s why we’re asking you to join us in raising vital funds so whether you donate or give someone a Crisis Christmas, you’ll be helping to ensure that this festive season those facing homelessness are not alone.

To find out more or to donate to Crisis this Christmas please visit www. crisis.org.uk/support

Al Doyle, Crisis Ambassador Alastair Stewart OBE, Crisis Ambassador Ayo Akinwolere, Crisis Ambassador Ellie Goulding, Crisis Ambassador Imelda Staunton CBE, Crisis Ambassador Sir Jonathan Pryce CBE, Crisis Ambassador Jo Brand, Crisis Ambassador

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A business park that is changing

Blandy & Blandy invites training

A LAW firm is inviting applications for its trainee solicitors placements.

Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in Reading and Henley, says the scheme starts in September next year, but the deadline is February 11.

Applicants must have completed - or expect to - the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and meet some additional requirements to be considered.

The company says it is recognised as a top tier firm in both Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500, and the firm’s success has also been reflected through a series of awards.

Emma Ford, a current trainee solicitor at the firm, said: “I was attracted to the breadth of expertise that the firm has to offer, which would provide me with a well-rounded and high quality training experience.

“As a trainee, I have had hands-on experience in a variety of departments, undertaking a growing level of responsibility whilst under the supervision of very supportive colleagues.

“As I reach the final stages of my training contract, I can look back on a very rewarding period of training with Blandy & Blandy and I feel fully prepared for the next stage of my career as a solicitor.”

Fellow trainee solicitor Ed Giles added: “Blandy & Blandy is a truly full service firm which gives trainees the freedom to experience a wide variety of quality work.”

n For further information or to apply, visit www. blandy.co.uk

Wokingham-based estate agency wins three awards

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today AN ESTATE agency with branches in Wokingham and Crowthorne won three industry awards last month.

Hat and Home was awarded best marketing campaign of the year, new agency of the year and estate agency of the year – South East at The Negotiator Awards.

The agency was founded in February by Ben Gee. Their Wokingham branch was joined last month by a second, in Crowthorne.

Mr Gee had more than 20 years experience in the property sector, having worked for Romans, Foxtons and Marsh & Parsons, prior to setting up his own agency.

He was proud to have won three awards in his company’s first year of trading.

“It’s testament to the fantastic team of people who work tirelessly for our clients,” he said.

A panel of 21 judges described Hat and Home’s marketing campaign as “unique” and “ground-breaking.”

HAT TRICK: Hat and Home scooped three awards.

From left: Rob Beckett, Ben Gee, Leonard Grant Leonard Picture: Toby Smedley They also praised the agency for their “very clear vision.”

Hat and Home are known for their distinctive marketing campaign featuring a variety of hats.

The awards ceremony took place at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London on Friday, November 26.

Awards were presented by comedian Rob Becket and The Negotiator’s

managing director, Leonard Grant Leonard.

The Negotiator magazine is an online and print publication for residential agents.

O u r W i nter M e n u Ava i la b l e f ro m O cto b e r 20 t h . . .

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Honey Roast Ham • Falafel Cakes • Brie & Bacon • Sirloin Steak PUDDINGS Mulled Wine Poached Pear • Chocolate Delice • Sticky Toffee Pudding • Lemon Posset • Cheese & Biscuits In addition to our winter menu we also have our festive menu from the 1st to 31st December excluding Christmas Day Call us on: 0118 996 8567 Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com

w w w.thequeensoak.com Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4LS

SPECIAL VISIT: Alok Sharma visited Tower Cold Chain to learn more about its role in creating sustainable pharmaceutical logistics

Reading West MP praises Tower Cold Chain for sustainable logistics A THEALE-based pharmaceutical thermal protection specialist welcomed a visit from Reading West MP Alok Sharma last week.

Fresh from his duties as President of the COP26 summit, Alok Shama visited Tower Cold Chain to see first-hand the role it has played in transporting covid vaccines in a safe and sustainable way.

The company says Mr Sharma was able to witness the company’s developments

in robust, reliable, and reusable temperature-controlled pharmaceutical supply chain solutions.

The company says that its product range is all fully reusable, reflecting its global focus on promoting circularity in cold chain delivery.

This means they can be recirculated thousands of times in their lifetime, significantly minimising waste through longevity.

Mr Sharma said: “I was

delighted to visit Tower Cold Chain, who deliver sustainable pharmaceutical logistics which, during my visit, I heard includes the transport of vital vaccines to combat covid.

“As such they are playing their role in keeping people safe.

“It was good to learn that a local firm is now a leader in the pharmaceutical logistics industry, providing high value technical jobs and helping put Theale on the map.”

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Beware the fes shop safely th

Spacefiller Phil Creighton

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today

The magic of Santa’s grotto

SHOPPERS in Reading have been warned to steer clear of fake festive bargains on sale from dodgy dealers.

Y

OU NEVER forget your first time.

For me, it was the old Debenhams, a toy department seemingly the size of several football pitches and stacked with everything a boy could ever want and then some.

It was back in the days of everything being in black and white, and to speak someone had to bring up a caption – the only noise was the organist accompanying the moving pictures.

A small section of the department – probably the caretaker’s broom cupboard – was transformed into a winter wonderland, a display that would make Young Mr Grace tell the team they’d all done very well. Polar bears, elves, presents, snow. It all glistened and made me excited for the man waiting just around the corner.

Yes, the one who has a penchant for red capes, has a very long beard and, at the time, was able to let me sit on his knee.

Santa Claus had come to town, and he was here to give me the most probing interview of the year.

Had I been good? Had I washed behind my hair and brushed my ears?

Yes, yes, and yes, I will continue to be good … well, until the stocking was overflowing.

It was a wonderful experience. It remains a wonderful memory.

But Santa then did something that was both amazing and confusing.

“Do you like cowboys and Indians?” he asked me. “Well,” I said hesitantly, wanting desperately to say the space race was more my thing, but also wanting to ensure he visited on Christmas Eve. He handed me a present. A present. Before Christmas. What an unexpected pleasure.

Inside were some tiny plastic cowboys and native Americans, each no taller than a shilling.

I kept them and played with them for a few years out of guilt, but to be honest, recreating the Wild West was not high on my list of priorities.

But none of that mattered – here was Father Christmas in the flesh.

Just as he was also, somehow, in the janitor’s closet at a Christmas fair. And the same chap who rang a bell and gave us all space shuttle pencil sharpeners at a school Christmas beano.

You never forget, it’s exciting and all part of the Christmas magic.

Of course, it was never the same when the toy department was moved and shrunk. Somehow Santa ended up taking residence in the duvet department. That never felt right.

That year, I visited on Christmas Eve, desperately counting down the hours until he made his house calls. It was hugely disappointing when all I got for Christmas was a badge letting the world know I’d been to see Santa. Then again, he had already loaded his presents onto the sleigh.

These experiences were almost as exciting when, as a grown-up, Lidl popped round to the old Reading Post offices (I date back to the days when everything was black and white and read all over).

The great man called me over for a little word in his ear. Yes, I had still been good. I’m getting on a bit, so not really any hair to brush, other than the ones now growing out of the ears (clean).

Santa, I said, with not a hint of shame, could I have a bottle of Scotch?

He promised he would see what he could do.

And, in a Christmas miracle sure to gladden the hearts of even the Scroogist Scrooges, a bottle landed up on my desk a few days later.

Yes, visiting Santa is magical. If you’re one of his special helpers this Christmas, remember that you are making memories that will last a lifetime.

Oh, and I have no shame. Lidl – I mean, Santa – my bottle is empty, please send Scotch.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

BIRTHDAY: The 33 bus route is 50 years old this month Picture: AUbrey/Flickr

A little piece of right Royal Blue history – the 33 is 50 IT’S BLUE, it’s Royal and it’s not 50.

What is it? Why, the 33 bus route.

Reading Buses last week celebrated the golden anniversary of the Tilehurst bus route, which is now called the Royal Blue 33.

Buses run from Reading Station to Tilehurst and Turnham’s Farm.

While the route has had tweaks over the year, the main route along Tilehurst Road has not changed, something Reading Buses says shows the necessity of the service to the area.

The relevant internal notice from the time route 33 was first introduced gives instructions on things such as what to show on the destination boards and which stops to use in the town centre.

It also shows that the route started with conductors on board at a time when they were starting to be phased out.

The original route had a

conductor-supervised reversing manoeuvre at Bitterne Avenue to ensure the bus returned the exact same route instead of the current arrangement, which sees buses do a one-way loop around Little Heath Road, City Road and Hildens Drive.

Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said: “An old ‘traffic notice’ was uncovered outlining the introduction of the then new bus service to Tilehurst.

“It’s always exciting to unearth a little piece of history like this and it is great that we can still show the importance of buses for people in the town, and that success means the route is operating in a very similar manner to when it first began.”

The current royal blue 33 runs every 15 minutes between Central Reading, Turnham’s Farm, Tilehurst Road, Corwen Road, Pierces Hill and Little Heath Road.

Shane’s Toy Run fun thanks to Twyford charity A TWYFORD-based charity organised a unique Toy Run experience for one lucky man earlier this month.

Building for the Future Plus arranged for Shane Carey to ride as a pillion passenger on a specially adapted motor-trike for the annual event.

The Toy Run sees more than 1,000 bikers take to the streets on the first Sunday in December to donate toys to charities in Reading, Wokingham and across the Thames Valley. Beneficiaries include Barnardo’s High Close School, Wokingham.

Mr Carey enjoyed taking part and said he would like to do it all again.

“Being on a trike for the first time was an amazing experience,” he said.

The driver and owner of the motor-trike, Cllr Phil Cunnington, added: “It is such a rare and special experience to take part in the Toy Run, and Shane didn’t stop smiling and waving.”

Building for the Future Plus

RIDE ON: Shane Carey on the back of Phil Cunnington’s bike CEO, Jane Holmes, paid thanks to Cllr Cunnington, and said: “It was brilliant to see Shane enjoying himself so much.

“Finding opportunities such as this for young disabled adults is what we are about.”

n For more information, visit: bftf.org. uk/bftf-plus

With just days until Christmas Day, the Council’s Trading Standards team has also warned of a rise in loan sharks targeting desperate families.

The team has received several reports of pedlars and pop up stalls selling fake perfume and aftershave out of shopping bags.

The goods, which have been confirmed as fake, contain unknown ingredients which could be a health hazard.

A similar warning has also been given about purchasing unsafe toys which contain dangerous and toxic materials banned from sale in Britain.

The British Toy and Hobby Association has revealed that nearly half of the toys purchased from thirdparty sellers via online marketplaces were unsafe for children.

A randomly selected batch of 255 toys which were inspected showed 88% were illegal to sell in the UK, and 48% were unsafe.

Online shoppers are advised to carefully research sellers to know if they are buying directly from an online platform or a third-party seller and to ensure the seller provides a name and address for future contact.

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Corporate and Consumer Services, warned: “Please always be vigilant, especially this Christmas.

“We know the last 18 months have been particularly tough because of the pandemic and many people may be facing a difficult Christmas financially.

“With money tight, it can be incredibly tempting to buy what looks like genuine bargain goods from

ON YOUR GUARD: Make sure your Christmas i sellers on the street and online.

But the clear message we want to send out is to be on guard – these products may be cheap – but you have no guarantee of their quality.

“At best you may be disappointed with the quality – at worst they could be dangerous to you and your family.

“It really isn’t worth the risk.”

Research shows that Christmas is the second highest reason that people borrow money from loan sharks.

Families are being warned not

Yes, Santa is eco-friendly HE is best known for his red suit but Santa Claus remains the world’s greenest traveller.

While politicians and celebrities racked up more carbon than Scotland uses in a year to attend Cop26 in Glasgow, Father Christmas is lean and green – at least when it comes to emissions.

A study by delivery management experts, Urbantz, has calculated how much fuel Santa would use if his sleigh was powered by petrol, diesel or even electricity instead of magic dust.

It turns out his carbon output would be dwarfed compared to Black Friday deliveries and other delivery journeys, making his sleigh one of the cleanest means of travel.

The study is based on Father Christmas travelling an estimated 163,887,789km (101,835,119 miles) If he used petrol it would cost a staggering £15.9 million or £13.9 million if he

opted for diesel. Electricity would be just a fraction of those amounts, at an estimated £572,000 while a hybrid sleigh comes in at £9.7 million. Santa’s total carbon emissions would amount to 31,000 tonnes.

By comparison, Black Friday deliveries are a staggering 429,000 tonnes, not to mention the mountains of packaging and bubble wrap involved.

Jonathan Weber, Urbantz CoFounder & CEO said: “Santa has an undeniably enormous task every Christmas, taking on the biggest delivery route in history. It’s astounding to see the millions he would have to spend on fuel alone to single-handedly deliver all the presents if his magic and reindeer energy had run out.

“It also helps put into perspective the impact on the environment of normal everyday deliveries – even if Santa’s 100 million mile journey

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stive fakes and his Christmas

New vegan burger is a festive special – Honest!

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TASTY: Vegans will be able to enjoy some good, Honest food this Christmas thanks to innovative plant-based technology

is safe and avoid loan sharks when paying for it to turn to predatory loan sharks charging excessive amounts of interest if they are facing financial hardship over Christmas.

Cllr McEwan added: “These unscrupulous sharks prey on the most vulnerable in society. No matter how much you are struggling financially, loan sharks are never the answer.

“Remember, you can report these criminals in the strictest confidence and action will be taken.

I urge people in desperate situations

to speak to their local Citizen’s Advice Bureau for advice, rather than getting themselves into deep water with a rogue lender.

“You should also check you are getting all the financial support you are entitled to.” n More details can be found on the Council’s website www.reading.gov.uk/ housing/benefits-and-assistance/debtadvice n For consumer advice or to report unsafe products call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

THIS IS NOT A FAKE: This is definitely a picture of Santa at the North Pole and is not Photoshopped.

Honest

IT’S A burger that everyone can enjoy, but only for a limited time.

Honest Burgers has teamed up with Applewood to launch a special Christmas burger for vegans.

It uses Applewood’s Vegan Cheeze, THIS isn’t Bacon and a plant-based burger to create some festive magic. Add in shoestring fries, cranberry sauce and some rocket and your taste buds are set to blast off.

Honest Burgers is offering the burger for both dining in and takeaway customers, and it comes served with Honest’s homemade rosemary salted chips.

However, it is just for Christmas.

Lisa Harrison, senior brand manager for Applewood Vegan, was delighted to be teaming up with Honest Burgers for the festive treat.

“It’s great to see our awardwinning Applewood Vegan cheeze being included in Honest Burgers Vegan Christmas offering,” she said.

“It will provide a great smoky taste to Honest Burgers’ delicious plant-based burger and we can’t wait to hear the feedback from Honest Burgers’ customers.

Oh you naughty magpie I thought you were my mate If I saw you alone we’d sit together and we’d wait I’d say, ‘Where’s your buddy’ and it often wasn’t long till your love would come to join you in your quite distinctive song

“Of course, as Mr Weber points out, the sleigh is powered by magic dust and reindeers which means a zero carbon footprint. I’d also like to point out that Santa always cleans up after Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph so there is absolutely no mess left on anyone’s roof top.”

Added Buddy: “A Merry Christmas to all!”

You didn’t see me salute or tell your buddies what you’d found You busily kept on pulling all the worms out of the ground It bothered me a little that you didn’t look my way I only realise now you had a warning for my day Eventually your friends came down

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POETRY CORNER Magpie

Then one day I watched you you searched for bugs with greed You seemed a bit distracted concentrating on your feed

were powered by petrol, it would still produce just a fraction of the carbon emissions caused by a shopping event like Black Friday.”

Santa was unavailable for comment as he is busy preparing for Christmas Eve. However, an elf spokesman thanked Urbantz for their study.

“Oh my, how kind of this company to go to all this trouble for Father Christmas,” said Buddy the elf.

“The Vegan Christmas burger really will be the perfect festive treat this Christmas and we hope this will be the beginning of a longterm collaboration with Honest Burgers.”

She added: “The Honest Burgers collaboration is the icing on the ‘cheeze-cake’ for Applewood Vegan this year as we have had a number of successful partnerships with some of the UK’s most popular pubs and restaurants including TGI Friday, where the vegan main is ‘To Vegan & Beyond Burger’ which sees a hearty plant based patty, grilled flat cap mushroom, smoked Applewood Vegan cheeze, crisp lettuce, tangy pickled red onions and vegan mayo nestled in a soft vegan bun.

“And Oakham Pubs group rolled out its autumn/winter menu at its 36 pubs earlier this year featuring a Nourish Bowl that contains roasted red pepper and garlic hummus, avocado, grilled courgette and roasted sweet potatoes, while the Future Farm no-beef burger comes topped with Applewood Vegan.

We can’t wait to see what new collaborations 2022 will bring.”

Get your Stetsons at the ready! Join us for a Country Music break at the Warner Corton Coastal Village near Lowestoft with fabulous country music entertainment every night. Enjoy toe-tapping performances plus excursions to Aldeburgh and the Norfolk Broads – yee-ha!

Your break includes

and then a few of mine But I guess I should have noticed when you gave your sorrow sign Later that day it happened my buddy left my side I guess that time had beaten us but we enjoyed the ride So now I’m on my lonesome but I have a pretty hew I’m bigger than the cute birds and my wings are floppy too But I’ve found I have the chat just like you and I am bold and I possess such treasure My loved ones are pure gold So next time please say hi Don’t feel mournful for my sorrow We’ll still be buddies magpie and salute a brighter morrow

Angie Shingleton

Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Melville Hotel, Blackpool with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Cruise on Lake Windermere Heritage train journey on the East Lancashire Railway Excursions to Kendal, Bowness-on-Windermere & Bury Market Optional excursion to Southport & Lytham St Annes (£12pp)

5 Days by Coach

only £259

Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

LEISURETODAY

15.12.21

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Madness make date for Windsor Racecourse T

HE NUTTY boys are coming back.

Madness have announced they will be performing at Windsor Racecourse next year, and tickets have gone on sale.

The ska-pop band, famous for hits such as Our House, and House of Fun, will play at an outdoor concert on Friday, August 26.

And the band are not the only acts on the line-up. Joining them will be Soul II Soul and The Dualers, with additional names to be announced.

Their Windsor date is part of its Ladykillers tour, and racecourse bosses are promising some of the finest soulful and ska-tinged sounds to

Next summer might feel like an age away ... but the orginal Nutty Boys are making plans for a great night of music, right on our doorstep. PHIL CREIGHTON is in the house of fun have emerged from London Town from the last four decades.

Madness are perhaps one of the most prominent and best-loved bands of the last 50 years.

Formed in Camden Town, London in 1976, their journey since has taken them from skaband upstarts to globally acclaimed superstars.

Finding initial success in the late 1970s and early ‘80s as frontrunners

of the 2 Tone Ska revival, the band would soon go on to find universal fame through a string of 15 UK Top 10 charting singles, with their crowning glory being the number one hit record House Of Fun. With a trademark “nutty” sound and lyrics that capture the very essence of British life, cuts like Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond, Embarrassment, My Girl, Driving In My Car, and Our House and countless others have

transcended the generations and immortalised Madness as icons of popular culture.

A testament to their enduring popularity, Suggs and co. were invited to perform on top of Buckingham Palace as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and the London Olympics in 2012 to a global audience, while also setting the record for the biggest-ever viewing for the BBC’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast in 2018.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of their landmark debut album ‘One Step Beyond’ last year, Madness remain one of the most exhilarating and entertaining prospects on record and the stage.

With a huge headline show at Windsor Racecourse now on the agenda for 2022, expect the finest music and plenty of madcap mayhem when the original “Nutty Boys” go one step beyond to make this an evening for the ages.

Tickets cost £40, and gates open at 5pm. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. n For more details, log on to www. windsor-racecourse.co.uk

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LEISURE | 51

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Families invited to choir’s carol concert on Saturday

Thames Voyces Picture: Dawn Pickett

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CAROL concert will take place in Binfield on Saturday, featuring seasonal music and readings.

Families will be welcome to the event, which is organised by Thames Voyces.

The concert will include carols from Medieval times, including some that have origins in mystery plays.

Some were devised by worshipful guilds within a town, hence one of the older carols is the Coventry Carol.

And there will be some more

modern items such as Jingle Bells and well-known carols that audiences will be invited to join in with.

The choir will be directed by Nick Austen and the accompanist is Ben Giddens It takes place from 7.30pm on Saturday at St Mark’s Church in Popeswood Road.

Tickets cost £12, £10 for concessions and accompanied under 16s can get in free. n For more details, or to book, call 0118 967 7319 or log on to thamesvoyces.org.uk

Have a glitterball with Windsor’s magic panto Jack and the Beanstalk Until Sunday, January 9 Theatre Royal Windsor theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk

H beans.

OW do you make magic from the same old, same old? Just take some

I don’t know what type Steven Blakeley has been nibbling on while writing Jack and the Beanstalk, but he’s hit gold.

This is a brilliant show that takes all the typical pantomime tropes and he makes them feel fresh and relevant.

Not only is he the writer, but he is also Dame Dotty Trott.

Now in his 13th year at the Theatre Royal Windsor, he is in complete command of the role, ensuring he has the audience eating out of his hands.

