Reading Today, February 9, 2022

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Beer festival forced to postpone birthday bash

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today BEER lovers have to wait a while longer before Reading’s Beer and Cider Festival returns – it has been cancelled for this year.

Instead of raising their glasses to the popular event for the first time since 2019, real ale drinkers will be downing their sorrows instead.

The event had been planned to take place at its Kings Meadow home from June 23-26, with organisers revealing the date last month.

However, at the weekend they revealed that it can no longer take place.

It would have been the 25th event, and a bit of a party.

In a post on the group’s Facebook page, organiser Dave Scott explained that the cancellation was due to the events industry only being at the start of their recovery and there was an infrastructure shortage, making it impossible to create the festival site.

“Unfortunately, I have therefore been forced to make the difficult and sad decision to cancel the event in 2022,” he wrote. “You have my heartfelt apologies for having to cancel the event.”

The team are already making plans for next year. Verity PostgateCronbach, the Beer Festival’s volunteering manager, added: “I and lots of other volunteers (who worked bloody hard to get us as close as we got) are going to be putting everything into making sure RBF23 happens and is bloody amazing,” she promised.

“Watch this space as we’re going to need your help to get there.”

Twyford’s Beer Festival will be going ahead, raising funds for male cancer charity Orchid.

09.02.22

Your guide to what’s on

across Reading and Wok ingham

READING EDITION

09.02.22

HIGH FIVE: WOMEN SET NEW RECORD STUNNING WIN

Music festival line-up revealed

PACKED WITH NEWS, WHAT’S ON AND SPORT

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION

FOR RAMS

MIXED FORTUNES FOR ROCKETS

BETTER THAN US

SOUTH BERKS SAIL PAST SONNING

UNHAPPY BIRTHDAY: ROYALS FANS PLAN PROTEST

UP!

A GROUP of Reading FC fans are planning a protest ahead of the club’s 150th-anniversary match on Saturday.

Fan group Club 1871 are inviting Royals fans to join a protest with banners, placards to voice their concerns about how the club is currently being operated.

Fan group Elm Park Royals have also given their support the planned protest which to is to take place at 1pm outside due the Select Car Leasing Stadium at the main entrance by the club shop, on Saturday.

CITYZENS VICTORIOUS AS BOSS MARKS 100TH MATCH

Club 1871 outlined their reasons for the protest on social media: “Our primary objective is change of management. Second if the removal of Kia (Joorabch ian) leading our transfer recruitmefrom nt.

Third is clear comms from Dai/CEO around a plan moving forward.

“We encourage everyone who wants to attend to create their own banners and placards.

“In the stadium, we will celebrate the 150th anniversa ry of our great club.

“We have a display showcasi ng this so make sure you get in the stadium early enough.

“And of course we will continue cheering on the boys to hopefully three points.”

Aswell as problems off the pitch, there are immediat e concerns with the current league position.

Ahead of a round of midweek fixtures in the Champion ship, Reading are one place and two points above the relegation zone.

However, they have played one more game than the side directly below them, Peterboro ugh United.

THEATRE FEARS FINAL CURTAIN OVER PARKING It’s a music festival like other, celebrating some of the best venuesno in Reading. Are You Listening? is a fixtur e in the cultural calendar and it is returning BLACKHAM looks at the in May. DANIEL treats in store

A

HOST of acts have been confirmed as Reading’s Are You Listening?

Festival dropped details of the 2022 line-up.

Leading the announcement is indie-pop wonderkid, Alfie Templeman (pictured) who has captured the attention of the leading musical establishments such as BBC Radio 1 and NME as well as audience s across the country.

Alfie is no stranger to Reading after performing in the Dance Tent at

and The Rattlesnakes in a BBC Radio 1 session.

Folk singer Kathryn Joseph will return to the town, having previously played Down at The Abbey Festival in 2019.

also featured in DIY magazine ’s class of 2022.

Representing the local scene are As Loud As A Mouse, folk singersongwriter Darcey Hope, experimental power-pop solo artist Jack The Scottish singer-songwriter Goldstein, Mirror Pictures, DJ duo has drawn comparisons Twin Sun and to Joanna the new electro-pop project Newsome and Björk after Reading Festival last year, Dakorra releasing her graduating from Kate Herridge of Ocean award-winning debut album from the BBC Music Introduci Ruins. in 2015. ng stage Rounding out the confirmed Also confirmed is Dutch in 2019. acts is band Pip live MC Rhymestar, Wesley Blom, pop-grunge artist Gonzalez, His hotly anticipated debut Du Blonde Youth Sector, Anorak Patch album and unique pop duo Jockstrap Mellow Moon is set to be and Leeds, who released later based electro-punk artist will take the audience on Straight Girl. this year and follows the a wild successful This year the event will welcome ride jumping from classical mini-album Forever Isn’t violin to Long Enough. back fan-favourite venue, dancehall.

Saint Punk-grime two-piece, Bob Laurence Church, which Vylan, Other acts set to perform hosted some have also been confirmed include for this year’s indie-pop amazing performances from -rock band Second Thoughts lineup. previous , headliners. trans-national quartet ENN The London-based duo have and rising gained The festival is set to take sensation Lauran Hibberd. significant attention after place supporting across multiple venues in Lauran has garnered support Reading on Biffy Clyro and making a from guest Saturday, May 7, and raises BBC Radio 1 DJ’s Annie appearance alongside Frank money for Mac, Huw Carter local learning disability charity, Stephens and Jack Saunders Reading and is Mencap.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.toda during the 2018/19 campaign y and helped them secure their Over the last eight years, status the moneyin the Hellenic READING raised has League Premier CITY been made vitalitin anhelping occasion to keep Division. totheir remembe premises r in manager running so Simon they can run In Saturday’ Johnson’ s encounter, City a day service, s 100thclubs game in charge. and activities. grabbed an early lead through UpAlso against Holyport Ellis returning in the in 2022 is the Cowd’s art header and then doubled Combined Counties auction which Premier North, to their advantag invites local artists the e in the 26th minute Cityzens claimed give three their own points take on an act playing when club captain Jemel Johnson atthe thefestival Rivermoor in their home 100% offifth money league win ofwith raisedfound the net. the campaign going to the charity. .

Holyport clawed a goal back from Johnson took charge of Reading Organisers are proud to support the penalty spot just before the break. lineup diversity and will once again partner with the Safe Gigs For Women initiative in fighting sexual harassment and intimidation in live music.

After early bird availabilit y sold out within four days, tier one tickets are now on sale.

Adult tickets are priced at £25 plus a booking fee and teen tickets £15 plus a booking fee. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.areyoulisten ing.org. uk

But there were no more goals in the contest which meant that Reading claimed all three points to mark Johnson’s century of games in style.

The Cityzens are 11th in the table with 30 points from

24 games.

City boss Johnson said: “Three points and 100 games.

“Made hard work of it, but we’ve beaten a team below us in the

table for once.”

They are back on the road weekend in an away fixture this against Virginia Water. Saturday’ s opponents are four places below Reading standings on 20 points from in the 23 matches.

n Full football round-up and pictures pages 22 & 23

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

No. 16 90p

PROTESTERS UNITE OVER VOTE BILL P5

RICHARD’S STITCH CHALLENGE P12

MEN’S SHED PLAN FOR WHITLEY P3

Am dram theatre’s ‘hangs in balance’ over permit plans

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@rdg.today THE TEAM behind Progress Theatre fear that their future hangs in the balance after Reading Borough Council proposed a change to parking restrictions.

Located on The Mount in Reading since 1951, the theatre has a small 15 space on-site car park but relies mostly on street parking to accommodate visitors.

The council is consulting on whether to make The Mount, off Christchurch Road, permit-holder only parking from 8pm-8am every day.

Currently restrictions apply Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Progress Theatre receives no regular grants or funding and is reliant on ticket sales to keep the business running.

Steph Dewar, chair of Progress Theatre, is calling on supporters to oppose the plans. n Continued on page 6

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Florist nominated for top honour WINNER: The team from Sonning Flowers celebrate their regional success, now they need to wait to see if they have won the national honour

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

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

AN INDEPENDENT florist is celebrating after winning a special award.

Sonning Flowers has been judged the best wedding florist in the South Central Region at the Wedding Industry Awards.

The ceremony took place at Trunkwell House in Beech Hill last month, and the prize includes being shortlisted with seven other regional

winners for the national finals.

These take place at the Shakespeare Globe in London on Friday, February 23.

Owner, Heather Reilly was thrilled with the award.

“A huge thank you to all our wonderful wedding couples who have voted for us and were asked not only to vote but to give feedback and photos of their wedding flowers and

the service that we provided,” she said.

And it hasn’t just been awards. Ms Reilly said: “We’ve had back-to-back weddings since the restrictions were lifted and my team have worked so incredibly hard in a wedding season like no other.”

Sonning Flowers originally started in the village of Sonning back in 2004, but is now based in West Berkshire.

Approval for expansion of additional needs school

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A TILEHURST school that helps pupils with additional needs will be able to expand its capacity.

The Avenue School will see its cohort increase by 60 following a decision made by Reading Borough Council’s planning committee.

The expansion will take place in offices that used to home the council’s children’s services team, but is currently unused.

When The Avenue opened in 2008, the school could take 150 pupils, but was expanded to 175. The decision means it will now accept 235 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Staffing numbers will increase to 77.

The extra 60 pupils can be admitted once the conversion take place.

The Avenue School Picture: Google Maps Celebrating the decision, Cllr Jane Stanford-Beale (Conservative, Peppard) said: “I want to thank the authority for increasing the number of special needs spaces, as we’ve got so many more children that require them.”

The issue of car parking was raised as a concern.

A council officer pointed out that the council’s parking standards would typically require an additional 77 car parking spaces to be provided at the

school, the plan only provides for 50 additional spaces.

However, the council reached agreement with the nearby Meadway Sports Centre to be able to use its car park during school times.

And it was felt that the parking issues were outweighed by benefits of the school’s expansion.

Committee chair Cllr Jo Lovelock (Labour, Norcot) said: “Given it used to have staff coming and going for the offices there, parking is extremely important to get right.

“It used to be quite busy because of the offices anyway, so it’s acceptable and a creative way of ensuring staff needing to get to the school can park.”

The plan was approved unanimously at the planning committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 2.

Garden waste collections resume GARDEN waste collections have resumed in Reading – but only if the waste is left in the bin.

The service resumed on Monday, and residents with a subscription can expect the service to restart, having been temporarily paused due to Covid-19.

Existing green bin or bag subscribers will receive an extension for weeks lost as the scheduled Christmas pause began earlier than planned on Monday, January 13, and continued past the original intended restart date of Monday, January 10.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead member for neighbourhoods and communities at Reading Borough Council, said: “I would like to thank all residents who subscribe to the garden waste collection service for their patience.

“It is testimony to the hard work of the team that, despite the impact of the omicron variant, Reading’s food waste, recycling, and grey bin collections continued uninterrupted.”

Any residents who had active subscriptions during the summer, when collections were also suspended, will also have those weeks added on to their current subscription.

Cllr Barnett-Ward continued: “The pause was necessary to protect other essential collections.

“We are now confident that we can operate the garden waste service without jeopardising these services and I look forward to the full waste service restarting.”

The council is expecting larger than normal volumes of green waste when the service resumes and have asked residents not to place excess next to their bins.

Any leftover garden waste should be stored and placed in green bins over future scheduled collections.

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Men’s shed plan for Whitley, thanks to covid fund grant

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A WHITLEY charity that champions the people who live there is the latest recipient of a covid-relief grant from a Reading-based foundation.

Last week, members from the John Sykes Foundation visited the team at Whitley Community Development Centre to present a cheque for £1,000.

The money will help launch a new Men’s Shed, to enable people to exchange and gain skills, share life experiences and advice.

WCDA launched in 2013, working with local people for local people using Community Development principles.

2020 saw the Association developing further partnerships across all sectors and moving forward with plans for new activities. The community cafe and the groups and activities based there were thriving until lockdown hit.

Imke Wilson, vice chair of trustees for the charity, said: “The cafe closed along with all projects except for the Food Surplus project which increased in size providing food parcels to those in need across the Whitley community during the first lockdown.

“Later, this developed into a popup shop for people to collect food and personal care items.

“This meant we came to know many of the most hard to reach and vulnerable members in our community.

“The work we have done from our base at the Community Cafe during this challenging time has further reinforced our title ‘the beating heart of Whitley’.”

John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees of the John Sykes Foundation, visited the Northumberland Road-based centre to present the cheque to Liz Grugeon, chairman and Trisha Bennett, community

TRIBUTE: The family of Richard Burgess said he was a kind, but private, man

Second Rowe Court fire victim identified

GRANT SUCCESS: Cllr Micky Leng; John Sykes, Founder and Chair of Trustees, John Sykes Foundation; Trisha Bennett, Community Development Coordinator; Liz Grugeon, Chairman Whitley Community Development Association; and Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles development coordinator.

He was joined by Cllr Micky Leng and Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, both Whitley ward councillors.

Ms Wilson can’t wait to launch the Men’s Shed.

“Being able to have a safe space to meet will enable participants to improve their mental and physical health, confidence and self-esteem as well as make new friendships and memories,” she said.

“The men are hoping to be able to repair household items and tools and refurbish things to be able to sell to make the group financially independent over time.”

And the work of the WCDA will continue throughout the year, building on what they have learnt from the pandemic.

“Having worked with the most vulnerable isolated members of the community we have identified a number of groups we will support,” Ms Wilson said.

“One group are socially isolated men, many of older years but also

some younger men who have little support within the community.

“They attended the Food Surplus daily and it has become apparent it is for social interaction and friendship rather than food.

“Many have taken advantage of our supply of donated clothing and many suffer from mental and physical health issues, poor literacy and inadequate or unstable housing situations.

“Over time they have grown to know each other and look out for one another, alerting staff and volunteers if someone hasn’t been seen for a few days.”

She continued: “Through working on this project the men will have improved mental and physical health, feel more linked in with their community. Sharing skills they will gain confidence in themselves, their abilities and being able to share skills and experience with others.

“Members of the group of working age will gain skills to help them gain employment. Items refurbished or

Teen seriously injured in collision A TEENAGER is in hospital with serious injuries following a collision at Cemetery Junction.

The incident took place on London Road, near to the Hope & Bear pub, around 3.50pm on Friday, February 4.

The driver of the car involved, a blue Fiat Punto, was not injured.

The 15-year-old was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment, where he remains.

Now, Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer, PC Ben Taylor, from the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.

“This is a busy road and I believe there were lots of

NEWS | 3

APPEAL: Thames Valley Police are seeking witnesses to a collision at Cemetery Junction on Friday Picture: Phil Creighton people in the area at the time.

“Additionally, I would ask any motorists who were in the local area around the time of this incident to please check any dash-cam footage in case it may have captured

something that could assist the investigation.”

He added: “Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43220053234.”

made by the group could be sold to ensure the future viability of the group.”

Mr Sykes was thrilled that, once again, the foundation could help the community.

He said: “With the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and increase in food and fuel bills we know that many people will be really struggling and experiencing financial hardship.

“We are very thankful to be able to support the Men’s Shed and are delighted to see brilliant groups and organisations like the Whitley Community Development Association using the grant to reach out and change the lives of the people in their community for the better.

“We’re looking forward to seeing it up and running.”

n The foundation welcomes applications for covid grants from charities and organisations within the Reading area. For more details, visit: www.johnsykesfoundation.org

THE formal identification of a second person who died in a fire at flats in Rowe Court has taken place.

Thames Valley Police said on Thursday, February 3, that on Monday, January 31, two bodies were recovered from the remains of the building.

On Tuesday, last week, the first was identified as 45-year-old Neil Morris. And on Thursday, they said that the second body was that of 46-year-old Richard Burgess.

His family is being supported by specially trained officers.

In a tribute, they said: “Richard was a muchloved son, stepson and brother. He was a caring and thoughtful person, kind and not judgmental.

“He would often give money to homeless people, begging on the street. He was prepared to go without himself, even though he had very little money to spare.”

They continued: “He enjoyed simple pleasures – a pint or two in the local with his friends, a game on the PlayStation with his brother, a ride out into the countryside on his bike.

“In fact, he was very interested in the environment and the natural world, exploring much of the South Chilterns, the New Forest and the Isle of Purbeck on his bike.

“He always took time to enjoy the landscape and countryside he was passing through. He relished being outdoors, which was reflected in his work as a gardener over the years.”

The family added: “Richard just wanted to live in peace and quiet, getting on with his life undisturbed.

“Tragically, he was denied this in a cruel and horrific way.

“He has been taken from us far too soon and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.”

The building is still under investigation.

Jim Powell, area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of everyone at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend my thoughts to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.”

Hakeem Kigundu, of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

The 31-year-old is due to face trial from June 7.

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Shadow minister’s praise for healthcare learning at College

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A CALL has been made for more funding to help students get healthcare training.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda said that the facilities at Reading College were ‘incredible’ as he toured the Kings Road site with Toby Perkins, Labour’s shadow minister for skills and further edu-cation.

The facility was developed a couple of years ago with the help of funding from the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership, and offers a simulated real life environment for students to hone their skills.

It joins the college’s training kitchens and beauty salons, in giving people the opportuni-ty to practice before going into the world of work.

Part of the Activate Learning group, Reading College also offers an online programme and it says it has been inundated with applications from adults looking to retrain.

A spokesperson at the college said: “The online programme has been incredible and we have had a huge volume of adults wanting to retrain to fill that nursing shortage.

“There are some challenges with availability of funding and quite a number of students

Porters put RBH on a shortlist VISIT: Reading East MP visits Reading College with shadow minister for skills and further education, Toby Perkins Picture: Daniel Blackham

PORTERING staff at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised as among the best in the country.

The team has been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s MyPorter Awards These include the Portering Team of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.

Kenneth McIntyre was nominated for being a newcomer who makes the whole team stronger Steve Sellwood, facilities manager responsible for Portering Services, said that he is delighted that the department has been shortlisted.

“The Portering teams work hard and often seemingly unnoticed,” he said.

The awards will be held in London, on February 24.

Catalytic theft are being turned away but the programme has still been really successful with lots of students going to uni-versity as a result.”

Currently, the college offers multiple courses aimed at starting a career in the healthcare profes-sion and the skills and qualifications gained provide a platform to get onto a relevant university course.

However, adults looking to retrain via the online programme will need funding of more than £3,000 to apply.

The college does offer a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan scheme but certain eligibility criteria need to be fulfilled to cover the cost of tuition fees.

Mr Perkins enjoyed his visit, but was given plenty to consider as he met students and staff mem-bers.

“We have heard particularly about the course offered by the college providing online access to nursing, which has been a tremendous success,” he said.

“However, there is a barrier

in the way of getting more people into nursing due to the way the funding regime works at the moment.

“There are several hundred more applicants that could get onto these courses and then into our NHS if only we can get this funding addressed.”

Applications to the college for healthcare courses have risen throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and Mr Rodda is grateful to those working hard to get into the care industry.

“The setting to train up the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals is quite incredible and very lifelike,” he said.

“It’s really great to meet young people who are so motivated and want to do something to serve everybody else.

“It’s also impressive that people are willing and want to come forward for the course to help their communities after the terrible past two years.”

A THIEF has stolen a catalytic converter in Calcot.

The incident took place between 7pm on Wednesday, February 2, and 5.15pm on Thursday, February 3.

Thames Valley Police said the offender removed the part from a vehicle in Narromine Drive.

Anyone with information, or footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220052177.

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Protest against elections bill A GROUP of protesters gathered outside Reading Town Hall last Saturday to demonstrate against the elections bill.

Activists from a number of political parties and campaign groups gathered around a mock up of a ballot box to raise awareness of some of the proposals in the bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament.

Peter Leisupe, who attended the rally to represent the Reading branch of democracy pressure group Open Britain, called the bill “insidious and undemocratic”.

He added: “The Elections Bill will introduce mandatory voter ID, take powers away

from the independent Electoral Commission and hand them to government ministers, and fundamentally change who participates in elections and how.”

Mr Leisupe said that measures in the bill to introduce compulsory photographic voter identification are expensive and would make voting harder for senior citizens,first-time voters and minorities including people with severe disabilities.

“Money would be better spent encouraging those who are not registered to vote to join the electoral roll, because this would support democracy and not hinder it,” he said.

Mr Leisupe said that campaigners are concerned proposed spending rules in the bill will make it harder for the voices of campaign groups, charities and trades unions to be heard, while making it easier for overseas donors to “pump money in”.

“Conservative MP David Davis said that the bill would do the very opposite of protecting our democracy,” Mr Leisupe said.

“And so we felt that it is necessary to protest to defend our democracy and our rights.” n The Elections Bill is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on Wednesday, February 23.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Finally, Aldworth Philharmonic is able to return to the stage

UNLOCK the Power of Motivation to Get the Best Out of Your People!

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OTIVATION is something that can be difficult to define, may have a very different meaning for each of us, but if missing, can impact individual and team effectiveness hugely.

As employers and employees, we must try to be aware of what motivates and demotivates ourselves and those around us.

It goes much deeper than rewards and incentives, albeit they play a part. I’ve found its mainly far more subtle and happens on a subconscious level. You know when you’re feeling especially fired up or particularly sapped of enthusiasm, but how often do you take time to identify the cause, so you can either replicate or avoid the feeling in future?

REHEARSAL: Members of the Aldworth Philharmonic prepare for Saturday’s concert Picture: Dijana Capan

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and what to expect when they arrived.

The programme featured three pieces.

The world premiere of JOY, specially commissioned by the orchestra as part of its remit to support new music and the people who create it; Mayer’s Faust Overture; and Dvorák – Symphony No 8.

The orchestra comprises people who live and work in the greater Reading area, and they come together fora weekend of intensive rehearsals just before the concerts.

