Reading Today, February 23, 2022

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LEISURETODAY BRILLIANT PAPERS IN ONE Your guide to what’s on

READ 23.02 ING .22 EDITION

23.02.22

SOUTH BERKS BACK IN ACTION

across Reading and Woki ngham

It’s Showtime at last ...

Anto

n and Erin re y to dance into The Head xagon They are among the most the Strictly Come Dancingpopular of dancers, and now they’re heading to The Hexa gon.

JULES BLOYLE finds out more

RAMS DIG DEEP IN DIFFICULT VICTORY

ROCKETS SEE OFF ESSEX

‘I WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CLUB’ PAUNOVIC OUT ... INCE IN

TEAM BRIT BOBBY HEADS TO PORTUGAL

WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has spent a them and all get together week of making ‘lifetime to do the to the dresses after Strictly?’ firsts’ music with everybody.” or, ‘What Forsyth was going after heading out to Portimao kind of underpants you wear?’ to be hosting in Anton says the music is a that , or, Portugal withatTeam group time.

‘What cheese do you eat?’

BRIT. affair, chosen with the help of MD Team BRIT’s goal of making “They were just choosing “There’s lots of those silly Richard Balcombe, and choreogra eight questions, motorspo dancers pher rt and history made it clear they weren’t at the iconic but they cause a reaction. and director Nikki Woollasto We used to looking for couples.race n.

T’S been a long time coming, get a lot of marriage proposals ” is moving closer as it unveiled “We are very involved in walk out saying: ‘What a , too.” its car for 2022 – a brand the five Anton adds: “Only but the nation’s favourite great nigh!’, Erin and Anton were both eight new ballroom numbers, but the so an you don’t McLaren want rest professionals out of the of the to reinvent the ballroom couple are back 570S GT4 in October last essential part of Strictly whole show is down to Nikki,” he industry. on Come Dancing wheel with obscure music says.

Eight professionals.year. the dancefloor with a brand or make it from the very start. “We And we - dancing “She puts together all the had heard it a contemporary dance thing, new tour. as a couple - were twoBobby ensemble been selected to drive was in the pipeline, but it because out of has pieces, the flow and the the eight. had always that’s not what it says on run of it, So you know, that’sthe McLaren alongside Anton Du Beke and Erin the tin, it says just been (amateur ballroom pretty teammate Boag have amazing.” because you can’t do that Showtime. contest) when you’re been beloved household It was a huge hitAaron Morgan from Basingstoke, Come Dancing before that, straight names since away and in it. which sort “It’s a song and dance show and last week, they first appeared on the was immediately commissio the of that’s worried us, very first ” ned Erin “We tried that first year for pair flew out to recalls. purely about entertainm the Algarve Internatio episode of Strictly Come and learnt a second series, turning ent. So the “That had been off the air nal Circuit in Dancing way them into pretty quickly that you need music has to be familiar with for 15 Portimao, Portugal. back in 2004 and are still celebrities. to be out years, and was very dated. some as popular front to do that.

Ballroom pieces that people won’t as ever, both on-screen and Not “I only felt it was massively right this dancing from the first time Series had moved on massively in the live “Anybody that thinks they recognise, or won’t have since Bobby gotOne, setting, where they have certainly from the fans, can do it heard for a then and we were worried ” Antonbehind produced from onstage, well they’re says. the wheel of the they were long time, but will love all brand either better incredible touring productio “There were such McLaren, it was also the same, as going to take the mickey hugenew viewing ns. than me at it, or better than out of it. they are iconic pieces. histhat us at it, or figures by the end of first-ever time on an aeroplane Along with the rest of the “We were at the peak of first run, that world they’ve got three eyes.” , our “The choreography has to of live entertainment, the immediately there and the second time in his life professional career and be was only a huge pair had uptake As well as the ballroom, were told spectacular and entertaini that the show to postpone their 2021 tour in the interest of the he and, has left the UK. ng, too. Even the BBC were doing something that show due to covers different dancing as a the with dresses it styles. It’s are iconic. coronavirus restrictions Bobby and Aaron spent byproduct, you get well-know and to put in our CVs. but are now three something that Erin says n, as it’s “So what’s being played, is difficult, delighted to be back with all part of it. It was days and what “Little did we know that lovelytesting the incredible you’re thoughthe but made easier with the andcar I on the iconic they’d seeing, everything has to help from Showtime. enjoyed it from thePortimao track, supported by actually come off. been I’ve loved to dancers the it, closed British in in the team who have a theatre together.

Team BRIT’s specialist fact.”

With stunning costumes, championships in Blackpool crew of fabulous background. and filmed “We want people just to live vocals, a high-energy Erin says: “It wasengineers , alll working to ensure be able us all. So, we had to decide a wonderfu West End “It takes a lot longer to put if we wanted programm to sit down comfortably dance ensemble and a sensationa the is in the best shape with and be taken e to be athe to be a part of it, but Anton partcar of and pieces together for us,” she l said, ‘I’d away.” the 23-piece orchestra, it’s a says. obviously for Anton optimum set up for round rather be a part of it to know it still glittering is.

“Thankfully they’re very 1 what’s Erin says that the dancing patient with of the celebration that pays tribute “It becomes a part British GT Championship going on than not at all’.” couple are us, as they of you. to There was know exactly where we’re ‘pretty hands-on’ when it which some of the world’s greatest a point will in beitheld at Oulton Park our career - and I think comes to the Anton continues: “We’re icons of coming from. You still enjoy was choreography of the show. all prone on Saturday, April entertainment, inspired it though, after the second show to not being involved in something - where we had 16 and Monday, by an array even if I find the whole rehearsal “We discuss the music and and of classic performers including to make a decision April 18.to pretty then complaining about what’s of what challenging.” do?

Fred it.

I felt going that to it happen, Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank but we have a director “We either want to go this n Continued on was better for us to be involved, page 18 Sinatra, route And the show is interactive now who comes in, makes even Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, and still compete, and do . suggestions if we thought it was going this or go, but Audience members can ask Shirley to be a car and puts the pieces together, Bassey, Tom Jones, Liza Minelli, questions neither of us have any doubt crash, as we thought that ” she says, to Anton and Erin, something we made Elton we could adding: “If we wanted to, John and many more. the right decision.” that they we could do a potentially, with our experienc appreciate. lot less and just turn up, e, Anton explains: “The bottom Anton and Erin’s Showtime do the pieces steer it away from that happeninghelp is at The line is “It’s a great moment,” Erin and go, but we like to have . you’re putting on a show Hexagon on Friday, March says. a lot of “So we that’s really felt 4. Tickets “People laugh because it’s it would be better for us involvement. their own entertaining, one where cost from £38.50. to be in.” people will questions and they always “I go in and do all the costumes want to n For more details, call the Erin says: “They didn’t know with know simple things like, box what ‘What happens office on 0118 960 6060, it was going to be called, or log on to or that Bruce whatsonreading.com

I

Reading to see end of covid restrictions

ALL THE ACTION, EVERY WEEK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.toda y PAUL INCE is the new man at the helm at Reading FC after Veljko Paunovic departed by mutual consent.

Paunovic had endured a terrible run of form on the pitch that was culminated with off-the-fie problems that have plagued ld the Royals’ season.

In his final games in charge, Paunovic’s team broke a run of eight

consecutive losses by drawing Wednesday with Peteborou last gh, and then beating Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday.

“We came to the point where this decision was best for the club,”

said Paunovic after his last game as manager.

“I’m pretty self-aware of the things that are happenin g and negativity that was surround the ing “I never thought that it was me. fair, but I also don’t think the team needs it at this point.

“I’m completely unselfish in this decision, I want the team to excel and I want the best for the club.

“I really have a huge respect for the opportunity and the time I’ve spent at this club.

NEWS, WHAT’S ON AND SPORT

Wednesday, February 22, 2022

No. 18 90p

“I just wanted to do the best for the club and we reached an agreement where this was the right time to make this decision for the future of it.”

Paul Ince will now be manager on an interim basis just weeks after his son Tom Ince joined as a player untl the end of the season on a loan deal.

His first game in charge is on Tuesday night against Birmingh City (match report and reaction am online at rdg.today).

nMore Reading FC news

inside

ROYAL VISITOR FOR REP THEATRE P36

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

CORONAVIRUS restrictions in England are set to end.

Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday that all domestic restrictions, including self-isolation, will stop tomorrow (Thursday), as part of his “living with covid” plan.

Previously, recording a positive test would result in 10 days isolation, reduced to five if two negative lateral flow tests were recorded.

The decision brings almost two years of restrictions to an end.

Speaking to MPs Mr Johnson said: “While the pandemic is not over, we have now passed the peak of the Omicron wave.

“Because of the efforts we have made, we can now deal with it in a very different way, moving from government restrictions to personal responsibility.”

Mr Johnson said the combination of vaccination, scientific understanding and high levels of immunity mean the nation can move to vaccines and treatments as the first line of defence, rather than government intervention.

As part of the announcement Mr Johnson also confirmed that free testing will end on Friday, April 1, with most having to pay. There will be some exceptions.

Also ending is the £500 payment for some people on lower income. From Thursday, March 24, statutory sick pay and employment support allowance will only be paid after four and seven days of absence.

In the week ending Sunday, February 20, 970 people had confirmed a positive test result in Reading with seven deaths within 28 days of a positive test for coronavirus.

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EUNICE RAISES THE ROOF

Theatre’s battle to save show after storm rips building open

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A THEATRE’S new show hangs in the balance after Storm Eunice tore off the roof of the building.

The Shinfield Players’ Whitley Wood base was damaged in Friday’s storm.

A team of volunteers rallied round on Saturday to put a temporary fix in place, but the amateur theatre has been forced

to figure out a solution for its next play, which is due to open next weekend.

As we went to press, it was not known if the show could go on.

The damage was just one of many stories that came out of the storm, one of the strongest for 30 years.

Trees fell down, walls collapsed and power went off across Reading and the Thames Valley in a day of disruption caused by strong winds across the day. n Full story pages 4-5

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Building society branch raises more than £4,000 for Sue Ryder MORE THAN £4,000 has been raised by a Wokingham building society branch.

Earlier this month, Charlotte Hall and Justine Ransom, branch managers of the Newbury Building Society’s town branch, presented a cheque to Tom Horsfield, Fern Haynes, and Georgia Thornton at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

Ms Hall thanked all of the staff members who helped reach the total.

She added: “We are very happy to have been able to support Sue Ryder and the incredible work they do for those living with terminal illnesses in the Thames Valley last year.”

Fundraising activities included a sponsored walk around Virginia Water, which raised more than £1,000, as well as calendar sales, and an annual donation from the society’s charity savings account.

Witness appeal after Tilehurst crash

CHEQUE: Justine Ransom and Charlotte Hall from the Wokingham branch of Newbury Building Society present a cheque to Tom Horsfield, Fern Haynes and Georgia Thornton of Sue Ryder Picture: Professional Images/@ ProfImages Members who open this account can save and nominate a charity to which the society makes an annual donation based on the savings balances.

A spokesperson for Sue Ryder said they are grateful for the support.

“This incredible donation to Sue

Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice will allow our nurses and healthcare professionals to be there when it matters for those people living with a terminal illness in the Thames Valley,” they said.

This support extends to the family and friends of patients.

Conservatives petition for Royal Berkshire Hospital in borough

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A CALL has been made to transplant the Royal Berkshire Hospital from Reading to Wokingham borough.

Speaking at a meeting of its ruling executive, Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr John Halsall said that Shinfield would be best placed for a more accessible site.

The Wokingham Conservative group has launched a petition which it can present to the government as a sign of residents’ support for the plan. It comes days after Reading Borough Council expressed their concerns over the proposal.

In the meeting, held on Thursday, February 17, Cllr Halsall said: “We are very enthusiastic to support proposals for the RBH to relocate some or all the services to the borough, which would not only create economic opportunity, but also be integral to our health and wellbeing strategies for all our residents.”

The RBH is one of a number of hospitals that figure in the

government’s plans to revamp healthcare.

The suggested site is part of a proposals to place 4,500 homes at the Hall Farm/Loddon Valley site, alongside the Thames Valley Science Park being developed by the University of Reading. The Rutherford Cancer Centre is already operating from Shinfield.

After the meeting Cllr Halsall said: “The current site for the RBH just doesn’t work – there is no room to expand facilities that are badly in need of updating.

“We believe that it makes sense for a new hospital to be built in Wokingham Borough in an area with good access and the space for an expansive and modern RBH. If you agree with our campaign, please show your support by signing our petition.”

This view was at odds with Reading, its deputy leader, Cllr Tony Page, said: “Excluding the hospital site, the Council has at this time not been provided with the necessary evidence to demonstrate how a housing and employment development on this scale could be highly accessible by public transport,

walking and cycling, including links into central Reading.

“We would want to see much more clearly developed transport proposals before we could determine whether or not we agree with any proposal in principle.”

Cllr Charles Margetts, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said that the hospital was going to be rebuilt.

“Keeping the hospital at the current site would cause decades of disruption, and wouldn’t solve problems of accessibility, parking and room for expansion,” he said.

“Moving the hospital to Wokingham Borough, would allow for the building a bespoke facility, near to the M4 with good access and the right infrastructure.”

He added: “Back our campaign to provide better care, access and support facilities for patients, their families and staff.” n The petition can be seen at: ipetitions.com/petition/relocate-royalberkshire-hospital

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a head-on crash which took place in Tilehurst on Monday, February 14.

Officers were called to the collision between a black Mercedes Benz CLK200 convertible and a silver Hyundai i800 people carrier on The Meadway, near to the junction with Dee Road, at around 3.35pm.

The Mercedes is reported to have hit several wooden posts, pulling them out of the ground, before crashing into the Hyundai.

PC Michael Greaves-Hurd, based at Reading police station, has asked for witnesses to come forward.

"I am also appealing for anyone who may have dashcam footage of the collision or any footage of the vehicles prior to the collision to get in touch," he said.

Anyone with information should call 101, or make a report online, quoting reference 43220068921.

Stabbing: second man charged

A SECOND man has been charged in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Tilehurst last weekend.

Daniel Parker, 29, of no fixed abode, was charged with one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of possession of a knife blade or sharply pointed article in a public place.

The charge is in relation to an incident on Norcot Road, Tilehurst, that took place on Saturday, February 12.

Daniel Parker appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court and has been remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, March 15.

Andrew Parker, 37, of The Broadway, Thatcham, was charged on Monday, February 14, with a single count of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent. He has been bailed with conditions to appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, March 15.

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Olympic champion Tom Daley swaps diving for a cycle ride

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today AN OLYMPIC champion cycled through Caversham for charity last week.

Tom Daley, a four-time Olympic medallist, is part way through a four day endurance challenge called Hell of a Homecoming in aid of Comic Relief.

He set off from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford on Monday, February 14, with a sixmile row followed by a 60-mile bicycle ride from the Tower of London to the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake in Reading.

The Team GB diver started day two with a 1,000 metre swim and is now cycling 63 miles to Southampton.

As part of his route, Mr Daley passed Queen Anne’s school and was cheered on by pupils wishing him well.

Elaine Purves, head at the school, said: “We were thrilled to be able to cheer Tom on as he passed Queen Anne’s and wish him all the best for his onward journey.”

Day three of the challenge saw him cycle a further 130 miles from Southampton to Bovey Castle, where he married his husband in 2017.

The final leg of the challenge will see him run 30 miles from Bovey Castle to his hometown of Plymouth. n To find out more about the challenge, visit: comicrelief.com/ tomschallenge

GRATITUDE: Police has praised The Oracle’s security team and nominated them for an award

Praise for Oracle’s security team for stopping drink and drug driving

ON HIS WAY: Tom Daley cycles through Caversham as part of his Hell of a Homecoming challenge

University opens applications for refugee scholarships REFUGEES and asylum seekers are being encouraged to apply for a range of scholarships at the University of Reading.

The Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme was introduced in April last year for anyone with refugee, humanitarian protected or asylum seeker status.

The scheme offers up to 12 awards each year, providing opportunities for those taking pre-sessional, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses starting in September this year are now open, with a deadline of Monday, July 4.

Applications for presessional English courses are open until Friday, May 6.

The University originally launched a refugee scholarship scheme in 2018, but had just five applicants in 2019. None of the applicants met the correct eligibility status, so were not granted the place.

It was revised and relaunched last year, welcoming 47 applicants, with seven being successful.

Adam Jacobs, whose name has been changed, was one of the successful applicants last year.

He travelled to the UK seeking refugee status in 2019 after the situation in his home country became too dangerous for himself and his young family.

“It changed my life,” Mr Jacobs said. “As a father and a student, it has given me the opportunity to do so much more. I don’t think I would have been able to go to university without the scholarship.

“When I received the funding, it changed everything.

It felt like the pressure had finally been lifted after so many years.”

Paul Inman, pro-vice chancellor (International) at the University of Reading, said: “The Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme is one of many ways the University of Reading welcomes and supports sanctuary seekers within our community.

“We recognise that people fleeing violence in their home countries want to continue their education here in the UK,

and this scheme helps them to do just that.

“It is fantastic to see the growing number of applications and scholarship awards since the scheme first started – I hope that this year will see even greater numbers.”

The scholarship is part of the University’s wider commitment to supporting the City of Sanctuary initiative and on-going partnerships with Reading City of Sanctuary and refugee organisations.

The university signed the national organisational pledge to City of Sanctuary for the first-time last year and has also pledged its support to Reading City of Sanctuary.

It is now working towards achieving a University of Sanctuary award, which would demonstrate a commitment to the welcome and inclusion of sanctuary seekers on its campuses.

In June last year, the university launched a Sanctuary Coffee Bank initiative, which allows staff and students to donate so that sanctuary seekers on campus can access free hot drinks.

POLICE have praised the security team at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading, highlighting their work to prevent drink and drug driving.

And they have been so impressed that they have nominated the staff for the British Security Awards, highlighting their quick decision making, and ability to tackle drivers over the safe driving limit.

“The team are outstanding at recognising and reporting drivers who they feel are over the limit and they are always spot on,” the citation from Thames Valley Police reads.

“The Oracle report a number of these incidents, which in turn allows us to respond efficiently and prevent people being hurt.

“In most cases when the Police arrive the Security Team will have prevented the vehicle from leaving at the gates and in some cases have persuaded drivers to exit the vehicle. This makes the job for the Police much safer.

“We can trust that the Security Team have acted professionally and have the public’s best interests at heart.”

The winners will be announced later in the year.

- ‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club 13th March at 5pm A 'club' is just a name.We bring open-minded, a thirsty for knowledge and adventure Whisk(e)y lovers and guide them on their journey through selection of interesting Whiskies.

At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind, to the flavours, and the distillery and all these stories add up to the finish product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn more.

Welcome Cocktail | Whisk(e)y Tasting | Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram

Whisky Selection - Speyside | Cardhu 12 Years Old | Discovery Glenrothes 11 Years Old | Balvenie 14 Years Old Caribbean Cask | Craigellachie 13 Years Old Once you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner with a very special twenty percent off food. £29.95 per person

To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

STORM EUNICE

Reading battles the wind: Power cuts, damage to buildings and uprooted trees BLOWN OVER: A fence panel fell victim to the high winds Picture: Steve Smyth

EXCLUSIVE

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today STORM EUNICE battered the borough on Friday.

High winds brought trees crashing down, with many blocking roads. Large portions of the borough lost power, as electricity lines went down.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said that an active jet stream was helping to drive lowpressure systems across the country.

Speaking ahead of the storm, he said: “Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.”

Transport

Rail operators urged passengers not to travel as Storm Eunice continued to cause disruption.

South Western Railway suspended all services with many key routes blocked due to

fallen trees.

And Great Western Railway was unable to run trains across much of its network.

GWR allowed customers with tickets to travel on Friday to use them up to and including Monday, February 21.

Reading Buses imposed a speed restriction on their services due to the high winds, with routes being diverted or cancelled throughout the day.

Services

The ambulance service that operates across Reading and Wokingham declared a critical incident as Storm Eunice made its presence felt.

Demand on its 999 service and travel disruption led to higher demand on South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS)’s operations.

As a result, patients were left facing longer times for emergency call-outs.

To help with demand, it requested off-duty staff come in to help out, as well as volunteer community first responders and co-responders, while additional vehicles are being deployed.

Paul Jefferies, SCAS’s assistant director of operations, explained that declaring a critical incident allows SCAS to seek further support from its

IN THE WAY: A tree came down on Reading’s London Road. Picture: Simon French partners.

Thames Valley Police issued an urgent call for people to stay inside during Storm Eunice.

A spokesperson for the force said they were seeing people outside, and urged residents to stay indoors as much as

possible.

Damage and disruption

All state schools in the borough were closed as residents were advised not to travel in the high winds.

Many events were cancelled

on Friday including Blue Collar street market and the Rising Sun Arts Centre’s ghost stories event, last Saturday’s parkruns at Thames Valley Park and Prospect Park.

By Monday morning, 80 reports had been made of

A roof of a building in Woodley collapsed in the winds, while trees came down across the region, including Nine Mile Ride, and School Lane in Arborfield

DOWN: Cartwheeling Boys damaged by Storm Eustace Picture: TVP Reading

POPULAR STATUE DAMAGED IN STORM A POPULAR sculpture in Reading has been severely damaged by Storm Eunice.

The Cartwheeling Boys statue on the former Reading Civic Centre crumbled as a result of high winds.

Gifted by Düsseldorf to Reading, the work marks the 30th anniversary of the link

established between the two in 1947.

The piece was sculpted by Brian Slack and cast at Brunel University before being installed in 1981.

A spokesperson for the Reading Düsseldorf association said: “The Cartwheeling Boys had their 40th anniversary

last year and are a wonderful representation of the friendship between Reading and Duesseldorf. Let’s hope that it can be restored, perhaps in time for our 75th anniversary celebrations this summer.”

Reading Borough Council has recovered the statue and will now assess how it can be restored.

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STORM EUNICE falling trees, with 66 of these on Reading Borough Council land.

A spokesperson said on Monday: “The arboricultural team is dealing with making them safe and clearing them from highways, and other staff are also out to remove the fallen trees and branches from parks and open spaces.”

The re3 recycling centre on Smallmead Road was closed and waste crews made it through half of their scheduled rounds in the borough on Friday before conditions became too dangerous for them to continue.

Cllr Jason Brock, borough council leader, said that the housing repair team were on duty throughout the weekend dealing with emergency call outs as a result of the storm.

“So many staff have gone the extra mile in demanding circumstances over the past few days, and I’d like to thank them on behalf of the borough council and residents,” he said.

“It has been an exceptional effort.”

Power cuts

Power outages were reported widely across the borough, with some places still in the dark on Monday.

Lines went down just before 11.30am for areas across Reading.

The outages extended to Caversham, Norcot, Calcot, Whitley, Coley and parts of Earley and Woodley.

Power went off in one part of Caversham at 11.50am on Friday, and was still down on Monday, with an engineer yet to be sent out by

RIPPED OFF: Storm Eunice damaged Shinfield Players Theatre All pictures: Dijana Capan

Shinfield Players Theatre appeals for help with roof noon that day.

Also left without power until Monday were some parts of Woodley.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said on its website: “Storm Eunice is currently and continues to cause significant impact to the electricity network and our customer supplies.

“Due to this we cannot guarantee electricity supplies will be restored son. Our workforce, which was enhanced in preparation for the storm, has been mobilised and we’re working hard to restore customer supplies as quickly and safely as possible.”