Joining him is Kevin Cruise as Simon Trott. Their enduring comedy double act shines throughout, particularly through the set pieces.

The messy slosh scene could go to pot in lesser hands, for example. Here the laughs keep coming, even after the gunge has hit the floor.

Also returning is Basil Brush, the fox who has entertained

The first meeting of the new South Hill Park ambassadors scheme

generations of children, their children and their children’s children.

He remains hugely popular with all ages and his residency in Windsor is once again a hit.

There are two other ‘star’ names: Shirley Ballas is the pre-recorded voice of the giant, allowing for much Strictly Come Dancing tomfoolery and dancing.

It’s a neat pirouette to see the giant as a woman.

It’s a trick repeated with Fleshcreep: veteran star Anita Harris takes on the role with aplomb.

She visibly relishes chewing the scenery, threatening the cast and playing against type.

It’s a terrific turn, soliciting boos and hisses in all the right places.

Alice Fillary is another returnee. In last year’s aborted run, she was Cinderella. This year she is Jill, the love interest to Jay Worley’s Jack Trott.

She has an amazing stage presence, gracefully lighting up the stage and with a terrific voice.

Jay matches her performance with his enthusiastic, friendly and heroic Jack. He was a delight to watch.

And Elizabeth Carter spreads magic as Fairy Daffodil, helping keep the show together and ensure there is a happy ending.

Sadly, the pandemic means the ensemble is limited to adult dancers. But given the extra space they shine, with several, rightful, moments in the spotlight.

The show moves at a fair pace, and the balance between song, comedy and action is perfectly pitched.

The 12 Days of Christmas routine received riotous applause, while Basil’s boom booms entertained throughout.

The Strictly leitmotifs run pleasantly throughout, there are jokes for all ages and the run time is enough to make you wish they’d keep dancing.

It’s a 10 from me, dah-ling.

PHIL CREIGHTON

Ambassadors meet at South Hill Park

A

NEW scheme aimed at boosting the profile of a Bracknell-based arts centre held its inaugural meeting last week.

South Hill Park launched its ambassadors programme to boost community engagement and serve its audiences better.

Founder of the scheme, South Hill Park’s marketing campaigns officer Katie Greet, said: “‘It was wonderful to get these passionate and experienced voices in a room together to talk about what we at South Hill Park need to continue doing, and what we can look at doing in the future to inspire more to take part.”

She added: “South Hill Park has so much to offer, and the ambassadors

are incredibly valuable not only to help us to share this, but to also learn about what we can do better.

“As an arts centre it is vital that we always look to grow and improve so everyone in our local community can discover the joy the arts can bring.”

The five ambassadors meet with members of staff from the arts centre three times a year, around the same time each new season of events is launched at South Hill Park.

The group will discuss the upcoming programme, feedback how the local community is engaging with the arts centre, and brainstorm ideas to encourage this engagement further. n For more details, log on to southhillpark.org.uk

No. 5392

Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

52

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

5392

Quiz Challenge

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1. Gentlemen Marry Brunettes was the sequel to which 1953 Hollywood film?

2. The Bismarck Sea is in which ocean?

3. Under the Dome, Carrie and Misery are novels by which horror writer?

4. In 1951, New Yorkers Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were sentenced to death in the US for what crime?

5. Complete this Meghan Trainor song lyric: I’m all ‘bout that bass, ‘bout that bass, no... what?

7 18

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NONAGRAM

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N P E

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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R

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O

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

PERSON EARNED CODE

R E T I

N T

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: 35 Good; 41 Very Good; 48 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed R through openings in the walls. The C first letter may appear in any chamber.

H E

RL

UE

AP

NF

PT

AI

HA

MA

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IO

EU

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1 2 8 2 3 2 1 9 6 7 1 5 4 1 3 9 5 8

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

SD

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DOWN 2. Shelter on French shoreline (4) 3. Part of another marathon heat (5) 4. How one imagines one’s early days? (7) 5. The sort of place a ghost might frequent (5) 6. Radio operator initially to play guitar on the platform (7) 7. Ernie perhaps is a slave (8) 11. Not in the majority (5,3) 13. Somehow employ right synthetic compound (7) 14. Road up? (7) 16. Disheartened Danny is not well going round the charming scene (5) 17. One of Sheridan’s playful challengers? (5) 18. Burden on you and me (4)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

19

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ACROSS 1. Caledonian novelist is hard on pencils (8) 6. Deep red shrub you included (4) 8. The very thing to stifle in a bad way (6) 9. Such a hero has not been honoured (musically or otherwise) (6) 10. Most remain perplexed by economic policy (10) 12. Irritable or brittle? (6) 14. Churchgoers’ Book of Numbers? (6) 15. One responsible for the tolls (10) 19. Quietly substituted my call (6) 20. French wine joker was going round brandishing (6) 21. Burn ears terribly (4) 22. Ally is to become a supporter of the government (8)

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30 8 7 6 3 5 1 4 9 2

4 1 9 2 7 8 5 3 6

WORD PYRAMID: Freedom of speech.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; divide; subtract; multiply.

Total: 3.

SOLUTIONS

2 3 5 6 9 4 7 1 8

7 1 7 9 4 6

4

5 6 2 8 1 9 3 7 4

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1 9 7 3

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3 9 1 4 6 7 8 2 5

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9 5

7 4 8 5 2 3 1 6 9

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1

2 7 3 9 7 1 2 4 4 2 8 7 9 9 3

1 8 4 9 3 6 2 5 7

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EQUALISER 3 12 5 4 3 0 3 6 2 9 1 1

Hard

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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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FIVE ALIVE BA

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WORD PYRAMID

SUDOKU Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1

6. Manchester City footballer Kevin De Bruyne comes from which country?

7. Actors James Nesbitt, John Thomson and Robert Bathurst play long-time friends in which popular comedy-drama TV series?

8. In Russia, who are known affectionately as babushkas?

9. Which territory is disputed between India and Pakistan?

10. According to the saying, many a true word is spoken in… what?

9 5 3 7 4 2 6 8 1

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PZ1P5392

CROSS CODE 21

26 28

24

24 25 29

31

22. Cereal (3) ACROSS 23. Slip sideways (4) 1. Reclaim (9) 27. Honourable (5) 6. Chum (3) 28. Spotted feline (7) 8. Astronomers’ theory (3,4) 30. Whichever (3) 9. Once more (5) 31. Rotating gate (9) 10. Shut up (4) DOWN 11. Type of lettuce (3) 1. Chafe (3) 13. Mown grass (4) 2. Heathen (5) 14. Bird of prey (5) 3. Drench (4) 16. Symbol (6) 4. Alcoholic drink (6) 18. Christian 5. Absorbent pad (4) festival (6) 6. Rustic person (7) 19. Social outcast (5) 7. Soviet name for 21. Balmy (4) St Petersburg (9)

10. Respiratory disorder (9) 11. Small acting role (5) 12. Wintry weather (5) 14. Slippery fish (3) 15. Listening organ (3) 17. Hotel employee (4-3) 20. Paleness (6) 24. Yellowish-brown (5) 25. Dexterous (4) 26. Promises (4) 29. Female deer (3)

FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; 2 Pacific Ocean; 3 Stephen King; 4 Spying; 5 Treble; 6 Belgium; 7 Cold Feet; 8 Elderly ladies, especially grandmothers; 9 Kashmir; 10 Jest.

(1) Across – Bluff; Tapas; Sided.

Down – Baths; Upped; Fused.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Scottish; 6 Ruby; 8 Itself; 9 Unsung; 10 Monetarism; (2) Across – Arena; Pigmy; Lotus.

J M Y C R D E P U A O V H 12 Snappy; 14 Hymnal; 15 Bellringer; 19 Calmly; 20 Waving; 21 Down – Appal; Eight; Abyss.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Sear; 22 Loyalist.

F K Z T S G B L X N W I Q Down – 2 Cote; 3 Therm; 4 Infancy; 5 Haunt; 6 Rostrum; 7 NONAGRAM: enprint; enter; entire; erne; inept; inert; Bondsman; 11 Under age; 13 Polymer; 14 Highway; 16 Idyll; 17 inner; intent; inter; intern; internet; neep; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Rival; 18 Onus. core; open; read; nene; nerine; nerite; nett; nine; nitre; ends. peen; peer; penitent; penne; penni; pent; père; peri; pert; PERTINENT; peter; petit; petite; petter; pettier; pier; pine; pinene; preen; rein; renin; rennet; rent; repent; repine; rete; retie; ripe; ripen; rite; teen; tein; tenet; tenner; tenpin; tent; tenter; tern; terne; tier; tine; tinter; tire; titre; tree; treen; tret; triene; trine; tripe; trite.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Repossess; 6 Pal; 8 Big bang; 9 Again; 10 Pent; 11 Cos; 13 Lawn; 14 Eagle; 16 Emblem; 18 Easter; 19 Leper; 21 Mild; 22 Oat; 23 Skid; 27 Noble; 28 Leopard; 30 Any; 31 Turnstile.

Down – 1 Rub; 2 Pagan; 3 Soak; 4 Eggnog; 5 Swab; 6 Peasant; 7 Leningrad; 10 Pneumonia; 11 Cameo; 12 Sleet; 14 Eel; 15 Ear; 17 Bellboy; 20 Pallor; 24 Khaki; 25 Deft; 26 Vows; 29 Doe.

LEISURE | 53

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

SOLID: Wille and the Bandits at Wokingham Festival Credit Andrew Merritt Photography

Chris Hillman bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

T

HIS WEEK’S RaW Sounds Today playlist has another 10 great tracks for you to enjoy.

Every issue, we bring you a round-up of music from artists with a connection to the region.

And this week, we welcome a new entry from Wille and the Bandits, who wowed crowds at the Wokingham Festival back in August. Find out what all the fuss is about.

It is just one of 10 brilliant tracks you can listen to for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a brilliant way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing.

To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Wille and the Bandits – Solid Ground What a great live band this is, as evidenced by their brilliant headlining performance at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Led by front person, Wille Edwards, the fourpiece band showed why they have built up a great reputation worldwide as they wowed the crowd with their dynamic and emotional sound. This beautiful epic song, with a wonderful soulful guitar solo, is from their new album, When the World Stood Still which gets a full release in January – https://www.willeandthebandits.com/

Rachel Redman (ft. Damian C Carruthers) – Obvious

Rachel is a local singer-songwriter who has appeared in our playlist previously and she has just released a new single co-written with another talented musician, Damian Carruthers and produced

by Rob Thom. A lyric video for the song has just been released and it has a wonderful winter feel which is well worth a look. Rachel plays live regularly so keep an eye out for her appearances and pop along to see her when you get a chance – https://www.facebook. com/rachelredmanmusic

facebook.com/OceanRuins

Beans on Toast – Humans Beans has just released his new album ‘Survival of the Friendliest’ and ‘Humans’ is a single from the album. He’s on an extensive UK tour at the moment which included a recent visit to Reading’s Facebar – https://beansontoastmusic.com/

Ocean Ruins – Teen Drama Here’s a melodic alt-rock band from Reading who have released a string of singles including this one. If you missed it then, it’s well worth a listen, with its uplifting sing-along chorus – https://www.

Spriggan Mist – The Portal Their live performances combine strong visuals with a magical mix of prog, folk & rock and you can check them out at their Enchanted Market event in Bracknell in February – https://www.sprigganmist. com/

Reading-based indie-rock duo, Valeras, with a single from their four-track EP, Tell Me Now. Following their Sub 89 show they appeared at Wokingham’s Beyond the Download ‘in store’ event on November 27 – https://www.facebook.com/ valerasband

Crooked Shapes – Appetite

Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist

This three-piece rock band with members from Reading and Wokingham have just released their debut self titled album ‘Crooked Shapes’. This track is their latest single and is one of 9 tracks on the album – https://www.crookedshapes.com/

Mordecai’s 2011 album, Sticky Tape and Rus on Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records, ‘has been re-issued as a special 10th anniversary two-CD. Psych pop with clever lyrics – https://www. facebook.com/stickytapeandrust/

Last Picture Show – The Joy and the Wonder

Hoopy Frood – Horse with No Name

Reading-based band, Last Picture Show, are interested in combining visual imagery with their music and that shows with the award-winning video they created for this single – http://www.lastpicture-show.com/

GIG GUIDE Wednesday, December 15

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session, One and Only Adele Tribute.

Details: www.marketyard. co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Club Velocity presents John Otway annual Christmas knees up. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Thursday, December 16

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. TJ Johnson and the Preachers. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, December 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic

Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Graham Steel Music Company Christmas Party: Atomic Rapture and The Filthy Llamas. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Take That Experience.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs. Details: 01344 457318.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Kossoff … The Band. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Will and the People.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jazz Cafe,

Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. The SoulTones Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Moscow Drug Club. Details: www. jazzinreading.com READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork and Ultimate Power. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Glo. Details: 0118 960 2295.

Saturday, December 18

BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, terrane Road North RG42 5JA. MJX. Details: 01344 483856.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rock Night with Divide The Truth and Unrise. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Abba’s Angels. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Rufus Ruffcut. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Brunch, DJ. Details: www.marketyard. co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Marisa and the Moths.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Rufus Ruffcut. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Drag Night Christmas edition. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Funk Soul Brothers.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Rocket Kings and DAP. Details: 0118 958 6048.

TILEHURST – The Royal

Valeras – Let Me Go

British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Live music. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Heathrow Jets.

Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, December 19

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Christmas party. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Chain Gang.

Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Brunch, East17 Live and guests. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bad Manners. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya.

Details: 0118 969 2047.

Monday, December

20

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Beldshazzar’s Feast festive show. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Symone: The Smooth Taste Tour..

Details: 0118 959 5395.

Tuesday, December 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Showcasing Pippa and The Players. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Martin Kemp: back to the 80s Christmas party. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Wednesday, December 22

READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Here’s a Wokingham based band with a very cool cover of a classic 70’s hit by America.

It’s a great interpretation of the song with good grooves, strong vocals and even a guitar solo at the end – https://www.hoopyfrood.co.uk/

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. John Coghlan’s Quo Details: 0118 959 5395.

Thursday, December 23

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The TR5S. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk

Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

Boxing Day, Sunday, December 26 READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. 6pm-9pm.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

Tuesday, December 28

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Richard Digance.

Details: 01491 681048.

Thursday, December 30

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Cloudcat and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Art New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, terrane Road North RG42 5JA. Majestix.

Details: 01344 483856.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft!

Details: 01344 303333.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Paul Spittle. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Pinkfish. Black tie, ticket only. Details: 0118 977 3706.

54

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BASKETBALL

ROCKETS PIPPED TO POST BY DRAGONS

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

IN almost a repeat of the previous evening’s semi-final defeat for Rockets, a treble with 15.8 seconds remaining on the clock provided Rockets with a second tough loss on the road up north over the weekend.

Jaz Bains hit a Rockets treble with 6.9 secs to go to get within a single point of Dragons but as Rockets had to foul to regain possession, Dragons hit a pair from the penalty stripe to take the win in a very competitive encounter at Dragons new venue, Calderdale College.

With Tyler Cartaino again proving Rockets highest points scorer, he again got Rockets off to a great first quarter start which ended with Rockets enjoying a 25-14 lead.

Lewis Champion drove to open Rockets scoring and Meshack Lufile rejected Dragons first offensive play

PREVIEW

IN-FORM ROYALS TRAVEL TO CITY

Tyler Cartaino strides forward before he hit three personal points.

A Cartaino treble, drive and finger roll was met with Dragons treble but excellent team play ended with Jaz Bains stroking a treble from out wide.

Reis Pinnock took a charge and academy star Ronnie Oguekwe gave

Lufile an assist for a slam dunk.

Oguekwe made a brace of other notable plays scoring from a Bains assist and then taking down a key offensive rebound which ended with Lufile adding to Rockets score and giving them a opening quarter lead of 11 points.

Dragons hit six unopposed points at the start of the second period before captain Ben Dixon scored with a lay-up.

Rockets found themselves in team foul trouble and the lead swapped hands and found themselves a single point adrift at 37-38.

Cartaino scored six unanswered points and Lufile made another rejection as Rockets drew level on 54, 56 and as the period ended on 63 a piece ensuring a tight finish again.

Lufile worked well inside to score and Oguekwe scored again though Dragons banked a treble to stay within a single point. Champion scored and took a charge, Cartaino

drained a treble and Sam Toluwase made a pair of easy scores and off an offensive rebound to see Rockets ahead 80-71.

Dragons scored from the free throw line quickly followed by the first of three trebles causing consternation for Rockets as only Bains could find the ring beyond the arc.

Dragons came back hard to take a 84-83 lead with a 13-3 run and the impetus from a Rockets team wearied after a very tough semi final the night before.

Nonetheless Rockets played to the bitter end as they hit a treble with just 6.9 seconds remaining and getting within a single point of Dragons.

However a brace from the free throw line saw Rockets travel back south disappointed but knowing ‘things can only get better’ as their injured players return.

Rockets are at home at Rivermead on Sunday against Worthing Thunder tipping at 5pm.

RAMS PARTNER WITH CHARITY TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

READING FC Women will be out to upset the odds once again when they travel to face Manchester City.

The Royals shocked the current Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on Saturday with a remarkable 1-0 win.

The win lifts Reading up to eighth in the table, level on points with the two teams above them as they continued their excellent form that has seen them pick up five wins and a draw from their last six league games.

Sunday’s opponents Man City, were one of the teams expected to challenge Chelsea for their crown prior to the start of the campaign, but so far they have been well off the pace after an underwhelming start to the season.

They endured a punishing start to the season which saw them lose to Tottenham on the opening day before they were beaten 5-0 at Arsenal.

They have since recovered their form with four league wins, but a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea means they will be unlikely to mount a title charge after falling further behind the top two.

After nine matches, they are 12 points behind pace setters Arsenal.

Gareth Taylor’s team snatched a last minute victory away at Birmingham City on Sunday thanks to Ellen White’s 89th minute winner in a 3-2 victory.

The last time Kelly Chambers’ side faced Man City, they were defeated 1-0 away from home after Chloe Kelly broke the deadlock in the 87th minute to win City the points.

RAMS RFC will be working with Berkshirebased charity Brave Mind in a bid to actively deliver training and mental wellbeing support for club members.

The charity, set-up

by Henley RFC stalwart Si Trower, aims to

make talking about and supporting each other in the rugby community the norm.

Trower said: “Rugby was always a good form of personal therapy. I left things off the field and enjoyed the release on it.

“Looking back on this

now, this was very much a temporary fix for me.

“Life is moving on and I am pleased to see the stigma towards mental health is changing, especially in sport.

“I’ve always wanted to try and help others and having completed a Mental

Health First Aider course, I’ve decided to create a support network, primarily focussed within the rugby community.

“At Brave Mind, we will make talking about and supporting each other with mental health the norm.”

FOOTBALL

ASHRIDGE PARK THANKFUL TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

A local football club is celebrating Christmas early, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.

Ashridge Park FC, based at St. Crispin’s School in Wokingham, has secured no fewer than thirteen new sponsors this season, ranging from a steel engineering firm to a local barber shop.

The grassroots club, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has 32 teams from under seven’s to veterans.

Youth teams play on Saturday mornings in the East Berks League, with a growing number of Girls teams in the Berks County Girls League.

Club Chair, Ady Dolan, said: “Attracting sponsorship is really important for a club like ours. “ However, as a committee we made a decision last year to delay seeking new sponsorship, as we felt that local businesses would be re-prioritising their finances during

the COVID crisis.

“We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of Wokingham companies.

“Sponsorship covers the cost of kit provision, but having that financial foundation gives us the confidence to make investments in new goals and nets, and other improvements.

“It also allows us to keep our membership fees affordable, and provide access to football for all”

From the middle

By Dick Sawdon-Smith

The goalkeepers’ control of the ball

S

OME years ago, I had a surprise telephone call from the producer of Match of the Day. He had read my criticism of the BBC’s use of controversial decisions to publicise Match of the Day. Earlier on a Saturday they would broadcast something like ‘Five controversial decisions at today’s Premier League, watch them on Match of the Day tonight’.

My point was that when these decisions were shown there was no one with a good enough knowledge of the laws of the game to discuss them, I suggested the use of a senior or retired referee.

Apparently, they had discussed my article at their Monday meeting and decided to ask Keith Hackett, then head of the PGMO, to come up with something, separate from the programme, to explain the relevant laws.

Keith Hacket told me some time later that it never happened.

I mention this because of the Leicester City v Aston Villa controversy, on Match of the Day 2.

No referee was called in to adjudicate but presenter Mark Chapman said that they had phoned IFAB for their views and Mark actually held a copy of the laws in his hands.

By coincidence I had already started to write this week’s column, discussing among other things, the goalkeepers control of the ball, This is important, for the laws say, a goalkeeper may not be challenged when he has control of the ball with his hands.

This is described as ‘the ball between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground. own body), or by touching it with any part of his hands or arms except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save holding the ball in the outstretched hand, bouncing the ball on the ground or throwing it in the air’.

Leicester’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, did make a save, knocking the ball down with his right hand and then firmly held it down on the ground with his outstretched left hand.

That’s when, the Aston Villa player kicked the ball into the goal.

I completely agree with Michael Oliver’s decision, prompted by VAR, that it was against the law.