They will next make a guest appearance at the Reading Youth Orchestra’s concert on Sunday, April 3. Starting at 6pm, this will be at St Joseph’s College.

For details, visit www. aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk

Theatre’s future uncertain as street parking could be scrapped n Continued from front

When you discuss performance with an employee, your focus will be on communicating what you want them to achieve or do differently. For a conversation to be truly effective though, it must do more than just make your expectations clear; it needs to leave the other party feeling motivated and enthused about what you want them to do.

Here are 4 things to focus on to unlock the power of motivation and help inspire individuals and teams in your organisation to deliver their best: 1. learn what motivates your people and help them understand how to tap into what works for them. Then get out of the way!

2. think about the makeup of your team & give recognition where it’s due, in a way that works for the person being recognised.

3. check perception matches intention and action.

4. check emotional balance is in credit.

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IT WAS a triumphant return after two years of being unable to perform in full.

Members of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra were in the Great Hall in the University of Reading’s London Road campus on Saturday for not one, but three performances.

The first performance was a relaxed performance aimed at helping people enjoy the music, while not having to worry about sitting still or making a noise.

This is specifically aimed at ensuring that a neurodiverse audience can come along and feel included.

Other ways in which the orchestra supported people attending included offering ear plugs and recording a short video explaining how people can access the venue

Steph Dewar, chair of Progress Theatre, is concerned that losing access to the additional spaces could threaten their future.

She said: “Losing access to onstreet parking would be catastrophic for Progress Theatre.

“At a time when we are already battling the pandemic, we simply could not carry the loss of income this change could cause.

“We are asking everyone who supports Progress Theatre’s activities to object to these proposals.”

Triggered by a resident-initiated poll, the council has investigated the situation as part of its Waiting Restriction Review Programme and has received strong representation for and against the proposals.

However Ms Dewar believes that the theatre is not to blame for the “isolated” parking problems some residents have experienced.

She explained: “Our performances begin at 7.45pm, on average, one

week per month, and our audience members park after most residents have returned home from work.

“There are always spaces available in The Mount at this time, as the data presented to the council shows.”

The data, presented at a traffic management sub-committee in mid-January, was collected over a six month period and shows parking bay occupancy rate is between 56% and 61%, with an average of between 27 and 31 free spaces.

In addition, the parking survey also shows only 17 of the 53 households on The Mount do not have access to additional off-street parking.

Following the meeting on Thursday, January 13, the council agreed a formal statutory consultation be carried out to gather the views of residents and others.

A spokesperson for the council said: “This consultation is now taking place and will end on

School Street scheme to launch in Crescent Road – but more volunteers needed A NEW School Street scheme is to launch in East Reading after the half-term holiday.

Crescent Road will be safer for pupils attending three schools: Maiden Erlegh Reading, UTC Reading and Alfred Sutton Primary School.

Under the scheme, volunteer marshals enforce a temporary restriction on motorised traffic at school drop-off and pick-up times.

From Monday, February 28, that will see Crescent Road have these restrictions in place during the morning school run. It’s hoped to increase this as more volunteers come forward.

Speaking on behalf of Maiden Erlegh School, UTC Reading and Alfred Sutton Primary School,

Maiden Erlegh School Business Manager, Julie Foster, said: “We feel that it will have a big impact on the safety of our students, parents and the local community.

“We would still like to attract more volunteer marshals to help out, please get in touch if you could spare time – even just one shift will make a difference.”

The following schools are also looking for more marshals to help support School Streets in Reading.

Park Lane Junior School: 8.30 to 9 am and 2.55 to 3.35 pm, Monday to Friday Wilson Primary: 8.20 to 9.05 am and 2.35 to 3.20 pm, Monday to Friday Thameside Primary: 8.30 to 9.15 am and 2.50 to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday

n For more, log on to: www.reading. gov.uk/ReadingSchoolStreets

CURTAIN CLOSING: Progress Theatre staff are worried the parking plan could lead to a loss of income and eventual closure of the space Picture: Steve Smyth

Wednesday, February 23.

“Anyone who wishes to submit comments, support or objection to the proposals can email highway. objections@reading.gov.uk or visit consult.reading.gov.uk for further

information.”

The results of the council’s consultation will be presented to the traffic management subcommittee at its next meeting on Thursday, March 3.

Reading Buses unveils Platinum Jubilee vehicle A NEW bus launched on Sunday, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen succeeding to the throne.

The special Platinum Jubilee bus will be part of the Reading Buses fleet this year, and be seen on the streets of Reading, Windsor and London across the year.

On Sunday, February 6, 1952, King George VI died, and his daughter, the then Princess Elizabeth, became Queen.

The 76-seater double decker follows in the steps of previous special buses from the company.

Reading Buses’ chief executive Officer Robert Williams said: “We are unveiling a bus to celebrate the platinum jubilee in a similar way to the golden jubilee 20 years ago.

“This is such a monumental occasion that we eagerly want to celebrate. The bus will appear on our high-profile Green Line 702 service which passes Windsor Castle and also runs into London very near to Buckingham Palace.”

He continued: “The design uses the official emblem which was created specially for the platinum jubilee event by Edward Roberts, a 19-year-old student at the University of Leeds. It sits on our silver livery for use on any route.

“We want to share the joy of this special year and we are delighted that the official emblem is available for use for all activities associated with the platinum jubilee celebrations.”

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Golf club backers defend plans to build 223 homes in Emmer Green

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

DEVELOPERS hoping to build on a golf course said that nine out of 10 homes on the plans would meet the council’s vision.

Reading Golf Club and Fairfax Ltd have applied to transform the golf course off Kidmore End Road in Emmer Green into 223 homes, a mixture of two-, three-, and four-bedrooms.

More than 4,000 objections have been received by Reading Borough Council.

This plan replaces a 257home application, which received 3,000 objections and was rejected by the council’s planning committee.

However, Fairfax Ltd and Reading Golf Course have said that the proposals would have VENUE: The Reading Golf Club site seen from the air Picture: LDRS benefits to the community.

The monitoring report “Since our previous family homes with gardens the last three years (2018-2021) states 52 affordable homes application was refused last that Reading Borough Council is are only one bedroomed.

The spokesperson said the were completed in Reading in year we have worked with the demanding must be built in the scheme would help reduce the 2020-21, with 31 of these being planning authority to positively Borough.

“Council leader Jason Brock housing waiting list, as there shared ownership and 23 being address the feedback received by carefully redesigning our made this very appeal to were 67 affordable homes in the made for affordable rent.

The spokesperson continued: development with significantly developers in a press release plans.

“This is more affordable “The design has been subject to fewer properties, more green published only last week.”

In the release, Cllr Brock and homes than were completed extensive transport analysis spaces and a wider offering of homes suitable for families,” a deputy leader Cllr Tony Page within in the Borough during and modelling which confirms, call for more family homes the whole of the year 2020-21, as our previous application did spokesperson said.

“Ninety per cent of the new over flats, as, according to as confirmed in its published also, that the local road network properties are the exact type of the council’s figures, 43% of Annual Monitoring Report,” can comfortably accommodate this number of new homes. they said. the 2,080 Today new homes built over two-, and four-bedroom Thethree-, Wokingham and Reading Paper_ 265X160mm_HalfPage_MARCH_event_2022_V2

KIND HEARTS

“We have also agreed with the council’s highway officers to deliver a number of local highway improvements as part and parcel of the development.

“All of the new properties will have access to electric vehicle charging from the outset, to future-proof, cut pollution and encourage a quicker uptake of electric vehicle usage.

“The now closed golf course is private land without any public rights of access within our application boundary.

“This scheme opens up a substantial portion of this, almost 10 acres in total, as freely accessible green space for local residents to enjoy.”

And it was felt that the proposals would “guarantee” the protection of valuable existing tree, and see 200 new trees planted on-site with an additional 1,000 more on the northern part of the former course.

There would also be play areas for younger residents.

“Lastly, significant financial contributions towards a wide range of local and public services will be secured from this development through the planning agreement,” the spokesperson said. n The plan, application number 211843 can be viewed at: planning.reading.gov.uk

Crackdown on phones in cars A CRACKDOWN on drivers using mobile phones has been launched by Thames Valley Police.

The campaign runs until Sunday, February 27, and comes after research shows that using a mobile phone can impair the ability to drive more than if the person was drink driving.

It is one of the four factors, alongside drink and drug driving, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt, that can increase chances of being seriously injured or even killed if involved in a road traffic collision.

Road Safety Sergeant David Hazlett, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit said: “Driving while using a mobile device is dangerous and one of the four main contributory causes of fatal collisions.

“While many vehicles now allow drivers to pair their phones and devices, people should not view ‘hands free’ as being a safe alternative.”

“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.

“Texting, checking emails, scrolling through music and other functions also distracts the driver and prevents their full attention which is needed for safe driving.”

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Archaeological poster contest ARTISTS are invited to take part in a poster competition running this spring.

Berkshire Archaeological Society is looking for people to inspire and inform with their work.

The first prize is £300, with £150 for second and £100 for third place.

A selection of the entries will also be displayed by the Society at its events and meetings and used in its publicity material.

All entrants will be granted access to lectures and visits for a year. The deadline is Saturday, April 30. n For more information, visit: www.berksarch.co.uk

RBH quiz night A CHARITY quiz night is being held next month to raise money for ill children.

The Earley Home Guard Social Club is venue to the event on Wednesday, March 9.

It starts at 7pm and run until 10pm, and is hosted by BBC Radio Berkshire’s Ady Williams.

Proceeds will go to the Royal Berks Charity’s Paediatric appeal.

Tickets cost £5 per person.

Teams can be a maximum of six people.

n For more information, or to book, visit: www. royalberkscharity.co.uk/quiznight or call 0118 322 6969.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Café clamps down on mums bringing kids packed lunches

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today

INCONSIDERATE mums are placing minimal orders while feeding children their own food and letting them run riot say owners at The Mad Duck Café in Purley-on-Thames.

Café owner Mandy Stone posted a message under the café’s name on its Facebook page in attempt to discourage the parents’ behaviour last week.

It read: “We’ve had an awful lot of mums in ordering just one coffee and after two hours they then pull out their children’s full packed lunch box and sit them down to eat.

“When we tell them bringing your own food in is not acceptable they look at us as if we’re aliens.

“Donna [Stone] and I are shocked at how many mums think this is ‘OK’.

“Along with this the mums are totally unaware of their children and what they are doing, running around the café screaming, throwing the toys around.

“It happened so many times last week we seriously

considered removing the play area.”

The post went on to say that the café owners love children but asked the mums to have consideration for them and their other customers.

Dozens of loyal customers jumped to the defence of the café in Wintringham Way on the banks of the River Thames near Mapledurham Lock.

One wrote on Facebook: “I’m appalled to read this. And no, it’s not acceptable and they wouldn’t do it in a chain restaurant. Personally, I would ask them to leave…

I hope they read all these comments and feel suitably ashamed of their attitude to your business.”

However, one person who said they had not visited to the café, wrote: “What about people/children with food allergies [?], they might only be able to eat their own food or children like my son who have [sic.] eating disorders… he will

only eat certain foods.”

They added: “So I am obviously a bad person for visiting food establishments and taking my sons [sic.] lunch with me so that we can eat together.”

The café replied: “I think it would not only be courteous but just shear common sense to explain to staff upon entering, as to why they need to bring their own lunch.”

In a follow-up post, the café owners confirmed children could have their own lunchbox if they have an allergy and there was nothing suitable on the menu.

They further reiterated their request to customers to be discerning and polite.

The cafe has five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google. Last year it helped fundraise for new play equipment at Bucknells Meadow and raised more than £1,000 for cancer support when it hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning.

EXPERIMENTS: Illustrator Helen Ridley is to lead a workshop in abstract watercolour in Caversham next month

Abstraction watercolour workshop planned A CHANCE to learn more about creating watercolours is coming to Caversham next month.

Illustrator Helen Ridley is to lead a workshop at the Creativ Spaces Art Studio on Wednesday, March 30.

The event will aim to show to artists can create an intuitive watercolour composition inspired by a still life composition of flowers, plants, books and found objects.

Helen says there won’t be

Miller of Mansfield landlords step down THE FUTURE of a well-known pub in Goring is uncertain after its tenants left at the end of last month.

Mary and Nick Galer said that they were unable to continue operating the Miller of Mansfield following the landlord’s decision to increase their rent by almost 90%.

The Galers had been tenants for eight years, winning the Good Food Guide reader’s restaurant of the year in 2016.

The pub had also gained an

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Stonegate’s action was met with sadness and anger on social media, with supporters of the Galer’s calling it “disappointing” and “greedy.”

A spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The property will be transitioning to our managed division.

“Our focus will be on ensuring that the pub is able to continue providing the excellent levels of service to customers and community alike.”

Police warn residents to be alert to distraction thefts THAMES Valley Police are asking residents to be alert following a number of reported distraction thefts in Woodley.

Offenders are said to be targeting vulnerable and elderly individuals using distraction techniques to obtain their bank cards once they have entered their PIN. Some of the techniques used include distracting victims at ATMs, car parking payment machines or taking purses from handbags left in trolleys at supermarkets.

On occasion offenders will work in teams with one

distracting the victim when loading shopping into their car whilst the other takes their purse or handbag.

Thames Valley Police are asking people to remain vigilant and to always shield the keys when inputting your PIN. If someone taps you on the shoulder, or tries to speak to you, just ignore them.

Anyone who has information regarding these offences, or has witnessed any suspicious activity, is asked to contact the police via 101 or you can report online by visiting thamesvalley.police.uk

a need to create a realistic representation of a still life, instead participants can experiment with materials and intuition.

The event runs from 7pm to 9.30pm, and places cost £40, which includes materials and refreshments.

The Creativ.Spaces art studio is at Southview Business Park, off Marsack Street. n For details, log on to www. madebytamalia.co.uk

Charity support A CHARITY that runs a dementia-friendly care home in Winnersh has received a special donation from a law firm.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) made The Abbeyfield Society one of six good causes it would support this year.

The company supports many FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, and was pleased to help Abbeyfield, which had been nominated

by BCLP employee Samantha Scott, the granddaughter of a resident living at Abbeyfield Winnersh.

She said: “I have nominated Abbeyfield for the BCLP Charity of the Year because of the excellent support they provide for my grandmother and so many other residents across the world.”

In the face of stiff competition, Abbeyfield fell just short of receiving the title of BCLP Charity of the Year. However, BCLP will be presenting Abbeyfield with a donation to recognise the importance of the work they are doing to combat loneliness in older people.

Abbeyfield’s fundraising officer Helen Porter said: “We are delighted to receive this donation, which will be put towards our vital work supporting our residents and others in the community.”

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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today BEHIND BARS: Kevin Ahern has been jailed for 13 years Picture: Thames Valley Police

Boater’s bid to widen path for easier access rejected IN THE WAY: The shipping container which Ivan Carter says is blocking access to his mooring in Mill Green, Caversham.

Picture: Ivan Carter

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter A BOATER says his access to his moorings has been blocked by a shipping container for more than a year failed to have his request to widen a footpath accepted.

Jailed for 13 years: homeless burglar who attacked Woodley man

A HOMELESS burglar who used a knife to attack a Woodley man in his home has been jailed for 13 years.

Kevin Ahern, 35, was given the sentence on Friday, February 4, following a fourday hearing at Reading Crown Court today.

A jury had unanimously found Ahern guilty of one count of aggravated burglary.

The incident took place around 2.45am on Wednesday, September 2, at a home on Headley Road.

The victim, a man in his 50s, asked Ahern to leave, which he refused, instead he swung the knife, causing cuts to the victims face and arm.

Ahern was arrested on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 and charged via postal requisition on Monday, February 22 last year.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

He now spends the next 13 years behind bars.

Thames Valley Police’s Detective Constable Dennis Hicks, said: “I would like to thank all those involved in the successful conviction of Ahern for what was a terrifying ordeal for the victims.

“Burglary is an offence that greatly affects our community and can be extremely distressing for victims.”

He continued: “Working alongside the victim’s, witnesses, our community and partner agencies, I am pleased that Ahern has successfully been brought to justice and the victims can now have closure.

“This conviction and sentence reflects the severity and seriousness with which these offences are taken, and is a warning that these type of offences will not be tolerated.”

Ivan Carter, 52, of Tring, Hertfordshire, owns The Moorings off Mill Green in Caversham, and applied to Reading Borough Council to provide vehicular access to the moorings.

He wanted to create a gravel access by widening the Mill Green footpath so he could drive to his moorings no more than six times a month during spring and summer, or around 72 trips a year.

Ninety one residents objected, and his application was rejected at a meeting of the council’s planning committee last week.

Mr Carter told the meeting that the Better Boating Company had ‘dumped’ a shipping container at the entrance to his moorings from at least Friday, January 15, 2021.

“They don’t have a right to put it there, it’s an eyesore and it’s on land they don’t own,” he said.

“They craned it over the

fence of their business, which is bad from a health and safety point of view.”

Mr Carter’s planning agent David Lane said an access way had been used between 1978 to 2008.

However, planning officer Claire Ringwood recommended that it be refused as work to widen the path would be disruptive and provide limited benefits.

And there were suspicions that Mr Carter had an ulterior motive for creating the access.

Jacqueline Winston-Silk, a neighbour who objected, said: “There seems to be a real

question mark over the future intended use over this piece of land.

“The applicant has no doubt spent lots of time, effort and money time to get to this point, and to me that doesn’t marry up with the notion of simply accessing his boat by vehicle.

“There is ample parking already that myself and other residents use and he is free to also use.”

Responding to that point to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Carter said: “I don’t know what the ulterior motive is. There had been vehicular access there in the past and I

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“Vehicular access to the mooring would have made my life easier.

“I’ve put mains electricity, running water and a sewage system there, but so far I’ve had to do all that work with just a wheelbarrow.”

Staff at the Better Boating Company said the shipping container had been installed to prevent Mr Carter starting work on the access road before planning consent had been given.

They have told Mr Carter that the shipping container will be removed on Friday, February 11.

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Kebabs at 2am ... town centre hut gains permission to grill till late A POPULAR takeaway hut will be able to serve kebabs until 2am at weekends, after winning permission to trade from the council.

Central Kebabs is located in a hut in St Mary’s Butts.

It recently changed ownership and new gaffer Kamal Saleem had sought permission from Reading Borough Council for a late-night licence.

He can trade from 9am, closing at 1am Sunday to Thursday, and 2am on Friday and Saturday.

A number of conditions were imposed. These include a door

supervior on Friday and Saturday from 11pm to closing. They will log any crime or disorder.

The business was encouraged to join the Townsafe Radio Scheme used by venues and security staff to report incidents.

A risk assessment must be conducted to determine whether the door supervisor is needed on other nights.

Mr Saleem must also operate CCTV at the hut whenever it is open, keep recordings for at least 31 days, and provide them to police and council officers on request.

The licence was previously held by Murat Emekdar, who ahad rights to sell food later, from 9am to 3am on Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 3.30am on Saturday, and 9am.

However, Mr Emekdar’s licence became dormant because the land operator, Reading Minster Church, revoked his permission to trade.

Sale of food only becomes an activity that requires a licence from 11pm to 5am at night.

The decision to grant the licence for the hut was made on Tuesday, December 21.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Rebels with a cause: Free sessions to boost business

READY TO HELP: Katie Coombes is leading sessions organised by the Rebel Business School

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A NEW free business school launched in Reading this week, aimed at offering support to entrepreneurs of the future.

Would-be startups can use the event to get their ideas off the ground, while existing businesses can grow.

The course is run by Rebel Business School and is free to attend due to sponsorship from five regional authorities, including Reading Borough Council, which is providing funding via Reading UK CIC, as well as Wokingham Borough Council.

The course covers all aspects of running a business, from sales and marketing to launching websites and tax and legal details.

The last time Rebel Business School was in Reading was during three face-to-face events in 2018.

It supported 335 people, created 122 new businesses and added an estimated £2.8 million annual contribution to the Reading economy.

This year’s event will be led by successful entrepreneur Katie Coombes, who wants participants to understand anyone can

New County Lines taskforce

A NEW taskforce has been launched in a bid to tackle drugs in the Thames Valley.

The Drugs Focus Taskforce helps with the investigation into county drugs lines.

Until January, management and investigation into the issue has been run by local policing areas, despite the drugs primarily originating from London, Birmingham and Liverpool.

This, police say, has brought high levels of risk, violence and exploitation to our communities.

The taskforce helps with the disruption of county drugs lines as well as home-grown drug lines that pose a risk to communities or vulnerable individuals.

Taskforce lead, Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Milne, said:

“Criminal county drugs lines activity has a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities.

“In order to achieve a holistic and systematic approach to combatting county drugs lines, the taskforce has been created.”

The taskforce aligns with the aims of the Home Office’s 10-year Harm to Hope Drug Strategy.

It will help to close down county drug lines and deliver major and moderate disruption to organised crime groups.

It will also seek to increase the use of ancillary orders to further tackle illegal activity related to drugs.

DCI Milne added: “We want to make the Thames Valley a hostile environment for drugs activity.”

Burglary witnesses sought launch a business, no matter what stage of life, or what their circumstances may be.

“There are so many ways to start a business. Whether you’re a maker, crafter, artist or coach, or work in trades or beauty, food or fashion, then this course is for you,” she said.

“We are here to help people develop their ideas and give them a boost if they’re feeling stuck. You don’t have to be the next Facebook - no business is too small to join.”

Ms Coombes said she understands the past two

years have been tough for a lot of people and some will be nervous about starting up.

“We aren’t here to criticise your ideas. We just want to give you a boost. Also, you don’t need money or even a business plan to start up. It all starts with a sale,” she said.

Among those taking part four years ago was Alex Stevenson, who launched Cake Creations.

