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Wednesday, December 1, 2021
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CELEBRATE OUR STREET ART SAYS COUNCIL By TEVYE MARKSON Local democracy reporter
CRAFTS ON SHOW AT MERL’S FAYRE P3
GRAFFITI and street art will come under new scrutiny in Reading for its artistic impact.
Reading Borough Council has agreed to create a new Street Art Advisory Panel to “look at the finer details” of painted pieces. The decision was made by RBC’s Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure committee, which has been reflecting on street art since a Banksy mural appeared in the town. Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for culture, heritage and recreation, said the Banksy piece “really affected the way we looked and thought about street art in this town”. She continued: “On the one hand we have graffiti that can be detrimental to a building, and the community. Then we have street art, which can actually uplift an area and community. “Since Mr Banksy came to this town, Reading has thought a lot about street art and graffiti. “Art needs to live and thrive and cannot be, nor should be, choked.” Cllr Rowlands that this could help unlock the potential for street art in the borough. Conservative councillor Clarence Mitchell asked if the panel would be able to make rapid decisions to protect art, a council officer confirmed it would. The Reading Gaol Banksy piece was vandalised two weeks after it appeared on the prison walls, with Team Robbo sprayed over the typewriter, an allusion to an old rivalry with another street artist. Graffiti will be removed from the town’s walls more actively. Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead member for neighbourhoods and communities, said the issue of private properties being overrun by graffiti had been pointed out by her colleague, Cllr Liam Challenger. She said: “This is going to make a real impact on how our town looks, having a cleaner, safer, greener Reading with fewer scribbles in it.”
NEW LIFE FOR OLD PRINT WORKS P5
LIGHTS, FANTASTIC: Discover the street that really gets into the Christmas spirit • Full amazing story p33
BIKERS READY FOR TOY RUN
Hundreds of bikes will ride for special tribute to founder Ben this Sunday
EXCLUSIVE
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today HE had a heart as big as a HarleyDavidson’s roar.
And more than a thousand bikers will pay tribute to Ben Spiller this Sunday when they take part in the annual Reading Toy Run. Ben, who founded the charity 35 years ago, died in April following a short illness. Over the years, he saw the event
grow from just 18 riders to more than 2,000 earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. In that time, hundreds of thousands of toys have been donated to Barnardo’s and other charities and good causes in Wokingham and throughout the Thames Valley region. While this year’s Toy Run will be tinged with sadness, spokesman Sean Stillman said it will be a fitting tribute to the vision of his friend of 40 years. n Continued on page 4
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Life for Caversham murderer
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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 CAVERSHAM man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murder. Last week at Reading Crown Court, O’Neal Joseph, 28, of Amersham Road, Caversham was given a minimum term of 24 years imprisonment after he was found guilty by unanimous verdict of murder. Reece Weatherburn, 22, of Nire Road, Caversham, was convicted of assisting an offender at the same hearing, and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. On Sunday, February 14, Joseph was involved in an altercation with Yannick Cupido, 24, who was stabbed and later died. Joseph was charged in connection with the incident on Wednesday, February 17, with Weatherburn being charged on Tuesday, May 4, as Thames Valley Police continued its investigation. Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of the Thames Valley Police Major
Crime Unit, said it was a tragic incident, where Yannick Cupido needlessly lost his life. “It is yet another example of the serious consequences of knife crime, and the damage that carrying a knife can cause,” he said. “Because of this Yannick’s family have lost someone who otherwise
GUILTY: O’Neal Joseph has been sentenced after being found guilty of murder. Picture: Thames Valley Police
would not have lost his life. They have shown incredible strength and dignity throughout this process and I would like to thank them for that. “If anything comes of this case, I hope it is that it makes people think about the dangers knives can do. “If Joseph had not done that, Yannick would still be alive.”
Call for churches to change ways it helps the vulnerable By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today CHURCHES across Berkshire need to change the way they support the county’s poorest and excluded communities.
That’s the finding of a new report from the Diocese of Oxford, which looked at the effects of the pandemic on people on low incomes. The report asked churches across the diocese about the challenges they and their communities faced and what they need to do to better help those who were marginalised. Among the areas where the churches need to question their current response are a variety of social issues, including transport poverty, affordable rural housing, hidden poverty, and engaging with transient and new housing developments. The report from the Poverty and Inequality Steering Group states: “The consultation explored how churches have responded to the
challenges, and how this can inform the future mission and ministry of churches in the diocese. “The results and responses indicate the significant impact of the pandemic on communities, as well as the breadth of social action responses from churches stepping in to serve local people in need in their communities.” The Steering Group added it was “encouraging” that a significant number of local churches reported that the pandemic had prompted an increase in collaborative working between their church and other churches or community groups. The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt. Revd. Dr Steven Croft, said: “The imperative for Christian communities to engage in social action and social justice lies at the heart of our faith — it is in our Scriptures, our history, and in our deep longing to see the Kingdom come. “It is an endeavour to which all of us in the Diocese of Oxford continue to commit ourselves. “This insightful report illustrates the
ongoing challenges and complexities created by Covid-19 as well as the vital and unique role churches play in supporting their communities through the ups and downs of everyday life. “I am excited at the prospect of the future positive impact we can have in our communities across the region.” The Venerable Stephen Pullin, Archdeacon of Berkshire and Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Steering Group added: “The report emphasises ways in which churches have adapted well to changing circumstances and discovered innovative ways to make a positive impact in areas of emerging and greatest need. “The findings set out in the report will help shape the priorities of the steering group. We aim to create an online space where effective initiatives can be shared between churches and be continually refreshed and developed, and to encourage churches to work together for the growth of God’s Kingdom.”
Appeal launched to alleviate winter poverty
A BERKSHIRE charity has launched two fundraising appeals to help alleviate poverty this winter. Berkshire Community Foundation is asking for donations to the Christmas and Surviving Winter campaigns. Money raised will help older and vulnerable people and families who need support through the season. John Yates, CEO of the foundation, is concerned by the increasing number of households being tipped into poverty across the county. “Many will have the impossible choice of eating or staying warm this winter,” he said. “It is a worrying situation, and we are asking for for those who feel they can afford it to consider giving others a hand.” The Christmas campaign aims to raise funds for nine charities who want to bring some festive cheer to people they help. Donations to this appeal will go towards providing Christmas gifts and meals. Charities that will benefit include Reading Elderly Befriending Scheme, Berkshire Women’s Aid and Thames Hospice. The Surviving Winter appeal is asking those who can to donate all or part of their winter fuel allowance to help fuel-poor households. n For more details, visit: www. berkshirecf.org
Motorbike stolen in Calcot A MOTORBIKE has been stolen from a home in Calcot. The theft took place between 8pm and 9.45pm on Tuesday, November 23. Thames Valley Police said that it was a black Triumph that was taken from an address in Churchward Walk. Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101, quoting reference 43210530916.
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Crafty! Festive fun thanks to MERL Christmas market RAIDED: The branch of Coral on Whitley Street that was targeted by robbers Picture: Phil Creighton
SWEET: Alice (6) & Amber Slade (9) with Adrian Smith of the Mortimer Chocolate Co as he explains his work
TREATS: The Museum of English Rural Life held a Christmas Shopping Event on Sunday. Jo & Ellen Nickless with some of the things they had on sale on their Meadow Honey Farm Stall Pictures: Steve Smyth By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today
STOCKINGS UP: Angela Brown with the goods for sale in the museum shop
CHRISTMAS fun was had at the Museum of English Rural Life on Sunday, thanks to a festive shopping event.
The popular attraction on Redlands Road opened its doors to people looking for gifts, crafts and tasty treats ahead of December 25. A range of local businesses including the Mortimer Chocolate Company, the Caversham Jam Lady, and honey makers from Meadow Honey Farm, showcased their wares. The museum also sold items from its new MERLchandise range. The Mewes Knitters – all volunteers – allowed people to join them in taster sessions and craft activities. To add to the fun, a choir sang carols, and the MERL cafe served seasonal refreshments including Christmas cake. The day helped raise funds to support MERL’s work with collections and communities. The museum currently has two special exhibitions. The Commons: Re-enchanting The World looks at land, air and water, while Fields explores agricultural issues in a way we can all understand. It also offers some winter family activity packs featuring stories, trails, and craft activities. These cost £4. On December 21, it will hold Magical Lights, a special festive event including the chance to
ON SALE: Julie Gibbins will the crochet items she made for her stall make shadow puppets, window decorations and take part in a torchlit animal hunt. It’s aimed at children aged 3-11 and costs £4.50 per child. Adults get in free. Booking is advised.
n For more details, log on to merl.reading.ac.uk
CLICKETY CLICK: Jan Butler, Margaret Garrard, Liz Tebbitt and Jane McShane demonstrate their knitting skills.
TASTY: Sharon Davey serves refreshments
Thieves armed with knife rob bookmakers A PAIR of thieves armed with a knife threatened staff at a Reading bookmaker on Friday night. Now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. A branch of the Coral chain of bookies was targeted by the robbers between 8pm and 8.15pm on November 26. The two offenders threatened a staff member with a knife, before making off with £700 in cash. The victim, a man aged in his twenties, was not injured. The bookmakers was closed today. Thames Valley Police said the first offender was wearing a black top, grey jogging bottoms and black shoes. He also wore blue gloves and a face mask and was carrying an orange plastic bag. The second offender was wearing a black hooded jacket with white sleeves, black tracksuit bottoms, black shoes, and was also wearing blue gloves and a face mask. In a statement, investigating officer PC Josh Gillespie, based at Reading police station, said: “This was a frightening ordeal for the victim, who thankfully was not injured in the incident. “I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Whitley Street between 8pm and 8.30pm on Friday, and believe that they witnessed this incident, to please contact Thames Valley Police.” He added: “I would also be keen to hear from anybody who has dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area to get in touch if it has captured anything that could assist this investigation. “You can call us on 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43210535931. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Festive concert at Abbey School FESTIVE music will be performed in Reading, thanks to a choir. Parenthesis Choir’s Christmas Concert will feature Vivaldi’s Gloria, Durante’s Magnificat and a selection of Christmas carols. It will be held at The Abbey School in Kendrick Road on Sunday, December 12. Curtain up is at 6.30pm, and tickets cost £12. Under 18s can enjoy the music for free. Tickets can be bought in advance by calling 07947 279 704, or on the door. n For more details, log on to: parenthesis.org.uk
Family jam fun READIPOP is to hold its regular monthly music session this weekend. Held on the first Saturday of every month, the event encourages beginners as well as experienced musicians to come together and make some music. The charity has a range of instruments available to try, and participants can also bring their own. The event runs at Readipop’s base in Trafford Road, Reading, from 10am to 11.30am. Places cost £3 per family, plus a booking fee. n For more details, email office@ readipop.co.uk or call: 0118 938 7156.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Bikers ready to pay tribute to Ben Spiller with special Toy Run n Continued from front page
Mr Stillman said: “The biking community in Britain and further afield, were heartbroken at the news of Ben’s death. “He was the foundational heartbeat of the Reading Toy Run. He loved the event and was on first name terms with bikers from all over the country. “Ben (pictured inset) lived his life in a way that leaves a huge legacy which came from his huge heart. He was an ordinary bloke who founded something extraordinary and dared to believe you can make a difference in the lives of others for good. “The Toy Run is only part of the story. Many of us will bear witness to his friendship, to his infectious enthusiasm to be a do-er, not just a talker. “He had an ability to co-opt a mixed bag of people to get a job done and many of us share deep friendships together because Ben was the original connecting point. “He didn’t see himself as a leader, but he was. “He had an ability to gather people around him that grew to share the same vision, and get them involved to do the things
he couldn’t do alone. It wasn’t about Ben, it was always about making a practical difference on the ground.” Bikers will gather at the Wood car park (the former Foster Wheelers building) in Whitley Wood Lane from 1pm before heading to Wokingham to deliver presents to Barnardo’s High Close School ready for Christmas Day. The huge convoy will mean a number of road closures with delays expected especially between 2pm to 3.30pm, as roads will be closed on the route as the bikes come through. Roads affected will be Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way between The Black Boy Roundabout and The Showcase cinema. Other closures include the A329 Reading Road between the Showcase and Shute End and Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School in Wokingham. Mr. Stillman said he hoped crowds will turn out as
usual to cheer on the riders: “We love seeing people line the pavements. It is really encouraging and makes the day extra special.” For anyone who is unable to turn out on Sunday, a number of businesses have kindly offered to act as drop off points. These include GS Motorcycle Tyres on Reading Road, Pinewood Bar and Cafe on Old Wokingham Road in Wokingham Without, and Lind Harley-Davidson in Winnersh. Suggested toy ideas include footballs, Lego, bluetooth speakers, headphones, earphones, cosmetics for both boys and girls, gift vouchers, Nerf guns, and craft sets. n For full details of the Toy Run and opening times for the drop off centre, go to: http:// readingtoyrun.blogspot.com/ n It is also possible to make a donation by logging on to: www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ readingtoyrun-2021
COMING TOGETHER: Building contractors on site at the new Palmer Park swimming pool and leisure centre
New swimming pool takes shape at Palmer Park
BUILDING work on a new swimming pool for east Reading is going well according to Reading Borough Council. The steel frame on the site is due to start going up at the end of the month. Foundations were laid using vibro stone piling. The method is a sustainable alternative to digging deep foundations as it uses no cement, concrete or steel in the process. This reduces the carbon footprint of the works. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead for sport, is looking forward to seeing the frame going up and reminded users that the current indoor facilities at Palmer Park will close in April. “This is so that roof replacement work can be carried out safely,” he said.
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FOUR men used wood from a skip to attack a man on Reading’s Oxford Road last week. Now Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward. The incident happened between 10pm and midnight on Thursday, November 25. Officers said that the victim, a man in his 40s, was walking along Oxford Road, close to Brock Barracks, when he was set upon by three or four men, aged around 30. They used a large piece of wood, obtained from a nearby skip. Each man was white, and wore jeans and coats. The victim suffered a cut
Service of thanks for the NHS A CHANCE to thank the NHS while celebrating Christmas is coming to Reading town centre next week. A special service is being held at Reading Minster Church in Chain Street. It takes place on Tuesday, December 7, from 7pm. There will be music from the Reading Community Gospel Choir, and readings
to the back of his head and a fractured elbow and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. He has since been discharged. Detective Constable Dominique Roe, based at Reading police station, said: “We are appealing for anyone who saw this incident or has any dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident or people involved to please get in touch. “You can contact us by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43210534531. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.” from NHS staff from across Berkshire. Entry is free, but there will be a chance to make donations to the Royal Berks Charity, which supports the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Places need to be booked in advance, and there is a JustGiving page set up for people who want to make donations but cannot attend.
n For more details, log on to https://register.enthuse.com/ ps/event/Thanksgivingtothe NHSatChristmas
“The good news is that the outdoor facilities will be unaffected by the closure.” The new 25-metre, six-lane pool will open to the public in late 2022. Facilities will include a new gym, children’s activity zone with party rooms, plus a café and community hub. Paul Shearman, GLL partnership manager for Reading, hopes that the improved facilities will benefit the community’s health and wellbeing. “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping physically active, and the new centre will offer a welcoming environment for all to enjoy,” he said. The development is part of the Council’s £40million investment in leisure facilities for Reading.
Woodley burglary BURGLARS broke into a home in Woodley – while the owner was in it. The incident took place around 6.20pm on Sunday, November 21. The victim heard banging on the patio door to their home in Kingsford Close, off Colemansmoor Road. The burglars smashed the glass of the patio, and then demanded that the victim open a safe, where an amount of cash was stolen. Thames Valley Police said that the offenders were all men, around 6ft tall, and were wearing black tops and black balaclavas. They left the cul de sac in a white Citroen Berlingo, an MPVsized car. Since Sunday, a 39-year-old man from the Woodley area has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail. Investigating officer PC Stephen Johnson, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody who may have information about this burglary to please get in touch. “You can contact us either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43210527215.” Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Student panto STUDENTS from the University of Reading will be performing their end of term pantomime next week. Members of RUDS will take to the stage for No Time Like The Present: A Christmas Pantomime. It has been written, directed and performed by society members and tells the story of Buttons, who is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas present. The event takes place on Monday, December 6, at the Reading University Students Union 3Sixty venue. Doors open at 7pm with curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5.75.
n For more details, log on to www. rusu.co.uk/student-activities/ societies/arts/soc/dramasociety
Art market date THE RISING SUN arts centre is holding a Christmas Art Market on Saturday. Running from noon to 6pm, the event will feature stalls from local artists and independent businesses. There will be prints and a gallery, and also a raffle and festive tipples to enjoy. Upstairs will be a making space, where people can create Christmas baubles to take home. The arts centre is in Silver Street, Reading and entry is free. n For more details, log on to: risingsunartscentre.org
BOUNCE: One of the rooms has a ball pit
MAKEOVER: The venue’s team have created a variety of rooms to explore
Hold the front page! Party venue launches READING’S newest venue has opened its doors. Market Yard has taken over the former Reading Post building on Tessa Road, and transformed the print works into a space for food, drink and entertainment. The new venue is a far cry from newspapers: it is an entertainment-led food and drinks market with a 1,200 capacity, making it one of the biggest spaces in the town. There are three rooms and an outdoor terrace, meaning a range of entertainment and attractions can be hosted at any one time. There will be a variety of events running until Thursday, December 23, including live bands, comedy, DJ sets and movie screenings.
It started on Friday night, with a sell-out opening party hosted by DJ Yoda. There are hordes of big names coming to the venue, including East 17 and Guilty Pleasures. It will also be serving up a variety of street food and drinks, including craft beer from Double Barrelled Brewery and Siren Craft Brew. Organisers say it is a truly unique place where you can socialise, eat, drink and dance. Pete Wheeler, entertainment manager for the venue, said he has been booking acts for more than two months. There will be 21 events spread over five weeks. “It’s the first time we’ve done this in Reading,” he said.
“We’re really excited, it’s been such a long time coming. “There is something for everyone.” Its initial opening hours are 4pm-11pm on Fridays, and noon-11pm at weekends. Children are welcome at any of the sessions before 7pm. If successful, Market Yard at Printhouse Reading which is the follow up to Market Yard pop-up at Hills Meadow in the summer, could relaunch in 2022. There are a range of ticket options, including free tickets for visitors that are happy to be seated in any of the venue’s rooms. Paid-for tickets are guaranteed a seat in their chosen room. n For more details, log on to www.marketyard.co.uk
DECOR: Neon lights and props flow through the building
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Harper’s Law: Government backs widow’s campaign By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed Government support for Harper’s Law.
Matthew Barber, Thames Valley’s PCC, said the law is a fitting tribute to Thames Valley Police Constable Andrew Harper, who was killed in the line of duty in 2019. It will introduce mandatory life for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker while committing a crime. The law has been introduced following a campaign from Lissie Harper, Andrew’s widow. She worked with the Police Federation and met the justice secretary and home secretary to promote the law change. “It’s been a long journey and a lot of hard work,” she said. “I know Andrew would be proud to see Harper’s Law reach this important milestone. “Emergency services workers require extra protection. I know all too well how they are put at risk and into the depths of danger on a regular basis on behalf of society. That protection
CAMPAIGN: Lissie Harper with Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber is what Harper’s Law will provide, and I am delighted that it will soon become a reality. “I’d like to thank the teams at the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office and Dominic Raab, Priti Patel and Robert Buckland for working with me to achieve this.” She thanked the public for their support of the campaign, and added: “For the families of those that this law
will provide justice for, we’re almost there. Your continued support has kept me pushing forward.” Mr Barber said: “The triumph of Lissie’s passionate campaign comes out of the tragedy of Andrew’s killing. His death is still keenly felt by Thames Valley Police and this change in legislation is a fitting tribute to him. “It is right that the Government has backed the
campaign for mandatory life sentences for those who unlawfully kill emergency workers in the course of their duty. “I am well aware of the risks and dangers that our police officers face every day. The police will run towards danger to protect the public, and they deserve our respect and protection in return. “I am committed to doing what we can in Thames Valley to ensure the safety of our officers, who put themselves at risk on our behalf.” The law extends mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits manslaughter of on-duty police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics while carrying out another crime. Courts must already impose life sentences for murder, with a whole-life order if the victim is a police officer. The move follows recent government action to protect police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics. This includes plans to double the maximum penalty for assaulting them to two years’ imprisonment.
HELP: Residents are being asked for their views over plans for a new playground that will be installed in Kenavon Drive
Reading residents asked to vote on playground designs READING Borough Council has invited residents to have their say on designs for improvements to a playground. The play area to be upgraded is on Kenavon Drive, in Newtown. There are three plans from leading specialist companies to choose from. The new playground will be resurfaced and have floor graphics. It will include a mix of equipment for children of all ages and abilities. Cllr Karen Rowland, lead for culture, heritage and recreation, said that she hopes the site will be enjoyed by children for years to come. “The provision of high-quality equipment that is as accessible as possible is a key priority for us,” she said. The £100,000 cost of the playground project will come
from the developers of the new Kingsmead flats and houses. Further funding will go towards riverside landscaping, with new trees, bulbs and a meadow planted. It is hoped that this will improve the visual appeal and biodiversity of the area. Ms Rowland said said feedback on this part of the works will also be welcomed. “I encourage local residents to vote for their favourite designs as it is a really critical element of the process,” she explained. The results from the consultation will form a significant part of the selection process of the winning design. It runs until Thursday, December 16. n For more information, visit: www. reading.gov.uk/kenavon-drive
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Craft items on sale at fayre
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
READING COMIC CON
AN ARTISTS and makers fayre will be held in Caversham on Saturday, December 11. The monthly event offers a chance to meet artists and craftspeople from across the Reading area. Everything available to buy is made by the exhibitors themselves, ensuring unique items that can’t be found elsewhere. Exhibitors on office include jewellers, wood-turners, fabric and felt artists, clay and pottery artists The event takes place at Caversham Methodist Church in Gosbrook Road from 10am, entry is free.
SALES: There were plenty of stalls selling merchandise
Christmas trees CHRISTMAS trees will be on sale at Caversham Court Gardens this Saturday. Econet will be selling the festive firs, along with seasonal decorations, between 9.30am and noon. There will also be stalls offering great gift ideas. And to add to the seasonal atmosphere, the Waltham St Lawrence Band will be performing from 10am to 1pm. The event is organised by the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens.
n For more details, log on to home.fccg.org.uk
STAR WARS: Two fans do battle
GUEST: Artist Lee Sullivan with some of his work
WHO YA GONNA CALL?: The Ghostbusters ready for action at Reading Comic Con
Fantastic fun at Reading’s comic con
SOUVENIR CITY: Some of the many items on sale at Reading Comic Con
COMFY: Cushions with a sci-fi theme
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Rural Pie Co Ltd,Unit 2 Apsley House, 27-29 London Road, Twyford, RG10 9EH
STAN THE MAN: Lauren Clarke with her daughter, Bibbie with “Stan Lee”.
By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today
THE worlds of film, TV and comics came together at Rivermead last weekend for a celebration of fantasy and scifi.