But also I have sympathy with Mark Chapman, for I feel the mention of the ball rebounding and making a save was not only confusing but unnecessary.

If the ball has rebounded surely it is no longer under his control and if he has made a save either he still has the ball, which means he can’t be challenged, or he has knocked it away in which case it’s not under his control.

Let’s hope that IFAB will review this for next season’s changes to the laws.

56 | SPORT

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RUGBY UNION

ROTATED RAMS BEATEN AT CALDY

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today A VALIANT defensive effort from a much-changed and youthful Rams side ultimately proved in vain as Caldy ran out 20-3 winners in their National One clash at Paton Field.

With the wind at their backs and playing downhill, Rams made a bright start but suffered an early setback when Jak Rossiter was forced off which saw debutant Axel Kalling-Smith switch to inside centre, replacement Stevie Bryant to outside, first-time starter Will Janes to the wing and Drew Humberstone to full-back.

The first opportunity went to the hosts, but Ben Jones’ attempted effort from the 15-metre line on the left was pulled wide of the uprights.

However, the hosts did take a deserved lead midway through the half when Jones slotted a penalty earned at the scrum, Yet Rams rallied towards

Caldy v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield the end of the first period and levelled matters with a Humberstone penalty after Caldy infringed when trying to get a box kick away from their own 22.

The visitors came out flying after the break and tore into the opposition, Kalling-Smith, the excellent Max Hayman and Ross Crame among those to punch holes in midfield.

However, as the rain became increasingly heavier, handling errors inevitably came in and a couple of fumbles enabled Caldy to clear their lines.

And from 50 minutes onwards, Rams were barely able to exit their half as the hosts’ experience and forwards’ control began to tell.

Yet an unbelievable

defensive effort repeatedly repelled the home side, with Rams firstly holding Caldy up over the line before they forced a knock-on as a try looked almost inevitable.

However, the visitors posted their first try when they kicked to the corner and an overthrown line-out was hoovered up by Jack Parker, the prop barrelling over on the left.

Jones landed a brilliant conversion and then pushed his side further in front with a penalty enforced after Rams failed to roll away at the breakdown.

Caldy maintained their vice-like grip on the contest and grabbed a second try with the final play of the game when JJ Sanders went over from close range following a series of efforts.

Jones added the extras before the final whistle was blown, also ending Rams’ 152-match streak of scoring a try which dated back to a National Two South loss at Taunton in September, 2015.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

REACTION

REYNOLDS ‘PROUD’ DESPITE DEFEAT ON THE ROAD DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds admitted a sense of pride in defeat as his much-changed Rams outfit were overcome 20-3 in tough conditions at in-form Caldy.

Reynolds, who made nine changes from last week’s loss to Blackheath, said: “Danny Batty made the point you never want to be satisfied with losing, but sometimes there are bigger pictures at play and we wanted to give guys who’ve been performing well for the Titans an opportunity.

“We feel we’ve got good depth in the squad and some good young players who are starting to push, and the only way you get improvement from them is by challenging them.

“Caldy are a very, very good side, but I was really pleased with the way we stuck at it for the full 80 minutes – the players did very well.”

“There were a couple of defensive sets when we managed to push them back to the 22, but with inclement weather and against the wind in the second period we found it tricky to exit our half because Caldy played really good tactics and they deserved their victory.”

Caldy v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield “Experience does play a part because the cohesion and connection of your group isn’t there on the basis you’re bringing in new players.” n Rams host their first-ever Friday Night lights against Chinnor this week (8pm). Supporters are asked to prebook a ticket through the club website – www.ramsrugby.com – to ensure swift access to the ground.

RUGBY UNION

WOMEN’S WINNING STREAK CONTINUES

By ANNETTE TOMAS sport@rdg.,today

ABBEY Women continued their winning streak in an excellent victory over Richmond Women in testing conditions on Saturday, taking their home winning streak at home to an impressive 17 games.

Abbey’s forward pack was the star of the show as they showcased their dominant scrum, which saw them turnover balls against the head and even march it over the line for skipper Annabel Hawkins to dot down for her side’s second try.

It was a performance that oozed dominance and one that saw the whole team work for each other in both attack and defence.

Due to the conditions, much of the game was played in the middle of the pitch as kicks from both sides struggled to find touch as both teams acclimatised.

Richmond attacked well initially, with strong runs from Zoe Barber and Tatum Gabriel, but these were equally matched by strong tackles from Tori Kiff, Hannah Gale and Hawkins.

As Richmond threatened Abbey’s try line, aggressive

Debutant Alex Wilkinson watches her opposite number feed into the scrum Picture: Col Palfrey defence caused them to spill the ball, and Abbey escaped time and time again.

With second-row Hollie King winning an important turnover penalty, Abbey kicked for territory up the pitch until they were inside Richmond’s 22.

Then the tactic changed to utilising their dominant scrum

for penalties. Richmond’s Esme Newton saw yellow, and Abbey had the player advantage at set piece.

After two disallowed tries for King and prop Jess Potter, yet another excellent set piece platform allowed fullback Lou Pullan to run a hard line.

Outside backs Kelsea

Montgomery and Hayley Matthews added to the attacking pressure, before fly-half Bevan threaded a grubber through that centre Mia McCreesh managed to dot down in-goal, before converting her own kick. Half time and Abbey were 7-0 to the good.

The conditions did not improve in the second half, but Abbey adapted well – Pullan restarted with low kicks that were challenging for Richmond to gather and debutant scrumhalf Alex Wilkinson utilised quick taps well to keep her team on the front foot.

Simplified carries brought

Abbey huge success over the gain line and before long, they were back in Richmond’s 22.

Hawkins chose a scrum at a penalty and the front row of Gale, Stevens and Potter, supported by the rest of their pack, marched the scrum over the line for Hawkins to extend her side’s lead.

Credit to Richmond, they continued to play until the final whistle and Abbey’s defence was severely tested in the final quarter with Pippa Robinson and then Wilkinson both seeing yellow for respective foul play incidents. Despite playing with 14 for the final 15 minutes, Abbey shut out Richmond’s spirited attack and kept a clean sheet in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

This was an important win for Abbey, who climb to sixth in the Championship South 1 table, and who have now won half of their games this season.

With one more game before the Christmas break, Berkshire’s leading women’s team will be looking to consolidate their mid-table position; the highest they have ever been in Championship 1.

SPORT | 57

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Berks County v Egham

Woodley United FC Berks County exited the FA Vase against Egham Town Pictures: Andrew Batt

Berks County have a strike at goal

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BERKS COUNTY’S FA VASE JOURNEY COMES TO AN END

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

of the visitors in the 53rd minute to secure a 1-0 win.

FA Vase BERKS COUNTY’S magnificent debut run in the FA Vase came to an end against Egham Town.

The Swords made a dream start when Luke Hayden found the net in the ninth minute.

They found a leveller in the 23rd minute to put the game on level terms at the break.

Harris made another vital stop to keep the score level just after the restart.

Egham pulled ahead in the 71st and held out to secure their place in the next round.

Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY’S twogoal lead was undone as they suffered a loss to CB Hounslow United.

The Cityzens took the lead in the ninth minute through Joe Waight, and added a second in the 31st minute when Luis Le Paih found the net.

Hounslow hit back with an impressive second-half display with two qucikfire goals and found a winner in the 72nd minute.

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD dropped down to eighth in the table after a home defeat to Northwood.

There was just one goal in the game that separated the sides, which came the way

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA maintained their splendid form by putting another three points on their tally.

Ross McKernan ensured the Boars went into the break with a 1-0 lead when he

Wargrave (red) up against Kennington

scored with the final play of the first-half.

Grinder Hunjan doubled Eversley’s lead, and despite the hosts pulling a goal back, the Boars found a third from Farrugai to seal the game.

Thames Valley Premier League BURGHFIELD still lead the pack after their victory over Westwood Wanderers.

Burghfield scored three times in the final 10 minutes with goals from Adam Telford, Teoman Atik and Oliver Brown.

FNCHAMPSTEAD are just a point off the top after they secured victory against READING CITY U23’s.

Finch raced into a threegoal advantage with goals from Lewis Francis, Nick Payne and Aqeel Butt.

Reading fought back valiantly and reduced the lead to 3-2, but Finch held on to the points.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS went down by eight goals in a heavy defeat to Maidenhead Town.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED stay bottom of the table after they lost 2-0 to Ascot United.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS are in second after they got the better of CAVERSHAM UNITED. Tilehirst broke the deadlock but Tiff Newland converted a rebound to level for Caversham.

Leah Why ensured Tilehurst took maximum points when she netted the winner.

Loxwood Rangers v Woodley United

FOOTBALL

KESTRELS SEE TWO GOAL LEAD SLIP

By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today

Woodley United 2 Bedfont & Feltham 2 FOR the first time this season, Woodley went two games unbeaten but will be disappointed that they let a two goal half-time lead slip.

Following a strike by Jordan Goddard from the edge of the visitors’ penalty area in the 13th minute to open the scoring Woodley started to settle into the game.

Ciaran Carolan beat Bedfont’s keeper Sam Bersey only for his shot to be headed off the goal line into Bersey’s hands.

United’s pressure finally told in the 36th minute when Imani

Likita scored his first goal for the club from close range in a crowded penalty area..

A change by Bedford in their formation to 3-4-3 saw them start to get back into the game and they were rewarded in the 77th minute following a Smith headed clearance, a shot from the right hand side of Woodley’s penalty area hit a Woodley defender and found the net.

This was followed four minutes later when Stuart Birkett conceded a penalty which Kildane Tesfu converted to level the scores.

With the pitch deteriorating, both teams saw out the match which included six minutes stoppage time to share the points in what was Woodley’s first drawn match of the season.

Jordan Goddard picks a pass for Woodley Picture: Peter Toft

58 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

HOW THEY RATED Reading’s man of the match Luke Southwood

FUTILE ROYALS PUNISHED BY WEST BROM 1 READING 0

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

A confident display from the keeper who was kept busy all game by a dominant West Brom performance.

TYRELL ASHCROFT

A competent performance from the youngster on just his second league start for the club.

TOM HOLMES

Gave the ball away cheaply and should have been punished by Robninson but was bailed out by his goalkeeper.

LIAM MOORE

Some lackadaisical moments where he almost allowed Hugill through on goal and came close to slicing a clearance into his own net.

SCOTT DANN

Relaxed on the ball but it wasn’t his most impressive performance.

Suffered an injury at the end of the match and looked to be in pain.

BABA RAHMAN

Struggled to get forward and provide much in attack as West Brom pinned Reading back for the majority of the game.

DEJAN TETEK

Provided energy in the middle of the park but was sacrificed in the second-half when Paunovic looked for an equaliser.

JOSH LAURENT

Looks jaded given the amount of minutes he’s had to play , including his long term partner last season, Andy Rinomhota.

ALEN HALILOVIC

Tried his hardest to get the Royals going in the final third to create something and played a superb ball through to Dele-Bashiru.

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

Had Reading’s best chance of the match after a good burst up field but shanked a shot well wide of the target.

ANDY CARROLL

Battled well and made a heroic block off the line, but had limited service up front all afternoon.

Subs Junior Hoilett 5, George Puscas 4

7 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 6

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING dropped closer to the relegation zone after Callum Robinson’s second-half goal saw them defeated against West Bromwich Albion.

The Royals put up a resilient test for the Baggies to try and break down, but weren’t able to impose an attacking threat on many occasions.

Their resolve was eventually broken just after an hour, and Robinson’s goal proved to be the only goal of the game.

Reading are in 20th position in the Championship, just two points above the relegation zone after Peterborough United’s win over Millwall.

Veljko Paunovic made three changes from Reading’s draw last weekend at home to Hull City.

John Swift, Danny Drinkwater and Andy Yiadom joined a long list of senior injuries, which meant Liam Moore, Tyrell Ashcroft and Dejan Tetek made their way into the starting eleven.

Meanwhile, Felipe Araruna and Junior Hoilett returned to be named among the substitutes.

The odds were stacked against the Royals who haven’t recorded an away victory at the Hawthorns for 33 years, and were up against the only team in the Championship with an unbeaten home record still intact.

West Brom won the first corner of the game with two minutes on the clock when Jayson Molumby found Darnell Furlong with a precise crossfield ball, but Reading stayed organised to prevent falling

Tom Holmes wins the ball in the air

Tyrell Ashcroft is tackled

Josh Laurent picks a pass

MATCH STATS WEST BROM: Johnstone, Livermore, Bartley, Garner-Hickman, Furlong, Molumby, Mowatt, Reach, Robinson, Grant, Hugill SUBS: Button, Tulloch, Ingram, Ashworth, Fellows, Cleary

Carroll makes a heroic goal line clearance Taylor,

READING: Southwood, Rahman, Holmes, Moore (c), Dann, Ashcroft, Laurent, Tetek, DeleBashiru, Halilovic, Carroll SUBS: Rafael, Araruna, Bristow, Osorio, Camara, Hoilett, Puscas GOALS: Robinson 62’

behind early on.

Alex Mowatt had the first shot of the match, and he stung the gloves of Luke Southwood with a powerful drive from 30 yards that was palmed behind.

The Baggies’ early pressure saw Callum Robinson come close when he tried to break free of Moore but headed off target.

The Reading skipper then had to make amends for his own error when he let the ball bounce to allow Jordan Hugill a run at goal, but he

Dejan Tetek blocks a goalbound s recovered to take the ball from the forward.

Southwood then had to spare the blushes of Tom Holmes when his loose touch let Robinson through on goal, but the Royals keeper made a superb save.

Alen Halilovic picked up the first booking of the match from preventing the hosts from taking a quick free-kick as the Royals continued to weather a constant barrage of pressure from West Brom.

REACTION

PAUNOVIC: ‘WE HAVE TO BE CLINICAL AND MORE RUTHLESS’ READING manager Veljko Paunovic was disappointed with his sides output in the final third in their defeat to West Brom.

The Royals failed to register a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat to the Baggies.

“It was not a great first half although we had a big chance to take the lead,” said Paunovic.

“I didn’t like that we conceded that much possession and I didn’t like the fact we didn’t create more, but we still had a big chance and an unfortunate outcome.

“We have to be much more clinical and much more ruthless and focused when we have these kinds of chances to turn around the game.

“I wasn’t happy about the first-

half, but in the second half with the adjustments, we changed our mentality, got more into the final third and were more aggressive in winning our duels and second balls.

“We just made it too easy for the opposition to come into the final third and give away the goal.

“We didn’t put enough emphasis in the final third, didn’t do enough and didn’t have enough presence.”

Paunovic’s team were dealt yet another significant injury blow prior to the match as Andy Yiadom, John Swift, Femi Azeez and Danny Drinkwater all missed out on the trip to the Hawthorns.

He continued: “That was one of the key reasons for our lack of attacking power.

“We missed important players.

Four from the last game, Yiadom, Swift, Drinkwater and Azeez.

“And it just adds to our long list of injuries.

The adjustments we needed to do were later in the week but I’m still happy with the guys who showed up and gave their best.

“We don’t know how long Swift will be out.

He might be ready for Luton. It’s a soft tissue injury and a small grade so we expect he might be available.”

The defeat leaves Reading just two points above the relegation zone after Peterborough United closed the gap on the Royals with a win over Millwall.

“What I’m going to say is we will keep fighting and looking higher up on the table.

“That is where we have to project ourselves. There is no space or time for negativity nor am I going to answer this question now or in the future.

“We are where we are.

“We know why we are here and we are trying to fix it so we need positivity.”

SPORT | 59

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PROMOTION CHASHERS

Meite has ‘date in mind’ for injury return Tom DeleBashiru shoots wide

Tetek fights for possession Mowatt heads

Andy Carroll dribbles forward Carroll holds off a defender

shot in Reading’s defeat to West Brom Pictures: Steve Smyth

Alen Halilovic swings in a cross

More accustomed to doing damage in the opponent’s box, but Andy Carroll came to the rescue in his team’s box to prevent Robinson from breaking the deadlock.

Carroll first hooked a dangerous corner away from goal, and managed to untangle himself from the net to make a crucial block on the line to prevent Robinson’s effort from hitting the net.

Reading created their first and only chance of the half in the 44th minute when Halilovic released Tom Dele-Bashiru with a through ball, but after a promising drive at goal, he shanked a shot out for a throw in.

Callum Robinson scores for West Brom

The Baggies continued their front foot approach in the secondhalf and caused more problems when Taylor Gardner-Hickman flashed the ball across the face of the Reading six-yard box but to no avail.

The hosts were finally rewarded just after the hour mark for their attacking persistence when Robinson pounced from close range.

West Brom worked the ball smartly down the left before a low cross found the feet of Robinson and his shot looped up and kissed the bottom of the crossbar before it crossed the line.

Tetek was next to go in the book but was replaced moments later with Paunovic opting for an attacking change by putting Junior Hoilett into the mix.

Southwood got his glove to Robinson’s goal bound effort to make another pivotal save to prevent his team from going further behind.

Reading couldn’t create a chance to find an equaliser and were defeated for the 11th time in the league this season.

Reading are back at home next Saturday when they host Luton Town in a game that marks the 150th anniversary of the club.

PREVIEW

READING WELCOME LUTON IN CLUB’S 150TH BIRTHDAY BASH READING welcome Luton Town to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in a momentous occasion that marks the 150th anniversary of the club.

Established in 1871, the Royals have a proud history as one of the oldest club’s in the English football league and celebrate the milestone this weekend.

One of Reading’s finest moments in their history came against Luton, when the Royals were crowned as the Simod Cup champions in 1988 with a 4-1 triumph at Wembley Stadium.

Reading have faced one of their most difficult season’s in recent

memory in the Championship having been hit with severe injury issues, a transfer embargo and a six point deduction.

That leaves them in 21st position in the table, just two points above the relegation zone heading into this Saturday’s game after their defeat at West Brom last weekend.

Luton come into the contest smack bang in the middle of the league table in 12th, eight points above Reading.

The Hatters earned a credible draw on Saturday against league leaders Fulham with Elijah Adebayo’s leveller cancelling out

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener.

Despite that positive result, Luton are winless in their last four league matches which saw them defeated by QPR and Cardiff City either side of a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

Reading and Luton met four times last season with two league matches, while they drew each other in both domestic cup competitions Luton took the spoils in both cup fixtures with 1-0 wins in both.

Reading took three points in the Championship match at the SCL on Boxing Day with goals from Tom

McIntyre and Alfa Semedo.

The teams then took a point each in a 0-0 draw at Kenilworth Road in April.

Veljko Paunovic is hoping to have some senior members of the squad back for selection.

The Serbian boss said that he is hopeful that Swift, who is Reading’s top scorer with eight league goals and nine assists this season, will be fit for Saturday.

Meanwhile, Adebayo has been Luton’s man of the season so far with 10 goals to his name putting him fifth in the scoring charts.

READING forward Yakou Metie is hoping to make an instant impact when he returns from his long-term injury.

The Ivorian suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which required surgery and has kept him out of the entire season as he plots his return to first-team action in the new year.

“I need to come back fit and as soon as I can,” said Meite.

“I’ve been working hard and its starting to pay. I don’t want to rush it, but I want to be in the best shape I can be when I come back.

“I’ve been outside with the physio.

“I have a date in mind, I have done since the start of my injury.

“I want to play this season, that is the target but I can’t tell you a date but I think I’m not too far but I still have a lot of work to do.”

Meite expressed the importance of remaining positive despite his injury and has been in attendance at matches supporting his teammates throughout his recovery.

He continued: “At the start it was tough to watch, now it is better, but I didn’t want to stay at home.

“I want to come and support the team but it was tough knowing I’d be out for quite a few months.

“It’s the first time I’ve had a long injury like this. It’s been tough, but it could have been worse.

“It’s been really difficult at the start with the problems we’ve had but now we’re in a position where we know what we need to do.

“Like the manager always says, we need urgency.

“I know we are better than where we are in the table and we lost six points as well.

“A lot of people expect us to change the team offensively when we’re back, me and Lucas (Joao), but they can’t forget we have both been injured for a long time so we need time to adjust.

“I want to be as fit as I can straight away from the first game back, that’s why I’m working so hard now and I know Lucas is the same.

“I want to be back helping the team, score goals and get my confidence back.

“I’m missing the feeling of scoring goals.

“The first two weeks were really tough. I was at home watching games and I knew it was only the start.

“I didn’t know yet if I wanted surgery or not, because I wanted to get back as soon as possible.

“But a lot of people advised me do it, because I’m still young and I don’t want to have this kind of injury again after this.

“Everyday I’m counting the days down.

Sometimes the time goes fast, sometimes it goes slow but now I am back on the pitch and it’s getting better and have been able to work on different things.”

Reading forward Yakou Meite

60 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 15, 2021

HOW THEY RATED Gemma Evans (left) and Justine

GRACE MOLONEY

Despite Chelsea’ dominance, she didn’t have too many saves to make but did everything right when called upon.

FAYE BRYSON

Put in some excellent tackles and blocks to keep Chelsea at bay for much of the match and limit their shots at goals.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Assured and composed at the back. Her interception and pass got the Royals forward in the move that led to the goal.

GEMMA EVANS

A quite outstanding display. Made a crucial clearance, some perfectly timed challenges and several important blocks.