“The team gave me the confidence that I can make it a business for myself,” she said “They made me realise the simple things

which have a big impact.

“I learned how easy creating spreadsheets and keeping on top of social media can be, and how it can make your business bigger.”

Four years down the line, Stevenson said Cake Creations is “going from strength to strength”.

The online event will be held live via Zoom, with sessions from 10am until 3pm through to Friday, February 18. n Places can be booked by logging on to: therebelschool. com

Supporting over 8,000 families

THAMES Valley Police is re-appealing for specific witnesses following an aggravated burglary in Earley, which left a man with a broken arm.

The late-night heist took place between 11.30pm on Wednesday, January 26, and 12.30am on Thursday, January 27, at a home in Wokingham Road in Earley.

The victims, a man and woman both in their 60s, were alerted to four men entering their home armed with crowbars.

The offenders took mobile phones from the victims before searching the property.

The man sustained a broken arm and cuts to his head and lips.

Jewellery with an estimated value of £30,000 was stolen.

The offenders were described as wearing all black from top to bottom and wore balaclavas.

Investigating officer, DS Mark Boyd, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We would like to specifically reach out to people that were in the Soel Joel Park until around 1.30am on the night of the incident, in the hope they come forward.

“We would also urge anyone with relevant CCTV or dash cam footage to get in touch.

“To report any information you can call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43220038645.”

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What will the w at this year’s Re

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

One step at a time

I

LAST WEEK’S Groundhog Day saw Punxsutawney Phil predict winter would go on for another six weeks or so. And clever boffins made their weather forecast for August’s Reading Festival.

T’S official, our darling boy is walking at last. (Not that we’ve been impatient or anything...)

He’s still adorably hesitant and it only takes a brief gust of wind to knock him over, but his steps are frequent enough that we felt it was time to acquire the adequate footwear.

I think Joel was more excited than I was to buy Leo’s first pair of shoes. (Probably because I’m eight years more accustomed to the ludicrous cost of children’s footwear.)

“We’ll have to wait till Saturday, I want to be there. We have to take photos,” he says.

I was quietly delighted, we differ on many things but documenting the children’s milestones is not one of them. I just didn’t realise a first-shoe purchase was a milestone.

We went along and Leo wriggled and whined on Joel’s lap as the shop assistant attempted to take his measurements. This wasn’t the happy photo we were imagining but I snapped away anyway.

When the shoes were finally on, it appeared our boy had forgotten how to move. What were these strange things attached to his feet? What was the need for them?

He took a few wobbly steps sustaining a look of deep concentration. A lot of frowning. This was serious stuff.

“He er, walks a bit differently at home,” I said, picturing him happily tottering up and down our kitchen with a tad more haste.

It didn’t take long, and a minute later he had his usual toddle back. I made about four videos. £58 later (we bought two pairs) we left Clarks feeling simultaneously triumphant and hard done by. I believe the trainers I was wearing at the time were cheaper than my son’s new shoes.

I was going to make sure he wore these daily.

Keen to test out the new investments, we walked from Clarks all the way to GAIL’s. This took approximately 28 minutes. I’ve never paid so much attention to the pavement. Or to the pace and location of other pedestrians. I’m now forever fearful he’s going to be knocked over.

“I wish the ground was made of mattress,” I muttered to Joel as we comforted a tearful Leo after a fall.

Still fearful but equally excited by this new phase, I decided it’d be fun for us to walk from the car to collect Maia from school, a short journey I’d normally do with Leo in his pushchair.

It is not, in fact, a short journey for an 18-monthold. It is a very very long journey.

When it soon became clear this was not going to be particularly efficient, I scooped him up and carried him. (This was not well received.)

Thankfully Maia still enjoys seeing Leo walk, so when the rest of the school had vacated the area, (you wouldn’t have known it was a school day) we took our time meandering back to the car.

Meander being the key word.

Because, of course, toddlers don’t follow the path. Explorers by nature, they want to go where they’ve never been, where the masses might avoid.

Like the driveways and front gardens of strangers.

“No Leo that’s not our car… Not our lawn… NO LEO!” Maia was admirably patient holding Leo’s hand and cautiously accompanying him at snail pace. She giggled as he took us off into yet another driveway and we attempted to guide him back.

“Come on Leo… this way,” She repeated.

As I put her to bed that night, I asked what her favourite part of the day was. “Seeing Leo walking,” she replied without hesitation.

“Mine too,” I said.

Seeing the two of them walking together, hand in hand, really was the best thing.

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

RIGHT SITCH: Richard Kemp is The Tilehurst Cobbler ... and an expert mender of far mares Picture: Dijana Capan/DV Vision

Why Richard was stitching up a mare WHEN Richard Kemp helped mend a zip, he had no idea it would lead to him stitching up a horse.

Richard runs The Tilehurst Cobbler in School Road and is used to customers coming in looking for repairs to shoes, cutting keys and replacing zips.

But he also has a mantra of attempting any job, as long as it is possible.

Indeed, he has just helped make 16 straps for clapper mufflers, just in time for the Queen’s Platinum jubilee later this year.

But it was a woman’s zip that led to a very extraordinary request... could he mend a mare?

Richard does some saddlery work, and travelled to Equibreed in Padworth so he could help.

They have a fake mare, called Dolly, used in its breeding programme.

A bit battered after many years service, Richard was called on to make a new panel for her neck, a new ear and also five hours of patching and hand stitching to make the make as good as new, just in time for this year’s breeding season.

“I have done this job for over 20 years,” he said. “I try and do every possible job I can think of. No job is too big or too small.”

He added, smiling: “Dolly was a bit of a pain. It took six hours to do and by the time I’d finished, my legs were completely numb.”

He might have been walking like a cowboy, but you can be sure, this was no cowboy job.

Free no more ­­– Waitrose ends newspaper perk

IN THE NEWS: Waitrose is to end its custom of giving free newspapers to customers Picture: Phil Creighton

In years gone by, the popular music event has seen everything from heatwaves to torrential rain, causing Reading Festival goers to wear wellies, binikis and everything in between.

The 2022 line-up includes Arctic Monkeys, Dave, Rage Against The Machine, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion and Bring Me The Horizon.

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

“I cannot wait.”

But fans who have snapped up tickets to the event, at Reading’s Rivermead, will want to know if they need a brolly, an extra jumper or some suntan lotion.

Event discovery platform Skiddle says that its analysis of festival weather predicts most festivals taking place across the UK this year will do so in glorious sunshine.

BST Hyde Park London, Highest Point, Terminal V and Reading and Leeds Festival all expected to see no more than an hour’s worth of rain across the festival weekends.

And Skiddle says that BST Hyde Park outshines the majority of UK festivals, taking the top spot for the highest average temperature across its last five festivals (24°C), and has even seen highs of 33°C. Closely followed were Camp Bestival, Boomtown and Reading Festival, who have seen average

FORECAST: Reading Festival 2021 was dry - w Picture: Dijana Capan / DV Vision temperatures of 19°C across their festival weekends over the last few years.

This year’s Reading Festival, over the August bank holiday weekend of August 26-28, is expected to be dry, with just an hour of rain across the three-day event.

The average temperature is expected to be 19ºC. Spare a thought for the Terminal V Festival attendees: Skiddle thinks it will be 8ºC when it takes place on April 16-17 in Edinburgh.

Jamie Scahill, head of marketing at

Fostering is a family affair IT’S BEEN a perk enjoyed by Waitrose shoppers for several years, but the store is stopping it later this month.

Shoppers with a MyWaitrose card who spent £10 or more have been able to pick up a free newspaper from tills.

But an email has gone out to MyWaitrose customers informing them that it will come to an end.

It says: “Nobody shops quite like you – so we’re updating myWaitrose to make it even more personal.

“As part of these changes, the myWaitrose newspaper offer will be ending on (Tuesday) 22 February 2022. But we’re replacing it with something new – look out for updates in the coming weeks.”

This follows on from the axing of a free cup of coffee for customers.

The founder of money-saving website Quotegoat.com warned that

affected shoppers could vote with their feet, no longer visiting the supermarket which has branches in Caversham, Wokingham, Woodley, Tilehurst and Twyford. Its head office is in Bracknell.

“First, the free coffee was scrapped for loyal customers; next to be axed is the complimentary newspapers,” Michael Foote said.

“Waitrose customers won’t like this change, and I suspect this could be enough for loyalty cardholders to consider switching where they shop.”

He added: “With food prices rocketing up, the eye-watering sums for a weekly shop in Waitrose are likely to force shoppers to vote with their feet.

“To scrap one of their most loved benefits at this time without an explanation of what’s to replace it could be a harmful move for the supermarket.”

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 second of a short series on fostering, we hear from foster carers’ own children about how the experience has changed their lives.

OSTERING is not only lifechanging for the children being taken into care but also for the sons and daughters of foster carers.

Children of foster carers, known as foster siblings, play a vital role in helping young people in care feel welcome and part of the family.

Their contribution is so important.

Sharing their home with different children can be hugely beneficial for them as well as the children and young people in care.

Annabel was only eight, and her brothers 11 and 13, when her parents

F

decided they wanted to welcome foster children into their Reading home.

Now 18, Annabel said: “I have liked everything about fostering and we work well as a family to help care for the children.

“We hope they will always feel like part of our family for the duration of their stay and I think this is important.”

Unsurprisingly, fostering has had a big influence on Annabel’s life, and she is now making childcare her career.

She said: “Fostering gave me lots of skills and experience with children and made me want to work with them. I am now training to be an early years’ practitioner at a local nursery.

I enjoy fostering and I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new children over the years and making a difference to their lives.”

Eliza* was nine when her parents started fostering in Reading; she is now 25.

NEWS | 29

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

weather be like eading Festival?

How to enjoy a scrum with ex-England rugby star

WPR_2022-02-07_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel HOLY ISLAND, DURHAM & Alnwick Castle

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will this year’s event also see good weather?

Skiddle, said: “With missing so many of our favourite festivals and live events for the last two years, the 2022 festival season is going to be bigger than ever.

“We might not be able to control the UK weather, but the forecast looks promising, so we can’t wait to be basking in a field, enjoying live music once again.”

The company made the analysis based on weather over the past six festivals, so don’t blame it on the weatherman if it turns out to be a washout.

TOGETHER: Foster sibling Annabel says she enjoyed welcoming children into her family

She said: “Although I already had two younger sisters, I always looked forward to another sibling, or two, joining our family. We all had so much fun together.

“Saying goodbye at the end of their stay was always hard but I absolutely loved having them live with us for a while and I felt like we were able to give them all the love they needed.

“Although I have been living at home on and off since I was 19, I still love being a foster sibling. It continues to give me so many unique experiences and I feel so proud to

have grown up as part of a foster care family.”

Brighter Futures for Children runs a fun group for foster siblings called the Foster Squad. It is a place where foster carers’ own children can get together, take part in activities and share experiences about being foster siblings. n To find out more about fostering in Reading, visit www.readingfostering. co.uk, call 0118 469 3020 or email foster@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.

*Name has been changed to protect people’s identities.

WITH the Six Nations in full swing, rugby mania is sweeping the nation.

And what better way to celebrate than entering a contest to win a training session with a former England player?

James Haskell has teamed up with Greene King pubs to be its Proud To Pitch In ambassador.

The rugby union star made 77 appearances for England, and captained Wasps RFC. He also played for the British & Irish Lions in 2017.

The scheme sees sporting clubs able to apply for grants of up to £3,000.

The funding comes from people buying pints of Greene King IPA – the brewer will donate 10p from each drink sold at participating pubs, up to £500,000.

To celebrate, Greene King is arranging for James to showcase his skills and share tips on how to maximise sporting community and team spirit to enhance the experience of playing grassroot sports.

James said: “Local clubs are an essential part of the sporting landscape here in the UK. They’re the best place to spot future talent, and what’s more, they have a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing in the local community.

“I’m so excited to be involved with the Greene King IPA Proud

to Pitch In initiative and look forward to seeing how these grants help clubs in dire need of further funding. I also cannot wait to be digging my boots out again and hopefully sharing some advice and knowledge to whichever deserving club wins.”

Will Hemmings, Greene King Brewing & Brands marketing director said: “Here at Greene King, we know just how important local sport is to our communities and how our pubs are so often the meeting place of choice for a postmatch pint.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure grassroots sports can flourish not just for the physical benefits, but for the community spirit it delivers.

“To support our Greene King IPA Proud to Pitch In scheme, we have launched the chance for clubs to experience just how an elite level athlete approaches his craft. The winning club will be able to learn directly from James how to get the most out of playing sports, whether that be physically or mentally.”

To win the training session with James Haskell, adult clubs must visit https://www.greeneking-pubs. co.uk/ and head to the Proud To Pitch In section before the end of the month. The winners will be announced in early March.

They can also apply for grant funding at the same time.

We thought about this mystery.

T’was then that we recalled A conversation we had had With our family when they called.

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Departing Mon 30 May ‘22 On this fantastic break we enjoy the Isle of Wight’s peace, tranquillity and natural beauty as well as a nostalgic journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and a visit to fascinating Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former holiday home - a relaxing few days away.

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

We had a BIG surprise today, A big surprise indeed Of something we found hard to buy And which we always need.

The contents of the parcel We eyed with great delight.

But who had sent it to us?

No card or note in sight.

3 Days by Coach

Your break includes

POETRY CORNER The BIG Surprise.

It came by ‘Prime’ delivery.

“Is this, you’re sure, for us”.

“Quite sure. It’s listed here”.

So we made no further fuss.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Jurys Inn, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast Excursion to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle En-route visit to the Angel of the North & Durham

© English Heritage

PLAY UP: James Haskell has teamed up with Greene King to celebrate its grant scheme for grassroots sports clubs, Proud To Pitch In

Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.

We’d told them how we could not get This item when we tried.

Had they found some way to get it Through some system they’d applied?

A word with them confirmed our guess.

Our thanks was most profuse.

We are delighted with this gift Which soon will be in use.

Jim Horsnell

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Send items to news@rdg.today

Optional Island Highlights Tour (£12pp)

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

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30 | VIEWPOINTS READING’S NEW CHAMPION

We welcome bridge works

LIVING in Newtown, one of the pleasures is being so close to the canal towpath.

The residents can take a short walk into Reading’s vibrant town centre, or take a short walk into the countryside.

It really is a definite plus to this part of town, originally built for Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory workers.

The historic horseshoe bridge by the Kennetmouth is one of the real perks of living here.

This footbridge connects Newtown (and Earley and Woodley) with Kings Meadow, Caversham and beyond.

It is a tranquil walk, a pleasant place for a run, and also dead handy if you need to stock up from Tesco.

It’s all very green – and it will remain that way as long as the plan to build a bus lane bridge at this beauty spot remains on the back burner. It would be unforgivable for it to go ahead.

We welcome the news that the horseshoe bridge is to receive a real, proper restoration.

This is a vital connection for Reading, and we hope the plans enhance the area.

However, when the work takes place, the ferry that was employed some 20 years ago should return. The footpath detour is simply too long.

CHURCH NOTES

Our greatest fear is ...

‘T

O be loved but not known is comforting but superficial,’ someone has said.

Which is true – isn’t it? However much someone may say they like me, it doesn’t mean much if it’s only because I’ve made sure they never see who I really am.

‘To be known and not loved is our greatest fear,’ they go on.

That really is true. Many of us have known the pain of seeing others back off as they begin to realise who we really are.

‘But to be fully known and truly loved is…’

I wonder - how would you complete that sentence? ‘… like a dream come true’?

Because deep down, beneath the protective layers of cynicism we may have built up, isn’t that the thing we long for most of all?

How wonderful to have someone who sees everything about us, including all the secrets we usually try to keep hidden away, and who loves us even so.

But that’s exactly who Jesus claims to be.

I love the way we’re told Jesus responded to one rather self-obsessed, slightly arrogant, and quite insecure young man who came to him one day. ‘Jesus looked at him’ – we’re told – ‘and loved him’ (Mark 10:21).

He saw him and loved him.

And from heaven, Jesus says, that’s still what he’s doing today. Whoever we are, whatever we may have done, he sees it all and yet loves us even so.

David Horrocks is from Christ Church Wokingham, which meets every Sunday at St Crispin’s School at 10.30am. He is writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

From the chamber

Cllr Helen Manghnani

R

EADING’S historical and cultural heritage runs strong and deep.

A seam of creativity that’s easy to see as it threads its way throughout our wonderful town, with its hugely diverse, eclectic and vibrant culture; a culture that has evolved out of the highly cosmopolitan communities who live and work within Reading and the surrounding areas of Berkshire.

You only have to walk past the many varied restaurants we have to see how you can taste the world without having to leave Reading town centre; from Indian curries such as Dosa (a South Indian dish that will have you drooling) to the heat and spiciness of Punjabi biryani and halwa puri from Pakistan, Japanese sushi, Caribbean Jerk chicken, Chinese noodles, Italian lasagne and Polish bigos stew; the list of delicacies available on our doorstep goes on and on and simply underlines what an internationally diverse population we have.

It’s not just about food, though, it’s the strength and depth of Reading’s cultural and artistic attractions, events and venues that also form a central part of our sense of place and our communal well-being.

From our beautiful parks, such as Prospect and Palmer, to our many gardens, a key part of our town’s artistic and cultural heritage can be seen and enjoyed amid the seasonal blooms of colourful wildflowers, exotic trees and plants in gardens everywhere, not forgetting, either, the Living Rainforest just a few miles away to the west of town.

The welcome redevelopment of our vital leisure centres at both Palmer Park and Rivermead continues apace, bringing us new pools at both.

Reading Festival, of course, is our internationally famous marquee event every year, holding the record for being one of the longest running rock festivals in the world, having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, though its jazz roots date back even further to the early 1960s.

Today the Festival goes from strength to strength, putting Reading on the international map by attracting rock fans from across the UK and Europe to the banks of the Thames on Richfield Avenue every year.

Reading’s Caribbean Carnival and Reading Pride parades are also two of our major annual celebrations where everyone can take part and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere amid the vibrant costumes and street dancing to Caribbean music.

And for those who like to keep fit (very fit!) Reading Half Marathon attracts thousands of participants who run and raise large amounts of funding for various charities.

All these events and many more are supported by Reading’s Conservative Councillors as an integral part of Reading’s identity.

We believe it’s crucial that these events remain fully supported in the future.

Arts and culture, though, isn’t just about paintings, poetry and literature; it’s a collective community spirit built out of everything that expresses the inherent creativity in all we share

and do; from the languages we speak to metalwork, fashion and music.

For example, more than 100 languages are spoken in Reading’s schools alone.

Our many religions each have their unique special days, with Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, and Bhutan festivals all celebrated across Reading.

Our town is truly blessed to have such diverse faiths and the cultures and energy that thrive within them.

And then there’s our proud architectural heritage dating back centuries, with the Abbey Ruins the resting place of its founder King Henry 1st - being central to our identity.

Our famous Reading Gaol, too, is a landmark with a currently uncertain future. Reading’s Conservative Councillors are proud to support the ongoing efforts to ensure the site becomes a vibrant cultural and economic hub for Reading, honouring its connection with Oscar Wilde, not just another block of flats. Banksy’s very visible support could yet prove influential.

Reading also has an amazing brass band. The Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band - one of the few

Berkshire West Your Way is a programme that offers flexible mental health support to suit the service users’ needs.

They are recruiting emotionally strong volunteers to be Peer Supporters at their Breathing Space Sessions.

Peer Supporters will be using their own experiences of mental distress to empathise with and support people who are experiencing similar problems. Sharing your lived experience in an appropriate way to express empathy and hopefulness.

Volunteers must attend and contribute to the monthly Peer Supporters Team Meetings facilitated by the Peer Support Coordinator.

Citizens Advice Reading is an independent, voluntary organisation that have been assisting local people with their problems since 1939.

They are looking to recruit a number of volunteer Telephone Advisers who interview clients over the phone and provide appropriate information, advice and next steps to them.

Their advisers come from all sorts of backgrounds and you don’t need any particular qualifications or experience for this varied, interesting, rewarding role through which you learn a range of valuable skills.

You will be trained to interview

left in the UK with a history dating back to 1890 - is often heard in Forbury Gardens.

Reading Conservatives would develop our next musical generation with an annual competition to introduce children to musical instruments.

Talented pupils should be recognised, our amateur theatre and sports groups all need ongoing nurturing and support.

Reading Museum takes pride, too, in housing a Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Winslet, Ricky Gervais and Mike Oldfield were all born here.

So the seam of our local creativity is endless.

With such strength and depth of our cultural heritage and community spirit to build on, Reading’s Conservatives remain committed to encouraging and supporting it fully to ensure the lives of everyone in Reading are enriched even further.

Councillor Helen Manghnani is a member for Tilehurst Ward and Reading Conservative Party Arts & Heritage Spokesperson on Reading Borough Council

Volunteer Corner

Reading Voluntary Action

S

PORT in Mind is an awardwinning mental health charity that was formed in Reading, Berkshire in 2010 that aims to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity.

They are looking for a friendly, engaging, and welcoming volunteer to assist at their Dance & Movement for new mums local to central Reading.

The role will include basic setting up and tidying duties, as well as facilitating other areas of the session: including registers, sign-up forms, and directing new members to the correct part of the venue.

The venue is RISC Global Cafe on Wednesday mornings.

clients, to research and provide initial information to clients backed up by an experienced supervisor and supportive team.

Training sessions will be delivered in a week (five sessions from 9.30am to 1pm) and in addition with around 25 hours of self-study and observation activities to complete.

Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these 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 937 227

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

31

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Historic footbridge over Kennetmouth to be closed for repairs and a makeover

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

AN HISTORIC footbridge over the River Thames is to be closed for extensive refurbishments, which include removing wooden panels.