Creed Conventions returned to Reading for its annual ComicCon, after a year off due to covid. Actors from a host of film and TV series held signing sessions on both days, offering fans the chance to get autographs and professional photographs with their heroes. Guests taking part included Black Widow star Yolanda Lynes, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ Steve Cardenas, In The Flesh’s Emily Bevan, and impressionist and artist Jessica Martin. Also appearing were several members of the ITV contest Gladiators, Ronnie Le Drew — the voice of Rainbow puppet Zippy — and impressionist Steve
Pictures:
Nallon, who made a career of pretending to be Margaret Thatcher in the satire Spitting Image. Mark Benton, who stars in The Nevers, was on hand both days and took part in a panel discussion about the show. And, to take into account the covid times, there were four panels held on Zoom, including Laurette Spang from Battlestar Galactica and Freya Tingley from Once Upon A Time. Artists taking part included
MAGIC: Keziah & Adrian Whittaker with their wands for sale
Kev Sutherland, who led a comics masterclass, Dennis the Menace artist Nigel Parkinson, and Lee Sullivan, famous for drawing Doctor Who comic strips, as well as a critically acclaimed Robocop series. People could also see a range of props and exhibits from movies such as Star Wars, Transformers, and Jaws, buy goods from a range of exhibitors including Readingbased Crunch Comics, and take part in cos play activities.
THUMBS UP: Edgar (7), Ben and Libby Ash (10) enjoy their day out
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READING COMIC CON
W
ell hello there from Double-Barrelled Brewery!
ZIP IT: Zippy with Ronnie Le Drew, the puppeteer and voice behind everyone’s favourite
Welcome to our new monthly column all about Portman Road’s favourite microbrewery. If you haven’t heard of us before, we are a young brewery founded by myself and my husband Mike – originally brewing from our garage at home and now in our unit on Stadium Way. We are proud to be from Reading and love putting Reading on the map as one of the country’s best beer towns – so much so that we’ve called our year-round lager DING – brewed in and for our hometown! We love to make modern and exciting craft beers at Double-Barrelled - from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs all the way to zingy fruited sour beers and rich, dark stouts.
Steve Smyth
CONTENDER READY: Cobra from Gladiators SPOTTED: Leif Pugsley (6) asking his Mum for a new toy CHAIN GANG: A cos play from a delegate
COS PLAY: Guests could dress as favourite characters HERO: Beano cartoonist Nigel Parkinson with Dennis the Menace
This week we’ve released our latest stout – Lil’ Beans. This pocket-sized pint clocks in at 3.5% and proves that you don’t have to compromise on flavour when going for something more sessionable! Collaboration is a core part Co-founder and managing director, Luci of our ethos – we love working together with other brewers to learn and experiment with new and exciting ingredients. For Lil’ Beans we teamed up with our friends from Villages Brewery in London, using cacao husks and nibs, vanilla pods and tonka beans! Tonka bean? What’s that when it’s at home? These little black beans have a beautiful nutty spiciness that pairs beautifully with smooth vanilla and bitter chocolate – making for a perfect beer on a cold winter’s night! December is here once again, and that can only mean one thing: CHRISTMAS! Don’t panic though, the team at Double-Barrelled are here to help. With enough beers to get the party going, and gifts to put a smile on the face of the beer fan in your life, be sure to make us the first stop on your Christmas shopping trip! Join us at our onsite bar – The Taproom – every Friday and Saturday for brewery fresh beers to enjoy in, and cans to take home. And as an extra treat this Sunday we are playing host to Reading’s Indie Market! For one day only we turn the brewery into an indoor market hall, joined by local traders and makers with street food and artisan coffee too – could there be a better beer pairing? We’ll wait! Come and visit us on Sunday from 12 – 5.00pm, we can’t wait to see you! And if you can’t make it down to the brewery this weekend, or if you prefer to do your Christmas shopping online, we offer free Friday local delivery to selected RG postcodes for orders over £30 via our webstore. Christmas? Bring it on!
SIGN PLEASE: Sharon Davies meets a fan
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FRIENDLY, NEIGHBOURHOOD: Spider-man weaves his web at our photographer
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Book places for Santa Run IT’S STILL possible to book a place on this year’s Santa Run. The annual event takes place from Forbury Gardens on Sunday, December 12. There are two routes, 1km and 5km. Entrants wear a Father Christmas outfit and run around the town centre, raising money for charities in the process. The 1km run is suitable for all ages and abilities, with dogs, prams and bikes welcomed. This race starts at 9.30am, with the main run starting at 10am. The event is organised by Reading Rotary Club, and its fundraising focus this year is Reading Refugee Support Group and Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Entry costs £18 for adults running the 5km, and £10 for ages 11-16. There are special rates for teams, families and under 10s. The fee includes a Santa suit to wear, plus a medal for completing the course. There is a booking fee.
n For more details, log on to www. readingsantarun.co.uk
Discover history of town centre church
OPEN: The new bar on Gun Street serves a variety of cocktails Pictures: Lauren Southam Photography
THE COCKTAIL CLUB OPENS ON GUN ST READING’S newest cocktail bar launched with a bang last week. The Cocktail Club opened its doors on Friday, November 26, with a preview the evening before. The Gun Street venue is spread over two floors, with a small stage on its lower level. Dawn Donohoe, managing director of The Cocktail Club, said: “We are extremely excited
to be bringing our distinctive brand and party vibe to Reading. “Reading was targeted as part of our expansion plans, not only for its accessible location in the Thames Valley, but also for its thriving business landscape, and popularity as a booming cosmopolitan consumer destination. “We’re working round the clock to ensure our new site
s a m t s i Chr IS g n i m o C
Now taking Christmas Bookings Festive menu available 1st - 24th December
Christmas Day
3 courses + Free glass of bubbles £45 per person 12:00pm - 16:00pm
BOOK NOW www.the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk 0118 978 4529 355 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5LR
brings something to the town that’s never quite been seen before. Truly unique in terms of décor, staff and of course, cocktails.” The bar is open from 4pm. It closes at 1am Sundays to Wednesdays, 1.30am on Mondays and 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Two for one cocktails are available until 7pm each day.
The Cocktail Club opened in Reading with a party
THE HISTORY of one of Reading’s oldest churches will be explored in an online talk this Saturday. The Berkshire Family History Society is presenting the lecture, which will be given by Malcolm Summers and looks at Greyfriars Church. Originally part of a larger Franciscan friary, within a complex of other buildings — a chapter house, cloister, dormitory and others, it was shut down by Henry VIII. As well as being a church, it has served as Reading’s town hall, a poor house and a prison. During the civil war, it was a barracks, and even housed a pub. In 1863, it returned to its use as a parish church, a role it continues in today. The talk takes place from noon to 1.15pm, places cost £5 and should be pre-booked by Friday. n For more details, log on to berksfhs.org
Charity’s £460,000 gift to women’s organisations By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@rdg.today MORE THAN £460,000 has been distributed to 15 different charities and community groups across Berkshire to help tackle women’s and girls’ issues.
Berkshire Community Foundation, which works across the county to raise and donate money to vital causes, gave out over 66 grants in its 2020/2021 financial year. These figures were announced at the charity’s Together for Women event, which was held on Friday, November 5, at Monkey Island Estate, in Bray. It was attended by Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead, and sponsored by businesses, including CCLA, Conference Contacts, Monkey Island Estate and Reckitt. Over lunch, 80 female leaders in Berkshire’s corporate, civil and charitable sector heard an update on the charity’s Together for Women fund.
Launched in 2019, the fund helps tackle women’s issues, ranging from domestic abuse and homelessness to financial hardship, exploitation and modern slavery. Gerry Lejeune OBE DL, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “The problems of sexual abuse, modern slavery and domestic violence are historical and ongoing in Berkshire, exacerbated by isolation and poverty. “Thankfully, a lot is being done behind the scenes by the Thames Valley Police, statutory agencies and voluntary groups to ensure support is in place.” She added: “By bringing an interested, influential and important group of women together today, we hope to continue raising the profile of these crucial topics and, importantly, raise funds that enable us to support charities that provide women and girls a lifeline when it is most needed.” A silent auction, held together with the event, raised
PICTURE: Stewart Turkington
£5,000 and is set to close on Friday, November 12. Proceeds from the auction will go towards the Together for Women initiative, funding groups and activities across Berkshire that provide support to those in need. Pei-Leeng Yeoh, marketing manager of Monkey Island Estate and YTL Hotels, was delighted to host the event. She said: “As a hotel in Berkshire, lots of our staff and guests live locally, and we are so proud to support the local community, the Berkshire Community Foundation and all the great things that they do for vital causes in the area.”
11
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Modern retirement living, exclusively for the over 45’s If you’re looking for a convenient mix of town and country then our parks in Berkshire will allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted in a place that you’ll love. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the countryside safe in the knowledge that you have all the amenities you need right on your doorstep. Take your pick from a range of plot sizes and design your own brand-new home or simply purchase a fully-furnished move in ready home and start enjoying your new lifestyle immediately. Range of plot sizes available I Part exchange and assisted move schemes Reserve your plot today NE RE W P LE H AS AS ED E
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The best soundtrack? You’re the one that we want ...
How to Embed Performance Dialogue in Your Organisational Culture
A
RE you getting the best out of your team? You’ll want to ensure that individually and collectively, your team are delivering to the highest level, and key to this will be the dialogue you have with employees about their performance. Here are 5 things to focus on to embed performance dialogue in the culture of your organisation.
1. Make performance part of every conversation you have In our conversations at Organic P&O Solutions, we constantly assess what’s working, what’s not, and what incremental adjustments we need to make to improve our overall performance. It’s not always been easy, but has made us more effective. 2. Be alert to words matching actions Words can camouflage reality. I’ve met people who are clear about the principles of teamwork, but their observable behaviour demonstrably points to them not being natural collaborators or in another example, employers can be reluctant to discuss performance with employees whose results are below par yet they present as working hard.
IT’S the one that you want - and that’s official. The soundtrack to the hit musical, Grease, has been named the UK’s favourite movie soundtrack. A poll by Showcase Cinemas reveals the iconic 1978 flick saw off stiff competition from Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again to claim top spot. The research also found that the UK’s favourite song from a movie soundtrack is ‘I will Always Love you’ from The Bodyguard, while ‘Bare Necessities’ from Jungle Book and Circle of Life from The Lion King tied for favourite song from an animated movie. In the battle to be crowned the UK’s favourite tune from an animated movie, Baloo the Bear from 1967’s Jungle Book took joint top spot with “The Bare Necessities” alongside the Elton John composition “Circle of Life” from Disney favourite The Lion King. Support from the younger generation saw 21st century favourite “Let it Go” from Frozen propelled into the top three. Perhaps the most surprising result from the study saw one in five people (22%) choose “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita as their favourite song from a musical. The Andrew Lloyd Webber
Make a date throughout 2022 A LIMITED edition calendar has been created to celebrate Reading while raising funds for a worthy cause. TDP Photography has made a 2022 version with pictures of locations around the borough. Proceeds from calendar sales will go towards Home Start Reading, a charity which helps families with young children through challenging times. n For more details, visit: tdpphotography.co.uk
3. Encourage personal responsibility As an employer, you may help your team to stay healthy in body and mind by providing access to benefits such as healthcare, gym membership and wellbeing programmes. Your dialogue with employees needs to clarify that they need to do the things that keep them healthy and fit for work and life. 4. Provide direction & support Exactly what shape direction and support are depend on a wide range of variables. It will benefit both parties to confront and address challenges to avoid unwelcome surprises. 5. Be compassionate & ensure accountability You’ll need be compassionate and adaptable, accommodating personal responsibilities and commitments some employees may have outside of work, and recognising that not everyone’s energy flow naturally conforms to a 9 – 5 day. Be pragmatic and make sure there’s a quid pro quo about allowing employees to use work time for personal matters and vice versa. Can We Help You Put Performance in Your Dialogue? If you’d like to know more about the power of performance dialogue and how to embed its principles in your organisation, get in touch with us today!
Organic P&O Solutions
T: +44 1344 441 043 E: contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk
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composition edged its way to the top of the list despite fierce competition from Grease’s “Summer Nights” (21%) and “Grease” (20%), which both landed inside the top three. Mark Barlow, UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas, said: “The big screen has provided us with so many iconic soundtracks over the years that it is near impossible to choose a favourite. However, with its enduring popularity Grease took top spot, having maintained its status throughout several generations. “Elsewhere it was interesting to see the UK was unable to decide when it came to their favourite song from an animated movie, with both “The Bare Necessities” and “Circle of Life” providing a heart-warming dose of nostalgia whenever they are heard. “We are looking forward to the release of the latest instalment of the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and it was great to see a huge amount of people still recognise the iconic song “Ghostbusters (Who Ya Gonna Call?)”. The survey also revealed that more than seven in 10 people (71%) said a good film soundtrack is important to them, with only one in five saying it doesn’t matter to their enjoyment of a movie.
Step up to ladder safety
FAMILIES are being urged to step up their ladder safety this Christmas. New figures show that over 51,000 people ended up in A&E departments last year after taking a tumble putting up the tinsel. The NHS survey also showed that decorating the Christmas tree, and hanging lights inside or outside the house, were common causes for holiday hazards. British safety ladder company Henchman lists five steps to prevent festive falls and seasonal slips. Managing director Tom Kitching said: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people say, ‘It’s OK, I’ve done this loads of times — I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously on a ladder or steps? “The sad fact is that it can and does happen. Stretch out a bit too far on an indoor step ladder or lean a ladder against a tree or bush outside that suddenly gives way,
KEEP IT SAFE: Think before you use a step ladder this Christmas and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death. “Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.” The company’s five golden rules for ladder safety include making sure equipment is not damaged, have another person with you while using the ladder and checking the terrain and weather.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
The sixties? Ye there, and he CAN By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today THEY say if you can remember the sixties, you were probably not there.
Dennis Siggery, 75, certainly was there, and as his biography, Age Is Just A Number explains, he remembers everything from that decade. It tells of a young Dennis growing up as a working-class boy from Reading’s east end, being bullied over his dyslexia and stammer, and working a series of jobs, from butcher to scaffolder. It also recalls Dennis’ love of music, numerous fights as a Mod, owning a luxury home, running a successful business, walking out of a marriage, and ending up in a one-bedroom flat in Wokingham. When he turned 50, a time when many men are settling into slippers and a comforting middle-age spread, Dennis learned to play guitar and formed a band. Since then, he has recorded more than 30 albums, which sell all over the world. He is preparing to go on a European tour next year. “People ask me if I should be doing this at my age and I tell them age is just a number,” he laughs. “You have to do what you have to do whatever age you are. When I did my first gig, aged 50, I thought about where I’d be performing at 80, and I’m looking forward to that gig.” Being a teenager in Reading at the start of the 1960s, Dennis was an easy target for bullies mocking his stammer. “You quickly learn how to fight,” he explained. “I found reading difficult. Back then nobody really knew or talked about dyslexia but it was something people made fun of. “I did a lot of fighting, especially when I became a Mod. “My friends and I couldn’t afford our own mopeds so we drove around in an old car looking for Rockers to fight with.
“We always looked our best — smart and clean.” If the 60s was the decade of free love and drugs, Dennis admits to freely helping himself to both: “I remember 1966 being a particularly busy year with women,” he smiles. As he approached his 50th birthday, the successful businessman and father of two had a dramatic life-changing moment. It led to him to walking out of his marriage and job and deciding to become a musician. “Many people live a so-called normal life but after they die who remembers them?” he asks.
New minibuses open up WHITLEY school children can look forward to going on more school trips, thanks to two new minibuses. The buses will take children to activities that they would otherwise not have been able to go on. They have already been booked to take youngsters to football tournaments, theatre productions and residential trips. Charity Aspire2 fundraised to lease the vehicles, which are for shared use by the Whitley Excellence Cluster. The cluster is made up from 11 schools in the area. Charlie Clare, chair of trustees for Aspire2, said the new buses will make a difference to children attending Whitley schools by giving them new opportunities. “They will make it possible to take whole classes to a host of exciting events and places, in many cases for the very first time,” she
explained. “We hope that they learn from new experiences and have lots of fun.” The John Sykes Foundation donated £15,000 towards the leasing of the vehicles.
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es, Dennis was N remember it all
Fire Station receives skylift Spacephiller Phil Creighton
GOOD ROCKING: Dennis Siggery is still making music, even though he’s well into his 70s. Now he’s shared his life story in a gripping new book
Why I miss honeycomb balls
C
HRISTMAS 1983 was a watershed moment in our household. It was the last time that some of my favourite Christmas decorations were used.
HANDOVER: The new aerial ladder platform is handed over by Members of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority to firefighters at Whitley Wood Fire Station A NEW addition to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service fleet will help residents in an emergency.
“I will live on through my music. It’s hard to describe what genre it is, so I say it is a mixture of blues and rock. I know that somewhere in the world someone is playing one of my songs and listening to one of my albums, and they’ll continue to do that long after I’m gone. “The fact that I couldn’t play the guitar when I started wasn’t a problem. I just bought a book and taught myself. “I also now play the harmonica.” Dennis’ stammer does not affect him when he sings which is why, when his two daughters were married, he sang for them at their weddings rather than deliver a traditional speech.
“I was really nervous about standing up in front of a crowd and trying to make a speech, so I asked if I could sing instead because music is about telling stories. Everyone loved it,” he recalls. As he heads into his 76th year, Dennis has no desire to slow down: “I wrote the book during lockdown and now that’s done, it’s back to music. “There is always something I want to do and if people question it, I tell them age is just a number.” n Age Is Just A Number by Dennis Siggery and Henry Smithson is available on Amazon as an e-book £2.99, or a paperback £6.99.
opportunities for pupils GIFT: Reading borough mayor Cllr Rachel Eden was joined by Cllr Alice MpofuColes and Cllr Micky Leng for the presentation of two new minibuses to children in Whitley. The charity Aspire2 helped make this possible Picture: John Skyes Foundation
John Sykes, whose father was raised in Whitley, is the founder and chair of trustees. He praised the community spirit of Whitley. “We were delighted to support
Aspire2 fund these two minibuses and cannot wait to hear about the forthcoming adventures Whitley school children have,” he added.
n For more information, visit: www. aspire2whitley.com
The group has a new Aerial Ladder Platform, thanks to investment from the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority. The Bronto Skylift 45XR can reach up to 45 metres in height, and can help at more complex locations, or fires in flats. Built by Angloco on a Volvo chassis, the team have been learning the new equipment since August. It was then officially handed over from Royal Berkshire Fire Authority to firefighters at Whitley Wood Fire Station on Friday, November 19. Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said: “I am delighted that as a Fire Authority we have invested in this important equipment, which will
directly benefit residents of Royal Berkshire. “The new Aerial Ladder Platform has a significantly increased reach over the vehicle it replaces, which supports work to improve the Service’s response in complex operations and incidents within high-rise buildings.” Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer of RBFRS thanked the Fire Authority for its investment. “To maintain a modern fire and rescue service, it is important that we provide fit-for-purpose, 21st century operational equipment to support our firefighters in the delivery excellent services to the communities we serve,” he said. “This gives our residents the reassurance and confidence that we have the equipment and professional skill to respond quickly and highly effectively.”
POETRY CORNER
REINDEER RAP We’re a fly-high team, We’re a hot-hoof band, With our jingle bells From a magic land. When we pull that sleigh, When we go, man, go, When we bring F.C. With his: “Ho ! Ho ! HO !” When we get on down To your sleepy street, When we rock your roof To a hip-hop beat, When we stomp away
Through the starry sky, You can make a wish As we boogy by. You can shake your hands, You can stamp your toe, You can strut your stuff In the cool Yule snow, You can shout and cheer, Set the whole world clapping We’re the Reindeer Band And We’re Christmas Rapping !
Clare Bevan
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Goodness knows how old they were. Probably not much older than early 1970s, but they were magical to junior me. It’s hard to explain as they are not widely sold any more, probably because they’re a fire risk, but they started off folded flat and, as you unfurled them, they turned into multi-coloured balls. A quick Google reveals that they are honeycomb balls and, if you don’t mind going online, there are plenty of sites that flog them. When the decorations came down on Thursday, January 5, 1984, they were consigned to the great festive celebrations in the sky. The reason I remember this so clearly is – quelle surprise – it is the date that the first episode of the new Doctor Who story began. Let’s not go there, as it’s one of the worst stories ever made and stars the guys who did the pantomime horse in Rentaghost as the big baddie. Anyway, that Christmas my parents decided it was time to redecorate our lounge, taking away the naff 70s wallpaper that looked like someone had rolled a dirty cigar over the walls, and replace it with 1980s chic. Well, cracked ice wallpaper in the vernacular. When the walls were transformed, it would be the end of the gaudy decorations, the balloons and streamers, and, well, an era to be precise. Nearly 40 years on (how did that happen?) it still hurts, and I miss those honeycomb balls. It wasn’t just the décor – the excitement of Christmas coming, the anticipation of visits from Father Christmas, the joy of parties and even a bottle of pop made this time of year incredibly special. Even now, in my head, I can still smell those decorations, and I’m instantly transported back to happier times and places. Every home has its own Christmas traditions. Mine is very much not to have any as everything from post-Remembrance Sunday onwards is about helping you celebrate yours, be it the Winter Carnival, the light switch-ons, the pantomimes or the wonderlands. By the time I get to December 24, I’m already on to Valentine’s Day. Not that anyone sends me any, but that’s another story. A few years ago, I did try and create a magical, wonderful, exciting festive tradition based around the other end of 1984. Over six weeks, from November 21, 1984, through to Christmas Eve, Children’s BBC broadcast an adaptation of John Masefield’s classic children’s novel The Box of Delights. It’s a magical tale of a boy who returns home from public school for the Christmas holidays only to end up being chased by a vicar and a rat for a box. He also loses his shadow, sees flying cars, eats muffins and ends up the size of a matchbox. It was, at the time, one of the most technologically advanced programmes Auntie had ever made. As a child, it entranced me, as a grownup it is a comfort blanket amid all the winter woe. So, just as I did back in the 80s, I persuaded the family to watch it with me one episode a week in the run-up to Christmas. We managed two years of this, but there was a rebellion in year three. “The Box of Delights? We call it the box of boringness,” they said. I tried,. What makes Christmas magical for me won’t be what makes it special for you. I mention all this now as I’m watching The Box of Delights, on my own. I can’t be the only one who remembers this glimpse of Christmas past with so much fondness, can I?
30 | VIEWPOINTS READING’S NEW CHAMPION
Lights, shining in the darkness ACROSS Reading, homes everywhere are being decorated for the forthcoming Christmas season. From solitary snowmen, to National Grid-busting displays where no stone is left unturned in the bid to place a lightbulb, these displays do much to bring us seasonal cheer. These lights in the darkness have one simple aim: to put a smile on our faces, while encouraging us to give generously to various charities. This week, we highlight the amazing work of residents on Maybank in Shinfield. Their collective co-operation means that the street is truly a winter wonderland. It’s well worth the detour to see it. But it is not the only street with head-turning displays. If you have created one, we congratulate you. This is, for many, one of the hardest times of year, particularly with the short hours of daylight. Your displays really are lighting up the bleakness of the winter.