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Our lead Clinician, Dr U Khattak qualified in 2001 as a Dentist and obtained his Master’s in Dental Aesthetics from prestigious King’s College London. Later he was awarded FGDP by the Royal College of Surgeons London, UK. Dr Khattak

has specialised interest in Dental Implants, Dental Braces and Smile Makeovers with over 10 years’ experience in specialised fields of Dental Implants, Braces and smile makeovers.

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A SHINFIELD community group is continuing with restoration efforts after Storm Eunice caused considerable damage to its performance space.

The Shinfield Players Theatre group is appealing for help with a temporary fix to the roof after high winds tore it from the building in Shinfield Park on Friday, February 18.

The group called for volunteers to help secure the site from further wind and rain with a tarpaulin on Saturday morning.

They also appealed for temporary performance spaces, with the theatre company’s latest production Last Tango in Whitby due to open on Wednesday, March 2.

A spokesperson from the theatre

company thanked the volunteers for their efforts in securing the site from further damage.

A decision about how the production will continue is yet to be made, with the state of the Shinfield Park building and potential replacement spaces still up in the air.

Around 95% of the roof was ripped away, leaving the auditorium, the stage, and backstage areas exposed.

Volunteers responded to calls for help and covered the space with tarpaulin to protect the exposed areas.

The former NAAFI building, previously part of the Royal Air Force site, has been used by the theatre group since 1973.

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6 | NEWS

Woman punched in robbery THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery in which the victim was punched.

The incident happened on Appleford Road, Southcote between 1pm and 1.10pm on Wednesday, February 16.

A man and a woman approached the victim, a woman in her 40s, and stole £100 cash from her. They then punched her.

Currently, there is no description of the offenders.

Investigating officer, PC Georgia Parrott, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who saw what happened or who has any information, to please get in touch.”

Witnesses are asked to call the police non-emergency number, 101 and quote reference number 43220071990.

Coffee morning A COFFEE morning will take place this Saturday in Tilehurst.

St George’s Church in St George’s Road will open its doors from 10.30am to noon.

Organised in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Pangbourne, the event will raise funds for victims of the Rowe Court arson attack.

Any excess funds will go to other charitable causes.

For more details, call: 07753 411989.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Kings Meadow View development of 900 homes begins consultation

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg,.today

A PUBLIC consultation has been launched for the proposed King’s Meadow View housing development that could replace Forbury Retail Park.

Developers have put their plans to the public and are seeking feedback from residents before applying for planning permission.

At the moment, the site is home to a number of furniture retailers, but under the plans it could house 900 apartments, a new retail outlet, and public spaces — with 50% of the area set aside for green space.

Scottish investment company abrdn, whichs own the retail park, has outlined its proposal for the site, named Kings Meadow View.

The plans would contribute to Reading Borough Council’s housing strategy, which aims to provide more than 16,000 new houses between 2013 and 2036.

The development also includes space for car club services, 800 secure cycle points, and 200 car parking spaces, 20% of which will feature electric vehicle charging.

The plan’s focus on alternative methods of transport has caused concern

NEW LOOK: An artist’s impression of King’s Meadow View, from Huntley Wharf that the development may contribute to high traffic already in the area due to the lack of available parking.

Last week, it held a public consultation so residents could look at the plans in more detail.

Resident David Whipple feared that the project could affect other buildings and services close by, saying “St James’ Church, just across the

road from the site already has to share parking space with the retail park as it is.”

“We do need to restrict car ownership if possible,” Mr Whipple said.

“But practically speaking the new development needs more than the 200 parking spaces that they’re suggesting for 900 homes.”

Brian Kelly, development

manager of the project, said: “Our aim is high sustainability, with a focus on electric vehicles and cycling.

“We’re still assessing the impact on traffic in the area and will continue to do so,” he said.

Sustainable construction is also a part of the project, Mr Kelly explained, “including brick and stonework traditional to Reading, but which also

uses low-carbon development, aiming for zero fossil fuels on site, and no gas.”

Another resident raised concerns about development safety, following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

Mr Kelly said that the plans took these concerns into account.

He said: “Safety is of course at the forefront of our project, and that’s supported by choice of our non-combustible building materials and insulation.

“We’re still in the preliminary stages, but we’ve been working with Reading Borough Council since 2019, and hope to submit an application later this year.”

Reading Borough Council requires at least 49% affordable housing, with either lowered rent or shared ownership schemes, in the build.

The proposal acknowledged the requisite for affordable housing, but did not state what proportion of its new homes had been ear-marked for affordable housing or shared ownership.

Craig Barnes, project manager, said: “We’re working towards flexibility, and of course it’s important that we adapt and cater to local circumstances.”

The project will review public response in the spring, with a planning application set for the summer.

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TOGETHER: The new hub is open Picture: Stewart Turkington

Woodley help hub opens in Emmanuel Church A NEW hub for the Wokingham Borough Council’s community engagement team in Woodley opened this month.

Based at Emmanuel Church on Southlake Crescent, the hub offers a dedicated space where people can meet with the team and get support.

There will be a drop-in session each Monday between 3.30pm and 5pm. It is run in partnership with Emmanuel Church, Share Wokingham, Woodley Lunch Bunch and Woodley Foodbank.

Residents can come in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

They will be able to select items they need from a wide range of products, including fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cupboard essentials and

cleaning equipment.

Primary school children will also be able to take part in activities such as arts and crafts and table tennis.

The community engagement team works across Woodley, in homes and community venues, and the new hub will offer another space for people to go.

Residents can contact the team for support on a range of issues including housing, finances, raising a family and anything else affecting them.

The new hub was opened by Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker and attended

by Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities.

Cllr Soane said that he was

delighted to be invited along to celebrate the success of the new partnership with charities in the area.

“Our community engagement officers have been delivering a fantastic service to residents of Woodley, and the new hub offers them the ability to go even further to offer people what they need, when and where they need it,” he said.

“This not only includes groups such as the Monday afternoon sessions, but also is a neutral, private space for people to come and discuss any issues they may have.” n To contact the community engagement team, email: community.engagement. localities@wokingham.gov.uk

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Launchpad secures £2,500 grant to help run new life skills centre

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

A READING homeless charity has been able to buy vital resources for its work and life skills centre, thanks to a £2,500 donation.

Launchpad received the money as part of the Community Fund, a joint initiative from the University of Reading and the John Sykes Foundation.

Established in 1979 by University of Reading students, Launchpad helps prevent homelessness, and enables those that have been, or are currently, homeless to rebuild their lives.

Last year, the charity opened Launchpad 135, a work and life skills centre.

Staff at the centre works with people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home,to tackle whatever is holding them back from resolving their housing situation. The aim is to achieve long-term stability and independence.

Members of the centre can access support for wellbeing, socialisation and self-esteem challenges, as well as practical support with budgeting, education, training, and employability skills.

The centre also has a kitchen for cookery and barista

ABOVE: Sian Walsh placed the funding bid. Right: A training session training; a DIY workshop; a garden for horticulture sessions; a hairdressing and barbering station; an IT suite for job searching, budgeting and computer skills; counselling rooms; and a large, multipurpose space for arts, crafts and music workshops.

Sian Walsh is a Launchpad Volunteer and a member of the University’s International Recruitment team.

She helped put together the bid for funding.

“The extra funding has allowed Launchpad to work with more people,” she said.

“From the simple but effective purchasing of more chairs so

that more members can attend training sessions, to covering the costs of the tutors that run those sessions, the Community Fund has enabled Launchpad to expand its offerings to more vulnerable people without jeopardising those existing service users that need it most.

“By expanding our offering, we have empowered more vulnerable people to rebuild; boosting confidence and helping them to lead full independent lives and break the cycle of homelessness.”

Money has also been used on printers and ink, allowing members to print cover letters and CVs.

And a large portion of the funds will be used to pay specialist tutors to lead regular ‘work ready’ training sessions within the centre.

Chris Smith, whose name has been changed, joined the service seeking employment stability and a volunteering role to help him build better relationships in his community.

He attended sessions at Launchpad 135 every Wednesday morning and was encouraged to make enquiries with charity shops for volunteering opportunities.

With support from a Launchpad tutor, Mr Smith

created a CV and shortly after was offered work with a warehouse.

“Using the skills I learned during the Money Matters sessions at Launchpad 135, I was able to budget and put money aside for rent each week,” Mr Smith said.

“The agency offered four weeks work but I was still able to stick to my budget.

“I have now updated my CV to include this work experience and I am working on creating profiles on online job sites and on writing my cover letter. I feel really positive, this is a turning point.”

Save the date for Jubilee picnic and celebration A SAVE the date invitation has been launched for a Jubilee event in Caversham.

Christchurch Meadows will be the venue for a Bring Your Own picnic Big Lunch event on Sunday, June 5.

Afterwards, at 2.30pm, Churches Together in Reading will hold a service of thanksgiving for the Queen to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.

Organisers say there will be easy-to-sing hymns, the National Anthem, prayers and a short address by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham.

Music will be led by the Reading Central Salvation Army band.

A marquee, offering seating for 100 people, will be available for those who require shelter, be it from rain or sun.

Entry is free.

String quartet THE return of Concerts in Caversham takes place this Saturday, with a performance from the Caversham Ensemble.

The string quartet will be at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20, with concessions available. For details, call 0118 948 3220 or visit concertsincaversham.co.uk

8 | NEWS

Rail use drops during pandemic RAIL use plummeted to just a fifth of pre-pandemic levels as people worked from home.

The Office of Rail and Road revealed that during the year 2020-21, the latest for which statistics are available, the total number of journeys for the South East region was 62.2 million.

This equates to 20.3% of the 306 million journeys made in 2019-20.

The South East recorded 35.5 million journeys to or from other regions, the equivalent of 16.0% of the 222 million journeys made in 2019-20.

London accounted for 89.7% of these journeys. The 31.8 million journeys to or from London in 2020-21 equate to 15.7% of the 203 million journeys recorded in 2019-20.

Tthere were 344 million passenger journeys made in Great Britain in 2020-21.

Calcot home smashed into ON THURSDAY, February 17, offenders smashed the rear window of a property in Carters Rise, Calcot.

It happened at 8.40pm, reported police.

Any residents with information have been urged to contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference: 4322007453

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Police officers given management action after misconduct proven PICTURE: Phil Creighton

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today NEW DATA has revealed the way that misconduct cases in Thames Valley Police have been handled.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) has found 12 officers and three police staff as having a case to answer for misconduct.

When heard against the force’s tribunal, misconduct was proven against seven officers and one staff member.

And each person was given management action.

Seven of the cases referred to death or serious injury having occurred shortly after contact with police.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said that the term “management action” was used prior to February 2020 when regulations changed, and only for occasions where there was a minor breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

These, they said, would not justify formal disciplinary proceedings.

“The behaviour is on the lower end of the scale and may only warrant words of advice in the form of management

action,” they added. “Each individual case is different, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on why written warnings were not given.”

Over the past three years, some 418 misconduct cases were held by 39 forces in England and Wales following an initial investigation by the IOPC. In 64% of these, panels found officers or staff had committed misconduct or gross misconduct.

Analysis from the BBC found that among these 244 officers, 105 faced no further action.

Ten officers were dismissed, 40 given a written warning and 87 received management action.

Cases involving persistent bullying, the use of racial slurs

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and deaths of members of the public were among those to see no further action taken.

Janet Alder has been campaigning for a tougher police complaints system since her brother Christopher died on the floor of a custody suite in Hull in 1998.

She is a member of the United Families and Friends Coalition (UFFC), a group of nearly 50 families who have lost individuals in police, psychiatric and prison custody.

UFFC has been campaigning for justice for loved ones and stricter regulation of the police since 1999.

Miss Alder said that the investigation showed police forces were still suffering many of the same problems they did

in the 1990s such as violence, misogyny and racism and that tougher punishments were needed.

Ron Winch, a former serving police officer of 30 years, said that the force comes from a place of learning with its response to misconduct.

Mr Winch served in the Met before ending his career as a superintendent at West Midlands Police. He is now a criminology lecturer at Birmingham City University.

He said that gross misconduct and misconduct would often have different outcomes.

“Gross misconduct is for really serious issues where, if they are found guilty, the individual involved would expect to lose their job,” he said.

“Misconduct is a slightly separate matter — these are areas where you wouldn’t expect to lose your job. For these areas police governance has long been approaching these issues from a place of learning rather than developing a blame culture.

“The latter can be really toxic, because what it does is force people to try and cover up mistakes, to become ultra-defensive, to cover up whistleblowers.”

Mr Winch said that the Taylor

reforms of 2010 were focused on developing an environment of learning, to give a better service to the public.

He added: “But when there is no further action or management action — it’s a bit ambiguous, it really doesn’t mean much to the public.

“It was certainly my experience that management action against officers who were guilty of misconduct could be a number of things. It could be me saying you need to go on a particular development course or take on extra training in a particular aspect. The public don’t really understand the police misconduct process as it’s very difficult to get your head around.”

Kathie Cashell, director of strategy and impact at the IOPC said that accountability takes many forms.

“Answering for your actions and explaining them in public is accountability itself,” she said. “I don’t think misconduct sanctions are the only measure of performance in this system, but I agree they are important.”

She added that its important for all force panels to operate consistently.

“We would welcome a review that looks into whether they are consistent and transparent,” she said.

OPEN: PhatJ’s Pizza & Grill grand opening in Calcot All pictures: Dijana Capan

PhatJ’s serves up a slice of charity A NEW takeaway has celebrated its opening with a slice of charity.

Owners of PhatJ’s Pizza & Grill marked the unveiling of their new pizzeria with a charity give away, in aid of YoungMinds.

Five hundred pizzas were offered at 99p each at the opening weekend in Calcot, with owners matching the amount raised to be donated to the mental health charity.

Customers flocked to the

Royal Avenue eatery and bought all of the pizzas, raising around £1,000 for YoungMinds.

Though the celebration offered a deal on the pizzas, PhatJ’s also serves kebabs, chicken, hot dogs and fish and chips, with gluten-free, meat-free, vegan and halal options.

YoungMinds helps children and young people with mental health issues, offering advice and access to help.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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ROYALS EXHIBITION AT READING MUSEUM KICK OFF: Sir John Madejski announces the exhibition open Pictures: Daniel Blackham

Rare number 11 Robin Friday shirt Match ball from Reading’s 7-1 victory over Brentford in 1927

Royals’ history celebrated in show Reading Football Club combines a unique gathering of pictures, objects, fans’ and players’ memorabilia to tell the story of the club.

From humble beginnings in 1871, when a group of young men formed the club on Christmas Day, to the heights of the Premier League, the club

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today READING Museum has opened an exhibition celebrating 150 years of Reading Football Club.

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has endured years of triumph and turmoil.

The collection also covers the success of the community trust, the emergence of the women’s game and highlights moments of change on and off the pitch, such as Andy Alleyne becoming the first black player to play for the club.

At a launch event for the exhibition, at the Blagrave Street venue until August, Cllr Rachel Eden, mayor of Reading, said: “I’m sure all visitors to this landmark 150th exhibition will enjoy this experience.

“Although it is 150 years after its first game, our club continues to make an inspirational contribution to our town’s sporting and cultural life and long may that continue.”

The launch event saw Sir John Madejski open the exhibition.

The museum is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays until Saturday, August 13.

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Survey reveals Reading in 5G pilot scheme as residents’ top part of Berkshire digital group three concerns

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@rdg.today

READING residents have revealed their top three concerns in a borough-wide survey.

More than 1,000 people took part in Reading Borough Council’s annual questionnaire which looks at how people feel about their communities, the services the borough council provides, and how it interacts with residents.

The state of the borough’s roads and pavements was the top concern, with 38% of respondents saying that the borough council should prioritise repairs.

The level of crime and the need for “decent” affordable housing were each listed as a top priority by 26% of survey participants.

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council leader, said that the survey is important to discover areas and themes where residents think it can improve.

“There will always be things we can enhance further, and issues we can do better on,” he said.

“In response to these findings, we are proposing to invest a further £8 million for road and pavement repairs over the next three years, on top of what was already our biggest ever road repair programme.

“We continue to work with Thames Valley Police to reduce the level of serious crime and we are investing in he biggest council house building programme in a generation.”

The survey also revealed that 80% of those who responded were satisfied with their area as a place to live, with 76% reporting that they felt a sense of belonging.

“More than a third of people said that they were satisfied with parks and green spaces, and street cleaning and waste collection services.

Cllr Brock said that he was “delighted” with the results.

“They reflect the major investments the borough council continues to make to provide better facilities for residents,” he added.

“The borough council feels tremendous pride in the town and it is even more important that residents similarly feel pride in their local neighbourhoods.

“I entirely understand that fostering this sense of civic pride is a partnership endeavour.”

The survey was conducted during August and September last year by Marketing Means.

READING and neighbouring Wokingham are being included in pilot schemes to speed up 4G and 5G deployment.

Telecoms firms will be given easier access to public buildings and street lights, bus shelters and traffic lights in 44 English and Scottish council areas, as part of the plan.

The two boroughs are part of the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group, which is one of eight schemes to be awarded the funding.

The schemes are being trialled because companies can find it difficult to acquire information on a structure’s location, physical dimensions, proximity to the street or access to a power source — all of which affect its suitability to host equipment.

In the new pilot, the government will invest in software that allows councils to share this information with the telecoms companies.

Digital infrastructure minister Julia Lopez said the pilots are part of a “joined-up strategy” to deliver “worldclass connectivity” to every corner of the country.

“Everyone gets frustrated when their mobile signal is poor, particularly when patchy coverage holds up important work and social calls and makes it harder to do stuff online,” she said. “That is why we are determined to get the UK the connectivity it needs by rolling out better mobile coverage as quickly as possible.

“Mobile companies are finding it

5G: Reading is included in the plan Picture: Phil Creighton difficult to get the data they need to check that a lamppost, bus shelter or public building is suitable for hosting their kit. These eight pilots will help solve this by modernising the way local authorities and operators work together in a way that ultimately delivers faster, more reliable mobile

coverage for millions of people.”

The project could mean that there is less need for new masts in Wokingham and Reading. These can often take longer to build and set up.

Gareth Elliott, director of policy and communications of Mobile UK, said that speeding up the process will enable mobile operators to meet “ambitious government targets”.

“The trial and its project winners will provide positive examples of how local authorities can use technology to speed up processes and develop effective relationships with mobile operators to improve coverage for all,” he added.

Sir John Redwood, Conservative MP for Wokingham said: “Anything that improves the broadband service my constituents can enjoy is a welcome.

“We live, work, learn and socialise so much through the internet that every family and business needs a good connection with plenty of capacity.”

The 5G mobile internet connection offers download speeds up to 100 times that of 4G, making mobile phones faster and able to process larger amounts of data.

By increasing its coverage across the country, the Government also hopes that it will broaden the role that mobile technology plays in wider society.

This could enable thousands more ‘smart’ devices to be used on the street which connect to the internet and each other.

The technology could be used to provide greater real-time monitoring and responsiveness to congestion.

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Honest motherhood

Mystery artist br with a very un

Angela Garwood

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

The happy-messy home

O

UR home is a messy one. Not disaster-zone level mess where every surface is covered and you don’t know what lies in the cracks of your sofa. More a happy-messy.

The sort of home where you’d know if people are due to visit because the place appears noticeably different. Toys are given order on the play-mat. Frames are dusted properly. Objects normally displaced are mysteriously housed.

Upon arrival you’d have no idea that only minutes before there was aubergine chilli splattered across the radiator.

We try and keep the place as tidy as we can, but this could easily become a full-time occupation, and we like to leave the house too. Plus, we have two children who each seem, in their own way, hell-bent on undoing any attempt at organisation in each room. The toddler being the main culprit.

Perfectly positioned cushions? On the floor they go. Endless supply of pens all tidied away nicely into the tin? They simply must all come out at once.

Lego? EVERYWHERE. Obviously.

I rarely venture downstairs without slippers on for fear one of those tiny yet evil bits of plastic will find its way to the sole of my foot. Leo likes to keep a block of Lego to hand then drop it somewhere randomly when he finds something more exciting.

A permanent pile of children’s books, Lego and several soft toys have arranged themselves on the landing and despite looking rather displaced, neither of us have bothered to move them. It’s a convenient space for Leo to play/remain distracted as I attempt to get ready without him pulling at my hair straighteners or digging his finger nails into my bronzer powder.

Each evening, one of us will gather up the children’s belongings, toys mainly, and return them to their areas. It is nice, for those brief few minutes, to feel as though there is some kind of order.

Occasionally we will argue about just how much order there really needs to be.

I’ve had to talk Joel down from a need-tohoover-at-9pm numerous times. It’s our dining room floor that gets blasted with food during dinner with a toddler.

“The floor needs a clean,” he’ll say.

“IT’S 9 O’CLOCK JOEL, YOU WILL WAKE UP THE CHILDREN.” “They’ll be fine.”

He did hoover that night, but I was so angry I never let it go and he never did it again.

A few weeks later he bought one of those spray-mops, he loves it. As do I as it’s ever so quiet and the floor dazzles. We’ve had zero Hooveringrelated arguments since.

Well that’s not strictly true, we have bickered over Hoovers. I love my Henry and he remains loyal to his Shark, so like some weird cleaning fanatics we currently have both in our home.

If I want to make Joel’s day, I will hoover and mop the floor.

It’s wiping up Leo’s meal-time tornadoes that makes me grateful for the child that doesn’t throw her food everywhere. The joy of handing her a plate of food and knowing 99% of it will end up in her mouth. (Well, three small plates, she’s picky about foods being mixed. That’s another column.)

She can even be trusted to enjoy her snacks on the sofa.

We have yet to update our tired, worn-out, yet incredibly comfy sofas.

It seems, as ugly and primitive as they are, we’re both rather fond of the old things deep down.

In fact that’s my main reason for holding on to them; they work with the term I’ve coined for our home; happy-messy.

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

THEY’RE BRIGHT, they’re colourful and they’re certainly a lot better than the graffiti strewn boxes that preceded them.

HISTORY: A Romans Pendant discussed in Tony Robinson’s new series on Channel 5, with the help of an expert from the University of Reading

What have the Romans ever done for us? Reading University expert knows AN EXPERT from the University of Reading is giving Baldrick a bit of a helping hand.

Dr Matthew Nicholls took part in the first episode of a new Channel 5 series, Tony Robinson’s History of Britain.

The first episode was shown last week and focused on Matthew’s specialist subject, the Romans.

In the show, Tony - bestknown from his role in 80s comedy Blackadder - visited the best preserved theatre from Roman Britain, Verulamium in Hertfordshire.

He tells the story of an African Roman soldier who was posted to its most northerly, coldest outpost: Hadrian’s Wall.

The young recruit spends most of his time building roads, including some that we still use today.

Unfortunately, our Roman soldier eventually comes unstuck, not in a battle, but due to a chance meeting with the Roman Emperor,

when he tries to play a practical joke on him. Which backfires.

And near Roman ruins in Leicester, archaeologists discovered a pendant that bears the names of an actress, Verecunda, and a gladiator, Lucius.

This is a love token for a Roman showbiz couple.

This leads Tony to go in search of this ‘Posh and Becks’ of Roman Britain.

The theatre at Verulamium in Hertfordshire, could be a place that Verecunda may well have performed at as part of a touring troupe of actors.