Network Rail has announced that the horseshoe bridge at the Kennetmouth – where the Kennet and Avon Canal meets the River Thames – is to be cleaned, painted and use open mesh metal fencing instead of wood as its replacement.

This, Reading Borough Council says, will allow the bridge to be returned to something as close as possible to the original design.

However, when the bridge is closed for the works, pedestrians wanting to cross the river to reach Kings Meadow and into Caversham will have to undertake a mile-long detour. They will need to go along the canal towpath, into Kennet Walk, through the Forbury Retail Park and under the Napier Road tunnel.

The horseshoe bridge dates back to 1892 and is attached to Brunel’s adjoining brick railway bridge, which opened in 1839.

A target for vandals, the works will see graffiti carefully cleaned off and

the structure repainted in heritage appropriate colours. This first is set to begin soon.

For Network Rail’s second phase of work later this year, it proposes to remove the bridge’s wood panels and replace them with an open mesh wiring. This will also allow the bridge to be returned as closely as possible to the original design and highlight the original design of the bridge.

Listed building consent will be required from the Council’s planning department for the second phase of works.

Over the longer term, the Council and Network Rail intend to work with the local community to explore the possibility of a ‘community mural’ created by local artists on the historic brick bridge, with materials funded by Network Rail.

A community plaque, which was attached to the bridge in the mid-1990s to mark the defeat of the then Berkshire County Council’s controversial ‘Cross Town Route’ plans, will be taken into safe storage by the Council while the work takes place. The Council will consult with the Newtown community on the refitting of the plaque to the bridge at the appropriate time.

Network Rail says that any closures

Love is in the air

CLEAN UP: The Horseshoe Bridge over the Kennet and Avon canal will be tidied, repainted and repaired this year Picture: Reading Borough Council

will be kept to a minimum. Any diversion route is likely to be over the bridge to Kennet Walk and through the nearby Napier Road tunnel, which was re-opened by the Council in 2015.

However, when the bridge was closed previously for similar restoration works, a boat was used to ferry pedestrians from one side of the towpath to the other. The route is used

by Newtown residents shopping at Tesco, as well as joggers, dog walkers and commuters heading to Reading Station or the town centre.

Tony Page, the Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “The

refurbishment of Reading’s Horseshoe Bridge is long overdue and I would like to publicly thank Network Rail for its swift response to my representations.”

And Cllr Karen Rowland (Abbey ward), the council’s lead councillor for culture, heritage and recreation, has been involved in discussions with Network Rail about the design of materials and colours on the refurbished bridge.

“The repainting of the Horseshoe Bridge in heritage appropriate colours that are also appropriate to the landscape setting will serve to uplift the site instantly for the short term,” she said.

“Ultimately, the replacement of the wooden panels will allow views of the historic brick bridge for the first time in many decades and will allow the original open-work cross-bar design of the bridge to be better appreciated.

“I am hugely excited about working with the community on the possibility of a community mural on the brick bridge, once these works are complete.

“Reading’s Horseshoe Bridge is a key walking route for residents in Newtown. It has stood in situ for 130 years and, as a listed heritage site in an important historical landscape for Reading, it deserves to be restored it to its former glory.”

The bridge is on the border of Reading and Wokingham, and just by Park ward.

Green councillor Rob White said: “Greens have been pressing for the Horseshoe Bridge to be tidied up and so welcome this news.

“However, it wasn’t that long ago that both the bridge and the Biscuit Tunnel were both closed meaning people had to take a very long detour by foot.

“This time it is only the bridge that will be closed but I think the council and Network Rail should seriously consider a ferry as was done before.”

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32 | BUSINESS

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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

Blandy & Blandy advises on Maya’s WOKINGHAM’S first zero waste shop received advice from the commercial property team at Blandy & Blandy.

The law firm, with offices in Reading and Henley, helped Maya Gheorghe, owner of Maya’s Refillables, sign up to the store, which will be based in Wokingham Borough Council’s Peach Place development, as featured in Wokingham.

Today.

Ms Gheorghe explained: “Behind the scenes, there is a small network of great people helping me and I am also thankful for Wokingham Town Council who gave me an opportunity and supported me on my journey.

“Many thanks to Gemma Smith in the Commercial Property team at Blandy & Blandy, who advised on the new lease in Wokingham.

The firm was recommended to me and were excellent, so I’d happily do the same by recommending Blandy & Blandy to others.”

It is the second lease in Peach Place that the team has advised on, having acted for the owners of gin bar, The Leafy Elephant, in 2019. n For further information or legal advice, visit www.blandy.co.uk.

As moviemakers move in, Winnersh Triangle looks to an exciting future

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today AN EXCITING future awaits Winnersh Triangle, as new businesses – and the film industry – move in and existing tenants expand.

Owned by Frasers Property, the business park intends to build upon its 2021 achievements.

Most notably will be the expansion of the creative cluster at Winnersh. Joining the likes of Pip Studios, Virgin Media and Evertz, Stage Fifty film studios committed its future to the estate.

A planning application has been submitted for the first phase of development that will result in the delivery of two stages and several workshops.

It also leased 50,000 sq ft of offices and is looking to expand the facility to create a complex of circa a quarter million sq ft of commercial space.

It will be known as Winnersh Studios and create around 250 new

WITH A HEART: Winnersh Triangle has plenty of green space and facilities jobs in the UK film and production sector, and support up to a further 500 indirect jobs in the supply chain.

Major film production companies MGM and Sony Pictures will be filming during 2022, and by the end of the year, Winnersh Studios will deliver the world’s largest virtual production stage, making Winnersh Triangle an international beacon for the film and high-end TV sector.

It’s not just movies at the

business park. Tenants from a variety of sectors including Healthcare and Science, through to Technology and Engineering.

Last year, Berkshire Medical Clinic moved into Building 130, and Tepeo, who design and develop zero carbon domestic heating solutions, has moved onto the park.

BMC Software re-committed its future to Winnersh by leasing alternative office space at Building 1020. Similarly, Evertz expanded into building 270 and Sequans expanded within Building 155.

Frasers Property says that one of the things that sets Winnersh Triangle aside from other business parks is its commitment to sustainability and wellbeing.

Last year, the estate received two-star Fitwel accreditation, which assesses all site outdoor and communal areas accessible by all occupiers.

This is something in abundance at Winnersh Triangle, which features outdoor walking trails, green public space, universal access

for wheelchairs and pushchairs, health promoting events and a new gym facility MOVE HQ. Frasers Property also received four GRESB stars.

The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark measures the environmental, social and governance performance of real estate and placed Frasers Property UK first amongst its competitors.

This is aligned with Winnersh Triangle’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Rupert Batho, commercial director at Frasers Property UK, said: “Last year was a transformational one for Winnersh Triangle and the achievements secured set the direction of travel for the years ahead.

“We adopted a counter cyclical approach to invest within our estate during the pandemic.

“Our commitment for inspiring experiences and creating places for good is paying dividends.”

Frasers Property UK is advised

by Hollis Hockley and CBRE.

SOLD: Great Brighams Mead could become a housing complex following its sale

£19m sale could see Reading office space turned into homes

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

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A READING town centre office space could become residential accommodation following a real estate deal.

McKay Securities Plc (McKay) has exchanged contracts to sell the freehold interest of Great Brighams Mead, off Vastern Road.

Residential property developer King’s Oak has agreed a sale price of £19 million (£224 psf). Completion of the sale is conditional on delivering vacant possession and is anticipated in April.

Great Brighams Mead was developed by McKay in 2000, and has been let since then on a 21-year lease which expires on 24 March 2022. Tenants include telecommunications firm Hutchison 3G UK, which runs the Three mobile network.

The 84,840 sq ft three-storey building sits on a 2.6 acre site, close to Reading Station and

the River Thames.

The site was part of a larger holding acquired by McKay in 1973 for £0.91 million. Since then a range of disposals and asset management initiatives have enhanced the value of the site, culminating in the development of Great Brighams Mead.

McKay said it reviewed a range of options to maximise the asset’s value ahead of lease expiry and was subsequently successful in obtaining planning approval for the conversion of the building to 110 residential apartments, enabling the freehold to be marketed for a range of commercial and residential uses.

Proceeds from the sale will initially be used to reduce borrowings, prior to reinvestment in value add opportunities including

acquisitions, development and asset management initiatives.

Simon Perkins, Chief Executive of McKay, said: “This sale is a positive conclusion to the Company’s ownership of this site and Great Brighams Mead’s lifecycle as an office.

“It is a good illustration of our active asset management and our ability to maximise the value of our portfolio for the benefit of shareholders. In this instance, our analysis of a full range of potential uses for the building concluded that a residential sale would optimise value.

“We have been able to achieve this, having obtained planning consent for residential conversion prior to disposal, delivering a 21.0% surplus over book value.”

Savills acted for McKay and BNP Paribas acted for the purchaser.

NEWS | 33

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Green Party calls on Alok Sharm do the right thing over Partygate

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A GREEN party councillor is calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign, and is urging Reading West MP Alok Sharma to back his stance.

This week saw the publication of an interim statement from senior civil servant Sue Gray into a number of parties held at 10 Downing Street during the covid pandemic.

Several of these are currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police, so the full report has yet to be published.

However, it does point to “failures of leadership and judgment” and “serious failings”.

Cllr Jamie Whitham, who represents Redlands ward, says that with Boris Johnson accused of lying to Parliament over the numerous parties, it is past the time that he should resign.

“Boris Johnson’s desperate attempts to cling onto power are making a mockery of our democracy,” he said.

“The vast majority of people now think he should resign because of his shameful behaviour, and yet our local MP Alok Sharma has been curiously silent on the matter.

“The voters of Reading

CALL FOR ACTION: Reading’s Green party are calling on Alok Sharma, the MP for Reading West, to back calls for Boris Johnson to resign over lockdown parties in Downing Street Picture: UK Parliament deserve to know what Mr Sharma thinks of the Prime Minister’s behaviour.”

He felt that Boris Johnson had shown failure of leadership over the issue, which is “not only damaging trust in public health measures, but allowing other very urgent issues that are spiralling out of control to be neglected, including the cost of living, potential war in Ukraine, and the climate crisis.”

Help improve Royal Berkshire

AN ONLINE survey has been launched to help improve Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s members’ code of conduct.

It follows the June 2020 publication of the Local Government Association (LGA) code.

Three Berkshire local authorities - Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham borough, and Slough borough - have adopted ths code, with some tweaks, mainly around the threshold on gifts and hospitality.

The Code of Conduct document outlines the standards and behaviours elected councillors are required to adhere to, on their appointment as a Fire Authority Member and is based on the Nolan Principles and the Fire Standards Code of Ethics.

The online survey is open until 9am on Friday, March 11.

To take part, visit https://www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/ZTSZ7GS Printed copies are available by calling: 0118 938 4611, or emailing: committeeteam@rbfrs.co.uk

“For the good of the country Johnson must go, and I find it deeply worrying that Mr Sharma appears to be placing a misguided party loyalty ahead of the interests of Reading and the nation.”

Cllr Whitham’s calls follow on from similar calls made last month by Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Labour’s lead councillor for health on Reading Borough Council.

“In 2020, 224 Reading people

Church day to look at Bible

A CHURCH will be hosting a day-long conference next month looking at the story of the New Testament books of the Bible.

Over five sessions, those attending the event at All Nations Christian Centre in Berkeley Avenue will have a chance to explore different aspects of the faith.

They include a look at who Jesus is, what he did and why he died.

Two other sessions will look at when the church began and what happened to the disciples.

The event costs £12, which includes a workbook and refreshments.

Places are free for ages 11-16 if they are accompanied by an adult.

It takes place from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday, March 12.

n For more information and to book your place, visit: www.allnationselim.org/walk-through

Royals history show to open AN EXHIBITION celebrating 150 years of Reading Football Club is set to open this month at Reading Museum.

Combining a unique gathering of pictures, objects, fans’ and players’ memorabilia, the collection tells the incredible story of Reading Football Club’s historic journey.

The exhibit, which celebrates all 150 years of the Reading FC’s rich history, is part of the club’s wider programme to mark the anniversary and is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for any

loyal Royal.

With expert interpretation provided by the club’s community of historians, the exhibition is designed to appeal to fans both old and new.

Objects from STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) bring this history to life, as well as loans from former players such as a shirt worn by Robin Friday and a range of items from the personal collection of former chairman Sir John Madejski.

Sir John Madejski said: “I am very proud of the part that

I’ve played in Reading Football Club’s long and illustrious history.

“I recognise that the Club’s identity and character have been shaped by all the fans and all of those who have been involved throughout its history, and it is excellent to see these shared memories brought together in Reading Museum’s latest exhibition.”

n COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading Football Club is free to visit and opens to the public in the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery from Saturday, February 19.

died from coronavirus,” he said.

“We now know that at the same time Boris Johnson, his wife and team enjoyed lockdownbusting boozy parties at No 10.”

He added: “I am calling on Alok Sharma, Conservative MP for Reading West, to join me in condemning this disgusting behaviour, in demanding a full and honest account of what happened, and in calling for an apology to every single one of us in Reading who has suffered

Special breakfast at Victoria

over these last two years.”

Reading West MP Mr Sharma has not commented publicly since a tweet on January 12, which read: “The Prime Minister was right to apologise. We now need to let Sue Gray complete her investigation.”

Reading East MP Matt Rodda has already shared his concerns over partygate, saying the government had let people down.

“People are really very annoyed with Boris Johnson and Conservative sleaze,” he said.

The Green Party in Reading feel that replacing Boris Johnson is also a risk.

“We should be under no illusion that just getting rid of Boris Johnson will fix the culture of hypocrisy and entitlement that has taken hold in our political system,” Cllr Whitham said.

“I am worried that we will end up with one charlatan replacing another.

“Whoever is our next Prime Minister should be subject to rigorous scrutiny. They should not, like Boris Johnson and his colleagues, apparently see no problem in lying to the public and to other MPs.” Alok Sharma’s office has been contacted for a comment, but had not responded.

A TILEHURST pub is planning to launch its very own special breakfast.

The Victoria, on Norcot Road, will be opening from 10am every day except Monday so it can serve a full English.

Meals include hash browns, mushrooms, sausages, fried egg, beans and toast.

The pub also offers a loyalty scheme on its coffees, where every seventh hot drink is free.

For more details, call the pub on 0118 941 5064.

Catalytic converter stolen in Tilehurst A THIEF has stolen a catalytic converter in Tilehurst.

The incident took place on Thursday, February 3.

Thames Valley Police said the offender removed the part from a vehicle in Knowsley Road.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220051039.

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Berkshire Maestros offer musical half-term BUDDING musicians can choose from a range of activities this February halfterm with Berkshire Maestros.

The charity is running a number of workshops at Reading Music Centre in Tilehurst, aimed at giving youngsters something a bit different to do during the week.

On Monday, February 21, the Berkshire Maestros team will be all about the bass — and guitars.

Young guitarists aged 10 years and up and with at least one year playing experience can join an electric guitar and bass maintenance course.

There is also a guitar course for complete beginners aged between seven and 11 years old.

It is the turn of the string section to play on Thursday, February 24. Musicians with grade four and up can join a string orchestra and explore playing in the Baroque style.

The week finishes with a workshop for complete keyboard beginners, aged between seven and 11 years old, to learn the basics.

All courses run between 9.30am and 3.30pm and cost £50 to join. n For more information, email: courses@berkshiremaestros. org.uk or log on to: berkshiremaestros.org.uk

Low emission taxis for Reading delayed for another a year

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

POPULAR: A previous Reading Buses open day Picture: Reading Buses

PLANS to make Reading’s taxis greener by phasing out polluting vehicles have been delayed.

Save the date! Bus firm announces open day return

Reading Borough Council’s licensing committee considered phasing out older cabs at a meeting held on Tuesday, February 1.

The council wants to reduce emissions and improve air quality, under the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Emissions and Age Policy, which was established in October 2019.

Its aim is to have all cabs as ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV) by 2028.

The plan was paused due to the pandemic, and last week’s meeting saw this extended.

Asif Rashid, chairman of Reading Taxi Association appealed for the delay to be extended, which would mean 15 vehicles registered in 2011-12 could still be used until October 2024.

Cllr Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) pointed out that business has significantly dropped due to the pandemic.

Cllr Jeannette Skeats, the

Conservative opposition leader and representative for Thames ward, said: “Clearly the council’s policy is to reduce emissions, which is right and proper.

“This is an exception for our drivers who do face hardship.”

There was a feeling that a line needed to be ‘drawn in the sand’ for the phasing out of older taxis.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward (Labour, Caversham), said: “We don’t want to come back every year with the same appeal for an extension.”

There are currently two ULEV cabs in Reading’s taxi fleet.

Cllr Barnett-Ward’s arguments were questiobed by Cllr Skeats, who said there was future uncertainty over the possibility of more lockdowns.

It was noted that the number of taxi trips had declined by

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FOR many bus fans, it’s the highlight of the year – and finally, it’s returning.

Reading Buses has announced that it will once again welcome visitors to its Great Knollys Street depot for its annual open day.

It has been cancelled for the past two years due to the covid pandemic.

Now, the popular family fun day is returning.

The event gives people the chance to see the colourful fleet of buses, learn more about the company’s work, make donations to the charity of the year, and have ride in the bus wash.

Reading Buses’ CEO, Robert Williams, promised that the Sunday, June 26 event will be bigger and better than ever.

“It is most certainly a date for many people’s diary,” he promised.

“There will be much joy and relief that the open day will, at last, have beaten the pandemic which

Nominations wanted for police’s awards WHO is the best Bobby on the beat? Or Thames Valley Police’s top cop?

The force has opened nominations for its Community Policing Awards, a chance to celebrate officers, staff an volunteers who have made a difference to the community.

Winner of the 2021 Overall and Berkshire Community Officer Award, PC Colin Boyes, on receiving the award, said: “It is a real privilege to have been nominated.

“It means a great deal to me knowing that both the community I serve and the colleagues that I work with believe that

Racecourse’s charity support

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40% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Cllr Brenda McGonigle (Green, Park) suggested that taxi drivers should stop idling their engines to reduce the emissions their cars produce.

Cllr Page lamented the lack of government grant funding to help taxi drivers in Reading upgrade their cabs, something that had been made available in London and Manchester.

He said: “At the moment, we’re expecting the trade to upgrade their vehicles entirely on their own.”

The committee agreed to pause the policy for until October 2023, with the six most polluting vehicles taken off the road in October this year.

The committee will conduct a review in September, and write to the Government to request grant funding.

ASCOT Racecourse has launched a new community and charity programme aimed at helping local groups.

Last year, it helped seven good causes with more than £25,000 of grant funding, supported by the Berkshire Community Foundation.

They include Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue.

The racecourse also gave £3,000 to homelessness charities working in Bracknell,

I am worthy of this recognition.”

There are eight categories: Community Police Officer; Police Community Support Officer; Special Constable; Diversity Champion; Volunteer 2022; Cadet; Community Volunteer; and Problem Solving Award 2022 Nominees can include partners, third sector and community members, as well as police staff and officers across all departments.

Nominations close on Friday, March 4.

n For more details, or to nominate, log on to: www. thamesvalley.police.uk

Windsor and Slough, Now it is working on this year’s support, which includes offering complimentary tickets to emergency services workers and the armed forces.

It will also be fundraising for Thames Hospice and suporting horse racing charities.

The Royal Ascot Schools Art competition will return in 2022 for the fifth consecutive year and focus on themes of the Platinum Jubilee while the Royal Ascot fashion design competition which was launched last year also returns.

has forced its cancellation for the last two years.

“And we can promise that the 2022 open day will be bigger and better than ever – something that many people, including families, can look forward to with enthusiasm.”

He said that traditionally, the Reading Buses open day is a great day out for everyone and urged people to spread the word about its return.

“The day will feature all the main attractions such as behind the scenes tours, rides through the bus wash and fantastic food and drink - including the popular barbecue,” he promised.

“It is free to attend and this of course will once again be a big attraction.

“The event is staffed exclusively by volunteers and all the profits from the day go to our Charity of the Year – which will be announced shortly.”

Road improvements ROADS in Reading are set to be improved under new plans.

Up to 281 residential roads to be resurfaced over the next four months.

The work will add to the 155 roads already completed under the council’s £9 million highways programme.

This will bring the total number of residential roads improved to 436 along with 30 sections of major roads which have also been resurfaced in the last 12 months.

Cllr Tony Page, lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport at Reading Borough Council, said: “We committed three years ago to improving over 400 roads and footways in the borough and I’m delighted the project is nearing its conclusion.

“This will make a huge difference to the wide variety of people who rely on Reading’s road network including cyclists, drivers, pedestrians and public transport users.”

With the improvements set to continue over the coming months, residents affected should receive a letter in advance to notify them of any proposed works. n To see the full list of roads scheduled to be resurfaced in the next phase, visit: reading.gov.uk/ vehicles-roads-and-transport

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT | 35

The Oaks is the latest phase at Berkeley’s Woodhurst Park selling at lightning speed.

T

HE year has started where it left off for our housing market, with house prices continuing to rise at their fastest pace in 15 years¹ fuelled by a lack of supply of homes available. Rightmove’s latest data compounds this further, revealing buyer enquiry levels are up 15% compared to this time last year². This has meant new launches are getting snapped up.

Berkeley’s latest collection at Woodhurst Park The Oaks - has seen a burst of activity with the first release of homes reserved in just eight weeks, with the next release of homes in this collection due to be available soon.

Benjamin Ivey, Director of Sales and Marketing at Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), says: “It has been the perfect blend of country living, great commuter links, the desire to buy a new-build, as well as the overall lack of supply in the area, that has culminated in especially buoyant sales for Woodhurst Park.”

The latest release of new properties at the end of November led to over 70 appointments to view the first release of the 35 homes in The Oaks. The remaining homes in this collection range from three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes.