NATASHA HARDING

A captain’s display from the Welsh international who filled in at centre-back in an unfamiliar role and did a fine job.

CHLOE PEPLOW

Had plenty of defensive work to do as expected but sat in front of the three centre-backs and played her part brilliantly.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Got booked fairly early on but stayed disciplined and manage to track back and help out efficiently.

LILY WOODHAM

Had a couple of bursts forward on the wing but was mainly required in the defensive third to limit Chelsea’s chances.

EMMA HARRIES

Worked hard for the team and made a few forays forward to get down the wing. Played her part in the goal with the pass to Rose.

NATASHA DOWIE

Isolated up front for much of the game but held the ball up well to take the pressure off her team and did a lot of unselfish work.

DEANNE ROSE

A menacing run which started in her own half and showed her clinical nature with the finish. Proving to be a great asset for the team.

7 8 8 9

Deanna Rose scores for Reading

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

The Royals shocked the current title holders with a win Pictures: Neil Graham

ROSE A THORN IN CHELSEA’S SIDE 8 AS ROYALS STUN THE CHAMPIONS 8 7 7 8 8 9

READING 1 CHELSEA 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING shocked Women’s Super League champions Chelsea as Deanne Rose’s early goal gave the Royals their first ever victory over the Blues.

The Royals made a flying start when Rose drove at the heart of the Chelsea defence and finished the move she started to give them a fourth minute lead.

Reading defended resolutely to keep the title holders at bay and earn an impressive three points.

“Simply put, phenomenal,” said Reading Women’s manager Kelly Chambers.

“I said to the girls after the game I’m proud of every single one of them.

“To adapt shape in just a week, due to people being away for the international, it’s just a credit to their mindset and abilities.

“Obviously, we changed shape to try and counteract Chelsea a little bit, and to then put in a performance like that.

“There was no hiding in the week building up to this game, we were going to be asked a lot of questions defensively, we practiced it a lot in training, but we didn’t also want to sit in.

“I know in the second half it fell into that, especially with the players they brought on at halftime, but credit to the players today, as I actually run out of words to explain how proud I am of them all

today.

“I have a fantastic group, not just what they all bring as individuals, but as a collective also.

“I think that’s what the start of the season was about, learning about each other, and I’ve got a bunch of winners which is something we’ve may not have had in the past so it gives us an extra edge.

“Aside from what you see on the pitch, they all get on with one another, which brings out the best in all of them and you could see that today when celebrating a tackle, a block, covering your team mate when they get beat, and then the final whistle.”

With the unorthodox time of a Saturday morning kick-off in the WSL, the Royals were in for a monumental challenge against the current league holders and newly crowned FA Cup champions after Chelsea’s triumph over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

However, it was Kelly Chambers’ team who flew out of the traps and got themselves ahead with the first chance of the match.

Justine Vanhaevermaet made an interception in the back and got her team on the front foot by playing the ball to the pacy Deanne Rose.

The Canadian forward drove with purpose at Chelsea from deep with a run that started from her own half. She rolled the ball out wide to Emma Harries and received a return pass into the box, took a touch to steady herself and fired the ball in at the near post.

Emma Hayes’ side looked to hit back with an immediate response and won a corner when Erin

Cuthbert’s long range effort was deflected behind.

The visitors won a succession of corners but Gemma Evans led the Royals backline brilliantly and put in a superb tackle to clear any danger.

The league’s top scorer, Sam Kerr, leapt well and had a free header from a corner but couldn’t direct the ball on target for Chelsea.

Evans continued to provide a resilient barrier in the Reading defence and made a crucial block on the line to get in the way of Millie Bright’s shot after Grace Moloney hadcome to claim a corner but didn’t get close enough.

The away side ramped up the pressure in search of a leveller but once again Evans proved to be too tough to get past.

She made another crucial block, this time from Bethany England,

MATCH STATS READING: Moloney, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Evans, Bryson, Peplow, Harding (c), Eikeland, Harries, Dowie, Rose SUBS: Stewart, Roberts, Woodcock, Lister, Baigent, MacDonald, Primmer, Poulter CHELSEA: Musovic, Bright, Carter, Eriksson (c), Cuthbert, Spence, Leupolz, Andersson, Fleming, Kerr, England SUBS: Berger, Fox, Nouwen, Kirby, So-Yun, Charles, Harder, Reiten, Ingle GOALS: Rose 4’

before she got quickly back to her feet and beat Kerr to the loose ball to prevent her from having a tap in.

The Royals impressive organisation saw them go into the half a goal to the good to put the Blues behind in a league match at the break for the first time in two years.

Hayes showed her discontent at Chelsea’s first-half performance and made a triple change as former Royal Fran Kirby came on alongside Pernille Harder and Guro Reiten.

Reading looked to hit Chelsea on the counter and did so when Natsha Dowie used her power to hold up the ball and played a long pass to find the run of Emma Harries, whose persistent work won the Royals a corner.

Moments after, Harries won her team another corner with a purposeful burst down the rightwing before her cross was blocked behind by Jess Carter.

Another outstanding piece of defending from Evans kept Reading in front on the hour mark when she made a last ditch tackle on Kirby when she looked to be thorough on goal.

Chambers made her first switch in the 72nd minute when Bethan Roberts replaced goalscorer Rose.

Two chances in quick succession for Chelsea went to waste when Harder had two aerial efforts but missed the target.

Reading continued to be on the back foot for the final 20 minutes but their sturdy defence provided too structured for Chelsea to break down as the Royals picked up a magnificent victory.

SPORT | 61

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GYMNASTICS

WALFORD WINS GOLD IN FAREWELL AS TEAM EXCEL Virtue Gymnastics

By GUEST WRITER sport@wokingham.today

The gymnasts were so excited to finally compete after having no physical competitions since 2019 due to Covid. All gymnasts performed exceptionally well coming home with a total of 42 medals between them across two pieces Floor and Vault.

“I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of my girls,” said head coach Hollie Cordery.

“It was so great to be back competing again, watching the girls do what they love and supporting each other.

“They have worked so hard considering the past few years and that definitely showed this weekend with amazing results.”

The competition marked an emotional farewell to one of Virtue’s longest standing members Emily Walford.

Emily has been with the club ever since it first opened back in 2016 and has progressed to a high standard not only as a gymnast but also as a young coach too.

Emily will be turning 18 in January and transitioning into non competitive adult gymnastic sessions.

She was over the moon that

Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 2-3 North Greenford United Combined Counties Division One London Samurai Rovers 1-3 Eversley & California Woodley United 2-2 Bedfont & Feltham Thames Valley Premier League Maidenhead Town 8-0 Woodley United Royals Reading City U23’s 2-3 Finchampstead

Virtue Gymnastics

Virtue Gymnastics

she could compete at one last competition before she retires as a competitive gymnast.

It was an incredible final finale for Emily performing a near perfect half on half off vault and showcasing a stunning floor routine which totally wowed the audience, she left the competition

with gold medals on both Floor and Vault.

Emily and her Virtue team mates showed an exceptional standard and came home with a haul of medals across all ages and categories.

The team will now be working hard towards their next

KINGFISHER EXTEND LEAD AT THE TOP

Martin Adams, Hari Gehlot and Darren Jones all with maximums.

Phil Mead managed a closely fought treble for KINGFISHER B as they won a tight match at SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C 8-2, Phil winning his opener against Matt Stone 17-19 8-11 13-12 11-4 11-2. Nigel Keedy also picked up a maximum for the Kingfisher team.

A determined KINGFISHER D team out played SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B to win 8-2, Graham Mendick with a hat trick that included a thrilling 12-10 9-11 11-7 14-16 11-8 win against Jamie Barlow.

Jamie hit back to win his other two for Sonning Common, beating both Jordan Huang and Julian Telford 11-8 in the fifth.

Although only three matches were played in

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Reading

Isthmian South Central Binfield 0-1 Northwood

TABLE TENNIS

KINGFISHER A moved 16 points clear at the top of the division 1 table after a comfortable 10-0 win over Kingfisher C.

Saturday, December 11

Women’s Super League Reading 1-0 Chelsea

GYMNASTS from the Virtue Gymnastics squad excelled themselves at the Bulmershe Christmas Championships 2021.

By NIGEL MATLBY sport@wokingham.today

RESULTS

Division 2 this week, OUR LADY OF PEACE B regained top spot after drawing 5-5 with their club mates from the C team, while erstwhile leaders SONNING SPORTS A suffered their first defeat, losing 3-7 at Kingfisher E. Jan Polnik played up from Division 4, for OLOP B, his best chance for a win undoubtedly his contest with Kaan Kitay, which he lost 9-11 3-11 12-10 11-1 8-11, but no-one remained undefeated with his teammates Alistair Richardson and Darek Kaminski both winning twice, Alistair also losing to Kaan while Darek lost to Pradeep Desh.

The C team’s points were earned by Kaan and Pradeep, who each won twice, assisted

by Binit Bhaskar, who won once.

Stephen Leggett was the star for KINGFISHER E, winning all three, with teammates Andrew Adair and Clive Gold both winning twice, Andrew defeating Bob Woodmansee and Keith Machin while Clive Gold missed out on a maximum,

narrowly losing to Paul Savage 12-10 11-9 5-11 10-12 10-12.

TIDMARSH B recorded their best win of the season, beating TILEHURST METHODISTS A 10-0, Barry Carter not dropping a game all evening, Dale Ballard almost at the same level just losing one game to Bill Stamatiou, while Francois Durand lost a game to Jes Eassom and was made to work for his treble, defeating Bill.

Only three matches played this week in division 3 and the youngsters from KINGFISHER I had another good win over SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD E to push themselves right into the promotion race.

New signing Ryan Chung got his third maximum in a row and Ethan Zeng also got a maximum.

Skipper Anthony Reeve played well for SC&P winning a marathon set against Sahil Tekurkar 14-12 in the fifth and just losing out to Ethan Zeng 11-7 in the fifth.

Virtue Gymnastics competition which will be held at their own facility early next year.

Virtue recently opened a full time purpose built gymnastics and parkour facility in Tilehurst, Reading which will enable all members to achieve their highest individual standard.

HOCKEY

SONNING SMASH NINE PAST OXFORD South Central Men’s Division 1

SONNING smashed nine past Oxford 2s in an emphatic performance.

The 9-1 victory puts Sonning up to third in the standings with 21 points from 10 games.

South Central Men’s Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s picked up three points in their home fixture against Bicester 1s.

Just one goal was enough for South Berks to take the contest, with the win putting them up to seventh after 10 matches.

South Central Men’s Division 4

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s pipped by Aylesbury 2s in a seven-goal contest.

The points went the way of the hosts who took a 4-3 victory.

South Berks are in second, just three points off top spot after 11 games.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING went down to a heavy defeat to Oxford 1s.

The 5-1 loss leaves Sonning in eighth position.

South Central Women’s Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE moved up to eighth with a triumph over Oxford Hawks 3s.

Emily York-Goldney netted twice and Kelly Hancock added a third to secure victory for South Berks.

Berks & Bucks Charles Twelvetree Cup Reading YMCA 0-2 Procision Wargrave 2-5 Kennington Athletic Thames Valley Division One Eldon Celtic 2-2 Henley Town Goring United 1-1 Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords 1-2 Hurst Reserves Thames Valley Division Three Pangbourne 3-7 Reading City Development Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead Development 0-3 Farnham Royal Mavericks Windlesham & Chobham A 6-3 Berks County Rovers RUGBY UNION National League One Caldy 20-3 Rams South West 1 East Sherborne 3-22 Bracknell HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 1 South Berkshire v Oxford Hawks 2s South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning 9-1 Oxford 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1-5 Oxford South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 3-1 Oxford Hawks 3s

Sunday, December 12

FOOTBALL FA Vase third-round Berks County 1-2 Egham Town Southern Region Women’s Premier Woodley United 0-2 Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One South AFC Bournemouth Development 7-1 Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 1-2 Tilehurst Panthers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United 3-2 Eversley & California Reserves Yateley United 2-7 Caversham AFC

Tuesday, December 14

FOOTBALL Isthmian South Central Binfield v Tooting & Mitcham United

Wednesday, December 15 FOOTBALL FA WSL Cup Lewes v Reading

Friday, December 17 National League One Rams v Chinnor

FIXTURES

Saturday, December 18

Sky Bet Championship Reading v Luton Town Isthmian South Central Guernsey v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Ascot United Hanworth Villa v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Bagshot Chalvey Sports v Woodley United Eversley & California v London Lions B&B Charles Twelvetree Cup Long Wittenham Athletic v Finchampstead RUGBY UNION South West 1 East Bracknell v Windsor

Sunday, December 19

Women’s Super League Manchester City v Reading Cup Aylesbury United v Caversham United Wargrave v Bletchley Shamrocks Thames Valley Women’s Division One Carterton v Tilehurst Panthers Thames Valley Division 3S Caversham AFC v Goring United Eversley & California Reserves v Thatcham & Newbury Newbury Development v Wargrave Development Wallingford AFC v S4K Berks Count

62

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SPORT TODAY

READING EDITION

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

16.12.21

RAMS CONQUERED AWAY

BEST FOR FOOTBALL

DISMAL DEFEAT AT WEST BROM

ROSE HELPS READING RISE

ROCKETS FALL SHORT IN SEMIS READING Rockets suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals of the LLynch Trophy to Newcastle in a tense cup encounter.

ENT ICCHELSEA GNIFSTUN MAROYALS Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women manager Kelly Chambers praised a ‘phenomenal’ performance after her side stunned Chelsea.

The Royals upset the odds in the early Saturday kick-off at the Select Car Leasing Stadium by denting Chelsea’s title hopes.

Despite being in a strong vein of form, Reading’s chances looked slim against the side who were crowned

as FA Cup champions the previous weekend and went into the match just a point behind league leaders Arsenal, looking to secure a second successive Women’s Super League title.

Deanne Rose netted the only goal of the match which came in the fourth minute when she enthusiastically took the game to the opposition by driving with the ball in her own half, and finished off the move with aplomb.

Reading had plenty of defending

to do to keep out the Blues, but did so resolutely with an exceptional rearguard display, particularly from defender Gemma Evans who put in several critical blocks and tackles to maintain her team’s clean sheet.

The win is not only significant to keep Reading’s excellent run of form going, but was the first time in the club’s history that they have recorded a victory over Chelsea.

“Going into this month, we knew it was going to be tough with both Chelsea and Man City,” said

Chambers. “But throughout the week I’ve said to the squad we’ve got to believe that we can get the results, believe in our performances, and they showed that.

“You’ll reap your rewards from what you deliver out on the pitch, and they did that.”

Reading will be full of confidence with another tough challenge on the horizon when they face Manchester City on Sunday. n Full match report on page 60

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Having won the tip Meshack Lufile opened Rockets account and Tyler Cartaino opened his personal account on way to a double double at half time. Rockets enjoyed a 16- 5 early lead so Newcastle took a time out and ended the quarter with a 9-2 run to leave Rockets with a slender advantage of 25-23.

As one of Newcastle’s key players suffered a nose bleed right at the end of the first quarter, the start of the second period was delayed by over 12 minutes waiting for court to be cleaned .

This disrupted the momentum but Rockets remained focused with a 11-3 run where they enjoyed a 36-27 lead.

They took a similar advantage to the dressing room at half time thanks to a buzzer beating wide treble from Dixon at 56-43.

Sam Toluwase increased Rockets’ lead with the opening possession of quarter three before the first of a barrage of trebles from Newcastle including three back to back as they found their outstanding shooting ability.

Cartaino and Meshack Lufile stopped the rot and though Newcastle finished the period with a brace of trebles, Rockets went into the final quarter still 71-66 ahead.

Cartaino struck a treble and Lufile a score giving Rockets a 78-68 lead inside the opening three minutes.

Newcastle drained trebles from all around the arc with four in a row to level the game on 82.

Toluwase edged Rockets ahead again but another Newcastle treble edged Newcastle in front with 38.5 secs left but Rockets had possession.

Newcastle capitalised with a four point lead which Rockets couldn’t counter in the remaining 18 seconds.

Celebrating the winners of PRIDE OF READING AWARDS 32-page souvenir supplement December 2021

2

PRIDE OF READING 2021

INDEX Introduction........................................................2 Entrepreneur of the Year �������������������������3 Business in Action – Under 50 employees 4 – Over 50 employees ...............................5 Charity of the Year....................................... 6 Community Champion..............................7 Smile of the Year........................................... 8 Volunteer of the Year................................. 9 Child of Courage.........................................10 Employee of the Year................................ 11 Local Hero.........................................................12 Inspiration Award........................................13 Cultural Contribution................................14 Fun, fun, fun! ...................................................15 School of the Year.......................................18 Fundraiser of the Year..............................19 The Chris Tarrant Award......................20 Special Recognition...................................21 On the red carpet............................... 22-23 Photo competition.................................... 24 Interview with Chris Tarrant �������������� 25 Entertainment directors........................26 The presenters..............................................27 The entertainmers..................................... 28 Gifts and goodies.......................................29 The creative team......................................30 Event sponsors..............................................31 Thank you.........................................................32

Pride of Reading 2021 souvenir supplement written by PHIL CREIGHTON and HILARY SCOTT Photography by DIJANA CAPAN from DVision Images, dvision-images.com and CAROLINE GRATRIX from Viva Photography, vivaphotography.co.uk Produced by READING TODAY, the new newspaper for Reading rdg.today and printed by REACH WATFORD

A salute to our frontline heroes

D

ELAYED for two years due to covid, organisers held their breath as the new Omicron variant hit the headlines.

The Pride of Reading awards were planned for Friday December 3 after missing 2020 – with the announcement of the new variant at the end of November would our guests think again about attending a large event?

But no – virtually everyone decided they would attend to honour our frontline heroes. And plenty of safety precautions were taken by the organisers.

Guests, nominees and sponsors streamed into the Reading FC Conference and Events venue at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, formerly known as the Madejski Stadium, with host Chris Tarrant soon labelling

patron Sir John Madejski as Sir John Select Car Leasing during the event!

Numbers were less than previous years due to safety – we wanted some social distancing in place – but there was still a good representation of key workers.

We invited representatives from the police, ambulance service, the fire service, Royal Berkshire Hospital, supermarket workers, funeral workers and more.

From the council there were refuse workers, ground maintenance people, street cleaners, highways and drainage workers, housing officers, plasterers, occupational therapists, drivers, contract managers and those from leisure centres.

We also had pharmacists, especially from Boots.

But although there were slightly less people, the audience was as

loud as ever, clapping the winners, singing along to the entertainment and generally showing that Reading really appreciated those who were lockdown heroes, from ordinary people in their homes to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the Duchess of Kent hospice.

This supplement produced by Reading Today, the town’s newest paper, aims to tell our frontline heroes’ stories.

We want you to know the reasons why they were honoured.

And it also tells you about the awards’ sponsors – the main reason we can put on a spectacular show each year – the team who put together the awards and more.

Reading surely stepped up during the covid pandemic – and showed they can also step it up when it comes to saying thank you!

HILARY SCOTT & SALLY SWIFT

3

PRIDE OF READING 2021

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR WINNER: PAUL STACEY SPONSORED BY MACBETH INSURANCE Enterprise award for an individual or group with an independent business venture in Reading.

It is especially for those who think the town has helped them achieve their goals.

R

EADING’S newest theatre’s founder is the winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award, sponsored by insurance specialists Macbeth.

Paul Stacey of Reading Rep Theatre on Kings Road founded the theatre after many years of hard work and fundraising.

The venue opened earlier this autumn, and is currently premiering its Reading-based update on A Christmas Carol.

Judges said they thought their deliberations was not going to be a straightforward process.

Matt Allwright told people: “We actually thought this was not going to be easy – to find a winning entrepreneur during a time when the economy was so depressed.

But this man managed to find the cash to build a new theatre in Reading, now open and showing some amazing productions.”

Paul said he was really, really excited to be the award winner.

“Initially, I set Reading Rep Theatre up as a director of plays, and I didn’t necessarily expect the company to grow to this point,” he said.

“Being nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year was a bit of a shock, but there’s also real pride in it.

“I grew up in Woodley, so it feels really special to me to be recognised by my peers.”

Being on stage receiving his award was a different

experience for Paul as he is usually behind the scenes.

“I don’t act despite running Reading Rep,” he admits.

“It was nice being in front of a crowd of people.

“It was a bit of a novelty, but it was nice.”

He added: “It was lovely being on the podium. I’ve never met Chris Tarrant before, and it was absolutely lovely.

“There were so many people out there.”

He was grateful to the people that put Reading Rep forward for the award.

“Thank you so much,” he said.

“I was the one accepting the Pride of Reading award, but Reading Rep Theatre is a team effort.

“It isn’t about me. I may have founded the company, but it’s about so much more than that.

“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes and, if anything, I’d like to dedicate the award to them, because we wouldn’t be here without their support.”

Launching any business during the pandemic has been a challenge, but for the arts industry it is even more so as venues have been closed to the public until recently.

Paul said that it was difficult at times.

“But as we got closer to the opening date, it felt more special,” he said.

“Making theatre is a communal act in itself, so it was a real privilege to be working for an industry that

plays its part in bringing people together, post isolation.