CHURCH NOTES
Christmas in Bethlehem
O
NE of the joys of my life as a minister is being able to visit people in their homes and it is truly wonderful the way people make one so welcome.
Naturally, some visits stand out, which was the case a few years ago in December. A visit to a couple who originated from the Holy Land; one of them was from Bethlehem itself. With Christmas approaching talk of the town of Jesus’ birth was inevitable. Some years ago, I had a month staying on the edge of Bethlehem. I recall the Bethlehem I saw in the heat of summer. A town which was a prison to those who lived there. A town over which Israeli settlements loomed despite being in contravention of United Nations Resolutions. A place where there was real poverty and deprivation. A place which knew the reality of military occupation. Since then, those settlements have increased in number and size and a high wall now surrounds the town separating farmers from their fields. I, and you, may catch the local bus from Jerusalem to the edge of Bethlehem. There we will be confronted by the massive concrete Wall; with our British passports we will be able to pass quickly through the checkpoint and into the town. Then maybe walk alongside the Wall photographing the amazing graffiti that through skill and irony protests about the occupation and oppression suffered by the people of Bethlehem. For us a foreign town but for the residents simply their home town, with at its centre Manger Square. As we anticipate enjoying our Christmas with family and friends, we should not forget all those for whom Christmas is not so filled with good things but we can still rejoice because God himself has entered our troubled world.
The Revd Robert Barthram is minister of the Reading Group of the United Reformed Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
A surprise to residents Last week’s article from the Reading University Vice Chancellor was a surprise to many Shinfield residents. It is difficult to recognise the University as being created by people from the local community, run by people in the local community, and to benefit the local community. Can this be the same University who has forced tens of thousands of houses onto the local community, all built on green farm land, pushed through planning by an army of highly paid ‘experts’, who have reneged on the wishes of families who bequeathed land for agricultural use and had to refer itself to the Charity Commissioner due to mismanaging Trustee responsibilities? Surely this cannot be the same University? Yet again we read about ‘ keenness to work with the local community’ on the next stage of creating Europe’s biggest housing estate across Shinfield and Arborfield. There is an issue of trust in this as the record over recent years, to be blunt, has been appalling. The article states that the University has a rich history and a global reputation for the study of agriculture and food. It is difficult to see how concreting over many hundreds of hectares of farm land, cutting down thousands of trees and miles of hedgerows (including some cut down during the nesting season) justifies this reputation. Where are the ‘agriculture students, the food producers of the future’, going to learn around Shinfield when all the local farms are been built on? As an estimate the University in the next few years will have concreted over the equivalent of 2500 football pitches around the Shinfield area alone. Unfortunately the actual sports pitches promised to benefit the local community have failed to appear. The article states that the University core principles include focussing on people and being engaged positively with the local community. The end of term report would read Must Do Better.
Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield
Let’s break the taboo over money
Last month I spoke to students, parents, and universities, as part of the government’s Talk Money Week. The conclusion? It is starkly apparent that all of us with children studying at university - or whose children one day hope to - must do more to talk about students, mental health, and money. As someone with extensive experience in the wellbeing of university students, the national state of student mental health is worse than any time in my 20 years of clinical work.
Hawa and her grandmother. Mary’s Meals is hoping you can help them this Christmas The recent Kortext State of UK Student Mental Health research revealed that nearly one-third of students have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. That is significantly more than the national average. And financial anxiety is playing a major part of this negative spiral. Things were already difficult pre-pandemic, with tuition fees rising to more than £9,000 a year, future home-ownership seemingly out of reach, and hidden costs, such as textbooks, adding on thousands. This financial uncertainty had become one of the most common factors in my case work with students -- leading in some cases to extreme mental health breakdowns. However, this economic pressure has massively increased since the first lockdown as, unlike other sectors, most students received no financial support. Worse still, many had to continue paying for housing they could not live in and face-to-face lectures they could not attend, come what may. Students told us in the annual National Student Survey that they were unhappy with their universities’ responses to blended learning, citing value for money as being a real issue. This in turn has had a significant impact on their mental health, and we cannot afford to turn our back on our young people when they need us most. It is likely that this generation will be the one that pays for the pandemic, literally. It is time now to focus on how we can support them. As a starting point, please can we all simply start to have open conversations with our children about their education finances? Money talk is still taboo for many in our society - even in close families - and if Talk Money Week allows us to open up those conversations, then that alone would make a real difference towards better financial and mental wellbeing for the students in our lives. If we don’t, we will be letting down a generation.
We must act now. Please start those conversations with the students in your life today.
Dr Dominique Thompson, Student Mental Health Campaigner, and Clinical Advisor for Student Minds
Christmas food – how you can help
The charm of the presents under our Christmas tree lies partly in their very different shapes and sizes. Perhaps the same could be said of our own families. None of them look the same. Take 12-year-old Hawa – she lives with her granny, an aunt and four cousins in Liberia. Often there is not enough food for her family to eat. Mary’s Meals serves nutritious food at school to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries, attracting them into the classroom where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty. More than two million children receive our life-changing meals every school day – including Hawa. I am pleased to tell you that, until January 31, donations made to our Double The Love campaign will be matched, up to £1.6 million, by a generous group of supporters. Those children receiving Mary’s Meals might not have a pile of presents to unwrap on Christmas morning, but their dreams are alive and well, thanks to those who share our belief that every child should have enough to eat and go to school. You can learn more about our work by visiting marysmeals.org.uk Have a wonderful Christmas,
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals
Check for symptoms of pancreatic cancer I’m writing to highlight the importance of learning the symptoms of the devastating disease pancreatic cancer.
Worryingly, our new survey tells us that nearly a third of people in the UK would wait three months or more to seek help from their GP if they had potential symptoms of pancreatic cancer. That’s at least three times longer than recommended. The findings also show that the pandemic is actively deterring people from contacting their doctor, with 31% saying they would delay seeking help for longer than usual. Pancreatic cancer symptoms - which can include tummy and back pain, indigestion. unexplained weight loss and oily floating poo are common to less serious health conditions and, tragically many people are diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment. I would urge anyone who experiences some, or all, of these symptoms persistently for more than four weeks to contact their GP. Early diagnosis is vital to give people the very best chance of survival. Pancreatic Cancer UK have made a short video explaining the symptoms we all need to look out for. Please watch and share it with your loved ones. It could help someone be diagnosed in time for lifesaving treatment. www.pancreaticcancer. org.uk/the-common-symptoms-ofpancreatic-cancer Our Specialist nurses are here to provide support and information to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer on our confidential support line on (Freecall: 0808 801 0707). Thank you,
Dianne Dobson, Pancreatic Cancer UK Specialist Nurse
Open up the train toilets please
I keep complaining politely that the toilets are always locked on the trains from Reading to Waterloo all people ask is to open them up for people with medical reasons, women and children especially when other networks are open.
Victor Rones, via email
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Affordable school uniforms: charity praises shake-up HELP: Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days Children’s Charity, providing uniforms during the shortage last year
By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today A CHARITY has praised legally binding guidance on making school uniforms affordable for families — but says more can be done.
WINTER WONDERLAND: Woodley Concert Band is preparing for a series of festiver shows
Woodley Concert Band prepares for Christmas performances WOODLEY Concert Band will be returning to the stage this Christmas. The group is hosting two concerts on Sunday, December 12, with a special one for families. Owen Lloyd, assistant director of music, said he is really excited to host the band’s Christmas concerts live and in person this year. “They’re always a real highlight of our annual calendar,” he said. “Jam-packed full of everyone’s favourite Christmas carols and songs, and the perfect way to kickstart the festive season.”
The group is hosting an hour-long family-friendly performance at 3pm, at Woodley Baptist Church. “We hope that this will be really appealing to families as a great opportunity to enjoy live music, get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the opportunity to sing along with a couple of carols, too,” Mr Lloyd said. “The music includes Frozen, extracts from The Nutcracker and a spectacular fanfare based on O Come All Ye Faithful — so there should be something for everyone.” Woodley Concert Band will
then host its full concert at 6pm. Tickets for the hour-long show cost £8 for adults and £2 for children. And tickets for the full show cost £14 for adults and £12 for over 65’s and under 16’s. The group performed at Henley Christmas Festival on Friday, and will be playing at an Addington School Christmas Concert on Monday, December 13. They will also be carolling in Woodley. n For more information, or to book, visit: www. woodleyconcertband.org.uk
New director of public health starts today THERE’S a new director of public health starting today. Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz has joined the Berkshire West region just as the covid pandemic takes a new phase. The region is a partnership between Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham boroughs. She was previously director of public health and public protection at Wiltshire Council, where she led on the local public health response to the nerve agent poisonings in Salisbury during 2018. She has previously worked in Reading as a public health strategist on sexual health. “I am thrilled to be joining a well-established and effective public health team at Berkshire West which has worked tremendously hard over the past 20 months on the local response to the pandemic.” Professor Daszkiewicz said. “I am looking forward to joining the local authorities
and partner organisations, to further strengthen the public health offer to achieve the best possible health improvement and protection for our communities. “ The appointment has been welcomed by Cllr Graham Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Health. “Professor Daszkiewicz comes to Reading with a great deal of experience of public health issues under her belt, which I am certain will be invaluable to the Berkshire West region over the challenging weeks and months to come,” he said. “Residents have responded magnificently to the public health pandemic, with the vast majority making sensible decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones. “It is important we all continue to follow public health guidance and one of the key Public Health roles will be to continue to reinforce those key messages in the weeks ahead.”
The Government has published new advice on the subject, with suggestions that include keeping branded uniform to a minimum and encouraging high-street options. It also states that all schools need to have second-hand uniforms available as an affordable option that also helps the environment. The Department for Education (DfE) guidance means that schools in England must ensure that school uniform costs are reasonable, and parents get the best value for money. The changes come into effect next autumn. Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days Children’s Charity welcomed the move. She said that it is a good first step, and looks forward to working with schools on implementing the new guidance. Ms Cantrell added: “Every step towards affordable school uniforms is a step in the right direction, however, the requirements set out in this guidance do not go far enough for the families we support. “A lot of work still needs to be done to make the requirements a reality, and the wording of this bill leaves a lot of room for schools to avoid the changes that are really needed to make uniforms truly affordable. “The truth is, even with these recommendations, a school uniform is still a cost that many household budgets cannot stretch to.” Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said
some parents have had to cut back on essentials, including food and heating, to afford school uniforms. “For too many years the cost of school uniforms has been a heavy financial burden on many families, causing money worries and even debt,” he said. “These new guidelines that make sure school uniforms are affordable are extremely welcome. “We hope schools are able to start working with the guidance, which should ultimately make it much easier for families to kit out their children for school without breaking the bank.” Ms Cantrell said uniforms should make children feel equal to their peers, well equipped and comfortable. “Schools need a uniform that encourages a good learning environment, and parents need to not be expected to spend, as is true for those with the lowest income, over three weeks full income on school uniform alone,” she said. Her charity’s school uniform project will continue to make second-hand uniforms and equipment available to those who most need it. Ms Cantrell hopes to destigmatise a culture of second hand uniform recycling, and empower families to make the most of the resources in the community. Research from the DfE in
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The Ramblers Sun 5 Dec Christmas Music
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2015 showed that parents can save almost £50 if they can buy all school uniform items from any store, as opposed to a designated shop or school. In the UK, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothes end up in landfill every year. The DfE hopes that encouraging families to use second-hand uniforms will reduce waste and bring down emissions from manufacturing new garments. The new guidance also requires schools to use competitive and transparent contracts with suppliers. Should schools need to tender to secure a new contract, they have until December 2022 to do this. Matt Easter, co-chair of the Schoolwear Association, said he welcomes the guidance. “It takes a balanced and proportionate approach to ensure that parents get good value for money from uniforms, without creating unreasonable burdens on schools or uniform suppliers,” he said. “Importantly, it reinforces that the majority of schools are already doing the right thing and, in most cases, will already be fully, or almost, compliant. “We are committed to helping schools understand the implications of the guidance for their uniform policies, and will continue to work with them to ensure that the process of choosing a supplier remains as robust, competitive, and easy.”
Sampling the best of Christmas foods Authentic Curry menu & more in the Café. All Departments Open. See website.
Christmas too!
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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
Lights, Camera, Action - TV and Films Studios Come to Winnersh
Hollywood is coming to Winnersh Triangle. Frasers Property UK announced that long-term lease contracts have been exchanged with Stage Fifty, at its 90-acre business park, Winnersh Triangle, near Reading. Stage Fifty, a company that specialises in building film and TV stages, is opening its second UK site at Winnersh Triangle. It will bring an estimated £50m economic boost to the UK economy annually, creating around 500 new jobs in the UK film and production sector, and supporting a further 500 indirect jobs in the supply chain. The deal will ultimately create around 120,000 sq ft of studio space, one of these studios will be the world’s largest fully encapsulated virtual production stage. The stage easily fuses computing graphics with live-action footage in real-time and will be supported by 25,000 sq ft of offices and 50,000 sq ft of workshops. Stage Fifty specialises in providing the film and TV industry with purpose-built studio space and innovative production services. The deal enables Stage Fifty to immediately operate at the business park, providing workshop space and offices for production use, with the first of the bespoke sound stages, to be delivered in 2022. Key to the development is a purpose-built virtual production stage that measures 30,000 sq ft. The stage is being created in partnership with Fin Studio Pictures and features an 84m x 7m screen with more than 140 million pixels. The UK studio market continues to cater for the ever-growing demand for filming space, primarily from U.S. Rupert Batho, Commercial Director, Frasers Property commented: “The diversity of accommodation at Winnersh Triangle, combined with our market leading facilities and integrated transport infrastructure, has been at the heart of attracting Stage Fif ty. It joins the likes of Pip Studios, Virgin Media and Evertz, thus expanding our technology enriched, creative industry cluster and provides the film industry with much needed capacity here in the UK. This is a transformational step in the continued evolution of Winnersh Triangle as one of the Thames Valley’s most dynamic economic areas.” James Enright, CEO, Stage Fifty, said: “Winnersh Triangle is the perfect site for our second film studio in the UK. In partnership with Fin Studio Pictures, we’re building the world’s largest VP volume, which will be the centrepiece of our pioneering creative tech hub. The substantial investment in the site will grow the UK economy, support existing local businesses, and create hundreds of new jobs at the studios and throughout the wider supply chain. We’ve redeveloped existing spaces on the site to create offices and workshops that are in use now, and the stages at Winnersh Film Studios, including the VP stage, will be operational in 2022. Our stages are robust, high-quality, and quick to build. And as 90% of the construction materials are reusable or recycled, they’re more sustainable too.”
www.winnershtriangle.co.uk
Reading success leads to expansion By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today AN AMERICAN burger chain says that the success of its new Reading branch means it’s looking to open another 50 sites across the UK next year.
Wendy’s opened in the summer in the former Nationwide branch at the junction of Friar Street and Station Road in the town centre. It has been followed by branches in Stratford, Oxford, Romford and, last month, Croydon, as well as five ‘dark kitchens’ to offer deliveries on sites such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats. The company had originally intended to open 10 additional outlets next year, but the company is growing. The Croydon branch was the company’s 1,000th international restaurant. Abigail Pringle, president, international and chief development officer, said: “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Wendy’s and we are proud to achieve this significant growth milestone with the help of our franchise partners, dedicated restaurant crew, support centre team and
NEW HOME: Wendy’s Reading branch supplier partners around the globe. “Together, we have built a solid foundation, great momentum and have a very bright future ahead.” On the additional sites, she told the i newspaper: “We have seen incredible success that outperformed our expectations, and it’s clear to us that customers are loving our fresh, highquality food.” The company launched in the US in 1969, with a branch in Ohio. It’s USP is offering made-to-order square hamburgers. Other staples of its menu include chilli, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert. Worldwide, it has around 6,900 restaurants.
Save money on water bills BUSINESSES can now get help to reduce their water bills thanks to a new online tool from Thames Water. The company has launched a Business Water Use Calculator specifically for the leisure, retail, hotel and hospitality sectors, as well as offices, and is available to use across the country. It will help identify low or no cost ways
to reduce water consumption and in turn offer solutions for businesses to become more sustainable and potentially save money on water and energy bills. The company says that simple actions can lead to reductions on their usage. These include fixing dripping taps and leaks, and using water- saving devices in
Christmas fayre at Winnersh Triangle A SPECIAL festive fayre is coming to Winnersh tomorrow, offering people the chance to get into the Christmas spirit. Frasers Property UK, the owners of Winnersh Triangle business, says it will be a beautiful outdoor Christmas market, featuring a host of stalls, including local sustainable, festive and artisan sellers. There will also be an outdoor bar serving mulled wine, beer, soft drinks, and food trucks available. The event is open to occupiers of the business park and residents living near Winnersh, Woodley, Wokingham or further afield. It takes place on Thursday, December 2, from 11am-3pm on The Green, next to the 100 Building on Eskdale Road in Winnersh Triangle. The business park is home to a host of amenities for the local community, including MOVE HQ the state-of-the art sports facility which recently opened, and a brand new astro turf pitch. Rupert Batho, commercial director at Frasers Property said: “There is so much to rediscover at Winnersh Triangle, so we are delighted that we can host an outdoor Christmas market this year. “We look forward to welcoming our supportive local community to the park for some festive shopping, fabulous food or a glass of mulled wine. It’s the perfect start to the Christmas season.”
toilets, showers and urinals. Andrew Tucker, head of demand reduction at Thames Water, said: “At a time when businesses face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, reducing their water use can be a really quick win. “We’ve been visiting businesses for several years, supporting them to reduce their water use and are welcomed with open arms
when they realise that by saving water, they can not only improve their environmental footprint but also save money on water and energy bills.” The company says it can take just 10 minutes to use. n For more details, visit https://www.thameswater. co.uk/wholesale/nonhousehold-customers/ business-water-savingcalculator
Charity raises £8,000 at women’s brunch A CHARITY that helps women return to work is celebrating fundraising success. Smart Works Reading held a fashion-themed brunch on Friday, November 12. The event at Badegmore Park, Henley, raised more than £8,000. More than 80 guests enjoyed a morning of shopping followed by brunch, a charity auction, and a panel discussion by leading female figures in the fashion industry. Charity ambassador Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, a fashion stylist and writer, hosted a panel discussion with Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of online fashion brand Scamp & Dude, and Pip Durell, founder of With Nothing Underneath. Sarah Burns MBE, chair of Smart Works Reading, thanked the panelists for giving an insight into leading
BRUNCH: The charity helps women return to work. Picture: PixelLit Commercial Photography
a fashion brand. “They are all such strong, inspirational women and really made the day,” she said. Ms Burns also thanked attendees for the funds they raised. “It will allow us to take our
service to even more women across the Thames Valley,” she added. The Smart Works Reading centre, on London Street, is one of seven Smart Works sites across the UK. It offers individual support such as
clothes styling and interview coaching to women returning to work. Since opening in the Thames Valley in 2015, the charity has helped 700 women get a job. n For more information, see: reading.smartworks.org.uk
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Sewage discharges: write to me, say MP, while Thames Water urges people to help them By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today CONCERNED about the Government’s recent vote on sewage discharge? Write to Matt Rodda.
The Reading East MP says he wants to hear from constituents amid concerns that the planned revision to the current policy doesn’t go far enough. “The government has made concessions on sewage, but a whole range of bodies are still concerned,” he said. “All the Government is legislating for is a slow reduction, letting companies make small changes each year (to the amount of sewage discharged into rivers). “The government’s wording is a ‘progressive reduction’. All it means is a very small change each year. It doesn’t say how much better it would get. “We don’t think that’s good enough.” He added: “Please get in touch with me, we will be looking at the impact of sewage, and sewage treatment stations. There’s a number of them on the Thames.” Mr Rodda said he wanted to discuss with Thames Water some of the issues, including whether greater capacity could be created at sewage plants so that if there is an incident, such as a sudden storm that causes flooding, it wouldn’t lead to more raw sewage ending up in rivers. “The Government needs to put more pressure on the water companies,” he added. However, Thames Water has sought to reassure residents that it is doing all it can to mitigate any discharges. Last month, it was fined £4 million at Aylesbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to a pollution incident in Oxfordshire in 2016. Richard Aylard, Thames Water’s sustainability director, said: “We are deeply sorry for this incident in 2016 and the entirely unacceptable pollution that was caused to the Seacourt Stream, following a blockage of our sewer. “We pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and accept the judgment of the Court that we failed badly by not inspecting and cleaning this part of the sewer system. “But things have changed. As part of the comprehensive turnaround programme launched by our new Chief Executive we are doing five times as much sewer cleaning as we were in 2016. “Our view is that it’s unacceptable for untreated sewage to enter rivers, even when legally permitted, and we have an unprecedented amount
DISCHARGE: Residents have their part to play in ensuring sewers don’t overflow Picture: Greg Reese from Pixabay of investment directed towards safeguarding our rivers and streams, including spending more than £1.25 billion at our sewage treatment works during our current five-year business plan.” The company says that the reason discharges happen can vary according to location. It could be caused by rainwater overwhelming sewers, blockages in the network, or the treatment sites not having enough capacity. Reading’s sewage treatment works is one of the newer sites in Thames Water’s network, opened in 2005. It is designed to cope with a flow of 4,000 litres per second and is one of the most advanced in the country. On completion it ended the Whitley Whiff, thanks to odour control measures in place. The Blake’s Lock pumping station is instrumental to its working, helping keep the waste moving. Waste undergoes a special process to filtrate it. Sludge — organic solids of human waste — is pumped to four 20m high egg-shaped anaerobic digesters, killing off harmful pathogens in the water and creating biogas. This can be fed into the National Grid, creating energy from waste. The site works around the clock to help treat the region’s waste. However, new housing developments being connected to the mains can put increased pressure on infrastructure. As populations grow, and the number of developments increase, there are concerns that this could make sewer flooding and storm overflows more likely. The water industry is calling for government to take steps to amend the “right to connect” —
where homes are plugged into the sewer network — with a duty on developers to do more to keep surface water separate from waste water. The industry adds that it is vital that any connections are made as part of a strategic plan to ease the burden on sewers, as well as a greater use of sustainable drainage solutions such as ponds and swales, to keep surface water out of sewers in the first place. And residents can help by maintaining some permeable or green space on their properties rather and having front and rear gardens completely paved over. This helps reduce surface water running off into the sewers and filling them up, by allowing it to naturally soak down into the ground. One of the schemes that Thames Water is exploring is funding sustainable urban drainage solutions (SUDS) in the region, working with local authorities to reduce the amount of surface water entering the sewers. To reduce groundwater infiltrating the system through cracks in the pipes, or where two sections of pipe are joined together, Thames Water relines pipes with plastic liners that are slid inside the pipe and then set hard, forming a watertight inner lining, to keep groundwater out. On blockages, Thames Water has a huge programme of work to inspect and clean sewers, especially in blockage hotspot areas. The firm says it is using high-tech monitors to track where there may be blockages in the network and to clear them before they impact customers. There are more things that residents can do, including saving fat and oil for the doorstep food waster collection
rather than pouring them down the sink. It is important not to flush anything other than human waste and loo roll: wipes, sanitary products, condoms and nappies should be disposed of in waste collections. Keeping the sewers clear of blockages means more capacity
in them; they don’t fill up as quickly, and therefore overflows or discharges are less likely. A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Our aim will always be to try and do the right thing for rivers and for the communities that love and value them. By working with local partners we’re actively listening to our customers, who want us to do more. Our planned investment in our sewer network and upgrading sewage treatment works across our region will help improve the situation, and we are looking carefully at using naturebased solutions to address the challenge ahead. “It’s our view that discharges of untreated sewage are simply unacceptable, even when they are legally permitted, and we support the measures in the bill that will reduce storm overflows. We’ll work with the government, Ofwat and the Environment Agency to accelerate work to stop untreated discharges being necessary. “We have a long way to go — and we certainly can’t do it on our own — but the ambition is clear.”