The gulf between supply and demand will continue to characterise housing activity in the coming months, particularly as buyers look to ‘lock in’ a mortgage deal before interest rates rise.

Tim Foreman, the selling agent for Woodhurst Park and Managing Director of Land and New Homes at Romans Group, says: “We are seeing multiple offers on almost every new home that is being launched. We had expected business might quieten down after the Stamp Duty holiday ended, but people want to get a fixed rate before interest rates go up again, putting a ticking clock on their move. I haven’t seen a market

like this in 20 years.”

Benjamin says: “The homes at The Oaks which have sold most quickly have been four and five-bedroom detached. There is a particular shortage of this type of family home in the area, so Berkeley has responded by including more large, high-quality properties in this development and they are proving extremely popular.”

Woodhurst Park boasts excellent transport connections; Bracknell Railway Station is less than two miles away with services reaching Waterloo in around an hour, whilst nearby Maidenhead Station, just a 15 minute drive away, has the new Crossrail line which reaches London Paddington in 16 minutes.

Parents will appreciate the good selection of nearby schools, with a number of Outstanding rated primary and secondary schools within easy reach – including popular Warfield Primary which sits in the heart of the development.

The 65-acre parkland on which the development sits on has been the ultimate draw for many buyers, however. Benjamin says: “The beautiful surroundings are tempting buyers from London, who are discovering that flexible working means they can move further into the country and enjoy the benefits of rural life while still being able to get to the office quickly when they need to, as well as families looking for safer, greener communities to bring up children.”

The whole development has been designed to have nature at its heart, with a landscaped Greenway running through the centre, providing a safe walking route to the new primary school, along with a wealth of landscaped areas, nature walks and play areas, as well as a village green and a pond. The Oaks is close to tranquil and beautiful walks along the natural watercourse at The Riverside Cut.

In the local area, attractions including the Lookout Discovery Centre with its miles of walking and cycling paths and Go Ape high ropes course, the John Nike Ski Centre and the Royal Berkshire Health and Racquets Club, while excellent shopping and eating out is available at The Lexicon in Bracknell, just two miles away.

Tim Foreman is expecting a busy spring as pressure on the availability of homes increases. “We are valuing and taking on half as many houses as normal for this time of year, but there are just as many able purchasers – so buyers are fighting over fewer properties, and we are back to the days of having multiple offers on one home. House prices are increasing on all new developments, but buyers are not being deterred, and there is simply nowhere near enough stock to satisfy demand.” ¹https://www.theguardian.com/business/²0²¹/dec/³0/ukhouse-prices-in-²0²¹-show-fastest-growth-rate-in-¹5-years ² www.express.co.uk/life-style/property/1550157/houseprices-latest-news-property-market-stock-rightmove � For more information on the remaining homes available at The Oaks or to enquire about future phases at Woodhurst Park, please call 01344 981691 to arrange an appointment or visit www.woodhurstpark.co.uk

36

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

The Oaks – Now Reserving We are delighted to announce the release of The Oaks, a new collection of homes at Woodhurst Park.

Discover a range of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom detached and and semi-detached houses in a desirable setting close to the Riverside Cut.

Register your interest in our latest collection of homes Become part of this thriving community with a wide range of primary and secondary schools all close to home.

Perfectly placed for access to the M3 and M4 motorways Less than a mile from the newly regenerated town centre of Bracknell

01344 981691 | woodhurstpark@berkeleygroup.co.uk | woodhurstpark.co.uk Sales & Marketing Suite open daily by appointment, 10am - 5pm Harvest Ride, Warfield, Berkshire RG42 5AB

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

37

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

09.02.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Listen up!

Music festival line-up revealed

It’s a music festival like no other, celebrating some of the best venues in Reading. Are You Listening? is a fixture in the cultural calendar and it is returning in May. DANIEL BLACKHAM looks at the treats in store

A

HOST of acts have been confirmed as Reading’s Are You Listening?

Festival dropped details of the 2022 line-up.

Leading the announcement is indie-pop wonderkid, Alfie Templeman (pictured) who has captured the attention of the leading musical establishments such as BBC Radio 1 and NME as well as audiences across the country.

Alfie is no stranger to Reading after performing in the Dance Tent at

Reading Festival last year, graduating from the BBC Music Introducing stage in 2019.

His hotly anticipated debut album Mellow Moon is set to be released later this year and follows the successful mini-album Forever Isn’t Long Enough.

Punk-grime two-piece, Bob Vylan, have also been confirmed for this year’s lineup.

The London-based duo have gained significant attention after supporting Biffy Clyro and making a guest appearance alongside Frank Carter

and The Rattlesnakes in a BBC Radio 1 session.

Folk singer Kathryn Joseph will return to the town, having previously played Down at The Abbey Festival in 2019.

The Scottish singer-songwriter has drawn comparisons to Joanna Newsome and Björk after releasing her award-winning debut album in 2015.

Also confirmed is Dutch band Pip Blom, pop-grunge artist Du Blonde and unique pop duo Jockstrap, who will take the audience on a wild ride jumping from classical violin to dancehall.

Other acts set to perform include indie-pop-rock band Second Thoughts, trans-national quartet ENN and rising sensation Lauran Hibberd.

Lauran has garnered support from BBC Radio 1 DJ’s Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Jack Saunders and is

also featured in DIY magazine’s class of 2022.

Representing the local scene are As Loud As A Mouse, folk singersongwriter Darcey Hope, experimental power-pop solo artist Jack Goldstein, Mirror Pictures, DJ duo Twin Sun and the new electro-pop project Dakorra from Kate Herridge of Ocean Ruins.

Rounding out the confirmed acts is live MC Rhymestar, Wesley Gonzalez, Youth Sector, Anorak Patch and Leedsbased electro-punk artist Straight Girl.

This year the event will welcome back fan-favourite venue, Saint Laurence Church, which hosted some amazing performances from previous headliners.

The festival is set to take place across multiple venues in Reading on Saturday, May 7, and raises money for local learning disability charity, Reading Mencap.

Over the last eight years, the money raised has been vital in helping to keep their premises running so they can run a day service, clubs and activities.

Also returning in 2022 is the art auction which invites local artists to give their own take on an act playing the festival with 100% of money raised going to the charity.

Organisers are proud to support lineup diversity and will once again partner with the Safe Gigs For Women initiative in fighting sexual harassment and intimidation in live music.

After early bird availability sold out within four days, tier one tickets are now on sale.

Adult tickets are priced at £25 plus a booking fee and teen tickets £15 plus a booking fee. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit www.areyoulistening.org. uk

14 | LEISURE

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Enjoy some verse

imagination and wit to transform audience suggestions into hilariously funny scenes in the blink of an eye.

Each show is completely different with an array of random characters, witty one liners and more energy than you have ever seen before on stage.

BrewDog is on Castle Street. The gig starts at 8pm and tickets cost £5 in advance. n To book, or for more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com

POETS’ Café takes place this Friday, February 11, at South Street Arts Centre.

Reading Stanza poetry society present guest Alan Buckley. His works have been widely published in magazines and anthologies. Alan’s first full collection, Touched, was published in 2020.

The evening will be hosted by Hampshire based poet, Vic Pickup and will include an open mic slot.

Doors open at 8pm, poetry starts at 8.30pm.

Tickets cost £5, or £4 for open mic readers. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Now, that’s what I call the 90s

Noble night out

LAST few tickets remain for Ross Noble’s show, Humournoid.

Ross asks important questions such as: What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is he is doing a show at The Anvil, Basingstoke on Saturday, February 12.

Ross’s on-stage credits include 16 nationwide comedy tours and his recent critically acclaimed performance as Igor in Mel Brooks’ West End revival of monster hit musical Young Frankenstein.

He is a regular on television and radio programmes such as QI, Have I Got News for You and Just a Minute.

The performance starts at 8pm and is suitable for those aged 15 years and over.

Tickets cost £29, including a £3 booking fee. n For more details, or to book, visit: anvilarts.org.uk or call: 01256 844244.

Blues to a T

BLUES and Roots music takes centre stage in Bracknell next Wednesday, February 16.

Mark T and Ajay Srivastav will perform in South Hill Park’s Cellar Bar, with the gig starting at 8pm.

Mark T will sing original music and traditional numbers, spanning English Folk, American Blues and Greek Rembetika, performing on National Steel Guitar and Bouzouki. Ajay Srivastav is a London-based singer and songwriter, who plays a genre-bending mix of Indian Folk, Blues and Americana. His lyrics explore issues of identity, loss and spirituality. In an age of cultural division and societal conflict, his performances

A BROADWAY thriller has begun a two week run at Theatre Royal, Windsor, bringing Hollywood with it.

Catch Me If You Can stars Dallas legend Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl, whose acting credits include playing Fonzie’s girlfriend Ashley in Happy Days.

The cast also includes Coronation Street actor, Gray O’Brien.

Inspector Levine is called to a house

in the remote Catskill mountains to investigate the disappearance of newly married Elizabeth Corban.

In a bizarre development a woman arrives at the house claiming to be the missing Elizabeth but, instead of celebrating the reunion, her husband Daniel accuses her of being an impostor.

So begins a series of baffling events, in which nothing is what it seems and

have been described as passionate, healing and uplifting.

Tickets cost £14, members £12. n To book or for more information, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC and Soft Cell.

The last few tickets remain for this rescheduled show, priced at £25.50. n For more information, or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.

GO BACK to the 1980s at the Hexagon next Thursday.

Calling Planet Earth: The Ultimate 80s Show, lands at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 17.

Performed by a live band, the show will take the audience on a journey through the music of the decade.

The line-up features music from new wave and synthpop artists who defined the genre.

Expect to hear classics by Ultravox, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Tears for Fears, Depeche

NORDEN Farm will show the acclaimed film Licorice Pizza from next Friday, February 18.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, it stars singer Alana Haim and Copper Hoffman, the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman, in their film debuts.

Set in San Fernando Valley in 1973, the story follows Alana Kane and Gary Valentine as they grow up, run around and go through the treacherous navigation of first love.

Back to the 80s

Friday morning at the movies

no-one is as they appear.

The play runs until Saturday, February 19.

Performances begin at 7.30pm daily. Matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays start at 2.30pm. There is no performance on Sunday, February 13.

Tickets from £27.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk Empire magazine gace the film five stars and said: “This is Paul Thomas Anderson operating at full capacity, a master at work.”

The film is rated PG and begins at 11.30am. There are three further screenings, including a socially distanced event on Wednesday, February 23, at 8pm.

Tickets are £10.50, £9.50 concessions. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Monkeying about

COMEDY returns to BrewDog Reading next week.

The Mad Monkey Improv group will be back with their first show of the year on Friday, 18 February.

With no rehearsal and no script, the team will have to rely on their

DISCOVER the decade where Shaparak Khorsandi left an important part of her brain somewhere in a field in Hampshire, in Maidenhead next weekend.

Shaparak Khorsandi’s show, It Was The 90s!, comes to Norden Farm on Saturday, 19 February.

From indie discos to unflattering crop tops, discover the decade when Shaparak found herself flying about London with hope in her heart, a tenner in her pocket and spare knickers in her handbag.

Shappi will examine how the decade of binge drinking and walks of shame look now without the benefit of snakebite and black tinted specs.

The performance is suitable for an audience aged 14 years and over.

Tickets cost £16 and the show starts at 8pm. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 78899 or log on to: norden.farm

Speaking in Polari

RADIO comedy show Round the Horne comes to the Wilde Theatre next weekend.

From 1965 to 1968, audiences of up to 15 million people would gather around the wireless on a Sunday afternoon to listen to Kenneth Horne and his merry crew get up to all sorts of mischief.

With its infamous movie spoofs and hilarious regular characters such as Rambling Sid Rumpo, Charles and Fiona, J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, and Julian and Sandy, Round the Horne is one of the biggest radio comedy shows of all time, and still endures today.

The show uses original scripts by Barry Took and Marty Feldman, and takes place on Sunday, Feb 20, starting at 3pm.

Tickets start from £16.50, under 18s £12. n For more details, call: 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

AT THE THEATRE

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 Road. Until Sat. Gary Delaney: Punderland. Thurs.

Conservatoire International Concert Series: Florian Mitrea.

Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Pop Divas Live. Sat. West Forest Sinfonia in concert.

Sun. Matilda The Musical Jr. Wed-Sat 19. Blues and Roots Double Bill: Mark T and Ajay Srivastav. Wed. Bracknell Jazz: Tom Smith. Fri 18. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 18. Round The Horne. Sun 20.

FILMS: Ghostbusters Afterlife.

Thurs. The Lost Daughter. FriSun. The Boss Baby 2: Family Business. Sat-Tues. High Noon dementia-friendly screening.

Mon. Royal Opera House ballet: Romeo and Juliet. Mon, Sun 20. Drive My Car. Tues.

Clifford The Big Red Dog. WedSun 20. National Theatre Live: The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage. Thurs 17. The King’s Man. Fri 18-Sun 20.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Rave On: The Rise of Rock and Roll. Thurs. Dame Dolly Does.

Sat. Aldance: A Night at the Movies. Sat. Celine: My Heart Will Go On. Sun. The Greatest Musician. Wed. Forbidden Nights. Fri 18. Comedy Club 4 Kids. Sat 19. Newsrevue. Sat 19. Come What May. Sun 20.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Shelia’s Island. Thurs-Sat 19.

Mayflower The Musical. Sat 12.

I, Elizabeth. Thurs 17-Sat 19.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Tony Stockwell. Thurs. Comedy Club. Thurs. Killer Queen. Fri. Justin Live. Sat-Sun. Carmen.

Wed 16. Magic of Motown.

Thurs 17. Ahri Shah: Dress. Fri 18. Jim Davidson. Fri 18. Banff Mountain Film Festival. Sat 19.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Pulse: The Pink Floyd Tribute.

Fri. Blake. Sat. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tues-Thurs 17.

Cult Figure: Kenneth Williams.

Fri 18.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

The Tragedy of Macbeth (15).

Thurs. Magical Bones: Black Magic. Thurs. The Electrical Life of Louise Wain (PG). Fri, Sat. The Dime Notes. Fri. The Humans (15). Fri. The Sharon Shannon Quartet. Sat. Here’s What She Said To Me. Wed. Luke Kempner: Macho Macho Man. Wed. The Vinyl Frontier: Charity Shop Vinyl. Thurs 17.

Licorice Pizza (PG). Fri 18, Sat 19. A Band Called Malice: The Definitive Tribute to The Jam. Fri 18. The Duke Ellington Songbook. Sat 19. Saparak Khorsandi: It Was The 90s.

Sat 19.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Belfast (12a). Thurs. Nightmare Alley (15). Thurs. BBC Big Band: The Music of James Bond and Beyond. Thurs.

Fastlove: Everything She Wants. Sat. The Band. Wed. Jenny Eclair: Sixty (FFS). Thurs

17. Magical Bones. Fri 18.

Suggs: What a King Cnut - A Life In The Realm of Madness.

Sat 19.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Spike. Until Mar 5.

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe. Fri. Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Warrior Farewell Tour. Sat. Campsite. Tues. The Beautiful Game. Thurs 17.

Poets’ Cafe Online. Fri 18. The Dark. Sat 19.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Pasion de Buenea Vista. Tues CANCELLED. Fascinating Aida.

Wed. Calling Planet Earth.

Thurs.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com

0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Tine Thing Helseth, Trumpet. Feb 22.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Write Fest. Wed-Sat 19.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Alby the Penguin Saves The World. April 6-18.

Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Last Tango In Whitby. Mar 2-5.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The House on Cold Hill. Until Mar 26. West End Meets Broadway.

Sun. Magic Night. Mon.

Whitney: Queen of the Night.

Sun 20.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Catch Me If You Can. Until Sat 19.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Apologia. Jan 27-Feb 5.

Wokingham – Whitty www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society presents: The Courier (12a). Thurs. Broke. Wed. Wokingham Music Club: Harriet The Piano Sessions Live. Fri 18.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488 337838 NEXT SHOW: The Things We Do For Love. Feb 22-26.

LEISURE | 15

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

A long-distance affair CONTEST: Progress Theatre is selling tickets to its festival of new writing Picture: Steve Smyth

Celebrating new writing talent with Progress SIX short plays from new writers will receive their world premiere in Reading later this month.

Progress Theatre’s Annual WriteFest is returning, a showcase for new writing from Reading’s aspiring playwrights.

The plays are all entries to the contest which the theatre has held since 2006.

Each has a different take, meaning the amateur company can perform everything from drama to comedy, and try their hand at different roles.

All of this year’s winners, chosen from a pool of anonymous submissions, are also members of the group’s Playwrights community. This helps writers develop their skills, and it has been shortlisted for this year’s Creative Lives People’s Choice Award.

The evening will open with Adrian Tang’s A Thousand Words. In it, a court artist must navigate the delicate balance between keeping her patron happy and staying true to herself.

A3 by Neil Jarvis looks at two grieving siblings who spend their father’s wake sifting through memories in the attic. Will they find closure?

Death By Misadventure, by Liz Carool, sees a wedding turns to tragedy in a comic recounting by various quirky guests. The question is: was it murder?

The Fisherman and His Wife is a retelling of the The Brothers Grimm story by Stephanie GunnerLucas. It aims to tell us exactly why the wife is so demanding of the magical fish.

Factory Children focuses on a YouTube star who fabricates a haunting in a creepy factory building for views, but, asks Matthew Beswick, is there something more genuine going on in the dark?

And A Shot At Life, by Neil Jarvis, explores what happens when a marriage turns sour, with dark secrets and schemes coming to light. But everyone deserves a second chance. Right?

The plays are performed from Wednesday, February 16, through to Saturday, February 19, at 7.45pm nightly, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Socially distanced seating will be available at this matinee and also on Thursday, February 17.

Its Come As You Are night is on Wednesday.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions. n For more details, log on to progresstheatre.co.uk

Charming rom com Same Time, Next Year prepares for a South Hill Park date later this month. It’s a comedy of a couple who want to ensure the grass is greener. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

A

NEW production of a charming rom com is coming to South Hill Park later this month, giving audiences a chance to see what was wowing Broadway in the 1970s.

Bernard Slade’s Same Time, Next Year tells the story of Doris and George who meet in 1951, a chance encounter in a Californian hotel that leads to a passionate one-night stand.

Both are married to other people but, soon aware that this might be the start of something, they promise to meet 12 months later.

So begins a romantic love affair that lasts 25 years.

The play charts their lives through the ups and downs of parenthood, career highs and lows as well as the shifting fashions and morals of the passing decades.

Michael Cabot directs Kieran Buckeridge (George) and Sarah Kempton (Doris) in the show, which will be at South Hill Park on Friday, February 25, and again the following day.

He said: “We’re delighted to present this wonderful play. Same Time, Next Year is a charming, nostalgic romantic comedy from the 1970s, with a witty, engaging script.

“It’s our first new show in two years, so it’s been fantastic to be back in design and costume meetings as part of our pre-production.

“One of the big challenges of this play is the timeframe, which runs from 1951 to 1975, and convincingly showing the ever-changing fashions and styles as the years go by.

“Designer Bek Palmer has been ingenious in bringing these very different decades to life.”

Kieran and Sarah are thrilled to be performing in the show.

“It is a funny, romantic, and sometimes moving comedy which charts the relationships of Doris and George,” Kieran says.

“A one-night stand turns into

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LOVE IS: London Classic Theatre is presenting Bernard Slades’s Same Time Next Year, starring Sarah Kempton as Doris Picture: © SBurnett something quite unexpected, and the audience gets the chance to watch their unfolding lives, both together and with their respective spouses. It is a reflection of 25 years of American morals and attitudes mirrored in the two protagonists.”

It is a bittersweet production, as Sarah explains: “There are lots of laughs, maybe even a couple of tears, mostly an evening spent in the company of two loveable, engaging characters in a very interesting situation. “ Kieran plays George, a husband, accountant, and father of three.

He describes him as a fairly neurotic, insecure man, completely racked with guilt for doing what he’s doing.

“As Doris says he ‘walks around like an open nerve’, though I have to say I still like him, I can’t help it,” he says. “I’d probably be just as anxious given the circumstances we find him in.”

Sarah says that Doris is a fantastic character to play.

Not only is she witty and charming but she goes on this fantastic journey from dissatisfied 1950s housewife to powerhouse businesswoman, via lots of twists and turns of self-discovery on the way,” she explains.

“There’s so much to get my teeth into and I’m loving playing around with how she changes each time we see her in these five-year jumps in her life.

“What’s also nice is seeing what doesn’t change about her, if we still see shadows of the young, free, playful Doris in the more serious mature

businesswoman she becomes.”

She continues: “Doris is from an Italian American family and had to leave high school early when she fell pregnant with her first child. Although life can be tough with her husband and three young children, she clearly has a lot of love there.

“What’s lovely is seeing how her relationship with George helps her to develop and grow as a person.”

After two years of no-shows, theatre is finally awakening from its hibernation.

Kieran and Sarah are both pleased to be back in the rehearsal room ahead of the tour, saying it’s amazing.

“I admit I was a little anxious about the first day back, but it’s amazing how it all just comes flooding back,” Kieran said, while Sarah admits: “It’s been a tough couple of years for the entertainment industry with some pretty heart-breaking moments. It’s so wonderful to be back in the room working on a live play and I can’t wait to be back in a theatre sharing a unique experience with an audience.”

She continues: “The energy of a live performance is impossible to replicate, and I’ve certainly missed it.

“There’s something magical about that time in rehearsal taking a play from a page in a book and working as a company to piece it together and create this live experience together as a team.

“Even though you can only see two of us on stage in this play, the

rehearsal is a team effort with a group of us working together to create what you see. There’s something really fun and satisfying in that.”

And this tour is extra special, given the pandemic has prevented much travel over the past two years.