“Hopefully the arts world can play just a small role in bringing

us together and celebrating what might happen post-covid.”

And with new productions next year including Jekyll & Hyde and

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you can be sure that Reading Rep will keep the connections going.

MACBETH INSURANCE The Macbeth team are delighted and excited to be supporting the Pride of Reading awards this year.

As a Reading-based firm, with many of our people born and bred in the town, we’re passionate about supporting local community-based projects and charities, and we think it’s a great way for businesses to give back.

This year, we’re sponsoring the Entrepreneur of the Year award, an award that recognises the

tenacity, creativity and positivity that’s required to run a successful business.

The pandemic and ensuing lockdown has presented many challenged, not least to local businesses and those that have

survived, particularly in hard-hit sectors where business models had to be adapted, deserve huge praise and recognition.

We look forward to supporting the awards for years to come.

Macbeths.co.uk

4

PRIDE OF READING 2021

BUSINESS IN ACTION WINNER: NISBY’S SPONSORED BY BOYES TURNER

UNDER 50 employees

Companies large or small who get involved in community work. There are two awards for firms with under 50 employees, and over 50 employees

T

HE WINNER of the Business In Action Award Under 50 employees is a great example of how many vibrant independent companies there are in our town.

The award, sponsored by law firm Boyes Turner, celebrated the way in which businesses in Reading always step up when there is a crisis, especially like the covid pandemic.

Matt Allwright told people at the Pride of Reading Awards that Nisby’s, run by mum-oftwo Naomi Lowe, had been put forward by a number of people as a worthy winner.

He said: “(It’s) a very pink gluten-free café in the town centre.”

The café gets its name from Naomi’s childhood nickname of Nibsylove, and the inspiration for launching came from her own personal circumstances.

“After being diagnosed gluten-intolerant I became fed up with the lack of greattasting gluten-free options and decided to open an exclusively gluten-free coffee shop in Reading in 2014,” she explains.

And during the pandemic NIsby’s offered all kinds of help to people, including offering lunch boxes for children who received school meals, as part of Marcus Rashford’s half-term campaign.

The store started with a dream – and a mission – to give Reading somewhere that was totally gluten free and to be a happy hub.

And in August she handed the keys over to YayLo, which is keeping the gluten-free love going.

Despite no longer having the cafe, Naomi has used lockdown to create her very own recipe book, packed with gluten-free recipes.

“It has been a labour of love and features many of the classic recipes people are familiar with from gorgeously simple soups to cakes, muffins, epic pastry, fluffy scones and chocolate things,” she explains.

“The recipe book project was originally conceived in the first covid lockdown and was then parked for a while.”

With a lot of love and backing behind her, modest Naomi said: “I’m surprised and really flattered” of her win.

“There were some people in the category more worthy than me, who have gone above and beyond,” she added modestly.

“Just to be included is lovely, to win? I’m just very humbled.”

She added: “Thank you everyone who nominated me, and for Pride of Reading Awards for putting together the event to celebrate it all.

“There were some amazing stories and it was just an honour to be there and hear about them. What a way to approach the end of a strange, crazy, up, down and everything in-between kind of year.

“There are so many people, businesses, charities and frontline workers who work tirelessly to make Reading what it is. I am extremely grateful.”

BOYES TURNER We have all been affected by covid in different ways, but what has stood out is the way the heroes on the frontline of the pandemic in our hospitals, care homes and communities have stepped up to help.

From care workers, nurses, doctors and paramedics to volunteers, businesses and neighbours – so many people have reached out to help others in need.

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5

PRIDE OF READING 2021

BUSINESS IN ACTION WINNER: JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS

OVER 50 employees

Sponsored BY BOYES TURNER

Companies large or small who get involved in community work. There are two awards for firms with under 50 employees, and over 50 employees

S

AFF at a bedrock store in Reading’s town centre are celebrating after winning the Pride of Reading’s Business In Action Over 50 Employees award.

John Lewis and Partners’ Reading branch was put forward for the award by several people.

Matt Allwright explained: “The nominee said that this has always been a helpful and easy shop to buy in. The coming of covid saw it turn to online and it maintained just as good a service.

“It also responded to the pandemic by launching virtual services – including virtual home design appointments – and improving both the capacity of, and access to, online services through steps including a significant expansion of its click and collect.

“The nominator had a home design appointment online which was great as they had no idea when the pandemic would allow them to redesign their lounge. The launch of virtual services brought expertise directly into people’s homes.

“This company also sent many of its Reading store staff to work in Waitrose branches.”

There was more, as fellow host Mel Bloor explained: “It was one of the first big store chains to offer free almostinstant Covid tests to its workers.

“It made rapid testing available at many of its sites, including a factory, warehouses and some high street shops.”

And reflecting on the changing nature of retail, she added: “I think we were all heartened to see that Reading was one of the surviving branches after covid forced many branch closures. Long may it continue said the nominator.”

Receiving the awards were Shelley Griffin, the events and marketing coordinator, and a colleague.

“It feels fantastic to win this,” Shelley said. “It is so lovely.

“For our partners in the whole store, who put in a real team effort over the last 18 months, I just know when we go back to the shop they’re going to be so delighted.”

On their pandemic response, she said: “It was incredible.

Partners just rolled up their sleeves and got on with it.”

‘It’ included acting as delivery drivers, teams sewing scrubs for NHS and care workers using fabrics from its haberdashery and, as mentioned already, switching roles to work in Waitrose.

“Everyone just got totally stuck in,” Shelley said.

And the moment when they realised the store had won is a memory that will stay with them for every.

Shelley’s colleague laughs and said: “When he started talking, my stomach started going ‘oooh!’

“It’s brilliant for everyone to win this award.”

For their nominator, Shelley said: “A huge thank you. It’s so nice to be recognised.

“It’s lovely to still be in Reading, and still be part of the community.”

BOYES TURNER We have all been affected by covid in different ways, but what has stood out is the way the heroes on the frontline of the pandemic in our hospitals, care homes and communities have stepped up to help.

From care workers, nurses, doctors and paramedics to volunteers, businesses and neighbours – so many people have reached out to help others in need.

The Pride of Reading Awards are for them.

This is our chance to say thank you and honour them for their dedication and sacrifices.

We are delighted to support the awards. Let’s shine a spotlight on our local heroes and give them the appreciation they deserve. www.boyesturner.com

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6

PRIDE OF READING 2021

CHARITY OF THE YEAR WINNER: WHITLEY CDA SPONSOR: ROC SEARCH Recognising a local charity or community group that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector to further its cause

T

HE WINNER of the Charity of the Year received so many nominations that the Pride of Reading team put them first on the list to make a video to show to the audience.

The award, sponsored by Roc Search, went to Whitley Community Development Association (CDA).

Mel Bloor told the audience that the work it does “is simply remarkable”. And she’s right.

Maria Cox, the charity’s community development worker, said winning was “beyond our wildest dreams” and she burst out crying when she found out they’d won.

“We do this because we live in the Whitley community, we care about our community,” she added. “It’s not a job, it’s something we do because we care.

“We work with fellow Whitley people, we help facilitate what happens in Whitley, we have extra knowledge and skills and experience, but ultimately it’s about facilitating Whitley to be even better than it already is.

“That’s what it’s all about for us.

“So to be recognised for this, it means a lot to us, a lot.”

She added: “Reading some of the nominations, they were so humbling. These are people who we see every day.

“One said, ‘You guys make the impossible happen’. They feel like it’s impossible, but if the community works together, anything is possible.

“The award isn’t for us, it’s for the community – they deserve it, they’re the ones who have helped us, pull us together and everything else. This is for the

whole of Whitley.”

She added that during the pandemic, people who had never volunteered before came forward, stepped up and helped out even if their circumstances were limited.

“Even yesterday, someone came in for help,” she recalled.

“They had no money and needed some food. But she did have some spare toilet rolls, so she came and brought them, as she didn’t want to take something for nothing.

“That’s humbling. That’s really, really humbling.”

She added: “Whitley gets a bad reputation; it doesn’t have a good name and that’s just not true.

“We work all the time to reverse that stigma.”

Maria’s companion at the awards was Trisha Bennett, Whitley CDA’s Community Development Coordinator.

She is proud of Whitley and its people.

“This award actually goes some way to recognising and reducing stigma, absolutely,” she said. “Whitley has done this.”

Maria added: “Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking your time to nominate us for Pride of Reading.

“We live with lots of people who have lots of different circumstances and life situations, and to actually feel that we make some kind of impact on their lives to the extent that they have taken time to nominate us is phenomenal.

“We’re all Whitley people, it’s about the community, helping the community. That’s our community development principles.

It underpins everything we do. We work with the community.”

ROC SEARCH As a specialist IT and engineering recruitment company who first started our business in Reading more than 14 years ago, we at Roc Search feel privileged to be a sponsor of the Pride of Reading Charity of the Year award yet again for what is now the sixth year.

With our headquarters situated in the heart of Reading, we pride ourselves on being able to give back to the local community in any way we can.

Trusted to care

We are continually partnering and driving initiatives locally with charities such as Reading Santa Run, Reading Family Aid and Sport In Mind, to mention a few.

So we are extremely proud to be able to help recognise and celebrate the

tremendous efforts of local charities throughout the Reading area.

Our partnership with Pride of Reading is something we find hugely rewarding as a business and one we plan to continue for years to come. roc-search.com

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7

PRIDE OF READING 2021

COMMUNITY CHAMPION WINNER: TINA HANCOCK SPONSOR: READING FOOTBALL CLUB Someone who works tirelessly in their community as an individual, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, for a community group or in public service, who devotes their time for others

A

LARGE cheer was given before the winner of the community champion award … its sponsor, Reading Football Club is celebrating 150 years, and the audience wanted to acknowledge that.

Matt Allwright introduced the winner of the award, Tina Hancock, by telling people: “The winner of this award is a Woodley woman who ran a campaign to provide vital PPE to frontline NHS staff across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.

“This lady, who works for a local authority, set up Scrub Hub South Oxon and Berks to support health care professionals in need of scrubs during the crisis.”

He added that Tina was prompted to create the hub when she learnt about the original Scrub Hub UK and saw their request on Facebook for more seamstresses.

With a seamstress friend and help from her husband, Tina found volunteers to help make and produce protective clothing for NHS staff, carers and key workers. The first were sent out within a week of setting the group up.

Matt added: “She organised 148 volunteers in total, and these were divided them into 20 groups, each group has a coordinator, a group leader, at least one scrub maker and the rest are making masks and bags.

“With orders coming from individuals working in hospitals and care homes including the Royal Berkshire hospital, the John Radcliffe

Hospital, Wexham Park hospital and the Duchess of Kent Hospice, they really have been working flat out.”

Tina collected the award with Madeleine Steele. The moment was one that helped them reflect on their pandemic journey.

“The start was such a long time ago we’ve kind of almost forgotten that it happened,” Tina said. “Sometimes we talk about it and say, ‘Did we actually do that?’

“It was very much a joint effort. We put something out on Facebook, and we ended up with more than 200 local volunteers, people who just wanted to do something.”

That something became more than 1,000 sets of scrubs and a donation to the NHS of £13,000 – and people also gave towards the cost of materials to make the scrubs.

Tina said she was “shocked” to win the award.

“We didn’t expect it, we didn’t expect to win,” she said.

“What we did was successful because we had so many people willing to help. It was a real community feel, so to be nominated and then to win … it’s a shock, but it’s a lovely shock.

“I do feel that pride, that Pride of Reading,” But Tina and Madeleine didn’t want to claim the award as their own.

“We couldn’t have done it without the 200 volunteers, all sorts of local businesses,” Madeleine said. “Upholsterers were cutting out scrubs for us because they didn’t have any work. They were using their facilities, which was amazing.”

Tina added: “It made it easier, because it helped the volume of scrubs. Without it we couldn’t have kept up with demand.

“Had we not had those people helping us… They were able to use their own equipment and cut scrubs out really well, so our sewers were presented with cut scrubs that they could make.”

And Tina said her nomination came from one of the team’s

drivers, for which she was grateful.

While Tina and Madeleine were at the awards on Friday, Tina wishes she could have had a few more spaces around the tables.

“We couldn’t have done it without all the help we had,” she said. “The one thing that really came out in the pandemic was that community spirit. If we could have brought everybody with us, all 200 people, we would.”

And Tina recently had her covid booster jab, given locally in Woodley.

“We provided local doctors with quite few sets of scrubs,” she said.

“When I had my booster, I could see one of the nurses wearing a set of scrubs we’d made. I told her and she said, “we absolutely love them’. “ That is possibly the greatest reward Tina could wish for.

READING FOOTBALL CLUB 150 years. And this chapter is special. Quite some tale has already been told.

Our club’s story goes on, we still bleed blue and white, because being Royal will never grow old.

Seven score years and ten ago, the prologue was first written on Gun Street, The South Bank in song, the first Tilehurst End tremors, our heart began to beat.

For the last year or more, we’ve fought on without fans, as covid kept us all out in the cold.

But as the club celebrates its 150

milestone, we know being Royal will never grow old.

For 150 years, the town and its community has shown pride in

our club. And once more we are delighted to show how proud we are of those within that community who unflinchingly go above and beyond for others.

We are honoured to sponsor the Community Champion of the Year award and look forward to hearing tales of individuals who have selflessly put others’ needs ahead of their own during a worrying and uncertain period in history.

The strength of community has never been more appreciated by so many. readingfc.co.uk

A s o n e of Rea din g s Lea din g La n dlo rds an d s u ppo rte rs o f t h e commu n ity, we a re proud to wis h all th e n o m in e e s a nd w in n ers of th is yea r ʼs Pride o f Readin g Awards th e ver y b est for th e future a n d to th an k th e m fo r th e ir h ard work a n d dedicatio n . www.mccarthyp rop erti es .co. u k

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8

PRIDE OF READING 2021

SMILE OF THE YEAR WINNER: RONNIE GOODBERRY

SPONSOR: BROAD STREET MALL

The story that made Reading smile

T

HE Smile of the Year award was sponsored

by Broad Street Mall, and introduced by Reading FC legend Ady Williams.

The BBC Radio Berkshire sportscaster said that the winner, Woodley-based Ronnie Goodberry, had put a big smile on the faces of the judges, while his nominator couldn’t praise him enough.

One of Ronnie’s first acts in the pandemic was to set up a Facebook community group, Woodley Volunteers for Covid-19. It now has 1,500 members.

Ady explained: “The primary role is to be there to help any resident who needs assistance. Every one of the 400+ roads in Woodley have a designated road volunteer who act as a focal point for residents in those roads to ask for assistance. The other key point is the collection of food and toiletries which is the main role that our winner manages.”

Ronnie, he added, supplemented the town’s foodbank, by opening his home as a collection point for foodbank donations, taking items seven days a week between 9am and 9pm.

This made it easier for people to give … and give they did. At the time of Ronnie’s nomination, around 80,000 items had been given via this channel.

Ady added: “Our winner was not willing to rest on his laurels – he continues to think of other ways to help. He opened his collection point to other items like books and toys for children, or disability items like wheelchairs and walkers, while last Christmas he organised a special

collection of ‘goodies’ for vulnerable residents.”

That’s not all.

Ronnie marshalled volunteers into cake baking for essential workers such as the police or the fire brigade, delivered over the festive period, which led to goody bags for them.

He also helps with Wokingham borough’s One Front Door initiative.

“Nothing is too much for our winner - if someone needs help no matter what that help is, he is there either doing it himself or using his contacts,” Ady said.

Afterwards, a visibly stunned Ronnie felt the award was fantastic, but he was keen to get back to work!

“It’s a community that matters, you know?” he said.

“I want to get back home now, and do the real stuff.”

A modest man, Ronnie said that his motivation stems from one thing: “you look after your neighbours. You get it sorted.”

He added: “I’m not out for glory or anything like that you know, that isn’t me. I don’t do this sort of thing, I don’t do dinners.

“I set my boots on the ground and get the job done.”

As an example, Ronnie cites an older man who had covid and needed a bed in his front room.

“The old bed he had was no good, it wasn’t fit for purpose,” Ronnie recalled.

“He had covid, so the authorities wouldn’t go in and do it, so we went in, took the old bed down and assembled the new medical bed.”

Ronnie’s Facebook page covers an area of Woodley with nearly 11,000 homes in it, it has 1,500 members and

there are more than 300 street coordinators.

“They are the heroes, not me,” Ronnie said. “We just coordinate it.

“The foodbank side of things is my baby.

“Since March 2020, Woodley

residents have given more than 187,000 items.

“So, this award effectively isn’t mine, this is Woodley’s”.

And modest Ronnie is grateful and proud to be a Pride of Reading winner.

“I’m chuffed to bits,” he said.

BROAD ST MALL Broad Street Mall is really proud to be sponsoring the Smile of the Year award at this year’s Pride of Reading Awards.

We wanted to show our support and to offer recognition to those who have strived to make positive contributions to our community over the past 18 months, despite the challenging times that many have encountered.

Congratulations to all the Pride of Reading Award Winners!

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“It’s been fantastic.

“Thank you, thank you for nominating me. But this belongs to the people of Woodley. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

And with that, Ronnie laces up his boots, rolls up his sleeves and gets back to it.

www.sashwindow.com

The Awards are a real testament to the people of Reading and really do help to highlight the power of community, something that remains a big part of the Broad Street Mall ethos.

We would like to say a big well done to all of the Pride of Reading nominees, you are all winners.

Keep on smiling! www.broadstreetmall.com

9

PRIDE OF READING 2021

VOLUNTEERS of the year WINNER: No5 YOUNG AMBASSADORS SPONSOR: A.B. WALKER An individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or simply who have stepped up when needed

T

HE Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored

by A.B. Walker, went not to an individual but to a team of youngsters who impressed judges.

Matt Allwright said: “They were doing a simply amazing job during the pandemic”.

The judges, he added, were impressed by “team’s sustained passion for supporting local young people and championing mental health support over the last five years, and particularly their vital contributions and advice they provided very quickly in response to during the pandemic.”

The teenagers all helped with No5’s Young Ambassadors team, which offers free counselling services for young people.

As Mel Bloor explained: “They dedicated over 500 volunteer hours between them during the six months from March to September in order to support local young people who were struggling with their mental health during the pandemic and lockdown.

“The voices of this team were crucial in the transition from face-to-face to remote services as they brought the young person’s perspective and helped the charity they work for think through what services young people needed during this time, and how they would want them delivered.”

And they also helped create daily challenges for their peers, helping them stay connected, as well as producing 13 weeks’ worth of video content in which they responded to questions asked by other young people,

writing blogs on pandemic themes and produced a report on the impact of young people’s mental health.

The quartet were delighted to be nominated for the Pride of Reading awards.

Ellie said of the citation explaining what they had done: “I was like, wow, did we do that?”

Fen added: “You forget how much you do.”

Ellie said that her involvement with No 5 started in 2016, as part of the National Citizen Service. One of the activities was a social action plan for a charity, and No5 was one of the choices. “I was like, I might as well put my name on there,” she recalled.

Abbie had a similar route in, but she was also helped by No5 when she was 14. “When I found out about the ambassador programme, I was like, I have to give back to something that gave so much back to me”.

Carly was also a service user of No5 when she was 15.

“I was a young ambassador for four years, one of the first, and I’ve been part of the staff team since 2018, so I got to work with the young ambassadors through the pandemic.”

Fen found out about the charity via a talk at Reading College, and ended up joining.

Together, they have forged quite a team, and they are grateful for their efforts to be rewarded.

“It’s pretty incredible,” Ellie said. “It’s really good to get awareness of how much No5 does. It’s such a necessary and essential service for young people, it’s good to get the name of No5 out there.”

Congratulations to everyone celebrated at the Pride of Reading Awards 2021

This year is No5’s 50th anniversary. Carly feels it’s amazing that the young ambassadors have been recognised in this way, during this special year.

And she was also proud of the way in which the young ambassadors responded to the pandemic.

“The speed in which they acted,” she said. “I was behind them going, ‘Do what we need to do, whatever you feel we need to do, because you’re in touch with

young people and we’ve got to respond’. The organisations didn’t want to dictate what that’s got to look like … young people speak best to young people.”

Carly praised the dedication and commitment that the team have put in, despite the difficulties they faced.

“The commitment was to keep providing support, there were so many young people struggling alone,” she said. “Just to be able to do so much online when No5 had never really worked online before

was really beneficial. The young ambassadors at university were able to work remotely so they could carry on supporting young people.”

To those that nominated No5, she added: “Thank you for recognising the amount of work that goes on behind what you’re seeing out there.

“Thank you for recognising all of our young ambassadors who give so much of themselves to the work that they create and produce.”

with determined focus and selflessness.

All our nominees are worthy winners and truly inspirational to all that learn their stories, their motivations and the level of their inner strength and grit.

Like many companies, A.B. Walker works as a team to deliver their services. Teamwork is central to the vast network of volunteers that serve our community. Family is also central to the A.B. Walker story and behind many finalists we find family groups bound up in their volunteering.

Above all, we want to recognise that all nominees have made the conscious decision to act. This is what sets them apart. abwalker.co.uk

A.B. walker A.B. Walker work in the heart of the Reading and wider Berkshire community and sponsoring the Pride of Reading Volunteer of the Year Award seems both natural and deeply satisfying for us all.