Why whiskers? Talk has answers WHY animals have whiskers is the theme of a lecture taking place online tomorrow evening. The Berkshire Mammal Group has teamed up with the Cole Museum of Zoology for the hour-long event. Called The Walrus’s Whiskers And The Mouse’s Moustache: Why Do Animals Have Whiskers?, Dr Robyn Grant from the Manchester Metropolitan University will discuss the issue. Much of what we know, she says, comes from studying a few species. The lecture looks at their development, evolution and function. The event runs from 7.30pm. n Places can be booked by emailing berksmammals@gmail. com
Arts festival A WINTER arts festival will be held in East Reading on Saturday, December 11. Running at St Barts’ Theatre in St Bartholomew’s Road, the event will see a number of local businesses selling presents. There will also be performances by the theatre’s resident dance companies. A tombola, a raffle and games will be on offer and refreshments will be served. The event runs from 2pm to 5pm, and entry is free. n For more details, log on to https://www.readcollege.org/
Eat
DRINK and be
MERRY WHERE WILL YOU
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Whether you’re pla nning a pre-Christmas l u nch pa rty for work col leag ues or dinner with close friends, we’l l ma ke su re it’s a specia l a nd memora ble event. Pre-Christmas lunches and dinners can be booked now for 22 November – 23 December (Sundays not included). All you need to do is complete the booking form or ca l l Sa nta’s little hel pers at The Waterside. Christmas crackers a nd pa rty hats wil l be on you r ta ble. Wa nt to add more goodies? Have a chat with Sa nta’s Little Hel per who wil l be a ble to sort it out for you.
CALL US ON 0118 342 0171 TO BOOK YOUR TABLE info@watersidewood ley.co.u k watersidewood ley.co.u k
The Waterside, Fairwater Drive Wood ley, Berkshire RG5 3EZ
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Artists get together LIKE-MINDED artists are invited to join a collaborative get together taking place in Caversham on Monday. Art Soul is a monthly event for people to take part in art or creative activities in a peaceful, creative sanctuary. The kettle is on, and there’s a chance to discuss ideas with others and showcase works in progress. Places need to be booked in advance, and cost £6. It takes place at @Creativ. Spaces, in Southview Business Park off Marsack Street, from 7pm to 8.30pm. n For more details, log on to: www.madebytamalia.co.uk/ adult-clubs
Phoenix sing carols CHRISTMAS carols will be sung in Reading Minster Church later this month, thanks to Reading Phoenix Choir. The group will be performing a festive concert at 5pm on Saturday, December 11. The programme includes a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar carols, with opportunities for audience participation. It will raise funds for the Reading Minster Sanctuary project. Tickets cost £7.50 on the door or £6 in advance. n For more details, log on www.readingphoenixchoir.com/ carols
BIG BUTTON: Duke Ahmed (who is being treated for throat cancer) switches the lights on watched by Liam Murray (organiser)
GOOD NEIGHBOURS: Maybank residents at the lights switch on in Shinfield on Sunday evening Pictures: Steve Smyth
Let there be lights... A LITTLE corner of Shinfield has been lit up for Christmas — and two charities will get some festive cheer as a result, writes James Hastings. A team of volunteers worked through rain, sleet and snow to install 23 houses in Maybank, Shinfield Meadows with a string of colourful decorations. Liam Murray, one of the organisers, said it took three days to complete the job that will raise hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Epilepsey Action. “We started last Friday and the weather was lovely, but Saturday was atrocious and
Sunday almost as bad,” he said. “We got just about every type of weather imaginable, but everyone worked on regardless. It cleared up a bit, and just as we switched the lights on around 5pm, the snow started to fall, which was really magical.” Only five houses were involved when it started five years ago, but Liam’s team have received inquiries from other householders to be included next year. “In the past, we were climbing up and down ladders which was really exhausting and time consuming so this time we hired a cherry picker,
which was so much easier. The company, Sunbelt Rentals, gave us a really reduced price and we’ve also had great sponsorship from local estate agents, Dan and Neil. “Hundreds of people come to Maybank to admire the lights. Every house contributes to the cost, and they have a poster with a QR code in the window, which people can use to send a donation. “The lights will stay up until January 1, and it’s always a bit sad when they are taken down, but they do brighten the area on these winter nights and raise a lot of money for charities.”
Wokingham Advent Performances A selection box of orchestra, jazz, pop, and a Christmas tune or two Join us in December with free in person & live-streamed performances
All events 7pm to 8:30pm Saturdays 4th, 11th & 18th December Wokingham Town Hall Christmas Eve The Ship Inn Limited spaces, don’t forget to book www.wokinghamadvent.org.uk
ALL ON: Maybank is a winter wonderland, and is welcoming visitors this Christmas
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
FROMTHECOURTS n A READING man who failed to attend telephone appointments as part of his suspended sentence order has admitted the breach. Joshua Preston, 25 and from Vachel Road, was fined £100 and ordered to pay £75 costs.
n A CALCOT man who handled a stolen car has been ordered to pay £1,928 compensation. Liam Scott Charlton, 38 and from Royal Avenue, had the vehicle on July 25, 2018. He had initially pleaded not guilty and requested a summary trial, but at a hearing on September 21, Charlton changed his plea. No order for costs was made in light of his compensation order. Charlton may repay at a rate of £50 per month. n A TILEHURST man stopped at the village’s railway station has been fined £69. A police search found that Peter Michael Cripps, 40 and from Romsey Road, had a quantity of the class A drug heroin on his person, and a quantity of diamorphine. The incident took place on April 2. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services; the drugs were destroyed. n A NEWTOWN man who stole a car worth £1,200 has been jailed for four weeks. Mohamad Hamza, 19 and
Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks In addition to the fine, he must pay £85 costs and £44 to victim services.
from Liverpool Road, carried out the theft sometime between February 9 and 13 last year. At Reading Magistrates Court on September 22, he pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £128 to victim services. No compensation order was made due to the custodial sentence. No order for costs was made due to Hamza’s means. n A READING man who harassed a woman has been given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 24 months. Sabian Nelson, also known as Ashen Nelson, pleaded guilty to following his victim to a store, visited her home, made 30 calls from an unknown number; contacted her via social media, knocked on her door and was arrested on the road. On the final day, Nelson made 19 calls to her. The 33-year-old from London Road was ordered by magistrates to undertake a rehabilitation programme and undertake 150 hours of community service. He must also pay £85 costs and £128 to victim services. n A READING man who was found to be in possession of cannabis was fined £100. Kevin Abone, 24 and from Spey Road, was stopped in Reading on January 27. In addition to the fine, he
was ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. The drugs were destroyed. n A TEENAGER who was found to have a knife in her possession when stopped by police has been given an 18-month conditional discharge. Samantha Melissa Sturgess, 19 and from Ardler Road, also known as Sammy, was in Reading on February 20, last year. In addition to the discharge, Sturgess was ordered to pay £85 costs and £22 to victim services. n A DRIVER who was caught exceeding the speed limit has been fined £440 and given six points on his licence. Babar Wahid Malik, 38 and from Windrush Court, was caught doing 43mph on Tilehurst Road, a 30mph zone, on July 30 last year.
Police warning over lottery scam letters By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
n A READING man who was clocked exceeding the smart motorway temporary speed limit has been fined £100. Ajith Jude Kettiatatchy, 59 and from Wantage Road, was driving on the M4 on October 10 last year. The speed limit at the time was 50mph, and he was seen doing 62mph. In addition to the fine, he was given three points on his licence, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. At the same sitting of Reading Magistrates Court, held on September 24, Kettiatachy was found guilty of the same offence, but on October 25 last year. For this he was fined £100, and given an additional three points on his licence. n A READING man who was found guilty of dumping waste next to garages in Chester Street has been fined £1,000. Tadas Dumbauskas, 40 and from Chester Street, carried out the offence on March 9. He pleaded guilty at a hearing on September 24 at Reading Magistrates Court. In addition to the fine, he must pay £625 costs and £100 to victim services. n A FOOD STORE on Oxford Road has been fined a total of
£500 for having noisy fridges. MAY Oxford Ltd was visited by Reading Borough Council on February 24 and March 23 this year to inspect the refrigeration condenser units. They were found to be a statutory nuisance and that the store had failed to comply with an abatement order served under section 80(1) of the environment protection act 1990. Each offence carried a £250 fine, and the store was ordered t pay £250 costs and £50 to victim services. The case was heard at Reading Magistrates Court on September 24. n A READING woman who stole meat worth £23 from Sainsbury’s and assaulted a man has been ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity. Samantha Nichola Lane, 39 and from Laburnam Gardens, carried out the theft at a branch of Sainsbury’s in Reading on March 27. The assault was on the same day. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation, and banned from entering the Shinfield Road branch of Sainsbury’s for 12 months. No order for costs was made. At the same sitting of Reading Magistrates Court, on October 4, she pleaded guilty to stealing detergent worth £90 from Sainsbury’s on May 21; stealing detergent worth £81
on May 20; stealing detergent worth £71.20 on May 13; stealing meat and detergent to an unknown value on May 15; stealing detergent worth £62.20 on May 18; stealing detergent worth £144 on May 20; stealing meat worth £16 on May 3; stealing meat worth £40 on May 7. n A CAVERSHAM woman who stole alcohol worth £21.14 from a branch of B&M in Reading has been given an 18-month conditional discharge. Danielle Courtnage, 36 and from Blossom Road, carried out the theft on May 7 this year. She then failed to attend a hearing on June 1. Reading Magistrates Court heard her case on October 7 and she was fined £100, and ordered to pay £4.99 compensation and £200 costs, at a rate of £10 per fortnight. n A MAN staying at the Tower House Hotel on Wokingham Road in Reading has been given a 12-month conditional discharge and fined £50 for using a bank card that wasn’t his. Jason David Vinton, 47, admitted buying scratchcards from July 21 in Reading. He was also guilty of drug driving on the same day. Vinton can pay at a rate of £20 per month.
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IN IT TO WIN IT: You can only win a lottery if you have entered it Picture: jacqueline macou from Pixabay
A WARNING has been given over fake lottery wins.
Thames Valley Police’s Action Fraud department says a number of residents have been victim of scams in recent weeks after being told they have won a lottery or prize draw. However, to collect their nonexistent winnings, they need to pay a fee. The scammers attempt to steal the victim’s money, as well as personal and financial information. Between April and October, Action Fraud said they received 629 reports of lottery fraud, with nearly nine in 10 attempts mentioning well-known prize draws such as the People’s Postcode Lottery. Three-quarters of victims were aged 50 or over, and those aged 65 or over accounted for 40% of the reports. Action Force says that fraudsters use gift cards as a form of payment as they can be easily redeemed and sold on. The criminals don’t need the physical card to redeem the value as they ask the victims to share the serial code on the back of the card.
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In other instances, victims reported being asked for personal and financial information to obtain their alleged winnings. Some victims reported providing their bank details thinking they would be sent a small payment to verify the account. However, the criminals will use these details to steal the victim’s money. Action Force says that people should apply stop, challenge and protect principles when approached by strangers bearing gifts. STOP: Unsolicited offers of large sums of money in return for a small upfront payment should always raise a red flag. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with money or information could keep victims safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? Remember, it is not possible to win a prize in a competition that the victim didn’t enter. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic victims. PROTECT: Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud, should contact their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. For further protection advice around lotteries and competition can be found on the Gambling Commission’s website. n For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www. ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware
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COUNCILNEWS
By LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER Tevye Markson
Concerns over Reading’s traffic pollution levels TRAFFIC is back at pre-pandemic levels and pollution is three-to-four-times World Health Organisation guidelines, according to local climate campaigners.
At a Reading Borough Council meeting last week, John Booth from Reading Friends of the Earth raised concerns that Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) concentrations in Reading are likely to be four times the WHO air quality recommendations. The concerns were raised at the Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport committee on Tuesday, November 16. Replying, Cllr Tony Page, RBC’s lead member for Environment, said: “The new WHO guidance levels are a sobering reminder that air pollution causes a health impact on us all, especially the vulnerable, at much lower levels than everyone used to think. “It shows that we must continue to work to reduce air pollution levels beyond the current target values to ensure that the burden on the cardiorespiratory health of the residents of Reading is minimised as much as possible.” Mr Booth also pointed out that PM2.5 microparticle levels on Caversham Road are more than three times WHO’s recommended maximum. Cllr Page said that most of the UK is above the recommended maximum levels for PM2.5, and there are limitations as to what RBC can achieve when trying to reduce this pollutant, as it is a transborder pollutant. Approximately a third of PM2.5 pollution comes from Europe and around 15 per cent from naturally occurring sources, Cllr Page said. PM2.5 pollutants are responsible for 5.6% of deaths in Reading, he added, and
said the council is working to reduce local sources such as solid fuel burning and vehicle emissions, including tyre and brake wear, as well as tail pipe emissions. He said the council has also applied for funding for sensors to monitor PM2.5 levels. But Mr Booth said that local emissions alone seemed equivalent to the WHO guidelines in some places. The WHO says that exposure to PM2.5 can cause diseases to our cardiovascular and respiratory system, provoking, for example, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mr Booth also asked when the council would reconsider introducing toll charges on the two road bridges over the Thames, to reduce through-traffic. Cllr Page said the council is still assessing travel behaviours postpandemic, continues to actively engage with neighbouring authorities to agree the next steps for reducing River Thames crossing congestion and
remains determined to work on plans to deter these journeys. Plans for a clean air zone in Reading were scrapped after investigations found there would be “limited environmental and financial benefits”. Cllr Page added at the meeting that a clean air zone in Reading is currently not possible as it is “too expensive”, with all other councils introducing a clean air zone having received external funding. He said that road-user charging would have to be brought in to fill a financial black hole left as cars go electric in the coming years. In 2017, Reading Friends of the Earth submitted a 400-signature petition calling for action so that Reading’s air quality would meet World Health Organisation guidelines. Those guidelines were substantially tightened in September, and in some places in town pollutant concentrations are around three or four times the new guidelines, which Reading Friends of the Earth says are “not safe limits” themselves.
Vietnamese restaurant planned for Kings Walk in Reading town centre A VIETNAMESE restaurant could be coming to the town centre near to Reading’s only restaurant of the same cuisine. Plans have been submitted to Reading Borough Council (RBC) for a new Vietnamese restaurant called Banh Mi QB in the same food village as Pho on King Street. Ngoclinh Limited is seeking a licence to sell alcohol from the premises — Unit 8, The Village, 19-23 King Street — from 11am to 11pm. The council’s licensing team said the unit has been a storage space for another unit for at least the last five years. This will be the second attempt from a business to create a competitor to large Vietnamese chain Pho in Reading. MumMum lasted just six months. Pho was Reading’s first Vietnamese restaurant, opening in 2017. Global private equity firm TriSpan recently acquired a majority stake in Pho for £40 million, with British couple and founders Stephen and Juliette Wall remaining in executive roles. The Walls launched the chain following a visit to Vietnam, opening the first branch in Clerkenwell in
FOODIE DESTINATION: Kings Walk in Reading Picture: Tevye Markson/ Local democracy reporter
2005. There are now more than 30 Pho eateries across the UK. Banh Mi is a Vietnamese baguette, influenced by the French occupation of Vietnam. It was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the mid-19th century, during the Nguyen dynasty, and became a staple food by the early 20th century. During the 1950s, the first distinctly
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Vietnamese-style baguette was created in Saigon, called Banh Mi Sai Gon, which became a popular street food. Banh Mi is filled with savoury ingredients such as chả lụa (pork sausage), coriander, cucumber, pickled carrots, and pickled daikon combined with condiments from French cuisine such as pâté, as well as red chili and mayonnaise.
Revised plans to increase number of apartments THE former town centre offices used by NatWest could become 17 flats under plans for the Market Place site. Previous plans to turn the old bank offices in into 14 apartments were approved in October. But International Mobility Ltd has now submitted new plans to Reading Borough Council (RBC) to transform the vacant NatWest offices at 11-12 Market Place into 19 one-bed apartments over four floors. Stevensons, a clothing shop below the offices, will stay, under the plans. Some of the one-bed flats will be for one occupant and others will be for two people. The offices have been empty since NatWest vacated them in January 2020. The flats would be accessed from the existing door that gained access to the offices.
Other plans nearby
Several attempts have been submitted made to turn the Soane Point offices next door into flats. A fourth plan, for 93 flats, was approved in September after a
PLANS: The former NatWest offices could become apartments Picture: Lorenzo Cafaro from Pixabay 144-flat plan and two 100-flat plans were refused in the three months prior. Meanwhile, a new pub, 43 flats, offices and shops will be created at three grade-II listed buildings on 27-32 Market Place as part of plans from Sonic Star Properties to build a hotel at the derelict former Bristol & West Arcade. The former Coopers Arms pub at 29-31 Market Place, which closed in 2010, will be replaced with a new pub.
Reading given the axe: new themed bar gets approval A NEW bar with games such as Bavarian axe throwing has been granted a licence by Reading Borough Council, despite concerns from neighbours above the site. Boom Battle Bar will open at Unit No. L30, Lower Level, Oracle Shopping Centre and will feature games such as ‘crazier’ golf, electric darts, shuffleboard, and beer pong. Head of operations Allan Cook said Boom Battle Bar will bring the empty unit “back to life”. Concerns were raised by Premier Suites, which manages 41 serviced apartments above the old Lakeland store. But councillors on the Licensing Applications sub-committee backed the plan at a meeting last Thursday, after hearing from the applicant and objector. Premier Suites sales manager Laura Grantham said she thinks “the bar will be good for Reading” but raised concern about the late hours, noise and anti-social behaviour. She said she believes there are already enough bars in the area and is worried about the impact on the apartments above. Her main concern was people making noise while smoking outside and while leaving the venue. She said guests already regularly complain about being disturbed late at night due to the other bars on Gun Street. The new games bar would further add to noise levels. But Boom Battle Bar said the extra venue “will make the area quieter” as there would be extra staff supervising on the street,
helping to move people on. And the committee said these concerns should be raised with councillors so they can be addressed. Ms Grantham also raised concern about a Swindon newspaper article which reported that cinemagoers said they could not hear films because of the Boom Battle Bar below it. Marcus Lavell, legal counsel for Boom Battle Bar, said the Swindon venue has a live music section that caused the issues, and there will be no live music area in the smaller Reading site. Allan Cook, head of operations at Boom Battle Bar, called the Swindon situation “unacceptable” and “embarrassing”, saying the music was turned up too loud, and they now have music limiters at all bars so this does not happen again. The council and police withdrew their objections after a set of draft conditions and adjusted hours were agreed. Boom Battle Bar will open from 11am-12.30am, Sunday-Thursday and 11am-1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Boom Battle Bar has franchises in Cardiff, Eastbourne, Lakeside, Liverpool and Norwich, and is planning to open in 23 more locations, including Reading. It is owned by the company behind Flip Out adventure and trampoline parks across the UK, including in Aylesbury and Basingstoke. Lakeland moved from the Minster Street site to Broad Street in November 2019.
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Beauties prepare for panto fun
Options Bath & Tile Studio
The ‘forgo�en room’
A
part of the home that I fondly call the ‘forgotten room’ is the downstairs cloakroom - a room that is probably used the most, by the family of the home, friends and even the Waitrose Delivery Driver. It is generally located towards the front of the house with the door closed almost as if to hide the room. The question is why this room is hidden away and why we don’t take much notice of it but, as part of updating your home this room is a perfect start to practice in.
SPECIAL EDITION: Paul Morse keeps up with the news
EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
PIE & MIGHTY: Justin Fletcher, Ryan Alexander Full and Paul Morse prepare for some messy fun Picture: Philip Tull / Reading Arts
THERE’S only a few sleeps left until Beauty and the Beast arrives at The Hexagon.
The pantomime, from Imagine Theatre, stars CBeebies megstar Justin Fletcher and his panto partner in mayhem, Paul Morse. Mr Fletcher has written the script — his second, and it will be packed full of fun, laughter, thrills and songs. The team have been hard at work rehearsing for Saturday’s curtain up, working from its base in South Street Arts Centre, before transferring to The Hexagon for dress rehearsals. The show also stars Karl Loxley as The Beast/Prince and Sarah Giorgina as Beauty along with David J Higgins as Mr Crust, Rachel Delooze as The Entrantress. Ryan Alexander Full joins the cast as Bear Botemme. Sadly, due to covid, there is no junior ensemble this year, but they are hoping to return next year. One thing is for sure: with panto it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t go alright on the night ... that’s half the fun of it. Oh yes it is! n Beauty and the Beast launches on Saturday, and continues through to Monday, January 3. Tickets cost from £15, and there are special signed and relaxed performances available. For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com/beauty-andbeast
DOUBLE ACT: Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse are returning to The Hexagon
TOP THAT: The ensemble defy gravity
DANCE TEAM: The ensemble prepare for some of their fun routines in Beauty and the Beast
Concerns over climate emergency complacency CONCERNS about potential ‘greenwashing’ and ‘complacency’ at the council in tackling the climate crisis have been raised by a councillor amid glowing reports on action taken in Reading, writes Tevye Markson, local democracy reporter. Green Party councillor David McElroy said Reading Borough Council (RBC) risks “greenwashing” and “complacency” in tackling climate crisis by promoting its successes too much. At the council meeting held on Tuesday, November 16, Cllr
Tony Page, RBC’s lead member for environment, said “we still have much to do”. Two days later (on Thursday, November 18), RBC was named as one of just 11 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 and transparency. Cllr McElroy had raised concerns during a discussion of a climate change report from the Reading Climate Change Partnership. The climate change report
YOU MUST BE JOKING: Justin and Paul prepare for some laughter in Beauty and the Beast
found Reading’s carbon footprint has been cut by almost 50% from 2005-2019, putting the town in the top five across the UK for reducing emissions. The report also points out that the 2% drop in emissions from 2019-2020 would need to double for Reading to meet its 2030 net carbon zero target, and Cllr McElroy said this is the “main take-home message”. Cllr McElroy said his main concern is that the report points out more positives than “the countless failures” and “risks greenwashing” but said he recognised Reading “has been very ambitious compared to what others are doing”. He said: “My main fear is
that this sort of approach risks complacency, which obviously we don’t want. We don’t want to give the impression that everything is in hand and on the way to being resolved, which it is not.” While he praised the council for the work it has done “within its narrow scope”, he said it “needs to take much stronger advocacy role to be an agent for change”. RBC head of climate strategy Peter Moore said that getting the balance right between highlighting positives and challenges is difficult, while Cllr Page rejected “any suggestion the council is guilty of greenwashing”. Cllr Page said the council is “committed to leading by example” and “not complacent”.