Kieran says: “I’m very much looking forward to visiting some new places. I shall make the most of being out and about. There are some lovely places on our tour so I shall be doing a bit of sightseeing, getting some walks in, and finding the best coffee in the UK.” Sarah loves touring, and feels blessed to live in a country where each area has its own identity.

“There are several places on this tour I’ve never been to so I can’t wait to explore, find some interesting little coffee shops and places to eat.

I’ve been mostly just in London for two years, so it’ll feel like a massive adventure just leaving the house,” she laughs.

And there will be laughter in the show itself, Kieran promises, adding that the show has a heart.

“I imagine there will be some heated debate between partners and friends about what they feel is acceptable and unacceptable within a relationship and whether you can be truly in love with more than one person at a time,” he says.

Sarah adds that Same Time Next Year is an interesting, unique play with two loveable characters.

“Seeing how they each develop as people, through a really interesting time in history, seeing how they come together and drift apart at times, watching them learn about each other and themselves in these little five yearly pockets,” she says.

“It’s such an interesting premise for a story. And, of course, it’s a lot of fun.

“It’s genuinely brilliantly written with a great comedic pace and rhythm that’ll keep you laughing while watching George and Doris fall in love.

“You’ll leave the theatre feeling like you shared the past 25 years with a couple of your best friends.” n Same Time, Next Year is at South Hill Park on Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26. Tickets cost £21, £18 for members, £19 for concessions, and £15 for the matinee.

For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to southhillpark.org.uk

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 r t u r i 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 s C 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

RPO back at The Hexagon with special guest Ellinor D’Melon THE ROYAL Philharmonic Orchestra will be in concert at the Hexagon on Saturday, February 26.

Acclaimed young violinist Ellinor D’Melon will join the RPO to perform Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1.

The piece has been described as unleashing the full spectrum of the violin, from beautiful melodies to astounding virtuosity.

Framing the concerto are two great Russian masterpieces. The energetic, scurrying strings of Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla complement Tchaikovsky’s final symphonic manuscript, a work that encapsulates the composer’s emotional power.

The orchestra will be conducted by Pablo Gonzalez and the concert begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced from £17.

A free pre-concert talk will take place in the auditorium at 6.30pm.

A Noisy Kids concert takes place at 11.30am the same day, featuring music from Star Wars and ET, as well as the Blue Danube Waltz and Clair de Lune. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

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Young pop pickers will enjoy this celebration

TRICKY BUSINESS: Ben Hart will perform an amazing evening of magic at The Kenton Theatre in Henley Picture: Matt Crockett

S

ATURDAY night will see a tribute to famous acts such as Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.

And the Pop Divas Live! show will celebrate other favourites including Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Beyonce and many more.

There will also be an appearance from teenage sensation JoJo Siwa, and a special tribute to Little Mix. Pop Divas Live! has been touring since 2017, and is back with its biggest and boldest show yet.

Organisers are promising an evening of superb vocals, choreography and state of the art videos the show is a perfect night out for both little divas and big divas alike.

The production also offers a chance for four lucky little divas to join the stars live on stage to sing and dance.

The show was the brainchild of Phoenix Theatre Group’s Creative Director Phil Dale and the shows creative lead Katie Barker-Dale. Katie trained at Laine Theatre Arts and has been in the industry for 10 years as a professional dancer and choreographer working in theatre, TV and film.

She has travelled the world working for brands such as

Amazing magic coming to The Kenton

TOP POPS: Pop Divas Live! celebrates favourites from the current music scene Topshop and Benefit Cosmetics as well as appearing in films such as ‘Legend’ and TV commercials for brands such as Samsung and Honda.

Katie said: “It’s been amazing to see my vision come to life with the help of a fantastic team. I’ve always wanted to create a show like this and the best part of the

whole experience has been seeing the kids and their parents having fun, singing and dancing along together.” n The concert will be at South Hill Park on Saturday, February 12, from 6pm. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

A funny, subversive, often dark and amazing magician is preparing for a date at Henley’s Kenton Theatre.

Britain’s Got Talent 2019 finalist, West End star and multi award-winning magician Ben Hart is heading back to the stage with his Wonder tour.

He has established a reputation for always creating wonderfully alternative magic.

When he was 1, he was awarded the prestigious Young Magician of the Year award by the Magic Circle and is one of the youngest ever members of The Inner Magic Circle (with gold star) – the highest level of the famous Magic Circle. He was nominated for the Time Out and Soho Theatre Cabaret Award in 2013.

When not performing magic, Ben invents writes and directs magic tricks and illusions for TV, theatre and film. His ideas have been performed by some of the top magicians

working in the world and he has designed illusions for The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Old Vic, The Globe, The Hampstead Theatre.

He was also the mind behind the acclaimed special effects in the west end productions of The Exorcist and Magic Goes Wrong and Bagdad Cafe at The Old Vic for acclaimed Director Emma Rice.

In 2021 Ben created 2 Metre Magic, a show to accommodate social distancing onstage and off and toured the UK extensively continuing to spread amazement against the odds and pioneering new magical techniques allowing audiences to be involved from a distance. n His show comes to The Kenton on Saturday, March 26, from 7.30pm. For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525 050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

Fun with the Pied Piper PANTOMIME is returning once again as members of a Wokingham church prepare for curtain up on their 17th show.

This year’s Corpus Christi pantomime tells the story, in song, comedy and dance, of the Pied Piper.

It will be performed at Caudwell Hall in Holme Grange School next month, all for a good

cause.

Trouble is striking the city of Red Leicester as the town’s cheese is going missing, and further problems brew as the Mayor’s daughter disappears too.

Can Jacob, the Pied Piper himself, overcome a group of nasty rats to save her? Find out as the multi-talented cast take you through their own interpretation

of the story.

This year, the team from the Corpus Christi Parish Pantomime Group will be supporting the Wokingham Foodbank.

The show will be on Saturday, March 5, at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday, March 6, at 3pm. n Further information and tickets are available at piedpiperpanto. eventbrite.co.uk

Panto stars sign up for the Beanstalk THEY’RE a festive tradition that Reading can’t get enough of, and thankfully they’ll be back this Christmas.

Reading’s pantomime double act, Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse, will once gain be treading the boards together.

And while the festive season might seem far away, work has already begun on The Hexagon’s show, which this year will be Jack and the Beanstalk.

CBeebies megastar Justin is well-known as Mr Tumble, but this year he will be one of the Trot family, while Paul will once again play the dame.

Over the years, they have formed a formidable double act, reducing audiences to tears of laughter through their skits.

They include the hilarious ballet routine where they only say one word ... balloon.

Other cast members will be announced in due course, but

organisers are promising all the ingredients for a perfect family pantomime, including a dastardly villain, musical numbers and some slapstick fun.

It will once again be produced for Reading Arts by Imagine Theatre.

The show runs at The Hexagon

from Saturday, December 3, through to bank holiday Monday, January 2. Relaxed and signed performance will take place.

Early bird tickets are on sale, with special rates, until March 31. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to www.readingarts.com

LEISURE | 25

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Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

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

RaW Sounds Today

STAR STRUCK: John Mitchell is Lonely Root.

Hear his latest single, Under Stars, from our playlist

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

Y

OU’RE all familiar with Damon Albarn’s virtual band The Gorillaz, but have you discovered Lonely Robot?

he will be playing songs from throughout his career interspersed with anecdotes and stories – https:// johnmitchellhq.com

Lonely Robot – Under Stars

Mordecai Smyth – Fear of Flying

Lonely Robot was created by John Mitchell who works from his Reading-based recording studio, Outhouse as a songwriter, singer, musician and producer.

John is also in Frost*, It Bites, Kino and Arena and has played guitar with artists such as Fish and Robert Plant.

He heads to the Everyman Cinema in Kings Cross, London on Wednesday, February 16, for a special one-off intimate acoustic solo show where

Mordecai has appeared in our playlist before with his wonderful psychedelic pop sounds released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records. He is releasing a brand new album in May and has just released this single, Fear of Flying from it.

Mordecai describes the song as one of the ‘less apocalyptic’ new songs on the album. Intriguing.

We’ll look forward to hearing those songs and in the meantime we’ll enjoy the mellow feel of this one – https://www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

Thursday, February 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Jenny Colquitt and Paul Alexander Low. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Tonto Popadopoulos.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Thursday night karaoke.

Details: 0118 951 9001.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, February 11

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Heathrow Jets. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale.

Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Pop Divas Live.

Details: 01344 484123.

GORING – Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Ewen Baird, Nick Hill, Howard King and Mike Goff. Details www. ticketsource.co.uk/goringcommunity-jazz-club READING – The Butler,

Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Friday night with mr Reckless.. Details: 0118 951 9001.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The DeRellas. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Lola Lo, Friar Street. Love Island takeover with Jack Fowler.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jewels and the Jacuzzis.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Large Portion. Details: 0118 926 5804 READING – The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. The Midnight Rebel Band.

Details: 0118 957 4507.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Glasvegas.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Pixi Devalle. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WOKINGHAM – The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 3BQ. DJ Night.

Details: 0118 978 0316.

Saturday, February 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Enchanted Market: Spriggan Mist,

Harriet has a truly wonderful voice and we are going to be lucky to get the chance to hear her live when she visits Wokingham Music Club at Whitty Theatre on Friday, 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

Their latest musical treat joins our weekly round-up of the best bands performing or from the Reading and Wokingham areas.

Under Stars is the perfect track to put you in the mood for a gig Lonely Robot is to perform in London next week.

There are 10 great tunes that you can listen, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

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 get ready to rock.

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

GIG GUIDE

Harriet – I’m Not in Love

Quantum Pig – Statement of Intent This Progressive Music Awards nominated duo supported The Paradox Twin at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, February 4. The song is from their acclaimed debut album Songs of Industry and Sunshine– http://quantumpig.net

The Room – Run

Victor and the Bully, Jadoo Tribal Dance, Support and more. . Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sound Intentions. Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

GORING – Goring Social Club, High Street RG8 9BA. Undercovers. Details: 01491 873105.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-a-long-a-Nick Valentine’s Special. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Lip Sync Karaoke with Big Jay! Details: 7748@greeneking. co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway, Greyfriars Road.

Dreamsellers and Moonlight Foxes.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Valentines Luv Affair Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Turn.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ.

Dirtbag. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 5LR. The Clique. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents South Coast Soul Revue’s Funk n Soul Party. £20. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Tim Shez Band. Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Jamie Trick. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, February 13

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Jigantics. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. West End Meets Broadway. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and

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 They appeared in many best of year lists around the world and recently played in their home town of Reading with a show at Facebar.

This song is from their acclaimed Silence from Signals album – https://www.theparadoxtwin. com/

Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Monday, February 14

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Night Cafe – SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Oakingham Belle, Oak Avenue RG40 1LH. Valentine’s Beatles Tribute night. Details: 0118 324 9894.

Tuesday, February 15

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

Wednesday, February 16

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Blues and Roots Double Bill: Mart T and Ajay Srivastav. Details: 01344 484123.

Thursday, February 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Just Genesis. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk READING – The Boundary, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LS. Thursday night karaoke.

Details: 0118 951 9001.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Calling

Planet Earth. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, February 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Greeny and the Voyagers, Damn Good Liars. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Soul and Reggae Swing Night. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. 80s Night with CJ DJ. Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Tom Smith. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. AntiNowhere League. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 0118 957 6930.

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

This band with members from the area were invited as special guests at the Hammersmith Club in London on January 22, by a brand-new group, Little Finger, whose members are made up of Gary Numan’s backing band – https://theroom.band/

Penelope Isles – Have You Heard Penelope Isles are from Brighton and were due to be appearing at Reading’s Facebar on January 28. Their tour has been cancelled but this is still well worth a listen – https://www.penelopeisles.com/

Toyah – Levitate She’s an iconic performer who first came to fame with some classic 80’s hits and she headed to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) at Whitty Theatre on January 21. Levitate is from Toyah’s latest album Posh Pop – https://toyahwillcox.com/

Saturday, February 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. DJ Night: Shivoo Underground A Night of house and Tech. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. NBS. Details: 01344 303333.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rev John H and the Revelations with special guests. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. As Loud As A Mouse. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Fidget and the Twitchers!, Seed of Greed, Ssaule, Personal Issue, BJ Bevy, Temperamental Flint, Otter Producdes, Ketty Yeti Book Launch and more. Details: 0118 956 8188.

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

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jungle Riot and Concrete Junglists. Details: 0118 959 5395.

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

WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WOKINGHAM – The Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Hattie’s Leaving Do: Peach and the Prairie Dogs. Details: 0118 978 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street RG40 1XH. The Gas Trick Band.

Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM – The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 3BQ. DJ Night.

Details: 0118 978 0316.

Sunday, February 20

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Details: 0118 969 8000.

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

No. 5400

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

CROSS CODE

9

21

6

3

11

13

26

21

5

3

18

12

3 18

3

12

1

18

12

18 3

23

5

16 1

6

13

20

3

11

9

12

9

21

3

12

20

2

1

6

8

8

11

20

10 3

14

3 23

20

12

3

9

3

23 3

18

13

21

21

5

6

12

3

13 3

3

18

3

NONAGRAM

18 21

7. Which family of plants produces the spices cayenne, chilli and pimento?

E O N

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

U

14

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

L

S

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

MITE KEPT OINTMENT

T

I

R

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.

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

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.

IO

MN

OU

CA

VL

LE

CE

EM

LH

UO

PE

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

3

9 2

5 9 6 4 7 3 7

9 3 6 5 4

2 1

1 7 5

13 12

13

14 15

18

T

16 20

17 22

L

A

A

L F

N F

A

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.

YD

24

24

DOWN 1. Next to the second eleven, we hear (6) 2. Clothing put in order (5)

3. Advance payment made to one parliamentarian before the others (7) 5. Very bright Roman numerals (5)

6. Get back into the centre of the procession (7) 7. Low pressure container (6) 8. Celebrity character (11)

14. Offer more and take the lot perhaps (7)

15. Leave quietly with one’s underwear showing (4,3)

16. Restaurant hanger-on? (6) 17. Right to throw out an imperfect article (6)

19. Donald accepts you as the senior member (5) 20. Illustrious aristocrat (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

8

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

10

6

11

12

13

13

14

15

16

17

17

18

19

20 22

7

9

21 23

20

21

24

25

26

27

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

4

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

9 6

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

28

29

30 4 1 8 9 3 7 6 2 5

2 5 9 4 8 6 1 7 3

7 8 3 6 2 9 5 1 4

9 2 1 5 4 8 3 6 7

6 4 5 1 7 3 2 8 9

1 9 4 8 5 2 7 3 6

5 6 7 3 9 1 8 4 2

8 3 2 7 6 4 9 5 1

WORD PYRAMID: Football fanatic.

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

Total: 7

SOLUTIONS

17

19

ACROSS 1. A small English county; it provides somewhere to live (6) 4. Wandering to cave to find a feathered creature (6) 9. High church feature (7) 10. Fierce woman loses a sign (5) 11. Did without what the chemist made out? (9) 12. Urge, say, to start gambling (3) 13. Where to play snooker in the garden? (7,4) 18. Trouble reported with drink (3) 19. Amorous activity enjoyed by many before the union (9) 21. Flighty creature brought back by the cat (5) 22. Head of treasury has currency problem (7) 23. Journeying in old Yorkshire (6) 24. Witness at the international match (6)

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.

3 2

15

16

EQUALISER 2 10 3 2 1 4 4 15 1 2 1 2

Hard

7

12

23

C

DN

SM

6

11

I

AD

PI

5

21

LA

AX

4

11

21

DE

AE

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

2 8

10

FIVE ALIVE NM

4

10

10. According to her 2011 hit song, where did Rihanna find love?

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

O O

3

9

9. What type of birds are said to gather in a muster?

SUDOKU Easy

2

8

WORD PYRAMID

T R V

14

1

8. Which island has the highest sea cliffs in the world, much favoured by hang-gliding enthusiasts?

5. Which royal house ruled Portugal from 1640 to 1910?

2 12

2. What is the innermost colour on the curve of a rainbow?

4. The science of growing plants without soil is called what?

3

4

6. Since 2018, Mandip Gill has played Yasmin Khan in which popular sc-fi TV series?

3. What O is a city in Florida and the first name of an English actor who starred in Pirates of the Caribbean?

9

11

3 21

21

25

11

21

3

12

1

1. Snooker cues are traditionally made from which species of hardwood?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5400

20

9

7

3 7 6 2 1 5 4 9 8

17

11

18

24

3

7 5 1 2 3 9 8 6 4

3

9

11

23

9 6 3 4 7 8 5 2 1

18

3

12

4 2 8 6 1 5 7 3 9

3

12

11

5 3 2 9 6 4 1 7 8

3

1

19

6 9 7 8 5 1 2 4 3

4

12

8 1 4 3 2 7 9 5 6

15

11 6

11

7

21 4

3

2 8 6 7 9 3 4 1 5

4

22 12

21

13

18 11

11

3 4 5 1 8 2 6 9 7

25

1 7 9 5 4 6 3 8 2

11

5400

28. Shelf (5) ACROSS 29. Ground (7) 1. Demise (5) 30. Unusual (7) 4. Cavort (7) 8. Fencing stakes (7) 31. Pursues (5) DOWN 9. Line up (5) 1. Storehouse (5) 10. Light brown (5) 2. Permit (5) 13. Perpetually 3. Bee product (5) young (7) 4. Disqualify (6) 17. Snoop (3) 5. Debonair (5) 18. Reanimate (6) 6. Chemical 19. Parish official (6) compound (5) 20. Primate (3) 7. Fireside 22. Spire (7) implement (5) 25. Vocal confusion (5) 11. Watchful (5)

31

12.

14.

15.

16.

17.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

Sound (5) Change course (4) Tropical vine (5) Work out (5) Chime (4) Pounding tool (6) Vends (5) Senior (5) Clean feathers (5) Mooring (5) Muscular strength (5) 27. Connects (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Death; 4 Disport; 8 Palings; 9 Align; 10 Tawny; 13 Ageless; 17 Pry; 18 Revive; 19 Beadle; 20 Ape; 22 Steeple; 25 Babel; 28 Ledge; 29 Terrain; 30 Strange; 31 Hunts.

Down – 1 Depot; 2 Allow; 3 Honey; 4 Disbar; 5 Suave; 6 Oxide; 7 Tongs; 11 Alert; 12 Noise; 14 Gybe; 15 Liana; 16 Solve; 17 Peal; 21 Pestle; 22 Sells; 23 Elder; 24 Preen; 25 Berth; 26 Brawn; 27 Links.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Ash; 2 Violet; 3 Orlando (Bloom); 4 Hydroponics; 5 House of Braganza; 6 Doctor Who; 7 Capsicums; 8 Hawaii; FIVE ALIVE: 9 Peacocks; 10 In a hopeless place.

(1) Across – Nomad; Vexed; Lumpy.

Down – Novel; Maxim; Daddy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Bedsit; 4 Avocet; 9 Steeple; 10 Virgo; 11 Dispensed; (2) Across – Mince; Llama; Hosed.

U V E W O P X I D C A S N 12 Egg; 13 Potting shed; 18 Ale; 19 Dalliance; 21 Tabby; 22 Down – Mulch; Neaps; Eland.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Trouble; 23 Riding; 24 Attest.

Y K J F R H M L B T Q Z G Down – 1 Beside; 2 Dress; 3 Imprest; 5 Vivid; 6 Cortège; 7 NONAGRAM: envoi; inro; into; intro; INTROVERT; Trough; 8 Personality; 14 Overbid; 15 Slip out; 16 Waiter; 17 iron; ironer; nitro; noir; nori; norite; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Reject; 19 Doyen; 20 Noble. knit; note; item; note; orient; otter; oven; over; overt; temp. ovine; renvoi; retort; retro; riot; rioter; rote; roti; rotten; rotter; rove; rover; tenor; tiro; tone; toner; tonier; tore; torn; torr; torrent; tort; torte; tote; trio; triton; tritone; trot; trove; trover; veto; vino; vireo; vote; voter.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

WHAT’SON Thursday, February 10

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Wellbeing cafe: coffee and chat in the church. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Smiths Coaches of Reading, a talk by Paul Lacey. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5.

Details: 0118 950 9553.

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 WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park RG40 5QG. Candle making workshop. 10am-noon.

Details: wokingham.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club

meeting. Folio Evening.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, February 11

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. 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.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, February 12

READING – Broad Street Mall, Broad Street RG1 7QE. Love Is In The Air – a day of special events to celebrate

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Valentine’s day. 11am-4pm.

Includes string musicians from noon, Reading Male Voice Choir at 10am, a caricature artist, and more.

READING – Kadampa Meditation Centre, bath Road RG1 8HH. Cravings, Attachment and Addiction.

10.30am-1pm. £20.

Details: 0118 959 9133.

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents South Coast Soul Revue’s Funk n Soul Party. £20. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOKINGHAM – Quench bookshop, Holme grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road RG40 3AW. Book signing by Paul Kerensa.

4pm. Details: 0118 977 6715.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, February 13

WOKINGHAM – Market

Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com 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 14

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Jelly presents a life-drawing class.

6.30pm. £20.. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.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 table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday,

Who tells you what's on?

February 15

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 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

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 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 – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, February 17

Wednesday, February 16

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. 2pm-

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 WOKINGHAM – Bradbury

Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Round 3 Print competition: open, judged

by Caroline Colegate.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

Friday, February 18

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. 2pm-

4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, February 19

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, February 20

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Vegan Market. 11am-3pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Monday, February 21

Binfield - Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s monthly lecture: A Carpet Ride to Khiva - reviving Timurid carpet designs,

by Chris Aslan at 7.45pm.

Also live-streamed via YouTube. Details www.

TheArtsSocieyWokingham. org.uk

Half Term at Saturday 19 February, 11am Peut-Etrê Theatre presents

THE DARK

Stage adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s beloved book, for ages 5+ Tuesday 22 February, 2pm

SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS

WE DO, READING

Beatboxer and top entertainer SK Shlomo shows you how to be a beatboxing legend!