And he learns about the Gladiatorial training and weaponry that Lucius would have to master before facing a performance in one of Roman Britain’s theatres of death.

All with a bit of help from Dr Nicholls.

n The show can be seen on Channel Five’s On Demand service.

Morrisons launches new vegan pastry range VEGAN SNACK: Morrisons new No Sausage Rolls

MORRISONS stores have begun to offer vegan pastries at its in-store bakeries, including the Basingstoke Road branch, writes Jakes Clothier.

The new selection of meat and dairy free snacks includes “no sausage” rolls, steak-free slices, “bacon and cheese” turnovers, and pasties.

Morrisons’ new range caters towards the increasingly widespread adoption of a plantbased diet.

The range is now available at Market Street bakery counters, including those in Whitley and Woosehill.

Mark Pearson, pie shop buying manager at Morrisons, said: “Customers are always looking to expand their eating habits with a heavier focus on plant-based and meat free alternatives.

“We’re excited to offer these meat-free options that taste as delicious as the originals.”

The supermarket says that the move is part of a growing movement towards plant-based diets, with more than 600,000 people signing up to Veganuary in 2022 and more than one million in total since 2014.

During lockdown, residents of Newtown started seeing their junction boxes receive a special lick of paint.

An anonymous street artist has made it a mission to decorate each one with a unique take.

Some have inspirational messages, some have bright patterns on, and some have playful images linked to their surroundings.

There is a small junction box on London Road that has been bashed, and this one has been CHASE: Junction boxes in Newtown Pictures: Phil Cr decorated with a face to suggest it has suffered in a fatal incident.

Another, near a pharmacy, has an NHS-adorned ‘Pac-Man’ character chomping up some ghosts hiding on the telephone box next to it.

Other designs include one decorated to look like a cow, another in the style of tiles used in Victorian Reading buildings, and one on Manchester Road that encourages people to listen out for bird song.

One Newtown resident, who I LIKE TO CUBE IT, CUBE IT: A bright design by Palm didn’t want to be named, said: “They’re brilliant. They really brighten up the area.

“Whoever is thinking these up is doing a fantastic job. Everyone loves them.

“When they first appeared during lockdown, we used to look out for new ones when taking our daily exercise.

“Whoever is behind them should take a bow.” n What do you think? Send your views, or a selfie of you with a favourite box to news@rdg.today

Foster caring – do you have what it takes?

MORE than 200 Reading children are in foster care with Brighter Futures for Children, the independent, not-forprofit company which runs children’s services on behalf of Reading Borough Council. More local families are needed to help them live their best possible lives. In the last article in this short series on fostering, we find out what it takes to be a foster carer.

Sinead had always wanted to be a foster carer but was waiting until she was married with her own home before applying.

It was only when a friend explained she did not need to be married or a homeowner to be a foster carer that she decided to find out more.

These are two of the many misconceptions people have about who can be a foster carer.

Dijana, a fostering recruitment officer at Brighter Futures for Children, is keen to do some myth-

busting.

She said motivation and life experience are two of the most important things she looks for when someone gets in touch about foster caring. And being single definitely isn’t a barrier to getting involved.

“I actually think having a varied life experience is one of the best things a foster carer can bring. It is important to be able to bring all the things you’ve been through into the mix,” she says.

“That could be your own parents divorcing when you were young, looking after an unwell family member, having a different cultural heritage or coming out as gay. Or it could be that you’ve helped someone else through some of these life experiences.”

Dijana said: “I want to know the reason behind why they want to foster. If their heart and their motivation is in the right place, I

NEWS | 29

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

brightens streets nusual canvas

Dexter is going the extra 365 miles to support Royal Berks Charity

WPR_2022-02-21_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel ANDRÉ RIEU

& his Johann Strauss Orchestra

Departing Wed 18 May ‘22

©

© Marcel van Hoorn

AndreRieu&JohannStraussOrchestraLiveinNottingham_D.pdf

Violin virtuoso André Rieu returns to the UK for an evening of mesmerising music at Wembley Arena! Don’t miss the ‘King of Waltz’ perform with his Johann Strauss Orchestra at Britain’s most exciting arena with their signature-style of spectacle and flair.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast Ticket to André Rieu concert at Wembley Arena Return coach transfers from the hotel to Wembley Arena En-route visit to London

Creighton

Ticket upgrades available

mer Park

APPEAL: This box encourages people to listen to bird song

INSPIRED: Reading’s famous tiles forms the inspiration for this design

MOO-VE IT: A cow-themed box brightens up the street SINEAD IS A FOSTER CARER AND HAS WELCOMED TEENAGERS INTO HER HOME PICTURE: Reading Borough Council honestly believe that everything else can be built on that strong foundation.”

Other skills Dijana looks for in potential foster carers includes resilience, eagerness to learn, being warm and understanding and having a positive attitude.

A spare room is also a necessity, but it is still possible to help without one.

Resource workers assist foster carers with tasks such as school runs, taking a child to visit their birth family or being around if a foster carer is unwell.

Sinead went on to become a foster carer – mainly to teenagers – and

firmly believes she made the right decision.

She said: “Fostering isn’t for the faint-hearted. But just when I think maybe I should take an easier path, one of the teenagers I have looked after will send me a message of an achievement, or an acknowledgment that something they learnt in my home has been a massive help to them. And my heart melts and I am reminded it is all worth it.” n If you are considering fostering, give Dijana a call on 0118 469 3020 or email foster@brighterfuturesforchildren. org. Alternatively, visit www. readingfostering.co.uk for more information.

SOME people like to go the extra mile, but a young lad from Woodley is preparing to go an extra 365.

Fresh from winning a Pride of Reading award last November, Dexter Rosier is currently undertaking a special mile-a-day challenge for the Royal Berks Charity.

Every day across 2022, he will put on his running shoes, to make a total of 365 miles – the equivalent of running 14 marathons.

Dexter had planned to raise £700 for the Royal Berks Charity last year, but it was wildly successful – he raised more than £3,000.

Now, he is aiming to more than double that, and raise £7,000.

The nine-year-old says: “I am running a mile every day for the entire year, after running my marathons last year I wanted to really challenge myself and I thought this would be a good way.

“I am really enjoying it so far and hope to raise as much money as possible for the children’s ward as I

know what a great place it is to be even though you are in hospital.”

As an NHS charity, Royal Berks Charity relies on donations, which are then used to help run specialist services and pioneering research.

The charity said that every person supporting Dexter is helping to support the incredible NHS staff at its hospitals and enhance the level of care provided to thousands of patients and their families every year.

“Someone with Dexter’s desire and willingness to raise funds, along with the support of his family, just goes to show that no matter what your age, with a little imagination and a get up and go attitude, anything is possible,” says Martin Butler, Royal Berks Charity’s community fundraising manager.

If you think you could be another Dexter, I’d love to hear from you.”

n Dexter has a JustGiving page set up for donations. n For more details, email: events@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

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Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 4 nights at the Holliers Hotel, Isle of Wight with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage train journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway Excursions to Osborne House, Cowes & Ryde Optional Island Highlights Tour (£12pp)

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Here is a poem I wrote about an emotive subject. I do feel we need to have the conversation about baby loss.

I answer four, although what I mean to say is five but I don’t want to start that conversation with a well-meaning stranger How can I explain that Sasha no longer exists in this realm

2 Days by Coach

© English Heritage

STILL RUNNING: Dexter Rosier is raising funds for the Royal Berks Charity by running a mile a day every day this year

only £289 She is wet ashes dissolved on a Surrey heath She has passed through a door which I can’t pick the lock to But I am still her mother I still birthed her She was still born

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READINGTODAY READING’S NEW CHAMPION Thank you to our storm heroes

THE past week has seen some of the worst weather we’ve experienced since the great storm of 1987.

While Eunice was anything but nice, it definitely wasn’t a hurricane.

However, it caused widespread havoc and destruction across Reading, notably with the statue of the cartwheeling boys near the Broad Street Mall. We look forward to its restoration in due course.

The Met Office only upgraded its warning to a rare red alert in the morning of Friday.

At the time, refuse collectors were out trying to pick up waste from the doorsteps of Reading.

That they did so in the existing conditions was amazing. With trees coming down, they persevered in the harsh conditions.

As did the tree surgeons, the council teams trying to keep roads open, the Reading Buses drivers, and the keyworkers who couldn’t heed advice to stay at home.

Thank you to all of you for your efforts, we do appreciate all you’ve done.

CHURCH NOTES

An amazing discovery that changed the world

A

HUNDRED years ago, on 11th January 1922, something amazing happened in a hospital in Canada.

A teenage boy, Leonard Thompson, lay dying of an incurable disease. He, like everyone on that ward, had type 1 diabetes. But then his doctors started an experimental treatment called insulin.

The results were dramatic, reducing Leonard’s dangerously high blood-sugar levels to near normal and reversing the life-sentence of the disease.

Today more than 150 million people worldwide can enjoy life, thanks to the Godgiven knowledge, skill and perseverance of those Canadian doctors.

It’s a wonderful story. Sadly, though, the Bible makes it clear that everyone on the planet is facing another incurable disease, one that no doctor can ever treat.

It’s heart disease: I have a heart that is set on pleasing myself and ignoring my Creator, while breezily living in the world He made.

But there is hope. Not medication, but the offer of a heart transplant.

The Lord Jesus explained that “it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come...”

(Mark 7 verse 21).

His death on the cross, taking our sin on Himself, and His glorious resurrection, made it possible for people facing a death sentence, you and me, to have a new heart and a new life. “I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 11 verse 19).

Helen Hotchkiss is a member of Christ Church Wokingham, which meets on Sundays at St Crispin’s School at 10.30am.

She is writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Access to cash in the community

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

What do we do about e-scooters?

I am greatly concerned about the lack of cash in easy circulation and the near total lack of accessible ATMs. As someone who is severely disabled I need cash albeit in small amounts and occasionally receive cheques but cannot get to my main bank and the local branch has shut down.

For larger amounts of income and expenditure online facilities are brilliant. At the other end of the spectrum I have a cheque on my desk which I cannot pay in.

Local trade is part of all communities so please do what you can to encourage banks to reestablish this important service to its customers.

Name and address supplied

I’m concerned about my ability to access cash in my local community.

Closure of bank branches in the Reading area has made it increasingly difficult to pay in cheques sent to me by individuals and organisations through the post, and thus access the money involved.

John Ledger

I’m concerned about my ability to access cash in my local community.

All the Banks and Post Office have closed in Caversham now.

Pat Atkinson

I’m concerned about my ability to access cash in my local community.

I am in 90th year and it is necessary that I continue to be able to pay by cash when ever I wish to.

Michael Gallafent

I’m concerned about my ability to access cash in my local community.

Serious problem accessing cash.

Graham Jarvis

Today I’m writing to you to tell you that I’m concerned about my ability to access cash in my local community.

We have lost four banks and a post office in Crowthorne.

Obtaining cash used to be a straight forward activity. It has become very difficult and sometimes

You have printed letters from several readers who have written in to highlight the widespread, but illegal, use of e-scooters.

Riders are putting pedestrians and themselves at risk.

Nearly two weeks ago, there was a report in The Sunday Times which included a table setting out the number of e-scooters seized by necessitates a trip into Wokingham four miles away.

Some local businesses only take cash. Some only take cards.

Therefore you need to carry both.

This has all happened at a time when the population of Crowthorne has approximately doubled.

This does not make any kind of sense to me.

Martin Todd

Help provide some shelter There’s a growing conflict and humanitarian emergency in Yemen that’s been largely forgotten by the world.

Families are living in a silent crisis and more than four million

police.

The Sunday Times asked all police services to provide the information on seizures of e-scooters, by means of a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Twenty seven services provided a response, so it can’t have been too much of a burden to do so. However, people have lost their homes.

Families seeking refuge have been uprooted, often more than once, by shifting frontlines in a civil war that’s dominated the country since 2014.

They’ve had to leave behind homes, livelihoods, possessions and loved ones.

Families are living in makeshift shelters made of sticks, palm branches, rags and anything they can find. Some fear heavy Spring rains could trigger a repeat of the flash flooding seen in 2020 and 2021 – against a backdrop of coronavirus and the spread of diseases like cholera and malaria.

Camps are overcrowded, which means diseases spread quickly.

Volunteer corner

Reading Voluntary Action

E

NRYCH Berkshire is an organisation that provides people with disabilities extra support to enable them to enjoy hobbies, interests and activities of their choosing.

They are currently looking for a female volunteer to accompany one of their female members to her swimming sessions on Wednesday afternoons.

She can only exercise in water as suffers from a lot of pain due to her condition and is unable to go on her own.

The member will need assistance with carrying their bags and somebody to push her wheelchair

poolside and in the changing room to ensure her safety.

Volunteers are not required to get into the pool as the member does not require assistance when in the water.

However, you are welcome to do so. n Since 1993, Thames Valley Partnership has existed providing the community with a broad range of support services to families.

They are recruiting supportive volunteers to join their Emotional Support Team that supports victims of crime by providing a listening service,

calling clients on the phone or sometimes meeting in person.

Sometimes victims have nobody else to talk to and knowing someone cares and is there to provide emotional support can make a huge difference to that person’s wellbeing and their recovery.

No specific experience is required, but skills required are being a great listener that’s nonjudgmental and can maintain confidentiality.

ten failed to respond, at all. The remaining nine refused to provide the data. Thames Valley was one of them.

Could someone take this up with the Chief Constable and ask him why Thames Valley Police think that they can flout the law in this way?

Picture: Janik Lipke from Pixabay

30 | VIEWPOINTS

Name and address supplied At disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, we’re about to start distributing emergency shelter in Yemen.

The water filters, mosquito nets, kitchen sets, soap, and wash basins we’ll provide will help families protect themselves from diseases.

Tents will provide shelter for those sleeping in the open and tarpaulins and ropes will help families living in makeshift shelters make them more resilient to the weather.

It’s possible thanks to our supporters. To find out about our Yemen Appeal please visit the ShelterBox website - shelterbox.org.

Lucy Greenwell, ShelterBox n Are you a regular internet user who would like to help others to gain digital skills?

Reading Voluntary Action are looking for Digital Champions to help get more people in Reading online.

As part of the Digital Inclusion project, we are looking for patient and supportive volunteers to help computer users who are unfamiliar with using the internet and email.

The main project is based in Reading Central Library with additional sessions at other libraries and community venues around Reading. During the Covid-19 pandemic we were only offering remote support and we are now starting to open up again. n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

From the Chamber Jason Brock

The budget: one of the most important decisions councillors make

T

HIS EVENING (Wednesday), the Council will consider Labour’s proposed budget for the forthcoming year.

Setting the budget is one of the most important decisions we make as councillors, but it’s also one of the most difficult.

Inevitably, we cannot do everything that we would like to.

This is especially true while the effects of the pandemic are still being felt, supplementing the inherent challenge posed by more than a decade of underfunding by national Government.

Budgets in challenging circumstances become a challenge of priorities – what’s the balance to be struck between the services we must protect and the areas in which we need to further invest?

And speaking of balance, the

Council’s budget must, by law, financially balance every single year.

We cannot rely on deficit spending as, for example, NHS trusts can.

Accordingly, our budget proposals weigh the need for major investments in better facilities for residents and the need for continued savings and more efficient ways of working, all the while protecting the valuable council services that I know local people value and rely on.

We are proposing a 1.99% Council Tax increase and 1% Adult Social Care precept in Reading this year – the lowest rise for a number of years.

The vast majority of properties in Reading sit in band C or below and the rise, which is below inflation, means a 91p a week increase in the Council’s element for band C homes. We’ve also enhanced our local Council Tax

From the chamber

Isobel Ballsdon

Providing compassionate, dignified care for Reading’s vulnerable adults

A

CONSERVATIVE-RUN Reading would provide timely, compassionate, dignified care for our town’s vulnerable adults, supporting and maintaining their independence.

Reading Borough Council, as with any unitary local authority, has a statutory duty to provide personalised, practical support for people over eighteen who need adult social care.

As you would expect, those eligible for adult social care include older people, however the larger proportion of residents eligible in Reading are in fact working age adults with mental illness, learning or physical special needs.

This is a challenging environment.

The pandemic has put hitherto unknown pressures on Reading’s adult social care provision and our most vulnerable residents.

The staff on the ground, carers, community groups and other

volunteers deserve praise for their tremendous hard work and commitment tackling the challenges.

Most of us know at least one adult among our friends, relatives or in our local community, who is vulnerable and needs help with personal care, shopping and coping with everyday life.

These adults deserve dignity, for care to be tailored to their needs.

We would provide each eligible person with continuity of care, so they know who is coming into their home, gaining not just essential care but more importantly, companionship from their caregivers and conversely their carers would get better job satisfaction.

This, in itself, would help promote a stable workforce, which is beneficial for everyone.

Turning to financial matters, in the current 2021/22 financial year, Reading’s Labour administration is on track to overspend significantly on the delivery of adult social care.

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Support Scheme for those on low incomes.

Recognising the pressure that the pandemic continues to place on the care system, we are making £5 million of additional funding available for essential adult social care services.

We see this as essential since so many residents rely on our services and, throughout the pandemic, the NHS could not have done its work if our social care teams hadn’t done theirs.

Moreover, the Government’s solution to the care funding crisis – hiking National Insurance contributions by over 10% from April – is frontloaded to go to hard-pressed NHS colleagues before it reaches councils like ours.

We also acknowledge the need to ensure everyone can share in Reading’s success. We’re proposing funding for a new programme of work to tackle economic inequalities in our town alongside new apprenticeships across the Council so that we can be an exemplar for other employers to follow.

We are making more funding available for Reading’s incredible voluntary sector who have the skills and experience to reach and support people in our communities, including by doubling the size of our oversubscribed annual small grants pot.

We’ve also made provision for a scheme of free doorstep bulky waste collections, something many residents have asked for.

And then there are the bigticket investments, the things most residents will probably be especially

keen to hear about. £8 million more on new road surfaces (building on Reading’s biggest ever £9m road repair programme which, on its own, will see 436 residential roads resurfaced); £40 million on leisure facilities, with Palmer Park’s new community pool open by the end of this year and Rivermead’s new competition pool and brand-new leisure facilities opening in spring 2023; £20 million on the new Green Park Station, also opening this year, and a complete refurbishment of Reading West Station; £88 million on more than 300 new affordable homes and another £34 million on low carbon measures up to 2030 to improve energy efficiency in all our Council housing stock; and continuing with a £7m programme investment in low carbon energy measures over the next three years as we all work towards Reading’s 2030 net-zero carbon target.

When I look at how far we’ve come in the past few years, I’m really pleased with the financial stability we’ve achieved at the Council.

I’m also pleased that, once again, we can bring forward a budget that gets the balance right in ensuring front-line services are enhanced while also allowing us to invest in Reading’s future.

I look forward to seeing the fruits of this over the next 12 months.

This is largely due to efficiency savings not being achieved, such as through improved contractual arrangements.

We have been told with much fanfare that an ‘additional’ £5m will be spent on the department next year, but this is only by comparison to the 2021/22 original budget.

It is just smoke and mirrors though.

When compared to the true level of expenditure this year, we find that the increase is just £0.8m, which doesn’t even cover inflation.

Meanwhile, the number of people needing support is increasing and we can only wonder how the administration intends to address this.

Looking further ahead, there will be structural reforms to the provision of adult social care.

Good news for residents is that the savings threshold at which people will start having to pay towards their care will rise from £14,250 to £20,000, thanks to the Conservative Government.

People will only pay for the full cost if their assets are more than £100,000 (currently £23,250).

In addition, the amount each person will pay for their care will be capped, again, thanks to the Conservative Government.

At the same time, the price that Reading Borough Council will pay for purchasing care will increase and they and other local authorities will be required to run a financial account for every individual receiving care.

This kicks in from October 2023, and will have significant cost and resourcing implications for Reading, just as it will across the country.

We are not seeing Reading’s Labour administration take the crucial

steps needed to prepare for these reforms. We have yet to see a draft financial impact statement or a plan for engagement with central government to secure the funding that will be needed. This is too important to fail on and I urge the administration to get on with it.

At the operational level, last year I raised issues such as the need for more Occupational Therapists and the need for a smoother transition from Children’s to Adult Social Care.

We have seen welcome progress on these. I also raised the need for extra care housing for younger vulnerable adults, a place for the assessment of younger adults and greater respite care provision. I understand that these should come online in 2024/25.

Although welcome, this is not soon enough for those vulnerable people passing through the system in the next two years and we need to see tangible steps to provide interim solutions until new facilities are ready.

Returning to the finances of adult social care, procedures and oversight of the accounts must be tightened.

The overpayment of £1.2m to a care provider reported in January simply should not have been possible.

The accounts systems should prevent colossal overpayments such as this. With better financial management, improvements to the service residents receive can and should be delivered.

At the end of the day, what matters is delivering a high quality of life for each and every vulnerable resident in our town.

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council, and Labour ward member for Southcote

Cllr Isobel Ballsdon is the Conservative shadow spokesman for Adult Social Care, Reading Borough Council, and respresents Mapledurham Ward

Another view Dan Brooke

Energy price rises highlight

M

ORE so than most, this winter has highlighted the need for Great Britain to better manage its energy usage.

Geopolitical issues have laid bare the volatility of the gas market, forcing suppliers out of business and increasing the cost of heating their homes for millions of consumers, while a windless winter has impacted our ability to make the most of renewable sources.

This month’s increase in the energy cap, due to come into force in April, is a warning that should Great Britain fail to act to upgrade its energy infrastructure, it must prepare for another difficult winter next year, and many more to come.

This situation is not unavoidable. As the rollout of smart meters continues apace, the current energy context has confirmed how vital they are as a tool both to help consumers manage their energy, and further highlights the need to end our reliance on imported gas for generating electricity and heating our homes. By moving to a flexible energy system built on smart meters we can move beyond gas to more, cheaper renewables.

The stress an outdated energy infrastructure is placing on households has been supported by research carried out by Smart Energy GB this month, which found that a third (32%) of households with a smart meter are using their inhome display more than usual this winter.

This has been driven by the fact that more than half (53%) of households are concerned about their ability to afford their energy bills.

Indeed, there are two sides to the same coin of an energy crisis: rising costs and rising anxiety.

Smart Energy GB’s research found that 27% of smart meter owners are currently finding their in-home display and the energy information it provides reassuring; 44% said they feel more in control of their energy due to their in-home display. In times of adversity, this is invaluable.

Like none before, this winter has forced consumers to take notice of the details of their energy bills, many for the first time, but there is more to be done in terms of education and empowerment. Smart Energy GB’s research found that a third (36%) don’t know how much they are paying for their electricity, while 46% per cent are unsure how much their monthly outgoings are for gas.

The wider introduction of smart meters will help towards combating this issue, helping consumers take control of their of energy usage and understand better where there might be efficiency opportunities.

The desire is there: more than half of Britons (56%) believe they could save money each month if they took a closer look at their outgoings, with 50% of billpayers hoping to get a tighter grip on their finances.

Smart Energy GB’s research is a clear indicator that the energy crisis has encouraged more people to engage with their in-home display during this most difficult of seasons and many are feeling more in control of their energy use as a result.

This is an extremely challenging time for many households and there are no quick fixes or easy answers, but a smart meter can be a really helpful tool for people wanting to feel a bit more in control, with more visibility on their energy use and avoiding the uncertainties of estimated bills.