How to make ‘small spaces’ look good If, you want to experiment with colours and patterns my first choice would be the ‘downstairs cloakroom which I call the ‘forgotten room’so, lets re introduce this room and make it a real feature in the home. Inject fun by having a funky radiator, quirky tiles and clever storage to complete the look. This could be an opportunity to express your decorating style in this smaller area of the house. Traditionally, we use this room as storage so why not introduce clever ways of storing your essentials. Don’t choose large items of bathroom furniture but, furniture with items that suit the size of the room. Perhaps even choose some vibrant wallpaper that expresses your favourite themes. Add photographs and pictures to create a family feel about the room. Focus too, on a mirror; this is where ladies will go to check on their appearance so perhaps having lighting around the edge to soften the look. Lighting in your small space Lighting is a key part of the room and does not just provide the functionality of having light it adds atmosphere and mood. Having just one light in the form of a lamp ceiling light will just cast a single pool of light in the middle of the floor. By using multiple lighting sources it will give the room elements of light in all areas of this small space. This will make the room feel bigger and more relaxing. Even the wall hung toilet adds to the look of the room and coupled with lighting underneath creates a warmth to this room. The cloakroom below is a beautiful cloakroom that really shows how lighting works in this small space by using a ‘chandelier’ type light. If, you are looking to be creative and start off somewhere small then take a look at our website where we have a page dedicated to ‘cloakrooms’ if that inspires you then please do contact us to arrange an appointment to visit our showroom. Email us at sales@optionsstudio.co.uk or, call: 01344 627500.
Options
Bath & Tile Studio
01344 627 500
www.optionsstudio.co.uk sales@optionsstudio.co.uk 15 Crossways Village, Silwood Road Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 0PZ
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Get sweaty with Buster Bloodvessel M ANY parents know that Christmas doesn’t come to those with Bad Manners.
For Reading-based lovers of ska, nothing could be further from the truth — Buster Bloodvesel is bringing his world-famous two-tone band to Sub89 on the Sunday before Christmas. And the star, famous for his large tongue, can’t wait. Not least as he’s living on a houseboat. “It’s filled with large plastic snowmen, Father Christmases and reindeer,” he says between boxes of decorations, ready to be pressed into use on the Bad Manners Christmas tour. “We collected them. About six months ago, we went to a show and they were throwing them out, so we’ve got all these plastic things ready. “What makes this different from previous Christmas tours is only the fact that we’ve got some decorations… It’s the style of Bad Manners — Christmas is always fun. Go crazy, dance, enjoy yourself, do whatever you want to do. “Christmas is party time.” The Bad Manners Christmas show is a staple for Friar Street-based venue Sub89, and this year takes place on Sunday, December 19. Expect some of the favourites from the two tone kings including Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu, Lip Up Fatty, Special Brew, and Can Can. “Sub89 is a wonderful venue,” he says. “Anytime we’ve played Reading I’ve really enjoyed the response. It’s such a little, hot, sweaty club. I love that, especially on the Christmas tour. “Festivals during the summer are wonderful, they’re big and open and thousands of people, fantastic… but I feel at home when I play a small little venue like Sub89 and go down so well.” Bad Manners has been around, in various forms, since 1975. Why does Buster think ska has endured? He doesn’t even pause to think — in fact, he barely pauses during our chat, such is his enthusiasm for performing. “It’s fun music,” he says. “You can’t kill it, it’s been so strong. Two-tone had been going for 20 years, so it’s not music of its era, it’s music that will continue, I’m sure.” Buster says that ska is big businesses across the world: “South America is so hot for ska, there’s so many ska bands over there doing it. “We’ve just come back from there and it was amazing, absolutely amazing, the response that we got. “Then there will be somewhere like Canada, where it suddenly springs
up and everybody wants ska music live. Then it’ll be Germany, France, Europe. It’s a music that keeps going around. “And we’re very keen on it in Britain, because of the two-tone era, which sort of captured everybody’s imaginations at the time. Everybody loved it, the young and the old. It’s a music that’s people have got a lot of affection for.” Buster is a big Christmas fan, and said that he was lucky as a child. Being adopted meant he had two mothers and was very spoilt as a result. “I was lucky enough to have, you know, most presents that I wanted because the mothers were fighting for my affection, I suppose. Wonderful times are always the best of memories for me,” he says. Of course, the Bad Manners Christmas tour means Buster is creating new memories of “hot, sweaty nights” that “give me a sauna every night”. He jokes: “My skin should be so perfect”. The show features special guest Max Splodge, of whom Buster says is: “He’s an important part of the Bad Manners’ story, it’s all part of the fun.” And Buster says that there will be some crowd pleasers that he’s not released on vinyl, yet. “Our version of You’re Too Good To Be True really gets the crowd going. I just said in a soundcheck to do it. “We’ve never released it as a piece of vinyl, but one day we might. It’s become one of the bigger songs for the crowds, another is Sally Brown, we perform that well and the crowds love to singalong with it. It has that sort of tempo to it that is very Bad Manners, fast tempo ska music.” With lots of events, carol concerts and partying going on, why should people spend the last Sunday before Christmas in Buster’s company? “I want to get them sweating, I want them plugged into our music and I think there’s enough people in Reading that would have known a Bad Manners gig from previous, so I think it will be a sell-out gig. “To miss it? They must be mad. Or they must be so boring it’s untrue. What have they been doing for the last two years? “I’m sure it’s not a Bad Manners Show. Come along if you want a night with a difference.” n Bad Manners will be at Sub89 on Sunday, December 19, from 7pm. For more details, or to book, log on to sub89.com or visit www.ents24.com/ uk/tour-dates/bad-manners
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Your guide to all the pantomimes a IT’S THAT time of year again – theatres across the Thames Valley will be raising the curtains on their festive shows. Oh yes they are. PHIL CREIGHTON rounds up all the pantomimes and Christmas magic you can look forward to this year.
As with everything at the moment, the coronavirus pandemic means that shows can be cancelled or curtailed at the last minute. We encourage you to check with the box office before heading out.
Go to the ball, thanks to South Hill Park
A TALE of glass slippers, unrequited love, and staying up past your bedtime is on offer in Bracknell this Christmas. The curtain has already gone up on Cinderella at South Hill Park, and the show continues until Monday, January 3. The show needs little introduction: Cinderella must go to the ball and meet her prince — but what evil tricks will the wicked step sisters play to stop Cinders finding her happy ever after? It is once again written by Joyce Branagh, and the cast includes Faye Ellen as Cinderella, and Ben Featherstone as Prince Charming. The Ugly Sisters are Paul Toulson and Jacqueline Tate. South Hill Park is aiming to cater for all audiences. There will be a signed performance on Saturday, December 4, and there will also be an adults-only night for those who like their slapstick to be bawdy. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk
Climb the beanstalk at Camberley
JACK TROTT is battling to save the sleepy market town of Little Camberley On The M3 in a new take
n For more details, log on to www. camberleytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01276 707600.
Guildford’s streets will be paved with panto
Dick Whittington is the show at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. It opens on Friday, December 3, and runs until Sunday, January 9. Dick is heading to London to seek his fame and fortune — after all, the streets are paved with gold. But when he gets there, he finds that grime is covering the gold, and King Rat is out to get him. Between Dick and his faithful cat, can he save London? The show stars Kit Hesketh Harvey as King Rat, Peter Gordon and Dame Sally the Cook, Robbie Scott as Dick Whittington and Maya Elliott as Alice Fitzwarren. Shows on Thursday, December 9 and Wednesday, December 15, will be signed, and a relaxed performance will take place on Saturday, December 18 at 10.30am.
n For more details, or to book, call 01483 440000 or log on to www.yvonne-arnaud. co.uk
Stars fly in for Peter Pan EastEnders actor Jake Wood will be
AT THE THEATRE
Every week, we bring you a round-up of all shows taking place in the region’s theatres. It covers this weekend and next, so you can plan ahead and book tickets to the shows that you want to see. As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.
Cinderella is at South Hill Park this Christmas Picture: Iona Newton
on Jack and the Beanstalk. Camberley Theatre is promising an epic adventure filled with larger than life characters in this festive show. It opens on Friday, December 10, and continues until New Year’s Eve. Jack is taking on Fleshcreep and the Giant Blunderbore, aided by his daft brother Simon, Dame Dolly Trott, Colin the Trainee Fairy and farm hand Jill. Oh, and their cow, Daisy. The show will include a medley of songs, energetic choreopgraphy, dazzling costumes and plenty of squirty cream. Tickets cost from £15, and the show will help raise funds for Crowthornbased Sebastian’s Action Trust. A signed performance will take place on December 29, at 1pm. This will also be a relaxed performance.
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Cinderella. Until Jan 3. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Christmas With Blake. Mon. Platinum: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Tues-Wed. Coach House Christmas Parties. Thurs 9. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Junyan Chen. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 The Noise Next Door: Run Wild. Sat. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues. Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri 10-New Year’s Eve. Baby Broadway Christmas. Sat 11.
playing baddie Captain Hook in a new production of Peter Pan, coming to the Wycombe Swan this Christmas. Also appearing is Benidorm’s Jake Canuso and Niki Evans, who appeared on The X-Factor. Comic Jamie Brook and Giselle Byron complete the main cast of the show, which opens on Friday, December 10, and runs through to Sunday, January 2. The Swan’s blurb says: “Don’t miss out on this family show packed with laughter, boos and hisses as the Jolly Roger navigates the perilous high seas and throws anchor for another unmissable festive season in High Wycombe”. And who are we to argue? n For more details, log on to wycombeswan.co.uk or call the box office on 01494 512000.
Cinders, thanks to Bear In The Air
The wonderfully named Bear In The Air theatre company is producing the festive show at Henley’s Kenton Theatre. Cinderella will be full of magic, wonder and silly jokes, as the put upon girl manages to get her chores
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Dick Whittington. Until Jan 9. Christmas With Duo. Fri 10-Sat 11.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Fairytale of New York. Wed. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Ed Byrne. Thurs. Christmas Cracker Party Night. Fri-Sat. That’ll Be The Day. Fri. Rick Wakeman. Sat. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9. The Christmas Extravaganza with Baby Go Boom. Fri 10, Sat 11. Christmas Mammy’s Boys. Fri 10. Peter Pan. Fri 10-Sun Jan 2.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Take That Experience. Thurs.
A Joyful Christmas with the IDMC Gospel Choir. Sat. Cinderella. From Sat Dec 11-Dec 30
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Kipper’s Snowy Day. Until Dec 30. Jess Robinson: The Twelve Days of Christmas. Thurs. Mig Kimpton’s Tale of the Golden Goose. Fri. The Thinking Drinkers: Pub Quiz. Sat. Stephen K Amos: before and Laughter. Thurs 9-Fri 10. Jo Harrop and Friends: Jazz at the Musicals. Fri 10. Robin Morgan, What A Man, What A Man. Sat 11.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Cinderella. Until Sun, Jan 2.
sorted and dress cleaned up ready to go to the ball, where true love awaits. The show opens on Saturday, December 11, with a 2.30pm matinee, and the run continues through to Thursday, December 30. There will be a relaxed performance on Tuesday, December 14, when all tickets will be at the special price of £10.
n For more details, call 01491 525050, or log on to www.kentontheatre.co.uk
Something different at Norden Farm
Kipper’s Snowy Day is the festive show at Norden Farm in Maidenhead this Christmas. The show is based on the children’s books from Mick Inkpen about Kipper The Dog. Snow is falling, and Kipper is very excited. With his friends Tiger, Pig and Arnold, adventure awaits … but can they find their way home? The show includes puppets, mischief, songs and music, and is suitable for ages three upwards. The show is already running and continues to Sunday, January 2. There are relaxed performances on
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Jungle Book. Until New Year’s Eve.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Snow Queen. From FriChristmas Eve. Shimmering Oasis. Sun.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Beauty and the Beast starring Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. Sat-Jan 3.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime Organ Recital. Jan 17.
Saturday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 29. Touch tours for children with autism and visually impaired children can be arranged. n For more details, call the box office on 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm
Another Cinderella, this time in Newbury
The Corn Exchange in Newbury is presenting its take on the classic ragsto-riches story. The show started last week, and runs until Sunday, January 2. Producers have promised songs from across the decades, magic and sparkle, plus plenty of jokes. Across the run there are adultsonly notes, and socially distanced performances. A signed performance will be on Wednesday, December 29, a captioned performance will be on Thursday, December 30, at 2pm, with an audio described performance at 6pm. And there is a relaxed performance at 2pm on Sunday, January 2. n For details, call the box office on 0845 5218218 or log on to cornexchangenew. com
Reading – Progress Theatre
Windsor – Theatre Royal
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
Wokingham – Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Babe The Sheep-Pig. Wed 8-Sat 11
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol. Sat-New Year’s Eve.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Youth Group Revue. Fri-Sat. Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses. Sun 5.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Sun.
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Jack and the Beanstalk. Until Jan 9.
www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 The Government Inspector. Wed 8-Sat 18.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 NEXT SHOW: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Jan 17-18.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 Talking Heads Part 2. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat Jan 22.
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and festive shows this Christmas Lyrics and music are by Irving Berling. The show runs Tuesdays to Saturdays in the evening, there are matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, and there will be Sunday evening shows between December 12 and 26. Tickets include a two-course meal before each performance.
Why Beauty star Sarah is super excited to be back at The Hexagon
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LAYING Beauty is ‘just incredible’ says Sarah Giorgina of her role in The Hexagon’s festive show.
She is returning, having played Snow White in 2016’s pantomime. The show also featured Karl Loxley and, of course, Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. “To be cast as Beauty was unexpected,” she says, “The year we’ve had … we all thought pantomimes might go ahead. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be back in The Hexagon again, with lovely staff and a lovely cast. “We had such a wonderful time here doing Snow White, so to be back is wonderful. I’m super excited.” With this enthusiasm, it’s no wonder she is a fan of the festive genre. “I love pantomime, I think everyone does,” she says. “But being in it is an absolute joy. It is so much fun. “Audiences are there to have fun, they’re wanting to smile and laugh, now more than ever. So, we’re excited to make that happen and ensure that every single person who comes through the doors leaves with the biggest smile on their face. “We’re already smiling, we can’t wait.” Beauty is an important part in the show, the heroine who is also a role model. Does that weigh heavily on her shoulders? “Yes, absolutely,” she says. “Beauty is everything really: she’s emotional, she’s strong, and she’s sassy. She is definitely my
Jungle tales from Kipling THE THING about Rudyard Kipling is that he makes exceedingly good tales. The Watermill in Newbury is currently performing its version of The Jungle Book. It tells the story of Mowgli, a boy raised in the jungle by wise old panther Bagheera and loveable sloth bear Baloo. Can they beat the ferocious Shere Khan? The show runs through to New Year’s Eve, and there is a relaxed performance on Saturday, December 18.
n For more details, log on to www. watermill.org.uk or call the box office on 01635 46044.
Snow wonder from RABBLE A NEW version of The Snow Queen is being performed at South Street Arts Centre in Reading this Christmas. Written by Anna Wheatley, and based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, it is being produced by RABBLE Theatre.
n For more details, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to www.millatsonning.com
Basil Brush helps make the beans talk
Justin Fletcher is at The Hexagon Picture: Philip Tull/Reading Arts
favourite princess.” This isn’t the first time she’s played Beauty. In fact, if you have ever visited Disneyland, chances are Sarah is in your photos. “I’ve been lucky enough to play Belle for Disney for many years,” she says. “It’s brilliant to get to bring her to The Hexagon. I hope children love my interpretation of Beauty.” Away from panto, Sarah is in a small, vintage trio. When we met, during the photocall earlier in the autumn, she was preparing for Chelsea Flower Show, had performed in some summer gigs and also helped co-star Karl
Set in Denmark’s midwinter, it tells the story of how Gerda is forced to undertake a treacherous journey across Scandinavia to find her missing best friend, Kai. She sails the sea, breaks into palaces, wrestles out of forests and even learns how to speak crow. The show is for ages eight upwards, and the show runs from Saturday, December 4, through to Christmas Eve. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse return to The Hexagon Pantomime’s most formidable double act is back. In some ways, the show doesn’t even matter any more, all that matters is once again CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher is teaming up with Paul Morse for hi-jinks, silliness and laughter. This year, it’s Beauty and
create a Christmas album, which is on sale now. Now though, it’s all eyes on Saturday’s opening night. “I’m looking forward to creating a beautiful show that’s just joyful, full of love and fun,” she says, adding with a smile, “and, of course, Christmas dinner.” n Beauty and the Beast is at The Hexagon in Reading from Saturday, December 4, through to Monday, January 3. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com
festive show is one of the most famous Christmas stories of them all, just with some of the details changed. Ebenezer Scrooge is having a miserable Christmas, but with a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to see the festive joy after all? A Christmas Carol opens on Friday, December 3, and continues through to New Year’s Eve. There are relaxed performances on Sunday, December 12, a touch tour on Tuesday, December 14, and a signed performance on
Wednesday, December 15.
n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Putting on the Ritz A TOUCH of glamour is at The Mill at Sonning this Christmas, thanks to its festive show, Top Hat. The show is an adaptation of the 1935 film of the same name and tells the story of Broadway sensation Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont.
Windsor’s panto favourites are all back again this year: dame Steven Blakeley, comic Kevin Cruise, and Basil Brush, the fox who likes to go boom, boom. Joining them for Jack and the Beanstalk is Anita Harris, Alice Fillary and Elizabeth Carter. The show will be packed with comedy capers, dazzling dancer, colourful costumes and plenty of fun. The show runs all the way through to January 9, and takes place at the Theatre Royal — in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk
PHIL CREIGHTON the Beast in a show that Justin has written. Also returning are David J Higgins, Karl Loxley, Sarah Giorgina, and Rachel Delooze. Ryan Alexander Full stars as Bear Botemme. Expect plenty of magic, laughter, songs and set pieces in the family-friendly show. The first night is on Saturday, December 4, with performances continuing through to Monday, January 3. Signed performances are on Saturday, December 18 at 1pm and Wednesday, December 29, at 5pm. Relaxed performances take place on Friday, December 10 and Thursday, December 30. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
Biscuitmen take over the Rep
EVERYONE knows A Christmas Carol. But not a lot of people know that it’s actually about biscuits and set in Reading. Reading Rep Theatre’s first
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Discover the biscuity base to Scrooge’s Christmassy redemption
I
T’S one of the most Christmassy stories of them all — a tale of redemption, changed lives and celebrations. But did you know that A Christmas Carol is actually set in Reading?
This weekend, the curtain goes up on Reading Rep Theatre’s very first Christmas production, a new take on Charles Dickens’ famous festive story, only with more biscuits. In honour of Reading’s heritage as the biscuit town and being in the shadow of the former Huntley and Palmers factory — appropriately enough for the Rep Theatre’s near Newtown location — this is A Christmas Carol as you’ve never seen it before. Ebenezer Scrooge is now the miserable boss of Huntley and Palmers, Reading’s world-famous biscuit company. With a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to feel the festive joy? Audiences are invited to step back in time and enjoy the whimsy and wonder of this yuletide production, drawn from the cobbled streets of Reading. It’s written by Reading-based playwright Beth Flintoff and directed by the Rep’s artistic director, Paul Stacey. The family-friendly show launches on Friday, December 3, and its run continues through to New Year’s Eve.
In the cast is Samuel Kyi, who plays Fred. Speaking during a break in rehearsals, he reveals that this isn’t his first brush with Scrooge. “It brings back memories, as I did A Christmas Carol back when I was at school,” he says. “The show is definitely a change to what people are used to. But once they get into it, the story is told very well, so it won’t feel alien, it will just feel good, it just flows. “Obviously people that live in Reading, or have visited, will be familiar with the story, and they will like it.” Even though he’s a Slough boy, Samuel knows about our reputation for beer, bulbs and biscuits, and he’ll be using that knowledge as he creates Fred. “He represents the complete opposite of how Scrooge is at the beginning of the play”, he says. “He’s a character that brings joy and light to a very dark Scrooge. He comes out of nowhere, and loves Christmas. He doesn’t stop singing and dancing. It’s very good to have a type of character like that.” The main cast of five are working hard to create that festive magic, and Samuel is delighted that they are gelling well. “We have so much fun
together,” he says, adding that they’ll be spotted walking to the shops at Cemetery Junction in their lunchbreak or enjoying a pint after hours. “We’re getting to know each other really well.” Samuel is hoping that audiences will come along and enjoy the play – it seems they are as many of the performances have sold out, although there are still seats available for the relaxed performance on Sunday, December 12. After lockdowns and various covid restrictions, Samuel says: “This is an opportunity to come down and have fun, either by yourself or with the whole family or friend. Come along and be entertained. “I think there’s joy in that … this is an opportunity to get back into the swing of things. “The cast are very talented and you will be entertained.” He adds: “This is the first Christmas production for Reading Rep, so don’t miss it – you don’t want to be at home and everyone is saying how amazing it was and how they were they went.” n For more details, or to book, log on to www.readingrep.com/achristmas-carol or call 0118 370 2620.
PHIL CREIGHTON
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FESTIVE FUN: The Wurzels are at Sub89 next week Picture: Mike Alsford
Who wants a combine harvester this Christmas?