Wednesday 23 February, 11.30am & 2pm Half Moon Theatre presents

Safeguard local news.

To donate to help at www.rdg.today/contribution @RdgToday

@readingtodaynews

@RdgToday

www.rdg.today

PARTY

A quirky and heartfelt show for children aged 2-5 years, all about overcoming social anxiety

Pictured: Shlomo’s Beatboxing Adventure For Kids

21 South Street Reading RG1 4QU

0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Vegetable Soups with Toppers In the kitchen Good4U

Quick Pea Soup Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes Serves: 4 n 1 tablespoon of oil n 1 small onion, finely chopped n 450g frozen peas n 750ml vegetable stock n Salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve n Good4U Garlic and Herb Salad Topper n Crusty bread Method: 1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook the onion on a low heat for 4-5 minutes until soft but not brown.

2. Add the stock and bring to a boil.

3. Add in the peas, season well with salt and pepper, and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the peas are cooked.

4. Puree the soup with a

stick blender or in a liquidiser.

5. Serve sprinkled with Good4U Garlic and Herb Salad Topper and with crusty bread.

How to care for wildlife in your garden

Carrot and Coriander Soup Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes Serves: 4 n 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil n 1 onion, finely chopped n 1 teaspoon of ground coriander n 1 medium potato, peeled and diced n 500g of carrots, peeled and chopped n 1.25 litre of vegetable stock Method: n Salt and freshly ground 1. In a saucepan, fry the pepper onion in the oil for To serve 5 minutes until n Crusty bread soft. n Good4U Garlic and 2. Add the potato and Chilli Salad Topper coriander and fry n Good4U Sprouted for another minute Super Sprouts Salad then add the carrots Topper and vegetable stock.

T Season well with salt and pepper, bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the carrots are soft.

3. Puree the soup with a stick blender or in a liquidiser.

4. Serve sprinkled with Good4U Garlic and Chilli Salad Topper and Good4U Sprouted Super Sprouts Salad Topper. n Recipes supplied by Good4U, a family-run

health food company based in Sligo, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. It makes created wholesome snacks that are affordable and sustainable. For more details, log on to: good4u.co

Fire Authority urges people to keep safe when cooking this February

W

Food Aim to offer a variety of seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, and fats to satisfy the needs of a range of species. Different birds like to eat different things.

Robins like fruits, Sparrows and Finches enjoy seeds, and Tits like nuts. Starlings will eat almost anything.

You can buy wild bird food and specific food for hedgehogs and squirrels too.

Feeding stations It is very easy to put a bird feeder in your garden.

Ensure it is placed in an area where birds can feel safe and make a quick getaway. There are also feeders for other animals too. Add a squirrel feeder to your garden and let them entertain you with their antics.

ITH Valentine’s Day around the corner, and Shrove Tuesday on the horizon, there is an expectation that people will be busy in the kitchen as they bake, cook and create.

Members of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service want budding chefs and Bake Off experts alike to pay attention to fire safety while they are conjuring up seasonal delights.

It’s part of a national fire safety campaign, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to take extra care in the kitchen this month.

Its prevention manager, Nicola Smith, said: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. So, whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”

Here are Nicola’s top tips n Take care if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk. n If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get out, stay out, and call 999.

HIS time of year can be tough for wildlife. Cold temperatures cause animals to lose body heat much faster, and natural food is less available, particularly if the ground freezes and they cannot forage around for insects.

Squires Garden Centres, which has a branch in Wokingham, says we can give native wildlife a helping hand.

Think of your garden, or your balcony or window ledge, as a vital patch where animals can get the shelter and food that they need.

To help care for wildlife in your garden, households can provide food, feeding stations, water and shelter.

Water All creatures need water to drink, but birds also need to bathe themselves every day. It’s a crucial task for feather maintenance as it loosens dirt and makes their feathers easier to clean.

To help with this, a pond or bird bath is great, but you can also use an upturned bin lid or even a saucer.

Shelter

n Double check the hob and oven is off when you’ve finished cooking. n Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob. n Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire. n Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking.

Keep matches and saucepan

handles out of their reach to keep them safe. n Take care with electrics - keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls. n Keep your equipment clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire. n Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.

n Hot oil can catch fire easily - be careful that it doesn’t overheat. n Never throw water on a chip pan fire. n In the event of a fire, have an escape plan in place. n If you would like to find out more about fire safety when cooking, you can find further information on the RBFRS website: Cooking (rbfrs.co.uk).

It’s National Nest Box Week from Monday, February 14. Help celebrate by installing a nest box to provide birds with a much-needed place to raise their young.

Rupert Sleight, a manager at Squires, said: “The more boxes you have, the greater the chance of birds nesting. Provide enough space between them though, as birds are territorial.”

You could also add a hedgehog home, a bee, butterfly or bug hotel, or simply create some log piles for insects and beetles.

Squires Garden Centres is offering 15% off all wildlife food, shelters and accessories until February 27.

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US READING EDITION

09.02.22

HIGH FIVE: WOMEN SET NEW RECORD

STUNNING WIN FOR RAMS

TON UP!

MIXED FORTUNES FOR ROCKETS

READING CITY made it an occasion to remember in manager Simon Johnson’s 100th game in charge.

Up against Holyport in the Combined Counties Premier North, the Cityzens claimed three points at the Rivermoor in their fifth home league win of the campaign.

Johnson took charge of Reading

during the 2018/19 campaign and helped them secure their status in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

In Saturday’s encounter, City grabbed an early lead through Ellis Cowd’s header and then doubled their advantage in the 26th minute when club captain Jemel Johnson found the net.

Holyport clawed a goal back from the penalty spot just before the break.

UNHAPPY BIRTHDAY: ROYALS FANS PLAN PROTEST A GROUP of Reading FC fans are planning a protest ahead of the club’s 150th-anniversary match on Saturday.

CITYZENS VICTORIOUS AS BOSS MARKS 100TH MATCH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

SOUTH BERKS SAIL PAST SONNING

But there were no more goals in the contest which meant that Reading claimed all three points to mark Johnson’s century of games in style.

The Cityzens are 11th in the table with 30 points from 24 games.

City boss Johnson said: “Three points and 100 games.

“Made hard work of it, but we’ve beaten a team below us in the

table for once.”

They are back on the road this weekend in an away fixture against Virginia Water. Saturday’s opponents are four places below Reading in the standings on 20 points from 23 matches.

n Full football round-up and pictures pages 22 & 23

Fan group Club 1871 are inviting Royals fans to join a protest with banners, placards to voice their concerns about how the club is currently being operated.

Fan group Elm Park Royals have also given their support to the planned protest which is due to take place at 1pm outside the Select Car Leasing Stadium at the main entrance by the club shop, on Saturday.

Club 1871 outlined their reasons for the protest on social media: “Our primary objective is change of management. Second if the removal of Kia (Joorabchian) from leading our transfer recruitment.

Third is clear comms from Dai/CEO around a plan moving forward.

“We encourage everyone who wants to attend to create their own banners and placards.

“In the stadium, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of our great club.

“We have a display showcasing this so make sure you get in the stadium early enough.

“And of course we will continue cheering on the boys to hopefully three points.”

Aswell as problems off the pitch, there are immediate concerns with the current league position.

Ahead of a round of midweek fixtures in the Championship, Reading are one place and two points above the relegation zone.

However, they have played one more game than the side directly below them, Peterborough United.

18 | SPORT

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Bracknell celebrate getting the ball over the line in their match against Windsor Pictures: Paul Ridley

RUGBY UNION

BRACKNELL BAG BONUS POINT IN DERBY Bracknell fight to keep the ball

By GARY MILES sport@wokingham.today

Bracknell 29 Windsor 14 BRACKNELL RFC got back on track with a bonus point home victory in a local derby against Windsor.

On a dry sunny, increasingly cold breezy day Windsor kicked off playing towards the clubhouse.

Windsor turned over after a ruck, they kicked on and the resulting breakaway enabled a converted score just left of the posts to go seven points in front in the opening score.

Bracknell hit back within five minutes. The restart had the ball to the 22, a sequence of rucks and mauls eventually ended with a penalty which was kicked to touch.

The lineout was good and with safe hands from Bradley Walters, after a couple of phases had the ball down the attacking line ended

with Jasper Miranda going over to score to reduce the deficit despite a missed conversion.

Bracknell won the maul from the resulting lineout and five phases later the ball was passed out right for Alex Frame to score with the match at 10-7 to the hosts.

The final score of the half was the best try of the match.

A kick by Windsor was well taken by Simon Bayliss in his own

22 and he evaded tackles fto make 30 metres or more to make a hole Windsor’s defence which released the backs for Ian Burch to score easily under the posts.

The conversion was successful to see Bracknell in front 17-7 at the break.

The bonus point try came 10 minutes later after a kick to halfway was gathered by Bayliss and another fine run resulted in

a converted score in front of the clubhouse.

A breakthrough came with 30 minutes of the half played, Bracknell were playing advantage, unfortunately a knock on when there was an overlap meant play had to go back for a penalty which was kicked to the five-metre line.

A Windsor kick to touch and from the following lineout Windsor knocked on, the resulting scrum was won by Bracknell and a pass out to Ben Bathurst from Ken Hodgson who scored in the corner, the conversion was missed so Bracknell’s last score of the match left the score at 29-7.

Windsor enjoyed some possession in the final minutes of the match and after the restart from the last score a lineout on our 22.

The Windsor backs passed down the line to score under the posts with the conversion successful, the score line was 29-14.

RUGBY UNION

11 TRIES FOR AWESOME ABBEY IN DAZZLING AWAY DISPLAY Supermarine Ladies 0 Abbey RFC 67

Abbey RFC touch down to score a try Picture: Your Sport Swindon

ABBEY RFC WOMEN responded from last week’s defeat with a thumping victory away at Supermarine Ladies.

There were seven different try scorers in an 11-try 0-67 thriller with in-form centre Alice DentonRice bagging five for herself, as well as six conversions.

Annette Bevan, Tori Kiff, Claire Stevens, Ellie Denton-Rice and Hollie King also crossed the whitewash, as did Keni Lenton on her first-team debut.

Although the conditions were trying, Abbey Women still managed to produce an exciting, free-flowing spectacle where forwards and backs interlinked well to rack up the impressive score line.

Abbey looked the more dominant side from the start, with strong

carries from the returning Fern Edgar, as well as debutant Lenton testing the Swindon outfit’s defence.

Good defensive pressure ensured Abbey were never too long without the ball in hand and it wasn’t long before a gap opened up for Bevan to junk through.

Alice Denton-Rice enjoyed

the good platform the forwards provided in the scrum, bagging a first-half hat-trick with ease, as her powerful running proved too much for the Supermarine defence to handle.

Hooker Stevens also capitalised on and finished another breakaway run from Edgar, while Kiff ran a timely line off Bevan to cross

beneath the posts.

Defensively, Abbey always seemed in control. Huge hits from Alice Lawrence and Joey Fowler kept the momentum high, while the backs were marshaled well

by Hayley Matthews, who gave a trademark excellent defensive performance.

Debutant Lenton, having made several breakaway runs throughout the match, was rewarded with a try, while the back three of Lou Pullan, Olivia Grane and Nat Bow worked well together to consistently threaten the wings.

Alice Denton-Rice grabbed two more, not before Ellie Denton-Rice, ever the selfless playmaker, was rewarded with the most deserved try of the match, if not the season, for her performances thus far. It wasn’t long before proceedings were rounded off with a good break from substitute Meg Parks, which ended in prop King crashing over from short range.

asdasdasd

RUGBY UNION

BERKSHIRE U20’S START IN STYLE BERKSHIRE Under 20s started their Jason Leonard County Championship campaign with a bang as they blitzed visitors Hampshire 43-7 at Old Bath Road.

The hosts made a brilliant start as they took the lead inside five minutes, a perfectly crafted rolling maul crossing the whitewash from a fivemetre line-out, skipper Spencer Hayhow the man to touch down.

The Rams hooker doubled his tally shortly afterwards as Berkshire again made their way into Hampshire territory, some patient build-up ending with Hayhow finding a gap to cross on the right-hand side.

The former Pangbourne College student then completed an incredible hat-trick as he grabbed his side’s third try from close range, pushing Berkshire into a 15-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

And he then made it four as the rolling maul again got to work, Reading University fly-half Matt Smith finding his range from the tee to add the extras.

It was another University man, Exeter’s Josh Norman, who collected his side’s fifth at the end of a nice move, and with Smith again on target with the conversion, Berkshire led 29-0 at the interval.

With props Harry Etwell and Toby DannMuirhead, representing Rams and Maidenhead respectively, helping boss the scrum, the hosts enjoyed solid ball and they extended their advantage early in the second period.

On this occasion, however, it was a first try for the backs, as Reading University’s Finn Matthews produced a beautiful run to beat a couple of defenders and cross on the right.

Smith was again on target to make it 36-0, but Hampshire kept battling away and prevented any further score for most of the second period.

Full-back Matthews had a second try disallowed for a foot in touch, but the Royal county were not to be denied a seventh as replacement Charlie Robson – who has scored two tries in three National One appearances for Rams – collected an Etwell pass before darting in on the left wing, Smith slotting the conversion for 43-0.

The visitors picked up a deserved consolation for their efforts late on as anice arcing run from full-back Matt Barrett created the space for left wing Harry Clarke to cross the whitewash.

Harry Rabjohn bisected the uprights with the conversion, but it was Berkshire who take command of the group ahead of the return fixture later this month.

SPORT | 19

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REACTION

RUGBY UNION

REYNOLDS PRAISES ‘GOOD JOB’ IN AWAY TRIUMPH RAMS SECURE BONUS POINT WIN ON THE ROAD

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds has hailed a job well done as his side secured a bonus-point 26-5 victory at Birmingham Moseley.

Two tries from Max Hayman and further scores from Tom Vooght and Ant Marris – his maiden effort for the club – overcame a Seb Nagle-Taylor five-pointer as the visitors made it four National One wins in five games.

The club’s director of ruby Reynolds said: “It’s not an easy place to win – they have a very passionate crowd who are always very exciting to play in front of, and we were up against a side who have come into form.

“We did a good job in shutting down their width, which was one of the aims pre-game, and our tempo was very good.

“Our commitment was good and our tackle technique was excellent, so I was pleased.

Birmingham Mosely v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield “It’s a funny one because the score-line looks comfortable, but Moseley are one of those sides where they hit you with a try, then they get another and then one more and they’re in the lead, so you have to be aware of that the whole time.”

He continued: “The past two weeks (following the 43-19 win against Taunton) are the product of us

developing during the season – I’ve never had any concerns about people saying ‘how do we play in the second-half’ or ‘how do we play after big wins or losses’ because as long as we see the development, the season’s a long one.”

A key moment in the contest came early in the second half when Moseley seemed certain to score,

only for skipper Robbie Stapley to incredibly hold the ball up over the line, Rams going down the other end for Marris to dot down within 90 seconds to make it 19-0 following Rowan Grundy’s conversion.

Reynolds lauded his skipper: “I would argue Robbie is in the best form of his rugby playing career – what he does around the side at the moment is outstanding,” he said.

“His captaincy is superb and he’s also got an exuberance of youth about him on the pitch which is great to see.”

“Ollie’s been great and another whose just playing some superb rugby.

“He managed the game really well, he kicked with control and played some high-tempo rugby when he needed to.

“But it’s important to also mention the experienced guys who’ve been in National Two, come up and are now helping these boys.”

A THOROUGHLY professional performance from Rams saw the visitors earn an excellent 26-5 bonus-point victory at Birmingham Moseley.

The away side started strongly and took a deserved lead early on.

A surging rolling maul was stopped short of the Birmingham line, but again some patient buildup was finished as Tom Vooght fought his way over on the right, Grundy’s wind-assisted conversion attempt unfortunate to strike the right post.

Some slick handling from the excellent Ollie Cole enabled Kieran Leicester to feed an inside ball to prop Ant Marris to dive over for the third try and his maiden score for the first team.

Mn-of-the-match Hayman – who produced yet another all-action display all round the park – peeled off the back before diving over for his second try.

Grundy’s kick from the 15-metre line on the left was good, and with 10 minutes to play, the game was all but up for the home side.

They continued to give it their all, though, and could have

Birmingham Mosely v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield scored a second try only for some magnificent cover defence from wings Henry Bird and Charlie Robson, albeit the former received a yellow card for his efforts.

Yet Rams repelled a final attack from Moseley as they picked up a fourth win in five games since the turn of the year, remaining in sixth place but closing the gap on the chasing pack behind Rosslyn Park.

National League One Rugby is back at Old Bath Road Saturday 19th February 2022 K.O. 3.00pm 1st XV v Bishop’s Stortford RFC 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) Bishops Stortford Home 19th February - Wokingham and Reading Paper 9-10.02.22.indd 1

07/02/2022 13:21:35

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A vitally important display from the returning keeper, her magnificent penalty stop early in the second-half to keep her team in the game.

LILY WOODHAM

Unfortunate to have conceded a penalty when the ball struck her hand. Delivered some dangerous deliveries into the box.

GEMMA EVANS

Perfectly placed on the goal line to stop Everton going two ahead when she headed Turner’s goal bound header out of danger.

TASH HARDING

Defended well in really tough conditions that played havoc when having to defend aerial balls into the box.

FAYE BRYSON

Got down the right on a few occasions to whip in some nice crosses which caused trouble for Everton keeper Sandy MacIver.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Played the pass to set up the equaliser. A dominant midfield display, particularly in the secondhalf.

SANNE TROESLGAARD

Beginning to form a formidable partnership with Vanhaevermaet.

Controlled the game to help Reading to a superb comeback.

EMMA HARRIES

A quieter half from the usually very lively forward. Worked hard down the wing before she was taken off for the returning Rachel Rowe.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Provided some good quality down the wing. Was sometimes let down by her final ball, largely down to the horrible weather conditions.

NATASHA DOWIE

Came close to equalising in the first-half but came up with the leveller with a powerful strike from distance for her sixth league goal.

DEANNA ROSE

A bright spark all afternoon.

Made plenty of runs to trouble the Everton defence and put in some dangerous deliveries.

Subs: RACHEL ROWE A positive display off the bench on her return from injury. Injected more impetuous in the attack and played her part in the win.

TIA PRIMMER

What a week it has been for the academy graduate. Notched her first senior goal last week in the FA Cup win and added to that with her first WSL goal in what proved to be a late winner.

PRIMMER STRIKES LATE TO KEEP ROYALS WINNING STREAK ALIVE WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

How they rated GRACE MOLONEY

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

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EVERTON 1 READING 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women kept their sensational unbeaten run alive after Tia Primmer scored with an 88th minute winner.

An early goal from Anna Anvegard put Everton in front at the break, but they missed their chance to double their lead when Reading goalkeeper Grace Moloney made an excellent penalty save from Izzy Christansen.

With just over 15 minutes left on the clock, the Royals were rewarded for their persistence when Dowie beat Sandy MacIver from distance.

The Royals pushed for a winner after a much improved secondhalf and snatched the three points through substitute Primmer who bagged her first Women’s Super League goal.

The win puts Reading up to fifth position in the table after 12 matches after an outstanding run of five wins on the bounce.

Everton were looking for a fresh start under the new interim management team of Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn in what is remarkably already their third appointment of the 2021/22 campaign.

Meanwhile, Kelly Chambers’ side were seeking to continue their terrific form which has seen them win four WSL games on the bounce.

The Toffees made a bright start in front of their new boss and got off to the perfect start with an opener inside five minutes.

They worked a neat short corner routine which gave Claire Emslie space to hit a shot, and after taking a deflection, Anna Anvegard got her toe to the ball to prod it past Grace Moloney.

Reading FC Women’s squad Looking to recover from their slow start, the lively Deanne Rose got on the ball to try and spark Reading into life, with her tenacious work down the left wing bringing their first corner of the game.

In blustery conditions on Merseyside with 50mph winds, Lily Woodham hung up a cross to the back post that troubled goalkeeper Sandy MacIver who missed her punch, but Justine Vanhaevermaet couldn’t capitalise on the mistake and headed wide.

Everton were back on the front foot when Toni Duggan was left unmarked at the back post, but she was unable to get the ball under her spell before Moloney parried a shot behind for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, Everton came inches away from a second after Danielle Turner headed goalwards only to be denied by the perfectly placed Gemma Evans on the line who made a vital clearance.

The high winds caused all kinds of trouble again for MacIver who misjudged Faye Bryson’s cross, but the ball was somehow kept out on the line as Natasha Dowie tried her best to squeeze it in but

was blocked by Nathalie Bjorn and Gabrielle George.

The Royals applied pressure with a spell of corners late in the half but Everton held on to maintain their lead going into half-time.

The hosts had a chance to double their lead when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a handball in the box from Woodham.

Izzy Christiansen stepped up to take responsibility but goalkeeper Moloney flew down low to her left to make a superb stop.

Match stats Everton: MacIver, Maier, Bjorn, George, Turner, Galli, Christiansen, Emslie, Dali, Duggan, Anvegard Subs: Magill, Gauvin, Brosnan, Finnigan, Bennison, Pattinson, Weir Reading: oloney, Harding (c), Evans, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Troelsgaard, Eikeland, Harries, Dowie, Rose Subs: Peplow, Cooper, Stewart, Rowe, Roberts, Primmer, Thomann, Joslyn Goals: Anvegard 5’, Dowie 74’, Primmer 88’

Chambers made her first change just before the hour with Rachel Rowe on to replace Emma Harries.

Reading’s best chance of the match came and went in the 69th minute when Rose dug out a low cross that was first missed by Eikeland before Dowie turned the ball wide on the stretch.