But what’s more is that a national energy infrastructure built on smart meters can help prevent energy crunches in the first place, protecting the country against the cruellest of winters and the uncertainty that comes with it.

Learn more about smart meters on the Smart Energy GB website.

Dan Brooke is the CEO of Smart Energy GB

32 | BUSINESS

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A business park that is changing

Reading best for apprentices

READING is one of the best places in the country to start an apprenticeship according to a new study.

The School of Marketing analysed the latest 2021/22 ONS data to see which cities had the highest rate of achievements in apprenticeship schemes.

It found that the Hampshire city of Winchester was the best city to start an apprenticeship, with 130 out of Winchester’s 370 apprentices successfully completing the course, leaving them with an achievement rate of 35.14%.

Reading comes in sixth place, with 90 achievements from 380 apprenticeship starts, giving it an achievement rate of 23.68%.

The town’s most popular subject was business, with 120 of their 380 starts being in this field. Other popular subjects include health and engineering.

A spokesperson from School of Marketing, which offers digital marketing apprenticeships to more than 4,000 people in more than 20 countries, said: “With many young people keen to decide on what to do with their future, this data illustrates what might be the best areas to take up an apprenticeship.

“As many areas begin schemes to help the next generation, like recently with London’s ‘Skill Up Step Up’ campaign, it will be interesting how achievement rates vary over the next few years.”

Reading gets employment boost with new service OPEN: Cllr Leader Jason Brock opens the new Fedcap Offices Picture: Dijana Capan

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A NEW support service helping people bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic has been officially opened – and it’s already making a difference.

Not-for-profit organisation Fedcap Employment is delivering the UK Government’s new Restart Scheme in the Thames Valley, helping people to pick up skills for the modern workplace and find suitable, sustainable jobs.

Councillor Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, officially opened the new office at Reading Business Centre in Queens Walk on Tuesday, February 15.

During the event, attendees were given an insight into how Fedcap Employment has been delivering the Restart Scheme, which helps people who have been out of work for nine months or longer with tailored support.

The organisation’s frontline team can help with everything from

updating CVs to tackling health concerns, and from impressing at interviews to launching new startup businesses.

The 26-strong team are already working with some of the region’s leading employers, including Thames Water, Travelodge and Compass Group.

Since Fedcap began delivering the scheme last year, it has supported more than 1,300 people across the South Central area of England to successfully find new

jobs – including almost a hundred in Reading.

Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “Reading is a town of tremendous business success, even in spite of the pandemic, but that success has also created a job market where it’s a huge challenge for some to get their foot in the door.

“We know that there are parts of Reading with entrenched economic inequalities and persistently higher unemployment levels, contributing

to the town being one of England’s most unequal places.

“The approach that Fedcap specialises in – of offering holistic support to get people into employment or starting up their own business – is exactly what’s needed if we’re to help every resident to share in Reading’s success.”

And Brian Bell, Fedcap’s chief executive, said the company was thrilled to open the office, which would be “the heartbeat” of its work in the South Central region.

“Our Reading team is successfully placing one person per day into employment,” he added.

“We’re here to make a difference to people’s lives, and we’ve already started to see the positive impact we can have in the area.

“Day after day, our customers are picking up the skills, confidence and experience that they need to kickstart the next stages of their working lives and careers.” n For more information, log on to: www.fedcapemployment.org

NEW DELIVERY: Reading Buses CEO Robert Williams (left) receiving the keys to his new coaches

Walk off a pub lunch Download the "pubs Walk App" Call us on: 0118 996 8567

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No slow coach: modern buses available to hire from Reading Buses READING BUSES is no slow coach when it comes to business.

The bus operator based in Great Knollys Street in Reading has launched two new coaches that can be hired out.

Run from its subsidiary company Newbury & District, the fully accessible Volvo Plaxton vehicles are low emission and have all the mod cons.

Chief executive officer Robert Williams said: “We have a range of modern vehicles

for hire, including buses, coaches, double deckers and an open topper, many with seat belts and a range of options including toilets, space for luggage, wheelchair access and much more.

“We have a range of sizes providing eight to 86 seats, and can provide hire for school trips, corporate travel, airport transfers, weddings, day trips and events for long or shortterm contract hire.”

The most buses use Euro 6 engines which meet the newest

emissions standards.

This allows entry into London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.

“We understand that venues and museums are seeing a jump in enquiries as Covid restrictions ease as well as schools planning their summer trips out, so it is a great opportunity to ask about travel and coach hire,” Mr Williams said.

n For more details, call: 01635 33855 or email: info@ newburyanddistrict.co.uk

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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School meals drop in popularity across Reading

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today THE POPULARITY of school lunches has dropped in Reading, compared to prepandemic.

Cllr Rob White, Green group leader on Reading Borough Council, thinks this could be due to a change in provider.

“Since Caterlink took over the Reading area school meals contract, significant changes have been made to the food choice being offered to school children,” he said.

“We received feedback that the menu isn’t as good as it used to be and that children are opting out. Following negative feedback the menu has been tweaked slightly, but more is needed.”

Caterlink is based in Earley and is also the school meal provider across the border in Wokingham borough.

Cllr White said, after asking the borough council for statistics, he was told that uptake dropped by eight percentage points in November last year, compared to November 2019, before the pandemic.

MEAL DEAL: Uptake of school dinners has reduced during the pandemic “Nutritious meals are which delivers children’s important for our children’s services on behalf of Reading education and a healthy Borough Council, said that midday meal is essential they monitor feedback on for children’s development contracts.

“At the start of the new and well-being,” Cllr White contract with Caterlink, we said.

He is appealing for contacted all 33 participating residents with children that schools and asked them to have previously, or still have provide feedback on the new hot meals at school, to give provision,” the spokesperson said. their feedback.

“From this, the main The Green group has launched a survey for concerns with the new menu were that the menu residents to complete.

A spokesperson for itself wasn’t child friendly, Brighter Futures for Children, descriptions were unclear

and jacket potatoes should be an option every day.

“Following discussion with Caterlink, it was agreed that jacket potatoes and a range of fillings would be offered daily, descriptions would be changed and photos added for ease of ordering.”

The spokesperson said that while meal uptake is lower than pre-pandemic levels, this could be due to disruption to pupils’ school attendance and because many schools are not back to eating in the dining room.

They added: “Feedback received about the current menu options has been used by the provider’s development chefs when producing the next menu for Reading schools, starting after half term.

“Taster sessions for both pupils and parents have been offered to all schools and we will continue to work with the provider to monitor meal uptake and engage with schools and families to monitor satisfaction.” n For more information, or to complete the survey, visit: bit. ly/rdgschoolmeals

EYE ON THE ROAD: Police officers watch out for drivers using their mobile phone as part of a force-wide crackdown on the dangerous habit

Police launch crackdown on drivers using mobiles DRIVERS using mobile phones while behind the wheel have been targeted in a special operation by Thames Valley Police.

Last week, they stopped more than 30 drivers in a three-day operation.

Officers used a bus to observe motorists. Anyone seen using a mobile phone while driving was then pulled over.

On Wednesday, February 16, and Thursday, February 17 the officers covered the A34 in Hampshire and Berkshire, the A303, M27, M3 and A31.

Wednesday saw 10 motorists stopped for using a mobile phone, three for insecure loads and two for not being in proper control.

On Thursday, 14 drivers were stopped for using a mobile phone, six

for insecure loads and three for not being in proper control of a vehicle.

The operation also saw motorists in Oxford targeted.

Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit was pleased with the way it had gone.

“This operation has shown that while the majority of motorists are being safe, a small minority are still choosing to use their mobile phones when driving,” he said.

“Research has shown that you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and be less likely to notice and react to hazards in time by the distraction that mobile devices cause.

“Thank you to our partners Stagecoach and National Highways for their support in helping us to carry out this operation.”

34 | NEWS

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Volunteer hosts wanted A HOSTING scheme is looking for volunteers willing to welcome refugees.

Sanctuary Hosting provides temporary accommodation in the Reading area.

It works by matching refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants with hosts who can offer a bed, a welcome and a chance to tackle their homelessness from a place of safety and security.

Every host and guest is in turn supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

New hosts and volunteer support workers are need in the Reading area. n For more details, log on to sanctuaryhosting.org

Thieves steal Kennet Island parcels

Now taking registrations

PARCELS are being stolen in a Reading neighbourhood.

Last week, a spokesperson for the town’s police team said that a number of parcels have been stolen from properties in Drake Way and Bedwyn Mews, in Kennet Island.

They urged residents to report any suspicious incidents, sightings or information to Thames Valley Police on 101.

Kennet Island residents were also encouraged to check their CCTV Cameras, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

RBH’s partnership with Foundation rewards hard-working ED staff LATEST WINNER: Dr Ellis Collins (right) has been awarded a thank you gift funded by the John Sykes Foundation

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

WE’VE clapped for keyworkers, donated to the Royal Berks Charity and tried to show our gratitude to NHS staff - now a Reading-based foundation is going the extra mile.

To recognise the hard work of team members of the Emergency Department –formerly A&E – at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the John Sykes Foundation is offering a special monthly award.

The initiative awards a staff member of the team each month.

The winner is voted for by their colleagues, who they feel has gone the extra mile, has continued to work hard in the challenging environment and who they feel deserves recognition.

The partnership will mark its third anniversary later this year, and has seen an increased number of nominations on a monthly basis.

The winner selects a prize donated by the Foundation, ranging from Nirvana Spa vouchers, The Oracle gift cards, a meal at L’Ortolan, Amazon vouchers, and gifts from Lush, Hotel Chocolat and more.

Clinical lead for the A&E Department, Dr Omar

Nafousi, said: “The John Sykes Foundation has been supporting the staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital Emergency department by donating our Staff Member of the month award for over two years now.

“The award enables us to nominate an individual that has gone above and beyond, to help support the patients and the department that month.

“It has been truly valued by all

department and put it right, with dedication and hard work,” he said.

“You inspire those around you and you bring joy and comfort to your patients and their family, every shift you do.

“On behalf of the entire Emergency Department, I want to thank you for all the diligence you do, on the shop floor, and behind the scenes. Ellis, many congratulations”.

Dr Collins selected Nirvana

n For more details, log on to: www.johnsykesfoundation.org

Permanent home Man charged for for Blue Collar sexual offences

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members of the department and I would like to personally thank the John Sykes Foundation for all their commitment and support in helping our efforts to recognise individual excellence and promote staff well-being”.

The Foundation said it was delighted to present a monthly award to Dr Ellis Collins.

Dr Nafousi congratulated him on his win.

“You come in to work and take hold of the paediatric

Spa Vouchers which were provided by the John Sykes Foundation.

Previous months winners have included Dr Wael Soliman and Play Specialist Amanda Clark.

John Sykes Foundation Volunteer Sian McCoubrey said: “The Foundation are extremely proud to support the Emergency Department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and enjoy meeting the team on a monthly basis to present the award for Team Member of the Month.

“Even before the pandemic hit there were so many examples of the department’s compassion, commitment and resilience. The glue that binds the team together is the care they provide to the patients.

“Collectively patients, their families and the community they serve are far better off as a result of their efforts, for which we are truly grateful.”

Established in 2014 by John Sykes, the John Sykes Foundation is a UK registered charity which has been established to improve the lives and well-being of individuals and communities within Reading where there is an element of disadvantage.

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

THE PERMANENT home for a Reading street food market launches next month.

Blue Collar Corner on Hosier Street, Reading, will open to the public on Saturday, March 12.

Street food traders will be cooking up a storm from the purpose-built two floor container village. It features a bar, four kitchens and a beer garden.

The site, behind Broad Street Mall and opposite St Mary’s Minster Church, will be open for longer hours than Blue Collar’s current site twice weekly event in Market Place.

The line up of foodie treats available has yet has to be announced. n For more information, visit: bluecollarstreetfood. co.uk

A PLYMOUTH man has been charged in connection with multiple sexual offences.

Brian Ncube, 38, of Stokingway Close, Plymouth was charged with two counts of possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and one count each of; kidnap, rape, causing actual bodily harm, assault by beating, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, stalking involving serious alarm/distress, harassment without violence and theft.

The charges relate to incidents which took place between Sunday, October 10, last year and Friday, February 11.

Ncube has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, March 14.

Churches unite for annual World Day of Prayer events RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST FOUR OFSTED INSPECTIONS

“Children are happy, settled and keen to acquire new knowledge and skills. They are exceptionally confident learners who play an active role in leading their own play and making decisions. Children of all ages explore their environment with confidence and ease, and show exceptionally high levels of self-assurance and emotional well-being.”

Ofsted inspection 2020, www.ofsted.gov.uk

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AN ANNUAL event that takes place across the world will once again take place in Reading next month.

The World Day of Prayer brings together different Christian denominations in more than 170 countries, using materials prepared by a ‘host’ country.

This year, it is England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who have come together to present this year’s service, recognising differences and also common ground.

Currently, the WDP National

Committee includes 17 different Christian denominations. It allocates more than 40 grants to national and international charities, and supports prayer partners in Albania, sending representatives to visit the WDP in Albania on a regular basis.

The Day of Prayer begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world, through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, before finishing in American Samoa more than 36 hours later.

The Reading services take place at 10.30am on Friday, March 4, at Abbey Baptist Church in Abbey Square – around the corner from The Blade.

A second service will be at Park URC Church in Palmer Park Avenue from 2pm on Monday, March 7, and also at the same time at St Catherine of Sienna Church in Tilehurst.

Organisers say that all are welcome.

n For further information, log on to: wwdp.org.uk

Property highs and lows in one ‘Ding postcode

35

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Food share help across Reading

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

ON HAND: Charities, faith groups and community organisations including Sadaka, are offering help and support to vulnerable people across Reading

FOOD sharing help is available across Reading

THERE are many faith and community groups across Reading who can help those in need access hot meals and food

By PHIL CREIGHTON At the other end of the market, parcels. news@rdg.today the TS2 postcode to the north of This is a guide to just some of the Middlesbrough was home to the services available. n Churches in Reading Drop In A READING postcode has featured most affordable average house price Centre (CIRDIC), based at St Saviour’s in a national table highlighting one in the last year, at just £32,000.

Michael Bruce, CEO and founder Church Hall, Berkeley Avenue, are open of the largest gaps between the highest and lowest sold prices for of Boomin, said: “The property on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, market has been performing very between 10am and 1.30pm. homes.

A sit down meal is provided on There were 356 housesales in the well of late but it’s important to RG26 postcode, which covers Tadley, remember that when you come to Sundays, between 9am and 10am. sell your house, the market can be For more information, email: in the past year.

The average sale price is £345,000, extremely diverse even within the enquiries@cirdic.org.uk or call: 0118 950 foodsharewycliffe@gmail.com same postcode, let alone from one 2536. with the lowest sale being £80,000. n New Beginnings in the Queen’s n Dee Caf, in Montague House, Spey The property that sold for postcode to the next.

“Market research around average Road, Tilehurst, provide a community Arms, Great Knollys Street, offer a sitthe most went for £7,675,000 – a property values can only take you fridge and cooked meals on Wednesdays, down meal on Tuesdays starting at 6pm. difference of £7,595,000.

There is also a community fridge, Topping the table for homes sold so far and while they will give you between 3pm and 3.30pm.

For more information, contact: deecaf. fresh produce and long shelf life food outside of London was Chipping a ballpark figure of what homes are Norton area, the OX7 postcode, worth in your area, they won’t take community@gmail.com or call: 0118 996 available on Wednesdays noon until 1pm, and on Thursdays and Fridays where the house price gap was your property’s unique features, size 0478. n Faith Christian Group operate a between 6pm and 7pm. £17,942,500. Also featuring in the or location into account.

The Way Ministry runs a sit down “Luckily there are tools available soup kitchen from two locations in the top 10 were Ascot and Windsor. meal in the ex-pub on Sundays beginning The research was conducted by to help you do this, albeit they don’t town centre. replace the accuracy of a local estate It can be found at Reading Minster, St at 3pm. online property platform, Boomin.

Call: 07421 998208 for details, or email: Mary’s, on Chain Street between 7.30pm The company said it analysed agent.” contactus@newbeginningsreading.org He continued: “Our SmartVal and 8.30pm, Tuesdays to Fridays. sold price records for residential n Providence Chapel provides a On Sundays, it is on Hosier Street at property transactions across platform takes the best of both to cooked meal and food parcels from its England and Wales throughout deliver the most accurate valuation 5.30pm for an hour.

For more details, visit: readistreet.org. church at 103 Oxford Road, on Mondays 2021, highlighting how diverse for your home with the support of between 5pm and 8pm. house prices can be within the same great local agents and this will not uk Call for details: 0118 9580803. n Foodshare can be found at postcode, as well from one area of only mean you achieve the most n Sadaka , based at the Fairview accurate price, but it will also see Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road, on the nation to the next.

Centre, Great Knollys Street, offers Topping the overall table was, you benefit from a faster sale as Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. cooked food, long-shelf life food and It runs from 8pm. as every Monopoly player knows, unrealistically valued properties For information, call: 07395 242 toiletries.

Mayfair. Its W1K postcode saw an often stagnate on the market for For information, call: 0118 324 6565, or months on end. Paper_ 265X160mm_HalfPage_MARCH_event_2022_V2 372 or 0118 929 9911, or log on to: average sale price of £4.2 million.

The Wokingham and Reading Today

KIND HEARTS

visit their social media pages for regular updates. n Sikhs Welfare Awareness Team are outside of the Town Hall on Blagrave Street for and hour from 7pm on Wednesdays and again from 6pm on Sundays.

The team offer a warm meal, food bags and hot drinks. n The Globe Community Mission Project gives food parcels at 12 Portman Road, West Reading, every other Saturday from noon until 2pm, For details, email: info@ globecommunitymission.org or call: 0118 950 8534. n Whitley Community Development Association are at 252-260 Northumberland Avenue. The centre is open on weekdays between 9am and 2pm.

Long shelf-life food and fresh produce is available. For more details, call: 0118 374 0052.

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NHS rally to be held in Reading A RALLY will be held in Reading town centre this Saturday afternoon.

Campaigners are calling for more investment in NHS services and wage increases for staff.

A group called SOS NHS is organising a march setting off at noon from the Oxford Road end of Broad Street, to Town Hall Square.

It will be followed by a rally in the square at 12.45pm.

SOS NHS is supported my more than 40 different bodies, including trades unions and professional health care organisations.

Attempted burglary ON WEDNESDAY, February 16, an unknown offender attempted break into a shed on Eastern Avenue.

They forced the lock, but did not gain entry and nothing was stolen.

A spokesperson for Reading’s police team urged residents to report any suspicious incidents or sightings to Thames Valley Police on 101.

They also urged residents to check their CCTV cameras, doorbell cameras or dashcams.

The Eastern Avenue incident crime reference number is: 43220072571.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Reading’s newest theatre receives a right royal seal of approval

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

A READING theatre has been visited by royalty.

Reading Rep Theatre welcomed The Earl of Wessex to the site, which opened last year.

Paul Stacey, artistic director at the theatre, said: “It was an honour and a pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness to Reading Rep. “As a passionate advocate for the performing arts, we were delighted to be able to share some of our work with him and demonstrate the huge potential of Reading Rep and the town’s thriving cultural scene.”

The theatre has recently been shortlisted for The Stage Awards 2022 Theatre Building of the Year award.

Its new space was the result of a two-year fundraising campaign that raised more than £1 million.

Using the money, the team transformed the old Salvation Army building into a cultural hub for the community, complete with theatre bar, auditorium, back of house facilities, rehearsal and studio space.

It was designed by David Hughes and led by Fuse Architects. Since opening in

VISITOR: The Earl of Wessex visited the newly opened site. Pictures: Harry Elletson November last year, more than 2,000 people have visited the site.

Reading Rep began when Mr Stacey took a £500 overdraft and invested it in his vision.

To begin with, the theatre company moved into the black box theatre at Reading College.

It has since collaborated with leading regional and London theatres including Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Arcola Theatre and Oxford Playhouse.

In 2015, the company created ENGAGE, a community outreach programme providing

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SMILES AT THE TRIALS: Pupils from St Mary & All Saints CE Primary School try out the new Courage Park playground

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access to the arts for Reading’s most vulnerable communities.

It runs a year-round programme of workshops, delivered in partnership with Reading Libraries, Reading Borough Council, the Cultural Education Partnership, the NHS and has reached 15,000 children, young people and adults in the last 18 months.

It will be running Helen Eastman’s Alby The Penguin Saves the World from Wednesday, April 6, until Monday, April 18.

Children enjoy newly opened Coley play area A COLEY Park playground has reopened with fresh equipment after a makeover.

Courage Park Playground has been given a new lease of life with a £116,200 investment.

Children from St Mary & All Saints CE Primary School were the first to try the new equipment and facilities.

Pupils from Years 3 and 4 road-tested the playground’s new multi-unit, swings, slide, roundabout, and zip-wire.

An obstacle course was also added to the plans, which Reading Borough Council said did not add any extra cost to the investment. This is closed while grass grows on the site.

Resident Janine Murray, said: “We’ve walked past the park for weeks on the way to school while

it was being done.

“We finally got to go in this week. It’s amazing, my kids loved it so much — ­ well worth the wait.”

The park was shut in mid-December when work on improving the playground begun. Plans were drawn up with recommendations from the Access and Disability Working Group, and consultation of residents.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, lead member for housing, said that the children’s reactions show that the park is “an excellent investment that many will enjoy”.

The update to the playground is part of a wider series of improvements to the Wensley Estate, which includes a plan for 46 new homes in the area as well as updating glazing and entrances

of already existing homes.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s lead member for culture, heritage, and recreation, said that the playground is “going to mean so much to families and be a place where people can get together and have fun.”

The renewal is part of a proposed continuation of play area development, with Reading Borough Council setting out plans for further investment for damage repair at Clayfield Copse in Emmer Green, and new play areas in Prospect Park and Victoria Recreation Ground.

Cllr Rowland explained that playgrounds are an important part of the community, and that the borough council will be investing a further £890,000 this year.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 37

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Concerns lead to withdrawal of drive-through takeaway plans

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

THE owner of a burger van said he ‘felt like his heart has been ripped out’ after a plan for a drive-through takeaway in Reading was submitted. It has since been withdrawn.

Last year, Cube Real Esate submitted an application to Reading Borough Council build the takeaway on a patch of grass in Scours Lane, Tilehurst.

It would be close to the Stadium Way Industrial Estate.

However, the owner of a burger van has expressed concerns, fearing the impact on his business.

Barry Elford, who owns Barry’s Burger Van, said in his appeal: “As we have traded there for 28 years with a catering van I’m so upset by this as this is my living.

“I feel like my heart has been ripped out.

“I’m so worried as trade is hard enough with all the food outlets in the area.”

He added: “You’ll be putting a small business out of business again through greed and power of the big chains.”

His concern was echoed by Alok Sharma, the Conservative MP for Reading West, who asked Reading Borough Council’s planning department to

FINE AS IT IS: The existing burger van Picture: Google Maps / LDRS consider Mr Elford’s comments.

The area close to the proposed takeaway already has a large number of food outlets, including a KFC drive-through at the Reading Retail Park, Val’s Cafe in Oxford Road and Kebab Corner in Norcot Road.

In its application, Cube Real Esate said the drive-through would create 25 jobs.

Sharps Commercial real estates company, writing

in support of the plan, said the area is “currently under supplied with somewhere for visitors and local residents to easily go for a drink and something to eat” and that the site is “ideally located” for the project.