Whilst we have been at the frontline ourselves in the past couple of years, we know that volunteering has been taken to another level by the challenges of the pandemic.

Volunteering takes many forms – individuals and groups –

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10

PRIDE OF READING 2021

CHILD OF COURAGE WINNER: CHARLIE KRISTENSEN SPONSOR: IQVIA The town’s bravest youngster. There are many times when youngsters’ courage shines through. Some become heroic lifesavers; others demonstrate courage through battling illness or other difficult circumstances

T

HERE was a big surprise for the winner of the Child of Courage award, sponsored by IQVIA – he was serenaded by his nominee.

West End star Jacqueline Hughes sang This Is Me to Charlie Kristensen, the founder of the Cheer Up Charlie campaign.

The Arborfield-based youngster had been bullied for his love of musical theatre, so he launched the anti-bullying initiative to inspire others in the same boat.

It went viral and caught the imagination of theatreland, giving him the boost he needed.

The campaign received messages of support from performers in shows such as Wicked, The Lion King and Aladdin.

Charlie told Wokingham Today in 2020: “I was bullied really badly at school for doing something I love. I was called names and hurt just because I’m a boy and I like to dance.

I didn’t fit the stereotype the bullies wanted me to.

“I was very close to giving up on my dream but when I received the messages from the West End stars I realised that I was much more important than the bullies’ opinions of me.

“One day I recorded a video of me performing in my shed and, before I knew it, I had 300,000 views.

“From then on I fell back in love with performing and took my videos to the next level.”

Those videos have included series where he has

interviewed actors, musicians and artists about their lives and performing backgrounds, and their experiences of bullying.

He also sang a duet with Matt Lucas and chatted with Michael Ball during a BBC Breakfast interview.

“The stars are like my family. The theatre is my tribe.

It’s where I belong.”

Things have moved on since then and Charlie has become a well-known face in theatreland.

He couldn’t quite believe that he’d been nominated for the award … and won.

“I am really ecstatic,” he said. “I was totally, totally not expecting it, it feels absolutely incredible.

“There were other people who had been nominated. I looked at what they’d done and they’d done so many incredible things too, so to win is an absolute, absolute honour.”

Charlie was also thrilled to be part of the whole Pride of Reading event, mixing with other winners.

“There are so many amazing local people that are doing incredible things, local charities that are just as incredible and don’t get as much recognition as they deserve,” he said. “They do so many, just as amazing, things as some of those massive charities that are just as wellknown.”

Charlie’s Mum, Kat, said originally the family had planned to make the Cheer Up Charlie campaign, known affectionately as #Charlie,

separate to the young winner. This initially worked when they moved into Arborfield, but “over the last 12 month, particularly with all the public speaking and stuff he does now, that has merged into one.

“We go to London and everybody knows him.

“But we realise now that to get

the message that he wants to get to people, he needs to be Cheer Up Charlie wherever he is. The local community are now starting to realise we’ve got Charlie here, and he’s making a really big deal.”

Charlie agrees, saying sometimes when he’s in London

people will recognise him. “It’s so weird, but its very lovely,” he said.

And to Jacqueline, and the judges, Charlie said: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.

“I wouldn’t have become an award recipient without you guys nominating me, it’s just so incredible. Thank you.”

employees worldwide, we feel a special connection with this year’s theme of celebrating frontline heroes.

It is therefore a very great honour

to be continuing our support of the Pride of Reading Awards, in particular our sponsorship of the Child of Courage Award for 2021. iqvia.com

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PRIDE OF READING 2021

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR WINNER: DWAYNE GILLANE SPONSOR: READING BUSES An employee who goes the extra mile for their firm or customer

T

HE AWARD for Employee of the Year, sponsored by Reading Buses, was someone who is described as ‘a bit of a legend’.

Dwayne Gillane works at the Royal Berkshire Hospital as its Occupational Health Nurse Manager.

His nominator said he was ‘pivotal’ during the pandemic for keeping 6,000 staff members across six sites up to date on the latest covid regulations, and helped with mental and physical wellbeing.

“Dwayne pioneered a wide range of wrap around wellbeing support tailored to the differing needs of the diverse community of Trust staff. He set up dropin support sessions with psychological therapists which were followed up with more timed and targeted sessions to meet specific staff needs,” they added.

“He worked closely with our partners in Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to help facilitate fast track access to Talking Therapies for our staff and access to a local phone service for advice on mental health in addition to our existing 24/7 support line available to staff.

He helped coordinate and produce a mental health and covid information e-booklet which was also produced in hardback copies to make sure it reached as wide an audience as possible, especially those with no regular IT access.”

And Dwyanne also helped set up a staff wellbeing centre, and testing sites.

“Throughout the pandemic Dwayne has been a voice of calm, reason, reassurance, energy, positivity and good

HOLME GRANGE SCHOOL

humour, always on top of his brief and able to advise management on the implementation of national guidelines. His updates were a regular fixture in the daily staff briefings and his expertise has been invaluable to the CEO and management team during their video updates and live stream Q&A sessions with staff.”

Dwyanne was bowled over to be given the award for Employee of the Year. He said he didn’t expect to win after reading the stories of other nominees in his category.

“It’s a complete surprise, it’s really overwhelming,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic honour to be nominated and to sit here and see all the fantastic nominees in the various categories.

“There’s some really excellent people out there.”

He added: “At the NHS Trust, there’s so many good people. I’m just the lucky one whose name has been put forward, there are so many great people behind us.”

Dwyanne said his main role was to support staff in the Royal Berks. “That’s my aim: to ensure we can have our staff doing their job to the best of their abilities. That means patients get fantastic care. That’s why I’m a nurse, that’s why I do the job I do.

“And I love it.”

He thanked the people who nominated him, saying it’s an honour to be put forward. “I go to work to do my best for everybody, and to make sure I’m able to give everyone the right advice in the right way.

“It’s a real privilege to think that people think that highly of me that they nominated me for the Pride of Reading Awards.”

Dwyanne, like the rest

of the Royal Berkshire Hospital team, has had a tough time during the covid pandemic.

“We’ve all been through so much over the last 18 months, to be able to pause for an afternoon, take a breath and look back, it makes it special

to have that recognition,” he said.

And his moment of victory was watched by his family, as they were able to join him at the awards.

“I thought it would be massively beneficial for my kids to come,”

he said. “The school agreed. For my children to see all the work I’ve done, all the recognition from the guests … it shows the importance of working hard for people.”

With such a positive attitude to life, it’s no wonder Dwyanne was voted employee of the year.

READING BUSES We’re really proud of our own frontline heroes – our bus drivers.

Every year, every day, even during lockdown, they’ve still been giving you our unrelenting customer focus.

Along with our amazing employees behind the scenes, we’ve done everything we can to keep running our colourful and safe buses to keep Reading moving with an extra big smile.

None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for our wonderful

employees.

Reading is bursting with wonderful stories. Employees are helping companies to make a difference every day.

Being a sponsor is our way of giving back, celebrating all the

Healthy Me, Healthy Planet holmegrange.org/parent-conference

other frontline heroes in Reading.

Just like our bus drivers, so many frontline heroes go above and beyond to be there for Reading in the past 18 months. A big thank you to all of them. reading-buses.co.uk

Saturday 29th January 2022 A day of workshops around the themes of wellbeing & sustainability

12

PRIDE OF READING 2021

LOCAL HEROES

WINNERS: PC JAMES PACKMAN, SGT IAIN WATKINSON, PC LIAM STEELE, PC LIAM KING SPONSOR: GREEN PARK Someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community

T

HE Local Hero award, sponsored by Green Park went to not one hero, but four.

Mel Bloor, introducing the recipients, said: “The town was absolutely shattered when James Furlong, David Wails, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett were stabbed to death in Forbury Gardens in June 2020”.

The award was presented to four police officers who were the first on the scene, PC James Packman, Sgt Iain Watkinson, PC Liam Steele, PC Liam King.

The quartet have been praised for their quick thinking and incredible courage in tackling the murderer, Khairi Saadallah.

PC Packman was off duty in Forbury Gardens with friends at the time of the attack, which came the day after the first lockdown restrictions had been relaxed in England.

In September, he said: “I was sitting on the grass, facing towards where the victims were and I don’t know what got my attention first - I think it was a scream.

“I looked up and there was the suspect and he was going around the group who were sitting on the floor, stabbing them.”

He chased Saadallah out of the park while calling for backup, which brought the other three officers to the scene.

PC Steele remembered seeing Saadallah running out of Forbury with blood on his hands. With his colleagues, they rugby tackled him to the

ground.

They were all unarmed, but managed to stop Saadallah from making the tragedy any worse.

Being given the Pride of Reading award was something that the team felt was “a huge privilege”.

PC King said: “We played a very small part in that day, we just happened to be the first ones there to deal with him. There were a lot of our colleagues who went there and did a lot more.

“If anything, we had the easy job, I think.”

PC Steele said that the day had started like any other, “just trying to keep up with the covid guidance stuff” and “just doing our job”.

They appreciate the recognition from Pride of Reading, but “no one does this job for recognition”, they modestly agreed.

Sgt Watkinson said: “I speak for all of us, in that any award, any recognition we get is for the many, many officers who were involved (in policing) on that day”.

When their names were announced as the winners of this award, the room erupted, and they received a standing ovation.

Sgt Watkinson said: “One of the guests said I should make sure I looked out. The whole room stood up and it was touching.

“I hadn’t actually realised that Mel Bloor was one of the people who interviewed us (at the time) and she hadn’t told me that she knew one of the victims.

“We deal with so many

incidents, and it is part of our job, but we see how people are affected and it brings home the impact – the emotional impact, the direct impact on the victims, their loved ones and their families.

“I suppose it does give a bit of

a sense of satisfaction that we’ve tried to do something to help with that.”

And the award will go on show at the police station.

After all, as Sgt Watkinson said: “It’s very much a team effort.

“That’s one of the things about policing… When the proverbial hits the extractor fan, that’s when everyone dives in. Certainly on that day, everyone was involved, it was very much a team effort.”

Reading is grateful to have such a team on hand.

Events such as The Green Park Triathlon and the Reading Half Marathon, as well as its biodiversity initiatives such as ‘twitching’ more than 50 species of birds contribute to Reading’s community.

The most recent developmental phase of Green Park has completed, with Thee Mobile

having recently relocated to one of the two new 119,000 sq ft offices.

In Green Park’s continuing pursuit of wellbeing excellence for its occupiers, these buildings are targeting WELL Platinum certification; they are among only a handful of buildings across the UK to have done so to date. www.greenpark.co.uk

GREEN PARK For the fourth year running, Green Park is privileged to sponsor the Local Hero category of the Pride of Reading Awards.

This category celebrates the incredible human beings among us who, through a special act of kindness and courage, make a difference to the Reading community and Green Park is proud to have been part of this community for over two decades.

Set in 195-ace parkland, it is home to 7,600 workers and small businesses, both large and small, with community and wellbeing central to the Green Park ethos.

Congratulations to all winners! From 0118 920 5130 | selectcarleasing.co.uk Pride of Reading banner AW.indd 1

13/12/2021 15:15

13

PRIDE OF READING 2021

THE INSPIRATION AWARD WINNER: SARAH SHIELD SPONSOR: McDONALD’S Someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same. Or simply someone who is a positive role model for young people

T

HE Inspiration Award was this year given to someone who helped a 20-year-old man speak their first

words.

Mel Bloor said that the award, sponsored by McDonald’s, is one that they love as it is ‘really inspiring’.

Sarah Shield, who works for Autism at Kingwood for seven years, was the winner.

Her nominee said that as well as being an ‘excellent manager’ who has excellent attention to details, she helps people who have autism.

“Sarah was pivotal in setting up a specialist home in Whitley, providing a supported living house for local and very vulnerable young adults who were transitioning from their residential, school or care setting, to this supported living home,” they added.

“Overseen by Sarah, the home has been hugely successful, supporting the young people who have challenging needs and complex behaviours.”

And the nominee added: “Sarah sees past the autistic person and sees just the person.

“She is a strong advocate for the rights of autistic people and those with disabilities.

“Sarah is an expert in her field, and delivers our induction and specialist autism training to the charity’s autism support workers.”

During lockdown, she made a range of special initiatives happen, including creating videos using Makaton sign language to help autistic people understand social

distancing, and other lockdown rules. She also helped establish a Friday night social club in central Reading to help all autistic adults, not just the ones that Autism at Kingwood helps.

The award came as a surprise to Sarah.

Sitting down with it immediately afterwards, she said: “I’m a bit shell shocked.

I’d seen everyone else nominated for the category so I wasn’t expecting it.”

And Sarah is also fairly modest about her achievements with Autism at Kingwood.

“I love my job,” she explains.

“My job is such a big part of me. I don’t turn my phone off, if someone needs me, I’ll go out at 10 o’clock at night, 1 o’clock in the morning. I’ll stay out until four o’clock if someone needs me.

“So to be recognised is amazing.

“The team I work with have been fantastic. The company I work for are so supportive that when I come up with ideas, they trust my judgement.

“Yeah, I love my job, and to have this award is amazing.”

Sarah is a strong advocate for the rights of people with autism.

“I’m actually quite a shy person, but when it comes to work, my work head goes on and I can advocate for the people we support, and I can shout from the rooftops.

“When it comes to myself, I hate having my photo taken, I hate videos of me, so it was nerve wracking to stand on stage, but it’s so appreciated.

Complete Childcare

“I was in disbelief when they called my name. “ For those around Sarah that support her, she is grateful.

“My frontline workers take their guidance from me,” she said.

“There’s senior leadership team that support me and go with some of my more outrageous decisions.

“There’s my husband, who deals with it when I walk out on him on Valentine’s Day, or I leave at 10 o’clock at night or don’t come home till four o’clock in the morning.

“And my parents who likewise put up as the same thing when I lived at home, and dealt with the

random hours that I would keep.”

For those that nominated her, she said: “Thank you. It was such a shock to be nominated. I didn’t even find out until it was on social media a day or two later. I just hadn’t clocked it.

“Thank you for recognising me and what I do.”

McDONALD’S Not many people know that more than 90% of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by local, independent business people. In 206, the seven McDonald’s restaurants were franchised to Fortress Operations Ltd and Richard Forte, who was born in Reading and lives locally.

Since then, we have successfully grown to operate 30 restaurants, with over 3,000 employees. Our management teams have been working hard to inspire their own staff to play a role in their local communities; regularly taking part in organised litter picks,

14 Get in touch:

supporting local charities and raising vital funds for our Ronald McDonald House Charity which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families while their child is in hospital.

We recognise that being a positive role model for young

great Nurseries and Pre-Schools in Reading, Wokingham, Newbury, and Banbury. enquiries@completechildcare.co.uk completechildcare.co.uk 0118 2076 600

people and providing a little inspiration and encouragement within our own team can make a big difference, not just for our employees, but our customers and local communities too.

We are therefore very proud to continue our sponsorship of the Pride of Reading Inspiration Award, reflecting our passion to give back to the communities we serve and our pride in celebrating the frontline heroes and inspirational people of Reading who make our town such a great place to live and work. mcdonalds.com

14

PRIDE OF READING 2021

CULTURAL CONTRIBUTION WINNER: COUNTY DANCE SPONSOR: M&G REAL ESTATE To raise the profile of, and give recognition to, the projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage

T

HE WINNERS of the Cultural Contribution award, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, is a real family affair.

County Dance has been run in Reading since 1957, first by Molly Richardson, then her daughter Mary. Now, her daughter, Anna Dieguez, is at the barre, helping all ages go from two left feet to twinkletoes that would get top marks from the Strictly judges.

Organisers had hoped that Anna’s brother would be there when she received the award.

He’s someone who started his dancing career at the school, which is based in Southampton Street, taking his first steps during its Saturday morning ballroom and street dance classes.

He’s now best known for being one of Strictly Come Dancing’s star turns … Ian Waite.

Unfortunately, covid meant Ian was unable to attend but he did record a video message of congratulations, which was a popular part of the event.

The school has two studios, and offers group and private lessons, with an emphasis on creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for both learning and socialising.

It also boasts that allessential glitterball.

Winning the award was, for Anna, a very emotional experience.

“It just feels lovely to be recognised,” she said. “I feel totally overwhelmed. It’s brilliant, I can’t wait to tell all the pupils.”

And Anna acknowledges

that she stands on the shoulders of giants: “Really, it’s not to do with me, it’s my grandmother and my mother before me.

“It’s just nice that they’ve got something.”

She was sad that Ian couldn’t be celebrating with her at the ceremony.

“He should have been with us today, but he’s got covid, he’s a bit gutted,” she said.

“The award is lovely because for him, like me, it was a place that we grew up in, a place that has become a community and a real sense of joy.”

Anna is grateful for the person who nominated the school.

“She’s such a lovely mum that comes and watches her daughter dance. It’s just so nice that she’s taken the time to nominate us,” Anna said.

And while the current covid restrictions mean things aren’t quite as they should be, the school is still meeting and Anna is looking forward to celebrating with her students.

“Oh yeah,” she promises.

“When we can, we’re going have a party for sure.

“It’s going to be great, it’s going to be good fun. We’re going to have to lots of tears (of joy) I won’t be the only one crying.

“We’re definitely going to have a party and celebrate this.”

M&G REAL ESTATE M&G Real Estate in an incomedriven, long-term specialist global property investor with 150 years of experience. We manage £33.6 billion of assets including cash across the UK, continental Europe, North America and Asia, making us one of the world’s largest real estate investors.

Our aim is to deliver consistent, long-term returns to our investors through funds, segregated mandates, investment partnerships and joint ventures.

Our client’s needs are at the

heart of what we do. As those requirements change and develop, we innovate to offer new investment strategies and deal structures.

We are delighted to be involved with the Pride of Reading and feel it is vital to support the community as well as the business functions

of the town.

Our development of new offices in Reading provides further job opportunities for residents and helps create an environment people are proud to work in.

We are yet again grateful to the organisers of Pride of Reading, who continue to do a fantastic job, recognising these great people and organisations that go beyond the call of duty and deserve their acknowledgement and thanks. mandg.com

15

PRIDE OF READING 2021

FUN, FUN, FUN! HILARY SCOTT looks back on what made this year’s Pride of Reading successful – it’s all in the little touches, and the brilliant ways people go above and beyond to make it special

N

EVER held in December before, the awards made sure they embraced a Christmas

theme.

Giant Christmas trees twinkled in the Princess Suite at the Reading FC Conference and Events venue – and there were plenty of elves.

At the Champagne reception – sponsored by Tesco Reading West – Berzerk Productions’ children from their Christmas play Elf Junior entertained guests with a song from the show.

But before you got upstairs at the venue, the lovely Judie McCourt and Danyl Johnson from the People’s Postcode Lottery team were interviewing arrivals (see the awards’ Facebook and website) as they made their way through the rainbow arch built by Cherubs, who are part of the organising team, and make the spaces look fabulous.

The audience was called to lunch by BBC Radio Berkshire’s Andy Jones and were greeted by the Tim Kay Band singing covers like Have a Nice Day. The guests sat down to a table crammed with goodies – an Ikea goody bag from the awards organisers stuffed full of discount vouchers and gifts like a tub of Heroes chocolates, as well as a special programme which was also a 2022 calendar, filled with entries from our photographic competition A Brighter Tomorrow, sponsored

by Berkeley Homes and Jelly arts.

All gifts were sourced by Pride of Reading and we thank those who gave so generously.

To kick off, a video called Alas Briggs and Danyl Johnson was played – a spoof on the old Alas Smith and Jones skits. Filmed and edited by the awards’ talented video cameramen Mike Clarke and Sam Clarke, it ended with the duo of patron Danyl Johnson and committee member Andy Briggs, general manager of The Oracle, appearing in person and welcoming everyone.

There were welcome videos galore – Jason Donovan, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone, Simon Thomas, Peter Dickson, Austin Ventour, Bill Buckley, Steps, Joe McElderry, Jeff Brazier, Matt Johnson, Lewis Reeves, David Ames and Tom Read Wilson, who revealed he was a Reading boy.

There were familiar faces in the room – the new mayor of Reading Rachel Eden, council deputy leader Tony Page, patron Sir John Madejski, People’s Postcode Lottery’s Judie McCourt, TV chef Daniel Galmiche and ITV Meridian’s Sangeeta Bhabra.

Lunch, a heroes’ banquet, was delicious – a salmon starter, a chicken and truffle main and a Heroes dessert with a ‘cream’ egg, fudge and a Wispa like crumb – and was washed down with wine from Malmaison.

Chris Tarrant then warned everyone they might cry at some of the awards but that we should cheer anyway. n Continued overleaf

Above: Audiences watch a skit performed by Danyl Johnson and Andy Briggs Left: Danyl Johnson Right: Andy Briggs Below left: Champagne from the reception supplied by Tesco Reading West Below right: Jacqueline Hughes sang as part of the event’s entertainment

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PRIDE OF READING 2021 Members of Starlet created a dance celebrating the work of frontline heroes during the pandemic

Danyl Johnson teamed up with Santa and some elves for the big finale, a ren

Jacqueline Hughes singing This Is Me with Child of Courage winner Charlie Kristensen n From previous page Presenters Matt Allwright from The One Show, a Woodley boy, and Mel Bloor of ITV then came on and the awards kicked off.