S
ANTA is busy receiving letters featuring festive requests and on many of them will be people wanting a brand new combine harvester. While he can’t get a new Massey Ferguson down the chimney of every home this Christmas, he can at least point people in the direction of Sub89 in Reading next Wednesday. No, he’s not turning the dancefloor into a tractor showroom. The venue is welcoming The Wurzels back for their latest tour. The band, who have been performing in various guises since the 1960s, have developed a whole new audience thanks to their ability to adapt, taking famous songs of the day and Wurzelling them. When they appear at the Friar Street venue next week, people can expect covers of the Kaiser Chiefs song Ruby, among others, as well as their famous set list that includes the hit singles The Combine Harvester and I Am A Cider Drinker. Tommy Banner can’t wait to return to Sub89. “It’s a great venue, we love it,” he says. “We’ve played a few places in Reading, but the atmosphere at Sub89 is something else. We really love it.” The band have, like everyone else, mothballed over the past 18 months due to the pandemic. Given their long performing career, surely this was a moment to take stock and consider retiring to the countryside? Not a chance, Tommy says. “As long as we enjoy ourselves, we carry on,” he says. “If we are,
we hope the audiences are too. We hate seeing bands going out and going through the motions. We give it everything we’ve got, even as old as we are. “It’s good time music.” He adds: “We’ve been together since 1973. We keep saying that as soon as one of us stops enjoying it, we’ll stop. We’ve had 18 months of forced retirement and not one of us enjoyed it. We just wanted to get back on the green.” The band have had people coming up to them thanking them for performing over the summer at a number of venues. “It’s lovely,” he says “It gives you such a lift.” And don’t expect Sub89 to be full of people who are, shall we say, silver haired. The audiences are, Tommy says, “getting younger and younger”. Part of this success is the band’s ability to adapt, going from parody albums to their unique West Country take on popular songs. It all stems from a guest appearance on Harry Hill’s show, where he asked them to perform a Barbara Streisand song in their own style. “It was brilliant, it worked,” Tommy says. “From then on, when we were looking to do an album we said there’s no point doing parodies.” A new vein of music beckons, and it’s been popular ever since, leading to their collaboration with the Kaiser Chiefs. “We get so many requests for Ruby,” he says. “I think maybe that’s helped us keep young and fresh.” Of course, being in December, next week’s gig will see The Wurzels slip a few Christmas
songs into the set. “We did a Christmas album a couple of years ago… Christmas songs that have been Wurzelised,” Tommy says. “It’s a good album.” There’s something about Tommy that puts him at odds with his West Country background. He’s a Scot. And being a Scot, Hogmanay is just as important as Christmas. In 2019, he was able to join family in Scotland to see the bells ring for new year, and he’s hoping to go back up again soon. But there’s something he wants to confess: “You’re not going to believe it,” he says. “Nobody ever does. I must be the only Scotsman who doesn’t actually drink whiskey. It’s true. I get the odd present of a bottle of Scotch. I try it and I’ve never, ever liked the taste of it. “I do like Drambuie,” he smiles. “Maybe, just maybe, I’ve got a taste for the good stuff.” Next week, though he’s looking forward to beer (well, cider), bulbs and biscuits – and seeing fans who turn out at every gig. “We’re looking forward to seeing the Brakspears in the front row,” he says of his dedicated supporters. And for everyone he promises: “Come and see us, you will forget all the bad stuff that happens in the world these days. “If you’ve seen the film Mamma Mia, the whole audience come out singing. I’ve never forgotten that atmosphere. It’s the same with The Wurzels. You’ll come out singing a Wurzels song.” n The Wurzels, with the Skimmity Hitchers, will be at Sub89 on Wednesday, December 8, from 7pm. Tickets are available from sub89.com
LEISURE | 25
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LIVEMUSIC
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RaW SOUNDS TODAY
Legion. Wow, the RBL is becoming quite a venue. Geno appears with the Yo Yo’s as his backing band, made up of the rhythm section of his famous Ram Jam Band, and they play R&B, Blues & Soul Classics such as this one – https://genowashington. blogspot.com/
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
T
Crooked Shapes – Appetite
HIS WEEK’S RaW Sounds Today playlist showcases the diversity of music that comes to our neck of the woods.
First up, we’ve got Spriggan Mist, famous for their amazing shows, special events and unique prog rock. Hot on their heels is Geno Washington, with a cover of the famous Everybody Needs Somebody to Love. Both acts will be appearing in Winnersh over the coming days, and we can’t wait. They are just two of 10 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.
COOL YULE: Spriggan Mist will be at the Winnersh British Legion on December 11 Picture: Andrew Merritt
Spriggan Mist – The Portal Their live performances combine strong visuals with their magical mix of prog, folk and rock to create quite a spectacle. Spriggan Mist will be bringing their magic to Wokingham’s Royal British Legion on Saturday, December 11, for a special Yule Feast event. The band are also behind the impressive Enchanted Market weekend event that returns to Bracknell in February. Watch out for a new album in 2022. While we wait for that here’s one of their most popular tracks – https://www.sprigganmist.com/
Geno Washington – Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
It’s great to see Wokingham Music Club bringing so many legendary artists to the town and here’s a great example. It’s Geno Washington who is at this weekend’s club event on Friday, December 3 at Royal British
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, December 2
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gogo Juice. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night with Fleur Stevenson. Details: 0118 959 5500. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Pozi and Speedboat. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Christmas night. Details: 0118 968 1442. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, December 3
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New hot Bands double bill: Rila’s Edge, Simple Fiction. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Details: 01344 484123. 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 Geno Washington and The Yo Yo’s with TR5’s. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk EVERSLEY – The Frog & Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Garry Nock. Details: 0118 973 1126. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall, The Village RG40 4JU. Remix Jazz Orchestra with Stuart Henderson. 8pm. Details: johndeemer@icloud.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Rd RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.
READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork, Horse Meat and more. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Attila The Stockbrocker. Details: 0118 986 6788. SINDLESHAM – The Walter Arms, Bearwood Road RG41 5BP. Art and music night: The Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 977 4903. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Up2NoGood. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 983 2220. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Coronation Kings, Rise of the Machine. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s: 90s Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. Abba tribute. Details: 0118 926 5936. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Evolutiond. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. 90s/00s brunch, Brixton Radio Takeover, Raw Silk. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Sam and the Gang. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Proper Ammo DNB: DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Jumpin Jack Frost. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Queen’s Head,
Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 941 5064. WINNERSH – Royal British Legion, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Geno Washington and the Yo Yos. Details: 0118 978 0307. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.
Sunday, December 5
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Greatest Showman Singalong, Smooth Sundays. 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. Slade. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street arts centre. Shimmering Oasis. Details: 0118 960 6060. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Monday, December 6
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Christmas with Blake. Details: 01344 484123. NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: The Ladies of Nettlebed. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. British Lion. Details: 0118 959 5395.
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 nine tracks on the album – https://www.crookedshapes.com/
Last Picture Show – The Joy and the Wonder
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/
Valeras – Let Me Go 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 – facebook.com/valerasband
Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist Mordecai’s 2011 album Sticky Tape and Rust, on Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records, ‘has been
Tuesday, December 7
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum Live: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Details: 01344 484123. ENGLEFIELD – Theale Village Hall RG7 5AS. Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz Band with Andy Dickens. Details: graemehewittjazz@hotmail.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Cats In Space. Details: 0118 959 5395. SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. Details: 01256 882296 WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Wednesday, December 8
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum Live: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wurzels. Details: 0118 959 5395. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Judie Tzuke. Details: 01491 681048.
Thursday, December 9
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Just Genesis: tribute night. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Christmas Session Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Christmas night. Details: 0118 968 1442. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.
re-issued as a special 10th-anniversary two-CD release. Psych pop with clever lyrics – https://www. facebook.com/stickytapeandrust/
Hoopy Frood – Horse with No Name Here’s a Wokingham-based band with a very cool cover of a classic 70s 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/
Katie Ellwood – More Than Perfect It’s another wonderful indie-pop single with an infectious melody and chilled beats from Katie who is from Wokingham and who writes, records, plays and sings on her releases. Very talented. – https:// www.katieellwood.com/
Moth Man – Nutter This band, with members from Reading and Manchester, have released a new video of this track from their latest album. It was filmed by Gigshotz from Reading and reflects the moody atmospheric feel of the song and the album – https://mothman.band/
Mike Wagner – Face of Light This song is an uplifting singalong anthem that showcases the talents of this local singersongwriter. It’s taken from Mike’s Life...A Seven Day Journey mini-album – https://www.facebook.com/ mikewagnermusic
Friday, December 10
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Wise Monkeys, Reaction. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 90s. Details: 01344 303333. 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 presentsNever 42. £18. 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. Nigefest: The Pistols, Remones, Eat Daddy Eat, Head Drop, Rev John H. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Sir Duke Disco and Dance Party Band. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork, Guilty Pleasures. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 376 9159. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Side Hustle Rock. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, December 11
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The De Rella and Rage DC. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622. EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-along-aNicktivity. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Doody Nights Grease and Dirty Dancing. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Select Car Leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights ultimate live soul and Motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Jukebox Brunch, DJ, Natasha Kitty Kat (Glitterbox). Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Magical Mystery Four. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064. WINNERSH – Royal British Legion, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist’s Yule Feast. Details: 0118 978 0307. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Sunday, December 12
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Magpie Lane. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Elf Screening, Abba Magic Duo, Live Music. 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. Primaitai Headline Show. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
No. 5390
Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
5388
Quiz Challenge
12
15
20
13
2
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21 13
21
4
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14 18
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8
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13 14
4
4
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8 12
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22
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26
1
16
9
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14 14
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18 13
9
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26
21
19
14
21 16
4. When is a ship issued with a certificate of pratique?
9
5. Where in the human body are the four small fused bones known as the coccyx?
21 3
21
8
12
7
15
20
NONAGRAM
5 15
11
S
14
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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25
26
A
C
L
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
THIS CREEPIER SHIP
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.
I
T
M C A E L E
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: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 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).
HR
HE
IA
ND
EO
EO
YF
ET
3 7 6 2 9 1 7 8 6 2 4 4 8 3 6 1 1 8 3 5 4 3 2 9 5
T
20 22
E
A
A
P R
R S
C
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.
RY
23
2
3
4
9
5
6
7
25
28
10 10
11
11
12
14 17
15 18
13
13
16 19
20
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
5 8
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.
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
DOWN 1. I can with initial hesitation produce this sort of reaction (5) 2. Perhaps this is how long it would take at any time to build Rome (8) 3. Paint a new film on the surface (6) 4. Old Scottish theologian suffered a few setbacks, one hears (4) 5. To agree wholly (7) 6. Easy attempt made by fewer (10) 9. Omen is in favour of member of early Christian sect (10) 12. Subtropical plant found in Lampeter (4,4) 14. Badly winged duck - but here’s another! (7) 16. In Faro puts up with a dazed state (6) 19. Young trainee acted badly (5) 20. Sword brought up from the deepest (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
26 28
30 1 4 2 3 8 7 6 5 9
6 5 9 2 1 4 8 3 7
2 8 1 9 5 3 4 7 6
5 3 7 1 4 6 9 2 8
9 6 4 8 7 2 3 1 5
WORD PYRAMID: Scrape the barrel. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract. Total: 7.
SOLUTIONS
16 19
ACROSS 1. Miser has low-priced fish (10) 7. A small amount of snow will come off (5) 8. Dance round wet spot (3-4) 10. Exchange mint note for lubricant (8) 11. Singer is in the final tonight (4) 13. To draw back in the direction facing one (6) 15. Gorge, one is grand in America (6) 17. Father leaves little Frederick for another boy (4) 18. Chasms to be adapted into food stores (8) 21. Clean the mess second small dog made (5,2) 22. In a circle more than one spoke (5) 23. Affection of dear fellows in hospital department (10)
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.
8 7 3 5 6 9 1 4 2
4
9 2 3 5 7 4 2 1 4 2 8 6 4 7 1 5 5 1 9 6 6 1 9 3 6
16
18 17
EQUALISER 5 10 2 2 3 3 4 10 3 1 8 2
Hard
7 1 5 6 3 8 2 9 4
2 8 1 3 6 9 7
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
12
15
17
24
E
ME
3 9 6 4 2 5 7 8 1
7
14 15
H
XM
TE
SUDOKU Easy
13
11
21
AU
IN
SF FH
13
21
YT
HI
7
9
13
FIVE ALIVE MC
5
11
10. What type of creatures are classed as ophidians?
OT
4
10
WORD PYRAMID
CI
3
8 10
9. Which river forms most of the border between Essex and Suffolk?
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 B through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber. E R
2
7
8. In 2019, Mikel Arteta became the manager of which Premier League football club?
13
1
6
7. Who wrote the hit song I Will Always Love You which featured in the 1992 film The Bodyguard?
3. Central Perk is a cafe which features in which TV sitcom?
26
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. What type of creature is a pipistrelle?
2. In the clothing industry, what is measured in deniers?
14
9 16
1. Which annual sporting contest was declared a dead heat in 1877?
13
9
2
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21
16
16 18
14
15 6
13
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26 13
9
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24
17 6
19
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6
4
1
4 2 8 7 9 1 5 6 3
10
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5 2 9 7 8 4 6 1 3
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6 4 1 5 2 3 9 8 7
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3 8 7 6 9 1 4 5 2
14
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2 7 5 4 1 6 8 3 9
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8
9
9 3 6 8 7 2 1 4 5
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8 1 4 9 3 5 2 7 6
2
1 9 3 2 4 7 5 6 8
18
4 6 8 3 5 9 7 2 1
15
7 5 2 1 6 8 3 9 4
8
PZ1P5390
CROSS CODE 25
ACROSS 1. Catastrophe (8) 5. Drains (4) 9. African language (7) 10. Japanese dish (5) 11. Planet (5) 13. Boredom (6) 15. Arctic (5) 17. Pierce (4) 19. Pinch (3) 20. Porgy and ----, opera (4) 21. Vital liquid (5)
27
29
31
23. One or other (6) 24. Awaken (5) 28. Marriage announcement (5) 29. Clumsy (7) 30. Flair (4) 31. Unfounded (8) DOWN 1. Twilight (4) 2. Dishonour (5) 3. Small mistake (4-2) 4. Give out (4) 6. Omen (7)
7. 8. 12. 13. 14. 16. 18. 21. 22. 25. 26. 27.
Brief struggle (8) Showy flower (5) Echo sounder (5) Become narrower (5) Gather together(8) Illuminated (3) Aerial (7) Celtic language (5) Raw recruit (6) Frighten (5) Information (4) Appends (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Disaster; 5 Saps; 9 Swahili; 10 Sushi; 11 Venus; 13 Tedium; 15 Polar; 17 Stab; 19 Nip; 20 Bess; 21 Water; 23 Either; 24 Rouse; 28 Banns; 29 Awkward; 30 Elan; 31 Baseless. Down – 1 Dusk; 2 Shame; 3 Slip-up; 4 Emit; 6 Auspice; 7 Skirmish; 8 Aster; 12 Sonar; 13 Taper; 14 Assemble; 16 Lit; 18 Antenna; 21 Welsh; 22 Rookie; 25 Scare; 26 Data; 27 Adds.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race; 2 The thickness of yarn; 3 Friends; 4 When it enters a port with a clean bill of FIVE ALIVE: health; 5 Base of the spine; 6 Bat; 7 Dolly Parton; 8 Arsenal; 9 The Stour; 10 Snakes. (1) Across – Comet; Annex; Foyer. Down – Chaff; Minty; Taxer. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1. Cheapskate, 7. Flake, 8. Two-step, 10. Ointment, 11. (2) Across – Itchy; Idiom; Hefty. F K J G Z P B U S X V M L Alto, 13. Toward, 15. Canyon, 17. Eddy, 18. Stomachs, 21. Down – Irish; Chief; Yummy. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Sweep up, 22. Radii, 23. Endearment. E I A Y C D T O N W H Q R Down – 1. Chain, 2. Evermore, 3. Patina, 4. Knox, 5. Totally, 6. NONAGRAM: acme; amice; calm; calmest; came; Effortless, 9. Prognostic, 12. Palm tree, 14. Widgeon, 16. Stupor, camel; case; cast; caste; castle; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU chip; here; iris; pest. 19. Cadet, 20. Épée. cease; ceil; celesta; celt; cist; cite; claim; clam; clast; cleat; clematis; climate; clime; éclat; elastic; elect; emetic; ileac; lace; laciest; laic; mace; macle; malice; mascle; mastic; melic; mescal; mesic; metic; metical; mica; scale; scam; scat; sect; select; sice; slice; talc; telic; TIMESCALE.
WHAT’SON Friday, December 3
CROWTHORNE – Across village. Late night shopping evening, light switch-on and carols. 5pm-9pm. Free entry. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to Christmas tree in Central Square. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players Youth Group revue. 7pm. £5, children £3. Details: 0118 975 8880. SINDLESHAM – The Walter Arms, Bearwood Road RG41 5BP. Art and music festival with Beth Morris, Midnight Rebel Band and painters Daniel Adrianov, Brad Kenny, Vanessa Lavy, Martyn Wood. Details: 0118 977 4903. TWYFORD – Across village centre. Twyford Together Christmas Fayre. Stalls, entertainment, jugglers, choirs, brass band and more. 6pm-9pm. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.
Saturday, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road. Christmas market: decorations, gifts and more. Noon-5pm. CAVERSHAM – The Weller Centre, Amersham Road RG4 5NA. Plastic Free Caversham’s Festive Fundraiser: eco-friendly crafting workshops, raffle, family-friendly activities. 2pm-6pm. Suggestion donation £1. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting. Darkest Night: nature sleeps. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com
HURST – Village halls. St Nicholas Church Christmas fayre and outdoor market with stalls, refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. 11.30am-3pm. READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: reading biscuitfactory.co.uk/ READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading farmers market. 8.30am-noon. Details: www.tvfm.org.uk READING – Readipop, Trafford Road RG1 8JP. Family jam: a music session for children and adults. No experience necessary. Instruments available or bring your own. 10am11.30am. £3 per family. Details: office@readipop. co.uk or 0118 938 7156. READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. Christmas Art Market. Noon-6pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players Youth Group revue. 7pm. £5, children £3. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Stageability presents Robin Hood and The Golden Arrow. 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Details: stageability.ticketsource. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Living Advent Calendar performance: Redlands String Quartet, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, Thames Valley Chorus. From 7pm. Booking essential. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham/4th-decwokingham-advent/eojdele WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents
LEISURE | 27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokingham.today Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, December 5
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: https:// readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk/ READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Christmas Wishes and Misletoe Kisses, a charity show for all the family. 7pm. £5. Details: 0118 975 8880. TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market: Christmas Gifting. Noon-5pm. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH – From Foster Wheelers building in Whitley Wood Lane. Reading Toy Run. Road closures in place from 1.30pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas Extravaganza. 10am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday, December 6
CAVERSHAM – @Creativ. Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, RG4 5AF. Art Soul creative club monthly creative meetup. 7pm8.30pm. EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub.
10am-noon. Details: 0118 966 4474. EARLEY – 3SIXITY, Reading University Students’ Union, Whiteknights Campus. RUDS presents its Christmas pantomime, No Time Like The Present. 7.30pm. £5.75.
Tuesday, December 7
READING – Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, Chain Street RG1 2HX. A Thanksgiving to the NHS at Christmas. 6pm. Free, registration essential. All proceeds to Royal Berkshire Hospital. Details: https:// register.enthuse.com/ps/ event/Thanksgivingto theNHSatChristmas Wednesday, December 8 READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm.. Come As You Are Night. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – Market House, Market Place RG12EQ. Drag Queen Bingo. £10. Details: www. markethousereading.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, December 9
LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe, 2pm-4pm. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Socially distanced seating night. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Hadyn Choir carol concert. 7.30pm. £5, children free. Details: www.haydnchoir. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints
Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Christmas social. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.
Friday, December 10
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to Christmas tree. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.
Saturday, December 11
BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall RG7 2BE. Belle Canto Concert: It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas. 2.30pm. Free entry. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook RoadC RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. From 10am. Free entry. CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Concert. 4.30pm. £10, under 16s free. Details: www. crowthorneorchestra.com READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Babe The Sheep Pig. 7pm. Relaxed performance. 11am. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk. READING – Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin,
Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Phoenix Choir carol concert: a choral fantasia in support for Reading Minster Sanctuary. 5pm. £7.50. Details: https://www. readingphoenixchoir.com/ carols READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Access To The Arts presents a Winter Festival. Stalls, refreshments, performances, games and more. 2pm-5pm. SONNING – St Andrew’s Church. Bel Canto Ladies’ Choir Traditional ‘Christmassy’ Christmas Concert, 7pm. £8, £4 children. Details: belcantomembers@gmail. com SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Christmas Market: crafts, preserves, cakes, tombola, books and more. Please wear a face covering. 11.30am. Free entry. Details: 0118 956 0380. TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Twyford RG10 9NE. Twyford Singers present Hope! Joy! Celebration! Christmas music and carols. £12, under 16s £6. Details: twyford-singers.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Sing Healthy Choirs charity Christmas concert with carols. 7.30pm. Details: singhealthy.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Choral Society presents Around The World with Christmas, a family concert. £10, under 18s and students £5. 6.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Living Advent Calendar performance: Love That Jazz, Chloe Zarb and the Mitchel Trio Family, Graeth Ainsworth, Kendel Pyne and Pauly Zarb. From 7pm. Booking essential. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
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Reader travel HISTORIC YORK & the Dales
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Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at a selected hotel in the Leeds area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to York, Skipton Market & Grassington Optional excursion to Knaresborough & Harrogate (£10pp)
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Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, near Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast Country Music entertainment every evening Excursions to Aldeburgh & the Norfolk Broads by coach Optional excursion to Norwich (£10pp)
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Sage & Onion Stuffing In the kitchen Freely Fruity
Serves 4 as a side, with plenty left over for sandwiches.
I
N the run-up to Christmas, December is all about traditional trimmings with the best the season has to offer. It’s no wonder that evergreen sage is a classic Christmas stuffing ingredient along with British brown onions, simple and humble; the oldies are the best.
Ingredients n 3 large brown onions, diced n 20g fresh sage leaves, picked and shredded
In the garden
December
the remaining butter to the pan to melt; season generously with salt and black pepper 3. If using bread, discard the crusts from half of the bread, then in batches place the bread into a food processor. Blitz to n 90g butter make breadcrumbs n Salt & pepper 4. Mix the onions, n 250g white bread or sage butter and 200g fresh breadcrumbs breadcrumbs together in a large Method bowl then leave to cool. Refrigerate or 1. Place the onions freeze until needed into a medium pan 5. You can use this to and cover with stuff your Christmas water, bring to the bird on the big day. boil then cover and Typically these days, simmer gently until we cook the stuffing really soft; about separately either 25 minutes. Drain rolled into balls or in and press to remove a shallow dish, cook excess water at 180°C for 20-30 2. Melt half of the butter minutes in a small frying pan and add the sage to cook gently for 6-8 Recipe by Charlotte minutes, until it starts Simpkins for Freely to crisp up. Remove Fruity from the heat and add www.facebook.com/
The gift from the garden
Y
OUR garden gives up some beautiful gifts of its own at this time of year — allowing you to bring the outside into the home with foliage and ‘green’ decorations.
Plastic Free Home David Lamont
10 tips for a more eco-friendly Christmas “MAYBE Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means just a little bit more.” It’s not often that I quote The Grinch, but in this case, and perhaps at the moment more than ever, Dr Seuss’ fictional character is spot on. Ordinarily, Christmas is a magical time of year but it is also one of significant excess and unnecessary waste and excess. If we are to get serious about tackling the climate emergency, then even the festive season shouldn’t be off limits when it comes to making changes. Below are ten top tips on how you can make a difference this Christmas and put ‘a more sustainable future’ at the top of your wish list…
Avoid the gimmicks From pre-packed ‘reindeer food’ (what’s wrong with a good oldfashioned carrot?!) that can be bad for wildlife, to Christmas Eve boxes full of quickly discarded novelties, try not to get sucked in.
Presents Think quality, not quantity. Maybe introduce shared gift lists and secret Santa’s to encourage everyone to buy less and to help save on unwanted items. Consider what gifts are made of, who by and where — aim to buy presents that are produced ethically, sustainably and here in the UK wherever possible. Shop independently if you can. Cut back on plastic toys or switch to those made from recycled materials, wood and so on. Ditch big-brand toiletries in favour of more eco-friendly
not make your own, reusable, ones? If you do decide to buy some, try to ensure that they are both recycled and recyclable and free of plastic toys.