Documents submitted with the application state the restaurant would cater for customers in vehicles, serve takeaway and welcome 26 eat-

Witness appeal following assault THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault which happened near to The Oracle in Reading on Saturday, February 12.

It took place between noon and 12.20pm.

The victim, in their late teens, was followed under the underpass by the Hook and Tackle pub on Katesgrove Lane to an island in the middle of a pedestrian crossing on Bridge Street.

While on the island, he repeatedly groped the victim, who was distressed and told the offender to stop.

An unknown woman then joined them on the island and appeared concerned about the situation. The victim then managed to run away and hide

from the offender.

He is described as a lighterskinned mixed race man, aged in his late fifties to early sixties, approximately 5ft 11ins tall, of large build with short dark brown hair and dark stubble.

He was wearing a dark blue T-shirt, a leather biker jacket, ripped blue jeans and a wedding ring.

The woman who stopped is described as a dark-skinned woman, aged in her thirties, about 5ft 8ins tall with black hair.

She was wearing squareframed black glasses, a black suit with a white shirt and a grey tie and high heels and was holding a black briefcase.

She was also wearing

engagement and wedding rings along with red dangly earrings.

PC Natasha Black, based at Reading police station, has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“I would particularly like to speak to the woman described who is believed to have witnessed the assault, as well as anybody who recognises the offender from the description,” she added.

Anybody with information should call the non-emergency line 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website.

The reference number is 43220070333.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or via its website.

Pancake race returns to town centre A READING homeless charity is set to host its 25th pancake race.

After a two-year gap for covid, the event is returning to Reading’s town centre on Tuesday.

Launchpad’s anniversary event will see more than 30 businesses flip pancakes down Broad Street.

Races will start at 12.30pm and last approximately one hour with an award ceremony at 1.30pm.

Each team comprises of four

people who encouraged to don their best fancy dress whilse battering it out for the coveted frying pan trophy.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, best team spirit, best fancy dress and the most money raised.

The pancake race helps fund the charity’s vital services for people homeless or at risk of losing their home in the Reading area.

Vicki Lewis, fundraising manager at the charity, said: “We are so pleased to be

bringing the Pancake Race back to the high street after last year’s pandemic-related cancellation.

“It is such a popular local event and just the kind of light-heartedness we need as a community right now – watching local solicitors, retail workers, builders and university lecturers getting incredibly competitive over pancake flipping, while dressed in crazy outfits, is definitely a sight to behold.”

in diners.

It would have operated from 5.30am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sunday, and come with 22 car parking spaces for customers, including three disabled bays, three extended bays for vans and five electric vehicle charging bays.

But other neighbours complained about the already large number of businesses

Claim back healthcare travel

in the area, arguing that the drive-through would cause traffic queues “in an already congested area”.

Objecting to the plan, Oxford Road resident Christopher Smith, said: “Vehicles turning right from Oxford Road to Scours lane frequently have to wait, causing traffic to back up on to Norcot Roundabout.

“Often traffic tries to force itself round vehicles waiting to turn by entering the bus stop and or the end of Bramshaw Road.

“Additionally, traffic turning right out of Scours Lane is often having to queue.”

He continued: “An increase of traffic is only going to compound the current problems, increase noise and the risk of accidents.

“To put additional strain on this junction and in such close proximity to it with the proposed turning can not in anyway be a good outcome.”

A transport statement submitted by the applicant concluded that journeys for the sole purpose of going to the new takeaway would be minimal.

And the diner would be accessible by foot to visitors of Reading City Football Club, also on Scours Lane, and people living in the vicinity.

The application was withdrawn on Friday, February 11.

THE ROYAL Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has urged patients to check whether they could be eligible to claim back travel expenses.

Patients who receive certain benefits and exemptions may be able to claim back expenses related to their travel to and from care appointments and services through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

Patients who qualify for Universal Credit, Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax Credits, or have an HC2 or HC3 Low Income Certificate, may also qualify for help when travelling for NHS services.

The Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust has warned that many patients may not realise that they can claim travel costs back, and encourages those who claim benefits or are named on an NHS tax credit exemption certificate to check whether they’re eligible.

To check eligibility, patients can consult the cashier’s office at their place of treatment, the Patient Advice and Liaison Services, or visit the NHS website.

Reimbursement can be claimed at the cashier’s office at the patient’s place of treatment, with travel receipts and proof of both referral and benefit qualification.

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

23.02.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

It’s Showtime at last ...

Anton and Erin ready to dance into The Hexagon They are among the most popular of the Strictly Come Dancing dancers, and now they’re heading to The Hexagon.

JULES BLOYLE finds out more

I

T’S been a long time coming, but the nation’s favourite ballroom couple are back on the dancefloor with a brand new tour.

Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag have been beloved household names since they first appeared on the very first episode of Strictly Come Dancing way back in 2004 and are still as popular as ever, both on-screen and in the live setting, where they have produced incredible touring productions.

Along with the rest of the world of live entertainment, the pair had to postpone their 2021 tour due to coronavirus restrictions but are now delighted to be back with the incredible Showtime.

With stunning costumes, fabulous live vocals, a high-energy West End dance ensemble and a sensational 23-piece orchestra, it’s a glittering celebration that pays tribute to some of the world’s greatest icons of entertainment, inspired by an array of classic performers including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Liza Minelli, Elton John and many more.

Anton explains: “The bottom line is you’re putting on a show that’s really entertaining, one where people will

walk out saying: ‘What a great nigh!’, so you don’t want to reinvent the wheel with obscure music or make it a contemporary dance thing, because that’s not what it says on the tin, it says Showtime.

“It’s a song and dance show that’s purely about entertainment. So the music has to be familiar with some pieces that people won’t massively recognise, or won’t have heard for a long time, but will love all the same, as they are iconic pieces.

“The choreography has to be spectacular and entertaining, too. Even the dresses are iconic.

“So what’s being played, and what you’re seeing, everything has to come together.

“We want people just to be able to sit down comfortably and be taken away.”

Erin says that the dancing couple are ‘pretty hands-on’ when it comes to the choreography of the show.

“We discuss the music and what’s going to happen, but we have a director now who comes in, makes suggestions and puts the pieces together,” she says, adding: “If we wanted to, we could do a lot less and just turn up, do the pieces and go, but we like to have a lot of involvement.

“I go in and do all the costumes with

them and all get together to do the music with everybody.”

Anton says the music is a group affair, chosen with the help of MD Richard Balcombe, and choreographer and director Nikki Woollaston.

“We are very involved in the five ballroom numbers, but the rest of the show is down to Nikki,” he says.

“She puts together all the ensemble pieces, the flow and the run of it, because you can’t do that when you’re in it.

“We tried that first year and learnt pretty quickly that you need to be out front to do that.

“Anybody that thinks they can do it from onstage, well they’re either better than me at it, or better than us at it, or they’ve got three eyes.”

As well as the ballroom, the show covers different dancing styles. It’s something that Erin says is difficult, but made easier with the help from dancers in the team who have a theatre background.

“It takes a lot longer to put the pieces together for us,” she says.

“Thankfully they’re very patient with us, as they know exactly where we’re coming from. You still enjoy it though, even if I find the whole rehearsal pretty challenging.”

And the show is interactive.

Audience members can ask questions to Anton and Erin, something that they appreciate.

“It’s a great moment,” Erin says.

“People laugh because it’s their own questions and they always want to know simple things like, ‘What happens

to the dresses after Strictly?’ or, ‘What kind of underpants you wear?’, or, ‘What cheese do you eat?’

“There’s lots of those silly questions, but they cause a reaction. We used to get a lot of marriage proposals, too.”

Erin and Anton were both an essential part of Strictly Come Dancing from the very start. “We had heard it was in the pipeline, but it had always just been (amateur ballroom contest) Come Dancing before that, which sort of worried us,” Erin recalls.

“That had been off the air for 15 years, and was very dated. Ballroom dancing had moved on massively since then and we were worried they were going to take the mickey out of it.

“We were at the peak of our professional career and were told that the BBC were doing something with it and to put in our CVs. “Little did we know that they’d actually been to the closed British championships in Blackpool and filmed us all. So, we had to decide if we wanted to be a part of it, but Anton said, ‘I’d rather be a part of it to know what’s going on than not at all’.”

Anton continues: “We’re all prone to not being involved in something and then complaining about it. I felt that it was better for us to be involved, even if we thought it was going to be a car crash, as we thought that we could potentially, with our experience, help steer it away from that happening.

“So we felt it would be better for us to be in.”

Erin says: “They didn’t know what it was going to be called, or that Bruce

Forsyth was going to be hosting at that time.

“They were just choosing eight dancers and made it clear they weren’t looking for couples.”

Anton adds: “Only eight professionals out of the whole industry.

Eight professionals. And we - dancing as a couple - were two out of the eight.

So you know, that’s pretty amazing.”

It was a huge hit straight away and was immediately commissioned for a second series, turning them into celebrities.

“I felt it right from Series One, certainly from the fans,” Anton says.

“There were such huge viewing figures by the end of that first run, that immediately there was a huge uptake in the interest of the show and, as a byproduct, you get well-known, as it’s all part of it. It was lovely though and I enjoyed it from the off. I’ve loved it, in fact.”

Erin says: “It was a wonderful programme to be a part of and obviously for Anton it still is.

“It becomes a part of you. There was a point in our career - and I think it was after the second show - where we had to make a decision of what to do?

“We either want to go this route and still compete, and do this or go, but neither of us have any doubt we made the right decision.”

Anton and Erin’s Showtime is at The Hexagon on Friday, March 4. Tickets cost from £38.50. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to whatsonreading.com

14 | LEISURE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Hello campers THE FINAL performances of a dinner theatre show with a difference take place this weekend.

Hi-Di-Hi ends its run at the Henley Operatic and Dramatic society studio with two showings on Saturday, February 26.

Chalet cleaner Peggy Ollerenshaw is desperate to become a Maplins holiday camp entertainer and will go to any lengths to swap her housecoat for a yellow coat.

Meanwhile, chief yellowcoat Gladys battles it out with rival Sylvia to win the affections of the campers and vie for the attention of new entertainment’s manager, Jeffrey Fairbrother.

And camp host Ted Bovis is trying to raise money for his wife’s maintenance to avoid jail.

The show is accompanied by a delicious three-course dinner befitting the 1959 holiday camp, served by Stephen Luscombe of the award-winning Golden Ball in Lower Assendon.

Doors for the matinee open at 1pm and for the evening show, 6pm.

Tickets include dinner and cost £32.

The studio is at 19 New Street, Henley-on-Thames. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

Fun with Twirlywoos

THE TWIRLYWOOS will bring an hour of colourful fun and laughter for young children to Bracknell this weekend.

Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat from South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre on Sunday, February 27.

Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they go on a great big adventure to discover the wonderful world around us.

The loveable CBeebies characters are brought to life on stage with inventive puppetry in this enchanting introduction to theatre for all ages.

Performances are at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Tickets priced from £13.50. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

You know when you’ve been Tangoed

SHINFIELD Players are planning to present a comedy play by Mike Harding next week.

they take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in show for all the family.

Basil promises fun, entertainment and mayhem which children will love.

The Family Fun Show will take over the Courtyard Theatre at 2.30pm for approximately 50 minutes.

Tickets are priced at £12 adults, £10 under 16 years. A family and friends ticket costs £40. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

And for grown-ups...

HARRY Potter gets given an improvised makeover at the Newbury Corn Exchange next weekend.

Spontaneous Potter sees the young wizard and his friends embark on new adventures, with live musical accompaniment.

Previous titles performed include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Last Tango in Whitby is due to run from Wednesday, March 2, to Saturday, March 5. The theatre was damaged in Storm Eunice and, as we went to press, it is unclear where the show will take place.

Recently widowed Pat charabanc trip to Whitby is tinged with sadness, but she is determined to enjoy herself.

Phil and Edna provide entertainment with old-time dancing. Phil, too, is trying to enjoy himself, despite being trapped in a dead marriage. He and Pat feel the unexpected spark of mutual attraction during their first dance together.

Despite disapproval from others, they decide to seize this second chance and start a new life together.

All performances are at 7.45pm, and it is hoped it will be in the Shinfield Players Theatre on Whitley Wood Lane, Shinfield Park. n For more information, or to book, visit: shinfieldplayers.org.uk or call the box office on 0118 975 8880.

Dust comes to life

NORDEN Farm will be in a parallel universe on Thursday, March 3.

A National Theatre Live encore screening of The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage will take place in the Courtyard

Commerce, Harry Potter and the Neville Wears Prada, Harry Potter and the Rise of the Planet of the Snapes and Harry Potter and the Struggle for a Decent Mortgage in This Economy.

The show is not endorsed or affiliated with Warner Bros., JK Rowling or her publishers.

Theatre at 2pm .

The play is based on the book by Philip Pullman, adapted by Bryony Lavery and directed by Nicholas Hytner. It was recorded live at the Bridge Theatre, London.

Set 12 years before the epic His Dark Materials trilogy, this adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world.

Two young people and their dæmons, with everything at stake, find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt.

In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate of the future. And as the waters rise around them, powerful adversaries conspire for mastery of Dust - salvation to some, the source of infinite corruption to others.

There is a second screening on Tuesday, March 8, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Getting bricky with it LEGO fans can look forward to the Reading Brick Show at Rivermead Leisure Centre next weekend.

Taking place on Saturday, March 5

The show is suitable for an audience aged 16 years and up.

The magic will happen at 8pm on Saturday, March 5.

Tickets priced from £17.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0845 5218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com and Sunday, March 6, the show aims to spark imagination, promote creativity and inspire everyone who walks through the doors.

Plenty of interactive games and building opportunities will be on offer, including a downhill race track, a Lego art gallery, Lego robot battles and a Lego Technic monster truck driving challenge.

There will also be a wide selection of marketplace stalls, selling products including T-shirts and printed minifigures.

And the event’s mascot, Larry the Lego Lion, will also be there.

The event takes place between 10am and 5pm on both days.

Advance tickets are £9.50 per person, or £27.50 for a family ticket. Children under three get in for free. n For more details, visit: readingbrickshow.com

Basil’s here for children...

FRESH from appearances on CBBC’s Crackerjack, Britain’s most loveable fox starts his Spring tour of the UK at Norden Farm on Saturday, March 5.

Join Basil Brush and Mr Martin as

AT THE THEATRE

As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Corner Shop Sweets-Sat. Thurs.

Conservatoire International Concert Series: Students From the Purcell School. Fri-Sat. Same Time Next Year. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Twirlywoos Live. Sun. Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest. Wed. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Anna Denisova. Fri 4. Howerd’s End. Fri 4-Sat 5. The Comedy Sellar. Fri 4. Tina Live: A Tribute To Tina Turner. Sat 5.

FILMS: The Matrix Resurrections.

Thurs. Tick, Tick Boom. Fri-Sun. Memoria. Mon-Tues.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Psychic Sally. Fri. Stuff and Nonsense. Sat. The Power Ballad Show. Sat. Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps. Thurs 3.

Impromptu Shakespeare. Fri 4.

NVSDD: Showcase. Sat 5.

Wilburys Experience. Fri. The Ultimate 80s Party Night. Fri. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat. I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Sat. Henning Wehn. Thurs 3.

Tony Hadley. Fri 4. Battle of the bands VII. Sat 5. One Foot In The Gravy. Sat 5. Rave On Starring The Bluejays. Sun 6.

Henley – Kenton

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 A Diva and a Piano: Lesley Garrett.

Thurs. Crimes, Camera, Action.

Fri-Sat. Howerd’s End. Sat. The Night Sky Show. Sun. Six. TuesMarch 12.

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs with Dr Ben Garrod.

Thurs. Seann Walsh, Back From The Dead. Fri. Comedy Club 4 Kids. Sat. Hi De Hi. Until Sat. Jazz at the Kenton: Max Wright Trio with Steve Waterman. Wed. The Comedy Network. Fri 4.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Roy Orbison and the Travelling

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Hug. Thurs. Half Term Concertini with String Fever.

Fri. Alfie Moore - Fair Cop

Unleashed. Fri. Josephine Davies Quartet. Fri. Morgan and West Unbelievable Science. Sat. John Coghlan’s Quo. Sat. Belfast (12a).

Tues-Wed. National Theatre Live: The Book of Dust. Thurs 3. Ajay Srivastav: Karama at the Crossroads. Thurs 3. Elia Cecino piano. Thurs 3. The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde. Fri 4. Clive Anderson, Me, Macbeth and I - SOLD OUT. Fri 4. Norden Farm Market. Sat 5. Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show. Sat 5.

Gilmore and Roberts. Sat 5.

Basil Brush Unleashed. Sat 5.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Sing-a-long-a-Grease. Thurs.

Death On The Nile (12a). Thurs.

The Smartest Giant in Town.

Fri-Sun. Joe Lycett work in progress. Wed. Joel Dommett: Unapologetic, if that’s OK. Thurs 3. Spontaneous Potter

Kids. Sat 5. Spontaneous Potter. Sat. London Rhymes.

Sun 6.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Spike. Until Sat 5. An Audience with Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. Tues.

Reading – South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Bex Burch and Leafcutter John.

Thurs. Limehouse Lizzy. Fri. Paul Foot: Swan Power. Sat. Leveret. Fri 4. Aurie Styla: green Tour. Sat 5.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Illegal Eagles. Thurs 24. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Noisy Kids. Sat. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Pablo Gonalez.

Sat. Anton and Erin: Showtime.

Fri 4. Dara O Briain: So, Where Were We? Sat 5.

SHOWBIZ legend, national treasure, fox.

Basil Brush will be Unleashed on Norden Farm on the evening of Saturday, March 5.

This one’s for children of the 2000s, 1970s, and everything in between as Basil goes prime time.

Join him as he takes to the road following his much-talked about and sold out run at last year’s Edinburgh Festival in a show for the adults.

Fresh from appearances on Channel 4’s The Last Leg Channel and ITV2’s Celebrity Juice, join Basil as he gives his comedic take on everything from Love Island to Westminster, in his trademark anarchic style.

Tickets cost £16. The show starts at 8pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

All the seasons in one

AN ACCLAIMED dance company will perform their latest work at South Hill Park next month.

James Wilton Dance will present The Four Seasons on Tuesday, March 8.

The work features the company’s signature blend of capoeira, acrobatics, martial arts and classical dance, set to Max Richter’s recomposed version of Vivaldi’s seminal work.

Abstract choreography relates each season of the musical composition to the four stages of the universe.

The company promise stunning stage and costume designs, and a kaleidoscopic visual feast for the audience.

The performance begins at 7.45pm.

Tickets are priced at £16.50 for adults and £11.50 under 18 years. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime organ recital. Mar 7.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 A Tribute to Bill Evans. Fri 4.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: National Theatre Connections. Mar 16-18.

tea. Thurs. Genesis Connected.

Sun. Tour, talk and afternoon tea. Thurs 3. Juke Box and Bobbysox. Sun 6.

Windsor – Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back The Good Times. Until Sat 5. Come What May. Sun 6.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Sweeney Todd Shock ‘n’ Roll Show.

Until Sat. Comedy Night. Fri 4.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

Wokingham – Whitty

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Last Tango In Whitby. Mar 2-5.

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: I Never Cry (15). Thurs 24. Ubu. Thurs 3.

Sonning – The Mill

Woodley – Theatre

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The House on Cold Hill. Until Mar 26. Tour, talk and afternoon

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

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March into South Hill Park for a feast of arts

Chris is a speak easy...

T

HE year is marching on, and a Bracknell-based arts centre has unveiled its highlights for the third month of the year.

South Hill Park is promising a mixture of theatre, live music, dance, comedy and family fun across March.

This month’s Conservatoire International Concert Series starts with Anna Denisova on Friday, March 4. She will bring a programme that includes Prokofiev’s 2nd Sonata and pieces from the piano suite derived from the composer’s ballet Cinderella.

Elisabeth Pion follows on Friday, March 18, with a programme including Mozart and Liszt’s arrangements of Schubert songs.

Finally, Antoine Preat performs on Friday, March 25, with a programme of music from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Frankie Howerd was one of Britain’s most loved comedians for half-a-century.

But he had a secret. And the secret’s name was Dennis.

Packed with laughter, but unafraid of truth, Howerd’s End portrays two humans’ journey through closeness, love, grief, and all the other things that make life worth living. It has performances on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5.

Tina Live on Saturday, March 5, is a show that charts the life and career of one of the world’s iconic performers, Tina Turner. Powerful vocals, live band, backing singers and fabulous professional dancers makes this show, Simply The Best night out of the year.

James Wilton Dance presents The Four Seasons on Tuesday, March 8.

This abstract, yet honestly human choreography relates each of the four seasons of the musical composition to the four stages of the universe, creating a kaleidoscopic visual feast for audiences.

Elizabeth I: Queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried – but who was the woman beneath the crown?

Using only Elizabeth’s words, Rebecca Vaughan explores the queen’s struggle to reconcile the desires of womanhood with the duties of sovereignty in I, Elizabeth on Thursday, March 10.

Trombonist Mark Bassey will perform this month’s Bracknell Jazz concert on Friday, March 11.

Touring for over 10 years and seen by more than 6 million people, live and on TV, Purple Zeppelin are four talented and

MUSIC: The Gilles will bring their unique set to Wilde Sundays versatile musicians. The group fuse the music of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin on Saturday, March 12.

This month’s Wilde Sundays is taking place on Sunday, March 13 and features The Gillies, Paul Alexander Low and Kev Minney. The afternoon will include folk music, virtuoso guitar skills, and more.

Christine threads her remarkable journey in the world of French Song with the life and works of Edith Piaf on Tuesday, March 15. Christine Bovill’s PIAF is both a personal narrative and a powerful musical homage to one of France’s most endearing icons.

Curtain Up on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, is a gala concert extravaganza of all the best bits from the West End and Broadway, featuring favourites from Phantom, Les Mis and Wicked, as well as Hamilton, Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Based on the brand new picture book

by Steven Lee, I Spy with My Little Eye on Sunday, March 20, is a family musical that celebrates everything great about being a kid – and everything great about having one.

Coming live to the theatre for the first time in over 60 years is The Navy Lark, with a cast of three bringing to life three

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classic episodes from the much-loved radio series. On Tuesday, March 22.

It’s going to be Ev’rybody Down! for an evening of nostalgic belly laughs.

Keith James, a life-long devotee of emotional performance, approaches powerful and moving songs from the past with fresh courage and passion, provoking both reflection and reconciliation. Join Keith James in his Concert for a Changing World on Wednesday, March 23.

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers play all Buddy’s big hits plus some super summer stunners from artists including The Beach Boys, Eddie Cochran and many more. The Summer Hollyday Special is performed on Thursday, March 24.

South Hill Park’s annual dance festival is back to celebrate its 22nd anniversary with Youth & Community Dance Galas on Saturday, March 26 and the following day.

Groups from Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and surrounding areas, take part in these hugely popular galas – showcasing the passion that dancers aged six, to those in their 80s, have for different styles of dance. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www. southhillpark.org.uk

M

ANY will know that he knows the story in Balamory, but not everyone knows that Chris McCausland is also a comedian.

He is coming to South Street Arts Centre in April with his new show Speaky Blinder. He says it’s about life and family, with loads of other nonsense thrown in for good measure.

Does life ever become overwhelming? Do you bemoan the stresses and strains of parenthood, a busy career, the rat race or everyday existence? Well, imagine having all that but being blind too. Chris McCausland is that man.