The tears certainly came when Charlie Kristensen picked up The Child of Courage Award for his anti-bullying campaign – especially when his nominator Jacqueline Hughes from Reading and also a West End star came on stage to sing This Is Me from The Greatest Showman and towards the end Charlie joined her.

Part two of the awards opened

A seal of approval for the entertainment from one of the audience members

with a lively and modern dance from some Starlet Dance School pupils – Starlet’s owner Louise Woods is one of the entertainment directors of the awards.

Wearing pink hi-vis jackets and pink face masks the dance represented the ‘warriors’ who kept life going during the pandemic.

There were more tears when the Duchess of Kent Hospice picked up the Chris Tarrant Award, when Dexter Rozier, 10, was given the Fundraiser of the Year award and Ronnie Goodberry was

announced the Smile of the Year winner by Reading legend Ady Williams.

There was huge applause and a huge representation on stage for the Special Recognition Award – it went to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

After the last award, Chris played a quiz with Matt Allwright to ‘win’ his cheque. Chris does the event for free and money left over after paying for the day goes to his chosen charity.

This year, said Chris, it just had to be Royal Berkshire Hospital who left with a £5,000 gift for the trust that runs it.

The quiz was called ‘Earoes’, and the TV star had to identify some British heroes from just a close-up of their ears. With the help of the audience Chris got all five right before finishing with a picture of his dad Basil – Chris once said the only hero he had in his life was his father.

The Tim Kay Band came back on stage next and played Love Is All Around before the big finale. Normally all the winners are called to the stage but covid meant they were asked to stand at their tables as Jaqueline Hughes, Danyl Johnson and the band sang All I Want for

Christmas. On stage were the Berzerk elves, Buddy and, of course, Santa.

Behind them all the giant video wall provided by the tech team at ITM.AV showed a carousel of snowmen, tumbling presents and candy canes.

The entire room stood and rocked to the festive song as the awards closed and reluctantly the guests started to depart.

They all agreed that 2021 had been a vintage year for the awards – and that covid had actually helped produce some vintage winners.

We salute them all!

17

PRIDE OF READING 2021 Left: Chris Tarrant presents a cheque for £5,000 to the Royal Berks Charity Below from left: Hosts Mel Bloor, Ady Williams and Matt Allwright

ndition of All I Want For Christmas Is You

Chris Tarrant is an integral part of the Pride of Reading awards

Matt Allwright congratulates Chris Tarrant on correctly identifying six famous ears in a fun quiz

Above and right: The Tim Kay Band entertained the audience at the Pride of Reading Awards

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18

PRIDE OF READING 2021

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR WINNER: DENEFIELD SCHOOL SPONSOR: QWERTY For exceptional achievement, open to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in Reading

F

OR the first time, a secondary school has clinched the title of School of the Year.

The award, sponsored by Qwerty, went to Denefield School in Tilehurst, and was collected by the school’s senior leadership team.

Matt Allwright said the school was awarded the title for the way in which it has run “an already excellent school during the pandemic”.

He added: “Their nominator said that from the first lockdown they worked tirelessly to get home packs to everyone, had regular contact with pupils’ tutors and other teachers throughout and very supportive.

“Their nominator’s son was clinically vulnerable and the school worked extremely hard to get the place ready for students returning.”

This, he continued, reassured the nominator, as their son felt safe.

And during the second lockdown, Denefield switched straight to online lessons with full timetables and live lessons, while parents evening was held via online platform Zoom.

Mel Bloor added: “They are one of the only schools, if not the only, to have not had to isolate a whole class or year group through covid and their numbers of cases have been extremely low. Many believe it’s due to the measures the head, Mr Towill, had put in place including very staggered start and finish times and set classrooms for students

to avoid the need to move across the school throughout the day.

“Having a clinically vulnerable child is a huge worry, but the nominator felt he was very safe at school and are reassured by everything the school has done. There can’t be a better testament than that.”

The school said that winning the award was an incredibly proud moment.

Headteacher Edmund Towill added: “I’m just delighted. It’s such an honour for everybody working in education, this isn’t just about Denefield.

“It’s about all the staff, it’s about support staff, great people such as our medical and welfare officer Nicola Frankum keeping us safe.

“It’s about great teaching staff, making sure they’re open to remote learning.”

Denefield’s team was also grateful to be recognised by parents for their efforts throughout the pandemic to keep people safe.

“It’s lovely to know that’s how parents feel,” Mr Towill said. “As a school, everybody pulls together, everybody

makes what they think are the right decisions, to know that the parents value that is really helpful.“ The win came as a “complete surprise” for the school team, however, they are modest about their achievements.

“I know all schools are doing this,” Mr Towill said. “Of course, it’s great for the school, it’s great for the staff and also for our students. But I don’t believe there’s a school in Reading which isn’t doing exactly the same thing,

with everybody pulling together, keeping people safe, making sure the learning is going on. I think it’s what everybody’s done.”

And he added: “I would like to thank all teaching and support staff for their extraordinary work on behalf of students during the pandemic.

“I would also like to thank and congratulate all students, who have navigated the challenges that covid has presented, and have shown the tenacity and resilience to thrive.

“It was fitting that one of our students, Layla in Year 7, was one of the performers during the awards ceremony itself.”

Mr Towill also said: “This award is for the entire Denefield community: teaching staff, support staff, students, and parents and carers.

“I would like to thank all parents and carers for the support and trust they have put into the school during this challenging – but ultimately rewarding – time.”

QWERTY 2021 is the ninth consecutive year that Qwerty Ltd has sponsored the School of the Year category at the Pride of Reading Awards.

Qwerty Ltd, based in Theale specialises in large format, digital and traditional print, providing a full print, marketing and design service to a wide scope of clients, ranging from high street names to an everexpanding group of locally-based businesses and organisations.

By investing in, and using the latest technology, Qwerty pride themselves in being able to produce everything in-house

which keeps costs under control and ensures the final product, whether it is a letterhead, outdoor signage or a complete rebrand, is of the highest quality Sales director Martin Gardner said: “Being involved in the Pride of Reading Awards has been very

enjoyable and to sponsor the School of the Year once again this year is something we find hugely rewarding.

“To win gives the successful school a chance to be acknowledged for the tremendous efforts that goes into making them stand out from the other nominees.

“We have worked with winners in previous years and are always impressed how both the staff and parents ensure the children get the best possible start in life.” qwertyltd.com

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PRIDE OF READING 2021

FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR WINNER: DEXTER ROSIER SPONSOR: CREAM An individual or organisation that has shown outstanding skills or dedication to fundraising

G

OOD MORNING BRITAIN presenter Susanna Reid was one of those queuing up to praise the Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Cream.

She recorded a special video message to thank youngster Dexter Rosier for his efforts to help others during the pandemic.

Dexter has had quite the year.

The 10-year-old’s fundraising efforts started with running handwritten quizzes for people, aiming to raise £100 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The first letter of each answer formed an acrostic, which spelt out ‘We love our NHS’.

His fundraising target was smashed, raising more than £600 initially.

Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, he ran the distance of a marathon, 26.2 miles, over 10 days, raising a further £1,256.

When Captain Sir Tom died, Dexter did it all again to honour his memory, raising a further £1,000.

Then in July, a letter he wrote to Marcus Rashford following England’s Euro 2020 final defeat went viral, leading to appearances on the ITV breakfast programme, where he read another letter, this time to the Prime Minister, asking him to take a tougher stance of racial abuse.

For this, he was applauded by those in the studio.

Richard Madeley, who cohosts the show with Ms Reid, told Dexter’s mum Samantha that she was bringing up a little angel.

And Dexter has a personal reason for wanting to support

the Royal Berkshire Hospital, revealed by his nominator: “When he was four, he broke his femur at a trampoline park and spent a month in the Royal Berkshire Hospital whilst it repaired itself. When he left hospital to recover at home, he had to build his confidence all over again and I remember watching Dexter learn to walk again, he is simply one amazing boy.”

They added: “He is such a kind and giving boy and is always trying to help others.

He has decided that he would like to continue his fundraising efforts and cycle the distance of Lands End to John O’Groats to continue to raise money, as he would like to reach £10,000 by the end of the year.

“He said when the world feels scary and sad he wants to try and do something positive to help others and make people happy again. He is really inspiring.”

Dexter said he enjoyed the marathon challenge because he was able to run around the area and he enjoys it.

He was very surprised to have received the fundraiser of the year award and was still in a state of shock when we spoke.

“It’s amazing to have won,” he said. “A big thank you to everyone who nominated me.”

He was thrilled to be at the ceremony, grateful for Ms Reid for recording a special video for him, and also excited to be at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and seeing the pitch.

Mum Samantha added: “We’re really proud of him. He doesn’t ever do these things for recognition, he just does

it because he likes helping other people.

“It’s great for him to be recognised (with the award), it’s really nice for him to have a platform to share with people the

great things he does.

“Hopefully it will inspire other children to take up some fundraising.

“There’s a couple at his school that have gone on and done

their own fundraising events for different organisations off the back of what Dexter has been doing.

“I just think he’s spreading a really positive message.”

clients to stand out, connect with their audience and flourish.

As a Reading-based business, Cream Design are proud to support many initiatives in the town, working with a large number of local organisations.

Helen Waring, account director, said: “We feel it’s essential to support locally based activities

which help make Reading a brilliant place to live and work, and Pride of Reading is a real celebration of everything that’s great about our town.

“We are delighted to once again sponsor the Fundraiser of the Year Award. We work with many local charities so we know how hard they work to generate fundraising income for worthy causes and we enjoy celebrating their achievements at the Pride of Reading Awards.” cream-design.co.uk

CREAM Cream Design is a longstanding partner of the Pride of Reading awards, contributing design and planning expertise as well as sponsorship.

The design consultancy is based in Reading town centre and celebrates its 24th birthday this year, having been established in 1997 by co-directors Helen Waring and Barnaby Firth.

They produce creative and engaging brand strategies, identities, website designs and ways to communicate, to help their

20

PRIDE OF READING 2021

THE chris tarrant award WINNER: SUE RYDER DUCHESS OF KENT HOSPICE SPONSOR: THE ORACLE Someone from Reading who deserves special recognition

E

VERY YEAR, Chris Tarrant not only presents the Pride of Awards to winners, he picks his own special award too and it’s sponsored

by Reading shopping centre The Oracle.

This year, he wanted to celebrate the work that the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice has done throughout the pandemic.

The centre, based in Tilehurst, offers a range of palliative care services to the community, including inpatient care, day care, occupational therapy, bereavement support and a befriending scheme.

Throughout the covid pandemic, it has had to adapt its services to meet the latest government guidance.

This has included closing its doors to visitors, including families and friends of people staying in the hospice. This meant some people faced their final moments without loved ones by their side, an unusual occurrence at any time, but a traumatic one during this pandemic.

Chris told the audience at the Select Car Leasing Stadium that despite the many challenges the teams working at the hospice faced this year and last, all of them have worked so hard with little respite to ensure patients and their loved ones have been able to continue to get the specialist care and support they need.

The representatives from Sue Ryder coming forward to receive the award from Chris were given a standing ovation, and there was nary a dry eye in the house.

The team from the hospice say they are so proud of the

amazing staff and volunteers who have contributed across the pandemic and pleased that they have been recognised for going above and beyond to ensure patients and their loved ones get the specialist care and support they need at this time.

Georgie Sullivan, Sue Ryder West Berkshire’s deputy director, said that the award is “absolutely amazing”.

“I wish we could have brought along everybody to the Pride of Reading awards,” she added. “It’s a massive privilege to be recognised in the community. It’s really lovely.”

In fact, Georgie couldn’t quite believe that the hospice had won the award and was a bit stage struck. Her colleague, Denise Wells, said it was terrific when people gave the team a big round of applause as they went up on the stage.

“The Oracle, who sponsor this award, came up to the stage for the photo, and they said to me that I’ve been holding the award upside down,” she recalled.

“Having the award is just fantastic. We already know that we were loved by the families that we help, because they tell us. But to have this recognition too … it just feels great.”

She is also honest about the difficulties the team have faced during the pandemic.

“It’s been exhausting not having families there because we’ve not been allowed to let people be there at the end of someone’s life. It’s soul destroying,” she continues.

“Even with the restrictions now, numbers are restricted, and it’s not possible to let everyone in. It’s really, really

upsetting not to be able to bring people in.”

She admits that it’s been so tough, some staff members left as it was a stressful situation.

“We’re so proud of the staff that have battled on through. We’re

rebuilding now, bringing in new staff and training them up. We’re getting stronger every day.”

Her colleague Denise Wells said “This award is, in some ways, like a line in the sand, but it’s also a stepping stone.”

George added: “It’s recognition of how hard it’s been, people can see that. It’s also a moment to feel proud of our team, our family.

“Thank you to everyone for all your hard work.”

This year it is even more important to honour our “Frontline Heroes” the amazing people of Reading, so many fantastic organisations and individuals who go to great lengths and their invaluable contribution.

The awards give us the

opportunity to recognise these teams and individuals.

Previously the Chris Tarrant award has been won by many, with differing stories who have demonstrated behaviours of strength, courage and selflessness that have left us truly inspired.

It is a privilege to be involved in this amazing event, every year we are astounded and humbled by the stories we hear and this year is no exception. theoracle.com

THE oracle We at The Oracle are so excited to again be a sponsor at the Pride of Reading Awards.

The awards this year are so relevant after the last 18 months, giving us a chance to celebrate Frontline Heroes in the amazing town of Reading.

Having supported The Pride of Reading Awards since it started, we are very proud to again be sponsoring the Chris Tarrant award.

Congratulations to those nominated for a Pride of Reading Award

21

PRIDE OF READING 2021

SPECIAL recognition award WINNER: ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL SPONSOR: JACOBS THE JEWELLERS A special award for 2021, sponsored by Jacobs The Jewellers, it was presented to the staff of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, who work across five sites in the Reading area

T

HE SPECIAL Recognition Award was the final honour to be presented at this year’s Pride of Reading awards and, after the past 18 months, who else could it go to other than the Royal Berkshire Hospital?

Sponsored by Jacobs the Jewellers, there was a heartfelt standing ovation for the team as they came up to collect the honour.

Mel Bloor reminded the audience that the healthcare trust runs five sites, and it also has five-star reviews saying the care people receive is amazing, superb and fantastic.

Matt Allwright said that they could also talk about the positive rankings the team receive, such as being rated good for critical care, and for care for children, while its outpatients service and its diagnostic imaging are ranked as outstanding.

And, as Ms Bloor added: “We think what people saw was the way this organisation handled the pandemic – and certainly when the public stood on their doorsteps on a Thursday night and clapped, they were thinking of the doctors, nurses, midwives, ward assistants, pharmacists, cleaners, drivers, admin and back office staff and simply everyone who works at this place.”

Understandably, the award is meant not just for the management or a specific team at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, but for every single person who works at the trust.

Janet Lippett, Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Berks, received the award on behalf of her team.

“I think this is probably the closest I’m ever going to get to feeling overwhelmed at an awards ceremony,” she confesses.

“We’re absolutely honoured to receive this award on behalf of all our staff.

“We couldn’t bring all 6,500 with us to the awards, but we packed a fair few of them on the stage.”

She also wanted to thank the award sponsors. “Jacobs has supported us for a number of years, we’re indebted to them for their generosity,” she said.

The trust is aware of the huge support from the community over the past 18 months.

Ms Lippett said: “We’ve been part of Reading for 200 years, we really are part of the community, serving the population for a very long time.

“We get lots of lovely thank you letters and compliments.

We kind of know what people think of us, they know we’re doing a good job.

“Then you get things like this, particularly after the two years we’ve just had, and it brings it home, you realise you’re doing a great thing and you’re doing it in a place you love.”

And Ms Lippett added that people don’t go into the healthcare profession looking to stand on a stage, winning awards for work during a pandemic.

“It’s just humbling and

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proud to be able to do so on behalf of all our staff.

“It’s not about me, it’s about all the people at the Royal Berks NHS Trust who are working as we receive it. To be able to take the recognition back to them is fantastic.”

The one thing they can’t do right now is hold a party to celebrate, as covid means it would not be wise

to do so.

“It’s things like this award that help keep people going, and gives them the recognition they deserve,” Ms Lippett said.

And with covid rates rising, Omicron spreading, Ms Lippett said: “We’re not out of the woods with this yet.

“Particularly as we go into the festive period, please, please,

please listen to the advice we’re being given.

“Keep sanitising your hands, wearing a mask, keeping a distance if you can and, most importantly, have a vaccine.

“These are the things we can do to keep ourselves, our families and our friends safe, and keep the Royal Berks from being overwhelmed.”

JACOBS the jewellers As a third generation family owned and run independent jewellery business in the heart of Reading, we’re both honoured and delighted to be asked to support this year’s Pride of Reading awards with this special one-off award.

We were thrilled to win an award here a few years ago for our services to the community: our efforts are tiny compared to the winner of today’s award!

The recipient of this recognition

couldn’t be more deserving.

Shunning the limelight they tirelessly go about their work in all circumstances; 24 hours day, seven days a week.

Their work has touched all of us: in every walk of life, at every stage

of our lives, and has done for many years.

Not only are they deserving of this public appreciation, but we should also be all be proud to have them in our community – you could say this is the very essence of these awards.

Many congratulations to them from all of us at Jacobs, and on behalf of everyone in the Reading region. jacobsthejewellers.com

22

PRIDE OF READING 2021

ON the red carpet…

All the nominees and guests for Pride of Reading are VIPs. The event starts with a walk down the red carpet. Here, photographers DIJANA CAPAN and CAROLINE GRATRIX share the special moments

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23

PRIDE OF READING 2021

READING'S NEW CHAMPION

NEWS, SPORT AND WHATS ON OUT EVERY WEDNESDAY

24

PRIDE OF READING 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY competition

WINNERS: PAUL CLARK, SONIA BROWN, ANNA KENNEDY SPONSOR: BERKELEY HOMES This year, Berkeley Homes sponsored our Brighter Tomorrow photographic competition supported by Jelly. Guests received a packet of the winning entries – from Paul Clark (public vote), Sonia Brown and Anna Kennedy – which had been turned into greetings cards

BERKELEY Berkeley Homes is delighted to be back sponsoring this year’s photographic competition A Brighter Tomorrow, at the 2021 Pride of Reading awards.

Ben Ivey, Sales Director, Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chilterns) said: “The Berkeley Group has been building new homes in Reading for over 15 years.

As a developer we are continuing to invest heavily in the area and are creating a significant number of high-quality riverside homes in the town centre.

“We are focused on

blending properties and public realm with great facilities, to create communities where people are proud to live.

“Following the exceptional talent of the winners in 2019, we are looking forward to be able to display the winning photography on the hoarding of Huntley Wharf on Kenavon Drive once again, for everyone in the town to enjoy for years to come.”

CONTEST supported by jelly Clockwise from above: The winners; Paul Clark’s entry; Sonia Brown’s photo; and Anna Kennedy’s picture

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25

PRIDE OF READING 2021

WHY chris is proud of reading TV star Chris Tarrant always makes time to present the Pride of Reading awards. Here, he explains why he loves the buzz

I

F THERE’S one person who is the face of the Pride of Reading awards, it has to be Chris Tarrant.

The veteran presenter and DJ, who has his roots firmly in Reading, was once again presenting awards at the ceremony.

It’s something that means a lot of him.

“I was born here,” he said.

“I went to the Midlands for years, and then I was in London, but I came back to live here because I love it.

“I’ve always thought Reading gets a bad press, but I think Pride of Reading puts the good things that people are doing back on the map… they do some extraordinary things.”

Presenting the awards moves Chris.

“I’m fascinated, something I’m tearful, sometimes very emotional,” he said.

“We do lots of amazing things. I suppose for people like myself, with a pretty nice life, it puts it all in perspective.

“It sounds trite, but (when presenting the awards) you have to park your ego outside.

You may be famous, but you’re not a hero.”

The Pride of Reading awards weren’t held last year, but the team including Chris were happy to be back.

He said that as a result, the ceremony was about celebrating Reading’s frontline heroes during the pandemic, including doctors, nurses, cleaners, drivers, pharmacy workers, carers, emergency

services and ordinary people who had to help others while the nation had to stay at home.

“At one point we weren’t even sure we’d make it (with a ceremony) this year,” he said.

“Luckily, we had a huge response to the request for nominations, because people are just thrilled to be celebrating those people who have done great work.

“With the Pride of Reading awards we are reflecting on some of the heroes who have looked after us all in the NHS and various parts of the NHS, among others. It’s good to be able to say thank you to them, not on a national basis, not clapping outside our front doors, but to actually say thank you to all the amazing nurses, doctors and carers who have worked through

the past two years.

“The awards have a good buzz, I just love it.”

Chris also wanted to ensure this year’s awards recognised others too.

“Surely, we ought to be thanking all those who have done such amazing work to keep the bulk of us alive? The volunteers with the vaccines, and so on,” he said.

This is the 18th year of the Pride of Reading awards and Chris has been a stalwart since the start. He’s delighted with how it has grown in that time.

“I’m proud to have been part of it,” he said. “We were there from day one, when it started in a very small house and it’s grown, and grown. We could fill that room three times every year (with winners).