Trees
alternatives. And give homemade gifts, experiences or your time in place of ‘things’.
Wrapping paper It isn’t an exact science, but if you scrunch wrapping paper into a ball and it stays that way, it’s more likely that it’s plastic free and can be recycled. Even better, use recycled kraft paper, which is both home compostable and recyclable. Avoid gift bags if you can, as the majority are never reused and, crucially, avoid plastic sticky tape. Paper tape is readily and cheaply available online, compostable and recyclable. And skip the bows, gift tags and ribbon or find reusable and recyclable alternatives.
Cards Of course, the obvious answer would be to avoid cards altogether. If that’s a step too far, aim to buy cards that are made from recycled, FSC (sustainable) or seed paper and free from non-biodegradable glitter, badges and plastic wrapping. Or get crafting and make your own!
Christmas crackers Again, you could opt to avoid crackers completely or, again, why
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
If you already own an artificial tree, enjoy it year after year for as long as you can. As and when you are in need of a new one, consider instead a real tree that is FSC or Soil Association approved. Or, you can now even rent a real tree, with the tree replanted after Christmas and used again next year.
Advent calendars Make or buy a reusable advent calendar and fill it with homemade goodies or plastic-free treats. Anything wrapped in foil or delicious chocolates from the likes of Divine or Tony’s Chocolonely are among the better options. The growing trend of more expensive, toy-filled calendars just means more unnecessary waste.
Christmas lunch Can you buy your meat unwrapped from a local butcher, and your vegetables loose from a local greengrocer, farm shop or certain supermarkets? Wherever possible, aim to avoid unnecessary packaging and only buy and prepare what you really need to avoid food waste. Or give a vegetarian or vegan Christmas a go.
Drinks Wine bottles with a (real) cork are a better option than a screw-top because cork is home compostable. Take a look at some of the fantastic British wines available from the likes
of Stanlake Park, Windsor Great Park or Chapel Down to cut down on imported goods and the miles associated with them. If you’re buying beer, avoid plastic packaging and, of course, opt for cans or glass instead. When it comes to other alcoholic or soft drinks, swap plastic bottles for glass or cans too.
At the end of it all Importantly, ensure that you recycle and dispose of everything correctly when the fun is over. If in doubt, look online, contact your local council or drop Plastic-Free Home a line! Prepare beforehand by getting bags or boxes ready for things like wrapping paper, cardboard and recyclable plastic. Remember to donate any unwanted leftovers to a charity shop or (if in date and unopened) food bank. Not everyone can do everything but if we can each make changes they really do add up. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas when it comes, and let’s all cross our fingers and toes that Santa brings us a more positive year in 2022. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably.Visit www. theplasticfreehome.com or www. facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk
By using your garden as a resource you can create some simple, yet beautiful decorative displays for the Christmas festivities. A great use for your winter prunings is to arrange bare or lichen-covered twigs in a tall glass vase and festoon with tea-light holders, or use lengths of trailing ivy and evergreen foliage twisted into swags for looping along mantelpieces or winding round banisters. Sprigs of aromatic leaves and herbs — bay, rosemary, sage, thyme and anything else you can lay your hands on — arranged around a large candle on a deep fluted dish to make a fragrant table centre piece. If you can’t source your Christmas greenery from your own garden, then take a trip to your local garden centre where you’ll find just about everything you need. Small living Christmas trees can be bought in pots for children — so that each year they can be brought inside for the festivities and be part of your Christmas tradition. Alternatively, you can create your own permanent Christmas decoration in the garden. Buy a larger living Christmas tree and plant it in a good position allowing for future growth. You need to plant it no later than the beginning of January. In the depths of winter, the quiet charms of plants with strikingly coloured bark come into their own. Textures and stem colours of trees and shrubs attract the eye and brighten the winter gloom. By planting, for example, dogwoods, snake bark maples, willows and whitewashed brambles, you can create a stunning winter effect in any garden or landscape. Most winter stems are best planted in groups to maximise their impact, and in locations where they can be seen and appreciated. They perform well in full sun and in deep, moist, loamy soil, so try to avoid shallow and chalky soils. Dogwood and willow shrubs will need pruning each year in March, almost to ground level, to ensure that a fresh crop of the brightest coloured stems are produced in the next winter. December is definitely a time to catch up on some indoor gardening jobs and have a rest, but for those who are out and about the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) has some tips … n Carry on harvesting winter crops such as parsnips, kale, leeks, sprouts (don’t forget to pick sprouts from the bottom of the stalk upwards) n Collect all empty plant pots and seed trays and wash them for next year, together with garden tools n Collect the rest of the leaves that have fallen from the trees for composting as leaf mould n Do some early wrapping by covering any large outside containers with bubblewrap, fleece or hessian, to help prevent the pots cracking in the cold frosty weather n Don’t be too much of a tidy gardener — leave some seed heads and berries on plants for animals and birds to eat n Provide clean water for wildlife to drink
SPORT TODAY
READING EDITION
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
01.12.21
ROYALS ON SONG IN SWANS WIN
SUMAS SUFFER HOME LOSS
SOUTH BERKS HELD BY OXFORD
HIGH FIVE FOR BOARS
EVERSLEY UP TO FOURTH
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021
GILL STRIKES FOUR IN COMMANDING WIN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA showed their attacking prowess as they hit five goal past Chalvey Sports.
In a commanding display from the Boars, they put on an attacking masterclass in the opening 45 minutes to take a four goal lead into the break. Paras Gill had his shooting
boots on and was in sensational form. Eversley took advantage with two quickfire goals as they raced into a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes courtesy of a Gill brace. the forward then added to his tally to secure is hat-trick in the 38th minute and rounded off a superb half in the 44th minute as he scored his fourth of the afternoon.
Eversley displayed their all-round dominance in the match and secured the points with a fifth goal to finish the scoring in the 77th minute when Troy Baker was on hand to fire the ball in after Harinder Singh’s strike cannoned off the crossbar. Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Awful conditions to play in but the squad settled into the game really quickly. “A really good three points and
performance to match. Time to focus on our next game now.” The Boars have been in fine league form which has seen them rise up to fourth place in the Combined Counties Division One table They currently have a record of 10 wins, three draws and four losses after 19 matches. n Their next league test comes against Sandhurst Town on Saturday, December 4.
MOLES FALL IN IN FA TROPHY
RAMS SEEK BLACKHEATH REDEMPTION RAMS RFC will look to beat one of the most famous clubs in the country when they host Blackheath on Saturday (3pm).
Seb Reynolds’ men had their National One trip to Birmingham Moseley postponed due to snow in the Midlands last weekend, and subsequently dropped to fifth. Rams have fallen short in their two previous clashes against the Londoners, slipping to a 22-17 reverse away from home back in October, 2019, when a late Louis Ellis penalty at least ensured a losing bonus-point on the back of a penalty try and his conversion of James Baker’s try. In the reverse fixture at Old Bath Road, Rams were also defeated in a game which severely dented their promotion aspirations, going down 31-18 at the start of February, 2020. Rams go into the contest with seven wins and three defeats to their name this season, and with four home wins from five games, their only slip-up coming against third-placed Sale. They have narrowly edged out the top two – Rosslyn Park and Cinderford by scores of 24-21 and 22-20 respectively – and experienced prop James Baker has said they now need to replicate those performances more consistently. The veteran, who has been at the club for more than two decades, played a pivotal role in helping overcome Cinderford. He said: “Coming off a high like two weeks ago, we have to make sure we don’t fizzle out – if we want to try and do something we have to take every game like Cinderford. “If we take our eye off the ball, Blackheath will beat us – we don’t want to do that, we want to go and get another win.” Another big crowd is expected at Old Bath Road and fans are asked to pre-purchase tickets through the club website – www.ramsrugby.com – to ensure smooth access to the ground.
18
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Binfield captain Sean Moore strikes at goal against Truro City Pictures: Neil Graham
MOLES DENIED COMEBACK WITH LATE PENALTY MISS FA TROPHY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Binfield 2 Truro City 3
A LATE penalty miss denied Binfield from completing a second-half comeback in their FA Trophy tie against Truro City.
The Moles rallied to put in a spectacular second-half display after a disappointing opening 45 minutes in a gripping cup tie, but they were eliminated by the visitors. Binfield are accustomed to
cup success having enjoyed a remarkable run in the FA Vase last season that took them all the way to the final at Wembley Stadium where they were beaten by Warrington Rylands in a magnificent occasion. The teams traded early chances as Binfield captain Sean Moore hit a shot that flew over the bar just two minutes in, before the Moles had to make a last ditch block on the line to deny Truro the lead just moments later. But just a minute after being denied from close range, Truro
took their chance this time as Tyler Harvey put them in front in the seventh minute. The Cornish side continued to threaten in a commanding opening to the match and they were rewarded with a second goal in the 25th minute when Rocky Neal doubled the advantage in the 24th minute. Truro’s impressive first-half performance saw them take a three goal lead into the break as Neal grabbed his second, and Truro’s third, in the 41st minute. Having plenty of work to do
in the second-half to get back into the cup tie, Binfield came out with a renewed intensity after the break. They gave themselves a lifeline in the 53rd minute when Josh Howell hit a stunning free-kick that flew past the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. The Moles applied the pressure throughout the second-half and went agonisingly close when Jack Thomson-Wheeler’s cross found Kensley Maloney in the middle but his shot rolled wide.
But Binfield kept fighting to find another goal and they found it with just over 10 minutes to go as Ollie Harris converted from close range. The hosts were given the chance to complete a spectacular turnaround when they were awarded a penalty to try and level the tie in the 87th minute. Harris stepped up to the spot, struck his kick cleanly but watched as it smashed the top of the crossbar in a cruel ending to the game for the Moles.
Carl Withers’ and Jamie McClurg’s team are back in Isthmian league action at the weekend away at Uxbridge. Binfield: Grace, Thomson-Wheeler, Tack, Maloney, Gator, Veal, Howell, McClurg, Bunting, Moore, Montague Subs: Helmore, Harris, Duncan, Short, Parsons, Gavin Truro City: Hamon, Thompson, Riley-Lowe, Diabate, Tomlinson, Richards (c), Dean, White, Rooney, Harvey, Neal Subs: Yetton, Johnson, Brett, Pollock Goals: Harvey 7, Neal 24’, 41’, Howell 53’, Harris 77’
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Wednesday, December 1, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
BASKETBALL
DEPLETED ROCKETS GO DOWN TO DERBY TRAILBLAZERS
By JAMIE KING sport@wokingham.today
Derby Trailblazers 83 Reading Rockets 72 READING ROCKETS fell to an away defeat against fellow rivals Derby Trailblazers in National Basketball League Division One.
Things didn’t go to plan for coach Pearson and his men, without two of their starting five through Achilles and ankle injuries to A J Basi and Tyler Cartaino respectively. and their scoring effort fell short in an 83-72 loss. Reis Pinnock opened up the Rockets’ account
early with a three-pointer to match one by the Trailblazers’ Malcolm Smith. Meshack Lufile and Lewis Champion got to work in the paint to build a slight advantage for the Rockets as the quarter wore on before another Pinnock treble extended the lead to 14-9. The Trailblazers got to the line and hit free throws throughout the early exchanges to prevent the Rockets tightening their grip on the quarter, with both teams showing an offensive focus on getting in the paint and splitting the defence. The Blazers, on the other
hand, scored from across the floor as Reading’s lead began to crumble. An early three by Jonas Dietrich was bolstered by more trips to the line for Malcolm Smith, but more missed shots by both teams saw the score go unchanged during the middle stretch of the quarter. Lewis Champion found the ball in his hands with 10 seconds to go and promptly accelerated from halfcourt into the paint for a soft left-handed layup to end the quarter with Rockets up 52-51. After a hard-fought first three quarters, the game started to slip away from
the Rockets in the fourth. Dietrich was red-hot for the Blazers and racked up eight points with the team’s first three shots. A Ben Dixon midrange shot was cancelled out quickly by a Bowman three and Smith matched Meshack’s production inside as the midpoint of the quarter came around, extending Derby’s lead to nine before Jaz Bains made an essential three-pointer to keep the game within reach.
Malcolm Smith continued to wreak havoc in the paint, however, weaving around Rockets defenders for easy baskets. A Reis Pinnock three with two and a half minutes remaining gave Reading some hope that was quickly extinguished by a series of baskets by Derby. With the game decided, the final baskets were traded and the game concluded 83-72 to the hosts.
RUGBY
BRACKNELL BRAVE CONDITIONS TO TAKE AWAY VICTORY Marlborough 12 Bracknell 15
BRACKNELL braved difficult conditions to take an away victory at Marlborough.
The opening exchanges were in Marlborough territory and after 10 minutes Bracknell had a stroke of good fortune – or genius – one of the two. Alex Frame, with the 10 shirt on for the first time to accommodate Lewis Franklin at nine, chipped a ball over the top and while the Bracknell touchline “experts” were in the process of criticising the tactic the Marlborough full back fumbled his catch. Bracknell played the advantage and then forced a penalty from the slightly startled defence. A charge
Bracknell away at Marlborough Pictures: Paul Ridley to the line after a quick tap was halted as a defender ripped the ball in the tackle – only for it to fly up into the air, get blown back over the try line and Ben Bathurst was on hand to touch it down.
The attempt at the impossible – a touchline conversion – wasn’t to be so Bracknell went just 0 -5 up. No more than five minutes later however Marlborough hit back.
A series of phases saw the home side make ground with pop passes and finally a clever angled line of running saw the Marlborough loose head crash over. After several Bracknell forwards had their attempts to cross the line thwarted Ken Hodgson finally forced his way over The second half got underway with a reminder to the home side that they wouldn’t necessarily have everything their way. Bracknell had learned lessons from the first half though. Passes needed to be sympathetic and accurate. Jake Findlay tiptoed up the touchline for the opening score of the second half. Again unconverted, what was once a very slender lead was stretched to 10
points. 5 – 15. Bracknell’s resolute defence did little more than to shift the somewhat inevitable score along the try line until it was right under the posts. The conversion was to be the one and only successful kick of the game and made it 12 – 15 with a full 30 minutes left to play. until Marlborough really ramped up the pressure in the last 10 minutes in search of that match winning score. Time after time they battered the Bracknell defence – time after time they were repelled. Marlborough finally crossed the line and knocked on rather than touching down. The final whistle blew – the home side were in disbelief – the away side ecstatic.
HOCKEY
SOUTH BERKS 2S ADD POINT IN OXFORD DRAW
South Berks 2s in action Pictures: Steve Smyth
South Central Men’s Premier 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s had to settle for a point at home against Marlow 1s in a 1-1 stalemate. The point leaves them in fifth position after eight matches.
South Central Men’s Division 2
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s picked up three points in a local clash against league leaders SONNING 2s. South Berks took the points with a 3-1 win to put them up to seventh. Sonning stay at the top of the table despite their defeat.
South Central Men’s Division 4
READING 4s took the bragging rights against SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s in a goal filled contest. The match ended 7-4 in Reading’s favour to put the hosts up to fifth in the table. South Berks are still at the summit despite their loss.
South Central Women’s Division 3
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added a point to their tally with a draw against Oxford 4s. The 1-1 draw at home to Oxford keeps South Berks in ninth position.
South Central Women’s Thames 1
READING RIOTS earned victory over SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s with a 1-0 success. Despite their contrasting positions in the table, with Reading bottom of the table and South Berks in first, Reading took the points.
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
BERKSHIRE BANSHEES CROWNED CHAMPIONS WITH SUCCESS IN STOKE BERKSHIRE Banshees Wheelchair Rugby team took part in the GBWR Wheelchair Rugby 5s League held in Stoke during the months of September, October and November 2021.
Playing at the Mandeville Stadium Aylesbury, known worldwide as the ‘Birthplace of the Paralympic Movement’, the Banshees were participating in League One playing against Brighton
Buccaneers, Dragons, Saracens, and Saracens Wolfpack. Having won three out of four games in the September tournament, Banshees managed to win all four games in the October event, meaning it was all to play for in the November tournament. On Saturday November, 27 Banshees played Dragons in a competitive opening game winning 23-15. Next up were Brighton
Buccaneers and the Banshees ended up winning 19-15. Saracens Wolfpack were the next competitors, and after a tight first half Banshees played some excellent rugby, ending up winning 31-9. The fourth and final game was against Saracens, with the victors taking the title. The half-time the score was 13-7 to the Banshees. After the break, the teams
were matching each other try by try, eventually the Banshees got a stranglehold on the game and won 22-15. So, the Banshees were crowned League Champions and now look forward to playing in the Championship league next time around. The club are also looking to develop its own Youth team for children aged eight-16 years, initially collaborating with schools - mainstream and
SEND - who have children with physical disability to demonstrate this sport. The club are reaching out to the Business Community to ask for funding support for youth wheelchairs, facility hire, kit, transportation and to help fund 6-week programmes into schools.
n If you or your company would like to discuss this further, email berkswr@gmail. com or call Craig Hunter on 07798844202.
South Berks Ladies 2s take on Oxford 4s
20 | SPORT
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
GILL STRIKES FOUR IN AS BOARS FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Hurst and Eldon Celtic drew Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA put on a clinical scoring display as they hit five past Chalvey Sports. The Boars made a ruthless start as they scored two quickfire goals to race into a commanding lead as Paras Gill capitalised twice. Gill then sealed his hat-
Eversley enjoyed a successful fixture
trick in the 38th minute when he was played through by Ross McKernan and made no mistake with his finish. Gill’s remarkable half continued and he had a fourth before the break as his 20 yard shot found its way past the keeper via a deflection, Eversley rounded off a fine afternoons work with a fifth goal in the 77th minute through Troy Baker. BERKS COUNTY went down to an away defeat to Rayners Lane.
Wokingham & Emmbrook in league action against Holyport
Leigh Allen and Luke Hayden notched for the Swords in their 4-2 loss. WOODLEY UNITED suffered a 5-1 home defeat against AFC Hayes. Ciaran Carolan levelled for the Kestrels to take them in at 1-1 at half-time, but they conceded four in a disappointing second-half display.
Combined Counties Premier North
READING CITY took a hardearned point on their travels at Wembley as they overturned a two-goal deficit. The Cityzens made a slow start and found themselves a goal behind after five minutes when the host took their chance. The hosts doubled their lead after half an hour but City hit back in the second-half after Jemel Johnson netted from the penalty spot to get them back in the game. With eight minutes left,
Reading earned their equaliser as Ben Holder hit a thunderous effort that found its way in via the crossbar. The point keeps Reading in 11th position in the table. WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK were punished at home at Lowther Road against Holyport. The Sumas fell behind early as the visitors took the lead after five minutes. Holyport then extended their lead just before the break with a well-executed counter attack.
The loss keeps the Sumas in 16th after 13 matches.
Thames Valley Premier League WARGRAVE fired seven past Wraysbury in a stunning attacking performance. They move up to seventh in the table after their 7-1 triumph. FINCHAMPSTEAD stay top of the table despite suffering an away loss at Windlesham 7 Chobham. They were edged out in a 1-0
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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BEAT CHALVEY SPORTS
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
Has goalkeeper timing law changed?
F
defeat, which is just their third loss of the season. They remain two points above second placed Westwood Wanderers.
Thames Valley Division One HURST maintained their status as league leaders as they picked up a point at home to ELDON CELTIC. Shaun Bannon and Joshua Hodgkins netted for Hurst in the 2-2 draw.
Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY SWORDS claimed three points on the road with a win at Mortimer
Development. Laurence Marris scored a brace as the Swords picked up a win and a clean sheet. HURST RESERVES earned a 1-1 stalemate away at SB Phoenix Reserves after Matt Lambert’s goal. TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE were edged out in a nine-goal contest against AFC Winkfield. Alfie Alleyne, Jamie Connor and Jordon Greenough got on the scoresheet for Twyford in their 5-4 defeat.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED stay rooted to the bottom of the table after a 2-0 loss against Wycombe Wanderers.
Southern Region Women’s Division One South EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES were beaten 4-1 away at Chichester City to keep them one place off the bottom of the league.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS climbed up to second after they got the better of Penn & Tylers Green. Keris-Louise Hunt and Lydia Vettese found the net to help Tilehurst to a 2-1 victory. WARGRAVE were overtaken in the league after they lost out to CAVERSHAM UNITED.
Rosie Page-Smith and Caitlin Levy both netted braces to help the Goats to three points.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES and CAVERSHAM AFC shared a point each after they drew 2-2.
Reading & District Sunday League results
Senior: AFC Bradfield 6-1 Tilehurst Ym, Burghfield 3-4 FC Sporty, Mortimer 2-2 Woodley Wanderers One: Caversham United 1-8 Westwood Wanderers, GC United 1-2 Woodley Saints
SPORTS AWARDS
WOODLEY UNITED FC ENJOY SUCCESS AT SPORTS AWARDS EVENING By Andy Preston sport@wokingham.today WOODLEY United FC picked up a trio of awards at Wokingham Borough Sports Council’s annual awards evening.
WBSC held its awards night on Friday November, 26, after a year’s absence, at the Cantley Café, Cantley Recreation Ground, Wokingham. Sadly due to the rising number of positive coronavirus results in the borough, the evening was restricted to award winners only
being invited to attend. For Woodley United and its members it was an excellent evening with three awards won for the football club. The club was presented with the Service to Sport (Club) award to go with the awards won in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Chris Coniam was recognised for 30 years’ service to local football and sport with the Service to Sport (Individual) award. Making it a trio of awards was Paul Ferris who received the Unsung Hero award for the
sterling work he does in the club in providing football for so many. Woodley United FC chairman Mark Rozzier said: “It is pleasing to see Woodley United FC’s contribution to the community recognised. It is also a pleasure to know and work with so many involved in local football. These awards recognises their contribution Other winners included Crowthorne & Crown Wood Cricket Club’s ‘Coyotes Women’s Softball Team’ who were awarded the prize for the Female Team Award.
The Coyotes impressed the panel after they enjoyed plenty of success in their debut season as a team. Earlier in the year, they were crowned champions of Berkshire after they were victorious in the Berkshire Softball Finals Day, competing against Sonning, West Ilsley and Slough. The Crows can now add the trophy to their collection having been regonised by the panel at WBSC for an outstanding campaign.