But luckily for Chris, and for the fans who attend his shows, Chris has also been gifted with a superb sense of humour and an unbeatable wit.

This allows him not only to see the funny side in the life he leads, with all its difficulties, but also allows him to express this comedy on the stage. This stand-up show is a must-see.

Chris recently made his debut appearance on none other than the Royal Variety Performance, which aired in December.

He has also recently made appearances on celebrity editions of favourites such as Mastermind, The Chase, Antiques Road Trip and Blankety Blank.

In fact, he says that he has so many shows due out over the coming months, that you’ll probably all be sick of him by the time the tour starts.

Originally from Liverpool, Chris has spent almost two decades travelling the country performing stand-up comedy, and has long been firmly established at the very top of the UK’s live comedy circuit.

He says that he can’t wait to get out on the road for what will be his first national tour, with in excess of one hundred dates.

Chris is blind due to a degenerative eye disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which caused him to lose his sight gradually throughout the first 20 or so years of his life.

He is performing two shows at South Street, on Saturday, April 2. The first is at 5pm, the second at 8pm, and this latter one has sold out. n For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u rt u ri n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d -u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u !

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .

Fo l l ow u s o n: f: / M a te s Ra te sC o m e d y c: @ M a te s ra te s co m e d y www. m a te s ra te s co m e d y. co . u k

16 | LEISURE

Matilda Jr play in a week planned A THEATRE company is preparing to open bookings for its summer school for children aged six to 16.

RABBLE Theatre is to run a week-long workshop for Matilda Jr, the musical based on the famous Roald Dahl book.

Rehearsals take place at The Abbey School, with a performance at the end of the week at the Mingella Theatre at the University of Reading.

The event takes place from August 1-5. n For more details, log on to: rabbletheatre.com/matildajunior-summer-musical-theatreworkshop/

Piano recital date A PIANO recital will take place in a Streatley church next month.

Glynee Stackhouse and Felicity Burrell will be performing duets on Sunday, March 13, from 4pm.

The programme includes The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel, Sonata for Piano Duet in D Major Opus 6 by Beethoven, Adagio in F Major by Weber, Three Easy Dances

by Seiber, Sonata for Piano Duet in G Major by Mozart and Marche Militaire in D Major by Schubert.

Tickets cost £6, or £5 for concessions, and it takes place in St Mary’s Church, in Church Lane. n For more details, or to book, email: stmarysconcerts@hotmail. co.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Bards wanted to help save bars …

A

POETRY contest has been launched by people campaigning to turn Reading Gaol into an arts centre.

The contest will be judged by Stephen Moss, the former literary editor of The Guardian.

Organisers from Save Reading Gaol want to encourage ballads based on the site which boasts among its inmates Oscar Wilde.

The free-to-enter contest is open to all ages, and the winners will see their verses performed by a professional actor.

Mr Moss says it is a huge privilege to be part of the contest.

“It both remembers the humanity of Oscar Wilde’s great poem and aims to publicise the important cause of turning Reading Gaol into an arts and heritage centre,” he adds.

“This mighty building has stood at the centre of Reading for 170 years as a warning and often as a symbol of despair.

“Now, if those who would turn it into a cultural hub for the community are successful, it can be an inspiration and a source of hope.”

The organisers suggest that poems could relate to the history or potential future of the Gaol, to Oscar Wilde’s incarceration there, to the Save Reading Gaol campaign or Banksy’s Create Escape artwork. Anything related

READING DATE: The Hawkmen will be at The Facebar very soon

The Hawkmen and Tom Webber ready to enter Club Velocity

VERSE SEARCH: A contest has been launched for poems to help save Reading Gaol to Reading Gaol is acceptable Linda Saul, one of the team behind the contest, says: “There are a lot of people who have strong feelings about Reading Gaol, and we are hoping some of them will be inspired to put pen to paper and create something unique.

“Poems don’t have to be in ballad form, but they do need

to be a bit shorter than Oscar Wilde’s The Ballad of Reading Gaol.”

The closing date for entries is Thursday, March 31, and certificates will be awarded for highly commended entries and the winners. n For more details, log on to: www.savereadinggaol.uk/poetrycompetition

TWO bands are coming to Reading next month for a Club Velocity gig.

Headlining the night at The Face Bar are The Hawkmen.

The band draw from an array of influences including rhythm ’n’ blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll which they bring together in a classic, rootsy, hybrid blend.

The band emerged as a full, live act in 2017 following the early successes of Soul 45 and Craig Charles favourite, Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover (Record Kicks).

They’ve also produced a Northern Soul remix of Emma Beatson’s debut single Do It, which was selected by Craig Charles for the second volume of his Freestyle Records compilation series, The Hawkmen’s Keep On Working EP (Mocambo) yielded

another 45 and was widely played on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music.

In 2017, Love Is Blind was released and featured on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Vol.5 compilation and received more Radio 6 Music airplay. It’s fair to say that that Craig Charles is a fan.

Joining them is 21-year-old singer songwriter Tom Webber from Didcot.

Although he’s only got a handful of gigs to his name, he’s already getting the music scene excited.

The gig takes place from 8pm on Thursday, March 3. Tickets cost £11. n For more details, search www.wegottickets.com for The Hawkmen.

Popular club night to return A POPULAR club night is making a one-off return for charity, and people are being asked to save the date.

Fools Gold was a regular old school indie night at the After Dark.

Back in 2017, there was a

charity event to raise funds for the Messy Club, a group for children with additional needs.

Another event was planned for June last year, but cancelled due to covid.

Now, it has been rearranged for Saturday, October 15, at The

Face Bar in Chatham Street.

Further details including the beneficiaries will be released in due course, but organisers are releasing the date now to allow people to place it in their diaries. n For more details, log on to www.foolsgold.co.uk

Pupils learn the art of panto from Red Leciester’s first citizen. Oh yes they do THERE was a surprise visit in store as some of the inhabitants of Red Leicester visited Wokingham.

Dame Kareem Cracker and the Mayoress of Red Leicester from the Corpus Christi Parish Pantomime paid a visit to St Teresa’s Catholic Academy to teach them about panto.

All the traditions were shown off, including a whole lot of booing and hissing, as well as the classic ‘He’s behind you!’ to show off the fun of pantomime.

This year’s Corpus Christi parish pantomime marks the 17th performance from the group and tells the tale of the Pied Piper, all in aid of Wokingham Foodbank.

Will the Pied Piper be able to save the town of Red Leicester? Or will the rats that are plaguing the town keep hold of the mayoress’ daughter?

The show will be on Saturday, March 5, at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday, March 6 at 3pm.

Performances take place at Caudwell Hall, Holme Grange School. n For more details, and tickets, log on to: piedpiperpanto.eventbrite.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

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

RaW Sounds Today

NEW BEGINNING: Steve Anderson’s Coda is top of this week’s playlist. Make sure you tune in to hear it Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

T

HIS week, we start with an ending. No, we’re not gone daft, the top entry in our brilliant playlist is called Coda.

It’s from The Room’s guitarist Steve Anderson. He’s just released a solo album and Coda is one of the tracks from it.

What better way to whet your appetite for the whole thing?

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page.

To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit. ly/rawsoundstoday and pump up the volume.

Steve Anderson – Coda Steve plays guitar for one of Wokingham Festival’s favourite bands, The Room, and he has just released his solo album, Journeyman’s Progress – Part One from which this track is taken.

It’s a wonderful album of instrumentals showcasing Steve’s skills as a guitarist and musician, with Steve playing most of the instruments on the album.

On this piece, Coda, Steve is joined by his fellow The Room bandmate Chris York on drums – https:// journeymansprogress.co.uk/

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, February 24

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gogo Juice.

Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Thursday night karaoke. Details: 0118 951 9001.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Girls in Synthesis. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING - The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Ilegal Eagles. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapiano Afrohouse Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Black Sabbitch, the allfemale Black Sabbath. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING - South Street arts centre. Bex Burch and Leafcutter John. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Anything goes open mic night.

Details: 0118 958 6048.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, February 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Mardy Bums: Arctic Monkey tribute band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul presents: Neon. Details: 01344 303333.

played a special show at Everyman in Kings Cross on Feb 16th – https://johnmitchellhq.com

Mordecai Smyth – Fear of Flying Here’s some wonderful psychedelic pop sounds released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records.

Mordecai has a new album due in May and has just released this single, Fear of Flying from it – https:// www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

The Wave Machine – Don’t Pretend Angus Trott aka The Wave Machine appeared in our best of 2021 list with Ocean’s Brew and now here’s his new single. It’s another uplifting positive song that makes you smile – https://www.facebook. com/thewavemachine

The Paradox Twin – Perfect Circles Gong – My Sawtooth Wake (Live) Gong are a legendary musical collective whose diverse musical world includes elements of psychedelia, jazz, space rock and more.

The latest incarnation of the band carries the flame that began when the original lineup was formed in 1969 and they will be bringing their psychedelic sounds to Reading’s Sub 89 on Thursday, March 3, when they visit the town as part of a huge UK tour.

My Sawtooth Wake gives you a taste of what to expect as it’s from the new live album, ‘Pulsing Signals’ – https://www.gongband.com/

Split the Dealer – Hard To Take He was in our Top 10 of the year list in both 2020 and 2021 and here’s his new single.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 772241.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Rinse Out! Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING - The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jamma presents Jazz Mino. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING - The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. The Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 957 4507.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. AC/DC UK. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING - South Street arts centre. Limehouse Lizzy. Details: 0118 960 6060.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Undercovers. Details: 0118 343 0565.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Dusk Til Dawn.

Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Saturday, February 26

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. DisCover. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Special Kinda Madness. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate R’n’B

Tribute: A Flavour of the Old Skool. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Large Portion. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Side Project. Details: 0118 934 0700.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. Late Night Boogie. Details: 0118 926 5936.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Universal Records. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. The Country Moans and Friends. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Rhesus Releasus: No Feathers Single Launch. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cafe Zazous Details: 0118 376 9159.

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

TILEHURST – Westwood Club, Cotswold Sports Centre, Downs Way RG31 6SL. Rigsby.

Details: 0118 942 9865.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, Northumberland Avenue RH2 7QA. The Turn. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Eric Bell. Details:

Split has a full band show at Reading’s Sub 89 on May 13th and on Feb 25th he has an acoustic set at the Purple Turtle – https://www.facebook.com/ splitthedealer

Paul Draper – Omega Man (ft. Steven Wilson)

Paul is a former front person with 90s band Mansun and he has just released an excellent new solo album, Cult Leader Tactics. He will be live at Reading’s Sub 89 on Sunday, February 28 – https:// pauldraperofficial.com/

Lonely Robot – Under Stars Lonely Robot was created by John Mitchell who works from his Reading-based recording studio, Outhouse as songwriter, musician and producer. He

www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 9756.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Paddington.

Details: 0118 969 3325.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Lack of Faith. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Sunday, February 27

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm.. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Moonrakers. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday.

2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Genesis Connected. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bottlekids. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Monday, February 28

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Paul Draper. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Tuesday, March 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes, Reading Road. Equinox Quintet with Andy Walls. Details: 01256 882296.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze. Details: 01491 681048.

Thursday, March 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bracknell Blues Club. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING - The Corn Stores, Forbury Road RG1 1SB. Gini.

Details: 0118 324 6768.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. An Evening With GONG. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Friday, March 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Divid The Truth with The Whiskey Knights.

Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 80s Tribute.

Details: 01344 303333.

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

This band from Reading appeared in best of year lists around the world and this is from their acclaimed Silence from Signals album. They will be travelling to Fusion 3.5 Festival in Stourport on March 4 – https://www.theparadoxtwin.com/

Harriet – I’m Not in Love Harriet has a truly wonderful voice and she showed when she visited Wokingham Music Club at Whitty Theatre on February 18. Here’s her beautiful version of 10cc’s classic – https://www. harrietsmusic.com/

The Honey Pot – Somewhere Between Here and Anywhere

The Honey Pot, who released their latest album, The Secret, on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records, performed at the legendary Half Moon Putney on January 30 – https://www.facebook.com/ thehoneypotband

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Larkham and Hall. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jamma presents Third Lung. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents a tribute to Bill Evans by John Horler.

Details: www.jazzinreading.com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Ultimate Coldplay.

Mungo’s Hifi Soundsystem.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING - South Street arts centre. Leveret. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday, March 5

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Simply Weller. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 70s Tribute: The the ultimate night at the disco. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full Flavour. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Tina Live: Tina Turner tribute. Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Echo: March of the Mods.. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Johnny Too Bad. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun

Street RG1 2JR. Remones It’s Alive Tour. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz night with Lea Lyle and Trio.. Details: 0118 931 0232.

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

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

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Treehouse, Maxwell and more..

Details: 0118 958 6048.

WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall RG42 7PA. The Supertonics Big Band. Details: www. thesupertonics.co.uk

Sunday, March 6

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm.. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night Weather or Not. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday.

2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Juke Box and Bobbysox. Details: 0118 969 8000.

No. 5402

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 24, 2022

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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NONAGRAM

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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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

ASTROLOGER’S FLAME

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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: 33 Good; 39 Very Good; 46 Excellent.

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

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

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

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ACROSS 1. It’s the limit! The beer’s run out (6,3) 6. Caught sailor using taxi (3) 8. Decide to go for a dip (4,3,6) 9. All of a sudden nuisances will suffer in part from boredom (5) 10. In case of emergency initially cards can be used to remove swelling (7) 11. Repair damaged weapon (6) 13. Give unsurpassed cry of anguish (6) 16. Only a fraction of what a full-time worker can earn (4,3) 18. Pert bird starts to yap (5) 20. Continue a poem from where the fairy tale starts (4,4,1,4) 22. Rex at home with his relatives (3) 23. State of reverie found next to that of Nod perhaps (9)

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

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

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ACROSS 1. Friendly (8) 5. Oxford river (4) 9. Put on trial (7) 10. Scour (5) 11. Fake (5) 13. Medieval headgear (6) 15. Guide (5) 17. Simple (4) 19. Anger (3) 20. Floating ice (4) 21. Wing parts (5) 23. Twisting force (6)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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

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

DOWN 1. Boring part (3) 2. Thanks Kenneth when captured (5) 3. Weave net perhaps, then complain vocally (7) 4. In the past you somehow lied about an optical cover (6) 5. Rummage and find luncheon voucher in the river (5) 6. Touch an electrical point (7) 7. Baker organises a route for escape (9) 9. Throw rake over the fortification (9) 12. Flighty creature moving in place (7) 14. Movie’s ending has extraordinary climax that could make one cry (7) 15. I find this painful in India (6) 17. Batter the enclosure (5) 19. Tea or what to put it in (5) 21. Destroy the object aimed at (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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6 5 4 2 8 9 3 1 7

WORD PYRAMID: Run like the devil.

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

Total: 3.

SOLUTIONS

7

10

11

L

RS

2 6

6

13

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.

5 4 1 8 7 2 6 9 3

2 5

8 3

9

EQUALISER 14 1 12 6 1 2 2 8 5 1 4 1

Hard

5

11

22

U

OG

SC

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

5 6 9 3 2 1 2 5 7 3 7 2 3 6 1

10

R

NR

IT

4

21

RA

TO

3

20

HE

PI

2

8

FIVE ALIVE

8 3 6 1 9 4 2 7 5

9 4 3 7

1

WORD PYRAMID

SUDOKU Easy

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

6. Dressage is a discipline in which Olympic sport?

7. Benedict Cumberbatch plays ranch owner Phil Burbank in which 2021 Western film directed by Jane Campion?

8. Which European country shares borders with France, Germany and Belgium?

9. What is meant by the word littoral in relation to a sea or lake?

10. What B is a traditional eastern European headscarf and the title of a Kate Bush song?

2. What ‘modern’ ailment is known by the initials RSI?

18

3 1

1. Scyphozoa is the Latin name for which marine creature?

20

15

18

15

22

17

22 1

1

18 1

10

11 20

24

9 17

10

3

1

11 12

1

12

1 11

13

18 24

17

17

12 13

26

1

13

21

7 9 2 5 6 3 8 4 1

3

4

20

6

11 7

3

12

7

6 3 7 5 8 4 9 2 1

12

20

8

3

5 8 1 2 9 3 7 4 6

12

10

16

4 9 2 1 7 6 5 8 3

22

10

21

1 5 9 3 2 8 6 7 4

15

21

22

3 7 8 6 4 1 2 5 9

1

1

17

2 6 4 9 5 7 1 3 8

1

8 2 5 4 1 9 3 6 7

11

7 1 6 8 3 5 4 9 2

25

9 4 3 7 6 2 8 1 5

1

PZ1P5402

CROSS CODE 20

5402

27

29

31

24. Hoard (inf.) (5) 28. Ribbed cloth (5) 29. Affable (7) 30. Board game (4) 31. Respectful (8) DOWN 1. Marine mammal (4) 2. Freight (5) 3. Ill-will (6) 4. Respiratory organ (4) 6. Misgiving (7) 7. Immerse completely (8)

8. On the move (5) 12. Steps over fence (5) 13. Sobs (5) 14. Practising abstinence (8) 16. Epoch (3) 18. Close-set (7) 21. Completely (5) 22. Conflict (6) 25. Marten fur (5) 26. Rabbit-like animal (4) 27. Written material (4)

FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Jellyfish; 2 Repetitive strain injury; 3 Uber; 4 Australian; 5 Sundial; 6 Equestrian; 7 The Power of the Dog; 8 Luxembourg; 9 Relating to the shoreline; 10 Babooshka.

(1) Across – Sloth; Eaten; Kicks.

Down – Sleek; Optic; Hangs.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Bitter end; 6 Cab; 8 Take the plunge; 9 Ennui; 10 (2) Across – Barge; Amour; Taser.

E G I J Y K P Q V A L O U Icepack; 11 Rapier; 13 Bestow; 16 Half pay; 18 Cocky; 20 Once Down – Boast; Riots; Error.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 upon a time; 22 Kin; 23 Dreamland.

W M Z C N B R S T X D F H Down – 1 Bit; 2 Taken; 3 Entwine; 4 Eyelid; 5 Delve; 6 Contact; 7 NONAGRAM: acer; ache; achier; acre; arch; archil; Breakaway; 9 Earthwork; 12 Pelican; 14 Exclaim; 15 Mysore; 17 archive; auric; auricle; calve; care; carl; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Pound; 19 China; 21 End. foal; ogre; arms; carve; carvel; caul; cave; caver; cavil; lest. ceil; chai; chair; char; charlie; chela; chervil; chile; chiral; chiru; churl; clave; clavier; clear; clue; crave; cruel; cure; curie; curl; curve; each; eclair; ecru; erica; ileac; lace; lacier; laic; larch; leach; lech; luce; lucre; lurch; race; reach; relic; rice; rich; ruche; ulcer; uracil; varec; VEHICULAR; vicar; vice.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Sociable; 5 Isis; 9 Arraign; 10 Scrub; 11 Bogus; 13 Wimple; 15 Steer; 17 Easy; 19 Ire; 20 Berg; 21 Flaps; 23 Torque; 24 Stash; 28 Twill; 29 Amiable; 30 Ludo; 31 Reverent.

Down – 1 Seal; 2 Cargo; 3 Animus; 4 Lung; 6 Scruple; 7 Submerge; 8 Astir; 12 Stile; 13 Weeps; 14 Teetotal; 16 Era; 18 Serried; 21 Fully; 22 Strife; 25 Sable; 26 Hare; 27 Text.

WHAT’SON Thursday, February 24

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents The History of Yeomanry House, a talk by Katie Amos. 2pm-3.15pm. £5, £4 members. Details: berksfhs.org EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. The Big Football Hunt, £1. Bertie The Badger’s Football Nickname Trail and craft pack. £2.50.

Details: 0118 937 3400.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road.

Woodley and Earley Arts group meeting: Jonathan Newey demonstrates Buildings large and Loose in watercolour. Jonathan is an award winning artist with over 25 years of experience in both drawing and painting. 7pm-9.30pm. £6 for non-members.

Details: https://weag.art

Friday, February 25

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue

RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Theatre, Pinewood Leisure Centre.

EBOS presents annual quiz night. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ebos WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, February 26

ONLINE. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents a Zoom lecture: The International Style in the 18th Dynasty, a talk

by Dr Beth Ann Judas. £4.

3.45pm. Details: www. tvaes.org.uk CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham: The Caversham Ensemble string quartet in concert: Ellie Fagg, Tom Norris, Michelle Bruill and Naomi Watts. 7.30pm. Tickets £20, over 60s £18, and £15 for 16-25s. Under 16s free.

Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz night.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Seeing the World Differently: a celebration of Emma Major’s paintings and books. 6pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Way RG6 5HZ. Reading Male Voice Choir in concert with Only Ukes. In aid of Parkinsons (Reading). £10.

7.30pm. Details: www. rmvc.net WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre,

LEISURE | 27

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, February 27

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Bracknell Vegan Market.

11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night: Irreplaceable (12), directed

by Thomas Lilti. £6, 6.45pm. Details: 0118 984 4401.

READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, February 28

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – Maiden Place Community Centre.

Earley Enviornmental Group meeting: Urban Bee Keeping with Matt McTernan.

7.30pm. Details: www. earleyenvironmentalgroup. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship

Art by Jonathan Newey, who is demonstrating buildings large and loose at Woodley and Earley Arts Group’s meeting on Thursday evening table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons Art and Crafts.

Try something new, relax, enjoy tea and biscuits. £3 per craft, materials supplied. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 969 9956.

Tuesday, March 1

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. RG1 1EH. Crafty corner for adults. 1.30pm-3pm. All abilities and craft interests welcome. Details: 0118 951 6700.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes, Reading Road. Equinox Quintet with Andy Walls.

Details: 01256 882296.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS.

CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, March 2

DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Village Hall RG4 9QG. Dunsden Green Country Dancing Club: country dancing with a caller. 8pm10pm. £4, first evening free. Details: 07714 226723.

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Confidence building course. 9.30am-12.30pm.

Booking essential. Free.

Introduction to English for improvers: six-week course. Free. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: 0118 921 0555.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details:

linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Wesley Guild with Terry Rowell. 2pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Coffee morning. 10am-noon.

Details: 0118 969 9956.

Thursday, March 3

EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Emergency First Aid at Work course. 9.30am-4pm.

Booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Address

Postcode Email Postcode

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Growing Up: An evening of themed prose and poetry with Elizabeth Treadgold. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Audio Visual Evening. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, March 4

EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Get to know your iPhone: fiveweek course for people with an Apple iPhone 6 and upwards. Booking essential. Next Steps In Computing. 1pm-3pm.

Five-week course, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. World Day of Prayer service. 10.30am.

Details: 0118 957 2197.

READING – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue. World Day of Prayer service. 2pm.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents a tribute to Bill Evans by John Horler. 7.30pm. £18, £16 concessions, plus booking fee. Details: www. jazzinreading.com EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. An Evening With Bishop Steven, the Bishop of Oxford. 7pm.

Details: 0118 979 2122.

Saturday, March 5

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Skittles night.

Details: 01344 772161.

HURST – Dinton Pastures main car park, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Wokingham and Bracknell RSPB meeting: A Date With Nature. Walk round Dinton

and Lavell’s Lake for all ages. Visits to bird hides included, suitable for all ages. 9am-12.30pm. £2 donation. Details: rspbwandb@gmail.com READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Brick Show. 10am-5pm. £10. Details: www. readingbrickshow.com WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. The Corpus Christi annual charity pantomime: The Pied Piper.