After a promising spell of pressure from the visitors, they were finally rewarded in the 74th minute with an equaliser.

Dowie tried her luck from distance, and despite MacIver getting a strong hand to the ball, the shot was too powerful to keep out.

Last week’s goalscorer Tia Primmer entered the contest for the final 10 minutes in place of Vanhaevermaet.

Just as she did last weekend in the FA Cup, Primmer popped up with the decisive goal in the contest when she poked the ball into the bottom corner after a scramble in the box.

Reading held out to earn another three points to keep their sensational run going in what was a hard fought comeback in tricky conditions.

REACTION

CHAMBERS: ‘IT’S A BRILLIANT TEAM PERFORMANCE’

READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers hailed the impact of substitutes Tia Primmer and Rachel Rowe in their comeback win over Everton.

“It’s a game we grew in to,” said Chambers.

“We started slow. We knew that and had that discussion at half-time.

“In the last 20 minutes of the first-half, I felt we managed to establish some control and started to impose ourselves on them.

“We had to stay on top and I feel we did that in the second-half.

“I think we were the most dominant side in the second-half and then people we introduced with the likes of Rachel Rowe and Tia Primmer, they both made a great impact.

“We made a tactical change mid-way through the second half, to keep Everton in their half, and to get a goal on the board.

We did that with two great goals, for different reasons,

and we come away with another three points.

Reading goalkeeper Grace Moloney made a significant save from the penalty spot to prevent her side from going two goals behind early in the second half.

Chambers continued: “The penalty save from Grace was phenomenal, that was the turning point for us where you saw our mindset change and felt we could win this.

“The introduction of

Rowey gave us some much needed composure in the heart of midfield, so changing the shape really played to her strengths and gave us someone to build through, linking all the parts of our team.

“Overall it’s a brilliant team performance, but there were some key moments where players stepped up which turned the game in our favour.

“I think there was also a couple of other individuals who deserve a mention

today, I thought Sanne put in her best performance in a Reading shirt and I know there is so much more to come from her.

“Obviously people will start talking about the Champions League, but for us it’s the first year of a new foundation team with the turnover we had in the summer.

“It’s a case of continuing to build on the squad that we have here now, seeing where that takes us this season.”

SPORT |

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

READING PREPARE FOR BIRTHDAY RED HOT ROYALS FACE BASH AGAINST SKY BLUES STRUGGLING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Lucas Joao in action against Coventry City Picture: Steve Smyth

READING FC will be celebrating their 150th-anniversary in front of a bumper crowd at home to Coventry City this Saturday.

With a crowd of more than 21,000 fans expected at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to mark the club’s historic birthday, the Royals will be hoping to bring an end to their dreadful form and give them something to cheer.

The Berkshire club were originally scheduled to celebrate their anniversary game at home to Luton Town in December, but the match was postponed after a covid-19 outbreak.

Reading’s well-documented problems on and off the field has left fans in dismay after five successive Championship defeats.

That leaves them just one place above the drop zone prior to the midweek fixtures, while 22nd place Peterborough United have a game in hand to play which would see them go above the Royals if they are victorious.

Saturday’s visitors to the SCL are in 12th spot prior to their Tuesday night match at home to Blackpool.

They were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend by Premier League Southampton after forcing the game to extra-time.

Mark Robins’ team have had a mixed run of form in the league with three defeats and two wins from their previous five.

They were beaten 1-0 at

Middlesbrough in their last league outing, while they earned three points at home to Stoke City after Viktor Gyokeres’ goal the week before.

Gyokeres lease the goalscoring charts for the Sky Blues with 10 goals and three assist from 26 matches.

Matt Godden is level with his

teammate for goals despite having played nine fewer matches.

Ahead of midweek, Coventry were 18 points above Reading in the standings having scored 35 from 27 games and have conceded 31 compared to the Royals’ 55.

Coventry took the points in the team’s last meeting at the Ricoh Arena early in the season.

Reading went ahead through John Swift’s penalty but were pegged back by Jamie Allen and then suckerpunched

by Godden’s 98th-minute winner.

The Royals beat Coventry 3-0 on their last trip to Berkshire with goals from Lucas Joao, Andy Rinomhota and Swift.

READING FC

PROUD ROYALS: FAN LAUNCHES NEW LGBTQ+ GROUP READING FC fan Tom Williams has launched a new LGBTQ+ fan group ‘Proud Royals’ to promote inclusivity for Royals fans.

Tom, who is also a matchday stand supervisor at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, has received overwhelming support from the club, fan groups and supporters since setting up the group.

The aim of the group is to improve the experience of supporting football clubs for LGBTQ+ supporters and offer them a place to communicate and gain support if needed.

“The response in the last few days has been amazing,” said Tom to the Reading FC official website.

“Especially from other LGBT groups who have messaged offering their support to us, also STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) have been lending a hand in giving me

Proud Royals great support and advice.”

A statement from Reading FC reads: “We are proud to show our support following the formation of Proud Royals, to improve the matchday experience of those within the LGBTQ+ community.

“Tom’s aim is to improve the footballing experience for LGBTQ+ supporters, offering a support

network to them and making them feel increasingly safe and comfortable to express themselves at the SCL, and it goes without saying we’re fully behind him.

“His ultimate aim is to have a long-term group, not just for those in the LGBTQ+ community, but for all fans who have suffered from any hate or discrimination, as well as those who may feel like they can’t talk to anyone about their personal worries.

“He hopes they can use Proud Royals as a place to communicate, and come get the support they need. Eventually Williams hopes to launch a website dedicated to Proud Royals, in addition to a direct telephone number for those seeking support or looking to get involved.

Tom continued: “The response from Reading has been absolutely fantastic.

“Every single club in the EFL near enough has an LGBT following.

“I have had messages of support from The Tilehurst End, Club 1871 and STAR. “I want to bring all our fans together, whether they’re gay or straight, as well all love the same things, football and Reading FC. “The aim is to raise awareness, not just around homophobic abuse, it can be anything.”

The group is currently managed solely by Tom, but he is seeking for fellow fans to become members or volunteers in the coming months. n For more information, to become a member or volunteer, Tom can be contacted at proudroyals1871@gmail. com

BRIGHTON

Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium READING FC WOMEN will be looking to extend their run of five consecutive Women’s Super League wins when they face Brighton & Hove Albion.

Kelly Chambers’ team have set a new club record of five league wins on the bounce after their remarkable late turnaround at Everton.

That result lifted them above Manchester City and up to fifth in the table, just three points outside of the Champions League qualification places.

Hope Powell’s Brighton side have been in poor form ahead of Sunday’s match with four defeats and one draw from their last five.

The South Coast side made a flying start to the 2021/22 campaign but have since dropped down to eighth.

After earning an impressive goalless draw at home to Cheslea, the Seagulls have lost three in a row in all competitions, with league defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham.

Meanwhile they exited the FA Cup in the fourth-round after they lost out to Reading in an entertaining cup tie.

The Royals went two goals in front through Justine Vanhaevermaet and Deanne Rose only to be pegged back by Emma Koivisto and Kayleigh Green.

But Tia Primmer popped up with the winner just seven minutes from time to see Reading through.

Reading also got the better of Brighton when the teams met at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the WSL back in November.

Natasha Dowie gave her a team an early lead before Emma Harries sealed the points late on.

22 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

READING CITY MARK JOHNSON’S 100 FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Reading City win a header

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK gained a vital three points to lift them away form the drop zone.

Coming up against mid-table Wembley at Lowther Road, the Sumas picked up just their second home league win of the campaign.

Wembley’s goalkeeper made

Reading City celebrate after scoring Pictures: Steve Smyth

two outstanding saves to deny the Sumas. First from Jordace Holder-Spooner and then from Nathan Mindomba to deny Wokingham a late goal in the half.

The Sumas continued to threat and smacked the crossbar through Parkes.

They eventually converted a chance in the 63rd minute when Enow Ojong headed in.

That goal proved to be critical as the Sumas held on to earn three points to move into 16th.

READING CITY marked manager Simon Johnson’s 100th game in charge with victory at home to Holyport.

City found a breakthrough in the 15th minute when Ellis Cowd nodded them in front.

The Cityzens added to their advantage when Michael Butcher delivered a cross for Jemel Johnson who converted with a tidy finish.

Holyport got back into the contest when they scored from the penalty shot three minutes before the break.

The hosts held on to the points to maintain their position in 11th in the table.

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD picked up a point away at South Park to stay ahead of their opponents in the table.

The Moles made a slow start and were punished in the opening minute when South Park went in front.

It took Binfield just five minutes to respond with an

equaliser courtesy of Callum Bunting.

Bunting added a second to put Binfield in front, but the hosts clawed back a secondhalf leveller to share the points.

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA’s remarkable 14 game unbeaten run was finally put to an end by Bedfont & Feltham.

The Boars conceded a goal in each half as they went down

2-0 away at Bedfont.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Gutted to see the lads couldn’t continue their unbeaten run in my absence but hats off to Bedfont & Feltham.

“I’m so proud of this group of players and staff to go 13 games unbeaten with 13 wins and one draw is some feat.”

BERKS COUNTY climbed up the table after they saw off Langley.

Lee Simpson eaded the Swords ahead after just seven

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

SPORT | 23

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0th GAME WITH VICTORY

From the middle

Dick Sawdon-Smith

The phantom offside

L

minutes, but Langley levelled up just two minutes later.

Berks hit back through Laverty in what turned out to be the winning goal in the 39th minute.

Thames Valley Premier League BURGHFIELD remain top of the tree after they earned a clean sheet victory over Yateley United.

Teoman Atik and Billy Margetts both got on the scoresheet to help their side to three points.

They are two points above second placed Finchampstead having played two more matches.

FINCHAMPSTEAD stay hot on the heels of the league leaders after

a seven-goal thriller at Westwood Wanderers.

In a tense battle between the second and third placed teams, Finch snatched a late winner to take the points.

Goals from Dylan Chaffin Callum Vallance, Alex Woodhead and D Palmer helped them to a 4-3 triumph.

WARGRAVE grabbed an away win with a narrow 3-2 victory over READING CITY U23’s.

READING YMCA stormed to a 5-0 win against Mortimer.

Bevan Van Wyk bagged a brace, while James Bozarth, Ryan Adams and Pele Hagger added tothe score.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS stay one place off the bottom after they

lost 3-1 to Wraysbury.

Berks & Bucks FA omen’s Trophy CAVERSHAM UNITED booked their place in the final after they knocked out Slough Town.

Freya Jenkins and Emma Hopkins kept their calm from the penalty spot to send Caversham through on penalties after a goaless draw at the end of 90 minutes.

WARGRAVE fell in the semifinals with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Penn & Tylers Green.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

TILEHURST PANTHERS are in fourth after they lost out 3-2 to Stonesfield Strikers.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY’s unbeaten run came to a halt in emphatic style after they were defeated by Goring United.

The Fawkes found themselves one goal behind at the break but suffered a second-half collapse which ended in a 6-0 loss.

The defeat leaves them with an eight point lead over second placed Goring at the top having played one more match.

SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL

FC BAPCO HIT TILEHURST FOR SIX IN SENIOR DIVISION

By ANDY PRESTON Sport@wokingham.today FC BAPCO smashed six past TILEHURST YM to keep the pressure up in the top two in the Reading & District Sunday League Senior Division.

BAPCO are in third after their 6-0 triumph over Tilehurst.

They are two points behind second placed AFC Bradfield, and three points behind leaders FC Sporty, but have two games in hand to play on both teams which could see them rise to the top of the table

if they win both of their matches.

Meanwhile, in Division One WESTWOOD WANDERERS continued their surge at the top of the table with a 4-1 win over LOXWOOD PARK RANGERS. CAVERSHAM UNITED fell to a heavy 7-1 defeat to second placed EMMER GREEN. Division Two league leaders GORING UNITED lost their first match of the campaign with a 5-3 loss to BURGHFIELD A, who closed the gap at the top to five points.

NEW ENGLAND have a four point buffer at the top in Division Three

after they defeated SANCTUARY STRIKERS 2-1.

BERKSHIRE ROYALS are in second with three games in hand over the table toppers.

In Division Four, HYPE TRAIN made it 10 wins from 11 matches with a thumping 8-0 victory away at WHITLEY WOOD. Reading & District Sunday League Senior: AFC Bradfield 9-3 Twyford Comets, Arborfield 1-2 Englefield Eagles, BAPCO 6-0 Tilehurst Ym One: Berkshire Dons 9-2 Reading Kites, Caversham United 1-7 Emmer Green, Give Back 6-1 GC United, Westwood Wanderers 4-1 Loxwood Park

Two: Burghfield A 5-3 Goring United, Calcot Royals 4-0 Farley Hill, Southbank 1-4 Barton Rovers Three: New England 2-1 Sanctuary Strikers, RE United 2-3 Berkshire Royals, Thames Valley Railway 2-4 Racing Club de Woko Four: Barton Rovers 2-5 Core, Brothers United 1-2 Give Back Reserves, FC Whitley Wood 0-8 Hype Train Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier: Bracknell Rangers 1-1 Crowthorne Inn One: AFC Dukes 3-5 Panthers, Bracknell Corinthians 3-0 Woodley United, Winnersh Rangers 2-7 Freeman Royals Two: Bracknell Athletic 1-1 Woodley Saints Tigers, Bracknell Cavaliers 2-3 Bracknell Spartan Vets,

AST week I wrote about a highly contested penalty in the Crystal Palace match against Liverpool, which gave Liverpool a 3-1 lead.

There was another debatable goal by Liverpool, their first one of that game.

Two of the Sky pundits were adamant that it should have been disallowed for offside, while I’m sure that many people who watched it, will wonder what the fuss is all about.

Let me reset the picture.

Liverpool player Andy Robertson was running down the left-hand side of the pitch when he crossed the ball into the Palace penalty area, where team mate Roberto Firmino was waiting in an offside position.

Firmino jumped to head the ball but it was too high and went over his head.

Had he headed it of course, it would have been a clear offside decision.

Waiting behind him but not in an offside position was another Liverpool player, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who after controlling the ball, kicked it past keeper Vincente Guaita, into the Palace goal.

The offside Law has been with us since the first set of Laws was formed back in 1863.

Since then it has had many deletions, adjustments and additions but the basics of the Law are I think fairly well understood.

To be offside a player has to be in the opponents half and nearer to their goal line that the second nearest opponent.

But it is only penalised if that player touches the ball or interferes with an opponent, preventing them playing the ball by clearly obstructing their line of vision or by challenging for the ball.

The part of the Law that the pundits were talking about is not so well known, only having been introduced in 2016.

This says the offside player should be penalised if he clearly attempts to play the ball which impacts on an opponent or clearly impacts on an opponent from playing the ball, What this means in this case, is did Firmino prevent an opponent from tackling Oxlade-Chamberlain or did Guaita get ready to save the ball in case Firmino did head it, and so didn’t have time to adjust for OxladeChamberlain’s kick?

Personally, I don’t think it did either of those things but as I have said. others disagree, In the end there’s only one person who has to make the decision, the referee.

24 | SPORT

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HOCKEY

SOUTH BERKS 4S SMASH SEVEN PAST SONNING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

SOUTH BERKSHIRE consolidated their place in the top half of the table with a win over Newbury & Thatcham.

South Berks are in sixth place after their 3-2 triumph with 17 points from 14 matches.

SONNING faced back to back defeats in a double header weekend.

They fell to an agonising 5-4 defeat at home to Staines 2s on Saturday, before they were thumped 6-1 away at Banbury 2s the following day.

South Berks find the back of the net

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 2-0 Yateley United Reading City U23’s 2-3 Wargrave Reading YMCA 5-0 Mortimer Westwood Wanderers 3-4 Finchampstead Wraysbury 3-1 Woodley United Royals

South West 1 East Bracknell 29-14 Windsor

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s went down to a heavy away defeat at Yateley.

League leaders Yateley hit five past South Berks without reply.

The defeat leaves South Berks in fifth position on 21 points.

Men’s National Division 1 South READING returned from Brighton & Hove with three points to make it three wins in a row.

Reading took the points with a 5-2 win.

South Berks 4s v Sonning 4s

Women’s National Division 1 South READING keep the heat on league leaders Sevenoaks after they hit three past Harleston Magpies.

They kept a clean sheet on their way to victory to put them just two points off the top.

Cup

South Berks and Sonning South Berkshire 4s beat Sonning4s battle for the ball Pictures: Steve Smyth READING 3s made progress in The 2-1 loss to 11th place Yateley the cup as they eliminated SOUTH leaves Sonning in seventh.

BERKSHIRE in the process.

Liz Goodey and Yellie Powley South Central Women’s netted for South Berks but they Division 3 were defeated 3-2.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s put three more points on the board with a South Central Women’s clean sheet win over Oxford Hawks Division 2 5s.

The 2-0 victory takes them out of SONNING 2s were edged out the drop zone and into 10th. away from home at YATELEY.

BASKETBALL

ROCKETS SEE OFF REBELS TO TAKE AWAY VICTORY

The victory looked on the cards from the very first three minutes as Meshack Lufile scored 11 personal points as Rebels just couldn’t cope with his huge presence in and around the paint.

Rebels did as their name implies and disturbed Rockets as Rebels struck three trebles including a buzzer beater to be just a single point adrift at the first break 22-23.

Isthmian South Central South Park 2-2 Binfield

RUGBY UNION National Division One Birmingham Moseley 5-26 Rams

South Central Men’s Division 2

READING Rockets overcame adversity to take victory in their fourth consecutive away game in eight days.

Saturday, February 5

Combined Counties Division One Berks County 2-1 Langley Bedfont & Feltham 2-0 Eversley & California

South Central Men’s Division 1

Essex Rebels 71 Reading Rockets 82

RESULTS

Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 1-0 Wembley Reading City 2-1 Holyport

South Central Men’s Premier 2

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Jaz Bains had hit Rockets only other treble of the opening quarter though he featured in a great passing exchange with 16-year-old Isaac Round to finish off the glass.

The second period began with Lewis Champion fighting for possession with great floor hustle but seven unanswered Rebels points game them the lead at 29-25 just three minutes into this quarter.

A Pinnock steal was quickly released to Rockets captain Ben Dixon to score off the glass before Dixon sent an assist for the returning Sam Toluwase to score and extend Rockets’ lead.

A wide Bains treble coupled to a Round pull up score saw Rockets with a 13-0 run and a 42-29 advantage.

However the Rebels hit another buzzer beating treble

to stay in the hunt at the interval as Rockets led 45-36 with Lufile amassing 21 points by this point.

Champion, Pinnock and Lufile combined in the opening phase of quarter three to add to Rockets lead as they scored the first seven points finishing with a three man move and Lufile slam dunking moments before Pinnock did a double handed slam dunk too.

Despite a three from three from the foul line by Toluwase and a Bains buzzer beating treble, Rebels scored well to end the third period just six points adrift at 61-67.

Champion scored off the glass but Rebels hit a treble before Rockets went into game management mode to see out the remainder of the game and take the win by 82-71.

ATHLETICS

READING SENIOR LADIES TACKLE CONDITIONS IN 8K READING AC Senior Ladies enjoyed a breezy 8km around a two-and-a-bit lapped course which included a couple of challenging hills and lots of gentle undulations.

Short spikes were needed as the going was very firm with several gravel path sections, with no mud in sight.

Readinghad six senior ladies take to the start line: Lydia Blythe, Lucy Daniells, Jess Gibbon, Katie Rodda, Kathryn Tolson and Hayleigh Wood.

Jess led from the start and remained unchallenged throughout the race, finishing in 1st place in 28.16.

Katie had an excellent run to finish 51st in 32.36 and Hayleigh ran strongly to dip into the top 100 in 34.36.

Lydia rounded off the team score to finish well inside the top half of the field in 113th and 34.55, improving on her 2020 position by a fantastic 27 places.

This gave Reading a brilliant 7th place finish out of 40 teams. Backing up the scorers, Lucy finished in 163rd, a great run and huge improvement on her 253rd position from the Southerns in 2019, and Kathryn brought it home in 266th, leaving 100 runners in her wake. The team are now looking ahead to the Nationals where they compete in a few weeks time.

HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 3-2 Newbury & Thatcham South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 2-1 Marlow 2s South West Men’s Division 1 Sonning 4-5 Staines 2s South West Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1-3 Havant Women’s National Division 1 South Harleston Magpies 0-3 Reading

Sunday, February 6

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Everton 1-2 Reading Southern Region Women’s Division One South Eversley & California v Southampton Reserves Thames Valley Women’s Division One Stonesfield Strikers 3-2 Tilehurst Panthers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 1-7 Taplow United Goring United 6-0 S4K Berks County Wallingford Town AFC 4-1 Caversham AFC HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Brighton & Hove v Reading

Wednesday, February 9

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Bristol City v Reading (report online RdgToday)

FIXTURES

Saturday, February 12

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Coventry Isthmian South Central Binfield v Bedfont Sports Combined Counties Premier North Sumas v Spelthorne Sports Virginia Water v Reading City Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v AFC Hayes Sandhurst Town v Woodley United Kensington & Ealing Borough v Berks County Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Wargrave Mortimer v Reading YMCA Woodley United Royals v Reading City U23’s Berks & Bucks Charles Twelvetree Cup Hale Leys United v Finchampstead RUGBY UNION National League One Rosslyn Park v Rams South West 1 East Bracknell v Chippenham HOCKEY South Central Men’s Division 1 Oxford Hawks 3s v Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Oxford Hawks 2s v Sonning Women’s National Division 1 South Reading v ISCA

Sunday, February 13

HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Teddington v Reading Women’s Super League Brighton & Hove Albion v Reading Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Winchester City Flyers v Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One South Bournemouth Sports v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United v Stonesfield Strikers Long Crendon v Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Yateley United S4K Berks County v Wargrave Developm