OOTBALL supporters often complain to me about the time goalkeepers take to release the ball, once it is in their hands. I’ve even had a couple of emails from supporters outside the Thames Valley. One, after watching Bridlington play, asked if the law had changed. The other actually timed the goalkeepers at his local club. It was, he said, seldom less than 20 seconds whereas he thought it was to be no longer than six seconds. The answer, of course, is that there has not been a change. The law still says, ‘an indirect free kick is awarded if the goalkeeper controls the ball with the hand or arm for more than six seconds, without releasing it’. The question here of course, is when do the laws deem the goalkeeper has control of the ball. The answer is quite long and complicated. It’s when the ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. the ground or body), or is touching it with any part of the hands or arms, or if the goalkeeper is holding the ball in an outstretched open hand. or bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air. Another reason this is spelt out so diligently, is because a goalkeeper cannot be challenged for the ball, when in control with the hand. Nor can players prevent them from releasing it. Goalkeepers often throw themselves on the ground once they have caught the ball. They feel this gives them a few free seconds to hold on the ball. However, as we can see, that is part of the six seconds. That doesn’t help us when considering why goalkeepers are allowed to take so long before releasing it. It is of course difficult for referees to judge the timing accurately. They can’t stand there looking at their watch, when there are so many other things going on. They could of course be counting to themselves ‘one elephant, two elephant’ etc, the law was intended to help speed up the game, but like many other similar changes, the footballing authorities don’t seem to fret too much, and in some cases, referees are actually told not to bother. Let’s face it, supporters only get hot under the collar when it is the opposing goalkeeper wasting time, and for the referee it can cause a lot of anguish. I remember a Women’s World Cup Final, America v Canada, when the woman referee gave a free kick to Canada after the American goalkeeper held on to the ball too long. She was surrounded and pilloried by American players and officials, especially after the player taking the free kick passed it to a teammate who scored, resulting in the trophy going to Canada. She should have warned the goalkeeper, they cried, but that’s not in the law, although some referees might give a little ‘get on with it’ wave.
22 | SPORT
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MATCH STATS
LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Made some vital stops in the second-half to help protect Reading’s lead and couldn’t have done much about either goal
ANDY YIADOM
Tried to hook the first goal off the line and maybe should have done better had he got his feet sorted quicker. Was key defensively.
TOM HOLMES
Will be disappointed with the first-goal that split the defence open early on but was solid throughout. Played a pivotal role in the victory
SCOTT DANN
Similarly to Holmes, was culpable for the first goal but recovered well and used all his experience and nous to help his team see out the game.
BABA RAHMAN
Made a crucial intervention late in the game where he was perfectly positioned to intercept a dangerous cross and hook the ball away.
JOSH LAURENT
Improved compared to some below par performances. Provided energy and heart in midfield and contributed in the defensive effort.
DANNY DRINKWATER
A solid afternoon. He scored his first goal in four years, which turned out to be the winner. Also played a brilliant pass for Carroll’s goal.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU
A fine finish for his fourth of the season. Unlucky not to have scored another when he struck the post but Drinkwater got the rebound.
JOHN SWIFT
Quiet given his high standards but still played a role in the attack that led to Reading’s first equaliser and registered an assist.
ALEN HALILOVIC
Another creative force for Reading to utilise now he’s back form injury. Showed some promising link up play in the attacking third.
ANDY CARROLL
A really well taken goal to open his account for Reading with a faultless first touch and finish. He has been a real asset since joining.
7 7 7 7 8 7 8 9 6 6 8
Royals midfielder Alen Halilovic
Danny Drinkwater in action for Reading Archive pictures: Steve Smyth
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
OFF THE MARK: DRINKWATER AND CARROLL ON SONG FOR ROYALS SWANSEA CITY 2 READING 3 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING broke their long-standing winless run at Swansea City on Saturday, in a goal-packed contest.
Swansea went in front after three minutes but Reading replied within a minute through Tom DeleBashiru. Andy Carroll put the Royals in front before two goals in two minutes at the start of the secondhalf saw Ryan Manning level for the Swans before Danny Drinkwater restored Reading’s lead. There were two changes from Veljko Paunovic after Tuesday’s defeat to Sheffield United as Andy Carrol came in for George Puscas to make his first start, while Tom Holmes replaced skipper Liam Moore at the back. Reading went into the match in Wales with a horrible track record away at Swansea where they were winless in their last seven visits having not earned three points there since 2001. Reading have conceded far too many early goals of late, and once again they made a disastrous start as Swansea took the lead after just three minutes. A pass split through the centre-back pairing of Scott Dann and Holmes which left Jamie Paterson to take the ball past Luke Southwood and despite Andy Yiadom’s efforts to hook the ball off
the line, he put the hosts in front. But the Royals hit back with an immediate response through Tom Dele-Bashiru just a minute later in a manic start to proceedings. After some build up from Alen Halilovic, Baba Rahman and John Swift, Dele-Bashiru cut back onto his right foot and lashed the ball i n at the near post to net his fourth Championship goal of the season. The next chance came for Carroll as Halilovic swung a cross onto the penalty spot but Reading’s number nine headed over the target. Swansea had the ball in the back of the net in the 23rd minute only to be denied by the linesman’s offside flag. The ball was sent in from the right and finished by Joel Piroe, but he had strayed offside as Reading were let off the hook. Carroll had made an impressive impact from the bench in his previous two cameo appearances, and he made an even bigger mark on the match having been handed his first start when he put the Royals ahead after half an hour. He brought down the ball neatly from Drinkwater’s through ball, worked room to pull the trigger and beat the keeper to score his first goal in a Reading shirt. The Royals had to hold out to preserve their lead going into the break as the Swans turned up the heat. Rahman stayed alert at the back post to turn a dangerous cross behind for a corner.
Matt Grimes had the final chance of the half as he struck a free-kick from the edge of the box through the wall but it was caught comfortably by Southwood. The half started with Swansea pressure as they broke through and cut the ball back across the box but Swift tracked back excellently to punt away the danger. The Swans came up with an equaliser just three minutes after the restart as Manning hit a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box that flew past Southwood. But just as they had done in the first-half, Reading came up with an instant reply from kick-ff to get back in front. Carroll got behind the defence and found Dele-Bashriru whose shot cannonned off the post but
MATCH STATS READING: Southwood, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Dann, Rahman, Laurent, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Halilovic, Swift, Carroll SUBS: Rafael, Azeez, Tetek, Abrefa, Puscas, Ashcroft, Camara SWANSEA CITY: Hamer, Bennett, Naughton, Williams,Laird, Smith, Grimes, Manning, Ntcham, Paterson, Piroe SUBS: Latibeaudiere, Walsh, Bidwell, Downes, Benda, Cullen, Cooper GOALS: Paterson 3’, Dele-Bashiru 4’, Carroll 30’, Manning 49’, Drinkwater 50’
Drinkwater was on hand to fire in the rebound. Reading continued to break through the high defensive line from Swansea as Carroll again got in behind, but this time failed to take advantage as he tried to play in a teammate instead of driving at goal. There was more frantic goalmouth action, this time in Reading’s box as Southwood pulled off a miraculous point blank save to deny Manning before the Royals eventually thumped the ball clear. Paunovic made his first change in the 65th minute as Halilovic was replaced by Femi Azeez. Carroll’s superb afternoons work ended with 10 minutes left to play as Puscas took his place up top. Reading looked for a goal to seal the game on the break as DeleBashiru sprinted forward and was fouled by Ethan Laird, who received a yellow card. Swift struck the resulting freekick sweetly but Ben Hamer got a hand to it to put it behind for a corner. Trying to rescue an equaliser, Swansea came agonisingly close again as Manning fired in a cross but Southwood again made a vital stop before Rahman hooked the ball off the line. But Reading managed to hold on to earn three crucial points to push them further away from the relegation zone. The Royals host Hull City on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Kick-off 3pm.
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NEWS | 23
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REACTION
PREVIEW
PAUNOVIC HAILS ‘SUPERB’ WIN IN WALES READING HOPE
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING manager Veljko Paunovic hailed a ‘superb’ performance as his team earned an away victory at Swansea City.
“It was a superb performance and a superb win,” said Paunovic. “Fantastic cohesion on the field with the fans that came, they came in a big number. “It is a great moment for us to build momentum on this team’s performance and bring the pieces together.” Two former England internationals, Andy Carroll and Danny Drinkwater, both got off the mark with their first goals for the Royals to help them to a 3-2 win. “I’m very happy for Danny and Andy’s goals, their first for the club, and the performance from the team,” Paunovic continued. “Most of the players who played today had some knocks or physical issues but they were capable of putting out a fantastic physical performance. “I know that this team in recent years has struggled when going behind first, but with all the difficulties we’ve had, the team are learning to deal with situations. “Now we are better at responding to set-backs in games and we were capable of not only coming back, but winning the game. “We had to close the lines, look to win the ball back and fire up the counter attack.
Reading boss Veljko Paunovic Picture: Steve Smyth “It worked for us and it’s great to see the capability of our players. “For the second goal, it was an instinctive reaction from Drinkwater when he played the ball in behind for Carroll. “It was the perfect storm. It was difficult to play against this team, but everyone put in an excellent performance and it’s the right moment for the team to keep rising up.” Paunovic was particularly
pleased with his teams response as they hit back with two instant goals after Swansea went ahead after three minutes and scored a leveller early in the second-half. “We gave a statement that we’re never going to give up. “We’re all in this together and we’re going to fight. “It just shows the changes we made and the new personnel we brought in is capable of dealing with difficulties.
“That’s a huge strength for the team, I’m very grateful to the players for their output and performance.” The Royals boss is also hopeful that the club will be able to extend Carroll’s contract, which currently runs until mid-January. “It was good for both of us and it was the best we could do in that moment (short term deal). “He understands that if we could, and there are others in a similar situation, we would commit him for the longer term because we want people to know where they belong so they can build their future. “We can play the ball long so we have an alternative in our game on top of bringing the ball into the final third. He has a presence in the box and our crosses are more purposeful and dangerous because he is someone who can affect them.” “It’s something we have to keep working on and we have to solve that soon. “It’s an organic situation where we can recover the guys and use the great feeling this win propels towards the future. The statement in this week was very important. I told the players after the points deduction, this week everyone will look at us so we need a result as soon as possible. “We need to make a statement and we achieved that goal with this game. Now we have to build momentum so we can catch up those above us in the table.”
REACTION
CARROLL: ‘WE’RE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT’ STRIKER Andy Carroll expressed his delight after he bagged his first goal for the club in the Royals’ away win at Swansea.
Having signed a short-term deal with Reading until mid-January, Carroll was handed his first start on Saturday after two impatucal appearances from the bench. He marked his first start with a goal as he brought down Danny Drinkwater’s pass with an immaculate first touch before striding into the box and finishing past the keeper with his left foot. Carroll has become accustomed to scoring goals throughout his career, which has seen him represent England nine times. However, he has been plagued by injury, including his second spell at his hometown club, Newcastle United, come to an end at the conclusion of last season as he was released as a free agent. Not only does he have experience at playing at the top level both internationally and for club sides, Carroll also has previous Championship experience during is
Andy Carroll
first spell with Newcastle United. He enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Toon Army in the 2009/10 season where he helped his team to achieve promotion back to the Premier League with 17 goals in 39 matches. Another impressive spell with Newcastle back in the top flight saw him attract the interest of Liverpool where he made what at the time was a British transfer record for £35million in 2011. After several seasons of playing in the Premier League, the 32-yearold is now enjoying finding his feet back in the Championship where he is getting the chance to prove his talent and worth with regular football. The forward hadn’t netted an away goal since 2017, but he broke that drought on Saturday to help his new team to a valuable win. “It was a tough one, they kept the ball a lot and we had to grind it out to get the three points,” said Carroll. “It’s been a tough week with three games. “Coming off the bench when you’re 1-0 down is difficult, but
being in the starting line-up was a great feeling. “There was one just before, Drinky put it in, but I wasn’t there. “As soon as I saw the ball from Alen, I though ‘I’m going, I cut back on my left and hit it.” Carroll explained the meaning behind his celebration after he ran to pick up the corner flag, and was joined by his teammates to enact a rowing motion. He continued: “We had a meeting and Pauno said we’re all in the same boat and that was it. I waved the lads over and said we’re all in the same boat, let’s go. “We knew they would keep the ball a lot, but the way we grinded it out shows the character of the team. “Even when we don’t have a lot of the ball, we came out winning. “We bounced straight back when they scored, for Danny to score his first goal to win it, it’s even better. “The lads were buzzing with this one, and we just keep striding forwards to the next one. “We’ve got a game per week now si it’s easier for the team to recover and we’re looking forward to it.”
TO TAME IN-FORM TIGERS
Reading defender Tom Holmes Picture: Steve Smyth READING will look to turn their away form into home momentum when they host Hull City on Saturday.
The Royals earned a shock win away at Swansea City to make it two wins on the road in succession. Meanwhile, they will face one of the league’s in form teams on Saturday when Hull make the trip to the Select Car Leasing Staium. Grant McCann’s team have hauled themselves away from the relegation places with four wins in their last four matches. The Tigers have been in fine form which has seen them beat Barnsley, Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Millwall to climb up to 19th in the Championship table. Their 2-1 win at home to Millwall last weekend with goals from George Honeyman and Ryan Longman puts them two places and one point adove the Royals heading into the match. Hull had a difficult start to the season and had just two wins to their name before their impressive run of form that has seen them steer four points away from the relegation places. They now have six wins, three draws and 11 defeats after 20 matches having won promotion from League One last season as division champions. Hull have a tighter defensive record than Reading, with 23 conceded, while the Royals have let in 32. However, the Tigers have struggled at the other end of the pitch and have managed to net just 16 times in the league, compared to Reading’s 26. The team’s last met at the SCL in February 2020, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Jordan Obita opened the scoring but Mallik Wilks salvaged a point for Hull with an 82nd minute goal. Reading have a poor recent record against Hull, winning just one of their last 12 meetings.
24 | SPORT
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GYMNASTICS
VIRTUE GYMNASTICS SECURE MEDALS By KARA CHANCE sport@wokingham.today VIRTUE school of gymnastics secured a stack of medals at a recent national aerobic competition.
The aerobic squad members returned from the two day completion, The Welsh Championships 2021 with high scores across all categories. The Welsh was the first ever elite competition in which Virtue Aerobics competed at back in 2019 taking a total of 23 gymnasts this year they took over 35 competitive gymnasts. In day one of the competition in the IAC level Virtue performed exceptionally well and walked away with two gold medals, one silver and one fifth position. Cassia Sesay, Tia Edwards and Millie Feasey bagged a gold in their trio in the Level two under 10s age group. In the Level three under 10s Lara Mcgee, Candice Liu and Sophia Reese Powell also walked
Day two medalists from Virtue gymnastics away with the gold for their trio performance. Fifth place went to Evie Wride, Sky Reimers and Cara Dovovan Heath. Amelia Flynn, Isla Little, Maddie West and Millie Schofield took the silver home with their group routine in the level four under 10’s category. The Virtue pre-foundation team performed incredibly, scoring the best results the club has ever seen
at that level. Millie Ritchie placed seventh out of 18 gymnasts. Jude Yam wowed the audience scoring an amazing 16.100 scooping the gold medal in his category. In the foundation category (the gateway to elite) Isabelle Meikle placed eighth with a solid routine. In RAC foundation level Manon Canolle took home a bronze medal closely followed by her two team mates Evie Duckett placing fourth
TABLE TENNIS
SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B VICTORIOUS
By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today
SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B were 8-2 winners against the club’s C team in a division 1 match much closer than the score suggests.
For the C team, Tim Raby managed a fine win over Brian Meheux while Matt Isherwood played superbly at the end to defeat Jamie Barlow. For the B team Simon Berry starred with a maximum. KINGFISHER D moved away from the bottom of the table after a convincing 9-1 success against TILEHURST RBL A, Graham Mendick and Julian Telford both getting trebles, while Tidmarsh A beat a two man SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A side 6-4, Simon Barter just getting the better of Malcolm Gregory. Despite an early win by Nigel Keedy, KINGFISHER B lost their inter club derby with KINGFISHER A 8-2, Hari Gehlot and Darren Jones with trebles for the A side. SONNING SPORTS A stay top of division 2 and OUR LADY OF PEACE B climb to second, following their 5-5 draw, Sonning Sports winning the doubles set to ensure that they remain undefeated. For OLOP, Alistair Richardson defeated substitute Harry Brough, Chris West took the scalps of Nick Sears and Harry and Darek Kaminski missed out on a treble when he lost to Harry 8-11 11-5 11-13 11-9 6-11. Despite a maximum for Francois Durand, Tidmarsh B lost to OUR LADY OF PEACE C 4-6, Mike Aistrop earning their other point,
with OLOP’s substitutes Parvin Baishkiyar and Morgan Sykes both winning, Parvin beating Chris Webb 11-9 11-3 12-10 while Morgan was only denied her treble by Francois winning the 10th set TILEHURST METHODISTS A returned to winning ways, defeating KINGFISHER F 6-4, Eric Van Looy recording another treble and Bill Stamatiou winning twice, Eric and Bill also winning the doubles. KINGFISHER G lost to Tidmarsh C by the same 4-6 score line, with Satej Jaywant’s treble not enough for the win, since neither Anup Chopra nor Hamid Mohseni were able to overcome Simon Craig, David Sheppard or Richard Hudson. Kingfisher’s other point courtesy of Hamid & Satej’s doubles win. It proved to be a bad week for the Kingfisher Club as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D also won 7-3 against KINGFISHER E, meaning that all three Kingfisher Clubs lost this week. In Division 3 KINGFISHER I’S youngsters have had two excellent wins which has pushed them well and truly into the promotion race. Firstly they beat an experienced OUR LADY OF PEACE D side 7-3 with Theo Kniep getting a good maximum and they followed this by winning 6-4 at promotion contenders Milestone A where new signing Ryan Chung had a dream debut not only getting a maximum but also inflicting the first defeat of the season on Milestone’s star player Zoltan Kelemen in a fluctuating set which went to five. OUR LADY OF PEACE E had their
best result of the season winning 9-1 against Tidmarsh D who were only able to field two players with Parvin Baishkiyar and Max Griggs unbeaten on the night for OLOP. Promotion favourites Pangbourne WMC had another solid performance in winning 7-3 at Springfield helped by yet another Clive Taylor maximum. Springfield’s Rob Wilkie had two excellent victories in five against John Simmonds and also Leroy Wilson where he recovered from losing the first two games to win 13-11 in the fifth. The other promotion contenders TILEHURST RBL A had a hard fought 6-4 win over OUR LADY OF PEACE D with Kate Maksimenko getting a comprehensive maximum. OLOP’s Morgan Sykes won twice including 11-9 in the fifth against Nick Lean. In Division 4 TILEHURST ROYAL BRITISH LEGION C went to READING FC B who only had two players and came away with a 7-3 win. Jim Brent maintained his good form by winning two as did Joe Bull for the Biscuitmen. SONNING SPORTS B beat SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD F 6-4, Harry Brough had a maximum for the Sports. On the same night SONNING SPORTS C lost 3-7 to TILEHURST METHODISTS B for whom Martin Wetherell won all three. READING FC B again had only two players for their re arranged match at SONNING SPORTS C but came away with a 6-4 win with Derek Anderson and Harry Edwards both gaining hat tricks.
and Bella Vasa placing fifth. During day two, in the RAC level Tia Allan performed a personal best and walked away with the silver medal in the Nat Dev category. In the trio competition India Kristall, Holly Stewart and Taylor Cox got a well deserved bronze medal. Tiana Whyborn placed fifth in the group one category out of 19 very talented gymnasts, Erin Watchman came 8th and Olivia Mcewen came 11th in the same category. In the pairs section Isabelle Mcdonagh and Freya Abery were awarded a silver medal. In group two Virtue swept the podium receiving a gold from Teagan Allen and a silver from Naomi Morgan. Lastly in the NAC nat dev level Mary Ann Perrin came a strong 4th narrowly missing the bronze position. In the hardest category NAC group one’s Kiera Frankum placed 14th, Emily Kays placed 15th, Alicia Gushlow placed 16th and Kaitlin Strudley placed 18th. Trio’s Kiera, Mary Ann and Emily brought the bronze medal home.
SNOOKER
WALLACE TAKES PRIZE IN SENIORS MARTIN Wallace overcame his nemesis to take an early lead on the Cuestars Seniors (40+) Tour.
The 54-year-old from Wokingham pocketed £100 in prize money after seeing off old rival John Hunter 2-0 in the final of the first leg at Fareham Snooker Club. Wallace made a 49 break to secure the opening frame and he fired in a long pink in the next after a lengthy safety battle on the colours. The left-hander hadn’t won a Seniors tournament since his historic first ever victory over Hunter (Andover) in the final at Salisbury Snooker Club more than three years ago. Earlier, five-time rankings champion Hunter chalked up the day’s highest break of 78 in his 2-0 semi-final win against Phil Morgan (Salisbury). This eclipsed the 74 which Dhar Lilly had knocked in against Hunter in the group stages of the Dransfields-sponsored event. Morgan was appearing in the last-four for the first time for nearly three years. Wayne Muddiman (Southampton) lost 2-0 to Wallace in the second semi. The Crucible in Newbury, hosts the second leg of eight on Sunday, December 12. Quarter-finals: (12 pts):Martin Wallace 2-1 David Brock Semi-finals :(15 pts, £20): Wallace 2-0 Muddiman, Final: (25/18 pts, £100/£40): Wallace 2-0 Hunter.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, December 1, 2021
RESULTS
Saturday, November 27
FOOTBALL Swansea City 2-3 Reading FA Trophy second-round Binfield 2-3 Truro City Combined Counties Premier North Wembley 2-2 Reading City Sumas 0-2 Holyport Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 5-0 Chalvey Sports Rayners Lane 4-2 Berks County Woodley United 1-5 AFC Hayes Thames Valley Premier League Wargrave 7-1 Wraysbury Windlesham & Chobham 1-0 Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One Hurst 2-2 Eldon Celtic Thames Valley Division Two Mortimer Development 0-2 Berks County Swords SB Phoenix Reserves 1-1 Hurst Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe 4-5 AFC Winkfield Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves 2-6 Pangbourne Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers 4-2 SB Phoenix Development Finchampstead Development 3-1 AFC Corinthians South West 1 East Marlborough 12-15 Bracknell HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 1-1 Marlow South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning 4-0 Milton Keynes 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 3-1 Fareham South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 1-0 Maidenhead 2s
Sunday, November 28
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One South Chichester City 4-1 Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers 2-1 Penn & Tylers Green Wargrave 2-4 Caversham United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 2-2 Caversham AFC Women
FIXTURES
Saturday, December 4
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Hull City Isthmian South Central Uxbridge v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v CB Hounslow United Spelthorne Sports v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Bagshot v Woodley United Berks County v London Samurai Rovers Eversley & California v Sandhurst Town Thames Valley Premier Reading City U23’s v Burghfield Reading YMCA v Woodley United Royals Wargrave v Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Slough Heating Laurencians SB Phoenix v FC Imaan Lions Thames Valley Division Two AFC Winkfield v Berks County Swords Datchet v Twyford & Ruscombe Richings Park Reserves v Hurst Reserves Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves v Reading City Development Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers v Henley Town Development Finchampstead Development v Finchampstead United HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Havant 2s v South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Reading 3s v Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Wallingford v South Berkshire Marlow v Sonning RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Blackheath South West 1 East Bracknell v Oxford Harlequins
Sunday, December 5
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Abingdon United Southern Women’s Division 1 South Abbey Rangers v Eversley & California Cup Caversham United v Wycombe Wanderers Reserves Charlbury Town v Tilehurst Panthers Procision Oxford v Wargrave