3pm, 7pm. £5. Details: piedpiperpanto.eventbrite. co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, March 6

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Brick Show. 10am-5pm. £10. Details: www. readingbrickshow.com WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. The Corpus Christi annual charity pantomime: The Pied Piper. 3pm. £5.

Details: piedpiperpanto. eventbrite.co.uk

Monday, March 7

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Network Fellowship bingo. 2pm. Details: www. christ-church-woodley. org.uk WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons Art and Crafts.

Try something new, relax, enjoy tea and biscuits. £3 per craft, materials supplied. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: 0118 969 9956.

Tuesday, March 8

WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE Over-50s Forum: A speaker from the Coop Estate Planning: Tax, Care and Toy Boys.

2pm-4pm. £3. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or: 0118 969 6206.

28 | LIFE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Mixed Veg Curry with Lentil Sprouts and Garlic and Chilli Topper

World Book Day: 14 EASY costume hacks

I

IN THE KITCHEN

T’S the week before World Book Day and your child hasn’t got a thing to wear. But you don’t have to stay up all night finessing a costume of immense complexity. Former primary school teacher Becky Cranham of education resource experts PlanBee has a host of brilliant hacks for some of the most popular characters in children’s literature

Good 4u

Bruce Bogtrotter (Matilda by Roald Dahl) HEALTHY snacks and salad toppers’ brand, Good4U want you to #GetMoreGood this 2022, and has devised a series of recipes to help achieve that.

This week, it has produced a vegetarian curry that makes the most of fresh ingredients and its Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper to give your mealtimes a bit of bite.

The recipe takes around half-an-hour to make, and will taste fantastic.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients n 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil n 2 Red onions, peeled and chopped

n 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped n 2cm of fresh ginger, finely grated n 3 freshly ground black tablespoons of medium curry powder n 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped n 2 carrots, peeled and chopped n 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes n 1 x 400g tin of coconut milk n 1 courgette, chopped n 100g green beans, halved n ½ cauliflower broken into florets n 1 red pepper, chopped n 1 pack of Good4U Sprouted Lentil Sprout Mix To serve: n Good4U Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper n Basmati rice & naan bread

Dress in a school uniform (or as close as possible) and grab a big chocolate cake from the shops. Smear chocolate all over your child’s shirt (and face). Voila!

Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl) Pop a red ribbon in your child’s hair and bundle a stack of books together with string or a belt.

Easy peasy.

Charlie Bucket (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl)

All you need is a great big golden ticket to hang around your youngster’s neck. Grab a big piece of yellow paper and write out their very own invitation to visit Willy Wonka.

The Boy in the Dress (David Walliams) Method 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes.

2. Tumble in the sweet potato and carrot and fry for another 3

Grab a dress and a football and your son is good to go. minutes.

3. Add the curry powder and cook for another couple of minutes followed by the tinned tomatoes and coconut milk.

4. Add in the rest of

the vegetables, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer.

5. Season well with salt and pepper and cook for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are cooked but still

crunchy.

6. Just before serving, stir in ½ pack of the Lentil Sprout Mix and heat through.

7. Serve with boiled basmati rice, naan bread and generous scattering of

The podiatry clinic keeping Wokingham on its feet

ONE YEAR ON: The team at The Vale Clinic in Wokingham have been celebrating the first anniversary of the business Picture: The Vale Clinic

T

HIS month, Wokingham business The Vale Clinic celebrated its first anniversary. It opened its doors at its town centre home in Elms Walk a year ago.

The clinic celebrated with an open event, featuring cupcakes and a chance to chat with the staff.

Patients old and new popped by to catch up with the team and to help them celebrate the momentous first year in business.

The purpose built clinic was opened in 2021 by clinical director, podiatrist Ronke Tinker.

“It’s been a fantastic first year for the clinic,” Ronke says. “Businesses and the people of Wokingham have welcomed us and it’s been a real privilege to know that we have been providing high quality lower limb care to the area.”

The clinic has been so busy that it has seen a rapid expansion in their staffing since opening.

The Vale Clinic has hired an additional two podiatrists and a foot health practitioner to assist with the growing demand.

“Podiatry is a specialist branch of healthcare dealing with a multitude of issues in the foot and lower limb,” Ronke explains.

“We see a wide range of issues in the clinic, from assistance with

Sophie (The BFG by Roald Dahl) Put on a nightie or a pair of pyjamas and make a quick dream jar using a jam jar, glitter and some fairy lights.

Where’s Wally? (Martin Handford) If you have a stripy top, a bobble hat and a pair of glasses, your child can spend all day standing around with no one being able to find them.

What’s not to like?

The Cat in the Hat (Dr Seuss) Dress your child in black and make a tall red and white hat from paper or card. If you’re feeling extra enthusiastic, a cat nose and whiskers painted on with eyeliner will complete the look.

Beegu (Alexis Deacon) If you happen to be the kind of person who has yellow leggings and T-shirts lying around, then Beegu might be a good option. Just dress your youngster in yellow and make some long, floppy yellow ears from card.

Mr Bump or Little Miss Whoops (Roger Hargreaves)

This one’s for the tots: dress them in blue, wrap them in bandages and stick on some plasters. Loo roll will suffice if you don’t happen to have meters of bandages in the bathroom cupboard.

The Paper Dolls (Julia Donaldson) Borrow a school uniform (or as close to as you can get) and make a paper chain of dolls for your child to wear around their neck.

Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling)

foot care maintenance with both our HCPC registered podiatrists and our foot health practitioner, to our podiatrist’s advanced diagnostic skills being used to deal with vascular issues and problems arising from conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.

“The podiatrists regularly carry out minor surgery to alleviate issues caused by conditions such as ingrown toenails too.”

No foot problem is too big or too

small for the team at The Vale Clinic.

“Whether you are worried about the appearance of your feet, a fungal infection or verruca that just won’t shift, or you have underlying health conditions that affect your feet, their range of services has something that can help,” Ronke says.

2022 sees the treatments at The Vale Clinic expanded.

“Based on feedback from our patients, we are delighted to launch

an expanded range of therapeutic and aesthetic treatments.

“Our warm wax foot therapy and medical pedicures, will rejuvenate neglected feet, while our reflexology service will help restore calm and balance.”

If you have a concern about your feet then the expert team at The Vale Clinic say they can help. n For more details, call: 0118 304 9389 or visit: www.thevaleclinic.com

You don’t always need full-on wizard regalia to dress us as Harry Potter. He spent most of his childhood dressed as a muggle. Just find a pair of thick-rimmed glasses and draw a scar on your child’s head.

Flying Fergus (Chris Hoy) This is perfect for keen cyclists: pop on a a helmet and any other cycling kit you can find, and you’re ready to go.

Saucepan Man (The Magic Faraway Tree

by Enid Blyton)

Stick a colander on your child’s head and attach a bunch of pots and pans to their body. They might not be able to sit down but they’ll look terrific.

ALL THE ACTION, EVERY WEEK READING EDITION

RAMS DIG DEEP IN DIFFICULT VICTORY

TEAM BRIT BOBBY HEADS TO PORTUGAL

WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has spent a week of making ‘lifetime firsts’ after heading out to Portimao in Portugal with Team BRIT.

Team BRIT’s goal of making motorsport history at the iconic race is moving closer as it unveiled its car for 2022 – a brand new McLaren 570S GT4 in October last year.

Bobby has been selected to drive the McLaren alongside teammate Aaron Morgan from Basingstoke, and last week, the pair flew out to the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal.

Not only was this the first time Bobby got behind the wheel of the brand new McLaren, it was also his first-ever time on an aeroplane, and only the second time in his life that he has left the UK. Bobby and Aaron spent three days testing the car on the iconic Portimao track, supported by Team BRIT’s specialist crew of engineers, all working to ensure the car is in the best shape with the optimum set up for round 1 of the British GT Championship which will be held at Oulton Park on Saturday, April 16 and Monday, April 18.

n Continued on page 18

SOUTH BERKS BACK IN ACTION

23.02.22

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ROCKETS SEE OFF ESSEX

‘I WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR THE CLUB’ PAUNOVIC OUT ... INCE IN

PAUL INCE is the new man at the helm at Reading FC after Veljko Paunovic departed by mutual consent.

Paunovic had endured a terrible run of form on the pitch that was culminated with off-the-field problems that have plagued the Royals’ season.

In his final games in charge, Paunovic’s team broke a run of eight

consecutive losses by drawing last Wednesday with Peteborough, and then beating Preston North End at Deepdale on Saturday.

“We came to the point where this decision was best for the club,”

said Paunovic after his last game as manager.

“I’m pretty self-aware of the things that are happening and the negativity that was surrounding me.

“I never thought that it was fair, but I also don’t think the team needs it at this point.

“I’m completely unselfish in this decision, I want the team to excel and I want the best for the club.

“I really have a huge respect for the opportunity and the time I’ve spent at this club.

“I just wanted to do the best for the club and we reached an agreement where this was the right time to make this decision for the future of it.”

Paul Ince will now be manager on an interim basis just weeks after his son Tom Ince joined as a player untl the end of the season on a loan deal.

His first game in charge is on Tuesday night against Birmingham City (match report and reaction online at rdg.today). nMore Reading FC news inside

18 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Rams search for an attack with a kick

Bobby Trundley is ready to race again with Team Brit

MOTOR RACING

‘THIS IS THE MOST EXCITING CHAPTER IN MY LIFE’ RAMS CLIMB INTO TOP FOUR Rams v Bishops Stortford Pictures: Paul Clark

Rams v Bishops Stortford Pictures: Paul Clark

RUGBY UNION

n Continued from Page 17

Despite never driving the car before, Bobby’s lap times would have qualified him for the front row of similar GT championships held at Portimao. Now, Bobby will continue with his off-season preparation ahead of the next test session at Oulton Park.

Bobby said: “This has honestly been one of the greatest weeks of my life. My autism means that my anxiety can be crippling at times, especially when dealing with new situations, so even getting to the airport was a massive challenge for me.

“What the team has taught me over the last three years, is that anything is possible with belief and with the right support around you.

“If you had told the nervous, terrified 10-year-old who was persuaded into a go-kart that he would be driving a GT4 McLaren around one of the most iconic tracks in the world, supported by one of the most professional and specialist technical crews in the industry, he would never have believed it.

“Driving the McLaren was everything I hoped it would be – incredible – and I was really pleased to have posted such good lap times in my first sessions.

“This is the most exciting, rewarding chapter in my life and I can’t wait to show the world that autism does not have to close a single door, in fact it can open them.”

Bobby Trundley (right) with a Team Brit colleague

AFTER BEATING BISHOPS

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Rams 17 Bishop’s Stortford 5 RAMS climbed to fourth in the National One table with a hard-fought 17-5 home win against Bishop’s Stortford.

The visitors came into the contest on the back of a four-match unbeaten run, but it was Rams who made the early running and they deservedly took the lead when London Irish loanee Tarek Haffar – the National One Player of the Week following his display at Rosslyn Park – smashed his way over from close range after a surging rolling maul had been brought down just short of the line.

Stortford rallied and showed their attacking intent when getting over the Rams

Rams celebrate at full-time

line, only for the ball to be held up, but the home side continued to have the better of the setpiece with their line-out functioning smoothly and the scrum gradually getting on top.

Moreover, the maul continued to be a highly efficient weapon and eventually led to the second try of the afternoon.

Again it was not quite able to get over the line, but another short-range effort, this time from returning centre Kieran Leicester, pushed the hosts into a 10-0 lead at half-time.

Stortford came roaring out of the blocks, however, streaming forward before efficiently spreading the ball wide for wing Josh Stannard to cross on the right-hand side.

Things got worse for Rams

when hooker Max Hayman was sin-binned for making contact with a player in the air, but the hosts’ experience shone through as they ran down the clock during those 10 minutes with a succession of scrums in the Stortford 22.

Yet Stortford, well marshalled by their impressive fly-half Alfie Orchard, remained well and truly in the contest despite spending much of the game on the back foot.

Rams’ dominance of both possession and territory eventually bore fruit, though, and after several phases battering away at the visitors’ line, they finally grabbed their third score of the afternoon when Ollie Taylor dived over on the left from close range.

A magnificent touchline conversion from Drew

Rams touch down with a try

Humberstone pushed his side 12 points in front, and Rams continued to play in their opponents’ half as they searched for the bonus-point.

They came close on a number of occasions – most notably when substitute Jak Rossiter was held up just short of the line – but the Hertfordshire side continued to show tremendous resolve in keeping their opponents at bay.

Indeed Stortford at times also showed their danger with some swift handling, but in reality it was a solid and well-deserved Rams display which gave them a sixth win in seven games since the turn of the year.

Leading from the front were the outstanding Jamie Guttridge and skipper Robbie Stapley, whose ball carrying and leadership were notable throughout.

SPORT | 19

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REACTION

REYNOLDS DELIGHTED AFTER HOME WIN

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds was delighted with his Rams side after they made it six National One wins from seven games with a 17-5 home victory against Bishop’s Stortford.

The success has nudged his side up to fourth in the table.

The Rams’ director of rugby said: “It was really good. After last week’s win at Rosslyn Park we had the challenge of backing that up against a side who have been superb in their last four games.

“They’ve been playing some superb attacking rugby, but we just didn’t let them do that and our boys were outstanding.

“We were excellent right from the start – we won the ball at the kick-off and were hungry to dive on anything.

“We put them under pressure throughout the first half and then saw it home against a side who are dangerous for 80 minutes.”

Happy man: Rams’ director of rugby Seb Reynolds He continued: “They’re a tenacious side and I really respect them for it – they’re not a comfortable team to play against.

“They can attack and score tries from anywhere, they’re good at winding the opposition up, but they only scored five points, so that was really good for us.

“We kept our heads despite some decisions and

we ground them down.

“We always felt we had the ascendancy in the game and we were patient, which was really impressive.”

During a season of fluctuating form which saw Rams start the campaign with six wins from seven, lose four of their next five and then rebound with another six from seven, Reynolds once

again admitted results are secondary in the grand scheme of things.

He said: “If we lose a game and then win the next week, it’s no big issue – we’re looking for constant development.

“We’ve got things we’re working on throughout the season and at the moment we’ve got a bit of continuity which is proving to be useful.

“We’ve got this very nice mix of young players coming in and some other very experienced players.”

Among the senior players who helped shape the victory were man-of-the-match Jamie Guttridge and skipper Robbie Stapley.

“Jamie’s having a really strong season and he was physical, carried well and was good in the line-out,” Reynolds said. “Robbie led from the front and he’s an exceptional captain, they both played very well and outside that there’s a nice axis forming with Ollie Cole and Rowan Grundy.”

BASKETBALL

ROCKETS RACE PAST REBELS PLAYING host to a lively Essex Rebels side on Sunday night, the Rockets came from 17 points adrift to win an epic shootout in front of the Rivermead faithful.

In one of the Rockets’ most entertaining games of the season, the Rivermead crowd was treated to a fantastic comeback victory and a Tyler Cartaino clinic as he went 13/15 from the field and scored a game-high 32 points.

His rim pressure and pace on the break gave the Rockets a lifeline during the first quarter and provided an offensive outlet throughout the game as other players found their grooves.

Danny Carter warmed into his role as the starting centre well and produced offense in the paint and at the line, scoring seven free throws on his way to 16 points when the Rockets were in danger of falling further behind.

The Rockets operated well inside throughout and were less dependent on the three than in recent fixtures. Essex put up a great fight, buoyed by the shifty play of Jake Eynon and the inside presence of Hodges.

Danny Carter at the basket This victory puts the Rockets at 10-9 for the season and continues the upward trajectory of the team over recent weeks as they strive to climb the standings.

With the comeback completed, the Rockets will look for another victory as they take on the Thames Valley Cavaliers both home and away in a double-header weekend.

National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 26th February 2022 K.O. 3.00pm 1st XV v Darlington Mowden Park A range of great food and drink is available for you to savour. Great Beer, Great Food and Great Rugby!

E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.

FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.

Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022

160mmx8 columns (265mm) DMP Home 26th February - Wokingham and Reading Paper 23-24.02.22.indd 1

21/02/2022 09:40:46

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RUGBY UNION

BRACKNELL HOLD OFF SECOND-HALF FIGHT TO TAKE FIVE POINTS ON THE ROAD

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

RUGBY UNION

IN-FORM SAINTS SEE OFF ABBEY IN CLINICAL SECOND-HALF DISPLAY

Bracknell RFC break forward on the attack Pictures: pgrphotography

By Gary Miles sport@wokingham.today

Frome 19 Bracknell 24 BRACKNELL held off a secondhalf fightback from Frome in tricky conditions to take an away victory.

Frome were attacking and after several rucks, a run down the wing out of defence by May was illegally stopped, the penalty did not make touch due to the conditions.

The wind affected much of the play for the opening minutes, swirling round the side of the clubhouse.

Much of the play had been in Bracknell’s half but after about 10 minutes, Bracknell hit a purple patch.

The first score came after a Frome scrum was won but a kick ended in the hands of an offside player.

The penalty and following line out on Frome’s 22, had a Crossfield kick from a maul to the backs, a maul then a Bracknell break through the Frome lines, ended with Bayliss scoring an unconverted try in the corner.

Bracknell scored again a few minutes later, the restart gathered by Johnson, who passed to May who made a fine run to enable an off load to Milligan, scoring a converted try under the posts to make it 12-0.

Liam Wood secured the ball to run in impressively through the home sides defence, with the try unconverted the score was now 0-17.

Bracknell took the try bonus point on 25 minutes. With Johnson featuring again, Will

Above: Kath Sheppard prepares to receive lineout ball; Below: Annabel Hawkins and Mia McCreesh line up a tackle Pictures: @rugbygranddad

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

Field made a run down the left wing, an offload had the backs get the ball to Burch who scored a wind assisted converted try to go 24-0 ahead.

The second half was a turnaround from the first, with Frome dominating much of the play, George Milligan had to go off injured on about 20 minutes after a rare Bracknell attack in this half.

The first Frome score came after good work by their backs, attacking their favoured end, the very muddy part of the pitch, they had a scrum on our five-metre line, Frome were awarded a penalty try.

Probably due to the pitch, there were many stoppages for injuries, the clock was running down quicker than the match was progressing due to this.

Frome won another penalty, with the line out won, a maul, a ruck, a Frome back broke through the defensive line to score 12-24.

The final score of the game came from Frome, it was deserved from the amount of possession they had in the half. Penalty kicked to line out, after a ruck the backs retained

the ball to score, with the conversion good the score was now 17-24.

With the travelling support starting to get nervous, an injury to Frome’s 56-year-old forward stopped play for a few minutes.

When play resumed there was not much time left and was played out with Frome attacking, Bracknell’s defence held firm and much the same as the first half a Frome knockon had the final whistle blown, to the relief of the Bracknell supporters.

But Bracknell could be delighted at the blow of the final whistle given the heavy going and the way the home side used their knowledge of their home pitch to claim an imortant win on the road to take five points.

The top of the table now piants a very tight picture with a thrilling race for the title.

Bracknell are in third on 86 points, while Oxford Harlequins are one point ahead on 87 points and Banbury lead the way on 88 points.

Bracknell’s next league test comes on Saturday, March 5 when they host Grove.

Abbey Women 0 Old Albanian Saints 43

IN awful weather conditions, Abbey Women delivered a strong first half performance to hold the on-form visitors to a 0-14 lead at half time, but it was OA Saints who capitalised on the strong wind in the second half to grind out an impressive victory.

Two red cards for the visitors, one a player and one a coach, marred an otherwise clinical performance and one in which Abbey Women can take heart from their first half display. Using the wind to their advantage, as well as OA Saints’ early ill-discipline, Mia McCreesh kicked well to gain early territory for her side.

A surging run from her centre partner Alice DentonRice ensured most of the first half was played in OA Saints’ half, yet their defence remained impassable.

Repeated attempts by Abbey to cross their line were thwarted, and the difficult conditions led to a multitude of handling errors.

However, Abbey remained keen, with important turnovers

from Katherine Sheppard and Annette Bevan keeping the momentum with Abbey.

Eventually, OA Saints’ patience paid off and quick hands from a lineout saw pacey centre Caroline Collie slice through a gap in the defence, and the visitors were rewarded from their first foray into Abbey’s half. Just before half time, indiscipline on Abbey’s part allowed OA Saints to kick into the corner, from which a series of strong carries saw their forward pack claim a try just before the half time whistle.

Abbey were buoyed by their first half performance, yet their

inability to convert pressure, possession and territory into points was punished in the second half by OA Saints, who scored five more unanswered tries with the strong wind now at their backs.

Credit to the home side, their dogged resilience shone through their mud-plastered kit, with strong tackles from Tori Kiff and the returning Meaghan Fowler, while Annabel Hawkins and Keni Lenton brought excellent impact from the bench.

And although OA Saints were eventually reduced to fourteen players, after a rogue punch was thrown in contact, they held Abbey out.

SPORT | 21

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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BERKS COUNTY PUT CHALVEY TO THE SWORD

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Division One

BERKS COUNTY earned an excellent away win by smashing seven past Chalvey Sports.

The Swords raced into a three-goal lead with strikes from a double from Hayden either side of Lee’s goal.

Chalvey got one back by scoring from the penalty spot, but County restored their three-goal advantage heading into the break when Money found the net.

Berks picked up where they left off in a clinical display that saw Lee bag his brace to make it 5-1.

Hayden claimed his hattrick with a sixth goal for the Swords.

Chalvey reduced the deficit to make it 6-2, but Berks had the last say when they added their seventh to cap off a magnificent performance

The visitors tried to fight back to take something from the match but Edgware ensured the points would be theirs with a second goal in the 84th minute

when Jordan rounded off the scoring with a freekick.

Combined Counties Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK moved a point closer to survival after they drew away at Windsor.

The home side broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when they went in front after turning in from a corner.

The Sumas fought back well and clawed back a deserved leveller just eight minutes after the restart when Toby Raggett got on the end of Collier’s cross to open his account for Wokingham.

Toby Raggett did brilliantly to beat a Windsor defender and picked out Jordace HolderSpooner who poked the ball in.

Windsor had the opportunity to square the game once again in the 68th minute, but

Thames Valley Premier League

Wokingham goalkeeper Sean Woodward came up with a heroic stop to preserve his team’s advantage.

With just seven minutes to go, Windsor levelled up the match to ensure the points were shared.

Edgware Town inflicted defeat on READING CITY to increase their gap on the Cityzens in the table.

There was a blow for City just before half-time when Davies was shown a red card.

City defended resiliently with a man down, but were eventually breached when Edgware went in front through Waite.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS fought back to earn an impressive away point at Westwood Wanderers.

Finding themselves 2-0 down at the break, the Kestrels provided a secondhalf fight to earn a draw with goals from Edward Thomas, Reece Probert, and a stoppage-time leveller from Simon Frost in a 3-3 stalemate.

Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA fired five past New Milton Town in a stunning away display.

The vital win put the

Boars three points clear of bottom club Milton United after their third win of the season.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

S4K BERKS COUNTY continued their surge at the top with a last-minute winner away at Taplow United.

S4K took the lead when Megan Cox latched onto a rebound after the goalkeeper’s save and put her team ahead.

Michelle Melia connected sweetly with a volley that flew into the top corner to put the Fawkes two goals to the good.