Of course, Chris is a star wellknown to millions.

Depending on how old you are, he is either the face of Saturday morning children’s television, the voice you heard waking up or the host of game shows such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

He is delighted that the latter has changed lives.

“The show wasn’t about me, it was about the contestants,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with giving people money, it’s a very, very nice feeling, especially when they deserve it. Not when they cheat.

“People do lose perspective when they see these huge sums of money. Small amounts can mean a lot to,” he continues.

“There was a very nice lady who won £8,000. She said, ‘That’s completely changed my

life, I’m a single mother, we might even have a holiday for the first time in years.”

And Chris gets a similar warm feeling when he sees the Pride of Reading winners come forward for their moment in the spotlight.

“It’s very nice to see, say, a little boy win the child of courage award, for them to be recognised, everybody cheering them. We try and keep their winning a secret so they don’t know what’s coming.”

And with that, he flashes his famous grin, and gets ready to go on stage. It’s the opposite to his Millionaire catchphrase: “We don’t want to give you that”.

Chris loves Pride of Reading and celebrating every winner.

That’s worth more than a million in anyone’s books.

26

PRIDE OF READING 2021

THE entertainment directors

DANYL JOHNSON

R

EADING boy Danyl Johnson rocketed to fame on The X Factor 2009 with his version of Joe Cocker’s With a Little Help from My Friends which has since become a YouTube sensation with nearly 50 million views. His success on the show led to several tours of Europe and collaborations in the US. He also went on to appear in season four of the hit television show, Benidorm.

His most recent single, Best Thing, was released in September 2020. Danyl hosted his own radio show for BBC Berkshire and went on to create his own podcast called Best Thing. Now working with the People’s Postcode Lottery, Danyl can regularly be seen on television presenting huge cheques to winners all over the country.

Danyl is an ambassador for several charities, both local and national, including Launchpad in Reading and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.

In 2015, Danyl was nominated and won the Community Champion award at the Pride of Reading Awards for his charity work and couldn’t be more proud to be a part of his hometown of Reading. He’s now a patron and key member of the Pride of Reading Awards. @DanylAJohnson

MATT WHITELOCK

M

ATT Whitelock is not only a previous POR winner in the inaugural year for Cultural Contribution, he is also the founder of the local multi-award winning drama coaching company Berzerk Productions.

He has worked in child education for over 30 years.

Being an original Reading performance lad from the start with such companies as Reading Youth Theatre, Generation Theatre, Starmaker Theatre Company, JG Dance and many more, he also worked professionally and has many TV, film and theatre credits.

Matt has now passed the baton of Berzerk on to another local theatre master, Aundre Goddard and looks forward to seeing the company move in a new and fresh direction.

With their welcome performance at the Pride Of Reading Awards and the Christmas production of Elf at the Oakwood Centre this December, it’s looking full of spirit for 2022 and beyond. berzerkproductions.com

LOUISE WOODS

STARLET DANCE SCHOOL

L

OUISE trained professionally at the Urdang Academy, Covent Garden. She has danced for Steps, Sky Sports International Dance Team, appeared in BBC Radio 1’s Fitness DVD with Chris Moyles, Scott Mills, Colin Murray and Chappers & Dave.

Choreographed for Arlene Phillips book launch and has done various TV and film work for ITV. Louise currently runs her own business Starlet Dance School for children of all ages in Shinfield, and Starlet’s sister company Inspirations School of Dance in Upper Basildon. Starlet has been established for 19 years and children have performed at various events and productions such as the Annie UK National Tour, BSM Xmas Light Switch On, danced for Arlene Phillips, Professional music videos, the Formula 1 Silverstone Grand Prix, Reading FC and much more. Louise is delighted to be helping with the production side for her tenth year at the Pride of Reading Awards. starletdance.com

27

PRIDE OF READING 2021

MEET the presenters

MEL BLOOR

H

MATT ALLWRIGHT

AVING grown up in Reading, Mel has worked as a journalist in the area for more than 16 years.

Mel’s first job was in radio, reading the news on 2-Ten fm (now Heart Thames Valley). For the last eight years, she has worked as a reporter for ITV News.

Mel has covered some of Berkshire’s biggest stories, reporting on anything from royal weddings and women’s sport to crime and mental health. @MelBloorITV

M

ATT Allwright has been fighting peoples’ corners as a journalist for the last 30 years.

He was born in Wokingham and grew up in Reading, ending up at the BBC in London via Manchester, Tokyo and Southampton.

He’s worked on Watchdog, Rogue Traders, Housing Enforcers and the One Show alongside a huge number of other projects on TV, radio, and in print. He’s always been a Reading boy at heart, and is a devoted patron of the town’s homelessness prevention charity Launchpad, as well as many other charities. He’s proud to be supporting The Pride of Reading Awards, and looks forward to honouring and celebrating his hometown.

ADY WILLIAMS

A

DY was born in Reading and captained the football team for many years so knows how many incredibly gifted and hard-working people there are in Reading, and the hard work they do for so many wonderful charities and great causes.

He said it’s always an emotional day at Pride of Reading but one he always feel blessed to be part of.

JUDIE McCOURT

J

UDIE is a former radio and TV presenter and an Ambassador for People’s Postcode Lottery.

She was a presenter for TFM Radio and Tyne Tees Television. Judie now works as a People’s Postcode Lottery Street Prize presenter, touring the country as winning cheques land in the different postcodes.

As part of her role, she also gets to lend her support to great charity projects. Judie is the face of the red carpet, interviewing nominees and winners at the Animal Heroes Award, the Pride of Britain Awards and now the Pride of Reading Awards. @Judie_McCourt

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ANDY JONES

A

NDY is a presenter and newsreader on BBC Radio Berkshire.

On and off, he’s been presenting radio shows in Reading for nearly 20 years for stations like Reading 107, JACKfm Berkshire and Heart Thames Valley. You may have also heard him on stations like LBC, Capital and Classic FM. @AndyDavidJones

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28

PRIDE OF READING 2021

MEET the entertainers

THE TIM KAY BAND

T

HE Tim Kay Band from Reading, with their huge set list of the greatest pop-rock songs from across the ages, makes them the perfect party band for any occasion.

Coming with full sound and lighting backline means the host can concentrate on their guests safe in the knowledge that the good times will (rock &) roll.

Tim is an accomplished songwriter, having penned My World, the theme song for Jamie Oliver’s acclaimed Channel 4 television series Jamie at Home. This and many more original songs are available from all good online retailers. timkayband.com

JACQUELINE HUGHES

J

ACQUELINE is from Reading and trained at The Guildford School of Acting, receiving First class BA (Hons) and the Musical Theatre award 2007. Currently playing Katie Nanna/ensemble in Mary Poppins (London), u/s Mrs Brill, u/s Mrs Corry, u/s Bird Woman.

Previous theatre includes – Elphaba (Wicked International Tour). Enchantress, Beauty and the Beast (Edinburgh Kings Theatre). Sarah, Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre). Spirit of the Bells in Dick Whittington (Manchester).

Katie Nanna, u/s Winifred Banks, u/s Mrs Corry, u/s Bird Woman in Mary Poppins (UK Tour). Stand By Elphaba in Wicked (UK Tour).

Swing, u/s Elphaba, u/s Madame Morrible in Wicked (London). Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (Dumfries), Lead Vocalist in Mad about the Musicals (UK Tour). Doreen The Steamie (UK tour).

Previous TV appearances include – Britain’s Got Talent Finale 2020, The Royal Variety Show 2019 and Blue Peter.

Jacqueline is a keen voiceover artist and enjoys singing at various concerts and charity events.

She also loves to coach and mentor performers helping them find their confidence.

Aspire to inspire! @_jacquelinehugh

29

PRIDE OF READING 2021

GIFTS and goodies & FOOD Everyone attending Pride of Reading enjoyed a terrific three-course meal from Simon Share, executive chef at Reading FC Conference and Events, and took home a goody bag. One person at every table won a big prize. Here’s what they enjoyed In the goody bags: n Bag courtesy of IKEA Reading n Heroes Tubs courtesy of Tesco Reading West n Greetings cards – winners of Pride of Reading/ Berkeley Homes/jelly competition n The Oracle free parking ticket for the Riverside Car Park courtesy of The Oracle n Save £5 when you spend £25 in the Fanstore at the Select Car Leasing Stadium courtesy of Reading Football Club n Goodies donated by Reading Buses n Free cream tea at The Place to Eat courtesy of John Lewis & Partners, Reading n Free drink voucher courtesy of Double-Barrelled Brewery n BOGOF discount voucher for Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon n Discount voucher for Reading

FC Conference & Events Hot Box n £10 off voucher when you spend £40 courtesy of Cherubs Floral Design Our fabulous table prizes were: n Cherubs Floral Design £50 gift voucher x2 n Electric Hair £100 gift voucher x2 n Family ticket for 4 to see the Berzerk Productions of Elf at the Oakwood Centre n McDonald’s meal vouchers £20 x15 n Unlimited travel for 30 days with an adult SimplyReading mobile ticket on the Reading Buses app n Reading Football Club 106 Suite hospitality for two guests n IKEA £50 vouchers x2 n ITM.AV hospitality for 2 in the Royals suite for Reading v

MEET SIMON SHARE

S

IMON Share is an experienced executive chef with a demonstrated history of working in the events services industry.

He is skilled in catering, the hospitality industry, hospitality management, fine dining and menu development.

Simon is a strong professional operations who graduated from Stratford College and now has 27 years within the trade working a number of different sites, including stadia and racecourses.

Simon joined the team at Reading FC in 2021 and has

continually showed his creative flair with a number of menus that have left customers coming back for seconds.

His menu for Pride of Reading was: Salmon: hot smoked salmon, gravadlax, smoked Balic, crushed peas, saffron potatoes, cream cheese, lemon gel, seaweed crisp Banquet of Chicken: thigh and truffle bon bon, chicken and woodland mushroom terrine, honey glazed breast, carrot puree, Savoy, Pomme Anna, crispy Cavolo Nero, chicken gravy Heroes: Crunchy Bar, Cream Egg, Whisper crumb, Fudge sauce

Huddersfield on 22 Jan 2022 John Lewis & Partners, Reading £100 gift voucher, box of chocolates and a bottle of Prosecco n Tesco Reading West £50 vouchers x2 n Reading Biscuit Factory family cinema tickets x2 n The Real Greek £50 voucher x2 n Zerodegrees Chef’s Table for 2 n Reading Rep 2 family tickets for A Christmas Carol n Reading Arts family ticket

n

for Beauty and the Beast at The Hexagon n Twilight Trail at Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins family ticket x2 n The Car Wash Company, The Oracle: Diamond Car Wash x 1 n Lashious Beauty in The Oracle £35 Voucher n Gordon Ramsay Street Burger £60 voucher n L’Ortolan Menu Gourmand voucher for 2 n Lush, The Oracle The Art of Bathing Gift Set n Pentahotel overnight

stay in Pentasuite n Hilton Champagne Afternoon Tea for 2 at OXBO, the Hilton’s new eating place x2 n St Anne’s Manor dinner, overnight stay and breakfast n Thames Lido Dine and Swim package for 2 n Zerodegrees Mini Keg n Blue Collar £25 voucher n Côte Brasserie £50 voucher n Pho £100 voucher n Valpy Street Bar & Bistro £50 voucher n Rabble Theatre tickets for the Snow Queen

30

PRIDE OF READING 2021

THE creative team

THE PEOPLE WHO HELP MAKE PRIDE OF READING HAPPEN

READING FC

SALLY SWIFt

Former director of communications at Reading Borough Council, Sally has now retired – though not from chairing Pride of Reading which she has done since the first year.

Director, Theatre and Arts Reading CIC and the Reading Gaol, Arts, Museum and Theatre Company.

HILARY SCOTT Reading Football Club are delighted to once again lend our full support to the Pride of Reading awards in 2021 and we are again honoured to be hosting this year’s ceremony at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Reading has always been a club positioned at theheart of its community and dependant on the support of that community throughout its 150 year existence.

The Pride of Reading Awards is a fantastic opportunity to recognise those who have made an exceptional impact on that community, often sacrificing time, effort, energy and personal gain in order to give something back to the town and the community in which they live.

As a club, we have always appreciated the importance of community – whether that be through the work our Community Trust programmes undertake on a daily basis within our local area or via the vocal support we receive from all four stands on a Saturday afternoon, encouraging our players to perform to the best of their ability.

During this unprecedented time in history, the impact of that support and the bond between the club and its community has been appreciated more than ever before. readingfc.co.uk

Hilary is a freelance journalist and food writer, event organiser and PR specialist and has been a main organiser of the Pride of Reading for 18 years. She also organises the Thames Valley Hospitality Awards.

CREAM DESIGN

Cream is a design consultancy that excels in corporate identity, marketing, website and digital design for a diverse range of clients.

The town centre design agency was launched in 1997 by co-directors Helen Waring and Barnaby Firth and celebrates its 24th birthday this year. Helen, account director, explains: “We work with a wide range of organisations, both locally and nationwide, helping them to build and grow their brands.

“As a Reading-based business, we are passionate about our town and we are proud to work with many local businesses and charities.”

Cream Design work with Reading FC, Jacobs the Jewellers, Intelligent Health, Tate & Lyle, Berkshire Youth, University College of Estate Management and

Reading Borough Council among many others.

Helen says: “We have created the designs for the Pride of Reading Awards for the past 11 years – they are a real celebration of everything that’s great about our town.” cream-design.co.uk

CHERUBS FLORAL DESIGN

Cherubs Floral Design Ltd, now in their 18th year, are one of the largest floral design companies in the south of England.

Cherubs produce floral decorations for more than 250 wedding and events each year. These take place in many prestigious venues across Berks, Bucks, Oxon and Hampshire.

Cherubs provide weekly contract and event flowers for many blue chip companies, hotels and private homes in London and the Thames Valley.

Cherubs have been honoured to work in partnership with A.B. Walker Funeral Directors for the last five years as their inhouse florist.

Cherubs have been proud to support and sponsor Pride of Reading from the start. cherubsfloraldesign.com

QWERTY

Qwerty Ltd. is an all-encompassing print, design and marketing company based in the heart of the Thames Valley

with more than 30 years’ experience in delivering effective results for clients across a wide range of industries.

We work with global corporations such as Bacardi, Lindt, NCP, Hoover and Yazoo to local businesses including Reading Football Club, the Broad Street Mall and the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.

We take all our clients on a journey and transform creative ideas into profitable and measurable solutions, from display stands for events to packaging prototypes to complete store refits.

Great design leads to brand identity and awareness and our team of designers is able to undertake a range of projects from business cards to total rebrands.

We’re behind many of the designs you see when you go shopping – be it an eye-catching Lindt chocolate display to a Yazoo Drinks promotion. qwertyltd.com

ITM

Wokinghambased audio visual company ITM Limited are celebrating 25 years of success.

Led by principal partners Nic Ide and Graham Trolley, the 10-strong business on Rushton Farm Estate is a repeat supplier for some serious corporate clients including Adidas, British Gas and Thames Water.

Specialising in conference and video production including lighting, staging and audio visual equipment, ITM Limited is also the preferred supplier for, among others, Johnson & Johnson, British Airways, the NHS and Ascot, Windsor and Newbury race courses.

The company has been associated with Reading Football Club for many years, being its audio visual supplier since Madejski Stadium opened.

ITM Limited is also proud to be associated with the Pride of Reading awards as well as many prominent charities such as Help for Heroes, and the Bicycle Helmet Initiative. itmav.co.uk

Congratulations to all winners! From 0118 920 5130 | selectcarleasing.co.uk Pride of Reading banner AW.indd 1

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PRIDE OF READING 2021

THE EVENT SPONSORS MIKE CLARKE

Mike Clarke has run his video production company in Reading since 1982. Mike shoots and edits the nomination videos that get shown at the awards each year.

Working mainly within large corporate companies, Mike’s camerawork has taken him to over 40 countries worldwide. Mike is a season ticket holder at RFC, rides on road and off road motorcycles; skis and is well-known for always taking a fly swat on his summer holidays. video-cameraman.co.uk

SAM CLARKE

Sam Clarke is a filmmaker from Reading who has worked in video production since 2010, and is currently working on debut feature-length documentary.

PLUS OUR GREAT SUPPORTERS itv news

bbc radio berkshire

reading borough council

Official hairdresser ChampaGNe and – electric hair heroes chocolates Electric has been sponsor – tesco hailed the UK’s most exciting Reading west hairdressing brand.

Having worked within the hair industry for over 11 years, Amy, Front of House Manager, has a strong passion for the hair industry despite no longer cutting hair.

Her favourite part of her job is event organising and seeing the salon clients leaving elated with their new look.

Colour Specialist Sean is now an allrounder with a L’Oreal Colour Degree and 16 years of experience under his belt.

Relocating to Reading, Sean’s creative flare and fun personality have seen him rapidly build a diverse and loyal client base. Using his expertise and technical knowledge, Sean regularly spends his own time coaching other team members. electric-hair.com

FLOWERS SPONSOR AND ORGANISER – CHERUBS Cherubs Floral Design Ltd, now in their 18th year, are one of the largest floral design companies in the south of England.

Cherubs produce floral decorations for more than 250 wedding and events each year.

These take place in many prestigious venues across Berks, Bucks, Oxon and Hampshire.

Cherubs provide weekly contract and event flowers for many blue chip companies,hotels and private homes in London and the Thames Valley.

Cherubs have been honoured to work in partnership with A.B. Walker Funeral Directors for the last five years as their inhouse florist.

Cherubs have been proud to support and sponsor Pride of Reading from the start. cherubsfloraldesign.com

Tesco stores are at the very heart of the communities they serve and we are delighted to support the Pride of Reading Awards to celebrate those who have stepped up and gone the extra mile to help make sure Reading remains a great place to live, work and visit.

We are proud to support the local community to help fund local causes and projects through Tesco Community Grants and we work closely in partnership with food banks and charities to help get good food to those who need it when they need it most as part of Tesco’s Community Food Connection.

Our customers and the community remain at the core of Tesco’s purpose and we congratulate all the nominees and winners. tesco.com

table wine sponsor – malmaison

We are really excited to be part of the Pride of Reading Awards again this year, it is now our fifth year sponsoring the wine for the event.

It is such an important occasion to be supporting and celebrating the wonderfully inspiring people of Reading; we are really proud to be a part of it once again. malmaison.com

hotel sponsor – voco Welcome to voco® Reading, an IHG hotel, perfectly located just minutes off the M4, on the doorstep of major business parks, the football

stadium and Reading town centre.

At this modern hotel with thoughtful touches, guests can take advantage of free parking, enjoy some Me Time in spacious guest rooms, luxurious beds, and relax in our leisure facilities with a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and gym.

It is with great honour that we support the Pride of Reading Awards every year, but this year especially, it makes us proud to take part in the recognition of our frontline heroes and everyone involved with the fight against Covid.

The kindness that this community showed has taught us that doing good doesn’t require privilege, and generosity is even more infectious than the disease itself.

Being an integral part of the Reading Community gives us hope and optimism for a better future. vocohotels.com/Reading

READING FC CONFERENCE & EVENTS

Reading FC Conference & Events, home of unforgettable events.

Located inside the spectacular Select Car Leasing Stadium, our conference centre combines first-class facilities with the heritage of the iconic Reading Football Club.

Whatever your plans, our event spaces and function rooms offer fully customisable layouts, contemporary facilities, plus breathtaking views of the pitch.

Our 32 event spaces offer flexible seated capacity for up to 500 people, free Wi-Fi and a dedicated support team of event coordinators and AV technicians.

The stadium complex also houses 2,000 complimentary parking spaces plus a 4-star hotel with 201 bedrooms, a fine dining restaurant, leisure and spa facilities. readingfcconferenceandevents.co.uk

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PRIDE OF READING 2021

THANK you to our sponsors

PRIDE OF READING COULDN’T HAPPEN WITHOUT SUPPORT ... HERE’S OUR BRILLIANT SPONSORS

AND Thank you to: n Our judges n Our special guest: Chris Tarrant n Accountancy: Qwerty n Social media: Matt Whitelock n Hostesses and guides: Starlet Dance School, Berzerk Productions, Reading Football Club, Lucy Daniels, Sam Selby, Elan McGowan, Kirsti Wilson, Helen Waring, Tracey Rawling Church, Sian Bowes, Rebecca

Alcock, Julie West, Mandy Lane n Our chef: Simon Share n Pride of Reading Strategy and Production Groups: Sally Swift, Hilary Scott, Lucy Daniels – Reading Borough Council, Jackie Evans – Reading Football Club, Andy Briggs – The Oracle, Simon Edgley, Helen Waring – Cream Design, Martin Gardner – Qwerty, Marc Allridge –

If you want to become a sponsor please contact porawards@yahoo.com PORawards.co.uk @PORawards #PORawards

Cherubs Floral Design, Nic Ide – ITM, Louise Woods – Starlet Dance School, Matt Whitelock – Dramaguru, Keelan Wells and Amy Bowden – Reading FC Conference & Events, Danyl Johnson n Patrons: Sir John Madejski, Jean Charmak, Canon Brian Shenton, Danyl Johnson

SEE you NEXT year