Taplow fought back and squared the game up with two goals in the secondhalf.

But Cox ensured the Fawkes collected all three points with her second strike fo the game to snatch a dramatic win in the dying embers of the game.

PREVIEW

RELEGATION BATTLE CONTINUES AWAY AT BLACKPOOL READING FC continue their fight against Championship relegation when they travel away to Blackpool.

The Tangerines are 15th in the Championship table after a disappointing run of form that has seen them collect just one win from their last five league matches.

Last time out, they had to settle for a point away at Cardiff City after Joel Bagan cancelled out Marvin Ekpiteta’s opener.

Neil Critchley’s team were beaten in dramatic circumstances in their last match at Bloomfield Road against promotion hopefuls Bournemouth.

Ovie Ejaria in action for against Blackpool Picture: Steve Smyth Blackpool were a goal in front for the majority of the game after Josh Bowler’s goal but they surrendered the points after conceding two late goals to the visitors.

Jamal Lowe levelled in the 86th minute before a last-gasp winner from Siriki Dembele to steal all three points.

Blackpool are on 42 points from 32 games

prior to their midweek match against Queens Park Rangers.

Blackpool have struggled for goals and have scored 35, which is four less than Reading despite their 16 point gap difference in the table.

They have however let in just 38 goals compared to Reading’s leaky defensive record of 62 from 32 matches.

On their visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in October, Blackpool returned with the points following a stunning comeback.

The Royals went two

goals ahead with early goals from Scott Dann and Tom Dele-Bashiru as they went into half-time with a lead.

However, Blackpool enjoyed a clinical secondhalf display which saw them deservedly take the points after goals from Owen Dale and a brace from Jerry Yates to complete the comeback.

Reading did have a strong record prior to their defeat to Blackpool earlier in the season with five games unbeaten against Saturday’s opponents.

Yates is level on goals with Shayne Lavery with seven in the goalscoring charts for Critchley’s men.

dramatic tie that saw Tia Primmer score an 83rd minute winner in an entertaining 3-2 contest.

The meeting between the teams in the WSL earlier in the season ended with the points shared after a 2-2 draw.

West Ham raced into a two-goal lead when Lisa Evans and Grace Fisk netted in the first-half.

The Royals came fighting back to salvage a point after Abbey-Leigh Stringer’s own

goal gave them hope with 20 minutes left to play.

Deep into stoppage time, Emma Harries popped up with a vital leveller to give Kelly Chambers’ team a point to take back to Berkshire.

The Irons and the Royals met in the FA Cup back in 2019 in the semi-finals when the East London side booked their place in the final with a nail biting penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw.

WOMEN’S FA CUP PREVIEW

ROYALS TO HOST HAMMERS IN FA CUP CLASH READING FC Women are hoping to continue their journey in this season’s FA Cup when they host West Ham United on Sunday.

The Royals had been in magnificent form with five straight wins in the Women’s Super League prior to their final game before the international break.

They suffered a heavy 4-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion in a disappointing display.

However, they sit in sixth in the table after their previous purple patch which lifted them up the table.

West Ham are just one place and two points behind the Royals in the standings having played one more match.

The Hammers have been in mixed form in the league with two wins and two defeats from their last four.

They put three past Everton without reply and

picked up a 2-1 away win at Aston Villa but were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea and lost 3-0 at Leicester City prior to the break.

In the fourth-round of the cup, Olli Harder’s team got past Sheffield United in an away tie.

Melisa Filis and Dagny Brynjarsdottir scored and a brace from Claudia Walker helped them dispatch of the Blades in a 4-1 victory.

Meanwhile, the Royals got past Brighton in a

From the middle

Dick SawdonSmith

Cards are only communication

T

HERE are times when sports presenters on television, show their lack of knowledge about refereeing and the Laws of the Game.

This was clear in certain comments about an incident in the recent Wolves v Arsenal match and the referee’s reaction to it.

It was to be truthful an unusual set of actions.

First the ball went out of play for a throw-in to Wolves.

However, as the Wolverhampton player was throwing the ball, Arsenal player Gabriel Martinell, pushed him quite vigorously causing him to fall over. Clearly unsporting behaviour, which warranted a caution and a yellow card.

His push however didn’t prevent the ball reaching another Wolves player who ran with it at his feet, towards the Arsenal goal.

The referee, Michael Oliver, decided to play the advantage and allowed play to continue.

Martinell chased after the Wolves player and on catching him up, charged him in the back, knocking him to the ground. If nothing else it was a reckless challenge.

Oliver then cautioned him for the first offence, at the throw-in and then a second yellow card for the charge in the back. This of course meant a red card and Martinell was sent off.

The TV presenter suggested that as the referee hadn’t shown the yellow card after the first offence it should be ignored.

The laws give referees the power to show red and yellow cards, but it says they are only communications. I’m sure most people know how they came about.

In a 1966 World Cup match at Wembley, the German referee couldn’t make an Argentine player understand he was being sent off.

Ken Aston, a Football League referee on duty, eventually escorted him off.

Stopping at the traffic lights on his way home, gave Ken Aston the idea how to communicate the decisions.

They are therefore not entirely obligatory.

In fact the law says that if the referee plays an advantage after an offence, which should have been cautioned, the caution must be issued at the next stoppage in play.

Also the fact that there was said to be only five seconds between the two offences is also covered as the Law says, ‘ two separate cautionable offences committed in close proximity should result in two cautions’.

However, there is a get out clause depending on what the first offence was. If it was for stopping a promising attack, but by playing the advantage the referee had allowed the promising attack to continue, he would not issue a caution for the original offence.

22 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated Reading midfielder Danny Drinkwater

KARL HEIN

Wasn’t called into action too often, especially in the first-half.

Disappointing at times with his distribution.

ANDY YIADOM

Played his part getting forward and almost claimed an assist when he played the ball onto Morrison whose shot was stopped at close range.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Should have found himself on the scoresheet when his point-blank effort was kept out by Iversen.

TOM HOLMES

A much-improved display after some shaky performances. Better with his forward passing and made some important blocks.

BABA RAHMAN

Managed to last an hour before being taken off with an injury and was replaced by Tom McIntyre who made his return from injury.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Much better. Kept possession tidily in the centre despite a loose pass that could have led to a Preston goal late on.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

A tireless display from the midfielder who worked effectively to provide the defence protection and helped out in attack when he could.

JOHN SWIFT

Back to his very best. Linked up with Lucas Joao throughout to set up the goals and finished with aplomb for the third.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Back in the team after serving his suspension. Not his finest game and was withdrawn for Yakou Meite in the second-half.

TOM INCE

A relatively quiet afternoon for the winger who wasn’t able to provide too much spark in attack.

Was taken off for Brandon Barker.

LUCAS JOAO

An excellent all-round display.

In the right place to put Reading in front after two minutes, then scored a sublime second not long after.

SUBS: Tom McIntyre 7, Yakou Meite 5, Brandon Barker n/a

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

JOAO’S DOUBLE HELPS BREAK LOSING RUN AS MANAGER DEPARTS John Swift has now scored 10 Championship goals this season File pictures: Steve Smyth

6 8 7 7 6 6 7 9 5 5 9

Reading winger Junior Hoilett

PRESTON 2 READING 3

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC finally ended their miserable run of form with their first win in the Championship since November in Veljko Paunovic’s final game in charge.

In a decision that was taken prior to the game, Paunovic earned three points in his last match before leaving by mutual consent.

A flying start to the match saw Lucas Joao find the net twice.

John Swift put the Royals three up after half-time, and despite a fightback from Preston with two goals, Reading held on to take the points.

Heading into the game, Reading’s dreadful run of form had left them winless in their last 12 games in all competitions.

They had picked up just two points since their win at Swansea City in November, breaking a run of eight straight losses last midweek away at Peterborough United in a goalless draw.

Reading started quickly and had the lead inside two minutes when a scramble in the box following Hohn Swift’s cross fell to the feet of Joao who tucked the ball in from 12 yards.

17 minutes later, Joao had the ball in the back of the Preston net again with a classy finish.

After receiving Swift’s pass, Joao strode towards goal, breezed past a defender and then planted a shot into the top left-hand corner

beyond the reach of Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

In the unfamiliar position of being two goals in front, Reading went in search of a third and came agonisingly close when Andy Yiadom met Swift’s cross that found Michael Morrison at pointblank range, but Iversen made a pivotal stop to keep his team in the game.

Just 10 minutes into the second-half, Reading had a third goal as Swift capped off his excellent display by getting on the scoresheet.

He linked up effectively again with Joao when he found a pocket of space in the Preston box and curled a delightful finish past the keeper to claim his 10th Championship goal of the campaign.

The hosts came roaring back after a terrible first hour to make Reading’s task of holding onto the points much trickier.

Daniel Jonhson broke behind the

Royals back line and found the net via a deflection off Morrison to give the Lilywhites a glimmer of hope just moments after Swift had put Paunovic’s side three goals to the good.

Match stats Preston: Iversen, van der Berg, Bauer, Hughes, Potts, Whiteman, Browne, Sinclair, Johnson, Riis Jakobsen, Archer Subs: Lindsay, Evans, McCann, Rafferty, Ledson, Ripley, Diaby Reading: Hein, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Holmes, Rahman, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Ince, Swift, Hoilett, Joao Subs: McIntyre, Meite, Dele-Bashiru, Southwood, Camara, Barker, Abrefa Goals: Lucas Joao 2’, 19’, Swift 55’, Johnson 57’, Archer 74’

Preston reduced the deficit with just over 15 minutes remaining with a scrappy goal that saw Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer apply the finishing touch from close range to get past Karl Hein.

Scott Sinclair had a late chance to punish the Royals and complete an impressive comeback only to fire his shot over the target.

That proved to be enough to see out the match as the Royals ended their abhorrent run of form and earned their first three points of 2022 and subsequently ended Preston’s six-match unbeaten spell.

Reading are now one place and five points clear of the drop zone after fellow relegation candidates Derby County beat Peterborough United with a stoppage-time winner to climb above the Posh in the table into 22nd.

Reading and Derby have both played 32 matches, while Peterborough and 24th placed Barnsley both have a game in hand to catch up on.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

ROYALS

PAUNOVIC DEPARTS: ‘IT CAME TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS BEST FOR THE CLUB’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

VELJKO Paunovic said he ‘wants the best for the club’ after he departed Reading FC by mutual consent following their victory at Preston.

The Royals broke their awful un of form with a 3-2 triumph at Deepdale in what was the Serbian’s final match in charge.

“The statement pretty much reflects everything,” said Paunovic.

“It came to the point where it was best for the club and I’m aware of the things that are happening and the negativity that was surrounding me.

“I never thought it was fair but I also don’t think at this point that the team needs that. I’m completely unselfish in this decision.

“I want the team to excel and I only want the best for the team, that’s all.

“I only want the best for the club because I really have a huge respect for the opportunity and time I spent with the club, Mr Dai, Mr Dayong and everyone from our board and people in the club who wor day in, day out behind the scenes and give me and the team everything to compete like we did at Preston.”

Paunovic led the Royals to their first win since November, but admitted that the decision to leave was made prior to the match.

He continued: “We got to an agreement. I expect that now everyone aligns with the new manager, supports the team and does what is needed.

“We made huge sacrifices so far and I think that must be paid off

Former Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic Picture: Steve Smyth and converted in salvation this year for the club and team, and then as a potential resurrection for moving forward in the next 150 years hopefully.”

Chief executive Dayong Pang said: “I met in person with Pauno yesterday morning and I would like to personally thank him for his commitment and dedication

to our club during his time as first team manager - but also his professionalism throughout what have been undeniably challenging circumstances this season.

Everyone at Reading Football Club would like to wish Veljko the very best of luck in his future career.

“The board and I will now work diligently to identify the right candidate to take this club forward.

This work will be done quickly but without undue haste as we fully appreciate the importance of our decision to appoint a new manager at this crucial stage of the campaign.”

Paunovic took over from Mark Bowen as Royals boss in September 2020 in a controversial move just a week prior to the start of the 2020/21 season.

He made an incredible start to life as Reading boss by winning his first seven matches in charge which put the Royals at the top of the Championship table.

An impressive first-half to the season saw the Royals put themselves in a fantastic position to make the play-offs come the end of the campaign.

However, their form tailed off after the goalscoring form of Lucas Joao dwindled and an injury to key player John Swift meant that he missed a crucial period in the season.

The season ended in disappointment with a poor run of results seeing Reading finish in seventh, one place outside of the play-offs, but seven points off sixthplaced Bournemouth in the end.

READING FC

INCE TAKES OVER AS INTERIM MANAGER FORMER England captain Paul Ince has taken over as Reading FC manager on an interim basis after Veljko Paunovic left by mutual consent.

Paunovic left the Royals after it was agreed with the hierarchy prior to their win over Preston North End, which was their first victory since November.

Ince will be joined by former Royals player Michael Gilkes who will take over the role as assistant manager.

Ince joins just weeks after his son Tom Ince joined on a loan deal until the end of the season from Stoke City.

Ince had a glittering career as a player which saw him star for European giants such as Manchester United, Inter Milan and Liverpool where he won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups and several other trophies

during his time with United.

Since retiring from his playing career, Ince has managed at five different clubs but has not been in charge of a team since 2014.

He started his managerial career with Macclesfield Town in 2006 before joining MK Dons in 2007.

He left Dons for a one-year stint at Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League, but left Rovers with a win rate of just 28.6% and returned to MK Dons.

SPORT | 23

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Ince took over charge of Notts County in 2010 for a season and then managed one campaign with Blackpool in 2013/14 with a win record of 28.6%.

Gilkes was previously manager of the club’s academy but is now set to move up to take charge of the senior team as the Royals fight for survival in the Championship.

Gilkes, who has been coaching at Reading since 2017, also spent 13 years of his playing career with the Royals.

He made more than 400 appearances in all competitions for the club and made his name as a fan favourite at Elm Park, known for his blistering speed and skill on the wing.

Gilkes was part of the Reading side that finished as runners-up in Division One in 1995.

Due to the streamlining of the Premier League from 22 teams

to 20, Reading missed out on an automatic promotion place and instead were in the play-offs.

But they were defeated in a thrilling final that ended in heartbreak for Reading after they lost 4-3 in extra time to Bolton Wanderers.

After leaving Reading in 1997, Gilkes played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Slough Town before retiring in 2003.

He also wonfive international appearances for Barbados.

Gilkes was appointed as assistant manager at Basingstoke Town in 2012. He then took charge as manager in November 2015 for the remainder of the 2015/16 after former boss Jason Bristow stepped down.

He was sacked by Basingstoke in March 2016 before he joined up with the Royals to become a firstteam coach in September 2017.

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

The end of the line for Pauno

R

EADING never do things the ordinary way. Despite calls for Veljko Paunovic to be sacked throughout the month of January, the Serb survived a run of eight consecutive defeats.

There was no club statement after the FA Cup exit at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers. No corner flag after the record 7-0 home defeat to Fulham.

No, confirmation of Paunovic’s departure was made after a brilliant 3-2 away win at Preston North End, the team’s first victory in 13 matches since the end of November.

The decision had been made before the game, but the bizarre timing just about summed up the chaotic nature of the club.

Everyone can agree that it was the right decision to relieve Paunovic of his duties and that it has been a long time coming.

The team’s form under him looked unsalvageable for some time, they were conceding goals at a rate of knots and, by some reports, the players had lost faith in him.

There was only one direction that Reading were heading under Paunovic and that was League One. His relationship with supporters had reached the point of no return and the longer he remained in the job, the more fractious, toxic and angry the fanbase became.

It means that his departure came as a huge relief for everyone involved. Fans remain rightly up in arms about other behindthe-scenes issues that blight the club, but Paunovic’s exit is a step in the right direction.

For the manager himself, you only need to watch his final interview after winning at Preston to see how he feels like a weight has been lifted. He had a friend from Spain in the stands to provide support, as his wife had become concerned for his mental health.

Time should be healer for Paunovic. I hope that once we are a year or two from here, then the work he did will be fully appreciated.

If you are going to criticise the way his time at the club end, you should also praise how magnificently it began. Twenty two points from a possible 24 to open the 2020-21 season was the joint-best start to a Championship season and was even more remarkable as Paunovic had only taken his first in-person training session the week before the first game.

Reading dropped off and lost their place in the top six but a seventh place finish was beyond anyone’s expectations.

Paunovic was dealt a tougher hand than any of his predecessors – working through a pandemic, playing almost his entire first season in front of no supporters, dealing with constant restrictions in the transfer market and being handed a six-point deduction for things that happened before he even arrived at the club.

Ultimately he was too out of his depth to deal with all of these issues at the same time, but then what manager wouldn’t be?

It was never plain sailing (or rowing), but he was hard-working, proud and ultimately as frustrated as the rest of us.

Go well, Pauno.

24 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 23, 2022

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

READING LADIES SMASH SEVEN IN WIN South Berks celebrate after scoring a goal Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Women’s National Division 1 South READING smashed five past Canterbury in an impressive away day to claim three points.

The 5-1 success keeps Reading within touching distance of league leaders Sevenoaks, who have a twopoint lead at the top,

Isthmian South Central Westfield P-P Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Edgware Town 2-0 Reading City Windsor 2-2 Sumas

Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves 0-0 Twyford & Ruscombe

South Central Women’s Thames 1

Thames Valley Division Three Taplow United Reserves 2-3 Reading YMCA Rapids RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 17-5 Bishop’s Stortford

South Berks Mens 6s v Amersham & Chalfont 7s Hogg doubled the score to ensure the victory.

South Berks are now just three points behind fourth-placed SONNING 5s with a game in hand.

South Central Women’s Thames 3

Men’s National Division 1 South

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 4s climbed up to fifth with a win and clean sheet over Amersham & Chalfont 6s.

Maxine Nienaber put South Berks ahead after 20 minutes, and 10 minutes after Sophie Taylor-

READING lost out in a 4-2 home loss to Team Bath Buccs.

South Central Men’s Premier 1 READING 2s were on the end of a heavy defeat away at Oxford

READING FC UNDER 23’S

BACK IN THE HUNT: EX-PLAYER RETURNS TO COACHING SET-UP

Hunt joined up with the squad at Bearwood Park to take training on Sunday morning as he embarked on his first day as the new ‘Senior Professional Development Coach’.

Academy manager Michael Gilkes said: “Noel was a great player for this club, possessing all the attributes we want to instill in our young players within the Academy.

“He is an exemplary role model for our aspiring youngsters, a coach of the highest calibre and, put simply, a fantastic character to welcome back to our club.”

Hunt became a fans favourite during his five-year spell as a player with Reading.

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Preston 2-3 Reading

Thames Valley Premier League Westwood Wanderers 3-3 Woodley United Royals

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s earned the points with a home win over Oxford University 3s.

They converted four past their opponents without reply to collect three points.

FORMER Reading FC striker Noel Hunt has returned to the club to take up a managerial role with the under 23’s team.

Saturday, February 19

Combined Counties Division One Chalvey Sports 2-7 Berks County Woodley United P-P Hillingdon Borough

South Central Women’s Division 3

SONNING 3s recorded a clean sheet and a win in their home clash against Wycombe 3s.

Sonning netted twice and kept a shutout at the other end to add three points to their tally.

The win takes them up to third place where they are nine points behind leaders SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s with a game in hand.

RESULTS

He netted 33 league goals in 145 games for the Berkshire club and became renowned for his superb work ethic up top.

He also played a vital role in Brian McDermott’s Championship-winning side in 2011/12 that won promotion back to the Premier League. He played 41 times in that campaign, scoring eight times.

The 39-year-old former Republic of Ireland international started his coaching career in 2018 when he was appointed at assistant manager at Swindon Town.

He took caretaker charge at the Robins in December 2020 after Richie Wellens left the club.

Hunt then joined up with Wellens again in May 2021 as part of his coaching team at Doncaster Rovers.

South Berks Ladies 2s v Oxford South Berks Ladies 2s defend University Ladies 3s against Oxford Thames 4 University.

They shipped five goals without SOUTH BERKSHIRE 6s reply in a disappointing defeat. maintained their outstanding form to stay at the top of the division South Central Men’s They got the better of Amersham Division 4 & Chalfont 7s with a 3-1 win.

That made it 13 wins from 15 SONNING 3s picked up three games to give them a nine-point points on the road with a win at lead at the top.

Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead 2s.

Sonning are in sixth on 21 points Friendly after their 4-1 away success.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE SUPERVETS hit five past Southampton South Central Men’s Cockburns in a friendly contest.

TABLE TENNIS

SONNING SPORTS B STEP TOWARDS PROMOTION SONNING Sports B took another step towards promotion from division 4 after winning the Sonning Sports derby against their C team 8-2.

Himanshu Pasbola was the star by putting in a player of the match performance and gaining a three straight maximum. Cris Reynolds also won all three.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD F shared the spoils with OUR LADY OF PEACE F with Gerry Bacon winning three in straight sets Mike Casserley grabbing a draw for the Commoners with a 14-16 11-9 11-3 11-5 win against James Smith.

In the quarter finals of the Team Handicap Cup SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B won 5-4 at TIDMARSH B in an exciting match.

Tidmarsh led 3-1, only for Sonning Common to level at 4-4 with good wins from Nigel Maltby (-4) against Mike Aistrop 21-17 18-21 21-17 and Brian Meheux (Scr) over the same player 21-15 12-21 21-16.

Nigel then clinched the win in a long defensive tussle with Chris Webb (+7) 21-14 21-14.

SONNING COMMON B go on to face SONNING COMMON D in the semifinals.

The other quarter final played this week was between MILESTONE A and SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD F. Milestone had a strong 6–3 win with Zoltan Kelemen winning all three of his games.

This now takes Milestone A through to the semi-final where they will meet SPRINGFIELD.

South West 1 East Frome 19-24 Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Canterbury 1-5 Reading

Sunday, February 20

FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South New Milton Town 1-5 Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United 2-3 S4K Berks County HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading 2-4 Team Bath Buccs

Tuesday, February 22

Sky Bet Championship Reading v Birmingham City Isthmian South Central Binfield v Guernsey

FIXTURES

Tuesday, February 22

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Birmingham City Isthmian South Central Binfield v Guernsey

Saturday, February 26

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Blackpool v Reading

Isthmian South Central Binfield v Sutton Common Rovers Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Hanworth Villa Sumas v CB Hounslow United Combined Counties Division One Cove v Eversley & California London Samurai Rovers v Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Richings Park Maidenhead Town v Burghfield Reading City U23’s v Wraysbury Wargrave v Reading YMCA Thames Valley Division One Eldon Celtic v SB Phoenix FC Imaan Lions v Slough Heating Laurencians Hurst v Holyport Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v AFC Winkfield Richings Park Reserves v Berks County Swords SB Phoenix Reserves v Twyford & Ruscombe Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves v Hambleden Reserves Thames Valley Division Four Harchester Hawks v Farnham Royal Mavericks Henley Town Development v Finchampstead United RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Darlington Mowden Park HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Cambridge City v Reading South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Wallingford South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Winchester South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Reading 2s South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire v Oxford University 2s

Sunday, February 27

FOOTBALL FA Women’s Cup fifth round Reading v West Ham Cup Badshot Lea v Caversham United Mortimer v Caversham AFC Tilehurst Panthers v Wargrave Woking v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Newbury Development v Eversley & California Reserves S4K Berks County v Goring United Wargrave Development v Taplow United HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Havant